Food & Drink 2015
Summer Whitford
Freelance lifestyle writer
United States of America
United States of America
Food & Drink 2015
If your bubbie serves sweet, red, kosher wine at Seder but you want to bring a variety that tastes good too, don't fret. Kosher wines are not what they used to be. You can find wonderful red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines that suit your palate and comply with strict kosher laws.
Filipino food is hot, hot, hot in D.C. and diners are open to new Peruvian cuisine experiences beyond standard rotisserie chicken menus. Savvy restaurateurs are offering guests special dinners that include a chance to pair each dish with a choice of beer or wine and thus are expanding our horizons.
If it swims in water and has fins, scales, gills, or a carapace, chances are it's on the new spring and summer menus popping up all over Washington, D.C. Seafood may be a healthier option for some, but that doesn't mean locals aren't prone to carnivore and carb cravings.
Despite our familiarity with Jack Daniel's, the whiskey, many people don't know much about the history of the distillery or the man who started it. Jack Daniel's is more than just a brand; it's an iconic symbol of Southern charm and hospitality. Jack Daniel's embodies the spirit of Jack Daniel, the founder and brand's first master distiller.
This week's line-up is a case of tipples, taps, totaling, and tips on cake and the plethora of drink-related activities is proof we are living up to our stats that show, per capita, that we D.C. residents consume more alcoholic beverages than any other city in America.
New chefs and the early arrival of summer heat call for new menus that keep you sated and hydrated and this week, there are classic Sunday suppers, cocktails that will make you see RED, creamy, frozen "shaketails," and rare sweets. And yes, there are crabs a plenty along with a catfish fry that's good for the environment.
Americans are finally embracing our own regional food roots while appreciating the beauty of Asian cuisine-and dining in the DMV reflects this. There is a café in Arlington serving radical twists on Southern fare, while in Penn Quarter, an ambitious chef is exploring traditional Thai flavors using local Chesapeake region ingredients.
Authenticity in people, and in wine, is a rare quality. It elevates character and requires a sincere dedication to quality.
Washington, D.C. runs hot and cold in May (actually), but Washingtonians eagerly await its arrival because the Nationals are playing, patios are open for outdoor dining, and soft shell crab season has arrived. It's also a popular time of year for new restaurant openings, and this month there are a slew of new eateries to add to your must-hit list.
Thanks to the arrival of food incubators and pop-up spaces, D.C.'s restaurant sector continues to get a fresh infusion of new dining options and they all come ready to serve district drinkers top-notch hooch. Desperate for fresh air, Washingtonians are always on the lookout for a seat outdoors, but spring can't decide if it wants to stay a while or let summer's swelter set in.
It has taken a few years, but the District has made it onto some of the big food and drink road tours and festivals (think Lamb Jam and Cochon 555) so now there's a wider variety of flavors for locavore food-lovers to discover. And slowly, we are seeing the arrival of underrepresented international cuisines on chef's menus.
There are wines with a following and then there are wines that, like Tolkien's infamous three rings, are so precious their followers will go to any length to possess the wine-and Cakebread Cellars inspires this kind of fierce devotion and loyalty.
Now that spring is here, and summer isn't far behind, people are anxious to entertain and light, fresh menus and want to serve a complementary wine. Gone are the days of cold weather that call for hearty reds. Warmer weather calls for a wine that's as light and fun as the food and the perfect wine is a crisp, tasty rosé.
Now that spring is here, and summer isn't far behind, people are anxious to entertain and light, fresh menus and want to serve a complementary wine. Gone are the days of cold weather that call for hearty reds. Warmer weather calls for a wine that's as light and fun as the food and the perfect wine is a crisp, tasty rosé.
It doesn't matter whether your mother lives nearby or is halfway across the planet, on Mother's Day you had better give your mom some love. This is her big day, and this popular (some might say needed or obligatory) holiday gives women the chance to bask in their families' public display of appreciation and affection.
On the go but don't know where to lunch? Consider a bento box. Or maybe you're interested in a lifestyle change and want to live large? We show you where you can channel your inner suomo rikishi. This week's menus offer a range of cultural experiences designed to satisfy even the most adventurous eaters.
"I only drink champagne when I'm happy, and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company, I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I am not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it - unless I'm thirsty."
On the go but don't know where to lunch? Consider a bento box. Or maybe you're interested in a lifestyle change and want to live large? We show you where you can channel your inner suomo rikishi. This week's menus offer a range of cultural experiences designed to satisfy even the most adventurous eaters.
Just a few years ago, finding a local brew in the District was like the proverbial quest for the Holy Grail. Now though, brew pubs are popping up all over the place and out-of-town brewers have discovered there's fertile ground here for a thriving beer scene.
Cinco de Mayo is one of those popular holidays that inspire Americans to celebrate Mexican culture by throwing back tequila drinks and eating authentic Mexican food. The point is to have a party, even if the majority of the celebrants are under the wrong impression that May 5 is a celebration of Mexican Independence Day.
It's an old cliché that April showers bring May flowers. For some artistically inclined chefs in Washington D.C., May flowers inspire a colorful motif for new spring menus. When it comes to dining out, we are more than power restaurants, ethnic eateries, and posh hotels.
And we're off! District food- and spirit-lovers can sample food with a Southern drawl, get gussied up for a Derby social, and sip their way from one potent party to the next, but we love variety in our diet.
City Tap House Love your mother? Then celebrate Earth Day with a cold draft at City Tap House . All day Wednesday, April 22, you can drink six earth-friendly beers from three Vermont breweries for $5 to $8 dollars each. The breweries include Long Trail Brewing Company , Otter Creek Brewing , and Wolaver's Organic Ales .
Based on our proclivity for the drink, the District could be considered the imbibing capital of our country as much as it's the seat of our national government. We hold the distinction of being the city that drinks more wine, beer, and spirits per capita than any other city in the U.S.
April 17, 2015 8:00 AM In a city where history is made everyday, landmarks, parks, and gardens dot the urban landscape, which means Washingtonians and visitors have plenty of exciting picnic options.
Whether you are serving sushi or prefer sashimi as a standalone, the question asked most frequently is, "If I don't want to drink sake, which wine should I serve with my sashimi?" The answer is, "That depends."
As more restaurants, hotels, and gourmet food stores create proprietary garden plots for their produce needs, District diners can choose which just-picked salad or vegetable dish is freshest. This local, in-the-moment approach has taken hold at the bar, too, and clever cocktails that make use of the best juices, zests, and homemade bitters are showing up on drink menus around the city.
Patios, rooftops, sidewalks, and even front stoopS are fair game when Washingtonians can't wait to dine al fresco. We know that the pounding heat of summer temps are not far off so this is the time when we frantically look for a seat at any outdoor dining venue.
If you have ever longed for the luxurious textures and flavors of pâté de foie gras, the inimitable aromas of truffles, or searched for duck breasts at the grocery store, you can thank Ariane Daguin, founder and CEO of D'Artagnan, for putting these gourmet foods on the shelves at Safeway, Giant, Dean & DeLuca, and hundreds of other stores.
If you have ever struggled to choose the right wines for your dinner party menu, imagine the Herculean effort it takes to pair wines with an opulent five-course meal that includes foie gras, duck, truffles, steak tartare, and dessert. This sumptuous menu was recently served at a 30 year anniversary party for D'Artagnan, the internationally renowned gourmet food company.
There are only seven days left until tax day and depending on your financial situation, you may need a drink to fortify you while you labor over tax forms. Pas de panique! Washington, D.C.'s cocktail scene offers a plethora of watering holes and eateries that will slake your need for a drink with some kick.
In the good old days before Napa Valley became the land of millionaires and celebrities, most folks got into the business because they were grape farmers who wanted to try their hand at wine making, not become wealthy darlings of the media.
Russian River Valley is definitive cool climate American wine country: rolling tree covered hills, Pacific Ocean fog, sun kissed days, and compatible soil compositions make it heaven for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other temperate climate grapes. Wines from this part of Sonoma County rival those produced in any region.
Every year, more than 1 million people visit the District for the National Cherry Blossom Festival .This 24-day festival celebratesour country's friendship with Japan and their gift of the now famous Yoshino cherry trees. Like a strand of pink jewels, these blooming trees line the Tidal Basin each spring and create a pastel landscape worthy of an impressionist's paint brush.
We have three words to describe the March weather swings in Washington, D.C.: roller coaster ride. Cabin fever has the population in its grip as Washingtonians anxiously await the permanent arrival of warmer weather.
We know that dedicated foodies explore their cities on their bellies and revive themselves with an array of potent potables, so every week we highlight unique or edutaining food and drink events that appeal to your inner Gourmet. March has been packed with culinary happenings and it looks like April and May are going to be just as appetizing.
To welcome spring, look for an inventive, refreshing cocktail at Black's Bar & Kitchen has launched three new cocktails to get you in the swing of things.
Cherry Blossom Food and Fun Be a part of 's biggest floral celebration and a historic cultural event: dine beneath gorgeous pink flower canopies on the Tidal Basin. Each year one million people visit D.C.
It's #FrancophileFriday and tonight we are tasting wine from the Rhône Valley ,which is blessed with an ancient wine culture that goes back 2,000 thousand years. What makes their wines so attractive to wine lovers is: they offer a range of styles made with a wide variety of grapes that offer quality and value.
This week we are celebrating #FrancophileFriday by exploring , one of the two most important appellations in the region of Touraine in the romantic Loire Valley. Touraine is named for the ancient city of Tours, and Touraine has been the personal hunting ground, forest, and playground of the kings of France since the 15th century.
Grab your friends, put on your party dress, and head over to ENO Wine Bar in Georgetown for their Oscar Viewing Party, Sunday, February 22. Watch all of the glitz and glam of the 87th Academy Awards on one of ENO's high definition flat screen TV's.
701 Restaurant Washington, D.C. doesn't often get to host Napa Valley winemakers, but on February 27 at 7 p.m. 701 Restaurant , and their guests, will be joined by Sean McBride, the acclaimed winemaker and owner of Crosby Roamann Winery in Napa Valley.
Food and wine trends may come and go, but wine lovers know finding new wine from lesser known, quality regions is the best way to enjoy wonderful wine that offers value too. At the top of the list for new regions to explore is Austria.
Each year, Valentine's Day is met with equal amounts of dread and amorous anticipation by singles and couples everywhere. In our nation's capital, the choice of where to go, what to eat, and what to give ranges from romantic nights at elegant, boutique hotels, to six-course tasting menus in gourmet Italian restaurants, to exclusive gifts at luxury goods stores.
Washington, D.C. is has always been a city with a wide range of dining options and cultural attractions, and Valentine's Day is no different. We wanted to compile a list for this year that was more than just a rundown of restaurants that were too expensive for most people to afford, or just weren't offering interesting food.
Presidents' Day Celebrations Acadiana Rather than lump all our presidents together on one day, is celebrating Abraham Lincoln's 206 th birthday with a special prix fixe menu that includes oyster stew with a buttermilk biscuit; chicken fricassee with Andouille sausage, and Mahatma rice; and apple pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Bibiana Osteria Enoteca Bibiana has always been an oasis of style and superb dining, and with new executive chef Jake Addeo in charge, the menus have been reinvented to encourage guests to explore what's on offer, especially during happy hour.
In honor of Martin Luther King Day, we thought we would celebrate wine making diversity in two different ways: by celebrating a winemaker who breaks the mold on Sauvignon Blanc styles in the US, and by showcasing an exceptional winemaker who is African American, namely Christopher Christensen, winemaker and partner at Bodkin Wines in Healdsburg, California.
We aren't sure what's driving the trend, but lately there have been several new Asian-themed restaurants and menus popping up around D.C. (don't misunderstand us, it's deliciously exciting). There are Japanese ramen shops and izakayas, Korean restaurants, Filipino pop-ups, and full service places to try.
If your bubbie serves sweet, red, kosher wine at Seder but you want to bring a variety that tastes good too, don't fret. Kosher wines are not what they used to be. You can find wonderful red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines that suit your palate and comply with strict kosher laws.
Passover is just around the corner. For some, the preparations for Seder involve a panicked trip to the local wine store to hunt down a suitable kosher wine that may or may not be enjoyable to drink.
We're crossing our fingers that spring is really here to stay, and you know what that means: dining al fresco, lighter food and drink, and the dreaded three-way mirror visit. Luckily, there are a few local chefs introducing new menus designed to keep the pounds off so you can indulge in other foods without blowing your entire healthy eating regime.
Living in the District can sometimes feel claustrophobic with the traffic jams, new construction, and buzz of activity, and sometimes the best antidote is a short trip to the country. A chance to breathe in fresh air and slow down the pace can really boost your morale, and lucky for us, right in our backyard are Virginia wineries to visit and verdant horse country that's easily covered on foot.
Burgundy wine-lovers and fans of Burgundy-style Oregon and California Pinot Noir, mark your calendars and make your reservations. The Four Seasons is a hosting a wine dinner to celebrate the launch of the West Burgundy Wine Group 's portfolio. The reception and dinner are being held Thursday, March 12 in Seasons Restaurant and it's sure to be a meal to remember.
Name a trending food, rare delicacy, or tasty treat and there is a devoted fan who knows where to score the best of his, or her, forbidden food. Luckily, doughnut love is openly allowed and accepted, and Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken has a full menu from which to choose.
National Wine Week started Monday at Smith & Wollensky and it runs through to Friday, March 13. As far as we're concerned, it's just one more reason to sample some new wines.
Black's Bar and Kitchen Black's Bar & Kitchen has launched three new refreshing cocktails to ring in spring. There is the zesty Low Ryeder, made with Catoctin Creek Roundstone rye, habanero shrub, agave, and ruby red grapefruit; the palate-gripping 'Till The Bitter End made with FAIR quinoa vodka, amaro, blood orange, local herbs, and ginger beer; and a tangy dram with a hit of heat called Basil's Jalap-in It that includes Olmeca Altos blanco tequila, jalapeno, basil, and lime.
Annie's Second Annual Ladies Night Ladies, grab your best friend, a tool belt, and head over to Annie's Ace Hardware in Petworth for their Second Annual Ladies Night and Charity Fundraiser . The big day is Tuesday, March 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Blue Star Families - a national, nonprofit network by and for military families from all ranks and branches of the military, provides service members and their families with vital education and employment programs. On February 24, they celebrated their fifth anniversary at a gala event at the stately U.S.
Brewer's Ball DC 2015 On Saturday, March 7, from 7 p.m. to midnight, the matchboxfoodgroup is hosting the tenth-annual DC Brewer's Ball at The National Building Museum . It's a culinary extravaganza designed to raise funds for the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation .
Bourbon Steak Whether you are a Napa Valley wine neophyte or expert, few names are as renowned as Duckhorn so why not sip a glass or two while enjoying a fabulous meal in the lovely dining room of Bourbon Steak . On Sunday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m.
701 Restaurant Happy hour hounds in search of upscale fare that's easy on the wallet have many choices on the new happy hour menu at 701 Restaurant . This Penn Quarter dining spot is now featuring a tasty selection of signature cocktails, wines by the glass, and bar snacks for $7 each.
Last fall, ENO Wine Bar launched their Sunday wine classes called ENOversity. The classes sold out quickly and were such a huge hit, they now offer them monthly. Led by ENO's certified sommeliers, Sabrina Kroeger and Roberto Picado, these monthly sessions offer fun, casual, educational tasting experiences.
Washingtonians are avid wine drinkers and adore California wines. However, finding a diverse selection of California wines, in quantity, isn't always easy. Happily, Bourbon Steak wine tasting dinnersoffer plenty of opportunities to taste superb California wine and enjoy equally an equally fantastic meal.
701 Restaurant If Lent isn't really on your radar, why not go whole hog and dine on every part of the pig except the squeal?
In September 2014, Colman Andrews , co-founder of Saveur and editorial director of The Daily Meal , declared that Richmond was the "next great American food city," and Fire, Flour & Fork aims to celebrate its induction.
Recently, Washington, D.C. has seen the arrival, or learned about the anticipated arrival, of modern Parisian cafés, American restaurants, pubs, sandwich shops, and haute cuisine temples from both coasts. What's Happening in D.C. (Slideshow) It seems D.C.
This Wednesday consider an alternative to California Chardonnay: try a superb example from winemaker Elena Walch from Alto Adige. Her eponymous estate produces wines as breathtaking as the surrounding landscape. Built during the Habsburg Empire, in 1620, Castel Ringberg sits a midst emerald green rolling hillsides like the crown jewel in a diadem.
Travel
Blue Duck Lounge, Park Hyatt Each year, Park Hyatt hotels around the globe host Masters of Food & Wine events designed to celebrate artisanal, seasonal food and drink. On Saturday, February 28, Park Hyatt D.C. will host "Froth, Fromage, and Fermentation" from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Blue Duck Lounge .
Washington, DC doesn't often get to host Napa Valley winemakers, but on February 27 at 7:00 p.m. 701 Restaurant, and their guests, will be joined by Sean McBride, the acclaimed winemaker and owner of Crosby Roamann Winery in Napa Valley.
Just when we thought we'd finished out list for Valentine's Day, we came across a few other ideas we just had to share. Yes, there is still time to make plans, which is why we've put together this short supplement to our other two Valentine's Day roundups.
Thanks to obsessed sommeliers, wine educators, and women who love bubbly, sparkling wine from around the world has had record sales in the last three years--and it won't be changing anytime soon. So what is it about bubbly that captures the hearts of people like Winston Churchill, Napoleon, Madame Pompadour, and Marilyn Monroe?
High in the Swiss Alps, few rustic dishes are as hearty or beloved as aromatic raclette. This warming winter dish is served at Blue Duck Tavern every evening during the winter months at 6:00 p.m., is priced at $18 per serving, and is easily shared between two people.
Assuming old man winter doesn't put the kibosh on things with a big winter storm, Blue Duck Tavern is hosting two wine tasting dinners entitled "A Taste of Napa Valley." The dinners will feature two of Napa Valley's most recognized and iconic winemakers, Peter Franus, founder of Peter Franus Wine Company, and Michael Mondavi, son of Robert Mondavi, and founder of Michael Mondavi Family Estate.
Lying just at the edge of Carneros' cool moderating fog from San Pablo Bay, is Napa Valley and the Peter Franus vineyards. The vines here are happily blessed with a quintessential Mediterranean climate that fills the valley with sunny days and cool nights.
From his sprawling estate at Monticello , Thomas Jefferson's journal entries about life on the farm were love letters to the seasons, the miracle of growing fruits and vegetables, the art of the table, and the necessity for good drink. He was our nation's most articulate and esteemed gourmand at the time, and our entertainer-in-chief.
City Tap House Monday, January 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., City Tap House is hosting a cask brunch that includes two special beers from Laughing Dog Brewing for $7 each: the IPA and the Alpha Dog Double IPA.
This week we are tasting a luscious Cabernet Franc from or #FrancophileFriday. This important appellation lies in the heart of the region of Touraine in the romantic Loire Valley. Pinot Noir lovers will appreciate the Cabernet Franc-based wines from Chinon for their heady aromas, supple body, soft tannins, spicy fruit, and acidic verve.
suffers from a dearth of bakeries that prepare their own quality Old World-style pastries and desserts. But that is about to change, thanks to Bakers & Baristas soft opening next Wednesday, January 21. Aaron Gordon's laid-back, friendly nature belies his role as the force behind successful foodie haunts like Drafting Table and in the 14 th Street Corridor.
It's #WineWednesday and that means it's time to explore what's doing in the wide world of wine. In DC, our bi-annual Restaurant Week begins in five days. This year, Winter Restaurant Week 2015 runs from Sunday, January 19 to Monday, January 25, and for some, this week-long event represents the ultimate in delectable dining on a dime.
Although Rasteau is more famous for its Vin Doux Naturel fortified wines, some talented winemakers in Rasteau produce stellar wines nicknamed "baby Châteauneuf-du-Papes," in a nod to Rasteau's more regal cousin just about 12 km to the southeast. What really matters about this wine is it's drinkable nature and low price points (often between $10 to $15).
Coming off the heels of holiday feasting and gift-giving mayhem, January is often a month of reflection. Serious, contemplative types examine their lives and resolve to do better in the coming year. Foodies, on the other hand, tend to resolve to dine out more often, eat better, and make other sorts of gustatory resolutions.
If you are in the mood for affordable, authentic, Austin-style Tex-Mex from the granpappy of Tex-Mex, and you dig a cantina with a kitschy vibe, then this Thursday, January 8, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., all the stars are aligned. Why? Chuy's is celebrating Elvis Presley's 80th birthday .
Southern food is "in." You can tell because chefs across the country are rediscovering and reinventing old foodways. More importantly, Americans, and not just Southerners, are embracing our own food heritage and preserving, revamping, and reimagining Southern food. At the forefront of this vanguard are visionary like Jason Alley of Pasture and Comfort restaurants.
Richmond is the capitol of the Commonwealth of Virginia, but is also becoming the darling of food and travel gurus. Frommer's voted it a Top Destination in 2014 , My Life.com ranked it #3 on Best Mid-Sized Cities in America for Food Lovers, and just two months ago, Colman Andrews, co-founder of Saveur magazine and The Daily Meal, declared Richmond the "next great American food city ."
Here\'s what to eat and drink for every food lover in the District this Halloween
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.
See what real writers say about Village of Vézelay. Village of Vézelay is part of the No contests going forward Writing and Photography Contest.
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.
Features
TUDOR NIGHTS: BELLINIS IN THE GARDEN Date: Thursday, June 2, 2011 Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Place: Tudor Place Historic House and Garden Address: 1644 31st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007 Phone: 202.965.0400 Email: mailto:[email protected] Reservations: Required Tickets: Tickets for members are free, nonmember tickets are $10 Website: http://www.tudorplace.org/ If your summer daydreams run more to Jane Austen than Jane Rule, you should accept Tudor Place's gracious invitation to be...
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.
American winemakers have a reputation for being daring pioneers who aren't afraid to experiment in the vineyard. The Rhone Rangers are no exception. So who are these guys and gals? According to their website they are: "America's leading non-profit, educational organization dedicated to promoting American Rhone varietal wines."
Photo Credit: mccun934
Saddle up your ponies wine pokes and head on over to the National Museum of Natural History; the Rhone Rangers are comin' to town June 8-9. Twenty-four member wineries will be pouring their wines as part of the Smithsonian's third annual Sustainable Seafood Conference. But you had better hurry; one seminar has already sold out!
Food & Drink 2014
Still looking for the right gift for a food-loving friend or co-worker? Consider giving the gift of a seafood dinner from Legal Sea Foods . They have your holiday gift giving wrapped up with their Holiday Fishes promotion and, thankfully, it doesn't come in fish wrap.
Christmas and New Year's Eve are busy, happy, festive times in DC and there is never a shortage of fun things to see and do throughout the season. From Capitol Hill to Foggy Bottom, there are all sorts of New Year's Eve parties, tasting dinners, and more.
Brunch is a funny thing. Love it or hate it, there are certain holidays or occasions that call for a well presented buffet of breakfast goodies shored up by the hearty fare typically served at lunch.
D.C. residents love fancy dress parties, late-night toasts, and drinking Champagne any time of year, so you can imagine what the city is like on New Year's Eve. Depending on the zip code, there are costume parties, fireworks displays, and secret soirées overlooking the Capitol and White House, but the most popular celebrations always include great food.
If you want to avert any potential Christmastime kitchen nightmares, there are alternatives - you can actually phone it in. That's right. Order all or part of your meal ahead, pick it up, and head home without ever having to change out of your sweats and slippers.
NEW RESTAURANT OPENING. Foodies in search of freshly prepared, authentic Middle Eastern fare in the Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights areas don't have to trek far for delicious food now that One to One Lebanese Bistro has moved into the former Shawarma Spot space.
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee is introducing four new seasonal gelato and sorbetto flavors just in time for Christmas. Priced at $60, their Christmas Package includes four pints of gelato and sorbetto. As their website says, "Four pints, shipping included. Could it get any sweeter?"
Christmastime in Washington, D.C. is lovely and lively with wreath-trimmed streetlights, swanky cocktail parties at embassies, and the sparkling national Christmas tree shining like a welcoming beacon.
Nage Bistro invites Washingtonians to beat the chill with their new collection of hot cocktails and warm winter snacks (available through February 15). Three drinks sure to get your blood flowing include the Nage Coffee with Bailey's Irish Cream, amaretto, Frangelico, and Godiva chocolate liqueur; Café L'Orange with Grand Marnier, Cointreau, and cinnamon; and Fire Cider with Dr. McGillicuddy's Fireball cinnamon whisky, hot cider, and whipped cream.
14th Street Corridor Domenico Apollaro, chef de cuisine at , has debuted his tasty winter menu for the holidays. Known for creating authentic menus that celebrate rustic Italian cuisine, he didn't disappoint with his winter menu this year. Selections include antipasti and small plates of seafood, and meat dishes from Emilia-Romagna, Sicily, and Sardinia, balanced by seasonal contorni.
Here are our picks for the best places to order Thanksgiving take-out in D.C.
Give your Sunday a fun-day boost and get schooled in the art of sushi rolling at Masa 14. Renowned chef Richard Sandoval's hip 14th Street restaurant has become a go-to spot for Asian and Latin fare, but their Sushi Sunday School is a sold-out hit with diners. [related]
Here are our picks for the best Thanksgiving dinners served in D.C.
Well, he's done it. 's Robb Duncan has worked his magic and created three new divine frozen desserts based on the sweets he loved as a kid for the residents of Washington D.C. Duncan is a true trick-or-treater at heart with a penchant for rich, dark chocolate.
Despite our familiarity with Jack Daniel's, the whiskey, many people don't know much about the history of the distillery or the man who started it. Jack Daniel's is more than just a brand; it's an iconic symbol of Southern charm and hospitality. Jack Daniel's embodies the spirit of Jack Daniel, the founder and brand's first master distiller.
Which tea or tonic helps you get the most Zzzs? Find out which herbs and ingredients can help put you to bed. (Cred
If you've ever found yourself so dog-tired on a Friday night that even frozen dinner from the microwave seems too much to tackle, don't worry. I have just what you need: a list of fabulous restaurants that will deliver right to your door or have everything ready for you to pick up on your way home.
There's nothing quite like a great drink to transport you to another time and place, or at least state of mind.
Bloody Marys can be as creative as the person mixing them, whether they switch up the spirits, spices, ingredients, or garnish.
Coming up with a list of the 101 best pizzerias in America is a formidable task. Pizza is arguably our most varied and beloved culinary genre, one whose followers are some of the most opinionated, and yet it remains one of the most accessible foods there is.
It's #WineWednesday, and if you are a Rioja lover, this wine should be on your list. It will probably come as a surprise, but not just because the wine isn't an oaky red. No, we think it will surprise you because it's a lip smacking rosado (aka, pink wine that's NOT sweet) that will haunt you.
Few things evoke the bracing, salty spray of the ocean like a freshly shucked oyster. Unlike other denizens of the deep, oysters tend to divide diners into one of two camps-there are oyster lovers and those who can't imagine eating them.
Instructions: 1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottom skillet over high heat, get the oil hot, and then add the mushrooms. 2. Sauté the mushrooms and stir them until they have absorbed all the oil and start to turn golden, but not brown. 3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
There's great food everywhere you turn in the nation's capital
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Travel
Giverny, Haute-Normandie, France Rest your gaze on any spot and your eyes will compose a priceless Monet masterpiece. The golden light, the ponds, the weeping trees, the green arched footbridge- déjà vu, like a half-dream-we've all been here before. Monet brought us here.
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer CITE DE L'AUTOMOBILE, Schlumpf Collection is part of the No contests going forward Writing and Photography Contest.
Books
Alexandria, VA In the hustle and bustle of politics as usual, Washingtonians easily forget the history that surrounds them. Just 16 miles from DC is George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Getting there is a pleasure if you drive the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway or take a boat up the Potomac River.
This cookbook, the companion to the award-winning Discovery Channel television series by the same name, was written as a travel guide for world class gastronomes. It features traditional, regional specialties, and elegant contemporary dishes, prepared by renowned Michelin and Relais & Châteaux chefs from Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain. Summer was the Food Stylist for the cookbook cover, as well as a Contributing Editor, and in this role she provided nine of her original...
Food & Drink Prior to 2014
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2009. Summer Whitford. All rights reserved.