inspiration
Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers
This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to the Bloomingdale neighborhood of Washington DC and to Old Engine 12 Firehouse Restaurant.
Constructed in 1895 as a firehouse, this beautiful structure housed firefighters for over a century until transformed in 2013 as a restaurant. “From the brass fireman’s pole to the Captain’s Loft we have preserved the legacy and character of the original firehouse that once served here.”
Dora here. Sorry for the blurry photo. A rescue unit was parked across the street, and the red lights reflected from both directions. Fitting for a converted firehouse, right? 🙂 Oh, and their website indicates this restaurant is located in the Bloomingdale neighborhood, but it’s also only a couple blocks from Shaw.
The Grilled Brussel Sprouts appetizer with balsamic molasses syrup and sea salt was outstanding. With just the right amount of char and sweetness, these sprouts were delicious.
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| Grilled Brussel Sprouts Appetizer |
The Classic Lasagna, made with short rib Bolognese, ricotta and arugula, was huge, definitely large enough to share. The pasta was homemade and thin and mixed great with the sauce and massive amounts of ricotta. The star of this dish was the brisket short rib; tender, juicy, and something you would not expect in lasagna. The only negative was the layer of arugula. More than I expected and a bit overwhelming.
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| Classic Lasagna |
Dora here. Beautiful dish, though, right? It’s a stunner presentation, but I agree. One bite, and the pungent arugula took over for me. I’m glad I ordered the Firehouse Burger. lol. Meaty, thick and juicy, the special sauce jazzed up the flavor even more. Delish!
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| Firehouse Burger |
We rate this restaurant 4 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving great food. Dora here. This restaurant deserves five forks for ambiance. As a converted fire station, how could it not? lol. We enjoyed the outside patio. Cool and breezy and quiet, easy for conversation. A perfect spot for dinner!
They score 5 forks for presentation and the burger, but the excessive arugula brings it down to 4 overall.
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| Outdoor patio |
They score 5 forks for presentation and the burger, but the excessive arugula brings it down to 4 overall.
What’s the most unusual ingredient you’ve tasted in lasagna? Did you enjoy the twist or do you prefer traditional?
New Release: BURK’S SURRENDER, a Christian Romance Book
Happy Book Birthday to Burk’s Surrender,
the third and final book in the Harmon Heritage series,
where three siblings struggle to find healing and peace after their father’s tragic death.
Purchase Link ~ Available now
with Pelican Book Group
Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon has always been the strong one for his family, but recently those responsibilities have dwindled. When Lacie Heatherton, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, ropes him into a city-sponsored trip to the mountains with fifty seniors, Burk has two things on his mind: considering a possible promotion and wooing Lacie past friendship and into a future. Lacie has emotional scars and a thirteen-year-old daughter to remind her that men can be cruel and unforgiving. Can Burk convince Lacie to relax her “no dating” policy or will he surrender his dreams of family and love?
Harmon Heritage, available with Pelican Book Group
Rori’s Healing ~ available now
Beck’s Peace ~ available now
Burk’s Surrender ~ available now!
Weaving a Legacy of Grace 