mnadel's Profile
Fiola?
We went on Saturday night. We were pretty disappointed. They've done a nice job with the space, and it is quite a scene. But the food was not memorable. The four of us had fifteen courses between us. They ranged from decent (the foie gras, the parpardelle) to fair (most things) to poor (the clam crudo, the risotto with rubbery cod -- both of these on the four course tasting menu). I always regretted not making it to Maestro. Now I will wonderr what all the fuss was about.
Best Dessert in DC?
Outside of DC proper, but: The banana split (with waffle) at EatBar in Arlington.
Tasting Menu
Yeah, it is was weird because they took my reservation. Today they called me and told me they would be closed. Disappointing.
Tasting Menu
Thanks! Veritas it is. And thanks for the slide show!
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Veritas
43 East 20th St., New York, NY 10003
Tasting Menu
I am in town for only one night and looking for a recommendation for a blowout tasting menu. I've done Per Se, and 11 Madison Park is closed for renovations. Recommendations appreciated.
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Per Se
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
Maui: Best Chef's Tasting
To me, this is a simple one. Spago is the only tasting menu on the island that would place for a tasting menu in a large mainland city--although I haven't tried or heard much about the Banyan Tree's tasting The tasting menus at Lahaina Grille and David Paul's are more like "sampler" menus than true multi-course tastings. Of course, Spago will be an hour's drive for you.
You might call Merriman
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Banyan Tree
1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Lahaina, HI
Spago
3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753
J & G Steakhouse - total disappointment
I agree that J&G is excellent. They have a $58 tasting menu that is one of the best deals in town. The weak point is the steak.
The Source is excellent as well.
Restaurants that live up to the hype
Volt, both Table 21 and the regular menu. My two best meals of last year (when you could still get in).
Also, to the extent it has hype, The Source lives up to it.
Good breakfast sandwiches in DC?
I like the breakfast sandwiches at the airport Five Guys, both Reagan and Dulles. Also, I appreciate the Pot Bellys breakfast sandwich.
Maui Trip Help
I would put Kimo's back on the list. It is at a lower price point than the others, except Hula Grill, and I think the fish there is exceptional. The menu is *not* the same as at Hula Grill, although hey both have the hula pie.
I'd avoid Roy's. I'm also not sure I'o merits a trip.
One night in Cape May
I'm eating at Union Park tonight. Where should I eat tomorrow night? I'm looking for something along the same lines, but would also be interested in someplace for simple lobster. Thoughts?
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Union Park
727 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
Inn at Little Washington - Concern
I have eaten at the Inn five times since 1999. In my view, it is just as good at it has ever been. What has changed Is that the rest of the world has gotten better. Ten years ago, there was no Volt, no Marcel's, no 2941, no Minibar. The competition for best restaurant in the area was Kinkead's. There were no tasting menus. The food world has gotten better, while the Inn has stayed the same.
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Kinkead's Restaurant
2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006-1812
Where to buy foie gras and caviar in/near DC?
There is also foie gras at the Organic Butcher in McLean.
A meal a month...
There may be no talking you out of Per Se, but I would say it's simply not worth it. I've been to the other restaurants on your list, and all the ones listed below (except Komi, unfortunately), and I agree with all the recommendations. But Per Se is simply too expensive. It was a very good meal, and the service is outstanding, but it was well over $700 for two people with one bottle of wine (cheapest on their list, but still probably $80). I was prepared to pay that, but it should have been the meal of the year, and it wasn't. In 2009, I had better tasting menus at Volt, 2941, Teatro Goldoni (chef's table), and others. For a really innovative meal in New York, try WD-50.
Le Paradou Gone - A Lament [DC]
Bill,
I read your Hawaii posts, and I feel I have a pretty good handle on what you like. And Le Paradou was my favorite too.
You've got to find a way to go up to Frederick and eat at Volt. You can also have a memorable meal in the suburbs here at 2941, and in the district at Marcels.
Tosca Ristorante or other suggestions?
Tosca is excellent -- perhaps the most underrated restaurant in the city. (I agree with the comment above about J&G at the W, however, and you can get a view there.)
Some questions for my Maui trip
Miss Needle, a different and certainly more fun perspective: What you need to do is use breakfast to *expand* your stomach so you have room for the tasting menus!
In Maui (Lahaina area) and want to eat without bankrupting my family!
Outback is no longer in Kanaha. It is now just south of Kaanapali.
Some questions for my Maui trip
For West Maui, I agree with Merriman's as the choice for your "fancy" meal. It would not call it extraordinary, but it was good, and the best in West Maui, with a fantastic setting. Be there at sunset if you can.
Re Spago, yes definitely do the tasting menu. (Several of the recommendations you read are probably mine.) No, it doesn't need to be ordered in advance. They call it 9 courses, but it's really only 8. The portions are reasonable. I did it twice last month, and I didn't have to be rolled out. Make them pace it. This will be your best meal of the trip.
Maui: Lahina & Kapalua; where to eat?
I am in full agreement with rquitaso. I would also add: For breakfast, the Gazebo. For a dinner slightly below fine dining, Kimo's.
Deer Valley, Utah
I will be in Deer Valley in January and would appreciate any recommendations.
Maui/Kauai cheap-but-good eats & can't-misses for 2-week honeymoon!
Breakfast at the Gazebo in Napili (north of Lahaina, almost to Kapalua).
Dinner at Spago at the Four Seasons in Wailea. Get the 9 course tasting menu (which you may need to request in advance). In my opinion, this is the one can't-miss fine dining experience on Maui (though I have not yet been to Merriman's).
Help Virginia, I'm moving to Rosslyn
Yeah, you are pretty much screwed for lunch. (Sweth's list is fine, but probably quite a walk, if you are working on Lynn street. The Chinese restaurant instead the former USA Today towers is decent.
Maui Restaurant Help for November '09 Visit
Definitely Spago for dinner. Get the tasting menu.
Soup!!! Gotta have it!
Mulligatawny soup at Tandoori Nights in Clarendon
Corn chowder at The Source
Spring garlic soup at Tosca (seasonal)
prime rib in d.c.
While I second the raves for The Capital Grille, it is important to note that of the places you mention, only The Prime Rib serves prime rib.
You can also get prime rib at Morton's on Friday and Saturday nights.
Your 10 favorite DC Metro restaurants
Volt
Marcel's
2941
The Source
Cityzen
Tosca
Proof
Inox
