WI Bridge - July 2017

The

Food Issue

JULY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 7

JULY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 7

PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

PHOTO EDITOR Dejah Greene

LAYOUT EDITOR

Dominiqua S. Eldridge Sarafina Wright

Snacks and the City CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jade James-Gist

The RAMMYs are back! The highly rated awards honors the best in the food industry such as best bar program, casual eats, restaurant and chef of the year.

Le Dîner en Blanc will close the summer with its trendy all white dinner open to anyone in the city where the location is disclosed moments before.

Happy National Ice Cream Month

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Cheap Date: 5 Spots PAGE Under $25

Our first ever ‘Food Issue’ is perfect for July with it being National Ice Cream month, and a plethora of food events on the calendar in the District.

Also, look forward to Summer Restaurant Week in early August where you can sample the very best the city has to offer for a reasonable price.

Hottest Food Affairs PAGE of the Summer

Vanilla Still Reigns as America’s Favorite

EDITOR’S LETTER

On page 3 in the ‘Hottest Food Affairs of the Summer’ we detail not only the best food events, but why they are the best events D.C. has to offer, period.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Healthy Eats On The PAGE Go

ON THE COVER

WI BRIDGE TEAM

Don't forget to take advantage of the great food related activities D.C. has to offer along with where you can eat healthy on the go, for under $25 and snacks you probably haven't thought of.

What do you think of the Bridge?

Let me know at swright@washingtoninformer.com.

The ladies of the Bridge Jade, Sarafina and Dominiqua caught up with each other on Saturday, March 25, a beautiful spring day at Union Market in Northeast. / Photo by Steve Garrett.

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WI BRIDGE | 2

1905 Restaurant in the Northwest Shaw neighborhood.

Shrimp and Grits - Sweet onion, pickled green tomatoes, coriander, squid ink blackened bread crumbs, lobster butter. /Photo courtesy of 1905.

JULY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 7

Hottest Food Affairs of the Summer

By Sarafina Wright WI Bridge Editor

Photo courtesy of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington [RAMW].

Rammys 2017:

Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington [RAMW], The RAMMY Awards Gala honors the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the region’s restaurants and foodservice community. Named the #1 Food & Restaurant event by BizBash Magazine since 2008, The RAMMYS celebrate one of Metropolitan Washington’s greatest assets: its restaurants! The winners will be announced at the 35th Annual RAMMY Awards Gala on Sunday, July 30, 2017, at the Walter E. Washington Photo courtesy of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington [RAMW].

Convention Center.

Metropolitan Washington Summer Restaurant Week:

Summer Restaurant Week, presented by RAMW, makes its return to the greater Washington region from Monday, August 14 through Sunday, August 20. 250 restaurants in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia will offer multi-course $35 dinner, Fourth annual Le Diner en Blanc - Kigali held at Amahoro $22 lunch, and – returning for Summer Stadium on August 15th, 2015. Guests from Rwanda, the Restaurant Week - $22 brunch menus, East African region and several countries around the making it easier than ever for diners to Photos courtesy of Le Dîner en Blanc. world gathered to celebrate. discover new favorite restaurants or revisit their everlasting favorites.

For the fourth year in a row, the city of Washington, DC hosts Le Dîner en Blanc. On Saturday, August 26 from 6-10 p.m., the annual affair promises another unforgettable evening Restaurant Week is also a perfect time to of elegance, beauty and magic, as it takes over a secret, public location, revealed only minutes try something new, whether it be an exotic prior to the commencement of the event. Celebrity Chef Mike Isabella will serve as the official cuisine, or a hot new spot across town. chef for the dinner. Last year, Diner en Blanc DC sold out in minutes to 3,500 foodies, fashion New restaurants participating include: • Alta Strada Mosaic District [Fairfax, VA] and cultural enthusiasts.

Le Dîner en Blanc:

Guests bring their own gourmet feast, and all-white table, chairs and table setting. For those looking for a more ready-made option, attendees can rent a table and chairs from Rentals to Remember and order a professionally prepared picnic basket. Over the course of the evening, 4,000 guests will eat and celebrate amid live music, entertainment and dancing.

• Arroz [Mt Vernon Triangle] • City Perch Kitchen + Bar [Bethesda, MD] • Espita Mezcaleria [Shaw] • Haikan [Shaw] • Sally’s Middle Name [H Street Corridor]

Registration for this unique event happens in three stages: Phase 1 is for members who attended the previous year; Phase 2 is for new members who are referred by Phase 1 attendees; and Phase 3 is for people who signed up on the waiting list. Those interested can sign up at washington.dinerenblanc.com/register.

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JULY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 7

Happy National Ice Cream Month Vanilla Still Reigns as America’s Favorite

By Sarafina Wright WI Bridge Editor

With July being National Ice Cream Month, Americans have answered once again with their favorite ice cream of choice.

As expected vanilla ice cream reigned supreme once again as America's favorite, and chocolatefilled flavors dominated the top five bestselling ice cream according to a recent survey of ice cream makers and retailers across the United States.

“Vanilla has long been the best-selling ice cream flavor not only because it is creamy and delicious, but also because of its ability to enhance so many other desserts and treats,” Cary Frye, IDFA vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs said.

“It tastes great topped by whipped cream and fudge sauce in a sundae, with root beer in a float or atop a warm slice of apple pie.”

Conducted by the International Dairy Foods Association [IDFA] and the National Ice Cream Retailers Association the survey showed America's top five flavors are: vanilla, chocolate, Cookies N' Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

When asked to name their most daring and creative flavors, the respondents listed less traditional options including Lemon Poppyseed Muffin, Black Sesame and a bourbon and caffeine spiked concoction called Exhausted Parent.

From neighborhood scoop shops to national brands, the ice cream industry in the United States contributes more than $39.0 billion to the national economy and creates more than 188,000 jobs nationally.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90 percent of the nation's population.

In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Check us out on Instagram @washinformerbridge to see what our top picks for ice cream flavors are!

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Photo courtesy of IDFA.

JULY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 7

Cheap Date: 5 Spots Under $25

By Jade James Gist WI Bridge Contributor

Courtesy of photos.com.

Whatever happened to a cheap date? Whether you’re entertaining guests or taking a friend out on the town, you have no reason to break the bank.

Spending upwards of $40 a person for ambience, food, and well-crafted drinks is for special occasions. For a fun night out, we’ve gathered five places to visit where you can get the mood, the drink, and the snacks for a reasonable price of $25 per person.

Keren Restaurant and Coffee Shop 1780 Florida Ave. NW

Keren is a cheap, home-cooked tasty date night – a rare find in an increasingly expensive D.C. This cozy, 5-star rated Eritrean restaurant is located just below Adams Morgan and on a Friday night near closing, the place might have one table left just for you. Going dutch would cost you both about $15 for their sharable plates and a drink each (try the Keren Special, a vegetarian combo). A casual but festive atmosphere, this no-frills Eritrean café will let you feel at home with their lovingly flavored meats, greens, cabbage, and lentils and warm service.

Cusbah South Asian Spice Bar 1128 H St. NE

With an adorably lit patio, tasty Indian fare, and cheap cocktails, Cusbah is a shoe-in for the 5 under $25 list. Take in an evening with a friend and enjoy reasonably priced and wonderfully flavorful Indian food. Appetizers like chicken tikka or a samosa or two will run you less than $15 and fill you up with leftovers to spare. Pair that with two of their $7 cocktails (an organic martini or Agra-mango Lahssi), and you’ll just hit the $25 mark. Take in the night on the patio just off of H street.

Copycat Co. 1110 H St. NE

Copycat Co. offers a unique dining experience and a great place to take guests or a fun date. The downstairs houses delicious and cheap Chinese street food, which mixes surprisingly well with the well-crafted cocktails in the darker, cozier lounge upstairs. Feel free to sit in the casual restaurant setting, but you’ll miss out on a full bar and outdoor patio upstairs where you can order both food and drinks.

If you're incredibly hungry, throw out the budget and order one of everything off the menu for $29. You can’t go wrong: Chinese snack foods like dumplings, bao, and meat skewers are surprisingly perfect bar food. Try a few on their own and spend no more than $1.50 or $4 per item.

At Copycat Co, it’s easy to have a pleasant evening, enjoy a fancy drink and a tasty snack or two for less than 25 bucks. An added bonus: free goldfish to snack on while you wait!

Taqueria Nacional 1409 T St. NW

At this rustic taco joint, $25 can get you and your date four authentic tacos and two housemade frozen margaritas. But if you want to raise the bar, you can each get two frozen drinks and four tacos for $25 each. The open seating and warmly lit, bustling patio gives a casual, Mexican cantina air just off of 14th street. Easily pre - or post-game the bar scene at this cheap and tasty spot.

Dangerously Delicious Pies

Food Truck and Restaurant Location Store: 1339 H St. NE Truck: 675 I St. NW This tiny, hip bakery serves sweet and savory pies and quiches with vegetarian/vegan options.

Catch the food truck near Chinatown or visit them in-store on H street. Their date night special is one of the best deals around: Two generous slices of pie – one savory and one sweet – a salad, and two drinks for $22. Voted best pie in D.C. seven years in a row!

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Snacks and the City JULY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 7

By Jade James Gist WI Bridge Contributor

Ever been enjoying the city and want just a little taste of something? Not a whole meal, but just a tasty flavor.

No matter where the mood strikes, there’s a snack waiting for you. Spend no more than $5 to satisfy a snack attack when you’re out and about.

Turning Natural:

$2 for a tasty vegan spinach or veggie patty turnover

Whole Foods:

Any location – $3 for 2 green tea, mint, vanilla or chocolate Japanese mochi ice cream

Taqueria Nacional: $5 for 2 veggie tacos

Union station fruit stands:

$3 for a HUGE bag of cherries

Photo courtesy of Turning Natural.

Ruby Scoops:

$5 for locally sourced, build-toorder ice cream sandwiches

Hill Country BBQ:

$3 or $6 for generous sides of cheddar mac and cheese, German hot potatoes, sweet potato mash, green bean casserole, or collard greens w smoked bacon. For desserts, try their Cowboy Brownie, chocolate chunk cookie, or original PB&J cupcake for less than $5 each.

WI BRIDGE | 6

Photo courtesy of Made in the District.

Photo courtesy of Goodeats.

Healthy Eats On The Go

JULY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 7

By Jade James Gist WI Bridge Contributor

Our capital is known for being a cultural melting pot, so it didn’t take long to find diverse, tasty and relatively affordable eateries.

What exactly constitutes healthy?

Some think anything vegetarian fits the bill.

For others, only juice cleanses and vegan meals make the cut. But most would agree that still maintaining a balance is key – eat food; not too much; mostly plants, as Michael Pollan famously said.

Certain cuisines fall into this category easily: Mediterranean, Peruvian and Eritrean/ Ethiopian. They tend to naturally focus on plants and leaner meats.

Using their regions’ distinctive palette and seasoning brings out the brightness and vibrant flavors of plants and whole foods on the plate.

So when you don't want to think too hard, but you still want to be good to you body, here are some of the District’s restaurants that offer under-the-radar nutrition.

Bowl-conscious: CAVA, Roti, Merzi, Chipotle, Little Beet, Protein Bar

Photo courtesy of Parade.

Any one of these fast casual, customizable bowl restaurants can suit a health-conscious customer. CAVA or Merzi, for the heart-healthy, Mediterranean eater; Little Beet for East Asian fusion; and Chopt and Chipotle for a taste of the Americas.

Heart and soul-healthy vegan food is served all day at this comfy tearoom, including miso and red pepper soups, energy bowls, detox salads, savory samosas, and BLTs. For treats, try their peanut butter-base everything cookie or the most tender apple zucchini bread you’ve ever had.

Tips: When in doubt, stay away from empty and filling items like rice, tortilla bread, corn, croutons, coated nuts, and dairy toppings (like non-yogurt creamy dressings, sour cream, and cheese).

DC Dosa

Everything in moderation – choose one of these toppings instead of three. A salad bowl, lentils, quinoa or extra beans provides more nutrients and keep you fuller and more satisfied than rice can throughout your day.

DC Dosa uses the original and authentic South Indian dosa recipe handed down by the owner’s family. Dosas are a hearty, healthy, naturally vegan, and gluten free meal, which consists of rice and lentil-based crepes stuffed with a variety of savory fillings. Savory curried potatoes, eggplant or spicy chickpeas fill the immensely popular Indian street food staple. Dosas are seemingly simple to prepare, but they require technique and a well-developed palate to be done right.

Calabash Tea Bar & Café 1847 7th St. NW

Stressful day? Tired of the fast-paced D.C. bustle? When you step into Calabash, you will not be asked which healing tea blends, pourover coffee, herbal tonics, or kombucha you want. They will instead ask how you want to feel. Hippy-dippy for some, but Calabash’s music, décor, and hospitable hands-on owner, you’ll feel instantly transported to another place.

Union Market, Northeast, DC These Indian crepes can fill you up without weighing you down.

Huacatay

2314 4th St. NE

Located right off of Rhode Island and 4th St. NE, Huacatay serves consistently delicious and tender rotisserie chicken with flavorsome vegetable sides like green beans with onions and black beans. Easily add two sides to the roasted half-chicken for a $6 meal. A whole roasted chicken can easily last you 3 or 4 days! Buy local, healthy and affordable at Huacatay.

Turning Natural 1380 H St. NE

This Black-owned juice bar opened last year in the District and joins a slew of new vegan offerings. Choose from a variety of organic vegan smoothies, juices, and wellness shots or take a shot at a 3, 5, or 7 day juice cleanse. But if you’re still eating solid food, Turning Natural has a plentiful vegan menu to choose from: warm spinach or veggie patties, salad bar, black bean burgers, waffles and acai or pitatya bowls.

If you want to do your body right, you can’t go wrong at Turning Natural.

This family owned Peruvian rotisserie spot is a welcome addition to the relatively bare food landscape of Edgewood in Northeast, DC.

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