Around the Globe: Kaohsiung

After a brief stay in Kenting, we headed to Taiwan's second largest city, Kaohsiung. We stayed at the beautiful Chateau de Chine Hotel and dined at the Harbour Restaurant.

Pass the Potatoes: Nutritious and Delicious!

Established by a group of potato growers to promote the many benefits of eating potatoes, the United States Potato Board is now in a strong myth busting mode, making every effort to combat the less than positive attitudes towards potatoes that have only increased since the low-carb diet craze swept the country beginning in the early 2000s. 

Happy Birthday Linsey!

Love you Sis!  Hope 28 is great!

Olympic Deals Around DC

Enjoy these deals around town throughout the Olympics:

First Taste: Mad Fox Brewing Company

Celebrating it's 2nd Birthday, Falls Church's Mad Fox Brewing Company recently invited us to a tasting of Chef Andrew Dixon's latest offerings.  CEO and Executive Brewer, Bill Madden, was also on hand to educate us about his latest brews.

Recap: A Bigger Future for Local Food

Think Local First's Eat Local First Week may have come to a close on Saturday the 21st with their 2nd Annual Farm-To-Street Party, but the underlying movement behind this campaign continues.

Re-Cap: Eating in the Rain (and singing too!)

Think Local First wrapped up a successful week of Eat(ing) Local First with it's 2nd Annual Farm-To-Street Party. Despite the continuous rain, (which many looked to prefer over 100 degree heat), the outdoor celebration on a pop-up park on V Street went on as planned, with music, cooking demonstrations, a pie eating contest, and over 40 vendors selling hand-crafted gifts, and of course, food!

SAX Lounge Launches "The Privilege List"

By Claire Goldman

From the red carpet to the gilded walls and ceiling frescoes, SAX Lounge oozes VIP style luxury.  The deep red and gold accents along with the corseted cocktail waitresses and of course the elevated burlesque stage make SAX like no place I've ever set foot in before.

Upcoming Events; Beer Dinner, Hula at Hank's and More!

Anchor Brewing Company Beer Dinner-In celebration of Mark Carpenter's 40th anniversary as brewmaster, The Hamilton will host a special four course tasting menu created by The Hamilton Executive Chef, Sal Ferro. The dinner will be held on Friday, July 27th, 2012 at 6:30 pm in the Loft Dining Room of The Hamilton. Tickets are $60 per person all inclusive and may be purchased online at www.thehamiltondc.com.

Menu Revamped: 901 Restaurant and Bar

By Ashley Eames
Capital Cooking Contributor

I’ve walked by 901 Restaurant and Bar a number of times without giving it a second thought. There’s no shortage of great restaurants in the Penn Quarter/Chinatown area, but 901 deserves to be added to that list. Upon entering the dark, sophisticated lounge area you immediately know that you are in for a treat. The trendy decor, low lighting and cozy booths set the tone of the space. Their daily happy hour (every day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) makes this an excellent place to congregate for drinks, and the wall of windows makes for great people watching.

Re-cap: Annual Mussel Throw Down at Taste of Belgium

By Viola Bello

Saturday, July 21 was the Annual Mussel Throwdown at Capital Yards Park at the Riverfront.  This was the last event featured at Taste of Belgium to honor Belgian National Day on July 21st.  The event was sponsored by Stella Artois.  Despite the rain on Saturday, people lined to taste the delicious mussels that were prepared by each restaurant, while listening to the DJ play top 40 music.  

Around the Globe: Kenting Night Market

After a short day at the beach, we headed to the night market with Taiwan Beer in hand.

Taiwan: Kenting

After a full day of eating in Taipei, we took the Taiwan High Speed Rail down to the Zuoying Station.  The train goes about 200 mph and got us down to the bottom of the island in about an hour and a half.  From there, a driver picked us up in an air conditioned van and we drove to Kenting. 

Legally Delicious: Lawyer Turned Wine Bar Owner

Meet Elizabeth Banker. She recently left her law practice to pursue her passion by opening Slate Wine Bar and Bistro. This new spot is set to open later this summer in Glover Park. Elizabeth had been getting her feet wet in the industry for years by forming a consulting company specializing in wine-themed parties and working in the tasting room at Sunset Hills Vineyard. I just love hearing about lawyers fulfilling their dreams in the food and wine world. We can't wait for the opening of Slate!

Perfect Pair: Italian Wines

The Congressional Wine Caucus highlighted the wines of Italy at a wine tasting event held on Capitol Hill. Congressman Mike Thompson and Italian Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero hosted the event, bringing in several wine producers: Cristina Mariani-May of Castello Banfi, Marilisa Allegrini of Allegrini Wineries, Daniela Mastroberadino from Terredora Winery, Matteo Lunelli of Ferrari, Luca Paschina and Matteo Zonin of Barboursville Vineyards, Odila Galer-Noel of Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV).  

Graffiato's Food Truck Fantasy Becomes A Reality Tomorrow

On Wednesday, July 25 Chef Isabella is putting Graffiato on wheels, and hitting the streets of Washington, D.C. with the restaurant’s reservation partner, CityEats. Powered by the Food Network, CityEats is adding training wheels to Graffiato to put Chef Isabella’s food truck fantasy to the test.

Eating and Drinking Around Town: Jacques Lardiere, Casa Oaxaca, and More

I had one of the most fascinating lunches at Fiola to celebrate the retirement of wine legend, Jacques Lardiere of Louis Jadot.  Jacques has the most charming personality, a wealth of knowledge about the industry, as well as the most fabulous stories.  Each year, Louis Jadot produces 150 different wines from the Burgundy region of France.  Each wine was remarkable!  The pairing lunch was a delightful way to spend the afternoon.  Lucky for us, Kobrand Corporation, imports the beautiful wines to DC.

Opens Today: Cava Mezze Grill

 Cava Mezze Grill debuts in Columbia Heights today!  Drawing from the success of Cava’s modern take on Greek food, Cava Grill aims to bring these authentic flavors to the fast-casual setting, redefining signature dishes for time- and budget-conscious customers.

Recipe: Grilled Toigo Peach Salad with Radicchio, Goat Cheese and Yuzu Vinaigrette

Equinox Restaurant's Chef Karen Nicolas was named one of the Best New Chefs of 2012 by Food and Wine Magazine.  For almost two decades, Co-Owner/Chef Todd Gray has been renowned for cultivating and training the city’s top culinary talent. Nicolas is yet another testimony to Chef Gray’s skill as a mentor, teacher, and coach to D.C.’s next generation of chefs.

Happy Birthday Mom!

I love you, Mom!

Cookbook Review -- Muffin Tin Chef

I’ve been seeing more and more recipes using muffin tins on cooking shows lately, and not just for muffins or cupcakes.  As Matt Kadey, author of Muffin Tin Chef, points out, muffin tins are a useful tool for creating dishes that look great and, because they’re all the same size, make for instant portion control.  Another advantage is that because of their shape, foods in muffin tins often cook more quickly than they would in a baking dish.  You can make fun, portable food, which the Kady himself – a photographer and adventurer in addition to nutrition writer and cookbook author – no doubt had in mind as well.

Thinking of Drinking: Iced Coffee Cocktail

This drink is perfect at the end of the meal.  The Realbeanz with coconut water hydrates you while you sip.

Tomorrow: Mussels Throw Down 2012

By Viola Bello

What better way to celebrate Belgian National Day, Saturday July 21, then to have a moules competition to the last slurp between chefs Martin Castillo of Belga Café, Eric Frisch of Et Voila!, Teddy Folkman of Granville Moore’s, Geert Pieferoen of Locolat Café, and Paul Stearman of Brasserie Beck? 

Thinking of Drinking: Truth Serum

As you may have seen or heard, The Madison Hotel has been completely revamped.  Beverage Manager and resident mixologist Rob Yealu always has the perfect cocktail to sip while catching up with friends at PostScript in the lobby.  Inspired by our first President, George Washington, you won't be able to tell a lie after one or two of Yealu’s latest creation, the Truth Serum.  Stop by to get a taste or try making one at home.  Cheers!

Menu Revamp: Pound the Hill

After first introducing its Bistro concept a little over five months ago now, Pound the Hill debuted a few new summer menu items.

Upcoming Events: Masa 14 Rooftop Brunch, Hula Hank's Luau and More!

Masa 14 Rooftop Brunch:  Prix Fixe brunch menu for $20 which includes:

Around the Globe: Kenting National Park

Nixon's head

At Kenting National Park, you'll find stunning landscapes, beautiful views and tons of wild life.  It is Taiwan's oldest and southernmost national park.  The heat is almost unbearable so it is best to view the nature from an air-conditioned vehicle.  The photos speak for themselves.

Eat with Your Eyes: Patio Picnic

Is your mouth watering?  This Fried Chicken has been soaking in Buttermilk and Seasoning for days, then fried up to a crispy crunch goodness.  PS7’s Patio Picnics are fully stocked with all the goods you’ll find in a summer picnic basket.  Don't worry... you can dine inside and stay out of the heat! 

Eating Around Town: Masters of Food and Wine Breakfast

by Samantha Grieder
Capital Cooking Contributor

Every season, Park Hyatt hotels around the United States partake in Masters of Food and Wine events. Within the same week, the hotels host events that showcase fresh, locally sourced food and add in a learning aspect of some kind.

Opening: H and Pizza

As of Friday, June 13, 2012, H and pizza, located on 1118 H. St. NE, is open for business. Friday the 13th may now be a sign of good luck.

Recipe: Lo’s All-American Sticky Ribs

Photo by Shauna Alexander

This is perfect for a dinner party or BBQ.  Unfortunately in DC, a lot of us don't have outdoor grills or even if we do, it is just to damn hot!  Don't worry, these ribs can be made in your oven.  Sarah Charnes claims they are the best ribs ever. Fun times!  Find this BBQ recipe and more in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.

Taiwanese Kitchen Essentials

Like all culinary traditions, Taiwanese cuisine has its own collection of tools and equipment used for food preparation and service. Sharpen your command of these Taiwanese wares and add some of them to your kitchen collection.

Wok:  Try one of Beka's

Matchbox New Summer Menu Items

Matchbox Chefs Jacob Hunter and John Guattery

by Claire Goldman

Matchbox invited Capital Cooking to check out the new summer menu items created by the head chefs of each of the three Matchbox locations.  Chinatown, Capitol Hill and Rockville each brought colorful and delicious mini versions of their new dishes created especially for the warmer months.  

Cookbook Review: Everyday Gluten-Free Slow Cooking

by Sarah Charnes Paisner

I was thrilled when Lauren asked me to review Everyday Gluten-Free Slow Cooking, a new cookbook by Kimberly Mayone and Kitty Broihier, MS, RD.  I eat a largely gluten-free diet to help manage migraines, but struggle to find recipes that are both simple and creative - and I LOVE my slow cooker.

Thinking of Drinking: El Dorado (The City of Gold)

The El Dorado (The City of Gold) from Bandolero offers amazing flavor.  I love the combo of the tequila and St. Germain.  Cheers!

Upcoming Events: Bastille Day and More!

Photo by Emily Clack

The Willard continues its celebration of independence, French independence, on Bastille Day, July 14th, on DC’s Pennsylvania Avenue 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 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Enjoy live music, grilled French specialties, crêpe stations. Outdoor grilled à la carte French specialties include salmon, BBQ ribs, lamb and chicken brochette, and petite filet, prices from $16 to $35. Soups and salads range from $10 to $19, and include Salade Niçoise, Salade du Parc, tomato and mozzarella and chilled tomato soup.  Crêpes and desserts are $8.50.

Redline Debuts New Menu Items

Known for his ability to bring subtle international influences to classic American cuisine, Chef Fabrice Raymond created several new items for the Redline menu.

Eat with Your Eyes: Water Drop Tea House

During my trip to Taiwan, I stopped by The Water Drop Tea House east of Kaohsiung to try some vegetarian dishes.  After lots of filming fun at the Fo Guang Shan Monastery, we just had to check it out.  The restaurant is completely vegetarian and offers many delicious options.  The menu provides much more variety than most vegetarian menus found in America.  

Opening: Wagshal's to Open In Wesley Heights

Serving the Spring Valley neighborhood of NW Washington, DC since 1925, Wagshal's will soon be joining its southern neighbor, opening a second location in Wesley Heights at 3201 New Mexico Avenue NW by early 2013.

Perfect Pairing: Wine Tastings @ Cafe Dupont

Cafe Dupont is hosting a Wine Tasting Series on the first Monday of each month. 

Taiwan: Taipei Fish Market

For our last stop in Taipei before heading to Taoyuan International Airport to return home, we stopped by the Taipei Fish Market. 

Change is Coming to Dinner

Danny Harris, Katherine Gustafson, Mike Curtin, Sara Polon and Bernadine Prince

Author Katherine Gustafson book, Change Comes to Dinner, inspired a panel discussion at the Sixth and I Synagogue, with Mike Curtin, CEO of DC Central Kitchen; Bernadine Prince, Co-Executive Director of DC FreshFarm Market; and Sara Polon, Owner of SouperGirl.  Moderated by Danny Harris, founder of People's District and Co-founder of Feastly, the panel touched on a wide range of issues about societal conceptions of food and our food system.

Taiwan: Dian Shui Lou Restaurant

 

After a full day of food with lunch at Din Tai Fung and the afternoon at the Taipei International Food Show, we weren't done.

Sugar and Wine and Everything Fine, Which Blogger Has the Best Design?

If you have a sweet tooth, you can easily satisfy your cravings in Old Town, Alexandria.  You'll find at least four cupcakeries, four places to grab ice cream/gelato, and two places to grab good old fashioned candy.

Upcoming Events: La Sandia Brunch, Washingtonian's Best of Washington and More!

La Sandia Brunch: Every Sunday | 11 AM-3 PM. Take advantage of your Sunday by starting the day with a delicious meal. You'll find Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Tacos, Mexican Chocolate Waffles and more... VIEW MENU (ongoing) 

Taiwan: Taipei International Food Show

After eating our way through the menu at Din Tai Fung, we headed over the the Taipei International Food Show to discover some of the hottest new products in Taiwan. 

Taiwan: Dintaifung

So we arrived in Taipei and went into an eating overload with our host (GI) Joe Wang from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  After traveling for 24 hours, we were starving.

Eat With Your Eyes: Asparagus Risotto

 

Is your mouth watering? You can find this creamy Asparagus Risotto, with organic Carnarolli, and a fresh herb emulsion at Bastille, located in Alexandria. You'll love the restaurant's French charm and soft atmosphere. If you're in the Alexandria area, stop in to try this delicious dish!  Happy 4th!

Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad With FRIED Goat Cheese CROUTONS