Opening: Fig & Olive

By:  Jennifer Duff
Capital Cooking Contributor

The well known FIG and OLIVE restaurant with locations in California, New York and Chicago, finally arrived in DC's City Center with a much anticipated grand opening. The event drew DC socialites, politicians, and foodies to enjoy a night of Veuve Clicquot Brut NV champagne, light bites and signature cocktails.

Uncorked: Mumm Napa

Mumm's the Word!  Break out the bubbly at Mumm Napa.  We had the best time tasting and touring with Max.  

Thinking of Drinking: Rickey

Photo by Emily Clack

From the beginning of Capital Cooking, we've been trying to figure out exactly what makes up DC native cuisine.  While we still don't completely know the answer, we now know that DC does have a native cocktail.  The nation’s capital is the birthplace of the rickey, a classic cocktail made with gin or whiskey, fresh lime juice and club soda.

Best Frozen Treats in DC

Recently we told you where to find the best summer cocktails and burgers. This week is best frozen treats!

Recipe: Taramasalata

The Mediterranean is the deep, blue heart that gives life to the countries that surround her. Chef John Manolatos of Cashion’s Eat Place joined us on our Flavors of the Mediterranean episode. Taramasalata is a popular dip in Greece. It might be fun to have a Greek themed party and to make this and Tzatziki.

Happy Birthday Corey!

The Picturesque Town of Smogen, Sweden

Thinking of Drinking: Aphrodite

Photos by Emily Clack

"Thinking of Drinking," gives you some ideas about what you can do when you get off work after a long week. We'll feature some of my own signature creations, some from top mixologists around town and some from readers.  So if you'd like to be featured on "Thinking of Drinking," send me an email with your amazing cocktail along with a photo and we can share your recipe on Capital Cooking.

Virginia Festival at American Eats Tavern

By, Courtney Konkel

American Eats Tavern will be celebrating its inaugural Virginia Festival from June 17th-30th to showcase the best dishes and drinks from the state for lovers. The festival will include various tastings from local wineries and special menu items using Virginia ingredients.

Northern California

Taking off for Northern California.  I can't wait.   Headed to Napa, Sonoma, Carmel and San Francisco.  Let me know if you have any "must-do" recommendations.  Thanks!  

Any fun vacations planned for the summer? 

Opening: Tupelo Honey Café

By: Laurie Wallin

Capital Cooking Contributor

Tupelo Honey Café, originally based in Asheville, NC, just opened in Arlington’s Court House neighborhood. With its fresh, made-from-scratch southern comfort food, all-American décor, and a “Moonrise” (late-night!) small plates brunch, this place is sure to be a hit. The restaurant’s wood tones and “windows” produce a comforting, homey feeling. The bar area has a mix of booths and tables, and with 24 craft beers on tap, many of them local, I suspect it will be hard to find a seat. 

Discovering Balkan Cuisine at Ambar

By: Laurie Wallin

Capital Cooking Contributor

What do you think of when you hear “Balkan cuisine?” To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure, so I was happy to have dinner at Ambar, located in DC’s Barracks Row neighborhood and discover it for myself. I discovered Ambar was born from a dream that owner Ivan Iricanin had – to bring the cuisine from his homeland of Serbia to the U.S., and Ambar’s menu is based on the best dishes from the Balkan Peninsula and were developed by Iricanin and restaurant partner Richard Sandoval’s travels to Serbia in 2012. The menu features slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood and a diverse selection of salads, vegetables, spreads, and meat mezze all expertly prepared by Chef Ivan Zivkovic. Ambar recently updated their menu for spring, so I was excited to visit for the first time and discover what Balkan cuisine is all about.

Upcoming Events

Marriott Marquis Washington, DC has opened its first outdoor bar, The Patio at The Dignitary, on the corner of ­­­ 9th Street NW and Massachusetts Ave. NW in downtown Washington, DC. Featuring live music all summer, The Patio at The Dignitary is the summery sister bar to The Dignitary, Marriott Marquis’ popular whiskey bar. Thursday, June 11 Justin Trawick

Opening: Jug and Table

By Claire Goldman

Glasses and carafes and jugs, oh my!  Adams Morgan gets a new wine bar on the ground floor of Roofer's Union.  Jug and Table officially opened to the public last month.

Planning a Birthday Party

A few years ago, my friend Katie and I were talking and we realized our husbands' birthdays were only two days apart. We decided, why not throw a joint birthday party?

Zentan Launches Summer Class Series

By, Courtney Konkel

This past Saturday, Zentan kicked off their summer class series.  The restaurant will be holding weekly chef and bar orientated classes.  The first class featured Chef Yo and focused on the art of making sushi.

Grilling with Friends

Photo by Luke Trautwein

We grilled up a feast this weekend and #BabyCapCook made lots of new friends.  She was loving a visit from Olive, Pearl, Charlotte and Edith.  Burgers, Brats, Corn, Salads and Sangria were enjoyed by all.  Smiles all around!  Have you been grilling lately?  What's your favorite food to grill?

Congrats to the 2015 RAMMY Award Winners!

Fun was had by all at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the 33rd Annual RAMMY Awards!

Book Review -- Walt Whitman in Washington, D.C. by Garrett Peck

Many of us who live in Washington, D.C. or the surrounding area came from somewhere else.  Because of this, we all have stories of moving here.  They chronicle our arrival, finding jobs and places to live, and building lives for ourselves.

Upcoming Events

On Thursday, June 4th beginning at 8:30pm, Daikaya Izakaya (705 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001; Phone: (202) 589-1600; www.Daikaya.com; @DaikayaDC) is inviting beer lovers to enjoy an evening of 'Beers & Bites' featuring specialty beers from notable Midwest-based Boulevard Brewing Company and the opportunity to pair each featured beer with an assortment of creative savory dishes crafted by Executive Chef Katsuya Fukushima. Fukushima. All dishes and beer pairings will be available a la carte.