Tastebuds: Richmond & D.C.

We visited my family on a trip back East this weekend. In addition to "southern proper" accents, we had some great encounters with food. The not-so-healthy highlights:

TJ's at The Jefferson Hotel:

photo from history.org

Virginia has a few distinguished dishes specific to the state. One in particular I remember from growing up - Virginia peanuts. The Jefferson Hotel (iconic to Richmond, Virginia and its history - filled with quintessential Virginian interiors) put these peanuts to good use with a Virginia Peanut Soup - yes, a soup made of peanuts. It's name almost audibly screamed at me from the menu, and I gave in - just couldn't say no. The result - about five bites of nostalgia, confusion and flavors so rich I could only take so much. I didn't regret it. It was quite memorable - just left me with a bowl half full. My dad had no trouble solving that problem for me with his hungry tummy and Virginian tastebuds.

Try this at home... Virginia Peanut Soup Recipe

(seems like a similar recipe - just add bacon and chives)

The Argonaut:

photo from here

In D.C., my brother brought us to a great little patio at a restaurant on H street named The Argonaut. The moment the words manchego, panko, honey and paprika came out of the server's mouth, I knew the dish would be ours. And it came - on a bed of greens. Simple, and to me, it did no wrong - just a lot of right.

A recipe that seems close to this - I plan on giving it a go with a different type of oil to see if it turns out... Honey Glazed Fried Manchego Recipe

Dangerously Delicious Pies D.C.:

Ever since I saw this movie, I have been craving a place where I could go to eat pies for any meal of the day - meat pies, veggie pies, quiche pies, fruit pies, custard pies, chess pies. Dangerously Delicious Pies on H Street in D.C. has done it right. I regret not having tasted any of their original pies, but their classics were mighty good. It is well worth a visit.

Last little tidbit of deliciousness - this place served a delicious veggie pizza complete with fried fingerling potato chips on top. Pizza with potato chips - worth trying at home, folks...