Erin

I can bring seltzer and some juice.

What other resources are out there?

You could consider checking out the bulk-container aisle at local food co-ops and natural foods stores to verify quality and gauge turnover. I love Penzeys, but obviously there are circumstances where you can't or don't want to wait for things to be shipped. If you don't want to have to deal with the little plastic bags at home or bother coming up with your own containers (recycled or otherwise), it might not be worth it to you.

I thought the spices at my Takoma co-op were usually fresh and a bargain, especially because I could buy only what I needed for one recipe, the next ___ months, etc., and if something smelled off I'd know before having to purchase it. Prices were the same for members and non-members. In contrast, I've avoided the bulk aisle at the Silver Spring Whole Foods because I never saw people stopping to get anything; they just seemed to hurry through with their carts.

I'll be picking up at the Grill around 1:00.

Thanks, Rissa!

Anyone up for happy hour at Corduroy tonight?

are you gonna need a ride too ?

Right now it looks like I won't, since I was planning on meeting my +1 at a metro downtown and catching a ride from there. Hmmm... maybe I could convince him to come get me AND the grill!

Thanks for asking, though! I will post if/when new developments occur...

Erin-Wine and grill?

Now it's Erin +1. It would be helpful if someone could bring a cooler that I can stash the wine and some ice in onsite (I forgot and sold mine last weekend in my yard sale ). The grill is still a maybe unless someone is willing to pick it up in College Park, since there is a good chance I will have sold my car by then and won't have a way to transport the grill.

I will be so ready for a drink tonight, but unfortunately I have to go home and prepare for my Everything. Must. Go. yard sale tomorrow. Have fun!

I actually prefer the tuna burger over the lobster burger, which is odd because I generally prefer lobster over tuna (but good, because the tuna burger seems to be available much more frequently).

Have you tried TenPenh's tuna burger? Mmm-mmm good (and available daily!).

C.F. Folks does a lightly-battered deep-fried softshell crab sandwich (in-season only) that I've enjoyed.

For basic tomato sauce I really like Furmano's canned tomatoes, which I stock up on when they're on sale at Giant (and would be happy to bring).

Thanks for doing this, mdt and hillvalley!

The Penn Quarter FRESHFARM Market

Opening Day!

Thursday, May 5th

3:00 – 7:00pm

on 8th Street, NW between D and E

The market will be open every Thursday through November 17th

Re: Ethiopian--I'm with mdt and Barbara.

Re: El Chalan--I've been and it's definitely worth a trip!

Re: Sabang--I'd love to try it, but I'll be out of town next Tuesday.

Just had a wonderful goat roti yesterday at the DC outpost of Rita's West Indian Carryout on Georgia Avenue (I hear the original is in Tortola, BVI). Roti, curried potato, pepper sauce and goat curry.... aaaah!

I also tried a drink called mauby (described to me as Trinidadian iced tea), which tasted somewhat like I imagine a cinnamon RedHot would if it was made into a cold drink; stimulating yet refreshing. According to my Trinidadian friend, mauby is a plant native to the West Indies that is said to be beneficial to the circulation.

The 'Carryout' in the name is somewhat misleading; there is a seating area in a room up a few steps from where you order and pay. Quite plain (upon entering I had a flashback to Zorba's upstairs room from many years ago), but very serviceable and immaculate.

(Since we drove by the Islander on the way to Rita's, I asked my friend how the two compare. She said that the Islander serves Americanized versions of Caribbean food, but Rita's is the real thing.)

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to sample either the potato chips or the fish since they were gone before I could get to them but I can wholeheartedly vouch for the fries, with their yummy mayonnaise, and the tartare.

Tied for my favorite were the aforementioned sweetbreads and the oysters. I LOVE oysters and these have just edged out Firefly's as my favorites, which I didn't think was possible. I loves me some crunch with my oyster!

Chef, thanks for taking the time to chat with us during the Friday evening rush!

(P.S. The complimentary valet parking didn't suck.)

Caribbean Market on New Hampshire in Langley Park, because I've never seen anything else like it in the area and I always find something new to try. Plus they have take-away meat patties (chicken, fish and veg too) and cases of Ting at the front.

There used to be an ad in the Food Section of the Wash. Post  for "Beltway Restaurant Equipment" on Southard Dr. in Beltsville that was open to the public.  I saved it and planned to go there but haven't seen the ad lately.  Anyone know about this??  Guess I could call but...

I live nearby, so I called. They do sell to the public, and their hours are 9-5 M-F and 10-12:30 on Saturdays. The person who answered the phone said that today they are having an "open house" with lots of discounts. They're right off Rt. 1 between the Rhode Island Avenue and Powder Mill Road intersections.

The reason Restaurant Depot only sells to other businesses and tax exempt organizations is because they probably do not charge sales tax and therefore can't sell to consumers.  Business purchasers are entitled either to a "sale for resale" exemption or they self asses use tax.  Erin, have you tried to buy anything there?

I can say with certainty that they do charge sales tax, to everyone, and the only ID they ask for is your membership card unless you are paying by check (then they ask to see your driver's license). Also, I asked my caterer friend if she had to show her business license when she signed up, and she said that she did; however, she signed up on-site instead of online like I did.

I just learned that my car is ready at the shop and I need to pick it up before they close today; however, I should still be able to come back downtown and participate unless home calls or I'm significantly delayed.

Thanks Matt. Looks like I will be heading to Breadline then... yay fish Fridays!

JB Prince is great for baking equipment; the variety and quality are professional-standard, and they sell to the general public. Prices are fair. You can always try finding what you want and then do a Froogle search to see if you can either get it for less from a reputable shop elsewhere, or be satisfied that you're getting a good deal.

I echo the Target recommendations. I got some great Cuisinart stainless stockpots there for $16 each that look almost identical to my All-Clad stuff.

You may also want to try Restaurant Depot/Jetro, which has stores in Alexandria and Baltimore locally. They claim to require a business license or proof of 501©(3) status for membership, but I was never asked to show any paperwork. My membership card arrived in the mail with a $25 coupon towards my first order, which might help make the trek worth it for you! Their catalog is available here.

On another topic, does anybody know if the grill is open tomorrow?

Add me to the list for Ray's... I've been only once (thanks to the kind and thoughtful Jacques).

Ferhat, would it be possible for you to bring some of your wonderful hurma? You could certainly sell that as well!

I will bring LOTS of wine... I will also see if I can get my Weber into the car and report back if it works.

No worries... I will attribute this to your Peanut-induced exhaustion.