Truckeroo Food Truck
courtesy of GuidedbyTim
If I could actually stick to this resolution, I’d resolve to eat at more food trucks in 2012. Alas, I don’t work in the city-bounds anymore. But you should put that resolution on your list! See where all the trucks are rolling.
Continue reading
Entrance – Blue Duck Tavern
courtesy of prettylovelythings
It caused a bit of a stir when Brian McBride, the long-time chef at Blue Duck Tavern left in November to team up with Robert Wiedmaier on a concept that has yet to be unveiled. But now the restaurant in the Park Hyatt in Georgetown has a new executive chef leading the way: Sebastien Archambault.
The 34-year-old chef was born in Texas but trained in Paris, and has worked under the direction of big names such as Alain Ducasse, Jean-Francois Rouquette and Guy Savoy. Additionally, Archambault has worked in France, Mexico and in Corsica, where he earned a Michelin star during his time at Restaurant Le Pirate. In 2008, he became the executive chef at the Andaz West Hollywood hotel’s RH Restaurant where he met the McBride, the former Blue Duck Tavern chef McBride who assisted in the opening of RH.
“Sebastien is certainly the ideal choice for my successor at Park Hyatt Washington & Blue Duck Tavern,” said Brian McBride, former executive chef of the Park Hyatt Washington in a press release. “He is not only an incredibly talented chef, but also a friend who I have had the pleasure of working alongside in many kitchens – from sharing menu ideas and new dishes to collaborating together at the esteemed Masters of Food & Wine event in Buenos Aires. Sebastien’s culinary vision and commitment to sustainability mirrors the spirit and concept of Blue Duck Tavern and he will work closely with Chef de Cuisine John Melfi to bring the true flavors of seasonal ingredients to the table.”
Taylor Gourmet
courtesy of william couch
Oh 14th Street, let me count the reasons why I love thee. And now I’ve got another reason: Taylor Gourmet is opening up on January 3rd.
Just a few weeks since the Bethesda location’s first birthday, the owners Casey Patten and David Mazza have announced the opening of a fourth location. Plus, this one will offer delivery service to the Dupont Circle and Columbia Heights area. For those who bemoan the late night dining options of DC, you’re in luck–the 14th Street Taylor Gourmet will be open until 2:30 AM on Thursdays and 3:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
“We’ve wanted to open a shop on 14th St. for years because the neighborhood is a great reflection of D.C. We have customers who live and work there that frequent Taylor Gourmet and wish they didn’t have to come across town,” said Casey Patten in a press release.
The new Taylor Gourmet is located at 1908 14th Street NW.
Lamb gyro
courtesy of yostinator
Welcome back, food truck trackers! Hope you had a restful holiday weekend. If any of the food trucks are out rollin’ today and you’re already back to work, click through to see our handy strEATs-powered map.
Continue reading
By Brian Mosley
January moonrise II
courtesy of pablo.raw
Four days left in 2011. It has been a doozy of a year: government shutdowns, and people exercising their right to protest. Evil men dying, and squeal worthy, cute animals. Big events; personal milestones; and sad farewells. And throughout the year, our contributors to the We Love DC Flickr pool have kept the photos coming. While none are Pulitzer-prize winning pictures (despite their excellent quality), they do mark the passage of time here in our home city.
We decided to do a “year in review” of photographs for 2011. The majority are shots from the pool, with a few special ones sprinkled here and there for big events (or cute animals). I hope you’ll take a few minutes and look through them all, and think back on the year. And let’s make a resolution to keep the top-notch photos coming in for 2012! Or better still, you’ll start contributing photos in the New Year… Continue reading
Seahawks6
courtesy of Homer McFanboy
There are a lot of plays in from the Vikings 33-26 defeat of the Redskins that sum up how the game went. It was a game of mistakes for the Washington Redskins. The Redskins had a Rex Grossman fumble that led to a Vikings field goal, a off-sides call on a Vikings punt that led to a Vikings touchdown, allowing a two play scoring drive after taking the lead in the third quarter, retaking the lead and subsequently allowing another quick Vikings scoring drive, the holding call on what should have been a Brandon Banks touchdown run, and worst of all immediately following that with a Rex Grossman interception leading to a Vikings field goal.
Saturday against the Vikings was the first time in a long time the Redskins had been favored to win a game. It was a competitive match-up between two defenses that seemed completely unable to stop offenses that are not highly regarded. The biggest issue for the Redskins came when Joe Webb entered the game. All season long the Redskins have been unable to stop running quarterbacks. Two of the Redskins defense’s worst performances came against Cam Newton and Michael Vick.
By Tom Bridge
As we approach the last moment for Christmas shopping, we present to you one idea for all of the Marylanders in your life: Crabs! This beauty from Maryland Public Television is required viewing for all those who hold Charm City in your hearts.
Gio Gonzalez
courtesy of Kimberly*
Late Thursday afternoon the news leaked out that the Nationals had acquired Gio Gonzalez for a package of players that included RHP’s AJ Cole and Brad Peacock, LHP Tom Milone, and catcher Derek Norris. In a conference call tonight Mike Rizzo talked about the deal that had been in the works since before the Winter Meetings began. Rizzo wanted to add a top of the rotation starter that was left handed that could slot between Strasburg and Zimmermann in the rotation. Rizzo said that being left handed was key not just to break up the righties in the rotation but to help deal with the tough left handed batters around the league.
The NL East features so particularly tough left handed batters in Brain McCann, Jason Heyward, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard. Mike Rizzo feels that Gio Gonzalez is a power lefty that has struggled with walks, but is trending in the right direction and as his career progresses so will the command. He feels that Gonzalez stacks up with the best left handed pitchers in baseball. A group that would include CJ Wilson, Cole Hamels, Clayton Kershaw, and Cliff Lee. A number of whom struggled with command early on in their careers.
Lotus #62
courtesy of Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie
It’s the season of holiday parties and champagne corks popping. But if you’re partying in the city, don’t drink and drive. Washington Regional Alcohol Program and AT&T are offering free cab rides up to $30 for anyone over 21 from now until January 1, 2012. All you have to do is call 1-800-200-8294 (TAXI) or dial #8294 (TAXI) if you’re an AT&T customer. The holiday SoberRide program offers free rides from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Mike Isabella’s Pork and Beans
courtesy of bonappetitfoodie
Pork belly, the stuff of Gods. And if you’ve had the delectable version at Graffiato, you know exactly what I’m talking about–melt in your mouth pork with that nice seared, caramelized outer edge, complimented by a roughly pureed bed of cannelini beans. Chef Mike Isabella shared the recipe with me in the most recent Capital Chefs which you can find after the jump. On a cold winter’s day, this dish is perfect.
Continue reading
By Tom Bridge
(006/365)
courtesy of kimberlyfaye
If your company participates in Metro’s SmartBenefits program, Congress has likely given you an unexpected pay cut. Those who participate in the program get pre-tax dollars put on their SmarTrip card each month, up to a maximum allowable limit that has been up to this point $230/month. Because Congress did not extend the ceiling, the new pre-tax ceiling is a little more than half that, at $125/mo.
So, when the changes come in a week, remember that it’s not WMATA’s fault, for once, and that the Congress that DC has no vote in snipped your transit benefit in half.
Since Matt Barkley announced yesterday that he was heading back to USC and their are reports the Robert Griffin III and possibly Landry Jones could be leaning towards heading back to their respective schools there has been a lot of concern over the future of the Redskins at the quarterback position. One thing that has become clear during this season is that the Redskins do not have their future quarterback on the roster. Rex Grossman still turns the ball over too much, and John Beck looked more than a little confused when he got his chance to start.
If Andrew Luck does end up being the only big time quarterback to enter the draft this year then the Redskins possibly not having a top ten pick shouldn’t be that big of a deal. It shouldn’t have been in the first place as people should be rooting for the Redskins to win and then to find a talent later on in the draft like the Baltimore Ravens did with Joe Flacco.
Mike Isabella of Graffiato
courtesy of bonappetitfoodie
Chef Mike Isabella describes himself as intense, focused and driven. And at first you might be intimidated by the tattoos or the serious face when he asks a line cook about a certain dish, not to mention his culinary prowess that landed him on Top Chef and as a runner-up on Top Chef All Stars. But then you mention you’re both from New Jersey or make an astute comment about a dish, and right away the ice is broken, the conversation is off to a start and you wonder how anyone could describe the chef as anything but affable and welcoming.
Like many of the chefs I talk to, Isabella started cooking at a young age just by keeping busy in the kitchen with this grandmother. “I loved the smell of her cooking. Helping her kept me occupied,” he said. From there, becoming a chef was a no-brainer. “This was the only thing I wanted to do. So I knew I couldn’t fail and I worked my ass off.”
The northern Jersey native started out at The Restaurant School in New York, followed by a stint in Philadelphia working with the likes of Stephen Starr, Jose Garces and Marcus Samuelsson. After Philadelphia, Isabella moved to Atlanta to work at a greek restaurant, Kyma, before coming to DC to be the executive chef at Jose Andres’ Zaytinya for three years. Today, you probably know Isabella best from Top Chef and from Graffiato, his Italian restaurant he opened in Chinatown this past summer. “I had grown up in New Jersey, went to New York and then Philly and Atlanta, but I couldn’t find the right fit for me,” Isabella says. In a goldilocks-esque moment, it turned out that DC was just right for the chef. “DC is the perfect size,” he says, adding that the farms in the area are a huge asset. “This city sticks together. We all [in the culinary scene] support one another and make each other better. Chefs here always welcome new people with open arms.” Continue reading
DC Slices Food Truck
courtesy of bonappetitfoodie
Santa brings good boys and girls food truck lunches. And it’s true that the rest get coal. Have a very Merry Christmas this weekend, We Love DCers!
By Tom Bridge
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47)
courtesy of Keith Allison
According to ESPN’s Keith Law, the Nationals have agreed to terms with the Oakland Athletics to acquire pitcher Gio Gonzalez, and parting with prospects A.J. Cole, Brad Peacock, Tommy Milone and Derek Norris. Oakland once again goes for a slough of young arms in exchange for a player whose salary will be increasing under arbitration above their affordable level.
The deal, if accurately reported, will really come down to Milone and Peacock for Gonzalez, as Norris was of limited utility be . hind young catcher Wilson Ramos, and Cole is far enough from the majors that he was likely the sort of longterm player A’s GM Billy Beane is willing to take a risk for. Milone’s debut in Washington this year was quite memorable, as he smashed a 3-run homer off the first pitch he saw in the bigs, for my second favorite Nats moment in 2011. Peacock had a successful year in 2011, going 5-1 in AAA Syracuse, with a 3.19 ERA before making the big club and going 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA in 3 starts. Milone put up 5 starts with the Nationals this year, striking out 14 in 26 innings and walking just 4, after going 12-6 with Syracuse with a 3.22 ERA, striking out 155 batters, and walking just 16.
Gio Gonzalez, 25, comes to DC after a 16-12 2011 record, with nearly 200 strikeouts and 91 walks. Gonzalez is arbitration-eligible this year, and would likely see his salary increase to over $4M. Gonzalez would likely be the #2 or #3 starter, completing a 1-2-3 rotation of Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann and Gio Gonzalez. That’s the sort of rotation that the Nationals are going to need to compete in the NL East over the next few seasons, with a rebuilding team in Miami, and the consistently strong Phillies.
This trade, if completed (and I suspect it will be), would up the ante for the Nationals in the Prince Fielder sweepstakes, as it seems they are betting very strongly on making a playoff push in 2012-2014, and will need Fielder’s power in the middle of the lineup to bolster the results from Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth.
By Don
Wooden Toys
courtesy of Michael T. Ruhl
Mosley: Christmas is the big family holiday for the Mosley Clan, so I will be camping out at either my parents’ place in Cheverly or my sister’s in Virginia. I always like to tell people that for me “Christmas” goes from noon on the 24th to noon on the 25th. It goes back to my childhood: by noon on the 24th, I was well on my way to getting ready for Christmas Eve mass, and by noon on the 25th, I was playing with my new toys, while my parents were taking a nap. And I’ve got to tell you, I got some cool presents as a kid!
I will always remember the times trying to stay up to hear Santa, only to fall asleep from the excitement (I swear I heard him one year). But since I’ve gotten older, Christmas has changed for me. I don’t get as excited; the big day seems to come faster and faster every year. But when Christmas does comes around, I’m reminded of the last lines in the Polar Express: “At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.” I know that most of me wouldn’t be able to hear that bell anymore. But there is still a very small part that hears it loud and clear. I hope that stays with me forever.
Chanukah at the White House
courtesy of afagen
Rachel: My holiday is going on right now (Chag Sameach to my fellow Jews in the area), so there’s nothing too special going on for me this weekend. I’ve never visited the National Menorah on the Ellipse so I might just have to do that while everyone else is tucked away in their homes for Christmas. I’m doing my best to find some potato pancakes since I’m not much of a chef but so far all I’ve heard about is Firefly in Dupont. Otherwise, I might just have to head to the grocery store and try to make my own for the first time. I’ll likely head to a movie at some point, maybe see The Muppets new movie again. Either way, though, this is likely to be a weekend of leisure. If anyone knows of any good restaurants serving latkes, however, I’d be forever grateful if you passed that information along!
By Tom Bridge
Radio and telelvision personality Big Tigger (who is a big fan of the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe) takes a picture with the Cadillac emblem..
courtesy of DrivingtheNortheast
There are few things worse than being fired on your birthday, but getting fired three days before Christmas AND on your birthday has to be a pretty rough thing. Pour one out for Big Tigger at WPGC, because DCRTV is reporting that’s exactly what happened.
I want to let you know that Tigger will no longer be hosting mornings on WPGC. Tigger has been a huge part of WPGC over the years. He started as an intern at PGC back in 1993 and eventually moved into nights in 1996. He came back later in the 2000s for afternoons and then, most recently, mornings. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. As we move into the New Year 2012, we will launch a search for the next morning star to pair up with Free, Guy Lambert, and DJ Heat. In the meantime, we will focus on a much more music intensive show.
The host has confirmed through his Twitter account that they’re parting ways:
Best of luck, Tigger.
By Tricia Barba
smith commons
courtesy of philliefan99
If you remember the H Street corridor from years ago, the place where Smith Commons now stands was the home of a large carpet warehouse. The restaurant is just as massive: three stories with a main dining room and main bar on the first floor, a public house on levels two and three, plus a seasonal patio. Smith Commons is one of the classiest buildings on H Street, both on the interior and exterior, with clean lines, eccentric furniture and the quintessential exposed brick.
The first thing you’ll notice when walking through the doors is how open the space is. Here you aren’t crammed so closely together that eavesdropping on the people sitting next you is involuntary; instead, the excess space makes the restaurant a great place for groups.
Smith Commons bills itself as offering an “international menu of approachable cuisine,” so think fusion. There’s a lot going on when you look at the menu – not that there are a lot of choices, but those choices are quite different. The menu changes seasonally with recipes developed by Executive Chef Carlos Delgado, so it can sometimes be sad to see one of your favorite dishes gone, but then there’s always time to pick a new favorite for the night.
Continue reading
CapMac truck
courtesy of yostinator
Chestnuts are roasting on an open fire. And you know what else is? Lunch from a food truck.
By Tricia Barba
Pinkberry
courtesy of cherrylet
We love lining up for things: burgers (hello Shake Shack), cupcakes, food trucks, and of course, fro-yo. When the Los Angeles-based Pinkberry opened up its first store in DC back in May, fans lined Connecticut Avenue in Dupont Circle to get a taste of the icy, tart yogurt. The hard decision to make here is which of the 30 possible toppings to go for.
Now, get a cup for free! Pinkberry is opening its second DC proper (and fifth DC area) locale in Georgetown tomorrow, and is swirling away free yogurt today from noon to 4pm.
So, head to 3288 M Street, NW. After all, what else are you supposed to do in the days when work starts winding down and everyone else is heading out of town? If you want to stand in another line after getting your yogurt, just go across the street to Georgetown Cupcake.
By 
By 