Looks Can be Decieving
Suburban mall food doesn’t normally conjure images of gourmet food and artisan cocktails, but I was pleased to have those preconceived notions blown out of the water during a recent dinner at CRAVE Restaurant in Bethesda.
For those craving something more gourmand than the Cheesecake Factory during marathon shopping excursions, look no further! CRAVE offers sleek design, artisan cocktails, and an array of culinary treats. In fact, it’s worth a visit regardless of your shopping needs.
We started with a tray of “Angry Dragon Martinis” and an outstanding sushi platter.
Bacardi Dragon Berry, Soho Lychee, Citrus Rim
While the menu offered distinct nods to Crave’s other locations throughout the country, it is also largely Chef driven, with an impressive amount of autonomy for a boutique “chain” restaurant.
We moved on to a beautiful array of Americana cuisine- Chef Joel Hassanali is originally from Trininad and Tobago, and subtle nods to Caribbean influences showed up throughout the 5 course meal.
This wino was pleased and surprised to even see a walk in wine cellar for oenophiles. Discussions to bring in local craft wines are apparently in the works!
Wine and Sake cellar
For more pictures, check out BonVivantDC on Instagram!
Have you tried CRAVE yet?
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It started with the invitation. I’m a sucker for snail mail, but almost missed the chic and creative envelope hiding among bank statements and bills. It was unlike any other industry event I’d attended and I was immediately intrigued. The concept is simple, but novel in this age of social media.
Enjoying the cocktail hour
“You come. You see. You eat. You Facebook, Instagram, and tweet. You sip and nosh and connect, then post it to pay your check.”
Longview Gallery‘s industrial chic vibe met Mid-Summer Night’s Dream with fanciful and thoughtful details everywhere I looked. Live jazz played as guest mingled and got snap happy.
Clever details everywhere: popup popcorn for a popup restaurant
I’m pretty happy with any party that starts with a tray of French 75’s being proffered at the door. After mingling and taking in the scene we were seated to a 4 course meal.
Welcome cocktail: French 75
In a world where every one of life’s mundane details is snapped and documented, Taylor and Hov Events decided to bring together an event worthy of being documented by foodies, artists and fashionistas from DC’s online community. The result was extraordinary- everything from the welcome cocktails, design elements, to the food were snap worthy.
Just one of the fanciful art installations
It’s hard to make good food for a party this size- it’s even harder to make GREAT food. Spilled Milk Catering pulled it off with a four course meal that had everyone raving.
I’m excited to see what concepts this team pulls off in the future!
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I get asked a lot about various wine gadgets, but truth be told, I like to keep things pretty simple. Great stemware is nice and I’m more than partial to my favorite corkscrew, but one thing that I notice wine drinkers not doing enough of: decanting their wines.
In addition to aerating wines that need a bit more time to open up, decanters are also ideal for older and unfiltered wines that may have accumulated a bit of sediment. Plus, they take a regular wine experience from everyday to festive in a flash!
As we move into the colder months, people tend to drink bigger, bolder reds. Often, these are the most prime candidates for decanting. And while decanters CAN be pricey, they needn’t be! Check out some of my favorite elegant decanters that won’t break the bank- all are under $40!
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Do you decant your wines?
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I think we can all agree most bubbly is essentially just “varying levels of delicious,” as my wino friend, Trevor, put it.
Tis the season…for drinking Champagne in front of the fire!
However, there are always choices when it comes to spending your hard earned cash. All too often I see people drinking big, corporate mass-produced wines that are the same price as better, lesser known bottles.
Check out my suggestions below if you want to branch out of your bubbly rut!
If you want to spend…
$10-$12
Steer clear of your grocery store’s Korbel display. It’s tired and mass produced. I saw three TV ads for the brand last night alone! (That’s what you’re paying for, by the way!) Check out a local wine shop for a small production cava or prosecco. I like Dibon Cava for a nice change of pace in the budget bubbly range.
$20-$30
Jansz is an Australian sparkling wine from Tasmania-it’s an outstanding value from a tiny but mighty sparkling wine region!
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs is another favorite from California. Although this is a large producer and widely available they don’t skimp on quality!
Bohigas Semi-Sec Cava is a great bet for those who like their bubbly with just a touch of sweetness.
I’d be remiss not to include a Virginia option, and Thibaut-Janisson is it! Try their FIZZ for $20 or the Blanc de Blanc for $30. The latter was served at a White House State Dinner!
$40-$50
This is the sweet spot for most entry level Champagnes, and while the ubiquitous orange label of Veuve Cliquot seems to be EVERYWHERE, that doesn’t mean it’s the best for the money.
I adore André Clouet Brut Rosé, Pol Roger, Laurent Perrier, and a recent favorite, Aubry. See past the orange label and advertising! Remember, you want a winemaker who puts their money where YOUR mouth is, not into pricey advertising campaigns.
$175-$200
Dom Perignon has the big name, but ask any wino their preference and you’ll get a resounding preference for Krug. If you’re spending big, it’s the only way to go!
Finally, remember to check your local wine store. They are sure to have great options from smaller Champagne houses that offer outstanding value (that’s how I found my latest love, Aubry!).
What’s your favorite Champagne or Sparkling Wine?
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Pizza Vinoteca opens in Ballston tonight and after a preview event I can attest it’s a place that will get this DC gal out to the ‘burbs more often!
Although it’s decidedly casual, there’s no skimping on quality at Pizza Vinoteca. An uplit wall of wine lines the foyer before guests are greeted by an impressive open kitchen and pizza oven directly inside. A round bar dominates the open space, lending credence to the wine-centric menu. The architecture is a thoughtful indication of the consideration behind serious food and wine at prices that won’t break the bank.
Wine bottles line the entry to the casual eatery.
The restaurant serves 36 wines by the glass in an argon gas system that preserves the vino and allows for longer shelf life and a greater variety of wines offered by the glass. The best part? All wines are under $10/glass and they have some truly interesting options.
While you’ll find the expected Pinot Grigio and Chianti on the list, it also features Orange Wine, Lambrusco, and a Sparkling Nebbiolo among other esoteric wine selections that will have wine geeks excited.
Enjoying a sparkling Nebbiolo with CEO Ari Malcolm
The list offers outstanding value, pulling from regions that offer great bang for the buck while offering clients outstanding value and interesting choices. Half pours are also available for those wishing to try something new without committing to a full glass.
CEO Ari Malcolm adapted the concept from his New York outpost and said he tasted over 1,000 wines before settling on the list. The menu is meant to be both tasty and accessible, and I found it to achieve these goals.
The food is produced in a kitchen visible through glass walls that cranks out interesting and delicious pizzas among other casual fare.
While you can certainly get your pepperoni fix, there are some unexpected combinations that really won me over. The Brussels Sprout pizza was perhaps my favorite. The shaved sprouts are made zesty with a kick of lemon zest, crunchy with toasted walnuts, and creamy with Ricotta Cheese. Trust me, just order it! Another stand out was the Kale, Pesto, Andouille Sausage and Fontina Cheese option.
Prosciutto, pineapple, peppers and arugula
Pizza Vinoteca opens to the general public tonight.
Check out the menus below:
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