Budding DC area food entrepreneurs should check out the Launchpad (2) competition. It can help launch your culinary business/concept.
“The contest runs approximately 3 months, beginning April 16th. Applicants will be narrowed down to 5 finalists who will compete in a cook-off event in July.”
-JAY
There are a ton of amazing DC chefs that can potentially beat Bobby Flay like Victor Albisu of Del Campo did. Oops, was that a spoiler? That was a great episode. I used to eat a lot of fugazza in a Queens, NY Argentine pizzeria years ago. I really do need to get to Del Campo sometime since I’ve heard good things, and I judged one of his dishes at the Lamb Jam last year.
-JAY
Free Screenings of New Documentary:
“Food Patriots”
Friday, March 20, 6:30 p.m.
Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital
Reservations necessary, so reserve here.
Friday, March 20, 12:00 noon
FREE. No reservations required.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, A5 Auditorium, 901 G St., NW (Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown, Metro Center)
The trailer is available here.
Description:
“A Midwestern mother whose son nearly died from contaminated food embarks on a rollercoaster journey to understand the food industry and improve her family’s eating habits. Surprising, funny and poignant, this personal film unfolds like a home movie. Food Patriots features food advocates from all walks of life who are trying to change the way Americans eat and buy food, and educate the next generation of consumers. Directed by Jeff Spitz. Produced by Jennifer Amdur Spitz and Jeff Spitz.
Discussion with filmmakers Jennifer Amdur Spitz and Jeff Spitz follows screening.”
CEO and co-founder Ariane Daguin of D’Artagnan and Chef Anthony Lombardo of The Hamilton, along with Chef Nate Anda of Red Apron Butcher, celebrated D’Artagnan’s 30th anniversary at The Hamilton on Tuesday, March 3rd. There was a lot of talent in the room, and the charcuterie was a testimony to that. It was melt-in-your-mouth, tender, and the right amount of salty. The guests who weren’t drinking at the bar were hovering over the charcuterie, mouths probably salivating.
The bar area where the celebration was held quickly became packed with guests. The complimentary bar options included DC Brau or house red or white wine. I had one DC Brau first. Then I enjoyed a glass of the red while I ate the charcuterie, as they are a winning combination. I seemed to be the only one who went to the event solo, but the bartenders were friendly and talkative to me despite being so busy. This was my first night at The Hamilton, and I plan on going back soon for the great service they provided.
Check out D’Artagnan, the leading supplier of meats and charcuterie in the nation, online.
-SDM
“FRESHFARM Markets invites local chefs, cookbook authors, caterers, educators, food producers, home cooks (in fact just about anyone who is interested!) each season to come out to a market for an hour to prepare and sample a simple recipe which showcases locally and seasonally available food. It’s a chance for us to help foster discussions around food while introducing our market shoppers to the farm fresh product our farmers sell as well as teaching shoppers leaning how to cook with fresh food; it also is an opportunity for YOU to interact with the local community + get the word out about what you do (marketing allowed, sales are not). We cannot pay you for these demos, but are happy to underwrite the cost of market-purchased foods used in your demo—and ensure that all the samples will be eaten!
The chef at market program page has a link to the simple e-application; please remit for review and I will be in touch to screen + schedule for your demo.”
Sisters Ali and Lauren Borowick set up their chocolate covered pretzel shop, Fatty Sundays, at Union Market this month, right in time for Valentine’s Day. The Brooklyn-based company popped up at Union Market February 5-8 and will be back there for more February 13-15.
Inspired by a family tradition of, quite literally, ‘fatty Sundays’ spent delighting in their mother’s chocolate covered pretzels with rainbow sprinkles, the sisters officially turned their family’s love for pretzels into a business about 2 and a half years ago. Ali had studied graphic design while Lauren had just graduated with an accounting major, a perfect match of skills necessary for the entrepreneurial duo. Their treats are sold at stores such as Dean & Deluca, and the company has partnered with Kate Spade, MTV, and Warby Parker, among others. Fatty Sundays is based in the vibrant South Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, but DC is blessed with their visit this month.
At their special event on February 6th, guests were treated to complimentary champagne, a DIY pretzel dipping station, and free samples of the sister duo’s salty and sweet combos. Needless to say, the champagne and chocolate covered pretzels were a winning combination. There were chocolates and sprinkles galore at their brightly colored, eye-catching shop.
At the DIY pretzel dipping station, guests created their own salty-sweet mashups. I dipped the dark chocolate into the sprinkles and the toffee, something Ali noted most customers do not mix together. Chocolate covered pretzels are one of my favorite indulgences, and Fatty Sundays’ are delicious. Their toffee crunch pretzel rods, one of their best-selling products, were my favorite sample. I got to take home some classic milk chocolate covered pretzel rods with rainbow sprinkles. They also have such unique flavors as birthday cake and spicy almond covered pretzel rods and pretzel brittle ensuring there is something for everyone’s taste.
Try their products for yourself by checking out their shop at Union Market February 13-15, where you can take home some pretzel boxes or a DIY pretzel kit for Valentine’s Day. Browse their website to order online and get more information about Fatty Sundays.
-SDM (Samantha)
Mount Pleasant locals continue to mourn the closing of Heller’s Bakery, which closed this past December the 28th. Founded in 1928, Heller’s Bakery remained to be a Mount Pleasant cultural icon throughout its many years in business. On weekday and weekend mornings, customers could expect to wait in long lines to order their breakfast. Too many times I have woken up late on a weekend and went to Heller’s only to find most of their baked goods already sold. Despite what appeared to be a successful business, the bakery owner and his landlord could not come to a leasing agreement following some late rent checks.
Located in the heart of the neighborhood on Mt. Pleasant Street, Heller’s was one of the oldest bakeries in Washington. The original sign still stands tall above the street. The Heller’s Bakery storefront letters and the interior décor made you feel as if you were in the 50s’. Inside it was casual and comforting, which made it an ideal bakery for either picking up on the go or for eating there.
Having grown up going to New York many a time, I was spoiled with delicious bagels. Moving to Washington without a promise of top-notch bagels was an adjustment for me. So when I found Heller’s Bakery, I was ecstatic. Heller’s had the best bagels in Washington. Their chocolate chip muffins and strawberry and cheese croissants were some of my other favorites. All of their food was reasonably priced as well. I ordered a homemade pumpkin pie this past Thanksgiving from Heller’s for only $7.
Not all the news is bad, though. Heller’s website says that you can still place an order online or by calling them. The owner has said he is looking for a new location and wants to modernize the look of it. The question is: will the new Heller’s hold up to the standards of the longtime Heller’s on Mt. Pleasant Street?
-SDM (Samantha)
Ok, this guide was written by Breadedfishstrip and is cute (and has some good tips), so I’m sharing it. It starts by telling you that ramen is NOT cheap and dropping an F-bomb.
-JAY
