Learning Beer Culture

Yes it exists…beer culture. While some may think that it doesn’t taste very good. You know they just haven’t had a good beer yet. There’s also an art to having a good beer just like wine. There’s a certain color that makes a good beer, and of course there isn’t much foam (or head as most people call it) on the top. Also depending on the person (and country) it’s either cold or served at room temperature. Just like wine. So don’t knock it, some people are wine culture and some people are beer culture.

This week is DC’s Beer Week and this is probably the best time to learn about beer culture. You might even find a beer you enjoy, with more than 0 breweries and 30 restaurants, bars and pubs participating you’re sure to find something!

Please be responsible and don’t drink and drive. Simply use the Commuter Rail!

Tuesday	8-24
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe “Brooklyn Brawl” Beer and Cheese Tasting.	1517 Conn. Ave., NW Washington DC 20036
Wednesday	8-25
DC Bread and Brew presents Lagunitas Beer Dinner: ” Six beers and Six Plates”	Call 202-466-2676 for reservations
Thursday	8-26
The Reef presents “Rogue Ales Oyster Fest”	446 18th Street, NW Washington DC, 20009
Friday	8-27
The Black Squirrel Get yourself to Adam’s Morgan and meet the brewer of Flying Dog	2427 18th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20009 (202) 232-1011
Saturday	8-28
RFD FIRKIN SPECTACULAR!!!	810 7th St. NW Washington, DC 20001

It’s Restaurant Week!!!

Well you actually haven’t missed it yet and it’s really longer than a week…10 days! But that’s besides the point…Alexandria VA will be hosting Restaurant Week!!!

Not sure what Restaurant Week is?

This 10-day gourmet and gourmand event enables residents and visitors to enjoy tantalizing multi-course meals and distinctive treats prepared especially for the occasion showcasing the inventive culinary diversity offered throughout the city.

The best part about Restaurant Week? Personally I would have to say that it’s the discounts that are offered for a delicious multi-course meal! They are offering specials for a $35.10 for a Prix-Fixe Meal or $35.10 f0r a dinner for Two and 3.50 for Sweet Treats. These are for participating restaurants…check em out!

Which restaurants will you choose to visit?

Photo by tychay

The Del Merei Grille

Last weekend some friends and I decided to head over to the Del Merei Grille. We were looking for a nice restaurant with a hip atmosphere and great food. The Del Merei Grille was definitely the place to be! We had such a great time and the food was to die for!

Located in the vibrant Del Ray section of Alexandria, Virginia, the restaurant has quickly become a neighborhood favorite where diners return again and again for the gracious hospitality and consistently excellent food. Locals call it “the Del” and know it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a wonderful meal.

That night I had food from the grille! Oh the options were endless, you have a choice of food from the grille, a sauce and two sides! You get to make your own meal! There are also other entrees that you can choose from and I’m certain you’ll be satisfied.

The Del Merei Grille is located off of 3106 Mount Vernon Ave. you can call 703-739-4335 for more information.

The Del Merie Grille

3106 Mount Vernon Grille

Alexandria, VA 223205

Photo by 1suisse

Fresh Morning

Start your Saturday right at the Old Town Farmers’ Market from 5 AM – 10:30 AM at 301 King Street. This market happens year round and you don’t need to worry about parking (free parking in the Market Square garage).

This market has been happening since 1753 and is one of the nation’s oldest markets where local farmers and artists sell their products. The market even dates back to George Washington sending his produce to the market. If you’re into fresh homegrown produce and handmade art, then this is the spot for you!

Where do you shop for your produce, dairy, and meats?

Cheap Drink Trick

Have you ever tried Calimocho? It’s an easy drink to make with a combo of Coke and cheap red wine. All you need to do is go to Trader Joe’s and buy their “2 Buck Chuck” wine.  The drink tastes a like sangria, but not as sweet. Just make sure when you try Calimocho, you have it on the rocks!

The special ingredients for Calimocho:

• Pitcher
• 2 Liter of Coke
• “2 Buck Chuck” or bottle of red wine

Mix the 2 liter and bottle of wine together in a pitcher, and you’re ready to go! Have you tried Calimocho?

Here’s address to the Trader Joe’s in DC:

1101 25th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20037

Reference:

Calimocho: Red Wine & Coca-Cola

Edible Bouquets

Forget real flowers and give your mom something healthy this weekend: Edible Arrangements! They’re delicious, healthy, and a new way to show your affection to your loved one! They can be made with any fruit and come in different styles (dipped in chocolate).

Flowers are pretty but don’t last for ever. Edible Arrangements have fresh fruit and great for any occasion (Mother’s Day, birthday gift, anniversaries, clients, etc.) You can pick up them up or pay $12.00 for delivery fee this weekend.  Surprise your mother with fresh fruit for Mother’s Day!

Closest Edible Arrangement to Eaton Square at Arlington  Ridge:

Edible Arrangements – 908
6180 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22044

Taco Me Soup!

Craving Mexican food? You’ve got to try this soup!!  It takes 15 minutes to prep and you just need to let it sit for 6-8 hours. Paula Deen has this recipe, “Taco Soup,” on foodnetwork.com, and it’s a goodie!

Here’s what you need:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cups diced onions
• 2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans
• 1 (15 1/2-ounce) can pink kidney beans
• 1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes with chiles
• 2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans diced green chiles
• 1 (4.6-ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced, optional
• 1/2 cup green olives, sliced, optional
• 1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
• Corn chips, for serving
• Sour cream, for garnish
• Grated cheese, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Pickled jalapenos, for garnish

Directions:

The Best Just Got Better

It may be March Madness, but it’s also Cupcake Madness…

Cupcakes. Who knew a little treat could do so much for people? The Best Bites Blog is doing a feature on the best cupcake spot in Washington DC. I didn’t realize how many there were until I looked at the bracket.

Now we’re down to the Edible 8:

• Curbside Cupcakes
• Cupcakes Actually
• Georgetown Cupcake
• Best Buns
• CakeLove
• Something Sweet
• Bakeshop
• And either Buzz or Fancy Cakes by Leslie; they’ll be determined by 2 PM today

Predictions for the Frosted Four/ Final Four? Are any of these calorie free? If so, you’ve got my vote! Want to participate in the Cupcake Cup? Vote here!

Goodbye Stain!

A lot of us have experienced the scenario of a friend spilling his or her wine your favorite tablecloth. These stains can be really difficult to remove, but with a little work you can erase the red mark. I’ve got secret way to the rescue your tablecloth:

1. Make sure you sponge the spot with cool water or soak for about 30 minutes in a basin of cold water.

2. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.

3. Launder. If it’s safe for the fabric, add chlorine bleach to the wash – but don’t do this for darks!

This has worked for me, but it may not work in every situation. Another solution is to mix one part hand dish-washing detergent with two parts hydrogen peroxide. Sponge it on; then blot it off. Rinse well. Try this on a test spot to make sure it doesn’t hurt your fabric/carpet.

5 Hot Spots in Downtown DC

We’ve all got our go-to restaurants and bars, but why not try something new? Here are five hip spots you’re sure to love:

Co Co. Sala
If you’re loco for cocoa, this chocolate lounge and boutique is the place for you. During the day, stop in to the shop for artisanal chocolates, house-made fresh gelato and locally-roasted espresso drinks. By night, Co Co. Sala morphs into an upscale lounge serving small bites, cocktails and fine desserts.

Plume at The Jefferson Hotel
Classic dishes with a contemporary flair are what you’ll find at this delicious new restaurant. The award-winning executive chef Damon Gordon prides himself on creating a seasonal menu inspired by the harvest from Jefferson’s gardens at Monticello.

CommonWealth
Opened in 2009, this Columbia Heights gastropub is the perfect place to kick back, relax and enjoy some good food and drinks. CommonWealth stays true to its British inspiration serving traditional English pub fare, honoring the “Sunday Roast” tradition and playing a selection of music from popular British bands.

Eola
This Dupont Circle eatery is fairly new to the DC restaurant scene, but it’s already receiving rave reviews. Choose from hearty dishes such as Tamworth Pork Jowl and Pan Roasted Hereford Beef on the a-la-carte menu or opt for the seven-course chef’s tasting menu for $75.

Farmers & Fishers
The sister restaurant of the much-loved Founding Farmers, this Georgetown Waterfront eatery is all about sustainable foods and a cozy farmhouse feel. You’ll enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. The bar offers fun Tiki-inspired classics as well as traditional cocktail lounge favorites.

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