The Weekly Feed: Nom Nom Nom Edition
Dish of the Week: Heirloom tomatoes
Tomatoes have been in season for a few weeks now. From enhancing BLTs to mozzarella and salads, they are everywhere. But what separates the heirloom from the regular tomato? This will make you feel all warm and fuzzy; rather than being poked, prodded, and grafted by scientists into perfectly round, smooth, flavorless mushpots, the seeds have been passed down from generation to generation and openly pollinated. These were the best of the bunch and worth saving. The best thing is to savor them in raw form, so you can catch them at their best and brightest.
To try some heirlooms for yourself, you can head to Dino, where they top bruschetta or pasta during their extended Restaurant Week. Or make sure to check out a few other seasonally-focused spots such as Proof, Bar Pilar or Mendocino Grille for salads or gazpachos. And if you're going for something at home, check out the Bloomingdale, FRESHFARM, USDA, and 14th and U Markets. You'll be sure to find a huge array, and could set up your own tasting.
Image courtesy of EssG
Small Bites
Sarnies on the way
British sandwich chain Pret-a-Manger is making its way into the District. Londonist gives it a thumbs up. Based on the New York menu, they're upholding their quality standards with Bell and Evans organic chicken as well as other organic and preservative-free items. With the opening of Wagamama, are we on the verge of a new British invasion?
Royal Blue Bistro
Chef Rissa Pasibigan will be behind the stove at Royal Blue Bistro from Jawad Laouaoudaand Khalid Raji, of Citronelle. Pasibigan's name might be more familiar from her front of the house exploits at Corduroy and most recently West End Bistro. A CIA-trained chef, she will be designing the Mediterranean menu with inspiration from her upcoming trip to Morrocco. For anyone who has tasted the lumpia at Corduroy, you'll have an idea about her gifts behind the stove.
Other Notable Openings and Closings
M'Dawg Haute Dogs in Adams Morgan has officially closed... Across the street, Cali Yogurt will be in the old Miss Pixies spot... Edan MacQuaid, the pizzaiolo behind 2 Amys and RedRocks, finally gets a place of his own with the planned Pizzeria Orso in Falls Church.