Greek Easter at Zaytinya

Fresh flavors of spring and warmer weather kicks off with a favorite DC culinary event -- Greek Easter at Zaytinya.

Cherry Blossom Specials Around Town

Yes, it is that time of year again... go away snow, hello Cherry Blossoms!  DC is celebrating with all kinds of fun specials around town.

On The Road Again: Cafe Du Monde

You can't go to New Orleans without getting some of the famous beignets from Cafe Du Monde.  

Spring Recipes: Artichokes

Spring is here and artichokes are in season. Check out my recipe for Spinach Artichoke Dip and Pasta Salad.

Menu ReVamp: Taberna del Alabardero

By Lauren Rosalanko

Taberna del Alabardero is celebrating with a new and innovative menu thanks to Executive Chef, Javier Romero. The menu features 60% of foods sourced directly from Spain, with the other 40% being local and fresh ingredients. To complement the new dishes Taberna's sommelier, Gustavo Iniesta has expertly chosen the perfect wine pairings. I was welcomed to the "Evolution of Tradition" tapas tasting series followed by paella and lobster dish options and of course the night ended with fantastic desserts!

National Empanada Day

By: Laurie Wallin

Capital Cooking Contributor

April 8 marks National Empanada Day and Cuba Libre will be the place to be when the restaurant celebrates with an Empanada Happy hour from 5-7pm, where all empanadas will be $1 each. Guests will have the opportunity to choose from four savory Mamá Amelia’s Empanadas – Picadillo (ground beef and olives), De La Casa (hand-chopped chicken, corn, and Jack cheese), Queso (Mozzarella, Tetilla, Monterey Jack cheese and sweet roasted onions), and Parisien (Country ham, Serrano ham, scallions and four cheeses).

Celebrate Art

Rooftop sunset at The Penthouse at The District

Capital Cooking on Let's Talk Live: Healthy Sipping

Did you catch our latest segment on Let's Talk Live?  Catch it here!

Give-Away: 2 Tix To Capture Wine Tour!

Meet and mingle with wine country's revolutionary wine makers, and DC's rising culinary stars at Capture Wine Tour, April 10th and 11th at Union Market!

Pinea's Art Intervention

By: Laurie Wallin

Capital Cooking Contributor

In 2014, J&G Steakhouse (located in the W hotel) was transformed into Pinea, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant hemmed by Chef Barry Koslow. It wasn’t just enough to transform he food, though – the restaurant was looking to create a big splash, and did so by hiring Baltimore-based renowned street artist Gaia to transform Pinea’s walls. On Friday, March 6, Gaia’s hard work was revealed while guests listened to tunes from DJ Dan Deacon while enjoying Koslow’s innovative cuisine.

On The Road Again: Jacques Imo's Cafe

Corn Bread

I hit the road again and headed back to New Orleans.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Sushi Making

By Lauren Rosalanko

The Maxwell in Arlington, VA is a luxury apartment building located conveniently near the Ballston metro with gorgeous rooms and great amenities for residents. The Maxwell lobby acted as the perfect place for the opportunity to learn how to make sushi from Sushi Rock's owner. Sushi Rock is located on 1900 Clarendon Blvd also in Arlington, VA.

Thinking of Drinking: Thin-Mintini

Video and Editing by Nick Szpara

Revive your love for a girl-scout cookie with the Thin-Minti.  My unique cocktail takes 360-chocolate vodka, infused with mint, and mixes it with a shot of Mint Chocolate Bailey's.  Before you know it, you have a new twist to your old school favorite!  This cocktail is a perfect addition to Capital Cooking's Sweet Endings episode.  This would also be great for a St. Patrick's Day party.

Happiness Is

Discovering fingers and toes

This girl makes me happy everyday.  She's the best!

Upcoming Events

Photo by Emily Clack

WHISKEY WHINO - Thursday, March 12 - 6PM - Canal Square (1054 31st St NW, WDC) Whiskey Whino is an unpretentious, modern take on a tasting event. Join us for an evening of fine whiskies and wines from around the world, featuring live performances by one of the region’s top jazz bands & burlesque troupe. Mixologists from Jim Beam, Gypsy Soul, Rogue 24, Jack Rose Dining Saloon & the Root Cellar at The W compete for your vote! The $45 ticket includes unlimited tastings of participating whiskies, wine and cocktails, as well as light bites. TICKETS: www.washingtoncitypaper.com/events/whiskeywhino

Oink, Oink!

Cochon 555 is back on March 22, 2015!  I'll be judging and then participating in all of the fun.  Join me at this one-of-a-kind culinary competition embark on a journey to the new hyper-local culinary landscape, one whole pig at a time.

On the Road Again: Las Vegas - Olives at The Bellagio

The Bellagio Fountains: View from "the Eiffel Tower"

By Lauren Rosalanko

Once again, a Las Vegas restaurant shined, with fantastic food and dessert. I am originally from the Boston-area and became a fan of Todd English's restaurants thanks to my parents. Figs and Olives were great, but unfortunately the Olives Restaurant near Boston closed. Therefore, I was excited that I could go to Olives at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Yona Pop-Up Extended

Photo by Kristen Finn

Due to the popularity of the event, G by Mike Isabella is extending the Yona pop-up through May 2. That's an extra month to try Chef Jonah Kim's take-over preview of the noodle bar and Japanese small plates restaurant he is opening in Ballston with Mike Isabella early this summer.

Oyamel hosts Tequila & Mezcal Festival: March 2-15

Media Naranja cocktail

By Claire Goldman

Everyone in DC knows, Jose Andres makes a good drink!  Oyamel is hosting a Tequila & Mezcal Festival March 2-15.

Easter Treats

Fill their baskets with holiday chocolate brownies this Easter. Welcome spring with treats for the whole family or office! Fairytale Brownies introduces new packaging options for spring 2015.

On the Road Again: Las Vegas - Border Grill Brunch

By Lauren Rosalanko

This past weekend I was lucky enough to escape the snow and rain for sunnier skies and 70+ degree weather in Las Vegas, NV. While there is plenty to do in Las Vegas testing out a variety of restaurants was definitely at the top of my list. Something that I noticed and loved about Las Vegas is their ability to have famous restaurants from across the US all in one location.

Deal: Guarapo Lounge

By Lauren Rosalanko

Guarapo Lounge is part of the Latin Concepts restaurant group by Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld. It is located in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington, VA close to the Courthouse metro stop. Guarapo Lounge is now featuring a new special each night of the week!