galleycat's Profile
Let's Talk About Woburn
Help! We are looking for a fine(r)-dining destination as close to Woburn as possible to take some older relatives who don't get out much. Unfortunately nothing more exotic than Italian. They've been to Tre Monte before, so I am looking for something else along those lines with polished service, or an historic inn if such a thing exists. Thanks!
Advice to a first time Ray's the Stakes'er?
For a birthday dinner, I strongly recommend Ray's the Classics over Ray's the Steaks. Both will be tremendous values, and the quality of the food is equivalent at both - consistently well prepared and delicious. But at Ray's the Classics you can make a reservation, and you can have a drink at the bar either before or after - or you can eat in the bar area - there are several tall four tops in there that are quite comfortable, and there is a separate bar menu with a few items you won't find on the restaurant menu. RTC is more upscale - cushy booths, nice '40s music playing in the background...I call it retro swank, but not plush like The Prime Rib. You won't find floral arrangements, candles, or artwork on the walls. If you like rib steaks, get the 30 oz. bone-in rib "Cowboy" cut for only $31.95 (it comes with a large serving of creamed spinach and a large serving of mashed potatoes - bring an appetite!)
There is also a broader food and wine selection at RTC, as well as mixed drinks. RTS prices are a bit lower, (IRCC most everything is in the upper teens to upper 20s) but you're also probably going to have to stand or sit outside if there's a wait, and it's more bare-bones, louder and the tables are much closer together. If you decide to go to RTC, there is free parking in the huge lot behind the building after 6pm, and Metro is very close. RTS has free parking too, but it's hard to get a spot on a Saturday night.
Best thing to do at RTS is to stop by any time after 4pm and get your name on their list for a certain time that evening. Once your name is on the list, just go back at that time and you will be seated pretty quickly.
Interesting Dish - Deep Fried Stuffed Avocado - Rivera's Severna Park
Anything else on the menu worth a mention, good or bad?
Ray's the Classics-- Washington Post Review
Sietsema criticized the "French Onion Soup" for not having cheese on top. But it is sweet onion soup, not French. It's not *supposed* to have cheese on top! And it is really delicious!
According to Sietsema's on-line chat last week, "Ray" told Sietsema before the review came out that some of the bar specials were going back on the printed menu. Sietsema went with the review anyway. Kind of interesting that he's re-reviewing places that have only been around a year or two, but places that have been around forever get to keep their stars long after they go downhill, like Restaurant Nora.
The hanger and the entrecote are two different menu items at Rays.
Palena desserts and quality of food...
I think your initial impulse is a good one. Ruta is at the top of his game right now, but having done both the front and back experience multiple times, I'd stick to the front. (My favorite seatings are the small booths in the middle, that are "cafe"). If you are in the cafe, you can order from either the cafe menu or anything at all off the restaurant menu. The reverse is not true. And my experience in the back is that it isn't all that much of a "wonderful experience." The service is actually not as good as in the front of the house. Don't really know why. It's not all that "fancy" in the back room either. Rather dull, and in need up updating.
Binghamton, Endicott, Vestal Trip Report
Thanks juju. I grew up there, but it has been a long time since I've been back and eaten anything other than home cooking. Thanks for the lead on Buffalo wings! I will report back on PS and Consol's. My mother got her perogies from a church occasionally. I loved the saurkraut, and also the mashed potatoes, and even the prune ones on occasion. It would be great to find the source.
I also remember there being several really excellent Italian butcher shops that had imported salamis hanging from the rafters and other wonderful cheeses and charcuterie in cases. If I have time, plan to hunt for any of those that might remain.
Binghamton, Endicott, Vestal Trip Report
Thanks for the helpful report vinouspleasure. I posted last week asking for help for an upcoming trip --> http://www.chowhound.com/topics/392512 and only got one response. I'm still hopeing to find good take-out Buffalo wings, and feedback on PS in Vestal and Consol's in Endicott.
The Korean place sounds really good. Do recall the name of the church that sells perogies?
Arcos...going down hill already or....
Any recent reports? I am going for lunch today with a group and would like to be steered to something really delicious. We won't be drinking margaritas, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for a table on the patio.
Binghamton and Tri-Cities - Consol's, PS
Having gotten zero response on a prior post, I am hoping there are still a few chowhounds remaining in the greater Binghamton area who can help.
I am visiting after many years away and was planning to have dinner at Consol's one night. Are there any dishes that are tried and true that they probably won't mess up?
The other dinner will be at PS in Vestal, so any recommendations of what to try and/or avoid would be appreciated.
Of course, no trip home would be complete without a stop at Sharkey's, but I don't need help with that one!
Also, has anybody ever had brunch at the Traditions at the Glen that they can report on?
Last but not least - where to go for the best late-night wings?
Finally: some good news Binghamton/Endicott
I am visiting after many years away and was planning to have dinner at Consol's one night. Are there any dishes that are tried and true that they probably won't mess up?
The other dinner will be at PS in Vestal, so any recommendations of what to try and/or avoid would be appreciated.
Of course, no trip home would be complete without a stop at Sharkey's, but I don't need help with that one!
Also, has anybody ever had brunch at the Traditions at the Glen that they can report on?
Last but not least - where to go for the best late-night wings?
Best Burger in DC area
The one at the bar at Corduroy; Palena; Matchbox minis (medium rare only)
Cazbar
Despite my earlier glowing review, I have to agree with round hound http://www.chowhound.com/topics/361702#2224912 who said the place is going "down hill."
We ordered a large delivery for a meeting, and the food was poorly executed, and in several cases, did not match the description on the menu at all. A call to the management did not prove to be of use. The several lunches I have had there since my earlier review have shown that many of the items are either smaller or using inferior ingredients, or both. For instance, the special one day was lentil soup with salmon. It consisted of their usual lentil soup with the addition of one small (1" cube) of salmon that had seen better days - perhaps left over from the dinner the night before.
And a word of caution: the downstairs area is dismal - and reeks of bathroom cleaning chemicals, no matter how many candles are lit or air freshener they pump in.
Baltimore - Chinese New Year banquet (Chinatown Cafe?)
It was Britboy and BaltoEllen who did the heavy lifting on the banquet last time.
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/172920?query=chinatown%20cafe
I'm definitely interested.
Calling BritBoy....Calling BaltoEllen...
Where do I find a cup of Illy or Lavazza Coffee in DC
Illy: Buzz in Alexandria uses its own brewed Illy and only Illy for all their coffee drinks. http://www.buzzonslaters.com/coffee.htm
Rays Service
hour and a half time limit? That only applies in one very limited circumstance: when you are asking for a table ahead of a party that already has a later reservation for the same table. Under no other circumstances that I am aware of does RTS ever ask you to give up the table in 90 minutes. If you felt rushed, you could have said something to the waitress. Did you? What was her response?
If you feel like eating at Rays is comparable to being on a conveyor belt eating at a trough then yes, I agree you should take your business elsewhere. In fact, I would encourage you to do that! Really.
Corduroy - way missed the mark
put me in the win column as well. It's classic and comfortable, and I like the decor much better than all the hard-edge crappy plywood cutouts being hammered together at places like Ps-7. They have a great wine list, the best scallop dish in the city, and the desserts, especially the chocolate desserts, are excellent. I just wish chef Power would update the menu a little more so I could have more excuses to go back and try new things. not that a good steak frites at the bar ever gets old.
First Date: Baltimore Restaurant
You would have to be brave indeed to go to Marticks on a first date. I was taken there on a second date and it was awful. Dark, musty smelling, ratty peeling wallpaper, ripped upholstery, chipped plates. OK, maybe the old geezer is a "legend" in Baltimore but don't take a date unless you know she will be charmed by that.
Petit Louis Bistro would be a very classy choice. Ask for the back booth on the left side or the table 'under the stairs' for extra privacy. Entrees are in the low to mid-$20s, there is an extensive and very well priced wine list, and they let you linger, if lingering is what you want. Plus, the bathrooms? No mildew.
Ben's Chili Bowl vs Amsterdam Falafel for group of 12 guys on Jan 4. Or ...Corduroy? :o)
But Rays does have a big group table! It's right along the back next to the open kitchen.
Passage to India is a great choice though - excellent Indian food from many different regions. In my opinion, the best in the region. Take a look a dinner some people had there recently: http://www.donrockwell.com/index.php?showtopic=2719
I have to disagree about the atmosphere at Corduroy. It is upscale, classy, and comfortable. Even Tom Sietsema remarked recently that the decor has been improved and he no longer bashes it like he used to. Once you dive into those scallops or lamb steak with raviolini, you won't notice much else anyway. I don't know how on earth a legit description of Corduroy could ever be "semi dismal."
Ben's Chili Bowl vs Amsterdam Falafel for group of 12 guys on Jan 4. Or ...Corduroy? :o)
excellent choice. if you'd said you were willing to cross the river, have separate tables, and not needed reservations, maybe some of us could have actually recommended this place.
Most Controversial DC Food Opinion
Ray's the Steaks does *NOT* have "two places." Michael Landrum opened up a completely new bar and restaurant in style, ambience and menu: Ray's the Classics and Ray's the Bar. That is hardly a "chain" or "group." Michael Landrum remains very much a presence at both restaurants, and can be seen at the grill at either one or the other six nights a week.
This thread has definitely jumped the shark.
Most Controversial DC Food Opinion
Maestro and CitiZen ...uninspired? I find that difficult to swallow. Can you give some specifics what it was about your experience that you found to be drudgery? Both restaurants are expensive, particularly if wine pairings are involved, but I have found each to be superlative.
Would you bitch about not getting good New York bagels in London or Singapore? If you are looking for authentic New York bagels, you likely are not going to find anything that pleases you, so suck it up or go home.
For breakfast, I'd recommend Colorado Kitchen for a wonderful DC (not NYC) experience. When in Rome...
Holiday lunch near Dupont Circle
Two options that won't disappoint:
Vidalia at 1990 M St., http://www.vidaliadc.com/vidalia/lunch.asp
and the new Blue Duck Tavern at 24th and M St. http://www.blueducktavern.com/gallery/blueduck/menu.html
need suggestions for after Walters Museum Baltimore
sylviag - if you are the one who steered me to Overtures in Philly, I owe you one! I would recommend walking a few block north to the Brass Elephant at 924 N. Charles. http://host143.ipowerweb.com/~brassele/index.html
The menu has been nicely updated and it has some of the most classic decor in town - yet it is casual enough that a jacket and tie are not required.
I'll add my $.02 to the chorus of those who have been sorely disappointed by Sotta Sopra recently, and Saschas is more of a lunch soup/salad/sandwich place. Iggies is ultra casual and funky (counter service, set your own table, mismatched everything...) - not a dinner destination.
Delivery (any kind!) in Mt. Vernon, Baltimore
Cazbar on N. Charles.
Afghan Kabob, noted above, has a minimum $ order, but not sure what it is. Used to be $15.
XS, Viccino and Jays are the same operation and so you can mix and match from all their menus.
Drinks at PX, diner at Eve
Exactly what we did last weekend. A five-course tasting menu at Eve, followed by a leisurely walk to the PX for a night cap or three. Eve will call ahead so PX's doorman/woman will be expecting you by name. That way you won't have to worry about whether PX will have room or not. And if you're dressed appropriately for Eve, you'll be fine at PX. Cocktails are in the $11-$14 range if I recall correctly.
Best place for crabs near Inner Harbor?
I agree with the OP that the "season" means that you can go to a Maryland crab house and get Maryland crabs.
Cantlers is at least a 45 minute drive from downtown Baltimore. But they do still have local large jimmies. $35/dozen today.
Komi, Vidalia, or CityZen?
I don't think Komi or CityZen are open on Sunday for dinner. Having broken that sad news, I do agree with everything Pappy says. However, you'll get much more out of your expense account by going to Komi, as well as more personalized service, and I'll bet the memories will last longer as well. Another alternative would be to eat at the bar at CityZen where the little-known bargain three courses (exact same food as in the restaurant, but a limited selection) will run only $42. You'll make up for it in the prices on the wine list though. There's almost never anybody else at the bar taking advantage of this deal.
NEED fine DINING in ANAPOLIS
O'Leary's (which was there 10 years ago) for fish and seafood, Lewnes for steaks in Eastport, Les Folies in Parole for French brasserie fare(particularly seafood) are all worthy. For very casual you might try Boatyard Bar and Grill in Eastport, although it's not a restaurant so much as a...bar and grill. I like the Irish restaurant that replaced the College Inn on Maryland Ave. - Galway Bay. Also, try the Purple Orchid, in Eastport or Yellowfin on the South River.
Baltimore Waterfront Lunch Spot
Faidleys may be an institution, but you'll get better crabcakes at The Prime Rib or even Legal Seafood. Believe it. Roy's is very close to where you are staying, and tho it's a chain, it's a very good one. I'd walk north a few blocks to Attman's Deli for a classic overstuffed deli sandwich and sour pickle. Then roll back again. Most of the better places are only open for dinner: Pazo, Charleston, Kali's Court, Mezze. But Black Olive in Fells Point is open for lunch, and though it's pricey, it has very good fresh fish and salads.
DuClaw has been closed for awhile. Has it reopened?
[and btw: you can go way, way wrong in Fells Point and along Broadway.]
