squids

Calling out to the crowd for suggestions for a large group (may be as little as 20 or as large as 30) We'll be staying at the Marriott Worldgate near Dulles/Herndon, and while it is a very special event, my folks are protesting that they don't want a fancy production--just "go out to dinner with the family." They've made the requisite noises that relatives have already invited themselves from out of town. We'll be looking at possibly doing something at the hotel, but since they don't want a big production, I'd like to look into restaurants that may be close by to the hotel. The event will be in early Feb, which is coming up fast, and since I live in MD, I'm not as familiar with the neighborhood spots in that neck of the woods. There will be a wide variety of eaters, with children from 2 to tweens, and differing dietary needs so a varied menu is best--which precludes Asian and most other ethnic choices. Is there any hope for us? I'm open to any and all suggestions. Please let me know! Edited to add that price will be a factor as well--

Thank you John W. for a wonderful bday dinner! It's always difficult at this time of year, since everyone and his brother are out celebrating the holidays. With a houseful of boxes to unpack from moving, I decided this year I wanted good food in a comforable atmosphere, not necessarily a "special occasion" restaurant, but the "I wish I lived closer to here so I could pop in any time" restaurant. Once again, John W., Derek and crew delivered. The restaurant was quite busy Tuesday...our reservations were at 7pm, so I went with a coworker to have a drink before-hand...Pomo for me, Autumn for my coworker. Both were exceptional. Hubby arrived at 6:30, so we sat at the bar and chatted until 7--The only caveat is the only tables that aren't side-by-side close together, seat more than two. And on a busy night, there was no way we would be taking up a larger table than necessary. I felt like I was in Les Halles in New York! (Well, maybe the tables weren't quite as close as that) I had a very comforting meal: the Fried Oysters, Lamb steak and Mac and Cheese. Squash soup, Roast Chicken and Frites for Mr. Squids. We shared an Apple dessert that just hit the spot. I wish I remembered more details, but having just gotten back this evening from my office holiday party, the details are a bit fuzzy, but the memories of the meal and how delicious it was remain. Thanks again to John W.-his attention to detail and level of caring for his customers shows and makes one want to come back, again and again.

off to firefly!

I don't choose to go to McD's, but was doing a "run" to get some eats for a group when I noticed a Steak and Cheese being offered at the local chain. I haven't seen any advertising for it, or for any of the other deli sandwiches for that matter. I was going to skip getting anything but it was the only thing on the menu that appealed to me, so I gave it a try. What I can tell you is that I was expecting the worst, and found that it was something that I would definitely order again if McD's was the only option. (like the van full of kids and stopping at only one drive thru, or any other group outing) The worst part was a piece of grizzle. Now, I don't mind grizzle, as I used to love it growing up--but I would prefer not to guess whether it is actually grizzle or not when coming from McD's! The point is that they were successful with this item, as I would order it again. I actually have come to expect McD's trial offerings, as it seems that they have now worked that feature into their business model. I'm no longer surprised to see "what will they be offering next?"

Yeah, and it was all my fault. Peanut'll be there Friday at 7. Wanted to go Thurday so I could get that pork, but we have a viewing of Peanut's first artwork at day care (aka her teacher dipped her feet in paint and put footprints on paper!) ← I'd like to try to get out now that we're finally moved into our new home, as of this past weekend. Maybe I can convince my husband to go to Jackie's if he knows there may be others there as well? Mandalay wasn't an option since we're actually going to Firefly tomorrow for a triple celebration of the past few month's events...anniversary, bday and the move finally being over! Looking forward to a great meal tomorrow, though. I may try to sneak over for drink to while away the time before my husband meets me there at 7, just in case anyone else isn't going to Mandalay and is in Firefly's neck of the woods? I'd love some company, but will drink alone if I have to!

I'm so glad someone started this thread! While the RMP is not your "fine dining" establishment, it is a very warm, comfortable environment, and a great place to go and get a quick bite (as long as it doesn't get too packed!) The best fish and chips I've had in this neck of the woods, and the scotch broth and shepherd's pie are great on a cold winter's night like this! We've been going there for many years--It's the place we always gather when the old gang gets together around the holidays, when friends come back to town to visit family. Every time my sister comes into town, it's the standard meeting place, as it used to be when she lived here. Ian's mother, who used to hostess, was my nephew's teacher. I've not heard much talk about it on this board, and didn't realize there were so many other egulleters who've frequented there as well!

Does that go for all the MOM's? There's one in Rockville, that I've never been to, but every time I pass it I think, "Oh yeah, I should stop in there some day..." Anyone ever been to that one?

If you're ever in the locale of 19th St (Btwn L and M) The Greek Deli serves Greek yogurt with walnuts and honey. Very tasty, and a large enough serving to last me more than one sitting. MMMMHHH--wish I had some now! BTW, Kostas sells several Greek items at the deli as well, such as olive oil, pitas, orzo, etc. He also caters, too. If you ever run out again, I'm sure he'll be able to either get some for you, or tell you where to find it.

Old topic, I know, but it's back--AGAIN. I've seen this show before as well, but I hadn't realized it was from '99--they've been playing it quite a lot these past few days on our PBS. (very timely with the talk of Papaya King coming to the DC area) It is amazing though, new viewers must see it every time they replay it, which is, why, they replay it. Last night at dinner, my FIL was talking about the show. Of course when I saw it a few years ago, I wasn't a member of eg, and this time did the obligatory--shouting to my husband, "fat guy's on TV!"

If you want easy, store-bought (not bakery) pies, Costco has some pretty darn good ones--the apple pie is excellent. Can't vouch for the pumpkin pie, as I really don't care for it, but with the quality of all their other foods, I would definitely give them a try.

My point exactly! Yes, there is a talent to the chopstick grab, twirl in the spoon, slurp the noodles...but how many are really, truly, adept at the whole process? ( and the inevitable splash here or there that ends up on the shirt...) I would definitely be up for an egullet outing, but am in the process of packing and moving, so, probably won't be available 'til all this crap is over and done with.

Sounds like a good idea for a seperate thread....what type of places are good for a first date? Although I think going out to eat pho is akin to going out to eat spaghetti, or an oversized sub on a first date! (it could be verry messy )

WoodleyGrrl, I'm a bit confused on where you are coming from here. I haven't seen anyone defending Palena's "bad" service in these most recent posts. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and judgements of how their own experiences were. If you note the posts above, Rossignol and Busboy both said that they were dissapointed. Those who are NOT Don Rocks, myself and ozgirl, both had fine experiences. It merits pointing out that Busboy was in the back room, and both ozgirl and I dined in the cafe, on the same evening. I would also point out that I as well, have been a customer in the back room, with this being my first experience at the cafe. I do think expectations and prior experiences come in to play when dining at a restaurant. Having no prior cafe experiences to compare to makes my experience different from someone else who may have frequented the cafe several times. All in all, it's unfortunate that you have had bad service there, and enough times to keep you from coming back. But please also accept that others may not have had those same bad experiences. edited to add: In case no one has said it yet, Welcome Rossignol! Great job on jumping right in-do not hesitate to post if you've had a negative experience. This is not a mutual admiration society. I appreciate hearing what others like, and dislike, constructively, about restaurants. It helps me to make better decisions when I dine out myself.

We took my sister, visiting from San Diego, to Palena last night. It was our first time dining at the cafe. There were quite a few tables open when we arrived around 7:15, but it picked up thereafter, and there was a steady flow of people coming in until we rolled out of there a few hours later. Upon recommendation, both Mr. Squids and my sister had the chicken, and I had the burger. We shared a salad, the fries and german chocolate cake. What an understatement, to say that this is the bargain of the city! And ohhhh so good. Our waiter, Jim, recommended the old vines zinfandel, which both my sister and I enjoyed. (sorry but that's all my feeble mind can remember) Kelly was delightful. I spoke with her on the phone earlier in the day, and recalled that she must've been the one I spoke with about a year ago when we dined in the back for our Anniversary. We had been impressed with the service and food then, and are even more so, now. I'm looking forward to going back to be able to try out more of the menu...even though we shared dishes, we all felt like completely stuffed pigs...and happy ones at that! (oink, oink)

Is Papaya King anything like Gray's Papaya? If it is, I can easily see people lining up for them, just like they line up for the mexican cart on K St. (at least I think it's K) Gray's has always been a stop for us when we're needing a quick bite in-between shopping and museums, whenever we go to NYC. And if they keep the cost the same, how could it miss? For anyone who remembers Gus, it's a good thing he retired, or else it would be quite the toss up of whether to go to his cart, or to Papaya King! edited to add--after reading the article, I should note that the Gus I am referring to ran a cart in DC for many, many moons, in the Golden Triangle district.

Very sad news, as I was looking forward to going there for my anniversary which was last month. Due to an upcoming move, we've put off the celebrations for a bit, which hopefully will give us time to hear about a next venture? (As they say, you snooze, you lose.)

Maybe now they'll come out with a reformulated product, without ANY Aspartame!

Malawry, has it opened yet in Langley Park? Guess what--there will now be one in Wheaton, too! They've taken over the old Roy Rogers building on Georgia Ave and have a sign out that says "now hiring." Same place that was referred to in the Pho thread as next to Eunny's Dad's Shell Station--Now he'll have to decide whether to wait in line, or just go 'cross the street to the Chicken Basket! Not much feeback here since it opened in Virgina, and was due to open in Maryland, so I'm curious if there are still long lines?

Well, it's not "pure" chocolate, but sticking with the sweet/salty combo, I used to love to eat french fries dipped in a chocolate milk shake (picture this--McDonald's fries dipped in a Wendy's frosty) Granted, this was about 25 years ago, but the fond memory still remains...and I see nothing wrong with chocolate dipped potato chips! We also used to go ape for the frozen bananas covered in Chocolate when we would drive through Michigan every summer on our family vacations.

From the description, it sounds like a rich beer, but not sweet...is that correct? My husband made a cake a couple weeks ago for my office that I noted was quite good paired with a particular wine, a Montelpuciano. I also noted that it would go well with a beer if it wasn't too sweet, since the cake is sweet. The cake fulfills the nutty component, as it is a "Pecan Pie" Cake. Believe me it is a sweet cake, but not like actual Pecan pie is sweet. (and for me, too cloying) Just a thought...

Does anybody know what component makes the Japanese mayo tart? American mayo, off the shelf, is made with soybean oil. I know this because I am allergic, and it is very hard to find a mayonaisse made with something else unless you go to a health food store, or if it's Passover. What I've noticed is the difference in taste, not just from the soybean oil based mayo, but from the other ones as well. The kosher for Passover mayo is made with cottonseed oil, and it had a different mouthfeel--kinda dry? The Canola oil mayo was very rich, and tasted actually sweeter than what I remember the soybean oil mayo tasting. Some mayos also have other ingredients added, such as xantham gum, which I suppose is to add to the texture. I'm curious now what the label says is included in the Japanese mayo?

Let me be the first to welcome you, Baltfoodie! I'm not from B'more, but I have seen postings from others who do frequent the neighborhood. Sounds like you're getting a good thing going...

It's been a few years since I lived in Wheaton but as I recall the pho at Nam's was nothing to write home about. It has changed hands since then. My favorite place was An Loi in Wheaton Plaza. (Squids - I remember when Wheaton Plaza didn't have a roof. ) ← Ah, yes, and Woodies and Wards and Raleighs and Hahn's...all gone now, just like the roof. If I make it in to work tomorrow, my only hope for Pho will be from Asian Bistro on L St, even tho' I've now got a hankering for An Loi--at least it's better than nothing!

so I was doing a little research online, and found this link It's been years since I've been to Nam's, and the place I was thinking of on Univ. is called Pho Hiep Hoa. Only been to Saigonese once, and I don't recall if Pho was even on the menu. Anyone have feedback on any of these restaurants? Do you recall which one is the one you like, iamthestretch? Pho Heip Hoa Restaurant (Vietnamese) $ 2211A University Boulevard Nam's Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine $$ 11220 Georgia Avenue Saigonese Restaurant (Authentic Vietnamese) $$ 11232 Grandview Avenue

The Shell next to that Danny's belongs to my dad Poor guy - he secretly loved Roy's, mourned their demise, and hates taking the time to sit down at the Korean place across Georgia to get lunch. Sometimes, he goes to the charcoal chicken place by the Sunny's Surplus...and shame, shame, he has been known to eat the hell out of some Chicken Basket ←