oliveDC

Perhaps it was so the tea would keep longer? When I worked at a diner in Chapel Hill, we'd brew a batch of sweet and unsweet in the morning. Then at closing, we'd have to sweeten the unsweet to keep it for the next day. I'm not really sure why we did it, but maybe the sugar preserves it? Or is that just crazy talk?

If you can make it down just south of Oistins try the restaurant at Little Arches. We stayed there last winter and I thought the food was some of the best we had. From my previous post in this thread: Cafe Luna (on the roof of Little Arches) proved to be a great food spot though it's currently closed to the public (something about liquor license problems). They bring in Caribbean lobster on Saturday night and serve it either grilled with herbs and butter (my choice), Chinese style in a sauce (my hub's choice) or as thermidor. They also did a very nice tuna tartar with capers and great smoked marlin. Also ate at Josef's (which I suspect is a tourist trap we fell into) and South Seas which was much better, both in St. Lawrence Gap.

I posted about it here (with pictures) and here, but alas, I was only speculating about the Peruvian part. Would make sense though. I'd love to know who's behind it. Looks like a big space.

Must give credit where credit is due. Sandra Lee matches her outfit AND kitchen decor to each show's theme. What a woman...

With our own restaurant week returning the first week in August, I was surprised to read in today's NYT Dining Out section that restaurants actually pay $2,500 to be included and that they are selected by a panel. It always seemed to me like DC restaurants were "happy" to participate but secretly curse it under their breath. Do DC restaurants have to pay and/or be selected? Or is it more of a free for all? I guess it's great publicity even if your staff is miserable.

I'm mentioning this even though I've heard mixed things about the 'cue because the place has table cloths and is metro accessible: Riedel's Now if I were the date in question, I'd consider an act of confidence for someone to take me to a divey spot. So I'm seconding V.H.'s suggestion for a meal at Capital Q with cocktails, dessert, etc at one of the more upscale spots. Hell, with the money he saves eating at Cap Q, he might be able to buy his date one of those $15 drinks at Oya.

Wow, you hit the nail on the head! The giant fringed lampshade that was low enough to bump my dining companion's head was definitely a distraction. But back to Corduroy - I finally went for the first time last week and I was expecting a brightly lit, gray-upholstered, airport lounge monstrosity from all I've heard, so I was actually pleasantly surprised. Nice lighting, a few glass vases here and there, and you have to give them credit for frosting the glass so you can't see the Sheraton gym. The scallops and the chocolate sabayon were phenomenal, as reported here.

I'm embarassed to say I've seen a Sandra Lee cookbook (my mother-in-law's, not mine!) and it reads just like that: 1 package fettuccine, De Cecco® 1 1/2 sticks butter, Land O’Lakes® 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Kraft® scary...

At a recent brunch at 15 ria, we had a basket of nicely sweetened cornbread that was crunchy on top and crumbly in the middle...very good. You can also order a basket of sticky buns, scones, muffins, etc. Also enjoyed the banana french toast. Even though they'll be looking for a new chef, I imagine the menu will stay the same for a while.

... Matchbox, Poste, Kanlaya, Ella's, IndeBleu... But back to Oya. The place is quite a looker. Fire in the walls, water running down the walls, white leather everywhere.... Can't wait for some preliminary reports from the field on the food. Press release mentions braised short ribs with vanilla pear puree, and grilled green curry lobster. Press release fails to mention $30 price tags.

I've been meaning to check out Levi's (as a former North Carolinian missing NC bbq) but haven't made it down there. Anyone know anything about their Oxon Hill operation? Their Web site.

I ate there shortly after it first opened...and like previous posts, I can't seem to remember what I ate. Maybe a sausage tapas, some grilled shrimp. It was fine, but I never thought about it again, and would definitely never seek it out. Just overall unmemorable. Not to sound "snobbish" but the upstairs lounge was decked out in Ikea furnishings. How did I know? I'd been to Ikea about a month before. So Jenny, did you end up going? Any reports?

I would agree with the previous sentiments on Citronelle. It's definitely on a different level than Palena or CityZen. That said, if you can't get a reservation, your future in-laws would probably greatly enjoy both CityZen and Palena. If you end up at CityZen, ask for a table near the kitchen or in the nook with all the wines (for lack of a better description). It's a little warmer feeling than the rest of the dining room. Good luck!

Regarding ethnic lunches: Jaleo may work for an easy lunch off the Mall, though depending on the crowds it may not be quick. Teaism would also be a good option for a quick lunch after sightseeing. And though I haven't been yet, I've heard that the new American Indian Museum's state-of-the-art cafeteria has some good options, reflecting indigenous American foods. Have a great time.

I think star ratings as we know them in the U.S. are overly simple. There's not enough room to distinguish the nuances of each rated place. I'd vote for a 100 scale, a la sanitation grade. (Not very appetizing I realize.)

Anyone been to Riedel's in Van Ness? I'm curious but haven't gotten a chance to go. I hear they have a mustard-based sauce they call "Carolina" which I find insulting 1) being a North Carolina native and 2) assuming everyone knows the eastern NC vinegar sauce is the best.

Aw, man! What a let down. I loved the pasta with the whole parsley leaves embedded - cool idea. Too bad he never got to cook it. Maybe next time, Roberto.

I went a few weeks ago and I'm shocked that Tom awarded three stars. We called on a Saturday night and were told the first reservation they had was at 9, so we took it. We arrived and there were only a handful of tables in the whole place, which we found weird considering they made it sound like they were practically booked. There were two fish on the menu, rockfish and snapper, prepared three or four ways (all sounded very good). We ordered wine and an antipasti while we decided. It wasn't until the waiter came to take our order that he bothered to inform us that they were out of rockfish. So three of us ordered the snapper, the fourth ordered a meat dish (can't remember what). We're sipping wine, enjoying our antipasti, when about 15 minutes later the waiter returns to tell us they are out of snapper with no real apology. We were all dumbfounded that a place praised for its grilled fish had none on a Saturday night. We quickly chose pasta dishes, which turned out fine, not amazing, but the bad impression was made. Maybe we were there on an bad night, but I think three stars (the class of CityZen, Palena, Cashion's, Two Amy's) is absurd. I'm certainly not rushing back anytime soon. Maybe the fish delivery truck was in an accident...who knows...

Thanks for the tips. We had a fantastic trip (stayed at the tiny Little Arches which was great), and had lunch at Lexie's over among the fish fry stalls, even though we missed Friday night. Fried flying fish and marlin with a little of that tasty yellow hot sauce. Cafe Luna (on the roof of Little Arches) proved to be a great food spot though it's currently closed to the public (something about liquor license problems). They bring in Caribbean lobster on Saturday night and serve it either grilled with herbs and butter (my choice), Chinese style in a sauce (my hub's choice) or as thermidor. They also did a very nice tuna tartar with capers and great smoked marlin. Also ate at Josef's (which I suspect is a tourist trap we fell into) and South Seas which was much better, both in St. Lawrence Gap. Ah, if only I was still munching on a flying fish cutter and drinking rum instead of looking out at the frigid DC day.

The servers at Zaytinya must be instructed to praise choices because they always seem to. I think it's a little annoying myself. Anyone know if that's a common tactic to teach waiters? Sorry you didn't get to eat more! You'll have to come back soon.

Is that the same as the sconces on the wall that look like giant rigatoni? Or did I miss the phalic pieces? I'm a fan of the Holy Basil champagne cocktail, but I tried the saffron 'spaghetti' ice cream and I couldn't get the taste of shrimp paella out of my head.

If you've never been to 18th St. Lounge, you should check it out. If you can make it early in the evening (before 10:30ish), the attitude (and cover) at the door shouldn't be an issue. It's a really cool space, great music, worth seeing, pretentiousness and all. Tweaked's suggestion of Blue Room and Mantis would also make for a fun night. On the food front, Palena and Komi for the tasting menus would be tops on my list. Open Table might be helpful for digging up restaurant menus. Have fun!

I realize this thread is ages old, but I'm headed to Barbados (near Oistins) this weekend, but won't be there Friday night. Anyone out there know if the fish fry goes down on Saturdays, too? Any other culinary adventure tips? Many thanks.

I think the lobster dish is sort of a Jeff Tunks signature and was an original from DC Coast's menu. Ceiba also has a rendition with spiny lobster and crispy callaloo standing in for the spinach. Desserts have always been what impressed me most at TenPenh, and I have to agree with clayrae on those doughnuts!

Wow. Was Bon Appetit your acquaintance's source perhaps? For some reason, I'd be very surprised if they had a legit publicist, but then again how else did they get into Bon Appetit. I do like their rum drinks...