The Dish: Mussel Burger

Where to Get It: Et Voila, 5120 MacArthur Blvd. NW; (202) 237-2300; etvoiladc.com

Price: $15.95

What It Is:  A mussel patty with aioli and fried onions on a seedless brioche bun. Served with sweet potato fries.

What It Tastes Like: A departure from your average yawn-inducing burger. Steamed and coarsely chopped mussels are formed into a patty with scallop mousse, then topped with an aioli made of lobster bisque and saffron. This light, airy burger has the spring of a veggie burger but with way more flavor and personality than tofu.

The Story:  “Everyone was doing lamb burgers, lobster burgers, shrimp burgers,” says owner/chef Claudio Pirollo. “I said, ‘I need to come up with something more Belgian style.’”

How to Eat It: With both hands and great relish (figuratively speaking). It’s a juicy one!

Photo by Mary Kong-DeVito