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.

The Sunday Dinner: Nice And Light

When the weather is as nice as it's looking like its going to be this coming week, the last thing you want is a stomach full of heavy food. To that end, this week if you find a moment and fell so inspired I recommend trying out this pair of tasty recipes that are light enough to enjoy but not to put an end to your evening. If you hadn't heard, the cherry blossoms are expected to be in full bloom about mid week, so why not eat early and head down to the tidal basin and enjoy the sunset.


The Starter Tangy Cucumber Salad


The Main Course Mint Pesto Pasta

A bottle of Smily Face White Wine is delicate enough to nicely complement the meal without overpowering it. You can pick one up at the Trader Joes on 25th Street for about $5.

Its Cherry Blossom Time

Word on the street is its probably going to be raining intermittently throughout the weekend, but it’s spring in Washington, and that can only mean on thing: it’s time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Kicking of with the opening ceremony at 4:00PM tomorrow in the National Building Museum, the festival is going to continue on through the 12th and is going to include a ton of events that cater to just about anything you can think of. In addition to countless shows and tours, a handful of DC restaurants will be offering up special deals and cherry blossom inspired dishes through the course of the festival so be sure not to miss out on that.


The trees are predicted to be a peak bloom between the first and the fourth, so if nothing else you ought to make your way down to the tidal basin and take a few pictures. It’s worth the trip.

Weekend Under $60: What About Bob

When it comes to music, there are a handful of artists who either by virtue of their talent or medium-changing creativity have an appeal that really transcends all genres. The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan. Sure some people might not be their biggest fans, but nobody denies their genius. Bob Marley is another one who falls in this category, and to that end, this weekend if you're looking for an interesting night out on the tow you really ought to head over to the Govinda Gallery in Georgetown. Located north of M Street on 34th, for the past two months the Govinda Gallery has been presenting Soul Rebel: An Intimate Portrait of Bob Marley, a collection of David Burnett photographs that present a unique, intimate look at the life of the prolific artist. The gallery is open until 6:00 Tuesday through Saturday so I reccomend you check it out prior to dinner. It's really a special opportunity, and will only be open for a few more weeks, so I suggest that you check it out while you still have the chance. Plus admission is free so you can't complain about that.


From the gallery, make your way back down M until you reach 28th and Zed's Ethiopian Cuisine. Asside from his music, Bob Marley was well known for his affiliation with the Rastafari movement, a movement itsself which is inexhorably linked with the nation of Ethiopa. If you've never eaten Etheopian before you are in for an interesting experiance; the food is served family style on a central plate from which all of the diners can pick and choose as they see fit. As you would expect the flavors are exotic and the food tastes great. Its best when shared with a group of friends too, so perhaps this weekend put your date on hold and enjoy an evening out on the town with your buddies. At Zed's you can eat well for about $20-$25 a head, so if you don't already have a copy, put the money you saved towards buying Legend - The Best of Bob Marley and The Wailers off of iTunes, no music collection should be without it.

Admission to the Govinda Gallery: Free
Zed's: $20 - $25 (per person)
Total: $40 - $50

Fresh Grounds: Baked And Wired

Standing out in Georgetown is a tall order. M Street is flush with chic eateries and gourmet gastronomical adventures wait around every corner. That said, when you offer uniquely paired, high-quality products like the folks at Baked and Wired the order gets a whole lot smaller.

Located on Thomas Jefferson down the hill from M, to simply refer to Baked and Wired as a bakery/coffee joint would be doing it a great disservice. Sure they’d be glad to sell you a tasty baked treat to go with your cuppa, but just wait till you taste that muffin, and oh what a cuppa it is. Offering beverages brewed from the high quality beans of Counter Culture Coffee that seem to be taking over the city’s best coffee spots, Baked and Wired has all the usual drinks, as well as an excellent selection of teas if that’s how you roll.


As far as the baked goods go, if you manage to make it over (regardless of whether its morning or night) you’re going to want to get a cupcake. Trust me. Not only are their bright colors and intricate designs appealing to the eye, but they’re delicious to boot. The cream cheese frosting has a subtle flavor that avoids the nauseating super-sweetness of your usual cupcake, making it a desert you can feel good about. Another think that struck me about Baked and Wired was its bright, open atmosphere. While the coffee shop usually engenders images of cramped, dimly-lit spaces full of deep armchairs ready to swallow you up at a moments notice, the vibe here is much more lively, almost like being outdoors. There is certainly something to be said for intimacy, but I felt that it was a welcome change.

Whether just starting your morning or wrapping up the day, if you find yourself in Georgetown with some time to spare, drop by Baked and Wired. You won’t regret it.

Cab Saavy: Grape and Bean

Buying a nice bottle of wine and enjoying it in your apartment with some friends is always an enjoyable experience. However, there's something to be said for wine bars. Wine bars allow you to meet and mix with more people, not to mention not having to clean up after all those people in your apartment. Rather than constraining you to just one bottle, you are able to select among many different varietals sometimes accompanied by tasty food. You also have the added bonus of being able to drop the fact that you went to a real life wine bar in conversations. With that in mind, we bring you Grape and Bean, a cozy wine and coffee bar/shop in Old Town. The name, possibly referencing the Edna St. Vincent Millay poem, If you're anything like me the notion of two of my favorite things in one spot almost overwhelmed me. While certainly quite different poisons, coffee and wine both share a rich decadent flavor both powerful and complex.

We discovered this newly-opened gem after a nice dinner in Old Town. While it serves as a fantastic after-dinner coffee or wine spot, with a wide assortment of prepared food you could just spend all night there. I did not have the opportunity to enjoy the selection of coffee there, and as this is meant to be a wine column I will leave any mention of that to my friends in Fresh Grounds. The wine selection is decent without being overwhelming. They do not seem to restrain themselves by region offering European, American, and Australian alike. I settled on an $11 full glass of the 2005 Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon. They also offer half glass pourings around $5 or 6. The wine was quite good, fruit forward and dark with tastes of blackberry and pepper. Still stuffed from dinner I did not order any of the food, but the friendly staff served some anyways. They provided samplings of their delicious flatbread with gruyere and prosciutto. They offer a number of food selections designed to compliment their wines, mostly simple but delectable dishes such as these flatbreads but also a number of different cheeses. The best part is, as a wine bar and shop, you can buy everything you try here.


All of the wine, cheese, glassware, and even a number of beers are on sale from their retail section. Speaking with the owner, they also offer wine tasting events, mostly where they explore one region or varietal. On March 31, they will be doing a tasting of Italian wine varietals that a number of Eat the District staffers plan on attending. Be forewarned, this is a popular spot with not a lot of sitting room. However, if you are willing to be flexible, you will find a cozy yet warm and friendly spot to enjoy some wine, coffee, and food with some good friends.

The Sunday Dinner: It's Picnic Time

When the weather is nice and the sun shining, there are few dining options more satisfying than a picnic. As such, this Sunday dinner deviates a little from our usual starter/main course formula and instead offers up a trio of tasty dishes that are just asking to be enjoyed outside. DC may not strike you at first as a verdant, picnic friendly environment, but between the mall, the arboretum and the countless other parks dotting the city you should have no problem finding some place to throw down a blanket, so without further adieu...


Crab Salad with Pear and Hazelnuts


Pesto Pasta Salad


Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Toasts

Along with all the food, I suggest you enjoy a bottle of Kung Fu Girl. The Washington State riesling has a sweet, delicate flavor that will compliment the light summer fare nicely. You can pick a bottle up at Watergate Wine and Beverage.