Category Archives: Food and Drink

Entertainment, Food and Drink, Fun & Games, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Cinco de Margarita!

Photo courtesy of
‘Yummy frozen margarita’
courtesy of ‘Pianoman75’

I don’t drink liquor. Okay, I just lied. I do drink liquor, sometimes, when it’s high quality. But I’ve basically sworn off liquor and become a beer girl, at least 98% if the time. This way, I don’t wind up reliving my glory days of study abroad in Australia, and have horrible stomach pains as a result. Now I’m more mature, or something like that. I’ve always gotten along with tequila (I’m an anomaly, no one can explain it, I’m like a medical miracle) and so my 2% of liquor drinking is usually reserved for times when I can indulge in my very favorite drink: a frozen marg. And with my favorite marg holiday upon us, where will one go to snag my favorite liquor drink? Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed, The District, WTF?!
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Why Do You Hate DC, Food Network?

Photo courtesy of
‘a vegan is crying…………….’
courtesy of ‘LaTur’

When a friend sent over the Food Network’s Best Burgers in America guide, I was shocked: There was no DC entry in the contest. How the hell did this happen? I mean, I’m super pleased that Ray’s Hell Burger won for Virginia, but where’s DC’s entry?

There are so many awesome burgers in DC, from Spike Mendelsohn’s Good Stuff Eatery (oh man could I use one of their epic milkshakes!) to the delectable mini-burgers at Matchbox, Capitol Grille’s Kobé Burger, and who can leave Old Ebbitt out? If we want to include vegetarian options, I think you have to include the old veggie burger ever to make me crave another: the Veggie Burger at Science Club.

So, why did DC get such a shafting by Food Network? Our emails to the network haven’t been returned yet. Maybe we should take them a sampling? Where’s the best burger in DC?

Food and Drink, Night Life, We Love Food
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We Love Food: Black’s Bar & Kitchen

Black's Entrance BEST

Known as  one of the best happy hours in the northern Metro area, Black’s Bar & Kitchen is situated a few blocks from the Bethesda Metro station. WLDC author Acacia and I were headed to Bethesda to review Menopause the Musical (which you can read all about) and we decided we could make it a double feature – a We Love Arts and a We Love Food, all in one trip.  I would recommend you replicate our Bethesda trip, I enjoyed the play, but I will probably look back with even more fondness on our eats.

We stepped into Black’s and basically halted, it was absolutely packed. The interior is sleek, stylish and clean. The bar features two and four-seater booths are built into the back wall with a few free standing tables between the booths and the bar. Large windows look out onto Woodmont Ave. and the patio featuring a small modern pond. We couldn’t find a seat in the bar area, and it was one of those pre-spring days too chilly to sit outside, but we had plenty of time to waste before the show so we decided to wait it out. Soon thereafter a table opened up, but the wait gave us time to survey the crowd. Around 6 p.m., we were bringing down the median age – it was mostly a 35-55 aged crowd, complete with power suits and ties. But by the time we left around 7:15,  the average age had lowered considerably, and there were plenty more jeans and after-work twenty-somethings mixed in the crowd.

Black’s is also an oyster bar, with the goods laid out on display when you walk in the door. I was eager to try the seafood, so we grabbed beers and gave our order. Continue reading →

Food and Drink
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Spring Fever: Rooftop Bar Guide

Photo courtesy of
‘Dinner at Perry’s’
courtesy of ‘starbuck77’

DC is an al fresco city. I live for the few weeks of the year like this one that are warm, yet humidity-free. I adore waking up on a sunny Saturday and knowing that most of my day will be spent outside, and hoping that the warmth will last into the night so I can stay outside as long as possible. I’ll spend mornings running or on my bike, lunches on the patio, afternoons lazing in the park and then dinner seated street-side along Wilson Boulevard or out in Dupont. So by the time it gets to be night, I’m ready for something beyond a patio.

In fact, tons and tons of places in DC have a patio, what I crave is a rooftop. I want to look out over my city, and risking the cliche, I want feel on top of the world as I drink or dance the night away with friends. So in my quest for the ultimate rooftop bar, I’ve rounded up some possibilities for you. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Earth Day For Foodies

Photo courtesy of
‘DSC01904.JPG’
courtesy of ‘lizkdc’

Looking for something to do this evening to celebrate Earth Day? There are a bunch of options, but the foodie one that tempts me is the official re-opening of Poste Modern Brassiere‘s patio “The Garden” with an Earth Day celebration benefiting FRESHFARM Market, the organization behind most of DC’s farmer’s markets.

With a $5 cover charge, you’ll get to snack on truffle frites and warm gougères, and sample the new summer menu of punches. Also in the drinks department, and keeping with the spirit of drinking locally for Earth Day, Poste will premiere its new, all-Virginia wine list. Vendors will be on hand to answer your wine questions. Cheese samples will be provided by neighboring Cowgirl Creamery.

I’m guessing with all this yummyness and fanfare, Poste will get pretty crowded tonight (unless it rains, party pooper, Mother Earth!). So I’d recommend getting there early. Poste is located in Chinatown at 555 8th Street, NW Washington, DC, 20004.

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Whisky Me Away

"great scot!" by IntangibleArts, on Flickr

"great scot!" by IntangibleArts, on Flickr

PS7’s scored quite a coup when it nabbed top mixologist Gina Chersevani as its “head mixtress” back in January. One of my favorite places for drinks, its lounge lined with banquettes and windows is a great happy hour spot on any night.

But tonight is a special one for those of you who love Scotch whisky (is this redundant? I’m sure one of our clever readers can chime in, I can never figure out the whole whiskey/whisky/Scotch distinction) as PS7’s is featuring a scotch tasting for Balvenie, with Ms. Chersevani whipping up the whisky into delectable drinks and Balvenie’s “ambassador” Sam Simmons on hand to teach you all about the liquor the ancient Celts called “uisge beatha” – the water of life…

From 5:30-7:30pm you can sample their 12-Year Doublewood, 15-Year Single Barrel, and 17-Year Rum Cask scotches. Of course there will be noshes. And may I remind you that legally Scotch may not be bottled at under 40% alcoholic volume. So please, indulge in the nibbles while you sample and learn. It is only Tuesday, after all!

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
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The Rise of the Mocktail

Photo courtesy of
‘Dive In’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’

I’m not sure if ya’ll knew this or not, but WLDC author Jenn is so wise. Every trend that girl has predicted lately has come true, and she was certainly right on the uptick of the mocktail – the non-alcoholic cocktail. Because going to the bar and drinking soda is boring, and you certainly don’t have a fun glass to feel fabulous holding. Sometimes you just don’t want to drink liquor but you want something tasty and creative. Enter: Natalie Bovis-Nelsen Continue reading →

Entertainment, Food and Drink, The DC 100
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DC 100: #14 Aloo Gobi

Photo courtesy of
‘aloo gobi (cauliflower and potato)’
courtesy of ‘Geoff604’

The other weekend, my boyfriend and I found ourselves eating Indian food, a cuisine neither of us had tasted in a while.  Needless to say, the meal was a HUGE success leaving both of us craving for more. To satisfy our hunger I ventured into kitchen to try my cooking skills within the Indian cuisine realm and tackle DC 100 list item Aloo Gobi.

First and foremost was finding a cookbook to guide me in this foreign and often times complicated and time-consuming cuisine. Film actress Madhur Jaffrey has authored numerous cookbooks focusing on Indian food, great buys if you’re interested in exploring the cuisine, so at my uncle’s recommendation I turned to the book Madhur Jaffrey Indian Cookery for her recipes and guidance. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Foodie Roundup, The Daily Feed
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Foodie Round-Up (April 13-17)

Photo courtesy of
‘The Pour’
courtesy of ‘maxedaperture’

It’s a drink-focused round-up this week, but I think that’s because spring is in the air and all of us are practically clawing at our office doors to escape to grab a beer on the patio with friends. That said – Earth Day, jazz brunches, cocktails from the city’s best mixologists and a new team at Sonoma make up all the news that is fit to eat in the District this week. Continue reading →

Entertainment, Food and Drink, Music, Night Life, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Rock the Casbah Embassy

Photo courtesy of
‘Yann Tiersen 27’
courtesy of ‘Shadowgate’

Last night’s US premiere of musician and composer, Yann Tiersen, marked the opening of the season of events hosted by the ‘La Maison Française‘ (or “The French House“) Franco-American cultural exchange at the French Embassy. They are scheduling event’s throughout the summer and vary their selections from music (jazz, folk, classical, and rock) to other performances (cabaret, opera, theater) and are held in a very intimate setting on the grounds. If the actual quality of the performance isn’t enough, remember, this is France, and a complimentary wine tasting ensued after the performance (I only wished for cheese and bread to follow!).

Continue reading →

Business and Money, Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Gimme Gimme More

courtesy of flickr user NCinDC

Who knew Tax Day was also Free Stuff/Discount On Everything Day? In follow up to KatieT’s Cinnabon and Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream & Treatery posts yesterday, there are plenty of ridiculous additional deals  to be had today.  Local discounts and giveaways are being held by McCormick & Schmick’s, Chick-Fil-A, Kimpton Hotels, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, T.G. I. Friday’s, etc.  Grab these deals while they’re hot.

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Cinnabon > Taxes

Photo courtesy of
‘IMGP1537’
courtesy of ‘fujikinoko’

Today is the day of free sweet things on Tax Day, apparently. Cinnabon, your friendly sugar-coma-inducing retailer of 1-million-calorie sticky buns, is offering up free Cinnabon bites on April 15.

The catch? They will only be available for free from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. And they are not available at airports or travel plazas – so those of you who just got excited about your pre-flight Cinnabon at DCA, I am sad for you. I did not mean to tease you like that. This is only valid at participating US mall-based bakeries.

Suburbanites, this is probs the best deal for you, as the mall-squatter Cinnabons are out in the ‘burbs. Check for a location near you here.

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
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Ice Cream > Taxes

Photo courtesy of
‘Maggie Moo’s’
courtesy of ‘Marusula

I’m not sure I’ve properly shared my obsession with ice cream on this blog. I adore ice cream. I worship at the house of Moorenko’s, specifically the salted praline. Boccato Gelato on Clarendon is a close second. In fact, I’m even a fan of ice cream on facebook. So free ice cream is even more exciting to me than other free food items. (Chop’t salad, I’m looking at you. You wilt in comparison.)

I’m happy to share with you that on Tax Day, you can be the recipeint of  one free single-scoop of ice cream at Maggie Moo’s. DC has more than our fair share of “treateries” so find one near you and head on over April 15. I’ll be right behind you.

Foggy Bottom, Food and Drink, We Love Food
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We Love Food: Brunch @ Circle Bistro

French Toast at Circle Bistro

Okay, okay, I know, I get it. I’m on a brunch kick. I promise next We Love Food, I’ll write about another meal, I’ll branch out, but really? LOOK AT THAT PHOTO, you can’t not love brunch. Om nom nom nom. That my friends, is the french toast with whipped marscapone from Circle Bistro.

Circle Bistro is located in the Circle Hotel, right off of Washington Circle in Foggy Bottom/West End. My friend Rachel and I headed there a few Sundays ago to partake in my current favorite meal. We walked in about 15-20 minutes early for our reservation (it’s all about the OpenTable points, my friends!), and the manager-type/host was curt and rude, only agreeing to seat us if we were willing to wait for a server to free up to take care of us. He huffed all the way to our table, and was brusque handing us our menus, basically taking it out on us that we were early.

I realize that early guests can be an inconvenience if you’re short on staff. I too have been a hostess at one of the busiest restaurants in Charlotte, and dealt with more than my fair share of difficult table assignments and situations, I get it. But this was easy, we were happy to settle in for a while, brunch is the most relaxed meal possible. But honestly – don’t promise me slow service from the get go, it’s a bad start, and doesn’t make me feel like you are willing to be accommodating. Especially when we were one of four total tables. Color me unimpressed.  I sat down, hoping the food would save the situation. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Thai Restaurant Week

Photo courtesy of
‘Pad Thai with Shrimp’
courtesy of ‘mastermaq’

Today kicks off Thai Restaurant Week, folks. DC area Thai places are rallying with special menus, discounts and performances to celebrate Songkran, or Thai New Year, from April 13-19.

The DC restaurants participating are: Asia Nine; Bangkok Bistro; Bangkok Joes; Mai Thai; Tara Thai; Thaiphoon; and Thai Tanic. The Thai Embassy site has a full list of participating restaurants including plenty of places in the surrounding VA and MD ‘burbs too. The site also has a handy 10% off coupon that you should print out and take with you.

I’m a huge fan of Bangkok Joe’s at Georgetown’s waterfront. It is always affordable and delicious. I’ve heard good things about Thaiphoon, but the rest of them are a mystery to me – I’m hoping someone will add some handy advice in the comments about the best place to go (hint hint!).  Try something other than the obligatory pad thai…

Essential DC, Food and Drink, Life in the Capital, Night Life, The Features
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Happy Hour Food: Fried Deliciousness

Photo courtesy of
‘Fried Pickle Chips’
courtesy of ‘SauceSupreme’

IT’S FRIDAY! Aaaaaaayyy! And you know what Friday says to me? It says HAPPY HOUR! This week has had some gorgeous weather in it and I think I’ve got a full-out case of some serious spring fever. It’s time we get out there, DC, put on your game face and start practicing for summertime. I’ve planned and been invited to more happy hours in the past couple of weeks than I had been all winter long!

One of the first things I consider at my happy hours is the availability of food. Cheap food, preferably, but also delicious food. And food that goes with beer. You know what food goes best with beer? Fried food!! So click on through for a sampling of my favorite fried happy hour food and where to find it.  Continue reading →

Adventures, Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
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Cupcake Ramble

Photo courtesy of
‘Cupcake bike’
courtesy of ‘traviscrawford’

City Bikes is at it again with their group rides, except this time it’s pairing two of my favorite things… my gorgeous bike with CUPCAKES! Food + Bikes = yay! The bicycle-enthusiast and pastry chef for Tryst, Open City and The Diner, Sol, is partnering with City Bikes to create the Cupcake Ramble, a relaxed easy/moderate paced group ride.

The ride starts at City Bikes Adams Morgan, through the car-restricted Rock Creek Park, to City Bikes Chevy Chase. “Once there, we’ll enjoy pastries baked by Sol, before heading back to City Bikes Adams Morgan,” says the ride description.

To sign up for your guilt-free cupcake intake, head on over to the City Bikes Web site.

Food and Drink, Foodie Roundup, Special Events
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Foodie Round-Up: Easter Brunch Edition

Photo courtesy of
‘IMG_2068.jpg’
courtesy of ‘thebittenword.com’

I’m not sure if anyone has noticed but I’m fast becoming a brunch aficionado. Brunch is so trendy, so spring, so social – in short:  brunch is so now. (Wow, I just sounded very fashion-magazine-y. Forgive me!)  My new-found obsession with all things brunch is simultaneously wonderful and horrifying. Wonderful because nothing says joy quite like reading “brioche stuffed french toast with chocolate drizzle and bacon” on a menu. And horrifying because brunch is preventing me from fully enacting Operation Hot Summer Bod 2009.  But so it goes – the rough life of a food blogger. So hard to be me, you should probs pull out the mini-violin now.

Anyways, where was I? Oh yes, brunch.  No holiday quite screams brunch like Easter. Easter, my friends,  is perfect for brunch. You think Easter (in the nonreligious sense, really) and you think eggs, chocolate, bright colors and summer whites. All these things translate gracefully into brunch. In my world, this is a math equation that winds up with Easter = amazing!  So as my gift to you this holiday, I’ll do what I do best – a foodie round-up, Easter-brunch style. So… all the brunch that is fit to eat in the District on Easter Sunday. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Preview: Greek Easter Festival @ Zaytinya

grape vodka cocktail at zaytinya

Easter Grape Cocktail at Zaytinya by flickr user Needlessspaces

Yesterday, before watching my Tar Heels snag our fifth Championship title (squee!),  I headed over to Zaytinya for a media preview of the Easter Menu.

While I’m still basking in the glow of my University of National Champions win, the Easter food and drink at Zaytinya certainly added to the wonderfulness of yesterday. So let me see if I can focus on food for a moment and tell you all about the Easter Festival headed our way… Continue reading →

Adventures, Food and Drink, Fun & Games, Night Life, The DC 100
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DC Omnivore 100: #78 Snails

Photo courtesy of
‘Brasserie Beck’
courtesy of ‘webjedi’
Originally, this Omnivore update was for another topic, which was “Beer above 8%” (and will show up soon), but after taking a look at the menu at Brasserie Beck, the Belgian-styled gastropub downtown, I figured I’d better shift focus.

So you ask, “snails?”, what is the most joked about cuisine when you’re trying to gross-out friends doing as a willing entry here rather than on a dare. I have to honestly admit, if it weren’t for my wife, there would be a lot of things, cuisine-wise, I’d never have tried, and snails (not to be confused with their brethren, “escargot”) would not have been the highest on my list. But, figuring this is a top notch establishment, and an unlimited supply of good beer to wash everything down, I said “what the heck!”. For goodness sake, the meal and establishment share most of name (Gastropod vs. Gastropub).

Continue reading →