The Sunday Dinner: Mumbo Gumbo

Sorry for the absence, but last week I was down in South Carolina - sans internet - on vacation with the family. While there though, I was inspired to try my hand at a southern favorite that would be perfect for this week's Sunday Dinner. I am speaking of course about gumbo. A food that most are familiar with by name, but fall short when it comes to actually describing the dish. A soup? A stew over rice? Whatever it is, it's delicious, and for that reason if you're lookin to do some cookin I'd highly recommend you check this recipe out.


Andouille Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo

In case you don't notice it, the recipe yields 12 servings, so just a heads up but you will probably want to adjust the measurements accordingly. Also, I added okra in place of the celery and that worked out quite nicely, so feel free to play around with what you are throwing in as far as vegetables go.

For a beverage to pair with your gumbo, the linked website recommends a good beer, and while I can't disagree with that, if you're in more of a wine mood you ought to think about a Malbec, like this one, that you can find down at Watergate Wine & Beverage

Check it Out: The Brown Bag

The lunch break; most fickle of all noon-time meals. Long enough to lure you out of the office, but never quite long enough to allow for a truly satisfying sit-down experience. Time is tight so you go for what's easy. Understandable, but all to often that means greasy, uninspired creations that more resemble cardboard than food. Fear not however, because there is a solution in the form of The Brown Bag.


With four location across the greater Washington area, including two downtown at 818 18th St. and 1099 14th St. respectively, The Brown Bag specializes in high quality lunch fare made fresh and more importantly fast. Since 2002, they have been feeding the city a scrumptious selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and even omelets. All made in-house daily and prepared to order.

As per the name, it's essentially like bringing your favorite lunch stuffs from home - minus the making it yourself part.

Take my word for it, this is good stuff. So next time you're slipping out of the office for a quick bite skip subway and do the Brown Bag thing.

Check it Out: Sequoia

As surely as summer follows spring, come this time of year, scores of DC residents begin flocking in droves to enjoy the sights and sounds down at the Georgetown waterfront. And for good reason, on a sunny day, there is hardly a better place to enjoy a light bite and a drink or two than on the patio of one of it's several seafood oriented restaurants.

While I had passed it countless times in my travels to and from Georgetown, this weekend I had the pleasure of actually sitting for a meal at Sequoia. A member of the Ark Restaurant group, and one of the larger, more well known of the waterfront establishments, Sequoia boasts a robust menu centered - though not exclusively - around all manner of seafood. I had a couple of oysters as a starter and miso mirin seared salmon for my main course, both of which were very tasty, and while the fish certainly isn't coming out of the Potomac (god forbid), its fresh enough. Along with the food we also ordered a bottle of Hugel Gewurztraminer 2006, which had a subtly-sweet flavor that complimented the fish nicely.


The Sequoia's service and decor are what you would expect from an upscale Washington restaurant, and the waitstaff is knowledgeable about the menu and more than happy to offer suggestions where needed.

As has become the norm of late it started pouring shortly after we got there, so understandably we decided to dine indoors. If it ever stops raining raining though Sequoia has a spacious patio that looks like it would be perfect if you're looking to eat outside.

Sequoia is a popular spot, so if you are planning on eating there I would highly recommend making a reservation (especially on the weekend). It certainly isn't one of Washington's little known eateries, but if you are in the mood for some fine seafood I would recommend you take a look at Sequoia.

Top of the Hops: RFD Washington

In the wide world of beer, there are a handful of arguments that will never die. American microbrew innovation or European tradition, IPAs or Stouts, the list goes on and on. One truth universally accepted as such however is the superiority of beer straight from the tap over that found in it's bottled brothers. Yes, when it comes to beer, freshness is king.

That said though, your average bar offers roughly only a half-dozen draughts, one or two of which are usually of the mass-market (bud, coors, miller) variety. So while there may be a bump in quality, more often than not, the variety is decidedly lacking. Unfortunate? Yes, but thus is life - life without Regional Food and Drink Washington that is. Located in Chinatown, at 810 7th Street, Regional Food and Drink (known better as RFD) boasts the largest tap list in the district. The younger sister-establishment to the storied Brickskeller, in addition to their formidable stable of draughts, RFD also offers a solid dinner / snack menu (the majority of which is cooked A La Biere) and a rather gaudy selection of bottles to boot. Suffice it to say, these people like their beer.


When I was there last week, I enjoyed a glass of Leffe Bruin, a phenomenal Belgian brown ale, and a bottle of Baltica #6, a Russian porter with an incredibly unique aftertaste. The beauty of RFD is the freedom from limitation though, so if you find yourself in the neighborhood, drop by and discover something new. If you're not exactly a big beer person, or just can't seem to make up your mind, than the knowledgeable waitstaff are always glad to help you out with a suggestion.

If you are looking for good beer in the city, than look no further than RFD.

The Sunday Dinner: Summer Fun

First, I'd like to apologize for our absence over the past week or so. It's the end of the semester, so I'm sure you know how it goes. That said, there is no such thing as a bad time to eat a great meal, and to that end I'd like to present the perfect meal to celebrate the start of summer.


Its always nice to have something to nibble on while you're cooking, so start off with some chips and a little Blueberry Salsa.


The Starter: Stuffed Poblano Chile Peppers


The Main Course: Fish Tacos

If you are feeling especially ambitious, check out this recipe forFresh Strawberry Gelato. Make sure you allow a bit of time for that one though, the recipe says that it can take anywhere between a few hours to a few days to firm up. However long it takes though, you can bet its going to be pretty amazing in the end.

Were talking tacos here, so skip the vino and grab some beer. Pacifico, Corona, Presidente, really anything from south of the border should do the trick, and you should be able to find it at any liquor store in the area. Don't forget the lime.

Save The Date: May 2009 Schedule of Events

May 3
TasteDC's From Vine to Wine - Washington, DC

May 5
Cinco De Mayo - Everywhere



May 7-9
Heart's Delight Wine Tasting and Auction - Washington, DC

May 16
Fiesta Asia - Washington, DC

May 17
Taste of Arlington - Arlington, VA

May 17
Taste of Wheaton - Washington, DC

May 21
Wine and Art Night in Old Town Alexandrea - Alexandrea, VA

May 30
Savor: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience - Washington, DC