By Kirk
‘Kemble Park Tavern’
courtesy of ‘ZagatBuzz’
Add Kemble Park Tavern’s Brunch Burger to the list for “DC’s Best Burger.” This time Travel + Leisure Magazine is weighing in, declaring Kemble’s to be not only DC’s best, but one of the ten best in the country. The burger is topped with bacon and a fried egg and place atop a brioche roll. I’ve never had it, but for my money, you still can’t beat Ray’s. Can any of our readers weigh in?
‘Johnnie Walker’
courtesy of ‘Suraj Baadkar’
It’s the last Tuesday of the month. What does that mean? Usually nothing. But today, that changes.
As a whiskey (and scotch … and bourbon) fan, I must admit I’m ashamed I haven’t heard of this before now, but Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar hosts a free whiskey tasting on the last Tuesday of every month.
Tonight, George Concannon is scheduled to make a presentation about the history of Johnnie Walker and serve up samples of the Black, Green, Gold and Blue label luxuries in a bottle.
The tasting starts at 7:30. Little Miss Whiskey’s is located at 1104 H Street NE.
‘WHAM!’
courtesy of ‘Cats in trees’
If there’s one thing this town knows, it’s cupcakes. In vain of that, a couple of DC’s top cupcakeries are teaming up for a Cupcake Catfight in anticipation of the Sex and the City 2.
Red Velvet and Buzz Bakery are going head-to-head in this SATC themed challenge of who can create the best movie-themed window display. You can check out the photos and place your vote on Metromix Washington or in person at their respective stores.
The winner will be announced at the film’s screening on Tuesday.
You can check out the window displays after the page jump. Continue reading
‘fresh strawberries’
courtesy of ‘K’s Clicks’
The local farmers market you’ve been hungrily stalking finally has something other than winter storage apples and root vegetables for the first time since September. You’ve been dreaming about fresh asparagus since the Second Snowpocalypse. You finally have the chance to buy strawberries that aren’t imported from Chile or someplace so… if you’re anything like me, you just bought more produce than you can possibly hope to eat because it all looked so darn good.
Don’t let it go to waste! I know, you’re just one person and you’ve got a flat of strawberries because once again, you forgot to pace yourself so you can last all strawberry season. but fear not. Here are some suggestions about what to do with all that spring produce goodness. Continue reading
By Rebecca
Morning Coffee Bar by pquill
Starting today, the Whole Foods Market (WFM) at 4420 Willard Avenue NW opens its brand spanking new, gourmet delicacy-revealing doors to the public. This latest addition to The Shops at Wisconsin Place and the Whole Foods Market chain is twice as large as the current shop on River Road and, as experienced in yesterday’s blogger preview, brings new and innovative offerings to the area and highlights local growers, products and farmers.
According to my tour guide Ellen James, Whole Foods defines the term “local” as any location within one day’s drive of the store. That means the truck needs to leave and return to the store within 24 hours. So we’re reasonably talking PA, MD, DC, VA, DE, and WV. If you really pushed it, perhaps NC, NJ, NY, etc. but WF knows that’s pushing it.
Throughout the tour it was clear that deep thought and local area market research went in to the design of this facility and hot sauce store. Not only will you find the traditional WF staples (salad bar, global cuisine bar, olive bar, meat counter, cheese shop, fish monger, soup station, etc.) but some additions and features specific to our regional palates. Continue reading
By Jenn Larsen
‘Cucumber Cocktail’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’
Welcome to the Friday Happy Hour, your single drink primer for the weekend.
Last month Samer and I were treated to a sneak peek of the incredibly refreshing cocktail Owen Thomson would mix up to inaugurate the “Farm to Glass” program in his new role at Cafe Atlantico. Beginning tonight, you can try it too. Called the Cool Hand Cuke, it has a beautiful green hue quirkily topped by a baby cucumber blossom. Perfectly balanced between vegetal and spice flavors, it features SubRosa Tarragon Infused Vodka, Black Rock Farms Baby Persian Cucumber Juice, black pepper and thyme juice and “Dr. Thomson’s” spiced liquor #2.
The “Farm to Glass” program is part of Cafe Atlantico’s Farmers’ Market Dinners, a three-course menu (priced at $45) sourced from the Penn Quarter FRESHFARM market by newly appointed head chef Richard Brandenburg and served every Friday evening during market season. The “Farm to Glass” cocktail program will complement the dinners and their seasonal ingredients.
A green cocktail for a green program. Sip up what Samer called “summer in a glass,” and don’t forget to eat the baby cucumber garnish too – it’s part of the fun!
By Katie
‘Every Food Fits: Don’t Bother Us, We’re Crabby!’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’
Summer is my favorite season, I’ve made no secret of that on this here blog over the years. DC comes alive in the summer, with events galore. And if you’re new to DC, or new to We Love DC, or even an old faithful reader (and we love you for that, truly) I just wanted to take some time to point out that we’ve got you covered for summer.
So here is my short list of things I love about summer in DC and links to articles that we’ve written in the past to help you get the most out of it. (We call this unabashedly re-purposing content.)
So without futher ado: Continue reading
By Rebecca
‘my moby dick’
courtesy of ‘cdrummbks’
Moby Dick’s House of Kabob is tasty. Nom falafel. Nom Kebob-E Kubideh. Just Nom. Too bad their small, cramped Georgetown location at 1070 31th NW does not particularly invite sit down enjoyment of Moby’s tasty Mid-eastern fare.
Then comes word and construction permits that Moby’s is expanding the Georgetown location into the adjacent, now-defunct, laundry/dry cleaning shop. This is a much welcomed development for those of us who wanted a dine-in experience to accompany our hummus. Hopefully, construction will lead to a Moby’s similar to the Dupont Circle location at 1300 Connecticut Avenue.
By Jenn Larsen
Tabard Inn's RAMMY cocktail, courtesy of ThreeLockharts
This year’s RAMMY awards mark the first time that there will be a Mixology category, which is great news for lovers of craft cocktails. To help celebrate, from now til June 3 every time you purchase one of the RAMMY cocktails at the five restaurants nominated for “Mixology/Beverage Program of the Year,” you’ll be entered in a contest to win two free tickets to the 2010 RAMMY awards gala on June 6. Just purchase one of the featured cocktails below, fill out an information card, and the winner will be chosen at random.
I don’t think you need more incentive than that, so I’ll skip my usual flowery language and just encourage you to head over and sample the following drinks (riffing on this year’s Casablanca theme, “We’ll Always Have… Restaurants”): Continue reading
By Donna C.
‘froyo’
courtesy of ‘laurarotondo’
The eco-conscious Sweetflow Mobile will be making stops in Virginia today and DC tomorrow to celebrate the 11 Kimpton Hotels that were recently Green Seal Certified at the Silver Level — meaning they’ve achieved standards to minimize waste, conserve energy, manage fresh water and waste water, prevent pollution, and commit to environmentally sensitive purchasing.
Be one of the first 50 when the truck arrives at each hotel, and you can get a free cone with one topping, such as strawberries, granola, or organic chocolate chips. You also can enter a raffle for a free weekend getaway at each hotel and get the “inside scoop” on the company’s more than 80 green products and practices.
Where and when: Virginia – Today at Hotel Palomar Arlington (3:15 p.m.), Hotel Monaco Alexandria (4:45 p.m.), Morrison House (5:30 p.m.), and Lorien Hotel & Spa (6:15 p.m.); DC – Friday at Hotel George (10 a.m.), Hotel Monaco Washington DC (11 a.m.), Helix Hotel (Noon), Hotel Rouge (3 p.m.), Topaz Hotel (4 p.m.), Hotel Madera (5 p.m.), and Hotel Palomar Washington DC (6 p.m.).
By Jenn Larsen
‘Bistro Lepic 01’
courtesy of ‘maxedaperture’
Last Saturday afternoon, a small group of us were lucky to attend a wine tasting at Bistrot Lepic, courtesy of managing partner Cyrille Brenac. Tucked into a cosy sun-drenched room at the back of the upstairs wine bar, far from the chaos of the crowds on Embassy Row, fellow WLDC author Max and I joined a few readers to learn more about French wine from one of the top authorities in the city. Sampling eight wines in two hours – four whites and four reds from various regions in France – we came away more comfortable on the subject and eager to learn more.
Throughout, I was amazed by the vast knowledge Cyrille shared and though I’ll try to hit the highlights, I can’t hope to replicate it. Luckily, every Tuesday evening from 6pm to 9pm, you can attend a complimentary wine tasting there yourself and I highly recommend it.
So, where to start… How about the mystery behind how you actually taste wine? What are you supposed to do when the glass is placed before you? What about that pesky cork? Continue reading
By Donna C.
David Romanelli leads a yoga pose. Photo credit: Lindley Thornburg
When you go to an event called “Yoga for Foodies,” it’s hard to know just what to expect. Is someone going to pop a chocolate-dipped strawberry in your mouth as you strike a triangle pose? Is it going to be pretentious? And most of all, are you going to have to sit in a fancy restaurant in your yoga clothes, all sweaty after an hour of backbends and other contortions?
Thankfully, at last Friday’s event at Zola with David Romanelli, the answer to all those questions was no. The food followed the class, the atmosphere was relaxing, dinner was served in a private space near the yoga floor, and the class was calm enough to leave us un-mussed. Whew.
What Romanelli delivered was a time-out, a chance to stretch quietly after a busy week, lie on the floor, and really listen to him. His mission, he said, was simple: To help us slow down and savor life.
Continue reading
By Rebecca
‘Taco Truck Love.’
courtesy of ‘nikkiprice’
Yesterday, I received a distressed email from a friend of mine about the fate of the much loved Rosslyn, VA breakfast burrito truck, District Taco (DT). And yes, I’m well aware of the hypocrisy of a taco truck calling itself “District Taco” when it primarily operates in the NoVa corridor. But a good breakfast burrito is a good breakfast burrito, and worth saving.
According to a message on District Taco’s facebook page, the next door Baja Fresh filed a complaint to Monday Properties, the company that rents DT its morning operational space, that DT was stealing too much of their business. Consequentially, Monday Properties raised the rent on DT forcing the truck’s owner, Osiris Hoil, out of his usual Rosslyn morning location.
Really, Baja Fresh?!! Really?!! District Taco is “stealing” your business? Isn’t this just some plain, good old American capitalism? Was DT’s superior product hurting your little feelings? Perhaps, you should stop whining about DT and focus your efforts on making a better breakfast burrito. Bam!
Fortunately, via District Taco’s twitter account, Mr. Hoil has not given up on Rosslyn and his loyal breakfast followers. He is currently working with Arlington to find a new location just down the street. Hope to see you back in action real soon, District Taco.
By Jenn Larsen
‘Inaugural stroll’
courtesy of ‘IntangibleArts’
Celebrate the little pub that could! Duffy’s Anniversary party is tomorrow night – Tuesday, May 11 – and to mark the birthday of a local watering hole that’s no pretension and all good vibes, head over between 5pm and 10pm for free Buffalo wings (while they last, you gluttons!) and lots of free swag including t-shirts to the first 100 patrons.
You may think I’m all craft cocktails and champagne but darlings, I love a good honest pub and Duffy’s is my neighborhood favorite, with a likeable staff and lively regulars. So throw some darts, play some pool, have many Guinness, and be sure to congratulate owner Andy Duffy on making it happen for four years running! You may even be able to convince someone to do a whiskey shot. That someone may or may not be me.
‘Betty White’
courtesy of ‘tgkohn’
Remember how hilarious Betty White was in the Super Bowl Snickers commercial?
The answer should be: of course I do! But in case you don’t, here’s a refresher:
After her funny stint playing football on TV, the former Golden Girls star received an increased interest by American’s possessed by pop culture antics to host Saturday Night Live.
Those hungry for pop culture had their prayers answered and Betty’s scheduled to host this Saturday (aka tomorrow) and DC’s Duplex Diner in Adams Morgan is celebrating the occasion with Betty White-themed drink specials, prizes, a Betty White costume competition, and more.
Party starts at 10.
By Rebecca
‘feeding my grasshopper visitor’
courtesy of ‘TheAlieness GiselaGiardino²³’
Bags of romaine lettuce sold under the Freshway Foods, Freshway and Imperial Sysco brands are being recalled because of a possible link to the E. coli outbreak.
According to the Washington Times, “The recalled lettuce has a “best if used by” date of May 12 or earlier. The recall also affects “grab and go” salads sold at Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets and Marsh grocery stores.”
The lettuce was sold in DC and 23 other states and is thought to be responsible for 22 cases of E. coli in New York, Michigan and Ohio.
By Jenn Larsen
‘Glorious Cheese’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’
When last we met for an epic drinks smackdown back in March, fellow WLDC author Kirk and I had our preconceived notions of which paired better with food – wine or beer – challenged and in some cases totally overthrown. I left with a heightened appreciation for beer and a fascination with the subject of food pairings. So when I was invited to attend National Geographic Live’s A Come to Cheeses Moment: Wine vs. Beer event, where beer and wine would duke it out over best pairing with cheese, it took little to convince me.
Wouldn’t you know that earlier in the day I was advised to kick the dairy habit for two weeks thanks to suspected lactose intolerance (my reaction? censored!). So my second drinks smackdown fittingly became farewell to my beloved cheese. Forgive me then if this reads more as an ode to cheese than to drinks! Sigh. I inhaled deeply as I entered the Grosvenor Auditorium at the National Geographic headquarters, redolent with the stinky glorious aroma, ready to say good-bye.
It was a packed house, and we were incredibly lucky in our three distinguished (and humorous) presenters – Steven Jenkins, Joshua Wesson and Nick Funnell. Both Jenkins and Wesson are regular on NPR’s The Splendid Table – Jenkins is the first American to win the prestigious title Chevalier du Taste Fromage and Wesson is the author of Red Wine With Fish and a top sommelier, having opened Best Cellars in 1996. Funnell is the brewmaster for the Great American Restaurants chain and a winner at the Great American Beer Festival. They had an amazing depth of knowledge that I can’t hope to replicate, but I’ll try to give you a taste.
All of the cheese served was from raw milk, and Jenkins did point out that he had chosen obscure cheeses which might be difficult for us to get ourselves (you’ve just been challenged!). The price point of the wine was very reasonable, Wesson indicated, around $15 a bottle. Funnell had picked all local beers at roughly $7 a pint.
So let’s dive in! Continue reading
By Rebecca
‘_MG_0683’
courtesy of ‘logan.brown’
Even though I won’t be around to witness its opening weekend, I’m super pumped that the Glover Park-Burleith Farmers’ Market debuts this Saturday from 9am-1pm.
This producer-only farmers market features local fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, eggs, plants, cut flowers, handmade soap, pasta, gelato and more. A different bluegrass band will be there every week to provide live music to the dog-friendly market. In 2010, the market hopes to offer additional features, such as bike clinics, live-chef demonstrations and garden/composting workshops.
The market is located in the parking lot of the Hardy Middle School, just across the street from the newly opened Social Safeway. The market will run every Saturday, rain or shine, until October 30th.
By Rebecca
SupermarketGladiators
At 8:05am this morning, literally minutes after the new Social Safeway opened its doors to public, and the competition between the super giant and the Whole Foods up the street had already begun.
As I walked down Wisconsin Avenue, the former Pizza Hut, located directly across the street from Whole Foods entrance and parking garage was being decorated with a big bright banner/decal that read “Hungry Georgetown? Safeway: We are just down the block.” How neighborly and friendly of the Safeway to let Whole Foods know they’re there for them. I mean WF might indeed be hungry and in need of a good sandwich.
In all seriousness, I’m all about some good competition. WF has had it made since the Social Safeway closed last year for renovations leaving Glover Park, Burleith and Georgetown residents sans a non-organic, “non-gourmet,” whole paycheck devouring grocery store. Advertising the new Safeway directly across the street from WF is a genius marketing maneuver by Safeway. Well done sirs. Well done.
Shop Around The Corner
By Kirk
‘Interior of saloon, Everett’
courtesy of ‘UW Digital Collections’
This is a shameful moment for me. Coors, the brewer that brought us the swill that’s “as cold as the Rockies” has developed a beer that I’m a touch excited about. Maybe excited is too strong a word. I’m intrigued. Batch 19, a new lager from Coors, is being tested in DC at a few select locations. The beer is modeled off of a pre-prohibition era recipe and promises “a bold hoppy flavor that is surprisingly well balanced.” DC is one of five cities in the country that Batch 19 is being shipped to, so, at the very least drinking it will be a unique experience. As to the actual quality of the brew, I guess we’ll have to wait and see. You can get Batch 19 starting this month at Iron Horse, the Saloon, 18th Amendment and We the Pizza.
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