Gary Tanigawa

Thanks Sun-Ki. I asked my brother, who left for the mainland in 1983, and he confirmed my recollection so late 80s is probably accurate. I wonder why it took so long (other than I don't really think it tastes very good)? Unlike manju from Maui, I suppose people did not bring back plate lunch loco moco from Hilo Lots of good information here. I need to recommend it to other former and present islanders.

When did loco moco become popular on Oahu? I grew up there and never heard of it before I left for college in 1979 (never visited the Big Island). Now, when I visit, it seems to be everywhere.

I'd recommend the fried sea bass if it's available. The whole fish is served so it might be difficult to eat without digging in and making a mess Probably not the best thing to order if you are trying to impress a date or a client!

For the record, Willett's article was published in the April 22, 1994 issue (vol. 264, pp. 532-537). I was interested in the topic but could not find it under Willett's 1995 articles

I was sceptical the first time that I ordered the steak (not typically associated with Japanese cooking unless you're talking Benihana) over the fish, but DonRocks is correct. It's a great piece of meat and I would not order any of the alternatives. Agree with everything else he said about Makoto, especially the quality of the sushi/sashimi offering (again, the upgrades are not worth the money). Value of this simple kaiseki is great - I usually just get tea or a beer. The waitress asks near the end of the meal (before dessert) if you would like another order of anything. Never did this, but I'm curious what another order of steak would be? Can't add anything to DonRocks' description except that sitting at the counter offers some entertainment as you watch the meals being prepared.

I wouldn't recommend the hot dog there. It's okay but nothing special. Five Guys split the hot dog longitudinally and grill it to a pretty uniform doneness. Nothing exceptional.

Steve Klc, I think you mean Harry's Tap Room? Minh's is a good suggestion, although I don't think it has a bar. But there should be enough room that getting a table is not hard. Last time I was there, the service was slow enough to read a novella. But I tend to eat a lot and scan books. Sushi bars would be good. The lighting is usually good, and you can pace your ordering in relation to your appetite and interest in your reading. But it might be crowded if the book is heavy and you need to use counter space to rest it on.

Sietsema says Rosa Mexicano-DC will open in early December. The Weekly Dish

The Ballston location is the Rocklands I've been too and there is usually someone at the door in the restaurant in the early evening. I'm 42 and he will usually ask for ID (but not always). Probably depends on the person and how he feels at the time. I recall reading their policy on "carding" somewhere in the restaurant. I think it is only done at certain times of the day. Perhaps when the bar next door is open? My impression was that it depended on the situation: young kids (e.g., 8 y.o.) were okay because no one would serve them alcohol and an inspector would not think they were being served. But I think anyone who is a teenager or older is suspect. I recall the explanation was something to the effect that Rockland did not want to "card" once you were on the premises so you had to prove you were over 21 to enter. Even if you were only eating there and not intending to drink, Rocklands did not want to have to justify to an inspector that a teenager was not being served.

No water! Are you affected by the Fairfax County Water Authority problem? I had only eight hours without electricity this morning. The water from the electric water heater was a little cool but my stove and furnace run off gas. I'm in the office today but not feeling very responsible. The government agency I use is closed so filings will be delayed until Monday. See everyone tomorrow.

Steve Klc, the sushi chef at Signatures is Jeff Ramsey.

:confused: too bad to hear about Sugiyama going down hill. I was going to be visiting friends and wanted to try the omakase with them. Oh well, I think I will make reservations anyway and give it a shot.