mtwright72

I wish I could provide a more current update, but I left my position at the Wine Market in late 2011. What I can say about the restaurant is that shortly after my departure the Wine Market lost a very young and talented chef, Chris Becker. I know the kitchen has gone through a few chefs since, but I doubt they have been able to replace the talent and creativity lost when Chef Becker departed. Chef Becker can still be found in Baltimore, now at Fleet Street Kitchen. I haven't had an opportunity to visit him there, but I am confident he is putting out some great food and am comfortable recommending it without first-hand experience. As for the shop, the selection was okay while I was there. The liquor and beer selection was a bit limited, but with variety. Wine selections leaned towards American Pinots/Cabs/Chards (probably a third of the inventory), with lots of mass produce, easily recognizable labels. Old world and more esoteric wines being a bit more limited. They also give up some shelf space for garbage (1.5L of Yellow Tail, Bud Light Lime, etc.) to pander to the boating crowd that loads up there before heading to the marina down the street. Lucien Walsh runs the wine shop, he is knowledgeable and a great guy. He splits his time between the Wine Market shop and their sister shop Wine Works in Mt. Washington. Find out what days he is there, and stop by then. He was always happy to do special orders for guests. Hope that helps a bit.

I wanted to reintroduce myself to everyone here at Don Rockwell. Formerly the bar manager at Tallula and EatBar and most recently working downtown at Proof, I recently moved to Baltimore and took over as the general manager of The Wine Market. While not everyone gets up to Baltimore on a regular basis, I encourage all of you to give us a visit next time you are around and please introduce yourself if I don't already know you. There have been many changes at The Wine Market in the past few months. There was my addition to the team, but we also have a new wine director in Lucien Walsh and a new executive chef in Chris Becker. Lucien is an exciting guy to listen talk about wine and he is constantly hard at work to improve our selection. Yes, there are still a few E. Guigals floating on our shelves, but he is constantly looking to replace our old inventory with new and more interesting labels. As for the chef, he was our executive sous for several years and recently was promoted. He is young, energetic, and passionate about food. They make my job easy here, so I highly encourage you swing by. And I would always love to hear any feedback the DR community might have for us. Cheers!

I am moving to Baltimore at the end of the summer and am looking for a position in restaurant management, in the front of the house, and preferably in an upscale/fine dining establishment. Even if you're not aware of specific opportunities, if you know any Baltimore-area restauranteurs, I would love any and all introductions. Anyone with ideas or advice, please feel free to email me. Thanks in advance. Cheers.

On November 3, 2009, the Peace Corps plans to shut down the Black Rooster Pub, located in their building at 1919 L Street NW, Washington, D.C., in order to expand their office space. No one should question the outstanding and noble work that the Peace Corps performs, but everyone should question the impact of closing such a venerable establishment, a bar that has become a part of our community and culture over the past 30 years. Below is an excerpt from the petition to save the Black Rooster Pub: "The Black Rooster Pub has been in existence since 1970, and has contributed millions in tax dollars to the DC economy for almost 40 years. It has proven itself to be a welcome "port in a storm" to many DC workers and residents, providing a pleasant atmosphere, dining option, and friendly social gathering spot. The Black Rooster Pub supports many charitable organizations such as Save the Children, Make A Wish, Children’s Hospital, Toys for Tots, MS, Leukemia Association, the Avon Breast Cancer Walk, Nova Rugby Foundation, and many others. One charity that we have a 15-year relationship with is KIDS, Inc. which provides a last wish for terminally ill children. We have raised close to $100,000 for them. In addition to this, we are a 30-year sponsor of the Northern Virginia Rugby Club, as well as a long-term sponsor of several local softball, dart and hockey teams. We host weekly trivia nights, and are in the process of forming a relationship with the Wounded Warriors Foundation, which provides funds for those returning from combat and are in need of assistance." I urge everyone, whether you frequent the Rooster or have never set foot inside, to sign this petition here or in person at the bar.

If you have ever been or ever want to, please lend a hand in saving this bar. It is one of the best in DC, and a dying breed. Sign the petition to save the Black Rooster Pub here

Is anyone aware of anyone in London doing things like Komi? By that I mean a small, intimate place, that is all about the food and execution and not about any sort of scene. Any cuisine, just want a small, intimate restaurant, with great service, and great food. If anyone has been to Salts in Boston, that would be a similar type of vibe I am looking for. Thoughts?

NYTimes, March 17 "In September 2007 the chef Fabio Trabocchi was brought in from suburban Washington with much publicity to take over Fiamma in SoHo. Its handmade pastas were praised to the skies, and Frank Bruni gave it three stars in The New York Times that November. In January its owner closed it." I suppose the closing might be old news to some (new to me), but does anyone know where Fabio ended up?

Does anyone here have any recommendations for somewhere in Chicago for NYE? I have reservations at North Pond, but was hoping to go to one of the better BYOB spots and bring some of my wine. Bonsoiree and Schwa are booked/closed. Something along those lines or anywhere in Chicago that reminds you of Komi. Cuisine doesn't matter, and prefer cost to be ~$100 per person for tasting menu, or a la carte. Thanks.

going to be in london next weekend, and have a pretty good grasp of the more well known restaurants that i will be trying out.....but here is what i am after, the great hole-in-the-wall dives with amazing food. particularly some great indian.

I can't vouch for the entire Clyde's Group but at OEG the half-price deal is available in the dining room (at least for the 11p-1a hours).

There is the bar of course, but there is also a bankette with tables along the opposite wall that is served by the bartenders. I don't recall if the tables are dining table height or lower coffee table height.

This restaurant gets little attention, but thought it should be brought back up. Just returned from a really nice meal there. It was as comfortable as ever, I had the friendliest service I have received in Arlington in as long as I can recall, and it didn't break the bank. This is a great "off the beaten path" restaurant that deserves far more attention then it gets.

I have to second the Mendocino Grille, the food there is some of the best in town. It is definitely at the top of my list right now.

The Bloody Maria at 2Amys is hands down the best bloody I have had in recent memory.

I am helping to plan my grandmothers' 80th birthday party with my Uncle and have it narrowed down to CityZen or 2941. I have been to 2941 numerous times, but not once since Chef Krinn left. I sadly have yet to go to CityZen. I feel like we'll be good either way, but wanted to see if there were any opinions leaning heavily to one or the other. Also, does anyone know the minimums for a private room at 2941?