by Chad on September 30, 2010
You asked for it and we gave it to you. Are you tired of checking dozens of sites to figure out what’s new and what’s opening soon in DC? I bet you are. We will be regularly updating our
Restaurant News page as we hear about new restaurants opening. Go ahead and check it out.
Here are a few updates for you in case you haven’t heard
- District Commons/Burger Tap and Shake - EatMore Burgers and DrinkMore Shakes from the team behind TenPenh and DC Coast – Summer 2011
- Ba Bay - Vietnamese restaurant taking over the old Locanda space in Capitol Hill – November 2010
- The Pearl Dive Oyster Place - Next restaurant in Jeff Black empire (BlackSalt, Black’s Bar and Kitchen, Black Market Bistro) will be in Logan Circle
- Muncheez Mania - Serving Crepes, Sandwiches, and desserts in a fast-casual setting 1071 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; 202.567.3000 – October 2010
- Energy Kitchen - An NY chain, where no menu item is north of 500 Calories will be expanding to Washington DC, specifically, Georgetown, Chevy Chase, and downtown DC. It’s nice to see a chain cater to health conscious eaters. – Date : TBD
- Galileo III – Roberto Donna’s return to glory (we hope) starts October 5th.
- Flippin’ Pizza Trucks – Bringing NY Style Pizza via a Food Truck to Fairfax and Arlington Counties.
by Jenna on September 30, 2010
Yesterday I took a peek at the new Co Co. Sala chocolate boutique that opened earlier this week. The boutique has its own street entrance but is also connected to the restaurant which solidifies the integrated concept. Upon entering, everything inside looked absolutely scrumptious… and beautiful. They take their presentation quite seriously and what appeared to be the floral arrangements on the wall behind the counter were actually bouquets made of chocolate. While the shop is quite small, they have a lot of offerings that include solid bars, artisinal chocolates such as PB&J and Cinnamon Toffee which can all be handpicked and arranged in gift boxes of a single piece up to a 48 piece box, parfaits, cheesecake, and even chocolate frozen drinks. While I showed self control and did not try anything, I was drooling over the Some More Bar which is part of their Signature Collection and is made of dark chocolate, house made marshmellow and graham crackers. I can only imagine that devouring that bar is sheer bliss. It’s on my list of “to-do’s” for a day when I need a pick-me-up. I can’t wait.
Co Co. Sala's Artisnal Chocolates. Photo courtesy of www.cocosala.com
The Co Co. Sala chocolate boutique sits on F Street just a few steps down from Cowgirl Creamery which is my favorite local cheese shop. The cheese and chocolate combination is any foodie’s dream, and sets up a nice strip of specialty foods that make for the perfect gifts, or excellent staples to serve at a party. The boutique was a wonderful idea for the Co Co. Sala team and the perfect extension of an already successful concept. The chocolate looks like art, and if it tastes even half as good as the way it appears, then this place will be a goldmine.
Co Co. Sala Chocolate Boutique
929 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
http://www.cocosala.com
by Jenna on September 29, 2010
There’s been a lot of buzz in Twitterville surrounding the new Amorini Panini sandwich shop in the Chinatown area. I’m always excited to see a homegrown lunch spot pop up in town instead of another tired Cosi, Au Bon Pain, or Corner Bakery. And I think the folks at Amorini Panini were smart to take to Twitter early to start getting the Washington foodies excited for their arrival. Sure enough, they opened this week and already started posting about the long lines at the door which made me feel left out, and forced me to get my act together and head over and see what these sandwiches are all about.
Entrance into Amorini Panini on 906 F Street NW
I decided to head over today around noon with my colleague Jaime and we were hoping that the rain would prevent a long line from forming and allow us to get in there fast. Sure enough, there was a line just out the door, but I will say that it moved quickly and did not become an annoyance. The shop itself is nothing fancy and is reminiscent of a Subway or the interior of a Chipotle with red walls, and a few tables to allow customers to dine inside instead of having to take it back to the office. The menu is simple with just enough options to provide variety, but not so much to be overwhelming. We both ordered a panini on whole grain bread, and swapped halfs so we could try two sandwiches. I ordered the Caprese with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil pesto & balsamic vinaigrette spread and Jaime ordered the Montana Buffalo Chicken which came with buffalo grilled chicken, pepper jack cheese, bell peppers & ranch dressing.
Montana Buffalo Chicken Panini
Caprese Panini
We liked both of the paninis, and oddly enough, we each came away preferring the one that the other had originally ordered. I really liked the white meat chicken in the buffalo sandwich which had a nice spicy flavor and the ranch and buffalo sauce together created a creamy consistency that went really well with the bite of the pepper jack cheese. We also both enjoyed the tanginess of the pesto in the Caprese sandwich, however I was so disappointed that it came with sliced mozzarella cheese instead of fresh buffalo mozzarella. I think the buffalo mozzarella would transform the sandwich and make it a home run.
Also on the menu are homemade soups including Cream of Broccoli and Fire Roasted Vegetable which they rotate on a regular basis and have two available each day, and another option is to order the 1/2 panini and cup of soup combo which is a nice alternative to just the sandwich. There are also “Breakfastinis” which include egg, ham, and bacon concoctions that are served in the morning which might be a nice thing to grab on your way into the office. I enjoyed the sandwiches at Amorini Panini and I think many people who work downtown will welcome them with open arms as they are a local business that stands out next to all the national chain lunch spots within close walking distance of their location.
Amorini Panini
906 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
http://www.amorinipanini.com
by Britt on September 29, 2010
While my husband doesn’t really cook, I am extremely lucky to have married into some other serious food benefits. First, there are the relatives living in Italy who seem to make it their mission to stuff me to the gills every time I visit and second is the fact that one of my mother-in-laws is Julia Child reincarnated.
This woman can cook like nobody’s business, has a serious love of butter, and easy access to lobster given that she lives on Cape Cod. Yep, that’s right, I am ridiculously spoiled.
Layering the paella
Each year she hosts the entire family for a long weekend of binge eating. Every night has a theme, and while each night is amazing, my favorite is Paella night. This isn’t your run of the mill paella. This is done Cape Cod style. What is Cape Cod style you ask? Well, imagine all the amazing-ness of paella and then put a lobster on top. This year I only managed to eat a claw and half a tail. I am truly ashamed of myself and blame it on the 6 pounds of stuffed clams I was served before dinner.
Nikki isn’t one for recipes and measurements so this is what I gleaned from chasing her around all day while she cooked.
Paella “Guidance” after the jump [click to continue…]
by Chad on September 28, 2010
Everyone seems to be looking for discounts to great restaurants these days. Lindsey recently told me about a new site called Village Vines that offers up to 30% off great restaurants around the DC area.
Here is how it works, you sign up on their website (Click here to sign up), make a reservation at one of their restaurants through VillageVines, pay $10 for the reservation, and you get 20%-30% off your bill at the restaurant. Paying $10 to get 30% off of a nice restaurant is a pretty fantastic deal.
Right now, you can get 30% off at Vidalia, which is awesome. They tend to have fancier restaurants than I have seen on other coupon sites, so it is worth checking out, especially for you food snobs (myself included).
by Eric on September 28, 2010
I have heard about quinoa for awhile but always figured it was one of those things that people say is healthy and really tastes like cardboard. Then I had a breakdown over the lack of good lunch options near my office and decided I was going to make my lunch. That day, I read something about quinoa and decided to try it. The result was a fresh, flavorful, and filling lunch that didn’t put me in a food coma for the rest of the day. And yes, it is also healthy! I’m excited to try different preparations for quinoa but so far this recipe is my favorite.
Quinoa Salad
(2-3 Servings)
1/2 cup quinoa
1/2 chopped red pepper
1 avocado
1 cup chopped jicama
1 cup corn
Juice from 1-2 limes
salt & pepper
Put quinoa in 1 cup of water on high heat until boiling, lower to simmer and cover until the water is absorbed, about 8 minutes (or cook according to directions on the package – mine was prewashed which is apparently an important step). Transfer to a bowl, set aside, and let cool.
Mix in chopped pepper, jicama, and corn. (I used radishes when I couldn’t find jicama)
Drizzle with lime juice and mix in salt and peper to taste.
Mix in avocado just before serving. If you are bringing this for lunch like I did, just bring the avocado seperatly and cut some for that day’s salad. Put the rest in a sealed bag for the next day. The surface will get brown but it’s fine (or you can cut it off if you prefer). Avocados are easy to cut even when you only have a flimsy work supplied plastic knife.
by Britt on September 27, 2010
Everyone has them, those things you simply can’t live without in the kitchen. For me they are sriracha, chipotles in adobo, curry powder, buffalo meat and
Marie Sharp’s Habanero Sauce. Yes, I notice the spicy theme. I grew up eating spicy food and one very important distinction I learned was that it isn’t the level of the spice, it is the flavor. I will simply never understand those wing joints that will use the type of sauce that makes grown men chug 8 gallons of milk while crying. That is not fun and it is definitely not delicious. Trust me, I love really spicy food but when you can no longer taste anything well, there just doesn’t seem to be any point. That is why
Marie Sharp’s is the ultimate hot sauce. I have tried hundreds of hot sauces over the years and nothing compares.
Their secret? They blend carrots, lime juice and garlic in with the habaneros. This results in a very spicy but intensely flavorful combination. I have never tasted anything like it. I spent some time living down in Belize where they make this delectable sauce and really honed my craft of incorporating it into just about any dish. Eggs? Sure. Macaroni and cheese or pizza at 3 am? Even better. Rice and beans and stewed chicken just aren’t the same without it. You can even add it to salad dressing to give some extra zip.
While it used to be tough to find this sauce in the states now I occasionally see it out in stores. I even saw it in Cal Tort the other day and resisted the urge to steal it right off the rack.
So, if you have the chance, snap a bottle up and if you have other ideas for using it, let me know.
Ingredients: Red Habanero Peppers, Fresh Carrots, Onions, Lime Juice, Vinegar, Garlic, and Salt.
by Chad on September 24, 2010
- The Going Out Guru’s reported that Mike Isabella has announced his new restaurant Graffiato, an Italian eatery that is shooting to open in February of 2011. How about this for some Top Chef synergy… Isabella will be using the same designer as Volt, and Bryan Voltaggio is an investor in the new restaurant. We wish Mike the best of luck, we can’t wait to see what he has in store.
- Clarendon Grill has reopened after renovations to their bar area. Check out ArlNow for the photos.
- It is September 24th and that means you have 6 days to enjoy Biergarten Haus on H Street before Oktoberfest madness starts. Not to say you can’t enjoy a frosty beer at Biergarten Haus during October (quite the contrary), but if this weather keeps up, D.C.’s newest beer garden is going to be mobbed through Halloween.
- Amorini Panini opens on MONDAY in Penn Quarter. Who doesn’t like a new lunch option in the neighborhood? Looking forward to checking out their assortment of panini’s.
- G Spot Tavern coming to 5413 Georgia Ave, NW. The terrible name is obvious, let’s not discuss it. This is a family blog.
- GQ names PX and Columbia Room in the top 25 best cocktail bars in AMERICA.
- Galileo III is rumored to be opening this week or next, so we’ll be sure to check in tomorrow to find out the latest.
In other news, I found a few great articles that I really wanted to share with you. We Love DC did an excellent profile of Polyface Farm. Check it out. Great read and great pictures. The SF Gate and the Washington City Paper have both implanted writers behind the line and they are reporting on what life is like in the kitchen. The SF Gate goes behind the scenes at the French Laundry; you had me at French Laundry. We have a well documented obsession with Thomas Keller, so this article is not a surprise. And Melissa McCart from the Washington City Paper goes behind the line at Restaurant Eve. It is a fantastic series, very well written, and I adore the candid coverage of Restaurant Eve.
I’m headed to Chicago this weekend, and will be dining at Alinea! I am giddy with excitement. I am actually a bit embarrassed at my reaction when the reservationist informed me that a table would be available and that I was no longer on the waiting list. I won’t go into detail, but I am sure I made an impression on her. I am an avid reader of Carol Blymire’s blog Alinea at Home, and dining at Alinea will provide me with a much greater appreciation for her herculean task of cooking the Alinea Cookbook from cover to cover.
by Britt on September 23, 2010
Making cheap wine better one pour at a time
For those of you out there who love a good class of wine but can’t exactly blow major bucks on every bottle will love this little gizmo.
I have done a few taste tastes with the Vinturi Wine Aerator and it really does make a difference. Basically by aerating the wine, it softens the tannins which results in a much more pleasant finish and reduces bitterness you can sometimes find in a slightly less expensive bottle.
It will run you anywhere from $30-$40 but is totally worth the investment. I recommend skipping the retail shop and picking it up on eBay or Amazon.com. Chances are you’ll get it at a way more reasonable price.
by Missy on September 22, 2010
If you read this title and thought, “Yum, EMDM is blogging about recipes with Cheese Whiz!” then this blog is probably not for you. I put Cheese Whiz in the same category as
Weight Watchers Wine. What? Is it hard to believe that a wine snob would also be a cheese snob? I’m sorry, but coating my artisanal cracker in bright yellow, vicious goop is not going to compliment my Chardonnay. Cheese should be sliced, not sprayed.
Anyway, this blog is not about the product. It’s about me. I’m the cheese whiz.
Okay, so I am no cheese expert. But I am certainly more knowledgeable after taking a class at one of my absolute favorite cheese and wine purveyors in Alexandria, Cheesetique. Every month, owner Jill Erber hosts a cheese class centered on a particular category….like American blue cheeses. Each class is about an hour long and includes instruction, Q&A, and a tasting of about ten cheeses paired with two wines.
To celebrate six years of success, Jill polled customers and staff to find out their favorite items sold at Cheestique. From this, Jill put together and delivered a wonderful “Best Of” cheese class. A little different than normal cheese classes, our tasting plate had other goodies including handcrafted crackers, charcuterie, and other cheese accoutrements! The plate was paired with two wines designed to enhance the taste of the cheese and other goodies. I loved all of the items, but here are some of my favorites. You must RUN to Cheesetique and pick up these items now. GO!
My favorites after the JUMP!
[click to continue…]
Co Co. Sala’s New Chocolate Boutique Looks Delectable
by Jenna on September 30, 2010
Co Co. Sala's Artisnal Chocolates. Photo courtesy of www.cocosala.com
The Co Co. Sala chocolate boutique sits on F Street just a few steps down from Cowgirl Creamery which is my favorite local cheese shop. The cheese and chocolate combination is any foodie’s dream, and sets up a nice strip of specialty foods that make for the perfect gifts, or excellent staples to serve at a party. The boutique was a wonderful idea for the Co Co. Sala team and the perfect extension of an already successful concept. The chocolate looks like art, and if it tastes even half as good as the way it appears, then this place will be a goldmine.
Co Co. Sala Chocolate Boutique
929 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
http://www.cocosala.com
{ 0 comments }