Damian
-
Posts
322 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Store
Help Articles
Posts posted by Damian
-
-
Steve,
To keep the DC thread alive... My wife and I were in town last weekend and went to a dinner party. The hosts served a German schnecken from Ann Amernick's new pastry boutique next door to her Palena restaurant in Cleveland Park. It was wonderful. I figured you either know Amernick or are familiar with her work. Have you been to her new place? Any other comments on her work? Also, if you're feeling ambitious, I'd love to hear your thoughts on L'Auberge CF as discussed above.
It was great to be back home, I love DC.
-
I've never bought in on Culebra. There is that liquor / dry goods store right near the ferry dock, they are as likely as anywhere to have it. When I was there they carried Don Q. Your best bet is bring liquor bottles with you, you can buy generic can beer on the island, but ice sometimes runs low on the island.
-
We had some good fish at Pacific'O in Lahaina on Maui. The food was overly ambitious in preparation, but the fish was incredibly fresh. I'm sure they could do a simple preparation on request. Watching the sunset over the ocean during dinner was spectacular.
I've also heard that Waterfront does great seafood. Plantation House is a well known classic.
I would give Kauai the edge over Maui as a destination. It simply has otherworldly scenery. Also has a more rustic feel. Hiking the Napaali Coast and Waimea Canyon, and taking a helicopter tour over the island were highlights. Save money on dinner and take that helo tour out of Princeville- incredible.
You can't go wrong with either island, Hawaii is wonderful.
(Edited by Damian at 5:31 pm on Jan. 17, 2002)
-
Great post, Jack. I've now got a real feeling for this place.
-
Pringles = Heroin
-
Marmite on white toast with butter. I became addicted to vegemite in Australia and now am hooked on the British version, need to find a supplier in NYC beforer the current supply runs out. Yes, I know it is disgusting brown sludge; my wife can't even look at it.
-
Heading to Houston's NYC tonight for their version of the world's greatest cheeseburger. My wife and I used to go this chain on days like today when we both worked all day and neither wants to cook. We loved the burgers at the one in Bethesda, MD. At least until we get our sea legs (the idiom, not the processed tofu) here and find good places we can just drop in unannounced in the city, this familiar, reliable chain is a real blessing.
-
Casita Blanca in Barrio Obrero! What a great place. Good homestyle cooking. I like the Metropol restaurants, too, especially the waiters straight out of the 1950's. Another place like this would be the El Jibarito restaurants with traditional favorites. El Pescador is another, La Bombonera yet another.
Chef Marisoll is still going strong in Old San Juan. The Parrot Club is great fun, but the food can be hit or miss these days. The owner of Parrot Club just opened Dragonfly across the street where Bistro Gambaro used to be, haven't been there, but people like it for Latino Asian fusion - very much about the scene, however.
Aquarela was there and then gone in about an instant. It got all kinds of write-ups, but its location in the very back corner of the San Juan put it off the beaten track. The Palm is in that space now with a big sign out front to make sure no one misses it back there.
Chayote has done very well in the Condado, and another place there called Pikayo I would also highly recommend. I am also a fan of Ramiro's and Compostela for Spanish cuisine.
There is good street food in San Juan like cuchifritos, pinchos, and empanadillas. Aside from beachside joints in Pinones and the food stalls near Luquillo, I like to go to Plaza Mercado in Santurce either for Friday happy hour, or on weekend mornings for produce, coffee, and batidas. Also, good street food at winter league baseball games at Hiram Bithorn Stadium or basketball games at Clemente Arena.
-
Puerto Rican cafe con leche. The cortado, or short cup of this milk heavy and sweetened brew is a morning standard for the entire island. Better than any Starbucks latte (I actually like Starbucks latte) and costs anywhere from 20-35 cents. My favorite spots? La Bonbonera in Old San Juan (100 year old diner) get a cortado and a mallorca sweet roll at the bar. The other one, Plaza Mercado in Santurce, early morning in this fascinating farmer's market. The best Puerto Rico coffee? Alto Grande and Yauco Selecto. Runner up, Cafe Crema.
I also enjoy strong Cuban coffee and especially the ritual of sharing a cup while standing with friends by pouring it into thimble sized containers.
As an aside, does anyone know where to get good cafe con leche or Cuban coffee in NYC?
Another experience I was not as fond of: Turkish coffee. I had this served with loose grounds floating in the coffee (basically hot water poured over grounds). Kind of like a French Press, but without the press. Even after I waited for it to settle, I didn't really enjoy.
-
I'll chime in with a favorite Paris Bistro. Chez Denise, also known as La Tour de Montlhery. Located near Les Halles, a holdover from the proximity to the original market probably. I can't remember exactly where. Cozy, locals-only atmosphere. Solid hearty food (cote de boeuf, etc.) but they also do some finesse work with fish. I had a simple vin de table there that has stuck with me for years. Wonderful place.
-
Sorry, obscure "Cheers" reference. Goes like this. Woody is about to lose his job to a far more competent bartender. There's a contest and all the regulars order Screaming Vikings, a nonexistent drink, the other bartender insists there is no such thing...Woody repiles "Would you like the cucumber slightly bruised?" appearing to have a connossieur's knowledge of the thing, and keeps his job.
I'm sure there are now a thousand iterations of this mythical drink by now, all some how or other involving "slightly bruised" cucumbers.
-
Steve,
While I am a hometown Washingtonian with deep roots, I moved to NYC two months ago. I'd love to hear your thoughts on L'Auberge CF and O'Connell's little place. I've always found the former to be a very reliable place for special occasions, from family celebrations when I was young to more recent experiences as an adult.
Should have mentioned Peking Gourmet Inn in Leesburg for Chinese as well, kind of a different ballgame from Chinatown Chinese. I like Full Kee, nothing over the top, but great soup-meals and reliable Am-Chinese standard dishes. I recently ate at the Grand Sichuan Int'l here in NYC, a place touted as having some of the best Chinese here, great spicy food. Yeah, it's not really Chinatown anymore when Fuddruckers, Ruby Tuesday, and Legal Sea Foods move in. (Not to mention Ireland's Fado, but I love Fado).
A reliable middle- low end downtown is the Havana Breeze next to DC Coast on K Street. Very authentic Cuban/Caribbean with cheap prices (and requisite plasticware). I spent two years in San Juan and this stuff is as close as it gets in DC to the everyday food of that island.
I've never been to Ruppert's but have wanted to try that one for a while, is that still around? I've also heard good things about the new Oceanaire. What about New Heights and Nora? I've always enjoyed those two.
I, too, have been a big fan of Jaleo and Cafe Atlantico since they opened (especially after CA's move to the Landsburgh). I was not aware of Grapeseed, I'll have to check that out one of these days. How is the CIA place in Bethesda?
Anyway, enough for now, but good to talk to another food person in DC. Samantha, if your listening, hope this helps.
-
I'll bet that Hendrick's would make a wicked Screaming Viking. I wonder if the cucumber is slightly bruised?
-
Sigh
I love that place. I've only been once and will never forget that meal. We were served a roasted red pepper soup with a dollop of creme fraiche. That soup has imprinted itself into my sense memory and I can practically recall its flavor in detail at will.
-
Horned Dorset is a cool place, and the restaurant is pretty darn good and not outrageously priced. Rincon is a relaxing surfer town. My favorite spot on the Western part of the island is the beach at Isabela. No real food places around there.
There is a spot in the mounains near Utuado called Lago Dos Bocas. You used to be able to drive to the small commercial dock on this lake and call a Parador (not sure of the name) the owner would then pick you up in a little launch and take you to the restaurant. The restaurant did faithful and good renditions of Puerto Rican classics. I went at lunch and it was and all-you-can-eat buffet, but I think dinner might be individual service. You eat on the porch overlooking the sloping lawn and the lake. That place was a lot of fun, you can probably find it in any list of paradores. You can also drive to it and skip the boat ride (but why?).
I love driving and hiking through the mountains of Puerto Rico and visiting the small towns. That parador is not far from the Arecibo observatory and museum, another interesting attraction (think the movie Contact).
-
That's exactly what I had, Bux, along with some tasty pickles. Pastrami on rye - great. Egg cream - well, it was fine, just nothing that would seem to be worthy of its cultural icon status.
-
mid-Winter reply to your summer topic, but for summer coolers try this simple one. Stoli Oranj with soda and a splash of orange juice. Garnish with orange. Much lighter, more refreshing version of the screwdriver....think Orangina.
-
Caribe Hilton is in the middle of renovations, Do not stay there any time soon. Besides, the "El San Juan" and the Ritz are miles above the Hilton as Miguel points out. The Caribe used to have a wonderful open air bar and a beautifully landscaped lawn/beach area...all of that, sadly, is no more. The Pina coladas are still first-rate though!
For Rosie Roads, again, Miguel has it exactly right, the pracitcal choice is the Conquistador (great beach on Palomino island), food is decent but way overpriced. There is not too much by way of cuisine out in Fajardo, but local spots can do fish and mofongos pretty well.
I also like the Hyatt Dorado Beach for resorts, but I go to Puerto Rico for San Juan, the mountains, and the Western beaches like Isabela and Rincon. I go to other islands (Culebra, St. John, St. Barth) for crystal waters, and relaxed Caribbean rhythms.
to speak directly to your comparison request:
If you like golf, I prefer Rio Mar to Conquistador because Rio Mar has two solid courses. Conquistador's course is also decent. (Neither compare to Dorado). For food, Conquistador wins, although Rio Mar is close to the food stands at Luquillo which have great street food like empanadillas. Rio Mar is also close to El Yunque rainforest which is great for hikes. Conquistador is closer to Rosie Roads.
-
Slightly off topic, but I had my first ever egg cream last weekend at Katz's; Chocolate milk with a shot of seltzer, right? Having just moved to NYC, and having heard many a cultural reference to egg creams in my life, I was prepared to be moved. Instead, eh, no big deal. What gives with the egg cream mystique and fascination?
-
I clerked for Judge Laffitte but met Judge Gierbolini on several occasions, a very elegant gentleman.
-
Okay, Chinatown is small, but not entierly faux. Go to the Full Kee on H Street for good, cheap Chinese. For faux, upscale and delicious pan-Asian go to Yanyu in Cleveland Park. Cleveland Park also has Lavandou, Ardeo, Palena, all serving quality food.
Steve, klc's assessment is probably right on target for the most part (although I am a hometown rooter for Galieo, Goldoni, and Kinkead's). DC simply ain't NYC.
Georgia Brown's downtown for upscale, sleepy southern fare (buttermilk fried chicken, deep-fried chicken livers and peach iced tea).
In Adams Morgan, Ann Cashion's Eat Place is a personal favorite.
Capitol Hill has 2Quail, La Brasserie, and the wonderful Bistro Bis. Sit at the bar at Bis, you won't look out of place alone.
For brunch in the DuPont Area? The Tabard Inn is a classic DC brunch hideaway...very cozy in winter and outside tables in Spring/Summer.
Also, do not forget the two great restaurants outside of DC. Classic French and good at it. L'Auberge Chez Francois in Falls Church - hearty Alsatian, expensive but an excellent value (recently re-opened after a fire), not really an alone place though.
The best of all is Patrick O'Connell's Relais & Chateau (yeah yeah, I know) Inn at Little Washington about an hour and change outside of DC in Washington, Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. Here are your Michelin stars, and Michelin star-like prices...but what an experience! ILW is not the place to go alone however, romance is practically on the menu.
(Edited by Damian at 2:59 pm on Jan. 9, 2002)
(Edited by Damian at 3:10 pm on Jan. 9, 2002)
(Edited by Damian at 3:15 pm on Jan. 9, 2002)
-
Great to find some other fans of this rum! I fell in love with it during my recent two year stint in San Juan and have never been without a bottle or three of the "tres estrellas" since. You can buy it duty free in the San Juan airport for about eleven bucks a bottle, I always pick some up when I go back to San Juan.
Ed, thanks for clarifying the Bacardi relationship. The rumor circulating around San Juan was that Bacardi had a significant ownership stake in (if not outright ownership of) this little distillery. I have sampled the rum on the tour and it is wonderful, plus the people are exceedingly friendly and are always thrilled to sell a bottle to an enthusiastic gringo on the premises.
-
Miguel, are you related to Juez Gilberto Gierbolini?
-
I lived in San Juan for two years from '97 to '99. You've got the best of the bunch already recommended to you. Don Q Cristal (with an "i" not a "y" not be picky :)) is the what the natives drink for light rum and with good reason. It is a great mixer for classic cuba libres and mojitos cubanos. The Serralles distillery that makes it is a distant second player to Bacardi, but far and away the local favorite.
Barrilito is absolutely the stuff for dark rum. Great sipping just on ice. Incredibly smooth with a honey sweetness and a hint of nutmeg, cinnamon spice in the finish. 3 star is far and away my favorite, I've got two bottles in my cabinet right now. You should tell your friends to get a tour of the distillery while you are there, it is tiny and run by only a couple of people, much better than the Bacardi tour which is more popular with tourists. Incidentally, I believe the Barrilito distillery is now owned by the Bacardi family empire (I could be wrong), but they have done nothing to change its handcrafted, small batch product. This will make you forget Ron del Bacardi Anejo. Cheers!
Absinthe: The Topic
in Spirits & Cocktails
Posted
I had some absinthe the other night after several Grey Goose martinis (extra extra dry with extra olives BTW). A friend of mine had the bottle and claimed it was made with "synthetic wormwood" which he claimed was not yet illegal. Whatever it was, I couldn't feel my face after one glass. Granted we were pretty far along already, but that stuff was bizarre. Completely high off of it, couldn't get up by myself and couldn't walk too well once dragged to my feet. No hallucinations or anything, but insane nonetheless. Anyway, that's my two cents.