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Archive for October, 2012

Thanksgiving Turkey 2012: Where To Get Your Local Gobbler

October 27th, 2012 • No Comments

Heritage Turkeys are Gobble, Gobble Good!


So you wanna buy a local Turkey for your Thanksgiving – maybe you want a Heritage Turkey too? Below is a Listing of various Heritage and Natural Turkey Sites and places to purchase them in the DC, VA, and MD Area. TasteDC obtained this information primarily from 2 articles: Foodshed Turkey Guide 2012 and the  Washington Post: Where to Buy Fresh Local Turkeys in the Washington Area. I tried to add more information where possible including direct contact with the producers. An important Note: You MUST pre-order a few weeks in advance for most of these retailers and there are VERY limited allocations of certain breeds of birds – remember, they have to plan many months in advance – a Heritage Bird is a living animal that has to be fed for many months before it can be harvested and put on your table!

Foodshed Turkey Guide 2012

Roast a local turkey this year and your farmer will gives thanks for YOU.

Happy, healthy locally raised turkeys make better Thanksgiving entrees than those weird, bloated, and watery orbs with pop-up buttons in them. Plus, real turkeys are better for the environment and the local economy. Here is an evolving list of fresh turkey sources in the region; we’re constantly adding new ones as purveyors and farms contact us, so check back!

 


Belle Meade Farm
353 F.T. Valley Road
Sperryville, VA 22740
(540)987-9748
www.bellemeade.net/pages/farm.php
[email protected]
Best way to order: e-mail. Turkeys often sell out! Order early!
Payment : cash or check

Avery’s Branch Farms
16923 Genito Rd.
Amelia, VA 23002
(804)561-1930
www.averysbranchfarms.com
[email protected]
Best way to order: online reservation
Payment: Cash or checks are preferred.

Ayrshire Farm
Home Farm Store
1 East Washington Street
(Route 50)
Middleburg, VA 20117
540-592-7018 x1006
www.ayrshirefarm.com/AyrshireFarm/AFHome.html
Best way to order: online or by phone

From Washington Post Article: AYRSHIRE FARM/HOME FARM STORE
1 E. Washington St., Middleburg, 540-687-8882.
www.ayrshirefarm.com
What’s for sale: USDA-certified-organic, humane-certified heritage breeds. Brined, oven-ready.
Price per bird: $95, 8-9 pounds; $125, 10-12 pounds; $195, 17-20 pounds; $225, 20-22 pounds. Turkey breasts $130, 7-8 pounds; $145, 9-10 pounds.
Ordering: By phone, online at store.ayrshirefarm.com or by e-mail to [email protected]; order by Nov. 16. (After Nov. 16, any remaining birds will be available on a first-come basis; call first.)
Pickup: fresh, Nov. 21-22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; frozen, 7 days a week anytime with 72 hours notice.
Delivery: Overnight shipping via FedEx available through Nov. 14 for certain sizes only.
Contact: Customer service (540-687-8882).

Border Springs Farms
PO Box 58
Patrick Springs, VA 24133
276.952.5485
www.borderspringsfarm.com
[email protected]

Briars Farmstead
2535 Pyletown Road
Boyce, VA 22620
540-837-2554
www.briarsfarmstead.com/
[email protected]
Best way to order: by phone or by downloading order form from website and mailing it in.
Payment: check, cash or credit card

Charis Eco-Farm
3081 Shutterlee Mill Road
Staunton, Virginia 24401
540 886-8486
[email protected]
Best way to order: phone or e-mail
Payment: cash or check

Crowfoot Farm
Amissville, VA
540-937-4490
crowfootfarm.com/wordpress/
[email protected]

Day Spring Farm
21388 Steptoe Hill Rd.
Middleburg, Va 20117
540-687-6036 or 540-454-3145 mobile
www.dayspringfarmva.com

Fields of Athenry Farm, Purcellville, Va.
fieldsofathenryfarm.com/
$40 deposit required
703.300.5765
[email protected]

Haskins Family Farm
370 Buffalo Marsh Road
Middletown, VA 22645
(540) 869-3795
www.Haskinsfamilyfarm.com
[email protected]

Jesse Straight’s Pastured Poultry
5703 Wilshire Drive
Warrenton, VA 20187
540-349-3099
www.whiffletreefarmva.com
Best way to order: By phone

Maple Avenue Market
128 Maple Ave. E
Vienna, VA 22180
703-957-9348
$50 deposit required
Best way to order: email [email protected]
Payment: check, cash or credit card

Open Book Farm
10430 Rum Springs Rd
Myersville, MD 21773
www.openbookfarm.com
[email protected]
240.457.2558

Sunny Knoll EcoFarm
38907 Fry Farm Rd
Lovettsville VA 20180
www.sunnyknollecofarm.com
[email protected]

Best way to order: email
Payment: Cash or check

Tuckahoe Lamb & Cattle Company
989 Cartersville Road
Cartersville, VA 23027
www.tuckahoeplantationlivestock.com
[email protected]
(804) 506-4015

The Whole Ox
540-660-5535 (cell)
www.thewholeox.com/

Letter Directly From Whole Ox Butcher Shop in the Plains:

There are four options available for turkeys, all of which are free range & humanely raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones.

The first option is natural white Turkeys from Ashley Farms located near the border of Virginia & North Carolina. They are $4 per pound & come in three different size ranges: 10-14, 16-20, & 20-24. Ashley Farms is one of the highest quality poultry producers in the country.

We have two local options as well. The first is Whiffletree Farm who provide us with our chickens. Their turkeys are white hybrids and range in size between 12 & 26 pounds at a cost of $6 per pound.

We will have very few “British Bronze” turkeys from Ault’s Family Farm near Farmville at $8 per pound. These were voted best turkey in Britain for the last 8 years and will range in size between 12 & 20 pounds.

Lastly, Heritage Black Turkeys are $8 per pound and are a very old breed, probably the first to be developed from Native American stocks. Some of the first turkeys taken to Europe in the 1500’s were Black Turkeys where they became very popular, particularly in Spain. It is a naturally mating, slow growing breed particularly suited for the outdoors and produces a very flavorful and tender meat. These are raised on a small family farm in North Carolina and range in size between 12 & 18 pounds.

We will do our very best to accommodate the size range you are looking for.

We’d like to hear from you by the 7th of November and we will be sure to have a few extra birds on hand. Let us know as soon as you can so we can be sure to accommodate you. All other pre-orders are welcome.

We will need a credit card to reserve your bird and you can call us at 540-724-1650 to place your order or email the birdman at [email protected]

Pickup of turkeys will be either Tuesday the 20th or Wednesday the 21st.

From Washington Post Article:

Where to buy fresh local turkeys in the Washington area

VIRGINIA

AYRSHIRE FARM/HOME FARM STORE – See Above

BRIARS FARMSTEAD
2535 Pyletown Rd., Boyce, 540-837-2554.
www.briarsfarmstead.com.
What’s for sale: Pasture-raised Broad-Breasted Whites, 10-16 pounds.
Price per pound: $5.50; $40 deposit required.
Ordering: By phone, e-mail to [email protected] or via the form at www.briarsfarmstead.com.
Pickup: Nov. 20 and 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m, at the farm.
Contact: Matt or Ruth Szechenyi.

EAST LYNN FARM
19955 Airmont Road, Round Hill, 202-253-3737
www.eastlynnfarm.com
What’s for sale: Broad-Breasted Bronzes, 16-18 pounds.
Price per bird: $140 and up; $50 deposit required.
Ordering: By e-mail to [email protected].
Pickup: Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 in Georgetown or on the farm.
Contact: Georgia Basser.

FAIR OAKS FARM
23718 New Mountain Rd., Aldie, 202-253-3737
www.fairoaksfarmva.com
What’s for sale: Pasture-raised Broad-Breasted Bronzes and Whites, 16-18 pounds.
Price per pound: $8.
Ordering:  By e-mail to [email protected] or online at www.fairoaksfarmva.com.
Pickup: Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 in Georgetown or on the farm.
Contact: Georgia Basser.

HASKINS FAMILY FARM
370 Buffalo Marsh Rd., Middletown, 540-664-2441.
www.haskinsfamilyfarm.com.
What’s for sale: Pasture-raised Broad-Breasted Whites, 13-18 pounds.
Price per pound: $6.50 if picked up in Leesburg, the Palisades or Crystal City; $6 if picked up at the farm; $25 deposit required.
Ordering: At farmers markets in Crystal City, Leesburg or the Palisades; by phone; or by e-mail to [email protected].
Pickup: Nov. 17 in Leesburg, 9 a.m.-noon; Nov. 18 at the Palisades farmers market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Nov. 19 at the farm, 3-6 p.m.; Nov. 20 at the Crystal City farmers market, 3-7 p.m.
Contact: Robert Haskins.

Ecofriendly Foods
3397 Stony Fork Rd., Moneta, 540-297-9582.
ecofriendly.com.
What’s for sale: Pasture-raised Old Country Broad-Breasted Bronzes, 18-25 pounds; heritage breeds, 10-16 pounds.
Price per pound: $6, Broad-Breasted; $8, heritage; $40 deposit required.
Ordering: At farmers markets at Arlington Courthouse and Dupont Circle.
Pickup: Nov. 17 at Arlington Courthouse, Nov. 18 at Dupont Circle.
Contact: Bev Eggleston.

***

Where to buy fresh local turkeys in the Washington area

By , Published: October 23

Looking to add a little more local flair to your Thanksgiving spread? Consider placing an order for a local bird from one of the farms listed here. There are more producers this year, with plenty of breed and size options to suit almost any table. Several farms sell half-birds or breasts if you need something smaller. Don’t wait, though; supplies are limited, and small birds tend to go fast. For details about the farmers markets where you’ll be able to place your orders and meet the producers, check out our interactive map at wapo.st/markets2012.

MARYLAND

FULL CELLAR FARM
Jefferson, 301-639-9711.
What’s for sale: Broad-Breasted Whites, 15-40 pounds, and heritage Red Bourbons, 15-30 pounds.
Price per pound: $3.50 for Broad-Breasted Whites, $5 for Red Bourbons.
Ordering: By e-mail to [email protected] or at the Everedy Square and Shab Row, Urbana Library, White Oak (FDA) and H Street farmers markets.
Pickup: Several Maryland locations.
Contact: Kip Kelley.

GROFF’S CONTENT FARM
14930 Bollinger Rd., Rocky Ridge, 301-447-6148.
What’s for sale: Broad-Breasted Whites, 12-20 pounds.
Price per pound: $5.
Ordering: By e-mail to [email protected].
Pickup: At the farm or at the Georgetown (Rose Park), NoMa, Eastern Market (Tuesday), Mount Pleasant and Riverdale Park farmers markets; additional delivery to District and Maryland locations may be available.
Contact: Julie Bolton.

MAPLE LAWN FARMS
11788 Route 216, Fulton, 301-725-2074
www.maplelawn.com.
What’s for sale: Free-range Broad-Breasted Whites, 10-40 pounds.
Price per pound: $2.25 for hens, $2.10 for toms.
Ordering: By phone or online; order by Nov. 18.
Pickup: At the farm through Nov. 21.
Contact: Iager family.
Also available at: MOM’s Organic Market locations in Alexandria, Bowie, Herndon, Merrifield, Rockville, College Park, Frederick, Jessup, Timonium and Waldorf (price TBD; order by Nov. 17 and pickup Nov. 19-21); www.momsorganicmarket.com); David’s Natural Market locations in Columbia, Forest Hill and Gambrills ($2.49 per pound, $5 deposit required; order by Nov. 18;www.davidsnaturalmarket.com); Whole Foods Market locations in Maryland (pre-orders through Nov. 18, or available in store beginning Nov. 15), as long as supply lasts, $2.49 per pound ($2.99 per pound for brined); www.wholefoodsmarket.com).

NICK’S ORGANIC FARM
8565 Horseshoe Lane, Potomac, 301-983-2167; 2733 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown, 301-874-4854.
www.nicksorganicfarm.com.
What’s for sale: organic pastured Broad-Breasted Whites, 15-27 pounds; organic pastured heritage Red Bourbons, 10-24 pounds.
Price per pound: $4.59 for the Broad-Breasted Whites with a $25 deposit required; $9.99 for the heritage Red Bourbons with a $50 deposit required.
Ordering: Request an order form by e-mail to [email protected] or phone, 301-983-2167.
Pickup: Nov. 20-21 at both locations.
Contact: Nick Maravell.

SPRINGFIELD FARM
16701 Yeoho Rd., Sparks (Baltimore County), 410-472-0738.
www.ourspringfieldfarm.com.
What’s for sale: Pasture-raised Broad-Breasted Whites, 14-25 pounds; Broad-Breasted Whites all natural, 14-25 pounds; heritage Narragansett, 6-10 pounds.
Price per pound: $4.50, pasture-raised; $3.50, all natural; $8, heritage Narragansett.
Ordering: Online; order by Nov. 11.
Pickup: Nov. 17 and 18 at the farm.

TRUCK PATCH FARMS
3201 Sams Creek Rd., New Windsor.
truckpatchfarms.com.
What’s for sale: Pasture-raised Standard Whites, 12-22 pounds; half-birds also available.
Price per pound: $3.79.
Ordering: By e-mail to [email protected] or at the Mount Pleasant, Bloomingdale or 14th & U farmers markets.
Pickup: Nov. 17 at 14th & U and Mount Pleasant; Nov. 18 at Bloomingdale.

PENNSYLVANIA

ALDEN LESHER
Chambersburg
What’s for sale: pasture-raised Red Bourbons, 11-22 pounds.
Price per pound: $4.50.
Ordering: Contact Friends & Farms at 240-842-9121 or [email protected].
Pickup: Nov. 20 and Nov. 21 in Columbia and Nov. 21 in Timonium.

COULTER FARMS
964 Price Rd, Honey Grove, 717-734-1072.
www.coulterfarms.net.
What’s for sale: Broad-Breasted Whites, 14-20 pounds.
Price per pound: $4; $20 deposit required.
Ordering: By e-mail to [email protected] or at the Crystal City and White House FreshFarm markets (the White House market closes for the season Oct. 25).
Pickup: Nov. 20 at Crystal City market.
Contact: Kinley Coulter.

COUNTRY VITTLES FROM CRITTER HILL FARM
Biglerville, 717-677-9311.
What’s for sale: Free-range, antibiotic-free, all-natural white hybrid turkeys, 12-18 pounds, or whole bone-in breasts, 7-10 pounds; half-birds and parts available.
Price per pound:$3.95 for whole birds; $4.50 for the breasts
Ordering: By phone, by e-mail to [email protected] or at the Columbia Heights Community Marketplace and Farmers Market at Maryland; order by Nov. 10.
Pickup: Nov. 14 at the Farmers Market at Maryland and Nov. 17 at Columbia Heights.

EARTH ’N EATS
Waynesboro, 717-765-0150.
What’s for sale: Organic, pasture-raised, Broad-Breasted Whites, 10-12 pounds and 12-14 pounds. Available brined for an additional $5.
Price per pound: $5.50.
Ordering: Contact A.M. Wine Shoppe at 202-506-2248 or [email protected] by Nov. 16.
Pickup: Nov. 20 and Nov. 21 at A.M. Wine Shoppe, 2122 18th St. NW.
Contact: Meredith Donin, general manager, A.M. Wine Shoppe.

PECAN MEADOW FARM
357 Newburg Road, Newburg, 717-423-5365.
What’s for sale: Heritage Narragansett, 6-14 pounds.
Price per pound: $6.
Ordering: By e-mail to [email protected] or at the 14th & U farmers market.
Pickup: Nov. 10 and Nov. 17 at the 14th & U market.
Contact: Daniel Shirk.

SUNNYSIDE FARM
1865 York Rd., Dover, 410-336-9735.
www.sunny-side-farm.com.
What’s for sale: Pasture-raised heritage Midget Whites and Holland Whites, 14-21 pounds.
Price per pound: $5; $40 deposit required.
Ordering: By phone, by e-mail to [email protected] or by sending a deposit.
Pickup: Nov. 18 in Towson.
Contact: Dru Peters.

NORTH MOUNTAIN PASTURES
201 Cold Storage Rd., Newport, 717-497-3496.
www.northmountainpastures.com.
What’s for sale: Pasture-raised, organically fed Broad-Breasted Whites, 10-28 pounds.
Price per pound: $4.95; $25 deposit required.
Ordering: online and at Silver Spring, Bloomingdale and Takoma Park farmers markets.
Pickup: Nov. 17 at the Silver Spring farmers market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Nov. 18 at the Bloomingdale and Takoma Park farmers markets, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Nov. 17 at the farm, 1-5 p.m.
Contact: Brooks Miller.
© The Washington Post Company


Chefs For Equality – a Cause Worth Eating For!

October 25th, 2012 • No Comments

I have really great news for DC Fundraisers and Foodies in our Nation’s Capital – DC has reached Foodie Destination! OK, so maybe there are still quite a few events with poor food and bad drinks, but after recently attending the Capital Food Fight, the Washingtonian Brunch & Bloody’s event and Wednesday, October 24th’s Chef’s For Equality event, I noticed many of the same restaurants and chefs showcasing different sides of their culinary ability. The bad news is I didn’t get a list of dishes from last night’s event – I was spending too much time tasting, drinking and a bit of hobnobbing – but let’s just say there wasn’t a bad dish! What made this event extra Foodie was that there was also a Cocktail focus and some of the top Mixologists in our region like Todd Thrasher and Adam Bernbach went all out to impress the crowd.

The Evening’s cause was to raise awareness and votes for Same-Sex Marriage Rights in Maryland – since I support same-sex marriage but I’m really focused on Food and Drink Events, here are the details on the politics of the event from the Human Right’s Coalition. Also, Washingtonian had a nice article with some Chef gossip and the details on the political cause. Other Articles include the Washington Blade which mentions MD Gov. O’Malley’s speech at the event, Tim Gunn from Project Runway was a speaker at the event as well, you can read more at MyFoxDC’s Coverage. I’m all for political causes and fundraisers, but I feel it’s my duty to stay focused DC’s culinary experiences.

Below is a list of participating chefs and Mixologists as well – I was able to copy the links to most of the restaurants so it’s also a nifty way to find out more about each establishment. I’ll try to update the dishes if I can get a list of them, but alas, this is mostly a Publicity post right now – I REALLY like to include more food information – Cheers!

Participating Chefs

Find out more about DC’s top culinary chefs participating in this special event.

Featured Mixologists

Charlie “I Drink on the Job” Adler

Washingtonian Brunch and Bloodys – a Spicy Affair

October 24th, 2012 • No Comments

Washingtonian Brunch & Bloodys – Spicy!

The Winning Bloody Mary by Chef Scott Drewno, The Source

I attended the Washingtonian Brunch and Bloody’s event on Saturday, October 20th, 2012 at the lovely Long View Gallery on a perfect day in Shaw, Washington, D.C. This was a very well-laid out event and although it was sold out, there was plenty of room to get to the tables and taste unabated..and the mimosas flowed like, uhh, wine! Let’s put it to you this way – if you left this event hungry, then you were probably just drinking, and with over 10 medium-sized Bloody Mary’s to try, you probably would have rolled out! Having said that, I’ve noticed that the restaurants and chefs at these events are getting extremely good at preparing slightly exotic dishes and pushing the envelope on how to serve 250+ people without a regular kitchen behind them.

The Bloody Marys featured Belvedere Vodka and the bar served champagne, mimosas, and bellinis featuring Chandon. Like I said – no one went home hungry, but not thirsty either..there was plenty to drink and I was most impressed that they served the mimosas in glass Champagne flutes..and of course, there was the lovely smashing of glass at the beginning of the event- sort of like a Greek wedding.. or maybe it’s a Jewish wedding, but back to the event..

The “Bloody” Judges including Cori Sue Morris of the Bitches Who Brunch and Jeff Faile, Mixologist of Fiola Restaurant

This event was based on the Washingtonian’s list of the 50 Great Breakfast and Brunch Spots from Washingtonian – and it was double smart of them to invite the infamous bloggers the Bitches who Brunch to the event to judge the Bloody Mary’s.

More Bloody Mary’s in one afternoon than I can remember..

Here’s their own marketing pitch from the CVent Website (interesting that they used such a high-powered registration system for this event – maybe a touch overkill for a 1-time event, but they sold out, so it worked!) Introducing The Washingtonian’s premier “Brunch & Bloodys” event! Enjoy delicious brunch bites from restaurants featured in The Washingtonian’s October cover story “50 Favorite Brunch Places.” Participating restaurants will also compete in the Bloody Mary challenge, in which guests and a panel of judges (including Washingtonian editors, the Bitches Who Brunch, and Jeff Faile from Fiola) will vote for the best.

Here’s the List of Restaurants that participated and the dishes they served (I put my own comments after the dishes):

“Chawanmushi” from Maple Ave. Restaurant

Art and Soul –    ?
Black Market Bistro / BlackSalt –    Black Market’s pancakes and BlackSalt’s Bloody Mary
Brasserie Beck –    Mini quiche Lorraine with Micro Herb Salad & Bloody Mary & Jumbo Lump Crab Meat Shooters
Busboys and Poets –    Coffee, Sweet Potato Pancakes with 100% Pure Vermont Maple Syrup from Coombs Family Farms, Vegan Tuna & crackers – they served a Vegan yellow tomato Bloody Mary which I remember because they were the only restaurant to use non-red tomatoes. The Sweet Potato pancakes were very good with the maple syrup – they didn’t even ad pads of butter because this restaurant is promoting their Vegan/vegetarian dishes.
Chef Geoff’s/ LIA’S –    Mini Vegetarian Quiches and Brunch Bread
Eatonville  –   Gumbo (crab, rock shrimp, andouille sausage, fried okra, white rice) and mini pulled beef short ribs sandwich – I only had the short ribs sandwich, but I have to admit – simple comfort foods seem to show the best at these kind of events.
Founding Farmers –    Mini Yogurt Parfaits with Housemade Granola; Corn Muffins; Bacon Lollis – The Bacon Lollipops were alot of fun – essentially a sugar-coated piece of bacon that reminded me of putting bacon on my pancakes with maple syrup – a real winner!
Howard Theatre –   Shrimp and Grits, Breakfast berry parfaits – I didn’t know the Howard Theatre was serious about food, but these were some flavorful Grits with a bit of Jerk seasoning to give them a kick.

Donuts with the fixings!

Jackie’s –   Maple-Chai Doughnuts – They served these donuts glazed and you could put your own toppings on like cocoa and sprinkles – Yummy!
Maple Ave Restaurant  –  Chawanmushi  – Chinese Steam Egg with carmelized kimchi
Mintwood Place   – “Croque Madames”” featuring veal tongue” – This sounds exotic, but it tasted like really good ham and melted cheese together – fancified comfort food, this was very good.
Poste  –  Smoked Trout Rillette with citrus crème fraiche and trout roe on a waffle chip – One of the more “Foodie” dishes with layers of flavor – I liked this alot, but I’m always a big fan of caviar/fish roe – I love when the little eggs pop in your mouth!
The Greenhouse at the Jefferson  –  Quiche with Caramelized Onion, Bacon, & Gruyere and Quiche with Broccoli & Cheddar
The Hamilton  –   Steak and Eggs Burr-naise and Bloody Alexander
The Source  –  “Sambal Goreng” Spicy Hangover Eggs, Braised Short Ribs, Chesapeake Mary, Jumbo Lump Crab, Gordy’s Pickle

Overall, this event was very well run and had plenty of food, drinks and space to make it enjoyable. Since everyone could taste every dish and drink relatively quickly, the event was full and mostly empty within two hours of the start – it was a Saturday, and everyone nowadays likes to make multiple plans on the weekend, so that was another plus. The key to these events is to give the chefs/restaurants space and let them do their magic – the organizers understood this and even the Bloody Mary judging took backseat to the food. Hopefully this becomes a regular Foodie Event on the DC Food and Drink Event Calendar, and if so, I’d like to see how trends in Brunch change over time – Cheers!

Charlie “I Drink on the Job” Adler

P.S. Here’s a Recap of the Bloody Mary Competition by the Judges from the Bitches Who Brunch.

Washingtonian Took Some Great Pics too – and Yep, I’m in one of the photos!

Mayfair and Pine “America Is Our Local” Wine Dinner Menu

October 15th, 2012 • No Comments

Emily Sprissler, Top Chef, now the Owner/Chef at Mayfair and Pine in DC!


The fall brings the best bounty — and the most amazing flavors — of the year, and Mayfair & Pine is giving you good reason to make the most of the season. Chef/Owner and Top Chef Season 2 cheftestant Emily Sprissler and sommelier Andrew Stover of Vino50 Selections are hosting their “America is Our Local” event on Tuesday, October 16th, and will offer a four-course dinner paired with complimentary American wines – Purchase Tickets Here. As the name suggests, Sprissler will showcase her talent for seasonal cooking and will deliver a menu of autumn-inspired dishes.

Want in on this unforgettable, seasonal experience? Book it today; tickets are $68 per person and include tax and gratuity.

*** MENU W/ WINE PAIRINGS ***

WELCOME BITE & BUBBLES
Amuse Bouche
McPherson Sparkling Chenin Blanc/Muscat NV, High Plains, Texas

1st COURSE
Oyster on the Half Shell with Sabayon
WINE: Shindig Vidal Blanc, Finger Lakes, New York

2nd COURSE
Roasted Squash, Cranberries, Greens, and Spiced Pecans with a Tarragon Vinaigrette
WINE: Sawtooth Riesling, Snake River Valley, Idaho

3rd COURSE
Roasted Pork with Plums and Apple Gastrique
WINE: Okanogan Estate Pinot Noir, Okanogan Valley, Washington

4th COURSE
Apple Trio Dessert
Apple Beggar’s Purse with Caramel Sauce & Whipped Cream, Caramel-dipped Lady Apple, and Apple Cider Sorbet
Coffee & Tea Service
* Dessert prepared by guest Pastry Chef Lindsay Miniaci *

A Multi-Chef Event with Star Power in DC

October 15th, 2012 • No Comments

Great Shindig at the Ron Reagan Building!

Capital Food Fight on Monday, October 8th, 2012 was a culinary party for DC’s Foodie Elite! This impressive event had a Sold-Out Turnout of around 1,500 people tasting, imbibing and nibbling on 2 Levels of the Ronald Reagan Building. What makes this event so different from many multi-chef events in DC was the Star Power draw of some big name Chefs and Foodie Stars: Anthony Bourdain, Padma Lakshmi, Carla Hall (DC’s own!), Andrew Zimmern and of course DC’s own infamous Jose Andres put on a show for the crowd around the cooking competition between 4 Battling DC Chefs:

Chef Jeffrey Buben -Vidalia, Bistro Bis
Chef Enzo Fargione – Elisir
Chef Guillermo – Pernot – Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar
Chef Adam Sobel – Bourbon Steak

And the Winner is..Chef Buben!

I have to admit – I was so focused on tasting many of the 60 Restaurant’s dishes at the event, that I barely paid attention to the cooking competition – I’m a professional taster, and that’s what I do at these events – Taste! the list of restaurants was quite impressive, here’s the list of about 60 – Capital Food Fight Restaurants .

Ohh, and here are the dishes served:

1789  • House-made ricotta with fresh figs & Wildflower Honey

Adour • Lobster salad with cauliflower & céleri rémoulade, assorted macaroons & al tiramisu

American Tap Room • Bourbon barrel stout braised wild boar with pumpkin butter & pickled   vegetables

Argia’s Italian • Duck confit, bean ragout with crostini

Art and Soul  • Louisiana crawfish étouffée, preserved lemon, brown jasmine rice & scallions

Bandolero • Red snapper tostada – really woke up my tastebuds and refreshing with a good dose of salt to bring out the fish and other flavors!

Bar Pilar/Café St. Ex  • Wagyu brisket chili with farmhouse cheddar cheese & scallions – Wagyu is so wonderfully soft fat on the palate and really made this comfort food dish work.

Belga  • Celery waffle with orange duck in cotton candy – I didn’t feel like waiting in line – the cotton candy just got so much attention – food as entertainment I guess!

BLT Steak • Tuna tartar

Blue Duck Tavern  • Mushroom tart

Boqueria  • Roasted market carrots with yogurt, marcona almonds, citrus vinaigrette & cilantro

Boundary Road • House-made sausage & pretzel rolls

Carmine’s • Meatballs & eggplant parmigiana – funny how the most basic foods get oohs and aahs at this event.

Cava Mezze • Short rib stifado with roasted pearl onions & sunchoke puree

Central Michel Richard • Salmon croquet monsieur

Cuba Libre • Scallop tiradito with compressed strawberry, roasted corn, salpicon/sweet potate & micro celery – interesting how a fruit like strawberry brings out other flavors so well – this worked.

Dolcezza Artisanal Gelato • Lemon ricotta cardamom & cementine sorbetto

Elisir • Gorgonzola panna cotta eggshells with candied celery – great presentation and creamy, delicious dish.

Equinox  • Truffled fontina & slow cooked cabbage with roasted chanterelles

Et Voila • Endive soup with hazelnut oil & roasted hazelnuts

Evening Star • Pumpkin soup

Good Stuff Eatery • Toasted marshmallow shake

Graffiato • Cured sardines & broccolini with preserved lemon & aged balsamic – sardines definitely wake up the senses at a crowded event like this.

iCi Urban Bistro •  Rosemary duck confit rillettes with pickles on toasted baguettes

Indique • Crab papad roll

Jackson 20 • South Texas antelope carpaccio, mole de Colorado, local radishes & pickled tomatoes

Kaz Sushi Bistro • Mini temaki (sushi hand rolls)

Lebanese Taverna • Sliced lamb loin with pastry & lebneh

Lincoln  • Braised short rib with bone marrow jam, pickled shallots & black pepper truffle biscuits

Masa 14  • Fried steam buns with Korean lamb barbeque

Mie N Yu • House-made pho with duck breast

Oyamel • Salpicon de reshilled, shredded beef, pickled onions, tomatoes & chipotle chiles

PJ Clarke’s • P.J’s mini burgers

Policy • Brisket sliders with oven roasted tomatoes, sunny side up quail egg, caramelized onions & black truffle mayo

Rappahannock River Oysters • Rappahannock River oysters & Olde Salt oysters

Ripple • House-made Lamb mortadella, squash mustard & beet juice – yep, it looked like mortadella!

Santa Lucia Coffee • Coffee

Taberna del Alabardero  • Tomato surprise stuffed with anchovies

Taco Bamba  • Pork tenderloin burrito, grilled avocado, white beans & picked jalapeno pistachio vinaigrette

The Federalist Duck • Sausage with mustard pickled cabbage

The Majestic • Sashimi, rockfish with soy-yuzu vinaigrette, daikon, ginger, cilantro & sesame seeds

Westend Bistro • Fennel smoked trout with apple cranberry chutney, saffron aioli & angel hair potato crisps

Hank’s Oyster • Oysters on the half shell with saki ginger mignonette

Gristmill • Shrimp & grits

Jackie’s • Local lamb stuffed nora pepper with smoked tomato

Shake Shack • Frozen custard

Taylor Gourmet • Hoagies & salads

And of Course lot’s of Media Coverage:
Article by Washington Business Journal’s Miss Frederick

Washington Post Coverage

Article by Examiner

Jessica Sidman for City Paper – 4 Memorable Moments from Capital Food Fight (Note: she mentions the man who paid $1,000 to eat Iberico ham off Padma Lakshmi’s collar bone!)

“Where Did That Iguana Come From?” in the City Paper

Snallygaster Beer Festival – an Important Moment in DC’s Craft Beer Revolution

October 12th, 2012 • No Comments

Snallygaster is Saturday, October 13th, 2012 at the Yards in DC – I just decided to list the beers here before the event, but I will cover the event as well, so come back after you see the Amazing Beer Selection below – Cheers!

Here’s the list of beers – most impressive:

BEER LIST
1.) Arcobräu Zwicklbier | Arcobräu Gräfliches Brauhaus | Germany | Draf
2.) Frog’s Hollow Double Pumpkin Ale | Hoppin’ Frog | Ohio | Draf
3.) Freigeist Pimock | Freigeist Bierkutur | Germany | Draf
4.) Spezial Rauchbier | Brauerei Spezial | Germany | Draf
5.) Kraus Hirschen-Trunk | Brauerei Kraus | Germany | Anstich Rubber-Clad Gravity Keg: USA Debut!
6.) Weißenoher Monk’s Fest | Klausterbrauerei Weißenohe | Germany | Anstich Rubber-Clad Gravity Keg
7.) Mahr’s E.T.A. Homann | Mahrs Bräu | Germany | Draf
8.) Founders Harvest Ale | Founders Brewing Company | Michigan | Cask
9.) Southern Tier Pumking | Southern Tier Brewing Company | Draf
10.) Avery Ale to the Chief | Avery Brewing Company | Colorado | Draf
11.) Etienne Dupont Cidre Bouche Brut | Domaine Familial Dupont | France | Cask
12.) Sünner Kölsch | Sünner | Germany | Draf
13.) DuClaw Mad Bishop | DuClaw Brewing Company | Maryland | Draf
14.) Lagunitas Daytime IPA | Lagunitas Brewing Company | California | Draf
15.) Schneider Wiesen Edel-Weisse | Weissbierbrauerie G. Schneider & Sohn | Germany | Wood-Clad Gravity Keg
16.) Hofstettner Hochzeitsbier von 1810 | Brauerei Hofstetten-Krammer | Austria | Draf
17.) Sixpoint Autumnation | Sixpoint Brewery | New York | Draf
18.) Peak Organic Fall Summit | Peak Organic Brewing Company | Maine | Draf
19.) Weihenstephaner Festbier | Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan | Germany | Draf
20.) DC Brau | Epic Imperial Pumpkin Porter | DC Brau & Epic | Washington, DC & Utah | Draf
21.) Leipziger Gose | Bayerischer Bahnhof | Germany | Draf
22.) Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest Ale | Sierra Nevada Brewing Company | California | Draf
23.) Allagash Hugh Malone | Allagash Brewing Company | Maine | Draf
24.) Boxcar Pumpkin Porter | Starr Hill Brewery | Virginia | Draf
25.) Mahr’s Ungespundet | Mahrs Bräu | Germany | Anstich Rubber-Clad Gravity Keg
26.) Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale | Smuttynose Brewing Company | New Hampshire | Draf
27.) Schlafly Tasmanian IPA | TIPA | Saint Louis Brewery | Missouri | Draf
28.) Flying Dog Secret Stash 2012 | Flying Dog Brewery | Maryland | Draf
29.) Sierra Nevada Kolsch | Sierra Nevada Brewing Company | California | Draf
30.) Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale | Weyerbacher Brewing Company | Pennsylvania | Draf
31.) Otter Creek Oktoberfest | Otter Creek Brewing Company | Vermont | Draf
32.) Firestone Walker Wookey Jack | Firestone Walker Brewing Company | California | Draf
33.) Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Urbock | Brauerei Heller-Trum | Germany | Draf
34.) 1809: Zymatore Barrel-Aged | Professor Fritz Briem | Schlossbrauerei Au | Germany | Draf
35.) Berliner Weisse with Brettanomyces | Bayerischer Bahnhof | Germany | Draf
36.) The Kaiser | Avery Brewing Company | Colorado | Draf
37.) Bell’s Octoberfest | Bell’s Brewery | Michigan | Draf
38.) Hofbräu München Oktoberfestbier | Staatliches Hofbräuhaus München | Germany | Draf
39.) Fest Devious | Epic Brewing Company | Utah | Draf
40.) Mahr’s Hell | Mahrs Bräu | Germany | Anstich Rubber-Clad Gravity Keg
41.) Sauer Urbräu | Brauerei Sauer | Anstich Rubber-Clad Gravity Keg; USA Debut!
42.) Weißenoher Zwickelbier | Klosterbrauerei Weißenohe | Germany | Draf
43.) Kulmbacher Eisbock | Kulmbacher Brauerei | Germany | Draf
44.) Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen | Brauerei Aying | Germany | Draf
45.) Fluxus 2012 | Allagash Brewing Company | Maine | Draf
46.) Oktoberfish | Flying Fish Brewery | New Jersey | Draf
47.) Erdinger Oktoberfest Weizen | Erdinger Weissbräu | Germany | Draf
48.) Weißenoher Classic Export | Klosterbrauerei Weißenohe | Germany | Anstich Rubber-Clad Gravity Keg
49.) Strawberry Short Weisse | Smuttynose Brewing Company | New Hampshire | Draf
50.) Fiat Lux | Brooklyn Brewery | New York | Draf
51.) Timmermans Pumpkin Lambicus | Brouwerij Timmermans/ John Martin | Belgium | Draf
52.) Dark O’ the Moon | Elyisian Brewing Company | Washington | Draf
53.) Bitter American | 21st Amendment | California | Draf
54.) Scratch #43: Oktoberfest | Tröegs Brewing Company | Pennsylvania | Draf
55.) Sierra Nevada Porter | Sierra Nevada Brewing Company | California | Cask
56.) Weißenoher Unfiltered Pils | Klosterbrauerei Weißenohe | Germany | Anstich Rubber-Clad Gravity Keg
57.) Lips of Faith: Cocoa Mole | New Belgium Brewing Company | Colorado | Draf
58.) Harpoon 100 Barrel Series: White IPA | Harpoon Brewery | Massachusetts | Draf
59.) Samuel Adams Hazel Brown | Boston Beer Company | Massachusetts | Draf
60.) Mahrs Bräu Kellerbier Ungespundet Hefetrüb | Mahrs Bräu | Germany | Draf
61.) The Great Pumpkin | Heavy Seas Brewing Company | Maryland | Draf
62.) Mönchshof Kellerbier | Kulmbacher Brauerei | Germany | Draf
63.) Beer of the Gods | High & Mighty Brewing Company | Massachusetts | Draf
64.) Ichabod | New Holland Brewing Company | Michigan | Draf
65.) Kapuziner Weissbier | Kulmbacher Brauerei | Germany | Draf
66.) Dominion Octoberfest | Coastal Brewing Company | Delaware | Draf
67.) Dogfish Head Punkin’ Ale | Dogfish Head Craf Brewery | Delaware | Draf
68.) Blackwing Schwarzbier | Union Craf Brewing | Maryland | Draf
69.) Long Trail Harvest Ale | Long Trail Brewing Company | Vermont | Draf
70.) Oxtoberfest | Oxbow Brewing Company | Maine | Draf
71.) Saphir Weisse | Mahrs Bräu – Germany | Draf
72.) Scythe & Sickel | Brewery Ommegang | New York | Draf
73.) Great Lakes Oktoberfest | Great Lakes Brewing Company | Ohio | Draf
74.) Chatoe Rogue: 19 Original Colonies Mead | Rogue Ales | Oregon | Draf
75.) Rocket Dog Rye IPA | Laughing Dog Brewing Company | Idaho | Draf
76.) Mad Jacket Weizenbock | Bluejacket & Mad Fox Brewing Company | Washington, DC & Virginia | Draf
77.) Schlafly Pumpkin Ale | Saint Louis Brewery | Missouri | Draf
78.) 3 Stars Harvest Ale | 3 Stars Brewing Company | Washington, DC | Draf
79.) Torpedo Extra IPA | Sierra Nevada Brewing Company | California | Cask
80.) Matilda | Goose Island | Illinois | Draf
81.) Night Owl Pumpkin Ale | Elysian Brewing Company | Washington | Draf
82.) Wet & Wild: Wet Hop Harvest Ale | Uinta Brewing Company | Utah | Draf
83.) Zambo Imperial Red Ale | 21st Amendment | California | Draf
84.) Brooklyn Oktoberfest | Brooklyn Brewery | New York | Draf
85.) Zeltbier | Victory Brewing Company | Pennsylvania | Draf
86.) Freestyle #10: Rye Session Saison | Bluejacket & Oxbow Brewing Company | Washington, DC & Maine | Draf
87.) Dead Reckoning Porter | Tröeg’s Brewing Company | Pennsylvania | Draf
88.) Coney Island Freaktoberfest | Schmaltz Brewing Company | New York | Draf
89.) Wild Dog: The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale | Flying Dog Brewery | Maryland | Draf
90.) Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale | Boulevard Brewing Company | Missouri | Draf
91.) The Great Pumpkin | Elysian Brewing Company | Washington | Draf
92.) 3 Stars Southern Belle (Cocoa Nibs) | 3 Stars Brewing Company | Washington, DC | Cask
93.) Blue Star Wheat | North Coast Brewing Company | California | Draf
94.) Minx Belgian Imperial IPA | Goose Island | Illinois | Draf
95.) Hofstettner Hochzeitsbier von 1810 | Brauerei Hofstetten-Krammer | Austria | Wood-Clad Gravity Keg
96.) Fordham Helles | Coastal Brewing Company | Delaware | Draf
97.) Hansel & Gretel Pumpkin Pils | Elysian Brewing Company | Washington | Draf
98.) Flying Dog Gose w/ Old Bay | Flying Dog Brewery | Maryland | Draf
99.) Victory Festbier | Victory Brewing Company | Pennsylvania | Draf
100.) Nikl-Bräu Michala | Brauerei Nikl | Germany | Anstich Rubber-Clad Gravity Keg
101.) Dark Cloud Dunkel | Mother Earth Brewing Company | North Carolina | Draf
102.) Adoration | Brewery Ommegang | New York | Draf
103.) Long Trail Pumpkin Ale | Long Trail Brewing Company | Vermont | Draf
104.) Schneider Wiesen Edel-Weisse | Weissbierbrauerie G. Schneider & Sohn | Germany | Wood-Clad Gravity Keg
105.) Winter Storm | Heavy Seas Brewing Company | Maryland | Draf
106.) Tap 5 Meine Hopfen-Weisse: Zymatore Barrel-Aged | Weissbierbrauerie G. Schneider & Sohn | Germany | Draf
107.) Red Hoptober | New Belgium Brewing Company | Colorado | Draf
108.) Löwenbräu Buttenheim Kellerbier | Löwenbräu Buttenheim | Germany | Anstich Rubber-Clad Gravity Keg
109.) Anchor Small Beer | Anchor Brewing Company | California | Draf
110.) AleWerks Pumpkin Ale | Williamsburg AleWerks | Virginia | Draf
111.) Harpoon Octoberfest Beer | Harpoon Brewery | Massachusetts | Draf
112.) Jacques Au Lantern Pumpkin Ale | Evolution Craf Brewery | Maryland | Draf
113.) RhinO’fest | Lost Rhino Brewing Company | Virginia | Draf
114.) Dogfish Head India Brown Ale | Dogfish Head Craf Brewery | Delaware | Draf
115.) Aufsesser Festbier | Brauereigasthof Rothenbach | German | Anstich Rubber-Clad Gravity Keg
116.) Autumnal | Stillwater Artisanal (at DOG Brewing Company) | Maryland | Draf
117.) Samuel Adams Brewing Tasman Red IPA | Boston Beer Company | Massachusetts | Draf
118.) Heavy Seas Barrel-Aged Märzen Beer | Heavy Seas Brewing Company | Maryland | Cask
119.) 1809 | Professor Fritz Briem (Schlossbrauerei Au) | Germany | Draf
120.) Second Wind Pale Ale | Mother Earth Brewing Company | North Carolina | Draf
121.) Wolaver’s Will Stevens’ Organic Pumpkin Ale | Otter Creek Brewing Company | Vermont | Draf
122.) Zymaster Series #2: Mark’s Mild | Anchor Brewing Company | California | Draf
123.) Lips of Faith: Peach Porch Lounger | New Belgium Brewing Company | Colorado | Draf
124.) Port City Oktoberfest | Port City Brewing Company | Virginia | Draf
125.) Autumn Maple | The Bruery | California | Draf
126.) Alpha Dog Imperial IPA | Laughing Dog Brewing Company | Idaho | Draf
127.) Jakobi Weißbier Hell | Brauerei Hacklberg | Germany | Draf
128.) Uncle Jacob’s Stout | Avery Brewing Company | Colorado | Draf
129.) Mahrs Bräu Hell | Mahrs Bräu | Germany | Draf
130.) Schlägl Doppel Bock | Stifsbrauerei Schlägl | Germany | Draf
131.) Weißenoher Monk’s Fest | Klausterbrauerei Weißenohe | Germany | Draf
132.) Innstadt Extra Schwarze | Innstadt Brauerei | Germany | Draf
133.) Tumbler | Sierra Nevada Brewing Company | California | Cask
134.) Hoppeditz | Freigeist Bierkutur | Germany | Draf
135.) Mönchshof Schwarzbier | Kulmbacher Brauerei | Germany | Draf
136.) Bonator Doppelbock | Klausterbrauerei Weißenohe | Germany | Draf
137.) Lilikoi Kepolo Wit | Avery Brewing Company | Colorado | Draf
138.) Mahr’s Unfiltered Pilsner | Mahrs Bräu | Germany | Anstich Rubber-Clad Gravity Keg
139.) Weißenoher Export Dunkel | Klausterbrauerei Weißenohe | Germany | Draf
140.) Fumata Nera | High & Mighty Brewing Company | Massachusetts | Draf
141.) Mad Fox Saison | Mad Fox Brewing Company | Virginia | Draf
142.) Punkinator | Mad Fox Brewing Company | Virginia | Draf
143.) Smuttynose Red Wine Barrel Scotch Ale | Smuttynose Brewing Company | New Hampshire | Draf
144.) The Duck-Rabbit Märzen | The Duck-Rabbit Craf Brewery | North Carolina | Draf
145.) La Parcela No. 1 Pumpkin Ale | Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales | Michigan | Draf
146.) Bitches Brew | Dogfish Head Craf Brewery | Delaware | Draf
147.) Skull Crushing Ape | Devils Backbone Brewing Company | Virginia | Draf
148.) Hardywood Singel | Hardywood Park Craf Brewery | Virginia | Draf
149.) Le Canard | The Brewer’s Art | Maryland | Draf
150.) Woodchuck Amber Cider | Vermont Hard Cider Company | Vermont | Draf
151.) Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider | Boston Beer Company | Massachusetts | Draf
152.) Raging Bitch (Habanero & Mango) | Flying Dog Brewery | Maryland | Cask
153.) Underdog (Dry-Hopped) | Flying Dog Brewery | Maryland | Cask

See You All at the Event!

Fall Is Tasting Season in DC

October 11th, 2012 • No Comments

Charlie Adler – Drinking on the Job!
With the new TasteDC site revving up (expected completion in late November, 2012), I thought it’s a good time to update the Foodies and drinks lovers in the DC Region on what’s happening event-wise. Since it’s the end of September, Oktoberfests are all over our area – even LivingSocial (our locally based Deal Site) is getting into the action with their Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival at the Yards in DC (September 29th-30th, 2012). Both Reston, VA (Oct. 5th-7th) and Shirlington, Va (13th Annual CapCity Beer Fest is Oct. 6th – Saturday) are having big beer fests as well in October, 2012.

A trend in food and drink events I’m beginning to see is a very big interest in “international” events like the DC Turkish Festival on Sunday, September 30th and the Romanian Food Festival on Oct. 5th – 7th – it seems that people in our area can’t get enough of new and unique culinary experiences! I’m noticing a return of the Embassies into the event sphere with the French Embassy always leading the way – they have their upcoming annual Champagne Gala on Friday, November 9th which usually sells out in advance.

The truly Hot area of food and drink events are the multi-chef and unique culinary additions to our Foodie landscape. One such example is Washingtonian Magazine’s Saturday, October 20th Brunch & Bloody’s Event which is located in an art event space that’s in the up and coming Shaw area – the Longview Gallery. This event is based on Washingtonian’s October, 2012 Cover Story about the Top 50 places in the DC Area for Brunch – I’ll be attending this event, so stop by and share your Bloody with me..or just say “Cheers”!

Charlie “I Drink on the Job” Adler