Al_Dente

I think there are plans underway to make Crystal City more of an attractive destination in the DC area. I seem to recall reading about it in the Post a while back.

You folks missed out. Some tasty grapes were had along with some mac n cheese.

I had the real deal once when visiting Italy, though I was somewhat ignorant at the time of the fact that this was a whole different breed-- I just thought the difference was due to it being grass-fed. A well prepared approximation will do just fine until the next trip to Italy can be arranged.

See you then...

Thanks for the detailed advice! YES, a big fat wine will be served!

By the way, her recipe for la fiorentina calls for pressing cracked peppercorns into the meat before grilling and includes the admonition "a fiorentina should be very rare." Not surprisingly there's no mention of rosemary or parmesan; actually this thread is the first time I've heard of the latter. edit: Hazan doesn't mention lemon, either. Are parmesan and lemon as garnishes a North American thing? I have a Hazan somewhere on my shelf. Excellent ideas-- I'll dig up the cookbook.

How bout you have to actually bring an elk? Or at least a lawyer with a big rack (do elks have racks?). Depending on what time I get outta the office (not BdC), I may be able to swing by. I'd like to try that lamb minute steak too.

Your assumption on 2 is correct. I'll request a big fuck off T-bone from a special cow when I go to the butcher here in Washington DC. A good one should know what I'm after. I assume a Porterhouse will suffice if a T isn't available. I have some excellent EVOO fortunately. Any good ideas on side dishes?

I'm thinking of making this on Saturday for four people. Recipes? On the grill? Sear in a pan? What cut? What would you serve with it? I need the kind of sage advice only eGullet can provide.

You need a personal trainer. I'm fully qualified and my fees are low.

Nope. But that cheese woman logo... Hubba hubba I'll have to check this place out! What are those? A couple of Caciocavallos in there?

Wrote a little bout it here...

I made Paella for 20 relatives at a family reunion. Turned out pretty good despite the cooking conditions in my grandmother's kitchen. Geeze, sharpen a freakin knife, will ya?

Thanks for all the help everyone! Had some great times sampling the foods and wines of CA. Some hightlights: Some Bonnydoon action: Discovering the Big Sur Restaurant and Bakery (I highly recommend this place): Fish and Chips lunch at a restaurant in Lucia: The view from there: Delicious lunch at Kevah (the cafe of Nepenthe): The view from Kevah: Making my Paella for the family in San Diego: We also had a great dinner at Zuni Cafe (sorry, no pics). I'll try to post more later. I need to especially do a review of the Big Sur Restaurant and Bakery. It's just south of the turn off for Pfeiffer Beach on Rt 1.

when pigs fly?

Sit at the bar. No problem.

How were the steaks and what were we drinking? If I recall correctly, I picked up the tab-- so you guys owe me.

Good point. My comments are meant to be taken lightly. My one visit to Colorado Kitchen made me a fan of Chef and I have absolutely no issues with the name of her upcoming enterprise or with anything she's said. I look forward to our dinner immensely. I've been in a whacky good mood today-- I'm off for a week's vacation tomorrow in California. YEAH. See you on the 7th, Al

Perhaps also we should all show up in our Caps and Gowns and someone can play Pomp and Circumstance as we walk in and get seated. You know, being over-educated and all.

I think Chef Gillian preferred 7:30. Is anyone interested in perhaps checking out John W.'s wine happy hour before hand? I could be coerced. I would like the following wines for, say..., $5 a glass: '94 Coulee de Serrant '95 de Vogue Musigny '89 Chave Hermitage Is that doable Mr Wabeck? No. Maybe $50 the glass. Well, I tried...

We expect a full and thorough report!

I think Chef Gillian preferred 7:30. Is anyone interested in perhaps checking out John W.'s wine happy hour before hand? I could be coerced. I would like the following wines for, say..., $5 a glass: '94 Coulee de Serrant '95 de Vogue Musigny '89 Chave Hermitage Is that doable Mr Wabeck?

Yikes...

Our previous fearless leader, Vengroff, started it.

I suppose this is a good complaint to have, but every time I go to Matchbox I too struggle with this decision. I want both, but after having the burgers, I know I won't be up for a pizza too. Even when I'm with someone else, it's hard to split 3 burgers and order pizza(s). I feel like the pig I am when I'm done. How bout a single burger on a plate with a simple salad? That would solve all my problems and bring order to the universe.