Category Archives: DC

DC’s real Top Chefs

Posted on July 22, 2010 | 2 comments

I have lived in DC since 2003 and I am happy to say my culinary experiences have grow over the years.  

In college my best girlfriends and I were our happiest just eating at any restaurant.  This isn’t to say we didn’t fully enjoy the dining hall at American University – hard to beat  Macaroni and Cheese Wednesdays or the Herhsey’s Moose Tracks Ice Cream, but going off campus was truly decadent.  Many birthdays and Valentine’s day were celebrated over shared spinach dips/salads/cheesecakes at the Cheesecake Factory, “homestyle” Italian food at Mama Lucia’s and margaritas/chips and salsa at Guapo’s.

Post college new restaurants have risen to the top of my list: Cava, Ardeo Bardeo, Belga Cafe, Zaytinya, Bangkok 54 (technically Virginia – but amazing!)

I’ll share with you reviews and favorites at each, but first up: 
Cava – with locations in Capitol Hill and Rockville, and a new restaurant soon to be opening in Clardenon, VA.  We went to the Capitol Hill location, and were blown away.  Cava says they serve unique Greek-inspired dishes, skillfully crafted by talented Chef Dimitri Moshovitis. All dishes are served mezze style—in small plates, but with portions large enough to share.    
We first discovered Cava at our Whole Foods – the harissa, was hot enough to make Mark who grew up in the Middle East go back for seconds, thirds, fourths… and hot enough to make me tear up…

 Harissa that knocks your socks off – promise!

Feta and Honey will make you wonder why you haven’t always been eating this combination

A classic spanakopita
 
Fresh and tender grilled octopus
 
All images by Stacy Zarin via Cava’s Facebook Page

What they should say is that each dish is prepared with an attention to detail and flavoring and that the atmosphere is engaging.  If you go, try to order as much as possible, and share – you won’t want to miss a thing, especially not these: the Roasted Beet Salad, Lamb Chops – see deliciousness below, Lollipop Chicken (seriously, I could eat the whole plate by myself, that good!) and save room for the honey sweet loukoumades.

More DC Top Chefs coming soon!

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Posted in DC, Her Kitchen, restaurants

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A belated 4th…

Posted on July 16, 2010 | Leave a comment


We moved on the weekend of July 4th.

No matter what anyone tells you, moving is exhausting.

The three day weekend proved to be a the perfect time to pack, haul and move across town.

So that Monday off was critical! And on Sunday we were able to finally sit back and enjoy our independence from moving trucks, packing tape, and boxes and celebrate our nation’s independence too!

Our very good friends, and now new neighbors, invited us over for 4th of July BBQ. In full disclosure it is probably the first time I have ever gone to someone’s house for a meal/party/celebration without bringing something, but with the exception of ice cubes, and some beer we were saving for later, I had nothing to share. Not to worry – we were well fed and imbibed. Yum! Real coconut pina coladas. I’m not a fan of coconut, like at all, and these were pretty damn good!

BBQ’d sliders with a toppings bar? Uhm, hello Summer! I am officially in food heaven. These were delicious and we all enjoyed eating them, a lot!

That’s me in the background – can you tell how happy I am over the bacon/swiss/sliders? Glee!

After dinner we managed to climb up, feeling very full, to our roof for the most spectacular fireworks show I can remember ever seeing. The neighborhood effort definitely rivaled the National show. It was like a welcome party just for us!

Our friends taking in the view!

We can’t wait to celebrate more!

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Posted in DC, entertaining, Her Home, Holiday Food, Holidays

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“Mule!” “Nag!”

Posted on July 14, 2010 | 1 comment

Today my sister moves back to Washington, DC.

Like me, she went to college in the DC area (Maryland), and as far as college goes, that’s where our similarities end. She participated in Greek Life, I did not. She has a huge group of girlfriends and is easily the life of the party, I enjoy planning the party. She is truly the youngest child, and I am the oldest child.

In growing up though I have always admired her, her sense of self, joy, the energy and enthusiasm she brings to her life and the way she encounters all people without an ounce of judgment.

As little girls we would plot our next business venture; we sold painting on the boardwalk, lemonade on the corner, hand beaded necklaces to anyone who was interested and started a local baby-sitters club. Watch movies, a favorite for many reasons was a League of Their Own, and if we were ever punished and sent to our adjoining rooms, we’d each sit in our closets and talk to each other through the shared wall.

During our overlapping college time, it’s fair to say that for a period we did not hang out as often as our grandmothers would ask if we did, but somehow, magically, we became two fairly similar girls. We’re both likely to roll our eyes a little too freely, cry a bit easily, smile widely, and cherish the same moments.

Personal photo

Somehow we’ve both grown up. She can call me out (and does), and usually I can do the same. She looks out for me, and I will always look out for her. She is selfless and so spirited as she proved in the last year by putting others before her (myself included) during the year of wedding planning and Maid of Honor-hood, as she was going through all the trials and travails of her senior year of college.

Image by Ashley Colhouer Photography


And, somewhere a long the way our sisterhood became a true friendship, still a little competitive, but always my best friend, and now housemate?!

Yes, she get’s her own room in the new house while she begins to navigate post-college life in DC and we’re so excited to have her here! I can’t wait to share in this new stage of adult hood with her.

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Posted in DC, Family, Her Home, Her Inspiration, Personal

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Leaving Virginia

Posted on July 6, 2010 | Leave a comment

As I have mentioned in previous posts, this previous weekend we moved from Virginia to DC. I think no matter the reason or the location, moving is always a triple punch: emotional, exhausting and exciting.

I am so excited to be back in DC, but will definitely miss Virginia – more on that in a very soon to be released post. I came to the DC metro area for the allure of big city DC and for college at American University. I met some of my closest friends. I found a major. I grew up. I found my husband and best friend in DC. We fell in love in Virginia.

As I was packing up and getting wistful Meet Virginia by Train kept looping through my brain. I loved this song when it came out. I think the line about “she wears high heels when she exercises,” really resonated with me. It certainly wasn’t the coffee or cigarettes.

Anyway, if you haven’t yet, you really ought to meet Virginia.

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Posted in DC, Mark, Marriage, Personal

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Go vintage

Posted on June 29, 2010 | Leave a comment

It’s officially summer and nothing says summer like trading in your metro cards for evening walks, or bike rides. Two months ago, Mark and I bought bikes. The plan was for us to both ride to work at least 3 days of the week. I haven’t ridden in once. To his credit, he rides every day (Updating on Twitter @DCBikeTest). It’s very impressive.

Prior to the bike purchase, I campaigned pretty heavily for a motorized bike, specifically a Vespa. Two summers ago we had a Vespa. When Mark bought it on Craigslist, I was all “no, no, no”. After riding it into the sunset for about 1.5 years, and zipping through DC on the back of that zippy silver bike, when we decided to sell it, I was again all “no, no, no”. (True confession, I actually cried).

Something about the Vespa is so Roman Holiday and vintage chic.  It’s also more city and environmentally friendly than a car.  And that are too cute to beat.

Not us, although the resemblance is funny. I don’t ride side saddle – that’s ridiculous!

As we get ready to move back into the city I am keeping the Vespa dream alive, perhaps next spring.
Ciao bellos!

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Moving on Up to DC

Posted on June 22, 2010 | 1 comment

>In the process of starting a new blog, we (Mark and I – more on him soon!) are also moving. We will be leaving our happy little condo in Northern Virginia, with all of it’s amenities and conveniences (our building is on top of the metro, connected to a movie theater, and within 100 yards of a CVS, 711 and 2 mini-markets) and moving back to DC… to a real house!

Our current place was where Mark lived before we met and is largely decorated in his style, with a few touches from me here and there. Our new house is a real house, with lots of real rooms and lots of potential for decorating. Exciting! Sartorial! Stylish! Overwhelming!!!

Meet my new best friend, http://www.sproost.com! Sproost allows you to take a simple, visual quiz and determine your decor style. I am a huge fan of these types of quizzes. I took the “What type of Bride are you?” quiz on Brides.com countless times – before, during and after being engaged.

After a series of rooms and a few simple clicks you’re told what you’re style is. I have taken the quiz maybe 10 (probably 20) times now and I still wonder wait in suspense to see what my style will be.

Prior to the moving process I never really thought about what my style would be, as I often think interior design is informed by where you live and the type home it is. But, either way, the results are always the same.

I am 50% French Eclectic, 33% Traditional Country, 17% Cottage Chic. Who knew!? This is my starting point. After we pack up, move in and shop enough so we have somewhere to sit, I’ll keep you updated on the progress and what we pick. What is your design style?

P.S. I was a romantic bride.

all images from http://www.sproost.com

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Posted in DC, Her Home

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