• 21Nov

    Taberna Del Alabadero hosted their annual Madrid Night of Flamenco with world renowned Fundación Conservatorio Flamenco Casa Patas de Madrid. The evening included a three-course Flamenco- inspired menu and two mesmerizing performances. Every guest who experienced the beautiful dancing and enticing meal from a Madrid Night of Flamenco added ‘Visit Spain, learn dance Flamenco’ to their bucket list.

    Never ordinary, Madrid Night of Flamenco was not your Mom and Pop’s dinner and show. The Flamenco- inspired menu came from Chef Javier Romero, who previously rolled out his well-received Fall Menu in October. Romero’s prix fixe menu for the evening included four tapas, a main dish, a dessert, and of course red wine. I sat in La Granga that gives a lovely view of the main restaurant and above a peek into the wine cellar. To keep my bowl of assorted olives and fresh bread company, I ordered my favorite red, Lopez de Haro Rioja- it was the beginning of another great meal.

    The four appetizers were brought out together, filling any empty space on the table. I started with Gambas Al Ajillo – 3 pieces of grilled shrimp swimming in pool of delicious extra virgin olive oil accompanied by fried garlic cloves and seasoned with cayenne pepper. The shrimp was cooked to tender perfection and had a soft, juicy center with only a subtle hint of cayenne pepper.

    Next, the Croquestas de Boletus sobre Cremoso de Manzana. Worth abandoning a self-proclaimed allergy, the lightly fried Boletus Mushroom croquettes came in a set of three atop a sweet, creamy apple sauce. Still warm, the combination of crispy bread crumbs and mushrooms melt with every bite. Though fried, the croquettes lacked the grease and regret that often come with eating 3 croquettes in one sitting because the length and temperature of being fried are lower than typical.

    Taking a sip of wine, I had two appetizers lefts but decided to go light with the Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego – Serrano Ham and Manchego Cheese AKA ham of the mountains and damn good cheese! Drizzled with olive oil and pepper or by itself the Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego is the envy of every charcuterie and cheese plate.

    Saving the best for last was the highly anticipated Epsuma de Patata, Pimenton de la Vera y Pulpo Gallego – Potato foam with Grilled Octopus and Paprika. EpiPen in hand (did I mention I may have an allergy to seafood?) I took my first of many bites. There are dishes that are so good you return to a restaurant. There are dishes that are delicious you highly recommend a restaurant. Then there are dishes that are made with such authenticity and passion that they ruin the dish at any other restaurant. I will say it here and now, the octopus at Taberna del Alabardero is the best octopus in the city. The dish is simple, but not understated. The potato foam is a balance of generous olive oil and paprika and is served to the degree of Castilian freshness that they could have just been pulled out of the ocean!

    A dress size bigger and full of appetizers, I was ready for the Flamenco show, Flamenco Frequencies, performed by Fundación Conservatorio Flamenco Casa Patas de Madrid. The dancers, Karen Lugo and Ricardo Moro companied two musicians and two vocalists in the middle of La Granga room. There is a unique quality in when a location such as a restaurant can fully immerse you in an outside culture. The setting was modest but exploded with the same charisma and enthusiasm it would have if performed at the Kennedy Center. The performers, all from Spain, have travelled to DC for the past 10 years to perform at the Gala Theatre. With them they bring different styles of Flamenco dancing including Arabic, Modern and traditional styles, director Begona Fernandez explains, “The customers need to see the true, real Flamenco, and that’s what we bring.” Performing at the Gala Theatre is always an honor but coming to Taberna del Alabadero is always on the itinerary because of the familiarity to home and the praise for how the food represents their culture so well. “Taberna del Alabadero is the best place for Spanish in DC.” Fernandez stated this with no hesitation – no argument there!

    Captivated by the performance, I nearly didn’t notice my main entrée in front of me.  The main course, the cante if you will, the Ribeye de Ternera, Ajos tiernos y Setas cremosos con toque de soja y Patata Hueca de Chimichurri – Veal Rib-Eye with tender garlic cloves, wild mushrooms, soy sauce and chimichurri potatoes. The set up was so artistic I was unsure of whether to put it on a mantel or in my stomach. Cooked to a gentleman’s medium rare, the veal ribeye was a phenomenal foundation for the entrée. What enriched the ribeye was the garlic soy sauce blended with wild mushrooms – again my self-proclaimed allergy was ignored. The true surprise about the dish was the chimichurri sauce which made the average, boring potato come alive with flavor.

    The night was coming to end and as the Flamenco performers took their final bows, dessert was served.  The final course was Coulant de Azahar con helado de Frutos rojos – orange blossom coulant with red berry ice cream. It was subtle way to end the meal, a light and simple finale. Contrasting most regretful desserts that leave you fatigued and with a plan to fast, this dessert was rejuvenating. The ice cream was lighter than others and left an addictive bittersweet aftertaste on the palette.

    With dinner eaten and the show over, it was time for my least favorite part of any meal – the goodbye. Before I could leave I was treated to one last experience. Jose, my favorite person at Taberna del Alabardero (next to Romero) came to me said, “In Spain, we must finish with something…” Jose returned with a bottle of Pancharan (Patxaran) and a glass, poured me a shot, and salud! The Pacharan is a cordial that is often enjoyed before the running of bulls in Spain and it is rumored that the drink makes men run faster and care less. Made with berries, the sweet liquor is often served chilled – try at your own enticement.

    A truly perfect evening. As always thank you for the wonderful staff of Taberna del Alabardero, Javier Romero, and to the performers of Fundación Conservatorio Flamenco Casa Patas de Madrid for a Madrid Night of Flamenco!

    -HGP

    Taberna Del Alabardero Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

  • 03Nov

    This season’s escape from DC’s bustling city streets and impending polar vortex is Taberna del Alabardero. The scenic beauty of the restaurant’s red walls transports you to Spain’s beautiful and welcoming old world. Staff greets you like family with smiles and boisterous compliments about the food they’ll be serving. Taberna del Alabardero takes as much pride in their culture as they do in each plate that is served to every one of their guests. 

    To compliment the seasons, Executive Chef Javier Romero updates his menu every four months, which he largely credits to his great team and the freshness of produce shipped with love from Spain. I questioned whether I blacked out in Farragut West and ended up in Madrid. I didn’t. In the Aranjuez room, a room set for royalty, Javier Romero previewed favorite dishes from his Fall Menu – 11 courses with four appetizers, six entrees, and a dessert. All with influence from Spain with dashes of local flavors. Three bottles of Spanish wine – Sparkling, White and Red – complimented the meal and Javier’s anecdotes in-between servings.

    Javier and I

    “Pop another one!” Javier said to begin a damn good meal.

    The first glass was a  of Cava Biutiful Cave Brut Nature; the Sparkling wine from Ador, Spain was paired with fresh seafood appetizers. First was the Carpaccio de Bacalao Ahumado con Salmon Marinado (Cod Carpaccio with Marinated wild Salmon topped with Spanish pickles, olive oil, and capers),  Vieras a la Parrilla – grilled scallops over an Iberian puchero (bone broth made with ham, pork belly, cuttlefish reduction) and Gallina Noodle Soup – crunchy hen noodle soup with vegetables, topped with a poached quail egg. 

    The Tartar de Atun was a crowd pleaser. Finding yellow fin tuna tartare is simple, but finding it this fresh and sitting upon a Spanish Ajoblanco – a perfectly balanced almond garlic and Pistachio sauce – is what made the dish a personal favorite of the evening. The sauce had a thickness that didn’t overshadow the simplicity of yellow fin tuna like many so commonly do with fish dishes.

    “Pop another one!” Javier said displaying the meal’s next wine – a Rueda 2013 Melior Verdejo imported all the way from the community of Castile and León.

    The entrees were next and included Spanish favorites with some new world twists; Javier explained, “I am an ‘ambassador’ of Spain.” The first entree, Rape a la Parrilla con Cangrejo Cremoso grilled monkfish over marinated broad beans and a dash of Old Bay (thanks, Maryland!) was the most popular dish of the night. Monkfish reminds us that it’s not always about looks, but personality and taste. This was a dish to be shared with loved ones, and a personal favorite of Javier’s. The next fish entrees was Mamitako Tataki, a yellowfin tuna tataki over traditional Basque county fish stew with potatoes and bell peppers. 

    “Pop another one!” For the third and final wine of the evening was the Ca Hacienda Lopez de Haro 2012 Rioja Tempranillo. A wine so good, I would maybe trade my first born for a case.

    Editor’s Note: The preceding statement in no way implies an offer of any sort. 🙂

    The wine was poured and pans of Paella de Langosta Paella of Maine Lobster, mussels and calamari, and  Paella Vegetariana Vegetarian Paella with seasonal mushrooms spanned the length of the table. Javier joked the Paella dishes were not made from left over scraps in the kitchen contrary to its cultural origin. We were also treated to Mollejas De Ternera  veal sweetbreads with chanterelle mushrooms, fava beans, potato gnocchi and Conchinillo Confitado – suckling pig confit slow cooked for 12 hour and served with smothered potatoes, royal trumpet mushrooms and creamy peach gravy.

    The last and final course was dessert, Coulant de Azahar con helado de Frutos rojos– orange blossom coulant (molten cake) with red berry ice cream. The light dessert was a perfect closing to a filling meal. Javier looked around at his guests and said, “Remember this.” You do not go to Taberna del Alabardero for a meal, but for an experience. 

    The fall menu runs through the end of the year; click here for the full menu.

    Taberna del Alabardero welcomes you to its upcoming events. Each event will feature a special menu offering:

    Sunday, November 15 – Madrid Night of Flamenco with Casa Patas featuring award-winning choreographer Karen Lugo
    Thursday, November 19 – Wine Tasting DinnerThursday, November 26- Thanksgiving Day (prix fixe menu) 

    -HGP

    Taberna Del Alabardero Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

     

  • 21Mar

    We’ve written about Washington DC’s 25 year old outpost of La Taberna del Alabardero many times, since it’s hard not to keep returning to the wonderful and authentic Spanish restaurant. This time, we are going to focus on pictures of Alabardero’s delicious food. Also, the restaurant has two upcoming “Lobster Weekends,” March 27-29 and April 24-26. Click more below for additional photos. They kept us pretty busy eating — these photos don’t even represent all the dishes we sampled.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  • 12Oct

    Pic by Fredde Lieberman

    Last Sunday, Laeticia, Daphne, Johnna and I got to spend some time in Alabardero‘s kitchen as well as try some of their paellas. We can call this a test run of sorts for Alabardero’s new Sunday paella menu. They have 8 paellas on the menu and we were delighted to try some of them. My favorites were:

    • Marinated Chicken and “Gernika” peppers with and Scallions Ali Olli Paella (an excellent combination)
    • Pork Cheek, Fresh Vegetable and Manchego Cheese Rice (the pork cheek was luscious and flavorful the rice itself was my favorite of the group)
    • Squid Ink Rice with Mussels and Shrimp

    We did not try the paella Valenciana or the octopus paella.

    Pic by Fredde Lieberman. Me taking pics of paella in the kitchen.

    We also sampled the tortilla Espanola (which was lighter than the versions I’m used to a quite good), garlic shrimp, and a wonderfully light and flavorful mixed seafood appetizer.

    ” Taberna del Alabardero will offer Spanish Style Sunday’s for guests looking for a unique experience in the city. We are pleased to present a menu featuring 9 different Paellas offered at $22 per person for Lunch*. Taberna del Alabardero will also open its doors for Sunday Dinner Service for the 1st time in 22 years.  ”

    -JAY

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  • 03May

    Chistorra (sausage).

    I recently attended Taberna Alabardero Spring tapas menu tasting.   Lauren DeSantis, Girl Meets Food, Johnna Knows Good Food, myself, and a few others sampled the following dishes:  

    Deviled Eggs Stuffed with Tuna served with a Red Potato Vinaigrette. This was a crowd pleaser.

    Piquillo Peppers Stuffed with Braised Oxtail.  General Manager Javier Velazquez (who is extremely personable) asked Johnna, Girl Meets Food, and I if we grew up on things like oxtail, and we said yes, but I explained that we all grew up in NYC and (also) have backgrounds that are not standard (North) American.  What he was getting at is…would the American diner (who would eat at this type of restaurant) eat oxtail? Yes. Brains? probably not.

    Olive oil spongecake with olive crackers.

    Marinated Dogfish Fritters with Creamy Tomato Sauce. I’ve never had dogfish before; it was a fishy tasting fish, but I enjoy that in a fish.  It is also a bit of a dense fish.

    Chistorra in Wine Sauce with Roasted Bell Pepper Salad, Honey and Corn.

    Creamy Rice Peppers and Manila Clams with Yellow Pepper Sauce. This is normally served with razor clams, but they were awaiting a shipment.  I would have really liked to try the razor clams.

    House-made Chicken Pate with Tomato Marmalade and Sesame Crackers.

    Asparagus Tempura style with Marinated Garlic and Olives. Another group favorite.

    Grilled Flank Steak over a bed of Sautéed Mushroom in a Sherry Wine. I had to skip the mushrooms due to an allergy but the steak was good.

    Steamed Mussels in a Garlic, Tomato and White Wine Sauce. Like much of their seafood, these mussels were imported directly from Spain and were very good.

    Olive Oil Sponge Cake with Olive Chips, Bread Ice Cream & Manchego Cheese. A dessert featuring olive oil, and it’s good! Chef Javier came up with this sitting at the bar late in the evening.

    Grilled Asparagus Soup with Lemon juice and Caramelized Olive Oil. This DESSERT is served over dry ice and is very good…and surprising.  It even makes bubbling noises.

    Lemon flavored Sponge Cake with Mascarpone Ice Cream placed on a Cream of Rose and Lychees. This was the one dish that had non Spanish influences (mascarpone and lychees). Also very good.

    I tried both their red and white sangrias before realizing that the restaurant was recently nominated for two awards for their wine program. I should have been sampling their wine menu. They did pair wines with two of the desserts, and even though they were non standard desserts, the wine pairings were truly amazing.   These two wines were (Red) Silvano Garcia Moncestrell 2008 D.O Jumilla and (Sparkling White) Flare: Sparkling Moscatel NV Valencia.

    I was very pleased with the food at Taberna Alabardero.  It definitely reminded me of the wonderful food I ate on my trip to Spain.

    -JAY

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  • 14Jan

    welcome.jpg
    It was no surprise that Taberna Del Alabardero would have a delicious menu for Restaurant Week. The place is synonymous with quality and hospitality on both sides of the Atlantic. Despite the reviews I’ve read, I still wasn’t prepared for the majesty of the place, nearly dwarfing the quality of the food.

    It would be wise for all interior decorators and designers to study the Taberna, to show how a restaurant can “make and entrance” like a movie star. The small, crowded bar area was full of people waiting for their tables or content to munch on tapas. That small waiting area quickly gives way to glorious dining chambers, featuring high ceilings, bold red paint and soft lighting. Tables are spaced far enough apart to lend a sense of privacy, and the design allows for plenty of background noise that never intrudes. The walls are decorated with various paintings, a whimsical hat decoration frames the coat check closet; classic prints from the Old World, and lend to the illusion that the next two hours will be spent in the south of Spain, not two blocks from the White House.

    My friends at the table remarked at the quality of the duck mixed in with their field greens. Duck can be a tricky bird to serve, as it can go from soft and flaky to overcooked and gamey with little warning, but the light salt taste and gentle texture gave good contrast to the salad. The white bean soup was complemented with pieces of quail and slab bacon, and I was tempted to order another bowl or three. The mushroom sauce topping the salmon drew raves, while the peppered flank and potatoes were seasoned perfectly. My only complaint was that I should have ordered the white and dark chocolate mousse with almond whisky sponge cake – yeah, I gained a pound just writing that. I ordered the flan, and while it was certainly acceptable, the mousse was clearly the star.

    After such a fine meal, Chef Santi Zabaleta’s tasting menu looks a lot like my upcoming birthday gift from myself to myself…and it’s a lot more affordable than an iPhone!

    -RAY

    *************************************************
    Taberna Del Alabardero
    1776 I Street NW
    Washington DC 20006
    202-429-2200

  • 30Sep

    Eat Spain Up! is a month-long annual cultural event celebrating Spanish food and heritage. It rotates cities, but we are lucky enough to have it in D.C. this year.

    I visited the Former Residence of the Ambassador’s of Spain in Columbia Heights to attend a talk and tasting that kicked off the program. The talk, given by Manuel Estrada, 2017 winner of Spain’s National Design Award, delved into the design process and looked at how design intersects with culinary arts.He designed the core creative for this program. The residence had been transformed into a gallery, highlighting Estrada’s works and important ingredients in Spanish cuisine.

    The tasting featured appetizers from Jaleo, Taberna del Alabardero, Mola, Pamplona, and more. It also featured Spanish cheese and wine, anchovies (boquerones), and Iberian ham, all of which were fantastic. The Iberian ham was rich and delicious, and one of my favorite offerings of the evening. Jaleo’s quince and manchego cone was not only fun to eat, but the sweet, salty combination made it crave-able. I also really liked the ceviche from Mola, which was light and refreshing. It was a bit disappointing to see that two places offered ceviche, while yet another offered octopus (pulpo). While representative of the cuisine, more variety would’ve been appreciated.

    Eat Spain Up! has events for the rest of September and October, including additional tastings, gastronomic discussions, and exhibitions. I love Spanish cuisine, and if you do as well, or want to learn more about it, you’ll be happy Eat Spain Up! is happening in the district this year.

    -LEM (Lia)

  • 18Aug

    Gazpacho.

    After a full 3 days at the Fancy Food Show in DC (especially with the final day falling on our wedding anniversary) we were on the hunt for a good meal.  Despite growing up less than 30 miles away, I know relatively little about the restaurant scene in Washington, having moved away before food became a serious interest.

    Since Spanish cuisine is among our favorites, and having had a great lunch at their sister restaurant in Seville last summer, the recommendation to try Taberna del Alabardero made perfect sense, and the 100+ degree temperature was reminiscent of the heat wave we experienced during that trip through Andalusia.

    Wanting to sample a variety of dishes, but unwilling to commit to a 3+ hour dinner after 3 days of being on our feet for 8+ hours at our booth, we opted for the 5 course tasting menu, after a “settling in” glass of Cava, and shared one order of the wine pairing.

    Rockfish.

    The first course was a gazpacho gelee with micro greens, tuna, and an olive puree. After eating a much more traditional gazpacho at the Seville location, seeing this very contemporary take was definitely a surprise. Essentially it was a classic gazpacho that was strained overnight, with the resulting liquid gelled and accented with tuna and micro greens, including some sprouted corn (Suzanne picks that out it, it’s beyond my palette).  It was delicious. Refreshing, interesting, and full of flavor. It’s not an easy thing to get me to enjoy that much jello, but they did.

    Next, they served a fois gras with a pineapple rum-and-coke reduction. The foie gras was great, and the sauce was, despite it predictable hyper-sweetness, worked pretty well. Probably if I drank more Coke it would have been better. The sweetness of the sauce, along the with coarse sugar garnish and side of pineapple, was more than I thought the foie gras needed, but it was certainly creative.

    Suckling Pig.

    The fish course was a braised rockfish with sautéed seafood, including razor clams, mussels, and scallops.  The rockfish was very fatty (in a good way- think rockfish toro) and the skin was perfectly crisp.  When I think of Spain, it’s hard not to think of all the little mariscos (shellfish etc) and so I almost ate this as two separate dishes, though I’m sure that wasn’t necessary.

    Next was the meat course, and, thankfully (since it’s Spanish) it was a pork dish.  In this case, it was the chef’s take on suckling pig, prepared almost like a re-constituted confit with the crispiest of skin topping it off.  It was paired with paprika mashed potatoes and summer peas. I think Spain does pork (cured or otherwise) better than anyone, and this dish, while a relatively simple twist on a standard preparation, it was perfectly done, and my favorite of the meal.

    Pound Cake With Ice Cream.

    The desert was extremely aromatic, a lemon sponge cake with a marscapone ice cream, and rose and lychee flavored sauces.  The presentation was beautiful, and despite the thickness of the sauce, it was very light to eat.  The cake was soft and refreshing, and it was a refreshing end to a menu that, while delicious, was certainly on the heavy side, especially considering the sweltering heat of the day.

    All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Alabardero, and would definitely consider it (or one of it’s many sister/cousin restaurants around the world) for a special occasion in the future.  I was more than a little embarrassed that they have been in DC for longer than I have had my driver’s license, and this was my first visit.

    -By Guest Writer Christopher Angell of Angell Organic Candy Bars.

     

     

     

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  • 01Jul

    Yet another installment of “In My Inbox.”

    -JAY

    ————

    Dine Golden | Park Golden
    July 01 – August 14, 2010

    Over 25 restaurants in the Golden Triangle are offering food and drink specials after 5 p.m. during the Dine Golden | Park Golden summer promotion. To sweeten the deal, select parking garages are offering a $5 flat rate after 5 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Take advantage of either or both of these promotions for a wonderful summer evening in the Golden Triangle; don’t forget Golden Triangle Summer Concerts are on Thursdays too! Visit the Dine Golden | Park Golden website to learn more and see our interactive map of participating restaurants and parking garages.

    Participating Restaurants
    Ask your server about Dine Golden specials
    • Aroma Restaurant – 1919 I Street NW
    Buy one entree, get one entree free
    • Blackfinn American Saloon – 1620 I Street NW
    Buy one seasonal entree, get one free
    • The Bombay Club – 815 Connecticut Avenue NW
    Buy one entree, get one dessert free
    • Café Lombardy – 2019 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
    Buy one entree, get a glass of wine free
    • Café Soleil – 839 17th Street NW
    Buy one entree, get one appetizer free
    • Current – 1215 Connecticut Avenue NW
    Buy one entree, get one appetizer free
    • Elephant and Castle Pub & Restaurant – 900 19th Street NW
    Buy one dessert, get one free
    • i Ricchi – 1220 19th Street NW
    Buy one signature cocktail, get one free
    OR Buy one entree special, get a dessert free
    • Kababji Grill – 1351 Connecticut Avenue NW
    Buy any one item, get one free (excludes spirits, wine and beer)
    • Kaz Sushi Bistro – 1915 I Street NW
    Buy $25 worth of food, get one drink free
    • Kellari Taverna – 1700 K Street NW
    Buy one drink, get one drink free
    • Luigi’s Famous Restaurant – 1132 19th Street NW
    Buy one appetizer, get one free
    • M Street Bar & Grill – 2033 M Street NW
    Buy one entree, get an appetizer or dessert free
    • Madhatter – 1319 Connecticut Avenue NW
    Buy one appetizer, get one appetizer free
    • The Melting Pot – 1220 19th Street NW
    Buy one entree for two, get a chocolate dessert for two free
    • Mezza Luna Restaurant & Lounge – 1140 19th Street NW
    Buy one entree, get one entree free
    • The Oval Room – 800 Connecticut Avenue NW
    Buy one entree, get a dessert free
    • Ozio Restaurant & Lounge – 1813 M Street NW
    Buy one classic martini, get one free
    • The Palm – 1225 19th Street NW
    Buy one appetizer, get one free in the dining room
    • Penang – 1837 M Street NW
    Buy any one item, get one free
    • Public Bar – 1214 18th Street NW
    Buy one entree, get a drink free
    • Recessions Lounge & Sports Bar – 1823 L Street NW
    Buy one entree, get one appetizer free
    • Sam & Harry’s – 1200 19th Street NW
    Buy one prix fixe set course, get one free
    • Science Club – 1136 19th Street NW
    Buy one entree, get a dessert free
    • Smith & Wollensky – 1112 19th Street NW
    Buy one appetizer, get one free with purchase of an entree
    • Taberna del Alabardero – 1776 I Street NW
    Buy one paella, get one free
    • Teatro Goldoni Restaurant – 1909 K Street NW
    Buy one prix fixe 3-course meal, get one free
    Restrictions may apply to food specials.
    Participating Parking Garages
    • 1625 I Street NW
    • 1050 Connecticut Avenue NW – Enter from 18th Street
    • 2021 K Street NW – Enter from 20th Street
    • 1225 19th Street NW – Enter through alley
    • 1901 L Street NW
    • 1700 K Street NW
    • 1150 Connecticut Avenue NW – Enter from 18th Street
    • 1015 18th Street NW – Enter via alley from Connecticut Avenue
    • 2025 M Street NW
    • 900 19th Street NW

    Golden Triangle Summer Concerts
    Thursdays | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | June & July | Farragut Square Park
    Four more concerts remain in the Golden Triangle Summer Concert Series! Be sure to come out to Farragut Square Park to join in the fun whether it is salsa dancing or listening to your favorite Dave Matthews Band tunes. Each week you can register to win a VIP Picnic Package to make the concerts even more fun. We’ll be giving away this six-person picnic spread at each show that includes soft drinks, sandwiches, and cookies compliments of Firehook Bakery, along with picnic blankets, coolers, and VIP tickets to the DC Improv Comedy Club.
    Check out the upcoming shows and weekly prizes for the concert series in July:

    July 1 – Cazhmiere (funk & soul)
    $100 to Elephant & Castle Pub & Restaurant
    $100 to Famous Luigi’s
    July 8 – Sin Miedo (salsa)
    $100 to Jos. A Banks
    $100 to Kellari Taverna
    Three month gym membership to Washington Sports Club
    July 15 – Crowded Streets (Dave Matthews Band Tribute)
    $100 to Beauty 360 ** new addition
    $150 to Morton’s The Steakhouse
    Free lunch for two people for a week at Roti Mediterranean Grill
    July 22– Kelly Bell Band
    $200 to Filene’s Basement
    $100 to the Madhatter
    $100 to Blackfinn American Saloon
    In the event of rain, check www.goldentriangledc.com after 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays to find out about cancellations. Learn more »[ad]

  • 03Jan

    pirateflag.gifI enjoyed Ray’s Year In Review post so much that I figured I’d do one of my own. Here are some of my notable meals from 2007:

    Bamian probably wins my award for best new discovery this year. The one thing holding me back – I stopped there last week in an attempt to introduce some out of town friends to Afghan cuisine. After 15 minutes without a host (and overhearing a cell phone conversation from a patron calling FROM THE LOBBY to say he had reservations a half hour ago and hadn’t been acknowledged), we were forced to walk out of the beloved joint. Still, I’m probably willing to give them another chance – the food is amazing for the price.

    Old Hickory Grille is the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular even if you’re not – the Cajun-influenced cooking is homey and the booth-style seating is comfortable. I wish their hours were a bit more extended and regular, though. The place I actually BECAME a (semi) regular is Piratz Tavern, despite living in VA and its being in Silver Spring (it helps to have a pirate-obsessed boyfriend). The dining and service are inconsistent at best – it’s not unusual to be served a dish cold, wait a long time for food, or experience an order mix-up. Plus, order a Black Strap Betty one night, and it’ll taste completely different the next. But I can’t get enough of the vibe of the place, have gotten to know and love the servers, and can shrug off any hassle once I have some Grog in me. Try the Squid for a drink if Grog isn’t your thing, and be sure to sample the piri piri chicken, the salmagundi stew and the prego no pao steak sandwich.

    Despite being a (local) chain, Sweetwater Tavern kind of became a de-facto special occasion spot, mostly due to location, late hours and reliable food. The service is expedient, and I’ve never had a bad dish there, and many of the offerings, particularly fish dishes, are very good indeed. I could eat my weight in their chicken con queso, and I love anywhere that brews their own beer, even if the beers themselves (Dogfish Head Ale House, I’m talking to you), are not to my taste.

    Read the rest of this entry »

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