Breads
Not so long ago, the only bread available in Washington came sliced in cellophane packages. Now you can't move for choice among loaves studded with anything from olives, raisins and walnuts, to cheese, tomatoes and herbs. Where to get a good honest loaf?
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Amphora Bakery* - 21 Mar 2008
Amphora Bakery is the place to head for whimsically decorated cakes, cupcakes and cookies. And for delicious European patisseries, baked goods and breads of all sorts.
For 25 years the Bilidas and Cholakis families ran the Amphora Bakery next to their restaurant in Vienna. But in 2003, they realized the demand for their cakes, cookies and buns was so great, they needed to find a second location. It's in Herndon. Visit it for your patisserie and you can also spend time with a coffee and a Danish watching the bakers decorate the cakes through the massive windows at the back of a congenial space that feels like some grand artist's sitting room. read more...
Yekta* - 21 Mar 2008
When Yekta, a Persian market, began 28 years ago, "It was more of a beer and wine deli type," says Cathy Dadras, the daughter of the family that owns and runs it. "But it evolved." She can be found next door in the kitchen of Kabobi, the restaurant that serves delectable grilled meats over Persian fragrant rice. read more...
Mushroom and Goat Cheese Fonduta - 27 Feb 2008
Although Stephen Scott serves this Fonduta as an appetizer, it makes a great Sunday supper for two served with a crisp green salad in front of a favorite TV movie or a lunch outside on a warm day. read more...
Eastern Market - 4 Jan 2008
Eastern Market is recovering after the fire that devastated it last spring. For the fullest detail of the different food stall owners back operating there, click on this really informative link from Brendan Spiegel of the blog, endlesssimmer.com. read more...
Portuguese delicatessens - 27 Nov 2007
There are a number of markets that are favorites with people shopping for Portuguese ingredients. But they sell a wider range of European products, too. read more...
Lebanese specials - 26 Nov 2007
Where to find some Lebanese specialties. read more...
Polish Delis in NJ - 26 Nov 2007
The Kielbasa Factory in Rockville MD is the area's only market for Polish specialties.. But New Jersey has a huge Polish community. So if you're up for a drive, or want to try ordering something by phone, here are some other sources. read more...
Russian markets - 23 Nov 2007
Russian and East European markets around Washington abound. read more...
Cuban sandwiches - 18 Nov 2007
A genuine Cuban sandwich is a far cry from any other kind of meal between two slices of bread. But they're hard to find. read more...
Bread flour unscrambled - 15 Nov 2007
Which flour bakes the best bread? First, know that a grain of wheat has three parts: the endosperm which is the central source of the starch, accounting for 85 percent of the grain. Next to it lies the germ, accounting for only 2 percent. But it's the most positive element. It's the 'seed' that grows new wheat plants and it contains most of the whole grain's protein, vitamins and oil. Plus, pretty much all the flavor lies in the germ. Both of these are covered by the protective outer layer of bran. read more...
Bialys - 15 Nov 2007
While you can hardly move for bagels, Polish bialys, named not after a character in The Producers but after Bialystok near Poland's north east border, are a rarity. They are baked without prior boiling, and their indent only goes half way through. read more...
Baguettes the French like - 15 Nov 2007
A bad baguette is almost as bad as that Kleenex bread. But there are some good ones around. read more...
Bacon - 15 Nov 2007
Proper bacon is not that stuff that leaks puddles of grayish water into the pan. read more...
Ethiopian markets - 14 Nov 2007
There is a large Ethiopian community in Washington, and a number of Ethiopian restaurants around the Adams Morgan area. There you'll also find some small but good Ethiopian groceries. read more...
Breakfasts - a good start - 14 Nov 2007
The Italians and Greeks drink a thimble of strong coffee. The Vietnamese eat Phô, the Chinese congee, and the Irish, English, Welsh and Scots a heart-burning fry-up. It's all breakfast to them. read more...
Heirloom Beet and Vidalia Onion Salad, with Honey Thyme and Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette served with Goat Cheese Crostini - 10 Nov 2007
With beets no longer confined to mid-winter growth, this is a pretty and delicious appetizer recipe from Jeffrey Buben, owner-chef of Vidalia, that could also do a turn in the spring and fall as a main course dish served with crusty bread. read more...
Gazpacho - 9 Nov 2007
Terri Cutrino, chef of Jaleo's recipe for that refreshing and pretty soup perfect for summer soup which you can prepare well ahead of sitting down to eat it. read more...
Lentils & dhals unravelled - 4 Nov 2007
Which dhals are which? And which lentils, pulses and dhals are best for which dish? read more...
Breads - a good chew - 2 Nov 2007
Not so long ago, the only bread available in Washington came sliced in cellophane packages. Now you can't move for choice among breads studded with everything from olives to cheese. But where can you get a plain brown loaf? read more...
Marmite mad - 5 Oct 2007
Marmite is a shiny tar-like spread made out of the residues that come from brewing beer. Brits love it. read more...
