• 13Jun

    Attention Home Cooks, Bloggers, & Chefs: Only 2 Weeks Left To Get Your Recipe In A Cookbook For A Good Cause!

    This is a repost:

    I’ve been helping my friends at the Arlington YMCA about this for a month or so, and they are now ready to accept recipe submissions for this fund-raising project. The recipes should be healthy but do not have to be vegetarian, vegan, or organic, but let them know if they happen to be. Feel free to distribute this to chefs restaurants, food bloggers and other foodies. They would also like some restaurants (that have appropriate mobile equipment) to demo their recipe submissions but it is not a necessity. The cookbook is not Arlington specific, so submissions are open to the DC Metropolitan area.

    This is a good change to get your name, blog or restaurant mentioned in a cookbook.  Portfolio builder?

    Thanks.

    -JAY
    ———————————————-

    Press Release (March 4, 2011):

    Arlington, VA – As the New Year begins, so do those New Year’s resolutions. Thousands of Americans will have a fresh new start as they challenge themselves to live a healthier lifestyle. To help make this New Year a total success, the YMCA of Arlington is coming out with a healthy eating and lifestyle cookbook. It’s an effort to help the metropolitan area as they commit to exercising, eating healthier and living better lives.

    Our New Year’s resolution at the Y is to help the metropolitan area keep theirs. “We take great responsibility in helping kids, families and individuals in our communities lead healthy and wholesome lives. A New Year’s resolution is always a good start, but the Y is here to help people maintain their commitment, not just through the year but for the rest of their lives.”

    I am calling all Metropolitan Washington Area restaurants, food bloggers and foodies to participate in the YMCA Arlington Cookbook by donating a recipe or recipes. We are accepting healthy recipes, including (but not limited to) organic, vegetarian, vegan and ethnic foods. This book will be published and sold within the branch to help with our annual campaign Building Bridges. Last year alone, we provided more than $2 million in scholarships and financial assistance to nearly 12,000 children, families, and seniors. With your help, we can continue to provide essential child care, camp, counseling, social services, and health and wellness programs. You can help us make sure no one is turned away.

    Cookbook Recipe deadline:

    Please email recipes Bianca.Patterson@ymcadc.org by June 30th, 2011.

    Bianca Patterson
    YMCA Arlington
    3422 13th St. N
    Arlington, VA, 22201
    (703) 525-5420

    For more information, call (703) 525-5420 or log on to www.ymcadc.org and find the YMCA Arlington branch for details.

    Permalink Filed under: Books Tags: , , , No Comments
  • 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

    Permalink Filed under: Events, Ingredients, Stores Tags: , , , , No Comments
  • 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

    Permalink Filed under: Events Tags: , , , No Comments
  • 07Jun

    Lansdowne Resort Announces Fine Vine Wine Getaways

    In my Inbox. They also have an interesting upcoming event:

    Spectator Series Wine Tasting
    June 11
    4 – 6 p.m.
    $39/person (incuding tax and gratuity)
    Join National Republic & On the Potomac partner to showcase 4 Deadly Zinfandels (not so deadly, just tasty) along with two tapas style small plates with each wine tasting.

    -JAY

    ———————————

    Lansdowne Resort Announces Fine Vine Wine Getaways

    Supporting Virginia and Loudoun County Wine Initiative

    Leesburg, VA – June, 2011 –  Lansdowne Resort adds a robust Virginia wine package to its summer packages starting today. The 2011 wine package, Fine Vine Wine Tour Package, highlights Lansdowne’s partnership with several Loudoun County wineries: Tarara Winery, Sunset Hills Vineyard, Fabbioli Cellars, Corcoran Vineyards, Breaux Vineyards and Doukenie Winery, all within 20 miles of the resort.

    “Congratulations to Lansdowne Resort for putting these exciting packages together to promote Virginia and Loudoun County’s wine partners. This shows the resort’s commitment to Loudoun County’s wineries and shows how partnerships can be arranged for the good of all involved,” says Jeremy Harvey, vice president, destination marketing for Visit Loudoun, the destination marketing organization for Loudoun County.

    Lansdowne Resort takes you on an exploration of the charming wineries of Loudoun County, DC’s Wine Country, as you leisurely drive the countryside and visit these sun-kissed vineyards, you’ll enjoy amazing locally-grown and bottled wines, spectacular landscapes and the story of Loudoun’s wine regions. This one to three night package starts at $199/night (double occupancy): the Fine, Vine, Wine Tour Package* includes: 

    ·      Deluxe overnight accommodations

    ·      Buffet breakfast for two at Riverside Hearth

    ·      Self-guided winery tour with 2 complimentary wine tastings at your choice of two participating wineries

    ·      $25 gift certificate to be used at the tasting room of your choice

    ·      50% off a bottle of Loudoun County wine with the purchase of dinner in On the Potomac restaurant

    The more nights you stay; the more wineries you can visit. On average, two wineries per day allows enough travel and tour time and still leaves enough time to relax by the pool or catch an evening dinner.

    In conjunction with this package, Lansdowne is a Virginia Certified Green property and supports a “Buy Local-Drink Local” campaign. To learn about Lansdowne Resort’s packages, green program and special events, call (888) 541-7946 or visit lansdowneresort.com.

     

    Permalink Filed under: Drinks, Etc Tags: , , No Comments
  • 01Jun

    Free Knife Sharpening At Sur La Table In June.

    Click to enlarge.

    In my inbox.

    Update: A consultant of  Sur La Table has emailed me asking that I include their web address.  Ok, done. 🙂

    -JAY

     

    Permalink Filed under: Events, Stores Tags: No Comments
  • 31May

    Truckeroo Food Truck Festival

    Friday, June 3, 2011 – 11:00am – 9:00pm
    Truckerooo Site Submitted by Anita on May 14, 2011 – 10:20am
    Venue Address:
    Corner of Half and M Streets, SE (Across from Navy Yard metro)

    Washington, DC 20003

    United States
    See map: Google Maps

    www.truckeroodc.com

    Experience all your favorite food trucks in one place!

    20-25 food trucks!

    Live music!

    Truckeroo is a monthly festival held June thru October at the corner of Half St. and M St., SE showcasing food trucks from the Washington, DC area.

    Permalink Filed under: Food Trucks Tags: , , No Comments
  • 31May

    Free Pizza And/Or Whisky Tasting At G40!

    This week at G40. In my inbox from Art Whino.

    -JAY
    ———————————-
    Tuesday May 31st
    The Touring Exhibit in a truck will be at the G40 TODAY from 6-Midnight
    International Urban Art Festival in Los Angeles, presents “FIND Art Across America,” a touring concept that brings the art to the people. Rather than waiting for the artists to come to us, we’re going to FIND them, and share them and their work with the entire world, creating both an unprecedented arts phenomenon while bringing together for the first time a national arts community!
    http://findartmagazine.com/2011/find-art-across-america/

    6-8pm PHOTO PANEL feat. Josh Sisk, Josh Yospyn, Dakota Fine, Kyle Gustafson, and Chris Chen (aka, all your favorite DC music and fashion shooters)/ 8pm and onward- The Folly Literary Magazine/Holly Bass Variety show. FREE

    Wednesday June 1st:
    7pm-12am Surfrider Foundation BIG WEDNESDAY Benefit w/ DJ Neville C, DJ Ru, and DJ Volz + (free) PIZZA from We, the Pizza!

    Thursday June 2nd:
    2pm: Resume building session with College magazine.
    7pm till close – Nostalgia Comedy Night: relive 80s and 90s with Hillary Buckholtz and guests followed by an 80s and 90s dance party with DJ Smudge

    Friday June 3rd:
    John L. Sullivan Exhibit Reception on 3rd Flr
    Irish Whiskey Tasting
    Live Irish Music by Conor Malone
    6-9 pm

    Painted Face/ Lightwaves/Beyond Modern– live show/DJ night – $5 + happy hour with DJ Chris Nitti 6-9pm (happy hour is free: come early and stay late for the show)

    Saturday June 4th:
    ARTAPOOLAZA!
    20+ Artist Painting Live
    2pm-8pm

    Daytime: DC Record Fair noon and onward $2
    Nighttime: SOUL CLAP DANCE CONTEST feat. DJ Jonathan Toubin (winner gets $100) – $5 or free with your DC Record Fair Bracelet

    Sunday June 5th
    Daytime: 1-3:30 p.m. Sound Check! A Girls Rock D.C. Event – Join Girls Rock! D.C. (D.C’s rock camp for girls 8-18) for an all-ages “mini-camp” including instrument lessons, hands-on DJ demonstrations, a chance to perform, and a screening of “Girls Rock! The Movie.” Got a kid? Sign them up for camp (Aug. 8-13). Over 18? Learn how you can help with camp — we especially need catering donations! Free.

    Event Location
    vitaminwater® uncapped LIVE
    2213-2217 14th street NW (the corner of 14th and W NW)

    G40 Exhibit Schedule:
    Exhibit runs: May 19th-June 17th, 2011
    Open Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays: 7pm – Midnight
    Fridays & Saturdays: 12pm – 2am
    Sundays: 12pm – 6pm
    Mondays: Closed

    Entertainment schedule:
    Brightest Young Things will curate unique special events in the space six days a week (Tues-Sun) to include live music, dance parties, local designer showcases and fashion events, photobooths, art workshops and talks, stand up comedy, cult movie nights, record fairs and more, all with the signature BYT flair.

    Permalink Filed under: Events Tags: , , No Comments
  • 31May

    The Cookie Food Truck on a Mission to Sweeten Summer Travel.

    In my inbox.

    -Jason
    —————-

    DoubleTree by Hilton SWEETENS SUMMER TRAVEL WITH 50-CiTY Cookie CAREAVAN TOUR
    Stopping in Washington, D.C. Thursday, June 2

    WHEN:
    Thursday, June 2
    10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    WHERE:

    Union Station, 40 Massachusetts Ave.

    WHAT:

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels is kicking off a nationwide tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its iconic chocolate chip cookie. From Atlanta to Austin, Miami to Minneapolis and St. Louis to Seattle, a specially designed food truck will embark on a 10-week, 10,000-mile, 50-city journey to deliver tens of thousands of smiles to people across the country through the pleasant surprise of a sweet chocolate chip cookie treat.

    On Thursday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Cookie CAREavan will arrive at Union Station in Washington, D.C., to hand out free cookies while supplies last. At every stop along the tour, people can enjoy a free chocolate chip cookie in the summer sun, share their stories about the beloved all-American treat, learn more about the caring connection between DoubleTree by Hilton and the chocolate chip cookie, and find out about the DoubleTree by Hilton Cookie CAREavan Sweepstakes to win great prizes all summer long.

    Some of the weekly prizes include tins of DoubleTree by Hilton cookies, Hilton HHonors bonus points and DoubleTree by Hilton weekend getaways, as well as the grand prize of a five-day/four-night vacation and airfare for two to any DoubleTree by Hilton property in the U.S.

    WHY:

    DoubleTree by Hilton is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its signature chocolate chip cookie this summer by doing something that many people have always dreamed of doing – taking the ultimate road

    trip across America.

    Since 1986, the DoubleTree by Hilton chocolate chip cookie has represented a warm, friendly welcome for travelers. Every guest who checks into one of the more than 250 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels and resorts in 17 countries across five continents receives this same signature, sweet treat at check-in. The hotel brand anticipates sharing more than 250,000 cookies beyond their hotel doors and out in 50 communities this summer season to celebrate the cookie’s silver anniversary. Some surprise stops to deserving community groups and charities are also planned along the route.

    LEARN MORE:
    Follow the Cookie CAREavan on Facebook to track the tour and check out photos, videos and live tweets from the road. DoubleTree by Hilton’s Cookie CAREavan tour is a proud sponsor of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race, which premieres on August 14th at 10p/9c.

    [ad]

    Permalink Filed under: Food Trucks Tags: , , , , 1 Comment
  • 28May

    Have Chocolate, Will Travel!

    This was written by Robert Cabeca, the new owner of Biagio Fine Chocolate. (Editor’s Note: (11/2112)This business changed its name to Cocova a while back. -JAY)

    Are you nervous about traveling with Chocolate?
    Don’t be!
    Just follow these simple guidelines and you can take your chocolate with you to most locations:

    1. Pack your chocolate in a ziplock type bag and pack it in the middle of your clothes in your suitcase. If you have a moisture free ice pack, place it on top of a layer of clothing, not directly on the chocolate. This is a very effective solution for most occasions.

    2. Try to keep you luggage out of direct sunlight for extended periods. If your luggage contains chocolate, avoid placing it on a roof rack (you will save gas too!)

    3. Don’t leave your chocolate in your parked car for extended periods. If you must, don’t leave your chocolate in the glove compartment or trunk. Under the seat is best with a moisture free ice pack or cold bottle of water. Not soda bottles or cans because they could explode in high heat. Your chocolate will probably be doomed at that point, but cleaning up a burst soda can is worse!

    4. If hiking or biking, keep the chocolate next to your water supply in your backpack in a ziplock type bag.

    5. Use an insulated lunch box. There are many small ones available which can easily be adapted to the above suggestions.

    6. Only take as much as chocolate with you that you are going to eat in a few hours. Leave the rest in the beach house or hotel room.

    A Traveling Chocolate Story:
    Two years ago I traveled to the Middle East in August (what was I thinking) and brought 20 boxes of my Robert’s Chocolates truffles with me. I followed most of the guidelines above by placing the boxes in the middle of the luggage and between clothing, but did not add any ice packs.

    After a lengthy unplanned layover, I arrived at my destination and collected my bags which felt very very warm and made me nervous. While going through security, I was taken to a small room where everything was unpacked. However, I was thrilled that all of the chocolate boxes still felt cool and upon inspection the truffles were undamaged (security insisted on looking in each box). I felt relieved that my packing plans worked!

    However, while in my guest room, I had left a few boxes on a dresser during the day where unknowingly the sun beamed on them for a few hours. They were cool when I retrieved them and was none the wiser. I brought them to my cousins home.

    They opened the boxes after I stepped out of the room briefly. When I returned I found them devouring the truffles from the box with spoons! They had melted into the container! I was mortified! They assured me that they still tasted great and refused to let me eat any or take the box away from them. Family 🙂

    Another lesson learned:

    7. Keep chocolate in a cool dark location whenever possible.

    If you have a chocolate traveling story you would like to share, please send it along to info@Capitalchocolate.com. We would love to read it!

    As an aside, if you need moisture free ice packs, we have them available at the store in 8oz for $2.00 and 12oz for $2.50.

    Have a safe and fun Holiday weekend!

    Best regards,
    Robert Cabeca

    Permalink Filed under: Ingredients, Stores Tags: , , , No Comments
  • 26May

    Brgr Shack in Ballston.

    I want to like Brgr Shack, I really do.  I keep going back, hoping they’ll get their act together, and it just doesn’t happen.  The beef itself is grass fed, and does taste good. I’ve been their 3 times:

    Visit 1:  A couple of months ago. They had only been open one week and were empty.  They gave me the wrong burger and did not ask how I wanted it cooked.  They asked how I liked things so I told them and they made a new one, but all the juice (blood) from the new burger was on the plate, making the bread soggy.

    Visit 2: Noon on a week day (2 weeks ago). Service was very slow and they did not seem to be able to keep up with lunch rush. The ketchup bottles had not even been refilled, so it was hard to find one that actually had ketchup in it.  A person one table over was given wrong burger (chicken) and then it turned out that they were out of the right burger (turkey).  Between both burgers and how slow the service was…she was late getting back to work.  They are 2 very different burgers since the chicken is actually a piece of chicken breast and the turkey burger is a patty.  My dining partner ordered a mushroom burger, which takes 20 minutes because the portabello is so thick…and the uneven thickness caused it to be burnt in places.  My beef burger was fine. The sweet potato fries were good.

    Visit 3: 1:15pm on a weekday (last week).  I used a certificate from Living Social, so got a good deal. Service was better but the lunch rush seemed to have passed.  The person one table over was given the wrong burger.  She asked if they had turkey burgers, and they said yes, but apparently they didn’t understand that she wanted turkey and not beef.  Communication issue?  Yes, but they should have caught it.  I ordered the turkey burger, and it was good, but it obviously had something green in it.  I asked about the turkey burger, and it contains spinach, which is fine, and mushroom which is not (since I’m allergic).  The menu does not say that the burger has spinach or mushrooms, and should have.  If I eat mushrooms, it is painful.

    The bottom line is that this is a new business that needs more time to work the kinks out.  Service is slow and they always mess someone’s order up. I’d try it in six months.  Until then Big Buns is only a couple of blocks away.

    -JAY

    [ad]
     

    Permalink Filed under: Restaurants Tags: 2 Comments
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