Saturday, August 29, 2009
Justin's Cupcakes
Before finally securing an outlet to get back online, I secured a Red Velvet cupcake by this guy. Apparently he doesn't have his own storefront yet, but I hear one is opening in McClean soon. Cupcakes are delicious. Actually much better than Red Velvet in Metro Center, on par with Hello Cupcake in Dupont (not even close to Georgetown Cupcake, but is anything as good as Georgetown Cupcake? No.)
Chinatown Coffee: True minimalism
The irony of Chinatown Coffee is not lost on me. Apparently they limit the number of outlets that are available to customers (I got the last open table to find there was no outlet in sight). My poor little 3-year old Toshiba lasts a maximum of 30 minutes. So yeah.
Anyway, I'm pretty impressed with the place. Genuinely minimal. Not like, "We went to Ikea and bought minimalist Swedish furniture" but like, minimal as in just tables and chairs, unfinished brick wall, one single orange color on the opposing wall, stainless steel accents and, of course, no outlets. Now that is minimal.
My iced coffee (a summer staple of mine with two splenda and room for half & half) is pretty good as well as the music and general commraderie of the people here. I actually saw a couple walk in ready to camp out and study together, only to find no empty tables. A random guy reading his book saw them and said "Take the other half of my table... I don't need all the room." They are now discussing a Latin American book that one of them was reading. And now, as I was writing that, another gentleman asked if he could sit at the table next to them. They have just formed an odd, happy little table of people drinking coffee and eating cupcakes. I like that.
Time to go before my laptop powers down. Looks like Chinatown Coffee has succeeded in forcing me to forgo the internet and actually read my book. I like that, too.
Anyway, I'm pretty impressed with the place. Genuinely minimal. Not like, "We went to Ikea and bought minimalist Swedish furniture" but like, minimal as in just tables and chairs, unfinished brick wall, one single orange color on the opposing wall, stainless steel accents and, of course, no outlets. Now that is minimal.
My iced coffee (a summer staple of mine with two splenda and room for half & half) is pretty good as well as the music and general commraderie of the people here. I actually saw a couple walk in ready to camp out and study together, only to find no empty tables. A random guy reading his book saw them and said "Take the other half of my table... I don't need all the room." They are now discussing a Latin American book that one of them was reading. And now, as I was writing that, another gentleman asked if he could sit at the table next to them. They have just formed an odd, happy little table of people drinking coffee and eating cupcakes. I like that.
Time to go before my laptop powers down. Looks like Chinatown Coffee has succeeded in forcing me to forgo the internet and actually read my book. I like that, too.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Dentist Woes
I don't know if anyone else has had this experience, but leaving your dentist of 20 years for a new one--especially when you have to have something done besides a cleaning--can be a bit stressful. My experience did turn out better than anticipated. I felt much more relieved when I saw pictures on the office walls of my new dentist with Senator Bob Dole and Condoleeza Rice. If he was good enough for them... well, that works for me.
Monday, August 24, 2009
There are good people in the world.
An Expedia customer service representative named Andy came through for me tonight. Thanks to him, I was able to complete my piece-meal booking to Iowa by way of Omaha to visit the boyfriend over Labor Day weekend (2 weeks... 2 weeks). I had to book two one-way tickets (departure to Omaha, then a return flight from Des Moines) just to make it affordable and at decent departure times. After the stupid website put a hold on my credit card, he took it upon himself to call my credit card company to get the needless authorization hold lifted and then proceeded to book the flight for me. Let's hope the actual flight goes just as smoothly.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Recipe of the day
I was a little undecided on what to make for dinner tonight so I went with a steak salad since I
had just gone to Safeway (I know, I know, it's not Trader Joe's but it works in a pinch). I realized I didn't have blue cheese dressing or ranch--which usually goes well with a steak salad--so I improvised with a honey dijon vinaigrette:
Honey
Olive oil
Dijon mustard
Salt
Fresh-ground black pepper
White vinaigrette
Whisk together ingredients and voile! (I looked up a quick recipe online and basically you can just add as you go and season to taste.)
Toss this with chopped romaine hearts and onion then layer with sauteed steak. It will probably not hold a candle to what is made on Iron Chef tonight but at least I tried.
had just gone to Safeway (I know, I know, it's not Trader Joe's but it works in a pinch). I realized I didn't have blue cheese dressing or ranch--which usually goes well with a steak salad--so I improvised with a honey dijon vinaigrette:Honey
Olive oil
Dijon mustard
Salt
Fresh-ground black pepper
White vinaigrette
Whisk together ingredients and voile! (I looked up a quick recipe online and basically you can just add as you go and season to taste.)
Toss this with chopped romaine hearts and onion then layer with sauteed steak. It will probably not hold a candle to what is made on Iron Chef tonight but at least I tried.
Room 11 and Ulah Bistro
Room 11:
Sadly there was nothing open until about five on a Saturday afternoon so Cindy recommended that we try Room 11 in Columbia Heights of which I am now a huge fan: it was very small--could only hold about 25 people at a time (one booth, a bar, and rails along the window), but it had a very quaint, neighborhood feel. Cream-colored walls, rustic wood tables and rails, red stools, and a great use of small, eclectic touches throughout gave it a great decor. The persistent rain outside only added to the comfortable feel inside. I got a Brooklyn Ale and Cindy tried a Rhum Agricola with lime and cane sugar martini. We followed this up with a Heffeweisbeer paired with a delicious prosciutto, cheese, bread and olive plate for about $13. It's a little but of a trip to get out there but I think it's worth it.
Ulah Bistro:
What I liked about this spot was that it seems like a standard "go-to" that I would recommend in the future. The specials were pretty good for a Saturday night: $3.25 Red Stripes and fries with aioli. I just love it when restaurants serve fries in wrapped paper... just gives it a great vintage, low-key feel. The bartender seemed a bit uppity but the waitstaff and chef were really welcoming: they even invited Cindy to come back and cook. :)
Sadly there was nothing open until about five on a Saturday afternoon so Cindy recommended that we try Room 11 in Columbia Heights of which I am now a huge fan: it was very small--could only hold about 25 people at a time (one booth, a bar, and rails along the window), but it had a very quaint, neighborhood feel. Cream-colored walls, rustic wood tables and rails, red stools, and a great use of small, eclectic touches throughout gave it a great decor. The persistent rain outside only added to the comfortable feel inside. I got a Brooklyn Ale and Cindy tried a Rhum Agricola with lime and cane sugar martini. We followed this up with a Heffeweisbeer paired with a delicious prosciutto, cheese, bread and olive plate for about $13. It's a little but of a trip to get out there but I think it's worth it.
Ulah Bistro:
What I liked about this spot was that it seems like a standard "go-to" that I would recommend in the future. The specials were pretty good for a Saturday night: $3.25 Red Stripes and fries with aioli. I just love it when restaurants serve fries in wrapped paper... just gives it a great vintage, low-key feel. The bartender seemed a bit uppity but the waitstaff and chef were really welcoming: they even invited Cindy to come back and cook. :)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Saturday Mornings
The irony of a Saturday is that although it's one of two days in a week that you can sleep in, you just can't make yourself. Rolling back over and pulling the blankets up just isn't the same as doing that on a Tuesday. * sigh *
After I forewent the sleeping-in opportunity, I launched into laundry, bathroom cleaning, doing the dishes, and sorting through files and old jewelry. It's amazing what you can find... when did I really think I would/could wear these:
After I forewent the sleeping-in opportunity, I launched into laundry, bathroom cleaning, doing the dishes, and sorting through files and old jewelry. It's amazing what you can find... when did I really think I would/could wear these:
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Return of Project Runway
13 minutes into the season-opener and I have already forgotten that I'm watching Lifetime, TV for Women.
It's too bad we all can't have a Tim Gunn to walk by during the day and offer constructive criticism with a smile. :)
It's too bad we all can't have a Tim Gunn to walk by during the day and offer constructive criticism with a smile. :)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Live-Blogging Top Chef: Las Vegas - Part II
(Wow, longest commercials everrr... )
9:29: And we're back. Wannabe Top Chefs running around Whole Foods. This is often my favorite part.
9:31: Lucky them. They get to cook in the kitchen of Cut, Wolfgang Puck's baby.
9:33: Must find out what Say tan is... someone is being quote: "ballsy" and using it. Odd items are coconut racks, beer flavored doughnuts with chocolate, tipsy chicken with lots of alcohol...
9:34: And the PR Hector has "kahonas" speaking of which.
9:36: Seitan... there you go: http://www.vrg.org/recipes/vjseitan.htm
9:42: The challenge was to create a dish that highlighted each chef's vice. Interesting plates are scallops shaped like soap (dirty mouth); ribye steak with madeira sauce (stubborn); poached halibut with alcohol (drinking excessively); bacon doughnuts (glutton).
9:49: Wolfgang is hilarious... he wants to throw the doughnuts because they are too hard.
9:53: Bored during commercials. The BF would love this. And It's totally true about the difference between Top Chef and TC Masters.
9:54: And we're back! One of the chef's is from Zatanya in DC. Love it! DC IS the new NYC.
And the winner of this week's Top Chef is... (drum roll from Wolfgang): Kevin! The arctic char with salsa verde (procrastination).
And the one going home is... Jen with the gadged earrings who made seitan. Later chica.
Till next time.
9:29: And we're back. Wannabe Top Chefs running around Whole Foods. This is often my favorite part.
9:31: Lucky them. They get to cook in the kitchen of Cut, Wolfgang Puck's baby.
9:33: Must find out what Say tan is... someone is being quote: "ballsy" and using it. Odd items are coconut racks, beer flavored doughnuts with chocolate, tipsy chicken with lots of alcohol...
9:34: And the PR Hector has "kahonas" speaking of which.
9:36: Seitan... there you go: http://www.vrg.org/recipes/vjseitan.htm
9:42: The challenge was to create a dish that highlighted each chef's vice. Interesting plates are scallops shaped like soap (dirty mouth); ribye steak with madeira sauce (stubborn); poached halibut with alcohol (drinking excessively); bacon doughnuts (glutton).
9:49: Wolfgang is hilarious... he wants to throw the doughnuts because they are too hard.
9:53: Bored during commercials. The BF would love this. And It's totally true about the difference between Top Chef and TC Masters.
9:54: And we're back! One of the chef's is from Zatanya in DC. Love it! DC IS the new NYC.
And the winner of this week's Top Chef is... (drum roll from Wolfgang): Kevin! The arctic char with salsa verde (procrastination).
And the one going home is... Jen with the gadged earrings who made seitan. Later chica.
Till next time.
Live-blogging Top Chef: Las Vegas - Part I
How can you not be stoked about Top Chef? Thankfully it's still on Bravo, unlike Project Runway. * tear *
9:02: Looks like there is an interesting cast: lots of women = drama; two brothers who are Michelin recipients and James Beard award nominees; a few gay guys; a few girls with nose rings and tats... should be good.
9:05: First Quick Fire Challenge: Mise-en-place challenge -- always entertaining (clams, ribeye, lobsters, and prawns)
9:06: Teammates must explain to Preeti what a clam is--does not bode well for her being Top Chef.
9:10: Brian is kicking ass. Win for the Blue team.
9:16: Someone actually opting out of a quick-fire... either good judgment or lack of skill. Jesse has never worked with prawns. Sounds lame to me. You are a chef? C'mon.
9:20: Jenn wins the first High Stakes Quick Fire: $15,000. Not a bad day's work for making a meal. She seems like a contender. Will need to take note of her.
9:02: Looks like there is an interesting cast: lots of women = drama; two brothers who are Michelin recipients and James Beard award nominees; a few gay guys; a few girls with nose rings and tats... should be good.
9:05: First Quick Fire Challenge: Mise-en-place challenge -- always entertaining (clams, ribeye, lobsters, and prawns)
9:06: Teammates must explain to Preeti what a clam is--does not bode well for her being Top Chef.
9:10: Brian is kicking ass. Win for the Blue team.
9:16: Someone actually opting out of a quick-fire... either good judgment or lack of skill. Jesse has never worked with prawns. Sounds lame to me. You are a chef? C'mon.
9:20: Jenn wins the first High Stakes Quick Fire: $15,000. Not a bad day's work for making a meal. She seems like a contender. Will need to take note of her.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Reading Material
Just read: The Road by Cormack McCarthy (I've got to see the movie); Half in Love by Maile Meloy; Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It by Maile Meloy; Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates; and I'm currently reading The Sun Also Rises by... OK, come on. But really, it's a book I have never read and should've by now. I'm finding that there are a lot, actually, that I should have read by now. Pride and Prejudice for one. It's been on several syllabus in college; pretty sure I took a test on it once. I own a copy at home; I bought a copy here to finish... can't seem to. And wow, now that I'm acknowledging this I need to pick it back up. After Mr. Hemingway.
Craftiness
My co-worker sent me a link to apartmenttherapy.com and I am now a huge fan. I still have a lot to explore on the site but below is a crafty little tip I tried out. Great way to utilize old magazines, and Lord knows I have a million of those...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Trader Joe's
Up until recently I've done the majority (OK, all) of my grocery shopping at Safeway. While this is somewhat cheap and easy to get to, the produce is terrible, the lines are outrageous, and, well, it's kind of suburban. (Let's face it: when you are living in the city there's no place for suburban.) ;) So I have branched out to shopping to Trader Joe's.
For dirt-cheap prices you can get great ethnic food and essentially any basic item that you need (pasta, cheese, meat, frozen pizzas -- Margherita is the best at $4.00 -). It's kind of amazing to come home after a long day and simply throw a piece of Naan bread into the oven and boil a packet of Jaipur Vegetables (which also happens to be my dinner tonight, the inspiration for this post).
My Trader Joe's "can't-live-withouts":
Dried Snappeas
Marinated Artichokes
Margherita Pizza
Indian Fare entrees
Naan bread
and the occasional Ritter Sport hazelnut and chocolate bar
For dirt-cheap prices you can get great ethnic food and essentially any basic item that you need (pasta, cheese, meat, frozen pizzas -- Margherita is the best at $4.00 -). It's kind of amazing to come home after a long day and simply throw a piece of Naan bread into the oven and boil a packet of Jaipur Vegetables (which also happens to be my dinner tonight, the inspiration for this post).
My Trader Joe's "can't-live-withouts":
Dried Snappeas
Marinated Artichokes
Margherita Pizza
Indian Fare entrees
Naan bread
and the occasional Ritter Sport hazelnut and chocolate bar
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Busboys and Poets
What is the highlight of any weekend in DC?
The simplest answer is brunch at Busboys and Poets on K and 5th Street. The atmosphere and theme here is very empowering and vibrant. It is centered around Langston Hughes' poetry and they promote Fair-Trade goods in their gift shop area. And the food is consistently pleasing. I've been four times and have gotten Eggs Benedict each time. The Bloody Mary and Mimosa at $5 are a steal, but if you're in the mood for coffee, that is an excellent choice also. At some point I need to venture away from the brunch menu and try their Grilled Brie panini. I think it promises to be heavenly.
The simplest answer is brunch at Busboys and Poets on K and 5th Street. The atmosphere and theme here is very empowering and vibrant. It is centered around Langston Hughes' poetry and they promote Fair-Trade goods in their gift shop area. And the food is consistently pleasing. I've been four times and have gotten Eggs Benedict each time. The Bloody Mary and Mimosa at $5 are a steal, but if you're in the mood for coffee, that is an excellent choice also. At some point I need to venture away from the brunch menu and try their Grilled Brie panini. I think it promises to be heavenly.
The Julie/Julia Project
Just got back from seeing the potentially over-hyped The Julie/Julia Project. If you are considering seeing the movie, please indulge in your favorite meal beforehand: you will be starving during this film if you do not eat first. In fact, you will still probably be starving after the credits roll (my two girlfriends and I indulged in Eggs Benedict and coffee here before catching the matinee.)
It seems odd to want to say that Meryl Streep played Julia Child better than Julia Child played herself, but it may just be the case. She was amazing; you completely forgot that you were not watching the real Julia. What I did enjoy most about this movie was that it didn't really try to be anything groundbreaking. It was a simple story of a young couple and of a woman trying to just find a voice for herself. I feel like many women--present company included--can relate to Amy Adam's character, Julie Powell:
Caller: "I want to speak to someone with power... do you have power?"
Julie: "No... I don't have power."
By taking on all of Julia Child's 524 recipes in one-year and blogging over the course of it, Julie Powell finds a purpose for herself and finds that she can do "something." Hard to tell what the real Julie Powell will "do" after the popularity of the book and film die down, but I'm sure it's not a question that Julia Child asked herself either. And that turned out all right.
It seems odd to want to say that Meryl Streep played Julia Child better than Julia Child played herself, but it may just be the case. She was amazing; you completely forgot that you were not watching the real Julia. What I did enjoy most about this movie was that it didn't really try to be anything groundbreaking. It was a simple story of a young couple and of a woman trying to just find a voice for herself. I feel like many women--present company included--can relate to Amy Adam's character, Julie Powell:
Caller: "I want to speak to someone with power... do you have power?"
Julie: "No... I don't have power."
By taking on all of Julia Child's 524 recipes in one-year and blogging over the course of it, Julie Powell finds a purpose for herself and finds that she can do "something." Hard to tell what the real Julie Powell will "do" after the popularity of the book and film die down, but I'm sure it's not a question that Julia Child asked herself either. And that turned out all right.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Oyamel
Last night I met up with a few girls at Oyamel, a popular DC restaurant I have wanted to try for awhile now. The food was delicious, the decor and atmosphere very eclectic (it sort of reminded me of the Day of the Dead which I learned about way back when in high school -- a type of Tim Burton meets mexican food, given the cute skeleton figures and grandiose, melted candles). I ordered the Classic Margarita, which was actually a bit too heavy on the tang and not heavy enough on the tequila. For food, I ordered two small plates (most of their courses are small, so they recommend ordering at least two): grilled, marinated chicken taco with guacomle and grilled onion and refried beans, which was presented elegantly with cilantro and red onion garnish, and a surprise line of cheese within the beans.
The real question: would I go back?
Well, yes, I think I might actually go back for a happy hour, when their Classic Margarita is only $4.00 as opposed to $9.00. However, I hold to my guns on the fact that the best Mexican food (or should I say food in general?) is usually a mom and pop restaurant that boasts inexpensive, authentic food.
I am quite excited to try some of Jose Andres' other hotspots, Cafe Atlantico, in particular, where I can order food I would not be able to make in my own studio kitchen. Thankfully restaurant week is just around the corner...
The real question: would I go back?
Well, yes, I think I might actually go back for a happy hour, when their Classic Margarita is only $4.00 as opposed to $9.00. However, I hold to my guns on the fact that the best Mexican food (or should I say food in general?) is usually a mom and pop restaurant that boasts inexpensive, authentic food.
I am quite excited to try some of Jose Andres' other hotspots, Cafe Atlantico, in particular, where I can order food I would not be able to make in my own studio kitchen. Thankfully restaurant week is just around the corner...
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