• 29May

    Pike Place MarketLast time, my stomach was to be found digesting crêpes and coffee, bahn mi and spring rolls, and piles of raw fish.  It was happy, and thus wanted more.

    As tasty as Bambuza was, I knew there were greater things to be had.  My subsequent lunches were eaten at the Pike Place Market, a food-Valhalla if I’ve ever visited one.   I spent a good long while just wandering around, feasting my eyes on fresh-from-the-river/ocean fish, piles of gorgeous mostly-local produce, and stall after stall of food sellers and cookers and eaters.  I ate too, of course.  Many of the vendors had samples of fresh produce, breads, oils, vinegars, jams and more – I took part, and often bought a small helping more to snack on as I walked.

    Across from the market proper are the shop-stalls, from bakeries to specialty cheese and beyond.  I stopped by a few…  I had a hot, sweet and savory humbow (steamed pork barbecue buns) from the Mee Sum Pastry Shop – basically, a dim sum cart in market-stall form.  At the Russian bakery Piroshky Piroshky, I gorged on all sorts of pastry-enclosed goodness, and also non-enclosed (“gorged” may be too strong…I ate one there, took a bunch to go for breakfasts, etc.).  The beef & onion, potato mushroom & onion, and apple cinnamon roll were my favorites.

    The one disappointment at Pike Place Market was the Original Starbuck’s.  Coffee at this ‘Bucks is just as overpriced and under-delicious as at its every clone across the universe.  Oh well!  Come to think of it…I had a lot of at-best-mediocre coffee on this trip.  Why is Seattle so famous for coffee?

    Having spent the afternoon at Pike Place, my second night found me again searching for a quick bite en route to a beer, but a strange sign above Quinn’s Pub ensured that the two quickly combined.  The sign said: “Fois Gras Night – proceeds benefit [some charity].”  I immediately stepped inside, squeezing into a bar seat between a raucous group of it-girls and a few guys all too happy for a neutral buffer.  Our former editrix here was Swiss – maybe it rubbed off?

    I learned from the friendly bartender that Fois Gras night was only technically for charity: sales were to benefit some group which protests fois gras: counter-protest by aggressive irony or something like that…  So I had the fois gras mousse with brioche, and some local special draught beer that was all hoppy and delicious.  It was as delightful as I’d hoped, though not the “light” dinner I’d planned.  The music was a mixed selection of hardcore punk and 80’s pop, which also worked for me.

    -MAW

  • 27May

    Is this true? A Restaurant Week-like event that continues throughout the entire year? I was recently told about the Washington, D.C. Tastings Journal. While there isn’t the grandiose restaurant selection, one can pay $45 pp and get a five-course meal that includes (one) glass of wine. Through May 31st, the featured restaurant is Indebleu. I’ve heard interesting, mixed reviews of this venue and was excited to try it out for myself.

    Indebleu (currently without a functioning website) has a new chef – Michael Hartzer – and a bold menu selection for their prix fixe. We began with the chili relleno – dull. Forgetable. Next. For the second course I had the baby rocquet salad. This salad was heavily dressed, and accompanied with spiced cashews. The combination was not incredible, but hey, this is a cheap dinner and I’m not expecting their best. (Although, shouldn’t I?) The carrot soup, offered as a choice with the salad, was much better!

    For the third course I decided on the scallops. Perhaps as an ode to their origins in some mysterious bay, there were doused by a heavy hand with salt. Almost inedible. Almost. The other choice, the mushroom pasta, was much better. For the fourth course, I had the tuna. The warm saffron vinaigrette was more orange (in color and flavor) than delicious. The tuna was well prepared – but let’s be honest, this isn’t rocket science. The fresh mint relish for the lamb was missing, I believe, the mint. And the lamb was not medium-rare, but red as a sacrificial offering.

    Come on dessert! We’re all counting on you to save the day. Peach beignets with chevre ice cream – ah, this could be wonderful. But, wait a minute, uh-oh. The peach slices contained within the delicious sugared dough were hard. These weren’t fresh, ripe peaches, but rather rock hard peach-esque segments.

    All in all, this was a disappointing dinner. The one saving grace of the entire evening, you ask? A drink from the bar – a libation that had nothing to do with the meal. I believe it was called – a Dirty Duck Sauce something? I don’t know. But there was vodka and gin in it, with some delicious olives stuffed with blue cheese and duck sausage. If I closed my eyes, and took a sip, it was almost like I was at Proof – and everything was going to be right with the world.

    – AEK

  • 26May

    Seattle skylineI recently spent a long weekend in that other Washington – Seattle to be precise.  I was basically too disorganized to plan anything other than the main event of my stay – going to a conference – so I improvised, which is how I like it anyhow.  The results were really impressive, and I have to say I had a great time getting a lot fatter!   I ate so much, in fact, that I’m going to split my exploits into a few separate posts.

    I made the usual unfortunate decision to stay in inexpensive lodging convenient to the convention center, but this time at least I was in the right part of town, food-wise.  The next morning I found, happily situated across the street from my mhotel, Le Petit Café & Crêparie (2229 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121), luring me in with the aroma of coffee, crêpes, and the offer of free wifi.

    Le Petit Café was being operated by a cook, who looked like she was just too polite to be swearing as profusely – I assume in French – as she looked like she wanted to be, and one other guy who worked the counter and as waiter. Service was slow, but not unpleasantly – and I felt right at home sipping my first delicious coffee, fighting with Mandriva to access the internet (others seemed to be happily surfing away), and perusing the crêpe selection.  I chose a savory option – spinach, mushrooms, and egg.  This came out along with my second cup of coffee: rich, with yummy wilted greens and mushrooms, wrapped in a perfect whole-wheat crêpe.

    The first day of the conference, Big Pharma provided donuts which were free and delicious, but soon I needed real food.  Hunting for a quick, convenient lunch place near the venue, and I soon noticed Bambuza, a Vietnamese bistro and bahn mi counter, just across the street.  I chose to dine at a table instead of the counter (I had abstracts to peruse, after all!), and was escorted to a perfectly nice corner by the window, looking out onto the street.  Service was very polite, if a little disorganized.

    I started off with the Vegetarian Salad Rolls – moist tubes of tofu, basil and veggies with a tasty (but maybe too sweet) peanut sauce for dipping.  I would have liked a bit more heat on these (the chili kind, not the fire kind), but they were really very tasty, and I could see myself just having two orders as a perfectly nice meal.

    After that, I moved on to the bahn mi, which are simply called Vietnamese Sandwiches on the menu. I choose the Lemongrass Beef version, because it sounded good.  The beef was flavorful, and the veggies fresh and crisp.  Sadly, the overall effect was a touch mild for me – the mayo was bland, and cast a drabness over the sandwich as a whole.  All told: millions of orders of magnitude better than any Subway or Quiznos fare, but no Song Que.

    Late my first night, I wanted to go see what nightlife Seattle had to offer, but needed a late dinner on my way.  Walking from my room in Belltown towards Capitol Hill, I remembered my past trips to the West Coast, and how good the sushi is out there.  Looking for a lighter bite, this seemed a good goal as I came upon Oasis Café (1024 E Pike St).  They were just closing, but the proprietress and proprietor were more than happy for me to join their other last customer at the bar. I was treated to an assortment of bloody delicious, ultra-fresh fish, charming conversation, and the usual green tea. The stand-out was easily the last surprise course: I’d ordered maguro, but my hosts insisted I could do better, and brought out a plate of white tuna nigiri. Wow, what an upgrade!  This is the kind of place I’d hit regularly, if I was in the area.

    -MAW

  • 21May

    Gluten-Free!By Guest Blogger Trish King

    About four years ago, I found out that I am gluten intolerant: I have a severe sensitivity to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley. Discovering yourself to be gluten intolerant, you become very aware of what is in the food you eat: there is wheat, barley and rye in everything! It is in cereals, breads, and your favourite meat loaf at the local diner. It’s in your microwavable meal; it is also disguised as “modified food starch.”

    Four years ago there was not much around when it comes buying gluten free foods; when you were hungry and on the run, there was no gluten-free McDonald’s to run to, only your own cries of “Great – what I am I going to eat now, there is wheat in everything!!!”

    Well, a lot has changed over the last 4 years, as many people have become aware of Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance. We’re in luck these days, with plenty of companies who have made the change to make eating more pleasant for those with gluten intolerance. So you don’t need to let having Celiac or a gluten intolerance stop you from enjoying chewy breads, crunchy snacks or a great breakfast. All these products are made mostly from rice, corn, tapioca or potato flours, eggs, and milk. Here are some of my favorites…

    I generally go to Whole Foods Market or Trader Joe’s for my all my Gluten-free pre-made and baking supplies. Whole Foods also has their own line of gluten-free breads – Sourdough, Prairie Bread, Prairie Raisin Bread and sandwich loaf.

    Against the Grain, out of Vermont, claims to make the “Best Gluten free baguette in the world!” You can find these, among other things, at Lilit Café in Bethesda, Whole Foods, and Wegmans. Check with your local stores, as not all locations seem to have them.

    Glutino’s Gluten-Free Pantry has a plethora of gluten free products to choose from, including cookies, crackers, bread sticks, cereal, and pretzels, and, when you’re craving something sweet, try Pamela’s has a great line for cakes, pancake mixes and pre-made cookies that really hit the spot.

    Sweet Sin, a Baltimore-based bakery which has a line of wonderful gluten-free sandwich breads and pizza rounds. If you don’t live near there, you can get their stuff at the Whole Foods locations in Bethesda and Rockville, and at Lilit Café.

    TK

  • 19May

    I apologize for another horse race, but I have been to the Preakness. It may be the last time this race is ever held in Maryland so it was with a smile that I lost money gambling, and more money drinking. The surprise this year was the absence of an infield filled with drunks. The “no outside alcohol inside” policy put a damper on the occasion – but pay I must, then pay I will. Aside from thinking the entire grandstand could collapse at any moment, I had a very enjoyable time. And I learned a thing or two: 1) Always bet on the favorite – they’re generally the favorite for a reason, and 2) the Preakness has a drink – the Black Eyed Susan.

    And here I thought only the Kentucky Derby had the infamous Mint Julep. This exciting discovery led to one large and exciting question: what’s in the drink? Some websites suggest it contains vodka and rum, others suggest vodka and whiskey. Whatever it is, it’s delicious!

    Does anyone know what the recipe is for the actual drink at the Preakness? My heart says whiskey but I’d love a second opinion!

    – AEK

  • 07May

    Please forgive my tardiness – the Gold Cup was almost a week ago and I’m just getting this to you now. It’s been a hectic week! But that horse race, let me tell you! The day started as I picked up some friends – driving past the strategically placed paimagesrty buses throughout Georgetown was my clue of what to expect. Boys in shorts and bowties drinking from red cups were only topped later by the numerous guys in cars drinking from beer cans as they drove down the highway.

    We were lucky enough to be invited to a tent. With the tricky weather, I felt pain for those picnicking without cover. Lucky for them, it didn’t rain. And something tells me the flip cup games would have continued even in a downpour. The atmosphere was intriguing. If swine flu was present, the entire senior class at Georgetown University would have been wiped out with one cough. There was enough plaid and pink and sundresses and hats and flip-flops and sunglasses to stock J.Crew and Anthropology for entire summer season.

    What culinary treats was I to expect at this Caucasian gala in the Virginia countryside? I thought there would be a lot of ham – and there was. Drinks? I was expecting something chic. Some tents had open bars – with Papio. Humph. Our tent was potluck. I still salivate as I think of the person among the crowd of Supreme Court-trained lawyers who brought the cherry brownies. Delicious. Other than that, I was staring at platters of appetizers that included (and I am for real) melba toast, with a slice of hard-boiled egg, topped with a canned, smoked oyster.

    I wasn’t there to eat anyway. Drink and drink I shall. Sam Adams, Merlot, the Champagne of Beers perhaps? I brought mint infused bourbon for mint juleps. As I pulled out my mason jar filled with delicious bourbon and mint leaves, those elderly women, much like the late Queen Mother, gave a seductive glance my way and I swear there were a few with streams of light drool seeping from their pursed lips. Sweet tea this was not.

    As the races concluded, blood-alcohol levels steadily increased. Cheap beer in silver and blue cans seemed to be the choice beverage. And as the young men started to stumble and the little ladies began to trip over their feet, I sat back in simple delight. So much money was present that day and, in the end, it turned into one big frat party. I don’t know why this still shocks me – I’ve been to enough of these events to know what’s going to happen. But I’m not immune. And I don’t want to be.

    -AEK

  • 20Apr

     

    cupcakes.jpg


    Cupcakes are delicious. I love cupcakes. I draw my culinary Maginot line, however, with those cupcakes purchased from boutique bakeries throughout our region. This, of course, if a gross generalization – have I eaten some spongy goodness from every small business? No. But I’ve had enough to know what’s good and what’s not. And what’s even more shocking to me is that simple cake should be something every American holds at minimum a master’s degree in; all of us have eaten it since our first kindergarten birthday. We should all know what’s average – but the cupcake craze has come and continues and continues and continues.

    Anyone can make a cupcake if they try. It’s not cassoulet. It’s not even a sheet cake. Dollops of batter lovingly plopped into cheerfully decorated paper wrappers, they’re virtually impossible to destroy; any easy-to-follow recipe can be had on the Internet or on a bag of flour. Sure they’ll take about 30 minutes from start to finish, but the final product will be more than worth the effort. And I promise, they will taste just as good – if not better – than those you’ve purchased and you’ll get a dozen for the cost of just one.

    Store bought cupcakes are convenient. I agree. And the icing is usually tasty. But a great cupcake should be like a fifty-year marriage between cake and icing – comfortable, seamless, and complimentary. If you need some sugar, buy a tub of Duncan Hines and grab a spoon! Don’t spend $3.50 for a few tablespoons of creatively flavored cream cheese or butter cream with a chunk of mediocre cake. If you don’t bake because you only want one, eat your one and bring the rest to work. You’d be amazed at the co-worker goodwill created with baked goods.

    As the weather gets warmer, I can comfort myself with the knowledge that our minds will soon turn to frozen yogurt and the super hip tartness scale. I say break free from the hold of these boutique bakeries! Leave them to the cake making; the cupcake is their version of the checkout aisle chocolate bar. It’s impulsive and costly – the grande latte of the bakery world! You have a Jacques Torres within you…just set him free!

    -AEK

    Editor’s (JAY’s) note:
    I can’t help myself – sometimes I just have to share a story. 😉

    I had the pleasure of meeting Jacques Torres at The Chocolate Show in NYC several years ago. He was selling his wares: *Insert French accent here*
    “Men, buy my ‘shocolate,’ the ladies will love you…ladies beware, I’m eating some now.” 😉

  • 20Apr

    Eamonns.gifDisclaimer: Arteries WERE harmed in the filming of this video.
    This footage of Alexandria chip shop “Eamonn’s Dublin Chipper” didn’t make Bourdain’s Show, No Reservations. <br>

    When the proprietor talked about healthy food…Bourdain HAD to tease him, which was entertaining. 🙂 With scenes such as Bourdain Eating A Buttered French Fry Sandwich, I had to watch the video with my hands in front of my eyes (through the slits of my fingers) like a horror movie or He’s Just Not That Into You. 🙂

    -JAY

  • 19Apr

    smart kart.jpgDaniel Delaney of VENDR TV pointed me at his video coverage of a DC Food Truck, On The Fly.  On The Fly also has a SmartKart selling hotdogs on the mall.

    VENDR TV’s videos focus on street food. I’d be happy to recommend some street food in NYC and DC if Daniel is interested. Pupatella and Pedro and Vinny’s come to mind. 🙂
    In VENDR TV’s words:
    “We ventured to Obamaland to visit On The Fly, a brand new mobile vending outfit which is easily the most green around. From the plug in cars to their hard wired ovens, On the Fly operates an entirely electric operation. And their food, all locally grown and produced. Now that’s Eco-Vending!”


    What Going Green has to say:
    “When I first heard about SmartKarts from one of On the Fly’s founders late one night at a dive bar on U Street, I was intrigued. Here’s the deal: SmartKarts are funky looking, zero-emission electric trucks where you can buy locally sourced food (to cut back on those nasty carbon emissions). The company says they also try to stick to organically farmed, chemical-free food whenever possible.”

    -JAY

  • 16Apr

    6a00d834515b4d69e200e55075d6bc8834-500wi.jpgBy Andrew Kohn

    Some of you are probably asking where Takoma Park is located, let alone what this explosion is all about?! As a resident of Takoma Park, I can happily inform you that we are on the Red Line – in Maryland – located at the stop right before Silver Spring as you leave the city, appropriately named Takoma Park. We currently have three restaurants in the downtown: Mark’s Kitchen, Middle Eastern Cuisine and Market, and the Olive Lounge and Grill.

    I recently ate at the Olive Lounge and Grill. An exceptional restaurant in Old Town if for no other reason then because it serves alcohol! I moved to the city knowing full well that law allowed no restaurant in the area to serve alcohol. (And it’s a testament to my love of the area that I still moved here after this full disclosure!) With the alcoholic about-face, however, restaurants are moving into the area left and right. Or should I say, I know of one new pizza location ready to open (soon?) – but I admit I only know this because of the sign in their window. There is talk of a few more establishments opening up in the next few months although there is very little outward evidence to support these rumors. With three restaurants already opened, adding to that number by one will increase our options by 25% – and that’s an explosion!

    At the Olive Lounge, a small cozy backroom restaurant accessible from the parking lot, we started with hummus and pita with falafel. The falafel was tasty, if not a tad bit dry, and the hummus was a true delight! For mains, I had a feta and jalapeno stuffed burger. Tasty for the price and there were tons of fries to munch on as well. And the fries went well with the extra order of onion rings – a treat we were told to order – and they were very nice. Not breaded but battered (my favorite), they were golden brown and, when you took a bite, the entire onion didn’t come out of its tasty casing in one large, long piece.

    There were four beers on tap – predictable but good (Dominion, etc). And this isn’t too shabby when you consider there was no alcohol in this area just a few months ago! There are also numerous beers by the bottle and organic red and white wines. Another great quality of the lounge, besides the fact I can walk there, is the price. For the quality of food, the price was wonderful! For a starter, two burgers, extra onion rings, and two beers we paid about $35 – a deal is a deal is a deal! Come on out and give the Olive’s a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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