Author Archive

I’m hooked on Hook

I’ve never been a huge fan of fish with the exception of sushi due to a fish bone swallowing incident in my youth.  As I mature, albeit slowly, I am starting to accept and enjoy fish with some level of frequency.  Seafood fans who visit or live in Washington DC and the surrounding area need to take the time to visit Hook at 3241 M St, NW in the heart of Georgetown.  Their concept is simply, treat each guest like they are the only diners in the restaurant and provide quality ingredients with creativity.  Like their Tuna Tar-tare wrapped in a crisp Parmesan crusted wafer, which I couldn’t get enough of or the sea food combination platter with lobster, oysters, prawns, and muscles which come with 3 sauces for dipping.  Trust me and try the vinaigrette with everything on the combination platter.  The fried foods can be a bit oily and with my New Years resolution to eat better, I opted to pass on anything fried.  I was in luck because their calamari is grilled and you can taste the smoky charred flavor in every bite and this calamari was not chewy like you’d find on a buffet somewhere in Maryland.  If you are eating light and need to have a helping of greens, don’t pass up on the Arugula salad with prosciutto and healthy sleeves of Parmesan reggiano.  For the sweet tooth try the cinnamon sugar coated doughnuts which went well with both Kettle One and Tonic or bubbly.  Voted one of the best desserts in Washington DC is the Lingonberry Linzertorte, which is an ice cream that when eaten has a taste of teleggio cheese an the torte provides a hint of port giving you a cheese and wine flavor.  I thought this dish could have been on Iron Chef America for its creativity an who doesn’t love ice cream?  This is an excellent finish to a seafood feast, go there and pamper yourself.  And I forgot to mention the cost is in the realm of acceptablity. 

Not just another coffee shop

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Peregrine Espresso

I had been meaning to get to Peregrine Espresso for some time now and I happened to pick the coldest day of the year to do so.  This says a lot about me and my coffee, I’ll go through great lengths to find a great coffee shop and I think I’ve found it at 660 Pennsylvania Av SE in Washington DC, about a half block away from Eastern Market. 

It is small, but coffee shops are not meant to be Big Box Retail in my opinion either, it is green both in color and operation, and it has some of the best coffee you can find in DC.  Believe me, I’ve looked all over.  I know I’ll have some complaints or what I like to call suggestions, come one and come all with any suggestions and I’ll be happy to give them a try. 

Peregrine appears crowded at times but production is quick and painless.  The menu is simple and straight forward and the staff are very pleasant.  I truly believe they are doing what they love based on how they treat the process and the customer and the result is a wonderful cup of joy.  If you are not a coffee drinker, their Tea is served in a nice heavy pot and provides about a cup and a half.  If you are on Capitol Hill or at Eastern Market and want a great coffee, walk on over to Peregrine, you won’t be disappointed.

Baked Wired is worth the visit

I have been wondering the earth for almost 40 years now and half that time has included the wonderful world of coffee. Read the rest of this entry »

The Four Seasons, Houston TX

My stay was short in Houston Texas but it was spent in luxury.  I had the pleasure of staying at The Four Seasons in downtown Houston, Texas for one night.  The attention to detail, service, and staff are what makes this one of the top hotel chains in the world.  I had lunch in a private room at Quattro where I feasted on a simple club sandwich with fries.  Oh, it was the best club sandwich I’ve ever had too.  The fries were crisp and seasoned with sea salt and pepper.  My room was exquisite and provided one of the best nights of sleep I’ve had in any hotel around the world.  Check in and check out was simple.  Coffee and teas are provided in the lobby and my car and driver were waiting for me upon departing.  They say you get what you pay for and it is true.  The Four Seasons will always be my choice hotel when available (funds permitting).

The bar at Quattro in the Four SeasonsMy Room at the Four SeasonsThe Four Seasons skyline

Tampa Bay Florida

My recent travels took me to Tampa Bay, Florida where I was able to visit both the Grand Hyatt near the airport as well as the Hyatt Regency downtown. I can tell you that both are excellent options for any length of stay. Read the rest of this entry »