Hootch & Banter

But What About the Food?

Sigh. It pains me to write this review, but as a Frederick native I feel it is my duty to tell the people of Hangry District my opinion on Frederick, MD's newest bar and eatery, Hootch & Banter. I was beyond excited to try this speakeasy-esque addition to downtown Frederick, which inherited the space of one of my most frequented bars as a 20-something - Canal Bar and Grill, but was very disappointed to find mediocre food and sky high prices. Keep reading to experience my highs and lows of this over-the-top spot.

Stocking Stuffers

The Holiday season is in full swing! I have been prepping by collecting fun local gifts to stuff in the stockings of my friends and family! I also crafted some beautiful cupcakes that may not fit in a stocking, but will easily be stuffed into the mouths of hangry relatives. Check it all out below!

Turkey Time!

Tips to get you Tipsy on Turkey Day

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! Thanksgiving is my favorite day of the whole year, and I am PSYCHED for the feast. Check out my tips and tricks to keep you sane, relaxed and confident about the big day, while allowing for a few cocktails in between!

EmporiYUM

In My Tum

EmporiYUM is a one-of-a-kind touring food marketplace featuring the tastiest treats from around the country. I took a trip to the DC stop at Union Market and discovered delicious foods, purchased thoughtful gifts and explored top-quality products from a lineup of artisans you can only find locally. Check out my photo summary of my favorite bits and bites!

Five Minute Breakfast Bowl

Wakey, Wakey!

Here's a protein packed breakfast bowl that's filled with flavor and ready in five minutes! If you have cooked quinoa in your fridge - as I usually do, you can make breakfast, lunch and dinners in a flash. Let me know what you love eating for breakfast so I can come up with a Hangry District spin on it.

RecipesMichelle StrobelNovember 16, 2015breakfast, hangry district, quick breakfast, eggs, over easy, edible dc, dc eats, cilantro, quinoa bowl, sriracha, quick, easyComment

Not Sad Desk Lunches

Lunch Time and Snack

Best parts about working in an office setting full time? Lunch time and snacks, of course! A lot of DC employees tend to grab lunch on the go, or head to the closest fast food place for a break and some sustenance. I like to pack! Saves me money and calories. I love coming up with fun lunches that aren't just sandwiches and will give me a boost to get through the rest of the afternoon. Check out some of this month's favorites below.

Meeshballs!

Signature Dish

As a cook and food obsessed maniac, I am often asked, "What's your signature dish?" or "What is your cooking style?" That question stumps me every time. I literally cook everything, I don't really have a particular style and I don't typically cook one dish repeatedly as my "signature dish." I consider myself a MacGuyver in the kitchen - that's my style. I create dishes based on the ingredients in my house and what's in season. However, I always have the makings for my Meeshballs. Keep reading to find out what's in a Meeshball!

Bad Saint

FilipinO-M-G

Wow. Talk about an evening to remember. My first authentic Filipino food experience was undoubtedly the best I'll ever have and I hope you all take the time to wait for a seat at this incredibly intimate restaurant, Bad Saint.

Jalapeño Meatloaf

Spice Up Your Life

Do you have this song in your head now? I do. Hi friends! The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping, so I've been coming up with simple week-night suppers that warm me up from the inside and allow me to enjoy the last rays of sunshine. Meatloaf has been a staple in my life since I was little. My mom made meatloaf a lot and I have taken her recipe and added my own twist and tips for you!

Oktoberfest!

Best of the Wurst

It's October! Time for trips to the pumpkin patch, haunted forests and most importantly - soups, squash and sweatpants! Summer in the swamp of DC was brutal, and I opted for dishes that required minimal heat. Since Fall is finally upon us, it's time to light a fire under my.....stove, and get cookin'! Last weekend I had a magical time in Disney World, where the Oktoberfest activities were in full swing. I wanted to keep the magic alive when I got home, so I created an Oktoberfest-style dinner complete with Bavaria Brass band playlist - nothing makes me hungrier than the sound of a tuba. Let the feeling of gemütlichkeit come over you by making this meal for yourself!

Crispy Chicken & Charred Cauliflower with Olives

Olive You

If you live in DC, then you've been experiencing quite the rainy week this week. There is nothing more relaxing or romantic to me than turning on some French music, pouring a glass of sparkling rosé and firing up the stove to cook a comforting meal, while listening to the pitter-patter of the rain on my windows. Rain is my favorite excuse to cook for hours. Keep reading to see what I came up with to warm us up and dry us off.

The Airedale

Rod Stewart is a Storm Trooper

The Airedale opened in Columbia Heights this summer and is such a breath of fresh air! Literally - they have a beautiful patio on the main floor and two patios upstairs, for dining al fresco in the front or just hanging out at community tables for some beers and bites in the back. I checked it out for happy hour and ended up staying for dinner. Keep reading to find out why!

Tomato Salad with Greek Vinaigrette

It's Tomato Time!

Get ready for lots of fresh and easy tomato recipes. I'm a new homeowner (yay!), which means I'm also a new gardener! My first go at growing edibles was with three tomato seedlings that I was gifted and some herbs. It's been such a success so far! The tomato plants are thriving and producing so much fruit. I have three varieties: Brown Berry cherry tomatoes, Artisan Blush Tiger tomatoes and XXXXX. It's been fun coming up with different ways to use them all. Keep reading for my new favorite salad and a bonus appetizer.

Duke's Grocery

A Taste of East London in DC

If you're looking for a casual neighborhood joint with scratch-made food, cold drinks and a cozy atmosphere, you need to go to Duke's Grocery immediately. Duke's is inspired by sleek avant-garde restaurants and greasy hole in the wall spots in East London -- my two favorite things. The chalkboard menu is updated regularly depending on what is seasonally available and fresh, and the ingredients are sourced from local purveyors and centered around sustainability. Seriously, I have died and gone to foodie heaven.

Weeknight Dinner Party

Turn Up on a Wednesday

I love any excuse to host a dinner party, and that includes weeknights! Since I have a full-time job, weeknight dinner parties require simple and flavorful dishes, that I can whip up in two hours or less. I also need to have a very organized and well thought-out plan for the evening. Check out how I crafted a four-dish menu that was ready to be devoured by 7:30pm on a Wednesday!