Location: fojol bros. of Merlindia
Meal: Chicken curry and masala peas and cheese on a bed of basmati rice
Cost: $7

Historically, one of the annoying things about working in downtown DC is that a decision on where to go for lunch is not an easy one. Good food often costs too much to eat regularly, and the not-so-great food costs more than it should (though there are a few exceptions). Bucking that trend, though, is the recent influx of food trucks serving good food at a reasonable price.

As I’ve said before I’m a fan of Indian cuisine, and fojol bros. of Merlindia fills that craving nicely. The menu is by necessity limited, but fojol bros. makes up for the small number of choices by providing a quality mean. On my last occasion to dine with them I grabbed a “Pick 2” consisting of chicken curry and masala peas and cheese. The curry had a nice flavor and was spiced just about right. And the masala peas complimented the curry perfectly. The one thing I miss when I grab a bite from fojol bros. is naan. But for that it would be a perfect meal, but as it is I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this truck to anyone craving a bit of Indian.

As if the food weren’t enough of a reason to visit, fojol bros. goes one step beyond the typical food truck to set itself apart. First is the quirky personalities and interesting wardrobe choices of the folks manning the truck. They’re friendly and goofy and a joy to converse with. Second the take-out container, napkins, and spork are all compostable (compost waste basket next to the truck). How fojol bros. can find a spork that withstands the heat of their chicken curry where Congress cannot is a discussion for the political pundits. Finally, fojol bros. encourages a leisurely and social meal by parking at local green spaces and supplying blankets where their patrons can dine. This is a good find for anyone looking for some good food and casual dining.

Location: Mayur Kabab House
Meal: chic peas, cabbage, lentils, tofu, naan, rice, etc.
Cost: $8.79

I’m a big fan of Indian food and this place hits the spot when I’m looking for a little spice on my plate. I’ve never ordered off the menu, though. The all-you-can-eat buffet offers enough variety and tasty dishes to keep me coming back time and again. Typically there are four vegetarian dishes (e.g. lentils, spinach, some kind of potato dish … the veggie selection rotates throughout the week), two chicken dishes (curry and tandoori), chickpeas, and a variety of sides (love those doughnut holes in syrup!). Add in rice and naan and you’re all set.

Though I always hit the buffet, I never stick around for seconds. There’s plenty of food after one pass to satisfy most people’s hunger. The dining experience is pleasant and informal, with comfortable seating and a Bollywood movie playing in the background.

Mayur Kabab is a nice quality/value combination in an area where most places charge too much for food that’s just kind of meh.

Location: Pizza Pino’s
Meal: Slice cheese, slice pepperoni/sausage, and a soda
Cost: $7.41

Pizza Pino’s was a distant second to Beau Jolies back when the latter was still around. Beau Jolies closed a few years ago, though, and Pizza Pino’s has significantly improved in that time. Whether due to better pizza or the fading memory of the superiority of Beau Jolies I can not say. Still, Pizza Pino’s has come to represent a stand-by favorite of lunchtime. I’ve sometimes found myself stopping in as many as three times a week. The slices are generous in size, the toppings are quite tasty, and even the crust has a decent flavor. But this often depends on the line since any particular pie might be pulled a bit early if it’s in demand.