curiouskitkatt

Just in case you haven't heard, Monsieur Ripert will be at Wend End Bistro to sign his most recent book from 6:30 til 8 on June 23rd. Call 202-974-5566 to reserve your spot. For anyone who can remember back when he opened West End Bistro, I have had, and still carry a torch for him. Its all in good fun. I mean come on, he is dreamy. Hope to see you all there!!!

Attention!!! Attention!! I have a great deal for the dinner that will take place this Saturday. The dinner this weekend is priced at $195, but I have 10 tickets available for this event priced at $75. If anyone is interested please contact me ASAP. This dinner will be fantastic, and for half the regular price. Do not miss out!!!

I have offered to help a friend promote an event being held at the City Club of Washington. Marc Vetri was awarded the JBF award for Best Chef MidAtlantic in 2005. Details of the menu have not yet been finalized. I will update as soon as I find out.09_Celebrity_Chef_Tour___WASHINGTON_DC.pdf

Congratulations to all to made the list!!!

JBFAwardNominees2009.pdf

I have heard the same thing, Jean Georges culinary concepts company has quite a few restaurants teamed with the W hotel brand...

http://www.culinaryconcepts.com/articles/3

Thank you for the tip. I will continue my sleuthing....Any other info is greatly appreciated.

Upon my weekend adventures, I stumble into Kramersbooks and Afterwards. I tend to forget about this place among all the great places to go for a guilty bite to eat and a great piece to read. I love the eclectic display of books in the window. And I love that it is open super late on Fridays and Saturdays. Anyway. to the point, I just picked up Eat Me, Food, Philosophy according to Kenny Shopsin.[/i. I am sure most of you have had the pleasure of watching I like Killing Flies. I am two pages in, and already know this will be going into my top five fav books. He gets it. And I love him for putting into print. I know I will receive such wrath for this, but to quote Shopsin, "The customer is not always right." You can read his rant about this in the epilogue. I recommend for everyone to pick this book up.

Happy Fat Tuesday everyone...... So with that I would like to know where I may be able to find a delicious King's Cake?

The food is very very simple but tasty and during May-November they buy a lot from the Bloomingdale Farmers Market. The coffee is superb.

It is rather dangerous that I live right across the street from Big Bear. The paninis are delicious. And the coffee they serve is Counter Culture base out of North Carolina, I think. The pastries are dulish. The space is great.

The event on Monday night was extraordinary. As someone that tends to spread herself too thin, I actually was unable to attend the dinner. I had to cancel last minute, but my roommate owes me BIG TIME. I will say the cocktails were delicious, as well as the presentation of the hor d'eurves. Several members of the Cafe Staff at Chez Panisse were present. Island Creek oysters were shucked, Smoke VA "parma" style ham was being sliced, and well as beautiful pickled vegetables were to be had by everyone. I glided over the room to see many people that I knew, or recognized, and ones that I will know, and hope to have the opportunity to work with in the not so distant future. Ms Waters gave a very moving speech, and handed it over to Calvin Trillin. He versed an original work to commemorate this momentous chapter in not only American History, but World History. I thank you Mr. President, for renewing my faith that dreams are realities in the making. It just takes time.

I would like to thank everyone who has offered to help out for this event. I am so excited to be a part of this Dinner. I am also happy to report that all my hard work has not gone in vain.The Washington Post will be featuring an article about this incredible event. I have the opportunity to convene with the most prolific icons representing the culinary, entertainment, and book world. What more could a girl from York, Pa possible ask for. Wait....that is a loaded questions.. ..

All of that and no mention of the signature dish of the place?

I violated post protocol. Please report infraction to administrator. I suppose since describe food for a living, I just did not feel like working. I will be a better poster next post.

I'd like to nominate Rissa for the 2009 Annenberg Award.

I second that nomination. I also will like to take it one step further, I will like to have a dinner to honor her and her good will. I have sent her word, and hopefully she will be able to tear herself away from work. I had mentioned to Rissa, that if Karma means anything, she will rise like the Phoenix.

Geez, you all are making this sound like strictly a Chinese affair. It's the Asian Lunar New Year. Asia is somewhat bigger than just China (the last time I checked). A small group of friends will repair to the Escoffier/Grover manse and indulge in a Korean New Year lunch normally served only to the highest ranking member of the Korean Court. Possibly pictures will follow.

PM me and I'll let you know the address to send those red envelopes .

Wow....that brings back such great memories. I felt as though Christmas came twice a year. And the gifts were not limited to just family.Aunts, uncle, mom,dad, grandpa, grandma, and anyone I would flash my pearly whites to, gifted me with that glorious envelope.

I am surprise there is no mention of Peking Gourmet Inn. I imagine this place will be a buzz....make your reservations early.

I will admit, much to my chagrin, I did not want to like this place. I have never been or read about The Michael Mina Group and his restaurants. I only recognize his name and image from the pages of Gourmet Magazine. I can happily report that I have been to the Restaurant on a few occasions, and plan on making it my go to place. And I will agree with Mark, and mention that Dwayne adds a wonderful addition to the bar scene in DC. Where else can you go and have freshly squeezed fruit punch, while being serenaded to a Sam Cooke tune. The cocktails are incredilbe. The staff is well versed and gracious. Whats not to like? I am happy to eat my words.

Tickets for this event can now be purchase at the DC Central Kitchen website. Just click onto the tab ART.FOOD.HOPE. I know in these tough economic times $500 can be a lot of money. But for anyone that can spare it, these dinners will be rather amazing. I am looking forward to all the people I will be meeting, not to mention to have a dinner prepared my chefs I would not have the chance to otherwise, under normal circumstances. And if anyone has ever been to a Susan Gage event, it will be stunning. I will be sure to take picture and return with a full report.

My Mom is in town. We would like to go to lunch tomorrow. She is a traditionalist--nothing exotically ethnic. DC or VA is good.

Clydes or Old Ebbitt would be at the top of my list.

I also want to mention many local chefs will be collaborating with the all-stars as well. Click onto the pdf. file to see everyone who will be participating.

To my excitement, I am happy to share that the nations most profilic culinary superstars will be flocking to the District on Jan 19, 2009 to support and participate in series of dinners that will be benefitting DC Central Kitchen, FreshFarm Market, and Martha's Table. If there are any Rockwellians that would be willing to open their homes to host a team of chefs and offer transportation to those that will be arriving without cars, please get in contact with me. I know this city will be overrun with every Tom, Dick, and Harry. But think of the bragging rights you will have.

ArtFoodHope_Information_Sheet_12_22.pdf

ArtFoodHope_Information_Sheet_12_22.pdf

In my Sunday travels, I often find myself wondering around Eastern Market for ideas of what to make for dinner. In these hard economic times who can afford to shop for groceries at Whole Foods or any specialty market.

Grocery List

1. 1.5 lbs Bronzino @ 8.95/lb

2. small container of Pimenton @ 3.95

3. various fruits, veggies & grains totaling $10

Total cost of meal and prep time= 30/30

Take that Rachel Ray!!!! 30 minute meals under $30

Anybody besides me coming to this thing?

A little plug like this Don will send the members in droves......

and a shameless plug for myself... I will be working the bar this evening, after the happy hour, drop by to say hello.

I know how much everyone is a fan of the wonderful soup the man in silver makes...I am prohibited to say where I work at, but for all who know where I work at, I invite you to come see me.

How about the Willard Room? Menus are available to view at their website. This I imagine could be the complete "Norman Rockwell", holiday you may be in search of for Christmas Eve.

Did you have to get it notarized too? So a party of six requires special planning? Crowd control?

I was wondering around the restaurant a few days ago, and was pleasantly greeted by a rather statuesque hostess. There was quite a buzz. She had informed me that dinner service would commence tomorrow evening, and lunch service is to to follow on December 29th. I will be making a reservation for lunch. Background check and credentials may not be required at that time.

A few weeks ago I read an article touching on the trend of famous chefs opening post here in the District. I read on THE LIST YOU ARE ON IT, that Jean George is to open a restaurant in the old Hotel Washington space. Since then I have been snooping around to see if I possibly there was any truth to this. I know the hotel is not slated to open till August 2009, but if anyone has any information, I am more than happy to listen. I am in the very early stages of putting together a manucript covering my experience all things gastronomic. This has given me a great excuse to taste all the city has to offer. If anyone can help with my research, I would greatly appreciate it.