I’m back in DC for a little while, until leaving for the UK in October. I’ve been in DC for about 21 summers in a row, and every summer I make some sort of attempt to find something or somewhere new. This year, I’ve found some new culinary delights, and fallen back on some old stand-bys. Here is a short list of my old and new summer favorites:
1. Siggi’s Skyr (Icelandic Yogurt)
Okay, this isn’t exactly a DC thing, but it is somewhat local (made on the East coast) and available at several spots around the city. Yogurt is my favorite food– but I don’t like most of the stuffy that you find out the store (its usually loaded with corn syrup). However, this is the best yogurt I have ever had in my life. I enjoy eating plain greek yogurt in generous servings over cereal, granola, and oatmeal. Before finding Siggi’s my favorite kind was thick plain greek yogurt, with a touch of honey and fresh fruit. However, this yogurt blows most greek yogurt out of the park.
Really, Siggi’s Skyr is the food of the Gods. It is thick, creamy and lops on the spoon like a piece of a fluffy cloud. Eating this yogurt is like falling in love. And it comes in quirky, subtle flavors like Orange and Ginger. And its fat-free, and double the protein of the regular stuff. It doesn’t have any sugar in it, but it is sweetened with agave, which gives you a light, pleasant, sweet energy high. How can something so lovely and decadent be good for you? Sadly, its a bit too expensive to eat every day. Check it out: (http://skyr.com/)
2. Teaism Salty Oat Cookie
This isn’t a new discovery, but it is an old standby I come back to again and again. Unlike the skyr, this probably isn’t healthy. I am not usually one to reach for the oat cookie over the chocolate chip. However, I would reach for the salty oat on any day.
The salty oat has a crisp outer layer ring and a chewy center. Cinnamon and nutmeg radiate through the whole disk. It is packed with decadent, plump raisins. It has a subtle, buttery sweetness, and it is topped with a layer of sea salt that makes it all more flavorful. I usually try to get a pack when I’m heading out of town. This is a bit heavy for the summer, but is lovely with cold milk on one of those rainy Washington days.
3. The Melon-Mint Smoothie at Tryst
Another favorite item that contains yogurt. At its best, the MMS is made with sweet green melons. The fresh mint pops out and cools the tongue and clears the sinuses. The creamy yogurt runs through the whole thing and provides enough sustenance to make it home in the heat. Yum.
