Recap: AIDS Walk Washington 2010

(NOT sure why this didn't post on 10/09, but...fyi!)

As you know, I participated in last week's AIDS Walk Washington. I've been collecting donations for several years and was super duper excited to actually participate in the walk. The crowd was hype, the music was cranked and the weather was BEYOND perfect. It was a great day to be outdoors.


My t-shirt.

 I'm in love with these bracelets and wear them every chance I get.

My "magic" bracelets.

Despite the fact that I wasn't able to compare bracelets with Wonder Woman, it was really nice. I made friends with another walker and we ran our mouths the whole time (turns out we have a lot in common and even discussed participating in other charity walks together).

A good time was had by all -- including the 4-legged supporters :-)

I was glad to take Metro, because there were so many other events going on. I decided to wear a "ONE NATION Working Together" sticker in support of their rally/march efforts only a few blocks away.

Of course, there were many sights to see (be glad I didn't post pics) and smells to avoid (ugh!).

Homeward bound: my tired feets.

I've already committed to participating in 2011. Care to join me?

*Smooches&Hugs*

Recap: Buick-Regal Discovery Tour

Source: ME!

*latepass*
On Sunday, September 26th I attended DC's last leg of the 10-city Buick-Regal Discovery Tour. The event was held at The Westin Alexandria (Alexandria, VA) and sponsored by Food & Wine, Travel+Leisure and Buick. A good time was had by all.

After registration, we were split into several small groups (I was in Group A) and immediately swept away...to test drive the 2011 Buick Regal! This was the first of four Modules. Oh boy! What a good ride. Even the standard packages are pretty "souped up". If I wasn't already in love with my current vehicle, I'd be itching to trade it in.

After that, we headed to Module #2: Mixology with Michael Green, where we learned to make Ginger (Gin) Sour Cocktail. Since I'm not a fan of Gin, I opted out of that particular mix. It was really good and something quick and easy to make at home.

Module #3: Travel with one half of RoadFood.com's Michael Stern. I swear, this man can tell you where to go for the best food and best bargains for your buck. He had me at "hello". He can suggest anything from the best lobster to the very best chili fries.

Module #4: Artisan with Steven Lynch, founder of Virginia's Montebello Kitchens. We sampled the West African Peanut Soup, which was really good and not at all what I expected. Its a nice, hearty all-year-round soup and didn't taste too bad at room temperature.

The grand finale was the Chef Presentation with Greek Chef Michael Psilakis. That was my first time even thinking about tasting Greek cuisine, but certainly won't be my last. Everything was sooooo good. Very well-seasoned, like soul or Indian food.

I've never attended an event quite like this. I hope to be invited to many more (thanks, Thrillist!) It was, indeed, the unique culinary-travel experience it promised. Here are a few pics.

*Smooches&Hugs*

Breakfast Date: Ted's BULLETIN

*latepass* Yes! I was FINALLY able to make it to Ted's BULLETIN.

Source: me!

Yummy!

We dined pretty early (around 10:15am), so street parking was a breeze ($1.50/hour). We also had ample choice of seating, which was nice considering the popularity of the place and the number of pedestrians roaming about. Despite the time of day and the fact that it was a weekday, there was still a nice little crowd inside.

I had the T.U.B.S (Ted's Ultimate Breakfast Sammy) (well, HALF of it anyway), while my date ordered The Walk of Shame Breakfast Burrito (had some "kick" to it, but not an overbearing or intolerable spice).

The menu selections are awesome. The decor was classic. The smells from the bakery are pleasing to the nose. I can't wait to go back! I have all four of my eyes set on several dessert items *drool* I'm thinking a few homemade Twinkies, a strawberry Poptart and some cookies "TO GO" might be nice.

Click here to view more pics.

Rating: * * * *

Good for...
VERY intimate seating. Good for dining solo or with 2-3 others.

Staff:
Friendly, helpful, well-informed.

We weren't there for long, as there wasn't a long wait for our orderes. Next time, we plan to stick around long enough to sample other food items.

Where to go:

Ted's BULLETIN
505 8th Street, SE - Barracks Row
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-544-TEDS (8337)
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Thursday 7am-11pm; Friday-Saturday 7am-12am
Cross Street/Landmarks: 8th and E Streets
http://www.tedsbulletin.com/

Have you been? What's your take?

*Smooches&Hugs*

Rosa Mexicano: Festival de Halados

I attended Rosa Mexicano's Ice Cream Festival/Cooking Demo a few weeks ago. Talk about fun!

The event began at 10am, which is a bit early for me to be alert AND mobile, but traffic was a breeze and the weather was beyond WONDERFUL! I even stayed afterwards to enjoy a quick bite to eat and sipped on some Sangria. Hel-lo!

Anywho...

Festival de Halados (Ice Cream Festival)

July 7th - August 1st

Demo Items:
*Macaroon de Pitache/Pistachio Torte
*Pistachio macaroon filled with blueberry-creme fraiche ice cream served with tomatillo-blueberry compote
*Trio de Paletas de Helado/ice cream pop trio
*Sweet corn and caramel popcorn

Here are a few photos of the Cooking Demo.

On top of all the fun I had, I won the Raffle/Door Prize! I was the recipient of a shiny new Cuisinart Ice Cream-Yogurt-Sorbet machine! Talk about ex-cited. I hollared! (LOL)

Rosa Mexicano - Penn Quarter
575 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
http://rosamexicano.com/

*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*