Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Springtime Sunday Brunch at Palena in Cleveland Park
I'm a brunch girl, so I'm happy to see so many Cleveland Park restaurants getting in the game. I've tried Dino (love the breakfast bread pudding), Medium Rare (egg frites and a bloody mary), and as of today, Palena.
I started off with a cute patio table on the most gorgeous spring day. From there, things only went up. I ordered a cup of coffee and a lemon glazed donut. I love that you can by by-the-donut for $2.00 because it was huge. I can definitely see myself sitting at the bar with coffee, a donut and my iPad for a lazy Sunday ahead.
While I dilly-dallied with the next menu choice, my dog Ike napped in the sun. It was a tough choice. I mean, Chef Frank Ruta's version of Bacon and Eggs involved pork belly, coddled egg and ramps. But, I die for their cheeseburgers and the brunch version comes topped with a fried duck egg.
I decided to dance with the one that brought me there... but I'll be back to check out the Bacon and Eggs, as well as the pizzas and other options soon. Pretty sure once my friends see this photo, I won't have trouble finding a dining companion to meet me.
Palena is located at 3529 Connecticut Avenue, right at the Cleveland Park Metro stop. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter or read the full brunch menu here (pdf). Brunch hours are from 11:30am - 2:30pm.
Live in Cleveland Park, follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.
I started off with a cute patio table on the most gorgeous spring day. From there, things only went up. I ordered a cup of coffee and a lemon glazed donut. I love that you can by by-the-donut for $2.00 because it was huge. I can definitely see myself sitting at the bar with coffee, a donut and my iPad for a lazy Sunday ahead.
Live in Cleveland Park, follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Neighborhood Round Up
Lots of stuff happening in Cleveland Park as we barrel towards spring, here's a quick round up:
Today's Groupon is $25 for five "drop in" classes at Hot Yoga. I don't know about you, but the closer I get to the beach, the more I'm thinking about how to get in better shape. Yoga's one option that actually makes me feel so much stronger - physically and emotionally. Get yours here.
Tax day cometh and if you're like me (and haven't started), you'll need a cocktail. Ardeo + Bardeo's concocted a special drink called The Refund and is offering it for $8 on April 18th only. It's made with Bacardi Silver Rum, fresh lime juice, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, and cranberry... that ought to take the edge off.
Brunch Wars are on. Last Sunday, Palena started serving brunch on Sundays from 11:30am-2:30pm. Last week had a small hiccup that resulted in the fire department showing up (no worries, just forgot to open a kitchen vent), but rebounded nicely as reports of fresh, homemade donuts surfaced.
Scream 4 is taking over the screen at the Uptown. I'm not a big scary movie fan, but the Scream franchise always had a great cast and an element of fun, so MAYBE, just MAYBE, I'll check it out. Showtimes and ticket info here. Reviews here.
Ripple announced on Twitter that strawberries are in the house, and more importantly hitting their cocktails.
Job hunters and seafood fans alike will be happy to know that Tacklebox is nearing completion. They are hiring servers and cooks, so stop by the new location on Connecticut in between Ordway & Macomb. I, for one, am pulling for a rooftop Crackle Bar!
Dino's got wild, sustainable Alaskan Halibut on the menu - grilled with Tuscan pesto! - while it lasts.
Finally, today is perfect for patios. Here's what I know is serving al fresco this evening: District 2 Bar, Cactus Cantina, Dino, Alero, Cleveland Park Bar & Grill roof and more. Enjoy the evening - I hear tomorrow's gonna be wet and gray (again)....
Today's Groupon is $25 for five "drop in" classes at Hot Yoga. I don't know about you, but the closer I get to the beach, the more I'm thinking about how to get in better shape. Yoga's one option that actually makes me feel so much stronger - physically and emotionally. Get yours here.
Tax day cometh and if you're like me (and haven't started), you'll need a cocktail. Ardeo + Bardeo's concocted a special drink called The Refund and is offering it for $8 on April 18th only. It's made with Bacardi Silver Rum, fresh lime juice, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, and cranberry... that ought to take the edge off.
 |
| The Refund Cocktail at Ardeo + Bardeo |
Brunch Wars are on. Last Sunday, Palena started serving brunch on Sundays from 11:30am-2:30pm. Last week had a small hiccup that resulted in the fire department showing up (no worries, just forgot to open a kitchen vent), but rebounded nicely as reports of fresh, homemade donuts surfaced.
Scream 4 is taking over the screen at the Uptown. I'm not a big scary movie fan, but the Scream franchise always had a great cast and an element of fun, so MAYBE, just MAYBE, I'll check it out. Showtimes and ticket info here. Reviews here.
Ripple announced on Twitter that strawberries are in the house, and more importantly hitting their cocktails.
Job hunters and seafood fans alike will be happy to know that Tacklebox is nearing completion. They are hiring servers and cooks, so stop by the new location on Connecticut in between Ordway & Macomb. I, for one, am pulling for a rooftop Crackle Bar!
Dino's got wild, sustainable Alaskan Halibut on the menu - grilled with Tuscan pesto! - while it lasts.
Finally, today is perfect for patios. Here's what I know is serving al fresco this evening: District 2 Bar, Cactus Cantina, Dino, Alero, Cleveland Park Bar & Grill roof and more. Enjoy the evening - I hear tomorrow's gonna be wet and gray (again)....
Friday, April 8, 2011
Springtime Daffodils
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
NEWS: Palena to Start Serving Brunch
Yep, we are experiencing a wealth of fabulous brunches neighbors. From Dino's amazing breakfast bread pudding, to the Steak & Egg Frites at Medium Rare, to a simple almond croissant at Cacao... and now Frank Ruta has to go and up the ante.
Palena just announced on their Facebook page that they'll be serving their inaugural brunch this Sunday from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Will you be there to check it out?
If you do, tell me what you think!
Palena is located at 3529 Connecticut Avenue, right outside of the Cleveland Park metro stop. Follow Palena on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest announcements (including their upcoming market!)
Palena just announced on their Facebook page that they'll be serving their inaugural brunch this Sunday from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Will you be there to check it out?
If you do, tell me what you think!
Palena is located at 3529 Connecticut Avenue, right outside of the Cleveland Park metro stop. Follow Palena on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest announcements (including their upcoming market!)
Monday, April 4, 2011
DEAL: 50% Off at Cacao in Cleveland Park
Today's Living Social deal in Washington is for our own Cacao Chocolates & Pastries. (Though, I think the best thing they've got are the macarons and fresh squeezed orange juice.)
Get your 50% voucher here and feed your sweet tooth.
All of my photos are of their pastries, but they also have wonderful sandwiches and salads... and *spring swoon* a patio.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
PREVIEW: Brunch at Medium Rare
I was graciously allowed an early bite today as Medium Rare, Cleveland Park's new steak frites bistronomie, put their staff through a dress rehearsal.
Brunch sticks to their simple menu theme and is affordable at $14.50. Each item comes with their soft-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside rustic bread and your choice of yogurt parfait (suprisingly good!), fresh fruit or salad. Currently, the brunch line up includes Steak Frites (with a poached egg if you so desire), Medium Rare Benedict (steak, portabello mushroom, poached egg, red pepper & hollandaise) or Egg Frites (three perfectly poached eggs topped with their secret sauce (gravy-ish) and fries. Those were all solid choices - and if you're a meat and potatoes kinda gal/guy, you are really going to dig this joint.
I'm not, but I still think I'm going to like it. (Vegetarian options nightly will include portabello mushrooms topped with red pepper and their secret sauce, plus frites)
First off, the staff was incredibly welcoming, gracious and astute. They rarely missed a beat and I already feel at home in the warm, chic space (Yanni, who?). I adore the red exposed brick walls, inviting windows and smart bistro tables. The bar invites you to pull up a stool for a glass of wine or pint of beer. And, the bloody mary was one of the best I've had in recent memory (if you are a horseradish slore like me, you'll go nuts on it).
Lastly, though in my book it might go first, desserts. We tried the carrot cake and the apple pie. I think my live tweet said it best: After I have my way with Medium Rare's carrot cake, I want to go home and spoon it. It's huge, so there's another serving in my fridge and I just might do that.
My only complaint was that the menu wasn't sourced. I like knowing where my ingredients come from and the staff couldn't tell me what farm their beef came from. Nerdy locavore question, I realize, but if I had one thing to improve upon that would be it. Either way, I'll be back for more.
As the sign on the door today says, "Show opens and lines form Monday March 28th, 5pm."
Bottom line: Check it out.
Medium Rare is at 3500 Connecticut Avenue NW at Ordway Street. Brunch will be served every Saturday and Sunday. It less than a stone's throw from the Cleveland Park metro stop. Make a reservation, follow them on Twitter and let me know what you think!
Disclosure: Part of my meal was complimentary as this was a dress rehearsal and the restaurant is not officially open. That said, it's worth the hard earned dollars in my bank account. ;)
Live in Cleveland Park, follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.
Brunch sticks to their simple menu theme and is affordable at $14.50. Each item comes with their soft-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside rustic bread and your choice of yogurt parfait (suprisingly good!), fresh fruit or salad. Currently, the brunch line up includes Steak Frites (with a poached egg if you so desire), Medium Rare Benedict (steak, portabello mushroom, poached egg, red pepper & hollandaise) or Egg Frites (three perfectly poached eggs topped with their secret sauce (gravy-ish) and fries. Those were all solid choices - and if you're a meat and potatoes kinda gal/guy, you are really going to dig this joint.
I'm not, but I still think I'm going to like it. (Vegetarian options nightly will include portabello mushrooms topped with red pepper and their secret sauce, plus frites)
First off, the staff was incredibly welcoming, gracious and astute. They rarely missed a beat and I already feel at home in the warm, chic space (Yanni, who?). I adore the red exposed brick walls, inviting windows and smart bistro tables. The bar invites you to pull up a stool for a glass of wine or pint of beer. And, the bloody mary was one of the best I've had in recent memory (if you are a horseradish slore like me, you'll go nuts on it).
Lastly, though in my book it might go first, desserts. We tried the carrot cake and the apple pie. I think my live tweet said it best: After I have my way with Medium Rare's carrot cake, I want to go home and spoon it. It's huge, so there's another serving in my fridge and I just might do that.
My only complaint was that the menu wasn't sourced. I like knowing where my ingredients come from and the staff couldn't tell me what farm their beef came from. Nerdy locavore question, I realize, but if I had one thing to improve upon that would be it. Either way, I'll be back for more.
As the sign on the door today says, "Show opens and lines form Monday March 28th, 5pm."
Bottom line: Check it out.
Medium Rare is at 3500 Connecticut Avenue NW at Ordway Street. Brunch will be served every Saturday and Sunday. It less than a stone's throw from the Cleveland Park metro stop. Make a reservation, follow them on Twitter and let me know what you think!
Disclosure: Part of my meal was complimentary as this was a dress rehearsal and the restaurant is not officially open. That said, it's worth the hard earned dollars in my bank account. ;)
Live in Cleveland Park, follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.
WANTED: Amazing Artisan Coffee in Cleveland Park
I woke up this morning and was out of half and half. As I trudged out in the (why is it still) cold to Brookville Market, I was thinking, all I really want is Pound. Or Murky. Or Filter.
Yes, we've got Firehook and Cacao - both great bakeries, but I want someone who's focused on the perfect latte, not the perfect, flaky croissant. (I'll take the croissant after my latte.)
We are blessed with so many fantastic restaurants in our neighborhood. Is it too greedy for me to hope that the Cereal Bowl space becomes an amazing, artisan coffeeshop?
What do you wish Cleveland Park had?
PS. Dear Nam-Viet, please consider brunch, cause BaBay's Vietnamese brunch now has me craving fried egg banh mi!
 | |||
| The insanely delicious Nutella Latte I had yesterday at Pound The Hill |
We are blessed with so many fantastic restaurants in our neighborhood. Is it too greedy for me to hope that the Cereal Bowl space becomes an amazing, artisan coffeeshop?
What do you wish Cleveland Park had?
PS. Dear Nam-Viet, please consider brunch, cause BaBay's Vietnamese brunch now has me craving fried egg banh mi!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sneak Peek: Cleveland Park's New Medium Rare Menu
I just walked by the cozy new Medium Rare space at Connecticut and Ordway and peeked inside. The exposed brick walls and cafe tables scream French bistro and the menus I saw on one of the tables reinforced it.
I had heard that Medium Rare was going to do steak frites and steak frites only, but part of me didn't believe it (maybe the part that doesn't really eat steak.) But, the menus show Rustic Bread, Salad and Steak Frites for a grand total of $19.99. Not half bad and I expect the steak lovers to flock.
For the rest of us, I hope they cobble together some sort of kick ass sides combo like Hank's Oyster Bar's market plate.
When it comes to dessert, Medium Rare won't be a one trick pony. I spied chocolate cake, ice cream sundae, carrot cake and cheesecake on the docket
So, what do you think, will DC support a single item menu? When it's the vision of Michel Richard, Brian Zipin and Mark Bucher, I suspect the answer will be yes.
Medium Rare is located at 3500 Connecticut Avenue NW, immediately outside of the Cleveland Park Metro stop. We Cleveland Park residents urge you to take Metro to this new hot spot as it's combat parking out there already! ;)
I had heard that Medium Rare was going to do steak frites and steak frites only, but part of me didn't believe it (maybe the part that doesn't really eat steak.) But, the menus show Rustic Bread, Salad and Steak Frites for a grand total of $19.99. Not half bad and I expect the steak lovers to flock.
For the rest of us, I hope they cobble together some sort of kick ass sides combo like Hank's Oyster Bar's market plate.
When it comes to dessert, Medium Rare won't be a one trick pony. I spied chocolate cake, ice cream sundae, carrot cake and cheesecake on the docket
So, what do you think, will DC support a single item menu? When it's the vision of Michel Richard, Brian Zipin and Mark Bucher, I suspect the answer will be yes.
Medium Rare is located at 3500 Connecticut Avenue NW, immediately outside of the Cleveland Park Metro stop. We Cleveland Park residents urge you to take Metro to this new hot spot as it's combat parking out there already! ;)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
St. Patrick's Day in Cleveland Park
I defy you to show me a neighborhood that does St. Patrick's Day in the District better than Cleveland Park. We've got a built in base with 4P's & Nanny O'Briens... and now, today, all day, we also have the Lobster Truck.
It's a gorgeous day. Get your green on and get here... and if you forget your green, this guy will hook you up:
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