Samy K's Nightlife Saga

Sweet Charity 2010

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:16:49 GMT

Last night the champagne was pouring, the paparazzi was out and everyone wore their best chocolate to this year's Sweet Charity 2010 event, benefiting Heart Of America. No, that wasn't a typo or misprint earlier -- for the second year in a row, chocolatiers from the area put their minds to work to create gorgeous attire (themed to the movies) out of chocolate and candy!! This year's winner was Co Co. Sala and their Cruella De Vil get up modeled by Miss DC Jen Corey.

But in all realities the winner was Heart Of America and all the guests who enjoyed treats and eats by everyone from Chef Geoff to Kushi to Jose Andres Catering with Ridgewells (sorry you missed out on the dragon breath popcorn they had!!). We have some awesome pics of the event and they even let me do some guest celebrity bartending (for a while...)

Don't worry there is always next year!! Click here for the full photo gallery!

Top Chef Master's Dinner With Susur Lee

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:14:08 GMT

If you're an avid Top Chef Master viewer like I am then you know how awesome Susur is! He's like the Lebron of the cooking world, where he's so good that people want to hate, but they can't because they know he could whip them one on one. Well, long story short he will be in town on Thursday June 24 at his restaurant Zentan and for one night only he will be making his most popular dishes from the series, signing his book and just chatting with loyal food lovers from the DMV.

For more info you can check out the Donovoan House's website and I'll see you there!

Details
Date - June 24, 2010
Time - 6p to 9p
Price - $140 + grattax
Location - Zentan at The Donovan House

The Scene: Rockin' The Air Show

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:36:08 GMT

So as you know every year the best-in-flight in our Armed Forces (and outside) come to Andrews to strut their stuff and show off the newest planes, flight technology and of course tricks. This year they invited Metromix out to preview the 2010 Joint Services Air Show show before anyone else, and let's just say when we arrived we weren't expecting to fly in a plane doing flips and stunts, but we did...

The show is all weekend long (click here for more info) and I want to thank Captain Greg Poe (and his crew) and The Joint Services Open House at Joint Base Andrews. Make sure to stop by and watch the video below for an exclusive preview of what you can expect!

Dogfish Head Dinner at The National Press Club

Samy Kobrosly — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:34:11 GMT

Last night I put on my nicest black pants, slicked my hair up in my oh-so-fancy faux hawk and made my way to the 13th floor of the National Press Club to indulge in my first ever beer dinner at The Fourth Estate. The night began with hors d'ouevres of cheese puffs and Indian "pizza" matched with Dogfish Head's 60 Minute IPA. We were then seated and treated to five courses ranging from steak with a blackberry mushroom demi-glaze, smoked sausage and duck pate (best pate I've ever eaten), a lemon risotto that we all asked Executive Chef Susan Delbert the recipe for and a beautiful tart with plums and crystalized ginger. All courses were beautifully paired with beers that actually highlighted the subtle flavors of the beverage and food equally.

Of course no meal is fantastic on it's own without good people to share it with and last night held true. I know you expect it to skew higher in age when I mentioned it was at The National Press Club, but it wasn't at all and I even had to turn down post dinner drinks/cigars with some of my NPC buddies. Spike Mendelsohn, from Good Stuff Eatery/Top Chef Fame, was also in attendance and will be hosting the next celebrity chef dinner in June.

For details about the National Press Club's events, check their site or check back to Metromix and I'll see you there, bib in place, ready to eat.

Patron Secret Dining Society

Samy Kobrosly — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:59:27 GMT

On Friday night the first ever Patron Secret Dining Society met up at The Finnish Embassy for a night of Patron, socialization and fine dining. Patron Social Club is a new concept by the tequila manufacturer for the "elevated" foodie/drinker. It brings like minded people together to share thoughts, laughs, dinner and more importantly drinks. The first ever meeting was themed "The Switch" in which at one point during the dinner the guest mixologist picked out the ingredients for the guest chef and vice versa.

The night was headlined by guest chef Teddy Folkman of Granville Moore's fame (ironically no mussells were served throughout the evening). The five course meal included items such as smoked tomato gazpacho with duck breast, poached lobster with a truffled potato cake, "Surf and Turf" with bison loin topped with very bleu cheese and snow crab and a dessert spread put together by the Finnish Executive Chef. Definitely a night to remember...

But if you're curious as to how you can get in on the next event then you'll need to sign up and wait for the next clue and hope that you answer the riddle before anyone else. Good luck and I'll see you at the next dinner...

The Scene: Buddha Bar Comes to D.C.

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 28 May 2010 19:36:06 GMT

The international flavor of the world renowned Buddha Bar finally opened its doors in D.C. on Monday, May 10 The signs have been there for what seems like years, but the wait is over and Metromix got a chance to test it out before anyone else. Now I will give them credit on service because it was a mock dinner to train the servers, but honestly you'll be so overwhelmed upon entering that you won't even care.

First off, when you walk in the vastness of Buddha Bar, the space really speaks to you. With super high ceilings and some of the most amazing chandeliers in any D.C. dining establishment. Did I mention the 18-foot Buddha statue that was transported from the junlges of Indonesia?! Yeah that's there too! The bar area can fit 40 people easily and the restaurant feels like more of a lounge then anything. From the sushi rolls (may I reccomend their D.C. only roll that I can't remember the name of or the octopus)to their hamachi appetizer with jalapenos, everything is a fresh change to your typical sushi and the beef tataki was sooooooooooooooooo good I ordered a second one!!

Whether you wanna go there for dinner, or drinks and a small bite, Buddha Bar will soon be one of DC's most happening night spots. Watch the segment below to get a sneak peek!

Pig Hangover From Cochon 555

Samy Kobrosly — Sun, 19 May 2013 06:23:42 GMT

Last night 5 chefs entered battle at the Ritz Carlton with nothing more than a pig, a knife and yearning to make 5 of the best pig based dishes you've ever had in your life. Cochon 555 is a yearly national competition where area super star chefs create pork masterpieces and a panel of judges/audience vote to see who will represent DC in the national competition in San Francisco. Highlights were pork jowel stew, pork "bombs" and pork jerky from Vidalia, white chocolate truffle topped with lardo from Eola and Bacon ice cream with cheese and scrambled eggs from West End (I think).

DC's 5 competitors were Bibiana, Vidalia, Eola, West End Bistro and Bourbon Steak and judges ranged from media personalities to restauranteurs to local chefs (I just ate and chilled!!) 4505 Meats was there displaying the butchering of a pig and giving away pieces as part of a raffle (I won the belly hahaha). Pair the meat, the win and all the wine and it made this years Cochon 555 an event to remember and I can't wait until next year.

Metromix photographer Alfredo Flores was there with me and he took tons of amazing pics (including my belly and the pigs). Check them out!

The Scene: Trapeze in D.C.

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:18:56 GMT

You know those times that you're doing something and then you realize that it could be a damn good date idea?? That feeling hit me while I was at TSNY (Trapeze School of New York). Located by Nats Park in the Navy Yard neighborhood, TSNY, is literally a school where you can go and take classes on trapeze. If you've ever dreamed of flying through the air in a circus this is your chance.

The school offers long term classes as well as individual ones (great date idea!!). I wouldn't recommend wearing your club gear to a class, so dress comfortable and be prepared to swing. You won't be doing back flips and receiving a standing ovation from a sold out audience at your first class but you will always be able to tell everyone about the time you spent on the high flying trape. Come by their grand opening party this Saturday (and purchase your tickets in advance) and look out for their new outdoor facility coming this summer.

For more info click here and if you missed the segment on TV watch it below.

The Scene: The Izakaya Experience at Kushi

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:22:48 GMT

I now officially have a new favorite spot for Japanese cuisine, Kushi Izakaya and Sushi Bar. Located on K St and 5th N.W. (by the new Safeway) Kushi has filled a void in my life that I never knew existed. An izakaya is a Japanese style pub that normally focuses their cuisine on grilled items and at Kushi their specialty is their "kushi" or skewers. Everything from Korean Kalbi to whole branzino to the most amazing miso marinated black cod I've ever had in my life. Now for people like me who just want it all they offer an Omakase (pretty much a chef's tasting menu) offered Wednesday through Saturday. It will consist of 9 courses that will be chosen by the chef for being at the peak of the season and delivered to you with your choice of sake pairings for an additional charge. Nothing will give you the full Kushi experience quite like the Omakase but make sure to reserve a spot 24 hours in advance.

The actual location itself is huge, splitting itself naturally into a quiet and low key sushi bar on one half and a high ceiling, music-playing izakaya on the other. With the only sake chiller machine I've ever seen in my life and their vast knowledge of asian liquer, the bar scene is perfect for the person with an experimental palette and knowledge of how to have a good time. I will warn you that after you've gone once and experienced the sochu, raw bar, grill etc., you will never treat any other Asian restaurant the same! (I've already started a slow boycott of all others non-Kushi.)

Don't take my word for it. Check out the Scene below and also our bonus fotage that we didn't have enough time to fit on TV:

The Scene: Samy mambos at Chief Ike's

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:23:26 GMT

The name is odd and from the outside it looks like what you've come to expect from the Adam's Morgan local bar scene, but Chief Ike's Mambo Room keeps it that way for a reason. Their reason is because it's the best neighborhood bar in the area and the regulars wouldn't want it any other way. Not only does it have your typical trivia nights, DJ's and happy hours but they give you something that your typical bar doesn't... customer service!

From the second you walk in the staff and regular customers make you feel at home (even offering me some of their food) and from there your night of fun begins. Did I mention that their eclectic menu is actually spot on and I am going back again soon just to eat my face off? No joke: the best straight up bar food made by someone who lets the ingredients speak for themselves.

Also luckily for you, this week our friends at What's the Deal DC are offering 60% on your first try of the Columbia Road gem! Check out the video below and click here for your coupon!

The Scene: Vidalia 24

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:58:13 GMT

Vidalia has been a staple of the D.C. food scene for years and Chef De Cuisine RJ Cooper, along with his staff, have come to the table (literally) with something new. Vidalia 24 is a private table available Friday and Saturdays for up to 6 guests, where you get wined and dined by Vidalia's own Chef Cooper to the tune of a 24 course meal with pairings.

Now having gone to numerous of these chef's tables around the city I will say Vidalia by far had the best! The mixture of the food being made right in front of you, the cocktails, wines, gastronomy, conversation and the fact that everything is created on the fly as the meal progresses was phenomenal. (My nights surprise was bacon chocolate chip cookies... AWESOME!)

Now because it's tough to fit 24 courses in 60 seconds we have split up this weeks segment into two parts! Check out part 2 below, and in case you missed it part 1 below that!

Click below to watch Part 1:

You can also catch both Samy and Chef Cooper at this year's Taste of the Nation event!

The Scene: Late Night Eats at Shawarma Spot

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 04 May 2010 20:23:23 GMT

Move over you Jumbo slicers! There's a new boy in town, Nizar from Shawarma Spot! I noticed it when it first opened and, being the foodie wannabe that I am, I had to try it. I was blown away by the pure fact that it was tasty late night food with a kick. Shawarma is a typical Middle Eastern sandwich with rotisseried beef or chicken stuffed in a soft bread and topped with everything from salad to olives to hummus to their super secret shawarma sauce.

Open from lunch to extremely late almost every night of the week, Shawarma Spot is the perfect balance of quality and quantity for your night out in Adams Morgan. My favorites were their authentic merguez (lamb sausage) and you have to get your sandwich "Tunisian" style stuffed with french fries and spicy harissa (red pepper sauce). In case that doesn't make you drool, check out this week's segment, which is packed full of "food porn" for your viewing pleasure:

The Scene: Flavor Tripping

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:40:24 GMT

Rarely do I need to start off "The Scene" with an announcement stating that what we are doing is completely and 100% legal, but with a name like "flavor tripping," people are bound to think the worst. In actuality, "flavor tripping" refers to an African berry called (ironically enough) "trippy fruit" and after you suck on it, it rewires the taste receptors in your mouth so all of a sudden hot sauce is kethcup and a lemon wedge tastes like a lollipop.

EFN Lounge in DC offers flavor tripping one Friday every month and when we got a chance to preview it, it was packed (so buy your tickets in advance!). The lounge sets up a buffet of everything from mustard to cherries to lemons to hot sauce to Guinness and everything else in between. Mix that with some of DC's finest cocktails and partiers and you've got yourself a "trip" worth Tweeting about to all your peers.

For more about the Flavor Tripping party, click here.

For photos from last month's party, click here.

For this week's video, watch below!

The Scene: Like motorcycles, skee ball and beer? You'll like the Iron Horse.

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:01:39 GMT

A lot of our segments end up being about places that combine a bunch of our favorite things into a bar or restaurant and somehow making it all work. Tonight's segment on the Iron Horse Tap Room is absolutely no different, considering they're D.C.'s (and probably the world's) first ever bike-themed adult game room.

The man behind Chinatown staple Rocket Bar went down the street to open this new gem focusing on drinks, atmosphere and good times. The main level is your typical D.C. bar with tons of available microbeers and seating galore. However, walk down the stairs to the basement and you're transported into a world of old school motorcycles mixed with shuffle board, pool, skee ball, etc... Now forewarning, they do not serve food at all at Iron Horse, so either eat beforehand or take advantage of their outside food policy. (They're one of the only places in the District that let's you bring in your own food!) So next time you're down in Chinatown head to Iron Horse and either sit upstairs and people watch the Verizon crowd, get all nostalgic about winning skee ball, or just sit back talk about bikes and enjoy a beer.

P.S. The owner may or may not be the infamous astronaut from the Caps games...

The Scene: Chef Geoff gets progressive

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:12:39 GMT

Easily DC's most celebrated chef/restaurateur, Chef Geoff Tracy of Lia's and his three flagship Chef Geoff's restaurants fame has a contest so huge that it was worthy of it's own segment. You've probably all been to at least one these places at some point in your life, whether it was for pizza and wine at Lia's or a Super Mug and burger at the original Chef Geoff's. But now you and seven of your friends have the opportunity to win a progressive dinner adventure through all of his restaurants by registering on ChefGeoff.com.

If you're not familiar with progressive dinners, they usually involve cooking one course at your house beforehand and then you and your group of friends go from house to house having drinks and enjoying the courses in order. Well, Geoff is going one step further (you would too if you had a restaurant!) and letting the winner and seven of their friends wine and dine with a specially designed menu and wine pairing at each of his four restaurants. "Every chef team is just going to be designing one specific dish to make the 45 minutes those people are in the restaurant the most amazing moments since they've ever been alive," says Geoff. Best of all, you'll be traveling to each spot in MD, VA and DC in style with your very own stretch limo for the night!

Check out the video below for more info from the man himself, and then go enter the contest!

Samy K chats it up with Ludacris

Samy Kobrosly — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:33:04 GMT

What? Do you think I sit around and eat all the time? Well, I do, but when I'm not I'm talking to celebs. Luda is on tour with the Black Eyed Peas and was in town for their concert at Verizon on Tuesday (2/23/10) so I was able to catch up with him.

Get a gourmet deal at Extra Virgin

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:42:28 GMT

This weeks Scene took us out to the Shirlington neighborhood of Arlington (yes, I finally left the city) to taste Italian cuisine at its finest at Extra Virgin. Luckily for us, the experience was not only amazing, but it easily put Extra Virgin on my list of Italian places you must check out.

The cast of characters in the restaurant make you feel like your family owns the place. Max, the general manager, has 20+ years experience and has no reservations about conversing with the patrons about food (or their "Hottest Lips" contest) and making you feel like a regular, even if it is your first time. Executive chef "Chefario" has taken the best recipes from all regions of Italy and put his special twist on them. Items such as Angry Mussells prepared with Peroni and Thai chilis and (my personal favorite) braised beef with gnochi in a porcini mushroom sauce will leave you talking all night about how you can't wait to go back. Check out the video below, which features an exclusive extended chat with Chef Paul Fario about some of Extra Virgin's most popular dishes.

And as always Metromix has a special deal for our faithful readers! We've teamed up once again with What's The Deal DC to get you more than half off your next (or first) dinner at Extra Virgin.

Click here to get $25 worth of food for only $10!

The Scene: Little Miss Whiskey's

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:39:20 GMT

Now granted it took a little convincing to get this H Street bar to let our cameras in, but Little Miss Whiskey's is your spot to go if you always complain about D.C. nightlife. The staff and patrons are almost impossible to differentiate and the owner might as well put a sign on the door that says, "Expect Us To Be Rude... We Call It Customer Service" And we all know someone that believes a bar should be a miserable experience or else it just isn't a bar.

I will give them credit for having cheap drinks and being open during the crazy winter weather, but that's about it. Check it out for yourself and make your own judgements below:

The Scene: DC Meat Week. Enough Said.

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:13:25 GMT

So a long time ago in a land far far away (Florida) some guys got together and decided that it would be cool to get all their favorite BBQ joints to have specials and host parties in honor of the glorious thing that is meat. Well, fast forward to 2010 and local foodie/blogger Mike Bober has managed to bring the fun and excitement of Meat Week to the DC Metro. Make sure to check out our in depth coverage of DC Meat Week here

For tonight's Scene we went to Mango Mike's in Alexandria where for their Meat Week festivities decided to premiere their brand new BBQ restaurant opening with the help of the guys from Pork Barrel BBQ (you know them from the grocery stores). This will actually be the first ever Pork Barrel restaurant concept so not only did tonights segment focus on Meat Week but also on DC's first taste of Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant (soon to be in Alexandria).

The Scene: Half-Off D.C.'s Newest Tapas Spot

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:47:04 GMT

This week we teamed up with What's The Deal to not only introduce you to one of D.C.'s newest hotspot tapas lounges, but to get you 50% off your next visit. In a spot where the infamous burger joint Ollie's Trolley once stood now stands the massive wooden doors of The Reserve. (Hint: They don't have a sign, so just look for the huge doors!) Once inside, the open kitchen hits you with the smell of Mediterranean delicacies and small bites, whiile the chill lounge-like atmosphere makes you want to order martinis all night long.

Reccomendations: Belgian fries with black lava salt, kobe beef sliders (awesome!!!) and lamb chops with tzatziki (mom's recipe, haha)

Whether you come out for a post-work bite or a late night cocktail, fun times are ample at The Reserve (as is parking)! See video evidence below:

Would a great deal make you want to try this place even more? Check out What's The Deal D.C. to score a $30 coupon (good for food and alcohol) ...for only $15! Click below to get your coupon:

Sugar and Champagne with your four-legged friends

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:06:12 GMT

If you noticed an odd amount of well-dressed individuals walking their dogs around the D.C. area last night, I guarantee they were just en route to this years Sugar & Champagne event. The evening benefited the Washington Humane Society and the Ritz-Carlton D.C. rolled out the red carpet in honor of our four legged companions.

Of course Slash, my 5 lb. dog, and I got all decked out to enjoy sweets from D.C.'s finest chefs such as Todd Gray from Equinox, and Brian Voltaggio from Volt, and restaurants like Coco Sala, Vidalia, Marcel's, etc... But of course they wouldn't have called it Sugar and Champagne without cocktails, wine, champagne and beer galore, sponsored by everyone from PS7's to Perrier Jouet.

In case you missed it, you can still relive the entire night thanks to our fantastic photographer Samantha Strauss. Click below for the full Sugar and Champagne gallery!

And if you're interested in more fun doggie events, don't miss out on the Fashion for Paws Kickoff Party on February 3 and the 4th Annual Fashion for Paws Show on April 10!

The Scene: Something new in the District

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:43:51 GMT

This week we hit up District in Adams Morgan, the new club that just opened in the spot where Chloe used to be. But those of you looking for the same old club scene might be surprised. District may look and sound like a typical DC nightspot, with really cool LED lighting all around and a great state of the art sound system, but its got the atmosphere of a loft with a laid back, fun feel. The dance floor was still hopping though (I even snuck in a few moves myself). But the best part has to be the food, which again you wouldn't expect at your average club. Hawain chef Alika Keone makes some great entrees and small plates, including garlic shrimp and her signature District wings with a lemon sauce.

They've had a soft opening the past couple weekends, but this Friday (Jan. 22) District will have their a big blowout grand opening party with Metromix. Click here to find out how you can get in for free!

To read Metromix's full review and check out more pictures, click here. Otherwise, check out this week's Scene segment below:

The Scene: Creme Cafe...so much more than brunch

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:45:59 GMT

First off, I want to say that Creme Cafe in the U St. corridor offers sooooo much more than just brunch and you can check out my other review here, but today's Scene is all about BRUNCH...and why you voted them as D.C.'s #1 brunch in this years Metromix Awards.

For some reason, restaurants in the area assume that people only want brunch on Sunday, but I'm the kinda guy who craves brunch whenever I wake up past 9 a.m., which is why Creme Cafe comes in clutch. They're open for brunch every weekend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but if you want a table without the wait I'd say come before noon (or try and squeeze a spot at the bar). Now the allure here (as I've always said) is that it's comfort food with a restaurant flare and their brunch is no different.

Items like the Chesapeake (eggs benedict with Old Bay and crab), Build Your Own Omelette, and Stack O' Pancakes cover the basics of brunch fare (with a twist), but for you true Southerners, you need the Chicken and Waffles! Yes it may sound odd to the amateur who has never indulged, but nothing is better then perfectly fried chicken and a Belgian waffle. (Sometimes I sub French toast when I'm feeling randy) If that doesn't convince you, maybe my special celebrity guest will...

The Scene: Rubbing Elbows at The Fourth Estate

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:55:12 GMT

Have you ever eaten somewhere and just said "WOW! I can't believe I'm here?" Well, I got that exact same feeling from the Fourth Estate on the 13th floor of the National Press Club.

First off, the history behind the National Press Club and knowing that everyone from Wolf Blitzer to George Clooney to Eleanor Roosevelt have come there is reason enough for a geek like me to freak out, but then you have Executive Chef's Susan Delbert, whose cuisine takes things to a whole new level. You could easily spend an hour perusing the photos lining the walls of media greats from the past 100 years, but than you might miss your reservation...haha. Now I know there's this awful rumor going around that you have to be famous or be a member to enjoy a meal at the National Press Club but I'm here to bust that myth. The very top floor is private for members only, but everyone can enjoy lunch and dinner at the 13th floor's Fourth Estate every day of the week. (And no matter where you eat, all the food is made by Chef Susan!).

Whether you're looking for a classy touch to your lunch, or for an amazing Prix Fixe experience while rubbing elbows with DC's most powerful (and all for an amazingly decent price, I might add), I have to reccomend the experience of NPC and the Fourth Estate.

BONUS: Executive Chef Susan Delbert taught me an easy way to make your typical dinner salad worthy of the National Press Club. Click below to check out the video!

The Scene: A Winning Policy

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:45:16 GMT

If you got a chance to watch Metromix's Best Of 2009, then you saw that Policy cleaned up pretty well, winning Best Bathroom and Best new Venue. But what you didn't see was all the other cool stuff Policy has to offer. Whether it's graffiti of Obama, amazing International small plates to nibble on, or a stiff artisan cocktail, Policy is worth a look in 2010.

Now I will admit I was a fan before I filmed this week's segment because Policy is a perfect balance of class, taste and vibe that in my opinion seperates the big dogs from this years flops. If it's your first time i reccomend the fries with truffle mayo, Korean style short ribs or the crab marscapone crepe. (Sounds weird but it's amazing!) Show up early-ish to get food or swing by after midnight for some good tunes and great people.