Johnna's Pick of the Week (Travel Edition): Awash (NY, NY)

Good service. New York. The two together sound like an oxymoron. That was until we came across the uptown eatery, Awash. Right now, JKGF is on a heavy Ethiopian food kick...we can't get enough of it, seriously. So much so, we traveled all the way to Awash via gypsy cab to get some good Ethiopian grub just outside of Harlem. We found it was worth the trip and that's even in the pouring rain. Reasons why it was worth it:

1. The wait staff was really nice! And mind you, that's not by NY standards which just means they don't look like they want to throw the silver ware and bread at you, but they actually smiled and made us feel like we were in for a good meal, service included.

2. The food. Since we're new to Ethiopian cuisine, we can only base these standards on about 4-5 other restaurants, but it definitely matched what we've had in D.C. and if we say so ourselves, D.C. is the rest haven for Ethiopian food on the East Coast.

And

3. The price was reasonable on all standards. For $10.50, we got a Combo that included two meats and 3 veggies. We literally ate on this meal for the next two days.

Entering the restaurant, you won't get much of an ohh or ahh and the crowd that forms at Blockhead can be distracting. Stay focused, there's something good to come. Though the place isn't anything fancy, it is the food and atmosphere that makes you visit this place. Dim lighting filled the room @ our 8 pm dining time and many of the patrons seemed to be regulars or had some sense of familiarity with the place.

We ordered DORO ALICHA (*chicken cooked in kibe (herb butter), onions and green peppers); YEBEG WAT (*succulent lamb stew seasoned hearty berbere sauce); YEMESIR KIK WAT (*split red lentils cooked in berbere sauce); SHIRO (*crowned chick peas, mildly spiced, cooked with chopped onions and tomatoes) and the Red Beets. All this was delicious, but its the injera that drives us to love this food. Even though it doesn't have much flavor or no exotic spices in it, it is the only way to eat Ethiopian food. We really enjoy eating with our hands and forget about our $40 EA manicure when the food comes out circling the injera. Awash was careful in the amount of spices that it added to each dish and didn't overwhelm us with intense heat...we like this. For those that do love the heat, ask them to turn it up a notch.

Awash was a good stop on our journey for the top Ethiopian restaurants out there. We give it a thumbs up for good Ethiopian cuisine on this side of NY. We recommend you visit with somebody you already know, who likes Ethiopian food and cannot be swayed to eat Mexican food (*the drink specials at Blockhead are distracting...good distraction...but distracting, nonetheless...).

*Johnna's tip: Awash negatives=Please add opening/closing times to your website! It's so necessary.

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Food.Fun.Stuff: FREE Cupcakes

FREE! A word that is being underused in this economy. This Friday, Red Velvet is using the word loosely as it celebrates its Grand Opening @ TangySweet, Dupont Circle. There will be FREE mini cupcakes given away during the festivities. Looks like our favorite, Southern Belle, will be showcased during this giveaway...we're excited for freebies...and one more cupcake shop in the District (*there is a list that won't stop growing...).

The Where: TangySweet, 2029 P st., NW Washington, D.C.
The When: This Friday, July 31, 2009, Noon until...
The Metro: Dupont Circle (Red Line)

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Redskins Cheerleaders & Public

Redskins Cheerleaders, drinks and ESPN Radio...sounds like a party! Well that's exactly what/who will be @ Public Bar this evening. Tonight the First Ladies of Football and ESPN 980 Radio present the Redskins Cheerleaders 2009-2010 Calendar Party. There will be live performances, a fashion show, autographs until 11 pm...blah, blah, blah...and drinks!

The Where: Public Bar, 1241 18th st., NW Washington, DC
The When: Tonight, July 30, 2009, Doors open @ 7 pm
The Money: $10 cover/$20 cover, the lesser if you have a calendar;-)
The Metro: Farragut North (Red Line)

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Recipe: Salmon Tartare

Salmon Tartare

1 lb. raw salmon fillet
3 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. white wine vinegar
3 shallots (finely chopped)
2 tbsp. capers (rinsed, drained and chopped)
1 tbsp. fresh chives (chopped)
1 tbsp. fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
1 lemon (cut into wedges)

Slice and then finely chop the salmon; place in a bowl. Keep salmon very cool and handle as little as possible. Gently stir in oil, vinegar, shallots, capers, chives, parsley, salt and pepper. Cover the tartare lightly and refrigerate for up to an hour. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!

*Johnna's tip: While thumbing through the cookbook, Creative Cooking the Costco Way, we came across this quick and easy appetizer. Tuna tartare is most commonly served in many restaurants and is an acquired taste. Try with salmon if you're not feeling tuna and spruce things up with a few sprigs of parsley for garnish.

*Johnna's tip, tip: Ohh and we have to put the disclaimer out there...Consuming raw foods can be bad for you, blah, blah, blah...basically, eat at your own risk.

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Drinks on Me: Sacanagem (Alcoholic)

Sacanagem

2oz Leblon
.5oz St. Germain Eldeflower Liqueur
.5oz Honey
Fresh Muddled Anjou Pear
3oz Champagne

Muddle pears and honey, add Leblon and St. Germain, shake and strain into an ice filled wine glass. Top with Champagne. Garnish with a bruleed pear slice.

*Johnna's tip: This recipe is courtesy Jay Law, Master Mixologist of The ONE Group and was inspired by the Brazilian word meaning a little fun, a little naughty and everything sexy! Enjoy!

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Deal of the Day

In this economy, everybody could use a good deal. That’s why we were glad to come across this new website, LivingSocial, which features a new deal everyday and gives people 24 hours to “get in” on the deal. We know, blah, blah, blah…this sounds like every other deal-a-coupon site popping up these days. The thing that stands out about this site, however, is that it is actually headquartered in the District helping other local businesses offer discounts to local residents. So what do they mean when they say “deal”?? Well today, for instance, you pay $25 for a $50 gift card to one of Georgetown’s poshest restaurants (*They only announce the partners/restaurants/vendors on the day of). 50% off is good business. So what do we have to look forward to for the rest of the week…:

Thursday- Pay $9 for an $18 ticket to one of DC’s coolest museums
Friday- Pay $25 for a $50 gift certificate to a 2009 RAMMY award-winning restaurant and dessert lounge

!Remember! They only unleash the name of the spot on the day of, so check early and get in on the deals.



*More info

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Food.Fun.Stuff: 2941 Celebrates Restaurant Week All Month

2941 Restaurant is celebrating Restaurant Week all month long. They will be offering a three-course prix fixe lunch menu for $20.99 per person, Monday thru Friday from 11:30 am- 2:00 p.m. If you’re feeling up to a nice breeze, lunch guests can dine while overlooking Fairview Lake.

The Where: 2941 Restaurant, 2941 Fairview Park Dr #B1, Falls Church, VA 22042 (703) 270-1500

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Former President Visits Z Burger

Z Burger got a big surprise this weekend. Guess who came to dinner?? Former President Bill Clinton! This is great, good, awesome news for the burger chain that is taking over the fast food scene in the District. He ordered some of our favorites on the menu: a double hamburger with all the fixings (*except the mayo…we feel you on this one…) and Z-Burger’s hand cut fries and onion rings combo for the side. Of course, he tried a milkshake and lol…it was none other than: Apple Pie. More footage here of his visit.

Keeping in tune with Presidents and Z Burger, Z Burger will be celebrating President Obama’s bday next Tuesday, August 4, 2009. In honor the Presidents bday, Z Burger is throwing an “Obama Birthday Bash” and will be giving the first 48 customers in line 48 milkshake and 48 burger tokens to use as they please. But if you can’t or don’t want to fight the crowd, stop by from 11 am- 2 pm to get a FREE burger and some birthday cake. The new “Obama Burger” will also be unveiled on Tuesday @ Z Burger. We love it! We also love those onion rings. If you haven’t stopped in and tried them, go now.

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Food.Fun.Stuff: New Executive Chef @ Rustico

Rustico has some new recipes thanks to the appointment of Steve Mannino as executive chef. Mannino will head the current Rustico in addition to the second Rustico slated to open in Ballston, VA in the summer of 2010 (*It will be located at 4075 Wilson Blvd., next door to Buzz Bakery). Mannino has a long list of experience starting with his graduation from the Culinary Institute of America in NY. He spent 8 years with the Olives Group, opening and serving as Executive Chef at Olives Las Vegas and then Olives Washington, D.C. He then worked with Steven Starr and the Starr Restaurant Organization opening Buddakan and the Continental in Atlantic City.

He's already adding his personal touch to the menu with new additions Greek Pizza (*Pizza topped with hummus, chopped romaine salad with olives, cucumber and tomatoes) and Crab-stuffed Trout (*with Chanterelle Mushroom ragu). Mannino also created a new bar menu to include mini corn dogs and onion dumplings. Sounds like Mannino's wasted no time in getting acclimated to this new position, good stuff.

The Where: Rustico, 827 Slaters Lane (Potomac Plaza), Alexandria, VA (703) 224-5051

*Tom Sietsema also has some more info in his report in the Washington Post's Going Out Guru Blog, check it here.

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Social Opens!

Socially acceptable. Columbia Heights just can't get enough and welcomes yet another establishment to its growing restaurant/lounge roster. We are excited to announce the opening of Social, a restaurant/bar offering shareable menu items and a self indulgence menu. The shareable menu includes goodies such as Poke Stack (*Ahi tuna sashimi dish) and Baby Lamb Lollipops (*topped with cilantro pecan pesto). The self indulgence menu (*just in case you're not in the sharing mood...) will include dishes such as the Pan Roasted Crispy Chicken.

Partners AJ Guy, Scott Hammons and Tim Korzep have an impressive resume already with projects such as the Kimpton Hotels and Houston's Restaurants. Social has some big shoes to fill.

The Low Down: No reservations, which translates to be prepared to order a drink at the bar while waiting on a table. Don't fret, however, the beverage menu boasts diverse and interesting menu options.

The Where: Social @ the corner of 14th and Meridian Place, NW Washington, D.C. (*Just look for the cool open space that was formerly two row-homes)

The When: Opens August 17! (*Open seven nights a week and soon on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch)

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Recipe: Old Bay Ultimate Sweet and Spicy Grilled Salmon

Old Bay Ultimate Sweet and Spicy Grilled Salmon

1 tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar
1 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning
1 lb. salmon fillets
Oil

Mix the brown sugar and Old Bay together in a bowl. Brush the salmon lightly with oil (*We recommend using Olive Oil). Rub generously with seasoning mixture. Grill over medium-high heat 8 minutes per inch of the thickness or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve.

*Johnna's tip: JKGF realizes we are actually fish people. For a long time we thought we didn't like the small creatures of the sea (*fish), but we ate fish a few time this weekend while at home in NY and we loved it! Fish needs to be dressed up and jazzed up to keep it interesting for our palate. Anything with Old Bay excites our senses so maybe we can give salmon another try, which we had sworn off our dining list. Try this alongside a mixed green salad and a nice glass of wine.

*Johnna's tip, tip: Don't forget we have an Old Bay Giveaway going on right now, send us your recipes. (*Bloody Mary's with Old Bay...be creative!)

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Drinks on Me: Summer Breeze (Alcoholic)

Summer Breeze

1 part Kettle One Vodka
1 part Lime Squeeze
1 part White Cranberry Juice
Ice Cubes

In a cocktail shaker combine all ingredients over ice and strain into a Collins glass; garnish with the slice of a lime. Serve!

*Johnna's tip: Kudos to a Washington, D.C. JKGF reader who submitted this vodka recipe. Have a recipe you want to share?? Please do! Each day we are racking our brains for drink concoctions and are grateful for any and every recipe that comes through our inbox. Make our job easier, submit your recipes!:-)

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Old Bay Giveaway!

Giveaway! Who likes Bloody Marys??? Well, we want your Bloody Mary recipes, but here's the catch (*there's always a catch...;-): We want your best Old Bay Seasoning infused Bloody Mary recipes. The winner of the most creative, twisted recipe for an Old Bay Bloody Mary will receive an awesome gift bag to include...Old Bay goodies, of course! Can't you just smell it now, or better yet, taste it now... Old Bay is one of those seasonings that just gets you excited about the food...or drinks, in this case. Submit your recipes to johnnaknowsgoodfood@gmail.com and may the best Bloody Mary win!

*Contest ends August 6, 2009.

P.S. Congrats to Old Bay which is celebrating 70 years of seasoning!

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Food.Fun.Stuff: The Cafe Opens @ New Heights

Gin and more gin...ohh and food. That is what crossed our minds as we read about the renovations to New Heights restaurant. Why do we talk about the gin first?? Well the restaurant has revamped itself with a lot of Gin in the mix. The 34-seat space includes a large outdoor patio as well as the 12-seat Babinga bar now serving a separate, seasonal new American menu from the upstairs dining room. It's at this Babinga bar that you will find more than 30 different selections of Gin including low key names such as Zuidam and Krahn. Additionally, mixologist Jason Robey has concocted "The Jeff" which is Tanqueray Rangpur Gin, Galliano, mint and cucumber (*Yum).

Now for the food. Executive Chef Logan Cox café menu will offer several selections designed for sharing, including house made charcuterie such as Lomo, Bresaola and a terrine du jour, an ample selection of artisanal cheeses and the seasonal crostini that he changes monthly. The menu also includes entrées such as the New Heights BLT, which is crispy braised pork belly, tomato marmalade and grilled frisée on sourdough bread, and pan roasted day boat scallops with caper-brown butter and deviled eggs (*We love that every District restaurant is whipping up their own version of these...can someone organize a showdown?!?). Kudos to Owners Umbi and Kavita Singh for these upgrades, we welcome scrumptious deviled eggs and more creative Gin concoctions to the Woodley Park dining scene.

The Where: New Heights, 2317 Calvert St., Washington, D.C. (202) 234-4110

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Z Burger Happy Hour

Frozen treats! Starting Monday, Z Burger is at it again with the comfort food we all love (*Or comfort drinks, shall we say...). Z Burger will begin its Frozen Happy Hours on July 27, 2009. Every Monday, from 2 pm-5 pm, patrons may indulge in $.99 milkshakes. This means you could literally taste 5 different milkshakes in one visit and only spend $5. Sounds like a plan. Since this is a non-alcoholic happy hour, just for the sweet taste buds, all are welcome to engage in the festivities. Yes, this is a festival especially for those of you like us...who like the good sugary, creamy, sweet stuff!

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Banquet-style Menu @ The Source

Chinese buffet at The Source (*Well, not exactly...). Wolfgang Puck has added a new twist to his downtown Asian fusion dining experience. The new addition is a banquet-style tasting menu available Monday through Thursday during regular dinner hours in the upstairs main dining room. It's inspired by the traditional Chinese custom of friends and family convening over a family-style feast, The Source’s special prix-fixe menu is served in the same fashion and priced at $45 per person. Executive Chef Scott Drewno’s three-course menu offers four appetizers and four entrées for the group to share, with portions customized according to size of the party.

So what are the options?? Pork Belly “Tiny Dumplings” with black vinegar, chili oil, ginger and cilantro and “Singapore-style” Street Noodles with beef short ribs and peas, the Spicy “Assam-style” Seafood clay pot, just to name a couple. Is your mouth watering yet? Chef Drewno offers nine dishes at the meal; four appetizers, four entrées and one dessert. This is because the number nine is considered lucky in China because it sounds like the Chinese word for “everlasting.” Sounds like a good concept for a large group so think going away party, b-day celebration or welcome back celebration when making these reservations.

The Where: The Source, 575 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (entrance on 6th Street), Washington, D.C. (202) 637-6100

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Recipe: Kentucky Beer Cheese on Toast

Kentucky Beer Cheese on Toast

1 lb. extra-sharp cheddar (*cut into 1 inch cubes)
3/4 cup dark beer
2 medium garlic cloves (*finely chopped)
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. cayenne
Salt (*to taste)
Toasted baguette slices from 2 baguettes
Sliced tomatoes

Preheat the broiler. In a food processor, combine the cheddar with the beer, garlic, mustard and cayenne and blend until smooth. Season the beer cheese with salt. Spread the toasts with the beer cheese and arrange them on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil the cheese-topped toasts 6 inches from the heat for about 2 minutes, rotating the pan, until the cheese is bubbling and browned around the edges. Top with tomato slices. Serve.

*Johnna's tip: This recipe, courtesy of Food and Wine Annual Cookbook 2009, stood out to us. What a great appetizer idea?? Quick, but a cool mix of two ingredients we love in food: beer and baguettes. Serve for a short notice get-together or when you just want a snack for the two of you:-)

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Drinks on Me: Chocolate Martini (Alcoholic)

Chocolate Martini

2 oz. vodka
2 tbsp. white creme de cacao
Ice cubes

Pour ingredients into a mixing glass two-thirds full of ice cubes. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Serve.

*Johnna's tip: Sweet chocolate, gotta love it! Chocolate lovers don't forget the Botanic Gardens has an exhibit about the sweet sensation. Try this cocktail after you get all the dark, creamy details of chocolate;-)

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Columbia Firehouse Opens

New to the family. Columbia Firehouse is now open (*as of July 20, 2009). The Neighborhood Restaurant Group has made another addition to the Alexandria Old Town neighborhood. This dining experience will offer a casual American Bistro style menu featuring modern comfort food, small plates and sandwiches. The 120-seat downstairs dining room will be serving up dishes such as blue crab hush puppies (*We'll take a large order of these, please.) with sweet pepper mustard, a Firehouse burger using Roseda Farms Angus beef and Oyster Po'Boys.

There will also be a raw bar with favorites such as fresh Maine mussels served with Tasso Ham, garlic and lager (*Interesting twist with the Ham...). The upstairs is not open yet, but when it does open it boasts to serve as a classic chophouse with meats butchered and prepared by Red Apron. Of course, there will be drinks. With two bars, the main bar will serve as classic cocktails station as well as regional microbrew station and the second floor will be open for special events.

The Where: Columbia Firehouse, 109 South st. Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA (703) 684-7008

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Food.Fun.Stuff: For the Love of Chocolate

Chocolate lovers, there's an exhibit for you to see. The U.S. Botanic Garden has an exhibit that displays the production process and how you, as the consumer, can make wise decisions on deciding what type of chocolate you want in your life.

The Where: U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, D.C.
The When: Now thru August 16, 2009
The Money: FREE!
The Metro: L'Enfant Plaza (Green Line)
More Info??: www.usbg.gov

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Recipe: Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Shrimp and Avocado Salad

1 lb. shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Old Bay seasoning (to taste)
Ground pepper (to taste) (*preferably from a pepper mill) 1 tbsp. of finely minced garlic
1 avocado
Mixed Greens
1 tomato

Season shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, ground pepper and finely minced garlic. Put in fridge for about 2-3 hours. Broil shrimp in oven for 6-10 minutes or until reddish color. Cut up avocado and tomato into small pieces. Put mixed greens in a bowl and add avocado and tomato pieces. Add shrimp to mixed greens mixture and a dressing of your choice (*I like Brianna's Real French Vinaigrette) Enjoy it!

*Johnna's tips: Today's recipe comes from one of our readers out of New York, thanks for the great salad! This is definitely healthy eating on a budget and can be your lunch for the week. Side with a delicious summer fruit like sliced mango, peaches or oranges.

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Drinks on Me: Peppermint Rush (Non-Alcoholic)

Peppermint Rush


2/3 cup low fat milk
2 tbsp. peppermint syrup
14 oz. peppermint ice cream
Fresh mint leaves


In a blender, combine the milk and peppermint syrup; blend until smooth. Add in the ice cream and blend until smooth. Pour into serving glasses and garnish with mint leaves. Serve.


*Johnna's tip: Summer, peppermint, ice cream...these are a few of our favorite things! What about garnishing this one with a strawberry instead of mint to confuse things a little bit?? Sounds like a plan;-)

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Another One Bites the Dust

Frank Morales is leaving Rustico, which is a member of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group (*Evening Star Cafe, Vermilion, etc...). Morales will be opening Birch and Barley Restaurant and Bar on 14th st. (*details on the opening coming soon.). Best of luck to Morales and we can't wait to welcome Birch and Barley! Get more info here.

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Where the Obama's Eat

Cute post spotted. Tom Sietsema offers up his advice on great spots for the first couple, President Obama and First Lady Michelle, to go on date night in the DMV. There's also a map available to see where the President has munched on local favorites. Some of the places to make Sietsema's list include C.F. Folks, Et Voila and Poste. Check out more here.

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Belgium Independence Day

Another reason to drink this week...Belgium's Independence Day is tomorrow. July must be the month of celebrating Independence Day's, first the U.S., then Bastille Day and now Belgium. With a Belgian Independence Day celebration, there must be beer. Belgian beer is popular in most bars around the District and tomorrow would be the day to take advantage of the perks that will come with the western European country's Independence celebration. July 21, 1931 marks the day that Belgium gained its freedom from the Netherlands.

Some places to check out and celebrate:

Brasserie Beck (*We're not fans of the food, but the beer fits the cause) and Marvins (*Based on Marvin Gaye's stint in Belgium, soul food meets steak 'n frites)

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Recipe: Shrimp de Jonghe

Shrimp de Jonghe


2 lb. shrimp (shelled and deveined)
1/2 cup butter
2 large garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
1 tbsp. fresh parseley (minced)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
1 cup grated Parmesean cheese
1 lb. linguine (cooked according to package directions)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook shrimp in a 4-quart pot of boiling salted water until just cooked through, about 1 1/2 minutes. Drain shrimp in a colander, then immediately transfer to a large bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Place the shrimp in a single layer in a glass baking dish. Melt butter in a pan over low heat; add in the crushed garlic and saute until the garlic turns fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add in the lemon juice, wine, bread crumbs and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Pour butter mixture over the shrimp and sprinkle with grated Parmesean. Cover and bake for 10-12 minutes. Uncover dish and broil on high for 2-4 minutes until the top is crispy and crunchy. Serve over the linguine.


*Johnna's tip: Pasta dishes seem endless, don't they? You can twist it into just about anything you want adding in all your favorite ingredients. Shrimp de Jonghe is a speciality of the windy city, Chicago and was originated at DeJonghe's Hotel and Restaurant located in Chicago. Any food/recipes/deep dish pizzas that come out of Chicago, we want first dibs!

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Drinks on Me: Pure Mojito (Alcoholic)

Pure Mojito

2 oz. white rum
12 mint leaves
1 tbsp. sugar
1 oz. lime juice
2 oz. club soda
Crushed Ice

Place mint leaves in the bottom of the glass. Add crushed ice, rum, sugar and lime juice; muddle together at the bottom of glass. Add soda; give a slight stir and garnish with mint leaves.

*Johnna's tip: It had been awhile since we spent any time with Mojitos, until Friday. The W Hotel has finally made its way to the District and is quickly staking its claim in the town. The freshness of the new hotel matches the fresh, new cocktails (*Old cocktails, new tricks...) its bringing to the city. We tried their Mojito (*we actually had 2, just to be sure it wasn't a hoax) and it was awesome! Mojitos are the easiest thing to make, but you would be surprised how many bartenders don't know how to get it right. The W's bartender on Friday didn't have this problem. Next time, we're going for the Long Island Iced Tea...

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Johnna's Pick of the Week: The Great Outdoors (D.C.)

Today we are feeling up to eating outside, that is, once the sun goes down. There's nothing like a summer breeze complimented by some cosmos and crispy calamari. Today's Pick of the Week comes from various restaurants where you can do just that: enjoy the breeze and eat good food. We compiled a list of some of our top picks that have outdoor dining options, good drinks and delicious food. Check it:

Cafe Atlantico- This place needs no introduction. Put it this way, they have a minibar upstairs that you have to make reservations a month in advance to get to. Try the Feijao Tropeiro, the Brazilian dish.

Commonwealth Gastropub- Rumor has it this is the best fish and chips version of the English classic in the District. We concur.

Proof- Wine and cheese, cheese and more wine. Try a red from this extensive list of Merlot's, Cab's, Shiraz's, etc...

Dukem- An ode to Ethiopian food. Why is that bread sooo good?? Especially when wrapped around the tomatoes in the Dukem salad. Enjoy while listening to the sounds of U st., there's always some live music booming out of somewhere.

Zaytinya- Great people watching, mostly those leaving day jobs and tourists. It is the best Mediterranean food in D.C. Yup, we said it. It is the best we have come across. They're Hommus is a great start alongside the yogurt dipping sauce, Tzatziki, which we can't seem to shake.

Catch the evening breeze and don't stop 'til you get enough!!

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Fashion and Dinner

A couple of things for that To Do List:

*Partying and fashion: Today, July 16, from 6 pm-8 pm check out Georgetown's Fresh Boutique where 5% of the sales go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation ("JDRF"). Complimentary champagne and cupcakes for those who RSVP to adelair@jdrf.org and make there way over to the trendy boutique. (*Sorry for the late notice, but we had to put it out there, you know we love a good cause:-)

The Where: Fresh Boutique, 1205 Potomac St NW, Washington, DC

*And do you remember that dinner we told you about last week, A Tactile Dinner?? Well, they have added two more shows until July 20 @ the 2009 Capital Fringe Festival. Good stuff, definitely check it out if you haven't already...unique, funny and a little food to keep the palate happy. Check show times here.

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Food.Fun.Stuff: Welcome to the Real World

By now you know that MTV's Real World is making its rounds in the District. Another season of wild partying, tearful breakups to makeups and of course, a good fight or two...all in the nations capitol. It's no surprise that Georgetown would be a focal point for some of the partying that will take place. So where will the cast be wining and dining in Georgetown?? Capital Restaurant Concepts ("CRC") made a smart move in signing a deal with the Real World producers (*Bunim/Murray Productions) to allow the show to be filmed in five of its locations (*Shall we say $chi-ching$ for these restaurants!).

Here in the District, we are all pretty familiar with these: J. Paul's (*good mussel deals), Paolo's Ristorante (*pretty good pizza), Old Glory (*Ribs, ribs, ribs), Neyla (*Delish Mediterranean...speaking of which, we need to make a trip there soon...) and Third Edition Restaurant (*Has a cool DJ from time to time...). Now you won't know when the cameras will be in these locations but they will be making their way there at some point this summer. We wonder if they're only going to be sticking to Georgetown locations for filming because what happened to Georgia Browns making the list (*It's another member of the CRC but located downtown)?? We sure hope not because during the summers (*aside from this 90 degrees of humidity), there's no limits to the fun you can have in almost every DMV neighborhood!

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