The Weekly Feed: Makin' Whoopie Edition
Hazelnut and Nutella whoopie pie from Treet
Where: Treet, Tynan Coffee & Tea, Mr. Yogato, U Street Cafe, The Cereal Bowl, Hello Cupcake
Whoopie pies have been a staple of the home kitchen in New England and Pennsylvania Dutch country for a long time. Like many regional foods, they've recently found their way into fancier kitchens over the last few years with the potential to reach the trite "trend" status.
Whoopie pies are a lot like Little Debbie oatmeal creme pies on steroids: two thick, cookie-like cakes sandwiching frosting between them. Making them upscale is easy, but I never paid much mind to them. Many of the ones I tried had dry, bland cakes.
We mentioned earlier that Eat Wonky is selling whoopie pies from Treet Bakery. Featuring moist cake with thick but not overly sweet frosting, they have certainly sparked my interest. Currently, Treet only makes three flavors: hazelnut with Nutella filling, chocolate chip with peanut butter cream, and chocolate cake with peppermint frosting.
Even though Treet doesn't have a storefront, you can pick them up from any of the retailers listed above.
Small Bites
On the grassy knoll
Ray's the Steaks owner Michael Landrum announced that he has begun to purchase some of his beef from Virginia farmers. Dry-aged to specficiations, the cattle are grass-fed "and finished with an enriched grass diet featuring spent beer grains." Aside from focusing on local sourcing, it's a big change from the traditional corn-fed stock. Many palates are now accustomed to the flavor of corn-fed cows, so it will be interesting to see the reaction. Landrum notes that he is focusing on ensuring enough supply for availability on Saturdays, with the intent to also make the beef available on Fridays and Sunday.
Cuba Libre's sweet deal
New restaurant Cuba Libre plans to open its doors on September 17 in Penn Quarter. Early patrons get to take advantage of some amazing discounts as the restaurant finds its legs. Until Sept. 23, patrons will receive 50% off their food, but not drinks (excluding Sept. 22), and Sept. 24-30 they will receive 25% off.
Metrocurean gets more metro
Amanda McClement's Metrocurean got a facelift this week with additional video features, and a new layout.
You say tomato
If you didn't get enough ideas for tomato dishes this week, you can head to Jaleo for their Seventh Annual La Tomatina Festival. There are a large number of options from soups to salads, as well as cocktails and desserts, featuring tomatoes.