Food.Fun.Stuff: Paella X 2

Don't forget Jaleo's Paella Feast has begun. Free samples (of Paella) will be distributed in light of the celebration tomorrow from 5-7 pm @ Jaleo (*all locations!!) @ the bar during the happy hour (*the chefs will whip up a few of the paella's and everyone's welcome to try some). RSVP @ bethesda@jaleo.com (even though you really don't need to because it's at the bar, but just in case...).

The Where: Jaleo, 7271 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD (301) 913-0003 (*available at other locations as well, which can be found on their website here.)
Why go??: Cause it's Paella!! And it's free!!

Picture source: http://www.jaleo.com/

Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk Pancakes

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
3 eggs
2 cups buttermilk
2 tbsp. melted butter
2 tbsp. vegetable oil/cooking spray

Sift dry ingredients together and add in the eggs and buttermilk; stir until lumps are gone. Heat a griddle/skillet over medium heat with oil/spray (*let this heat up completely before adding the mix to the pan) and add about a 1/4 cup of the mix to the skillet, filling the pan with pancake circles. The sides and top should start to bubble. Flip the pancakes to the other side and cook about 2-4 minutes; or until cooked through and golden brown on each side. Serve hot.

*Johnna's tip: The new mate for pancakes is Honey. It is delicious on a nice stack of buttermilk pancakes and the fresher the better. Drop the syrup and get some honey;-)

Picture source: http://www.bfeedme.com/it%E2%80%99s-saturday-morning-buttermilk-pancake-recipe-time/

Drinks on Me: Warm Fall Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic)

Warm Fall Apple Cider

7 cups Apple Cider
1/4 cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks

Combine all ingredients in a small pot over medium heat; stir until simmering. Reduce heat and cook for 12-14 minutes; remove from heat. Remove the cinnamon sticks and serve!

*Johnna's tip: Add in more sugar to your preference. This apple cider will have enough flavor so you may not need to add anything else;-) Garnish with your favorite fruits of the fall (*raspberry's and cranberry's are good picks).

Picture source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cranberry-Apple-Cider/Detail.aspx

Food.Fun.Stuff: Know Your Restaurant!

Know Your Restaurant

While out at a social gathering recently, the conversation turned to good restaurants to visit while in the District. Of course, the questions are now directed towards JKGF because she must know Everything in the food world of D.C. (*which is not an overstatement, but there's still more to eat and more to learn...;-) So now, being put in a position to suggest, restaurants such as Kaz Sushi Bistro, Matchbox and Marvin's roll off the tongue. Immediately the dialogue turns to "I don't like Marvin's". This post was written for comments as such:

The key to going out and at the very least attempting to have a good dining experience (*well, we know at JKGF the service, among other things is outside of your control, and plays a key factor in the experience as well...we are discussing here your more personalized attempt;-) is to Know the type of restaurant you are going to! This is key because you'll get to Matchbox expecting the best seafood of your life, when Matchbox is really best known for their delicious pizzas and sliders. So in this instance, when JKGF suggested Marvin's and the person in the room responded "Uugghh, I did not like that place, the food was not good"...we immediately asked "What did you order?"...At this point, we can't remember what they ordered but it wasn't anything relating to the main concept of the restaurant, which is it was based on Marvin Gayes time that he spent in Belgium. When we think of Belgium, we're thinking steak and frites (*we can assure you this person did not order steak and frites...).

Now not to say that everything offered on a restaurants menu should not be delicious, but it's easier for us to understand why we probably didn't like the seafood at Matchbox as much as we did at Tony and Joe's or some other spot boasting a fresh seafood menu. Now we would have a problem if the pizza at Matchbox was off point...we're just sayin'....

*Tell us your thoughts??

Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Written_in_moleskine.JPG

Spinach and Feta Omelet

Spinach and Feta Omelet

2 tbsp. olive oil
3-4 eggs
1 cup fresh spinach (cooked and warm) (*you may want to use more...your desired amount)
1 oz. feta cheese
1/2 cup onions (chopped and saute til browned)
Pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup fresh tomatoes (chopped)

Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Beat the eggs and add to the skillet, cooking for 2-4 minutes. Move the eggs around in the pan so that the uncooked parts are spread around to cook (the key to an omelet is to not over cook but don't under cook leaving the omelet soggy). You can lift up sides of the egg and move the pan around to cook all the parts. Top with the spinach, cheese, onions and fresh tomatoes. Sprinkle on the black pepper and cook until the cheese is melted making sure not to burn the bottom of the egg. Fold one side of the egg onto the other and slide onto your plate...and there you have it...Breakfast!

*Johnna's tip: A great addition to this would be to create your own Greek dressing (*try throwing some garlic, olives, Greek yogurt and whatever else you like into the food processor and combine). A dollop of your Greek dressing is the perfect ending to this omelet.

*Johnna's tip, tip: Salt lovers, there is no need to add salt to this one. The feta cheese has enough salt content to fulfill your salty needs:-)

Picture source: http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeId=50062

Drinks on Me: Dirty Girl Scout (Alcoholic)

Dirty Girl Scout

1 part Vodka
1 part Bailey's Irish Cream
1 part Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
1 part white creme de menthe
Ice

In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients and pour into your favorite shot glasses.

*Johnna's tip: To make any drink "dirty" is to add in vodka, hence we have the "Dirty Girl Scout";-)...

Picture source: http://www.drinkswap.com/drinks/detail.asp?recipe_id=2633

Food.Fun.Stuff: The Great Debaters

2008 Debates! Let's Get It! Tonight takes us on yet another historical journey. Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain will be facing off in the beginning of a month and about 10 days of hard core campaigning to see who will be our next president. Let's start things right by picking the ideal spot to watch the debates, how exciting?! These are 3 spots JKGF scouted out for you if you haven't nailed down a place yet:

1. Busboys and Poets (Definitely the politically active, chill crowd will be found here.)

2. Bailey's Pub and Grille (Beer lovers, political lovers and the like will be patronizing this spot tonight.)

3. Mahogany Restaurant and Lounge (After work crowd with a taste for some Jack, ginger and good debating will be found here.)

And for even more listings in the DMV area check it here. Rock the Vote!!

**Johnna's Big Tip: Not registered to vote??? NOOO!! Go here, asap, immediately, rapidly, etc., etc. and Please Vote!:-)

Picture source: http://www.rockthevote.com/about/

Food.Fun.Stuff: Svedka Vodka for everyone!

So election season is here and everybody is on the edge of their chairs waiting to see who will take the seat of America's next president. Svedka Vodka is taking the edge off of everyone by offering up a new campaign in tribute to the 2008 election year. Their "Join the Party" campaign seeks to put the "party" back in party politics with a series of custom created election series cocktails. The Dirty Delegate is music to our ears...Rock the Vote!

Corned Beef Hash

Corned Beef Hash

3 tbsp. butter
2 cups cooked corn beef (chopped)
3 cups potatoes (chopped)
2 tbsp. onions (minced)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)

In a skillet, melt the butter in the pan and add in the corned beef, potatoes and onions. Mix in pan until all ingredients are browned; drain. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

*Johnna's tip: Simple enough, right?? Yup. Corned beef hash is a southern breakfast favorite. Add in the ingredients you like i.e. some green or red peppers would add a nice bite to this or lighten up on the potatoes if avoiding carbs is your thing Or trade the white/yellow potatoes in for some sweet potatoes in the hash...Long story short, have fun with it!

Picture source: http://www.real-restaurant-recipes.com/corned-beef-hash.html

Green Tea's Latte (Non-Alcoholic)

Green Tea's Latte

1 cup skim milk
1 cup water
1 tbsp. green tea powder
2 tbsp. white sugar

In a small pot on the stove, combine all the ingredients in the pot over medium heat. Whisk until the mixture is hot and foamy. Pour into your favorite tea cups and Enjoy!

*Johnna's tip: Green tea latte's are JKGF's favorite morning drink besides hot chocolate, iced lattes...well, let's just say it's one of our favorites;-) Change the milk to your preference i.e. soy milk is a great option for soy lovers.

Picture source: http://www.amazon.com/Matcha-Green-Ingredient-Frothing-Electric/dp/B000LG8LDQ

Johnna's Pick of the Week: Bread and Chocolate (D.C)

Many locations to choose from in the District. Bread and Chocolate has five different locations in the DMV area. Boasting tasty pastries and cakes, of course, don't overlook the breakfast that Bread and Chocolate offers. The omelets are pretty good considering (*JKGF does not eat omelets unless they're the ones that are made right there in front of your face...you know like the ones you get when you're at a good breakfast buffet...we dunno, it just seems they taste better this way...) The french toast is fluffy and melts in your mouth and the fresh fruit is a nice compliment to each meal especially where you feel you did something unhealthy:-) It's the neighborhood shop, the place to stop in on the way to work or just the place to lick some chocolate off your fingers...either way, we liked it and recommend you stop by when you get a chance;-)

*Disclaimer: Ok, so, Bread and Chocolate has received mixed reviews from other patrons we've talked to, but based on the JKGF experience it was dee-lish! Enjoy!

*The Mediterranean omelet is definitely worth a try...

Picture source: http://www.breadandchocolate.net/

Food.Fun.Stuff: War of the Wings

Battle of the Wings!! Let's Get It!

J. Pauls and Old Glory's Chef's are going to duke it out in the "First Annual War of The Wings".

Why you should get your ticket and go?? Well the wings, of course. But the Big and Main reason is this event will benefit the DC Central Kitchen (*All the benefits go to this cool organization in DC combating hunger;-)

Here's some more info that was sent to us about this awesome and beneficial event:

Buffalo Battle - it's J. Paul's vs Old Glory!

September 28, 2008 at 12:00 noon, J. Paul's Chef Darrell "Big Wing" Hughes and Old Glory's Chef Richard "The Pit Master" Brooks will battle in the First Annual War of the Wings, all to benefit DC Central Kitchen.

Plus, a 2:00pm Wing Eating Competition!

Visit BuffaloBattle.com for the full schedule of events!

Purchase your tickets TODAY by visiting BuffaloBattle.com!

Georgetown's First Annual Buffalo Battle - September 28, 2008 - 12:00 noon
Corner of Wisconsin & M Streets in Georgetown - online: BuffaloBattle.com

Sponsored by:Red Hook • Bud Light • DC Central Kitchen • Jim Beam • Surreal Vodka • Mix 107.3 • Hogettes • Carmen's Italian Ice • Capital Restaurant Concepts

Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_gloves

Food.Fun.Stuff: Virginia Wine Festival

September 27 and 28, 2008 are going to bring wine lovers to the Prince Williams County Fairgrounds. There will be unlimited tastings, arts & crafts, food and stuff for the kids.

Why you should check it out? Well, if you love wine, you'll have over 400 selections to choose from;-) There will be wine tasting seminars...fun times...

Check it here: www.virginiawinefestival.org

Picture source: http://www.virginiawinefestival.org/featuredwine.htm

Warmed Up Spinach and Basil Salad

Warmed Up Spinach and Basil Salad

6 cups fresh spinach
2 cups fresh basil
1/2 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
1/4 cup pine nuts
4 oz. prosciutto (diced)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Toss the spinach and basil together. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat; add in the garlic and nuts; saute until nuts are browned. Add in the prosciutto and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and toss the spinach and basil with the warm dressing. Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese. Eat healthy and Enjoy!

*Johnna's tip: Healthy as healthy can get:-) Salads are the best part about lunch time or as the side dish for dinner...why shouldn't they be changed and played with as such?? Add in cherry tomatoes or change the cheese to shaved Parmesan. Get healthy and make your body feel good!

Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinach

Drinks on Me: On-A-Budget Wine Spritzer (Alcoholic)

On-A-Budget Wine Spritzer

8 oz. white wine
Club soda
3-4 cherry's
1 tsp. fresh lime
Ice

In a cocktail shaker, add the wine over the ice; give a shake and strain into wine glasses. Top each glass with club soda and garnish with cherry's (*or put the cherry's in the bottom of the glass and pour the wine and club soda over them).

*Johnna's tip: This is the best on-a-budget drink in the market right now (*a bottle of wine is way cheaper than going to a wine bar and drinking...plus you get to jazz the wine up more with this recipe). With the price of gas and milk, your luxuries may need to tone down a little. This is the perfect way to still impress on this new budget of yours. Try with a Rose wine also (*Spanish and African wines compliment various meals very well...) Drink responsibly! Annnddd on a budget;-)

Picture source: http://www.freedrinkrecipes.com/cocktails-drinks-recipes/whitewinespritzer-drink-recipe.html

Food.Fun.Stuff: Paella!

Paella, Paella, Paella!!

September 29-October 12, 2008 is the 6th Annual Paella Festival hosted by Jaleo. It will feature Paella happy hours, Paella available during lunch and dinner and a giant Paella at Dupont Circle on September 28, 2008.

Why this is a great thing for Paella in D.C.?? Guest chef Rafael Vidal of Restaurant Levante in Bennisano, Valencia, Spain will be cooking up some of the dishes and the paellas during the celebration will be based on his recipes.

For more information: Call 202-628-7949

Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Paella_cu.JPG

Balsamic Asparagus

Balsamic Asparagus

1 bunch of fresh asparagus
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. garlic (minced)
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)

Wash and cut the ends off the asparagus. In a pan over medium heat, add the oil and garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes. Add the asparagus to the pan and let cook for about 5-10 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar to the asparagus and saute for 2-4 minutes longer. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

*Johnna's tip: This is the perfect side dish. It can be added to your steak dinner, some fried chicken or even your favorite pasta dish. The balsamic vinegar adds just the right bitterness to even out whatever else you have on your plate. Also, lighten up on the salt and pepper, the balsamic vinegar will add enough flavor so you don't really miss them at all...

Picture source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Balsamic-Asparagus

Drinks on Me: Pineapple Fuzz (Non-Alcoholic)

Pineapple Fuzz

4 oz. pineapple juice
4 oz. grapefruit juice
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 oz. grenadine
Club Soda
Ice
Pineapple slices

In a glass, add the first three ingredients over ice; stir. Fill up the glass with club soda and garnish with pineapple slices.

*Johnna's tip: Quadruple the ingredients for a larger crowd...Enjoy!

Picture source: http://www.idrink.com/v.html?id=4422

Food.Fun.Stuff: Taste of Georgetown

As the leaves fall and the weather makes you more cranky in the morning, keep these three words in the back of your mind: Taste.of.Georgetown. It's coming to D.C. October 11, 2008 and it's going to be good! A great reason to get out during the fall and stroll around one of D.C.'s most historic and trendiest neighborhoods, while tasting the infamous dishes that G-town is known for;-) JKGF will be celebrating and enjoying the festivities, see you there!

Major reason to go: Over 60 dishes to sample, wine pairings and jazz at Blues Alley...the list goes on and on...

Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgetown,_Washington,_D.C.

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

12 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 tbsp. olive oil
BBQ sauce (*your favorite flavor, can be found at your local grocery store)
Hamburger buns (*your favorite)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Garlic Powder (to taste)

In a pan over medium heat, add oil to the pan and cook chicken until done. Shred chicken to look like pulled pork pieces; top with BBQ sauce (*heat BBQ sauce on stove before adding to chicken) and toss together. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Serve on hamburger buns.

*Johnna's tip: No pork on my fork! (*This is actually the name of a restaurant in Harlem, NY that sells some of the best sausages outside of Vienna, Austria:-) This recipe is a great alternative to pulled pork sandwiches and has just as much flavor. You choose the BBQ sauce you want...you want more sweetness?? Go for honey BBQ sauce...you want more smokey?? Go for one of the BBQ sauces made from a smokey recipe...OR you could always make the sauce yourself;-) Fire up the grill (*well before it gets to cold...) or just cook it on the stove, Enjoy!

Picture source: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/bbq_pulled_chicken.html

Simple (Alcoholic)

Simple

1 part Grand Marnier Liqueur
1 part Pineapple Juice
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Ice
Pineapple Slices

In a cocktail shaker, combine the liqueur, juice, lemon juice and ice; shake well. Strain into a glass and garnish with pineapple slices. Enjoy!

*Johnna's tip: Grand Marnier and pineapple. Simple. This drink is a quick, sweet fix to any long day or just a way to unwind. Liqueur's are better for those that are light weights in drinking (*but bad for unwanted calories...they cost you a lot in this area...). Sweet, good and simple, try it;-)

Picture source: http://www.grand-marnier.com/splash-yes.html?section=home

Food.Fun.Stuff: Founding Farmers Opens TODAY!!

The greenest is opening today! So Founding Farmers opens its doors today to Washington, D.C. JKGF was able to grab a moment with Chef Graham Duncan of Founding Farmers and chat with him about the new restaurant, his motivation and where we could find some of these tasty creations, check it out:

How long have you been a chef?
CGD: 19 years

Did you attend a professional culinary arts school, or are you self-taught?
CGD: I graduated from Florida Culinary Institute nearly 17 years ago, and since then I have been learning something new everyday, pretty much self-taught.

Who influenced you in the cooking world?
CGD: The people who influenced me were the people I loved watching on television when I was a kid. Julia Child and Justin Wilson were so fun to watch. They made it known that anyone can cook.

What is your favorite dish to cook? To eat?
CGD: I love to cook – and eat – braised short ribs, especially when the weather starts turning cooler into Fall.

Is there anybody’s food that you like better than yours, i.e., your mother, father, grandparent, etc.? Why? What did they specialize in that you admire?
CGD: My grandmother on my father’s side always went all out for holiday dinners – those are my best food memories as a kid. My dad has five brothers and sisters, so Thanksgiving would involve over 40 people. My favorite food memory of her is that she would take jellied cranberry sauce and cut into turkeys – I loved that then, love that now, and do that myself now.

What is your favorite DC restaurant besides Founding Farmers in the DC area (that offers a great menu for those looking to “go green”? In NY? Any other restaurants (good “go green” options) you recommend in other cities?
CGD: In DC, I love Citronelle. And in New York, I go to Dos Caminos.

Can we find your recipes online? Do you have a cookbook?
CGD: I have about 500 cookbooks – however, none are written by me.

What can we expect from Founding Farmers that we can’t find anywhere else in DC?
CGD: We are committed to supporting family farmers and local, sustainable cuisine. It’s a high ideal, but we will do nothing short of our best, and for that, we have assembled a highly skilled, very passionate chef staff, and we’ve developed great relationships with farm sources.

There you have it folks...go check out the restaurant and give us your thoughts!

Details, Details, Details:

Where: 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 20th & Penn. Ave., three blocks from the White House

Hours: Monday – Wednesday, 8am – 10pm; Thursday, 8am – 11pm; Friday, 8am – midnight; Saturday, 5pm – midnight; Sunday, 12noon – 9pm

Phone: 202.822.TRUE (8783)

Web: http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/

Reserve: By phone or through OpenTable.com

Menu: American, farm-inspired dishes made with products of sustainable agriculture.

$$: Moderate, average dinner check - $30 – 35 / per person

Seats: 250, between downstairs bar, booth, communal table & regular seating

Arrive: Farragut West or Foggy Bottom Metro, parking garages within 3 blocks, metered parking.

Picture source: http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/index.php/component/content/article/5

Chef's picture: http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/index.php/component/content/article/9

Johnna's Pick of the Week (Travel Edition): Uptown Juice Bar (NY, NY)

Uptown Baby! For the vegetarian eater and the likes, the Uptown Juice Bar is a must when visiting the island of Manhattan. A few stops on the train and you're at the vegetarian foodie rest haven. The Uptown Juice Bar offers soooo many dishes for vegetarians and variations that you will want to eat here every single day! Of course, being in the heart of one of soul foods homes, Harlem, the Uptown Juice Bar features classics such as Collard Greens, Barbecue soy chunks and Mac n' Cheese. Our faves are the curry duck, Cajun tofu and the veggie steak. And we know your thinking, if it's a juice bar what's up with the juice options?? We love the Love Your Body "Munchies" juice, Juice Cure "Hang Over" drink and the Everyday Thing "Wheatgrass"(*ok, uggh, but it's good for you!)...Go uptown to Harlem and tell 'em that we sent 'cha!

*Everything here is vegetarian...even the steak (*made from soy protein and flavored to taste like steak;-)!! And JKGF is by no means vegetarian, but this food is sooo good and honestly, you don't really miss the meat after eating here...

Picture source: http://www.uptownjuicebar.com/index.html

Food.Fun.Stuff: DEWmocracy!!

Are you up for the challenge?? Well Mountain Dew sure thinks you are because they are calling all brainstormers, masterminds and forward thinkers to submit ideas for a kick-off event which will be used to publicize the launch of the new Mountain Dew Voltage (*which is another form of Mountain Dew charged with a raspberry citrus flavor).

Why it's worth it to scribble down your idea and submit?
The individual with the winning submission will win a trip for two to attend the launch and two runner-ups will be awarded a year supply of Mountain Dew product...sounds like our kind of competition! (*Mountain Dew is the absolute road trip drink...you will not be tired at all during your voyage...trust us, this is a JKGF must on a car trip...)

The Where: http://www.dewmocracyvoltage.com/ ...Check it out and submit!

Picture source: http://www.sprintusers.com/wallpapers/alldownloads.php?page=162

Perfect Scrambled Eggs

Perfect Scrambled Eggs

6 large eggs
1 tbsp. sour cream
1 tbsp. milk
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
1 tbsp. chives
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (*mix in Swiss if you want more flavor)

Combine eggs, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper and chives. In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and add in egg mixture, stirring. Stir in cheese(s) until desired consistency is reached; Serve steaming hot!

*Johnna's tip: JKGF loves the egg breakfast because it can have so many variations, meaning when your dollar is low, you can use just about anything to spruce up your eggs (*that is if you even have some eggs hanging around...). We like onions, mushrooms, green peppers and even olives. Note to yourself: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day...why not make it perfect??

Picture source: http://startcooking.com/blog/38/Scrambled-Eggs

Drinks on Me: Iced Up Coffee (Non-Alcoholic)

Iced Up Coffee

2 cup fresh chilled coffee
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup skim milk
1 1/2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. whipped cream
Ice

Pour the coffee over ice, add the milk and sugar to the coffee and stir. Top mixture with whipped cream and cinnamon...Wake up!

*Johnna's tip: Add in your favorite flavoring such as hazel nut or vanilla syrup, this gives it a nice twist in the regular coffee taste.

Picture source: http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_beverage_detail.asp?selProducts=%7BF308F184-B60D-4B2A-8981-92E5F0B17B94%7D&strAction=GETDEFAULT&x=23&y=8

Food.Fun.Stuff: Date Night

Around Friday, JKGF gets a call from at least one person looking for the place to take a date in D.C. This is where this post was born;-)

Romantics
Mie N Yu = Me and You
Why this is the romance spot?? Well, uhh, let's see...the seating, to start with, is perfect for the romantic ambiance you look for on a date, cozy booths with beautiful drapes hanging above, sets the mood about right. The food, of course, is delicious (*We recommend the halibut...if they still have it on the menu...it was the best halibut JKGF has ever tasted, hands down.) Located in Georgetown's bustling center, Mie N Yu offers a romantic atmosphere and sex appeal with the belly dancers gliding around during dinner time...sure to get the night started right;-)

Asian Kasual
Kaz Sushi Bistro
Whether it's a date with your girlfriends, your significant other or another married couple, Kaz is the spot. The sushi is cheap and good and the seaweed salad has an interesting twist that we just can't seem to shake. It is super casual, but has so many awards lining its wall for being the sushi place to be that your date is sure to be a win (*i.e. your date is going to be impressed with 1. how you managed to find this little spot tucked in the hectic downtown D.C. boasting other larger, more popular venues and 2. that the sushi is actually really good...) Great place to celebrate a bday with another married couple or as a casual date spot for your new beau.

Food for the Soul
New Orleans Bistro
Bethesda is making its mark in the Washington area with restaurants such as New Orleans Bistro. Now you could just keep it simple and take your date to one of the regular go-to soul food spots, Georgia Browns or B. Smiths, or you could show how broad your food knowledge is and take them to New Orleans Bistro. The food is seasoned to perfection and the service is refreshing in an area where customer service is often forgotten (*We at JKGF wonder sometimes when visiting food establishments if we are being paid for coming or are we paying them??...We dunno...gets a little confusing when bad service is in tow...)

And Then There was A Tribe Called Quest
Soussi
A few questions must be asked before considering this spot for taking a date. 1. Does your date like hooka? 2. Does your date mind smoking around them? 3. Does your date have Bizarre Ride on their Ipod? If yes is the answer to the first two questions, Soussi is your spot. It is the most chill spot in Adams Morgan and offers an old rustic, sitting in somebodies living room appeal. Sitting outside on a nice night is awesome, but it is the upstairs that makes the experience stick. Your date will feel like you know get out and know about the hidden treasures of the city, which will intrigue them. Soussi offers a relaxed atmosphere while hearing tracks from Tribe Called Quest, Pharcyde and old Wu Tang Clan hits...Chill, relax, Electric Relaxation... The strawberry and mango mix hooka are the best;-)

Pizza, Pizza!
2 Amys
On a budget, but want to impress?? Go to 2 Amys for some authentic Italian pizza. The owners boast using old, original Italian recipes (*probably the closest you'll get to Italy on a tight budget) Good spot for letting your date know you know what good pizza is!

Honorable Mention (*If you can get the table in the kitchen...)
Buca Di Beppo
We don't want to lose our foodie cred by adding a chain restaurant to the roster (*JKGF is not a huge fan of food chains), but Buca has to be the exception and is an honorable mention on our list of Date Night restaurants. They offer the opportunity to sit in the kitchen and watch as the chefs prepare everybody's dinner...they show you every plate that goes out of the kitchen and describe whats in it, yum;-) In addition to the massive portions of food (*you are basically forced to share...cute;-), it makes for a fun date looking at the all the action in the kitchen, discussing the dishes and of course getting to know your date.

Did this advice help?? Let us know...We sure have had some fun dates at these spots;-)...

Picture source: http://optimalfunctioning.wordpress.com/

Baked Chili Relleno

Baked Chili Relleno

4 egg whites
1/3 cup all purpose flour
16 oz. shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 cup evaporated milk
3 cans whole green chilies
1 8 oz. can enchilada sauce
1/2 tomato sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine egg whites, milk, and flour; beat until well blended. Place 1/2 the green chilies in baking dish. Cover with 1/2 of the egg mixture. Spread 1/3 of the cheese on top. Repeat layers, saving last 1/3 of the cheese. Pour sauces on top of casserole. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake an additional 5 minutes to melt cheese and until casserole is bubbly. Serve hot.

*Johnna's tip: Chili Relleno are a JKGF favorite at Latin American restaurants. One of the best ones is actually found in a small restaurant in Raleigh, N.C. (*if we find out the name, we will definitely report...can't remember at the present...) Serve with Spanish rice and refried beans, delicious!

Picture source: http://www.recipezaar.com/26857

Drinks on Me: Caipirinha's

Caipirinha's

2 tbsp. granulated sugar
8 lime wedges
2 1/2 oz. Sagatiba Pura
Ice
Extra lime wedges

Muddle the sugar into the lime wedges. Fill a glass with ice and pour in the Sagatiba Pura; stir. Top the drink with the additional lime wedges and serve!

*Johnna's tip: Having a party and want to serve Caipirinha's all night?? Leblon has a good recipe for the party life;-)

*Johnna's tip, tip: This recipe was inspired by the Caipirinha's at Ceiba (*who, by the way, is celebrating a 5th bday this week...). They must have some of the strongest Caip's we've ever tasted...one drink alongside those crab/shrimp nachos (*trust us...we know it sounds like a bad combination, but they are really good!) offers the perfect comfort after a hard day;-)

*Johnna's tip, tip, tip: Did we mention this is the national cocktail of Brazil?? This alone should speak for itself on the sex appeal of this drink...sip and feel sexy!

Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caipirinha

Food.Fun.Stuff: Plenty to See, Plenty Eat

What to eat? What to drink?

>Just 2 more days until Founding Farmers opens its doors to Washington. Now D.C. will truly have a Go Green restaurant to call its own and the food is expected to make a splash on the good foodie world. JKGF had the opportunity to sit down with the chef and talk about this new bundle of food joy in the area...More about that on the opening day...we're excited, how about you??

>Caipirinhas, Caipirinhas! Go by Ceiba today and enjoy the refreshing spirits in celebration of the restaurants bday...Drink responsibly! As we know this could be hard with $5 deelish drinks and how this week is already crazy in the office...

Picture source: http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/index.php

Swordfish on a Skew

Swordfish on a Skew

2 lbs. fresh swordfish
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. oregano (dried)
2 onions (cut into about 10 wedges)
2 bay leaves
Salt
Skewers

Remove the skin from the swordfish and cut into cubes, about 1". Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl and add in the swordfish; marinate for 3-4 hours. Turn on broiler, oil the skewers and thread the swordfish and onions on the skewers. On a piece of foil, place the skewers and brush with more of the marinade. Broil in the oven (*or grill) for 16-18 minutes, turning to make sure cooked on all sides. Sprinkle with more salt if necessary and serve.

*Johnna's tip: This is an easy, easy, easy meal to make when you get home. Throw the marinade together before work and just put it in the oven when you get home...simple enough, right?! Serve with asparagus cooked in balsamic vinegerette or creamed brussel sprouts...whatever veg is on your mind for the day;-)

Picture source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Swordfish-Skewers

Drinks on Me: Disco Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic)

Disco Lemonade

6 lemons
6 cups cold water
Sugar (to taste)
Ice
Grapefruit wedges (about 2-4)
Lemon wedges (about 2-4)

Juice the lemons and add to a large pitcher, add in ice, water and sugar and stir. Garnish with grapefruit and lemon wedges.

*Johnna's tip: If you are into grapefruit, raspberries or strawberries, juice them up and add them to the mix. Lemonade can take on so many different flavors and still taste delicious...Enjoy!

Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemonade