the roundup: may 2023
Food:
We spent the first half of the month of May in France!! We went to Biarritz, Bordeaux and Paris. Read all about what we ate in Paris, here!
I made this strawberry cake when we got back from France because strawberries are in season and I couldn’t help myself!
We celebrated my husband’s birthday and went to The Dabney for a wonderful meal! I love their use of regional and seasonal ingredients and the fact that their menu is always changing.
Speaking of my husbands birthday, I made a heck of a birthday cake! I made Claire Saffitz’s birthday cake recipe but added lemon zest and lemon curd to the batter, layered with frangipane and raspberry jam, covered in vanilla frosting!
We celebrated my husband and close friend’s birthdays at All-Purpose Shaw and it was so delicious. There is nothing more satisfying than throwing and adult pizza party- complete with incredible pizza, amazing wine (Lambrusco) and all the fun apps (fried calamari, arancini, Caesar salad).
I know I have mentioned Nido about 17 times in previous posts but it is for a reason!! Nido is probably my favorite spot in all of DC at the moment. We went for their $10 wine tasting (which happens every Friday from 5 PM - 7 PM) and they also offer 10% off anything in their store if you go to their happy hour wine tasting. We tasted some Austrian and Italian wine and then picked up some snacks to eat on their patio before dinner. Honestly, the most perfect summer Friday activity.
I made a feast from the cookbook Mi Cocina by Rick Martinez and everything was so delicious. The avocado salsa is by far the best salsa I have ever made and the black bean recipe in the book is incredible. If you are looking for a super approachable Mexican cookbook I highly recommend checking Mi Cocina out!
In my head one of the most summery desserts you can make are Rice Krispies Treats. Maybe because they remind me of BBQs or maybe because you won’t sweat to death with your oven on trying to bake. Either way, I made them with Cocoa Pebbles for a BBQ on Memorial Day and they were a huge hit! If you are looking for a no-fuss dessert definitely make a fun rice krispies treat and switch up the cereal to surprise your guests!
Another great idea to impress your friends/guests for a summer dinner or BBQ is by adding a delicious Japanese potato salad to your menu! It is super easy, wildly tasty!
Drinks:
I had this orange wine at a wine bar in Bordeaux and it was delightful! It was fresh and tangy and perfect for warm weather!
I discovered this wine out of Maryland (are you also shocked that MD makes wine?!) and it was so delicious. Old Westminster Vineyard’s Rose is so nice, light and crisp. It is super drinkable and perfect for summer. I can’t wait to go visit the property some time this summer!
Over MDW we checked out Bluemont Vineyard and wow what a stunning property! I didn’t love any of the wines besides their Petit Manseng, which was totally fine, but it was a great summer day activity and we will be back!
Other Things:
I bought the Demin Big Shirt from GAP in April but did not stop wearing it all of May. It is so versatile and it isn’t super stiff denim. You can wear it open over another shirt, as a shirt or I even plan on wearing it over a bathing suit this summer!
We went to France for half the month of May and you can read all about it here, BUT I loved visiting the store in Paris called Merci. If you are in Paris you should definitely stop by as it has a bit of everything and it is a great place to buy a gift from your travels that isn’t a metal Eiffel Tower.
I listened to this podcast episode of Code Switch with Samin Nosrat, called Salt Fat Acid Race and thought it was really well done.
I also just bought myself a Cushion Lab Pressure Relief Ergonomic Seat Cushion and honestly it is life changing for my WFH life.
I mentioned it in the wine section above but if you are looking for a day trip from DC or a winery outing from DC, definitely check out Bluemont Vineyard. They have such a beautiful property with plenty of seating options, drinks and food! I know we will definitely be back this summer!
Lenny:
