Food Frenzy with Oprah's Former Chef

"Because food brings people together..." - Chef Art Smith

(Chef Art Smith with Markette Smith of DC on Heels)

(Pictured above: Mini grilled lamb burger)

" ... And no matter where you come from, everyone likes to get together over some simple, down-home cooking," says Chef Art, a world renowned celebrity chef and the former personal chef (for 10 years) to Oprah Winfrey.

And it was a mutual love of food - good, homestyle, delicious and succulent food - that recently brought me together with a new friend at Chef Art's culinary home away-from-home in DC, Art & Soul. And it was there that my new friend and I ordered darn near everything on the menu!

You see, Chef Art is known for his down-home Southern cuisine, which dictates Art & Soul's country chic menu. The savory selection include classics, like Fried Chicken, gravy and mashed potatoes:

(Pictured above: Fried Chicken, buttermilk mashed potatoes, sausage gravy)

And mac n' cheese...

(Pictured above: Macaroni casserole )

Then there's also Chef Art's famous Southern dishes that one usually only finds on their grandmother's kitchen table, like hoe cakes (corn meal pancakes) and Hoppin' John (black eyed peas and rice):

(Pictured above: Spicy shrimp, hoppin' john, micro herb salad, chili-butter sauce)

And then, of course, there was dessert, featuring a miniature sock-it-to-me cake (second from the left):

(Pictured above: Art & Soul Baby Cakes, a favorite of the chef)

OK, so I can imagine what you are thinking right about now: "You ordered all of that in one sitting?!?!" And the answer is YES (and I didn't even get a picture of the cornbread muffins!)

What better way to spend a summer afternoon than indulging in the very cuisine that made Chef Art Smith a culinary super star?

And if one is to have an occasional food frenzy, where pleasing the taste buds trumps worries over waistlines, then shouldn't it be on gourmet American food, rather than junk food or processed concoctions?

As my Southern grandmother Ora Dee (who's made hoecakes for as long as both Chef Art and I have been alive) likes to say, "Sho' nuff!"

xoxo,

Markette

P.S. - To become a sponsor of DC on HEELS, contact: dconheels@gmail.com

Win a $75 Gift Certificate to Dine FREE in DC!

DC on Heels and Dining in DC are teaming up for the ultimate Restaurant Week giveaway!

Enter to win one of five $75 dining gift certificates to some of the hottest eateries in town -- that's TWICE the cost of a three-course dinner during Restaurant Week!

DC Restaurant Week, sponsored by Destination DC and the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, occurs twice a year when restaurants are typically slow (usually in January and then again in late summer, usually August).

Many restaurants welcome Restaurant Week as a way to drum up new business, especially from savvy foodies who jump at the chance to get a great deal at a top DC area restaurant.

"There's no better time than Restaurant Week to see what the D.C. culinary scene has to offer," said Elliott Ferguson, president & CEO of Washington's tourism agency, Destination DC.

Participating restaurants offer a special prix-fixe menu for the entire week. Lunch is $20.10 for three courses and dinner, three courses as well, is $35.10 (prices do not include tax or gratuity). In addition, some restaurants extend the promotion for up to an entire month.

So what do you think? Is DC Restaurant Week a deal or no deal? You tell us!

How to participate:

1. Dine out during Restaurant Week and take pictures of your meal.

2. Send the photos, along with the price of the meal and an explanation of whether or not you think it was a "Deal or No Deal" to dcfoodcontest@gmail.com (Click here for an example of Deal or No Deal). Submissions are due no later than midnight, Friday, Aug. 27, 2010. Please include your name and telephone number.

3. You must be a Facebook Fan of DC on Heels and Subscribe to Dining in DC for a chance to win.

4. Five (5) lucky winners will be announced on Dining in DC and DC on Heels on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010.
- At least one (1) winner will be selected at random that is a Facebook fan of DC on Heels.
- At least one (1) winner will be selected at random from the Dining in DC subscriber list.
- The other three (3) winners will be selected based on their "Deal or No Deal" submission.

Rules:

Only amateur photographers are eligible. One entry per person.

Prizes include:

1. One (1) $75 dining gift certificate to Capital Restaurant Concepts (for use at any of their area eateries, such as J. Paul's, Old Glory, Georgia Browns, etc.)

2. Two (2) $75 dining gift certificates to Buddha-Bar DC

3. One (1) $75 dining gift certificate to Thunder Burger and Bar

4. One (1) $75 dining gift certificate to Sushi Rock

So what are you waiting for? Check out the list of participating restaurants, their menus, and send us your "Deal or NO Deal" submissions. Hurry! Deadline is midnight on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010.

Good Luck!

xoxo,

Markette

P.S. - RESTAURANTS & BARS: to become a sponsor of DC on HEELS, contact: dconheels@gmail.com

Fashion Night Out... and the Best Burger in the USA?

It's time to scream girls...

...Betsey Johnson - Georgetown is having a 70% off sale, RIGHT NOW!

(That's me, above, channeling my inner Betsey.)

I have been in love with Betsey's clothes for years. I remember when I first graduated from college and was planning to go to my first big evening work event, which required cocktail attire. I went to Betsey Johnson - Georgetown, back when it was located on Wisconsin Ave. near Aveda, and bought a gorgeous sequined spaghetti-strapped cocktail dress. It was flirty. It was fun and it was (somewhat) appropriate enough for a work party.

I danced with the V.P. of public relations that night... all night... I felt like the the Belle of the ball!

Has a piece of clothing ever made you feel that way?

Darn it! I can't believe I sold that dress on e-bay! What is wrong with me?!?!?

If you have a dress that makes you feel like that, then please don't give it away or sell it online. Instead, hold on to it and pull it out of your closet the next time you are having a crappy day. It will make you feel better... I promise.

And, if you don't have a dress that makes you feel like the princess you are, then come shopping with me and Jenny Z., the store manager (pictured below) on Friday, Sept. 10 for Fashion Night Out.

Betsey Johnson - Georgetown will be having a fall fashion shopping event that includes Baked and Wired sponsored "Betsey Cupcakes" and a bar courtesy of Potomac Wine and Spirit, plus live Betsey Models who will be rocking the latest B.J. fashions.

In other unrelated news....

Virginia-based Five Guys Burgers, famous for their simple menu, homemade style "boy-guhs" and Cajun fries has been named the best place to get a burger in the U.S.A., according to the 2010 Zagat Survey.

(Photo credit: H. Lorren Jr., The Orange County Register)

What do you think? Does Five Guys have the best burger in America? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

xoxo,

Markette

Become a sponsor of DC on HEELS! For details, contact: dconheels@gmail.com

Deal or No Deal? Grilled Shrimp + Shark Empanadas, $23.70

Grilled Shrimp + Shark Empanadas, $23.70

I was directed to this restaurant after arriving at Market 28, a tourist trap of a shopping center in downtown Cancun. I asked my cab driver where the best Mexican food was and he sent me to El Cejas, which literally means "The Eyebrows."

There, I was met by a straight-faced, burly man with bushy eyebrows standing behind a cash register. Apparently, he was the bean counter (no pun intended), the owner, and the inspiration behind the restaurant's peculiar name.

This marked the beginning of a culinary adventure that - although tasty - put a serious dent into my shopping budget...

I was impressed by the main course, considering it was from a food stand at an open-air market with pictures on its menu...

And the appetizer was tasty, too!

(Deep fried empanadas filled with shark meat -- tastes like chicken)

But, I dunno. Is $23.70 too much to pay for a meal from a place with pictures on its menu?

What do you think? Is this a DEAL or NO DEAL? Here are some details to help you decide:

Menu Item: Grilled Shrimp and Shark Empanadas for an appetizer.

Price: $23.70

Restaurant: El Cejas

Cuisine: Mexican

Neighborhood: Market 28, Cancun Centro, Mexico

What the menu tells you you'll get: Since this is a place with pictures on its menu, it was a "what you see is what you get" type of set up

What I actually got: Seven medium-sized shrimp (shell and eyes still attached topped with a garlic sauce, a cup-sized portion of Mexican rice and steamed vegetables.

The appetizer came with three small empanadas filled with shark meat.

So what's your opinion: Deal or no deal? Post your thoughts in the comments section.

xoxo,

Markette

Deal or No Deal? Lobster at Labná

Lobster, $410 pesos ($32.80 in U.S. Dollars)

During my recent trip to Cancun, Mexico - also known as the "Riviera Maya" for its rich history of Mayan culture - I heard the fruits of the sea calling my name, so I ordered the lobster. But for $410 pesos -- which equals out to about $32.80 -- I can't but help to wonder if I threw my money into the sea!

What do you think? Is this a deal or no deal?

Here are some details to help you decide:

Menu Item: The Lobster

Price: $410 pesos or $32.80

Restaurant: Labná

Cuisine: not your run-of-the-mill-Mexican food; the menu boasts delights specific to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Neighborhood: Cancun Centro (where the locals live, eat and play).

What the menu tells you you'll get: "lobster with black beans, guacamole and chips"

What I actually got: a one pound juicy lobster tail with the meat already taken out by the chef. It was drenched in a red butter and garlic sauce (not sure why it was red), but it was GOOD! It also came with a palm sized portion of black beans and guacamole, each adorned with three three crispy tortilla chips.

The lobster was succulent and flavorful, but $30 bucks?!?! Isn't Mexico supposed to be cheap?

What's your opinion: deal or no deal? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

xoxo,

Markette

P.S. - Get more "DEAL OR NO DEAL?" by clicking here.

Deal or No Deal? 2 Pound Pretzel, $20

The Victory Knot, as much as $20*

"TTS" was first introduced the $16 Victory Knot (also known as the 2 POUND PRETZEL) during an interview with Nationals Park Executive Chef Terry Louzon.

"We call that our 'Wow' item this year," said Chef Terry.

"Wow" is right. Made from 2 pounds of dough, the Victory Knot comes with three dipping sauces (vanilla & cinnamon crème, beer cheese and chipotle mustard).

A creation of Levy restaurants, the official food vendor of Washington's Nationals Park and other ball parks like L.A.'s Dodgers Stadium and Dallas' American Airlines Center, the pretzel can cost as much as $20 depending on where you buy it.

Because Chef Terry is a former military man (retired Master Sergeant of the U.S. Army), I know he's used to making manly meals for hungry soldiers, but a pretzel made from 2 pounds of dough?!?!

Indulgent or just plain ridiculous?

As Vanessa and I taste-tested the dipping sauces and pretzel, I began to ponder the thought of whether or not a pretzel is actually worth more than a ticket to a baseball game itself? (Tickets can be as cheap as $5 for seating in the Grandstand section of Nats Park.)

I dunno, what do you think? Here's some details to help you decide:

Menu Item: The Victory Knot

Price: $16 at Nationals Park, but can be as much as $20 (it varies from city to city; for example in Dallas you get the pretzel and 2 sodas for $20)

Restaurant: At Nats Park, you can order it at The Red Loft Bar above the Red Porch

Cuisine: All-American ballpark staples, plus a few gourmet items

Neighborhood: Southeast DC/Nationals Park

What the menu tells you you'll get: "Victory Knot"

What I actually got: served in a medium-sized pizza box, I got a massive salted pretzel and three generous portions of dipping sauces (vanilla & cinnamon crème, beer cheese and chipotle mustard). Can easily serve 4 people.

So what's your opinion: Deal or no deal? Post your thoughts in the comments section.

xoxo,

Markette

Nats Park Food Fest!

Meet Nationals Park Executive Chef Terry Louzon...

Ball park food is not just peanuts and Cracker Jacks anymore... right Vanessa?

And hot dogs have gotten a lot fancier since we were all kids.

For example, the Philly Dog at the Taste of the Majors food stand at Nats Parks comes complete with melted cheese, red & green bell peppers and big kick in the taste buds.

Ooh! The hometown favorite: The Nats Dog is a spicy take on the half smoke with onions and mustard.

The Mets dog came with sauerkraut, chili, mustard... it's like a party in your mouth!

Hot dogs and hot guys! Now that's what I call a HOME RUN!!!

Back to the food: Chef Terry with the 2 pound pretzel and 3 dipping sauces! Ridiculous!

Markette! Now that's what I call finger lickin' good!

On the lighter side, Nationals Park has parfaits for the health conscious...

And veggie wraps, too!

Racing prez "Tom" Jefferson steals a smooch from Vanessa.

Hats off to you chef!

Don't get it twisted: This pretzel connoisseur is a retired Master Sergeant of the U.S. Army who says D.C. sports fans are a tougher crowd than the U.S. Military!

Check back soon for the full on-camera interview with Chef Terry about what's new in food at Nats Park! Find it only on DC 50, home of the CW!

xoxo,

Markette & Vanessa

Deal or No Deal? Uncle Bill's Potatoes Del Riego

Potatoes Del Riego, $8

To you, it may look like a heart attack on a plate. But for me, it was breakfast!

Uncle Bill's Pancake House is my favorite neighborhood dive and I make it a point to go every time I go back to my hometown in Southern California.

While I usually get pancakes because (1) they are delicious, (2) they are reasonably priced and (3) that's what they're famous for, on this visit I decided to change it up when I saw everybody eating this mountain of cheese, potatoes, bacon and avocados instead of the house special.

But is a dish of potatoes and cheese, and a couple of slices of avocado, really worth almost $10 bucks?

Here are some details to help you decide if this a deal or no deal:

Menu Item: Potatoes Del Riego

Price: $8

Restaurant: Uncle Bill's Pancake House

Cuisine: Traditional American Fare

Neighborhood: Manhattan Beach, Calif./Manhattan Beach Pier

What the menu tells you you'll get: "Hash browns sauteed with crumbled bacon and melted cheese, topped with sour cream. Add in bell peppers, onions and avocado. For those with a BIGGER appetite"

What I actually got: nearly of pound of diced potatoes, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, bell peppers, onions and avocado slices piled high into a stroganoff-like dish.

So what's your opinion: Deal or no deal? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

--Markette

DC Dining, Dance-off, Shoelicious pick

FOOD=LOVE @ Mini Bar:

You don't have to be a hardcore foodie to appreciate the culinary capabilities and outstanding adventures that the chefs from famed local restaurant MINIBAR take you on. Anyone on the DC food scene knows that reservations at this six- seater bar can take up to several months to reserve. You have to be patient and persistent and if you are well the reward is truly like no other. The anticipation begins months in advance before you even sit down and tempt your tastebuds with the likes of 29 courses. Sure they are only small bites but each course is so different from the next and leaves you wanting more and more. Not to mention the wines that you are able to pair up with each mouthwatering bite. Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema wrote about the Minibar experience he encountered, “There's no other restaurant in the country quite like Jose Andres's six-seat, avant-garde ode to edible innovation.” -- Tom Sietsema

I couldn't agree with old Tommy boy more. MINIBAR is incredibly innovative, interactive, and avant-garde. Chef Brad Rice and his sous chef and the entire wait staff pay copious amounts of attention to each individual sitting down at that bar and the laborious and painstaking detail that goes into each and every plate is incomprehensible. So what's on the menu? Just to name a few: Sea Urchin "Ceviche" with Hibiscus, Tomatoe Crisp with Anchovy "Caviar" Cotton Candy Eel, Parmesan Egg with Migas, Philly Cheesesteak, and for dessert Kumquats and Pumpkin Seeds. I think a picture says a thousand words (so see below) , but the actual experience says EVERYTHING times infinity. It is a must-see and a must-taste experience well worth every penny spent.

HAPPY CAMPER RIGHT HERE =)

IMPROMPTU DANCE:

Normally it's time for my Dancing with the D-Listers segment, where I bring you up top date on all the d-list celebs and how they are making it out on the dance floor--fox trotting their way to the finals, and taking home the title (and the bacon--since the winner sees some serious cash) but not this week. No this week we had some booty shaking right in our very own backyard on the streets of Georgetown.Caught anybody in action shaking their bon bon send us your pics or vids at thetravelingtalkshow@gmail.com

SHOELICIOUS PICK OF THE WEEK:

Promiscuous

$64.00

About Promiscuous

Sexy, seductive, and sassy shoes and lingerie is what Promiscuous strives for. Every woman has a sensual side to her and Promiscuous encourages every woman to show it. Every woman has a practical side too - the desire for footwear that's comfortable and that fits. Each style is tested for everyday wear and includes a shock absorbing gel insert at the heel. From dancing all night with your girlfriends at a swanky club, to arousing your significant other, Promiscuous fulfills a need in your life.

At $64 dollars these sexy shoes are a steal. Go to Zappo's for free shipping both ways!