Help with Labor Day weekend dining choices

Didn't get any takers on this post last time, but wanted to give it one more shot, as I am approaching the one-month-in-advance deadlines some of these restaurants impose. Any suggestions NYC hounds?

caphil07 in Manhattan

Help with Labor Day weekend dining choices

Hi NYC,

My wife and I are coming to Manhattan over Labor Day weekend and I am looking for some restaurant choice help. We used to get to the city frequently - at least twice a year. We usually do one or two nice dinners when we visit. In our last two trips we really enjoyed 11 Madison Park, Gramercy Tavern (Danny Meyer trend?), and The Spotted Pig. We threw in Katz's for lunch as well.

For Labor Day we are looking at two, or possibly three dinners in the city. We are essentially set on Babbo one night. It has eluded us in all of our past visits, and unless anyone has really compelling reasons to go to another Italian restaurant, we're going to stick with it this time.

For our other meals, I'd like to avoid doing another Italian restaurant.

After some research I've come up with the following:
-The Dutch
-Momofuku Ssam (haven't been to any of his establishments yet, is this the right call?)
-Marc Forgione
-Degustation
-Colicchio & Sons

I realize Forgione has an Italian slant, but it seems different enough from Babbo to include.

My question for the board is, of the Dutch, Ssam, Degustation, Colicchio & Sons, and Forgione, which two would you pick and why? As always, I am very open to (and encourage) other ideas.

I'd like to stay away from 11 Madison Park prices this time around, but we're willing to spend $200 or less total for each meal. Would like to keep it to Manhattan. Thanks in advance for the help!

-----
Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003

Babbo
110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011

Spotted Pig
314 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014

caphil07 in Manhattan

Roast Chicken Technique

Agree 100% on this method. The key here is to buy a smaller bird and to make sure you have plenty of dry heat, which gets the skin nice and crispy. The small bird lessens the cook time and ensures that the skin won't burn, but will have a deep golden brown color. Go for something free range that hasn't been fed a bunch of hormones or steroids, they should be about 3 lbs. If you need more meat than that, buy two and roast them at the same time. One bird takes about 45 minutes in my oven, sometimes a little less. I would also add that a roasting rack helps here. If you lay the chicken down on the roasting pan flat, it sits in its own juices, which makes getting a crispy skin more difficult.

Keller says you can slather a little butter over the bird when it is done roasting, or serve with some nice dijon mustard. You don't need to do a whole lot with this method to end up with a delicious chicken. I don't love the dijon mustard combo personally, and almost always make myself a little pan gravy using the drippings from the roasting pan.

caphil07 in Home Cooking

Tricky Egg Cookery Question

Ha! Yeah I was just thinking about some kitchen twine at first. I'd imagine I can cut it off after the deep fry without cracking the skin.

Thanks for the suggestions. I may try out some recipes this week. If it is successful, I'll post. Perhaps with some pictures.

caphil07 in Home Cooking

Tricky Egg Cookery Question

I am thinking about trying to cook an egg inside chicken skin. My idea was to somehow poach an egg slightly, then drop it in some chicken skin, tie it up, and deep fry it quickly. In an ideal world, the chicken skin would be crispy and the egg runny, so when you put your fork into it, the egg oozes out and you get a salty, yolky, crispy bite.

I thought it could be an interesting take on a frisee salad with a poached egg in which the chicken skin takes the place of bacon or pancetta in the salad.

Anyone ever see anything like this before? More importantly, anyone have a suggestion on how I can pull it off?

caphil07 in Home Cooking

Good casual meeting place for a drink in DC?

Dickson Wine Bar on U street would also be a good option. 9th and U.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Rehearsal Dinner in Houston for 75 ppl for $100 pp or less

I think that somewhere inside the loop or just outside of it (Galleria, Tanglewood, Memorial) would be best. In terms of food, we'd like to stay towards something that will appeal to a wide base: think new American, Italian, or something Southern. In terms of a restaurant, we'd like to stay away from big chains, although Brennan's is a place that was recommended to us that we are considering. Others include Grotto or Ouisie's. Thanks!

caphil07 in Houston

Rehearsal Dinner in Houston for 75 ppl for $100 pp or less

I am getting married in Houston in April and need a nice place for the rehearsal dinner. My family is from Western NY and we do not know the area well enough to come up with a comprehensive list on our own. I need a list of places that can accommodate 75 people while keeping the price to $100 pp (tax, bev, gratuity included) or less.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

caphil07 in Houston

Best steak place in Washington DC for a large group of guys

Bourbon steak may fit the bill. On weekend's its pretty loud and boisterous. Food is good, albeit expensive, probably slightly moreso than Charlie Palmer.

I'd stay away from Fogo.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

NYC Hounds Coming to DC for 4 Days

A few suggestions for your trip:

If you've searched these boards you probably came across Ethiopian as a cuisine DC does well. Etete and Dukem (both on U Street) are two places many people on this board favor. I think they would be worth a look if you want something different.

For your nicer dinner, there are many restaurants that focus on local/seasonal ingredients. The one that really stands out for me though is Restaurant Eve. It is in Old Town Alexandria which makes it a bit more difficult in terms of travel, but the cab fare over there will be worth it. Cathal Armstrong is an area star and his cuisine is worth checking out.

As far as bars that take their cocktails seriously, there are a few I would recommend. PS7 in Chinatown is an interesting choice. Its usually not too busy, but the mixologist, Gina, is fantastic. She is very hands on and has GREAT cocktails. I prefer it to trendier places like Gibson (a speakeasy type place on 14th and U st) because you can get more individual attention from the bartender. This usually results in cocktails more geared towards your individual tastes.

I would also suggest the Columbia Room at the Passenger, on 7th street. The Passenger is a bar recently opened by Derek Brown, one of the main owners of Gibson. Unlike Gibson, the Passenger is easily accessible and very laid back. The main room has a nice bar, but the real attraction is the Columbia Room. It is a small room and reservations are required. They can only take parties as large as four people. For a set price (I believe its $49), you sit with a mixologist who custom makes cocktails for you based on your tastes. It is supposedly very up close and personal. They pair the cocktails with some small plates from the kitchen. The food is definitely second fiddle here, so I'd recommend eating somewhere else and heading there after.

Hope it helps.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Sunday Brunch DC

For adventurous eaters, a great option is Cafe Atlantico's Latino Dim Sum brunch. Maybe a little on the pricey side for brunch, but WELL worth it. Delicious and non-typical brunch food, many courses, great drinks. If you are brunch people, you need to check it out.

I also like Cafe St. Ex's brunch very much. Its small and quiet and most of the food is locally sourced and seasonal. The daily strata is always excellent and they have homemade muffins that are good enough to have their own fan club. Coffee is great as well.

Finally, if you are looking for something a little more typical, but very nice, check out the Tabbard Inn. A little typical (benedicts, omelets etc) but very delicious and they make their own doughnuts.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Gastro Pubs

Definitely check out Granville Moore's. However, be warned that the menu is deliciously one dimensional. The mussels are the standout to the point that I have been to Granville dozens of times and haven't been able to order anything but the mussels. They are miles ahead of any other mussels in the city IMO. The beer list is excellent and the atmosphere is great too. Definitely rustic and dark. It can get crowded but I find the crowd there to always be friendly.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Fresh oysters in DC?

Blacksalt Market on McArthur will definitely have some. Call ahead, they are very helpful. Best fishmonger in the city. Hands down.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Big Group Rest. Ideas needed!

Every year I get the pleasure of planning my office's Christmas party. With wives and girlfriends, we are about 20 people. Here are some places with private rooms I would suggest calling.

Cafe Milano: They have a bunch of preset menus and the people there are easy to work with.
Bistro Bis: You could probably get the whole upper terrace to yourselves
Brasserie Beck: They have two back rooms they use for private events
Nora: They have a few private rooms. I am not the biggest fan of the food, but the first lady just went there for her birthday...
701 - Semi-private rooms. They definitely can handle the crowd. I haven't been since the menu change, but I have done a private event here before and it was a success.
For something very different, you can try H Street Country Club. They rent out the upstairs and can do parties with mini golf, ski ball, shuffleboard etc. for bigger groups.

If any of these places interest you, I have contact names for private event coordinators etc. I would be happy to lend you a hand. One piece of advice I would give is to book very soon. Places fill up fast that week.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Non-RW Recommendations Needed

If I were to answer this post yesterday at this time, I would include Brasserie Beck on my list. However, last night a group of us had an underwhelming experience there. We went precisely to avoid RW crowds etc, much like the OP. Our service was unfriendly and sometimes even cold. I was shocked because I usually find Beck's servers to be knowledgeable, talkative and helpful when it comes to the beer list and menu. Last night, if we got three or four words from our server at a time, it was a lot. Very bizarre.

Usually, I am willing to forgive sometimes cold service for excellent food and Beck has never underwhelmed in this department either. However, I have to say that last night was mediocre, at best. My friend's lamb shank was dry and a little tough. I ordered the cassoulet, which is one of my favorite dishes anywhere, and it was very one note. No help offered on beer suggestions and when we asked for some advice we got one or two word responses. All in all, I was less than impressed, which is a shame because Beck is usually one of my favorites. Hopefully it was just an off night.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Sushi Taro recs

I am headed to Sushi Taro on Friday for the first time since its revamp. I know the menu changed and now favors Kaeseki, but is this the only option?

I have heard there is surprisingly little fish on the Kaeseki menu, and I am really in the mood for sashimi.

What is my best option here?

Anyone have any current experiences they can share? Thanks

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Country Pate recipe

I want to make a country pate for Christmas and I've done some searching online but I can't seem to find a recipe I like.

Ideally, I'd like it to include a little chicken liver for flavor. However, I will not have a meat grinder at my disposal. Will a food processor work?

Anyone have a favorite country pate recipe they'd like to share? Thanks!

caphil07 in Home Cooking

New Year's Eve early dinner, not all-night party

I spent new years at Beck one year on a whim and it worked out well. They had no pre set menu and it seems like their food might satisfy you as a "foodie" and your other non foodie guests.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Ray's Hell Burger (I Don't Get All The Hoopla)

I think that you are very right about the fact that some people on this board are fanboys when it comes to certain names or institutions, but there are always (at least a few) dissenters.

In a way, I believe Rays Hellburger's rise to rock star status has a lot to do with the hoopla surrounding Ray's the Steaks (deserved IMHO) and Ray Landrum himself. Ray Landrum has become a somewhat beloved figure on this board (although not by all), and his stardom certainly helped his cause at Rays Hellburger. Its not THE reason it is successful. Ultimately, the success of a given restaurant falls on its ability to produce a quality product etc. However, I do not believe Hellburger would have opened so strongly without him.

My opinion of the food is somewhat irrelevant. To me, its not the way I like my burgers, but I see why some others rave. My point is that when you have a name like Ray Landrum that already has somewhat of a cult following, its much easier to build hype for a new place such as Hellburger.

Two cents.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Venison on the menu

The meat market next to Brabo in old town is doing a game dinner this month. Not sure if there is space left, but venison is on the menu.

http://www.braborestaurant.com/alexandria-restaurant-events.php

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Drinks before dinner at the Spotted Pig

I am definitely intrigued by Little Branch. I am a DC native and these speakeasy-type places are popping up here and there (which means they've been around in NYC for at least 5 years...we're late adopters).

Anyway, if I get there around 8 on a Saturday is there going to be a big wait, or does this place fill up later in the evening?

caphil07 in Manhattan

Drinks before dinner at the Spotted Pig

Next week my girlfriend and I will be trying our luck at the Spotted Pig on a Saturday night. I have heard the waits can be very long and the hostess at the restaurant suggested we give our phone number when we arrive, get a drink elsewhere and wait to be called.

I am pretty unfamiliar with the area and am looking for suggestions for a place that is within walking distance of the Spotted Pig where we can camp out for a while with a decent glass of wine, or solid mixed drinks (think: bar makes own bitters and tonics etc). Looking for a place that does not require reservations.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Also, anyone have any insight on how long the wait typically is for 2 at the Spotted Pig on a Saturday?

caphil07 in Manhattan

Gun Club of Goldvein?

I was reading a chat transcript from the Washingtonian today with Todd Kliman. One of the posters talked about a place called Gun Club of Goldvein. I guess its a restaurant in VA, but there is no website.

Does anyone know anything about this place?

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Reasonable French?

Montmartre is a favorite of mine. Bis is probably better all-around (and a little more expensive) but Montmartre is the best for a cold rainy day/night in DC. Try Bis first, but keep Montmartre on your list. If you go, get the rabbit and truffled linguine dish...

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Restaurant dilemma

Yeah, I had ruled both out. I recently ate at Central and the tab for two with drinks was close to $200. Worth the price, but its too expensive for this occasion.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Restaurant dilemma

I was thinking Dino could be an option as well. Again, the menu is can be a little extensive, but it might fit the bill.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Restaurant dilemma

My little brother is a freshman at GW. Since I also live in the city, my parents, sister and three grandparents are all coming down for GW parents weekend to see the two of us.

I am pretty well-versed in the DC restaurant scene but am having a tough time coming up with a location for dinner. Here are the general requirements:

-Price: I don't think my parents want to spend $50 or so (drinks included)

-No ethnic restaurants (Grandparents are picky eaters and prefer Italian or some version of American cuisine)

-Stay away from small plates or menus with a ton of options. My grandparents are older and can get a little overwhelmed trying to navigate large menus, or many choices. Think meat and potatoes...

-Has a wine AND liquor offering: I initially chose Ray's and thought it would be a perfect fit; however, the women in the family like vodka/tonics over wine and the men love a nice manhattan before dinner

-No Clydes Restaurant Group Restaurants. They've all done it before and want something else

Any suggestions on places that may fit the bill for this type of occasion? Everything I have come up with on my own seems to be a little out of the price range: Proof, Tosca, any steakhouse besides Rays, Tabard Inn, 701, Palena (although the cafe may be ok), Equinox...

I'm having some trouble here. Thanks in advance

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Must go to wine and beer bars in D.C.

If you are into Belgian beers check out Granville Moore's on H St NE. Brasserie Beck is good as well, but not as much of a bar scene. If you enjoy cask ales, check out Commonwealth Pub in Columbia Heights.

For wine I like: Proof, Cork and Veritas.

I'll echo Bierra Paradiso as well. I've only been a handful of times, but they take the beer seriously and the food is great as well.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Corduroy Recs

Hi All,
I am taking my girlfriend to Corduroy for her birthday dinner next week and am wondering if anyone can shed some light on recent experiences or some good menu options that aren't to be missed. Thanks in advance.

caphil07 in Washington DC & Baltimore Area