joncephine

http://wamu.org/programs/kn/09/04/29.php#25123 12:06 D.C. Dining & Developing Neighborhoods You can learn a lot about people from what they eat -- and in today's economic climate, you can learn just as much about a neighborhood from the restaurants that call it home. In recent years, the explosion of Washington's food culture has spilled over into developing neighborhoods throughout the area. But other pockets have had a lot of trouble attracting business outside of chains. Join Kojo as we explore the new neighborhoods that pioneering restaurateurs in the Washington area are penetrating and ponder why other corners of the region have been left behind. Guests Todd Kliman, Food and Wine Editor, "Washingtonian" magazine Michael Landrum, Proprietor, Ray's the Steaks, Ray's the Classics, Ray's Hell-Burger, Ray's the Heat Gillian Clark, Chef and Owner, General Store and Post Office Tavern

Dino, why do you break my heart? We have had such great meals in the past, and especially last Passover. Tonight was...challenging. Two real heartbreakers? We brought two friends to the restaurant because we had such a good time last year. Second? The AMAZING orange grappa that I loved - we asked for a second glass to drink....and she brought the grapefruit. IT was ok, but it wasn't transcendent like the Orange for me. Such a silly thing, but at 3.5 hours after we sat down, it wasn't worth calling her back. Things that were fabulous: the chicken liver, the gefilte fish, and the nutella mousse that I love. The things that bothered me? Letting down my friends - i put my credibility on the line when their seder was canceled, and said how good the food was and the experience here. We had...I don't even want to detail any of the mediocre food that we had. In most cases, it was poor because of bad timing on the service (except for two underseasoned dishes). This was going to be us taking some time off from dining with a bang. We get married in a few weeks and have to cut our dining budget. Well, Kay was nice enough to give us a gift card, so we will be back. I am sorry it was such a rough night for you guys (you both looked as if you pretty tired when we left) but I am more sorry that we usually love eating at your restaurant - but that we disappointed our friends.

We also were there saturday - I'll post a review of the veg menu when I get a chance!

I'm a shiksa**, and we had a great time last year. Hopefully we'll have the money to go again. And we'll bring our own Haggadah this year **Am I allowed to call myself that? Who knows? Whatever - I'm a catholic, not even eating meat on most fridays. But the meal last year with the wine pairings was fantastic.

We're back from our trip up to the General Store - the parking spaces they had definitely seemed to be full. We live in downtown Silver Spring, and so decided to take a nice walk up 2nd to Seminary up to the place - perfect for working up an appetite - and working some of it off on the way back home. I ordered the lentil soup and the root vegetable cobbler - the cobbler was fantastic - actually tasted like chicken noodle soup in food form. Very comforting and good. E had the fried chicken and mac and cheese - and I picked at his fried chicken because it was fabulous. The space is very nice, comfortable - we sat in a table in the back room (we were at first nervous when we got there because all the front tables were full). We finished up with the chocolate pecan pie (not chocolate hazelnut as I accidentally ordered) - which was fabulous, and would have been even more fabulous if it were about 10 degrees warmer. It would have been a lot messier, however. Even E, who doesn't usually do pecan loved it - it wasn't overly sweet the way some pecan pies can be. Definitely worth the quiet walk up there - we'll be back, probably for the fish tacos.

We used to go to summers regularly about 7-8 years ago. It was our go-to place even 5 years ago for Monday Night Football - basically, a bar that still allowed smoking and beer. Ah, the days....

We've eaten in once, takeout twice, and delivery once. Wayne came to give our delivery, but I think they're still working the kinks out. I love the pineapple chicken dish, and the ginger ice tea is fabulous. I've also gotten the cashew chicken, which wasn't bad, and E swears by the drunken noodles. I think I also got a curry, but I can't remember - we've had the spring and summer rolls, which were not bad. This place has definitely become our go-to-thai place, and definitely a nice addition.

That's too bad, we walked by Saturday (after visiting the used bookstore) and were hoping for something not too bad.

We had a lovely meal at Nicaro last night. (I'm on Weight Watchers, and so would not have been able to control myself at Rays, though driving to the Hell Burger was considered for how bad of a mood I was in - we decided that Nicaro was what we were looking for). We had a perfectly lovely meal - the blueberry and arugula salad was fantastic. Our fantastic server recommended a lovely Riseling, and the duck breast was good - but the fennel and lentils were better. E had a salad with a whole anchovy on top - and a great ribeye. We passed on dessert (through no willpower of mine - e doesn't like bread pudding). One complaint about Nicaro-the acoustics of the dining room! It is always so loud in there. Last night, it was only half-full, but with one large table, and I couldn't hear E over our two top. When that table left it was better, but we could hear every word of the tables across the room! They also looked at me every time I laughed, so I assume they could hear me too. I wonder if the acoustics in the bar are any better.

A pizza, with WF organic wheat crust (I was lazy), red pepper pesto, garlic and basil sausage, mozz and parmiagiano-reggiano, and spicy oregano from the SS farmer's market. It was phenomenal, and went well with our Iron Horse Pinot Noir.

Hey guys, So E and I have been together for 7 years and 11 months (today). Our families haven't met, and we plan on getting married next year. However, I would like them to meet prior to the wedding, so I want to host thanksgiving this year. Because I have started eating more and more out of the farmer's market, I thought I'd try to make as many of the dishes as I can come from local organic ingredients. I'm starting to think about this now, because if there is stuff that I can get from the spring markets and freeze, then I'll want to do it. Plus, since our families haven't met yet, I get to be neurotic about this. Here are my challenges: -at least 9 people, ranging in age from 16 to mid-50s -one side kosher - which means that they won't eat pork that they know is there (but I have seen them chow down on spare ribs, wontons, and house lo mein from a non-kosher restaurant. E calls this the "Wonton Principle. I do not get it). Also? no butter or cream in the main dishes. -one person with diverticulitis, who cannot eat nuts or seeds, so the dishes with nuts, seeds or corn must be kept separate -one insanely picky 16 year old. However, since she is my sister, I can tell her to suck it up. However, some of the dishes must be traditional enough for her to eat -One type II diabetic -One person who, if given an option, would eat nothing but Betty Crocker Cheesy Potatoes Here are my thoughts... -Something like this. How long will that mushroom mix keep in the freezer? -I must have 2 or 3 kinds of stuffing, because I love stuffing. -When do I need to order an organic, kosher turkey? And how big does it need to be for this many people? -There will be apple pie, with some great tasting local apples. Possibly two. -Lots of mulled cider -When does squash come in? What squashes are good around here? The only decision that I've really made so far -I must have at least 12 bottles of wine to get through this dinner . I don't know what everyone else will be drinking, but I know I must accumulate at least that much wine . Does anyone have any recipes or experience or suggestions that they can share? I'll keep you updated on my progress .

Today was my first trip to the SS market (I usually go to Takoma, but we're going to do the Post Hunt tomorrow ) and I have to say I was disappointed. I bought some pink ladies, and some spicy oregano (from the "last gentleman farmer in SS"), plus some of the Atwater's carraway rye, but I felt like I had to go to whole foods to finish my shopping, whereas at takoma, i feel like I'm ok for at least the rest of the day.

Hey guys, I bought the Monocacy Ash the first week at the Takoma Market, and got a different one (the name escapes me) this week. They were great - good luck! Kate

Dang, I missed it! I keep wanting to try dim sum. How was it?

Hey guys, I just found out he'll be on in about 20 minutes: http://wamu.org/programs/kn/08/03/13.php#20009.