wolverine

Attended the game yesterday. It's my opinion that the ballpark is fantastic. Lots of amenities, but not over the top, so baseball is still the focus. I found there to be lots of places where you can watch live action while purchasing or eating your food. Some food lines are long and others are not, so it seems to be combination of fans not knowing where to purchase food and facility staff not directing fans to other (and often nearby) food stations. There are a lot of food options though and obviously I haven't tried many. Yesterday I went with the kosher hot dog (hit the spot) and later split some chili cheese fries from Ben's Chili Bowl (I didn't notice a difference from the original). Plenty of beer options for a ballpark. I wish the roaming beer guys would have the beer cooler (at least the Bud Light guy who visited my section). All and all, a great place to watch a ballgame, or ride out a rain delay.

For what it's worth, I've heard the same thing (incredible selection). Nothing first hand though.

Chips or spears?

Anybody tried Capital Q? Recommendations or warnings? http://www.capitalqbbq.com/

Off topic, but anybody else with me in thinking that 161-1 is possible?

Any suggestions for good places downtown and near the Bobcats' arena (I assume that's downtown)? Both lunch and dinner recommendations would be appreciated.

More downtown places to watch below: RFD -- great beer selection. Standard bar food. Rocket Bar -- great beer selection (not quite as good as RFD), but lots of TVs and other distractions. Usually no food, but they'll allow you to bring in (California Tortilla, Pot Belly, and Chop't are next door). Green Turtle -- food is mediocre, at best, but they have lots of TVs. ESPNZone -- see the post above. Lucky Strike -- decent bar food, but overpriced. They can never seem to handle the TVs either. Bar Louie -- decent bar food. A good amount of TVs. There's a new place called Penn Quarter Tavern (on Indiana -- used be Top Shelf), but haven't been there.

Sette. Bruschetta (ehh -- a bit bland), quattro formaggi pizza (I like the use of gorgonzola), and the cavatelli with broccoli rabe and sausage (a crowd pleaser, as far as I'm concerned). Nothing special, but I always seem to like this place.

Any word on this place?

I totally agree with this statement. They have an outstanding steak sandwich (I'd say best in town) for $16.

There is a Potbelly down Indiana about half a block from Cosi and Au Bon Pain.

If you're looking for something quicker or cheaper than the above options, you could always go to Potbelly on Indiana between 6th and 7th.

Was there recently. I thought the sushi was standard. Not bad, but not many options. You can only do california rolls and crunchy (insert seafood option here) rolls so many ways. The steak was better than I expected though. The filet competes with any of the big steakhouses, as far as I'm concerned, and was $29 for the petite filet. Try the sundried tomato risotto, you won't be disappointed. Overall -- worth a try, particularly if you live in the Capitol Hill area. Not sure how long they'll be around. Unfortunately, there were not many people in the restaurant area. Maybe it's the weather, location, or time of year.

Recently received a menu for Jackey in Chinatown (6th & H). Menus says they deliver. Anybody tried it?

Wasn't it going to be a private club?

Dined at Tosca on Saturday this past weekend and had another great meal. The oyster and sea urchin stew was fantastic and much lighter than I anticipated, although I might have preferred it merely as sea urchin stew without the addition of the oysters. The highlight of the meal was the John Dory. A very light and buttery fish. The sauce did not overwhelm the fish, as I'm frequently finding the case at many restaurants, but rather served as a nice accompaniment. Other entrees at my table included the butternut squash ravioli and the black truffle risotto -- both excellent as well. The service was excellent and the recommendation of a Barbera satisfied all. If you haven't been lately, I'd make a point to visit. The current menu is outstanding.

Haven't been there is quite some time, but the Soiftel used to have a nice bar -- and probably still does. You could also try Poste (but there is not too much seating). I agree with some of the others though who think your safest bet would be the Off the Record.

There used to be a 5-star restaurant called the Maisonette in Cincinnati, but I believe it closed up a few years ago. You should check though. Jeff Ruby's is a great steakhouse, but it sounds as though you may be looking for something more romantic.

Maybe you can find solace in a gingerbread scone at the new Starbucks. They're pretty good.

Trying to get ideas for a group of 8-10 people (more or less). Any restaurants want to post their menu here? I know you don't want each of us calling you.

There's not much that I know of either. I usually resort to Kanlaya for Thai delivery. Hit and miss, but it's delivery.

At least the two of us think we're on topic. I believe that the sports coverage at a sports bar far exceeds food offerings in importance. The article makes an interesting point regarding conflicts, but I think most of us see through the promos and overdone tv shows though. It's taken too far at times, like Gut Check Saturday or the party line for the ridiculous "plus one" football championship concept (don't get me started). Still, overall, ESPN covers a lot of the best games -- NFL, college football, college basketball, NBA. Even when they do not, at least ESPNZone carries the Big Ten Network. And really, isn't that all we care about? You have no idea how many bars in my neighborhood that I tried one afternoon before arriving at ESPNZone -- Lucky Strike, Bar Louie, RFD, Fado, Hooter's, Capitol City Brewing -- one of which previously and incorrectly promised me that they had BTN and were carrying the game. That was the reason for my original post. Regardless of flaws, ESPNZone carries a lot of games. I'll gladly go to the Pour House, but sometimes I want some place I can pop into quickly, and no other place near me serves that purpose (although I'll check on a recommendation for Rocket Bar - I'd like to watch games there).

We're getting off topic (although one could argue it relates to the restaurant's atmosphere), but I have no idea why you are troubled by ESPN's programming. Just not a fan of sports?

I wouldn't say their cuisine is close to their sports programming, but then again I'm not going to a bar for its food. I'm just saying it's the only place near me where I can count on watching a game. Most bars only get limited programming, even if they have satellite service. For that reason, I highly value ESPNZone's presence.

Some friends are coming to town and for one of the nights they have requested Italian, especially a restaurant with good pasta. Thinking about trying Locanda. Any thoughts on the quality of its pasta? Any other suggestions? I'd prefer some place that takes reservations.