Rebecca Gross – We Love DC http://www.welovedc.com Your Life Beyond The Capitol Thu, 03 Mar 2011 04:57:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.9 Win a Pseudo Date With James Franco! http://www.welovedc.com/2011/03/03/win-a-pseudo-date-with-james-franco/ http://www.welovedc.com/2011/03/03/win-a-pseudo-date-with-james-franco/#comments Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:00:53 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=64688 Photo courtesy of
‘high times magazine arrivals 280908&#

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Photo courtesy of
‘high times magazine arrivals 280908’
courtesy of ‘ramsey everydaypants’

Up until last Sunday, I lived under the delusion that James Franco could not possibly be as awkward as his mirror makeout sessions and laser kitty Twitpics might suggest. But then the Oscars rolled around, and even the hot could not mask the painful truth. Congratulations, James Franco. You are officially the most awkward man alive.

But maybe DC will bring out the best in him. On March 31, the wonderful 826DC writing center will be hosting An Evening with James Franco at the Hotel Monaco, featuring the Academy Award nominee in the flesh. For $250, you can make eyes at Franco over dinner, while laying down a cool $1,000 will get you into a VIP reception with the man himself. Between your shared celebrity, wealth and ridiculously good looks, I’m sure you and James will find plenty to talk about. If not, you can always fall back on that age-old ice breaker, Charlie Sheen.

If you’re interested in attending the benefit, please contact Joe Callahan at joec@826dc.org or 202-525-1057. For more information about 826DC, please visit the site or read about it right here on We Love DC.

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Mt. Pleasant Temporium Opens This Friday http://www.welovedc.com/2011/02/15/mt-pleasant-temporium-opens-this-friday/ http://www.welovedc.com/2011/02/15/mt-pleasant-temporium-opens-this-friday/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:00:58 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=63132 Photo courtesy of
‘DC Love’
courtesy of ‘Ton

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Photo courtesy of
‘DC Love’
courtesy of ‘Tony DeFilippo’

As I write this, I may appear to be calm, cool and collected. But on the inside, I’m screaming like a schoolgirl who just won tickets to Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. Why? Because after weeks of delays and taunts of “Coming Soon,” the Mt. Pleasant Temporium is finally here. The pop-up arts, crafts and culture shop will open its doors on Friday, Feb. 18 for 24 consecutive days of intense awesomeness. Not only will the retailer feature handmade wares from 30 local artists and crafters, but the shop’s theme of storytelling will be fleshed out with live performances, readings, workshops, and kid-friendly events. Creative and community-oriented, this is commercialism done right.

An opening reception will be held this Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by storytelling from SpeakEasyDC on Saturday, and music from Ice Cream on Sunday. Check out the Temporium’s website for a full list of events, times and vendors.

The Temporium will be located at 3068 Mt. Pleasant Street, and will be open from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Conceived by Mount Pleasant Main Street, the pop-up will be funded with a $15,000 grant from the DC Office of Planning’s Temporary Urbanism Initiative. If you’ll be sad to see the Temporium go, don’t be: Nana will be opening in the same space shortly after it closes. Sayonara budget. I didn’t want to save up for a down payment anyway.

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Mt. Pleasant Temporium Opens Jan. 28 http://www.welovedc.com/2011/01/14/mt-pleasant-temporium-opens-jan-28/ http://www.welovedc.com/2011/01/14/mt-pleasant-temporium-opens-jan-28/#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:00:38 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=59889 Photo courtesy of
‘(heart) D.C.’
courtesy of ̵

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Photo courtesy of
‘(heart) D.C.’
courtesy of ‘rockcreek’

It’s no secret that I think Mt. Pleasant is the greatest thing since Atari. I write about it a lot, talk about it more, and try and convince people that beer tastes better here and the sun shines more brightly (both are facts, look them up). But just when I thought my lovefest had reached its saturation point, a new Temporium goes and ups the awesome ante.

On Jan. 28, the Mt. Pleasant Temporium will open its doors at 3068 Mt. Pleasant Street, ushering in a month of local crafts and art. The pop-up retail space was conceived and organized by Mount Pleasant Main Street, which was awarded a $15,000 grant for the project from the Temporary Urbanism Initiative of the DC Office of Planning. Built around a theme of “storytelling,” the space will sell handmade goods from 30 local artisans, and will feature an events lineup that includes craft workshops, education panels, storytelling performances, live music and even an original play. The Temporium will be open for 24 dates through Feb. 26; exact dates and retail hours should be announced later next week. This is the city’s second Temporium, and follows the success of last summer’s original pop-up on H Street NE.

Although the Temporium will be fleeting, the space will retain a vibrant presence on MtP Street when Nana re-opens at the same address in early March. Could these twin events signify the street’s imminent transformation into a viable retail corridor? Time will tell my friends, time will tell.

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Lit Geeks Need Love Too http://www.welovedc.com/2011/01/12/lit-geeks-date-too/ http://www.welovedc.com/2011/01/12/lit-geeks-date-too/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:00:06 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=59762 Photo courtesy of
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courtesy of ̵

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courtesy of ‘andertho’

If yesterday’s snowfall left you longing for a cuddle buddy, then it’s time to get your date on. The activity-based online dating site How About We… is hosting a singles book swap tonight at the 14th Street location of Busboys and Poets at 7 p.m. The invitation encourages guests to “pick up a paperback and see who else finds Nabakov (or Where’s Waldo?) sexy.” Here’s a helpful tip: no one finds Where’s Waldo? sexy. If that’s the tome you plan on bringing, you might want to dig a little deeper in your library.

What, “Hemingway, so hot right now” doesn’t strike  you as the world’s greatest pick up line? Don’t worry, liquid courage will be available, which should make any literary line seem infinitely more clever. Just don’t quote Mein Kampf. Also never sexy.

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Food Truck Tracker http://www.welovedc.com/2011/01/04/food-truck-tracker-108/ http://www.welovedc.com/2011/01/04/food-truck-tracker-108/#comments Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:01:27 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=59210 Photo courtesy of
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Photo courtesy of
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Have you already given up on your New Year’s resolution to eat more healthfully? Me too. Now let’s all celebrate with pizza and lobster rolls.


View Food Trucks for Tuesday, January 4th in a larger map

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Would You Buy Frank Kameny a Drink? http://www.welovedc.com/2011/01/03/would-you-buy-frank-kameny-a-drink/ http://www.welovedc.com/2011/01/03/would-you-buy-frank-kameny-a-drink/#comments Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:00:16 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=59074 Photo courtesy of
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courtesy of ̵

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Photo courtesy of
‘Frank Kameny’
courtesy of ‘maxedaperture’

At 85, Frank Kameny has solidified his place in history as a leading figure in the country’s gay rights movement. When he was fired from the Army Map Service in 1957 because of his homosexuality, he became the first American to bring a civil rights case based on sexual orientation to court. Proudly, openly gay in a largely closeted era, the former astronomer quickly became an outspoken activist for LGBT rights. He co-founded the Mattachine Society of Washington in 1961, one of the nation’s earliest gay rights groups, picketed the White House, and became the first openly gay Congressional candidate when he ran for DC’s House seat in 1971.

But even heroes need a hand sometimes. The Washington Blade reported that Dr. Kameny is struggling financially, and is having trouble meeting basic expenses such as utilities. Local LGBT organization Helping Our Brothers and Sisters (HOBS) has launched a Facebook campaign called “Buy Frank a Drink,” designed to help Dr. Kameny get back on his feet. According to the Facebook page, “Every day you and I live lives that are made better because of Frank Kameny. At the very least, each of us can agree that we would gladly buy the man a drink.” HOBS is asking individuals to set aside $10 — “the price of a nice cocktail — for the organization, which is giving all online donations to Dr. Kameny through Feb. 1.

So what do you say: would you buy Frank Kameny a drink?

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Food Truck Tracker http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/17/food-truck-tracker-103/ Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:15:26 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=58418 Photo courtesy of
‘yes please’
courtesy of

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Photo courtesy of
‘yes please’
courtesy of ‘hellomarkers!’

It’s still a little slippery out there my friends, so walk, do not run, to the nearest food truck.


View Food Trucks for Friday, December 17th in a larger map

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He Loves DC: Spike Mendelsohn http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/17/he-loves-dc-spike-mendelsohn/ http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/17/he-loves-dc-spike-mendelsohn/#comments Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:00:03 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=58336 The world first met Spike Mendelsohn as a brash y…

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Courtesy of Taylor PR

The world first met Spike Mendelsohn as a brash young contestant on “Top Chef: Season Four.” Two years later, he’s become one of Washington’s culinary darlings, making his mark on Capitol Hill with his two restaurants, Good Stuff Eatery and We, the Pizza. Now, he’s back on “Top Chef: All-Stars” (you can catch him on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on Bravo), has plans to expand Good Stuff, and travels around the country for special events and appearances. In between jet-setting and toque-wearing, We Love DC caught up with Spike to discuss family, junk food and the latest restaurant rumble between Washington and New York.

So you’re back on “Top Chef.” What was the second round like as compared to the first?

The second round was a lot less stressful for me. The first round I had nothing to lose. I was just representing myself as a cook. This time around, I do a lot of charity work, I got two businesses, I got a book, I got a family to support and friends…it’s not only my reputation on the line when I’m going on a nationally recognized show where you know you’re going to get edited. So I just took a really laid-back approach, less competitive. I was just there to enjoy the moment and have fun and cook and see how far I could get with that attitude. A lot of people were still really competitive and a little bit bitter. I’m not one of them.

You were born in Montreal, raised in Florida, studied in France and lived in New York. Why did you choose DC? Had you spent much time here before opening Good Stuff?

I actually hadn’t spent much time here. I used to visit my sister here about twice a year. She lived here for about 10 years. My parents moved from Florida to be closer to her, and I was the guy that was always traveling. When I finished “Top Chef,” I saw a really great opportunity to kind of just do my own thing, and I wanted to be closer to my family. I’d been traveling away from my parents for a good eight years. So I decided to move to DC. And now we’re all together, running a restaurant. It’s great times.

Photo courtesy of
‘(243/365)’
courtesy of ‘kimberlyfaye’

You were largely trained in French and Vietnamese cooking. Why did you choose to go with classic American comfort food for your first restaurants?

I wanted to appeal to the masses. I love being a chef, but I also have good business sense. Classic American food — burgers, shakes and fries — if you can put your mark on that and make it good, success! That’s what we wanted to do, and that’s what we did. And I love burgers and milkshakes and fries myself.

If you had to choose a favorite child, would it be Good Stuff or We, the Pizza?

Good Stuff.

That was an easy decision! Why?

It’s the original concept that opened up so many opportunities for me. And it’s a concept that I hold pretty close to my heart. A lot of stuff is inspired by my family members from Montreal, my grandfather…things like that. There’s a lot of meaning and feeling behind this one. Not that you don’t get that next door [at We, the Pizza], but it’s a different concept over there.

There was recently an article in the New York Times that portrayed Capitol Hill as DC’s junk food heaven. I was wondering what you thought about that?

Did they say “junk food”?

Yeah, that’s what they called it. The article talked about your restaurants, Matchbox, Ted’s Bulletin…

[Clearly miffed at the term “junk food.”] We decided to do these fast, casual concepts because America has been taken over by the fast food industry. I know people love that type of food, but it can be done right and be done good and it’s not bad for you. Here, everything’s really fresh and homemade. I like to call it more fast, casual good food instead of junk food. I feel like you see a lot of that popping up because it’s easy, and our generation is easy and they want stuff really quick. It’s a new trend. Also, with the economy and everything, people are looking for comfort food and looking back to what makes them feel good. More importantly, they want value. And this is the type of food you get value out of.

Photo courtesy of
‘a healthier pie’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’

The article also said, and this is a direct quote, that “The new places around the Capitol also represent, if not an emergent dining scene, at least a steadily improving one in a city long derided for substandard eating.” What’s your take?

That makes me feel really good. I came to this neighborhood because I felt there was a lack of good food and I felt like it could use some good restaurants. I’ve been here three years, and they’re opening up one after another. My philosophy is there’s enough business and enough mouths to feed for everybody. I accept competition with open arms. I’m not one of those guys who’s like “Oh my God, a new restaurant’s opening, what’s gonna happen?” I’m happy and I’m excited for DC, and I think it’s an exciting thing for the people that live here. It’s emerging into a powerhouse with food, and the food culture here is really developing.

Do you think operating a restaurant here poses any unique challenges or perks?

The perks would be that you’re not hit up by the New York City rents or the New York City critics or the New York City trends. And that’s the same for any other city that has all that. Another perk is [DC] is a very transient place, so if you’re trying to develop a brand like I am, it’s a great place because you have so many people that are coming in and out on a daily basis, or even on a quarterly basis as far as employees. The downfall…I don’t think there’s anything. I think there’s a lot of opportunity here — big fish in a small pond type of opportunity. It’s nice. You get to develop the trends here instead of following them in New York.

Why do you love DC?

I moved here from New York about three years ago not knowing what to expect at all. The community and the city were really, really great to me. [DC has] really accepted me and it’s allowed me to do what I love best: entertain, open up restaurants, meet people, and just have a good time. So it’s kind of given me my life. I never really had a great sense of community because I was always traveling from city to city and country to country and I never stayed put. It’s a great place for me right now. I’m in a good place in life.

Photo courtesy of
‘Good Stuff’
courtesy of ‘lorigoldberg’

What’s your dream day in DC dining?

Well, I’d have to say I’d roll into this place called Good Stuff Eatery…[laughs] You know what, I love going out to Eden Center and indulging in Vietnamese food over there and spending a couple of hours eating all sorts of great, hearty, home-cooked food. That’s my good day.

Any other favorites?

I love Honey Pig — it’s a Korean barbecue place. I love Obelisk — great Italian place. And for breakfast…let’s see…oh JT’s, right here on the Hill. East Capitol and 5th, it’s on the corner. It’s this little greasy spoon place run by a family. It’s delicious.

What’s in your fridge at home right now?

Nothing. I just got back from traveling for about a week, so I’ve got some fish sauce, some kimchi paste…not really anything appetizing.

What’s next on your plate?

I have to say the most exciting thing I’m doing right now is I’ve teamed up with SunTrust and MasterCard. [They] offer hundreds of offers with really great discounts and really great prices with a lot of different merchants. They donated $5,000 on my behalf…so I was able to purchase $5,000 worth of great things and presents. I’m going to go later on this afternoon and play Santa at Horton’s Kids and give out all these great gifts that most kids won’t be able to have at Christmas. It’s a really amazing feeling.

Anything new in terms of upcoming restaurants?

[I’m] not doing anymore different restaurants right now. I want to expand Good Stuff Eatery, so we have an expansion plan. I think we might open up in Baltimore soon.

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Armed Man Arrested at Capitol http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/16/armed-man-arrested-at-capitol/ Thu, 16 Dec 2010 18:06:01 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=58311 Photo courtesy of
‘Nacho #19’
courtesy of ‘C

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Photo courtesy of
‘Nacho #19’
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

In what Capitol Police are calling an “incident,” an armed man was arrested this morning outside Senate offices. According to sources, the man brandished a gun at the barricade at 1st Street and Constitution Avenue NE before officers arrested him. He is currently in custody, and the weapon has been recovered. The Capitol was on lockdown for 10 to 15 minutes. No one was hurt.

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House Passes Statuary Hall Bill http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/16/house-passes-statuary-hall-bill/ http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/16/house-passes-statuary-hall-bill/#comments Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:34:59 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=58305 Photo courtesy of
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Photo courtesy of
‘Statuary Hall’
courtesy of ‘MichaelTRuhl’

One small vote for Congress, one semi-large symbolic step for DC. Last night, the House passed a bill that would allow Washington to erect a statue in the Capitol’s honored Statuary Hall. Each state is granted two statues in the Hall; the version of the bill that passed allotted the District only one. Heaven forbid we think ourselves on par with our fellow Americans.

Our statues are already sculpted and ready to go: Pierre L’Enfant and Frederick Douglass have been waiting it out in One Judiciary Square for quite some time. Should the bill pass the Senate, the next fight will no doubt be which statue will get its chance to shine on the national stage.

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Food Truck Tracker http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/16/food-truck-tracker-102/ http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/16/food-truck-tracker-102/#comments Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:00:48 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=58287 Photo courtesy of
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Photo courtesy of
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It’s snowing. I repeat, it’s snowing. With the one-inch avalanche predicted, it’s important that you stock up on lobster rolls, pizza slices and cupcakes. So don’t just go out and buy lunch — buy meals for the next three days!


View Food Trucks for Thursday, December 16th in a larger map

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The Saturday Evening (Art) Post http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/10/the-saturday-evening-art-post/ Fri, 10 Dec 2010 19:02:15 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=57796 Photo courtesy of
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Photo courtesy of
‘Edgewood #1’
courtesy of ‘Rolenz’

No plans for Saturday night? Make the evening artastic with one of the events below. Or go to both and edify yourself times two.

First up is Artisphere, which is celebrating the opening of their new exhibit, Party Crashers: Comic Book Culture Invades the Art World. The exhibit documents the comic aesthetic in contemporary art, and is installed in tandem with a sister show at the Arlington Arts Center. A new ART bus will be running between the two spaces on Saturday evening. Sweatheart, the cheeky band of exhibiting artist Thom Lessner, will be playing after the reception starting at 11:01. Reception is from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Free admission.

Don’t feel like leaving the city limits? Albus Calvus Classrooms, an initiative of the Albus Cavus collective, is hosting their Gala 2010 at The Fridge on Barrack’s Row. There will be a silent art auction, body painting and live performances. Proceeds will go to support the group’s spring workshops, which will teach people like you how to paint murals and write poems, among other things. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $20.

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Baking With the St. Regis http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/10/baking-with-the-st-regis/ http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/10/baking-with-the-st-regis/#comments Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:00:11 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=57569 Baking is a messy affair in my house. Counters ar…

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Macarons / Photo by Rebecca Gross

Baking is a messy affair in my house. Counters are flour-coated, floors become sticky with sugar, and the dishes, well, there are a lot. And they spread out too, somehow avoiding the sink to take up residence on any available flat surface. By the time I’m through, my apartment is generally a bona fide code red disaster.

Not so at The St. Regis. Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of taking a macaron-making class at Adour, the very beautiful, very glamorous restaurant in the landmark hotel on 16th Street. (Side note: If you’ve never been inside the lobby of The St. Regis, it’s worth visiting. It will make you feel like a more elegant version of yourself, guaranteed.) From start to finish, every moment of the experience was high class and polish. When I first arrived, they took my coat. They held my chair out for me. They gave me (good) coffee, and the bartender charmed me into giving him macarons after class (I was happy to oblige).  In contrast to my own apartment, The St. Regis seemed like some dreamy fairytale land of baking.

But enough starry-eyed musings; let’s get to the macarons. Not to be confused with their orthographic cousin, the macaroon, macarons consist of two light, crackly cookies that sandwich flavored filling. Although they’ve been been around France for at least a few centuries, the macaron has only exploded onto the U.S. culinary scene within the past few years. Now they’re everywhere, including Adour, where they’ve become the restaurant’s colorful confectionary signature.

Adour’s classes are led by Fabrice Bendano, the restaurant’s soft-spoken, completely delightful pastry chef. In his opinion, the recent lust for the dainty cakes stems from the macaron’s colorful hues, bite-sized portions and unlimited flavors. Equally important however is Washington’s increasingly adventurous palate. “DC 11 years ago was totally different than it is now,” said the native Parisian, who estimates he makes 300 macarons a day. Where once Washingtonians were close-minded about desserts, “now they are more open and like to try new things.”

Perfectly Piped / Photo by Rebecca Gross

After initial meet and greets, Bendano took our small group back to the kitchen. With only four other people there that day, the class felt more like a private lesson than anything else. The class is largely demo-based, which appeals to some more than others. Normally I’m a get your hands dirty type of gal, but watching Bendano work is truly a treat. He keeps his apron as spotless as his kitchen, and his deft, precise motions are mesmerizing. As a small sampling of his resume, Bendano has worked at 1789, Monaco’s three Michelin-starred Le Louis XV, and the three-starred Taillevent in Paris. The man clearly knows what he’s doing.

This was made particularly apparent during the final stages of making the macaron batter, when he whipped the ingredients into such a frenzy that I suspected his arms might be mechanized (see “beat as if your life depended on it” note in the recipe below). Even if I had the proper tools and anything that remotely resembled a bicep, I am quite certain I could never recreate the technique he displayed. Later, Bendano demonstrated the art of piping with perfectly aligned rows of identically shaped macarons. Guess whose attempt did not turn out quite as nicely?

Fill 'Er Up / Photo by Rebecca Gross

No matter. The macarons — even my deformed little creatures — were the best I’ve ever had. Like all good macarons, these displayed the trademark tenants of perfection: a crunchy crust, chewy interior, glossy top and textured “feet” along the edges. And since dessert isn’t dessert without a digestif, Bendano recommends pairing macarons with champagne or chardonnay, although sparkling cider will also work for you teetotalers out there.

As a holiday gift to our readers, Adour has very graciously allowed We Love DC to publish their chocolate macaron recipe online. If you don’t dare attempt them on your own, classes are offered on average once a month. Macarons are also available in the restaurant, or can be purchased in boxes of 12 for $20. For more information about classes or purchasing, please visit the site or call the restaurant at 202-509-8000.

Wounded Soldier / Photo by Rebecca Gross

Adour’s Chocolate Macarons (makes 100)

Cookie Ingredients
6 oz. egg white

18 oz. almond flour
1 oz. cocoa powder
18 oz. confectionary sugar

Meringue:
7 oz. egg whites
18 oz. sugar
5 oz. water
1 tablespoon red food coloring

Chocolate Filling
9 oz. heavy cream
9 oz. dark chocolate
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 oz. butter

Mix almond flour and cocoa powder together. After combined, blend in a food processor for 10 to 15 seconds. After blended, spread mixture on parchment paper and let dry overnight.

The next day, make the meringue. Whip 7 oz. egg whites until they reach stiff peaks. In the meantime, add sugar to water and let dissolve by bringing water to a slow boil. When the sugar water reaches 250° F, pour the mixture into the egg whites while continuing to whip eggs on high speed. Continue whipping until cooled. (Otherwise, the heat from the sugar will cook the eggs.) Add food coloring, and continue whipping for another two to three minutes. The meringue should be smooth, thick and glossy.

Next, mix the almond flour mixture with the 6 oz. egg whites until incorporated. Add a small portion of the meringue and mix in. Add the remaining meringue and beat with a spatula as if your life depended on it. Once fully mixed, pipe mixture onto baking sheets in desired size and shape. Let dry for 20 to 30 minutes. Bake at 300° F for 12 minutes.

For the filling: Boil cream in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add chocolate and salt. Mix slowly so as not to incorporate air. Once mixture cools to room temperature, add butter and mix, preferably using an immersion blender.

Once everything is ready, find each macaron a similarly sized mate. Pipe filling on the flat side of one macaron, placing its mate on top like a sandwich. Et voilà! Your macarons are ready.

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NPG Commissioner Resigns In Protest http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/09/npg-commissioner-resigns-in-protest/ http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/09/npg-commissioner-resigns-in-protest/#comments Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:15:09 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=57687 Photo courtesy of
‘Transformer Gallery Protest 9807R

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Photo courtesy of
‘Transformer Gallery Protest 9807’
courtesy of ‘yospyn’

This morning, National Portrait Gallery commissioner James T. Bartlett resigned in protest of the museum’s decision to remove a video from its now controversial “Hide/Seek” exhibit.

The four-minute video, “A Fire in My Belly” by David Wajnarowicz, was initially removed after conservative groups protested a brief clip that showed ants crawling over an image of Jesus. The move immediately sparked condemnations of censorship, and launched a variety of organizational and individual actions. Transformer Gallery installed the video in their storefront, and organized a silent march to the NPG last Thursday. This weekend, two activists were detained after playing the video on an iPad at the entrance of the exhibit. According to DCist, the two men, Mike Blasenstein and Michael Dax Iacovone, are currently seeking out permits to install the video in a pop-up space outside the NPG.

The National Portrait Gallery had no other statement at this time.

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“Hide/Seek” Activists Banned from Smithsonian http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/07/hideseek-activists-banned-from-smithsonian/ Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:45:08 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=57512

Two activists were detained on Saturday when th…

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Two activists were detained on Saturday when they attempted to reinstate the video that was pulled from the “Hide/Seek” exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery. Mike Blasenstein stood by the entrance to the exhibit and distributed literature while playing the video on an iPad he had strapped around his neck. Michael Dax Iacovone filmed the experience, which can be viewed above. This is protest in the digital age.

The two men were escorted from the premises after about 10 minutes of broadcasting “A Fire in My Belly” by David Wojnarowicz, which was removed from the exhibit last week after protest from conservative groups. Though the exhibit has proven incendiary for its focus on LGBT issues, the video drew particular ire for showing a brief clip of ants crawling over an image of Jesus Christ.

According to TBD, Iacovone and Blasenstein have been banned from all Smithsonian institutions, the former for one year and the latter indefinitely. As TBD points out however, the sheer logistics of enforcing such a ban throughout the Smithsonian will be difficult.

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Ladies: It’s Time to Get Gay http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/07/ladies-its-time-to-get-gay/ http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/07/ladies-its-time-to-get-gay/#comments Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:15:17 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=57463 Photo courtesy of
‘Lady Gaga’
courtesy of ‘g

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Photo courtesy of
‘Lady Gaga’
courtesy of ‘gerdaindc’

Sequins and feathers and butt pads, oh my. Ladies, if you’ve ever envied the glitz and glamor of a good drag show, here’s your chance to shine. On Jan. 30, the Miss Faux Queen National/International will take place at Ziegfields/Secrets. Billed as “a pageant for bio-females with a drag queen caught in their body,” the event is a way to say thanks for those women who help fight the good fight. According to a statement, “So many women help out with events for the gay community and rarely have a fun event tailored just for them.”

The pageant won’t just be a simple shimmy down the catwalk however. Each contestant will be assigned a drag mother, and will be scored in four categories: female interview, on-stage interview, talent and costume. Wigs, it would seem, are a must.

Admission is $20 and doors open at 2:00 p.m. The contest itself will start at 3:00 p.m. Interested in competing? Contact emperorjohnrichard@gmail.com for more information.

The pageant is sponsored by the newly-formed Imperial Court of Washington, DC, the latest branch of The Imperial Court International. Despite its whimsical name, the organization does some serious work for the LGBT community, raising funds and promoting awareness for HIV/AIDS, social services and youth enrichment.

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Food Truck Tracker http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/02/food-truck-tracker-92/ Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:15:28 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=57069 Photo courtesy of
‘Lunch from Korean Food Truck’
co

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Photo courtesy of
‘Lunch from Korean Food Truck’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

Baby, it’s cold outside. But not too cold to go out and get some lunch.


View Food Trucks for Thursday, December 2nd in a larger map

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Gallery Installs Video Removed by Smithsonian http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/02/transformer-gallery-installs-video-removed-by-smithsonian/ http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/02/transformer-gallery-installs-video-removed-by-smithsonian/#comments Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:27:18 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=57053 Photo courtesy of
‘366 – 350: You can’t shut m

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Photo courtesy of
‘366 – 350: You can’t shut me up’
courtesy of ‘yoshiffles’

Yesterday afternoon, Transformer Gallery began showing a controversial video by late artist David Wajnarowicz, which made waves this week after it was removed from the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibit “Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture.” The video will be shown on a continuous 24-hour loop in Transformer’s front window.

The four-minute video depicts ants crawling over an image of Jesus Christ, meant to symbolize the suffering of an AIDS victim. The decision to remove the piece from “Hide/Seek” came on the heels of an uproar fueled by an article on CNSNews.com, which decried the use of federal funding to support an exhibit containing LGBT, sexual and religious themes.

In an e-mail message, Victoria Reis, Executive and Artistic Director of Transformer, said that the gallery’s decision was “in direct response” to the National Portrait Gallery’s removal of the video. “I find [that] the bullying from Congress and the response by the NPG to pull this work is censorship,” she wrote, referencing threats made by several Republican lawmakers to reconsider the National Portrait Gallery’s funding. She continued:

“As a non-profit visual arts organization committed to connecting and promoting artists, encouraging arts dialogue around experimental work, and building audiences for new artistic voices, it was a fulfillment of our mission to respond.

Additionally, as today is World AIDS Day and Day With(out)Art, I and Transformer as an organization felt it was important to promote this important work to the community.”

Transformer is organizing a silent walk today at 5:30 p.m. from its location at 1404 P St., NW to the National Portrait Gallery. The walk will protest the National Portrait Gallery’s decision to remove the video, as well as congressional threats “to essentially freeze artistic expression.”

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National Menorah Lighting is this Afternoon http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/01/national-menorah-lighting-is-this-afternoon/ http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/01/national-menorah-lighting-is-this-afternoon/#comments Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:56:07 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=57027 Photo courtesy of
‘Chanukah at the White House’
cou

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Photo courtesy of
‘Chanukah at the White House’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

I know you all have been anxiously awaiting the day’s end so you can start celebrating the first night of Chanukah. But good news: you don’t even have to wait for sundown for the festivities to begin! The lighting of the National Chanukah Menorah will take place at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon on the Ellipse. There will be latkes, doughnuts and dreidels to spare, as well as performances by violinist Itzhak Perlman, cantor Itche Meir Helfgot and Hankus Netsky. Tickets are free, but required.

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Smithsonian Pulls Piece from Landmark LGBT Exhibit http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/01/smithsonian-pulls-piece-from-landmark-lgbt-exhibit/ http://www.welovedc.com/2010/12/01/smithsonian-pulls-piece-from-landmark-lgbt-exhibit/#comments Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:30:55 +0000 http://www.welovedc.com/?p=56982
Fire in My Belly de David Wojnarowicz, Diamanda

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Fire in My Belly de David Wojnarowicz, Diamanda Galas
Uploaded by altimsah. – Independent web videos.

Yesterday, the National Portrait Gallery pulled a video installation from the exhibit “Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture” following an uproar from conservative groups. The four-minute video, “A Fire in My Belly” by late artist David Wojnarowicz, depicts ants crawling over Jesus Christ, symbolizing the pain suffered by AIDS victims.

Hide/Seek marks the first major museum survey to explore sexual identity and LGBT themes in American portraiture, and features pieces by Andy Warhol, Annie Leibowitz and Jasper Johns. Although the exhibit has been in place since Oct. 30, it only drew criticism following the publication of an article on Monday by conservative news site CNSNews.com. The article notes that the “Christmas-season exhibit” has used federal funds to display “naked brothers kissing, genitalia, and Ellen DeGeneres grabbing her breasts.” The Smithsonian does receive roughly 70 percent of its funding from the federal government, though funds for specific exhibits — including this one — are raised privately.

In the maelstrom that followed, a National Portrait Gallery spokeswoman said the museum and other Smithsonian museums have been flooded with calls, with people contacting “any e-mail address they could find.” Prior to the article, she said no complaints had been received.

Museum director Martin Sullivan released a statement yesterday about the decision to pull the piece, a portion of which is as follows:

“I regret that some reports about the exhibit have created an impression that the video is intentionally sacrilegious. In fact, the artist’s intention was to depict the suffering of an AIDS victim. It was not the museum’s intention to offend. We are removing the video today.

The museum’s statement at the exhibition’s entrance, “This exhibition contains mature themes,” will remain in place.”

It only takes a quick glance at the comments on CNS to see what type of feedback the Smithsonian was receiving yesterday. But the criticism hasn’t been restricted to ordinary CNS readers. The Hill reports that House Speaker-designate Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) and incoming Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) have called for the exhibit to be shuttered, with Cantor calling the exhibit “an outrageous use of taxpayer money.”

Of course, the larger question here for the Smithsonian is whether their funding is at risk. TBD notes that Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has called for the Smithsonian’s budget to be reviewed and their books audited. TBD does a great job of taking a look back on whether past threats over controversial pieces have resulted in actual budget cuts for museums.

Sullivan has stated that the exhibit will remain open as planned through February 13.

UPDATE: In protest of the National Portrait Gallery’s decision, Transformer Gallery will be showing “A Fire in My Belly” on a continuous 24-hour loop. The gallery is also organizing a silent walk to the museum at 5:30 p.m.

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