Asian Horror & Shepard's Pie

My evening last night consisted of a bizarre fusion of experimental Shepard's Pie and provocative yet unnerving Asian thrillers.

I am not an expert on Asian cinema nor am I even well versed in the horror/thriller genre but I can say I enjoyed what I watched; well at least the 'parts' I watched. I was able to distract myself from the gore by cooking! My bf had recently been at a friends who gave him a laundry list of recommended films. By the time I got home, he was already well into an installment of Masters of Horror called Imprint, directed by Takashi Miike.

The colors were vivid, the content both sexual and grotesque. I couldn't tell you much about the narrative because as I said, I was busy cooking...but from what I gathered, it was pretty disturbing.

We then moved on to 3...Extremes, a trilogy of hour long short films by three different directors; Takashi being one of them. The first- Dumplings directed by Fruit Chan, addressed a washed up TV actress' desire to stay young; by means of specially prepared dumplings. Let's just say these dumplings weren't composed of veggies.

While I'm on the topic of food...here are some glamor shots of the Shepards Pie/Pot Pie concoction I made last night.

Vegetable medley filling with chicken pieces covered with a fairly thick coating of mashed red potatoes. It was a bit bland, something was missing...oh I know- BUTTER.

I look forward to finishing 3...Extremes and the rest of the Shepards Pie tonight :)

Georgetown BBQ

Made a quick stop for dinner after visiting the grandparents. Headed over to Georgetown and decided on a southern influenced BBQ joint on M street- Old Glory. This used to be one of my favorite restaurants growing up; I would go here almost every year for my birthday with the fam. The food is authentic and fabulous, the ambiance is vibrant, and the staff incorporates memorable moments that keep you coming back like a big surprising rubber stamp on the table as soon as all are seated as well as complimentary tootsie pops with your check. I love these kind of touches.

We were seated near the kitchen which was nice, the grill aromas were enticing. Along with the kitchen, we were near a ruckus group of your typical DC young professionals being yuppy and somewhat obnoxious; I would guess at least 4-5 drinks into their nightly binge.

Our waitress was at our table in minutes. She came bearing sweet corn muffin gifts.

These are significantly smaller than the biscuits that used to be offered, but still very good...and bottomless.

I had a hankering for something traditional-either brisket or pulled pork. I decided on the pulled pork platter, with two heapin sides of collard greens and BBQ red beans. My bf Ross is never as hungry as I am so he opts for an entree that only comes with one side but still seems filling; loaded baked potato with beef brisket topped with beef brisket and a side of cole slaw. Minutes later, our dishes are brought out to us.

The pork was perfectly moist and lightly seasoned with a significant smokey taste. The beans were a nice mixture of spicy and sweet with tidbits of bacon, the collard greens which I usually get as a side was a bit saltier than normal and also had bacon- needless to say there was a lot of bacon accents throughout.


I can't vouch for Ross' dish as I didn't have any, but I will say that his comments on the coleslaw were- "I have had a lot of coleslaw and this is the best I have ever had."

Upon seeing my dish I figured, oh goodness me, this will never be enough...I should order the starter I had been eyeing earlier. As the runner set my dish down, I asked for an order of hush puppies. Seconds go by and they are brought out to us.

Crispy on the outside filled with warm potato and bacon on the inside, with a hint of warmth from minced red peppers. The best part was the accompanying aoili of sorts with a hint of spice that added the perfect amount of moisture to the potato filling. And yes, I ate them all.

What I like most about BBQ is that you can start with a base taste and dress it to your liking; this can be done using the sundry of available house BBQ sauces at Old Glory. BBQ purists will argue that sauces can take away from the dynamic nuances of the BBQ itself but I see it as accessorizing and by no means detracting from the taste but instead embellishing :)

I wasn't able to find descriptions on each individual sauce but they all have their own unique nuance and range from your standard dark and sweet BBQ sauce to a more vinegary option with a hint of mustard. They are all good and I honestly use pretty much all of them...

There is an awesome outdoor patio/bar area that would be fun in the warmer months and also for drinks with friends. I just noticed on their site that Old Glory is affiliated with several other restaurants as part of the Capital Restaurant Concepts group. That sort of makes it seem a bit less authentic since its grouped with a bunch of other unrelated concept restaurants but it doesn't make it any less good. I am familiar with one of the other restaurants, Paolo's and am a big fan also. There is one in Gtown and also one in Towson. There used to be one in the harbor but I think it was recently closed.

Back to Work(outs)

So I did my first "official" workout after at least 6 weeks of just running distance. Ew. Of course it had to be ridiculously windy which was quite the deterrent. The backstretch of the track was utterly impossible to navigate. That being said, I bailed on the initially planned broken 800s workout and decided on "a bunch of 200's." Being vague on exact quantity of intervals was the key- limiting ourselves to 200's meant we wouldn't have to exert any effort into the headwind. Nice.

20 min warm up on track
5min: 30 seconds TEMPO, 30 seconds JOG
drills

So in my head I thought 10 total would be pushing it, especially if I was trying to hit 35, with 200m jog recovery. Well, the first 6 went something like this-

33
37
36
36
35
36

That is NOT quite consistent 35's. I am officially OUT OF workout SHAPE. I can blame some of this on the wind can't I?

after a 3 min walk recovery, I decided to do 4 more for an even 10...this turned into 6, because my training partner wanted to do an even 1.5 miles. Thanks.

34
35
35
33
36
35

10 min cool down

By 6PM, swirling wind was howling and 3/4 of the track was headwind. Thank god I was done early. But now I can gloat for a week that I did a workout but probably won't touch the track for a bit :(

J'adore Francoise Hardy

Ecoute "Ce Petit Coeur" et "Tous Les Garcons et Les Filles"

Baltimore Featured!

So.....I saw He's Just Not That Into You last night at Landmark Theaters in Harbor East. First of all, every single women in Baltimore was at this showing. Guys, I am telling you, if you want an easy place to pick up women, go see this movie. Honestly, my bf was 1 of 4 guys I counted in an almost sold out showing.

The movie was GREAT. Yes, I am admitting to absolutely truly loving this blatant chic flick. But guess what? So did my bf! This film touches on every potential dysfunctional relationship scenario. Each separate relationship and narrative is intertwined through mutual friends, etc. Every unique subplot was just as exciting- I found myself looking forward more so to the interactions between Justin Long-"Alex" and Big Love's Ginnifer Goodwin-"Gigi" (btw, I love this name and totally fit Ginnifer;s character) Her innocence and naive approach to dating was so sweet and well, hopeless. With the help of jaded womanizer-ish, Alex, she believes shes figured out the mystery of men and dating. Trust me, the dynamics of them together are just totally adorable.

While Gigi and Alex are exploring the dating world, Jennifer Aniston- "Beth" and Ben Affleck- "Neil" 7 year relationship is coming to a head as Beth decides she can no longer remain with the guy of her dreams if he will never marry her. This scenario isn't typical because usually the guy who just doesn't want to get married, is sort of not worthwhile; in this case, Neil is a phenomenal, sensitive, compassionate guy...who honestly doesn't exist in the real world. AND he owns a boat which was a nice touch.

I have to mention that Scarlet Johansen looked scandalous in this. It was a combination of the obtuse styling ranging from low cut busty dressses to even sexy sweatpants? The bright red lipstick and bleach blond hair bordered on sloppy. Her vixen aesthetic didn't really fit her yoga teacher lifestyle which is supposedly what she was in the film.

Ok- so throughout the movie, I was able to recognize a number of Baltimore locations...
A lot was filmed in Historic Fells on Thames Street. Alex and Gigi have a date at the Waterfront which they call something else...I think there was a scene in Canton Square...all the row homes were beautiful and so uber Baltimore, I think in Patterson Park or maybe Fed Hill...Basset Hounds were mentioned but that's not really Baltimore-related...I was surprised to not have been able to recognize any of Mt Vernon, I know they did some shooting there...OH! Brewer's Hill is where Kevin Connolly-"Conor" lived. Can I just say that I have never seen Baltimore row home interiors that look as nice as the ones in this movie; someone please tell me where these are so I can go buy one?

I have to say, I think this film really portrayed Baltimore in a positive light and represented it authentically; with the exception of like not a single minority in the entire film-maybe one cameo. So maybe the demographics were off slightly, but at least it was in Baltimore!

This movie is a hit, go see it. Now I better read the book.

Come Back JFX Farmer's Market!

These aren't actually pictures from the Baltimore Farmer's Market under the JFX. These are actually from a Saturday Farmer's Market in Eugene, Oregon but you get the idea. With the weather near 70 today it was hard to remember we are still stuck in February. I still have 3 months to wait until my beloved Sunday Farmer's Market returns...May 3rd; see you guys there!

Ugh- I am craving the falafel!!! Best post-run meal of all time. Once you enter the market, head towards your right and they are next to the meat lady.

Somewhere NOT in Baltimore...

Michael's Good Boy Drive In

Columbus, Ohio 

Summer 08

Somewhere in Baltimore...

Liberty Street

USATF Task Force Report

After the US track and field teams lackluster performance at the Beijing Olympics, USATF founded a task force - "Project 30" to restructure the "high performance" programs and initiatives currently in place for elite athletes...

Here were the aspects in which improvements are needed, according to the task force ( I agree for the most part) I am glad Logan has made an effort to legitimize track to some extent here in the US. Everywhere else (europe specifically) There are strong organizations backing the sport whereas here even our own federation sorta just coasts through...and hopes for the best.

Overall, there is a lack of accountability, professionalism and cohesion in the areas the Task Force studied.

* The International Team Staff selection system lacks transparency and accountability, creating a culture of mistrust for coaches and athletes alike.

* International staffs need more managers and fewer coaches.

* The criteria for selecting track and field's U.S. Olympic Team should not change, but the Olympic Trials themselves should.

* Excessive travel and poor long-term planning on the part of athletes, their coaches and agents appear to be the greatest controllable factors negatively affecting Team USA performance in Beijing.

* Spending more than $1 million in the last six years, and with as many as 173 athletes taking part in it each year, the National Relay Program has failed to produce results that justify the costs of the program.

I don't even know what the relay program IS; obviously it has not been seen as effective.

* Lack of communication between coaches and athletes, poor management of the relay pools and questions over which coaches were responsible for relays resulted in the 4x100m relay failures in Beijing.

Youch!

* American coaches and athletes under-utilize the facilities and USATF sport science available to them.

* Inroads have been made into catching and punishing doping cheats, but more must be done to strengthen the anti-doping culture.

I don't know how truthful this is.

* American athletes as a group do not conduct themselves as true professionals, and USATF does not hold them to professional standards.

Oops?

Based on its findings, the Task Force makes the following 10 Recommendations:

* Hire a professional General Manager of High Performance.

I'll do it! Not really...

* Create a transparent, criteria-based Team Staff selection system.

* Restructure the composition of Team USA staffs.

* Shorten the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field to five days.

fabulous idea. I can only imagine how grueling it is to fly out for the Trials and then wait like 3 days in between heats...that's an exaggeration but seriously.

* Terminate the National Relay Program.

I still have no idea what this is.

* Establish a comprehensive 2012 team preparation program.

* Target technical events for medal growth and develop those events.

* Create a well-defined Professional Athlete designation.

I need further explanation...archetype of US athlete?

* Establish a more stringent anti-doping reinstatement system.

We will see...

* Promote and foster a self-sustaining professional athletes' union.

FULL 69 page report can be found here.

Lazy Sunday

So-yesterday was my favorite day of the year thus far. It was GORGEOUS. Of course I chose to take advantage of it not by going for a long run, but literally relaxing which is seldom done in the House of Rebs. Please observe my pictured lunch. I was super stoked by the hot bar at Whole Foods; ribs, neat mexican style chicken breast, tex mex tofu, sauteed veggies, cauliflower, and mac n cheese. I opted for veggie fare and some black bean salad from the salad bar. Seriously, I dream of winning an unlimited meal plan from the salad bar/hot bar at Whole Foods. They should offer some sort of option?

After lunch we treated ourselves to several petits fours from the bakery department...they really do some innovative and yummy stuff at Whole Foods. I'm sure I was still hungry following but I tried to distract myself.

The harbor was lovely, aside from the trifling appearance of the water as usual...


In tandem with our Harbor East excursion, we stopped in for a cup of coffee at Bluehouse. I am repulsed by the price tags but in awe of the design and product selection. I can only dream of furnishing my home with these types of beautiful things...


Place Setting by Josh Jakus made of recycled rubber with a built-in napkin grabber.

Check out the $3,200 love seat! PS- that's the sale price!

Lovely display of glassware collection, etc...

Raven Run

No, this actually has NOTHING to do with the Baltimore Ravens...

A bud just told me about this crazy guy in South Beach who has been running 8 miles a day EVERYDAY for the last 34 years! The first 8 years or so, he did this predominantly by himself but now greets fellow runners who want to share in the "experience" with him; they call it the Raven Run. Over 560 runners have joined him over the years. It's not the 56 mile weeks that's challenging, its the rate of consistency that is the hardest part. To be somewhere everyday at a certain time to do the same thing; well that is just impressive.

The daily Raven Run starts and ends at the same place; sixth street lifeguard stand everyday without fail. 4PM in the winter and 5PM after daylight savings :)

The ONLY reason this can be accomplished, is because the guy lives in South Beach. Who DOESN'T want to run on the beach everyday and watch the sunset? Come on! Although we could probably find someone crazy enough in Baltimore to get this going. Anyone up to the challenge? Ryan?

The site is really neat and has a lot of interactive components and quirky runner profiles. This kinda stuff is why I like to run...

Thanks Sara!!!

Thanks Giada!

SO I decided on Giada's lasagna roll recipe for din din. Thanks big head, little body! Has anyone else ever noticed how big her head is? She's darling though and I do love her food. But seriously- look at the size of her head!

So my attempt proved fruitful. After work, practice, my workout, grocery shopping, AND THEN cooking, I got this. The ricotta, parmesan, spinach and prosciutto filler was nice. Now that I am comfortable with the recipe, I will probably opt for LESS spinach, add minced mushrooms perhaps, another cheese and diced tomatoes? And probably use a less tart tomato sauce. Oh, and I totally bought the wrong lasagna pieces, they were way too narrow, so the rolls ended up looking like little cinnamon buns instead of mannicotti-esque. Served with some broccolini on top for color and crispness :)

Quelle Surprise!

2 hour delay again! This time I was not clever enough to check the web prior to my commute. Didn't figure it out until already en route! Ended up spending 2 hours vegging out on a couch at the Evergreen; shoes off :)

Way too much coffee was consumed! I am highly caffeinated! Read some quasi-interesting articles in the Post Food Section, esp. a feature on Crepes a-Go-Go in Gburg and Dupont (authentic french crepes; over 30 options!) AND a very compelling feature in the CityPaper about Globe Poster Company, an old poster business/letter press in Highlandtown. This place has been around for 80 years... they still have all the original letter blocks and materials unique to old style printing press. I myself have never seen this type of process used, obvi this isn't the method of printing currently in place as the majority of their print work is done digitally. I am uber impressed that Globe Poster Company has been able to evolve alongside the progressions of print production but still hold onto their past. The materials and knowledge they have on hand with regards to this medium could inspire and teach so many graphic designers who would never see this type of process at work. It's nostalgic but also informative and has the potential to really teach the ART of these processes...

Honestly though- most people don't have patience anymore and would rather draft something quick and dirty on a computer...lazy.

La Cena

What to have for dinner?

Either Ina will guide me through her Barefoot Contessa recipe for Chicken Pot Pie, OR do a Lasagna roll rendition of Giada...decisions, decisions!

That'll be the day...

RIP Buddy Holly :(

"Well that'll be the day,
when you say good bye,
yes, that'll be the day,
when you make me cry.
Oh you say you're gonna leave,
you know it's a lie 'cause
that'll be the day when I die!"

Buddy Holly
September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959
50th anniv. of the fatal plane crash

Ahh...I get it.

So I figured out what the significance of that cardboard cutout is that I mentioned in an earlier post...

As it seems, Mt Vernon is pushing for a new homeless shelter on Fallsway, at the old Transportation Agency Building. There was some initial resistance being such close proximity to Mt Vernon proper, but it appears that the city officials and community board have come to some sort of compromise.

This is walking distance from my place. I don't really have a problem with this locale; hopefully the Mt Vernon community can recognize the significance of this.

Anyone saying- "Not in my backyard" should actually LOOK in their backyard and realize, their ARE homeless individuals living there (ie: Mt Vernon Parks). We might as well provide a facility with a roof, then those individuals will be less inclined to literally be in your yard! Not a sermon...just a thought :)

Baltimore Sun Article

Spotted

St Paul and Franklin

Evokes interesting emotions towards the homeless. As opposed to a person holding a sign asking for help, the cardboard itself is making the statement. Wonder who did this?

Watching Juno for the thousandth time on Starz. I don't think I could like Jennifer Garner anymore than in this movie; she is so compassionate and sweet. 

"Puffy version of June Bug." Love that line :)

Rainbows are for everyone!

Seriously? Why did I NOT know about rainbow cakes sooner? I am SO making this when I get home!!!!! Well not immediately, but soon enough. Directions here :)

And it continues!

Just Announced: Baltimore Restaurant Week has been extended! According to the official site as of today, approximately half of the listed restaurants will continue their three course price fixed menu through next weekend, February 8th! So excited!!!

I hope to be able to check off the following restaurants; b-Bolton Hill Bistro in Bolton Hill (duh), The Wine Market in Fed Hill, and perhaps Tio Pepe's in Mt Vernon with the extra week :)

Superbowl @ The Senator?!

The Historic Senator Theatre will be screening The 43rd SuperBowl this Sunday. Would be a cool venue but I would have to be guaranteed all necessary munchies would be on hand. Comfortable seating is also important, and I wouldn't say their seating is comfortable...

Free Admissions with food donation to "CARES" non profit.

I am partial to being as lazy as possible for big football games, so I will not be in attendance because this would force me to actually leave my apartment but it should/could be fun :)

Treacherous Ice

2 hour delay this morning due to freezing roads....yes extra sleep!

Running has become a mere memory this week due to inclement weather and lack of enthusiasm. Now all my mileage happen in my head, not in real life. Check out the frozen harbor, PS. I almost fell in taking this picture.

I plan on doing an imaginary workout after team practice this afternoon. Maybe enough of the ice will have melted by then and I can run outside.

Breakfast thus far (10:30AM)- ridiculous amounts of office coffee and a banana.

Research

My cat, Paddington did some research on my laptop this afternoon.

I couldn't pull him away!

Restaurant Week: Abacrombie

Second Baltimore Restaurant Week experience this week. Had a lovely dinner at Abacrombie in Mt Vernon with a couple friends. After having lived in Mt Vernon for nearly three years now, I had hoped I would have dined here sooner but better late than never; definitely a hit. Everything was really great; rich flavors, unique interpretations, but most definitely a subtle and unassuming ambience which was appreciated. The subdued waitstaff allowed for a more laid back experience but expedient service nonetheless. Love the cheese plate peep hole pictured above. I couldn't help but scope the chefs as they perfected their crafts.

First course Carrot Soup was elegant with a hint of heat via cayenne. It was creamy, creamy, creamy...I ate it too fast to take a picture. oops! Other options seemed appealing; beet salad, artisan mac n cheese and quirky onion rings sorta.

On to the entrees...pics below. Please make note, I am as much a visual eater as I am an actual eater so images are essential. Keep in mind, these are not shot by a food stylist.

I chose the Pork confit with Apple Butter and celeriac puree. Really moist pork, warmed apple butter flavor complimented well. The celeriac puree totally threw me off because I had forgotten what this dish was going to be served on. Appearance and consistency told me mashed potatoes, but taste told me otherwise...it was different, but good!

Grilled Shrimp on Risotto with Surryano Ham

Lamb Steak with Roasted Tomatoes and Eggplant Caviar- I thought this dish was inventive and definitely was my second choice.
Braised Short Ribs with Creamed Spinach, Mashed Red Potatoes, Braised Carrots

Butternut Squash Gratin- Parmesan, toasted hazelnuts, brown butter

Everything was very seasonal, obviously seeing as that is sorta their "schtick". Abacrombie is one of the few slow food movement restaurants I am aware of in the Baltimore area.

Desserts were good-ish but I am getting tired of typing. I feel like less emphasis is put on this course with regards to Restaurant week patrons. Across the board, this has been the course that has fallen short more often. I will admit the flourless chocolate cake looked decadent.

Top Chef time and then Bed :)

Burkha Runner

For those more contemporary Islamic women, Sounds.Butter has devised a conceptual line of Burkha's focusing on adapting this traditional garb while still respecting religious codes.


I honestly can't imagine how one would exercise in something like this?

Found @ "What's wrong with the Zoo?"

A taste of work

Here are some tidbits from my office, where I spend 8 hours of my life M-F, 40 hours of my week, 160 hours of my month, and 1,920 hours of my year.

wall o' stuff that I like- my friends, my animals, my seastars, etc.


some toys for amusement in between checking emails :)

Le Neige

It's snowing in Baltimore.

Commute was fine, please for the love of God make school be canceled tomorrow! Had to stop for breakfast AND pick up something for lunch cause I didn't have time to pack either for work today :( Holiday Starbucks card came in handy...

Starbucks on Charles and Preston? Under 1209 N Charles Condos.
Strawberry & Blueberry Fruit parfait
Banana
Medium Americano with room

Lunch will be the two clementines left in my purse and a strange goat cheese, veggie baguette sandwich also from Starbies.

Just keep snowing!


view from the entrance to my building. Snow just stopped OH NO!

Bourdain Baltimore Bound!

(photo from Tony's blog)

So Anthony has already come and gone in Baltimore, but he wrote about it in one of his recent blog posts entitled "Rust Never Sleeps". I don't quite know how to feel about this title and what he's trying to say about Baltimore with it. Is it a jab at our skeeziness or an endearing nod to the working class of Charm City? eh. I think he is pretentious. I prefer Andrew Zimmern; but I can't think of anything worth eating for his show in Baltimore.

So supposedly Tony went to Mo's in Fell's I think? Right off of President? I'm pretty sure that's what is over there. I have never been there but read that it's sort of an old school establishment specializing in seafood, he dines with none other than "Snoop" from the Wire. While I like the association of the Wire with Baltimore, I think there is much more to our intimate town...there seems to be limited focus when it comes to outsiders; either crabcakes or something associated with poverty and drugs. Sad face :(

I will be watching the show though, always interested in Baltimore "in the media".

PS- Bourdian will be in DC next Monday...ugh.

Unusual Pairings

Just thinking about things that may not naturally go together but do really well when paired.

On the Avenue in Hampden, Ma Petite Shoe specializes in shoes...but not JUST shoes, half of the store is also devoted to chocolate. I presume the owner is a fan of both eccentric, unique shoes, and also obscure and artisan forms of chocolate. I love that she, (I am assuming the owner is a woman) decided- hey! I like these two things, so I'm going to open a store that focuses on both! PS- They sell vegan shoes! bah.


Another interesting spot, Chocolatea Cafe right off of University in Charles Village seems to have a similar passion for chocolate. Their selection ranges from specialized teas to truffles. They also have an asian infused tapas selection? This seems a bit out of left field; perhaps too many elements? You decide. My friend Jen will be stopping by this weekend, I will get her take on it.

Rain won't quit

So back from California for a week or so...back to pitifully depressing weather.

Day 2 of yucky non-stop moisture. Dreariness causing me to consistently talk myself out of running and/or any healthy or fitness focused endeavor. Instead, I choose to eat. 2009 is off to a rocky start already. Winter Break for the team has allowed me to take some time for myself after work everyday which is nice. Getting home while it's still light out is a major plus. I end up napping anyway, so it's not like I am really utilizing these free bee hours with anything productive.

Nothing really monumental on my mind today. Would like to mention, rumor has it, per a blog commenter on Elizabeth Large's Bmore Sun blog, that Anthony Bourdain is in Baltimore currently shooting for a new episode of No Reservations. A bunch of commenters responded with- "Where would you take Anthony in Baltimore to tipify the culinary traditions of Charm City?" I honestly could not think of any essential suggestions. There are a bunch of food hang outs that are imperative to MY Baltimore life but do not necessarily define Baltimore by any means; instead I think they moreso define Baltimore as it relates to me. It's hard to define a restaurant and its cuisine for others. Plus, it seems like for his show he would need culinary options that were really poignant and in your face. And nothing that I do or eat is really strictly unique to Baltimore.

Anyway. I really really really need to force myself to run today. Group run at Canton I think? Will check it out, probably will conveniently fall asleep when I get home and miss it :)

PS- this post is not even worth posting but I am posting for lack of better things to do at work.