Summer Obsession: Grilled Corn with Soy Butter

 Grilled corn with soy butter at Kushi

Summer=grilling and the grilling season kick off is Memorial Day Weekend.  My husband and I attended a cook out this weekend and one of our contributions was my latest obsession: grilled corn with soy butter.

I first sampled this dish at Kushi.  Their version has the perfect amount of char and I always want five pieces.  My husband replicated the recipe and it was a huge hit.  It's easy, yummy and emphasizes the natural sweetness of corn.  Plus, it's on a stick. 

Here's how he made it:

 

Soak 12 wooden kabob sticks in water for at least an hour.  

Take 6 ears of corn.  Shuck and clean ears, cut in half.  Skewer each piece of corn with one kabob stick.

Soy Butter:

In a food processor, combine one stick of butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sweet mirin.  Combine until mixed.

Heat grill until temperature gauge registers 400 degrees.  Add corn.  Brush corn with soy butter mixture.  Barbecue with grill closed for 10 minutes.  Open grill, baste corn again with soy butter mixture.  Cook with grill closed an additional 5 minutes.  Open grill and check on corn.  If char isn't sufficient, leave on grill for an additional 5 minutes.  Transfer to a platter.  Serve and enjoy!   

Happy Memorial Day!

DC is full of pomp and ceremony on Memorial Day Weekend.  There's Rolling Thunder (thousands of military and ex-military on motorcycles raising awareness for MIA's), concerts on the Mall, and parades.  There's also cook outs and hot, steamy weather.  I hope you're enjoying the same at your Memorial Day celebration!

First Friday-Grand Dames in 16th St. Heights

It's unusual for two houses in 16th St. Heights of this size and grandeur to hit the market at the same time.  A former co-worker owned one of these beauties in 2005 and it was spectacular.  These two properties are impressive as well.

5709 16th St, NW

5709 16th St, NW grand entryway.  Living room to right, dining to left.

5709 16th St, NW kitchen

5709 16th St, NW has five bedrooms, three and half baths and is listed for $1,089,000.  The square footage is 4,161 which is enormous by DC standards and the yearly taxes are $6,750.  The house has hardwood floors, two fireplaces, updated kitchen and baths, a large front porch, a two car detached garage and a lovely back yard for entertaining.   It's Open Sunday, 5/29 from 1-4pm.

5715 16th St, NW

5715 16th St, NW entry and view of living room.

5715 16th St, NW English Garden backyard

5715 16th St, NW is five bedrooms, four and half baths and is offered for $1,349,000.  It's 4,293 square feet and the yearly taxes are $7,010.  This property features hardwood floors on the first level, updated kitchen and baths, a private front porch, 10 feet ceilings, a fireplace, a detached two car garage and an amazing English Garden in the backyard.  (Check out that backyard!  Can you imagine the upkeep?  I guess if you have a house and a garden this big, you have a gardener.  It's divine.  I wish I didn't kill every plant that crosses my path because this garden inspires me.)

*photos courtesy of MRIS.

The importance of staging

Before

After.  Staging by Charm City Staging.

There's a million articles about the importance of staging a property to sell.  So why am I writing about it?  Reading about it is one thing but seeing it in action is another.  

I can attest to first hand knowledge as a buyer agent that staging makes a huge impact.  The difference between a staged property, whether it's using the owners belongings or furnishings from a staging company, is significant.

Recently, I showed two properties that were exactly the same in sister buildings.  Each was a two level, two bedroom, two and half bath condo.  Unit #1 had brightly painted walls (greens, reds, oranges) and knick knacks everywhere.  Unit #2 was painted a neutral tan and was de-cluttered.  My clients are making an offer on Unit #2. 

My point:  staging sells.

My Perfect Summer Cocktail

As I've noted, good weather makes me happy.  I want to sit outside, read a thousand books and sip delicious cocktails. 

This years perfect summer beverage is a Strawberry Lemonade.  My version was inspired by Masa 14's drink.  Masa 14 uses simple syrup, strawberry puree and muddled lemons.  It's fantastic but sweet.  My recipe is less sweet and easier to make at home.  

The ingredients are simple:  vodka (I like Grey Goose), three or four sliced strawberries, Pellegrino Limonata and soda water.  My friends also like to add basil or mint.  I'm a purist and enjoy only the vodka, strawberries, limonata and soda.

Assembling is even easier:  in the bottom of the glass, muddle the strawberries.  Add two ounces of vodka.   Add ice to the top of the glass.  Add Pellegrino Limonata until the glass is almost full.  Top with a splash of soda water.  Stir.  Enjoy!

Riveting Rooms

I love to read.  It's my #1 preferred activity and I'll cut you if you interrupt me.  (ha.  kidding. sorta).  I've been a crazy reader since I was young and I currently polish off about seven books a week.  I know.  I read fast.  That's why I go to the library.  This weeks "Riveting Room" focuses on my idea of a perfect reading chair.  It's big enough to curl up.  It looks fluffy.  There's books within reach.  It has the same pillow I have on my couch.  The pillow I lean upon when I'm reading.  See why I love it?

Photo from lonny blog about the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House in Chelsea.  It's a bad ass space.  Check it out.

Real Estate Roundup

The latest trends and topics in the real estate world.

1824 R St, NW could be affected by Federal changes to big mortgages

Federal Retreat on Big Mortgages Rattles Housing by The New York Times.

Consumers are trending towards shorter-term mortgages because of low interest rates via The Washington Post.

Apartment construction to spike in DC area in 2012 from The Washington Business Journal.

The Best Places to Buy Homes Right Now courtesy of Forbes. 

*photo courtesy of Matrix