Eating out and cooking in during COVID-19

Supporting local food businesses like A Place To Walk To

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the way people eat while quarantined and under various mobility restrictions. Grocery stores are being cleared due to widespread fear of food and other resources running out, impacting what exactly is stockpiled in people's homes ― probably a whole lot of frozen, canned, and dried non-perishables. State and federal mandates to practice social distancing have forced restaurants to change their business models and adapt to take out and delivery as opposed to dining out, a measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus and 'flatten the curve'. As a food blogger, I have kept my finger on the pulse of how restaurants in the DC and greater DMV area are being impacted. It is no secret that this one of the hardest-hit sectors of the economy, so you can't ignore what's going on. The government is working to allocate a stimulus package so that independent food businesses can continue to pay the thousands of employees who have been laid off. USA Today offers a breakdown of what exactly Congress is deliberating over. The question is, given what we are all facing, how can individuals continue to support local businesses in the community that has brought us the food we love? 

Eating out (order for pick up or delivery)

We've seen several articles on ordering out during the pandemic, with questions about whether or not it is safe. Restaurants have modified and extended their menus and services to include pick up and delivery, to reduce contact while trying to maintain business as usual. With the number of people losing employment, now more than ever local businesses need community support to stay afloat, especially the smaller independent or mom-and-pop businesses. Many people are engaging with and supporting them online, and there are precautions you can take when you do order out. 

Unfortunately, taking away the dine-in option means most restaurants, cafes, and pubs sales are down up to 30 percent and more. Luckily, as it stands we can still support them in these uncertain times and enjoy their delicious food.

About 10 days ago, I had the pleasure of sampling some dishes from A Place To Walk To, a successful food truck turned brick and mortar. The restaurant provides an opportunity for people to enjoy a blend of flavors from Guyana, the Caribbean, and North Carolina - all places owner Matthew Samuels has been influenced by. This has culminated in a colorful array of comfort food breakfast platters and classic brunch meals. Brunch is certainly one of the activities I am going to miss during the lockdown, making this spot a pretty good deal - bring the brunch to you!

What to order? Well, there is something for both the savory and the sweet lovers from pancakes to chicken and waffles, but I'll highlight what I tried.

Jerk chicken wings served over mac and cheese - $15.00

Is there anything more indulgent than this combination? Jamaican jerk chicken seasoning rubbed on wings makes them even more dynamite due to the complex flavor profile the spices create, with a fiery kick. The mac and cheese was perfectly cheesy, and mild enough not to take away from the wings, but not to the point of being underwhelming. Although this is not a traditional brunch or breakfast dish, it does the job. Whether you are looking for a boost of energy or for something to soak up drinks from the previous night, I would undoubtedly recommend this.

Shrimp and Salmon over Grits in a Creamy Sauce - $22.00

Enjoying delicious meals like these allow you through your patronage to support businesses like A Place To Walk To, and it will go along way in these uncertain times. Samuels is one of the many decision-makers at these food establishments who had to modify their business model, and said in preparation before the statewide lockdown:

“We are currently in the process of completing our delivery service register. We will be available on Uber Eats Shortly.”

They are now available for pick up and in house delivery, with a re-launched, revamped menu!

UberEats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates etc.

Delivery services are committing to keeping food safe and their at-risk employees protected, working with restaurants to keep their businesses afloat. It's important to remember that although this is a difficult phase, we have to stay safe, and adapt to the current circumstances as best we can to support each other. 

Feeding those in need

Establishments and chefs like Jose Andres have converted their restaurants into temporary community kitchens serving free or reduced-priced meals to feed the vulnerable despite suffering losses themselves. Online food bloggers and restaurant enthusiasts are also making a concerted effort to let other diners know they have the option to order for pick up and delivery, or to donate in support of their communities as a whole.

Cooking more at home

Hoarding is posing a very real threat especially to those who are vulnerable or unable to shop at certain hours, but there is more than enough in the supply chain when it comes to food! Grocery have been left stripped and 'stay-at-home' orders have indirectly dictated what people stockpile in their homes. Looking at it through the lens of avid home chefs, recipe developers, or people who realize they will be cooking more this can present a challenge.

The other day I made some delectable handheld pepper steak pies and shared the recipe with my Instagram and website. It's a recipe you can stretch by freezing and eating over the next few weeks, and one not requiring a lot of ingredients. I almost abandoned developing this recipe because I could not find any steak or onions! This period in time can, however, be a chance for you to be creative, try new recipes, and experiment with alternatives. I hope to enjoy a combination of both eating out and cooking in during this time.

Weight gain or work out?

Another aspect to consider as people order delivery and cook more but leave the house for fewer reasons is  weight gain. Gyms across the US have closed, and articles and new apps are circulating and popping up offering suggestions on how to avoid the 'quarantine 15'. Bloggers and professional trainers who record their gym sessions exercises are now focusing on home workouts.

COVID-19 has definitely changed the game for content creators of all varieties. 

I hope local gems like A Place To Walk To that celebrate years of culture that have enriched food and present in one of the most favored forms - brunch - continue to thrive during this difficult time. Small businesses, restaurants, and the food industry as a whole are being hit hard and as a community, but we can still support them while keeping ourselves healthy and safe.

Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, isolate yourself if you are sick, and don’t panic.

A Taste of Frederick — Brunch at The Tasting Room!

This is part I of an explorative blog post series looking into Frederick, Maryland’s buzzing downtown food scene.

Oh, Frederick, a historic city and county located in western Maryland known for its quaint but lively downtown area, wineries with breathtaking mountain views, longstanding breweries (including Maryland's largest craft brewery, Flying Dog), and scenic hiking and outdoor trails. 

I have the pleasure of frequenting this gem a few times a month and plan to explore all Frederick has to offer, but with an emphasis on the food scene. 

Downtown there are several food establishments to dine, and brunch is a common activity. When you are done eating, there is a plethora of craft, mom-and-pop, and specialty stores, art displays, museums (including the National Museum of Civil War Medicine), and bars to see. All this to say, even if you reside in Washington DC or Baltimore and make this a day trip, you will not get bored. Many of these activities can thankfully be grouped into tours, neatly organizing your fun time.

When it comes to food recommendations, I am going to start with The Tasting Room! I had my eyes on it for a while as they have are highly rated and usually quite busy. Only when you go yourself can you make a real assessment, but my goal is to help you along

Live action glimpse of my time in Frederick! Watch out for my vlog series as I continue to explore the historic downtown area and delicious #food. I stopped at the Tasting Room! A mainstay which serves New American cuisine and has been open for close to 20 years strong!

(Click to view a short video of my visit!)

The New American restaurant is a classy mainstay in downtown Frederick that has been serving 5-star plates for nearly two decades. The Tasting Room also has a robust wine menu and tasty range of both cocktails and mocktails.

Island Fizz

Speaking of mocktails, give the Island Fizz a try. It will probably remind you of lemonade, carrying the notes of the main ingredients - pineapple, lime, orange blossom, ginger, and grapefruit soda. If you did want it laced, I would suggest a vodka or rum!

Leo’s Sticky Buns

Warm, house-baked cinnamon rolls with pecans and a brown sugar glaze. YES, this should be a mandatory start to every morning and any brunch. The freshly baked, soft rolls topped with crunchy, slightly salted pecans, and a rich, buttery sweetness from the brown sugar are everything you can dream of in one. You will probably not require a dessert if you get this. I was sold the minute I laid my eyes on these buns!

Steak and Eggs (with Fois Gras Potatoes and truffle hollandaise)

Steak and eggs are a brunch classic, one of five I order without fail (the others are chicken and waffles, french toast, pancakes, and shrimp and grits⁠—who is with me?).

The Tasting Room’s steak sits on a bed of airy foie gras potatoes and creamy truffle hollandaise. It also comes with a poached egg and asparagus, but you can customize this if you so wish. My "sometimes foodie partner in crime" opted for spinach as his greens, and eggs scrambled rather than poached. Either way, the star of the plate (the steak) is subtly smoky and delicious.

Spicy Chicken and Waffles

Certainly my favorite part of my visit and my #1 recommendation on the brunch menu. The cayenne chicken breast and habanero-orange butter pair so well with the cinnamon maple syrup on top of the waffles. The chicken tenders are flavorful with the right amount of heat. The finishing strawberries provide a cooling effect from the heat, so it as well balanced a brunch dish as you can get. 

Overall, besides the food, the service is good. - friendly and accommodating. The ambiance is pretty relaxing since the restaurant attracts a classy crowd who just want a nice bite to eat in peace. The design of the space allows for a lot of natural light - who doesn’t want that?

If you are looking to get a taste of Frederick, Maryland, The Tasting Room is certainly one of the top choices.