Capital Cooking with Lauren DeSantis

Thinking of Drinking: Cupid's Arrow Cocktail

2012-01-27T17:18:00.000-05:00

Photo by Emily Clack

Get in the mood for Valentine's Day with this Cupid's Arrow Cocktail. The pretty red color is perfect for the occasion.

1 shot 360 Lemon vodka

1 shot 360 cherry vodka

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Club Soda

Splash of Grenadine

Cherry

Ice

Martini Glass

Shaker

Shot Glass

We’ll take our shaker and fill with ice and put one shot of citrus vodka, one shot of cherry vodka, a splash of grenadine and lemon juice. Give it a good shake and pour it into your glass and garnish with a cherry. Top with club soda.

DC has a Love Child

2012-01-27T14:13:00.021-05:00

by Samantha Grieder
Capital Cooking Contributor

It's finally happened: DC has a love child. And it's good. Well, of course it is. It's a cupcake, after all.

DC's Chocolate City Brewery has paired up with Hello Cupcake for a limited-time-only affair. The two brands have combined their loves to make one very special little offspring. And whether you're a beer fan or a dessert fan, this is something that can get everyone enthusiastic over.

Beginning today, $3.50 (or $39 for a dozen) will get you a chocolate cupcake made with Cerveza Nacional de la Capital, a Vienna lager. The beer itself is smooth and creamy with undertones of wintergreen and sarsaparilla. The chocolate cupcake takes on these characteristics, giving a mild kick at the finish.

A light bourbon buttercream compliments the cake well, and is topped with a chocolate dipped potato chip as a finishing touch. "The chip just adds a little crunch," said Penny Karas, Hello Cupcake owner. "It's the salty-sweet combination that works really well."

If you're excited about the prospect of trying one of these treats, know that the result of this DC brand "shot gun wedding" is only temporary. The DC Love Child, as it is so affectionately named, is only available at Hello Cupcake locations through February 15th.

Hello Cupcake Dupont
1361 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.861.2253

Hello Cupcake Barracks Row
705 8th Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
202.544.2210

photo courtesy of Hello Cupcake

Treats for your Sweet

2012-01-27T13:13:00.001-05:00

Be mine! This Valentine's Day, show the one you love that their special with these gifts. I'll continue adding more products as I review them. If you'd like your product considered, please email me at capitalcooking@gmail.com. Happy Valentine's Day!

If you don't have a copy yet, get one for yourself and one for all of your friends. The Capital Cooking Cookbook is only $20 from now until Christmas by using this code: 5KCP7TEC. Perfect for present to make special cooking memories!

Naught Bits Brownies come in 6 different flavors and can be bought in gift boxes of 6 for $21 or 12 for $41.

Swedish Based Chocolatier Emanuel Andrén offers decadent gift boxes of 4 for $98. Beauty in a box!

Lake Champlain Chocolates: Hearts filled with Caramel. Everyone loves a little decadence!

Starbucks Reserve coffee: the Organic Ethiopia Sidamo. Coffee is the perfect Valentine's Day Gift!

Baking Basics and Beyond, Second Edition is a great gift for anyone who loves baking. The recipes are easy to follow and you could also bake some treats for Valentine's Day.

Temptation 8pc Chocolate Fondue Set $20.00 Grab some strawberries and make a night of it.

Thinking of Drinking: Kingdom Come

2012-01-27T12:40:00.000-05:00

I met Taha at the preview event for Sugar and Champagne and he was shaking up some of these Kingdom Come cocktails. Try one at home or head into Graffiato!

Kingdom Come

By: Taha Ismail of Graffiato

1 1/2 oz Blue Coat Gin

1/2 oz Chartreuse

1 oz Passion fruit

1/4 oz Lemon Juice

Brandied Cherries

Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Shake and serve over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with brandied cherries.

Photos by Kristen Finn

Recipe: Filet Mignon topped with a Balsamic Reduction and Melted Goat Cheese

2012-01-26T17:45:00.000-05:00

Photo by Duane Heaton

Valentine's Day is almost here. If you decide to stay in, try this recipe. You can't go wrong! This recipe will be airing in February on WETA Create. Tune in on Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Filet Mignon topped with a Balsamic Reduction and Melted Goat Cheese

Featured on the Romantic Dinner for 2 and in the Capital Cooking Cookbook

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup red wine
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 4 ounce filet mignon steaks

Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 ounce soft fresh goat cheese or feta Cheese

Simmer the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a heavy small saucepan over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/3 cup, stirring occasionally, for about 18 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Melt the butter in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook the steaks to desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.

Transfer the steaks to a baking sheet. Crumble the cheese over the steaks and broil just until the cheese melts, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with pepper.

Transfer the steaks to plates. Drizzle the balsamic sauce around the steaks and serve.

Congrats to the Sugar and Champagne Ticket Give-Away Winners!

2012-01-26T15:37:00.000-05:00

Are you an animal lover? You can't miss the 11th Annual Sugar and Champagne Affair on Wednesday, February 1, 2012. Drum Roll Please... The Winners of the #sugarandchampagne give-away are Audra Heagney with her pup Darcy and @Amber McDonald and Meanie!

Here's how to enter:

Follow @capitalcooking

and share the contest on Twitter:

Tweet to @capitalcooking

That’s it! Contest runs until January 26th and the winner will be announced on January 27th. If you don’t have Twitter, like our facebook page, and tell us your dog's name in the comments below to enter.

We got to preview some of the sugary treats last week at Todd and Ellen Gray's Muse at the Corcoran.

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie with Caramel Corn from Founding Farmers was delicious. Sticky Fingers, Watershed and Equinox also showed off some tasty treats.

Mixologists from Graffiato and the soon to be opened Bandelero were shaking some fabulous cocktails. Hope to see you at the event!

The Washington Humane Society’s 11^th annual dessert and champagne reception honors our local crusaders against animal cruelty: Washington Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement Officers, Animal Control Officers, and Humane Educators. This celebration of all things sugary and sweet, showcases the DC area’s most talented pastry chefs. Enjoy delectable confections complemented by some of the world’s finest sparkling wines.

Photos by Kristen Finn

Upcoming Events: Wine and Beer Dinners

2012-01-26T13:16:00.006-05:00

J and G Steakhouse will host its first wine dinner of 2012 with Virginia’s Linden Vineyards on Monday, January 30. The four-course dinner with wine pairings features highlights like Seared Cod with Scallion-Chili sauce, Basil and Celery, and Grilled Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Glaze, Asian Pear and Herbs, and will be led by J and G Sommelier Guy Golan.Ticket/Reservation Info: $115/person, all-inclusive. Reservations are available online.

Join Smith Commons for the second annual DCBeer.com Bootleggers Beer Dinner on Tuesday, January 31. Focusing on truly out-of-market beers, the dinner features unique pairings from Chef Carlos Delgado like Lime and Orange Macaroons with Foie Gras Mousse paired with Lost Abbey's "Inferno," Goat Cheese Ravioli with a Duo of Raisin Puree and Citrus Pop Rocks paired with Hair of the Dog Brewing Co.'s "Fred," and Braised Pork Belly with Coffee Migas, House Smoked Bacon Lardon, and Smoked Espuma paired with Alaskan Brewing Co.'s Limited Edition "Smoked Porter." Ticket/Reservation Info: $75/person. Tickets are limited, and can be purchased online starting January 15.

Sommelier Showdown, February 9, 7:00pm-9:00pm: See top DC Sommeliers flex their knowledge at the Washington DC International Wine and Food Festival's inaugural Sommelier Showdown. Our experts will engage in a friendly tête-à-tête and compete in a race of the taste, using deductive tasting to identify wines with hidden labels. To complement the wines presented, the Showdown will feature five of DCs most noted chefs who will be tasked with bringing food and wine together, including Chefs Todd Gray (Equinox), Xavier Deshayes (Ronald Reagan Building), and Jaime Montes de Oca (Zentan). Invitation only to select members of the hospitality and restaurant trade, a limited number of tickets will be released to the public at $150.

February 11-12th, the 13th Annual Washington DC International Wine and Food Festival (IWFF) will celebrate the world of wine, food and culture, and shine a light on DC's diversity and prominence as a world-class destination for wine and food.

Todd Gray's Watershed: Skipjack Shrimp Boil and Mardi Gras Celebration. Friday, February 17, 7:00pm. Watershed's Skipjack Shrimp Boil, the next event in its popular Friday Supper series, is a delicious new addition to DC's Mardi Gras celebrations! Supper begins on the patio with passed hors d'oeuvres, a toasty fire pit with Chef Todd Gray grilling oysters, and friendly neighbors to keep you warm. Dinner continues in the restaurant, with menu highlights such as Crispy Red Cabbage Spring Rolls with Sweet and Sour Ginger Sauce, and Skipjack-sauced Shrimp with Red Bliss Potatoes, Surry Sausage and Slow-Roasted Fennel. The event also features select brews and live music. Ticket/Reservation Info: $75/person, all-inclusive. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling 202.534.1350. *Special 2-for-1 NoMa Neighborhood Offer: For NoMa neighborhood residents, bring a friend and you can both enjoy the Skipjack Shrimp Boil for $75.

Embassy Chef Challenge: Join Cultural Tourism DC for the 4th Annual Embassy Chef Challenge: DC’s premier international culinary competition on Thursday, March 8 from 7:30 – 10 pm, VIP Reception 6:30 pm. Co-hosted by Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center: 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004.

Valentine's Day Round-up

2012-01-26T12:35:00.002-05:00

Love is in the air! It isn't too late to snag a reservation at one of DC's hot restaurants. Don't wait until the last minute or you might miss out. DC restaurants are ensuring everyone enjoys the holiday with special Valentine's Day festivities and menus.

Acqua Al 2: Italian Valentine's Day Prix-Fixe- February 14th: As Lady and the Tramp taught the world, there's nothing more romantic than sharing a bowl of pasta with that special someone. One of the most charming restaurants in the city, Acqua Al 2 is offering a special Italian prix fixe Valentine's Day Menu. A popular spot for wedding proposals, Acqua Al 2 will serve a five-course menu of dishes ranging from fresh, creamy Burrata with grapefruit, roasted pine nuts and honey, Linguine all'Aragosta with lobster, white wine and tomato, and of course, the option to enjoy their famous sauced-up steaks - the Filetto all'Aceto Balsamico with a balsamic glaze, and the Filetto al Mirtillo with a blueberry sauce. Acqua Al 2's Valentine's Day menu is available for $85/person and reservations can be made by calling (202) 525-4375. Acqua Al 2 is located at 212 7^th St. SE.

Addie’s, located at 11120 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, 20852, will be offering a seasonal four-course, prix fixe menu in addition to their regular a la carte menu from February 10^th through 13^th. Priced at $90 per couple (tax and gratuity not included), the menu includes an appetizer to share, choice of two soups or salads, two entrees and a dessert to share. Then on Tuesday, February 14^th, Addie’s will offer a four-course, prix fixe menu for $65 per person, or $95 with wine pairings (tax and gratuity not included), as well as a limited a la carte menu. For reservations or additional information please call (301) 881-0081 or visit www.addiesrestaurant.com.

Also in Dupont Circle, Agora, located at 1527 17th Street, NW, 20036, offers guests authentic Turkish and Greek cuisine this Valentine’s Day. From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. guests can select dishes off the a la carte menu or enjoy a four-course, prix fixe offering priced at $55 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Prepared by Executive Chef Ghassan Jarrouj, the menu begins with Seared Scallops Over Saffron Yogurt and Caviar followed by Duck Confit Salad with Papaya, Baby Mache, Walnut and Blood Orange Vinaigrette. Next guests can choose from Grilled Petit Filet with Asparagus and Pomegranate Reduction served with Shrimp Brushed with Grand Marnier Butter or the Pan Seared Lamb Loin with Butternut Squash Puree, Fresh Mint, Pistachio and Sour Cherry Sauce. For dessert, couples can choose from Panna Cotta Rice Pudding with Raspberry Coulis or the Chocolate Tart with Roasted Hazelnuts. For more information or reservations, please call (202) 332-6767 or visit the website at www.agoradc.net.

Cleveland Park hot spot Ardeo+Bardeo, located at 3311 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 20008, offers diners a chance to enjoy the best modern America cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Nate Garyantes this Valentine’s Day. On Tuesday, February 14^th guests can enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu priced at $65 per person. Standout dishes not to be missed include Baby Red & Golden Beets, Shaved Candy Cane Beets, Mint, Smoked Red Onion and Pistachio Goat Cheese; Oxtail Risotto with pickled Beech Mushrooms and Black Truffle Emulsion; Salt Cured Foie Gras with Fig Mustard and Toasted Brioche; Butter Poached monkfish with Red Bliss Potatoes, Sea Beans and Sea Urchin Sabayon as well as Duo of Beef: Barrel Cut Ribeye with Smoked Potato Mousseline and Royal Trumpets paired with Wagyu Beef Brisket with Horseradish Potato Salad and “Borscht”. Valet parking is available after 6 PM for $8. For more information, please call (202) 244-6750 or visit www.ardeobardeo.com.

Assaggi Mozzarella Bar, located at 4838 Bethesda Avenue in Bethesda, MD, 20814, is dishing up authentic Italian cuisine for couples in an elegantly rustic restaurant this Valentine’s Day. Their “Amore Mio” dessert will be available in addition to their regular a la carte menu during lunch and dinner service on Tuesday, February 14^th. Priced at $10, the “Amore Mio” includes a heart shaped chocolate hazelnut mousse accompanied by an almond biscotti, chocolate dipped strawberry and a glass of Italian Moscato wine. Guests can also enjoy the dessert without the wine pairing for just $8. For reservations or additional information please call (301) 951-1988 or visit www.assaggirestaurant.com.

Bar Pilar: 2^nd Annual Anti-Valentine's Day Party- February 14th: Sorrowful singles can commiserate together at the soon-to-reopen 14^th Street hotspot on February 14th. Bar Pilar will again serve up a special menu of Bitter and Sour Cocktails and Desserts to commemorate the sappy holiday while playing a roster of breakup songs. Guests can drown their sorrows in Bitter Cocktails (all $10) made with a selection of mixologist Jonathan Fain's housemade bitters like the Tuff Love with Rye Whiskey, housemade Peach Bitters and Lemonade, Cupid's Broken Arrow with Rum, Sugarcane Citrus Soda, housemade Bitters, Citrus Pickled Melon and Mint, Hemingway's Ex-Wife with Rum, Housemade Cherry Bitters, Ginger Beer and Lime, and the Cheap Date, a concoction of Pilsner and Underberg. After a relationship has taken a sour turn, Bar Pilar's bitter and sour desserts such as their Bittersweet Chocolate Terrine with Burnt Orange Sabayon and Maldon ($7) or the Lemon and Ricotta with Salted Caramel Sauce ($7) are the perfect cure. Bar Pilar is located at 1833 14^th St. NW.

Blue Duck Tavern, located at 24^th and M Streets, NW, 20037, is offering up a special Valentine’s menu on Tuesday, February 14^th. Seating in this popular restaurant, known as the place for intimate gatherings and celebration, is available from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with a special four-course menu that is priced at $70 per person (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Crafted by newly appointed Executive Chef Sebastien and Chef de Cuisine John Melfi, the menu begins with Espelette Pepper Crusted Scallops with Winter Citrus, Endive and Smoked Trout Roe followed by Butter Poached Maine Lobster with Cardamom, Clementines and Hearts of Palm and Beef Wellington Reinvented with Seared Foie Gras, Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Pommes Maxim and Truffle Jus. The dinner concludes with a Warm Chocolate Fondant with Rosemary Cream and Brandied Cerries. A complete a la carte menu will also be available for the evening with prices ranging from $11 to $17 for appetizers and $16 to $36 for entrées. The Blue Duck Tavern is located on the corner of 24^th and M Streets, NW, within the Park Hyatt Washington, 20037. For reservation for additional information please call (202) 419-6755 or visit www.blueducktavern.com.

Experience a romantic gastronomic trip to Paris in downtown DC. On February 14, treat your loved one to a delicious five-course Valentine’s Day Dinner in Café du Parc, named among the top DC restaurants by Washingtonian Magazine. Chef Angelo Galang’s Valentine’s menu is priced at $65 per person, or $90 with wine pairing, excluding beverages, tax and gratuity. Seating begins at 5:00 p.m. Guests will be welcomed with a mood-setting libation and will enjoy choices including, Gigamoto Oyster in ginger jelly dusted with Kaffir lime powder, Consume with Mushroom and Foie Gras Ravioli, Pepper-crusted Fillet of Beef with Dark Chocolate sauce and Confit Finger Potatoes and Butter-Poached Maine Lobster with Almond Cream and Tomato Tartar. Pastry Chef Gary O’Hanlon offers a choice of three mouth-watering desserts. To view complete menu and make reservations, visit www.cafeduparc.com or call 202.942.7000. After this romantic dinner why not take a stroll around the monuments then spend the night at the Willard. For those who have a reservation in Café du Parc, a special rate of $359 is available, excluding tax. For reservations please call, 202.628.9100.

Casa Nonna : Truffle, Champagne and Chocolate Tavola 12 Dinner Experience- February 14th: A dinner that couples will be sure to remember, Casa Nonna is bringing all Valentine's Day indulgences to one table - their intimate 12-seat dining experience, Tavola 12. The unique, exclusive Italian gastronomic experience will feature 12 courses of never-been-served sumptuous cuisine courtesy of Chef Amy Brandwein herself. An unforgettable experience, diners can expect to enjoy decadent dishes like Raviolo of Farmer's Egg in Black Truffle Sauce, Wood Roasted Turbot with Vanilla Braised Endive and Champagne Zabaglione, and the sweet Banana Fritelle and Molten Gianduia. The special Tavola 12 menu is available for $75/person, or $105/person with Prosecco pairings. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant at 202.629.2505. Casa Nonna will also offer a special four-course Valentine's Day tasting menu to enjoy throughout the rest of the restaurant. Casa Nonna is located at 1250 Connecticut Ave. NW.

Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar, located at 801A 9th Street, NW (9th & H Streets), 20001, will offer a ‘Golden Age of Romance’ menu with a Cuban twist this Valentine’s Day. Inspired by Cuban’s golden age of the 1940s, the menu is available Saturday, February 11^th through Tuesday, February 14^th. Guests can choose two apetitivos, two platos and a duo of desserts designed to share for $78 per couple (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Standout dishes include Ostras Julio Lobos: Oysters Baked in a Cazuelita with Spinach, Goat Cheese, Scallions and Aguardiente Sauce; Palometa en Bolsa: Fresh boneless Pompano Fillet, Shrimp Crabmeat in Parchment Paper with Mango Beurre Blanc, as well as Langosta Thermidor: Lobster Tails Gratin, in its shell, with Butter, Cream, Gruyere Cheese and Mushrooms with Forbidden Black Rice and a Lobster Sauce. For dessert, diners can enjoy Isla Flotante: Vanilla Meringue Floating on a Natilla Custard Sauce with Caramel and Toasted Almonds or Crepas con Naranja: Crepes Sautéed in a Butter, Orange Juice and Gran Marnier Sauce with a Passion Fruit Chantilly Cream. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at (202) 408-1600 or visiting www.CubaLibreRestaurant.com.

At El Centro (1819 14^th Street NW, www.elcentrodf.com) couples can enjoy a three-course $50 menu filled with Mexican Comfort Foods, topped off with choice of bubbly, a signature margarita or Mexican beer. Indulgences include Lobster Guacamole, Duck Confit Sopes and more. For the full menu, click here: http://www.richardsandoval.com/elcentrodf/menus/elcentrodf_vday_2012.pdf

Join Chef Todd Gray at Equinox for an elegant Valentine's Day meal with your special someone. Available with three or five courses and the option of wine pairings, menu highlights include Braised Duck Gnocchi with Caramelized Sunchokes, Brussels Sprouts, Foie Gras Broth and Gremolata; Pan Roasted Black Bass with Razor Clam Velouté, Tessa Bacon, Gigante Beans and Black Kale; and Warm Amadei Chocolate for dessert. The full menu is available online. Pricing/Reservations: Three courses - $70 per person ($95 with wine pairings); Five courses - $90 per person ($125 with wine pairings). Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling 202.331.8118.

Planning a cozy night in this Valentine's Day? Founding Farmers in downtown Washington, DC is currently accepting pre-orders for a 7" mini version of their signature, house-made Red Velvet Layer Cake with whipped frosting. Perfect for sharing, this dessert comes boxed and tied with a ribbon for your sweetheart. Pricing/Reservations: The mini cakes are available for $35 (plus tax). Orders can be placed by calling 202.822.8783 and must be paid in advance.

Fuel Pizza and Wings : Sweetheart Pizzas- February 10th - February 14th: There's no better way to tell that "special someone" - at least special pizza-lover - how you feel about them than with a heart-shaped pizza on Valentine's Day. Baking up a special menu of Sweetheart Pizzas, the just-opened NC transplant Fuel Pizza will offer its loved New York-style pies in heart form all weekend from Friday, February 10^th through Tuesday, February 14^th. The 12-inch pies serve two and can be ordered in any of their specialty varieties such as the Riviera Pizza with fresh spinach, kalamata olives, roma tomatoes, artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and crumbled feta, or theSpinach, Ricotta and Tomato Pizza for $15, with the Old Bay Crab Bake Pizza available for $18. Fuel's Heart-Shaped Pizzas must be ordered 24 hours in advance by calling (202) 659-3835. Fuel Pizza & Wings is located at 1606 K St. NW.

Enjoy a romantic Valentine's Day meal at J and G Steakhouse in the W Washington Hotel. The decadent menu includes highlights such as Warm Kumamoto Oysters with Creamed Basil; Steamed Maine Lobster with Japanese Turnips, Bok Choy and Yuzu Vinaigrette; and Warm Chocolate Cake with Caramel Ice Cream. View the full, prix-fixe Valentine's Day menu here, available with wine pairings by Sommelier Guy Golan. The regular dinner menu will also be available.Pricing/Reservations: $90 per person, $135 with wine pairings. Reservations are recommended, and can be made online or by calling 202.661.2440.

Two doors down at Masa 14 (1825 14th St NW, www.masa14.com) for $60 per guest, a menu of edamame, three signature plates (each) and dessert is available. Highlights include Fried Oysters and Mole Dusted Tenderloin…. but be warned, these Latin Asian small plates are designed for sharing- so be prepared to give up several bites of your delicious meal to your date. For the full menu, click here: http://www.richardsandoval.com/masa14/menus/masa14_vday_201201.pdf

Treat your beloved to a sumptuous three-course meal at Smith Commons in the Atlas District on H Street, NE. The inventive, prix-fixe menu by Chef Carlos Delgado includes highlights such as Smoked Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp Ragout and Celery Paper; Squab with Foie Gras and French Green Lentils; King Salmon with Smoked Salmon, Sorrel and Caviar; and Banana Panna Cotta with Coconut Air, as well as a complimentary glass of champagne.Pricing/Reservations: $60 per person, all-inclusive. Reservations are recommended, and can be made online or by calling 202.396.0038

Urbana: Chef John Critchley has prepared a special offal-centric Valentine’s Day bar bites menu of hearts, cheeks and tongues available February 11^th through the 14^th. In the dining room, Chef Critchley will be serving a prix fixe Valentine’s Day tasting menu that will transport diners to Elba, Lyon, or both with four courses featuring dishes inspired by the two respective locales. The four-course tasting menu is $65 per person with wine pairings available for an additional $30 per person.

The Butcher’s Block: The Butcher’s Block is taking orders for its Valentine’s Day to-go menu so diners can enjoy chef de cuisine Chris Watson’s fare at home. For a sweet ending to the meal, diners can take home a selection of pastries and wines, such as BRABO’s house made truffles.

BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier: Chef de cuisine Chris Watson will serve a decadent five-course menu for $85 per person with an optional wine pairing for an additional $45 per person.

Poste Moderne Brasserie: Chef Dennis Marron will offer diners a chance to dine family style with their Valentine with the special “plats pour deux” menu available for the evening for $80 per person. Couples with divergent palates can go their separate gastronomic ways by ordering their own dishes from the “plats pour un” menu for $75 per person.

The Grille at Morrison House: The Grille will serve a seven-course prix fixe menu composed of new dishes such as winter pumpkin ravioli with duck confit and olive oil poached Faroe Island King Salmon. Available February 10^th through the 14^th, the menu is $95 per person.

Situated in the Southwest Waterfront at 1101 4^th Street, SW, 20024, Station 4 is offering a three-course, pre-fixe menu priced at $75 per person from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. this Valentine’s Day. Executive Chef Orlando Amaro will invite guests to select from a variety of seasonal appetizers and entrées, which include Crab Tartar with Maryland Crab Meat, Lemon Aioli, Wasabi Foam and Chive Oil; Seared Muscovy Duck Breast with Smoked Strawberry Jus, Sous Vide Style Brussels Sprouts and Infused Cardamom-Dill Carrots; Beef Short Rib Ravioli with Bone Marrow Butter, Pecorino Foam and Syrah Syrup, as well as Ginger Infused Salmon with Fried Rice and Preserved Pineapple-Sour Cubes. To finish off the meal, Chef Amaro will be serving up delicious desert options including Golden Profiteroles with Vanilla Gelato; Trio of Chocolate Truffles, or Chocolate Lava Cake with Coconut Crème Anglaise and French Vanilla Ice Cream. Wine pairings are also available for $95 per person. Valet parking is available for $10 per car. For reservations or additional information please call (202) 488-0987 or visit http://www.station4dc.com/.

Head to Todd Gray's Watershed in NoMa and enjoy a four-course, Valentine's Day tasting menu, with the option of wine pairings. Highlights include a Winter Salad of Maine Lobster with Cara Cara Orange Mizzuna Lettuce and Passion Fruit Vinaigrette; Thirty-Six Hour Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Fondue, Port Wine Cabbage and Crispy Onions; and a Baked Chocolate Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream and Fleur de Sel. Don't miss Watershed's special Valentine's Day cocktails, the "Fool Me Once" (Chamomile Infused Vodka, Rose Syrup, Aperol, Fresh Lemon, Rose Petal) and the "Fall In Love" (Old Overholt Rye, Aperol, House-Made Apple-Pear Cider, Baked Apple Bitters), both available for $11. Pricing/Reservations: $55 per person ($80 with wine pairings). Reservations are recommended, and can be made online or by calling 202.534.1350.

ZENTAN, located in the ultra-chic Thomas Circle hotel, Donovan House, at 1155 14^th Street, NW, 20005, will offer guests a four-course, prix fixe Valentine’s Day offering, featuring celebrity Chef Susur Lee and Executive Chef Jaime Montes de Oca’s inventive global Asian cuisine. Priced at $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included), the menu features standouts such as Beausoleil Oysters with Caviar, Dill, Seaweed and Sudashi; Red Snapper with Rose Essence, Beet Root, Balsamic and Fennel, as well as Creek Stone Farm Short Ribs with Chicory, Truffles and Horseradish. For the perfect ending, guests will enjoy a variety of House-made Truffles. Two Valentine’s Day cocktails will also be available. Priced at $14, the new cocktail, SHE.WA. DA (Chinese for “Be Mine”) is made from a combination of Poema Cava Brut, St. Germain and a splash of Chambord while the Y. I. Knee (Valentine’s Day) is made with Absolut Apple, Cranberry, Cointreau, Fresh Lime and garnished with Candied Rose Petals and a Splash of Champagne. For reservations or additional information please call (202) 379-4366 or visit http://www.zentanrestaurant.com/.

Hank’s Oyster Bar, located at 1624 Q Street, NW, 20009, is enticing guests to express their love of oysters with a special lovers sampler this Valentine’s Day. Priced at $32 per person, or 60 per couple (tax and gratuity not included), the sampler includes a half-dozen freshly shucked oysters paired with two one-and-a-half pound lobsters. For an additional $30, guests can enjoy a half bottle of Gardet Champagne for the table. Additionally, Mixologist Megan Coyle has created a special Valentine’s Day drink, My Bloody Valentine, available for sipping this holiday. Priced at $14, this libation is made from a combination of Rye Whiskey, Blood Orange Juice, Chinato, Clove Syrup and rimmed with a mixture of Campari Crystals, Crushed Coco Nibs and Demerara Sugar. Hank’s Valentine’s Day menu is available exclusively Monday and Tuesday evenings throughout the month of February at the DC location only. For more information visit www.hanksrestaurants.com.

Situated just a block from the White House, the Oval Room, located at 800 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 20006, is offering a three-course menu priced at $85 per person (tax or gratuity not included). Chef Tony Conte is preparing a special Valentine’s Day tasting menu with uniquely inspired dishes such as Crudo of Maine Sea Scallops with pickled Rose, Celery and Black Truffle; Spaghetti Flavored with Jalapeno and Smoked Uni Carbonara; American Wagya Rib Eye with Carrots, Coffee and Cardamom, as well as Japanese Red Snapper with Reuben Sandwich Garnishes. For dessert, a Vanilla Almond Ice Cream Bon Bon is just one of the many options to choose from. For reservations please call (202) 463-8700.

This February, Legal Sea Foods is hitting the ‘sweet spot’ with chocolate. Located in bustling Penn Quarter at 704 7^th Street, NW, 20001, Legal Sea Foods features the Ultimate Chocolate Ecstasy, a tasting flight of three one-ounce pours of cream liqueurs including Bailey’s Irish Caramel Cream Liqueur, Godiva Chocolate Cream Liqueur and Bailey’s Irish Chocolate Mint Cream Liqueur. Priced at $10.95, this decadent treat is the perfect end to a meal (inclusive of fresh oysters of course!) or a great nightcap after a show. To make reservations at the Penn Quarter Legal Sea Foods, please call (202) 347–0007. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 11 AM- 11 PM; Friday through Saturday 11 AM-12 midnight and Sunday 12 PM- 10 PM. Legal Sea Foods is located across from the Verizon Center and is accessible by the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro.

Rasika, located at 633 D Street, NW, 20004, with exotic and sophisticated décor offers diners a romantic ambience to enjoy Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam’s specially crafted Valentine’s Day menu. A four-course menu priced at $85 (tax, beverages and gratuity excluded) and will be available in the main dining room from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Wine pairings will also be available for an additional $45 per person (tax and gratuity not included). A three-course $55 per person menu (tax and gratuity not included) will also be available in the 16-seat lounge area. Valet parking is available for $8. For reservations or additional information please call (202) 637-1222 or visit http://www.rasikarestaurant.com/.

At 1789 Restaurant, one of Washington’s most romantic restaurants in charming Georgetown, Executive Chef Anthony Lombardo will be offering a four-course tasting menu for $65 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity), including a delicious dessert of warm Red Velvet Donuts for two. The Valentine’s Day dinner can also be ordered paired with 1789’s selection of wines for $90 a person, excluding tax and gratuity. With complimentary valet parking, 1789 Restaurant on 1226 36^th Street, NW, is a must for intimate dining and reservations can be made by calling (202) 965-1789. For additional information please visit www.1789Restaurant.com.

Indulge this Valentine’s Day weekend in a special four course prix fixe menu at RIS in the West End. Created by legendary Chef/Owner Ris Lacoste, the dinner includes Lobster Bisque, a classic fried Scallop, Filet of Beef and a delectable Chocolate and Raspberry Crème Brulee. RIS is also offering either wine or beer pairings for each course. Pricing/Reservations: $65 per person; $95 with pairings. Reservations are recommended and can be made at www.risDC.com or by calling 202.730.2500.

Photo by Duane Heaton

D.C. American Lamb Pro-Am Competition

2012-01-25T14:56:00.001-05:00

You know I’m a huge fan of lamb! I had a blast judging the Lamb Jam last year in DC. I’ve been hosting a series of dinner parties as one of the Lambassadors for the Tri-Lamb Group. From leg, to ground lamb, to shank… I love it all. My love of lamb makes me extremely excited for the upcoming competition.

The ‘Tails:

The American Lamb Board invited me to participate in the first D.C. American Lamb Pro-Am. Starting on February 10-17^th, I’m going to need your help to vote for me.

Round 1

10 local food bloggers to create an original American Lamb recipe and write a blog post documenting the making of the dish.
Once the blog posts are complete (blog post deadline is Friday 2/10/12), all posts will be launched on www.fansoflamb.com and readers will have one week to vote for their favorite recipe/post based on both the quality of the recipe and of the post itself.
Voting will close at 4pm on Friday 2/17/12 and the top 4 vote-getting posts will be announced. Those 4 winning bloggers will move on to round 2.

Round 2

The top 4 vote-getting bloggers will each be paired with a top chef from D.C. to collaborate on a preparation of their dish that will be served to over 100 attendees at the American Lamb Pro-Am event.
The blogger-chef pairs will serve their dish together at the American Lamb Pro-Am event on Sunday, March 4, 2012. Event attendees will sample all four of the dishes and vote for their favorite.
The winning blogger will receive a prize package, American Lamb Pro-Am trophy and bragging rights.

Yay! So please help me win. Tell all of your friends to vote for me!!

Follow @capitalcooking

To make it worth your while, I’ll invite one reader to my to enjoy a braised lamb dinner paired with amazing wines on 2/26.

The Cut: Boneless Leg of Lamb

Check back on Capital Cooking by 2/10 to see the recipe we come up with for the leg of lamb. Thanks for all your support!!

Perfect Pair: 3rd Annual Capital Wine Festival

2012-01-24T13:28:00.020-05:00

The kick-off event for the 3rd Annual Capital Wine Festival was a huge success. The Fairfax at Embassy Row Hotel, in conjunction with its signature restaurant, 2100 Prime, hosted a lovely reception last week with delicious food and a sampling of many wineries that will be part of the 10-week dinner series. It isn't too late to sign up for one of these unique dinners to break bread with some of the most talented winemakers around the country. You'll enjoy the perfect pairings of food and wine.

Menus will be created by the 2100 Prime chef to complement the vintner’s selection for each dinner. Dinners will take place in 2100 Prime or one of the ballrooms, depending on the size of the event. The wineries and hosts participating in this year’s Capital Wine Festival are listed below, along with the dates of their participation:

January 25, Beringer Vineyards: Beringer Vineyards is the oldest continuously run and operating winery in Napa Valley. Longtime winemaker, Laurie Hook, will host this dinner featuring many varietals including the Private Reserve chardonnay and cabernet.

February 1, Frog’s Leap Winery: Founder John Williams hosts this event as he displays the full scope of Frog’s Leap’s philosophy in sustainable farming and their organic approach.

February 8, Heitz Wine Cellars: The winery situated near the eastern hills of Napa Valley, is know for its earthy Bordeaux-style wines, especially its production of cabernet sauvignon. Jeanne Cabral returns to share wines from Heitz’ portfolio and discuss the winery’s unique single-vineyard concept.

February 15, Argyle Winery: Founder Rollins Soles will lead a discussion of Oregon’s premier winery including his single-vineyard pinots and sparkling wines.

February 22, B.R. Cohn Winery: Award-winning winery, B.R. Cohn, founded by Doobie Brothers manager, Bruce Cohn, will focus on the aroma and balanced flavors of this prestigious winery. His son, Dan Cohn, will also host the event.

February 29, Cakebread Cellars: Owner, Dennis Cakebread will host an evening featuring a variety of their sauvignon blanc, merlot and reserve wines from the Napa Valley.

March 7, Cain Vineyard and Winery: Join Chris Howell, winemaker and general manager, as he shares Cain’s blended cabernets from Napa’s glorious Spring Mountain district.

March 14, Chappellet Winery: Second generation co-owner Cyril Chappellet will host this dinner as she explains and tastes the wines with wonderful fruit extraction from a winery devoted to sustainable farming.

March 21, Martinelli Winery: Consulting with legendary winemaker Helen Turley, Martinelli Winery has positioned itself as one of the premier wineries in Sonoma. Regina Martinelli returns, by popular demand, to host this event.

March 28, Cliff Lede Vineyards: A relative newcomer in Napa Valley, Jack Bittner presents an opportunity to sample an assortment of their wines, including the meritage blend, Poetry.

Tickets for The Capital Wine Festival can be purchased on www.capitalwinefestival.com. Each dinner is priced in the $125-145/person range and includes gratuity or tax. Large group reservations can be taken over the phone by calling 202 736-1453.

Located in The Fairfax at Embassy Row at 2100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, two blocks from the Dupont Circle’s Red Line Metro stop, 2100 Prime is open for breakfast every day and dinner Tuesday – Saturday. To learn more about 2100 Prime, visit www.2100prime.com. Follow 2100 Prime on Facebook and Twitter.

Photos by Kristen Finn

Cooking Italian at Culinaria Cooking School

2012-01-23T15:22:00.021-05:00

by Samantha Grieder
Capital Cooking Contributor

As DC heads straight into the depths of winter, new ideas for fun indoor activities are more welcome than ever. Here's one to add to the list: Get into a warm kitchen and learn to cook Italian from a Tuscan chef!

Chef Gina Stipo has paired with Culinaria Cooking School in Vienna, Virginia, allowing students to hone their skills or learn something new.

Stipo is the warm personality of a close family-friend. She openly admits her love for Costco and tells her students to purchase the Tuscan variety of Kirkland Signature olive oil. Stipo is sociable and talkative, the kind of person you'd sit down and have a beer with; it's easy to learn from her.

Chef Stipo cooks for her students before teaching them how to make their own pasta from scratch.

The chef has DC roots, but she's been living and cooking in Siena, Italy (Tuscany) for 12 years. There, Stipo cooks, teaches, and leads regional cooking and wine tours with her brand Ecco La Cucina. But when she's not there, she's touring the United States. And for just a while, her heart has brought her back home, where she is holding seminars and teaching classes at Culinaria.

Classes hold about 20 people. They're large enough to work in groups and get your hands dirty, but small enough that you get personal attention if you need it. Don't fear getting it right the first time. Most people are first timers, so it's a pretty safe environment to take a few risks in getting your hands dirty, literally, and jumping right in.

Fresh pasta is being rolled out by hand in one Culinaria class.

In class, she shares her recipes, tips and tricks. For example, when buying dried pasta, one should look for artisan brands that use metal dies to extrude their pastas. She'll tell you why spaghetti and meatballs isn't an actual Italian dish and why to use only two fingers when first mixing pasta dough together. And, of course, probably one of the most important cooking lessons she'll teach: you control the pasta; don't let it control you!

No matter how much or how little experience students have, classes are lighthearted and fun, a great way to spend an evening or weekend afternoon.

Whether or not the class is a seminar form or hands-on, you'll be sure to go home with a full stomach and much more knowledge than you came with. And just to make sure you don't forget what she taught, each student will go home with a packet of recipes learned in class that day.

Upcoming classes with Chef Gina Stipo:

Friday, February 24 // 7-10 pm
A Tale & Taste of Tuscany: Culinary Seminar, Demonstration & Tasting
$100 per student

Menu:

Tuscan Kale Bruschetta
Tarragon Cream Crostini
Winter Squash & Balsamic Risotto
Roast Pork with Fennel
Jam Tart

Saturday, February 25 // 2-5 pm
Hands-On Pasta Making Cooking Class
$95 per student

Menu:

Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with a Butter-Sage Sauce
Tagliatelle with Duck-Vin Santo Ragu
Porcini and Three Cheese Agnolotti with Nutmeg and Butter
Gragnano pasta with Rapini and Cayenne

A full calendar and registration can be found here. Call Culinaria directly at 703.865.7920.

Zabb Revamps the Menu

2012-01-23T14:39:00.000-05:00

I recently made my third visit to Zabb Modern Asian Restaurant. Zabb is zabb zabb (Zabb means delicious in Thai. You only use the word if the food is really really good)! We used this phrase a lot during our visit to Thailand. You can't beat their amazing happy hour.

If you haven't been yet, Zabb is located in the space that was formerly Straights of Malaysia, across the street from Lauriol Plaza.

They have a fantastic patio to sit outside and enjoy dining and people watching in the spring, but their main level dining room is also very nice.

We started with the Lobster Potstickers ($7). These fried dumplings are served with a tasty soy sauce.

Don't miss the Royal Noodles with Lobster ($19). You'll find a hefty portion of fried lobster over a bed of noodles and sauce similar to Pad Thai.

I'm a huge fan of the Avocado Salad with Blue Crab and Lobster.

Emily enjoyed the Spicy Conch Salad ($9) with noodles made out of cucumbers.

If you want something a little different, opt for the Thai sausage for a spicy, tangy treat or the foie gras sushi.

If you are an adventurous eater, try the shrimp ceviche with a mango salsa. I haven't seen it prepared this way before, but it was actually very flavorful.

The Yummy Roll is named correctly. It is so yummy!

We got a taste of the sushi platter and it was all wonderful.

The mango sorbet and the kiwi cream are both satisfying ways to end the meal and cleanse your palette.

They have everything going for them, great location, experienced owner, excellent food...so all you have to do is go in and give them a try. I know I'll be back again soon.

Amazing wine list by Andrew Stover.

Photos by Emily Clack

(202) 299-0399

Dupont Circle
1836 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.zabbrestaurant.com

Comfort on a Plate: My Top 3

2012-01-22T13:41:00.000-05:00

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Corn Bread at Cure ($6). Best corn bread I've ever had!

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Majestic

101 Layer Lasagna at Bond 45. Layer upon layer of homemade pasta just melts in your mouth.

Thinking of Drinking: Romantic Cocktails for Valentine's Day

2012-01-20T15:17:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is less than a month away. Add some Romance to your evening with sexy cocktails.

The Romance Cocktail was seen on the television show and is also featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook

Romance

As seen on the “Romantic Dinner for 2” episode with Nathan Picciotto

1 shot Winter Palace Vodka

½ shot Cointreau

1ounce melon juice

2 ounces Champagne

Garnish: melon slices

Shake vodka, Cointreau and melon juice with ice. Strain into a martini glass. Top off with champagne. Garnish with a piece of melon.

Get Flirty with my Flirtini!

Rather than buying chocolates, indulge in my Chocolate Covered Cherry Cocktail for an extra kick.

Champagne is always impressive and celebratory. Celebrate your love with a Kir Royale.

Try my Almond Kiss

1 shot 360 Vanilla Vodka
1 shot Disaronno Amaretto
1 shot Cream

Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker full of ice. Strain liquor into the martini glass.

Eating and Drinking Around Town

2012-01-19T16:33:00.000-05:00

Blue Duck Tavern: I was impressed with the food at Blue Duck Tavern when the chef was a guest on my Sunday Brunch episode a couple years ago, but I still hadn't been to the restaurant.

I was blown away during the Cassoulet Cooking Class with Chef de Cuisine John Melfi. A small group gathered around Blue Duck Tavern's open kitchen and assist Chef with preparing this hearty, winter dish.

After the class, we sampled cassoulet and other delicious dishes paired with wines from Ravines Wine Cellars in Hammondsport, NY. The restaurant will be offering more Masters of Food and Wine events throughout the year. Stay tuned... but in the meantime, stop in to dine!

Acre 121: This was a miss for me. We went for brunch. The service was extremely slow and forgetful and the food was not worth a return visit. We tried two different types of eggs Benedict dishes and they both flopped. It wasn't awful, but just not that great.

Pearl Dive and Black Jack: If you're willing to wait quite a bit for a table, the food is pretty good. Most of it was a little too heavy for my stomach, but everything was cooked perfectly and had great flavor. The best part about waiting for a seat at Pearl Dive is heading upstairs for a pre-dinner drink at Black Jack. Micah Wilder had done an awesome job with the drink menu. Be ready for large crowds on the weekend.

Upcoming Events: 3rd Annual Capital Wine Festival

2012-01-19T12:33:00.000-05:00

Third Annual Capital Wine Festival: The 10-week dinner event kicks off with an opening reception tonight, January 19 at 7 p.m. which will highlight the 10 wineries sponsoring the event. Located at The Fairfax at Embassy Row Hotel, in conjunction with its signature restaurant, 2100 Prime.

Culinaria Cooking School Class on Friday, January 20th: Chef Gina Stipo is an Italian-American chef living and operating her very own cooking school - Ecco La Cucina - near Siena, Italy where she offers hands-on cooking classes, insights into the cuisine of this beautiful region, and culinary tours. Visiting the U.S. for only two months this winter, guests who sign up for this one-of-a-kind culinary class will watch as Gina prepares, talks about, and allows the audience to sample her authentic Tuscan fare.

"Beer Walks" - Buy Early and Get the Heat you want!! : January 21 and 22 (Beer), 2012. Calling all athletes and couch-potatoes alike! Cross the start line into the shops of Crystal City and rest your weary legs periodically at our hydration stations along the race course- but you won’t find any sports drinks or bananas here- just beer and wine! With 50 + beers & some wines to choose from before the finish line, spend your Saturday or Sunday walking with friends along the The Crystal City Shops.

Culinaria Cooking School Class on Saturday, January 21st: Participants will enjoy a hands-on pasta making class with Chef Gina Stipo allowing them to make three different types of pasta and potato gnocchi.

The Kitchen Studio Class on Thursday, January 26th: Participants will join owner/ founder/ Chef Christine Van Bloem in the kitchen at The Kitchen Studio as they learn how to cook a variety of simple and delicious vegetarian dishes.

J and G Steakhouse will host its first wine dinner of 2012 with Virginia’s Linden Vineyards on Monday, January 30. The four-course dinner with wine pairings features highlights like Seared Cod with Scallion-Chili sauce, Basil and Celery, and Grilled Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Glaze, Asian Pear and Herbs, and will be led by J&G Sommelier Guy Golan.Ticket/Reservation Info: $115/person, all-inclusive. Reservations are available online.

Washington Humane Society Sugar and Champagne Affair February 1st: Tickets to the general reception are $90. VIP tickets to the Chefs’ Tasting Room are $150; these include a special 90-minute savory reception prior to the unveiling of the desserts. All proceeds from the Sugar and Champagne Affair benefit the animals and the critical programs and services of the Washington Humane Society. For more information, visit www.sugarandchampagne.org.

Sommelier Showdown, February 9, 7:00pm-9:00pm: See top DC Sommeliers flex their knowledge at the Washington DC International Wine and Food Festival's inaugural Sommelier Showdown. Our experts will engage in a friendly tête-à-tête and compete in a race of the taste, using deductive tasting to identify wines with hidden labels. To complement the wines presented, the Showdown will feature five of DCs most noted chefs who will be tasked with bringing food and wine together, including Chefs Todd Gray (Equinox), Xavier Deshayes (Ronald Reagan Building), and Jaime Montes de Oca (Zentan). Invitation only to select members of the hospitality and restaurant trade, a limited number of tickets will be released to the public at $150.

Welcome Jemil Gadea to DC!

2012-01-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

Jemil, me and Chef Nick

Jemil Gadea is the new pastry chef of Bibiana-Osteria Enoteca. Gadea brings to the position a decade of distinguished experience working at some of the country’s most acclaimed resorts and restaurants. I've had the pleasure of tasting some of his work and it is absolutely delicious!

Most recently Jemil was the assistant pastry chef at Picasso at the Bellagio Resort Hotel located in Las Vegas, Nevada. He started as a pastry cook at the restaurant in 2000, before quickly being promoted to assistant pastry chef in 2001. During Jemil’s tenure at Picasso, the restaurant received an extraordinary total of 11 AAA Five Diamond Awards. The world-famous Bellagio also continues to be the only hotel in the U.S. with two AAA Five Diamond restaurants, Picasso and Le Cirque.

Prior to joining Picasso, Gadea worked alongside renowned French pastry chef Jean Louis Palladin at his Napa Restaurant in the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas from 1998-2000. Jemil got his start in the industry working as a pastry cook for another famous chef, Wolfgang Puck at his Café located in Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida from 1997-1998. A native of Michigan, Jemil received a culinary arts degree from Grand Rapids Community College. Get into Bibiana soon for a taste!

Photo by Kristen Finn

Event: Saturday Night Sips

2012-01-18T17:43:00.000-05:00

Sips is aimed more at the young professionals who support the food community. It's being held at the Newseum, and is a cocktail + hors d'oeuvres event featuring tastings and demos from local chefs. All proceeds benefit DC Central Kitchen and Martha's Table, and the price tag is much more manageable than the Suppers event ($125).

Recipe: Spicy Moroccan Hummus

2012-01-18T17:38:00.000-05:00

Spicy Moroccan Hummus is perfect for a cocktail party. Try the Alili Morocco products for the best results.

15 ounces chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup tahini
2 teaspoons harissa
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
Olive oil
water (around 1/4 cup)

Blend chickpeas and lemon juice in the food processor or blender until smooth. Add tahini, harissa, garlic, parsley and salt. Add water until you get the desired consistency. Refrigerate until chilled. (Around 1 hour).

Scoop hummus into a pretty bowl and drizzle olive oil on the top. Serve with pita bread or pita chips.

Eat with Your Eyes: FAZZOLETTI DI NERO E ZAFFERANO ALA RAGU DI ARAGOSTA

2012-01-18T16:23:00.000-05:00

Is your mouth watering? You can find this FAZZOLETTI DI NERO E ZAFFERANO ALA RAGU DI ARAGOSTA at Elisir for $34. Do you have a food photo that would make others drool? If so, email me at capitalcooking@gmail.com and we can include it in Eat with your Eyes.

Photo by Emily Clack

Recap: Sticky Fingers Cupcake Wars Viewing Party

2012-01-18T09:48:00.001-05:00


Chuck Berry and Salt-N-Peppa

Last Sunday, we celebrated MLK weekend by attending a viewing party of Cupcake Wars All Stars at Bourbon in Adams Morgan. Our favorite vegan cupcake shop, Sticky Fingers Sweets and Eats won The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars back in March of 2011 which got them a slot in the All Star Competition. This time around founder Doron Petersan and head baker Jenny Webb were not only defending their title, but also competing to provide their cupcakes for a star studded after party for the AMA’s!

Spoiler Alert: THEY WON!!!

Founder Doron celebrating when the winner was announced!

To say Bourbon was crowded would be an understatement. The Sticky Finger’s extended family of staff, friends, family and fans were cheering wildly every time Doron or Jenny’s familiar faces graced the screen. Heckling was also encouraged to support the Sticky Finger’s Team. With all the laughing and cheering, you would have thought it was a part super bowl party, part comedy show. During the episode they passed around the delicious cupcakes that were featured on the show:

Rolling Stones Brown Sugar: Brown sugar cupcake, rum frosting topped with brown sugar brittle
Man in Black Johnny Cashew: Black cocoa cupcake, black cocoa dark chocolate frosting topped with dark chocolate cashew candy
Salt-n-Peppa Inspired: Chocolate bourbon smoked pepper cupcake, salted caramel and vanilla bean frosting topped with fondant candy headphones
Chuck Berry Inspired: Orange cupcake with blueberry cinnamon filling, raspberry frosting topped with a sparkly red fondant guitar

You can purchase the cupcake wars winning pack in the bakery, or on the website through February 1^st. Congratulations to Doron, Jenny and the Sticky Finger’s Team!

Opening: Unum

2012-01-17T17:15:00.000-05:00

This January, Unum will open in Georgetown at 2917 M St. NW in the former Mendocino Grille location. The intimate and contemporary 50-seat neighborhood restaurant will offer new American cuisine in a warm and dynamic space that also includes a 12-seat bar.

Guests will enjoy smaller plates such as Grilled quail with sautéed greens, pistachio nuts and a date sauce and a Four onion soup with slow roasted Spanish onions, crispy shallots, caramelized Cipollinis and fresh chives. Larger plates will include Smoked duck breast served with rainbow Swiss chard and pomegranate sauce; Rosemary gnocchi with oyster mushrooms, butternut squash, cranberries and truffle butter; and Indian spiced lamb shank with cauliflower, raisins, cashews and cilantro-mint chutney. Desserts will include Ricotta beignets with cardamom blueberry sauce and Winter citrus custard with candied kumquats and grapefruit sorbet. Appetizers are priced $8-12 and entrees $14-$24.

Unum will offer more than a dozen wines by the glass, as well as a 60+ bottle list, and a rotating selection of craft beer and cocktails. The wine list has a strong focus on California wines as well as labels from old and new world wine regions, with an emphasis on value selections in the $30 to $60 price range.

Unum is located at 2917 M St. NW, Washington DC. For reservations or more information, please call 202-621-6959 or visit the website at www.unumdc.com

Photo by Katie Stoops

Free Food For 1 Year

2012-01-17T15:48:00.000-05:00

Fuel Pizza will celebrate the grand opening of their first Washington, DC location on January 18^th with a monumental offering of FREE FUEL FOOD FOR ONE FULL YEAR to the first 50 customers. All customers at Fuel's grand opening on January 18^th will receive complimentary dishes from Fuel's menu. Fuel's grand opening celebration will take place from noon - 6pm on January 18^th.

** On Tuesday, January 17^th, Fuel will conduct a limited-hour soft opening and will be offering a 15% discount on all menu items.

Fuel Pizza DC is located at 1606 K Street in downtown Washington, DC. Fuel was founded by Jeremy Wladis & Paula Seefeldt of The Restaurant Group in 1988 in a restored 1930's gas station in Charlotte, North Carolina and quickly became Charlotte's most acclaimed pizzeria. Fuel serves up a menu of housemade pizzas, hot subs, salads and wings, with a careful attention to quality and detail. For additional information and online ordering, please visit www.fuelpizza.com or call 202-659-3835.

Perfect Pair: Cherry Clafoutis

2012-01-17T13:52:00.001-05:00

Clafoutis is a traditional French dessert made with a crepe-like batter. It is light and delicious. We had fun making this recipe on our Bistro Cooking episode.

The Dish: Cherry Clafoutis

The Recipe:

2 cups of fresh sweet cherries, pitted

2 tablespoons of slivered almonds

2 eggs

1 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, sifted

1/8 teaspoon of salt

1 cup of whole milk

2 teaspoons of Amaretto

1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat the oven to 375F. Grease a pie plate. Whisk the eggs, sugars, salt, and flour together until smooth.

Add the milk, Amaretto and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Pour ⅓ batter into the baking dish. Bake 10 minutes to set. Then add remaining batter and cherries.

Bake for 40-50 minutes or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When you pull it put of the oven it will wiggle a bit which is normal. Place on a wire rack to cool. The clafoutis will have puffed up quite a bit and will deflate while cooling.

When cool dust the clafoutis with powdered sugar. Serve.

The Pairing:

Domaine la Croix des Marchands “Methode Gaillacoise”. A sparkling demi-sec (lightly sweet) wine from Southwestern France. It’s made from Mauzac, the oldest indigenous varietal in France. It’s also a naturally sparkling wine with no added yeast for effervescence. Great as an aperitif or dessert wine. http://www.firstvine.com/product/45.

Champagne Bernard Mante Brut: A mix of Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes from the western part of the Champagne region of France. Brut champagne isn’t exactly bone-dry, it has a tiny bit of residual sweetness in it, which makes it go well with desserts that aren’t overwhelmingly sweet. It also pairs well with more robust foods you’d serve white wine with because it has enough flavor to shine through. http://www.firstvine.com/product/56.

Thailand: Huen Phen in Chiang Mai

2012-01-17T11:59:00.000-05:00

I was reminded of one of the delicious meals we had in Thailand when I visited Thai X-ing over the weekend. (Thanks for the recommendation Johnna!) We went to a similar place in Chiang Mai, called Huen Phen. Like Thai X-ing, Huen Phen is a bit dark and dusty. Thai X-ing is the first place in DC that I visited that actually tasted authentic. The prices are a lot higher than Thailand, but it is worth it ($40 for 8 courses and BYOB).

We got 6 courses for 2 for only $12 at Huen Phen. The menus were very similar. They both offered a spicy salad, a soup, several dishes to serve over rice, and delicious desserts. If you can't make the trip to Thailand, I'd highly recommend Thai-Xing in DC.

If you do make it to Thailand, don't miss Chiang Mai. We met a great group of people at the restaurant and joined them for drinks at a Reggae bar. After eating and drinking, we got our daily massage. We found this great little spot next to the bar that offered 1 hour foot massages for only $5. Amazing! There's lots of rain in September, but you'll miss the crowds. Thailand was the best trip of my life and I hope to make it back someday!!

Huen Phen

112 Rachamankha Rd, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand