Brunch: Rustico in Alexandria, VA

Recently, I met Blair for brunch on her side of the Potomac... and while I like to make a fuss about crossing the river, I really, really wanted to go to Rustico.

I love their locally sourced, seasonal dinner menu and artisan brews - plus it's just a quick zip down Gee-Dub Parkway and there's easy parking (and Buzz Bakery across the street for take home treats.)

Our conversation will remain between the two of us, but the brunch, we'll share. Replicate our order and you won't go wrong (not that you could on Rustico's menu.)  Start with the tangy Bloody Mary, then split an order of the pillowy Ricotta Donuts and finish out with the Fried Green Tomato Pizza. Between the two of us, we still had leftovers!

Rustico Bloody Mary (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Ricotta Donuts (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Fried Green Tomato Pizza (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Follow Rustico on Facebook and Twitter, and make a reservation soon!

Rustico (that we went to) is located at 827 Slaters Lane in Alexandria, VA. Though, that location is not very Metro friendly, they have a new location in Ballston at 4075 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington, VA.

To Do: Tour DC Houseboats to Benefit Potomac River Conservation

Before I got some sense and bought my condo, I was obsessed with buying a house barge and living aboard at the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, DC. They aren't outrageously priced and I am absolutely smitten with the life style (she says as she has never lived aboard a boat.)

Seriously, can't you just see me there... reading my iPad on the deck with coffee in hand, Ike in my lap? Hosting July 4th parties where we watch fireworks over the river with the Washington Monument in the background? (Hmmm... wonder if I can Kickstarter a houseboat?)

In real life, there were a few deal killers. You have to have a lot more money down - as much as 40-50% from what I heard. And, DC is about to renovate the marinas. I wasn't sure what I would do with a homeless barge for a few months.

But I haven't let the dream die. So, you know I'll be there on August 13th for the Southwest DC Waterfront Boat Home Tour. For an $11 donation (benefiting Potomac River advocates Alice Ferguson Foundation and Earth Conservation Corps), you get to see twenty three different live aboards - from sailboats to house boats to barges!

I'm most excited to check out the "green" boats with gardens and composting aboard... but you know I'll be swooning for kitchens, patio and all around amazing small spaces designed well. 

So, get your ticket. Check it out and help a good cause. And, afterwards, meet Blair and me for a cold beer at Cantina Marina. [UPDATE: Show your boat tour ticket at Cantina Marina for 10% off!] See you there!

[PS. If you're a houseboat junkie too, follow my Houseboat Pinterest board - and share your favorite ones with me!]

To Do: Party to Help Tune Inn Team

When I first moved to DC as a lowly intern in the office of Rep. Tom Manton, (how'd a Florida girl end up working for an Irish former cop from Queens? Another post...) the first place I really felt at home was at The Tune Inn.

The Tune Inn was - and is - one of the best spots to grab a beer in town. It's where union guys, locals, Congressmen and, yes, interns sit tail-to-tail at the bar and suck down brews at non-Beltway prices. Things have changed a bit, but back in the early 90s, you could get a burger, fries and a beer for $5 and play 10 songs on the jukebox for $1. There was a running joke that if you played Patsy Cline, one of the waitresses would get pissed and skip the song and make you do a shot... so we did.

For those of you that served time in Tallahassee, this is like Ken's World Famous Friendly Tavern transported up to the Mason-Dixon line, minus the mugs and add liquor and a stuffed deer butt over the bathroom door.

It's got character. And it's real. And that goes a long way in this town where virtually everyone's lobbying for something. So when a morning kitchen fire sparked a few weeks ago, fans of The Tune Inn panicked. I scoured Twitter for the latest reports from people in the neighborhood who ran down to see how bad the damage was and luckily it's not terrible. In about 90 days, owner Lisa Nardelli thinks they will be up and running.

But consider what those 90 days mean to the hardworking staff... and you'll know why you need to make your way down to the American Legion Post 8 this Friday night and pitch in. In order to support the 10 staffers not covered by insurance, The Tune Inn is working to raise $50,000.

photo via WAMU

So, I'm gonna lobby you to go to the event - there will be bands, a raffle and a chance to buy some Tune Inn memorabilia. They'll also be selling limited edition plaques - which is WAY cooler than getting your name up at Smith & Wollensky or The Palm. And if you can't make it to the event, please consider donating directly online.

What: Fundraiser for Tune Inn staffers
When: July 15, 3-10pm
Where: American Legion Post 8, 224 D Street SE, Washington, DC
More info: http://friendsoftuneinn.org/the-event/

I promise you, I'll toast you at the reopening party. Maybe Guy Fieri will come too!

Farmer's Market: July 8, Washington DC

It's primetime for Washington, DC area farmers markets - check out my haul today from the 14th & U Streets market:

Sweet corn, eggplant, green tomatoes, patty pan squash and tear drop yellow tomatoes (photo: Tammy Gordon)

So, now comes the challenge... what can I make with these amazing ingredients? Here's what's inspiring me:

• Summer Squash & Cornbread Panzanella by Arugula Files (made with this buttermilk cornbread)
• Slow Roasted Tomatoes with Sea Salt by Orangette
• Eggplant Parmesan by The Bitten Word
• Fried Green Tomatoes (with Crystal Hot Sauce #ftw) or Fried Green Tomato Po Boys by Southern Living
• Tomato & Sweet Corn Pie by Smitten Kitchen
• Olga's Mom's Eggplant at Mango & Tomato

And I want to pair all of those with shrimp boils, lobster rolls and blueberry-peach cobbler! Gosh, I love summer!

PS. Why am I not at the beach?

PSS. Not pictured above, the savory hand pie from Whisked! that didn't make it home 'cause it's in mah belly!

Cocktail Hour: Southern Culture on the Skids

I'm not a cocktail blogger. If you want an expert on that, read Urban Bohemian or Scofflaw's Den.

But when I tweeted about my farmers market peaches, Jeff Donald issued a challenge that I couldn't resist... an improvised bourbon-peach mojito that he dothed "Southern Culture on the Skids." It turned out to be a light, refreshing summer cocktail... perfect for BBQs, patio parties, or you know, a Thursday night at home experimenting with Google+ HangingOut with JC...

Southern Culture on the Skids
Serves 1 

Southern Culture on the Skids (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Ingredients
1 overripe peach (you want a soft one, but not rotten), peeled and diced
6 oz club soda
1 shot of bourbon (or more, depending on how bad your day was)
2 Tablespoons of sugar
2 sprigs of mint (one for the leaves - chiffonade them- and one for garnish)
Crushed ice

Directions
1. Muddle the peach, sugar and chiffonaded mint leaves. [TIP: If you don't have a muddler, and I don't... improvise. I heard that the handle of an ice cream scoop works, but the thing that worked best for me was my pastry cutter... really mashed it up!]
2. Add crushed ice. [NOTE: I used crushed ice from my refrigerator which was fine, but the more crushed the better. Like, Chick-fil-A crushed.]
3. Pour in your bourbon.
4. Top with club soda to taste and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!

PS.  Huge hat tip to Andrew Shapiro of Dino restaurant in Cleveland Park who hooked me up with some pineapple mint from their bar when both neighborhood grocery stores were out. Xo!

Chef Jose Andres Debuts America Eats Tavern, a Pop Up Concept

When two of my favorite gals from New York popped into town unexpectedly on business and wanted to meet for a drink near my office, I suggested Chef Jose Andres' new joint America Eats Tavern. It's actually a renovation of his Cafe Atlantico restaurant on 8th Street NW near D. You'll see familiar architecture and staff, but it's a totally new scene - an homage to Chef's adopted nation in both decor and delicious food.

Behind the bar at America Eats Tavern (photo: Tammy Gordon)

The concept is actually a partnership with the National Archives exhibit, What's Cooking. Uncle Sam? and each option includes a history of the dish and why it's important to America's culinary journey.

There ended up being four of us, so we sampled a good cross section of the small plates offered. My favorites were the refreshing Southside cocktail (visit Trevor at the enlarged, more comfortable bar), the moist hush puppies with luscious corn butter, the fried oysters with egg & bacon (ask for the story behind it!) and the refreshing grapefruit and shrimp salad. Pics of those and more:

Flickr photos: Tammy Gordon

I'm going back next week for the full dinner experience, but after just three days of being open, America Eats Tavern is one to add to your to do list!

Make a reservation while it's still in town - the concept will only last for seven to nine months. And to stay up on what's next, follow Chef Jose Andres on Facebook and Twitter.

America Eats Tavern is located at 405 8th Street NW, Washington, DC. It's super close to the National Archives building and metro stop - and only two blocks from the Gallery Place - Penn Quarter metro stop.

PS. If you're missing Minibar, it should be back in action next weekend. Right now, it's serving as America Eats Tavern's raw bar.

The Stew: Florida Girl on Food Trucks in Tampa Trib

As I was heading out the door to work this morning, I got a call from my Mom. "YOU'RE IN THE PAPER!" (at least she didn't say it like, "um, you're in the paper..." that would be bad)

I mean, it's not like I'm in the paper for savin' babies or electing a president or anything. But I *am* in my hometown paper today talkin' food trucks with fellow foodie, hometown neighbor, Twitter addict, all-around-pal, La Cubanita Cafe mayor and food editor for the Trib, Jeff Houck.

Here's a link to the story where Jeff talks about the trend and how the Bay area's starting to catch on. I gave my spin on the DC scene and a hat tip to fellow Floridian, Stephen Boillan who slings Cubans from the El Floridano truck. Did you catch my blog post where he let me ride along? Man that day was COLD.

Cuban sandwiches at El Floridano in DC (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Follow Jeff Houck's Twitter, Facebook, and blog - trust me, you won't regret it! To follow all of the DC food trucks, check out Food Truck Fiesta.

PS. Little known fact. Jeff once tried to kill me. By challenging me to a soul food marathon over Christmas break. Read about it here - and go taste a Rib Dogg next time you're in Mulberry, FL.

Peach & Ricotta Sunflower Toast

I'm going through a ricotta phase. I've never been a huge fan, but I bought a tub of the Keswick Creamery (VA) whole milk ricotta at last week's Dupont Circle Farmers Market and I swear, I could just eat it with a spoon.

To make myself feel somewhat more civil, I toasted up my Atwater's Bakery (MD) sunflower bread, spread the ricotta across it and topped it with peaches. Healthy(ish) and yum. I think you could do the toast, ricotta combo with just about any fruit. I got the idea from Food & Wine who suggested pairing it with tart cherries and lemon peels.

Peach & Ricotta Sunflower Toast (photo: Tammy Gordon)

What would you pair it with?

Eating Local at Dino PLUS Dean Gold's Squash Blossom Recipe

When I go to a restaurant and see the menu citing locally farmed ingredients it makes my heart swoon. Last night, I got a peek at Dino's spring menu and my head about exploded! The menu has expanded and almost every order has one of my favorite local farms involved.

Great ingredients go a long way, but check out what Dean Gold did with them...

We started with a Grilled Vegetable Antipasti (asparagus, broccoli rabe, ramps and red onions) and the Squash Blossoms (stuffed with mozzarella and a touch of anchovy, then flash fried) for the table. I couldn't decide between the Soft-Shell Crabs and the Fettuccine with Asparagus... so I convinced Alejandra to split them with me (win-win!)

(Photos of our Dino Meal by Tammy Gordon)

I got all of my favorite seasonal ingredients in one meal and I didn't even have to make it myself. Now I know if I don't make it to the farmers market on the weekend, I can always pop by Dino and sample what I missed.

Wait. That could be dangerous. I'm supposed to be learning to cook with all of this stuff! Luckily, Dean shared his squash blossom recipe today at Dupont Circle Farmers Market demo... here ya go:

Dean Gold's Stuffed Squash Blossoms

1. Sliver mozzarella and anchovies into matchsticks.
2. Open each blossom, remove pistle, put in one sliver of anchovy and mozzarella. Close blossom.
3. Make batter by combining 2 cups milk, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 cup club soda and a pinch of salt.
4. Carefully dip each blossom into the batter. Then drop in oil for deep fat frying. Fry til golden.
5. Serve with salt and fresh tomato sauce on the side.

Dino is located (way to close to my house) at 3435 Connecticut Avenue NW, right across Ordway Street from the Cleveland Park metro. Make a reservation today, sign up for their famous newsletter, or follow Dino on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest on what fresh ingredients are headed to the menu.

TO DO: Frederick Beer Week Kickoff Cookout at VOLT

I'm a little focused on Frederick, MD lately. Why, you ask? Well, I've got my first reservation at VOLT coming up in June (squeeeeeeeeeeeee!) and am trying to figure out what else I can do in and around Frederick besides eat my face off with Chef Bryan Voltaggio's food.

My local gal on the Frederick scene and my former PR agency co-worker, Hilda, clued me in Frederick Beer Week. It kicks off May 10th from 6-9pm with a backyard cookout at VOLT and the debut of Voltaggio's new collaboration with Flying Dog brewmaster Matt Brophy: Backyard Ale. Turns out this guy's not just a Top Chef, but Esquire magazine has named this beer one of the best beers for spring.

You'll need to snag a $45 rezzie for this one, but the May 10th beer and food pairing event will feature four small plate pairings with four Flying Dog ale tastings.

If you can't make it out to the country... look for Backyard Ale in your local beer and wine stores.

VOLT is located at 228 North Market Street in Frederick, MD. You can make reservations at (301) 696-8658.

TO DO: Get Baked Goods from Whisked! at 14 & U Farmers Market

When I first started writing this blog, two of the bloggers I most admired in DC were Modern Domestic and Shaw Girl. I mean, I felt all fan girl about these two. I convinced my friend Stacy to go to one of the first food blogger happy hours where we met Jenna Huntsberger and Stephanie Willis - the real gals behind the blogs. I remember leaving there thinking how glad I was that they were as nice and funny and snarky and cool in real life as they were online.

Well, Jenna and Stephanie are now taking their baking offline (also still online of course!) and I am so proud of them! They have opened Whisked! Baking American Classics and *today* is their first day at 14th and U Farmers Market selling their goodies. I'm mired in Florence, SC on a business trip, so would you pretty please go by there today, buy one of their amazing brownie cookies and say hi for me!

A sampling of their genius... via Whisked! Flickr

Whisked! focuses on the amazing desserts our grandmothers made... or we wish they made! Think birthday cake slathered with gooey frosting and decadent peach pies, but with a modern twist. One of the things I can't wait to try is their version of the pot pie which are reinvented into savory tarts.

You can get Whisked! goodies every Saturday from 9am-1pm at the 14th and U Farmers Market (pre order on their website or get there early before your favorite sells out) or you can special order on their website. Follow these talented ladies on their blog and Twitter to stay up to date on their newest offerings.

To Do: Get Your Toes in the Sand

I'm down in South Carolina for work (covering my first NASCAR race on social media - follow me on Facebook and Twitter) and I managed to get my toes in the sand briefly last night. It wasn't warm by any means, but I think this officially means winter is over.

Ahhhh... it felt like heaven. Anyone else have beach plans on the horizons?

Myrtle Beach, SC (photo credit: Tammy Gordon)

Yeah, I Watched. And Loved It.

I thought I'd watch the wedding coverage, but not in real time. I mean, 4 am start time? I'm only getting up then if I'm flying out to an island at 5am.

But I woke up around 6am and it ended up being perfect timing. I saw the Queen arrive. She didn't look dowdy, she looked fantastic and happy (despite her slight Mean Girls snub of Camilla...) And Wills and Harry... I feel like I watched them grow up. I loved seeing them so happy and comfortable with each other. They looked like guys. Just guys. Dressed fancy.

Then Kate. I dig her. She seems cute and funny and most of all, she seems like Wills best friend. Her dress was perfection - a nod to Grace Kelly, couture and tradition all at once. I loved when he told her she looked beautiful. I loved the ceremony. I loved that they kissed on the balcony. Twice.

But most of all, I loved this moment:

Lobster Love Coming to Penn Quarter: Luke's Lobster Summer 2010

I love me some Lobster Truck, but it's rare to get the famed food truck more than once a week in your neighborhood. If you work in Penn Quarter (like me!), you're about to have the option to lobster it up daily if you so desire.

Luke's Lobster is moving in at 624 E Street NW this summer. Has anyone tried the NYC outpost?

I like that brother/owner's Luke and Bryan source the lobster directly from their Dad's sustainable Maine seafood company.  Sneak a peek at their menu and get to know them in their cutie video below:

Dance Like a Lobster. from Luke's Lobster on Vimeo.

What I've Been Eating: Carmelized Tofu Tacos by TaKorean

It's widely known I've got a food truck obsession. I recently tried TaKorean and it vaulted into my favorites list... Check out this trio of caramelized tofu (they also come in steak and chicken) tacos with spicy kimchi slaw and the works. I died. Can't wait for them to come to my work neighborhood again soon!

To find TaKorean, follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

What I've Been Eating: Dinner at the Fiola de Fabio Trabocchi

Anytime Alejandra says, "Hey I got a ___________, wanna try it?" my answer (sight unseen) is yes. This time, it was an early reservation to the new Fiola da Fabio Trabocchi.

Let's start at the bar. Fiola's nabbed Jeff Faile from Palena. The man makes a brilliant cocktail. We had Manhattans.

And to soak up the Manhattans, we had crispy, cheesy jamon quesadilla and gooey cheese sandwiches. Little did we know, we didn't really need to go there since so much food was headed our way, but no regrets...

One of the things that's fun about getting in to a restaurant's soft opening is that they are trying lots of new things and want you to taste them. This little number was bruschetta with fish cheeks was complements of the bar.

At this point, we realized we were filling up. And filling up fast. But we still had to try entrees, right? It's, like, our duty as food bloggers... (help me justify all we ate, por favor?) Next up, we tried to narrow down the selection of pastas - Chef Fabio makes almost all of the pasta in house and the staff had been raving about three things. We couldn't make up our mind, so the manager told us we could do half portions of the pasta... we chose the Pappardelle with Mushrooms which was my absolute favorite...

... and the Gli Spaghetti, which was topped with sea urchin and included a tangle of crab and chili in the pasta.

But, the chef was bummed that he didn't get to show off his Lobster Ravioli. I tend to think Lobster Ravioli is a throwaway dish on a menu. Um, no, not here. This is just a tasting portion and check out that gorgeous lobster and pillowy ravioli!!!

At this point, I had the pasta sweats and thought I was going to die. But again, chef insisted. You *have* to try dessert... we have the most amazing pastry chef.  And, again, he wasn't lying. This kid has mad dessert making skills. My favorite was the Bambolini, which was donuts with ricotta and citrus marmalade. I took them home and had them for breakfast the next day.

Add Fiola to your to taste lists. It's located at 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW near Archives-Navy Memorial Metro. You can follow them on Twitter, Chef Fabio's blog and Facebook for all of the latest specials... but I recommend getting there and tasting in person.

A Perfect DC Sunday Morning

Some days, you just have such a good morning, it's nice to document it...

Per usual, I started the day off online... check the Twitter account, get sucked in to Pinterest. Gave Ike control of the laptop...

But it was just too gorgeous of a day outside to sit around and nerd out... so, we grabbed the market tote and headed out to the Dupont Circle Farmers Market...

We were on a mission... a first-of-the-season asparagus mission. Target acquired (and turned into a diptych with these gorgeous beets!)

We popped by Joe Yonan's cooking demo just in time to try some amazing caramelized mushroom and goat cheese tacos... and of course acquire a copy of his new cookbook, Serve Yourself!

More photos and stories after the jump...


I swore because I still have mushrooms and sweet potatoes from last week's market, I was done spending money, but I had to photograph my way back to the car. I swooned over this girl's outfit and (because I am clearly obsessed) thought, I want to add that to my Pinterest Styles I Want to Rock board. Hope she doesn't mind!

I didn't let myself buy these amazing pink flowered branches because my table is covered with mail, but maybe next week if they are still in season...

I firmly believe that everyone should by their pork products from a guy who drives a car with the license plate "PORK FAT"...

The line at my favorite bakery, Atwaters, was outrageous, which made it easier to keep heading to the car without acquiring one of their carb-heaven scones...

I waved hello to my egg farmer and kept moving because I'm still well stocked on eggs...

But before hopping in the car, I had to snap a shot of the flyest baby at the market today... check out those aviators!

 

Hopefully the rest of the day will be as good as the start! Happy Sunday Funday!

TODAY: Joe Yonan Signing Copies of "Serve Yourself" at Dupont Farmers Market

Listen, I think Joe Yonan's a great/fun/cute guy, but I think his cookbook idea is BRILLIANT. Joe just released Serve Yourself which is dedicated to breaking down recipes into single servings. So, all of my excuses for blogging about restaurants (it's just me, *whine*, I hate to waste...), instead of learning how to cook with fresh ingredients... gone.

Joe, who edits the Food section of the Washington Post as well, will be at the Dupont Circle Farmers Market today signing copies of Serve Yourself (thanks to our great local bookstore, Politics & Prose.)

Look for this guy: Joe Yonan

In addition to Joe being there, it's GORGEOUS and sunny. We all need rays after yesterday's depressingly rainy day (where I may or may not have watched Whip It, Love and Other Drugs, Reality Bites and four On Demand episodes of Sex and the City).

If you can't make it to the market, you can get a copy of Serve Yourself
from you local bookstore or right here through Amazon.com:

Cue: All The Single Ladies and get cooking!

What I've Been Eating: Ocean City Fluke with Asparagus & Morels at Equinox

Did any of you take advantage of the $1 Living Social lunch deals? My friend's Alejandra and Laeticia did, so I joined them at Equinox for an on-the-fly lunch yesterday.

I'm a huge fan of Chef Todd Gray and his wife-partner Ellen's commitment to local, sustainable ingredients.

Check out this Ocean City Fluke with Asparagus and Morels! It's all of my favorite spring farmers market finds (except the yet-to-be-spotted ramps) in one bowl. 

Go to Equinox to try it- or attempt it at home and share your recipe.

Upside? Shutdown Specials

Pretty much the only thing all Americans agree on is that it's ridiculous that Congress can't work out a budget compromise to keep our government functioning.  Tea partiers and liberals are uniting that Congress doesn't deserve to get paid if rank and file workers living paycheck to paycheck don't get paid.

So, with all of this insanity, we DC residents need a little levity... so, we bring you the shutdown specials. *If* they can't agree, at least we can get something out of it. Send me the specials you see and I'll aggregate them here.

Things kicked off with Z Burger:

They added later that the offer extends to employees and contractors. Just flash your badge and get a burger. Should make up for the lack of paycheck, Ergh...

Next up, Dino bar manager Andrew Shapiro gets in the game by announcing happy hour all night long! Lawd, govvies need it after all this showdown stress:

Think you'll spend that free day traipsing through the Smithsonian's? Think again, Washington City Paper reports on all of the museum closings here... and the Corcoran Gallery of Art capitalizes:

Union Pub on Capitol Hill will be offering penny beers for sad(?) staffers from 5-6pm everyday the government is shutdown.

If the politicians can't get their act together, Pound Coffee can. If there's a shutdown, the cafe will be offering 25% off it's food as a "Keep em Fed" special:

Haha, Taylor Gourmet is always on it with witty social specials... 10% off starting at 12:01. Get the password on their Facebook page or below:

Um, is there really a food truck called Shit Truck?

If the government shuts down, The Phillips Collection (my favorite museum in town), will be offering buy one get one half off admissions, discounted Arnold Palmers and discounts in the gift shop. Details here (pdf).

All I can say about this next one is... word.

RedBow Fitness is offering a special $10 on noon classes if Congress can't play nice and we're all stuck at home.