Motel Rocks Pre-Memorial Day Blowout: 135 Handpicked Pieces To Steal For Less
What’s better than shopping on Memorial Day weekend? Shopping before Memorial Day weekend! So, we teamed up with hot indie label Motel…Read More
Shop It NowOur New Crush: A Secret Spot For Straight-From-Philly Pretzels
We've never been shy about sharing our love for secret local spots. So, when we stumbled upon the best soft pretzels we've ever eaten, hidden right here in our 'hood, we had to spill.
The Pretzel Bakery, a new walk-up venue in Southeast Capitol Hill, has become our go-to spot, come snacktime. Its serves up an oven-fresh, perfectly doughy, salty snack that we really just can't get enough of.
These carb-o-licious confections are hand-rolled in small batches and baked steadily all day, so you'll always get a piping hot treat, and you can choose from a variety of dips (we love the whole-grain and caramel mustard options) and sodas from old-school brands like Frank's and Boylan's. Everything about this operation, from the old-fashioned drinks to the friendly walk-up service, is charming — it's the perfect pit-stop before a baseball game or a concert at Yards Park, or for a break after a day of sightseeing around the Hill. We'll probably see you in line sometime soon.
When: Wednesdays through Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.Where: 340 15th Street SE; 202-251-0953. Cash only.
Photographed by Holly E. Thomas
Life-Changing News: Ripple's Opening A Grilled Cheese Bar
We're already well-documented fans of D.C.'s grilled cheese sandwich offerings, and we're always looking for new ways to experience the deliciousness that is melted cheese tucked between two slices of carbs. So, imagine how stoked we are to learn that Ripple in Cleveland Park is launching a grilled cheese bar on June 5?
That's right — you'll be able to belly up to the bar and order your own ooey-gooey concoction, with your choice of breads like brioche and ciabatta, cheeses ranging from soft blue to nutty pecorino, and add-ons that include Benton's bacon (the most delish in the world, if you ask us), jumbo lump crab meat, and sun-dried tomatoes, for starters. The DIY delights start at $7 and are available Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to midnight. Consider this our new favorite haunt for happy-hour grub and late-night cravings.
Where: Ripple, 3417 Connecticut Avenue NW; 202-244-7995.
The Essential Guide To D.C.'s Best Scoop Shops
If we had to pick an absolute favorite food of all time, we'd have to go with ice cream — unequivocally, hands down, without a doubt, ice cream. We love the cold stuff in all its varied forms — fancy gelato made from so-fresh ingredients, frozen custard that conjures memories of a summer boardwalk, or old-fashioned creamy goodness that comes straight from a churn. (Admit it: You're craving it now, too!)
Whether you fancy a cup or a cone, we've got the essential guide to the best places in town to get your frozen fix — and for the next couple of months of sweltering heat, you've got a legit excuse to try every last one of these. Is that not the best news you've heard all day?
Dig In & Rock Out At This Year's Sound Bites Fest
At the top of our to-do lists this summer: Enjoy delish food at a new-to-us local restaurant, hear some good tunes at a live show, and set aside some time to give back to our community. While D.C. isn’t short on opportunities to do any one of these activities, you can nail the trifecta in one fell swoop on Sunday at Sound Bites. This outdoor food and music festival is put on by D.C. Central Kitchen and hosted by the 9:30 Club. Some of our favorite local restaurants will serve up all-you-can-eat heaven, including Black Salt, Mie N Yu, and Matchbox, and there will be live music from Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation, Batala, and Bone Fur and Feathers. The $40 ticket price covers all food and music — and better still, 100% of the proceeds from Sound Bites go to D.C. Central Kitchen. Purchase yours here.
When: Sunday, May 20, at 5 p.m.
Where: 9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW.
Photo: Courtesy of Sound Bites/Ezra Gregg
Chill Out: 3 Cool Summer Cocktails You Can Whip Up Right At Home
Our favorite way to wrap up a long week? A tall glass filled with a chilled, potent concoction — preferably one that actually tastes like summer. And when we're the ones pouring the drinks for our pals, we want to make sure to serve them something that's fully in the spirit of the season.
So, to master the summer cocktail, we tapped bartender Brad Witucki of Old Town Alexandria's Virtue Feed & Grain to give us the skinny on his favorite seasonal sips and show us how to concoct them at home. He let us in on one of the biggest warm-weather trends in mixology — beer cocktails. Dubbed "hoptails," these concoctions are light, fizzy, and refreshing, while still delivering layers of flavor. So, gather up some fresh citrus and a few bottled brews, and follow these recipes to make some seriously cool summer libations.
The Perfect Outfit: What To Wear To A Chili Cook-Off
Combining street festivals, food, and music is one summer pastime we can't resist — really, who can? And if there’s one annual event we can rely on to bring the heat (literally), it's the DC 101 Chili Cook-Off. Celebrating its 33rd anniversary this year, the event combines a competition among the city’s chili masters with an all-day affair featuring sunshine and live tunes. The event even raises money for the National Kidney Foundation. Good food, good music, and a good cause? Yeah, we’re pretty sure that's the ultimate weekend trifecta. On stage this year are veterans Incubus and Cake, along with a host of other new rock acts. And don’t worry if you’re feeling the music but aren't a chili fan — there will be lots of other food options to satisfy you. Bonus? We’ve gone ahead and picked out a perfect outfit to keep you comfy and cute for the all-day fest. When: Saturday, May 12. Doors at 11 a.m.
Where: RFK Stadium, Lot 7, 2400 East Capitol Street NE. Tickets are $35 today; $60 at the gate. From left: Mango Tie-Dye Denim Shirt, $49.99, available at Mango; Forever 21 Feather Fringe Necklace, $8.80, available at Forever 21; Topshop Moto High Waisted Hotpants, $64, available at Topshop; Illesteva Leonard Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses, $165, available at Net-a-Porter; Benefit Benetint Lip Balm SPF 15, $20, available at Benefit Cosmetics; ASOS Dude Washed Canvas High Tops, $48.71, available at ASOS.
Trina Turk Plus A Sassy Blogging Duo Make For One Can't-Miss Trunk Show
Brunch and shopping, shopping and brunch — isn't that one of life's greatest combos? We jump on any opportunity to blend our two favorite activities (food and fashion, in case you were still unclear). So, Urban Chic's next soiree is obviously at the top of our weekend to-do list. The shop is hosting a Trina Turk trunk show, hosted by none other than the Bitches Who Brunch, the Districts's resident experts on all things breakfast/lunch. The cheeky ladies will join you in munching on eats from Patisserie Poupon while showing off their favorite looks from Trina Turk's newest beachy-keen collection. You'll also get to indulge in mimosas (you didn't think we'd send you to a brunch without cocktails, did you?) and spa treats as you shop the summer wares. To top it all off, Urban Chic is offering 15% off purchases for brunch-goers — just mention "Bitches Who Brunch" when you check out. That is, if you can pry yourself away from the mimosas. When: Saturday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Urban Chic, 1626 Wisconsin Avenue NW; 202-338-5398.
Photo: Courtesy of Urban Chic
Our Fave Local Food Zine Does — Yep — A Swimsuit Issue
While the sweltering heat may not be here yet (keyword: yet), summertime is definitely on our minds. And not just ours, apparently — the creatives behind The Runcible Spoon, D.C.’s own pint-size food zine, are putting out a summer issue packed with recipes for serious greasy-spoon favorites and extra-indulgent down-home treats. In an ironic twist, they're dubbing this eighth issue the Swimsuit Edition — but it's a little less Sports Illustrated and a little more curve-enhancing and caloric. “Who doesn’t want a thick slice of buttery pie and a milk-based cocktail when it’s 90 degrees and humid out?” says editor Malaka Gharib. “Spoon’s Swimsuit Edition is meant to promote that sense of careless summer fun we look forward to all year.” You can grab a copy of the zine at a launch party at Blind Dog Café on Tuesday, where you can partake in delicious sandwiches and homemade punch, mingle with the zine’s contributors, and bring your best Bazooka bubble-blowing skills to show off in a contest. When: Tuesday, May 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Blind Dog Café, 944 Florida Avenue NW; 202-573-8272.
Photo: Courtesy of The Runcible Spoon
Our New Fave Activity? Stuffing Our Faces At La Forchetta
We have a weakness for Italian food — and we've never met a carb we didn't like (and then devour). So, imagine how stoked we were to visit La Forchetta, the newest casual Italian spot in Cathedral Heights. The pet project of D.C. super-chef Roberto Donna, this off-the-radar resto is serving up some of the tastiest risottos, pastas, pizzas, and desserts we've ever tried — seriously, the agnolotti and the tiramisu will change how you think about Italian fare. Open for just under a month, La Forchetta is cheerful and charming, with an open exhibition-style kitchen, a brick pizza oven, and plenty of outdoor seating. The legendary chef is behind the line most every day, whipping up lunch and dinner (and soon, weekend brunch). So, grab a seat at the kitchen counter to watch him work his Piedmontese prowess — just don't hold it against us if your favorite skinny jeans feel really skinny tomorrow. Where: 3201 New Mexico Avenue NW; 202-244-2223.
Photo: Courtesy of La Forchetta/Stacy Z. Goldberg
Buzz Bakery's Mac Pacs: One Sweet Gift For Your BFF, Boss, Or Mom
Award-winning pastry chef Tiffany MacIsaac and her team over at Buzz Bakery have whipped up a gorgeous new gift idea, just in time for Mother's Day, spring birthdays, and those gazillion bridal and baby showers on your calendar — a super-charming package of too-pretty-to-eat macarons. The "Mac Pacs," as they're dubbed by the gourmet gurus, consist of six airy, crispy, cream-filled sandwich cookies in flavors like salted caramel and red velvet. And at $14 per box, they're just enough of an indulgence to make any recipient feel really special. Get a head start now, as they're only available for pre-order, and surprise Mom (or your higher-ups) with a thoughtful — and extra-posh — treat. Where: Buzz Bakery, 901 Slaters Lane, Alexandria; 703-600-2899; 818 North Quincy Street, Arlington; 703-650-9676.
Courtesy of Buzz Bakery
Your New Go-To Recipe For Summer Entertaining: A Fresh Strawberry Salad
Technically, in the middle of spring. But leave it to D.C.'s trademark flaky weather to make it feel like the middle of summer. One perk, though — with all this hot sunshine is ideal for rounding up some friends, grabbing a bottle of wine, and mixing up a few simple, flavorful dishes for impromptu outdoor picnics.
We were lucky enough to spend some time with Seasonal Pantry's Daniel O'Brien, one of D.C.'s coolest, most creative chefs (he just hosted a Wu-Tang Clan-themed supper club — seriously) who hooked us up with a delish recipe for a summer salad using the freshest berries of the season. It's so easy, you can prep it in the time it takes to choose a matching wine. Pickled Strawberry Salad
1 pint strawberries
1 pack of Seasonal Pantry pickle mix
1/4 cup of water
3 tablespoons of champagne vinegar
Mint leaves for garnish
Remove the tops from the strawberries, slice them, and place in a bowl. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the pickle mix and champagne vinegar. Remove from heat and let steep for three minutes. Strain the mixture and pour over the strawberries, then let the dish stand in a cool place for one hour. Strain the strawberries, pour them into a new dish for serving, and top with fresh mint. Voila! Summer is served.
Photographed by Anna Mathias.
The Best Impromptu Plan For Tonight? Tasty Food & A Free Concert
Hellooooo, Friday — are we ever glad to see you, even if you are muggy and steamy and long overdue. If you're finding yourself sans TGIF-worthy plans tonight, we've got just the thing: a free outdoor concert with fancy hot dogs, popsicles, baked goods, and of course, grown-up drinks. The Friday night concert series at Yards Park kicks off tonight, with a cover band and delish grub from Red Apron Butchery, craft beers and wine handpicked by the gurus at Churchkey, and sweet treats from Buzz Bakery. Can't make it tonight? The series continues through September 14, and the music lineup changes to include reggae, salsa, country, and more. Now, you just need to figure out which of your pals is in charge of securing a prime spot... When: Today, May 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Yards Park, 3rd Street SE at Water Street SE.
Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Riverfront
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