Lunchtime Links for April 19th, 2019

• Two Peas and Their Pod: Simple sesame asparagus.
• The Kitchn: 25 Easter desserts. 
• Steamy Kitchen: Grilled fish tacos with corn and pepitas.
• Serious Eats: Thick chocolate chip cookies.
• The Cozy Apron: Beefaroni.

Lunchtime Links for April 18th, 2019

• Averie Cooks: Beef tator tot-chos.
• The Kitchn: Italian sausage Tortellini soup.
• How Sweet Eats: Easter snack mix.
• Table for Two: Warm roasted Brussels sprouts salad with Farro. 
• The Impulsive Buy: Ben & Jerry's Snackable dough.

Lunchtime Links for April 17th, 2019

• The Kitchn: 5 ingredient flourless chocolate cloud cake.
• Two Peas and Their Pod: Garlic herb Parker House rolls.
• Crazy for Crust: Banoffee cupcakes. 
• Table for Two: 15 Spring recipes.
• Bakerella: Buttercream bunny cupcakes.

Easter Events and Treats in Bethesda/North Bethesda

I've never "officially" celebrated Easter before, but I always enjoy celebrating with all the delicious candy and sweets that come out this time of year, haha  This year, I'll be enjoying a group Easter Sunday hosted by my friend L, but I also wanted to share some events and treats that are offered in the local area this weekend for both Easter and Passover.  If anyone is looking to make plans with friends or family, be sure to check these out.  Or if you already have plans, Sugarfina and Georgetown Cupcake offerings would be great to bring to any holiday celebrations!

Events:
 
- Summer House Santa Monica (Pike & Rose): Easter Brunch featuring Fresh Berry Waffles, Breakfast Tostadas on crispy corn tortillas and heaped with pulled chicken, , sunny side up eggs and avocado.  There is a special holiday menu for the kids and a sweet Easter treat too. 
 
- Also, they offer an authentic Passover dinner menu featuring homemade gefilte fish with beet horseradish, vegetarian “chopped liver,” Matzo Ball soup, Slow Braised Beef Short Rib, Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake and more. The holiday menu is priced $39.95 per guest and $12.95 for children 12 and younger (plus tax, gratuity not included.) The regular menu will also be available and includes new spring menu additions. Passover dinner is available April 19^th-20^th from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

- Stella Barra (Pike & Rose): Unlimited chef-inspired Easter brunch buffet for $20.95. Entrees include Roasted Corn & Poblano Egg Enchiladas, Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, Italian Sausage Hash, Avocado Arugula Pesto or Spicy Salami and Burrata Pizzas and $5 Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas and Bellinis.  Easter dinner will also be served from 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

- City Perch Kitchen + Bar (Pike & Rose): A decadent buffet featuring an Easter Egg Hunt and a photo opportunity with the Hipster Bunny. 

- Mon Abi Gabi (Bethesda): French inspired brunch menu featuring savory crepes, Eggs Benedict, waffles and more, available from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Easter dinner is also available featuring Chive-Crusted Salmon, Casareccia Pasta and Classic Steak Frites, available from 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Dessert house favorites include Gala Apple Tarte Tatin and Salted Chocolate Caramel Tart. All kids will receive a sweet Easter treat.    

- Matchbox (Congressional Plaza): Unlimited brunch of small plates and cocktails on Easter Sunday (offered Saturdays and Sundays).

Treats:

- Sugarfina (Bethesda): Easter-inspired collection perfect for baskets, including a signature chocolate Easter bunny, bunny tails candies and Easter bundles.

- Georgetown Cupcake (Bethesda): Easter Dozen collection of 12 different cupcakes: Carrot, Cherry, Coconut with a fondant baby chick, Easter Bunny Peanut Butter Fudge, Easter Egg Vanilla Confetti and Sunshine Buttercream, Chocolate Caramel Easter Bunny, Happy Easter Red Velvet, Vanilla Confetti Easter Egg, Easter Bunny Salted Caramel, Hummingbird, Easter Egg Lavender Earl Grey Teacake and Cherry Cheesecake.  

Lunchtime Links for April 16th, 2019

• A Spicy Perspective: Steak Fajita stuffed avocados.
• Averie Cooks: Beef Taco pasta skillet.
• Buzzfeed: Blender recipes.
• Cookies and Cups: Sweet and salty brownies.
• Dessert for Two: Beef and broccoli stir fry.

Lunchtime Links for April 15th, 2019

• I Heart Naptime: Tres Leches cake.
• Cookies and Cups: Snickerdoodles. 
• The Kitchn: Korean recipes.
• A Spicy Perspective: Chocolate sugar cookies.
• The Cozy Apron: Chicken fried rice.

Sushiko - Kani Karaage (Soft Shell Crab)

Soft shell crab season is back!  I love soft shell crabs and can't get enough of them when they start popping up on restaurants menus this time of year.  One of my favorite soft shell crab dishes in the area is the Kani Karaage at Sushiko in Chevy Chase, MD.  "Kani" means Crab in Japanese, and "Karaage" is most commonly known as bite size Japanese fried chicken, but in this case is linked to the way the crab is prepared.  

I recently met a few friends there for happy hour, which includes some great deals on sushi hand rolls and appetizers.  But I was there mainly for the delicious fried soft shell crab, which is super crispy without being greasy or heavy - so good!  This dish is on the regular menu so even if you're not there during happy hour I highly recommend trying it while it's available!