CHAIN REACTION: NANDO'S PERI PERI

By now, Washingtonians should already be quite familiar with the South African outpost, Nando's Peri Peri. Billed as a restaurant with a Mozambique-Portuguese theme, the chain entered the DC market in 2008, introducing Our Nation's Capital to the wonderful world of "peri-peri." Peri-peri, or piri-piri (Galinha á Africana in Portuguese), refers to a hot sauce made from dried and soaked piri-piri chillies, which are a staple condiment used in most stews and soups from East Africa. Its origins stem from Portugal, but has become quite a popular accompaniment in East African cuisine. In Portugal, "Piri-piri" often refers to most hot sauces.

Nando's Peri Peri is named after the son of a Portugese national, Fernando Duarte, living in South Africa. The first restaurant opened in Johannesburg in 1987. It incorporated influences from Portuguese colonists from Mozambique who had migrated to South Africa.

It's entrance into the DC market in 2008 added to the color and flavor of the city's already evolving food culture. It joins the ranks of other international chains that have penetrated the U.S. food market: El Pollo Campero (Guatemala), Tim Horton's (Canada), and Vapiano (Germany). But, like these other chains that came before, the only thing that seems to set Nando's apart is its origins. After all is said and done, Nando's is still a chain like the rest of them.

The chicken is touted as being healthy and always grilled. The specialty comes in the different sauces, which come in varying degrees of "fire" -- Extra Hot, Hot, Mild, and Lemon & Herb. Your chicken can be ordered by the half, the quarter, or in full. There are also different dinner platters, sandwiches, wraps, and salads that can be ordered, all featuring their famous chicken.

The food itself is flavorful. But it's not mind-blowing flavor that you would expect from a place whose facade emits a sense of exoticism. The heat from their sauces might not actually live up to the hype, but that is totally up to the individual. As a lover of things spicy, I didn't find the sauces to be outrageously different from anything I've had before.

The decor is quite impressive, on the other hand. You can tell that they tried their best to fuse the sense of style and decor of Portuguese-inspired East Africa into their restaurants. Dark, stone-ish walls, with modern wall art meld together to offer you a little more ambiance. This easily offsets the fact that you move to the counter to place your order, which is later brought out to your table. Your self-serve beverage bar screams more "Chipotle" than it does anything else, and that easily reminds you that you're in a chain.

At best, the food at Nando's Peri Peri can be classified as "OK." In the end, however, it's quite obvious that no matter where it comes from a chain is still a chain.
--

Nando's Peri Peri, 1210 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202.621.8603

WHY, SNOW? WHY?!

Growing up as a kid, I remember when I used to love the forecasting of snow. When snow would actually happen, I'd wake-up early to turn on the TV and check the listing of school closings to make sure that Prince Georges County Public Schools would make the list. In those days, that kind of small-time victory always made life better. That continued through college as well when classes would be cancelled, and I'd spend my days couped up in my dorm watching soaps, eating instant ramen, and contemplating on whether or not I should crack open the books...all while snow fell outside my window.

These days, the real world reality of snow makes me cringe. While it's beautiful to look at, it definitely can come with a price -- especially if you're in an area where the handling of snow has yet to be perfected. Handling snow is a science that the Metro DC area has not come to embrace as well as other areas in the northeast or midwest have. In DC, a foot of snow will shut things down, and essentially keep you locked up indoors. I, for one, fear cabin fever. While I do encounter days when I wouldn't mind kicking back and staying in, I find that it's always when I have no choice than to be couped-up indoors that I want to roam free.

Last night, the snow just started to fall as I parked my car outside my parents' house. I had just worked a 10-hour day, and spent another hour or so doing cardio at the gym. I figured that since it's the last weekend before Christmas, I'd drop my stuff off at home, hop back into the car, and head out to the mall. When the snow began to fall, I wasn't deterred. In fact, it only fueled my fire to get out even more. So I put my stuff away, changed clothes, and grabbed a quick bite... and despite my parents' questions on my crazy decision to step out in the snow, I grabbed my coat and keys, and headed back into VA. The drive was cake... Just like driving on a rainy day.

I got to the mall & made my rounds: hit up the sales, and left with two pairs of pants, a sweater, and a wine stopper. Score! I was absolutely happy that my ambition came with much reward.

It wasn't until I left the mall that the worry started to set-in. Just as I drove outside the parking garage, I had noticed that the snow had already blanketed most of the local roads, and there were cars already pulled off to the side of the road with blinking hazards on. I stopped in front of the ice rink at Pentagon Row for a second to take in the scenery: snow falling upon a holiday themed square full of lights, Christmas trees, fake snow flakes, and everything else that you come to associate with the holiays. It was the perfect scene, and I was quickly reminded that I am home. For a quick few minutes, the road treachery escaped me and I found myself in a state of bliss.

Then the worry came back just as quickly as it had left. I could hear the violins, which were playing in my mind, come to a screeching halt. So I slipped on the slush as I made my way back to my car (Umm, aren't Uggs supposed to be good in the snow?! Not so much.), and made a conscious effort to take the freeway home in fear of the snow-laden streets.

Thankfully, the freeway was free of debris for the most part. But at many points, the traffic went along at 1 MPH, which I was fine with. I was super worried that someone would try to be a superstar and slide past me at 5 MPH, and possibly hit me - or someone else - along the way. So what ended up being a 20 minute drive to the mall turned into an almost hour-long drive back home via 395 and 295.

Once I was home safe, I settled back in to warm-up. I opened a bottle of red, had a couple of glasses, then I fell asleep with the knowledge that come morning there would be more snow for me to enjoy. Yay.

And so now I am here at home, annoying myself with cabin fever. My mom is cooking something obviously Filipino. The smell of garlic is wafting through the house, and is seriously enveloping me despite the fact that I took a shower this morning.

I feel like I'm 13 again, and I don't know whether to laugh about it, or prepare myself for the noose.

I'll laugh. For now.

PS: Snow, why couldn't you have waited to fall on Sunday night instead?

j.LoUBOUTINS... RIGHT.

It's been a minute since j.Lo jumped back into the scene with her performance at November's American Music Awards. The show served as her "launch-pad," if you will, for her new single, 'Louboutins.' The thing is, I'm still trying to understand why Jenny-from-the-block is singing about Louboutins (from designer Christian Louboutin). She claims that the song is about love, and "all the questions we have about it." Yet the highlight of the song is obviously the red-soled shoes. Right, j.Lo.

If this is the direction that pop music is headed, then this has got to be the end. (Although arguably, the end had already come when Vitamin C burst onto the scene for a hot second.)

I feel like j.Lo has seriously opened the door for other ridiculous songs to infiltrate the airwaves. I have a feeling that Taylor Swift will come up with a teen-angst song about "love" and Manolo Blahniks, or Leighton Meester will channel her inner "xoxo, Gossip Girl" with a song about Jimmy Choos. And I'm sure the craze will only continue with blips about other luxe shoe brands: Bottega Veneta, Stuart Weitzman, Tod's... Maddening much?

The sad truth is that j.Lo is one of those artists who isn't a particularly good singer, but she somehow always comes out with a stupid song with a hot beat. So you can't help but fall into the trap of her catchy tunes much in the same way that you do with Beyonce or Lady Gaga (difference is, however, Bey and Lada Gaga can actually sing ---as much as I hate to even admit to that...).

While j.Lo's performance at last month's AMAs were nothing short of a hot mess, I'm happy to say that she redeemed herself with a performance of the forsaken song at last night's finale show of So You Think You Can Dance. Take a look:



Looks like Jenny-from-the-block has moved on up to the Upper East Side.

GET YOUR MIRACLE ICONS... AT BARNEYS (?!)

With the holidays here, I get a ton of emails from retailers enticing me to buy the next big thing ---whether it has to do with electronics, entertainment, food, or fashion. In my inbox today, I got a blast from Barneys New York. This e-blast featured some of the season’s “hot” items. Among them I noted a pair of argyle socks, skull caps, jackets, and miracle icon jewelry.

What is “miracle icon jewelry” you ask? Well, from what I saw it looked like a metal-struck pendant of Our Lady of Charity… complete with fake burnishing and “natural”-looking wear-and-tear. If you’re Catholic, then you totally know what I’m talking about. It’s those “miraculous” medals with images of saints, or angels, or Jesus, Mary, or whomever else you can think of. You know – the kind of little metals that you find being sold outside a pilgrimage cathedral in Europe or South America, or even at the gift shop at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in downtown DC. These usually-75-cents-a-piece trinkets are now being sold for $75 at Barneys.

Two thoughts go through my head:

#1 – I don’t like when people wear rosaries or metals with saintly images on them for fashion. I don’t even wear a chain with a cross hanging from it. It’s just not my style. But I guess some people find it chic enough to sport. But how weird is that? For me, I feel like wearing a bracelet with a pendant of St. Bernadette dangling from it would make me feel awkward if I were running around town getting sloshed on the weekends. Maybe it’s my Catholic guilt that makes me think that way (or the time my mom almost beat the crap out of me as a kid because I wore a rosary around my neck as if it were just some random accessory). I shrug.

#2 – Why the hell didn’t I think of selling my old icon-charms to Barneys? And I know I have these lying around my old room somewhere – on door knobs, in drawers, or in boxes. I could’ve made a killing with Barneys selling these under-a-buck pendants for just shy of a Benjamin each.

Well, whatever. If anyone’s interested in sporting the next hot thing in fashion, then I’ve got your miracle icon pendants. Holler for your dollars.

(Ha.)

AN 'EMPIRE STATE OF MIND' THANKSGIVING DINNER

I am a “Christmas” person. When I think of a quintessential holiday, Christmas has always been the one for me. It’s the “it” holiday; it takes me to a place that no other holiday can. First off, it doesn’t necessarily make me realize that I’m another year older. Secondly, I don’t become daunted with the gift-buying and gift-giving; it’s in my ‘giving’ nature to do just that, so the holiday serves as an extra-special time for that. Third, it is a reminder of something that is greater than any of us (from a belief standpoint, at least). Fourth, the cold weather and festiveness of Christmastime compares to no other holiday. And fifth, I don’t consider it a time when I find myself gorging on food.

Not to out-do the pomp and circumstance of a traditional Christmas dinner, but the winner of the “food” holiday of the year would have to go to Thanksgiving. Call it what you want: “Turkey Day,” “Gobble-gobble day,” and – to a much lamer extent – “The Day-before-black-Friday” holiday. Thanksgiving rivals Christmas as the most popular holiday of the year. Like its December counterpart, Thanksgiving is a special time for family and friends, and often serves as the pre-cursor to the height of the year-end holidays. There’s no stress about gift-shopping, and it’s a great time to sit-around with family and friends, share an amazingly-prepared meal, take in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a football game (or two) on TV, and exchange stories with loved-ones in-between visits to the Thanksgiving table.

For the past four years, I spent my Thanksgivings away from home. So this year was supposed to serve as my “homecoming” Thanksgiving. That didn’t exactly happen, however, as I decided to make plans with friends to spend a couple of days in New York City instead. Admittedly, I was secretly relieved that I wouldn’t have to play games with anyone’s Thanksgiving spread; anything to keep me from going back for seconds, thirds, and even possibly fourths. And let’s not even think about the desserts. Instead, I was content with the fact that my friends and I would have to make dinner reservations somewhere, and that after the servings were handed out that would be the end of it all. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones with the same bright idea… but then again, we were in New York City.

While our hotel was packed with visitors from across the globe, many of whom had no real idea of what the American ideals of Thanksgiving are, pockets of neighborhoods were pretty empty. Unless you found yourself in the middle of Times Square, which never seems to quiet down, you were most likely in a sparsely-populated part of town where businesses were closed, and folks were away for the holiday. Apparently, everyone in the East Village seemed to be at The Smith for Thanksgiving dinner. Lucky for us, so were we.

The American brasserie, which is a creation of native New Yorkers, Glann Harris and Jeffrey Lefcourt, sits in the heart of the East Village. From the street, you could see the restaurant filled with other patrons seeking to have their holiday fill. The overall feeling was that a lot of the guests that night were locals: students from NYU who stayed in town for the holiday, and neighborhood families who opted not to venture out of Manhattan. Then you had your sprinkle of out-of-towners simply looking for a prix fix “Thanksgiving” dinner. As you entered the restaurant, you were greeted with the sounds of bustling conversations amidst the clanging of silverware and stemware. Then you were hit with the smells of all things delicious as dishes were brought to tables from the super-busy kitchen.

Our waitress gave us a run-down of the menu, and let us know of the specials for the day –including a “turkey” special in honor of the holiday. My friends and I opted against the traditional Thanksgiving dinner since we were being anything BUT conventional, and we kicked-off our meal with an order of crispy calamari (Brooklyn style –ie, marinara sauce over top) and crawfish hush puppies (served with an Old Bay aioli). The comfort food continued with our main dishes, which ranged the breadth of a roasted pork chop to steamed mussels & frites to a hearty bowl of spaghetti & meatballs. The pork chop was cooked to perfection, and was served on a bed of sweet potato hash; perfectly marrying the sweet and saltiness of the dish. The pot of mussels simmered in a broth of chardonnay, tarragon and Dijon was served alongside shoe-string frites giving any Belgian brasserie a run for its money. And finally, a big bowl of spaghetti - complete with large and in-charge meatballs - easily made you feel like you were 10 years old again.

It certainly felt like we were eating at someone’s home, and our fatigue from the day began to mix in with our full bellies. If beds were on the menu, we would’ve ordered three easily. When it came time for dessert we couldn’t do it, and we were off to the street to walk-off the glaze of tiredness that was coming over us.

It wasn’t your traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but it was our Thanksgiving dinner. And when you find yourself in an empire state of mind, even on Thanksgiving day, there really isn’t anything else that would matter.

--
The Smith, 55 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10003, 212.420.9800

HELLO, THANKSGIVING...!

It baffles me that in less than two weeks, it will be Thanksgiving here in the US. I honestly feel like last year's Thanksgiving holiday barely left my memory-bank, and now I'm already faced with the so-called thrills of the upcoming holiday season. It seems that more and more I'm becoming less thrilled, and more numb to what was once the happiest time of the year... for me, at least. Hopefully, this year will be the start of something different, and maybe I'll get "that feeling" back.

Some friends and I will actually be making our way to NYC for a couple of days to attempt to cop a spot along the infamous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route. It'll be crazy, I'm sure, and I'm hoping and praying that the experience will be less 1) rainy, and 2) super cold. I think I have enough days to start a 9-day novena to ask for sunny skies and no rain for this year's event. Let's wait and see.

I'm pretty sure that we'll face annoyances from the crowds, perhaps the weather, and all the other stuff that is bound to happen. And our bus ride via one of the area "Chinatown Buses" will surely add to the festive air, I'm sure. But this is what we wanted, so this is what we're going to get: a do-it-once-in-your-life experience at the expense of not being around family on Thanksgiving Day. Some call it a curse to miss out on such a holiday, but I actually think it'll be a blessing in disguise. At least we won't be tempted to keep going back to a stacked table for more food. Instead, we will be enjoying our (one serving) Thanksgiving Day dinner at a fine restaurant in Manhattan, then be on our way to find a neighborhood bar where we can drink more calories. And then, perhaps, indulge in a little Black Friday holiday shopping for ourselves.

Sounds like a plan to me...!

(Photo courtesy of Jeff Christensen/AP file)

END-OF-THE-WEEK LAUGH

OK, so it's not exactly Friday... but it's close enough. I stumbled upon this video last night after I decided to make an out-of-the-blue search for the seriously hilarious video of a former Miss Teen South Carolina botching her special Q&A portion of the Miss Teen USA Pageant. I'm sure all you internet junkies know the one; it was only circulated like FOREVER times.



Apparently, Pace University's freshman class (last year, maybe?) decided to immortalize Miss Teen SC's moment through a musical (or musical number, rather). It is easily one of the most hilarious things I've seen in a long time.

Enjoy!

HOT CUP OF COFFEE

It's the third day of November, and the first day that I felt compelled to put on a coat, scarf, and gloves. The DC area got a blast of cool air last night, and this should linger on throughout the day. The drive into work this AM surely prompted me to make a Starbucks run; today is a true "warm morning beverage" day.

Unfortunately, the stop at Starbucks only reminded me of what I'm missing this season back in SoCal: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I know, I know ---cry me a river. You've heard it all before, and I will not let it go. But in a place where "cookie-cutter (non)-trends" seem to be the norm, there really isn't any other choice than Starbucks. Not that I dislike Starbucks, but I guess I'm just over it. It is surely the "McDonald's" of coffee houses, and it's the same wherever you go ---from Anytown, USA to Любой городок, Россия. Sure, there are a spattering of Caribou Coffees around, maybe even a Gloria Jean's, The Coffee Beanery, and somewhere you'll find a little shop that serves Illy. But the cold fact of the matter is that there is no TCB&TL here. (Nor is there a Peet's.) This, my friends, makes me sad. With the on-set of the holiday season upon us, I am amiss without my Apple Tea Latte.

TCB&TL store front

Fall Offerings @ TCB&TL

So even though I get to plow around in winter coats and boots once more, I will have to do it without a forever-sunny sky, without the beach, and without The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Starbucks, you'll have to do... You will have to do.
--

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Domestic Locations: California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Texas

(Photos from the company's website.)

COAT, PLEASE!

‘Tis the season… for a good coat! Now that I’m back on the East Coast, I’m kind of excited to go through a real, full-blown winter. I know that many people consider a SoCal ‘winter’ a joke. And I don’t really blame anyone for thinking so. But you have to understand that when you’ve acclimated to the weather of Southern California, where sun and warmth are the norm, 49-degree mornings in the winter can be painstakingly frigid. On the other hand, a 49-degree day during a DC winter is actually a blessing, especially if the sun is out. But now I’m back in the land where winter weather is the real deal, and that means that it’s time for me to invest in a brand new coat.

If you know me well, I’m pretty picky when it comes to clothing. Coats are no exception to my utter pickiness. I’m not one for “ordinary” looking outerwear, and the “mass-produced” look of those box-shaped black wool jackets (You know you’ve seen them. Banana Republic and Kenneth Cole are big culprits.) are bo-RING. (Sorry to those who actually like them.) I’ve spent the last couple of weeks actually scoping out the “coat scene” here in the DC area. So far, I’ve had no luck finding anything outstanding. Every store from Banana to J. Crew, H&M to French Connection, and even Sisley to Zara have been disappointments. I remember being wowed by the coats I saw at the new Zara in L.A.’s Farmer’s Market on 3rd this past September. I expected to be equally impressed by the Zara’s here (if not more so), but that didn’t happen. This just goes to confirm that DC-area style can be nothing short of boring. It’s “uniform city” here in Our Nation’s Capital, but I am not discouraged.

If only I were friends with Jil Sander, or whoever is designing for the brand these days. (Ha!) I’ve always been allured by the silhouettes of Jil Sander outerwear. The brand knows how to craft a well-worn coat; one that fits a person in a way that compliments them, rather than merely covering them up. The functionality of keeping warm is still there, despite the fact that you won’t drown in their coats and jackets. So the hunt continues.

L-R: Rudolf Dassler Wool Long Jacket (Puma.com), Mackage 3/4 Trench (revolveclothing.com)

L-R: Mackage grey wool "Neil" cable knit collar coat (bluefly.com), Jil Sander Fall 2009 Collection

I wonder how long it’ll take me to find the “perfect” winter coat?

MOVE OVER FLANK STEAK, PORK BELLY HAS ARRIVED

If “30s” is the new “20s,” then “pork belly” has got to be the hot, new thing in the foodie world (at least). Sure -- pork belly has been around for as long as men have been eating swine. It’s a staple in my native Philippine cuisine, as it is in other Asian and Latin fare. And popular “bad yet yum” food items, such as bacon and pancetta, are usually made from pork bellies. In essence, however, it seems that in recent years pork belly has become a popular part of the Western world’s high-end dining culture.

One of DC’s newest additions to the restaurant landscape, Masa 14, embraces the pork belly like no other. Two of the most sensuous dishes in their tapas-style line-up features pork belly as the star ingredient: Pork Belly Al Pastor Tacos (melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with pineapple preserve, red Fresno, lime, cilantro & pickled onion served on a steamed bun) & Pork Belly Carnitas (smooth-as-butter pork belly with kabocha squash, adobo bbq sauce, and blood orange). The tacos brilliantly illustrates Masa 14’s Latin/Asian fusion, meshing together the flavors of the two regional cuisines and serving it not in a corn or flour tortilla, but on a steamed bun. (Filipinos, think “siopao-esque” flat bread in lieu of the usual tortilla.) The soft, fluffy, and somewhat doughy texture of the bun envelopes the pork belly, absorbing its juices (and fat, I’m sure) in a way that makes the dish even more delicate than its arrival to the table. And carnitas will do as only carnitas can do, but pork belly carnitas out-does them all. The blood orange adds a zing in contrast to the adobo flavor’s zang, offering the dish “superstar” status.

Pork Belly Al Pastor Taco

The pork belly actually doesn’t hog (no pun intended) the limelight, however, and Masa 14’s surplus of flavors transcends an illustrious list of culinary dignitaries: crunchy shrimp & barbecued eel temaki hand rolls, tuna ceviche & Hijiki seaweed-jicama salad, Thai chicken flatbread, grilled baby octopus, fried oysters served in bibb lettuce cups, Kobe beef brisket, yucca fries (served with chimichurri and garlic/lime aioli), and shrimp and pork fried rice just to name a few.

Crispy Shrimp

If you’re looking for a meal that will fill you up, be warned. Masa 14 specializes in tapas-style dishes, so it’s best to know that before entering. The new dining space is the project of Chef Richard Sandoval, who is credited with “marrying” Latin and Asian cuisines by way of Zengo (in Chinatown), and Chef Kazuhiro “Kaz” Okochi, of Kaz Sushi Bistro fame. Their dining area evokes a sense of urban chic with wood-planked floors, brick walls, and reddish and brownish hues emphasized with metallic accents. The open space, which boasts a 65-foot long bar along one of its sides, gives off a vibe that rivals any power-restaurant in the city. However, the space isn’t packed with stuffy suits and made-for-the-office stilettos. Instead, you’ll find hip, trendy, yet very casual diners in for both food and scene. The restaurant is loud, but not to the point of obnoxiousness. And for a more private experience, a separate dining room can accommodate up to 18 guests.

Masa 14's bustling dining room

View of Masa 14 from 14th Street NW

For the late night set, Masa 14 is a perfect addition to the 14th & U Street corridor. With other spots like Marvin, Bar Pilar, and Sainte Ex just a walk away, Masa 14’s bar area will surely become a destination for Friday and Saturday night loungers. Couple that scene with their late-night bar menu of tapas and creative drink concoctions, draught beers, wine, sake, and tequila… and ultimately, you have a winner.

Pork belly fans, welcome home.



--

Masa 14, 1825 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202.328.1414

(Photos courtesy of the restaurant's website.)

STAYING CURRENT

In no way, shape or form am I a sushi snob. Although I must admit that during my stint in L.A., I had some of the best sushi experiences there. And I’m not only talking about the ultra-glam sushi experiences that you’d expect to have at Matsuhisa, Nobu, or even Mori Sushi in West L.A. Even in the most obscure places in the L.A. area you are bound to find a sushi spot that is pretty excellent (Except, of course, Creative Sushi in Santa Monica… Uh, hi. I don’t like my sushi warm, thanks.). I owe the excellent sushi “culture” of L.A. to the fact that they are a coastal city, and the Pacific is the gateway to some of the best fish (…and sharks, and octopus, and moray eels. I’ll save this info for a future post on my biggest fears.).

Since I’ve been back in the DC area, I haven’t had a serious hankering for sushi. I think part of it is that I have never known my city to be a haven for sashimi, nigiri, or maki (rolls). The sushi experience in DC, for me at least, has always been just OK, unless you’ve got a soft spot for rolls that are named after U.S. states or cities. I’ve had some of the best California and Philadelphia rolls ever here in DC, but I would never base a real sushi experience after those. (Cream cheese in a maki roll? Not exactly the 'E True Hollywood Story' according to my Japanese friends – AKA ‘Sushi Police.’)

Case in point: Current. Current is the reincarnation of the once-very-popular Dragonfly. Located on Connecticut Avenue, smack in the center of the Golden Triangle’s bar/club corridor, Current is nestled in a comfortable nook that’s just a stones throw away from the somewhat iconic Julia’s Empanadas and the now-defunct MCCXXII (1223). With new kids on the block like Steve’s Bar Room and the re-furbished Public Bar (formerly Club Five), Current somehow still manages to be … current. While the place still attracts a crowd (an albeit random one), the sushi can only be described as OK at best.

Their menu isn’t super impressive, but it is full of the standards: toro (fatty tuna), sake (Scottish salmon, in this case), aji (mackerel), unagi (eel), and uni (urchin) to name a few. And their maki rolls are also pretty typical: Dragon (eel, avocado, roe, and shrimp tempura), crunchy roll, and soft shell crab. The biggest plus for me is that the rolls are not the Stay-puff Marshmallow Man-sized craziness that you’ll find at your average glamorized “pan-Asian bistro.” Current deals out normal-sized rolls; pieces that are easily consumed without having to attempt to bite them in half. And while the sushi tastes decent, it isn’t really mind-blowing. While it’s definitely better than grocery store or food court sushi, it isn’t the melt-in-your-mouth kind that would make you want to run back for more. Not that I expect all sushi to be done a la Hiroyuki Urasawa, either.

The gleam of light from my experience at Current was definitely the hotate (scallop) kushi (skewer), which easily reminded me of some of the L.A. area’s robata and kushi spots, or izakaya. The scallop was perfectly grilled, and not over-cooked. And it was bursting with flavor.

Current’s décor is interesting, for lack of a better term. However it is miles away better than it was before. As Dragonfly, the soft glow of the interior colored lighting of the lounge would sexily emanate from the frosted main window. Couple that with the ultra-mod (and stark white) tables and chairs, and you had one of DC’s first ventures into the trendy Euro-chic style of the late 90s. But Dragonfly was always so cramped, and the use of the space was poor. With Current comes a much better use of the space, with the elongated bar giving way to a bevy of tables in front of, and to the side of it. Now patrons can comfortably lounge around the space without feeling confined. But while the use of space comes as a much-needed improvement, the décor is not as likable. It is surely a breath of fresh of air from ye ole Dragonfly days. And while the upstairs lounge area is typically lush as any trendy spot can be nowadays, the dining room’s use of aluminum-looking strips across the main and sushi bars (which I imagine to represent electric currents) made me think of tin-foil the whole time I was there.


Given the opportunity to go back with friends for a few rounds of drinks, or to commiserate in the lounge –I’d go again. The service was friendly enough to warrant a return visit, but I could easily skip the food. In the meantime, I'm on the hunt for a better sushi spot in the city.
--

Current, 1215 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202.955.5525

(Photos courtesy of the restaurant's website.)

FLASHBACK: DINING IN L.A. (FOR THE LAST TIME AS AN ‘ANGELENO’)

As I was posting my third and final installment of my 3-part ‘review’ of the amazing restaurants I visited during the recently-concluded summer Restaurant Week in DC, I noticed that I hadn’t posted anything during the month of July. Truth be told, I spent that month relishing in all things “L.A.,” since I was anxiously awaiting my then-impending return to the east coast. With a whirlpool of emotions rushing through my mind at the time, the last thing I wanted to do was to be literarily (I might've made that word up just now...) creative. Though I had intended, at the time, to put some of my thoughts into writing, I think my struggle between feelings of elation and sorrow got the better of me. I couldn’t even muster up a decent ‘good-bye’ note to my friends, let alone write blog entries dishing about my final days as an Angeleno.

I’ve been back east for over a month now, and though at times I feel like I still am trying to “figure things out,” I’ve realized how therapeutic it is for me to actually write again. And, with little steps here and there, I hope to pick-up where I left off with my book-in-progress. That would be the true accomplishment. But for now, I shall blog… and I’ll probably blog until the cows come home. It’s the least I could do. I think it hit me a little last week when a good friend of mine asked my mom how it felt to have her son back home. Half-jokingly, half-not, Mom went on about how happy she felt, however she could sense that I was not happy. Never in my life had I felt so transparent (Oh, who am I kidding…?! I teeter the line of transparency all the time.), and so I figured it would be a good idea to try harder to get out of whatever funk I’m in, and live, laugh, and love again.

Little steps here and there.
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My last month in L.A. was filled with… FOOD. In fact, it was so much so that one of my friends back there even went as far as chastising me for my emphasis on the need to do all things “foodie” before I headed back to the DC area. (Whatever, bee-yatch. You’re a foodie, too.) Funny thing was that I didn’t even take her joking to offense. As much as I love the beach, or the hike through Temescal Canyon, the view of L.A. from the Mulholland Drive overlook, the drive through the Venice canals, the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood + Highland, Melrose Ave., Beverly Hills, The Getty, or simply driving through the scenic neighborhoods of Brentwood & Santa Monica, it’s always been the cuisine and libations that opened the floodgates for some of my best memories in L.A. From the easiest (and inexpensive) meals from Porto's, Ono or L&L, to the casual Don Antonio’s, to the chic and fancy Comme ça on Melrose – I have shared many a laugh, great conversations, and learned some amazing things about my friends and family while wining and dining in L.A. Though it was hard to squeeze all my favorites into my last 3 weeks in SoCal, I think I managed to cover most of my bases ---enduring as minimal weight gain as I possibly could. (Yeah right.)

Here are some of the places that I breezed through before I left:

DON ANTONIO’S, 11755 W. Pico Boulevard, L.A., CA 90064
While this place may strike the ire in many due to the fact that Heidi & Spencer (from The Hills) adore it so much, truth must be told that the food is simply amazing. It may not be ‘wedding-reception’ good (Sorry, Speidi.), but it is as good as SoCal Mexican food can get. Everything from the complimentary chips & salsa to their over-stuffed burritos are well worth trying. It had become an easy ‘fix’ for my roommates and I when we lived in Santa Monica, and has since found a home in our hearts – right next to another SoCal Mexican favorites like Lares, La Cabaňa, and El Cholo.

VERSAILLES, 10319 Venice Boulevard, L.A., CA 90034
When I used to visit L.A. some years ago, my cousin and friends would bring me to this little hole-in-the-wall called “Versailles” along busy La Cienega Boulevard. At first I thought I was going for French food, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Versailles is a Cuban restaurant, and a very good one at that. It instantly became a favorite, and once I moved to L.A. it became part of the ‘touring’ spots that I’d take visitors to when they’d swing through. I visited the location right outside Culver City with my niece and nephew, and had an amazing time as usual; the Versailles on Venice has been re-modeled, and has vibrant-colored walls and mood lighting compared to it’s sister restaurant on La Cienega. Food, however, is consistent and tasty. Their lechon asado tops the list for me.

PALMS THAI, 5900 Hollywood Boulevard, L.A., CA 90028
There really is no other place in the country to get AMAZING (and inexpensive) Thai food than in Thai Town right outside Hollywood. Even the Thai places here in the Metro DC area do not compare. Palm Thai is special because 1) it’s always packed, and 2) it is home to the infamous “Thai Elvis…” Thai Elvis is some Thai uncle who dresses up as Elvis (sometimes), and sings all sorts of Elvis tunes. A lot of people come to Palms Thai for a sighting of Thai Elvis, but the food is more so popular. Fish cakes, tom yum, crab fried rice, and grilled mussels are just a few of the yummiest Thai dishes ever.

BESO HOLLYWOOD, 6350 Hollywood Boulevard, L.A. CA 90028
When Beso Hollywood first came on to the scene last year, I was quick to turn my cheek. With Eva Longoria’s name attached to it, and since it took over another spot along the ever-transient Hollywood Blvd., I figured it would last a good 9 months to a year before it would be home for the latest and greatest thing. With other Hollywood closings like Dolce, One Sunset, Murano, and even Luau in Beverly Hills, I was half-expecting Beso to follow suit. But once I learned that Todd English’s name was attached to this project, I decided that I had to at least give it a try before heading back east. So I took two of my best foodies, headed to Hollywood Blvd., and ended up having a very great experience.

I have been to two of T. English’s outposts in my life (including DC’s own Olives, which is currently closed for some much-needed upgrades), so I was hoping that this pairing between English and Longoria would not disappoint. And that it did not. At first instance, we were met with the chic surroundings befitting of a Hollywood power restaurant: stylish lighting, dark walls and floors, sleek furnishings, and Thievery Corporation (DC natives, btw) booming throughout the space. Walking in, you’re almost automatically prompted to be “on,” despite the fact that you’re still in L.A. For every table of patrons dressed to party, there is a table of shorts & tees-clad tourists, or laid-back locals. But that’s “L.A.” for you.

The interior of Beso Hollywood

The food = superb. Seafood and steaks are the specialty here. We started off with a ceviche tasting, which was succulent: mussels, ahi, and bay scallops. The swordfish steak, which was my main dish, was perfectly moist and flavorful – and filling! The winner of the night (aside from the vodka sodas) was surprisingly Eva’s Guacamole (her mother’s really), which has made a name for itself in Hollywood.

Ceviche Tasting at Beso Hollywood

THE BAZAAR (AT SLS HOTEL), 465 S. La Cienega Boulevard, L.A., CA 90048
The celebrated DC-area chef, Jose Andres, made his formal entry to the Hollywood/Los Angeles dining scene through the ultra-trendy SLS Hotel –an SBE project (think Brent Bolthouse productions). The Bazaar is the uber-hot restaurant/lounge at the SLS, and has created a buzz in the L.A. dining & nightlife scene. Reservations are hard to come by, so it’s easier to grab a table at the lounge –where the turnover of guests moves as quickly as lightning strikes.


I met my nephew and his wife for some drinks and small bites during my last week in town, and we were able to score a table at the lounge. The happy hour crowd was dwindling, but there was still a lot of traffic; the earmark of a current “hot spot” in Hollywood/L.A. For the most part, a good majority of the menu is still available at the lounge, and since Chef Andres is a master of tapas, the menu offered a plethora to choose from: Japanese tacos (w/grilled eel), sea urchin, foie gras (wrapped in ‘cotton candy’), and croquetas de pollo – to name a few. Jose Andres’ talent definitely shines through each and every dish.

The décor of The Bazaar is more so a mish mosh of things, but this is partly due to the design team of the SLS, who couldn’t seem to figure out whether or not they wanted to go for “Shabby Chic” or “elegant ski lodge” for the former space once occupied by Le Meridien. Gaudiness aside, the food and drinks offered by The Bazaar are surely top notch. (Bonus: Renee Russo sighting... She still looks great!)

LA CABAŇA, 739 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
My comida pasada in L.A. was at an old favorite, La Cabaňa. It was an easy choice since it’s on the way to LAX, and right outside my old neighborhood of Santa Monica. There’s nothing much more you can say about this place aside from the fact that it is simply SoCal “Mexican” at its best. Knowing that I wouldn’t find anything as close once I shifted coasts, I relished each and every bite (and each and every margarita, too).

All in all, my last few weeks in the L.A. area are now nothing more than a whirlwind of memories… but great memories no less. While there are many things I still miss about my life on the other coast, I’ve decided it best to take what I’ve learned and build upon new experiences now that I’m back home. No matter where I am, there are always reasons for me to question myself about “what’s not to love?”
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Back at our new corporate offices in the DC area, we have much better coffee than we ever did in Beverly Hills. I guess whoever the corp. office is purchasing from just has a better taste for these kind of things (the coffee that we were getting in Bev Hills was atrocious, to say the least). However, this morning I realized that a new flavor has been added to the pods appropriately called “Colombian,” “French Roast,” “Mudslide,” and “Donut Shop.” This new coffee, called “Jet Fuel,” seemed interesting off the jump. But as it brewed, the smell was strong and scary ---really, the best word to describe it. I haven’t even finished the cup (which I’ve now been nursing for over an hour or so), and I’m fighting between feelings of sleepiness and the need to bounce-off-walls.

Jet Fuel: the no-joke, in-your-face, doesn’t-taste-too-great-but-does-the-job kind of coffee brought to you by coffeepeople.com.
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(Photos from respective restaurant & company websites; photo of "L.A." from freedigitalphotos.net.)

DERNIER ARRÊT: DC RESTAURANT WEEK | JACKSON 20

The third and final stop on my little “DC Restaurant Week Tour” brought me to neighboring Alexandria, VA. The spirit of the old country still haunts the quaint, yet busy settlement of Old Town Alexandria. The brick homes, cobblestoned streets, as well as the historical markers that dot the area have shared their space with a number of America’s popular outposts such as the GAP Outlet, Banana Republic, and Anne Taylor Loft. Other companies, such as California Pizza Kitchen and United Colors of Benetton, once called Old Town “home,” but as the changing tides of the economy ebbs and flows, so do the town’s “residents.”

What was once a Holiday Inn Select on busy King Street has since been changed to Kimpton Hotels’ flagship banner, Hotel Monaco, in recent years. During its incarnation as a Holiday Inn, the space – which was always full of potential – was never really pushed to its limits. But with its re-birth through Kimpton, the locale has stylishly meshed its historical sensibilities with a flair for modernity and chic-ness. And I’m not only talking about the hotel’s gorgeously appointed lobby and guest rooms. Their real gem: Jackson 20.

Since Kimpton bursted onto the hospitality scene focusing on their boutique-style hotels, they have not only mastered the art of design and function as it pertains to hotel rooms and public spaces, but they’ve also made a mark on their respective city’s dining scene. The Serrano Hotel in San Francisco is home to the delectable Ponzu, and The Muse in NYC boasts the casual yet graceful Nios. In similar fashion, the Hotel Monaco presents Jackson 20 – a dining space that blends together the rich traditional atmosphere of Old Town, with the contemporary trappings that Kimpton is known for. The restaurant is named after President Andrew Jackson, who is known to have been the first Commander in Chief to invite the public to attend the Inaugural Ball. Keeping in tradition, the restaurant continues the former president’s renowned hospitality through “inspired American regional cuisine.”

My foodie-friend, Leah, and I decided that we couldn’t pass up another chance to take part in DC’s Restaurant Week this summer, especially after my previous jaunts earlier in the week. But this third and final stop on the "tour" was symbolically special: it was our “last hurrah” so to speak before succumbing to the world of “new car” payments, which we both now have to embrace. That said, we expected nothing but a great time at dinner, and that was exactly what we had.

Upon entering, after passing off my car to the tending valet, we were welcomed by the wafting air filled with everything associated with southern comfort food. Despite the dimmed dining room, with its dark wood furniture and long bar, the first-impression of intimidation from the chic surroundings was easily over-powered by the smells of deep fried chicken, freshly made corn bread, and fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs. In an instant, we were brought into a world that screams “shabby chic” and “Paula Deen” all in one sentence.

Inside Jackson 20

We were given the option of dining in the courtyard for the full Jackson 20 experience, but with the impending rain, we decided to stay in-doors to be on the safe side. We were seated near the bar, where hotel guests and locals alike enjoyed their drinks at leisure. Our friendly server discussed the menu with us, and came back shortly with our drinks: a Clover Club (with gin, raspberry puree, and citrus) & a Forbidden Fruit (10 Cane Rum shaken with passion fruit and pineapple juices, finished with a 10-year Tawny Port float). The creative libations were just a couple off an interesting list, which includes some classic whiskey drinks made with the restaurant’s own twist.

Our three-course meal pretty much came as smoothly as can be imagined:

Course 1: Virginia Crab Cake with arugula, a fried green tomato, and sauce Gribiche, and Scallop and Beef Brochette –each wrapped in bacon, and served with Anson Mills Grits

Course 2: BBQ Beef Ribs grilled with J20 BBQ sauce, smashed potatoes & a green bean salad, and Beef Brisket –slow-roasted Wagyu beef, crispy marrow potatoes, creamed spinach & horseradish

We also added a side of fries cooked in duck fat. (There’s nothing more that I can say about that.)

Course 3: Banana Pudding & Chocolate Pecan Tart

The encounter was nothing less than scrumptious, and while you could feel the heaviness that is prevalent with southern cuisine, the portions were perfect. Our server made us fully aware that despite the menu catering to “restaurant week” customers, Jackson 20 wanted to be sure to offer the full extent of their menu and portions to all guests; a charming way to start-off the dining experience, if you ask me.

Our first course exuded the flavors that are reminiscent of carefully prepared soul food. The meats of the second course were “melt-in-your-mouth” tender. And the desserts made you think it was Thanksgiving in late August. It was the perfect end to my restaurant week tour, and a nice indication that the dining scene of Old Town is only getting better.

Jackson 20's culinary masterpieces

As the rain poured down with monsoon-like torrents, the sights, the smells, and the flavors of Jackson 20 soothed us to our own lullabies. It was hard to leave without wanting a blanket and a pillow for a quick nap right there at the table. That’s a clear hint that this place will have to be revisited as winter draws close.
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Jackson 20, 480 King Street, Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314, 703.842.2790

(Photos courtesy of the restaurant's website.)

PROCHAIN: DC RESTAURANT WEEK | RISTORANTE TOSCA

The second stop on my 2009 DC Restaurant Week tour brought me to Ristorante Tosca in the city. This time, one of my dear old college friends, Andrea, set-up the “catch up” dinner. It had been years since we last talked. While I was off doing my “L.A. thing,” Andrea was busy with work, grad school, and is now finishing up law school at Catholic. She is definitely one of my more industrious friends! She had just returned from working all summer in Poland, so Restaurant Week came at a perfect time.

Ristorante Tosca, or simply “Tosca,” is one of Dre’s favorites. How this place actually stayed under my radar is beyond me. When I worked in the city some years back, I remembered driving past Tosca many times. While I’ve always wondered about it, I never made any effort to give it a try. So thanks to Restaurant Week, and – more importantly – to Andrea, for finally putting Tosca on “the list.” We were able to get a 9PM reservation, which was one of only a few slots left at Tosca for Restaurant Week (and the reservation was made in late July!). That alone should’ve been enough indication of how dumb I’ve been for missing out all this time.

I made my way into the city later in the evening last Thursday, and met up with Andrea at Foggy Bottom. Coming off I-66 that night, I was reminded of one of the last times I had traversed that very road with Dre –a spring afternoon back in either ’99 or 2000. We were driving in my ’92 Toyota Corolla, a car that took us everywhere within the Metro DC area, to VA Beach, to Florida, countless trips to Philly, Jersey, NYC, and the Eastern Shore. For some lame reason, ‘Casper,’ as I had come to name my white-colored car, decided to die on me just before Dre and I exited off 66. Apparently, it had been years since I gave poor Casper an oil change, and the cost of repairs was NOT something I was looking forward to. Fast forward to the present: that flashback came across my mind as I exited off onto E Street, and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

I found a parking spot on one of the side streets, and all of a sudden I felt like I was brought back to my good old college days. Even though I did my undergrad at Maryland, I was always hanging out with my friends at GWU my senior year. There were always meetings, mixers, dinners, and lots and lots of house parties (more appropriately “apartment” parties, but who says that?!). I was amidst the undergrad set, who were making their way home from late classes, or from the busy happy hours that were just ending; a perfect way to transition into the traditional Thursday “college nights” that would be celebrated at many a bar in/around Foggy Bottom, and nearby neighborhoods. Dre came down from her apartment, hopped into her car, and scooped me up, and we were on our way. Restaurant Week reservation #2 was about to begin.

After checking the car in with the valet, we headed inside. Needless to say, the restaurant was bustling. The small bar had been catering to patrons who were waiting patiently for tables, and the sounds from the main dining room were booming: conversation was rampant, servers were busily traveling to and from the kitchen always with their hands full, and parties were leaving just as fast as others arrived. We waited for a while, but were eventually seated in the dining room. The room was warm, not temperature-wise, but the neutral hues of the walls, flooring, table clothes, and artwork were very soothing; not in the sense that you’d want to fall asleep, but more so in the sense that you were instantly comfortable. Our waiter quickly tended to our needs, and soon enough we had drinks brought to us right away.

Per Dre’s suggestion, I decided to follow her lead and order pasta as my starter. She ordered the Pappardelle alla Carota, which was served with a rabbit ragu in a white wine sauce. I opted for the Raviolo di vitello – filled with roasted veal, prosciutto and pistachio mortadella. It was nothing short of delicious, and the portion was perfect.

We dove right in to our main course; Andrea went with the lamb chops, and I decided on the grilled Agnus N.Y. strip. The chops were beautifully displayed, and our waiter gently covered them with sauce. My steak came out perfectly –not at all overdone or overcooked. And the size of it would easily put Ruth’s Chris to shame. I almost had to force myself to finish, but the flavors were perfect enough that I had no issues finishing over our ‘catch-up’ conversation.

By the time the main course was done, I had almost completely forgotten about dessert… and sooner than later we were faced with another mountain to climb: a rich, chocolate mousse-like cake, and the chef’s modern take on the classic tiramisu. Both desserts were pretty staggering, yet we couldn’t even attempt to polish off either one.

The colors of Ristorante Tosca

When the check came, we were done –both mentally and physically. Late dinner was a success, and – as I had mentioned previously – Ristorante Tosca has now been added to my growing list of favorites. It definitely was a simple, yet purpose-filled night: had an awesome dinner, and reconnected with an equally awesome friend.
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Ristorante Tosca, 1112 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202.367.1990

(Photos courtesy of the restaurant's website.)