TV

New Episode:

Capital Cooking in Taiwan Part 1: We'll visit Taiwan and go to a tea plantation, beach, and make some Taiwanese food and cocktails.


See more video clips on YouTube and Vimeo.

Airing everyday at 4 p.m. on AMGTV.

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Welcome to the Capital Cooking website! Many of you are interested in learning more about the culinary riches from around the globe and the wonderful recipes to enjoy. You can find out more about my television series and recipes here. 

Capital Cooking is the first television show of its kind. DC is more than just Congress, but it is also a great place for cuisine! The nation's capital is unique among American cities. Like San Francisco, Chicago or New York, it's home to its residents, an anchor for the surrounding region and a destination for people from around the world. 


Capital Cooking: Around the Globe is an original travel and food series hosted by Lauren DeSantis. In each half hour episode, DeSantis whisks viewers through a cultural and culinary extravaganza in the world’s most exciting, mystifying, and gorgeous capital cities and their surroundings. By cooking alongside the world’s most talented chefs, DeSantis teaches viewers how to weave these diverse cultures into their own unique dishes and connects their imaginations to places most will never have the opportunity to explore in person. 


Capital Cooking also explores the cuisine of Washington, DC. Lauren demonstrates cooking tips centered around life in DC featuring regional cuisine from all areas of the country as well as international dishes. Lauren cooks with top local chefs and provides answers to questions that viewers may be asking about how to make recipes. Viewers learn fine points of completing the recipes which are designed to be fresh, moderately easy to prepare and colorful. 


The show is filmed in various locations throughout DC and capital cities of other countries around the globe.

Schedule
Episodes:


Capital Cooking in Taiwan Part 1: We'll visit Taiwan and go to a tea plantation, beach, and make some Taiwanese food and cocktails.

Capital Cooking in Taiwan Part 2: Join Lauren DeSantis as she ventures outside of DC to get a taste of the culture and cuisine of Taiwan. In Part 2, Lauren visits a Buddhist Monastery, eats the strange food at the night market, sips some bubble tea, soaks in the hot springs and learns how to make a cocktail. Soon to be airing on PBS.

Capital Cooking in West Sweden Part 1

Capital Cooking in West Sweden Part 2: After exploring the Western Coast of Sweden, Lauren DeSantis heads south to join A Slice of Swedish Hospitality to cook a feast in a Malmo home. Lauren is also guided through the historic gardens of Katrinetorp.

Capital Cooking in Cabo Part 1: Join Lauren as she visits the beautiful city of Cabo, Mexico to explore the culture and cuisine. In part one, Lauren will learn some traditional Mexican recipes and swim with the dolphins.

Capital Cooking in Cabo Part 2: Join Lauren during her exploration of Cabo. In this episode, Lauren will get a lesson in tequila and Baja wine, experience a Spagarita, cook a Vegetarian Paella and sale out to the Cabo Arch at Land's End.

Setting the Mood with Food: Aphrodisiac refers to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, who had the ability to drive people wild with lust. This episode is guaranteed to bring a little heat and desire into your kitchen! 

Swedish Adventure Series: Lauren is guided through Stockholm by an expert with an in-depth historical knowledge of the country. She is greeted by a chef that walks the viewers through the park to a garden of ingredients and they cook at an open-air kitchen overlooking the city. They make traditional dishes and share the history of Aquavit. Lauren hits Stockholm’s famous outdoor night club, gets chilly in the Ice Bar and makes cupcakes with the former embassy chef in DC. She departs the mainland to the island of Grinda and learns about life on the archipelago and cooks island food with the chef. She returns to Stockholm to cook with a world recognized chef and makes New Nordic dishes. The viewers get a taste of everything Stockholm has to offer.
  • Capital Cooking's Swedish Adventure:  Part 1  Join Lauren DeSantis as she ventures outside of DC to another capital city, Stockholm.  In the first episode of this 3 part series, Capital Cooking visits a centuries old seafood market, explores Stockholm's sights, gets a taste of New Nordic cuisine and hits the nightlife.
Sweden Episode 2

  •  Capital Cooking's Swedish Adventure:  Part 2  In the second episode of this 3 part series, Lauren DeSantis is greeted by Chef KC Wallberg who walks the viewers threw the park to a garden of ingredients and they cook at an open-air kitchen overlooking the city. They make traditional dishes and share the history of Aquavit. 
Sweden Ep 3
from Capital Cooking Show on Vimeo.
  •  Capital Cooking's Swedish Adventure:  Part 3  In the third episode of this 3 part series, Lauren DeSantis departs the mainland to the island of Grinda and learns about life on the archipelago and cooks island food with the chef.  Capital Cooking bids farewell to Sweden in the infamous Ice Bar.


Capital Cooking: Icelandic Adventure


Capital Cooking's Icelandic Adventure:  See some of the sights in Iceland, get a taste of New Nordic Food and learn about the cuisine of Iceland. 

Bistro Cooking:  Join Lauren and Chef Olivier from ICI Urban Bistro to make some bistro dishes perfectly paired with First Vine wine.

Greek Feast:  Join Lauren and Chef Dimitri to make a delicious Greek Feast including:  Opa Opa Shrimp, Spanakopita, Moussaka and more.

Flavors of India:  Indian Cuisine is one of my favorites and on this episode we’re going to learn how to make it with one of the best, chef Vikram Sunderam, of Rasika.

Sweet Endings:  Looking at the desert menu first is always tempting.  Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner sweet tooth today with Capital Cooking, as Lauren DeSantis leads us into the land of sugar.  Learn to create home-baked cupcakes, fresh-mint truffles, and a chocolate covered cherry cocktail; and discover some sweet wine pairings.

Burgers and Shakes:  The burger craze has swept across the country, and the heart of the nation has been credited for launching the trend. Burger joints, specializing in gourmet burgers and all of the perfect pairings including delicious milkshakes, have fired up their grills around the District.  So gather your friends and family, and join Lauren as she shows you how to create the perfect combination of burgers and shakes.  This episode of Capital Cooking will feature Wellington Burgers, Fried Pickles, Sweet Potato Fries and Chocolate Peanut Butter Adult Milkshakes.

Panamania:  As a land bridge between two continents, Panama possesses an unusual variety of tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs that are used in native cooking.  Join Lauren and special guest, Embassy Chef Ana Victoria Mas, to learn how to make Shrimp and Fish Ceviche with Pixbae, Sea Bass (Corvina) with Yucca Strings, Mojo Sauce and Avocado, Fried Plantain Gnocchi with Cilantro-Basil and Cashew Pesto, and a Panama Red cocktail.

Under the Tuscan Stars:  Wonderful aromas fill the kitchen as Dean Gold of Dino’s joins Lauren DeSantis to make a delicious Tuscan meal and more.  Start with a Pappardelle all'Aglione paired with a Loose Cannon beer.  Then we’ll make Dino’s Lemony Anchovy Salsa Verde paired with a Monte Fiore wine.  Lauren will even make 2 cocktails including a Tuscan Lemon Drop and an Italian Sangria.

Picnic Pleasers:  The nation’s capital is a picnic hot spot.  We’ll explore the some delightful recipes that keep it simple so that you enjoy your day outside with the help of Chef Domenico Cornacchia of Assaggi.

Romantic Dinner for 2:  Life gets hectic, but it is important to always make time for the one you love.  So light your candles and join Lauren as she shows you how to create the perfect evening for you and your mate.  This show will feature Filet Mignon topped with a Balsamic Reduction and Melted Goat Cheese, individual potato gratin, and Chocolate Pots de crème.

Cocktail Party: This show will show you how to plan the perfect Cocktail Party. Joined with guest, Rachel Pryor, Lauren will show viewers how to make Endive Boats with Cranberries, Gouda and Pesto, Baked Brie, Chicken Satay, a Cherry Blossom Cocktail and Three Carats cocktail.

Sunday Brunch:  Join Lauren and Chef Brian McBride to make the ultimate Sunday Brunch featuring Crab cakes with Poached Eggs and Aioli, Fresh Berry Salad with Mint, Skillet Fried Potatoes with Rosemary, Bacon and Onions, a Bloody Mary and a Fuzzy Navel.

Reduce and Concord: As the weather gets chilly, there is nothing better than cooking dishes that simmer for a long time and fill the house with fragrant aromas.  Join Lauren to make exquisite recipes that include: Mushroom Ragout on a Puff Pastry with Sautéed Spinach, Creamy Chicken Marsala, and Port Poached Pears topped with Zabaglione. Each dish has a unique flavor and aroma that works great for any occasion this season.

Lunch with a Lobbyist:  Join Lauren DeSantis in making a delicious lunch with lobbyist, Anita Estell including:  Mixed Greens with topped with cranberries, apples, caramelized walnuts and fig balsamic vinaigrette, Tilapia with Vanilla Beurre Blanc, and Pumpkin Crème Brulee.  We’ll get the inside scoop about being a lobbyist in DC, changes in the ethics rules, and best lunch spots.

Southern cooking final cut
from Capital Cooking Show on Vimeo.Southern Sensations:  Join Lauren and Chef Travis Timberlake of Art and Soul restaurant to make some Southern sensations including:  hoe cakes, fried chicken with pickled vegetables and bourbon bread pudding.

Thrill of the Grill
from Capital Cooking on Vimeo.
Thrill of the Grill: Learn the art of grilling peaches topped with homemade mascarpone ice cream and vegetable ratatouille with the help of our special guests Heath Hall and Brett Thompson from Pork Barrel BBQ. We will smoke some tasty BBQ!

Flavors of the Mediterranean:  The Mediterranean is the deep, blue heart that gives life to the countries that surround her. Join Lauren and Chef John Manolatos of Cashion’s Eat Place as they make a fresh Mediterranean meal including:  White Sangria, Tzatziki, Taramasalata, Grilled Flat Bread and Grilled Seafood.

Taste of Morocco:  Taste of Morocco will feature Amlou, Chicken Tagine with Couscous, Moroccan Serpent Cake and a Casablanca Cocktail.

Cooking of Campania:  The Campania region of southern Italy is home to Mount Vesuvius as well as the bustling city of Naples.  The volcanic soils of Campania grow some of the best produce in Italy. Join Lauren and Chef Enzo Febbraro of D’Acqua Ristorante to make Insalata Caprese bites, Bruschetta, Gnocchi with Neapolitan Ragu, Salt Crusted Branzino, La Torta Caprese and the Blue Grotto Cocktail.

Edible Housewarming Gifts:  Washington D.C. is described as a highly transient city with workers, politicians, officials and interns coming and going from all over the world.  With all of the people coming and going, you are likely to be invited to a housewarming party.  Join Lauren and Jules Shepard of Nearly Normal Kitchen to make the perfect housewarming basket.

My Family Favorites:  Join Lauren, her mom, and Aunt Linda to learn the secret family recipes, including:  Popeye Pills, Chicken Duchess and Carrot Cake.

Pizza and Cocktails:  Viewers will learn how to make hand-crafted pizzas, mini-burgers and infused cocktails with Lauren and Chef Jonathan McArthur from Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro in Chinatown. 

French Cooking Techniques:  Lauren and Chef Paul Stearman from Marcel’s Restaurant will whip up a delicious Scallop Ceviche, Bison Strip, and Fresh Berry Napoleon complete with the perfect wine pairings. 

Ethiopian Cuisine: Join Lauren and the owners of Etete as they make Ethiopian Soul Food including injera, Awaze Tibs and an Ethiopian dessert.

1789:  1789 was a significant year in Washington’s history:  its original site was purchased by Archbishop John Carroll, the founding Father of Georgetown University; the Constitution of the United States was adopted; and Mayor Robert Peter incorporated the village of Georgetown.  Join Lauren and Chef Daniel Giusti of 1789 Restaurant as they demonstrate simple, traditional cooking methods, highlighting the flavors and integrity of the region’s best ingredients.

Food Bloggers Challenge Part 1:  Comfort Food.  Join Lauren and four other food bloggers as they compete in making the best Chicken Potpie.  This episode will feature Alison McConnell, April Fulton and Johnna Rowe.  A panel of judges will determine the winner along with votes from readers and viewers.  Make sure to watch Part 2 to find out the winner.

Food Bloggers Challenge Part 2:  Comfort Food.  Join Lauren and four other food bloggers as they compete in making the best Chicken Potpie.  This episode will feature Stefanie Gans and Lauren DeSantis.  A panel of judges will determine the winner along with votes from readers and viewers.

Cooking with the Quintuplets:  In 1997, Jacqueline Thompson gave birth to sextuplets, five of whom survived.  The donations that helped make ends meet dropped off years ago.  Now she’s a single mom.  Join Lauren as she teaches the quints how to make their own lunches for school and other fun recipes for kids. 

Crazy for Cupcakes:  Cupcakes have become a national pastime, thanks in part to the now famous Magnolia Bakery. Everyone just can’t get enough of this sweet goodness.  Lauren will teach you how to make some fabulous cupcakes at home as well as exploring some of the best places to get cupcakes in the DC area.

Mexican Fiesta:  Chef Connie from Connie’s Authentic Mexican Catering will join me in preparing authentic Mexican cuisine including:  guacamole, empanadas, sopapillas and mango margaritas. 

Meet Me in St. Louis:  DC is a melting pot of people, culture and cuisine.  This episode will bring some Midwest treats to the table including:  Chicken Tetrazini, Gooey Butter Cake, Toasted Ravioli, and the St. Louis Cardinals Cocktail.

Summer Supper:  Join Lauren and Chef Oliver Friendly as they prepare a simple summer meal with locally grown produce and humanely raised meat from DC-area farmers markets. While commercial organic markets provide a great service, the food at the Farmers Markets is fresher and better for you.  Learn how to make:  Homemade Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Minted Sweet Peas and Tomato Vinaigrette, Paprika Dusted Pork Chops with Roasted Corn, Shallot, Tomato, and Mint Salsa, and Vanilla Ice Cream with Fresh Fruit and Mint Syrup.

Cooking For Kids:  This show will be centered around making healthy food for the kids.  Lauren will show viewers a chicken nugget recipe, fruit dip, smoothies, and more. 

Asian Fusion:  Join Lauren and the chefs from Ping by Charlie Chiang’s while they make Pot Au Feu, Rosemary Red Pepper Chicken and Shiny Slippery Shrimp.  This innovative cuisine will highlight the fusion of American tastes and local ingredients with the exotic, pleasing flavors of Asia.

Cooking in Small Spaces:  Join Lauren and Denise Medved, author of The Tiny Kitchen Cooking and Entertaining cookbook and founder of The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining trade show for tips to transfer the stress and intimidation of cooking and entertaining into memorable and fun experiences.  Learn how to make Gazpacho and Swordfish with a Tropical Salsa.

American Classics:  Join Lauren and Chef ‘Red’ Shannon from the Majestic Restaurant for simple American cuisine consisting of Mint Juleps, Fried Green Tomatoes, Meatloaf, and Strawberry Shortcake.

A Rustic Roman Afternoon:  Join Lauren and Chef Patricia Sanitate for delicious recipes of a typical weekday Roman meal including, Involtini alla Romana, Gnocchi al Forno, Insalata fine estate and Raspberry Tarts.

Meet the Production Team
Emily Clack / Still Photographer
Lauren DeSantis / Host and Producer
Kristen Finn/ Still Photography
Tammy Hargrove / Make-up
Bim Mamber/Editor
Nick Szpara / Director of Photography
Corey Then / Director and Camera Operator
Bryn Wallace / Still Photographer

The music for Capital Cooking is provided by: 
Jazzy Blu
Dominic Taylor, Mark Matthews III, Roger Brown, Leslie Lee and Jackie Brown
www.thejazzyblu.com