Upcoming Events: More Wine Dinners

March 5, Patz and Hall: Donald Patz will present a spectacular display of terroir driven wines pro­duced from the winery's distinctive vineyard sites, including the outstanding Pisoni Vineyard's Pinot Noir. $125  Tickets for The Capital Wine Festival can be purchased at www.capitalwinefestival.com. 

Frederick Restaurant Week

The Tourism Council of Frederick County invited foodie bloggers to a sneak peak of Frederick’s anticipated restaurant week, which takes place this March 4th through March 10th.

First Taste: Trademark

This place has some of the best bar bites around.  

Around the Globe: South African Airways

17 hours on a plane never felt so good.  South African Airways features daily roundtrip nonstop service from the U.S. to South Africa with afternoon direct service from Washington Dulles (with a stop in Dakar, Senegal). 

Fondue for Two

Photo by Lauren DeSantis

Park Hyatt Washington and Blue Duck Tavern’s Lounge recently launched "Fondue for Two”, a nightly special available throughout the winter season from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm.  You won't find this on the menus, but they'll bring it out to you upon request.  

On the Road Again: Four Seasons St. Louis

The Hotel:  The Four Seasons offers luxury in downtown St. Louis.  The beds are comfortable and the spa is amazing.  Guests can enjoy the great fitness center and wide variety of restaurants   If you're feeling lucky, check out the gambling.  Loved it!

Cookbook Review: Slow Cooker Desserts

By: Michelle Hershman

Just like most of America, I am totally hooked into the slow cooker craze. Set it and forget it? I love that! Pour a bunch of ingredients into a pot in the morning and they turn into a delicious chili or stew eight hours later? Amazing. But, I just cannot get on board with the Slow Cooker Desserts cookbook by Jonnie Downing. It doesn’t make sense to me. Why would anyone wait four hours for brownies when you can put the same ingredients in a baking dish, pop  that dish into the oven, and – voila! – brownies are ready in under 30 minutes.

Around the Globe: Off to Africa

As the daughter of a flight attendant, my love for travel started early.  I got a taste of U.S. and Europe travel at a young age and it whet my appetite for more.  During this journey to Africa, I'm so excited to learn about the culture and cuisine.  I can't wait to share my adventure with you.  Bon Voyage!

Microgreens: Healthy in a SNAP

by Amanda Brashears

Capital Cooking Contributor

In case you are not familiar with the program, MicroGreens works with schools and non-profit organizations to educate children and low-income families on how to make healthy choices based on a government-supplemented food budget (SNAP). Offering a class a week over an eight week period, MicroGreens fellows showcase how anyone can shop for, prepare, and enjoy a healthy meal based on a total budget of $3.50 per meal per family of four.

Thinking of Drinking: Hibiscus Margarita

Happy Margarita Day!  This one is a tribute to Africa.  I'll be headed there tomorrow for my latest adventure.  Hope to keep you updated when I'm away with more food and fun!

Upcoming Events: Wine Time and Brewer's Ball

February 26, Miner Family Wines: Winemaker Gary Bookman hosts the evening's dinner. This is a great opportunity to experience the vineyard's sensational portfolio of wines including its single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Oakville Cabernet as well as their signature blend, Oracle. $125  Tickets for The Capital Wine Festival can be purchased at www.capitalwinefestival.com. 

Top Places to Visit in Thailand

Chiang Mai:  My favorite city was Chiang Mai.  You'll find the best food in Thailand and amazing adventure activities.  We when white water rafting, rode elephants and hung out with tigers.  I loved the cooking class at the Four Seasons with a visit to the market.  Don't miss this city when visiting Thailand!

Uncorked: The Last Sipper

The DC International Food and Wine Festival finished with a bang.  The Last Sipper event was the last big hoorah, and allowed guests to take a walk around the room tasting food and wine that featured dishes created by some of DC's well known chefs.  It was a night to mingle, feast, and taste new wines, but there was also a silent auction for guests who were interested in that as well.

Opening: Doi Moi

Just received a press release:  Chef Haidar Karoum and restaurateur Mark Kuller, the team behind Proof and Estadio, announce today that construction has begun on their forthcoming restaurant, Doi Moi, at 1800 14th Street NW. Doi Moi will offer regional cuisine of Vietnam and Thailand, inspired by the dishes found at street stands, stalls, and storefronts in the great cities of these food-obsessed nations.

Uncorked: Regional Food and Wine Celebration

The Wineries

The 14th Annual International Food and Wine Festival took over the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center and oh what a beautiful take-over. As an attendee of the Regional Wine and Food Celebration, I was overwhelmed at the number of wineries represented as well as the wonderful menu prepared by local chefs, Xavier Deshayes from the International Trade Center and Todd Gray from Equinox. The food was arranged banquet style with each table representing an area of the world so that guests could easily pair the wine offerings with the food presented.

Uncorked: Sommelier Showdown

The DC Food and Wine Festival was a huge success.  This year they offered a number of events and seminars for food and wine lovers to enjoy. The 2nd Annual Sommelier Showdown tested the wine knowledge and tasting ability of local DC sommeliers.  A panel of sommeliers sat and tasted a number of wines trying to identify grape varietal, and place of origin, and even producer while guests mingled about the room tasting high value wines and munching on delicious bites chosen by DC's best chefs.

Uncorked: The Tasting Room Wine Bar and Shop

Initial Thoughts:

• Design and Decor: Simple, functional and intimate - great for mingling! 

Industry Takeover at Graffiato

                                   

The first Monday of every month, Mike Isabella turns over his kitchen at Graffiato to some of DC's greatest chefs and mixologists to help co-host Industry night.  From 10pm-1am, food lovers of DC pile into the restaurant to take part in an extraordinary night of complimentary late night snacks, and signature libations from guest mixologists.

Thinking of Drinking: Secret Lovers

Keep the flame alive. Enjoy!

Preview: Taiwan Part 2

Capital Cooking with Lauren DeSantis in Taiwan from Capital Cooking Show on Vimeo.

Join Lauren DeSantis as she ventures outside of DC to get a taste of the culture and cuisine of Taiwan.  In Part 2, Lauren visits a Buddhist Monastery, eats the strange food at the night market, sips some bubble tea, soaks in the hot springs and learns how to make a cocktail.  Soon to be airing on PBS.

Thinking of Drinking: Pisco Sour

February is Pisco Sour Month and shortly after National Pisco Sour Day, which occurs the first Saturday of February, The Embassy of Peru, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) held their annual "Pisco Sour Day" on the terrace of the Inter-American Development Bank.

Romance in DC

Looking to plan a Romantic Get-Away in DC?  Here's my guide for visitors as well as local Washingtonians.

Upcoming Events: Wine Dinners and More

This Tuesday, February 19^th, McLean neighborhood favorite, Bistro Vivant, hosts an exclusive evening with winemaker Eric Bonnet of Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique. Bonnett will present his award-winning wines made in the heart of France’s Rhône Valley alongside a 5-course tasting menu prepared by Bistro Vivant’s Owner/Executive Chef Domenico Cornacchia.Canapés and reception begin at 6:30 PM followed by dinner at 7 PM. Reservations can be purchased for $75 a person and made by calling Bistro Vivant at (703) 356-1700 or online at www.bistrovivant.com. You won’t want to miss this authentic French cuisine menu featuring sweatbreads, lobster, pike and rabbit paired with Rhône’s most highly-rated reserve bottlings from the acclaimed regions of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Hermitage, Vacqueryas and Lirac.

National Pancake Week: Panqueques

Happy Valentine's Day! Grab your griddles and whip out your whisks because National Pancake Week is fast approaching! The week-long celebration will run from February 10th-16th. Cuba Libre, located at located at 801 9th Street, NW, 20001, serves two cornmeal pancakes and bacon with Cuba Libre's five year rum-molasses syrup and mango butter during brunch service Saturdays and Sundays, from 11:30 AM to 2 PM.

Happy Valentine's Day!

New Look: Lebanese Taverna

Lebanese Taverna recently underwent a major makeover and is back better than ever.  Guests can now enter through a fully enclosed side door, accessible from the restaurant’s complimentary parking garage below.  

Treats for your Sweet

Give the gift of Rhuby the rhubarb liqueur made in Sweden.  The pink color is great for the occasion.

Be mine!  This Valentine's Day, show the one you love that their special with these gifts. Happy Valentine's Day!

Overview: TruOrleans

 

We recently had the pleasure of dining at TruOrleans, a staple in the burgeoning H Street restaurant scene. TruOrleans boasts a great open-air upstairs reminiscent of French Quarter establishments, but the focus is on the Cajun and southern-tradition food, which did not disappoint.

Uncorked: Pinot Noir

By:  Jennifer Duff

Capital Cooking Contributor

I like to enjoy a nice glass of red wine, especially with a delicious dinner.  My favorite kind of wine is either a Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon or a Meritage (a blend of Bordeaux varieties).  But to be completely honest, I don't know much about wine... I just know what I like.  And what better way to learn more than by heading over to the International Wine and Food Festival for an educational session on wine.

Uncorked: Fiscally Friendly Valentine's Wine for under $25

Let these wines make a big impression on your crush and not your wallet. Top sommeliers around DC poured out their best recommendations for Valentine's Day wine for under $25.

Rosé:

National Pancake Week: Clemson-Style Blueberry Stacked Pancakes

Grab your griddles and whip out your whisks because National Pancake Week is fast approaching!  The week-long celebration will run from February 10th-16th.  Blue Duck Tavern, located on the corner of 24th and M Streets, NW, 20037, will serve Clemson-Style Blueberry Stacked Pancakes with Pure Bliss Maple Syrup during brunch service Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 AM to 2:30 PM.  

Wake Up To FirstBake

With the internet connection at my house often being spotty, and sometimes non-existent, I've been spending more and more time at cafes and coffee shops. Though I've been trying to visit a new coffee shop every time I find myself in need of free Wi-Fi, I often find myself coming back to FirstBake again and again. A farmhouse style morning cafe found within Farmers Fishers Bakers in the Washington Harbor at The Georgetown Waterfront, FirstBake serves coffee, teas, fresh squeezed orange juice, toast, and other small breakfast items from 7:30am-10am, Monday through Friday.

Event Re-Cap: Sugar and Champagne

Hosts Chef Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff Gray

By:  Jennifer Duff
Capital Cooking Contributor

Last week, the DC area's most celebrated chefs, vintners, and whiskey makers participated in the 12th Annual Sugar and Champagne Affair to benefit the Washington Human Society. 

Thinking of Drinking: Barrel-Aged Cocktails

Yes We Cantaloup: Bacardi, Cantaloupe, cayenne, and lemon, this new cocktail is a take on the Hemingway daiquiri.

BLT Steak is taking cocktails to a whole new level.  The trendy steakhouse serves up classic steakhouse fare with a twist.  Everything from the food and drinks to the vibe of the dining room is progressive.

Upcoming Events: Wine Dinners and Classes

Beat the Winter Blues at the Food and Wine Festival:  By this time in the winter season, we are all itching to get out of hibernation and enjoy good food and wine… and the Washington, DC International Food and Wine Festival has you covered! The festival will be hosted at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center through Saturday, February 9.  There are lots of seminars, tasting events and programs at this year’s event including: 

Give-away: Valentine's Dinner for 2 with Scratch DC

Still time to enter!  Sign up to win a Valentine's Day Dinner for 2 with Scratch DC!  Why get all dressed up to go to a stuffy restaurant when you can create an even more fantastic meal in the privacy and comfort of your own kitchen!?  

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Zengo

 Scallop and Bacon Gyoza Dumplings

Join Zengo in celebrating Chinese New Year 2013, the honored Year of the Snake, with three brunch specials.

Out to Brunch: Bodega

Bodega Spanish Tapas and Lounge is now offering a brunch menu in addition to their regular lunch menu.  We loved Bodega on our first visit for dinner so we thought we'd give the brunch a try.  If you're looking for a place to have a leisurely brunch in Georgetown with great service, this is the spot.  

Uncorked: Cordial Fine Wine and Spirits

Get ready DC, the wine scene is changing and there’s a new man on the block.

Let the World Be Your Oyster

The Gulf Coast Seafood Association recently held it's annual "Let the World Be Your Oyster" reception at Acadiana Restaurant. In celebration of all things oysters, guests at the packed restaurant were treated to the finest in Louisiana oysters, served by some of Louisiana's finest seafood chefs.

Opening: Taylor Gourmet

Taylor ~ Re-purposed Paint Buckets

Fresh and delicious is the name of the game at Taylor Gourmet. Owners, Casey Patton and David Mazza are excited to announce the opening of their newest restaurant located in the Mosaic District in Merrifield, Va. In celebration of this momentous Virginia opening, they'll be giving away FREE hoagies on Monday, February 4, 2013 from 11:00am - 2:00pm and 6:00pm - 9:00pm (only at the Mosaic location).

The 2013 RAMMYS Theme is Revealed

Members of the media and the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington gathered at Fujimar on Monday evening for the unveiling of the 2013 RAMMYS theme and logo.

VIDA Fitness and Fabbioli Cellars

VIDA Fitness with Fabbioli Cellars

As a way to thank their Penthouse Pool Club members, VIDA Fitness on U Street has recently added special events to their membership privileges. Their recent wine tasting for Penthouse Club clients featured Fabbioli Cellars who provided seven of their wines for the evening. A brief presentation of each wine and four finger-sized food pairings were proffered by Fabbioli's wine educator, James F. Koennicke and other Fabbioli staff members.

Thinking of Drinking: Classic Martini

Martini's come in a many different colors and flavors these days, but true cocktail connoisseurs go crazy for a well-made martini. At a recent Home Bartending class, Marshall Fawley from Scofflaw's Den taught us how to make a classic martini that you can try at home.

Thinking of Drinking: Ravens Royale

Celebrate the Super Bowl with this Ravens Royale from Wit and Wisdom, A Tavern by Michael Mina.  Go Ravens!

More Added: Valentine's Day Round-up

Love is in the air! It isn't too late to snag a reservation at one of DC's hot restaurants. Don't wait until the last minute or you might miss out. DC restaurants are ensuring everyone enjoys the holiday with special Valentine's Day festivities and menus.  If I missed your restaurant, please email me your Valentine's Day offerings.