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. 

Looking for the Perfect Local Gift: Downtown Holiday Market

Check out the Downtown Holiday Market. The market runs from December 2-23 from noon -8p.m. It is located in my former neighborhood on F Street between 7th and 9th NW. Enjoy music and hot apple cider. You'll find crafts, art, textiles, photography, specialty gifts and more. 

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

Holiday Appetizer: Baked Brie

Baked Brie

From the Capital Cooking Cookbook

• 1 large sheet of puff pastry dough
• 1 round or wedge of Brie cheese
• Raspberry Jam
• Brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of maple syrup
• Sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a cookie sheet, lay out the puff pastry; put brie round or wedge on top. Spread jam on brie, and drizzle maple syrup and place a handful of brown sugar on top. Fold over dough and flip folds to the bottom. Brush top with butter and sprinkle the almonds on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers and fruit.

This recipe is perfect for a holiday party, birthday party or any entertaining occasion.

Photo by Shauna Alexander

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!

Thinking of Drinking: Iduna

Alex Hecht of the Gibson shared a great fall cocktail recipe he calls "Iduna;" named after the Norse goddess who provided the gods with apples, thereby providing them eternal youthfulness.  It's a mixture of apple brandy, ginger syrup, lemon juice, and bitters.  When all the flavors come together, it tastes like a crisp, baked apple.

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.  

Pairing for Thanksgiving Day: The Virginia Way

So Thursday is the big TURKEY day.  You can't beat the never ending supply of comfort food during the holidays. I'm thankful for that!  This year I wanted to plan the perfect meal completely paired with Virginia wine.  I hope you enjoy!

Perfect Pair: Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

The cake was supposedly first made by accident in the 1930s by a St. Louis-area German American baker who was trying to make regular cake batter but reversed the proportions of sugar and flour.  This cake is available at most area bakeries and grocery stores in St. Louis. If you haven’t had it before, you are in for a treat. Neal Wavra, the sommelier of the Ashby Inn in Paris, Virginia, helped us select the pairing.

Perfect Pair: Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole

Tuesdays is all about pairing food and drinks with the help of our experts.  This week, wine expert, Neal Wavra, the sommelier of the Ashby Inn in Paris, Virginia, helped us select the perfect pairings.  You can’t help but pile on spoonful after spoonful of this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole.  It is almost a dessert.  The secret ingredient is the bananas.  They add some natural sweetness.  You can find this recipe and more in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.

Thanksgiving Recipe: Homemade Green Bean Casserole

This Green Bean Casserole is a must try for Thanksgiving!  You'll love this recipe because everything is homemade.  This isn't the canned cream of mushroom soup with fake fried onions version.  This is the real thing and it is worth the extra effort.  Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Recipes: Sausage Bread

Apollina Spoto shared this recipe with us:  I definitely have a recipe to share for Thanksgiving, thank you for asking me to contribute!  My family and I make this every morning on Thanksgiving, we eat it while we watch the parade and drink coffee, it's my favorite part of the day! 

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. 

Thinking of drinking: Cranberry Sangria

Photo by Emily Clack

Try this Cranberry Sangria with your Thanksgiving meal.  You'll love our Cocktails chapter in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.  After taking a look, you'll be prepared for any party. 

Thinking of Drinking: Spiked Fig Apple Cider

At our recent Lamb and Fig dinner, I made this Spiked Cider with figs and Diep 9 to go with our meal.  Special thank you to the California Fig Association for contributing the delicious fruit.  

Thinking of Drinking: Peruvian Sangria

At our recent Lamb and Fig dinner, I made this Peruvian Sangria with figs and La Diablada to go with our meal.  Special thank you to the California Fig Association for contributing the delicious fruit.  

Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Ginger Chutney

Chef Jaime Montes de Oca over at Zentan shared this recipe for Cranberry Ginger Chutney to make on Thanksgiving.  Thanks Jaime!

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

Thanksgiving Recipe: Crab Dip

Rich Vellante, Executive Chef of Legal Sea Foods, shared this recipe.  “Thanksgiving is about enjoying an extended meal with family and friends. And so while home-chefs may be entirely focused on the main course and the fixings, it’s equally important to start the meal off with some great appetizers. This crab dip is always a crowd-pleaser – it’s rich and warming – and very easy to prepare.”

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.   

Perfect Pair: Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash is perfect for Thanksgiving.  Break out your stock pot and start making this delicious soup. Autumn is the perfect time to have a party and carve pumpkins and serve warm cider and soup.  You can find this fall recipe and many more in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.

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.

Perfect Pair: Potato Gratin

Thanksgiving is only a little over a week away, so it is time to start thinking about what wine to pair with your meal.  I'm going to give you wine suggestions from Virginia all month to keep it local with the help of Neal Wavra, the sommelier of the Ashby Inn in Paris, Virginia.

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.  

Thinking of Drinking: Best of Fall Cocktails

You know I'm a sucker for a fabulous fall cocktail.  Here's some of our Capital Cooking favorites:

Thinking of Drinking: "Ale"ments

Nobody makes a punch better than Gina Chersevani, the Mixtress of PS 7 Restaurant.  We're featuring lots of fabulous recipes to get you ready for Thanksgiving and this punch is perfect for Turkey Day!

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: Chocolate Toffee Cookies

I can get overwhelmed with all the pie on Thanksgiving. Nevin Martelll shared his Chocolate Toffee Cookies to nibble on when your ready for something different for dessert. Thanks Nevin!

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: Turkey with Maple Syrup, Bacon and Sage Butter

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, so it is time to start thinking about what wine to pair with your meal.  I'm going to give you wine suggestions from Virginia all month to keep it local.  I love to make my Turkey with Maple Syrup, Bacon and Sage Butter.