Eating Around DC

A breath of fresh bakery air: LeoNora

2012-01-16T20:36:00.000Z

LeoNora Bakery dazzles with the founder's earnest and successful dedication to the fine art of French bread and pastry making. The baguette is the closest to a traditional Parisian that B and I have found in DC--with LeoNora's opening, Patisserie Poupon is now a runner-up on this count. The gluttonous, buttery pastries, at about $2.50 a piece, are also finger-licking good--the chocolate croissant is flaky with a rich, decadent filling. The "croissant muffin" is similar to a very tender brioche, but has the mouth-feel of a buttery cloud.

Perhaps my favorite part about this new bakery is the lack of pretense. The no-frills storefront occupies one of the few remaining drab storefronts in Clarendon. But the attention is 100% on the craft of bread and pastry making. Unlike so many new neighborhood offerings, LeoNora is not a scene, but rather a breath of pastry-scented fresh air!

I Adour Bubbles

2012-01-06T21:01:00.000Z

The St. Regis in DC is located a mere blocks from the White House, but until recently, when I was looking for an elegant, yet classical Washingtonian cocktail experience, I would think Hay Adams or (the recently redone) Jeffersnon. But on the first day of 2012 I discovered the ornate, laid-back Adour bar and its master mixtress of cocktails, Jane.

Since today marks the end of a characteristically frantic week back at work after a holiday, I wanted to share a bubbly unique escape that will help you unwind into the weekend. Adour's signature cocktail (pictured above) centers on hand-crafted Cointreau pearls. These delicate orbs float majestically through crisp, bubbly prosecco. The real magic here comes when the pearl bursts on your tongue providing a sweet edge to the subtle prosecco. This bubbles on bubbles beverage is a sure cure for the January blues. At $16 it is an affordable indulgence, especially when you compare it to the cost of cocktails at the St. Regis in NYC where pricetags swell into the mid 20's

And while these bubbles may go to head, make sure you look directly upward from the mesmerizing potion. Those square carvings on the ornate ceiling are actually angels with wings. . So take flight on a cocktail journey that won't let you down.

Food Field Trip Miami: My Favorite Crab

2011-12-28T21:39:00.000Z

Joe's Stone Crab

My new year's resolution--such that I have one--is to finally clear out my backlog of draft blog entries, which is chock-full of a number of fantastic food finds, both near and far, discovered in late 2011. I have been incredibly delinquent, but ideally that blogging procrastination stops now. So let's start with a blast of warm air and head south.

On the way back north after our incredible journey to Havana in early November, B and I soaked in two days of fun and sun in South Beach. Lucky for us, the timing coincided with the beginning of stone crab season. These over-sized clawed crustaceans rival the tender delicacy of a Maine lobster claw. As a New Englander I did not think anything could compare to lobstah, but it's cousin claws awfully close!

Joe's Stone Crab is one of only a few truly historic Miami institutions, whether culinary or otherwise. It opened its doors in 1913 and every year since, during stone crab season (October 15 - May 15), Joe's continues to bring old-school elegance and yesteryear glamour to South Florida. Joe's pays homage to the sustainable harvesting of the crab--only serving it in-season--and its tuxedo'd waiters work tirelessly to serve the crowds. But despite the formality of this restaurant, reservations are not accepted, so waiting is part of the deal.

B and I managed to snag a patio seat (open seating with no wait) and enjoyed the traditional stone crab dinner platter, which was comprised of three lush tender claws accompanied by a tangy, citrus remoulade. The claws are served pre-cracked, which is key, because like their name implies, their shells are quite hard; unlike Cheseapeake crabs, a (pre-cracked) stone crab claw requires very little effort for maximum return. A hockey-puck sized hashbrown, spinach, and a sweet and sour coleslaw (smothered in plenty of relish) rounded out the plate.

To complete this quintessential South Florida experience, the meal was capped with a sour yet sweet slice of absolutely delicious key lime custard pie that even Dexter would appreciate.

I highly recommend this experience if you find yourself in Miami during stone crab season. For approximately $50 a person you too can fall in love with this most perfect of crustaceans.

Food Field Trip NYC: The Big Cheese

2011-12-07T14:08:00.000Z

Cheese is generally a versatile, shareable, and affordable indulgence. So how about a breakfast, lunch, and dinner cheese itinerary for NYC? You got it!

To start, head to Viva la Crepe! on Bleecker Street in the West Village, these days also known as Marc Jacobs Land. The casual, counter-service restaurant has crepe-making down; they are most worthy of the gratuitous exclamation point in their name. Plus watching crepe creation is always transfixing. My delightful yet portable crepe provided the protein I needed for the day in a hand-held package oozing with nutty gruyere and salty ham enrobed in the sweet casing. At $8.50 this is a Parisian-inspired breakfast at a pauper's price.

NYC has not one, but (at least?) two restaurants dedicated to macaroni and cheese. A few years back I was won over by my personnel skillet of bubbly buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese at S'Mac in the East Village. This year, Macbar was located not far from our hotel in Soho, so I just had to give it a try. Macbar is quite gimmicky in appearance -- the elbow-shaped interior is glaringly yellow and the dishes served in the same shape -- but despite the over-the-top aesthetics, the food is the real deal. The macaroni and cheese is made to order. Puncture the crispy topping and a world of gooey, indulgent elbow macaroni swimming in a variety of cheeses await. And the soundtrack, carried over from the adjacent bar/restaurant is really fun, maybe even hip.

Swizz Restaurant and Wine Bar, within walking distance of Broadway, boasts that "two Swiss owners will offer you culinary delights at affordable prices." This claim holds true in the surprisingly understated setting that, though near Times Square, conveys a neighborhood feel. Upon entering the street level restaurant or basement dining room and wine bar, you quickly surrender to the wonder and beauty of fondue. While a pre-theatre menu is available, B and I opted to share the classic cheese fondue, adding sausage and apple dippers to the traditional crusty bread. This authentic pot of bubbling sweet, salty, and savory communal goodness was the perfect pre-theatre meal, which was satisfying but did not risk putting us to sleep before curtain call. And the service was so warm and friendly that we decided to have another drink and stick around. For dessert, our server offered to make the Jacques Torres chocolate fondue for one (even though it was only listed on the menu for two). The for-one portion proved the perfect size for sharing; the chocolate was impossibly dark, rich, and addictive. The service was beyond friendly and efficient, and the prices are affordable -- with two drinks each, cheese fondue, and a shared dessert our bill with tax and tip was under $100 -- a rarity for an intimate sit-down dinner for two in NYC.

Food Field Trip NYC: Snoopy goes Gaga

2011-11-29T17:10:00.001Z

This year B and I escaped to New York City for Thanksgiving. Thanks to stumbling upon Jet Luxury, a company that manages rooms in 4 and 5 star hotels, we snagged a great rate at the indulgent Trump Soho. I am not a fan of The Donald in any way; at least that was the case prior to this trip. But after a stay at this property, I appreciate that his powers--or at least his name--translated into a truly world-class hotel. Collapsing onto the bed felt like being enveloped into a cloud; the hotel's location was the perfect base for all New York City has to offer...shopping, art, shows, and of course, food!

To start our journey we played the ultimate tourists and rose early to join the masses at the 85th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Prior to giving up any and all personal space on the parade route--an experience I hope never to replicate--we needed caffeine and fuel. While the holiday pickings on Spring Street were slim, Balthazar was open and a flurry of activity. The cinnamon bun I selected from a myriad of flaky pastries did not disappoint. It was airy and sweet, without being cloying. It was so delectable that B went back on Friday to get two more for breakfast.

After the parade, we quickly ducked into the subway. Famished, we called around to see what was open for a casual lunch. Lombardi's had been on our short list for a while, so we headed to this NY pizza institution for a coal fired pie. The service was brusque and ambivalent. RC Cola products stand in for Coke or Pepsi (yes, this brand apparently still exists), but the pizza--with its charred crust, gooey mozzarella, and fragrant, flavorful sauce--was just excellent. Lunch for two at this cash-only destination was a reasonable $40.

After a long winter's nap on Thanksgiving Day, we embarked upon an enchanting evening at Tocqueville. This charming, elegant, and seemingly hidden dining room was the ideal setting for Thanksgiving dinner. Since the restaurant was at capacity, we had to wait a bit for our table. The delay allowed us to enjoy a sublime cocktail, the Tocqueville Toddy, which consisted of mulled warm apple cider with brueil calvados. The fragrant potion set the tone for a seasonal meal in an intimate dining room with soaring ceilings, low light, and plush banquettes. The sommelier helped B select a wine--an impressive Washington Cabernet--that complimented the three- course ($95 pp) prix fix. Highlights included a creamless caramelized chestnut and pumpkin soup and dry-aged striploin of beef in black truffle jus. Being a purist, I opted for the turkey, which was moist, flavorful, and well served by the accompanying sweet potato-maple mousseline.

Dining in NYC couples well with drama. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than at DB Moderne Bistro. This was hands-down the best pre-theatre meal I have ever had. While the dining room was full, service was attentive; excellent wines were available in the 1/4 litre, and the $45 three-course prix fix offerings were diverse. Each of our (combined) six separate courses was flawless. A starter of pasta, pumpkin, mushrooms, and greens captured the essence of the season in every bite. The Coq au Vin was was so rich and caramelized, that the entree looked more like short-ribs than chicken and tasted divine. It left us wanting more and wondering, how did they do that? The desserts were delicate and rich, offering savory and sweet choices.

New York City is always a wonderland at the holidays, when seasonal treats, stalls, and stores spring up all around the city. Case in point: Gaga's Workshop at Barney's. This surreal world, comprising the 5th floor of this luxury landmark, consists entirely of a Gaga inspired art installation and merchandise running the entire Gaga-gamut: from sunglasses to studded leather bracelets. True Gaga-fanatics can score a $95 chocolate shoe or a $45 rock candy bracelet. Yes, prices are at the superstar level, but this experience is free and a must-see if you are in NYC. If you try the chocolate let me know. I could not justify the purchase price. But do not fear, I did not want for sweets.

In my opinion the best chocolate chip cookie anywhere is found right in Manhattan. City Bakery's Birdbath Soho was conveniently located just blocks from our hotel and I could not resist the pull of that cookie in the window! The classic chocolate chip cookie is crunchy and chewy, bursting with rich chocolate chunks, sweet with brown sugar; and very shareable at about six inches in diameter. At $3, this cookie is an escape that I think even Lady Gaga would appreciate.

Thanksgiving is a time to indulge and that we did!

Ray'slon-Ballston Corridor

2011-11-16T16:48:00.000Z

With last month's quiet opening of Ray's to the Third, the latest creation of Michael Landrum, Wilson Blvd is fast becoming Ray's World. The restaurant occupies the sprawling first floor space of the Bennett Park apartments -- the long speculated location of Landrum's now (apparently defunct) seafood concept, Ray's the Catch. Ray's to the Third follows the land-loving and somewhat tired Landrum playbook, and is somewhere in between the original Ray's the Steaks and Ray's Hellburger on account of both price point and menu offerings. The majority of the staff was out-placed from the now "closed for renovations" Ray's East River.

True to form, the Third's food is decent-to-good, comforting and flavorful. The spicy fried chicken gets its heat from both the batter and a devilishly good dipping sauce. The talented and entertaining Wayne, who came down from the Steaks (and before that, Old Ebbitt Grill) to manage the Third, would not relay the secret recipe, but he did tell me the sauce starts with habanero paste and vinegar, and is kicked up with paprika and chili powder adding heat and depth. Regardless of the exact recipe, the sauce is hellishly hot and a perfect companion for the chicken. For about $12 you get two large pieces of fried chicken, a tangy coleslaw, decent (but not nearly as good as the Steaks) macaroni and cheese, and chunk of jalapeno corn bread. The steaks, cheaper cuts of meat than up the street, hover between $15 and $20; pretty good fries replace yawnishly requisite mashed potatoes and creamed spinach sides.

While I would not go out of my way to eat at Ray's to the Third, it is a welcome neighborhood addition to the Orange Line corridor. The Third offers a solid option for casual dining with plenty of seating, a local clientele, and if recent visits are any indication, no waiting. But if you do have to wait or just wish to dine solo, the Third (unlike the others) offers draft beer and a full bar.

Though my excitement for this once grand Titan of fine/casual dining has waned in recent months, I still have perhaps an unrealistic hope that the Ray's Empire may once again be great....

Food Field Trip Havana: Time Travel

2011-11-07T17:04:00.000Z

Without question, Cuba is one of the most challenging international destinations to (legally) visit for a US citizen. Though the country possesses a rich and unique culinary tradition, the embargo has taken its toll on the country's cuisine and for the first time in a long time, I did not mind the fact that Cuba was not going to be a foodie destination. The country is still is so sensory, that the constant, pulsing stimuli you are surrounded by negated my urge for food finds. Plus, how do you critique a country that does so well with what they have, but lacks the resources of the rest of the world?!

Cuba lies a mere 90 miles off the coast of Florida, but amid the political environment it might as well be a world away. The government- imposed (on both sides) strained separation is immediately palpable. Upon landing in Havana or Miami, charter flight passengers erupt in applause--a unique occurrence on a 45 minute, incident-free journey. Such constant energy and tension fueled our Cuban experience.

Havana is like nowhere else. It is a heartbreakingly beautiful city, which is simultaneously resplendent and crumbling. The people are proud of their land and culture, and it is this pride that pulses through the streets and drives the city. From the once traditionally stunning, now deteriorating, yet still beautiful (within-the-state-of-decay) buildings to the 60,000 or so restored (to varying degrees of success) classic cars, Havana is perhaps the only place on earth where you can time travel. The city is more or less the same as it was in 1959, but the culture has not stagnated; if anything, based on the people-to-people journey that we experienced with the Harvard Alumni Association and Distant Horizons, Havana’s art's scene is vibrant, even thriving in what can only be described as a very constrained environment.

Before I talk about the unique and surreal dining B and I enjoyed in Havana, I need to qualify our experience. There is a dual economy in Cuba: one for locals and another for international tourists. 25 Pesos (the local currency) is more or less equal to 1 US dollar converted into a CUC (the tourist currency). So it is hard to praise either the government-run or paladares (privately owned) restaurants that we visited since such meals are out of reach to the vast majority of Cubans. Food is at a premium. Despite Cuba’s lush landscape, agriculture is limited and the land is severely underutilized, meaning that Cuba relies heavily on imported food, much of which is imported from the US (quietly exempt from the embargo [US speak] or blockade [Cuban speak]). It is within this dichotomy that I talk about our experience.

As Anthony Bordain noted on his "No Reservations" visit, Cubans make decent beer and fabulous rum. Alcohol was very much a part of this journey, from the requisite welcome mojito at most paladares to drinking like Hemingway at La Floridita to the downright practical reality of downing a beer to bolster one's intake of calories and carbohydrates. While I have had my fill of mojitos for perhaps a lifetime, I was quite impressed with the full-bodied Bucanero beer and B gained an appreciation for the 7 year-aged Havana Club as an apertif.

The meals varied wildly in terms of quality and flavor, but on the whole service was nostalgically formal and beyond gracious. With the exception of a succulent roast pork at the Hotel Nacional, the paladares, small private restaurants run out of people's homes, offered more creative and robust dishes than hotel and government-owned restaurants.

Our trip to Vistamar, a paladar in the once-ritzy Miramar section of the city was simultaneously enchanting and haunting. From our perch on the balcony of this ocean front home, we could see what was once a magnificent block of late 50s-era homes complete with seaside swimming pools, but is now an eerie spread of empty, faded aquamarine pits. While the variety was limited, the seafood here was local and fresh. The butter poached Caribbean lobster was an incredibly flavorful feast at less than $20 a person.

We also had the opportunity to dine at La Guarida, Cuba's most storied paladar. The food here was world-class, and the setting other-worldly La Guarida is located on the top floor of a decaying (but like most of Havana) once grandiose apartment building. You climb three flights of crumbling stairs before entering a candlelit wonderland with whimsical, off-beat decor (a chair was suspended mid-wall and Jesus and John the Baptist statues graced the hallway to the bathroom). The environment and food at La Guarida was unlike most other places in Cuba, with not only air conditioning but complex flavors and a relative variety of ingredients. The standout was my meaty grouper filet in a garlic sauce.

One of my favorite food travel moments of my 32 years was lunch at the home of artist Jose Fuster. Fuster is sometimes referred to as the Cuban Picasso, whose vibrant media spans painting, ceramics, and sculpture. Fuster has taken his talents quite literally to the streets and has brightened up his entire neighborhood with vibrant mosaics. Our glimpse into FusterWorld was accompanied by a menu of spicy lobster, fried fish, and beans and rice. The meal was very good in and of itself, but dining at the epicenter of his magical, surrealist version of Cuba was the real treat.

B and I were the youngest (in some cases by a half century or so) travelers on this Harvard Alumni Association trip. Our group meal times allowed us a forum to distill and challenge one another’s notions of what we were experiencing. In spite of the "just OK" quality of the food at most dinners, the conversation was always flowing as heavily as the rum. And while I may not embark on group travel again anytime soon, this simultaneously fascinating and frustrating experience opened my eyes to Cuba and I am still (and likely will be for some time) processing this wrinkle in time!

Off to Cuba -- Fill 'r Up

2011-10-25T13:33:00.000+01:00

Fast Gourmet's Cuban Sandwich with Eggplant fries

Fall is my is my favorite time of year to travel. Mild temperatures with just a hint of crispness abound and the tourist crowds are minimal. As I look back over entries from past autumns, I realize how fortunate I am--two years ago I was getting ready for a culinary adventure through Paris, Beaune, and Lyon; last year, I was preparing for a Napa Valley wine journey (complete with a reservation at The French Laundry). But this year is a bit different--B and I are headed to... Cuba.

We were lucky enough to get a spot on the Harvard Alumni Association's 35 person tour-- centered on architecture, art, and music--under one of the "people to people" licenses for travel to Cuba that the Obama Administration began to expand the issuance of last spring. Perhaps graduate school is finally paying off! And although this tour is not singularly focused on food, the itinerary includes historic dining spots and dinners at family-operated paladares. So, upon my return next week, I will bring you a special Food Field Trip Cuba edition. But until then, I have a Cuba-related teaser for you to chew on...

I have never viewed a gas station as anything other than a place for a fuel fill up, a bathroom stop, or maybe, just maybe a place for a Diet Coke and if hunger is really setting in a prepackaged, processed snack. But in DC just north of U Street, Fast Gourmet is transforming a functioning gas station into a culinary destination.

You first pass the fuel pumps and then walk into the station past the gas cashier (safely isolated behind bullet proof glass) and head to the counter up back. Just follow your nose. It is here, that you find a bustling open kitchen, dishing out hearty fare.

We both went for what else, but the Cuban sandwich. Now before you send in the comments, I understand this is an American-concocted creation. So we ordered, and then took a seat at a counter overlooking the gas station and, on this particular evening, an intersection where a traffic stop was being conducted by some half dozen local police. Only in DC do you get this type of people watching, while indulging in some truly excellent casual fare. The sandwich was massive, filled with succulent and juicy roasted pork, savory ham, gooey cheese, yellow and whole grain mustard, and of course, pickles. It was quite simply the best sandwich I have had in DC all year. And that is to say nothing of the eggplant fries. These fries, golden eggplant freshly battered, literally melted in your mouth.

Almost everything on this menu is under $10 and available for eat-in or pick-up. Drinks are limited to the carbonated, non-alcoholic variety and the atmosphere, is well, that of a gas station. So if your stomach is on empty, this made to order gourmet gas station fare is worth the trip!

Oyamel's Little Dishes from the Streets

2011-10-23T15:25:00.000+01:00

Oyamel: Fried Masa Cakes with Shredded Duck Confit

I was slow to embrace the tapas craze. The stress of having to choose several small plates instead of just one entree outweighed the inherent benefit -- variety. But I have recently discovered that tapas dining done right can be a real treat. Jose Andre's Oyamel brings antojitos or the little dishes from the streets of Mexico to DC's ever-expanding fine dining scene in Penn Quarter.

This bustling, vibrant, and loud restaurant is yet another tough DC reservation to score. But if you are patient, and can handle a wait at the cramped bar area (made much easier with a potent, Margarita in hand), you will be rewarded with the best Mexican food in the area.

We began with the queso fundido topped with chorizo, which is flambéed with tequila and served with hot hand-made tortillas. After that, there were so many possibilities. From a delicious take on black refried beans stuffed with cheese to a tamale verde with shredded chicken, each dish was delicate and decadent.

If you are looking for a culinary way to celebrate the season, get in before November 2nd, when the little plates spread is even bigger, with a "Day of the Dead" special menu. B and I shared and slurped a creamy and rich butternut squash soup, which was spiced with habenero chiles, sweetened with cinnamon, crunchy with pumpkin seeds and fried pork skin (and quite pretty thanks to micro marigold blossoms).

Prices range from $6 - $13 and two to three plates per person will leave you satisfied and satiated; Andres' dishes may be little, but each delivers, big, bold flavors.

Graffiato...Go!

2011-10-18T16:13:00.001+01:00

Graffiato's Pumpkin Zeppoles Nestled in Caramel

Blah describes the way I have been feeling lately about the newcomers to the DC dining scene. But, and this is a big but, when B and I tried Graffiato this past weekend that Blah feeling instantly morphed into Bravo, Brilliant, Bring-on-More!

A note up front: it took us about a month to get a reservation at Graffiato. While it was unquestionably worth the wait, if you do not want to plan that far ahead, the downstairs bar area provides room for approximately 25 walk-ins and offers the full menu.

Graffiato is Mike Isabella's (formerly of Zaytinya) ode to Italian-American food, but with a characteristically un-Italian-American twist: only small plates. The dining room is sparse and casual; you will not find any white tablecloths here. But what you will find is exceptional food, solid service, and an overall atmosphere that provides culinary treats without taking itself too seriously.

I highly recommend the $55 tasting menu with the $35 wine pairings. For DC this price tag is an unparalleled value and includes four courses comprised of many small plates ranging broccolini to burrata. You will not leave hungry. The most impressive part of the entire spread was the way that the kitchen was able to make each ingredient shine without adding unnecessary flash - no foams or flaming presentations here.

The "country man's pizza," which had a mushroom puree base and slow poached egg, was every bit as polished as the slightly more upscale potato gnocchi with shaved truffles. Both tasted of fall goodness--earthy, indulgent, and leaving you wanting more. A chestnut marscapone ravioli topped with brown butter, brussel sprout leaves, and winter squash was truly a bite of Thanksgiving. Isabella is perhaps best known for his pepperoni sauce and this too delivered, adding spice to an indulgent, fork tender plate of chicken thighs.

While the service originally lagged, it quickly picked up. House filtered sparkling and still water are offered gratis--one of my favorite new restaurant trends. The wine pairings managed to compliment each of the four courses, which is quite the feat, given the number of plates in each. My one complaint was the starter of Virginia sparkling wine which predictably lacked the crisp, bold features of its California and/or French cousins.

Graffiato is fun, affordable, and somehow manages to have a sense of humor, while clearly taking food very seriously.

Local Beers Pour onto the Scene at Shirlington Oktoberfest

2011-10-11T22:32:00.001+01:00

Capitol City hosted the 12th Annual Oktoberfest this past Saturday in Arlington's Shirlington Village. Bright sunshine brought above-average autumn temperatures and set the scene for a delightful afternoon. Combine 40+ plus breweries, German food, and a ~~oompa band~~ DJ spinning German-themed tunes on an Apple laptop (perhaps an ad hoc tribute to Steve Jobs?) and you have one DC's most spirited fall events. Lederhosen-clad urbinates dotted the landscape, which also included many four-legged friends.

This homage to craft beer's growing popularity prompted the organizers a few years ago to ditch the all-you-can-drink arrangement and allocate ten 4oz tasting tickets with the $25 admission price tag.

Breweries from across the country --from Harpoon to Abita--sampled their suds, but I could not help but notice and revel in the growing number of local brews.

Falls Church's Mad Fox was pouring their Punkinator, a seasonal offering that gets its flavor from 250 pounds of heirloom Cinderalla pumpkins and pumpkin pie spice from Penzey's of Falls Church (located right across from the Brewery). The parents of the Fox in Mad Fox were pouring on Saturday, and their enthusiasm was contagious.

Alexendria's Porty City was also ably represented with four taps. This burgeoning local powerhouse is less than a year old, but already available in some 250 plus locations. Public Tours are available at the brewery at 12:30 and 2pm on Saturdays (reservations not required) and include a tasting glass and full beer tasting.

The Lost Rhino may be the most lauded newcomer among NOVA beer lovers; their Face Plant IPA packs a hop-filled punch. Tours are available at their Ashburn brewery Saturdays until 6pm.

Not to be left out, the District also now has its own brewery. While I didn't make it to the DC Brau booth on Saturday, I did learn that they open their doors most Saturday afternoons for tastings, tours, and growler fills.

As I sat back, enjoying a weisswurst and an Oktoberfest style beer, I realized that though I remain a skeptic when it comes to the area's wine scene, I am a full on convert and proponent of the growing, local craft brewing community.

How will it end? The Trials of an Ice Cream Pioneer

2011-10-06T15:14:00.001+01:00

When I heard the news that Friendly's filed for bankcrupcy earlier this week, a wave of sadness and nostalgia washed over me. This cannot happen. Where else can you get peanut butter sauce, cone head and happy endings but at this classic New England-based ice cream mecca?

I first heard the news late last week when Gawker cheekily proclaimed Friendly's Faces an Unhappy Ending. For anyone who grew up on the casual dining ice cream mecca that is (soon-to-be was) Friendly's, you immediately understand the reference. Like hundreds of thousands of others growing up in New England, for years I was blissfully ignorant of the other meaning of that term and instead, looked at a happy ending as something sweet and exciting; sort of like Friendly's itself.

Friendly's is an indelible part of so many childhood memories. I longed for hot and humid summer evenings, a relative rarity in central Massachusetts. But on such nights, my family often retreated to one of two local Friendly's to enjoy air conditioning, a kid's meal of of chicken fingers, and of course, a cone head sundae. This was pure childhood bliss.

While I aged out of the kid's meal, the place remained a go-to middle and high school hangout after football games. Full of teenage angst and mozzarella sticks, my friends and I would spend countless evenings and hours occupying the red and green pleather banquets.

Friendly's is trying to reinvent itself, but unlike the shudder-worthy TGI Friday's or Applebees, profit margins are low--Friendly's does not serve alcohol, only Fribbles and Coca Cola. Friendly's recently unveiled an express option offering a limited menu and of course the ice cream they are known for in more urban settings like in Boston's Coolidge Corner. While Friendly's Express has not yet ventured into DC, you can find (for now!) Friendly's restaurants dotted throughout the VA and MD suburbs. If you have never experienced a Friendly's sundae, what are you waiting for? Time may be running out.

Grape Juice for Adults

2011-10-05T01:26:00.000+01:00

Food Field Trip Napa Valley 2010

A glass of crisp chardonnay on a summer day cools and refreshes. A flute of champagne exudes excitement and celebration. A Burgundy on a brisk fall evening warms and charms. And let's face it, in a city that works as hard and as much as DC, I am one of many wine worshippers.

Rohan over at District 365 has decided to do something to address the appetites of DC oenophiles. Recognizing the market for wine delivery and the desire for wine-themed dinners, classes, and tastings, Rohan is getting ready to create a virtual hub for all things wine in DC.

In celebration of the launch, District 365 is running a contest for a wine getaway in the burgeoning wine regions of Virginia and Maryland. While admittedly I have not yet come to appreciate our local wine market (and am not sure I ever will), a weekend in the country imbibing on local wines gratis does not sound half bad. Click here to enter and learn more about District 365 Wine.

The Big Cheese: Grilled Cheese on Wheels

2011-09-27T21:44:00.001+01:00

On countless mornings this summer, I jogged by a curious site parked in Rosslyn: a truck with a suspiciously happy grilled cheese sandwich painted on the side. But at 7 in the morning, the truck was in sleeping not serving mode. It was not until this past Saturday at Clarendon Day that I saw the Big Cheese Truck in action. I was so excited that I think I may have even started to run out of a force of habit.

As B and I eagerly bellied up to the counter, the owner detailed the menu as happily as the smiling bread logo watched over patrons. The Midnight Moon, a combination of goat, gouda, and caramelized onions on multigrain, sounded like the ideal fall lunch. And at $6, it was all that a grilled cheese should be, simultaneously gooey and indulgent. But unlike your standard order grilled cheese, the savory, sweet combination of the gouda and goat cheese was a distinctively adult take on a childhood classic.

It does not get much better than an indulgent grilled cheese sandwich paired with a Blue Moon Harvest beer enjoyed together at an outdoor street festival on a fall afternoon. In my mind, it was the perfect autumn lunch. To follow this cheese and determine if it will be coming to a location near you, click here.

Food (Almost) Field Trip: Volt

2011-09-22T15:08:00.001+01:00

Maine Lobster Prepared a la Volt, Frederick

Without traffic on I-270 (how often does that happen?), Frederick, Maryland is a 45 minute drive from DC; in rush hour (most of the afternoon), it can take twice the time. So to Eating Around DC, dining in Frederick falls somewhere between "local" and a "food field trip." Bryan Voltaggio's acclaimed Volt occupies a restored 19th century mansion in the heart of Frederick. The setting is both historical and charming, but what is the best way for DC residents to fully enjoy the experience given the distance? That is the question B and I have been asking ourselves. And this past weekend we decided to stay at a bed and breakfast in Frederick to fully embrace this adventure.

Volt itself soared (details below), but the overnight experience did not! I will start with the bad in case you are considering such an escape. Frederick is small, charming and remote--the perfect setting for a quiet night away, right? Wrong. At Hill House, a mere block from Volt, the noise throughout the dead of a Thursday night was unreal, and louder than any hotel we have ever stayed in -- London, Rome, Paris, or New York. Owing to a street sweeper, trash truck, and perhaps, though I can't be sure, helicopter, all of which made extended cameos between 2 and 4am, I cannot condone the place. The Victorian windows of the B and B were no guard against any of this noise. But Volt is worth the trip, and the afterglow of such a dining experience should be allowed to shine, so save yourself the frustration and go with another after-dinner plan (drive, car service, or maybe a country inn nearby).

The white tablecloth dining room at Volt is minimalistic and elegant. You enter through a tiled doorway under a mosaic that simply and appropriately proclaims Eat. The numerous servers are darting around everywhere in their trademark brown converse sneakers. Simultaneously attentive and palpably nervous, they purport that the menu, priced a la carte, is designed so that you can enjoy all four courses, but the portions we ordered were large enough that many could have easily been shared.

While the menu was presented--and orders solicited--with a bit of haste, after the cocktails arrived, the pacing improved markedly. With my first sip of a cherry-infused concoction and my first bite of a foie gras-infused fennel macaroon, Volt won me over. This is dining as entertainment, with flavors (vegetable ash), textures (soy air), and presentation (vibrant colors set off against oversized white plates) all coming together as a cast of characters to entertain the palate and the eye.

The six varietals of bread were all addictive. The bacon brioche was a buttery puff of sweetness; the cheddar and chive biscuit was a savory Southern-inspired bite. Unlimited house-filtered sparkling water is complimentary and refilled consistently throughout the meal.

The ingredients of each course were artfully deconstructed on the plate, and the flavors merged in your mouth. A hearty cylinder of Hudson Valley foie gras was as rich as would be expected, but that was offset tastefully by the color and sweetness of crimson watermelon cubes and cucamelon slivers; the accompanying mini brioche loaf was quite adorable (and delicious). A pasta course of Cherry Glen Farm goat cheese ravioli, yellow corn, vegetable ash, maitake mushrooms, and balsamic brown butter tasted like a perfect early fall harvest on a plate. The protein portion of the entrees was the star of the show. B ordered chicken and I opted for lobster, which were heightened by the colorful and rich sides of bacon lardons and tender carrots respectively. Dessert tasted as good as it looked. A deconstructed carrot cake was moist and ethereal with a spiced foam; a rich cheesecake was offset in both color and flavor by vibrant purple figs.

This is not your average meal and while not as pricey as similar caliber restaurants in the heart of DC, it is a culinary investment. An over-the-top dinner for two with four courses, cocktails, and wine, was upwards of $300. And in case you want more (and I think you will), each diner leaves with an individual coffee cake for the next morning.

Cava Mezze's Spicy Balls

2011-09-12T13:49:00.000+01:00

Dip Sampler at Clarendon's Cava Mezze

With all the buzz about Ben and Jerry's release of Schweddy Balls ice cream, I found it an amusing coincidence that the majority of items we ordered this past Friday at Cava Mezze came in spherical form.

As the name suggests, Cava Mezze's speciality is small plates of Greek-style tapas. The Clarendon location is the third and latest branch of this burgeoning micro-chain, but last Friday was my first experience. I am half-Greek, and while I have always enjoyed lamb prepared by my grandmother on Easter and Mediterranean food in general, I have found oftentimes Greek cooking to be relatively bland, with earthy flavors, but not a lot of heat. I realized I have been eating at the wrong places--none of the dishes we tried at Cava was in the least bit bland. Every dish--from the mac and cheese to lamb meatballs--had a lively personality all its own.

The dip sampler consisted of six orbs of unique dips, whose ingredients included salty feta, jalapenos, and red pepper. The calamari, pepped up with banana peppers and tempered with a cucumber yogurt sauce, was reminiscent of one of my favorite Greek-influenced Providence College haunts. Zucchini fritters were in the form of what else but balls. These two-bite explosions, the star of the evening, combined thin shreds of the vegetable with gooey cheese, which were then rolled and fried to a crisp.

And it was not only the balls that were spicy. My cucumber jalapeno margarita was refreshingly intense--the cucumber put out the fire of the drink's slight burning burst. This $9 cocktail was excellent, and I point this out because while a new micro-brew tap house springs up seemingly weekly along the Rossyln-Ballston corridor, finding a well-crafted cocktail generally requires heading over the river into DC.

Cava Mezze's flavorful dishes, potent drinks, and sleek dining space is a welcome addition to the Clarendon dining scene. Just be forewarned, the volume inside is impossibly loud. Hopefully, soundproofing is installed soon, as the volume level is not sustainable for patrons, let alone the waitstaff. But, oh those spicy balls...

Current Mexican Fix: Taqueria Poblano

2011-09-08T17:34:00.000+01:00

Taqueria Poblano Tres Enchiladas

I am a Mexican food junkie. I love the confluence of spicy and sweet, the succulent meats, and the liberal use of cheese, beans, and avocado. This past month, I have been repeatedly drawn back to Del Ray's Taqueria Poblano. This haven of authentic, smokey Mexican food and potent margaritas has two locations: in Arlington off of Lee Highway, and along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray.

The small storefront cafe in Del Ray is always bustling at lunchtime on the weekends. A brightly colored dining room is staffed by a surprisingly efficient skeleton crew of 3 to 4 men who navigate the impossibly small and packed dining room, shuttling drinks and steaming hot plates from the kitchen.

B and I have both repeatedly ordered the "tres enchiladas." The combination of stewed meats: chicken, beef, and pork is nestled between corn tortillas topped with melted cheese and a handful of pickled onions. This tasty trio is then placed atop a red chili sauce. The combination of the tender, spiced meats and the smokey, sweet (with a slightly bitter after-taste) sauce makes this dish click. The guacamole and pico de gallo are always fresh and help to offset the deep, earthy flavors of this dish. If I had one complaint, it would be the lack of flavor in the re-fried beans, which serve as a limp, sad side. Though I have never left hungry -- those enchiladas pack a punch, both flavorful and filling At $13.95 each, Taqueria Poblano is an affordable Mexican escape.

Food Field Trip: Mythical, Magical New Orleans

2011-08-30T13:36:00.000+01:00

New Orleans is a city shrouded in historical legend; its dining scene is no exception.

Where else but New Orleans is there an open-air 24 hour table-service restaurant, Cafe Du Monde, that serves but one thing? The beignet order consists of three larger-than-life hot puffs of sweet fried dough, topped with easily a half box of powdered sugar. Whether you are an eager toddler or a seasoned traveler, a big plate of beignets is the of stuff of legend (albeit a very well publicized one) at an incongruously affordable price ($2.50).

If you yearn for a more refined destination, hop the St. Charles streetcar (a throwback which moves at equally historic speed) down the majestic oak-lined avenue to Commander’s Palace uptown. While I have blogged about the Commander’s magic before, I would be remiss not to mention one of its lesser known charms. Request the upstairs dining room and you will find yourself eating in a tree forest. With the garden lights illuminating the same type of oak trees which align St. Charles, I always find myself transported, and that is before the dining pageant begins.

While he got his start with the Commander’s magic, Emeril Lagasse has been his own NOLA sorcerer for years. Like the Brennans' establishments, his restaurants' team service is down to the last detail. I was equally as impressed with Delmonico as I was on my first visit some four years ago. This time it was the presentation and flavor of a gargantuan soft shell crab. Fittingly, the crab was locally sourced from a place by the name of Grand Isle. The crustacean was certainly befitting of its place of origin, and appeared to have descended from the dinosaurs. It was perfectly fried, topped with a zesty tomato sauce,laid over a corn salsa, and seemingly devouring a handful of lightly dressed baby spinach.

Eating Around DC Hurricane Hunkering

2011-08-27T17:15:00.000+01:00

Arlingtontians Stocking up before the Storm

Back-to-back posts with a natural disaster theme is a first for Eating Around DC. In the words of the Barefoot Contessa, how bad could that be? I guess we will see...

With Hurricane Irene upon us, B and I have stocked up on the essentials. These include a $30 case of water (gasp). Apparently that is what happens when you wait until the last minute and head to the Clarendon Whole Foods on Friday night. This box o' Volvic (could that name be anymore disturbing?) is sitting in a corner complete with the receipt because should we not need it, we will swiftly be returning it on Monday. $30 for a bottle of wine, liquor, or a case of beer, is fine but $30 for water is the height of Arlington absurdity and a clear indication that DC is in disaster mode.

Speaking of, the Arlington Farmers Market convened briefly this morning. While it was a skeleton crew, relocated behind the CVS on 15th street, those farmers that were able to attend made sure that we did not miss even one week of tomato season. Thank you!

And not sure what tonight holds, but am guessing cabin fever will certainly ensue by tomorrow. A perfect Sunday escape may just be Bar Dupont if you are looking for an excuse to get out of the house and drown your sorrows over a missed weekend at the beach. In addition to their panoramic view of Dupont Circle and potent well-mixed cocktails, they will be offering $5 themed drink specials like the ubiquitous Hurricane and a predictably strong Irene (Belvedere Intense Vodka, Peach Schnaps, Blue Curacao, and Sour mix).

Eating Around DC Earthquake Edition

2011-08-23T20:23:00.001+01:00

Hot N' Sour Soup before the Shake

I just experienced my most memorable lunch, though not for the reasons one might ordinarily expect. A 5.8 magnitude Earthquake struck the DC area while I was slurping on hot and sour soup at TNR Cafe in Arlington. I intended to blog about the cafe for its simple, spicy, vegetarian soup, which is a great value ($2). All true, but as a Washingtonian, an earthquake is not something I was even remotely prepared for.

About fifteen people, mostly single diners occupied the restaurant, a small storefront in Courthouse, when the building started to shake slightly. A few audible hmmms (akin to, that was interesting....I wonder what is happening), and then the shaking intensified including an ominous, low rumbling sound. I am not sure who ran first, but soon everyone was sprinting for the door; it was quite chaotic (proof of my panic: I even left my iPhone on the table). After a minute of stunned silence on the sidewalk, relief set in. Yes, that was an earthquake (and not the bomb attack every DC resident fears) and everyone seemed to be okay. The servers hugged, reassured the diners that it was safe to go back in, and then continued to feed a previously hungry and now (literally) shaken crowd. Check please!

Food Field Trip: Do you know what it means to miss...

2011-08-19T14:27:00.001+01:00

Parkway Bakery and Tavern Shrimp Po Boy

...New Orleans? The spirit and culture of the city--its people, its food, its music--are infectious. Allow me to relay but one story.

On my last day in the city yesterday, I happened to step into Marlin William’s cab outside of the New Orleans convention center. Marlin is a large, gregarious, cheerful man with a low booming voice who drives a very clean and well air-conditioned (a rarity!) cab. He was only supposed to drive me back to the hotel, but asked if he could also take me to the airport later that day. While it seemed a tad odd, I eagerly agreed to the plan after he promised a stop at his favorite po-boy shop, Parkway Bakery and Tavern. While I had originally suggested we swing by Domilise’s (since I've actually never tried it in the half-dozen times I've been to New Orleans), Marlin claimed Parkway's po-boy would be superior, and backed up his claim by offering to buy my lunch if I was not satisfied. This money-back-guarantee, coupled with the fact he took no money from me for the fare to the hotel (trusting – yes some people still do that -- that we would settle up once I got to the airport) sounded like a sure bet. So just as we had planned, he came back to the hotel a half hour later, cheerfully loaded my bags, and off we went.

Marlin not only introduced me to Parkway, but he called my order in ahead of time and insisted on going inside and getting it for me –hallmark New Orleans service. Marlin explained that the secret to a good po boy is its freshness, and he told me that at Parkway Bakery, all ingredients are delivered, made, and prepared daily – no pre-fab sandwiches here. And Marlin’s charms were evident when I got to the airport and unwrapped my lunch, complete with the extra pickles I requested. This $12 foot-long behemoth was overflowing with what must have been 30 freshly fried, plump, tender, and slightly spiced shrimp sandwiched in between crusty French bed, dressed with the classic lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise. My heart soared and stomach sang as I made quick work of this indulgent lunch, glancing up to see other airport passengers staring longingly at my po boy.

Marlin was born and raised in the city, which he has only left briefly (for Texas) when Katrina struck, and he knows what it means to miss New Orleans--he returned to his home city as soon as he was able. Marlin is happy; he loves what he does and clearly adores introducing visitors to his city. A former New Orleans bus driver, Marlin now moonlights as a tourguide. While my convention schedule did not allow for a tour, I am thinking of taking Marlin up on that option on my next visit. Marlin does not have a blog or a website or a twitter handle (he is far to busy showing visitors the true NOLA), but he does have a phone number. I am sharing it here, because if you want to experience the true face of New Orleans, give him a call: (504) 344 5300. Whether it is for an airport pick-up complete with a po boy en route or a local's city tour, I have no doubt that you will quickly catch the infectious spirit of New Orleans.

Food Field Trip: New Orleans When the Herb-Saints Go Marching In...

2011-08-17T19:08:00.000+01:00

...I want to be at that table! The regenerative power of a good meal is one of the reasons I live to dine out. After a long day of shuttling between countless conference sessions in the New Orleans summer heat, my colleagues and I were drained. Not dissimilar to the dog we passed earlier that day, we needed a pick-me- up. On we went to Herbsaint, Donald Link's ode to Southern cuisine with a New Orleans twist.

From start to finish, dining at Herbsaint, located on St. Charles Avenue in the Warehouse District, was rejuvenating and exciting. The dining room is understated and warmly lit; the waitstaff is enthusiastic and knowledgeable--their recommendations from wine to appetizers were spot on. The care that went into each of the dishes was evident in the presentation, taste, and the clean plates that were taken away.

My appetizer of shrimp and grits showcased fresh-caught gulf shrimp (delivered daily by a gentleman named Dino), which were enrobed in a spicy roux, studded with tasso ham, and charred ocra atop a cake of creamy grits. Another appetizer of homemade spaghetti, topped with a fried-poached farm egg, was eagerly devoured. But seriously, an egg that is perfectly fried and poached--who knew? As we continued on through to the entrees, the clean plate trend continued. The fish of the day was fork tender and perked up with green chilis. And for dessert, the ice creams were the perfect end to the meal. Both cafe au lait and salted caramel varieties quickly disappeared, so no photographic evidence exists.

So here's to the good works of those Herbsaints!

Food Field Trip: New Orleans Sips and Bites

2011-08-15T18:49:00.000+01:00

Carousel Bar, Hotel Monteleone

What else but work could compel someone to visit New Orleans in August? The heat is oppressive, but the dining scene is as always impressive! My plan is to highlight some of my favorite sips and bites throughout the week. And thanks to my new iPhone, I'll have better pictures.

First stop, the Carousel Bar at the historic Hotel Monteleone. Dating to 1949, the bar is actually a rotating (albeit at a very slow speed) carousel. A portion of the bar area is currently under construction, but the carousel is still spinning and the bartenders are still shaking. The Hemingway ($12), a blend of rum, fresh lime and grapefruit juices is a perfect antidote for the summer heat. And where else can you enjoy craft cocktails from a perch on a merry-go-round!

In the last few years John Besh has opened more restaurants than Emeril Lagasse. Luke, his newest, has the feel of a German/French brasserie and marries Alsacean cuisine with New Orleans cooking. The savories were solid, but the stand out was the decadent bread pudding ($8). A sweet symphony of vanilla, bourbon, and caramel. This hot and cold dessert is a temptress worth the indulgence. I may return just for dessert.

Tasting History at America Eats Tavern

2011-08-09T16:34:00.000+01:00

There are times when even in August, the cruelest month in DC, when I think, wow, I am still so lucky to live here. Dinner at America Eats Tavern last Sunday was one of those times. Where else but in Washington can you learn about the far-reaching effects of government policies on food consumption and then walk a few blocks to taste the history?!

I have twice before in this town tried eating history, and on one of these occasions thought I would have been a much more svelte human being if I were to have lived through colonial times. But dinner at America Eats Tavern is making me question my original judgment of early American fare.

A partnership between Jose Andres and the National Archives exhibit, What’s Cooking Uncle Sam?, America Eats is a “pop-up” restaurant which (appropriately) debuted on July 4^th and is slated to remain open until January. The menu is the result of countless hours of historical research (and is akin to reading, in a fun way, a history textbook) and reinterpretations of American classics dishes from cocktails to desserts. More casual fare is available in the open-seating bar area on the first floor.

Pictures of Americans eating through the ages adorn the former (and still cramped) Cafe Atlantico space. The menu explains the origin and history of every dish and the wait staff provide thorough detail on their modern interpretation. Highlights of our meal included "vermicelli prepared like pudding," which was topped by a salty parmesan crust and accompanied by meaty mushrooms and de-boned buffalo wings, which were thus totally appropriate for white table cloth dining. Crab cakes were paired with a salad of juicy watermelon, pungent goat cheese, and pickled rind. And for dessert fresh strawberries were hollowed out and filled with strawberry gelatin and sandwiched between flaky, thin shortcake. And all our cocktails--from the Martini to the Moscow Mule to the Whiskey Sour to the Brooklyn--did not disappoint.

Several dishes are only available certain days of the week, so I now have the perfect excuse to go back and try the rest of the menu! I also cannot think of a more fun way to expose out-of-town guests to DC. While the service was a bit slow at times (though I've found this is not unusual for Sunday night dining), the wait staff was responsive and knowledgeable. Reservations fill up a few weeks in advance, so plan ahead. Dinner for two with way too many appetizers, entrees, dessert, four cocktails, tax and tip was $200.

Friday Night in DC: Sculpture, Jazz, and Free Drinks

2011-08-05T14:32:00.001+01:00

Readers know that Jazz in the Sculpture Garden is one of my favorite DC summer activities. Every summer Friday from 5-8:30 through September 9th, the National Sculpture Garden plays host to a variety of jazz groups and styles. There is a (mostly) full bar on hand, but there is nothing like a glass of the sangria to ease into the weekend.

This summer, with temps seemingly in the upper 90's to low 100's every weekend, the weather has been much too hot to enjoy this DC summertime tradition. But with today's highs only forecasted to reach the upper 80's, why not give it a try?

Still not convinced? How about a free drink after the event? Head to the Redline in Penn Quarter (a short walk away) after the concert. Simply belly up to the bar, tell the bartender who performed at Jazz in the Garden, and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne or draft beer.

Let the weekend begin!

Food Field Trip Cape Cod: Eating at the Edge of the Earth

2011-08-02T21:04:00.001+01:00

Not quite the Potomac!

As a true New Englander at heart, I believe there is no better summer vacation destination than Cape Cod--on which there is no place more unique, beautiful, or quirky than Provincetown. Bordered by the National Seashore and Cape Cod Bay, Provincetown is quite literally a spit of sand at the end of the earth. But its history is also intriguing; the place where the Pilgrims first landed has continually reinvented itself. What was once a whaling community later became a Portuguese fishing village, artists’ colony, and wealthy gay hot spot. The dozens of restaurants also reflect these same values of openness, eclecticism, and diversity.

Because my increasingly hectic real-life schedule has delayed this post (don't you hate that?!), I am going to provide an all-in-one “day in the life” highlights of my favorite spots this season for casual fare (a fine dining wrap up will come later this week). We hit all of the referenced links during the span of a week, so be forewarned – should you actually attempt all these eating feats in one day, I cannot be held responsible for your flavor and calorie overload!

Breakfast
Connie’s Bakery, which we discovered this summer had relocated to Commercial Street's Aquarium Arcade, is a perfect morning spot to fuel up before kayaking to Long Point or embarking on a whale watching excursion to Stellwagen Bank. Warm, fresh-baked focaccia sandwiching a cooked-to-order egg, gooey white cheddar cheese, and crisp bacon makes for a hearty, flavorful breakfast. At around $5 it is a quick and affordable bet. Take your sandwich to the dock at the end of the arcade, where you there is ample outdoor seating overlooking the bay.

Lunch
Mima's Deli, new to the scene this year, provides shockingly authentic Cuban fare. This was not something I expected, but in Ptown, nothing is ever as it seems. And since B and I are eagerly anticipating our first trip to Cuba this fall, we had to check out this counter-service restaurant (if only to browse the Havana photography exhibit). While the photographs were just average, the Race Point Road location is perfectly placed for grabbing lunch on the way to one of B's favorite beach's (in the world). The Cuban sandwich is well worth the near $10 price tag. What really sets this authentic sandwich apart is the fresh, slow roasted spiced Cuban pork. Just bring two things: cash (no ATM on site and credit cards are not accepted) and patience (just feel the authenticity). The reward is a hot pressed sandwich that is oozing with flavor and reminiscent of the Cuban sandwiches B grew up on in Tampa.

Cocktails
So you have no doubt by now worked up quite the thirst -- kayaking, whale watching, and/or beaching -- all hard work! Time to relax with a cold beverage, for which I have two recommendations.

If you are the mood for air conditioning (central air is a rarity up this far on Cape Cod and in fact rarely necessary), head to the East End's oh-so-classic Mews for what will be the best martini you will have on Cape Cod. As one of the few year-round restaurants in Provincetown, the Mews holds a special place in my heart, as it is where B and I enjoyed dinner on a bitingly cold February night almost ten years ago after getting engaged. With an unparalleled selection of vodkas, you cannot go wrong with any of the drinks (on the other hand, the food has fallen off in recent years). The mistress of the martini behind the bar is seasoned and skilled; this is one of my favorite martini spots anywhere.

If you find yourself closer to the East End and in a more casual mood, stop by the open-air Nor'East Beer Garden. This new place takes both elements of its title seriously with a great selection of on-tap craft beers (including selections from Nantucket and the Berkshires) served amid a courtyard landscaped with wild flowers and filled with equally wildly floral characters.

Dinner
This year mimicked last in that my favorite Ptown bar (dare I say, Gastropub), The Squealing Pig, was a frequent stop. For a quintessential Cape Cod dinner, you cannot go wrong with a half dozen Wellfleet oysters ($10). Follow that up with the fish and chips ($15). Fresh caught and fried, served with house-cut fries and a homemade vinegar-based colesaw, this is a swimmingly delightful end to a day at the beach. And to wash it all down, Harpoon's Oyster Stout, a unique 100-barrel series offering of the Boston-based brewery, combines barley, chocolate rye malts, and the briny, mineral flavor of the oysters.

Dessert
My favorite newcomer to the town's food scene this year was easily PTown Scoop. This family-owned ice cream parlor is located steps from the wharf where we rent a bay front condo each year. I blame this proximity for my four visits! But it was the friendly service and the over-the-top creamy ice cream flavors that kept me coming back. From chocolate peanut butter to cake batter to mocha chip, all of the ice cream is decadent, lovingly scooped, and best enjoyed strolling down Commercial Street. Plus there is something about Cher playing in the background that makes ice cream all the more fun -- this is Provincetown after all!

Medium Rare Heats up Cleveland Park

2011-07-14T15:32:00.000+01:00

Medium Rare is an impressive one-trick pony. For $19.95 you get an uber-fresh mixed green salad accompanied by rustic bread, prime, dry aged cap steak, thinly sliced, cooked to order, which is served with a secret sauce and flanked by hand cut fries.

The influence of Ray's the Steaks--where manager Brian Zipin had a brief stint following a very successful run at Central--is apparent in the stripped down dining room and limited menu. Like the original Ray's, there is a warm intimate neighborhood feel, perhaps owing to the fact that Medium Rare's space is small and that it does not take reservations. While a line reportedly starts forming at 5pm on weekends, B and I walked in for dinner last Wednesday with no wait.

The service was friendly and efficient. Waiters note drink orders and steak preferences on the butcher block paper, which covers the table. The limited wine and beer list is moderately priced and well-suited to the menu.

What it does it does excellently. I am pretty sure the crusty, warm bread is the same that is served at Central. The mixed green salad's crisp butter lettuce is tossed with a lovely vinaigrette. The steak comes out in two parts--so do not dismay if your original serving size does not meet expectations. Upon completing your first course, a server will be back around--without you having to ask--with more steak and fries. Trust me, you will want both.

The dessert menu offers the only choice of the evening (unless you are a vegetarian and opt for the portebella mushroom in place of the steak). With five alluring options (carrot cake, cheesecake, etc), I could not pass up the massive hot fudge sundae. Rainbow sprinkles, whipped cream, and nuts top the luscious fudge and creamy vanilla ice cream. Desserts are sized to share among two if not three or four people.

Medium Rare is just as playful with its soundtrack, which is somewhere between Five Guys and Mario Batali's rock-fueled NYC dining rooms. And on a bathroom break you can learn French pick up lines akin to "my apartment has a hot tub," making it a great date option!

As the Heat Wave Subsides, the Races Begin!

2011-07-12T21:14:00.000+01:00

Once this oppressive heat releases DC from its grasp and hungry Washingtonians can again leave their cubicles for lunch, try out a unique Bastille Day Celebration this Thursday. Since I work in Tyson's, I will be unable to carry the baguette baton, but you can! Check out the details below from Paul Bakery.
---------------

Remember when Les Halles used to have its Bastille Bartender Race down Pennsylvania Ave??? All of DC came out and had a blast watching the bartenders race down the street holding an open bottle of champagne on a tray. Well… now that Les Halles is gone, and there’s a new FRENCH establishment on Pennsylvania Avenue, PAUL Bakery and Café’ is creating a new Bastille Day tradition of its own! This Thursday, July 14th, PAUL will throw a “Bastille Day Baguette Relay Race” and the public is invited to join in the fun and participate!!!

What: BASTILLE DAY BAGUETTE RELAY RACE at PAUL Bakery and Café
To commemorate France’s National Holiday, PAUL – France’s leading bakery – invites the public to come have some fun and participate in a “Baguette Relay Race” which will take place in front of PAUL in Penn Quarter, where relay team members will take turns running a lap around the plaza of the US Navy Memorial with a fresh baguette in hand, in lieu of a traditional baton.

We'll divide up racers into teams of six people. Each team will be led by a PAUL employee. Each racer will do one lap around the circle of the US Navy Memorial and then hand off his/her baguette (baton) to the next teammate. All members of the winning team will get a $25 gift card to PAUL. We'll be encouraging relay racers to sign up in advance on our FB page.

When: Thursday, July 14, 2001 at 11:30am

Where:
PAUL Bakery and Café in Penn Qtr. (at the US Navy Memorial)
801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Tel: 202-524-4500/01

Fancy Food Show, Tired Feet

2011-07-11T20:15:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Daphne, the mastermind behind Go Gastronomy, I had the opportunity to spend Sunday working the Skillet Bacon Spread booth at the National Fancy Food Show. This massive annual trade event brings the nuts and bolts of the food industry together to see the latest and greatest 180,000+ fine food products. Ranging from meat and cheeses to gelato to bacon spread (of course), the term fancy is a loose one. But a chance encounter at this event is how Ben and Jerry's reached the masses. Normally held in New York City, DC got lucky this year and next due to construction at NYC's Javits Center.

The scale of this conference is enormous. I was overwhelmed by the number of products and volume of people. But, I had a job to do. Along with bacon spread creator, Seattle street-food pioneer and burgeoning Food/Cooking Network celeb chef Josh Hendersen, fellow DC food blogger Bindesh of DesiGrub and I prepared bacon spread for thousands. I quickly got up to speed on the Seattle foodie scene (perhaps my next food field trip?!) as well as all things bacon spread. And soon I was busy preparing samples consisting of a cracker topped with a dollop of the spread capped off with brie and an arugula leaf.

This unique concoction, originally conceived as an indulgent spread for a burger, starts with non-cured Neiman Ranch bacon rendered down for hours with brown sugar, onions, and spices. The result is “spreadable bacony goodness.” The spread is an ingenious yet simple mix of both savory and sweet. It was incredibly exciting to watch people take a sample and begin to walk away from the booth; then the bacon spread hit their tongue. Hundreds of people turned around and exclaimed their love of the product. My short employment at the booth may have made me biased, but I think the Skillet Bacon Spread was the most unique item at this year's show. And that is even after sampling hundreds of offerings and of course, preparing samples for hours. I think I may even still smell of bacon!

My foray into the industry taught me such key terms as "shelf stable" (a product that does not require refrigeration to ship or display) and the contrast between retail and wholesale sizing and pricing. It also taught me that while my day job taxes my mind, it is nothing compared to standing up for eight hours doing food service work. Picture something akin to the I Love Lucy episode where she is frantically wrapping chocolates. It took me (Bindesh was much more adept) a while to get into the swing of things, and just like in I Love Lucy, it was so hard to keep from sampling (er, ensuring quality control).

So alert the masses, Bacon Spread is here to stay!

IPA Anyone?

2011-07-08T15:48:00.000+01:00

How does a cold IPA sound on a steamy July afternoon? Domestic, International, Black, Imperial, or even a Wheat IPA? Salivating yet... that is how B and I felt when we stumbled upon "JulyPA" at Pizzeria Paradiso last weekend. All locations are offering the month-long special of nothing but IPAs on tap, but the cozy basement beer bar at the original Georgetown location remains my favorite. You can indulge in individual pours, or if the decision is just too overwhelming after a long week, opt for a sample flight (three for $9, four for $11). Short of diving headlong into an ice cold swimming pool, I can't think of a better way to beat the DC summer heat.

Hot Dog, Summer in the City

2011-07-07T13:46:00.000+01:00

Shake Shack DC Shack-Cago Dog

Though not as quaint as the Manhattan original, Shake Shack has arrived just in time to satisfy Washingtonians' cravings for summertime classics, even if it is not the best choice for getting into bathing suit shape. At first glance, the food looks like amped-up cafeteria fare, but do not be fooled, these snack stand indulgences -- from shakes to burgers to dogs to fries -- are the real deal. Accouterments, such as garden fresh veggies and flavorful potato buns, take everything up a notch.

When Shake Shack opened its doors in Dupont Circle earlier this summer, the lines extended around the block. Fortunately, last week at dinner time on a Wednesday, I found nary a wait. As each item is prepared to order, there is however a ten minute lag time between ordering and your food hitting the counter.

The Shack Cago ($4) brings the hot dog to new heights. A Vienna all beef hot dog is "dragged through the garden," where it picks up relish, onions, pickles, tomatoes, and hot peppers. Packaged in a potato bun, this mess is not date food! The richness of the hot dog is complimented by the sweet bun and crisp vegetables.

The yukon gold French fries ($2.65 - $3.65) are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. And while great just plain, they are positively addictive with the addition of the cheddar and American cheese sauce.

A meal here is not complete without a frozen treat. The DC location offers their famous"Concrete" (a custard based Blizzard type concoction) in half sizes. DC-themed creations include the Washington Monu-Mint, a chocolate custard base flecked with minted marshmallow and the chocolate truffle cookie dough that I fell in love with at Manhattan's Shake Shack.

So if this heat and humidity is dampening your spirits, head to Shake Shack for a classic summertime pick-me up.

Food Field Trip Boston: B&G stands for Brilliant Gastronomy

2011-06-28T14:00:00.000+01:00

Boston's B and G Oyster

My fascination with Barbara Lynch, a bonafide Boston food pioneer, began years before I had the pleasure of sampling her cuisine. B and I spent two years living right by the state house on Beacon Hill, so each day on my walk to the subway, I passed her flagship No 9 Park. And each day I peered beyond the curtains, into the candlelit dining room, casting longing glances at the beautiful plates and shimmering glasses of wine. Sometimes I would even catch a glimpse of the chef herself, but at that stage in our lives, No 9 Park was far outside the bounds of our food budget and only accessible in my foodie dreams.

It was not until after we moved to DC that we were able to finally experience No 9 Park on a trip to Boston. That evening -- over four years ago now -- was everything I imagined. We indulged in the tasting menu with wine pairings, and noticed John Kerry and Theresa Heinz sitting down to a late dinner on our way out of the restaurant. How Boston is that? It was a dining experience that was worth the wait.

Since that time, Lynch has opened a bevy of new restaurants in the city, paying homage to meat, seafood, and the cocktail. B and I found ourselves back in Boston this weekend and--as is usually the case while there--craving seafood. So on this trip we decided to forego our go-to bivalve mecca, and try for the first time Lynch's B and G Oysters in the South End. When I called to cancel our too-early reservation (due to a late lunch), I learned that the fifteen seat bar is reserved for walk-ins. So we decided to try our luck and stop by later in the evening.

B and G Oysters is tiny; in addition to the bar which surrounds the open kitchen there are only about a half dozen tables (there is also a patio with about as many tables, but it cannot be relied upon but for maybe two months out of the year, as was the case on our cool, rainy June night). The cramped interior requires tip-top managerial organization and the staff are very adept at handling the flow of walk-ins. If there is no room at the bar, you provide your cell phone number and head to a nearby watering hole.

On a rainy, cool summer Friday night, our wait time was forecasted at an hour but came in at a little over thirty minutes This lag time gave us the opportunity to head across the street and try out the Beehive. This uber hip space is a combination restaurant and club and the crowd and interior seems more West Village than South End. When we arrived around 8pm, we headed downstairs and enjoyed drinks backed by a quiet jazz trio. The dark lower level has a huge bar, exposed brick walls and over-the-top-art. As we neared finishing our 20-oz local beers in Cheers-like dimpled mugs, my phone rang.

After walking across the street and being seated comfortably at the bar, I sized up my surroundings and was alternatively impressed by the talented and tireless oyster schucker, the meticulous cooks, and the knowledgeable servers. Our waitress's knowledge and passion for both food and drink showed throughout our meal. She explained that the dozen oysters available change twice daily, the olive oil is a single press from Greece, and of course it will be no problem to have the kitchen split the clam chowder.

We started with what else, but the oysters -- all varieties we had never enjoyed before (Naked Cowboys anyone?) -- perfectly shucked with varying degrees of salty, ocean sweetness. We liked the oysters so much that we scored a free sample of two of the fried versions, which were presented on a dollop of tartar sauce in their half shell.

B and I did not skimp on the food. Our clam chowders were each topped with a paprika pastry puff and teamed with whole fresh clams. The calamari rings were huge and fried perfectly--just like the oyster appetizer and later, the fries. I needed my New Englander lobster fix and while there was a traditional roll on the menu, we decided to share the signature "Lobster BLT." Any tender lobster would be proud to go out like this with garden fresh tomato, smokey bacon, and just a touch of a tangy mayonnaise to bring everything together. The accompanying fresh pickles, fries, and cole slaw were fresh and generously sized--again, split beautifully by the kitchen without asking.

And though at this point, we were beyond full, we just had to try dessert. Of the three offerings we went with a rhubarb flan-like custard dish, which came topped with pistachio ice cream, candied rhubarb and fennel. This unique treat was tart and a refreshing end to a seafood feast.

The limited wine selection by the glass numbered around a dozen, but provided some unique and well-priced options. Just be careful you don't enjoy those wine selections too much--the tiny winding staircase to the bathroom is quite precarious to navigate, almost making it feel like you are enjoying the sea's offerings from inside of a ship. Our meal with three glasses of wine, a Harpoon UFO, eight oysters, clam chowder, calamari, lobster BLT, dessert, tax and tip came to $165.

Beach Shack Fare in the FC

2011-06-24T13:04:00.000+01:00

Clare and Don's Fried Pickles

While the name made much more sense when the restaurant was located in Clarendon (get it?!), Clare and Don's still delivers a ramshackle beach-inspired experience right outside of DC. Yes, now you do have to drive to get to it, but the sprawling fenced in patio in Falls Church feels much closer the coast! The spacious patio is decorated with garlands of flip flops and the picnic tables are shellacked and brightly painted. And if you don't already feel the ocean breezes, order a draught Kona Longboard Lager and you will soon forget that Tyson's Corner is only moments up the road.

The food is definitively not gourmet, but fun, with most items either grilled or fried. The cornmeal crusted appetizer of silver dollar-sized fried dill pickles is ample for sharing--the best of this gratuitously caloric treat I have had in the area. The buffalo shrimp are every bit as good as I remember from the restaurant's Clarendon days years ago.

Clare and Don's seems as consistent in their delicious takes on snack shack fare as they are on terrible service. The waiters and waitresses, called Dons and Clares, respectively, seem to be everywhere, but inhabit a different world. So expect uneven wait times and to ask for most things twice, BUT if you assume a Caribbean island mindset, the slower pace is much easier to handle. And with prices hovering around $10 for a wide array of beach fare, this is an affordable escape!

DC's "French Laundry" with a Mediterranean Flare

2011-06-21T17:06:00.000+01:00

Photo Courtesy of DCist.com

I should have been able to come up with a more inventive title to describe my incredible experience at Komi last week. But before you hate on this comparison, let me explain. To begin, the difficulty in securing reservations at Komi very much parallels our country's most storied west coast restaurant. While DC does not have Thomas Keller, I found Johnny Monis's talent, creativity, and commitment to seasonal, local quality ingredients to be on par with the former.

Let me get the logistics out of the way up front:

Reservations are taken one month to the calendar day by phone; the reservation line is open from Tuesday - Saturday from 12:00 - 5:00pm EST.
There are no printed menus. While most dietary requests can be honored, the meal will consist of a dizzying array of various sized courses, ranging from mezzethakia (small, light dishes) to a pasta course and a family-style entrée, followed by desserts. The cost is $135; wine pairings are available for an additional $70.
Parties are limited to four people or less.
No photos (for me the hardest rule to follow because the food was stunningly beautiful).

Got it? Now unto the good stuff. I will start by saying that, as with all Eating Around DC's previous splurge occasion restaurant experiences, I will not detail the specifics of any dish since the element of surprise is an integral part of such an experience. I will say however that this culinary safari was the perfect choice for me and B to celebrate our shared birthday. Yes, we were born on the same day in the same year. This serendipitous event is our excuse to go all-out on the special day. And this year, knowing that we would be in DC, we both thought: Komi!

We first ate at Komi about three and a half years ago. For DC foodies, this was way back when there was a printed menu with a price that hovered around $80 and reservations were tough to snag but not the ordeal they are now. We loved it then, we adore it now--even as the prices have surged and the menu disappeared. Why? Let's start with the comfort of knowing that you will not need to make one single decision about your food. So relax, sit back, and just wait to see what the kitchen brings forth. Each dish seems to impossibly surpass the last in terms of presentation, unique flavor, and creativity. We decided to do the wine pairings, which were all impeccably chosen by quirky sommelier Kathryn Bangs, who also offered to further tailor the night to our own personal wine preferences.

Our one and only decision of the night involved water--sparkling or still. This leads me to my one and only criticism. Of the half dozen or so restaurants of Komi's caliber that we have had the pleasure of dining at over the past year, this is the only one that charges for sparkling water. While Pellegrino is not outrageously--though expensively--priced at $7 a bottle, this a la carte charge is irksome in an otherwise inclusive, unfussy environment.

But back to the food and the wine. From Komi's classic stuffed dates to an innovative take on DC's half smoke to the signature housemade lollipop, each dish highlights every ingredient while simultaneously marrying together diverse textures and flavors. The Mediterranean influence is apparent but not 'in your face.' On the wine front, expect the unexpected: a sparkling white wine from... Greece! And yes, it is very good.

And after enjoying wonderful service throughout a lingering spread of nearly twenty treats, we requested a kitchen tour. Our request, graciously obliged, allowed us to see the small space where the magic happens. We were thrilled to speak to the mastermind himself, who happens to be the same age as us! I wish I could accomplish even a fraction of a fraction (even in my own kitchen) of what Johnny has done with Komi, but I have oh so much catching up to do--Komi is a restaurant worthy of a trip to DC just to experience this Mediterranean adventure.

Friend Wins for Savory Crab on Sweltering Day

2011-06-20T00:00:00.060+01:00

I am far less creatively and culinarily gifted than most of my friends. I may write and critique, but it is my wonderful friends who actually cook, create, and invent. While I was covering Savor DC, my friend Kasey was besting the competition a few hours north, taking second place in Philadelphia's Cheese Experiment with her Summertime Savory Cheesecake.

I first met Kasey when I was in graduate school almost ten years ago now. B and I had just started dating when a loud, brash woman--his friend from college--arrived on B's doorstep. Anyone who has met Kasey knows she is one of a kind and quite frankly (and she knows this) I did not know what to make of her. As a star waitress at Morton's in Boston's Back Bay, she graciously opened my eyes (and stomach) to my first premium steakhouse filet.

But Kasey is the ultimate hostess inside her own home as well. I remember a Christmas party in her cramped Beacon Hill apartment; in spite of the closet-sized living room, the place took on a grandiose and resplendent aura. My glass never fell below half full (or empty), and her culinary prowess was on full display.

Like so many of my friends, we now live in different cities, but might Kasey's passion and talent be starting to reach the culinariatti in Philly? I hope so. So DC, in honor of her birthday, I give you the incomparable Kasey and her most recent award-winning invention.

------

Here's the backstory in Kasey's own words -- a Louisville Kentucky native, you will catch a hint of Paula Deen and Ina Garten in both her writing and cooking styles.

There were 20 something competitors, I think, from savory to sweet. I had read about the contest when we were having that gross heat wave, so I decided I wanted to avoid anything hot and heavy. I then remembered a crawfish cheesecake that I had devoured once in New Orleans, and I thought hell. Never tried it, but how hard can that be?

Crawfish season had just passed, so I settled for crab meat, and did mostly claw meat for the flavor and color, and some jumbo lump to give a nice, firm, crabby mouthful every once in a while. The recipe was shockingly easy.

The recipe follows, save for one thing: I made homemade cream cheese (because it was a cheese contest) for all of the cakes save one because I ran out. And honestly, I could not tell the difference except for a tiny bit of a texture change.

Savory Crab Cheesecake

Puff Pastry Sheet
One medium onion
12-16 ounces of crab meat
16 ounces cream cheese
8-10 ounces of good, sharp goat cheese. (Kasey used Shellbark Farms Sharp Goat)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
4 ounces sour cream or yogurt (Kasey used plain, organic yogurt)
2 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut a puff pastry sheet to be a little bit bigger than the bottom of your springform pan. Cover with tin foil and weigh down with beans, a plate or a weight of some kind that will cover most of the bottom. Cook for 8 minutes and let cool. Remove foil and weight. It may shrink so that it doesn't cover entire bottom...no biggie. Turn oven down to 250.

Chop one medium onion and caramelize with a few teaspoons of Whole Food's "Red Chili Paste" found in their Asian/Thai section. Let cool.

Go through the crab carefully to pick out and shells or connective pieces.

Mix both cheeses, cornstarch, salt and yogurt together until combined. Scrape down sides, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

Gently fold in the onion and crab, trying to keep the crab pieces as whole as possible. When well combined, pour into springform pan and put into 250 degree oven. Bake for one hour, then turn off and without opening the door, let the cheesecake sit in the over for another hour.

Let cool for at least 4 hours, and serve either at room temp or chilled.

And if you are so creatively inclined, serve the Kasey way: I threw together a little sour cream/yogurt sauce with some thai spices, but it's also wonderful without.

Founding Farmers Version 2011

2011-06-14T19:33:00.000+01:00

Founding Farmers: Heapin' Plate of Fried Chicken and Waffles

For better or worse, dining out is dynamic. A few years ago, I ceded to the hype and tried Founding Farmers, which is honest-to-God owned by a collective of American family farmers. The restaurant sources fresh products from family farms, ranches, and fisheries from across the United States. In the words of Ina Garten, how bad could that be? Unfortunately, my first impressions: great concept, terrible execution--my original meal there was characterized by lack luster preparations and muted flavor.

On the insistence of friends, I gave the restaurant another go last month and this time found Founding Farmers to be thoroughly impressive: attentive service, hearty portions, robust flavors, and reasonable prices.

Our meal started off with some flavorful drinks. I enjoyed the potent Grandma's Blackberry Sour, a refreshing concoction of Rittenhouse 100, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, blackberries, and a bit of egg white for binding. And B, surprised himself when he discovered a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, from IDAHO...how often do you find wine--and a very good wine at that--from America's Heartland?!

The menu trends toward comfort food. A heaping plate of fried chicken, waffles, and macaroni and cheese was absolutely satisfying covering both the savory (chicken) and the sweet (waffles) with a bit of extra carbs (mac and cheese) thrown in for good measure. The skirt steak and enchilada had just the right amount of heat; the meat was flavorful and incredibly tender, and the enchilada oozing with cheese was a nice contrast. And dessert reminded me of childhood, as the towering cakes are served with a softball sized scoop of ice cream. While not the best red velvet cake in DC, it was great for a crowd and the cream cheese icing was finger licking good with its tangi-sweetness.

The biggest challenge of the evening was making it through the monster portions. But with most entrees between $16 - 18, this is a great choice for group dinners with varying pallets in the heart of DC.

Beer Glorious Beer: Savor 2011

2011-06-05T02:01:00.000+01:00

Savor DC 2011

As a craft beer loving blogger -- this girl loves her beer (and wine) -- I am so happy that beer pairings are catching up to those of wine (perhaps even surpassing the latter on the innovation front) and capturing the imagination of foodies. Last night I was delighted to attend for first time Savor: An American Craft Beer and Food Experience, an annual event showcasing the technique of matching cutting-edge craft beer with food.

Now we know Washingtonians likes their beer. We are fortunate to have the passion of Greg Engert of Birch and Barley and its sister restaurants in our backyard, but if the crowds at last night's event were any indication, DC is thirsty for more. Last year Savor sold out in minutes, and even with the addition of another night this time around, tickets once again proved hot commodities in this its forth year. This year the National Building Museum was filled with:

72 craft breweries,
82,000 prepared menu items (not including cheese, oysters or sushi),
1,705+ gallons of beer,
20,000 pounds of ice,
2,000 attendees,
250 pounds of artisan cheese,
2,000 sushi rolls,
2,200 artisan chocolate truffles, and
2,600 oysters.

I was over the moon to be counted among the lucky few to snag media credentials, but I would have paid to attend in any case. First, let me start by saying the beer guy, that stereotypical bearded, nonchalant fella is quite good company. These guys cannot help but make the atmosphere decidedly chill. No pushing, no shoving, no pretense; just adoration and good-natured passion for the best of the craft beer movement. In line for Dogfish Head, (which with Sam Adams attracted the most interest), I met two pilgrims who had traveled from Arizona to attend Savor.

And of course Jim Koch, the widely recognized founder of the American craft beer movement (and Sam Adams), was the center of attention. He held court with beer worshippers angling in for photographs and handshakes. And in a nod to his New England origins, the lobster roll at Sam's booth was the best pairing of the night. My old stomping grounds fared well, with Trinity Brewhouse (Providence) and Harpoon Brewery (Boston) both selected for the event.

And if the madness of the main tasting floor is too much choice for you to handle, the ticketed salons provide a deeper dive. I sampled an assortment of Bourbon barrel aged brews from Full Sail Brewery, each vintage of which possessed a uniqueness of character. And as if that were not enough, the brewery is led by a woman, which from what I can tell is a rarity in the beer world.

And while California breweries dominated in terms of sheer numbers, it came as no surprise that Oregon stole the show. From Oregon alone, there were so many contenders that it really was hard to pick a favorite. Homegrown brews on the other side of the Mississippi--like Louisiana's Bayou Teche and Illinois's Two Brothers--have extremely limited distribution, so it is only at events like Savor that you get the opportunity to sample them in DC.

And just in case you are lamenting that all good things have to come to an end, this is not true for Savor. All attendees left with a parting gift: flowers. And by flowers I mean the Dogfish Head/Sam Adams collaboration rose water based brew.

So be on the lookout for Savor 2012 -- it is a can't miss for beer lovers; just be ready to buy tickets the second they go on sale. While NKOTB was performing the same night down the block, I think Savor was the hottest ticket in town.

Memorial Day 2011: From Haute to Hot

2011-06-01T17:30:00.000+01:00

Recently I have been in a blogger's funk and have not been able to muster much inspiration. Perhaps it is because two of the fabulous woman who have guided both my weekdays and weekends, Oprah Winfrey and Liane Hansen, said goodbye last week. Or maybe the constant roar of motorcycles circling my condo for Rolling Thunder drowned out my inner voice. But this weekend, staying in DC brought me back to my jovial blogging self with my local Memorial Day weekend journey that went from haute to hot.

Despite the noxious noise, I found Memorial Day weekend a great time to really experience DC as many choice spots were largely deserted. This was certainly true this weekend at the Jefferson Hotel's Quill bar. Despite the absence of a large crowd, the service, cocktails, and entertainment were all top notch. The Jefferson's elegant take on the finer things in life carries from the ornate decor to the menu. While cocktails are not inexpensive ($15 a piece), they are all handcrafted, unique, and creative. Their Tequila Mockingbird, showcases premium tequila in a wash of handcrafted strawberry grapefruit grenadine. And if the menu's listed cocktails do not wet your whistle, there is always the Master Mind, an option that allows for collaboration between you and the bartender; B was quite happy with his chai bourbon-infused martini concoction!

Quill makes it easy lose yourself in a setting that feels far removed in space and time; you forget you are in DC. The plush chairs cradle you as you listen to jazz standards played by the amazingly talented jazz pianist and singer Peter Robinson, whose quirky quips punctuate his amazing by-memory repertoire of jazz greats from Porter to Gershwin. And if the library is not reserved for the evening, make sure you stop in. Signed books of the hotel's many guests line a far wall and it is here you discover that many of America's dining legends have too enjoyed this space.

Readers know that my tastes range from fine to frugal. And it is this leap that brings me to my next Memorial Day food experience -- lunch for two for $3.27. Where, you may ask? And it is that question that causes me to blush ever so slightly. This feast was at the suburban weekend nightmare that is the Pentagon City Costco. But what is more American than enjoying an all beef hot dog in the middle of a consumer-driven, fluorescent lit cafeteria? The hot dog was satisfying in a I can't remember when the last time was I ate a hot dog kind of way. The Diet Coke was free flowing. The onion dicing machine crank, well, that was just fun.

So from haute to hot, there are so many ways to take advantage of long summer weekends in DC.

The Chipotle Duel

2011-05-25T15:31:00.000+01:00

I will unabashedly admit that Chipotle is one of my go-to lunch spots. The wildly successful mega-chain empowers customers to customize endless combinations of fresh veggies and meats for about $7. But customer instructions are critical to this concept, and that's where my experience more often than not goes awry.

Why is it that the burrito-istas always reach for the mild tomato salsa as the default? They immediately grip the mild salsa spoon, ready to draw at any minute, regardless of my desire. I for one have never had the mild salsa (and never will), so I have learned to preempt their reach for the mild spoon. The situation is akin to a lunch showdown, and I do my best to read their intentions and determine whether they are actually listening to me. Will the mild salsa be summarily dumped onto my carefully crafted burrito bowl regardless of what I say? Lately, more often than not, even after (perhaps too) loudly announcing my choice--HOT--it is too late, the scoop of mild salsa has already landed. And I have lost another salsa duel.

Food Field Trip NYC: Cloudy with a 100% Chance of Meatballs

2011-05-19T17:13:00.000+01:00

The Meatball Shop's tasty balls (get your mind out of the gutter!) keep their cozy East Village storefront dining room jammed. And like NYC's many other one hit food wonders, the Meatball Shop's popularity indicates that the city's single-food-restaurant trend is not slowing. On an April Friday afternoon, the wait for the small dining room clocked in at over an hour.

A large communal table occupies the middle of the tiny one-room restaurant, which also includes a ten seat bar, where we were able to snag two seats and bypass the completely unorganized hostess. Hipster waitstaff sported the requisite fedoras and turtle rimmed glasses, so I immediately knew that I was not cool enough for this shrine to the meatball. But the fabulously handcrafted balls and excellent sides were fit for this relatively unhip DC'ite.

Ordering is simple. You mark off your choices on a laminated menu with a dry-erase marker, so one would assume food would arrive swiftly. Somehow our order of "naked balls" got lost (or was submitted with delay); our wait for food was almost an hour (so much for our luck in snagging those bar seats!).

Our traditional and spicy pork ball orders were both fork tender, moist, flavorful, and covered in just the right amount of sauce. And the biggest surprise was the delicious and fresh green sides--we went with an exceptionally crisp, peppery arugula and apple salad and the bitter-and-sweet seared sugar snap peas with mustard greens.

Be prepared to deal with a fair share of annoyances that go along with the any NYC "it" place du jour, but this mecca to all things meatballs is worth a trip. The Naked Balls are $7 an order and the sides average about $5.

Food Field Trip NYC: Morning at the Pub

2011-05-17T20:05:00.000+01:00

In my opinion there is no better Sunday morning comfort food than an old fashioned donut. DC has many highbrow brunch spots that offer excellent designer donuts, but sometimes you want a donut that doesn't require a reservation. So on my last trip to NYC, I made sure to check out the Donut Pub, an institution dedicated to the art of the classic, no-frills donut. With almost 50 years of old fashioned donut making experience, this Chelsea storefront boasts dozens upon dozens of delicious items.

So grab a stool at the laminate wrap around counter, get out your cash, and brace for a bite down memory lane. At a little over a $1 for a classic donut, this may be one of the most affordable food excursions NYC has to offer.

The Donut Pub proudly proclaims themselves the "treasure trove of tasty treats." Well said. I ordered a larger-than-life chocolate and vanilla glazed crueller. This sugary and sweet twisted cake delight was bite after bite of calorie-packed comfort and nostalgia.

Any DC based entrepreneurs with a background in donut making out there want to go into business? Let me know!

A Sunday Night Pig Fest: Masa 14

2011-05-13T18:06:00.000+01:00

Masa 14: Lechon Asado Sundays

Sunday nights just got a whole lot more interesting in DC. In this high strung, uber-type-A city, you might have thought that Sunday nights were reserved for preparing--or dreading--the next morning's plunge back into the workweek. But after a recent Sunday night family style dinner and literal pigfest at Masa 14, I think there is good reason to extend weekend relaxation -- at least until after dinner.

Masa 14 is now offering Lechon Asado (Suckling Pig) Sundays. For $25, you get to choose between traditional or Cuban style spiced and shredded roasted pork. And if you are not in the mood to make any other big decisions (it is still the weekend after all), the rest of the menu--four rotating sides, three salsas, tortillas, and a dessert of sopapillas and chocolate mouse--is predetermined.

This Latin-Asian fusion spread is flavorful and filling. On a recent Sunday visit, the pork was succulent and juicy and far more than my friend and I could finish. And the sides almost upstaged the pig--garlicky, ginger spinach, shoestring French fries in a spicy sauce, rice slow cooked with cream that is finished under the broiler for crunch, and cheesy black beans. The salsas added a citrus infused zest and robust heat. The thinly sliced and fried sopapillas are dusted with coco powder and cinnamon, which contrasted well with the decadent and sweet chocolate mousse base.

In the middle of our main course, a fellow patron appeared to have a bit of food stuck in her throat and was unable to breathe. The restaurant handled this situation with impressive speed; the waiter alerted the manager who quickly administered the Heimlich without causing a commotion. The patron was relieved and not losing her life, she quickly rejoined her husband and continued with dinner. Sometimes I forget all that goes into a restaurant and this example of quick thinking and preparation on the part of Masa 14's staff was impressive and reassuring.

So this weekend if you want to avoid that pesky red light on your blackberry for a few more hours, why not consider a pigfest at Masa 14?

Food Field Trip: Oasis in a Culinary Wasteland

2011-05-10T13:55:00.000+01:00

This past weekend, B and I retreated to the woods of the most Northwestern corner of Maryland for some much-needed downtime from the city. Make no mistake, past credentials aside, I am not mother nature's biggest fan and and no one would confuse me for the outdoorsy type. So you can imagine my initial reaction when B suggested renting a cabin in the woods for the weekend.

Friday afternoon we embarked on a two and a half hour car journey, leaving the city and its culinary comforts behind. B patiently coaxed that it will be fun to stop somewhere "quaint" for dinner. But as we made our way towards our camping-for-yuppies hideout, the Savage River Lodge, we were aware that the pickings were likely to be slim.

Our first food pit stop was Cumberland, where the architecture was charming and the mounds of mounds custard at the Queen City Creamery was indulgent, but the dinner options sparse. So we made our way west to Frostburg's town center, assuming that in a college town, we would surely find something. We found nothing! The main street yielded disappointment after disappointment. On a Friday evening, virtually empty pizza joints, seedy bars (and even seedier clientele) were as good as it got.

As we neared Savage River, we felt like pilgrims in a parched culinary wasteland. So on the last exit before the lodge, we acquiesced to trying the Hen House, a barn-sized restaurant filled with huge taxidermed deer heads, massive fireplaces, and even canoes suspended from the ceiling. We learned that the family-run operation has been churning out chicken dishes since 1961; its latest building a newish replacement to a smaller one that recently burnt to the ground.

While all the food was solid, it was the chicken soup recipe that won us over. This was truly chicken soup for the soul and stomach. The combination of homemade noodles, roasted chicken, and a slight heat to the broth made this almost worth the trip alone. Two half-chicken dinners (each of which comes with soup, salad, and a side dish) with two beers each, tax, and tip came to $60.

Dining faith restored, we continued on our journey a few minutes up the road to the Savage River Lodge. In addition to a Wine Spectator Award winning restaurant, Savage Liver Lodge prioritizes local ingredients. The dining room showcases property-produced maple syrup, local game, and produce from a nearby Amish market (which it stores year round thanks to cold storage). The talented chef and energetic, enthusiastic, and professional wait and bar staff are as authentically excellent as the food.

An appetizer plate showcased three different homemade sausages, of which the meaty wild boar option popped when dipped in the accompanying raspberry Dijon sauce. The soup du jour was "lima bean," and had Mike, the eccentric and gregarious owner of the lodge not passionately described the evening's preparation during happy hour (nor ordered it himself right after), I am not sure I would have taken the plunge. But I am so glad I did. This creamy soup brought the oft-overlooked lima bean to new heights thanks to the pureed preparation and the addition of smoked house maple-cured bacon.

Entrees are eclectic and include extensive vegetarian selections. We selected the eggplant parmigiana and the wild game meatloaf. While vastly different cuisines, the hearty portions were perfect after an afternoon spent hiking amid the pines. And for dessert, Chef Eric dreamed up a peanut butter mousse pie in a chocolate cookie crust topped with a chocolate ganache. This towering slice, even when shared, was over indulgent, but so good!

And while we were dining in the middle of the woods, we did not want for liquid refreshment. The local Heaven's Gate Amber was available on tap at both the Hen House and Savage River. And on the award winning California-heavy wine list, we found one of our favorite Sonoma cult wines, Gundalach Bundschu.

And this city girl is actually looking forward to going back. In fact, upon checkout, we did something we've never done at any hotel, anywhere: scheduled a return trip. When we come back in August, we plan on trying the lodge's Wine Geocache--a high tech, self-directed scavenger hunt that pairs personal GPS devices with a code that will lead to four hidden chests located somewhere amid the property's hiking tails. After we find all of the hidden treasure and collect a cork from each, we will (I hope) triumphantly return to the lodge bar for a glass of wine to savor and reflect on our success. Now that is an outdoor activity that I am happy to sign up for!

Lodging was $220 a night and dinner with wine, tax, and tip came to $180.

Surf's Up in Glover Park

2011-05-06T01:57:00.000+01:00

Though there may be no ocean in sight, Surfside brings a lively island feel to the oft-overlooked Glover Park "strip" on Wisconsin Avenue, just north of Georgetown. The restaurant's tropical hued interior and half-shaded/half-sunny roof deck oozes an oceanside vibe that practically mandates a margarita on the rocks.

Surfside's menu mixes Tex-Mex -- think tacos, burritos chips and salsa -- with seafood, all ordered at a counter. Each entree is inspired and named after beachy destinations from the Caribbean to Martha's Vineyard. On a recent spectacularly sunny spring day, we headed for the roofdeck with our starter order of guacamole. Surfside's take was a hearty, citrus infused bowl suited for sharing.

Fish tacos are ubiquitous on Mexican-inspired menus lately--they rose 22.5% in 2010 on menus across the country. But in spite of this proliferation, I usually find myself disappointed biting into limp, unseasoned, uninspired fish bits, slapped on a tortilla with a dollop of sour cream and/or salsa thrown on to mask the unseemly flavor. But the Negril Taco plate at Surfside was quite simply exceptional. A generous portion of juicy, blackened mahi-mahi was topped with just the right amount of zesty slaw, spicy cream sauce, and fresh avocados.

The generous portions are served with a comforting side of red beans and rice. At about $10 an entree, a meal at Surfside satisfies the need for a beach food escape if you experience such an urge on a sunny weekend day in the city.

Food Field Trip NYC: Shake Shack

2011-05-02T18:54:00.001+01:00

Shake Shack: Love and Custard

When the weather cooperates, spring in New York is spectacular. When B and I stepped off the train last Thursday into a picture-perfect day--sun shining, tulips sprouting, birds chirping--love was is the air. Or was that actually a more potent version of love masquerading as frozen custard?

Walking from Penn Station, our first stop was the Flatiron District, where we repeated a previous food field trip lunch feasting on fried chicken. After that delicious detour, enjoying the brilliant weather, we walked across Madison Square Park and stumbled upon Shake Shack, a counter service hut whose snaking line at lunchtime is visible well before the building itself.

Undeterred by the line, we made our way to the express window, where you can bypass the crowds but only if you are ordering concretely. The Concrete starts with a base of a vanilla, chocolate, or the daily featured custard flavor and is mixed with your choice of rich, luscious toppings. As I ordered, I thought, how is it that I have never had the pleasure of tasting chocolate truffle cookie dough before? The combination of the creamy custard with rich hot fudge, decadent peanut butter, and large chunks of that cookie dough was quite simply divine. But be forewarned, true to its name, after feasting upon a Concrete, you do feel a bit weighted down!

And great news DC'ites. Soon, getting your hands on this sweet treat will no longer require a trip up the East Coast. The Shake Shack is slated to open two DC locations in Dupont Circle and Nationals Stadium in June. Bring on the Concrete!

Food Field Trip NYC: Dining as Theatre

2011-04-28T18:53:00.000+01:00

La Grenouille

I am an avid eater and a lover of all kinds of cuisine. But there is so much more to dining than just the food; on special celebratory occasions (such as our recent wedding anniversary trip to New York), B and I seek out dining opportunities that might be understood better as entertainment than eating. Not only can such an experience mirror the composition of a fine theatre performance--an ensemble cast of supporting players, lighting, presentation, attentive and polished service, wine and spirits--but all the bells and whistles are designed to showcase a star--the food.

Our first act: La Grenouille. This almost 50 year-old institution is dedicated to classic French cuisine. The story goes that La Grenouille first opened its doors on a snowy evening in 1962 and to this day remains largely unchanged. The setting is a mirrored and slightly dated dining room, overflowing with an unfathomable amount of fresh flowers, which add vibrant colors and fragrance to the intimate space. The cast of all male wait staff is attentively hopping about everywhere. I especially appreciated that a cocktail was offered as a prelude before the menu presentation.

La Grenouille offers a pre-theatre 3 course prix fix before 6pm for $60 ($85 with a custom wine pairing), whose menu options are both traditionally French and lovingly and personally prepared. A starter of foie gras, was layered with chicken liver and complimented by a zesty celery root remoulade. The Quenelle of Pike "Lyonnaise” entree consisted of two lighter-than-air mousse brochets served in a rich butter sauce. A dessert offering of rhubarb on a buttery, layered tart (paired with a sweet pistachio ice cream) heralded the beginning of local seasonal spring produce. Surprises were sprinkled throughout the meal: gougeres, cheese straws, and petite fours. And the cast of grey-haired Frenchmen was from start to finish gracious, professional, and charming. Bravo.

Gil

For Act II, the curtain went up the next night on Gilt. This intimate restaurant is housed in the Palace Hotel in the Villard Mansion, a building that dates back to the 1880s. Gilt channels the late 19th century Gilded Age, and this was the scene for the actual day of our 5 year wedding anniversary. Secret doors and hidden passageways set the stage for a whimsical, otherworldly experience. From the ornate bar and waiting area, a sliding wooden door opened to a breathtaking dining room of gilded walls and cathedral ceilings backlit in a red glow. And if you just happen (wink, wink) to head up an extra set of stairs from the bathroom, you will find yourself in an eerie library.

Justin Bogel’s cuisine is as unique as the décor, with a three course prix fix menu starting at $89. A starter of "bacon and eggs" blended tapioca, caviar, bacon, and custard into a truly magical ménage of textured sweet and smoky flavors. The succulent Niman Ranch Strip Loin was complimented by dollops of bone marrow mousse, hen of the woods mushrooms, oyster root with a balsamic reduction, and bits of a vibrant green dehydrated broccoli sponge cake (a bit much!) This performance ended on a high note, with flavor inspired and conceived desserts centered on chocolate, including a mini soufflé, and apple, complete with cinnamon donuts. The service was again an all male cast that left us wondering where the female stars were hiding? And while the service was professional and attentive, there was a certain palpable tension and stiffness (presumably directed at earning that next Michelin star?)

Food Field Trip NYC: I'll Have What She's Having

2011-04-25T16:06:00.000+01:00

Katz's Deli Corned Beef Hash

B and I just returned from an over-the-top theater (Book of Mormon, Good People) and dining (Le Grenouille, Gilt) whirlwind tour of New York to celebrate our five year wedding anniversary. We usually plan our food destinations well in advance with an (over) abundance of diligent research. While this was certainly true for the majority of meals on this trip (more to come on those later this week), I wanted to rundown our impromptu venture one morning after we found ourselves shut out of Clinton Street Baking Company, and left in a deluge of cold, spring rain with no working smartphones to help us with a dining plan B. So we trudged a few blocks up Houston Street, dodging puddles and cabs, and stumbled into Katz's Deli.

We opened the door, were handed a ticket, and brusquely forwarded to the counter and instructed to order. This sounded simple, but was quite complicated, as each item was ordered from a a multitude of stations that seemed to stretch into eternity. Soaking wet and in sour spirits, we were not amused, but we reluctantly went from station to station to order. To put the service in context, this experience makes the servers at Carnegie Deli seem polite and gracious.

We waited for our food amongst a sea of blue and white collar locals, hipsters, and camera-wielding tourists, which I suppose (reluctantly) included us. That's when B noticed a sign directly overhead that proclaimed that Katz's was the setting for the famous scene from the classic movie When Harry Met Sally. How could I have forgotten that?! For some reason this found bit of movie history made me look at Katz's in a more positive light.

And then, finally, after having placed my order twice (my first request was either ignored or forgotten), I was ready to feast on the homemade corned beef hash. The heart attack sized portion was rich and meaty, offset by the crunch of green peppers. The hash had a subtle heat, but it was even better with a few squirts of the deli mustard sitting on the table. While not the brunch we set out to find, Katz's was certainly an experience. And despite the nonsensical service, at $14 for the corned beef hash and a Diet Pepsi, I would return.

Hill Country Barbecue comes to DC

2011-04-20T21:07:00.000+01:00

Having already been smitten with Hill Country Chicken on a food field trip to New York City, I had high expectations when I heard of Hill Country Barbecue's venture into Penn Quarter. B and I decided to brave the hordes on a recent April Saturday night, armed with our appetites. We entered the cavernous space, fronted by a 360-degree bar and filled with long wooden tables. Hill Country's country-themed interior is large but warm, charming and inviting.

Patrons are given a "food passport" upon entry which is presented at the three stations in the rear of the space where, like a kid in a candy-store, you select from classic barbecue main and side dishes. Carvers help you select meats, priced by the pound, and weigh and price them right in front of you, grocery-style. We asked lots of questions of our carver; he was passionate, knowledgeable, and right before we moved onto the sides stations, he revealed that he was the chef! He told us that he had trained the staff at NYC's Hill Country Chicken, so I knew we were in for a treat.

We decided to splurge on the beef short rib: $30 (!) a pound for a Fred Flinstone-sized cut. It was fork-tender, succulent, and well worth the splurge. But the other meats we chose--the brisket and chicken--also had an unbelievable smokey depth of flavor, impossibly juicy and tender. While barbecue sauce is available, we barely touched it, since the flavors of the chicken, brisket, and short rib needed no enhancers.

Sides are no slouch either. The six cheese macaroni and cheese is creamy, tangy and justifies a trip to Hill Country just to give this side a try. Campfire baked beans with burnt ends were hearty and slightly sweet. The one flaw in an otherwise untoppable feast was the cornbread, which was comparatively dry and flavorless.

We each enjoyed a mason jar of beer at the bar before taking our order to go. The heat insulated bags kept everything hot on the drive back over the river. The dinner was not inexpensive, but highly customizable as meats are available at fair prices, and sides come in three sizes. Our meal with two beers, a short rib, barbecued chicken, moist brisket, one medium side, one small side, and cornbread came to $75 with tax and tip, but would have been significantly less had we not splurged on that finger-licking short rib!

The verdict: best barbecue for miles around, which hopefully means that this Manhattan transplant is here to stay!

Dine Like a Founding Father at Plume

2011-04-17T16:06:00.000+01:00

In the past several weeks, all the talk in Washington has been about budgeting, cutting spending, and even the possibility of a government shutdown. And like most DC area residents will attest, sometimes the only way to cope is by tuning out. And how better to tune out of the austerity debate than by heading just blocks away from budget central to the opulent Jefferson Hotel.

Purse Stool

Thomas Jefferson's notoriety as both oenophile and francophile is the inspiration for the culinary lavishness at Plume, the hotel's restaurant. If you have the Presidential sum of $1776 per person to spend on dinner (or maybe an unexpected tax refund), you can get a personal sommelier experience including rare, old vine vintages to pair with a custom menu created just for you. Based on my own splurge experience this fall at Plume sommelier Michael Scaffidi's former employer, French Laundry, I have no doubt that this would be an experience to remember. Full disclosure, my tax refund was not this good, so I have not yet experienced the 1776 way of dining -- would someone like to sponsor me?!

But your check need not necessitate a comma if you order off Plume's nightly menu, though the experience is still most apt for a celebratory occasion. The Jeffersonian inspired surroundings include a soaring skylight, a hand-painted mural of Monticello’s south vineyard, and even a personal stool for your purse.

And there is yet another option to soak up such opulence: stop in for a drink at the adjacent bar, Quill. Packed with cozy nooks and crannies, plenty of original Jefferson memorabilia, and some unique bites and sips, I am more than happy drinking like a well-heeled commoner when my purse can't quite afford its own stool!

Sippin' Like the Southern Belle I am NOT

2011-04-15T16:36:00.000+01:00

Eating Around DC is a born and bred true blue Yankee. But let's face it, DC is well below the Mason Dixon line, and I will readily admit I do sometimes enjoy southern-style delights. Last Friday I found just the springtime elixir to make me relax (for just a passing moment) like a southerner--the peach mint julep at the Degrees Lounge at the Georgetown Ritz Carlton.

This potent concoction of bourbon, mint, peach puree, and a touch of unrefined sugar is smooth and refreshing, and carries just the right hint of sweetness. After one silky sip, I was able to easily settle into the plush burgundy arm chair and contemplate the important things in life, like: what am I going to do for the rest of the weekend?

And to munch on a classed-up take on the s'more. Yes please! This gooey, rich, and complimentary dessert treat is available between 6:30 - 7:00pm. And I have no doubt that folks with a sweet tooth--who hail from north or south of the Mason Dixon line--will enjoy this one.

The one flaw in this cocktail fueled escape (if there is one) is the price: the peach mint julep will set you back $15 before tax and tip. So if you are feeling a little crunched after filing your taxes this weekend, stop by early instead and enjoy some of the other libations at the Rendezvous at The Ritz happy hour, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. nightly where you will find vastly reduced prices--half-priced cocktails and appetizers and select wines by the glass for $6 and beer for $3.

Cupcakes are the new Cocktails

2011-04-13T21:28:00.001+01:00

When a friend, who had recently announced she was pregnant, came for dinner last week I wondered what could serve as a stand-in for cocktails? Hmmm...cupcakes?!

This is not too bad of a trade-off. Calorie-wise cupcakes are comparable to many if not most sugar-laced cocktails. And while cupcakes mean lingering over small bites instead of sips, the ensuing banter, gossip, and bonding remains the same. Plus serving cupcakes requires no lessons in mixology--a variety of styles are readily obtainable from the myriad of cupcake eateries that seem to open monthly in the DC area.

Crumbs, the New York City based cupcakery, descended on DC a few months back. In order to maximize the shared experience, I went for their signature variety pack, which gets you 12 mini cupcakes for $18. The unique, fabulous sounding flavors included cookie dough and grasshopper. And before you judge, please note that we did not eat the whole variety pack by ourselves-- our husbands gladly helped us out.

And while the ensuing conversation was memorable, the cupcakes were entirely forgettable. All tasted of variations of the same blandness. If I had my eyes closed discerning between any two would have been a challenge. While the raspberry swirl and red velvet were the best in the pack, neither measured up to any of the available flavors I've tried thus far at Baked and Wired and even Georgetown Cupcake. While Crumbs has a seemingly endless variety of visually appealing softball sized cupcakes, they are going for quantity over quality in their franchising.

Give me Liberty or Give me Pancakes

2011-04-11T20:21:00.000+01:00

Throughout April, the ultimate month for DC visitors, H Street has proven itself a welcome refuge from the hordes. So guided by this Sunday's Washington Post Gurus guide to pancakes, we headed up to H Street for the second time this month. And I am happy to relay that the Liberty Tree fits the bill for a laid-back, local, Sunday paper-reading brunch.

They say you can't judge a book by its cover, and this certainly holds true for H Street's New England themed eatery, the Liberty Tree. A jarring bright blue exterior surrounds the front door, which opens onto to a small, square dining room, with standard New England accents, which I know from experience is at once calming and depressing. This dimly lit space is fronted by an ample bar that opens directly to the kitchen. While the Liberty Tree is certainly not in the running for any innovative design awards, the visible and tiny kitchen delivers well-executed plates. The lone server for the almost-full dining room was polite but a bit aloof; determined but a bit inefficient.

The pancakes were impossibly fluffy at well over a quarter inch thick. The stack of three topped with a strawberry apple compote tasted almost as good as my Dad's. I can't help but think this is the New England influence coming into play. And an egg white omelet provided pleasantly flavor-packed surprises; sweet goat cheese was punctuated by salty kalamata olives, green peppers, and plump mushrooms. The accompanying red potato hash browns had just the right amount of char.

While $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas were on the menu, the aftermath of last Sunday's brunch at the Biergarten Haus was too fresh in our memory to consider imbibing at such an early hour. Bottom line: for under $30 for two this is a good neighborhood brunch bet -- just come armed with the two Sunday P's: patience and the paper.

Is the Ray-man Empire falling?

2011-04-06T17:15:00.002+01:00

Not only readers of this site but friends, family, colleagues, and pretty much everyone who knows me has known my admiration over the past few years for Ray’s the Steaks, Michael Landrum’s once-innovative concept that brought upscale steakhouse fare to the common man and/or woman. At its original location on lower Wilson Boulevard in between Courthouse and Rosslyn, you could find great cuts of steak for around $25, which included sides, and special touches, such as a shot of hot chocolate to conclude your meal during the cooler months.

By any measure, the Ray’s empire has proven a smashing success, with its first expansion in Silver Spring, and later a Presidential-approved burger shop and a neighborhood eatery in East River. Long-promised additions to come include Ray’s the Glass (wine and bites) and Ray’s the Catch (fish). The original Ray’s moved its operation up the street into much larger digs in the Army-Navy Building in Courthouse a couple years back. At the beginning, the changes seemed largely positive: more seating (yes please!), reservations (table for 2!), and a new wine program (cheers!).

BUT, and this a BIG BUT (and one that is going to no doubt attract a slew of angry emails and comments), in spite of--or perhaps even because of--the changes which came with a bigger space, Ray’s is just not what is used it to be. In fact, over the last several months, I've come to the regrettable conclusion that what was once my favorite spot for a casual dinner with B or for an out-of-town gathering of friends and family has lost a lot of its luster. I am writing this post with a heavy heart and a bit of trepidation. But at this point in time, I cannot recommend Ray’s without several qualifications.

A rotating door of waitstaff has replaced what was once a stable cadre of familiar, efficient servers. Prices continue to inch up--the modest Caesar salad is now $6.99 and the fillet is up to $31.99. And that hot chocolate that accompanied the check in the winter months? No longer. Dessert favorites keep disappearing too; first it was the coconut cream pie and then the cheesecake (OK, neither were available at the original Ray's), and most recently the decadent and airy white chocolate mousse (which was on the menu from the beginning). What replaced them? Nothing.

The only recent additions to the menu have been the dry aged selections, which are admittedly a bargain at a few dollars extra, but they've been hit or miss. Occupying what was once a lounge area, and later part of the "bistro" dining section is a massive locker--Landrum's latest pride, joy, and obsession--full of aging cuts of beef.

The atmosphere, which was always intended as nothing more than functional is also worn. Scuffed tables line the main dining room (table cloths long since removed), and the air temperature on a recent visit vacillated between too hot or freezing cold. And the dining room is now filled more with exurbanites (on the weekends) and area office workers (on the weekdays) than with your community neighbors.

And the steak itself, once lovingly prepared, now seems to emerge from the kitchen slopped onto a plate with temperature and presentation an afterthought. While the steak can still at times be great, it is a gamble whether that steak ordered medium will be well done or rare. And I wonder whether some of the dry aged cuts I've recently tried were aged enough or appropriately.

B and I dine at Ray’s frequently -- to the tune of thousands of dollars a year, as do many of our friends. There have been times as of late when we've left pleased, but the chorus of complaints--some trying it for the first time, others regulars--continues to crescendo. I truly hope this will only require a course adjustment and a return to the original emphasis on quality, value, and community. But right now, the Ray’s empire is perilously close to falling off the cliff from neighborhood greatness to mass-dining mediocrity.

Who's that Kid with the Oreo Cookie?

2011-03-31T18:20:00.009+01:00

Bayou Bakery's Paper Bag of Sweet Nostalgia

Over-the-top takes on childhood classics are all the rage right now. Having an insatiable sweet tooth, I have tried a myriad of these inventions around DC, and while I have largely been impressed with the creativity and appearance, I am often disappointed by the flavor execution. But last week, I sampled Bayou Bakery's take on the O-R-E-O and was more than pleased.

David Guas's Dat ‘O is a giant chocolate sandwich cookie, of both ample size--and sweetness--for sharing. The rich chocolate cookies carry the buttery finish reminiscent of the original Nabisco varietal; the sugary, firm cream filling is slightly sweeter than the classic version, but is an apt contrast to the rich dark chocolate bookends.

The Dat 'O takes the Oreo idea to new heights, which is the reason for this post -- I know, my third on Bayou in the last six months. And while I had no intention of reviewing Dat 'O, this sweet treat is worth the post and your trip to Arlington Courthouse. Now if only Bayou would think about adding more treats to its sparsely populated dessert case!

Where are you being watched?

2011-03-28T13:45:00.001+01:00

It has been said that DC is filled with more spies than any city in the world--do you ever feel like you are being watched? I do and I have confirmed my suspicions! Let me explain.

Perhaps a nod to the good ol' boy history here, or the hunting culture close by in Virginia horse country, or nothing more than just a whimsical designer's touch, but taxidermy – real and faux – dominates! Based on three experiences in the past month, I can safely assert that deer heads are just as much a part of the DC dining scene as politicians and fanny-pack wearing, camera carrying, cherry blossom-seeking tourists.

This trend is not new. From stately classics like the Capital Grille to reliable institutions like the Old Ebbitt Grill to the German-influenced newcomer Biergarten Haus, the eyes have it!

Let’s start at the top. The Capital Grille is known as one of the most reputable high-end steak house chains in the country. And at the DC location, feels like a cross between a Mad Men set and a gussied up dining room at a hunting lodge. While admittedly both comparisons I have not experienced, at the urging of B, I did recently relish a dinner here. And under the watchful gaze of stuffed animal heads, and that of a pewter eagle seemingly taking flight from the kitchen, we enjoyed some of the finest service and most polished steakhouse classics in DC. Where else does each server take such pride in their work that they provide their personal business card after the meal? And while great steak is a hallmark, the accompaniments are just as memorable. They will gladly serve you a cup--vice a bowl--of the french onion soup. The macaroni and cheese teems with large chunks of sweet lobster claw meet and the house made coconut cream pie is on my short list of best desserts in DC.

Old Ebbitt Grill has whimsical faux taxidermy of all kinds. Yes, you will find the standard deer head, but can also enjoy oysters under the watchful, perhaps even, envious eye of a walrus! Here again, the dated feel is part of the charm. And while waiters and waitresses are not quite as polished, the majority are efficient, friendly, and well seasoned – Old Ebbitt is one of the top ten highest non-chain grossing restaurants in the country! While part of the Clyde’s Group, the food and service here always seems a notch above Clyde's (and vastly superior to the reliably dreadful service at the Georgetown location). A recent brunch offered a zesty, crunchy romaine heart Caesar salad and an indulgent Southern-inspired take on shrimp and grits. Coo coo ca choo!

On H Street, the feisty ram Hans greets you as you belly up to the bar at the Biergarten Haus. While I cannot yet comment on the food, the German beer, offered in both half and full liter steins, can be a meal in itself. After a couple of liters, Hans might just appear to bob his head to the oompa music.

So DC diners, next time you are out, look up and around…you never know who or what may be watching you!

Food Field Trip: Symon Says Cleveland

2011-03-25T14:52:00.001Z

The prospect of business travel to Cleveland on a frigid week in early March was not exactly an inspiring thought. And I was surely not expecting to have an exceptional meal and dining experience on this field trip. But, the food, ambiance, and service of Iron Chef Michael Symon's Lola Bistro proved on par with fine dining restaurants world wide.

Beef Cheek Pirogi

Yes, I know this sounds gushy, but Lola almost warrants a visit to Cleveland--though preferably outside of winter--just to experience Symon's inventive cuisine. Lola effortlessly combines modern touches (wine lists on iPads, a soaring open wine room behind the bar, sharply geometric chairs) with the classic (dim lighting, white table cloths, tear drop chandeliers). Service was knowledgeable, passionate, and friendly, with a welcome side of Midwestern warmth. And the food was classic without ever being boring.

Pork Chop

Appetizers of fried bone marrow and beef cheek pierogi were indulgent yet accessible. The famed pork chop and venison entrees my dining companions and I feasted upon all brought out the juicy and tender flavors of the meat. And dessert was satiating and playful. Three chocolate, orange, and hazlenut donuts were served with hot chocolate for dipping.

After this meal, I think we should all do what Symon says or more specifically, enjoy with abandon what Symon creates. If you find yourself in Cleveland this place is a must. Appetizers average $15 and entrees hover around $30, with a wide-ranging wine selection.

Double Ds: Dangerously Delicious Pies Await on H Street

2011-03-20T21:38:00.000Z

H Street's Dangerously Delicious SMOG Pie

The food scene on H Street NE has evolved from what was once a row of hipster watering holes to now include some vibrant and eclectic dining destinations. A recent Living Social offer fortuitously led us to try Dangerously Delicious Pies--on the eve of Pi Day no less. We were pie-eyed by the myriad of both savory and sweet offerings of this Baltimore import, so we decided to order one of each.

For the savory we opted for an entire SMOG pie, which despite its name was a delicious combination of Steak, Onion, Mushroom, and Gruyere. This pie's hand-made, hand rolled crust was a treat for the eyes as well as the buds. When punctured, the buttery, flaky crust revealed a hearty filling that tasted like someone had slaved all day in the kitchen: tender and large pieces of steak, onions, and mushrooms were enrobed in a beef cream sauce.

And for the sweet, the Chocolate Chess, a Swiss chocolate and heavy cream chocolate ganache creation which according to DD's menu "equals an amazing chocolate pie experience." And I can say, that why yes, yes it does!

We got both pies to go and were impressed with how well they reheated at home. These pies would make a great housewarming gift, and the whole pie easily feeds four for around $35. With so many choices, I will definitely be back many more times well before Pi Day 2012!

An Afternoon in Paris (by way of Georgetown)

2011-03-17T15:24:00.000Z

Patisserie Poupon pleases my (wanna be) Parisian palette. Try to say that five times fast. Fortunately, you don’t have to! But you can experience relatively authentic French café fare on the northerly outskirts of Georgetown.

We discovered Patisserie Poupon a few weeks ago owing to an Express article on where to locally purchase a king cake, which we promptly ordered for a Mardi Gras celebration. Their non-traditional but absolutely delicious version was a buttery croissant ring tinged with cinnamon and sugar, and contained a small king.

So thoroughly impressed with the cake, we obliged our taste buds once more and ventured last weekend to the small storefront cafe on Wisconsin Avenue. The line may be long, but it is absolutely worth the wait. Opt for one of the savory selections, like the pate and cornichons on homemade brioche. Its intense flavors were simultaneously earthy, buttery, and tart. Or select the more traditional baguette jambon fromage if your appetite is heartier. The flavors were matched by the lovely heated outdoor courtyard seating; I actually forgot that we were in DC.

For dessert we shared a dark chocolate layered raspberry mousse cake, whose rich flavors and delicate preparation immediately brought me back to my favorite dessert house in Lyon (if only I could remember the name!). I splurged with the delicately prepared hot chocolate, but the reasonable prices with lunch for two under $30, kept our travel budget in check.

Though we were satiated, we opted to pretend to be in Paris for a little while longer and did some window shopping, with Wisconsin Avenue our Champs-Elysees. This was easy to do given the handful of French-inspired boutiques adjacent to the café. Head up the hill to a series of unreasonably priced design stores, where you can browse through modern to mid-nineteenth century pieces, that will make you crave a luxurious French country estate in which to feast on such French fare. Sigh… at least for now, I will just have to wistfully dream on Wisconsin.

And if you really want to French-it-up this spring -- April in Paris anyone? --French Twist DC details the upcoming Georgetown French Market.

Bon Appetit!

A Topless Twist to the Cupcake Trend

2011-03-14T17:18:00.003Z

Topless Bakery: Lavender Lemon Cupcake

Want to go topless this spring without baring it all? Think dessert.

You might have thought cupcakes were the stuff of bad reality shows and birthday parties, as DC has seen far more than it's fare share of this trend. But what happens when you turn the cupcake craze inside out? You get Topless Bakery, an Alexandria based delivery operation that dares to invert the frosting! It's playfully risqué treats are piped full of goodness, their tops laid bare!

Elise is the baking maverick who dreamed up this playful concept while working a 9 to 5 desk job. Inspired by her maternal baking lineage, she has made Topless Bakery a family affair. Her sister provides the creative names, her mother the lavender, her father the sometimes delivery man.

The topless concept lets both the cake and the frosting shine, with a philosophy that even your mother would approve of: its what's on the inside that counts. The treats include creative cupcakes (at $3.25 each) such as the birthday suit (blush), a vanilla cupcake with rainbow sprinkles full of butter cream, and the Triple C (gasp) cream cheese filling baked into to a rich chocolate cupcake.

My favorite, the lavender lemon cupcake, surprised me. I usually find lemon flavored sweets almost cloying. This sophisticated flavor palette was refreshing with a sweet lemon frosting surrounded by an almost impossibly moist lavender infused cupcake.

The tea cakes actually amp up the filling to cake ratio. They include tangy custards such as strawberry and lemon, and are available in standard and bite size portions, like the Cuddle me Carrot.

Delivery is free, and there is no minimum order, so this DC original can be sampled without the hassle of waiting in line for the ever popular cupcake. Cupcakes and teacakes are 6 for $22.50 or 12 for $37.50. You can also sample Elise's creations at Eola in Dupont circle, the Soundry in Vienna, and at the soon-to-open Queen Vic on H Street.

Perhaps DC should consider going topless (cupakes, that is) this spring...

Food Field Trip Vieques: Bringing it Back to DC

2011-03-10T12:00:00.194Z

Before I present a review of my most recent food field trip, I would be remiss not to mention the pure bliss of rum cocktails on a winter Caribbean vacation. And while DC may not boast azure waters, balmy breezes or rum production, if you get creative, you can recreate that feeling here in DC (more on that later) on a rainy March day.

At the W Vieques Resort's outdoor firepit, we enjoyed gourmet bar bites from Alain Ducasse and the rum creations of talented mixologists. My favorite drink, the Downhill Racer, was a smooth and tropical mix of rum and pineapple juice served over ice. B's choice was a riff on the Manhattan--with premium dark rum (what else?!) instead of bourbon--which paired well with succulent short rib sliders. And while these uber trendy rum cocktails were potent, it was Duffy's and their expat bartender Adam that really won us over.

The vibe at Duffy's, located on the side of the island opposite the W (a whopping 20 minute drive -- it's a small island) is everything a beach shack should be: an open air full bar with plentiful seafood choices and panoramic views of the Caribbean sea. I thought the $6 classic rum punch was perfection, though I thereafter realized for a dollar I could have Adam spin the wheel for a chance to win another drink. And what did that wheel land on? You guessed it -- a free rum punch. A drink and a wheel spin at lunchtime proved to be quite the relaxed, adult Price is Right.

The majority of the food at Duffy's consumed during two lunchtime visits was not overly memorable, nor all that palatable without the aforementioned rum. But there was one notable exception: the daily special of conch ceviche, which included fresh citrus and was kicked up by Duffy's delectable homemade mango hot sauce.

What to do for rum and sand if you find yourself stuck in DC for spring break? Don't fret. First, head over to the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum for photographer Mario Garcia Torres's visual tropical escape. Running through March 27th, the multimedia Directions exhibit pairs photographs of what remains of the once popular St. Croix Grapetree Bay Hotel with a still of the place in its heyday. This piece is strangely haunting, but brings you right onto the Caribbean shore. The entire slide presentation lasts 12 minutes and is backed by Mario Lopez Landa's Caribbean-influenced soundtrack.

Thirsty yet? Cross the mall and walk through Penn Quarter to PS7 for its Sun and Sand. This concoction of Brugal rum, rootbeer crusta, orange and vanilla delivers a sunny creamsicle for adults. This cocktail will make you forget you are in DC. Just be patient; PS7's mixologist Gina Chersevani is (rightly) gaining in popularity for her creative concoctions, the bar area can be jammed, and the bartenders are in no rush. But for $10 (the Hirshhorn exhibit is free), you too can experience a Caribbean-inspired rum fueled escape right in the heart of DC.

Bourbon Steak: Hello...and Goodbye Chili Dog

2011-03-06T19:20:00.010Z

Bourbon Steak's Red Apron Half Smoke with Venison Chili

Metrocurean's February Delicious Deal led us to Bourbon Steak to try out new chef Adam Sobel's bar menu. At the princely sum of $7--beyond a bargain at a restaurant whose entrees hover around $50--the off-menu "smoke and stout" special included a local Red Apron dry-aged beef and pork half smoke and Dale's Pale Ale (they were out of stout). Before you drop everything and run to Bourbon's lounge in droves, this special ended in February. However, I spoke to the folks at Bourbon late last week, and they informed me that they are thinking about making the special available again--or even adding the half smoke to the lounge menu--no decisions have yet been made. In the meantime, I am not below begging, so Bourbon, please, please, please consider adding this delicious dog to your menu.

But our Saturday night was not just half smoke filled. Upon arriving, both the lounge and restaurant were absolutely jammed, but we managed to snag a bar table among the sea of beautiful people and cougars. The style factor here was higher than most DC restaurants -- except for maybe the W -- so I was glad I opted for heals and a dress over Uggs and jeans. The service was attentive and incredibly efficient.

We started with lobster corn dogs, a staple on the lounge menu. For $15 you get six mini lobster filled fried dough balls on sticks. I was impressed with the amount of lobster and thought this take on comfort food was a fun and easy to maneuver bar snack. We paired these little guys with classic cocktails -- a Hemingway for me (rum, grapefruit, and maraschino cherry) and a gin and (house made) tonic for B; both were textbook.

Now onto those dogs. There were actually two half smoke choices. I opted for the venison chili version with charred jalapeno and cheddar cheese sauce. The chili would be delicious on its own, but was well matched with the cheese sauce and crispy baguette which both countered the heat and soaked up the juices. B had the so-called NY Cart Style with sauerkraut, spicy ketchup, and onions. This more traditional presentation was equally as delicious and elevated street food to high art.

We also shared a requisite order of Bourbon's famous duck-fat fries. A crispy, indulgent trio (complimentary in the dining room) of herbed, Old Bay, and cheddar fries were paired with homemade ketchup, cheez-whiz, and barbecue sauces.

Our experience at Bourbon (great service, creative cuisine) will certainly lead us back for a splurge dinner in the near future. Delicious, stylish, and trendy all in one -- how often do you find that in DC?!

And if you are so inspired and can't wait until Bourbon decides whether to add the chili dog to the menu, We Love DC details Sobel's recipe for the venison chili: top a Red Apron half smoke and you have yourself a hearty meal!

Let the Good Times Roll: Mardi Gras in DC

2011-03-02T13:58:00.001Z

Mardi Gras is quite the foodie holiday, bringing wanton gluttony to the winter doldrums. But unlike Thanksgiving, with its bounteous food, or St. Patrick's, with its free flowing libations, New Orleans-style Carnival celebrations can last several days, and hold claim to both good food and drink.

DC offers some surprisingly authentic Mardi Gras options. Below are the details on two of my past favorites as well as a new one this year. And where will I be spending the evening you ask? -- at a work training in Cleveland! And not only in Cleveland, but out by the airport, so while the good times may be limited for me, Tuesday, March 8th should be a great time if you find yourself in the DC area.

In DC, Central's annual celebration runs from 5 - 10:30pm and includes live music from Laissez Foure, traditional New Orleans inspired food and cocktails (both areas where Central excels), and of course, beads and trinkets.

Over the bridge in Arlington, the local parade starts rolling at 8pm, bringing a tinge of the feeling you get when watching the parades roll by in the Big Easy ... less the open containers of course. But the area around Wilson Boulevard has plenty of opportunities for both pre- and post-parade libations.

Ragtime is always a festive choice for Mardi Gras, with hurricane and cyclone specials and plenty of Cajun fare backed by live New Orleans style jazz from Le Bon Tempes Krewe.

Bayou Bakery is new to the mix this year but might well prove the most authentic for Mardi Gras food and drink with Louisiana native David Gaus serving up $7 "Chew Dat" specials (gumbo, jambalaya), as well as beignets and king cake from 5 - 10:30pm. Wash it all down with Abita Amber available on tap.

Outside of New Orleans, DC is a pretty good place to be for Fat Tuesday. Sigh... if anyone knows of celebrations in Cleveland, please let me know!

Are cupcakes God?

2011-02-27T20:07:00.000Z

Georgetown, the capital's capital for all things cupcake, never fails to deliver varied and amusing scenes. Today, Baked and Wired asserted on their storefront placard that "Cupcakes are God." Overstated maybe, but, insightful, right? Not for one passerby--seemingly not 100% with it--who took extreme umbrage to this theological assertion. Yelling to no one and everyone as he walked up and down the street, this gentleman exclaimed that cupcakes may be "good - G - O - O - D, but they ain't God." To bolster his argument, he stated that he had taken communion at the cathedral this morning and it was not in the form of a cupcake. His rant, repeated multiple times, ended with an emphatic "HA!"

But might he be onto something? Never have I found my master's in theological studies a useful tool for my food blogging, but given the ever-increasing lines at the cupcake shops in Georgetown and the myriad of churches in the neighborhood that go half full each Sunday, perhaps dolling out cupcakes (mini ones to be economical of course) could be a win-win for filling empty pews? Sacrilege, I know, but frankly, not a bad idea.

In other news, Baked and Wired is offering "Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes" in celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 17th. But if you can't wait until then, Sprinkles brings more sweetness to the Georgetown cupcake madness on March 3rd. So, HA!

Metro 29 Diner: Ooey Gooey French Toast

2011-02-25T18:51:00.000Z

Metro 29 Diner: French Toast

A craving for french toast last Sunday left us stumped, but multiple google searches--validated by a friend's recommendation--revealed that Metro 29 Diner is known for its Challah bread varietal. Recently visited by the bleach-blonde, brash, Food Network Guy Fieri on his Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Metro 29 is a classic no-frills Greek diner on Arlington's Lee Highway. Its penguin-suited waitstaff promptly serve up grub behind a bar backed by cases full of towering cakes.

Despite the Internet accolades, I was slightly hesitant to go back to Metro 29. Past brunch visits disappointed with heavy, heavy, heavy options, including an egg white omelet that practically necessitated a nap...I could not imagine the side effects of the whole egg varietal. On another trip, some forgettable pancakes were accompanied by the environmentally unfriendly and wholly unorganic Smucker's individual serving syrup. And then there was the time we asked about the fresh squeezed orange juice, labeled as such on the menu, and saw a waiter pouring a glass of "not-from-concentrate" orange juice right out of a Tropicana carton. This claim is a stretch at best and blatant false advertising at worst.

But despite these flaws, the french toast lived up to the hype and is worth the trip. The indulgent slices of housemade challah are dipped in an egg bath and served hot off the grill. The crispy exterior yields to a warm, gooey center with hints of custard, cinnamon, and vanilla. For $9, two slices come topped with a mountain of your favorite breakfast meat, which in my case is crispy, greasy bacon.

The crowds on weekends can be overwhelming, but if you are a party of one or two, you can usually snag a seat at the small counter to the left side of the hostess stand without having to wait. Service is brisk, efficient, and at some junctures friendly. And like any good diner experience, you have to pay at the counter following your meal.

Mesmerizing, Magical, Majestic

2011-02-21T14:49:00.000Z

The Majestic: Amish Chicken with Fettuccine

Until last week, I had experienced the pleasure of indulging at three of Cathal Armstrong's establishments -- Eamonn's, Eve (both the tasting room and bistro, pre-blog), and PX. -- but had yet to try Majestic. This was not for lack of effort -- "Nana's Sunday Dinner," a family-style prix fix, is a hard reservation to get. But the magic of a rare 60+ degree evening in mid-February changed our luck and B and I walked in and got an early table without a reservation last Thursday.

The understated dining room is backed by classic diner tunes playing at a volume appropriate for conversation. And the friendly, accommodating staff (we had to be in and out in an hour and our waitress graciously coordinated with the kitchen) set the tone for what would be an unpretentious but indulgent meal that will have us coming back often.

This is the type of comfort food that you wish would find its way to your neighborhood. The dishes seem effortless in the warmth that they bring to your table, but the scene from the open kitchen makes it clear that they are anything but. Amish chicken with a side of creamy house made fettuccine was hearty and flavorful drawing out the natural richness of the dark meat. A special of veal osso bucco was fragrant in an herbed gravy set off in both color and flavor by the saffron risotto nestled below.

A side of Chef Red's (named for head chef "Red" Overmiller) onion rings, thick cut and fried tempura style, were accompanied by housemade ketchup, an aoli, and Ranch dipping sauces. This order was totally gratuitous on our part, but also one that was greatly enjoyed.

And while prior plans did not permit time for dessert, the truffles that accompany the check were filled with decadent dark chocolate studded with chocolate chips and rolled in coconut. If this one bite tease is any indication of what those delicious towering cakes yield, I will surely allow time for dessert on our next visit.

Two glasses of wine, two entrees, side, tax, and tip came to $105.

DC Represents: The People's Best New Chef

2011-02-17T18:50:00.000Z

Four DC-area chefs snagged nominations in the Mid-Atlantic category of Food and Wine's People's Best New Chef Contest. And unlike most industry awards, this one allows the eaters (us!) to pick the winner.

And since I pride myself on being an over-achiever-eater, Eating Around DC has feasted on the fabulous but varied cuisines of each of the four chefs--on multiple occasions. It is going to be a tough choice, as these chefs all manage to combine the traditional with the trendy across cuisines as diverse as Italian, French, Cajun/Creole and American classics; dining experiences range from counter service to white-table cloth elegance.

Linked below are the reviews of the four nominees' restaurants in the last year -- guaranteed to make your mouth water. This is going to be a tough choice... I am still deciding on which one will earn my vote. What do you think?

Kyle Bailey, Birch and Barley
Daniel Giusti, 1789
David Guas, Bayou Bakery
Nicholas Stefanelli, Bibiana

Voting is open through March 1st on CNN's Eatocracy, so go support the DC food scene and vote. No matter which chef wins, let's see DC on top. And if you were looking for an excuse to get out this weekend, now you have four -- after all, all voters should be as well-educated as they are well-fed!

2 Amys: Naples in Northwest

2011-02-16T17:13:00.000Z

2 Amys

A few years ago my hankering for good pizza in DC always led back to the same place: 2 Amys. In recent years, the DC pizza puzzle has been much easier to solve thanks to brick oven offerings such as Matchbox, Fireworks, and Pete's Apizza. But for certified (2 Amys is a card-carrying member of the Verace Pizza Napoletana) Neapolitan pizza, 2 Amys remains second to none in DC.

The family-friendly prices almost always bring a loud and rambunctious atmosphere to the dining room -- not always the most relaxing evening. But I recently discovered that 2 Amys to-go travels splendidly. A few weeks ago B readily volunteered to pick up this treat on his way home from work--could that be because of the quality, affordable Italian wine selection by the glass and small bites available at the bar while he waits? I think so. But I'll take it!

Last week, a starter of polpettes was ample for sharing among three. These fork tender, bite-size meatballs were almost sweet and complimented by a generous douse of tangy marinara sauce.

The pizzas that followed -- Margarita, Santa Brigida, Norcia -- all had a nicely charred, chewy crust with just the right amount of sweet and salt contrast. The toppings were fresh, flavorful, and would have been a treat on their own. Rich mozzarella, house-cured salami, and peppery arugula added great flavor to that textbook crust.

The WaPo food critic asserts that 2 Amys has lost its luster, but in my experience, 2 Amys is still an authentic, delicious treat. This Italian escape runs about $12 per individual pizza.

Food Field Trip Vieques: El Quenepo

2011-02-14T12:05:00.002Z

Vieques Island: Green Beach

B and I just returned from a week long vacation on the small island of Vieques, which is just off the east coast of the main island of Puerto Rico. We spent the majority of our time last week laying on the island's white sand beaches and snorkeling amid its shore-side reefs. And I swear I was not going to blog about food on this trip -- this was after all a retreat from reality where my blackberry did not have service even when I wanted to cave and check-in with the world. But then we had a meal that was quite possibly one of the best we've had in the past year (anywhere) and I thought couldn't go without mention on this blog -- so out came the camera and the mental note-taking. Sometimes I just can't help myself! If by any chance you do make it to Vieques, you will not be disappointed with El Quenepo.

Located along a small row of guest houses, bars, and restaurants along the Caribbean Sea in the tiny village of Esperanza, El Quenepo is best experienced after a spectacular February (insert month here) island sunset. The restaurant faces the ocean and its dining room is marked by understated island decor and white tablecloth, candle lit tables. The menu consists of some eight appetizer and ten entree options, and the night we were there, they had an additional three and five respective caught-that-day specials. Our service was flawless (and this was uncommon if not completely nonexistent on this sleepy island); our server explained in great detail and with abounding knowledge all of the evening's specials. Unable to decide on the dizzying array of food choices, we started by ordering a bottle of Albarino, an unobtrusive Spanish white wine which would pair well with most any fish item and cool us off after an afternoon in the sun.

My conch chowder was rich and creamy; a seemingly New England style chowda-base with tender pieces of conch was complimented by crispy corn and tender potato cubes and topped with a dollop of creme fraiche. This could have been a meal in and of itself.

The sushi appetizer special of the evening was an overflowing California roll with melt in your mouth tuna topping the ample sized pieces filled with crunchy cucumbers and topped with microgreens.

After these appetizers we shared a unique take on Caesar salad; its crisp romaine leaves were offset by tangy artichokes and the requisite Parmesan shavings.

El Quenepo: Spiny Lobster

And believe it or not, this was all before the entrees. We definitely over-ordered a bit. The tender, meaty spiny lobster--caught that day, chosen from three weight sizes--was served over a fettuccine in a tomato cream sauce enhanced with spinach and poached baby shrimp and pesto.

El Quenepo: Shrimp and Lobster in a Mofongo Basket

El Quenepo knew their local lobster. Our other lobster of the evening was placed in a twice-fried so-called "mofongo" basket. In both San Juan and Vieques, we sampled our share of mofongos, but none tasted like this. This hearty version used mashed breadfruit (pictured) in place of the traditional plantains. We were unfamiliar with breadfruit, so the owner eagerly walked outside to her backyard and brought us one to see. It goes without saying that fresh and local ingredients dominated the menu, and the apt chefs made each dish more memorable than the last.

Dessert choices were almost as tough to choose from as the entrees and every bit as creative and flavorful. We were so stuffed at this point, so I was so happy that we lingered long over dessert. The deconstructed apple pie--which rivaled the creative selections of Restaurant Eve's tasting room--consisted of a poached apple filled with caramel popcorn gelato, nestled beside house made peanut brittle, and leaned on a four cheese biscuit accented with coral-like sugar art. Every bite of this dessert popped!

El Quenepo: Deconstructed Apple Pie

A lot of dining rooms in exotic locales survive and even thrive simply because of the location. El Quenepo would be exquisite anywhere, even the spectacular waterside views paled in comparison to the meal. The prices matched, but this was well worth the cost. Three appetizers, two entrees, dessert, wine, tax, and tip came to $250.

District Taco: Now with a roof!

2011-02-11T12:45:00.000Z

District Taco: Burrito Mojados

While trucks, carts, and all manner of food-on-wheel options permeated DC this summer, what happens when the weather is too cold for street meat? While in the case of District Taco, it means coming inside and expanding their meals on wheels empire with a brick-and-mortar operation. While District Taco's carts continue to thrive, the Arlington storefront on Lee Highway provides slightly more formal amenities, like seats and a bathroom!

Obviously, the tacos are the showpiece, but being a sucker for a good burrito, I went all out on a recent visit and ordered the burrito mojades. I turned the heat up on this burrito--already spicy--with the addition of fresh diced jalapenos. Ample portions of black beans, rice, and chicken, topped with a spicy chili-laced salsa and a mercifully cooling swirl of sour cream, result in a hearty lunch that requires a seat indeed as you will need a knife and fork to tackle this burrito.

The passion behind this project is clear, and I was impressed to see an employee making the rounds of the small dining room to ensure everyone was enjoying their lunch. And the burrito was really good; though I still think Pedro and Vinny's (yes, a food cart) is the best in the city. And as for best ever, Boston-based Anna's Taqueria still has my heart (and stomach).

A tasty burrito and a Boylan's fountain soda was $10. While this is not worth the trip across the city; if you are in the area it is a solid, casual lunch option, and definitely exceeds the offerings at omnipresent Chipotle and Baja Fresh chains.

Best Burger in DC: Rustico Ballston

2011-02-08T12:45:00.008Z

Perhaps second only to specialty cupcake shops, DC has experienced a surge in dedicated burger joints. But after a life-changing burger experience this past weekend, I would like to nominate yet another contender, which in my opinion surpasses all the others: Rustico Ballston's dry aged cheddar cheese burger.

Rustico's Dry Aged Burger

A hearty portion of savory, flavorful meat (cooked to order) is sandwiched in between a toasted house-made brioche bun and smothered with tangy cheddar cheese. The richness of this unbelievably juicy burger is cut with a red wine shallot aioli. And do not let the large mountain of hand cut fries in the photo above fool you; this is one big burger. The crisp and salty skin-on fries are ideal to mop up the burger juices. And if all this was not enough, add not one, but two varietals (both traditional and smoked) of homemade ketchup. Burger nirvana awaits...

Rustico: Star Hill Love

And if you can handle it, pair this burger with one of close to 50 beers on tap (and an even greater selection by the bottle). I opted for Star Hill's Love, a floral, wheat beer; B went with Sierra Nevada's Hoptimum brewed with whole cone flower hops packing a punch at 10.4% alcohol and 16 ounces. And to make this meal even better and more wallet friendly come during happy hour every day from 5 - 7 when all beers are $2 off.

While service glitches are still a mainstay, any hassle is worth it; this is the best burger I've tasted in the DC area.

Digitally Dining: DC Douchebaggery...Or Why I Need a Vacation

2011-02-04T12:00:00.004Z

Cactus Cantina: Chips with a side of Self Importance

Yes, yes... I know DC is a high strung, Type A, around-the-clock work city. But having said that, this scene left me agape. Look closely. Not only is the guy in the puffy vest texting (vice engaging with his dinner companions, which is sadly not all that an uncommon of a site in the metro area), but the first thing he did upon being seated was whip out a stand for his smart phone. Really?! Is this typical behavior? I guess he should be applauded for his ingenuity in avoiding carpal tunnel risks.

And if you couldn't guess from the tortilla chips, frosty beer mug, and plastic red glasses of water, this was not a power establishment. If you cannot relax and enjoy (okay, tolerate) the (mediocre) food at Cactus Cantina -- or as B and I like to call it, the Poor Man's Lauriol-- where can you?

And with this DC Dining experience emblazoned in my memory, I am headed to a tropical isle to eat, drink, and relax -- electronic devices excluded! But fear not, new content will appear on Eating Around DC thanks to some already scheduled posting -- I guess I am a Washingtonian after all!

Lyon Hall's Bounteous Brunch

2011-02-02T12:45:00.010Z

Our first meal at Lyon Hall, right after it opened last spring, made us question whether this place was ready for prime time. But after working out some kinks, menu tweaks, adding a daily happy hour (5-7)* and weekend brunch, I am pleased to report that Lyon Hall is now ready for the Arlington dining spotlight.

Brunch this past Sunday was everything a good brunch should be. James Taylor crooned in the background of the bright, window lined downstairs dining room. And to start: donuts! We opted for a mocha glazed and an Earl Grey from their selection of fresh-fried donuts. Both were fantastic airy, slightly misshapen, and humongous. The Earl Grey was surprisingly sweet, with a sugar glaze and just a hint of its namesake; the mocha glaze was rich, with a semi-sweet chocolate glaze kicked up with a coffee infusion. At $3 each or four for $9, the mouth watering selection changes weekly. The Lyon Hall kitchen knows their pastries, whipping up tasty treats for not only this restaurant, but their sisters Northside Social and Liberty Tavern as well.

Lyon Hall: Mocha Donut

And I did not think it could get any better, but it did! B and I uncharacteristically got the same entree: three eggs your way over a short rib potato hash. One word: decadent. And this descriptor is in spite of the fact that we both chose egg whites. This dish clicked. From the foundation of wine braised short ribs seared with potatoes, to the fluffy egg whites, to the bitter greens with a light vinaigrette, the preparation was both unique and flawless.

Lyon Hall: 3 Eggs over Short Rib Potato Hash

Unlike on previous visits, our server was knowledgeable and attentive, even with a full dining room. I dare say that this brunch rivals the Tabard Inn (without the month wait time--at Lyon Hall we actually got a same day reservation). If you are so inclined, $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas are also available. Two donuts, two entrees, tax, and tip came to $40.

*On a recent Sunday night happy hour trip we enjoyed $3 beers while seemingly surrounded in a sea of Match.com meet ups. Great beer and some fun people watching too. Is Sunday night the new blind date night? Let me know, dear readers, I am out of the loop!

Old Town Eating: Union Street Public House

2011-01-30T18:32:00.000Z

Old Town Alexandria's: Union Street Public House

When it comes to dining in Old Town Alexandria, what comes to mind most immediately is Cathal Armstong's burgeoning empire--Restaurant Eve, the Majestic, PX, and Eamonn's--which this year is slated to expand by another 50% with the planned opening of Virtue Feed and Grain (upscale Irish and global comfort food to seat 300) and Society Fair (a European style market with a bakery, butcher shop, wine shop and prepared food store, with nightly food and cocktail demonstrations).

This past weekend we found ourselves on King Street in Old Town without an Armstrong dinner reservation. This lack of planning led to a fun food find. Union Street Public House operates in a renovated Colonial warehouse adjacent to the soon-to-be Virtue Feed and Grain space. The ground floor of the space is a large and loud bar, which was filled to capacity when we showed up late Friday evening. Advised by the bouncer that there was a dining room upstairs, we made a beeline through the crowd to the stairwell. Wrought iron chandeliers, exposed beams and brick, and booth nooks adorned the upstairs space.

My first thought was how similar this place seemed to Durgin Park, a century old Boston institution in an equally touristy area. At Durgin Park, once you make your way through the first floor bar and upstairs, you also discover an old world charm and some classic (albeit no frills) New England cooking. Is Public House the Old Town equivalent? I am happy to report that is in many ways (minus a century or so of history) it is. The friendly service, the classic reasonably priced dishes, and the draft beers all made this place feel genuine.

An order of Wally’s oysters brought plump bacon topped broiled fried oysters kicked up with pepper butter.

Union Street Public House: Wally's Oysters

The Cioppino, shown in the split portion below, was teeming with fresh seafood, clams, mussels, and white fish. The dish would have benefited from a bit more heat and pasta cooked a tad more on the al dente side, but it was nonetheless a hearty comfort on a cold night.

Union Street Public House: Cioppino

For dessert we opted for the completely gluttonous option: icebox cake. While I was expecting something more like Magnolia Bakery’s version, I was not in any way disappointed with the moist tower of cake interlaced with a chocolate buttercream. This is a chocolate lover's dream.

Union Street Public House: Ice Box Cake

The meal was washed down with a few local draft beers. We enjoyed lingering over our final sips with the standards and jazz playing in the background. Dinner for two with shared appetizer, entree, dessert, tax, tip, and three beers was $50. And while we did not partake, their restaurant week special was a $35 three course dinner for two -- half the price of the standard deal.

Fantastic Falafel: Max's

2011-01-27T17:30:00.098Z

Max's Kosher Cafe Falafel Station

Continuing on this week's defacto theme: Jewish delis -- this time a less-hyped closer to home option -- I bring you Max's Cafe. My Wheaton-based friends have been raving about the falafel sandwiches here for some time, and they tell me they always make this a key part of their eating itinerary when they have visitors in town. This past Sunday I was able to try it out and, wow, were they on the mark with this recommendation.

This cavernous counter service deli and market with white and black checkerboard floors and bright red banquettes is massive. And even on Sunday morning at 11:15am, just moments after opening, the line of falafel-seeking pilgrims was close to a dozen people long. But no need to worry; Max's has this process down. You order your sandwich at the counter and then head over the falafel/shwarma station.

The guys manning this station are no-nonsense, yet playful, busy hand-making falafel so fresh that as soon as it emerges from the fryer it goes right into pita pockets. And that's when the decisions begin -- dozens of pickled vegetables, fresh chopped cucumbers and tomatoes, humus, tahini, and more to choose from. And one more choice before your order is complete: mild, medium, or hot.

I went with pretty much everything at medium heat and was blown away by this sandwich. Falafel can be dry and usually adorned only with a sad slice of tomato and some lettuce. Not here! The still warm falafel were cradled by the humus, enhanced by the pickled vegetables (including cauliflower and eggplant), kicked-up with finely diced jalapenos, and pulled together in the pita. So flavorful, so filling, so good, and so affordable (at $4.95)!

Max's Kosher Cafe: Falafel Sandwich

Max's is worth the trip, about twenty minutes outside DC. Before you go, know that Max's observes the Sabbath, and therefore is closed Friday sundown through Saturday. And the location is not picturesque -- tucked into the corner of a strip mall off of University Blvd -- but the falafel is fantastic!

Food Field Trip NYC: Carnegie Deli

2011-01-26T14:22:00.002Z

Carnegie Deli is not exactly an unknown food find. You can usually see the lines of hungry tourists well before you see the inside of one of the most famous Jewish delis in the country. But this place is actually worth the hype and can be manageable if you know the tricks.

The most important part of enjoying this landmark eatery is timing. A later lunch (after 2, or perhaps even a tad later on the weekends due to the Broadway matinees nearby) likely means nonexistent lines. Once you get in, be ready for a brash, no-frills experience from start to finish: you are quickly ushered (border-line shoved) to your cramped table, shoulder to shoulder with your neighbor. Your server will arrive shortly thereafter and provide you with no-nonsense (even proudly rude) service. But then the free pickles arrive; by far one of my favorite parts of eating here. These multi-varietal crunchers provide a sweet, salty start to your meal.

Carnegie Deli Pickles

Portions here are infamously huge. So sharing makes sense. But there is a $3 additional fee to share. To get around that, have one person order dessert and one person order an entrée. This will be more than enough food and gets you around that pesky sharing fee. Prices here aren’t inexpensive; the larger than life sandwiches hover at $20 -- so the sharing fee seems rather petty.

On a cold winter afternoon the Matzoh ball soup ($7.95) is warm and satisfying. The rich homemade chicken soup broth is poured over two baseball size mounds of matzoh. Comfort in a bowl.

Carnegie Deli Matzoh Ball Soup

And the truffle torte cheesecake ($9.95), the size of a small car, provides the best of all desserts in one. Half rich, decadent NY style cheesecake, half equally rich, dark chocolate mousse, and topped with a chocolate ganache, this is one of those treats that causes you to keep indulging long after you are full.

Carnegie Deli Truffle Torte Cheesecake

And right in line with the refusal to accommodate customer whims, the place is cash only. And before standing up to go pay at the register, your server will no doubt bluntly remind you that you leave your tip at the table. This schtick is tiresome, but the food and eating surrounded by thousands of pictures of celebrities in the heart of Manhattan more than makes up for it.

Coffee Culture: Caffe Amouri

2011-01-24T12:50:00.033Z

Caffe Amouri Roaster

A few weeks back the owner and namesake of Caffe Amouri contacted me about his first foray into food (well, technically drink) as a full-time-career. This venture features house-roasted coffee, and the menu includes a dozen or so espresso varietal drinks and more than 20 loose leaf teas. As Michael wrote, Caffe Amouri takes their “offerings very seriously.”

I was torn as to whether to make the trip to try this place out. I am not a coffee drinker and Caffe Amouri is located (gasp) just outside the beltway in Vienna, VA. But I work in Tysons and my coffee-loving friend S works in Vienna, so I decided last Friday to take an afternoon break from my day job to try it out.

My first impressions: we are not in Tyson’s anymore (which is a good thing in my book). The vibe of this corner, sun-filled shop is mellow. Burlap sacks of raw beans surround a larger-than-life bright yellow roaster, from which an aroma of freshly roasted beans fills the air. The walls are adorned with album covers; 80s legends like Boy George and Michael Jackson gaze upon you while you decide on your beverage.

The staff, friendly and knowledgeable, guided S towards a decaf Costa Rican blend and me toward a semi-sweet hot chocolate. S’s eyes rolled back in her head as she savored her coffee. At $5 for a French Press serving that could serve two, it is an affordable luxury.

Caffe Amouri French Press

The Belcolade Belgian hot chocolate was on par with Co Co Sala’s – rich, thick, and indulgent in a simple way that heightened the smoothness of the chocolate. And while this one requires a drive, it is also almost half the price of Co Co Sala's ($3.55 for 16 oz of milk, semi-sweet, or dark).

Caffe Amouri Belgian Hot Chocolate

I was surprised by how much I liked Caffe Amouri – enough for a return weekend trip for B to try the coffee. The owner's passion in this endeavor is evident. If you work in the area and need a break from the over-the-top type A world that is Tyson’s, this is your answer.