Our second contender in the Washington D.C. Grub match is Martha Bowen, international relations guru and future ambassador to Indonesia. Her pick is Lyon Hall, a hotspot of homemade mustard and cured meats. Here’s more from Martha, including why you should never underestimate the power of a good bathroom:

If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tomatoes. Raw, California-fresh with just a little salt, drenched in olive oil, sidling up to some glorious cheese. I love them.

Do you have any food pet peeves?
People who won’t try new foods.

You’re headed to a deserted island to live on grass and coconut milk–what’s your last meal before you go?
Carnitas made by Vince. (Editor’s note: Vince is Martha’s significant other and possible Grub Match Secret Weapon.)

Have you ever worked at a restaurant?
Yes, several, but only in national parks – Mt. Rainier in Washington State and Denali in Alaska. So I only really understand serving to tourists, where you have to be able to talk like a park ranger while serving up ridiculous quantities of clam chowder.

What’s the single most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten?
My one time at the French Laundry with my Dad, which was certainly the most expensive meal I’ve ever eaten. I also remember going to Venice as a teenager and trying this amazing fresh salmon spaghetti. I think it was the first time I had ever tried fresh pasta. What a revelation!

Alright, tell me about your Grub Match pick.
It’s Lyon Hall in Clarendon. Every meal there is great, including their happy hour menu. They make all their mustards, cured meats, sausages and breads in-house and they have a wonderful wine and beer selection that can be expertly paired with anything by their incredibly friendly and fun staff. The bathroom is wonderful as well.

What are three words that describe Lyon Hall?
Sausage, mussels, beer.

Any good stories from your dining experiences there?
Too many to tell. I guess a few quick ones were: the time that we learned that you can have the perfect brunch beer after all; the time our pork-eating Indonesian friend went absolutely crazy after trying the many pork products; the time the wine lady told our friend that they were soulmates because they bonded over Côtes du Rhône; the time the staff impressed my mum even though she was determined not to have a good time; and watching skanks go by on Halloween–it’s the best skank-spotting spot in the DC Metro Area.

Why will your restaurant be crowned Grub Match champion?
Great food, great drink, great service, and there is something for everyone on their wide-ranging menu. And the bathroom.

Stay tuned to see if the home of the perfect brunch beer can take home the D.C. Grub Match title, and check out our third contender next week here on the blog.

Want to take part in a future Grub Match? Tell us about your favorite restaurant at submissions@pitchknives.com.