FunJohnny

Having had the opportunity to travel frequently to Brussels on business, the beer, chocolate, moules, etc. are certainly all part of the attraction. Additionally, in Europe, Brussels is second only to Paris in excellent resaurants -- particularly seafood. I am particularly fond of a place located in a basement in one corner of the Grande Place. It's got a Flemish name --- something like Tekuldekirch -- everyone knows it, and (for Brussels) it's not too pricey. Watch your head when you enter. Enjoy!

You know, he told me when we were introduced and due to the many brain cells that I have killed at the Childe, I can't remember -- somewhere in Bethesda called the Bethesda Cafe or something like that. He was the chef/owner.

No way! I knew he was very ill and had heard from a regular that he had passed. I may have to visit him at Blackie's. I owe him one that I can never repay because he introduced me to my husband. You just cheered me up immensely. Back on food - it will be interesting to see what they do to the menu, and how it flies with the crowd in the downstairs bar. Glad I cheered you up. I am one of the crowd dowstairs.

Unless Rodney has passed on very recently rumours of his demise are greatly exxagerated -- he's alive and kicking at Blackie's -- despite a close brush with the grim reaper he's like the Energizer Bunny...

Fans and/or skeptics of the Childe Harold -- long a mainstay of the bar scene around Dupont Circle -- should note that a new Executive Chef, David Fiels, harolded (pardon the pun) as one of Washington's top 50 chefs in the Washingtonian, has taken over the kitchen at the Childe Harold. He is slowly retooling the menu and already showing some definite improvements in the lunch time fare, as well as the dinner menu. Ultimately hoping that there will be steadier and higher quality output from the kitchen. The standard burgers and sandwiches will remain, but look for there to be some additions. Sure hope the prices remain moderate as they have over these many years. Next let's hope for an upgrade of the wine list and -- BRING BACK THE BOSS!

Zola's -- Do the Spy Museum for the kid and then the restaurant for your M & D. Make reservations if you decide to go!

Yeah -- Gourmet Pizza was great when I lived in Arlington years ago. Glad to hear that they're still going. I think they also deliver beer from their extensive list.

Too bad the NYT didn't go to R.W. (Johnny) Apple, Jr., former Washington and before that London Bureau Chief for the Times -- ever read any of his articles in Saveur? He was a pal of my Dad, and I used to hear stories of legendary bar/restaurant hopping escapades by the two of them back in the day.

I'm shocked that no one has mentioned - and you could actually be confronted with this option - dog! You're saying that you could munch down Lassie if she came to you on a plate?

WoW - perverted comic genius! Rabelaisian in its depiction of la condition humaine.

Speaking of Eden Center (located at 7 Corners) -- anyone seeking really good, cheap Chinese (via Vietnam) eats should go to one of the small hole in the wall restaurants located inside the center. Can't tell you what it's called, but it's the site of the original Marks Duck House (since relocated) and it's owned by a young Cantonese guy (also via Vietnam) named Han. No liquor license, but they let you bring in your own wine and don't charge corkage. The wontons are truly outstanding, as is everything else like the roast duck, pork and chicken.

Here's what's going on at Nouveau East: New Owner, new menu (totally Japanese, instead of Asian [con]fusion), no liquor license until new owner is approved by VA ABC. The lunchtime buffet which will feature "all you can eat" sushi is a cause for genuine concern. I am hoping that things will eventually shake out -- they still have many of the previous wait staff who are good kids. The problem this establishment faces is wrong demographics -- Ballston Commons is heavily Latino in clientel, and not very many Asians. I suggest Latin-Asian fusion for the menu, but the cook staff only speak Cantonese and Mandarin -- they're having trouble with the new Japanese menu! I agree that the original sushi at Noveau East really rocked! The original sushi chef, Jeff, left and is now at the Tokyo Steak House in Alexandria.