danlow

What a lovely memory, "abigal99". For many years my husband and I would be led on summer evenings by our sweet black and white mixed breed dog to the Dreamery/DG door. When I say led, I mean as if she was the lead dog pulling a sled. She was obsessed with Liz's special Squirrel treats. An essential ingredient was discarded beer hops. In the early days, Liz would often take time to come out front to visit with our leader, us too. As you say, forever happy memories.

Let's remember that Liz's shop, plus her spirit and hard work was the definitive "third" place. That was Liz's stated goal from the beginning. Third places are important to community building, "places where people spend time between home (‘first’ place) and work (‘second’ place). They are locations where we exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships." (Brookings Institution) From 2005: "A Rich Concoction of Midwestern Tastes and Values" by Mary Claire Kendall on alextimes.com What an amazing Liz, then, now and always.

Over the years I've posted almost never, but read all the time. I live in Del Ray and will always pick Dos Amigos over the other family Mexican place in the neighborhood. I thought it was a stretch when a friend visiting from Germany ordered a burger. Now when I order, I have a double issue, Tex-Mex or burger! It's my walk-to place. On a side note. I discovered the Del Ray neighborhood over 30 years ago because of Los Amigos on Mount Vernon Ave (current location of Rosemarino d'Italia). What fond memories of inexpensive chips and salsa, pitchers of Margarita's and live music on the weekend -- the good ol' days.

Along with preparing his own space, the chef is on the scene in his new neighborhood. From a National Gallery of Art email.... "Chef Fabio Trabocchi and David Rogers (Restaurant Associates), created a signature menu of Italian dishes now being served in the West Building's Garden Café Italia in honor of the exhibition Venice: Canaletto and His Rivals, which opens February 20." www.nga.gov/ginfo/cafes.shtm#garden

From a Dining Article in the Alexandria Times this week.... My favorite paragraph... “How am I supposed to eat out of a baggie?” he complained, “Where do I put the ketchup?” You put it on the food. You put the sauce on the food, and you put the food in your mouth. It’s not complicated. Dangerously delicious delights at Eamonn’s - Amanda Lenk

Just a few thoughts about my first dinner at RTC last night. It was a beautiful dining evening for me and my dinner partner. Every rave post I've read about RTC was in evidence, so my comments address only a few items I haven't seen discussed. 1 The Salmon - Covered with bits of toasted pistachio, it was perfectly cooked with a raisin sauce on one side and a green grape sauce on the other. Exquisite! 2) The Classic music - Big band and big band era ballads. Elegant! 3) The uncluttered classic windows - All the better to frame the classic view of the deco AFI Silver Theater across the street. Was that Dick Powell and Joan Blondell at a table across the room? Transporting! 4) The table spacing and acoustics - No crowding and absolutely no problem engaging in an honest to goodness polite conversation. Refreshing! I digress - At our table last night the desserts were Coconut Cake and Peach Charlotte, both great! The best, without a doubt was the Peach Charlotte. That outer browned and sugary coating in contrast to the cake and peach inside was divine, and I haven't even mentioned the ice cream. Lip Smacking! Michael and Eliot were working the room throughout our dinner. They are gracious and obviously thrilled to be doing what they are doing. Classic!! Cheers to everyone at RTC.