#100DaysOfFoodBlogging, Reviews, Videos

Taco Bamba – Falls Church, VA

Taco Bamba

[This is post #033 towards #100DaysOfFoodBlogging, our goal to do 100 posts in 100 days as part of The 100 Day Project.]

We’ve talked about San Francisco Deficiency Syndrome before and although not as severe, there is another serious medical condition that we fall into after our vacations to the west coast. And specifically when returning from San Diego.  Doctors are calling it Me Want Good Tacos Now Disorder*.

Typically this condition strikes when stepping foot on a plane leaving San Diego and doesn’t clear up until (during a return visit) your mouth touches a perfect fish or shrimp taco.

After extensive research, we’re happy to report that we’ve found a cure in Northern Virginia! Taco Bamba in Falls Church.

From acclaimed Chef Victor Albisu (Del Campo in Washington, DC), Taco Bamba executes the classics with perfection (I’d bathe in the juice of their carnitas), while including innovative twists (Poutine Taco anyone?) that will make your Me Want Good Tacos Now Disorder completely clear up.

Taco Bamba | getinmymouf.com

Carnitas & Carne Asada

Food Highlights:

  • The Taco Bamba -This is their signature taco, filled with skirt steak, chorizo, grilled guacamole, and chicharrones. This taco will have you singing like Julie Andrews. “These are a few of my favorite things…”
  • Carnitas – It doesn’t get any better than this shredded pork confit. I order mine with a straw, so I can recapture all that sweet carnitas nectar that drips off the taco.
  • Camaron a la Diabla – A spicy shrimp taco filled with cilantro rice and poblano sauce. Bring your own sand and a towel and you’ll feel like you’re at the beach again.
  • Corn on the Cobb – You can’t forget the veggies, especially when they’re covered in mayo, cotija, and red chili. If you’ve never had corn on the cob like this, it might sound odd, but go for it ’cause it totally works.
Taco Bamba | getinmymouf.com

Spicy Shroom, Camaron a la Diabla, and Black Pearl (Fried Tilapia, Spicy Coleslaw, Black Aioli)

Tips:

  • When going there for the first time, you will assume it’s located in the same shopping center as the Whole Foods. IT IS NOT. Keep driving to the smaller strip center behind the Whole Foods Shopping center. It’s nothing fancy, but there’s plenty of parking.
  • There can be a pretty lengthly line during peak times, so take advantage of calling ahead if you have a big order.
  • It’s not a huge place and there is only bar seating along the wall. There’s a small patio outside with some tables and chairs, but don’t expect to find a place to eat during a busy lunch or dinner hour.
Taco Bamba | getinmymouf.com

The Taco Bamba & Camaron a la Diabla

*Some side effects may include feelings of fullness and taco-induced happiness.

Don’t take our word for it, for some awesome pics and other points of view, check out these other blog posts about Taco Bamba:

“Falls Church:  Taco Bamba” – Let’s Do Lunch

“Taco Bamba” – Whiskey and Soba

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Taco Bamba on Urbanspoon

Disclaimer:  We received no compensation or free food for this post; we honestly recommend Taco Bamba. I would bathe in the carnitas juice if anyone wants to make that happen.

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#100DaysOfFoodBlogging, Reviews

Anson Mills Carolina Gold Rice Needs No Adjectives

Anson Mills Carolina Gold Rice | getinmymouf.com

[This is post #031 towards #100DaysOfFoodBlogging, our goal to do 100 posts in 100 days as part of The 100 Day Project.]

No adjectives are required, nor would any do this rice any justice. Just go to the link below, buy some rice, and experience it for yourself.

Anson Mills Carolina Gold Rice

Use this recipe:  Classic Separate-Grain Carolina Gold Rice

PS:  Thanks, Glenn Roberts.

PPS:  I’m not messing around.

Anson Mills Carolina Gold Rice | getinmymouf.com

This shot also features pages from Chef Sean Brock’s book, ‘Heritage’.

Disclaimer:  This is NOT a sponsored post. Just try the freaking rice! Wait, is “freaking” an adjective?

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#100DaysOfFoodBlogging, Reviews

Feed Your Eyes: ‘Chef’s Table’ on Netflix

[This is post #030 towards #100DaysOfFoodBlogging, our goal to do 100 posts in 100 days as part of The 100 Day Project.]

Now that most of your favorite network shows are wrapping up (some of them FOREVER), you’ll have a ton of television viewing time to spare over the next few months. Before you go insane and reach decision paralysis when deciding what to watch next, I ask you to look no further than your Netflix account.

In what has accurately been called the “the anti-cooking show,” Chef’s Table is more than worthy of consuming your new found spare time.

Brought to life by Jiro Dreams of Sushi director, David Gelb, the first season spans six episodes, each telling the story of a different world class chef. And although these aren’t necessarily household names or celebrity chefs as defined by current culture, their impact on food and even the world likely reaches further than a line of cookware and 10 seasons on Food Network ever could.

You get to know the chefs intimately and they truly are the stars of the show, each uniquely their own character, while also sharing a similar passion.

But that’s not to say that the food isn’t beautiful, because it is. You can easily mistake the series for an art documentary. In a good way.

Most culinary shows are filled with so much gluttonous food porn, you end up feeling like you need a cold shower to cleanse yourself of the residual butter, sugar, and bacon fat. Chef’s Table, however, is much more satisfying, as you’re left with an emotional connection to each chef.

Or as Gelb put it best in this Grubstreet interview: “Emotional food porn!”

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#100DaysOfFoodBlogging, Reviews, Videos

America Eats Tavern – Tysons Corner, VA

America Eats Tavern

[This is post #020 towards #100DaysOfFoodBlogging, our goal to do 100 posts in 100 days as part of The 100 Day Project.]

The Tastemade video above is probably my favorite; not just because I got to play with the time lapse feature on my phone, but because of the fond memories I have of the rich vermicelli mac and cheese, fluffy biscuits, and cloud-like coconut cake. Aptly named, America Eats Tavern is José Andrés’ ode to American cuisine. It strikes a good balance of providing a casual, welcoming atmosphere while serving up Andrés’ sophisticated takes on classics like fried chicken, shrimp & grits, and the aforementioned mac & cheese.

Deviled Eggs | America Eats Tavern | getinmymouf.com

Slow-Boiled Mustard Deviled Eggs

During my second visit I tried the Mustard Deviled Eggs, Harvard Beets, and Mushroom Hoppin’ John. I also took a slice of George Washington’s Chocolate Cake to-go. This was a very special meal for me, as it was the first time I had the pleasure of trying Carolina Gold rice (which comes in the form of a griddled rice cake with the Mushroom Hoppin’ John). Anyone who has ever heard Sean Brock talk about anything, knows how much he loves/supports/worships Carolina Gold rice. Upon the first bite I was a believer. Normally your mouth waters for great food, but in this case my eyes wanted to water…for I nearly teared up over this beautiful rice.

Mushroom Hoppin' John | America Eats Tavern | getinmymouf.com

Mushroom Hoppin’ John – Carolina Gold rice cakes, red pea salad, roasted maitake mushrooms

It’s also important to note that it takes more than just inspiration to fill your plate and mouf with culinary magic and fortunately, Andrés’ vision is in the talented hands of Head Chef Nate Waugaman. You can tell a lot about a restaurant based on how the staff talks about the food and the chef. Not only does the food taste good and look beautiful, but from my interactions with the staff, they truly love what’s coming out of the kitchen and believe in Chef Waugaman.

And also, my second visit wouldn’t have been as enjoyable without the hospitality from Hannah Lobel, the restaurant’s Events and Marketing Manager. A HUGE thanks goes out to Hannah for the great food, good conversation, and excellent recommendation on the Mushroom Hoppin’ John.

Harvard Beets | America Eats Tavern | getinmymouf.com

Harvard Beets – Roasted beets, sugar vinegar glaze, biscuit topping, goat cheese cream

Random Tips:

  • Give one of their house-made sodas a try. Both the ginger beer and strawberry mint were so refreshing that I Googled synonyms for “refreshing” and couldn’t find one that was strong enough.
  • The restaurant is located in the Ritz Carlton, which is attached to Tyson’s Galleria. Valet parking is available for a small fee, but you can also park for free at the Galleria and walk through the mall.
  • Order extra biscuits and take them home for breakfast the next morning. Trust me.
  • If events like complimentary whiskey and craft beer tastings tickle your food fancy, then follow America Eats Tavern on Twitter and like them on Facebook to keep abreast of their monthly happenings.
Martha Washington's Chocolate Cake | America Eats Tavern | getinmymouf.com

Martha Washington’s Chocolate Cake. Good enough for FLOTUS, good enough for YOU.

Don’t just take my word for it, for another opinion and more #foodporn, check out these posts about America Eats Tavern from other local food bloggers:

America Eats Tavern on Urbanspoon

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Disclaimer:  Hey, we were actually provided free stuff for this post. Tastemade took care of my meal in the video and I was a guest of the restaurant for my second visit. As always, opinions, cravings, and our love of food is genuine. 

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