Black bean, mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno & lime

Call it a salad, a salsa or a side- it doesn't really matter. This goes great in a taco shell, over broiled tilapia or even to accompany your steak dinner. So good and super healthy. In a large bowl toss together 2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed, peeled and cubed mango (potato peeler works best), finely chopped red onion, 2 minced jalapenos (depends how spicy you want it), a huge handful of chopped cilantro, juice from 3-4 limes, olive oil and salt to taste. Fantastic and ridiculously healthy too.

REVIEW: Meskerem, Washington DC

(please excuse the blackberry photo)  If you've never had Ethiopian or Eritrean food you should definitely give it a try and if you live in DC you HAVE to take advantage- we’re really lucky to have such a strong Ethiopian/Eritrean community here. Well, on Friday Tanya and I went to Meskerem right on 18th street in the center of Adams Morgan. It was pretty fantastic. Traditional style of eating- samples of meat and legumes on a large injera (Ethiopian bread), you eat with your hands and sit at low seats and tables.

NOT a first date kinda place unless you wanna put all your cards on the table at once but a fantastic place to eat if you want something a little different.
Their shrimp was OKAY, I wouldn’t order it again though- and basically you can’t go wrong with any of the other platters.

HAPPY HOUR DC: Cocktails in a wheelchair?

So if you get around town in a wheel chair, finding places for a drink can be a b!tch.  This weekend my friend's sister is rolling into DC and we had to do a quick search for Washington DC wheelchair accessible bars. This link on Yelp is an awesome reseource.  We chose to go to Vapiano though, on Connecticut and M, just cause theres the big back patio, we can grab one of the picnic tables, put back a couple vodkas and not worry about squeezing through the bar.  Let just hope it doesn't rain!

you need a dessert but dont want to be fat

So you need a dessert but dont want to be fat.  Stop by the store and get one of everything.  A plum, a peach a, bunch of grapes, a mango and a pack of berries.  Bring it home, wash dry and chop everything appropriately then toss with a couple leaves of mint, a teaspoon or 2 of raw sugar (only if you really want it), and either lemon juice or try a shot of Sambuca or Anisette.  Serve in a chilled wine glass and your good to go.  No worries about spending an hour baking or serving something completely unhealthy.  Don't underestimate fruit.

REVIEW: Panache, Dupont South

First time I was here was about 5 years ago at an industry party and wound up dancing on the benches with other fellow servers and bartenders well past midnight- flash forward to noon today and I was at a business lunch figuring out how Driven Inc can help green ACS.  Either way, the food there is delicious.  Is it all sustainable?  Definitely NOT but with some picking and choosing there's plenty to eat.  Swordfish, Atlantic salmon, ahi tuna and chilean seabass are SERIOUSLY overfished and often times before they reach sexual maturity.  They were all on the menu.  I chose the pasta special, and for me to say it was great says so much considering I'm such a pasta snob.  Slightly al dente, penne with chicken, basil and dried chorizo in a vodka sauce.  Very very nice. Portions are the appropriate size and the 'patio' seating is key.  Check it if youre in the neighborhood and need some place nice since there aren't too many- just try and stay away from seafood whose populations are at the brink of collapse.  If youre not sure GO HERE and type in the name of a fish youre curious about or print out a "fish card" to keep in your wallet.  It makes a difference. Panache 1725 DeSales St 202.293.7760

NEWS: Ray's Hell Burger coming to Adams Morgan

Reposted from Prince of Petworth, Ray's Hell Burger is coming to DC, finally, and in the middle of Adams Morgan (I'm mad phyched cause its only 4 blocks from my trailer).  Guess all that Obama press paid off. Nice job Barack!  Finally all us Washingtonians who refuse to cross the bridge can explore the delicious wonders of Ray's.  Caaaaaaaaan't wait!  Click here for a recent Reader Contribution.

HAPPY HOUR DC: Eighteeth Street Lounge, Dupont South

Historic DC venue, chique bossa nova lounge atmosphere, great outdoor back patio, central location and a decent crowd.  Occasionally douche bags will show up (sorry douche bags) but generally professionals wandering in from their 9-5 who slowly get replaced by the late night crowd.  Cover charge after 9pm.  Check their schedule online for regular live band performances.  One of the better happy hours in the Dupont/Golden Triangle area. Rail drinks and select beers $4, Call drinks $6, Wines $5 per glass ($20 bottle), Specialties $7, Tuesday – Friday: 5:30PM – 8:00PM Sunday: 9:30PM – 11:00PM Eighteeth Street Lounge at 18th and Connecticut Avenue.

mamma's potato pizza

Learned this from my Mom and have yet to meet someone who doesnt like it.  Get your standard (room temperature) pizza dough (I know I have a recipe in here some place) and spread it out in a greased cookie sheet.  Pat it with your finger tips till its as close to the edge as possible. Next comes a layer of mozarella or provolone- or even better BOTH.  Then add a layer of sliced boiled potatoes, season with fresh rosemary, cracked pepper and drizzle a touch more olive oil.  It you can let that sit for a few more minutes while your oven is preheating so it can rise a bit more and fill in the corners but whenever youre ready throw it in a 375-400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes till the crust is golden and lifts easily from the pan when you slip a knife underneath.  Its fantastic, can be eaten hot, room temp or even cold-  even makes a great lunch for the day after.

Good Find: prepared grape leaves at Whole Foods

I now believe Whole Foods has the best stuffed grape leaves in the city.  Yeah I went there, I said it, and I mean it.  Sorry Lebanese Taverna, you've always been there for us and aways will.  Look near the cheeses in a refrigerated section near feta cheese, mozarella and capers.  They're extra large, moist, soft inside and just the perfect amount of citrus.  Twice this week I've picked up a container and eaten the entire thing for lunch.  Yeah, I'm a pig but you could split this up with a couple people to accompany dinner.

so i've rebranded

goodbye 'finger lickin good.' Hello Italian Boy. Comments suggestions or requests are always greatly appreciated.