My stop in DC was a chance to spend some bonus time with my big sister and brother-in-law, who always make a great meal and serve up some terrific wine to boot, but I was lucky enough to stay at a hotel that was not only near the TV station (http://www.wusa9.com/) I was visiting, but also near some fantastic local dining.
Taking my brother-in-law, Larry's recommendation, I lunched at Rockland's Real BBQ , in Upper Georgetown. It didn't disappoint... the brisket sandwich was generously served, tender and tasty, and the juices mixed with just enough of their signature Chipotle Tamarind BBQ sauce soaked right into the fresh, roll it was piled on. I wasn't brazen enough to try to eat it as a sandwich, so I suggest using the plastic cutlery they provide (they obviously know better!). Great ambiance at Rocklands -- spittoons on the table (that's right, I said 'table' -- there's only one at this cramped space) and counter top (where I ate, providing a nice chance to people-watch the eclectic G'town residents walk by) where you can dine in, to be used for the peanut shells and/or the discarded wet naps (and there are plenty of both).
This is small, simple, no frills, authentic BBQ joint, and if the smell and look of the place don't convince you before even tasting the food, just refer to their very own wet naps they provide (a surefire hallmark of legit BBQ), with the instructions on the wrappers: "Eat Your Barbecue," and "Leave Fingerprints"... words to live by, for sure...
Onto Milwaukee... I know they have beer there, so that's a good thing..!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Crescent City Cooks!
Another tremendous and memorable culinary experience last night in New Orleans. I basically helped open Emeril's Delmonico, since I got there at 4:30 and the bar doesn't even open til 5! I befriended the manager, Caleb, and learned a lot about the restaurant and the space itself (a gorgeous, old, classic New Orleans converted home)... then, when the clock struck 5 (it's always 5:00 somewhere), I bellied up to the impressive, albeit small, bar, and got to talking with Vinny, the bar manager. Enjoyed a crisp, refreshing glass of Albarino (a Spanish cousin to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc), and enjoyed learning more about the place (you can learn a lot about a lot if you're the only patron in the bar!)... ordered Shrimp Remoulade to start and it was delicious as anticipated: the chilled, fresh shrimp was generously covered with the sweet, tangy remoulade, served under field greens. Looked great on the plate and even better with each bite. Vinny then served me up his own mojito concoction -- a Lindsey (!), which became so popular from word of mouth that it's now a standard on their drink menu. Absolutely delicious! I paid close attention to Vinny as he prepped. The key additions that set it apart -- fresh raspberries to go along with the basil, but he didn't mottle the mixture, as is usually the standard practice, opting instead to vigorously shake it all to blend (hey, it's a time-saver, too!). Then, special step #2, top it with a champagne floater, and serve in a sugared rim glass... Machismo Alert! -- the drink comes out pink, but man, I had no reservations whatsoever, because it was outstanding!
The best was yet to come... Vinny took me on a personal tour of the space, from the upstairs private dining (Emeril has his own "Crystal Room," named for the gorgeous, antique chandelier that hangs in it) with it's lush, velvety wallpaper, to the downstairs wine cellar and meat locker, where Delmonico's ages all it's own beef. An eye-opening and inspiring look behind the scenes of a top-flight restaurant, and a great way to pass the time while I awaited my petite filet...
And it was worth the wait, for sure. I ordered it medium, with no side dishes, so as to really concentrate and savor it's singular flavor and texture. It practically melted in my mouth. It was served with homemade Bearnaise and horseradish sauces. The Bearnaise was heavenly, and just a drop was required to compliment the beef. Certainly ranks as one of the great steaks I've ever had...
As is usually the case when one is alone and at a bar, conversations with strangers come easy (especially with a glass of wine and a shot under your belt), and one I had led me on quite the unexpected adventure. Being that it was still so early in the evening, I was up for one...
I somehow ended up at a small, understated spot, with a name as unpretentious as the space. It is called Butcher. An honest-to-goodness charcuterie, this place had some of the more extravagant meats and plates I've ever experienced. I tried roast duck pastrami on toast pieces, a pizzeta (tiny pizza) topped with a perfectly executed quail egg, and a sampling of cured salamis among a number of other meats and small plates that were all incredibly tasty. Almost a surreal experience, considering it's a true local's hangout, so in a way, I felt like a fly on the wall, albeit one with a big appetite!
All in all, my taste buds were treated to one of the memorable food experiences I've had in my lifetime. New Orleans, as much as any place I've visited, is truly a carnival of flavors for a foodie...
The best was yet to come... Vinny took me on a personal tour of the space, from the upstairs private dining (Emeril has his own "Crystal Room," named for the gorgeous, antique chandelier that hangs in it) with it's lush, velvety wallpaper, to the downstairs wine cellar and meat locker, where Delmonico's ages all it's own beef. An eye-opening and inspiring look behind the scenes of a top-flight restaurant, and a great way to pass the time while I awaited my petite filet...
And it was worth the wait, for sure. I ordered it medium, with no side dishes, so as to really concentrate and savor it's singular flavor and texture. It practically melted in my mouth. It was served with homemade Bearnaise and horseradish sauces. The Bearnaise was heavenly, and just a drop was required to compliment the beef. Certainly ranks as one of the great steaks I've ever had...
As is usually the case when one is alone and at a bar, conversations with strangers come easy (especially with a glass of wine and a shot under your belt), and one I had led me on quite the unexpected adventure. Being that it was still so early in the evening, I was up for one...
I somehow ended up at a small, understated spot, with a name as unpretentious as the space. It is called Butcher. An honest-to-goodness charcuterie, this place had some of the more extravagant meats and plates I've ever experienced. I tried roast duck pastrami on toast pieces, a pizzeta (tiny pizza) topped with a perfectly executed quail egg, and a sampling of cured salamis among a number of other meats and small plates that were all incredibly tasty. Almost a surreal experience, considering it's a true local's hangout, so in a way, I felt like a fly on the wall, albeit one with a big appetite!
All in all, my taste buds were treated to one of the memorable food experiences I've had in my lifetime. New Orleans, as much as any place I've visited, is truly a carnival of flavors for a foodie...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Nashville Redux
Jack's BBQ did not disappoint... I was so stuffed from my Copper Kettle experience that I only ordered the kids portion of ribs, but it was still perfect. 3 gorgeous, tender, tasty pork ribs, and here's the thing I liked best about this Nashville institution: they let you choose any and all of your sauces! So I had a different BBQ experience for each of my ribs: one was Tennessee (natch), and vinegar based...tangy. One was Texas; tomato-based...sweet. And one was Kansas City mild... smoky. I gave the nod this night to the smoky, because it had a little sweet to it, too...
If you're ever in the Music City, Jack's is a must (http://www.jacksbarbque.com/)...
After my hit at the Fox affil, I heeded the advice of a good friend who happens to be Wolfgang Puck's pastry chef. She recommended a spot called Las Paletas (http://www.wheresthesign.com/), off the beaten path, in a rural spot outside downtown (a cameraman at Fox talked it up, too). Kinda reminded me of Decatur, GA, what with it's converted homes as shops and eateries. Charming. Well, let me tell you...what a revelation! Las Paletas translates loosely to 'popsicles,' and that's exactly what the owner, a lovely lady named Norma, has been doing there for over 7 years. So well-regarded is she that Bobby Flay surprised her on an episode of "Throwdown" on the Food Network... and Norma won!! She opened up early just for me, because I was there at 9:30am, as apparently most folks don't partake of popsicles (even gourmet ones) until noon and after. I chose the chocolate and strawberries version. She has about 2 dozen gourmet flavors at any given time, all home made right there...
It was as close to channeling Violet Beauregard as I've ever come. I actually tasted the chocolate and the strawberries individually as I bit in! Quite the Willy Wonka moment for me, and that's saying something (since I can quote that entire movie). Amazing! My only minor regret was they didn't have Peanut Butter flavor today... I only hope there will be next time for me in Nashville...
Now it's off to New Orleans!...
If you're ever in the Music City, Jack's is a must (http://www.jacksbarbque.com/)...
After my hit at the Fox affil, I heeded the advice of a good friend who happens to be Wolfgang Puck's pastry chef. She recommended a spot called Las Paletas (http://www.wheresthesign.com/), off the beaten path, in a rural spot outside downtown (a cameraman at Fox talked it up, too). Kinda reminded me of Decatur, GA, what with it's converted homes as shops and eateries. Charming. Well, let me tell you...what a revelation! Las Paletas translates loosely to 'popsicles,' and that's exactly what the owner, a lovely lady named Norma, has been doing there for over 7 years. So well-regarded is she that Bobby Flay surprised her on an episode of "Throwdown" on the Food Network... and Norma won!! She opened up early just for me, because I was there at 9:30am, as apparently most folks don't partake of popsicles (even gourmet ones) until noon and after. I chose the chocolate and strawberries version. She has about 2 dozen gourmet flavors at any given time, all home made right there...
It was as close to channeling Violet Beauregard as I've ever come. I actually tasted the chocolate and the strawberries individually as I bit in! Quite the Willy Wonka moment for me, and that's saying something (since I can quote that entire movie). Amazing! My only minor regret was they didn't have Peanut Butter flavor today... I only hope there will be next time for me in Nashville...
Now it's off to New Orleans!...
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