John W.

I'm looking on the bright side here. We are kind of closed tomorrow (99% certain at least) and the staff that's working stays upstairs in the hotel. One thing is for certain, we won't run out of food, water or booze.

Thanks (I think). Overall, I thought it was a great event, was good to meet some of the people like Koji and Fabio. The panel discussion hopefully will get to a few people, and the crowd seemingly was very into food in general, which is always good. The boys from Signatures threw a great after party, which concluded in many of the externs having a late night snack with some chefs at El Wong Grande.

Actually, brave equaled stupid yesterday. I never, ever cook things for these events, but somehow got talked into it.

The "Windows on the World" book is great, as is Jancis Robinson's "How to Taste."

I second Geranio. Grilled salmon with roasted shallots, mashed potatoes and veal stock can make anyone feel good. I ate that dish the first four times I was there.

Within a few blocks of the MW are Lebanese Taverna and New Heights. No one pays much attention to the LT's wine list, but they have some good stuff and beyond reasonably priced. New Heights has a great wine list too, and pretty inventive food. It's a great spot, overlooking Rock Creek Park. I would recommend both. Just north of the hotel is a neighborhood called Cleveland Park, that has some great places too. Yanyu and Palena both come to mind (I think both places are covered extensively on the DC forum).

Mr. Vengroff; If I am not mistaken, nothing larger than a four is now accepted.

Can't be this Monday for me, and next Monday is out for the Starchefs event. But the Monday after that...

Lobster risotto is the new crack? That said, what would our mayor get caught with now? A big bowl of crustacean flavored rice and a bottle of Le Montrachet? Rocks, you are the man.

While many are called, few are chosen. Alas, some things must remain sacred.

Wabeck, you boob. Giacomo Puccini wrote a little opera called "Tosca". At the end of said opera the tragic heroine, oddly enough named Tosca, leaps from the parapets of Castel Sant'Angelo to elude the sinister forces of Baron Scarpia, the man she has just murdered. Opera puts me to sleep. Especially when listening to it at a certain grape juice purveyor's abode. All I know about Italy is what I've put in my mouth. And so far it's a wonderful country.

It's still open, still an institution. The other place you speak of is the Childe Harold in Dupont. I would think their pastas do not stand up to Tosca.

Actually finished it up with a refreshing dive into the Castels Sant'Citronelle and de Guards.

You can't stop them, you can only hope to contain them. The Tawny was "Museum Release" by Yalumba. I think the average age is 20 years.

After the debacle that is the Firefly thread, donrocks and I went to the bar at Tosca for some eats. Quite nice. Highlights included an asparagus and fontina salad with black truffle vinaigrette Venison carpaccio with baby arugula, parm and figs with porcinis (I ate this dish even with a severe mushroom allergy). Soft shells with corn and lemon brown butter A couple rounds of pasta: Beet ravioli with pesto cream (sublime meld of flavors), stinging nettles with Gorgonzola tortellini (again, expert balance of flavors - that dish rocked), and a few that I can't remember. Rocks? Wines: Soave Classico Superiere, Calvarino: Killer, not as straightforward as I've had in the past, lots of earthy aromas, but still very bright. An adult wine as Rocks said. Nebbiolo/Dolcetto, Prunotto "Bricco del Drago" - Just what the doctor ordered: Lots of chewy licorice flavors, the dolcetto really smoothes it out. For $50 on the list, a knockout. Vino Nobile de Montapulciano - Cesare gave us taste, and then we bought a bottle. No descriptors because I didn't write anything down. But great. Tosca rocks.

I say again, nothing to see here folks.

Given the company present during said pootato incident, it was a very grave error.

It's not what you think. And the mini-bar is certainly not implicated in this by any stretch. Slater, the next time I see you I'm going to make you drink your favorite beverage with regular coke, not diet. Again, the mini-bar is not implicated in this at all. No slander suits, no chasing after me with knives. The only thing the mini-bar is guilty of is providing damn good food and a damn good time. Really.

Nothing to see here folks. I only admit to a "poohtato incident.

I pick next time. So it'll be on a Monday. Mark, maybe you and I can host next time?

Birthday? C'mon. All I got you was a glass or two of some VA wine?

8. I could help a little...

We have that eight top, can go a little higher if need be. Starting to fill up tonight, but we should be fine with around 8-10 people. Can you guys make it through the whole rose list?

An eight top should be fine then. How do you say about starting in the lounge with some pink wine? Vengroff, how's the kitchen coming? If it's the same as last time, I'm sure you'll need a beverage. Greatly looking forward to it guys/gals.

Start in the lounge maybe, we'll hold an eight top for later. That should do if any significant others are to show up.