Chasin Tails before the storm

Nothing like 100+F weather to close out the work week. With blazing hot and humid weather, we headed out of work right at quitting time. After arriving home to a hot apartment, we changed into more weather-appropriate clothing and headed over to East Falls Church to our new favorite crawfish joint. With a full dining room, we ended up  scoring two seats at the bar.

Started off with a dozen oysters.

I'm not sure what type these are, but they're nice and meaty with a pleasant briny flavor. Always a great way to start off a meal here.

The sausage is so flavorful and good, you need to order an extra side to share.

I ordered a pound of crawfish in hot Cajun sauce, and the husband went with two pounds in N'awlins hot Cajun. The bartenders were super nice and attentive without being obtrusive. I think we found the winning combo for fantastic food and service, grab a seat at the bar. Best part, we had unobstructed views of the Olympic trials and Nationals game. 

***

We had a great dinner at a new favorite restaurant, and managed to make it back to Old Town before the crazy, intense thunderstorms rolled through the region, downing trees, exploding transformers and knocking out power to thousands. We were fortunate to not lose power, but our thoughts go out to everyone who has. Hopefully power is restored to everyone in less time than currently predicted, especially with the 100 degree heat blanketing the DC region.

DC Ballers Falafel Food Truck

Washingtonian has a helpful list of food truck locations for lunch every day. Over at 20th and L St, I found Hula Girl, Goodys and DC Ballers. Checking out the lines at each, I tried DC Ballers since it had the shortest line and the sun was blazing.

Falafel, fries, hummus in sandwich form or platters.

I ordered a falafel sandwich and fries.

The falafel had a good flavor, the pita was fluffy, and the filings included a nice spicy kick.

I think the best falafel sandwich I ever ate was in Israel, but this was a solid rendition. Nice staff and good flavor, I would recommend trying this food truck if it visits a location near your office.

Cooking with Leftover Snow Crab

Unsurprisingly, we had leftover shrimp and crab legs. I picked the rest of the crab meat from the snow crab and used the leftovers to make a Korean-inspired meal.

Shrimp and crab-filled hamul pajeon (seafood pancake).

Seafood Soon Dubu (soft tofu stew)

Maine Avenue Fish Market: Captain White's

Craving more seafood, we weighed heading to a crab restaurant, but instead went to the Maine Avenue Fish Market in Southwest DC. Parking is a nightmare, and we ended up finding a spot down the street. On the walk over, I noticed a wallet on the sidewalk after a couple passed us heading in the opposite direction. With a quite glance at the license, I recognized it was one of the couple and swiftly reunited the wallet with its owner. One selfless good deed before our crab gluttony.

We went to Captain White's, which has a large variety of fried items in addition to seafood.

Lots of blue crab sorted by size and ready to be steamed.

Steamed spiced shrimp (medium, jumbo, large) and corn.

Oysters and Snow Crab legs.

5 pounds of snow crab ($45) and 1 pound large shrimp ($18).

Fantastic. We spread out some brown paper on our table and had a fabulous crab feast at home.

Jackson 20 (unofficially the pig place)

After our Sunday morning plans were cancelled at the last minute, I called up my friend for an impromptu brunch at the pig place. Fortunately I can call it that, and she knows where I'm talking about in Old Town. :)

Biscuit with sausage gravy and one poached egg with Tabasco sauce.

The biscuit is pretty good and the gravy tastes like there's a bit of maple syrup in the pork sausage.

 

Eggs Chesapeake with a rectangular hash brown

Poached eggs with crabcakes, no English muffins. I love poached eggs with crab, and this a good version. Might be better with a side of fruit instead of the hash brown, which is pressed flat like a fruit rollup.

Three Eggs for the Price of Two with sausage and hash brown.

***

Jackson 20 has unlimited mimosas for $12, which is a bargain, but means you'll be pretty useless for the ensuing afternoon. Service was good, and they're constantly patrolling the room looking for anyone who needs more mimosa or water. Everything was a little on the salty side to me, which is understandable since I don't generally cook with too much salt.

Wonder What Happened Here?

Have you ever seen something odd in the parking lot and wondered, what in the world happened here? Heading to our local pho joint, which is next door to a nail salon, we saw this.

Someone is missing a brown wig, and a random assortment of vegetables.

Pork Barrel BBQ in Del Ray

Craving some tacos, we headed over to Del Ray to Taqueria Poblano. Unfortunately the line was out the door and at least 30 minutes for a table. Not feeling that patient, we wandered down the street and popped into Pork Barrel BBQ. It's a little disorienting, with the food somewhat fast casual with a full bar to the left. If you want to sit at a table, you head to the back of the room and order your bbq, sides and drinks, and carry them over on a tray to an open table. If you're fancying a beer or tasty adult beverage, head over to the bar, where they'll place your food orders as well. It was Friday night, and I definitely fancied an adult beverage.

It's a pretty decent menu. We decided to try the Big Feed ($34.95) to share. With brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken and sausage, plus choice of two sides, it was a good way to try a lot of their bbq and get a feel for the place. Hands down, the pulled pork and sausage were my favorite. The brisket was a little on the dry side, while the chicken was surprisingly juicy. I don't believe they smoke the meat on premise, but the flavor was satisfying.