Haute Dog

If you like hot dogs and sausages and various tube meats, you'll love this adorable little place in Purcellville VA called Haute Dog.  It takes hot dogs to a whole new fancy level yet not so fancy that you can't just dig right in and smear ketchup on your face. 

The atmosphere has the elegance and glitz of Marilyn Monroe but with the laid-back comfort of snuggling up with your pet golden retriever. And you'll find pictures of both all over the walls. Sounds a little strange, I know, but it works. And the food is great...tasty, simple, inexpensive, unique, and local!

theres a photo of Marilyn and underneath a row of various dogs

even the bathroom was fancy

 First you get to choose what kind of "dog" you want...an all beef regular hot dog, Italian sausage, Lamb sausage, German bratwurst, kielbasa, country bratwurst (with cheese in it), or a tex-mex bratwurst (with cheese and hot peppers).  All the meat is locally sourced right here in Loudoun County.

Then you choose your style...here's a few examples...

The Bombshell...caramelized onions, mango, pineapple, jalapenos
NY Reuben...sauerkraut, swiss cheese, brown mustard
Three Piece Suit...chili, cheese, chopped onions

a german brat with onions, mustard, banana peppers

served with crispy sweet potato fries

lamb sausage topped with jalapenos and bacon

lamb sausage with blue cheese, caramelized onions

lamb sausage with melted swiss cheese, sauerkraut

 There are many more concoctions listed on their menu that are not listed on their website, including dogs with blue cheese and bacon and chipotle mayo. Plus you can create your own with whatever kind of toppings you like....a myriad of possibilities.

 There are also several sides like fresh cut fries or sweet potato fries or even home-made mac'n'cheese! Whatever you order, it will be yummy, it will be friendly to your pocket, and you'll be served with a smile like you've been somewhere really special. And you really have been.

these look just like my parents dogs!!

Gingerbread Part Two: Christmas at the Circus

A few weeks ago I shared with you my Gingerbread Farm I made for a contest at the National Zoo.  Then just before Christmas we had a gingerbread contest at my church as well. Since I still had tons of candy leftover from the first one, I figured might as well do this one too!

Our theme was the Christmas at the Circus! We totally got robbed on the judging :(  but it was still fun and our team was pleased with the work we did.

Here's all the leftover candy we started out with...

We got a slow start to the first night of work...

the beginnings of our circus tent and our coconut snowy base

 Then we added concession stands, complete with tiny fondant foods..

hot dogs and hamburgers

vanilla ice cream cones with cherries on top

salted pretzels

our circus horse even had life-like droppings

complete with little gingerbread men patrons wearing hats and scarves

cute and colorful!

 Here were some of the other gingerbread creations...

mountain, forest, beach

polar express

world map

transformers fighting ring

pink barbie dream beach house

whoville...3rd place

NY Cityscape...2nd place

treehouse...1st place

Our Circus...better luck next year!

Merry Christmas!!

I've been a little slack in my food blogging duties recently.  There's been a lot going on with crafts and Christmas events.  However, I have several recent food adventures as well as some new ones coming up that I can't wait to share with you.  Until then I just wanted to send a little holiday message with some pretty cookies from my friends annual cookie party...

bacon chocolate chip...won for most unusual

glee club elves...won best of show

raggedy ann and andy...won prettiest

my cookie smorgasbord

my cookies...didn't win anything but were cute anyhow

smores nowmen...recipe to come...

Be blessed with family and friends and the joy of the Lord! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Locolat

A few weeks ago was Superking's birthday (the big 3-5).  We decided to venture into DC and wander around. We had plans to go have lunch at one restaurant we've been wanting to go to when instead we stumbled upon another place.  Locolat, a Belgian cafe, located in Adams Morgan.

Very small but quaint.  Their specialty is waffles of all kinds, sweet and savory with a myriad of optional toppings.  I, of course, had to go for the waffles.  I went with a savory kind...green herb.  My topping? Escargot!  It. Was. Awesome.  And it was served with a beautiful little green salad with a house-made dressing.

cool modern art on the wall

The waffles were soft and herby and covered these wonderful tasty little snails smothered in garlic butter that dripped down into the waffle crevices and down the sides.  The salad was light and crisp, the dressing creamy and slightly tart perfectly drizzled on top, not too much, not too little.

a wreath on the wall made from mussel shells

Superking Bday Boy got one of favorite dishes...mussels.  Yummy little morsels swimming in buttery mussel juice and broth and served with warm crusty bread. Lovely!

After we finished our delectable meal, we perused the chocolate and pastry counter.  So many beautiful hand-made chocolates and cakes and pastries! And some very unique flavors.  We bought a small bag of chocolates...hazelnut, cayenne, mojito, white chocolate, strawberry pomegranate, truffles...sooo very very yummy and rich!

Definitely a precious gem in Adams Morgan that must not be missed!