Marcus Samuelsson Cooks to Feed America

by Samantha Grieder
Capital Cooking Contributor

On Friday, July 29th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Marcus Samuelsson braved the heat of the District in the name of good food and fighting hunger. On this day, the Top Chef Masters winner had set up shop in Eastern Market. The award-winning celebrity chef is one of the many who is pairing up with the Macy's Culinary Council and hitting the road, serving free food in cities around the country.

Thinking of Drinking: Sakura

 

It is Friday again and there is nothing better than enjoying some sips of fun cocktails.  This week check out the Sakura from Blue Duck Tavern.  Brian McBride joined us on Capital Cooking a while back to make his brunch recipes and now we can try one of the restaurant's cocktails.  I love cherries this time of year so I'm sure this will be a tasty treat.  For the puree, I'd buy some black cherries, remove the pits and run them through the food processor.  For the cherry syrup, I'd try infusing simple syrup with fresh cherries and a little bit of grenadine.  Cheers!

The Cheese Course

The Cheese Course at Seasonal Pantry is a way for cheese lovers to come together and experience and learn about seasonal cheeses and pairings. Hosted by Carolyn Stromberg, Fromager, each class includes 6 cheeses as well as house-made accompaniments that change depending on the season. The July class was dedicated towards summer cheeses and cheeses you could enjoy at picnics or parties. Because of the heat, summer cheeses tend to be a bit lighter in style.

Carolyn took us through each cheese, described the origin of the cheese, the type of milk, a little history, and the flavor and consistency. 

New to Clarendon: Rabbit and Red Velvet Cupcakery

Rabbit: Slow food fast. With a menu designed by Iron Chef America winner Katsuya Fukushima, Rabbit is bringing fresh food to Clarendon. Whether you are looking for a quick and light lunch or a refreshing dinner, Rabbit will definitely provide.  Rabbit opens in Clarendon tomorrow, and will be giving away free Red Velvet cupcakes from 4p.m. to 8p.m.

Free Gelato!

Opening Day Celebration - Free Gelato on July 28^th!  In Italy, it's almost impossible not to run into a street vending gelato cart on every other corner. Bringing a true Italian experience to the lively streets of DC, Casa Nonna is opening a new street-side Gelato Cart, serving up handmade, creamy gelato with rotating flavors that change daily.

First Look: TruOrleans Restaurant and Gallery

Photo by Kristen Finn

TruOrleans Restaurant and Gallery adds an authentic Cajon Creole experience with a twist. to H Street  TruOrleans features family recipes from Lake Charles, LA as well as art work straight from the French Quarter.  We got a small taste of what TruOrleans has to offer at the opening party.  Looking forward to going back again to try more menu items.

Dining with the Stars: Manfredi Barbera

Ten people gathered around a table at J and Steakhouse. Wine is flowing. Conversation is lively. Why are we here? Manfredi Barbera, a top olive oil producer from Sicily is in town for the Fancy Food Show.

Swedish Adventure: Lerpottesill

We cooked and filmed with Chef KC Wallberg in the beautiful Rose Garden in Skansen overlooking the city of Stockholm.  We started with using one of the most popular fish in Sweden, the herring.  The herring was pickled with salt, sugar and vinegar.  KC likes to use no more than 8 ingredients in a dish.  For this starter we used, brown butter, potatoes, hard-boiled egg, herring, dill, parsley and chives.  The brown butter is heated and essentially cooks the herbs.

A Taste of France: La Guilde Internationale des Fromagers

The International Cheese Guild (La Guilde Internationale des Fromagers) held a Cheeses of France reception at the Long View Gallery recently. The reception included an ceremony to induct new members to the Guild.

Summer Salad Throwdown at Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen opened its fifth D.C. location last night in Foggy Bottom with a salad throwdown between three local chefs: Spike Mendelsohn (Good Stuff Eatery; We, The Pizza), Casey Patten (Taylor Gourmet), and Tiffany Macisaac (Birch and Barley).

Swedish Adventure: First look at Skansen

Patio at Scandic Hasselbacken

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we got some well needed rest and woke up at the Scandic Hasselbacken for breakfast on the outdoor patio before another day of filming.  The hotel has a great spread with eggs, bacon, pancakes (crepes), yogurt and Swedish meatballs.  They also have lots of meats, cheeses and fish.  I was surprised by the many organic and lactose free options.  I grabbed my coffee quick and headed over to Skansen to cook with Chef KC Wallberg. 

Scoutmob Launches in DC!

This Tuesday Capital Cooking was invited to a mustache themed launch event for Scoutmob, a site in the mold of Living Social and Groupon but with one major difference it’s FREE. Like its predecessors Scoutmob features a daily deal to a restaurant which is typically around 50% off and can last up to 3 months.

Thinking of Drinking: Pear Martini

Imagine sitting outside on a beautiful patio sipping on one of these.  This weekend is so hot that it might be better enjoyed inside.  Thinking of Drinking?  I am.  Try this Pear Martini from Tagolio Pizzeria in Crystal City.

Photo by Emily Clack

A Taste of Korea

Chef Youngsun Lee

The Taste of Korea Dinner was held in the Fourth Estate Restaurant at the National Press Club recently. The dinner, which was emceed by Eric Rhee, producer of the brand-new PBS show Kimchi Chronicles, was very well-received, and the diverse group of those in attendance even included four members of the Korean National Assembly.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Oh Fish! Opens Today!

My friend Chef Kazuhiro Okochi is opening Oh Fish!, a new sushi concept located on 19th Street, NW – between L & M Streets. From his early days at Sushi-Ko, to establishing the supermarket sushi for Whole Foods and then opening his now 12 year old signature restaurant, KAZ Sushi Bistro, for over 20 years Chef Kaz has been wowing the DC Sushi dining scene with his trend setting techniques and presentation. Now diners can experience his newest venture – ordering their own Maki rolls designed just the way they want - in his new takeout location.

Opening: Rogue 24 opens July 27th!

Call soon to get your reservations!  James Beard Award–winning Chef RJ Cooper will open Rogue 24, a 52-seat urban fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., on July 27. The open kitchen, situated in the middle of the dining room, serves as the centerpiece of a “theater in the round” interactive dining experience. Guests will choose from the 16-course Progression menu or the 24-course Journey menu as a map to guide their culinary experience with Chef Cooper and his team of artisans.

Overview: Pizzeria da Marco

Photos by Emily Clack

When you venture a little ways outside DC to dine, you can really tell that you've left the city.  Restaurants are filled with families and children, adults are sipping on milk and soda, and everything is a little quieter.  Bethesda is Pizzeria da Marco's first location and if all goes well they plan to eventually expand into the city. 

A taste of Austria!

Last Monday, Capital Cooking got to attend the press and trade tasting event hosted by the Austrian Trade Commission at the chic L2 Lounge at Cady's Alley in Georgetown. We got to sample some of Austria's best delicacies including wine, cheeses and plenty of gourmet products. The best part is that these amazing products are now finding their market in the U.S.! Of course we were thinking of drinking and our first stop was the bar! I will admit, when I think of bubbly that hails from Europe, my mind doesn't instantly go to Austria. So I was in for a pleasant surprise when the bartender served up a glass of their sparkling pinot noir ('Secco' Sparkling Pinot Noir, Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, NV).

Eating and Drinking Around Town: The Foraged Cocktail

After a day foraging through the streets of the city, Roadside Food Projects and Atlas Obscura hosted a soiree at The Gibson for ‘foraged’ cocktails—urban elixirs of yesteryear. 

Swedish Adventure: Sightseeing and SkyView

After checking out the fabulous seafood at Saluhall, Elisabeth Daude, the expert Stockholm guide, gave us a tour of the city.  

We started the tour at the Royal Palace and witnessed the changing of the guards. 

Virginia's Finest Reception at the Tabard Inn

The Tabard Inn, a hidden gem located near Dupont Circle, hosted the Virginia’s Finest Reception on July 9, to eager foodies who wanted a taste of what Virginia had to offer. The result? A charming setting and good food.

Swedish Adventure: Östermalms Saluhall

When we arrived to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, we were exhausted.  Scandinavian Airlines was a comfortable way to fly, but the crying babies got in the way of sleeping.  We had to get a second wind quickly because Karl from the Stockholm Visitors Board had a busy day planned for us.  

We quickly checked into the Scandic Hasselbacken Hotel and made our way to Östermalms Saluhall.  The market started in 1888 and is the oldest in Stockholm.  

Lost Society: Still needs to Work Out Some Kinks

Me, Felipe Garza(FM), Madeleine Starkey (Events), Chef Joseph Evans, David Kaizim (owner), Richard Vasey (Owner).

Lost Society opened Friday, July 1st.  When it first opened, I was excited to have a new spot in the neighborhood.  I went back for a visit over the weekend and was a little disappointed.  They serve food upstairs until midnight.  While I thought it would be great to enjoy the upstairs patio, they won't allow you to sit down (even when there are plenty of open tables.)  It seems like it would make sense to rope the area off or to decrease the number of tables after 10 p.m. so people can sit and enjoy the atmosphere. 

Millions of Peaches, Peaches for Me

Where can you find the freshest peaches this time of year? If you’re willing to get away from the city for awhile, you can find some at Homestead Farm in Poolesville, MD. You can even pick them yourself!

Ping Pong Dim Sum Will Expand to Dupont Circle

After joining the Chinatown community over a year ago,  the team at Ping Pong Dim Sum is excited to expand into another part of the District late this summer - Dupont Circle. Located at 1 Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC the new restaurant will have the same signature style and taste, but will explore several new design elements aimed to heighten the guest experience.

Thinking of Drinking: Holy Mole

Casa Oaxaca honors the unique taste of the Agave based spirits through a refreshing selection of Mezcal and Tequila cocktails you have never tried before.  We got a taste of all the offerings.  Holy Mole is similar to a Manhattan, but uses Mezcal and a delicious mole bitters.

Thinking of Drinking: Just What the Doctor Ordered – Beer

With summer’s hot days upon us nothing breaks through the throbbing heat better than some good ol’ cold suds. Capital Cooking was recently at Georgetown’s notorious “Social Safeway” on Wisconsin Avenue where Patrick O’Laughlin of the Boston Beer Company and Brad Phillips of the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company held a tasting of some seasonal brews.

Thinking of Drinking: Jazz in the Garden After Hours

Photo by Kristen Finn

Redline invites jazz enthusiasts to cool off and indulge in a free glass of champagne or draft beer after attending the National Gallery of Art’s Jazz in the Garden concert series on Fridays.  

New Brunch Options: Cork and Lincoln

Photo by Emily Clack

I love brunch on the weekends.  Two restaurants will be opening their doors for brunch.  Check out Cork and Lincoln. 

Free Smoothie

Celebrate summer at the area's 21st Robeks Fruit Smoothies and Health Eats store with a refreshing, free premium fruit smoothie at the Vienna Grand Opening (136 Maple Ave West, Vienna, VA 22180; next to Panera Bread) on Saturday, July 23. 

Food Fun: Garden Tour, Farm-to-Street Party and More

Photo by Emily Clack

The Willard continues its celebration of independence on July 14th - Bastille Day on Pennsylvania Avenue’s Champs Elysee!  The party takes place outdoors at Café du Parc for lunch and dinner from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Enjoy live music, grilled French specialties, crêpecarte French specialties are priced from $16.00 to $35.00. 

Capital Cooking's Icelandic Adventure Preview

For a limited time, check out a preview of Capital Cooking's Icelandic Adventure episode.  It will air on PBS and the Dish Network soon.  See some of the sights, get a taste of New Nordic Food and learn about the food of Iceland.  We just returned from filming another series of Capital Cooking in the capital of Sweden. 

A Taste of Mexico

On Monday the Mexican Cultural Institute hosted a fabulous dinner reception featuring one of Mexico's best chefs, Enrique Olvera.

National Fry Day Means Free Belgian Frites at Et Voila! Belgian Bistro on July 13

Photo by Kristen Finn

Free Fries Today!

Bastille Day Deals

Bastille Day, the French national holiday, commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on 14 July 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th's Ancient Regime. By capturing this symbol, the people signaled that the king's power was no longer absolute: power should be based on the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers.  Check out the Bastille Day Deals below including a Baguette Relay Race.  If you know of more deals, please add them to the comments.

WINE DOCTOR’S NEW INTELLI-STOPPER

An opened bottle of wine that has been re-corked can spoil due to the room air that has been trapped in the bottle. The Intelli-stopper solves this problem by sealing the bottle and using a red indicator that disappears to show when the precise amount of air has been pumped out.

A Taste of Chile To Be Featured at the Summer Fancy Food Show

Thursday night The Embassy of Chile hosted an event showcasing unique dishes from each region of the country and celebrating the launch of the Chile Pavilion at the 57^th annual Summer Fancy Food Show. Chef Pilar Rodriguez teamed up with the RAMMY’s 2011 Chef of the Year, Todd Gray, to present some of Chile’s most exciting flavor combinations.

Thinking of Drinking: Red Velvet

It’s time to celebrate summer! What better way to give the season a light kick start than with one of Morton’s the Steakhouse’s new 200 calorie Spa-Tinis? The raspberry flavors in the Red Velvet Spa-Tini will give you a quick reminder of just how sensational this summer intends to be. Mixed with Prosecco, the Lambic and Chambord give you just the right sweet flavor without the toothache.

Eat Like a King at Jaleo's Ninth Annual Paella Festival

By: Ashley Murray

Capital Cooking Contributor

Who does the King of Spain call when he wants paella? Chef Rafael Vidal, that’s who. For two weeks only, Washingtonians can eat like royalty at Jaleo’s ninth annual Paella Festival. Diners have their choice of a variety of paellas (ranging from $34 - $50) including Paella Valencia, the traditional paella of rabbit and chicken, Paella de Ibérico de Bellota, a paella of fresh ibérico pork ribs and cauliflower, and Fideua negro, a black “paella” of angel hair pasta with octopus and garlic scapes (a favorite among the group). Each order is enough to feed two people as a meal or can be shared among a larger group.

Upcoming Food Fun: Zentan Happy Hour, Summer Fancy Food Show, and More...

Photo by Kristen Finn

Join 94.7 FRESH FM Tommy McFly This Thursday, July 7^th

For An Exclusive Happy Hour at Zentan

  

WHAT:        Join the cast of 94.7 Fresh FM’s The Tommy Show for an exclusive ‘Meet and Greet’ this Thursday, July 7^th at Zentan.  Guests will have a chance to meet Kelly Collis Frederick, the newest addition to the morning show team, while sampling Asian-inspired dishes from the restaurant’s newly unveiled happy hour menu and 15% off all cocktails.  Chef Susur Lee, of Top Chef Masters fame, will also be on hand for a cooking demonstration that evening.  Additionally, the first 50 people will have a chance to have their photo taken with Chef Lee and be automatically entered to win a complimentary weekend night stay at the hotel and dinner for two at Zentan. 

WHEN:        Thursday, July 7, 2011, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Open to the public.

WHERE:      Zentan is located within the Donovan House, a Thompson Hotel, at 1155 14^th Street, NW, Washington, DC.  Phone (202) 379-4366 or visit www.zentanrestaurant.com.

National Fried Chicken Day

DC is in the somewhat in the middle of the North and the South so the cuisine has been influenced by both regions.  They say DC has Northern Charm and Southern efficiency. On our Southern Sensations episode, Art and Soul showed us how to make their recipe of Fried Chicken.  Since it is National Fried Chicken Day, I thought it would be a great time to share it with you.  You can also find the recipe in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.

Belgian Food Festival Promises More Than Just Waffles

Belgian food is more than just waffles and chocolate, the Second Annual Belgian Restaurant Week kicking off July 14, aims to illustrate. The week-long event in Washington, DC, will unite D.C.'s top Belgian toques and restaurants in preparation for Belgium’s National Day on July 21. 

Hello Cupcake Helping Military Families

By:  Samantha Grieder
Capital Cooking Contributor

This 4th of July, most will be spending their weekends at a family BBQ or witnessing fireworks with friends. Hello Cupcake is doing something a little bit different. The District-based cupcake shop, which recently opened its second location along Barracks Row, is selling patriotic cupcakes for a cause.

Thinking of Drinking: Bulleit Bourbon and Small-Batch Whiskey: Celebrating American Spirits

With the 4th of July around the corner, what better way to celebrate our nation's birthday than to enjoy two of our most honored American spirits, namely Rye Whiskey and Bourbon. Both spirits evoke a sense of nostalgia for our history and patriotism. Did you know that bourbon was designated the official spirit of the United States by an act of Congress in 1964? President Truman was known to have a shot of bourbon every morning with his breakfast. George Washington used to distill his own rye whiskey. In 1797 he wrote to his plantation manager "Distillery. Is a business I am entirely unacquainted with; but from your knowledge of it and from the confidence you have in the profit to be derived from the establishment, I am disposed to enter upon one..."