En Su Boca

On a hot August Saturday we had lunch at En Su Boca or the Taco Porn Shop. So glad to see the evolution of the adult bookstore into a cute oasis off of Boulevard.

On this day, it was crowded. Every bar stool was occupied. We were seated at a two top. Later on, we understood why this strip of tables were the last to be filled. They sit directly under the HVAC conduits and it was so humid/hot that the vents dripped. You are now warned and can strategize accordingly.

With an eye on where the condensation landed we ordered a cocktail. The Teeny Weeny Hot Bikini was a pink concoction containing Espolon Reposado tequila, watermelon, basil, agave, and lime. The watermelon was very refreshing, although I did not really taste the basil. Still, En Su Boca utilized one of my favorite tequilas, and I would gladly order it again.

We also ordered chips with three different salsas: roasted tomato, tomatillo verde, and grilled habanero. The chips were not gratis, but understandable with the not-your-average salsas. My favorite was the tomatillo verde. The chips were not your average chips either; more like fried tortilla wrappers. Very satisfying.

Burritos and tacos dominated the menu. The tacos were priced individually with discounts for ordering four or more. Four tacos seemed a bit much, especially after chowing down on chips. I ordered three instead; it turned out to be the right choice for lunch. And I ordered a variety: Marinated Grilled Chicken, Slow Roasted Carnitas, and Carne Asada.

The chicken didn't taste very grilled. A bit bland really. The pork was decent, but did not bowl me over. The beef was the clear winner. Great flavor with the right amount of spices. When I return, this is what I will be ordering.

I like the spot. It's cute. I will be judicious in where I sit in the future. And I'll continue to enjoy the tequila choices, the carne asada, and the chips.

Still Life by Aryz

Still Life 3 a photo by pjpink on Flickr.

Cool.

Two DC Restaurants

A couple of weeks ago we traveled to Washington, DC for a short weekend trip. We ate at two new places (new to us, at least).

On Saturday we happened upon Cuba Libre located in Chinatown. This place turned out to be a chain with other locations in Philly, Atlantic City, and Orlando. The interior was over the top and we thought we had been transported to Disney World. No matter. The staff were pleasant, the drinks refreshing, and the food delicious.


Bar



Tables and Chairs

On the weekends Cuba Libre offers Brunch without Borders. This is an all-you-can-eat non-buffet. We could keep ordering small plates in any order or combination and for an extra $10 we could order as many brunch cocktails as we liked. We were walking, we had no real plans, so we settled in and devised our eating and drinking strategies.

Our cocktails of choice were watermelon mimosas


So refreshing. I have to try this at home.



and red sangria using cuba libra rum.


Fruity with a rum kick


We tried numerous small plates. Here were a few of them:


Cheese and Spinach Puffs - Not my favorite, but hubby enjoyed them



Short rib spring roll and Ceasar salad - very tasty!

Poached egg over crabcake with a spicy sauce - yummy!

House-smoked duck breast. This was so good I ordered two of them!

A delicious, luxuriant brunch. Afterwards we hearded over to the National Portrait Gallery to see the special Alexander Calder exhibit which is on display until August 14, 2011. If you are in DC, go see it. Although small, the exhibit is quite excellent and focuses on his wire portraits. Best of all, it's free.

On the previous evening we ate at Ripple in Cleveland Park. A locally-focused sustainable establishment.


Ripple tables and chairs


Although we did order a California wine with a Spanish flair.


Porqui no - California blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot


The cheese and meat plate (we could mix and match to our delight) was excellent. For cheese we enjoyed goat (garrotxa), sheep (fiore sardo), and cow (l'amuse gouda). And the meat blew our socks off: Benton's Tennessee Ham, aged 26 months. Sliced extremely thin so it melted in your mouth.


The most important staff member at Ripple: the lady in charge of the cured meat and cheese!



Drool, drool, drool

The starter was definitely the highlight of the evening. Unfortunately, our entrees arrived before we had even finished half of the first course. The tables were small and it made things a bit awkward. The small menu had some interesting selections. I tried the slow cooked duck egg in broth with broccoli puree.


An interesting combination


A bit too green for me, but worth a try. If you go to Ripple stick with the cheese and meat and if you want something else, wait to order it so you can savor each course without feeling rushed.

Watermelon Festival Pics - A Few Weeks Late

We always manage to go to the Watermelon Festival in Carytown, but we never seem to have a good time. It's way too hot and way too crowded. And I really feel for the dogs who pant incessantly and have to walk the hot black pavement. Our strategy is to arrive early, walk down one side and up the other and then get the hell home. I managed to snap a few photos, but there was little inspiration this year.

The bright spots were seeing Vanessa of Sweet Cheeks and the dark and cool Byrd Theatre where a band was setting up and donations were being collected.

Black Sheep and Watermelon

At last breakfast at The Black Sheep with the Feasting on Richmond Meetup Group. I did indeed adore the French Toast with Nutella. The dish came with warmed orange syrup which I asked to be put on the side. And while the syrup was tasty, I did not want to taint my Nutella (yes, I am a freak, but a happy freak).

My husband ordered the biscuits and sausage gravy. The gravy was not the ubiquitous thick white stuff that most places serve. This was a bit thinner with visible chunks of spicy sausage. And a steal at $4.

We both savored the Community Coffee. I ordered mine iced and added a touch of cream. My hubby had his hot and straight. Both were refilled as needed.

We also enjoyed chowing down with the other members. And discussing Deviled Eggs - should sweet pickle relish be included or not? When we inquired about the availability of the Develed Eggs at The Black Sheep, our waitress replied that they had sold out last night and that Kevin's Mom would be arriving soon with more. Kevin's Mom may need to increase her production!

If you want to meet some very nice folks and love to try new places, check them out. Lauren, the Restaurant Fairy, organizes lunch meetups, weeknight jaunts, as well as weekend adventures. Our group today boasted nine diners. Most were captivated by the French Toast, but Frittata and Rancheros Neuvos were also consumed (and looked quite yummy!). The Black Sheep offered a variety of sodas including Blenheim Ginger Ale (mild or hot) and Cheerwine (regular or diet) and served in glass bottles.

After a lovely breakfast my hubby and I made our way to the Watermelon Festival. What a fine day and we found a parking spot in the shade. Williams Bakery featured Watermelon Bread

and a variety of cupcakes

and Weezie’s offered Watermelon Beverages of the alcoholic variety.

Since we had eaten a late breakfast, food took a back seat to people watching. Because the weather was not blazing hot, we stopped by Bin 22 and enjoyed a spectacular glass of red wine – 2006 Grilos Vinho Tinto from Dao Portugal. Heavier than we expected with a bright cherriness that we could have enjoyed all day.

We hope to have the opportunity to stop by one evening to mull over an entire bottle.

Watermelon Festival Images 2007

A few photos from the Carytown Watermelon Festival.

Of course, there was plenty of watermelon to be found.

Carytown Teas had the best non-alcoholic beverages.

The Byrd Theatre opened its doors for tours.

We ate fried shrimp and fries from one of the countless vendors.

And we could not leave until we had shared a limeade.

Next year we'll come better prepared to sample some of the alcoholic watermelon concoctions that Weezie's Kitchen and Bin 22 served.