Family Backyard BBQ

Here are a few photos with the family hanging out having a backyard BBQ - what better way to spend a sunny Sunday? The first of many this year.

Meridian Pint - Washington, DC

Today I met up with one of my good friends RJ at Meridian Pint in the Columbia Heights section of Washington, DC.  I was a little flustered making my way to this place, since I had to deal with traffic and getting lost (I never get lost in DC).  Once I bellied up to the bar everything was all good.  Meridian Pint has a huge selection of craft beers on tap and service was pretty good.  The food was okay, but this is a place you go for the beer.  They even have taps at your table (downstairs) where you can pour your own beer.  The service was extremely friendly and their eco-friendly concept is always good in my book.

Always good times chatting it up about sports, stocks and strategy over beers...that how great ideas get started.

RJ took the last photo.

Winter Grilling

Well I love grilling in the winter, especially when there's snow outside.  I put some ribeyes on the grill that I picked up from Wegmans and had Brooklyn Brewery Local 1 Belgium style ale to go along with the grilling process. Here's a couple of photos of a grilling episode that took place today.  Bobby Flay ain't got nothing on this.  

Crispy Chicken with Golden Raisin Compote

Made this dish from a recipe in this month's Food and Wine Magazine. Click here for the recipe. I used organic chicken and Trader Joe's Three Grain Blend to substitute the buttered farro.  The Three Grain Blend is also a good substitute for white rice. Here are some photos below:

Brunch at the Maralit's

Just when you thought the Holiday's were over, the Maralit's kick it up a notch with a killer spread and some good times!  This was probably the first time I never had to ask folks to say "cheese" -- it was smiles all around!  Thanks Marlan and Leslie!  Check out the photos below.