Eating Around: Bring on the Iberico Jamon

TODAY IS THE DAY that ham from Spain's prized Iberico pigs will make its American debut after passing U.S. government inspections for the first time. To celebrate the thumbs up, which came after years of lobbying, Jose Andres, Spain's so-called unofficial ambassador to Washington, will host a private event at the downtown location of his Jaleo restaurant this afternoon. Even though American consumers will now be able to enjoy the prized ham, it'll be hard to come by and it's not cheap, retailing at more than $50 a pound. What makes the stuff so good? As reported in Wednesday's New York Times:

These prized hams, which take more than two years to cure, are lush, almost mahogany-colored and deeply flavorful, streaked with creamy fat from the famous black-footed (pata negra) pigs of western Spain.

If you come across it, you're in for a treat.

SWEET TREATS: Blustery winter days are perfect for hot chocolate. In Wednesday's Ask Tom dining chat, The Post's Tom Sietsema suggested Ann Cashion's rendition at Taqueria Nacionale for a cup that hits the spot. Another option is at The Cocoa Gallery, a new chocolate shop opening on 14th Street NW today. Owned by the folks behind Alexandria's Kingsbury Chocolates, The Cocoa Gallery will feature a store with a cafe for sippin' inside. Speaking of chocolates, check out Food Rockz as the local blogger chronicles his truffle-making extravaganza.

» Taqueria Nacionale, 400 North Capitol St.; 202-737-7070 (Union Station)
» The Cocoa Gallery, 1529C 14th St. NW; 202-387-2020 (Dupont Circle)
» Kingsbury Chocolates, 1017 King St., Alexandria; 703-548-2800 (King Street)

TASTE THE MUSIC: Over on Washingtonian's dining chat on Tuesday, food critic Todd Kliman related a story about a visit with his wife to Veritas in New York City — featuring food by chef Scott Bryan, who's now at Falls Church's 2941 — that paired taste and sound:

My wife, after her first bite of a roast chicken with foie gras sauce, looked up from her plate and said: "Puccini."

To which I said, not unreasonably: "Say what?"

"Puccini," she replied. "I'm hearing Puccini. It tastes like Puccini sounds." She dug in, took another bite, then closed her eyes in rapture.

Another poster said he liked Kliman's game, and asked him what tastes like John Mayer, pictured at right (Puccini is on the left). His suggestion? Turkey pot pie at Clarendon's Liberty Tavern. So, Kliman asked: What tastes like the Rolling Stones? Bill Evans? Sly Stone? Prince? Miles Davis? Hmmm .... Have any of your own food-human analogies?

» 2941, 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church; 703-270-1500
» Liberty Tavern, 3195 Wilson Blvd, Arlington; 703-465-9360 (Clarendon)

TO DO:
» Shop the wine sales at Whole Foods Markets today through Sunday. Buy any 12 bottles, get 20 percent off.

» Today from 6:30-9:30 p.m., the French Wine Affaire at the French Embassy presents 150 wines from around the country to taste and buy. The event is sponsored by the French Wine Society and Calvert Woodley. The cost is $69 for non-members. For more information, click here.

Photos by Philippe Desmazes/AFP/Getty Images and Paul McConnell/Getty Images

Posted By Melissa McCart at 3:47 PM on December 6, 2007 Tagged in Food & Drink , Free Ride , Out & About , The District , Top Stories , Virginia

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