Jun 18, 2010
Time for Vacay!
After much anticipation and lots of superwoman planning by my wonderful mom, I am off to Vietnam Sunday for a long vacation with my family. If you're lucky, you'll get some brief updates from the other side of the world. If not, expect a full report when I return! Happy summer, everyone! I'll see you in a few weeks...
Jun 13, 2010
Sunday night lazy dinner: Homemade Pizza Company
Back in January, when Homemade Pizza Company opened a new location just around the corner on 14th Street, I was intrigued though I knew nothing about it. But when I mentioned the take-and-bake pizza joint to a couple of friends, they said they swore by it and would travel all the way from Capitol Hill to the Mass. Ave. location just to get their fix. Once I tried my first slice, I understood why.
The concept of Homemade Pizza Co. is unique -- they prepare the pizza with fresh and natural ingredients, then you take it home and pop it in the oven. Most of Homemade Pizza Co.'s critics don't have bad things to say about the taste of the pizza, but about the fact that you shouldn't have to pay so much for pizza that you have to cook yourself at home. While that point may be valid, for about $14 for a large (after you consider the $3-$5 coupons that are almost always available via e-mail subscription), this is leaps and bounds better than any delivery pizza that will cost you the same, if not more. (While the Logan Circle location doesn't deliver yet, since it's literally a two minute walk from my place, going to pick it up is a quicker option anyway.)
Tonight, after browsing the menu and seeing the current seasonal option, Sunday night dinner was decided. The "Backyard Griller" description sounded delicious: The fire-cooked tastes of BBQ Chicken with hickory-smoked bacon, sweet Vidalia onions and the subtle kick of Thai chilies on an olive oil base. We'd enjoyed previous experiences with the traditional BBQ Chicken pizza, but adding spicy thai chili peppers and bacon sounded like an exciting new take on an old favorite.
The online ordering system is user-friendly and links up directly to a personal account, which tracks all your previous orders that apply to future coupons/free pizzas. The staff at our neighborhood Homemade Pizza Co. have always been extremely friendly and helpful, so for that alone, I'll keep coming back.
One of the things I love best about Homemade Pizza Co. is how the dough cooks. The crust has a perfect crunch, and the rest of the pizza is doughy but crisp enough that it doesn't flop or lose all its ingredients when you pick it up. Plus, it tastes fresh and not at all greasy compared to other available options.
John (Mr. "I've never met a pizza I didn't like") and I were very pleased with our decision to order the seasonal special. When I first glanced at the uncooked pizza, I worried that the spice of the thai chilies would overwhelm everything else, but it turns out it was just the right amount -- enough for a kick but not tongue-numbing, flavor-killing spice. The bacon -- which is usually a center stage ingredient -- actually seemed to play second fiddle to the BBQ chicken and sweet onions, but when I had a good bacony bite, it was a nice surprise of crispy pork flavor.
When I'm feeling too lazy to cook, Homemade Pizza Co. is a great go-to for an easy but delicious Sunday night meal!
More images on Flickr.
The concept of Homemade Pizza Co. is unique -- they prepare the pizza with fresh and natural ingredients, then you take it home and pop it in the oven. Most of Homemade Pizza Co.'s critics don't have bad things to say about the taste of the pizza, but about the fact that you shouldn't have to pay so much for pizza that you have to cook yourself at home. While that point may be valid, for about $14 for a large (after you consider the $3-$5 coupons that are almost always available via e-mail subscription), this is leaps and bounds better than any delivery pizza that will cost you the same, if not more. (While the Logan Circle location doesn't deliver yet, since it's literally a two minute walk from my place, going to pick it up is a quicker option anyway.)
Tonight, after browsing the menu and seeing the current seasonal option, Sunday night dinner was decided. The "Backyard Griller" description sounded delicious: The fire-cooked tastes of BBQ Chicken with hickory-smoked bacon, sweet Vidalia onions and the subtle kick of Thai chilies on an olive oil base. We'd enjoyed previous experiences with the traditional BBQ Chicken pizza, but adding spicy thai chili peppers and bacon sounded like an exciting new take on an old favorite.
The online ordering system is user-friendly and links up directly to a personal account, which tracks all your previous orders that apply to future coupons/free pizzas. The staff at our neighborhood Homemade Pizza Co. have always been extremely friendly and helpful, so for that alone, I'll keep coming back.
One of the things I love best about Homemade Pizza Co. is how the dough cooks. The crust has a perfect crunch, and the rest of the pizza is doughy but crisp enough that it doesn't flop or lose all its ingredients when you pick it up. Plus, it tastes fresh and not at all greasy compared to other available options.
John (Mr. "I've never met a pizza I didn't like") and I were very pleased with our decision to order the seasonal special. When I first glanced at the uncooked pizza, I worried that the spice of the thai chilies would overwhelm everything else, but it turns out it was just the right amount -- enough for a kick but not tongue-numbing, flavor-killing spice. The bacon -- which is usually a center stage ingredient -- actually seemed to play second fiddle to the BBQ chicken and sweet onions, but when I had a good bacony bite, it was a nice surprise of crispy pork flavor.
When I'm feeling too lazy to cook, Homemade Pizza Co. is a great go-to for an easy but delicious Sunday night meal!
More images on Flickr.
Jun 9, 2010
John's Spicy Lamb Burgers!
Upon arriving home from a long day of travel back from Georgia, John surprised me with an amazing homecooked dinner - Spicy Lamb Burgers. Surprise describes both the fact that I didn't know whether/what he was going to cook, and also that lamb would probably have been my last guess for what he'd prepare! Anyway, I definitely can't and won't complain about his recent foray back into the meat world.
The meal was delicious... the burger patties were full of lots of flavor (given the variation of ingredients/seasoning added, it was no surprise) and subtle spice. We stuffed the patties into a pita, along with some romaine hearts and sliced tomatoes for some crisp and coolness, and finished it off with some feta cheese.
The burgers didn't need any sauce or dressing, as they were quite juicy and flavorful on their own. Paired with a cold summer beer, this was the perfect meal to come home to. I can't wait to see what else John has up his sleeve!
More images on Flickr.
The meal was delicious... the burger patties were full of lots of flavor (given the variation of ingredients/seasoning added, it was no surprise) and subtle spice. We stuffed the patties into a pita, along with some romaine hearts and sliced tomatoes for some crisp and coolness, and finished it off with some feta cheese.
The burgers didn't need any sauce or dressing, as they were quite juicy and flavorful on their own. Paired with a cold summer beer, this was the perfect meal to come home to. I can't wait to see what else John has up his sleeve!
More images on Flickr.
Jun 8, 2010
Southern Comfort
Last week I spent some time in Athens, Georgia visiting my one-and-only original college roommate and her lovely family. I roadtripped down with my other college buds, making a stop in Charlotte, N.C. on the way. Charlotte is a terrific little city. In many ways - at least downtown - it looks like it was built yesterday, with modern skyscrapers and wide, clean sidewalks. That said, it still gives off a warm vibe, offering plenty of charm and cute streets, perfect for strolling.
Athens was also a delight. Despite moments of immense heat and humidity, we had a great time walking around UGA, downtown Athens and visiting the Terrapin Brewery, which may have been the trip highlight. For just $10, you get a souvenir pint glass and 8 drink tickets, each worth a 4 oz. sample (which really turned out to be more like 8 oz.) of one of many delicious Terrapin brews. We brought a nice little picnic of bread, cheese and other delicious goodies and had a fabulous time!
It sounds silly, but one of the best parts of the visit was that every restaurant (both in Charlotte and Athens) separated our checks, without us even requesting it. Talk about Southern hospitality!
All in all, it was really great to spend some quality time with a group with whom I share so many great college memories. It'd been too long since we were all together. Can't wait to do it again!
Athens was also a delight. Despite moments of immense heat and humidity, we had a great time walking around UGA, downtown Athens and visiting the Terrapin Brewery, which may have been the trip highlight. For just $10, you get a souvenir pint glass and 8 drink tickets, each worth a 4 oz. sample (which really turned out to be more like 8 oz.) of one of many delicious Terrapin brews. We brought a nice little picnic of bread, cheese and other delicious goodies and had a fabulous time!
It sounds silly, but one of the best parts of the visit was that every restaurant (both in Charlotte and Athens) separated our checks, without us even requesting it. Talk about Southern hospitality!
All in all, it was really great to spend some quality time with a group with whom I share so many great college memories. It'd been too long since we were all together. Can't wait to do it again!
Jun 1, 2010
Happy Birthday, Auddie!!
Happy 17th Birthday to my wonderful sister, Auddie. It's hard to believe she was once actually my "little" sister (as evidenced by the photo below from '93) but today could probably kick my butt. It's crazy how time flies.
Auddie, I'm proud of the mature, funny and charming person you have become! Plus, you are a great personal shopper and anytime-eating buddy. What more could I ask for? Happy Birthday!
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Auddie, I'm proud of the mature, funny and charming person you have become! Plus, you are a great personal shopper and anytime-eating buddy. What more could I ask for? Happy Birthday!
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