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My 2 favorite burgers -

My Dad's grilled burgers - just good chuck, salt, & pepper on a hot grill - just delicious and . . .

the burgers at Kid Valley in Seattle - used to live there and still think about their yummy burgers - puts Five Guys to shame.

Now I make my own burgers but they have never been as good as my Dad's but I'm getting close.

Oh I am really bad . . . 80% diet Coke, 10% water, 10% other things (wine, fruit juices, milk).

When my spouse and I were dating (back in the mid-1990s), we got a terrific opportunity to spend a beach week in Lewes, Delaware, at her boss' vacation house. Quite a bonus for the two of us who had no money and never could have afforded a week at the beach otherwise.

It was all good except, unbeknownst to her boss (and us), the stove/oven didn't work. Again . . . no money so it wasn't like we were going to eat out all the time. Voila! The grill saved the day . . . from burgers to grilled veggies to grilled pizza and even grilled french toast . . . . An exercise in creativity at a time when I was a very (VERY) inexperienced cook! Certainly my greatest accomplishment on the grill!

I've always really loved going to Cafe Parisien Express which is a little French bistro/cafe for brunch. If you suspend disbelief for a moment when you are there - you can really imagine that you are sitting in Paris at a little cafe.

It is a charming place to sit inside but they also have a few tables out front and (unless they have changed it) a few tables out back. The french bread is delicious and their quiches and omelettes are really good. The menu is terrific anytime of day.

It was originally owned by a wonderful couple - he is Greek and she is French. They recently sold it and it is still excellent. They don't have a website. They are located at 4520 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207 which is a really nice part of Arlington and not far from DC. I hope that you go and welcome to DC!

Thanks for the above suggestions - all of them are very helpful and I am going to use your suggestions. @JerzeeTomato - I really appreciate the warning but perhaps I was unclear in my original posting. Although many people complain about their sisters-in-laws (with good reason), my sister-in-law is really a wonderful young woman who I have known for years. It is I that asked her for her preferences because I want to make this day really special for her. You are kind, however, to be watching my back:-)