Local farmers market fans are surely familiar with the name and face of Bev Eggleston, founder of EcoFriendly Foods. This week, Metrocurean wrote about "The Bev Effect" and how many of Eggleston's products are being featured on menus from the D.C. area to NYC. You can read more about Metrocurean's "Bev" at Momofuku in NYC and EcoFriendly's work in helping small family farmers get their meats to our Arlington and Dupont farmers markets here.

How does an evening of food from our area's finest restaurants, drinks from talented mixologists and even a chance to meet Top Chef contestant Carla Hall sound to you? Top it off with benefiting childhood hunger and you have the Spring 2009 Taste of the Nation. Brasserie Beck, Vermilion, CommonWealth, Founding Farmers, The Gibson, Central and James Beard award winning Chef Chair R.J. Cooper, will be among the participants in this gastronomic event, which is being held at the historic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. For ticket and event information, check out the website.

Muffin tops are not just a sad fashion statement. According to The District Domestic, they are the best part of the oft sweet treat, so why eat the bottoms? Now, you don't have to with the Original Muffin Top Tin that conveniently cuts your muffin short. In a good way. If you're more into cupcakes. TDD recommends Elinor Klivan's Cupcake Kit, complete with colorful cupcake liners.

In this economy, frugality is essential. This week, Foodie Tots took inventory of her pantry, freezer and fridge to participate in the "Eating Down the Fridge" challenge. Her goal is to use up at least 10 of her food items in one week, and find inspiration along the way. Many of us could us a good spring cleaning, so thank you FT for inspiring us.

Yesterday, Dish-trict posted about Hank's Oyster Bar's second annual Oyster Fest, to be held April 18th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person, and include oysters from the East and West coast, onion rings, fries, beer, and a chance to meet local oyster farmers. The event will be held at the D.C. and Alexandria locations.

To carb or not to carb, that is the question. D.C. blogger, The Slow Cook, is cutting carbs and documenting his weight loss and health changes to share with readers. With well-researched information, TSC is eating protein-rich, quality meals, including a breakfast of poached eggs, sausage and braised greens. He might be on to something, as he has lost 8 pounds in 8 days. Great job Ed. Please keep sharing your knowledge and experiences with us.

Finally, DC Foodies would like to welcome Lunching in the DMV to the blogroll. That's DMV, as in The Disctrict, Maryland and Virginia. This week, DMV reviewed The Great Sage, a vegetarian restaurant in Clarksville, Md. The Falafel Griddled Cakes were described as "crunchy" and "healthy", while the Sante Fe Salad with marinated tofu and cheddar cheese was proclaimed "delicious". On the Oaxacan Tamale, she wrote, "It was actually really good for having no meat in it because the mole and green chili sauce were very fragrant and tied the whole meal together." You can check out DMV's full review, along with photos here.