Girl Meets Food

If you’re dying to try out Volt in Frederick, Maryland, here’s your chance!

Frederick Restaurant Week is a seven-day promotion that features the unique and fine dining options available in Downtown Frederick and the surrounding area. Participating restaurants will offer diners price-fixed meals at mouth-watering prices the week of March 8-14, 2010 during the inaugural Frederick Restaurant Week.

Featuring over a dozen restaurants, Frederick Restaurant Week is the perfect time to visit a favorite restaurant or try something new. Chefs will prepare delicious 2-course and 3-course special menus. During Frederick Restaurant Week, lunches are offered at $15.10 for a 2-course meal and $20.10 for a 3-course meal. Dinners are offered at $30.10. All costs are exclusive of tax, beverages and gratuity.

During Frederick Restaurant Week, no tickets or special passes are needed. However, reservations are strongly recommended. Contact the individual restaurant to make your reservations. Restaurant contact information can be found on the Menu page of the website.

2 Course Lunch $15.10 exclusive of tax, beverages & gratuity
3 Course Lunch $20.10 exclusive of tax, beverages & gratuity
3 Course Dinner $30.10 exclusive of tax, beverages & gratuity

Frederick Restaurant Week is another fine example of the cooperative efforts of the folks here who are ready to “wine & dine” you, as also evidenced by the popular Frederick Wine Trail which features six wineries and a combined 120 acres of vineyards.

Do you know how hard it is to get a good sammich around D.C.?  I mean, a really, really good sammich. Only a few places come to mind, and now Taylor Gourmet in the Atlas District is at the forefront.

Owners Casey Patten and David Mazza are from Philadelphia, which in my opinion, has the best sandwich creations on earth, including my beloved cheesesteaks.  Which by the way, Taylor Gourmet doesn’t offer.

When asked why not, the man at the counter replied, “Don’t you want to try something else?”

Well, of course, but how do you have a Philly-style gourmet deli and Italian market wit no cheesesteaks?  I’m writing a letter to Casey and David after I finish this post.

I ordered the six-inch Pattison Avenue for $7.20.  Moist, tender, juicy chunks of pork seasoned with black pepper and spices taste incredibly fresh.  The sharp provolone, which is aged for eighteen months, gives a burst of flavor while broccoli rabe provides a nice crunch.  You can add lettuce, tomato and onions at no charge.  The six-incher is a nice lunch size, while the twelve inch would put me in a coma for sure. Add chips and a soda for $2.30.  I recommend the Herr’s Cheddar Horseradish chips. Yum.

The Pattison Avenue is also available in a vegetarian version called the Spring Garden, along with two other meatless sandwiches.

Or try the Island Avenue with homemade chicken cutlets, arugula, pesto and brie.  You can get the chicken grilled or breaded with Italian bread crumbs, dressed with olive oil.

Taylor Gourmet only gets their rolls from the famous Sarcone’s Bakery in Philadelphia.  These crusty, seeded rolls are the best!  And what’s fun about Taylor Gourmet is that they have Boylan Sodas on tap, with flavors like black cherry, root beer, and cream soda!

Taylor Gourmet also stocks Italian pastas, produce, sauces, oils, vinegar and a fine selection of cookies.  Plus, they have a hand-picked selection of thirty wines under $30.00, as well as Italian and artisan beers.  I spotted Rogue beers in the refrigerator.

There’s outdoor seating in the backyard that will be great in the summertime.  Until then, enjoy a seat inside this cozy little mecca on H Street, with tasty sammich in hand. Salud!

It’s almost that time again!

The Washington Post Presents The 11th Annual Washington D.C. International Wine & Food Festival
February 13 – 14, 2010
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

The Washington D.C. International Wine & Food Festival enters its 11th season as the largest indoor wine event in the Mid-Atlantic. Over 150 international wineries participate annually along with food vendors, and manufacturers of related lifestyle products and services. You should too!

A limited amount of tickets are being sold this year to provide a comfortable tasting experience for all attendees.  Click here to purchase your tickets now.