Lunchtime Links for April 30th, 2019

• Table for Two: Buttermilk roast chicken.
• A Spicy Perspective: Queso Blanco dip.
• I Heart Naptime: Chocolate Bundt cake. 
• How Sweet Eats: Grilled Guacamole with Cotija cheese.
• Serious Eats: Taco recipes.

Lunchtime Links for April 29th, 2019

• The Kitchn: Sweet and sour chicken.
• Creme de la Crumb: Lemon garlic butter shrimp.
• Oh Sweet Basil: Elote Mexican corn pasta salad. 
• Love and Lemons: Guacamole.
• Crazy for Crust: No-bake cheesecake.

The Baked Bear - Cinnamon Roll Cookie

I had the chance to go get the cookie of the month at The Baked Bear recently, which was posted earlier as a Cinnamon Roll flavor.  I like snickerdoodle cookies, so I knew this one would be good! 

I have to admit I was disappointed when I saw this one on the cookie shelf, because the photo they had posted online had a swirl of frosting on top of the cookie - making it really look like a cinnamon roll.  However, taste-wise this one was very good.  It's like a more cinnamon-heavy snickerdoodle cookie, and was perfect with some milk.  Even though this one will be gone soon, they usually have a snickerdoodle cookie available as a regular cookie flavor - I hope the one for May is a more distinct flavor. 

Lunchtime Links for April 26th, 2019

• Cookies and Cups: Chocolate cake.
• Bake at 350: Vanilla bean cut-out cookies.
• Serious Eats: Pork shoulder Chashu. 
• My Baking Addiction: How to freeze cookie dough.
• Damn Delicious: Quick ramen noodle stir fry.

Lunchtime Links for April 25th, 2019

• Dessert for Two: Shrimp fried rice.
• My Baking Addiction: Chocolate chip cookies.
• Two Peas and Their Pod: Shrimp Fajitas.
• Bakerella: Bravetart's Levain-style chocolate chip cookies. 
• Averie Cooks: Layered beef taco dip.

Lunchtime Links for April 24th, 2019

• The Kitchn: Beef and broccoli.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Cherry blossom raindrop cake.
• Table for Two: Lemongrass pork meatball lettuce wraps. 
• Handle the Heat: Chocolate sheet cake.
• Damn Delicious: Korean beef Bulgogi.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Coming to Bethesda (Fall 2019)

I heard about some exciting ice cream news this week - there are plans for a Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream shop to open in downtown Bethesda this Fall!  I've been to Jeni's in Atlanta as well as DC's 14th Street location and love their creative flavors and super cute decor.  I'm so excited to have one close by and can't wait to see how this location looks!

From the press release:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a modern American ice cream company devoted to making the finest ice creams the world has ever known. Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 2002 by James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Jeni Britton Bauer, Jeni’s has emerged over the past 15 years as the new standard by which all other ice creams (and ice cream companies) are judged. With Jeni in charge of all creative output—from the ice cream itself to all of the supporting details that enhance the experience of eating it—Jeni’s continues to make one-of-a-kind flavors with Direct and Fair Trade ingredients and milk from family dairy farms. Today, Jeni’s is a Certified B Corporation for known for its environmental, community, and sustainable business leadership with 34 scoop shops, an online shop at jenis.com, and distribution in top grocery stores across the country.

Lunchtime Links for April 23rd, 2019

• I Heart Naptime: Ground beef tacos.
• The First Year Blog: Double chocolate chip M&M cookies.
• Cookies and Cups: Buttermilk waffles. 
• How Sweet Eats: Roasted broccoli toast with red pepper and lemon.
• Crazy for Crust: Chicken broccoli skillet dinner.

Lunchtime Links for April 22nd, 2019

• The Kitchn: Alfredo sauce.
• Cookies and Cups: Pesto chicken.
• Serious Eats: Shio ramen. 
• Oh Sweet Basil: Oven braised beef roast.
• Damn Delicious: Mexican street tacos.

White Chocolate Marshmallow M&Ms

There's always a lot of fun seasonal flavors that come out in the Easter candy aisles, and I was very happy with these White Chocolate Marshmallow M&Ms!  The colors are super cute - a mix of white, light blue, and light pink/coral shells, these are slightly rounder and thicker than the standard milk chocolate M&Ms.  While I didn't specifically get a strong marshmallow flavor, I found that these tasted a lot like a sweet vanilla frosting - can't complain about that!  If you like white chocolate you'll definitely like these.  Hopefully they'll still be around during the post-Easter candy sales this week!

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!

  

Lunchtime Links for April 12th, 2019

• Handle the Heat: Crepes.
• The Kitchn: 30-minute sheet pan chicken.
• Bake at 350: Unicorn Easter egg cookies. 
• Kirbie's Cravings: Easter brunch recipes.
• Seasons and Suppers: Mongolian beef Udon.

Lunchtime Links for April 11th, 2019

• Table for Two: Peanut butter chocolate mug cake.
• Joy the Baker: Chili baked sweet potato fries.
• Two Peas and Their Pod: Parmesan roasted cauliflower. 
• Gimme Some Oven: Flourless chocolate chip cookies.
• The Kitchn: Cheesecake recipes.

Lunchtime Links for April 10th, 2019

• Table for Two: Homemade chicken stock.
• Sora News 24: "Weathering With You" trailer. 
• I Heart Naptime: Pico de Gallo. 
• Serious Eats: Chocolate olive oil cake.
• Love and Lemons: Falafel flatbread.

BurgerFi - Pike & Rose

Welcome to the neighborhood BurgerFi Pike & Rose!  I haven't tried BurgerFi before, but I was excited to see a casual restaurant come in, especially with burgers and milkshakes!

On their official opening day this past Monday, I stopped by for dinner.  I ordered a regular single burger with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, and the red velvet shake.  The restaurant was pretty crowded being opening day, but it was easy to find a seat at the communal table in the center of the dining room while waiting for my order.  I also liked that they use the LevelUp app, so I can start earning rewards on my visits!

The burger was delicious, and I liked the meat patty especially - it was a little crispy on the edges but still juicy in the middle, and really tasty.  This was a good "base" burger for my first visit, but I was definitely tempted by all of the signature burgers and topping choices.  The red velvet milkshake was huge, and such a pretty pink color, haha.  The shake was thick and delicious -  with the randomly humid April weather that night it really felt like summer drinking this.  I look forward to trying more of the options on the menu, especially as it gets even warmer out!

BurgerFi Pike & Rose
11881 Grand Park Avenue
North Bethesda, MD 20852

Lunchtime Links for April 9th, 2019

• A Spicy Perspective: How to Spatchcock a chicken.
• Oh Sweet Basil: Korean oven braised short ribs.
• Cookies and Cups: White chocolate macadamia nut cookies.
• The First Year Blog: Funfetti earthquake cake.
• Gimme Some Oven: Lemony Orzo chickpea soup.

Lunchtime Links for April 8th, 2019

• The Kitchn: Chrissy Teigen's French toast.
• Damn Delicious: Roasted leg of lamb.
• Crazy for Crust: Banana pudding. 
• Serious Eats: How to make a paper piping bag.
• How Sweet Eats: Bacon roasted carrots.

Shake Shack - Cherry Blossom Shake

Shake Shack came out with some very exciting news this spring by bringing the famous cherry blossom shake from their Japanese outlets over to the US!  I have seen the cherry blossom/spring themed items being offered at their locations in Japan on social media in the past, and really wanted to try them out here. 

This shake is a "vanilla frozen custard blended with cherry blossom and topped with pink chocolate curls".  I was so relieved that Shake Shack stayed true to the cherry blossom flavor and didn't default to a cherry flavor.  A lot of places (especially in the DC area) offer "cherry blossom specials" during the spring, but cherry blossoms are not cherries!  Since I don't like cherry flavors to begin with this is particularly a problem when I see it, haha. 

I will admit that it's hard to describe the cherry blossom flavor, but it's slightly floral, sweet, but also a little salty, if salted cherry blossoms are used.  The real draw is the pretty pink color and a distinctly spring flavor.  I grew up enjoying sakura mochi and other cherry blossom chocolates and sweets, so I really enjoyed this shake.  Especially with the pretty pink chocolate curls on top which resemble cherry blossom petals - so cute!  This shake is only available for a limited time, depending on the location - I hope they bring it back again next spring!     

Lunchtime Links for April 5th, 2019

• How Sweet Eats: Southwest salmon salad.
• Cookies and Cups: Classic pound cake.
• Gimme Some Oven: Everyday kale salad. 
• The Kitchn: Cold brew coffee makers.
• Averie Cooks: Boyfriend brownies.

Lunchtime Links for April 4th, 2019

• Two Peas and Their Pod: Twice baked potatoes.
• Serious Eats: Avocado recipes.
• Table for Two: Pad See Ew.
• Cookies and Cups: Brownie bottom ice cream cake.
• Gimme Some Oven: Everyday Italian salad.

Lunchtime Links for April 3rd, 2019

• The Kitchn: Garlicky sun-dried tomato pasta.
• Love and Olive Oil: Sesame stir fry noodles.
• How Sweet Eats: Chicken taco soup with cheese Quesadilla croutons. 
• The First Year Blog: Chocolate Rocky Road cookies.
• Gimme Some Oven: Everyday sesame Asian slaw.

Hazelnut Spread M&Ms

After checking at a few grocery stores around me recently, I was very happy to come across the new Hazelnut Spread M&Ms at Wegmans over the weekend!  I had heard - and assumed - these would basically be Nutella flavored, but I guess there might be some issue with "unofficially" using their name, haha.  Well, these definitely taste a lot like candy covered Nutella!  They're larger than the plain M&Ms but not quite as big as the peanut M&Ms to me, so there's a good amount of "spread" inside each piece.  I hope these stick around for a while - I think they'd be awesome in baked goods or as an ice cream topping! 

Lunchtime Links for April 2nd, 2019

• The Cozy Apron: Chicken Parmesan.
• The Kitchn: Japanese-style pancakes. 
• Creme de la Crumb: Garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet. 
• Oh Sweet Basil: Mini Egg cookies.
• Crazy for Crust: Chocolate covered pretzel no bake cheesecake.

Lunchtime Links for April 1st, 2019

• The Kitchn: 8 essential ways to cook steak.
• Smitten Kitchen: French onion soup.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Japanese egg salad sandwiches.
• Damn Delicious: Chicken Khao Soi. 
• How Sweet Eats: Cashew shrimp and mango stir fry.

Georgetown Cupcake - April Flavors

Happy April everyone!  Springtime brings lots of seasonal cupcake flavors at Georgetown Cupcake, with lots of pastel colors and cute designs. There's a lot of special flavors this month especially with Easter being in April!

- Cherry Blossom: Classic Madagascar vanilla cupcake baked with cherries and topped with a cherry infused cream cheese frosting and a fondant cherry blossom.

- Cherry Cheesecake: Cherry cheesecake cupcake with a graham cracker crust and topped with a cherry infused frosting and cherry blossom fondant.

- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip: Salted caramel cupcake studded with Callebaut chocolate chips, topped with a salted caramel buttercream frosting, fudge and caramel drizzles, and Callebaut chocolate chips.

- Hummingbird: Georgetown Cupcake's version of a Southern classic — fresh banana, pineapple, and pecan cupcake topped with a vanilla cream cheese frosting, chopped pecans, and a blue fondant hummingbird.

- Lavender Earl Grey Teacake: A Madagascar vanilla cupcake infused with lavender sugar and Earl Grey tea, topped with an Earl Grey tea–infused buttercream frosting, a sprinkling of lavender sugar, and a pink fondant flower.

- Lemon Cheesecake: Lemon cheesecake with a graham cracker crust and topped with a lemon frosting and candied lemon wedge.

- Pink Tulip: Classic Madagascar vanilla cupcake decorated with baby pink vanilla buttercream frosting "tulips".

- Purple Tulip: Classic Madagascar vanilla cupcake decorated with light purple vanilla buttercream frosting "tulips".

- Yellow Tulip: Classic Madagascar vanilla cupcake decorated with light yellow vanilla buttercream frosting "tulips".

- Chocolate Caramel Easter Bunny: Valrhona chocolate cupcake filled with caramel and topped with a light green vanilla buttercream frosting and pink fondant bunny.

- Easter Egg Hunt Chocolate: Valrhona chocolate cupcake topped with green grass vanilla buttercream frosting and a colorful fondant Easter Egg. Valrhona chocolate cupcake topped with green grass vanilla buttercream frosting and a colorful fondant Easter Egg.

- Easter Nest: Valrhona chocolate cupcake filled with caramel, topped with a Callebaut white chocolate buttercream frosting, and a toasted coconut nest with 3 candy-coated chocolate Easter eggs.

- Vanilla Confetti Bunny Face: Vanilla cupcake infused with rainbow nonpareils and topped with a light yellow vanilla buttercream frosting, retro pastel confetti and a fondant Easter Bunny face. Vanilla cupcake infused with rainbow nonpareils and topped with a light yellow vanilla buttercream frosting, retro pastel confetti and a fondant Easter Bunny face.

- White Chocolate Easter Bunny: Callebaut white chocolate cupcake topped with a Callebaut white chocolate buttercream frosting and a chocolate fondant Easter bunny and small pink fondant blossom.

- Vanilla Confetti Easter Egg: Classic Madagascar vanilla cupcake infused with rainbow nonpareils and topped with a baby pink-tinted Madagascar vanilla buttercream frosting, and a fondant Easter Egg.