A strawberry-rhubarb pie is most definitely in order.
Jacques’s DC Food to Eat List: Late May Edition
DC Food News that makes me sad:
- Zola Wine and Kitchen at 9th & E has closed – it was one of my favorites for a special lunch treat, if a bit far afield.
DC Food News in the area of my office that makes me happy (or in the latter case, at least amused):
- Tel’veh has opened. Thisnew Mediterranean spot on the corner of 4th and Massachusettsfeatures coffee and pastries in the morning, sandwiches for lunch, and an upscale wine bar (eventually with outdoor seating) in the evenings.
- The New York Avenue Beach Bar opens tomorrow: brought to you by the owner of the Passenger, and featuring 80 tons of sand, food trucks, and cold drinks, this should continue to liven up the Mt. Vernon Triangle area (even though it’s technically just north of the triangle’s border…
More DC food news that makes me happy/excited:
- Union Market to open in June, with lots of food options: those who wish DC had a space like the Ferry Building in San Francisco, Chelsea Market in NYC, or Reading Terminal Market in Philly, will get their wish whenUnion Market opens next month at the spot of the old DC Farmers Market – around 6thStreet between NY and Florida Avenues. Developer Edens and Avant hasjust released some of the namesthat have signed onto the project, including mixologist Gina Chersevani (formerly of PS7s) who will be running a “boozy soda shop”, a few food trucks (including Takorean and DC Empanadas) that will open their first brick-and-mortar locations, and a dairy shop from the estimable Trickling Springs Creamery.
- Those who like Graffiato may wish to check out Bandolero, Mike Isabella’s new Mexican spot in Georgetown (photo above by R. Lopez for Eater DC), which opens tonight, and is offering reservations at http://bandolerodc.com. Liz and I already grabbed dinner reservations for a date night in June.
Popping a roast in the oven— pork chops and linguica (over potatoes, onions, garlic and celery) from the new Stachowski Market and Deli in Georgetown.
That place is going to get a lot of our money in the coming days, with phenomenal meats and sausages, and some other awesome treats, like Trickling Springs Creamery milk and Pequea Valley yogurt.
I think I need to make a run to NYC for some pantry-stocking!
Serious Eats did a 62-photo slideshow of one of my favorite stores in NYC:
The soul of the Kalustyan’s operation. You may think you’ve seen Indian grocery stores, but until you’ve seen Kalustyan’s, you don’t really know the meaning of holy-crap-that’s-a-lot-of-spices.It’s a great store no matter what you’re cooking. From about 50 varieties of honey to dozens of gluten-free flours, they stock it all. (When I go to a grocery store in the sticks I just sit there and marvel. So much space and so little selection.)
‘Crab’ chips, fruity Oreos? Big hits abroad
- Americans might get squeamish at the thought of their favorite snacks being tweaked. But what works in the US doesn’t always work elsewhere.
I’m a little bummed that I didn’t try the seafood flavored Ruffles (squid ink, maybe) in Thailand. Though I loved the sweet basil flavor.
On the precipice between obsession and revulsion…
Lester’s Fixins Sodas. This brand of soda comes in some very unusual flavors like Sweet Corn, Bacon, Buffalo Wing, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Coffee and Pumpkin Pie. It is specially crafted by Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shops and they have it available to purchase online.
It’s National Pretzel Day. Mmmmm
I like fake holidays in general, but this might mean time to visit the new Pretzel Bakery, in Hill East.
Weekend culinary highlight: Liz made these amazing double chocolate biscotti for an Italian-themed potluck.
Thanks to Joyce for the recipe!
(Note, we substituted pecans for walnuts, and they were equally delicious).
Gourmet coffee roaster Joel Finkelstein has long coveted a stall at the Dupont Circle farmers market, where face time with affluent food lovers could boost his sales and raise the visibility of Qualia, his cafe in Petworth. But Finkelstein and the rest of his coffee-roasting ilk are banned from participating in the renowned Sunday market and nine others operated by FreshFarm Markets. The nonprofit group allows only vendors who sell products from what they grow or raise on local farms and facilities. Which leaves purveyors of coffee, olive oil, shrimp and other non-local specialty foods on the sidelines. (via Purist farmers markets shun coffee roasters - The Washington Post)
Good questions about what makes a product local…
