Foodie Round-Up (June 8-12th)

Photo courtesy of
‘foodie blogger damage done’
courtesy of ‘needlessspaces’

Hi Kids! It’s actually sunny out there today! Whee! What a dismal week we’ve had. But that’s okay, brushing it off, let’s talk food for a while. Not a super-busy week, but there have been some notable tidbits round here. So, without further ado, a new mixologist for Proof, wine dinners, winners and more in this week’s edition of all the news fit to eat in the District.

The City Paper got the full scoop on the rearranging of Michael Landrum’s Ray’s empire, with Hell Burger now moving into the old Ray’s The Steaks location until the Obama-burger-mania washes over, and things return to normal, that or he figures out another plan to herd the masses. This also puts Rays The Catch, Landrum’s upcoming seafood venture, on hold til things settle. We understand.

Brainfood had a Grill-Off this week, with some of DC’s finest chefs coming out to compete. Metrocurean reported over Twitter that Cedric Maupillier of Central took the Brainfood Skillet Award with a nice pork dish with skewered snails. She also gave a shout out to Teddy Folkman’s Tuna. Om nom nom.

Proof restaurant is pleased to announce the hiring of Adam Bernbach as bar manager of the restaurant. Bernbach will assume his new position on July 13th, and will be responsible for the restaurant’s spirits and beer program, including the design of Proof’s cocktail list. Mark Kuller, Proof’s principle owner, noted that, “Adam is one of DC’s top mixologists and a seasoned and well respected restaurant manager. He brings a sure hand, proven creativity, and further luster to our beverage program.” Most recently, Bernbach served as general manager of Bar Pilar, 14th Street’s popular one-room saloon, where he developed a following for his weekly “cocktail sessions.” A fixture on DC’s drinks scene for the past seven years, Bernbach’s impressive resume also includes stints at Café St. Ex and PS 7’s.

Father’s Day kicks off a new deal at Vinifera. Not just for Dads, the “Grill and Golf Sundays” will feature a menu of grilled grass-fed steaks, the summer’s freshest vegetables and gourmet burgers, as well as Vinifera’s regular à la carte menu. Golfers will receive a round of complimentary Arnold Palmers and a ten percent discount on their total check with a date-stamped scorecard (game must have been played within the previous two weeks to qualify) from Reston National. “Grill and Golf Sundays” will run every weekend through August 30, 2009, noon to 6 p.m., on Vinifera’s outdoor 70 seat terrace, as weather permits. The scotch flight is priced at $18 and the wine flight is priced at $15.

Mrs. K’s Toll House, known for its beautifully manicured two-acre gardens and historic setting is dishing up a new “Family Happy Hour” available all summer long from 5 PM to 7 PM, Tuesday-Friday. Nestled just outside the District at 2701 Colesville Road, the restaurant will showcase five half price small plates with half price wines for adults and summer thirst quenchers like lemonade for kids.

The Roof Terrace Restaurant will be honoring the Tony Award winning musical, The Color Purple, during its run at the Kennedy Center from June 30th – August 9th. Chef de Cuisine Vatche Benguian has created a Southern Inspired Menu, which will be featured at the restaurant, and the critically-acclaimed Sunday Kitchen Buffet Brunch will be the Color Purple Family Reunion Brunch. The brunch will feature several southern inspired menu items, a complimentary Georgia Peach Bellini and the Chris Grasso Trio playing jazz music that will capture the spirit of the show.

In response to the success of Art and Soul’s first baby food making class, the restaurant is excited to announce a second edition homemade baby food making class, now targeted to the parents of toddlers – Baby-Food for the Soul–The Toddler Edition. During the hour-long class, Chef de Cuisine Travis Timberlake will explain the benefits of preparing homemade food for toddlers and will present ways to make mealtime more exciting for children in their terrible twos, including how to make nutritious foods into fun shapes like dinosaurs. Chef Travis will provide recipes and information about the benefits of using specific cooking ingredients as well as ingredients that should be avoided for the tots. The class will be held on Saturday, June 20th at 11:00 a.m. and is priced at $35 per parent.

If you missed it, around the WLDC world we’ve got the following food news: Donna keeps an eye out for new farmer’s markets and reports on the Glover Park one opening, Jasmine reports news of a ridiculous chicken festival you could attend this weekend, I share the news Bistro Bistro B opens in Dupont with a free buffett and wine, I attend the Food and Wine Festival at National Harbor (and see Carla Hall!), I report on Penn Quarter’s new spit-roasted family dinners at Poste, Don reminds us that Teddy Folkman of Granville Moore’s is on this season of Next Food Network Star, I attend Jaleo’s Paella Festival kick-off and report back on which paellas are the best, Donna talks about the new movie The End of the Line: Imagine a world without fish, and finally, I tell you all about this years RAMMY winners.

Katie moved to DC in 2007, and has since embarked upon a love affair with the city. She’s an education reform advocate and communications professional during the day; at night and on the weekends, she’s an owner here at We Love DC. Katie has high goals to eat herself through the entire city, with only her running shoes to save her from herself. For up-to-the-minute news and reviews (among other musings), follow her on Twitter!

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