michey1st

I had half a package of Orzo left over after preparing this meal a few posts up, so I tried my own variation of a risotto dish I had at Il Pizzicho a few weeks back. It was basically the orzo recipe from before, but near the end of the orzo cooking, I added in diced up fresh figs (I used black mission figs from wholefoods) and pineapple sage, then garnished with additional fig slices at plating. It turned out to be a slightly sweet and savory dish that was quite tasty (of course, it wasn't quite the same as the risotto from Il Pizzicho but I never would have thought of it without the restaurant inspiration.)

It truly was a splendid evening! Thank you to everyone in attendance for making me and my +1 feel welcome, thanks to Walrus for organizing the festivities, and special thanks to Chef RJ and his wonderfully attentive staff. It was my first time at Vidalia, and WOW was it fabulous! I am already looking forward to the bird-themed feast that was hinted at last night. (more farm eggs please, kthx *swoons*) Have a safe trip, RJ!

I just made an orzo dish last night... slightly modified from one I stumbled across on Cooks Illustrated. I pan-fried chopped up bacon, removed the bacon from the pan, browned the orzo in some of the left over bacon fat until slightly brown (healthy, I know, lol), added in some chopped onions and garlic, then gradaully added in chicken broth until the orzo was cooked. Near the end I tossed in some frozen peas, added the cooked bacon back in and a bit of mascarpone for creaminess, topped with parm and fresh basil and voila. I made enough to use as a main course, but this could very easily play side dish to something else.

Last night was Il Pizzico in Rockville. Appetizer: Carpaccia Main Course: Rissotto of the day (had Figs and Pancetta in it = YUM!) +1 had Shrimp and Scallops Dessert: Tiramusu and Panne Cotta (sp?) All in all, a very lovely meal. If I could do it again, we would have split the risotto and each gotten additional entrees, as the shrimp and scallops wasn't quite filling enough for the SO. It was our first time there and despite that, we were quite pleased. Saturday: Low key meal at Carribean Feast (Curry Goat, Fried Snapper, Meat Pies (YUM), Coco Bread, Ginger Beer) Friday: China Bistro - Delicious Mamas special dumplings and Beef/Celery dumplings, Scallion Pancakes Special (kind of bland, actually... not sure if they are supposed to be that way) and Almond Bubble Tea. (My first bubble tea experience, it was delish!)

Hi Everyone! I have been lurking for the last few weeks and finally took the plunge and created an account I am 33 and currently live in Bethesda but have been in this area for as long as I can remember... grew up in Olney, lived in Silver Spring, Germantown, Frederick, etc. I am a relatively new foody, kinda getting sick of the same old stuff and am excited to try out new places that I never would have considered (or never knew existed) in the past. Thanks for having me!