C Says...
So last month, I explained my obsession with all things Top Chef. This month, I'll try to not do the same with my obsession with all things Jose Andres. I love the guy. I love his PBS show. I love his accent. I love Jaleo. I love his hijinks on late night talk shows. I love how he's making food fun -- the way Ferran Adria did at the now closed El Bulli (so sad). And that's exactly what he's doing with America Eats Tavern...making food fun. I mean how ballsy is it to shut down a perfectly successful restaurant (Cafe Atlantico) and reopen it as a pop-up in partnership with the National Archives' "What's Cooking Uncle Sam Exhibit?" with ALL the profits going toward The Foundation for The National Archives?
All the menu items, and there are many, pay homage to America's food history. Want to know how macaroni and cheese came to be a staple in American homes? Try the vermicelli prepared like pudding. I did. And trust me...it's unbelieveably good. Care for something more historical? How about Eisenhower's stew. I didn't try that this time, but on a previous visit, I did have the peanut soup and that's seriously good.
For our entree, J gave in and let me order the bison steak for two. It was cooked to perfection with accompanying side "catsups" (these are not of the Hunt's or Heinz variety) and cheddar mashed potatoes and veggies. The entire meal was amazing, and yes, my dog did devour the leftover bone.
If you're looking for whimsy (bills come enclosed in a book by an American author -- Hardy Boys anyone) and interested in the history of our country's food culture (there are no descriptions of what the meals include, only the origins of each dish) and looking for a great meal, I highly recommend making a reservation...and fast. America Eats Tavern closes, appropriately, on July 4, 2012. Now if only someone would take me to Mini Bar...
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J Says...
C picked America Eats Tavern, which I had only previously heard about from the Other J (who was quite jealous we were going). My immediate reaction upon arriving was deja-vu...I'd been there before. Apparently, it was when the space was Cafe Atlantico. Kudos to Jose Andres for sprucing up the place.
Dining upstairs, the waiter explained that the goal is to have 4 plates...Oysters..."To Follow"....Soups & Salads...Meats & Fish. Yea, that wasn't on my docket that night. I went with the Hush Puppies from the "To Follow" menu to start and then, partnering with C, we tackled the 27 oz Bison Tomahawk Steak with cheddar mashed potatoes, catsups and pickles. The hush puppies were good, but not unique. The Bison steak, however, was AMAZING. Totally worth giving up control of my meal (I'm not a food-sharer by nature)...and think C's dog Stanley enjoyed the thigh bone that we wrapped up for him after we devoured the meat.
I liked America Eats Tavern but not rushing to return...there just weren't a lot of options on the menu that piqued my interest. I'm sure the Other J will enjoy going there...but be careful if you do, certain menu items are only available on certain nights...another no-no in my book.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Bravo for "Graffiato"
C Says...
As some of you may or may not know, I LOVE Top Chef. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Whether it's Fabio making "hamboogers" for Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany going from bitch to sweetheart, or Padma telling someone to pack their knives and go, it's fantastic TV. So ever since Mike Isabella announced he was opening a restaurant in DC (something much different than Spike's Good Stuff or We the Pizza), I'd been dying go. Yeah J for picking it this month.
I had high expectations going in based on reviews from foodies to friends, and for the most part, I wasn't disappointed. Featuring small plates or pizzas, we opted to share the former. Staring with a simple, yet oh so flavorful flat bread, the meal dovetailed into a beet with goat cheese salad. I have just discovered beets after a trip to Chelan, WA (shout out CR!!!!) where I absolutely fell in love with them. No longer did they taste like dirt. I'm not sure if the chef forgot the goat cheese, or I just missed it, but this salad could have used some, or more, even if the beets were cooked to perfection. The pork belly was melt in your mouth divine and the chicken thighs were unbelievable. Two words: pepperoni sauce. The only real miss of the meal in my mind was the pumpkin risotto; the flavors never really came together, and it left me wanting to like it, but couldn't. To end the meal I had to try the zeppoli with pumpkin caramel. Maybe to make up for the risotto -- and it did. Boy, did it.
While the ambiance is rather loud and was crowded on a random weeknight, I highly recommend making the trip. Remember. Two words: pepperoni sauce.
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J Says...
I had been to Graffiato prior to this review...the other J simply had to go as soon as it opened. At that time, we did the chef's tasting with wine pairing which allowed us to try basically 3/4 of the menu (there were four of us, each getting different plates) for a decently-priced $85 each. Thus, going into dinner with C, I had an idea of what to have again...what to avoid...and what new to try.
To Mike Isabella's credit, he adds and subtracts items based on the season and local availability, so there were some new items for Fall that I was unaware of during my previous summer dining. The only item C forgot to mention in her review above was the homemade spaghetti. I know it sounds boring but it really is quite amazing. In my mind, it ties the beloved pepperoni sauce. I wasn't disappointed when C decided not to have too much of my cherished spaghetti.
As the food speaks for itself...and it speaks loud and proud...I think the setting needs some attending too. It's a bit like a high school cafeteria, completely with uncomfortable chairs, chilly temperatures and cement walls/floors that bounce every sound around the room. This may be the sterilized feel that Isabella is going for, but just doesn't seem to fit the DC model (more of a NYC-niche thing, perhaps).
So yea, I'll be going back to Graffiato...and likely bring the other J next time, as I almost had to sleep on the couch for excluding him this time. Oh Snap!
Graffiatio - 707 6th Street NW, 202.289.3600, http://www.graffiatodc.com/
As some of you may or may not know, I LOVE Top Chef. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Whether it's Fabio making "hamboogers" for Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany going from bitch to sweetheart, or Padma telling someone to pack their knives and go, it's fantastic TV. So ever since Mike Isabella announced he was opening a restaurant in DC (something much different than Spike's Good Stuff or We the Pizza), I'd been dying go. Yeah J for picking it this month.
I had high expectations going in based on reviews from foodies to friends, and for the most part, I wasn't disappointed. Featuring small plates or pizzas, we opted to share the former. Staring with a simple, yet oh so flavorful flat bread, the meal dovetailed into a beet with goat cheese salad. I have just discovered beets after a trip to Chelan, WA (shout out CR!!!!) where I absolutely fell in love with them. No longer did they taste like dirt. I'm not sure if the chef forgot the goat cheese, or I just missed it, but this salad could have used some, or more, even if the beets were cooked to perfection. The pork belly was melt in your mouth divine and the chicken thighs were unbelievable. Two words: pepperoni sauce. The only real miss of the meal in my mind was the pumpkin risotto; the flavors never really came together, and it left me wanting to like it, but couldn't. To end the meal I had to try the zeppoli with pumpkin caramel. Maybe to make up for the risotto -- and it did. Boy, did it.
While the ambiance is rather loud and was crowded on a random weeknight, I highly recommend making the trip. Remember. Two words: pepperoni sauce.
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J Says...
I had been to Graffiato prior to this review...the other J simply had to go as soon as it opened. At that time, we did the chef's tasting with wine pairing which allowed us to try basically 3/4 of the menu (there were four of us, each getting different plates) for a decently-priced $85 each. Thus, going into dinner with C, I had an idea of what to have again...what to avoid...and what new to try.
To Mike Isabella's credit, he adds and subtracts items based on the season and local availability, so there were some new items for Fall that I was unaware of during my previous summer dining. The only item C forgot to mention in her review above was the homemade spaghetti. I know it sounds boring but it really is quite amazing. In my mind, it ties the beloved pepperoni sauce. I wasn't disappointed when C decided not to have too much of my cherished spaghetti.
As the food speaks for itself...and it speaks loud and proud...I think the setting needs some attending too. It's a bit like a high school cafeteria, completely with uncomfortable chairs, chilly temperatures and cement walls/floors that bounce every sound around the room. This may be the sterilized feel that Isabella is going for, but just doesn't seem to fit the DC model (more of a NYC-niche thing, perhaps).
So yea, I'll be going back to Graffiato...and likely bring the other J next time, as I almost had to sleep on the couch for excluding him this time. Oh Snap!
Graffiatio - 707 6th Street NW, 202.289.3600, http://www.graffiatodc.com/
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