• 07Jun

    Lansdowne Resort Announces Fine Vine Wine Getaways

    In my Inbox. They also have an interesting upcoming event:

    Spectator Series Wine Tasting
    June 11
    4 – 6 p.m.
    $39/person (incuding tax and gratuity)
    Join National Republic & On the Potomac partner to showcase 4 Deadly Zinfandels (not so deadly, just tasty) along with two tapas style small plates with each wine tasting.

    -JAY

    ———————————

    Lansdowne Resort Announces Fine Vine Wine Getaways

    Supporting Virginia and Loudoun County Wine Initiative

    Leesburg, VA – June, 2011 –  Lansdowne Resort adds a robust Virginia wine package to its summer packages starting today. The 2011 wine package, Fine Vine Wine Tour Package, highlights Lansdowne’s partnership with several Loudoun County wineries: Tarara Winery, Sunset Hills Vineyard, Fabbioli Cellars, Corcoran Vineyards, Breaux Vineyards and Doukenie Winery, all within 20 miles of the resort.

    “Congratulations to Lansdowne Resort for putting these exciting packages together to promote Virginia and Loudoun County’s wine partners. This shows the resort’s commitment to Loudoun County’s wineries and shows how partnerships can be arranged for the good of all involved,” says Jeremy Harvey, vice president, destination marketing for Visit Loudoun, the destination marketing organization for Loudoun County.

    Lansdowne Resort takes you on an exploration of the charming wineries of Loudoun County, DC’s Wine Country, as you leisurely drive the countryside and visit these sun-kissed vineyards, you’ll enjoy amazing locally-grown and bottled wines, spectacular landscapes and the story of Loudoun’s wine regions. This one to three night package starts at $199/night (double occupancy): the Fine, Vine, Wine Tour Package* includes: 

    ·      Deluxe overnight accommodations

    ·      Buffet breakfast for two at Riverside Hearth

    ·      Self-guided winery tour with 2 complimentary wine tastings at your choice of two participating wineries

    ·      $25 gift certificate to be used at the tasting room of your choice

    ·      50% off a bottle of Loudoun County wine with the purchase of dinner in On the Potomac restaurant

    The more nights you stay; the more wineries you can visit. On average, two wineries per day allows enough travel and tour time and still leaves enough time to relax by the pool or catch an evening dinner.

    In conjunction with this package, Lansdowne is a Virginia Certified Green property and supports a “Buy Local-Drink Local” campaign. To learn about Lansdowne Resort’s packages, green program and special events, call (888) 541-7946 or visit lansdowneresort.com.

     

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  • 17May

    Foodie Happenings This Weekend.

    Pic From Taste of Arlington's Website.

    This is a good weekends for DCFüdies.

    Friday:

    Chef Spike Mendelsohn’s new kosher deli truck, Sixth and Rye, will be at Sixth and I for lunch.

    Saturday:

    Fojol Brothers will be present at DC Craft Mafia’s Spring-Thing (a craft show).  Wholefoods will be giving away free bananas.

    Fiesta Asia (Sixth Annual National Asian Heritage Festival) will have a variety of Asian food.

    Biagio’s Sample day is this weekend too, which means free chocolate and wine tastings.  There are two other wine tastings within a block at the same time, A.M. Wineshop (which only carries French wines), and Ansonia (which also has prepared foods).  De Vinos might have tastings as well.

    Clyde’s of Columbia’s Inaugural Craft Beer Tasting & Festival, 1:00 – 8:00 pm, outdoors by the lake.

    Sunday:

    Taste of Arlington is nice because you get to try small plates of food from various local restaurants in one place.  I’ve been going for years, and covered it for local TV a few years ago.

    Sound Bites, a food and music festival that benefits DC Central Kitchen will be at the the 9:30 Club of Sunday between 5pm and 10pm.

    Israel Street Festival will be in Fairfax from noon till 5pm.  Isreali food will be available to purchase from Shaul’s Kosher Market.

    -JAY

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  • 04May

    Somebody Obviously Has Money to Burn

    Deserted in the desert

     

    From the fine folks at Arlington Now – the ersatz food truck graveyard on Columbia Pike is described, and, in the comments, the ersatz food truck graveyard is explained:

    Thanks so much for all the interest in sauca and my other trucks. I am opening a sauca restaurant at 4707 Columbia Pike. It will be opened by the end of May. The Meathead and LGM trucks, while wonderful, were taking my eye off the sauca ball, so I decided to sell the trucks and focus on sauca; my original concept. So, as for the property; it is mine; and the trucks are parked there to be sold. So as you can see it is all rather simple and without intrigue. Just an entrepreneur simply making decisions that are in the best interest of the business. I hope this answers all of your concerns and questions but feel free to contact me any time for more info.
    All the best, Farhad

    I wish Farhad Assari the best of luck in starting up the restaurant, for as difficult as setting up a food truck can be, it only gets amplified with a brick-and-mortar establishment. Building codes, electrical systems, drainage, food storage – and, unlike a food truck, you can’t just drive to a new spot if you don’t like your neighbors. Fortunately, he’s got enough revenue-generating advertising built-in with his existing food trucks

    Still, I am surprised by the quick-trigger on Meathead and La Gloria Mexicana. If you thought Paul Reiser’s new show on NBC got yanked in a hurry – two episodes and GONE – then these two vehicles would be the food truck version of Emily’s Reasons Why Not – one and done.

    While the market for mobile flavors from South of the Border has become more crowded with Sabor’a Street and Sol, the carnivoire-based offerings from Meathead were different enough from, well, Carnivoire BBQ and PORC to draw customers.

    The “for sale” signs are a welcome invitation for any enterprising young chef looking to make a name in the world of DC/NoVA street food. The trucks are ready to go – now we just need a daring new concept that hasn’t been done before – I’m thinking CUPCAKES.

    -RAY

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  • 21Apr

    New Show Looking For Pastry Chefs/Bakers!

    In my Inbox.

    -JAY

    ——————–

    A new pastry competition show on a top cable network is currently casting talented, outgoing and dynamic pastry chefs, bakers and all those who have mastered sweets to participate in a short pastry competition. Participants will be competing for a cash prize.

    They will be conducting on camera interviews very soon. If you–or someone you know–would be a good fit, feel free to contact them at pastrychefscasting@gmail.com. Please include the following details:
    • Name
    • Occupation
    • Contact Information
    • Recent photograph
    • Resume
    • A short summary, detailing your background in your industry
    • Any relevant photos of your pastries/baked goods

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  • 30Mar

    The Big Cheesy Cherry Blast!

    I had a grilled cheese sandwich (the St. Pat) from the Big Cheese truck today for lunch. The sandwich was good (I’m a fan of artichokes), as was the chocolate cookie from Modern Domestic (who works the truck 2 days a week). They will be at “The Cherry Blast” this Saturday, as I assume will be The Wines Of Argentina, who is a sponsor.  The Cherry Blast info appeared in my inbox through Art Whino.

    -JAY


    Click on image to better read the info.

     

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  • 21Mar

    The City Cook (Cookbook), Mini Review

    The City Cook is a useful cookbook to have if you have a small urban kitchen.  I was lucky enough to score a review copy of the book from the publisher.  City Cook has great recipes, strategies and tips and some of the topics include:

    • The City Pantry
    • Equipping A City Kitchen
    • How To Cook From The Ingredients Up
    • Matching Dessert To Dinner
    • How to get “fish smell” out of a poorly ventilated kitchen
    • How to hunt for bargains and preserve your groceries

    The list of “America’s Best Urban Markets” is weak for DC, only listing three.

    Some recipes in the book include:

    • Baked salmon with leeks and dill
    • Baked peach and bourbon ham
    • Pan-grilled lamb chops with harissa
    • Baked apricots with toasted almonds
    • Tomato risotto

    The City Cook Website is here and has some good recipes including:

    -JAY

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  • 08Mar

    Your Restaurant’s Chance To Be on Gordon Ramsay’s Show, KITCHEN NIGHTMARES!

    In my inbox (and I spoke to the Casting Producer on the phone).

    -JAY

    ——————
    Are you looking to Revive your Restaurant? FOX’s hit show “KITCHEN NIGHTMARES” wants to help you!

    Does your restaurant need HELP? Are you trying to make some green but still running in the red? Do you and your chef have different ideas about the menu? Or maybe you have a great location, but are unable to bring in the customers?

    Email or Call for Information:

    KitchenNightmares@theconlincompany.com or kitchennightmares4@gmail.com

    Call: 1-866-226-2226

    WE ARE CASTING IN WASHINGTON DC / BALTIMORE / VIRGINIA AREA

    * SOMETIME IN NEXT 3 WEEKS (EXACT DATES TBD)

    PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THE WESITE: http://www.fox.com/kitchennightmares/

    If you want CHEF GORDON RAMSAY to come into your establishment to troubleshoot your problems and try to get you back on the road to success… Contact us NOW!!!


    **Make sure to include:

    Your name and contact info (including a phone number), name of your restaurant and your specialty, how many seats you have, and most importantly… Why you need our help!

    If you are a Restaurant Owner fill out or download the application online at: www.theconlincompany.com and email it back to:

    KitchenNightmares@theconlincompany.com

    *Restaurants must have been open at least one year, offer dinner service, and have at least 35 seats.

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  • 05Mar

    YMCA Arlington Accepting Recipe Submissions (Donations) For Their Cookbook

    I’ve been helping my friends at the Arlington YMCA about this for a month or so, and they are now ready to accept recipe submissions for this fund-raising project. The recipes should be healthy but do not have to be vegetarian, vegan, or organic, but let them know if they happen to be. Feel free to distribute this to chefs restaurants, food bloggers and other foodies. They would also like some restaurants (that have appropriate mobile equipment) to demo their recipe submissions but it is not a necessity. The cookbook is not Arlington specific, so submissions are open to the DC Metropolitan area.

    This is a good change to get your name, blog or restaurant mentioned in a cookbook.  Portfolio builder?

    Thanks.

    -JAY
    ———————————————-

    Press Release (March 4, 2011):

    Arlington, VA – As the New Year begins, so do those New Year’s resolutions. Thousands of Americans will have a fresh new start as they challenge themselves to live a healthier lifestyle. To help make this New Year a total success, the YMCA of Arlington is coming out with a healthy eating and lifestyle cookbook. It’s an effort to help the metropolitan area as they commit to exercising, eating healthier and living better lives.

    Our New Year’s resolution at the Y is to help the metropolitan area keep theirs. “We take great responsibility in helping kids, families and individuals in our communities lead healthy and wholesome lives. A New Year’s resolution is always a good start, but the Y is here to help people maintain their commitment, not just through the year but for the rest of their lives.”

    I am calling all Metropolitan Washington Area restaurants, food bloggers and foodies to participate in the YMCA Arlington Cookbook by donating a recipe or recipes. We are accepting healthy recipes, including (but not limited to) organic, vegetarian, vegan and ethnic foods. This book will be published and sold within the branch to help with our annual campaign Building Bridges. Last year alone, we provided more than $2 million in scholarships and financial assistance to nearly 12,000 children, families, and seniors. With your help, we can continue to provide essential child care, camp, counseling, social services, and health and wellness programs. You can help us make sure no one is turned away.

    Cookbook Recipe deadline:

    Please email recipes Bianca.Patterson@ymcadc.org by June 30th, 2011.

    Bianca Patterson
    YMCA Arlington
    3422 13th St. N
    Arlington, VA, 22201
    (703) 525-5420

    For more information, call (703) 525-5420 or log on to www.ymcadc.org and find the YMCA Arlington branch for details.

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  • 01Mar

    Chef Ana Victoria Mas Featured On Next Episode of Capital Cooking.

    I know both Lauren and Ana, and have had Ana’s food before. Too bad I don’t have the Dish Network.

    -JAY
    —————————————

    Capital Cooking Explores Panamanian Cuisine

    THE NEXT EPISODE AIRS ON FEBRUARY 28TH WITH SPECIAL GUEST ANA VICTORIA

    Washington D.C. : The next episode of Capital Cooking features the tropical fruits, vegetables, and herbs of Panamanian Cuisine. Join host Lauren DeSantis and special guest, Embassy Chef Ana Victoria Mas, as they create 3 authentic dishes: Fish Ceviche with Pixbae, Sea Bass with Yucca Strings, Mojo Sauce and Avocado, and Fried Plantain Gnocchi with Cilantro-Basil and Cashew Pesto, as well as a Panama Red cocktail to set the mood.

    The Panama Red Signature Cocktail kick-starts the show. Lauren gives step-by-step directions for this Panamanian margarita, mixing tequila, triple sec, sweet and sour mix, and grenadine syrup. It’s sweet and tangy and not-to-be missed!

    Next, Lauren dives into the light and refreshing flavors of ceviche with the help of her special guest. First, they make a fresh Shrimp and Fish Ceviche with Pixabe, followed by a Ceviche Sea Bass with Yucca Strings, Mojo Sauce and Avocado. This is a great way to be healthy in a delicious and simple fashion!

    Finally, a classic Panamanian ingredient gets a D.C. twist. Lauren will show you how to make Fried Plantain Gnocchi with Cilantro-Basil and Cashew Pesto.

    The amazing thing about DC is that you can visit the embassies and feel like you’ve taken a mini-trip to a new country. Get a breath of fresh air (and fresh food too!) on the next episode of Capital Cooking, as Lauren and Ana Victoria lead you into the world of Panamanian Cuisine.

    Be sure to watch this latest episode of Capital Cooking and brunch is sure to become a regular event in your home. Watch Capital Cooking on the Dish Network channels 9396 and 9407. Panamania will air EST:
    Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
    Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
    Thursday at 9:00 p.m. and midnight
    Friday at 3 a.m.

    Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

    Capital Cooking is the first television show of its kind and now airs in more than 20 millions households on Dish Network through CoLours TV. Capital Cooking highlights cooking traditions of regional cuisine from all areas of the country as well as international dishes. Throughout the series, DeSantis will incorporate entertaining tips into the shows, will cook with local chefs, and will demonstrate how to make recipes with ingredients that viewers can find at local grocery stores and farmers markets. Visit www.capitalcookingshow.com for more information on upcoming events and http://capitalcookingshow.blogspot.com for daily updates.

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  • 17Feb

    You Make The Best Coconut Cake

    Amateur bakers, here is a great Coconut Cake Contest to benefit Miriam’s Kitchen.  Details from their site are below.

    -JAY

    —————

    “Hang onto your mixing bowls! The Makes-Me-Wanna SHOUT! Coconut Cake Challenge will put an extra bounce into your Spring. Presented by Eatonville Restaurant — The Soul of Southern Food– and Church Lady Cake Diaries, the challenge invites amateur bakers from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area to compete for prize money, have their cake featured on the menu of a premiere Southern food restaurant, and nab the title for “D.C.’s Ultimate Coconut Cake.” The Makes-Me-Wanna-Shout! Coconut Cake Challenge will benefit Miriam’s Kitchen, a non-profit organization that provides meals and support services to homeless men and women in the District of Columbia.

    Applications are being accepted until March, 1, 2011.”

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