Check out Fall Cocktails on Let's Talk Live!

Recipes coming soon!

Thanksgiving Recipe: Chardonnay Dessert Balls

Try something a little different for dessert this Thanksgiving!

A Taste of the Hungarian Mangalica Pig

The Hungarian National Association of Mangalica Breeders recently came to town in their efforts to increase their export business, and they, along with the Embassy of Hungary, invited us to a discussion and tasting of the Hungarian Mangalica pig.

Thinking of Drinking: Winter Cocktails at POV

There are many people that look upon the change of seasons this time of year as daunting or depressing.  Other than the holidays, how can one survive the cold and gray months to come with their spirit and joie de vivre intact?  W Hotels’ POV bar and lounge has the answer.  Evoking the esprit of the Swiss Alps, the W hosted an Après Ski party on its rooftop deck. 

Upcoming Events Around DC

Thursday, November 21 – Fall Beaujolais Tasting at Cork: Join Rosenthal Wine Specialist Trey Stephenson and Potomac Selections Owner Ryne Hazzard to enjoy five tastes with five bites at Cork’s Market and Tasting Room this Thursday starting at 7:00pm. This special event will explore the wines, Crus and terroir of Beaujolais. We will explore Domaine Pascal Granger and Domaine de la Chapelle des Bois and pair wines from these Domaines with a Special Holiday Menu from Cork Executive Chef Kristin Hutter. The BEAUJOLAIS Tasting is $50 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Space is limited so to RSVP, email Tastings@CorkDC.com.

Sneak Peek: Seasonal and Festive Treats from the Sweet Lobby

By:  Jennifer Duff
Capital Cooking Contributor

I can't believe I'm going to say this aloud, but it's true... the holidays are right around the corner.  That means dinner parties, office gifts, and other festive events.  Lucky for us, the Sweet Lobby made our lives a little bit easier this holiday season with their seasonal and festive treats, plus a new addition to the "sweet" line up... a canelé.

Arcane Soft Launches with the Taste of an Indian Summer

Arcane is DC's newest supper club, providing a "radical and esoteric approach to the art of cuisine." We were  invited to experience Arcane's approach to Native American culture as we gathered for their soft launch event at the Capital Hill Towers. Soft red and orange lighting helped transform the intimate space as we gathered with 20-30 others eager to find out what the preeminent avant-garde supper club had in store. 

On the Road Again: Leesburg, VA

Gorgeous fall views from our bike on the C and O Canal 

By Claire Goldman

Capital Cooking loves to bring you new ideas for getting out of the city on the weekends.  Here's one for the more adventurous sort:  a bike trip to charming Leesburg, VA.  There's no better way to see the changing colors of fall than hopping on a bike and heading about forty miles out to Leesburg.

First Taste: Max Brenner Chocolate Bar

By: Lauren Rosalanko

Last night I had the best experience for dinner that I have had in a long time. That's right I went to Max Brenner Chocolate Bar in Bethesda, MD and decided to skip dinner to test out the chocolate concoctions the restaurant had to offer (what better way to start the weekend than have dessert for dinner?). Chocolate is one of my favorite sweets and as expected Max Brenner did not disappoint! Walking into the Chocolate Bar I felt like a child walking into Willy Wonka's Chocolate factory, with fabulous chocolate-colored decor, vats of chocolate, and pipes that said 100% pure chocolate. The restaurant is whimsical, yet luxurious. I was already in heaven and I had not even tried the food or drink.

Reflections upon Reconnecting with an Old Lover

What happens when you meet someone you had strong feelings for after a long absence? It can be a bit jarring, but also a bit exciting. You remember with fondness the qualities that originally attracted you to her and marvel in the ways in which she has changed and grown since your last encounter. 

Recipe: Spicy Crab Guacamole

Happy National Spicy Guacamole Day!  Enjoy this recipe at Zengo or El Centro.  You can even make your own at home.

Booze for Babes and More!

Photo by Kristen Finn

Thursday, November 14 – 2013 Cider Press at Virtue Feed and Grain: Head over to Virtue Feed and Grain for their inaugural Cider Press sampling event to benefit SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia this Thursday from 7-10pm. Cider Press 2013 will offer samples of a variety of hard ciders including Bold Rock, Kelly’s, Stella Cidre, Cider Boys, Ace, Woodchuck, Magners, Hornsby's, Angry Orchard, Jack’s. The event will feature live music by Phil Kominski of Lloyd Dobler Effect, delicious appetizers from Virtue Feed and Grain, apple games, great prizes, a raffle and tasting glass. Tickets are available at www.ontaponline.com for just $15 all-inclusive per person.

Eat With Your Eyes: Slow Roasted Pork Cazuelas

Is your mouth watering? It should be! El Centro D.F. opened its second location in Georgetown. While the menu maintains some of the signature dishes from its 14th Street sister, it added some new winners.

Out to Brunch: Daikaya

Daikaya recently launched brunch with tons of fun small plates.  This is a great place to try with friends on a lazy Sunday.  

Bowling at the White House

One of the big perks of my hubby's job is renting the bowling alley at the White House.  

On The Road Again: A Bite Out of the Big Apple

By: Laurie Wallin
Capital Cooking Contributor

There’s one surefire thing about NYC – no matter where you turn, there’s amazing food and wine waiting for you around every corner. My husband and I spent some time in the Big Apple over the weekend celebrating our anniversary and were lucky to dine enough at some of the city’s biggest gems – Per Se, Le Bernadin, and Eleven Madison Park.

#BeBenetton

By Claire Goldman

Benetton's flagship Georgetown store rang in a new season of fashion in style.   Benetton's Fall/Winter collection is spot on.  My favorite pieces were the chunky knits and vegan leather pieces.  Also, the staple cashmere cardigans in the Benetton rainbow had me copping a feel (so soft!).

Thinking of Drinking: Iduna

You can never have enough cocktails for Thanksgiving!  Alex of the Gibson shared a great fall cocktail recipe he calls "Iduna;" named after the Norse goddess who provided the gods with apples, thereby providing them eternal youthfulness.  It's a mixture of apple brandy, ginger syrup, lemon juice, and bitters.  When all the flavors come together, it tastes like a crisp, baked apple.

Duck, Duck, Goose!

Thursday, November 7 – Duck, Duck, Goose Dinner at Range: Chef Bryan Voltaggio is pleased to welcome author Hank Shaw to RANGE for a collaborative, 5-course dinner in celebration of his new book “Duck, Duck, Goose.” Shaw’s cookbook provides recipes and techniques for cooking ducks and geese (both wild and domestic). The dinner will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2013 with LIMITED seatings at 5:30pm, 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Tickets are $100 for dinner or $145 with wine pairings and are available at www.bryanvoltaggio.com.

Spotlight: Honey Trek

Two New York newlyweds who thought a two-week honeymoon wasn't nearly enough to celebrate a new life together. With a little bit of savings, no kids, and good health, they figured there was no better time to travel. So they quit their jobs, rented their apartment, and set out on a 650-day honeymoon around the world. Using Anne's background as a magazine editor and Mike's as a digital media strategist and semi-professional photographer, they started HoneyTrek.com to chronicle their journey. 

Now with nearly two years of on-the-road experience under their belt, they've decided to take all they've learned and launch HoneyTrek Trip Coach [www.HoneyTrek.com/TripCoach], an in-person guide to long-term travel, to help get more people out there exploring the world.

I was so inspired by their story that I wanted to share it with you!

Best Pizza in DC

Where can you find the best pizza in DC? I asked the writers of Capital Cooking for their selections.

Perfect Pair: Whiskey and Pig

Knob Creek bourbon has been trailblazing the country introducing its Big Flavor Dinner Series to lucky cities like D.C. Recently, The Pig (1320 14th St NW) hosted this traveling whisky band and Chef Michael Bonk put on a show.

Thanksgiving Recipes: Piloncillo-Ginger Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Graham Bartlett of Zengo is helping us get ready for Thanksgiving this month with his Piloncillo-Ginger Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Spice up your holiday with a twist on traditional sweet potato recipes.

Law, Love and Capital Cooking

Photo by Sophie Pyle

A special thank you to Sophie Pyle for writing the DC Trendsetters story for InTheCapital.  She rocks!  Check out her story here!

News: G Extends Sandwich Hours

Starting today, G, Mike Isabella’s 14th Street sandwich shop, is offering its sandwiches from 11am to 9pm Sunday through Thursday (takeout only after 5 p.m.), and 11am to 5pm Friday and Saturday. Sandwiches had previously only been available during weekday lunch hours.  My fav is the baby goat sandwich!

Thanksgiving Recipes: Deviled Eggs

November is here. Time to start thinking about your Thanksgiving menu. I've asked chefs around DC to share some of their favorite family recipes to celebrate the holiday. I typically think of deviled eggs for Easter, but they are really a great starter for any holiday. Chef Alan Adenan of Legal Sea Foods in Crystal City shared his Deviled Eggs recipe.

Menu Planning: Autumn Dinner

Harvey's Market has a vast selection of locally raised meat. It is conveniently located in Union Market. We recently checked out some of their products to create a delicious fall menu to share.  Their featured local meats are raised naturally. “Natural” means the animal led a truly natural life filled with sunshine, access to fresh water, plenty of room to roam and space where normal animal behavior can be expressed. That natural life doesn't include any use of unnecessary antibiotics, added growth hormones or consumption of animal by-products, making the meat naturally tender and full of flavor.  We had a blast dining with my cousins and friends.  Recreate this menu at home and enjoy!

Menu Re-Vamp: California Pizza Kitchen

The customers spoke, and California Pizza Kitchen listened. Sometimes all you want for lunch is a little taste (or at least smaller) taste of California Pizza Kitchen.

Thinking of Drinking: Cranbubbly

What do you get when you mix Cranberry Liqueur and sparkling wine?  A Cranbubbly!  This is a perfect holiday cocktail.  Cheers!