JennyUptown

I went once and stuck with something basic (soft chicken) tacos. As a rule, I try to avoid saying "never" however these "tacos" were so gross, I can't imagine returning. Blech. Wan away, Eunny.

BIG-TIME CONGRATS!

It's still great even w/o booze. I'm sure Derek can create some non-alcoholic magic in a glass. Oh, and did I mention that the spring rolls are kickass?

Firefly is on OpenTable.com Actually, so is Tosca.

I've been to Ella's three or four times. Hate the atmosphere and the pizzas are pretty average IMHO. Matchbox has slipped, for sure, but it's still enjoyable when you factor in mini burgers, a decent beer selection and atmosphere.

Where is Garret Park?

Here's the problem with egullet: you guys get me so pumped up about a place that it's hard not to be disappointed by the real thing. Tonight I had dinner with two friends at Layalina. I agree that the decor is cozy, and perhaps with a drink or two (darn antibiotics - again!!), it would be rather easy to forget you're in VA. I also enjoyed the service which was very warm and attentive. The mazza further met the hype. We shared the hommos with red pepper puree - the little bit of spice added by the pepper puree made for a delicious alternative to the more common basic hommos. Loved it. The pita wasn't the best I've ever had, but it made for a fine vehicle for the hommos. We also had the beef sausage in tomato garlic sauce (soujok). So tasty! Definitely something I'd order again (and not share). But all around, we were disappointed by the entrees and part of it could have been our own fault for not choosing something more exciting. One friend had the mousakaa (she is crazy for the version at Lebanese Taverna so maybe it just suffered by comparision). My other friend and I had the chicken shawarma. Unlike other versions we'd each had (including, yes, LT's), it was just...bland. The chicken didn't seem very seasoned, the rice was just plain white. Big time snoozer. I'll definitely go back when I next need to pick a place in VA because I so wanted to like it and from the mazza, it's clear that the kitchen is doing something right. But I'll be sure to ask for more suggestions from the peanut gallery so I don't end up with another dull dish.

It's a group function so rates are out the window. He was hoping to escape the group though at various points.

I'm trying to help my boss find dining options in Hot Springs, VA. He'll be staying at The Homestead and obviously there are several on-property options, but are there other places worth checking out? Come on. Help me maintain my status in his eyes (he calls me his Concierge, little does he know...).

Where desserts are concerned, I'm boring. I don't order it to be shocked. Think Goldfarb gets fired? It sounds as if he's been unanimously panned at Cru.

Man, I was supposed to go to Nectar tonight too! Can't believe I'm going to miss the spectacle - my host canceled.

You'll be a welcome addition to the DC board, Yetty.

Lookit! Monica is in the Post again, and this time there are recipes.

Mark - was the meal that the chef "sent" you what you think would be typical for an average diner? Were the dishes you received all on the menu? Just curious.

Is anyone heading to Palena tonight? I'll be meeting up with a HS friend there.

Hotties all around. The photos of the food are also excellent. I passed Arturo's 1,000,000 times while living on Cornelia, but never made it in which sounds like a missed opp now. I wish I could have joined you, but I stayed put in DC.

In my experience, it's pretty noisy. The back room is much quieter.

I'd rather submit to the Doughnut Nazi...oops! I mean Amernick...myself.

After a really wonderful meal at Mendocino last night, I have to say that I think this place deserves more discussion. I'm not the food expert that some of you, my esteemed fellow egulleteers are, so I'll keep my post brief, but man...I really, really liked it. The space: intimate, lots of light wood, flattering lighting. Really attractive. The front bar area is definitely a linger, chat and snack-friendly place. The dining room isn't spacious - some will find it cramped - but I thought it cozy. We started with a round of cocktails and wine as we were celebrating (a friend's upcoming wedding, my birthday). I tried - and retried - Mendocino's take on sangria. Served up in a martini glass with a slice of orange, it was deliciously sweet-tart. The first disappeared quickly; I had another. I skipped the appetizer portion of the evening as I had treated myself to a birthday ice cream sundae around 5 pm. What we ate: Smoked pumpkin soup, toasted pumpkinseed oil, lavash [ordered by the bride-to-be, the only one who had an appetizer; she didn't share as she seemed to really like her soup] * * * * * Homemade potato gnocchi chanterelles, sweet corn, kale, cherry tomatoes, corn froth ($16) [my dish; loved it and I'm not a vegetarian-dish ordering sort; the gnocchi was light, not heavy, and I'm a sucker for any dish with corn] Oven-roasted organic chicken, scallion mashed potatoes, rapini, wild mushroom marsala gravy ($19) [bride-to-be again did not share, but this was the best looking chicken I've seen in awhile, all brown-and-gravied goodness] Seared diver scallops, celery root puree, baby carrots, turnips, pearl onions, black trumpet mushrooms, herbed braising jus ($25) [the friend who ordered this liked it so much that she talked me, the non-seafood-eater, into tasting a scallop; I can't lie - I hated it, but that's just me and I'm weird, I know] The fourth member of our party had a big-eye tuna special; no recap available. * * * * * Cheese Two goats Two cows Two blues Better descriptions are available at Mendocino's web site but our favorites were the blues as well as the very creamy St. Marcellin Dessert Local apple cranberry cobbler, cinnamon maple ice cream [the ice cream in particular was oh-my-gosh good] Scharfen berger chocolate pots de creme, whipped cream, biscotti [delicious, simple and rich - reminded me of how awesome chocolate pudding tasted as a kid] * * * * * The staff at Mendocino is really lovely - everyone we encountered was fabulous. In particular... Our server Melissa handled an awkward situation with one member of our party with aplomb. We also got to talk with Executive Chef Drew Trautmann who was gracious and warm. Alas, co-proprietor Jared Rager (egullet's own JRage) was out of town so we didn't get to meet him. Surely on a future visit, we will. Can't wait to go back!

Some discussion here

I was going to stop by to see the gang at Jackie's, but [during my half-day off], I just...closed...my...eyes. Next thing I know, it's 7 pm.

Shoot. Nap. Overslept. How was happy hour?

The other Melrose - the Melrose Hotel - has a restaurant that offers a three course brunch for (I think) $30. I've been two or three times and thought it rather nice. I'm also partial to the brunch at Peacock Cafe on Prospect in Georgetown. It's especially good if you're into fresh juices (blends like carrot/ginger or pineapple/strawberry/orange). Ardeo's brunch is one I've been meaning to try. Indique is fine with a child - it's stylish, but not intimidatingly so. All you need is a reservation.

If anyone can PM me directions, I may join you for HH.

Truthfully, I have no need for a "guide" per se. I'd much rather have some of those ancient reviews within the Post's site updated. There's stuff in there from '01 and '02 that has no legs anymore.