By: Cori Sue

When the folks at Irish Whiskey Public House invited us in for their first day of brunch, I knew exactly who I’d take as my date—none other than the whiskey-loving, Mighty Pint regular and gorgeous girl-around-town K Street Kate. I’d last seen Kate at the Irish Whiskey opening party the week beforehand—where she told me of her plan to work her way through the restaurant and bar’s whiskey club and snag a trip to Ireland. A go-getter, that one.

The space is decorated by Maggie O’Neill, the designer behind SAX, the burlesque nightclub, and Lincoln, my favorite Logan Circle locale. With plaid, brass, wooden bars and booths, the space is a modern, unique spin on a traditional Irish pub. Oh, and it’s three stories, too.

The boys behind the bar are the owners of neighboring Mighty Pint, a popular spot for Pennsylvania sports fans. Sean McIntosh, an authentically Irish chef with a heavy accent, swoon-worthy smile and a ponytail, is the wunderkind in the kitchen, whipping up pretzel bites and delicious arctic char among other dishes.

As I am the girl who loves both a $16 cocktail at an upscale hotel bar and a PBR at a dive bar, Irish Whiskey Public House is my new go-to, as it appeals to both relaxed and refined clientele with its upscale Irish pub vibe.

As it was the first day of brunch, Chef Sean was popping over to check in and asking for tips from Kate and I.

For starters, we began with strong Irish coffees, served in a glass mug rather than a coffee cup. “Best coffee I’ve had in a while … adding whiskey would have made it even better!” was Kate’s tip.

Then, never shy, we dove right in to the entrees.

Kate ordered the loaded baked potato hash with bacon, scallions, Cabot cheese, two poached eggs and country Irish gravy, which came served in a cast iron put. It was heavy, filled with eggs, cheese, potatoes and gravy—but not a lot of bacon. The dish was very hot, which served to cook the egg more thoroughly while it sat on the table.

For me, the “From the Coast,” two poached eggs on toasted Irish soda bread with smoked salmon and seared potato puffs. With regard to the potato puffs, they are gnocchi … only Irish. Chef Sean came out to inquire about the food, asking, “Aren’t the gnocchi delicious?”

“Don’t you mean the potato puffs?” I replied. “You’ve got to make them Irish somehow!”

For the record, the potato puffs were light, flavorful and delicious—yet different enough to be puffs, rather than gnocchi.

My dish was essentially a salmon benedict. The salmon was fresh, the Béarnaise perfection, and the eggs perfectly poached. However, the dish was served on Irish soda bread—traditional bread made with soda and raisins. I’d prefer it with different bread, and, according to my sources, the chef has made the menu adjustment, now serving it with brioche.

Along the way, I gave in and ordered the house-made Bloody Mary, topped with an onion, olive and shrimp. It was so spicy—I love spicy—not too thick, and packed with flavor. The shrimp, pepper and horseradish flavors were strong. It was by far the best Bloody Mary I’ve had in recent memory—this pub definitely knows its cocktails.

We ordered the Irish soda bread French toast, served with house-made Jameson whipped cream and syrup, as “dessert.” Oddly, the French toast came served with latkes, a strange combination. The thick, fluffy French toast could have been battered more heavily with eggs, and topped with more Jameson whipped cream.

The whipped cream was amazing—and I can certainly see it making me tipsy had there been more of it. This is a really unique dish—and worth going back for. Both Kate and I suggested they ditch the latkes, add fruit, and amplify the egginess (that is so a word) and whipped cream on the dish. Such food critics, we girls.

(For the record, you can substitute a side of fruit for anything on the menu).

A handsome gentlemen at the table beside us ordered the eggs veggie—sautéed vegetables and pasteurized eggs baked and served in a cast-iron pot. This looks like a great option for brunch, as it is lighter than what Kate and I ordered.

Additionally, I was drooling over my neighbor’s roasted beet salad, served with fried camembert cheese, shredded cabbage slaw and honey orange vinaigrette. Those of you who follow me on Twitter know I’m on a beet kick—I’ll definitely be back to try it for myself.

Because I was waxing poetic over the pretzel bites from the opening party, Chef Sean sent out a half-batch (in order to prevent Cori Sue and Kate over-carbo-loading). The pretzel bites are fluffy, salted and fried, arriving with a side of spicy honey mustard dipping sauce. This is the snack I would like to have appear in my home for late-night post-bar snacking, as I can literally imagine nothing better.

As for Kate, she says “There is no lighter option on the brunch menu—I know it’s Irish traditional—but for a gal looking to watch her weight, this place would be a tough sell.” Thankfully, neither of us are much for calorie-counting. But, health maniacs should take heed.

The Bitches say: A-. Irish Whiskey Public House has a great ambiance and talented chef that uses fresh ingredients and quality preparation. A few adjustments need to be made to improve their fledgling brunch menu—but we’re thinking they can only move up from there!

Irish Whiskey Public House
1207 19th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
(202) 463-3010

By: Cori Sue

“Summer lovin, had me a blast. Summer lovin, happened so fast. Met a boy, crazy for me,” I crooned, batting my eyelashes, flipping my hair, and envisioning myself a blonde in leather pants akin to Sandy in Grease.

“Met a girl, cute as can be,” replied my dance partner, in a Spanish accent so thick I’m not sure he even knew what he was singing.

“Summer days driftin’ away, to uh-oh those summer nights. Uh well-a well-a well-a huh,” we continued on emphatically. My hardly-21-year-old Colombian dance partner spun me around, dipping me as my costume crown falls to the ground.

I am sunburnt (from climbing a mountain), wearing a tiara and a sash, along with various other assorted props. I’m drunk off of bad oldies tunes and one far-too-strong-and-larger-than-life mojito. It’s New Year’s Eve. My teeny bopper dance moves are unstoppable.

Where the hell am I?

Andres Carne de Res, a five-floor amusement-style restaurant-turned-night-club that boasts a 15-page menu, overpriced and oversized tropical beverages and more steak and frivolity than even the most American of Americans could fathom. Waitresses wear an assortment of buttons. Other employees assault you with puppets. People put crowns and sashes on you. It’s like TGIFridays, or Fudruckers. But on steroids, and in Colombia.

In Colombia? You say. Like the country?

Yes, Colombia, that drug-invested dangerous country where you’re sure to get carried off by the FARC and held for ransom, according to my overly concerned relatives.

Why, you ask?

In another one of my hair-brained whirlwind plans, I’d dragged my god sister and oldest friend, Anna, off to Bogota for New Year’s holiday (much to my god-parents’ dismay). Because, it would be fun, and well, why not?

Why Colombia? (Everyone asked).

Well, allow me to elaborate … and then get to brunch. Here’s my short list on why—and what you should do—when you visit Colombia.

1.) Have fun. For starters, there are spectacular establishments like Arnes Carne de Res where you can stuff yourself with delicious cuisine, flamboyant cocktails and dance to Euro House music, Spanish salsa tunes and American pop all-at-once.

2.) Experience an amazing country. I’m not here to give you a geography or history lesson. But, Colombia is one of the most beautiful countries out there—there are mountains, jungles, tropical and Caribbean beaches. There are bustling and thriving cities—epicenters of culture for you to enjoy. You can climb a mountain in the jungle one day, relax on a Caribbean beach the next, and visit world-class museums another.

3.) Be cheap—and go shopping. The exchange rate of U.S. dollars to Colombian pesos two-to-one and everything is dirt cheap. Spirit Airlines and Jet Blue fly to three major Colombian cities—Bogota, Cartagena and Medellin—and you can snag a ticket for less money than it takes to get to California. Colombia is the emerald capital of the world. In addition to emeralds, there are all sorts of authentic, hand-made indigenous gold jewels and beaded baubles, Panama hats, tapestries, hammocks. You name it.

4.) Have an adventure. While in Colombia, we climbed a tropical mountain. We also took a bike tour through the very hilly and traffic filled downtown Bogota. Ecotourism, tropical wildlife, scenic hikes, hang gliding, scuba diving and whale watching—you can do all that and more in Colombia.

5.) Eat fresh. Colombia has an abundance of tropical fruit. Every morning, everywhere, you can drink fresh-squeezed mango, orange, lemon, pineapple or coconut juice. There are street stands selling fresh cups of mango, papaya and pineapple for two pesos, or less than a dollar, on every corner. On the weekend, there are markets filled with tropical fruits like you’ve never seen in your life.

6.) Drink beer. Like everything else, Colombian beer is cheap, and light. One of the nation’s signature beverages is a cerveza michelada, basically a beergarita—lime, salt, and beer. It’s delicious, trust me.

7.)  See beauty—even in fat people. Bogota’s Museo de Oro, or museum of gold, has the world’s largest share of gold artifacts and is listed in the Thousand Places to See Before You Die. Additionally, Fernando Botero, the Colombian painter who paints morbidly fat people and somehow makes them cute, has his namesake museum around the corner.

8.) Brunch (or breakfast). One day, we hopped over to La Puerta Falsa, an adorable breakfast café hidden in la Candelaria, the historical part of town, that was founded in 1816. We climbed up the wooden stairs to a loft-style portion of the restaurant and ordered Colombia’s three traditional dishes.

First, huevos pericos, scrambled eggs with tomatos and onions and served in a cast iron skillet. No matter where you go in Colombia, huevos pericos are served the same way.

Then, a tamale, a combination of yellow cumin rice, chicken, onions, and peppers served inside a banana leaf. Warm, delicious and filling.

Saving the best for last, Colombians eat cheese dipped in hot chocolate for breakfast. Sounds bizarre, but it’s not. Rich, dark hot chocolate comes served with huge slices of fluffy buttered bread and a soft, mildly flavored cheese, which you dip into the hot chocolate.

Though at first hesitant, I can honestly say it was delicious. But, feeding me bread, cheese and chocolate in one meal is likely to garner positive reviews

La Puerta Falsa
Calle 11 No 6-50
Bogota, Colombia

Also, in Colombia, they have llamas, which is clear reason to buy your plane ticket.

By: Cori Sue

Ladies, start your engines. Then mark your calendar for Sunday, February 5, when you will hop in your car and head to your nearest Target because the Jason Wu for Target collection has arrived.

While the Bitches’ excitement for capsule collections varies—we loved Rodarte for Target, waited in line for hours for Lanvin for H&M with no success, and skipped Versace for H&M all together—I am of the opinion that Jason Wu for Target is sure to be worth the trip.

Though, I can’t vouch for the quality of the clothing until I see it in person, I’ll surely be making a trip to Target-boutique, as my Mother calls it.

Jason Wu’s collection is ladylike, structured and clean. The looks are fun and playful without being ridiculous and over-the-top like some of the Lanvin frocks or the Versace prints.

It seems that Jason Wu played it fairly safe with this collection, which is not unlike him: most of his collections are no-frills investment pieces that are appropriate for the classic, responsible American woman. Most of the dresses in the Target collection you can wear for work and play, and no look is so extreme that it will go out of style next year.

With structured bodices and full skirts, lady-like top-handled bags and belted cardigans, Wu’s collection evokes a 1950s Mad Men style theme. Again, it’s clear that Wu played it safe, as Mad Men attire has been all-the-rage for two years now.

That being said, I’m lusting after a few of the pieces. As far as colors go, Wu has a lot of red, white and blue as well as white and black (again, two safe combos). Additionally, a few pieces are pastel, which is a big trend for spring.

Here are my picks from the collection.

A dress perfect for a spring day in the office or a summer Fourth of July BBQ.

A classic, lovely dress in a great cut. Wear with tights and black ballet flats now and with fun pumps later.

A sexy outfit to take from work to a dinner date with a handsome man. I love pairing silk long-sleeved blouses with pencil skirts.

Structured bags that are a nice addition to your handbag repository.

Check out the full collection, here.

By: Cori Sue

Did you have a favorite birthday cake flavor when you were a child?

We American kids are pretty passionate about this topic. Becca and our friend Saro are of the cult of Carvel ice cream cakes and refuse non-frozen confections. Others are passionately cookie cake kids. Yet others prefer the comfort of yellow cake with chocolate frosting.

Meanwhile, my birthdays cakes were always chocolate-vanilla marble, with white frosting to enable as many ridiculous decorations as possible—as I was usually more concerned with how the cake would be decorated (no surprise there).

Somewhere along the path to adulthood—college in the South—I discovered red velvet cake and never looked back. Perhaps it’s the pinkish red cake, or the cream cheese frosting, or the chocolatey flavoring, but I am obsessed with red velvet. Every birthday cake in my 20s has been red velvet, much to my mother’s dismay as she has yet to find perfect bakery.

Seems like I fit in well here in D.C., where everyone’s favorite cupcake is Red Velvet.

It’s actually quite challenging to bake red velvet correctly. The buttermilk-vinegar-coco powder balance is a difficult one to strike. The first time I made red velvet cake, it was for a cute boy’s birthday. It turned out far too dry, and, needless to say, our relationship did not last long.

Two years later, I’m now on my fourth recipe, and I think I’ve struck gold. This recipe produces fluffy, moist cake and smooth, rich cream cheese frosting. Please don’t judge a book by it’s cover—I refuse to use food coloring so the cupcake could be lovelier. C’est la vie.

This recipe is adapted from Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa. Usually when I adapt a recipe, and this case is no different, it entails more using more vanilla, less flour, and substituting whole-wheat for all-purpose flour. In this instance, I also used more cream cheese in the frosting.

Ingredients:
- 2 1/3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, shaken
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 10 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
-  12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar (3/4 pound)

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tins with paper liners.

2. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 1 minute, until light. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients alternately in 3 parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, and mix until combined. Stir with a rubber spatula to be sure the batter is mixed.

4. Scoop the batter into the muffin cups with a 2 1/4-inch ice cream scoop or large spoon. Bake for 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. Cool completely in the pans and frost the cupcakes with Red Velvet Frosting.

5. Place the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and mix on medium speed just until combined. Don’t whip! Add the sugar and mix until smooth.

By: Cori Sue

Though I frequent Jose Andres’ other restaurants—Zaytinya, America Eats Tavern, Oyamel—I’d not visited Jaleo in years. So, naturally, I decided to head there for brunch, and invite along Heather and Josie, two blonde bombshells who are on the board of The Madison with yours truly.

We were all late (no surprise), and were seated at a round tiled table in the middle of the restaurant. The ambiance aims to be reminiscent of Spain, with bright colors (yellow, red, blues and whites) and lots of festive mosiacs. However, the large, open space is not overly decorated.

Heather, who is a very talented production designer at True Line Publishing, says of the space, “The ambiance was nice and casual. The restaurant was very festive in decorations (loved our tiled table—very unique!) and the atmosphere was equally fun enough to recap loudly about our prior weekends.”

The two-page brunch menu is small yet sufficient, and the lunch menu is also available during brunch hours. We began with rounds of Mimosas de Frutos Rojos (read: berry mimosas) and coffee. We were all happy to try a variation on the traditional mimosa. The cocktail was made with fresh berries and champagne, and was thankfully not overly sweet.

The first dish we ordered was the Tostada con salmón ahumado y huevo duro, smoked salmon on crisp while toast, smothered with goat cheese and topped with hard-boiled egg, and capers. This first dish was by far the best—fresh salmon paired with warm creamy goat cheese and still hot toast. The chef did a spectacular job of taking a traditional dish with reliable flavor pairings—lox, cream cheese and capers on a bagel—and making it his own with a special twist. From now on, I’ll be having my lox on toasted French bread rather than a bagel.

Josie, girl-about-town, president of The Madison and event planner at the Ronald Reagan Building, agrees, saying, “The salmon dish blew me away. I wanted to order more!”

Then, on to a more Spanish tapas dish with the Bombas de la Barceloneta, mashed potato fritters with a goat cheese and a Catalan pork sausage center. These were the least popular item on the table. For starters, the waitress (more on her later), described them as “goat cheese potato fritters” and neglected to mention the pork sausage center. (We had closed the menu and were gossiping.) So, I leapt at the words “goat cheese” and “fritter.”

Thankfully, when they arrived, I cut them open before biting, noticing the pork sausage inside before compromising my morals. In a city filled with health-conscious women with its fair share of animal-loving liberals, Jaleo should be a bit more vegetarian-conscious. It’s certainly not the reason D.C. was dubbed “most vegetarian-friendly city.” But, regardless of your opinion on that, quality restaurants should train their staff to be aware of the menu items and courteous of dietary restrictions. (Remember the days when you could trust your waitress?)

Then, came the olive oil pancakes, served with honey, rather than syrup, and a very small portion of fruit. The fruit was fresh, and I would have liked more. The pancakes were delicious—I could tell they were made with olive oil. Personally, I would have preferred syrup to honey, but I can appreciate the desire for differentiation. Meanwhile, Heather thought it was a “nice twist on a classic breakfast item.”

We also ordered the revuelto de queso and setas, scrambled eggs with enormous fresh, wild mushrooms and manchego cheese. This was a phenomenal dish and I would definitely go back and order it again. Adds Heather, “This was my favorite dish for its amazing mushrooms. It was the perfect combination of savory and cheesy while not being too filling.”

Because I had run 10 miles that morning (I am training for the Boston Marathon in April), I was starving. So, I ordered some beet soup all to myself (I’m totally on a beet kick). Much to my dismay, the waitress forgot to place the order, and I waited a good 20 minutes to quench my hunger. When it did finally arrive, the soup was impressive: enormous chunks of roasted beets, mandarin oranges and goat cheese, covered with a chilled beet soup poured by the server. A happy conclusion to a roller coaster brunch filled with ups-and-downs.

The Bitches say: B. Brunch was yummy, but the tapas brunch at Estadio is far better. We enjoyed the food, but it was nothing ground-breaking, and the service was sub-par.

Jaleo
480 7th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
(202) 628-7949

By: Cori Sue

Welcome back, kittens! We hope you had a spectacular three-day weekend. Becca spent the holiday at a private beach in Key West, meanwhile I was in Washington freezing my tail off and losing my iPhone in a taxicab after too many mango martinis at Russia House (oy vey). Clearly, we know which Bitch made the better adult life decisions this weekend.

Tuesday

My favorite Belgian spot and H Street hole-in-the-wall, Granville Moore’s, hosts a Heavy Seas Beer Ahead Dinner.  The dinner includes a six-course menu with beer pairings from Maryland brewery Heavy Seas. (I recommend the food and beer by both establishments). Dinner is $70, call for reservations. 7 p.m. 1238 H Street N.E., Washington, D.C. (202) 399-2546

Wednesday

Work downtown? Then enjoy free pizza on Hump Day! Fuel Pizza opens today and will give away free menu items to customers all day long. Additionally, the first 50 customers will win free pizza for a year. 1606 K Street N.W., Washington, D.C. (202) 659-3835

After work, come learn about two our fave topics—food and social media. Miss Becca was invited by the Social Media Club of D.C. to moderate their “Chefs Gone Social” panel, featuring representatives from Jose Andres, Robert Weidmaier of Marcels Beck and Brasserie Beck, and Chef Tony Marciante. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Buffalo Billiards, 1330 19th Street N.W., Washington, D.C.

DC Brau

Thursday

Free beer! Capitol Hill cocktail spot Wisdom is hosting a free DC Brau tasting with a special guest appearance from Brau’s brewmaster himself. Head to the website for more information. 7-9:30 p.m., Thursday. Wisdom, 1432 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. (202) 543-2323.

Saturday

During the day, head to Pearl Dive Oyster Palace for a beer and oyster tasting. Tickets are $50, more information  on the website. 2-4 p.m. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, 1612 14th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. (202) 986-8778

Tonight, the Washington Ballet Jete Society hosts by far and away one of the best parties of the year. This year, the annual ball is Alice in Wonderland Themed—The Mad Hatter’s Dance Party—and is at the Ritz Carlton downtown. Tickets, which include a five-hour open bar, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, and performance by the ballet are $95 and selling out fast. 1150 22nd St. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Sunday

Tickets sold out in a day for our Bitches Who Brunch + One Medical New Year, Healthy Bitches yoga and pilates brunch. But, you can add yourself to the waitlist, cross your fingers, and hope you get entry to the fabulous free fete hosted at Mint downtown. Better yet, we’ll be giving away a few select tickets to you stragglers later in the week, so be sure to check back!

By: Cori Sue

When we first received our invitation from egpPR for the Irish Whiskey Public House media preview party, I thought two things: (1) Why such a long name for a restaurant? and (2) Will the the food be any good at an Irish “public house”?

I still have no answer to the first question, but to the second I give a resounding yes.

Additionally, the decor is casual-yet-sleek, traditional-yet-modern, and wildly impressive. This comes as no surprise, as Maggie O’Neill, designer of both SAX and Lincoln, two visually resplendent Washington hot spots, is the designer behind the space.

Irish Whiskey Public House

The three-floor narrow row house features exposed brick, lots of plaid, hardwood flooring, barrels of whiskey on the walls, brass accents and more. As I wandered through the space, I discovered unique pieces like a ship’s helm, a stuffed fox, paintings of old Irish men, assorted knick-knacks and bottles in every corner.

The cuisine is billed as a modern take on Irish-American food, with Chef Sean McIntosh presenting traditional Irish plates with a contemporary, creative twist.

Last week’s media preview tour took attendees through all three floors, with a signature cocktail, menu item, and bar snack on each level.

Irish Whiskey Public House

Beginning in the basement, the Bitches stumbled upon Daniel of Revamp, Lindsey of DC Magazine, Sophie of Guest of a Guest, Kate of K Street Kate and other media pals. The bartender whipped up three “Brotherhoods” for the two Bitches and Baby Bitch. This cocktail was made with whiskey, tasted of citrus, arrived in a martini glass, and was incredibly strong.

Around the bar, there were baskets of phenomenal warm, fluffy, salty, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth house-made pretzel bites served with a spicy honey mustard dipping sauce. These pretzel bites were unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. And, luckily for yours truly, the portions were far from bite size.

The dish on hand was the pan-seared halibut with a ragou of potato puffs, haricot vert and chanterelle mushrooms finished with an artichoke goat cheese cream sauce. Now, I love pan-seared fish, gnocchi (i.e. potato puffs), chanterelle mushrooms, and goat cheese, so I was biased going in to the first bite. The dish was spectacular—moist, pull-apart halibut, fluffy potato puffs, crispy green beans and a perfectly prepared sauce.

Irish Whiskey Public House

On the second floor, Becca and the Baby Bitch enjoyed the pan-seared filet mignon, set atop an Irish cheddar potato cake and topped with an Irish Whiskey cream sauce. Double-dipped Irish chips were also on hand.

Meanwhile, I nestled in on a bar stool sipping on an Irish Triathlon, a Baileys-and-honey concoction shaken and served in a tumbler glass on ice, prepared by friendly, grinning boys behind the bar. Yep, I’ll be coming back for cocktails soon.

Irish Whiskey Public House

Honestly, the cocktails were so strong by the time we made it to the third floor we had missed the snickity-snacks and would likely not have remembered the details anyhow. That’s just fine, though, my bonny lasses—Irish Whiskey Public House opens Sunday for brunch and you can bet your lucky shamrock the Bitches will be there.

Irish Whiskey Public House
1207 19th Street N.W.
Washington, D.C.
(202) 463-3010

By: Cori Sue

It’s hardly been a week in 2012 and I’m sure many of us have broken any dietary and budgetary plans put in place December 31. If you haven’t yet, you will now. This week there is a host of events centered entirely on food and spirits … so kiss your resolutions and resolve goodbye, darlings.

Monday
DC Restaurant Week begins today and runs through Sunday. Participating restaurants offer three-course lunches for $20.12 and three-course dinners for $35.12. More than 200 restaurants are participating. See the full list and snap up any remaining reservations, here.

Tuesday

Gin, whiskey, and chocolate … I never knew they paired together! Wisdom, a cocktail parlor in Capitol Hill, hosts an evening of whiskey and gin cocktails from Virginia distillery Catoctin Creek paired with chocolates from MC2 Confections. Tickets to this luscious evening are $35, and can be purchased online. 7:30-10 p.m. 1432 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Wednesday

Join ballerinas and ballet fans at Mad Hatter for the January Jete Society happy hour, featuring drink specials and special offers to tickets for their spectacular annual dance party, which is Alice in Wonderland themed and aptly titled the Mad Hatter Dance Party. 6-9 p.m. 1320 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Thursday

Northside Social, an adorable wine-and-coffee shop this Bitch is dying to try, is hosting a Wine & Food Experience with Brooklyn Oenology. Taste five wines and New York-influenced small plates for $40 a person. 7-9:30 p.m. 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA.

Friday

If you haven’t had your fill of restaurants’ prix fix menus yet in Washington, then head on over to Alexandria, where the city’s restaurant week begins today. Get the full details online, here.

Saturday

Head to A.M. Wine Shoppe to help the boutique wine and charcuterie store celebrate its second anniversary! The gang at A.M. is bringing in their favorite wine, beer, and spirits representatives, along with White House Meats, El Ceibo Chocolate, Cashion’s Sous Chef Sarah Smith, and more, to share samples of their best products. The neighborhood discount of 15 percent is extended to all customers all day long, and new customers will receive 20 percent off.

The Park Hyatt and its restaurant Blue Duck Tavern host Masters of Food & Wine, a culinary event with tea and microbrew tastings and a cooking class that highlights the season’s best ingredients and is taught by Blue Duck Tavern Chef John Melfi. Details and tickets, here. 3-7 p.m., 1201 24^th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

Sunday
Brunch! We’ve recently enjoyed Room 11, Oyamel and Comet Ping Pong. Or, if you’re looking to satisfy a particular craving, check out our 2011 Best Brunch Bites.

By: Cori Sue

Every year, I make about a dozen small resolutions, which include everything from bad habits I want to break, goals I want to accomplish and trips I want to take. (Type A much?) I usually knock out about 10 of the 12. This year, my dear friend and Colombian travel partner, Anna, said to pick a word for the year, sort of like a theme.

Because I can’t pick just one, I’ve decided upon “stress management” and “enrichment.” I intend to accomplish aforementioned words by traveling, exercising, reading more, and focusing on hobbies I enjoy.

First step? Sign up for goodreads, then spend too much money at KramerBooks.

Second step? Create Boston Marathon training plan, then spend too much money at Lululemon. (Have you felt that chill? A windbreaker was a must-have.)

Third step? Head to Whole Foods, then stock up on baking supplies and pull out the pink mixer.

Looks like my resolution to save money may never come to fruition.

And now, in the name of enrichment, I bring you a delicious recipe for fancy pants cream-cheese filled cupcakes. What are your words for 2012 and how do you plan to accomplish them?

Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 6 tbsp. butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup milk, at room remperature
- 5 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Ganache Frosting:
-3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Using a mixer, cream together the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until pale yellow, for about one minute. Add the egg and stir until combined.
4. Gently add half of the flour mixture and stir until just incorporated. Mix in the milk. Add the remaining flour mixture and stir until combined, set aside.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 2 tbsp. sugar, and vanilla. Stir in the chocolate chips/
6. Fill the prepared cupcake liners with enough chocolate batter to cover the bottom. Add a dollop of the cream cheese filling to each, then top with remaining batter, so that the cream cheese filling is not visible.

7. For the frosting: melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, for approximately 1 minue. Stir in cream, whisking until chocolate mixture is fully melted and smooth.
8. Bake cupcakes for 18 minutes, let cool.
9. Dip each cupcake into the ganache, forming an even layer of frosting

Blogger’s Note: Leopard cupcake liners are not required but highly recommended.

By: Cori Sue

What is it with Washington women and hotel bars? We’re not escorts, nor tourists, yet we flock to hotel bars for cocktails with the rest of them.

Maybe it’s the mysterious and worldly businessmen drinking whiskey at the bar. Or the snazzy yet undeniably overpriced cocktails. Or, perhaps it’s the complimentary cocktail mix and olives they have at the bar—I certainly do love corn nuts and Cerignola olives.

One of my girlfriends is a regular at the Jefferson’s Plume, where she positions herself on a stool at the mahogany bar with a glass of red wine. Another prefers champagne and elderflower cocktails amid the bright-red seating and loud music of the W Hotel lobby. Yet another adores the martinis and plush velvet cushions at the St. Regis Bar.

While I’ve sampled all three locales, personally, I prefer to nestle in to the comfy, worn-in couches for hot toddys by the fire at the Tabbard Inn. Then, I have a friend who told me she likes the bar at Nage Restaurant, located in the Marriott Courtyard, nearby both our homes. This friend is clearly confused—and needs to re-prioritize her locales.

Though I’d heard mixed reviews on Nage—from both friends and Yelp—I went ahead and snatched up a two-for-one brunch deal on Open Table Spotlight (big mistake).

My date, Tristin, and I arrived at Nage at 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday, and the restaurant was about half full with brunchers, mostly groups of girls chit-chatting while downing mimosas, which are $15 all-you-can-drink.

The brunch menu at Nage focuses on the wow factor, but lacks quality in any way, shape, or form. There are plenty of unique options: from red velvet pancakes to duck confit frittatas to the “Kill-It Skillet,” with mac-n-cheese, chorizo, bacon, truffle frites and a fried egg. While everything on the menu sounded inventive and delicious, in reality it lacked decent ingredients, skilled preparation, culinary finesse, and edibility.

The brunch deal included bottomless mimosas, coffee or tea, one appetizer and one entrée for each guest. Due to a week straight of drinking, both Tristin and I skipped the mimosas, opting for orange juice, coffee and tea. As for the food, we chose to share everything.

The first appetizer to arrive was the cinnamon rolls, which were actually two enormous sticky buns that arrived cold, slightly stale, and with a paltry portion of pecan sauce. However, they were the best part of the meal, as they prompted me to take more than three bites.

Then, the cheddar biscuits arrived. Says Tristin, “I didn’t mind the cheddar biscuits. I would say they ranked better than quiche but not the cinnamon buns. They were cold when they reached the table, which was a disappointment. I do feel that they would have tasted much better had they been warm. However, this having been said, they were not terrible.”

Next, the vegetable quiche, which was billed as loaded with fresh seasonal vegetables, and arrived as a mess of egg and pastry mushiness (yes, I said mushy).

“I can’t recall what was supposed to be in said quiche because there didn’t appear to be much else in it except for eggs and pastry. I must say that the portion size was very generous. However, I would much rather have a smaller portion of quality cuisine than a larger dish of mediocre quality. Quality over quantity, just like mamma always said,” Tristin expounded.

The crab Benny arrived with those nasty frozen home fries you find at an assortment of awful restaurants. You know what I’m talking about—the kind that are cut in perfect squares, pale white, and definitely came from the freezer. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, look at the picture or take my word for it.

As for the Benedict itself, the muffin was fine, correctly toasted and crispy. The crab cake, however, was almost entirely filling, and the Hollandaise sauce was scandalously horrific. Having had crab cake Benedicts across the city, this certainly will be remembered as one of the worst.

In conclusion, says Tristin, “Overall, I would not recommend Nage for brunch. The main dishes certainly need work but the sides were not so bad. You are not going to brunch for biscuits and cinnamon buns alone, however. So, if you are simply on the prowl for a decent amount of food for a fair price (read: tourists who stay at the Marriott) Nage would be the place.”

Oh, did I mention the orange juice wasn’t fresh? Another pet peeve of this Bitch …

The Bitches say: F. Yuck.

Nage Restaurant
1600 Rhode Island Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
(202) 448-8005