Food.Fun.Stuff: Social-ite

Are you Social?? Social, Columbia Heights newest restaurant member, is causing quite a buzz on the foodie scene. As the anticipation builds for the new eatery (*Opening in June), we were able to snag some detailed info on what to expect. Check it below:

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS WELCOMES NEW DINING EXPERIENCE. Columbia Heights neighborhood contends as one of DC’s most flourishing residential neighborhoods and retail destinations and come June, a new restaurant establishment called Social, will join the 14th Street Corridor. Situated on the southwest corner of 14th Street and Meridian Place NW, Social is just four blocks north of the Columbia Heights Metro making it an easily accessible dining and drink locale. The partners of Flightplan, LLC will tell you that if they did their job well, Social will have a bit of an identity problem. Part restaurant, lounge, wine bar, and pseudo great room, it is the picturesque venue for any occasion or social gathering. “We take the beverage approach to dining,” according to owner AJ Guy. To create an unrushed and comfortable environment, Social does not take reservations and does not require you commit to your whole meal in one order. Shareable menu items are each featured in three different micro-dining sizes, allowing the guest to mix and match in any combination. The plates are as interesting and diverse as the beverage selection. Brunch lovers will truly revel in the “Bloody Mary” menu featuring Italian, Mexican, Jamaican, Asian and Kosher Mary’s.

The décor is more reminiscent of a District residence than that of a formal restaurant. The residential feel of the “cellar” and “family room” featuring furnishings from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, is a refreshing change from the overly prevalent modern martini bar. Replete with two separate outdoor dining areas, an elevated summer garden and a sidewalk café on 14th Street, a change of venue is never in order for guests. Partners AJ Guy, Scott Hammons and Tim Korzep have history with headline hospitality projects making Flightplan, LLC—a destination based organization—a likely combination. Their combined experience in operations and development includes Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, Houston’s Restaurants and the Ian Schrager Company providing the team with a wealth of hospitality knowledge. Social is a welcome addition to Columbia Heights that will undoubtedly become a quick favorite of everyone in the District. Social will open seven nights a week and Saturdays and Sundays for brunch.

Picture source: http://stagefab.com/

Swazi-Fired Sandwich Spread

Swazi-Fired Sandwich Spread

1 cup mayonnaise (use 2 cups for less heat!)
1 tsp. SWAZI FIRE SAUCE


Mix together thoroughly. Spread!

*Johnna’s tip: Swazi Fire Sauce is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo spicy. Please be careful when handling it because it can burn your eyes in the worst way (*We speak from experience….) But for those of you who like food to bring the heat, Swazi Fire Sauce is a great way to start. Use this recipe for sandwiches or burgers.

Picture source: http://swazigourmet.gourmetfoodmall.com/ProductDetail.php?product=28343

Drinks on Me: Pomojito (Alcoholic)

Pomojito

1 oz. POM Cherry 100% juice
1 1/2 oz. light rum
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
3/4 oz. simple syrup (equal parts sugar and cold water dissolved together)
Soda
4 mint leaves
Mint sprig for garnish


In the bottom of a double old-fashioned glass bruise the 4 mint leaves with the fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Add crushed ice then the POM Cherry and rum. Top with a splash of soda and stir. Garnish with the mint sprig.

*Johnna’s tip: Didn’t we just tell you how good Pomegranate Juice is for you?? Now you can infuse it in your alcoholic drink mixes. Try in your martini or daiquiri.

*Recipe courtesy http://www.pomwonderful.com/

Picture source: http://www.pomwonderful.com/recipe/recipe6B.php?Recipe=Pomojito

Food.Fun.Stuff: All We Can Eat

JKGF welcomes another food blog to the area, “All We Can Eat”. All We Can Eat is the brainchild of The Washington Post’s food section staff writers and will be providing food updates, recipes and trends that are featured in the paper every Wednesday. All We Can Eat is the second food blog from www.washingtonpost.com in addition to “A Mighty Appetite” with Kim O’Donnel, which covers cooking ideas and recipes. New, fresh, food…Check it out!

Picture source: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/all-we-can-eat/

Food.Fun.Stuff: Swine Flu 101

Swine flu news has been buzzing all around us over the last week with new cases popping up everyday and deaths on the rise. Now that we are hearing so much about this virus, everyone wants to know what is it? Where does it come from?? Swine flu refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine). Strains endemic in swine are called swine influenza virus (SIV).

The virus can spread among humans through coughs, sneezes and particles of the virus can even linger on tabletops. Ways to help in preventing it from spreading to you? Frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the top ways to help in prevention. And for all you party-goers in areas where it is spreading, another suggestion has been to lay-low i.e. staying away from other people who might be infected and can include avoiding large gatherings, spreading out a little at work, or perhaps staying home.

There have not been any cases reported in the District, but this information is good to keep on hand just in case. Be safe!

*Information compiled from Wikipedia.org

Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pigsinapen-usdavideo.ogg