Capital Spice

A few weeks ago I coldly abandoned Mike in DC for a quick girls’ getaway in San Francisco with two great friends BabeBQ and The Librarian. It was the first visit to San Francisco for both of them. Giving the uninitiated a tour of my favorite city is no small feat. Type A geeks like me don’t just wing it. We spend weeks plotting out itineraries, checking lists, creating back up plans for unbearably rainy weather.  Touristy or not, some activities can’t be ignored for first-timers. I wanted to be sure we tried a few more insider options, too. (Sure the cable cars are nice but did you know you can ride an 1930s Italian streetcar into the Castro?)

This philosophy went double for food. I knew certain cozy homeruns would make our agenda, namely Cha Cha Cha’s and Crepes on Cole which BabeBQ declared “the perfect neighborhood breakfast spot.” Except I didn’t want to limit our palates to tried and true favorites. I was ready for a little strange on the menu.

Acme Bread Company at the Ferry Building
No food sojurn to San Francisco is complete without paying homage to the Ferry Building. What was once a pass-through warehouse for tourists heading to Sausalito and commuters going home to Marin County is now a delicious destination. The building hosts San Francisco staples Cowgirl Creamery and the Slanted Door as well as less known options like Boccalone Salumeri (boasting “tasty salted pig parts”) and Far West Funghi, a must-visit for any mushroom lover.

Taking advantage of our DC-based internal clocks, BabeBQ and I took an early morning walk over to the Ferry Building for breakfast. We wandered through the vendor hallway, taking in the options as proprieters rattled their doors open. In the end, we were both drawn to the same thing: freshly baked bread from Acme Bread Company. The Acme Bread Compnay is a Berekley-based bread institution in the Bay Area, frequently credited for leading the artisinal bread revolution. The Ferry Building outpost carries the full selection of Acme bread and we lingered over baguettes, croissants and other yeasty delicacies before settling on a perfect small round of sourdough bread. We paired our loaves with ruby-red, sweet organic strawberries from Farm Fresh to You, a gourmet grocery store that seems tailor-made for yuppie picnic baskets, and found a bench outside in the early morning mist.

The bread, baked with a golden, crispy crust and pliant, still-warm, tangy white middle, was perhaps the single best way to start a vacation day. It was amazing we were civilized enough to eat with our hands rather than dive face first into the world’s best comfort food. We tore into our breakfast as rush hour approached and commuters streamed past us, fresh off ferries from Marin County. “You know,” BabeBQ said between bites, “I always see people having a leisurely breakfast or coffee on a weekday and wonder who they are and why they aren’t headed into work like me. It’s nice to be on this side for a change.” I couldn’t have agreed more. 

Acme Bread Company
1 Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111

After the jump: Dim sum in Chinatown, Italian in North Beach, and what Mike was most jealous he missed. (more…)

Last year, Tim Carman over at the Washington City Paper called attention to an often overlooked holiday: Meat Week.  So he did what any self-respecting barbecue lover would do.  He spread the word, inviting anyone who was interested to join him in a one-night celebration of the holiday at Urban BBQ in Rockville.

We had a lot of fun and enjoyed some surprisingly good ‘cue.  And, as is often the case with good barbecue, that first taste just wasn’t enough.  I wanted the full Meat Week experience.  I promised myself that when the time came for Meat Week 2010, I would make sure Washington DC was represented with a Meat Week chapter of its own.

The time is now.

In just ten days, Meat Week 2010 begins.  And Washington is no longer cueless.

1949 American Meat Institute advertisement

So what is Meat Week?  Born in Tallahassee, Meat Week is a festival of smoked meats.  For eight days, participants pay homage to that most original culinary combination – meat and fire.  Local chapters organize (I use the term loosely) a get-together at a different barbecue establishment each night for a week.  At the end of the week stories are swapped, awards are given, and plans are made to do it all again the next year.

Here in Washington, as any fan of barbecue will tell you, the real challenge lies in site selection.  We’re not exactly blessed with a plethora of authentic smokehouse options, and those that we do have often try too hard to please palates that grew up with ALL of the various barbecue traditions (Kansas City, Memphis, Texas, the Carolinas, etc).  As a result, we’ve got a fair amount of mediocre ‘cue but not a lot of really good stuff.

So I was careful as I planned out our inaugural Meat Week agenda.  I reached out to several close friends, all of whom have significant experience with barbecue – smoking it, eating it, judging it.  I also tried to keep all of the establishments Metro-accessible or inside the Beltway.  The resulting schedule has a little bit of something for everyone: two establishments in Maryland (Rockville), two in Northern Virginia (Courthouse and Alexandria) and three within the District itself (Glover Park, Penn Quarter and Brentwood).

And I’m especially pleased to announce that one night of Meat Week will feature a real treat – a special sneak preview of an upcoming barbecue establishment put together just for Meat Weekers.

Check out the full schedule – and the special event – after the jump. (more…)

Thinking of going beyond Butterball this season? Going Green DC has a rundown of where you can purchase organic, local turkeys. For the uninitiated,  a fresh turkey really is a lightyear’s  worth of difference in flavor and texture. No more of that tacky meat that gets stuck in your molars. 
 
Congratulations to DC-based food writers Tim Carman, Joe Yonan, Monica Bhide, Jane Black and Todd Kliman for their inclusion of The Best Food Writing of 2009.  
 
The dairy industry is launching a new campaign to push chocolate milk in school cafeterias. 
 
UC Berkeley students assemble the world’s largest sushi roll. 
 
Repeal Day is coming! Serious cocktailers can get their tickets now for the December 5th event at PS7’s. 
 
Could Dr. Dremo’s – originally lost to the evil monster of Clarendon condo development – rise from the ashes in a new location? 
 
The Art of Manliness reviews cream sodas. 
 
Former Microsoft technology chief takes on molecular gastronomy. 
 
The Passenger is now open for business.

The Slow Cook speaks up for the value of gardens in fighting childhood obesity. 
 
Preparing a feast in a small kitchen? Take some tips from these chefs. 
 
Can the chocolate chip cookie recipe be improved? The Internet Food Association investigates.  
The Bitten Word tries squash bread pudding in a rum sauce. 
 
DC Foodies checks out a few brewery tours in MD. 
 
OMG do you have enough waffles stockpiled to survive the Eggo shortage?  [hat tip to BYT for the link]

BLIND ITEM: Which pastry chef from a new-on-the-scene DC area restaurant got a call from Top Chef producers?
 
Chicago chefs are monitoring Twitter to scope the best seafood from their merchants. 

Photo by Georges Gobet, AFP/Getty Images

 
Punch Club returns this Sunday.  
 
A Belgian farmer sprays milk on police during a milk price protest in Brussels. Riot police udderly humiliated!
 
Pete Bakes is back and he’s brought lemon rosemary cookies to make friends again. 
 
Is hard cider poised for a comeback?  
 
From Komi to Marvin tries Acadiana and discovers “the fanny pack of the Delta.” 
 
The Obamas dined at Blue Duck to celebrate their anniversary.

A Measured Memory teaches the fine art of pantry cookies. 
 
How to French butcher a rack of lamb.  
 
The Cashion team plans an upscale market as reported by Metrocurean. 
 
Wicked Cranberry experiments with a spicy soba dish. 
 
RIP Gourmet magazine. 
 
Celebrate Oktoberfest with these 2 traditional meals. 
 
Macheesmo’s homemade olive bread is sure to make your house a home.  
 
Taste of Georgetown is this weekend. 
 
The Glamazon Diaries alerts us to a holy union of a Christian Louboutin glass slipper and champagne.  

Old Bay celebrates its 70th birthday. 
 
… and China is enjoying its 200th Dairy Queen.

Congrats to Hill’s Kitchen for their shout out on Fox 5, as noted by The Hill is Home.

Amazon is getting into the grocery delivery business.

Want to join a CSA but worried about the cost? Going Green DC reports on this local pick-your-own system at Clagett Farm.

Endless Simmer looks for edible flower recipe ideas.

We Love DC loves Cheesetique (who doesn’t?).

Roasted brunch potatoes from Mango & Tomato hit the spot.

The Modern Domestic brings out the apple turnovers.

Young & Hungry makes us drool over the Duck Beggars’ Purses at Dino.

The Bitten Word tries a Bloody Mary that requires 30 hours of prep time.  Bon Appetit promises that it’s the best Bloody Mary ever.  The verdict?

Open Kitchen Bistro in Falls Church is now open.

Metrocurean checks out our latest street-food innovator.

Capitol Hill Style has a great (boyfriend approved) suggestion for an October date night.

Don’t forget to check out Oktoberfest Reston for German food, beer and wine next weekend.  Oompah with oomph!

Les Dames des Escoffier are hosting “Green Kids at Market” days next weekend at the weekly Courthouse, H Street, Silver Spring, Dupont Circle and Takoma Park farmers markets to help get kids and their families excited about farm-fresh produce here in DC.

School is back in session. What do chefs pack in their kids’ brown bag lunches?

Whatever the kids take,  it’s better than Fox 5 weatherman Tony Perkins recent meal…   

Marshmallows make a sophisticated comeback.  
 
The DC Rainmaker made some great looking recipes at home over Labor Day and has the pictures to prove it.

What beers work best with a big, juicy burger? Beerspotter investigates.  

The legendary grass fed, open range beef of Argentina is slowly switching to American style feedlots. 
 
Trouble with Toast recaps Top Chef, Las Vegas for your reading pleasure. 
 
Jameson Whiskey advertising is coming to television with an epic commercial. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/business/media/10adco.html?_r=1
 
DCist celebrates their birthday… with an accidental whale cake. http://dcist.com/2009/09/dcists_cakewreck.php 
 
New York’s legendary Tavern on the Green filed for bankruptcy this week. http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/10/tavern-on-the-green-files-chapter-11-a-sad-day-for-new-york-res/

Woah. Did anyone else know that restaurant critic, and Top Chef Masters judge, Gael Greene was a one-night Elvis groupie? Check out the dirty details in this memoir excerpt.  
 
The Arlington Cinema N’ Drafthouse filed for bankruptcy. This place is a neighborhood gem I would hate to lose, though I confess Mike and I don’t visit nearly as often as we should.
 
Retiring New York Times food critic publishes his first book “Born Round.” This excerpt chronicles his childhood eating strategy which includes hysterics and baby bulimia.   
 
SoGood thinks bacon has jumped the shark. 
 
A new documentary at the E Street Cinema tells of a special inner-city culinary arts program in Philadelphia.  
 
Is the classic pub disappearing from the English countryside?  
 
Ladies and gentlemen, the Eight Wonders of Kansas Cuisine.  
 
The Grand International loves Third Edition in Georgetown. 
 
Johnna Knows Good Food gives us the scoop on a special chocolate exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden. 
 
OMFG. Blackberry and bourbon-peach pie from The Garden Apartment.

From Komi to Marvin checks Ravi Kabob off her list. 
 
Endless Simmer gives okra a test run. 
 
Arugula Files tries Cava in Barracks Row and brings a little Cava love to her kitchen. 
 
Two new bakeries are on their way to U St NW.  My quest for the perfect croissant lives on! 
 
Tim Carman over at Y&H shares his dining guide review of Makoto, one of the best kept fine dining secrets in DC.  
 
Budak’s Tumblr takes a cooking class while traveling in India. A four-hour, hands-on cooking class.  
 
Bethesda Restaurant Week is coming. 
 
Penn Quarter Living checks out Proof’s charcuterie board.  

Brightest Young Things gives us a rundown of DC food blogs on Twitter.

The latest Obama date night takes them to New York’s Blue Hill restaurant. 

In a single list, chef Anthony Bourdain secured my undying loyalty. He created a list of “13 Places You Must Eat Before You Die” including the usual suspects like French Laundry and El Bulli but, being so very Bourdainy, also tossed in some smaller mom and pop shops. Among them? Oklahoma Joe’s, my favorite, unassuming BBQ joint in my hometown of Kansas City. According to Bourdain: “It’s the best BBQ in Kansas City, which makes it the best BBQ in the world.” Amen, sir.

Miller-Coors pulled a line of commercials after an Italian-American group complained of ethnic stereotyping and threatened to bash the CEO’s kneecaps.
 
Look out Ben and Jerry, ice cream flavors across the country are going upscale.  This trend has already hit DC in a big way. Last summer one of our favorite dishes in DC was a homemade gazpacho with a single scoop of mustard ice cream at Poste in Penn Quarter. Plus you can get amazing flavor combinations of gelato and sorbet from Dolcezza – they frequently shop in the local farmers markets and make their flavors from ingredients found there. Last weekend Mike and I picked up a ricotta lemon cardamom gelato and a cucumber vodka sorbet. Delicious!
 
Arugula Files checks out Eatonville and loves the crabcakes!  
 
Is Tastee D-Lite poised for a comeback?

DCist reviews the Savor Craft Beer Festival. 
 
Krispy-Kreme is launching a new line of frozen drinks. 
 
Blogger Chez Pim shares her top 12 foodie experiences, ranging from softshell crabbing in Washington to a summer Bangkok specialty.  
 
There are a new crop of chef memoirs hitting the shelves this season. Russ Parsons of the LA Times shares his thoughts on them. 
 
Despite rumors to the contrary, Nathan’s in Georgetown is staying put on M Street. 
 
Like it or not, the cupcake trend isn’t fizzling any time soon.   
 
Williams-Sonoma is lowering prices as consumers go back to buying basics.

Starbucks is revamping their food menu and plans to remove corn syrup from bakery products. 
 
More buzz and background on the new speakeasy bar trend, including shout outs for bars in Chicago, LA and San Francisco for those of you looking to travel soon.  
 
A fava bean how-to from Alice Waters. 
 
Excited for Top Chef Masters? So is The Hold Steady.  (thanks to PopCandy for the link)

Biagio Fine Chocolates in Adams Morgan is hosting a chocolate tasting this Thursday the 28th with Madecasse Chocolates. 10% of the evening’s proceeds will go to cocoa cooperatives in Madagascar.

Robert DeNiro discusses his restaurant investments.  
 
Strawberries are in season in the DC area. You can pick some up at your local farmers market or go pick your own from the farm. Once you have these ruby joys at home, try your hand at JohnnaKnowsGoodFood’s spiked strawberry lemonade recipe. 
 
Hormel reports a strong increase in the sale of… spam? 
 
W’s update of the Hotel Washington’s rooftop restaurant looks just like the W: swank, glitzy and perfect for a few sophisticated cocktails.  
 
Southern Hospitality, which may or may not be owned by Justin Timberlake, is being hit with a sexual harassment lawsuit. 
 
13-year old prodigy chef lends a hand to Alinea’s kitchen in Chicago.  
 
Daniel Bouloud focuses on his next restaurant, DBGB: his 10th restaurant, his first step into “casual” dining” which is set to open in the next two weeks in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

The Reliable Source has your celebs dining in DC spotting covered: Project Runway winner Christian Siriano was spotted dining with his family at Redwood in Bethesda.   Owen Wilson was sighted at the Bourbon Steak bar in DC before the Night at the Museum premiere.  
In an apparent effort to reach out to retirement communities across America, Baskin Robbins kicks off… soft serve ice cream. 
 
A Virginia fish importer has been sentenced to 5+ years in prison due to fish fraud.  Hat tip to DCist for the link.

A 1700s-era colonial tavern was uncovered by construction crews in Easton, MD.  I guess their Kronenberg 1664 is the real deal.

Pop Candy lets us know about two dudes who serenade Taco Bell. 
 
Eggs are so haute right now. 
 
Packaged food manufacturers like Campbell’s are moving away from sweepstakes and into cause marketing.  
 
Tacqueria Distrito Federal may be expanding to H St NE.  
 
Enology is starting a brunch service this weekend.

Mark Bittman of the New York Times argues for more reality in cooking shows.  
 
Metrocurean shares that Todd English is no longer working with Cha. 
 
A couple of dumb Domino’s employees post a video of the gross things they do to the pizza on YouTube.  Needless to say, the employees have been fired, Domino’s is exploring a civil suit for defaming the brand, the franchisee of that particular location is filing a criminal complaint and the stars of this particular video have started to publicly (and lamely) plead their case: “”It was all a prank and me nor Michael expected to have this much attention from the videos that were uploaded!” she wrote. “No food was ever sent out to any customer. We would never put something like that on you tube if it were real!! It was fake and I wish that everyone knew that!!!!” 
 
Sad news for Old Town diners… Farrah Olivia, the modern, experimental and all around fantastic restaurant is closing April 29th. Chef Morou Ouattara cites lease issues with the landlord. But all isn’t lost! According to Best Bites Blog, the team plans to re-open the restaurant in downtown DC and already has another effort in the works for a Crystal City location.  
Burger King is revamping advertisements airing in Europe for its Texican burger – only available across the pond – after a diplomat called them offensive and damaging to the image of Mexico.

Crafting homemade yogurt.  
 
Good news for PX fans – According to Mr. Thrasher, the lounge will begin taking reservations online next week at EammonsDublinChipper.com. 
 
Endless Simmer tells us 100 ways to cook an egg featuring photos and recipes.  
 
Sun Chips are rolling out new compostable packaging. 
 
Ever thought about starting a vegetable garden in a sawed off whiskey barrel? That’s one badass garden.  
 
Check out these food and dining events in the area from DC Foodies. 
 
The poplation of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay is on the rise.  
 
Greek Easter is this Sunday. Here are some traditional recipes for the family feast.