Food

Union Market of DC is an authentic market of culture and commerce. A true vision, this gathering place serves as an inviting melting pot of old world heritage and new world opportunities. This authentic district expands beyond its culinary origins to include music, retail, hotel and residential uses. Currently, more than 100 businesses employ 1,500 people in food production and distribution. It is a rare place in the city where a wide variety of ethnic groups and diverse social-economic groups come together. You can spend days wandering around from stand to stand trying different foods and products from local, artisanal producers. Here's a handy guide to help you:
30 August, 2013
If you’re like me, then you probably enjoy a good pizza from time to time. Whether you prefer Chicago style deep dish or thin crust Italian, it is inevitable that you can’t go wrong with pizza. Maybe I’m biased because I’m Italian, but who doesn’t love cheesy dough covered in toppings? Pizza is like the dessert bar sundae...but for dinner! A local hot spot for many Los Angeles' diners is Sawtelle Blvd. in West LA. Although this boulevard, also called ‘Little Osaka’, is most commonly known for their ramen, sushi and boba, I got a chance to mix it up and try something different. Clusi Batusi opened in 2012, and with only a year under their belt, they have been cooking some of LA’s best pizza. Clusi Batusi is cleverly named after Chef Michele Gargani’s favorite pet cat and is family owned and operated. It’s no surprise why the food is so good here; Chef Gargani is a direct import himself from Italy. With that being said, he knows his stuff and is constantly making dishes with the freshest ingredients that are true to Italian food and culture.
29 August, 2013
While the politicians enjoy their lunches in the stodgy old steak houses of DC, there are three great spots that I enjoyed while visiting that offered fresh, healthy and tasty food in casual environments. Nando’s Peri Peri 819 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 (additional locations in DC, Maryland and Virginia) Being an international city, there are so many cultures to experience in DC. One international favorite spot is Nando’s and their Peri Peri chicken. Nando’s was born in 1987 in South Africa and now has restaurants in 34 countries. The legendary, Portuguese, flame-grilled, Peri Peri chicken uses the freshest (never frozen) chicken that is marinated for 24 hours and as delicious as it sounds.
28 August, 2013
As the saying goes, big things do come in small packages-and this is certainly true in regards to one of the densest of small cities. Made up of approximately 7 x 7 square miles, the city of San Francisco is home to a number of distinctively diverse districts, landmarks and some of California’s best real estate. If the vibrant Golden Gate doesn’t lure you in, then maybe its array of food and culture will, as we can all agree that San Francisco has some of the best food Northern California has to offer. Repeated visits to San Francisco has enabled me to try new restaurants each visit.  Here are some of the top stops from the past few months. Hog Island Oyster Bar The Ferry Building Marketplace, One Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111  
27 August, 2013
When you think Venice Beach, you think of the sun, the beach, all-natural, healthy food, etc... But lately Abbot Kinney has been filling up with restaurants that are not afraid to fill you up and satisfy your palate. Willie Jane serves traditional southern cuisine like fried chicken and pork chops and Salt Air serves the butter poached lobster roll. Now Pork Belly's Sandwich Shop has joined them on this busy pedestrian filled street. Tucked in between vegan restaurants and juice bars, Pork Belly's Sandwiches serves tender smoked BBQ meat sandwiches. The 300-pound capacity smoker, which fills the entire space of the back room that it is housed in, works around the clock. Brisket, which takes 12 hours to smoke, will go in the previous night and other items, such as the ribs, spend the morning smoking and aren't available until after 1:30 pm. Competitive barbecue grillmaster Eric Solcon consulted on the recipes and the result is tender, slightly sweet meat that almost melts in the mouth.
26 August, 2013

Known as Eden Center, this suburban complex has been growing into the East Coast capital of Vietnamese immigrant culture for almost 40 years.  The Eden Center is Northern Virginia’s premier Asian center containing approximately 120 stores and is located on Wilson Boulevard at Seven Corners in Fall Church, Virginia. It also marks the spot for a treasure trove of Vietnamese food. Restaurants, bakeries, and provision stores handily outnumber the handful of jewelry shops, book stands, and bars that dot the winding hallways and storefronts of the complex.

One of the many talked about restaurants at Eden Center is Rice Paper, where we decided to stay for dinner. If you want food that is flavorful, well prepared and fresh, in a chic environment, Rice Paper is the right fit for you.
23 August, 2013
Looking for a day trip from Los Angeles?  Heading up to Santa Barbara wine country is always a great option! It will be a full day but there is alot you can do. Start the morning off with a drive up the coast. Take the 101 freeway to CA-246 exit toward Lompoc/Solvang which is approximately 130 miles north of LA.  After the drive, you may be ready for a hearty breakfast and there is one joint that is sure to please your appetite. Ellen’s Danish Pancake House 272 Avenue of the Flags, Buellton, CA 93427 Located around the corner in Buellton, CA, Ellen’s Danish Pancake House is a family owned restaurant that is sure to curb your hunger. This full service American and Danish restaurant has a wide array of menu choices from their famous Danish pancakes, to savory steaks and seafood. Ellen’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. They also serve homemade jams, salad dressings, and offer daily specials. After breakfast, head 15 minutes to Santa Ynez and start wine tasting.
22 August, 2013
Paso Robles is a premier Wine Country destination, located off the coast of California in San Luis Obispo County and known for its wineries, olive oil and orchards.  For a weekend trip or as a stop along the drive up the coast, Paso Robles is a destination you don’t want to miss. Along our travels, here are some of our favorite spots that are sure to please your wanderlust.
21 August, 2013
When most people think wine country, the first thing that comes to mind is Napa Valley. Located North of San Francisco, Napa is home to some of California’s best wineries. With miles of vineyards everywhere you look, it’s hard to escape wine country without indulging in a few bottles of wine. Rolling hills, spas, boutique hotels, farmer’s markets, and eclectic antique stores surround Napa. But it wouldn’t be a rightful visit without tasting some local wineries first! Schramberg Estate (1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga, CA 94515) Visiting this next winery is like experiencing a piece of Napa history. Nestled away in the hills of Diamond Mountain, the Schramsberg estate is known to be the first hillside winery of the Napa Valley. Founded in 1862, this winery in home to 218 acres and is a registered historical landmark. The wide spread acres are made up of the Victorian house, the winery, a barn and even include caves. Schramsberg’s history goes beyond its old grounds and family ties. After the Blanc de Blancs was used for President Nixon’s 1972 “Toast to Peace”, the Schramsberg sparkling wines have been used at official State functions by every U.S. Presidential administration since.  Open daily from 10am-4:30pm. Reservations recommended for tours through the caves.
20 August, 2013
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