Sticky Fingers: Finger Lickin’ Healthy Goodness

Made famous by being the first vegan bakery to win Food Network’s Cupcake Wars All-Stars, Sticky Fingers Bakery in Columbia Heights is hosting its first ever Summer Supper Club held every Wednesday in the month of August. Featuring organic ingredients from local farmers’ markets, I had the privilege of partaking in Taco Night. Like any proper Mexican meal, the starter consisted of fresh tortilla chips and a delightfully tangy pineapple salsa with roasted garlic, local organic peppers and heirloom tomatoes. The teaser arrived next, a delicious ceviche made with hearts of palm and oyster mushrooms with local organic heirloom tomatoes, jalapenos and seranos from Licking Bend Creek Farm.

When the main course came, I knew that there was no way that I could finish the feast set before my eyes. The trio of tacos with veggie chorizo and poblano peppers wrapped in a hand-made corn tortillas was mouth-watering at first glance. On the side was a corn and bean tamale, house made salsa verde, guacamole and sour slaw. And what’s dinner without desert? I finished off my supper with an oatmeal whoopie pie, made with 100% vegan ingredients.

I decided to pair my meal with the Organic Kuentz-Bas Reisling 2012. I’m typically not a fan of sweet wines, so I was a bit weary to try it. But I was assured it was a clean wine that would complement the meal quite nicely, and that it did. I also sampled Sticky Finger’s fresh margarita made by the owner herself, Doron Petersan. A woman after my own heart, Doron’s margaritas are not sweet but are very strong. When all was said and done, it’s safe to say I entered a blissful food and booze coma.

Doron Petersan first opened Sticky Fingers in 1999 with one thing in mind: taste. Having a degree in nutrition and food science, she set out to make animal-free, vegan versions of classic foods, like cakes, cookies, bagels and wraps. Open seven days a week with brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, Sticky Fingers has something for everyone. And if wedding bells are ringing in your near future, be sure to check out Sticky Fingers’ wedding cake options here.

Remaining Summer Supper Clubs: (wine, beer and cocktail selection available at both)

The dinner features organic ingredients from the local farmers market, and costs $28 per person. There are two seatings—6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Advance reservations required. 

• August 22: Raw Inspiration at 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. 
• August 29: Mediterranean Night at 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. 

Follow Sticky Fingers on Twitter! @stickyfingersdc

This column was also published on Dining in DC.