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/664496#5164474 Thanks, everyone. There are a lot of interesting ideas in this thread, which I've been discussing with my friends. It looks like there's some resistance to leaving the general areas of Georgetown/Dupont/Adams Morgan and Penn Quarter/Chinatown, but that should be enough to work with. A few other specifics we've been considering: (1) either Coco Sala or ACKC (is either of them better for something like this?) for a quick chocolate injection; (2) either Baked and Wired or Tryst for coffee/pastries (again, is either one better?); and (3) possibly something like Ching Ching Cha. The food tours sound great; I'd love to hear any reviews from anyone who's been on one. Thanks again! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:55:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664496#5164474 http://www.chow.com/topics/664547#5164273 djr222, there is not an Indian restaurant in the D. C. area (Rasika included) that would approach London's Vineet Bhata or Akbar in Manchester or Bradford. If you are still here go to Shamshiry or the Rose restaurant in Vienna. Inox (interpretative modern American) at Tyson's is also particularly good. Excepting these you should consider El Pollo Rico (Preruvian-perhaps best in America) and Ravi Kebob (Pakistani) both in Arlington. Both are better than anything in New England. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:17:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664547#5164273 http://www.chow.com/topics/658416#5164263 I am as big of fan of Tortilleria Sinaloa as anyone, but it appears that El Guapito has certain favorite antojitos, such as enchiladas and chiles rellenos that are not available at T. Sinaloa. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:13:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658416#5164263 http://www.chow.com/topics/597927#5164206 OMG! That is brilliant! Why haven't I ever thought of doing something like that? I know, late post, but I am from out of town and just doing a bit of research for my upcoming visit. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:40:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/597927#5164206 http://www.chow.com/topics/614878#5164199 Where in Kentlands? Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:37:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/614878#5164199 http://www.chow.com/topics/665472#5164019 my girlfriend and i tried this place out last night before hitting up a couple of bars on u street. i had heard they have amoroso rolls and whiz, and had high hopes for an authentic cheesesteak. i ordered the ben franklin - steak, fried onions, whiz, and provolone. immediately after ordering, my hopes faded quickly. as soon as i ordered, i noticed them taking a giant pan of cooked steak to the back to a holding bin or something. why would you cook your steaks in advance at a cheesesteak place? makes no sense. we also ordered the fries with cheese and bacon. the steak meat was pretty bad. not seasoned well, and dry after being cooked on the grill twice. the onions werent fully cooked, and the steak didnt come with any provolone (i didnt really want provolone, i came for the whiz, but they should put on what they advertise). the roll may have been amoroso, but it was not chewy or crusty at all. just a soft hoagie roll. weak. the fries were freshly cut, which i appreciate, but were undercooked, undersalted, and overpriced considering it was $3.25 for about a half potato worth of fries and a drizzle of whiz and maybe a half slice of cheap bacon crumbled on top. i'd avoid this place unless they improve. might be acceptable for late-night drunk food, but don't come here looking for an authentic (or even good) cheesesteak. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:37:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665472#5164019 http://www.chow.com/topics/638258#5163944 Just went last night and had the lamb curry while the husband had the chicken jalfarazi (which I wasn't familiar with). Both were good. I finished it off with rasmalai, a sweet cheese in cream or something that was delicious. Good, everyday Pakistani/Middle Eastern. We'll be back. Plus they're open on Sundays. And the server was really nice. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:57:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/638258#5163944 http://www.chow.com/topics/664307#5163907 Does anyone know what all that construction is about? Will another grocery store go there? Trader Joe's perhaps? The area seriously needs more dining options. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:37:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664307#5163907 http://www.chow.com/topics/665425#5163815 Not sure why you don't want locally made, but you can get Stachowski Brand linguica, and other hand made sausages, cured meats, terrines, etc. at several NoVa retail outlets. Freaking awesome stuff. http://www.stachowskibrand.com/index.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:46:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665425#5163815 http://www.chow.com/topics/665429#5163800 Frank and Nic's is a couple of blocks away, in the Zenith building. It's good for what it is - a step up from typical bar food, but still reasonably priced. There are also some pricier entrees, but I've stuck with the apps and sandwiches and haven't been disappointed. It will be happy hour when you're there, so you could just get a bunch of the $5 apps and be set. http://www.frankandnics.com/ Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:30:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665429#5163800 http://www.chow.com/topics/665442#5163700 My wife is coming to visit next weekend and she is a big foodie. She gets in to BWI late on Friday. I live in Arlington and we are looking for a place with a late menu in the district. Also, we are looking for a place to go Saturday night. She has won two James Beard awards and loves to try new and exciting places. I really appreciate any suggestions. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:29:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665442#5163700 http://www.chow.com/topics/665440#5163698 This place is off of MD 97 (the one that runs roughly north and south and intersects US 70 west of Baltimore, not US 97 between Balto and Annapolis). It's a couple miles south of RT 70. Go through two lights, then start looking for St. Andrew's Church on the west side of the road. This place is in a trailer behind the church, in their parking lot. I had a half rack of ribs, which were "3 1/2" spare ribs (the size one seldom, if ever, sees in retail stores) with a nice dry rub. NOTE - As of today, the menu sign on the trailer says "Baby Back Ribs". They are NOT. The new menu sheets correctly state St. Louis style, but they haven't replaced the sheet posted on the order window. The ribs were very moist, meaty, and nicely smoked. Being the "3 1/2" size, they are not as tough as larger St. Louis cut ribs can sometimes be. Kudos to these folks for knowing the optimal size for good smoking, and being willing to pay the higher price to get them. The chef/owner seemed pleased when I asked him if they were 3 1/2s, and we had a nice chat about ribs as a result. They have about six sauces, all made by them, ranging from "Texas Red" which is a fairly conventional BBQ sauce, through Alabama white BBQ, both a vinegar-red pepper Carolina type and a mustard-based Carolina type, a honey-based one, and a few others. Based on the samples tried to figure out which sauce I wanted, I'd say that these guys are serious. I also had the Cuban Sandwich (done properly in a panini press) and a pulled pork sandwich, both of which were very nice. The theme to their cooking seems to be to do the meat properly in the smoker, so that it can stand on its own, then let the customer add sauce as desired. This as opposed to so many places that par-boil ribs, then glop on the sauce during cooking to create the dreaded "meat jello" effect. I'm not sure how their pit beef is, but if the BBQ aspects of the operation are any indication, I'd guess that they'd likely do "pit" meats properly, too. The sides were also very tasty. I got two small sides with the half rack, and chose kale with chunks of smoked turkey, and a mac and cheese which was clearly hand made, rather than pulled out of the infamous blue box we all know. They list their hours as 11-7 Tuesday through Sunday. It seems they have some sort of an arrangement with the church where they donate part of their profits as part of the deal to allow the trailer on the church parking lot. For the customer, one can look at it as an opportunity to eat well, and do some good, too. For those in HOCO who have been making the pilgrimage to Andy Nelson's, Big Bad Wolf, or Klobey's this might be an option worth exploring. And for those in Baltimore, I'd also say it's worth a drive to check out. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:28:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665440#5163698 http://www.chow.com/topics/494113#5163626 Risking the off-board chastizement, look for Las Brasas on Julian St. in San Jose. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:50:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/494113#5163626 http://www.chow.com/topics/650921#5163314 I would second the trip to Baltimore for the real good Mexican food. I used to live in the SF Bay Area and I am in love with Tortilleria Sinaloa's tamales (the chile is awesome) and their lengua tacos are to die for--check it out! Tortilleria Sinaloa 1716 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD (410) 276-3741‎ Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:40:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/650921#5163314 http://www.chow.com/topics/593103#5163311 Nest. It is excellent... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:35:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/593103#5163311 http://www.chow.com/topics/660048#5163190 My boyfiend and I tried it last night. It was soo good! We got regular cupcakes seperate from the cupcakes with frozen yogurt/toppings(yocake). The yo cake is good if you get the right toppings. A little pricey but the cupcakes were very tasty and worth the money. I would give it a shot! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:24:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660048#5163190 http://www.chow.com/topics/556708#5163135 New to Bethesda downtown. Has anybody checked out Cork and Fork? My boss swears by this little wine store. He gets 10% off on his purchases cause he lives Upstairs, but he insists it is not the reason. He shows up with delicious winesI have never seen before. My wife went there and raves about it too. I need an independent opinion before holidays. Thanks! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:59:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/556708#5163135 http://www.chow.com/topics/665303#5163070 When will it be open then? Still, Goldbergs has my #1 Vote. Their White Chinese bagels are out of this world as the OP mentioned. Wegmans are not bad either, like said hot and fresh... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:21:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665303#5163070 http://www.chow.com/topics/435751#5163053 Good that you bring up Overwood. I haven't been in such a long time, but yes, do miss their hangar steak and especially the meatloaf. Good stuff. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:11:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/435751#5163053 http://www.chow.com/topics/638475#5163046 Well, I'm the guy who balks at a $10 lunch, so a $300 dinner is something I've never knowingly experienced. That still seems like a lot for what you got, though, even for great short ribs. Maybe some day my girl friend will take me out for one. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:07:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/638475#5163046 http://www.chow.com/topics/650770#5162968 Our experience last night was mixed - I would not rush back. Service was very good - smooth and courteous. We had the arancini and salumi to start. On the salumi platter we had the housemade testa, speck and sopressata. The testa worked well with the picked green beans on the platter, but was kind of boring on its own. The other two meats were good - very small servings however. The arancini were hot and crisp, but rather boring. For mains, we both wanted fish and starch, so we ordered the whole bronzini and the gnocchi with brussels sprouts to share. The fish was perhaps the best dish -filleted onto a nice lemony sauce. The fish was not overcooked. It was served with sauteed rapini that were exceedingly bitter (and Iike bitter greens). The gnocchi serving was small (and the plate was laughingly huge), but after a few bites, I wouldn't have wanted more. The flavor was nice - smoky potato and butter - but the gnocci themselves were gummy. The external "skin" had a different texture than the inside - maybe not cooked quite long enough? A minor gripe, perhaps, but the rectangular dishes (fish, apps) are quite oddy shaped around the edges, making it difficult to rest your silverware on them. Throughout the meal I was constantly making sure my silverware were not falling off. Do managers try out these "fancy" plates before ordering them? One bottle of wine + two apps + gnocchi + bronzino added up to $112 before tax and tip. We had a drink at Proof before heading to Bibiana - and I wish we had eaten at Proof instead! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:04:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/650770#5162968 http://www.chow.com/topics/665118#5162799 oh c'mon there are places to be found that suck more than Cosi... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:44:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665118#5162799 http://www.chow.com/topics/520156#5162453 YUM!! They still got it! Fish noodles, baby bok choy, seafood in XO sauce, and spicy garlic pork. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:18:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/520156#5162453 http://www.chow.com/topics/665261#5162354 I cannot speak for the Dupont location because I have never been, but I live across from the Bethesda one, and I think it is great. Expensive for a burger place, but good value because of high-quality ingredients, freshly prepared for each order, and good-sized portions. If you go, please report back. By the way, the sweet potato fries are awesome, and my favorite burger is bacon cheese, or beef w/ the works (Special sauce, pickle, onions, tomato, lettuce.) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:03:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665261#5162354 http://www.chow.com/topics/665228#5162172 I wouldn't rule out dining at Central's bar completely. I eat at the bar almost once a month (although always for dinner) and I've always had great service. Maybe it was the lunch bartender or an off day. Btw---I'm no ceviche expert but I've never eaten it with bread. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:30:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665228#5162172 http://www.chow.com/topics/665068#5162106 Volt, Mini Bar, Citronelle but for a special night I love a drive out to great falls virginia and an evening at LeAuberge Chez Francois. It makes you feel like you are in the french countryside and they make you feel special and the food is always great. I also love 2941 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:06:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665068#5162106 http://www.chow.com/topics/665182#5162084 try H-Mart, an asian grocery chain. They have great and some unusual forms of produce and they are dirt cheap. Of course the best stuff is during the summer months but it is worth a trip at any time. In addition, walking the store is like an asian foodie field trip. Finally it is also a great place to buy fresh fish and seafood including sushi quality tuna and salmon Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:58:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665182#5162084 http://www.chow.com/topics/663713#5162071 would advise you to give Victoria Gastropub another chance. I have been there 7 times and each time the waiter or waitress has been super nice and the owner as well as his daughter has stopped by to chat and make sure we are happy. Plus food is interesting and consistently very good and not pretentious at all. It is bar food kicked up 5 notches. That Kobe Burger with white truffle cheese sauce as well as the lobster grilled cheese are great. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:55:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663713#5162071 http://www.chow.com/topics/555807#5161864 Check out the Crystal Palace Cupcake Tree. You can easily afford a medium-sized version, and it's so much more beautiful than other models on the market. It's made of clear acrylic, breaks down for storage and is just gorgeous! www.crystalpalacecupcaketree.com Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:54:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/555807#5161864 http://www.chow.com/topics/665218#5161816 Possibly some of the butchers at Lexington Market also. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:38:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665218#5161816 http://www.chow.com/topics/664829#5161784 Cafe Renaissance in Vienna is a nice place for a date. I would also consider Mediterranee and Great Falls. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:29:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664829#5161784 http://www.chow.com/topics/651662#5161758 Good, but not as good as the laugenbroetchen at Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:20:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651662#5161758 http://www.chow.com/topics/665220#5161372 Agree that SSB is great. Also had excellent dinner recently at Bavarian Inn in Sheptown. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:20:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665220#5161372 http://www.chow.com/topics/525497#5161299 http://newfinmysoup.blogspot.com/2009/09/finale-for-coronado-concerts-in-park.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:02:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/525497#5161299 http://www.chow.com/topics/664207#5161270 The white pizza at Mamma's is pretty darn good too. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:54:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664207#5161270 http://www.chow.com/topics/665113#5161194 Second Johnny's. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:28:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665113#5161194 http://www.chow.com/topics/664968#5161193 Cafe Mozart has a good selection of chocolates, give them a call. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:28:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664968#5161193 http://www.chow.com/topics/664875#5161163 Oh, I was thinking of Saigon Bistro, my mistake. It's also in that neighborhood, and opened earlier this year. I've never heard of Singapore Bistro. Good tip. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:20:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664875#5161163 http://www.chow.com/topics/665152#5160917 These are all great suggestions, especially Kramerbooks and Coco Sala. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:51:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665152#5160917 http://www.chow.com/topics/664896#5160850 Good to know, thanks! I'd never heard of the place until seeing it on La Rue's "We've Closed - Try These Places" website page. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:34:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664896#5160850 http://www.chow.com/topics/664066#5160830 We're at Sine a lot less now that we live in Fairfax City instead of Shirlington...I really miss their bangers and mash! Let us know where you end up! Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:31:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664066#5160830 http://www.chow.com/topics/665140#5160765 If you are willing to go outside the district a little bit 2941 is really beautiful and would be lovely, they have private rooms with really nice views. I know what the prices were a few years ago, but not now, but it didn't seem too outrageous to me. You might also check out the Tabard Inn. And Zola, their private room is a pretty good size. I have only seen the private room at Brasserie Beck, it is ok a decent size so you might be able to arrange it some different ways to accommodate what you want. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:12:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665140#5160765 http://www.chow.com/topics/653897#5160697 I love Amma Vegetarian Kitchen in Georgetown - it also doesn't hurt that it is very easy on the wallet. Great masala dosas! Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:51:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/653897#5160697 http://www.chow.com/topics/665132#5160460 Piedgrotta Bakery on Bank Street is not far, maybe a 5 min walk. Great, great Italian food and several tables to sit at. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:27:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665132#5160460 http://www.chow.com/topics/665103#5160389 It's very EARLY in the season, so far. Dino in Cleveland Park had a white truffle risotto (call first to check availability), but not a whole menu yet. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:51:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665103#5160389 http://www.chow.com/topics/662836#5160260 Do you remember the price for the fries? And quantity? Enough for two (as in "too much for one sane person to order")? I'd pay an extra buck for a dozen or so fries on the side but not half the price of the burger for a couple of potatoes worth that I can't possibly eat. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:02:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662836#5160260 http://www.chow.com/topics/624058#5160246 I have a friend who also can't eat seeds. When she can remember, she explains her problem (usually in too graphic terms that the server can't understand) and asks if the burger can be put between two bun bottoms. She's been pretty successful, but one waiter in a sit-down restaurant who really should have known better told her that they'd have to charge her for a second bun. When she asked how much, he went off to inquire and came back saying that they wouldn't charger extra. And when she forgets to ask, she just picks the seeds off the top of the bun. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:45:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/624058#5160246 http://www.chow.com/topics/664621#5160221 See if WFM can special order it for you. It may have been discontinued by their distributor, but if one store has it and the distributor has it, it may be available. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:48:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664621#5160221 http://www.chow.com/topics/177814#5159812 """There is much to be said for a "hookah cafe that also serves food.""" ~~~~~~ ah, but here's the rub: it is "what" is said about the "hookah café that also serves food" -- as in, "why bother?" Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:06:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/177814#5159812