Nicaro in Silver Spring, big disappointment!

I came to the website to see what others were saying about Nicaro because I have to say my wife and I went this past Saturday and were totally underwhelmed. First of all the place was full (a good thing) but was so noisy that even seated at a tiny two-top we could barely hear each other. As for the food, Nicaro is going to have a hard time surviving given the quality to cost ratio. How can a ceaser salad - which was ordinary at best and could have been made with lettuce leaves from pre-packed bag in a supernarket- a squash blossom appetizer (two squash blossoms), a salmon entree (tasty), a soft-shell crab entree - with one crab - a shared dessert, a cup of coffee and one glass of wine come to close to $125 before the tip? I am not someone who thinks restaurants need to be heaping food onto plates in outrageous proportions but this was really disappointing. $26 for one soft shell crab? Nicaro is in trouble because it is way too expensive to be a good local go-to restaurant and to not nearly good enough to be a destination. Also, on a non-food note, the men's room was filthy and frankly disgusting. This place along with Jackie's can only survive on hype for so long.

DCFresser in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Dinner Thursday west side in the 60's-70's

Three of us coming from DC for one night. I realize that this is a wide swarth of territory (the west 60s thru the west 70s) but hoping to cast a wide net for some interesting suggestions

Looking for a mid-range ($25-$50 an entree lets say) place if possible for any of the following types of food:

Seafood, steakhouse, Asian across the specturm, latin flavors, really open to suggestions.

We have no resrtictions on diet and are adventurous eaters. We are getting into town a little late and want to stay in this area for conveinence. Hope this isn't too broad a request. Thanks in advance.

DCFresser in Manhattan

How to fry a turkey

[This post was split from a thread on the Washington DC board, which you can find at http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/342073 --The Chowhound Team]

I have been frying a turkey for years now. It can be very dangerous if you are very stupid but if you are careful it is a lot of fun and the result is fantastic. Just a few common sense things:

Do it OUTSIDE - no garage, no basement etc - this is where most of the cases of people burning their houses down come from.

Do NOT do it in the rain - You'd think "doh, no kidding" right? But this is another way that most people get in trouble. Boiling hot peanut oil and water is a really bad combination.

Wear protective gloves (I use long heavy leather work gloves) and eye protection.

Let the oil cool off - this can take a couple of days so as stated in an earlier post, do it outside and somewhere you can leave the pot, covered while the oil cools.

Two years ago I had 35 people at the house for Thanksgiving and we fried a turkey and smoked a turkey. A good time was had by all and it took about 75 minutes to fry a 25 lb turkey.

DCFresser in Home Cooking

Chicago Labor Day Weekend

Thanks, I did search around the board and found some good suggestions. I appreciate your help.

DCFresser in Chicago Area

Chicago Labor Day Weekend

Coming to Chicago over Labor Day Weekend for a Wedding.

My wife and I will be on our own for lunch on Saturday and breakfast and lunch Sunday before the ceremony.

We are staying at a hotel on E. Wacker downtown, perfer not to eat in the hotel (Swissotel) unless there is a really good reason to.

We are both adventurous eaters only foods off limits are sushi and Indian.

Breakfast is hopefully great coffee, egg white omelets, fruit, pasteries etc.

Lunch is hopefully fun Asian, a great Beef sandwich (to counter-balance the egg whites) or anything special we should not miss.

Price is not really an issue, more concerned about what is available and open on a Holiday weekend (especially at breakfast on a Sunday).

Thanks!

DCFresser in Chicago Area

LA HoundNeeds Help-Recs for the Best of DC Dining Please

Zaytina is very good but check on their reservation policy if you don't want to spend time waiting at the bar.

If you are in Foggy Bottom try Notti Bianche, Italian but simple and delicious. The space is a little unusual but the food is excellent.

DCFresser in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Dinner near DC Arts Center

If you like Italian, San Marco right on 18th street is always reliable and delicious.

DCFresser in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Thanks to all the Vancouver Posters

I noticed the higher liquor prices and the liquor tax and all, I was just suprised is all. Anyway, in no way did it diminish our experience in Vancouver, it was a fantastic time and friends here in Washington DC have been amazed at our raves. Anyway, my deepest thanks again for making our trip spectacular.

DCFresser in Western Canada Archives

Planning a D.C. Vacation around food

Make that three, do not stay in College Park, the metro is fine but there is often track work on the weekend and getting from that station to where you are staying at night could be a major hassle.

As for dining, aside from the reccos mentioned, try the bar at Palena (amazing roast chicken), Jaleo for fun tapas. If you have to eat in College Park, Lupo's Chop House is decent Italian

DCFresser in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Thanks to all the Vancouver Posters

Just a quick note of thanks for all the posts about Vancouver and for helping make our week there so great. The suggestions and warnings heeded really helped to make the trip one to remember.

Quick highlights:

Pork and bok choy dumplings at Sha Lin Noodle House

The scene and the chicken thighs and prawn and avocado and Udan noodles with beef at Guu w/Garlic

The entire Granville Market

Dim Sum at Kirin and the Butter Beef and spring rolls at Phenom Phen

Went to West, the food was very good but someone else besides me needs to complain about the size of their liquor pours. If they are going to charge 14 bucks for a Calvados, there should be more than two sips in the snifter.

All in all, a fabulous time made more so by all of you.

Thanks again.

DCFresser in Western Canada Archives

Vancouver for 5 days, opinions on this line-up please

Thank you both.

Will reassess Friday night and maybe make a reservation at Blue Water that night and later so we can make the trip back from Vancouver Island, I didn't realize the scope of the trip when I first posted.

Sounds like Guu w/Garlic is better for a weeknight.

Also thanks on Whsitler.

DCFresser in Western Canada Archives