A Taste of Waynesboro

I met many of my best friends during the year we all worked together at Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. Almost five years later we've gone in dramatically different directions in our careers. Julie F., who shared a cubicle wall with me during that fateful year at Hillel, spent several years post-Hillel as the assistant director of a summer camp in South Central Pennsylvania (she is basically the best camp counselor in the world and hope she is running a camp of her own by the time I have children). Julie's camp was about two hours from DC, and when we would visit, I felt like I was in a completely different world.

For the past three summers, Julie has packed up her life and headed to camp in Waynesboro, PA from June to August. In the periodic e-mail updates from her, she always includes little pieces of information about interactions with the Waynesboro community and more importantly, the discovery of unique, local food establishments.

And so this post was born... I polled several of Julie's camp colleagues and am very pleased with my very unofficial guide to dining in and around scenic Waynesboro, PA.

The Christian Chicken Place
It is actually called the Mountain Gate Family Restaurant, but as soon as you see the place mats, you too will call it The Christian Chicken Place. Mountain Gate is the real deal, and I would consider driving to Waynesboro just for a visit. The lunch buffet is the real reason to stop here (in addition to the very Christian sayings that often grace the big sign in front of the restaurant). There is a gigantic vat dedicated just to cranberry sauce. And then an entire table just for pies. And when Julie took her grandparents here for some brunch after their visit to camp, her grandmother proclaimed "this is the best bacon I have ever had." What could be bad?


Applebee's
Although I would rather not dine at Applebee's if there are other non-chain options, at 11:30 on a Saturday night (when Julie has free time to play with friends visiting from DC), Applebee's is pretty much the only game in town. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. We opted for a selection of appetizers and they were quite tasty. Our waitress was attentive and the beverage menu was diverse. I did have a flashback to Saturday nights in high school when I used to hang out with my friends at the Friday's on Rockville Pike... but that just made the whole experience feel so much more comfortable. Guess that's the point of a concept restaurant.


Capital Camps
How could I forget the dining hall at Capital Camps and Retreat Center. Except at Capital Camps, it is called the Chadar Ochel or something... This establishment feeds hundreds of children daily without a trace of peanut product. And the large vats of Jello-O served in disposable containers just make you feel so... industrial! The ambiance is delightful and cool, as Capital Camps has invested in a very large fan to keep air circulating in the space from an aptly named company called Big Ass Fans. You can't make that up.


Sunshine Lanes
Good for a quick suburban bowling experience, some nachos, and a fountain soda. Sunshine lanes features an interior decked out with a BLACK LIGHT as a throwback to the 90s (as a throwback to the 70s). It is not to be missed during the Capital Camps staff night out--when it felt perfectly normal to hear Hebrew, English in a heavy Hebrew accent, and British accents mixed in with the mid-Atlantic twang common among year-round residents of Waynesboro.


Antietam Dairy
This is Waynesboro's shining star. Firstly, it is owned by a family called the Sweets (too good)! Secondly, they are giving the ice cream away for basically nothing. Although I can't do a one to one price comparison of a cone of premium ice creamy deliciousness purchased in DuPont Circle to one purchased at Antietam, I can say Antietam is MUCH more budget friendly (four people dined on a delectable frozen treat for less than $8.00). Thirdly, the flavor selection was solid. (You know how I feel about overly complicated ice cream flavors--stick to the classics and do them well. If I wanted Boston cream pie, I would just have Boston cream pie.) I opted for chocolate ice cream with sprinkles and it was FABULOUS.


Chubby's
Then, there is Chubby's. I can tell you that I had very high hopes for Chubby's. Although I don't live in the South (except for isn't DC actually the South?), I would expect that there would be excellent BBQ in the middle of the country in and around Waynesboro. Sadly, Chubby's was just okay. The name and sauce selection set them apart from Red, Hot, and Blue (and once again, the prices) but I didn't find my meal there so memorable. AND, they didn't serve hush puppies. Let's be real, I am really in it for the sides. And if the selection of sides doesn't cut it, I would rather be eating at the Antietam Dairy.


Sheetz
I have had a total of two very positive Sheetz experiences in my day (a total of two, and both were very positive). The first came on a trip from DC to Pittsburgh with Beth K. when we discovered the make-your-own-milkshake machine at the Sheetz Breezewood location. The second occurred in none other than Waynesboro when I took a big leap and ordered the MTO (made to order) breakfast wrap. I learned of this concept from my friend and former colleague Beth S. and know she would be proud of my gas station culinary adventure. Apmple seating and an almost totally automated ordering system make the Sheetz in Wayesboro a not to miss destination on our food tour of South Central PA.

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Emily Goodstein for Susan Solo Photography

Dearest individually sized pink grapefruit yogurts,

I had a fabulous opportunity to serve as the photo assistant for one of my photography mentors, Susan S., over the weekend. If you haven't seen Susan's work, check it out. She is so down to earth and a really excellent photographer. I always learn so much from her and was really honored that she asked me to work with her to document Venessa and Mike's wedding.

A quick moment on Venessa and Mike: they are basically the most fun people ever. Since their first date included an outing to a Karaoke bar and screening of Slumdog Millionaire, they performed the same song they had Karaoke-d together on their first date THEN performed the dance from the end of Slumdog. I was SO impressed with their theatrical abilities (I had trouble concentrating on the photo taking because I sort of wanted to break into song and dance along with them).

Here are my faves from the day...

This was during the dancing when I was having trouble not dancing myself! The playlist was really excellent.


I snapped this while Susan was organizing the extended family for a group shot. I love everything about it...


This has become a trend in my wedding photo coverage. I really enjoy seeing what other photographers are capturing with their point and shoot cameras. Sometimes guests have the best vantage point and I like to copy their perspective.


Cocktail hour remnants...


In addition to Venessa and Mike being really talented performers, Venessa's parents also performed a song. They were such naturals in front of crowd.


The groom's brother provided music during the ceremony, and allowed me to snap a few photos of him as he warmed up.


The first dance.


I snapped this as Mike was opening a present from Venessa before the ceremony. Mike used to be an actor and was totally comfortable with me following him around like the paparazzi as he got ready.


The invitations and place settings had a board game theme--so these monogrammed place card holders fit right in!


Last but not least, my favorite photo from the day: tiny white patent flower girl shoes.

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Guest Post: Whole Foods Revolution

You are in for a SPECIAL treat. During a conversation with my mom about the new Whole Foods that recently opened in her neighborhood, I suggested she put together a guest post about this organic food wonderland. And she did!

Enjoy....


The excitement in the neighborhood was almost palpable: People were counting down the days. They were planning their schedules around it. Some even called in sick just so they could be there. A presidential motorcade? A film crew using Friendship Heights as the background for a new movie? Close. The new Whole Foods across the street was finally opening!

I have always disliked grocery shopping. For as long as I can remember, it’s been a chore to plan the meals, get the list together, drive to the strip mall, and do the deed. Lines were long, shelves often empty, lighting glaring, and the checkout people… well, just not happy to be there either.

All of that changed when Whole Food Market came to our neighborhood last month. You walk in on the upper level (where the coffee and flowers live) so that the store spreads out in all its avocado-and-clementine glory below you. I never knew vegetables could be so beautiful.

The store—it’s actually more of a total culinary experience—has broad areas to stroll around in. They’re not exactly aisles, more like zones. I am particularly fond of the pasta zone, the cheese zone, and the oh-so-seductive bakery zone. Some of the zones are interactive, where you can grind your own cashew butter or customize your trail mix. And people actually seem happy to be working there. Not in an in-your-face kind of way, but genuinely happy to be helpful. It’s amazing.


I was dazzled by the salad bar, where the spotlighting makes everything look like jewelry. Are those emeralds I see? No, sparkling green beans almondine. Rubies over there? Nope, a gleaming tomato and mozzarella salad. And there is a person smiling and keeping it spotless every time I’ve been there (daily since it opened).

The very complexion in the neighborhood has changed. There’s a lot more foot traffic now. No longer do I have to shop for a week at a time and try to guess just how many bananas will last me until I can muster up the energy to go again. Now I can buy just what I need for today because I know I can just walk over again tomorrow!

There are classes, demos, newsletters, and cookbooks at Whole Foods. I have actually been eating more fresh produce lately, a goal that has eluded me for most of my adult life. And I have fresh-squeezed OJ every morning now. Heaven.

Whole Foods is lots of things: It’s a meeting place (a great new neighborhood spot to meet friends for coffee or lunch). It’s an education center. (Interested in finding out how to properly pair cheeses? Sign up for a class!) It’s even an entertainment venue. (There was a terrific steel band playing there recently.)

Marc, the store team leader, greeted me early one rainy morning that first week. Recognizing him from the billboards in the Metro station, I asked, “Aren’t you the guy I see on the walls in the Metro station?” With more cheer than anyone had a right to muster that early on a gloomy morning, he said, “Yes, I’m Marc! Welcome! Would you like a sleeve for your wet umbrella?”

I was home.

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Everything I know about beer....

...I learned from Brother Barley McHops (and Beth K. but she doesn't write a blog about beer so I am concentrating on Brother Barley for the purposes of this post).

Before I go on, allow me to just explain Brother B.'s mysterious name. I try to respect the identity of everyone mentioned here on W and CP and identify them by first name last initial only. Alas, Brother Barley McHops is so concerned with people finding out that he is as obsessed with beer as he actually is, that he writes under the aforementioned pen name. All I can tell you is that he lives in the South, is originally from New England, and I used to work with his wife. (Okay, and one more thing, he has a very adorable baby girl who I am sure would be best friends with Livvy if they lived in the same city.)



Okay, back to the beery goodness. Way back in March, there were many major events happening in my life (I had just accepted a new job, made a trip to the White House for International Women's Day, and was feverishly trying to blog about the Pamela's pancakes a very devoted W and CP reader had schlepped for me from Pittsburgh to DC). In the midst of that flurry of blog worthy activity, I also spent some time interviewing Brother Barley McHops for his podcast, The Maltercation. You see, The Maltercation is part of his really well written and useful beer blog, fondly known as Aleheads.

I spoke to Brother Barley around 9:00 PM one night, and within about 45 minutes of the conclusion of our conversation, the interview was up on Aleheads, all edited and fancy. I was highly impressed!

Some Pearls of Wisdom from our conversation:

• According to B. Barley, "typical American men" talk about beer and sports as opposed to feelings.
• Brother Barley has been sending lengthy e-mails to his friends about beer for sometime now. It was a friend's dad who suggested they share these beer monologues with the world, hence Aleheads was born.
  
• Beerlylegal was the first name of the blog. This URL was already taken so they've settled for a slightly less funny but significantly cleaner name, Aleheads.
• When I (or you, perhaps) say I don't like hoppy beer, I really mean I don't like bitter beer. Brown ales (such as Newcastle Brown Ale or Anchor Steam) are good for folks like me without a taste for bitter beers.
  
• IBU stands for "International Bittering Unit." Crazy American "hopheads" really try to push the envelope and brew beers with VERY high IBU ratings.
• Brother Barley does NOT like Blue Moon for two reasons: 1) It is not good. 2) The brewery that makes it is owned by Coors.
• Contrary to popular belief, Guinness is not a very heavy beer (don't make the same mistake that I made DURING the podcast and refer to it as a meal replacement beer). In fact, Guinness has fewer calories than a similarly sized serving of skim milk.
  
• Beer density is measured in "degrees Plato." You'll have to listen to the podcast to learn more about the science behind this measurement.
• Oskar Blues' Ten Fidy is "as thick as motor oil." Brother Barley promises to write a guest blog post about the 98 IBUs featured in this beverage (he drinks one every morning) in the near future.
• Brewing at home is not too challenging! Consider using a "dry hopping" technique to achieve a flowery taste to your home brew.
• Flyingdog and Yards Brewing are two local breweries not far from DC that Brother Barley M. suggests visiting!
• Raison D'etre is made with beets and Brother B loves it (and it's "malt profile").
• Beer Advocate is a good go to source for everything you wanted to know about beer and beer ratings.
  
• Brother Thelonious is a beer that Brother B. recommends for non-bitter beer fans, like me. I will be searching out this North Coast Brewing gem at a pub in the near future.
  

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Austin: My Texas Home Away From Home

If you had told me three years ago that I would visit a little city in central Texas and find great people, delicious food, and must have accessories and shoes, I would have told you that I am an East Coaster and I crave visits to New York and Boston, and I vacation on Cape Cod and occasionally in San Francisco... but never in Texas.

Then I went to Austin.

I think a big reason why my first trip to Austin was so successful was my outing with Jodi B. and Adam H. They were SO welcoming and we had such a fun time together. And I had just started blogging and Jodi is a food blogger extraordinaire (have you added Tasty Touring to your Google Reader? Do it now...) so I felt like I was in the presence of a celebrity. This was also the trip when I purchased my life changing cowboy boots which have forever revolutionized my wardrobe and personal style.

Fast forward to my last trip to Austin, when I got to spend an entire WEEK there for work. I've created a list of reasons why it was amazing. Enjoy!

Restaurant Suggestions Flow Like Water
As soon as I sat down at my visiting desk at Convio's Austin offices, folks stopped by to welcome me and offer restaurant suggestions. It was sort of the way that Washingtonians ask where you work before asking anything else about you... and I loved it! I even discovered a food suggestions page on the company Intranet. What more could a business traveler want?

Boot Mecca
We've discussed Allen's before. I think this boot mecca is one of my most favorite places in the ATX. My salesperson spent a LONG time with me trying to figure out which boots would be best for me and my urban cowgirl life. I can't wait for an excuse to get back to Austin, swing by again, and purchase another pair (NOTE: don't try to buy boots online. They are the one thing I have been unable to successfully acquire on the interwebs).

Food Cart City
They're all over the place! And I sort of don't even care if the food is gross since the cart experience is so fun (okay, that is a lie, but the cart experience is very fabulous--especially when the food is stellar).

Last time I was in Austin, Jodi and Adam took me to not one but TWO food carts. The first was El Naranjo and the second was Bananaracy (they only sell frozen, chocolate dipped bananas). They were both really great (but I'm not sure if I would go back, mainly because there are so many OTHER food carts I've yet to try). As my mom always says, "Life is too short to make the same chicken recipe twice." And in this case, the same theory may go for Austin food carts too.


Breakfast Tacos
Lest we forget the breakfast taco phenomenon I recently blogged about. Imagine a city where breakfast taco delivery was just part of office culture!? Well, one exists and it is called Austin, TX.


Flagship Whole Foods
According to Adam H., the Whole Foods in downtown Austin is the number one Austin tourist attraction. And I don't doubt that--being that the Austin Whole Foods is the FLAGSHIP WHOLE FOODS. So remember that feeling of supermarket opulence you felt when you walked into the huge WH on Columbus Circle in Manhattan? This is 15 times better.

The nut butter bar is at least four times as large as the selection in the brand new Whole Foods in Friendship Heights (stay tuned for a post about this new Montgomery County landmark). When Jodi and Adam led me there during our tour of the Austin location, I had to take a moment as I was so astonished and overjoyed by all the store had to offer. (It was also in this Whole Foods when I experienced that quintessential blogger/social medial oversharer conundrum: TwitPic or real photo? I decided to juggle both my iPhone and camera, but it was certainly not graceful.)


Austin Friends
I don't see it as a coincidence that so many of my favorite people live in Austin. Last time I was there, I didn't even have time to see all my Austinite friends (reminiscent of a trip to New York, not central Texas).

My Austin welcome wagon started with Jodi and Adam. I alluded to these social media superstars above--every time I am in Austin, they always make time play with me and select an extra special destination. I couldn't believe how much fun we had zipping around town during my last visit. We stumbled upon a party welcoming the new Google offices to Austin. It took Jodi about 30 seconds to make her way to the free mechanical bull ride area. The photos are priceless.

In addition to Tasty Touring and her tech savvy boyfriend, my sweet friend Joel H. lives in Austin. Although we've only ever spent a total of 48 collective hours together (maybe), I feel like I've known Joel forever (he and Julie F. have almost known each other forever, so I will just live vicariously through her). And he always steers me to delicious cupcakes and BBQ so I am eternally grateful.

So maybe I wouldn't love Austin so much if I didn't have so many excellent people to visit there? Good thing I'll never have to find out...

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MatchDotCom.org

This post is hard to write for many reasons. Unlike many W and CP posts, this entry not really my story to tell. But, it is important that Elissa's search for a bone marrow donor expand as far and as wide as we can spread it. So, I am breaking from my usual posts about adventures with my friends, including the often mentioned Elissa F., to share some information about two important upcoming events.

My good friend, Elissa, is a talented, intelligent, hilarious, 26-year-old aspiring rabbi and social change maker. She is also battling an aggressive form of cancer and needs a bone marrow transplant to save her life. You could be Elissa’s match or the miracle that some other mother, father, child, or friend is desperately looking for!

If you are not yet part of the National Bone Marrow Registry, now is your chance to swab your cheek and help save a life. Friends are organizing two Gift of Life bone marrow donor drives in the DC area:

• The first will be held on Sunday, July 18 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Rockville Jewish Community Center (6125 Montrose Road, Rockville MD). For more information, please contact Rachel K. (ruby313@gmail.com) or Debbie S. (debbiestillman@gmail.com).
• The second will be held on Thursday, August 5 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the DC Jewish Community Center (1529 16th Street, NW, Washington DC). For more information, please contact Allison G. (grossman.allison@gmail.com) or Debra E. (debra.eichenbaum@gmail.com).

Don't let the JCC locations fool you--people of all backgrounds and faith traditions are welcome and encouraged to participate in these events.

Add yourself to the registry, tell at least five friends about these drives, and let us know if you can volunteer at a drive! Registration involves a simple cheek swab, and eligible donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and in good health.

More information is also available at www.giftoflife.org and www.marrow.org.

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