oliveDC

Hmm, "wiftiness" makes no appearance in good ol' Webster's. And only 33 hits on Google. But I sure like the sound of Jackie's "braised pork shoulder set atop a pool of delectable collard gravy, made by emulsifying the greens in chicken stock and tomato."

Can anyone tell me about brunch at Firefly? It's one of my favorites for dinner and I need a place to take the in-laws this weekend... Thanks in advance.

The same thing happened to me at lunch the other day. We were asked to sit in the bar when I could see at least six empty tables. I figured maybe there weren't enough waiters to handle full sections at lunch or maybe the tables were reserved. Either way, we sat in the bar area while the tables stayed empty, which was fine except that the bar tables are tiny and we kept running out of space as our tapas came out. I'll head to the actual bar next time that happens so I can have a little more room. It's daunting to think about what it must be like to juggle tables and reservations at a place the size of Zaytinya. I wish they took reservations at night (I'd go much more often) but I guess they have reasons for their policies.

I think I was there the same night, Al. Everyone in my group was extremely impressed -- thumbs up all around the table. We started with mussels (curry cream) and fries. The fries were fantastic -- very well done and crunchy which is how I like em (maybe too well done for some). Steak was a hit as was the rabbit stew and veal sweetbreads. The presentation was amazing (how bout those wavy plates?), and our server was on top of everything the whole night despite the place being packed to the gills. We even tried the asparagus fritters and ice cream, which was surprisingly tasty though I'm not sure I'd want to eat it every night. Overall, I thought the place seemed to be running really smooth for being only 2 weeks old. The chef is obviously a pro.

I could not be more excited about having a quality takeout spot opening around the corner. The menu looks great. Do you know if they deliver? I'm wondering if this venture is the reason Rice stopped delivering. Makes sense I guess. Now if only the Rice owner could buy up all the Yum's carryouts...

I really like Coppi's food but I have to say that I've put myself on a strictly takeout basis there after having horrible service over and over again. Sure there's been the occasional exception with a half-decent waiter, but the bad nights have been often enough to discourage me from going, much less bringing unsuspecting friends along. Slow nights, we've had to get up to find a waitress to ask for water or another drink, and wave them down (I hate being reduced to that) when we're ready to go. Busy nights, we've patiently waited after being seated for some waiter to notice we are eagerly looking around, ready to be waited on. Upon being asked if someone could find our waiter, servers have relplied, "we all wait on the tables." So why is no one waiting on us?!? It's like the bystander effect at its worst. But none of that can even compare to what goes on next door at Utopia...but alas, I digress...

Same owners, same chef, new name and concept. They're sprucing up the dining room and reopening in two weeks. The phone message says Keith and Mark (owners/chef) thank you for your patronage and look forward to serving you in the future. I'll be interested to see the new menu and hear the new name. And I'm glad these guys are still running the operation as I think they're some of the more genuinely hospitable people in the business. I always looked forward to a nice chat with Keith while sampling wines and waiting for a table. (Hope they keep the wine sampling thing going!)

Was that the bartender from Palena working the floor at Firefly this weekend? edited: I guess that's the Derek Brown in the name of this thread??

I hear Kuna's just getting spruced up on the interior and maybe moving away from farmhouse Italian to French cuisine (?) but I'm pretty sure it's the same owners and chef. Regardless, it makes me a little sad as we ate there all the time being just around the corner, and I loved the dark brown walls and simple, hearty food. The place was always packed on weekends so I'm not sure this was financially motivated, though I have a feeling menu prices will have increased when they reopen. I ate at Ella's once shortly after they opened (maybe too soon) and the pizza crust was pale and doughy and the sauce tasted like Ragu. I know people raved once they got the kinks worked out but I could never bring myself to go back.

I usually preheat the pan before cooking. This weekend I heated it up for about five minutes over medium heat, cooked some bacon, and later on wiped out the bacon grease and stuck the pan in the oven for an hour at about 350. I was overjoyed to see it looking blacker when it came out, so maybe I just need to persevere, fry some potatoes and watch the black dots connect.

Help! After reading this entire thread, I'm still confused as to where me and my cast iron pan stand. Here's my deal: Got a brand spanking new (silver gray in color) Lodge pan and followed the seasoning instructions (I think I coated with Crisco and baked in the oven for a few hours at 400). It didn't look any different (ie. black), but I started cooking in it. My most common use is to fry bacon or sausage, mainly greasy stuff. I never use soap and usually just wipe it out with veg. oil. I even repeated the Crisco/bake thing once more. So here I am about a year later with a pan that is black in some spots, still gray in others and nowhere near nonstick. Should it be that shiny black slick surface I so covet by now? Or I am just not there yet? Worse still, did I screw up at some point? Should I bail and get an old one from a flea market? Cast iron gurus, please try to diagnose my problem (or lack therof?). Many thanks.

My favorite chorizo dish combines the sausage with clams and couldn't be easier: Heat some olive oil in a pot, toss in some garlic, and cook chorizo. Add stewed tomatoes, simmer for 15 minutes, then toss clams on top, cover and cook for 9-10 minutes until clams start popping open. Serve in a big bowl with crusty bread to sop up the deliciously spicy/salty juices, or serve over pasta or another starch in you want more substance. It tastes like ocean meets country farm. Proportions can be adjusted for more clams:chorizo, or vice versa, whatever you want more of. This came from Gourmet's "Five Ingredients" book, thus it only has five ingredients.

I've had the same unfortunate "grilled" onion experience, and it only took one time to make me never ask for that topping again. oh well...still love those cajun fries.

Can anyone confirm that all 35 of those beers are on draft or is that a website oversight? I assume some would be bottles, but 35 on draft would be quite impressive.

Congrats! So glad it went well and she said yes.

Hmm, according to the Post's Weekly Dish, he's got a lady friend already. Oh well. Maybe the chocolate and waffle centered brunches will be enough.

Any thoughts out there on the Kennedyville Inn? My dad raved about it recently and convinced me it was worth a trip if I'm over the bridge. Raves? Rants?

I can't wait to see all the irate posts on Tom's Monday chat from people complaining that their favorite didn't make it on the list even though they didn't bother to read the intro. *sigh* I was surprised to see Two Amy's with three stars. That might be the most casual place he's ever bestowed the honor on... which I like because casual spots are the easiest to make "favorites." But if Two Amy's gets three, why not Firefly?

Mmm, Belgian beer and mussels and fries with mayonnaise. Sounds awfully promising. I'm guessing with the chef's background and a good looking restaurant (I peeked in), the place will be packed. Anyone know a more specific opening date?

Skip Nora. It's not vegetarian, just certified organic. And usually the only vegetarian entree is some risotto of sorts. And that's it -- only one veggie choice, which may have your soon-to-be fiancee feeling limited. They have a vegetarian tasting menu, but again, you don't have anything to choose from. Tosca might work better considering they have lots of pasta choices without meat. I ditto the idea of calling ahead to see what the restaurant can do for you.

An edit on a previous post of mine. Found out tonight Rice stopped delivering. Waaahhh! Oh well. It was fun while it lasted.

Given it's Sunday night, you're probably (hopefully) enjoying a meal at one of your aforementioned options. So what did you pick? Just wanted to throw my two cents in for 2 Amy's: go before it's too cold to sit out on the quaint little patio in the back. The bright lights in the front are almost unbearable, so I think the porch is one of the best seats in the house. A seat in the back works too. I'm a big fan of Ricetoo. Here's the Post review.

My most favorite recent discovery is that Rice delivers! (And man, can they be fast--and super nice. The delivery guy always bows practically to the ground and announces "Cokes on the house!" It's great.) Sounds like you might live nearby (Rice is at 14th and Q), and if you haven't already been, I highly recommend it. Entree prices are about $12-$14. So this would meet your Sunday night needs whether you change out of your PJs or not. (I'm not sure what their delivery area is...)

I'll chip in my two cents even though you could eat like royalty with all the suggestions already offered: Two Amy's off Wisconsin would be a well worth it and very short cab ride for dinner from the Omni. Very casual and excellent pizza. For a mall sightseeing alternative: In Chinatown (and surrounding blocks), the teens would probably like the Int'l Spy Museum and lunch at Matchbox for tasty mini-burgers and more pizza. For a deli option, So's Your Mom on Columbia Road (near the 18th St intersection) makes great sandwiches to go. Hope you have a great time!

I'll be returning for a second trip to New Orleans in October and was wondering if a few locals could weigh in on some of the so called "hot" spots I have on my restaurant hit list. (I love making restaurant lists almost as much as taking the actual trip!) I ate at Herbsaint last time around and loved it. (That brown butter banana tart may just bring me back for seconds.) Also enjoyed Uglesich's, and a muffaletta from Central grocery last time. Ok, here's what I'm looking at: For dinner - Bayona, Lilette, La Petite Grocery, Restaurant August, Feelings Cafe and Peristyle. (I saw Peristyle was sold and posters seemed sad. Is it still worth a trip?) For lunch - Napoleon House, Casamentos. For brunch - Elizabeth's, Morning Call. And where exactly is Morning Call? Is it cab accessible from the Quarter? Many thanks in advance for any feedback.