New pupuseria on the Avenue

I know a lot of you out there really miss Pinto Thai, but it's time to get over them, right? If you're craving Thai food you still have 4 choices in the hood - Thai Derm, Thai Market, SS Thai Flavor, and Thai at SS. If that doesn't meet your needs, well you might want to think of relocating to Bangkok or something.

But this post is not about Thai food, although I do love the deep fried tofu they do at... oops sorry.

This post is about a new dining spot in the hood called Pupuersia El Oasis at 8223 Georgia Ave. I believe they have been open about a month now. And while they are still going through some growing pains, like almost any new place, it is worth checking out.

Our first visit a few weeks back was for lunch. I went basic and did pupusas while my wife went a bit more exotic and ordered the whole fried fish (we were told talapia).

As you can see, be prepared for a whole fish. This takes some work since this little guy is pretty bony. But in the end I think you'll be satisfied with what you get. The meat was pretty tender and juicy and had a nice flavor. Just don't be in a rush to wolf down this order- I guess it could be considered slow food. And while the beans are tasty, at least this order was VERY salty. They are small whole black beans and are yummy, but you might want to bring your blood pressure medicine with you.

No pics of my pupusas, but use your imagination here. They are your standard fare pupusa. I ordered the bean and cheese pupusa - very good - and then one with flower petals and cheese. I thought I'd be a little adventurous. I did not get much taste out of the flower petals. Maybe there weren't enough in there, but I mostly tasted cheese. Which I like. So it was OK. Next time I plan to stick with the bean and cheese pupusas.

Our next visit was for breakfast. I was surprised to see El Oasis opens at 8AM on Sundays. Not sure how many folks are strolling in that early. My guess they could open at 10AM and be in pretty good shape. Perhaps they're trying to pick up the Sunday Fresh Start crowd since they're not open that day.

Anyway, we were the only ones in at about 11AM. The proprietor was taking a constitutional on Georgia when we approached, but he scrambled back in to take our order - which should not have been that hard. But alas, it was. The breakfast menu is not long and I think the cooked egg dishes may not number more than two. But it still took some doing for my wife to order one of the egg dishes and me the other. If I could tell you why I would. The chef in the back had to come out to lend a hand, but that didn't actually help very much. And it wasn't the language barrier either. My wife has an OK grasp of Spanish and the folks at El Oasis speak English pretty well. But even pointing at both items on the menu, it still took a few minutes for them to kinda grasp what we wanted.

Fortunately when our orders arrived they were the right ones. On the right you'll see an order of huevos rancheros, with tortillas, plantains, queso, crema and beans - a filling breakfast. These beans were not nearly as salty as our last ones, so that's a good thing; but the eggs were a bit overcooked.

My order was pretty similar except just scrambled eggs. The menu did claim my beans were hand ground. But they appeared and tasted the same as my wife's beans which were refried. Maybe it's such a fine distinction my palate just couldn't discern it.

I would say both were meals good, certainly not great. But the proprietors are charming and as you can imagine the prices are very reasonable. Our 2 breakfasts along with a couple juice drinks ran us $18.

I hope El Oasis does well. But they need to pick up some restaurant basics to help ensure the place runs smoothly. I would be frightened if a large crowd was there how the folks could handle it. My gut tells me at least right now, it would not be pretty. We'll keep our eyes on them.

Farmers Market back in session

If you missed the opening weekend, you're in luck. Our vendors will be back this Saturday and every other one till December. They started early this year and are running longer. I am pleased at this change.

Many of the same vendors returned for 2009, but we have some new ones too. As I previously mentioned Gunpowder was there with a full range of items. I picked up some ground bison and made some burgers on Saturday afternoon. It's amazing how lean the meat is. I'm not sure if the patties shrunk in size at all after they were grilled. I was quite pleased with the purchase - 1 pound for $6.

And if you don't have any greens ready yet in your garden, I highly recommend these folks to the left. I'm sorry I don't know their name, but let me tell you, their greens are fabulous. They do a mixed bag or you can simply by a head. They're also selling micro greens. Last week they were selling micro arugula and micro celery greens. I tried the micro arugula. I was told it was super concentrated so a little went a long way. And while I do like it, I did not get that big arugula pop I was expecting. Maybe it's because one time I added them to a bunch of other greens and the next was between a bison burger covered with cheese and my bun. It's pretty neat stuff. You may want to give it a try.

But for a wider selection of greens you need to try this vendor. Their selection included swiss chard, spinach and other greens, along with ramps and a bunch of other goodies. I was disappointed since they did not have any leeks, but oh well. And I was also a bit shocked at the price. It might be partly due to the fact that I have a bunch of chard and spinach coming up in my garden - although it's not ready yet - that I could not bring myself to pay $8 for a large bunch of spinach (or chard). I don't remember it being that much last year. And I know as soon as I prepare it, it will cook down to almost nothing. So I really needed a large bunch - but couldn't pull the trigger.

I guess the one expensive item I did pull the trigger on was sheep's milk cheese from a new vendor - Everona Dairy in Rapidan, VA. Be prepared, this is not inexpensive cheese. We bought something called Stony Man, a very smooth tasting cheese, not overpowering at all with a nice flavor. But even though I bought a small piece, I think less than 1/2 pound it was still around $12. This was one of the least expensive because I think it was a smaller cut. I'm sure I will continue to throw some business their way, just not every week.

There are plenty of vendors I haven't covered here that are worth checking out. There are a couple great bread stands - one with mostly loaves and the other with breakfast goodies. As you can see by the expression on this shopper's face (and a neighbor), their selection was delectable. I also want to report that Charlie Koiner and his daughter had their stand set up, so that was great to see. They did not have a lot to offer, mostly some giant spring onions. And these are monsters. For a $1.50 there is no way to go wrong. I've used them in a miso/noodle soup and with some homemade pasta already this week, with still plenty to spare. Can I find a role for them in my pizza?

So get on out there and support these local vendors. They are offering some great fresh stuff. While you won't walk out without your wallet or purse being a decent amount lighter, I think by the time you eat all you bought - and you better - you'll be pleased with your purchases. See you on Saturday morning.

Farmers Market Returns This Weekend

Yes, it's still in the 30s when you wake up, but it is time for fresh, local veggies and fruit. If you've made the trek east to the Takoma Park Farmers Market lately, you've been seeing plenty of vendors with great looking greens, fruit, and misc veggies along with eggs, cheese and meats.

And now starting this Saturday the Silver Spring Farmers Market returns (9AM-1PM). Not sure yet if we have new vendors coming or not, but I did hear that for you meat eaters out there, that Gunpowder Bison from Monkton will be offering bison burgers and steaks. They've been at Takoma Park lately, but I have yet to try anything. Although I must say it looks awful good.

Also, I'm a little worried whether or not Charlie Koiner will be back this year. If you don't know Charlie, he has a plot of land at the corner of Easley St and Grove right off downtown SS where he typically sells fruit and veg from the spring till the fall. He and his daughter are also stalwarts at the SS Market. But this year I have yet to see Charlie out in the garden much (if any) and his sign which lists what he has for sale has not made an appearance in the yard. Hope things are OK with him. He is getting up there in age - probably mid-80s.

And I hope if you have any space to do gardening yourself, you've gotten the bug and have planted, or are thinking about planting, a few things. I can tell you that my greens are coming up nicely - arugula, spinach and lettuce - and I'm getting things ready for a bunch more stuff. I've expanded my plot this year to include okra, peas, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, string beans and more. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

OK, hope to see you at the market this weekend!

The Big Greek review

While I am thrilled that the BGC (8417 Georgia Ave) has made it into the neighborhood, my first review is mixed. Now granted, I am not Tom Sietsema and I don't dine at a restaurant 3 or 4 times - with friends - before I review them. So this review is based on my first visit.

And at least in my book, when a new restaurant opens, it takes them a while to figure out exactly what they're doing and to get their legs underneath them. Given that, I will readily go back to the BGC and try out some of their other fare. And on our first visit, a friend did join us, so at least I can add his thoughts on a chicken dish wish neither my nor I would ever order.

The Cafe itself is a great step up from the taqueria which it replaced. It is a small setting, but it's been cleaned up nicely and is a welcome place to eat a casual meal. Orders are taken at the counter and then staff bring you the food. The menu is pretty extensive with several starters, meat, fish and vegetarian salads and sandwiches, larger platters and plenty of desserts too. One thing missing is alcohol. And I forgot to ask if they're planning on selling it. So for right now you're pretty much stuck with juice or soda.

We started our lunch with the trio of dips - we did hummus, feisty feta and tzaziki - served of course with soft pitas. I think we all agreed this was a wonderful way to start the meal. And it was definitely a good sized appetizer for three people. We didn't know it at the time, but we could have easily skipped the app since the meals were so big. But no worries, we just brought home a couple doggie bags.

We barely had time to finish our dips before our lunches arrived - was pretty slow that day. I was torn between the shrimp souvlaki pita and the falafel. Given that I'm huge chick pea (and garbonzo and ceci for that matter) fan, I opted for the latter. And this really is the crux of my mixed review. I did not love the falafel. I was told when I ordered it, the BGC prepares its falafel a little different than other places and I guess I'm just a traditionalist when it comes to falafel. I think partly it wasn't as crispy as like it and there were other spices added which altered the flavor a little too much for me. I wouldn't say I hated, but I don't think I'd order it again. It also lacked sufficient spiciness for me, even though I did add the feisty feta. I would have liked maybe some spiced peppers of some sort and probably more tzaziki as well. I would have sacraficed a bit of the falafel for some other add ons.

My wife ordered the spanakopita, which came with green beans and a salad. Again, this dish did not hit the mark either. While the spanakopita was good, it wasn't heated through. I think it could have used maybe 5 more minutes in the oven. So this is something that could easily be remedied. But I believe they need to rethink the string beans. These beans were cooked too long and were limp. They would have been better placed on a nursing home cafeteria menu. But this was mainly my wife's mistake for ordering them. I think I'd go for the rice or fries.

And last but not least - the chicken. Our dining partner ordered the Greek roast chicken with olive oil and herbs and I will say he was very pleased with it. He said it was well cooked and juicy. As you can see, it was also accompanied with a salad. I feel confident he would order this dish again. And while he ordered the shrimp souvlaki sandwich to go for his wife, I neglected to get her opinion on it. But he also ordered several baklava to take home too and I did hear those were a big hit!

So, if I did a star-based rating - which I don't do - I'd give the BGC 3 stars. I think in time they will correct/eliminate their sub par dishes and be a solid addition to the hood. And lastly, the place is pretty cheap too. Our dishes ranged from about $6-$8 and the staff themselves were very friendly. I hope you can make it out.

On a side note - a new pupuseria opened a couple blocks south from the BGC on Georgia Ave called El Oasis. My first experience was pretty good. More later.

Pipe and Drum Party - the Old Firehouse?

Excuse me? How did this story get passed SoCo Eats? Why do I pay my staff to cover this turf - all the way from Colesville and Georgia to what, Sligo and Piney Branch? But how can one put a boundary on SoCo?

Anyway, sorry loyal reader(s), but I missed the boat on this one? Did anyone go to this grand affair on 3/14 and try the new Pipe and Drum Irish Ale? And could you really drink all the Hook & Ladder beer you wanted from 3:00-8:00 for $10? If that is the case, I'm really gonna be po'ed, because I might have finished off a pony keg myself!

I guess I should sign up for the e-mail list since it appears that there was not a lot of advertising for the event beyond the list - and their web site too. But, so no one misses the next one on 3/28 Hook & Ladder Brewing Company will be at the 3rd Annual Kewaunee Lions Club's, Roar on the Shore Craft Beer & Wine Festival. C'mon, you know Kewaunee, right? It's just a bit NW of SoCo, maybe like 900 miles on the shores of Lake Michigan. If you happen to be in Green Bay that weekend, you should drive on over.

But for us locals, there is nothing set on the horizon for another event at the Old Firehouse. I was told however that there may be some kind of ceremony - with beer I hope - to be held when Hook & Ladder finally breaks ground on the brewpub. While the phrase, "in the next few weeks" was uttered during my conversation with Mr. Ladder, I was quickly told nothing is certain. They hope to do it then, but a few things things still have to fall into place. I'd be happy if we saw a groundbreaking some time this spring.

But we can look for the Pipe and Drum Irish Ale in six packs very soon and this summer H&L will be coming out with a summer variety pack. We can purchase these fine brews at one of our 25 County retail liquor stores.

All right, and sorry for the big lag between posts. As my wife says, I've been experiencing a bout of madness lately. I'm talking march madness for you non-college basketball fans out there. And thanks for asking, yes, I still have a chance at winning my pool.

Dine Out, Fight AIDS

On Thursday, March 5th, 150 restaurants in the metro area will provide 25% or more of sales to support men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses through the local organization, Food & Friends.

Food & Friends is the only nonprofit organization in the Washington area providing daily, home-delivered, specialized meals, groceries and nutrition counseling to individuals in the community who are facing some of life's most difficult challenges. The funds raised through Dining Out for Life allows Food & Friends to continue to provide these critical services at NO COST to the clients.

And if you want to dine out locally and help the cause, here are the local dining spots that are participating.

Cubano's (35%)
General Store
Nicaro
Ray's the Classics
Thai Derm
Vicino
Z Pizza

and even Chick fil-A (I cannot believe I am including a mention of Chick-fil-A on my blog - kinda crazy). But I am glad they're helping out this worthy cause.

OK, get out there and eat on Thursday!

Thai Flavor - redux

One more post on Thai Flavor (8650 Colesville Rd) - since I can officially say I have eaten at the restaurant. My wife and I made our way over last Saturday for lunch. And we are certainly glad we did. But since we did not eat like gluttons, we were only able to try two of the entrees.

My order was the drunken noodles. And I thought I liked dishes pretty spicy, but I was told this one was just regular spicy and boy, I thought it was hot! It certainly cleared my sinuses. It in no way however stopped me from devouring the whole dish. But I could not eat it in Kobayahsi or Joey Chestnut-time. The noodles were well-cooked and there was plenty of wonderful fried tofu, broccoli, and a couple other veg. While the plate here may not look terribly big, this dish was very filling for lunch. We were almost tempted to get an app, but I'm glad we didn't since we would not have had enough room to eat our lunches.

Since I ordered a noodle dish, my wife opted for something with rice. She hit a home run too with an order of the red curry with tofu and veggies. In our books, it's hard to miss when you have fried tofu in your dish. The curry also had a fair amount of spice, but it seemed a little less hot than mine. The curry sauce was very tasty and the vegetables were not overdone. It was enough where we even had some to take home in a doggy back. I think both dishes were about $7 each.

Accompanying our lunches we ordered the ginger ice tea. And while I liked the tea, I thought the level of ginger in it could have been knocked back some. This was certainly a beverage you could not gulp - and I needed to on a couple forkfuls - given the bite of the ginger in the tea.

The two proprietors of Thai Flavor, Wayne and Wendy, are very nice young folks who I certainly welcome into the hood. Wayne was a bit nervous having to come from behind the counter and serve us - since this appeared to be Wendy's job - but he handled it all fine. Not much to mess up here, we had drinks, napkins and silverware and then... lunch.

I just hope given the bad economy they are able to ride things out a while. I think if they do and more development comes to SoCo, their little restaurant will flourish.

On another note, it appears the Big Greek Cafe (8417 Georgia Ave) has opened its doors. I know this is competition for Thai Flavor, but the food choices themselves couldn't be much different. I think the more places we have in the hood, the more foot traffic we'll get and the number of lunch/dinner patrons will grow. Given the recession, any place where you can be served a good meal and spend less than $10 on it, should be a winner. We'll keep our eyes on TF and the BGC and report back in a few months to measure their success. I'm optimistic for both.