http://www.chow.com/boards/14 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:35:47 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/633128#4830175 I bought some at the Giant in McLean within the last week. Maybe you could get your Giant to call the McLean Giant to get the recipe. This recipe is the classic French recipe for vinaigrette potato salad -- the type that gets served with salad Nicoise. I've been buying thisi stuff at both the old Giant Gourmet and the regular Giant in McLean for 20 years. Good stuff. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:19:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633128#4830175 http://www.chow.com/topics/633532#4830131 How long have you been sitting on this info, monkey? I've been ignoring menus for Magic Wok and Sampan Cafe for a while now, apparently to my own detriment... Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:50:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633532#4830131 http://www.chow.com/topics/344683#4830079 Sean D, I have to disagree with you re: the origin of mumbo sauce. I grew up in DC and knew of mumbo sauce well before many of the Chinese restaurants started popping up. For me, Mr. Goins, of Goins Carry Out (Georgia Ave & Sheppard St. NW; Petworth Area) had the best chicken wing sandwich with mumbo sauce. I lived about four blocks away and would often walk there for some wings. This was in the mid to late 70's. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:54:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/344683#4830079 http://www.chow.com/topics/633877#4829999 go east young man Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:43:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633877#4829999 http://www.chow.com/topics/633797#4829688 But there is at least one restaurant that blatantly ignores the law. However, I would never out them on this board as they seem to get away with it. Amazes me to no end! Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:38:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633797#4829688 http://www.chow.com/topics/633900#4829675 intimate dinner — 213 (fruitland) best pizza — ponzetti's (route 13 north), lombardi's (route 50 east) or la roma (route 13, close to downtown) crab house — the red roost, if you feel like driving out into the sticks. if not then the old mill. fun bar — breaktime, great slates if you're in cambridge, peaky's if you're in princess anne, want to see linda hamilton (yeah she goes there) and get some good fried chicken bar food/ribs/steaks/wings — adam's (fruitland) sushi — shogun by bennett high school Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:28:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633900#4829675 http://www.chow.com/topics/633405#4829627 strosniders and wagshals have good selections of smoking wood. you can buy weber brand smoking chips at the giant in van ness and probably most other grocery stores Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:06:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633405#4829627 http://www.chow.com/topics/628318#4829527 Alkapal - remembered this post the other day when I was at Santini's - they have calzones. I've not had those, but the pizza is decent enough to warrant an investigation. They have an outpost in Reston and Oakton, at least. I also think Paisano's has them, but I haven't had anything yet at any of their places. Anything I could find on this place seems lukewarm at best, and no one commented on a request I put out about them. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:04:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/628318#4829527 http://www.chow.com/topics/631559#4829421 joe — you can compare texas in the 1980s to texas now if you like. but to say that the southern/mexican food here is as good as the southern/mexican food is in texas just seems ludicrous. i'd like you to prove me wrong. tell me where to go to find a great chicken fried steak like george's, shady grove or even luby's, smokey barbecue that's as good as the salt lick or even rudy's, good tex-mex enchiladas in the D.C. area that can compare to the chips, queso, enchiladas, etc. at ninfa's, pappasitos, los cucos or guadalajara. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:00:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631559#4829421 http://www.chow.com/topics/633305#4829319 Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Can't wait to try them! Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:08:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633305#4829319 http://www.chow.com/topics/633796#4829313 Agreed. Should have titled thread Wagyu-style. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:05:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633796#4829313 http://www.chow.com/topics/633397#4829037 I think you and your guests are going to really love Woodberry. And a cab is definitely the way to go! Make sure you come back and report your experience! Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:33:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633397#4829037 http://www.chow.com/topics/628793#4828964 I've been to all these at least a couple of times. In terms of quality, consistency and price, I find Thai Chef and Uni to be the best (Don't get the HH sushi at TC). Nooshi, Raku, Banana Leave and Plum Blossom are pretty decent, but I don't think as good as the other two mentioned. Plum Blossom has a very nice atmosphere but can be really slow. I liked their sushi, though. Sakana and Nooshi (stick with their Thai) are overrated. Japone is overrun by GW students. Sakana might be cheap and there is someone on this baord who always recommends this place, but that's based on her love for one particular roll. Overall, the sushi is meh. Another place that's surprisingly good is Singapore Bistro. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:57:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/628793#4828964 http://www.chow.com/topics/632244#4828758 TS serves FMNS. ;-). Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:03:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632244#4828758 http://www.chow.com/topics/633131#4828509 i actually just had dinner at zatinya tonight and it was TERRIBLE --- DO NOT GO TO ZATINYA. 1. the host was awful. we had made a reservation for 5 people at 8:45pm. everyone got there at 8:45pm, we informed the host, and he turned around and handed us our buzzer while telling us we still had to wait. 30 minutes roll by and we're still not seated. the organizer of our party goes back to the host and he claims that he never gave us the buzzer or told us to wait any longer and that our table has been ready all along. never apologizes for the misunderstanding, never tries to ameliorate the situation, and seats us at the our table in a huff. 2. the food has indeed significantly decreased in quality. i've been to zatinya multiple times before and have really enjoyed it, but this time the food was greasy and sloppy, and nothing was really fabulous. mediocre at best. if you need to go for turkish or mediterranean food, just go somewhere else, anywhere else except zatinya. it's not worth it anymore. Taylor Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:22:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633131#4828509 http://www.chow.com/topics/633249#4828317 wow. I know some hard-core woodworkers that won't even use a grinder on their lathe chisels that are prob. wondering right now why they feel goose bumps. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:12:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633249#4828317 http://www.chow.com/topics/632924#4827883 As a restaurant owner, there is another issue that seems to be overlooked here in this discussion. I have never been to the Inn so my comments are not specific to the restaurant in question, but a general observation. Restaurants with passionalte owners have an experience they are trying to deliver. Customers coming into a restaurant have expectations that they and they alone set. Sometimes these expectations are way apart from the experience that the restaurant is trying to deliver. From what I know of Chef O'Connel and the Inn, part of their experience is related to a whimsical touch that does not fit with the formality of some other very highly rated restaurants {i.e. the mooing cow cart for the cheese and the over the top decor. But from what I am reading of your concerns, true, and that is all I have to go by, these formality issues seem to be paramount. A restaurant cannot change the space it has and economics, historically arrived at, drive the number of tables etc. Based on this, I think that there is a big disconnect possible. If that is upsetting, maybe you should be looking at somewhere else. Because if you go to the Inn and it does not deliver, an important ocasion for you will be ruined. If you go somewhee else where you seem to be more certain that their delivery will meet your expectations, and the Inn would ahve actually be trancendant, then you are just missing out on something that you didn't experience. All of us have a far a larger universe of restaurants we ahve not experienced than of the ones we have. All I know is that a some of folk I know and whose food palates I respect love the Inn and say its worth every penny and some say it is a waste. But that is true of Komi, Eve, CItyZen, Citronelle & Mini Bar etc. in DC as well as Momofuku KO, Per Se, the FL, etc elsewhere. No one restaurant is a perfect fit for everyone! Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:28:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632924#4827883 http://www.chow.com/topics/632368#4827717 I can confirm that Maneki Neko is the best Japanese in that area. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:01:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632368#4827717 http://www.chow.com/topics/598921#4827710 It's all relative, but I find Sakulthai's version of Thai phet to be just about right. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:56:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/598921#4827710 http://www.chow.com/topics/633696#4827157 After some deliberation, I decided to try out the Rumor Mill in Ellicott City this weekend. Decided to eliminate dining in the downtown area since it's a holiday weekend and the tourists and crowds will descend upon the hotspots. Since the AC in my car is on the fritz, I didn't want to travel anywhere that would take more then 10-15 minutes drive time-- Ellicott City fit that bill. I also exlcluded Towson and Annapolis (I always avoid Annapolis during the summer months on weekends for the same reasons. I hope I made the right decision. Any comments, suggestions, recommendations from anyone who has dined at the establishment. Their website's menu looked to be somewhat innovative. It provides options as to ordering a more substantial meal, or going light by ordering several small plates and appetizers, which seemed more appealing. Thanks for any insight. FoiGras Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:20:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633696#4827157 http://www.chow.com/topics/633624#4827129 Yes, and those chicken cutlet sandwiches are great! Close to addictive! I love the one with broccoli rabe. Taylor Gourmet at 1116 H Street, NE on the North side of the street which is unfortunately pretty torn up right now while the City lays new streetcar tracks and fixes the street and all the curbs and sidewalks. It's worth finding your way around the Jersey barriers and snagging a parking place on the side streets. Or use the easy shuttle from Chinatown that runs evenings from about 5 PM until the Metro closes. The shuttle also stops at Union Station. Taylor is easy to miss like a lot of places on H but it has a nice urban vibe and the food is terrific, cooked to order, and the sandwiches are served on excellent bread brought down from Philadelphia. Even a nice patio out back if the weather cooperates. They're open very late weekend nights. Until 3:30 AM I think. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:11:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633624#4827129 http://www.chow.com/topics/632312#4826922 No, no! I go to RT's just about every two weeks and the prices on this website are accurate by my count. http://www.rtsrestaurant.net/ Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:53:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632312#4826922 http://www.chow.com/topics/633388#4826896 Thanks so much for all your suggestions. I called Safeway in Bel Air MD yesterday and the butcher informed me that he usually always has them in stock. I am now well stocked and ready to embark on my recipe - slow roasting in port and red wine. Thanks again guys.... Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:35:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633388#4826896 http://www.chow.com/topics/633400#4826888 I would do a kind of jaunt around from PS7 which has great drinks and bar food, then to Oya which also has some good drinks (I love their dark and stormy) and good small plates especially some of the sushi (they also have a 3 course dinner special normally and I like their food), then perhaps down to Zaytinya which has a couple really good vodka drinks I think they have a couple infused vodkas and a couple infused ouzos, there was a lemon one I think that is especially good, they have small plates too. Then if you wanted to wind down you could go to Proof which doesn't have as good of cocktails, they are ok, but is more mello. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:32:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633400#4826888 http://www.chow.com/topics/499888#4826809 I'm not so sure about that 'southern' thing. The Laurel Highlands in PA have Buckwheat Suppers in the fall. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:54:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/499888#4826809 http://www.chow.com/topics/633339#4826788 Mmmm. That curry sauce is great. We had the cod and I only put vinegar on it and it was great. But we bought a couple curry sauces to go to use around the house. Enjoy! Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:41:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633339#4826788 http://www.chow.com/topics/616813#4826428 Heirlooms! my stomach is waiting, patiently. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:19:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/616813#4826428 http://www.chow.com/topics/627605#4826390 Is this the place that replaced El Tapatio? Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:56:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627605#4826390 http://www.chow.com/topics/626996#4826368 I'm back from Balto, and wanted to share, and thank you all for the replies. My first evening there we had dinner at The Dogwood. It was Friday ngiht and the place was loud! Somehow we got a table with uncomfortable plastic chairs, near the bar, probably should have made res. earlier for a Friday night. Our waiter was a little harried it seemed, as questions required a couple mentions to obtain info from the kitchen. All that said, my trout was delicious, as were my dining companions chicken breasts, lamb shank, and duck. The duck in particular was fantastic--silky and juicy without any greasiness from the skin. Desserts were a bit unusual, perhaps because the menu descriptions didn't quite fit on a couple, but they were still good, just not what we expected.. We would go again, we decided. By far, though, the big find of the trip, thanks to hon, was Woodberry Kitchen. My father and stepmom plan to return for dinner this week, because we had such a great experience at Sunday brunch. They are blessed by a talented barista. The patio is pleasant. The dining rooms looked promising, too. I had a fantastic dish of shirred eggs with crab and chard. The waiter explained that the wood burning oven was running hot that morning, and had cooked my eggs beyond the runny description I was looking forward to dipping toast. Still, that detail aside, the eggs were so tasty, the crab sweet and the chard made a good combo. Their hash browns are just a little spicy, and crusty on the edges, so good. There were some lovely buckwheat pancakes with cherries and french toast and ricotta pancakes, which my grandad finished off all plates with great gusto. Him being 93, we encourage the hearty appetite and communal table! We also shared a cheese plate with tasty pairings, the highlight for me was Firefly Farms goat cheese with cardamom apricots, or was it thyme honey and blueberries, I don't recall. Anyway, great atmosphere, informed and attentive service, excellent food. I want to mention that my parents and grandad had eaten takeout from Kabob Stop the night before I arrived, and enjoyed it. They said it was fairly standard Indian fare, but done well. I had a nice tea from Dee Dee's Bakery, a little shop on Federal Hill, while walking around after viewing the exhibit at AVAM. Her cookies looked tempting, but I didn't try one, even the little green tea shortbread. What willpower. The owner was very sweet and accomodating, offering free refills. She just opened her shop this past August, so I hope she will make a go of it. Although we ate many meals at home, I want to thank you all for the recs. I will have a list for next visit now. I also want to say how impressed I was with the friendliness of Baltimoreans. Everywhere we went people were pleasant, even when we were rooting for the Sox at Camden Yards on Monday night. You all have a great city! Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:44:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626996#4826368 http://www.chow.com/topics/622293#4826357 a few friends dined there for lunch and thought the flavor of the pho was excellent, but skimpy on the meat, nevertheless, i still will check this place out. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:37:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/622293#4826357 http://www.chow.com/topics/633366#4826096 Thanks, Little1ng! I'll keep this all in mind Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:44:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633366#4826096 http://www.chow.com/topics/615362#4826045 It's probably been a year since I'd been previously, but I was there this past week and was pleasantly surprised that they had remodeled and expanded their buffet a bit to include dessert (gulab jamun that day) and an extra simmering tray or two. A bit better deal and atmosphere than it used to be, but still not particularly tripworthy. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:24:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/615362#4826045 http://www.chow.com/topics/633144#4825994 I would vote for 1789. Their 3-course dinner is $40. No drinks, 2 people = ((2x40)x1.1)x1.25) = $110 with tax and tip. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:10:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633144#4825994 http://www.chow.com/topics/633211#4825818 zeb — i'm nodding along with your near-perfect description and i do believe there's a little drool on my face. don't know if you saw salt lick on the best thing i ever ate barbecue episode but man it made me miss texas. but if this place has big red and blue bell ice cream, which it allegedly intends to, I'll be one of the first knocking down their door. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:07:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633211#4825818 http://www.chow.com/topics/633548#4825671 Kam Sen and Maxim's should carry it. It's a common ingredient. I don't know about Korean Korner. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:04:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633548#4825671 http://www.chow.com/topics/632950#4825656 i seem to recall an aluminum pitcher, too... Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:59:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632950#4825656 http://www.chow.com/topics/633483#4825553 They have an assortment of about 6-10 small plates, with each plate being $5. Honestly, you could order three things and have a great, substantial dinner for $15. I just checked the website, and http://www.willowva.com/barmenu.html is not entirely accurate, but the selection will give you an idea. I remember "Halibut Sliders" was a choice from last night. In the fall, be on the lookout for mushroom caps stuffed with housemade sausage. If you order a flatbread, I would recommend the full size version from the regular menu (the smaller version is about a third the size for $10, with the full size running $16-20). Yes, Willow does have a happy hour from 5-7pm, and cocktails and wine are $5. I think the cocktails are probably rail mixes, but I believe they "feature" moderately priced wines for $5. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:13:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633483#4825553 http://www.chow.com/topics/630656#4825213 Ellen...did you go to Pappas? I went once and it was really a throwback...I could easily see my parents taking me there years ago. And I really loved the crabcake! More good news, their package store is open on Sunday! Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:26:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/630656#4825213 http://www.chow.com/topics/619856#4825171 I attended a wedding at The Mansion in March and it was awesome! The most unique place I've ever been, great music and the food was fantastic. You might want to try there. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:11:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/619856#4825171 http://www.chow.com/topics/632833#4824966 The Blue Crab uses its front claws (pincer claws) to defend itself. They can do some serious damage as most kids in crab country learn at an early age when their bare toes get nipped. Crabs are aggressive and cannibalistic. One of their defense mechanisms is the ability to drop off a claw when threatened, usually when another crab holds onto it in a fight. Then it can run away. When crabs are seriously threatened - as in about to die in a pot - they often drop the claws in an automatic response to threat. If crabs are steamed too slowly (or put into water that isn't boiling and/or brought back to boiling too slowly) or they're agitated when put into the pot, more of them will "throw claws." It's an automatic response to the "threat." Poorly cooked crabs often have lots of loose claws served along with them or perhaps are sold clawless. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:50:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632833#4824966 http://www.chow.com/topics/633422#4824892 Shucker's gets a C for food but A+ for view. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:30:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633422#4824892 http://www.chow.com/topics/633242#4824808 Doughnut King in Kensington/Wheaton on University Blvd. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:07:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633242#4824808 http://www.chow.com/topics/632107#4824784 I went last year - never again. Wait in line in the hot sun for an hour or more for samples of supermarket food? I don't think so. After paying $10 to get in, you can then buy ordinary-at-best BBQ from a local restaurant while you gaze longingly at the smokers producing what you really want to eat. It was a depressing and infuriating experience for me. I will only go to BBQ festivals with a "people's choice" component from now on. I totally agree with Bob W, who said, "Don't worry, no one blames you guys. The fault lies with the "bait and switch" nature of this event. Like many people, I went once, thinking I'd be sampling the wares of contestants. Instead, we had to eat some pretty bad commercial que." Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:57:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632107#4824784 http://www.chow.com/topics/630378#4824055 I just wanted to follow up after a few more visits. The sandwiches here really are incredible, especially the light, crisp ciabatta rolls that they use. I think they're still working through some menu changes, but the seem very adaptable. They've already streamlined ordering by changing their ordering versus pickup setup. And they seemed to have addressed my biggest complaint, the lack of sides, by including small sides of couscous or lentils with the purchase of a sandwich. Service has been very good to. They seem to be on the right track, and with a really high quality product. Let's hope they can keep this up. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:26:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/630378#4824055 http://www.chow.com/topics/633308#4823978 Potenza, 15th and H. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:54:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633308#4823978 http://www.chow.com/topics/633111#4823966 I was there once on a Saturday or Sunday, probably around 9:30 or 10. 3 of us were seated immediately, but on the way out, there was a line at least 30 minutes long if not much longer. Weather was not so nice then too. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:50:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633111#4823966 http://www.chow.com/topics/627837#4823514 Report back: Had dinner at Jackson's 20...good suggestion. It was not crowded or noisy as I feared it might be, and the "20 at $20" wine list was a hit. The rest of the meeting people kept coming up to me and saying "I hear you found a good restaurant with a twenty dollar wine list..." Thanks, hounds!! Everyone enjoyed it, and afterwards we stopped at Doc's ice cream as we were walking back...recommended! Actually, that was one of the better meals I had this trip. The Gaylord is like a cruise ship....too self-contained for my taste. All the restaurants have similar-tasting food..with the exception of the Old Hickory Steakhouse, which is very good but very pricey. (We had a group dinner there one night). If you find yourself stuck at a meeting there, I definitely recommend the water taxi to Old Town. It is a very pleasant, relaxing way to spend an evening. As for other places to eat nearby: the Mexican restaurant (Rosa Mexicana) a block or two from the Gaylord has good guacamole made tableside, but if you want any punch at all you'll have to ask for "extra spicey" We ordered medium and could not taste any heat. Their margaritas are pretty good. We ate at Ketchup (across the street from Rosa Mexicana) one night: the drinks are better than the food. (I highly recommend the "Dazed and Confused" ; two left me just that....:-) All of the different ketchups are interesting, but again, their "spicey" is dummed down for tourists (or maybe I've been on the west coast too long...). Unfortunately, we had major service issues at Ketchup...ended up having to talk with the manager (who was very nice and made it right, to his credit....). I didn't eat there myself, but several of my friends raved about the Chinese place that is across the street from the Gaylord. Actually, the menu looks a little more like Asian fusion, but it advertises itself as "Chinese." The outdoor bar there is way cool...... Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:51:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627837#4823514 http://www.chow.com/topics/623739#4823458 Obviously YMMV! Start with the spiced cashews and bread, order some crab bisque, grilled shrimp or a caesar salad for an app, then the Cowboy Cut, with the included garlic mashed potatoes and creamed spinach, and finish with some coconut cream pie. Add a bottle of Malbec, and let us know if you can finish all of that. :) One of our crewe polished off 1.5 Hellburgers in one sitting last week, so I know it can be done. But that's 15 oz. of beef - more than I could (or should) eat in two sittings. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:05:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/623739#4823458 http://www.chow.com/topics/633069#4823334 They have a good cheese selection. The cheese stand also carries spreads, yogurt, and milk (some in glass bottles). There is also a great deli stand that has assorted salads (tuna, chicken, potato, etc) and desserts. There are three bakery stands. One has mostly breads, cookies and pies. One specializes in cheesecakes. The third has assorted cookies and pies. Of the three, my favorite is the one in the far back with breads and pies. They make great juice-sweetened/no added sugar pies. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:02:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633069#4823334