CLIPPER MILL : WOODBERRY KITCHEN

My brother, Yanni, has been talking about this place since his internship at G-1440. This is a favorite of his and his girlfriend, Sarah.

The concept of this restaurant is that "Woodberry Kitchen features the seasonal best from local growers and emphasizes organic meats and sustainable agriculture. Our goal is to nourish and delight our guests with cooking grounded in the traditions and ingredients of the Chesapeake region." Appealing, huh? Completely what my brother's about, and what I interested in trying!

So, lucky me was enlisted to pick the location for dinner after our Semi-Annual Sales Meeting. I was told to find something interesting, trendy, fun, not too pricey, and impressing. Ironic, eh? So, a day later, I made our reservation at Woodberry Kitchen! Sooo excited!

So the day came, and we all carpooled from work and headed over to Woodberry. It is located in Clipper Mill, which actually happens to be the site of an old mill, and still have fantastic pieces of rusted equipment scattered around. I have always wondered what that "M" marked, driving south on 83. Well, this is the place!

So, right away I was amazed by the complimentary valet parking. I really felt special as all our sales seps and managers and I got out of our cars...all in a row, and handed over the keys to valet! Talk about power! Then, we walked up to the stone steps to the restaurant. They have a wonderful outdoor patio with seating to the left, and lounging tables to the right. Great rustic, yet trendy feel! So we walk in, and right away you notice the height of this building! if has two stories, and decorations from top to bottom! Everyone that walked by greeted us and was very friendly (and handsome...ah-hem... :) ).

Anyways, so we checked in with the hostess, and went to the bar to order some wine while we waited. Mind you, EVERYTHING is either organic and/or local made. So, one lady order a diet coke, and received an organic cane soda! Someone ordered a mojito, and organic vodka is what they poured! Great feeling to know the alcohol you drink is in some way working WITH your body! Haha!.... SO anyways, we walked outside to the seating area and waited to be called. When we did, we were taken back inside, past the bar to another open dining room, again, with grand windows and tall walls! Lovely! So, we ordered three flatbreads for apps: ALL were amazing, with mixed flavors, fresh ingredients and wonderful dough! I won't even bother telling you what kind because you just need to try any of them! Wonderful!

Kindly, a sales rep that is quite the wine connoisseur offered to order me a wine that matched my dinner choice: I got a lovely white wine from Argentina that was smooth and lovely! For my entree, I ordered the Fried Truck Patch Farms Pork Chop with Cucumber Salad and Buttermilk Dressing. Let me tell you, the serving was probably 5 times bigger than what I expected! The cut of pork was the best one I have ever had (even surpassing my previous best in Pienza, Italy!). Again, the coating that they used to fry the pork was very even and crispy! It was tender and juicy! OMG! I was some now! And then the side of cucumber salad was light, with the cucumbers sliced thinly, and the dressing just freshened your mouth after the heaviness of the fried food. I probably had the biggest portion and finished everything! I have nothing to complain about!

Oh, but don't forget, DESSERT! (always a yes for me!) Even after soo much food, I wanted to try more goodness! :) I ordered the Peach Meringue Pie with Basil Ice Cream! It was the perfect size for dessert. The entire thing was covered in marshmallow and the toasted... I'm salivating! Haha. The Basil Ice Cream was underneath, and even though it wasn't as "basily" as I thought it would be, it worked because the Peach was sweet, and the meringue added a bit tartness. Basically had everything you look for in a dessert!

I would go there, for any occasion. I highly recommend Woodberry Kitchen. Probably one of my favorites at the moment!

http://www.woodberrykitchen.com/

Keep exploring,
Your Tasty Bud

PRELUDE 2: GREECE

Obviously, the best part of being Greek is that all your family members are AMAZING cooks... However, this is about my experiences dining out.

Skepasti

Souvlaki in Heraklion

First and foremost you have to try the Greek Slovakia. Make sure they are with the pita and french fries and all the goodness! They are 1431264 times better in Greece, because they are cooked on a spit. WONDERFUL!

However, an even better interpretation of those is the "Skepasti". Its basically a larger version of the Slovakia, with two pitas (top and bottom) mixed with typical Slovakia stuff, plus peppers, and cheese, and more condiments, etc.

Crepa with Nutella and Biscotto

Last summer I discovered another love of mine... "Yiourtou- Yirourlou"! We went to a rakadiko right before we were going to go out for dinner, and my cousin order it. Out came a crock with some sort of meat balls, cheeses, tomato sauces, and a think layer of Greek yogurt, served with pita bread! It was so warm and wholesome we had to order another one!

Waffle with Nutella and Ice Cream

Another must in Greece is going to the village bakery and getting some freshly baked bread. Again, they stay true to their ingredients, and you can taste it! In addition, if you get there early enough, you are able to get a tiropita (cheese pie) or spanakopita (spinach pie) fresh, but of course, its "while supplies last"...and they sure go quickly!

In relation to breakfast food, which can be found just about anywhere is the "Tost"...or toast. Though very simple, this is good anytime of the day! It includes sandwich bread, a type of bologna and cheese, smothered in butter and grill on the panini grill. Try this with a Greek "Fanta" (tastes completely different in Europe) and you're set to go!

A Little of Everything!

Ice Cream

Just remember, if you are going to a restaurant, and don't know what to order, just ask your order to give you a big plate with a little bit of everything! They know exactly what to give you, and will bring you the house specialties!

And, while you are shopping, feel free to buy some fresh fruit from the produce stands/trucks...all is locally grown and amazing! My personal favorite over the summer are the prickly pears, called "fragosica"...delicious! Just don't eat too many!

Amazing Desserts!

Freddoccino

Now, later on at night, after diner of course, visit any cafe' and have a Frappe, Greek Cold Coffee, or Freddo, Greek Cold Cappuccino. They are amazing! and one of Greece's best kept secrets! (McDonald's is trying a hand at this, but not quite there yet!) For dessert, ask them about what they are known for... if they don't respond confidently, go elsewhere! lol... Every place should know its specialty... Just, be sure to try the loukoumades (honey puffs) or the crepes with Nutella (and strawberry is my fav) and ice cream! But, you can't go wrong with anything you order!

DRINKS: When in Crete, you MUST try Raki... Ouzo has nothing on this!!! But remember, drink it slowly!

Kali sas oreksi!
Your Tasty Bud