Al_Dente

So only pregnant women are invited?

Where? Wegmans in Sterling VA. I bought a large variety of mushrooms and the cashier rang them all up as button mushrooms. Unfortunately I bought small amounts of the most expensive ones. I SWEAR I didn't notice until I read the receipt at home. By then I was 30 miles away.

The flip side is good though. I recently bought fresh morels and porcinis at $2.99/lb!!!!!

I'm with HillValley -- I think it's worth a phone call or a visit to see if there are any off-the-menu specials that need to be ordered in advance and picking two or three that can be shared among them that wants 'em. I'll even give it another go when I'm less rushed and less sober (sometimes beer is a communication aid) than I was on my last visit, but if babka's friend can do it for/with us, so much the better. It's fun to follow the maps, but its nice to do a little culinary bushwacking, so to speak, if you have the chance. And who better to share your first bite of jellied ducks web with than your fellow eGulleters? Clarity question: are Al and hj referring to "ordering items off of (from) the menu" while hv and I are considering ordering "off-menu (not listed on the menu) items?" Sorry, to clarify-- I meant from the menu as opposed to doing some sort of set dinner, but I'm certainly willing to join in on the "culinary bushwacking" and nibble on some camel hump or wolverine nipples and so forth.

A stroll along King St will definitely be the thing to do. I live in Old Town and have learned there are a lot of places to avoid. Like mnebergall, I enjoy Landini Bros, Le Refuge, and the Greek place Taverna Cretekou which has outdoor seating in the back. All those places are at least above average. If you really want ethnic though, you should just head into DC. There is too much mediocrity in Old Town. It's easy to hop on the Metro at King St and get downtown in about 20 mins or so.

yep

I didn't get foie gras soup Brunch sounds like a great idea, but you get to organize They do have a chef's menu for $45 a pop. The whole table must order it. Chef's Menu The Latino Dim Sum Brunch: Brunch The dinner menu: Dinner I'm not certain these menus are up to date.

I can do either the 22nd or 29th.

Yeah, you're limited to 6 peeps. We could do the Sunday brunch though. I think a few of the minibar dishes are available then. I know the foie gras soup with corn and chanterelles is on the regular menu.

Includes "advice on walking more". Does it tell you how far you need to go to walk off a Big Mac? Big Fat Happy Adult Meal

Excuse me if this has been covered before: Mmmm, chicken hearts... Yikes

After having little luck getting any service at the bar at Cafe Atlantico last night, I went around the corner and introduced myself to John the bartender. This was my 3rd visit to Andale, and like any good 3rd date, our relationship is now consummated. (I mean with the restaurant, not with John). The taquitos were delicious-- rich and somewhat spicy. The "cocktail" of shrimp and scallops went well with a shot of Mezcal. And I think the ceviche is about as good as I've ever had. Andale will be in heavy rotation on my restaurant list for a while. See you there!

I usually get my dates at Whole Foods.

BdC-- in fact, I think I'll go there tonight!

Is it my imagination or does this topic make its way back to the top again once a month?

Enjoy your water To be really "Frank," I hope to start out this evening at that place where everything is only nine dollars. Yet to escape under fifty, Rocks. Hey Frank-- what place are you referring to?

Yeah, I'm pretty disappointed in you Tommy. You did me wrong by recommending the place.

USDA Prime Porterhouses cooked well done. I imagine they'd have a real problem over-cooking things down there.

Bugsy's can be pretty decent, but often the cheese has the consistency of thick shrink wrap. I haven't been to that pink place lately-- whatchamacallit, oh yeah, Generous George's. I thought it was okay a couple of years ago. Not sure if they deliver-- perhaps through takeout taxi. I hate to say it, but I typically order from Pizza Boli's. It's at least better than Domino's. I've found Monterrey's pies can be too soggy, though they seem to be trying at least with some decent toppings.

The mind reels... Think of the names you could come up with for various varieties.

Went to the O's game last night. One of the beer vendors on Eutaw St sells a Brewer's Art ale-- worth all $6!

Just a passing query, what is so troublesome about water buffalos? They are the most placid creatures on earth. There are some totally untranslateable jokes in India about the placidity of these creatures which provide a huge chunk of the milk here. Vikram I have no problem with water buffalos. Some of my best friends are water buffalos.

Where would one find the recipe for Zuni Cafe roast chicken? Great idea on the grilled caps, by the way.

I'm raising this thread up from the depths because I finally have access to some fresh porcinis (the new Wegman's $35/lb) and I have a high pressure dinner to cook Saturday night for some serious foodie acquaintances. I'll be in an unfamiliar kitchen albeit with a ton of great toys to use-- high quality pans and knives, commercial grade stove, the whole 9 yards. I want porcinis. How bout with some roast chicken? Perhaps in a sauce over veal chops? I'm willing to buy up to a lb of those babies. Help!

A lot of good suggestions above. Faidley's is the bomb-- a baseball sized hunk of pure lump. I agree with Hannnah on the Wharf Rat as well for a good Fells Point bar. Check out John Stevens down the block too. It's probably my favorite Fells Point bar-- good selection of beer, and some tasty freshly steamed clams, shrimp, and oysters. You'll see some great local color there. Hmm. I'm going to an O's game tonight. Might have to get over to John Stevens afterwards...