bettyjoan

Brown sugar glazed salmon with garlicky green beans Jasmine rice (again) Salmon was delicious - I have been really pleased with the 1st St Harris Teeter's seafood department.

Okay, mom and dad are going to be in town for the holiday weekend, and when it is just the four of us, I never have any problems figuring out what to do - if there is good food and alcohol, we are usually good to go. On Friday, my mom has invited her cousin and his wife, neither of whom we know well, to join us for the day. My original plan was lunch and then the Newseum, but apparently cousin's wife isn't the museum type. They DO like to hike, though, so assuming the weather cooperates, we're thinking a later lunch and then maybe some walking. I'd like to avoid the Mall/Monuments due to the extra tourist traffic, but I guess we could head that way if absolutely necessary. Cousin's wife does not eat seafood, and my parents don't like Indian food, but those are our only dietary restrictions. Any ideas for a lunch spot where we could either snag a reservation or where 6 wouldn't have a problem getting a table around 1:30, that would be close to some sort of scenic strolling area? We live in NoMa, so we have to be able to get there and back either by walking or Metro. Thanks!

It is my favorite, too. I hope you enjoy - please feel free to message me and let me know how it was!

Beef tagine with butternut squash Jasmine rice Not really a "summer" dish, but yum - after sweating profusely (this version came out really spicy), I was much cooler.

I happen to really enjoy Shake Shack's burgers. In my experience, they are always hot, juicy, and well-seasoned, and I like the ratio of meat to toppings to sauce to bun. I like that I can get a nice, tart lemonade to drink (since I don't drink anything carbonated, usually my only option is water). I enjoy the concretes when I am in the mood for something sweet. For me, Shake Shack delivers on all fronts when I am in the mood for a fast-casual-type burger. Jason and I visited the new Spy Museum location on Saturday, and we really enjoyed our lunch. The burgers were what I always expect from Shake Shack - salty and nicely charred - but they were actually cooked just under medium, which was perfectly fine by us. The Beltway Blondie concrete had vanilla custard, banana, blondie pieces, and salted caramel sauce, and if it had just a touch more caramel sauce, it would have been perfection. The line was a bit long (lunch rush, of course), but the employees were giving out lemonade and custard samples and everyone was in good spirits. It's bigger than the Dupont store and the line has a much better flow, so well done on that point.

I haven't read that - but I actually like Moe's, as chain burrito places go, so that would be fine by me. Between that and Chinito's, I would have a burrito-heavy diet. There are "bleachers" at the tables, making it possible but somewhat awkward to sit. I preferred to stand. I also thought maybe I'd take the food to go next time, but then again, chips never taste as good as when they are hot out of the bag.

At our table, they had four different kinds of homemade hot sauce - a VERY hot one that tasted like it had a scotch bonnet base (tasty, but too much for me), a wasabi lime, a cilantro-jalapeno (just my speed), and a mango something or other. Then they had sriracha, and they probably had a few other commercially available hot sauces scattered throughout, but I was much more interested in the homemade salsas and such. I will happily take this place over Chipotle as well, don't get me wrong - I really enjoyed it. I was just saying it is shocking that our office-heavy corner doesn't have a Chipotle (or similar chain burrito joint) for the lunch crowds.

We passed this place a few times on our way to H Street, so we decided to stop in last weekend - I was craving a burrito, and shock of all shocks, we don't have any other options in NoMa (not even a Chipotle). It is a small store, but clean and bright and right across from Gallaudet (so they must do a killer lunch biz). Because of their location, all of their ordering is on written slips - smart. They have various proteins that you can put in burritos, tacos, or quesadillas, and then they have free toppings and "premium" toppings. Extras include chips and salsa and chicken egg rolls with an avocaco/ranch-type sauce, both of which we tried - the chips were awesome (Jason exclaimed, "REAL tortilla chips!!!"), and I loved the sauce that came with the cheesy gooey egg rolls. I tried the carnitas in a burrito with lettuce, cheese, sour cream, guac, pico, rice, and vegan black beans. It was HUGE. I can normally throw back a burrito like a pro, but damn, I was shamed by this massive creation. Next time, I'll go for the pinto beans, as they probably have a bit more flavor. I will also go for a spicier salsa (instead of the pico), as the whole thing needed a little "oomph" (totally my fault - a rookie burrito construction error). The meat, however, was super tender and well salted and had great flavor. I liked the cilantro-based hot sauce that was available at the tables - that plus some sriracha would probably do the trick. Jason got a burrito with carne asada, and the bite I tasted was really good - full of flavor. Everything just tasted really fresh. Two enormous burritos, chips and salsa, and order of egg rolls, and two bottled drinks came up to about $29. You could definitely get out for a lot cheaper, if you weren't in a "try everything on the menu" kind of mood. Really glad we stopped by - love that we have this place in the neighborhood. [ETA - I totally screwed up the tagging for this post - sorry! Can someone go back and separate them? I really thought I got it right. Grrr!]

I love the Fresh Market - we had them in GA. Fantastic prepared foods and meat/seafood. Pricey, but they run specials and are a good supplement to larger supermarkets, especially for some specialty ingredients. I wish I had one nearby!

Deep fried. I have a Cool Daddy that works like a champ. It is a little bulky and has a lot of "moving pieces" to clean, but it keeps everything contained and there is absolutely zero splatter. Plus, I feel like it really allows me to keep a consistent oil temp without having to stand over the stove and obsess - which, with as easily distracted as I appear to be, is a very good thing!

Arancini (with leftover saffron risotto)!!! I also planned on having some cheese and no-knead bread, but I was so engrossed in an episode of "Breaking Bad" that I forgot to adjust the oven temp and ended up with burnt blech on the outside and gummy yucky on the inside. Bummer!

NOTE: August is vacation month in Spain (e.g., when the locals high tail it outta there because it is so gosh darned hot), so whatever you decide to do, you are going to need to call ahead and make sure it is open. The "big ticket" tourist attractions will stay open, of course, but some of the smaller attractions may have different hours. Locally/family owned bars and restaurants will surely be impacted. Be prepared to see far more tourists and plenty of signs on doors indicating closures. No, it's not going to be like a ghost town, but you will have a different experience than if you went during another month. You just need to go in with the right expectations. Spain is still the greatest place ever. I am much more of an expert on Madrid than Barcelona, so I always tend to do my own thing when I am in the former. The museums are first-rate, and I think that a tour of the royal palace is worth every minute and every penny. If the weather is nice, Retiro Park is fantastic for some outdoor time. I personally find the hop on/hop off buses to be really cheesy and impersonal, so if you don't want to walk or take Metro (which, by the way, is cheap and efficient and clean and safe and fantastic in just about every way), perhaps you can find a local guide or a small group situation? In Barcelona, we did a tour with Viator that allowed us to skip the lines at Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, and a couple of other things. It was MUCH appreciated - the lines were really long. We also had a super awesome local guide and a bus to take us from point to point (we covered a LOT of the city - it would have been too much walking). I would highly recommend Viator - they have a lot of different tours depending on your interests. You could use them in Madrid as well.

Made my famous "best blueberry muffins ever" yesterday morning. When the oven beeped, my husband, who was still in bed (and a little...say, altered...from the previous night's fun), said that he didn't even know we had muffin mix in the house. I gave him my best shocked and appalled look and told him that I couldn't believe he would accuse me of such a thing. The muffin recipe came from an old recipe of ATK, and it is seriously the best ever. Loads of blueberry flavor, and a lemon/sugar "crumble" on top. Not too sweet, great texture.

Had a little mini dinner party last night - first real entertaining in our new place. Strawberry thyme lemonade (vodka) Honeydew cucumber mint cooler (gin) Various wines Spicy eggplant dip with Parmesan and pita chips Lemon roasted chicken Rosemary roasted tomatoes Manchego-jalapeño-corn sauté with lime Then our guests showed us how to make fresh ricotta for dessert! Delicious, with some fresh fruit and honey. Nothing we made was super fancy, but it was all yummy and enjoyed in good company. That's the key!

Roasted chicken Rosemary roasted tomatoes Saffron risotto (with enough left over to make arancini!)

Betty is my first name and Joan is my middle name. Well, correction - Joan *was* my middle name, before I got married and legally changed my middle name to my maiden name. However, in Jewish tradition, I am named after a beloved deceased relative - my maternal grandmother - so both names are very special to me.

Chicken, peach, and pepper jack quesadillas with sour cream, guac, and salsa The peaches were meh...I think I am going to have to seek out some better sources for them (these came from the Harris Teeter downstairs, and I'll give them a slight pass because they were first-of-the-season). This Georgia girl has high standards.

Lamb and orzo stuffed peppers with tomato sauce and goat cheese Asparagus with balsamic tomatoes and goat cheese The stuffed peppers are actually a Rachael Ray recipe (from her "Week in a Day" show), and they are awesome. It's actually a great make-ahead - I do everything in advance and then just heat the peppers in the oven on the day I am serving (you can do that with the sauce too and reheat it, but I generally do the sauce fresh). Jason does not usually like bell peppers, but he loves these because they come out sweet and tender.

Made a whole bunch of pasta salad for lunches and a Wolf Trap picnic this week - elbow macaroni with peas, green and red onions, parsley, red bell peppers, lemon zest, and a cream cheese/dijon/sour cream/shallot/lemon juice dressing. Sprinkled a few chopped bacon pieces over top as well. With a grilled chicken breast, beats most any lunch in the area!

Looks amazing! Hope you enjoyed it - your crust looks so yummy.

And that is why this website is freakin' awesomesauce. Your buns were probably a zillion times better than the Whole Foods ones anyway, even without the mold. Color me impressed.

You are doing our trip, but backwards (we flew into Madrid and out of Barcelona). Frankly, unless you really like driving, I don't see the need to get a car - there are buses, trains (high-speed and regular), and planes that can get you to nearly anywhere you want to go in Spain. And where that is will depend on what types of things you want to see and do. Madrid and Barcelona alone could easily take 11 days. We added Granada to our trip, because the Alhambra was something I wanted my husband to see AND because I feel that Andalucia is just such a different and fun region to experience. What are your interests? Spain is my favorite place in the world (I think I have convinced Jason to retire there someday...), so I am happy to live vicariously and assist any way I can.

Cabernet short ribs (meat from Harvey's at Union Market - really good) with gremolata Parmesan polenta Crusty baguette One of the Spanish reds from the Grape Crate Not really a summery meal, but it was tasty! Looking forward to some kind of leftover short rib sandwich for lunch in the coming days...

I hadn't seen my husband (or eaten a decent meal) in a week, so we decided to try something new for Friday's date night. We headed over to NoPa with high expectations, having all of our wonderful experiences at Rasika in mind - clearly, we knew that the food would be different, but I think we figured the "bones" would be very similar. I wasn't completely disappointed, but in my mind, NoPa still has some tweaking to do. We sat at the bar, which is pretty small, but we found two seats relatively quickly. Service at first was attentive-bordering-on-clingy - we barely had time to look at the cocktail menu before he wanted us to order. I started with a very good "brasserita," which was spicy and tangy and really tasty. Jason had a gin and tonic of some sort, but I'll let him post separately about what he thought. I also ordered a strawberry-basil-vodka cocktail that usually comes with soda in it, but the bartender was happy to leave the soda out (indicating that it wouldn't make a difference overall), and it was very fresh. I probably should have ordered it with dessert. We got a bread basket early in the going, which had decent "regular" bread and some delicious rosemary pull-apart rolls. The butter served with the bread was the proper temperature (yay), but it was unsalted (boo). For our first round of apps, we tried the twice-fried chicken and the smoked salmon croquettes. The chicken, for $10, was a drumstick and two thighs of delicious, perfectly fried chicken that was crispy (and NOT greasy) on the outside and moist and juicy on the inside. All it needed was a little salt, and it would have been among the best I've ever had. The homemade ketchup served with it was quite good, though. I thought it was a great value. The croquettes were technically well done, but they had more of a dill flavor than a smoked salmon flavor, which thrilled my husband and disappointed me. Second round, we ordered the olive oil poached octopus and the duck confit. The octopus was tender and cooked nicely, but it had way too much olive flavor going on, and I am not a fan of olives, so it was definitely not something I went back to over and over. On the other hand, the duck confit was amazing - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and PERFECTLY seasoned. There was also a sour cherry mustard sauce that went perfectly with the meat (when we weren't just sucking the meat directly off the bone like animals). Fantastic. Jason had some beers and I had a glass of sauvignon blanc (neither were anything to write home about - didn't think their selection, at least draft/by the glass, was particularly exciting), and we noticed that service had definitely taken a turn for the slow. Empty plates would sit in front of us for much longer, and other than the occasional, "Everything good?" there really wasn't much engagement. I already knew, from research, that I was interested in dessert. We ended up trying the fried strawberry pies and the maple pecan sticky bun. YUM to both. They each came with ice cream, but Jason will have to tell you about those - I was definitely only in it for the pastries. The strawberry pies were filled with fresh strawberry filling that was naturally sweet, so it was great that the pastry itself was more neutral and you didn't get that super sugary donut-esque cavity-inducing thing where the dish as a whole is just too sweet for more than a few bites. It was nicely balanced, and I would like to make some myself. The sticky bun was just decadent. Soft on the inside, though, and gooey and sticky and divine on the outside, with a few candied pecans sprinked on top for good measure. It would be the perfect breakfast pastry, if it wouldn't give you an epic sugar crash about an hour after you ate it. It made me think of my grandpa, who could never say no to a big ol' pecan sticky bun - he really would have liked this one, and I smiled while I was eating it because it allowed me to go back down memory lane and think of all the sticky buns we shared while he was alive. So, 4 apps, 2 desserts, 2 cocktails and a glass of wine for me, and then I think 1 cocktail, 2 beers, and a glass of port for Jason, and the total before tip was $139. I gave the overall experience a B-/B. Dessert was a real surprise highlight for me. With a few service and seasoning tweaks, this could be a great repeat place for us (ya know, not every week, at those prices, but for more special occasions). Has anyone else been? I'm sure Jason will pipe in shortly.

JoshNE beat me to the punch, I was about to start a thread on Vendetta since Jason and I decided to walk over and try it on Wednesday night, mostly because we wanted to check out the bocce courts. The space is gorgeous - really well done. We sat at the upstairs bar, which was empty - and I mean "employes playing bocce and watching TV" empty - when we arrived around 6:30 PM. They do some $5 wines and Peroni at happy hour, and they also have prosecco on draft, which a lot of people will like. The fritto misto was meh at best - kind of limp and bland. Jason got the bolognese on pappardelle, and it was flavorful if a bit undersalted. I got the carbonara on bucatini, which was good - the pasta was cooked nicely, and the pancetta was crispy and salty, but I kind of wished there was a whole egg to crack open, to get a bit of extra yolky goodness. That said, the egg sauce kept the pasta VERY moist, so I think it was successful overall. Could have used some cracked pepper to really take it home. Service was good behind the bar - friendly, accesible, mostly knowledgeable. The biggest issue for me is that it feels more like a bar than a restaurant. Unfortunately, the menu doesn't really work for that kind of feel. They need more apps, more "drinking food," especially if they want people to hang around and imbibe and play bocce. Maybe they just need a little more time to figure out exactly what they want to be?