at home in dc

Les Images

2009-05-16T07:53:00.001-07:00

I was browsing Flickr, and found some really neat shots of my neighborhood so I thought I'd share.

By Flickr user Ronnie R.

By Flickr user Ohad.

By Flickr user Citron_Smurf.

A Cuppa Kava

2009-05-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, I was out running a few errands, and was super psyched to find that my neighborhood Yes! Organic Market is now stocking Yogi Kava tea. Kava root has long been prized for its ability to relax the mind and induce sleep, and the stuff is no joke. I'd tried some a little while ago at my sister's recommendation, and about a half hour after drinking a cup, I found myself in a totally blissful relaxed state. Not unpleasantly groggy - just extremely calm. I fell asleep easily, slept straight through until morning (which is unusual for me), and awoke feeling more deeply refreshed than I had in a long while. This is some seriously awesome tea. If you don't live near Yes! Organic Market, you can purchase the tea from Yogi's website, or, in bulk, from Amazon. (I'm not sure if Whole Foods is carrying it at this time. I've checked a few Whole Foods stores and haven't seen it.)

Photo taken from Yogi's web site.

Mama's Middle Eastern Marvel

2009-04-27T15:49:00.001-07:00

This past Friday, Jason and I were on a quest to find a place where we could take advantage of the balmy weather by dining al fresco. We decided to park ourselves on the outdoor patio of Mama Ayesha's, the little Middle Eastern restaurant which sits on Calvert Street right between Adams Morgan and Woodley Park - perfect for people watching on a Friday night. I'm surprised I hadn't been to Mama Ayesha's before, given its proximity to my apartment, but it's one of those places that I always seem to pass by on my way to somewhere else.

I'm glad we decided to give it a try because, if Friday's meal is any indication, Mama Ayesha's is definitely a strong contender for my short list of neighborhood favorites. With such a great location and gorgeous decor, Mama's could probably get away with serving so-so food, but there were no signs of laziness coming out of this kitchen, now run by the nephews and great nephews of its namesake chef, "Mama" Ayesha Abraham. Almaza, a light and refreshing Lebanese beer, proved a perfect accompaniment to the warm weather and low-key vibe. An appetizer of Foole M'damas (fava beans blended with fresh lemon juice, cumin, and a hint of fresh garlic topped with fresh tomatoes and red onions) provided an earthy counterpoint to crispy triangles of pita bread, and paired perfectly with an order of Sujok, densely flavored spicy beef sausages.

The yummy appetizers were a fitting prelude to our wonderful entrees. I had the Mouzat, a lamb shank baked in a tomato stew with "secret spices," served with rice and green beans. Our server informed me that the lamb is cooked for three hours, and judging by the way the tender meat fell effortlessly away from the bone, I'm inclined to believe him. Jason had the Mixed Grill, a combination of shish kabab (marinated lamb), kifta kabab (marinated beef), and shish taouk (marinated chicken breast) served with rice and grilled vegetables. The bite, ok, bites I pilfered yielded more delicious tenderness.

Alas, we were too full for dessert, though the Arabian Rice Pudding made with rose water sounded like a great way to end a great meal. I'll definitely have to make a return trip to see for myself.

Good to know:
Mama Ayesha's is located at 1967 Calvert Street, a quick walk from the Woodley Park Metro stop (Red line). Upon exiting the Metro, walk south on Connecticut and take a left on Calvert. Mama Ayesha's will be on the left hand side after you cross the bridge. Atmosphere is casual.

A Meeting of the Molecular Minds

2009-04-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Last night, Jason and I attended a lecture by acclaimed chefs Jose Andres (above, left) and Wylie Dufresne (above, right) at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Jose Andres directs ThinkFood Group, the team behind DC's Café Atlántico, Jaleo, Zaytinya, Oyamel, and critically acclaimed MiniBar, as well as L.A.'s new The Bazaar restaurant, which was just granted an almost-unprecedented four-star review by the L.A. Times, while Wylie Dufresne heads up his eponymous WD-50 restaurant in NYC, and is widely considered to be a leader of the molecular cuisine movement in the U.S. It wasn't so much a lecture as a discussion between the two chefs, moderated by Colman Andrews, an expert on Spanish cuisine, founder of Saveur magazine and columnist for Gourmet. The conversation focused mostly on the emergence of Spanish Vanguard Cuisine and its influence in the United States and the world, as personally experienced by Andres and Dufresne, both of whom have been heavily influenced by the Spanish avant garde approach to dining.

The story begins, of course, with El Bulli restaurant in Roses on the Costa Brava. Adria is the well-known creator of such inventions as "culinary foam" which he employs, among other techniques, in his brilliant deconstructivist dishes. His approach (which is dished out in a 30-course predetermined tasting menu) can be defined by his subversion of familiar dishes, which he accomplishes by toying with the molecular composition of the ingredients. For example, he might serve a "tapioca" of Iberico ham, the flavor of the ham distilled in tiny, liquid spheres, or a dish of frozen polenta shavings. Sound hokey? Check out this photo gallery. I think it's easier to visually comprehend the nuance and beauty of his dishes, which are difficult to describe in words.

Anyway, Jose Andres worked in the kitchen at El Bulli for some time and was an apprentice of sorts to Ferran Adria. During last night's discussion, he joked "he hired me because there was no one else around!" (A pretty modest proclamation for a chef dubbed "the boy wonder of the culinary world" by the New York Times!) So now Andres is bringing Spanish molecular cuisine to American palates; all of his restaurants either focus on or employ its techniques. What really struck me about Jose Andres was how evident it is that he views cuisine as an art form, and as such, a mode of communication amongst diverse people. Throughout the discussion, he referenced Matisse several times, as well as Jackson Pollock, and compared the restaurant experience to a gallery. He talked about how, by employing familiar flavors (which provide a common cultural reference point) in unfamiliar ways, we create a new cultural synthesis with the familiar in dialogue with the unfamiliar. For example, his version of clam chowder (pictured above at right) consists of bowl containing a single raw clam next to a puff of clam juice mousse, potato foam, a drizzle of chive oil, and smears of onion jam and bacon cream. It's all of the flavors of a traditional clam chowder presented in a way that totally subverts our understanding of what clam chowder is and can be. A sort of thesis/anti-thesis that could be compared to modernism/post-modernism in art, except with food.

Wylie, for his part, talked mainly about how he visited El Bulli in the mid-90's and was totally blown away by the way Ferran Adria's food "smashed preconceptions of what a dining experience should be." By this, he meant the destruction of the appetizer-first course-second course-dessert structure so typical of French cuisine (in which he was classically trained). He talked about how Ferran Adria really paved the way for chefs to experiment with many small plates (as opposed to one large entree) that keep the palate in a state of constant curiousity and stimulation. I must say that although Wylie is well-spoken, he was totally upstaged by the charming and outgoing Jose, who was really hamming it up, cracking self-deprecating jokes and generally having a good time with the audience. Jose seemed to sort of dominate the conversation.

It was really an interesting discussion, and I think, a good example of how museums can serve as forums for conversations about relevant, contemporary issues, and move beyond the outdated object repository model. So, thumbs up to NMAH for an awesome event. The place was absolutely packed, and everyone seemed really excited to be there. (This event, by the way, is the first event in an ongoing series called Preview Spain: Arts and Culture, sponsored by the Embassy of Spain, the National Museum of American History, and the Smithsonian Latino Center. Check here for other upcoming events.)

Photo of Jose Andres' clam chowder from www.starchefs.com.

Photo of Jose Andres and Wylie Dufresne from www.americanhistory.si.edu.

April Fools?

2009-04-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

Today, the Web site Civil Eats published the following blurb:

"Alice Waters’ office today confirmed reports that the doyenne of sustainable food has partnered with Dean and Deluca on a new line of frozen foods that, in a statement released to the press today, her office described as “a crossover product making sustainability accessible to a wider audience”. The “Simple Perfection” entrees, which consist of a oven-ready terra-cotta plate rubbed with garlic and sprinkled with salt are designed to be laden with seasonal vegetables by the user.

The small bottle of olive oil included in each entrée can be used to dress the raw salad or to prepare your own seasonal vegetables for the oven. Planned for a May ’09 release, the harissa-rubbed bazaar entrée and evocative finocchio, which will be scented with burnt fennel pollen, will widen the line. A descriptive brochure included in each package describes suitable ways of procuring food for the entrees, including farmers’ markets, foraging, and growing or killing animals yourself. Asked why the entrees were frozen given that they consist mostly of a few condiments, Ms. Waters’ office stated “the vision was to fully replicate the simple convenience of frozen food – down to the last detail.” Priced at $19.99 per entree."

Ok, good one, Alice! You got me! Happy April Fool's, right? Right? *fingers crossed*

Cafe MoZu at the Mandarin Oriental

2009-03-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to dine at the Mandarin Oriental's Cafe MoZu for breakfast on Saturday morning. I've always loved Eggs Benedict, and Cafe MoZu's version doesn't disappoint. The eggs were perfectly poached, the hollandaise sauce enhanced by a drizzle of black truffle salsa. It was the first time I'd been to Cafe MoZu, and actually the first time I'd stepped foot in the Mandarin Oriental, which is dramatically decorated with majestic views of the Potomac and the Jefferson Memorial. It's easy to imagine the labyrinthine hotel and its two restaurants (in addition to MoZu, the hotel boasts Eric Ziebold's celebrated CityZen) playing host to power lunches and clandestine political dealings. It had a sort of clubby, privileged vibe without being overly stuffy. Very DC. Very good eggs. All in all, it was an absolutely lovely way to start the weekend.

Kitchen Inspiration

2009-03-15T14:42:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately, I've spent the better part of the weekend in bed, trying to kick a virus. The upside? I've had plenty of time to catch up on my Google Reader, and am finding myself totally inspired by some of the kitchens in the design blogs I frequent. I love looking at these pictures and imagining long, lazy Sunday afternoons preparing a roast with a glass of Malbec in hand, quiet mornings with the New York Times and a mug of freshly brewed coffee, and intimate dinner parties with family and friends.

I like the idea of having a table right in the kitchen (as the first photo illustrates), perfect for catching up with a friend while the homemade chocolate chip cookies are in the oven, or hanging out with a good book and some Chai tea, keeping an eye on the pot of chili on the stove. In the second photo, a versatile and mobile island boasts great storage. I'm digging the array of colorful cookbooks (I assume they're cookbooks anyway) in the third photo. And finally, I love the clean, contemporary lines in the fourth photo, and the way the room is warmed up with quirky cherry blossom-inspired touches.

Photo from Apartment Therapy.

Photo from Domino.

Photo from House to Home.

Photo from Domino.

Rib stickin', finger lickin' good

2009-03-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

Jason and I went over to our friends' Dan and Steph's apartment this past Saturday, and enjoyed an absolutely amazing meal of barbecued ribs that Dan smoked himself (using a smoker like the one pictured above), complete with homemade barbecue sauce, cole slaw, baked beans, and Jason's delicious Oreo pie for dessert. The ribs were so incredibly tender, the rich smoky flavor intensified by a rub of crushed red pepper, cumin, ground coriander, and kosher salt, smoked over a mix of mesquite and hickory wood. Seriously, these were probably the best ribs I've ever had. We have decided that we must own a smoker. (Or finagle more invitations to Dan and Steph's place for dinner...). In the meantime, I thought I'd share the recipe for Dan's super delicious homemade barbecue sauce and Jason's awesome Oreo pie.

Dan's Super Delicious Homemade Barbecue Sauce
2 cups ketchup
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
4 large cloves garlic
2 large tbsp Gulden's mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Bring contents to boil. Let simmer 15-30 minutes. Can be reheated.

Jason's Awesome Oreo Pie
1 Oreo brand pre-made pie crust
2 pkg (4 oz each) Jello Oreo flavor instant pudding and pie filling
2 1/2 cups Cool Whip
15 double-stuffed Oreos
2 1/2 cups milk

Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat well with wire whisk, about 2 minutes. Gently stir in 1/2 of Cool Whip and crushed Oreos to taste. Pour into pie crust.

Refrigerate 4 hours or until set.

Garnish with remaining Cool Whip and cookie halves just before serving.

A Virginia Valentine's Day Weekend

2009-02-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

Happy (late) Valentine's Day, everyone. I hope you had a good weekend. I sure did! Jason surprised me by booking two nights at a traditional country bed & breakfast in Barboursville, Virginia (about 20 minutes outside of Charlottesville). Nestled in the foothills of the Shenandoah mountains, Prospect Hill Plantation Inn consists of a 1732 manor house, with various outbuildings that have been renovated and decorated in an authentic historic style.

We left after work on Friday, and after getting stuck in some nasty NoVa traffic, we finally arrived at the inn around 8:30. As we pulled into the long, tree-lined driveway, I felt as though we'd entered another world. With its winding cobblestone walkways, fountains, and series of quaint yellow clapboard buildings, Prospect Hill Plantation Inn resembles a small village. We were greeted by the proprietor, Bill Sheehan, and immediately whisked into the dining room, where our traffic-frayed nerves were soon soothed by a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon an incredible four-course meal: creamy carrot soup, a mixed greens salad, tender pork tenderloin in a rosemary sauce with asparagus and mashed potatoes, and an amazingly moist tres leches cake. Sated and far more relaxed, we were led to our cottage, the Carriage House (pictured above). It was dark when we arrived, but upon waking Saturday morning, I was delighted to find a perfect view of the surrounding rolling hills, illuminated by a soft orange-pink sunrise.

After a breakfast of blueberry pancakes, bacon, orange juice, and tea (which Bill delivered to our cottage), we set off to explore Charlottesville. We started with the downtown pedestrian mall, which reminded me a little bit of the Ped Mall, in Iowa City, filled with restaurants, shops, and people strolling and enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. I fell in love with a shop called Caspari (pictured at left), which carries a well-edited collection of exquisitely designed paper products, home furnishings, and other sophisticated knick knacks. We also enjoyed getting lost in Circa, a labyrinthine 10,000 square-foot antique store overflowing with a colorful array of treasures, with a great selection of retro 50's and 60's era wares.

My favorite place in Charlottesville was Main Street Market, a collection of nine locally-owned culinary delights all tucked under one roof, including: Feast! (a specialty cheese and grocery store), The Butcher of C-ville (a wide variety of all-organic meats), http://www.sfdatwestmain.com/, Albemarle Baking Company (fresh-baked artisanal bread and pastries), Hedge Fine Blooms (florist), The Seasonal Cook (cookware and kitchen items), Geerharts Chocolates, Orzo (restaurant and wine bar), and Calvino Cafe (coffee shop). It was a true food-lovers' mecca, though I refrained from buying anything, preferring instead to just absorb the loveliness of it all (and absorb some cheese samples at Feast!).

After a quick lunch at Christian's Pizza (a slice of spicy chicken with peppers and a slice of spinach artichoke - both delicious), we decided to check out Barboursville Winery (pictured below) a vineyard set in the gently sloping hills surrounding former governor James Barbour's estate, which still contains the ruins of Barbour's house, designed by his friend, Thomas Jefferson, and gutted by a fire in 1884. Bought by vintners Silvana and Gianni Zonin in 1976, the vineyard now produces Virginia's most award-winning wines, and offers spectacular scenery, tours of the wine-making facilities, and a tasting of 16 wines for a mere $4 per person. The staff at Barboursville's was super knowledgeable, but also very approachable (none of that "Oh, you can't taste the notes of blackberry? You poor plebian...you probably can't even detect the hint of tar either.") I picked out a bottle of the Vintage Rosé, a light berry-flavored blend, and a bottle of the Pinot Grigio, an award-winning varietal with a light, fruity taste. A staff member explained that the Pinot Grigio grape is incredibly tolerant to Virginia's seasonal fluctuations, and so has thrived and produced wonderful wine. Jason also picked up four bottles of red - I believe the Cabernet Franc Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, the Octagon Blend, and the Nebbiolo (Jason, correct me if I'm wrong).

For dinner that night, we drove back into Charlottesville and ate at the Blue L ight Grill (pictured below), a lively little raw bar and seafood restaurant on the pedestrian mall. We, of course, could not resist the oysters, and started with a sampler plate. Dinner for me was Shrimp Fettucine with ribbons of zucchini in a lemon buerre blanc sauce. Jason ordered the Monkfish and Shrimp Sautee, served with potato sticks, chorizo, spinach and a garlicky-basil sauce. The food was wonderful, and the portions were pleasantly modest, which was good because we decided to stop at Splendora's (pictured below) for gelato afterwards. I had a scoop of Bacio (chocolate and hazelnut) and a scoop of Salted Caramel. Jason ordered Chocolate, Mexican Coffee, and Espresso. It was a delicious way to end a truly delicious day.

Sunday, we ate breakfast at the inn (goat cheese omelettes, sausage, fruit, orange juice, and tea), and bummed around Charlottesville a bit more. Most of the stores were closed though, so after walking around a bit, we decided to just head back to DC.

It was an absolutely lovely weekend, and I must say, I am a very lucky girl.

Nando's Peri Peri: Delicious (very, very).

2009-02-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

Rebecca and I met for dinner at Nando's Peri-Peri on Friday night. If you haven't been to Nando's yet, bump it to the top of your places-to-try list! The newish Chinatown eatery features Portugese-style flame-grilled chicken served in a surprisingly chic setting, and it is absolutely delicious.

The concept is brilliant in its simplicity. You choose a chicken iteration (choices include wings, a quarter chicken, a half chicken, a chicken sandwich, chicken strips, and more), and then choose your level of spiciness - lemon & herb (for the sensitive palate), medium, hot, or extra hot. The chicken is grilled to order and brought to your table juicy, tender, and slathered in your choice of sauce. (The menu also offers some non-poultry choices like a steak sandwich and various salads, but trust me, you're here for the chicken.) We both ordered the quarter chicken -I got mine hot, and Rebecca got hers extra hot.

Heat mongers will love this place - this chicken was truly spicy, not dumbed-down spicy. And in case the extra-hot just isn't hot enough, there's a condiment station stocked with an assortment of flavorful spicy sauces so that you can take matters into your own hands and dial it up a notch. We each got a side of mashed potatoes, which were rich and garlicky, the perfect foil to the tear-jerking heat of the chicken.

The food is casual, yet the experience feels sophisticated thanks to a hip interior (exposed brick, lots of art on the walls, and oversized plants in giant clay pots) and a nice drink menu, replete with Portugese beers and wines. A glass of cool Cara Viva rosé was the perfect imbibement, refreshing my palate between fiery bites of chicken.

How good is this chicken? It's so good that I convinced Jason to go there with me yesterday for lunch. Forty-eight hours was too long to go without.

Good to know:
Nando's is located at 819 7th Street, NW. Exit the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop toward H Street, and continue north on 7th. It's on the right-hand side about halfway down the block.

Photos by Flickr user Mr. T in DC.

"Six more weeks of winter" calls for soup

2009-02-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning, took one look outside, and decided that it was chicken noodle soup weather. The wet, snowy conditions (and reports of local flu outbreaks) make me crave the warm hearty soup of my youth - heavy on the garlic for extra germ protection. My parents, by the way, make the best chicken noodle soup in the world. I remember, in elementary school, I would come home after school, and my mom would have a pot of soup on the stove, filling the house with its comforting, savory fragrance. "Just a little after school snack," she would say. It was so good, and ever since I left home for college, I've been trying to re-create it, with varying degrees of success. Even using the same recipe, it somehow never tastes quite the same as I remember it.

So, I'm browsing around on Epicurious this morning, and just came across this recipe. It's a departure from chicken noodle soup as I know it, but it sounds absolutely delicious. Maybe instead of trying to duplicate the chicken noodle soup of my childhood, I can start mastering my own variation. I will report on the results.

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Sesame and Green Onion

Ingredients

1 pound skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut crosswise into thin strips
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons dry Sherry
2 tablespoons oriental sesame oil

3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)*
2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce**

4 cups chopped Napa cabbage (from 1 head)
6 green onions, thinly sliced
8 cups canned low-salt chicken broth

1 14-ounce package fresh yakisoba noodles or Chinese pan-fry noodles
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

Stir chicken, soy sauce, Sherry, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in medium bowl to blend. Let stand 20 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours.

Whisk garlic, tahini, ginger, sugar, vinegar, and chili sauce in small bowl.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add cabbage and green onions and sauté until cabbage is tender, about 5 minutes. Add broth and bring to boil. Add chicken with marinade and tahini-garlic mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly; cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing.)

Cook noodles in large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain. Add to soup in pot. Stir in half of cilantro. Season soup with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro.

* Sold at Middle Eastern markets, natural foods stores and some supermarkets.

** Available at Asian markets, specialty foods stores and some supermarkets.

Photo by Brian Leatart taken from Epicurious (originally published in Bon Appetit).

Spices: just right for a Friday night.

2009-01-26T19:28:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, Jason and I had planned to see Waltz with Bashir at E Street Cinema, but the 7:30 show was sold out by midday. We could've gone to the 10 p.m. show, but honestly, by the time Friday rolls around, I'm usually ready for a pretty low-key sort of evening (the kind where I can be warm and cozy in my apartment by around 10 p.m.). So we opted to skip the movie, and grab a casual dinner at Spices, in Cleveland Park. I'd never been to Spices before, but the Pan-Asian eatery is a sister restaurant to Nooshi (where I dined with some frequency during my GW days), and the menu is almost identical.

Spices is a nice place, but it's certainly not what most people would consider upscale in a traditional sense. However, something about the experience felt totally luxurious. I think it was a combination of the Champagne Mojito, wonderful company, and the knowledge that I didn't have anywhere to be that night. No agenda, no schedule, just yummy Asian fare and the whole weekend ahead of me.

We opted to split appetizers of Sichuan Dragon Dumplings (filled with chicken, watercress, and shitaake mushroom) and Firefly Calamari (served with a tangy honey lemon dip). The dumplings were juicy, and slightly crunchy from the watercress, with a delicious soy-scallion sauce. The calamari was good, its saltiness tempered by the sweetness of the sauce. For an entree, I ordered the Drunken Noodles - wide rice noodles with minced chicken, peppers, onions, and basil. It was utterly satisfying. Jason got the Mee Goreng, spicy egg noodles that come with your choice of chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. He got it with chicken, and, of course, asked if the kitchen could make it extra spicy. It came out moderately spicy, but not 5-alarm fiery (he prefers the latter).

As I alluded to above, my Champagne Mojito was great - refreshing, yet indulgent with the addition of bubbly. Jason ordered a White Russian. (Have I mentioned he's a huge Big Lebowski fan?) For dessert, we split a plate of three mochi ice creams - ginger, red bean, and green tea. The ice cream was perfectly creamy, but in such a modest quantity that it wasn't overwhelming.

Service was good throughout most of the meal, yet I definitely got the feeling that we were being rushed toward the end. Our server practically threw our bill at us as we were finishing the dessert, and swooped in to try to pick it up while we were still looking it over. When I politely told her we needed another minute, she hovered, hawk-like, from a few feet away, pouncing triumphantly the second we signed our names on our respective receipts. It was a rather abrupt end to an otherwise relaxing meal, especially since there seemed to be a fair amount of open tables around us (so we weren't preventing them from seating others).

Minor service blips aside, it was a really nice way to spend a Friday evening. Even though I was sad we'd missed the movie, I must admit it was awfully nice to not have to rush off after dinner.

Good to know: Spices is located at 3333 Connecticut Ave., pretty much right next to the Cleveland Park Metro (Red line). The atmosphere is super casual.

Potluck awesomeness

2009-01-25T16:00:00.001-08:00

And one of the sunset tonight, because it was incredible.

Jason's contribution to tonight's potluck

2009-01-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

No, not the spinach. The giant tub of vanilla pudding and Oreo parfait. I've already had a sample (or three), and it's delicious. Notice how the tub is actually pushing up the shelf above it.

Miscellany

2009-01-22T17:38:00.000-08:00

Now that the hubbub of the inaugural festivities is dying down, we Washingtonians need something else to occupy our hearts, minds, and stomachs. Enter Winter Restaurant Week 2009. The food powers that be have announced the Restaurant Week will be from Feb. 16 to Feb. 22. I've snagged reservations at Jose Andres' Cafe Atlantico and Corduroy (whose seared big-eye tuna is pictured above). I've never eaten at either (mostly because they're a bit out of my price range), and I am totally psyched.

Oh, and even though the inauguration's over, excitement about Obama's influence on food policy continues to mount, as Alice Waters and others work to garner attention for the Slow Food movement, farm-to-table ethos, and local, sustainable ingredients. Know someone with a green thumb? Nominate him or her to be the first White House Farmer. And speaking of Alice Waters, I would be totally remiss if I didn't link to WaPo's story on Alice Waters' events in DC this past weekend (one of which took place at The Phillips Collection!). According to this write-up in the NY Times, cookbook author (and hostess to one of Waters' dinners) Joan Nathan choked on a piece of chicken, and received the Heimlich Maneuver from none other than the Top Chef himself: Tom Colicchio! The drama! The mayhem! Nathan recovered from her near-catastrophic poultry encounter, declaring "Tom Colicchio saved my life." No harm, no fowl, right?

In the meantime, I've been neither choking on chicken, nor performing the Heimlich Maneuver on anyone, but I have been trying to figure out what to bring to my friend Erin's potluck on Saturday. The theme is Italian, so I immediately thought bruschetta, but tomatoes are woefully out of season. So now, I'm thinking artichoke bruschetta. Once I nail down a recipe, I'll post it here.

Such Good Heights: Adams Morgan's Himalayan Heritage

2009-01-20T06:17:00.000-08:00

I'd walked past Himalayan Heritage several times, but had not yet ventured inside until this past week, when - spurred by Tom Sietsema's recent positive review - Jason and I decided to check it out for dinner. As we stepped inside the Nepalese-Indian eatery, we were greeted by a friendly hostess and led to our table. Soon after we sat down, a complimentary small plate of marinated soybeans appeared, which we quickly devoured.

We started with drinks (a glass of sparkling white wine for me, and a Taj Mahal beer for Jason), and appetizers. At Tom's recommendation, we ordered the Gobi Manchurian, cauliflower mixed with a corn flour batter, deep fried and dipped in a spicy hot and sweet soy sauce cooked with capsicum, ginger and green chile. The cauliflower, golden-hued and addictively crunchy, was delicious, but not as spicy as its description would suggest. We also tried the Himalayan Choe-La appetizer, cubes of boneless chicken breast marinated with mustard oil, Himalayan herbs and spices, and grilled in a charcoal oven. The Choe-La was tasty, but again, not as flavorful as I expected. (Perhaps the kitchen tones down the heat for Western palates.)

Our entrees were a more richly flavored. I ordered Lamb Kadai, tender pieces of lamb cooked with fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic and spices, garnished with coriander and ginger. The lamb was well-spiced and perfectly cooked, enhanced by the gravy created from its cooking juices. Jason's goat curry was a nicely complex blend of flavors, the deep meatiness of the goat blending with the sweetness of the onion sauce that accompanied it.

Unsurprisingly, given Himalayan Heritage's good write-up in the Post, the secret is definitely out; the place was packed by the time we finished our meal. As a result, it took a good while to flag down our server for the check, and to have our credit cards returned. As Jason noted, the staff seemed overwhelmed by the time we left. However, until that point, service was very friendly, accommodating, and prompt. The staff, though very busy, seems determined to ensure a positive experience for patrons.

In any case, it's great to have another casual, but good dining spot in the neighborhood. (Not that Adams Morgan is lacking in dining establishments, but it's always nice to have more choices.)

Good to know:
Himalayan Heritage is located at 2305 18th Street, NW, on the corner of 18th and Kalorama in Adams Morgan. Diners were dressed in everything from jeans and sneakers to suits and ties, and no one looked out of place.

Photo by the Washington Post's Olivia Boinet.

Beyond Ben's Chili Bowl: Where Should Obama Eat?

2009-01-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

In today's New York Times, Jim Rutenberg looks at the ways in which Barack Obama might influence DC's restaurant scene. I, for one, truly hope he ventures beyond the steakhouses that seem to serve as a constant backdrop for the political elite. Not that there's anything wrong with steakhouses. The steakhouse circuit certainly has its fans, and rightly so, as many serve up very good meat n' potatoes fare (Ray's, I'm looking at you here). But there are some seriously interesting places to dine in this city right now, and Morton's simply doesn't showcase the city's burgeoning culinary talent the way places like Rasika, Oyamel, or Central (to name just a few) do, to say nothing of the many lesser-known, but delicious ethnic restaurants that help to give DC its truly international flavor.

On a related note, the Times' Kim Severson reports that some of DC's top chefs are finding a home in neighborhoods whose demographics don't neccessarily change with each new administration. Severson (or at least, her headline writer) terms these areas "the real DC" (probably inspired by Chef Gillian Clark's quote midway through the article) and goes on to describe the renaissance of restaurant activity in places like U Street, Columbia Heights, H Street NE, etc. I think her point is that these restaurants will primarily serve residents (as opposed to tourists, interns, business travelers, etc.) , many of whom remember when these neighborhoods were complete culinary wastelands because, well, it wasn't that long ago. While it feels a bit awkward to talk about a "real DC" (If I may ask, which parts of DC are fake?) Severson's point is well-taken, and it's definitely worth reading. These types of changes aren't really news to DC residents, but it's nice that the Times is making such an effort to integrate inauguration-related coverage into its Food section.

And now, here are a couple of my own recommendations for Obama. Feel free to add your own in the comments.

For a Liberal Helping of Comfort Food. Established in 2005 by Anas "Andy" Shallal, an Iraqi-American artist, activist and restaurateur, Busboys & Poets quickly became a gathering spot for the neighboring residents and the progressive community, especially activists opposed to the Iraq War. It might not be deep dish, but the Obamas can chow down on The Poet pizza (the name of the pie - along with the name of the restaurant - was inspired by Langston Hughes, who once worked as a busboy at DC's Wardman Park Hotel, prior to gaining recognition as a poet). Busboys & Poets was also at the heart of the spontaneous election night street party that drew crowds of ecstatic revelers to the 14th Street Corridor/U Street area to celebrate Obama's victory. (Link is to photo by Flickr user Skunkgal.)

For power lunches with Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. Founding Farmers, the new Farragut West restaurant, is owned by a collective of family farmers, and features a menu of sustainably sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. Though reviews of the restaurant's food and service are mixed, Obama's presence here would be a symbolic gesture towards those calling for radical changes in our nation's food and agricultural policies. Vilsack and Obama could trade soybean lobbyist stories over Heirloom Cheese Puffs and Organic Cucumber Delight cocktails. Such a scene might give hope to champions of sustainable farming practices, many of whom aren't overly enthused about Vilsack's appointment, viewing it as a sign that Obama's administration will take a "business as usual" approach to the food policy.

Miscellaneous:
Breadline, for great sandwiches just down the block from the White House. Palena, for romantic dinners with Michelle. Tacqueria Distrito Federal in Mount Pleasant for the obvious. Etete for out-of-this-world Ethiopian. Homemade donuts at the Tabard Inn. Marvin (pictured above) for beer and mussels with the scenester kids. 2Amy's with Sasha and Malia for the best pizza in DC in a kid-friendly environment. Eastern Market for the market lunch and fresh produce. Omakase at Sushi-Ko (shout out to Aaron C. for inspiring that one).

Photo of DC restaurant Marvin (as in Marvin Gaye) by Richard Perry of the New York Times.

Home-cooked Tuscan chicken, all rights reserved.

2009-01-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

I went to Chicago for the weekend, since I wasn't able to make it home for the holidays. Mom made her excellent Tuscan chicken on Saturday night. She warned me that, under no circumstances, can I post the ultra top-secret recipe in this blog, as there is a patent pending. (I think she was kidding about the patent part, but I ain't taking my chances.) So, the photographic evidence will have to suffice for now. All I can say is that it was utterly delicious, and by itself, is worth going home for.

Cheese of the Month, the first of twelve installments

2009-01-08T14:59:00.000-08:00

I fantasize that one day I will move to Paris, and be one of those elegant Parisian women who throws sophisticated dinner parties in my impeccably decorated apartment. The morning of my soiree, I would leisurely peruse the local markets, examining the shiny flesh of an eggplant, a marbleized leg of lamb, the little glass jars of honey, choosing only the finest ingredients. On my way home, I would stop by the fromagerie to choose three perfect cheeses to serve my guests. I would spend the afternoon cooking in my small, yet cozy kitchen (which would look something like the above), a glass of wine by my side and some Astrud Gilberto in the background. There might be olives or tapenade. Caviar or foie gras and toast. Dinner would be served on a long wooden table, topped with a white linen tablecloth, a vase of wildflowers, and votive candles in blue glass jars. Conversation would flow, and guests would dine on a nice gigot d'agneau (leg of lamb dressed with garlic, olive oil, salt & pepper, and other herbs), a simple green salad, a basket of warm bread (and more wine, of course). Before dessert (an almond tart), I would serve the cheeses I had picked out earlier that day. Everyone would be having such a wonderful time that no one would want to go home, but I would finally kick them out so that I could settle into a a nice hot bubble bath. (In my fantasy, someone else does the dishes!)

As I mentioned in a recent post, Jason gave me a membership to the Artisanal Cheese of the Month Club for Christmas, and my first package arrived today. Opening the box, I was struck by a feeling of well-being, the three beautiful cheeses within evoking promises of dinner parties to come and good times to be had. The bounty? A buttery Hudson Valley Camembert, The Fog Light Goat's Milk cheese (similar to the widely-adored Humboldt Fog), and a strong, tangy Petite Munster. I sampled a bite of each tonight, a sort of apres-diner indulgence, and a taste of the wonderful times (and cheese deliveries!) to come in 2009.

Thank you, Jason. You are totally invited to my next dinner party.

Photo is from Laissez Faire Design blog, which has got lots of lovely pictures and other fun things to look at.

In 2009, I will...

2008-12-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

1. Learn to perfectly roast a chicken
2. Eat more locally produced foods when possible.
3. Experiment with cooking an assortment of interesting vegetables from the farmers' market.
4. Use my new food processor to make homemade salsa (I use ripe tomatoes, jalapeno, garlic, onions, lime juice, and salt) and guacamole (avocados, red onion, serrano chiles, cilantro, lime juice, and salt).
5. Find more reasons to drink champagne (in moderation!)
6. Try pickling my own vegetables.
7. Try banh mi at one of the many area Vietnamese restaurants.
8. Indulge in a dozen oysters at Hank's Oyster Bar. By myself. With a glass of Sancerre. And maybe a good book.
9. Spice things up by incorporating more chiles into my cooking.
10. Cook a meal for an old friend
11. Cook a meal with Jason and eat it picnic-style on a blanket on my apartment floor like we did the first time we cooked at my apartment before I'd bought a table and chairs.
12. Buy a copy of How to Cook Everything by the venerable Mark Bittman, and start working my way through it.
13. Update this blog more often!

Photo by Flickr user Johammond.

Happiness is a caramel-covered marshmallow.

2008-12-28T05:16:00.000-08:00

So, I didn't make it home to Chicago due to the gigantic winter storm-pocalypse that made traveling to or from various parts of the country pretty much impossible this past week. Jason's family was kind enough to host me for Christmas though. So, even though I didn't get to go home, I had an absolutely wonderful time - and SO much good food! In addition to many amazing meals, I was also the very happy recipient of a box of caramel-covered marshmallows (only sold at Christmastime...couldn't find a link), uber-rich hot chocolate, and chocolate marshmallows, a selection of artisan sea salts (all from Williams Sonoma), and Kevin Zraly's Complete Wine Course from Jason's parents; a membership to the Artisanal Cheese of the Month Club and Foodie Fight trivia game from Jason; and a gorgeous Cuisinart food processor from Mom and Dad.

Oh, and my Christmas gift to myself. My four-year-old laptop has served me well, but it's really on its last legs. It's been hard to even get motivated to update this blog, since it takes forever to load anything anymore. It's due to arrive in a couple weeks, at which point you can look forward to more frequent updates from me, since I'll be looking for any excuse to use it!

Happy holidays everyone! I hope yours are filled with good cheer, good company, and of course, good food.

Much ado about Mandu

2008-12-16T21:45:00.000-08:00

I must apologize for the lack of posting as of late. Between holiday festivities and other going-ons, I've not had much spare time.

This past weekend, Jason and I decided to check out Mandu, a little Korean joint just east of Dupont. (I was originally going to cook dinner for him, since he had just gotten back from Japan, but being so busy, I hadn't had a chance to procure any groceries.) Anyhow, I'm kinda glad I flaked out on the cooking thing, because the delicious Mandu is now officially my new go-to place when I don't have the energy to cook, but am craving a super flavorful meal in a homey setting.

The word "mandu" is actually Korean for "dumpling," so naturally we started the meal with an order of these - the steamed shrimp variety, to be precise. Now I don't know about you, but I take dumplings fairly seriously. In my experience, a really good dumpling is deceptively difficult to come by. Many varieties fall victim to a too-thick and doughy wrapping, which, despite whatever tasty filling may lie inside, has approximately the same appeal of a mouthful of steamed and salted Elmer's glue. Othertimes, the wrapping might be fine, but the filling itself disappoints, usually because it's been overcooked and has morphed into a tough little pebble, so that when you bite through the wrapping, you're rewarded with only a faint hissing noise as the shrunken mystery pellet topples out of the wrapping and onto your lap. I'm not sure whether this is worse, however, than the undercooked dumpling, whose gummy brown innards carry bear an unfortunate resemblance to cheap cat food.

So, a dumpling can fail in any number of ways, which is why it's all the more remarkable to find a great one, even at a restaurant named for said item. Mandu's dumplings fit the bill. With a crisp, yet delicate skin and a nicely-seasoned, perfectly cooked filling, Mandu's mandu were a definite du. The best part was that the dumplings were wrapped in such a way that there were lots of little nooks and crannies to better sop up the addictive ginger soy sauce with scallions.

For the main course, I was in a soup kind of mood, and the Soon Doobu was sounding like the perfect way to ward off the December chill. Billed on the menu as a "spicy seafood stew with soft tofu," the soup came out of the kitchen still bubbling and gurgling in a hot stone bowl. With a fiery red-hot broth that set my mouth ablaze, the overall effect was somehow still soothing, the salinity of the clams, squid, and shrimp mixing with the creamy bits of tofu, creating a prickly, but pleasant, warming sensation throughout my whole body.

Jason ordered the Dolsot Bibim Bap, a hearty rice bowl with assorted vegetables, beef and a fried egg, with a spicy bean paste on the side. I was so enamored with my own soup that I managed only a bite of beef from Jason's dish. The meat was tender and almost sweet, redolent of fragrant cloves and possibly anise. A glass of the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier blend was the perfect foil to such spicy food.

Good to know:
Mandu is located at 1805 18th Street, NW. It's a fairly quick walk from the Dupont Circle metro stop on the Red line. From the circle, walk north on 19th Street, then take a right on S Street. It'll be about a block down, on the corner of S and 18th. The atmosphere is casual. Good for dates or quiet dinners with friends.

Photo of Bibim Bap by Flickr user vincentgallegos.

Photo of Mandu by Flickr user brownpau.

Making a list, checking it twice

2008-11-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

Whether you're creating your own wish list, or shopping for the epicure in your life, it can be quite a challenge to sort through all of the gourmet goodies on the market these days. I've combed through my favorite sites to create a collection of edible and food-inspired gifts that I know I wouldn't mind seeing under the Christmas tree this year. (I'm also a big fan of avoiding the shopping mall madness, and ordering gifts online, so I've included links for easy online purchasing.)

2009 Farmer's Market Wall Calendar

Featuring colorful vintage prints of vegetables from the 1800's, this understated calendar will help the avid gardener or fresh produce enthusiast in your life ring in the new year. You can order it online from Kate's Paperie or Anthropologie.
Give to: Your urban locavore bud who waxes poetic about the Dupont Circle Farmer's Market, but whose own tiny studio apartment allows for only a miniscule pot of basil on the windowsill.

The French Market: More Recipes from a French Kitchen
Bestselling authors Joanne Harris and Fran Warde present a deliciously simple collection of recipes that draw inspiration from the rural markets of Gascony and emphasize rustic, fresh flavors and a relaxed, tossed-together style. Gorgeously illustrated with lush color photographs, the recipes draw inspiration from large, lumpy tomatoes bursting with taste, to sun-ripened melons, to goat cheese rolled in fresh herbs, and to locally produced organic honey. This is food as nature intended. Available online from Anthropologie.

Give to: Your Francophilic significant other who still reminisces about that time you took him/her to Lavandou.

Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven
Available in an array of vibrant colors, this classic cast iron pot will never go out of style. It's a superb choice for roasting poultry and meats as well as for preparing slow-cooked specialties like chili, soups, stews and braises – on the stovetop or in the oven. It's on the pricier side, but these things last forever. Think of it as an investment in deliciousness. Sold online at Williams-Sonoma.
Give to: Your uncle, whose extra fiery Superbowl chili is the stuff of legends.

Bacon of the Month Club Membership
It's official. Bacon is enjoying a serious moment of culinary stardom, and there is no better evidence than this tongue-in-cheek-yet-totally-for-real artisan bacon of the month club. A membership will get you a year of monthly deliveries to your door, packed with a new kind of bacon each month, notes on the month's selection, recipe and wine suggestions, and even a bacon tee-shirt to wear while you, er, pig out. Available online from Grateful Palate.
Give to: Any non-vegetarian in your life. Really, who doesn't like bacon?

Wall Bottle Opener
Practically stylish wood block wall-mounted bottle opener, printed at the front with a design from San Francisco collective FluffyCo, who create nature-inspired, useful things in a sustainable way. Just in time to pop open the champagne for your New Year's party, and impress all your friends with your totally rad kitchen style. You can order it online from Urban Outfitters, and you can find more colors and styles on FluffyCo's site.
Give to: Your yupster older sibling with the sweet new NoMa loft. Bonus points if said sibling invites you to his/her New Year's party.

Zabar's Don't Be Homesick Crate
Washingtonians can't seem to complain enough about the District's lack of authentic and tasty bagels, pizza, and other foodstuffs that abound in NYC. For the Big Apple transplant in your life, Zabar's (the famed New York deli) has created a collection of delicious items to give displaced New Yorkers a taste of their beloved city, including Zabar's lox, Zabar's kosher salami, pastrami, Zabar's deli mustard, Zabar's signature sourdough jewish rye bread, plain cream cheese, an assortment of the world's best fresh-baked New York bagels, and several kinds of pastries. Get it online at Zabar's.
Give to: Your ex-New Yorker colleague who moans incessantly about his inferior Starbucks bagel, yet keeps buying it every morning.

Chanukah Olive Oil Cake
Made with toasted almonds, lemon zest — nearly a whole lemon's worth per cake — and lots of great extra virgin olive oil. Substituting olive oil for butter, it fits well with the symbolism of Chanukah, when one day's worth of olive oil miraculously burned for eight. It'd be another miracle if this cake lasted this long. Order one online from Zingerman's.
Give to: Oh, who are you kidding? Keep this one for yourself.

Foodie Fight: A Trivia Game
For anyone who loves both food and trivia, the appeal of this game is pretty self-explanatory. Brush up on your knowledge first with The Food Snob's Dictionary: An Essential Lexicon of Gastronomical Knowledge. Both this, and the game, are available online from Amazon.
Give to: Your smug foodie friend who lectures you on the stylistic differences between Bocuse and Boulud, and never misses an opportunity to note a hint of umami in everything from pho to her breakfast cereal.

Artisan Salt Sampler
Beyond sea salt: Twenty-four mini jars contain the most-sought-after salts from around the globe, including Peruvian Pink, Sel Gris de Guérande, Cyprus Black, Flower of Bali and 21 more. Presented in a handsome bamboo case with a glass door. Available from Sur la Table.
Give to: Your aunt whose home cooking always needs just a touch more seasoning.

A Meal at the Inn at Little Washington
Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the gentle farmland of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley lies a tiny town named Washington, an unlikely home to the country's most celebrated inn and adjoining restaurant, which has been hailed as among the ten best restaurants in the country. A meal at the Inn is not a frugal endeavor, and indeed, might be a bit extravagant, particularly in these difficult economic times. But, if you're looking for an extra-special holiday celebration, or ultra-romantic place to pop the question, look no further than this sparkling gem just a couple hours from DC. You can buy gift certificates from The Inn at Little Washington online, or call 540-675-3800 to speak to an inn staff member about planning a very special occasion.
Give to: The person you care about most.

Before and after

2008-11-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

Weekend wonderful-ness

2008-11-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

A weekend of culinary goodness awaits.

Tonight: dinner at Penn Quarter's critically acclaimed contemporary American restaurant, 701, one of many local restaurants participating in this week's "Appetite Stimulus Plan." The deal is similar to Restaurant Week. $35 will get you three courses at some of DC's top establishments, a fine deal for both the taste buds and the wallet. Today's the last day to participate, so hit up OpenTable to snag a last-minute reservation.

And now, onto the important part: the food. For the Appetite Stimulus Plan, 701 is probably offering a fixed menu of some kind, but that will hardly matter if the food lives up to its reputation. With exciting offerings like Smoked Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops (with melted foie gras, blackberry gastrique, and tobiko creme fraiche), and Sesame Crusted Salmon (with chilled thai glass noodle salad, green melon vinaigrette, and honey lavender glaze), 701 has garnered attention for Chef Bobby Varua's gently playful cuisine, whose delicate flavor combinations are enhanced, but not overwhelmed, by Asian influences. Dishes like Chestnut Ravioli (with beurre noisette, cider gastrique, and apple endive salad) and Stuffed Muscovy Duck Leg (with foie gras butter, cranberries, pumpkin veloute, and poire williams tapioca pearls) also reveal a commitment to the seasonal bounty.

I know that restaurants sometimes have a hard time meeting the demands of the overly zealous, minimally patient crowds attracted by these kinds of promotions, and I am anticipating that it might be rather hectic on a Friday night, particularly given 701's prime location in the city's theatre and entertainment district. I plan to approach the experience with an open mind, a deep pocketful of patience, and quite possibly, a sample or two from 701's impressive wine menu, to tide me over.

Saturday: Thanksgiving potluck party with friends. You wouldn't run a marathon without completing several fairly long runs beforehand. The same logic applies with Turkey Day, my friends. If you want to finish your plate on Thanksgiving proper, it makes sense to warm up beforehand with a comparable meal. Hence, the pre-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving. I'm making Sweet Potato Pie Bars to bring.

Sweet Potato Pie Bars
1 (18.25-ounce) yellow cake mix, divided use
6 tablespoons margarine OR butter, melted and divided use
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided use
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg whites
1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Set aside 1 cup yellow cake mix.
In a mixing bowl, blend together remaining cake mix, 4 tablespoons melted margarine, and egg; mix well. Pat mixture into the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. In a separate mixing bowl, combine sweet potatoes, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, sugar, egg whites, and evaporated milk until creamy. Pour filling over prepared crust.
Mix reserved 1 cup cake mix, remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, remaining 2 tablespoons melted margarine, brown sugar, and pecans and sprinkle over filling.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until filling is set.

Photo from 701's website.

In a Thanksgiving kind of mood

2008-11-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

I'm heading home to Chicago for a midwestern Thanksgiving this year, and I am totally excited to help my mom cook The Big Meal. A grocery shopping jaunt to Harris Teeter this afternoon amplified my anticipation; the store is already brimming with giant frozen turkeys, special holiday displays, jars of cranberry jelly, and the like. I wandered the aisles aimlessly, taking in the festive atmosphere (and the free samples!).

My sister makes her famous mashed potatoes each year, but all the other dishes are up for grabs. I've been scouting around the web for inspiration, which isn't difficult since every remotely food-related site switches to Thanksgiving-pocalypse mode this time of year, complete with countdowns and turkey slide shows. Amidst the frenzy, I truly enjoy the measured wisdom imparted by Gourmet. No stranger to the culinary obsession surrounding the holiday (exhibit A: its guide to "achieving turkey perfection"), the magazine (and its website) nonetheless maintains its composure with its clean, low-key design, and intelligent approach. In a smart acknowledgment of diverse food traditions as a metaphor for America's melting pot greatness, Gourmet is offering five traditional Thanksgiving menus, each inspired by a different region of the country. Each menu, of course, includes a turkey, and I'm finding myself particularly intrigued by the Southern-style Roast Turkey with Herbed Oyster Stuffing and Giblet Gravy. The "California Eatin" three-onion stuffing also sounds delicious. The Northeastern nutmeg ice cream would be the perfect way to end the big meal.

This month's print version of the magazine offers a Latino-inspired Thanksgiving menu (adobo Turkey, chipotle meatballs, cornbread and chorizo stuffing, sweet potato coconut puree, and apple pie with Mexican brown sugar), as well as a Mediterranean meal (braised artichokes, mushroom and farro pie, mache salad, parmesan-roasted butternut squash, cranberry sauce with dates and orange, and a pumpkin tart with anise-seed crust).

I've honestly no idea how authentic these menus might be for the various regions and peoples they claim to represent, but I love reading about all the different variations out there. I would welcome hearing about everyone's Thanksgiving traditions and must-haves, recipes, ideas, etc.

(Currently thankful for: wild sweet orange Tazo tea, incredible Mexican food and at Oyamel last night with a good friend who I hadn't seen in a long time, natural Greek yogurt with honey and granola for breakfast, multi-vitamins, freshly brewed coffee, good friends, an amazing family, my new job and colleagues, Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle on audiobook, the bright yellow leaves blanketing my neighborhood's sidewalks, and, of course, the Gourmet subscription renewal my sister gave me for my birthday).

Photo of caramel pie by Romulo Yanes, who does beautiful work for Gourmet and others.

Noodle Express

2008-11-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight Jason and I met up with his old college roommate, Ming Ye, who happened to be in town for the weekend. After wandering around Chinatown for a bit, we happened upon Chinatown Express, whose crowded dining room we took to be a good sign. An elderly gentleman was making fresh noodles in the front window, threading the long tubular strands through his fingers and then stretching his hands apart in a tangled accordion of pasta. I suddenly had a hankering for noodle soup.

Despite its intriguing exterior, Chinatown Express doesn't offer a lot in the way of decor. Upon entering, we navigated a perilously narrow staircase to enter a small room, where we were seated at a plain round table, bathed in the harsh glow of neon lighting and a television set playing an unrecognizeable news station.

But no matter. The chicken noodle soup was restorative. Spicy and head-clearing with generous additions of Sriracha and hot chili oil, and utterly comforting in its familiarity, it was uncomplicated bliss from the first slurpy bite. Hot pork buns, shrimp dumplings with tangy scallion sauce, and a soothing cup of tea rounded out the delicious offerings.

It's easy to see why the Washingtonian named Chinatown Express a "no frills" favorite in their "Best of Chinatown" feature. For $5.95, you can get aforementioned noodles, either as soup or fried - lo mein style - with your choice of chicken, beef, seafood, or vegetables. In an expensive city where good Chinese food is hard to come by, I say that's a pretty great deal.

Good to know:
Chinatown Express is located at 746 6th Street, NW. By Metro, exit at Chinatown/Gallery Place Metro (Green, Yellow, or Red line), and exit on the north side of the Verizon Center. Walk east for one block on H Street until you get to 6th. Chinatown Express will be on the right-hand side near the corner of H and 6th.

Photo of Chinatown Express from The Backpack Boy's blog.

Cashion In

2008-10-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

I've been looking forward to this weekend all month because my parents will be in town! They live in Chicago (a fantastic food city in its own right), so they only get to DC one or two times a year. For that reason, it's pretty special when they come to DC, and I like to take them out for at least one memorable meal while they're in town.

I gave careful consideration to my restaurant choice this time. My requirements were stiff. The restaurant had to be easily accessible from my apartment (for parental units unaccustomed to and potentially stressed out by zipping around on the Metro), quiet enough to have a real conversation, not so popular that it would be overwhelmingly crowded (sorry, Zaytinya, Oyamel, and the Jose Andres empire in general), with a selection of straightforward fare to satisfy my dad's meat-and-potatoes palate (sayonara Perry's and Sushi Taro), but at the same time, more nuanced than your prototypical Washington steakhouse (ahem), with a good wine list (something we can all agree on), and a restaurant unique to the DC area.

As it turns out, the perfect place exists right in my own neighborhood, in the form of none other than Cashion's Eat Place, the Adams Morgan neighborhood gem serving an eclectic menu of interesting, yet unpretentious American dishes. Despite its proximity to my apartment, I've never eaten there, but I walk by it constantly, and have always been intrigued by the retro neon-pink signage and warmly-hued interior.

Has anyone been? Any menu recommendations?

Autumn Baked Goodness

2008-10-20T13:10:00.001-07:00

Something about the crisp autumn air makes me want to bake, bake, and bake some more. I'm tempted to order my own copy of Brooklyn's eponymous Baked. The book is a collection of the bakery's favorite recipes, like The Sweet and Salty Cake, the Peanut Butter Crispy Bar, the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Loaf, and their famous Cheddar Chipotle Biscuits. Mmmmm.

You can order your copy here.

Photo from Baked by Tina Rupp.

Birthday dinner at Citronelle

2008-10-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

For my birthday, Jason (the most amazing boyfriend in the world) took me out for an absolutely incredible meal, at DC's famed Citronelle. We decided to go all out, and get the 10-course tasting menu - the Promenade Gourmande - with wine pairings. It was a truly epic experience, and difficult to "review" in a single go, but I want to at least describe the highlights.

PROMENADE GOURMANDE

AMUSE BOUCHE
Egg surprise, escargot crumble, chicken “lollipop” Champagne Francois Billion with “Cuvee de Reserve”, Brut Grand Cru, Chardonnay

The egg surprise referred to the cup in which this dish was served, fashioned from an actual egg shell that had been cut in half. The egg shell was filled with a light-as-air cauliflower foam, silky cubes of salmon tartare, and scallion bits. Escargot crumble was a diminutive glass cup of escargot topped and baked with a buttery sauce and garlicky bread crumbs. The "lollipop" was a toothpick holding the most tender morsel of chicken I've ever tasted, breaded and delicately fried (and more densely flavorful than I knew poultry could be) perched in a tiny puddle of mustardy cream sauce.

VICHYSSOISE “2008”

Michel Richard's updated version of Vichyssoise, a classic French soup, traditionally made with cream, chicken stock, and pureed vegetables. Ours featured an elegant disk of creamy, Parmesan-flavored gelee (almost flan-like in texture), amidst a decadent chicken stock, topped with some kind of crispy chicken-flavored crumbs. The creamy savory deliciousness of that broth had me tilting the plate toward me in a rather inelegant attempt to coax every last drop onto my spoon.

MOSAIC
“Surf & turf” with Sancerre Domaine Roland Tissier 2007

This is, perhaps, the most visually stunning dish I've ever laid eyes on. A flat square-shaped plate is "tiled" with circles of various meat and fish, like tuna, salmon, scallop, beef carpaccio, etc., along with circles of roasted peppers, then drizzled with a basil olive oil and sprinkled with frisee and arugula. It was truly a feast for the eyes, and was every bit as tasty as it looks.

SABLEFISH

Broiled, saké-miso marinated with Riesling Grand Cru “Geisberg” Domaine Kientzler 2004

The simple flavors of this dish were a welcome palate-cleanser after the complexity of the Mosaic. The sweetness of the miso marinade didn't overwhelm the mild fish, and a side of tender baby vegetables provided a hint of bitterness that contrasted nicely with everything else. The Riesling was also quite refreshing at this point in the meal.

LOBSTER BURGER

With Puligny-Montrachet “Sous le Puits,” Premier Cru, Domaine Larue 2003

Tender, creamy chunks of lobster meat in a buttery bun, graced by a small circle of tomato confit (an upscale riff on ketchup). Served with a conical bowl of ethereally crisp potato chips.

SQUAB
Leg confit, foie gras-syrah sauce with Chassagne-Montrachet “Morgeot” Premier Cru, Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard 2004

Any misgivings I'd had about eating squab were put to rest with this lovely dish. Unbelievably tender and moist, the squab was served with a sweet and tangy syrah sauce, and dotted with petite vegetable globes. Though it lacked the pizazz of the Mosaic or the Amuse Bouche, I think this dish was my favorite for its uncomplicated, earthy flavors.

SELECTION OF IMPORTED CHEESE

With Zinfandel, Turley Wine Cellars “California Old Vines”

My memories are not quite as crystalline at this point (remember, we were doing the menu with wine pairings!), but I do remember something sinfully creamy (I'm guessing it was something like a Brillat-Savarin), and some type of blue/gorgonzola.

STRAWBERRY COCKTAIL

A tiny glass cup of brightly-flavored strawberry gel, studded with chunks of strawberry

KIT CAT BAR

With Banyuls “Heylos,” Domaine Alain Reynaud 2002

Melted chocolate with hazelnut overtones encase crispy stacked layers of Corn Flakes, milk chocolate and peanut butter. As completely amazing as it sounds.

PETITS FOURS
A platter of small, fruit-inspired sweet cakes. See petits fours.

Sustainability is the green plate special at Founding Farmers

2008-09-20T06:35:00.001-07:00

This past week, I was fortunate enough to get a sneak preview of an exciting new addition to DC's restaurant scene, Founding Farmers, which offers an upscale, yet straightforward take on "green" dining with a heartland slant. Inspired by the fresh bounty of America's family farmers, Chef Graham Duncan cooks up homemade classic American dishes, with a focus on sustainably sourced and locally grown ingredients wherever possible. The sleek, yet casual setting complements the restaurant's commitment to sustainability - the space is LEED-designed, and has been designated a Certified Green Restaurant.

With an expansive menu spanning a wide variety of farm-grown fare, Founding Farmers will satisfy an impressive range of eco-conscious appetites. From Oysters Rockefeller to Farmer's Meatloaf to Maine Lobster Rolls to the Fresh Ground Frisco Burger, the menu winks and nods at a whole host of regional food genres and traditions. It's an aptly representative hodgepodge of American tastes for a restaurant located in the heart of the nation's capital, just blocks from the buildings where politicians and lobbyists debate and vote on legislation like the 2008 Farm Bill, among other things.

Founding Farmers is actually owned by a collective of more than 40,000 American family farmers, often referred to as the North Dakota Farmers Union, a group devoted to the economic and social well-being of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. The emphasis on farm-grown ingredients is of particular interest to me, given the battered condition of America's family farms. Just days before my meal there, I had finished reading "The Omnivore's Dilemma," Michael Pollan's elegant exploration of the contemporary eater's complicated relationship to the food on his or her plate. Pollan examines how our changing food landscape has impacted family farmers, specifically how the rise of fast food has created a demand for the efficient and automated mass production of dextrose and starch products. The consequent industrialization of the planting and harvesting processes has created such a surplus of supply that low corn prices can't support farmers working at a sustainable, human scale.

It's against this backdrop that restaurants like Founding Farmers remind us of the pleasures of slow food versus fast, the value of community (guests can choose to dine at communal tables and share family size portions), and the sheer deliciousness of food that has been handled with a careful human touch. And it is delicious, indeed. My Southern Pan Fried Chicken was a beautiful golden crisp on the outside, and moist and tender inside. Served with a creamy white gravy, and a funnel cake waffle, the dish is a clever riff on a dish with deep roots in America's culinary history, but also conjured up happy memories of the Iowan county and state fairs that dotted the summers of my youth. I can't wait to go back again and try the Bacon Lollis: Nueske's bacon with a glaze of cinnamon and brown sugar. I'm also excited to try dishes like the 17 Vegetable Salad, handmade Ricotta Ravioli, the Prosciutto, Fig, and Mascarpone Flatbread, and the herb-rubbed Pork Tenderloin with a honey apple glaze.

The large, multi-level space (designed by CORE architecture + design), employs playful touches (bird-shaped lighting fixtures, fuschia-colored accents) combined with an urban farmhouse aesthetic where stainless steel fixtures blend seamlessly with handcrafted wood tables. An expansive bar area houses Founding Farmers' innovative bar program, where Bar Chef Jon Arroyo proffers small batch brewery beers and bourbons, organic and biodynamic wines, and 'chef-crafted' cocktails, like The Constituation (a heady combo of Plymouth Gin, chamomile, blueberries, lemon, and ginger liqueur). No green detail is overlooked at Founding Farmers; among the many sustainable touches, menus are printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink, and the interior was painted using low and no-fume paints.

The fantastic food and whimsical decor at Founding Farmers make for a fun experience. So fun, in fact, that it would be easy to dine there without thinking too hard about the people behind the food, without thinking too hard about the plight of our family farmers, and without thinking too hard about what's at stake for our rapidly disintegrating culinary traditions, not to mention (at the risk of sounding pedantic) the health of our bodies and our planet. Perhaps we do fun things like dining out because we want to escape, if only for a couple hours, from our worries, and from a world in which it's exponentially easier to obtain a Big Mac than a health insurance plan. But as restaurants like Founding Farmers hope to remind us, perhaps we shouldn't have to escape at all.

Good to know:
Founding Farmers is located in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) HQ2 building at 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, at the corner of 20th Street and Pennsylvania Ave., NW. It is easily accessible via Farragut West or Foggy Bottom Metro stops on the Orange/Blue lines.

Thanks to Jennifer at SPIN DC for the deconstructed logo image and other assistance with this article.

Above and beyond at Etete

2008-09-04T10:18:00.001-07:00

Although I've eaten at many restaurants with polite and efficient service, I have never before felt the urge to hug any servers. Well, not before last night anyway. Last night, I had the pleasure of dining Etete, whose warm and hospitable service was truly unlike anything I have ever experienced. Widely regarded as one of the city's best Ethiopian restaurant's, Etete's focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere was apparent the moment Jason and I stepped inside the restaurant, tucked into an attractively decorated townhouse in the heart of DC's Little Ethiopia neighborhood.

We were greeted immediately by a smiling hostess. I explained that we had made reservations, but that we were meeting a third person who hadn't arrived yet. I expected that we would be asked to wait until "all members of our party" were present and accounted for (as seems to be standard protocol at most places nowadays). However, the hostess cheerfully showed us to a table without a moment's hesitation. As I would soon find out, that gesture was but a hint at the effort Etete's staff makes toward ensuring a unique restaurant experience.

Served on a large circular platter lined with spongy injera bread, Etete's food lives up to the hype. We ordered a vegetable combination platter - potatoes in several different sauces, two spicy lentil dishes, collard greens, corn, and a green salad, all of which were fresher and more flavorful than the ones I've had at other Ethiopian restaurants. We each ordered an entree as well. Jason had Kitfo, minced raw beef seasoned with herbed butter and hot red pepper, and served with seasoned cottage cheese. The beef was a glistening pink and silky on the tongue, in texture akin to tuna tartare, but more deeply flavorful. I was stealthily scooping up bits of it throughout the meal. My Lega Tibs (lamb sauteed with onion and peppers) was equally delicious. Our friend ordered the Yeawaze Tibs, strips of beef sauteed with seasoned butter, fresh tomato, green pepper, onions, and spices.

We were halfway through our meal, when owner Tiwaltenigus Shenegeleg (the restaurant is named for her - "Mama" is "etete" in Amharic) appeared at our table, bearing fresh bowls of the vegetable dishes. Smiling at our grateful amazement, she proceeded to scoop heaping refills onto our platter, and then, noticing our near-empty basket of injera, instructed a server to bring more right away. The surprising touches didn't end there. Nearing the end of our meal, we looked up to see that Mama Shenegeleg was back, this time proffering a tin of roasting coffee beans which she wafted under our noses. The beans smelled amazing, but we were simply too full to partake in the complimentary coffee. The vibe was so relaxed that we lingered for awhile after paying the bill, but never felt rushed to leave. In fact, Mama Shenegeleg returned several more times, even as we sat talking long after we finished our meal, once bearing more coffee and then with freshly-popped popcorn.

The popcorn was a rather offbeat choice for a dessert offering. But then again, Etete is full of surprises. I can't wait to return.

Good to know:
Etete is located at 1942 9th Street, NW. The closest Metro stop is U Street/Cardozo on the Green or Yellow line. Exit the Metro at 10th Street. Etete is on the corner of 9th and U Streets.

Photos of Etete's food and building by Flickr users roboppy and rockcreek respectively.

The injustice of it all!

2008-08-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

I know real food bloggers never take themselves this seriously...right? Thanks to Jason for passing this one along. Originally from the web comic Married to the Sea.

Evening Star shines (for the most part)

2008-08-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

After a quick Target run the other evening, Jason and I found ourselves in the Crystal City/Alexandria area around dinnertime. I remembered that a colleague had recommended Evening Star Cafe in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood, so we decided to check it out.

Out of its cozy jewelbox townhouse setting (think Komi or Hank's), the homey neighborhood cafe serves eclectic American fare with a few twists here and there (for example, seared tuna - iterations of which can be found on virtually every menu these days - is treated to a decidedly non-standard carrot and coriander emulsion.) Indeed, the cafe has developed somewhat of a cult following with locals, and with good reason, as its charms are many. With its cheery but unfussy interior and prime location (just down the block from other foodie destinations like Cheesetique, the new Let's Meat on the Avenue butcher shop, The Dairy Godmother frozen custard shop, and a handful of great coffee shops), Evening Star Cafe has a lot going for it before you even open the menu.

And speaking of the menu, can we talk about the wine and beer menu for a minute? Evening Star Cafe partners with Planet Wine, its next door neighbor, to offer over 1000 bottles of select wines. The cafe also boasts several lounge spaces (separate from the main dining area) called Majestic Lounge and No. 9 line, giving Evening Star Cafe diners access to twenty beers on tap.

We started with the PEI Mussels, doused in a Roquefort cheese and chardonnay sauce. The mussels weren't quite as plump as ones I've seen elsewhere, but the sauce was dangerously addictive. At once creamy from the Roquefort and briny with the juice of the mussels. I didn't stop dipping the complimentary artisan bread until I'd sopped up the last delicious drop, which I washed down with a refreshing glass of Gruner Veltliner.

For my entree, I chose the brined and roasted chicken, served with jalepeno mac & cheese, braised greens, and thyme gravy. The chicken was amazing - tender and juicy with a golden skin. I was disappointed to find the jalepeno mac & cheese oddly greasy and flavorless, with none of the anticipated kick that one might expect with a spicy pepper as its main descriptor. Jason ordered the oven roasted barramundi with tasso ham & blue cheese grits, and tomato beurre blanc. I managed to sneak a bite of it, and found it suitably rich, the crispy skin of the fish giving way to its mild and pleasant flesh.

Sadly, I must say that I found the service to be totally apathetic. Our server was unenthusiastic at best, and that's when we had her attention. She appeared to lose interest completely about halfway through our meal, and we didn't see her again for quite some time. Finally, the hostess seemed to pick up on this, and came over to ask us how our meals were and clear our plates. After another long wait, our server made a grand reappearance to bring us the check. It was an odd dynamic, completely out-of-sync with the otherwise welcoming atmosphere. Ah well, I had good company and good food, and so overall it was a fairly positive experience.

After dinner, we stopped across the street at ACKC (Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections), an outpost of which just opened in Logan Circle. (The website only lists the Logan Circle location right now...I think the Del Ray location was just recently rebranded as ACKC). A champagne truffle, or, ahem, two, was the perfect ending to a great, if imperfect, meal.

Full Circa

2008-08-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

Last night, Jason and I wandered around the Kalorama neighborhood for a bit, taking pictures of the mansions and embassies as the sun was setting. Having worked up a little appetite, we made our way down Connecticut Ave. in the direction of the circle, to see if anything caught our fancy for dinner. I found myself mildly interested in Sette Osteria, but there seemed to be a bit of a crowd waiting to be seated, so we ventured onward. To my surprise, Dupont's new-ish bistro, Circa, didn't seem overly crowded, and to my further surprise, we were able to score a table on the patio, no problem.

Since it seemed like a sort of neighborhood wine bar/bistro place, I decided wine was the way to go, and ordered a glass of Chilean Malbec, which was quite good (and, as I would soon find out, its sharpness was a nice contract to the cheesy doughiness of pizza I would order). Jason got a formidable-looking cocktail called The Ultimate Mojito.

Circa's got a nice little cocktail list and a good wine list, but I must admit, I was mildly disappointed by the food menu. I guess, given the sophisticated palates of the surrounding clientele, I was expecting it to be a little bit more inventive, and it just seemed very...pedestrian. Crab cakes, mac & cheese, bistro steak, etc. Ah well, I suppose t'is better to do simpler things and do them well than to take on too much. They also probably get a lot of tourists walking in because of the location, and I suppose a really exotic menu might not do much to lure in casual passers-by.

In any case, I'd heard good things about the pizza, so I ordered the Capriciosso pizza - ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, mushroom, basil, and prosciutto. The pizza was pretty good, despite showing no signs of the aforementioned basil. In spite of my Chicagoan connections, I prefer thinner crust pizza, and Circa's was slightly thick for my liking. Hard to go wrong with prosciutto and lots of cheese though, so I did a pretty good number on it. Jason got the Free Range Chicken pizza, with sundried tomatoes, artichokes, chicken, mozzarella, and basil. I swiped a piece, and it was decent, though the sweetness of the tomatoes verged on cloying for me.

Service was sort of meh. I got the impression that our server was trying to emulate the understatedness of servers in really haute cuisine types of joints, but the end result was just sort of awkward. Think lots of weird silences and halted, barely audible responses. Overall, though, it's a fine place to grab a casual meal, if you're not expecting much in the way of culinary revelation. I think I'll have to give it a couple more tries to see if we caught it on sort of a blah night.

Good to know:

Circa is located at 1601 Connecticut Avenue, NW, practically right across the street from the Dupont Circle Metro stop on the Red Line. Just exit on the North side, and cross Connecticut as if you're going to Kramerbooks, but hang a quick left on Connecticut instead. It's right on the corner.

The atmosphere is super casual and anything goes. There were families in shorts, tee-shirts, and tennis shoes, and there were glitterati in sparkly dresses and strappy heels and both fit right in.

Photos by Flickr user M.V. Jantzen, who takes great photos of DC. Check out his stuff sometime.

Wishful Linking

2008-07-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

I want to do this.

Why I Love It

2008-07-07T16:13:00.001-07:00

Republic of Tea Blackberry Sage tea, organic spring mixed greens, whole wheat pitas (to stuff with various items and bring for lunch), red onions, chicken breast (to marinate and bake with cloves of garlic and white wine), Cherry Glen chevre (to spread on sandwiches or toss on salads), roasted marinated tomatoes, assorted olives from the olive bar, smoked salmon (on my morning toast, or in a salad with capers and red onion), garlic and herb spread, fresh mixed berries, New Zealand lamb loin chops (to crust with the rosemary I'm growing and pan sautee), parmesan and garlic pita chips, green onions, cucumbers, lemons, avocados (for salads, sandwiches, and fresh guacomole), whole wheat bagels, organic basil (goes on everything), thyme, whole wheat pasta, assorted heirloom tomatoes, poached mussels (to toss with olive oil, garlic, and pasta), a French baguette, marinated artichoke hearts, fresh shrimp, Campo de Montalban cheese, organic chives, peanut butter granola bars (for mornings when I don't have time to eat something real), capers, tuna packed in oil, cans of San Marzano tomatoes (to make homemade pasta sauce), Little Penguin Australian Pinot Noir, and whole dried figs.

Goodness and Greatness on 18th Street

2008-06-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Two meals on 18th Street this weekend - one good, and one great:

I'll start with the good. We finally got around to trying Casa Oaxaca ("wa-HA-ka") the new-ish Mexican place in Adams Morgan. This was the good, not great meal. Complimentary chips with an alright guacamole, that tasted sort of blah and mushy, like the avocados had been too ripe. A trio of blue corn tacos called Kekas - one pork carnitas, one poblano pepper, and one with huitlacoche (a type of fungus that grows on corn, but is considered a delicacy in traditional Mexican cuisine). The pork was nice and tender, the huitlacoche was interesting - sort of tangy, yet earthy. The poblano pepper was nothing special though - it tasted like regular green bell peppers heated up and stuffed in a taco. I had the Enchiladas de Mole Poblano for my entree - the chicken was tender, and the mole sauce was good, if a bit mild. I liked the fact that it was sprinkled with just a bit of queso blanco, and not smothered in a greasy blanket of cheese the way some Americanized Mexican food is. Jason had some type of seafood and goat cheese enchiladas, which I can't find on their online menu. He seemed to enjoy it alright, but was surprised at the dominant sweetness of the goat cheese. To drink, I had a Margarita (very good), and a Mojito (which was a bit syrupy). All in all, it wasn't knock-your-socks-off great, and I was a tad bit disappointed given how much Tom Sietsema praised it in his review. The service, however, was great - attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. I think it's worth another visit, as it's possible we just caught them on an off night.

We had another great meal though, at previously-blogged-about Las Canteras, which has quickly become one of our favorite places for a low-key dinner. I'm happy to report that the Pisco Sours are as good as ever and the Choros a la Chalaca (plump mussels with diced corn, tomato, and red onion) was as wonderful as the first time I tried it. I tried a new entree this time though, the Pescado a la Macho, poached white fish with a super spicy seafood sauce. It was ridiculously good, in that addictive makes-your-nose-run-and-your-eyes-water kind of way. For dessert, I tried the Guava Flan, which was a bit grainier than the flan I'm used to. The guava flavor was slightly overwhelmed by the caramel sauce that came on top. It was a nice, light way to end the meal though.

Good to know:
Casa Oaxaca is located at 2106 18th Street, NW. It's probably an easier walk from the Dupont Metro stop. Exit on the north side, walk up Connecticut, take a right on Florida, and then a left on 18th. It'll be on the left-hand side.

Las Canteras is located at 2307 18th Street, NW. Ditto on the above directions, except once you hit 18th, you'll walk up another block or so, and it'll be on the right-hand side.

Here's a helpful map.

Photo of 18th Street by Flickr user M.V. Jantzen.

Chicago's Blackbird soars

2008-05-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

I distinctly remember the first time I tasted a properly cooked scallop, the perfect slip of its sweet flesh at once familiar in its trace of the ocean, and yet more wonderful than anything I'd ever tasted, from the sea or elsewhere. I remember the gently ashen char where it had been seared on each side, and that first wholly satisfying bite of the firm, yet yielding white belly beneath. That this pearly piece of heaven was even remotely related to the blandly rubbery versions I'd had before was difficult to register. It was a defining moment in my personal culinary history: the scallop upon which all future scallops would be judged.

It seems fitting then, that another, more recent, defining moment in my culinary history also involved a scallop. Well, two scallops, to be exact. The revelatory mollusks in question were of a Maine diver ilk, lightly seared and enhanced by black trumpet mushrooms, fava beans, fried chicken skin remoulade, and crumbles of pumpernickel. It was bivalvic perfection on a plate, the creamy richness of the remoulade emphasizing the delicate salinity of the scallop. This time, however, the scallops were part of a larger defining moment, as they comprised only the first course in what may be the most plainly delicious meal I've ever had.

Of course, I'd had high hopes for Blackbird, the critically acclaimed Chicago restaurant that has been consistently ranked amongst the top restaurants in said city, and easily falls within the top 50 or so restaurants in the country. So I suppose I technically should not have been surprised by the inventive, yet minimalist, cocktail list. The understated, but clever decor (each table is graced with diminutive yellow daisies in an opaque white oblong vase, evoking a golden-yolked egg). The pared-down, but diverse wine list. The friendly, but unobtrusive service. None of it should have been a revelation. Technically.

Pleasure, however, isn't technical -- it's sensual. And though I'd heard consistently positive things about Blackbird, my senses weren't quite prepared for the tenderness of a perfectly pink pork belly, gently marbled with fine white lines of fat, bathed in a warm gumbo-flavored consomme. Imagine the most perfect piece of bacon in the world, except cut as a thick slab, and less aggressively salty, almost sweet to the taste. My senses were equally unprepared for the way a prawn can taste like buttered seawater when perfectly grilled, or the crisp of an ethereal cornbread, unhindered by the usual dry grittiness that has marred my affection for the cornbread of meals past.

As an appetizer, I chose the aforementioned seared maine diver scallops with black trumpet mushrooms, fava beans, fried chicken skin remoulade and pumpernickle. A seemingly strange combination that somehow tasted far "sleeker" than the description would suggest, as the flavors unified in each bite. The pork belly in question was part of a brilliant entree of braised organic pork belly with grilled spot prawn, boiled peanuts, sugarsnap peas, cornbread and gumbo consomme, a sly nod to low-country cuisine, pared down and dressed up, yet no less satisfying.

By dessert, my face was warm with pleasure, aided only slightly by the fizzy champagne cocktail and Cabernet Franc I'd had with my meal. And yet, somehow, the most inventive part of the meal was yet to come. Having already savored two courses, I knew to order the most interesting-sounding dessert, confident that Blackbird could do no wrong, even (perhaps especially) with counterintuitive flavor profiles. It proved to be a worthy strategy. The sweet pea sponge cake I ordered came with a licorice-infused mascarpone cream, candied bacon bits, and carrot-flavored sorbet. Weird? Yes. And completely amazing. It was springtime in a dish, and a combination of flavors that I had never before encountered.

There is something to be said for the familiar - comfort food, Mom's cooking, steakhouse classics, and your neighborhood diner. These things are romanticized for a reason, and they're the things I find myself craving over and over. And yet, there are those meals - meals like Blackbird - that remind me why I'm interested in food in the first place. Challenging our preconceptions of what we think we want to eat. Stimulating to the palate, and yet somehow, devoid of the gimmicks and superfluous molecular antics that plague so much upscale dining. Eating at Blackbird was tasting that perfect first scallop all over again, and somehow finding it even more perfect than before.

Photo by dubiously named Flickr user DealinHoz.

The Best Gallery in Dupont

2008-05-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

Having spent my child and young adult-hood in small-town Iowa, I have had a fondness for farmers' markets for as long as I can remember. I have distinct memories of sunny Saturdays spent wandering the Iowa City Farmers Market, which was held in a parking lot across from the public library. On those Saturdays, the lot was filled with vendors from across the state, offering a brilliant array of fruits, vegetables, eggs, cheese, jams, and flowers, often sold out of the back of the farmers' own pick-up trucks. My mother would lead me and my sister up and down the loosely arranged aisles, the gleaming displays of farm-state bounty nearly eye-level to our kid statures. I carefully observed the jewel-like glimmer of pink raspberries, the gleam of shiny, overripe tomatoes, the elegance of corn cobs hidden away in their smooth green husks. It was an aesthetic experience, and I was always far less concerned with actually procuring these items than with simply observing their loveliness.

This reverence for the "farmers' gallery" stays with me still, apparently, as I found myself nearly paralyzed with appreciation at the Dupont FRESHFARM Market yesterday. With $45 in my pocket, I could've filled several bags full of buffalo jerky, feta de Provence, or lush salad greens, and yet, I found myself simply wandering the stalls, stopping to admire the way the midday light illuminated a cluster of basil plants, smiling at a child's squeal of delight upon discovering the display of live Maryland crabs. It was enough to just be there. More than enough.

I returned home with a renewed sense of abundance and three apples, two Fuji and a Braeburn. I ate the Braeburn on the walk home. It was really, really good.

Photo of Dupont FRESHFARM market tomatoes by Flickr user M.V. Jantzen.
Photo of Dupont FRESHFARM Savoy cabbage by Flickr user Josporte.

Springtime indulgences

2008-04-14T17:04:00.001-07:00

And because I haven't posted in forever, some more things I've been enjoying lately:

- Starbucks' new Pike Place Roast. It's milder than their old house blend, which had a sort of strong burnt taste.
- Oysters, Pinot Grigio, and people-watching at Tony & Joe's on the waterfront in Georgetown.
- Post-work champagne cocktails and calamari at Napoleon
- Long walks around the Kalorama neighborhood, ogling the gorgeous architectural detailing on the embassies and mansions
- Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies (especially good to have on hand when Jason's over)
- Cooking "omelettess two ways" (my own invention) for Jason on weekend mornings. One with brie and chives and another with goat cheese and basil.
- Top Chef Chicago
- Cocktails on the patio at Eighteenth Street Lounge
- The days getting longer, the sunshine, the floral bounty of the season in full bloom
- Playing with my new camera
- Quiet evenings with a big mug of Tazo green tea and a good book

Photo by me.

Modern Mexican at Oyamel

2008-04-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

Whew - it was quite a weekend. The variety of things to do in this city never fails to amaze me, and this weekend included jaunts to the Japanese Street Festival, the new Newseum, The Lansburgh Theatre for a showing of the Reduced Shakespeare Company's "The Complete History of America (abridged)," and the National Zoo, where we got to see the Orangutan's on the O Line. With all this activity, I'm sorta surprised we even remembered to eat, and yet we somehow managed to sneak in a meal that I'm counting among one of the best in recent memory at Penn Quarter's lovely Mexican cocina, Oyamel.

I don't know how to explain it, but as Jason and I stepped into Oyamel on that balmy Saturday evening, I suddenly felt a little bit more alive. My bones virtually tingled, infused with the bright energy of the warm color scheme, the oversized butterfly mobiles, the cheerful bustle of the wait staff ushering plates of miniature tacos to tables of grateful patrons, many slightly overdressed in their sequin-y theater garb (there are several venues within stone's throw of the restaurant).

It soon became apparent that Oyamel's menu (made up of antojitos, or small plates) is a worthy match for its exciting atmosphere. We started our meal at cocktails - mine was sweet and coconut-y with rum, and it was called Horchata something, but I can't find it on the Oyamel's website. Jason had the restaurant's version of a margarita, which comes topped with "salt air" (which seemed to be a sort of salient foam), and which Jason later declared to be the "best margarita ever" (and, trust me, this guy knows his margaritas).

Properly buzzed (it doesn't take much these days), we moved on to the Ceviche Verde "El Bajio," a coolly verdant blend of yellowtail kingfish with avocado, tomatillo, green olives and jalapeño chiles. From there, I moved on to a charming plate of seared scallops, with pumpkin seed sauce, pumpkin seed oil and toasted pumpkin seeds. The toasty flavors of the pumpkin elements contrasted gorgeously with the sweet scallop meatiness. Jason, meanwhile, was similarly enraptured by a tureen of baked beans and chorizo.

To accompany our second round of drinks (margaritas for both of us this time), we each ordered two tacos a la carte. Jason chose the wildest offerings - Taco de Chapulines, stuff with sautéed grasshoppers, in a shallots, garlic and tequila sauce, and the Lengua Guisada taco - braised beef tongue with radishes and a sauce of roasted pasilla chili, tomatoes, onion and garlic. I got to try an errant grasshopper - it was salty with a highly concentrated, almost nutty, flavor, but not altogether unpleasant. The braised beef tongue mostly just tasted like beef, but slightly gamier than the more conventional cuts. I chose the Carnitas taco stuff with confit of baby pig with green tomatillo sauce, pork rinds, onions and cilantro, an agreeably zesty combination of ingredients. I also got the comparatively tame Pollo a la Parilla taco, with grilled marinated chicken breast with guacamole and grilled Cambray onions. I wasn't as wild about the Pollo a la Parilla, but perhaps it isn't really fair to compare it directly to the more exotic items.

We were simply too full to sample any of Oyamel's desserts, but I am intrigued by the hibiscus and margarita sorbets, served with a meringue froth, tequila “jello”, and fresh orange and lime. Maybe next time. Maybe soon.

Good to know:
Oyamel is located at 401 7th Street, NW, a hop, skip, and a jump from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop (green, yellow, or red lines) or the Archives/Navy Memorial Metro stop (green and yellow lines). Within easy walking distance of The Shakespeare Theater, Woolly Mammoth Theater, National Theatre, and Warehouse Theater.

Photo of grasshopper tacos by Flickr user Angela N. Photo of Oyamel exterior by Flickr user Sp3ctr3man.

A taste of Peru

2008-03-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it - I'm a sucker for design. Smart packaging is important to me for its own sake. (Though it certainly helps if the thing inside the package is actually good...see Ciao Bella post below, for example.) Perhaps because of my bias toward all things pretty, I was sold on Adams Morgan's Peruvian outpost, Las Canteras, from the moment I set foot in in the intimate and charmingly decorated space. With walls painted a festive vermillion hue, accented by colonial era cast and wrought iron chandeliers and sconces, Las Canteras' beautiful dining room had me at "Hello." Or rather, "Dinner for two?"

Dinner for two, indeed, and what a dinner it was. Perhaps having undermined my own culinary journalism integrity by admitting my predilection for such frivolities as a restaurant's interior design, I shall have to be extra vigilant about my description of its food (the stuff inside the package), lest I succumb to aforementioned schoolgirl crush on the restaurant's good looks and start raving madly about the virtues of the creative Peruvian cuisine being served up in this looker of an eatery.

But, um, I'm going to rave anyway because, well, the food at Las Canteras is just that good.

You'll want to start your meal with the restaurant's coolly sophisticated take on a Pisco Sour, served in a slender flute and topped with a dollop of whipped egg white foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon. As Jason observed, the warm spicy notes of the cinnamon register more strongly as scent than taste, providing a multi-sensory foil to the cool citrus tang of the drink.

To begin the meal, our server brought us a basket of freshly baked bread, an arrival made even more welcome by the accompanying green chile spread, at once creamy, garlicky, and tear-inducingly spicy. Now, I've yet to encounter a bread basket that I didn't like, but with the addition of that smooth, yet spicy green chile spread, Robert C. Atkins himself would've wolfed the stuff down. The piquant spread was but a prelude, however, for the delights that await the palate at Las Canteras. As a serious shellfish lover, I swooned over our appetizer, the Choros a la Chalaca - sweet, plump mussels (nearly twice as large as any I've seen in a restaurant recently), topped with a mix of juicy chopped tomatoes, corn, and cilantro, all dressed in lemon juice, and elegantly served atop the incandescent mussel shells.

Those gorgeous mussels made me happy I'd gone with the Parihuela - a Peruvian bouillabaisse - for my main course, and the aromatic seafood soup did not disappoint. With generous portions of jumbo shrimp, mussels, clams, white fish, and calamari bathed in a steaming broth of wine, lime juice, and cilantro, the Parihuela had me begging our obliging server for another basket of bread with which to sop up every last drop of the spicy, briny juices. Equally worthy was Jason's entree, the Trio de Anticuchos, tender pieces of chicken, beef, and heart of beef, served with a side of garlicky mashed potatoes, corn, and lime-marinated red onion. As Jason noted, the starchy neutrality of the corn kernals served as a vessel to prolongue the other more aggressive flavors on the palate.

Alas, we were too full to order dessert, although the couple next to us ordered a Guava Flan that will definitely be on my short list for my next visit. Even with dozens more places in the neighborhood to check out, I have a feeling my next visit will be sooner than later.

Good to know:
Las Canteras is located at 2307 18th Street, NW. It's not a far walk from the Dupont Metro stop if you walk north from the circle on Connecticut Ave., cut right on Florida Ave., and then swing a left when you get to 18th Street. It's well worth the walk.

Photos taken from Las Canteras' website.

Ciao Bella, delicioso

2008-03-13T17:01:00.001-07:00

Ciao Bella gelato: every bit as good as the cheerfully colored package design would suggest. Jason and I tried the wonderful Chocolate Hazelnut flavor the other night. Available at Whole Foods.

Photo by Flickr user Ji the Pee.

A tale of two cheese shops

2008-03-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

So enamored am I with the decidedly delightful addition to the Penn Quarter neighborhood, Cowgirl Creamery, that I've had to actually restrain myself from blogging about it. The reason for my self-imposed delay? I decided that the only responsible thing to do would be to scope out Alexandria's Cheesetique in the Del Ray neighborhood for a bit of comparative due diligence. Well, as I suspected, both of the artisan cheese shops are veritable gourmet playgrounds, and I am now pretty equally enamored with both. Below are some vital stats.

Cowgirl Creamery
Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Easily accessible via Metro Center or Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stops
Selection: Cowgirl Creamery boasts the more extensive selection of the two shops. You can find everything from Nubian goat Alleghany Chevre, to the creamy sheep's milk Cave Aged Marisa, to cow's milk Marin French Triple Creme (as decadent as it sounds). Also, if you're looking for a particular cheese, their website offers a search function, allowing you to input milk type, treatment, etc. Cowgirl beats out Cheesetique if you're looking for a rare or very specific type of cheese.
Staff: Cowgirl Creamery was the better staffed of the two shops, with a whole host of friendly cheese enthusiasts ready to assist us with any questions or requests for samples. The staff at Cowgirl appeared truly passionate about the cheeses. When we asked one staff member about good fondue cheeses, she helpfully pointed us toward their pre-assembled fondue kits, and she made suggestions about what kind of wine would work well in the fondue.

Cheesetique
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Cheesetique is not quite as accessible as Cowgirl Creamery, but it's easily reachable by car.
Selection: Cheesetique has a perfectly respectable selection of artisan cheeses, including the ever-wondrous Humboldt Fog (pictured above). It's not quite as extensive as Cowgirl's selection, however. On the other hand, Cheesetique offers a broader array of complimentary non-cheese items, most notably a nice wine selection, as well as imported beer, gourmet salts, artisan honey, jams, crackers, cookies, and even serving dishes.
Staff: The salesperson who was working at Cheesetique was perfectly nice and helpful, although I noticed with amusement that she seemed a bit taken aback at the amount of cheese and cured meat we ordered. "Are you having a party?" I believe were her exact words. Um, no, we weren't having a party. We were, however, gathering ingredients to make this inarguably festive sandwich.

Depending on what kind of cheese shop experience you're looking for, both Cowgirl Creamery and Cheesetique offer much to recommend. Thankfully, there seems to be ample room in this town - and on my plate - for the both of 'em.

Photo of Humboldt Fog cheese by Flickr user Cheezemaster.

Vapiano, andiamo!

2008-03-01T04:21:00.000-08:00

After enduring one too many disappointing happy hour experiences at the pan-Asian cafe/sushi spot/bar across the street from our office, my co-workers and I decided that it was time to branch out. In search of a suitable alternative, we wandered around the nightlife-challenged no-man's land that surrounds our office building, and were about to give up and go to Mackey's after collectively rejecting both Rumors and Sign of the Whale, where you can get hit on by aging frat boys wearing Ralph Lauren polo shirts in almost any hue in the color spectrum, or lose a slingback to the interminably sticky, beer-stained floor, respectively.

And then we stumbled upon the airy, casual-yet-sophisticated Vapiano, and after a quick peek inside revealed a refreshingly spacious layout, fresh rosemary growing in terracotta pots on each table, and a welcoming ceramic bowl of Gummi Bears, it was determined that Mackey's would have to wait.

Vapiano is actually a German-owned chain that serves upscale, but surprisingly affordable Italian-ish fare, and has a habit of opening locations in urban neighborhoods densely populated by, ahem, yuppies hungry for a slightly more grown-up iteration of your typical happy hour. (Area locations include M Street, Ballston, and - soon - Chinatown). Essentially, my co-workers and I are their target demographic, an observation confirmed by the scores of other post-work young professionals already populating Vapiano's space when we arrived at approximately 5:07 p.m.

It soon became clear why Vapiano has been consistently crowded since it opened the M Street location. From the cheerful, contemporary decor to the wide selection of build-your-own pasta and pizza to the nicely varied wine list (available by the bottle or the glass), Vapiano distinguishes itself amid a sometimes indistinguishable mass of preppy DC watering holes.

Another unique aspect of Vapiano is that every patron receieves a card upon entering (pictured above) on which you keep track of your purchases. At first, I was skeptical of the idea, as it seemed like it was just adding another step to the payment process, but in truth, it was pretty nice not to deal with cash all night, and to bypass the whole divvying-up-the-bill mess that sometimes accompanies happy hour with a group of people.

We ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio and a bottle of Malbec (which turned into several bottles of each as the evening progressed). We were also charmed by Vapiano's food menu, featuring thin-crust pizza (try the Capricciosa with ham, mushrooms, artichokes, olives, and mozzarella or the Rucola with parmesan and arugula - pictured above). At $7.25 to $10.25 per pie, it feels like a steal. Our order of bruschetta was also notable for the toasted garlic bread that stayed crisp even as it sagged under a bright pile of garlicky tomato and basil with olive oil.

Several hours later, we were happily full of aforementioned wine and pizza, and we left Vapiano already discussing our plans to return. The handfuls of Gummi Bears that we snagged on our way out seemed like the perfect ending to a thoroughly delightful evening. Indeed, Mackey's may have to wait a long, long time.

Good to know:
Vapiano is located at 1800 M Street, NW, an easy walk from either the Dupont Circle Metro or Farragut North Metro on the Red Line.

Photo by Flickr user Liquidx.

The interwebs will cower before us

2008-02-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

If you read my blog with any semblance of regularity, you've undoubtedly noticed that my wonderful boyfriend accompanies me on many of my culinary and cultural forays. Well, in addition to being my favorite co-adventurer, Jason happens to be an excellent writer. Everyone should check out his brilliant new blog, This Inevitable and Unenviable March.

On my bookshelf

2008-02-28T16:44:00.001-08:00

I have always been interested in the anthropology of food - the way our relationship with food can illustrate broader cultural themes, and, inversely, the ways in which societal shifts and fissures get reflected in the way we eat. Because it is so fundamentally universal, the topic of food proffers enormous potential for understanding the variety of the human experience. It only makes sense then, that the issues of our time - our collective triumphs and struggles - are being increasingly reflected in the works of some of our country's best food writers.

That's why I find the Best Food Writing anthology series to be one of the most intelligent collections of its kind. Year after year, editor Holly Hughes presents a trove of writing that is not just eloquent, but also intensely reflective of our times, and this year's Best Food Writing 2007 is no exception.

This year's selection includes works by Anthony Bourdain, Frank Bruni, and Barbara Kingsolver, as well lots by lesser-known folks, like the Washingtonian's very own Todd Kliman. Hughes divides them into thematic categories, such as Food Fights, The Meat of the Matter, and Why I Cook. In Food Fights, for example, Barry Estabrook turns a critical eye toward such issues as chefs' often disingenuous obsession with local ingredients in his essay "Local Heroes?" Perhaps most striking is a category Hughes labels "Fast Food," wherein three out of the four essays are about the authors' - all of them non-Hispanics - seeking out their respective cities' best taqueria. (The fourth essay examines the variety of monikers by which hot dogs are known to Rhode Islanders. The essay is called "Don't Call It a Hot Dog" - oops- and is written by Joe Yonan, formerly of the Boston Globe, who was recently named the WaPo's new food section editor.)

Filled with such smartly observed essays, this series reminds me all over again why I was drawn to writing about food in the first place, and what our relationship with food can teach us about ourselves and our culture. All in all, it's a literary feast.

Hot food for a cold day

2008-02-28T06:27:00.000-08:00

Oenophile that I am, I've been super excited to check out DC's newest addition to the wine bar craze, Cork, and had made plans to go after work yesterday. Few things can compete with my mildly obsessive interest in chronicling the best this city has to offer in the way of wine flights, cheese selections, and charcuterie. (See previous post on Dupont's Veritas). As if I needed further incentive, Cork's menu boasts a pretty decent selection of entrees (or what they call "hot plates"), and dishes like Red-Wine Braised Lamb with pomegranate, radicchio, and spinach beckon.

But yesterday, it was cold. And windy. And to be completely honest, I just didn't feel like trekking across town for my dinner, delicious as it might've been. So, although few things can compete with wine and cheese, fabulous Indian food is most definitely one of those things, specifically the elegant fare turned out by Heritage India in Dupont Circle.

So we turned our wind-burned cheeks to the north and braved the nasty weather for the couple blocks between my office and the restaurant, the promise of warm naan and spicy curries sustaining us through the chill.

Once inside Heritage's uniquely decorated dining room (think soothing peach tones, low lighting, and a giant bronze Buddha statue), we settled into a table for two and ordered drinks (a SoCo Sour for Jason, and a Maharani cocktail for me - made of peach schnapps, orange juice, Grey Goose, and white sparkling wine.) With the drinks warming our cheeks, we turned to the menu, which is a rather intriguing mix of contemporary Indian tapas-style dishes (like grilled Tandoori mozzarella, tomato, and basil), and more traditional offerings like kabobs and curries.

We started with an order of pleasantly salty Garlic Naan, and from there, I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, and Jason went with the Lamb Vindaloo. The chicken was unbelievably tender, accented by the tang of the creamy and spicy masala sauce. And lo and behold, Jason's Vindaloo was sufficiently fiery, which is a victory in and of itself. I can also vouch for the Tandoori Chicken, marinated in a savory tomato-yoghurt sauce, which I enjoyed during a previous visit to the restaurant.

Our server (who was attentive without being overbearing, by the way) brought us dessert menus, but there simply wasn't room. It was that good.

Good to know: Heritage India is located at 1337 Connecticut Ave, almost directly across from the South entrance of the Dupont Circle Metro on the Red Line.

Photo of Heritage India's Saag Paneer by Flickr user Il Primo Uomo.

A Cheeser Teaser

2008-02-26T18:24:00.001-08:00

I promise that an in-depth review of Penn Quarter's fantastic cheese shop, Cowgirl Creamery (pictured above) is forthcoming following some, er, comparative research at area competitor Cheesetique in Del Ray. Promise.

Photo by Flickr user Eye Captain.

Thainatown

2008-02-23T07:47:00.000-08:00

Chinatown may seem like a counterintuitive place to find great Thai food. Yet tucked among the Chinese food joints (which, by the way, are growing more and more rare as places like Zengo and Matchbox take over the neighborhood), there is Kanlaya, an exquisite jewel box of a Thai restaurant.

I actually can't take credit for finding this one. My sister and Megan came across Kanlaya when they were in town, exploring the Chinatown area. She's been raving about it since, so it's been on the list of places to track down.

In the mood for something light, I had the sweet and spicy Tom Yum Goong soup, with shrimp and mushrooms in a tangy lemongrass broth, which definitely hit the spot on a chilly February afternoon. I also had the Yum Gai Krob salad, comprised of bits of crispy chicken with onion, celery, pineapple, tomato, and chili paste over greens, and topped with a lime dressing. The combination of sweet, savory, and acidic flavors was both comforting and palate-cleansing.

Jason ordered the Red Curry with chicken, which he asked for "Thai hot." The guy likes it incredibly spicy, and he's constantly trying to convince servers that he can handle it if they make it so. Alas, he was a bit disappointed, as his curry came out no spicier than an average Americanized curry. Despite that minor letdown, he said it was a perfectly respectable version.

Service was attentive, prices were quite reasonable, and the decor was very chic for such a casual little place. It's definitely worth checking out if you find yourself in that neighborhood.

On a sidenote, next time I'll have to try Burma, located directly on top of Kanlaya. Looks promising.

Good to know:
Kanlaya is located at 740 6th Street, NW. By Metro, exit at Chinatown/Gallery Place Metro (Green, Yellow, or Red line), and exit on the north side of the Verizon Center. Walk east for one block on H Street until you get to 6th. Kanlaya will be on the right-hand side near the corner of H and 6th.

Photo by Flickr user Afagen.

Pretty DC rowhouses

2008-02-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

Photos by Flickr users jsmjr, Ohad, and m hoek.

Brunch for one

2008-02-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

I love eating good meals with friends and family. But eating alone is equally delicious in its own way. Particularly if said meal is brunch at Meze in Adams Morgan on a sunny Saturday morning.

Having spent about sixteen hours straight in bed (thanks to a nasty cold and lots of Nyquil), getting out of my apartment for brunch was an especially appealing idea. Also, my beloved but ancient coffeemaker had chosen this morning to stage its dramatic denouement (think lots of hissing and smoking), so coffee at home was out of the question. With newspaper in hand, I headed over to Meze for some caffeine and nourishment.

From the moment I entered Meze, the staff seemed to anticipate my every whim. I was whisked over to a nice big corner table (the better to spread out with my newspaper), and immediately a waiter brought over a steaming mug of strong Turkish coffee. (Could it be that I actually look caffeine-deprived?)

Meze's menu features a varied selection of Turkish mezze, or "small plates" (think tapas, 'cept Turkish, not Spanish). As good as all the small plates sounded, I went with a more traditional brunch choice - the"Meze Eggs," two poached eggs over toasted English muffin and smoked salmon, topped with a creamy tomato-flavored Hollandaise sauce. I ordered a side of sauteed spinach too, which I spooned over the eggs.

With such good food and never-ending coffee refills, the Style section was all the company I needed for a great brunch.

Good to know:
Meze is located at 2437 18th Street, a quick walk up from the Dupont Metro or down from the Woodley Park/Zoo Metro (both on the Red Line).

Photo of Meze's interior taken from SieteTango.

All scientific and stuff

2008-02-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

Today, the WaPo debuts its new monthly food column, The Gastronomer, in which writer Andreas Viestad, will ponder the relationship between science and food. I rolled my eyes at the title, expecting to find a long-winded missive on the merits of sous vide cooking or celery foam. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that, although Viestad's observations can tend toward the obvious ("We need science to teach us what goes on when we make a sauce or cook a piece of fish," he muses at one point), his attitude toward molecular gastronomy appears promisingly nuanced. Viestad's general premise is that cooking can benefit from scientific advancement, but that the relentless pursuit of technical perfection undermines the whole point of cooking and eating for pleasure. Okay, that's fair enough. But referring to himself as a "maverick gastronomer"? I dunno that a balanced view on the topic doth a maverick make.

I'm eager to see whether future columns reveal a thoughtful voice in the Our Food, Our Selves dialogue, or whether Viestad's fluffy souffle of big ideas will, alas, deflate. I also wonder about the Post's choice to incorporate this theme into its Food Section as a monthly column. It seems to me that, for most readers, molecular gastronomy is an occasional thrill to be experienced at the hands of Katsuya Fukushima, but is not neccessarily a month-in, month-out theme for reflection. Viestad seems to know his stuff though, so we shall see.

Photo of Minibar's Olive Oil Bon Bon by Flickr user Dabdiputs.

Zorba's Cafe: Hellas good

2008-01-27T17:17:00.000-08:00

When I studied abroad in Greece, I was completely enthralled by not only the friendly people and unspeakably gorgeous countryside, but also the bright and savory flavors of Greek food. I still dream about the lamb gyros from the street vendor in the the Plaka, a neighborhood in Athens, near the apartment where I stayed. The thing about Greek food (and much Mediterranean cuisine, actually) is that it needn't be complicated to be good. In fact, most often, the simplest dishes are the best.

And when I'm feeling nostalgic for the simple pleasures of taverna-style food, nothing satisies my craving like Zorba's Cafe. The Dupont Circle establishment that serves up excellent renditions of classic Greek dishes like Mousaka, Souvlaki, Pastitsio, and of course, Gyros, as well as awesome hummus and - my favorite - tzatziki.

So when my sister and Megan were in town visiting me, and we wanted a quick yet satisfying bite to eat, Zorba's was a no-brainer. I ordered the Gyro Plate (or Yero Plate, as it's spelled on the menu) - marinated sliced beef and lamb on pita bread, a Greek salad, and french fries. My sister got the Fasolia Plakee, which is white beans cooked with tomatoes, onions, and herbs, and Megan ordered the Kefte Kebabs (Mediterranean meatballs).

It was an unseasonably warm night, so we took our food out to Zorba's patio to people watch on 20th Street while we ate. (Zorba's doesn't do table service. You just order food at the counter and then can either dine in or take it to go.)

The food was simple and delicious. The service was friendly, the vibe relaxed. It's not the Plaka, but it's about as close as it gets here in the District.

Good to know:
Zorba's Cafe is located at 1612 20th Street, NW, pretty much across the street from the north entrance of the Dupont Circle Metro Stop on the Red Line.

Photo of Zorba's Cafe by Flickr user Skippy13.

Adams Morning

2008-01-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

Happiness is waking up slowly with a cup of freshly brewed Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee (ground from whole beans, which you can find at Marvelous Market), sitting by my window and watching the morning's first light tiptoe over the rooftops on the other side of Kalorama Park.

Photo of morning light in Adams Morgan by Flickr user Pappa91.

A classic combination at Cafe Mozart

2008-01-26T04:40:00.001-08:00

DC's thriving food scene has produced some pretty sexy restaurants of late. Wolfgang Puck is serving up his signature upscale cuisine at his newest outpost, The Source, at downtown's Newseum. Eric Ripert, of Le Bernardin renown, has DC's scenesters flocking to the West End, for haute bistro fare at his aptly named Westend Bistro, while Michel Richard dishes up luscious $29 lobster burgers at Central. And you can't talk about DC's restaurant scene without mentioning Jose Andres, the man who brought such sleek venues as Cafe Atlantico, the minibar, Oyamel, and Zaytinya to our fair city, delighting the palates and emptying the wallets of Washingtonians eager to dine at restaurants as sophisticated as any you'll find in the traditionally great restaurant cities of NYC or San Francisco.

Indeed, as anyone who's been to Penn Quarter lately will attest to, DC now boasts an almost dizzying array of these chic joints. And don't get me wrong - I wouldn't turn down a reservation at the minibar if I were Wylie Dufresne himself.

However.

Sometimes a girl just wants some sauerkraut.

And a beer.

That's where the oft-overlooked Old World charms of Cafe Mozart come in. It doesn't look like much from the outside of its H Street location, its lit-up deli storefront the lone bit of life in this gray and blandly landscaped part of DC's office district. Hidden behind its modest exterior, however, lies the type of humble gem that reminds me why I write about food in the first place.

Cafe Mozart is actually a deli, lounge, and restaurant all in one. Upon entering, you are greeted with a konditorei-like area, where you can peruse the large variety of German snacks, confections, and groceries, or have a seat to sip some coffee or have a snack from the deli. Walking further into the establishment, however, the neon lights of the deli give way to a dimly lit lounge area, paneled in dark wood, which, in turn, leads to the actual restaurant itself, a quaintly-decorated dining room, whose formality is tempered by its cozy size and the soft strains of live classical piano music.

Jason and I both ordered the sausage sampler, a plate brimming with bite-size samples of about five different kinds of sausage, accompanied by wonderfully briny sauerkraut, red cabbage, and German potato salad (which was flecked with bits of bacon). My favorite of the sausages was actually mild and slightly garlicky, which, judging from the descriptions on the menu, was probably the Smoked Chicken Apple sausage. There was also a nice, hearty bratwurst somewhere in there, along with what appeared to be the Polish Kielbassy. In addition to a mouth-watering variety of sausages, Cafe Mozart's dinner menu also offers lots of other traditional German entrees, including six different kinds of schnitzel.

On the beverage front, beer was the obvious choice, alhough I can't recall what kinds we ordered. Mine was a Pilsen-something, and tasted a lot like Heineken. In taking our beverage order, our waitress asked if we would like a "small, half-liter, full-liter, or (and I am not making this up) a keg with a straw." Being reasonable human beings, we went with the half-liters, but I'm pretty curious to see what happens should you choose the last option.

I was definitely tempted to order the Black Forest Cake for dessert (Chocolate cake, with a Kirshwasser flavored filling of whipped cream and Morello cherries), but, alas, I was too full to justify it. We ended up ordering some schnapps instead though, peppermint for Jason and apple for me.

Happily buzzed and talking only half-jokingly about planning a trip to Germany for Oktoberfest, we ventured back out into the chilly January night. Walking down 14th Street, I realized we were nearing the stylish Butterfield 9, whose glittery decor and upscale modern American cuisine I've been wanting to experience since it opened to critical acclaim a couple years ago. I usually lust after it each time I walk by.

I don't know what it was, but this time, I found myself pining just a little bit less.

Good to know:
Cafe Mozart is located at 1331 H Street, NW, about equidistant from the McPherson Square Metro stop on the Blue or Orange line, or the Metro Center stop on the Red, Orange, or Blue line. Atmosphere is pretty casual. For those with cars, please designate a driver if you order the keg with a straw.

Photo of sausage platter (or wurstplatte) by Flickr user Bopuc. (It's not a photo of Cafe Mozart's sausage platter though, which I couldn't find online.)

Pixie Dust

2008-01-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about living in Adams Morgan is the continual
sense of being surrounded by things as-of-yet undiscovered. The
neighborhood continues to reveal its nuances, and, perhaps to the
surprise of some, I'm finding that there's more to this place than
bars, clubs, and absurdly large slices of pizza (though admittedly,
about 96% of the joints along 18th Street fall into one of the three
categories.)

Happily, though, the other 4% can hold their own. As evidence, I
present one of my favorite recent discoveries, Miss Pixie's Furnishings & Whatnot, a thoroughly charming treasure trove of antique and vintage furnishing and...whatnot. With an eye for the feminine, the ornate, and the fabulous, Miss Pixie's pink-painted walls house a whimsical - yet, well-edited - collection of furniture, kitchenware, art, and all sorts of other knickknacks.

I'm not sure who Miss Pixie is, but she has impeccable taste, with sort of an Anthropologie meets Charlotte York vibe, only less expensive (on both counts). On my first trip, I found a sweet little mustard-yellow end table, with an even sweeter price tag in the double digits. More recently, on New Year's Eve, upon realizing that I had no champagne flutes, I headed over to Miss Pixie's and scored a vintage set of four for $12.

Unlike some antique emporiums, Miss Pixie's is not overly cluttered. In fact, browsing the neatly displayed collection feels pleasantly like wandering around your most stylish friend's apartment, whose furnishings just happen to be for sale. Plates of chocolate chip cookies add to the coziness factor, as does a sales staff who remembers faces and names.

Chatting with the uber-friendly sales assistant on my last foray, I found out that Miss Pixie's neighbor, the beloved lounge/coffeeshop Tryst, actually buys most of its furniture from Miss Pixie's. (I'm actually typing this post from Tryst, in case you're wondering whether all those yuppies on their iBooks are actually writing things of substance or just typing emails to Mom. Ok, so I did that too. Hi Mom.)

And, um, all this writing about Miss Pixie's is making me wonder what new stuff she's got in the store, so I think I'll finish my latte, close up the iBook, and head on over.

Good to know:
Miss Pixie's is located at 2473 18th Street, in the heart of Adams Morgan. It's Metro-accessible, well, you know the drill, dear readers...Dupont or Woodley on the Red Line. Take yer pick.

Photo of 18th Street (Miss Pixie's is the store with the pink awning, naturally) by Flickr user Eye Captain.

A Raw Deal on U Street

2008-01-15T15:48:00.000-08:00

At long last, dear readers, my new power cord has arrived, and thus I make my triumpant return to the blogosphere.

Of all the places I've visited since my last update, U Street's awesome Ethiopian restaurant, Dukem, is the most deserving subject of the first post of 2008. I'd heard rumors of Dukem's excellence, and have had more than a couple cab drivers' recommend its savory fare, but it was actually Jason who beat me to the punch. Or to the beef, as the case may be.

I dunno about you, but as far as I'm concerned, with beef, rare is good, and raw is even better. So when Jason went to Dukem and came back swooning over its beef tartare (called kifto), I didn't need any more convincing. We went on a Friday night, without reservations, which is a gamble in itself - unsurprisingly, Dukem is no secret among DC's cognoscenti. However, we had a surprisingly short wait at the bar before we were seated.

Needless to say, I ordered the kitfo, which you can order by itself or in combination with other items. I got mine with a couple other things (a spicy lamb dish, and another beef preparation), however, the kitfo sticks out in my memory. Cool and buttery, with hints of chili and cardamon, the kitfo literally slides down your throat. Even the highest-grade tuna tartare has nothing on this stuff. Scooped up with some spongy injera, and washed down with a cold beer, it was definitely an experience I won't soon forget. However, I'll gladly return to Dukem to remind myself anew.

Good to know:
Dukem is located at 1114 U St., NW (at 12th St), practically steps away from the U Street - Cardozo Metro stop on the Green or Yellow line.

Photo of Dukem combination plate by Flickr user keegie_in_dc.

An Update

2008-01-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

Dear loyal readers (and I know there are at least two of you),

Due to technical difficulties (namely, an ornery power cord), my ability to blog has been momentarily halted (with the exception of quick missives like this one dashed off on my lunch break at work) .

Not to worry, however. According to UPS, my new power cord should be arriving any day now, and in the meantime, I have been eating, drinking, and frolicking at lotsa neat places (raw beef, excellent Greek food, and a sweet antique shop are coming soon to a blog near you).

I appreciate your patience, and hope that you will continue to choose my blog for your web-surfing needs.

xoxo

Part II in a series of posts on Adams Morgans' burgeoning intimate French/Belgian bistros-with-sane-noise-levels scene

2007-12-28T16:37:00.000-08:00

Besides the previously-blogged-about Napoleon, low-key places to grab a drink and engage in actual conversation are rare in my neighborhood. If you want to, I dunno, actually talk to your drinking companions, the overwhelming majority of joints along the 18th Street strip are just too damn noisy. That's why I was so pleased when my friend Dan introduced me to Cafe L'Enfant the other night.

With its well-conceived wine list and casually cozy atmosphere, Cafe L'Enfant has now joined Napoleon on my neighborhood shortlist of places to go for drinks and conversation. I finally got to try this year's Beaujolais Nouveau, whose youthful berry tones are a bit too fleeting on the tongue for my taste. Nonetheless, I'd been wanting to at least try it to know what the hype was about. For my second glass, I went with a glass of Cotes du Rhone, a heftier wine whose gravity I appreciated all the more in contrast with the Beaujolais. This particular Cotes du Rhone (an appellation sometimes derided for its vague provenance) was selected by Kermit Lynch, a prolific wine importer whose name I recognized from Jay McInerney's A Hedonist in the Cellar (which, by the way, is a great primer for the budding oenophile, and is the first in the series of books I plan to read to educate myself about wine. Well that, and, um, drinking lots of it.)

In addition to wine, Cafe L'Enfant boasts a well-rounded Bieres Menu, though so enamored was I with the wine list, I cannot for the life of me recall which two beers Dan ordered. Like Napoloeon, L'Enfant also serves bistro fare as well as sweet and savory crepes, which make for perfect post-drink snacking. Grab a seat at one of the tables by the window and look forward to an evening of not having to yell "WHAT DID YOU SAY? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

I'll drink to that.

Good to know:
Cafe L'Enfant is located at 2000 18th Street, NW. The closest Metro stop is Dupont Circle on the Red Line. Exit on the north side, then walk north on Connecticut to Florida Ave. Take a right on Florida, till you hit 18th. Cafe L'Enfant will be on the corner to the left. The atmosphere is decidedly casual.

Photo of Cafe L'Enfant by Flickr user robert takes pictures.

Loungin' around.

2007-12-15T07:26:00.000-08:00

You've probably walked right past it without realizing it, perhaps on your way to one of the flashier establishments on that stretch of Connecticut Avenue, like 1223 or Sesto Senso. While the aforementioned certainly have their place and time (like, um, Saturday nights junior year of college, for example), I'll take the unassuming coziness of Eighteenth Street Lounge any day.

Owned by Eric Hilton and Rob Garza (better known as the DC-based production and DJ Duo, Thievery Corporation), Eighteenth Street Lounge (or ESL, as it's known to the DC's cognoscenti) boasts no clue of its existence from the exterior of its three-story townhouse-style building. Look, instead, for the neon blue Mattress Discounters sign, and take the door immediately to its left, which leads you up a creaky, dimly-lit staircase and into this renovated mansion-cum-lounge (Teddy Roosevelt once lived here), which is lushly decorated in warm tones, comfy couches, and working fireplaces. Move toward the front of the lounge, and you'll be hard-pressed to miss the stunning view of Connecticut Ave.

As one might expect, given the lounge's owners, ESL is known for its predilection for some pretty sweet tunes. A heady stream of lounge music wafts from a back room, and most of the time, there's a live DJ spinning beats. You'll also find the occasional jam session going on in the front room.

The actual libations are secondary to the atmosphere at ESL, but last time I went, I had a very good glass (or two, or three) of Pinot Grigio. The warmth of the plush decor and downtempo beats (and, ok, the wine) kept me warm even as Jason and I ventured out into the cold December night in search of Thai food. (Dupont's Thaiphoon post coming soon.)

Good to know:
ESL is located at 1212 18th Street, just off Connecticut Avenue. It is accessible via the South entrance of the Dupont Metro stop on the Red Line. Look for the blue Mattress Discounters sign, and take the door just to the left.

It's generally free before 10 p.m., but after that, you might run into a $10 cover. Things seem casual on weekdays (I showed up in jeans and my work blazer), but apparently a line forms on weekends, so on Friday and Saturday nights, you may want to don your bouncer-pleasing best.

Photo of ESL's interior taken from World's Best Bars website.'

Eat well, do good.

2007-12-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

For regular readers of this blog, it will come as no surprise to hear that I believe enjoying good food is one of life's great pleasures. However, not everyone in this country shares that same privilege. Because I believe that everyone should have access to good food, I’m also committed to helping those less fortunate than myself: those who many not have access to nourishing meals.
For that reason, I'm penciling into my calendar (and circling, and underlining) the upcoming Nation's Capital Chef's Association (NCCA) Gala Dinner, to be held on Sunday, January 13th at the Washington Court Hotel. The annual Gala Dinner celebrates the professional accomplishments of NCCA’s membership, made up of local chefs and restaurant management professionals. The event will combine great food and a great cause; Proceeds from the $135 seat donation will benefit both DC Central Kitchen and the American Culinary Federation's Chef & Child Foundation.
Founded in 1989, the Florida-based Chef & Child Foundation is an organization that fosters, promotes, and stimulates an awareness of proper nutrition in preschool and elementary school children. Even closer to home, the DC Central Kitchen recovers unused food to deliver meals to residents at risk for hunger. As part of its holistic approach to combating poverty, the Kitchen employs and provides culinary skills training to homeless men and women.
Your donation will also secure your ticket to what promises to be a wonderful dining experience. Prepared by various area chefs, the seven-course menu includes wine pairings, and will feature the following:

Appetizer of seared quail and foie gras, herb spatzle, dried cherries and port wine
A few amuses bouche
Porcini mushroom consommé with polenta quenelles and micro greens
Duck breast with wild mushroom duck confit, couscous and vegetables
A deconstructed cheese course
An intermezzo of cranberry cabernet sorbet with Bosc pear slivers infused in grappa
An upright salad
And two other courses in development

The Gala Dinner will also feature a silent auction, as well as an awards ceremony for members of the Nation’s Capital Chef’s Association. Attendees will have the chance to rub shoulders with some of the most notable figures within DC’s food and hospitality world. More importantly, if you’re passionate about enjoying good food, you’ll be helping to make sure others can do the same. Seating is limited, so don't delay.

For more information or to make reservations, visit NCCA's website at nccachefs.org.

Pop to the rescue

2007-12-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

I was on a mission. My objective? To find a dress for my office holiday party. But as anyone who's ever shopped for an OHPD (Office Holiday Party Dress) knows, it is not an occasion for just any old dress, or even any old cocktail dress.

An OHPD must meet the following fairly specific requirements: festive, but not cloyingly so; dressy, but not over-the-top; body-conscious, but not overtly sexy; and versatile enough to make the leap from OHPD to other future occasions.

Sure, I had a LBD (that's Little Black Dress) tucked away in my closet that would've made a perfectly adequate OHPD. But, I thought to myself, scanning my closet for other contenders, my co-workers see me in a basic black suit (the office equivalent of the LBD) pretty much, like, um...every day. It was time to branch out.

So the Sunday before the holiday party, the mission began. After browsing through a bevy of trendy boutique-y places in the U Street area, I found my winning OHPD at the last place I visited. However, I could've skipped the other places, because I should have known it would be at Pop.

Pop is a place I keep coming back to (and not just because it's located right next to hip plant shop Garden District and directly on top of funky independently owned gift store Pulp, though that certainly doesn't hurt.) Stepping into the tiny upstairs space always makes me feel like I'm about to raid the closet of my coolest friend. You know, the one who always looks casually flawless. That seems to be the ethos at Pop, whose racks - well rack, actually - brims with a perfectly-edited selection of playful, trendy, yet wholly accessible styles. (Also, the sales associates are super-friendly, helpful, and completely devoid of that more-fashionable-than-thou attitude sometimes found at these trendy little places.)

It was love at first sight with my OHPD. Made by 213 Industry, she's taupe with a subtle peach shimmer, a suggestive, but not too revealing neckline, ruffled bust with loose cap sleeves, and a sweet a-line silhouette. And the look on Jason's face when I emerged from my closet after getting dressed in my dress and heels was worth way more than the $88 I spent on it. Next year, I'll just go straight to Pop.

Good to know:
Pop is located at 1803a 14th St., NW, at the intersection of 14th and S, a few blocks from the U Street Exit on Metro's green line. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 11am-7pm, and Sunday from 12pm-5pm.

Photo of Pulp/Pop by Flickr user Ronnie R (who, by the way, is taking some of the more beautiful photos of DC I've ever seen).

A Veritable Wine Bar

2007-12-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

Really, is there anything better than wine and cheese? Well, actually there may be. Try three wines paired with sumptuous cheeses and some well-chosen charcuterie, served in a cozy, dimly-lit bar with the casual strains of Jimmy Buffett and Van Morrison playing in the background. Thus is the winning formula at Dupont's new wine bar, Veritas, where Jason and I found ourselves warming up after our Saturday expedition.

Having found Veritas intimate (read: tiny) space completely packed the previous evening by 8 p.m., we decided to try again on Saturday at 5 p.m. Sure enough, we snagged a seat with ease on Saturday but by the time we left at 6:30, it was already filling up, so eager vinos should be prepared to come early or wait for a table. Indeed, Veritas' exposed brick setting measures only 800 square feet, but, rest assured, some very good things come in this small package.

Veritas serves wines by the glass or bottle, but perhaps the best way to sample a few varietals is to order one of the flights - three half-glasses grouped together by theme or region. With playful monikers like "Allied Powers," (a trio of red blends, two from France, and one Californian), Veritas doesn't take itself too seriously, in spite of its sophisticated premise.

I started with the "Three Blancs" flight, a smart trio of whites, including a Chenin Blanc from Washington state, a Pinot Blanc of Alsatian provenance, and a Californian Sauvignon Blanc, each one smoother than the last. Jason, meanwhile, ordered the "Underrated" flight, composed of three earthy reds, all Californian, including one Merlot, and two Cabernet Sauvignon varietals.

The wines were wonderful. But what's wine without some cheese? we asked ourselves. Thankfully, Veritas offers non-wine samplings as well. Our cheese flight consisted of a smooth-as-butter Brillat-Savarin, a creamy Humboldt Fog goat cheese, and a semi-hard Manchego-like Spanish Idiazabel. I think I died and went to heaven, and that was before the charcuterie, which consisted of a chicken pate, spiked with champagne and a spicy Italian salumi. The cheese and charcuterie come with crusty sourdough bread, as well as marinated olives, pickled gherkins, and rasberry jam. Now that's what I call a snack.

Good to know:
Veritas is located at 2031 Florida Avenue, a short walk from the Dupont North Metro stop. After exiting the Metro on the North side, walk up Connecticut Ave. Veritas is located on the left side of Connecticut Ave. at Florida Ave.

Wine flights will run you betwen $14-$23 for three half glasses. You can order three cheeses or two charcuterie selections of your choice for $11.

Atmosphere is casual chic.

Image taken from Veritas' website.

How to have a perfect Saturday in DC

2007-12-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

Sleep in. Wake up slowly. Run across the street for a copy of the Washington Post, and coffee creamer. Brew six cups of coffee (three for you, and three for your equally undercaffienated boyfriend). Enjoy said coffee and newspaper. Make it about halfway through the crossword puzzle before giving up and moving onto the comics.

Shower and get dressed in your coziest sweater, favorite jeans, and Pumas (or other equally comfortable pair of shoes). Consider going out for brunch, but decide on Chipotle instead. (Who says a chicken burrito isn't brunch food, anyway?)

Take the Metro to Judiciary Square, which deposits you within a couple blocks of your favorite Smithsonian museum, the Hirschhorn. Start with the recent acquisitions in the ground floor gallery, where you'll find works of John Baldessari and Andy Warhol, among others. Move on to the second floor, where the intoxicatingly colorful works of Color Field painter Morris Louis are on display until January 6. (Louis, who lived in DC from 1952 until his death in 1962, is also considered a primary member of the Washington Color School, an influential group of DC-area abstract artists who displayed works in several seminal exhibits during the 1960's.) Stop and look in awe at the massive "Para III" (pictured above). If you can pull yourself away, take the escalator to the third floor to see whimsical sculpures by Alexander Calder, as well as the museum's extensive collections of moody paintings by abstract impressionist Willem de Kooning. Leave the Hirschhorn with a renewed love for its extensive and smartly displayed collection.

Take the Metro to Dupont Circle. Duck into Kramerbooks to browse, and swoon over the scent of freshly-baked pie wafting from the adjoining Afterwords Cafe. Flip through Chuck Palahniuk's Stranger than Fiction, and Roger Housden's Ten Poems to Change Your Life. Gravitate (as always seems to happen) to the food and wine section, where you find A Hedonist in the Cellar: Adventures in Wine, Jay McInerney's cheeky chronicling of his forays as House & Garden's wine writer, which reminds you of your yearning to try Dupont's new wine bar, Veritas.

Find your boyfriend in the film section, thoroughly (and adorably) engrossed in I'm a Lebowski, You're a Lebowski. Gently (so as not to break his intense, Coen Brothers-induced concentration) ask if he's ready to go. Walk the couple blocks up Connecticut Avenue to Veritas, and have an experience so thoroughly delicious it deserves it deserves its own post (coming soon!).

Walk the few blocks back to your apartment in Adams Morgan, warm and happy from the wine despite the chill in the air. Wish that every day could be this perfect. Remember that there's always another Saturday adventure to be had, and that the next is a mere seven days away. Remember -again - why you love living in DC.

Photo of Kramerbooks by Flickr user Eye Captain.
Morris Louis' "Where" (1960) image taken from Wikipedia.

A Hankering

2007-11-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

I'm hard-pressed to think of something I enjoy more than a dozen assorted oysters on the half shell accompanied by a glass of white wine, which is why I can't think of many places I'd rather find myself these days than Hank's Oyster Bar near Dupont circle. The neighborhood spot, serving simple, accessible New England beach fare, never fails to satisfy my craving. Mix and match from the daily selection of fresh oysters to customize your order, and ask for a glass of the Albarino, a Spanish white wine, whose tartness cuts nicely through the creamy salinity of the shellfish.

Hank's also serves a mean fried oyster po'boy, which I enhance with a squeeze of lemon and squirt of hot sauce. Though I've never tried 'em, the fried Ipswich clams boast devoted followers as well. Chef and Owner Jamie Leeds - who recently opened a Hank's outpost in Old Town - serves these dishes and lots of other good stuff in an intimate townhouse setting that feels equally perfect for a romantic dinner for two or casual get-together with friends. Be forewarned, however, that there's no dessert menu. You'll hardly miss it, though, when your waiter drops off Hank's signature hunks of dark chocolate with the bill, a perfect less-is-more ending to the exceedingly satisfying experience.

Also worth noting is Hank's riff on the classic "Partridge in a Pear Tree" holiday song; for the month of December, both locations will serve the "Twelve Seafood Dishes of Christmas," priced at $75. Included in the bounty are: one cup of ceviche, two jumbo shrimp, three golden scallops, four barbecued oysters, five littleneck clams, six West Coast oysters, seven peel n’ eats, eight Ipswich clams, nine golden rings (calamari), 10 fried oysters, 11 steamed mussels and 12 East Coast oysters. You may want to bring some friends along for back-up. (Thanks to Metrocurean for the tip-off.)

Good to know:
Hank's Oyster Bar is located at 1624 Q Street, NW, easily accessible by Metro. Exit the Dupont Metro station to the South, then walk around the circle to the right, turning onto Q St. Hank's is a couple blocks down Q St. on the right side of the street.

Dress-wise, the atmosphere is relatively relaxed, but Dupont being Dupont (and oysters being classy), you may want to err on the side of chic.

Photos taken from Hank's Oyster Bar website.

More to love at Love Cafe

2007-11-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

You don't really need an excuse to visit U Street's Love Cafe, the sister store of the wildly popular CakeLove Bakery across the street. I mean, the place has awesome cake and strong coffee, which are each, individually, reason enough in my book, and combined...well, even better. But just in case you're not convinced, there's now yet another reason to love the place. Two words: Cupcake Bar. That's right. Love Cafe will now let you create and customize your own cupcake. Choose from vanilla or chocolate cake, then pick one of the uber-rich buttercreams, which include amaretto, chocolate, dark chocolate, lime, lemon, orange, German chocolate, raspberry, strawberry, vanilla, and peanut butter. You even get to pick your own sprinkles. Why? Because it tastes better that way.

Good to know:
Love Cafe is located at 1506 U Street, NW. It is Metro accessible from the U Street/Cardozo on the Yellow or Green line, which will take you to the corner of 13th and U. From there, walk two blocks east on U Street. Love Cafe will be the place on the right with the line out the door.

Can't get enough? Owner Warren Brown blogs about the bakery here.

Photos taken from CakeLove/Love Cafe's website.

Sunday, idle Sunday

2007-11-25T15:46:00.000-08:00

On this Sunday after Thanksgiving, I was craving something to feed the mind, having already fed my stomach to capacity on Thursday. I've been meaning to check out Idle Time Books for awhile now, so I donned my reading glasses and black turtleneck, and headed on over to the used and out-of-print book purveyor in the heart of Adams Morgan.

Upon entering, I was pleasantly surprised by just how large Idle Time is. Its quaint storefront gives the appearance of a cozy little shop, but there are actually three large floors filled with a diverse selection of books, spanning topics from Art Theory to Economics to Psychology and lots more. Political junkies will be especially pleased, as almost an entire wall is devoted to books on U.S. and international politics. There is also a sizable collection of biographies, and, of course, a large selection of fiction. My favorite part (well, besides the books) is the multitude of stools and chairs. There's even a red crushed-velvet armchair on the third floor by the window, overlooking 18th Street - a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the street below.

In addition to books, the Idle Time sells records and cd's, though not a very extensive selection of either. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. I snapped up Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed and Wally Lamb's I Know This Much is True.

Good to know:
Idle Time Books is located at 2467 18th Street, NW. The easiest way to get there is probably via the Dupont Circle Metro stop (exit on the North side). From there, walk north on Connecticut Ave., take a right on Florida Ave., then a left on 18th Street.

If you're looking for a specific book, you can actually search Idle Time's inventory on the interwebs (as the kids say) before you go.

Photo of Idle Time Books by Flickr user Eye Captain.

A Napoleon Complex

2007-11-25T07:06:00.000-08:00

The days are short, and the air is chilly. Patio happy hours and summer cocktails feel like a distant memory. But that's no reason to pout when the clock strikes 5 o'clock. Adams Morgan's sophisticated new bistro, Napoleon, is the perfect place to cozy up to a couple of drinks and some casual French fare. The Parisien-inspired spot has quickly become my office's post-work venue of choice. The best part? Napoleon's drink menu features an extensive list of champagne cocktails, sure to warm you up in no time.

When I went with co-workers, I tried "A Good Night Kiss," made with Campari, champagne, and Angostura bitter. The bitters made for an interesting contrast to the champagne's sweet fizz. If you find yourself reminiscing about warm summer nights, "La Tropicale" (champagne and mango nectar) will ease your nostalgie. My co-worker, R., had the "French 75," made with Bombay Saphhire, lemon juice, and champagne. I must say, I've seen nary a classier silhouette in Adams Morgan than R. sipping her sparkly ice blue drink from a slender glass flute, the twinkly lights of Columbia Road and 18th Street flickering outside. Napoleon's vibe is a far cry from the usual debauchery that descends on its environs at dark, that's for certain.

All that champagne gave us a good excuse to sample some of Napoleon's bistro fare. The pommes frites are dangerously addictive, and come with ketchup and a sweet tarragon-flecked mayonnaise. The mussels aren't as plump and juicy as I've had elsewhere, but the sauce from the Moules Marinieres (white wine, shallots, and garlic) makes for some divine dunking action with the gratis bread basket. I haven't had a chance to try the rest of the menu, but the savory crepes sound especially promising, as does the Cote d'Agneau (rack of lamb, served with potato gratin). Napoleon also serves brunch, and must be doing a fine job of it - the place is always packed when I walk by on weekends.

In addition to the restaurant upstairs, there's also also a moodily lit downstairs lounge. Think slouchy leather couches, exposed brick, and glowing lanterns mounted on the wall. Though it was empty when I saw it (I took the liberty of peeking around a bit on a trip to the ladies' room downstairs), it's not hard to imagine the room filled with people sitting and talking quietly over those exquisite champagne cocktails (which, by the way, are half price between 5 and 8 p.m.). It's almost enough to make a girl forget about those warm August evenings, sipping Blue Moons on the rooftop at The Reef. Almost.

Good to know:
Napoleon is located at 1847 Columbia Road, NW. It's not terribly close to a Metro stop (probably a 15-minute walk from the Woodley Park - Zoo/Adams Morgan stop on the Red line. I recommend a cab, especially post-champagne, but there is some limited street parking available on the surrounding blocks.

The atmosphere is upscale casual. I felt fine, if a bit stuffy, in my work clothes, but I would definitely change into my slouchy black boots, dark jeans, and gray Marc Jacobs tunic top to hit up the downstairs lounge.

Photo by Flickr user Roboppy.

An Introduction

2007-11-24T16:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome to At Home in DC, my blog where I will share the cool stuff I've discovered (and continue to discover) while living here in the District.

It's all too easy to dismiss Washington as a place defined by politics, power-grubbing, corruption, and scandal. And it is those things. But it's also a lot more than that, and my goal with At Home in DC is to illuminate the things that define DC for the rest of us, and the things that remind me each day why I choose to make DC my home.

Photo of North Capitol Street by Flickr user Andertho.