Thinking of Drinking: Pumpkin Pie Martini

This martini is so good that I make pitchers of it for Halloween.  It tastes just like pumpkin pie, but much more fun!  This recipe and more are available in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.  

Thinking of Drinking: The Machine Head

Add some fire to your fall with this cocktail!

Thinking of Drinking: Warm Apple Pie Cocktail

I was craving a warm cocktail this weekend and saw apple cider in the grocery store.  I thought it would be great to taste a warm apple pie cocktail so I got home and started mixing.  I love playing around and making new drinks at home.  I hope you enjoy!

Don't Miss: Fourth Annual Vendages and Crafty Bastards Fair!

Lots of food fun coming up!  

The Willard InterContinental and Café du Parc celebrate its Fourth Annual Vendanges, the autumnal wine harvest festival as enjoyed throughout France.   Locals and visitors will fill the Willard courtyard September 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy the offerings of Café du Parc’s Chef de Cuisine Angelo Galang and French regional wine purveyors featuring different styles of French wine and beers, authentic French festival dishes, live music, food, dancing and grape-stomping.   Guests can purchase tickets at the event, starting at $25 (for four items to be redeemed at food and wine stations set up throughout the courtyard.

Recipe: Pear Crisp

Photo by Bryn Barber

Pears are a nice treat in the fall.  Try this pear crisp for a little comfort.

Sweden Nightlife: Tradgarden

After filling our tummies, we had to check out one of the hottest night clubs in Sweden.  Tradgarden is like nowhere I've ever been before.  This massive night club is under a bridge outside with tons of ping pong and other games.  What a great way to enjoy the Swedish summer by hanging with friends outside.  The Swedes know how to party and introduced me to the Fireball shots.  Hasn't made it back to the US yet, but you can find out more when you watch Capital Cooking's Swedish Adventure.  More coming soon including our trip to the island of Grinda...

Litestars Serves Up Big Flavors With Less Calories

This fast-casual restaurant in Foggy Bottom truly believes that fast food can be healthy after all. Litestars proclaims itself as “the healthier quick bistro” and it certainly lives up to its name. The menu features Soupdrinks, Gourmet Salads and Tartlets, all made with the freshest ingredients to help those on the go make nutritious, but delicious, food choices.

Overview: Station 4

 

Station 4 recently opened in Southwest DC directly across from the Waterfront Metro.  This was my first dining experience in the area. 

Thailand: Chiang Mai's Sunday Market and Gallery Restaurant

Our first dinner in Chiang Mai was at The Gallery Restaurant located on the eastern bank of the Ping River.  Hillary Clinton dined there before.  The building was built in 1892 and is one of the oldest original wooden structures in Chiang Mai.   

Recipe: Pumpkin Dip

It is pumpkin season.  Try my Pumpkin Dip from the Capital Cooking Cookbook.  It is quick and easy and is sure to be a big hit.

Scoutmob Does DC

Scoutmob hosted their big DC Revel event last Friday. With so much going on in DC, Scoutmob is a great website that brings you local finds, hidden gems, great activities, and fantastic deals that are happening around you.

Recipe: Autumn Apple Crisp

Photo by Emily Clack

I didn't expect fall to sneak up on us so fast, but now that it is here, it is time to enjoy delicious fall fruits and vegetables. Apples, pumpkin, figs, avocado, sweet potatoes...

Recipe: Lauren's Winning Chicken Potpie

Almost 3 years ago we filmed Capital Cooking's Food Bloggers Challenge Parts 1 and  2.   The judges picked my version of chicken pot pie as the challenge winner.  When I got back from Thailand, I was craving it so I whipped up a batch this weekend.  You can also find it in the Capital Cooking Cookbook along with many other comforting recipes.

Thailand: Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

We couldn’t leave Chiang Mai without seeing Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep located up in the mountains.

Event: Street Food Festival

The Washington, DC International Wine and Food Festival is proud to support the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs (WCR) World Fare: A Street Food Festival Event.  At this unique event, guests can stroll through the "World Fare" and enjoy fabulous street fare menu items while meeting the region's top women chefs, sommeliers, farmers, bee keepers, cheese makers, food truck operators and more. Guests can also sample beer and wine and craft cocktails from the nation's best women brewers, wine makers and mixologists from around the country.

Recipe: Warm Vanilla Fig Pudding Cake

I got a new shipment of California figs in and started brainstorming ideas as to what new recipes to make.  I wanted something warm and comforting so I decided to try making a warm fig pudding cake.  Turned out amazing.  

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
2 eggs
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
4 cups coarsely chopped figs
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Cream the butter, granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Beat until the batter is fluffy. Add the flour, baking soda and cinnamon and mix well; the dough will be crumbly.

Add the figs and mix by hand just until incorporated. Press over the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top and press into the dough mixture. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve warm and top with vanilla ice cream.  Oh so good!!  It is Fig-licious!

Thailand: Chiang Mai

After a temple-packed day in Bangkok, we hopped on a Bangkok Airways flight to Northern Thailand to the city of Chiang Mai.  Bangkok Airways is a great way to fly around the country.  The tickets were only $60 and they even give you a meal on the flight.  I was a little disappointed with the food in Bangkok, but I knew we'd get a taste of some real Thai food soon.  

Opening: BONMi

BONMi, a Vietnamese sandwich and salad shop, is opening in October at 900 19th Street, NW.   BONMi will feature traditional Vietnamese sandwiches called bánh mì, as well as an assortment of summer rolls and innovative salads.  Local businesses can enjoy BONMi at the office, as they will offer catering for meetings and events for groups of all sizes.  Each menu item will be crafted, in-house from scratch, using high quality natural products with a focus on healthfulness and flavor. 

Thinking of Drinking: Spiced Pear Cocktail

Photo by Bryn Wallace

Add a little spice to your fall with this Spiced Pear Cocktail.

Thinking of Drinking: Singapore Sling

So my first cocktail on my trip to Thailand was the Singapore Sling.   I tried this drink at the Supatra River House in Bangkok and it was refreshing after a long day in the sun.  Try one at home!

Recipe: Port Poached Pears with Zabaglione Cream

During the fall, it is fun cooking dishes that simmer for a long time, filling the house with fragrant aromas. Have fun making the recipe at home.  You'll love the Zabaglione cream over the top of the tender pears.  Find this recipe and more wonderful fall recipes in the Capital Cooking Cookbook. 

Upcoming Food and Fun: Military Culinary Competition and Grape Stomp

Barracks Row Fall Festival on Capitol Hill – Saturday Sept 24, 2011:  Barracks Row Main Street’s annual street festival, Barracks Row Fall Festival on Capitol Hill includes a military chefs cook off competition (I'll be mc'ing the event), a performance by the Silent Drill Platoon, a car show, a generous area for children’s activities, routines by the Redskins Cheerleaders, and music all day long at our large, centrally located stage. The Fall Festival will take place in the 500 to 700 blocks of 8th Street, SE on Saturday September 24, 2011. Barracks Row Fall Festival opens to the public at 11 am and closes at 5 p.m. 

Thailand: Siam Niramit

After filling our bellies at Supatra River House, we went to Vimanmek Palace.  Vimanmek Palace is the largest golden teak structure in the world with 80 rooms. 

Fall Flavors Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Photo by Emily Clack

It is sad for me to admit, but summer is over:(  I love the fall, but I just wasn't ready yet.  I'm hoping that this soup will help pave the way.

Vida Fitness U Street Grand Opening

Last Saturday night I attended the Opening of Vida’s 5th location on U Street between 16th Street and 17th Street. Vida has described the newest location as their lifestyle complex, and I think they have hit the nail on the head. This building houses everything your mind, body, and belly could ever need. The first floor is currently the home to Bang Salon and in Spring 2012 the owners of Capital City Brewing Co. will be opening their new restaurant 901. Floors 2 - 4 will feature a luxury gym and the full service Aura Spa. Last but not least the Penthouse Pool Club resides on the 5th floor and is a very stylish resort style pool/bar.

Thailand: Supatra River House

I've mentioned a lot about our sightseeing in Bangkok, but didn't get a chance to tell you about the food.  Unfortunately, our first Thai meal was a little disappointing.  

Our first real meal in Bangkok was at Supatra River House.  I was pretty excited because I read good things about the restaurant online. 

Brainfood Grill Off 2011

It’s always nice to mix something you love with something that is good for the community, and that exactly what Brainfood did on last Thursday night at their annual Grill Off 2011. Brainfood is an awesome organization that teaches DC’s under privileged youth life skills through cooking. The premise was touched on in an earlier post, so I'll just do a quick recap. An handful of DC’s top Chefs compete with Brainfood members in an “Iron Chef” style cook off where they are given a specific set of ingredients to make the best possible dish.

Thailand: Reclining Buddha, Temple of Dawn and Boat Ride

I'm home now and pretty exhausted.  The last 18 days have been amazing, but it is always good to be home.  So during our time in Bangkok, we went to lots of temples.  We were still in awe from the Grand Palace when it was time to view the Reclining Buddha (Wat Po).  This 150 foot sculpture is covered in gold.  The feet are 10 feet high with 108 signs of the Buddha in-laid in mother of pearl.  The Reclining Buddha is definitely worth seeing.  There are many bowls lined up to put coins in to make a wish.  You can also put gold leaf on the Buddha to pray for good health and good luck.  This was one of our favorite sights.

Adventures in Thailand: The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

After getting a look at the Golden Buddha, Boeing took us to The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.  This place is truly remarkable.  

SAX Fall Menu

SAX opened in May of 2011 and faced some controversy surrounding provocative political murals. The plan was to rotate the art installations to push the envelope. Sadly, they've repainted the political pieces and made them more thought provoking and less provocative.

Aside from the seductive ambiance, SAX is releasing a new fall menu complements of chef Jonathan Sinengen. I was excited to see the revamped art and taste the new menu.

Upcoming Food Fun: Military Culinary Competition and More...

Farm-to-Table Dinner on September 18th from 5-9 p.m.  The event will be held at Falcon Ridge Farm, a family-based orchard located in Carroll County on approximately 70 acres. Tickets for this dinner event are $90 per person, or $175 for 2 people.  More information can be found at www.olneyfarmersmarket.org

Upcoming Food Fun: Brainfood Grill-off, Farm-to-Table Dinner and More...

Local Food Personalities at 5th Annual Brainfood Grill-Off and Fundraiser on Thursday, September 15, 2011  6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Happy Birthday Chad!

Welcome to Thailand!

After almost 24 hours of flying, we finally made it to Bangkok.  While the travel was long, it really wasn't all that bad.  We paid a little extra to upgrade to United Economy Plus and it was well worth it.  The second leg was on ANA airlines.  While the staff was very nice, the food was disgusting.  

After landing, our wonderful guide, Boeing, from Asia World Travel, greeted us at the airport to take us to the Conrad Hilton.  I would highly recommend this hotel if you are staying in Bangkok. The rooms are spacious and comfy, the staff is attentive and the breakfast hits the spot.  

Happy 5th Anniversary Corey!

These 5 years of marriage have flown by.  Each day gets better than the next.  Here's to many more years of love and happiness.

Thinking of Drinking: Alan's Love

 Find this drink at Cafe Dupont or make yourself one at home!

Upcoming Food Fun: Pajama Brunch, Brainfood and More...

Pajama Brunch at Virtue Feed and Grain:  On Sunday, September 4th, Pajama Brunch debuts, and will continue for the first Sunday of each month.  Guests (and even staff) are  encouraged to sleep in, roll out of bed and head straight to Virtue Feed and Grain to enjoy brunch in their favorite pajamas.   Those who do will receive 10% off their bill.  There will even be a prize for the most “outrageous” pajamas.