Free Wilma

I think Cajun Bangkok is called something different these days. It's still the same restaurant and menu.....just a new name.......which I can't remember. Anyone?

Actually, the doggie dining in Alexandria has gone to the cats......or more specifically, the health dept. types are trying to put a stop to pets in restaurants. Here's a recent article on this specific situation from the Post. Post article on Doggie Dining in Alexandria

Has anyone been to Viet House? There are two in Fairfax; one on Main St. and one on Lee Highway. I ask because they are scheduled to open a third outpost on Rt. 1, south of the beltway in Alexandria. There are ZERO Vietnamese restaurants in the Mt. Vernon area and I'm hoping this new addition will fill a much wanted (by me at least) need.

I just read last week where 5 guys is opening yet another branch in the Alexandria section of Fairfax Co. on Rt. 1, south of the Beltway. This new outpost will be a whopping 2.6 miles from the Hybla Valley location on the same road. Obviously they're seeing success and an untapped market along Rt. 1. But honestly, this seems like quite a bit of over-expansion. I guess time will tell.

If I understand correctly, our traveler is heading north (from Richmond) to the beltway and connecting to I270. If this is the case, they will not be driving by the Old Town exits (Washington St. or Rt. 1) from the beltway. They would need to travel several miles in the opposite direction (toward the dreaded Wilson Bridge) to get there. There are probably better options that are on a more direct path toward their ultimate destination.

It might be easier to grab something off I270 in Rockville or Gaithersburg rather than the beltway. It's not bread or chocolate, but many think Joe's Noodle House in Rockville is well worth the trip. Joe's Noodle House

Here's a post from someone on Chowhound who went for opening night last night................... Restaurant Eve post from Chowhound

Just curious....what restaurant did your wife pick?

All of these recommendations are for chains. However, each is pretty reliable, has good food and generally could help on short notice. The Capital Grille is used a LOT by lobbying groups for private dining. They could probably do something on fairly short notice. The House and Senate are also both in recess this week and things are pretty quiet on that end of town. Capital Grille I've also been to the private dining room at the newest Ruth's Chris. They did a nice job. This is the location near the new convention center. Ruth's Chris McCormick and Schmick would provide an alternative to the meat and potatoes option. I've only done private dinners at the K Street location; not the new one by the MCI center. The new one may have similar setups. McCormick and Schmick K Street I'm fairly sure that Oceanaire also has a private room. However their website isn't specific enough. I think I've even been to a private dinner there.....but my memory is blurry. Oceanaire Good Luck.

Where is the Tokyo Steak House located in Alexandria?

Here's the Old Ebbitt Breakfast menu................... http://www.ebbitt.com/main/home.cfm?Sectio...&Category=Menus It's a good solid choice.

Here's the link to all of the award nominees...... http://www.jamesbeard.org/about/press/news....php?news_id=37

Citronelle is MIA on the list too. I guess they're not "members" either.

Thanks for the flower (as well as the food) reports!

How was the floral department at Wegman's? I saw the roses in the pic from the WTOP site. Did anyone have a chance (or care) to see how the selection, variety and prices compare to other stores.

I haven't been to La Tasca yet.....but I've heard some reports that aren't very encouraging. Maybe some here have had a good experience and could elaborate. However, I've heard a number of people complain about the service and food quality. Some have indicated that if you want Tapas in the District, it's better to go a couple of blocks away to Jaleo.

I read the chats, but never live. The one time I tried to ask a live question (with a different host and subject matter) it never got answered. And I never remember in a timely manner anyway. I generally read the finished product later in the day. If the critics don't like what he's saying; then change the channel. No one is forcing them to participate. I think Tom is remarkably good natured about it all.

Rocklands in Alexandria is now open. I drove by earlier today but it was too early to stop in for lunch. It looks bright and clean, with some seating. It's just off Duke at S. Quaker Lane; around the corner from the Wendys.