2011: FoodSnob Returns....Why? Because it can.

The start of 2011 begins a new year and thus a new beginning for Food Snob DC is in order. It is in order for precisely this reason – we spoiled upper middle income east coast Americans with our latte’s and our fancy hand bags and leather shoes and reliable public transportation and pretty much everything one’s heart could desire … well … we have a duty to not take these things for granted and live our lives to the fullest and utmost potential – and I’ve decided that for me, that includes, but is not limited to, continuing to write about my preferences, particularities, petty complaints and rants on this pretentious food blog. Congratulations, I have returned.

Why do I love food so much? Why do I relish in discussing every delicious moment my taste buds enjoy and equally love critiquing the inadequacies of every single item I digest? Being home over the last few days, I’ve had an epiphany and it answers this exact question. You can count on food. Food is manageable; malleable … it can be sculpted to exactly what your heart desires. Food can be molded, kneaded, shredded, braised, broiled, boiled, scorched, toasted … it can be what you make it – it is completely in your control. It can be controlled, whereas, people cannot. People are unreliable, unpredictable, unstable … you can’t put a person in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes and they come out juicy and plump! Food, is not over-emotional or melodramatic (unless you are watching Man v. Food on the travel channel - disgusting!). Food does not infer that you have ulterior motives or question your competency. Food is like a laborador puppy, looking straight into your eyes and only asking for one thing - love me.

You can’t caramelize a human being in a pan for 30 minutes on medium low to ensure he or she turns out sweet and creamy (well I suppose you could, but that would be disgusting). No, people you can’t control, they are crazy and you can’t count on them. But food, food obeys you and listens to your every move – the only thing that can ruin the creation of a good meal is … you.

Every year for the holidays I fly home to Northern California and spend some quality time with the family and friends. I fly back to DC and spend some quality time with friends here on east coast as well before I return to work. As much as I absolutely love these people - it seems that people have a relentless ability to nitpick at each other, to question each other, to disagree, to annoy, to hound, to demand. Of course, there is the positive loving side as well. But you know, through it all, there always seems to exist a true sense of love and devotion we share for one another (and the last seven days I've spent at home have made it blatantly evident just how filled with love our home is), bad television (i.e. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps can still be good as long as you’ve got someone to laugh out loud with) and delicious, delicious, scrumptious, rich and delectable food.  So, this holiday season, instead of bickering with your friends and family, cook something that tastes effing delicious and shut up and eat.

Cashion's - consistently underrated

1819 Columbia Road NW

After a long, hard week filled with emotional turmoil, overwhelming expectations at work, and personal demands I've put upon myself that are impossible to meet - I decided it was time to treat myself to a nice glass of wine and a delicious meal. Over the past few days I felt as my heart had been pulled in a million different directions, shredded to pieces, then sewn back together and the wounds had still not healed. I was exhausted mentally, emotionally and physically - it's amazing how run ragged you can feel based off of emotional experiences only. I don't mind sitting at the bar and eating by myself, I'm there for one purpose only - pure delight. The place I know I can be comforted at a time like this, is consistently Cashion's Eat Place.

What my soul really needed at this time was something that could make me feel like everything was going to be OK. I needed someone or something to communicate to me, "No, really, I mean it - it will all be fine. I promise! Trust me, I will never fail you." And it is so true - there is one thing that will never fail you in life, and that is food - if prepared correctly and presented just right. The one meal that never fails me? Consistently, it is Cashion's Ragout of Wild Mushrooms with Artisanal Polenta, and Tuscan Liver Sauce. This is not just any polenta, it is so rich and delicate at the same time. The liver sauce tastes like pure heaven, strong and robust, and balanced with touches of rosemary. Every single time I have this dish, I feel like I've discovered something no one else knows about.

The bitter sweet thing about this particular dish is that I discovered it with my boyfriend - who currently is one of the reasons why I felt the need to treat myself to an evening such as this. I'm enjoying this dish in solitude as I once enjoyed it with him by my side. But the level of comfort the Tuscan liver sauce and the hearty mushrooms bring me helps to calm my concerns and predictably reminds me, "It's all going to be OK."

The reason why I declare this place as underrated is because I never hear people talk about it anymore. With all of the new exciting restaurants opening up in DC lately, Cashion's gets lost in the shuffle. It really is a shame because it is some of the best food in city. But I suppose that just means there is more for me.

Meats, Cheese and Slushitos....Oh My!

1520 14th St NW
(between N Church St & N P St) 

Estadio was an experience for me that I would love to do-over time and time again - but then again, I've never been to Spain. My pre-Spain experience however was a delight. Arriving early with a friend of mine, we sat at the bar and I ordered a slushito - an icy concoction made of quince, paprika, scotch and sherry....deeeeeeee-licious. I have never had such a tasty drink before - refreshing with a slight sherry aftertaste, thank you very much. Next I moved onto the red sangria, a true test of a proper bar - it was perfectly mixed with a sprig of mint...yum. As Jim says, "I didn't know sangria was supposed to taste like wine." Of course he said that, you can't get a proper sangria in this entire city.  As the night progressed I moved onto wine (at $4 a pop), then more wine, then food and more food. I unfortunately left 1 size bigger than when I arrived.

Dinner was an assortment of meats, cheeses, eggs, fried goodness more. We ordered mixto - an assortment of cured meats of chorizo, salami, Serrano ham and more. The best chorizo I've ever had, but I was quickly informed that I've had nothing apparently if I thought that was amazing. But like I said, I've never been to Spain. Deviled eggs topped with fresh tuna, skewers of chorizo, cheese and a date dusted in pistachios, duck perfectly spiced over a bed of swiss chard, sweetbreads (not too impressed with that) all put to rest the concern that I hadn't had a proper trip to Europe to compare all of this to. That will happen in time I'm sure.

What stood out like a sore thumb at Estadio were the gigantic ugly flat screen televisions that hung over your head at the bar. Estadio seems to aim to establish an old world ambiance with its high wood chairs, thick wood tables, dark warm colors, red brick walls and chandeliers....and then you see 4 giant screen televisions. It makes no sense. Get rid of those TV's people, you are shooting yourself in the foot. Am I at Romano's Macaroni Grill or am I at a high end Spanish restaurant??? I'm confused, but then again....I've never been to Spain.