171841 Fri Sep 10 11:19:39 -0700 2004 3 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 922559 Had dinner last night at the new Osteria. In short, excellent. Top notch food, no bells and whistles, at a really nice price point. The bread tray include three different kinds (a spinach rollover, a second rollover with cheese and whole boiled eggs, and foccaccia. A second basket had different breads, including one that I think was bacon. App. was poached salmon and greens over a pesto sauce. A very good size portion at $6 or $7 (can't remember) that would have easily made a nice small meal. Entree was a simple risotto (butter and p.r.) The other dishes at the table ordered were a simple salad and linguini with pancetta and tomatoes at $8 or so. The desserts did not sound super appealing, but if they would put the cannollis that are offered at the grill, or maybe a cookie plate similar to the one that Palena used to do, that would be an excellent cap to a dinner at the Osteria. Speaking of Palena, I am a huge fan of DC's new trend of including a more casually priced front menu in addition to their formal dining. (This has been available at many NYC restaurants for years (Grammercy Tavern, Craftbar and 'Witchcraft among others). It's been great to see the success Palena has had (and the ensuing expansion of the menu) and I hope Donna has equal success with this one. Fri Sep 10 11:19:39 -0700 2004 0 Marty W. 1 922568 The prices are so low, I swear we spend more at home cooking it ourselves! Next time you go, order coffee, it's fantastic. Fri Sep 10 12:19:11 -0700 2004 922559 0 Steve 1 922574 um,'Wichcraft is a sandwich joint! Link: http://wichcraftnyc.com/ Fri Sep 10 13:32:38 -0700 2004 922559 0 Hon 2 922588 Unlike any other sandwich joint you've ever been to! Same ingredients and quality that you get at Craft, as well as pastries and deserts from the incomporable Karen DeMasco. Check out the NYC board, I'm sure their are fuller posts there. I would happily take Tom's Italian tuna with homemade preserved lemons and olive relish and one of Karen's impeccable lemon bars than plenty of the dreck that gets served in DC for over 10 bucks! Fri Sep 10 15:13:35 -0700 2004 922574 0 Marty W.