VandyHoo

Frank at Old City Green (at 9th and N, NW) is trying to start a CSA this year, if he can get enough interest.

From his website (www.oldcitygreen.com):

Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative is working with Old City Green to bring CSA shares, pastured animal, dairy and value-added products to you!

If you would like to bring healthfullocally-grown food to your family, please contact them at 717-656-3533 or

csa@lancasterfarmresh.com or visit their website, www.lancasterfarmfresh.com

Do you remember the Halcion Daze of 2004, when Graig Glufling popularized the Miniburger in this area at Matchbox?

Thanks, Don. Graig will be so happy to see this. He left the kitchen a few years ago and has been working in sales for Sysco. He may be in front of a stove again soon, though. I'll be sure to let you know where he lands.

I'll be in Montreal between Christmas and NYE. This will be my first visit. I'll be staying at the St. James Hotel in Old Montreal. I already have Au Pied de Couchon on the list. Has anyone been recently who can provide some recommendations? Thanks.

Received this email alert today:

Check out what's cooking when culinary innovator Chef Jose Andres joins funnyman David Letterman in the kitchen

The mastermind behind minibar brings his unique culinary wizardy to the set of CBS' Late Show

Thursday, July 19, at 11:30 pm on CBS

In a city that really lacks good sports bars, at least it's a great place to watch a game - 20 flat screen tvs. And I'm just happy to have a bar in my neighborhood and a way to get more people and hopefully more development into this strip of boarded up buildings. The chicken wings aren't bad either.

If you happen to stop in to Harris Teeter Reston say hello to Double G now in the management training program and manning the fish and meat stations. The former downtown chef (matchbox, Butterfield 9, tabard inn, Vidalia, bistro bis, etc) is trying out something new, but he'd be happy to recommend a fish/meat and a recipe to go along with it. Whatever you do PLEASE don't try to talk him back into the business!

If you're looking for some good front and back of the house staff, you may want to track down the folks from Ortanique. It's official - Ortanique employees got the call over the weekend - they are closing up shop. I don't know all the details but one comment was that they may re-open in a few months under a new name.

My brother claims it was a licensing issue and that they'll be open for business later this week.

Ortanique is rarely discussed. My brother has been working there for a while now. I’ve been just once. Enjoyed the food and outstanding service. But yesterday, the employees showed up for work and were all sent home. There are big signs out front saying no business transactions allowed, the certificate of registration has been revoked. Anyone know what’s up?

I'll be at Zengo around 6

I received this today from my neighborhood listserv. I'm happy to have another restaurant open in my 'hood:

Vegetate opens tomorrow. Our first week of business will be a reservation only preview week for people who signed up for our mailing list and the Shaw community list. This is to ensure that we can seat everyone who has been
patiently waiting for us to open. Our seating is limited; if each of you were to arrive at the same time, or the same day, we would not be able to seat you. And the last thing we want to do is turn people away.

The hours for the preview week are Tuesday through Sunday from 6pm-11pm. Call  202.232.4585 to make reservations. 

Brunch service will begin the weekend of the 29th.

There is a sign in the window on the 9th Street side of the Convention Center announcing that an Old Dominion Brew Pub will open in the neighborhood soon. (It doesn't look like build out has started, so I assume it would open sometime next year.)

Received this via email today....

JPI, Balducci’s, Madison Retail,

& the DC Office of Planning & Economic Development

Announce the Opening of a 21,000-Square-Foot Balducci’s

Specialty Grocery Store

in the First Quarter of 2006

at the Clara Barton in Penn Quarter

at 7th and E streets, NW

52 dedicated parking spaces will be available for customers

The store will feature gourmet foods, hard-to-find ingredients, seasonal and artisanal products,

chef-prepared meals, and a full compliment of everyday items

Question about Hank's: Do y'all think it will be difficult/easy to snag a deuce without a res around 8.30ish tonight? Did it look crazy-busy or somewhat subdued when you were there? We'll be in the area tonight looking to grab something before hitting Improv, and I would dearly love to eat me some oysters.

I called today to ask about reservations.

They don't take reservations, but said that if you call about a half hour before you plan to come in, they will put you on the waiting list if there is a wait.

Brainfood Chefs' Challenge & Graduation

Save the Date - May 16th, 2005

You're invited to the Brainfood Chefs' Challenge & Graduation! Our year-end celebration includes our 3rd annual "Iron Chef" style competition, teaming Brainfood Graduates with local chefs, competing for first prize. Their only weapon is a secret ingredient unique to each team!

Please join us as we recognize the efforts of Brainfood's class of 2005 and cast your vote for your favorite team in the Brainfood Chefs' Challenge!

Help us celebrate a breakout year as we open our Chefs' Challenge to the public at the beautiful Westin Grand Hotel!

The Westin Grand

2350 M St, NW

Washington, DC 20037

Brainfood is a youth development organization that uses food and cooking to teach life skills to DC high school students.

Monday, May 16th

6:00 to 8:30 PM

6:00 to 7:30 - Reception & Chefs' Challenge

7:30 to 8:30 - Graduation Ceremony

Participating Chefs Include:

Jamie Stachowski from Restaurant Kolumbia

Teddy Folkman from Vermillion

James Turner, formerly of Persimmon now of Harry Browns

Chefs from NACE.

---------------------------------------------------------

$50.00 per person.

Please purchase by May 13th. Tickets will not be mailed. There will be a guest list at the door.

$60.00 at the door, if space remains.

Includes food, wine reception, soft drinks and entry into drawing for dinner certificates.

Please send check payable to Brainfood or contribute online at http://www.justgive.org/giving/donate.jsp?charityId=10392

Please type Chefs' Challenge in Designated Donation box.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please call or email Paul Dahm at 202-667-5515 or paul@brain-food.org.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Brainfood

1525 Newton St, NW

Washington, DC 20010

202-667-5515

paul@brain-food.org

http://www.brain-food.org

Your support will help us to continue to provide a safe and positive environment for young people to grow and learn.

I'm bringing a group of friends to Poste tomorrow night. I haven't been for dinner there in over a year. Anyone been lately? Suggestions?

A few places you can find me an my pup Charlotte in the nice weather:

Straits of Malaya

Hamburger Mary's on 14th - doggy happy hour every Wednesday

Logan Tavern

Saint-Ex

I wish I could be there, but I'll be in Germany at a beer fest eating brats and drinking the local brew (Kitzmann). Have fun and hope to see you at the next event.