El Centro Gets New Menu Items

El Centro is a great neighborhood hot spot and I enjoyed dining there for my third time last week.  It is a fun place to enjoy drinks on the roof in the summer, but you can try it this winter as well because they've enclosed the rooftop. 

Eat with your Eyes: dolsot bibim bap

Is your mouth watering?  You can find this dolsot bibim bap at Mandu for only $13.  Do you have a food photo that would make others drool?  If so, email me at capitalcooking@gmail.com and we can include it in Eat with your Eyes.

 

Photo by Emily Clack

Perfect Pair: Beer Pairing Dinner at 901

Tuesday is all about pairing food and drinks.  This week Executive Chef Thomas Hall of 901 helped us out!  Chef Thomas worked closely with Brewmaster Mike McCarthy, 901 director of brewing operations, to create the perfect beer pairings. 901 recently opened in Penn Quarter and has a playful atmosphere.   

Opening: Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant

You might remember my friends, Heath and Brett, from our Thrill of the Grill episode of Capital Cooking.   Now, Pork Barrel BBQ is pleased to announce it has fired up its smoker and will open the first Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant to guests tonight for dinner between 5:00pm and 10:00pm. Pork Barrel BBQ co-founders Heath Hall and Brett Thompson partnered with veteran restaurateurs “Mango” Mike Anderson and Bill Blackburn in 2009 with the goal of turning their dreams of creating a gathering place for the community centered around their national award winning barbecue into a reality.

Our Thanksgiving Weekend

How was your Turkey Day?  Sadly ours didn't go as planned.  We were so excited for my mom and sister to come out for a visit, but my mom had an unexpected surgery so they couldn't make it. 

Memphis Barbeque Opens December 5th!

Initial Thoughts:

• Design and Decor:  The space is large and has brick walls and porcelain tile floor. The city of Memphis is celebrated through the use of photographs and artwork of Blues musician icons as well as images of the city.

• Food:  Slow-cooked meats are smoked over hickory wood from two smokers and finished with a selection of tomato and vinegar based sauces. 

• Drinks:  Limited beer and wine selection

• Would I go back?  I'd go back if I was in the area.

Cookbook Review: A Well-Seasoned Kitchen

It’s hard to resist the premise of A Well-Seasoned Kitchen: Classic Recipes for Contemporary Living, a mother and daughter recipe collection. When Sally Clayton began to suffer from memory loss, her daughter Lee Clayton Roper decided to spend more time with her mother in the kitchen, remaking family favorites. The result is a loving tribute that’s touching and beautifully presented.

Thanksgiving Leftovers: The Clerk

Here's a fun recipe for "The Clerk" - a delish sandwich that Johnny Mo the Musical Chef - chef/owner of Mallards Restaurants, Catering, and Entertainment located on the Eastern Shore of VA - makes for friends, family, and guests at his restaurants using Thanksgiving leftovers!

Eat with Your Eyes: Chicken Cordon Bleu

This week's Eat with Your Eyes was submitted by a reader.  Doesn't the Chicken Cordon Bleu look yummy? You can find this dish at Poços Grill restaurant in Brazil. I want to go there to taste it!!

Photo by Cathia C. Mamede 

KC Baby!

The best part about weddings is catching up with old friends.  Last weekend, we celebrated Charlie and Jacquie Stenger's wedding day in Kansas City.  I was so excited to see one of my best friends, Jolene.  The trip started off well with an upgrade to First Class!  Yes!  Jolene picked us up and we went to meet some friends (Mark, Hannah, Kevin and Laney) at The Cashew. The Cashew has a good liquor selection and a fun atmosphere for drinks.  

Thanksgiving Recipes: Blue Cheese Baked Apples

Amit Gulati from Spilled Milk Catering shared this wonderful Thanksgiving recipe!  Only 3 days away!!

Martha Stewart Rocked Shiny Jeggings at DAR

 

Last week Martha Stewart gave an  interview  at DAR for the Smithsonian Associates and discussed her influences and inspirations and the continuing evolution of American domestic culture. 

Upcoming Food Fun: Martha Stewart and More...

Tonight, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in an exclusive interview for the Smithsonian Associates, Martha Stewart will discuss her influences and inspirations and the continuing evolution of American domestic culture. Stewart will also make a special presentation on entertaining in the home. The event will be held at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street N.W.  Can't wait!

See Martha Stewart Tonight at DAR

On Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in an exclusive interview for the Smithsonian Associates, Martha Stewart will discuss her influences and inspirations and the continuing evolution of American domestic culture. Stewart will also make a special presentation on entertaining in the home. The event will be held at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street N.W.

Hometown Delight: Green Bean

For all you St. Louis residents......If you are looking for a fast, tasty and nutritious salad or wrap you need to try Green Bean in the Central West End in St. Louis, MO.

Eat with Your Eyes: Chesapeake Bay Seafood Stew

Is your mouth watering?  You can find this Chesapeake Bay Seafood Stew at The Majestic for $24.  Do you have a food photo that would make others drool?  If so, email me at capitalcooking@gmail.com and we can include it in Eat with your Eyes.

Photo by Emily Clack

Stress-Free Thanksgiving in DC

Some of the best restaurants in DC are offering to serve you a comforting Thanksgiving feast without the stress of entertaining at home.  If you don't want the hassle of cooking and clean-up, take the family and friends out.

Perfect Pair: Lamb Supper Club

I became a fan of lamb after judging the Lamb Jam in May.  Now I am a DC Lamb Ambassador and Supper Club host for the Tri-Lamb Group supper club series.  For the second dinner, I cooked a pizza with ground lamb paired with Chrysalis Norton.   

Thanksgiving Recipes: Roasted Potatoes

Chef Peter Smith of PS7’s shared this recipe for Roasted Potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner. These are sure to compliment the turkey.

Thanksgiving Recipe: Pecan and Cranberry Tarts

Mallory Staley,  the pastry chef of 1789, shared this amazing dessert recipe.  Can't wait to try it!

Thanksgiving Recipes: ROAST TURKEY WITH PROSCIUTTO-HAZELNUT CRUST

Chef Orlando Amaro of Station 4 shared his turkey recipe.  It sounds absolutely delicious!

Thanksgiving Recipes: BUTTERNUT SQUASH BHARTA

Give your butternut squash recipe an Indian spin with Bombay Club's Butternut Squash Bharta recipe.  Bharta is a spicy Indian vegetable dish with a pulp like consistency.

A Day Trip to the Virginia Wineries

The beautiful fall day began with getting picked up in a stretch Hummer limo.  We were off to a great adventure to the Virginia Wineries. 

Icelandic Thanksgiving

This week Ambassador Gudmundur Arni Stefansson hosted an Icelandic Thanksgiving at his beautiful residence in Kalorama to thank all of the supporters of the annual Food and Fun Festival.  

Thanksgiving Recipes: SRB CRANBERRY SAUCE

Executive Chef Kevin Longmire of Shab Row Bistro and Wine Bar in historic Frederick, MD shared this recipe with us for a perfect side dish to your main meal.  Forget the canned cranberry sauce!

Upcoming Food Fun: Capital Food Fight and more...

• The Capital Food Fight brings the food industry's best talent together to support DC Central Kitchen's unique brand of community empowerment on November 10th at 6 p.m. Dozens of hot restaurants serve signature dishes to guests while top chefs battle on-stage. Food critics and national celebrities are on hand to mingle with the crowd and add to the excitement.

Special Week of Deals to Benefit Brainfood

The social buying site Deals For Deeds (www.dealsfordeeds.com) announced it’s second annual “H Street Cares: A Week to Benefit Brainfood” today, a special week of deals which will take place November 14-20, 2011.   

Grape Festival at Zaytinya and Free Wine Tasting

Samy K, Lisa Shapiro, Michael Costa, Me

José Andrés’ and his team at award winning mezze restaurant Zaytinya, led by Head Chef Michael Costa, are hosting a special two-week festival celebrating the grape, an iconic ingredient of Mediterranean cuisine, from November 14-27. The Grape Festival is designed to highlight the fruit with different variations including, raisins, brined grapes, fresh grapes in different forms, grape vine leaves, and dishes that benefit from smoking over grape vine trimmings. Michael Costa will offer special grape inspired dishes during the festival.

Thanksgiving Recipes: CREAMSICLE AU GRATIN POTATOES

Executive Chef Kevin Longmire of Shab Row Bistro and Wine Bar in historic Frederick, MD shared this recipe with us for a perfect side dish to your main meal.

Specials on 11/11/11 Around the District

11/11/11 only rolls around once every 100 years, so Bayou Bakery, The Jefferson, Washington DC, and PS 7’s believe it’s a date that definitely deserves a party in its honor! Celebrate this Friday only, the eleventh day in the eleventh month in the two-thousand eleventh year with the following festive feasts.

Eat with your Eyes: Arroz Cremoso de Ñoras con Navajas y Salsa de Pimientos Amarillos

Is your mouth watering?  You can find this Arroz Cremoso de Ñoras con Navajas y Salsa de Pimientos Amarillos (Creamy Rice Peppers and Clams with Yellow Pepper Sauce) at Taberna del Alabardero for $14.50.  Do you have a food photo that would make others drool?  If so, email me at capitalcooking@gmail.com and we can include it in Eat with your Eyes.

Photo by Kristen Finn

Thanksgiving Recipes: Lisa's Version of Butternut Squash Soup

Lisa Shapiro from Dining in DC shared one of her favorite Thanksgiving recipes.  This butternut squash soup sounds like the perfect way to begin the Thanksgiving meal.  Thanks Lisa!

Perfect Pair: Alaskan Halibut

Tuesday is all about pairing food and drinks.  This week Cafe Saint Ex helped us out. 

News: MIKE ISABELLA TO OPEN MODERN MEXICAN RESTAURANT, BANDOLERO, IN GEORGETOWN

I finally got a chance to stop into Chef Mike Isabella's new Graffiato restaurant on Friday.  I loved the Chesnut Agnolotti.  The place was packed.  Mike now announces plans to open his second restaurant in Washington, D.C., in early 2012. Bandolero will open as a modern Mexican small-plates concept in the former Hook restaurant space in Georgetown (3241 M St. NW). Hook has been closed since June 29, 2011, due to a fire. The Bandolero space is owned by Jonathan Umble, restaurateur and proprietor of Hook and Tackle Box. 

Thanksgiving Planning

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy great food, the company of family, cocktails and football. Once Corey and I went away to law school in North Carolina, it made it hard to get back to the Midwest for Turkey Day with finals right around the corner. We started a tradition of having a delicious Thanksgiving dinner among friends who weren't able to travel home.

Pizzeria Paradiso Turns 20

The region’s originator of Neapolitan style pizza, Pizzeria Paradiso is celebrating the big 2-0 this November with a week-long celebration of special events.  Since its opening day in Dupont Circle on November 8, 1991, the popular pizzeria has become a Washington Culinary Institution – pioneering traditional, wood-fired pizza in the DC area coupled with setting the bar for excellence and consistency.

Cookbook Review: The I Love Trader Joe's Around the World Cookbook

Initial Thoughts:

• Recipes:  Features recipes from Mexico, Italy and France to Thailand, China and India. 

• Photos:  Some photos, but I'd like more of the recipes.

• Would I recommend this? Yes.  This book is written in a way that even a beginner cook could give it a try.

Thinking of Drinking: Manhattan's Big Apple

The taste of apple is great in the fall.  This cocktail is a sweeter version of a classic Manhattan.  Get a taste of the Big Apple.

PAUL USA Opening Soon in Georgetown

by Samantha Grieder
Captial Cooking Contributor

For more than two decades, the space at 1078 Wisonsin Ave. NW has been unoccupied. Until now, that is. PAUL USA has taken up residence at the location, conveniently found at the intersection of M St. and Wisconsin, right in the middle of Georgetown. This comes after the French bakery opened its U.S. flagship store in Penn Quarter back in May.

Downstairs PAUL take-away counter

It took two full years to renovate the Georgetown shop to become what it is now. The space was originally built in 1889, the same year the original PAUL opened in Lille, France. All the original bricks were taken down, saved, and placed back into positioning, one-by-one. Recycled wood was imported from the north of France and used for extra detailing. Exposed beams and a beautiful skylight enliven the second floor dining area. And it seems that all the hard work is finally about to pay off. Though small, the new shop is impressive.

Second floor skylight and decoration

Guests enter downstairs and, like other locations, can order at the counter for take-away. This new Georgetown PAUL, however, will offer something new: full, sit-down service. Travel up the wooden staircase and grab one of the 36 velvet seats. There are kitchens on both floors to service the needs of all guests.

Second floor seating area, overlooking Wisconsin Ave.

Though this location is new, it shares the same quality that has sustained PAUL since the original opening in the 19th century. From baguettes and sandwiches to tarts and macarons, all the food and drink will be just as familiar and lovely as ever.

Excited patrons can expect a soft opening on November 14 or 15th, with a hard open on Monday, November 21st. One thing is for sure, any guest who likes PAUL will love the new Georgetown location.

Thanksgiving Feast without the Fuss

Maybe this year you want your family over, but don't want to do all of the cooking.  Luckily, many restaurants around town are offering to-go options.  If you want to go completely stress-free, you can forget about the clean up and take your family out to one of your favorite restaurants listed below.  The most important thing is to be with the ones you love on the holiday.

Upcoming Food Fun: Metro Cooking Show and More

Food Network stars Paula Deen, Giada De Laurentiis and Guy Fieri will be joined by culinary legend Jacques Pepin at the November 5-6, 2011 Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Hours: 10 am – 6 p.m. Nov 5; 10 am – 5 pm Nov 6. Ticket prices: General Admission - $24.50 in advance; $27 at the door.

Eat with your Eyes: RICOTTA AL TARTUFO

Is your mouth watering?  You can find this RICOTTA AL TARTUFO with Sheep’s Milk Ricotta and Truffled Saba at Casa Nonna for $9.  Do you have a food photo that would make others drool?  If so, email me at capitalcooking@gmail.com and we can include it in Eat with your Eyes.

Photo by Lauren DeSantis