Posts Tagged ‘EatBar’
Friday File: NoVA’s Much-Deserved Attention; Three Week Summary; Dining Anticipation; Eating Cheaply
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Friday, December 30th, 2011
Some news, eats, ideas, questions, rants, you know, it’s Friday.
NoVA’s Much-Deserved Attention
The lists pour in this time of year and our region’s getting a few nods: Washingtonian names 21 Northern Virginia restaurants in its 100 Very Best Restaurants cover story and Going Out Gurus‘ reader-submitted hit list pegged 25 NoVA dishes out of 40 DMV most essential eats.
Three Week Summary
Hey there. So I’ve been at the mag for three weeks now. It’s a pretty rad gig (although I’m sad to say goodbye — Part 1, Part 2 — to my blog, Endless Simmer).
Thus far, I’ve enjoyed the quaint main-drag of Leesburg, especially the checkerboard tables at Shoes, Cork and Cup; the gorgeous rava masala dosa — and the almost-charming surly service — at Amma Vegetarian Kitchen (pictured); the Santa sighting at Skorpios; the shortribs dog at Lyon Hall; and the seared beef carpaccio at Tallula.
But it hasn’t been all hits: I will ignore the bland mussels at The Grille at Morrison House; I should have taken the bartender’s advice and skipped EatBar‘s chicken and waffles; I should have taken my co-worker’s advice and not have been so excited to try The Wine Kitchen‘s barely-bacony version of chicken and waffles; and I should not have trusted ravioli that needs to rely on a blanket of melted provolone and two sauces, at San Vito Italian Restaurant.
Dining Anticipation
I’m really pumped to dine around Northern Virginia. That’s all.
Eating Cheaply
Help a new girl out. Any cheap eats recommendations? (But no cheap chicken, please.)
Get In Touch
While I’ve lived in Washington, DC for over 10 years, I’m still figuring things out this side of the river. Dining suggestions are welcome. Email me at fooddesk@northernvirginiamag.com.
Happy New Year Dudes.
Photo by Stefanie Gans
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, December 27th, 2011
Alright, the countdown begins … five more days till we kiss 2011 goodbye and welcome 2012 with open arms as the year of the world’s possible termination. Just kidding. Maybe.
Anyway, I think now would be an appropriate time to put together a list of the top five things I’ve eaten in the year 2011, since that’s really what determines how successful a year was.
Let’s start with sweets.
Top Five Sweet Eats of 2011:
5. Nutella doughnuts at EatBar/Tallula (Arlington)
These little delights were an unexpected treat before my Sunday morning brunch at EatBar (next-door parent Tallula shares the same menu). The tiny ball of classically airy donut glazed with Nutella, possibly my favorite form of chocolate ever, was the perfect backwards dessert.
EatBar’s Holiday Sparkler Tasting
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, December 5th, 2011
Image: Ivanova Inga/Shutterstock
Want to get fizzy?
This Saturday, December 10, from 1-4 p.m. EatBar in Arlington is hosting a Sparkler Tasting and sale of 20 of the best sparkling wines of the holiday season.
The afternoon will be full of fizzy delight as EatBar uncorks 20 sparkling wines.
From Cava to Champagne to Cremant, featured wines will include: Aubry 1er Cru Brut, Champagne France; Argyle Brut, Willamette Valley, Oregon; Pierre Paillard Grand Cru Brut, Champagne, France and Chateau Gaillard, Cremant de la Loire, Loire Valley, France.
The fifth annual Sparkler event is open to all with tickets for $25 per person and includes tastes of the 20 different sparkling wines with the opportunity to purchase any of the featured bottles at a special price (all bottles are under $50).
Tickets must be purchased in advance at http://tallulaeatbar.ticketleap.com/sparklerparty/.
For more information, visit www.tallularestaurant.com or www.eat-bar.com.
-Julia Harbo
Posted by Warren Rojas / Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
(Image: Facebook)
Executive chef Barry Koslow will close out his tenure at Tallula on Tuesday, July 5.
“I’ve decided it’s time to move on,” Koslow shared in an email.
Koslow’s imminent departure signals a very real changing of the guard at the Neighborhood Restaurant Group‘s fine dining/gastropub hybrid, a shift that began last year when EatBar chef Joey Alvarez split to join forces with Peter Pastan.
According to an NRG spokeswoman, the cooking duties at Tallula will be spread amongst in-network talent. ”
While we are in a transitional phase we are being supported by the great depth both at Tallula and the other restaurants, especially by some of our up and coming chefs that have shown a lot of promise,” she stated, adding, “There’s no immediate executive chef taking the spot.”
The spokeswoman also indicated that chef Brian Wilson, who has logged time in several high profile kitchens (2941, Eola, New Heights, Palena), has been behind the EatBar burners for several months now. *Updated: 6/29 @ 3 p.m.* Brian Wilson decamped from EatBar earlier this month.
Although he expressed a desire to decompress for a spell and reconnect with his budding family (he has a 10-month old baby girl), Koslow did leave the door open to returning to the hospitality game.
“I have many options to sort through while I take my first brake [sic] from the kitchen in 12 years,” Koslow suggested. No word, yet, if said “options” include tackling that nouveau deli concept he floated earlier this month.
–Warren
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
Prepare your taste buds for several fundraisers to benefit five local charities.
Shula’s 48-Ounce Challenge will take place on Thursday, May 13th at 6:30pm to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Local celebrity contestants Corey Raymer, DC 101’s Flounder, The Redskins’ Fred Davis, and Mike “Mouth” Moss will compete at Shula’s Steak House at Tyson’s Corner Marriott. The event is free to the public.
Image: DC 101
The DC 101 Chili Cook-Off , which benefits the National Kidney Foundation, takes place on Saturday, May 22; 11a.m.-8p.m at RFK Stadium in DC. The event is an International Chili Society (ICS)-sanctioned event, which requires participants to prepare their chili on-site under certain restrictions. Contestants will compete in 7 categories:
- 1-3. ICS Competition: Red chili, Chili Verde, and Salsa
- 4. Freestyle competition (no restrictions on ingredients, preparation time, or texture)
- 5. People’s Choice (“throw down” chili)
- 6. Showmanship (best all-around presentation)
- 7. Rookie of the Year.
Several bands (Stone Tempe Pilots, Alice in Chains) will be performing during the event. Tickets are $35 in advance, $55 day of the show. Last year the event raised over 1.5 million dollars to support the NKF.
The Chicks with Chips Ladies Poker Tournament returns for its second year on May 23rd at 4p.m. The charitable women’s poker tournament will be held at Whitlow’s on Wilson to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A quick rules tutorial will be provided and cards will be dealt by Chippendales-outfitted University of Maryland students. Ladies will have the chance to win several prizes and enjoy food and drinks. All participants will receive swag bags as well. Tickets are $60 per player.
Sound Bites, an event featuring local musicians and chefs, will benefit the DC Central Kitchen on May 23rd at the 9:30 Club. 18 DC and Virginia caterers and restaurants, including EatBar and Harry’s Tap Room, will participate in the first event to be held in the 9:30 Club’s outdoor space. Seth Hurwitz, the owner of 9:30 Club, has been a long-time friend of DC Central Kitchen. Sound Bites resulted after the two organizations put their heads together. Restaurant tastings will begin outside at 5p.m. and the bands will kick off indoors at 6p.m. Local acts include DJ Will Eastman, US Royalty, Bluebrain, Fatback DJs, Midnight Kids, and Beautiful Swimmers. The event costs $30.
Image: DC Central Kitchen, 9:30 Club
3 Bar & Grill will host a Charitable Pig Roast on Sunday, May 30 beginning at 4p.m. to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The 250 pound pig will be provided by Virginia’s Eco-Friendly Foods and drink specials will be available from 4-9p.m. Specials include $2 Miller Lite, $3 Bell’s Oberon Ale, and $5 Bacon Bloody Marys. Smoky pulled pork sandwiches will be available for suggested donations of $5.
Image: Brainfood
The Fourth Annual Brainfood Grill-Off benefits DC high school youths by providing them a fun and creative environment to develop new skills and learn about food, nutrition, cooking, and the restaurant industry. Teams consisting of five adults, a Brainfood graduate, and celebrated chefs (such as Daniel Giusti of 1789 and Shannon Overmiller of The Majestic) will receive a surprise pantry of ingredients and have one hour to create their masterpiece. Local chefs, food writers and personalities, restaurant owners, and Brainfood students will judge the competition. The Brainfood Grill-Off will be held on Thursday, June 10th; 6:30-9:30p.m. at Decatur House in DC. Tickets are $75 and include food and open bar.
–Aisha Salazar
NoVA Well Represented in 2010 RAMMY Race
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
(Image: RAMW)
Restaurant awards season is now officially underway, with the James Beard Foundation unveiling its 2010 finalists yesterday and the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington shining a light on the D.C.-Metro area’s culinary superstars today.
Though they are two very different competitions, there are at least one pair of hometown hopefuls in the running for both the national Beard Awards and local honors: restaurateur Jose Andres–whose minibar has him in contention for a Fine Dining RAMMY and Beard’s Outstanding Chef award–and CityZen pastry chef Amanda Cook (nominated for her delectable sweets by both hospitality scrutinizing bodies).
Meanwhile, Northern Virginia restaurants figure prominently in nine of the 14 RAMMY categories, including:
* Fine Dining: 2941
*Upscale Casual: Liberty Tavern, Vermilion
* Neighborhood Gathering Place: EatBar
* New Restaurant: Eventide, Inox
* Chef: Bertrand Chemel/2941
* Rising Culinary Star: Liam LaCivita/Liberty Tavern, Shannon Overmiller/The Majestic, Jon Mathieson/Inox
* Pastry Chef: Anthony Chavez/2941, Josh Short/Buzz (Neighborhood Restaurant Group)
* Wine Program: 2941
* Beverage/Mixology Program: EatGoodFood Group (AKA Todd Thrasher of Restaurant Eve/PX/The Majestic fame)
You can browse the full list of 2010 RAMMY nominees here. The winners will be feted June 6th during an awards gala at the Marriott Wardman Park.
Northern Virginia Magazine would like to congratulate all the nominees–yes, even you D.C. restos–and wish you all the best of luck on awards night!
–Warren
Culinary Passport to the Winter Olympics
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, February 11th, 2010
Hockey. The flying tomato. Vodka. Ice. It’s the 2010 Winter Olympics!
Image: Vancouver Winter Olympics, © VANOC/COVAN
If you can’t make it to Vancouver, you can still get your Passport to the Winter Olympics with Neighborhood Restaurant Group (NRG).
From Friday, February 12 until Sunday, February 28, each NRG restaurant will represent a country competing in the Olympics. All six restaurants will offer food and beverage specials inspired by a different country.
Canada: ChurchKey will serve putine, a Canadian dinner staple, and a rotating selection of Canadian beers.
Germany: Rustico will offer housemade pretzels and spaetzle with wild mushrooms and have several Bavarian drafts on tap.
Italy: Vermillion Chef Tony Chittum will serve four-cheese ravioli with blood orange negroni and wines from the Italian Peidmont region.
Poland: At Tallula and EatBar, Chef Barry Koslow will serve his version of traditional Polish dumplings paired with Polish-brewed Zywiec porter.
Russia: Enjoy Shortrib stroganoff with housemade egg noodles at Columbia Firehouse. Don’t forget the house-infused peppered Stoli vodka!
USA: Cheer on Team USA at Evening Star Café by eating all-American burgers like a Waffle burger and a Five “B” Stinger burger.
Each time you visit a restaurant, you receive a passport stamp. If you receive a stamp from all six countries/restaurants you will win a $50 gift certificate redeemable at any NRG restaurant.
Celebrate the closing of the Olympics with NRG’s 2nd Annual Oyster Roast at the Evening Star Café parking lot on Sunday, February 28. The roast begins at noon and features an outdoor screening of the gold-medal men’s hockey game.
Sadly, Jamaica isn’t represented. Neither is their bobsled team.
–Aisha Salazar
Ray’s Lands Virginia on the Food Network Burger Map
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
(Photo: James Kim)
The Food Network Magazine has put together a coast-to-coast guide to their favorite burger joints as part of their “50 States, 50 Burgers” project (just wait till the D.C. protesting world hears they’ve been snubbed once again; instead of organizing another limp teabagging attempt, perhaps they could combat this media black out by enshrouding the Food Network’s offices in beef curtains?).
Not surprisingly, they tapped Ray’s Hell Burger as their Virginia go-to–noting that:
“Regulars don’t mind the lack of fries–they come for serious burgers served blackened, with a peppercorn crust, or ‘Diablo,’ doused with chipotle pepper sauce.”
The national acclaim should lessen the sting from Hell Burger’s disappointing showing in Washingtonian’s much ballyhooed “Burger Brackets” showdown (the early favorite was knocked out in the second round by Central; EatBar eventually claimed the best beef patty honors).
Other Food Network-appointed standard bearers that have passed through these lips include In-N-Out Burger’s famous “double-double” (“animal-style” fries are where it’s at) and Nage’s truffled prime rib entry.
Meanwhile, this guy can’t wait to boogie his way up to Charm City to do battle with Mother’s “Heart Attack on a Plate” (a cheddar-stuffed, ale-battered, deep-fried cardiological double-dare). And I’ve no doubt that I will one day take down Chicago’s “The Slayer” (a chili-, andouille sausage- and cherry pepper-topped challenge), and possibly Denver’s “The Juarez” (a ham-, hot dog- and guacamole-clad behemoth).
But first, I need to see if Pfizer needs a new Lipitor spokesman…
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, March 13th, 2009
Would that prime cuts of beefs and charcuterie could save our flagging economy.
(Photo: Laurent Jung)
Because this area boasts a slew of custom meat purveyors par excellence.
Tallula/EatBar ex-toque Nathan Anda left the Arlington gastrohub last summer to develop his own charcuterie concept, which has since evolved into the Red Apron Butchery. Though he’s still scouting final locations for the shop–something Anda hopes is “weeks, not months away”–Anda already envisions a full-service facility replete with homemade sauces, gourmet foodstuffs and exotic proteins.
“It’ll be an experience, going in there,” Anda insists. He plans to specialize in “stuff that isn’t available everywhere,” tossing out pig ear terrines, cured lamb bellies, handmade lardo and trotters as potential impulse buys.
In the meantime, Anda’s current catalog (cured meats, homemade hot dogs) will be available for retail purchase at Planet Wine and officially debuts in Buzz‘s panini line. Anda is also firming up his relationships with various local farmers markets, estimating that he’ll make the rounds to the weekly Ballston, Penn Quarter and possibly one other open-air showplace beginning early next month.
Anda is also talking with fellow Neighborhood Restaurant Group chefs Anthony Chittum (Vermilion) and Frank Morales (Rustico) about weaving some of his wares into their menus.
“Hopefully, in the coming months, he’ll be using my pepperoni,” Anda said of the spicy sausage he’s developed for Morales’ gourmet pies. He also plans to make his products readily available to incoming Tallula chef Barry Koslow–though he suspects the charcuterie-savvy Koslow will not want for jaw-dropping snackables.
“With Barry coming in, it’s [Tallula] going to be awesome,” Anda predicts.
Meanwhile, Robert Wiedmaier’s new gourmet shop, The Butcher’s Block should be up and running shortly. Chef Chris Watson will oversee a gourmet retailer (along with the fledgling BRABO/BRABO Tasting Room) poised to offer fresh breads, wild game and a bevy of Belgian beers.
Down the road in Del Ray, Aussie butcher Stephen Gatward has developed a loyal following at Let’s Meat on the Avenue by serving up hard-to-find items (kangaroo meat, anyone?) as well as neighborhood necessities (smoked dog bones).
For those who enjoy a a dash of intrigue with their entrails, the mercurial Jamie Stachowski continues to peddle his cured goodies in the darnedest places (next delivery: tomorrow at noon).
And I would be terribly remiss if I didn’t give a nod to the gourmet links that spring from the mind of improbable sausage baron, Stanley Feder.
We’ve never had it so good.
–Warren Rojas
