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/669848#5208986 Hal, the one you're probably thinking of is Bistro Francais on M St. - wouldn't call it "interesting" though. http://www.bistrofrancaisdc.com/ In addition to the two mentioned by Hal, also think about going French-Belgian at Brasserie Beck. http://www.beckdc.com/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:33:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669848#5208986 http://www.chow.com/topics/669865#5208905 Last week my wife and I did our best to eat our way through Las Vegas during a week of trade show entertaining as well as private "indulgence." Lotus of Siam has long been thought of as the best Thai restaurant in the United States. A visit last Wednesday night confirmed this: there is nothing in the D. C. area that compares. Nothing in Southern California that compares either. Superb Penang sauce with any of a half dozen meats or seafood, outstanding crisp garlic shrimp and impossibly incendiary butterflied grilled shrimp with long shards of fresh green chili and a piquant vinegar dipping sauce. Without question the hottest dish I have ever had in my life. This includes slurping teaspoons of straight Tabasco sauce. Still, I put away almost a pound of the fresh green chilied shrimp feeling that any second I might stoke a fire on the top of the table with my breath! "Animal fries" at In-n-Out (fresh potatoes topped with melted American cheese, minced grilled onion and "spread" ((i.e. Russian dressing)) ) were superb. But not as superb as what we had at Vleminckx in Amsterdam a month ago and reported on here which were topped with mayonnaise, curry sauce and minced fresh onion. The double double remains a worthy contender to Hell Burger and the In-n-Out several blocks off of the Strip is the highest grossing fast food restaurant (of all) in the U. S. Remarkable, that at 4:00 PM on Saturday afternoon over 200 people were in it with four grills going, two stationed at each grill and a walled bank of french fry cookers adjacent with baskets of fries being emptied literally every thirty seconds. On Sunday afternoon we counted six taxis in the parking lot with passengers who had all come over from the Strip including two with luggage stacked in the front seat. In Vegas the time mechanism is $30 an hour. Still, they all considered as us, that In-n-Out was "worthy." Did I mention that with the almost $10 million that this outpost does each year they still manage to serve fresh potatoes for their french fries? (Sorry, Michael.) But the dinner of the trip was at the three Michelin star Joel Robuchon in the MGM Grand. I was at Robuchon in Paris in the '90's before he first "retired." This is not as good. Still, it is a remarkable effort that is unlike anything in the D. C. area for its style. There were individual carts for: bread, butter, cheese, dessert and petit fours. A cart was wheeled by for each. The butter cart was extraordinary: a server pushed it over and on top stood a tree trunk sized slab of butter almost a foot high and six to eight inches thick. The server bent over and scaled the side of it, slicing off a thick curl that he placed on each of our plates. Following this he sprinkled fleur de lys on top. All of this to compliment one or two of the 20+ different breads and rolls that another cart featured. There were two Great dishes including possibly the single best dish I have tasted in years anywhere: "braised veal cheeks with Thai broth and vegetable couscous with broccoli" along with an intense, rich, delicate "chestnut velouté with foie gras and smoked lardons foam." We deeply wafted the rich broth of the veal cheeks, almost sucking them into our nostrils as no other food I've found in years. Layers and layers of flavor: all four of us, all sophisticated at this level almost overwhelmed at the extraordinarily complex being pulled off so well. I've not had a meat dish in the D. C. area-or Europe for that matter that was better than this. Perhaps none that was as good. Anywhere. Still, there was weakness at Robuchon. For myself and several others at the table we didn't think it merited three stars. Despite the two incredible dishes and the showstopping presentation of the butter it was not on the level I found in Paris in the mid '90's. But it tried. There is nowhere in D. C. that approaches its style. However, for what is on the plate I would suggest that Maestro in its last months came close. And, Enzo at his Chef's Table at Teatro Goldoni. Dishes at CityZen and Citronelle also were on or near this level. At least three or four dishes at Volt's Table 21 were almost as good, too. Komi has incredible lamb that approaches the succulent excellence of the veal cheeks. None of these have endless serving carts wheeling by the table with an army of servers to look over your shoulder. I should mention here that all of us thought that overall this "army" of servers was rather amateurish and lacked the kind of passion found with some at Volt and Komi or the professional excellence of several at Citronelle. In Vegas this was staff hired to be everpresent, not to be ever excellent. Still, it was a remarkable dinner. A remarkable price, too. $195 for six courses plus a couple of amuse with a 16 course degustation that is the most expensive in America at $385. That's plus wine, tax and tip. We didn't do the degustation. We took the difference and spent a couple more nights in Vegas! In'n'Out and Lotus of Siam also allowed the cost of the meal. Over the next month we are going to do our best to revisit some of our best experiences here to see how they measure against Robuchon. On Saturday of next week a group of us go to the ambitious Plume, a week later we visit Fabio at the Four Season in Manhattan and then, around Christmas, we'll revisit the new Chef's Table that Enzo has created at Teatro Goldoni. Then, in January, Roberto reopens Galileo with his Lab following a month or so later. Joel Robuchon is one of only a single handful of three Michelin starred restaurants in the U. S. I believe that there may be a number of dishes here that can compare (i.e. Enzo's egg shell and his cigar box). We don't expect the rolling carts but we also don't expect the cost of a vacation to be on our plate either. Rather, our hope is that D. C.'s best can hold its own against Michelin's idea of what is America's best. I think there is a real chance. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:49:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669865#5208905 http://www.chow.com/topics/669307#5208764 I'd put Wheaton in the top three, although it's changed a bit with the loss of the Malaysian Satay place, the Indonesian spot and the Amernick bakery. The ability to skip from shawarma to Thai to Scot-Irish to pho to Salvadoran in basically one block is something the Pike stretch (not really a "concentration" there) can't match. Plus the quality of the Wheaton Thai places, even beyond the big 2, is outstanding. Also the best zeppoles in the Metro. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:34:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669307#5208764 http://www.chow.com/topics/668736#5208492 Without this combo board, DC people would still think G&M was their best crabcake destination and not know the fake Phillips crab "meat" story, and Baltimorosos wouldn't know about about the new Wheaton Chinese spots or NH Ave. pollo joints, both an easy drive. And both cities think of Annapolis as part of their local dining scene. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:45:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668736#5208492 http://www.chow.com/topics/669269#5208279 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/667403 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:21:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669269#5208279 http://www.chow.com/topics/635401#5208247 Better than Amsterdam? Max's? Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:07:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/635401#5208247 http://www.chow.com/topics/669211#5208225 Korean Take out?? Like bulgogi, bibimpap? Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:59:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669211#5208225 http://www.chow.com/topics/669440#5208004 ALSO, 13.5% Wine Bar in Hampden has a full bar and cocktail list: http://13.5winebar.com/menu/cocktail-list Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:31:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669440#5208004 http://www.chow.com/topics/669249#5208001 Bistro Bis Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:30:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669249#5208001 http://www.chow.com/topics/669728#5207589 Thanks! Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:09:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669728#5207589 http://www.chow.com/topics/669717#5207324 Doggone! I wish I'd noticed that. I really like smoked turkey, and have done them myself on occasion. I got lazy this year and decided to let Popeye's do the cooking based on the high praise here. Since I decided to go that route, I didn't bother to look at the turkeys in Safeway. Otherwise I'd have gone with a smoked turkey and saved $20. Oh, well, at least now I'll know what a Popeye's Cajun Turkey is like. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:32:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669717#5207324 http://www.chow.com/topics/668576#5207227 This is a little out of the way, but in Point of Rocks maryland is where my friends and I go. We find if you are going to spend some money on booze, that's the place you save the most money. But again, we live only about 15 miles from there so it does work for us. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:38:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668576#5207227 http://www.chow.com/topics/668647#5207161 Haven't been to La Mesa, but for really good Filipino food in Montgomery County, you can't beat Lumpia Pancit on Muddy Branch, just off of 270. I don't think they stray much from the basics -- I've seen more of a variety at Pampaguena -- but it's well prepared and tasty! Also you get the typically gracious service from the Filipino owner; she is very charming! My brothers and I, who spent a few years in the P.I., go there often. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:58:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668647#5207161 http://www.chow.com/topics/610334#5207124 I went to Maoz last at 1807 M Street, it was delicious, as good as I remembered it when I had it in Barcelona. The falafal is only $4.59 and its a decent size. I added hummus to it (which was an additional charge and I had their Belgian Fries which were quite good. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:30:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/610334#5207124 http://www.chow.com/topics/537994#5207081 I think there is another one in Beltsville, right off 212 as you cross Route 1 you turn left into the first business area. keep straight to Old Baltimore Pike. Havent been up that way in a while, but it was the same menu as Weenie Beenie and Burger Delite. Same half smokes too!!! Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:02:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/537994#5207081 http://www.chow.com/topics/360299#5206602 I Have to say...Next to some Grandmas Chicken lol "Royal Farms" wins my vote! Tyrones is Good, But the Upkeep of the Property is what turns me off All Those NY/KENNEDY SPOTS ARE ALL A NO NO. It was this place in the Woodlawn Area across from Woodlawn High Called "Caplans Deli" and they always had some Nice Size and Freshed Wings. Im a On and Off Vegetarian so its really been A while since I've been to alot of these Fast Food Spots for the Chicken Boxes. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:45:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/360299#5206602 http://www.chow.com/topics/668957#5206580 I haven't eaten at either in the past 5 months, but from Inox in May and 2941 in April, I thought the cooking at 2941 was ok, but nothing close to Inox. The flavor profiles and creativity at Inox was much higher. Wine service is very nice at both, decor is better at 2941. But out of the five entrees I tried at our dinner at 2941 only one was stellar, the starter menu didn't have many interesting choices and the desserts were ok. The menu at Inox was creative and of the four entrees I tried 3 were really good and this was in their first months of opening, desserts were incredible, the financier was great. So if it was my money I would go to Inox. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:33:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668957#5206580 http://www.chow.com/topics/561315#5206322 Market Poultry sold me a bird from "Round Hill" this year. They sold them for $2.39/lb. I figured "heck, it looks like a regular fresh turkey, but there are 30 people in line with me to pick up their turkey, so it must be good". Wegmann's is selling this same brand of fresh turkey for $0.99/lb. I am a little disappointed. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:12:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561315#5206322 http://www.chow.com/topics/669465#5206303 Hrm. Just noticed that Dean suggested a Beaujolais in his very first sentence about reds. So basically, my post boils down to "what he said". Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:05:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669465#5206303 http://www.chow.com/topics/669536#5206228 Be careful to get a bar seat beacause eating at the sofas/chairs is very uncomfortable. I have been forced to eat lunch there a few times and it's not enjoyable. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:29:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669536#5206228 http://www.chow.com/topics/669538#5206092 I thought I was alone in thinking Piola was the best pizza in the DC area, but now I have company! I grew up in Brooklyn so I am very finicky about pizza. Thanks to Piola, I don't feel I have to devour pizza everytime I go to NY. I love the mozzarella--reminds me of the cheese I had at home. I usually get the kalamata olives and arugula (with arugula baked with the pizza). Crust is good too. I like Vapiano 2nd best for pizza. I would go there more often but my husband tires of the place. Sigh. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:35:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669538#5206092 http://www.chow.com/topics/669009#5205921 i passed by Zenebech Injera recently, and they were open. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:31:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669009#5205921 http://www.chow.com/topics/669236#5205880 Sounds great! Can't wait to try it. They have a cute website too btw. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:13:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669236#5205880 http://www.chow.com/topics/669316#5205770 I was taken to Cityzen for a big, significant birthday this past August. I was a little worried that somehow it wouldn't meet the huge expectation I'd constructed in my mind from reading about the place for years... We both ordered the tasting menu with wine pairings; mine regular, my wife the vegetarian. I'm no food or drink snob. I've had $5 meals which are ranked in the very top of my memorable meals list and some of these were more memorable than dinner at Bouchon. I'm an equal opportunity foodie, I mean to say, and not one that that's easily sold on buzz or fashion. It's just got to be delicious. Cityzen did not dissapoint. In fact, every aspect was as close to perfect as I can imagine a fine dining meal to be. The service, while flawless and polished is unfussy and not pretentious. The food is otherworldly. It just is. While the meal was hours long it didn't seem long. and I was a little sad when it was over. The wines, and suggested flight of beers with the cheese course, and birthday gratuity wines were all amazing. I'd heartily recommend going for the full boat deal. Live a little. Life's potentially short. And report back on how it was! Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:33:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669316#5205770 http://www.chow.com/topics/666490#5205709 I shop at Wegmans Dulles, and it can be quite busy, I hope the Leesburg location helps ease the traffic at Dulles, but some how I doubt it. Ate at the seafood bar Monday Night and it was packed and they needed help. The service was slow, but polite and grace under pressure. The food was good we tried oysters on the half shell 1.95 ea. Shrimp cocktail diced and served in a mini flute like glass with cocktail sauce mixed in. Crabcake was small but very tasty at 11.99 served with mixed greens salad. Wife had steak thinly cut but with salad and nice char from the grill. We also were thrilled to try a nice wine from South Africa and a merlot from Washington state good value wines at 5.00 and 6.00 dollars. Then we brought over a dessert from the patisserie and ate that for 5.00 dollars...All and all our bill was 70.00 with 3 glasses of wine + maryland crab soup, oysters, shrimp cocktail, Ny steak+salad crabcake + salad and a choc/pistaccio mousse cake. Not bad, plus they don't except tips. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:17:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666490#5205709 http://www.chow.com/topics/668262#5205454 Ok, then I know I'm not crazy. That's how I felt. But their description says, "Steamed momo with very spicy spices served with spicy chutney," so I figured it was going to be a spice explosion. I could definitely deal with more heat in those things. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:59:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668262#5205454 http://www.chow.com/topics/646217#5205352 I also was a pre-concert cocktailer this Friday for my first visit. They were so slammed at the bar .....it was silly almost. I saw nothing but the pizzas coming out but they looked pretty good. Of course, it is only pizza. The layout of the first floor is great and I never peeked past my Dogfish Head 60 IPA to view 2nd floor. To say they should have expected the crush is kinda hard since they are so new and the crowd downtown that night was different than they will ever see again...truly. If you go, there is great parking 2 blocks north at 222 Charles on left ($6). Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:26:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/646217#5205352 http://www.chow.com/topics/658855#5205345 Thank you!! Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:23:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658855#5205345 http://www.chow.com/topics/664121#5205103 You must be buying different Popeye's turkeys than what I can find and learn about here. It sounds like you've picked your up hot and ready to put on the table. What I'm finding here is that they're frozen, must be thawed for at least a day in the refrigerator, and heated in an oven before serving. I assume that when frozen, they're sealed up in plastic. How can that smell great? Also, only one of the three stores where I asked was willing to take my money in advance. The two others said they didn't take advance orders and said just come in a day or two before I wanted to serve it and they'd have turkeys. I hope that's right. I'm planning to pick one up this afternoon after the lunch crowd clears out. That'll allow enough time for it to thaw in the refrigerator. Hopefully, it'll smell great and taste great after warming it up on Thanksgiving day. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:27:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664121#5205103 http://www.chow.com/topics/669370#5204877 You may still be able to order a prepared "organicish" turkey (probably not a "heritage" as that suggests a specific breed) from Whole Foods. Get on the phone right now and call your nearest store. You don't sound like someone who's worried about price so it's probably not worth trying to find a better deal. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:41:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669370#5204877 http://www.chow.com/topics/635812#5204263 In the mean time they are on facebook for those who are into social networking... this site has a hours, menu samples and more things. http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Annapolis-MD/Hell-Point-Seafood/140265982892?v=wall&ref=search I was really impressed with my meal here as a local ( go on tuesdays with your drivers license and get 20% off the check) and I will definitely go back for the 1/2 price wine night on Wednesday. There was also someone there interested in a private party in their second floor. I would definitely host a dinner there... if only I had an event! Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:56:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/635812#5204263 http://www.chow.com/topics/319398#5204032 There are three Vito's along the Reisterstown Road corridor, north of the beltway.(they may all be owned by the same family - not sure). I have only enjoyed the pizza at the Hooks Lane Vito's which is on the right about 2 blocks north of the beltway. I think this is the same Vito's you are referring to. The others are in the St. Thomas shopping center about 3 miles north of the Beltway and 1 is on Owings Mills Blvd. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:06:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/319398#5204032 http://www.chow.com/topics/667273#5203925 OK, so this is what we did: Friday lunch-- Hudson. Fine, cool atmosphere near hotel Friday dinner--Obelisk, divine Sat lunch- Bistro Bis--yum Sat Dinner- Mate, food egh, loungy clubby thank you so much for all your recommendations! Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:19:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667273#5203925 http://www.chow.com/topics/669045#5203924 No, it is across the street from Wintergreen Plaza, two doors up from Ba Le. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:19:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669045#5203924 http://www.chow.com/topics/669268#5203915 I also think its pretty good. Good marinated chicken, yuca/plantains are great, and the beans/rice was good too (although you have to order it separate). Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:16:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669268#5203915 http://www.chow.com/topics/493905#5203822 I am at Sardi's in Beltsville nearly once a week. You can't go wrong with Pollo Ever - a deboned half chicken with Peruvian spices. Mmmm with a side of yucca. Price is good - under $10. It's my 'too tired to cook' place. Supreme laziness - they deliver! Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:32:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/493905#5203822 http://www.chow.com/topics/668836#5203719 Thank you ,Thank you, Thank you-- we're going to DC Coast next month and I'll report back!! Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:46:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668836#5203719 http://www.chow.com/topics/669159#5203690 I love Ryleigh's Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:36:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669159#5203690 http://www.chow.com/topics/665658#5203600 I think it depends on the class. I was at a Sur La Table yesterday shopping and saw a class going on. They had 4 people in it. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:05:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665658#5203600 http://www.chow.com/topics/630422#5203384 Tried this for my first time today. I wasn't overly impressed, but maybe my expectations were too high. The falafel itself was good, but not great. The wrap they use is very good, imo. My biggest beef was with the toppings. Seemed a little too American-sandwichy and definitely too juicy. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:40:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/630422#5203384 http://www.chow.com/topics/668013#5202756 I happened to be in Clarendon on Saturday and took the opportunity to try Delhi Club's buffet. It was pretty yummy. There were a ton of dishes (maybe 10?), though some were definitely worse for the wear since we snuck in for the last twenty minutes of their buffet time (12-2:30). I particularly enjoyed the peas, spinach, fresh (and plentiful) naan they brought to our table, and the semolina halwa dessert which had a lovely citrus flavor. For $10, it's a good deal and I would definitely return. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:29:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668013#5202756 http://www.chow.com/topics/668926#5202736 Georgia Brown is DC does Deep fried turkey...I believe you can order them and pick it up early morning for Thanksgiving. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:25:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668926#5202736 http://www.chow.com/topics/669238#5202731 Hmm, maybe the TII owners stopped being so cranky they went through a zillion cooks and kept a few. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:25:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669238#5202731 http://www.chow.com/topics/669235#5202415 A number of restaurants are open on Thanksgiving (go to Opentable to see what is available) but I didn't see any Italian restaurants open. But if you are looking for French I know Bistro du Coin and Cafe du Parc will be open----I believe serving their regular menus. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:47:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669235#5202415 http://www.chow.com/topics/486657#5202324 azucar in silver spring. latin american food. great garlic shrimp, tortilla soup, can't miss "everyday latin" dishes like fajitas. the stuffed artichoke special is fabu -- they should make it available more often. great drinks. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:17:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/486657#5202324 http://www.chow.com/topics/669218#5202323 That location has housed several restaurants over the years and never seemed to have an issue with being inside a hotel. I, too, had a fantastic chicken liver pate with my dinner there last week. I"m not a beer drinker, but was pleased with their wine list. We'll definitely go back. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:17:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669218#5202323 http://www.chow.com/topics/668857#5201920 houston's rockville had some lease issues with their landlord a few years ago as well, and gave me and the hubs quite a scare, as we ate there once a week at that time. just before the plug was to be pulled, they reached an agreement. i hope they can do so this time, b/c waiting times for tables at the (twin) sister restaurant, the "woodmont grill", have practically tripled already. used to go there and be seated immediately or w/in 5 minutes or so. this will make the wait there even worse. great food but no delusions of grandeur. the landlord won't be able to duplicate houston's success in that location. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:06:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668857#5201920 http://www.chow.com/topics/669110#5201919 Is a sushi train the same as a sushi conveyer belt? If so, check out Matuba (back room) in Bethesda for lunch. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:06:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669110#5201919 http://www.chow.com/topics/669033#5201867 I last had the crabcake at CF a year ago, with the new chef. At the time it wasn't even on the menu and they were overjoyed someone requested it. It was not good. I have been back a couple of times since and everything else I've had (always a special) has been very good. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:49:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669033#5201867