Birch and Barley

We had a lovely double date this weekend with Audrey and Jon, our fellow foodie/bloggers at Birch and Barley. This was inspired mostly by a promise from one of the chefs there (who Audrey and Jon are acquainted with) to treat us to something special when we went.

Highlights (besides spending time with A&J) were seeing Greg Engert do his thing, pigs headcheese (yes, I really said that), pork belly, and dessert. Overall, though, we were fairly disappointed by the restaurant--I'd give it a 6/10, max.

We kind of ordered all over the menu:
*Charcuterie board -- a little stingy with the bread, I didn't really partake except to try the terrine and the pigs headcheese, the latter of which was really very good, provided you don't think about what's in it.
*Pork belly app -- the pork belly itself was delicious, if slightly chewy, but the scallion pancake was hard and dry. The slaw was dressed nicely with some sesame oil, but overall underwhelming.
* Arctic char tartare -- this was way more fun to say than it was to eat. A bit tart and missing something, and weird that it tasted like a sour cream and onion potato chip--heavy on the chive, for sure.
* Polenta with mushrooms -- not bad, and I liked the use of more unusual mushroom varieties, but the dish really lacked acid.
* Beet risotto with goat cheese whip -- we didn't get this dish at all. The colors were unappealing and it was almost entirely flavorless.
*A&J got the brat burger and the trout. I didn't try either, but the brat burger was huge and looked yummy. J said the trout was a bit buttery, but pretty good overall.
*Fig, gorgonzola and prosciutto flatbread -- this was a treat from the chef. Not bad, actually better than a lot of our dishes, but the dough was a bit fluffy, bland, and white for my taste. I think the others liked it better.

Dessert stole the show. We shared the sampler, which was super yummy and creative, and were treated to a citrus-y panna cotta-type dish which was also delicious.

Overall, I'd say save your money. You're actually better off at Rustico, if you're willing to go to Arlington or Alexandria for good food and moderately upscale American fare. And I'm not just saying that because I heart Rustico. :) (portions x-posted to Yelp.com)

Dinner tonight: Thyme Scented White Bean Cassoulet

So I know I rarely make the same recipe twice. Even when I do, it's usually just that--twice. Thyme-scented white bean cassoulet, however, I make about once a year. I just think it's such a delicious, comforting recipe when it's cold out, and since it uses the slow cooker it's great for day I don't want to have to come home and cook. And I heart cassoulet!

Ordinarily, I make this as-is, but sans the sausage. I fully intended to this time as well, but I had a little snafu with the vegetable broth. I had some in my freezer that I didn't remember to take out until the night before. I did and put it on the counter to defrost, planning on moving to the fridge before I went to bed. Of course, I forgot, so when I woke up the next morning the carton was sitting on the counter, probably full of nascent little microscopic nasties. So, I tossed the broth and used water instead, using 2 bay leaves instead of one to compensate. Honestly, you couldn't tell the difference. And P and I were saved a possible night of misery.

If you're looking for a hearty-yet-healthy slow cooker recipe, definitely make this. SO good. And it has so many vegetables and is so satisfying, it's really a one-pot dish.