JennyUptown

No, but we'll probably go to a [localish] chain for lunch: Paolo's in Georgetown. We had a nice lunch there a few months back - soup, salad, half-order of pasta, etc. and with the glass front doors open on a sunny day, it's perfectly pleasant.

If only that were it! Honestly, I feel like I get enough grief for my own picky eating characteristics (that I'm working to shed, one by one, but at my own pace DAMN IT!!!) that if I tell anyone how truly food-freaked my family is, I'd end up even more on the defensive. That said, we're going to Al Tiramisu on Saturday night for my pre-birthday dinner (more Libra action here). Nothing new or groundbreaking there, but it will make my family very, very happy.

Nothing daring. These are MY parents after all. I decided that it was more important for them to be comfortable and happy, than to be culinarily adventurous this time around.

There are whole discussions on these topics under General Foods, I do believe.

Hilarious recap, Nadya. Thanks for sharing. I expect to spend some time in Georgetown with my parents this weekend so I'm glad to know one more place to avoid.

You done good - nice first "review"!!

Nowhere. Didn't make the trip over today and will instead go tomorrow, but - alas - in the morning on my way to work. No sandwich. Instead I ate locally, had a not-terrible-but-not-great roast beef with gorgonzola on brown bread...from Au Bon Pan <<desperate>>

I wish Indique were on OpenTable.com. Trying to go there for a casual dinner tonight.

I'd gladly pre-pay for that.

One cool feature at Cornell is the restaurant (can't remember the name right now and don't have time to search) within the Statler Hotel. During the school year, the restaurant is run top to bottom by students. It's a for-credit class for hotelies - they plan themes, the menu, decor, staff outfits, you name it. Some cook, some host, some wait tables. Food and service are obviously variable, but as a student, I thought it was pretty awesome. Every time a hotel school friend had "their night" I went.

I went to Cornell, graduated in '95. Sounds like they were ahead of their time because many of the dining halls were food court style already. As a freshman, I believe you're required to have at least SOME meal plan. I was on 7-3 (three squares every day) for awhile, but I rarely made it to breakfast before class so I talked my parents into moving to a smaller plan. They feared I would starve...that would hardly be the case. In my first year, I gained probably 10-15 pounds (combination of late night pizza and beer, as well as a sudden stop to dance lessons five days per week). For me the dining halls were the start of a lot of stomach trouble as well as bad habits. Whereas Mom always made sure I got some sort of vegetables in me during the course of the day, I now had the freedom to eat grilled cheese and blueberry pie for dinner every night, if I so chose. For some reason, the entree choices rarely appealed and I usually ordered from "The Grill" area. Cornell's dining service has won all sorts of awards, but I was never all that impressed. Oh, one thing that was cool: at least one time each semester, a big-name restauranteur would be responsible for the nights' offerings.

Hide has grown so much since your last blog!! As cute as ever. The green cake looked a little scary though...

Not lame at all. If I didn't have plans (with my parents!! now that's...no, it's not lame, but you know), I might join you.

Heritage India serves wonderful food, but I find that the service ranges from surly to awful. It is also, in my experience, pricier than Indique (they charge for rice, etc. for example).

I'm going to be in the Foggy Bottom area later today. What sandwich spots mentioned previously are nearby? Specifically I'm heading to 21st and K. Thanks!

Oh, how could I forget Fresco? I used to have a lot of business lunches there and I swear, not once did I go and not see someone famous. Often, though, it's NYC-style celebrities particularly news anchors who are friends of Roseanna Scotto & family. My favorite spotting there though? Florence Henderson!!!!

Tang Muncho's (potato chips that probably don't contain potato) The occasional TV dinner The occasional can of Spaghetti O's QP with cheese from McDonald's

I haven't visited General Food Topics for awhile so imagine my surprise, finding a new blog from torakris. First I figured someone had bumped up the old one (which would be cool), but then I realized it was a whole new deal (even better!). Food-talk is great, but we need updated kid photos. Yours are the cutest.

Another hotel that has proven to be an occasional budget surprise (in a good way) is the Melrose Hotel. Note: it's different than Melrose the restaurant. There are plenty of nice-enough hotels in DC; the bigger risk is booking on in a less-than-desirable neighborhood. Feel free to PM me if you'd like to clear a location before booking.

Hmm...$50 for two is definitely on the low side for DC. My favorite cheaper eats are found at the aforementioned Palena (the cafe, not the dining room), as well as Indique (just skip drinks and maybe share an appetizer). Both are discussed in detail within this forum. Also Sette or 2Amy's for pizza. Matchbox for mini-burgers (though they're not quite what they used to be) and pizza in a fun, casual setting. Zaytinya if you're careful ordering.

Hi sgchef, Welcome to the DC/Delmarva board. What are your price limitations, if any? Are there any ethnic foods you don't like? What are your favorite restaurants where you live - that might help us make recommendations. If you dig around recent discussions, you'll see some of our favorite spots...Nectar is one that might be convenient if you do decide to stay in Georgetown (try the Fairmont, which is where my own parents stay). Firefly in Dupont is awesome. Palena is a cab ride away, but the front room cafe menu is worth the trip. Give us more info and we can help you better.

Now THIS sounds fun (from Firefly's web site): Firefly Turns Two - November 6th Come celebrate our second birthday with us. On Saturday, November 6th, from 1 to 4 p.m., spend the afternoon mingling and mixing while indulging in Chef Wabeck's complimentary BBQ-style menu. Call us at 202.861.1310 for more information.

What's worse than spongy butter? Fuzzy bacon. Thank you, Giant.

I predict some frightening increase in hangovers (not for me, but for the gentlemen being discussed). Not sure they needed more of those... By the way, congrats to Evan-the-artist, Kelli and Carolyn too. Palena is still in very capable hands.

Congratulations all around.