redglass

I do not remember its name. But, at the risk of being tossed off egullet, I don't necessarily memorize the restaurant name and star rating for every review, even the three and four star ones. My point is, I think Mr. Sietsema's review of Blacksalt and the two star rating was fair and - in my opinion -not in any way disrespectful to the owners or the chefs. I'm sure we can agree to disagree about that. Cheers! ← And will we remember what Sietsama reviewed last week on February 27? No one person is going to dictate the success or failure of BlackSalt- not Sietsama, and sorry, but not you either, Joe. If I had read Sietsama's review of BlackSalt without any prior knowledge of the place, I would think that he had given it a good review and would probably put it on my list of places to go. I mean, the man can't fawn over the place- he's a CRITIC, remember? OK- vent over. Thanks.

DBF doesn't like cheese other than american and cheddar. Who doesn't like cheese in all of its wonderful and sinful forms? Same for artichokes, hearts of palm, pickles, olives.... more for me, I guess. My roommate's recipes- and he fancies himself a good cook- all seem to contain garlic and onion powder and exclusively canned or frozen veggies- not a fresh item in sight.

This place is down the street from my office and is the one that we frequent, even with our other choices within walking distance. They do not skimp on the heat in their dishes- everytime I order their drunken noodles or kapow beef (I'm not ashamed to call myself a wimpy when it comes to spicy), I tell myself to not them order again- hoowee too spicy for me!! But what do I do? I convince myself that it wasn't too hot and subject myself to more torture (but it's kind of enjoyable in a way). So, for chiliheads- my pain is your pleasure. Give this place a try.

The incidence of gestational diabetes-an obesity related disease- is the same in California as it is in Louisiana. Ditto for Virginia, North Carolina and New York. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/statistics/maps/map1.htm True Alabama, Mississippi and Florida have the nations highest incidence of diabetes. But most southerners believe that Florida south of the panhandle isn't really the south anyway. This map shows obesity occurence nationwide: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/maps/index.htm Again, AL and MS are the big losers, but so is Indiana. This article must have been written on a slow day by a reporter who wouldn't know fried okra if it hit him in the face. I don't have time for simplistic, stereotypical arguments.

For places w/in walking distance from Iota- I'd second the Minh's recommendation. It's on the same side of the street, a block or two down Wilson towards Court House. To me boulevard woodgrill is just -eh- kinda food. Could take it or leave it. I'd rather eat at Whitlow's, indifferent waitresses and all.

For me Rehoboth is the beach of my youth- most weekends during the summer were spent there with my parents and their friends in a group house (looking back on it, I can't believe they brought me). As an adult, I still go to Nicola Pizza (a block or two from the boardwalk, parallel from the beach....the street name escapes me, but just ask and you'll be able to find it.) every time that I'm in the area for their Nicoboli's. The place is very mom and pop, but these things are just great- think of a pizza turned into a calzone, with whatever you can imagine inside. Nothing fancy, but v. yummy. To make it even better, they deliver and half-bakes can be bought to take home.

I think you're thinking of Jose Andres, who runs Cafe Atlantico, Zaytinya and Jaleo in the district (w/ outposts of Jaleo in Arlington and Bethesda and another restaurant, Oyamel, also in Arlington). None of his places are in Dupont, but are still worth taking a look at.

I can see the french saying "ah oui, de fet americains....ha ha ha". A few things to consider that don't have to do with food: yes, smoking will keep your weight down. Will also kill you. (Although according to today's NYT, that doesn't seem to bother some people). Also, the french on the whole do a lot more walking that the average american- just as the average new yorker or urban dweller without a car will. If every french woman used a car like the average american woman, maybe the results would be different?

Clyde's at Reston Town Center does well with large parties, and their menu has enough variety to satisfy most. In fact, most restaurants at Town Center would be able to accomodate you. I'd second El Manatial as well. Carrabba's is basically your typical Italian chain restaurant ala Macaroni Grill or Olive Garden. You mentioned price- the Tortilla Factory in Herndon has been around for ~30 years, so someone must like them :). Seriously, it's decent mexican food with decent prices. Good luck- let us know where you end up!