Dumpling Destination: An Unassuming Spot Near Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro

When I say Jinlan Dumplings is a find, you should probably listen. This isn’t a place that shouts for your attention. Tucked away near the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station (a pleasant 36-minute walk , for those of you looking to earn your dumplings or about a mile and half by car), it's a quiet gem that feels a lot more personal than your average restaurant.

The space is unassuming but inviting. It’s clean, bright, and has a hand-painted mural that’s, frankly, far better than anything I could ever hope to draw. It's the kind of place where you feel like you've stumbled into a friend's dining room. The owner, a genuine and welcoming presence, makes sure of that.

As for the food, this is where Jinlan sets itself apart. The menu boasts a solid variety, but the real star is the freshness. I’ve had my share of tired, flavorless dumplings, but these are clearly made with a level of care that’s becoming a rarity. The standouts for me were:

Shrimp Dumplings: I’m a bit of a shrimp dumpling aficionado, and these were fantastic. Tender and perfectly seasoned, they were exactly what a good dumpling should be.

Chicken & Basil: A surprisingly delicious combo that was both fresh and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that makes you think, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Beyond the dumplings, the scallion pancakes were perfectly crisp, and the cold, crisp Asahi beer was the ideal counterpoint to all that savory goodness.

Another reviewer was spot-on when they said, "The dumplings were incredible—so many unique options! My favorite was the chicken and basil, but the pork and chive and crystal shrimp dumplings were also packed with flavor and super fresh. Don’t miss the scallion pancakes either—crispy, savory, and delicious." I’ll raise a glass to that.

Ultimately, Jinlan Dumplings offers a beautiful blend of authentic Chinese cuisine and modern, creative flavors in a truly personal setting. It's a testament to the fact that you don't need a fancy space to create an unforgettable meal. My only regret? Not having a bigger stomach to try every single dumpling on the menu.

You can find Jinlan Dumplings here:

Address: 11620 A Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852

Phone: +1 240-669-8456

Website: https://www.jinlancooks.com/

Maps Link: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Grosvenor-Strathmore,+North+Bethesda,+MD,+United+States/%E3%82%A2%E3%83%A1%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AB%E5%90%88%E8%A1%86%E5%9B%BD,+Maryland,+Rockville,+Rockville+Pike,+Jinlan+Dumplings/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!19sChIJDeEXdR3Mt4kRbdnj_jaM000!2m2!1d-77.1038062!2d39.0290866!1m5!1m1!19sChIJR_rbmePNt4kRgC3SJBqwF34!2m2!1d-77.114065799999992!2d39.0479073!3e2

Dirty Martini: The Casual Adventurer's Cocktail

 I have not tasted a dirty martini ever. Today in the Washington Post I came across this article that made me very interested. Now I have to find pasta water! Sure, here is a summary of the article:

The article discusses the history and popularity of the Dirty Martini, a cocktail made with gin or vodka and olive juice. The article also provides several recipes for making Dirty Martinis at home.

The Dirty Martini is a classic cocktail that is thought to have originated in the early 20th century. The original recipe called for gin or vodka, olive juice, and a twist of lemon. However, the cocktail has evolved over time and there are now many variations. Some popular variations include the Gibson, which uses a pickled onion instead of an olive, and the Vesper, which uses gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc.

The Dirty Martini is a popular cocktail because it is simple to make and it has a strong, yet balanced flavor. It is also a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal.

Here are some recipes for making Dirty Martinis at home:

* Classic Dirty Martini:

    * 2 ounces gin or vodka

    * 1/2 ounce olive juice

    * 1/4 ounce lemon juice

    * Olive for garnish

* Gibson:

    * 2 ounces gin or vodka

    * 1/2 ounce olive juice

    * 1/4 ounce pickled onion juice

    * Olive for garnish

* Vesper:

    * 2 ounces gin

    * 1 ounce vodka

    * 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc

    * Lemon twist for garnish

* Dirty Martini with a Twist:

    * 2 ounces gin or vodka

    * 1/2 ounce olive juice

    * 1/4 ounce lemon juice

    * Twist of lemon for garnish

* Dirty Martini with a Splash:

    * 2 ounces gin or vodka

    * 1/2 ounce olive juice

    * 1/4 ounce lemon juice

    * Splash of vermouth

    * Olive for garnish

Urban Hawker: A Taste of Singapore in Midtown Manhattan

Urban Hawker is a Singapore-style hawker center located at 135 W. 50th Street in Midtown Manhattan12. It is modeled after Singapore’s famous hawker markets and offers a taste of authentic Singaporean street food right in the heart of New York City3.

Curated by KF Seetoh, founder of the World Street Food Congress and Makansutra, Urban Hawker is the first of its kind in the United States4. The food hall features a variety of stalls serving traditional dishes such as chicken rice and laksa.

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that transports you to the streets of Singapore, be sure to check out Urban Hawker.

Some popular dishes at Urban Hawker include Hainanese chicken rice1, halal burgers, oyster omelets, a selection of soups and skewers2, Malay nasi lemak2, stingray fried rice1, nasi biryani3, seafood noodle soup at Prawnaholic Collections, Singapore-style curry at Daisy’s Dream, Indonesian rice bowl at Jakarta Munch4 and many more. There are plenty of options to choose from!

Research for this blog post was conducted using Bing Search.

Learn more:

1. ny.eater.com

2. mensjournal.com

3. thrillist.com

4. tastingtable.com

5. yelp.com

Discovering Dosa: A Journey Through Time and Taste

The Delicious History of Dosa

Dosa is a thin South Indian pancake made from a fermented batter of soaked rice and black gram. This dish has been beloved by millions of Indians for over 2,000 years and can now be found in almost every corner of the world.

The exact place of birth of this dish is still under debate. According to historian P. Thankappan Nair, dosa originated in the town of Udupi in present-day Karnataka . However, according to food historian K. T. Achaya, references in the Sangam literature suggest that dosa was already in use in ancient Tamil country around the 1st century CE.

What strengthens the theory that dosa originated in Udupi, Karnataka is the fact that the recipe for this dish can be found in the 12th century Sanskrit text “Manasollasa”, compiled by Chalukya ruler Someshvara III who ruled over a part of Karnataka.

Dosa has come a long way since its early days. Today it can be found in many different varieties and flavors all over India and beyond. From masala dosa to rava dosa to cheese dosa – there’s something for everyone.

This delicious dish has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among food lovers everywhere.

This blog post was researched using Bing search.

Here are the sources that were used in the blog post:

Different Truths: “The Story of Dosa and its Antiquity”

Wikipedia: “Dosa (food)”

The Winged Fork: “About The Dosa, An Iconic Indian Dish”

BBC Travel: “Dosa: India’s wholesome fast food obsession”

Delicious Tacos and Quesadillas at Taco Bamba in Gaithersburg

We recently ordered takeout from Taco Bamba in Gaithersburg and were blown away by the amazing flavors of their chicken tacos and quesadillas. The portions were generous and the food was delicious.

Taco Bamba is located at 670 Quince Orchard Road and offers a wide variety of menu options including tacos, quesadillas, bowls and more. We highly recommend giving them a try if you’re in the area.

Other reviewers have also had positive experiences at Taco Bamba in Gaithersburg. A review on Yelp mentions that their menu selection is impressive and they offer much more than tacos1. Another review on Restaurantji says that Taco Bamba is delicious and efficient2.

Overall, our experience with Taco Bamba in Gaithersburg was fantastic and we will definitely be back for more! 

José Andrés’ Bazaar: A New Culinary Adventure in DC

José Andrés has recently opened a new Bazaar restaurant inside the former Trump hotel in DC . This opening comes eight years after he backed out of a deal in the same location, leading to a high-profile legal battle with the former President of the United States .

The Bazaar is known for its vibrant mix of sophisticated cuisine, artful service and playful theatrics. Each location offers its own unique flair with high-end shared small-plates that are a “wild sensory adventure born of Jose’s Spanish roots” .

The opening of this new location has been highly anticipated by foodies everywhere. Have you had a chance to visit one of José Andrés’ restaurants yet?

This post was generated using information from Bing search results. Sources include NPR and Washingtonian .

Ranch Dressing Flavored Ice Cream: An Unusual Combination

Ranch dressing flavored ice cream is an unusual flavor combination that has recently gained some attention. This flavor combines the creamy and tangy taste of ranch dressing with the cool and refreshing texture of ice cream. While this flavor may not be for everyone, it offers a unique taste experience for those who are willing to try something new. It is one of many unconventional ice cream flavors available on the market. In fact, Hidden Valley Ranch and Van Leeuwen have teamed up to release a ranch dressing-flavored ice cream at select Walmart stores across the country from March 20 to May 28 . So if you're interested in trying this unique flavor, be sure to check it out! 

Learn more:

1. people.com

2. cbsnews.com

3. news.yahoo.com

4. yahoo.com

5. myfoodandfamily.com

6. wwaytv3.com