goldenticket

Less than two weeks away, time to start thinking about what/who you're bringing!

Here's a quick list of RSVPs so far:

Scott Johnston, cucas87 +1 deviled eggs, haggis

Goodeats dumplings/wontons

John William G +1

TheMatt

DanielK

DCDeb + 1 (tentative)

Weezy

Iolaire +1 side, non-alcoholic beverage

Barbara, DameEdna chicken liver pate, cheesecake

Nena

Ktmoomau

thistle pork butt, pound cake

Goldenticket +1

lperry +1

agm, NotQuickDraw ribs, fancy mac n cheese (tentative)

Crackers, Jacques Gastreaux +1(?) goose pastrami, MPSfH

1000yregg

Fishinnards lamb biryani (?)

ol_ironstomach

I believe this is the 3rd year for the Alexandria Seaport Foundation's Wine on the Water. It's a fun event that supports a great program. You can't beat spending a late spring evening along the Potomac with a glass of wine. From their e-invite:

Quote

Please join us on Saturday, June 9 in the Alexandria Seaport Foundation's workshop, on the Old Town Alexandria waterfront, for a festive wine tasting event sponsored by Grape + Bean. While sipping a variety of fabulous wines and tasting an array of cheeses and charcuterie, you can walk around the boat-building workshop. You'll see wooden boats being built by at-risk youth who are changing their lives through the Alexandria Seaport Foundation programs. The Potomac River dory boats have come a long way since you saw them last year. Christening of the WILLIAM HENRY July 21!

Tickets are $45, $55 after June 1. Available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/243578 or phone 1-800-838-3006.

 

Full disclosure, a good friend of mine is on their Board, but I would support the organization and recommend the event, even if that wasn't the case. Hope to see some of you there!

I was in Split and Dubrovnik in April 1988, so my impressions are from a very different time - both for me and those places. I think both are absolutely worth seeing, especially if you've already spent time in Venice and that region. My palate wasn't quite as refined back then and my student budget limited my dining options, but I still have some excellent memories. One of them being able to walk into a pastry shop and spend the equivalent of (maybe) a few dollars for an assortment of lovely confections. A few friends and I sat on a bench in the sun and sampled them all - pure decadence at the time The harbor in Split is picturesque, the promenade was bustling, and, as I recall, the water was a beautiful blue.

I do remember eating a lot of grilled meat while in (the then-)Yugoslavia. Even though communication was difficult, the people were helpful and friendly. I can't imagine it would be any different (if not easier) these days.

The Dalmatian coast is stunning and Dubrovnik is like no other place I've ever been. Go - you won't be disappointed!

Making a comeback, thanks to Anthony Chittum. Sorry for Vermillion's loss, but fantastic that this space will get a chance to be the restaurant it always deserved to be.

Well, damn! I hate to lose having Chef Chittum's wonderful cooking available a few blocks from home, but this sounds like very exciting project. I'll be looking forward to dining there, since I never made it to the previous incarnation.

After a sweet renovation of a large house just off the main drag (Mt. Vernon Ave), it looks like Del Ray Café has opened (or is doing so, softly).

They serve breakfast and lunch Mon-Fri, brunch on Sat-Sun, and dinner Mon-Sun.

Thrillist has some details on the space and menu items (menus are available on the website linked above).

It does say they're closed this Saturday - and they're hiring.

I look forward to checking it out!

Stadium Food was the topic on today's Kojo Nnamdi Show. Tim Carman was a guest, along with the Nationals Park Executive Chef Dave Peterson and Margaret Engel, author of "Baseball Vacations". Interesting show with discussion of what's on offer at Nationals Park, and other parts around the region and the nation.

The link above also includes a list of best places for specific foods.

(I think I need to get back to my native Minnesota for some baseball - Byerly's chicken and wild rice soup AND Walleye sandwiches available at ball parks there)

Looking forward to the picnic! I'll be there +1, not sure what I'm bringing yet.

I guess the keeper of the leftover 'stuff' (plates, napkins, plastic ware, table cloths, etc) from the last picnic hasn't raised their hand. If you're out there, please let me and/or Scott Johnston know (on the thread or via PM).

As always, all members are welcome, we just ask that you bring something to share.

If you're lurking, this is a great reason to join DR.com. The spring and fall picnics are great events and an excellent way to meet others from the board.

And the food/drink usually isn't too shabby, either

Taqueria Verano made a pretty good dinner -- sadly, no combo tacos, you had to order three of the same kind. Carnitas were tasty, the salsa was flavorful, plenty of fresh cilantro on my taco, and nice non-rubbery corn tortillas. My son didn't care for his quesadilla w/carnitas (you can get any of the meats on the quesadilla) as was too spicy for him (not for me at all), but I used his lime crema on my tacos too. Elote (grilled corn on the cob with mayo, cotija cheese and spice was good, much less spicy than last year this time (when I could barely eat it). Churros had good texture but were cold, which is probably inevitable but not the best way to eat churros. No complaining from my family, though.

I've also enjoyed the tacos at Taqueria Verano at a few games. I was disappointed to learn last week that they weren't doing combo tacos - they had let me order a combo on opening day. The carnitas, the barbacoa, and the veggie tacos were all nicely seasoned and generously portioned, and an OK value at $7.75 for 3 tacos. I really liked the elote, too.

On opening day, I saw a small stand selling veggies and hummus and sushi. It wasn't too far inside the main level concourse from where the big Hard Times stand is, but I haven't seen in open on two recent Tuesday evenings.

Near Section 313, Taste of the Majors has a regularly changing menu featuring items associated with the visiting team. A lot of them seemed to be burgers with different toppings, with some non-burger options (Baltimore Pit Beef, St. Louis Ribs, Cincy Chili, etc) in the mix.

A friend organized one at Fontaine Caffe in Old Town and was very happy with everything. Their website says they specialize in events (including showers) for groups of up to 20.

Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys

(Trying this again after putting it in the wrong thread.)

Raising a Brass Monkey to MCA

Grass Roots Station is closed.

There is an SUP application posted for a change of ownership to Dos Amigos Tex-Mex. The application includes a request for extended hours ('til 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday; 10:00 pm most other nights.

It was a wonderful evening - Ditto on all the earlier comments! Lots of fun to watch Chef Ziebold and crew working the grills and carefully plating each course.

Thanks to everyone who came out for a perfect evening.

Amazing weather, good food, good wine, great people.

I know I'm looking forward to the next one...

How about you?

P.S. next time we'll take temps on your marshmallows, would you like that burnt or toasted?

-I really liked the s'more. The graham "cracker" was the graham taste I am used to, but with a cake like texture which I really liked. The roasted marshmallows were perfect both visually and from a taste perspective.

Chef, Can you give a little detail about the 'graham cracker' portion of the dessert? It was really good!

I'm definitely looking forward to the next one

I'm also a fan of the pupusas at El Charrito Caminante.

Last weekend, I picked up some pretty good ones at the carry-out inside El Paisa Grocery. It's at the corner of Glebe Rd and Mt. Vernon Ave in Arlandria. They're a bit bigger than those at ECC, and the slaw is yellow. I didn't like their salsa too much, but you can't beat the value at about $1.50 each. Tamales were also pretty good.

You might be able to get into Masa 14.

Or there's always Oohs and Aahs.

Looking forward to it! Hope to see lots of new and old faces tonight.

Everyone is welcome, join us for a quick drink or stay for a while!

Some details here - Virginia Supreme Court will hear arguments tomorrow from the Old Dominion Boat Club and the City of Alexandria.

Indiana. From Constitution, go up 7th (can't turn left until 6:30, but can go up 6th instead), and Indiana is an immediate right, heading one-way northeast over to 6th. There's a chance you'll find street parking on Indiana which I believe doesn't have rush hour restrictions.

Or, better yet, take the Metro

Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter stop on the Green/Yellow Line. Fiola is just across 7th Street from the Metro entrance, a very short walk up Indiana.

I've been back to the Alexandria location a couple times now, both to dine in and order carry out.

Since my first visit, I've tried:

• kelp noodles with spicy almond butter - very fresh and crunchy. The noodles are clear but have quite a bit of crunch to them. This is a light, but satisfying dish.
  
• seitan stir-fry - I was warned that this was for those who like bitter tastes. It definitely fit the bill, with kale, broccoli, walnuts, and balsamic vinegar all playing major roles. Another hearty without being heavy, healthy combination.
  
• chicken bento box - though it's billed as lime and ginger marinated, I didn't find the chicken to have a lot of flavor, but the accompanying sauce made up for that. sweet potatoes and spicy cucumber salad rounded out the plate, along with a scoop of brown rice.
  

Dining companions on various outings have tried the salmon bento box, the VA grass-fed beef burger, and the Thai chicken curry - all were enjoyed. As I mentioned above, I think the value to price/portion is very good at Teaism. It's been a little slow in the new location, so I hope business will continue to pick up as the word spreads!

Please give me an example of somewhere, anywhere, in which a McDonald's has been replaced by anything.

ETA: I think we have reached burger joint saturation.

The McDonald's that used to be on King Street in Old Town Alexandria is now a Walgreen's.

What time are people actually planning to arrive? We can't make 4:00, but we do plan to stop by.

I'm going to try be there around 5. I think a few folks are planning to arrive on the early side (4-4:30ish), but I imagine there will be plenty coming closer to 6-6:30, depending on work schedules.

Hope to see you all there!

Grape + Bean - they'll do a flight and have nice small plates, as well as a few outdoor tables.

Vermillion (and any of the NRG spots, I believe) does half pours. Pairing options might be more limited, and it can be quite noisy in the bar area.

Adding to the winery list, Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn does a very nice little food pairing with their tasting, for about $7. More substantial cheese/charcuterie plates are available for purchase. The tasting room, in a converted barn, is quite charming and rustic. There is plenty of outdoor seating with nice views.

So, today marks the 7th anniversary of the creation of DonRockwell.com (according to the membership records).

In honor of this momentous occasion, the friendships created, meals eaten, dishes cooked, tips shared, and all the other great things that happen around here, we shall celebrate!

When: Friday, April 20, 2012

Where: Fiola's bar

Happy Hour runs from 4:00 - 6:00 pm, though I'm sure things will last beyond that.

Please stop in to say hi to old friends, meet some new ones, and raise a glass "To Rocks"!

All are welcome

Happy Anniversary, Don!

I can't always make it and have had some last minute cancellations lately, but I really do appreciate having the opportunity available. It's very hard to find individual spots.

I hope you will keep the shift going and also hope that some new folks might join us, at least once, in the coming months!

That being said, I know there had been a request a while back from DCCK to limit volunteering during the summer months due to the large number of church/youth/camp groups that volunteer. Is a summer hiatus (maybe June-August) something to consider?

Money quote from the review:

"Deep down there’s nothing foodies loathe more than other foodies."

I was going to suggest Ardeo (upstairs) and Central, so second those recommendations.

Masa 14 is always a favorite of mine, but can be quite loud.

Ris

Evening Star really isn't all *that* far from the Braddock Road Metro station. (OK, it's a mile, but it's an easy walk down Mt. Vernon and there are always cabs available at the station )