Rake Yohn

As a frequent lurker on this board, I am amazed at the level of praise and criticism that Ray's receives. Frankly, I just don't see the customer service criticisms. Seriously, how hard is it to remember to call during a two hour period, four times a week? And, if the fact that tables are expected to be out within 90 minutes is explained beforehand - why is anyone complaining? As the departed Dr.Thompson would say, "buy the ticket, take the ride". Last Sunday I went to Ray's with six others to celebrate a friend's birthday. Mr. Landrum seated us, checked to see that our meals were cooked as requested, and was gracious enough to provide plates and spoons for a horrible Giant carrot cake that our friend's S.O. brought (I would have preferred the Pie). The Onion soup was fantastic, the Hanger Steak cooked to a perfectly charred medium rare, and the Zinfandel recommendation (by Mr. Landrum) was right on. We arrived at 6:00 - and were back on Capitol Hill by 8:00. Never felt rushed at all. Ray's is a class operation, run the way it's owner sees fit. All customers are made aware of the quirks - so what's the big deal.

I've never visited the Fish Market. Doesn't that sort of answer your own question? You've never been, but it will be missed as a part of the fabric of the city? Seems like going there would have been the first step toward determining how the neighborhood and city would be affected.

Lucky bar is great, but you're right, the taps do scare me. They are more than a little haggard. Stetson's is my favorite "dive", by far. Any good lunch or dinner specials I'm missing?

I guess that I should add that I'm primarily interested in recommendations within the district, but thanks so much for your reply...

Long time lurker, first time topic originator. Just wondering what some of your favorite weekly specials are here in DC? For example, 1/2 price bottles of wine at Andale, Bistro Francais's dinner deal, lunch prix fixes, etc. I'm looking to put together a little DC guidebook for my fiance', who is moving down here from NYC, and thought this would be a nice addition... Thanks!

I'm pretty sure that all you need to do is rack up 12 reservations in a year to become a "VIP", or whatever.

Restaurants that use Open Table have this available to them. They do indeed. I was shocked last week when I had lunch at Chef Geoffs and both my dining companion and me were given gratis soup samplers because I was an "Open Table VIP." I nearly fell out of my chair. I have mentioned this before on another thread, but on a visit to Ceiba where I had made my reservations on Open Table I was identified as an "eGullet VIP". But I didn't get anything special. I guess eGullet VIP is somewhere below Open Table VIP on the totem pole. I can't say that I have ever been offered any free amuses or soup by virtue of being an Open Table VIP, but it does appear to be noted in the restauran't reservation book, at any case. Have other frequent Open Table users gotten "special" treatment?

Didn't harbor club have internet connections at every table when they were open? I don't think that turned out so well...

I was going to suggest the four seasons, but if price is an issue that might not be such a good plan. How about Melrose, or the restaurant in the St.Regis, assuming that they both do a breakfast?

Just got through myself - 10:00PM in Mid March - Normally I wouldn't want such a late dinner, but for some things you have to make exceptions....