Convivial

Come Hangry, Leave Happy

Convivial (adj.) relating to or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company, i.e., my online dating profile. Shaw's newest eatery is just that: a place you visit to have fond memories of eating and drinking with great company. Even if you are unsure of your company before you enter the restaurant, you will surely share in some joy together during your dining experience. I was eager to try Convivial and am excited to share my delightful experience of perfectly portioned, French-inspired cuisine with you!

Matt Carr: Little Red Fox Owner & Breakfast Burrito Champion

Hangry Hero Spotlight: Matt Carr

The young chef/owner of the Little Red Fox shares why great cooking isn't just reserved for white tablecloth settings and how is the reigning champion of breakfast burrito devouring.

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.

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!

Crane & Turtle

Dinner & A Show

Petworth's Upshur Street is on fire in DC. Joining the likes of this Japanese must-try Crane & Turtle are Slash Run, the Hitching Post, Alex McCoy's anticipated Southeast Asian restaurant and Petworth Citizen to name a few. I have been chomping at the bit to try Crane & Turtle and the experience was surprising and pleasant.

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!

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!

Daikaya Izakaya

Sake Bombs for "Adults"

It has been almost exactly one year since my trip to Japan, and I have been craving the cuisine. What better way to satiate the craving than to celebrate DC Restaurant Week at Daikaya Izakaya. I've been to Daikaya for the amazing ramen on the first floor and was so excited to try the Izakaya upstairs. I was not disappointed. Keep reading to find out why you should head to Japan for your next meal in the District.

Roast Pork and Ratatouille

Sunday Supper

Sunday's are my favorite day of the week for cooking! I can take my time, use fresh ingredients from the weekend Farmer's Market haul, sip on a few glasses of wine, and enjoy the smells and sizzles coming from the kitchen. This week I was inspired by Julia Child and decided on roast pork with ratatouille, check it out below.

Toki Underground

The Above Ground Underground Ramen Shop

Ramen. One of my top five favorite foods. Homemade noodles, complex broth, soft boiled eggs, PIG things... what can be better. Toki Underground has been one of my favorite DC spots since it opened in 2012, and it's consistently good. Check out why I think it's worth waiting in the tight space.

Slash Run

Walk Slash Run to this Neighborhood Gem

So many awesome new restaurants opening up in Petworth (my hood) -- it's hard to keep up! I could not wait to try this new heavy-metal neighborhood burger joint and whiskey bar - Slash Run. The retro atmosphere was eye-catching and casual, perfect for a no fuss meal with friends any time of the week. And the burgers..... have mercy. Keep reading if you want to get really hangry.

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!

Blood in the Water Shark Cakes

It's Shark Week!

It's the most wonderful week of the year - SHARK WEEK! I like to celebrate not only because I find sharks fascinating, but because I want to get people excited about sharks. Millions of sharks are killed every year and it's a race against extinction. So stop being afraid OF sharks and be afraid FOR sharks.

Now, spread the word and get festive by making these delicious and FINtastic shark cupcakes!

Asian Salmon with String Beans

Feel Good Fish Dish

Salmon is such a wonderful fish. It can stand up to bold flavors, it's flaky, but still delicate, you can grill it or bake it or sear it -- I just love it. I get really excited when it's on sale (the fresh stuff, not the frozen stuff), so I like to treat it with love and respect when it makes an appearance in my kitchen. Since my trip to China, I've been under the influence of Asian flavors and this recipe was a big hit at my house. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Caramelized Onion Chicken Salad

Hold the Mayo

I like to describe my style of cooking as MacGyver cooking. I typically lay a bunch of ingredients out that I need or want to use and come up with a creation. The inspiration for this chicken salad were the beautiful spring green onions I got from a CSA share and the fact that I had no mayo. Check out my take on a summer slam dunk with this savory chicken salad.

The Royal

Putting LeDroit Park on the Map

If you follow any sort of DC chatter, i.e. blogs, Facebook, newspapers, etc., you have probably heard the buzz about The Royal. I decided to hop on the trendy train and check it out on it's first ever Friday service. Keep reading to get the scoop.