Around the Globe: Tuna Carpaccio

During our time in Cabo, Mexico, we stopped by the One and Only Palmilla to cook with Chef Larbi Dahrouch.  He showed us his recipe for Tuna Carpaccio. It isn't hard to make this delicious when you have the freshest fish that was just caught.

Out to Brunch: Oyamel

Initial Thoughts:

• Food: Authentic Mexican Breakfast 
• Drinks: Amazing Mimosa selection
• Service:  Exceptional 
• Would I go back?  Yes.

The Georgetown Waterfront is Back In Action

By: Jennifer Duff
Capital Cooking Contributor

It's official -- Tony and Joe's Seafood Place and Nick's Riverside Grill are back on the scene after nineteen months and $4M in renovations to restore the restaurants after flooding in April 2011.  The fresh and sleek design of the restaurants is coupled with a new chef, Chef David Stein from Bistro St. Michael's on the Eastern Shore.  New digs and new food signals a new era for the Washington Harbour in Georgetown and calls for a celebration.

Thinking of Drinking: The Patriot

Art and Soul is going to be the place in D.C. for watching election results on November 6. Guests can watch the results roll in on the large TV's, while enjoying happy hour prices from 7pm until a decision is made. Try this cocktail today!

Day of the Dead Round-Up

If you're looking for a place to celebrate the Day of The Dead or just looking for some incredible food and drinks, check out these great restaurants:

Thinking of Drinking: The Ghost

Photo by Emily Clack

Get ready for a ghostly Halloween!

Best Pumpkin Desserts in DC

Fall is here so naturally I'm craving pumpkin.  Haven't broken the cans out of my pantry yet to make some of my favorites at home, but I have tried some winners around town.

Upcoming Events: Champagne Dinner at Marcel's and More!

Tonight:  Ashok Bajaj’s authentic Penn Quarter Italian gem, Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca, is hosting a “Fall Game Dinner” on Thursday, October 25th. Priced at $135 per person (tax and gratuity not included), Executive Chef Nicholas Stefanelli has crafted a mouthwatering menu featuring four courses of premier game.  Standout dishes from Chef Stefanelli’s game menu includes Smoked Wild Green Winged Teal Breast, SavoyCabbage, Pear ‘Dolce Forte’; Roasted Wild Pheasant, Slow Roasted Polenta Integrale, Wild Mushrooms ‘Triafolati’.

Halloween Round-up (More Added)

Break out your costumes and check out some of the Halloween parties starting this weekend!

Mom, Where's the Meatloaf?

Photo by Mary Diaz

The traditional American comfort is beginning to appear on the menus of upscale restaurants such as The Majestic. This recipe makes a very large batch so you may want to only make half of the recipe. This is one of the ultimate comfort foods and it is perfect for the winter season. This meatloaf recipe was featured on Capital Cooking's American Classics episode where Chef ‘Red’ Shannon Overmiller from the Majestic Restaurant joined me for simple American cuisine consisting of Mint Juleps, Fried Green Tomatoes, Meatloaf, and Strawberry Shortcake.

Event: Lamb Feast with John Critchley

Hot off his crowning as the 2012 National Lamb Jam Master, chef John Critchley is gearing up to host Lamb Feast at Urbana Restaurant and Wine Bar (2121 P St. NW) on Sunday, November 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.  This festive lamb-boree gives the chef a chance to say, “Ewe rock!” to his friends, supporters and fellow lamb-lovers while giving them a chance to taste the dish that won him first prize.

Opening: Cava Grill in Tenleytown

By: Michelle Hershman

Cava Mezze Grill just might take over the world – or at least the DC metro area – and that might not be a bad thing. Managing Partner Brett Schulman, along with Ike Grigoropoulos, Ted Xenohristos, and Dimitri Moshovitis, recently opened the fourth outpost of Cava Grill in Tenleytown.

Event: The Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show

By: Amanda Brashears

One of the DC areas hottest cooking events is almost here, so mark your calendars. The Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show is November 3rd and 4th at the Convention Center. With cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs Giada DeLaurentiis, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Gail Simmons, Tom Colicchio, Jeff Mauro, Claudine Pepin and Jacques Pepin this is truly a must for any food lover. Many other local chefs will also provide demonstrations, so get your tickets early.  We'll be having a contest to win free tickets so check back soon!

Around the Globe: San Jose del Cabo’s Art Walk

Renowned for its pristine beaches and fabulous spas, the rich culture of Los Cabos has made the destination an ideal choice among sophisticated travelers and talented artists alike.  

Zaytinya Turned 10!

One of my favorite restaurants in DC turned 10 this month.  To celebrate, José Andrés and his team at Zaytinya, led by Head Chef Michael Costa, are featuring a special chef’s experience menu with the ten most prominent culinary and wine destinations of the Eastern Mediterranean.  You can taste this menu the rest of the month.

Don't miss the Fall Harvest Dinner at Rosa Mexicano!

On Wednesday October 24, Rosa Mexicano will roll out the picnic tables for its first annual Fall Harvest Dinner, celebrating its renewed commitment to utilizing hyper-local flavors and farm-fresh ingredients throughout the year. Crafted by Culinary Advisor Jonathan Waxman, the menu will feature highlights such as Fall Guacamole with Toasted Hazelnuts and Pomegranate Seeds; Wild Mushroom and Chorizo Salad with Butternut Squash; Grilled Lobster and Scallop Tacos with Papaya and Pumpkin Seeds; and Ancho Chile Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Overview: The Palm

Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at the Palm, that hallowed sanctum of the D.C. political elite, for the first time. 

Recipe: Tres Leches Cake

Photo by Emily Clack

After getting back from Cabo, I was inspired to try making Tres Leches Cake.  This recipe is simple and delicious. 

Day of the Dead begins today at Oyamel

By: Amanda Brashears

While most of the city folks are preparing their Halloween costumes, Oyamel is preparing for their Sixth Annual Day of the Dead Celebration. “Dia de los Muertos” is the ancient Mexican tradition of celebrating the dead with food, drink, and festivities. 

Slow Sippin': 515

By:  Corey Then

Last week Capital Cooking attended a preview of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company’s launch of its handcrafted custom whisky blend, “515”, for the J and G Steakhouse in the W Hotel.

Thinking of Drinking: Dancing Manhattan

Check out Samantha Withall's Dancing Manhattan Cocktail from The Hamilton.  

Thinking of Drinking: Claire Standish

Ripple's mixologist Josh Berner created this bourbon treasure.  Cheers!

Happy Birthday Nana!

Hope your day is fabulous!  I love you!!

Let's Dine in Montreal!

There's only a couple days left!  Enter today to win a trip to Montreal with me!  Don't miss this opportunity for a trip for 2 to Montreal.  We'll have a VIP dinner during Taste MTL at Van Horne.  In a bright, refined setting enhanced by a harmonious balance of 20th century art objects and a soundtrack created by local personalities, the Van Horne serves a modern menu composed around seasonal delights. Specialties are regularly updated with something to satisfy every craving, from appetizers to small treats to big feasts to dishes that can easily be shared.

The blogger with the most votes also wins a trip, so let's go!

A Spooky Cocktail Adventure at 901

By:  Jennifer Duff
Capital Cooking Contributor

901 Restaurant & Bar kicked off trick-or-treat festivities with "A Spooky 901 Adventure" party.  This Halloween-themed soiree featured three sultry cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvre treats, and DJ Steve Starks (complete with Scooby Doo costume) spinning tracks. 

Upcoming Events: Skirt Steak, Mixology and More!

Photo by Lauren DeSantis

Tonight:  James Beard award-winning chef Ann Cashion and celebrity Top Chef finalist and TV personality Carla Hall, currently a host on ABC’s culinary show, The Chew, will jointly host a book signing reception for Charlotte Druckman’s new tell-all book titled Skirt Steak: Women Chefs on Standing the Heat and Staying in the Kitchen, on Thursday, October 18, 2012, from 6 PM to 8 PM, at Johnny’s Half Shell.  Priced at $45 per person, tickets include a copy of the much anticipated book along with featured cocktails and wine, as well as a selection of ten different hors d’oeuvres, created by both Cashion and Hall. 

Holy Mole!

By: Ashley Eames

Capital Cooking Contributor

As cooler fall temperatures begin to set in, my need for comfort food rises dramatically. La Sandia meets that need with some of the most quintessential comfort food dishes from Mexico during their second annual Mole Festival.

Best Chefs of Cabo

We met many amazing chefs in Cabo.  Here are some of our favorites:

Chef Gonzalo Cerda from the Esperanza showed us how to make a Vegetarian Paella.

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Jeremy!

Hope you're eating lots of cake!

Eat with Your Eyes: Steak Milanese

Is your mouth watering?  You can find this Steak Milanese all month at Buca di Beppo.  The petite tender medallions are breaded and sautéed in lemon butter sauce and then covered with sautéed spinach and Roma tomatoes.  

Around the Globe: Filming Fun

Wine Tasting at Capella Pedregal

We had the best time filming in Cabo!  Check out some of our action shots.

Pumpkin: So Much More than Pie

Photo from Bakers Royale

October is all about pumpkins.  Did you know that there are more than 40 types of pumpkins and just as many ways to prepare them? If you're going the fresh route, be sure to use a baking variety.  I saw some beauties at the farmers' market this weekend.  I still tend to use the canned pumpkin for my recipes.  Try my Pumpkin Pie Martini, Pumpkin Creme Brulee, Pumpkin Dip or how about my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake.

Simply De-Lightful

By:  Jennifer Duff

 

Hotel Sofitel Washington DC was gracious enough to host a luncheon featuring items from their "De-Light" menu which blends fresh, simple ingredients in a low-calorie form.  The hotel is a French-inspired luxury hotel within walking distance to the White House. 

Recipe: Corn Bread with a Kick

Corn bread is yummy anytime of year.  I made some to dip in my chili this weekend.  Enjoy!

On the Road Again: NYC Foodie Get-away

Last weekend, my best friends came to visit me in DC.  We decided to take the trip to the next level and headed up to NYC.  

Cookbook Review: 150 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

By: Michelle Hershman

A day spent reading cookbooks and eating grilled cheese sandwiches (yes, multiple) is my idea of the perfect day. When I heard there was a cookbook called 150 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, I thought I’d stumbled upon the Holy Grail. I could eat grilled cheese sandwiches and ogle pictures of ooey-gooey grilled cheese at the same time? Heaven, right?

Slow Sippin': Tequila

When we arrived to Cabo, it was pouring.  Nothing that a little tequila couldn't fix.  

Thinking of Drinking: Gnomes Water Rebellion

Gina Chersevani recently partnered with Chef Jamie Leeds of Hank’s Oyster Bar on Capitol Hill.  She developed the entire beverage program for the restaurant, as well as the artful cocktail list including this lovely drink.  Cheers!

Help Feed America at Maggiano's

This month, Maggiano’s Little Italy® invites guests to bring the generous Italian-American dining experience to the millions of Americans struggling with hunger by simply enjoying one of their beloved Classic Pasta menu offerings.

Upcoming Events: Snallygaster Octoberfest; Mixology Classes, Cruises and More!

This Saturday (Oct. 13th) head down to Yard's Park for the first ever Snallygaster Oktoberfest.  The brew-loving team behind dozens of events at Churchkey, Rustico and Birch and Barley are bringing you a craft beer Oktoberfest like you've never seen before.  The inaugural  Snallygaster will take over Yards Park from 1PM - 5PM and boasts a 100+ Beer List celebrating classic lagers, German style & inspired brews, seasonal pours and many more.  While sipping, enjoy live music, kids activities and perfectly paired food such as bacon-wrapped brats and Disco Fries.  Yards Park is located 3rd and Water Street S.E.  The entrance fee for the festival is $5 and proceeds benefit the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture.  Additional food and beverage tickets can be purchased onsite for $1 each.  Advanced tickets can also be purchased for $25 or $50 on the Snallygaster website. 

Around the Globe: Cabo Dolphins

One of my dreams finally came true in Cabo, Mexico.  

Recipe: Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Thanks to Le Creuset, Capital Cooking has a stunning Moroccan Tagine that is designed with a shallow enameled dish and conical lid which is ideal for the long, slow simmering of rich, flavorful recipes. The eye-catching, tight-fitting lid forms an excellent seal to keep moisture and heat inside. The conical shape also helps moisture circulate throughout the piece so there's no need to open, stir or turn the tagine, making for easy preparation. A tagine is a dish used in North African cooking and cuisines of Morocco. With the cover removed, the base can be taken to the table for serving.

Eat with Your Eyes: Cornmeal Crusted Oysters

Is your mouthwatering?  Masa 14 has a new chef!  Executive Chef Adam Goldman recently introduced some new menu items that will make you drool.  

Happy Birthday Fancy Pete!

Around the Globe: The Grand Solmar

After hours of traveling, there's nothing better than checking into your hotel to be greeted with a complimentary margarita. 

Overview: Brunch at Blue Duck Tavern

Initial Thoughts:

• Food:  Farm-fresh Fare
• Drinks: Nice Bloody Mary and Mimosa selection

Recipe: Port Poached Pears with Zabaglione Cream

Today is National Dessert Day.  Celebrate with these Port Poached Pears.  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. 

Celebrate the Election with Cake Pops

The election is almost here and Baked by Yael, an online bakery based in Cleveland Park, is sweetening the final stretch of a bitter campaign season. Baked by Yael is offering limited edition election cake pops through Election Day.  I got to try them first-hand and I can tell you that these pops are moist and delicious!

Top Restaurants to Take Out-of-Town Guests

Living in the nation's capital, visitors flock to hotel DeSantis-Then.  Here are my favorite spots to take my out-town-guests to give them a taste of DC:

Bistrot du Coin is sure to provide a lively experience.  I love their mini-ravioli.  Make sure to get reservations in advance because it can get pretty packed.

Menu Revamp: The Federalist's Fall Menu

Fall is here and the Federalist has a new menu.  Stop in soon to give Chef Harper McClure's new menu a taste.