monavano

I think they need to rotate the co hosts on "How to Boil Water". I like Jack, but sweet Jesus, she's hosted how many episodes and she still doesn't know how to boil water? She either has a really flat learning curve or just acts like she hasn't absorbed a ton of information. It's kind of like watching Campbell Brown on the Today show (weekends mostly). She has done a ton of cooking segments with guest chefs and is unable to beat an egg to this day. She actually looks afraid of kitchen utensils.

I watched a special on the opening of Flay's restaurant in Las Vegas. What a difference from the Rocco show. Bobby was so much more professional, and just plain real. Rocco was an absolute ass. And of coure the food looked a hell of a lot better at Flay's place. He's a real talent.

Yes, 1919 has an empty chained off lot. It's a tough business to be in. What a shame, I was looking forward to trying the place.

Just got back from Cape May yesterday. We stayed 3 nights at the Carroll Villa. With room, you get free breakfast at the Mad Batter as well as 30 percent off dinner, which we took advantage of. I had rack of lamb over polenta and a fresh and tasty pear and gorgonzola salad. It was very enjoyable and I'd recommend the restaurant even without the discount. We also visited Martini Beach, which had modestly priced tapas. too bad nothing was tasty. We tried the cheese and olive balls and crab cakes. Again, bland, bland, bland. Don't waste stomach space. We had dinner afterwards at the Island Grill (byob) where I had a creamy gumbo-linguini dish which I enjoyed. Not haute cuisine, but good overall and not as pricey as most. Best dinner was the Gecko Grill. Had PEI mussels in a broth of garlic, onions, diced tomatoes, olives and capers. At 8 bucks it was a deal and delicious too. Dinner includes a southwest inspired salad. I had enchiladas stuffes with crab and cream cheese and my hubby had the duck. The food was great and the service was strained due to over burdend wait staff. There was not enough time to try the Black Duck and Louisa's , but they are next on my list for sure. edited to add that of course we went to the Lobster House for the raw bar. I like the cream of crab soup. We shared some steamed shrimp and clams casino. I just love sitting on the dock. I highly recommend it, as well as a cocktail on the schooner. I wouldn't do a full dinner as it is nothing more than diner food inside. A seafood diner, that is!!

I can attest to both Eve and Murky Coffee serving up the best of the best. I've gone to the Murky Coffee on the hill and enjoyed a latte. The coffee and service at Restaurant Eve "wowed" me. I immediately asked for the source of the coffee so I could order it online. In fact, ever since my first meal at Eve, I have used my coffee press and not my electric coffee maker.

Katie, with all due respect, the Brennens' are utilizing thier position to keep themselves extraordinarily more comfortable than the people wandering on the streets. It's a I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine. Of course they can't feed the masses. Of course cops need sustinence. To ME, not you, to ME it seems self serving. This is my opinion. Shrug.

I too found it quite obnoxious that the Brennens are sitting fat, dumb and happy eating and drinking while people are dying in the streets. As long standing pilars of the community, they certainly come off as selfish. Even using thier status to broker deals with the police. They get showers and the cops get prime rib. That's just wrong.

Our problem, with our old Kitchen Aide built in side by side (see post above) was a problem with the heating coil which keeps the water line in the freezer from well, freezing. Once the line was frozen, it blocked cold air from entering. When we turned off the unit, the line thawed out, allowing cold air to flow back in once the temps were cranked down again. Hope you are up and running soon.

The same type of thing happened with my built in last month. It's got quite a few years on it, so I was hoping against hope that it just needed a part. Indeed it did (thank you Lord! Built ins go for 5 grand and up). It had something to do with condenstation. When I turn off both the fridge and freezer, the units dried of the moist air and viola! when I turned down the thermostats again(for shits and grins) it frickin' worked!! Keep your fingers crossed, there may be hope. note to say, I also completely emtied them (before turning them off )out as I have an old refrigerator/freezer AND a large freezer in my basement. I needed to replace the part despite the fact that it got cold again, but it was only like 250 bucks. Whew.

Club Quarters will discount your parking by about 10% or so. Not much, but it helps. Parking is across the street (you'll see a large high rise). Drive past CQ, which will be on your right. Make a left at the next light, and a left into the parking lot. Tell CQ you'll need your parking ticket validated. When you pay upon leaving the garage, the discount will be taken. Down the street is Di Bruno Bros , an amazing and huge foodery for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. I'm sure you can get something for lunch to please both of you. Take you're lunch to go, ride the philly Phlash up to the Art Museum and have a little picnic there overlooking the Parkway. Now THAT'S eating in Philly. When you visit Reading Terminal, try out Delilah's for her macaroni and cheese (voted best in America by Oprah, no less) and collard green. You can add fried chicken to you're platter, but even with it, it's a wonderful combination. Enjoy your visit.

Eastern market is a great suggestion. Market lunch is open during the week, and Sat. Not Sunday. Go for breakfast and get the bluebucks. Buckwheat blueberry pancakes. This is the real draw. The crab cakes are infamous, if not all that great. Just ok. But again, it's a very "insider" thing to do. Git it "Washington style" with coleslaw and hot sauce. Go early, or expect to stand in line. If there is a line, stay. It moves along pretty well. I like to walk down the block to Murky Coffee http://www.murkycoffee.com/ and get a latte that I can drink in line whilst I wait. These are indeed some of the best baristas around. If you like coffee, get it and you'll be talking it up afterwards. Also, on the hill while your there, is Monmartre for lunch, or Belga. Both affordable. BTW, for Breadline, pronounced in today's Washington Post as the best French baguette in town, here is the web site which lists thier daily specials. http://breadlinedc.blogspot.com/ In Georgetown, try Paradiso for pizza. Old Glory for BBQ. Zed's for Ethiopian (which is very prevalent in DC) http://www.zeds.net/ While in Adams Morgan try the Amsterdam Falafel Shop: http://www.falafelshop.com/ Adams Morgan is also chock full of inexpensive Ethiopian, perhaps try Dukem, not Meskeram. Check out Tryst, for coffee. So much food, so little time.....enjoy

I start with the mayo and mix in the ketchup until it's the right color. Very technical, I know then about a teaspoon or two of relish, S&P. Done.

I don't think "ick" of thousand island. I grew up on it, and still make it occasionally for comfort. My mom made it for EVERY salad, I swear!! She never, ever bought store dressing. She just mixed ketchup, mayo and relish and viola! pour it over iceberg lettuce and there it is. So, count me as a non ick.

Breadline!! You'll be going back again and again. 1751 Pennsylvania Ave. The Spy museum has a decent cafe and the National Gallery of Art has weekend brunch for 20 bucks, as does the Corcoran Gallery next to the White House. For breakfast, find a Teaism. There's one in Penn Quarter(Navy Archives Metro Stop) and Dupont circle. For cheaper dinners, try Jaleo for tapas or Cafe Atlantico for the pre theater menu. At 24.95, it's a good deal. Both also Navy Archives Metro stop. Since you'll be staying in Alexandria, I assume you'll wander about in Old Town. http://www.funside.com

if i keep going further afield i'm gonna end up back in PA! thanks for the suggestions! ← Honestly, you have so many options in Penn Quarter, there's no need to look farther

Old Ebbitt is open on Sunday. It's very "DC" and a real great place for lunch. We took my in laws there recently and they LOVED the hamburgers. I had the rueben which was awesome. It's a great, great deal for lunch. As a side note, since you're visiting, I'd suggest that if you're going to Old Ebbitt, that you have a libation or two down the block, atop the Hotel Washington's Sky Terrace Restaurant. Don't go for the food. Go for the views of the White House, Mall and Monuments. It's a don't miss (if it's not sweltering outside!) This one-two combo is my "go to" for out of town guests. It never dissapoints. http://hotelwashington.com/view.html My other mention was Cafe Atlantico, which is also open Sunday. For something different, go there for the Latino Dim Sum. See the website for the offerings.

Cafe Atlantico is a wonderful restaurant, and the pre theater menu is 25 bucks for three courses. It is by far among the best deals in town. http://www.cafeatlantico.com also: http://www.butterfield9.com/menus/menu_theatre.php

It's funny you mention the "Millie Vanillie' hands. I watch her show every once in a while ala the car wreck factor, and my husband asked why she hardly touched the food! This particular show, most ingredients were poured out of plastic bags! No, she doesn't have knife skills and I'm glad women on the view, who are moms, thought this food is wretched and not nutritious at all.

I feel quite the same. Huge portions are off putting indeed. I guess it's an American "super size me" thing but I go for quality over quantity any day. That said, i have to admit to self loathing over the fact that I do watch eating contests on occasion. It's just like a car wreck, can't look away. But the principle is the same. Las Vegas has huge portions! Looking at that pic I wonder what the hell someone is thinking making it so big. There's no way 4 or 5 people could consume that platter! Then again, in Las Vegas I saw more morbidly obese people on scooters because they'd get out of breath just walking to the buffet. I wonder what visitors from other countries think. Another playground for Americans is Disney World. I was there in Frontier Land, I believe and just got sick looking at these fat families walking around with turkey legs the size of a Volkwagon. Ick, just ick.

You say tomAto, I say toMAHto...........

Really nice, this is awesome. Thank you for taking the time to post your lamb as well as the whole meal. I've been very intrigued by this cooking method, but there is a paucity of recipe information which simply gives the "how to' step by step. I am encouraged to try your recipe, breadcrumbs and all as well as other meats. Thanks again.

Don't forget to fill those biscuits with Smithfield Ham!! http://www.smithfieldhams.com/ and if you just want it delivered! http://www.smithfieldhams.com/vcart/itemblock/?itemblock=110

I guess you have to pick your battles wisely, but I'd close my fridge and give mom directions to the nearest McDonalds. That's beyond rude.

Ah, philly sports fans; enthusiastic yet ill tempered. edit to add: I watch competative eating because it's like trying not to look at a car wreck. It amazing yet repulses me at the same time! I have to wonder what long term adverse effects there are associated with distending your epophagus and stomach so often. They must live on gavascon for reflux.

Oooooh, I love picnics! My husband and I go to concerts at an outdoor venue and I enjoy creating the meal. My favorites include: Crusty baguette sandwich with thinly sliced med rare flank steak, feta cheese, fresh basil and tomatoes. Dress the bread with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and red wine vinegar. Pasta salad with capellini, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, fresh shredded basil and diced tomatoes. Salt to taste. Assorted cheeses and fruit.