Garden Salad w/Mango Dressing

When summer gives you mangoes, make mango salad dressing. I enjoy creating my own salad dressing, both vinaigrette's and creamy. So I decided to create a salad dressing using one of my favorite fruits--mangoes! And although you may think creating salad dressing is a task only for the brave you can do it with ease.

This mango dressing is perfect for switching things up. It adds flavor and sweetness to any type salad. Salads are not only delicious, but can be a healthy part of your diet. You can't possibly go wrong with a tasty salad every now and then. Also, incorporating raw foods into your diet, can help with digesting food and absorbing nutrients.

Ingredients

Lettuce
Romaine
Red-tip leaf

Classic Mango Dressing

Lime (1)
Water (1/2 cup)
Mangoes (2-3 diced)
Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)

Tangy Sweet Mango Dressing

Lime (1)
Water (1/2 cup)
Mangoes (2-3 diced)

Olive Oil (3/4 cup)
Rice Wine Vinegar (1/4 cup)
Salt (1/4 teaspoon)

Black Pepper ( 1/4 teaspoon)

          

Directions

Salad
~Chop the lettuces, carrots & cucumbers (personal preference on size) and place in large bowl.
~Tossed chopped carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, 1/4 salt and pepper together.

Mango Dressing (See "VIDEOS' tab for cutting instructions)
~Slice the  mangoes.
~In a blender mixed together slice mangoes, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt & pepper.
~Blend until all ingredients are mixed together until smooth.
~Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

~Mix the salad ingredients together and place the salad to one side of the bowl and the mango dressing to the other.
~Toss the salad & mango dressing gently together; a little at a time. This will prevent the salad from becoming too saturated by the dressing.

L-R
Classic Mango Dressing
Tangy Sweet Mango Dressing

Mason jars are good when storing sauces or salad dressings. 

Garden Salad w/Mango Dressing

Recess Tapas Lounge Tasting

Okay, I know you might be thinking, Recess nightclub, White House Corridor. Well, yes Recess has a Tapas Lounge below the nightclub. The tapas lounge open its doors July 2012, owners Brandon Howard & Fisayo Esconsay partnered with Venezuela Chef Will Vivas to create a menu with an assortment of tapas based on his ethnic roots. And of course, nightclubs aren't known for their tasty tapas menus but Recess Tapas Lounge menu was truly a taste bud treat.

As I entered the lounge, the ambiance consist of a low light setting, romantic yet friendly and casual definitely a lounge vibe. The space was small but played Cuban music and a documentary on Cuba from a projector.  The special tasting menu included 2 vegetable, seafood and meat tapas; 2 desserts and featured 4 specialty cocktails.

(L-R) 

VEGETABLES 

Platanitos Con Guacamole Mousse (Fired Plantain Chips with Homemade Guacamole Mousse)

Espinaca Salteada (Fresh Spinach Sauteed w/ Almonds, Onions Garlic and Topped w/ Feta Cheese)

SEAFOOD 

Scallops Al Chef (Pan seared Scallops served with Pesto Risotto)

Camarones Al CoCo (The Recess Version of Coconut Shrimp)

MEAT 

Lamb Con Romero (Pan Seared Lamb Chop in Rosemary Demi Glaze)

Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Classic Steak with Onions and French Tomatoes over Fresh Fries)

DESSERT 

Flan De La Abuela (My Gradmother's recipe of Spanish Custard)

Fresh Berries in Creme Anglais (Blueberries, Strawberries and Black Berries in Creme Anglais)

DRINKS

(Not shown) 

Summer Splash (Blueberry Infused Vodka, Fresh Watermelon, with a splash of sprite. 

Mojito (Classic/ Watermelon/Guava/Mango/ Raspberry severed with sugar Cane Stirrer) 

Black Snapper (Crown Royal Black, Amaretto Liquor and Cranberry Juice) 

Red & White Sangria

Everything I ate was mouthwatering, cooked perfectly and seasoned welled. Fried plantain chips with guacamole mousse; Platanitos Con Guacamole Mousse, was a light savory, pleasurable treat. Who would have thought to mousse guacamole (hmm I might have to attempt mousse, BonAppeDee style)? Next, a summer salad that wasn't so typical. Usually, summer salads are chilled with fresh romaine lettuces and topped with summer's finest fruits and veggies, instead Espinaca Salteada was hot with sauteed spinach and onions topped with shaved almonds, feta cheese and balsamic dressing. Simply Delicious! Scallops Al Chef was pan seared scallops with pesto risotto was oh so heavenly. Well, Camarones Al CoCo was indeed Recess version of coconut shrimp. The shrimp was placed in a lightly coconut infused sauce with sauteed spinach and coconut shavings. I was overall taken away by this extraordinary play on coconut shrimp and the flavors were very rich. Although I didn't taste the meat tapas but the individuals I dined with said it was amazing.

Moving along to dessert, both items involved fresh fruit. Out of the two desserts, Fresh Berries in Creme Anglais was my favorite. Surprisingly, the creme was very light; I sometimes find that most creme desserts are heavy with thick consistency. This dessert had the right amount of everything and the fruit complemented the creme. Everything was credible! If you love tasty tapas, I would encourage you to add Recess Tapas Lounge to your list!

D.C. Restaurant Week!

It's that time of the year again, Washington D.C. Restaurant week is back!!! Yes, gourmet pre-fixed menus will be available to all of you who want to explore your inner foodie. During Washington D.C. Restaurant Week, more than 150 of D.C's finest restaurants will be offering 3-course lunches and 3-course dinners. Many of the cuisines will not only include American dishes but Mediterranean, Italian, Southern, Spanish, French, Mexican and so many more. This is the perfect opportunity to experience the best restaurants at affordable prices in Washington, D.C.! 

 A complete listing of participating restaurants, menu and additions are at DC Restaurant website.

Now, you have a reason to scratch off a few of those restaurants on your "To Eat" list. Besides, I've given you a few weeks to plan.

No need to thank me, just go make reservations!

Dates: August 13-19, 2012

Price: Lunch $20.12 Dinner 35.12

 Participating Restaurants: www.restaurantweekmetrodc.org

Foodie Quick Tips:

 Read menus.
Make reservations early, popular restaurants booked quickly.
Some specials may include free champagne toast with reservations.
 Confirm with the restaurant that they are participating in Restaurant Week.
Restaurant Week is a good deal at pricey restaurants. 

Some restaurants offer pre-fixed menus all the time.

A number of restaurants continue the promotion an extra week.

Restaurant Week Extensions August 13-26th:

701 Restaurant

Agora

Ardeo+Bardeo

Art and Soul

Bandolero

Bastille

Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca 

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

Graffiato

The Oval Room

Policy

and more....