Crab & clam shacks
Washington DC could nominate itself the capital of crab shacks without much challenge.
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Eden Center unscrambled - one of my favorite markets - 26 Oct 2011
If you want a trip to Vietnam without leaving the area, head out to the Eden Center on Wilson Boulevard at Seven Corners, just before Route 50 and Route 7 intersect. You won't hear English spoken. The music blaring from the outdoor speakers comes from a local Vietnamese radio station. It's packed with Vietnamese tailors, jewelers, video stores, Chinese medicine practitioners and more. This is the list of food-related outlets, to eat at or to buy ingredients for your home-cooked Vietnamese feast. read more...
Hearty Crab Bisque - 4 May 2011
This is the kind of dish that's perfect for al fresco parties. It's a soup/stew dish from Alcione Vinet, owner-chef of Park Cafe most of which can be prepared ahead of time. Mop up its juices with a crusty loaf of bread and serve a salad on the side. read more...
Lobster bisque - 23 Nov 2010
Jamie Leeds' recipe for Lobster bisque is worth breaking the bank for. A celebration deserves a fine dish. You can easily feed eight and if you follow with a good salad and well-chosen cheese, it's all you'll need for a feast. read more...
Chesapeake crabs - a shell shucked summer - 17 Jun 2010
The 2,300 square miles of the Chesapeake Bay make an exceptional breeding ground for fish and crabs. The purity of the bay is threatened by run off from fertilizers and industrial pollution. But it still supports some wonderful crabs. Mind you, when I was backpacking through Vietnam, I passed a fish processing plant called The Chesapeake Bay Crab Company. So who knows where the crabs you shuck this summer are coming from... read more...
Anchovies - 15 Apr 2010
One of the most unpopular fishes, anchovies are the culinary equivalent of the Wonderbra. They add body to any dish and most opponents don't even know they're there if they can't see them. read more...
Nosh Notes: Crabs & clams - 5 Aug 2009
Crabs and clams are a local treat worthy of serious foodie consideration. Where to observe - and experience the treat. read more...
Fish: Jonah Crab and Asparagus Salad - 10 Jun 2009
This salad from Vatche Benguian, chef of The Roof Terrace Restaurant, is an elegant appetizer or summer salad main course that's put together in minutes. Just be sure to use good quality vinegar. read more...
Eastern Market - 4 Nov 2008
Eastern Market has recovered after the fire that devastated it in spring 2007. But while finishing touches are put to the original brick building, you'll find it in an extensive marquee opposite.
It's like a street farmers' market, but established long before anyone had head the word farmers' market in the U.S. and open every day of the week and under cover - though it also has a variety of farmers' market stalls outside. Come here for a proper butcher, fish and cheesemonger. read more...
Maxim's Supermarket - one of my favorite markets - 31 Mar 2008
There's no shortage of Oriental and Asian markets in the area. But some of them offer a little extra. At Maxim's, it's the take-out food counter. It's packed with dishes some of which you need to be a little adventurous to try, like tripe, and various parts of the inner pig that look like Captain Davy Jones' face in 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. But there's also a wonderful stewed pork picnic cut that's been marinated and slow-cooked until it's almost purple which wouldn't upset the most conservative eater. And there are noodles and vegetable dishes, along with fried fish and chicken dishes that would frighten no-one. $4.25 buys you your choice of three dishes for a take-out meal in a box. read more...
Shrimp - 22 Nov 2007
Shrimp are ubiquitous, in every stage and form from fresh to cooked, whole and beheaded. read more...
Starters: Tomato Crab Soup - 17 Nov 2007
When Nathan Beauchamp was chef of 1789 Restaurant, he shared this recipe for an elegant dinner party soup. But if you serve it with a side salad and a crusty loaf of bread, it makes a hearty meal in a bowl. read more...
Home-cooking Restaurants - 16 Nov 2007
Nostalgic for restaurants of the 50s? That time before fusion when food was simple but wholesome and plentiful? There are still some diners, restaurants and lunch counters around, cooking food as mother made it. read more...
Fish: Maine Peekytoe Crab Salad with Pickled Peaches and Thai Basil - 16 Nov 2007
This is one of Chef Tony Conte of The Oval Room’s most popular first-course dishes, . It’s a demanding one for a home cook. But most of it can be prepared well ahead and there is, in fact, little real cooking involved. If you'd prefer just to tackle the Basil Oil, as Tony Conte suggests, it also appears as a separate recipe. read more...
Mains: Paella - 9 Nov 2007
Herbert Kerschbaumer, owner-chef of Jack's Restaurant & Bar's recipe can be increased in multiples to feed a crowd. And you don't have to watch over this version. Allter the balance of the first six ingredients, if you wish, according to taste. read more...
