• 24May

    Last Weekend’s Happenings–Mini Report.

    It was a busy weekend.  Saturday, I attended the Craft Maffia, Biagio’s Chocolate Sample Day, and the Asia Festival.

    Sunday was Taste of Arlington, which was a good event, but crowded, which is to be expected.  Willow had an amazingly flavorful brisket and chorizo chili, and they handed out the printed recipe. Toby’s Ice Cream (in the Old Scoop Beauregard’s spot in Westover) is new to me and quite good.

    After Taste of Arlington, we attended Sound Bites, where we listened to the Pie Tasters, and ate food from Casa Nonna, Cork, District 2, Eatonville, Evening Star Café, Harry’s Smokehouse, Indique, Jaleo, Mandu, Mie N Yu, Policy, Radius Pizza, Rappahonack Oysters, Taylor Gourmet, and Toki Underground as well as five of the area’s hottest food trucks including Sabor’a Street and DC Empanadas.”  Some standouts were  dangerously Delicious Pies (they had apple and pecan), DC Empanadas’ “traditional empanada,” Taylor Gourmet’s hoagies, Casa Nonna’s gnocchi, and Dolcezza’s pairing of salt ice cream with peanut ice cream.

    -JAY

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  • 23May

    The Fancy Food Show Is Coming To DC This Summer!

    Chocolate covered wine grapes.

    This post is for those of you in the food (or food media) business.  I’m including the press release later in this article.

    I attended the media preview (at Cork Market & Tasting Room) for the event and tried some of the items nominated for SOFI awards.  Some companies to look out for at the show:

    Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier.  I tried their Lemon Ginger Yuzu Gummy Pandas and (60% Dark) Chocolate Covered Wine Grapes (which they infuse with shiraz wine).  The pandas were good (“S” loves them) but I’m still talking about those wine grapes  a week later and may need to order some online.

    Route 11 Potato Chips.  “S” attacked the dill pickle chips and then bought 2 more bags at Earl’s Sandwich Shop in Clarendon.

    Bone Doctors’ BBQ.  I enjoyed all three of their BBQ sauces, but haven’t tried their BBQ rub yet.  I’ll get to it.

    Theo Chocolate.  Their Ghost Chili Caramels are good, and Biagio Fine Chocolate carries Theo’s caramels.

     

     

    Sticky Toffee Pudding.

    The Sticky Toffee Pudding Company.  Everyone raved about this cake, myself included.  It was served warm and was addictive.

    -JAY

    ——————-

    New York, N.Y. (May 19, 2011) – Stock up on stories at the Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C. Discover the latest in specialty foods and beverages, emerging flavors, hot products and the entrepreneurs and artisans behind them. The show will be held July 10 – 12, 2011, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

    The Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest marketplace for specialty foods and beverages in North America. Buyers from the top names in retailing and restaurants worldwide will descend on D.C. to seek out chocolate, cheese, olive oil, jams, spices, snacks, natural and organic products and much more for their stores and restaurants for the year to come.

    Show highlights include:

    • 180,000 specialty foods and beverages.
    • 2,400 exhibitors from 80 countries including Italy, Spain, Morocco, India, South Africa, Mexico, Chile and Barbados.
    • State Pavilions, including Virginia, North Carolina and New York.
    • sofi™ Awards Ceremony hosted by Celebrity Chef Cat Cora.
    • Signature workshops for industry newcomers.
    • Guided Tastings: Reviving the Relish Tray; Kosher Cooking.
    • Major food donation to DC Central Kitchen at end of show.

    The Fancy Food Show is for members of the specialty food trade only; it is closed to the general public. The NASFT provides press badges to qualified journalists. Press and general registration is at www.fancyfoodshows.com.

    The NASFT is a not-for-profit trade association established in 1952 to foster trade, commerce and interest in the specialty food industry. Today there are more than 2,900 members in the U.S. and abroad. Learn more about the NASFT and its Fancy Food Shows at specialtyfood.com.

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  • 20May

    National Archives Celebrates New Food exhibition in June with Free Public Programs

    Jose Andres.

    I recently attended the announcement of the National Archives and Jose Andres’ restaurant group, ThinkFoodGroup.  Andres is the culinary adviser for the exhibit, “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?”  The food at the announcement event was of course excellent and I got to finally meet Andres.  The breakfast menu included:

    • Watermelon skewer with tomato caviar
    • Bagel & lox cone (This was salmon roe and creme cheese in a tiny cone.)
    • Chilled gazpacho
    • Olive oil pancakes and creme fraiche

      Watermelon skewer with tomato caviar.

    • Grilled asparagus (This had a nice Romesco sauce.)
    • Papas arrugas (These salty wrinkled assorted baby potatoes were very good.)
    • Mini torrijas (Think Spanish French toast that is also custard-like inside.)

     

    Below is a press release about the program.

    -JAY

    ————————————————-

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    May 17, 2011

    National Archives Celebrates New Food exhibition in June with Free Public Programs

    “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? The Government’s Effect on the American Diet” opens June 10

    Washington, DC. . . The National Archives presents a special series of programs in June including an evening with celebrity chef José Andrés , a presentation on American folk hero Johnny Appleseed, and a food themed return of Archives Jeopardy – with Archivist David. S. Ferriero as game show host – all inspired by the new What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? exhibition that opens June 10.  All programs are free and open to the public, and will be held at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.  Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street.

    WHAT’S COOKING? OPENING PROGRAM: The First Kitchen – Dining at the FDR White House

    Friday, June 10, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater

    President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a lifelong gourmand and his wife Eleanor was a generous and thoughtful hostess, but the food in the Roosevelt White House was the worst in the history of the Presidency. Everyone complained, including FDR, but Eleanor wouldn’t hear of revamping the cuisine. Food writer and author Laura Shapiro discusses Eleanor’s passionate commitment to plain, economical living during the nation’s hard times. Attendees will receive a special celebratory edible treat – not based on a recipe from the FDR White House chef.

    AMERICA EATS OPENING PROGRAM:  Chef José Andrés

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

    The inaugural program of our series ‘America Eats’, developed in conjunction with What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? Chief Culinary Advisor José Andrés,  features the James Beard award winning chef himself.  Chef Andrés has made a study of American food and will discuss the history of American food and cooking, science and cooking, and why food is the solution to so many of the challenges we face as a nation.  A book signing of Andrés’ Made in Spain: Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen will follow the program; the book is available at a discount from the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) before and during the event.

    BOOK TALK:  High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America

    Wednesday, June 15, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater

    The work of cookbook author Jessica B. Harris on the food and foodways of the African Diaspora culminates in High on the Hog. Harris discusses how these foods formed African American culture, history, and identity.  A book signing will follow the program; the book is available at a discount from the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) before and during the event.

    GAME SHOW:  Return of Archives JEOPARDY!

    Thursday, June 16 at noon, William G. McGowan Theater

    Back by popular demand, Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero returns as host for a food-themed “Archives Jeopardy!”  Audience members will be selected to test their historical knowledge and win prizes.

    BOOK TALK: Johnny Appleseed: The Man, the Myth, and the American Story

    Wednesday, June 22, at noon, Jefferson Room

    Author Howard Means discusses his book on John Chapman, better known as American folk hero Johnny Appleseed, and looks at the man behind the myth. A book signing will follow the program; the book is available at a discount from the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) before and during the event.

    PRESENTATION:  “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?”

    Thursday, June 23, at noon, Jefferson Room

    Exhibit specialist Alice Kamps shares the surprising discoveries she made while researching food records for “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” in the National Archives.

    FILMS:  Johnny Appleseed and Ratatouille

    Saturday, June 25, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater

    Winner of the 2008 Oscar® for Best Animated Feature Film, Ratatouille (111 minutes) tells the story of a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a great Parisian chef. Johnny Appleseed, a 1948 short from Walt Disney Productions, will be shown first (19 minutes).

    PANEL DISCUSSION:  The 1959 Kitchen Debate

    Wednesday, June 29, at 7 PM, William G. McGowan Theater

    The National Archives Experience and the Office of Presidential Libraries present an eyewitness account of the impromptu debate between then-Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khruschev on July 24, 1959.  This debate took place alongside a model of a kitchen of a suburban model house on display at the U.S. National Exhibition at Sokolniki Park in Moscow.  Timothy Naftali, Director of the Nixon Presidential Library, will moderate a panel including former Ambassador Gilbert A. Robinson, who was coordinator of the Exhibition, and Exhibition guides Tatiana Sochurek and George Feifer.

    About “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?”

    “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” explores the Government’s effect on the American diet. Unearth the stories and personalities behind the increasingly complex programs and legislation that affect what Americans eat.  Learn about Government’s extraordinary efforts, successes, and failures to change our eating habits. From Revolutionary War rations to Cold War cultural exchanges, discover the multiple ways that food has occupied the hearts and minds of Americans and their Government.  There are over 100 original records in the exhibit—including folk songs, war posters, educational films, and even seed packets.  The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, opens June 10, 2011, in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives Building.  Museum hours (through Labor Day) are 10A.M. to 7 P.M. daily.  For information on “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” see http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/whats-cooking. The exhibition was created by the exhibit staff of the National Archives Experience with support from the Foundation for the National Archives.

    To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call the Public Programs Line at: (202) 357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events on the web at: http://www.archives.gov/calendar.   To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, email public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 two weeks prior to the event.

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  • 18May

    Contest For Free Tickets to Sound Bites.

    The 930 Club has partnered with DCFüd in offering 2 free tickets to Sound Bites on May 22, 5pm at 9:30 Club. 25 Restaurants, 5 Food Trucks, and 5 Bands will be represented. Proceeds benefit DC Central Kitchen.

    “SOUNDBITES – Music * Food * Change
    To benefit D.C. Central Kitchen (whose programs help the area’s homeless and underprivileged via meals, outreach, and counseling services, to name a few), Sound Bites combines some of the best music and food D.C. has to offer for one tasty evening. Grab some grub and get down to some go-go from Trouble Funk. Nosh while you skank to The Pietasters. Whatever flavors float your boat, make sure to come do some good for those in need while having a blast with those who rock. With food tastings from area restaurants including: Jaleo • Taylor Gourmet • Rappahannock Oysters • Radius Pizza • Harry’s Smokehouse • Policy • Indique • Cork • Mandu • District 2 • D.C. Empenadas • Evening Star Café • Mie N Yu • Sabor’a Street and more!    ”

    So, who wants to win a ticket to the event? Two winners will each win one ticket. All you have to do is email contest@dcfud.com with the subject “Sound Bites Entry” and include your first and last name in the body of the email before 9:00 am on 5/20 (Friday).  Only one entry per person (regardless of how many email addresses you have). You will need to show ID to the venue to pick the ticket up. The above email address is only for contest entry and is not for questions or comments. When the winners are chosen, I’ll comment on this post to that effect. If you really do have questions, email me at jay@dcfud.com. Good luck!

    -JAY

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  • 17May

    Foodie Happenings This Weekend.

    Pic From Taste of Arlington's Website.

    This is a good weekends for DCFüdies.

    Friday:

    Chef Spike Mendelsohn’s new kosher deli truck, Sixth and Rye, will be at Sixth and I for lunch.

    Saturday:

    Fojol Brothers will be present at DC Craft Mafia’s Spring-Thing (a craft show).  Wholefoods will be giving away free bananas.

    Fiesta Asia (Sixth Annual National Asian Heritage Festival) will have a variety of Asian food.

    Biagio’s Sample day is this weekend too, which means free chocolate and wine tastings.  There are two other wine tastings within a block at the same time, A.M. Wineshop (which only carries French wines), and Ansonia (which also has prepared foods).  De Vinos might have tastings as well.

    Clyde’s of Columbia’s Inaugural Craft Beer Tasting & Festival, 1:00 – 8:00 pm, outdoors by the lake.

    Sunday:

    Taste of Arlington is nice because you get to try small plates of food from various local restaurants in one place.  I’ve been going for years, and covered it for local TV a few years ago.

    Sound Bites, a food and music festival that benefits DC Central Kitchen will be at the the 9:30 Club of Sunday between 5pm and 10pm.

    Israel Street Festival will be in Fairfax from noon till 5pm.  Isreali food will be available to purchase from Shaul’s Kosher Market.

    -JAY

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  • 14May

    Biagio Fine Chocolate’s Next Sample Day will be Saturday, May 21.

    Who can say no to  free chocolate and specialty Iced Hot Chocolate?

    Biagio Fine Chocolate‘s next Sample Day will be Saturday, May 21, from 3pm-6pm.

    This month we will be tasting 12 fine chocolates and some specialty Iced Hot Chocolate.  Other specials await your palate.

    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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  • 13May

    Lyon Hall’s Winemaker Dinner (Report)

    Filet mignon & smoked shortrib.

    I’ll admit it.  A truly terrible experience with a nasty bartender at Liberty Tavern when it was still relatively new made it less likely that I’d ever want to eat there.  Eventually, Liberty Tavern opened Northside Social and Lyon Hall. So, I figured it was time to give the restaurant group a chance again and I tried Lyon Hall (a while back when they had an event for food writers) and I’m a regular at Northside Social.

    But, I’m not a fan of food that I think is more upscale and pretty than good, and that is the impression I get from that restaurant group (except for the desserts). I had sampled one good dessert at Lyon Hall at that point, some sort of chocolate cheesecake hybrid. The baked goods at Northside are really good and in my opinion, and much better than the food. I would have even cut Northside some slack on the food and say they aren’t a restaurant but a wine bar (although I was not happy with the two wines I tried there) and a (very good) coffeehouse, but when an employee told me I couldn’t use my laptop upstairs , she told me “it’s a restaurant” and that they want to keep the “restaurant feel” upstairs.

    Dessert Tasting.

    So, is that the end of the Lyon Hall story? I certainly wasn’t putting it at the top of the list to return to.  But, Lyon hall then had a twitter contest for tickets to the following wine dinner and I won so gave the restaurant another shot:

    Winemaker Dinner: Chateau Rivalerie

    Lyon Hall is honored to host a winemaker dinner with Jerome Bonacorcie from Chateau Rivalerie in Blaye, Bordeaux. Together, we will taste ten vintages of Rivalerie’s signature red Bordeaux blend 1995-2005. All ten tastes will be paired with a small bite created by Chef Liam LaCivita. ($50 per person plus tax and gratuity.)

    I knew that they recently had farm dinners, one featuring pork, and one featuring strawberries, and was curious, and now had tickets, so CAF and I attended.

    Strawberry rhubarb almond cake with vanilla yogurt sorbet from the regular menu.

    There were 2 dishes per course, paired with two (red) wines from Bordeaux‘s Chateau Rivalerie. Both Rivalerie’s vintner (Jerome Bonacorcie) and distributer were present, the former of which walked us through the dinner with wonderful commentary about the vintages we were trying, including describing what the weather was like during the years in question, and how it affected the wine.  One of Jerome’s wines is the house red at Lyon Hall ($10 a glass).

    The menu (and vintages of the red Bordeaux pairings):

    • Scallop & foie gras (1996, 1997):  Scallop crudo/Bordeaux gelee/peppercorns & seared foie gras/poached rhubarb.  Seared seems to be the only way I like foie gras, so this dish worked for me.  The rhubarb was close to flavorless, so was the weak point of the dish.
    • Veal “carpaccio” & veal confit (1998, 1999): Foie Gras sabayon/olives/Bordeaux poached white asparagus & morel froth/ramps.  You already know how I feel about non-seared foie gras.  I didn’t taste the Bordeaux on the asparagus.  They had to not include the morels (since I’m allergic to mushrooms).  Still, a good dish.
    • Lamb chop & braised lamb shoulder (2000, 2001): Pistachio pistou/ash ripen chevre & roasted garlic chevre/favas.  My lamb chop was unfortunately cooked less than that of other diners, but the lamb shoulder was one of my two favorite things that evening and was paired (with wine) well.

    • Scallop & foie gras.

      Filet Mignon & smoked shortrib (2002, 2003):  Bordelaise sauce & gribiche/Spring vegetable salad.  This was my favorite plate (and wine pairing) of the evening, with the shortrib being my favorite component (and the lamb shoulder being the second).

    • Dessert Tasting (2004 & 2005 (with the desserts), 2006 (at end of meal)):   Blackberry napolean and soft chocolate ganache.  The chocolate ganache was smooth, rich, delicate, and had a deep chocolate flavor.   The Blackberry napolean was tasty and was peppery.  Both desserts were very good.

    CAF can’t eat chocolate, so when one of the cooks (who I happen to be friends with) came to see how we were doing at the end of the meal, found out about the allergy, and did a very sweet thing by giving us a strawberry rhubarb almond cake with vanilla yogurt sorbet (from the normal menu ($8)); that particular dessert had many components (including strawberry maracons) and was very good.

    Room for improvement (I’m sure this is all being taken care of since one of the chefs asked me for feedback):

    • Lamb chop and braised lamb shoulder.

      We checked in at front 10 minutes early, but they never came to get us when they started seating the group. We had to ask them if they were ready, so we were one of the lats tables seated.

    • When we checked back regarding being seated, one hostess was seating people upstairs, and the other was on the phone, so there was a further lag in seating.
    • There was lag between courses at certain points, and it as particularly bad at one point.
    • Due to food allergies there were a couple of people who asked for the exclusion of mushrooms (ok, one was me) and one who asked for the exclusion of nuts. They would have delivered the dishes that didn’t have mushrooms to the wrong couple (if that couple hadn’t have noticed) and they gave a dish with nuts (a pistachio pisto) to a woman with a nut allergy. Nut allergies are particularly dangerous, so this could have been a real problem.
    • There was a typo on the (event) menu and the desserts weren’t listed and described (as the other items were).

    The dinner was well-executed and well worth the $50 price tag, especially when you count all the wine pairings.  They do seem to excel at desserts (even on their regular menu) which shouldn’t be surprising since Northside Social (as I mentioned) also excels at desserts (baked goods).

    -JAY

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  • 12May

    Andres (Finally) Triumphs at James Beard Awards

    Jose Andres, on the left.

    The 2011 James Beard Foundation Awards held Monday, May 9th finally brought recognition to DC’s own Jose Andres, naming him Outstanding Chef for his most exclusive and creative D.C. endeavor, minibar, after three previous nominations in the same category.  That award, which last year went to celebrity chef and Top Chef host/producer/judge Tom Colicchio, capped the raucous and enthusiastic event.  And, in accepting his award, Andres did not disappoint.  Addressing the crowd as “People of America,” not only did he give thanks to lots of deserving people (including his mentor Ferran Adria, his wife Patricia – whom he forgot to thank in his 2003 acceptance speech for Best Chef: Mid Atlantic, and his staff), but he interspersed joy with seriousness, noting the power of food— asserting that it can end hunger and end obesity.

    This is a banner year for Andes.  He will also receive the Duke Zeibert Capital  Achievement Award at this year’s RAMMY awards—DC’s own version of the James Beard Awards run by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington to be held on Sunday, June 26; and the 60 minutes segment on Andres won Best Television Segment at the Beard Media Awards held on May 6.

    Yigit Pura's dessert.

    Other than Andres’ somewhat expected win, the event provided a number of surprises.  Rising Star Chef of the Year went to Gabriel Rucker of Portland Oregon’s Le Pigeon, the first such award for an Oregonian.  Rucker beat out NYC’s darling Cristina Tosi who helms David Chang’s Momofuku Milk Bar.  In the regional category, for Best Chef: New York City, underdog Gabrielle Hamilton of Prune Restaurant beat out heavy hitters Wylie Dufresne (wd-50), Michael White (Marea), Michael Anthony (Gramercy Tavern), and April Bloomfield (nominated for The Spotted Pig, but also touted for Breslin Bar and the new John Dory Oyster Bar).  In the Mid-Atlantic category (which previous winner Andres presented before his win), DC’s Johnny Monis (Komi), Cathal Armstrong (Restaurant Eve), and Peter Pastan (Obelisk) lost out to Philadelphia’s Michael Solomonov (Zahav).  And in Best Chef: Southwest,  Tyson Cole of Austin, TX (Uchi) grudgingly shared the award with Saipin Chutima of Las Vegas (Lotus of Siam) as the result of a tie.

    Other awards were less surprising.  Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s well-regarded ABC

    The crowd, including WD-50s Wyle Dufresne.

    Kitchen won Best New Restaurant; Outstanding Wine Service went to Belinda Chang of Danny Meyer’s the Modern; and Thomas Keller’s pricey Time Warner Center Per Se took the Outstanding Serviced Award.  New York’s beloved Danny Meyer, and his popular and highly regarded Eleven Madison Park, took home both Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Pastry Chef (for the lovely Angela Pinkerton).

    Once the awards were handed out, guests flowed out of Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall theater into the Awards Gala reception, featuring tastings from several of the nominees and winners, including three D.C. locals: Andres (who served as Gala Co-Chair along with Top Chef Masters alums Floyd Cardoz and Susan Feniger), Rasika’s Vikram Sunderam, and Michel Richard of Citronelle and Central. Guy Savoy’s Artichoke and Black Truffle Soup with Toasted Mushroom Brioche and Black Truffle Butter was the consensus favorite, although Top Chef: Just Desserts winner Yigit Pura’s chocolate concoction (ridiculously named Tonka Bean-Infused Chocolate Cremux with Organic Mulberry Compote, Floral Red Fruit Tea, and Chocolate Puffs) surely delighted chocoholics.

    Michel Richard's "eggstravagaza."

    After parties were plentiful.  Daniel Boulud’s newly opened French market Epicerie Boulud and his not yet opened (it opened the next day) Boulud Sud, which share a kitchen, propped the doors separating the two, and threw the whole place open for extensive apps and flowing drinks.  Eleven Madison Park, which last year was apparently “trashed” at the after party, hosted again, and again was the wildest place to be. Andres, who began the evening at Epicerie, left walking arm in arm down Broadway with White House Assistant Chef and Food Initiative Coordinator  Sam Kass, presumably towards the more refined after party at Per Se.  No word on whether he made it to the party hosted by the guys behind Best New Restaurant nominee Torrisi Italian Specialties and David Chang’s Momofuku team at the Jane Hotel.

    The entire list of winners can be found at http://jamesbeard.org/files/2011_JBF_Awards_Winners.pdf

    -Written by recurring Guest Blogger, Lisa Bornstein (LMB)

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  • 12May

    Top Chef Spike to Appear at Taste of Arlington

    In my inbox.  I covered the event a few years ago for local television and attend most years. Good event.

    -JAY

    —————————–

    ARLINGTON, VA — The 2011 Taste of Arlington heats up with the addition of local celebrity chef, Spike Mendelsohn’s appearance as a special guest at the Verizon booth. Mendelsohn, a Season Four and “Top Chef All-Stars” Chef’testant from the Emmy and James Beard Award-winning, No. 1 food show on cable, “Top Chef” is also known for his beloved Capitol Hill restaurants, Good Stuff Eatery and We the Pizza. Mendelsohn will be joining the Taste from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.

    Mendelsohn’s appearance is another highlight for Taste of Arlington, a local foodie favorite featuring dozens of Arlington’s favorite restaurants alongside live entertainment, children’s activities and–for the first time ever–a wide variety of craft brews.

    A limited amount of tickets are still available online at the reduced price of $20.00. Tickets can also be  purchased the day of the event for $25.00.

    This annual event is organized by the Ballston Partnership and is the largest single day event in Arlington. This year’s proceeds from Taste of Arlington will benefit the Virginia Hospital Center, Phoenix Houses of the Mid-Atlantic and also the Arlington Community Foundation.

    What: The 24th Annual Taste of Arlington – a lively street festival that celebrates community by bringing together a multitude of restaurants, local talent, arts and crafts, children’s activities and an average of 12,000 people from the greater Washington, DC area.
    Where: Wilson Boulevard in front of Ballston Common Mall

    Parking is available all day for $1 at the Ballston Public Parking Garage adjacent to the Ballston Common Mall

    METRO Ballston-MU station (Orange line).

    Bike valet service provided by Washington Area Bicyclist Association
    When/Who: Sunday, May 22th, 2011 noon to – 5 p.m.
    Top Chef Chef’testant Spike Mendelsohn appearing from 1 p.m.-3p.m.

    Participating Restaurants:
    Bayou Bakery
    BGR The Burger Joint
    Caribbean Breeze
    Chevys Fresh Mix
    EatBar
    First Down Sports Bar & Grill
    Front Page Arlington
    Holiday Inn
    Honest Tea
    Jaleo Crystal City
    Key Bridge Marriott
    La Tasca Restaurant
    Lebanese Taverna Restaurant
    Mad Rose Tavern
    P. Brennan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
    P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
    Pinzimini Restaurant
    Ra-Ra Irish Pub
    Rock Bottom Brewery
    Rustico
    Sangam
    Sushi Rock
    Ted’s Montana Grill
    The Melting Pot
    Thirsty Bernie
    Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream
    Union Jack’s British Pub
    Velocity Five Sports Restaurant
    Willow
    Tickets: The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required to taste.

    Advance Online Tickets: eight Tastes for $20
    Day of Event Tickets: eight Tastes for $25

    One food sample costs one Taste ticket
    Beer and wine cost two Taste tickets

    Tickets are on sale at:
    http://www.tasteofarlington.com/tickets.html
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  • 10May

    Tysons Corner Farmers Market Launched.

    In my inbox.

    -JAY

    —————————

    Chef Thomas Elder Launches Tysons Corner Farmers Market

    Produce and Lifestyle Vendors Announced

    McLean, VA (May 10, 2011)— Härth, Tysons Corner’s hottest new restaurant, is proud to announce the launch of a new Lifestyle & Farmers Market every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. beginning May 14.  The market will be set up in the rear parking lot behind Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, rain or shine, through October 29.  Under the direction of Executive Chef Thomas Elder, and co-sponsored by INOVA and the McLean Chamber of Commerce, the market will showcase the region’s best and freshest produce, artisan food products, and local businesses focused on teaching guests how to incorporate farm fresh foods into home cooking.

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