Carlson1105

Coming in from Phila for a Sat. Night later this month. Is there anywhere to go for a special occasion that might include some sort of entertainment? Maybe a dinner theater type place or somewhere with live music or a show?

I beleive Gino's was started by the football player Gino Marchetti. They were indeed famous for the Gino Giant.

Thanks for the advise! Went to Mendocino Friday and Firefly Saturday. Enjoyed them both, although liked Firefly better. Lamb minute steak was great, as were the crispy oysters. The caesar salad and Nimann Ranch pork chop were hits at Mendocino.

Capital Grille is the best in my opinion too. The Calamari with cherry peppers is amazing, and I usually get the Sirloin seasoned with the house salt blend and grilled to perfection.

Thanks for the ideas, made a reservation at Firefly for Saturday night. Tabard Inn sounds good for Brunch.

Coming to DC from Philadelphia for the weekend. Staying in Georgetown area. Looking for a good Saturday night restaurant, not too fancy. Heard Jaleo and other Jose Andres places are good. Will be with my wife, baby is staying with Grandma, so we would like something lively, good and fun. Any suggestions? Also, how about a good Sunday brunch? Thanks.

On the subject of neighborhoods, has anyone been to Collingswood lately? Went to a fantastic Italian byob called Sapori recently. Nunzio's is there, along with some other new spots. Kind of like an up and coming New Jersey version of Manayunk.

Sydney Frey at Buddakan is great. Try the Chocolate Pagoda. Also Kate Honeyman at Alma/El Vez/New Continental, and Joey from Morimoto/POD

From what I hear, there was a list of people who wanted to be called when Fields was not going to be at the restaurant, so they could enjoy the food without his ego and attitude.

Vernon is in San Francisco, apparently trying to get his own place going. Heard the same thing about the closing, too chicken to face the employees he was getting rid of himself.

What's the deal with Salt on 20th St ? Sign says on vacation, but I'm hearing it closed.

As for the lack of French Bistros, try Pif on S. 8th St in South Philly. Very good

You might want to try Jones for a Brady Bunch house atmosphere with good comfort food that is not too exotic (meatloaf, chicken in a basket) or the new Continental, where I saw lots of kids on a recent night

New best of came out last week, winner was Cosmi's Deli on S. 8th St.

Jose Garces-El Vez, Alma de Cuba-Iron Chef Latin/Mexican

For excellent anything Mexican, it's worth the drive out the White Horse Pike to Lindenwold, NJ to La Esperanza. Run by the Cordova family, everything is fresh, authentic, and not blanded to American palates. Try the steak and shrimp, the tamales, and the homeade beans.

Does anyone know where one could rent a hot dog cart for a party?

Sue's is the best in my opinion. I live in NJ but stop at Sue's on my way home instead of paying too much for inferior stuff at the supermarket. Great fresh herbs at fair prices and friendly staff. John always has a good joke. Ask him if something is 3 for a dollar, can you buy less? He'll tell you sure, 1 is 98 cents, 2 are 99 cents, and 3 are a dollar.