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kristinndc's Profile

Napa Wineries to Visit In January

Thank you! I have been reading lots of your posts, and others - very helpful.

Napa Wineries to Visit In January

Thanks, have been checking those (and others) out as well.

Napa Wineries to Visit In January

Definitely not connected enough for that! Thanks, and good luck to you.

Napa Wineries to Visit In January

That's good to know, thanks. We are open to anything and would love to try some new things and learn as much as possible. In addition to Schramsberg, I would love to get to Quintessa, Harlan Estate (is that even possible?) and Silver Oak, but am also eager for tips about places/wines that are particularly outstanding or interesting or beautiful and perhaps not as well known. Appreciate the help.

Napa Wineries to Visit In January

Thanks, I have searched and read a lot of past posts and will continue to. But I was looking for specific recommendations best suited to a winter visit, and for feedback on the Schramsberg wine and food pairing, and hadn't yet found any recent info on either of those. Sorry if I wasted your time.

Napa Wineries to Visit In January

I am (finally!) heading to Napa for the first time at the end of January and will never be able to fit in everything I want to see, drink and eat. Can you help guide me?! We will be staying in Yountville and will have a car. We'll have at least 2 full days to explore, perhaps 3, and then a wedding in St. Helena. Schramsberg is an absolute must for me - is the wine and food pairing worth it, or should we just do the cave tour? Beyond that, what wineries would be the best for a January visit (i.e. not reliant on experiencing them outdoors, open that month, cozy, big wines that will warm us up, etc.)? We love Cabs, Zins, Pinots and are fairly informed, more-than-casual drinkers but not absolute connoisseurs - and everything will be new to us since it's our first time in Napa. Thanks for any help!

Wonderful Saturday Lunch Spot?

Sadly, not early enough on Friday. But it's just one more reason to come back soon!

Wonderful Saturday Lunch Spot?

Luke looks fantastic, thanks! August and Brigtsen's have also been on my list but unfortunately it doesn't look like either does Saturday lunch/brunch.

Wonderful Saturday Lunch Spot?

Will be in New Orleans in May for a wedding, and Saturday lunch is our only opportunity to enjoy a place of our choosing. We haven't visited in a few years but in the past have enjoyed Upperline, Bayona, Gabrielle, Mr. B's, Commander's and Galatoire's. We're staying in the Quarter but are happy to travel for great food. (And I'd be happy to return to most of the aforementioned if they're still great.) Recommendations, please!

Naha or North Pond?

Thank you! I think we're going to do North Pond on this visit (with Topolobampo the night before), but clearly Naha will have to be at the top of our list for next time (which shouldn't be too much longer, fortunately).

Naha or North Pond?

Thanks! Looking forward to it.

Naha or North Pond?

Need some help deciding between Naha and North Pond for my birthday dinner in a couple of weeks. Never been to either, and I'm leaning towards North Pond because of the setting (we're frequent visitors to Chicago but not locals) but I've heard mixed reviews recently and am getting worried it may not be as wonderful as it once was. Naha, on the other hand, I've been hearing consistently great things about. Can you help me choose? Thanks!

Capitol Hill

It's right next to Johnny's Half Shell at 400 North Capitol. I believe they're open Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm.

Capitol Hill

Totally agree with the Market Lunch and Mangialardo's recs.

I like Le Bon Cafe on 2nd Street for great carry-out breakfast and lunch (their soups and quiches are great). http://www.splendidfare.com/about/leboncafe.html

I've always had pretty good experiences at Sonoma at lunch time (never been for dinner). http://www.sonomadc.com/

I like Le Pain Quotidien for breakfast too.

Johnny's Half Shell runs a fabulous taqueria called Taqueria Nacional that is only open on weekdays for breakfast and lunch. No seats, just carry-out, but the tacos are cheap and fabulous.

And of course there's Good Stuff for burgers and really good milkshakes. http://goodstuffeatery.com/

Trendy/Good Ambience Dinner for Group of 5 in DC

Agree, Westend has more of a trendy ambiance then Blue Duck. Also concur with the recommendations of Rasika, Central and Proof and would add Bibiana for great Italian food in a hip atmosphere. Blacksalt is delicious, but it's kind of off the beaten path (Palisades) and isn't particularly lively.

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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

Bibiana
1100 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005

Good Indian buffet in DC??

I think the previous poster who referenced a place on 7th near Gallery Place was talking about Mehak, which is my favorite for carry-out. Never eaten their buffet, but it looks nice. www.mehak.com. Also, for a more upscale (but still affordable) experience, the Bombay Club's Sunday champagne brunch is wonderful: www.bombayclubdc.com

Any newer Chicago spots to recommend for nice dinner?

My parents are hosting another couple in Chicago and need a good dinner spot. They're not local but visit frequently and have been to a bunch of the top spots already, so are looking for a newer place that might not be on their radar yet. Upscale but not absolutely top-tier. They're fairly conventional, love Italian, appreciate fine food but not super adventurous. Thanks for ideas!

Need Recs for Friday Dinner Downtown

Thanks for the recommendations, and for the info on Avec. We've now added Moto to our list, thinking it might be the most unique experience. I'm torn - they all sound great. I guess we'll just have to keep coming back. One other question - Custom House looks fairly formal. Will my husband be ok without jacket and tie?

Need Recs for Friday Dinner Downtown

Will be in Chicago this weekend and would love to enjoy a late dinner w/ my husband Friday night. We're looking for something fairly upscale, but don't want to have to pack a jacket and tie. Have really enjoyed MK and Spring on recent visits, so something in a similar vein. Can't get in to Avec or Alinea. Thinking of Custom House, Blackbird, OneSixtyBlue... thoughts or other suggestions? Preferably in the vicinity of River North or the Loop. Thanks!

Umbria Restaurants - Todi, Orvieto, Spoleto, etc.

Anyone have recommendations for great (fancy or casual) restaurants in Umbria? We're staying outside Todi, so especially interested in that area, but will be traveling around a bit as well. Also, will be with our 1.5 year old son part of the time, so any kid-friendly ideas welcome. I've heard most restaurants don't have high chairs - is this your experience?

Eating Alone in Downtown SD

Thanks all! Had a nice meal at Chive last night, will probably try Chloe or the Fish Market tonight.

Eating Alone in Downtown SD

Will be in San Diego tonight through Wednesday, staying downtown (US Grant). Looking for a couple good restaurants where a solo diner can sit at the bar and enjoy a nice meal and good wine. Would Chive fit the bill? Other good spots? Any cuisine is fine, definitely looking to enjoy some good seafood.

Williamsburg/Greenpoint Restaurant for Wedding GC

Want to get a restaurant gift certificate ($100) as a wedding gift for friends moving to Greenpoint. Looking for something on the funkier side, but still upscale and nice for a special occasion. Can anyone recommend a good spot in their neck of the woods? I think they'll eat pretty much anything.