Posted by Stefanie Gans / Thursday, December 22nd, 2011
This is a win-win-win, my Gut Check friends. Here’s how it goes:
1. Write a review of any restaurant we have listed in our super handy (you can search by dish!) Restaurant Scout.
2. If we think your review is funny, snarky, insightful or just damn spot-on, we’ll feature it in “A Second Opinion,” a standing segment in the print edition.
3. But scoring ink isn’t the only prize, we’ll also set you up with a free gift card to an area restaurant.
Find the full instructions on our ASO page and pull out your inner critic because you could find fame in our next issue.
Questions? Hit us up at fooddesk@northernvirginiamag.com
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 22nd, 2011
Folks, I have a problem. There’s officially less than five days till Christmas, and for the past week and a half, since my first visit to the German cookie haven earlier this month, I have not been able to stop myself from going back to Heidelberg Bakery … again … and again … and again.
As it’s gotten closer and closer to Christmas, I’ve come up with more excuses to go in there – I needed a little gift for my supervisor; for a co-worker’s birthday, a box of freshly baked cookies would be perfect; I need to wow everyone at the Christmas Eve party I’m going to (and I’m leaving out the fact that I just wanted to munch on something sweet myself).
I’ve always had the sweetest sweet tooth, so it’s no surprise that I’ve fallen obsessively in love with Heidelberg. But what I don’t understand, particularly at this time of year, is my love for things like pfefferneusse. I have this inexplicable obsession with German spiced baked goods, and I really don’t know where it came from, as I don’t have a lick of German ancestry in my blood.
Heidelberg's Christmas cookies
Each time I walk into Heidelberg I am blown away by the heavenly surroundings of cookies, baked goods, cakes, and more cookies! Seriously, cookies EVERYWHERE! And baskets of free samples — there’s nothing I love more. The first time, I was overwhelmed by all the cookies. But now, I want to get to know all the cookies — ALL the cookies. It’s my goal. Each time I’ve been back, I’ve tried something new, from the German chocolates to a free sample of marzipan. Up next? The powder sugar covered, marzipan layered bread (the only thing stopping me was the fact that it was $13 and I wouldn’t have anyone to share it with for another three days, and, obviously, I’d just end up eating it all myself).
There’s a sweet in Heidelberg for everyone — for the chocolate lovers, the German spice cookie lovers, the butter cookie lovers, the marzipan lovers. Heck, there are even simple breads, rolls, croissants and sausages for the savory lovers. But I won’t go there. Not this week.
I know it’s no secret, but if you haven’t been to Heidelberg yet, now’s your time to go. GO!
Embrace the holidays — embrace the cookies.
*Cue angelic sound effects*
Heidelberg is located at 2150 N. Culpeper St. in Arlington (703-527-8394; www.heidelbergbakery.com).
-Julia Harbo
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 22nd, 2011
Image: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
Get into the holiday spirit (that’s the only pun I’ll make, I promise)!
The holiday season isn’t just about buying expensive gifts or having the most lavish display of Christmas lights; it’s also about love, family and giving back to your fellow man in the spirit of peace and goodwill everywhere.
And drinking, of course.
This merriest of seasons gives a great excuse for creating fun and indulgent grown-up treats that will put the Ho Ho Ho! back in your Holidays.
Mulled Red Wine
I love a warm, spiced wine to warm up the hands as well as the stomach. Plus, the spicy, sweet smell will make your house feel festive and welcoming!
Ingredients:
2 teaspoon(s) black peppercorns, lightly crushed
1 teaspoon(s) fennel seeds, lightly crushed
1 3-inch cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
2 bottle(s) (750-milliliter) Zinfandel or Merlot, or equivalent fruity red wine
3 bay leaves
Zest strips from 1 orange
1 1/2 cup(s) muscovado sugar, or other dark brown sugar
Barackulars: President Obama Eats at Del Ray Pizzeria
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
NoVA Magazine alum Warren Rojas sends his old friends at Gut Check a tip:
President Obama spotted today at Del Ray Pizzeria. The Dog Owner-In-Chief then stopped by a pet store to buy a treat for Bo, who has recently gotten press for his staring role in the White House Christmas decorations.
Check out photos of Obama at Potomac Yard Center on DelRayPatch.
Graphic by Bekah Lowe
Food Channel’s Pitch Place Contest
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
The Food Channel, a website home to food inspiration, is currently hosting a contest called Pitch Place to find their next hit show.
“Some of the best ideas are in the minds of people who now have the simple tools in hand to create their own idea,” Food Channel Editor in Chief Kay Logsdon says. “Anyone can make a video with a smartphone and a friend. We decided it was time to give them a showcase for their ideas.”
One grand prize winner will receive an Android Tablet. Runners up will qualify to be placed in shows on foodchannel.com and the possibility of going on to earn contracts for other shows.
“We’re looking for new ideas,” Logsdon says. “Give us your talent in a food-related drama or comedy. Show us how to demonstrate food differently. Let your passion come across.”
Contest entries should consist of two- to three-minute videos that are both food related and family friendly. The entries should include short synopses of the show to give judges a full understanding of the pitch. When finished with your video entry, it must be uploaded to Facebook or YouTube, following the contest rules.
The contest deadline is midnight on Monday, January 9. Food Channel’s fans will be able to vote on the contest entries on Facebook from January 18-February 8.
Any questions can be emailed to pitchplace@foodchannel.com. For more information, visit www.foodchannel.com.
-Julia Harbo
Soup-Tastic Eats at Mon Ami Gabi
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
Image courtesy of Anjali Pinto
As 2011 comes to an end, the New Year isn’t the only occasion to be excited about: the month of January officially marks National Soup Month! And right now, there’s no better place to commemorate the delectable occasion than at Mon Ami Gabi!
Stop in to celebrate appropriately and order up the restaurant’s warm and tasty Winter Soup Flight for just $5.95. When there is a sumptuous trio of specialty soup favorites, why order just one, when you can have a perfect-portion taste of all three?
Warm yourself from within and taste delicate spoonfuls of the classic Onion Soup Au Gratin with bubbling gruyere cheese, the decadent Four Mushroom Soup with roasted wild mushrooms and herb brioche croutons and the always-changing Cream of Root Vegetable Soup, featuring a new seasonal variety each week.
As temperatures start to plummet and the wintry chill sets in, one thing is for sure – Mon Ami Gabi will be ready and waiting to serve guests a piping hot trio of deliciousness. Raise your spoon and cheers to National Soup Month all of January at the go-to dining destination.
Guests are encouraged to call Mon Ami Gabi Reston at 703-707-0233 for more information and to make their reservation.
Mon Ami Gabi – 11950 Democracy Drive, Reston
– Jennie Whistler
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
Remember this?
The teenage trio of brotherly heartthrobs ruled the late ’90s with MMMBop.
What did “MMMBop” mean, anyway? It’s about to be 2012 and I still don’t know.
But the Hanson brothers, now in their late 20′s and early 30′s are coming out with a more mature, more practical hit. It’s called MmmHop … and, yes, that “hop” means beer.
This is breaking news, folks!
While shamefully humming “MMMBop” in your head, wouldn’t you love to be sipping on a nice, strong and hoppy beer made by none other than Zac, Taylor and Isaac Hanson?
Grown-up Hanson-fans-turned-beer-lovers, unite!
You can read the full report here.
-Julia Harbo
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
Image: Eireann/Shutterstock
The Christmas season is also the tastiest season!
Virtue Feed & Grain, the comfortable escape to tasty morsels, beer inspired ‘hoptails,’ big screens and vintage arcade games is prepared to provide the classic backdrop for the holidays.
Decorated with hanging Christmas trees (kissing under trees is better than kissing under mistletoe), sparkling Christmas lights, and reefs on many walls, the decorations are only a precursor for the seasonal beer list that will feature a different holiday beer everyday from now leading up to Christmas. (Stay tuned to Facebook/Twitter for announcements.)
Pastry Chef Rebekka Baltzell’s special creations for the holiday season include a Chocolate Candycane Cake, Guinness Gingerbread Cake and White Chocolate Eggnog Mousse.
New Year’s Eve at Virtue Feed and Grain:
For New Years, the restaurant will be serving the full menu, including Feast Specials of Lobster, Prime Rib, and Whole Suckling Pig. There will be a midnight toast alongside the dropping of the ball on the big screen.
– Jennie Whistler
Bon Appetit Lists Virtue Feed & Grain’s “Hoptails” as 2012 Trend
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Monday, December 19th, 2011
Photo courtesy: Virtue Feed & Grain / Ken Wyner
Nestled between porky Asian sandwiches (heeelllo Cambodia’s Num Pang), funky finger limes (caviar of the fruit world) and the creme bruele-like canelé (move over cupcakes), Bon Appétit gives a shout out to Virtue Feed & Grain’s beer cocktails in the magazine’s 2012 trend-watch list.
Alexandria’s Virtue turns the classic Old Fashion into a “hoptail” with the addition of Brooklyn Brown Ale to the bourbon and SoCo concoction. With beer love on the rise, expect plenty more area bars to combine brews and spirits for a spin on adult beverage fun.
[Virtue's Shock Me hoptail recipe]
–Stefanie Gans
Redskins Players Tonight at The Dons’ Christmas Dinner
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, December 19th, 2011
Redskins fans? Pizza fans? Want your Redskins players to serve you free pizza?
Redskins players Lorenzo Alexander, Reed Doughty and Kedric Golston will be at The Dons’ Pizza Christmas Dinner tonight serving free pizza and drinks! This is the third annual Christmas Dinner for pizza lovers of all ages to enjoy free pizza and drinks with donations to support the African Missions. There will also be live holiday music performed by recording artist Amy Jo and Friends.
Don’t miss out on this tonight, Monday, December 19, from 6-8 p.m. at The Dons’ Wood-Fired Pizza (21018 South Bank St., Sterling; 703-444-4959; www.thedonspizza.com)
-Julia Harbo