monavano

You could put an Italian spin on it with Parm Reg and Asiago added to the cheese sauce. Mix in some rendered pancetta (with some dripping, of course!) and diced San Marzano tomatoes. Top with Italian bread crumbs, shredded mozzerella and grated parm towards the end of baking, and broil it until browned and bubbly.

I checked out the Rick's website and there is no mention of his pending ouster from RTM. I'm glad to hear there is a growing groundswell of support with organized events and media coverage. Hopefully it will lead to the story being picked up in markets outside the city and add to the cause to keep Rick. Has anyone thought of taking the petition to the internet?

A Philly native and frequent RTM vistor here. What's the status of the petition mentioned upthread? Any chance in heck that Rick's will stay?. I'm with Holly here. I think it's terribly unfair to the other merchants. I've had Rick's steaks and had no objection to them. I think he's being treated dispicably. Thanks for any updates.

Sour cherries have been fantastic here in N. Virginia/DC. Yesterday at my local farmers market, I got 4 quarts at $3 each (1 for $4, 2 for $6). So far I'm making things like cherry crisp, and pork with a port cherry reduction sauce.

Thank you!! I'll be heading over today. A few stands at the Dupont market had peaches. None knocked my socks off. I'm willing to wait a week or two for the good stuff. Same with the tomatoes. ← I thought it was a bit too early for peaches too. And hot house tomatoes? I can buy those at Safeway for far less. Actually I buy campari tomatoes at Costco until I (hopefully, fingers crossed) can pick mine off the vine. In fact, my nearby Safeway has been stocking a small amount of hierlooms. Very good. Go figure. When I was standing at Tiogo on Sunday, waiting to ask them the price of the sour cherries, a woman turns around to her husband holding up a plastic bag and with a look of total dismay says " I just spent $5!!". Two tomatoes and a cuke. It was precious. I'm beginning to think of myself as a veteran of the markets, but remember back when I would just buy anything and think the EVERYTHING at the market is better. The key is: seasonal, seasonal and seasonal! Sour cherries are going into a crisp for my guests tommorow. 4th of July with local cherries! Now THAT'S what it's all about.

Twin Springs Fruit Farm is in Bethesda on Tuesday. Here's thier schedule: http://www.twinspringsfruitfarm.com/market_sch.html

I got sour cherries from Twin Springs Fruit Farm this morning. They were $4/qt., 2@ $7.50. Tiogo had them out when we were there after 11, although thier sign only read Sweet Cherries and Queen Anne's for $7/qt.. So, I asked how much thier sour cherries were, and they were also $7/qt. A full $3 more than across the way. Also at Twin Berry I got garlic scapes (and now will wade through posts to see how best to use them) and apricots (a bit mealy). Keswick Creamery Cheddar.

I was thinking along the lines of oil as well, since it's fat essentially. My thought is what works for a burning mouth might work for burning hands. Surprised that milk didn't work. Ice cream?

I have to agree, as a non native Virginian. I realize that it is a point of regional pride fueled by tradition and memories. As long as the crab is lump, has nice seasoning and little filler is used, it's a good crabcake. How hard is it, really? Moreover, what I do not get is the $16-$18 price tags. The most memorable crabcakes I had recently was when visiting back in Philadelphia, at local seafood restaurant. Two big panko crusted cakes, with two sides and a salad for $17 bucks. Same sentiments go for crab. A crab boiled with the usual seasoning. How different can they be if, given that they are all Chesapeake? I dunno, maybe I'm not enlightened. And, I can say, being a Philly native, I just don't get into any discussions about cheesesteaks and who has the best, provolone, cheesewhiz.I mean, whatever makes you happy, slap it on. I love them. Ate them all my life. But please, it's meat and cheese on a roll. You know who makes the best? Me. Because I stuff that sucker and pile on the provolone with just the right splash of marinara sauce. So there....

You're very welcome! I wanted to add a few new places that have opened recently, and are French. Michel Richard Central Brasserie Beck Cafe du Parc in the Willard Hotel All putting out fantastic bistro food at prices less than thier more upscale siblings. And other lists that really scores big with me: Cheap Eats and Dirt Cheap Eats http://www.washingtonian.com/restaurantreviews/3/index.html http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/restaurants/1984.html

The Washington Post Dining Guide by food critic Tom Sietsema: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/artsa...uide/index.html The Washingtonian's 100 Best Restaurants by food critic Todd Kliman: http://www.washingtonian.com/restaurantreviews/2/index.html Tom holds a chat on www.washingtonpost.com Wednesdays at 11 am. Todd holds a chat/chog on www.washingtonian.com Tuesdays at 11 am. The aforementioned will put your finger on the pulse.....

Thanks to Rich Pawlak for posting this article, on the DC board, regarding the devastating fire at DC's Eastern Market 3 weeks ago. All donations to Philbert at RTM during the month of May will go to support the displaced vendors from Eastern Market. Being from Philadelphia, I adore RTM and can't imagine it gone. Although Eastern Market is far smaller, it's community ties are just as strong and the community in the DC area is rallying to support the vendors during this time. A transitional structure across the street will begin being built on Monday, just 3 weeks after the fire. The market will be rebuilt. Thanks for your support.

Braises need only to be slowly brought up to temp on the stovetop and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. It WILL taste better.

Logically there should be no difference in the tomatoes. But emotionally, I can't help but worry about my luscious love apples. Tree and Leaf have been regulars at the Mt. Pleasant market for three years now (as were Wheatland) and a couple of markets in Virginia; I believe yesterday was their first-ever appearance at Dupont. ← Thanks! I will sure give thier tomaters a try later in the season. Folks were welcoming them to the market yesterday, which was very nice. Hopefully (fingers crossed) I will be able to grow some tomato plants which yield non rot blossomed duds. Last year was a total bust, and I had to rely on the markets. And, is it just me, or were the hierloom tomatoes (from Tiogo) last year just meh??

Tiogo's tomatoes were not bad yesterday at Dupont. The flavors were not as developed as they are later in the season, but they did taste of tomatoes. I bought a huge bunch of watercress from Tree and Leaf yesterday and agree about the hippie factor. I was under the impression that they were new to the market. Question: if they work Wheatland's fields, why would the tomatoes not be as good? Am I confused here? eta: I am becomming a big fan of Keswick Creamery cheeses. I love the cheddar and yesterday I bought Calvertly (sp?) and something called Quark. I just had to try it reading that funny name, but apparently it's German cream cheese. Flavor-wise it is a bit more tangy than you're Philadelphia brand. Very good. I think the savory flavor will go very well with a berry jam. Watercress salad with just picked asparagus and a warm vinagrette for dinner tonight.

It just recently occured to me that when most folks do the "professional" cutting, they do the vertical cut followed by the horizontal prior to dicing. I've always done the cutting a la Tyler Florence, which is horizontal, then vertical, then dice. As he puts it "Planks, sticks and cubes" I tried the former method a couple times and no wonder you give it up. It is far less stable. With a sharp knife, I find the latter method to work very well, especially when I'm aiming for fine, uniform dice. In addition to a sharp knife, holding firm downward pressure with a flat palm while doing the horizontal "Planks" adds to stability. ymmv.

I wanted to post this threat to inform out of towners about the fire that almost took down our beloved Eastern Market. It is still standing, but it is gutted. I am from Philadlephia (and love Reading Terminal), and have grown to love my visits to the Hill on Sat. mornings. What with Murky Coffee and some bluebucks/crabcake benedict at Market Lunch, how could it NOT be a good day? I will have to find another butcher from whom to buy my flat irons and hangar steaks, another cheese vendor and another REAL DC place for breakfast. I hope that the vendors will have a temporary home while the market is rebuilt. In case you're visiting, I can't tell you when or where to expect to see the vendors yet. But, hopefull this thread will be updated with information about the re-birth of the Eastern Market. http://www.nbc4.com/news/13219919/detail.html http://www.nbc4.com/news/13219919/detail.html

I'm really sad to say that last night there was a major fire at Easton Market. Major. So far, reports say that it can be saved, but all the vendors, inside and out, have lost thier businesses for the forseeable future. How sad.

Well, I think it's great you've got the right spirit and are ready to adventure a bit! So, I think Capitol Hill/Eastern Market would be a fun place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Market Lunch at Eastern Market is known 'round town and well beyond for thier "bluebucks"; blueberry buckwheat pancakes, and crabcake sandwiches. If you love blueberry pancakes, and want to combine that with an authentic DC experience, you might enjoy eating at the communal table inside, or enjoy the day on a picnic table outdoors. I've met folks from all over while waiting in line! Breakfast/Lunch is Tues-Sat, and is very, very popular on Sats. Get there early, around 8 when they just open to avoid about a 30 min. wait. It's worth it tho Up the block are Monmartre, a French Bistro and Murky Coffee, perhaps the best barristas in the city and Sonoma, a wonderful wine bar and restaurant which serves up great charcutrie, grilled meats, pastas and other small plates. This a little further away, but not far. Since you're on the Red Line of the Metro, it is a short ride to the zoo area of Cleveland Park. There you have Dino for Italian which is priced right and is very popular, and the Cafe at Palena. Palena's burger is among the most touted if not deemed the best by most. ETA: Restaurant Kolumbia has a $9 weekday lunch in the bar/lounge too! Accessable from both the Farragut stations too.

I loved this movie too. I think the actors really became thier characters. Good for you!

Yes! Good for you!

Here's two new ones, I hope *Jerk food and sushi* *Cracker sandwiches*

Here's a calendar of events at the FreshFarm Markets, including Dupont. Coincidentally, the chefs this Sunday are from Firefly. The market should be bustling, given the nice weather predicted. http://www.freshfarmmarkets.org/calendar.php?mon=4&year=2007

Good to know on the bagels - I'm sure they were recommended to me because we do have such crappy ones here in Seattle. I've had great ones in NYC so I won't go out of my way searching for them in DC. I understand that Seattle and DC are the two places in the US to sample ethiopian - so I think I'm good to go in that department. I love the idea of the farmers market! We'll definitely taka a stroll through there on Sunday. Please tell me I won't have to grab coffee from a Starbucks though ← I know, Starbucks! Iwish I could guide you to a fantastic nearby barrista, but I know of none. There is a Starbucks literally steps from the market and another about 1 or so blocks down the street. So, the convenience of having a really hot cup of joe makes up for the ubiquitous and over-priced commodity!

Bagels are not something DC is known for. Correct coast, but a bit too far south. New York/New Jersey have the best, so I recommend you nix that from your "to find" list. Ethiopian on the other hand, is where DC shines and should be enjoyed while your here. I'm sure if you're intersted, you can get great recommendations. I have an interesting and different idea for breakfast: Dupont Farmers Market on Sunday morning. The market is fun and lively and has wonderful vendors who bring thier own products, not cartons of fruit and such from Costco. These are commited folks with quality products. I like to grab a Starbucks coffee (on the Circle) and graze through the market. In particular, Bonaparte Bakery has amazing croissants both sweet and savory, as well as bread and pasteries. Or, perhaps, grab a baguette from a vendor and local artisinal cheeses chosen after you've sampled . Yes, good samples at many stalls. That will give you a wonderful sense of experience of what we DelMarVa foodies do. Additionally, many Sundays there is a local chef or restaurant doing a demonstration and sharing with the crowd. http://www.freshfarmmarkets.org/markets/dupont_circle.html