Posted by Erin Zimmer, July 16, 2008 at 6:45 PM
Just outside Washington D.C. in Arlington, Virginia, local mini-chain Murky Coffee will not serve espressos on ice. “I’m sorry...it’s against our policy.” According to Murky Coffee, diluting the espresso will compromise the integrity of the coffee, and that's "not cool," as one barista told an agitated customer.
"Touching a waitress’s chest is not okay. Pouring the coffee onto the floor instead of the cup is not okay." But according to blogger Jeff Simmermon behind And I Am Not Lying, requesting ice should be okay. Once the skirmish reached popular blogs, Murky Coffee owner Nick Cho responded, arguing for the "craft of coffee." While Starbucks or another corporate coffee chain might serve the ice without flinching, he doesn't want Murky Coffee's top-notch beans to taste like a "ghetto latte."
Who are these mythical coffee gods we must please? Should customer satisfaction always win? Or did Simmermon cross the line when he left this passive-aggressive note on a dollar in the Murky Coffee tip jar? The coffee debacle recalls a classic moment in Five Easy Pieces, the 1970 film where Jack Nicholson reminds his waitress, "you've got bread, and a toaster of some kind, right?" So why can't you make some darn toast? Nicholson probably wouldn't settle for ice-less espressos either.
Posted by Erin Zimmer, July 10, 2008 at 8:28 AM
In anticipation of D.C.-area geeks going gaga over the new iPhone 3G by camping out before it comes out tomorrow at 8 a.m., our own Erin Zimmer gives her picks near the Arlington, Virginia, Apple Store.
Last year, there was talk of an Apple store opening in Georgetown but since that never happened and Washington, D.C. proper still doesn't have a store, a close alternative is in Arlington, Virginia.
El Pollo Rico: For juicy rotisserie chicken head to El Pollo Rico. The half chicken is a worthy investment—easy to nibble in line and worth a couple meals. The fries aren't anything special here but get a face-lift when dunked in the spicy green sauce. Disclaimer: El Pollo Rico only takes cash, and since chicken skin is so greasy, wipe those fingers before embracing your new toy. 932 North Kenmore Street, Arlington VA 22201 (map); 703-522-3220
Five Guys: To stock up on protein, go with the burger and shelled peanuts, always stocked in silver pails here. Not too far a walk, the place is cheap and open until 10 p.m. for the last supper before Friday's early rise. Toppings are as diverse as iPhone ring tones: barbecue sauce, pickles, fried onions, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeño peppers, and A-1 sauce. 2300 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington VA 22201 (map); 703-812-8440
Kabob Bazaar: Don't mind being the guy in line that smells like kabob? Lamb, fish or chicken on a stick is available (and tasty) here. If you're too lazy or scared of spot-stealing in line, they'll even deliver. Portions are huge, especially the pita, and the salad shirazi (cucumber, tomatoes, herbs) is important since the only produce you've probably eaten are apples. 3133 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington VA 22201 (map)
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Serious Eats Mobile
Now's a good time to mention that you can view this guide on Serious Eats Mobile: m.seriouseats.com. And because Serious Eats Mobile supports commenting, you can supply live eats intel from the field, from whatever device you're about to upgrade out of. It's as easy as thumb-thumb-thumb-Post a comment!
Posted by Erin Zimmer, August 24, 2007 at 12:15 PM
And it has streusel crumbles on top? Hm, Zabar's doesn't have that one in stock now—or ever. But D.C.–based online bakery ShoeBox Oven does. Since pickin's are slim in the District, babka-wise, ShoeBox wants to become the missing Babka Buff. Sure, the Jewish delis out in the Maryland suburbs sell a good standard loaf, but within city limits, selection is limited to Dean and Deluca's one location.
Krishna Brown—the aproned, and more oftentimes overalled, lady behind ShoeBox—has been experimenting with recipes lately. At first, people told her babka and danish doughs were interchangeable. But Brown flat-out disagrees. "That's like comparing cat and man," she says. "They may have the same blood, brain and skin, but are completely individual creations."
Brown has a butter totem pole all sketched out, and babka dough sits at the bottom, underneath danish, croissant, and cream puff doughs (all way more buttery). After some fiddling, she's settled on a recipe she likes. Maggie Glazer's Lithuanian Yeasted Coffee Cake" recipe from the Blessing of Bread Jewish cookbook, but the coffee cake nomenclature is a bit of a turn-off for Brown.
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