Food on Wheels, The Final Chapter [DC Summer]

My summer in DC and the food truck adventures that have come along with it have finally come to an end. To celebrate both my last day of work, and last day in DC, Stef, Laura and I met for a final food truck lunch break.

To get through all of DC's food trucks, I'd need 5 more summers down here (and a lot of dedication) - so I'll leave this food truck adventure and this summer saying that this is only the beginning. For my last food truck, I went for Korenergy - a Korean food truck serving up familiar classics like BiBimBap. And...even though it was a sweltering hot DC day, nothing satisfied my hunger better than a warm bowl of Spicy Chicken Bibimbap.

Here's how it looked: 

SPICY CHICKEN BIBIMBAP

[mushrooms, rice, sprouts, radish, carrot, broccoli, egg, sesame oil, pepper paste]

Cost? For $8 you'll get a bowl that's big enough to (happily) satisfy you through the rest of the workday.

The bowl was a perfect balance of spicy, tender chicken complimented by crisp, fresh vegetables and was a great way to end both the summer and my DC food truck adventures.

Putting to rest the [DC Summer] food adventures for now and continuing to blog as I head back to NJ and soon (but not soon enough...) Ann Arbor!

Food on Wheels, Chapter 2 [DC Summer]

To continue this summer's Food Truck adventures, I met Julian, Faith and a few of Julian's co-workers for lunch last Friday and decided to try out the Kimchi-BBQ Taco truck. Although Kimchi had one of the longer lines in Franklin Square that afternoon, it was well worth the wait. 

Here's what I went for...

Spicy Chicken Kogi (BBQ) Box with white rice, salad and vegetable dumplings.

The rice and salad were nothing out of the ordinary - but it was KimchiBBQ's spicy chicken that made this meal particularly memorable. The chicken was packed with deep flavors, a mild spice and was extremely tender. Complimented by crisp, fresh dumplings, this BBQ box really hit the spot.

If you're not in the mood for one of their BBQ boxes, I'd suggest trying out one of their Burritos, filled with your choice of Kogi (Pork, Short Rib, Beef or Chicken), Kimchi and rice. Or opt for their three taco deal and choose between three of KimchiBBQ's delicious homemade tacos.

Most meals range between $8-10, an incredibly reasonable deal for the amount of and quality of food you're getting. Another great food truck to add to this growing list of DC eats.

 

Follow on KimchiBBQ on Twitter @KimchiBBQ to see where they are located today!

Easy Asian Cuisine from our DC Kitchen [DC Summer]

Now that the DC "summer" has officially started and consistent 100 degree days are in full-swing, the only suitable way to end a long work day is by relaxing in an air-conditioned apartment. Still determined to live on a college, working budget, Stef, Laura and I decided that even on the hottest of days it was necessary to cook in.

We came up with a quick and easy meal that helped to clear out our fridge and was one of our best meals yet. Although this Asian inspired meal was meatless, you can replace the main protein, tempeh, with chicken or beef and it will be equally as easy to prepare.

Here's the ingredients we used...

-Frozen vegetable dumplings (we liked Trader Joe's)

-Brown Rice Pad Thai Noodles

-Broccoli Stirfry Mix

-Pre-sliced baby bella mushrooms

-Soy Tempeh (tempeh will be packaged in a long strip)

-Soy Sauce

-Soy Ginger Sauce

And here's what we made...

Asian Noodle Stirfy

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add noodles.
2. While noodles are cooking, heat 1 tbsp. of canola or sesame oil in a large sauce pan. Add stirfry mix and mushrooms. When vegetables are almost cooked through (they will be soft and beginning to brown), add 2-3tbsp. soy sauce. Mix well.
3. ***Before draining the noodles, set aside 1/4 cup of pasta water*** After draining the noodles, add the pasta water back into the pot of noodles. The starch water will help to break up the noodles so they don't stick together of become gummy.
4. Add noodles into pan with vegetables and add 2 tbsp. of soy ginger sauce and 2 tbsp. of soy sauce. Stir until sauces, vegetables and noodles are mixed thoroughly.

Soy Tempeh

1. Slice tempeh into 1/2" wide cubes.
2. Add tempeh to frying pan with 2-3 tbsp. of soy sauce and allow to cook until tempeh has turned dark brown and is beginning to char. If tempeh is not cooked through, it will be flavorless.

Vegetable Dumplings

1. Place dumplings in frying pan with 5 tbsp. of water. Cover and allow to steam until heated through.

These recipes are quick, easy and will satisfy both your hunger and your budget. Enjoy!
 
What's tempeh? Tempeh is a fermented soybean cake used as a protein. A more flavorful and more filling alternative to tofu.... And this place prepares the best tempeh I've ever had.

Food on Wheels, Chapter 1 [DC Summer]

A short lunch-hour break (or in my case half-hour) doesn't allow many Washingtonian's the opportunity to get a good sit down lunch. So what's the solution to satisfying an empty stomach and crammed lunch-break? Food Trucks.


Scattered all across DC are a variety of food trucks serving up cuisines ranging from Bibimbap to Mexican Tacos and homemade Mac and Cheese. Some trucks have their own take on some well-known classics (like the BLT mac and cheese) while other's stick with the traditions they know best - like homemade gyro in fresh pita. Regardless, any truck that you choose is guaranteed to fill you up with some delicious food without bursting your wallet.


Luckily, the food trucks found me - only a block away from my office (around K and 13th if you're living in DC) is a food truck mecca. Everyday at least 8 food trucks are present and the actual food trucks vary on a daily basis.


Throughout the summer, I'll blog about each "chapter" of this food truck experience and hopefully along the way find out which food truck wins the race.


June 14 2012 - Sate


Between trucks decorated with pictures of food that leaves you salivating and yearning for free samples is an unsuspecting red truck bearing only the words "Sate Indonesian Food" in white writing. So why did I go for this truck when the others were waiting to reel me in? Simplicity. Sate's food and menu is simple, serving only two options, with a combination platter as the third, leaving you less overwhelmed and more ready to eat.


Here's what I went for.....

Chicken Sate with Spicy Vegetable Stew, Rice and Peanut Sauce - $8

Julian and Faith went with different trucks - Julian went with the gyro and Faith the chicken bowl - and both looked equally as delicious. Look out for posts on these places in the coming weeks.

Looking to track where your favorite DC food trucks are today? follow @foodtruckfiesta or visit the Food Truck Fiesta website for an up-to-date track of the DC food trucks.

Small-Bites and Big Flavors [DC Summer]

To continue this past weekend's eating and exploring adventures, Stef, Lauren and I decided to make a reservation at Ping Pong Dim Sum after stumbling upon it on our way to Dupont Circle. The restaurant's sleek and modern atmosphere is what instantly drew us in - not to mention all of the dim sum that was being served to the customers seated outside. 

Over the past few weeks I've featured several restaurants in DC that serve up small-bites. Bodega in Georgetown cooks traditional Spanish Tapas, while SEI in Penn Quarter offers small plates of Asian Fusion fare. What separates Ping Pong's cuisine from the others is the fact that it gives you the dim sum experience in a more American setting - and away from the traditional style of serving and eating dim sum.

With so many options to choose from, trust me you're best off going to Ping Ping with a big group so you can really sample the menu. If not though, don't worry...you'll be more than satisfied with any of these dim sum dishes.

Here's how we did Ping Pong Dim Sum:

chicken puff.

puff pastry filled with tender chicken breast, flavored with soy sauce, spring onion and topped with pineapple

beef and black bean puff.
thinly sliced beef with peppers, onions, and black bean sauce wrapped in puff pastry

seafood dumpling.

crab, shrimp and scallop, in a carrot pastry

king prawn and scallop sticky rice.

seafood and rice in a steamed lotus leaf

golden vegetable dumpling.

sauteed vegetables with olive oil, shallots and garlic and a touch of tumeric

in a golden color pastry 

vietnamese rice paper shrimp roll.

shrimp, rice noodles, vegetables served with fish sauce, lettuce and mint

steamed edamame.

spicy vegetable dumpling.

mixed vegetables, chili and garlic in a translucent pastry

Cost? Most dumplings (steamed and fried) were between $5-6 and were served in threes. On average, 3-4 orders would be enough for a complete dinner, though I would advise going with a large group so you can share and try out the entire menu.

Atmosphere? Hip and modern - a great weekend spot. This place is perfect for a date night or for large groups. Try to get a spot outside, its' location in Dupont is hard to beat.

Best dish? Difficult to say - each dish was extremely unique and brought a different flavor to the meal. I wouldn't be quick to get another chicken puff - the idea of sauteed chicken in a puff pastry wasn't particularly appealing, though the flavors were great. Of all the dim sum we ordered, my favorite would be the Vietnamese Rice Paper Shrimp Roll - fried just right (not too oily or too soggy), this roll was a great modern take on the traditional spring roll.

If you want to check out their menu before heading over:

http://pingpongdimsum.us/#eat-and-drink

Although the restaurant was not packed until around 9pm on the Saturday that we went, I suggest getting a reservation before heading over, especially as the summer goes on. 

Ping Pong Dim Sum

1 Dupont Circle NW, 20036

When Dad Comes to Town Part II [DC Summer]

Nothing helps to ease the struggles of living on a college working budget than having a parent come visit and offer to take you and a friend out for a nice, fancy dinner. That being said, DC is full of so many cheap and delicious eats that the “college working budget” hasn’t seemed that daunting.

After researching the array of interesting restaurants scattered across DC, I booked a reservation for my dad, Pam, and myself for SEI. Located at 444 7^th ST NW in Penn Quarter, this Asian inspired tapas-style restaurant was exactly what I had in mind. The small-plates are inviting for both large and small groups and give you the opportunity to taste all of the flavors that SEI has to offer. If I haven’t convinced you yet, just ask Michelle Obama for her opinion – SEI’s gotten her seal of approval.

Here’s how we did SEI:

SOS Roll. Salmon, strawberries, avocado, miso orange sauce (left)

Kobe Tataki. Spicy crunch, watercress oil, red wine ponzu (right)

Wasabi Guacamole. Tofu, wonton chips.

Sashimi Pizza. Salmon, tuna, yellow tail, shrimp, salmon roe, wasabi aioli.

Deangaku Eggplant. Paneer, chat masala.

Sea Bass Sliders. Apricot chili glaze, havarti cheese, yuzu tartar.

Cost? Definitely a parent-in-town kind of meal, though if you’re looking for a lighter dinner the prices aren’t that outrageous. Small plates range from $5-10 while most sushi rolls are around $12.

Atmosphere? One of the coolest restaurants I’ve ever sat in – the restaurant is dimly lit with an intimate yet modern feel. Great for date night or fancy dinner out.

Best dish? Close call between the wasabi guacamole and the sea-bass slider. Although the other dishes that we ordered were good, I would highly advise either of these two when dining at SEI.

If you want to check out their menu before heading over:

http://www.seirestaurant.com/

SEI

Location: 444 7^th St NW, Washington DC

Asian Cuisine With a Flair

Sorority parent’s weekend means one thing: time to explore the best of Ann Arbor’s restaurants. Although I had been to Pacific Rim once before, my previous meal was so great that I knew it was worth sacrificing trying a new place. This article may be a month or two overdue, but my dining experience was too great to forego the opportunity to write about it.  

Located at 114 W. Liberty Street, Pacific Rim offers an exotic, yet appealing menu that combines Asian and American flavors. My favorite part about dining at Pacific Rim is the depth of knowledge the servers have about all the food. Nothing frustrates me more than asking a waiter for their opinion on a dish I’m interested in ordering, only to receive a very unhelpful “it’s good…from what I understand” response. Not only will the waiters provide you with their opinion on the dish, they will tell you how each component of the dish is prepared, where the ingredients are from and what drink is best to pair with the meal.

The only downside of eating there? There are too many great options to choose between. The first time I ate at Pacific Rim, I ordered the Japanese-Style Sablefish and while the dish was impeccably prepared, I knew that I needed to further explore the menu.

So here’s how we did Pacific Rim:

Appetizers:

Again, sadly no pictures were taken of the appetizers but of all that we ordered, I’d suggest getting the Pork Confit Mu Shu Tacos. The Mu Shu pancakes were thicker than what would usually be served at a regular Chinese restaurant, but they nicely complimented the very flavorful pork confit.

Entrées:

Seared Big Eye Tuna

Beautiful big eye tuna lightly seared, served with a ginger-miso sauce, wasabi oil, julienned jicama salad and crispy sushi rice.

 

Black Sesame-Crusted Rack of Lamb

Natural-fed Hannewald Farm rack of lamb with a spicy Thai peanut sauce, bok choy and a taro-polenta cake.

Korean Marinated Ribeye

Thin Slices of grilled certified angus ribeye, with sesame crispy rice, sautéed julienned vegetables, jicama kim chi, quail egg and a Korean chili sauce.

Best dish? Not being partial to my dish….but I’d have to say it takes the cake in both presentation and taste. If you’re a fish lover and want to know what tuna tastes like when it’s prepared correctly, I’d highly advise ordering the Seared Big Eye Tuna. The sauces were an excellent addition to the dish and were great with both the fish and side of crispy sushi rice.

Atmosphere? Dimly lit, relaxing and modern. Pacific Rim is a great place to go to with family or on a date – there’s also a full service bar. Large groups beware, the restaurant seems to have limited room to accommodate to groups of over 8.

Cost? Definitely not an everyday place, but great for a special occasion. Most appetizers are around $9 and entrées average $26-29.

If you want to check out the menu for yourself before heading over:

http://pacificrimbykana.com/menu/dinner-menu/

Upscale, Laid-back and Absolutely Fabulous...

There was no better way to round out a family visit and a blow-out victory for Michigan than by celebrating over an amazing meal at Mélange. Located at 314 S. Main Street, Mélange is a great find that you don’t want to miss out on – especially when your parents are in town.

A contemporary bistro with Eurasian cuisine, Mélange offers an exciting and varied menu that will satisfy both your eyes and your palate. The menu has enough options to make all types of diners happy – lo mein for traditional eaters, a vegetable medley for vegans and duck nachos for the adventurous eaters.

I went last Friday while my dad and brother were in town to celebrate my dad’s 50^th birthday and it still amazes me how incredible the food was and how special they made my dad feel.

Here’s what we ordered:

Appetizers: I didn’t get any pictures but we had the Kamikaze maki from their sushi menu and “The River Rock” from their bistro menu. I’d highly advise the River Rock (marinated strip steak, thinly sliced, floating on a ginger ponzu sauce). Not only was the meal full of flavor, but you cooked it yourself at your table on top of a hot seasoned river rock.

Now onto the entrées:

Bronzini.  Filet of Bronzini seasoned then pan roasted and topped with a lemon curry compound butter. Served with a coriander brown rice pilaf accompanied by sautéed leeks, shitake mushrooms and fresh asparagus.

Lamb. Grilled New Zealand lamb chops marinated in thyme, rosemary and basil. Served over roasted Yukon gold potatoes and a chiffonade of brussel sprouts with a chili lime soy glaze.

Beef. 8-ounce filet mignon grilled and drizzled in a red wine demi-glaze. Served with a parmesan potato croquette and roasted asparagus.

Best dish? It’s a close tie between the lamb and bronzini. Having never had bronzini before, I was pleasantly surprised by this dish and thought that the fish was roasted to perfection – however, for meat lovers I’d recommend the lamb, not only was it incredibly tender but the chili lime soy glaze was good enough to eat on it’s own.

Cost? Definitely a place to take your parents when they’re in town – or great for a very special occasion. Appetizers average around $10 and most entrées are around $25.

Atmosphere? Cool, laid-back lounge atmosphere that gives the restaurant a younger vibe than its’ competitors. Also, the service truly can’t be beat.

If you’re interested in checking out their bistro or sushi menu before heading over:

http://www.melangebistro.com/bistromenu.pdf

http://www.melangebistro.com/sushimenu.pdf