7 Things Every Washingtonian Misses When They Leave Washington, DC

For a long time, Washington, D.C. didn't have a distinct culinary identity to call its own. Neither northern nor truly Southern, and bordered by Maryland and Virginia, our nation's capital has always celebrated regional foodways and the cuisines of the many expats and immigrants who give the city its international vibe.

Whether it's Maryland crab cakes, half-smokes, or ritual Sunday feasts for our brunch-obsessed citizens, the city's burgeoning food scene is celebrating old and new food and drink traditions that would make anyone nostalgic. Homesick Washingtonians will recognize most of the things we've included in our list, so take a peek and then share your favorites on social media with the hashtag #FederalCityFood.

Sadly, getting fine oyster specimens from the Chesapeake Bay are a thing of the past, but the Rappahanock River produces low salt that are delicious in stews, fried, but best eaten raw, especially when served by the folks at .

D.C. doesn't really have a distinct "Little Ethiopia" area, but we do have fabulous Ethiopian restaurants, like , or coffee houses that carry sensational shade grown, organic, 100 percent farmer owned, fair trade coffee, like the superb selections from .

You wouldn't think that a busy urban center would be a hot bed of artisanal, agricultural products, but D.C. is literally buzzing with activity. Most of the products can be purchased at farmers markets, gourmet stores, Whole Foods, or in their own retail stores. Standouts include , mind blowing gluten-free baked goods from Sticky Fingers Bakery, incredible pickled goodies from (the dill pickles are addictive), and healing kombucha from .