• 28Aug

    crabandbeer

    Hello crab lovers!  I felt like a kid in a candy shop at this year’s annual Crab & Beer Festival at the National Harbor.  This event was by far my most favorite event this entire summer.  I love Maryland blue crabs,  so this was definitely the perfect place for me!

    I’ve been to my share of all you can eat crab events, and most of the time the lines are so long that by the time you are ready for more, there’s nothing left and you have to wait for the next batch to be cooked.  This was NOT the case here.  The crabs were piping hot and plentiful, and the lines weren’t painful to go through.  It was an extremely well organized event.  And no small crabby pickings here.  They offered medium sized male crabs that were meaty and fresh.

    20150822_150055  20150822_134911

    Now I’m not much of a beer drinker, but there were various beer vendors throughout the festival grounds.  They even had hard cider for me!  it was such an incredible event that I was sad to leave after my 4 hour session.  All you can eat crabs, corn, watermelon, and even beer tastings – you better believe that I’ll be back again next year, and I’ll be the first in line!

    -ADT (Angie)

  • 27Aug

    DSC01411

    National Organization for Vietnamese American Leadership – DC Chapter (NOVAL-DC) held it’s 4th Annual VietFest in the new Tysons Corner Plaza on the hottest of weekends, August 14-16, 2015. The summer heat didn’t deter this enthusiastic group of organizers. Their program was jam-packed with performances, beauty pageants, eating contests, scholarship awards, and more.

    DSC01417  DSC01414

    Crawfish Eating Contest

    Crawfish Eating Contest

    Bánh Bột Lọc Là (Shrimp Dumpling wrapped in Banana Leaf)

    Bánh Bột Lọc Là (Shrimp Dumplings in Banana Leaves)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    To me, the local restaurateurs and home cook vendors offering an array of cultural Vietnamese foods were the highlight of the event. The only downside, in my opinion, was the cost of food from the local vendors. When prices are set at a higher than normal price, it makes it hard for you to be able to sample a bit of everything from as many vendors as you can.

    The Festival had activities I associate with this type of event, such as food vendors, retail vendors selling unique items, and little children’s crafts, but I expected much more.  I felt that the festival was mostly focused on the stage activities such as the pageants and performances and not so much on the actual vendors. In my opinion, it could’ve been called VietShow instead of VietFest.  Still, it was very impressive that they had enough entertainment to showcase for 3 days straight.

    The eating contest was fun to watch.  Who doesn’t love watching people shoveling food in their mouths in state of a panic?  It’s like watching a live YouTube video.  But my favorite feature of the event was the food. There were mom and pop food stands selling home grown Vietnamese foods that made me miss my grandma’s home cooking and for those who were too afraid to try something different, I shake my head in sadness at you. Why? Because you missed out on the delicious chewiness of the Bánh Bột Lọc Là, which is a slightly spicy shrimp dumpling in a clear chewy tapioca shell wrapped in a banana leaf and seasoned with fish sauce.  To me anything wrapped in a fruit leaf is bound to be delicious because the ingredients inside soak in the flavors of the leaf.

    Overall, the VietFest was a great event.  It makes me proud to be Vietnamese and to see how this group is trying to keep Vietnamese Culture and tradition going into the next generation.  I can’t wait to see what’s in store for their 5th year.

    About Noval

    NOVAL-DC is a service-based nonprofit organization with a mission to develop sustainable leadership among Vietnamese Americans and to preserve and promote the Vietnamese cultural heritage. We are comprised of professionals and college students who are passionate and committed towards advancing the economic, social and political well-being of the Vietnamese American people.

    -ADT (Angie)

  • 14Aug

    Big Bear Cafe Sept 2015 DCFBHHLaetitia of French Twist will be September’s DC Food Blogger Happy Hour host. Join us on the Front Patio of Big Bear Café (1700 1st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001) in Bloomingdale.

    Please RSVP on the DCFB Facebook event page.

    -JAY

  • 07Aug

    Eugene of DC Life Magazine hosted Wednesday’s DC Food Blogger Happy Hour at Beuchert’s Saloon. The “B Burger” is $15 when ordered “All The Way,” which includes bacon, cheese (white cheddar or blue), and a sunny side up egg. It’s a really good burger, I will give them that! The Waitress told me it comes with a salad (with dressing), but it doesn’t; it just comes with burger toppings. You can purchase fries on the side. I drank a DC Brau Hefeweizen with the burger.

    The wings at Bonchon in Navy Yard were excellent, especially when ordered spicy. They have a great crunchy (and somewhat shiny) coating and seem to have been fried several times. The tenders weren’t as good; the chicken was dried out, and the coating was overly thick and hardened too much as it cooled. Bonchon has a good beer selection.

    I ordered the Mediterranean (Lamb) Burger at the Takoma Park Busboys & Poets. The burger was quite good and paired well with the garlic herb yogurt sauce. I chose a bun instead of flat bread. They accidentally brought me fruit salad instead of kale salad.

    -JAY

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  • 02Aug
    John Shields & Wildfire's Chef Moreno Attack a Pile of Blue Crabs!

    John Shields & Wildfire’s Chef Moreno Attack a Pile of Blue Crabs!

    Wildfire in Tysons has pulled off another great crab dinner with Chesapeake cuisine authority, John Shields. John’s restaurant in Gertrude’s in the Baltimore Art Museum, and his PBS show is Coastal Cooking. He is even about to re-release Chesapeake Bay Cooking in October (September for advance copies). John showed us how to properly break a blue crab down.

    There was even some discussion of whether Chesapeake crabs are actually Maryland or Virginia crabs since this Washington Post article had just been published.

    Here is the 1st Course Recipe: Grilled Avocado & Bluefin Crab Salad.

    Here is the 1st Course Recipe: Grilled Avocado & Bluefin Crab Salad.

    This was my first experience drinking Three Notch’d (Charlottesville, VA) beer. We sampled their Pilsner (Of, By, For), 40 Mile IPA (which is really well balanced), Gray Ghost American Pale Ale, and award-winning Hydraulion Irish Red. The Three Notch’d brews were all excellent (and named after Charlottesville history).

    This article contains video we took of John breaking down a crab at a previous Wildfire crab (and cocktails instead of beer) dinner:

    Wildfire is quite skilled at creating and executing beer dinners in partnership with wonderful breweries. This crab dinner was excellent, but so was June’s Lagunitas dinner.

    -JAY

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  • 28Jul

    InnTheMix

    I was invited to review the Residence Inn Arlington’s Social Hour (#InntheMix). Residence Inns across the United States has started hosting free Social Hours for their guests. Their research showed that guests needed more activities at the hotel. The Social Hours will be offered three nights per week at Residence Inn’s nearly 700 locations; these evening gatherings encourage guests to interact and connect with the destination. Themed nights include:

    • It’s On (Mondays) – Meet other guests for some “must-see TV” or hang by the fire pit with a variety of light-fare appetizers.
    • Off the Grill (Tuesdays) – Join in for conversation and great eats, hot off the grill.
    • Food Truck (Alternating Wednesdays) – Get to know the local area’s most popular food trucks.
    • Local Flavors (Alternating Wednesdays) – Sample specialties from famous local hot spots.
    • Just Desserts (Alternating Wednesdays) – Reward yourself with something sweet and savory.
    • Out & About (Anytime) – Stop by the front desk to get the lowdown on the best local spots and what’s abuzz in town.

    A hotel guest can follow along on Residence Inn’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms and raise a glass to a new way to “mix” work and play.  Residence Inn is rolling out their social hour to help their extended stay guest enjoy a hotel amenity besides the gym and pool.  This amenity just involves food and alcohol.

    Astro Donuts' Chicken Sandwich!

    Astro Donuts’ Chicken Sandwich!

    Upon entering, the guests were asked to download Blippar, which is a new application (that can be downloaded from the App Store for Iphone and Android); guests are then able to “Play Live Trivia” either alone or against your friends.  The application also suggests beer and food pairings.  As an example, for tonight’s selection of chicken pot pie from Dangerously Delicious Pies, the application suggested that I drink a Flat Tire; the beer’s floral notes match well with the hearty pie.

    Residence Inn by Marriott put out a meat and cheese platter that was well prepared and decadent and was served with Brandon Byrd “sodahop style rootbeer floats.”

    Astro Donuts!

    Astro Donuts!

    Outside on the patio, three food vendors were featured:  “Astro Donuts” who has a food truck, IPhone app, and even online ordering.  The featured sandwich was the fried chicken sandwich with tomato and lettuce on a bun which was heaven.   The sandwich melted in your mouth along with a good beer.

    The assembly line method truly does work in your high in demand.  They definitely had the longest line.

     

    Dangerously Delicious Pies DC

    The offerings from “Dangerously Delicious Pies DC” were either side savory of chicken pot pie, steak and mushroom with gruyere, and ratatouille along with sweet with rhubarb, and apple.  My favorite was chicken pot pit however the steak was really good and all the sweet pies were missing was ice cream which I snagged some from the Brandon the Sodahop inside.  (Shh! My little secret.)  One of the guest commented on that fact that even cold the crème Brule was the best donut bite she has had in awhile.  And she travels a lot.

    Sweet LobbyLastly,  “Sweet Lobby” was featured rounding out the dessert theme with macarons!  They were small cakes with creamy insides,  sort of like a elevated adult Oreos! (HAHA)

    The music was acoustic and provided by an violinist who played all contemporary hits that were easily to identify and provided for a young, hip, musical taste with elegant feel for those who attend.   The attendees were a mix of hotel guests including families (most children posted up in the AstroTurf lounge area and really enjoyed the sweets) and the other hotel guests who were visiting on business.  People just mill about the outside patio and inside the lounge bar area when the weather is too hot.

    Miss FaithHowever,  my favorite part was  (Drum roll, please):

    Miss Faith made gooey s’mores with marshmallows over steno along with chocolate and graham crackers.  This interactive part of the experience was for kids and adults alike.

    As the night was winding down, our wonderful host, Noah invited a lucky young star to come join him and announcing some prizes.  The top leader board trivia master, Meredith won a $100 dollar gift card along with Gold Key Members of Marriott won some goodies bags.

    The pictures were provided by Crystal Foley and Residence Inn By Marriott (with Permission to use).

    -CLF (Crystal)

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  • 14Jul

    Last week was a good week for DCFüd. I attended media events for Blackwall Hitch on the Old Town Waterfront and Alex Garcia‘s AG Kitchen in Silver Spring, both of which are fun, hip, casual, and great additions to the area. It was great meeting Chefs Michael Wagner and Alex Garcia. I also finally sampled Ice Cream Jubilee‘s frozen treats.

    -JAY

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  • 13Jul

    Beucherts-saloon-fb-large (2)

    Join us and your host, Eugene of DC Life Magazine, for a patio happy hour at Beuchert’s Saloon near Eastern Market Metro!

    RSVP here.

    -JAY

  • 02Jul

    Images from last night’s DC Food Blogger Happy Hour at Noelia:

    Last week, we kicked off “The Week in DCFüd.

    Tracy's Cheesecakes: Oreo, Lime, Lemon

    Tracy’s Cheesecakes: Oreo, Lime, Lemon

    Well, this was a good week as well. We tried a few more of Tracy’s Cheesecakes, attended Wildfire’s Lagunitas dinner, hosted a happy hour at Noelia, and sampled a few brews directly from the wonderful & local brewery, Atlas Brew Works (thanks to their awesome beer rep., Chris).

    The Atlas beers Cy (who wrote the below beer notes) and I sampled included:

    The 1500 (South Cap Lager, brewed exclusively for Nats Park and definitely a great beer for a hot day at the ballpark):
    Light lager
    Nice bready smell and flavor
    Hops malt balance
    Slight sour overtones

    Home Rule (Pale Lager):
    Surprisingly malty
    Sour notes
    Would pair well with food

    NSFW (Imperial/Double Bock IPA):
    Molasses
    Coffee
    Dark unsweetened chocolate
    Dried plums

    Pumpernickel Stout (Cy’s favorite of the four):
    Very sweet
    Rye/Pumpernickel

    For those of you looking for a 4th of July event to attend (and who want to meet Chris):

    “Celebrate Independence Day on the roof deck at 1905! We’ll have the grill going and special $5 offerings of select Atlas Brew Works beers available throughout the afternoon & evening. A $20 cover gets you 3 tickets to use on any combination of food or beer upstairs, including local sausages, pulled pork or portabello sandwiches, green bean salad with smoked almonds & arugula, wild-grain hoppin’ john, corn & tomato salad with feta & oregano, Sherry-bliss potato salad, or smoked broccoli with cheddar & pimentos. Tickets are available at the door only. The dining room will also be open that night with the regular menu starting at 5:30pm.”

    Update 7/5/15: Below is a half smoke platter (and at Atlas beer) from the 4th of July rooftop even at 1905.

    -JAY

    Half Smoke Platter

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  • 29Jun

    Wildfire in Tysons Galleria hosted a beer dinner featuring Lagunitas Brewing Company Thursday evening. I didn’t have a single criticism of the food and beer, and they were paired well. People were buzzing about the dessert course form the second they sat down and read the menu. And, yes, the Double Chocolate Bacon Stout Beer Float and “The Censored Rich Copper Ale” were wonderful together.

    Tommy Hunter of Lagunitas Brewing Co. walked us through the beer pairings and answered the questions that diners had about the brews. At one point, someone at our table asked a question and Tommy seemed to run away, but really he was running to get a chair to bring to our table to chat with us. I recently told a Rep for another beer company that I attended a Lagunitas dinner and he said “Oh, you must have met Tommy Hunter. He’s a great guy!”He used to work for … .”

    You definitely want to keep an eye out for Wildfire’s themed dinners. Last year we covered Wildfire’s Crab & Cocktails Dinner (hosted by local restauranteur, cookbook author, and TV host, John Shields). This year’s crab dinner with John Shields will be July 29, with the pairings being Charlottesville’s Three Notch’d Brewing Company‘s brews instead of cocktails. And, rumor has it that John’s cookbook, Coastal Cooking, is being released shortly. Hmm, I wonder if he’d sign my copy of his other book, Chesapeake Bay Cooking.

    -JAY

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