Gringos & Mariachis

Posted on March 29, 2015 by melsmosaic

Caught up with a friend the other night and we were in the mood for some good margaritas. There are always the cookie cutter places. Why we must we always go there? Then I remember checking out a place in Woodmont Triangle (in downtown Bethesda) last year that I wanted to go to again.

It is so ‘hidden’ that it’s easy to miss. We eventually tracked down Gringos and Mariachis on Cordell Ave. I say hidden because there is no sign for it. The exterior of the building is gray and their name is painted in black above the windows. If you don’t know exactly where it is, amongst other popular restaurants, you walk right by it, as we did. I only worked and lived near it for years and missed it.

Anyway, we walked in and it was packed on a Friday evening. We snagged a (1) stool at the bar and (fast forwarding) were eventually able to get another. They had a good variety of margaritas and I opted for the smoked one to begin.

The bartender said it’s the combo of the type of tequila and mezcal, and of course the special salt blend they use that makes it good. Very unique and darn tasty!

We also got some staple food, from chips and guac to salsa. Some of their salsa is super spicy! They have tacos al pastor, which are very hard to find in the US. I remember having them in Mexico. It’s a pork taco and very good. We also had their delicious seafood taco with Mahi Mahi.

Another great restaurant to check out, especially if you’re into margaritas. And, it’s close to the Bethesda Metro and near many of the parking garages.

DC Harvest

Posted on March 29, 2015 by melsmosaic

Checked out a new restaurant in one of DC’s growing neighborhood’s recently. Visited DC Harvest on H Street.

Photo Source: dc-harvest.com

While walking to the restaurant from Union Station one thing I noticed was the ‘Coming Soon’ signs for the trolley. Can’t wait to see when that actually happens. Could be years away. Anyway, the restaurant is fairly new — opened in November of 2014. They have a great bar right near the door with a variety of taps and variety of drinks on the menu.

They also give you these additive sweet potatoes chips to nibble on as soon as you sit down.

Though the taps were all appealing I opted for one of their concoctions, the Betty White, which has a nice raspberry and bubbly touch.

Eventually sat down for dinner and they had great options from moutwatering salad to seafood dishes. I opted for the trout, which was served with kale and mushrooms. They change the menu seasonally so you get a nice variety. This was absolutely delicious! Would definitely recommend checking this place out if live in DC or are visiting. Easy walk from Union station or a quick cab ride.

Edible Insects

Posted on March 5, 2015 by melsmosaic

Was flipping through a copy of National Geographic the other day and came across one of their Future of Food/Food by the Numbers pieces (there have been several). This was quite interesting about how insects are essentially multi-purpose; used for both feed and food. They are used to feed cattle and in some places they (grasshoppers in particular) are a delicacy for humans! That’s in Uganda where they cost 40% more than a pound of beef. Will be interesting to see what happens in the US with this in the future.

Check out the video. National Geographic also has several other great pieces on various food topics Unfortunately I didn’t make it to the NatGeo museum before the exhibit closed to see all of this in person, but it received great reviews. If you live in DC, or visited the city, and made it to the museum, would love to hear what you thought about the exhibit.

Photo Source: nationalgeographic.com

Bidwell

Posted on February 18, 2015 by melsmosaic

Recently found out about a newish (one year old) restaurant in DC at Union Market. It’s a growing area and Union Market alone has tons of great little (food) shops. The restaurant is Bidwell, and there is also a restaurant by the same chef in NYC. They have a garden on the rooftop and in the summer grow their own herbs and veggies — nice!

Our ‘table’ was great — right in front of the kitchen so we got to watch all the action take place. It was a busy night, they didn’t expect it, so stuff was a bit under par, but that just meant we got to watch more of the fun take place.

It took awhile to get our cocktails because they had one bartender but I eventually received my City Sage.

Quite unique. I’m not a huge bourbon drinker but that sage intrigued me. Was totally worth trying it!

For an appetizer, we tried some of the highly-kitchen-rated Brussel sprouts. So nice and crisp and crunchy — give me more!

We then had to try the kale salad, just super fresh, with pine nuts and a nice vinaigrette (that had anchovies in it to give it a perfect saltiness).

To cap it off, went with the salmon served over cauliflower. Again, very good — after I received it 3 times over. They initially told me there was no dairy, but that white stuff at the very bottom is mostly dairy. The second time I got it, the cauliflower should be outside right now (freezing), the third time, delicious!

Overall, I will totally check this place out again. The manager apologized for the slow service but the food was delicious. If you’re in DC and can make it to Union Market, check this place out.

City Perch

Posted on January 16, 2015 by melsmosaic

There are some new restaurants/bars opening in the area and I was lucky enough to check one out courtesy of a client. We visited City Perch in North Bethesda/Rockville, MD at Pike & Rose (outside of DC).

Quite the diverse menu, from drinks to food. With several of us there, we covered the menu quite well. I started with the Montgomery Blues — Greenbrier Small Batch Gin, Blueberries, Rosemary, Jack Rudy Tonic. Delicious and the fresh rosemary was a nice addition.

Some of the others at the table were Dark + Stoutly — Stonewall American Rum, Ginger, Flying Dog ‘Pearl Necklace’ Stout. It was very similar to a black & tan. One of them enjoying it stirred it to see if it would combine but it separated again.

Another at the bar was the Forbidden Garden Margarita — 100% Garden Margarita — 100% de Agave Reposado Applejack, Apple Cider, Applejack. I tried some of that — very nice. Was there really alcohol in that? That is what can cause some problems.

We also had some of the appetizers — olives, nuts, fries. Addictive. If you’re in the DC-area, totally check this place out.

U5?

Posted on December 30, 2014 by melsmosaic

Finally made it to the DC Fish Market on Maine Avenue last month. I have only lived here how long (next year will be 15 years) and have been meaning to get there. It’s full of great fish vendors and tons of stuff to check out.

So much amazing seafood!

My friends and I decided we’d each grab something to contribute for dinner that night. After surveying, I decided on shrimp, and I couldn’t just grab everyday shrimp, that would be too easy for a fish market. I saw these big guys that I could not turn down — U5s. If you’re not completely sure what than means, it’s that there are 5 or less shrimp per pound! When you see ‘normal’ shrimp selection in the grocery store, there/they are 21-25, 31-40, in most cases. But really, U5? The pictures do them no justice.

When we got to the kitchen, I could pretty much cozily fit the three of them that I purchased for the three of us in one pan. Just seared them with some olive oil and garlic.

We also picked up some oysters and a red snapper. Great dinner!

Daikaya

Posted on December 7, 2014 by melsmosaic

Checked out a new restaurant in DC the other night after various suggestions and trying not to go for the tried and true that I’ve had. So, I have now check Daikaya in Gallery Place-Chinatown off my list.

I was told that it has two levels and be sure to go upstairs. I naturally picked the wrong place to go at first. Their lower level is a noodles restaurant for quick, easy meals. It’s perfect to grab before a game (this place is right next to the Verizon Center, so ideal for Caps or Wizards game night) or at lunch. So, I had to ask where to go. An obvious common question based on the quick answer. Immediately next to the bright-light was a hidden black door with the Daikaya name on it. Upstairs we go.

This non-ramen portion of the restaurant is based on how “the cuisine is freestyle and adaptive in nature and each izakaya in Japan puts its own touch to their menu items. In this spirit, we also like to put our twist on our dishes and drinks and embrace our role as an izakaya in DC, with international and American influences as we feel inspired.”

It’s very similar to a tapas restaurant. Everything on the menu was small plates and you might need 3-4 per person, if not more. They also had quite the drink menu, from beer to sake.

For the drink, I opted for a red beer, in a bottle — Echigo Red Ale. It was hilarious because they bring you a glass that is the size of a juice glass at breakfast. I guess it makes you feel like you’re drinking a lot from the 12oz bottle. Very unique and nice beer.

For food, opted for a few different tastes. There were so many choices on the menu, it was honestly hard to pick!

-fried garlic
-grilled avocado
-tuna poke
-cold steamed chicken breast

This picture doesn’t do the food any justice. The flavors were incredible! I wish I had room for more food to taste for options from the menu. Will definitely have to go back again. If you live in DC or are visiting, definitely add it to your list!

Anejo & Vino

Posted on October 26, 2014 by melsmosaic

The other night I went out to celebrate a friends 40th birthday at The Lounge at Bourbon Steak in Georgetown, in DC. Quite the place. I had never been there and it’s always nice to check out something new. And, it was amazingly nice for late October so we were able to sit outside, fully aware that they had those huge heaters for when it cooled down. The lounge had quite the menu and instead of going straight for wine, several cocktails caught my eye and I opted for the Morning Dew to begin. Not quite a margarita, but close. It was a perfect blend of anejo (tequila), fresh grapefuit, lemon and ginger on ice.

When that was done and more people arrived and wine was in full force, I went to California for some great vino. I found a Zin I’d never heard of, Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel. Fruity, leathery, very nice. Looking it up, it can range from $20-$25. I’m going to grab a couple bottles.

What (wine) do you have on tap?

Posted on August 10, 2014 by melsmosaic

There is a great pizza place in DC that has expanded and now has several locations — Matchbox. I’ve been to the one in Merrifield/Mosaic District recently.

Before enjoying their delicious pizza, I had to try their wine on tap. It’s not available at a lot of restaurant so I couldn’t turn it down. I scanned the menu and it was a tough decision. Hot as heck outside, freezing cold AC inside.

I opted for the Gotham Project Zin. Nice nose all around. Fruity, very fun for a wine on tap.

My friend arrived later and we were ordering some nice pizza and we opted for a white to accompany a prosciutto and fig pizza. We opted for a white on tap. We went with the Tangent Sauvignon Blanc. Very fruity and fresh, perfect for the meal.

Such a fun new way to enjoy wine. Can’t say that it was than much different than a normal glass, but simple changes and simple pleasures!

Eno

Posted on April 1, 2014 by melsmosaic

Checked out a (new to me) wine bar in Georgetown (DC) last week — Eno. It’s part of a national chain with other locations in San Francisco, Chicago, and Southern California.

They have a both a wine and food menu (oh, beer, too, if needed). They serve wine in flights and by the glass. Oh, they have wine on tap, too ($5 during Happy Hour). They had a special on that day for a blind flight. If you could identify all three wines you received 10% off. I had to try it. I got 1 of 3 right — a very earthy Pinot from Oregon. They only way I guessed it was from how light it was, color and body-wise. Otherwise the flight had a Bordeaux and another old world wine I could never have placed.