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It's the Economy, Foodie
Last year we made a number of predictions for the food scene in 2008. We thought it would be a big year for cocktails, charcuterie, and burgers. Cocktails got a lot of attention at Bar Pilar, Hummingbird to Mars, and The Gibson. Charcuterie has yet to get the expected boost, but Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve and the Neighborhood Restaurant Group are poised to open charcuterie shops this year. Burgers got even bigger with Ray's Hell Burger and Good Stuff Eatery. As for the stuff we didn't call, froyo and cupcakes, they sure seems to be on the outs with DCist commenters.
So what can we expect for this year? Obviously, budget consciousness is on most people's minds. It seems pretty likely that 2009 will become the year of leftovers. Well... not real leftovers. Tougher cuts of meat are more cost-effective, and the best way to make them more tender is to throw them in a crockpot or braise them. It might also be worthwhile for home cooks to get a rice cooker, not just for rice, but for any number of grains and energy-saving one-pot meals.
Cocktails are big, but punches may be the next incarnation. Mass production is always more cost-effective, and provides a great communal experience. Punch Club at the Warehouse on Thursday nights may just be the start of a great movement.
One of our requests last year was more affordable bar lunches. And it's nice to see many more around town - Proof, Vidalia, and Art & Soul just to name a few. Hopefully many more restaurants will take their lead.
Photo by aliciagriffin
Small Bites
The hot girl next door
Ben's Next Door is now open, and if you've seen some of the pics, it is definitely the hot girl next door. A walk past revealed a mix of run-of-the-mill domestic beers. However, there are still some interesting things on tap and bottled for even the biggest beer nerds. Some of the items on draft are Delirium Tremens, Raven (from local brewery Clipper City), Urbock 23 (the beer that you're only allowed to buy one of at The Saloon) and in bottles are Brother Thelonius, LaChouffe, Tusker (from Kenya), and Xingu (a Brazilian beer that was listed on the menu as Xingo). And despite the nice decor and "proper" menu, you can still get your half-smoke and chili cheese fries.
Brewers' Ball
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is sponsoring their annual Brewers' Ball. Tickets are $95, and will include handcrafted ales and lagers from more that 15 local microbreweries and brewpubs. Food that complements the beers will also be served. The ball sells out every year, so get your tickets soon.
Tea at Thomas Circle
Todd English of Olives fame is planning to open Cha, an Asian-Fusion restaurant, at the Donovan House near the end of January after the inauguration festivities have died down. According to Washington.org, "The menu will feature traditional classics, modern Asian favorites, a full sushi bar and a creative noodle menu. The sleek dining room, designed by the New York based Studio Gaia, showcases the dramatic bar. Cha, which is the Chinese word for tea, will also boast a tea house, offering an extensive selection of artisan loose leaf teas and tea based cocktails."
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My prediction for the "it" food of 2009: bacon. Seriously. You heard it here first.
bacon is always the it fud
I predict that Guy Fieri will visit Junkpunchers. Wait, did I say "preddict"? I meant "hope".
Punches? Did I read that correctly? Punches are the next big thing? I have visions of a large pitcher bursting through walls screaming "OH YEAH" while ladling out cups of some reddish concoction. I guess if it worked for Duff Man...
Good post!
Where is that pic from, Erotic Edibles?