So I’m in DC this weekend. Actually Maryland. I’m not used to saying Maryland because I was born and raised in DC so even though most of my family doesn’t live in DC anymore, I still say I’m in DC. And I’ve had such good food here, and a bit of a rude awakening: I’m up a dress size (no!).
Turns out the lack of working out has taken a toll, and begrudgingly I admit that the blissful happiness of a new relationship may have had a few adverse effects, too (he’s enviably skinny and can eat anything). I’m not as svelte as I should be. So I’ve decided to try the p90x dvd series (which so far, has been just as insane as it claims to be), and I’ve decided to drink less (which should help, for all sorts of reasons). As for food, well folks, I probably won’t be featuring a ton of heavy cream recipes this month. But good, healthy, warm weather things are coming.
Now, back to the good food I had. After seeing Fiddler on the Roof at the National Theatre (boy that Harvey Fierstein can whip up a hunger), my mother and I ventured to downtown DC for a light late night supper and ended up at Jaleo. A little tapas, a little wine, a lot of variety, and a lovely location to boot. One dish in particular seemed very familiar-the Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso (seared piquillo peppers filled with goat cheese)- and then I remembered, I had just seen it featured in Self magazine. Man it was good! Creamy, peppery, sweet and tangy. Loved the Pómpano con salsa verde fresca y ajo negro (Seared butterfish with parsley sauce and black garlic). Black garlic! I’d never had black garlic before. And I’ve got to get some again soon. Also enjoyed eating Mom’s Papas arrugas (Canary Island-style wrinkled baby potatoes served with mojo verde (cilantro, cumin, garlic, Sherry vinegar and olive oil sauce). I enjoyed everything so much. José Andrés is a genius! An absolute treat.
And today, we went to an Indian buffet in a strip mall, which made me nervous at first (Indian food can be… um, well a challenge digesting if it isn’t properly prepared, and I’m not the biggest fan of strip malls). But my fear was unfounded because the food was prepared right in front of us (we had to wait for goat), and it was fresh and delicious. As for making peace with the strip mall, well my urban snobbery dissipated and I realized what a lot of suburban dwellers must have known all along: good food trumps strip malls.
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