the2fs by Kimmie

ABOUT|I'm just trying to take over the world, one sequin and one taco at a time. So follow this Washingtonian's take on the 2 fs of her life, fashion and food, if you dare. INSTAGRAM|@the2fs LOOKBOOK|lookbook.nu/the2fs PHOTOG|andradexcobain.com MOTTO|"Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition." - Lincoln

[the2fs]

On the Menu: Sesame Brittle (by Kimmie N.)

[the2fs]

Dear my Tumblr mates --

I have packed up and moved on out!!! I would truly and completely appreciate your continued support and I look forward to sharing with you the 2 fs of my life at my new website, the2fs.com.

Yours truly, Kimmie H. Nguyen

[the2fs]

Click to view this LOOKBOOK outfit, On the Menu: Dippin' Dots, that I wore to Worn Abroad's Cocktails, Clothes & Editorials Event! For more information on Worn Abroad's unique online boutique, click here.

For The Record: Demin Trucker Jacket in Light Wash, Levi's | Salvita Strappy-Back Bra Top, Motel | Cotton Skirt, H&M | Square Links Necklace, J. Crew | Satin Bow Pumps, Kate Spade | Alma PM EPI, Louis Vuitton | Vintage Jewelry, click for Legendary Beast | Lipstick, Relvon in Berry Merry

[the2fs]

“Straight from the horse’s mouth, their website indicates that their ‘The Burger is the one that put us on the map’. Now, that statement is more than a claim, it's a beacon for burger lovers and amateur food reviewers like myself! I was more than happy to suggest it to the BF for his Father’s casual and family birthday dinner. Upon arrival, we swifly found ourselves seats without any wait and made our way to the counter to order. The teenage girl that took our order had envious amounts of energy. She was even patient with us while my bf took forever to figure out if he wanted to be more daring with his meaty choice. But somehow, she still forgot about his father's order as it never made it out to the table but we’ll let this one side in exchange for the free cookie that we received.

Plus, that was the least of my concern because their ‘The Burger” didn't do a damn thing for me. I thought this particular burger was overcooked -- even slightly burnt, tasteless and nothing special! It was too bad that The Burger, which I am assuming is suppose to show off the clean taste of beef was a disappointment. And all I have to say is that good thing my boyfriend ordered The Cubano, a burger that is topped off with slow roasted pork and slices of ham. It was super tasty and salty, which is why I picked off his food and his Step-Mother's Asparagus fries, called The Green Standard, all night long! Lastly, I also think it’s great that their burger won’t cost a down payment to enjoy.

BGR The Burger Joint | Location: 8420 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield VA | Food: The Burger, Rating: 2/5, Price: $6.99 | For The Record: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mojo sauce, brioche bun

[the2fs]

Click to view this LOOKBOOK outfit, On the Menu: Flan, that I wore to livingsocial’s Brunch Cooking Class! For more information on the event, click here.

For The Record: Cardigan Sweater, Rope Necklace & Floral Socks, Urban Outfitters | Leather Belt & Ryder Short Boots, J.Crew | Sweater Dress, H&M | Bali Watch, La Mer Collection | Albert Bag, Jerome Dreyfuss

[the2fs]

"Sleeping in on Saturday mornings are like rent controlled apartments or lasting in uncomfortable heels through the night -- very rare to experience as you get older in life! Unfortunately, I was not able to sleep in today but the cool trade off was that I got to cook my very own brunch, which everyone knows is my favorite meal on earth.  Joining me as well as making fun of me through the morning was my precious gf, Flor Militar, and the ever so stoic, Andrew Howard. Aside from the obvious of paying to cook your own food, the experience was excellent! 

Each cooking station required two people, which was a great idea because it allowed you to partner up with your friends or a complete stranger, like myself, who turned out to be pretty cool. The staff passed out a Bellini and a Bloody Mary for us to sip on while our chef taught us how to make it in our very own home. Who knew that instead of ordering a $12 cocktail, I can buy the ingredients to make a few drinks for myself for less than 10 bucks? Moving on and more importantly, we got to cook 3 dishes!

Yes, three and livingsocial was kind enough to let us keep the recipes -- Eggs Chilaquiles, Maple Sausage and Sweet Potatoes Hash, and Eggs Benedict.  The event was well planned out by the staff as they were clearly organized, prepared with most of the ingredients already pre-cut and our instructor -- Chef Egg was informative and entertaining.  Lastly, my friends and I created a hardcore healthy cooking competition that of course, I lost. Viva la brunch! 

LivingSocial's Brunch Cooking Class | Location: 918 F St NW, DC | Top: Hollandaise Sauce | Middle Left: Poached Eggs | Middle Right: Eggs Benedict | Bottom: Bloody Mary | For The Record: $60.00/2.5 hours cooking class

[the2fs]

Click above to view this LOOKBOOK outfit, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, that I wore to livingsocial's Sippin' + Paintin' Event! For more information on the event, click here.

For The Record: Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan, J.Crew | Perforated Faux Leather Peplum Top, Willow & Clay | Corduroy Pant, Urban Outfitters | Gold Plated Necklace, Banana Republic | Burke Heel, Jeffrey Campbell | Rocco Duffle Bag, Alexander Wang | Lipstick, Mac in Viva Glam Gaga

[the2fs]

"In a land far, far away (thank goodness) -- I used to be an EA to the Co-Founder of an accounting company, who happen to love two things: making me feel like shit and the Washington Capitals. He went to most of their home games at the Verizon Center and frequently asked me to make reservations at Rosa Mexicano for him and his comrades beforehand. I was intrigued by this since there are so many other restaurants at his disposal...Good guac? Margaritas? Tacos? Service? Ambiance? What was it? The answer? Not a damn thing, I thought the food was average and underwhelming for the price while the service lacked attention."

Rosa Mexicano | Location: 575 7th St NW, DC | Top: Lamb Tacos, Rating: 3/5, Price: $16.00 | Bottom: Huevos Rosa*, Rating: 3.5/5, Price: $11.50 | For The Record: *sunny-side up eggs, crisp tortilla, refried chorizo beans, roasted tomato-chipotle sauce, salsa verde, ham, peas, cheese

[the2fs]

"I'm not saying that I would have gone back for sure but I would have liked the option! It's walkable from the Dupont metro, it's cozy and their service -- particularly our waiter -- was refreshing, funny as hell and completely entertaining. And of course, their Blacken Shrimp Sandwich also made their restaurant very memorable. The shrimp was fresh while covered in a very delicious, tangy and salty sauce. On a slightly less positive note, the rest of their food probably did them in. For example, they were missing a few key appetizers and entrees that were listed on their menu and the beignet (a staple of Cajun cuisine for me) was dry. What a shame!!!

The Cajun Experience [CLOSED] | Location: 1825 18th St NW, DC | First: Fried Green Tomatoes, Price: $7.00, Rating: 3/5 | Second: Blacken Shrimp, Price: $15.00/sandwich, Rating: 4/5 | Third: Beignets, Price: $8.00, Rating: 3/5

[the2fs]

Click above to view this LOOKBOOK outfit, On the Menu: Salmon Creme Cheese, that I wore to a Birthday Outing in Adams Morgan, DC!

For The Record: Sparked Agate Collar, Anthropologie | Faux Leather Jacket, Forever21 | Dress, Willow & Clay | Petty Boot, Sam Edelman | Mini Pochette Wristlet, Louis Vuitton | Lipstick, Relvon in Fushcia

[the2fs]

"Even before you walk through their doors, you'll be greeted with signs and messages like "No Skinny Bitches". Indoors, you're loudly silently laughing to yourself with qips like "Eat all you want, you're already fat" and "Anything worth eating is worth overeating". They only sell more rice pudding flavors and toppings that you could ever imagine! But aside from the eclectic vibe, the taste of the rice pudding is actually good! It's creamy with a healthy dose of the named flavor -- my almond was nutty and rich. But I'll be honest with you by admitting that without the crunchy goodness of the coconut shavings, the dish would have been average.

Rice to Riches | Location: 37 Spring St, New York NY | Food: Almond Shmalmond, Rating: 4/5, Price: $7.00 + $1.00/topping | For The Record: crunchy coconut shavings (called Blessings)

[the2fs]

"What is there to say about restaurant chains besides the obvious -- the mediocre taste, the opposite of fresh ingredients and the lack of originality. But lord and behold, sometimes you try a dish that makes you want to say, no -- shout positive notions and compliment it feverently. This appetizer was not only tasty but it made me actually feel healthy for wolfing it down. Although, it seems like there is a lot going on, it's basically their traditional, garlic and spicy hummus with fresh pita and veggies!"

Lebanese Taverna | Location: 1840 International Dr, McLean VA | Top: Trio of Hummus, Price: $12.00, Rating: 4.5/5 | For The Record: gound beef and lamb, chicken shawarma, tomatoes and feta cheese

[the2fs]

Click above to view this LOOKBOOK outfit, On the Menu: Shark Fin Soup, that I wore to the Worn Magazine Issue 4 Launch Party at the Capitol Skyline Hotel, DC!  For more information about Worn Magazine, click here.

For The Record: Dress, Urban Outfitters | Collarless Blazer, H&M | Envelope Clutch, BCBG | Riley Pumps, Classiques Entier | Mini Bubble Necklace, J.Crew Factory

[the2fs]

Slightly geeking out that The President Wears Prada, a premier Washington DC Fashion Blog on Food, Travel, Lifestyle & Culture, shouted out the2fs! Click the picture above for full deets of the scenic (abit chilly) adventure of Worn on the Water on Waterfront of Georgetown, DC!

[the2fs]

"Sometimes, you get introduced to something that makes you think how you ever went so long without it and becomes the basis of all comparison, like online banking or online shopping or online reservations -- basically any and all online functions. But of course , San Francisco had to introduce me to the experience of Dim Sum on-the-go. Now, envision a buffet line with rows and mountains of dim sum, which ranges from steamed dumplings and buns to sticky rice and pastries. You go through the line, point out your selections and smile awkwardly unless you speak Chinese! Lastly, you pay per pieces, which is great for someone like me who like options, and sit your ass down at a small and sticky table!

Delicious Dim Sum | Location: 752 Jackson Street, San Francisco CA | Food: Dim Sum per Pieces, Rating: 4/5, Price: $4.00 | For The Record: hargow, clive dumplings, pork dumplings, leeks dumplings, shumai 

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"My parents introduced me to this popular restaurant when I was a chubby and bitchy teen in High School. Flash forward 6 years later and it has been the recipient of many cheap eats awards and has been featured on numerous local magazines -- to me, it definitely wins the award for WORST parking situation possible. However, on a positive note, their acclaimed Crispy Squid dish will blow your mind! I mean, the dish even impressed my lover/partner in crime, HQ Duong -- and she's one food critic tough cookie. The dish utilizes garlic to its maximum potential while it's not overly oily to get that savory crispiness taste. 

Thai Square | Location: 3217 Columbia Pike, Arlington VA | Food: Crispy Squid with Basil, Rating: 4.5/5, Price: $13.95 | For The Record: sauteed with chili peppers, garlic, basil leave

[the2fs]

"Sometimes, the trailer is better than the actual movie OR the picture online of the dress looks cooler than when it arrives at my house -- man, I really hate that. And sometimes, the picture of the food looks tastier than it actually is *cough cough*!  I do think that the price is doable for the variety of seafood but it just happens that the seafood is missing any hint of flavor -- not to mention that their bread was stale and burnt, which is a pretty important component of this dish if you ask me!"

Luke's Lobster | Location: 624 E St, Washington DC | Food: Taste of Maine, Price: $22.00, Rating: 3/5 | For The Record: half lobster roll, half shrimp roll, half crab roll, 2 Jonah crab claws, root soda, chips