Eating Around Town: Dishcrawl

If you’re looking to discover the food scene in your neighborhood on multiple levels, socialize while you’re at it, and spend just enough to gorge your gills, you’ve gotta try DishCrawlDC.

Preview: Taiwan Part 1

Capital Cooking in Taiwan: Part 1

from Capital Cooking on Vimeo.

Check out our episode for a limited time (soon to be airing on television).  We'll visit Taiwan and go to a tea plantation, beach, and make some Taiwanese food and cocktails.

Upcoming Events: Sugar and Champagne

Sugar and Champagne:  Come celebrate all things sugary and sweet on January 31^st at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. For the 12^th consecutive year, Chef Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff Gray of Equinox Restaurant and Muse at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and Salamander Resort are our gracious hosts, and will be honoring our local crusaders against animal cruelty. All proceeds will directly benefit the animals and programs of the Washington Humane Society.

Cheese Classes at The Sofitel

The Sofitel Washington, DC recently launched it's series of cheese tasting courses, taking place now through the end of March. 

Scary Stats for Super Bowl Eating

The "Big Game" has become much more than a football game: It’s the second biggest day for food consumption in the United States after Thanksgiving. So, to choose the most splurge-worthy foods, here are the exercise equivalents* for some of your favorite football snacks from Charles Platkin, PhD, MPH, public health advocate, editor of DietDetective.com and Distinguished Lecturer (professor) at the CUNY School of Public Health at HUNTER College. Better hit the gym big-time before Sunday!

Football Food: Crab Dip

Gear up for the Super Bowl by making some delicious crab dip.  Rich Vellante, Executive Chef of Legal Sea Foods, shared this recipe.  “This crab dip is always a crowd-pleaser – it’s rich and warming – and very easy to prepare.”

National Soup Month: Cauliflower Bisque

Celebrate National Soup Month with Chef Harper McClure's (The Federalist) Cauliflower Bisque.

Uncorked: Capital Wine Festival

The Fairfax at Embassy Row, a Starwood Luxury Collection hotel, in conjunction with its signature restaurant, 2100 Prime, kicked off the Fourth Annual Capital Wine Festival last week.  The 10-week dinner highlights dinners, hosted by the winemaker or proprietor.  Beginning on Tuesday, guests may attend a dinner showcasing wines from California, Portugal and Italy. 

High Spirits at the Inaugural Ball

Kentucky Distillers' Association

Spirits were high as the bourbon flowed at the distinctive Bluegrass Ball hosted by the Kentucky Society of Washington and held at Marriott Wardman Park on Saturday, January 19th. This historic event kick's-off the inaugural ball weekend and has been voted Washington Post's "Editor's Pick" in 2005, 2009 and 2013. Guests were downright giddy with anticipation as the evening commenced with a two-hour long bourbon tasting.

CookBook Review: Clean Eating for Busy Families

By: Michelle Hershman

I was very excited to receive the Clean Eating for Busy Families cookbook. I try to eat healthy at least 75 percent of the time (the other 25 percent is open for pizza and nachos), and I’ve always been interested in the concept of “clean eating.”  If you’ve never heard about clean eating, it’s a diet program that focuses on whole, minimally processed foods. That means healthy, home-cooked dinners and no takeout! The author, Michelle Dudash, a registered dietitian  understands that it can be hard to cook a “clean” meal night after night, especially if you’re a busy mom. That’s why most of the recipes in her book take 30 minutes or less.

Thinking of Drinking: Ravens Cocktail

Get ready for the Super Bowl with this Ravens Cocktail.  It has a purple hue and is sure to make your celebration special.  Go Ravens!

The Starting Line Up

By:  Jennifer Duff
Capital Cooking Contributor

Well, the Super Bowl is a little over a week away and I'm sure that you all have your menus planned out, food ordered, and are all ready to entertain for the big game.  What?  Really?  You don't have an earthly clue what you are going to serve and/or bring to the Superbowl party?  Oh... you are in luck then!  Union Market just made your life easier...

Cookie Decorating for Valentine's Day

Show your special someone they're loved by decorating some Valentine's Day cookies for them.  Larry Calvert from Toute Sweets showed me how it is done.  Enjoy!

Upcoming Events: Sips and Suppers, Union Market and More!

Sips and Suppers Fundraiser This Weekend: Sips and Suppers, a two-day celebration of food and community hosted by Jose Andres, Joan Nathan, and Alice Waters, will raise money for DC Central Kitchen and Martha’s Table. Now in its fifth year, the event has grown to include almost 100 acclaimed chefs, mixologists, and food artisans from across the country and around the world. Sips will be held at the Newseum on Saturday, January 26 from 7-9 p.m. and will include food, wine and cocktail tastings, live jazz music, and live cooking demos. Tickets are $95 per person and can be purchased at http://2013sips.eventbrite.com. Visit http://www.sipsandsuppers.org/sips/artisans-mixologists/ for the full list of Sips participants. Suppers will be held on Sunday evening, January 27 in 26 private homes across D.C. Local and internationally renowned chefs will come together to prepare multi-course meals for small groups in each home. Tickets are $550 per person and can be purchased at http://2013suppers.eventbrite.com. Visit www.sipsandsuppers.org/suppers/chefs/ for a full list of Suppers chefs. All proceeds from both events benefit DC Central Kitchen and Martha’s Table.

National Peanut Butter Day!

Crumbs Bake Shops Peanut Butter Cup is the perfect way to celebrate this most awesome peanut butter day! Yum!

National Soup Month: Yellow Corn

Try Assaggi Osteria and Assaggi Mozzarella Bar's Yellow Corn Soup.  There's nothing better than a hot bowl of soup this time of year.

The Buzz About Protein Bar's Winterberry Buzz

By:  Lauren Rittermann

Begun by a Chicago native looking to lose weight by cutting empty carbs and upping his healthy protein intake, Protein Bar is taking DC by storm, at least judging by the location I visited.  For now it's the only one, but others are on the way, welcome additions to the lunch scene for DC and Northern Virginia professionals looking for a nutritious, fast lunch, breakfast or even dinner.

On the Road with New 2013 Buick Encore

Capital Cooking was recently invited to test drive the new Buick Encore at Indigo Landing Restaurant in Alexandria. This sporty little five-passenger SUV crossover provides plenty of luxury and spice at a competitive price (starting at $24,200 MSRP) and makes driving fun! 

Thinking of Drinking: Jefferson's Presidential Manhattan

Celebrate the inauguration with a presidential cocktail from Hill Country.  

Presidential Inauguration Package at Capitol Hill Hotel

Fresh off a multimillion dollar renovation which includes a redesigned lobby, the expansion and addition of meeting and event space, and a name change, (Capitol Hill Hotel was formerly known as Capitol Hill Suites), the Capitol Hill Hotel has partnered with Equinox Restaurant to offer a decadent Presidential Package for Inauguration, available January 18th to January 22nd. 

Thinking of Drinking: 1600 Penn

Park Hyatt Washington, located at 24 and M Streets, NW, recently unveiled a selection of cocktails perfect for toasting throughout the winter months. Here's one of their favorites.

Opening: Mari Vanna

Last night we had fun checking out the newly opened Mari Vanna.  This spot is the Ginza Project's second U.S. location. It is a great place to grab a drink with friends.

Upcoming Events: Inauguration and More!

Photo by Emily Clack

Celebrate the Inauguration Aboard the Spirit of Washington and Odyssey:  Gather your own First Family and friends to catch all of the excitement of Inaugural Weekend while taking in the picturesque sites of the Potomac.  Starting on Friday, January 18 through Sunday, January 20, guests can enjoy a brunch, lunch or dinner cruise with live music aboard the Odyssey or Spirit of Washington.  Tickets range from $46.90 to $102.90 (reduced ticket price for children under 12).  For the big day, dress in your finest apparel and dine elegantly under the stars at the Odyssey’s Inauguration Day Dinner Cruise on Monday, January 21. Step aboard and see the monuments shine bright in the crisp, cool air while delighting in an evening of lively entertainment, dancing, and creative culinary options. The formal affair, priced at just $97.90* per person, begins boarding at 6pm and sails from 7:00pm to 10pm.  All cruise reservations can be made by calling 866.404.8439 or online.

Event: Tony's Coming to DC

Anthony Bourdain will bring his Guts and Glory tour to Washington, DC this spring 2013. The internationally renowned chef, author, and television host will visit DAR Constitution Hall for one night only, Monday, May 13, 2013. Bourdain will spend the evening sharing candid, often hysterical insights about his life’s work and travels, including an open question and answer session with the audience.

On the Road Again: The Four Seasons Baltimore

Get out of DC for a quick get-away to Baltimore.  Treat yourself to a luxurious weekend at The Four Seasons and take advantage of the spa amenities.  Dine at the fabulous restaurants and enjoy!

National Soup Month: Chicken and Yogurt

In celebration of National Soup Month, Tel' Veh shares their recipe for Chicken Yogurt Soup.  Yum!

Out to Brunch: Farmers Fishers Bakers

Initial Thoughts:

• Food:  Super fresh and extensive brunch buffet of American fare.

• Drinks:  Awesome Bloody Mary Bar

• Service:  Good.  Mainly get your own items at the buffet, but the staff comes around with coffee and additional treats.

• Would I go back?  Yes!

National Soup Month: Chestnut

Enjoy National Soup Month with Assaggi Osteria and Mozzarella Bar's Puree of chestnut soup with crispy guanciale and pecorino cheese. 

Spice Up Your Sunday at Ceiba

You're Sunday evenings just started looking up. Ceiba has a great new deal that won't break your pocket book.  Enjoy a delicious three course Sunday dinner for only $29.  Take advantage of the happy hour all night with $5 signature cocktails and half-priced bar food.  

Thinking of Drinking: Life of Pi

The Oscar nominees have just been announced.  If you're hoping for a Life of Pi win, try making one of these cocktails to celebrate.

Upcoming Events: Dish Crawl and More!

In a city known for its political marches and the Marine Marathon, a little crawling is in order. Dishcrawl is pleased to announce its Columbia Heights Food Tour!  Join them on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 for this foodie adventure as they taste their way through four eateries in the Columbia Heights neighborhood. Tickets are $45.00 each and the Dishcrawl begins at 7:00 pm. The meeting location will be disclosed to ticket holders via email 48 hours prior to the event. The restaurants' names are being kept secret, but if you follow Twitter @DishcrawlDC you might glean a hint or two.  Vegetarian options are available, but they may not be able to accommodate other dietary restrictions. Cancellations are taken only if given 48 hours advance notice. All Dishcrawl events are held rain or shine. For any questions, you may contact Kerri, your D.C. Dishcrawl Ambassador at KerriP@dishcrawl.com or visit Dishcrawl DC. 

National Soup Month: Mussel and Potato

Celebrate National Soup Month with Chef Clay Miller's Mussel and Potato Soup.  I recently checked out Wit and Wisdom and the entire meal was phenomenal.  You are sure to enjoy this soup!

Spotlight: Ryan Hansan

Meet Ryan Hansan, founder of Scratch DC.  Scratch DC is a cool meal service that delivers the uncooked ingredients to your door.  Everything is measured, chopped and ready to go.  All you have to do is follow Ryan's simple instructions and you'll have a master meal in a matter of minutes (25-30).

Recipe: Sopa Levanta Muerto

In celebration of National Soup Month, Cuba Libre shared their recipe for Sopa Levanta Muerto. “Raise the Dead” with this coastal seafood soup.  Crab meat, Baja bay scallops, shrimp and mussels, yum.

Top 10 Comforting Desserts in DC

What part of the meal is more comforting than dessert?  Here's my Top 10 picks for the best and most comforting desserts around DC.

Recipes: Pan de Pascua

The features of the Pan de Pascua evoke both German and Italian cuisines, as a reflection of those two big communities through Chilean history.  Enjoy!

National Soup Month: Clam Chowder

Legal Sea Foods' Clam Chowder has been served at every Presidential Inauguration since 1981.  Stop into the restaurant to give it a taste or make your own batch at home!

Menu Revamp: 701

701 Restaurant has some new menu items and a new chef.  Tony Conte has been promoted to executive chef, overseeing the menus for  The Oval Room  and 701 Restaurant.

Feed Me Food News: 2013 Restaurant Week

Is this the moment you've all been waiting for?  Not me.  Personally I prefer to dine anytime other than Restaurant Week, but if you love a deal (and over-eating), dine February 4-10th.  

Thinking of Drinking: Earl the Pearl

Take your tea up a notch with Edgar Bar and Kitchen at The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel's Earl the Pearl. 

Save the Date: Cochon 555

Save the Date:  April 7, 2013

Oink, Oink!  Join me at COCHON 555 – five chefs, five pigs, five winemakers.  I'll be judging this one-of-a-kind traveling culinary competition and tasting event to promote sustainable farming of heritage breed pigs. The event challenges five local chefs to prepare a menu created from heritage breed pigs, nose-to-tail, for an audience of pork-loving epicureans and celebrated judges - one winner will advance to Grand Cochon.

Best Bites of 2012

2012 treated my belly well, maybe a little too well.  I ate my way around the globe including foodie trips to Mexico, Canada, Sweden and Taiwan.  Here are the best bites of 2012.

Upcoming Events: Dishcrawl, Chef Takeovers and More!

CHEF TAKEOVERS AND NEW TASTING MENUS AT GRAFFIATO: Chef Mike Isabella is opening his kitchens at Graffiato for both his team and guest chefs to showcase their menus. Beginning in January, Graffiato will offer a series of new menus and events on Sundays and Mondays, including a unique 12-course tasting menu from sous chef, Adam Brick; seasonal wine dinners with chef de cuisine, Marjorie Meek-Bradley; and monthly Industry Takeover nights with guest chefs and mixologists. Brick’s Gem Tasting Menu will be offered for $85 at the six-seat ham bar on Graffiato’s second floor at 8 p.m. every Sunday and Monday. The menu includes food “gems” made of often scare ingredients like lamb neck, pig snout and tuna marrow. Reservations are taken one month in advance by e-mailing requests to events@graffiatodc.com. The five-course Seasonal Wine Dinners will take place one Monday per season. The next wine dinner is set for Monday, March 11, 2013, and will be co-hosted by Italian winemaker, Cesare Benvenuto, from Pio Cesare. Industry Takeover Nights will occur on the first Monday of every month from 10 p.m. - 1 p.m., starting on January 7, 2013 with Chef Bryan Voltaggio. Visit GraffiatoDC.com for more information and future Industry Takeover guests.

Resolution: What's Yours?

Happy New Year!  The ball dropped and now it is time to set goals for our new year.  For 2013, I'm going to work on cooking a light meal once a week.  It is time for more fresh fruits and vegetables.  Being a food writer, I'm typically dining out 3-4 nights a week.  The least I can do is try to cut back a bit when I'm at home.  What about you? 

Out to Brunch: RIS

By:  Jennifer Duff

Capital Cooking Contributor

Initial Thoughts:

• Design and Decor - Bright and airy with lots of natural light and a simple, "white linen tablecloth" decor

• Food - Nouveau American style menu with a focus on small plates

• Drinks - Great for brunch, bottomless mimosas and delicious bloody marys

• Service -  Attentive and helpful with menu suggestions

• Would I go back? Yes, but only if I had extra money to throw around!

Overview: EPIC Smokehouse

Happy New Year!  I recently had the pleasure of indulging my love of barbeque at Epic Smokehouse (EPIC) in Pentagon City.  EPIC is the brainchild of long-time friends and Palm alumni Joon Yang and Wayne Halleran.  The concept is simple:  high-quality smoked meats and seafood paired with innovative cocktails and high-caliber wine at affordable prices, brought to you with incomparable service.  What sets EPIC apart from so many other new restaurants with a great concept is that it actually delivers all that it promises and more.