AGAIN AND AGAIN AND 'AGAINN'

Growing up in DC, I have always had a fascination of all things that are "across the pond." Everything from red telephone booths, to tea and scones, to 'bangers & mash' make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And I remember going to London for the first time and really feeling how "old" the city really is. I know that DC and New York City are pretty old as well, but London - as you know - is pretty ancient. But London (and England as a whole) is a place that knows how to mesh its rich history with the current day, and it's definitely at the top of my list of favorite cities.

One of Britain's best contributions to society would have to be the "public house," or "pub" for short. The British are geniuses for setting up these establishments meant for the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Throw in a little pub grub like salted crisps, pasties, and fish & chips, and you've got one hell of a good time ahead.

In the early 90s, a counter culture in Britain began to stem from the iconic public house concept. As "foodie" culture began to evolve around the world, the British began to take the concept of a fully-operable restaurant placed within a pub. Thus, a renaissance in pub and dining culture in Britain was born, as was the concept of the "gastropub."

The gastropub may not be as gritty as a pub can be known to be, however it is still a place where drinks are enjoyed plentifully. Couple this with carefully prepared food that goes above and beyond "pub fare," and you've got yourself a laid-back, foodie paradise. On our side of the pond, AGAINN proudly serves as a great venue to hang-out, eat, and drink to your heart's contentment.

Pronounced "aguinn" (a-g-uin), this recent addition to Washington, DC's list of trendy restaurants bills itself as a "contemporary British Isles Bistro." Like most of the new food establishments that are popping up around the city, AGAINN prides itself in the sourcing and use of local produce, and meats and seafood that are more or less organic and sustainable.

At the helm of AGAINN is Executive Chef Wes Morton, who spent some time in London prior to the restaurant's opening. There he found inspiration for many of the restaurant's offerings. He also brings a wealth of experience from some of the restaurant world's top spots like Thomas Keller's Yountville, CA mainstay - French Laundry, Michel Richard's DC restaurant maven - Citronelle, and Houston's award-winning *17 restaurant at the Alden Hotel.

Like most of the city's new restaurants, it capitalizes on an industrialized space: stone & wood floors, dark metal accents, and dim lighting. Hardwood table tops line the glass-windowed walls along the side of the restaurant, while booths and banquettes occupy the middle --giving that added touch of comfort that you'd usually find in a classic pub. The bar area is bustling, and the libations are plentiful. Beer on tap, beer in bottles, and top shelf alcohol (along with well selections) are of importance here. Like any restaurant, an extensive wine list is offered, as well as an interesting "Scotch List" which is sure to bring out the Englishman in all of us. At the bar I ordered a Manhattan as I waited for my table, and I can honestly say that the attention to detail that the mixologist gave to my drink perhaps made it the absolute best Manhattan (with Maker's) that I've ever had.

Public House elements: a partial view of one of several dining areas, and the Scotch collection

The food, just as well, was not a disappointment. My friends and I decided to partake in the 'restaurant week' menu that was being offered. Two of us decided to start with the pan-seared diver scallops, which were served on a bed of sunchoke puree & watercorss broth, with parsnip crisps as a garnish. The scallops were cooked perfectly, and were 'melt-in-your-mouth' good. Another friend went with the beetroot salad: a mixture of frisee, walnuts, young goat cheese, and honey dressing; a light and flavorful start to dinner. For the main course, my friends both went with the Tamworth pork belly, which was served with Anson Mill's white grits, smoked tomato jus, and baby mizuna (Japanese mustard leaves). It honestly tasted like it came fresh from my mother's kitchen; the rich flavors of Philippine lechon topped with culinary refinery. I, on the otherhand, decided to go the full length of the Brit experience with the steak & chips --an 8 oz Hereford hanger steak served with bone marrow persillade. I, myself, am a "fry guy." In this instance, the "chips" definitely took a back-seat to the hanger steak, which was full of flavor and tender. To follow, we each ordered our own sticky toffee pudding; a warm bread & toffee pudding glazed with toffee sauce, and served with stout ice cream; a delectable end to an amazing experience.

Delectable tastes: beetroot salad & Tamworth pork belly

AGAINN also offers a raw bar, charcuterie plates, and is open for lunch and Sunday brunch ($5 mimosas!). And a pub, gastro or not, wouldn't be a pub without "pub grub." Scotch eggs, Guinness-soaked pretzels, and ale-battered cod fingers can be enjoyed alongside specialty cocktails like Pimms Cup No. 13 or a Yeoman Afternoon.

Refinery: AGAINN's fully-stocked bar, and decorative accents

Located in the neighborhood of the city's new-ish convention center, and near other foodie spots such as Acadiana and Brasserie Beck, this DC restaurant is sure to have you coming back again... and again. (No pun intended.)
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AGAINN, 1099 New York Avenue (doors on 11th St.) NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-639-9830

(Photos from the restaurant's website.)

MANGIA, DC!

The Capital City is quickly becoming a veritable "foodie" city. However, one thing about the DC dining landscape is that there aren't any specific pockets of ethnic food enclaves. For instance, in NYC you definitely know where to find a plethora of Chinese restaurants, and even the trailings of a once-abundant Little Italy. Baltimore, too, boasts its own Little Italy, while San Fran is home to a quaint Japantown, China town, and North Beach (Italian). Then there's sprawling Los Angeles, with its many pockets of places specializing in Viet, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and even Indian cuisine.

DC, on the other hand, is a little more integrated with its food communities. Not that it's a bad thing, but you definitely have to venture outside the city limits in order to find a thriving ethnic food community like Annandale (Korean) or Falls Church/Eden Center (Vietnamese). And while I love that my Asian cousins are representin', I really wish there was an area that is more Italian-centric.

Nonetheless, DC has it's own spattering of Italian dining spots. They range from the chainey, to the hole-in-the-wall, to the "mom & pop's," to the high-brow. Recently, I was able to visit a relative new-comer to the DC-area's Italian dining scene: Potenza.

Conveniently at the corner of H and 15th Streets NW, Potenza sits comfortably on a large corner that is easily accessible to city dwellers, area employees, and visitors alike. As the latest addition to the Stir Food Group family (Zola is also theirs), Potenza is somewhat of a triple threat, serving as a trattoria, a bakery, and a wine bar.

I had the pleasure of dining at Potenza with two of my friends during this past restaurant week. For a Tuesday night, the place was bustling and packed. I presumed that the crowd was a mixture of restaurant week patrons and happy hour celebrants, but wouldn't be surprised if this is the norm for a fairly new-ish addition to the city's dining roster. As the DC palate continues to evolve to amazing levels of sophistication, Potenza fits in like a glove.

While the dining area could potentially seem a bit stuffy, it is pretty vast with a conglomeration of stand alone tables, against-the-wall seating, and large comfy booths. The wait staff is quick, and all casually sport their Italian "soccer" jerseys. When the place is packed, conversation nicely bounces off the walls, but not to the point of annoyance; it adds to the charm, and gives off a lively air.

A view of the bar

The food itself was very good, with dishes ranging from being on-point to being ridiculously excellent. This isn't The Olive Garden, that's for sure. And it's miles away from Maggiano's. Potenza is possibly the epitome of "mangia."

My dinner party enjoyed the following appetizers: Arancini alla Salsiccia di Cinghiale (fried risotto balls stuffed with wild boar sausage and provolone), Frittelle di Baccala (salt cod fritters, parsley aioli), and the Insalata Mista e Antipasti (Romaine, treviso, provolone, salami, roasted peppers, red onions, tomatoes, oil cured olives in a red wine vinaigrette). Together, the three would've easily passed as a full meal encompassing the strong, delicious flavors of the risotto balls, the perfectly seasoned cod, and the smart taste of the salad.

Our main course followed: Mezzelune di Ricotta (half moon pasta stuffed with ricotta, spinach, preserved tomato and fontina sauce), Coda di Rospo con Limone Olio' Oliva (lemon olive oil poached monkfish, pancetta, artichokes, olives), and Cotoletta di Maiale alla Milanese (Milanese style pork, arugula, charred lemon, parmesan and arugula pesto). The pork was nicely cooked as good as a Milanese can get, but was just a tad bit salty. But coupled with the mezzelune pasta, and it was a hit. The monkfish also shined with the infusion of the lemon, pancetta, and olives.

To end the night - we partook in three of their delectable choices of desserts: Bombolini (oven baked Italian doughnuts morello cherry confettura), Chocolate-Hazelnut Semi Freddo (milk chocolate and hazelnut mousse with an espresso sauce), and Tiramisú (Espresso soaked lady fingers layered with marsala whipped mascarpone, chocolate-cinnamon sauce). The Italian doughnuts would've been perfect with a cappuccino, and the tiramisú was pleasantly not-too-sweet. I've had instances where the tiramisú just wouldn't cut it: either too sweet, or not sweet enough. Potenza has the formula down. The clear winner of this round, however, went to the Semi Freddo... the hazelnut mousse being the clear stand-out.

Potenza might come off as a bit high-end, but with reasonable prices, and good food to match, the whole experience turns out to be more comfortable than anything else. And despite the fast-pace of restaurant week, no one seemed to rush us out of there. What we got was a perfectly quaint, and tasteful, dinner... which is really all you can ask for early on in the week. It is definitely worth a visit.
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Potenza, 1430 H St. NW, 1430 H St. NW, (202) 638-4444

(Photos courtesy of the restaurant's website.)

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

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.



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

(Photos courtesy of the restaurant's website.)

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.)

AU DÉBUT: DC RESTAURANT WEEK | PS7

There are some things in life that do not ever make sense. As many times as you try and figure out if there is any rhyme or reason for certain things, you’re probably better off letting go of the things you cannot control. And coming from a self-proclaimed obsessive compulsive person, doing so is definitely easier said than done.

For instance, I absolutely cannot keep a decent pair of designer sunglasses. For the life of me, I lose them each and every time. It probably doesn’t help that I’m usually in the company of beer and/or alcohol at the times of loss, but that is beside the point. The point is: I cannot keep a pair of designer sunglasses for the life of me. I’m not bitter. Hello, $7-pair from H&M. You and I will have to get along.

On the other hand, however, something that does make sense in my life is… food. Come on now, as if you didn’t already know. Food is an important part of my life. Yes, that would include the bad stuff that we all love to have, but know we shouldn’t (but have it anyway). But beyond that is my love for well-prepared, appropriately portioned (!), and carefully executed food. And what better time to have this type of stuff than during Restaurant Week?!

Restaurant Week, to me, is like a breeze on a Sunday morning, the cherry on top of an ice cream sundae, the fried-egg that you mash into a piping-hot dish of loco moco, or store-bought cake from the grocery store that you buy (and eat) by yourself. Wait, I didn’t mean that last part… (or maybe I did.) What Restaurant Week is NOT: a plated dinner at a wedding (gag), a trip to the local “Chinese” buffet, nor is it something that should be passed up. Restaurant Week is just as worthy of your attention as Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale. (Yup, I went there.)

This year, the DC-area Restaurant Week was, and continues to be (for the most part, it’s been extended through this week as well), another feather in the cap of awesomeness. I remember blogging about how the DC dining landscape has evolved in recent years. Area kitchen stars have only increased in their popularity in the last few years (Jose Andres, Geoff Tracy, and Robert Wiedmaier to name a few), but at the same time the area has attracted the likes of Michel Richard, Wolfgang Puck, and Alain Ducasse, whose restaurants now dot the “foodie” map of DC.

Since I’ve returned, I’ve been slowly getting back into the area dining scene. It surprises me how there are many places that have sexified their space, making me feel like I’m having more of an “L.A.” experience that tends to focus more on ambiance than food. But amazingly, there are so many places that are able to fuse the two together nicely… and they’re all within my old stomping grounds. There’s no better time to dive right into the DC-area foodie scene than Restaurant Week.

PS7
My return to the area has been marked with a lot of things: new office building, new commute (!), new co-workers, and a new daily routine. But spattered in between the newness are so many familiar sights and sounds: area traffic, the humidity of summer, my family and my friends. This year, Restaurant Week served not only as a time to have great food, but a time to connect (and re-connect in some cases) with great friends. My first stop this time around was at PS7.

Located on the outskirts of DC’s very tiny Chinatown, bordering the ever-bustling Penn Quarter, PS7 is sort of tucked-away amidst re-vamped office buildings, newly built condos, and a slew of shops and cafes. My “go to” foodie-friend, Leah, set-up this dinner venture. I was excited to make my way into the city last Tuesday evening. It felt good traveling downtown, and when I rolled around onto I (Eye) Street, I met the valet as if I were meeting a long-lost friend. Thankfully, Leah walked up before I could engage in senseless banter with the valet attendant, and we made our way inside.

We were early, so we proceeded to the lounge area to grab a round of drinks. I noticed that the space was open, with tables against the big windows facing the street. Away from the windows were shorter tables and ottomans where the happy hour set were enjoying their ‘last call’ before dinner prices took effect. We planted ourselves at the bar, and were met with all sorts of concoctions in bottles or pestles ---which we would find out, later, were all part of the interesting make-up of their witty drink menu. I ended up with the Ice Pick, which is made of an interesting mix of Grey Goose, acai, and tea, while Leah indulged in a cucumber imbibed drink (called Gnome’s Water) that was both refreshing and calming. The drinks were a great start for the night as two more of our friends, Erika and Stacy, joined us for dinner.

As the maître d’ showed us to our table, the sights, sounds, and smells were a good indication of what was to come: a nicely-prepared three-course meal that involved many great choices. To add to the minimalist energy of the restaurant were modern paintings that lined the walls, along with mood lighting to enhance the gallery-like space. Tables along a raised platform that lined a wall of tall windows served as silhouettes against the lights from the outside streetlamps. Our waiter, whose vocal intonations reminded us of a prime time game show host, was thorough and efficient, and soon our table was covered with more drinks and glasses of water.

Between the four of us, we indulged in a wide array of dishes. First course: Sarah’s Salad (with mascarpone and strawberries on a bed of field greens), Warm Spinach Salad (marrying the delectable flavors of feta and bacon), Tomato and Saffron-Steamed P.E.I. Mussels, and a Caprese Flat Bread –all of which were flavorful and nicely prepared.

Our second course was just as diverse: Tuna Au Poivre (served with an asparagus gremolata), Wild Mushroom Risotto, Beef Tenderloin Au Poivre, and Stuffed Pork Loin (with thyme pan jus). While some of the meats were a little over-cooked on the outside, all the dishes were generally tasty and filling. We almost forgot that there was one more course left.

Desserts soon followed, after another quick round of drinks, and again we were each suddenly in the presence of ample deliciousness: Blueberry Brown Betty, Red Velvet Cake, a Strawberry Tasting (with strawberry sorbet, lemon pound cake, and mascarpone cream), and the winner of the night – Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar (which requires no explanation whatsoever).

At the end of it all, we were satiated and ready for bed, which was probably the master plan all along. PS7 is a gem in the bourgeoning Chinatown area, and has been wowing DC natives and visitors alike since 2006. Owned by former Vidalia chef and 'James Beard Award' winner Peter smith, PS7 is the culmination of his years of experience with some of the DC area’s best-known restaurants, and it continues to make it’s mark on DC’s culinary history.
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PS7, 777 I (Eye) Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202.742.8550

(Photos are courtesy of the restaurant's website.)

I AM... THE VODKA MONSTER

My friend, Carrie, summoned me for a night on the town yesterday. One of my dear old friends was taking part in an art show in the city, and we both decided to swing by to show her our support. So as soon as the clock struck 5, I closed-up at work, and headed into the city. I anticipated traffic that would nearly bring out the 'Road Rage Monster' in me, but it was surprisingly lax. I freely got on the GW Parkway with ease, and got to Carrie's downtown office in record time. We eventually made our way to the Metro, and rode two stops away to Gallery Place/Chinatown. While we found the gallery with ease, we wanted to stop in somewhere to grab a drink before going in.

There were many spots to choose from: Rosa Mexicana, Poste, Jaleo, SEI, and Oyamel to name a few. We almost walked into 701, but I quickly realized that we were in Cafe Atlantico land. Its sister restaurants surrounded us: Jaleo, Oyamel and Zaytinya, but it was Cafe Atlantico that won us over in the end. Carrie and I walked in, grabbed a table for two, ordered a round (or two) of drinks & a couple of appz, and began our night. Grilled octopus = yum, btw. And their guac trumps-over Rosa's any day. (Sorry, Rosa!) Vodka-sodas, standard.

After downing my second drink, we walked around the corner to the busy gallery. We made our way up the staircase, and were greeted by a couple of things: 1) tons of people (there to see about 90 artists and their displays), and 2) HEAT. With all those people in attendance, someone forgot to turn on the A/C. Splendid. We were seriously there for like 5 minutes, and then we walked out with our artist-friend and headed back to Metro. Back at Carrie's office, I changed into something more casual, and then we were off again... and we jumped into the first cab we saw.

(PS: I'm loving the metered cabs in DC. Such an improvement, BTW.)

We got dropped off in front of Mie N Yu on M Street, and we decided that we wouldn't go in. As usual, Mie N Yu is still hoppin. The sights and sounds of G-town were very Summery; and appropriately so. Tourists and locals dotted the sidewalks, bars were filled to capacity, and restaurant doors were opening and closing at every minute. The walk up Wisconsin Ave. from M St. was easy, and the night breeze cooled us down by the time we turned the corner at Zara. A line of restaurants awaited. We went into Cafe Milano, which was bustling, and we had a round at the bar. Vodka, hi. As soon as we were done there, we moved to an outdoor table next door at Peacock Cafe. I'm not sure I even knew what was going on as my mind already started to go fuzzy, but the next thing I knew we had drinks in front of us (Hello, friends!), followed by a salad and tuna tartare. Excellent.

After a couple of texts came through on both our phones, we paid our tab, and then walked back down to M St. and headed into Modern, where we were meeting up with more friends. Soon enough, another glass of vod made its way to my hands. Then a shot and a few more drinks later, and the night all-of-a-sudden became one of the best nights ever! I saw a lot of old friends, and even bumped into an old college buddy (I would've never thought to see Phu Diep at the club...! Haha!). The night was turning into a good one.

When we lost our friend, who was apparently in the bathroom after "reaching that point," we took that as our queue to leave. So we headed back to the street, hopped in another cab, and headed back to Carrie's office. I made it back home safely (Thank you, God!), and I laughed myself to sleep as I read the texts coming through to my phone... One of my friends apparently had a very-very "good" night. So good that she practically passed out in the car in front of her house. Lovely.

One thing is certain, and that is -- I am still, and may forever be, the 'Vodka Monster.'

THE MECHANICAL BULL HAS ENTERED THE BUILDING

Growing up in Ft. Washington, MD in the 80s & 90s, I had no exposure whatsoever to the mechanical bull. That kind of thing I only saw in movies or television shows. What else would you expect growing up in P. G. County --the wealthiest county in the nation with an African-American majority? There were no mechanical bulls to be found where I grew up. Back in the day, we had the Fort Foote Market to go to when we wanted Garbage Pail Kids or other snacks. We had to drive out to Springfield, VA for a decent mall (since there was no sense in driving to Landover or Iverson) to get our "I.O.U." sweatshirts from Merry Go Round. Even the restaurant scene was non-existent; before Bangkok Golden there was Shakey's in Livingston Square.

There was no place for a mechanical bull in P. G. County --then.

Nowadays, the mechanical bull has become somewhat symbolic in a way (for me, at least), but only since I've lived in Los Angeles. The Sunset Strip's Saddle Ranch Chop House is known for their mechanical bull. It's often the "jump off" spot on The Strip; you start there, and work your way down to Miyagi's or Chateau Marmont. SR is where some former "Real Worlders" and/or "Road Rulers" found themselves working after their stints with MTV. It's where masses of drunken women (and sometimes drunken men) dare to defy the odds of triumphing over the infamous "mechanical bull." On busy weekend nights, crowds of people surround SR's bull pen to watch as person after person after person would hop on the bull, thrash about as it rocked back and forth or up and down, and then finally be thrown off with nothing left but humiliation AND the adulation of drunk "fans" screaming at them from outside the pen. This is the scene that IS the SR in L.A. It's the place where I was taken as a visitor to L.A. back in the day, and the place where I now take my visitors to continue the chain of experience.

Now back to Ft. Washington, MD, and fast-forward to the present day --now.

I hear that the mechanical bull has made its way to the Metro DC area; in my parents' backyard, to be exact. How, why, when, why... how? I am clueless. But I guess it can only mean that Ft. Washington, MD has either (1) come a long way, or (2) has regressed. I choose to believe in option 1, Pat.

With the new National Harbor now up and operating in P. G. County, a slew of some of the nation's chainy and trendy fixtures are taking root there. Word is that the Aloft hotel has now opened; the Aloft is an offspring of Starwood Hotels, and boasts a boutique-ish/trendy "scene." Supposedly, L.A.'s Dolce was supposed to take root at the National Harbor, but it's more likely that its sister restaurant, Ketchup, will be the one to open up shop. Will it attract the Hollywood-esque crowd that it's used to? We have yet to find out. NYC's Rosa Mexicana now operates its second DC-area location at the Harbor. Local operations such as CakeLove, Bobby McKey's (dueling piano bar), and Grace's Mandarin proudly take their place alongside nationally known chains like Sauciety (at The Westin), McCormick & Schmick's, and Potbelly Sandwich Works. Even NYC's Bond 45 is expected to make an appearance at the Harbor soon.

What gets me, though, is the new "home" for the Harbor's own mechanical bull: Cadillac Ranch. Touted as an "All-American Bar & Grill," CR brings a bit of the SR-flavor to the Metro DC area. It may not have the same vibe as the Strip's SR (hot and very-accomodating bar tenders calling you to the bar as soon as you enter the Ranch's heavy velvety-curtained doorway, with an equally attractive & attentive wait staff; all actors and models, I'm sure), but it still brings that sense of Americana to that corner of the world by way of the mechanical bull. The next time I'm home, I have to check this place out. I must measure its potential against my knowledge and experience with SR. Part of me worries that CR will be way more conservative than it's L.A. cousin, but hey... everything comes with baby steps.

I think I'm gonna cry. Ft. Washington, MD is all grown-up. *tear*
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OK. So I just read somewhere on-line that both the Saddle Ranch (from CA) and Cadillac Ranch (from the East Coast) had each made their way to Arizona early last year; SR @ Old Town Scottsdale, and CR @ Tempe Marketplace. The "ranch" war that waged sort of came head-to-head once the area realized that there was room for both ranches in the greater Scottsdale/Tempe areas. CR edged where food was concerned, but SR had the edge on scene. But that's in Arizona. We're talkin' "mechanical bulls" in Ft. Washington here. Who knows how this will end up?

One thing is for sure... For me, the Saddle Ranch on Sunset will always have a special place in my heart. (sigh)