Nose for Nosh: Carmine's Restaurant

New York's Upper West Side brings the greatness of Carmine's to DC's Penn Quarter District.

Bar/Lounge AreaSource: OpenTable.com

Last night's "Date Night" got off to a late start. It was already 10:45pm I was nervous that we wouldn't be able to find any swank "sit down" restaurants in which to dine. We were starving, but didn't want to settle for fast food. After all, we were celebrating MY birthday (Monday, September 13th - FYI and BTW) and I refused to have burgers and fries.

To my surprise and good luck, Carmine's Restaurant had a table for 2 available. Schweet! Thanks to my wonderful OpenTable Android app, I was able to make my reservations in milliseconds. Glory!

In recent weeks, I had heard and read so many positive reviews on Carmine's. Until last night, I was jealous that I missed the Grand Opening and a bit miffed that I still hadn't made my way to check out the venue.

Atmosphere:
Charming, HUGE, good spacing between tables and booths (we liked that you can eat without bumping your neighbor's elbow). There's also a good distance between the HUGE bar and dining areas. There is no "bad seat" here.

Menu Selection:
Vast. From poultry to beef to seafood to veggies. Every Italian dish that you can think of is on this menu. Even better, the menu is posted on the walls for ALL to see, so no matter where you're seated, the menu is in plain site. I thought that was pretty cool and a good way to save on paper and printing costs.

Portions:
HUGE! Family-style.


Service:
***** (5 star)

Ideal for...:
Romantic dining, Girls Night Out, Guys Night Out, solo dining (at the bar), large parties, kid-friendly.

MISC:
They have gift cards! *ahem*

...and YES, I have food pics. Prepare to be dazzled and drooling!


Man, oh man... I can't wait to go back!

Carmine's Restaurant
425 Seventh Street, NW
Penn Quarter, DC
http://carminesnyc.com/

Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown (red line), Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (green and yellow lines)
Parking: valet, meter, garage

Click here to review press release.

*Smooches&Hugs*

Fall/Winter Food and Wine Tasting: B. Smith's

Last Wednesday, I attended B. Smith's Fall/Winter Food and Wine Tasting. This was my first visit, so I was extra excited to accept the invitation.

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't have the most mature palette. However, this upscale menu was a much-needed switch from my norm "safe" items. I was a bit nervous, but anxious to partake.

Boy, am I glad that I did!

I left NO plate unturned -- minus B's Crawfish & Crab Dip (darn shellfish allergy). I can't vouche for it's taste, but everyone was more than happy to my portion. It smelled really good and by the looks of the scraped bowls, it had the taste to match.

The menu was a definite crowd-pleaser and all plates/bowls were wiped clean. See for yourself...

First Course
Cream of Asparagus Soup-I love soup all year 'round, so this was quite the treat. The sweet nutmeg smell and taste makes anyone wanna eat their veggies -- and ask for seconds.

Fried Chicken Livers-I've honestly never been a fan of chicken livers. However,the onion confit and pineapple chutney forced my change of heart. I never thought I'd see the day...

B's Crawfish & Crab Dip-N/A

Garden District House Salad-I normally opt for the heavy, cream-based dressings. This had a good, light and sweet vinaigrette. I think this will be my new choice for meatless salads.

Wine (white)
Caymus Conundrum

Second Course
B's Catch of the Day-GOOD grouper. I'm a huge lover of catfish, so the meaty filling was a pleasant welcome.

Stuffed Bell Peppers-Great combination of veggie and starch. The cajun blush sauce was a new twist to an old fav (tomatoe sauce).

Wine (white)
Sacred Hill

Third Course
Osso Bucco-Meat so tender, you could cut it with a dull fork! Melts in your mouth. Seasoned to perfection. Impressive, especially since I'm not big on heavy meats.

Wine (red)
Nederburgh

Fourth Course
Bourbon Street Bread Pudding-This might be the best bread pudding I've ever had. (grandma's recipe, excluded) I would've been OK with having this as the main entree.

Beignets-It was New Orleans all over again -- minus the bead toss.

Libations and such
Assorted Mighty Leaf Teas
Coffee

Digestion
Navan
Fonseca Bin 27

Well, enough talk, here are the pics!

Luckily, most of these items are available for the public starting tomorrow! It's Summer Restaurant Week (Monday, August 16th-Sunday, 22nd) and time to check out all the hottest Lunch and Dinner selections! (Of course, I've made my reservations via OpenTable.com -- have YOU?)

B. Smith’s

50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE

Washington, DC 20002
202-289-6188

...and an extra special thanks to our sweethearts over at Linda Roth Associates, Inc.!

*Smooches&Hugs*

Rave Review: Bond 45

I'm the worst.


I attended this Media Dinner (and  probibition cocktails, I might add) in January. Here it is May, and I'm just now writing about it.

*latepass* Anywho...

I absolutely LOVED Bond 45! I've never had such great service and impeccable food at a MD restaurant. (sad to say...) The staff were all so well-mannered, genuinely friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. (some were from the NY homebase). I was impressed from start (perhaps it was because they handed me chilled bubbly at 'hello'? Yeah, that could be it.) to finish (even coat check was a dream). I REALLY wish more establishments would follow suite. There's nothing worse than paying hard-earned money on crappy service/product.

Here are a few pics:
(In my defense, I was a BlackBerry owner at the time, hence the shadows and blur. Viva La Android!)

Place setting

Buttery grilled slices.

Mystery Item: (This wasn't listed on the menu.) Dough-y bread with fire roasted peppers

Flaky crust with light seasoned cheese spread in the center, topped with prosciutto and herbs.

(Maaaaaaan! I had about 3 of these.)

Polenta (Italian corn pudding).
This didn't last long AT ALL, and I wasn't too keen on the idea of sharing.

Water by SiDEA: bottled purified Water.
Just a little something to wash down the good grub. Nice and ice cold.

Not pictured:

• New York Steak: I'm usually not one to order steak, but I wanted to try something different. Plus, it smelled so good. This was truly "The Best Beef in the World". Consider me a fan. The Chef was kind enough to throw mine on the grill for a few more minutes, so there wouldn't be so much pink. I appreciate him for that...and the fact that he gave me extra Polenta. He was my new best friend that evening.
• Dessert: As if the cocktails, appetizers and dinner weren't enough....We noshed on fresh baked chocolate chocolate chip cookies and chocolate pudding with a nice, creamy topping.

Of course, I ate it all these things before realizing that I didn't get a picture. Oopsies!

Founded in New York and part of The Fireman Hospitality Group, Bond 45 is an Italian Steakhouse serving up lean, mean cuts of the finest steak, seafood and poultry. (They also have items for your veggie lovers out there.)

Honestly, I think its one of the best restaurants at the National Harbor. I give it ***** (5 stars) and 2 thumbs up, across the board: Service - Food - Ambiance. It was all, well...perfect.

Check out their menu and then promptly make your reservations via OpenTable. If you're lucky, you'll be able to snag a seat for Mother's Day. Otherwise, a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch would be a nice way to celebrate...and beat the rush.

Gracious hosts: Shelly Fireman, Executive Chef Daniele Turchetti and Managing Director David Spinogatti.

Bond 45 | 149 Waterfront Street - National Harbor, MD 20745 | 301-839-1445

*Smooches&Hugs*

Capital Restaurants: Celebrate Spring & Cherry Blossoms!

Looks like more restaurants are getting with the program...

The Capital Restaurants family:

• J. Pauls (Georgetown, DC & Inner Harbor, Baltimore)
• Paolo's Ristorante (Location: Georgetown, DC & Reston, VA | Cuisine: Italian)
• Old Glory Bar-B-Que (Location: Georgetown, DC | Cuisine: American, BBQ)
• Georgia Brown's (Location: McPherson Square | Cuisine: Southern, Low-country)
• Neyla (Location: Georgetown, DC | Cuisine: Mediterranean)

Lucky for us, all reservations can be made via OpenTable!

Archives:

• OpenTable-friendly restaurants
• Spring Fling
• National Cherry Blossom Festival

*Smooches&Hugs*

Easter Meals: Brunch and Dinner

Sunday, April 4th will be here before you know it!

What's on YOUR menu?

Haven't figured that out yet? No worries, OpenTable has you covered (of course). There's something for everyone on your guest list; from prix-fixe menus to a la carte options to delish buffet selections to Champagne to Spring-inspired cocktails. Wanna try something different this year? Give Indian, Gastropub, American or French cuisine a try. **If this is a family affair, be sure to confirm Kids' Menu availability.

Some establishments are offering FREE/low-cost parking, valet parking and live music.

Check out the Easter brunch and/or dinner menus that select restaurants have available. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate this year. I'm anxious to dine outdoors. (Otherwise, I'll request window seating and people-watch.)

So book fast, rack up those Dining Points and cash in that Dining Cheque!

**Bright Idea: Create cute Easter Baskets or holiday cards for your guests.

*Smooches&Hugs*

Cherry Blossom: Restaurant "Cherry Picks"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CONTACT: Jessica Zachar
Linda Roth Associates, Inc.
703-417-2701
Jessica@lindarothpr.com

Round Up: Area Restaurants Announce Cherry Picks

LRA Presents cherry-inspired dishes to complement the

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington, DC (March 3, 2010) — As Washington gears up for its signature springtime event, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, area restaurants have announced new dishes and drinks to complement the festival. Cherry Picks, or the cherry-inspired recipes specially created for the festival, will be available at participating restaurants throughout the two-week festival, from March 27 through April 11. Recipes and photographs of each dish are available upon request. For reservations or more information about Cherry Picks, contact any of the participating restaurants below.

B. Smith’s
50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002 (map)
202.289.6188
www.bsmith.com

3-course Cherry Blossom menu (lunch $25.00; dinner $35.00)
o Blossom Salad – A fresh mesclun blend tossed with toasted almonds, red onions, dried cherries, and goat cheese finished in a light blood orange vinaigrette

o Seared Salmon – Laced with a cherry port glaze, the salmon is served atop a bed of sautéed julienned radicchio, leeks, carrots, and sugar snap peas

-OR-

o Seared Filet Mignon – This lean cut is accented by a cherry port glaze, with a crispy potato cake and sautéed shitake mushrooms, spinach and leeks

o Cherry Apricot Cobbler – Spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, this warm cherry and apricot cobbler is garnished with sweet vanilla ice cream and a candied cherry

o Cherry Mojito ($14.00)- A twist on the classic cocktail, this mojito is cherry -infused


M Bar at Renaissance Washington, DC Dupont Circle Hotel
1143 New Hampshire Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20037 (map)
202.775.0800
http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasrw-renaissance-washington-dc-dupont-circle-hotel

o Cherries Jubilee ($7.00) – Two “hot” chocolate shortcakes filled with vanilla bean ice cream and soaked in a pool of cherries jubilee

o Pink Passion Fire ($10.00) – A fresh blend of pomegranate and citrus juices, this cocktail also contains a surprising hint of chili

Morton’s The Steakhouse – Downtown DC
1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036 (map)
202.955.5997
http://www.mortons.com/

o Cherry Blossom Martini ($13.00) – Originally a prohibition era cocktail named the Mary Pickford, this cocktail is highlighted by Luxardo Marachino Liqueur, a rare liquor made from fermented Marasca Sour Cherries

RIS
2275 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
202.730.2500
www.risDC.com  

o Smoked Paprika Crusted Muscovy Duck ($28.00) – This savory dish is smothered in a sweet and sour cherry sauce and complemented by almond wild rice and caramelized endive.


Linda Roth Associates, Inc. provides creative connections through media relations, marketing initiatives, community outreach and special events: “We go to bat to put you on the map.” For more information on LRA, please visit http://www.lindarothpr.com/ or call 703.417.2700.

###

*Smooches&Hugs*

Coming soon... Restaurant Week: Bethesda-Chevy Chase

Coming soon... Restaurant Week: Bethesda/Chevy Chase

Bethesda Chevy Chase Restaurant Week is produced by The Greater Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce and The Washington Post, and is sponsored by the Bethesda Urban Partnership and the Montgomery County Conference & Visitors Bureau.

*Smooches&Hugs*

Dining Out for Life: Food & Friends

I can never get tired of OpenTable. Ever!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 5th:

When you dine, 25-100% of your bill will benefit DC's Food & Friends! Food & Friends is an organization that helps feed families stricken with HIV/AIDS, Cancer & other terminal illnesses.

Click here for details & reservations!

+Volunteer opportunities available @Food & Friends!

*Smooches&Hugs*

Restaurant Week: Washington, DC

Once again!...

Click here for details & reservations!

(of course, my reservations are already set!)

*Smooches&Hugs*

Restaurant Week: Bethesda-Chevy Chase

Its my fav time of year, so save the date!

Lunch: $12 or $15, two-course

Dinner: $30, three-course

Click here for a listing of participating restaurants & menu selections.

So grab your girls, kids or sig other & get the reservations going!

*Smooches&Hugs*

Open Table: Inauguration Week

Attention: All Foodies -

OpenTable does it again!

More prix-fixe menus to choose from, as well as new restaurants.

So whether you're staying in DC or will be visiting, hurry. Reservations are going FAST!

Staying in town after Inauguration Week? Check out the 1,000 Point Reservations listing.

Happy eating!

*Smooches&Hugs*