REVIEW: java green & cafe green, DC

So if you're a vegan or for whatever reason have insane dietary restrictions you probably already know about Java Green (and Cafe Green which seems to refuse to open). The food is delicious- they have everything from soy based kimchi "chicken" to almond milk and dehydrated "fried" onion rings. They have slammin bento boxes and some of the best rice bowls in the cuty (whether you're a vegan or not). Honestly, I think some of it though, is really over the top and they food designers are more chemists than chefs. I feel like an ultra processed dehydrated "fried" onion ring defeats the purpose of being on a raw diet. Also, I don't even want to know whats in some of that vegan fake cheese. Either way, if that's your hustle then go for it- you'll find few options in the city that can even hold a candle to this joint. They have on fun outdoor patio but expect a line if you're heading there anytime near peak. PS management stinks and they owe my over $400 bucks from when I helped open Cafe Green and redesign their catering menu. Java Green 1020 19th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20036 - (202) 775-8899

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low point: eating cold progesso lentil soup from the can with a fork and a straw. i lost my spoon.

slap chopper, or the like

So I've seen the infomercial on the Slap Chopper but never had the opportunity to use one. This is the XO version that I bought at Bed Bath & Beyond. I have to say it's almost always out, it saves you so much time and it makes onions a world easier. here are before and after photos from garlic, ginger and chilies. I definitely recommend cleaning in a dishwasher to get in all the corners but this is on my top ten list of kitchen gadgets to have around.

university mix

I often need a snack or something to pick on to get me through the day in the office so I've been experimenting with the nut mixes in the bulk section at Whole Foods. This so far is my favorite. It's called the University Mix- its fantastic with sunflower seeds, peanuts almonds and dried cherries. Sweet and savory, this good find will quench your appetite and is much healthier than chips or chocolates.

spicy thai lettuce wraps: lime minced chicken (or tofu) with ginger and sweet peppers

Sautee chopped garlic, ginger, fresh Thai chilies, and shallots till they start to turn golden. Add a pack of ground chicken, loosely chopped red bell peppers, soy sauce (for gluten free, make a quick mixture of vinegar salt and sugar) and lime juice. Stir everything until it's fully cooked then move it all to one side of the pan- crack an egg inside and break the yoke quickly to cook. Then add chopped peanuts, mung bean sprouts, fresh cilantro and more lime juice or soy sauce to taste. This is fantastic! Have a few washed iceburg or romain lettuce leaves out, scoop and handful, add some plum sauce (or any other sauce you prefer) and ENJOY. I'll get some better photos next time I make it. For a vegan variety use cubes tofu instead of chicken and omit the egg

Spicy black bean and avocado salad with cilantro and lime

Can of black beans drained and rinsed, avocado, a diced tomato, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, olive oil, lime and salt. This is fantastic for a taco night or whenever you're craving something healthy and fresh. Fairly inexpensive so it works great in large batches if you're entertaining.

DINING OUT FOR LIFE, Thursday, March 11th

This Thursday, March 11th, is Food and Friends’ annual charity event, Dining Out For Life where over 150 local DC restaurants donate between 25% and 100% of their proceeds to Food and Friends. For over 20 years Food and Friends has been supplying daily, nutritious meals, groceries and support to nearby residents with HIV, cancer, and other life threatening diseases. Please consider dining out at any of these participating restaurants (click here) and be sure to make your reservations through opentable.com/.

REVIEW: do i really need to mention lorial plaza?

Clearly most DC readers know where Lorial Plaza is, what the food is like, how long they'll wait in line at 8pm on a Friday night and that they open at 11:30 am every weekend morning with food made ever so perfect for a hangover Dionysus himself would cry. The main reason most DCers end up there, at least in large groups, are the fantastic and enormous margaritas. Rocks, frozen or a strawberry swirl. I just discovered the "sangrita".... born from a frozen margarita and sangria, I have to say is hands down my favorite pitcher in town. Lorial Plaza, of Raul Sanchez and chef Luis Reyes, on 1835 18th St NW is a mix of Tex-Mex, Spanish, El Salvadorian, and maybe a couple other countries' cuisine. Some say it's fantastic, some say they've had better- in all my years there I've heard few complaints and know there's something on the menu for everyone.

REVIEW: Sushi-Go-Round, Chinatown

If you're looking for some fast sashimi in Chinatown you can stop by Sushi-Go-Round. The conveyor belt is fun and good for happy hours since everyone can pay their own bill but honestly I would NOT recommend eating the sushi there. For whatever reason most of the sushi on the belt has Japanese mayo or is a crunchy roll and I end up always leaving dissatisfied. Sushi should not be fried and should not be swimming in sauces and bizarre condiments. Please lets leave some things sacred. If you sit down in the main restaurant, order your rolls, sashimi or tempura and you'll be sure to get what you're looking for. Modestly priced, fast and great quality fish. Sushi-Go-Round, Verizon Center Washington DC. 705 7th St

seared tuna with dill and yellow rice

Wet your tuna steaks in soy sauce, sprikle with dried dill, black pepper, and sear a minute on each side. FANTASTIC. Fresh, healthy and only takes a few minutes start to finish. I like this with yellow rice but if you're aiming for low carb serve the tuna steak over chopped lettuce or micro greens with a touch of vinegar on the side.