VandyHoo

Frank at Old City Green (at 9th and N, NW) is trying to start a CSA this year, if he can get enough interest. From his website (www.oldcitygreen.com): Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative is working with Old City Green to bring CSA shares, pastured animal, dairy and value-added products to you! If you would like to bring healthfullocally-grown food to your family, please contact them at 717-656-3533 or csa@lancasterfarmresh.com or visit their website, www.lancasterfarmfresh.com

Thanks, Don. Graig will be so happy to see this. He left the kitchen a few years ago and has been working in sales for Sysco. He may be in front of a stove again soon, though. I'll be sure to let you know where he lands.

I'll be in Montreal between Christmas and NYE. This will be my first visit. I'll be staying at the St. James Hotel in Old Montreal. I already have Au Pied de Couchon on the list. Has anyone been recently who can provide some recommendations? Thanks.

Received this email alert today: Check out what's cooking when culinary innovator Chef Jose Andres joins funnyman David Letterman in the kitchen The mastermind behind minibar brings his unique culinary wizardy to the set of CBS' Late Show Thursday, July 19, at 11:30 pm on CBS

In a city that really lacks good sports bars, at least it's a great place to watch a game - 20 flat screen tvs. And I'm just happy to have a bar in my neighborhood and a way to get more people and hopefully more development into this strip of boarded up buildings. The chicken wings aren't bad either.

If you happen to stop in to Harris Teeter Reston say hello to Double G now in the management training program and manning the fish and meat stations. The former downtown chef (matchbox, Butterfield 9, tabard inn, Vidalia, bistro bis, etc) is trying out something new, but he'd be happy to recommend a fish/meat and a recipe to go along with it. Whatever you do PLEASE don't try to talk him back into the business!

If you're looking for some good front and back of the house staff, you may want to track down the folks from Ortanique. It's official - Ortanique employees got the call over the weekend - they are closing up shop. I don't know all the details but one comment was that they may re-open in a few months under a new name.

My brother claims it was a licensing issue and that they'll be open for business later this week.

Ortanique is rarely discussed. My brother has been working there for a while now. I’ve been just once. Enjoyed the food and outstanding service. But yesterday, the employees showed up for work and were all sent home. There are big signs out front saying no business transactions allowed, the certificate of registration has been revoked. Anyone know what’s up?

I'll be at Zengo around 6

I received this today from my neighborhood listserv. I'm happy to have another restaurant open in my 'hood:

There is a sign in the window on the 9th Street side of the Convention Center announcing that an Old Dominion Brew Pub will open in the neighborhood soon. (It doesn't look like build out has started, so I assume it would open sometime next year.)

Received this via email today.... JPI, Balducci’s, Madison Retail, & the DC Office of Planning & Economic Development Announce the Opening of a 21,000-Square-Foot Balducci’s Specialty Grocery Store in the First Quarter of 2006 at the Clara Barton in Penn Quarter at 7th and E streets, NW 52 dedicated parking spaces will be available for customers The store will feature gourmet foods, hard-to-find ingredients, seasonal and artisanal products, chef-prepared meals, and a full compliment of everyday items

I called today to ask about reservations. They don't take reservations, but said that if you call about a half hour before you plan to come in, they will put you on the waiting list if there is a wait.

Brainfood Chefs' Challenge & Graduation Save the Date - May 16th, 2005 You're invited to the Brainfood Chefs' Challenge & Graduation! Our year-end celebration includes our 3rd annual "Iron Chef" style competition, teaming Brainfood Graduates with local chefs, competing for first prize. Their only weapon is a secret ingredient unique to each team! Please join us as we recognize the efforts of Brainfood's class of 2005 and cast your vote for your favorite team in the Brainfood Chefs' Challenge! Help us celebrate a breakout year as we open our Chefs' Challenge to the public at the beautiful Westin Grand Hotel! The Westin Grand 2350 M St, NW Washington, DC 20037 Brainfood is a youth development organization that uses food and cooking to teach life skills to DC high school students. Monday, May 16th 6:00 to 8:30 PM 6:00 to 7:30 - Reception & Chefs' Challenge 7:30 to 8:30 - Graduation Ceremony Participating Chefs Include: Jamie Stachowski from Restaurant Kolumbia Teddy Folkman from Vermillion James Turner, formerly of Persimmon now of Harry Browns Chefs from NACE. --------------------------------------------------------- $50.00 per person. Please purchase by May 13th. Tickets will not be mailed. There will be a guest list at the door. $60.00 at the door, if space remains. Includes food, wine reception, soft drinks and entry into drawing for dinner certificates. Please send check payable to Brainfood or contribute online at http://www.justgive.org/giving/donate.jsp?charityId=10392 Please type Chefs' Challenge in Designated Donation box. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please call or email Paul Dahm at 202-667-5515 or paul@brain-food.org. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Brainfood 1525 Newton St, NW Washington, DC 20010 202-667-5515 paul@brain-food.org http://www.brain-food.org Your support will help us to continue to provide a safe and positive environment for young people to grow and learn.