Salamander Resort & Spa Joins Short List of Forbes Five Star Resorts in the DMV

Congratulations to Salamander Resort & Spa on being named to the Forbes Five Star Resort list. Only 210 properties worldwide share this designation, with just two new five star designations this year in the U.S.

“This award is a true testament to the extraordinary dedication our service professionals provide each and every day,” said Reggie Cooper, the resort’s general manager. “We all take immense pride in reflecting our the belief of our founder, Ms. Sheila Johnson, that every guest at Salamander should be welcomed as if they were entering her own home.”

Only a short drive from DC, the 340-acre oasis is one of our favorite staycation spots to truly rest and recharge. Start any stay with a massage in their spa, enjoy the year round heated pools and hot tubs — or venture out into picturesque Middleburg for shopping or tours of local wineries. Need ideas about wineries to visit? Check out our all local wine guide here. 

In celebration of this achievement, the resort has created a Five Star Caviar Cocktail at Gold Cup Wine Bar and Executive Chef Ryan Arensdorf will be presenting a “Five Star, Five Course” menu at Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill. Pictured bottom left are two of the courses Dry Aged New York Strip and Applewood Smoked Maine Diver Sea Scallops from Harrimans. Pictured bottom right is cocktail at the Gold Cup Wine Bar created by Food & Beverage Director, Jacob Musyt.

Learn about at their website, www.salamanderresort.com

Your Perfect Day for a Margarita is Today

Friday, Feb. 22 is National Margarita Day, we’re here for you with some great options

Thyme margaritas @AcreBaja in San Jose del Cabo.

By Susan Able, Edible DC

I have literally just stumbled off a red-eye from Cabo and I can safely tell you this, there is many a margarita to be had in Baja, California and that is a very, very good thing.

But now that I’m back and for those of you who love a good margarita as much as I do, what absolute genius gave the drink its own whole day? Friday, February 22 is National Margarita Day. Woohoo and good thinking on the part of tequila importers everywhere.

Where to start?

Why not at one of the most solid contenders around? The Oyamel Salt-Air Margarita. After a poll from Team Edible DC, we think the unique crustless airy salt foam rim on a classic margarita is one of our favs. Plus, is there a better place to get fresh chips and guac? They are soon kicking off their Tequila Mezcal Festival, so there will be much happening at the Oyamel bar well past Margarita Day.

The Cilantro Margarita at La Puerta Verde. AJ Dronkers.

AJ is crazy about La Puerta Verde’s Cilantro Margarita which he swears is the bomb. In Ivy City, open at 5:00 p.m., with Happy Hour until 6:30 p.m. featuring $8 margaritas and $3 tacos.

One of our happy places is Espita Mezcaleria in Shaw. Beverage Director Megan Barnes is a top DC mixologist, and paired with their authentic tortillas and Oaxacan snacks, you can’t go wrong here. One of our absolute fav margaritas is their Mayahuel, a classic mezcal margarita with house espadín, real triple sec, fresh lime, ‘nogave’ and served up with a sal de gusano rim. Get in there from 4-6 p.m., the Mayahuel is half price and tacos are $3.

“The Swirl” at El Rey in frozen form. You can get them frozen or on the rocks, and by the glass—or a pitcher. AJ Dronkers.

If you are feeling fancy free, get your gang to meet you Friday at El Rey in Shaw for their swirled frozen margarita and a big plate of nachos. Oh yes! What a great way to celebrate this national holiday. El Rey serves up tacos & tequila in a space fashioned out of shipping containers.

Other ideas you say? We also love grabbing a margarita at El Centro DF on 14th NW, Haydee’s or Don Juan in Mt. Pleasant, Capitol Hill haunts like La Lomita Dos and Las Placitas. El Techo may be fast casual-ish, but the drinks are very good.

Another great idea? Leave work early and hit Mi Vida at the Wharf. Their Happy Hour starts at 3 p.m. and margaritas are $6.

Hosting an Oscars Party

Here’s Your Guide to Some of Our Best Recipes and the Movies

By TC Martin, Edible DC Contributor

Courtesy of Pexels

This Sunday, February 24th, the 91st Academy Awards ceremony will take place in the Dolby Theater in downtown Hollywood. If your tickets got lost in the mail like mine did, this guide is for you! Why not host our own Oscars party? It can be as exciting as attending the real event—and you get to spend the evening with your friends instead of fighting tooth and nail for a selfie with any of the nominees or god forbid, a Kardashian.

If decide to gather a gang and host your own Oscars party this awards season, remember that when it comes down to it, all great Oscars parties involve just three basic elements: the food, the viewing, and the details. If you ace those, your evening is sure to be fun and memorable (so long as your favorite nominee doesn’t get robbed).

Part I: The Food 

Recipes abound for Oscars parties, but a quick perusal of what’s out there reveals countless popcorn-heavy menus, as well as platters of shareable appetizers that would better serve a Superbowl party than an Oscars party.

This year, Edible DC rounded up some of our best recipes for home entertaining.

Winter Rosemary Galette

Just yum. If this was your favorite movie, perhaps you will agree that something savory, elegant and slightly exotic is needed here. Make a Winter Rosemary Galettes featuring squash, goat cheese and prosciutto. It can serve four people, or it can be cut into smaller slices to be shared as an appetizer.

Chicken Andouille and Shrimp Jambalaya

This Chicken, Andouille, and Shrimp Jambalaya recipe from Executive Chef Rusty Holman at Bayou can be made in large batches and served with cornbread and a green salad to satisfy a large gathering.

Coconut Poached Chicken Bon Choy Salad

Chef Johanna Hellrigl, of Doi Moi, shared this delightful recipe for Coconut Poached Chicken Bok Choy Salad last year. Showcasing Thai chilies, fresh herbs, and bright flavors like lime and coconut, this salad serves four, and can be made in larger batches for bigger groups.

Wadi Rum Cocktail

On the topic of this incredible Wadi Rum Cocktail, Chris Hassaan Francke, owner of the Green Zone in Adams Morgan, said “It’s boozy, it’s hot, it’s smoky, and it’s a little bit of sweet. What more do you want in a wintertime drink?”

Tuscany Country Soup

This Tuscan Country Soup from Jim Courtovich makes a flavorful soup with finely chopped pancetta to keep you warm during the winter months. Top with as much freshly-grated Parmesan as you heart desires.

Italian Love Cake

Pay homage to Lady Gaga’s Oscar nominations for Best Original Song and Best Actress by dishing up a dessert that echoes Gaga’s Italian ancestry: this Italian Love Cake serves eight to ten.

Part II: The Viewing

On Sunday, February 24th, red carpet coverage of the Oscars will begin at 6:30 pm EST, followed by the awards at 8:00 pm EST. The Oscars will air live on ABC, so for those of you who haven’t cut the cable cord yet, watching this Sunday’s awards ceremony will be as easy as flipping to Channel 7 on your TV. If you’re streaming on a device, things get a bit trickier. Nobody wants technical difficulties to cut your Oscars viewing before it even begins, so it’s best to make your streaming plan ahead of time. If you’re streaming on a device but still have access to a cable subscription, ABC’s streaming service ABC Go will let you stream the Oscars for free. If you don’t have access to a cable subscription, live TV streaming services are your best bet. Hulu with Live TV will let you stream ABC and watch the awards live (Hulu offers a free one-week trial), but other sites like fuboTV and Sling TV won’t give you access to ABC’s coverage.

Part III: The Details

The food and the viewing are crucial to your Oscars party; what makes the night not merely enjoyable but memorable, however, are the extra details. Here is where your creativity can shine through. Try giving your guests hand-lettered paper invitations instead of a Facebook event request or a quick text; it’ll last longer and mean much more to them. Consider crafting your own film-themed cocktails if you’ve got the time and extra hands, or put a new Hollywood twist on some of your reliable drink recipes with anything from simple garnishes to flashy glitter (be sure to buy the edible variety, though). And although there’s no reason to break the bank for one night of Hollywood glamour, bring together some décor that evokes the very event you’re celebrating. Accents like specialty drink glasses, coasters, drink carts, fresh flowers, candles, and anything else you feel adds ambience to your entertainment space are sure to be appreciated by your guests.

Keep these three elements (food, viewing, and details) in mind, and your party Sunday night is sure to be a blockbuster! If you’re looking to go out to watch the Oscars, there’s no shortage of events happening in the DC area. Commissary DC is offering an Oscars Night mixology class at their P Street location where guests will learn how to make three Oscar-themed cocktails, and Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill in Georgetown is hosting an Oscar in Style Soirée featuring “several epicurean treats from Dyllan’s menu, passed assortment of hand rolled sushi, and bubbly served all night long.” Other Oscars-related events can be found here.

12 Great CSAs in the DC Area

Get on board with fresh produce delivery, here’s how to join

By Jessica Wolfrom, Edible DC Contributor

It’s never been easier to live in a city and eat like a farmer. 

In the District, we are spoiled year round by the many farmers markets and restaurants that celebrate the bounty of regional cuisine.  

But if the winter chill has kept you away from the markets (and it shouldn’t—there is still wonderful winter produce and farmers to support), there’s another way to connect with farmers from the comfort of your home — let them bring the farm to you. 

February 22nd is CSA Day, a celebration of our local foodsheds and a call to action to support the farmers who make our seasonal and regional food possible.

CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture, is a system that connects the farmer with the consumer more directly by circumventing the grocery store. It’s essentially a subscription service for produce, meats, and dairy, delivered straight from the farm to your door. 

The money you pay up front supports the harvest of that farm for the entire year. Think of it like a down payment on your health; invest in your farmer, and eat healthier all year. (Not to mention eating local reduces your carbon footprint.)

[And in more happy CSA news—we’ve learned that Imperfect Produce, a company founded to help combat food waste by taking fresh, delicious produce that normally wouldn’t sell because it might be misshapen or have a harmless bump and saving it from landfill. Founded University of Maryland grad Ben Simon, Imperfect Produce has now grown nationally and is now delivering to the MD/DC area. Check their website to see if they are delivering to your neighborhood.]

Here are twelve local food delivery and CSA’s we love, and news on another new CSA. And you will too. Take it from us, nothing makes you happier than coming home to a box of fresh produce. The the names of the CSAs are linked to their websites for for information on how to join and additional details.

This month, do good for your body and your community by registering for a CSA. 

Windy Hill Farm CSA (Single farm CSA)

Offers CSA pick-up in Chevy Chase, DC as well as limited local delivery. Windy Hill Farm also offers reduced cost CSA shares to low-income community members. More details on how the CSA works here.

Second Spring Farm CSA (Single Farm CSA)

Operates May - November and offers a plethora of pick up locations including Leesburg, Reston/Herndon, Oakton, Vienna, Ashburn, Arlington, Springfield, Glen Echo, Takoma Park, Bethesda, Columbia Heights, and at the farm in Purcellville. You have the option for a small or large size box that includes plenty of recipes.

Owl’s Nest Farm CSA (Single Farm CSA)

Offers organic produce from their farm in Upper Marlboro, MD. Pickup locations are offered in Bloomingdale, Brookland, Columbia Heights, and Petworth, DC, and on the farm in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Even’ Star Organic Farm (Single Farm CSA)

Certified organic vegetables, fruits and herbs offered Bethesda, Alexandria, South Arlington, North Arlington, Takoma Park, University Park, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Lexington Park, Leondardtown, and Waldorf.

Clagett Farm (Single Farm CSA)

Operates May - November pick up offered in Dupont Circle for $700 and helps support their ability to donate 40-50% of their produce to area soup kitchens.

4P Foods (Network of Farmers)

Example 4p Foods spring box! (Photo credit Abbey Gleason)

4P isn’t just one farmer, it’s a network of farmers. The 4P team delivers produce, meat, and dairy from environmentally responsible family farmers in the DMV foodshed. Not only will you receive food from a variety of farmers, your subscription will feed others — for every 10 bags it delivers, it will give one to local food banks including Fauquier Food Bank, Local Food Bank Partners and YMCA Capital View.

Cultivate the City (Single Farm CSA)

Cultivate the City is part urban farm, part education program, part garden center. Its CSA program sources food from both its H Street Farm and school gardens like Miner Elementary, Gallaudet University and IDEA Public Charter School. Your subscription will support farm programming and garden activities for youth in schools around the District.

In addition, any extra produce that isn’t picked up is donated to local food pantries, reducing food waste and providing for community members who otherwise may not have access to healthy foods.

Little Farm Stand (Network of Farmers)

Little Farm Stand proudly claims to be the “most flexible CSA in Washington D.C.,” allowing its members to choose up to 90% of their weekly shares. With a focus on local, organic produce and Virginia raised grass-fed beef, this CSA is perfect for picky eaters and locavores alike. 

Lancaster Farms Co-Op (Co-Op)

Lancaster Farms is a co-op of multi-generational families bringing Certified Organic, chemical-free produce and humanely raised meat to the DMV from their headquarters in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Its motto is “locally rooted, sustainably minded” and this ethos penetrates every part of their business. Choose the size of your weekly share, and find a pick-up location that works best for you. This model encourages new communities to take root around its food, and your subscription helps continue Lancaster’s farming traditions for generations to come.

From the Farmer (Network of Farmers)

From the Farmer was started in 2010 by two friends-turned business partners who met at the University of Denver. From the Farmer delivers fresh farm boxes to the Washington D.C. area with an emphasis on local, organic and seasonal produce, meats, seafood and other artisanal treats. 

You can customize your farm box based on your gastronomic allegiances — electing for example, an all veggie box or an all fruit box — and you can eat happy knowing that 50% of every dollar goes directly back to the farmer or maker. 

Washington’s Green Grocer (Network of Farmers)

Photo courtesy Washington’s Green Grocer

If you are iffy about commitment and overwhelmed by what to do with kohlrabi, then this is the perfect CSA for you. Not only does Washington’s Green Grocer allow you to customize your box up to 9 PM the night before delivery, it doesn’t require a weekly commitment. To help the less adventurous home chefs explore the bounty of our regional foods, its website doubles as a repository of recipes for its seasonal produce. It also offers free delivery to Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and D.C. on all farm boxes over $40. 

FRESHFARM Farm Share (Network of Farmers)

While not a traditional CSA, FRESHFARM is re-thinking the food supply model by offering a farm share program that supports local farmers and food artisans in the mid-Atlantic region. It doesn’t deliver to your doorstep, but if you are the type who frequents farmers markets around the district, this is the share for you. It’s all the fun of the farmers market without the stress of fighting over those last-of-the-season strawberries. Its share season runs from mid-May through the end of October and you can choose to subscribe to a half season (12 weeks) or a full season (24 weeks). 

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Jessica @jessicawolfrom is a freelance writer covering food, wine, farming and the environment in and around Washington D.C. She's also a graduate student at Georgetown University, getting her masters in journalism. When she's not in school, you can likely find her sipping on something sparkling somewhere in the District.

*EVENT POSTPONED* Wildwood Festival Brings Maple Syrup Making Traditions To D.C.

[ We regret to announce that Wildwood has been cancelled for this year. The organizers were unable to obtain the requisite open fire permit which would be necessary for our maple syrup demonstration. Absent that integral component, we made the difficult decision to try again at a later date and likely a different venue so that Wildwood can be everything that we want it to be. Thanks to those who expressed interest and, and stay tuned! ]

Vermont hogs all the credit for being America’s maple mecca, but there’s plenty of top grade syrup being produced just outside D.C. in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Wildwood, the first-of-its-kind urban maple syrup festival, highlights the region’s rich ties to time-honored sugaring traditions.

Taking place at Mess Hall on Sunday, March 10, in collaboration with media partners Edible DC, the event will showcase fourth generation syrup makers Laurel Fork Sapsuckers from Hightown, Virginia. The Jarrells family will handcraft maple syrup over a wood fire, while teaching people about the process and the culture surrounding sugaring. Guests will have a chance to savor maple syrup in myriad ways: drizzled on boozy snow cones, in maple glazed brisket tacos and plantains drizzled with maple crema from Mess Hall’s Qui Qui Catering, and sweetening hand-spun organic cotton candy from Fluffness. In addition, D.C.’s own Langon Wood: Barrel Aged Maple Syrup will be on hand to sample and sell their unique products.

Guests will have the option to enjoy a variety of other choice bites and beverages, including a poutine station, Federalist Pig’s signature smoky pulled pork sliders, cocktails featuring Harleston Green Scotch Whisky, as well as limitless Pabst Blue Ribbon.

In keeping with backcountry traditions, wood chips will fly as acclaimed chainsaw artist Jason Stoner of Chain Effect carves wood sculptures. Plus, a woodsy marketplace will feature local vendors, including District Cutlery, Southeastern Roastery, Pratt Standard, Sloppy Mama’s, Laurel Fork Sapsuckers, and Chain Effect’s carvings

Photo courtesy Laural Fork Sapsuckers

Wildwood takes place at Mess Hall (703 Edgewood St NE, Washington, DC 20017) on Sunday, March 10 for two separate two-hour sessions; 12-2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite for $75 each, which includes all food and beverages. Guests must be 21+ years old.

Photo courtesy Mess Hall

Guests are encouraged to come dressed as lumberjacks or lumberjanes, but axes must be left at home.

Presidents Brunch and Lunch Specials in DC

Edible DC’s roundup of where to dine

Dirty Habit is offering everlasting mimosas or brunch punch for $18. Next up choose from their globally inspired brunch menu.

Dirty Habit brunch (Photo by Raquel Sharma)

Brookland’s Finest menu will feature blueberry ricotta waffles with bourbon maple syrup, lemon zest and fresh fruit as well as a fried green tomato Benedict with pecorino roman cheese, hollandaise, on English muffin and mixed green salad.

Fried green tomato Benedict at Brooklands Finest (Photo by Scott Suchman)

Franklin Hall will open at noon on Monday, 2/18 and feature Flying Dog Blood Line on special all day $5 pints and $12 liters.

The Delegate is offering a buy one adult brunch get one free the entire month of February! They will be offering their Chef’s Table Brunch Buffet on Presidents Day 9 am - 3 pm.

Brunch at the Delegate (Photo courtesy The Delegate)

Le Diplomate will be extending brunch into Monday with stacks of buttermilk pancakes and duck sarladaise with confit, egg sunny side up and roasted potatoes.

Duck sarladaise (Photo courtesy Le Diplomate)

Rustico Ballston & Alexandria will serve brunch 11:30 am - 3 pm with $5 bloody marys and $0.25 refills on mimosas $15 all day!

Frirefly in Dupont will serve brunch from 9 am - 2:30 pm including avocado tartine with labneh, avocado, grapefruit, watercress and sumac or enjoy the pot roast with red flannel hash and home fries. Firefly offers $3 mimosas, $4 bloody marys, and $15 mimosa carafes.

Restaurants extending their normal brunch menu to Monday

St. Anselm brunch, one of our favorites, will also extend into Monday. An extra chance to grab those buttermilk biscuits and the fried chicken sandwich only on their brunch menu.

Brunch at St. Anselm (Photo by AJ Dronkers)

Agua 301 will feature bottomless margaritas, mimosas, sangria and bloody marys. Choose from chilaquiles, the Mexican omelet and other Mexican inspired dishes.

Hazel will open for all day brunch from 11 am to 4 pm - check out the menu here.

Dyllan’s Raw Bar & Grill located in Georgetown will serve their a la carte brunch menu from 11 am to 4 pm.

Dyllan’s Burger (Photo by Timothy M. Yantz)

Ambar’s Capitol Hill & Clarendon locations will both offer their fixed price brunch of unlimited small plates and free-flowing cocktails from until 3:30 pm. Think all you can eat mezze, soups, salads, sandwiches, egg dishes, crepes and brunch cocktails.

Churchkey opens at noon and serve normal lunch menu.

Supra, The Greenhouse at the Jefferson, and DBGB will all be running brunch on Monday as well.