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April 2010
 Paul Scott Goodman in Son of a Stand Up Comedian - Photo credit: Chris Mueller Paul Scott Goodman’s edgy solo show opened at MetroStage last night. Set in 1980’s Manhattan counter-culture, it is a time capsule itinerary of a hip rocker’s life…a soul-baring, self-analytical musical voyage with the Scottish-born Goodman at the helm. At turns sarcastic and heart-warming, the monologue-set-to-music is Goodman’s chance to bat back at the travesties, injustices and sheer bad luck that befell his early musical career.
While he rails at mega Broadway productions, “Broadway is dead!”, and a failed fling as a catering waiter who joined the party and then was given the bum’s rush (he expresses surprise at this), there is no doubt that Goodman, an inspired and award-winning songwriter, accomplished guitarist and tale-spinner, puts forth raw energy in this semi-autobiographical piece.
Tender memories of meeting his wife, Miriam Gordon, the show’s collaborator, conversations with his stand-up Jewish comedian father and an unexpected sidelining off the Forest Hills “N” train to make a “mikvah” with strangers during the birth of his first child; save the show from total self-absorption. It remains to be seen if it will translate outside the New York City, Woody Allen brand of one-therapist-per-resident culture. But in the end it is Goodman’s sanguine, Scottish-accented, musical introspection that keeps the audience humming and toe-tapping along with him.
www.metrostage.org
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By Jordan Wright
As Valentine’s Day is quite nearly upon us, I thought I would write about what I call one’s “foodheart,” which is what I have come to regard as the “extra sense”, and the other better-known senses that drive our passions to satisfy it.
We know that our food memory is a powerful
and palpable force and relies on our individual culture, early culinary tastes and preferences and genetic predisposition. Its profile is defined before we can be swayed by advertising’s claims. We are first influenced by what is available or served to us and who is doing the serving, most likely our mothers. Continue reading An Essay on Passion and Desire for Valentine’s Day
 Courtesy photo A Turin native of the Piedmont region, Teatro Goldoni's Chef Enzo Fargione has been honing his gastronomic skills here since 1986. By Jordan Wright
If you have a taste for the theatrical then you will marvel at the drama and wizardry at Teatro Goldoni. For there is a force of culinary nature at work here…and it is no illusion.
In the glamorous dining room yards of shimmering drapes and painted harlequin panels reminiscent of Arlecchino, the jester in the Italian Commedia dell’Arte, frame a collection of Venetian masks that echo of carnivale on The Grand Canal. It’s not surprising celebrities flock to and feel at home on this luxurious stage.
Perhaps you have chosen the coveted Chef’s Table, accompanied by your friends. It’s an adventure worth sharing. For who will believe you later when you reveal the gastronomic wonders of this meal.
Let us imagine that we have our very own sorcerer to create this magic. We’ll call him Enzo, Il Divo, and he is our chef on this memorable evening. And since every sorcerer must have his apprentice, Aziz Sajid, the headwaiter, will perform as his most capable assistant to guide us on our journey.
In truth, this Turin native of the Piedmont region, Enzo Fargione has been honing his gastronomic skills in this country since 1986. As a teenager he came to the States under the aegis of legendary chef and restauranteur, Roberto Donna, where, in less than a year, he went from sous chef to head chef of Donna’s three-star Galileo Restaurant. They were later to become partners in the famed Il Radicchio. But if you follow the careers of our top Washington chefs you already know this. Link to the whole article
By Jordan Wright
Mr. President, your table awaits you… Madame Secretary, welcome back…
This hallowed dining place, catty-corner to the appropriately named, Freedom Plaza, and adjacent to the historic Willard Hotel, has hosted presidents and their cabinet members since its’ opening in 1906 and is just a short stroll from the White House.
One cannot describe this revered watering hole without first mentioning the unique décor. Hundreds of elegantly framed photographs of Senators, Presidents, dignitaries, governors, athletes, Members of Congress and celebrity patrons, from JFK and Buffalo Bill Cody to Jackie Robinson and General Colin Powell, cover the two-story high walls of this space.
Stunning coffered-wood paneling lines the entry, which features the (to be officially unveiled next week) new Obama presidential portrait, and gives the feel of an elite private club. A sweeping, “see-and-be-seen” bar, extending across the back wall, affirms the restaurant’s Washington power scene reputation. Link to the whole article
By Jordan Wright
Since November’s election results were tallied, nearly every chef worth his or her salt has conjured up an inaugural dinner menu to commemorate President-elect Barack Obama’s historic move to the White House (Though as we go to press I can tell you that beloved former  Bush White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford will be staying on with the Obamas).
Still, most chefs would like the chance to cook at least one meal for our new President. There are those who have paid tribute to his Hawaiian roots, such as Chef John Zaner, flown in for the occasion, who is creating a Hawaiian-themed menu for Fyve Restaurant Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pentagon City. Others have recognized (and tweaked new recipes in honor of) Obama’s love of chili, Chicago pizza and arugula.
All around town, cocktails are being shaken and stirred to the delight of our visitors on this momentous occasion.
Urbana offers a “Barack’s Fizz” made with cognac, Grand Marnier, maraschino liqueur, orange juice, muddled strawberries and topped with Domaine Carneros for that celebratory fizz.
By Jordan Wright
March 2009
The message behind Share our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is a powerful one. Feed the children. Launched in 1988 and held annually in over 40 US cities, top chefs join together to offer their time, talent and dedication to help stamp out hunger in our nation.
The recipe for success for this premier event is first…start with an array of the great chefs in our area, add samplings of their finest dishes, mix with the coolest cocktails and wines, create a silent auction featuring dinners-for-two from the finest DC area restaurants and a live auction of chefs’ services in your own home; stir in wild-eyed foodies eager to get in on the fun and voila! You’ve got one of the best parties in town and all for a great cause. Continue reading Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Washington DC
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