Graffiato in Washington DC

 

My sister, Cheryl, came to visit me so we could go to the FUN concert in Charlottesville, VA 09/26/2013.  After one day of recovery, we headed up to DC (her first trip there).  I was determined to hit Mike Isabella's place, Graffiato and did just that!  It's at 707 6th street NW.  www.graffiatodc.com We were fortunate enough to be there for brunch and each chose the "Booze and Bites".  We each tried two different items in addition to a Bloody Mary that was delicious!!  Cheryl had the Broccolini and NY Strip.  I had the Meatballs and Charred Octopus.  Oh mercy...good times!

 

Incredible Bloody Mary with an Olive and Fresh Mozzarella...not to mention, the bartender was a cutie patootie!

 

 

Meatballs with anson mills polenta and a farmed egg.  Fortunately for me, my sister was freaked out by the lightly cooked egg so she didn't want any...it was grand!

 

Cheryl's Broccolini with Red Pepper Relish, Walnuts and Feta.

 

My Charred Octopus with tomato mostarda, romaine and mint.  Another thing Cheryl refused to try...score two for me!

 

Cheryl's NY Strip with Salsify, Pancetta and Wild Mushrooms.

 

Everything was wonderful, the service was great and the atmosphere was groovy.  Mikey...I expected nothing less...just wish we would have gotten to meat you.  Maybe next time!

Bang Bang Shrimp

From The Cooking Bride

For the sauce:  1/2 c mayo (I used Light Duke's)

2-4 t Sriracha (I used 2 and it's spicy enough for me)

1t sugar

1 t rice vinegar

Combine all ingredients and set aside.

For the shrimp:  1 lb peeled/deveined shrimp

1 egg

1 c milk

1c flour

1 c panko

1t salt

1 t black pepper

1/2 t onion powder

1/2 t garlic powder

1/2 t dried basil

1 qt vegetable oil

Combine milk and egg.  Coat the shrimp.

Combine the dry ingredients and place 1/2 of it into one bowl.  Toss the shrimp in 1/2 of the flour mix.  Add back to the milk mixture.  Toss with the other 1/2 of the flour mix.  

Place in fridge until ready to cook.

Heat the oil to 350 degrees.  Cook the shrimp until lightly browned.  Do this in batches.  Let drain on paper towels.

Serve with the sauce.

I found the sauce to be very thick and next time will likely thin it with some milk.