Thinking of Drinking: Agricole Daiquiri

The classic style Daiquiri is one of the simplest and tastiest cocktails.  At our 3rd Annual Capital Cooking team party, Nikolai Konick from Rhum Clement joined us to shake up some cocktails. 

Thinking of Drinking: BROOKLYN BREWERY MASH TOUR

The Brooklyn Brewery Mash tour hits Washington, D.C., for the second time May 31 – June 7 to celebrate what’s next in food, film, comedy, music, books and beer. The Mash tour is the largest traveling food, beer and arts festival, stopping in ten U.S. cities as well as London and Stockholm in 2014. Brooklyn Brewery has collaborated with Washington, D.C. chefs, artists and craft brewers to create one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences for the whole community to enjoy. 

Thinking of Drinking: Cool as a Cucumber

Keep it Cool as a Cucumber this weekend!

Margarita Wars and More!

Margarita Wars --Now in its second year, Washington City Paper’s Margarita Wars presented by Don Julio is an all out battle for ‘rita supremacy. On Thursday, May 29th from 6-9:30pm, mixologists from the top margarita joints throughout the region compete for attendee’s votes for the evening’s best margarita at The Liaison Capitol Hill.

First Taste: The Fainting Goat

I'm not sure how I didn't stumble into The Fainting Goat sooner and I'm so excited that it is only a block from my place.  

Breakfast is Served: Jardenea

Melrose Georgetown Hotel, a recently reinvented hotel located in the heart of Georgetown, offers a weekend breakfast until noon.  

First Taste: Red Light

Riverstrone Slush Ice Wine with Aperol,
Seasonal Nectar, Shaved River Stone Ice and Winter Fruit

I am not ashamed to admit that the first thing I do when I'm handed a menu at a restaurant is look at the desserts. I will definitely judge a restaurant by the desserts they offer. If the desserts are not listed on the same menu as the dinner menu, I don't go as far as immediately asking the waiter for a dessert menu, but I wait in suspense, thinking of the dessert menu to come throughout my meal. At Red Light, which recently opened at 1401 R St NW, there is technically no dessert menu because desserts (and cocktails) are THE menu. Since I've always believed dessert and cocktails are the most important part of my meals, I have to believe Red Light, a cocktail & dessert bar, was opened just for me.

Weekend Get-Aways on Let's Talk Live

Did you see our recent segment on Let's Talk Live?  Check out my take on weekend get-aways by clicking here.

Thining of Drinking: Mezcaliña Martini

During our time in Cabo, we visited the chic boutique hotel, Casa Natalia.  

Upcoming Events

3 Star Ball: Party with a Purpose --The 3 Star Ball engages young professionals looking to support the cause for voting representation and full equality for the District, while partying with DC’s hippest guests and celebs. The event, hosted on the rooftop at the National Association of Realtors from this Thursday (May 22) from 6:30-9pm, will boast live music, DC-themed hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. The party will honor Democracy All-Star: Nancy Bagley, from Washington Life Magazine and aRaising the Bar honor awarded to DC Brau Brewing Co. Tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance. For more details, visit http://www.dcvote.org/events/3-star-ball-party-purpose.

Spring in Full Swing at Teddy and The Bully Bar

By: Lauren Rittermann

Capital Cooking Contributor

Teddy and The Bully Bar, named after one of the most popular American Presidents, is in full swing this Spring with vibrant and flavorful small plates, and classic cocktails with a fresh twist. 

Recipe: Cucumber, Tomato and Feta Salad

Photo by Emily Clack

This salad is light, healthy and perfect for Memorial Day.

Write for Capital Cooking

Daytime and Night Position:  Capital Cooking is looking to hire 2 new foodies who would be interested in covering the latest events, restaurant openings, fashion and food reviews in the DC area.  

Around the Globe: London

Chowzter features the tastiest fast feast from around the globe. You can find all of the best food in global cities all on the website. I helped Chowtzer with the DC dishes and Chowtzer hosted all of the chiefs for a weekend of fun and awards!

Out to Brunch: Casa Oaxaca

Casa Oaxaca is now offering Sunday brunch!  We loved it all and you will too.  Plus, isn't Mexican food the perfect hangover cure?!

Chef's Best Dinner & Auction 2014

By Claire Goldman

The area's top chefs gathered at the Washington Hilton on Tuesday, May 13th to participate in the 24th Annual Chef's Best event.  This year, the dinner and auction raised a whopping $765,000 for the DC based charity Food & Friends.

Thinking of Drinking: Dolce Verde

Lupo Verde has an earthy cocktail that will keep it fresh. Try out the Dolce Verde! 

Upcoming Events

An Evening in Old Town -- Enjoy the spring weather (while it lasts!) along the Potomac in Alexandria this Thursday evening. Stroll down King St. and window shop in cute boutiques like Why Not and Fibre Space (check out oldtownboutiquedistrict.com for more listings). Then, head over to the Waterfront Market (www.thewaterfrontmarket.com) to pick up some picnic treats like shrimp and avocado salad and watch boats roll by on the water. A great evening to enjoy the outside and view the full moon on a picnic blanket!

On the Road Again: Seafood and Wine in Virginia

We hit the road to ESVA in a beautiful Cadalliac CTS on Friday at 4:30 pm.

Memorial Day BBQ Recipes

With the long Memorial Day weekend just days away, we'll be flaring up the grill and having a beach party to celebrate the official start of summer. I've got some great recipes from the the Capital Cooking Cookbook. 

Recipe: Honey-Glazed Butterflied Leg of Lamb topped with Fresh Fig and Mango Relish

This recipe is not only delicious, but it is made with only 10 ingredients.  The Fresh Fig and Mango Relish makes this a perfect recipe for summer grilling (indoor or outdoor).

Opening: STK

STK has finally arrived in DC and is most definitely not a place that you should miss! This is STK's eighth location, following restaurants in New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami and London. STK is a great mix of a steakhouse with a lounge feel. For the grand opening event hundreds of DC residents were given the opportunity to try some bite-sized portions of STK's signature dishes, as well as their signature drinks.

Time for Bocce at Vinoteca

Is it spring... or are we going straight into summer?  Either way it is that time of year again when we can challenge our friends to a friendly bocce match in Vinoteca's back patio.  You'll enjoy an expanded new Grill Menu of housemade hot dogs, burgers and other grilled snacks. 

Wine and Food Festival at National Harbor

By:  Jennifer Duff
Capital Cooking Contributor

Sunny skies, a breeze off the water, and the chance to sip over 150 wines, beers and spirits were all  perfect reasons to come out to this year's Wine and Food Festival at the National Harbor.  After a long winter, it was great event to relax and enjoy the weather with some tasty treats.

Thinking of Drinking: Mommy Dearest

A Mango Bellini is the perfect way to start the day with Mom.  As one of the world's most popular fruits, the mango is a year-round source of the naturally sweet, refreshing taste of the tropics.  Did you know that mangoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and A... so you don't have to feel guilty about this cocktail. 

Thinking of Drinking: Karishma

Keep the Earth Day celebration going with Rasika's Karishma.

Recipe: The Perfect Pasta Salad

Photo by Janelle Rigler

The heat is here and BBQs are happening.  Here's the perfect pasta salad to bring to your next party.

Upcoming Events

Seventh Annual Charity Wine Tasting -This Thursday at the Embassy of Argentina, enjoy delightful Argentine wines for a great cause! Centro Argentino is pleased to host it's 7th Annual Charity Wine Tasting on Thursday May 8th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The tasting event will feature more than 30 varieties of wine and typical Argentine empanadas. It's the perfect event to sip wine and raise funds to support education projects. Tickets are $40 online in advance or at the door. For more information, visit http://www.centroargentino.org/2014/04/03/save-the-date-58-seventh-annual-charity-wine-tasting/.

The Bamba Bowl

By: Laurie Wallin

Capital Cooking Contributor

On Saturday, May 3, Del Campo restaurant hosted the “Bamba Bowl,” where three of DC’s hottest taco joints – Taco Bamba, Oyamel, and Casa Oaxaca – battled it out for guest votes and the glory of winning ‘best taco!’ This event took place on Del Campo’s patio on a beautiful DC spring day and between the tacos and drinks, was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in our Nation’s Capital and kick off Cinco de Mayo.

Don't Miss the Embassy Chef Challenge!

Join me for Cultural Tourism DC's 6^th annual Embassy Chef Challenge, Thursday, May 15, 2014, from 6 pm to 9:30 pm at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The annual fundraiser gives the public access to one of DC's best-kept secrets: world-class embassy chefs.  More than a dozen embassy chefs present small plates showcasing their country’s signature delicacies and battle in DC’s Premier International Culinary Competition. A panel of celebrity chefs and food critics, including me, select the winner of the Judge's Choice Award, while guests cast a ballot for the People's Choice Award.

A Celebratory Night at The Grill From Ipanema

There is something to be said about a restaurant thriving in DC for the past 22 years.  Obviously they are doing something right.  And that is definitely the case at The Grill From Ipanema.  Named after the Grammy Award winning song, Girl from Ipanema, the restaurant located at 1858 Columbia Road in Adams Morgan, is the only authentic Brazilian restaurant in town.   It is a family owned and operated restaurant and specializes in the best culinary experience with the well-known Brazilian Spirit of hospitality.