the latest dish

Whet your Appetite

By Linda Roth Conte

July 2008

Photo: Organic To Go

“OMG it’s OTG!”  That’s West coast speak for “Oh my gosh it’s Organic To Go!” Organic To Go, the nation’s first fast casual café chain to be certified organic by the USDA will open five locations in the Washington, DC area in the next two months. The first East Coast location will debut on Tuesday, July 29 at 1311 F St., NW.  OTG will convert four High Noon Cafes, 1311 F St., NW, at Metro Center; 927 15th St., NW, at McPherson Square; 1200 19th St., NW, at 19th & M St.; 110 Wilson Blvd., Arlington in the ABC building; they also took over Marvelous Market at Bethesda Row, 4832 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda. They offer “clean” food at their fast-casual cafes.  Even their catering menus are made with natural ingredients without any harmful additives, chemicals or growth hormones.  And they deliver in green-style – via Prius or Scion. Word has it there will be a Prius giveaway promotion by the end of the year. Visit www.organictogo.com.   

Not willing to wait a month to get a reservation on a weekend night at Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert? The solution is to buy the Ritz-Carlton’s Seat of Power weekend package. It’s all about power in DC. And about being green. The two cross paths in the Seat of Power. Dare we use “StayCation” and “power” in the same sentence? The Seat of Power offers luxury overnight accommodations, breakfast for two at the Lobby Café, a three-course dinner for two at the acclaimed Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert (VIP table guaranteed), an autographed copy of Chef Ripert’s book, and Westend’s exclusive Power Diner baseball cap. Package starts at $499 Friday and Saturday evenings (subject to availability). Visit www.ritzcarlton.com or call (202)974-4900.

Chef Roberto Donna of Bebo Trattoria is preparing  the next generation of chefs by instructing them in the fine art of making pasta and pizza. Kids will  have the opportunity to learn and actually cook  with Chef  Donna – then getting to eat their creations along with dessert.  The Pasta class is Friday, August 8 and the Pizza class is Friday August 22; both are from 1pm to 3 pm. Cost is $45 per person. For Ages 8 & up, to be accompanied by one adult. Includes lunch prepared in class & dessert for kids!

One reason to stick around this summer: Washington’s bi-annual Restaurant Week will be held August 11 through 17.  The sizzling deal includes three courses during lunch for $20.08 and three courses for dinner, priced slightly higher this year at $35.08. Restaurants around the metro area will participate, but reservations fill up fast. fyve Restaurant Lounge offers seven choices for the main course including the signature “Amy’s Purse,” “fyve-spiced Salmon,” and homemade pappardelle. Take in your deal with a view at Indigo Landing, also among the restaurants participating. For the complete list, visit www.destinationdc.org.