DCMark

As someone who lives 2 blocks away I can say with all honesty Cakelove is super over-rated. I just do not like the frosting. Its like eating a stick of butter.

Oh anyone would be welcome! I only have two tickets for my wife and I but was hoping for other Egullet folks. Let me know if you plan to come. PS: What is a DH?

Is it that obvious?? (-:

I know many of your are heading to Corduroy next week but this does look like fun.

I did it yesterday too. No response yet.

Very much in if Don could arrange. But there is a dinner planned at Les Halles for him so I am doubtful. I am buying the cookbook, it looks excellent.

Epoisses! I am having that tonight (from Chessetique) with an 89 Chauteau-Neuf-De-Pape from Dad's cellar.

Just had lunch at Old Europe for their Oktoberfest celebration. They have a fantastic Oktoberfest Bock which I enjoyed with their Wurst platter (weiss, brat and bauern wurst), potato pankcakes and superb sauerkraut. a bargin at $10.95!

Only one of DC's premier haircuts......

Holligan: Misspelling corrected. Unfortunately, only one of the Lennon/McCartney duo was there, but the concert was amazing. Moz has still got it! On the food note the burgers and pizza at Matchbox were all that everyone promised. The pizza was amazingly crisp, had the white procuitto. But those burgers are absolutely sublime. I thought of bringing one to fling at Morrissey (Meat Is Murder) but decided against it.

Tonight: Matchbox (little tavern) followed by the Morrissey concert at DAR.

It has to be! Read this crap This vineyard and winery will showcase premium handcrafted Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Vidal Blanc, as well as a signature Tuscan Blend. Located on 200 acres of Virginia's picturesque Blue Ridge and seeped in tradition, Bleu Ridge Winery is poised to become Virginia's premier producer of fine wine. Additionally, Winery Bleu's distinctive log-cabin and guest house setting is sure to be a treat for those looking to relax in Virginia's own 'wine-country.' First of all, being a premier producer of wine in Virgnia is not saying much. Second, it gonna be hard to go from HAIR SALON to winery. The French must be enduring some sleepless nights...

DO NOT SPEAK ILL OF LITTLE TAVERN! May it rest in peace. I MISS YOU DARLING.....

I am very interested in the Les Halles dinner.

Delphine, my wife will be there at 545. Will you look out for her. Should be there around then.

BURP! My diet has been working out well so how do I celebrate: Pork Ribs (so good) Pork Sausage (mmmm) Bottle of Chianti (its Friday) Canolli (slurp) Pleaseure to see my egullet friends and thanks for the table. Viva Roberto!

I smell a corporate hand here

Lets get a show of hands for Grill and/or Firefly. I am 100% for the grill and 80% for Firefly. Will be at the grill with 3 colleagues at noon exactly!

I am up for both the Grill and Firefly!

Nadya: I think the use of the work 'average' is key to understanding the Euro vs. US. In my experience, the average Frenchman/woman has a much greater understanding and appreciation for fine cuisine and wine than the average American. Will they ever sample the cuisine of Robuchon or Veyrat? Certainly not. However, most likely they consistently eat very good food (cooked at home or at a modest restaurant), understand the wines of their region if not beyond, and probably know that great restaurant in town that may not be in the Michelin guide but is putting out wonderful food. Compare that to the average American. Fine dining starts at the Maggio's and ends at Mortons. Wine comes in two categories: red and white. I know if this is a sterotype and exaggeration, but it holds much truth. Another apt comparison is between the food channels in France and here. With Food TV we seem to have an endless procession of Iron Chef competitions, compelete with 'play-by-play' announcers. Contrast the French equivalent, Gourmet TV (http://www.gourmet.tv/) whose motto alone (not to mention programming) sets it far apart from FoodTV: La Chaine de la Gastronomie et de l'Arte Vire (emphasis mine). This channel is run by Joel Robuchon and Guy Job. The one area were Europeans do not understand or appreciate the US is certainly in wine. I have been politely scoffed at numerous times when defending American wine. The fact that California, Washington and Oregon are producing excellent wines seems lost on all in France, even sommelliers. I attribute this to a complete lack of availability/promotion of American wines in France; not to mention the issue of bringing sand to the beach.

Lalitha: Thank you so much for answer my question about the sauce. You explained a bit what I did wrong. I added the stock and wine at the same time and the mushrooms too early. Your theory on the sauce is probably a good one. However, sometimes people go too heavy on game sauces which masks the taste of the meat. Perhaps they are trying to overwhelm the gaminess of the meat, but that is what I am eating it for. Edited due a strange case of the missing "o"s.

I would not be so offended if we are talking about Kuna. I seriously doubt they came in with price x and are now at price x + y due to a sinister ploy. They most likely set their prices based on a) what they thought that location would bear and b) what they needed to cover food, rent and payroll costs. Since their opening two years ago, they have found a great deal of success. Their food has been well reviewed and the restaurant has some 'hipness' (how I despise that word). They likely saw that raising prices 20% would not impact their demand. Since this is a business and not a charity, I don't see what is wrong with that. On the other hand, if this raising of prices cuts demand so much they go out of business, we don't owe them any sympathy. Also, its quite possible that they had mis-calculated their costs and despite being popular, the restaurant may have been barely breaking even. I am actually more dissapointed that a restaurant like Striaights, which in its earlier incarnation was a 'bon marche' has become so expensive. The prices there have prevented us from making in a neighborhood hangout.

Of course not. Please do, we will be upstairs. Ask for Mark, ok. I am 5 10, brown hair, white....

This one is a looong shot. But I am hosting a Bike Night tonight at the Asylum Bar in Adams Morgan. I am expecting 30-50 motorcycles so if you are into that, please come by. Their superb burgers are half-price and wings are $.25! Bike Night

I too am a long time fan of the New Big Wong. However, the constant health code violations do trouble me.