Posts Tagged ‘brunch’
Perplexed: Why Are Eggs Banished to Weekends?
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Thursday, January 12th, 2012
Eggs. Runny. Threaded with saffron. A slip of prosciutto. Why is this beauty only offered on weekends? Why do we banish eggs to Saturday and Sunday? Why? Why? Why?
Photo by Stefanie Gans
Pajama Brunch at Virtue Feed and Grain
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
Virtue Feed and Grain in Alexandria
At Virtue Feed and Grain, wearing your pajamas is not only encouraged, but rewarded!
On the first Sunday of every month, Virtue Feed and Grain is going to be offering a pajama brunch where you can enjoy traditional Irish breakfast, great beer and live music- all in your coziest pair of jammies!
And on Sunday, December 4th, Virtue Feed and Grain will host the Georgetown Saxatones, who will perform some of their greatest hits for Virtue’s guests.
The Georgetown Saxatones are the newest co-ed a cappella group on Georgetown’s campus. Originally founded as an oldies group in 2000, the Saxatones have expanded their repertoire to include everything from Motown to Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette to Stevie Wonder, and Timbaland to Taylor Swift. The Saxatones were created with the purpose of serving the community through performance and music, and regularly partner with organizations both on the Hilltop and in the greater DC region.
Virtue Feed and Grain is the latest culinary endeavor from Chef Cathal Armstrong and his business partner/wife Meshelle. Specializing in modern American “pub grub,” Virtue is the ideal spot for a relaxing Sunday brunch. Chef Ryan Wheeler compiled a menu based on all time brunch favorites, including Corned Beef Hash with poached egg, French Toast with bacon and even the traditional Irish Breakfast, a nod to Chef Armstrong’s upbringing in Dublin.
Priced at $23 per person, prix fixe brunch includes coffee & juice, your main course, and the morning spread: assorted pastries, organic yogurt with various fruit fillings, assorted cereals, fruit salad, cured meets, cheese, smoked salmon, fresh bread and other goodies—the perfect way to get your appetite going.
Virtue Feed and Grain - 106 S. Union St., Alexandria; (571)970.3669
– Jennie Whistler
Happy Hour: Bacon Lovers Unite
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, October 20th, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Does the smell of sizzling pork make your mouth water? Are you prone to hoarding extra slices on your plate at brunch?
Clarendon’s Restaurant 3 is in the middle of its third year of promoting Week O’ Bacon, ten days packed with pig-inspired dishes and drinks (yes, I realize that’s more than a week. But hey, it’s catchier than, “A Week-and-A-Half O’ Bacon, right?). From now through October 22, guests can enjoy 3′s famous in-house, fresh-cured meat from their all-bacon menu.
Hungry yet? / Photo credit: Shutterstock/strada
If you’re among the camp that believes the more crunchy, salty goodness, the better, than you won’t want to miss out on this week’s festivities. Tonight, from 4 to 7 p.m., happy hour gets rolling with $3 craft beers and $5 for a glass of red or white wine*.
And for the bacon drinks and eats being featured tonight – drum roll, please -
- A Bacon Bloody Mary with bacon-infused vodka, 3′s house bloody mary mix and garnished with bacon $5
- Four thick, house cured slices of Bacon-on-a-stick, accompanied by “Magic Sauce,” $5
- A Bacon Martini with bacon-infused vodka, Dry Vermouth, served with an olive and bacon bit, $5
- Cheesy Bacon Cheddar Dip, along with a side of bacon-dusted potato chips, $5
Restaurant’s 3 love and obsession for bacon has received goes beyond the realms of Northern Virginia. Even the guys at Travel Channel’s Food Paradise have taken notice. This week, they’re already smoked and dished out more than 1,500 pounds. And they’re having a fabulous, melt-in-your-mouth brunch with Bacon Benedict and Graceland Waffles this Sunday.
Still in need of more bacon? 3 sells their pig pride and joy at $12 a pound.
Restaurant 3
2950 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 524-4440
www.restaurantthree.com
HH: 4 to 8 p.m. (bacon eats til 7 p.m., beer specials til 8 p.m.) *Only available in the bar*
Cost: $3 to $5 per drink, $5 for food
- 
Lorin Drinkard
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, October 17th, 2011
In my book, there’s just nothing quite as good as Sunday brunch.
When it comes to the first meal of the day, I’m a firm believer in breakfast food. In the battle of breakfast food (cereal, eggs, pancakes) versus lunch food (sandwiches, salads, burgers) as the first thing in your mouth for the day on the weekends, I will always choose breakfast. (Disagree if you want, but I just can’t fathom putting a sandwich in my stomach without properly having breakfast first.)
It’s during the loved weekends when sleeping in late wins and you’re faced with the decision of taking the breakfast or lunch route that these dilemmas arise. So whoever invented brunch really figured out how to please both parties of both breakfast and lunch. Where else can you see such two separate entities bond over a mealtime table in such great harmony?
At Eat-Bar‘s Sunday brunch this weekend, that’s where!
Unfortunately, we missed the Big Screen Cartoon Brunch Series screening (it started at 11, a bit too early for myself after a late Saturday night), but were still able to gawk over the delicious sounding brunch menu while enjoying a bonus brunch amuse bouche of mini doughnuts with Nutella glaze.
Complimentary doughnuts with Nutella glaze? Mmm, yes please!
For me, it was a tough decision choosing between the different breakfasty options, including the sunny side up farm eggs with homemade pastrami hash, house smoked salmon, and scrambled eggs with chorizo and black beans.
I took the breakfast route (of course) and got the eggs over easy with bacon, home fries and toast.
My friend Michelle took the lunch route and got a good ol' cheddar cheeseburger.
Here you have it– breakfast and lunch, eaten together in perfect harmony for Sunday brunch!
Eat-Bar is located next to Tallula at 2671 Washington Blvd. in Arlington (open nightly beginning at 4 p.m. and Sundays for brunch, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; 703-778-9951).
For more NoVA brunch ideas, go here.
-Julia Harbo
Sweet Things Abound: The Chocoholics Edition
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, June 13th, 2011
- From Beans to Bar (Image: Alena Brozova/Shutterstock)
Chocolate Classes
If you want to get your hands on some chocolate AND get some hands-on experience with chocolate, you may be interested in the following class offerings.
Arlington’s Artisan Confections is offering a series of chocolate-making classes this summer. Each two-hour long class, taught by CIA-trained pastry chef and Chocolatier Jason Andelman, will begin with an explanation of the chocolate-making process — from cocoa bean to chocolate bar. Students will then have the opportunity to decorate chocolate bonbons as well as make a chocolate bar and rocher. And yes, you will be able to take home numerous chocolate goodies. Classes are limited to 12 participants and cost $75 per person.
I urge you in any event to stop by this neighborhood treasure to try this month’s three new bonbon flavors: Arnold Palmer (“lemon pate de fruit topped with a layer of Earl Grey tea ganache”); Bourbon-Peach (“a layer of milk chocolate bourbon ganache . . . topped with a layer of peach pate de fruit”) and Brandy-Walnut (“housemade walnut praline topped with a layer of milk chocolate and brandy ganache”). The top surface of each bonbon also features the artwork of local artists: in this case, Monica Gallagher, Jessica Pilar Rodriguez, and Reneé Alarid, respectively.
*Note that these classes are for individuals over the age of 16. For more information and to sign up:
Artisan Confections
1025 N. Fillmore St.
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 524-0007
Class Schedule
Thursday, June 30, 2011: 7-9 p.m.
Sunday, July 10, 2011: 3-5 p.m.
Thursday, July 14, 2011: 7-9 p.m.
Thursday, August 11: 7-9 p.m.
Maitre Chocolatier Jane Morris of J. Chocolatier in Georgetown will be leading a demonstration class at the Arlington Sur La Table entitled “Parisian-Style Truffles at Home” on June 30. The demonstration will begin at 6:30 p.m. and costs $59/per person. Morris, like Andelman, makes small batch artisan chocolate without preservatives and varies her flavors seasonally. Sign up online, or call 1-800-243-0852.
Sur La Table
Pentagon Row
1101 South Joyce St. Suite B-20
Arlington, VA 22202
Looking for a summer chocolate class suitable for children (and a sitter for a couple of hours)? Consider classes at The Sugar Cube in Alexandria. On Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, the confectionery shop will offer a truffle-making class. Aspiring young chocolatiers will learn how to make ganache as well as roll and dip centers, and each will leave the class with recipes, an apron, and a personalized box of chocolates to share with his or her lucky parents. The class costs $30 per child plus $25 for materials. The Sugar Cube will also host a Candy Camp in the first two weeks of August that includes two other chocolate classes (“Mold and Paint Chocolate Lollies” and “Chocolate Bars”). For more information on classes, visit the Sugar Cube’s blog.
The Sugar Cube
210 N. Lee St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-2868
Father’s Day Chocolate, Bacon, & Beer Brunch
Not ready to try your hands at chocolate, but eager to get your chocolate fix at the same time that you celebrate dad? Call and make reservations at 2941 alum Nisha Sidhu’s Co Co. Sala Chocolate Lounge and Boutique for its “Chocolate, Bacon, & Beer Brunch” this Sunday, June 19. For $36 per person, the brunch includes a starter of an Amuse Bacon (bacon mac & cheese bite); your choice of nine entrees (including Hotcake Obsession served with a “white chocolate cream” and Aztec Cheese Enchilada with a “chipotle chocolate ganache”); four desserts, e.g., the Funky Monkey Tart (“chocolate banana tart / bacon / macadamia nuts”) and Onyx (“dark chocolate mousse / vanilla creme brulee / salted caramel / crispy pearls / brownie”); and one of four cocktails (Bacon Bloody Mary, Wasabi Bloody Mary, Beer Bellini, or Fiery Passion Mimosa). This brunch looks good enough to make dad melt!
Co Co. Sala Chocolate Lounge & Boutique
929 F St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 347-4265
- Johnisha M. Levi
Inconvenient Lies Convenient for Some
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Many of you responded this week regarding my ladies’ brunch. Apparently I’m not the only one who’s been left “holding the bag.” A few of you admitted to fibbing your way out of a commitment. Below is a sampling of your responses.
“I’m a young professional who works in D.C. and admit that I’m guilty of those lame excuses from time to time. If I was M.I.A. for a work meeting or late to work and didn’t have a good reason, I’d be fired. And I could never show up late; that stuff just doesn’t fly. Maybe the answer is to look at social engagements in the same way as we do work obligations. I’m not from this area, but I’ve learned a lot about stretching the truth. Sometimes it’s worked for me, and sometimes it hasn’t. Out of curiosity, what did you serve at your brunch? Do you have leftovers?”—Guilty As Charged
“People are rude. I think most people are self-centered. Usually they just mirror their parents.”—J.M.
“I think our parents and/or grandparents would say that the classy/polite thing to do is keep commitments unless an emergency comes up, especially ones where the host has gone to an effort to get ready for it. Bailing at the last minute because [of] a lack of interest or a better alternative is a good sign of a bad friend.”—Michael
“I do agree that for some reason this area leads people into thinking that lying is OK, it won’t hurt anyone! Forget about what we were taught growing up about right and wrong, but I think if more people looked in the mirror and asked themselves, Would I want this done to me?, the answer would be totally different!”—Gary
“… It is sad, but I have become accustomed to people lying to me; therefore, in any given situation I almost expect it. … We all are aware of the multitude of events and various things to do in NoVA and D.C.; however, a lot of people will renege if they think another invite will be more exciting, a guy calls her to hang out (vice versa).”—Amy
Based upon most of the responses I received, the general consensus is to confront a person or a situation in an honest and direct way. While not necessarily easy, it’s the best way to communicate. This reminds me of a former boss of mine, but I’ll save that for another blog. In this case, Woody Allen’s quote rings true: “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” In order to make and sustain lasting relationships, you have to be present.
On a side note, do you remember my recent post about elephants in the room? One loyal reader wondered whether or not he should express his feelings for someone or keep them hidden. He recently emailed me with an outcome, and I must say he let the elephant out in a creative way.
“Yesterday evening my elephant was set free. My friend and I were hanging out at my apartment early Sunday prepping for the Washington Mystics game at 4 p.m. In short, while surfing the ‘Net on my computer she clicked on your webpage from my favorites and read your blog. She thought they were some great topics. I directed her attention to the Chocolate Bunny responses. She thought they were OK and said that he had a sensitive heart. It was at that moment I hugged her and gave her a kiss. She reciprocated then laughed. I explained to her that I was Chocolate Bunny and that entry was about her. She looked at me in disbelief, smiled, blushed and hugged me very tightly. The rest of the story is history and very private.”—Chocolate Bunny
It worked out for the best. Great job, and thanks for making the blog’s web page one of your favorites! Keep us updated, and cheers to one less elephant!
Email me with your story ideas, comments, or questions at littleredbook@northernvirginiamag.com.
–Katie
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, June 28th, 2010
Monday, June 28th, 2010
This past Saturday, I hosted a ladies’ brunch at my apartment. I sent out invitations to several friends three weeks ago and a reminder to everyone a few days before the event. Several of them RSVPed saying they could attend. A few thanked me for their invitations with their regrets well in advance.
My brunch started at noon. I awoke early to grocery shop (spent about $100), to prepare the food and drinks and to clean the apartment. Then I kicked my fiance out in anticipation of a fun afternoon with the gals.
The text messages (excuses) began midmorning and continued well into brunch time. It was one lame reason after another. One of the ladies texted that she would be late, but by 1:35 she was still M.I.A! Another friend texted me at 1:30 with, “Hey Katie, I’m so sorry but I am feeling really sick—I think this is the flu or something. I’m sorry I’m missing the brunch but have so much fun for me.” Then there was the friend who informed my sister that she couldn’t make it for brunch. The problem is that my sister wasn’t the hostess. I was.
I’m not sure if it’s specific to the Metro area, but I’ve encountered more lies, fabrications and excuses here than anywhere else I’ve lived. In addition, I’ve noticed on many occasions that people RSVP yes to an event but cancel when they believe something better has come along. Most of us are keenly aware that we can be replaced at any given time at work, which creates stress, but have we become more desensitized because of that? Most times, I don’t call people out on their lies, but I can always spot them. Has lying become so routine in our daily lives that we have developed immunity to others’ feelings? And whatever happened to etiquette?
Three ladies showed up this past weekend, and one of them was my sister.
How many of you have you been lied to by friends, partners or dates—and you knew it? Did you call them on it or let it slide? What is the most ridiculous lie you’ve heard or made up? Email at littleredbook@northernvirginiamag.com.
–Katie
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
I must confess: I’m new to the NoVA food scene. It can be …overwhelming, to say the least. Don’t get me wrong – I have been a healthy, experience-junkie eater for over two decades now, but I’m new to this particular corner of the world. I’m discovering that Northern Virginia has a contagious fever raging for all things edible and experimental. (Pesto and chocolate? Why not? Bacon on donuts? YES.) Thus for the past two weeks with wide-eyed wonder I have done my best to immerse myself in your digestive tract.
That didn’t sound right.
I mean to say that I’ve talked to chefs, been to farmer’s markets, almost went over my limit for free samples, made several “happy plates” from lists of local eateries, sat for hours in the cooking section of bookstores, and put on a few well-worth-it pounds.
My favorite method of research has been reading the blogs of fellow foodies. Here’s a list of the favorites who deserve all my bloggy love.
She’s my newest muse – witty, savvy and I admit that I might have a girl-crush on her. Ahem. With the appetite of Miss Piggy and glam to match, she reports her food-ventures and findings around the DC area. Maybe someday we can go eat fried guinea pigs together.
Carryin’ da banner for food and news about food (like the headline says), he has a little something for us all.
I’m torn between Ladies who Brunch and B%$&*s who Brunch just like I’m torn between breakfast and lunch. Because brunch is hands-down my favorite meal of the day – when else can you incorporate any and everything? The savory, the sweet and alcoholic beverages (Mimosas!) before noon?
Culinary discoveries from home or out-on-the town.
Photo essays on the Korean eateries of Northern Virginia and beyond. I’m a sucker for ethnic food. I’m working on finding an equivalent for a world-tour…
Of course, there are more out there. These are just my current top-shelf. If you have any unsung blogging heroes, please send them my way – I’d be ever so delighted!
-Jamel Daugherty
Rocklands Embraces Rib Tips, Bourbon Appreciation
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
Barbecue aficionado John Snedden is turning brunch into a wood-fired bonanza this September 27, serving up all-you-can-eat smoked hog, snipped ribs and hand-crafted bourbons as part of Rocklands new menu roll-out.
Rocklands’ general manager Brad Yoder helped launched the restaurant’s nascent “Bourbon Club” (163 members and counting, including 16 folks who’ve sampled all 60 bourbons and one intrepid soul who’s completed the circuit twice) back in January and said the upcoming brunch would celebrate the natural attraction between charred meats and smoky booze.
Alongside the centerpiece swine (Yoder said Snedden is currently on the hunt for a 125-pound porker to slow-roast and lovingly dissect), guests will also be treated to a pair of new additions to the Rocklands carte–rib tips (those saucy snippets of cartilage and meat) and a peanut butter dessert pie.
Brunch attendees will also enjoy four, 1-ounce samples of different bourbons–Yoder said staff are still vetting the final candidates but suggested that Jim Beam Distillers Series, Booker’s, Knob Creek and Blanton’s were all strong contenders–as well as a trio of 8-ounce microbrew pours to be provided by Rick’s Wine and Gourmet.
Yoder suspects the new rib tips–”Some people think they’re the best part of the rib,” he stated–will likely reappear as some sort of weekly special at the Arlington store (possibly as another AYCE enticement on Tuesday nights?), while the peanut butter pie will become a static offering.
Tickets for the 9/27 brunch will run $55 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 202-337-1925 or emailing anne@rocklands.com.
–Warren
A Sweet Peek at the Peeps Show
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, April 2nd, 2009
Flick member brettneilson's punningly rendered "Peep Show" was not a contestant in the Post's Third Annual Peeps Diorama Contest...but it should have been.
I’m still kicking myself for missing the March 15th deadline for the Washington Post’s Third Annual Peeps Diorama Contest – especially since CVS is currently hawking the best-selling non-chocolate Easter candy for only 96 cents a box.
This year’s champion mallow craft won’t be announced until Easter Sunday, but it’s not too late to check out last year’s winning entry (along with the 36 finalists) in the 2008 “Peeps Show.”
The most visually arresting entry for me is Arlington resident Peter Byer’s “Nightmare in Pink” (see 3rd slide in the Peeps show). The Post’s caption to this Lewis Carroll-inspired nightmare scape sums it up:
It’s a twisted funhouse of pastel dread, so vivid you can almost hear the vicious hiss of the demon feline bearing down on the sleeping Peep.
My vote for last year’s Most Subversive Use of Peeps? Kate Bowen’s diorama of Senator Craig’s illicit bathroom scene (see 8th slide).
Yeah, she went there.
While we’re on the topic of Easter (however loosely), have you made your brunch reservations yet? Check out our 2009 Easter Dining Guide for ideas on places to brunch, likely spots for Easter Bunny sightings, as well several non-brunch venues for folks who seek unconventional good times.
– Christina Lee
