We the Pizza and Capital Cook Book Winner

WE THE PIZZA: SPIKE MENDELSOHN'S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA

We the Pizza of the United States in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility....ok I'll stop. The only part you really have to know is WE THE PIZZA--officially opening July 19th.

WTP is DC chef Spike Mendelsohn's newest Capitol Hill restaurant venture. If your in the mood for burgers get the good stuff at his eatery GOOD STUFF, but if not go right next door to We the Pizza and nosh on some great italian fare like homemade spaghetti and meatballs, Italian-style deli sandwiches and homemade gelato and don't forget the sodas infused with fruit purees. (I tried the cherry soda--it was tart, crisp and refreshing) Then I bee-lined it straight for a nice cold Peroni beer after chowing down on the wild mushroom pie--wild forest mushrooms, truffles, mozzarella, and fresh thyme (the crust is crisp, chewy and sweet.) We the Pizza will seat about 90 patrons in a three story, 3,000-square-foot space with black and white tiling and red accents. I loved the wall decor too!

I like how Spike keeps it simple, relaxed, edgy and goes for the comfort foods we all know and love focusing on regional, farm-fresh ingredients. I guess there is something to be said of the adage "KISS." Keep It Simple Stupid--and it works!

The red carpet was rolled out for the soft opening

It's amore

Upstairs

Love love the fedoras

Hey I know him( pictured right) is Greg of www.gregslistdc.com --best site ever!

You can have whateva you like...

Don't stop til' you get enough

Hot Italian Lauren DeSantis of Capital Cooking was on-hand tasting the gelato

And speaking of Lauren ...... The winner of her Capital Cooking cook book is DC on HEELS fan

Tanya Sharma

Congratulations Tanya your name was picked in our random drawing! Let us know which of the 90 recipes from this book you plan on making! Lauren showed us how to make a really great Tzasiki dip (p93).

You can get her cook book @ https://www.createspace.com/3374156

ciao for now

Vanessa xoxoxxo

Entertainment interviews: Ford's Theatre Gala and Polo Cup

CHECK OUT OUR COVERAGE

Markette and I have been hitting the pavement hard, covering all things entertainment in the Washington area. Hope you enjoy our interviews and entertainment coverage!! DC on HEELS has it covered when it comes to fashion, food, entertainment and events in the DC area! We're always on the go..checking out the scene..one step at a time, and always in our heels of course!

FORD'S THEATRE GALA



AMERICAS POLO CUP HOSTED BY MICHAELE AND TAREQ SALAHI

LAST CHANCE FOR SPIKE'S NEW COOK BOOK!

Monday June 21 is the last chance to enter the drawing to win a free autographed cook book of Top Chefs Spike Mendelsohn's .Go to www.facebook.com/dconheels and become a fan or "like" us as they say, leave a comment, and BAM (oh wait that' s Emiril Lagassi) your name will be entered in the contest. Winner will be chosen on Monday the 21st by 6pm EST. It's that easy. The book has tons of fast easy recipes including some of Spike's famous burgers from his restaurant Good Stuff Eatery

Vanessa xoxoxxox

Breaking Name News and Top Chef Spike

BREAKING NAME NEWS:

The Traveling Talk Show is changing it's name!! What's in a name? "That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Well I would absolutely agree with Juliet on this one, but our new name here on DC50tv.com home of the CW will now officially be drum roll please....DC ON HEELS. That's right. It's official. I think this graphic pic sums it all up. M and I are still going to be getting the latest gossip, hitting up all the great events, and of course taste-testing our way through the city..all while running around in our favorite stilettos. So yes we really are DC ON HEELS =)

All this name change got me thinking what does my name really mean? Well turns out the name Vanessa was coined by author Jonathan Swift (you know the guy who wrote Gulliver's Travels)

Info for Vanessa

Categories: Literary Characters Names, English Names

Used in: English speaking countries

Additional info: This name was coined by Jonathan Swift for his friend Esther Vanhomrigh. Other famous bearers include actress Vanessa Redgrave, singer Vanessa Carlton and actress and singer Vanessa Williams. Vanessa is also the name of a genus of butterfly that includes the Red Admiral and Painted Lady. The genus was named after Jonathan Swift had coined the name. Although the name might be bestowed because of the butterfly connection, Vanessa does not "mean" butterfly. Honest.

And what about Markette's name? Well turns out her name is so unique and original that I couldn't find out any info on it!!! MARKETTE Sorry . . .We have no information on this name.

THE GOOD STUFF WITH SPIKE AND HIS NEW COOKBOOK:

On Wednesday May 26th Markette and I will be hanging with our favorite Top Chef Spike Mendelsohn here in DC at his restaurant GOOD STUFF EATERY for the launch of his new cookbook The Good Stuff Cookbook.

Spike’s philosophy is simple: take classic American comfort foods made from local, farm-fresh ingredients, and give them the “good stuff twist”. This philosophy is brought to bear in THE GOOD STUFF COOKBOOK (Wiley Paperback; $24.95; May 31st, 2010), where Spike serves up over 120 fast, fun, and fresh recipes for classic fare like burgers, fries, shakes, salads, and desserts, not to mention the all-important sauces and condiments that give his dishes a gourmet twist. Also included are menu suggestions for all types of events, from big parties to casual family dinners. Recipes are accompanied by gorgeous full-color photographs throughout.

Bravo Spike!!! Can't wait to see the new cookbook

Check out my interview with Spike as he talks about growing up, life after Top Chef, and what his eatery is all about.

Signing off the blogosphere--Vanessa xoxoxxo