Millikan

Just wanted to thank everyone on the DC-area part of the board - went to Zaytinya while in DC last week and it was fabulous! I used everyone's recommendations to compile a few dishes I wanted to order and none disappointed. I live in Seattle now, but lived in DC for 4 years during grad school and Jaleo was one of my favorites, so I was very excited to try Zaytinya. I was MORE than rewarded. All our dishes (Hommos, Shish Taouk, Kolokithokeftedes (zuchinni patties), Spanakopita, Imam Bayildi, Htipit ) were wonderful, the service was great (very helpful with the wine selection b/c my companions and I know nothing about Greek wines but wanted to try), and the desserts were out of this world. For dessert we ordered Medjool Dates and the Turkish Coffee chocolate. The Medjool Dates dessert was sublime - indescribable. Thanks again for everyone's recommendations..... As an aside, it was last Friday night around 7:30 and a group of 3 of us waited approximately 15 minutes, enough time for a quick drink in the bar!

In response to the query re: Ray's - I had lunch there this past Sunday and the food was great. I had clam chowder, Blackened Rockfish, Key Lime Tart. There were four of us (we all had the clam chowder and Rockfish and all proclaimed them yummy) and had four different desserts (creme brulee, Key Lime Tart, Ice Cream, and Pecan Blondie with caramel). All in all, desserts were good, but not outstanding, and Rockfish was excellent (blackened enough to impart great flavor but not overpowering). Came with polenta and veggies...... Don't know what the dinner menu is like. Service also excellent and they are also offering 25% off Washington wines in conjunction with the deal. I had never been to Ray's to eat before and I was pleasantly surprised. I had assumed that it was one of those places that gets by because it is an institution but not because the food is good. I only moved here from DC about a year ago, and have made some terrible eating mistakes based on what people tell me are good restaurants. (Until I found this website, that is!) Hope this helps!!

Just a quick report back - my husband and I did end up dining at Quay for our anniversary. It was absolutely wonderful - thanks SO MUCH for such a great recommendation. I never thought I'd say this, but the view really took a back seat to the wonderful food, wine and service. I had a sashimi tuna appetizer that I swear melted in my mouth and my veal was wonderful. Likewise, my husband's food was perfect. We never felt rushed (I think, a more common problem in America - we never really felt rushed our whole time in Australia) and the service was just that great mix of attentive but not intrusive. It was expensive, but for the level of food and service we received, we would have spent twice that much over here! As a side note, you Sydneysiders live in a beautiful and wonderful city! We had a great time wherever we went (Manly, Bondi (ooh, the fish and chips), watsons bay, bridgeclimb, kings cross, and good Ol' Wahroonga - where family friends live). Living in Seattle, I consider myself blessed to be surrounded by water, but Sydney just puts our views to shame! Thanks again for all your suggestions!

My husband and I will be in Sydney for 2.5 weeks in late December (1 year anniversary and holiday vacation!). We are looking for a restaurant for our anniversary dinner - any suggestions? We're looking for romantic, semi-quiet, but really more focused on great food (any kind, just as long as its great!) Thanks in advance, can't wait to visit your friendly country!!! And, any suggestions on what we should do while there?