Real Pizza on the Hill Finally?

Earlier this week I heard one of the patrons at Peregrine asking some dude when the pizza joint (in the spot formerly occupied by Ben & Jerry's on 7th St SE) is opening up. The reply was that they were going to be opening some time next week. I was rolling by the place today and saw this sign up in the window.



7th Hill Pizza also had their sign up



But perhaps more important than all of that, they seem to have all of their administrative ducks in a row too.



I am waiting for this opening with bated breath, in the hopes that my days of trucking out to Valentino's for a decent pie are over.

Read More...

Summary only...

Teddy Folkman Named Executive Chef at Capitol Lounge

Does posting a press release count as my post for the day?

Teddy Folkman Named Executive Chef at Capitol Lounge
The Next Food Network Star Finalist Brings Acclaimed Cuisine to Capitol Hill

Washington, DC- The Capitol Lounge, one of Capitol Hill's most storied restaurants, is raising the bar to a new level this summer. Finalist of Food Network's The Next Food Network Star and co-owner/executive chef of Granville Moore's, Teddy Folkman has entered the fray on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Chef Folkman, debuting on Food Network's The Next Food Network Star on June 7th, will unveil a menu that touches both on his celebrated dishes at Granville Moore's and Capitol Lounge's classic pub fare. Dedicated to enhancing the Capitol Lounge dining experience, Chef Folkman brings his own signature style and pedigree to a block that already boasts the likes of Food Network's own Spike Mendelsohn of Good Stuff Eatery and Barton Seaver of Sonoma. He formally assumes the role of Executive Chef on June 8th, 2009 with a new menu launching that week.

Beginning Sunday, June 7th, guests are welcome to watch each weekly episode of The Next Food Network Star at Capitol Lounge (229 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC) with Chef Folkman. Episodes are scheduled to run Sundays at 9pm EST. Other viewing party locations include:

-The Argonaut - 1430 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC
-Reynolds Street Bar and Grill - 34 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA
-Veritas Wine Bar - 2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington DC
-Enology Wine Bar - 3238 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC

The Lounge's new menu will feature Folkman's signature dishes, Moules Fromage Bleu and his one-of-a-kind frites, in addition to items including Fried Tabasco Oysters, Goat Cheese Poppers, Crispy Tuna Rolls, and made-to-order pizza. Chef Folkman will work closely with leading purveyors and vendors to bring guests top-quality ingredients. He will be a significant presence at the restaurant and oversee all menu developments.

"It is really exciting to be able to take over the kitchen of Capitol Lounge. When I first moved to DC in 1999, I lived around the block. Because of that and my love for their pizzas and wings, it is a place where some of my best memories lie. I'm hoping to create some new memories and bring some really fun gourmet bar food to what is sure to be one of the most exciting blocks in the city this summer," says Folkman.

Restauranteur Joe Englert opened The Capitol Lounge in 1994. After numerous fires in the last two decades, one which left the venue inoperable for months, the property has received a major facelift. A series of renovations on both floors has been completed in recent months leading up to Chef Folkman's arrival. Additionally, the Lounge will now showcase an expanded beer list of 70 items, 12 of those on draft, and 30 wines to compliment Folkman's offerings.

"I've always craved change," says Englert. "I've always felt that the only way for a restaurant to remain viable is to keep up with trends and movements. Americans, in general, and Washingtonians in particular, now demand fresh, innovative food, and this is exactly what Teddy will deliver. The kitchen will have much more attention to detail and we will be a very attractive night out for young families, foodies, and anyone who works on the hill."
Capitol Lounge will continue serving dinner beginning at 4 p.m. every evening and will begin serving lunch at 11 a.m. on July 8th, 2009.

About Teddy:

Teddy's cooking experiences have taken him all over the metropolitan DC area, where he started as a commis at Cashion's Eat Place. After working as a Sous chef at The Reef, Clyde's of Georgetown, Evening Star Cafe, and Vermillion, he headed the kitchen at The Reef and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. Teddy is co-owner and Executive Chef of Dr. Granville Moore's Gastropub in the Atlas District on Capitol Hill.

Teddy has been an integral part of Granville Moore's success, gaining notoriety from the Washingtonian (Best of 2008 - Top 100 Cheap Eats), Washington City Paper (Best of D.C. 2008 and 2009 - Best Mussels), Imbibe Magazine Top 100 Places to Drink in America (Top Ten Gastropubs), and "Every day with Rachel Ray". He was challenged to a Moules-Frites showdown in March 2008 with Food Network Star Chef Bobby Flay - and won!

Teddy has appeared on Fox5 News, DC 101's Elliott in the Morning, and The Mike O'Meara Show. As well, Teddy goes back to the Food Network as a finalist on the upcoming season of Food Network's The Next Food Network Star. Teddy serves as a volunteer at Brainfood and local metropolitan schools and currently resides in Alexandria, VA.

Read More...

Summary only...

H St. Country Club - Quick First Look

Despite my lack of posting over the last couple of months, somehow I was graced with an invite to tonight's preview of the H St. Country Club. I guess it makes sense because I do talk about eating a lot, but it caught me off guard. I try not to take myself, or this occasionally asinine blog, too seriously; so the idea that I might be credentialed to something as a media member is kind of flattering.

Anyway, I bounced down to the Country Club about 8pm to soak up my share of the free food and drink being provided. When I walked in I was given a press packet filled with boilerplate about the Country Club and its chefs, owners, and management and a drink ticket. Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about.

My first drink was an excellent frozen guava margarita that was suggested to me by Joe the bartender. I can just imagine the brain freeze I'll get this Summer when I suck one of those down after walking the half a dozen sweaty blocks between my crib and the Country Club. Then with drink in hand, I took a stroll around the place.

I had been to the Phish Tea Cafe, the restaurant that previously inhabited 1335 H St. NE, and they had only used a fraction of the space and not nearly as well. Big Joe knows what he's doing, is well capitalized, and it shows in the final product he's put together here. The H St. Country Club (HSCC) has a unique concept that has been executed very, very well.

I'll spare you a lot of blather about sumptuous wood tones and all the decorative flourishes that you'll see throughout the bar. The mini golf course upstairs is what much of the buzz about HSCC has centered on and it lives up to the hype. Even with the shitty camera in my iPhone, I managed to get a couple of half-decent pix of the mini golf course.





I know a lot of foodies are hyped up for Ann Cashion's new joint, but it looked like they were only serving selections from the bar menu tonight. Everything I tasted was good, but there's only so much you can do to nachos and quesadillas to dress them up. I missed out on the empenadas (which looked great) but consoled myself with the hot lima bean dip which is much, much better than it sounds.

The only disappointment of the night was my second drink, the Hot Tamale; a Ketel One Martini with jalapeno stuffed olives. The olives were a little mushy and not nearly salty enough and the jalapenos should have been hotter and lacked the vinegary tang that I was looking for.

Read More...

Summary only...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - H Street Country Club Opening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 22, 2009 H STREET COUNTRY CLUB BRINGS ECLECTIC MEXICAN CUISINE TO THE ATLAS DISTRICT   DC's most anticipated concept opens in its hottest corridor Washington, DC - The H Street Country Club, H Street's newest and most anticipated concept in Washington will be opening Wednesday, May 27, 2009. With celebrated, James Beard-Award winning Chef Ann Cashion as the creative mind behind the menu, this 6,800 sq. foot, 300-seat dining destination will serve up fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine with both southern and northern accents. Locally trained Pablo Cardoso (formerly of Jackie's & Cashion's Eat Place) will serve as executive chef. Guests will experience the country club's ground level "locker room" upon entry, designed with dark maple lockers and a 40 ft. bar covered in warm plaid print. An open eat-in kitchen is set past the shuffleboard, pool tables and skeeball machines. The second floor features space for dining and a DC-centric 9-hole mini-golf course, including scaled monuments and memorials, the Awakening of Marion Barry, and towering K Street Lego Lawyers.   The restaurant will provide an entertaining and modern setting in which to meet and connect while enjoying top-notch Mexican cuisine. "This project has been in the works for a long time. We are excited to be able to bring great food and a unique atmosphere to a growing neighborhood." said owner Joe Englert.   The chef will work closely with leading purveyors and vendors to bring guests the highest quality ingredients and the freshest foods available.  The menu, a blend of both traditional and contemporary dishes, will include items that excite guests' taste buds. The main floor El Norte menu boasts Chili con Queso, Nacogdoches Meat Pies, Spicy Tamales, and Lobster Tostadas. The second floor dining room will feature items including Chilaquiles with Roasted Duck, Snapper Veracruz, Lamb Enchiladas, Pork Rib Carnitas and Chicken Escabeche. All ingredients will be of top quality and delivered fresh daily.   Celebrated Chef Teddy Folkman will be a significant presence at the restaurant and will oversee new menu developments. Chef Folkman began his culinary career as a commis at The Reef and Cashion's Eat Place, and currently presides as the co-owner and executive chef at Granville Moore's. Management of the day-to-day operations will fall on co-owners Ricardo Vergara, Blair Zervos and Assistant General Manager Kristin Cook, who will bring an eclectic flavor to the Atlas District community and beyond.  Chef Cardoso will be at the helm of the H Street Country Club's culinary offerings, and will maintain a consistent execution of the restaurant's cuisine.   The H Street Country Club will showcase a wide variety of high-quality wine, beer and cocktails in a fashion that will compliment the menu. Spanish and Latin wines will headline a drink menu that includes an array of Mexican beer, sangria, margaritas, and 20 different tequilas. Cocktail aficionados will love the club's signature drinks, such as the "I Wanna Jana", which combines Patron Silver & Chambord chilled & muddled with fresh lime, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and honey, or the "El Luchador" that combines Sauza Tres Generaciones Tequila & fresh lemon sour with muddled cucumber, cilantro & a slice of jalapeño pepper. The design of the restaurant and golf course was executed by artist Lee T. Wheeler of Arlington, VA. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in Sculpture, Lee has created an extraordinary and innovative space that will awaken the imagination of the Country Club guests. The series of DC-centric golf holes on the second floor captures the rich and, at times, comical history of our nation's capital. Contemporary lighting and creative construction of tables and lounge chairs provide for an intimate and comfortable space.  The sleek look of the entire venue will exude the modern, urban vibe for which H Street is known.   The H Street Country Club will be open daily from 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 5:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.  The restaurant is located at 1335 H Street NE, Washington D.C. Walk-ins are welcome and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. To contact the restaurant, please call 202-399-HSCC (4722).  For more information on the H Street Country Club, visit www.hstreetcountryclub.com/media.   ###   Media Contact: James D. Silk H Street Country Club 202.399.HSCC (4722) james@thehstreetcountryclub.com H Street Country Club • 1335 H Street, NE, Washington DC 20002 • 202-399-HSCC (4722) © 2009 All Rights Reserved Visit www.hstreetcountryclub.com for links to our mailing list, Facebook and Twitter.

powered by

Read More...

Summary only...

Well Dressed Burrito

All last week I was getting the royal treatment with WifeRat and BabyRat chauffeuring me back and forth to work each day. Today WifeRat is back at work, BabyRat started at a new school, and I went back to being one of those people who live and work in the city but drives anyway. It's not really my fault though, I had to drop off the palette of supplies (two changes of clothing, backpack, bedroll, etc.) you have to have for a three year-old starting at a new school and drop off time at this new place is later too.

Even with all of that, the real reason I drive is that I get reimbursed for my parking by Death Star, Inc. It's a very minor perq (really the only one that I get) but it does allow me to easily jet out to handle errands at lunch and indulge my passion for treating myself to great lunches. Lunch time during the work day is one of the few moments where I actually get to seriously consider what it is I want to do. Sometimes I "have to" go eat with my boss or co-workers but more often than not, I get do what I wanna do for lunch.

So today I took the opportunity to go to "The Well Dressed Burrito." A lot has been written about the place, but I had to go see for myself what the hub-bub was about.

Not having any meaningful connection to Mexican or Tex-Mex food past in-laws that live in Houston, I don't have any strong feelings about burritos (or tacos) or what they should or should not include. I have heard foodie types decry the blasphemy of Taco Bell tacos, calling them inauthentic and anglicized. I happen to love Taco Bell tacos, they're what I think of when some one says "taco"; hard shell, ground beef, cheese, and lettuce. So if you're some sort of burrito purist you should probably stop reading now. My requirements for Mexican or Tex-Mex are simple; flavorful ingredients and a bit of spice, a pretty low hurdle to clear.

Today's special burrito was Chicken Tenders with Cilantro Vinaigrette, Red Onions, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese and Rice. The vinaigrette provided a nice bit of tang to the proceedings that was complimented by the sweetness of the red onions. The chicken tenders were large and properly cooked, you could easily bite through one without turning your burrito into a sloppy mess. Overall I would say that it was a tasty and unusually flavored burrito, pretty good but nothing that's going to inspire the kind of endless love that I have for places like Deli City or Mangialardo's.

Read More...

Summary only...

Sticky Rice - First Look

Swiss Family Rat made their first trip to Sticky Rice for the 5pm seating on Saturday. The place is beautiful, the staff was awesome, and the food was as good as I had hoped it would be.

Sticky Rice is only about four blocks from the Rat's Nest, so we threw BabyRat in the stroller and I enjoyed a PBR on the walk there. We arrived at about five minutes after Five o'clock and there was a crowd of people waiting on the sidewalk to get in the place. We had a brief wait chatting with other folks that were as excited to welcome Sticky Rice to the neighborhood as we were.

We finally made our way to the door and they asked for the size of our party, which surprised me a little bit because it was supposed a soft opening for folks that had reservations. After giving our name, they found us in their reservation system and we were ushered to a table upstairs.

One of my concerns as a parent who still likes to eat out is not being one of "those families" that has a screaming kid or small tornado of toys spilling everywhere. I nervously asked the table next to us if our stroller between the tables would be a problem, they were extremely gracious and greeted us with a smile so I knew everything would be cool. This brings me to my first kudos for Sticky Rice. Unlike many restaurants in DC (especially those located in rowhouses) they didn't have the tables practically on top of each other. There was plenty of room between tables so you couldn't hear anyone else's dinner conversation and if someone had to get up from their table you don't wind up with a face full of ass. They may decide later on that they can squeeze in another couple of tables, but for now the place is mad comfortable.

Within a minute or two of sitting down our server, Amy, came over, introduced herself, took our drink order (of course I had the double-duece of Sapporo) and got the meal started. Amy seemed to have a pretty good grip on the menu considering it was only their second night open and was able to make some recommendations and provide all the extra information we needed. We ended up getting edamame (natch), shitake happens, some sort of fried mushroom thing, potstickers, sticky balls, Szechuan shrimp, the fantabulous roll, and a side of rice for BabyRat.

The food was slow in coming out, but we expected that so it was no big deal. You can't go to a place where they just sat 40-50 people at one time, on their second night open, in a new kitchen and expect that the pace of the meal is going to be perfect. BabyRat and I wandered around the restaurant a bit while we were waiting, saw the back deck, ran into some folks we knew, checked out the bathrooms, and by the time we got back Amy had brought out BabyRat's rice.

I don't know if Amy worked at a family oriented joint or has kids or comes from a family of 10 or is just well-trained in the art of waiting tables; but after that she could do no wrong as far we were concerned. That kind of attention to a small detail told us that kids are welcome at Sticky Rice and not merely tolerated. If you somehow read this Amy, thanks again!! Your wonderful service really made our night!!

Over the next hour or so, the various dishes we had ordered came out in fits and starts; but rather than taking away from the meal it added to it, because we had the opportunity to concentrate on each dish as it came out. There was almost a fist fight at our table over the super flavorful mushrooms in the Shitake Happens, which were the first thing that came out after the rice. The potstickes were too spicy for the wife and kid, so I got to eat most of those myself.

The highlight of the meal was the Sticky Balls. BabyRat was licking the flying fish roe of the outside before taking a bite of the crunchy, fried, seafood-filled goodness. WifeRat felt guilty for chowing down on one of "my" dishes, probably because she didn't want to share her Szechuan shrimp. Speaking of which, you may want to note that even thought the Szechuan shrimp is listed with the noodles dishes, it's served with rice unless you ask for something different. The fantabulous roll lived up to its name and was super tasty; fresh crab, cream cheese, and tuna, what's not to like?

We were still waiting for our fried mushrooms when Eric (one of the managers) came over and sat down to apologize for not letting the staff know they had been 86'd for the night. Two cool points for Eric because he didn't make his staff take the heat for a mistake he made by not taking the item out of the POS for the night. It was extra cool because he bought my second beer and I was pretty full anyway and BabyRat was getting a little restless too, so it worked out pretty well for everyone.

My only complaint is that I was subjected to Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl" on the stereo. I don't give a fuck what kind of post-modern irony you're going for, you miss when you start playing Billy Joel. I'm convinced that when I go to Hell I will be forced to listen to an iPod loaded with Billy Joel, Meatloaf, and "Sweet Caroline" for all eternity. Just say no to Billy Joel, seriously folks.

Read More...

Summary only...

Sticky Rice Finally Opening!!!

Woo-hoo!! How long ago did they paint the facade of Sticky Rice; had to have been at least a year ago, right? Regardless, I have been slobbering over the idea of sushi restaurant just a short walk away from the Rat's Nest since I first heard about the place. My anticipation was heightened when The Skip, who used to live in Richmond (home of the original Sticky Rice), told me about how insanely good the food was at the original.

Last night I was checking on the insanity over at DCist and they linked to the Frozen Tropics post announcing Sticky Rice's soft opening this weekend. Judging by the number and content of the comments, I'm not the only person who has been awaiting this opening with bated breath.

I know that things can get a little rough during a soft opening, but I wasn't able to resist the urge to make a reservation for the 5pm seating on Saturday. I'll tell y'all more when I know more.

[updated]
OK, I know more now. According to Daily Candy if you order food from Sticky Rice 30 days in a row, they will name a roll after you. I'm taking this as a challenge! Look for the "Rat Roll" in about 35 days.

Also, there is a Sticky Rice fan site.

Read More...

Summary only...

New Harris Teeter

WifeRat was bitter following late night escapades after rugby this week so I decided to check out the new Harris Teeter on Kalorama. I didn't get there until almost 2200hrs so the parking garage was pretty much deserted, but I was still greeted by cheerful employee when I walked into the elevator lobby.

As expected, the store was clean and well-stocked even considering the late hour. I basically walked around the outside edge of the store getting produce, milk, and all the rest of the stuff that keeps Swiss Family Rat well fed. Only one register was open and when I attempted to use the self-checkout a cheerful and (attempting to be) helpful employee directed me to an Express checkout station that was temporarily abandoned. About 90 seconds and a cart full of apologies later, the staff member showed up and whipped me through the checkout process while directing me to a newspaper coupon for $5 off.

Seeing the quantity of stuff I purchased and the short amount of time it took me to get done, one of the guys down in the garage commented that I hit the store, ". . . bank robbery style, quick!"

On the way home I stopped in for a short one with SOS at Ulah. I was curious to check it out again after getting an anonymous comment that the food sucked. I neglected to mention this to SOS 'cause he's just bubbling over talking about the place that he and Girlfriend of Hateration (GOH) are buying. Some random guy also bought me a shot of Patron in the course of trying to make a point to the bartender next door.

Read More...

Summary only...

Good Shopping on the Hill this Weekend

This weekend is the seasonal opening of the H St. Farmer's Market. Woo-hoo! For those of you who haven't been, I highly recommend you go check it out and I'm not the only who thinks it's great.

This Sunday is also Eastern Market Day. In addition to the usual vendors that are out, there will be a ton of additional food carts and Rick Franklin and the Delta Blues Boys play at 10:30 a.m. and Reverb performs at 1 p.m.

Here are the details on the Farmer's Market from the FRESHFARM Market website:

H STREET
Saturdays, 9 am to noon, 625 H St, NE

Market re-opens this Saturday, May 3, 2008.

OPENING DAY, May 3: Omawali Stewart is our featured "Chef at Market."

Fill your market basket with spring produce, pasture-raised meats and eggs, goat and cow's milk cheeses and cut flowers.

At market this week: Welcome back our farmers and producers including Atwaters Bakery, Blueberry Hill Farm, Cedarbrook Farm, Highfield Dairy, Keswick Creamery, Quaker Valley Orchards and Richfield Farm.

Read More...

Summary only...

Ulah Bistro

A close friend of HillRat, a guy nicknamed SOS, helped open Ulah Bistro. Things are still in a state of flux at Ulah with an obligatory chef walk out two weeks after the restaurant opened. The recommendation I got from SOS's lady friend was to stick with the pizzas and burgers, but she heard the tuna tartar was good.

I was happy because I hadn't had tartar of any type in a while and it had caught my eye when I looked over the menu. My only minor complaint would be that the salad served on top was a little overdressed, still is was tasty and complimented the tuna nicely. The wasabi cream painted on the plate wasn't just there for decoration, it had a healthy kick and added zing to whatever you dragged through it.

Early looks seem to be pretty neutral so far.

Read More...

Summary only...