Thinking of Drinking: NY Apple

What goes better with lamb than whiskey?  I had some fun playing around with Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey last weekend and came up with this delicious cocktail.  For all of the ladies out there who aren't inherently whiskey fans, please give this a try.  Hudson whiskey is so smooth and tastes so nice with these apple flavors.  Cheers!

Thinking of Drinking: Winter Wonderland

I was hoping to start featuring more spring cocktails, but this weather feels like winter.  Treat yourself to a Wonderland cocktail from Morton's The Steakhouse in Georgetown.  Check out their private rooms and great happy hour specials.

Cochon 555 is back!

Cochon US Tour and Goose Island Beer Co. humbly present Cochon 555 Washington, D.C. on Mar 23, 2014. Going on its sixth year, Cochon 555 is the nation’s premier culinary tour touting the flavor and health benefits of eating heritage breed pigs. The kickoff event features an all-star lineup of five chefs, five pigs and five wineries to celebrate breed diversity and family farming. Learn more about the epic pork feast and buy tickets at http://cochon555.com/2014-tour/washington-dc/.

Upcoming Events

Parmigiano Reggiano Academy at Righteous Cheese -- Parmigiano Reggiano is often called the King of Cheese – and you can receive a royal education this Thursday at Righteous Cheese at 7pm. The Union Market vendor will be doing a vertical tasting of true Parm at 3 different ages, paired with 2 very different wines as well as paired accompaniments. You’ll discover the nuance and complexity of this classic cheese, as well as discover the history and culture surrounding it. Fromager Carolyn Stromberg will delve into the story of Parm, as well as give advice about selecting, serving, pairing, and more. The class is $39 and requires advance purchase, as ticket availability is limited. For more information, visit www.righteouscheese.com.

Recipe: Diver Scallops with Pork Belly and Scallop Ceviche

These scallops make the perfect appetizer for a fancy dinner party.

Javier Romero's Love of Cooking Shines at Taberna del Alabardero

We were recently treated to an epic feast at Taberna del Alabardero, the most authentic, classy, and exquisite Spanish restaurant in D.C.  

Recipe: Angus Beef Mini Burgers

Fire up the grill and make something fun tonight! These little burgers are sure to please! Who doesn't love minis?

First Taste: Bidwell

I met Chef John Mooney years ago in Iceland.  I visited his NY restaurant, Bell, Book and Candle and loved the fresh flavors.  His new spot, Bidwell, exceeded my expectations and provided a meal with comforts and food memories.  

Destination and Travel Dinner

Award-winning chefs and travel industry leaders from around the country gathered to honor the James Beard Foundation (JBF).  JBF was selected by The Destination and Travel Foundation to receive the 2014 Spirit of Hospitality Award, the highest recognition presented annually to individuals and organizations that show exceptional dedication and commitment to the travel and tourism industry. JBF president Susan Ungaro accepted the award.  Special guest and multiple James Beard Award-winning Chef Art Smith joined the evening to help present the Spirit of Hospitality Award.

Thinking of Drinking: 'Tinis

Nothing beats a well-made Martini

The Martini is, without question, the ultimate classic cocktail. And, when it comes to home bar panache,nothing says cocktail hour more than an ice-cold, crystal clear, perfectly made version of this drink.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, February 20.  ArtJamz February Art Bazaar: Get arty at the ArtJamz Dupont Studio (1728 Connecticut Ave NW) this Thursday from 8:30-midnight when the ArtJamz Artz Bazaar comes to life. Featuring Van Gogh vodka creative cocktails, curiously fascinating local art, a roving human canvas, a mysterious bearded DJ, live painters, street art dolls and special pricing on studio time. Tickets cost $15 and include 3.5 hours of studio time (2.5 hours free!) one free drink, and access to paints and art materials with the NEW option of pick your own canvas at cost! Additional drinks will be available for purchase in the studio during the event. For tickets and more information, visit http://artjamzdc.com/15-artz-bazaar/.

February Give-Away: $100 to Daikaya

Sign up for your chance to win now by:

Sparkle Lounge

By: Laurie Wallin
Capital Cooking Contributor

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center hosted its annual Sparkle Lounge on Friday, February 14. The atrium of the building was beautifully decorated with a ski lodge theme, which fit the mood of Washingtonians who were still reeling from the 12+ inches of snow dumped on the area by Winter Storm Pax the day before. Sparkle Lounge provided a welcome reprieve from the snow with an evening of fun, food, and drinks.

Romantic Ideas on Let's Talk Live

In case you missed it, I went on Let's Talk Live last week to share some romantic ideas for dinner and drinks.  You can catch the clip here.  In addition to featuring Get Maine Lobster and Australian Lamb, I shared lots of other goodies.

First Taste: City Tap House

City Tap House opened just two months ago, but it is already establishing itself as one of the premier beer hot-spots in downtown DC. Located at 901 9th Street N.W., a few blocks north of the Verizon Center on Eye Street, City Tap House serves sophisticated American pub fare for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunches, and features over 40 local, domestic, and imported beers on draft. 

An Inside Look at BLT's New Menu

BLT Steak in Washington, DC recently appointed a new executive chef, Jeremy Shelton. 

A Pizza My Mind

An Evening of Pizza and Beer Pairing with Ruth Gresser at Pizzeria Paradiso

By Matthew Ross

“Everybody loves pizza,” says Ruth Gresser, the owner, manager, chef and head pizzaiola at Pizzeria Paradiso.  And recent author of Kitchen Workshop Pizza, an informative book on pizza making.  Gresser’s book is more than a cookbook.  It is her gift to pizza lovers everywhere that want to bring a little more pizza into our homes.  Gresser’s other three theses after “Everybody loves pizza” are (1) her fundamental truth that pizza is “the people’s food,” (2) that “pizza is a meal in itself,” and (3) that pizza is on almost everyone’s list of favorite foods.  I concur on all counts.

First Taste: Pinstripes

By Lauren Rosalanko

Pinstripes in Georgetown hosted their grand opening on Friday night and it was quite the event! The entertainment and dining venue already has many locations across the Midwest and DC is their first East Coast location. Pinstripes not only has a wide array of Italian food for brunch, lunch and dinner, but they also have bocce and bowling! I was able to sample a little of each of their signature dishes and look forward to going back to try more.

Thinking of Drinking: Be Mine Margarita

Photo by Emily Clack

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it.  Get ready for a fun evening by making some Be Mine Margaritas. The cranberry juice gives this drink a pretty red color perfect for your sweetheart.

The Presidents Day Beer Fest

A three day weekend deserves a celebration and Drink the District has you covered with The Presidents Day Beer Fest.  This beer tasting event at Dock 5 at Union Market offers unlimited tastings of over 50 beers, in addition to unlimited full pours of two select beers, food trucks, and live entertainment.  Beers on tap at the event include Rogue, Devils Backbone Brew Co, DC Brau, Port City Brewing, Sweetwater Brewing, and Lost Rhino Brewing Co.

Bistro Vivant gets a New Chef!

My mom recently came to DC to visit and we headed out to Bistro Vivant in a GM Denali.  This car offers comfort and class.  Bistro Vivant is located in McLean, but it is well worth the drive out. 

Owner/Operator Aykan Demiroglu recently appointed Katie Busch as chef de cuisine for Bistro Vivant in McLean, Virginia.  

Perfect Pair: Valentine's Day

When staying in on February 14th, menu planning is a key component of how the evening will go.  Check out these two recipe ideas!

Thinking of Drinking: Cupid's Arrow Cocktail

Photo by Emily Clack

Get in the mood for Valentine's Day with this Cupid's Arrow Cocktail.  The pretty red color is perfect for the occasion.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, February 6: Water and Wall Dinner at the Bar - Happy Hour at the bar doesn't always have to be about drink specials. Water and Wall in Arlington has thrown in an extra treat--dinner. Have a seat at the bar (from 5-9pm) to enjoy drink specials and a 3-course dinner for $35 (your choice of a starter, main plate, and sweet plate). Now that's a happy hour special that doesn't leave you hungry!

Opening: Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak, and Stone Crab

By: Laurie Wallin

Capital Cooking Contributor

DC diners have a new option for seafood and steak - Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab has opened in the district. Joe’s was brought to DC via a partnership with Lettuce Entertain You, who owns Wildfire, Mon Ami Gabi, Big Bowl, and Community Canteen. The opening of Joe’s DC is particularly memorable for the restaurant, as the opening coincides with the 100^th anniversary of the original Joe’s Stone Crab (opened in Miami Beach in 1913).

Duos for Valentine's Day at Urbana

What: Celebrate your own perfect duo at Urbana this Valentine’s Day, as the Dupont Circle restaurant and Executive Chef Ethan McKee unveil a special Perfect Duos menu all Valentine’s weekend.

RAMMY's 2014 Launch Event

 

By:  Jennifer Duff

Capital Cooking Contributor

The month of January officially kicked off RAMMY season in the DC area with a launch party at the Powerhouse.   Guests mingled and snacked on delicious treats while pondering the upcoming selections of nominees.  The buzz of excitement was in the air and anticipation for the 2014 winners (and of course, party).