Dish of the week: Moose

Reading all the biographical information about presumptive VP nominee Sarah Palin, one thing sticks out to foodies. She seems to have a thing for hunting and eating moose. That gets a person thinking, what does moose taste like and where can I get it? According to Henry David Thoreau, "It tasted like tender beef, with perhaps more flavor, - sometimes like veal." So maybe moose burgers make sense, but given that moose usually live in places like Minnesota, Canada and Alaska, it's hardly a surprise that you don't find it on the menu in DC. So what is an avid moose hunter to do?

If she were to assume office, perhaps she could get it shipped in and ask Michael Landrum to make a hellburger with it, or perhaps the even obliging Spike Mendelsohn could whip up a Palin burger. Or she could stock up on the closely related elk jerky. Maybe she could visit DC food blogger, Food Rockz for his grilled moose tenderloin with asparagus.

Until then the closest thing she'd get to her beloved moose is probably going to Caribou Coffee, chocolate mousse, or a regular beef burger.

Fly Me to the Moon
This week the NY Times' discussed secret supper clubs - of which we have one. Now people in DC are abuzz about the recent venture by Derek Brown (formerly of Komi), Justin Guthrie (Central), and Owen Thomson (Bourbon), Hummingbird to Mars, a "secret" bar. In an effort to recreate the speakeasies of the 20's, they are mixing up variations on classic cocktails on Sunday and Monday evenings. This past week's menu included a delicious guest appearance that featured the smoked mango - Finlandia vodka, mango puree, passionfruit puree, and lime juice rimmed with smoked paprika sugar. But much like the speakeasies getting in means more than just walking up. You will need to send an email to reservations [at] hummingbirdtomars [dot] com. Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive details about the location and rules. Visitors are requested to abide by a non-disclosure agreement about the details of the location and other aspects of the bar. Those who violate the request will not be welcomed back.

Image courtesy of methTICALman

Small Bites
Move over Alice Waters
Yeah, yeah we know this is about Baltimore, but I'm proud of my hometown over this one. Tony Geraci, the new head chef for the Baltimore City school system is introducing a slow food movement into the school lunch program. It is introducing students to fresh produce and healthier eating options - one second grader had never eaten a fresh peach before. Given that 100% of Baltimore City students will be eligible for free breakfasts and lunches next year under federal poverty guidelines combined with the fact that the National School Lunch program is one of the most successful welfare programs in the country, this is an enormous step forward in nutritional education and fighting the effects of poverty. Even better, the program has proven to be more cost-effective than bringing in food from out-of-state distributors. Maybe Michelle Rhee should look into this one.

Bringing sexy back
Phil Rodridguez and Joey Belcher, the folks behind Sticky Rice on H Street, would like to bring some "sexy" to Shaw. The duo are planning to open up 1905, a French-style bistro (replete with mirrored walled and antique chandeliers), at 9th and T Street NW. The menu is still in the works, but eager diners won't have to wait for long. 1905 is scheduled to open in mid-September.

Mayorga Coffee/Lounge to become Asian Bistro
Mayorga Coffee and Lounge in Columbia Heights has closed the coffee shop portion of their establishment. The restaurant and bar is still open and will continue to serve authentic Korean fare, but the coffee shop is currently under renovation to make way for a sushi bar. Devotees of Mayorga brand coffee will still be able to buy it at the Carvel/Cinnabon next door. Happy hour specials ($2 off beers, $4 rail drinks) will be available all night long during the renovation.

Flying Free
Peregrine Espresso is open for business tomorrow. For those who have been paying attention, the coffee shop will be in the old Capitol Hill Murky Coffee space. A suitable match for owner Ryan Jensen, former barista and general manager for Murky.

Alicia Mazzara contributed to Small Bites