Today is a big day for Dining in DC author, Lisa Shapiro. She has accepted a new job working in Silver Spring, MD. Not only is this new position a great opportunity professionally, it is also an opportunity to expand the scope of Dining in DC. Silver Spring is not a new territory for Lisa, per se since she spent 18 years of her life living in the area.
Stay tuned for Lisa’s reports from her adventures in good ol’ MoCo!
Filed under: Announcements | Tagged: Silver Spring | 1 Comment »
It’s going to be a super duper busy week in DC Feb. 11-14. The International Wine & Food Festival is just around the corner with a four-day festival of Grand Tastings, champagne brunch and restaurant wine dinners lined-up. The food this year is cool, too as they are doing a street-foods pavilion where Embassy Chefs will be presenting authentic street snacks & fare from their countries. They are also doing some cool events like wine & cheese pairings and showing movies on a big screen with wine and munchies.
In February, the 11th Annual Washington D.C. International Wine & Food Festival will celebrate the world of wine, food and culture, and shine a light on our city’s diversity and prominence as a world-class destination for wine and food. Washington is a place where diverse cultures meld and those connections are forged and maintained through wine and food; the 11th Annual Festival will commemorate the city’s gastronomic ethnicity and express its multinational lifestyle. More than just a simple tasting, the D.C. International Wine & Food Festival goes beyond a sip and a snack to give Washingtonians a taste of the delectable wine and food available right here in the city—and around the world.
Wines of the world—and the variety of fare that goes along with them—is the theme of the four-day premier festival in our nation’s capital, and event participants will highlight D.C.’s culinary diversity at the main Grand Tasting event as well as in other happenings throughout the weekend. The opening reception at Equinox Thursday, Feb. 11 will feature some of the more than 600 wines available at the festival paired with global hors d’oeuvres dreamed up by Chef Todd Gray. A wine and cheese pairing Friday, Feb. 12 will offer a countless number of specialty cheeses and accompanying wines imported from the far reaches of the globe. Local restaurants will be holding special-menu Winemaker Dinners throughout the weekend, and the festival will wrap up with a Champagne Brunch to benefit D.C. Central Kitchen, as well as a Film Night featuring the film Bottle Shock, which tells the story of how California’s Montelana Winery challenged France’s position as the world’s top winery Sun-day, Feb. 14.
During the Grand Tasting Feb. 13-14, international dishes will be served in a street festival setting with chefs and wineries collaborating on food and wine pairings. Brought to D.C. by The Washington Post in conjunction with other partners, the show will give visitors the opportunity to sample a host of wines from international producers, matched with street style cuisine prepared by representatives from the participating countries. Embassy chefs will add an authentic flavor to the experience during food and wine competitions to be judged by local experts in the field. Tickets are available at http://wineandfooddc.com/Tickets.html.
While the Grand Tasting and Street Fare Food Show is a highlight, D.C.-based chefs and restaurants are hosting a range of other events from Feb. 11-14 as part of the festival. A full schedule and list of participants is available at http://wineandfooddc.com/Events.html.
Use discount code PUN10 for $15 off.
Filed under: Restaurant Information/Press | Tagged: Discount code Food and Wine Festival | Leave a Comment »
Photo courtesy of http://kashifiat.files.wordpress.com
If you haven’t already heard … here’s what all the Hush Hush is about! You might hear about it via word of mouth, through tweets, emails from friends … but addresses, phone numbers, and open doors are not. Send an email, wait for a response and always knock. A cocktail awaits inside. So, what is all the “Hush” about? A brand new secret supper club called “HUSH” in the U Street neighborhood of Washington, DC, has just ’opened’. I hadn’t heard of this movement of unofficial eating establishments before today, so I’m no expert. Geeta, the cook and raconteur of Hush contacted me recently. She said, “At HUSH, we serve sumptuous, organic, Indian vegetarian meals in a beautiful home. During the meal, we tell stories about the spices, origins/history of the food, and maybe even a joke or two.” At each supper, the chef will give a spice tour and explain the origins of each meal. Reserve a seat at the social table, here strangers become friends, or request a table in the Salon for an intimate meal. Want to know more? See “How it Works“. Dine with the chef. She’s part cook, part hostess, part storyteller, part waitress, and all smiles.
Geeta said, “I am very excited and a bit nervous. I’ve had such a response in so short a time! I decided all of this only 6 weeks ago when I heard about underground restaurants at a dinner party. It’s the perfect marriage of so many things I love!” Hush will offer Indian vegetarian meals that you won’t find in any restaurant.”
Hush "Dining Room"
HUSH is about storytellers and their stories. Join Geeta every Monday for a new tale. Next Monday, she will begin at the beginning. Namely, the state of Gujarat and the story of a shepherd turned child prince willing to try anything put on his thali (plate). Geeta said, “My family is from India and I was the first ‘American’ baby, born in Chicago. But I’ve visited Indian probably 20 times so it’s very much a part of my life. Also, I speak Gujarati (the regional language spoken in my home) well and understand a lot of Hindi so I’m able to interact and understand when I’m there.”
Geeta knows that with Valentine’s day coming up and says, ” There is too much demand from couples and not enough from single men! I’m single so it’s not the such a bad idea for me either!” Hush will offer a special Valentine’s menu, with the use of aphrodisiacs in Indian food. Geeta says, “Most of what most people associate is Western – oysters, chocolate, champagne, etc.” but she plans a special surprise like nothing you have ever experienced. In addition, Geeta has changed the dinners so that only Feb 14 is for singles. There will do a monthly singles night if it seems popular. Why not bring people together over a meal?
HUSH is also a writing project dedicated to telling stories of Indian cuisine and culture and a childhood spent in a Gujarati kitchen. Every Monday, Geeta will post a new story. Check out her blog.
HUSH is accepting reservations for a special ‘Single Hearts’ dinners over Valentine’s Day weekend – February 13 and 14. (Only for singles.) hushreservations@gmail.com
Mums NOT the word … feel free to tell all of your friends or make new ones while dining at the social table.
www.hushsupperclub.wordpress.com
Twitter: @hushsupperclub
Filed under: Restaurant Information/Press | Tagged: DC, Geeta, Hush, Hush Supper Club, U Street | 3 Comments »
Art and Soul located on Capitol Hill, is hosting a cooking class geared towards men looking to celebrate the big V-day by surprising their sweerheard with a home cooked romantic dinner. This Saturday, January 30th, Executive Chef Travis Timberlake will provide a cooking demonstration to teach guys how to prepare a romantic four-course meal at home for their loved one. The idea is to teach men how to cook their sweethearts an exquisite four-course Valentine’s Day feast.
During the Valentine’s Day inspired cooking demonstration on Saturday, January 30th, Timberlake will teach guys how to prepare a sumptuous four-course menu for their sweethearts including Salmon and Caviar Hoecake; Shrimp Bisque; Roasted Duck for two with risotto and black truffles; and Chocolate Crème Brûlée with sliced strawberries. Additionally, guests will learn how to break down a whole duck and prepare it for roasting as well as pick up tips on wine pairings for the menu.
Travis Timberlake during cooking demonstration. Photo by Lisa Shapiro
Class participants will receive a recipe booklet featuring all the dishes and a goodie bag of select ingredients to help make home cooking a little easier. Priced at $50 per person, the class takes place from noon – 2p.m. and includes passed hors d’ouevres to munch on. Seating is limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. To make a reservation, please visit www.artandsouldc.com.
For those looking to share a romantic night out on February 14th, Art and Soul’s soft lighting and private nooks are perfect for cozying up over an intimate Valentine’s Day Dinner. Timberlake will prepare a special three-course V-Day menu for two – designed for couples to share – and accompanied by a complimentary champagne cocktail with strawberry-basil foam and sliced strawberries. The menu starts with a Shrimp and Grits amuse bouche; for the first course each guest has a choice of a Winter Greens salad, Oysters on the Half Shell or Seared Foie Gras; the entrée served for two includes a choice of Bone-in Prime Ribeye, Lola Duck, Crispy Whole Fish or Herb Roasted Pork Rack; and for dessert, a choice of Tartlette Trio for Two, Spiced Chocolate Pudding or Blood Orange Mousse.A vegetarian option is available upon request and the regular menu is also being served. (For the full Valentine’s Day menu see below.)
Seating for Art and Soul’s Valentine’s Day dinner begin at 5:30 p.m. Prices range from $90 – $120 per couple depending on entrée choice. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 202-393-7777 or visiting www.artandsouldc.com.
Filed under: Restaurant Information/Press | Tagged: Art and Soul, Cooking Class, Travis Timberlake, Valentine's day cooking, Valentine's Day dinner | 1 Comment »
Yes, it’s that time AGAINN. *wink* Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.
Come join local food bloggers and food lovers at our monthly happy hour. Yep, its the first Wednesday of every month. The February happy hour is at Againn - the new British inspired gastropub. The bar is located where 11th Street, I Street, and New York Avenue NW meet (this bar is located within walking distance of Metro Center and Chinatown/Gallery Place). To get the $5 happy hour special, be sure to get there before 7pm. Please RSVP in the comments on Slyvie’s Blog. And if you need a reson to come beside hanging out with the best foodies in the city, try the food! I’ve been there and I can attest to the great fare!
Special thanks to Thrifty DC Cook for making the arrangements and thanks to the rest of planning committee, Modern Domestic, Beer Spotter, Biscuits and Such, Capital Cooking, Capital Spice, Common Man Eats, Dining in DC, Gradually Greener, and We Love DC.
I almost forgot, please RSVP via the comment section Thrifty DC Cook.
For pictures from the last FIVE Food Blogger happy hours, see Mary Cunningham’s blog, as the Arugula Files.
V: Potluck on U Street (see MY write up on Dining in DC)
IV: Churchkey
III: Black Squirrel
Filed under: Restaurant Information/Press | Tagged: Againn, DC Food Blogger Happy Hour | Leave a Comment »
Red Cross cupcakes at Buzz Bakery
A few DC area restaurants are doing all that they can to help with the relief effort of Haiti survivors. Some are holding fundraisers, others are donating proceeds of sales, offering to match employee donations, some are doing a combination of efforts. Please patronize these restaurants’ to show your support for their efforts.
The Neighborhood Restaurant Group (NRG) is designating special menu items, wines and beers at each one of their restaurants and proceeds from the sales of these selections will be donated to Red Cross and the Haitian Emergency Rebuilding Operation (H.E.R.O). All the items will be marked with a red cross on the restaurants’ menus, so guests can easily identify the dishes that are part of the fundraising efforts. In addition, the NRG is hosting a fundraiser at the Columbia Firehouse on Wednesday, January 20 from 6 to 9 pm with a former employee and his wife who just survived the earthquake. A $40 donation per guest is requested and included Columbia Firehouse will serve complimentary hors d’oeuvres at the benefit. All proceeds will go to H.E.R.O. Frank Thorp V, formerly a Rustico employee, now working as an American aid worker, was in the mountains 100 miles away from Port-au-Prince when the earthquake struck but his wife, Jillian, was trapped in the wreckage the Mission House for the Haitian Ministries building. He left the city immediately, and after nearly 10 hours pinned beneath the rubble, Frank pulled Jillian from the pile of concrete, bricks and wood. She survived with miraculously minor injuries.
From the newly created Red Cross cupcakes available at Buzz, the Evening Star Cafe and Star Catering to many of the wines on offer at Tallula, Columbia Firehouse, and the Evening Star Cafe along with a smart selection of beers on tap at Rustico, Birch & Barley and ChurchKey – they’ve made giving something delicious as well. Each of these items and more will be identified on their menus with a red cross. The proceeds from the sales of these selections will be donated to both H.E.R.O and the Red Cross. Additionally, each restaurant will have old school giving jars prominently displayed at each location for a quick donation. Every little bit helps.
Local DC Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj, owner of seven of Washington’s most prominent restaurants has announced a month-long fundraiser to benefit the American Red Cross Relief for Haiti. Bajaj has encouraged his employees to donate to the cause and has vowed to match their donation dollar for dollar. In addition, Bajaj is reaching out to patrons for their support in a month-long showcase of signature items from his award-winning restaurants including 701, Ardeo/Bardeo, Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca, The Bombay Club, Oval Room, and Rasika. From January 19th to February 19th , when guests enjoy the featured appetizer and/or main course, a dollar from the sale of each of these dishes will be donated to the cause. The team of talented chefs has chosen some of the most popular items on their menus, optimizing the amount of proceeds that will be donated to American Red Cross Relief for Haiti. The showcased items include 701’s King Crab Salad and Grilled Branzino, Ardeo’s “Big One’s” Mussels and Cider Braised Beef Short Ribs, Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca’s Polpettine, Veal Meat Balls in Sugo Finto and Spaghetti Nero, Black Spaghetti, Louisiana Jumbo Lump Crab, The Bombay Club’s Spicy duck Kababs and Tandoori Salmon, The Oval Room’s Roasted Baby Beets and Butter Poached Lobster, and Rasika’s Palak Chaat and Black Cod.
TRYST, the DINER and OPEN CITY will donate 100% of their sales of drink specials to the UNICEF fund for Haitian Earthquake Survivors. The drink specials include Sierra Nevada Pale Ale at the DINER, the Creamsicle Cooler Open City and any coffee beverage with a shot of Bailey’s at Tryst. These specials will be running all weekend, starting at 10am Friday, January 15, through midnight on Sunday, January 17. “UNICEF’s priority is to make sure that Haiti’s children get vital help as soon as possible,” says Manager Jocelyne DeHaas, “100% of every dollar you spend on this special will support UNICEF’s relief efforts for children in Haiti. It’s that easy.” (Photo courtesy of s_lengvt via photobucket)
Busboys and Poets – The U Street restaurant offers an open mike forum on Sunday, Jan. 17, for anyone who wants to discuss their thoughts or concerns about the situation in Haiti through poetry or song. Poets Benny Blaq and Komplex and musicians Kyonte DeAngelo Redman are among the performers. A suggested donation of $10 will be taken for the Yele Earthquake Fund and Partners in Health.
The Passenger – Derek Brown’s new hot watering hole located at 1021 7th St., NW will donate 25 percent of its sales and all of its staff tips to the International Red Cross on Monday, Jan. 18. Please support their efforts and patronize these very generous establishments.
Filed under: Restaurant Information/Press | Tagged: DC, Haiti, Haiti recovery | 2 Comments »
The Bombay Club
After DC area socialites, Michaele Salahi and her husband, Tareq, made headlines by so-called “crashing” President Obama’s first State Dinner, there was a great deal of concern that the White House security procedures were inadequate. There are reports that these supposed, “crashers” were in fact invited. Maybe it’s just a cover up … we won’t ever really know, just like the JFK assignation. No matter … we have moved on as the nation’s capital. In fact, we’re going to have our *own* dinner … right next door from the White house! And even better, everyone is invited – for a small fee, of course.
Photo courtesy of Washington Flyer, by Joshua Roberts
Acclaimed restaurateur Ashok Bajaj has a special invitation for those Washingtonians who were not invited to President Obama’s first State Dinner in honor of His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh Prime Minister of the Republic of India and Mrs. Gursharan Kaur.
On Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 7:30 p,m, The Bombay Club, just steps from the White House at 815 Connecticut Ave. NW, will attempt to duplicate the official Obama State Dinner menu … and only a reservation is required, no party crashing is necessary. The four-course menu will be priced at $65 (excluding tax and tip) and a wine pairing option featuring the same selection of wines from the State Dinner will be available for $25 per person. Preparing the dinner will be a talented team of chefs from Bajaj’s sister restaurants including Executive Chef Nilesh Singhvi of The Bombay Club, Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam of Rasika and Pastry Chef Adrienne Czechowski of The Oval Room.
The menu will showcase dishes from the actual State Dinner: Potato Eggplant Salad; Red Lentil Soup with Fresh Cheese; Roasted Potato Dumplings with Tomato Chutney, Chick Peas and Okra; Green Curry Prawns, Caramelized Salsify with Smoked Collard Greens and Coconut Aged Basmati. For dessert Pumpkin Pie Tart with Pear Tatin will be presented along with an assortment of Petits Fours.
Celebrating 21 years as Washington’s famed power dining location, The Bombay Club, which opened in 1988, has been revered by presidents and the political elite. It features a beautiful updated décor reminiscent of the old clubs in India. Esteemed guests who have frequented the restaurant included Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Former President George H. W. Bush, President Nelson Mandela and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to name a few. From the silver screen, notable stars such as Harrison Ford, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have also been fans of the authentic Indian fare. Since opening The Bombay Club, Ashok Bajaj has added several other highly successful restaurants to his collection in the nation’s capital, including 701, the Oval Room, Ardeo, Bardeo, Rasika and the newly opened Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca.
Filed under: Restaurant Information/Press | Tagged: Ardeo, Ashok Bajaj, Bardeo, Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca, Crashers, Dr. Manmohan Singh, India, Nilesh Singhvi, Obama State Dinner, Rasika, State Dinner, The Bombay Club, The State Dinner | Leave a Comment »
DC’s official Winter Restaurant Week starts today, Monday, Janurary 11 and runs through the 17th. Click here for listings and descriptions of participating restaurants and their menus. Lunch (3 courses $20.10); Dinner (3 courses $35.10).
Also, Here are my DC Restaurant Week Top Ten Picks and Tips on how to chose RW restaurants wisely and get the best bang for your buck. The following restaurants have extended their restaurant week promotions.
The following restaurants have extended their restaurant week promotions, if you can’t make it out this week. See below for list of RW Extentions:
1789: Jan 11-31
2941: Jan 4-29
Adour: thru Jan 23
Art & Soul: thru Jan 24
Bangkok Joe’s: thru Jan 31
Bastille: thru Jan 23
Cafe Atlantico: thru Jan 24
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse – thry January 21st
Circle Bistro: thru Jan 24
Co Co Sala: thru Jan 20
Darlington House: thru Jan 24
Dino: Jan 4-31
Hudson: thru Jan 31
Jaleo: thru Jan 24
J&G Steakhouse: thru Jan 31
Kinkead’s: thru Jan 22
Mie N Yu: thru 24
Kora: Jan 1-31
Nage: thru Jan 24
Notti Bianche: thru Jan 24
Oyamel: thru Jan 24
Perry’s: thru Jan 31
Policy: thru Jan 24
Redwood: thru Jan 24
Restaurant 3: thru Jan 24
Spezie: thru Jan 23
Teatro Goldoni: thru Jan 24
Tuscana West: January 11th
Teatro Goldoni: thru Jan 24
Urbana: thru Jan 24
Willow: thru Jan 23
Zaytinya: thru Jan 24
Zengo: thru Jan 24
Zola: thru Jan 24
Come back after Restaurant Week for a recap, including interviews with Chefs and restaurants about their successes and best dishes.
** Also Alexandria Restaurant Week will begin right smack dab in the middle of DC’s on January 15th with prix-fixe three-course dinners for $35 and, at some participating restaurants a dinner for two is just $35. Baltimore Restaurant Week spans both; it runs from Jan. 22 to Feb. 7.
Restaurants offering meals for two for $35:
Austin Grill
Bombay Curry Company
Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar
Chadwicks Old Town
Cheesetique
Dishes of India
Duke’s Bar & Grill
FireFlies
Fontaine Caffe & Creperie
King Street Blues
Mango Mike’s
Monroe’s, An American Trattoria
Murphy’s Irish Pub
Overwood
Ramparts
Sapore Italian Ristorante
Thailand on Royal Street
Villa Di’Este
Filed under: Restaurant Information/Press | Tagged: DC Restaurant Week, DC Restaurant Week 2010, DC Restaurant Week Menus, Top Ten Picks | Leave a Comment »
Ever noticed how you feel warmer when you’re having a glass of wine or alcholic beverage? It’s not in your mind. It actually does warm the body. What better way to warm the body and the soul than with a wonderful glass of wine at Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar, the quintessential neighborhood French bistro in upper Georgetown.
Photo by Michael's Associates (UK)
Now every Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 pm at Bistrot Lepic Washingtonians may enjoy complimentary French wine tastings. This special offering is ongoing, and available only in the 20-seat, upstairs Wine Bar, which has a contemporary French-Asian atmosphere complete with wine racks, cork flooring and cube tables with coconut shell inlay. Wines change weekly and are selected by French-born Cyrille Brenac, Co-Owner and Managing Partner of the restaurant.
Tastings on tap for January include: Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top Champagne and Rosé Brut Champagne on December 15th; El Molinet, Do from Valencia, Spain, and 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Quincy, Domaine de Chevilly on December 22nd; Non vintage Vouvray Sparkling, Domaine Champalou, NV Vin du Bugey, Cerdon from Patrick Bottex on December 29th, as well as 2007 Patrick Lessec Bouquet- Cote du Rhone and 2007 le mérites de l’enclave, les vignerons de Visan on January 12th.
For those guests who wish to stay for a bite to eat, Executive Chef Simon Ndjiki-Nya features seasonal French fare with menu items ranging from $7 to $25.95. Winter highlights include Pumpkin Soup with Duck Confit; Endive Salad with Apples, Walnuts and Blue Cheese; Home made Country Pâté with Prunes and Armagnac; Sautéed Sea Scallops with Ginger Broccoli Mousse and Light Ginger Butter, as well as Duck Confit, Lamb, Toulouse Garlic Sausage and Cannellini Bean Stew. For the perfect ending, an assortment of house-made tarts including Pear, Apple and Double Chocolate with Crème Anglaise are always available with prices ranging from $5.50 to $8 each.
Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar is located at 1736 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007 in Georgetown. Open daily for lunch (11:30 AM to 2:30 pm) and for dinner Sunday and Monday (5:30 pm to 9:30); Tuesday through Thursday (5:30 pm to 10); Friday and Saturday (5:30 pm to 10:30). The 20-seat Wine Bar is also open daily from 5:30 PM to 12 Midnight. For reservations or additional information please call (202) 333-0111 or visit www.bistrotlepic.com.
Filed under: Restaurant Information/Press | Tagged: Bistrot Lepic, Free Wine Tasting, Georgetown, Wine Bar | 1 Comment »
Photo by Bisnow.com: DC food bloggers happy hour Co-hosts: ModernDomestic’s Jenna Huntsberger, Gradually Greener’s Amelia Showalter,The Arugula Files’ Mary Cunningham, Capital Cooking’s Lauren DeSantis, and DininginDC’s Lisa Shapiro.
Thanks to everyone who came out last night to the 5th Food Blogger Happy Hour. Last night was out first ever, “Potluck” and it was a huge success! There were tons of great food and desserts. I made two different kinds of brownies: one with toffee topping and one with peppermint patties. There were several others who brought brownies, including Elyssa of State Dinner. I think she beat me, hands down. I don’t mind either.
Olga's Macaroons
Some of the evenings favorites were Modern Domestic’s Blue Cheese tarts, ThriftyDC Cook Slyvie’s spicy Tom Yum Goong soup, and my friend Olga Berman of Mango and Tomato made some great macaroons. In addition, blogger Pete Bakes brought some yummy brownies and Johnna Knows Good Food made a onion dip. Thanks to Capital Cooking Show’s Lauren DeSantis who hosted our group at her condo’s party room on 14th Street’s Union Row.
Slyvie is already working hard to plan our next Food Blogger Happy Hour which will take place on the 1st Wednesday in February (Feb 3rd).
For pictures from the last three Food Blogger happy hour, see Mary Cunningham’s blog, as the Arugula Files.
IV: Churchkey
III: Black Squirrel
Filed under: Restaurant Information/Press | Tagged: DC Food Blogger Happy Hour | 4 Comments »
