• 29Jul

    Whole Foods Market Arlington – Cooking Classes, August

    In my Inbox:

    Michael just sent us this. 🙂

    -JAY

    —————-

    August 3rd – Veggie Burger Bonanza. Do you relish the thought of learning how to make your own veggie burgers? Join Chef Michael Kiss in this fun and informative class on how to put the flavor back in the bun. No moo, No cluck, and definitely no duck, just wholesome plant oriented burgers that are way better than anything from a frozen box. Vegetarian class.

    August 10th –  29 ½ Minute Meals. It’s a busy life folks, and sometimes we feel hopeless to maintain a healthy lifestyle for us and our families. If you can find 29 ½ minutes Chef Michael Kiss will show you how you can eat healthy and delicious food that most importantly is fast to prepare. This week’s dinner in a flash; Peanut Tamari Tofu wraps with Thai hummus. Stop for a moment and chew! Vegetarian class.

    August 17th **NEW SERIES** Hungry for Knowledge. In this new series, each month, Chef Michael Kiss will review and discuss one of the many dietary lifestyle books we have here at Whole Foods Market. In this non-bias exploration of all things food we will cook some of the recipes from the book as well as offer a 5% discount off the purchase price of the book of the evening. Our first book we will explore is “The Engine 2 Diet” by Rip Esselstyn. Rip is an Austin TX, firefighter that has developed a plant strong approach to healthy lifestyle. Vegetarian class.

    August 24th – Melons 101. Summer isn’t summer without a big ol’ wedge of watermelon, the juice dribbling down your chin and the fun spitting the seed further than your friends. In this informative class Chef Michael Kiss will show you the right way to pick the best of the season but we will also prepare a few dishes that might surprise you when you taste them. Sweet and savory dishes that all include melon in the ingredient list; this will definitely be a class with a rind. Ur,um… I mean appeal.

    August 31st – How to cook like a chef-Gazpacho Mania. This summer one of the hottest trends in cooling down is gazpacho. There are so many variation and new ones being invented by talented chefs every day. Join Chef Michael Kiss as we investigate what makes a classic gazpacho as well as learning how to get funky with nuvou gazpacho variations. Get excited for the flavor flamenco dance on your tongue. O’le! Vegetarian class.

    Classes begin at 7:00 PM. All Whole Foods Market Cooking Classes are free of charge. seating is limited to first come, no registration required. veggie burgers ready to go in the oven! I feeling healthy today![ad][ad]

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  • 01Jul

    In My Inbox: Dine Golden – Golden Triangle Specials

    Yet another installment of “In My Inbox.”

    -JAY

    ————

    Dine Golden | Park Golden
    July 01 – August 14, 2010

    Over 25 restaurants in the Golden Triangle are offering food and drink specials after 5 p.m. during the Dine Golden | Park Golden summer promotion. To sweeten the deal, select parking garages are offering a $5 flat rate after 5 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Take advantage of either or both of these promotions for a wonderful summer evening in the Golden Triangle; don’t forget Golden Triangle Summer Concerts are on Thursdays too! Visit the Dine Golden | Park Golden website to learn more and see our interactive map of participating restaurants and parking garages.

    Participating Restaurants
    Ask your server about Dine Golden specials
    • Aroma Restaurant – 1919 I Street NW
    Buy one entree, get one entree free
    • Blackfinn American Saloon – 1620 I Street NW
    Buy one seasonal entree, get one free
    • The Bombay Club – 815 Connecticut Avenue NW
    Buy one entree, get one dessert free
    • Café Lombardy – 2019 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
    Buy one entree, get a glass of wine free
    • Café Soleil – 839 17th Street NW
    Buy one entree, get one appetizer free
    • Current – 1215 Connecticut Avenue NW
    Buy one entree, get one appetizer free
    • Elephant and Castle Pub & Restaurant – 900 19th Street NW
    Buy one dessert, get one free
    • i Ricchi – 1220 19th Street NW
    Buy one signature cocktail, get one free
    OR Buy one entree special, get a dessert free
    • Kababji Grill – 1351 Connecticut Avenue NW
    Buy any one item, get one free (excludes spirits, wine and beer)
    • Kaz Sushi Bistro – 1915 I Street NW
    Buy $25 worth of food, get one drink free
    • Kellari Taverna – 1700 K Street NW
    Buy one drink, get one drink free
    • Luigi’s Famous Restaurant – 1132 19th Street NW
    Buy one appetizer, get one free
    • M Street Bar & Grill – 2033 M Street NW
    Buy one entree, get an appetizer or dessert free
    • Madhatter – 1319 Connecticut Avenue NW
    Buy one appetizer, get one appetizer free
    • The Melting Pot – 1220 19th Street NW
    Buy one entree for two, get a chocolate dessert for two free
    • Mezza Luna Restaurant & Lounge – 1140 19th Street NW
    Buy one entree, get one entree free
    • The Oval Room – 800 Connecticut Avenue NW
    Buy one entree, get a dessert free
    • Ozio Restaurant & Lounge – 1813 M Street NW
    Buy one classic martini, get one free
    • The Palm – 1225 19th Street NW
    Buy one appetizer, get one free in the dining room
    • Penang – 1837 M Street NW
    Buy any one item, get one free
    • Public Bar – 1214 18th Street NW
    Buy one entree, get a drink free
    • Recessions Lounge & Sports Bar – 1823 L Street NW
    Buy one entree, get one appetizer free
    • Sam & Harry’s – 1200 19th Street NW
    Buy one prix fixe set course, get one free
    • Science Club – 1136 19th Street NW
    Buy one entree, get a dessert free
    • Smith & Wollensky – 1112 19th Street NW
    Buy one appetizer, get one free with purchase of an entree
    • Taberna del Alabardero – 1776 I Street NW
    Buy one paella, get one free
    • Teatro Goldoni Restaurant – 1909 K Street NW
    Buy one prix fixe 3-course meal, get one free
    Restrictions may apply to food specials.
    Participating Parking Garages
    • 1625 I Street NW
    • 1050 Connecticut Avenue NW – Enter from 18th Street
    • 2021 K Street NW – Enter from 20th Street
    • 1225 19th Street NW – Enter through alley
    • 1901 L Street NW
    • 1700 K Street NW
    • 1150 Connecticut Avenue NW – Enter from 18th Street
    • 1015 18th Street NW – Enter via alley from Connecticut Avenue
    • 2025 M Street NW
    • 900 19th Street NW

    Golden Triangle Summer Concerts
    Thursdays | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | June & July | Farragut Square Park
    Four more concerts remain in the Golden Triangle Summer Concert Series! Be sure to come out to Farragut Square Park to join in the fun whether it is salsa dancing or listening to your favorite Dave Matthews Band tunes. Each week you can register to win a VIP Picnic Package to make the concerts even more fun. We’ll be giving away this six-person picnic spread at each show that includes soft drinks, sandwiches, and cookies compliments of Firehook Bakery, along with picnic blankets, coolers, and VIP tickets to the DC Improv Comedy Club.
    Check out the upcoming shows and weekly prizes for the concert series in July:

    July 1 – Cazhmiere (funk & soul)
    $100 to Elephant & Castle Pub & Restaurant
    $100 to Famous Luigi’s
    July 8 – Sin Miedo (salsa)
    $100 to Jos. A Banks
    $100 to Kellari Taverna
    Three month gym membership to Washington Sports Club
    July 15 – Crowded Streets (Dave Matthews Band Tribute)
    $100 to Beauty 360 ** new addition
    $150 to Morton’s The Steakhouse
    Free lunch for two people for a week at Roti Mediterranean Grill
    July 22– Kelly Bell Band
    $200 to Filene’s Basement
    $100 to the Madhatter
    $100 to Blackfinn American Saloon
    In the event of rain, check www.goldentriangledc.com after 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays to find out about cancellations. Learn more »[ad]

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  • 24Jun

    Free Empanadas in Dupont Circle tomorrow

    This just appeared in my inbox.

    -JAY

    ——————————-

    PANAS GOURMET EMPANADAS OPENS JUNE 25 IN DUPONT

    Free empanadas from 11 am – 1 pm to mark opening day

    Empanadas, the favorite Latin American treat, come to Dupont Circle June 25 when Panas Gourmet Empanadas opens at 2029 P Street NW.  To mark the opening day owner Federico Garcia Lopez will offer one free empanada from 11 am until 1 pm.

    Panas specializes in Latin fusion gourmet empanadas, the crescent-shaped turnovers, stuffed with a variety of well-seasoned meats, vegetables, spices, fruits, and sweets. Signature recipes are inspired by the Latin Fusion cuisine; a culinary concept that combines traditional and modern gastronomic techniques with different ingredients from across the Americas.

    The term “panas” is a unique abbreviation for the word empanadas. Coincidentally, the term “panas” also means “friend” or “buddy” in several Latin American countries, which is befitting to the Panas concept of friends coming together and eating empanadas.

    The 1,100 square-foot restaurant is tiny with just 13 seats and bright with a mustard colored wall highlighted with green field turf. Serving in-restaurant, carry-out and delivery the Panas menu includes $2 empanadas ranging from meat, pork, chicken and ham filled delicacies like the Chipotle Steak with shredded sirloin steak, onion and chipotle sauce to vegetarian selections like the Popeye with sautéed spinach, onions, raisins and goat cheese. Side salads with a Latin flair are also on the menu – the primavera with red pepper, corn, cilantro and black beans is a favorite as is the jicama salad with lettuce, mango and carrots.

    PANAS GOURMET EMPANADAS 2029 P Street NW, Washington DC 20036

    202-223-2964 Open 7 days, 11 am – 11 pm, M-Sat; 11 am-9 pm, Sun. Free delivery!

    [ad]

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  • 17Jun

    Fried Fried (Fried) Veal Burger Recipe

    I used a version of this (and came in 2nd place) at So You Think You Can Grill at The National Harbor Food & Wine Festival last weekend using Himalayan sea salt, Blue Ridge Dairy smoked Mozzarella, Farmer’s Market Eggs, and Whole Foods veal.

    Too complicated for 45 minutes with a small grill and a small frying pan, though – it was difficult to manage all the components in the contest setting, but it was still fun. I did win prizes though. 🙂

    This is actually a picture of the stovetop version (and also has lettuce) – I’ll update with pictures from the contest soon. The crowd was great. Thanks for the support.

    Oh, and Lisa Shapiro was was one the judges.   Was it better than judging Pizza Mart vs. Jumbo Slice, Lisa? 😉

    Fried Fried…Veal burger! (If it’s stove top, it’s Fried, Fried, Fried):

    -2 lbs ground veal (Giant sells it, or ask your butcher to make some).
    -4 extra large eggs
    -2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, slices into rounds
    -One smoked mozzarella (Clarendon and Penn Quarter market have a mozzarella vendor that carries it. Many supermarkets have it as well.)
    -4 buns, on the large side. Seeded or not.
    -kosher (or sea) salt and freshly ground pepper

    Make four 1/4 lb burgers with a small chunk of smoked mozzarella inside each. I used chunks the size of the upper digit of my thumb, but in a ball shape. The important thing is that the cheese must be completely surrounded by meat (well sealed).

    Cook the burgers in a pan (with a little olive oil) or on the grill.  Kosher or sea salt and fresh ground pepper prior to cooking. Cook them to your desired level of doneness…but I cook them medium or so.

    In another pan (at the same time) fry the potatoes (sliced in rounds) until golden brown. Salt them.

    Fry the eggs. You want the yolks to be fluid -over easy or sunny side up – also use a little salt.

    Slice and toast the rolls.  Place the burgers on the bottom, then the fries, then the fried egg goes on top.

    I combined some of my favorite things (burgers, fries, fried eggs)…and happened to have farmer’s market mozzarella on hand.  I like the textural differences in this sandwich.

    -JAY

    Permalink Filed under: Events, Ingredients, Recipes Tags: , , , , , , , , 2 Comments
  • 10Jun

    Dollar Smoothies Today at Robeks

     $1 Dollar Smoothie Day at Robeks Fruit Smoothies and Healthy Eats today from 3:00 to 6:00pm!  Get energized with a delicious, all natural smoothie (12 oz.) today for only a BUCK at all 20 DC area Robeks locations.  Visit http://www.robeks.com for store addresses in DC, VA and MD.

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  • 08Jun

    “We’ll Always Have … Restaurants” (The Rammies!)

    By Guest Blogger LMB

    The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington feted its own on Sunday night at the 2010 RAMMY Awards, the annual gala to celebrate and recognize excellence in the regional restaurant and food service community.  The theme “we’ll always have … restaurants” (a take-off on the Casablanca line “we’ll always have Paris”) suggested dress of ‘40s glamour, and the crowd did not disappoint.  From Zoot suits and white dinner jackets to pin curls and fur stoles, much of the crowd got into the fashion spirit of the times.

    But the night was not about the clothes.  It was about the food.  And winning.  This year, the RAMW changed the format for the event, again held at the Marriot Park Wardman Hotel.  While last year’s affair included a four-course seated dinner during which awards were handed out, this year’s program began with cocktails and passed hors-d’oeuvres, followed by the awards themselves presented in a theater style set-up, and ended with a dinner reception replete with four buffet stations, several open bars, a dessert buffet and a dance floor with a live band.  Attendees seemed to prefer the new set-up, where awards were given out quickly (each honoree was instructed to keep his or her comments to 30 seconds), and then the merriment and celebrating could begin in earnest.

    FOX 5 Meteorologist Sue Palka was the Mistress of Ceremonies again this year.  She rocked the ‘40s glam look and wittily kept the program on time.  Scott Drewno from The Source by Wolfgang Puck won the coveted Chef of the Year award.  Nicholas Stefanelli of Bibiana won the Rising Culinary Star award.  Birch & Barley, which won both Best New Restaurant and Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene, was the site of the unofficial after-party.  And in the new category of Beverage/Mixology Program, PS7’s took home the prize for mixologist Gina Chersevani’s skill with spirits.

    After the awards were handed out, the crowd swarmed the ball room for food and drinks, and eventually for dancing.  Over 1500 guests attended the event including politicians (D.C. Council Chair and Mayoral Candidate Vincent Gray was seen boogieing on the dance floor), Ambassadors, and, of course, the food world glitterati.  The four food buffet stations were sponsored by Australia, Chile, Mexico and Virginia, and each of the nominated mixologists created a cocktail for the event.  Guests dined on Moroccan spice rubbed lamb chops with harissa yogurt and lemon mint couscous and sous vide Australian wagyu shortrib as well as Tasmanian heritage red square cheese at the Australian table, grilled chicken pebre with a Chilean berry compote as well as a salmon, scallop, rockfish and shrimp ceviche from the Chilean station, Virginia oysters and Virginia Chesapeake Sting Ray Filet wrapped in Bacon, as well as mac & cheese with chocolate Virginia bacon, and chirlorio burritos, cream and chipotle shrimp and avocado soup courtesy of Mexico.

    At midnight, when the band stopped and the lights came on, many revelers were still enjoying the evening.

    Here’s the entire list of 2010 RAMMY Award Winners:

    RAMMY Honorary Award
    The Monocle on Capitol Hill

    Joan Hisaoka Associate Member
    ProChile/Wines of Chile

    Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award
    Bob Madigan

    WHERE MAGAZINE Visitors’ Choice Award
    The Capital Grille

    Power Spot
    BLT Steak

    Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene
    Birch & Barley-Churchkey

    Neighborhood Gathering Place
    Cork Wine Bar

    Your Favorite Restaurant (determined by an online/newspaper ballot)
    Co Co. Sala

    Restaurant Employee
    Adolfo Cajchon – Lead Food Runner, Seasons

    Restaurant Manager
    Mark Politzer – Bourbon Steak

    Upscale Casual
    Vermilion

    Rising Culinary Star
    Nicholas Stefanelli – Bibiana

    Best New Restaurant
    Birch & Barley

    Pastry Chef
    Anthony Chavez – 2941

    Wine Program
    Proof

    Beverage/Mixology Program
    PS7′s

    Fine Dining Restaurant
    2941

    Chef of the Year

    Scott Drewno – The Source by Wolfgang Puck

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  • 02Jun

    So…I think I Can Grill. And, Recipe Contests.

    I made the finals in the “So, You Think You Can Grill?” contest (June 13th).  This is my first cooking competition.

    Also, check out these recipe contests and cooking contests (Safeway BBQ in DC is listed). You know you can do amazing things with Fillo. 🙂

    -JAY

    Permalink Filed under: Etc, Events, Recipes Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment
  • 17May

    Wine with Washington

    Good old George Washington is well known to have loved his wine.  And so it becomes mildly appropriate to have scores of people descend on Mt. Vernon for the annual Wine Festival and Sunset Tours.  Let me first declare this a lovely event. I’m sure members of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association are secretly decrying the misuse of the Washington Estate, however, there is something very, er, historical, having hundreds of drunk people listening to music on the back porch of Mt. Vernon.  It’s almost as if the house comes to life, as it must have been during the parties and banquests of the 18th century.

    Here are two secrets I learned.  1) Get in line to be let in by 6 p.m. – when the doors open.  You’ll be able to get the best seats.  2) People stop hoarding the wine tasting area at about 8:00 – cause they’re either drunk or have decided to purchase a bottle of wine and drink on the lawn.  Also, I would definitely go with a group of people.  You are allowed to tour a candle lit Mt. Vernon, but this requires having someone to watch you picnic area, full of purchased bottles of wine and uncorked delights a plenty.  If you’re planning on attending in the future, act fast as the event sells out for all three days.

    There are only 16 wineries represented at this event.  I’ve been to many of them before so I’ll only touch on some stand outs.  I’ve written about them previously, but Narmada has a fantastic red “Midnight” worth a quick freeze and a slow sip on the veranda.  It was our bottle of choice when the lines and excess crowding became too much.  (I’ve never seen people at a winery come up to a table and ask to specifically try one unique wine and then walk away.)

    The wines of Gabriele Rausse were gross.  A malbec from Virginia?  Let the Argentines do what they do best, besides tango.  We purchased a bottle of “Symphony” from Miracle Valley Vineyards.  I love the idea of dessert wines although I never drink them – hence my collection of about 10 sitting in the wine fridge.  But this one tasted of concord grapes and is a mix of 6 wine varietals.  Pleasant.  And I swear I’ll break it out at some point!

    All in all, this was a great event.  The views are sweet, sheep are eating in the fields, the house looks historical, and the wines, along with the music, are entertaining.  The only thing missing from the experience was the smell of burning wood – a Williamsburg staple.  Perhaps, next year, we will be treated to a lovely mulled wine!

    -AEK

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  • 14May

    Free Chocolate Tasting May 20th

    From Robert of Fleurir Chocolates (who also sells at the Alexandria Farmer’s market Saturday mornings 8-11am):

    ——–

    Come join us at Biagio Fine Chocolate on May 20th to enjoy our final six flavors- Wattleseed Toffee, Peanut Butter Banana, Pink Peppercorn, Spumoni, Brandy Alexander, and Lemon Honey. The tasting is from 6:30-8:00PM and completely free! 1904 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009

    ——-

    I used to get his chocolate all the time when he was at the Ballston Farmer’s Market. He makes good stuff, with an artistic eye.

    -JAY


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  • 10May

    3 Bar & Grill’s Charity Pig Roast

    Just got this one in my email box. Seems like a good deal, and it is for a good charity.

    -JAY

    —————————————————————————————————–

    MEDIA ALERT

     

    Clarendon’s 3 Kicks-Off Summer with a Memorial Day Charitable Pig Roast

     

    The Neighborhood Bar & Grill Celebrates Summer with Craft Ales and a Whole Smoked Pig from Eco-Friendly Foods to Benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

     

    WHAT: Nothing says “summer” like an old fashioned pig roast! To celebrate the warm weather season and seasonal opening of its patio, 3 Bar & Grill (formerly Restaurant Three) is hosting a charitable Pig Roast on Sunday, May 30 from 4 p.m until they run out of pork to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Brian Robinson of 3 and Bev Eggleston of Eco-Friendly Foods will  roast the 250+ pound pig from Eco-Friendly Foods street side on Clarendon Boulevard, while the restaurant will offer drink specials from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

    Drink specials include $3 Bell’s Oberon Ale, $2 Miller Lite and $5 Bacon Bloody Marys in case guests haven’t had their fill of pork for the day. Hot, smoky pulled pork sandwiches will be available for a suggested donation of $5, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The public is invited to attend the community pig roast while supporting a charitable cause.  

    WHO:

    • 3 Bar  & Grill
    • Eco-Friendly Foods
    • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

    WHEN: Sunday, May 30, 2010

    4 p.m. until they run out of pig

    WHERE: 3 Bar & Grill (street side on Clarendon Blvd.)

    2950 Clarendon Boulevard
    Arlington, VA 22201

     

    About 3 Bar & Grill

    3 is located at 2950 Clarendon Blvd. in Arlington, VA, across the Clarendon Metro Station. Open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. and for dinner and brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., 3 is a neighborhood Clarendon eatery featuring Southern cuisine with imaginative twists, an impressive beer list and specialty cocktails.  For more information or reservations please call 703-524-4440 or visit the website at www.restaurantthree.com.

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