JennyUptown

I received an e-mail newsletter about the Jaleo/CC opening. But it was all jazzed up (broken images, etc.) so I couldn't tell you exactly what it said. Did anyone receive the newsletter in a legible format?

I've demonstrated my willingness to revive old threads in the past. Alas, I can scarcely afford most of the places you mentioned, Don. Anyway, I work right by Tosca, but have yet to visit. The knowledge that half-portions exist at the bar should change that fact soon. Thanks for sharing great info.

Looks like a fantastic event. I was dying as I read through the courses...yum. Busboy - nice tan!

Forgive my ignorance: what's a soul roll?

I hate the lighting. Makes everyone look jaundiced...

Tentatively set to stop by Bardeo (again) tonight. It is becoming to me what BdC is to JohnW. Well, not quite. But sorta.

My friend has this attachment and it drives me nuts. She likes their vegetarian options. When I can't talk her out of going there, I usually get a burger which has to be sent back to the kitchen for being overcooked. I should just order something else, but I'm stubborn.

I have a soft spot for Austin Grill's taquitos. PS This is so weird: in my dream last night, there was a woman walking around with a t-shirt that said "cakewench." I kid you not.

I second (third? fourth?) Firefly. Great food, wonderful atmosphere. Always vegetarian and fish options too. Definitely not Italian. I also like Mantis if you're up for a lounge-meal-with-cocktails. BdC is fun and enjoyable, but not at all romantic and yeah, lots of meat. I hate to disagree with raisab, but the food at Mie n Yu IMHO is awful-awful-awful (and not cheap). It's an OK place for cocktails though. Still thinking.

Is there anything new and exciting going on food-wise in Bethesda? I'm heading that way out of necessity. The friend with whom I am going doesn't love Jaleo (drat! I'm totally in the mood.). She will probably suggest Austin Grill (OK) or Cafe Deluxe (blech) so I'd like to be armed with some fresh, enticing counterproposal. How is Taste of India when Monica is not hosting events there? Has anyone been lately? Is there anything else up there that is flying under the radar?

Have the menu and price been determined?

OWWWWW... Hope you feel better afterward! Our plan to try out Firefly's HH last Thursday turned into dinner at Indique. I tried to post my change of plans in case anyone else was going to Indique, but computer issues have occasionally prevented me from posting (and in some cases from replying to PMs) from home. Weird. Tonight I'll be at...the gym.

Isn't it sad when a good place goes bad or at least inconsistent? I've been so disappointed at an old favorite recently that I'm afraid to go back (it's Matchbox in case you are curious). But I miss it.

I am also very surprised that 2 Amy's doesn't have it's own thread. Great place! Inexpensive, unpretentious, good food. I agree with you about the supli...big-time delicious. I love them. I tend to get my pizza with some variety of meat. Pepperoni, salami is good, etc. I also ask them ahead of time to cut mine into slices because I'm generally a klutz with knives so add hot, slightly slick pizza into the mix and you have the potential for a huge mess.

I have just returned from a fun end-of-summer weekend at the beach with three college friends. The weather was fantastic (if really hot), as was the company. The food (and accommodations) were also pretty good. We stayed at The Bellmoor. It's a beautiful place and the rooms are both large and elegant. Unlike most inns of this caliber, the place had a ton of kids present. Personally, I like kids, but there were times (e.g., breakfast, afternoons at the pool) when they'd disappear for a little while. Like "naptime, kiddies...run along!" The inn is a bit pricey, but offers a good complimentary breakfast, served buffet-style in their sunny, immaculate breakfast room. For those who like to eat outdoors, there are also quite a few tables in the courtyard. The hotel does not have a restaurant so breakfast is catered. Both days, we were offered something warm and sweet (French toast one day, fruit filled pancakes the other), a breakfast meat (ham, followed by bacon), scrambled eggs, cold cereals, yogurt/granola parfaits, danish, cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, coffee and juice. It was a good spread so we ended up not needing breakfast restaurant recommendations. More about the other meals later...

Sara - THANK YOU. And belated congratulations on your engagement (you too, liamdc). I really tried to be clear - and fair - about my recap and although I did get some flak about my recap, that won't stop me from posting honestly about my experiences. Of all of the factors I dealt with that week last night, the clincher was the service. I'm used to dining occasionally with people who aren't going to "get" a place no matter way - I learned to deal with that a looooong time ago. But the lags and stuff were frustrating. That said, I loved my food and will absolutely go back (perhaps this week - antibiotics end again Tuesday! Bring on the sidecars.). I thought that was clear too, but if it wasn't, hopefully it will be with this post.

The, uh, OTHER cheeks.

I don't like Poste for dining OR cocktails. It's too bright in the main room - but if you can get a seat in the dimmer, more atmospheric back room, it's nice. If you have a large group, though, it won't work. I like Zola better than Poste for cocktails. The oft-overlooked Ortanique might also be cool.

What are the prices like? Atmosphere?

I understand that you (and plenty of others) love Palena. I enjoyed the food, but this one experience wasn't what it was cracked up to be. Don't blame the victim, man! I'm gonna go back, and all. I just don't feel I should be criticized for having an experience that wasn't up to snuff. Oh, and we didn't show up late. We were seated by 7:30. It just took ages to be served. Lots of herky-jerky service. There were plenty of people seated after us.

I have never been there and probably should try it, but the Washingtonian magazine was posed the same question last year. Their explanation was that the food quality was never consistant and therefore left off the recommended list. If I am wrong on this post please feel free to correct me. Edited for spelling, does your mind just automatically start disintegrating once you get old? Actually, now that you say that, I think I remember reading in one of the Post's chats that it's inconsistent and at that price, shouldn't be.

Are there any farm stands on the way to/from Rehoboth that stand out more than any other? I'm heading out to the beach this weekend and would love to bring back some good sweet corn, etc.

I received the following newsletter today. Shoot! Another place that's closed on Sundays... curry club Dear curry lovers, Last Saturday we saw our busiest night at the restaurant so far with 55 guests! Do remember to book ahead on Friday and Saturday and also remember that if you cannot get a table online then you should call us on 202 625 9090 as we try keep a couple of tables available for our regular customers. Watch out for Tom Sietsma's review this Sunday in the Post...... For this Friday we offer the following: Tandoori Salmon (mild, marinated salmon on the grill for $9) Karahi Lamb (lamb stewed Kashmiri style for $9) Chicken Tikka Masala (marinated, baked, chicken breast pieces in a creamy tomato sauce for $9) Beef Vindaloo (the old favorite and just as spicy for $9) Cauliflower Stew (our most popular vegetable dish for $6) Saag Paneer (indian cheese and spinach for $6) Vegetable Curry (mixed vegetables in a tomato gravy for $6) Vegetable Samosas ($6) Mango Chutney ($5) Tomato Chutney ($5) Hot Lemon Pickle ($5) Cucumber and Tomato Raita ($4) Puffy Yoghurt Bread (Indian bread for $2) Plain Basmatti Rice ($2 for two) Orders, please, by Thursday lunchtime for delivery Friday PM. Eat well, Chris Restaurant Hours: Lunch: Monday to Saturday: 11:30 AM -- 2:00 PM Dinner: Monday to Thursday: 5:30 -- 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday: 5:30 -- 10:30 PM Closed on Sundays curryclub@curryclub.net

Does anyone have any theories as to why you don't hear a lot about Asia Nora (or Nora, for that matter)?

I am tentatively heading there tomorrow (Thursday) and interestingly enough, I'll have two lawyers with racks (not sure how big - I don't check out my friends that closely ). I can't drink the wine (or anything else for that matter) tho'.