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Friday Roundup

January 27, 2012 By 2 Comments

©JohnnaKnowsGoodFood

DC Food Events

The 11th Annual Sugar and Champagne Affair: The annual affair for food and animal lovers will be hosted by 94.7 FRESH FM radio host Tommy McFly @ the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.  More info on the event here.

DC Meat Week kicks off next week (*January 29-February 5, 2012).  If you love BBQ, then this is the week you get to dine in DC with those of similar interests.  DC Meat Week will take place at seven BBQ restaurants in the D.C. area beginning with Urban Bar-B-Que in Rockville,MD (*5566 Norbeck Rd) on Sunday.  See the full schedule and updates here.

Winners Circle

Kudos to the winner of our Sweets on a Stick giveaway: TweetsSweets took the prize by participating in the contest and will receive a copy of the cookbook with over 500 ways to put sweets on a stick.

Now for the Sugar and Champagne giveaway winners (*Drum Roll…): Shawn & Aparna will join yours truly for a night of pups, champagne and chocolate.  Also, as a bonus, @ichoosethesun is the winner of the Two for One Muse Brunch card.  Congrats!  Thank you to all who participated.

New

Diep 9 has added some new things to the Genever family: Diep 9 Old Grain Genever and Diep 9 Young Grain Genever are unflavored and contain 35% alcohol by Volume, boasting “true” Genever.  Diep 9 has stepped out of the Belgian market in D.C. and expanded its sales in DC, VT, MA and RI…kudos!

A new way to eat: Feastly, an online marketplace that connects cooks with adventurous eaters, recently launched.  The concept is grounded on passionate cooks preparing homemade meals for the eaters at the cook’s home.  Get more info here.

Hello Cupcake keeps it fresh with their newest cupcake addition, DC Love Child.  DC Love Child is the first cupcake in the District to combine DC craft beer with chocolate cake.  The cupcake is finished off with a bourbon buttercream frosting and tipped off with a chocolate covered potato chip. Yum.

Girl Power!  The most popular young girls organization, The Girl Scouts of the USA, are set to celebrate their centennial anniversary.  Alongside the celebration, the Girl Scouts are launching ToGetHerThere, a campaign dedicated to girls’ leadership issues.  Congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Donna Edwards are among the Congressional support for this campaign to promote girls’ leadership.

Catch Me If You Can

This week I had the opt to hang out with one of my fave food bloggers, French Twist D.C., at Zengo for the launch of their new Shanghai-San Paulo fusion menu.  Pomegranate Kumquat cocktails, Picahna Steak topped with King Crab and Coconut Batida’s made for an excellent way to dine in D.C. on a random Wednesday night. #lovetherandomness

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trending.

January 9, 2012 By 4 Comments

Happy New Year! JKGF is back from a much needed vacation that was long overdue.  I have been eating carelessly and allowing my kitchen to collect dust.  While I was on a bit of a hiatus, my mind was wandering in and out of what I want this year for the blog.  Of course, Etiquette Tuesday is here to stay but I also want to implement more comprehensive lists (*of course, food related) beginning with this one: five trends that will hopefully stay in 2011 and five trends that will hopefully grow in 2012.  For the trends that I wish would stay behind, this is not to say I did not enjoy every succulent moment but they need a rest for now…let us miss them and then come back with a bang. Now for these trends…

5 Trends to Leave in 2011:

1. Cupcakes.  We honestly have enough cupcake shops/bakeries, food trucks and in-home delivery cupcake services to last a lifetime.  Enough already.  We love the miniature baked goods but it’s time for a new handheld treat.

2. Small bites.  I love a good tapas spot but when your paying $15 for a pizza that’s the size of a small child’s hand, this is where things just get ridiculous.  Tapas is not for every cuisine, some places really do Need to offer the regular size portions, isn’t that the point of going out for some good ‘ole comfort food??…

3. Frozen Yogurt.  I love, love, love Froyo and I think this alongside the 10+ yogurt shops that have popped up around the District area are sufficient to serve our needs (*I’m sure other regions around the country have seen their fair share of yogurt shops pop up as well).  What about adding some old fashioned ice cream shops to the mix? Just a thought.

4. Secret supper clubs.  I’m all about amazing food but not when I have to perform Mission Impossible tasks just to get on the reservation list.

5. Haute Dogs.  After being in Chicago, there are very few places that can make a hot dog stand outside of its stereotypical ballpark food genre.  Throwing on a massive amount of toppings does not make for a “haute” dog, it is the combination that makes it stand out from the rest.  Let’s be more creative here and cook the hot dogs properly (*unreal but it happens) or leave this trend behind…

5 Trends that will hopefully grow in 2012

1. Locally produced foods.  This was huge in 2011 but I’m hoping everyone will make it a priority to visit at least one local farmers market this year.  Local produce is absolutely amazing and whether you believe it or not, you can actually taste the difference.

2. Southern Fried everything.  Thanks to Euro RSCG and CEO/trendspotter, Marian Salzman for this trend, which is turning everything from butter to pickles into a fried delicacy.  Fried pickles are my absolute new obsession, I hope to see them on every comfort menu I come across this year.

3. Chefs in Schools.  Times have certainly changed when you have professionally trained chefs preparing your lunchtime menu in the 7th grade.  I have disturbing memories of the food that was served in my high school cafeteria and I can assure you my lunch lady cared very little for the nutritional value in our food.

4. The Vegan lifestyle.  I am in no way close to vegan, but I love to hear and learn more about the benefits of this lifestyle.  Maybe one day…

5. Non-American brunches/breakfasts.  Who doesn’t love a good fix of eggs, bacon and waffles for breakfast?  I love the American breakfast but now I find myself gravitating towards Chile Rellenos topped with fried eggs on the brain for Saturday brunch.  Fingers crossed that all of the various cuisines will find a way to serve up their morning delicacies.

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Winners, Vote & Freebie

December 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Winners Circle

Twelve days later and nine ladies dancing, we have a winner.  Drum Roll, please….Janet!! After putting the names in a small box and having a colleague draw a random name, Janet is the winner of the $100 gift card to Chix DC.  Thanks to all who submitted and check out the other winners from the 12 Days of Christmas giveaway here.  Merry Christmas!!

*The winner of the Chix DC gift card, please contact Johnna at johnna@johnnaknowsgoodfood.com to redeem your prize.

The winner of the Vapiano giveaway is, drum roll, please….Renee!! After putting the names in a small box and having a colleague draw a random name, Renee is the winner of the $25 gift card to Vapiano.  Thanks to all who submitted and if you come back tomorrow to read my random notes, I will have another nifty giveaway waiting for your submission and a possible win.  Happy Holidays!

VOTE

Want to see my faves in the DC dining scene? Well, check out Lauren, of The Capitol Cooking Show blog, for the dibs on her fave DC restaurants alongside Lisa, of Dining in DC and yours truly.  Vote and let us know your fave spots as we round out 2011!

Also, you may have noticed this little grey box popping up when you visit my site.  No, this is not some phishing scam or annoying way to get your information.  It is a survey that Lisa of Dining in DC, Lauren of The Capitol Cooking Show, Mary of Girl Meets Food and myself have compiled to get an idea of who’s out there reading about DC food.  Fill out the survey for your chance to take home a $100 gift certificate.  Good luck!

Celebrate with FREE

Yola turns one! Happy Birthday to the Dupont yogurt spot that will kick off the week long anniversary celebration by serving up 365 Free chocolate chip cookies from Buzz Bakery tomorrow beginning @ 10:30 am.  ¡Feliz Cumpleaños!

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This & That

December 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

NEW

Flank Steak Sandwich

J&G Steakhouse has a new lunch menu for those on the go.  The JG2GO is the typical lunch selections with J&G quality that you can pick up at the wine bar or by using their “15 minutes free” parking spot (*located on the curb in front of J&G patio) that you can use while you go in and grab your food.  For a place that is so crafty with steaks, they also have a pretty good handle on the area’s famed crab cakes.  Pair with one of their house-made sodas and a nutty crusted brownie.

Clyde’s Restaurant Group is slated to open The Hamilton before the end of the year.  The Hamilton will take up the corner of 14th & F and already has a full lineup of live music beginning with The Junkyard Saints on December 23.

HOLIDAY FOOD

The holidays are not over.  There are still more dinners to be had and more leftovers to fill up the fridge.  Whole Foods Market has created this helpful list of ways to utilize the rest of those vegetables, sweet potatoes and rolls.  Check it out here.

One of my favorite things to do is to share recipes.  Some people are opposed to sharing their “prized” recipes but its people like Carole Murko that I appreciate.  Carole Murko is the woman behind Heirloom Meals, a collection of recipes handed down from generation to generation.  Carole was recently featured on PBS for their Thanksgiving special showcasing some of this recipes with rich history.  You can find her recipes here.

WINTER TOAST

Starbucks Reserve Sun Dried Ethiopia Harrar Coffee

I’m staying warm this winter with Starbucks (*naturally). This time instead of my skinny vanilla latte, I’m switching to their Reserve Sun Dried Ethiopia Harrar Premium coffee.  It’s mostly due to this nifty little box it came in (*pictured above), but also because the coffee boasts flavors of dried berries, chocolate and rummy spice.  Sounds like all I need in the morning.

Ciroc Skinny Cosmo

Diddy does not stop.  This is honestly the hardest working man who has now made his way to the food world in a dynamic way.  The mogul has merged with Zagat to create a guide to the hottest restaurants during the holidays.  The District made the list of cities with Zengo, Zola and Russia House listed as some of the hottest restaurants for the holidays.  In addition to Diddy’s picks, there are Ciroc cocktail recipes for each region and I love the name of the District’s cocktail: Ciroc Skinny Cosmo.  I guess the secret is out, the District is the land of the “skinny” something…skinny latte, skinny frappuccino and now the skinny Cosmo.  Download the free guide here.

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Guest Post: Go-To Gourmet Entertaining List

December 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Although we are experiencing some challenges economically, this should not hinder us from enjoying everything that life has to offer. This includes having the pleasure of sharing good food with the people that matters to us. Something you need to take note of is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to serve an impressive gourmet dish. In actuality, it can be a great deal of fun to plan just the right meal, acquire all the items on your gourmet healthy grocery list and create an affair to remember through a scrumptious banquet.

An ideal meal starts with having the perfect menu plan. Make sure to thoroughly plan for the occasion. You need to have a clear understanding as to what appeals to your guests so you can cater to their needs. Knowing the traditional meal structure is no doubt very helpful, but you can use your imagination and personal touch to create a customized feast.

1. The Aperitif Stage
When expected guests start pouring in, and the meal is not yet ready, don’t panic. You need to serve something to them that will make waiting more pleasurable. This is where aperitifs come in. Not only will they permit guests to socialize with each other while waiting, but they also stimulate their appetite. Aim for wines that are fresh, young, and crisp. Steer clear of full-bodied reds because these are too intense at the start of the meal. When you want something else aside from wines, why not try vodka with a mixer or a gin and tonic? You can be more innovative and creative with some dry white wine, lemon juice, Perrier or a vermouth, and orange juice. Keep in mind that you need to keep it refreshing and light.

2. The Appetizer (Hors d’ Oeuvres) Stage
Hors d’ Oeuvres are also popularly known as finger foods. You don’t need to prepare something fancy. Better yet, try to serve something that is convenient and easy. Make sure to pick and choose gourmet and fresh ingredients. Make it a point to visit your local bakeshop to grab some freshly baked breads and pastries. You can also get some variety of cheeses and a handful of flat bread crackers.

3. The Main Course
This is probably considered the main event of the occasion. You need to be creative and be sensitive with the food preferences of your guests. Another thing that may help you decide on what to serve is to check out your local supermarket to find out what fresh vegetables are in season.

4. The Dessert Stage
If you have a sweet tooth, then dessert may your favorite part of the meal. Some well-known desserts are chocolate tart and carrot cakes, which you can keep fresh in the refrigerator and serve chilled.

5. The Digestif Finale
After enjoying yourselves and eating sweet treats, a bitter coffee can complete the meal. This is called the digestif. Aside from coffee, you also have several choices when it comes to digestifs. Some examples include fortified wine, grappa, and whiskey.

*Guest Post written by Melissa C.

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