By Katie
‘the market lunch’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’
It’s a titch humid out there, eh, DC? But that’s okay, we’ve got enough foodie news to go around. So, without further ado, all the news fit to eat in the District. From bees to patios, to wine dinners and a new naptown restaurant, read on… Continue reading
By Katie
‘Engine Co. No. 28’
courtesy of ‘flipperman75’
The Neighborhood Restaurant Group (who brought you Rustico, Evening Star, Eat Bar, etc.) has announced the opening of a new concept, the Columbia Firehouse in Old Town. With two different restaurant experiences, and two bars, the Firehouse will be quite the addition to the Alexandria dining scene.
The 80-seat upstairs dining room will serve as a classic chophouse with most of the restaurant’s meats and all of its charcuterie selected, butchered and prepared by Red Apron. The 120-seat dining room downstairs will offer a casual menu with a focus on modern American comfort food, small plates and sandwiches, such as dry-rubbed & smoked chicken wings with buttermilk blue & firehouse bbq sauces, Maryland crab cake with jicama slaw and Dijon aioli, and the firehouse burger.
Columbia Firehouse will also be home to two bars. The main bar, located on the ground floor of the restaurant, will specialize in pure, authentic versions of classic cocktails including Rickey’s, Fizzes, Sazeracs and more. he second floor bar and adjoining lounge will be open for special events, and will allow cocktail enthusiasts to sample a rotating menu of creative concoctions, as well as aperitifs and after-dinner drinks. I’m sure I’ll have much more information for you when it opens.
By Katie
‘Eatonville’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’
So I’ll let you in on a little secret, new restaurants. Sometimes two of the blonde single lady authors of We Love DC hit the town together, and judge you. You can spot us, cause we ask a bunch of questions, giggle to ourselves, and take tons of pictures of our food and drinks. One of us is southern, the other northern. One twentysomething, one thirtysomething. We try and represent all demographics. We also try not to make a scene. Maybe one day we’ll get fabulous enough to don disguises Ruth Reichl-style, but for now, we aren’t particularly incognito. I’m pretty sure our server last week at Eatonville knew something was up, but he was a good sport, as we grilled him all about the menu, the best picks, and even the decor. He wound up asking us a bunch of questions back to our questions about the restaurant. Bending over our table, conspiritorially, he asked us “do you twitter?” (Yup.) “Will you tweet about this?” (Sure will.) “Even if you don’t like it?” (Uh huh.) Luckily for him, we liked it just fine.
Eatonville had come up with mixed reviews from my foodie crowd, but ever the southerner, I was excited. Jenn was ready to judge with me, and she’s always good to have around to bounce thoughts off of. We dived into the menu headfirst, ordering the two most popular appetizers, the Hushpuppy (singular, that’s right, find out why after the break) and the Fried Green Tomatoes. (I don’t think it’s in my genetics to say no to a fried green tomato!) Continue reading
By Kirk
‘Workers’
courtesy of ‘squidpants’
The Real World watch has officially begun. Word on the street was that filming was supposed to begin this weekend, but it looks like that the actual date may be a bit later. I swung by the RW house on Saturday to try to catch a glimpse of the incoming cast, but found that the building was still in the final stages of renovation. From all appearances, furniture was being brought in and the final touches were being put on the aesthetics. We’ll have to wait and see when the soon to be drunken co-eds officially arrive, unless they managed to sneak in yesterday.
In the mean time, WaPo’s “Going Out Gurus” have compiled a handy list of Real World friendly bars for all of us to avoid. Cobalt, Russia House, the Shadow Room and Town make the list, along with a few others. Take note and beware.
By Katie
‘Fresh & Frozen’
courtesy of ‘M.V. Jantzen’
Obama hit the Del Ray creamery (well, custard-er-ry, or whatever you call it) Dairy Godmother this afternoon. Good thing I snuck in last weekend for the Bordeaux Cherry, ’cause after seeing what happened to Ray’s Hell Burgers, lord knows Dairy Godmother will be a packed house for the rest of the summer.
Dairy Godmother tweets “President Obama and his daughters just left. Pres. had a hot fudge sundae and daughters had vanilla cone and brownie sundae with sprinkles.” and “Malia had a brownie sundae with a housemade brownie, van.custard, hot fudge, whipped cream and cherry. Then she gave her whipped cream to dad.”
Happy Father’s Day, Mr. President.
By Katie
‘Hand in hand’
courtesy of ‘Pianoman75’
Dining out, especially in a city like DC, can be a daunting task. More so when you’re trying to impress someone, like maybe someone you’re trying to get your kiss on with. Or maybe you’ve nailed down the right person for you, and you’re just looking for some creative food to keep you on your toes. Or maybe you’re ready to pop the big marriage question but are unsure of where to do it.
Well, lucky for you, I’ve got a round-up of perfect restaurants for any point in your relationship. From first dates, to a late night married take-out place, I have you covered. Read on, romancer, and let me guide you. Continue reading
By Katie
‘zentan interior’
courtesy of ‘needlessspaces’
Last night Inspiration DC‘s Rebecca and I headed over to preview Zentan, the new trendy hot spot at the Donovan House Hotel on Thomas Circle. The new hot spot opened on June 8th, after a bit of a kerfluffle (the space was supposed to be a new Todd English spot), when Chef Susur Lee of Shang in New York stepped up to fill in. Chef Lee, who is known for a wide variety of Asian-influenced restaurants, was also the second Canadian chef to appear on the Food Network’s Iron Chef America against Iron Chef Bobby Flay. So I was excited to see what came of all the drama – would Zentan live up?
Also, if you’ll let me ramble for a moment, Zentan signifies to me the solidification of the quality I’ve come to expect from hotel restaurants in our area. This is thanks in part to boutique chains like Kimpton, who work to pair quality Chef-driven restaurant concepts with their hotels. But excellent in-hotel restaurants are certainly on the rise in DC, and I have much higher standards for hotel restaurants here than I do when I travel. I was interested to see what Lee would bring to the District, plus get a peek at the Thompson Hotel. Continue reading
By Jenn Larsen
"cantina marina" by Somewhat Frank, on Flickr
Sometimes you don’t care about lovingly crafted cocktails or the beautiful people or even 12% ABV beer. Sometimes you just want a drink in a plastic cup. With a view.
Cantina Marina is the kind of place you could easily find in Florida, a simple almost shack-like atmosphere on the Gangplank Marina, with three sides open to the elements and the waterfront view. This is an extremely casual scene where flip-flops, beach dresses and short shorts reign. It’s getting to be quite packed now that the weather is warm – whether we’ll ever see sun again is anybody’s guess – but you can easily hang out here on an overcast drizzling day like I did.
It’s really a perfect spot for an afternoon delight, with spots to perch on ranging from the center square bar surrounded by tables or the outside seating right on the water. Decent but not too exciting bar food means noshing of the mostly-fried Gulf Coast variety. Happily they feature my favorite summer drink of the moment, the Dark ‘n Stormy, made with rum and ginger beer. Oh, sexy steel drums… no wait, that’s just my head. Continue reading
By Katie
‘7465 brownies ftmfw’
courtesy of ‘imcountingufoz’
So, as I informed you earlier, Bliss Spa is now in DC! “Welcome to the land of luxe lotions, line-levelers and lip gloss.” But for now, Bliss is having a brownie-off to see which DC bakery will supply the brownies for Bliss’ infamous brownie bar at the DC location.
The competitors? Baked & Wired vs. Bread & Chocolate vs. Heller’s Bakery.
Got an opinion? Vote over at You Be the Fudge.
By Katie
”
courtesy of ‘Spodie Odie’
A few weeks ago, I headed over to National Harbor for the Food and Wine Festival. This weekend, you can replicate my trip, but do it redneck and southern-style, for the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ festival.
$30 will get you in the door and drinking unlimited samples. Exhibitors range from Flying Dog, Ben and Jerry’s, Jim Beam Brands to Harley Davidson. There will be a mechanical bull, a World BBQ Bean Eating Championship, and a Ms. Bar-B-Q-Babe Contest. Do you need to know more?
By Tom Bridge
‘Pick ripe berries’
courtesy of ‘afagen’
Berry season. This is the time of year that puts the Omnomnom in Omnomnomivore. Er. Omnivore. Not lolcat. Check.
This is a heavenly couple weeks when strawberries are in season, blueberries are coming into season and blackberries and raspberries aren’t far off. The strawberries at the area farmers’ markets are about the size of a child’s fist, and sweet as laughter. You can just eat them whole, you can make jam, you can make strawberry shortcake, you can soak them in rum and lather them up with Gran Marnier whipped cream, or dip them in balsamic vinegar or dark chocolate or even just a little bit of peanut butter.
There’s really nothing you can’t do with fresh berries. And we’re lucky enough to get them for these next few weeks. So, head to the market and get a pint, a quart, or even a whole flat’s worth of summer’s tasty, tasty bounty. Soak them in red wine and serve sangria. Eat them with fresh whipped cream. Make a pie. Make muffins. But they never, ever, ever get this good at any other time. The rest of the year, they have to come from South America, or California, or anywhere where they have to grow them extra hardy, and extra bland. Or, best of all, ice cream. Click through for my favorite ice cream recipe.
By Katie
‘foodie blogger damage done’
courtesy of ‘needlessspaces’
Hi Kids! It’s actually sunny out there today! Whee! What a dismal week we’ve had. But that’s okay, brushing it off, let’s talk food for a while. Not a super-busy week, but there have been some notable tidbits round here. So, without further ado, a new mixologist for Proof, wine dinners, winners and more in this week’s edition of all the news fit to eat in the District. Continue reading
By jasmine
‘chicken2’
courtesy of ‘yodellingllama’
Two parts delicious, one part hilarious, and one part disturbing, the Delmarva Chicken Festival is coming to Queen Anne’s County, MD for the 60th year in a row. Highlights include a “trademark giant fry pan,” “chicken capers” (games for kids), and of course, lots of chicken cooked any way you like it. Unfortunately, the pageant (for the titles of Little Miss and Miss Poultry Princess, natch) is no longer, but they do promise some live entertainment– chicken circus, perhaps?
The festival is next weekend, June 19 and 20, at Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park near Centreville.
By Katie
‘Baker on Broadway’
courtesy of ‘albany_tim’
Thrillist reports that new french eatery Bistro Bistro B is handing out a bunch of free food and booze tonight. To celebrate tonight’s grand opening, the restaurant is hosting a free buffet (with free wine) from 6 to 10 p.m.
Information about Bistro Bistro B is particularly hard to locate (even for those of us with press credentials) so if you go, please report back. Even my always-in-the-know foodie tweeple are generally mystified and without menus, so I’m all curious now. Fare is rumored to be very traditional french and under $20 a plate.
Bistro Bistro B is located at 1727 Connecticut Ave. in Dupont Circle.
By Katie
‘Ladelling the pig’
courtesy of ‘jACK TWO’
Penn Quarter’s trendy happy hour spot Poste is introducing a new farm-to-table concept by chef Rob Weland. ‘Poste Roasts’, an affordable family table dining concept served out in the garden, features a spit-roasted locally-sourced animal (guest’s choice) on the garden’s new grill. Weland serves it with a complementary side that features ingredients from local farms and the restaurant’s organic garden.
The dinner, served for 6 to 12 people, is available every night except Thursdays. The meal is eaten outdoors, at the chef’s table in the restaurant garden. Unlike other larger dinners like this in the area (Planet Wine or The Majestic) – Poste Roasts will only set you back $27 per person (excluding dessert and wine). If you’re up for it, you can spring for more specific pairings with VA wines for each roast as well.
By Katie
‘two types of paella’
courtesy of ‘needlessspaces’
Monday night, I headed over to Jaleo in Crystal City for the kick-off of Jaleo’s annual Paella Festival. While Jose Andres and company were spotted at the Dupont Farmer’s Market last weekend cookin’ up a big old pot of the stuff, Monday marked the first day of the official festival. This year, Jose’s cooking buddy, Chef Quim Marques of El Suquet de L’Almirall, Barcelona, Spain, joins him to help Jose whip up tasty rice creations. So this year’s festival features paellas based on Marques’ recipes.
So how was it? There were some I loved, and some I wouldn’t care to try again. I’ll tell you what’s what. Continue reading
By Katie
Summertime is festival time, and I’m not complaining. After attending Savor a week ago, I had no idea what to expect going into The Food and Wine Festival at National Harbor. Would it be fancy? Would it be lame? Would they have enough food and wine to keep me happy? Actually, does anyone ever have enough food and wine to keep me happy? Is there enough food and wine in the world to keep me happy for life? Ah! So many existential questions, but I digress. Basically, Jasmine and I headed over to National Harbor with zero expectations, and wound up extremely happy, totally entertained, bellies satisfied, heads full of wine.
We took the water taxi over from Alexandria, quite nice. Pretty views of Alexandria and National Harbor, and I generally just love boats. Period. If you’re a regular reader, you already know that if there is an event or location near, on, or around water, I’ll like it. It’s a guarantee. So National Harbor already had that going for it, as the festival exhibitors lined the boat docks, so we were on water the entire time. Combine that with wine, and food, and I think you’ve got a total winner. Continue reading
By Katie
‘Vapiano’
courtesy of ‘ellievanhoutte’
The The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington awards (RAMMY’s) were held last night, announcing the cream of the crop of DC restaurants. Here are the highlights:
Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Restaurant Eve
2009 Chef of the Year: Robert Wiedmaier of Marcel’s, Brasserie Beck and Brabo
New Restaurant of the Year: Cork
Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Rasika
Neighborhood Gathering Place: The Liberty Tavern
Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene: CoCo. Sala
Rising Culinary Star: Tony Chittum of Vermilion
Congratulations to all the RAMMY winners!
By Katie
‘U.S. Air Force Memorial & the Pentagon’
courtesy of ‘william couch’
A few weeks ago, I enthusiastically waxed poetic about the merits of the DC Beer Map. So when reader and tweeter emvii sent me the Washingtonian Cheap Eats 2009 on a Google map, it was right up my alley.
So here is the deal about this glorious map: It is a map of the 100 Best Cheap Eats in DC, identified by Washingtonian Magazine, tasted and rated by the mysterious unidentified map builders the wonderful peeps over at the DC baking blog Pete Bakes, and then sorted and color coded into green (good), yellow (fine) and red (don’t).
YAY! I LOVE IT! Whoever did this, Pete Bakes, let me tell you, you made my day yesterday. I talked about this to at least 10 people. I love it when food and technology combine in map form. Brilliant. Good on you!
By Katie
‘Every Food Fits: Grillin’ Like a Villain!’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’
Good morning, Washington! Did you have your free donut yet, today? It’s been a busy foodie news week, and for once I’m actually rested while putting it together. So, all the news that is fit to eat in the district, from the “flagal” to new chefs, and new menus. Let’s do it. Continue reading