JennyUptown

I think the burgers at Cafe Deluxe are the worst. That spot is far from a favorite of mine, but one friend always suggests it and every once in awhile, I give in. The menu is overall so uninspired that I've made the mistake of ordering the overcooked, bland, dry burger more times than I care to recall. I have finally resolved never to eat there. A drink, fine. No food.

I think part of RM's problem is that there are so many better choices in the neighborhood. Although I'd gladly meet a friend for guacamole and beer (I'm not a fan of their prefab frozen drinks, but that's just me) there, if I want a full meal, RM is maybe...tenth or so down the list of options. <man, I am so glad that I'm not outside right now!!>

Yes, the guacamole is good. Have a Negro Modelo if you don't like the margaritas.

That's pretty broad, ladycaterina. Help us narrow it down a bit: Are there any geographic limitations? What do you hope to spend, with alcohol, per person?

This is a cute place, but I wasn't at all impressed with the ice cream. And I tasted quite a few because my friend and I were the only customers on an overcast Sunday afternoon -- two very friendly employees would offer "do you want to try that?" about any flavors our eyes seemed to contemplate. Of the three samples I tasted, two were way too sweet: peanut butter (which was a vanilla base with chunks of peanut butter throughout) and banana split (banana ice cream with chocolate and dulce de leche - I found that addition odd). Cinnamon was undistinguised, but at least not too sweet. When it comes to ice cream, I usually go for either really tart sorbets - lemon and raspberry being the favorites - or a quality vanilla bean topped with hot fudge. Today I was in the mood for the latter, but...Isee Icy doesn't offer hot fudge. Huh? After learning that, I was too stunned to order anything. My friend ordered what she thought was plain chocolate (it was marked as such), but it ended up being chocolate hazelnut. Again, we thought it was awfully sweet, although nicely creamy. It was just one visit, but we saw no reason to give up Max's for Isee Icy at this point.

Do you want an over-the-top hotel brunch (with prices to match) or something low-key? For brunch in Georgetown, I personally like Peacock Cafe but that's just me. I've also heard Paolo's (a local chain) has a nice brunch with live music of some sort, but I have only been there for dinner so I can't vouch for the brunch food (or music).

I am not a fan of Bourbon unless it's for drinks only.

I may see what kind of availability Firefly has for that night. Yes, we've already been, but when a place is that good (as well as pleasing to my parents), it doesn't matter.

They love seafood, however I do not. Given that it's my freakin' birthday, there shall be no dining at seafood-focused establishments!!! I'd say that they get no say in the matter, but it's readily apparent that they do.

Grill 0% (I'm sitting here eating the remnants of a Matchbox Meat) Firefly 10% (If I go there, I'll want food and I've really spent too much $$ in restaurants this week; will probably hang at Aroma for a beer or two only)

We've gone to i Ricchi quite a few times - I think my mother is sick of it (and she thinks it's overpriced too). As for CK, my parents would not thank me for taking them into a...uh, "transitional" neighborhood. Which is a shame, I realize.

Bardeo only has the windows that open and there are two tables. Nothing outdoors, just the feel of outside. Where are 15 ria's outdoor tables??

See, Doc...you are luckier than me. For my family, Spices wouldn't fly. They think they don't like Asian of any sort. Bardeo would confound them because of the small plates. Zaytinya? Um, how about never. Sette is nice, but w/o reservations, I would be too stressed out. Plus it's too "I go there everyday" for my birthday.

I have been thinking about starting a similar thread - my parents are visiting that same weekend in advance of my birthday! Regarding your questions, if your family enjoys meat and doesn't need fancy surroundings, Ray's the Steaks is a great value. Make your reservation now. Palena has never been a hassle for me in terms of seating (thus far). On a weekend, though, you'd want to go early. How many people are in your party? Other inexpensive, enjoyable eats include Kuna (Istrian/Italian), Jaleo (although my last experience was less than perfect), Little Fountain Cafe, Zaytinya, Sette, Lebanese Taverna, Bardeo, Spices... Now where should I go?? Family group of eight or nine adults. My parents aren't into ethnic food beyond Italian, I'm afraid. Nothing "crazy" for them like Vietnamese (a war, not a cuisine, to them), Ethiopian ('that place with the famine?') or...well, anything. They like Cafe Milano, loved Beduci (RIP), enjoy the steak chains. Help.

I went to the downtown location of Jaleo last night. It was, well, fine, but as I sat there sipping sangria with a friend, I found myself feeling really frustrated with the inconsistency of the food. Over the course of the last few months, I have been to Jaleo at least three times (Bethesda once, downtown twice). Last night, I wanted to introduce my friend to two of my new favorites: the potatoes with cabrales, and a pork sausage served over white beans. They were so good when I first had them during my Bethesda visit. However when I last went to the downtown Jaleo, I was disappointed in that the dishes didn't live up to my memory of them. I chalked it up to an off-night or simple variations in the chef's style. Foolishly, I gave them another chance. Last night's "variations" were kind of bizarre. In the case of the pork sausage (too charred, by the way; dry inside), the beans served with the link were completely dry and covered with mounds of parsley. I had never had dry beans before so it was a bit of a shock. The last two times, the beans were pleasantly soupy and flavored with garlic (the second visit's portion was pretty tiny though). I really didn't know what to make of the beans...I'm still flummoxed. The potatoes were also different this time. Instead of a sauce that incorporated cabrales, these potatoes were served with what looked like your average thin brown gravy and chunks of cabrales. It tasted fine, but I'm now unsure as to which is the intended preparation. Will the real Jaleo please stand up?

Although Spices in Cleveland Park is right in my backyard, I am new to this restaurant. I'm not a seafood eater (yet) so I haven't tried the sushi. A usual Spices meal for me involves the fried meat (pork and veggies, I think) dumplings followed by Tangerine Peel Beef. Yum. My boyfriend frequently gets the sashimi and enjoys it. I like the clean, modern, uncluttered decor, but most of the time, I have food delivered. What else should I try at Spices? If you have a favorite dish, please share it so I don't get sick of this inexpensive neighborhood spot.

Matchbox downtown is an easy metro trip from Crystal City. Pizza, mini-burgers, casual atmosphere (and it's near the Spy Museum and other attractions).

I'm off to Matchbox tonight (hoping the burgers and pizza have returned to their former selves). Firefly tomorrow? Mebbe...

I just went to CK's web site to check out the menu and hours...and guess what? The domain name registration has apparently expired. Chef Gillian was probably too busy with the eg chat and dinner to focus on that kind of junk!

Rocks is quite a marketer. I'm trying to put something together with a few friends for next Thursday (and hoping for nice weather).

Sounds like a not-bad-at-all time was had by you at Karma. I'm rallying tonight. No work after 6:15. I have put my foot down. Heading to the DT Jaleo.

Spices is, I believe, closed on Sundays. Which makes me sad.

Welcome, Drew! And thanks for you post. Sounds much more interesting than the usual museum cafe fare.

I would love to join you, but I am still going (not quite like the Energizer bunny either) and when I do leave, I have to lug my computer home.

Where is Karma? I can't get out of here for at least 90 minutes, but...maybe.