First Taste: Phillips Seafood

Craving crabs?

BLT Steak Says Farewell to Summer

Summer officially came to a close on Saturday, September 22nd, but BLT Steak wasn't going to let summer pass us by without first hosting a farewell-to-summer rooftop shindig to benefit the Children's National Medical Center.

Smashburger Now Open in Dupont Circle

After opening in Fairfax in October 2012, Smashburger, the burger chain that literally serves burgers "smashed-to-order," is now open in Dupont Circle. We stopped by the new location on 1739 Connecticut Ave a day before the official grand opening to sample some of Smashburger's signature burgers, sides and shakes.

Upcoming Events Around DC

Photo by Emily Clack

The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America®: “Local Flavor from Coast To Coast,” a national traveling food festival prepares to visit Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28…local culinary superstars, including James Beard Award winner RJ Cooper (Rogue 24), Scott Drewno (The Source by Wolfgang Puck), Todd Gray (Equinox), Haidar Karoum (Proof), Enzo Fargione (Osteria Elisir), Vikram Sunderam (Rasika), Tony Conte (Oval Room), Mike Isabella (Graffiato), and Alison Reed (Ripple). Tickets for the public are available at jbftasteamerica.org/events/Washington-dc.

Baby Me

Me, 31 years ago.  Hoping 32 is lots of fun!

DC VegFest Returns This Saturday

On September 28th from 11am to 6pm, join 10,000 area residents in discovering the benefits and flavors of meat-free eating as Compassion Over Killing hosts the annual DC VegFest. This free event includes 18 food vendors selling vegan dishes, 58 commercial exhibitors (both local and national) sampling and/or selling the best in vegan treats, and 35 non-profits educating us about the best ways to protect our health, the planet, and animals. Held at Yards Park, the DC VegFest features free food samples, cooking demonstrations, a beer and wine garden, and nationally recognized guest speakers,including Paul Shapiro of the Humane Society of the United States, Rich Roll, vegan ultra-athlete and author of Finding Ultra, and Josh Tetrik, CEO of Hampton Creek Foods, makers of Beyond Eggs.  

Grape Expectations

By: Ian McGinnity

Famed José Andrés creation and DC favorite Zaytinya kicked off its third-annual Grape Festival on Sunday, September 22^nd, with special events including wine tastings, live music, and a grape stomping competition that will last through October 5^th. A celebration of the versatility of the Mediterranean staple, the festival features innovative culinary concoctions that skillfully intertwine the region’s vibrant history and rich traditional cuisine.

Sausage and Rye Brunch

The Capella Georgetown recently launched its Sausage and Rye Brunch, served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM. Though the Rye cocktails and sausages created by Meat-Master Jamie Stachowski are at the center of the new brunch menu, the menu items crafted by Chef Jakob Esko give you that much more incentive to make The Capella Georgetown your next brunch stop.

Best Thing on the Menu

Join a different kind of conversation about food in our nation’s capital. Best Thing on the Menu (BTM) is the DC food blog where it’s fun to disagree! Adventures around culinary Washington lead to posts announcing the must-get items on menus. Those that don’t agree with BTM’s top pick can post their favorites in the comments section. BTM empowers DC diners to order with confidence. Take Del Campo for example:

Don't miss the H Street Festival!

By Claire Goldman

We all know H Street NE is one of the hottest up and coming neighborhoods in the district, but do you know how great their annual festival is?  This year H Street Festival is shutting down 10 city blocks to celebrate the completion of the streetscape project, opening of new businesses and of course the continued awesomeness of venues such as the Biergartenhaus and H Street Country Club.

The Plainly Perfect Tour to Delaplane

By Claire Goldman

In preparation for DC Wine Week (Oct. 12-19), DiVINE Wine Tours and DC Wine Week partnered together to plan a special trip.  On a beautiful September morning, Lauren and I hopped aboard the DiVINE Wine Tours van to embark on a journey of the palate.  

Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand

PlateDate

Eat in the comfort of your own home, but sit back and relax.  

86 Summer, 86 Bucks

Make the most of your last week of summer by joining BLT Steak in their farewell-to-summer rooftop shindig benefitting the Children's National Medical Center.

A Mexican Truffle Celebration

Rosa Mexicano launched a Mexican Truffle Celebration that will run through October 6th.  

Thinking of Drinking: Alan's Love

 Find this drink at Cafe Dupont or make yourself one at home!

Thinking of Drinking: Old Fashioned Collins

Celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month with Park Hyatt Washington's Old Fashioned Collins.

Recipe: Warm Vanilla Fig Pudding Cake

I got a new shipment of California figs in and started brainstorming ideas as to what new recipes to make.  I wanted something warm and comforting so I decided to try making a warm fig pudding cake.  Turned out amazing.

Upcoming Events Around DC

Thursday, 9/12 – Chuck’s Eat the Street Viewing Party: This Thursday, Black Jack will be hosting a special viewing party in celebration of an upcoming episode of The Cooking Channel's Chuck's Eat The Street. This episode will be highlighting four restaurants on the 14th Street corridor: Busboys and Poets, Estadio, Pearl Dive, and The Pig. The party is from 9:30-11:30 pm (the show begins at 10 pm) at Black Jack (1612 14th Street) and offers a complimentary raw bar and $5 drink specials. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will go to the Black's Family Foundation. 

Amici e Cucina

Scott Drewno

Last September, the U.S. State Department joined forces with The James Beard Foundation to launch an innovative new program to help bridge cultural and communications gaps with other nations using a universal language: food. A year later, as The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America®: “Local Flavor from Coast To Coast,” a national traveling food festival prepares to visit Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28, plans are now in place to honor the woman who led this unique and widely acclaimed diplomatic effort. 

Recipe: Pear Crisp

Photo by Bryn Barber

Pears are a nice treat in the fall. Try this pear crisp for a little comfort.

New Menu Items at Ambar

Ambar has some new menu items to check out.

Recipe: Banana Smoothie

Back when we started filming, my friend, Kitty, joined us on the show to prepare recipes to cook with kids.  This is healthy and delicious. The kids will love it!

La Tomatina Festival at Jaleo

I love tomatoes!  I'm obsessed with the menu.  Every dish is absolutely delicious.  My favorite was the gazpacho, but the heirloom tomato salad is a close second.

Cookies and Cream: Every Dessert Lover's Dream

I remember when Brightest Young Things first sent out an e-mail announcing their Donut Fest that occurred this past March. I simultaneously praised and cursed BYT (so much for that New Year's resolution to cut down on sweets) and immediately bought tickets to the event. I counted down the days until I could sample an  endless amount of donuts from local restaurants and bakeries. As my countdown until the Donut Fest reached its final days, I discovered I would have to work, and could no longer attend the Donut Fest. I gave my tickets away and tried to make myself believe that I knew nothing about the BYT Donut Fest while also hoping it would happen again very soon.

Thinking of Drinking: Warm Apple Pie Cocktail

Dessert in a glass!  I thought apple cider would be great to taste a warm apple pie cocktail.  I love playing around and making new drinks at home.  I hope you enjoy!

Upcoming Events Around DC

Thursday, 9/5 – DC Fest: Those who live, work, and play in Washington, DC know this city offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for engaged professionals. DC Fest is an outdoor festival celebrating life in DC with live music from the area’s best bands, great food, beer and wine from local food trucks and brewers, fun outdoor games, and a first hand look at the cutting-edge brands and products DC has to offer. Come celebrate the best of DC, hosted by InTheCapital, on September 5th at the Half Street Fairgrounds from 5:30-9:30pm. General admission is $20 and tickets are available here: https://dcfest.eventbrite.com/. Follow the fun on Twitter with #DCFest and join our community on Facebook.

Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

September is National Potato Month.  Make some of my Twice Baked Potatoes from the Capital Cooking Cookbook to celebrate!  Use this code for a discount:  5KCP7TEC.  Only $20!

Wat Arun Temple of Dawn in Bangkok, Thailand

First Taste: Ovvio Osteria

By:  Jennifer Duff
Capital Cooking Contributor

The Northern Virginia dining scene keeps getting better and better.  First, we had the Mosaic District offering fantastic meats (Red Apron Butcher) and delicious sweets (Artisan Confections).  And now joining the scene is the Halstead Square area, showcasing new, specialty restaurants like Ovvio Osteria.

Menu: Setting the Mood with Food

Start by taking a shot... just kidding

Aphrodisiac refers to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, who had the ability to drive people wild with lust. This menu is guaranteed to bring a little heat and desire into your kitchen! 

Joe Yonan's New Book: Eat Your Vegetables

While I was back at home in Boston I found a great event to go to, Joe Yonan, the Food and Travel editor for theWashington Post, held a book reading and signing event at the Trident Booksellers and Cafe. Yonan recently released his second book Eat Your Vegetables: Bold Recipes for the Single Cook. While I appreciate good food, between my Mom's great cooking and the opportunity to dine at any of DC's fabulous restaurants, I have found it difficult to cook for myself as a college student. Not only am I trying to stick to a healthy diet, but I also want to make affordable and  delicious dishes.