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‘CapMac truck’
courtesy of ‘yostinator’
As colder weather comes, the food trucks have you covered with warm food. Like mac and cheese…
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Monthly Archives: October 2011
Capital Chefs: Takashi Ohseki of Cork (Part 1)
‘Chef Takashi Ohseki of Cork’
courtesy of ‘bonappetitfoodie’
At first glance you might not think a scientist and a chef have much in common. Sure the two follow recipes of sorts, but one gets to be creative with food while the other has to follow some pretty rigid rules, right? For Takashi Ohseki, executive chef brunch sous chef of Cork Wine Bar, the two roles coexist in his kitchen. “When you run an assay, it’s like making a recipe,” he says. “Only here in the kitchen we can adjust things more.”
The former biological science major and researcher put down the pipettes and traded them in for a chef’s knife when he realized that a career cooking sounded better than one in the research lab. While his upbringing had taught him that college and a job in an office setting was the right path, he knew he needed a change of pace. “You have to like what you do,” he says. So Ohseki studied at L’academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg and didn’t look back.
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By Tom Bridge
DC Firefighters Union stepping into Twitter
‘DC Fire Department’
courtesy of ‘gypsybug’
I lamented long and hard the demise of @dcfireems last week (for to call the current feed alive is an insult to everything it was once), but it seems that even if that feed is down, there’s another doing good work. The new @IAFF36 account, run by Local 36 of the International Association of Fire Fighters based here in DC, is working hard to keep up Pete Piringer’s legacy. If the brass at DCFD don’t have interest in telling the city what’s going on, it’s clear that the rank and file sure do.
Bravo, @IAFF36. Looking forward to seeing more from you! Perhaps you can get Kris Baumann and the FOP to counter the very bland @DCPoliceDept?
By Brittany
The Winning Ticket: Minus the Bear
This week we are giving away a pair of tickets to see Minus the Bear and The Velvet Teen perform at the 9:30 Club tomorrow, October 19th. Tickets for this concert are available on Ticketfly or at the 9:30 Club box office.
If today doesn’t turn out to be your lucky day, check back here each week (usually Wednesday) for a chance to win tickets to other great concerts.
For your chance to win these tickets simply leave a comment on this post using a valid email address between 9am and 5pm today. One entry per email address, please. Comments will be closed at 5pm and a winner will be randomly selected. The winner will be notified by email. The winner must respond to our email within two hours or they will forfeit their tickets and we will pick another winner.
Tickets will be available to the winner at the 9:30 Club Guest List window one hour before doors open on the night of the concert. The tickets must be claimed with a valid ID. The winner must be old enough to attend the specific concert or must have a parent’s permission to enter if they are under 18 years old.
By Brittany
NOW at Night Lights Up the Corcoran on Friday
Photo by Dakota Fine, Courtesy of Corcoran Gallery of Art
This Friday night, you will want to put on a suit or party dress and head over to the Corcoran Gallery of Art for NOW at Night. Presented by the Corcoran Contemporaries, a group of arts patrons with a particular interest in supporting contemporary art, NOW at Night benefits NOW at the Corcoran, the institution’s dedicated contemporary gallery.
By no means an old-fashioned charity event, NOW at Night promises to be more of a chic, hip party. Remember our coverage of the gallery’s spring affair, ARTINI? For NOW at Night, however, instead of focusing on the elaborate cocktails, eyes will be on multimedia entertainment from the renowned Paul D. Miller, AKA DJ Spooky, a special viewing of 30 Americans, and a last chance to catch the current NOW exhibition, Chris Martin: Painting Big before it closes.
Tickets are still available and are for sale on the Corcoran’s website through Wednesday, October 19. Advance purchase is required – tickets will not be available at the door.
Now, go order tickets and start thinking about what you are going to wear!
By Brittany
A Wine Riot is Popping Off in DC
Photograph By Second Glass, Used with Permission
This weekend, the Wine Riot tour is coming to Washington. Billed as a “non-pretentious wine tasting event created with the 21-35 year old set in mind,” it presents an opportunity to taste 250 different wines in a casual and upbeat environment set up inside Constitution Hall. Organized by Boston-based wine-marketing company Second Glass, they have held Wine Riot events in other cities that have attracted big crowds interested in sampling new wines, posing in whimsical photo-booths, and having a good time.
You may find a new favorite wine at the event, too. Second Glass says their research shows these events continue to influence what attendees buy and drink for an average of six to nine months after the Riot. That is not surprising because, under the playful exterior, Wine Riot is all about wine appreciation and education. Their “Wine Intelligence Unit” helps tasters out and guides them through their options. There are also “Crash Course” classes throughout the event which focus on specific topics.
Each ticket ($50 – $60) entitles the attendee to a logo wine glass which they can refill an unlimited number of times with samples over the four-hour block on Friday or Saturday night or Saturday afternoon. Food will be provided by Luke’s Lobster for those who want some crustaceans with their chardonnay.
Food Truck Tracker
‘Tasty kabob’
courtesy of ‘yostinator’
Fall is afoot. Take time to look at the foliage and enjoy lunch from a food truck.
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By Alexia
Q&A with Taylor Hanson of Hanson, part 1
photos courtesy of Hanson
Most of you out there remember the band Hanson (brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac) as the cheerful trio of kid pop stars responsible for the infectiously catchy song “MmmBop” in the late nineties. What you may not know is that they were more than one-hit wonders. Their major label debut album Middle of Nowhere earned them three Grammy nominations, and produced six top 40 singles in the US. After that album the group split from their major label, formed their own label and has since released five studio albums. They have maintained a loyal fanbase, and are dedicated to giving their fans unique and personal experiences through their live shows. While Isaac, Taylor and Zac are still young (30, 28 and 25 respectively) they have the kind of musical career that so many work for their whole lives to attain. They are successfully maintaining their own label, touring, and continue to produce albums that chart high on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. Their latest album, Shout It Out returns to their roots, bringing back a more pop sound, with some nods to Motown and old-school Rock & Roll.
Hanson is currently on tour, and will be playing Wednesday, October 19th at the State Theater in Falls Church. Lead singer/keyboardist Taylor Hanson took a break out of his busy tour schedule to talk with We Love DC’s Alexia Kauffman (and make one of her teenage dreams come true) about tour, becoming famous as a kid, the music industry, and even Katy Perry. (Full disclosure: Alexia was a big fan back in the 90s, and knows all the lyrics to every song on Middle of Nowhere.) Continue reading
By Tom Bridge
Gray campaign under federal grand jury investigation
”
courtesy of ‘Max Cook’
We’d known this was coming. We’d heard that since Sulaimon Brown’s allegations of impropriety surrounding the Gray campaign, and Brown’s subsequent flame-out, were being investigated that this could turn criminal at some point. The Post dropped the bombshell in a Sunday A1 story that there was a grand jury impaneled to hear testimony concerning actions within the Gray campaign. The testimony to date, according to the Post, centers around Howard Brooks, Lorraine Green and Brooks’ son Peyton Brooks, and some shady dealings with cash and money order contributions, as well as the concerning matter of Sulaimon Brown.
The Examiner has some additional analysis concerning the immunity deals, which are certainly not what the Gray administration wanted to see right about now. They can just hope at this point that it’s just a few rogue individuals working without knowledge of the top of the campaign. If that’s not the case, it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better.
By Eagles defeat Redskins 20-13
‘John Beck’
courtesy of ‘Keith Allison’
After Rex Grossmanhad thrown his fourth interception of the game and John Beck entered and led the Redskins on a late touchdown drive the natural order of Washington Redskins football returned. There cannot be a Redskins football season without a quarterback controversy. From the early days of Sonny Jurgensen vs. Billy Kilmer to Heath Shuler vs. Gus Frerotte to Brad Johnson vs. Jeff George, and the more recent quarterback battles of Jason Campbell vs. Todd Collins and Donovan McNabb vs. Rex Grossman there has seemingly always existed a need to have a battle for quarterback.
Some of this might have to do with the fact that the Redskins haven’t had a top quarterback for what amounts to a lifetime for some, but whatever the reason is when John Beck came out on the field and looked competent he put the Washington Redskins universe in order. It doesn’t matter if the game was out of hand at that point and would have taken a miracle to win. It was out of hand because Rex Grossmanand the Redskins offense weren’t able to capitalize on the mistakes made by an Eagles team that has made mistakes all season.
By Brian Mosley
Weekend Flashback: 10/14-10/16
‘Maryland Renaissance Festival (31 of 47)’
courtesy of ‘caroline.angelo’
The first good weekend of Fall is behind us. Judging by the photos in our Flickr pool, you all took advantage of the excellent weather. I always describe this time of year as one of the best times to be in Washington. Cool but not cold weather; clear skies and still plenty of light; and lots of things to do. Check out the photos below to relive a bit of the nice weekend. Continue reading
By Will Packard
Caps Squeak Past Senators
Nicklas Backstrom
courtesy of ‘bridgetds’
The Capitals got early goals from each of their dynamic duo of Swedish centers, then hung on for a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators last night at Verizon Center. Nicklas Backstrom scored a power play goal in the middle of the first period. Marcus Johansson lit the lamp with a nifty wrap-around three minutes later and the Caps looked like they were going to blow the doors off the Senators. But lackluster play by the Caps in the second and third periods allowed Ottawa to stay in the game. Continue reading
By Brittany
Friday Happy Hour: Chokin’ in Manhattan
Manhattans were the one of the first cocktails I started drinking, back around my ole’ college days. While sophisticated on the outside, they are accessible and sweet – and a total gateway drink. My friends and I would seek out places that made them “well” – though, honestly, we could really only discern when they were really, really bad.
While I still like a well-made Manhattan, it just is not something I find myself ordering at a bar all that often any more. There usually has to be some kind of “hook” to get my attention on a menu – maybe they barrel-aged it or use some interesting house-made ingredients. In the case of Tryst and their Chokin’ in Manhattan, they add one of my favorite liqueurs, Cynar.
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By Alexia
We Love Music: Yuck @ Black Cat 10/12/2011
photos by Sarah Jackson
London-based quartet Yuck rocked out at the Black Cat Wednesday night to a sizable crowd. The band is just finishing up their US tour in support of their self-titled debut, released in February on Fat Possum Records. This was their second visit to the Black Cat; the first was in May, opening for Australian psychedelic-rockers Tame Impala. I was at that show to see Tame Impala, and had the magical elusive fortune of experiencing an opening band that I hadn’t heard before blow my socks off. I became an instant fan. Wednesday night’s almost packed house proved that they have collected quite a few fans in the past year, and they were clearly pleased with the turnout.
By Hot Ticket: Jammin Java 10th Anniversary Bash!
Saturday night marks the 10th Anniversary of the opening of Jammin Java, one of Northern Virginia’s best kept secrets, and to celebrate they are throwing an anniversary bash. Whether you’re a longtime fan of this coffee shop turned initmate concert hall or have never been exposed to their funky blend of caffeine and live tunes, Saturday’s party promises to be an excellent way to celebrate this unique venue or to check it out for the first time.
The entertaiment for the night centers on local music hero Luke Brindley; who will be performing solo, as part of The Brindley Brothers reunion, and headlining with his group Deep River. After the Brindley-palooza, DJs will be dropping some science with a dance party into the wee hours of Sunday morning.
Jammin Java 10th Anniversary Bash!
Deep River
w/ The Brindley Brothers (reunion) & Luke Brindley (solo)
@ Jammin Java
227 Maple Ave E
Vienna, VA 22180
8pm – $15
Redskins Preview Week Six: The Eagles
‘Eagles vs Redskins 11/15/10’
courtesy of ‘Matthew Straubmuller’
Five weeks ago at this time the Phillies were the best team in baseball and the Eagles were 1-0 and well on their way to what was supposed to be a dream season. Now just a few weeks later the Phillies are enjoying the golf course and the Eagles dream has become a nightmare. The Bills game last week serves as a microcosm of why the Eagles season has been a disappointment to this point. Short passes went for long yardage as tackle after tackle was missed, Fred Jackson ran for over 100 yards against an Eagles defense that has allowed over 140 yards a game, and Michael Vick turned the ball over four times on interceptions.
When the Eagles acquired Nnamdi Asomugha this off-season it was thought to be the final piece to turn a defense that ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed in 2010 into a well above average defense. As Redskins fans have learned in recent years one big free agent signing cannot on its own turn a weakness into a strength, and the Eagles defense this season ranks second in the NFL in most passing touchdowns allowed. It is a good thing for the Eagles then that passing is not the Redskins strength, but the Eagles have allowed an average of 140.2 rushing yards a game while the Redskins have rushed for an average of 126.8 yards a game. It appears that the Redskins offensive strength matches up well with the Eagles defensive weakness.
Food Truck Tracker
‘Dueling treat machines’
courtesy of ‘gypsybug’
Friday. Food Trucks. Fun. Go get it!
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By Ben H. Rome
Caps Top Pens 3-2 in OT
‘IMG_7158.jpg’
courtesy of ‘bridgetds’
Whenever the Capitals take on the Penguins, the game is always an intense roller-coaster ride from start to finish. Last night’s contest in Pittsburgh was no different. The Caps squeaked out a 3-2 overtime win despite being dominated much of the game.
The good:
- Forwards Alexander Ovechkin and Mike Knuble both posted their first goals of the season. Both players seem to come alive whenever this rivalry is in play. It seems this always-intense rivalry finally got Ovechkin’s motor running. The captain had one goal on three shots and collected five hits and a +1 on the evening.
- Goalie Tomas Vokoun showed a much better side of himself, stopping 39 of 41 shots. He kept the Caps in the game in the first and third periods while the rest of the team lagged.
- The Caps penalty kill shut down four of five Penguin power plays.
- The lone power play for the Caps came in overtime. Dennis Wideman cracked in a nice Nicklas Backstrom pass from the slot. The goal is Wideman’s second of the year. Continue reading
By Tom Bridge
Inexplicable move at DC Fire & EMS
‘District #4’
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
Late yesterday, it was revealed that longtime DC Fire & EMS public information officer Pete Piringer, the name behind the amazing @dcfireems, had been shuffled around in a personnel move. Piringer will be moving away from the @dcfireems handle, recently embroiled in a bit of controversy, which saw the account taking a break, and a lot of concerns and accusations flying about the role of the twitter account.
For me, the account’s purpose is simple and obvious: provide realtime information about serious fires and other emergencies in the DC area, as well as contact information for the media to get updates. Piringer has done the job with incredible aplomb for the last few years, keeping the media and public, alike, abreast of the situations
This afternoon, Mark Segraves from WTOP broke the news that the mayor’s office may have been involved in Piringer’s ouster: “Piringer was prolific in his tweeting of breaking news and information, but sources inside the mayor’s office say there was blowback from other agencies that Piringer’s tweets were making them look slow and unresponsive.”
While everyone involved is saying the right things, this move stinks to high heaven of transferring a popular and effective member of the staff to an exile they don’t deserve under the guise of a promotion or temporary assignment. Piringer will move from the DC Fire & EMS department to the rough and tumble excitement of the Office of the Secretary.
By Nationals Pumpkin Carving Contest Accepting Entries Through October 26
‘Washington Nationals Pumpkin’
courtesy of ‘InspirationDC’
Nats Fans: Feeling Festive? Really into Halloween? In the mood to carve a pumpkin?
Whatever your motivation might be, the Washington Nationals are running their annual pumpkin carving contest this fall and are accepting entries up until Wednesday October 26 at 2 p.m.
Fans who enter have the chance of winning a game-used ball from the 2011 season. All you’ve got to do is submit a photo of your Nats-themed creative carving!
More information, including carving stencils and entry details can be found on the Nats’ website.