Cafe' Atlantico - Washington DC Eats

Of all many wonderful eateries I visited during my spring break trip, I have to say that my most favorite meal was taken place at this foodie destination, Cafe' Atlantico, in Washington, DC. Located in Penn Quarter neighborhood, this top-rated restaurant serves contemporary signature cuisine inspired by the "Nuevo Latino" style. Also known for their molecular gastronomy trend leading.

We started with guacamole to whet our appetite. It was made tableside and served in a molcajete -- very flavorful and delicious!

Signature drink - Caipirinha
and Winter Cictrus Caipirinha with blood oranges and meyer lemons

Roasted Beet Salad
Seasonal organic baby beets, oranges, cotija cheese, with sherry vinaigrette

Carrot Soup
passion fruit, “marshmallows”, fresh herbs
Fun, innovative, and delightful. Definitely not the carrot soup you know.

Café Clam Chowder
bacon, pearl onions, chive oil

Dominican Conch Fritters
Crispy on the outside, and creamy molten lava conch chowder inside, served with jicama-avocado raviolis, and passion fruit oil. Just amazing!

Braised Pork Belly
Nice cut of tender pork belly, with smoked poblano alioli, pickled romaine, tomato hearts, pimenton, chicharrones, bacon

Scallops
Perfectly cooked scallops, with coconut rice, crispy rice, ginger, fresh squid, squid ink oil

Chocolate Cake with Banana
warm chocolate cake with Venezuelan chocolate flan, banana foam and fresh banana-lime salad
Cuatro Leches “Morir Soñando”
Leche merengada ice cream, oranges and almond. Refreshing and lightly fragrant.

*******

Great dining adventure, fantastic food, delightful drinks, and excellent service. Highlight of my trip, and I absolutely enjoyed the experience!

Cafe' Atlantico:
405 8th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 393-0812
http://www.cafeatlantico.com/

Cactus - Philly Eats

While I was in Philadelphia for a vacation, my friends and I went for a little shopping in Manayunk. We found this Cactus Restaurant & Bar while walking around. It's their "Margarita Monday", serving $10 pitchers of margarita!

This fun, casual tex-mex bar serves Southwestern and Mexican influenced cuisine. Their bar is stocked with over 40 premium sipping tequilas, innovative cocktails, and over 50 craft beers.

Located on Main street of Manayunk, the historic neighborhood of Philadelphia

Cactus Restaurant & Bar:
4243 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(267) 385-6249
www.cactusphilly.com

The French Laundry (Fenton)

Last Sunday I went to Flint with my friend Lynne to visit Flint Institute of Arts. We were there for the last day of Impressionist Landscapes exhibit - Paintings from the Brooklyn Museum. After that we headed to Fenton for Lunch. Lynne had told me about how great this restaurant was, and how she was sure I would love it there.

Nice selection of baked goods and Zingerman's pastries at the front

Great selection of beer and wine!

All their printed menus are very well done. There is something for everyone. For dinner menu, each entree' is followed by the suggestions for beverages, offered by Mark Hamel, the owner. Staffs are very friendly and helpful.

Side Salad with maple syrup vinaigrette.
Vegetables were all good-looking and fresh. Dressing was heavenly.

Aglio Aioli
Italian spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, Italian sausage, capers, white wine, tomatoes, and spinach. I really enjoyed this tasty and delicious dish! Very nice quality of ingredients, and oh.. so flavorful!!

Vegetable Strudel
Carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, Grafton Vermont Cheddar, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, wrapped in phyllo with a Sherry wine sauce

Bread Pudding

All I could say is GREAT FOOD! Charming and lively atmosphere with fun mismatched tables and chairs. Also excellent service. I am definitely looking forward to returning for more of the French Laundry experience, anytime soon!

The French Laundry:
125 West Shiawassee Avenue
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 629-8852
www.lunchandbeyond.com

Taste of the Town 2010

Saturday evening this past weekend, quite a few hundreds of food lovers gathered at the Henry Center for Executive Development, in Lansing, for the "tastes" of appetizers, soups, breads, entrees, desserts, and beverages - from up to 25 of the town's best eateries. The event: Taste of the Town 2010, celebrated their 22nd year of annual scholarship fundraiser a delicious way -- temping patrons' taste buds, while featuring culinary delights from 25 establishments. All proceeds benefit MSU Community Club Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Great community event that allows businesses to build relationship with patrons, for a cause.

Morton's Fine Catering and their lovely savory panna cotta

"Chapelure"

With Chapelure's executive pastry chef & co-owner, Tae, and his wife, Soogee
(Love that green tea tiramisu!)

Rebecca Jeon, Sansu's owner & manager, serving up their samples.

University Club of MSU serving banana foster and vanilla bean ice cream

Special A'Fare Catering

Gilbert & Blake's, a Steak & Seafood Grille

Beggar's Banquet

Abu's Sahara

Super lump crab cake with spicy remoulade
by executive chef Scott Poff, the Country Club of Lansing
(I did go back to "taste" more of that amazing crab cake!)

******

I had a fabulous time. What a great event!

Until next time...

Sang Kee Peking Duck - Philly Eats

Though I missed an opportunity to eat authentic Chinese food in NYC Chinatown due to a tight schedule, I made it to enjoy an excellent Chinese noodle dish in Philadelphia - at Reading Terminal Market! I was on a mission to have any Asian food that day, the 4th day without any Asian meal. I was desperate :)

Then, there they were.., those beautiful roasted ducks hanging in the display case! Without any expectation, but to satisfy my craving, I ordered without looking at the menu. I wanted it all - wonton, noodle, duck, vegetable, and spiciness!

He knew exactly just what I wanted! So he cooked some egg noodle, wontons, and baby bokchoy, then cut up pieces of roasted duck to put on top. Finally, everything was top with some sauce and chopped green onion.

It was hard to wait, watch, and not drool.

Then, I made sure I had a side of chili pepper in oil to go with my food.

It was a lot of food - but nothing was left.
I was very full and yet very happy!

Sang Kee Peking Duck:

Reading Terminal Market
51 North 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-3930

Pig 'n' Whistle - NYC Eats

Another New York eats on the big evening of Michigan State Spartan's Final Four game, at this Irish pub in Midtown area.

Nice selection of beer, and tasty bar/pub food in the cozy ambiance

P.E.I. Mussels:
with prosciutto chimichurri sauce

Penne Alla Vodka:
Prosciutto di parma, sweet peas, shaved parmesan, and fresh tomato-basil vodka cream sauce

Pig 'n' Whistle:
951 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 832-2021
http://www.pignwhistleon2.com/