It's been a heck of a week for food around these parts. Last night, I FINALLY got to one of the new hot spots in town, Good Stuff Eatery. I say "FINALLY" because this is my third attempt to eat there. The first time, they were closed for filming of stupid Top Chef (OK, it's not stupid, but I had a hangover that only some good greasiness could cure). The second time, they were closed for two hours in the afternoon for some stupid other reason (I believe the sign said something about "spite" and "you."). Last night, a friend and I really want to get something hot and juicy in our mouths and decided the third time's a charm. Having put far too much effort (and schelps to the House side of the Hill) into just being able to eat there, my expectations were set high.

Before I get into my critique, how 'bout some background?

Good Stuff is the brainchild of once-Top Chef contestant Spike. The basic concept is burgers, fries, and shakes. The opening of this place makes burger war in DC official (stupid Michel Richard is rumored to be opening a stupid new restaurant, which will be a stupid burger joint).

Back to the experience: The ambience is cool (though reminiscent of a Chipotle) and everyone is super nice and friendly (especially Spike's dad). There's a variety of burgers to choose from, which all sound delicious. I was pleased with the presence and name of their "Vegetarians Are People Too 'Shroom Burger." 

I went with a friend. She had Colletti's Smokehouse burger, and I had the aforementioned 'Shroom burger (which is stuffed with cheese, breaded, and deep-friend). We split regular fries. She had a Milky Way shake; I had a Toasted Marshmallow. The total: about $30.

They give you a little buzzer thing (think T.G.I. Friday's) to let you know when it's ready. This is what I've learned: If there's more than just you and you're getting shakes, have one person stake out a table and another linger around the front to get the shakes. They give out the shakes wily-nilly, with no regard to who was there first (or seemingly, if you ordered one).

One good thing about Good Stuff is their selection of sauces. In addition to your standard ketchup and mustard, there's Old Bay mayo, Sriracha mayo, and Chipotle mayo. (The Old Bay is the best, though I wish it was an Old Bay mustard; the Sriracha could use more Sriracha and less mayo; the Chipotle was blah.) I do always enjoy a variety of things to dip things in.

The shakes were good. The Toasted Marshmallow tasted true to what it should (and comes with two toasted marshmallows on top) and was appropriately thick. The Milky Way one was good too from my taste (though I don't particularly care for Milky Ways: it's like a Snickers, but sucks).

The handcut fries were decent. Nothing to write home about, but they are deep-friend potatoes; how wrong can you go? 

I wasn't overly impressed with my 'Shroom burger. It was good, and I'm grateful that it's included on the menu. And really, things are always delicious when they're stuffed. But, frankly, I was hoping to be blown away, and blown, I was not. 

To be fair, the point is burgers, and to really review a burger place without tasting one is a bit remiss. My dining companion thoroughly enjoyed hers (however, she likes most things she puts in her mouth). 

In sum, I'll probably be back. The whole was greater than the sum of its parts. The bonus points that sealed it is Spike (and his dad) always being there. 

I hope everyone gets some good grub to lay down a base for this weekend (and noticed my sexual frustration manifest itself in this review). I would say that Good Stuff would fit that bill (and is close to Hawk n' Dove, Pourhouse, Cap Lounge, and the rest of the skintern hot spots).