Tender Greens (Santa Monica)

I must apologize yet again for my rash inconsistency since moving to LA. The transition has been rough, odd, fulfilling, and suspenseful all of which have caused a number of my former hobbies to take a back seat. Another more pertinent reason is the high cost on the west side of Los Angeles which tends to inflate the price for everything as you may discover in this post. Even with all of these barriers I am consistently trying to rekindle my passion with writing and critiquing food.

Now that I am done complaining we can proceed to our next stop. Tender Greens is a local chain of restaurants catering to the stereotypical Southern California resident. They serve a wide variety of salads, sandwiches and small platters consisting of healthy locally grown organic produce. Luckily the closest location is right off the famous 3rd Street Promenade which is walking distance from both my home and work.

My first experience came during an impromptu lunch gathering on a Friday afternoon. The choice was surprising because my coworkers don't come off as being very health conscious. Regardless I welcomed the opportunity to try something new. Once we arrived we were greeted by a line walking out the door which is not surprising due to the high volume of people the neighborhood attracts.

While in line we basked in the gorgeous 75 degree sunlight with a mild breeze while scanning the menu. Before I knew it I was in front of the attendant who takes orders. Still unsure of what to get I happened to randomly pick the grilled octopus salad. Once you place in order you are subjected to walk along the open kitchen in an act of culinary torture. As I walked passed all the different food being prepared I could not help but second guess my decision.

At the end of the line I was presented my salad along with a fresh lemonade I had to go with it. Once I paid we ruthlessly searched for a place to sit in the chaos that is the lunch rush. We were lucky to scrounge a table in their outside patio area. The salad is rather large which is a good thing since it costs $11. I was given a generous portion of octopi which went well with the grilled lemon vinaigrette that is was topped with. Basking in the gorgeous sun on an October afternoon I could not help but reminisce of my weekly visits to Sweetgreen for a light salad followed by a walk along the Waterfront in Georgetown.

(Chipotle Barbeque Chicken Salad) 

Enjoying my first experience I decided that spending my next Friday afternoon here would be ideal. When the day rolled by to my utter surprise it was a sunny cloudless day (get the massive amount of sarcasm). The line wasn't as hectic this go around which was a pleasant surprise. When it was my time to order I decided to order the chipotle barbeque chicken salad as well as a pomegranate lemon bar to treat myself for a hard week of work.

Once I was finished the culinary death march I was presented my food which made me $18 poorer. The salad consisted of romaine hearts, avocado, queso fresco, green onion, and crispy tortilla strips all topped off with a cilantro lime dressing. It was light and refreshing as expected, you can really tell the ingredients are of the highest quality.

(Pomegranate Lemon Bar)

After finishing my salad I proceeded to the lemon bar. While my time here has been short I can easily say this is one of the best things I have eaten in LA so far and one of the best snacks I have ever eaten. Each pomegranate seed burst with a tsunami of flavor that jolted my senses and matched well with the sweetness of the lemon. I am not much of a sweets person as you may know but I will definitely have this again in the near future. 

 All in all I am pleased with this restaurant. The food is good but pricy for me to go to everyday. The lines can be long but it is well worth it. When you go you can get a salad, a sandwich of sorts or a platter which consists of a meat (or tuna) with some delicious mashed potatoes and a side salad. A must try if you are in the mood for healthy food in the Santa Monica area. 

Basil Thyme!

Bonjourno, our food truck expedition takes us on a tour of Italian cuisine. Basil Thyme, headed by Brian Farrell and Malik Umar has become recognized both locally and nationally as one of the best food trucks. The truck serves a variety of different lasagnas and cannolis to local residents looking to quench their appetites or carb up for the afternoon sit-down marathon in their cubicle.

Basil Thymes fame have made it a must try in the city and there are no signs of slowing. Its current popularity has boosted it to 2^nd best food truck in City Papers “Best of” issue and 4 ½ stars on Yelp. Despite all of these accolades I somehow never tried this truck until this past year. Overlooking this truck wasn’t because of a lack of cognizance or interest but just something that slipped the cracks.

(Image via I heart food DC) 

My first visit came around March when I took to the streets of Foggy Bottom while running some errands. I spotted the truck and decided to finally give it a try. I will be forthright in saying that I am not the biggest fan of Italian cuisine. I think lasagna, pasta, and pizza are all great foods but I cannot for the life of me think of an instance where I have craved any of these dishes. Regardless of my attitude I calmly waited in line browsing the selection of lasagnas. I decided on ordering the Lisetta which consists of slow roasted pork in a vodka sauce.  I took it back to the office and enjoyed my meal. The portion size was perfect for me and the side salad balanced out the dish leaving me quenched.

While I did not salivate like Garfield at the thought of trying the truck again I always kept the option open should there be another opportunity. This chance presented itself a couple of weeks ago when the truck visited M St. Still recovering from the removal of my wisdom teeth I thought Lasagna would a good option. To my chagrin the line was the longest of the three other food trucks in the area. I remember the afternoon vividly as it was one of the first days of excruciating humidity known as a DC summer. As I watched people in line melting away I began to second guess my decision of eating warm lasagna on a brutal day. I stuck to my guns and waited in line because in reality the heat did not bother me at all.

(Linda Lasagna)  

Once my turn came I was glistening like a chicken in the oven and seriously considered walking to an ice cream store to order a banana split. I scratched that thought and decided to order the Linda which is their most popular dish. It is a traditional lasagna that consists of seasoned beef with tomato sauce. I also ordered the cannoli of the day which in this case was chocolate chip. 

I took my food and found shelter underneath a tree with my friend. While she giggled with amusement from my infant like approach to eating food I was savoring the flavors of a well composed dish. The lasagna was a hit but I was sad that I could not fully enjoy every bite without a throbbing pain in my mouth. After finishing off the platter I could not find any room for the cannoli so I took it back to the office to have as an afternoon snack.  

(Chocolate Chip Cannoli) 

About an hour after my lunch I found the need to snack on the aforementioned Italian treat. The cannoli was refreshing and well flavored. After finishing it I could only wish that I had another to split with a friend. My meal was a combo which came with a soda and run me $12 which is fairly reasonable in DC or any major city these days. 

All in all Basil Thyme does right in my book. While I am a huge fan of this particular cuisine I can easily see myself getting food from this truck if they were in my neighborhood. Now that I have moved to the other coast our expedition embarks on the LA food truck scene which most consider the birth of mobile cuisine. Until next time, arrivederci!

The Passenger

The art of Mixology is a far cry from the old days that started during prohibition and ended sometime in the late 1950’s. Cocktails were not reserved to a specific class of people but was something every drinker partook in. During its heyday an Old Fashioned, Manhattan or Tom Collins was the drink of choice. Nowadays your average drinker will have a bud light or rum and coke. This unfortunate circumstance has trickled up to bartenders who on average (at least with my experience) have forgotten or never even learned the fine art of making a cocktail

Being a fan of cocktails I can’t help but remember the several instances where I asked a bartender to make an Old Fashioned or Gin Rickey and be looked at with a stare of bewilderment. Luckily there has been a recent revival of the classic cocktail. The days of having to go to semi-upscale bars or restaurants for a good cocktail may be over. One such establishment is The Passenger which has become my favorite hangout spot for a good old cocktail.

(Image via Go Indie)

Themed after the prohibition era brothers Derek and Tom Brown opened The Passenger which has rapidly risen to fame becoming not only one of the best bars in DC but one of the best in the country. Located across the street from the Convention Center The Passenger attempts to revive the era of sophisticated cocktail to every willing and interested patron. The bar itself stands on a half used strip almost hidden by the average pedestrian.

Since my initial visit over 3 years ago I have been a loyal customer ever since. There is no time when I don’t want to visit this bar, whether it’s for a quick drink or the last stop before hitting the shack I will never hesitate going.

(Pork Cheek Nachos)

All their bartenders have years of experience crafting a wide variety of cocktails which suit any cocktail enthusiast. From a novice to sommelier you will surely find what you are looking for. If you like most people belong to the former category then you should look at their chalkboard specials or ask the bartenders who are more than welcome to craft something that fits your needs.

Aside from their extensive cocktails The Passenger also has one of the most outlandish menu’s I have ever laid my eyes on. At first glance you will be puzzled how some of the items were crafted or even by whom. A few dishes seem to be the work of culinary ingenuity while others seem to be the fantasy of a teenager with the munchies.

(Kimchi Hot Dog)

Every time I visit I always fight the urge to try order some food but the temptation is too much to resist. Whether you are sharing an order of their deviously delectable pork cheek nachos with a group of friends or snacking on some beef jerky by your lonesome The Passenger offers a wide variety of food that is sure to please anyone looking to satisfy their drunken appetite.

Two of my most interesting culinary experiences came on two separate instances at this very establishment. The first was on a Friday night when I decided to grab a quick bite with a friend. I decided to order their Kimchi Hot dog. This hot dog is not like your traditional ketchup, mustard, and relish concoction. Someone had the audacity of covering a hot dog with cream cheese on top of a bed of Kimchi and a slight drizzle of Sriracha. 

I was not dissuaded by the description and thought that the flavors would actually blend very well and they did indeed. The dog itself was full of flavor and the kimchi was on point. The bun however was a bit off for me, toasting it would make it a bit better and it wouldn’t fall apart.

(Deep Fried Bacon-Wrapped PB Cup)

My next experience came after my first visit inside the Columbia Room (more on that later). After an evening of lavish drinking I took a seat in the back of the bar which closely resembles a train car. I decided to order a Manhattan and was in the mood for something sweet to top off the night. As I scanned the menu my eyes suddenly drew wide open and my pupils honed in on what must be a stoner’s wet dream. 

I read it once in my head then aloud with a tone of bewilderment. I said “may I have an order of deep fried bacon wrapped peanut butter cup”. Once our order came in my partner and I began to dig in. I won’t sugar coat anything hear by trying to explain what it tasted like because you really can’t. It tastes exactly what it sounded like and I felt a bit naughty after finishing it.

In conclusion The Passenger is a great place to visit. It stature among the crowds do it little justice. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and accommodating, the food is both interesting and tasty and the prices aren’t extravagant. Its massive popularity has been a bit of a drag on the allure of the bar. What to me is a very intimate bar at times can be as crowded as a can of sardines. But that has not dissuaded me from going regularly, in fact I just tend to delay my arrival or go on off nights when you really a better experience. They also house The Columbia Room which made the list of one of the best bars in the US and is the topic of my next post. If you are a fan of cocktails or interested in trying something new you should give this place a shot. You will surely leave with a new found passion for mixology.

Pepe

Did someone say José Andrés? Yes, the time has finally time to delve into one of the masters of molecular gastronomy. After reading this I will bet you that your first three guesses are wrong. No I am not critiquing Oyamel, Jaleo, or Zaytinya. No I am not even lucky or wealthy enough to try American Eats or Minibar. I am here to talk about his latest project Pepe the gourmet food truck that is another step in the evolution of this booming industry.

Chef Andrés immense talent and celebrity have made him one the of the kings of DC dining. His famous creations such as the aforementioned Minibar and American Eats have almost monopolized the fine dining experience in the district. His latest project is Pepe, a food truck that has also taken the district by storm.    

(Photo via Yelp)

The menu consists of long thin baguettes called flautas which are adapted from everything José grew up eating in Spain. When news first broke of this trucks arrival I did my best to stay away for the first couple of weeks. Reading the initial stories that people waited in excess of 30 minutes in line I quickly discovered that I made the right decision. Once the smoke had settled I decided to monitor the trucks daily location and make the pounce at the right moment.

Ironically my first experience came at possibly the worst moment. I first sampled Chef Andrés sandwiches during this past months Sweetlife festival. The initial sampling was a bit of a surprise as a friend offered me to try a couple of his sandwiches in a state of drunken happiness. I tried my best to fend off the drunken munchies but eventually fell victim to my own gluttony.

(Pepito de Ternera) 

I was handed the Butifarra Burger to have for myself. As delighted as I was to have this I was barely able to eat it as I have been recovering from surgery to remove my wisdom teeth. I managed to devour a couple of bites of this sandwich which consists of a Spanish pork burger topped with alioli and brava sauce. The quality of the sandwich was off the charts, the pork was juicy which oozed with flavor and the sauces added the finishing touches. I was deeply saddened that my jaw would not cooperate with me during this experience so I gave the sandwich back.  In a movement of miscommunication I was given the Pollo Frito which consists of fried chicken, lettuce, and piparra peppers which is topped with aliolo and brava sauce.

The Pollo Frito was good but nothing like the Butifarra burger in my opinion. The fried chicken was fabulous but the complimentary ingredients did not shout out enough. Also the chicken did not scream with as many flavors as the aforementioned pork. Needless to say I was fairly impressed with the quality of food and not having to wait in line was another good perk. My initial experience enticed me to visit his truck again this past week at the campus of George Washington University. 

A bit weary at the prospect of having to wait in line I decided to arrive right when trucks usually open their doors (around 11:30-12:00). I was delighted when I turned the corner to see the truck with only a few lunch gathers standing next to it. I pounced in line and waited no more than 5 minutes to place my order. During that time I juggled between the Spanish Grilled Cheese and the Pepito de Ternera. In the end I decided on the latter as well as a Chocolate and Hazelnut Ice Cream Flauta. I placed my order and grimaced at the $19 price tag that this came with.

(Chocolate and Hazelnut Ice Cream Flauta)

The Pepito de Ternera consists of seared beef tenderloin, caramelized onions, pequillo pepper confit, and blue cheese. After taking my first couple of bites I knew that my money was well spent. The quality of the beef was astronomical, the pequillo pepper confit blended well with the juices of the beef and were perfectly complimented by the blue cheese. I was amazed yet again by the quality of food and puzzled how one can cook this in a truck. The portion size allowed me to follow up my sandwich with a dessert. 

I gently unwrapped what I call an aristocratic ice cream sandwich. While the weather was not ideal on that overcast day I dug in regardless. The sandwich was deviously good, while I am not a Hazelnut junkie I could easily imagine eating this on a weekly basis. I left with a smile on my face and wishing I was rich enough to go here on a weekly basis. 

In conclusion while expensive Pepe is a truck worth trying at least once. The quality of food you receive is better than any other fast food you can get. If you have a deep wallet try the Pepito de Iberico which at $20 is easily the most expensive item you can get in any food truck. You can also try his Sangria or Pepe Tonic which are non-alcoholic drinks! I skipped because I believe it is borderline blasphemous. Thankfully they accept credit cards so there is no need to bring cash. The service was on par and I guess I was lucky enough to not have to stand in a long line. So if you want to tour the 1% of food trucks then give Pepe a try. 

Shake Shack

This year has been marked by a influx of new establishments from outside the tri-state area. A number of these new restaurant chains have been imported from New York City who are on top when it comes to culinary excellence. One of the most prominent restaurants is Shake Shack, a fast food burger shop that has grown a cult following in the big apple.

Shake Shack was born in Madison Square Park in 2004 and immediately gained fame and success. It's countless awards and accolades have made it a mainstay in NYC so much so that people line out the restaurant waiting for their daily helping. Known for their renowned burgers, hot dogs and shakes Shake Shack decided to expand their talents outside of NYC and here into the District which is slowly becoming a burger Mecca.

Being a burger enthusiast and soon to be connoisseur I decided to sample this holy burger. I foolishly tried to visit on the first day and was greeted by a line exiting the door and finishing at the end of the block. I quickly decided to postpone my plans for another day in hopes of escaping the wait. I waited a week for the crowds to die down and was pleasantly surprised that my plan worked.

I walked in the door and took a quick glance at the colossal menu that lines the wall. I decided to order their Shack Stack which consists of a cheeseburger which comes with lettuce, tomatoes and fried portobello filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheese all topped with their shack sauce. I also ordered french fries and a soda which all cost around $13 which is a hefty sum for fast food. . At that point I took my seat and waited with my friend in anticipation to confirm the hype.

(Shack Stack, French Fries & Soda)

Once our meal was ready and in front of us we both began the journey through burger paradise. My initial reaction was that the burger was average, the meat was juicy and full of flavor, the bun was as soft as butter and the portobello offered a very interesting flavor combination. You could immediately tell that the ingredients were very fresh but they did not blend as well as other burgers I have had. The fries were crispy which was a big plus but needed some more seasoning.

All I my first experience left me feeling a bit robbed. Sure the meal was good but the hype built behind it inflated my expectations. I was also a bit upset with my overall portions. Every aspect of the meal was small, but this thought may be due to me experiencing US portions and being a bit disillusioned on what may be a standard size meal.

What I believe separates my blog from others is that I am more comprehensive. I know that one experience cannot shape a formal opinion so I sample places multiple times. My second visit came with my sister in order to gauge a better reading on the quality of this burger.

(Shack-cago Dog, Cheese Fries & Washington Monu-Mint)

We decided to order a number of items and share our meals. Together we ordered another Shack Stack, French Fries topped with cheese, a Shack-cago Dog, and a Washington Monu-Mint. The Shack-cago dog consists of a Vienna all-beef hot dog, relish, onion, cucumber, pickle, tomatoes, pepper, and mustard. The Washington Monu-Mint is one of their unique Custard concoctions which is comprised of a chocolate custard base topped with minted marshmallow and chocolate cookie dough.

My second helping of the Shack Stack was a bit more pleasant. I seemed to have a greater appreciation for the flavor combinations which elevated it's standing in my overall ranking of top burgers. The Shack-cago dog received high marks as well. The flavor combinations proudly justified the name and reminded me of the brats that I tasted in Chicago. The custard was also very good but I could not find the room to finish or appreciate it to the fullest extent.

I left with an elevated level of appreciation for this establishment. While I will not say it is the best burger in the city it is certainly not the worst. Is it overrated? Yes I believe so, the amount of hype behind the shakes and the burgers does not match the utility or pleasure that I gain from eating on of their meals.

I do however recommend this to any burger lover. While the prices are high it is DC so you should expect that by now. In the three additional times I have been here the crowd size is mixed so I cannot give an accurate description on how long the wait is but it should not be nearly as big as it initially was. They also have another branch in the Washington Nationals stadium which always has a gargantuan line, probably because it is the best food option.

Georgetown Scoops

Currently our fine city is under a heat wave of immense proportions. Popularly dubbed Heatpocalypse this current streak of record breaking temperatures has literally made our daily lives a living hell. The only way to I can bear out this heat wave is with a refreshing cocktail.

Unfortunately I cannot do this during work so I have to turn to ice cream to cool me down. This takes us to Georgetown Scoops, a tiny chic shop on M St.. I first stumbled upon this shop while going for lunch at Cafe-Tu-O-Tu. As I was walking I noticed a sign that said "Best Red Velvet Cupcakes in DC" and immediately began to chuckle.

This ludicrous marketing scheme worked because it drew my attention and caused me to try one of their cupcakes. I decided not try their highly touted red velvet and instead went for a cookies and cream which was fairly pleasant. I also added a small scoop of cookies and cream ice cream which resulted in a sugar overload.

Now that we are in the dog days of summer I make it a habit of refreshing myself with some ice cream or frozen yogurt. While I don't have the biggest sweet tooth times like these cause me to adjust my eating habits.

They have over 12 flavors to offer of which I have tried at least 5. Their proximity to my office makes this my go to place and far better than Ben & Jerry's. Of all the flavors I have tried their cotton candy and Napoleon are the best, so much so that I often combine them to satisfy my cravings.

They also offer a number of other options including milkshakes and sundaes which I have yet to try. You can also add a number of toppings to your ice cream to spice it up. I usually don't do this because I like my ice cream plain and am not the biggest fan of sundaes or banana splits.

(Cotton Candy & Napoleon Ice Cream)

All in all Georgetown scoops is a ok. While it is not the best ice cream place in Georgetown (I will blog about this soon!!!) the prices, location and flavors make me come back. So if you are in Georgetown skip the overpriced and overrated Ben & Jerry's and hit up this place where you can sit outside on one of their tables and people watch while enjoying this cool refreshing snack.

Toki Underground

Despite the dreadful humidity that overtakes the DC area all summer I have been on a soup binge of epic proportions. Whether it's my never-ending quest to find the best pho in the area, eating French onion soup, or a spicy Thai soup my life has been inundated with this liquid meal.

My current bender has taken me and a newly formed group of culinary explorers to Toki Underground, the newest addition to the H St. neighborhood. Located snugly above The Pug this 20-seat restaurant/bar is home to Ramen, a traditional eastern soup. Chef Erik Bruner-Yang opened shop on my birthday with the premise of serving a spin-off on this traditional Japanese dish. A native of Taiwan Chef Bruner-Yang has taken his experience working in Ramen shops and added his own take with this restaurant.

For those who do not know Ramen originated in China and in no way resembles the bland styrofoam covered concoction that got us through college. Despite it's origin Japan has been credited with most of it's evolution so much so that it's origin is commonly confused among many people. Before dining here my only other experience with Ramen was when I was in LA so to say I did not know what to expect is an understatement.

My first visit came after a botched effort to bring a party of ten to eat at a restaurant with no tables. I came with two other friends on a Sunday afternoon, despite the day, time and weather we still had to wait around 45 minutes. Once we got the go ahead we entered the glass door and walked upstairs.

The decor was a funky fusion which can best be characterized as a traditional noodle shop with a skater/punk rock backdrop. The walls traveling up the stairs were covered in graffiti while the borders were decorated with broken up skateboards. The walls along one side of were decorated with little Japanese toys while the back had two large windows which gave a grand view of H St..

The cozy design is very intimate, there are no individual tables, only a bar whose counters hug the walls around it. We all took our seats and were given our menus which were fairly simple and to the point.

After briefly scanning the drink menu I decided to order the Toki Monster which consists of bourbon, honey liqueur, and scotch with is adorned with a skewer of kushiyaki porkbelly. My reasoning was based solely on the premise of ordering any drink that has a meat garnish (e.g. my bacon martini) regardless of the flavors.

Unlike the drink that preceded it the Toki Monster was fairly tasty. The honey and scotch are a classic flavor combination and the bourbon blended in well especially with the salty skewer which I dipped in and ate at the end.

Next we decided to order the steamed pork dumplings which were very delicious. We followed our appetizer by each ordering a different bowl of Ramen. I decided to play it safe and ordered the Toki Hakata Classic while my friends ordered the Curry Chicken Hakata and the Kimchi Hakata. Hakata Ramen for those who are interested originated in the city of Hakata. It's main characteristic is that the broth is made from pork bones and is served with thin, firm noodles.

(Toki Monster)

Once our soups arrived we began to devour the contents inside our large bowls. My soup, which consisted of pork loin, seasonal vegetables, boiled egg, pickled ginger, scallions an nori was fairly tasty. The broth delicately blended all the ingredients rendering a tasty dish. The pork was savory and the vegetables absorbed all of the broth.

Halfway into our meal we each sampled each others soups. While I am not a big fan of curry chicken the broth was my favorite of the three. We left the place stuffed, barely able to walk to the car but did leave with the promise of visiting again.

(Pan Fried Seafood Dumplings)

My next and most recent visit came this past week when we took a large party to dine on a Thursday night. Our second attempt was met with success as we were able to make it on time. The only caveat is that we were forced to split into two groups of five.

After being seated we all took our orders. I decided this time to sample the Seafood dumplings which I decided to get pan-fried because I prefer the flavor and texture more with this method of cooking. While I enjoyed them I think the pork dumplings I had during my previous visit were better.

This time I ordered the Kimchi Hakata. I decided on this after sampling my friends which I found to be a bit better than the Toki Hakata Classic. The Kimchi is essentially the same as the Toki Hakata except that it is topped with locally made Kimchi which offers a little more spice to the broth.

I decided to let loose this time and add a little heat to my dish. On my initial visit I decided to forgo this option because my stomach was a bit uneasy. I did however notice that there were no sauces that were offered on the bar. I asked the server why that was so and if I could add some more heat to the dish. She informed me that I could order a side of the Toki Endorphin Sauce which is a homemade Sriracha sauce. Despite my insistence on the lack of spice that comes from Sriracha (I can literally take shots of it) I was informed that their sauce was spicy.

(Kimchi Hakata)

The sauce came in a small dish which I dipped my finger in and sampled. I was let down by the lack of spice but couldn't really get up and complain. I dipped it all in and mixed it together. The soup was fantastic, the flavors were all there and the spice level was slightly above average . I will have to admit that over time I began to sweat because of the heat but was in no way dying for milk to relieve the burn.

All in all my two experiences here were great. The food was spot on and the price was average. The service is good and the chef goes to great lengths to ensure the food he serves is up to standard. I read that he even tries a small spoonful of each broth that comes out to ensure that it meets his standards of excellence. I intend to dine here again and sample some of their saki and try their desserts that come in adorable bento box's (which you can't keep unfortunately).

Because of it's size, or lack their of and the fact that they don't really take reservations ahead of time I would recommend this place for a 2-3 people at the max because it's virtually impossible to get more seats in a row than that.

Travel Special - Le Burger Brasserie (Las Vegas)

My next post takes us outside the DC area to Las Vegas, Nevada or it's more popular name Sin City. Known for it's ability to turn dreams into reality this west coast city is a popular destination spot for just about any form of entertainment.

I decided to celebrate my 25th birthday by taking a 3-day west coast trip that started in Los Angeles and ended up in Las Vegas. After partying it up in LA for a day and a half my cousin and I went on the infamous four hour road trip through the mountains of California and into the ominous dessert of Nevada.

During our journey we stopped for our second helping of the legendary In-N-Out Burger. Mid-way into my foodgasm I remembered a food network special on Las Vegas that featured a gourmet burger and thought that it would be a good idea to continue the burger themed weekend.

(Photo Brought to you by tripadvisor)

When we arrived I googled this burger and found out that it was served at Le Burger Brasserie inside the Paris hotel. Known as the 777 Burger this dish transforms a traditional American meal into a aristocratic entree.

The origin of the title lies in its price which is $777 which includes the burger and a bottle of Rose Dom Perignon. While I like celebrate special events with class I didn't have the budget to order that but was elated to find out that you can get the burger itself for $77.

The burger comes with a Kobe beef patty, a generous serving of Maine Lobster and is topped with caremelized onions, imported Brie cheese, and crispy pancetta which is all drizzled with 100-year aged Balsamic. If you are unaware of these ingredients then the easiest way to explain this burger is to say that it is the Bentley of all Burgers. Each ingredient in an of itself is at or near the top of it's chain.

(777 Burger)

When we were seated we simply brushed away the menus given to us and asked for two 777 Burgers without the champaign and a round of drinks. What ensued was a 30 minute period of heightened angst in anticipation for what promised to be a phenomenal dish. We were then greeted by the head chef who brought the dishes out personally, he then told us that we were sure to enjoy.

Our first couple of bites were met with looks of interest from other patrons who were completely unaware of who we were or what we had ordered. Those same emotions were also running though our minds with each bite. We were both in a state of utter shock, each bite was better than the last.

The Kobe beef was full of flavor and was complimented perfectly with the mixture of the saltiness of the pancetta and richness of the brie. The balsamic also added an extra dimension of flavor that I have never experienced. The battle of competing flavors was like a symphony composed by a musical genius. All these flavors blended harmoniously rendering a burger that has no competitor.

After finishing our meal we were asked if we wanted a custom dessert, we took less than a second to answer that question with a resounding yes. While we waited we reminisced on one of the best meals that either of us had in our entire lives and were left speechless by it's brilliance.

We were then greeted by this ensemble of European desserts by our chef who thanked us for ordering our meal. At this point we were both already full but went all out for this dessert. The crepes were fantastic. The wild berries were fresh and warm. The tiramisu was also great but not the best I have had. I am not a fan of cheesecake but was surprised how much I enjoyed it. All in all it was a great dessert but was trumped by our indescribably entree.

(Mixed Berry Crepe, Cheesecake, Tiramisu Custom made Dessert)

After our meal was complete we were both stuffed to the point were we could literally feel food at the bottom of our throats. Unfortunately the check was also that bad but as we all know you get what you pay for. In this instance I think save the dessert that we got our moneys worth both for the quality of the food and the experience. This has to be the best overall burger I have had to date and one of the better entree's I have had as well.

If you love burgers and are in Las Vegas I highly recommend trying this out. The service was great and the meal was worthy of a birthday celebration.

Sprinkles Cupcake

The local war of cupcakes has been a battle primarily dominated by two establishments both in the Georgetown neighborhood. Now a new competitor has entered the scene. Southern California based Sprinkles has imported their talents and nation wide prestige into the mix.

Now Georgetown is the scene of a three way battle for the bragging rights for the best cupcakes in DC. My office is the breeding ground for debate on this topic and we are given plenty of chances to sample the competition. I decided to take a sneak peak by going during their grand opening.

I was greeted by a relatively long line and cameras both of which are reminiscent of a weekend in the Georgetown Cupcake line. The wait took no longer than five minutes which was great seeing as though I am not fond of waiting in line for food.

Upon entering I laid witness to a pristine selection of the aesthetically modern morsels you see below. Seeing as though this was my first time there I decided to order flavors that were unique only this this establishment. I decided to channel my inner gluten and get the chocolate marshmallow.

I was promptly given my order which I smuggled into my office so as to not arouse any of my cupcake crazed coworkers. After eating it I was a bit baffled, the flavors were there but it seemed too bland. Two days later I decided to try the lemon which was fantastic. The icing was superb and the little hard candy that comes on all their cupcakes was splendid as well.

Next came the first office party where me and my coworkers celebrated a couple birthdays with an array of cupcakes and pie. During this party I sampled the red velvet which was on par with both Baked & Wired and Georgetown Cupcake, their carrot which was good and their coconut which I found to be a bit overwhelming.

(Orange, Strawberry, and Cinnamon Sugar)

My last encounter came this past weekend when I decided to take home the three flavors you see above. Of the three I found the orange to be the best and one in which I highly recommend you trying. The Strawberry was good but not great and the cinnamon sugar was very delightful.

I would have to say off all the cupcake places that I have tried Sprinkles has the best icing which is the most vital part of the cupcake. But their downside lies in the fact that the cake itself is not as flavorful as their competitors.

It is always good to have competition and the arrival of Sprinkles only heightens the cupcake war. Their arrival has irked some (hint: the competitors) mainly because it is a chain which tend to kill the independent shops but needless to say they are here and will be staying as long as cupcakes are in vogue.

Their shop also offers a number of other items including the dog treats you see above you as well as bottled Coca Cola!!!! Cupcakes cost $3.50 each and there is no bundling discount. You can order online and pick it up in the store which is nice. The lines are nowhere near as absurd as Georgetown Cupcake but do go outside the door from time to time.

All in all this is a great place to get one of these popular treats. So if you are in Georgetown try if you might to to a Cupcake Crawl (I should patent the term) and see which one you like best. Stay tuned for my breakdown in the near future.

Muncheez Mania

For the most part all of the restaurants in Georgetown are well established and have been in business for several years. There are several reasons for this which I will get into a some point in the future. But recently a wave of new dining options have changed the landscape of this historically prominent neighborhood.

One of these new restaurants is Mucheez Mania which opened last year near the busy intersection of M St. & Wisconsin Avenue. I first noticed this establishment when I was shopping at Rugby. It was a semi-warm afternoon and there was a short line outside near a window where you can order crepes to go.

Semi-interested I decided to invite a group of coworkers for lunch there. Upon entering I was immediately puzzled at the swank decor and retro hip-hop playing in the background. I quickly asked myself if I was in the same time period and if I was in a club. The music and mix's were reminiscent of an above average DJ which to this day still puzzles me as I have never been in a restaurant like this.

Leaving the aesthetics behind I previewed the menu and decided to order the grilled chicken and cheese wrap which comes with a variety of vegetables and a ranch sauce. My coworkers got a beef brisket cheese steak and a nutella and banana crepe. While I did eat all of my wrap it didn't find it to be too appetizing, my coworker was disappointed with his brisket and my other coworker seemed to enjoy her crepe. All in all we were thought it was an average meal.

(Grilled Chicken & Cheese Wrap)

But as I do with every place I write about I check it more than once to give me a clearer more objective picture. On my second visit I decided to take a friend of mine. For some reason I was in the mood for a hot dog that day. I had noticed from the last time I went that they had a wrap that came with a hot dog so I decided to go with my instincts and try it out. I ordered the Frankfurter which comes with a hot dog, cheese, chips and onions. Essentially a hodgepodge of stadium food all put in a wrap.

I was surprised to uncover that I deviously enjoyed this coronary nightmare. The flavors meshed well and the hot dog was extremely delicious. My friend shared this and an order of french fries as we sat back and listed to the solid hip-hop playlist in the background.

(Frankfurter Wrap)

During my last visit I was in the mood to get something light and healthy so I decided to try one of their hand made pita wraps. I ordered the Nana's original which comes with an assortment of vegetables including tomatoes, olives and cucumbers mixed with thyme and greek yogurt.

I can easily say that this is the best meal I had from them, it easily surpassed the previous two wraps not only in terms of flavor but also its nutritional value. I was also shocked that they were able to make olives taste good (FYI I hate olives).

(Nana's Original)

All in all Muncheez Mania offers a variety of food which is hit or miss in my opinion. The outdoor window is a nice touch and is now open since the weather is getting warmer. They are also open until 3:30 AM on the weekends which makes this place a solid destination if you bar hoping in Georgetown.

I don't think I will go here too often but I will have to try some more of their vegetarian options and crepes when I do. The service is spot on, the cliental are very nice and the music is very unique. So if you are in the area you should give this place a shot.