AOL Food put together this pretty great quiz that tasks you to identify the inside of 20 different candy bars. It’s fun and surprisingly challenging, although it should come with a fair warning that it both stressed me out and made me hungry.
Mmm…check it out.
(and let us know how well you do)
Washington, D.C.: Tom – Where can I find a picture of you? I have looked online and really want to see what you look like in case I see you out at a restaurant! PLEASE!
Tom Sietsema: Folks, I don’t make these questions up.
Good morning, everyone. Thanks for shunning work to talk to me for the next 60 minutes or so.
That’s Tom Sietsesma, the Washington Post’s food critic. And I love him. I refer to him by first name only to all of my friends. Scarily, they know exactly who I’m talking about. “Tom’s been talking about this place a lot lately”…”Tom really hates the service at this place”…”Tom doesn’t really like chocolate desserts all that much.” I think you get the point.
On Wednesday, the nation’s newspaper food section day, Tom hosts a live chat. Every Wednesday at 11am I am glued to my screen and the “F5” button (it refreshes the page.) I know what restaurants are hot. I know what chefs are leaving, returning or sucking. I know what Tom’s favorite place for sushi is. And, unfortunately, I also know that some lady from Virginia thought her steak came out too rare and was pisted when the chef told her it’d be a waste to overcook a beautiful cut of meat. And other similar complaints about etiquette, tipping and surprise ingredients.
I do not however, know what Tom looks like, as he is an allusive figure, roaming the District in costume, dining in secret. Maybe that’s why I love him so.
This is the first in a series of many, highlighting the funny, absurd and enlightening from Tom’s chats. Full transcript here.
Post jump: Ask Tom, Answer Gansie
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Williamsburg Alewerks – Williamsburg, VA
“400” [Imperial Brown] Ale
Approximately 6.5% ABV
Can you believe it’s been 400 years since Captain John Smith traded goods with the Nanticokes, and traded arrows and musket balls with the Algonquins on his trip up the Chesapeake Bay? …seems like yesterday that he and the others struck out from Jamestown to seek passage to the Pacific in their low-draft shallop. Anywho, Williamsburg Alewerks brewed up a limited edition brown ale to commemorate the founding of Jamestown and the subsequent plundering of America’s land and people. Hurrah!
But don’t take my word for it, the cutesy write-up on the classy painted label says it all:
“400” Ale commemorates the founding of the first Virginia Settlement and with it, the founding of the American brewing industry. Beer was an essential component of everyday life in Jamestown, only the security and shelter provided by the triangular shaped fort and cultivation of edible (no doubt including barley) crops outranked the production of beer in importance. Fresh water flowing in local streams and the recently excavated well provided a source of potable water, but beer and other “processed liquids, primarily beer” were preferred drinks.
This ale, like the ales of the time, is brown in color. This beer may be more robust than 18th century brews, a liberty we chose to take. How could we possibly do justice to so important an event of 400 years ago, with anything other than a truly robust, full flavored contemporary “Imperial Brown Ale.” Cheers.
Trebuch le jump for details and opinions on this anniversary ale.
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From 80’s last photo, you can tell we recently took a cross-city trip to Eastern Market.
We always buy way too much stuff when we return to our old stomping grounds. Actually, I’ve never used that term before. It’s always old people talking about their college days. I hate “old stomping grounds.” But, I guess I’m old now. Fuck.
Anyway, we started our trip at, well, I was going to lie, but now I’m not. (Sorry, 80) We started our trip in a most embarrassing way. It’s the most “coupley” thing we’ve ever done: get our haircut together. Okay, so post hair-cut (picture me strutting down 8th Street with bouncy new hair) we stop by Alvear Studio. It’s a great place with funky furniture, jewelry, art and a host of other eclectic unnecessaries. And 80 and I never leave the place empty handed. Especially when it’s losing its lease (tear) and everything is up to 50% off. I’m sure 80 will somehow manage to put a pile of grapes on our new mirror and turn it into an artsy photo of the day.
Wow, very off topic. So, as we’re leaving E-market with bags full of cheese, fish, bacon… I realize I haven’t purchased any fruit. And beyond that, I haven’t eaten a piece of fruit in like two weeks. But mostly, I can’t be out-done by BS’ kumquats, so I decided I needed to try something new as well. I therefore buy my first blood orange.
The blood orange: The outside looks exactly like an orange, at least to me. The flesh though, is this absolutely gorgeous burgundy. It tastes like a cross between an orange and a grapefruit. And it’s delicious. I only bought one, so I just ate it half-time soccer style. I’ll leave it to BS to try it in salad or sauce or chutney.
In honor of Romney potentially finally winning (no one cares about you, Wyoming) Hott Links, Mormon style:
Calculate your food storage! [About.com] (Here’s why)
Or Don’t! [ExMormon.org]
Morman Soul Food! [Exponent II]
Photo: Radio Iowa
Now that’s one spicy meatball [Wonkette]
Baked baking, now even I can do that [Express]
Eff Canada, we’re moving to Indonesia [USA Today]
Photo: 3 Quarks Daily
You know how nutritionists say that home cooking is healthier since it allows you to control your portions?
Well, what if you have no self-control, what happens then? I’ll tell you what, you end up making pasta sauces made with butter, parmesan cheese, and more butter. Portion control my ass.
Chef Gansie this past weekend made the long trek across DC to Eastern Market do some ‘research’ (check out her article in the Onion next week!). Over there at the Market, there is a wonderful Italian food and Pasta station with all the varieties you could think of. When I lived over on the Hill I would drool over the 12 kinds of tortellini, admire the colorful ravioli, and then go home and order Al’s Pizza.
But this time, my wish came true as Gansie returned with some Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Ravioli. These fresh-made pasta squares also contained ricotta, romano, sage, nutmeg, and tumeric. Needless to say, these aren’t your mama’s ravioli. But at a cost of 6.75 for six pieces, your mom might have to help pay for them.
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