El Nopalito Grill Tapas & Tequila Bar

Ohh finally! I’ve been looking forward to the day I can share this piece of heaven with you!

My first visit to El Nopalito Grill was back in 2010 for Mother’s Day and my return had been rattling around in my head since then, until finally I made it possible this past weekend. Despite the tornado warnings in the DC region, I was determined to have Friday dinner here and indeed the risk of being caught in the middle of the series of tornadoes that touched down in Montgomery County was all very much worth it.

Excited can’t even begin to describe my mood. It was all I remembered it to be and more.

Located on Bel Pre Road in Silver Spring, MD, El Nopalito offers both sides of Mexican Cuisine, authentic and modern. Thanks to the vision of Founder and Chef of El Nopalito, Ismar Reyes (MAHCC Mid Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chef of the Year award 2010)

My favorite–Authentic–thank you Mr. Reyes.

Appetizer: Patatas Bravas– Golden Fried Potatoes with spicy brava sauce. I don’t know why I misread this and expected something like scalloped potatoes but even still, I wasn’t disappointed after seeing my mistake. Fried to perfection in a delicious garlic and pepper blend then to be dipped in an even more delicious red homemade hot sauce, oh love it was.

Entree: Salmon Fillet with Yellow Mole & Sauteed Spinach- If you’re looking for a healthy tasty dish that will send your taste buds soaring, this is the dish for you. Even without the yellow mole, the well seasoned salmon had a great flavor to it, but it was the mouth watering yellow mole that gave your taste buds your money’s worth. I thought it was just me who had become a little hot and in need of water after a few extra bites, but apparently the mole really is that spicy.  Definitely my top recommendation.

Entree: Ribs Zacatecas– One cut into these ribs and the meat is almost instantly falling right off the phone, try a couple more and you won’t have to be concerned with getting BBQ sauce all over your mouth. I always love a deliciously marinated rack of ribs whose meat is just over so tender and moist, you won’t have to worry about looking like a little piggy among the other guests. And with this ancho and chipotle chiles marinated rack satisfaction and clean hands is a given.

Desert: Sopapillas– The sweetest of all. Oh. My. Yums. Deep fried Mexican flatbread drizzled with caramel and topped with powdered sugar, oh and don’t forget your ice cream. Amazing just amazing, a definite Mexican desert you must try.

I highly recommend paying a visit to El Nopalito, great food and great service all at a great price, you’re sure to leave with a nice little stomach full from all the food. Best part is that El Nopalito’s portions aren’t huge and unappealing but portioned just right leaving you with room to try a little of everything and full of flavor that it is true, big flavor does come in little portions!

Oh! Added bonus! Check in to Facebook and receive 20% off!

Buen Provecho!

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Central Michel Richard

Located in Federal Triangle between 10th and D street Northwest, right in front of the Archives station on the green line, Central Michel Richard is a reminder for Washingtonians, lawyers, politicians, couples, tourists, etc that Washington, DC has a lot more to offer than politics and scandals.

To say that downtown DC has some of the best restaurants would be an exaggeration, there is so much to eat for all different prices in this tiny, populated city.

Central Michel Richard however is one of DC’s best upscale dining locations in Downtown without breaking the bank. It is no wonder it was the winner of the 2008 James Beard Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant.

Headed by the great Michel Richard, Central is just an example of what great staff service, beautiful ambiance, and amazing food can do to a diner—pure joy.

Many diners have mixed feelings on Central but one point did stand out: their fried chicken platter.

But before I tell you about this fried chicken controversy (looks like politicians and chicken share something in common) let me tell you about their amazing gougeres.

Ever since my trip to Brazil a couple years ago I’ve loved pao de quiejo. The buttery cheesy warm goodness that goes into your mouth are enough to bring a smile to your face but its actual bread not just cheese.

That’s why I love the cheese puffs here at Central. Its not just fried cheese rolled up into a ball like mozzarella sticks or bread sprinkled with cheese it’s an actual mix between cheese and bread.

Since everything is mixed together it allows the little puffs of delight to have a chewy but firm texture making each bite harder and harder to control until oh no, they’re gone.

I’m not exactly sure what type of cheese is used but it does make for a smooth not too strong cheesy experience.

As many would say going to Central and not ordering the delicious bites of joy is just not the Central experience you should have.

Ok so the fried chicken controversy: paying over $20 for fried chicken when you can find fried chicken all around DC for under $5? (Granted, it may not be the BEST chicken but at the end of the day, its chicken right?)

To Centrals credit their chicken is indeed one of the best dishes they offer. And I would honestly prefer to pay for their chicken instead of having 4-5 different chicken pieces from the ghettos of DC and not enjoying it.

It’s not fried chicken drenched in a million calories of cooking oil; it’s flaky, buttery, tender goodness. With its skin being so flaky and thin, along with its tender, juicy inside texture, you’ll be sure to fall in love with fried chicken and not think twice about ordering fried chicken at an upscale restaurant.

Perhaps my favorite part of this dish is their delicious buttery mashed potatoes. They are just the best things whipped up in Central’s kitchen (ok not best but one of the best).

Now call me crazy but while everyone is raging over their fried chicken and burgers I am a lover of their mashed potatoes.

Perhaps because its my favorite side and not everyone can get it right, I do wish that their portions were larger, especially because the chicken portion is very large.

I honestly suggest visiting Central at least once in your life. Not only will you become addicted to their delicious cheese puffs but also the beautifully decorated restaurant will definitely make you happy you chose this place for your cheesy cravings.

Cheers to Michel Richard!

Casa Oxaca

Located in the famous neighborhood of Adams Morgan in Washington, D.C. Casa Oxaca is a little treasure spot located on the busy street.

With a high Latino population in the area, there are many different restaurants around the city that offer Mexican food, but none of them serve Authentic Mexican food or Oxacan food.

Even though my mom and I first visited this place on Father’s Day last year it wasn’t really full that we were seated almost immediately. Its two stories offers a charming Native feeling with bright colored walls and adorable artifacts as decoration.

If you’ve read my previous post on El Camion you would know that this is where my love for mole began at.

I ordered the Pollo Relleno Con Mole Blanco ($18) 

I loved this dish simply because it had everything I love in one. Spinach stuffed chicken breast served with yellow rice and black beans. Yummy.

Even though I was expecting spicy mole sauce and this is where I learned that no, not all moles are spicy it was actually very delicious. I ate almost everything off my plate even though I left some rice and beans because I really wanted to make sure I ate all my delicious chicken.

My mommy’s order was spicy though: Mole Verde con Costillas de Puerco ($17)

I know mole to be spicy because of this, green mole sauce. Now green mole with pork baby back pork ribs? THE Yums. She didn’t even know where to begin and when she picked one up to let me bite into one I was hit with everything delicious and spicy.

Even though I was incredibly full I couldn’t help but order the Churros con Cajeta for desert.

I took like three bites, realized I was too full and told them to wrap it up for me simply because it was way too good to leave behind.

My mom also ordered herself a couple margaritas. Which let me tell you being underage at the time and deciding to pick up the check wasn’t a good idea for my little sober self but it was very well worth it. I got my first experience at an “adults check” that day but for being raised by a then-single mother, that was my Father’s Day present to her.

So apparently because she kept ordering margaritas they must have been really good.

Whether you visit for Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, after work or for a night out with friends. Casa Oxaca is a definite great time and great food that will leave you satisfyingly full and a lover of Authentic Mexican Cuisine!

Mumbo Sauce and Half & Half

“Catch me out the carry-out, mumbo sauce and half & half”

If you’re a fan of DC-Maryland rapper Wale, you may have heard the rapper say this in his collaboration song with Rick Ross and Meek Millz, Pandemonium.

If you’re a native Washington or ever visited the non-touristy areas of the city then you already know what I’m talking about.

Yep that good ol’ delicious one of a kind red sauce thats served over our fried chicken wings and rice or french fries.

Its sweet. Its bright red. Doesn’t taste like ketchup. And can be quite addicting.

To explain whats in mumbo sauce is like trying to figure out why a mouse named Mickey Mouse has a pet dog named Pluto.

In other words it just doesn’t make sense.

Mumbo sauce is a red sauce poured over fried chicken wings and fries ordered in Washington, DC chinese food spots, or “carry-outs” as we know it to be.

For about $4.50 I can get three big chicken wings and steamed rice with along with this tasty sauce. For $1.75 more you can get a liter of half lemonade, half iced-tea.

So whats in the sauce you ask?

Many people have tried to explain it as a mixture of ketchup, sweet and sour sauce and bar-be-que sauce. But honestly, I highly doubt its that simple.

Even though there are recipes online for this special sauce, imitatting is hard, I personally don’t want to try fail and be left with the desire for this tasty sauce.

In other words, darn those clever Chinese for not giving up the secret behind this amazing sauce. Which is both good and bad.

Good because its only native to Washingtonians (imagine the confusion I caused when I went to Florida arguing for mumbo sauce) and bad because those of us who decide to move away can’t order carry-out fried chicken and eat it with just ketchup.

So next time you visit DC you may just want to stop by a carry-out and order some. Even though many of us argue that the best sauce is in the “hood” or “ghetto,” tourists that are scared of the back streets in DC are safe.

My favorite carry-outs located in one of the fast changing neighborhoods of Northwest DC fulfills your stomach’s needs.

At Johnny’s located on 14th street and Newton St and Grand China on 11th street and Monroe St. you can get your mumbo need while enjoying the new sites of a new DC.

Know of any other delicious places? Drop a comment and I’ll be sure to check it out.

 

Potbelly Sandwich Shops

When I first moved to New York from Washington, DC I was stoked to be surrounded by hundreds of places to grab food from, whether it was a quick bite or a sit down. DC isn’t too far behind in options from NYC but there was one thing DC had that NYC didn’t have when I first moved: Potbelly.

But then in the summer of 2011, just a little under a year that I came my prayers were answered. The Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan was finally being blessed with the creations of the original Chicago couple who started shop that was eventually bought and expanded by a young entrepreneur.

I always find myself arguing with people that Subway isn’t better than Potbelly and I still stand strong next to my argument. Not only do I feel like the quality of the food is better, the atmosphere and decor of the restaurants are definitely worth a visit.

Perhaps the reason why people like Subway to Potbelly is because of their $5 foot longs, but this is not to say that Potbelly is expensive. Even though they don’t offer foot longs, $5.80 for an 8 inch sandwich is not bad.

Also, they don’t offer vast options of ingredients making you feel like you need to pile on more than what you need, instead Potbelly workers are instructed to memorize their eight toppings after you’ve chosen your meat and bread.

“Lettuce, Onion, Tomato, Mayo, Mustard, Hot peppers, pickles, oil & Italian seasoning”

Short and simple yet oh so very tasty.

With options such as “The Wreck” which has four diff meats, the Italian, pizza sandwich and the roast beef, your options are never bland.

I must say my favorite is the clubby. But becareful because as my friends like to tease me: This clubby may just make you chubby (ha-ha). Even though the chicken salad sandwich is also very delicious.

The basics of a clubby are: Choice of bread (White or Multigrain and for less calories a 1/3 cut option)

The bread is then topped with turkey, ham, bacon and provolone cheese. Then they go through this cute little toasting machine where your next server lists out the seven toppings which are also conveniently placed behind their head and you proceed to take your choosing. I always get everything except for the onions just because I’m not too much of a fan of onions.

The end result: a delicious warm and toasty sandwich.

Ok I know you’re thinking, “what?! I can get that at my local deli and/or Subway” But Potbelly perhaps holds the best thing that all these other places probably don’t (I know Subway doesn’t): THEIR HOT PEPPERS.

Oh My Flippin’ Gosh. Spice lovers rejoice because not only do they offer this on your sandwiches but you can also purchase a jar for about $4.

Now THAT ladies and gentleman is what makes for a delicious sandwich. I’ve tried to have my sandwiches topped with just jalapeños and nope no bueno.

Still however, their poppin’ hot peppers on delicious sandwiches isn’t the only thing that makes Potbelly amazing, they also serve delicious house salads, soups, shakes, smoothies, malts and cookies. Oh! And Hand Dipped Ice Creammmmmm!

I can testify I’ve tried at least one choice of all these options and I am never dissatisfied.

Their cookies are to die for, their ice cream is incredibly tasty and creamy making their smoothies and such a must even if you don’t have their sandwiches.

Oh I could go on for days but my recommendation is a must visit at least once in your lifetime.

The stores are decorated with adorable antique pieces and has a very unique decoration to it making your meal very enjoyable.

Warning though: It does get packed, especially around lunch time but Potbelly conveniently offers an online ordering service where you could just walk right up to the cash register and enjoy your meal J

Georgetown Cupcake

Saturday marked the opening of the famous cupcake shop, Georgetown Cupcake in SoHo. Located on Mercer Street between Prince and Spring Street, the line for New Yorkers to taste the famed cupcakes was definitely expected. The star of the show, DC Cupcakes, Georgetown Cupcake certainly has a reputation to live up to.

As a Washingtonian having moved to New York, I was pretty excited to have a piece of home I desperately miss whenever I’m in New York. No who am I kidding, I was ecstatic! Especially being in the DC location a week before the SoHo opening, I almost collapsed right then and there when I was told “Next Saturday.” I don’t think I’ve ever walked into the store and walked away with less than three cupcakes.

From experience I can say that the lines depicted at the the show for the Georgetown location are definitely no lie. I believe that I’ve only been to the DC location once and didn’t have to stand in line out of all the lets say million times I visit.

So the question is, is all the hype necessary and is the company really doing that well to be open up a shop right in the middle of SoHo? The answer is “YES! You have to be insane not to love their cupcakes.”

Even though I haven’t tried every flavor, from the few I have I can say I will continue to be a loyal customer. At only $2.75 a cupcake here is only a glimpse of what you can expect to have:

Red Velvet Cupcake: My favorite. I dread trying the Red Velvet cupcake from shops such as Crumbs because I don’t want my experience to be tainted. BUT Georgetown Cupcake holds the prize for the best. A bite into it and you’re in heaven. With the bread being so moist and tasty, you’re bound to go back for more. The cream cheese frosting compliments the flavorful moist bread. Not to sweet and not too much, its complimentary taste ties up the Red Velvet into one word: YUMMY!

Coconut Cupcake: First & foremost, if you’re not giving me the actual coconut fruit don’t bother. So why am I including this in my review? Because I’d be crazy not to. My friend actually bought this one because I would never order it and let me say, I felt bad for him because he said one bite and I took like 4. (at least I have small bites). The coconut bread, their delicious cream cheese frosting topped with shredded coconut is definitely a trip to the islands in just one bite.

Strawberry Cupcake: One of their seasonal cupcakes offered only during the months of February and July, as well as on Sundays, is my second favorite on menu. A strawberry cupcake should actually have strawberries and not just food coloring to make it seem as if it does. At first bite of the cupcake you are faced with not just a vanilla cake but CHUNKS (big enough chunks for a cupcake) of strawberries! And the frosting?! Strawberry frosting and strawberries in the cake? Yes that’s definitely a strawberry cupcake alright. Amazing. I kid you not one bite and your initial reaction is “MMMM” Sundays are some of their busiest days but this cupcake is definitely worth waiting in line.

Only three of my favorite cupcakes at GC, I can say that having also tried the Carrot Cupcake, Chocolate Ganache and Chocolate Peanut Butter, amongst the three listed above they are all super moist and just sweet enough to not leave you feeling like they used an entire bag of sugar in one cupcake. I can’t wait until I can say I’ve tried everything from the menu.

My advice? WHY ARE YOU STILL SITTING THERE? If you don’t have your shoes on and ready to head out to a Georgetown Cupcake (if you’re one of the lucky people living in DC, MD, Boston or New York) then I’m ashamed of you! If you’re not so fortunate and living in oh I don’t know Kentucky maybe? Georgetown Cupcake generously has a delivery system to any part of the USA.

Oh one last word of advice? If you’re lucky enough to be near the Georgetown or SoHo location don’t go home without stopping by Pinkberry for some frozen yogurt that is the perfect compliment to a Georgetown Cupcake. Trust me I know. These two locations make a lot of business out of me!

Bon Appetite!

(Shown Above: Red Velvet (With red heart). Chocolate (Pink Heart). Coconut and Strawberry)