MeMc

You know if we're talking about whether the new burger places are better than a McWendyKing, of course they are in terms of sourcing alone. They're also a step up in terms of investment in the community: Hell Burger is a totally different thing from Five Guys by virtue of Landrum's commitment to the area. Whether its DC or where I live now, where a new burger place lands is usually more desirable real estate compared to where a Wendy's or McDonalds has resided. Burger places now are in the neighborhood, with dozens more within walking distance than they used to be. McWendyking has increasingly been marginalized to strip malls and commuter roadways or rest stops. How does this real estate shift affect a diner's overall health? Does it mean he's going out for burgers more often? In Florida, it's probably a yes. There aren't as many choices here. The glut in what little neighborhood exists means fewer chances for alternatives in the walkable community. Such is not the case in DC, where walking, riding, and mixed use space is generally protected rather than paved over for more highway and more strip malls. Because DC sustains a different communal landscape --and a better economy plus more wealth-- the area can sustain this onslaught of single concept places, whether it's burger joints or independent shops like Souper Girl, Mussel Bar, and taquerias. Florida is a different story, hence the headline. The article linked does not mirror what I'd write for DC. (Oh, how much I miss this community.)

Does anyone have a source for bomba rice? I can't seem to find it anywhere locally.

I coach rowing and had a team dinner with parents and kids last night on macomb. For dessert, people made lokoumades, various pastries, etc. As soon as someone whipped out boxes of georgetown cupcakes 50 high school kids-- boys and girls alike-- ran to the kitchen, restraining themselves from pushing to get the flavors they wanted. I was amazed.

I think it's the lamb dog at Pilar and some of the sausages at Cork Market, too. . .

I've been going for dumpling happy hour a lot and $2 kirin, etc. Great playlist, too: the xx, fanfarlo, vampire weekend.

Damn. I'd been craving but staying away from CityZen this month because I thought it was closed in August. (: This sounds great!

And Francis Lam wrote a terrific currywurst piece on gourmet.com yesterday. . .After living there, I thought currywurst was the jumbo slice of Berlin, that half the fun was going to the Imbiss and watching people use tables to prop themselves up after a night of drinkin.

I said I'd pass this information along. I thought some folks here might be interested. . . . COCHON 555 - Washington D.C. “5 Pigs, 5 Chefs, 5 Winemakers” May 31st, 2009 WHAT: A group of top Washington D.C. area chefs will each prepare a heritage breed hog from head to toe for this competition. Cochon 555 is the only national chef competition promoting heritage pigs and breed diversity. Guests and professional judges will determine a winner based on creative, classic preparation and overall best flavor. The winner will be crowned the “Prince of Porc”. In addition, five family-owned wineries will showcase their wines. WHO: Taste Network presents Brian McBride, Blue Duck Tavern RJ Cooper, Vidalia Nicholas Stefanelli, Mio Jamie Leeds, Commonwealth Gastropub John Manolatos, Cashion's Eat Place Wineries: Miner Family Vineyards, Patz & Hall and more. WHEN: Sunday, May 31st, 5:00 p.m. Chef & Judges VIP Reception 3:30 p.m. photo opportunity/rsvp required WHERE: Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. - 1330 Maryland Ave SW WHY: To promote heritage pigs and breed diversity in local and national communities. Also, to raise awareness for ICompassion, an organization that works to reduce the number of individuals who die from kidney disease each year through providing support with a national live donor registry. HOW: The cost is $125 per person and is open to the public. For tickets or more info visit www.amusecochon.com. Advance ticket purchase required.

The suckling pig looks like a pork brownie. It's one of my favorite foods in DC.

Cafe Trope is closed.

The party/dinner was last night. (:

I met each person at different stores on different days, then circled back around to each on my own. I'm not a fan of big markets and crowds normally-- whole foods at 6 on a sunday night is my least favorite time-- but it was fun to be there when it was bustling. Tasty samples, too.

She was a terrific guide. I learned so much; I filled an entire little notebook! Thank you.

I just ordered rappahannock river's online for thanksgiving. They were delicious. People went nuts over them.

I love Jimmy T's, even though the food is whatever. The space has character and characters have a space. It reminds me of Jersey. Now that my Bostonian dad moved to South Carolina from Jersey (you should hear his accent), he makes us go there because he misses Northern surliness.