This Weekend Under $100: Nando's Peri Peri

If the prospect of rainy days has your mind wandering off to more exotic climes, than allow me to offer up a remedy. This weekend I recommend that you start your evening off by heading to Chinatown, specifically the intersection of 7th and Eye, where you will find Nando’s Peri Peri. To put it as simply as possible, Nando’s is a Portuguese-style restaurant that serves up a mean flame-grilled chicken. As opposed to being waited on, you order up at a counter in the middle of the restaurant, and while grilled chicken may sound a tad simplistic, you’d be surprised. Selecting from a wide array of different cuts, spices and sides you get to personalize your meal in any way you see fit, and all of the food is fantastic so you can do your own thing without the fear of fouling up the flavors. I personally enjoy the half chicken with the “hot” spice, but the real fun here lies in building your meal exactly how you want so like LeVar Burton says, “don’t take my word for it”. That being said the butternut squash and grilled corn is pretty damn good too.

After dinner is it’s not raining, take a nice leisurely stroll on over to the E Street Cinema for their 9:35 showing of Tokyo!, a unique portrayal of the famous city done in three distinct segments, each part of the triptych being directed by a different individual. In this case Michael Gondry, Leos Carax and Bong Joon-Ho respectively.

Nando’s Peri Peri is about $20 a head, and figure $10 for each of the tickets, so all said and done your looking at about $60-$70 evening.

Sure, it might not be the same as hopping on the next flight to St. Barths, but I’m pretty sure you’ll have a fine time nonetheless. Hell, you might even learn a thing or two.

Elsewhere, In The World Of Food

This isn’t necessarily DC food news per se, but I felt that it was worth mentioning regardless. Recently, I stumbled across a pair of pretty neat websites during the course of my online wanderings, both of which featured a ton of great information that I feel culinary-minded folks like yourselves might appreciate.

The first of these being Chowhound.com, a region-specific food message board that, among other things, plugs one in to an extensive and knowledgeable community of area foodies. Having trouble tracking down that key ingredient for your favorite recipe? Post said dilemma on Chowhound and you’ll probably come out in a better spot than you were when you started. I was personally drawn there in my attempts to find a decent currywurst in the district, so the possibilities really are endless. Check it out.

The second website was Beeradvocate.com. A self described "global, grassroots network, powered by an independent community of beer enthusiasts and industry professionals who are dedicated to supporting and promoting beer" Beeradvocate is one of the most extensive online beer communities that I have come across. It hosts a wealth of information concerning all of beer's many facets from production techniques to top regional breweries, so if beer is your beverage of choice, check this one out too.

The Urban Breakfast: Jimmy T's Place

As you might expect, I like food. All kinds of food; be it fried chicken or foie gras there’s a good chance that I’d like it in my stomach. That said though, for my money it doesn’t get much better than breakfast. There is something earnest about a heaping plate of bacon, fried eggs and toast that appeals as much to the palate as to the soul. Unpretentious, you bet, but that’s the beauty of it. I challenge you to show me another dish that is as delicious at 8 in the morning as it is in the middle of the night. The Urban Breakfast is for all of you like-minded folks out there who see nothing wrong with waffles at the dinner table or eggs in the sandwich. We know what the score is, and there’s a whole world of great grub out there waiting for us.

I would be lying if I wasn’t just a little bit partial to breakfast of my own design, but that aside there is something also to be said about the je ne sais quoi of a true breakfast joint. I’m not simply talking about breakfast in a restaurant, rather those charmingly worn local gems that exist for breakfast’s sake. Last Tuesday I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across just such a place out in Capitol Hill.

Jimmy T’s Place , located at the intersection of 5th and East Capitol, is a temple to all that is sacred in the breakfast universe. From the coffee mugs stained brown by years of use, to heavenly odors wafting from the open kitchen, every inch of it’s cozy first-floor dining room oozes authenticity and local charm. Just check out the official website and I have a feeling you will get a good picture of what kind of place this is. Decidedly a morning establishment, Jimmy T’s only open from 6:30 until 3:00 on weekdays and 8:00 to 3:00 Saturday / Sunday, so don’t plan on dropping by too late.

If I need to tell you what to get there than you don’t need to be reading this, but trust me when I say that a trip will be well worth your while. It is breakfast isn’t it?

Check it Out: Greek Deli

Remember the Soup Nazi character from Seinfeld? The brutally efficient, yet immensely talented sous chef of a small New York soup shop. His cheap, delicious food was as renowned as his quick, unbalanced temperament. I am happy to say the the Soup Nazi is alive in well right here in DuPont's Greek Deli. Kostas, the bombastic owner, operator, and mascot of the restaurant seems to channel this character. Standing at the end of the long lunchtime line, you can already hear him berating his staff or a first-timer. Someone mistakenly confused the deli for Nooshi next door and asked Kostas what kinds of sushi he served. He screamed back, "DO I LOOK JAPANESE?" A man asked Kostas for hot soup to which he yelled, "WHAT? DO YOU THINK I SERVE MY SOUP COLD? MCDONALDS IS DOWN THE STREET!" All of this before he informed his staff, made up mostly of family members, "WHY DO I PAY YOU? TOO SLOW, TOO SLOW. ALL FIRED," and went outside to smoke a cigarette.


Aside from the entertainment, people return to Greek Deli time and time again for the superb and authentic food at an unbeatable price.

They serve an extensive menu of Greek delicacies. I typically stick with the Gyro Platter. A delicious pita stuffed with seasoned meat, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, feta, and drizzled with tzatziki sauce. It is served with huge portions of Orzo salad and Greek style string beans. All of this for just $8.99. Also popular is the Spanakopita (delectable spinach and cheese pastry), Pastitsio (a Greek lasagna of sorts), and their Greek meatball special. The portions are huge and typically all around $9. That's the reason the lunch line stretches out the door every weekday. No worries though, the line moves quickly as Kostas and his staff mean business (expect a 5 minute wait from the end of the line). Swing by, between L and M on 19th Street, pick up lunch, save half for dinner. Enjoy delicious and authentic Greek food with an authentic Greek temperament.

Cab Savvy: The Mighty Malbec

The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and the AC units have yet to be turned on. Given the heat, many of us flee from the arms of Dionysus into those of Anheiser Busch. We choose watery lager to fight the heat over its richer, bolder cousin: wine. While I am certainly not advocating destroying the great American tradition of summer beer and barbecue, our love for wine need not hibernate until the cooler months. Mallbec is a wine perfectly suited for the summer. It is rich, dark, spicy and yet not overwhelming in this type of heat.

While interest in this wine is new, the grape itself certainly is not. It has been grown and used in France for centuries, generally blended into the popular French Bordeaux. At some point, an enterprising Frenchman carried some vines over to Argentina. The grape found a new home in the Mendoza region there, and quickly flourished. Argentinian vineyards have carried Malbec to new heights. In fact Argentinian wine and Malbec are almost synonymous at this point. While fewer and fewer fields are devoted to it in France, Argentinians continue to plant the grape in greater and greater numbers. Aside from its delicious yet not overbearing taste, Malbecs are surpisingly cheap. Most great bottles can be found for between $10-15. This is likely due to the fact that for all its allure, people still don't really know about it.

I recently picked up a bottle of Bec Fin Santa Cecilia from Best Cellars in Dupont. It's the only Malbec they're carrying right now and it's only $9. This admittedly wasn't the best wine I've ever had, but I can say it's one of the best $9 wines I've ever had. It poured a deep plum purple. The smell and taste were heavily of fruit. Blackberry, chocolate, and pepper all came through. It was tasty and rich, but not overwhelming even in the heat.


This wine can be enjoyed with a nice steak, or even at an outdoor barbecue. It's a summer wine, something to enjoy in these warm afternoons that is still tasty and complex. As the weather heats up, keep cab saavy.

The Sunday Dinner: Time for Tacos

Its been a bizarre couple of weeks as far as weather is concerned, but between the biblically-epic rain storms, the unseasonable cold, and the odd sunny afternoon or two, it appears as if Summer has finally come to stay. Today the mercury broke 90 for the first time this year, something that will must likely become a painfully regular occurrence as we move forward into May, but before you let the DC heat get under your skin why not escape the heat of the kitchen for a little outdoor cookin.


The Starter: Sausage Stuffed Peppers


The Main Course: Pork Tacos with Poblano and Tomatillo Salsa

And if you want to get a bit fancy with the Tomatillo Salsa, check out this alternate recipe for an interesting, grilled, take on the dish.

To wash it all down, skip wine for this meal and instead grab a sixer of Negro Modelo. It’s a dark, more complex cousin of Corona, that manages to pack in more flavor without sacrificing smoothness. You should be able to pick this refreshing beverage up at any respectable liquor store in the DC area.

Top of the Hops: The Saloon

"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."

Benjamin Franklin made a lot of memorable statements throughout his life, but there is something about this gem that seems to stick with you. It's probably the truth in it. Despite that little hiccup in the '20s, alcohol has always held a place in American society, and while wine is nice, and spirits certainly have their purpose, I feel that in the pantheon of beverages beer is tough to beat. It can be refreshing. It can be complex. It's great with lunch, dinner, and every once in a while even breakfast. Above all else though, it's great with friends. That said, "Top of the Hops" is a celebration of all things beer. Be it a particular brewery thats caught our attention, or an area bar that sets itself apart from the rest, you can be sure that if you find it here its worth a look. Or rather a sip.

The first such establishment that is without a doubt worth a visit is U Street's The Saloon. Located almost directly across the street from the U St. Metro stop, this homey little tavern trades the high-energy atmosphere found in many of the area's bars in favor of one much much more relaxed, and in my opinion, much more enjoyable. The absence of any ambient music or flashing televisions leaves a refreshingly calm aura about the place, and that, along with The Saloon's communal seating, open the door to great conversation; something that goes with beer like bread with butter, but is an increasing rarity in today's bar culture.


The bar itself is great and all, but its The Saloon's selection that really seals the deal. With an incredible selection of top quality draughts, and an even more impressive bottle menu of hard-to-find European imports, The Saloon boasts if not one of the city's most extensive beer list, than certainly one of its finest. I was pleasantly surprised to find one of my favorite beers, Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dunkel, on the menu, and that was on the tame end of things. So whether you are a fan of the stoutest stouts, or only drink the palest of ales, I would be very impressed if you didn't discover something new and delicious to try.

The beers are roughly in the $10/per neighborhood, so its not the cheapest place to grab a pint, but you definitely get what you pay for. You can get a bottle of Heineken anywhere, but if you're looking for something new this weekend, swing on over to The Saloon. It's worth the trip.

Check It Out: Loeb's Deli

Sandwiches are awesome. Whether you’re standing in line at Subway, tucking in to some $20 swank-wich piled high with top-shelf toppings or even whipping one up yourself, you do so with the confidence that unless something has gone horribly wrong along the way it’s going to be pretty damn good. There is something in the way that sandwiches can flit so effortlessly between simple to complex without losing anything in translation that sets them in a class of their own as far as food is concerned.

Despite this though, like bratwurst is to Germany or wine to France, sandwich snobs always seem subscribe to the belief that delis (particularly of the New York variety) are the end-all be-all when it comes to the matter, and while I’m personally partial to my own creations, they do have a point. The problem with so-called “New York style” delis though is… you guessed it, they’re tough to find outside of the big apple. It’s a shame for most, but Washingtonians can take heart because for almost 40 years Loeb’s Deli has been providing Foggy Bottom with some of the finest lunch fare in the District. Located near the intersection of I and 15th, Loeb’s is decidedly a lunch joint, only serving weekdays from 6:00 to 4:30.

One’s relationship with their sandwich of choice is an intense and personal one, so I certainly won’t presume to suggest what you should get at Loeb’s, but I always go for a Reuben and a bowl of Matzo Ball Soup and the combination has yet to fail me thus far.

If your lunch break finds you in the area, or looking for something new, head over to Loeb’s Deli and get your sandwich on the way it was meant to be done.

Check it Out: I-The Indian Experience

Some of my favorite meals have been the ones that I least expected. While anticipation is nice, it can even come close to the feeling of excitement that you enjoy after a particularly satisfying surprise. Yesterday I had that distinct pleasure when a friend of mine introduced me to I-The Indian Experience.

Located in Foggy Bottom just off the intersection of 16th and L Street, you enter into the restaurant beneath a vibrant magenta awning before immediately descending down a precipitous flight of stairs to the dining room below. As I had never before had the pleasure of dining there, my surprise at the cavernous subterranean scene which greeted me was matched only by that at the dimly-lit, wood-paneled, almost surreal vibe the place gave off. Almost as if i had somehow stepped back into some 1920's speakeasy or something.

The ambiance aside though, we had gone there there to eat, and the entire walk there had been spent listening to my friend enumerating the many virtues of The Indian Experience lunch buffet; Its 12 bucks. Its delicious. Some of the best i've had. Its all you can eat. Did I mention that its just $12? Suffice it to say I was a tad wary, sure it sounded great, but there had to be some sort of a catch. There isn't. Its every bit as great as it sounds, and if you even remotely like Indian food you owe it to yourself to go. Served every weekday from 11:30 until 2:30, the buffet features about six or seven different dishes of various curried and chili varieties with all rice and naan you might need to chow down how ever you may see fit. There is a dinner buffet too from 6:00 until 9:00 every weeknight as well, and though i have not yet sat for it, I can only assume that its every bit as good as the lunch one.

This place is great, between the food and setting i just dig it, and Im sure you will too. Just remember to bring your appetite because you better believe you're going to need it.

This Weekend Under $60: Chopsticks

To say that sushi is sushi is a gross generalization. Anyone who has experienced both prefab faux-crab grocery store pseudo maki and the fresh nuanced creations of a true master, knows that a world of difference exists between the two. In no way do I mean to denigrate these mass-market offerings, but truly fresh sushi is a sublime experience, and one that shouldn’t be missed.

That being said, I am always on the look out for establishments in the DC area that consistently serve quality sushi, and one restaurant that has impressed me to this end is Chopsticks of Georgetown. Located south of M on Wisconsin this cozy little Japanese restaurant offers terrific food at reasonable prices, and while everything on the menu is enjoyable, it’s the sushi that really sets this place apart in my eyes. I’ve had nothing but good experiences there, so I was astounded so see all of the negative reviews that Chopsticks has received on yelp, but to each his own I guess. The seating is limited so if you are planning on going shoot to arrive a little earlier than you normally would to ensure that you can get a seat.


After dinner there is no reason to let the evening’s Japanese vibe die, if some adult beverages are what you seek, why not fix yourselves up a jar of Sparkling Sake Lemonaide (recipe at the bottom of the page), a refreshing take on the traditional Japanese rice wine that’s the perfect drink for spring. Now, drink in hand, what better way to cap of your evening than by kicking back and enjoying Sofia Coppola’s expat classic Lost In Translation

Introducing The Back Room Cigar Bar

You read internet food blogs. Don’t even try to deny it, because I’ve caught you red handed. You’ve learned to love food and flavor to the fullest, and that a good meal can be so much more than a chance to fill your belly. You’re the kind of person who values food as a full cultural experience. You scoff at those unenlightened fools who would shy away from a good streak tartare, a bowl of tripe-laden Phở, or decadent sweetbread over risotto. If you’re anything like me, you love food with a complexity of flavor, the experience of coming together with friends over a good meal, and you certainly aren’t afraid of a little hedonism, every now and again.

That said, I have a proposition for you. Listen carefully, and hear me out.

You should start smoking. I’m certainly not talking about cigarettes, narcotics, or even something that you should be doing with any regularity. I’m talking about pushing your palate’s horizons a bit further, and learning to occasionally enjoy a good cigar. Much like a meal, these masterfully blended stalks of hand-rolled tobacco and happiness can provide a unique opportunity to come together with friends, and a complexity of flavor to rival any cabernet. For me, cigars offer an hour to spend clearing my thoughts, a chance for great conversations with friends, and a way to relax on warm evenings. But all of these benefits, in one way or another, come from a specific aspect of the cigar smoking experience. They come from the act of contemplating the subtle and complex development of flavor in each cigar. Every smoke, when properly enjoyed, calls to mind flavors reminiscent of everything from leather to chocolate, and each cigar provides the opportunity to clear your mind entirely of the day’s concerns, and focus only on the taste’s development, and the company shared. If you’re anything like me, if you too are a reader of internet food blogs, you understand that complex flavors are, in and of themselves, a transcendent experience, and an excellent way to relax.

In the coming months, you might be hearing from me more often. I’ll post here, maybe every other week, and provide you with exciting tales of my own cigar-related exploits, with full reviews of any stogies enjoyed. Maybe I’ll even throw in a scotch pairing or cigar-friendly lounge critique, if the mood strikes me. Until then, please, continue appreciating food and flavor for everything they have to offer. The world is a crazy, backwards place, where nearly everyone takes themselves far too seriously, and food not seriously enough. In my opinion, you, and nearly everyone else, could probably benefit from a good cigar with close friends. Do me, the rest of the world, and yourself a favor. Have a smoke.

The Sunday Dinner: There's Nothing Like A Pizza

There is a lot of great food out there. From the heartiest of home-cooked soul foods to the most nuanced dishes haute French cuisine has to offer, the range of great choices can be a bit daunting at times. That said there are a few constants, foods that are so universal in their appeal and consistent in their quality that no matter what the circumstances they're going to hit the spot time and time again. Disagree if you must, but for my money if anything belongs in that category pizza does. As a child it's cheesy goodness represent the ultimate treat. As a teenager, its the the ideal late-night snack. Finally as an adult you discover how unexpected, top-shelf toppings can turn this old standby into a truly "grown up" meal. Face it, there's nothing quite like a pizza, so this week why not whip up one of your own. Included below are three recipes that I'm sure you would enjoy, but if your feeling daring why not try a concoction of your own design. As long as you don't get too abstract with it its tough to go wrong, this is pizza after all.


Smoked Salmon Pizza


Goat Cheese Pizza


Pear and Prosciutto Pizza

Save The Date: April 2009 Schedule of Events

Sorry for being a few days late on getting this posted, but here, as always, are the events that you should keep your eyes open for this April.

April 8
Lunch With A Legend - Washington, DC


April 9
Cocina De Coprodeli 2009 - Washington, DC
Advanced Wine Studies: Oak and Smoke - Washington, DC

April 12
Easter Sunday Champaign Brunch - Washington, DC
Spirit Of Washington Easter Lunch Cruse - Washington, DC

April 16
Grapes With The Apes - Washington, DC

April 26
Carpenter's Shelter Cook-Off - Alexandra, VA

April 30
Advanced Wine Studies: Barnyard Elegance

This Weekend Under 100: Paddle Boats and Urbana

The Cherry Blossom festival has arrived! Spring weather (ha), the flowers are blooming and the tourists along with them. The view along the tidal basin is one of the most gorgeous things about this city. If not for the tourists, I would say this is one of my favorite times to be in the district. Far too many of us get too caught up with the goings on of work, school, and other activities to make the short walk down to the Potomac to absorb the beauty, warmth, and light of this wonderful event. With that in mind, this weekend under 100 takes you down to the blossoms and later to one of my favorite restaurant spots in DC.


Now what's the best way to see these fantastic cherry blossoms? What's the best way to really take in the true beauty of the tidal basin? Paddle Boats. Yes, I know, only tourists use the paddle boats. Yes, I realize that they are likely the most absurd form of aquatic transport ever envisioned. But they still remain the easiest and the most cost-effective means of taking in the Cherry Blossoms. For a mere $8, the price of shampoo, you and a friend can spend an hour out in the tidal basin. While they are pretty strict on the hour time-limit, trust me, there's no way you're going to be able to stay out there longer than an hour. I'm no slouch, I don't smoke, and I get out and run every once and a while. But in all honestly, I was dying, my legs burning and my breathing heavy after just about 20 minutes. Granted my partner wasn't doing much work but that's beside the point. Spend an hour enjoying the blossoms. I would suggest heading down there later in the day, around 4 or 5pm. Enjoy a paddle, and after returning the boat sit down and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

I'm sure this bit of cardio will work up an appetite. From the tidal basin hop on a quick cab or if you're still feeling sprite make a walk out of it, and head up to DuPont Circle. Urbana is one of several Kimpton restaurants in DC. Connected to the Palomar Hotel, it reflects its sleek, hip, Mediterranean design. Dim lights, green highlights, black tables, and walls dotted with wine bottles. The food is also Mediterranean with a focus on Italian flavors. The wine list is extensive and diverse in price. You will find the staff friendly, helpful, and most importantly very knowledgeable. I would start out with the cheese plate, the beet salad, or the scallops small plate. My personal favorite being the beet salad. I have had both the duck and hangar steak there and have to say they were both terrific. Do not be alarmed by the fact that the duck looks nothing like duck and more like a delicious chop of steak, it certainly tastes like duck, and a fantastic one at that.

If of age, compliment your meal with their Cherry-Sour. A whisky sour made especially for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Also, finish off your meal with their special Cherry Blossom dessert: Chocolate Brioche and English Toffee Bread Pudding with Bing Cherries and Cherry Gelato. I can't say I have tried it but I wish to God I had as it sounds absolutely sumptuous.

Directions to Tidal Basin: Really? Walk south towards the water. Stop when you're wet.

Directions to Urbana: P between 21st and 22nd. Red line to DuPont and walk east or cab it up.

Paddle boats: $8
Appetizer: $10-12/each
Entrees: $24-27/each
Dessert: $10
Cherry-Sour: $10

Total: $88 plus tax and tip

Check it Out: The Black Rooster

For some reason, the term dive-bar has developed a rather negative connotation in our culture. We think of dirty, uncomfortable, old-man bars when someone mentions a dive spot. But that's not all a good dive bar need represent. To me, it speaks of a comfortable, homey, small, friendly bar, where everyone in fact does know your name. Certainly there are some flops that aren't worth considering. But The Black Rooster Public House is one you should definitely check out.

This is one of the best pubs in the area. Yes, it is small. Yes, it is not well lit. Yes, it attracts a rather eclectic (read: older) crowd. But you will find a fantastic and lively atmosphere coupled with terrific and friendly service at this neighborhood bar. Having been a patron of this pub for quite a many months, I can tell you that the pub is either absolutely dead or absolutely packed. During the week, the happy hour professional crowd generally jams the place. They come for discounted drinks and great food specials. A pint of Budweiser or Bud Light is only $2.68, one of the better beer deals in town. All other draft pints (including Guinness) are one-dollar off. The food is perhaps the biggest draw. TO be honest, it is likely not the best food you will ever have. However for the price and quantity it certainly is one of the better deals. Tuesday night is my favorite for half-priced burger nights. Get a huge angus burger, with three toppings of your choice (Bacon, blue cheese, and fried onions for me) and fries for only $4.95. With a pint of the black stuff, you can have a fine meal for just $10 with tax and tip. Every weekday night has a different food special, all of which are worth looking into.


After enjoying your meal you can enjoy a game of darts for free, on one of their two boards or simply talk with the friendly bartenders or patrons. This type of atmosphere is a welcome change to many of the "hipper" but also colder venues in DC. Having enjoyed myself a bit too much on one Tuesday evening, I left my laptop at my table. The staff took it, locked it in the office, and I was able to pick it up the next day. I can't imagine many other bars in town where my laptop would have survived the night.