Endless Simmer - A Food Blog

Washington, D.C.: I know you’ve mentioned your dislike of waiters “auctioning plates,” but I’d like to raise the issue again — with a twist.My boyfriend and I eat at restaurants pretty regularly — 2-3 times a week, at a mix of price points. But one thing that’s become pretty constant lately is waiters delivering our food and automatically assuming the salad or the fish goes to me — when 9 times out of 10, it’s what my boyfriend has ordered.

He’s the health nut. I’m more apt to order something involving pork belly or red meat.

It would be funny if it wasn’t happening so often.

Tom Sietsema: Restaurant Rule No. 234:

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If it’s late September, it must be that time of year when your ES editors are having a rare harsh disagreement. No, it’s not chocolate vs. vanilla, but a much more serious and long-lasting feud: Mets vs. Phillies. Or rather, will the Mets bullpen choke/the Phillies get FREAKING LUCKY again.

OK, enough of that. I only bring this up to point out the most important development in Major League Baseball since Stadium Mustard. His name is ‘Dre and he might just make us all Dodger fans…

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Quick, hurry, it’s almost the end of National Mushroom Month.  And the above, yes, that’s a mushroom.  It’s called a lobster mushroom.  And they weren’t even being tongue in cheek.  It’s the color of a lobster and even the texture of a lobster.  And some even think it has a slight lobster taste.  I tried this beauty at PS 7’s. Peter Smith, chef/owner/really funny/inventive cook, is holding the*lobster*.

The full dish

Roasted Monkfish
Lobster custard, lobster mushrooms and watercress with lobster scented reduction
Wine Pairing: Van Duzer, Pinot Noir, Oregon, 2005

And these beautiful photos are courtesy of my dining companion, Michael Birchenall, founder and editor of FoodServiceMonthly.  Check out his super-insider knowledge.  And in person, his absolute brutal honesty and range of knowledge both make me laugh and make me realize how much I still need to learn.

Christ, how obnoxious was this name-dropping post!  I’m becoming one of them!

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Now, I’m not some super-major environmentalist, but I can smell a hypocrite.  Sarah Palin, for instance, fits the bill.  She’ll “support” her 17 year old daughter fucking before marriage and getting pregnant and then getting hitched to a boy she may or may not love (although he’s cute), but she will slash funding for less fortunate teen mothers.  Super fucked up.  And if I see any GILF comments, you’ll be in trouble.

Okay, now that I’ve set an example, let’s get back to food.  So Gourmet magazine always touts sustainable this and local that, but you know what - they shrink wrap their mag and put in tons of wasteful inserts.  Now that is some bullshit.

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I know, it’s like not even funny anymore. I like eggs. I like eggs for lunch. I like eggs for dinner. I like eggs. Well, I finally decided to do something about it . I wrote about it. The mighty power of the pen. Or something like that.

In my latest feature outside of ES I highlighted the very few places where a DC resident can find an effing egg for lunch (and not covered in mayo in an egg salad, not that I don’t love the sandwich every once in a while.)

Regardless, I beg of you to tell me more places in downtown DC that won’t give me attitude if I order an egg and cheese on a begal.

Oh, and quick story.

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Brit here, your one and only source into the scandalous lives of the food blogosphere’s elite.

Gastro-grub and canapés? Must be another Monday night on network television. That’s right ES readers, this Monday is the event of the season week, to which you have just been invited. The season 2 premiere of Gossip Girl. Friends of ES, whether you dine at Citronelle in DC, Gilt in NYC or brunch at IHOP (j/k, we know you wouldn’t be caught dead there), these Gossip Girl menu ideas are sure to be a hit with your innermost circle of friends.

Season one of Gossip Girl saw many a fine dish served, more often than not with champagne. Here are a few simple ideas for you to throw together for your very own premiere party:

Have you heard Upper ES-siders? Grilled cheese is all the rage. Try this $50 Truffle Grilled Cheese Sandwich courtesy of Chuck Bass. OK, so $50 for a grilled cheese is a little much even for me. I’ll be doing my own more affordable take on this and will let you know about it next week.

If you dare, take a jump for more delectable food ideas.

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Amid the maze of Paultards, PUMAs, and peaceniks protesting outside the Democratic Convention this week, So Good points us towards the one sign-waver who is actually doing something worthwhile: Demanding the return of Crystal Pepsi!

Believe it or not, there’s actually a petition with more than 7,000 signatures demanding that Pepsico ditch the brown stuff and bring back that delicious 90s fad version with its inspiring Van Halen commercials. Yet the candidates have yet to speak on this crystal clear issue. Let’s take a minute, shall we, to remember how great those simple times were.

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- I seriously need a pasta maker. Even before I saw this ad. [erdoland via SE]

- Apparently, the new way to win a woman’s heart is by being a gastrosexual. It’s not as disgusting as it sounds. [Daily Mail]

- Or you could just wow her with underpants toast. [Nice Cup of Tea and Site Down]

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Like all things virtual, ES gets its share of spam. But sometimes there’s a gem in the land of sex/prescription drug nonsense. This one came to us just in time, as the world openly disputes which country (cuisine) reigns supreme. Freaking love the Olympics!

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