1387 replies to this topic

[proletariateats]

Greetings! My name is Christopher Freeman and I am a twelve-year veteran of Washington's high-end food industry. And while I am deeply honored to have gotten to work with (and know) many of D.C.'s celebrity chefs, the focus and intent of my food writing is to celebrate the largely unknown purveyors of street food and working-class cuisine in and around Washington--the hard-working journeyman cooks and food vendors who truly deserve celebrating. I write a (near) weekly blog called Manifesto wherein I strive to describe not only the food I've encountered, but to offer context for the food and the experience of eating. The link is here: Manifesto. I hope you enjoy.

Chris

[VesperAndrea]

Hi, My name is Vesper. I've been in the DC/Arlington area for about 4 years and I am new graduate student at American University. My new year's resolution was to make myself a more integral part of the DC social scene to make new friends and re-fresh my life here. So cheers to copious wine consumption, fine dining, and big laughs

[DavidSmelson]

Howdy.
I'm a recovering restaurant manager who currently works as a sales manager for a POS company. I'm in touch with restaurant people every day and also write a blog. www.pleasuresofthetable.net I may not always agree with everyone, but at least I'm be well informed. 8)

[FoieKingLorby]

good day to everyone here on DR, my name is Lor Kats, i am the chef de cuisine at the Light Horse Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, VA, and am stoked to be a part of this website. i am a whopping 22 years old and have been working in kitchens for eight years of my still young life. in my spare time i like to farm, read, save communities from hostage situations, and dance like no one's watching. the first thing i ever made was grilled cheese. no bread, just cheese on a grill. oh also im reeeeeeally funny. bam!

[DonRocks]

good day to everyone here on DR, my name is Lor Kats, i am the chef de cuisine at the Light Horse Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, VA, and am stoked to be a part of this website. i am a whopping 22 years old and have been working in kitchens for eight years of my still young life. in my spare time i like to farm, read, save communities from hostage situations, and dance like no one's watching. the first thing i ever made was grilled cheese. no bread, just cheese on a grill. oh also im reeeeeeally funny. bam!

Welcome, Lor, and congratulations on the new job. I'm sorry you have to work with someone like Dave, but I hear the rest of the people at Light Horse are really great. Please keep us posted (a couple times a month, maybe?) with the work you're doing, specials you're running, etc.

Chefs who interact with members here are welcomed with open arms! It adds such a wonderful, unique perspective that the average diner just never knows about. People want to know what's going on at Light Horse - we're your target audience!

Cheers,
Don

[LloydR]

Hello Everyone!!!!
My name is Lloyd and I just joined the group yesterday. I'm really excited to be part of this restaurant community! I'm hoping to use this site to find more fun places for my wife and I to try while at the same time network and meet new people all part of the restaurant world. Thanks for having me!!

[borderdog]

Hi all,

My name is Al.ban and I am living in Baltimore currently. Not really in the food business presently but I use to be staff at a very nice Enoteca in Italy,long time a ago and for too long. Always looking for the next good thing to try . Seems like a great place place to belong to and please excuse my English if it gets sloppy sometimes.Especially when I am hungry

[RootandStem]

Hello All, thanks for inviting me to join Arlington's most awesome food blog! My name is Zac Culbertson, fomerly the owner of "The Cowboy Cafe". I have since moved out of the full service restaurant industry and moved into full time catering with a small cafe just to keep things interesting. My partner Craig Currie, formerly the G.M. of Star Catering, and I began operations in January out of the former Cafe 2941 space located above 2941 Restaurant in Falls Church. We look forward to posting on this site often, we will definitely be trying to drum up some visitors to our tiny cafe when it opens in July.

[Mcheung]

Greetings- My name is Michael and I'm excited to learn from all of you about the great places in eat in the area!

[fcdiner]

Hello all. I'm Dan in Falls Church and am interested to hear more about the local dining scene in the area. Hopefully I'll also have something of interest to share from time to time!

[Nick V]

Hi my name is Nick. I have spent my previous career as an international nonprofit worker, mostly based in Africa. Therefore, I am fairly new to this community and excited to be a part of it. I am the co-founder of Cause, something we are calling a PhilanthroPub. Our goal is to achieve two things: 1) make charitable giving more fun and accessible and 2) raise funds and recognition for some of the amazing work being done by charitable organizations around the world. All profits from Cause will be directly donated to vetted organizations creating social impact both here and abroad. You can learn more about our model at www.causedc.org.

I hope to meet many of you in Cause someday soon!

Nick

[rsf]

Hi! I'm Scott - I've recently settled into Arlington (and working in downtown DC) and I'm looking to explore some of the great places to eat. I figure this forum could be a good resource to help guide me.

[shine]

My name is Ed and I live in Arlington. My wife and I enjoy finding food gems in DC - we look forward to the insights you all have to offer.

[Djc2004]

Chris, been in DC for about 12 years. Work at LivingSocial - Takeout & Delivery.

[wrxman]

Hello All,
My credentials are a little more modest in scope, than some of the others on the board.
I have been in the business serving guests in various locations since the 1980's
Holiday Inn Fair Oaks Remingtons, server, bartender, manager. Opening team
McLean Hilton Martinques, Server Opening team
I have also worked and am presently working at Il Fornaio in the Reston Town Center a Californian based
Bakery and Italian restaurant, also was on the opening team
I worked at Da Domenico in Tysons Corner for 14 years during the dot com boom and learned the ins and outs of dealing with the business crowd, and "regulars" it was a great ride at Da Domenicos.
I can't tell you how many business people staying in places like DC, Arlington,and Tysons Corner said our Veal Chop was the best they ever had, better than the top end steak houses.

That's it in a nutshell, I look forward to reading about all the dining destinations and experiences people are having in the metro area.
And learning from all the restauranteurs on these boards.
Ciao!
Keith Berry
Sterling Va

[ARealSidler]

Hello New Food Friends,

My name is Eric. I've lived in the District for a little over two years and I do not work in the restaurant industry, but I am interested in using this site to get the insider's perspective that is unique to this site. My two favorite restaurants in the District are Komi and Obelisk, but hoping to discover more great finds here. I am excited to join this community. Thanks for having me.

[m@s]

Greetings, my name is Matt and i've been living in the DC/Maryland area for nearly 20 years. I'm not associated with any restaurants but appreciate and enjoy trying new and different restaurants in the area. Look forward to spending time on the forum and discovering new opportunities!

[Kval]

Hello. I am back in DC area for a few months; my how it has changed in 12 years! I am looking forward to learning more about the delightful food scene from all you experts so we can make the most of our time here.

[demajda]

Hi,

i hate forums and think "foodies" think highly of their own opinions. at least this website requires some sort of verification and seems a cut above something like yelp. just because you eat a lot of stuff doesn't make you a "foodie" doesn't make you a food critic. bring it back to basics: eat, drink and be happy!

[DonRocks]

Hi,

i hate forums and think "foodies" think highly of their own opinions. at least this website requires some sort of verification and seems a cut above something like yelp. just because you eat a lot of stuff doesn't make you a "foodie" doesn't make you a food critic. bring it back to basics: eat, drink and be happy!

Welcome, demajda.

I've always said that I've slept on mattresses thousands of times, but I don't know the first thing about mattresses.

Eat, drink, and be happy is good (but you have to use the Oxford comma here or u will be taunted).

[khoww]

My name is Kevin and I'm new to the District (about 8 mos), moving here from Houston. I'm not currently in the restaurant/hospitality industry, but have been involved in various capacities over the years from bussing and dishwashing at family owned restaurants to accounting/finance roles for a corporate chain. Wherever I go, I like to try to keep my finger on the pulse of the industry and this forum sounds like a good way to do it. I look forward to learning from people here and hope to find myself back in the business someday.

[jvalerie]

Hi all,
I'm Valerie. I work for the country's oldest organic produce distributor, Veritable Vegetable. We are based in San Francisco, where I live, but I am in Potomac often visiting my parents. Glad to find this forum!
Valerie

[Nathan]

Hi,

I'm Nathan. Longtime poster on Egullet and Mouthfuls (mainly the NY and cocktail forums). Just moved to the DC area. Looking forward to exploring!

[Sushiko Chevy Chase]

Hello,

We are Sushiko Chevy Chase a little bit about us...

We are located in a unified shopping district in Chevy Chase, we are the second of 2 Sushiko's, the original was the first sushi bar in DC, Glover Park location.

We are currently making a lot of changes and becoming one of the hottest spots to go for many different things right outside the city. We are a trendy yet traditional japanese restaurant with some of the best sushi in town.

 sushiko_bcard_logo.jpg   41.47K   0 downloads

[emilycgb]

Hi everyone. I'm Emily. I lived in DC from 2008 to 2011 and waitressed at a couple local restaurants, including the now defunct Blue Ridge and the currently awesome Ripple.

I now work at New Morning Farm, in south central PA. We sell our own organic produce and other local farmers' goods at several markets in NW DC. I manage our Tuesday evening market (at the Sheridan School in Van Ness, from 4-8) and often work at our weekend markets. I joined this site, after many years of checking it out on the sly, to participate in the conversations about my farm/market and other issues regarding local/organic produce and farming.

Looking forward to getting to know some of you and please feel free to come and say hi at market!

[janekh]

Hi, my name is Jane, I have lived in the area my entire life and I am glad I have found DonRockwell.com

[lovehockey]

Hello! My name is Carolyn and I've been in the DC area since 2000. I've lurked around here for several years already and have appreciated the advice and knowledge of many of the regular posters. Over the years this website has introduced me to a number of restaurants that I wouldn't have otherwise known about, and occasionally I learn about a place that's best to avoid. Glad to be here!

[RachelMcZ]

First post - hello everyone. I look forward to learning more about restaurants and bars of interest in DC. thanks.

[sobekyle]

My name is Kyle. I've been in the business for the last 13 years working pretty much every front of house position. After a short stint in Williamsburg, I'm back in Arlington managing a "new" restaurant called the "Rock and Raw Bar at Sobe's". Its directly across from the Clarendon Metro and shares a courtyard with Mad Rose Tavern. I call it "new" because the restaurant has been here for years.

[docsconz]

Hello Everyone!

i'm new to posting on DonRockwell.com, but I'm not new to posting, having been on eGullet somewhat in the past. I live in upstate NY and love to travel, dine, write and photograph. I have a blog, Docsconz: Musings on Food & Life, to which I devote considerable time.

[DonRocks]

Hello Everyone!

i'm new to posting on DonRockwell.com, but I'm not new to posting, having been on eGullet somewhat in the past. I live in upstate NY and love to travel, dine, write and photograph. I have a blog, Docsconz: Musings on Food & Life, to which I devote considerable time.

Doc!

Rumor has it you're coming into town next month. Do tell, do tell ...

[d2frma2]

First post -- Hello and thank you to everyone whose advice and recommendations I've benefited from as a reader of this site over the past months.

[Waitman]

Hello Everyone!

i'm new to posting on DonRockwell.com, but I'm not new to posting, having been on eGullet somewhat in the past. I live in upstate NY and love to travel, dine, write and photograph. I have a blog, Docsconz: Musings on Food & Life, to which I devote considerable time.

Welcome, Doc -- hope to see you if you get down to this neck of the woods!

[Albert Yi]

Hello! Long time lurker, currently living in Rockville and working in Bethesda. I'm always excited to visit new restaurants and try new things.

[Sonny]

Good Even, I am new to the site and new to posting here. I have not worked in the food industry absent working on a farm in my youth. I enjoy seeing what talented and creative chef's, cooks, preparers, and others can do. I look forward to discovering new places, dishes, and the like minded. Thanks for having me,

Allen

[esswhykay]

Hello all, coincidentally my name actually is Sonny (as the above screen name). Raised in MoCo and currently living a block from Fast Gourmet... not that this had any influence on why I moved to this address.

[tourist1421]

Hello,

My name is Phil and this is my first post (hi phil). I've been stalking and eating at restaurants that I really shouldn't afford for many years (nodding heads). Before kids, my wife and I used to be able to move freely and try new places (vigorous head nodding), now we live vicariously for the most part. Thank you in advance as I try plate after plate vicariously through you.

[DonRocks]

Hello,

My name is Phil and this is my first post (hi phil). I've been stalking and eating at restaurants that I really shouldn't afford for many years (nodding heads). Before kids, my wife and I used to be able to move freely and try new places (vigorous head nodding), now we live vicariously for the most part. Thank you in advance as I try plate after plate vicariously through you.

Hi Phil.

[JMMeadows]

This is Jen, from Alexandria. First post. Always looking for info on dining in and around D.C.

[seb7c]

Hi everyone! My name is Susan. I live in NYC these days, but lived in DC years ago, and it's fun to keep up on the dining scene there, especially since I visit from time to time. Happy to help with recommendations for dining in NYC.

[JamesFaganJr]

Hello everyone. My name is James. I've been following this blog and the DC/ mid-Atlantic food scene in general for some time now. I live in Philadelphia but travel to DC and the surrounding areas quite frequently. I work in the industry (2nd generation) providing quality products to hotels, restaurants, casinos, Clubs, etc. I look forward to contributing to the site as well as learning more.

[DonRocks]

Hello everyone. My name is James. I've been following this blog and the DC/ mid-Atlantic food scene in general for some time now. I live in Philadelphia but travel to DC and the surrounding areas quite frequently. I work in the industry (2nd generation) providing quality products to hotels, restaurants, casinos, Clubs, etc. I look forward to contributing to the site as well as learning more.

James, welcome!

A prerequisite to posting on donrockwell.com is a study of medieval Irish literature. Thus ... click.

[jacobs8891]

Hi everyone
my name is jacob
i'm an new member to this forum.

[QuenchNation]

Allow myself to introduce myself.

Hi, I'm Michael and I own Quench in Rockville (www.QuenchNation.com or www.Facebook.com/quenchnation). Here's a bit about us and what we do:

Recently named Best Cocktails in Rockville by Washingtonian Magazine and a Noteworthy Newcomer by Zagat, Quench is Montgomery County's destination modern American restaurant. Featuring dozens of hand crafted cocktails, unique beers and wines, as well as a seasonal menu of small and traditional plates of innovative American cuisine, Quench prides itself on house made items -- everything from condi...
ments to cocktail mixers is made in house, usually using local and organic ingredients. We also believe that we make the area's best burger and fries.

One thing we take pride in at Quench is neighborhood and community involvement with helping shape our restaurant - we have a "Quench Advisory Board" that gathers from time to time to offer ideas on our menu, promotions, events, etc. All feedback -- good or bad -- is always welcome, as we strive to fill what we think is a void in the Rockville area. So please feel free to check us out, say hello or send email if you're interested in getting on our board, coming to check us out or just to say hello. We've been here 4 months, we're good and getting better everyday, and we hope to be around serving our area for a long, long time.

Thanks for reading, and please come see us!

Michael

[pdmarquardt]

Hi there -

We're on the consuming rather than the producing side (okay, we like to cook too, but you get it). We believe in division of labor; I'm the wino, with the hugely overstuffed cellar to show for it, and my wife is the foodie (second disclaimer - we're both both, but I'm the one who will talk about Galician red wines and she's the one who will talk about new chefs in Chicago). We've been kicking around DC food and wine communities for years but are new to this board; I'm looking forward to checking it out.

Cheers, Paul

[thistle]

Welcome, Paul, if you & your wife are free on Sunday, come out & join us for the picnic...We'd love to have you, & any other new members there, it's pretty low key, w/ excellent food.

[TinaWDC]

Hi Everyone, my name Tina and I've been a lurker for years, but finally decided to be a legit member...inspired by my recent trip to Chiacago.

I really enjoy food and food politics...and always trying to balance the love of cooking and the love of trying new restaurants....I don't think its possible to be a superstar at both....unless there are meals that I am unaware of or extra hours of the day I have not yet discovered. Hope to engage more as time, work, and life permits...awesome forum, thanks DR!!!

[DonRocks]

Hi Everyone, my name Tina and I've been a lurker for years, but finally decided to be a legit member...inspired by my recent trip to Chiacago.

I really enjoy food and food politics...and always trying to balance the love of cooking and the love of trying new restaurants....I don't think its possible to be a superstar at both....unless there are meals that I am unaware of or extra hours of the day I have not yet discovered. Hope to engage more as time, work, and life permits...awesome forum, thanks DR!!!

"Other than 'What's your favorite restaurant?' the question I'm asked most often is, 'Do you cook?'" And I just don't have a short answer. Like you say, it's impossible to be a superstar at both. Yes, I can cook, and the rare times I do, I can come up with a surprisingly good meal because I'm hyper-attentive to ingredients, I'm a rock star at wine pairings, and most importantly, I take great care not to attempt anything that would reveal my lack of technical prowess. Scrambling an egg properly is a major challenge for me.

Incidentally, let

A = I'm a superstar restaurant junkie
B = I'm a superstar cook

Your statement, (IF A THEN NOT B ) AND (IF B THEN NOT A)

often holds true on both sides of the AND, and is why you should no more ask a chef for restaurant advice than you should ask me to scramble you an egg. There just aren't enough hours in the day to acquire a mastery of both.

[Fish Fillet]

Hi, I'm Andy, and after 3 years of lurking, I felt compelled to actually contribute to this site. Of course, I just recently moved from the DC area to the middle of nowhere, but I still like to see what's going on with my old haunts.

[firstbitedc]

I'm a food lover and DC lover who has committed (foolishly?) to eating at and writing about every new restaurant to open in DC. It's been an adventure so far, and I look forward to sharing it on DonRockwell.

Patrick
www.firstbitedc.com