funkyfood

Yep, you hit the nail on the head. If you book long-haul first class or business class trips far enough out, they'll be much cheaper in points than they are in dollars apparently. So a $10K flight might only cost 70K points (just to make up numbers). Because Chase lets you transfer to travel partners 1:1, you just take 70k chase points, transfer them Air India and voila. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/redeeming-chase-ultimate-rewards-maximum-value/

It's not a bad deal, but by far the best use of points is for first-class or business class international travel (if you like that sort of thing, and can do that sort of thing these days). Instead of 1.5 cents a point you get with Pay Yourself Back, you can get like 10 cents a point for, say, a first-class trip to India. But, again, that's only if you value a first-class trip to India.

confession: i truly, unironically enjoy my meals at the cheesecake factory.

Having been to District Commons a few times over the last year, I'd say I enjoyed my meals at Cheesecake Factory more

their cold brew is great too

Homer is an absolute gem. I get early Rose's Luxury vibes from it every time I go. No reservations and a relatively small place, so come early or be prepared to wait (they'll text you when ready for you). I've been fortunate enough both times to sit at the bar adjacent to the open kitchen, which provides a view of the chefs working their magic at each station. In my experience, they've been more than happy to chat with you while they work too, which is cool.. I also love that they have $4 (!) and $5 (!!) glasses of delicious sherry and vermouth. I effectively had 3 drinks last night for $14. As far as food, you definitely have to try one or more of the dips that come with freshly (i.e. in front of your eyes) baked pitas -- each that I've ordered has been refreshing, light, healthy and unique. After that, spend most of your time on the small plates -- last night I ordered a second order of the grilled buttered sourdough with harissa whipped butter and anchovies (maybe Logan Cox was inspired by 2 Amy's?). We had a smoked lentil (I believe) smalller dish last time that just blew me away. My entrees of salmon with cucumbers and crab ($24 -- the most expensive thing on the menu) and the half-chicken have been very good, but not as exciting. This has been my favorite restaurant since moving to Seattle a month and a half ago, though I certainly have not tried nearly all the highly touted places. Still, it's not surprising to me that GQ named this one of the best new restaurants in America.

our friends who live in Alexandria took us to the location there and it just felt so d-a-t-e-d in the windowless dining room, and the menu and cooking seemed like it was delivered from a time capsule from 1997.

Loved this place last night. I, too, liked the gyro better than the cheesesteak, which was too salty and greasy for me. Shouk's old mushroom pita (before they got rid of it) was a better cheesesteak play, in my opinion, though also too salty. We saw a few tables get pizzas, but we did not. What's the deal with those? Are they only for early reservations? Are they served in addition to everything else or instead of one of the courses?

The Arlnow story undersells who the owners, Hac and Di Dang, were as poker players. Not just any "big during the poker boom" players, they are two of the top 10-20 online poker players ever, crushing the highest and toughest games in the world for years before mostly retiring after making millions and millions of dollars. EDIT: As an example, Di Dang is estimated by an online poker tracker to have won $7,411,127 (yes, that's profit) over his career.

I like and regularly eat very spicy food, but that papaya salad was absolutely inedible to me a few years ago

Seven Reasons disappointed me a little bit. The drinks were excellent but the entrees were just decent and the appetizers were bland. I had extremely high expectations though because my meal at Alma Cocina was incredible. Pretty restaurant though.

Looks a lot like the bomba at Arroz but i highly suspect it is not unless this is an old picture

Dave Strauss has left Morris, though I'm not sure why or where he's headed next

How was it?

Definitely but I figured I'm overdue for a change of scenery. To Seattle I go, at least for a few years. I'll miss DC, but will definitely still read this forum to see where I need to go when I visit.