Al_Dente

That brings up a whole nuther factor-- your dining companion ordered chicken, do you feel compelled to order beef/lamb/pork/other?

There's a boat? Chad Look just above the dude's turban. That's a rowboat, isn't it? I believe Chad was being facetious, my friend. Reminds me of that "optical illusion" email going around. Seen it?

I was dining at an enjoyable little restaurant nearby the other day, and wasn't sure what I wanted as I looked at the menu. The place isn't fine dining or anything, but I was conflicted-- the tasty burger, which I had before, with the good gorganzola, or the roast 1/2 chicken with herbs? I went with the burger, I was familiar with it, I knew it would hit the spot, and it was less expensive. What factors go into your decision when you're trying to decide between dishes that caught your eye? The side dishes offered? Your familiarity with the dish (whether from that restaurant or from other experiences)? Or perhaps your UNfamiliarity with it-- you want to try something new? The price? Do you decide based on what you know of the strengths of that particular restaurant? It occurred to me that there can be a lot of factors and probably about 25% of the time I dine out I might have this internal debate. What tips the scales for you? Edited to add: Oh yeah, and how often do you end up regretting your decision?

I'll be sure to try this out this weekend. Maybe I'll get one of those big cheap trucker's baseball caps with "Literary Genius" and the eGullet logo emblazoned above the brim.

"Blondie" just made me aware I've been honored. Thanks for the recognition! It made it worth being scarred for life by that experience

Any word on the menu, cost, etc.?

Where do I start? Hmm... It comes down to two things really-- counting back change properly, and facilitating getting your change back in your pocket, purse, wallet, etc. If I buy something for say $12.53, and pay with a $20, the cashier should put $0.47 in my empty outstretched hand and say "13", and then hand me the bills counting "14, 15, 20". This doesn't work when they just hand you a few bills and then slap the coins on top. Also, what do I do with a stack of bills with coins balanced precariously on top with one hand since my other hand is holding my wallet? If the coins are put in my hand first I can kinda palm them while putting the bills back in my wallet. If they don't do this, I have to put my wallet down, pour the coins off the bills into my hand, stuff them in my pocket, and then put the bills in my wallet. Am I being too much of a nut case here?

I'm always perplexed when the cashiers at many stores will bag one item-- like a bag of chips, or a pack of smokes. What's the point? Don't even get me started on how they put the coins on top of the bills when they give you change

I didn't see any writing that went on at length about Central American culture. I read about some folks checking out a chicken joint. If you want to start a thread about DC traditions before I was born, go for it. Just don't browbeat me about how I'm too young (or naive or stupid or whatever your point was) to fathom your wealth of knowledge about how it SHOULD be prepared and how it SHOULD taste. For what it's worth I am passionate about food and I love this site. I'm certain I'm on the RIGHT board.

My cast iron skillet has a crust 3/8" thick. Brought over on the Mayflower when food was REALLY good.

Details please...

As a Guatemalan fried chicken farmer I take great offense.

I am forwarding the winners this afternoon, my sharp-eyed friend! The 18th was spent at The Heartland gathering in Grand Rapids, and your Moderator is guilty of serious dereliction of duty. (She figured sobriety would be useful when making a reasoned decision, and waited! ) 18th has come and gone...

Please find fresh fish. This is a must. I once converted a non-fish eater by pan frying a nice thick fresh halibut filet in plenty of butter. Give that a try-- deglaze the pan with some white wine and capers. My convert asked for it again a few weeks later.

Welcome Catherine!

Huh? Is there anything better than food and naked ladies?

Glad you had a good time culinarily speaking. DC doesn't get its due for fine food. Did you get to meet any egullet locals?

Okay, that's one for Eat First, hold the Wong.

I made the mistake of eating there the night before flying back to Washington DC the next day. Of course I ended up in a middle seat. I tried not to breathe, speak or move for the 5 hour flight, but I was just oozing garlic. The people sitting around me must have loved me

Sometime in the near future. Next Monday perhaps?

I'm in.

While I did get "responses" (and some damn funny ones at that) to the question I posed, I didn't get any answers. Perhaps I need to re-phrase: which of the two previously mentioned establishments should we try?

18th has come and gone...

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Shit, 2 am was no problem for you while eating pork rinds and tending a pig! That was different. The immense responsibility and gravity of the situation coupled with being all hopped up on pork rinds and pecan wood smoke got me through it.