Category Archives: Food and Drink

Adventures, Business and Money, Entertainment, Food and Drink, Life in the Capital, News, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Free Cupcake Madness

In honor of the premiere of their new reality show airing tonight at 10pm on TLC, Georgetown Cupcake is giving away a free, special edition cupcake all day today.

Some co-workers and I stopped by the M Street shop at 10am to snag our freebie and were met with a line and some questionable cupcake giveaway flow problems.

Words of caution: If you’re dying for a cupcake, you must be willing to battle the lines, which will undoubtedly grow longer as the day goes on, and the hot, humid and gobs of sweat inducing weather. You’ve been warned.

Business and Money, Entertainment, Essential DC, Food and Drink, Life in the Capital, People, Special Events, The Features
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Reality TV: “DC Cupcakes” Premiere

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

Last night’s preview party for “DC Cupcakes” was filled with pink boxes, votive candles, delicious mini cupcakes, champagne and a fantastic look out at the trials, tribulations and success of locally owned and operated Georgetown Cupcake.

The first episode of the six-part series premieres this Friday at 10pm on TLC and opens on Valentine’s Day, the busiest day of the year, where the cupcakery must meet a demand increase of 500% (the shop usually sells 5,000 cupcakes a day, so we’re talking 25,000 cupcakes here,) AND tackle a last minute challenge for a good cause. Like every small business, and reality TV show, there are bumps in the road, conflicts, mishaps, lovable characters (look for comic relief from head baker Andrew and shop staffer Yasmin) and late nights. Also, be prepared for a blast from the past, as the episode contains Snopocalyspe covered streetscapes. SnOMG!

While some might argued that the cupcake craze has jumped the shark, there’s something sweet (pun intended,) charming and inspirational about two sisters quitting their finance and fashion industry jobs to join forces and simply bake cupcakes. According to co-owner Sophie LaMontagne, the two sisters originally defined success as “making the rent and baking with their mom at their side.” LaMontagne exuberantly added “I get to come to work in sweatpants and make cupcakes!” Got to admit that sure beats pantyhose. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The Hill, We Love Food
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We Love Food: Market Lunch

Photo courtesy of
‘Market Lunch’
courtesy of ‘katmere’

Whenever I mention Market Lunch to people, and I do often, I always get the same response: “Oh, I’ve heard that place is so great–but I’ve never been.” I don’t know if it’s the lines that scare folks away, or the Soup Nazi-esque ordering system, but don’t be afraid! It’s a quintessential Washington experience that no one should miss, and a great meal to boot. My trips to Eastern Market are almost always wrapped around meal time to make sure I can take advantage of all that Market Lunch has to offer. Continue reading →

Capital Chefs, Food and Drink, The Features
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Capital Chefs: Chef Yonemoto of Kushi (Part I)

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You gotta respect a man with a headband and lean, mean butchering skills, right? Chef Yonemoto of Kushi Izakaya and Sushi is bent over a cutting board chiseling away at a raw chicken, effortlessly slicing up breast strips for us to grill. Cathy and I are standing in the open grill kitchen (if you want to get all fancy about it, you can call it the robata counter) of Kushi sipping green tea and observing the inner workings of my newest favorite sushi spot in the city. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Features, We Love Drinks
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We Love Drinks: Rickey Month

July is Rickey Month in DC

Close your eyes and imagine life in our fair city over one hundred years ago. Imagine it was a week like we’ve had, a scorching heat wave, in your restrictive starched collar or corset – and there is no relief in sight, no air conditioned buildings to dart in. Sweat is dripping down the back of your neck, the small of your back. You need something refreshing. Now.

Enter the Rickey – “an air conditioner in a glass,” as Derek Brown termed it last night at a Columbia Room seminar on the history and making of our very own native cocktail. Wait, DC has its own cocktail? Indeed. July is Rickey Month, in its third year designated by the DC Craft Bartenders Guild to celebrate and spread the word on a very simple yet heat wave essential drink. All month long bartenders around the city are debuting their unique versions of the classic Rickey, culminating in a competition at The Passenger on Monday, August 2 at 6:30pm. The event is $10 at the door (including a free Rickey), and you can pick up a “Passport” at any of the competing bars and restaurants this month to try as many of the versions as you can before the contest (get ten stamps on your Passport and you get in free). As Guild President Owen Thomson says, “The Rickey is our native cocktail and designed to combat hot, muggy DC summers. We hope to pay tribute to both our history and future as a great cocktail city, as well as helping everyone stay cool.”

I think we can all get excited about that this month! So let’s explore the background of DC’s historical cooler, find out who the contestants are, and learn what makes a classic Rickey so special. Continue reading →

Business and Money, Essential DC, Food and Drink, Life in the Capital, News, The Daily Feed
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Georgetown? More Like IceCreamtown.

Photo courtesy of
‘Thirty #115’
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

With today’s opening of Georgetown Scoops, the NW neighborhood officially became IceCreamtown with 8 ice cream/froyo shops located all within a .5 mile radius of each other. The question now becomes when can you have too much ice cream? My answer today would be absolutely never.

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed, We Love Drinks
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Friday Happy Hour: Moonshine Iced Tea

Photo courtesy of
‘Easy Day’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’

Welcome to the Friday Happy Hour, your single drink primer for the weekend.

For this holiday weekend which proudly celebrates our American independence, it might be treasonous to suggest you head over to British gastro-pub AGAINN for your happy hour, but there are two words guaranteed to make me do a happy dance in the world of drinks – tinctures and tea. Add moonshine, and well, say no more.

Ace bartender JP Caceres showed me how they are serving up a Moonshine Iced Tea cocktail with inspiration coming from the past – traveling medicine shows where old wives’ wisdom in the form of specially crafted tinctures cured all ails. Your bartender will mix up the base – 1 oz of your liquor choice, 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and a highball glass is filled with crushed ice and tea. Here’s the fun part – you then get to choose from several different tea-based tinctures with delightful names (like Happy Tummy, Dawn Chorus, Easy Day) splashing a few drops into your drink to your own taste. The idea is to use some old-fashioned knowledge to self-medicate and experiment with different tastes depending on your mood. The results are lovely – flavors ranging from herbal, floral and vegetal with the alcohol just a side note to tea’s invigorating kick.

Ok, that sounds tempting Jenn, but what the heck are tinctures anyway?
Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Cupcakes: Trendy, fattening, delicious

Photo courtesy of
‘Cupcake’
courtesy of ‘christaki’

Yes, cupcakes are a trend, a fad that will probably end soon enough. But until it does, I will bide my time eating as many of them as possible and debating the merits of DC’s many, many cupcakeries. The latest installment in our city’s love affair with frosting comes in the form of a Cupcake Camp scheduled for this fall in Arlington.

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Food and Drink, We Love Food
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First Look: Morso

Morso Interior courtesy of Pepe Gomez

Since opening in May, Morso has already seen more drama than an entire season of Top Chef. Less than a month after this contemporary Turkish restaurant launched, Executive Chef Ed Witt abruptly left due to a “difference in creative philosophies.” The restaurant closed for almost two weeks to regroup, leaving its more casual sister, Morso Express, to satisfy Georgetown’s culinary cravings. Morso finally reopened last Friday with new chef Michael Steinberg at the helm. By his own admission, the self-taught Steinberg’s previous experience has largely been limited to the front of the house, making him an unusual choice to serve as top banana. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Battle of the coffee drinks (oh, it’s on)

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘erin m’

I’m a bit of a fangirl when it comes to coffee shops. Peregrine Espresso has my heart, what with it being in my neighborhood and run by some really great people (seriously, I took a photo a week of their drinks for a whole year.) But Pound Coffee, you might have just won me over. Three words, We Love DC readers, three words: Iced. Nutella. Latte.

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Entertainment, Food and Drink
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Dinner and a Movie and a Picnic Blanket

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘erin m’

Summer in Washington is full of many things we dread–humidity, mosquitoes, interns, makeshift rain ponchos–but there are those summer treats that make us swoon. For me, one such treat is the outdoor movie. And baby, D.C.’s got ’em. And what goes better with a semi-obstructed view of Meet Me in St. Louis or Shrek? Food. And lots of it. But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and a good picnic wasn’t built on Chipotle and Whole Foods hummus alone–there are many more options for the noshing movie viewer.

The District is booming with outdoor movie sites this year, though the old stalwart has and always will be Screen on the Green. Fight the crowds and jerks who bring chairs with a sandwich or hunk of delicious cheese from Cowgirl Creamery. Or if you’re in the mood to feel more European, head over to Cafe du Parc for some pastries. If, like me, your idea of a picnic involves all four food groups, your best bets are the bakery at Potenza and Ebbitt Express, though be forewarned these are primarily lunch spots and tend to close on the early side. Though you do need to plan on getting down to the Mall sometime around dawn on the day of the movie to secure a spot within a mile of the screen, so this shouldn’t be a problem. Continue reading →

All Politics is Local, Arlington, Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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President Obama Makes A Return Stop To Ray’s Hell Burger

Photo courtesy of
‘”you gonna eat that?”‘
courtesy of ‘oceandesetoiles’

It’s hot out there in the district but that won’t keep President Obama from being a gracious host to Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. The two just hit up Ray’s Hell Burger in Rosslyn where the two had burgers and shared fries together. What a touching moment for the US and Russia, sharing fries! According to Fox News’ Major Garrett Obama enjoyed a burger w/cheddar cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato & “bread & butter” pickles and Medvedev had a burger with cheddar cheese, onions, jalapenos and mushrooms.

How bold of the Russian leader to opt for the spicy on his burger!

Medvedev is in Washington today to talk with Obama about the global economy and other assorted international business stuff that World Leaders often talk about. Obama is no stranger to Ray’s, having visited the joint with VP Biden last May.

Check out more photos and video below:

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Entertainment, Food and Drink, The Features, We Love Drinks
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We Love Drinks: Dive Bars

Photo courtesy of
‘9946-27Crop’
courtesy of ‘furcafe’

With the amazing renaissance of our drinks culture in DC – the craft cocktail movement, the wine bar explosion, and the expanding beer consciousness all facing off against the slick corporate engines looking to make big bucks off bottle service and velvet ropes – it’s easy to overlook the plain ol’ dingy dive bar. But there’s a seedy side to the world of drinks in our fair capital city. And I love it.

What makes a dive bar? Can you really define it? Imagine you were a production designer for a crazy independent filmmaker, would you know what elements to include? Some might say DC is too Type A to have real dive bars, but the sleazy underbelly of politics proves that wrong. With so many bright-eyed babies coming here to “make it big” there’s bound to be a lot of disappointment. Not everybody’s a winner. And the dive bar thrives on losers.

Depressed yet? Good. Relish it. That’s part of the dive bar too. You’ve got to inhale that sick aroma, ripe from years of iqos dubai cigarette smoke and body odor, squint as you enter almost total darkness or excruciatingly bad fluorescent lighting, belly up to the bar and order a shot. Now look around. Let’s see what we have here.
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Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Top Chef DC Starts Tonight!

Photo courtesy of
‘Tom Colicchio Shankbone 2010 NYC’
courtesy of ‘david_shankbone’

Tonight’s the big debut! Top Chef in DC starts tonight on Bravo at 9pm, and we’ll be firing up the ol’ live-chat machine at 8:45 to get things rolling. I have to say, of all the reality TV that DC’s suffered through, it’s nice to finally get something that might show us the city in a respectful, non-tabloid way. The show starts at nine tonight and features several cheftestants who will be competing for the Top Chef honor, judged by this grinning man above, as well as the lovely Padma Lakshmi and Gail Simmons.

Of course there are some locals in the mix. Look for:

  • Timothy Dean, born in DC and now living in Baltimore, hon, and graduate of Howard.
  • Tamesha Warren, who is Sous Chef at The Oval Room.

Set your alarms, we’ll see you back here at 8:45 sharp for some pre-show commentary.

Adventures, Business and Money, Essential DC, Food and Drink, Life in the Capital, Special Events, The Daily Feed, The District
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Wonji Juice Comes To DC

Photo courtesy of
‘Juicing Apples’
courtesy of ‘tiffanywashko’

After Saturday night’s bender, my body and mind were begging me to consume something, anything really, that was nutrient-rich and healthy. With a frozen pizza and some left over chips my only pantry option, I dragged myself off to the nearby Whole Foods to fill my cart with leafy greens and organic goods.

When I arrived at the Georgetown temple of all things gluten and pesticide-free, I espied a new, and at that moment, perfect cure for my lingering hangover, a juice bar. Wonji Juice, the Annapolis started and based juice bar company, offers delicious and super-nutritious fruit, vegetable and superfood concoctions that address any therapeutic need (hangover, stress relief, skin health, etc.) that may be ailing you.

My cure was the Green River, which according to Wonji is a  “Vitamin and mineral dense greens for a nutritious blast! High in chlorophyll to improve blood quality and folate to help produce and maintain new cells.” I definitely picked the right juice for the occasion, and while I can’t say it immediately made my hangover go away, I could definitely tell that my body was thankful for the vitamin rich sustenance.

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Heart’s Delight at the Passenger

Photo courtesy of
‘The Passenger 8’
courtesy of ‘maxedaperture’

Charity is a good thing.  Charity plus drinking is an even better thing.  This is one of the reasons that Heart’s Delight is one of my favorite non-profits, because they consistently host charitable events that feature fine selections of alcohol, and their next event will be no different.  Heart’s Delight will be hosting a membership drive at the Passenger on Monday, June 14. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the organization and to join up.  10% of all sales will go to the American Heart Association.  I highly recommend that you check it out.

Adventures, Entertainment, Food and Drink, Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed
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Burgers, Wings & Beer; Georgetown’s latest additions

Photo courtesy of
‘Ted’s spicy wings’
courtesy of ‘rick’

This week two new restaurants open along Georgetown’s posh M Street and hope to fill some of the gaps within the neighborhoods food scene.

Opening on Thursday, the long time M Street Italian staple, News Cafe, re-brands and revamps its menu as Thunder Burger & Bar. According to Vox Populi’s exclusive interview with Thunder Burger & Bar’s GM Ryan Clarke, the establishment will offer “a fully rounded-out menu, but 95% of the focus will be on the burger.” Clarke hopes to differentiate the eatery from the  plethora of DC burger places by bringing “quality burgers back to a sit-down restaurant with a sit-down experience.” Not quite sure this is a winning strategy, especially with all the other nearby restaurants that offer fantastic burgers (J. Paul’s, Clyde’s, Martin’s, Rugby, etc.) but it will definitely be an improvement from News Cafe.

Further down the road at 3291 M Street, Georgetown Wing Co. has a soft opening this week, which features (not surprisingly) wings. The restaurant has a fantastic beer selection, because what goes better with wings than beer, and they’ll feature $1.50 Miller Lites and $3 Sam Adams Seasonal and Sierra Nevada bottles. According to their twitter profile, for Friday’s World Cup kick off, they’ll be expanding their menu to include Crêpe bunch, mimosa & draft specials. Nom.

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Sweetgreen Opens on Capitol Hill, Announces Plans in NoVa

Photo courtesy of
‘Sweetgreen #14’
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

Sweetgreen, known for their amazing salads and super tasty frozen treats, has opened up their newest location on Capitol Hill on Pennsylvania Avenue this past weekend. That makes five locations for the local chain, whose friendly staff and fresh ingredients make for a fine healthy lunchtime option for the busy folks of DC. They’ve also announced that they’re expanding into Virginia, with their first location in Reston Town Center, opening this summer.

Food and Drink, News, The Daily Feed
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RAMMY Winners Announced

Photo courtesy of
‘Birch & Barley – Churckey’
courtesy of ‘Daquella manera’

DC’s restaurant community gathered last night at the Marriott Wardman Park to celebrate their own in a black-tie 1940s-themed gala. The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington awarded the coveted RAMMY prizes last night before an audience of 1,500.

Scott Drewno from The Source by Wolfgang Puck garnered the Chef of the Year award, while Falls Church’s 2941 claimed the Fine Dining Restaurant award. 2941‘s Anthony Chavez would claim the Pastry Chef of the year award. Nicolas Stefanelli from Bibiana took home the Rising Star Award. Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s Birch & Barley claimed the Best New Restaurant prize, while BLT Steak picked up the Power Spot name. Cork Wine Bar because DC’s new best Neighborhood Gathering Place, while Alexandria’s Vermillion captured the Upscale Casual restaurant award.

Surprising no one at all, the Birch & Barley/Churchkey claimed Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene, thanks in no small part to Greg Engert’s excellent taste. Proof picked up recognition for their excellent wine program, while PS7’s just a few blocks up received the same nod for their mixology program.

Adolfo Cajchon from Seasons claimed Restaurant Employee of the Year, and Mark Politzer claimed Restaurant Manager of the Year for his work at Bourbon Steak. CoCo. Sala was voted Favorite Restaurant through online and newspaper polling.

Most interesting in this year’s awards: No honors for anyone in Maryland, nor were there any Arlington restaurants that picked up a nod in this year’s awards. Long Live the District! (Okay, and Falls Church and Old Town, too.)

Food and Drink, The Features, We Love Drinks
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We Love Drinks: Columbia Room

The Columbia Room. Photo credit: Max Cook.

Imagine a little room removed from the crazy world outside – an oasis of peace entered through a busy bar. Jars of spices line the walls, while chunks of the most pristine ice you’ve ever seen are gently melting in a wooden hangiri bowl, waiting to be carved up. Bottles stand neatly at the ready, watched over by a dapper gentleman sporting a perfect bowtie. This is the Columbia Room, and for a few blissful hours prepare to be transported to drinks nirvana, as Derek Brown brings you a “cocktail club” nestled inside The Passenger. It’s like a spa for spirit lovers, evoking a true intimacy almost lost to us in these hectic times.

I’ve been eager to try out the Columbia Room since I first heard whispers of its concept, unintentionally eavesdropping on co-owners and brothers Tom and Derek Brown before The Passenger ever opened, and it’s no secret that later The Passenger quickly became one of my favorite bars. So it was with much anticipation that I finally entered this gentle yet meticulous environment on two occasions last week – once for a class and once for service – and I can’t think why I wouldn’t be back again and again.

As with The Passenger, there’s no attitude here. All you need to get in is to find a open slot on the online reservation system and hold it with a card. You’ll be called ahead of time to confirm and review any preferences. There’s a four person maximum to each reservation, and the prixe fixe menu of $49 (tax and tip inclusive) includes a welcoming glass of champagne, the nightly cocktail paired with a small plate, and a customized cocktail. There are also weekly classes by Derek Brown and Kat Bangs for $65 covering all aspects of crafting cocktails. I had a wonderful time at Kat’s recent champagne cocktail class, learning how to make my own blackberry liqueur and sugar cubes. Both service and class are well worth it.

So, let’s decompress into cocktail transcendence…

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