LittleWing

Taking Mr. Starr to Citronelle tonight to surprise him for his birthday... it will be his virgin visit. any tips, suggestions?

ditto. sucks. I've never understood why so many of my restaurant co-workers, past and present, go there after work. And unlike fero style, I've been more than enough times. Ditto on everything, except for fero's remarks re: service. Even as a server, BdC is the one place that I don't mind rude waiters - it reminds me of a true french bistro

Arrived in my inbox at 1:45 am: Galileo Restaurant -- December Eighth 2004 This Week's Grill This week, the grill will be open Wednesday and Thursday at 11:45 a.m. If you would like to pre-order your lunch or if you have any questions please call 202-293-7191. We look forward to seeing you again.

yeah, Magruder's carried Vitamin Water, but not Endurance (my preferred flavor) and I requested it. They said they didn't know if they had clearance for that flavor (wha?) but a week or two later, tada! Now there is much Endurance at Magruder's on Connecticut. Having grown up in the age of megastores, I didn't even know such a thing could happen...

Sounds like a job for The Hamburglar. nah I've never had a mini burger either. I've had (warning: plug ahead) the Palena burger many a time, though... Which, btw, is one burger that is much better with the "zippy" aioli that comes on it, and not ketchup and/or mustard.

i have always passed by toditos on the way to So's Your Mom, my favorite neighborhood small grocery. They carry Boar's Head meats and cheeses, and have great sandwiches (get roast beef and herbed cream cheese on pumpernickel or turkey, bacon, avocado, tomato, mayo, lettuce and havarti on sourdough. oh now i'm craving their sandwiches and they're closed. damn.) They also have their baked goods, like rugelach and hamantaschen and the like. And many imported canned and boxed food as well. Its pricey, but worth it. But next time I'm over there I will check out Todito's. and I will guffaw with great irony if they carry Total yogurt...

and butter-covered squash.. um.... "handling". you don't know it sebastian, but i am about to leak your pix.. heheheheh edit: can't spell

Would somebody find the last time Donna is going to fire up the grill. I have these dreams, shall we call them moist dreams, of going during winter break. Otherwise one of you regulars is going to have to get some takeaway for me! ← I get emails from them early on the days that they're going to grill. The emails arrive early in the a.m. (which for me is nighttime.) they don't say when the last date will be, and they are kind of last-minute, but if it will help i'll try to post them when possible.

Littlewing- I saw some (Total) just last night (or was it Sunday?) at the Yes Natural Food Market on Columbia Rd (Adams Morgan). Sounds like you better run there before it's gone... (unless I beat you to to it!) ;) ← I found it I found it! THANK YOU littlechinagirl!!! I went to the Yes market on Connecticut (conveniently right down the street from work) and bought three huge containers. And I will be back soon for more, if yall don't get it first . thanks again

Last wednesday, began with Derek's wine suggestion: 2001 Marc Tempe Gewurtztraminer: (sip) Yum! House cured salmon with celeriac remoulade: (bite) ooh (bite) yum. Wine with the cured salmon: (bite) (sip) Ohmygod yummmmm. Fried oysters: (bite) yum, yum, yum. Apple bread pudding with cider-black pepper-caramel sauce and creme fraiche: (bite) Oh. my. god. in. heaven. (pause) (savor) (bite) ummmmm. (bite) oh yes. (bite) unngh. bread pudding with the 2003 Saint Superey Moscato: (bite) (sip) oh, yes. (bite) ohhh yes. (sip) unghnnngh. This bread pudding is pornographic.

Ok, question: I live right at the top of Meridian Hill Park, aka Malcolm X Park, and used to buy greek yogurt at Fresh Fields on P. Oh, delicious greek yogurt, especially with roasted bananas, granola or toasted nuts, and honey. :mmmmm: anyway.. horror of horrors, they no longer carry it! it disappeared with no warning! And they say its not coming back. I know Steve Klc says that Wegmans has it, but does anyone know of any grocery stores in the District that carry greek yogurt? I used Total, and I like it, but I'm open. Oh, also, any independent or hidden-away markets in the Columbia Heights/U St/ Logan Circle/ Mount Pleasant/ Dupont / Shaw/ Adams Morgan areas that you guys know to be interesting or particularly good? thanks... And after reading this thread for a while, I must say I don't hate Fresh Fields/ Whole Foods so much. I grew up with Wegman's in Buffalo, NY, (man I didn't realize how lucky I was at the time), but for my first four years in DC, I dealt with the Foggy Bottom Safeway. Mark's Geriatric Safeway. (How are you enjoying your nonexistent produce dept?) Whole Foods is definitely too expensive, but we do live in DC, one of the more expensive cities in this country. I went to Harris Teeter a couple of times, but I ended up spending almost as much money as Whole Foods. WF is no Wegman's, or even Tops, but I think the positives outweigh the negatives by far: a pretty decent cheese selection (even though half is wrapped in plastic); the produce is always fresh and plentiful; I can find things there - like mulling spices - that I can't find anywhere else nearby; the fish and meats are pretty good quality; fresh baked breads; wonderful cherry pies; Jamba Juice; they even have good greeting cards (!); and, while not as good as a wine shop, they certainly have a better beer & wine selection than any other grocery store I've been to (they carry many of the lower-end wines from the wine lists of the tony restaurants in which I've worked). I think of it this way - I can either get basic stuff at Safeway for a reasonable price, or I can choose to pay a shitload and get yuppie food. If only we lived in a place where local butcher's, bakers and cheese shops thrived - but those would probably be expensive, too. So I will wait until Wegman's opens within 10 miles of me :sigh: Anyway - greek yogurt?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Malawry!

I loooove their salad du marche au chevre chaud - it's a very simple salad with goat cheese toasts. But I get it carryout after work all of the time, and haven't acutally eaten there in a while, so I wouldn't know about the service. However, the bartender always recognizes me and gives me extra dressing for my salad because he knows I've asked for it in the past. Like eunny jang, I go because it's open late, and its one of the lesser evils of the late-night options . Last year, I did go for Sunday brunch with about ten other people for a friend's birthday and the service was atrocious. Come to think of it, the food (I had Oeufs Norwegian) kinda sucked, too. I recommend the salad du marche au chevre chaud and the chocolate mousse only. By the way, in searching online about Eggs Norwegian, i found this site: www.brunch.org Um, strange, and funny, and curious. Very curious.

Derek - i'm sad to see you go... i'll miss you, your ever-hilarious witticisms, and your hordes of groupies standing six-deep at the bar And thanks, as always, to Kelli - a wonderful GM who balances all the spinning plates behind the scenes, while making it appear effortless.

Ooh, yeah - I forgot about Booeymonger. I stick to the one in G'town, and as much as I'd like to branch out, I always get the Miami Burger. Great lox. Back to the Minister's original sandwich: My favorite sandwiches from the Italian store are the Roma and the Napoli, but I trade the capacola (yeah, "gabagool" is how my half-Italian boyfriend says it, too) for pepperoni. "I heart the Italian Store."

I finally went to the new Amsterdan Falafel Shop, here 's my report: The falafel were the best I've had in DC, though the street carts in Jersusalem had better, and my man claims that Greenwich Village has better, too (actually, he claims the Village has the best falafel he's ever eaten.) The falafel itself was crispy on the outside and not dry at all on the inside. I like the toppings bar thing, especially because they have Israeli salad (the cukes and tomato), hummus AND tahini, and pickled cabbage. The french fries were good, too -- salty, crisp, hot. Not quite as good as some places in Amsterdam but close enough. The shop has Dutch mayo - and it looks like actual Dutch mayo but is much too sweet. I think there might have been another condiment option (besides ketchup) but I forget. The half-size falafel, fries and large soda cost about $10, which I think is a little high for just fries and falafel (essentially, fast-food,) but I understand that the shop is new and has start-up costs, etc -- and it was definitely worth it. The portions were also fairly large. I think they should offer a small size for the fries, for someone who doesn't want such a large portion. However, my boyfriend though the size was perfect. The shop was A Clean, Well-Lighted Place, with outdoor seating options on 18th St. The decor was cool, too - very simply done, kind of DIY. It was definitely Dutch-inspired, with the huge tulip painted on the wall. I like the exposed brick and the painting technique on the other wall as well. It looked like someone put personal care and time into it. I was there on Sunday night at around 8:30, and it was quiet but with a fairly steady stream of people coming and going. The (very, very friendly) guy at the counter said that they'd been really busy the previous couple of nights - and it is the best option for food if you're drunk at 2 am. (they stay open til 2:30, i think) Anyway, overall: A-. If they just make the mayo edible, (and maybe give a smaller fries option), they'd get an A. But I will surely be back - especially because its so close by - when I want a quick, ample and tasty meal.

I love the Razzle Dazzle Roast Beef - roast beef with boursin cheese and alfalfa sprouts - I get it on toasted wheat bread. mmmm. Tho I've only had it at the Foggy Bottom location. I also like Mr. Lee's BLT from Jonathan's Gourmet at 21st & L - first, they grill wheat bread with cheddar, then when the cheese is melted they add bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado and cilantro mayo. Though sloppy and greasy, its my favorite grilled cheese/BLT ever. There used to be this sandwich place in San Luis Obispo called "The Art of Sandwich" - they made THE BEST sandwiches I've ever had -- ever ever. Has anyone else been there? When I was in SLO town last year, i couldn't find it. I think it closed. But I got many ideas for sandwiches there, and I give them credit for turning me into a Master Sandwich Maker. Someday, when I open my sandwich shop (attached to my teahouse and community-focused bookstore) (and next to my pipe-dream factory) you will all choose my sandwiches as your favorites. yes you will. I love a good sandwich - but I haven't found that many great ones in DC. Breadline is good, but I've had some disappointments there, too. I will go back to try the fish fry. Where else do you find consistently good sandwiches? Edited to add: Tonight, someone told me that the bakery on Mount Pleasant Street has great egg sandwiches - I'll try one and report back soon.

Thanks for the info. I am definitely interested in Rice but I have a couple questions first - is it your favorite thai place in the city? The prices seem a bit higher than other thai restaurants, but it also seems trendier (which would explain that). Do you think the food is better than other thai places? What do you usually order? I can't tell which direction I should take at Rice - the "Rice Specialties," the "Authentic Thai" or the "Healthy Green?" I'd like to try their food but I'd love some guidance from someone who knows his/her way around. What dishes do you like the best? thanks....

I love the Tabard Inn near Dupont Circle for Sunday brunch. There is a cute brick-walled garden for outdoor dining if it's nice out (link goes to photos). Inside, since it's an old inn, there are always new rooms i'm discovering to dine in, and little rooms for relaxing after brunch with a newspaper or something (which they have at the front desk.) It feels like a cozy place with lots of nooks and crannies. The food is delicious - and the donuts are especially good to share as a starter. The brunch menu is online, too - however, the menu does change so i don't know if the menu on the site is different form the current one. I always bring my parents, grandparents and friends from out of town to the Tabard Inn for brunch and everyone loves it. Not to mention the staff is knowledgeable, warm and friendly to boot, and its reasonably priced. I'd recommend a reservation - i think they get full, but you could probably call the day before and be okay. But call, b/c maybe I'm wrong. I know they're open for dinner, too, but i've only been for brunch. oooh, thinking about the Tabard Inn this makes me want to go this Sunday, too... Edited to add: I realize it sounds like i work for them. I promise, i don't . I just love it there - as much for setting and ambience as for food.

Yeah, I remember growing up in Buffalo, where the dining options were slim to none (but have since gottten much better! ). However, Fuddruckers had a fine bacon burger, to which you could add cheese yourself from the nacho cheese dispenser (instead of ordering the bacon cheeseburger, with just a slice of plasticky-cheese). I've been to the Fuddruckers here in DC, and it ain't so hot. Exactly. What about good burgers? Foggy Bottom is kind of limited as far as food, too, but Lindy's has the Bluebeard -- a burger with blue cheese -- and its pretty tasty. Especially with cheese fries. Are you sensing a theme yet? (Hint: cheeeeeeese makes everything better. :yum:) Edited to add: I guess this post is off-topic, since we are supposed to be talking about bad burgers, not good ones . So I'll say the worst was probably at Johnny Rockets. But they do have good shakes, which, along with cheese fries, is a necessity with a cheap burger or hot dog (i.e. the opposite of the kind you get at Palena.)

I'm planning on going next Sunday, i think. I just wanted to check prices, wine list, menu, etc. I think seeing the website gives one an idea of the vision of the restauranteur and/or chef. However, reading this thread gives the same result I'll probably be there next week, if I can make definite enough plans to make a reservation...and now I know to try a half-portion of squid. thanks..

I've been searching for a website for Ray's and I can't find anything - does a website exist, and if so, do any of you have it? Thanks!

Actually, I didn't really love Saigonnais. I used to work in Adams Morgan so I got well acquainted with its restaurants. I found Saigonnais fairly typical, uninteresting and, to be blunt, not so hot. But maybe I should give it another shot - perhaps it's improved. Acutally, brunch at the Four Seasons (a big departure from my normal dining life) was at 1:00 and we didn't leave until 4:00 . By the time we were ready to eat again, most restaurants were closed. So dinner tonight was just some butternut squash tortelloni made at home. Next week, though, I think we'll check out Ray's the Steaks. If we can't get a reservation (or our plans too indefinite to make a res) we will probably check out the back porch at 2 Amy's (thanks for the tip ) I would loooove to go to Straits, Rice or Sushi-Ko - or any of your other asian cuisine suggestions - but my man works at a (delicious) Asian Fusion restaurant 6 nights a week, and is fed from the menu, so its hard to convince him to get any kind of asian food with me on his night off. Eventually, though, eventually. Maybe if I have a night off this week other than Sunday I'll go to Straits sans boyfriend. Where did you all eat on Sunday? PS - keep the suggestions coming - i'm taking careful notes

At the last minute last night, I was able to go to Nectar for a (supposed to be) light, late-night dinner... words can't describe.... First, the pumpkin soup with crispy sweetbreads and greek yogurt - and they've added an apple chutney this time around. A delicious inclusion - the apples added a crisp texture contrast, and a delightful burst of sour and sweetness. This dish tastes like autumn and makes me giddy like a little girl - sous-chef Alex Lo makes absolutely exquisite soups. Drank the Schumann-Nagler Dry sparkling wine. This is always one of my favorites - a great dry sparkling wine with the right balance of fruit. Then the scallops with haricots verts, yellow wax beans, sugar snap peas (?), chorizo, pistachios and a sauce of curry spices. I've had this dish a thousand times - even once, drunk, at 4 am - but this time might have been the best ever. Seared perfectly crispy on one side, the inside tender and succulent. (Still drinking Schumann Nagler - what can I say, I'm a lightweight.) Then a (massive) cheese plate - I don't remember all the names - an aged goat, the Pierre Roberts triple cream, a blue that I didn't taste, and a stinky cheese (help me out eatdrinkummm, what was it?) Switched to the Brundlmayer Gruner Veltliner. MMMMMMMM. (Didn't make notes, so that's all I remember :grin:) Finally, for dessert, the vanilla spiced creme brulee served with armanac-soaked prunes. I don't care for armanac and I don't care for prunes but I decidedly care for these. Drank the Banfi Regale red sparkling dessert wine, with hints of raspberries, and not cloying at all. And two little things, that make everything that much better - 1) Every wine being available by the glass allows one to try a wine without making a larger committment ,and enables me to drink interesting wine (considering a lot of restaruants typically offer only the Usual Suspects by the glass - chardonnay, merlot, cab - and the more interesting options are typically only offered by the bottle); and 2) the butter for our bread was softened. such a little thing, but the little things often make a subtle difference. Only one request - please bring back the Marcel Deiss Gewurtztraminer! Everything was fantastic and I wish I got to dine there more often. Thanks to all of the Nectar boys for making the place what it is - heavenly.

I;ve only eaten at Spices once, but I've had its delivery many many times. It's okay, but not thrilling. Have you all found that the food is better if you eat in, rather than take out? Also, I haven't heard much about Bourbon (food-wise) or Rice, but I'm interested. Any comments? After reading the Straits thread, I'm interested in checking it out, too. So now its between 2 Amy's, Straits of Malaysia, Ray's or Bardeo. Which one to try first?! And that's if we even go out to dinner, since we're being taken to the Four Seasons tomorrow for brunch (for the first time) woohoo! I know its off-topic, but any suggestions on what to order? PS. as far as Sunday night suggestions, don't worry so much about the metro thing, if its in the distrct. IMy scooter gets me anywhere, as long as the highway isn't involved Thanks!