jfw's Profile
Any good German food?
Sorry, hill food. I really don't think differences between German food and Belgian food are subtle. Like, not even remotely. Can you tell me more about dishes or techniques that are barely discernible from one another? I am honestly interested to hear how and why you think they are kindred. Specifics, please.
To me, it's like if the original poster asked for a recommendation for the best ham sandwich around and someone piped in to say, "Can't help you with a ham sandwich, but Joe Schmo Sandwich Board makes a mean turkey sandwich." Just because they are both sandwiches doesn't make them anything alike or particularly relevant to the original poster.
What is 'CB?'
Any good German food?
Having eaten traditional (and contemporary) foods in Germany and Belgium, I don't think Belgian food is "close enough" to German food.
I think anyone looking for authentic/traditional German food would not get close to that at Et Voila!, Brasserie Beck, or Belga Cafe.
I've had very good experiences with the food, beer, and service at Old Europe. Sounds like saxman930 definitely hasn't (the all caps seem to strongly reinforce that). Despite the restaurant's longevity, I don't think the staff, cooks, or owners have let the place go stale. Sure, it is a throw back. But the younger owner (I think he took over from his parents a few years back) is very passionate about the food and overall experience. The place is usually packed on the weekends, so I'd recommend reservations to avoid a long wait. For years, a blind pianist provided background music. I've heard recent reports that she is no longer playing.
Dining near the Renaissance Downtown DC and a random question
nikklos-
Corduroy is very good, but not particularly similar to Michael's Genuine. I'd rate Corduroy as significantly more refined than Michael's Genuine in preparation and ingredients. The cooking is more delicate at Corduroy. My experience at Michael's Genuine was with food more rustic, 'earthy,' and casual. I thought the food and flavors at Michael's Genuine were excellent, but is a bit more relaxed and rough. Corduroy falls much more in the fine dining category.
If you are strongly considering Corduroy, you should definitely know about how the two restaurants differ. The differences are also apparent in decor, service, and noise level. If Michael's Genuine is bustling and edging towards informal, Corduroy is quiet, subdued, muted, elegant, and gentle.
Whelk - Westport
Everything I've recently read about this place mentions The Whelk doesn't open until this weekend (Jan. 27/28/29). Other than anyone who went to a 'friends and family' type event, I don't expect you'll see any reports until this weekend or soon after.
I do think the CT Bites folks managed to attend some sort of promo event, so you can check their site for first impressions.
http://www.ctbites.com/home/2012/1/19/the-whelk-in-westport-a-first-look-taste.html
JFW
Jaded California food snob seeks like-minded fusspots to recommend good DC restaurants
malhattan-
Very pleased to hear that worked out for you. I stand by the other recs and hope they also do you right. Keep me posted!
JFW
Jaded California food snob seeks like-minded fusspots to recommend good DC restaurants
mallhattan-
Some spots to get good food:
1. 2Amys: For your first visit, I'd recommend skipping pizza. Find a spot at the bar and explore. Small plates there are seasonal and simple. Suckling pig head salad is complex and a textural adventure. This time of year, roasted root vegetables are very earthy and offset by a rare, sweet vin cotto. Soft cheeses are rich and decadent. Smoked fish dishes are smoked in house and appropriately pungent. I could go on. Anyhow...the wine list focuses on southern Italian wines. Peter Pastan also owns and operates Obelisk in Dupont Circle. That Italian restaurant is still relaxed in atmosphere and vibe, but sits at a higher price point.
2. Any of the 'Ray's' empire restaurants: Michael Landrum has forged a course in the region by providing very good value. He specializes in beef. His sommelier, Mark Slater, is widely respected and moved to Landrum's side after many years at Citronelle. See here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/05/AR2009050500851.html
3. Palena: The restaurant now offers a bunch of dining options (a fine dining menu/space, a 'cafe' menu/space, and another mid-range/price point option in an expanded space next door to the original). The food is also seasonal and simple. Frank Ruta does many things very, very well, but his clear broths win much praise. He is currently doing a 'head-to-tail' type meal that is also garnering a lot of attention and praise.
4. Birch & Barley: Nothing earth-shattering happening with the food here, but it is well-executed and hearty. The catch at this place is you can pair your food with hundreds of beers (presumably not in one sitting!). The list is pretty amazing and includes lots of hard-to-finds.
5. Masala Art: Rasika rightly gets a lot of attention as DC's best Indian restaurant, but Masala Art is on par. The cuisine is not really contemporary and innovative like at Rasika, but Masala Art offers Indian flavors and dishes I don't see at any other Indian spots. I've rarely seen an Indian restaurant's menu change with any regularity, but Masala Art's does and there is often something new to try. I'm not versed in regional features or flavors, but I can tell you the food here is complex and exciting and cooked with care.
Hopefully those suggestions help and get you started on realizing DC ain't, like, totally worthless. Welcome to town.
JFW
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Palena
3529 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Masala Art
4441 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, MD 20016
Kid-friendly Indian in DC?
I'll second the suggestion that Masala Art will be good for your group. Though much younger, we've brought our baby to Masala Art about eight times since she was born (she is thirteen weeks old). The noise level does help muffle any fuss the kiddo will make. Also, I think the staff will do well to make you feel welcome.
Of course, the food is simply amazing. Pacing can be a bit off (slightly long lags between starters and mains), but the flavors and quality are awesome. For my tastes, Masala Art is the best Indian going in DC right now. Keep in mind, the menu does change somewhat regularly.
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Masala Art
4441 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, MD 20016
Dark 'n' Stormy Recommendations?
Probably one of the easier drinks to make at home. Try some ice cubes, 1.5 ounces of Gosling's Black Seal, and enough Barritts Ginger Beer to suit your tastes. A slice and squeeze of lime ties it all together. I can't say I've had a better version than that.
recommendation for family dinner with difficult-to-assimilate food preferences?
The gang might do well at the recently opened Blue Ridge in Glover Park. I think it might fulfill everyone's needs/desires. The patio area is lovely and should be quiet enough for all to talk freely. The wine program is also very good and should help you achieve the price point you're after.
Not sure when the wedding is, but part of the fun for you might be trying, in advance, all the spots people end up recommending here.
Dining at Komi: Any suggestions?
Just to clarify woodleyparkhound's statement about pricing...
The $125 price does not include the referenced five glass pairing. That sets you back another $68. Soooo...the degustazione with the five glasses of wine will cost each person $193 ($212.30 w/tax and likely around $253 w/tax and tip).
That said, our dinner at Komi two Saturdays ago was very, very good. We opted for the dinner and three glass pairing and left plenty full and with plenty of good taste memories. The current menu posted appears to be current for August 6th. Whichever way you go, the kitchen chooses your mezzethakia and you only get to weigh in with any allergy or 'food issue' qualifications. You'll likely find some of your favorite flavors of the night come from these numerous small items. We had some lovely crudo, a couple subtle salmon preps, a decadent mini BLT, several other items, and, of course, the famed exploding caesar salad and dates with mascarpone.
If you end up choosing a pasta course, the spaghetti with sea urchin and crab is great. If you like the idea of the perfect seaside view in your mouth, this dish distills the essence of a clean ocean-scape in a meal. If you don't dig seafood, the boulettas are also excellent. Very pillow-y. I kept being reminded of marshmallows as I ate the pasta. They aren't sweet, but the texture and consistency is like a firm, homemade marshmallow. That's meant as a positive!
As for mains (again assuming you don't do the degustazione), the suckling pig is outstanding. The skin is so rich and crispy and a beautiful color. The pork meat is very succulent and tender and slightly smokey. Accompaniments are major flavor explosions of spicy, cool, tart, etc.
If you like grappa, get the grappa with chamomile. Divine.
However you go, you'll very likely have an exceptional meal and experience.
Capitol Hill--Greasy Spoon Breakfast Spots?
Thanks to all who weighed in.
My wife reminded me that we tried Pete's Diner before and found it pretty meh. I think they've got the right idea, but the execution was way off.
So, this time, we tried Jimmy T's Place. It fit the bill. Everything was fine. That's about all we were after...fine. Pancake was good. Fried eggs were actually not too greasy. That was a nice surprise. The patty sausage showed itself to be from a vacuum packed tube (I got an end piece with the little pinch marks on it), but was still tasty. Only legitimate complaint was about the 'home fries.' These were a total joke. A side order was about nine slices of barely cooked potatoes. No seasoning. No onions. No crispy bits. Home fries or hash browns are my favorite and these were not worth even the very minimal amount they charged ($1.15).
Thanks again. I think Jimmy T's Place will be the new 'go-to' spot when we get the oil changed.
Capitol Hill--Greasy Spoon Breakfast Spots?
We've been taking out car to a mechanic on Capitol Hill for many years. We always bring the car in Saturday mornings and try to grab some breakfast while they perform repairs. In the past, we went to Bread and Chocolate and most recently tried Le Pain Quotidien. Those places are wholly unsatisfying (and stupidly expensive) for the type of breakfast we like. We like the kinda spots that have cheap breakfast and include packaged deals...think 'Breakfast #1: two eggs any style, choice of meat, homefries or grits, toast, and coffee' for $5.95. No mimosas, no $16 frittatas, no soft-shelled crab benedict, etc. Gimme some corned beef hash, some fried eggs, and some buttery grits.
I searched the board and came up with nuthin'. I know there's the Market Lunch joint in Eastern Market, but that's a hassle...all the interns and general crowds and hurried service and inability to linger. Blech. We want a place where we can have a second cup of coffee and linger over the paper and not feel like we're being watched over.
Anything like this exist? Jimmy T.'s?
Burgers in AdMo
I don't see the difference between the two. I think they're both terrible.
And I do think the only good burgers are the full-bodied type.
No biggie. I guess we just have different palettes and tastes. Makes the world go 'round.
Burgers in AdMo
You'd like to see a Five Guys in Adams Morgan? Really?! There's already a McDonald's there. Seems like that should satisfy the need for tasteless, thin, dry, lame burgers.
The Black Squirrel does make an excellent burger. And their onion rings are some of the best I've had. Salty, a bit spicy, thick cut, battered and fried in a fritto misto style. Very nicely done.
Agreed that Sign of the Whale is another nice option. If The Reef can keep the temp on their buffalo burger cool enough, that's another nice local option.
Good Stuff and Five Guys can't stand up to thick pressed patties that can handle a med-rare temperature. That's what a burger should be.
Monday dinner in Wheaton/Silver Spring
The Royal Mile Pub is an excellent, casual, friendly spot with a nice range of options. The fare is thematically Scottish, but there are some deviations. The range is from good 'pub fare' options to some more refined dishes. The haggis is homemade and really nice. Clean and nutty. The scotch selection is also the best in the area and the beer options are plentiful and represent some good local breweries. Restaurants in the Wheaton area seem to be closing by the droves, but the Royal Mile appears to be holding steady.
Help for Group Dinner this weekend!
Not sure how or Tabaq is still around.
Ate brunch there once a few years ago. Usually not inclined to let one bad visit keep me away forever. Brunch was some sort of seafood soup. I think it was meant to have a curried base. I don't see it on the current menu. Anyhow...the soup was, hands down, the worst dish I've ever had at any restaurant. No joke. It sticks out in my brain that way.
The liquid tasted like heavy cream, curry powder, and several large cups of salt. The liquid was so salty, it burned my tongue. Very strange (and uncomfortable). Truly vile.
Also, the photos of that roof space appear deceptive. When we were there, the place looked really rough around the edges...not nearly as polished as those photos represent. The glass was hard to see through (scummy) and the furniture appeared dirty and out of order. Maybe they've turned it around lately, but, based on that one experience, the place seemed overrated.
Best Onion Rings
The Black Squirrel. Thick-cut. Sweet onions. Airy batter and fry. Seasoning is just right, with a heavy helping of salt (which I normally don't prefer) and pepper. These caught me off guard the first time I had them, as I hadn't hear about them being stand outs. But I've ordered 'em at least ten times and think they are really, really stellar.
2 Amy's?
Jacey-
No. No, I don't go to to 2Amys for the pizza. I go for the small plates. And I go for some really great deals on excellent Italian wine.
My wife and I go at very reasonable hours when there aren't screaming children or long waits. Also, the 'screaming children' argument seems to be losing steam lately, as I don't see much of that even at peak hours. Plus, you can sit upstairs and away from the children. That's always an option.
So, I stand by my point. 2Amys offer wonderful small plates...on par with or better than many other places in DC. Further, I know of few Italian restaurants that offer small plates. Cafe Ole is, er, Mediterranean. Zaytinya is also. Jaleo is Spanish. Bar Pilar offers a few seemingly Italian options, but it's hard to corner their cuisine. Needless to say, I think people need to not pigeon hole 2Amys as a pizza joint. Alas, I don't think too many people trust my assessment. Not the end of the world.
2 Amy's?
I disagree. Stray from the conventional offerings and you'll find some of the best, simple, fresh preparations of the most current and seasonal ingredients in the area. Eat at the bar one evening and don't get pizza. Make a meal out of the items on the wine bar menu. The magic is there. Peter is a Beard award nominated chef multiple times over for good reason. Ordering a mixed green salad and a Margherita with mushrooms might leave you disappointed and feeling like you missed out. A crostino with goat cheese and house-cured salmon? Pigs head salad? Batter fried mussels? Lamb meatballs with almond and cinnamon sauce? Rabbit stuffed with rapini? These items are of the moment and anything but disappointing. 2Amys is the sort of place where sticking with the most conventional items will leave you wondering why some people are religious about the place. Explore the small white menu and you're sure to find out why the place is so busy. Not to mention...the ice cream is the best in DC.
Bebo - Bad Experience
Sietsema reports Bebo is gone for good. I gave it two chances and had terrible experiences both times. The sloppy service was the worst of it all.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/04/bye-bye_bebo.html
the Source vs. Corduroy (sp?)
I can see additional confusion in the statement, 'he's a vegetarian...but does eat fish.' Fish, with shells or fins, are animals. So it seems odd a vegetarian would eat animals. I agree that it's hard for a kitchen to satisfy a guest who is not clear about his specific restrictions.
