The Weekly Feed: Sainted Edition
Dish of the Week: Gumbo/booze
If we were going to talk about the Super Bowl this weekend with respect to a culinary smackdown, the Saints will kick some serious butt. Jambalaya, beignets, po boys, and all kinds of delicious fried bits and seafood. Not to mention the weather is perfect for gumbo. There's nothing quite like digging into a rich, stewy bowl of sausage, chicken or seafood and okra with the slight musty flavor of file powder and bay leaves. But honestly, it's kind of silly to be talking about eating or making gumbo at this point, unless you were planning ahead. Do you really want to run out and buy some okra in the storm? But here's a shout to the Saints, or at least a salute to their city's delicious food.
We all know the real dish of this weekend is booze. So be ready for a menu of sledding and boozy hot chocolate. The usual enhancers are bourbon, amaretto, Fra Angelico, Bailey's, and Kahlua, but I highly recommend adding green chartreuse, which adds a delicate, slightly floral sweetness. And if you happen to have spare whipping cream, milk and chocolate around, definitely try making some real hot chocolate. Be safe and stay warm.
Small Bites
Blaisin' in by the end of the year
Top Chef finalist Richard Blais tweeted that he will be opening up a D.C. branch of Flip Burger by the end of the year. A few months ago, he revealed that he wanted to open a fancy burger joint in the Verizon Center area. Missy Frederick speculates about the rumor that noodle joint Wagamama may no longer be opening a store in Penn Quarter, leaving Flip Burger to grab the space. Though it seems silly given how much Wagamama has already built out the old Olsson's space.
Food with a hint of history
The Smithsonian has released details about their spring food events. Worth noting are promoters of the Southern cooking diaspora, the Lee Brothers, and Ruth Reichl, former NYT food critic and editor of the now-defunct Gourmet magazine.
I ride through the city's backside
The Columbia Room at The Passenger is going to be opening to celebrate Valentine's Day. February 13-15 will feature a special Valentine's menu, with regular service starting on February 18. The regular set menu at The Columbia Room will be $49 (including tax and tip) for a glass of champagne, two cocktails, and a small plate.