Wine Tastings for Thanksgiving
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
Trying to figure out what beverages to serve with your big Turkey Day dinner?
Image: Bochkarev Photography/Shutterstock
Well, stop by one of the few wine tastings going on today and tomorrow and you can sample some different wines to pair with your Thanksgiving meal.
Planet Wine (2004 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-3444) will be hosting their Procrastinator’s Saving Grace tomorrow, Wednesday, November 22, from 3-7 p.m. with wine sampling to pick out your bottles for the feast. There will also be Red Apron charcuterie (sage and maple sausage, coppa, bresoala, prosciutto, country pate) and pies from Buzz Bakery (sweet potato pie with cranberry jam, cinnamon and marshmallow fluff, bourbon chocolate pecan pie, and classic pumpkin) for any last minute cooking mishaps that may force you to pick up something a little easier.
The Vineyard Table (711 Dranesville Road, Herndon; 703-657-0002) is having a Turkey Day Wine Tasting today, November 22, from 12-5 p.m.
The Vineyard (1445 Laughlin Ave., McLean; 703-288-2970) is having their 4th Annual Thanksgiving Extravaganza tomorrow, Wednesday, November 23, from 12-4 p.m. They’ll be pouring wines that compliment all the typical Thanksgiving dishes and will offer pairing recommendations for any specific dishes on your menu.
-Julia Harbo
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
Bayou Bakery in Arlington
Bayou Bakery in Virginia Celebrates its One-Year Anniversary
The Eatery Kicks into its Second Year this Tuesday by Celebrating with $2 Specials
Just one year ago, on November 22, chef David Guas, a native of Louisiana reared in New Orleans, began cooking and preaching the gospel of Louisiana cuisine. The tri-state area of Washington, DC was introduced to authentic New Orleans, Cajun and Creole dishes at Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Arlington, VA. Only those die-hard transplants and Louisiana enthusiasts had heard of Andouille, Boudin, Beignets, or Steen’s Cane Syrup, but that is no longer the case. This chef personality delighted our palates with Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee, Muffuletta’s and much more!
Today, November 22, Bayou Bakery is Celebrating! Today it’s TWO for TUESDAY on the TWENTY- SECOND as Bayou Bakery moves into its second year!
11 am till Close:
$2 Drafts – Abita Beer
$2 Cup of Shrimp Monica
$2 Beignets (3 per plate)
Celebrate good times, people! Come on!
Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, 1515 N Courthouse Road Arlington; (703)243.2410
– Jennie Whistler
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, November 21st, 2011
Yes, that is my olive oil-soaked brown paper sandwich bag.
This weekend I had the grand pleasure of going to The Italian Store for the first time. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a place with such a name, which I heard in vague description as some sort of hybrid, half-Italian market, half-deli, with the best sandwiches ever (and that’s a pretty bold statement to make!).
If I were told to picture a scene of mob-looking Italians in Northern Virginia, I don’t think I could do it. Being from Northern New Jersey, I’ve seen my fair share of mobsters, guidos and guidettes. But as I grabbed the only open table outside of the Italian Store on a Sunday afternoon, next to a gray-haired man with a pop belly, a can of Dr. Brown’s cream soda, and a big fat cigar, I felt like I was home.
The sandwich wasn’t bad, either — actually, it was amazing. We called in our order in advance because of expected crowdedness, so when we arrived our fresh mozzarella and prosciutto on a soft sub roll was waiting for us. The bread was fresh and soft, the prosciutto nice and fatty and salty, and the cheese — oh my goodness. The word “fresh” before the Italian Store’s mozzarella is an understatement. Their mozzarella is so moist and tender, sprinkled with just the right amount of sea salt and basil flakes and cut so perfectly into made-for-an-incredible-sandwich medallions that it made the sandwich. With my last bite and a sip of Dr. Brown’s to wash it down, I slipped into an Italian Store sandwich coma.
The Italian Store is located at 3123 Lee Highway in Arlington (703-528-6266 or www.italianstore.com).
-Julia Harbo
Celebrate Thanksgiving at 2941
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, November 21st, 2011
Well folks, it’s official: the holidays are upon us. We tried to deny it, but we can do so no longer.
And if you still don’t have your Thanksgiving plans set, well then don’t despair; 2941 invites you and yours to dine with them this Thursday for an elegant Thanksgiving meal. They can offer wonderful food, beautiful views and graceful service.
Check out their decadent Turkey day menu:
Appetizers
BUTTERNUT SQUASH VELOUTÉ, cinnamon marshmallow, celery leaves
TUNA TARTARE, truffle-nut vinaigrette, shaved celery, watermelon radishes
CAESAR SALAD, Parmesan dressing, brioche crostini, romaine hearts
HUDSON VALLEY FOIE GRAS, quince confit, spinach, corn bread (supp. $12)
LOBSTER BISQUE, butter poached lobster, fennel, white truffle bun
MEYER LEMON CRAB CAKE, jumbo lump & sweet crab, fine herbs, crunchy fennel salad
Main Courses
SEA BASS, celery root purée, roasted parsnip, chive émulsion
MAPLE LAWN FARM’S TURKEY BREAST, chestnut & mushroom stuffing, sweet potato, cranberry jam, gravy
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI, ricotta, almond biscotti, chestnuts
BEEF DUO, braised short ribs, rib eye, pomme purée, Savoy cabbage, baby turnips (supp. $10)
Desserts
2941 APPLE PIE, baked in a bag, served with vanilla ice cream
CRANBERRY PUDDING, pain d’ epice croutons, apple cider sorbet
PUMPKIN SPICED FRENCH TOAST, toasted pumpkin seeds, chocolate ice cream
PEAR SOUFFLÉ, crispy nougat meringue, chestnut crème anglaise (supp. $5)
Thanksgiving dinner at 2941:
Thursday, November 24th
Seating from 11 am – 8 pm
Three-Course Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner: $65/ $25 children’s menu
And it’s not just for Thanksgiving; 2941 is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays.
See all that they have to offer online at www.2941.com
– Jennie Whistler
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Sunday, November 20th, 2011
Area Chefs Tell Us What Mom Makes Better
Chef’s Momma’s Table
“My mom makes an amazing cioppino/bouillabaisse that she serves every Christmas Eve. Her fried chicken also blows mine away.”
Brian Robinson, executive chef, Restaurant 3
“My mom makes Beef Bordelaise way better than me. It’s her signature dish ever since I was a kid. Loved it all of the time, served with steamed rice on the side.”
Warren Brown, founder, CakeLove
“Lemon salad. I can’t make it. Not that I don’t know how, but I don’t have ‘the touch.’ It is a must have at my family’s holiday table. ‘Screw the turkey, if there isn’t lemon salad then it isn’t Thanksgiving,’ is the general feeling about this salad.”
Emily Sprissler, “Top Chef” season two contestant
“Her chili is awesome, and although I have asked her to share technique and ingredients, she just sort of shrugs it off and says, ‘You know, it has beans and ground beef.’”
David Guas, chef/owner, Bayou Bakery
“My mom makes a cheese souflee with sausage and salad that’s like the greatest thing on the planet Earth. I pretty much force her to make it every time I go visit.”
Tarver King, head chef, Ashby Inn
“I would have to say her sweet potato pie. As much as I think I’m a great cook, she probably makes everything better than me. But I have yet to make a sweet potato pie that even comes close to hers.”
Rahman “Rock” Harper, “Hell’s Kitchen” season three winner
-Matt Basheda
José Andrés Catered Porcelanosa Grand Opening
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, November 18th, 2011
What do bath and kitchen tiles have to do with José Andrés?
Last night I drooled over some of José Andrés’ food while standing among models of porcelain
toilets — this sounds weird, but let me explain: I was at the grand opening of the Porcelanosa store in Rockville.
José Andrés, Spanish mega chef of Jaleo, minibar, Zaytinya, and Oyamel, catered the event — because he’s friends with the owner of the Spanish company, as well as the Spanish ambassador Jorge Dezcallar, oh, and he’s a good chef.
Needless to say, the event was a success. Here are some highlights of the food:
“The New Tortilla” was a typical José creative creation of potatoes, onions and cheese inside an egg shell.
"The New Tortilla" in the making
As beautiful as these egg creations were, they were delicious.
Another notable mention: salmon cones with salmon roe.
Salmon Cones
And the popular molecular gastronomical olives — olive “bursts” soaked in rosemary and garlic infused olive oil.
"Olives"
One of José’ Andrés’ sous chefs was even kind enough to give me a lesson on the making of these “olives” — essentially olive flavored liquid texturized in a mixture of calcium and sodium alginate, then soaked in a bath of rosemary and garlic infused olive oil. One flavorful explosion in my mouth.
Actually, more like five.
Mine didn't come out so perfectly. More like conjoined quintuplets (not like there's anything wrong with that...and they still tasted amazing).
I may be partial to food over bathroom tiles, but the Porcelanosa event, in my mind mouth, was a huge success.
-Julia Harbo
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, November 18th, 2011
The Town Duck in Warrenton
For those of you Gut Checkers who may be wondering- I’m a small town girl. A born and raised Virginian- and proud of it!
My hometown is the beautiful and historic town of Warrenton, located about 50 miles west of DC, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a town that’s grown immensely since I was a kid growing up there but still manages to hang onto that small town feel.
One of my favorite stores that I love to visit when I go home for the holidays is The Town Duck.
The Town Duck is a gift shop, a wine and cheese shop, and a specialty food shop. They offer everything from fresh fish by special order once a week to gift baskets to gourmet food items. Whenever possible, they make every effort to feature Virginia and American made products as well as Fair Trade items.
Wine tastings at The Town Duck
This weekend The Town Duck is hosting two wine tastings in store! Bruce Schutte from Elite Wines will be there TODAY, Friday 11/18, from 4 to 6 and Neil Manger from Siema Imports will be there tomorrow, Saturday 11/19, from noon to 3. Both will come ready with recommendations for Thanksgiving and holidays pairings.
So if you’re in the mood to take a weekend drive and experience some beautiful scenery pass through Warrenton and don’t forget to visit The Town Duck! Pick up some pate and Black Diamond Cheddar, sip a glass of wine and do some early Christmas shopping.
Oh, and say hi for me!
The Town Duck – 100 Main Street, Warrenton; (540)347.7237. Call or visit their website for more information!
– Jennie Whistler
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, November 17th, 2011
Image: Ljupco Smokovski/Shutterstock
I used to hate honey when I was younger. It freaked me out that it came from bees. I hated bees (well, I still hate bees). I found it too sweet, which sounds impossible to me now. Now, I love it — I love it in tea, on oatmeal, on toast with peanut butter, on apples — and I can’t get enough of it. I can’t get enough of sweet, sweet honey — honey made from bees.
But a recent article from CNN’s Eatocracy informed readers and American honey consumers of the shocking news released in a Food Safety News analysis of honey. The analysis found that the honey sold in American stores falls short of including the essential ingredient of pollen in their falsely labeled “honey.”
More importantly, the lack of pollen in “honey” questions its legitimacy and origin of natural and safe sources. This brings up the problem of health and safety, and also the importance of supporting local beekeepers who specialize in making fresh and natural honey. But shockingly enough, there’s no honey standard set by the Food and Drug Administration.
So, what should you do? Organic honey from safe and reliable sources is available in stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. You can also find fresh honey at local farmers markets (listed below).
The farmers market I went to last week in Crystal City actually had one vendor with a glass showcase of lives bees flying and buzzing around in their honeycomb — though I’m now a grown adult, I still got freaked out and picked up my pace from casual-stroll to a speed-walk to the other side of the sidewalk. But if live bees don’t freak you out (even in a glass cage), I’d definitely recommend picking up some fresh honey from your local farmers market.
Northern Virginia Farmer’s Market and Hours:
Annandale Farmers Market • 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale – Thu, 8-noon
Arlington Farmers Market • N. 14th St. & N. Courthouse Road, Arlington – Sat, 8-noon
Ashburn Farmers Market • 44036 Pipeline Plaza, Ashburn – Sat, 8-noon
Ballston Farmers Market • N. Stuart St. & N. Ninth St. – Thu, 3-7 p.m.
Brambleton Farmers Market • 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Burke Farmers Market • 5671 Roberts Parkway, Burke – Sat, 8-noon
Cascades Farmers Market • 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Clarendon Farmers Market• 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Columbia Pike Farmers Market • S. Walter Reed Drive & Columbia Pike – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
Community Farmers Market • West & Main Streets (Sat), North St. & Old Lee Highway (Sun), Fairfax – Sat: 8-1 p.m.; Sun: 10-2 p.m.
Crystal City Farmers Market • Crystal Square Arcade between S. 18th and 20th Streets – Tue, 3-7 p.m.
Culpeper Farmers Market • E. Davis & Commerce Streets – Sat, 7:30-noon
Dale City Farmers Market • Dale Blvd. & Minnieville Road, Dale City – Sun, 8-1 p.m.
Del Ray Farmers’ Market • E. Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria – Sat, 8-noon
Fairfax Farmers Market • 3720 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax – Tue, 8-noon
Falls Church Farmers Market • 300 Park Ave., Falls Church – Sat, 8-noon
Fredericksburg Farmers Market• George and Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg – Mon-Sat, 7-6 p.m.; Sun, 12:30-4 p.m.
Frying Pan Farmers Market • 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon – Wed, 8-12:30 p.m.
Great Falls Farmers Market • 750 Walker Road, Great Falls – Sat, 9-1 p.m.
Haymarket Farmers Market • 1500 Washington St., Haymarket – Sat, 8-2 p.m.
Herndon Farmers Market • Lynn and Station Streets, Herndon – Thu, 8-noon
Kingstowne Farmers Market • Kingstowne Center & Kingstowne Blvd., Franconia – Fri, 4-7 p.m.
Leesburg Farmers Market • 20 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg – Sat, 8-noon
Lorton Farmers Market • 8990 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
McLean Farmers Market • 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean – Fri, 8-noon
Middleburg Farmers Market • 300 W. Washington St., Middleburg – Sat, 8-noon
Mount Vernon Farmers Market • 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria – Tue, 8-noon
Nokesville Farmers Market • 13005 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville – Sat, 8-noon
Oakton Farmers Market • 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton – Wed, 8-noon
Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market • 301 King St., Alexandria – Sat, 5:30-11 a.m.
Old Town Manassas Farmers Market • 9201 Center St., Manassas – Thu, 7-1 p.m.; Sat, 7:30-2:30 p.m.
Nokesville Farmers Market • 13005 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville – Sat, 8-noon
Purcellville Farmers Market• 751 E. Main St., Purcellville – Sat, 8-noon
Reston Farmers Market • 11400 Washington Plaza W., Reston – Sat, 8-noon
Smart Markets – Centreville • 5875 Trinity Parkway, Centreville – Fri, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Smart Markets – Fairfax Corner • Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax – Tue, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Smart Markets – Gainesville • 13297 Gateway Center Drive, Gainesville – Sun, 10:30-1:30 p.m.
Smart Markets – Herndon • 460 Elden St., Herndon – Thu, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Smart Markets – Oakton • 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton – Sat, 10-2 p.m.
Smart Markets – Reston • 11890 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston – Wed, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Upper King Street Farmers Market • 1806 King St., Alexandria – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Vienna Farmers Market • 131 Church St. N.E., Vienna – Sat, 8-noon
Wakefield Farmers Market • 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale – Wed, 2-6 p.m.
Warrenton Farmers Market • Branch Drive and Warrenton Village Center (Wed), S. Fifth & Lee Streets (Sat) – Wed, 7-1 p.m.; Sat, 7-noon
West End Farmers Market • 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria – Sun, 9-1 p.m.
-Julia Harbo
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, November 17th, 2011
Guinness Black Lager
I thought I’d share my new favorite beer because, really,who doesn’t love a cold one after a long day?
Allow me to introduce you to Guinness’ newest creation- Black Lager!
Guinness is treating its fans with a new variety of its traditional beer. Guinness Black Lager gives the drinker the desired refreshment of a lager and surprises with its unique great taste. The new beer derives from the parent dry stout, and the dark colour is achieved by malting it for a longer time.
Now I’m definitely a fan of Guinness Stout and I do love dark beers- but the Black Lager is one of those dark beers for light beer drinkers. It’s incredibly smooth, slightly sweet and refreshing! It will satisfy your dark beer craving without being too heavy.
Mmm… five o’ clock can’t come soon enough!
– Jennie Whistler
Martha Stewart and the Evolution of American Domestic Culture
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
Photo credit: The Smithsonian Associates
For all you Martha Stewart lovers:
Tomorrow, Thursday, November 17, Martha herself will be in D.C. giving a presentation on entertaining in the home. She’ll be discussing her influences, inspirations and the continuing evolution of American domestic culture alongside Marc Pachter, the interim director of the National Museum of American History.
Martha Stewart’s strong individual role has had an undoubtedly profound impact on American culture.
As an entrepreneur, T.V. host and author, Martha has devoted her career to illuminating traditions and reinterpreting them for the modern era. She’s forged a unique aesthetic that’s reflected in her holistic approach to cuisine, decorative arts and entertaining, working with all creative elements of the home and domestic life.
The event is presented by The Smithsonian Associates and begins at 7 p.m. in the DAR Constitution Hall. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $25 for Smithsonian Associate members. Members may also purchase $60 tickets that include one copy of the book
Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations
and it will be available for signing after the program.
For general admission tickets go to ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. For Associate member tickets and information call 202-633-3030 or visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.
DAR Constitution Hall is located at 1776 D Street N.W., Washington, D.C.
-Julia Harbo