• 21Jun

    Nordic Food Days

    SEL and I attended the preview event of Nordic Food Days last night at the House of Sweden.  The festival runs from today through the 26th.

    The food was good and (as expected) seafood heavy.  The seafood was imported from Scandinavia, “packaged within four hours of being caught and flown directly to DC.”  Chef Siggi Hall of Iceland (who will be working at Vidalia for the festival) got a laugh by saying that Icelandic lamb is the best meat in the world.  Not sure he got the joke, but the lamb was shredded and very good.

    They ran out of Nordic beers very quickly, but I did get to try a stout and a barley wine, both of which were good.  There were three specialty cocktails:

    • Summer Meadow (Christiania Vodka, elderberry flower, sparkling Norwegian VOSS water)
    • Reindeer’s Tear (Finlandia Vodka, lingonberry juice, fresh berries)
    • Nordic Breeze (Absolut Vodka cucumber spritzer with fresh cucumber)

    All three drinks were good.  I preferred the Reindeer’s Tear, and was surprised that I liked the Nordic Breeze (which was very refreshing).

    Congratulations to the Nordic chefs:

    “At this year’s Bocuse d’Or in Lyon – one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in the world – the chefs representing the Nordic countries did remarkably well by taking the first, second, third, fifth, and seventh places.”

    Edit: I have a partial menu from the event:

    • Grilled Norwegian Diver Scallops, cauliflower, hazelnuts, lemon
    • Baked Norwegian Cod “Bocuse d’Or,” beetroot, browned butter, Jerusalem artichoke
    • Pan-Fried Norwegian Halibut, tarragon, summer vegetables, mussels

    -JAY


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  • 20Jun

    Beer & Chocolate: A Savor Salon

    Savor was a few weeks ago. I enjoyed the beer and food pairings. I attended one of the salons and a media tour, which took about 80 minutes out of actually seeing the show. So, I never found the oysters or tried the cheeses, but I still ate and drank quite a bit.

    I do love chocolate, and chocolate and beer can go together quite well. I did see some chocolates made with beer

    Flying dog (from Frederick, MD) paired a chocolate they make with Raging Bitch (IPA) and blood orange with (you guessed it) Raging Bitch. Great piece of chocolate and great pairing with their beer. Biagio should carry it. I’d love to see more beer and chocolate combinations in stores (like Coco Sala‘s Father’s day item, stout chocolate truffles).

    The crowd was too large to fit in one picture.

    I attended the beer and chocolate pairing salon. Fred Bueltman of New Holland Brewing (based in Holland, Michigan) paired his beers with Gail Ambrosius‘ chocolates (from Madson Wisconsin). Ginger Johnson of Women Enjoying Beer was his Co-host. The chocolates and beer were quite good as were the pairings.

    The pairings:

    • Golden Cap (Saison Ale 2008) with a Cointreau Truffe
    • Dragon’s Milk (Ale aged in oak barrels, 2007) with a Shitake Truffle (which I skipped due to a mushroom allergy).
    • Black Tulip (Trippel Ale, 2008) with a Lemongrass & Ginger Truffle.
    • Pilgrim’s Dale (Wheatwine, 2008) and a Seasalt Caramel.
    • Night Tripper (Imperial Stout, 2008) and Cinnamon & Cayenne Truffe)

    While I don’t often enjoy (oak aged) Chardonnay, I loved Dragon’s Milk ale.  Too bad I’m allergic to the paired truffle, so didn’t try it.  Night tripper is similar to barley wine.  Black Tulip is made with Michigan beet syrup.

    I’m looking forward to next year’s Savor.  I’m hoping they add a day next year so that the show doesn’t sell out as easily, and more people can attend.  As is, thousands of people attended.

    Related beer news (from my inbox):

    “Senate Small Brewers Caucus Established:

    Boulder, CO • June 20, 2011—The Brewers Association (BA) shared the news today that the Senate Small Brewers Caucus has been established. The formation of the Caucus was led by Senators Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), who support the role of America’s small and independent brewers as an engine of economic growth in the country.”

    -JAY

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  • 17Jun

    Potomac Riverboat Company’s Skipjack Minnie V

    Pic by Potomac Riverboat Co.

    We had a blast on Potomac Riverboat Company’s Skipjack Minnie V a couple of weeks ago (hosted by Travel Onion).  We boarded at National Harbor.  The retired oyster boat was built in 1906 on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and was in the oyster dredging business for 87 years.  The weather was gorgeous and the captain pointed an osprey nest out to us; the “fish eagle” then dived into the water seeking prey but came up empty.  I was kind of afraid it would come up with a boot.

    The event was catered by Bittersweet in Old Town, and while I’ve had their food before at the storefront, this seemed a bit better.  The river scenery may have made the (rapidly melting in the sun) food taste better.  Or, maybe I just haven’t had their catering before.  You can’t go wrong with chocolate covered strawberries and smoked salmon (served separately) regardless.

    -JAY

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  • 17Jun

    Fair Trade Mixer

    In my inbox.

     

    -JAY

    ————–

    Friends,

    Please come out to a Fair Trade Mixer this Wednesday (22) at Vinoteca
    on U Street.  This event is open to all – whether you’ve been in the
    movement for awhile, are looking to get involved or just want to learn
    what fair trade is about. Help build the connections we need to
    increase social and trade justice in our global society.

    RSVP at the facebook page for updates (not required).  Please spread the word!

    DC Fair Trade Mixer

    Wednesday, June 22 · 5:00pm – 8:00pm

    Vinoteca Wine Bar & Bistro

    1940 11th Street NWWashington, DCFacebook event link:
    http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=215197968500912

    Cosponors/Organizers include:
    United Methodist Church-General Board of Church and Society
    Fair Trade Resource Network
    Green America
    Fair Trade Federation
    United Students for Fair Trade
    Alta Gracia Apparel
    and
    Global Exchange Fair Trade DC-VA

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  • 16Jun

    Show Deadlines for Capitol Marketplace Events

     

    From my inbox. I know that we have some food industry readers so I’ll share this.

    -JAY

    —————

    The Fall shows are fast approaching as are the application deadlines. Don’t miss your chance to participate in these great shows. Below you will find the deadlines and links to the applications. Apply today to reserve your space.

     

    2nd annual Big Cherry Block Party – take 2 – Sunday JULY 31st

    DEADLINE JULY 1st

     

    Logo

    After the great success of last year’s Big Cherry Block Party, we had our second annual show in April. It was a great show until bad weather closed us down. We are redoing the show on Sunday, July 31st, 11am-7pm. There are a few more spaces available for exhibitors so check out the website for applications.

    www.capitolmarketplaceevents.com

     

    adams morgan main street

    Adams Morgan Main Street presents:

    33rd annual Adams Morgan Day – Art on Belmont Art on Belmont

    Sunday September 11th, 2011 10am-7pm

    DEADLINE JULY 1st

    One of the largest city street festivals in the Nation’s Capital, Adams Morgan Day is an amazing day of celebration, food, music, and art. Art on Belmont is a special section open only to artists and crafters who make all their own work. There are 45 tree shaded spaces available on Belmont. Fine art and craft exhibitors, you do not want to miss this one. Over 35,000 attendees make this one of the best festivals for exhibitors in the area. Apply online for Art on Belmont: www.capitolmarketplaceevents.com

     

     

    First annual Taste of America – Labor Day Weekend ToA logo

    Saturday, Sunday, Monday September 3, 4, 5, 2011

    DEADLINE JULY 15th

    Produced by our sister company Taste of Americana, LLC, this food

    festival in the heart of downtown Washington, DC will be one of the

    largest food events in the capital. Showcasing local and national restaurants, chefs, demos, wine and beer pavilions, two stages, artists, crafters and fair trade exhibitors. Applications are available for all types of exhibitors. Check out the website for details: www.tasteofamericanadc.com

     

    See you at the shows!

     

    All the best,

    Avner Ofer

    President Capitol Marketplace Events

    [ad]

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  • 15Jun

    Taste of Dupont & Georgetown Waterfront Celebration

    In my inbox.

    -JAY

    ———————

    Taste of Dupont 2010:

    Tuesday, June 21, 2011 from 6-10 pm.

    Create your own progressive dinner with $5 individual tasting tickets redeemed at any one of the participating dining establishments, many of which will have special priced cocktails or wines paired with your tasting.

    Now open an hour longer due to popular demand!

    $5 for each individual tasting, or a five tasting ticket package for just $20! Larger ticket packages also available for groups!

    Avoid the Long Lines: Tickets purchased online will be mailed and/or held at Will Call at the Dupont Resource Center at 9 Dupont Circle (one story brick building, west side, between P Street and Mass Ave).

    Buy yours today at: http://bit.ly/2011TasteofDupont

    Tickets are also available for purchase at the Dupont Circle Resource Center Tuesday evening, June 21 beginning at 5 pm!

    Credit Cards accepted!

    Participating Dining Establishments last year included Annie’s, Bertucci’s, The Burger Joint, Cafe Dupont at the Dupont Hotel, Cafe Green, Darlington House, Firefly, Floriana, Gazuza, James Hoban’s, Level One, Lupe Cantina, Maddy’s, Madhatter, Nandos Peri Peri, One Lounge, Rosemary’s Thyme Bistro, Scion, Soho Tea & Coffee, Twist at the Carlyle Suites Hotel, and Urbana at the Hotel Palomar.

    Sincerely,

    Paul Williams

    Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets

     

    ———————-

    Cool Off and Play at the Georgetown Waterfront Celebration Featuring the 1st Ever Great Georgetown Water Balloon Battle on June 26

    Outdoor Grilling, Kids’ Activities and DC’s Largest Outdoor Water Balloon Battle Highlight Day of Waterfront Festivities at the Washington Harbour in Georgetown, DC

    Come out and play in Georgetown! To celebrate summer, DC’s favorite waterfront neighborhood is hosting a fun-filled Georgetown Waterfront Summer Celebration on Sunday, June 26th at the Washington Harbour from 12 – 3 p.m. An exciting way to cool down while having a blast, the highlight of the celebration will be The Great Georgetown Water Balloon Battle, inviting Washingtonians to toss hundreds of pre-filled water balloons and compete to win prizes at this memorable summertime water battle.

    Starting at 2 p.m., the playful competition will begin with a Boardwalk Water Balloon Toss, where teams of contenders will try their hardest to pass balloons back and forth without letting them burst on the ground. The festivities will culminate with a Water Balloon Battle at the scenic Georgetown Waterfront. Super Soakers and other fun water toys are also welcome.

    To fuel people up for the playful combat, Tony and Joe’s and Nick’s Riverside Grill, two of Georgetown’s favorite eateries, will be grilling up summertime favorites like gourmet burgers and fresh seafood  Restaurants will keep participants hydrated and cool with cold drinks, refreshing cocktails and fresh, creamy gelato.

    The rhythmic sounds of steel drums will transform the Washington Harbour into a tropical getaway, with a live steel drum band performing from 12 – 3 p.m.. Families are also encouraged to bring the kids, as there will be a special children’s area with balloon sculptors, face painting and more where kids can play and join in on the festivities.

     

    WHO: Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) and the Washington Harbour

    WHEN: Sunday, June 26, 2011

    12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Water Balloon Battle starts at 2 p.m.

    WHERE:       Georgetown Waterfront at the Washington Harbour

    3000 K Street, NW

    Washington, D.C. 20007

    For more information please visit georgetowndc.com.

     

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  • 15Jun

    Freixenet Tastings & Tapas Truck Rolls Into DC Next Week!

    In my inbox.

    -JAY

    ——————-

    Next week, Freixenet will roll into DC June 23-26 to wrap up its 5-city tour to offer consumers a wonderfully unexpected experience – the Freixenet Tastings & Tapas Truck! Up to the minute tour information and details on where the truck will be, as well as “wonderfully unexpected” happenings along the way, can be followed at www.freixenetusa.com/cavatruck, via Twitter (@FreixenetUSA) and on Facebook (facebook.com/freixenetusa).

    The Freixenet Tastings & Tapas Truck will reach out to consumers and show that the “Black Bottle Bubbly” is ideal for everyday enjoyment.  During the tour, the truck will make appearances at local hot spots, participate in unique festivals and offer a taste of Spanish nightlife at scheduled evening stops with tapas and fun games to play for Freixenet prizes.

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  • 14Jun

    WANT TO WIN $2500 FOR EATING HAMBURGERS?

    In my inbox.

    -JAY

    ———————-
    Tenleytown Z-Burger to hold 3rd Annual Independence Burger Eating Contest

    Washington, D.C.– Z-Burger Tenleytown, a popular DC area hamburger chain, is holding its third annual Independence Burger Eating Contest to kick off Independence Day weekend 2011. Due to the great success of previous competitions, this year’s contest has expanded to include separate contests at both Z-Burger’s Tenleytown and White Marsh locations. In the weeks preceding the contests, Z-Burger is actively recruiting a range of competitors—from local amateurs to international professionals—to compete for the title.

    For the past two years, one man has dominated the competition:  Canadian Pete “Furious Pete” Czerwinski. Last year, Czerwinski stomached a record 23 burgers within the allotted ten minutes to take home the title and the grand prize. To prevent a Canadian three-peat, Z-Burger is searching far and wide for contestants to topple this insatiable Ontarian.

    Serious rewards await serious eaters. In addition to custom-made trophies and bragging rights, Z-Burger will give away almost $9000 worth of prizes between the two locations! At the Tenleytown location, the prize breakdown is as follows:  first- $1750 cash and $ 750 Z-Burger tokens; second- $750 cash and $500 Z-Burger tokens; third- $400 cash and $400 Z-Burger tokens; fourth- $300 cash and $300 Z-Burger tokens; fifth- $200 cash and $200 Z-Burger tokens. Contestants will have the option and be encouraged to donate food prizes to local charities of their choice.

    Interested persons should visit www.zburger.net for the contest application and more information. The Tenleytown competition will be held on July 1 at 12:30 at 4321 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, DC, 20016. The White Marsh competition will be held on June 30 at 12:30 at 8145 Honeygo Blvd, Nottingham, MD 21236.
    Those not interested in personally consuming 23 hamburgers in 10 minutes are encouraged to attend nonetheless. Just for attending, audience members will be treated with American-theme food samples and a free burger.

    About Z-Burger
    Z-Burger is a quick-casual American restaurant known for its burgers, fries, onion rings and 75 milkshake flavors. Z-Burger operates two locations in northwest DC at 4321 Wisconsin Ave and 2414 Wisconsin Ave NW and one location in Nottingham, Maryland at 8145 Honeygo Blvd.

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  • 10Jun

    Biagio’s June Sample Sale

    Biagio Fine Chocolate‘s next Sample Day will be Saturday, June 25, from 3pm-6pm.

    Complimentary – no R.S.V.P. needed. What is Sample Day? It is a monthly event that has been wildly successful with our customers. We will have over a dozen varieties of some of the world’s best chocolate available for tasting. Sample day is held in Studio B, the tasting room/gallery behind Biagio Fine Chocolate.

    Biagio Fine Chocolate and Studio B are located at:

    1904 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009

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  • 08Jun

    The opening of the new National Archives exhibit, “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?”

    In my inbox.

    -JAY

    ——————-

    “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?”
    Come celebrate the opening of the new National Archives exhibit with José Andrés. The James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef discusses the history of American food and cooking with Atlantic Senior Editor, Corby Kummer.

    Friday, June 10, at 7 P.M.
    The National Archives
    William G. McGowan Theater

    Join us for the inaugural program of “America Eats,” a series developed in conjunction with José Andrés, who is Chief Culinary Advisor for the new exhibit “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” This opening program features the award–winning chef himself. Chef Andrés will discuss the history of American food and cooking, science and cooking, and why food is the solution to many of the challenges we face as a nation. Joining Chef Andrés in conversation will be Atlantic Senior Editor, Corby Kummer. A book signing of Made in Spain: Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen will follow the program.

    This is a free event; reservations are not required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For McGowan Theater programs, the doors to the building will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue.

    http://www.archives.gov/nae/news/#andreas

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