Friday, December 30, 2016

12 Cocktails of Christmas: 6 Geese A Laying

Try my fun and tasty drinks for the festive season from the Capital Cooking Cookbook.  Learn how to make some of the 12 Cocktails of Christmas (6 Geese a Laying Recipe Below).  Capital Cooking Cookbook features the Holiday Cocktails, and copies are available online at: www.createspace.com/3374156

Friday, December 9, 2016

Thinking of Drinking: Peppermint Pattie



Get a minty fresh taste with a chocolaty creamy smoothness with this Peppermint Pattie Cocktail.  I wish I was drinking one right now!

Monday, November 28, 2016

Gingerbread House and Train Workshop

Don't miss the Gingerbread House and Train Workshop at the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City.   Explore the art of gingerbread house and train decorating with your little ones in the Grand Ballroom. The event will be taking place from 11:00am-2:00pm and is priced at $39 per adult and $69 per child ages 12 and under (inclusive of gingerbread decor and lunch).

Friday, November 25, 2016

Thanksgiving Leftovers: Turkey Tacos

Clyde's of Reston Executive Chef Patrick Carroll says, "I work Thanksgiving and honestly after serving hundreds of turkey dinners I just cant eat it.  But I love leftovers! They challenge me with new creative dishes. I eat food that's light and give me energy for the holiday shopping to come."

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Tart

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I taught a Thanksgiving cooking class a few years ago in Virginia and made my delicious Chocolate Pecan Tart Recipe. Instead of the traditional pecan pie typically offered at most Thanksgiving dinners, try out this Chocolate Pecan Tart.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Thanksgiving Menu

We're staying in town this year and planning to dine at Le Diplomate with family.  We loved it last year and it is a great way to relax.  That said, I'm still planning to do some cooking with friends.  What's your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

Perfect Pair: Cranberry Apple Sauce

Cranberry Sauce can sometimes have a pungent flavor that makes it hard to eat.  I've added apples to the mix and I think it balances the flavor and makes it more enjoyable.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 18, 2016

Thinking of Drinking: Old Core

If you’re hosting a holiday gathering and want to make it festive and memorable why not put this cocktail recipe at your self – serve bar. 

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Monday, October 24, 2016

Menu Planning: Fall Feast

Happy Fall! We celebrated the season with a menu worth sharing. A special thank you for our partners: American Lamb Board, Logan's Sausage, California Figs, San Bernardo Ice Cream.  Lamb, figs and sausages are perfect fall ingredients.  Logan's Sausage Company is one of my favorites.  They have so many varieties and they are great for grilling at parties.  

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Opening: Service Bar DC

Passion Fruit Sour
Service Bar DC (SBDC), the concept of veteran bartenders Chad Spangler and Glendon Hartley along bar owner Chris Willoughby, opens today!   

Monday, October 17, 2016

Fall in DC

#babycapcook hiking
My work schedule has been crazy, but we got a small taste of fall this weekend with hiking near Montrose Park.  It was great to get out in nature and enjoy!  What fun things have you been doing in DC?  

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Grand Opening: Muse Paintbar at Mosaic


By Claire Goldman

Sip and snack while expressing your creative side at Muse Paintbar in the Mosaic District.  This is the 20th Muse to pop up nationwide but the first to come to the DC area.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Opening: Sakerum

Mokimedia threw another fabulous party to celebrate the opening of Sakerum!  I had fun visiting with The Washington Lobbyist, Dolci Gelati's Anastasia Dellaccio and top mixologist, Gina Cersevani.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Zodiac Summer

This summer I have been exploring new, refreshing drinks to beat the brutal DC heat.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Thinking of Drinking: Blonde Mahogany

Beverage Director Andra “AJ” Johnson of Macon Bistro and Larder, located at 5520 Connecticut Ave., NW, 20015, is featuring the popular Brazilian spirit, Cachaça, to coincide with the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Guests can enjoy this cocktail throughout the Olympic games through August 21 st , during dinner service. Dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday, from 5 PM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday, from 5 PM to 11 PM, and Sunday, from 5 PM to 10 PM. 

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Labor Day Eats in DC

Keep the weekend going and do brunch on Labor Day.  If you're offering brunch and aren't on the list, please send me the details to be included.  Thanks!

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Perfect Pair: Lobster Risotto

Last spring, my mom came to town and we were in for a treat.  As she arrived, I received a shipment of live lobsters from GetMaineLobster.com.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that they are the best I've ever had.  We spent the night boiling lobster to make this delicious Lobster Risotto.  The delicate meat melts in your mouth.

Friday, August 12, 2016

Thursday, August 11, 2016

All Aboard: Swedish Crayfish Safari!

In the gorgeous little seaside villa of Fjallbacka, nestled like a hand into the glove of the deep, mysterious Bohuslan Coast in West Sweden, you may be surprised to learn that you can go on a wild safari.  But you won’t need a rifle, and you won’t be tracking anything resembling the Big Five.  Instead you will be jumping on a four-ton fishing boat and diving headlong into crashing waves to hunt crayfish submerged nearly 300 feet below the sea’s surface, a place so cold and so dark that only the tastiest of creatures hide out there.  

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Guide to California Wine Country

We loved our trip to California last summer.  It is the perfect place to enjoy sunshine and wine.  Napa and Sonoma are truly breathtaking.  The quality of wine is hard to beat.  Check out what we did and let me know if you have any questions when planning your trip.  Cheers!

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Uncorked: Truvée Rosé

Summer is the perfect time to sip Rosé.  Truvée Rosé is from California’s sun-kissed Central Coast .  This fruit forward, floral, and dry pink wine has a truly unique story that evokes the American Dream.  

Friday, August 5, 2016

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Recipe: Caprese Salad


Photo by Kristen Finn
It is tomato season my friends!  This Caprese Salad was featured on Cooking of Campania.  I got my first taste in a small restaurant on the island of Capri about 15 years ago.  You'll love the freshness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella.  It is the perfect summertime treat!  It is also featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.

Eating Around Town: Hazel

I'll be the first to admit that I don't get out much now that I have an almost two year old.  When my friend asked me to come out for a girls dinner, I was excited to try Hazel.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Recipe: Peach Bruschetta

Peaches are in season right now and oh so sweet.  What else can you do with them besides eating them raw?  Sticky Fingers Sweets and Eats makes a yummy Peach Bruschetta. Check out this vegan recipe.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Monday, July 11, 2016

Recipe: Tuna Ceviche

Watermelon has made my summer!  Try this Tuna Ceviche with watermelon from Nage.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Thinking of Drinking: Watermelon Cricket

It is watermelon season and I've been downing at least one per week.  Get in the watermelon spirit with Carmine's Watermelon Cricket ($12).  Cool off with gin mixed with muddled fresh watermelon, lemon and lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup and Peychaud’s bitters (boozy bitters from New Orleans).  According to Carmine’s beverage director Erin Ward “It’s very refreshing in the heat and humidity”.  Really? Well then have a couple!!

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Tagine

I'm a huge fan of lamb, so I'm always looking for new recipes to test out with the underutilized meat.  I love Moroccan flavors.  Enjoy!

Friday, July 1, 2016

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Best Summer Cocktails in DC

Where can you find the best summer cocktails in DC? I asked the writers of Capital Cooking for their selections. Comment below to let us know yours!

Monday, June 27, 2016

Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

Who doesn’t love simple home-style cooking? I’m talking about Mint Juleps…Mom’s Meatloaf…Southern fried green tomatoes and a childhood favorites, strawberry shortcake. These dishes will bring back sweet memories and the comfort of home. 

Thursday, June 23, 2016

SAVOR Craft Beer & Food Experience: 2016 Top 5 Beers

Claire & Lauren with Luke Trautwein, Brewers Association Art Director

 By Claire Goldman & Lauren DeSantis

SAVOR American Craft Been & Food Experience is an annual event put on by The Brewers Association.  This event brings craft brewers from around the country to Washington, DC beer lovers.  At SAVOR every kriek, tripel, stout and ale is paired with food for a complete tasting experience.  Lauren and I tasted a lot of beers and bites that night but have narrowed down our favorites to a top five list (below in no particular order).

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Live Music, Comedy & Karaoke at Buckeye + Bear


By Claire Goldman

Buckeye + Bear is now open for business serving up brisket nachos with a side of live music.  Now occupying the space once known as the Huxley, owners Ryan Seelbach and Eric Lund decided to turn their upscale nightclub into a downtown music and comedy venue.

Happy Birthday, Corey!

A huge Happy Birthday to the best husband and dad that I know.  I hope you're day is amazing!  We love you.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Thinking of Drinking: Limoncello Sangria

Photo by Bryn Wallace
Friday rolls around and I'm still thinking of drinking.  Give your Sangria recipe some lemon zing by adding a little Ventura Limoncello to the drink.  This Limoncello Sangria was featured on Capital Cooking's Under the Tuscan Stars episode.  Enjoy this light and refreshing cocktail this weekend!

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Best BBQ in DC

Lauren's Pick:  DC City Smokehouse
Where can you find the best BBQ in DC? I asked the writers of Capital Cooking for their selections. Comment below to let us know yours!

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Recipe: Summer Trifle

Who can imagine summer without summer food?  This is the perfect dessert for summer.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Uncorked: 19 Crimes

Looking for the perfect Father's Day wine?  Get grilling and pair with these.