nwdchound's Profile
Georgetown Romamtic Dinner???
Bistro Lepic in north Georgetown would fit the bill perfectly. Moderately priced french, cute with exactly the kind of somewhat casual/really good food/ambiance you describe. Long time fave.
Has anyone used TheFork.com?
We used it recently for a booking and found it disappointing, especially for ensuring a reliable reservation (your fear) and also for getting reliable information about featured restaurants in its review section.
Though our reservation had been confirmed by thefork.com (lafourchette), we received two additional emails and one voice message from the restaurant (Helene Darroze) threatening cancellation if we didn't call to confirm.
Following the meal, we received an invitation to complete a 7-question survey but were also told that they don't publish all survey results. Upon looking more closely at the site, it appeared they actually publish only a very small percentage of reviews received.
The difference between thefork and open table is pretty striking in nearly every respect. One explanation is that thefork.com is an entity backed and run by the restaurant industry in France and Spain. It's not an independent company like OpenTable. Nancy S. and mangeur are both correct; definitely better to confirm by phone. Of course, that also begs the question of why bother with thefork.com at all (unless forced to by the restaurant).
Best Couscous in Paris?
Ever opening flowers aside, I had to weigh in to add a bit to this thread.
Not as familiar with Paris as most of you sound to be but, here for a week in search of some truly great Moroccan, came across your exchange. It really helped so thanks to all of you for sharing opinions that were instantly believable.
To give back just a bit, I'll validate one of the cous cous reccs and fill in a bit more information on the other. We decided last minute to seek out Moroccan for tonight and, based totally on this thread, took a few different trains to get to Le Tourne Bouchon. Arrived at around 8:45 pm and: CLOSED! Man, was that seriously dispiriting. They shut down at 8pm. We'd wrongly assumed later than that given what the norm on closing hours seems to be around the city.
But, not to be outdone, got back on metro, a couple more trains and over to Royal Maroc on Port Royal. We narrowly missed being shut out there but the front-of-house brother let us in to join what was only one other table. We had our hearts set on tajines but, no go. Not at that hour. So, we ordered the cous cous and it was as advertised. Some mergues to start, then the cous cous with roasted lamb of the falling-off-bone variety and that perfectly fluffy and flavorful cous cous.
The mint tea was especially good along with a baklava-like triangle pastry called 'Patisserie Morrocaine' on the menu.
Thanks hounds.
Elevated Wings in DC?
We know and like BonChon. Kind of a different take on chicken though. Will give Johnny's a try--never would have thought to do that given I remember it as an okay seafood spot before the move to Cap Hill.
Thoughts on Obelisk? Others for DC visit?
Agree sushi taro is mies from best Japanese on offer in DC. Makoto is the only place of the caliber you're planning if you do Japanese. It's unique from other cities--traditional environment, small number of tables, must book in advance, sit on boxes into which purses and jackets can go, change to slippers on entry, flawless quality. 9 or 11 courses, a few of which are sushi/sashmi but can order extra. I wouldn't slot Palena in instead of Obelisk. I'd slot it in over City Zen.
Excellent you have Eve and Komi locked. Haven't done Table 21 at Volt (just regular Volt) so will be interested to hear the review from there.
Happy travelling. Off to Europe tomorrow if the ash clears--for some good restaurants there.
CityZen is a very fine restaurant that gets more credit than it should because Eric Ziebold was Thomas Keller's sous chef at French Laundry. My issue with it is lack of creatively and uniqueness. CityZen exists in one form or other in the country's 7 largest cities. You'll leave thinking is was very expensive, very good in all respects and fairly forgettable.
Masonuc has it right on Vidalia and Rasika with "good but not special" and "not a total home run" respectively.
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CityZen Restaurant
1330 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Palena
3529 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Komi
1509 17th St NW Ste 1, Washington, DC 20036
Vidalia
1990 M St NW # 2, Washington, DC
Thoughts on Obelisk? Others for DC visit?
Strong agreement with Pool Boy. Palena is one of the city's very best spots though a bit less heralded than Citronelle or City Zen because Frank Ruta is not limelight-seeking. He just does what he does exceptionally well. Palena, like Eve, has an informal, value priced section called "Palena Cafe" and then a formal dining room in back. It's in Cleveland Park across from the metro. Everything is done with great care to ingredients and preparation, however seemingly pedestrian the item. Specific things to get there include:
- anything seafood
- the roast chicken, I challenge anyone to suggest any other spot, anywhere in the US, that does roast chicken like this
- gnocchi; at least best in the mid atlantic region
- caesar salad - best in DC
- burger - one of the top 3 in the area whatever your burger preferences. good example of their attention to detail. They bake their own buns and small pickles.
Really a DC standout. I won't say better than City Zen or Citronelle but I think more interesting and absolutely delicious.
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Palena
3529 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Citronelle
3000 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Thoughts on Obelisk? Others for DC visit?
Rasika is very good/great but more a modern western interpretation on Indian. Delicious though. Sablefish is a standout to get there.
IMHO, Obelisk is the best Italian here now. Galileo was better and may well be again when the latest incarnation opens but that remains to be same. Some might say Tosca rates similar praise to Obelisk but I wouldn't be one of them. More high end, expensive, run-of-the-mill business dinner kind of spot.
I'll put in a last plug for you to include Eve on your itinerary. I think it'd be an absolute crime for you to not try it given the other spots you've targeted. The lickety split lunch is the most amazing price to quality ratio you'll get anywhere. Dinner is more formal but equally outstanding. Sorry to disagree with the poser who preferred Volt to Eve. Have been to Volt twice and enjoyed it but Eve is a different level.
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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004
your favorite burgers and beef ribs in washington, DC area ...including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Tysons Corner, etc
Agree Ray's is the area's best burger in the 'big, a bit messy, lay it all hang out but pay close attention to quality' category I just invented for the purpose of this post. But, as pedestrian excellent burgers go, have to add Saint Ex on 14th to the list as at least as good (if not better) than spots like Matchbox or Big Buns. For the best gourmet ("high end" as another poster terms it) burger, Palena in Cleveland Park is the clear winner. Love Central for many things but, for burgers at the high end, Palena gets the nod. They bake their own buns and pickle their own pickles. Inspired stuff along with the region's best gnocchi, caesar salad and roast chicken. No joke.
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Palena
3529 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Thoughts on Obelisk? Others for DC visit?
Absolutely Eve from your list. Volt would be the 2nd best option but a bit of a trek from DC and maybe a bit over hyped since the chef and his brother were on Top Chef. Vidalia and Marcels are both good/very good--not great. Eve is inspired; I'd rate it better than CityZen and Citronelle though all of the ones you've booked are among the best here.
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CityZen Restaurant
1330 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Citronelle
3000 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Vidalia
1990 M St NW # 2, Washington, DC
Elevated Wings in DC?
Tried as I might, couldn't find a string already on the board about chicken wings. Can that be right?
Where are DC's best? Really looking for a place that elevates the art of wings to a higher level with fresh, great quality chicken and homemade sauces. It doesn't have to have dozens of sauce options. We're looking for quality--a truly inspired buffalo or bbq wing place that isn't using frozen chicken, non stop frying and sauces from jars. Does such spot exist here?
Tu Tu Tun Lodge.................
Agree on all counts, joseph and tripper. The wine list was very nice and the staff was more than happy to substitute or make changes. The staff are actually a real highlight of the TTT experience. The wine list was not extensive but thoughtful with selections we knew and appreciated and ones less familiar that we tried and enjoyed. So, yes, we'd agree it was very good but due to quality and not quantity (the choice I'd make every time). I want to say they offered maybe 12-15 reds and a like number of whites. I'll have to check on the meal plan cost but, as best I can recall, I think the price was a bit higher than $57--maybe $65. I forget when you (joseph) said you were last there but if it was before the ownership change then maybe not surprising the price would have been increased. That said, a five or eight dollar increase seems reasonable given the economy.
Tu Tu Tun Lodge.................
Hi Everyone. Just back a few weeks ago and will share as promised. Have my notes but have been traveling too much to post yet.
Briefly for Beach Chick on TTT: we liked it very much and would absolutely go again. The new owner is young but very hospitable and well suited to taking on the lodge. Truly an idyllic and beautiful place with a great vibe, friendly people and a super-relaxing laid-back environment. josephnl's suggestions on jet boat, the lodge in general and other spots up and down the coast (again, will post specifics) were very helpful, as were others.
I will make one less-than-stellar but still favorable observation about TTT's food. We enjoyed it but it's not five-star in the sense that top metro restaurants or more exclusive resorts offer. Things are reasonably local and simply prepared (simple is good in my book) but not always spot on. For example, salmon that was somewhat overcooked. I think you just have to set the right expectations. I'm sure TTT offers the best food in the area and we were not disappointed with it. But I think you're best advised not to go to TTT for fantastic food (in Oregon alone, Portland offers several spots that are better IMHO). Rather, go for a wonderful experience of which simple and very good food is a part. I'll give more specifics when I post my reports.
Thanks for your help a few months ago everyone; and for your patience!
Best Restaurant outside Seattle and Portland
It's rare that I ever feel misled after doing thorough research online at high-quality sites like Chowhound but Morning Glory was one of those exceptions. The buzz on this site made it seem like a must do; especially if you love breakfast as we do.
We arrived 15 minutes before open on a Saturday and there was noone in line. There were a few staff on the landing at back by the small parking lot smoking--kind of a sign of things to come.
Service was generally good. Friendly and efficient but we were also the first in the place. It was much busier 45 min later when we left.
We thought the food was generally mediocre and thus overprices. A "half size" french toast with side of Chicken apple sausage was $8 and $4 respectively. That wouldn't be so bad except the french toast slices were small and ordinary; the sausages huge and bland. We also ordered one of the more interesting dishes, the rock shrimp cakes with poached eggs and smoky roasted tomato. This was better but still not great. The cakes were a good idea but with much more filler than shrimp. The eggs were nicely poached. The smoky tomato tasted overly sweetened and probably not well matched to this dish. We did like that they served real maple syrup (a lower grade but guess can't complain with no extra charge?) with the side of pancakes but those were also ordinary, lacking any kind of crisping.
All in all, we thought Morning Glory was just okay at best. Not a good value. Oh well, even Chowhound isn't foolproof and, of course, opinions will vary.
Nationals Park Food
Thanks for the advice everyone. We ended up going to Bens and were disappointed. Should have persevered to find the kosher stand but with an all-time record crowd of 42,000, the lines were really long. The main Ben's outpost by the center field gates was staff by a nice enough guy who had to have been filling orders at the rate of about one every few minutes. Took forever and the chili dog was much greasier than what I'm even used to on U street. It's a shame the stadium doesn't have more variety given its newness. Agree with the post that most of the places are just different themes on low quality grilled dogs and sausages, pizza, etc. Also, I don't think anyone in the string answered whether food from outside is allowed in but we asked and were told no. Not surprising except that we were allowed to bring in bottled water. Bad team, bad food...no wonder the place is so empty when the Red Sox aren't in town.
Nationals Park Food
Noticed there hasn't been much on this board about the food options at the park this season. One string that started out promising but then veered into a beer string.
Can anyone comment? Making a first trip to the stadium tomorrow and would love 'hound guidance on right answers. I read something online that they allow food to be brought in from outside. Is that true?
Thanks.
The documentary, "Food, Inc." Seen it?
Good points on both sides regarding farmer market affordability and have to recognize also the positive progress that has been made in the past few years simply to increase access to farmers markets across the US. Costs and thus prices are still pretty high though food stamps are taken by many. As someone like Pollan would put it, the problem isn't that organic/local is too expensive; it's that industrial/commercial/grocery food isn't "honestly" priced due to subsidies. That seems a fair argument to me but it's not one easily solved since the fixes go way beyond ag.
Back to Food Inc. Seems like there are a bunch of you who agree that the film fell disappointing short as a change vehicle. Are there other films out there, maybe lesser known or marketed that do a better job? Maybe one that was made in the past two years only so relatively current? There are documentary and discussion videos (the Michael Pollan/John Mackey discussions at Berkeley are very instructive) out there but stuff like that will get much less play than Food Inc. Need something that can engage many while inflaming few. Totally can be done. Any reccs or filmmakers out there working on something like this? .
The documentary, "Food, Inc." Seen it?
IMHO, RaquelFoodie and oolah nail the problem with Food Inc as well as any other posts on this string. We saw it two days ago. I so wanted to love it. So much education, persuasion and policy change needs to happen to reverse current trends in human health, animal health, and the environment. We have an administration now in the White House that seems more disposed to act than any other has ever been. And, along comes Food Inc.
Whatever happened to the art of documentary making that, when trying to persuade, you craft an at least partly balanced view? I have no personal problem with any of the arrows thrown; I'm among "the converted" Raquel talks about. But Food Inc will struggle to get mass national distribution and attract the audiences that would ensure the kind of impact on US consumer behavior the principals were clearly after. It's unnecessarily sensationalist (the imagery) and incomplete. Why so little attempt (aside from Stonyfield Farms) to address Big Food's fair challenges about the economic and scale issues surrounding local and mass provision? There's an especially poignant scene with an overweight family buying "dollar meals" at fast food outlets instead of paying more for a few potatoes or vegetables at the local safeway. The wife asks, "we can buy the drugs for my husband's diabetes or we can eat right...which should I do?". Not even a small attempt to address that question and it's so central to everything that needs to happen with the population at large.
I guess we should lower our expectations and be glad the filmmakers even saw fit to surface that question. Sigh...
How do you reconcile hole-in-the-wall and healthy?
Clearly, many hounds (myself among them) place a big premium on what I'll call 'value eateries.' These places, typically ethnic (the fantastic korean/chinese/italian/falafel/pizza/etc) holes in the wall that just put out great grub, without a lot of frills, at a great price.
Separately, many hounds (myself also among them) care intensely about eating healthily. This is one of the major drivers of the local, organic and sustainable movements. Alice Waters, Michael Pollan, thank you for educating us.
My challenge is reconciling these two foci especially with respect to the hole in the wall ethic places we love. It's tough to find out (sheesh, even to ask someone for whom English isn't a first language) where they source the great fish they use in the $2 sushi pieces, the pork in the delicious food truck empanadas, etc. We just saw Food, Inc and the bit about Monsanto "owning" all US soybeans got us thinking about this more. Is all the edamame from genetically modified seed and, if not, how on earth do you find "natural" soybeans?
Really curious to know how other hounds with similar interests think about and reconcile the competing aims of ethnic/value/discovery/deliciousness with local/organic/deliciousness/healthy.
Heading North from Gold Bch in OR?
Will do. We'll likely book Whale Cove and will report back in late summer. Thanks again.
Heading North from Gold Bch in OR?
Hi josephnl (or other central OR coast experts). Was just about to book Channel House when a fried suggested looking into a newer depoe b&b called Whale Cove Inn. Evidently owned by the same folks who own Channel House and have read some positive things about the restaurant there called 44 degrees. Know anything about it? Worthwhile? Thanks again!
Obama as Restaurant Compass?
Ah ,no. With all due respect, the whole point of Obama's dining sojourns that I most respect is that he/they seem to target quality at different pricing levels. Places that put out great product don't need a "boost." Unless it was a new place that hadn't yet gone viral. Tough to happen with so many hounds online though.
Obama as Restaurant Compass?
One of the news reports indicated that yellow traffic control tape was wrapped around the parking lot. I'm not sure what that means exactly and it did seem like there were regular people inside around them with the SS. Maybe someone can comment who was there?
Obama as Restaurant Compass?
Great idea on the new CIC definition. Love it. Actually went to Ray's the Classics tonight (ah, the ribeye...ah, the value). Was a bit worried that it'd be packed but, while busy, wasn't insane. They had web printouts on the bar of the hellburger visit. It'll be interesting to watch the trend as it evolves more. I'm on board with the CIC label being deserved but not sure if he'll continue the value focus. That's near and dear to my heart. Ben's could have been (and was probably) about visiting a DC institution with historical context hugely relevant to the election. Most of the other places they've been have been higher end--great spots generally but higher end. Ray's is many people's best burger and we know from other coverage, he loves burgers. There was a spot just before inauguration (I'm sure it's on youtube) about his first Air Force 1 ride. In that piece, they have a bit on him ordering what was ostensibly his first AF1 meal: cheeseburger (with some fries; like he asked for at Ray's). Maybe watch for him at FiveGuys or SaintEx soon.
Obama as Restaurant Compass?
Missed the Citronelle news. Polarizing place I think. To many, DC's best. To many others, overpriced and underwhelming. So be it--again, separate strings on that. mjhals: how did you book a table at Ray's the Steaks? Thought they didn't do reservations. Someone needs to compile a first-year summary of the restaurants they hit.
Obama as Restaurant Compass?
Now five months into the new administration, there's been a fair amount of coverage of the Obama's ventures out to local restaurants. As the first family checks off more of the local spots, I'm wondering what the rest of us might learn from this.
Just today, saw on the news that Obama and Biden went over to Ray's Hellburger in Arlington for lunch. Great choice in my view. Probably the area's best burger in the "non gourmet" category (lots of strings on that debate I know). Other video/news bits have reported on them going to Art & Soul, Ben's Chili Bowl and Obelisk (or Equinox...can't recall which). IMHO, this is great stuff. Great obviously for the local food scene but also to highlight some of the better spots at different pricing levels. Of course, the flip side of the coin is that they'll go to a lesser known place and ruin it for those who were already "in the know."
What do others think about this? Are there other places they've gone that I've neglected to mention? Would others agree their choices seem to pretty well align with chowhound faves? And, is it a good or bad thing when the President is on the 6:00 news at a local restaurant?
Link below to the Hellburger story writeup:
http://tinyurl.com/c23tan
Heading North from Gold Bch in OR?
Hi everyone,
We're taking a trip this summer to the OR coast and have gotten some great advice about the marjority of our time in the SW (Ashland, Crater Lake, Rogue River/Tu Tu Tun Lodge) on these boards.
Hoping to get some expert input on one final part. And, promise in advance, will report back in late summer with a detailed western Oregon report!
After we leave TTT Lodge, we'll have just a couple of days to spend on the central OR coast before we head into Portland for our last few days (and where we're pretty set with restaurant plan--know that city much better than the coastal areas). Also important background, we love wine almost as much as food (but not quite) and have been through the Willamette Valley before. Not opposed to doing that again but not sure.
The question: what would people recommend for a 2-3 day stopover (or can be 2-3 single night stopovers) for the best/most interesting food options? We're totally flexible on type of food as long as its very high quality/interesting, etc. Can be any price range so more about value whether roadside stand, five star restaurant or anything inbetween.
Q1: Would you recommend we spend the time heading up the coast (which we've never seen) or head inland through the wine country(which we've seen only a bit--McMinnville & Carlton mostly)?
Q2: For the coastal route in particular, what are your reccs for stopovers and places for great food?
Have gotten some limited but pretty mixed reviews on the coast. All seem to agree it's beautiful and breathtaking at points but totally unclear to us whether there are very good/great food options anywhere between Gold Beach and Cannon Beach in the north.
Thank you!
Tu Tu Tun Lodge.................
Great advice---thanks again joesphnl. To answer your question, we'll be at TTT for 3 nights in July. First time and will absolutely take your advice to stick with the TTT's meal plan for that time. Have two other questions if okay but think I'll start a new post since not TTT specific.
Tu Tu Tun Lodge.................
thanks josephnl. you prompt another question since who better to ask than an old time customer? What other places for dinner/lunch/breakfast are within a reasonable drive of TTT that you recommend or favor? We'll be there several nights so guessing it'd be nice to try a couple of different things along with the Lodge to the extent there are some decent options. Also, we'll be heading there from Ashland and then north up the coast after our stay. Thank you!
Tu Tu Tun Lodge.................
Thanks for the insight Tom P. At the risk of asking something obvious, what is the "old" way and how different/better than what was done more recently?
Tu Tu Tun Lodge.................
Has anyone been at TTT in the last few weeks? Saw something online that it was under new ownership but couldn't confirm. We're booked for this summer so a bit concerned. Thanks for any current info on whether true and, if so, what changes there may be.
