Summer Treats

If you're in town this weekend, go to the market and get some of those beautiful tomatoes and watermelon and enjoy a juicy salad!  I'll be making some Watermelon Sangria.

Photos by Mary Diaz

Asia Nine: La Dolce DC

– A Review

by: James Whitaker

Situated under the Galactic Empiresque brown J. Edgar Hoover building on E St. NW, Asia Nine serves up a contemporary mix of Far East and Southeast Asian-inspired dishes. From Japanese sushi to Thai’s Gway Tiew to Korean Sizzling Beef to Chinese Lo Mein, every Asian food enthusiast could find something on the menu that would peak their interest. 

Overview: The Cajun Experience

I'm happy to say that I had my first Cajun Experience and I'll be back for more.  Tucked away, down the stairs, you'll find the restaurant right next to Lauriol Plaza. Listen to  live music from New Orleans band Zachary Smith and the Dixie Power Trio and enjoy patio seating out back.  

Farewell to TenPenh, Lost Society Opening, 4th of July Deals and More

Join in on the closing day send-off of TenPenh restaurant for ONE DAY ONLY, Thursday, June 30, 2011. Come in for lunch or dinner to get your last tasty bites of the signature dishes that have pleased DC palates for over 11 years.  Diners can compliment their meal the entire day with HALF PRICE WINES, with the purchase of any main course. If wine is not your preference, which we took into account, and created Happy Hour ALL DAY! So don't miss specials such as $5 for specialty cocktails, plus small plates from the Izakaya Bar and Lounge Menu that features items such as Kobe Beef Sliders and Chili Brined Chicken Wings.  PLUS, TWO DOLLAR DRAFT BEER starting at 6pm...until the well runs dry.

Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

This recipe is featured on p. 120 of the Capital Cooking Cookbook.  Almost 3 years ago, we filmed the American Classics show with Chef Shannon Overmiller of The Majestic.  Shannon is not only an amazing chef, but she is such a sweet person.  This recipe is perfect for strawberry season.

Eating and Drinking Around Town: 1789, Urban Table and Watershed

Riseling Poached Breast of Market Chicken with morel mushroom agnolotti, charred asparagus and green peppercorn chicken jus from Chef Todd Gray

This summer has treated my stomach well.  I've been eating all over town and loving every minute.  Where have you been eating and drinking this summer?

Behind-The-Bistro: Courtyard Marriott

Eat, drink, and connect: The Bistro at Courtyard by Marriott can satisfy all 3 in one spot “for any business or leisure travelers who are motivated by success and enjoy the break from routine.” As a food enthusiast and an avid traveler, I had the opportunity to take a backstage pass as a panelist on Behind-The-Bistro Food Experience to see just what this cutting edge space has to offer. Whether you’re a frequent traveling executive or a family with kids, The Bistro is sure to satisfy all taste buds! 

4th of July Recipes

One of the cool things about the Capital Cooking Cookbook is the Menu Planning section in the back.  I provide you with 10 menu ideas to create the perfect meals.  For the 4th of July, try the BBQ options.

Overview: El Centro

Initial Thoughts:

• Design and Decor:  Ambiance inspired by the dining experiences of Mexico City

• Food:  Casual Mexican food.  I loved the shrimp quesadillas from the late-night menu.

• Drinks:  200 tequilas and mezcals

• Price: Reasonable

• Would I go back?  Yes.

2011 RAMMY WINNERS

 

We had the best time at the RAMMY awards last night.  Everyone was dressed to impress, the food was delicious and it was fun to see so many familiar faces.

Free Yogurt today at Cava Grill!

Photo by Emily Clack

Cava Grill will offer locally produced yogurt, served with a choice of toppings, including berries, honey, granola, and walnuts free today between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., at Cava Grill’s Bethesda location.

Closer Look: Noridic Food Days

If you missed the Nordic Food Days last week, check out this video to get a closer look at New Nordic Cuisine.  Special thanks to Nick Szpara for filming and editing.  Also, thank you to all of the Nordic countries and embassies for bringing DC a taste of New Nordic Food!

Event: 21st Annual Chef’s Best Dinner and Auction

Tonight, more than 55 of the region’s brightest culinary stars will converge on the Washington Hilton to help raise money for Food and Friends at the year’s biggest and most charitable event – the annual Chef’s Best Dinner and Auction presented by and honoring ING.

Nordic Kick-off Provided Washingtonians A Taste of New Nordic Cuisine!

The House of Sweden was the perfect spot to kick-off this week's Nordic Food Days.  

The views from the rooftop overlook the water in Georgetown.  I was so excited for DC to finally get a taste of New Nordic Cuisine. 

This guy enjoyed himself!

 It is not too late for you to get a taste at Vidalia, Masa 14, DC Coast, Marcel's or Birch and Barley.  Also, stop by the Nordic Pavilion at the RAMMY's this Sunday!

Thinking of Drinking: Lavanda

So many wonderful spots are popping up in my neighborhood.  El Centro has probably the best tequila selection in town.  If you're not in the mood to sip it straight up, you'll love the Lavanda cocktail.  I'm thinking of drinking right about now.  How about you?

One Lounge Kicks Off Summer with a New Menu

One Lounge has all the essentials for a great night out – good food, strong drinks and plenty of room to chat with your date or dance the night away. The space is divided up into several candle-lit rooms with cozy sitting areas around every corner. The mismatched chairs, oriental rugs and crown molding throughout the lounge make you feel like you’ve stumbled into someone’s house party. (The ultimate house party with lots of attractive people and all the vodka you could ever need.)

Nordic Food, Food Trucks, Water Balloon Fights and More Fun Food Events Coming Up

Photo by Emily Clack

Nordic Food Days is taking place June 19-26th. Washingtonians will be invited to experience food prepared by five of the world’s best chefs from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden over the course of one week.  Don't miss out on New Nordic cuisine!

CAPITAL COOKING SHAKES UP SOME OLD-SCHOOL FAVORITES THIS FRIDAY ON WETA CREATE!

Photo by Kristen Finn

Fire up your grill and enjoy some old school favorites on the next episode of Capital Cooking.  Airing on this Friday (6/24) at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1:30 a..m. on WETA Create,, Capital Cooking’s Lauren DeSantis will feature Wellington Burgers, Fried Pickles, Sweet Potato Fries, and an “Adult” Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake.  

WETA Create

Your favorite how-to, cooking, and travel programs, 24 hours a day.

• Via antenna: 26.2
• Comcast: 265
• Cox: 800
• Verizon FiOS: 474
• RCN: 39

Freixenet Cava Food Truck in DC from June 23-26

The Freixenet Cava Food Truck is making its way through DC this weekend. What is Freixenet you ask? Freixenet (pronounced fresh-eh-net) is a cava, Spain's sparkling white wine, with a near 100-year history of wine-making in the Méthode Champenoise, the same process used to make champagne. The food truck is on a tour of five east coast cities and is in DC from June 23-26 to show that the "Black Bottle Bubbly" is not just for celebrating, but can also be great paired with a variety foods and for everyday drinking. And what better food to enjoy with Spain's sparkling wine than Tapas of course!

Recipe: Caprese Salad

Photo by Kristen Finn

This Caprese Salad was featured on Cooking of Campania.  I got my first taste in a small restaurant on the island of Capri about 10 years ago.  You'll love the freshness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella.  It is the perfect summertime treat!  It is also featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.

Happy Birthday Corey Then!

Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

Who doesn’t love simple home-style cooking? I’m talking about Mint Juleps…Mom’s Meatloaf…Southern fried green tomatoes and a childhood favorites, strawberry shortcake. These dishes will bring back sweet memories and the comfort of home. On my American Classics show we demonstrate how to do some traditional American Classics with the help of our special guest Chef Shannon Overmiller from the Majestic Restaurant. Be sure to check out the episode!  We filmed this one 3 years ago, but I was re-inspired at the farmers market on Saturday when I saw fresh green tomatoes.  This recipe is also featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.

Just Opened: Codmother

The U Street Corridor was abuzz last night as locals gathered to celebrate the opening of Codmother. Featuring all the makings of an authentic English pub, the subterranean restaurant exudes an eclectic yet cozy vibe. Exposed brick fades into rich, dark wood paneling. Plastered along the walls are old maps, photos, newspaper clippings and sketches paying homage to the great codfish, creating an ambiance that transports you a British countryside watering hole.

Eating around Town: Demystifying Seafood

The Museum of Natural History was filled with people interested in learning more about sustainable seafood.  Top Chef contestant, Carla Hall, made a delicious blue fish dish.  The chefs cooked up an impressive menu highlighting amazing seafood.

New Nordic Cuisine in DC!

Photo by Emily Clack

This past March, I began my exploration of New Nordic Cuisine in Iceland, but now you will have the chance to get a taste right here in DC.    Lucky for you, the embassies of the Nordic countries are bringing the region’s best and most creative chefs to the United States for the very first time ever.  Don't miss the Nordic Food Days June 19-26th!  Can't wait to see my friend Siggi and meet the other Nordic Chefs.

Opening: Graffiato Opens this Thursday!

Top Chef All-Stars Runner-Up Mike Isabella will open his first restaurant, Graffiato, in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., on June 23. The no-frills two-story eatery, composed of bricks, cinder blocks, wooden booths and teak composite countertops, is a raw space reminiscent of the Italian bistros Chef Isabella grew up frequenting in New Jersey, yet the menu is anything but traditional Italian fare. Artisanal pizzas, house-made seasonal vegetable dishes, locally procured meats and cheeses and Italian-inspired small plates comprise the menu, which is sourced almost entirely from the East Coast. 

Capital Cooking Debuts on WETA Create Tonight!

Capital Cooking is dimming the lights and lighting the candles in preparation for a Romantic Dinner for Two. On the newest episode of Capital Cooking, host Lauren DeSantis walks viewers through creating a meaningful dinner for the one you love.  Capital Cooking will be debuting tonight at 7:30 p.m. and will air every Friday at that time!

WETA Create

Your favorite how-to, cooking, and travel programs, 24 hours a day.

• Via antenna: 26.2
• Comcast: 265
• Cox: 800

• Verizon FiOS: 474
• RCN: 39

Thinking of Drinking: Passion Fruit Margarita

Capture the feeling of the island breeze with this Passion Fruit Margarita.  I've been thinking of drinking this cocktail since the moment I made the first batch last weekend.  The French have their Cognac, the Scots their Whiskey, the Russians their Vodka. And Belgium?  They have Genever.    

Diep 9 Genever is handcrafted in small batches at De Moor Distillery in Belgium.   There are six delicious flavors to choose from and I started with the Passion Fruit Genever.

Events: Urban Farm Table and More

The Second Annual Urban Farm Table Under the Stars will take place Friday, June 17, 2011 at 6:30 PM.   The four course celebration will take place on the Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the International Trade Center and Ronald Reagan Building. The presenting chefs for Urban Farm Table on the Plaza are Jaime Montes de Oca of Zentan; Todd Gray of Equinox and Watershed; Xavier Deshayes of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center; and Amy Brandwein of Casa Nonna.

Tribute to Fathers: Chef Chris Clime – PassionFish

Father's Day is right around the corner.  Unfortunately I won't be able to go home to St. Louis to grill with my dad, but I wish I could.  The past couple of weeks we've been asking local chefs about their traditions with their fathers and children to share some of the stories with you.  Check out Chef Chris Clime's story below.

Tribute to Fathers: Chef Jaime Montes de Oca of Zentan

Chef Jaime Montes de Oca of Zentan likes to cook with his daugther.  Happy Father's Day this weekend!

Eating around Town: Nats, Prime Rib, Watershed and Whisked!

Ballpark Eats are Enhanced:  The Nationals are unveiling some delicious new culinary offerings today with the new Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk.  Located on the Mezzanine Level behind the Main Scoreboard, the Walk offers fans an elevated view of the field while enjoying pregame music, drink specials and tasty food.  And yes, they are also playing the best team in baseball today, the Cardinals!!  Go Cards!  

Lucky for me, I finally got a taste of the Shake Shack minus the line.  I loved the cheese fries and greasy burger.  So good!  Now the Nationals Stadium is more than just a baseball destination, it is worth the trip to get a taste of Shake Shack, Blue Smoke, El Verano Taqueria and Box Frites too!  

Don't forget $5 happy hour beer specials are available 2 1/2 hours prior to the first pitch for all home games of 2011.

The Prime Rib:  The most coveted award in the foodservice industry - the Silver Plate Award - was presented to Buzz Beler, founder and owner of The Prime Rib. The Silver Plate Award recognizes excellence in foodservice operations and pays tribute to winners’ contributions to the advancement of the foodservice industry.  Beler earned the 2011 Silver Plate Award in the Independent Restaurants category. Beler invited us to the restaurant to give us a taste.  Walking into the Prime Rib is like walking into a scene of Mad Men, elegant and Manhattan inspired.  

The restaurant has been opened since 1965 and serves some of the best steaks in town.  Expect exceptional service and tummies full of  USDA Prime steaks.  I'll be back on my next special occasion.

Best Potato Skins!

(202) 466-8811
Downtown
2020 K St NW
Washington, DC 20006
www.theprimerib.com

Watershed:  Todd and Ellen Gray (owners of Equinox) recently opened Watershed in the NoMa area.  Watershed has a great outdoor patio that seats 45 guests and the most delicious fresh seafood.  I loved the gumbo.  The restaurant also provides catering services for all grand ballroom weddings, events and corporate meetings, as well as in-room dining service for hotel guests.   You can get there easily by taking the Red line metro to New York Ave.  I hope to make it back again soon.

(202) 534-1350

Capitol Hill
1225 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
www.toddgrayswatershed.com
www.facebook.com/ToddGrayWatershed

Whisked!:  Stephanie Willis and Jenna Huntsberger launched Whisked!, an online and farmers market bakery stand just two weeks ago. Already a huge success, Whisked! treats are selling out each week at the 14th and U St Farmers market and online orders keep rolling in.  The red velvet cake is amazing! 

Recipe: Summer Squash Gratin

There's nothing better than going to the farmers market on Saturday morning and getting some fresh produce for the weekend. This time I bought asparagus, summer squash and onions.  My cousin came to town so I made a fresh feast including this recipe.

Tribute to Fathers: Chef Jeff Tunks

We caught up with Chef and Partner Jeff Tunks – Passion Food Hospitality to find out what he likes to make on Father's Day.  Jeff and I had a blast judging the Food and Fun Festival in Iceland.  Happy Early Father's Day Jeff!

Book Review: The Pastry Chef’s Apprentice

Initial Thoughts:

• Photos:  Great photos including step-by-step shots to help you through the recipe making sure you know what the pastry should look like throughout the process
• Recipes:  Some of the recipes seem a little complicated for the home cook containing ingredients that might not be easily accessible.
• Would I recommend this book?  Yes.  Anyone interested in pastries would surely learn a lot from The Pastry Chef's Apprentice.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at The Sweet Lobby

Tucked away in the Barrack’s Row area of Capitol Hill is a new boutique bakery founded by two down-to-earth and hospitable siblings who view dessert as not just a reward for eating your dinner, but rather as a way of life. The McIntosh siblings are nervously preparing for their grand opening of The Sweet Lobby, yet they should be more worried about where they will expand once their business takes off. Simply put, some of the products that The Sweet Lobby offers are exquisite. The space, though quite small, is located right next to Dunkin Donuts on 8th Street. I actually had to walk past it several times before I realized the tiny area was my destination.

Thinking of Drinking: Aphrodite

Photos by Emily Clack

"Thinking of Drinking," gives you some ideas about what you can do when you get off work after a long week. We'll feature some of my own signature creations, some from top mixologists around town and some from readers.  So if you'd like to be featured on "Thinking of Drinking," send me an email with your amazing cocktail along with a photo and we can share your recipe on Capital Cooking.

This week we are featuring a delicious cucumber cocktail from Cities Restaurant and Lounge.

The Beginning: Capital Cooking

I've always wanted to do a cooking show, but I didn't know how to make it happen. About six months after drafting scripts and episode ideas, I decided to go up to the local television station to take some of the production classes and they informed me that the Fairfax station actually had a cooking studio. I went over to FPA and took some classes there as well and sent out a request to find a crew. I thought long and hard about what to name the show and what the concept would be. I finally decided on Capital Cooking because I really wanted to highlight the flavor and cuisine of our nation's capital. It turns out the cuisine here is a lot like the people, a melting pot. We have many international choices as well as different regional dishes from all over the country.

Tribute to Fathers: Chef David Guas

We caught up with Chef/Owner David Guas - Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar and Eatery to see what he liked to make with his kids on Father's Day.  Check out what he had to say and learn how to make one of his ice cream recipes.