Red Velvet Cupcakery

C – Are cupcakes so over yet? I’m going to go ahead and say no. This is because I walked into Red Velvet Cupcakery three times last week. Three times! I know. I’m horrified, too. But here’s why it happened…

The cupcakes are delicious.

Also, because the Reston Town Center location is strategically placed near the entrance to the best/easiest access garage in all the land. So, on my way back from Jackson’s the other night I stopped in and got the Southern Belle and the Peanut Butter Cup. Then, on my way back from the Tasting Room Wine Bar, I stopped in a got the Southern Belle and the Peanut Butter Cup. Again. On Thursday, on my way back from Mon Ami Gabi, I stopped in and got the Southern Belle and… OK, I tried to limit it to one, but they had a featured flavor cupcake at the register I had to try. It was loosely based on my favorite ice cream. So that’s one Southern Belle and one Chunky* Hubby.

Red Velvet Cupcakery
Washington, DC: Penn Quarter
Reston, VA: Town Center

*name changed to avoid obvious trademark issues,but I don’t think they’re fooling anyone. 🙂

Bark Ball 2014 – Helping Dogs

K- This past Saturday was the Washington Humane Society’s 27th Annual Bark Ball. It was a sold-out event that included a reception, silent and live auction, a 3-course seated vegan dinner as well as a Bark Bar, which offered canine guests various yummy treats. The proceeds from the event go to support WHS programs and services that benefit thousands of homeless, lost and abused animals in our nation’s capital.

The event is run by amazing WHS staff as well as wonderful volunteers who give up their time to support an event that helps animals in need of love and a forever home.

The ball is a black-tie event and attendees as well as their canine companions were dressed to the nines. The dogs seemed just as excited as their humans to attend the event and check out the other guests.

The auction had many donated items including a trip to Las Vegas and a helmet autographed by RG3.

Smiley getting ready for the “cat” walk.

During the program, dogs available for adoption were escorted down a runway while their story was told. One lucky pup, Smiley, was already in the process of adoption before he even hit the runway.

Overall, the event was a success and I feel honoured to have been able to have participated in such a worthy cause. I loved seeing all of the dogs and their humans and working with – did I say they were amazing yet? – staff and other volunteers. If you ever have a chance to attend the Bark Ball or any other WHS event – go! If not, I’d recommend volunteering or donating as it’s a cause definitely worth supporting.

 

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Beer, Bourbon and BBQ

K- Last Saturday C and I went to the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival at National Harbour. The event touts “60 Beers, 40 Bourbons and lots of BBQ.” The day we went was for their VIP Bacon Session. I’m not a huge meat-eater as I lean more vegetarian however I’m always up for an adventure. C had a couple of VIP tickets so we thought we’d check it out.

The event began at noon and we arrived about 1 p.m. By the time we arrived there was already an huge crowd milling about the tents. We were a little unsure of where we needed to go but we figured it out. Upon entrance we received a souvenir glass as well as a couple of bracelets labeling us as VIPs and of age to drink.

We went to the pier as that is where they had the VIP section. Once there, the confusion began. We got into a line but wasn’t sure if it was to get in or if it was for a taste of bourbon. We found that it was a line for moonshine punch. We didn’t have the punch but tried the “moonshine.” I tried a cherry-flavoured one. It wasn’t too bad.

We walked along the pier to see what else was offered as there really wasn’t a map or plan that showed where things were. However we discovered that on the pier there was a bacon tasting station, cheese tasting station as well as beer tasting station. Really no BBQ.

We went to the more general section – not on the pier. There you were able to taste different bourbons, ciders, beers, etc. However, the BBQ we found was not included in the ticket – you had to pay for it. We also found a lot of other booths that were separate from the ticket, in other words you had to pay. Also, if you wanted to have some water or soda – it was a very, hot day – it was not easy to find and once you did, it cost you $2.

Overall, I must admit I wasn’t impressed by the event and am unsure if having a VIP ticket was worth it. Although we got in a couple of hours early and were able to go to the pier for items not available to the general attendees, I wouldn’t recommend it.  I’m glad that C invited me along, but I guess overall I would say, “Been there, done that and got the glass.”

C – Been there, done that, indeed! It was a lovely day, weather-wise and it was nice to be near the water, but that’s about all I can say about Beer, Bourbon and BBQ. I have friends who go every year and just love it. Me, not so much. Though I was driving, I opted for the regular ticket because I wanted to at least taste a bourbon or two – I’ve never had bourbon so I thought it would be a learning experience. I managed to taste exactly two. And when we went to the driver’s area so I could get a soda and a water, I basically had to beg for it. This event is not set up for people who want to stay safe, clearly. The lack of any water available meant the opportunity for drinkers to pass out from heat/dehydration was highly likely. We left and got fro-yo (and water) at Pinkberry. Not my scene. Next time I’ll skip the event and just go walk around Washington Harbor.

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Cheesecake Factory – Fair Oaks Mall (Yes, totally worth a mention)

10 years ago I was introduced to a book called Restaurant Confidential. It was the brainchild of the Center for Science in the Public Interest – the killjoys behind the movie popcorn calories and fat scandal that surfaced many years ago. Of course, the end result was healthier popcorn – which is good – but they basically scared an entire population into wondering what they had been putting into their bodies every Friday night. The book went much further, by breaking down the nutritional information for popular chains like Starbucks, Outback Steakhouse and the Cheesecake Factory.

If I took one thing away from that book, it was that everything at the Cheesecake Factory was born of the devil. (The crazy stat that still sticks with me is the fact that the worst thing on the menu at the time was actually the carrot cake!) Now, several years later, a friend I haven’t seen in a long time asks me to meet her there. Gulp! I’ve avoided the place for so long, but how can I say no?

The first thing I noticed was that it was very easy to get to despite some mall construction jamming things up. It has a separate entrance so it’s easily accessible – you don’t have to go through the mall, which is a plus. The second thing I noticed, after I was handed the usual book-sized menu, was a second smaller “SkinnyLicious® Menu.” Clearly, they’ve learned. I got the Roasted Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread which was surprisingly out of sight. Since it was about 400 calories I decided to venture into the book menu and round off my evening with the original, regular cheesecake. At 800 calories it’s by no means “skinny,” but every bite was worth it.

The Cheesecake Factory
Basically Everywhere