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.)

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.'

EAST COAST HOLIDAY (PART II)...

And so my East Coast holiday week continued on...

TUESDAY: I woke-up to find my nephew asleep in the family room. Dad was quietly watching TV beside him, in case he happened to wake-up or start crying. I, on the other hand, bundled up and hopped into the car and drove into the city. Despite the freezing temps, the skies were clear, and the sun was shining. As I drove into the city, all the sights and sounds started to familiarize themselves with me once more. The monuments looked as grandiose as ever, the tourists were out despite the temps, and the beat of the city was steady and up-beat.

I drove up 17th Street, and passed thru the National Mall. Then I got on Connecticut, before taking a turn or two and finding myself along M Street. I led myself into Georgetown, and I was overcome with the sense that I was really "home." Winter in Georgetown is, to me, quite special. The sidewalks are crowded, restaurants are bustling, and the shops all call out to shoppers with an array of "sale" signs in different colors, shapes and sizes.

I crossed the Potomac via Key Bridge, and entered Arlington. I ended up at Shirlington to 1) grab a cup of Caribou Coffee (one of my "homecoming" rituals), and to 2) pick-up another bottle of wine (or two) at Harris Teeter. Then I headed back home to take care of my nephew, who is super adorable.

Later that night, I drove to Centerville to meet up with a gang of friends for a pre-Holiday get together. It was great to see the familiar faces, and to exchange stories and updates. After dinner, I headed back home with a pit-stop at The Cantina, where I helped myself to a couple of drinks. I went to bed a drunk man that night.

WEDNESDAY: Christmas Eve, for me, was spent with the kids. Joie dropped off Lexi and Noah at the house, and around 11AM, the parental units dipped out to hang with my aunt and uncle who were in town for the next few days only. I spent the next 9 hours being "Super Uncle." I had to learn how to handle the crying 5-month old AND tend to the needs of my four-year old niece as well. The first couple hours were quite nerve-wrecking. But once I got the hang of it, I was balancing life like a pro. I had Noah in one arm, while I chopped, prepped, and cooked a curried chicken rice salad, AND prepared little meals for my niece throughout the day. I juggled bottles, formula, food, diapers, tears, wailing, and "Ninong, can you play with me?" all throughout the day. By the time Mark and Joie came home, I was done. And though I needed a nap, the adrenaline I found just being around my neice and nephew was so great...

As a fam, we wrapped presents, and helped prepare food for Noche Buena (arroz caldo, fried Cornish hens, and other stuff). Lexi fell asleep soon after, but Noah stayed up for the count, and was all smiles when we greeted each other "Merry Christmas!"

THURSDAY: I got up and drove into Old Town to attend the 10AM Mass at St. Mary's. Mom/Dad served/attended Mass the night before, but I didn’t go with them since I was still babysitting the kids. Mark and Joie had a later start, so I went ahead of them.

I sat behind the most annoying couple with children ever; the guy was a total tool. I love kids, but it’s rare that I see parents playing with kids and encouraging them to act a fool AT CHURCH. Super distracto!

After Mass, I drove through Old Town to take in the sights once more. And I noticed a man coming out of the Starbucks at the end of King Street, so I bee-lined for the next available street meter. I ran inside, ordered a latte, and picked-up a couple of last-minute gifts. You gotta love Starbucks stores that are open on Christmas Day...!

I went back home to take part in more prep for Christmas dinner. Friends and fam trickled in and out through the night, and there was a lot of catching up, story-telling, and fun times to be shared.

FRIDAY: I had a late start to my day after being up late to clean up after the guests had gone. Mom passed out early, and Dad followed her a little later. My brother actually went into work early Friday morning, and Joie was prepping little Noah for his afternoon doctor appointment. I, on the other hand, was getting ready to drop my parents off at the National Theater in the city to watch West Side Story.

After dropping them off, I went to Pentagon City to meet up with an old elementary school friend. We had lost touch after graduating high school, but we ended up finding each other on Facebook (go figure). So we met up and hung out while my parentals were enjoying the show. We caught each other up on the latest and greatest, and then we reminisced about the good ol’ days.

When the show was over, I hurried back to scoop up Mom/Dad, and then we headed home. Mark and fam came back later that night, and then we hooked up with some friends and went to the Shadow Room just outside Foggy Bottom on K Street. Some other folks we know were planning on showing up there, so we gave the place a try. Some of the gang had trouble with getting in, but me and the siblings got in right away. When we all eventually got inside, we found Gina at the bar, and the night took it’s course. Sho’ nuff… We were plastered, and good times were had by all. Despite the wanna-be pretentious-ness of The Shadow Room (goodness, what a joke), we had a great time. And it was an added bonus to see some familiar faces (Rach, Ramir, Cookie, Edsel, Karen, etc.). Gina-G got sick, so we had to take her car and get out of the city. We ended up meeting the Enrico brothers at IHOP in Potomac Yard, where we – later on – ran into a bunch of other familiar faces (Gemini, Lauren, Joyce, John, Brandon, etc.). SMALL WORLD it is… that Metro DC area, I tell you. A fight broke out at the table next to us – where a random group of people were seated (some South Asian, a black girl, a few white girls, and some other Asians --- VERY random, but multi-cultural at best…ahaha!). Black girl and one of the Indian guys got in a fight. Coffee was thrown, as were other liquids, then they were asked to leave. GHETTO.

We finally got back to Ft. Washington, scooped up our car at Siena’s, and drove Gina back to her house… helped her to her door (poor thing fell out her car), and made sure she was inside. When we got home we found the kids asleep in the family room with their grandparents; of course, Nunu was placed in-between grandma and grandpa; little spoiled one. AHAHAHA.

SATURDAY: Got up late again, and Mark and fam got ready to attend the Villanueva family get-together. I, on the other hand, left for Waldorf in the afternoon to meet Juvale and Nikki at Starbucks. Mom and Dad got ready for a party of their own, too.

I met Jev and Nix in Waldorf, and I got to meet little Nadeya. She is such a cutie! It was so good to catch up with Nix and Jev, and so we hung out for about an hour just quickly catching up.

When that was over, I headed back home and started to pack. Mark and fam came back, and we eventually went to the pho place up the street for a quick bite. We saw Gina there, and later on Laya came through to join her.

After dinner, we went back to Mom’s/Dad’s and Mark and Joie started to pack away their things into their car. I started laundry, and started to pack my bag. I said my good-byes to my siblings and nephew and niece, and they were headed back to Lorton. I finished up packing, and got ready for bed.

SUNDAY: Mom/Dad and I got up early enough, and we headed to St. Columba for the 10:00AM Mass. After Mass, we scooped up my luggage, and then went to grab a bite in Alexandria. Uh, the parentals love Chinese buffets, so that’s what we did. Ugh. Then they dropped me off at Reagan, and the long journey back to L.A. began.

The journey itself was un-eventful. I did grab a bite at Bonfire by Todd English while waiting for my connecting flight at JFK – a great way to end my trip. I kicked off my personal holiday week with a dinner at TE’s Olives in DC, then wrapped-up at TE’s Bonfire in NY. Then it was back to L.A. for me.

It was a perfect Christmas… and I have memories to last me a lifetime. Thank you, family and friends, for helping me to find the holiday spirit that I couldn’t seem to find before.

POST-OKTOBERFEST

I hosted my very first "dinner/gathering" at home this past Friday night. It was a post-Oktoberfest themed soiree, complete with lots of beer and food (bratwurst & cabbage slow cooked stew, cucumber/dill salad, potato salad w/bacon and mustard, roasted pork loin and sweet & sour cabbage). Family and friends brought over everything from cupcakes to streudel to wine to more beer to even mochi and beer coqs (which, btw, were the best things ever... look it up to find out what it is). There ended up being a nice mix of different things at the table, but the festive air was definitely Oktoberfest-ish ---just like being in Munich. OK, maybe not that serious, but there was great company nonetheless.

I'm already getting the ideas rollin' for the next get-together. Aside from the Thanksgiving day feast that we are already planning for, I am thinking of throwing a pre-Christmas thing at the apartment -- this time with an Italian or Spanish theme. Italian and/or Spanish food seems quite festive and hearty - the perfect Winter-esque meal for the holidays. If not, I'll go for an Irish feel and serve up lots of bangers and mash with cases of Guiness served alongside it. Whatever the case may be, I'm looking forward to hosting - and getting my cooking chops back in order.

***

I'm anticipating a busy couple of days. My Godsis is going to be in town for the next day or two for work. My nephew and his fiancee are planning on having an "L.A." weekend for their 7th year anniversary. Another friend might be in town for a wedding this weekend. I'm starting to feel a bit flustered and overwhelmed. But at the same time, I'm just throwing my hands in the air, and allowing whatever is supposed to happen happen. I've also got plans to venture into WeHo for Halloween on Wednesday, and then a couple of friends and I are in the audience for The Late Late Show w/Craig Ferguson after work on Thursday. So there's a lot going on. Throw in plans for my share of the Thanksgiving meal, and then trying to get as much Christmas shopping done between now and a date early-enough for me to send off my presents so that they reach the East Coast on time, and I'm one busy fcuker.

A good friend of mine will be in town just a day or two after Thanksgiving, and I've already got reservations at Coast (in Santa Monica) and Charcoal (in Hollywood). And I can't wait for Brasserie Beck back in DC... whenever that'll happen...

The foodie in me is ready to be unleashed yet again... (It's been a while...)