You can in fact teach an old dog new tricks my friend. And very quickly at that. Jaleo, Jose Andres’ first ever restaurant in the District, has undergone a  makeover, and with its refreshed modern look comes a seriously delicious menu full of creative twists on Spanish classics. I went to Jaleo the day before it closed for renovations, and exactly a month following- the total time it took to revamp the place- I returned to a completely new experience. Hello Jaleo, Fully Loaded.

Jose Andres really had no idea that when he opened Jaleo in Chinatown as a mere 23 year old kid that he would be setting the foundation for an empire, one that would span across States and elevate tapas to the highest levels. With all of his success (such as making it to the shortlist of Time’s most influential people) Jose Andres continues to be an unofficial Ambassador of the District and of its culinary talent.  Right off the train from the James Beard Foundation Awards, Jose came straight to Jaleo and spoke with us extensively about the new restaurant, but furthermore, about our city, it’s food, and the people behind it. In his words, we need more “cheerleaders” – whether journalists, bloggers, or simply customers – that cheer on our chefs and those in the industry to build DC’s reputation as one of a food-town, and for its tasty offerings to no longer be an after-thought.

The man behind the kitchen at Jaleo is Ramon Martinez, a young, energetic chef who has also worked at the famed El Bulli. Martinez has overseen the kitchen operation of all the DC Jaleo’s but now is more devoted to the Chinatown outpost. And with every good bite Martinez makes, there is an equally tasty drink to accompany it. Under the direction of head Bartender Owen Thomson, Jaleo now offers six unique Gin & Tonic combinations, Jose Andres’ drink of choice, all beautifully presented and refreshing. If wine is your thing, you get an Ipad with it too. Jaleo is the first restaurant in the city to offer the entire wine and beverage list on an Ipad,  so you can search and learn about what you are drinking.

Now… onto the more important matter: La Comida (the food). First off, lets start with the cones. I am a huge fan of all things bite-size but always am left wanting more. In this case, a hundred more. These cones are borderline addictive. Small, but flavorful. My favorite was the serena cheese cone with quince paste, but the salmon tartare and trout roe cone is also a force to be reckoned with. We all know the traditional pan con tomate, but imported from Spain comes the oh so good pan de cristal con tomate, which is a light, airy, crispy bread, that soaks up all the rubbed tomato perfectly. The tortilla menorquina, a Spanish omelet with sobrasada, onions and mahon cheese was creamy and spicy at the same time, and cooked to perfection. The empanadillas de brandada de bacalao- cod brandade wrapped in a fried dough and drizzled with honey- is worth the mess. These little pockets burst with unexpected big flavors. The gambas al ajillo- the classic spanish tapa of shrimp sauteed with garlic, will have you ordering more bread to soak up the sauce, these are the best gambas al ajillo I have had in the city.

While I have recently become a fan of oysters, I absolutely loved the Ostras a la Gallega- five warm oysters served with potato, sweet paprika and olive oil. In following with my shell theme, the steamed mussels with a salsa of tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper and onion were light and fresh, or you can booze up your mussel and go for the Gin and Tonic oysters. I also recommend the calamares en su tinta- a basque style squid in it’s ink-dark and tasty.

Courtesy of Megan Bailey

There is nothing more wonderful to see than when creativity and mission intersect. Case in point: the Mobile Market. The Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture, a nonprofit founded by the partners and chefs of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, is dedicated to growing an equitable and sustainable food system in DC. The group has come up with an innovative solution to overcome the challenges of food access: use the food truck model. The Mobile market will serve “food desert” neighborhoods around the area with fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meat from Arcadia farms and other sustainable producers, at below market rates for those who need it most, bringing it to areas that do not have a bounty of fresh options.

A converted school bus, now bright green and adorned with art by local students,  serves as a visual representation of everything the Mobile Market aims to do, as Michael Babin, owner of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group explained, “Our hope is that the Mobile Market will not only serve as a physical link between farmers and the areas that lack food access, but as a visual representation of the better food and nutrition movement.”

Beyond that, the converted school bus is a moving educational market on wheels, providing information and cooking demonstrations, one-on-one engagement opportunities with the local community, nutritional information and recipes, and resources for how to get fresh, local produce elsewhere in the District. The moving Market is already up and running and will continue through October, with scheduled visits to a senior wellness center, low-income housing site, metro stop, health care provider, and city park and during the school year will also visit schools in DC.

The Mobile Market, the first of its kind in the city, is pioneering change, one stop at a time…

Spit-roasts and cocktails? Get me to the Greek! Restaurant that is…

Starting this Sunday, Zaytinya, one of my Jose Andres favorites, is offering a special lamb-festive menu to celebrate the Easter holiday and all things spring (hence the beautiful green accents on every dish). Regardless of what Gods we do or don’t praise, Easter is a time for gathering over a lot of food, while drinking hair of the dog (or what I call a standard Sunday), and who better than the Greeks to give us a taste of their cultural heritage to live by.

Photo courtesy of Greg Powers

If you are a lamb lover-crafty cocktail sipping-date kinda guy/gal, the ten-course ‘Chef’s Experience’ has your name written all over it. A ten-course meal designed by Chef Michael Costa showcases a variety of dishes that speak to the versatility of the good old lamb, and highlight the chef’s own ability to take a classic dish and add a modern twist (case in point- Asparagus Salata, aka, the upgraded tzatziki – a combination of white asparagus, green asparagus, pistachios, microgreens, and lemon). Other standouts included Arni me Sparangia, spit-roasted lamb shoulder with asparagus, ladolemono and dill; Mayiritsa, traditional Easter soup with lamb’s liver, caramelized onions, short grain rice, egg and lemon broth (and I thought I wasn’t into offal); Spanakorizo, rice pilaf with wilted spinach and tomatoes, spinach puree, preserved cherry tomatoes and feta.

The Loukaniko me Patates, a traditional homemade lamb sausage scented with orange and cumin, is served with a perfectly boiled potato; the Glossa is lamb’s tongue thinly sliced with with green olives, pickled red chilis, celery and caramelized pistachios. I wish I could pronounce half the dishes, (shameless as my grandmother actually hails from Greece) but who needs good pronunciation when you have the Windex of food (tzatziki) and pita to mop it all up.

Photo courtesy of Greg Powers

That much lamb will make anyone thirsty, so the restaurant is debuting two new cocktails, both gin based, that cater to a range of crafty cocktail connoisseurs. The Attica is a rose-infused gin with lemon juice and homemade grenadine. The Anastasis, a mix of gin, kumquat liquer, lemon juice with a sour cherry sphere.

Working nearby Zaytinya will also now have its serious perks, as the restaurant will debut a lamb sandwich cart on its expansive patio in the middle of Penn Quarter. From Monday-Friday starting at noon, you can purchase spit-roasted lamb sandwiches to-go. This Greek goodness will be served on Zaytinya’s killer homemade pita, with tzatziki and pickled onions. That’s the best $11.00 you can be giving the Greek economy right now.

# I Gyro Everyday.

Photo courtesy of Greg Powers

They call it the “Oscars of DC restaurants,” a yearly event that brings together the District’s top restaurateurs, chefs and other industry players to recognize the amazing work they do everyday to make this city a culinary capital. The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) hosted the nomination party last night to announce this year’s nominees for its annual RAMMY awards. Cocktails by all of the selected nominees for best beverage/mixology program were flowing (Restaurant Eve’s “42 cloudy” was particularly delicious), and hors d’oeuvres by the nominees for best new restaurant ranged from burratta with cippolini onions and aged balsamic (Graffiato) to foie gras torchon and split pea soup (Fiola).

We Love DC extends a big congratulations to all the nominees, thanks for keeping us well fed and hydrated.

For the full list of nominees read on.

2012 RAMMY Finalists:

Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year
The Ashby Inn & Restaurant
Bourbon Steak
Marcel’s
The Oval Room
Rasika

Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year
Bibiana
Birch & Barley
BlackSalt Fish Market & Restaurant
Oyamel
Proof

Casual Restaurant of the Year
Bar Pilar
C.F. Folks
Hank’s Oyster Bar and Lounge – DC
Mitsitam Native Foods Café
Room 11

Neighborhood Gathering Place of the Year
Bastille
Bistrot Du Coin
Café Saint-Ex
Et Voila!
The Majestic

New Restaurant of the Year
Elisir Restaurant by Enzo Fargione
Fiola
Graffiato
Hill Country Barbecue Market
Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Chef of the Year
Anthony Chittum – Vermilion
Tony Conte – The Oval Room
Haidar Karoum – Proof
Kaz Okochi – Kaz Sushi Bistro
Vikram Sunderam – Rasika

Rising Culinary Star of the Year
Justin Bittner – Bar Pilar
Logan Cox – Ripple
Claudio Pirollo – Et Voila!
Adam Sobel – Bourbon Steak
Ed Witt – 701 Restaurant

Pastry Chef of the Year
Cicely Austin – The Oval Room
Fabrice Bendano – Adour
Peter Brett – Blue Duck Tavern
Alison Reed – Ripple
Susan Wallace – BlackSalt Fish Market & Restaurant

Wine Program of the Year
Adour
Cork Wine Bar
Dino
Marcel’s
Plume

Beverage/Mixology Program of the Year
Bourbon Steak
EatGoodFood Group
Estadio
Neighborhood Restaurant Group
Room 11

Power Spot of the Year
701 Restaurant
Founding Farmers – DC
The Oval Room
The Source by Wolfgang Puck
Tosca Ristorante

Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene of the Year
Black Jack
The Hamilton
Hill Country Barbecue Market
Mad Fox Brewing Company
Marvin

Manager of the Year
Anna-Marie Ashe – Smith Commons
Daniel Bortnick – Firefly
Reagan Corbett – Jackson 20
Alex Munoz – Hill Country Barbecue Market
Javier Velazquez – Taberna del Alabardero

Employee of the Year
Julie Albert – Brasserie Beck/Marcel’s
Ting Forester – District Commons
Teo Leiva – Fiola
José Alex Medrano – B. Smith’s
Paris Twyman – Founding Farmers – DC

Restaurateur of the Year
José Andrés & Rob Wilder – THINKFoodGROUP
Meshelle & Cathal Armstrong – EatGoodFood Group
Michael Babin – Neighborhood Restaurant Group
Ashok Bajaj – Knightsbridge Restaurant Group
Jeff & Barbara Black – Black Restaurant Group

You too can have your say and vote via Washington City Paper for the winners in three categories: Neighborhood Gathering Place, Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene and Power Spot of the Year. Votes can be cast on the Washington City Paper and finalists’ websites or at www.ramw.org from April 12-29.

The RAMMY awards will be held on June 24th at the Marriott Wardman Park.

Outstanding in the Field, a traveling culinary adventure that brings attention to local farmers and food artisans in the most beautiful settings a diner could ask for, is coming to us. This year, Outstanding in the Field will be headed to Arcadia Farm at Woodlawn, Alexandria (which also just happened to once be a part of George Washington’s farms at Mount Vernon). Guest chefs Kyle Bailey and Tiffany MacIsaac of Birch & Barley (and other delicious wonders) will be knocking out a multi-course beer dinner in this historical setting. The duo knocked it out of the park at last year’s event and are sure to impress us even more this year, especially with all the James Beard nominations under their belts.

Tickets for the $220.00 beer dinner are already on sale. The event will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at the Arcadia Farm at Woodlawn, Alexandria, VA.

*A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to Arcadia Farms.

Do good, eat well.

The pop-up restaurant phenomenon is taking over DC, but if you are looking for a place to pop your taste bud cherry, here it is. From March 21-25, three incredibly young and talented chefs are taking over the new Living Social event space for a unique culinary collaboration to showcase what they have in store for us at their upcoming restaurant, SŪNA. The triple threat team is made up of Chefs Johnny Spero (Komi and Townhouse), Erik Bruner-Yang (Toki Underground), and Ari Gejdenson (Acqua Al 2). SŪNA, due to open at the end of this year in Eastern Market, will offer Spero’s unique perspective on modern progressive cuisine that reflects both his professional and personal experiences. I was invited for a sneak peek of the pop-up menu and witnessed firsthand how chef Johnny Spero literally creates art, of the tastiest kind, on a plate. Not only are the dishes aesthetically beautiful, but they are also creative, delicious, and given the same attention in every detail. This is what a pop-up experience should be made of– energy, dedication, innovation.

Chef Johnny Spero will be spearheading the SŪNA project and continuing his strong focus on sustainability, supporting local farms and cooking seasonally as he and his co-chefs develop the menu and concept. Chef Spero’s culinary resume is impressive; he worked at Komi here in the District and Townhouse in Virginia, and has traveled the globe to stage at some of the best restaurants, including NOMA in Denmark (oh hey, it was rated #1 in the world), and spent a week at Alinea in Chicago.

Tickets to this coveted culinary event are priced at $120 and include an 8-course meal with 4 pairings. For a visual tasting of what to expect from it, read (and drool) on…

SŪNA MENU – A visual tour

Kampachi tartare- Pickled radish- Preserved lemon- Rice gel

Crab- Grapefruit- Buttermilk- Lovage

Smoked Duck- Salsify

Mignardises – Banana nutella macaroon- Pate de Fruit- Truffles

This is only the beginning of things to come…you still have time to buy tickets, so get clicking.

Table is set! courtesy of Big Bear Cafe DC

Big Bear Cafe is everything I could ever want and more. A coffee shop that takes its coffee culture seriously in a space that is simple and inviting; a restaurant that serves breakfast until noon, uses good-for-you, farm fresh ingredients, and offers daily, seasonal items; a neighborhood gathering place that brings together musicians and comedians for weekly events. What more could you ask for? Killer craft cocktails? They’ve got them. A patio for the unexpected spring winter? Done. Supper to beat the Sunday blues? They have that too. Get over here Big Bear and give me a hug.

Big Bear’s story is as charming as the place itself. Formerly a Jewish Italian market/deli, it went through some hard times in the 80’s and 90’s. The space was boarded up with bulletproof glass inside and out, evidence of a different, more turbulent time in Bloomingdale. But in 2006, Stuart Davenport, a general contractor who lived in the area, saw a need for a decent cup of coffee and grub, so he gave up his day job and in a little over a year built a neighborhood gem. Struggling times just live in memories now, as Big Bear has become a sought-after destination, and is surrounded by equally great places and spaces.

Big Bear Cafe Signage, #2 courtesy of [F]oxymoron

On Sunday evenings, a night usually spent in melancholic reflection of the weekend’s end and week ahead, a seat at Big Bear’s Farmer’s Market dinner is just the place you want to be. A big communal table is placed at the back of the cafe and filled with candles, wine and unfamiliar faces. Chef Clementina Russo, who hails from Italy, creates a 5 course meal prepared with ingredients she finds at the local markets. The dishes are then served family style, encouraging stories and personal exchanges over deliciously prepared food. The whole affair becomes a family gathering, of complete strangers. And whether you are Italian, American, or Latin like me, we all agree that there is no better way to get people together than over a shared meal.

The night we went dinner started with a comforting bowl of spaghetti cooked perfectly al dente, served with mushrooms, mint and lemon, an ode to the upcoming spring. We then had a roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and garlic, served with a frisee salad of belgian endive, fennel, and escarole and a spinach and ricotta frittatta. Then, we were given a cheese plate of taleggio, manchego and gorgonzola with spiced pecans and jams. I am a sucker for cheese plates but this one was particularly balanced, creamy and rich, and a perfect interlude before dessert. A hazelnut cake and cup of coffee was a perfect way to end the meal, lingering over crumbs and good company. Suppers are priced at $50 per person, or $65 with wine a wine pairing. Go for the pairing, we had an unbelievable Verdicchio with our meal that night.

courtesy of Big Bear Cafe DC

The people behind the bar are true baristas by day and mixologists by night. The cascara sour with whiskey, lime, cascara tea and cane sugar is a good companion, or for a warmer drink, the dutch hot chocolate, a mix of genever, cointreau, cynar and hot cocoa, is a boozed up original that changes with every sip. A place that can make lattee art and mix bitters right? Two bear sized thumbs up.

I was impressed not only by the food and by the drinks, but by the incredibly friendly service. I spoke with Kristina extensively, who is the host of the Sunday dinners but also a sous-chef. Stuart was equally as friendly and sat to chat with us about his plans. These people love food, good company, and creating a comforting environment for a good time; defining neighborhood gem.

To join the reservation-only Sunday supper, join Big Bear’s mailing list where you will receive a weekly email with the upcoming menu. Each dinner seats up to 15 people and reservations go fast.

The Caffeine Genie
courtesy of [F]oxymoron

901′s motto, “Sexy. Sophisticated. Sharing.” had me a bit–how do I put it–standoffish, because sometimes you just want Simple. Straightforward. So mine. But last week, the Penn Quarter restaurant debuted their entirely new, revamped menu. One that actually matches the concept. Previously, the menu was haphazard and inspired by: all over the place. But the restaurant owners acknowledged their shortcomings and refocused the food, creating a brand new menu meant to be shared, and with a decidedly Asian flare.

Charged with redesigning a new menu is no easy feat, but a young, energetic chef tackled it head on. At only 26, Chef Tom Hall, formerly of Ten Pehn restaurant, created a range of new dishes, and most of the dishes he tested, made it on the menu. Some standouts included seared scallops with an asparagus and wild mushroom risotto, topped with bacon jam (that’s mah jam) and sweet soy drizzle, an oxtail wonton ravioli with orange glazed carrots and oxtail jus, and a delicious chinese spiced duck breast, served atop a sweet potato and pumpkin puree, with a crispy serrano ham crust, and covered in balsamic ginger cherry chutney… beautiful colors, excellent flavors. For dessert, the chocolate chipotle creme brulee was a rich, decadent mousse with just the right spice kick, cooled off by a chantilly cream and fresh strawberry. The service throughout was also incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.

And for your boozing pleasure, 901 boosts an impressive selection of craft beer. 901′s sister restaurant, Capital City Brewing Company, is just a stones throw away, and provides a lot of the locally brewed beers.  At 901, you see the mass selection of pale ales and stouts stocked right there, enticing you to get your hops on.

The space is inspired by Miami. South Beach, to be exact. So you will have your unique/over the top touches–a menu that lights up and screams Apple trademark, drinks with dry ice and smoke–and some more comforting aspects, like a chef’s table that is intimate and right by the center of action. The bar is buzzing at happy hour, with a prime location around major offices, but an unfortunate massive construction site that would put any restaurant at risk of demolishment itself. I do look forward to the summer when the patio will become a full space of green plants and white umbrellas, for a little concrete vacation.  And given this weather, that may happen quicker that you think.

It is pretty dificult to put in words the various things that make me absolutely Love DC, and really an image of this picturesque place speaks volumes for itself. As cheesy as it may sound, this city and I have had quite the love affair. At first I was hesitant, restrained, even judgmental (being a third culture kid will do that to you). But it took very little time to start falling for it. And when I fell for it, I fell hard.

I was lucky enough to go to Georgetown, where a break from studying took us down historic cobblestone streets, past movie-set ready houses, to a buzzing M street with a range of bars, restaurants and shops to choose where to go broke from. But that was still the infancy of my relationship with DC, and we did have some great first dates. It was once I started exploring life outside my student bubble and into the real world that I truly began to appreciate the range of love this city had to give, and gave it back in return. As I have said before, Georgetown brought me here, but the city kept me here.  

fountain in fall courtesy of ekelly80

Good Morning DC courtesy of pablo.raw

I guess the longer you have been in this city, the more enamored with it you become. Finding a routine is easy, but exploring new places and meeting new people is even easier, which is why this place is so unique. Your perception, like you, begin to change in unexpected ways. 

One thing has always remained consistent. The people. Whether you work on the Hill, on K street or H street, there is an understated kindness. People are friendly, open, intelligent. People are aware of the world that exists around them and continously thinking of ways to give back to it. They are curious, hungry for knowledge, interested in other cultures and ideas. They hold on to their beliefs and do something with them. It is the perfect combination of a small town, big city. All meme aside, its an international city where people come from various backgrounds, making the District vibrant, dynamic, and ever changing.

Barefoot Meditation II courtesy of pablo.raw

The ability to walk and bike everywhere and be surrounded by some of the most beautiful man-made structures is something I will never take for granted. There are moments when I think I am looking at a poster, not with my own eyes. I will never get sick of the Mall, or of the drive back from National Airport that welcomes me home again.  And whenever we are celebrating a federal holiday, that patriotic punch just comes in stronger than ever. 

father & son courtesy of ekelly80

This is also a creative, artistic city. Whether it is graffiti on the wall or the countless art museums and galleries in the city- from the Phillips Collection to the Hirshhorn, from the National Portrait Gallery to Long View Gallery- your eyes will never be bored. And your ears have their fair share of venues too, from the epic 930 club to U Street Music Hall, to dance fests at Rock n Roll Hotel and Bossa.

I love DC and the various neighborhoords that each have their own distinct feel. From H street to Logan Circle, to Cleveland Park and Columbia Heights, each little hood has its own charm, and with time becomes your own.  And, if ever you want to escape the city and get back to nature, DC has lots of green to quench your outdoors thirst. Rock Creek Park, Billy Goat Trail, Great Falls, Harper’s Ferry- all a short distance away and serioulys rewarding.

onions courtesy of ekelly80

272/365 courtesy of ekelly80

But, ultimately, food is the way to my heart and DC made a grand entrance. From the various farmer’s markets across the city, to the pop-up dinners and supper clubs, to the food trucks and coffee shops, DC is climbing seriously up the food chain, and fast.

So I love DC, but I love lists as well. These are some of the few places that add color to the various reasons why I love this urban playground. For coffee fixes  to start the perfect morning:  Big Bear Cafe, Baked and Wired, Dolcezza, Filter, Peregrine, Yola. For top quality ingredients: Freshfarm Markets at Dupont Circle, Eastern Market, Maine Avenue Fish Market.

making coffee courtesy of Joe in DC

For dinners you never want to end: Tabard Inn, Toki Underground, Estadio, Cork, 2 Amys, Floriana, Komi, Seasonal Pantry, Obelisk, Vinoteca, Blue Duck Tavern, The Atlas Room, Dickson Wine Bar, Rogue 24, Birch and Barley. And for drinks you want to keep on coming: Bar Pilar, The Gibson, American Ice Co, Boundary Stone, 18th Street Lounge, Marvin, The Passenger, Jack Rose.

Capitol Sunrise courtesy of Tony DeFilippo

But what I love most about this city, is that it is a place I can call my own, even though thousands of other people share it with me, we all get to have it in our own way.

I am not the biggest fan of those forced celebrations that are genius ploys by Hallmark to make bank on pre-written love notes. Anytime the local grocery store and CVS look like cupid just vomited everywhere with so much red and heart shaped sugar it makes my eyes hurt. I promise there’s a romantic in me somewhere. But, whether we love or hate it, people get very into this Hallmark Holiday, so here are a few spots for making or breaking that big date, celebrating the single life, and just general breaking the routine.


love me courtesy of ekelly80

For the H st lover- Smith Commons will offer a complimentary glass of bubbly when you indulge in the prix-fixe 3 course Valentine’s meal, which includes smoked lobster ravioli, foie gras and banana panna cotta with coconut air. $60 per person.

Boundary Road will also officially open its doors on Monday, February 13th. So for all the foodie couples who have tried everything under the DC sun, this is a great chance to get the first bites at H street’s newest additions. Got to keep it exciting, gents.

For the happy to be single (and ready to mingle)- L’Enfant Cafe is having an anything but ordinary Valentine’s Day celebration. For starters, it is on Sunday, it’s a cabaret, with lots of drag and many laughs. Read more about it here and make your reservation online.

Bar Pilar (OH YES, it’s back) is hosting their annual “Anti-Valentine’s Day” Party, filled with bitter drinks with namesakes like The Bitter End and The Hater (I’ll take two of those for this upbeat post, thank you) and a solid roster of break-up songs to rock out to, celebrate being single, and who knows, maybe even find your future love.

For the history buffs- American Eats Tavern will be crafting a special 7- course menu, honoring Esther Howland, the founder of The New England Valentine Company, who is credited for creating the first Valentine’s Day greeting card.  Priced at $95 per person, and $150 with wine pairings, standout dishes include Hush Puppies with Homemade Sorghum Butter; Waldorf Salad “You’re the Top”; Vermicelli Prepared Like Pudding; Lobster Newberg as well as an assortment of seasonal desserts. For the complete Valentine’s Day menu click here.

The French get it. At least when it comes to food and romance. Mix Paris with a little New York and you have yourself a seriously original duo. Enter L’Enfant Cafe, a tiny bistro in Adams Morgan, and you see that America à la France at its greatest. It boasts only 16 tables, but dishes out some serious french fare that transport you to a cafe in the center of Le Marais. On a weekend, it is a great spot to find a croque madame and espresso, and on a weeknight, a perfect date spot for intimate conversation and glasses of rouge. This place is just as one imagines a Parisian bistro to be: effortlessly fabulous.

But that’s just the half of it. L’Enfant is so much more than just a restaurant. Co-owned by Christopher Lynch and Jim Ball, two New Yorkers who wanted to bring the art-y to Party, L’Enfant has turned into an institution of fun fare. Known for their yearly Bastille Day French Maid Relay Race, as well as their infamous Saturday Le Boum brunches, these guys keep it coming. Now, they are making Sunday the new Funday with a one of a kind dining experience. What does that entail? One word: Cabaret.

croque madame courtesy of snackfight

On Sunday nights, L’Enfant Cafe turns into a full blown Cabaret Speakeasy.You walk in through a back door and go into a Woody Allen-esque Midnight in Paris. The menu, priced at $50 per person, is ever-changing and not given in advance, rather you are surprised by the ambiance and accompanying high quality food. The night we went we were enjoyed a truffled white bean and escarole provencal soup, almond crusted pork tenderloin with braised pears and apples, honey buttered baby carrots and wild rice with cranberries. For dessert, we had a chocolate pate with raspberry cream and blackberry port sauce.

Photo courtesy Christopher Lynch

But the real show happens when the music is lowered  and the cabaret begins. Chris and Jim, other than being pretty great restaurateurs, are quite hilarious and together create an instant welcome and break the ice for all you “speak easy virgins.”

“We wanted to evoke a social dining experience,” says Chris, and that is exactly what it is. The close quarters mean your neighboring tables will become your best friends, and the show on stage is interactive. At any moment, you good sir, may become the source or butt of a joke. You are essentially locked in these close quarters to mingle and make new friends. What happens at L’Enfant stays at L’Enfant,  just keep the champagne flowing and the personality rolling.

On February 12, Flotilla DeBarge, who has been featured in Sex and the City and on Broadways alongside Cyndi Lauper and Alan Cummings, will be hosting a solo show.  Titled “Flotilla DeBarge’s Love Boat”  this one-”woman” comedy show it perfect for singles and couples alike. And while I am usually a cynic with all things cupid and cute, I couldn’t think of a better place to take a date. It is all about having a sense of humor, an ability to enjoy new things and a chance to be transported out of D.C. for the night without leaving NW.

Photo courtesy Christopher Lynch

Joey Arias, the Gaga of Cabaret, is the feature showman on other nights. A New York City based performer, cabaret singer, and drag artist, Arias is also known for hosting Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity show in Las Vegas for six years. He also just finished his off-Broadway show “Arias with a Twist” which will have a five-week run at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in D.C. Upcoming shows will be hosted on February 19th (Joey Arias will be performing Patty Boom- former Scissors Sister), March 11 and March 25th.

Reservations can only be made via the website www.lenfantcafe.com

You can thank me later for letting you in on one of the best kept secrets in the District.

I write this while in a full blown food coma (#foodieproblems) with a delightful pain and taste bud/sensory overload, but more over,  faced with writer’s dilemma,  trying to find a way to describe the past four hours of absolute mastery that just went down at Rogue 24. Long -24 course and 8 drinks- story short, Spike Gjerde had me at hog jowl. Rogue 24 had me upon entrance. What the hell does that mean you ask. Well, in case you have been living under a rock, RJ Cooper’s illustrious Rogue 24 has been debuting Rogue Sessions,  a ten week pop-up celebrating some of the nation’s finest chefs as RJ Cooper recovers from heart surgery, with ticket sales benefiting Share Our Strength. It is all a wonderful affair of chef love, community giving, and culinary creativity.

Straight off the press, I was interested in seeing Chef Spike Gjerde go Rogue. His farm-to-table concept in Baltimore, Woodberry Kitchen, is one of my favorite restaurants around, but not the kind of place you find Rogue-esque molecular gastronomy. At Woodberry Kitchen, Chef Spike works closely with farmers and growers throughout the Chesapeake Bay and Mid-Atlantic regions to supply the restaurant with the freshest ingredients available, and brought that local fever to the Rogue Session. Throughout the meal, Chef Spike proved over and over that he could break barriers and remain true to seasonal and local flavors, delivering amazing dishes that were packed with a subtle elegance and charm you would have thought he was working in that space for years.

Photo courtesy of Nancy Iverson

While it is quite a journey, if not challenge, to sit through a 24 course meal, Chef Spike and the Rogue24 team created a balanced menu, where every bite built up to the next. Your palette is never overwhelmed and textures and presentation vary widely. You are convinced that you just tried the best thing you ever ate, and then on comes the next dish to challenge that notion.

Here are some menu highlights:  a twist on baba ghanoush (yogurt, eggplant, benne and sumac), snow hill oyster with fish pepper and pickled ramps, yellow perch with it’s own roe, sunchoke and spelt toast (basically the best fish sandwich made for man), hog jowl on the bone (SERIOUSLY, served on the jowl bone- the use of the whole animal was never so true) served with pickled mustard seeds, brusssels sprouts with malt vinegar, blue cheese and pretzels, oyster root with worcestershire and cabbage shoots, whitmore pig hock with smoke, broth and aromatics, stuffed ham with kale and sweet potato, shabu shabu with short rib, caramelized onions and mushrooms (as fun to eat as it is to pronounce). And that’s just the half of it. For dessert, Chef Gjerde brought one of his Woodberry Kitchen classics, the C.M.P (chocolate, malt ice cream and wet peanuts) to a mini version, which though half the size was twice as good.

Photo courtesy of Angie Salame

Throughout the meal, the drinks were paired perfectly. Fellow WLDC author, Jenn loved the match between the Chiarli lambrusco, with its deep violet bubbles and flavor reminiscent of balsamic vinegar, and the brussels sprouts, while the barbera from Barboursville Vineyard and the claret from Linden has her thinking a trip to Virginia wine country may be in order soon.  Dessert in a glass was provided by lead bartender Bryan Tetorakis’s “orris julius” (ok, Jenn’s also a sucker for puns, so the name of the cocktail was a win too) – this frothy floral cocktail made with gin, orange, orris root and brandied apple (plus a bit of nasturtium) transported us to a lovely, delicate, garden of booze.

It is truly remarkable, and honorable, to see what these chefs are doing together. Half Rogue dishes and half new dishes by the guest chef, the kitchen continues to work flawlessly, creating a performance in the middle of the restaurant where various talents come together as one. The beautiful interior space and subtle soundtrack only heighten the overall delight, allowing you to fully loose yourself in the hands of real experts.

You still have a chance to try this culinary journey for yourself. Buy tickets to see Spike keeping it seasonal and going Rogue HERE.

Photo courtesy of Nancy Iverson

It’s the Year of the Dragon folks, which other than promising good fortune and fire-breathing glory also means mouth-watering Chinese menus at some of DC’s best Asian haunts. Starting January 23rd  Zentan, Toki Underground, and The Source will be paying homage to the Dragon through the culinary traditions of the Chinese New Year.

Now, for some brain food. The Dragon, also known as the divine beast, is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac Calendar which consists of 12 animal signs, and is a symbol of good fortune and a sign of intense power. The official Chinese New Year is Monday, January 23rd and is celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving, for a whole 15 days. Traditional foods include a whole fish (represents unity and abundance), chicken (for prosperity), uncut noodles (representing long life) and dumplings (for good fortune).

So, where can you get your Dragon on and eat for good luck?

Zentan - This Donovan House establishment belonging to Top Chef Master Susur Lee is offering a special four-course menu for $47.10 (based on the year of the Chinese Calendar 4710 Dragon, naturally) from January 23-28. The menu, designed by Chef Jaime Montes de Oca will offer various dishes that are traditionally thought of as bringing good fortune. Menu highlights include; szechuan hot and sour soup with shredded vegetables, spinach and shittake dumplings with swatow chili, an unusual but oh so delicious turnip cake with chinese eggplant and roasted peppers, Lee’s famous 19 ingredient singapore slaw with salted plum dressing, stir fried ‘longevity’ noodles with jicama, shiitake, edamame and sesame soy ginger sauce, as well as a crispy red snapper with chili black bean sauce and the most amazing brussel sprouts with soy mirin sauce. For dessert, options include a honey tangerine gelato, and a five spice apple tart with salted caramel ice cream. The entire menu is designed to be shared and keeping with chinese tradition all food served represents wisdom, good fortune, and peace. For some Dragon food porn see below.

courtesy of NataliaMoreno

courtesy of NataliaMoreno

courtesy of NataliaMoreno

The Source- Wolfgang Puck’s downtown restaurant will pay tribute to the culinary traditions of the Chinese New Year, incorporating the five elements of fire, water, wood, earth and metal. Dishes from the five-course menu include a wok fried lobster dumpling (fire dragon), apple wood smoked peking duck (wood dragon), szechuan pepper crusted filet  with longetivy noodles (earth dragon) and a golden pineapple sticky cake with black pepper ice cream (metal dragon). The Year of the Dragon menu, priced at $125 per person or $175 with wine pairings, will be offered in addition to the restaurant’s a la carte menu until February 3rd. For all Chef Puck fans, the master will be in house on February 3 hosting a dinner to close out the celebration.

Scott Drewno of The Source courtesy of bonappetitfoodie

Toki Underground- You are now all well aware of my Toki love affair, but to honor the Chinese New Year, chef Erik will be doing a pop-up collaboration with two amazing chefs/ninjas. On Tuesday, January 24th, Chef Thang Le of Toki Underground, who used to work at Momofuku Noodle Bar in NYC and Iggy’s in Singapore, will be preparing a modern rendition of the classic Chinese New Year cuisine, which I hope will involve some kind of Momofuku inspired cookie in the mix. On Wednesday, January 25th Chef Scott Drewno from none other than The Source will be collaborating with Erik on an eight course menu that will feature a family style main course, and my guess is will involve a whole lotta duck. The pop-up is priced at $65.00 person, with two seatings per night. (note- there will be no vegetarian option or substitutions)

Regardless of your astrological enthusiasm, this week is a good way of exploring the culinary traditions and customs of China without the daunting flight and lost in translation feeling.

If you haven’t heard, there’s a revolution under way and you my e-friends, can all be a part of it. It’s called Popularise, and it will change the way we interact with our community.

Popularise is a bottom-up approach to real estate that is challenging the norm and breaking barriers, creating an authentic conversation about how a neighborhood is built and who is given an opportunity to participate in the discussion. By going online, users can submit ideas for what is built in a space–a real-life Sim City of sorts (go on 90’s babies, you know you love it already). Simply said, you decide what goes into your community. Yet this has never been done in this way, until now.

The responsible trailblazers are brothers Ben and Daniel Miller and associates Brandon Jenkins and Kenny Shin of WestMill Capital. But these DC natives are not your usual old school real estate developers. For starters, they wear high tops, listen to Daft Punk, ride their bikes to work and are as good at cooking as they are at eating. But don’t take their young swag as a sign of inexperience. Though they sleep little, they dream big.

Courtesy of Popularise

“We know it may seem a little crazy, but really it’s the current model that doesn’t make any sense. You have big money, Wall Street types with no vested interest in the community making short-term decisions without thinking about long-term consequences,” said Jenkins. “Who wants to live in a neighborhood full of corporate chains with banks and drugstores on every corner? We believe Popularise will become the norm, because ultimately, the neighborhood is your customer, why wouldn’t you be asking them what they want?”

The Popularise boys have seen the city transform and now want to become part of its continued growth. They have chosen DC as the model for this crowd-sourcing approach to real estate, but hope the concept will someday expand to other cities. Their first location is a vacant building at 1351 H Street NE, right next to the Rock & Roll Hotel. Whether it becomes a high-quality retail store like DURKL, or a pizza joint and cocktail den, they are allowing those who will most benefit of the development- the local residents- to go online and be heard.

While this creative thinking is commendable, the Popularise team is well aware of the risk involved in turning a system literally on its head. Not knowing what concept will ‘win’ or how the community will react to the end result is of course a daunting reality, but they are creating a platform for debate where none existed before. “Ultimately, our goal is to use the community feedback as a tool to help us build the best project possible for the neighborhood…We don’t view the process as a win or lose situation” says Jenkins. “We would love to take several of the ideas that have been suggested and do three great projects on the street.  A neighborhood is a constantly evolving place and we want Popularise to become a platform for a community to help shape that growth.”

So the question is this: If you had the power to build a new place in your neighborhood, what would you build?

Let the popular rise up. Submit your ideas, I know I have.

Culinary Ninja. That is the only way to describe Erik Bruner-Yang, the man behind Toki Underground, a tiny ramen sanctuary on H Street. Recognized only by the small blue emblem on the door, this Taiwanese restaurant is serving the best ramen I’ve ever tasted, and in the coolest, freshest environment I’ve been to in a while.

It’s not as if Toki hasn’t received a share amount of praise and hype and I found me a secret. Au contraire, it’s been one of the most buzzed restaurants in town, and given their no reservations policy, a one to two hour wait is to be expected. What the kimchi is right–but seriously–it is worth it.

When you walk up the stairs you enter Erik’s world. A world filled with the most wonderful smells–of fried dumplings, hearty ramens, and tempura vegetables–sights and sounds that transport you. Every inch of the place screams rockstar genius. The walls are filled with graffiti art, skateboards form a faux roof above the kitchen, plastic toys battle each other on the edges. It’s a man’s world, and one which I never wanted to leave. The music blares and track after track the beats just get better.

Hello ninja house party, where have you been all my life?

The drink menu includes imported beers, an extensive list of premium sake, and some Thai drinks I had never heard of. I opted for the Toki Monster- a perfectly stirred Bourbon with honey liqueur, served on the rocks, with a pork belly skewer accompanying it. I’ll repeat–a pork belly skewer, as a garnish. One bite and sip of this monster and I knew this place meant business. I also knew that pork belly skewer was singlehandedly responsible for my increased BAC as one is never enough. But on to the food…


hakata classic ramen @ Toki Underground, Washington DC courtesy of Plantains & Kimchi

The menu is inspired by the chef’s experience at a Taipei Ramen shop, offering obviously a variety of ramens, but also dumplings and daily specials. I ordered the Kimchi Hakata, a noodle soup with pork loin chashu (I just wanted to add to my pork intake for the day, naturally) seasonal vegetables, 1/2 boiled egg, sesame, scallions and kimchi. This massive bowl of goodness is comfort food at its finest. Every single ingredient alone was delicious and strategically placed, but when combined defines “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

While I had no plans of ordering dessert, the smell of freshly baked warm cookies got the best of me. That night, they were oatmeal raisin. I learned that our waitress Tiffany was responsible for these tiny creations. She is far too humble when it comes to her baking abilities; these were perfectly chewy, with crisp outer edges and a soft gooey-inside. You do know, cookies are making a comeback, as is two percent milk.

Toki Underground courtesy of angela n.

I have one warning: Toki is addictive.

On my second visit (in a week- no shame) I waited for well over an hour for my superbowl, but there are plenty of watering holes around Toki to drink up the appetite.  Smith Commons, Granville Moores, The Pug (right below Toki), to name a few, all with their distinct character and charm. When you do make it up to Toki, you’ll find the service is attentive and incredibly friendly and you’ll be glad you waited.

How Erik and his team dish out such explosive flavors, spot on tunes, and cooler than cool ambiance is remarkable, all while keeping a laid back attitude. If you haven’t already… let this ninja kick your ass with flavor.

So you are one week into your New Years resolutions of getting fit, eating healthy and exercising more… Good for you! Now get over it, because starting January 9th restaurants across the District will be offering killer deals for Winter Restaurant Week. From January 9-15, select restaurants across the city will offer a three-course lunch for $20.12  and three-course dinners for $35.12. Best part is, no mass daily-deal purchase necessary, all you need is a reservation. Now, who doesn’t love a delicious bargain?

Restaurant Week is a week to go big rather than stay home, as some of the pricier dining options in DC become immediately accessible. It is a chance for you to cross out some of those places you’ve had on your list for a while, instead of waiting for the next birthday/anniversary/you-name-it special occasion, you’re excused to dine with the big boys and save a pretty penny too. While some haters (I was indeed one of them) worry that the lower price point comes at the expense of quality, the restaurants below are quality-driven and promise a memorable dining experience regardless of the end bill. And let’s remember, it is their reputation on the line after all and consistency is key. So stop drinking the hate-orade and embrace the feast week.

Here are some suggestions:

Art and Soul- Art Smith will offer an extensive menu that includes some of his signature dishes, as well as a specially priced wine list for the week. Now that’s being a Southern Gentleman.  Menu highlights include shrimp and grits, charcuterie of the day, Yorkshire pig and cabbage, pan fried flounder, and sweet offerings like chocolate bread pudding and apple tart. Update: Art and Soul will be extending their restaurant week menu through January 22nd.

701 - Chef Ed Witt has developed an extensive and exciting menu, mouth-watering options include lemongrass lobster bisque, bourbon caramel apple salad with mustard greens, veal sweetbreads, red wine beef short-ribs, cider braised rabbit leg and desserts including an upscale s’more- chocolate bar with vanilla bean gelato, marshmallow and graham crackers. Need I say more?

Rasika- Reservations at Chef Vikram Sunderam’s Indian mecca are near impossible to snag, so book now if you want to dine here during Restaurant Week. The Penn Quarter powerhouse is consistently delicious and will undoubtedly be offering some of its best dishes.

Art & Soul courtesy of angela n.

Fiola- Everything here from the classic antipastis to the homemade pastas and innovative fish and meat offerings is spot on delicious. As Fiola’s first Winter Restaurant Week, chef Fabio Trabocchi is sure to deliver. I also recommend you spend the money you would have on the meal and try many a drinks by Fiola’s resident mixologist, Jeff Faile. These men know what they are doing.

Other best bets include, the quintessential Georgetown fine dining restaurant, 1789. Italian stallion Tosca, and I would pay serious money for the macaroons at Adour, so I recommend you get your fixings.

Carnivores rejoice! Usually a steak at any of these establishments goes for about the same price as the Restaurant Week three-course dinner. Try J&G Steakhouse, the swanky W Hotel steakhouse is offering a parsnip soup starter or caesar salad, seared cod or its famous peppercorn crusted steak with special sauce. If you want to really step it up and steak out, The Prime Rib is another great option, offering a London broil, imperial crab, roast prime rib, as well as key lime pie, in a setting that alone feels like you should be paying to enter. For more beautiful settings, try Charlie Palmer Steak. Also, Morton’s Georgetown, Arlington and Downtown locations will be participating in Restaurant Week.

courtesy of Jing a Ling

DO: Step away from that desktop and get out for lunch. As hard as leaving that big screen and plastic fork can be, go on and indulge in a three-course bargain. If only there were siesta laws implemented during Restaurant Week too…

Great options I’ll be exploring include:

Zaytinya (which has an extended Restaurant Week menu through January 22) will be offering Greek/Turkish/Lebanese mezzes including butternut squash dolmades, sea scallops with yogurt-dill sauce, caramelized okra with chickpeas and cardamom tomato stew, Turkish delight and walnut ice cream. Yup, my mouth is watering as I type.

For more Jose Andres fixings- Oyamel and Jaleo will also have extended menus through January 22.

Elisir - This recently opened Italian child of Enzo Fargione will only offer a Restaurnt Week lunch option with an extensive menu that includes a traditional country style chickpea soup, saffron fettuccine with Bolognese, Cannelllone pasta stuffed with three cheeses in a mixed mushroom ragu, marinated spice rubbed pork ribs, and grilled housemade sausage. Sweets include a warm espresso-hazelnut Zuccottino cake with Gianduja chocolate sauce and mascarpone gelato.

Elisir, Washington DC courtesy of Plantains & Kimchi

Graffiato -Mike Isabella will be dishing out his famous Jersey Shore pizza as well as other Italian tapas offerings like crispy brussel sprouts with pancetta, buffalo mozzarella with honey glazed onions, pumpkin risotto with smoked provolone and a chocolate tart with sea salt gelato to finish it off.  A discounted Restaurant Week menu is only available for lunch. If you need visual mouth-watering motivation check out our recent post here)

Other great lunch options include recently opened District Commons, PS7′s,  Poste and Bibiana.

Now, get on booking… Those diet killers/pocket healers go fast.

It is an unfortunate circumstance that will bring together some of the most talented chefs from the nation for a culinary showdown of epic proportions. Chef RJ Cooper, the mastermind behind Rogue 24, will undergo open heart surgery this month to correct a genetic heart defect which could be life-threatening if not treated.

In his place, ten of Cooper’s closest friends – who also happen to be some of the most talented chefs in the nation – will each take over the kitchen at Rogue 24 for a week. The impressive roster includes José Andrés, 2011 James Beard Outstanding Chef, David Posey from Chicago’s 4-star restaurant Blackbird and formerly of Alinea, Spike Gjerde, chef/owner of Woodberry Kitchen, Nancy Oakes, James Beard Best Chef California and chef/owner of Boulevard, and Top Chef contestant Jennifer Caroll, who worked with Eric Ripert at 10 Arts in Philadelphia and Le Bernadin in New York. And that’s just the half of them.

Each Rogue Session will cost $185 per person, and includes a 24-course dinner which will feature twelve dishes prepared by that week’s visiting chef and twelve Rogue 24 favorites, and wine and cocktail pairings by celebrity bartender Derek Brown and Beverage Director JP Fetherston. Tickets to these coveted sessions will be sold one week in advance exclusively through Gilt City. The first session kicks-off January 10th and will be lead by Top Chef contestant Bryan Voltaggio of VOLT. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to Share Our Strength.

Now, if this isn’t the definition of chef love I don’t know what is.