morda

Okay, to be fair, we'll actually be in New Haven for two nights, but the other night we will dining on mediocre (probably) catered wedding food. After scouring the boards, I'm thinking Sally's Apizza on Friday night and Louis Lunch for burgers on Saturday (I know, don't ask for ketchup, but do they have fries?). Saturday night will be wedding fare. Any suggestions for revisions to this plan? Is there any place you recommend if we don't feel like pizza? And any late-night joints in case we are still hungry Saturday night? We'll be in the Yale area and would like to stick around there... TIA, morda

I always manage to eat all the skin off the chicken (no matter what kind, from Popeye's to home-roasted) as I put the leftover chicken away after dinner. I figure it won't be as good the next day anyway, so I might as well enjoy it while it's still nice and crispy. And if I happen to use skinless chicken in a recipe, I take all the skin, cut it up, and render the fat. Don't usually use the fat, but I eat all the crispy skin-bits sprinkled with kosher salt. Very evil. Someone should market chicken-skin bits, like bacon bits! morda

GefilteMallows, now in horseradish flavor! morda

okay, okay, I feel that I must go to this restaurant ASAP. Which is the best night of the week to go? If I get some friends together, they will probably petition for a Fri or Sat, but if its just me and the hubby, perhaps we will try a less busy weeknight. But is Blais in the kitchen every night? Is a Monday better than a Tuesday? And has anyone been been recently enough to confirm that the tasting menu is still $49/person? morda

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Ben's Whole Hog BBQ. It's kinda out there (in Manassas) , but at least it's closer than Charles County. At least I think it's closer. I think it took us about an hour to drive from downtown. Anyway, the last time I went there I had the best bbq ever. It was so good I didn't even bother with the sauces, although there were several to choose from. It was a while (maybe a year) ago, so I can't quite remember what we had. It was sold to new owners in the last few years, but I've been there since, so I can say that it's still good. Here is a little blurb from the Washingtonian: http://www.washingtonian.com/dining/Profil...nswholehog.html Ben's Whole Hog BBQ 7422 Old Centreville Rd. Manassas, VA 703-331-5980 morda

I also have never hunted for 'shrooms before. But it sounds like morels might be a safe one to start with. Anyone ever find them in south carolina upstate before? The weather conditions (alternating chilly rain and warm sunny days) sound about right.

I have eaten Kantouri fried chicken many times--you should try it, trust me. The night before I moved away, I invited people over and ordered a bunch of Kantouri. They also serve some sort of Jamican meat pies, which I've never had. I'm talking about the 14th St store, I believe it's a mini-chain. I've only eaten in the restaurant once, it's a bit too sketchy for my taste and it's pretty low on the ambience factor. morda

I believe that Uni in Dupont delivers, if you're interested in some Japanese/sushi. And for the best fried chicken ever, call up KFC - that is, Kantouri Fried Chicken, on 14th St. Ask them to make sure the chicken is freshly fried. Delish! Where exactly are you located? Or did you already say...

I heard a rumor once that the sushi place above Makoto (I believe it's called Ivy?)gets its fish from the same source. Does anyone know if this is true? I had it once a long time ago and it was pretty good. Perhaps that would be a better stop for you, BackwardsHat, if you aren't into the full menu at Makoto. But the chef's selection is worth the $50 (or so), IMO. morda

I will second (third, fourth?) the recommedation for Makoto. Not only is the food excellent, but the service is impeccable. The waiters always address you by name (e.g., Would you like more sake, Ms. Lee?) I highly highly recommend sitting at the bar so that you can watch the show. And try to make a reservation for the second seating so that you aren't rushed (Makoto is almost always fully booked, so you have to make reservations in advance.) I respectfully disagree with this. Having learned to love sushi in Boston (and eaten at Ginza--both locations--many many times) and having lived in DC for four years, I think many places in DC are as good as the ones in Boston. Granted, I've only been to Sushi-Ko on your list. Perhaps try some of these: Sushi Taro (Dupont Circle), Uni (Dupont Circle) Kaz Sushi Bistro(which others have mentioned). Good luck! And count your blessings...I don't get any above-average sushi where I am now...or even average sushi...it's too frightening. morda PS Sometimes Kaz does an entire blowfish [er, make that puffer fish--well, fugu anyway] menu...I never managed to make it there for that. Anyone ever try it?

Hi all--I'm a new goat in town. You can definitely bring food onto airplanes. Most of them don't even SERVE food anymore, so they tell you to bring your own (or buy some awful awful stuff off their "menu") if you don't want to starve on a 4 hour flight. I think in one of Calvin Trillian's books he tells this story of how to brings this entire gourmet picnic onto a flight... As for concessions, I personally feel that people should be allowed to bring their own bottle of water. Esp. since I usually just refill mine with brita water and do not want to pay $1 or more for something to prevent me from dehydrating. morda