Al_Dente

The dinner down in Texas happened last night. Not yet any word on how it went, but it you want to monitor it today, here is the link: Bourdain in Texas Any progress on contacting him for a night on the town?

Make a side trip out to Charles county MD for some ribs!?!?! I second (third, fourth?) the Colorado Kitchen recommendation. I'll do the same with 5 Guys (not that they're in the same category)-- a trip down to Old Town is worth the hike for an out of towner. The location is only about 5 blocks from King Street Metro station and also close to the original location of Hard Times Chili. I dig a Texas 5-way and a Lone Star there. I'd be happy to come along for the ride, time permitting. And perhaps there are other local eGullet-types who would be curious to see what a foreign eGullet-type looks like.

You should see their rather ample logo! Where the beautiful people go to get ugly! Edited to add link to logo.

Went to Belga last night with my brother and sat at the crowded bar for dinner. Loved the duck foie and my steak frites were good. The steak was perfect, but the frites were kind of uneven with some over-fried, some under-fried, and some just right. My brother's lamb loin "PH" (after some exasperation over being asked, our server did some research and told us the initials stood for Piet Huysentruyt, a restaurant where the chef got his chops back in Belgium) looked beautiful and must have been good as I only got to taste a tiny morsel. I was pleased to get to meet Chef Vandaele. The service at the bar was shaky, but they were obviously buried in the weeds. The GM, Ann?, came up to us to ask how things were going and I related this to her. She was very diplomatic and professional about it. I'm sure they'll smooth things out over the next few weeks. I look forward to returning soon! The place has some real potential-- finally something good in my 'hood!

I just had a fuzzy drunken memory flashback to a few years ago when I tried their fried chicken. I recall being amazed at how good it was. I might have to make a trip on Sunday.

I second this recommendation. Food so good and southern, Strom Thurmond once had a mild heart attack there.

The service is a huge part of the reason I think Palena is one of the best restaurants in town. Of course I alway identify myself as Don Rocks when I go.

Tater Tot-iflette (tartiflette) ? The mind boggles. ← Tater Tot-iflette! Excellent. This will be on the menu at Chez Al this weekend. Perhaps I'll post the results with pictures.

There is also a great Indian restaurant tucked away in a shopping center on Mount Vernon Ave that isn't very far: Bombay Curry Company

I just wanted to add a big thanks for this thread. This is the kind of thread that when friends and family think I've gone off the deep end into complete food snobbery because of eGullet, I can say, "hey, there's a five-freakin-page thread on TATER TOTS! Back off!" I haven't tried them in a long time, but you can be sure I'll do some experimentation. Tater Tots with Roblochon perhaps?

bummer I'm a better diner for having known your restaurant. Good luck guys!

The world famous Palena burger?

I think we just found our culinary tour guide on an eGullet outing BURMESE-STYLE! Whaddaya say gear02? Al Associate Deputy Vice-Chief Co-Instigator

The squash fritters weren't terribly inspiring, but everything else was quite good. The beef curry made my hair sweat. I'll definitely be back for more punishment!

Hmmm. I was trying to figure out where to go for lunch, but this place is such a long walk from my office at the corner of Colesville Rd and Second Ave where I may be standing at around 12:30 or whatever time would be conducive to hitching a ride.

well put. maybe you can substitute for Tom when he's on vacation.

Thanks for the ideas for my trip!

Unfortunately, they're hours apart. Too bad, not a bad little restaurant.

Pound them flat (1/4 inch thick or so), dredge in flour, egg, then bread crumbs, and cook them up in a skillet with butter. Squeeze some lemon on them and throw on a few capers when done.

I've been through Morgantown, but haven't eaten there. However, someone I work with who went to school out there suggests you try out: Bent Willeys 471 Chestnut Street, Morgantown, WV 26505

How bout an Irish pub? Who does some REAL pub grub? I'd dig that.

Beautiful!

Beautiful.

eGullet saved me from prison. If I didn't have this outlet where I work, I would have "gone postal" a long time ago.

Although, doughnuts = the devil's bellybutton ← I had the doughnuts again at Komi a few weeks ago - if these are the devil's bellybutton, then Satan practices omphaloskepsis. ← Funny, and food related. Hungry Bellybutton