joann.hill12's Profile
Thanksgiving in Raleigh
My husband and I are visiting family in Raleigh over Thanksgiving. We are looking for a good restaurant (nothing overly expensive but definitely no chains and good food) that serves a good Thanksgiving dinner. Anyone know of a good place?
Thanks in advance!
Long weekend in Minneapolis: ISO of good, moderately-priced restaurants
Hello All,
My friend and I are meeting up in Minneapolis for a 3-day wknd. We are staying downtown and are looking for some great restaurant recommendations. We are looking for budget-friendly/moderately-priced places within the downtwon area. We love sushi, wine bars, southern, Italian cuisines...my friend is somewhat of a picky eater, so Indian is unfortunately out.
I was thinking of going to Hell's Kitchen one day for breakfast. Thoughts?
What are your thoughts of Spill the Wine and Zelo?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Please help me hammer down on these restaurants...DC
Absolutely go to Proof---I've been numerous times and every time has been fantastic. It's one of my favorites in the city.
I agree with ktmoomau on Vidalia...IMO, it's overrated and not worth the cost.
I have liked both Corduroy and Hook in the past but haven't been to either in at least a year. If I had to choose, I'd go with Corduroy.
I've never understood all the fuss about Cafe Atlantico...but have only had dinner there once and haven't done Minibar. If you want to go to a Jose Andres restaurant, I would recommend Zaytinya or Oyamel. I'm sure some will disagree with me, but those are my two favorites of his restaurants.
Enjoy your trip!
In search of quality in Courthouse
Thanks for all the suggestions...we've decided to go to Delhi Club instead.
Thanks again!
In search of quality in Courthouse
Is there somewhere else you'd recommend? We don't have to go to Me Jana...
Any place that is vegetarian-friendly (for my friend) and is accessible by either Courthouse or Clarendon metros and is budget friendly. Ethnic food (i.e., Indian, Middle Eastern) is fine but not a must.
TIA!
In search of quality in Courthouse
Anything in particular to order at Me Jana? I'm meeting a friend there for dinner on Monday and neither of us have been before.
Visiting with in-laws: lunch in Penn Qtr, dinner in Dupont? suggestions?
I second Mourayo...hubby and I had dinner there a month or two ago for the first time and everything from the service to the food was wonderful.
Alternative to Cafe St. Ex
Eatonville is a great choice. The same owners of Busboys & Poets (and much better food IMO)...it focuses on southern cuisine. I would strongly recommend the hushpuppie filled with shrimp, leeks, and creole sauce--so decadent and delicious. I would also recommend the fried green tomatoes served with goat cheese and arugula.
I would also recommend Vinoteca for a good wine bar, Marvin for moules frites (the coconut curry is delicious), Etete for Ethiopian, Rice for good Thai, and Posto for Italian. I've liked Tabaq in the past but haven't been in a while.
Never been a fan of Cork.
I've only been to Bar Pilar for drinks (and the drinks there are fantastic) and from what I hear, the food is outstanding.
Enjoy the show!
Casual Celebratory Dinner in the District
Yeah, I was skeptical about mentioning Tosca for that exact reason but thought I'd throw it out there.
I think Potenza and Posto are great choices and I've enjoyed meals at both. I would say that if being right off the metro (and not having to transfer) is important, then go with Potenza. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
When someone else is footing the bill...
Luck you!! Just went to Marcel's for the first time and it was incredible.
I have loved Citronelle in the past but I haven't been in years and I've heard it's gone a bit downhill.
Sadly, I haven't been to Komi (yet).
Enjoy!!!!
Cucumber Based Cocktails
I'm not kidding, I was just talking about my obsession with cucumber drinks this past wknd--it is quickly becoming my favorite summer drink and beginning to edge out my former fave, white sangria.
The Silver Samurai at SEI is absolutely incredible. It consisgts of shochu, cucumber, vanilla syrup and black pepper---YUM. Shochu is a Japanese distilled spirit that's brewed. The only drawback is that the drinks at SEI are on the small side and they are expensive! But so worth trying!
Casual Celebratory Dinner in the District
For Italian, how about Potenza (same owners of Zola) or Siroc, right in Metro Ctr so right off the orange line. Potenza is the more casual of the two with a more affordable menu but I think Siroc's food is a bit better.
Another option for Italian is Posto (same owner of Tosca) in Logan Circle--a bit of a walk from the U street metro (green line). I haven't been since it opened but it was very good (although small portions from what I can remember) and a fun atmosphere.
I also really like Al Tiramisu in Dupont.
My favorite of this list is Tosca (Metro Ctr). They have a fantastic three course pre-fixe menu for $35/person until 7pm. I think it starts at 5 but maybe 5:30. The only thing is you would have to monitor how much champagne/wine you drink in order to stay within your budget 8-(
I'm not a huge fan of Dino but I'm usually in the minority with this one.
Help for Group Dinner this weekend!
If you want to stay around U street/Columbia Heights, I do like Marvin...but I haven't been in a while so maybe it's gone downhill?
I love Eatonville and think it would be great for a large group. It's a huge space that's very fun...we thought the food was really good.
Another option to consider on U would be Tabaq. They have a fabulous roof top with a great view. We've been there in the summer with a big group of friends and it was a lot of fun.
I haven't been to Commonwealth.
Casual Lunch in DC
5th matchbox. I will also add Vegetate for vegetarian fare and Cure Bistro, which is right in your hotel. We had dinner there once and it was surprisingly delicious...not sure about their lunch menu but worth looking into.
DC hound ISO of your best wine bar(s)
Thanks so much for your detailed response and suggestions...greatly appreciated!
This weekend near Union Station (recs needed)
Really? The tuna was our favorite course of the evening. Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your experience.
DC hound ISO of your best wine bar(s)
Thanks all for your fabulous recommendations! We are leaning towards Jamie Kennedy's on the Sunday night we're there and then heading over to Reservoir Lounge for some good jazz...what do you think? Anyone know if there's a particular time we would need to get over to the lounge for a performance? I saw on their site that they're open from 8pm-2am on Sundays.
Love the idea of the classic cabs---we're definitely looking into it. I will be looking into all the wineries that were suggested.
No question we will have to check out Treadwell for either lunch or dinner.
On a different note, I've made dinner reservations for North 44 and Mistura...any thoughts? While perusing the board, there seemed to be consistently favorable reviews for both.
Thanks again for all your help...really looking forward to our visit to Toronto!
DC Over Labor Day
Pasta Mia--good affordable Italian if you're in the area--the line can be a real pain. I certainly wouldn't go out of my way for it. I used to live in the neighborhood so it was a good neighborhood spot but nothing spectactular.
LOVE Proof and Obelisk...both are consistently wonderful. I think the 5-course pre-fixe at Obelisk for around $65 per person is a great deal. Proof is more of a "scene" but the food and wine is fabulous.
Art & Soul is also a great spot with great outdoor seating. I particularly loved the ahi tua served over fried green tomatoes and you have to get one of the hoecakes!
I've only been to PS7 once and was not as enamored by it as others...it's been a while so I need to give it another try.
Tabard Inn is very cozy and intimate...if you are in the area, I think it's definitely worth going to.
I've only been to Etete and highly recommend it.
The milkshakes at Good Stuff are INCREDIBLE!!! The Toasted Marshmallow and Milky Way are out-of-this-world.
I took a truffle-making class at ACKC and yes, the chocolates and drinks are great. I would also recommend Biagio on 18th street for fine chocolates too.
I was at Mitisam a few months ago for lunch and thought it was fantastic (although a bit pricey)...definitely the best lunch option while museum-hopping on the Mall.
Enjoy your visit!
This weekend near Union Station (recs needed)
I second the rec for Art and Soul--the ahi tuna served over fried green tomatoes is fantastic.
Bistro Bis nearby has a wonderful brunch.
Sonoma on Penn betw 2nd & 3rd is a wine bar where you could sit at the bar and get some apps, pizza, etc.
On 8th street near Eastern Market is Cava-fabulous Greek-inspired mezze.
Enjoy your stay!
veggie eats/cheap eats
Vegetate in Mount Vernon Square is vegetarian...it's good, casual, and affordable.
I will second Jeserf's recommendations for breakfast and will add Teaism for a cheap, fast and good breakfast.
One last hurrah!
We went to CityZen for the second time a few weeks ago b/c we received a very generous gift certificate from a friend. The first time we went (about a year ago), we chose the 3-course pre-fixe menu and absolutely loved it. Needless to say, when we received the gift last month, we were ecstatic. This time, we opted for the chef's tasting menu...we were sooooo disappointed. Only one of our courses, the scallops, stood out...everything else was just pretty average. I can't really put my finger on it but nothing was exceptional, which is what I expect for the cost and reputation. I will certainly say that if we didn't have a gift certificate which paid for the majority of our meal, we would have been very upset. Sadly, I don't think we'll be returning...there are just too many other great restaurants that are more affordable.
Of course, I freely admit, that that was one expereince....again, our first experience was incredible and the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Just thought I'd give my two cents.
I would recommend the tasting room at Eve...we went there in April for my husband's birthday and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I am a huge fan of Rasika...if you go, do the tasting menu. I also LOVE Obelisk. However, I don't know if either are worthy of your last hurrah. They're both great but not quite on the same level as Eve, Citronelle, etc.
I've only been to the Source for lunch and it was fantastic.
We are going to Marcel's for the first time this wknd (very excited). I will definitely be reporting back.
Never been to 2941.
DC hound ISO of your best wine bar(s)
My husband and I will be traveling with friends to Toronto in early July. We are all huge wine drinkers and would like to go to a wine bar at least one night during our visit.
What are your favorite places that have great wine & great food?
The only requirement is that it's accessible by public transportation.
Also, speaking of wine...we are heading out to Niagara for a day and will be staying overnight in Niagara-on-the-Lake. After the obligatory visit to Niagara Falls, our day will devoted to wineries. Any suggestions? We will be staying at the White Oaks Resort.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Unique to Wash DC
I would definitely second Acadiana for great Southern cuisine. I was very unimpressed with Vidalia especially considering the cost and expectations.
CoCo Sala is a good recommendation--but I would go for drinks/desserts. There are too many ofther places (esp in the vicinity) that are so much better for dinner...but if you're a chocoholic (like I am) then CoCo Sala is worth the visit for an after dinner treat!
Unique to Wash DC
I would also recommend Ethiopian--particularly Etete on U Street.
Bens Chili Bowl really is an institution in DC so it's worth checking out for a quick lunch.
As much as I love 2 Amy's, I have to agree with Indy 67, no need to go out of your way for it if you're coming from Boston.
Proof or Blue Duck Tavern?
you clearly speak my language ktmoomau. I'm notorious for always wanting to try a new restaurant (drives my husband crazy at times since we don't always go back to the restaurants we love--BDT for example--b/c I always want to try something new!)
anyway, I digress...yes, AMKDC, if you've never been to BDT, you MUST go there! It really is fabulous, you won't be disappointed. I still think about the triple fries fried in duck fat and wild mushroom sides.
Proof or Blue Duck Tavern?
This is a VERY hard call for me as I love them both. I would agree with ktmoomau...only change if meat is a main priority. If I HAD to choose, I think I would choose Proof--but I've also been there many more times than I've been to BDT..
You can't go wrong with either--they are both great!
DC Over Labor Day
I second 1789 for a great dining experience.
Cashion's is great for brunch.
I've only been to Vidalia once but was very underwhelmed considering the cost and expectations.
ISO: Dinner in D.C.
Between Potenza and Siroc, I would say Potenza would be more suitable for your son. It's a bit more lively and casual than Siroc (though I think the food at Siroc is better). There are plenty of items that a "picky" eater can choose from--and they have a good selection of pizzas of pastas. Can't exactly remember the prices but I remember it being affordable and less expensive than Siroc.
Matchbox is a great choice and will satisfy the pickiest of eaters. I will also add Cava, located on 8th street in Capitol Hill to the list...great mediterranean mezze and affordable.
