Or Laab e Kae, as it is more correctly known on the menu at this DC buzzy Columbia Heights hot spot. The cooking is Laotian, but the dishes are kissing cousin to Thai, and not to be missed. This Laab dish is sourced from the “Jungle Menu” and the heat is excellent, though not firehouse daunting. You wrap your minced meat (yes, alligator tastes like chicken) in the toasted rice and veggies and eat it like little pouches of lemongrass goodness. Shock your veggie friends, who also have an ample less predatory menu to choose from.