Miss Lemmonex tagged me, and, because I love her so, today you’re getting a meme! Thank her if you like it, blame her if you hate it. :-) This is going to be hard, since I have my “101 things” list already published on this site, but I should have enough neuroses to go around.
1) When I change the volume on the television set, it has to end up on an even number. I get really freaked out otherwise. This behavior simultaneously annoys and fascinates my roommates.
2) Here are the things I’m most looking forward to as I prepare to move to Atlanta: living closer to my folks, never being more than a few miles from Chick-fil-a, the Georgia Aquarium, greater grocery store variety, accessibility to live college football, cooking in my parents’ HUGE kitchen, reuniting with wonderful old friends, warmer weather, bring driving distance to Charleston and Savannah, and having the space to get a dog.
3) Here are the things I’m least looking forward to: driving (and paying for gas and car insurance), living so far away from my sister (though she’s moving to San Fran, so that’s her fault), living so far away from New York, not being able to buy beer on Sundays, leaving my amazing DC friends, not having as many farmers market options, not having as vibrant of a restaurant/foodie community (though I don’t think it’s as lackluster as people claim), and the anxiety of starting a new job.
4) Speaking of my new job, while I am anxious and have a lot to learn, I am really looking forward to the challenge. In a nutshell, I’ll be helping severely disabled veterans (for example, those who are in wheelchairs or who have lost limbs) obtain grant funds to adapt their homes. I can’t imagine a more rewarding position, though I will probably have to invest in the Kleenex corporation due to the amount of crying I will do on the way home from work every day.
5) I met my boyfriend on Craigslist. We’ve been together going on three years.
6) I enjoy really bitter, hoppy beers and dry, acidic wines, but I like my coffee and tea insanely sweet.
7) I’ve decided to take the Georgia bar exam in February 2009, even though a) my job does not require it, b) I’m already licensed in Maryland and DC, and c) it will be incredibly costly and unpleasant. My boyfriend will be taking it then as well, so I decided it would be great if we could serve as each other’s support system. Plus, it never hurts to have something like that as a “just in case,” ya know?
Back to the food soon, y’all…have a great Monday!
No, not THAT kind of sausage-fest, you dirty birds. An actual festival of sausage, courtesy of Chef Gillian Clark and the fine folks at Colorado Kitchen!
When we visited for dinner a few weeks ago, we noticed that the table tents were advertising an event called “Bangers and Beer.” Intrigued, my boyfriend and I coughed up the $45 per person fee and got our names on the list. I must admit, I was skeptical that we’d get our money’s worth. However, when we returned on the eve of the blessed event (which was held on a day when the restaurant is usually closed), we were treated to an incredible variety of sausages and suds, the latter of which came from the Oskar Blues Brewery and were all in cans.
The first round was homemade (by Chef Clark) seafood sausage with braised cabbage. The sausage was delicious, and the cabbage was tender and mild. The second round was maharlika longanissa (a Polynesian pork sausage) with pineapple salsa. YUM–probably my favorite of the evening, the meaty sausage meshed perfectly with the sweet, slightly tangy pineapple. Both of these dishes were paired with the Ten Fidy Imperial Stout (10% ABV). I was VERY concerned about how a stout would taste with something as delicate as seafood sausage, but it was a wonderful pairing. I don’t normally like dark beers like that, but despite its motor oil-esque consistency, it was actually quite good.
The third plate of sausage was New York-style with caramelized onions and potato salad. This one was just okay for me (though the gentleman from the Bronx sitting to my right thought it was quite authentic), but the onions were sweet and tasty. The fourth plate was a boudin blanc with smoked onions. I wish I had kept some of the caramelized onions to compare with the smoked, as both were really good but very different. The boudin’s texture was out of this world, but it was incredibly rich and I couldn’t finish more than a few bites. These courses were served with the Gordon Strong Ale (8.7% ABV). It had a great amber color, was quite floral, and managed to be hoppy without being overwhelmingly bitter. Probably my favorite beer of the night.
The fifth type of sausage? Hot links, served with cole slaw. The links were just okay, and I didn’t like the cole slaw as much as the braised cabbage from the first plating. The sixth variety was andouille with curried potato salad. Hooray! The sausage was incredibly spicy, but the potatoes cooled the tongue and added great dimension to the dish as a whole. The beer for these rounds was Dale’s Pale Ale (6.5% ABV), which was similar to the Strong Ale but had a more honey-like color and a lighter, mellower, more effervescent taste. I still liked the Strong Ale the best, but Dale’s came in a close second.
The meatstravaganza closed with sausage numbers seven and eight, a venison and juniper berry version (served with baked beans) and a wild boar, black currant, and blueberry version (served with German potato salad). I liked both of these sausaged VERY much, although I think the wild boar slightly edged out the venison because you could really taste the interplay between the meat and the berries. I also didn’t really care for the baked beans (they were a little dry), but the potato salad was quite good. Our last beer was the Old Chub Scottish Style Ale (8% ABV). To be honest, I was so full and drunk at this point that I didn’t taste much of this beer–but I recall that it was way too heavy for the end of the meal (at least in my personal state). I’d like to try it again, though, as I’m sure it would have been good on an emptier stomach.
Dessert did not contain sausage, thank goodness–it was chocolate and nut stuffed tuilles, and it was the perfect finale to a wonderful evening. After sipping some coffee and thanking the chef and her staff, we ambled to the bus stop, fat and happy. If you haven’t been to one of Colorado Kitchen’s special events, you should definitely do so–you will get more than your money’s worth, you’ll learn a few things, and you’ll have a helluva time.
With less than two months remaining in DC (I’m moving back to Atlanta at the end of May), I recently began formulating “the list.” You know, the comprehensive accounting of everything you want to do/see before you hit the road.
I actually have two lists–one is the sightseeing-focused list, and it includes things like paddleboating in the Tidal Basin, visiting Arlington Cemetery, touring the National Cathedral, and taking a nice, leisurely walk up Embassy Row. The other list, however, centers on DC food-related experiences.
I’m very lucky to have eaten at some of DC’s finest and most beloved restaurants–Minibar, Taberna del Alabardero, Vidalia, Rasika, Central, Proof, and Corduroy have already been checked off my list, and I’m heading to Ray’s the Steaks on Saturday. I’ve done Ben’s Chili Bowl and 2 Amy’s. I’ve had Salvadoran in Columbia Heights and Ethiopian in Shaw. I’ve enjoyed many an impromptu meal at farmstands around Eastern Market and Dupont Circle. I’ve hit up Colorado Kitchen and Dino and Sushi Taro and Matchbox. And, of course, I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve drunkenly eaten (and dropped, sadly) Jumbo Slice at 2 AM in Adams Morgan.
So, it’s been a good run, but now I need your help to remind me what’s left to conquer of the DC culinary scene! The places that jump out at me are CityZen, Komi, Makoto, Tosca, BlackSalt, and Palena. Due to the price tags, I clearly won’t be able to eat everywhere I’d like–but you can help me narrow the list down and get it to a more reasonable and realistic place.
Looking forward to hearing everyone’s feedback!
Okay, I try really hard to keep this blog focused on food. However, since it reaches a pretty decent-sized audience, sometimes I must use my powers for good and occasionally divert from the culinary to the philanthropic. Hope you don’t mind!
In May, I’ll be participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer for the second time. It’s an amazing event, and I’m so proud to be a part of it–but I don’t get to walk unless I raise a minimum of $1,800. That’s a hefty chunk of change, but I did it last year (actually, I raised over $2,200), and I know I can do it again this year. With your help!
On Tuesday, my supporters and I are heading to Virginia (as much as I’d like to have EVERY event in DC, I do acknowledge that there are folks who live on the other side of the river) to drink and be merry for this important cause. Here are the details: we’ll be at Gua-Rapo, 2039 Wilson Blvd (closest Metro is Court House), from 6-10 PM on the 25th. The usual Gua-Rapo happy hour is from 5-7 PM, but they’re doing two extra things for us–if you donate (a $10 contribution is suggested), happy hour specials will be extended till 10 PM. Also, three drinks–mojitos, sangria, and Miller Lite drafts–will be increased by $1 after 7 PM, and that extra money will be given to us at the end of the night.
If you have any questions, please let me know. I hope to see all of you there–and definitely feel free to bring friends! If you can’t come and would like to donate anyway, this link will take you to my online fundraising HQ.
Thanks so much for your help! And now back to regularly scheduled, delicious programming…
Well, it’s official–the first-ever DC food blogger potluck was a huge success! It was so nice to combine the social aspect of blogging with tons of great grub. Seriously, these people can COOK!
My lovely, charming, hilarious, and ab-fab co-host–none other than Miss Lemmonex–has already posted a wonderful recap (complete with full attendee list), so I won’t waste too much time gushing over how amazing it was. I will say, however, that I was totally blown away by the diversity of the folks AND the food. I was also really impressed by how the conversation transitioned seamlessly from the virtues of Le Creuset cookware (I totally would have made off with Food Rockz Man’s awesome Dutch oven if I wasn’t so full, fat, and slow) to our various careers to the benefits of blogging non-anonymously to getting married just to register for new kitchen stuff.
But on to the pictures! Here are some of the delicious dishes we enjoyed…
My very own chocolate mint bars–they’re actually light! A recipe will be forthcoming.
EatFoo(d)’s tasty and creative pork belly plating (with carbonated oranges, homemade biscuits, cinnamon crumble, and raisin-yogurt sauce).
Kitchen Tango’s awesome chocolate cake–it’s gorgeous cut AND uncut!
Jacob’s ridiculous bar setup–the drinks were really inventive and tasted great.
Lemmonex’s Irish soda bread–carby goodness!
Spork and Knife’s beautiful amaretto cake. Somehow, I didn’t get a piece of this. D’oh!
DC Food Blog’s homemade shrimp and vegetarian dumplings–incredibly addictive.
Now that we’ve made “teh Interwebs” jealous of our foodie prowess, all I can say is–I cannot WAIT for the next event! Thanks again to everyone for coming out and for bringing their culinary A-games. Hooray DC food bloggers!
Before I get to the insurmountable task of recapping the AMAZING food blogger potluck, I feel that I must comment on Saturday’s goings-on. I have to admit, I had heard such wonderful things about last year’s Shamrockfest that I was practically expecting winged angels to feed me beer-flavored ambrosia whilst fanning my glistening brow (while soothing Celtic music played in the background, of course). That didn’t so much happen.
Instead, I drank a lot of beer (seriously, lost count after about 8), ate a stadium dog faster than I have ever eaten anything in my life, and ended up spraining my left ankle. Other than that last little faux pas (which has placed me in crutches, due to the fact that said ankle is swollen and bruised beyond recognition), the day was a TON of fun. The event was a little unorganized, and the beer lines were incredibly long in the beginning (and we were in the VIP area, so we weren’t expecting that), but the weather was phenomenal and I think I speak for my entire crew when I say that we were all happy to be there together, reveling in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
Anyone have any good, non-scandalous Shamrockfest stories to share? I’d certainly be interested to hear about the non-hot-dog food offerings.
* Actual shirt worn by MANY runners at last weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day 8K. Sheesh.
Despite my partial Irish heritage (my grandmother’s maiden name is Halligan), I’ve never gotten really jazzed about St. Patrick’s Day. One year I went to Savannah, GA, with some buddies–they go ALL out down there, making it the second-largest celebration in the country, after Chicago (I think). Other than that, the holiday usually passes without me noticing.
This year, however, will be different. In addition to eating Irish Beef Stew at Sunday’s Food Blogger Potluck (yay about that, by the way), I will be spending tomorrow at Shamrockfest. My friends who went last year said it was a really good time, so I’m definitely looking forward to it. I just hope the Irish part of my liver decides to show up.
Have a great weekend, and Happy St. Patty’s, everyone!
Last week, I voyaged to Georgia for some job-hunting and some reliving of my college years (note to self: you are NOT 20 anymore). Since I’ll be moving to Atlanta in about three months, I was excited to start living and learning the culinary scene in and around the city. Here’s the report:
In Atlanta proper, I didn’t get a chance to do TOO much exploring (since I was staying with my parents in Lawrenceville). However, I did confirm that the best burger in the city is still at The Vortex. When I was a teenager, going to the Vortex was a rare treat usually reserved for pre-concert fun (I distinctly meeting a bunch of fellow Sarah McLachlan fans at the midtown location prior to Lilith Fair one year–don’t you dare judge me). The atmosphere has sort of a kitschy-with-an-attitude kind of vibe, and the food is awesome. I had a bison burger with swiss and mushrooms, cooked medium rare, and I absolutely inhaled it. I was tempted to go for the tots, but I remembered that the Vortex was famous for its creamy, bacony potato salad–and I was glad I opted for that particular side item. So much deliciousness on one plate! The kicker, though, was that I was able to order a Sweetwater 420 (quite possibly my favorite beer ever) on draft. Heaven. Some tourists saw my deliriously happy post-feasting face and said, “You look like you know what’s good here!” Tee.
In Lawrenceville, it’s easy for a food fiend to be discouraged by the sea of chain restaurants on nearly every corner. There are some real gems, though, if you have the patience to look for them. One of my favorites is the Kirin House, a little hole-in-the-wall Japanese place near my parents’ house. They have some hibachi tables, but I have no idea if their cooked food is any good–I always get sidetracked by the sushi bar. It’s teeny tiny, with only about 8 seats and one sushi chef, but the fish is incredibly fresh and the “special” rolls are all really tasty, creative, and beautifully presented. It’s always a highlight of a trip home (along with Chick-fil-a, which is a sacred and yummy Southern tradition)!
In Athens, I’m never sure whether my affinity for certain places has to do more with truly good food or just college nostalgia. Either way, I ate pretty well while I was visiting my alma mater. At the Five Star Day Cafe, I had a great breakfast of a “scramble” (eggs with cheese, veggies, and ham), a potato cake with sour cream and corn relish, a chocolate chip muffin, and coffee–all for less than $10. I enjoyed another great breakfast (and a killer chocolate milkshake) at the Grill, which is a campus landmark. The only disappointment was Uncle Otto’s, which used to be called Achim’s, where I got a chicken “k-bob” and fries. It was passable, but it was nowhere near as good as I remembered it–the chicken was dry, the sandwich was oversauced, and the fries didn’t taste delicious and fresh-cut like they once did. Two out of three ain’t bad, I guess.
I also visited Athens’ culinary pride and joy, 5 & 10. However, due to the buzz surrounding that particular establishment, it probably deserves its own post. Look for that sometime within the next couple of days.
All in all, though I’m excited about moving back home, I’m torn in my feelings about the food. I don’t doubt that there are great places to eat in Atlanta, but after living in DC for three years, I have to admit that I’m pretty spoiled. Hopefully, with enough persistence, I’ll be able to find the folks who are devoted to making the Atlanta culinary scene as diverse and dynamic as the city itself.
Though I have much to report from my recent jaunt to Georgia (including a review of 5 & 10, the most recent recipient of the “Best Restaurant in Atlanta” title), I wanted to quickly plug a non-culinary event that I’m hosting.
Tomorrow night (Tuesday 2/26), please consider joining me and my friend Heather at Chi-Cha Lounge for a Happy Hour to support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! Heather and I met at the event in 2007, and we’ll be walking and tenting together this year. We each have to raise at least $1,800 to participate–and that’s where YOU come in!
A $10 donation at the door gets you happy hour specials till 10 PM–and the opportunity to mix and mingle with me. :-) You’ll also get an incredibly warm and fuzzy feeling from supporting such an important cause.
Once again, Chi Cha Lounge, tomorrow night, 6-10 PM, $10, happy hour fun. Please bring as many other guests as you like–more people means more money, and more money means more work towards finding a cure for breast cancer. More money also means more cheap drinks–and who couldn’t use THAT on a Tuesday evening, eh?
Hope to see you all there–let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for your support! We will return to your regularly scheduled foodie programming tomorrow…
In a former life, I was a “regular” DC blogger–I wrote about whatever tickled my fancy, and I frequently attended happy hours organized by various individuals in the community. When my writing became unfocused and unfulfilling, I shut down my old site and made the move to food bloggery. I really enjoy writing on this site, and I love that I’m learning a lot about all things culinary, but I do miss interacting with other like-minded bloggers and meeting wonderful new people.
During a recent chat with Lemmonex (frequent commenter and writer of the highly informative and entertaining Culinary Couture), we decided that it was time to organize a get-together for the DC food blogging community. So, without further ado, we present to you…
“Blogger Buffet: A DC Foodie Funfest”
!!!!!!!
Okay, once you contain your excitement, here are the (somewhat limited at the moment) details: we would like to host a potluck where DC food bloggers can meet, greet, and eat! We can share recipes, trade tips and tricks, and gossip over which local chef we’d most like to…um…eat with. Yeah.
We were thinking early- to mid-March, and either of us would be happy to host the shindig (as long as attendance isn’t more than about 10–we have roommates and small apartments). We can dole out course assignments (which will, of course, be flexible) once we’ve gauged interest. So tell us your interest! 
We think this could be really fun, so definitely let me know in the comments if you want in. If you have a big, Metro-accessible house that you’d like to offer up, all the better! We really hope you’ll join us for food and friendship. Looking forward to hearing from everyone!
