NYE Round-up

5, 4, 3, 2, 1: Happy New Year! The night we've all been waiting for is almost here. Celebrating with a nice meal is a great way to bring in the new year. There's also lots of fun parties going on around DC. Happy 2013!

Upcoming Events: Truffles Galore!

Truffles Galore!  The chic Italian restaurant, Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca is hosting a unique treat - a Winter Black Truffle Dinner. On Saturday, December 29th. Executive Chef, Nicholas Stefanelli will present not one, but a three-course truffle-fabulous tasting menu. This evening of truffle delights will replace the traditional menu, beginning with truffle foccica and continuing with an antipasta and pasta of your choosing, with each course showcasing the featured winter black truffle. To complete the evening's tastings, guests may find difficulty selecting one of the three desserts created by Pastry Chef, Jemil Gadea. The event's premier winter black truffles have been sourced by Chef Stefanelli from Norcia, Italy where they are generally harvested in late autumn and winter. Though these little gems are worth their weight in gold, Bibiana's Winter Black Truffle Dinner has been affordably priced at $60 per person (tax and gratuity not included). As if this opportunity were not enough, for an additional $40, Bibiana's Wine Director, Michael King, has carefully selected Italian wine to enhance the experience. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis with capacity for 200 people. Dinner service is from 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm.  For reservations and information, please call (202) 216-9550 or visit www.BibianaDC.com.

Overview: Zengo's Bottomless Brunch

 Initial Thoughts:

• Food:  All-you-can-eat selection of ceviche and sushi, salad, dim sum and antojitos, and brunch plates
• Drinks:  Bottomless supply of featured brunch cocktails such as the Bloody Mary, Bloody Maria, as well as four types of mimosas: Mimosa Traditional, Passion Fruit Mimosa, Guava Mimosa and the Pomegranate Mimosa.
• Service:  Good
• Would I go back?  Yes. 

12 Days of Christmas Cocktails: A Patridge in a Pear Tree

Photo by Emily Clack

Did you know that the 12 Days of Christmas actually begin on Christmas day?  The 12th day of Christmas is always on the evening of 5 January.  So to begin your 12 days of Christmas, start with A Partridge in a Pear Tree Cocktail.  Merry Christmas!

SideTour

Whether you're looking for one-of-a-kind dining, a tour of a city's secrets, or something a little adventurous, you'll find an amazing way to experience it on SideTour.

Holiday Menu Planning

The holidays are always so special because it is a time to reconnect with family and friends. Although it is meant to be a joyful time, sometimes the thought of hosting a large party can trigger lots of stress. Make it special, but keep it simple.

Cookbook Review: Petite Treats

By: Michelle Hershman

I wanted to like this cookbook. I mean it. I really wanted to like it. It’s a petite cookbook filled with yummy-sounding petite desserts and sweet snacks. Like Apple Pie Cookies and Mini Olive Oil Cake. Food is just so much more fun when it’s miniature.

Happy Birthday Ashley!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Love you Dad!

Thinking of Drinking: Winter Cocktails

by Amanda Brashears

Capital Cooking Contributor

Mixologist Mark Reyburn is stepping up to the plate at his new digs with Enzo Fargione's Elisir Restaurant. After only a few weeks behind the bar, he has already created an intriguing and creative winter cocktail menu. 

Thinking of Drinking: Santa's Helper

There's no way to prove it, but, I imagine Santa to be a whiskey drinker.  How else would he be able to reach all of those homes in the freezing cold without some whiskey to warm him up along the way?  

Thinking of Drinking: Captain’s Cinnamon Toast

The holidays are almost here.  Enjoy this Cinnamon Toast cocktail from Capitol City Brewing Company. 

Happy Birthday Reilly!

Love ya couz!

Upcoming Events: End of the Modern World

Oyamel Celebrates the End of the Modern World: José Andrés and his team at Oyamel Cocina Mexicana invite you to join in the celebration of the end of the Mayan Calendar with several tempting specials on December 21, 2012. The celebration will take place throughout the restaurant exclusively from 5pm - midnight. The menu will include $5-$6 tacos, an authentic “antojito”, and “Platos Fuertes” such as Sopa seca de fideo con hongas (otherwise known as Vermicelli pasta with ancho chiles, locally foraged mushrooms and shaved black truffles). Pricing is a la carte and dishes range in price from $25.00 - $39.00. Oyamel will also offer several apocalyptic cocktails, including the Los Danzantes Margarita. Certain wines will be priced at $12.21 for a half glass, and $21.12 for a 4oz glasses for the night. Get it?? Oyamel is located at 401 7^th St NW, 20004. For reservations or more information please call (202) 628-1005 or visit www.oyamel.com. 

Holiday Recipe: Black Saison and Fig Steamed Pudding

Mad Fox Exec Chef Andrew Dixon shared his steamed pudding recipe and a memory, "I would make steamed puddings with my mom every year during the holidays. When they were done we would package them and leave them on our friends porches with a card. Mom has kept the tradition going by making a dozen different flavors and inviting friends over for the solstice."

Holiday Recipe: Pan Fried Virginia Oysters served on Creamy Celery Root Puree with Golden Pineapple and Caper Butter

This is a traditional Gray family dish from his Southern roots!  Try making it for the holidays.

Eating Around Town: Matchbox, Tel'Veh and More!

Photo by Kristen Finn

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

Christmas Round-up

Christmas is a time for gathering with family and friends, and this year Washington area restaurants have you covered. 

Dine Inside a Life-Size Gingerbread House

Next week, I'm off to my hometown, St. Louis, to dine inside a unique setting.  Casino chefs and facility officials at Lumière Place created a life-size gingerbread house that families may actually dine in through December 26, 2012.  Located inside Stadium Sports Bar and Grill at Lumière Place, the massive manor is fourteen-feet tall, ten-feet wide and can accommodate a family of four.   While a pre-fixe holiday menu is available, guests will also have the option to order off the menu at Stadium at Lumiere.  One hundred percent of each $20.00 reservation fee will go directly to the Center for Hearing and Speech. 

Cookbook Review: Holiday Slow Cooker

By: Michelle Hershman

Did you spend your entire Thanksgiving slaving over a stove while trying to simultaneously cook a turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing? Well, stress no more. With the Holiday Slow Cooker cookbook you can “Set It and Go Celebrate.” Author Jonnie Downing adapts holiday recipes so readers can prepare all the classics without spending hours in kitchen. And we’re not just talking Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Holiday Slow Cooker includes recipes for party holidays like New Year’s Day and Mardi Gras to lesser celebrated holidays such as President’s Day and Bastille Day.

Happy Birthday Jolene!

Love ya!

Thinking of Drinking: St. Moritz

In celebration of the upcoming holidays, Café Bonaparte and Napoleon Bistro and Lounge will be featuring specially crafted holiday- inspired cocktails and menu items throughout the month of December.  Try this St. Moritz.

Thinking of Drinking: Irish Cream Caramel Appletini

Capitol City Brewing Company recently introduced some new festive holiday cocktails and martinis at their Shirlington Village location. All of the recipes were created to inspire nostalgic holiday memories with the usage of caramel, apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, cider, eggnog, etc.  Enjoy this Irish Cream Caramel Appletini!

Thinking of Drinking: Spiked Hot Chocolate

Photo by Kristen Finn

This hot chocolate will warm up up inside and might even give you a little buzz.  The Kahlua Peppermint Mocha is even delicious by itself.  I'm thinking of drinking next to a fire.  Loving the warm cocktails this time of year!

Upcoming Events: Gingerbread Houses Galore!

Capitol City Brewing Company is kicking off the holiday season and ushering in the winter months with the tapping of the original popular seasonal favorite Fuel beer. Fuel is Capitol City’s full-bodied imperial coffee stout – a complex dark malt blended with coffee. On December 13 the Downtown DC location will likewise re-introduce Fuel and host an equally festive tapping event from 6:00-9:00p.m.Food and drink specials will last throughout the evening including $2 Cap City’s “Core Four” beers (Capitol Kölsch, Pale Rider Ale, Amber Waves Ale and Prohibition Porter) at the Shirlington Village location. Capitol City Brewing

Capitol Brewing Company Fuel Tapping

by Amanda Brashears
Capital Cooking Contributor

Capitol City Brewing Company has tapped a new release called Fuel, an Imperial Coffee Stout that is perfect on a chilly day. Director of Brewing, Mike McCarthy, has created a robust beer that will have you wishing it was winter year round. 

Event: 3 Stars Brewing Holiday Extravaganza

3 Stars Brewing is hosting an extravaganza at the brewery, and you're invited to the most epic holiday party of the year!  Enter HOLIDAYCHEER or use this link:  http://3starsholidayextravaganza.eventbrite.com/?discount=HOLIDAYCHEER for $10 off!

Holiday Recipe: Roasted Baby Goat with Sauteed Potatoes Segovia Style

Celebrate the holidays like you would in Spain with Chef Javier Romero's Baby Goat recipe. Also, stop into Taberna del Alabardero to try some of his other delicious dishes.

Opening: Taylor Charles Steak and Ice

Authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteaks are now available on H Street, courtesy of the folks that brought us hoagies via Taylor Gourmet. 

Holiday Shake: Chocolate Peppermint Shake

Spike is shakin' into the holidays all month at Good Stuff Eatery with his Chocolate Peppermint Shake.  Try one at home or stop in to taste.

Opening: Edgar Bar and Kitchen

by Amanda Brashears

Capital Cooking Contributor

The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel is set to open Edgar Bar and Kitchen this month, replacing the former Town and Country and Cafe Promenade, by bringing the spirit of the grand bar back and embracing the history of its legendary location.

Around the Globe: Montreal Musts

In preparation for my trip to Montreal, I had to watch Anthony Bourdain's visit on his show, No Reservations.  (I usually watch his episodes of most cities before I visit to get a preview of what to expect).  I'll admit that I was drooling a bit after the episode and wanted to try out some of the same restaurants on the show.  Montreal is a great eating city and there are several things that you MUST try when visiting.

Cookbook Review: Allagash: The Cookbook

By Amanda Brashears

Capital Cooking Contributor

If you're looking for a great gift for friends and family who enjoy cooking, drinking beer, or someone who loves both, you cannot go wrong with the newly released Allagash: The Cookbook.

Thinking of Drinking: Mexican Coffee

Legal Sea Foods knows how to warm up the holidays!  Try their Mexican Coffee.

Thinking of Drinking: Maple Mistletoe

Rocky Wilson

Smith Commons has a super fun cocktail to celebrate the holidays.  Watch how to make it here!

Thinking of Drinking: Maple, Spice and Everything Nice

Photo by JoLynda Lawecki

Other than apples, nothing is more synonymous with the fall than sugar maples.  Their leaves highlight the season like a colorful changing of the guard while maple flavored baked goods appear at every potluck and holiday party.

Holiday Recipes: Chocolate Toffee Cookies

Get ready to bake some holiday cookies. Nevin Martelll shared his Chocolate Toffee Cookies to nibble on when your ready for something different for dessert. Thanks Nevin!

Holiday Recipe: Chicken stuffed with haloumi and veggies over tomato basil sauce

Give your holidays a Greek twist with Chef Dimo's recipe from Tel'Veh.

Food Law: Synthetic Nutrients in Organic Foods?

Being a lawyer and a food writer, a recent press release from the Cornucopia Institute caught my interest. Find out how to get involved below.

Upcoming Events: Seasonal Beer, Shopping and More!

Capitol City Brewing Company is kicking off the holiday season and ushering in the winter months with the tapping of the original popular seasonal favorite Fuel beer. Fuel is Capitol City’s full-bodied imperial coffee stout – a complex dark malt blended with coffee. On Thursday, December 6, the local brewpub will host a celebratory tapping party at its Shirlington Village location to roll out its very own Fuel beer from 6:00-9:00 p.m. One week later, on December 13 the Downtown DC location will likewise re-introduce Fuel and host an equally festive tapping event from 6:00-9:00p.m.Food and drink specials will last throughout the evening including $2 Cap City’s “Core Four” beers (Capitol Kölsch, Pale Rider Ale, Amber Waves Ale and Prohibition Porter) at the Shirlington Village location. Capitol City Brewing

Menu Revamp: A Little Pork with Your Noodles?

By:  Jennifer Duff
Capital Cooking Contributor

I love going out for a nice, relaxing four-course dinner with my husband to enjoy extraordinary food and delicious wine.  But of course, every night isn't a night out on the town, especially with two small boys at home.  So when some evenings are hectic and we get home late from work, we order take-out.  Is it superior quality?  Not usually, but it's good and more importantly, it's quick and easy.  And, if it means one less thing for me to deal with, I'll take it. 

Holiday Recipe: Bittersweet Chocolate Pudding

The holidays are right around the corner.  Try David Guas' Bittersweet Chocolate Pudding recipe this year. 

Tis the Season for Giving

Give back to your community by using your passion for food.

Around the Globe: La Roca

The rain didn't spoil our first night in Cabo, Mexico.  We headed into the Grand Solmar's lovely restaurant, La Roca, for a special tasting menu for the Capital Cooking crew.  

Holiday Event Space Round-up

Photo by Emily Clack

From planning a small gathering to a large celebration, DC's restaurants offer private event space for all sizes.  Here are some great options for all of your party needs.

Uncorked: Atlantic Seaboard Wine Tasting

Last week, politicians took a break from debt ceilings and budget planning. Democrats and Republicans alike crossed the aisle to clink glasses to celebrate the winning entries from the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association Eighth Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition. Sponsored by the U.S. Congressional Wine Caucus, the ASWA held a winning wine-tasting reception and awards presentation last Wednesday, November 28 in the Longworth House Office Building.

Holiday Cookies: Jules' Gluten Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I love baking during this time of year.  Isn't it fun to do cookie exchanges with your friends so you can taste a whole bunch of different cookies?  Back in 2008, we filmed a very special episode with a very special guest, Jules Shepard.  Jules loves to bake and was a guest on our show to teach us some amazing gluten-free recipes that she created after being diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  This recipe is perfect for cookie exchanges because everyone can enjoy!

Menu Revamp: Ping Pong Dim Sum

Ping Pong Dim Sum has a new menu featuring flavors and ingredients like pumpkin, dates, smoked duck, hazelnut and cinnamon. The entire menu is filled with delicious bites.