liamdc

I ate there two evenings in a row last spring, sitting at the sushi bar each time. The chefs were fairly easy to engage and were very willing to make suggestions. The quality of the sushi was fantastic. So much better than what we generally get here in the East.

And to think that eGullet has a Groovy UV connection! I'll second Fat Guy's praise of Al's French Frys. When I used to live up there, I always enjoyed getting the fries at the local fair. It's well worth a stop for lunch along Williston Road in South Burlington to visit Al's. And don't forget to use some vinegar on 'em! While I agree that Burlington's ethnic offerings generally aren't on par with the big cities, I'll put in a mild defense of Peking Duck House. It doesn't do anything inventive, but provides solid, reliable Chinese without MSG, I believe. It's been in business in Winooski for at least 15 years now and once impressed my great aunt who was visiting from Queens. That said, Papa Frank's is worth checking out in the same neighborhood for very good pizza. Leunig's is a good cafe for dessert, for a drink, or to people watch, but you can do much better in the food department.

Yes, we ate at Sushi Taro last weekend. I've always found the sushi to be of good quality there.

Here are a few ideas for you... Downtown Burlington: Trattoria Delia (Italian) Smokejacks ('Bold American Food') Five Spice Cafe (Asian, with a great dim sum brunch) Penny Cluse Cafe, 169 Cherry St. (good breakfast/brunch spot) Uncommon Grounds, Church Street Marketplace (great coffee) Shelburne: Cafe Shelburne (expensive, but delicious French cuisine; if they have duck on the menu, get it!) Richmond: The Kitchen Table Bistro(American/country) Montpelier: Sarducci's (Italian) Winooski: Peking Duck House(really good traditional Chinese)

You stole my seat, Mark! Mazman and I stopped in around 7 and sat at the corner of the bar as well. It is an attractive space with plenty of space to look out. And it's certainly in a convenient location. We shared a plate of prosciutto--which was merely OK--and I had a glass of the '98 Conti Costanti Vermiglio, a Tuscan red. A really smooth, not harsh, sangiovese. Apparently, the restaurant was about to run out and were not planning to purchase the '99 because the price went up more than 2 1/2 times. The food smelled good, but we didn't eat there.

I had not, Steve. Thanks for the tip. It's always good to have a Monday night deal in the back of one's brain. Especially when it involves wine! By the way, sara and I enjoyed the 'pina colada' (along with a glass of moscatel) at Cafe Atlantico last Friday. Is that one of your masterpieces or courtesy of the boys upstairs at Minibar? It's nice to see it on the regular menu.

I ate there last Friday evening and it was full around 7-7:30, then began to empty a bit. (I averted my gaze when I walked by Rosa Mexicano so as not to have a ventworm fly into my eye). The food was very solid. Had the ceviche which was very good and the Chuleta Manchamanteles which was tender and served with really yummy sweet potatoes, but very disappointingly dry and flavorless plaintain. The blue agave margarita was excellent. Andale also has a very nice selection of wines by the glass.

I have recently become partial to Circle Wine & Liquor on Connecticut Ave, just south of Chevy Chase Circle. They have a much more thoughtful wine selection than Calvert Woodley. Their day-to-day prices are a couple of bucks higher, but they have frequent specials. Last week it was 20% off all Australian. This week it is 20% off all New Zealand and South Africa selections. Schneider's on Capitol Hill, Mass Ave NE is also worth visiting.

Burlington, Vermont? Now, just west of Burlington is Lake Champlain. Are you staying on a boat? If it is Burlington, let me know. You'll have a car, I assume. Are you looking just in town or around the local area, too?

Thanks again for all the recommendations. I was at the mercy of my host & her husband, so I didn't get everywhere I had planned last week, but look forward to hitting Juban's and the Chimes, in particular, during my next visit--hopefully in April. Phil's Oyster Bar -- A very nice, laid back, no-nonsense seafood spot. Last Tuesday night here I shared a dozen of the most succulent large oysters I've ever tasted. Delicious. And I had a wonderful crawfish etouffe for an entree. It was stocked with crawfish, nicely balanced ith Cajun spices, and of good proportion. With it I enjoyed a yummy Purple Haze Raspberry Wheat Beer. A good local microbrew from what I understand. Louisiana Lagniappe-- This was a nice upscale restaurant that was packed when we arrived last Wednesday evening, and we had to wait 20 minutes for a table. But I suppose that's a good thing, right? My appetizer was the best dish I had during my time in Baton Rouge: baked stuffed oysters with crabmeat. Wonderful. For an entree I had the Fish Lagniappe, a moist piece of white fish (I forget which kind of fish) layered with crabmeat, a bit on the dry side, and served with half of a cheese-topped baked potato, which was also a bit on the dry side. The key lime pie for dessert was rich and satisfying. This was a place I thought might have a better wine list, but the best I could do was a glass of Blackstone zinfandel--a very average peppery, slightly harsh California zin--and a rather forgettable house chardonnay. It's not worth remembering which one. I couldn't find a decent sauvignon blanc on the wines by the glass list that I wanted to try. And there wasn't a riesling at all, I don't believe. Main Street Market -- I had lunch with some colleagues last Wednesday afternoon at the Main Street Market near the State Capitol. I had a very good stuffed catfish from a stand in the Market. I do not remember the name of the place, but I believe it was the 2nd one of the left as you enter from the Capitol/north side. If all y'all ever visit Washington, DC, please let me know. We'll fix you up right.

I hear ya. Leave the deep frying for fried dough, Snickers bars, and the like. Maybe they had a guest chef from a traveling carnival the day you were there?

They served them broiled or fried (according to the menu). I don't know why. I can't imagine ever choosing to have my crabcakes fried. But they were quite nice broiled as they have been in the past.

I certainly don't eat a lot of lunches out compared to dinners, but had occasion to this past beautiful Saturday. Johnny's again proved its mettle by delivering delicious food promptly and courteously. 'sara' and I ate at the bar. Terrific prompt service and an immediate offer to try a wine I had a question about. I enjoyed the Maryland crab cake appetizer and the lovely spicy oyster stew (with more than a half-dozen plump oysters), along with a glass of sancerre. Sara, care to comment on your meal? Egulleteers, where else should one go for a pleasing weekend lunch in the DC area? Nominations are being accepted...

Walked by Buck's last evening at about 7:45-8 PM. It was nearly empty. Maybe 15 diners, including people at the bar. Maybe they should think about bringing back the Sunday evening fish fry/limited menu idea.

I was reminded of how good and relatively inexpensive the sushi is at Sushi Taro on 17th Street in DC when Sara and I sat at the counter on Saturday evening. The place was hopping, and we had to wait 20 minutes fo a seat, but it was worth it. We shared the 11 nigiri and california roll sushi assortment and ordered some additional nigiri on top of that. Particular stand-outs for me were the eel, fatty yellowtail, and fatty tuna. The california rolls were also excellent. How was the saki, Sara? Note that its web site has not been updated since last year's remodeling.

(WHOOPS, this is Sara, but I posted under my boyfriend Liam's name by mistake! YIKES! ) hi Well, ultimately, my dining was totally decided upon by others... so here's what I got: dinners at Sunset Grille and Cafe OneTwoThree: I had very nice vension at the Grille, and a lovely Marquis Phillips cab sav. The place is a bit overpriced, and the menu doesn't appear all that exciting to an East Coast gal, but it was a fun scene. The Cafe food was merely ok--the spinach salad was the best part, along with a WA Gewurtz; the crawfish spring roll and the seafood New Orleans dish the waitress pushed were totally missable. And unfortunately they were out of the lovely Yalumba Galway port. Breakfast at Noshville-- YICK. Stale bread for the french toast, totally 'nuked cheese blintzes. I wish the Pantry took reservations, if so they would've taken me there instead. Lunch at some Indian buffet near Peabody, which was fine. All in all, the food was edible in Nashville, but if I come back for a second visit, I will definitely try those more highly recommended spots like the Cap Grille and the Boar, before deciding to make a move! Now, for my information, how are the wine stores in town?? Open on Sundays? Prices? Large selection of American wines other than CA? How about Australians? thanks y'all!

Slbunge~~~Really glad the recs about Johnny's and Nectar worked out for you. A couple of DC's best and more reliable establishments, in my book. Nectar is world class.

I recently had the 2000 Cote de Carneros Pinot Noir (same wine, I think) at No. 9 Park in Boston. I generally prefer the Oregon style of pinot to the California style, but this was definitely the best pinot from Napa I've had. For me, it had a juicy cherry/berry palate with a surprisingly spicy finish. Definitely a bit more tannic than your average pinot.

I second this recommendation ... Yalumba produces this little gem of a Tawny Port.

Mazman and I ate at Lavandou last evening, taking advantage of its "no corkage fee" Monday. There were tables available when we sat down at 6:30 pm, and when we left close to 8 pm. So, at least, on Mondays the Post review doesn't appear to have flooded the place. We both had the mesclun salad (with banyuls vinegar, herbs, olive oil) to start. Now this is a big salad! Lots of leafy greens, lightly dressed, and delicious. I had the beef stew off the regular menu (marinated beef stew in red wine, bacon, orange, walnut & au gratin pasta). The beef was incredibly tender, the sauce was rich with a tinge of sweetness. The pasta on top was a bit crusty, possibly slightly overdone. But the stew was a great stick-to-your-bones dish that is wonderful this time of year; very filling. Mazman had the Australian beef tenderloin special. I'll let him describe it for himself. Overall, the service was prompt and attentive. Schneider's on Capitol Hill is having a sale on Clarendon Hills grenache this week. So we got a bottle of the 2001 Blewitt Springs vintage ('95' WA, '93' WS). It was a rich, meaty Australian grenache with a notable strawberry palatte. Went splendidly with the stew. Lavandou is a very good neighborhood restaurant. Ledervin, who described its "provinicial style," was right on target. If you're around Cleveland Park, it's certainly worth a try.

Thanks very much for the suggestions - I don't know my exact itinerary yet. I'm probably coming in on Mardi Gras itself (Tues, 2/24) and either leaving late the next day or Thursday morning (hopefully). I probably won't have a car -- but may have access to one through a fomer colleague down there -- and will likely stay somewhere downtown near the Capitol.

I'm headed to Baton Rouge at the end of the month on business. Any good restaurants I should check out in the downtown area? Also, I will be visiting the week of Mardi Gras in New Orelans--but won't be able to make it to the Big Easy. Any Mardi Gras activities in the state capital I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.

First, regarding Liam going to far-away grocery stores.. let alone those around the Beltway. I'm still trying to get him turned on to Trader Joes!! (hey, anyone know if they're planning to open a TJ's in Vermont anytime soon?) We didn't have Wegman's in New England, so I'm unfamiliar with it. Yeah, I honestly can't contemplate actually going outside the Beltway to buy groceries. What would happen to my cheese in the summer heat! I'd probably get lost crossing the Potomac into Virginia at some point anyway. I never seem able to follow the same route twice!

I only wish someone could provide me a schematic diagram of the maze of highways on both sides of the Potomac (DC.VA). After three years, I still make the wrong turn every now & again even when I know exactly where I'm trying to go.

Slbunge, The bar at Johnny's Half Shell is a great place to eat lunch (or dinner). I would recommend *dinner* at Nectar if you can schedule it.