The Dish on The Daily Dish

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By Anya Kroupnik, special to Edible DC Zena warmly greeting the group, introducing her staff and describing their restaurant’s vision.

The Daily Dish is a quaint little neighborhood restaurant with a focus on the farm to fork experience, which we know benefits diners and local small farmers alike. Co-owners Zena Polin and Jerry Hollinger founded this restaurant and catering company to share their love for seasonally inspired, locally sourced food.

A rainbow of colors in our glasses: Sauvignon Blanc from Bodegas Carrau, Uruguay; Rose of Sangiovese, Alexander Valley Vineyard, CA; and being poured a Tempranillo/Shiraz blend from Monte da Gloria, Portugal.

We dined over a five-course meal accompanied by pairings of wines and cocktails, which were all well chosen and delicious. Welcomed by a flute of Cremant de Bourgogne, Brut Extra, Clotidle Davenne of Burgundy, France, we continued with Zena’s favorite selection of wines.

Margarita with blood orange garnish.

There was a large selection of dish and drink pairings, but our standout starters included the savory duck confit served in endive boats with applewood smoked bacon and roasted grapes and the house cured Gravlax on cucumber slices, topped with dill crème fraiche and capers. Along side we sipped a gorgeously sour, salty, sweet blood orange margarita.

Lox on cucumber

After a refreshing salad course, our third course included sautéed housemade purple sweet potato gnocchi and pan-seared scallops with pancetta atop of a romanesco sauce. It was all about that gnocchi--perfectly chewy and subtly sweet which perfectly complimented the firm scallops.

sautéed housemade purple sweet potato gnocchi and pan-seared scallops

The main dish was rich and whimsical- slow cooked beef short ribs melted in your mouth while tri-colored carrots pea shoots brightened the dish, both visually and flavorfully.

Slow cooked beef short ribs.

Every sweet tooth was satisfied with a variety of desserts. My favorite was the vegan chocolate cake with drunken berry wine sauce and ice cream.

We left with full bellies, high spirits, and a bag full of the goodies: Daily Dish’s Daily Dough To Go, a “make-your-own-pizza” kit, Goldilocks Goodies chocolate chip cookies, and coupons for Silver Spring’s local brewery, Denizens Brewing Company.

The Daily Dish, 8301 Grubb Road, Silver Spring, MD. A full service catering company and restaurant serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. Focus on using only local foods, the Daily Dish is True Blue certified and serves only Maryland crabs. 301-588-6300. www.thedailydishrestaurant.com