{"id":1645,"date":"2011-09-10T15:44:00","date_gmt":"2011-09-10T15:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/?p=1645"},"modified":"2011-09-10T15:44:00","modified_gmt":"2011-09-10T15:44:00","slug":"willow-introduces%e2%80%a6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/wordpress\/willow-introduces%e2%80%a6\/","title":{"rendered":"Willow Introduces\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
The Amen Corner at Willow. L-R: Jarhead Ray, Old Jim, John Q Citizen, Melissa and Jake. Photo Socotra.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There is something in the air this morning. It is not rain, for a change. The skies have cleared and there should be an optimistic stride in our steps. The Big Pink pool is open, today and tomorrow; and again for the swan song next weekend.<\/p>\n

For good or for ill, the Big Proposal goes in on Monday, so that epic saga will be over until the notification of win or loss is made in a coupe months, and the future will be revealed. So that is good.<\/p>\n

But there is something I can\u2019t put my finger on, not precisely. Maybe it is the idea- credible, according to our officials- that some asshole is putting the finishing touches on a truck-bomb or VB-IED to strike a bridge, monument or tunnel right here in my own town.<\/p>\n

Or, the endless recollections of where we were on that awful day, ten years ago. I won\u2019t inflict that on you. There is enough of that.<\/p>\n

I vented my displeasure with the state of affairs in this great Republic this morning privately, and there is no need for you to suffer it, nor for me to try to re-type it in a more measured and temperate manner.<\/p>\n

Instead, I want to pay tribute to someone who is actually doing something about the economy. Tracy O\u2019Grady was working at her Willow last night. Her partner Kate Jansen was not- she was dolled up and looking good and sitting in the conversation nook waiting for friends. I think that the pastry chef can finish up the days work of creation by starting early.<\/p>\n

The Chef has to cook as it goes.\u00a0That\u00a0is the division of labor.<\/p>\n

And labor is what a small business is about. I don\u2019t know how many people Tracy and Kate keep working. I would estimate it might be twenty people on an average night like it was last night. The work is produced by the passion and energy of those two extraordinary women who made the Willow out of a dream.<\/p>\n

We had a small group from the office there, Melissa, and John Q Citizen and the T-man. Jim and his lovely wife Mary were at the Amen Corner. We were all a little shell-shocked by the end of the constant gray rain, and the sudden emergence of blue sky after such a thorough drenching made us blink in wonder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that thing up in the sky?\u201d I asked. \u201cIt seems awfully bright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary googled it up on her smart phone. \u201cI think it is something called \u2018Sol,\u2019 a class G2V yellow dwarf composed of hot plasma interwoven with intense magnetic fields.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo shit,\u201d I said. \u201cI wondered.\u201d<\/p>\n

Traffic was fairly light at the bar, so we did our best to support the workers and see if we could stimulate the economy. Tracy came by with a clipboard. \u201cDid you guys figure out which of the Bistro nights you want to sign up for?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we still have to coordinate that,\u201d said Melissa. \u201cWe will get you a commitment next week when the madness dies down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter which one,\u201d responded the red-head. \u201cWe just need to know so we can have enough food on hand to cook.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what is the plan?\u201d I asked. \u201cA little casual nook in front of the formal dining room?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tracy nodded. \u201cIt is pretty exciting. You have to continue to grow and innovate or you get stale.\u201d She passed me a brightly colored flyer. I looked at it, and found everything I needed. In fact, I found the story that didn\u2019t make me either apoplectic or consumed with loss.<\/p>\n

So, here is what you can expect at Willow. Big changes. Good ones, by the way. Willow introduces\u2026.<\/p>\n

Willow Restaurant Announces Exciting Changes…<\/p>\n

Willow has had the privilege to provide some of\u00a0 the finest cuisine in Arlington and the Ballston Neighborhood in particular, for the past 6 years. Chefs and owners Tracy O’Grady and Kate Jansen have recently been hard at work crafting\u00a0Nosh… a Willowesque Bistro.\u00a0Nosh\u00a0was inspired by our popular Bar Menu and a desire to provide a refined yet highly accessible meal on a busy work night or for an impromptu weekend dinner. No reservations are needed at Nosh, making it the perfect spot to drop by whether you are already in the neighborhood or venturing out from afar.<\/p>\n

Set amidst stained glass windows and gleaming black granite tables in Willow’s main vestibule,\u00a0Nosh\u00a0will offer a constantly changing roster of small and large dishes fit to carry the Willow name. Chef O’Grady’s commitment to local and sustainable ingredients will also be readily apparent. A far cry from common pub fare, the\u00a0Nosh\u00a0menu will feature a wide variety of vegetarian and fresh fish options along with dishes to satisfy any conscientious carnivore.<\/p>\n

We invite you to enjoy the results of all our hard work and look forward to seeing you soon!<\/p>\n

Nosh Menu<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bites
\nDeviled Eggs 5
\nSmoked Paprika & Dill
\nGougeres\u00a0 (V)\u00a0 6
\nBlack Truffle Butter
\nCrispy Pork Spring Rolls 5
\nSpicy Ginger-Lime Mignonette
\nPork Sausage Stuffed Mushroom Caps 5
\nHouse-made Pork Sausage
\nKate’s Bread Basket with Amish Butter\u00a0(V) 2
\nAssortment of Rolls &\u00a0 Amish Butter
\nRicotta & Zucchini Fritters (V)\u00a0 5
\nSmoked Tomato Butter
\nGoat Cheese Stuffed Banana Pepper “Poppers” (V) 5
\nYellow Tomato Vinaigrette
\nFava Bean Hummus\u00a0 (V) 6
\nBaguette, Sesame Seeds & Olive Oil
\nArtisanal Cheese Plate
\nSee Cheese Menu for Descriptions<\/p>\n

Earth
\nRissole Cauliflower with Capers & Almonds (V) 8
\nTomato-Potato Gratin with Arugula\u00a0(V) 9
\nCreamy Lentils, Bacon & Pearl Onions 7
\nWarm Barley, Parmesan & Broccoli Salad\u00a0(V) 8
\nGigante Beans, Peas & Ham Hocks 8
\nPan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon 9
\nWheatberry, Barley & Mushroom Risotto\u00a0(V) 10
\nSpicy Stewed Chick Peas & Kale\u00a0(V) 8
\nKale, Feta, Chickpea & Lemon Salad\u00a0(V) 8<\/p>\n

Sea
\nYellowfin Tuna Taco on House-made Corn Tortillas 3.5
\nChipotle-Lime Crema, Avocado Mousse & Cabbage\u00a0 Slaw
\nSalmon Kabob\u00a0 7
\nCrispy Quinoa & Dill Yogurt Sauce
\nCalamari Fricassee 8.5
\nMushrooms & Potato Gnocchi
\nFish & Chips\u00a0 7.5
\nHalibut, Scallop, Shrimp & Calamari with House Made Tartar Sauce
\nBurgers on House Made Potato Buns :3.5 Each
\n*Tuna-Bacon\u00a0 Oven Dried Tomato & Avocado Mayo
\n*Halibut\u00a0 House Sauce Made Tartar
\n*Quinoa\u00a0 (V) Feta-Lebna Sauce & Roasted Tomato<\/p>\n

Land
\nHalf Lemon & Thyme Roasted Murray’s Farm Chicken 18
\nChicken “Jus”
\nChicken & Foie Gras Meat Balls Paprikash 14
\nMushrooms, Crispy Quinoa & Smoked Paprika Sauce
\nSlow Roasted Pork Belly Porchetta 18
\nDuo of Chimichuri Sauces
\nChicken Sausage & Scarlet Runner Bean Stew 14
\nCrispy Moulard Duck Leg Confit 15
\nBraised Cabbage & Apples<\/p>\n

* Menu Subject to Change & Seasonal Availability<\/p>\n

Willow is also extremely pleased to announce the Grand Opening of\u00a0Kate at Willow, our new, elegant retail bakery located in the heart of the restaurant. If you have dined with us in the past several months, then you have surely noticed the gradual transformation that has taken place. We are now excited to offer the finest baked goods and sinful sweets in the neighborhood. As a co-founder of Firehook Bakery, Pastry Chef Kate Jansen has both the expertise and experience to bring a successful retail bakery to life.<\/p>\n

Kate at Willow\u00a0will be offering a wide variety of cookies, brownies, bars, cup cakes and more, conveniently and beautifully packaged to go. It is a great option if you are dining in the restaurant and want to bring dessert home or simply just make an impromptu stop to satisfy a sweet tooth. With a little extra notice, Kate will also whip up one of her famous layer cakes to make your next occasion that much more special. And as the seasons change, there will be many additions to the menu to reflect the fall harvest and provide for all of your holiday needs.<\/p>\n

Kate at Willow Bakery Menu<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kate’s Home-made Goodies Packaged To Go<\/strong>
\n$6
\nCherry-Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
\n“Almost Nutter-Butter” Peanut Butter Cookies
\n“Sweet Dream Cookies”
\n-Crunchy, Chewy Cinnamon & Chocolate Chip
\nCrunchy Walnut Fudge Brownies
\nVanilla Bean Shortbread Cookies
\nSticky Toffee Pudding Cake
\nSpicy Ginger Shortbread
\nTriple Chocolate Biscotti
\nItalian Almond Macaroons
\nwith Raspberry\u00a0 or Chocolate\u00a0 Ganache Filling
\nHazelnut Linzer Sandwich Cookies
\nS’Mores Sandwich Cookies
\nChocolate Decadence Cookies
\nRaspberry Bars
\nDried Blueberry Scones
\nGinger Scones<\/p>\n

Cup Cakes To Go<\/strong>
\n$4
\nPineapple Upside-down Cupcake
\nRed Velvet Cupcake
\nNew Cupcake of the Week<\/p>\n

Tarts<\/strong>
\n$Seasonal Price
\nIndividual Fruit Tarts (Changes Seasonally)
\nPecan Praline Pear
\nChocolate Caramel
\nChocolate Cream
\nKey Lime<\/p>\n

Special Order Bakery Items<\/strong>
\nBakery Items by Special Order with 72 hour notice:<\/p>\n

Cakes<\/strong>
\n8 inch\u00a0 $45\u00a0\u00a0 (serves 8-10 generous slices)
\n10 inch\u00a0 $65\u00a0\u00a0 (serves 12-14 generous slices)<\/p>\n

Black Forest<\/strong>
\nChocolate Sponge Cake, Chocolate Mousse & Cherries
\nCoconut Cream
\nCoconut Cake layered with Coconut Cream & Coconut Flakes
\nAlmond Joy
\nRich Chocolate Cake with Coconut-Almond Filling
\nStrawberry Chiffon
\nStrawberry Sponge Cake with Fresh Strawberries & Vanilla Butter Cream
\nChocolate Hazelnut
\nRich Chocolate Cake with Hazelnut Butter Cream
\nCarrot
\nCream Cheese Frosting
\nRed Velvet
\nCream Cheese Frosting
\n“Dreamsicle” Cake
\nVanilla Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
\nTriple Chocolate Fantasy ($50\/$70)
\nWhite Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Mousse & Milk Chocolate Butter Cream<\/p>\n

* Menu Subject to Change & Seasonal Availability<\/p>\n

Commentary Copyright 2011 Vic Socotra\/Willow promo Copyright 2011 Tracy O”Grady and Kate Janen
\nwww.vicsocotra.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There is something in the air this morning. It is not rain, for a change. The skies have cleared and there should be an optimistic stride in our steps. The Big Pink pool is open, today and tomorrow; and again for the swan song next weekend. For good or for ill, the Big Proposal goes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1645","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-daily-socotra"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1645","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1645"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1645\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1647,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1645\/revisions\/1647"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1645"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1645"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vicsocotra.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1645"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}