Remy

Has anyone seen fish peppers in any local markets this year? They are an heirloom varietal native to the region that has been popularized by Spiker Gjerde of Woodberry Kitchen. There was a farmer at the Ballston Freshfarm Market last year who had a ton and I ended up buying several pounds and making a couple of different fermented hot sauces out of them (one Thai inspired and one more in the Tabasco style) and they came out fantastic. I'd love to make them again but the farmer isn't back at the Ballston market and I haven't seen fish peppers in any of the other markets I've gone to this summer. Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

A well trained staff. I'm open to just about any kind of cocktail menu if the staff knows what they are doing. I'd absolutely agree with DaRiv18 that there are too many places where the cocktail menu is pricy and looks intriguing, yet a quick glance behind the bar shows that the bartender can't stir properly or keeps a super sloppy station. Also, if you have a riff on a classic on the menu, the staff had better know how to make the original as well. I've been into places with a sour base/champagne cocktail on the menu named something "75" and yet when someone in my party asks for a French 75 they get nothing but blank stares. On the other hand, if I see a bartender using proper technique and behaving like a professional then I'll absolutely order a cocktail off the menu and probably talk to the bartender about a bartender's choice for my second drink.

The last several times I've been to The Local Market in Falls Church they've had lamb necks in their freezer

As a fellow lover of all things bitter I understand where you're coming from. One of my favorites is the New Pal, which i found in the Art of the Bar book. It's like a cross between a sazerac and a negroni. 1 oz Rye 1 oz Sweet Vermouth 1 oz Campari Dash Pechaud's 2-3 Dashes Absinthe Orange Twist The other lovely little bitter libation I've come across lately is the Goodnight. 1 oz Rye 1 oz Fernet 1 oz Yellow Chartreuse Orange Bitters Orange Twist Enjoy

Hi all, My name is Remy and I'm really excited to have found this board. I'm a cocktail and beer nerd who lives in Arlington. I'm also and ambitious home cook who loves to eat out. Thanks, Remy