Heard around the D.C. Foodies blogosphere this week...Just in case you need last minute dining options for Mother's Day this Sunday, you can check out A Life of Spice's list of D.C. Mother's Day Brunches. For those of you in the Old Dominion, you can see Northern Virginia Magazine's list, which food critic Warren Rojas linked to in his weekly Grill Warren food chat.

There will be a Food and Wine Festival at the National Harbor this May 17th & 18th. The festival benefits Share Our Strength. Guest speakers at the event will include Chef Michel Richard and local winner of Hell's Kitchen, season 3, Chef Rock.

In Tuesday's Washingtonian chat, Todd Kliman began with an informative Word of Mouth, reporting on the New Chinatown of North Rockville. Kliman highlighted Michael's Noodles and their "comforting chicken rice dish from the island of Hainan, off the coast of China". Accompanied by chili and ginger dipping sauces, this dish headlines the Chef's Suggestions.

Later in the chat, when asked what the next big trend will be, Kliman responded that he would like to see noodle bars, sushi bars which fly in fish from Japan, and a "real-deal deli".

While we are waiting for the real-deal to arrive in D.C., you can check out Tim Carman's article "Sandwich Bored". In it, Carman explores sandwiches, subs, gyros and a panini from Marchone's in Wheaton, where a Philadelphia Amoroso roll made Carman gush-over a sandwich. Hey, it happens.

Carman also launched a periodic feature, Fridge Festival, in his Young and Hungry column. In it, he invites a local chef to peer into the "skank hole" that is your average pantry, where food languishes unused, until it meets it's ultimate destination of the garbage pail or your dog's unsuspecting gullet. Bravely, Chef Todd Gray of Equinox accepted the inaugural challenge in Carman's own kitchen, and made the culinary equivalent of a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Perhaps I should say, a sausage out of a sow's ear.

Speaking of Chef Gray, recently Cork and Knife's Chip Griffin sat down with him to discuss his local and seasonal cooking philosophy, aging steak (did you know that steak gets a nutty nose scent as it ages?), and his détente with food bloggers.

We don't bite! Much.

Heard around the D.C. Foodies blogosphere this week... Pete's Apizza opened last Monday as scheduled, and the boards are buzzing. Comments ranged from " I like the fact that they sell the pizzas by the slice also" to "The spaghetti was very good, thicker chewy noodles with very flavorful meatballs" on Don Rockwell, to "I would have gone for a touch more char but the crisp/chewy thing was exactly right; it was an excellent crust" on eGullet. Chowhound members weighed in with "the crust seems dense, and too crunchy. Actually, almost pre-fab, but not quite. It's not New Haven pizza, but it's not bad. A little more work on the dough (that has to be the problem, rising at wrong temp or something), and it will be pretty good." and " the salads looked delicious and a nearby table got a pie, which didn't look crunchy. CH neighborhood boards are giving it a thumbs up."

D.C. Foodies wants to know what you think of the New Haven style pies (and slices). Go. Eat. Report.

fyve (yes, all small case letters), the restaurant and lounge in the Ritz Carlton Pentagon City opens today. Named, not surprisingly, with a wink and a nod to its 5-sided fortressed neighbor, the Pentagon, fyve is led by Chef Amy Brandwein, formerly of Galileo and Bebo Trattoria. Chef Brandwein will feature farm fresh Mediterranean cuisine, sparked by the flavors of Southern Italy and Northern Africa. Diners can look forward to appetizers such as Grilled Octopus, and entrees like fyve (yup, still no caps) Spiced Salmon.

DCist reported this week on local blogger and urban gardener aficionado, Ed Bruske (The Slow Cook). Bruske, a former reporter for the Washington Post and current contributor to Martha Stewart magazine, spoke at the D.C. Historical Society on "Spring Menus From an Urban Kitchen Garden". With very little space, you too can plan and plant. Oh...test your soil for lead first.

The Washingtonian's Best Bites Blog (subscribe here through D.C. Foodies) reports on European wines with good quality/price ratios. This week’s Winery of the Week is Leo Hillinger, from the Burgenland region of Austria. Two wines for under $20 are featured.

This week, Where in DC reports on the Blue Duck Tavern, House of Kabob, and Cashion's Eat Place. Check out the reviews here. This blogger keeps a blistering pace!

Finally, May means markets! Yes, seasonal farmers markets are finally opening. From Falls Church, to Olney, MD to  Mount Pleasant, to Alexandria's West End. Ramps and morel mushrooms have been in the stalls for at least 3 weeks now. Asparagus is peaking, and you just may find strawberries waiting for you by this weekend.

Heard around the D.C. Foodies blogosphere this week...New Haven style pizza lovers from all around D.C. have been waiting with bated breath for the opening of Pete's Apizza in Columbia Heights. Located next to the metro escalator on the corner of 14th and Irving, the 50-seat restaurant will serve wine, beer, panninis, soup, pasta and pizza. Pete's opens on Monday. You can get a look at Pete's on Flickr.

Cupcakes-those palmfuls of cake and frosting and tempests in teapots are continuing to permeate the nation's capitol with the opening of another cupcake place. Hello Cupcake will be opening summer 2008, at 1351 Connecticut Ave., NW. With lines that form before opening outside of Georgetown Cupcake, D.C. appears to be a town of cupcake enthusiasts who are willing to shell out between $2-$3 a cupcake.

Or are they? Recently, NBC's Liz Crenshaw did a cupcake taste test at Ballston Commons Mall. Cakelove, Betty Crocker homemade, Georgetown Cupcake, and Safeway cupcakes were compared. Georgetown Cupcake was the clear winner, with the rest being about equal in votes. When asked if they would buy their favorite cupcake for $2.77, or $2.44, most participants said no. Perhaps the difference between the $.20 homemade cupcake, and the upscale versions wasn't that great, after all.

Penny-savers should also read last Wednesday's Wapo Food section. PS 7's chef, Peter Smith, took a Chef's Challenge to make a 3-course dinner for four for as cheap as possible. What he turned out with $11.22 worth of ingredients from his Safeway looked delicious-asparagus salad, pan stew with rosti and roasted apples.

Earth Day was Tuesday, April 22nd, and while I enjoyed tasting the terroir at a Farm to Fork dinner held at Vermilion, Counter Intelligence posted Earth Friendly Eats, with suggestions on how to eat and drink green.

Finally, I wanted to give a shout out to another D.C. food blog which I discovered recently. The Bitten Word, blogged by Clay and Zach, contains recipes from all those food magazines which people like me have subscriptions to, and hardly ever use. They cook from publications such as Food & Wine, Gourmet and Cooks Illustrated. Go for the recipes..and the temping photos.

Heard around the DC Foodie blogosphere this week...Let's start with saying "hello" to a few local food bloggers that I discovered this week. Read about everything from dals to daubes at Post- Collegiate Cooking A Deux (Daily dinners with a little bit of early 20s existential ruminations thrown in.) This duo bonds over cooking, and share a penchant for our farmers markets.

Next, Two Novice Chefs, One Tiny Kitchen features a married couple whose love for each other grows along with their love of cooking and baking. Tyler enjoys experimenting with ethnic food, and Julia is a budding baker. Be sure to check out their blogging from their tiny apartment kitchen. Warning: put a drool cloth over your keyboard before you peruse the photos!

Deglazed follows the life and cooking of a former web designer turned professional chef. Chef Matt's story is truly inspirational, as he followed passion, not money, and took on the challenging and often harmful career of a chef eager to learn, create, and be inspired.

On to print media-today's Washington Post Metro section has an article about distribution of Virginia wine. It tells about the experience of Lew Parker, owner of Willowcroft Farm Vineyards in Loudon County. Hailed as Virginia's new agricultural economy, vineyard owners hope to see more profits from a state-subsidized distribution company (Virginia Winery Distribution) designed to help small wine makers like Parker.

In Wednesday's Washington Post Food section, area chefs dish about the rising cost of food, and the lowering average of customer bills. Chef and owner of Cashion's Eat Place, John Manolatos, estimates that the average check has decreased from $65 to $50 a person in the past year. Chef R.J. Cooper (Vidalia) has a new expression, "Watch for waste". From chive tips to leftover butter buns, nothing goes unused.

In the chatosphere, I got a good laugh this week while reading Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema's Wednesday chat. One chatter wrote in about a mixed up check received at the end of a meal. It turns out that the chatter got a lower bill, and mentioned it to the manager. The manager fixed the problem and gave the chatter the correct, and higher bill for the food that was ordered and eaten. The chatter, not satisfied that the right thing was done and karma points scored, thought that perhaps their "good deed" should have been rewarded, with say-a discount.

The punch line? Another chatter quickly responded (paraphrasing) "Should a bank give me ten bucks if I go by and decide not to rob it?" Ah, sanity. I love it.

Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week. Don't forget to tip your servers.

  Heard around the DC Foodies blogosphere this week...The Tax Man cometh to settle the score with Murky Coffee-Capital Hill. D.C. Wire reports that Murky's assets, including stainless steal espresso machines, a counter dishwasher, and bags of coffee will be auctioned off with bids starting at $10,000. If there is little interest in buying the lot, the tax office may sell off items individually.

You can hover like a vulture peruse the items next Tuesday from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Ironically, that's tax day. In closing, Elvis left the building whilst the Fat Lady sang. DC Foodies promises not to mention Murky again...for at least another week.

In last Sunday's Washington Post Magazine section, food critic Tom Sietsema tackled the topic of auditory overload which is a problem that resonates with many restaurant patrons-particularly the hearing impaired. In his article "No Appetite for Noise", Sietsema attributes the growing problem to architectural and design trends, including high ceilings, marble surfaces, and lack of tablecloths. Sietsema measured the decibel level at several restaurants. While normal conversation is around 60 decibels, he was not surprised to find levels as high as 90 decibels at Bistro du Coin.

To find out more about which restaurants may stimulate your ears more than your palette, you can listen to Tom being interviewed on NPR. The interview was conducted at Brasserie Beck.

Speaking of the Washington Post, did any DC Foodie readers check out the article on Patrick O'Connell at The Inn at Little Washington in Wednesday's Food section? Apparently, you get dinner and a show if you are dining at Pope Chef O'Connell's table. From the Washington Post:

"Guests who pay to sit at the chef's table in the Inn kitchen are ushered in by the maitre d'. "As you may know, Patrick O'Connell has been called the pope of American haute cuisine," he intones, before throwing open a set of double doors. Gregorian chants float through the cathedral-ceilinged kitchen, and in front of them stands a man, dressed in ceremonial robes, swinging a thurible of smoking incense. As he steps aside, the guests glimpse O'Connell, standing erect, head down. Behind him a line of cooks stands motionless in black jackets and the Inn's trademark Dalmatian-spotted chef pants inspired by O'Connell's dogs. For a long moment, nobody moves. Then, O'Connell steps forward to greet the guests. Only then does the kitchen swing back into action."

Mmmkay. Moving right along with WBRU...

Apples and Bananas reported this week that "Mango Madness" is coming to Washington D.C. As part of their "Mango Madness" special, Rasika in Penn Quarter has developed a special menu featuring dishes such as Puffed Rice and Raw Mango Chaat.

Cookthink, an excellent local website and blog, noticed that while we are anxiously awaiting berries this spring (because, clearly we have been stuck in a yet unknown Circle of Hell where spring is simply an illusion) apples are abundant and they provide a collection of interesting recipes using them. Apple Snow in a champagne glass sounds like a great way to end a meal.

Last, just in time for the weekend, here's a delicious Challah French Toast from You Gonna Eat All That?. Barbara gives a simple recipe for this French toast, which is topped off with powdered sugar. How bad could that be? Yum.

Heard around the DC Foodies blogosphere this week...By now, our beloved Cherry Blossoms have most likely seen their best days, but while the giant wreath that surrounds the Tidal Basin is still blushed with petals, you can fill your senses even more with Cherry Blossom  themed dishes at local restaurants.This week, Metrocurean linked to the Washington DC Convention & Tourism Corporation's website which lists Cherry Blossom Cuisine.

Coeur De Lion is offering a White House Cherry Cake, and a White Cherry Martini, while Hook has a Cherry Scented Sablefish with Arugula and Warm Cherry Vinaigrette on the menu. The cherry themed offerings get more diverse and intriguing, with dishes such as Old Glory Cherry Cola BBQ St. Louis Ribs (Old Glory), and Cherry Soup with Plum Wine and Ginger Cream (PS 7's).

This week, I discovered another talented DC food blogger, 1 TSP LOVE. Sara is a college student who finds time to make delicious meals, and sweet treats. Check out what she made this week, including Pasta Carbonara, and Perfect Party Cake.

Wednesday's Washington Post Food section included detailed articles on the new Washington National's Stadium food offerings- "Step Up to the Plate", and "Seventh- Inning Munchies". Observations from opening day consisted of more than a few gripes about the cost of the food, but overall fans were pleased with the focus on local vendors (as mentioned previously in the Weekend Blog Round Up). Ben's Chili Bowl, Hard Times Cafe, and Gifford's Ice Cream were big hits. Inside tip: if you really want a half-smoke smothered in chili, mustard and onions from Ben's Chili Bowl, and the line is long-you can get the same dish at the Nats Dog stands and Noah's Pretzels.

The food misses at the stadium included overly-salted popcorn, crab cakes, terrible hot dog and burger buns, and a lack of ethnic food which is so embraced by our region and part of our culinary identity.

Along with popular designations such as eco-friendly, sustainable, recycled, and local are the terms family-style and communal table. Communal tables inherently foster interaction and sharing between strangers, while family-style dining suggests something more than gathering around a bucket of KFC. Their popularity is on the rise in the neighborhoods of Alexandria. Nana's Sunday Dinner at Majestic has been an affordable way to get a family style meal for 4, for about $20 per person. Nearby, the newly opened Le Pain Quotidien has trademark community tables on each floor, where breaking bread is taken literally.

Now, in Del Ray, a new restaurant called La Strada is due to open this Spring. La Strada will replace Los Amigos restaurant (which closed last year) at 1905 Mount Vernon Avenue. A family-style, and seasonal a la carte menu will feature Northern Italian Cuisine served at communal tables. A large selection of wine and to-go dinners will also be available. In May, La Strada will add Nonna's Sunday Brunch, followed by cooking classes and wine dinners by summer.

Heard around the D.C. Foodies blogosphere this week...Murky Coffee owner Nick Cho has surfaced on his website and Don Rockwell to address questions and concerns about the recent shuttering of the Capital Hill location. Cho writes that while the Murky on the Hill is indeed closed, many of the employees have succesfully moved on to other independent coffee shops and a few are working at the Arlington location. Murky Coffee in Arlington is apparently not affected by the tax problems which plagued the shop on Capital Hill. Perhaps they have a better bean counter. Apologies.

Speaking of independent coffee shops, an article in this week's Washington Post's Tuesday Business section highlighted the Bean Bag in Bethesda, whose owner Mitchel Wool credits catering, and Starbucks for his success. Along with a Starbucks on almost every corner has come a heightened demand for coffee and coffee beans. The 1000-square-foot shop grossed over $1 million last year. That amounts to more than a hill of beans. Last one, I promise.

Another large chain, Chipotle, is going local at its Charlottesville location by using pork from nearby Polyface Farm. Chipotle hopes to join the increasingly popular eat-local movement which has until now, generally been limited to restaurants and farmers markets.

If you have looked south along the Potomac River you may have noticed a bit of contruction going on just past the Wilson Bridge, called National Harbor. Sauce on the Side reports that most eateries will not be making the April opening deadline as anticipated. Additions to the lineup include the love'em or hate'em cupcake maven, Warren Brown's Cakelove, Redrock Canyon Grill, and Timothy Dean Bistro among others.

Award season is upon us with the announcements of the Rammy and James Beard Foundation nominees. The Rammy Awards will be announced June 29 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The James Beard Foundation Awards will be held June 6-8.

Finally, if you missed your TomChat this week, a chatter inquired about the delayed opening of Co Co. Sala in D.C. Tom replied that the delay is due to customs holding a Italian-made bar which should be released shortly. Opening has been pushed back until late-April.

Sushi Ko, in Chevy Chase has opened with co-owner Russel Gravett "sneaking in an opening last Friday, March 22".

Heard around the DC Foodies blogosphere this week...a lot to talk about this week folks, so strap yourself in; we're in for a fun ride!

So, you read Mike Bober's post on DC Foodies about Granville Moore's this week. The "little kitchen that could" turns out the best moules and frites in DC, according to Chef Teddy Folkman. This week, Chef Folkman put his moules where his mouth is when he received a challenge from none other than Iron Chef Bobby Flay. On Tuesday, under the ruse that Food Network was filming a segment for "America Eats", Chef Folkman accepted a challenge from Chef Flay, for a Moule and Frites Throwdown.

Flay's show, "Throwdown with Bobby Flay", has Flay surprising unsuspecting cooks, bakers and chefs while they demonstrate making their signature dishes. Be it crab cakes, gingerbread houses, or macaroni and cheese, Flay does his homework and shows up ready to rumble. If, that is, his challenge is accepted.

Not only was Mike there, but the two judges for Throwdown Moules and Frites were none other than DCFoodies.com founder Jason Storch, and his wife Amy. When asked if he could reveal the results of the challenge, lest he face the wrath of the 5 point exploding heart technique, Jason responded that he could tell me, but then my internet would be cut off for the next 3 months or so. You can talk smack about my Momma, but don't cut off my internet.

The show is set to air sometime in May or June. I guess we'll all find out together. Check out Endless Simmer and Frozen Tropics for more of the inside scoop and photos.

DC food bloggers and writers Amanda McClements of Metrocurean, and Melissa McCart of Counter Intelligence did a fun and informative radio segment with Washington Post's Marc Fisher. Fischer's column, Raw Fisher, covers daily life, politics and culture in the DC region. McClements and McCart dished about DC bloggers, farmers markets, food trends and restaurants.

Just in time for Spring, Indigo Landing, with its fabulous deck, reopened on Thursday, March 20th. Minus the Star Restaurant Group, Guests Services, Inc. is launching the latest incarnation of Indigo Landing with Executive Chef Ernesto Pabico. Look for entrees such as Hickory Roasted Prime Rib with a creamy horseradish sauce and natural au jus, which is prepared on a wood-fired grill from 100% Red Angus Beef raised in the U.S.A. Coconut Grilled Lobster, and Blue Crab Sliders on mini brioche with stone-ground mustard mayonnaise and Shaker Corn Relish also sound tempting and nod to the restaurant's waterfront location.  Live Jazz will fill the air on Wednesday evenings, and during Sunday Brunch.

Earlier, DC Foodies reported that Murky Coffee in Capital Hill was closed because of tax issues. Apparently, the worst case scenario is playing out, as the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue has seized the operation. According to today's Washington Post Metro section, Murkey Coffee owes more than $427,000 in sales and franchise taxes. Owner Nick Cho disputes the amount and states that he owes about $200,000 at the D.C. site, and approximately $20,000 at the Virginia site. This is already fueling speculation and concern for the fate of the Clarendon branch, on local boards such as Don Rockwell.

On a much lighter note, Apples and Bananas reported this week that the fry plate is back at Palena, while Endless Simmer came up with a really fun list of "Americas Top 10 Drunk College Foods" for March Madness. Be sure to check it out and add your favorite hazed memories!

Heard around the DC Foodie blogosphere this week...from The List Are You On It, 100 King, in Alexandria's Old Town neighborhood, is now 100 Prime. Under new ownership, 100 Prime will be serving upscale steaks and seafood. Right across King Street, The Fish Market (written about by Rob Rutledge recently) is set to be bought next week, by the neighbor restaurant owner of Landini Bros. After 32 years as owner of The Fish Market, Glenda Giovanni is looking forward to retiring. Read the details about the changes on King Street in the article from The Alexandria Times.

Metrocurean tells us that Hank's Oyster Bar will be having an Oyster Fest on March 30, from 1 to 4 pm. For $65 per person, all you can eat oysters will include New Points and Rappahannocks from the East Coast, and a selection of beer. Tickets are available at Hank's Oyster Bar in Dupont Circle.

This week, a surprise 60th birthday party was thrown for Chef Michel Richard at CityZen restaurant. You can get the inside scoop from Sauce on the Side. Apparently, the Parkerhouse rolls were delicious, and plentiful.

The Washingtonian's Best Bites blog bring us an early look at Bice-the new restaurant occupying the space where the Old Homestead Steakhouse used to be. Most intriguing perhaps are the "purse holders" at each seat and the aperitivo happy hour, weekdays from 5-7 pm. Free Italian finger foods, half price drinks and occasional live music sounds like a great way to unwind after work.

Finally from today's Washington Post Weekend section, Eve Zibart reports on Big Buns Gourmet Grill, on Wilson Blvd. in Arlington, VA. At Big Buns, you can build your own burger from hamburger, chicken, mahi-mahi, or portabello mushrooms. From there, you choose your bun, cheese and toppings. They also serve a few beers.

Look out 5 Guys. Or not.

Heard around the DC Foodies blogoshpere this week...Endless Simmer, one of our fellow DC food bloggers, has been nominated for Best Food Blog 2008. Anyone can vote, so head over here and give them some support.

Metrocurean tell us that a new boutique kitchen store will be opening on Capital Hill at 713 D St. Hill's Kitchen will offer 2 floors of fun, with the first floor offering kitchen supplies and the second floor eventually offering cooking classes in a luxury kitchen. Capital Hill native, Leah Daniels, is aiming to open Hill's Kitchen by the end of the month.

You can check out the list of Restaurant and Chef semifinalists for the 2008 James Beard Foundation Awards over at Sauce on the Side. The final nominees will be announced March 24th. DC area semifinalists include Jose Andres, Minibar, for Outstanding Chef, Vidalia for outstanding wine service,  Ashok Bajaj, Bardeo, Ardeo etc., for Outstanding Restaurateur, and Todd Thrasher, Restaurant Eve, for Wine & Spirits professional. Check out all of our area's nominees!

The District Domestic dishes on a delicious Chevre Cheesecake by Chef David Guas.  Chef Guas, a private consultant and boutique pastry caterer, founded Damgoodsweet Consulting Group after being the creative force behind the desserts at restaurants such as Acadiana, DC Coast, Ceiba and Ten Penh. Read the interview which The District Domestic did with  Chef Guas, and read what he has to say about the most overrated dish, favorite kitchen gadget and worst customer pet peeve.

If you want a hilarious read, check out The French Laundry at Home. This week, TFLAH recounts her adventure making "Tongue in Cheek" including her encounter with an entire veal tongue. Pictures included!

Finally, Feedback returns to the Washingtonian's Best Bites Blog. Feedback gathers information from diners as they exit a restaurant. This week, the Washingtonian interviewed diners as they exited from Hudson. Read about their impressions here.

Heard around the DC Foodie blogosphere this week.....If you read Tim Carman's column "Young and Hungry" in the Washington City Paper, you may have noticed a new writer this week. Melissa McCart of Counter Intelligence published her debut article "The Right Stuff", which highlights the skills of Restaurant Eve's young, but dedicated charcuterie maven Dan Fisher.

As DC Foodies reported last week, local baristas participated in a latte art competition. According to DCist, we had a strong showing.

Also reported in last week's Weekly Blog Round Up was the departure of Chef Amy Brandwein from Roberto Donna's Bebo Trattoria in Crystal City. Chef Brandwein's new venture in the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City will be called "Fyve" and is scheduled to open in March. Read about it here on Don Rockwell.

Speaking of openings, here is some news about Tom Powers' new location for his restaurant, Corduroy. Apparently, the talent who are helping to sculpt his vision are the muses behind such restaurants as Zatynia, Oyamel and Acadiana, according to Foodservice Monthly's Sauce on the Side.

In the most recent Wednesday WaPo TomChat, a chatter pondered whether or not it was worthwhile to jump through mayyyjah hoops secure the chef's table at Brasserie Beck with a deposit and signed contract. The last time I did this, I was getting married, not eating dinner. Also posited in Tom's chat was yet another word or phrase that puts the peeve in pet peeve. This week's winner was "gastropub" because gastro just wasn't appetizing to one poster. Last, what perks my ears is anything to do with hoagies subs. If you're wondering where to get a good one, chatters this week recommend Vace, The Italian Store, Mangialardo's and Deli City.

Do any DC Foodie readers have a favorite place to get a sub? A pet peeve to share?

Heard around the D.C. Foodie blogoshere this week...Latte art experts from two area coffee houses will be competing this weekend at the Millrock Free Pour Latte Art Championship at the Washington Convention Center, according to Counter Intelligence.  Baristas from Murkey Coffee, in D.C and Arlington VA, and Cafe Pronto in Annapolis MD, will create their best hearts and tulips in this $5000 competition. Nick Cho, owner of Murkey Coffee, wrote on Don Rockwell that the competition is in conjunction with Coffeefest DC (a trade show) and viewing is free to the public. Finals are on Sunday.

Metrocurean dishes on the hottest rumors swirling about the ether. Apparently, hotel restaurants are hot, as in "that's so hot". It seems that Gordon Ramsey is "all but certain" to take over the kitchen at Maestro in the Ritz-Carlton Tyson's Corner. The f-bomb heard 'round the beltway was first reported by Todd Kliman in his weekly Tuesday chat. Another yet unnamed celebrity chef is rumored to be taking over the kitchen at the Donovan House in NW DC. Yes, Virginia D.C., there is a trend.

Get a peak inside new restaurants and shops opening in Alexandria's Old Town at The Houndstooth Gourmet. Read about a new Belgium-inspired creperie, Fontaine Caffe & Creperie on South Royal St. as well as Grape + Bean, a new wine, coffee and gourmet store which opened right across the street.

Want to know all about composting? (after all, where does all that garbage go?). Read about worms (yes, worms) and their superior fertilizing powers on The Slow Cook. While you're there, congratulate the author on his article about rhubarb published in the current Martha Stewart Living magazine!

Bebo Trattoria in Crystal City will be losing Roberto Donna's top toque, Amy Brandwein. With Donna's blessing and highest regard, Brandwein will be doing her own thing at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City. Replacing Brandwein will be a close friend and colleague of Donna's, Claudio Sandri, the new Chef di Cuisine. Get the inside scoop here, at Don Rockwell.

If you are headed to one of our weekend farmers markets, pick up some mushrooms and try out this delicious sounding Mushroom Tart, by You Gonna Eat All That. Along with easy to follow recipes, she writes about her travels and dog, Sophie.

Finally, Apples and Bananas tells us about what the next "it" foods might be.  According to Good Magazine. Papusas, Dosas and Laska all should be making their way onto restaurant menus soon.

Around the DC Foodie blogosphere this week...Dave Pressley aka: shaggy, posted on Don Rockwell about Eventide, a new restaurant across from the Clarendon Metro. Scheduled to open late Spring/early Summer, Eventide will have a first floor bar with "inspired, well-crafted cocktails" and 90 seats on the second floor for "date night" dining. Pressley is a managing partner and will be GM of Eventide.

DC Food Blog reported on Rajaji Indian Curry House in Woodley Park. He particularly like his Lamb Doh-Peeazah topped off with cardamom tea at the end of the meal. DC Food Blog also recently revamped the website which is now more streamlined, comprehensive and easier to navigate.

Food Rockz continues to prepare and beautifully photograph amazing meals. Check out his milk roasted goat ragu with homemade pasta and his homemade pita with roasted Greek salad.

For Valentine's Day, check out how to make chai truffles on The District Domestic. She has tested this recipe for the Washington Post and gives easy to follow directions to make the truffles yourself.

Read short and to the point reviews of DC area restaurants on Where In DC. This week, Where In DC tells us about Islander Caribbean Restaurant on U St. and Saigon Saigon in Pentagon City.

Finally you can keep up to date with local farmers markets on The Houndstooth Gourmet where this week we get commentary and a slide show to see who and what is at the Dupont market.