Blue Duck Tavern Unveils New Seasonal Menu from Executive Chef Adam Howard

From Sips and Snacks to Five Star Seated Service – Blue Duck Has it All

Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern introduced Adam Howard as its new executive chef this Fall. Howard brings sixteen years of experience to his new position having worked at esteemed restaurants throughout New York, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C. His experience is apparent as I peruse his ambitious and seasonal menus, including wine bites in the lounge, an extensive dinner menu, and curated chef’s table experiences. Each menu is thoughtfully crafted with local purveyors in mind.

Garden Bowls: A Guide To Cleaning Out Your Fridge, MacGyver Style

Eat Your Veggies

How the heck is it mid-August already?! Wasn't it just January!? The older I get, the faster time flies by. To slow time down a bit, I really like to spend my evenings cooking. I'm not the type to make "quick and easy" suppers, because I just enjoy it too much. One thing I'm kind of obsessive about is keeping my fridge clean. By clean I mean that I like to use all of my fresh ingredients in the fridge before I buy anything else. I hate wasting food, and I hate a cluttered fridge. Because of this, my style of cooking is what I like to call "MacGyver Style," where I take what I have and create something delicious from it. This is almost always seasonal, and sometimes it turns out better than others.

Diners Flock to Fairfax for California Shabu Shabu

The West Coast Phenomenon Hits "DC"

California Shabu Shabu recently opened in Fairfax, VA as the third of it's kind - the first two located in California. It's a casual atmosphere showcasing quality ingredients for an interactive dining experience. There are already regulars at this eatery, located in a shopping center, who recognize the dedication to fresh, high quality ingredients.

Quick and Easy Shrimp Bowl with Roasted Tomatoes and Arugula

Weeknight Recipe to the Rescue!

I love shrimp. I always want it, I always order it at restaurants, and I wish I could eat it every day. There's just something luxurious and sweet about them, I will never get sick of shrimp. One of my favorite things about shrimp, is that it cooks SO quickly. If you buy deveined, peeled shrimp, you can whip something up with those suckers in a matter of minutes. Keep reading for my quick and delicious shrimp dinner!

Crispy Chicken Thighs with Harissa Schmaltz

Crispy AF

I'm all about a flavorful recipe that utilizes affordable cuts of meat and healthy-ish accompaniments, especially for week-night suppers. I stumbled across this Bon Appétit recipe that highlights the splendor of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs -- a favorite protein of mine. Upon discovering it was a one-pan meal with minimal items to prep, I was hooked.

CHIKO: Favorite Restaurant of the Moment

Chinese/Korean Counter Service Draws Crowds in Barracks Row

The newest addition to the increasingly popular Barracks Row neighborhood is a Chinese/Korean collaboration called CHIKO. Well-known DC chefs Scott Drewno and Danny Lee team up to create the ultimate Asian-fusion concept that will leave you wanting to come back every. single. day. It is 100% my favorite restaurant of the moment, and I highly encourage you to get in to CHIKO before the line wraps around the block.

Summer Salmon with Peach-Strawberry Salsa

Seasonal. Summer. Succulence.

This recipe is out of control seasonal with all of the happy summery things that are ripening up this month. For me, this bright, refreshing dish was sourced almost completely locally from my home garden and my CSA share with Three Part Harmony Farm, which is only three miles from my house. I utilized the juicy, sweet, fruits in a savory component as a salsa -- adding spicy jalapeño, zesty summer basil, crisp white corn, and tangy red wine vinegar. All of these summer fruits and vegetables work extremely well together, as do most things that grow together during a season. I topped some buttery salmon with the sweet and spicy salsa, but it's also great with chips, on a grilled cheese, or even as a taco condiment! The best part about this dish is that you only have to turn on your oven for 15 minutes and no other heat is needed, so you can stay cool in this insanely hot DC heat wave! Let me know how you like the salsa best using #hangrydistrict!

Meatless Monday: Spring Quinoa Bowl

Veg Out

Spring has sprung in DC! I think? Hopefully we're finally in the clear from random snow storms, freezing weather and the fear of our gardens dying overnight. So, in honor of my favorite season, I whipped up this quick and easy meatless quinoa bowl utilizing farm fresh eggs from Liberty Delight Farms, herbs from Three Part Harmony Farm, and micro greens from Little Wild Things City Farm. Enjoy!

Shrimp & Pineapple Lettuce Cups

So Fresh & So Clean

SUMMER: The time of year when a lot of my favorite foods come together at peak ripeness and everything is available at the FRESHEST of fresh. Why not combine all of the things into one tasty, fresh, and healthy dinner that can be eaten around a table full of friends, or standing up in your kitchen because you're too excited to eat it and you never make it to the table (guilty). These shrimp and pineapple lettuce cups are a breeze to make, and you can practice your knife skills during the prep. The pineapple lends sweetness to the tender shrimp, while the summer pico de gallo adds tang and brightness. A little crunch from some water chestnuts and bibb lettuce, and you're on your way to a super summer supper. Keep reading for the recipe...

Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

Happy Diecisiete de Mayo!

Hangry BFs parents were in town recently and I had the privilege to learn how to make his favorite meals straight from the source - his mom! The first thing we made were her famous enchiladas. Typically she just makes them with cheese and scallions, but I added chicken for a Hangry District twist. Check out how we did it below.

- See more at: https://michelle-scholtes.squarespace.com/blog/2016/5/5/chicken-and-cheese-enchiladas#sthash.DCIR5Rdt.dpuf

Cava Salad

Homemade Take-Out

When it comes to fast food, I have a few weaknesses. The first is Cava Grill. I just love the different combinations of Mediterranean cuisine that you can create! There are spicy things, crunchy things, healthy things, acidic things... basically all of the things that I love - AND - they source locally! BONUS. Here's how I recreate Cava's creations at home....

Cabbage Rolls

The Healthy Burrito

I love cabbage. I could eat cabbage raw as a snack like chips, seriously. However, to avoid social ridicule I like to find fun ways to utilize cabbage, especially when I receive a plethora of it in my winter CSA shares. I realized I had all of the makings for some stuffed cabbage rolls including homemade sauce - so I went to town and created these beauties! Hope you like it :)

- See more at: https://michelle-scholtes.squarespace.com/blog/2016/2/18/cabbage-rolls#sthash.EP2PPhsD.dpuf

RecipesMichelle StrobelFebruary 24, 2016cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, cabbage, ground beef, tomato sauce, dinner, easy dinner, dinner at home, hangry district, hangry, meat, beefComment

Five Chile Chili

For Chilly Evenings or a Superbowl Touchdown

So it's finally Winter in DC, and Jack Frost is not messing around - it is COLD! I crave comfort food during chilly months and chili is one of my staples. I love how you can dress up the chili differently each time you eat it with a variety of toppings. The version I'm sharing with you is not for the spicy challenged, it has quite a kick that warms you up from the inside! Five chilies simmer together to create a gradual spice component, which does not overwhelm your palette, but does wake up the mouth with every bite. I hope you enjoy it as much as me and hangry bf do!

Matt Carr: Little Red Fox Owner & Breakfast Burrito Champion

Hangry Hero Spotlight: Matt Carr

The young chef/owner of the Little Red Fox shares why great cooking isn't just reserved for white tablecloth settings and how is the reigning champion of breakfast burrito devouring.

Garlic & Herb Roasted Chicken

Resolution Recipe

I had a lot of fun during the holidays; translation: I ate a LOT. After a few weeks of my Regina George lifestyle (sweatpants are all that fits me right now), I have gotten my life together and am sharing some healthy recipes that are easy AND packed with flavor. Good-for-you does not have to taste like tree bark. Garlic and herb roasted chicken is something that anyone can make, and the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen! Keep reading for my spin on flavorful chicken.

Meeshballs!

Signature Dish

As a cook and food obsessed maniac, I am often asked, "What's your signature dish?" or "What is your cooking style?" That question stumps me every time. I literally cook everything, I don't really have a particular style and I don't typically cook one dish repeatedly as my "signature dish." I consider myself a MacGuyver in the kitchen - that's my style. I create dishes based on the ingredients in my house and what's in season. However, I always have the makings for my Meeshballs. Keep reading to find out what's in a Meeshball!

Bad Saint

FilipinO-M-G

Wow. Talk about an evening to remember. My first authentic Filipino food experience was undoubtedly the best I'll ever have and I hope you all take the time to wait for a seat at this incredibly intimate restaurant, Bad Saint.

Jalapeño Meatloaf

Spice Up Your Life

Do you have this song in your head now? I do. Hi friends! The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping, so I've been coming up with simple week-night suppers that warm me up from the inside and allow me to enjoy the last rays of sunshine. Meatloaf has been a staple in my life since I was little. My mom made meatloaf a lot and I have taken her recipe and added my own twist and tips for you!

Beef Empanadas

A Hot Pocket I'm Not Ashamed Of

One of my favorite fellow foodies is Pamela Arriagada, a colleague of mine at the Carnegie Institution for Science. Despite being an astronomer on campus, our conversations always transition to food during the work day. Pamela is from Chile and has treated us more than once to traditional empanadas from her father's recipe. Since she is now embarking on a new adventure with her husband in Seattle, I asked her to come show me the ropes so I could keep the empanada tradition alive, and keep my hangry boyfriend happy :)

Roast Pork and Ratatouille

Sunday Supper

Sunday's are my favorite day of the week for cooking! I can take my time, use fresh ingredients from the weekend Farmer's Market haul, sip on a few glasses of wine, and enjoy the smells and sizzles coming from the kitchen. This week I was inspired by Julia Child and decided on roast pork with ratatouille, check it out below.