Pictures from Washington D.C.

DC Metro Cooking Show

Me, Curry and my cousin Julia

Me and Hugh Acheson 

Washington Convention Center Staircase

Huge Venue! 

The White House

Statue

Washington Monument

Washington Monument

Washington D.C.

Another amazing opportunity I had this past fall was to volunteer at the Metro Cooking and Entertaining show in Washington D.C. during the weekend of November 2nd. The trip was my first time in D.C. so it was fun to explore a new city! I stayed with my cousins, Julia and Yair, who live in the Georgetown neighborhood which (I feel old saying this) was really cool and "hip" with all the college kids.  I was amazed by how large the Walter. E Washington Convention Center was when I arrived at the space where the MC show was finishing set up. Fully expecting to be the volunteer who got other volunteers water, I was very pleasantly surprised when Curry (one of the head programmers) handed me a walkie talkie and led me to the section of the show I would be coordinating. I was essentially in charge of the Tasting and Entertaining Workshop pavilion which featured 30 minute presentations and tastings from chefs, cookbook authors and industry experts.  For me this job included coordinating the talents' tastings with the kitchen and organizing their presentations. It was so much fun to meet all the presenters and introduce them to the crowd. I also had the opportunity to meet some celebrity chefs that headlined the Celebrity Theater such as Hugh Acheson, Brad Turner, Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos. Although I spent the majority of the weekend volunteering at the Metro Cooking show,  I went on a quick driving tour with my cousins of all the major monuments like the White House, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. During the evenings we walked near their apartment and it was so fun to see the cute little stores, bars and restaurants that make up Georgetown! It was such an amazing weekend, and I can't wait to get back to D.C. and the Metro Cooking Show again soon!

Pictures from Au Cheval Diner

Au Cheval Bar

Au Cheval Diner

Au Cheval Menu

Bone Marrow and Texas Toast

Beef Cheek Marmalade 

General Jane's Honey Fried Chicken

French Fries

Famous Cheeseburger

Sears Tower

Beautiful Fall Day

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from -16 degree Chicago! My lovely winter break has thus been extended through tomorrow on account of the frigid weather, so I have time to catch up on my food and travel filled fall and winter. My delicious autumn began with a lunch at Au Cheval diner and bar on W. Randolph St. Always very crowded, my mom, brother and I were lucky to get in for an early lunch when they opened. Set in a clubby little space complete with leather booths and a gilded espresso machine, I was impressed as soon as I walked in. Another thing that surprised me was how unapologetically greasy the menu was. This of course makes all food delicious, so I felt like this meal would be good, if only mildly heart stopping! The service was laid back, but still impeccable and we ordered right away. My brother ordered the bone marrow and beef cheek marmalade, which came with Texas toast. I only tried a bite, because I myself had ordered a cheeseburger, but the combination of the rich bone marrow and the tangy marmalade worked very well. When the next part of our meal came, I was greeted with a large steak knife sticking out of my burger. My mom had ordered "General Jane's" honey fried chicken, which was served with chilies and garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro. The chicken was impossibly crispy on the outside, and, surprisingly, very moist on the inside. It packed a surprising strong kick from the chilies too! I was worried it would be too rich, but my cheeseburger was amazing. No single aspect of the burger overpowered any other because there was a perfect patty-cheese-pickle and onion ratio. Despite feeling gluttonous just writing about it, I can happily say my meal at Au Cheval was delicious and impressive. I look forward to going back soon!