Memphis BBQ Opens in Crystal City

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

Photo Credit: Memphis Barbeque

It seems like Pork Barrel BBQ may have stolen its thunder, but the grand opening of Memphis Barbeque tomorrow, December 1, should not be missed either.

So, a little sneak preview to what will appear in the January magazine: Memphis native and former DC chef Chris George is bringing the heat to Crystal City with the restaurant’s large smokers and hickory grills to cook up their Memphis style meat — and lots of it.

Of course, they’ll have the traditional Memphis-style barbeque like pulled pork sandwiches (the pork is smoked in their smokers for 20 hours) and ribs — their famous Memphis style spare ribs (slow-cooked over a charcoal fire pit, served either wet of dry) and baby back ribs (smoked and then finished over the hickory grill).

But Memphis BBQ is also serving more experimental barbeque items like pulled pork egg rolls, brisket enchiladas, and spicy BBQ shrimp.

Side dishes include barbeque baked beans, baked four-cheese mac & cheese, grilled marinated zucchini and squash, and buttermild battered onion rings.

And there’s a bar, too — a tequila and bourbon focused bar, serving some southern specialties, along with beer on draft and over 50 wines.

In this suddenly nippy weather, doesn’t hot barbeque sound good? I don’t know about you, but my mouth is watering.

Memphis Barbeque is located at 320 S. 23rd St., Arlington (571-970-2727; www.memphisque.com).

-Julia Harbo

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

Henri Bendel Opening Weekend in Pentagon City

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, September 15th, 2011

Henri Bendel No. 7 Quilted Dome Satchel (PHOTO: Henri Bendel) * Don't miss the Henri Bendel opening in Pentagon City, Sept. 16-18, 2011!

Hello there, shoppers! Big news for those of you who love shopping at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City: Henri Bendel opens this weekend, and the New York icon has all sorts of fun and primo shopping perks planned for those who stop in Friday through Sunday!

Friday, Sept. 16
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Opening Night!
Champagne toast & digital photo booth fun!

Saturday, Sept. 17
10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Receive a Limited Edition Tote with any purchase of $150 or more.

Sunday, Sept. 18
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
NYC Brunch
Bagels, coffee and virgin Bloody Mary’s!

Plus all weekend, receive 20-percent-off Splurge Cards with any purchase! (Valid for your next purchase of $100 or more)

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Grand Opening: Woodbridge’s B-Thrifty

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, August 15th, 2011

(B-Thrifty)

Hello there, shoppers! If you’re a huge fan of Potomac Mills and I-95 is no match for your love of bargains, stay tuned for even more frugal fun down South this Saturday, Aug.20.

B-Thrifty, the area’s largest super-thrift store (consignment store meets international bazaar), boasting 103,000 square feet of space and over 250,000 items (everything from apparel to electronics and items for the home … a little preview) is set to open for business with an action-packed grand opening.

B-Thrifty’s festivities, scheduled for 10 a.m.-5 p.m., will kick off with a ceremonial ribbon cutting with local officials and Prince William Chamber of Commerce representatives when the doors open at 10 a.m. The first 1,000 customers in line will receive a free back pack (while supplies last). Also, the first 10 customers will also receive $100 in store credit (B-dollars) to shop, while customers 11 through 50 will receive a $25 store credit. (Customers must be age 18 or older to participate in the store credit giveaway.)

Complimentary food and drinks will be served throughout the day, and local celebrities will be posing for pictures and signing autographs.

To attend:

•        2010 Bandoleros champion race car driver, Trevor Collins (10 a.m.)
•        WMZQ 98.7 FM afternoon deejay, Michael J (11 a.m.)
•        Potomac Nationals’ player TBD (11 a.m.)
•        Potomac Nationals’ mascot, Uncle Slam (11 a.m.)
•        The Gipsy Kings percussionist Rodolfo Pacheco (noon)
•        Professional boxer Jimmy Lange of the reality show”The Contender” (1 p.m.)
•        Top local female pro boxer Jennifer “The Bolivian Queen” Salinas (3 p.m.)

As for a bargain to make your Monday manageable, how about 20 percent off all desks at Pottery Barn Kids, just in time for school?  Or, more than half off custard, pho, Japanese cuisine, concert and sports tickets, and more at Specialicious?

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Going Bananas Over “Mad Men” Fashions

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Christina Hendricks, Joan Harris on "Mad Men" (amctv.com)

Hello there, shoppers! If you are bananas about “Mad Men,” not only the characters and their story lines but especially their clothes, you are in for a treat at Banana Republic.

Beginning August 11, in stores and online at bananarepublic.com, shoppers will be able to shop from the first-ever “Mad Men”-inspired collection designed by Banana Republic in collaboration with AMC and “Mad Men” Emmy® Award-winning Costume Designer Janie Bryant.

Inspired by the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning AMC series “Mad Men,” which returns for a fifth season in early 2012, the Banana Republic “Mad Men” capsule offers a modern take on the 1960s era with a Banana Republic spin. The collection features roughly 65 pieces of apparel and accessories for men and women.

“Working with Janie to gain a true understanding of the ‘Mad Men’ look and feel was a delight,” says Banana Republic Creative Director Simon Kneen. “Janie was instrumental in helping us achieve the series aesthetic and standard of authenticity with this capsule collection, offering sketches, her own inspirations and actual artifacts from the production set to help inspire the ‘Mad Men’ within all of us.”

The men’s collection includes knit sweaters, tailored suit separates and fitted trousers, as well as classic accessories including cotton pocket squares, silk ties, tie bars and fedora hats. The women’s pieces include chic trench coats, tailored dresses, high-waisted skirts, silk tie-neck blouses and statement accessories like leopard print pump heels.

For more on the collection, follow Banana Republic’s Facebook page and amctv.com/madmen.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

PS. Don’t forget about Pretty People Vintage’s grand opening tomorrow, which includes a chance to win a gorgeous Marc Jacobs clutch!

Save the Date: Dandelion Patch Grand Opening Event

Posted by alexandra / Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

www.thedandelionpatch.com

Next Wednesday, June 29, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., you and your friends will have the opportunity to take advantage of some great deals (15 percent off all in-store merchandise!), sip (free) champagne and eat yummy appetizers.

There will even be a DJ provided by Olivera Music Entertainment. Shopping, food, champagne, music and friends- does it get any better than that?

If you’re not familiar with the store, this is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with their wonderful selection of gifts by designers such as Vera Bradley, custom invitations and fine stationary.

So don’t wait: the first 50 people to register and attend with a friend will receive a $25 gift card to use on any product at the new Leesburg location!

Not to mention you’ll get to watch the ribbon cutting and meet local Leesburg celebs, like Kristen Umstattd, the mayor of Leesburg, and Hannah Reece, the 2011 Miss Old Dominion Princess.

RSVP to leesburg@thedandelionpatch.com

Happy Shopping!
–Alexandra Scarfone

Currying Favor

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, December 27th, 2010

(Image: Penzeys Spices)

Anyone contemplating a blanket “eat less” resolution for the New Year should seriously consider postponing any dieting plans till at least January 3rd.

Otherwise you’ll miss newly minted restaurateur Asad Sheikh’s complimentary, all-day grand opening tasting at Curry Mantra.

Sheikh claims to have sent out over 200 personalized invitations to local politicians (Reps. Jim Moran and Gerry E. Connolly made the list), media outlets  and community members, but assured us that “anyone who walks through our door on January 2nd” will be privy to unlimited samples of his nine signature curries.

Sheikh said his kitchen will focus on North and South Indian curries, with a few Tandoor-style dishes rounding out the menu.

And every effort will be made to overcome the authenticity deficit Sheikh said he’s experience far too often at other local Indian restaurants.

“Curry Mantra is exactly what you get in India,” he pledged.

Come January 2nd, he’ll have to put his money where your mouth is.

Curry Mantra – 9984 Main St., Fairfax; 703-218-8128; www.dccurrymantra.com

–Warren

I Heard it Through the Grapevine

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, July 8th, 2010

After three years of loving labor, Hume Vineyards is celebrating its grand opening this Saturday, July 10, noon-6p.m.  All are invited to be among the first to taste their freshly uncorked 2009 Vidal Blanc(a great summer option), 2009 Chambourcin (the vineyard’s champion grape), 2008 Detour and 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. (The vineyard’s description says it best for the cab sav: “Loaded with roasted coffee, leather, vanilla bean, and bacon…”  Wait – did someone say bacon?  Brilliant.)

Owner and winemaker Stephane Baldi grew up in French wine country and has brought his appreciation for quality wines to Virginia.  Alongside his wife, Andrea, they have worked to bring Hume Vineyards to fruition with an Old-World style charm.

Virginia Wine Time got a leg up on the tasting room and gives a thumbs-up too for the wines.  But if just reading about it doesn’t quench the thirst of your inner-lush, be sure to make it out for the debut party with tasting fees at $5 per person and beautiful views of the landscape for free.

(image: Hume Vineyards)

-Jamel Daugherty

Colorado Confectioner Moves on Woodbridge

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, May 27th, 2010

(Image: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory)

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory launches their third Virginia property today at Potomac Mills–the 30+-year-old candy chain has preexisting posts in Roanoke and Williamsburg–with a couple of sweet deals: one free gourmet candy bar with any purchase over $10 and/or buy-three-get-one-free specialty apples.

The Colorado-based company prides themselves on hand-preparing a wide variety of tempting sweets, including: over 300 kinds of gourmet chocolates, myriad fudge recipes, assorted specialty barks and dozens of dipped apple creations.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Neighborhood 2, Woodbridge; 703-490-5086. Open 10-9 p.m Monday through Saturday, 11-6 p.m. Sundays.

–Warren

Freeze Your Tucchus, Seize Free Hot Wings

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 10th, 2009

(Image: Buffalo Wild Wings)

It’s supposed to be quite blustery tomorrow morning (mid 30s and windy, according to the National Weather Service).

Still, the veteran Buffalo Wild Wings worker I spoke to fully expects to find a mob scene outside the new Dulles store for tomorrow’s grand opening.

“Oh yeah, we’re expecting a lot of people,” he assured me.

The booming sports bar chain rewards the first 100 guests at every location with coupon books entitling the bearer to six free wings each week for a year (that’s 312 deep fried chicken parts per person). And while it may not be much, who couldn’t use at least one guaranteed meal per week in the current economy?

The Dulles store is set to open at 11 a.m. daily–but the BWW staffer said they’ll *probably* start letting people in a bit earlier if the crowds/weather get out of hand.

Buffalo Wild Wings: 21980 Colorado Drive, Dulles; 703-444-3048; www.buffalowildwings.com. Open for lunch, dinner and late-night dining daily.

–Warren