Eats & Treats in the US of A

As you can probably assume, my trips (regardless of destination) are always closely linked to food and what I’ll be eating – and where – upon my arrival. So I thought I’d cook up a little shortlist of my favorites (new and not so new) from both the Washington, DC area (my hometown) and San Francisco (as P’Trique would say, ob-sessed). It’s not as complete as it should be, but perhaps I’ll do a second installment if you so desire. *Photos posted below are not mine – rather than take snapshots of each meal I decided to leave the DSLR at home. Bad blogger! Sorry ’bout that folks.

 

Washington, DC
For those that think DC is just tourist buses and politicians in brown suits, you are nuts. Over the past several years the culinary scene has basically exploded and new spots are reminding us of the old classics that perhaps didn’t get the attention they deserved in the past. I love heading home for a visit, knowing I’ll be eating well no matter where I am in town.

Rasika – Indian with a gourmet, modern twist. Great cocktails, amazing atmosphere.
Zaytinya – One of the many gems of Chef José Andrés. Incredible Mediterranean dishes.
Nora – America’s 1st certified organic restaurant. Cozy, romantic, creative.
Patisserie Poupon – My go-to Upper Georgetown spot for an almond croissant.
Oyamel – José Andrés goes Mexican with this Penn Quarter hot spot.
Cork – Effortlessly hip wine bar and small plates restaurant on 14th street.
Crisp & Juicy – Arlington, VA’s favorite Peruvian chicken spot.
Baked & Wired – My favorite place for a huge cupcake and a cup of coffee.
Brasserie Beck – Stuff your face with mussels and other Belgian goodies.
Eastern Market – Farmer’s market heaven. Head inside to the breakfast counter.
*Special mention to the no-name taco truck that parks in the grocery store parking lot in South Arlington that literally has blown my mind with how amazing its food is.

Pictured above: Restaurant Nora, Oyamel, Cork, Baked & Wired

San Francisco / Sausalito / Sonoma
I was only in SF for 4 days, but every bite I ate was better than the last. Seriously I’d move out there just for the food if I could. So much variety! So many local market offerings! Farmer’s Markets! Organic things! It was like food porn heaven on crack, times infinity. I pine to return with empty suitcases so I can fill them with food and goodies.

Ferry Building – Anything and everything available here.
Out the Door – Chic Vietnamese bites in a sleek setting.
Dosa – Indian food that will blow your mind.
Bi-Rite – Obligatory ice cream stop, do it now.
Bar Bocce – Perfect for a sunny Sausalito lunch on the marina.
The Girl & the Fig – French classics with a country twist.
Blue Bottle Coffee – Erases my memories of burnt BA coffee nightmares.
Tartine – Buttery pastries, hello there.
Ft. Mason Farmer’s Market – Free samples + food stands (tacos, German sausages)

Pictured above: Ferry Building Marketplace, Dosa, Bar Bocce, the Girl & the Fig

Argie Chefs: José Andrés

Since I’m in the US I thought I would break the mold a bit today and feature a non-Argie chef. José Andrés has been one of the most effective and popular voices of a movement to change the ways American view and treat food. Originally from Spain, Andrés trained under Ferran Adriá (who actually had fired him before) and has since launched a career that has included TV shows, books, numerous awards and a ton of restaurants. Most recently he was named “Outstanding Chef” of 2011 by the James Beard Foundation.

A passionate innovator, Andrés conveys this energy and love for food in all of his endeavors. Something I think is particularly awesome is his involvement with the DC Central Kitchen and other hunger-related causes. Just this past week farmers’ market patrons were invited to donate Thanksgiving-related food items for local food pantries and shelters. Those who participated were entitled to goodies from his tapas restaurant Jaleo.

His relocation to the US led him to introduce the American palate to authentic Spanish food and flavors. Jaleo was in fact the first tapas restaurant that was both commercially and critically lauded across the country. Since then, he has transformed the kitchen at Café Atlántico, opened up Mediterranean-inspired Zaytinya and Mexican spot Oyamel. minibar by josé andrés (tucked inside Café Atlántico) brought a bit of the culinary revolution to the DC food scene.

The food at all of his restaurants is to die for. I could eat at Zaytinya until I’m blue in the face, the menu at Jaleo makes you feel as though you’re in Barcelona, and the cocktails at Oyamel are nuts. If you’re in DC make sure to stop at one/all of them.

His fan base is huge, thanks in part to his insane Twitter account and close friendship with other “celebrity” chefs like Anthony Bourdain (who I obviously worship and drool over). He’s really got a knack for getting involved with his supporters in unique ways, and has also garnered a lot of critical acclaim for what he does, inside the kitchen or out.

He even has TV shows: Made in Spain (on PBS, with an accompanying cookbook), Vamos a Cocinar (Spanish TVE) and has been on No Reservations several times as well.

José Andrés is an enthusiastic culinary ambassador who has brought a love of Spanish cuisine to the US and who has revolutionized the DC food scene. On top of creating amazing food, his dedication to important issues like food security, nutrition and hunger have resulted in some serious good deeds being done. As a DC native I feel proud that someone has managed to make my city cool again and who is also tackling the tough questions and issues that are making America a complicated place to live as well.

For more info check out ThinkFoodGroup, DC Central Kitchen, and this random article.

Photo Credit: Delish, Northern Virginia Magazine, The Washington Post

99% vs. 1%

Check out these menu items from BLT Steak DC. Burgers para todos! Although one could really argue that $10 for a burger served on Wonder bread is ridiculous (I tend to agree).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: The Daily What

Food Porn Friday

Whenever I’m home I magically lose track of the days but I have not forgotten about our dear Food Porn Friday!! No, no, I’d never do that to you.

Here’s a lovely little photo of one of the incredible dishes from Zaytinya that we enjoyed the other night – Santorini Octopus. Mmmmm octopus. I could eat this until the cows come home. The whole menu is Mediterranean/Greek/Lebanese and contains dishes with nothing but the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Chef José Andrés was just named Chef of the Year! (He will be featured in Monday’s post)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Zaytinya