reedm

2 hours ago, B.A.R. said:

 

I haven't been back since I moved from Fairfax. I certainly had mixed experiences there. What's going on now?

On 9/2/2019 at 6:49 PM, reedm said:

We enjoyed a phenomenal meal at Fancy Radish this past Saturday. The entire experience was superb--cocktails, wine, food, and hospitality. I'd rate it as one of my top 10 DC restaurants.

I had read the cocktails were wonderful, and my expectations were exceeded. Really great riffs on classic cocktails.

Between the three of us, we nearly ordered the entire menu, and each dish was excellent in its own right. The flavors are amazing--how they coax flavors reminiscent of the best BLT, salmon with lox, scallops, etc. from vegan ingredients is amazing. (For those of you who have been to Chloe, you'll understand me when I say that I think this is what Chloe might offer it it were a vegan restaurant.)

The restaurant is small, so I now understand why reservations are hard to come by, particularly for groups of three or more. That said, the full menu is available at the bar (as an incentive, some dishes are available at the bar only). Happy hour is supposed to be excellent as well.

I'll add some pictures when I am able to overcome my lack of technical skills and motivation. 🙂

Outstanding cocktails:

Prophecy & Insight (Smoky and bitter), Utopias are lived on Islands (Tropical, spicy; dehydrated pineapple is on top) Elegies on Brambles (Refreshing and tangy)

Smoked Chioggia Beets (Smoked tofu, cucumber dill cream, capers, red onion); reminded us of bagels and lox. 

Pastrami Spiced Carrots. (White bean sauerkraut puree, pumpernickel, smoked mustard) We used the items to make small open faced "sandwiches". (Not the cornichons)

The namesake dish; Fancy Radishes. (Roasted and faw radishes, yuzu avocado, shiso, smoked tamari) So similar in taste and texture to a perfectly cooked scallop. 

Heirloom Tomato "BLT" Toast. (Basil goddess, crispy shitake, little leaves). Reminded me of Geoffrey Zakarian's BLT recipe. Delicious.

Peruvian potatoes. (Aji amarillo, cilantro, peanut, dried olive) This was a hearty dish, with the spicy kick of aji amarillo. 

Za'atar Grilled Summer Squash. (Zhoug, whipped lemon tahini, pistachio) This was a unanimous favorite. Wonderful spices, textures, and flavor.

Spicy Dan Dan Noodles; (sichuan pepper, five spice glazed mushrooms) Wonderfully spicy!

Seared Maitake Mushroom (Celery root fritter, grilled celery salad, smoked remoulade). Crispy and smoky.

Strawberry Shortcake. (Minus a bite) 

We ordered two additional desserts, but I don't have pictures. All of them were outstanding.

I understand they are sister restaurants. Two in Philadelphia and one in DC.

We enjoyed a phenomenal meal at Fancy Radish this past Saturday. The entire experience was superb--cocktails, wine, food, and hospitality. I'd rate it as one of my top 10 DC restaurants.

I had read the cocktails were wonderful, and my expectations were exceeded. Really great riffs on classic cocktails.

Between the three of us, we nearly ordered the entire menu, and each dish was excellent in its own right. The flavors are amazing--how they coax flavors reminiscent of the best BLT, salmon with lox, scallops, etc. from vegan ingredients is amazing. (For those of you who have been to Chloe, you'll understand me when I say that I think this is what Chloe might offer it it were a vegan restaurant.)

The restaurant is small, so I now understand why reservations are hard to come by, particularly for groups of three or more. That said, the full menu is available at the bar (as an incentive, some dishes are available at the bar only). Happy hour is supposed to be excellent as well.

I'll add some pictures when I am able to overcome my lack of technical skills and motivation. 🙂

3 hours ago, Kibbee Nayee said:

This place is very sushi-forward but the kitchen is a bit pan-Asian. It is not in the District, so look to the 'burbs.

Passion Fin?

5 hours ago, bookluvingbabe said:

Not Jiko.  On the monorail.  

Polynesian restaurant?

1 hour ago, genericeric said:

Yes.  I've spent more time than I'd admit thinking about where this may be.  Lots of options that come close, but none that seem to fit.

Jiko?

On 8/29/2019 at 11:48 PM, DIShGo said:

I was looking for a Chile con Queso recipe online tonight that doesn't include Velveeta. I stumbled across this article by a Texan about making the dish without processed cheese. In it, the author says the way to avoid the oiliness and clumps usually associated with real-cheese queso is to make a bechamel sauce and then slowly fold in the shredded cheese. I am going to give her recipe a try.

On 8/30/2019 at 1:58 PM, MsDiPesto said:

Serious Eats has this version made with Cheddar and Monterey Jack; https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/09/chili-con-queso-recipe.html

I made the queso from the Lisa Fain's Homesick Texan recipe, and I remember it to be quite excellent. The recipe on the Serious Eats site was created by Lisa as well. (The recipes are quite similar).

As a native Texan, I'll admit I crave good queso now and then. Chuy's version does the trick, and the standby velveeta and rotel version does as well.

Well, the Leesburg Costco had packer briskets today. Trimmed as well as untrimmed. So confused.

I'm looking for a source that sells packer briskets. Costco used to sell them, but no more. Local would be fine, and I'm fine with buying them online as well. Cheers.

Don,

As long as it doesn't involve coding, formatting, etc., I'll be glad to help out a few hours per week.

Mike

3 hours ago, washingtony said:

I don't know the area super well, but over near the Roppongi station is this really cool beer bar (if that's your thing) called Ant 'n Bee.  It's kind of divey, but really unpretentious and friendly.  

There's a restaurant called Jomon Roppongi that some friends have strongly recommended to me, but sadly I wasn't able to get in because it was really crowded when I stopped by.  But it could be worth checking it out to see if the hype is worth it.

You'll also be well situated to get to Ginza, Shibuya, etc, so hopefully work won't be too much of a drag and you'll have some free time to explore!

Thank you for the suggestions!

On 6/17/2019 at 12:57 PM, washingtony said:

I very much agree with this.  In fact, I've been meaning to write up a bit about Japan after my recent trips, but I inevitably stop when I realize the overwhelming task at hand.  I could spend a century in Tokyo and still feel like I haven't experienced all there is to offer.  But I shall tilt at windmills and try, I suppose.

Tokyo

• Tempura Kondo in Ginza is worth the Michelin star.
• T's Tan Tan is a vegan ramen shop inside the ticketed part of the Tokyo train station, near the entrance to the Keiyo line. It's gone downhill a bit, but it's still worthwhile, particularly for vegetarians who need a ramen fix.
• Soranoiro in Ramen Alley in the Tokyo train station has a vegetarian ramen option too, which is pretty good, but they make the mistake of thinking "vegetarian" needs to be "healthy". 
• Udon Shin is my favorite Udon place in Tokyo (but is that saying anything?  I've tried what, like .0005 percent of them?).  It's in Shinjuku.
• Pizza Savoy (of Ugly Delicious fame) is so simple, so precise, so, so good.  
• To continue the Netflix theme--nearby Savoy is the Masuya salt store, which was featured on Salt Fat Acid Heat but wasn't named.  I found this by--of all things--walking past it.  I wanted to find moshio, so I stopped in and it dawned on me that this is where Samin Nosrat filmed that part of the show.
• Yes, the food at the Pokemon Cafe is terrible, but don't judge me--it's totally worth it!  Here's a pro-tip:  you are not allowed to hug the Pikachu or Evee mascots that sometimes greet the diners.  The rules are not explained in English, but let's just say you quickly figure out the rules by trial and error.

In Kyoto, Shoraian tofu restaurant is really incredible.  Beautiful location in the park on the river.

In Koyasan, Souji-in buddhist temple is both a great place to spend the night and have a multi-course vegetarian dinner.

Finally, Menme outside Himeji castle has such good udon--the noodles are made right in front of you.  Like so many restaurants in Japan, it excels at doing simple things perfectly.  

 

I just found out I'll be traveling to Tokyo next Friday for business, and I'll be there for about 4 days. This will be my first time there, and I'm looking forward to it. I'll be staying at the ANA Intercontinental, which is in/near the Roppongi area. Do you have any places you'd recommend that are in that area? 

I've been to many places around the world, but Tokyo is just a tad overwhelming! 

Thanks!

2 hours ago, DonRocks said:

Thank you.

I'll add that the restaurants with the lowest failure rate are the ones who conceal their ambitions - shall I name names?

Yes. Why not?

On 6/24/2019 at 9:22 PM, Keithstg said:

I wonder if they have changed the waiting list reservation policy. We have been on the waiting list for several dates and have had emails letting us know a time had opened up, but alas have never been successful in getting through early enough to snag the table. Anyway, glad you had a great experience and we will keep trying!

Apparently I am not alone in my plight!

I believe the reservation system is essentially the same. My reservation was obtained by complete luck--I was checking my email and the waitlist email appeared.

They did change the time of day the reservations open--staying up until midnight to snag a spot was not too popular. 🙂

A wonderful experience which I'd highly recommend to others on this board. My personal observations and pictures will be forthcoming. In the meanwhile, I recommend you sign up for a waiting list reservation and/or reserve a spot when you have the opportunity. 

Scored a reservation for four this Friday, and I'm certainly looking forward to it. A friend of mine ate there two or three times before the place became well-known, and he thoroughly enjoyed it.

It's a bit of a drive, even from Ashburn, but I know it will be great.

Haven't read anything here--has anyone been?

9 hours ago, dcandohio said:

To my Dad, who left his earthly body today, on Father’s Day, at age 91. He was brought to this country as a very young child as an immigrant.  His parents died when he was very young, and he was shuttled from foster homes that went from bad to worse, until he escaped to live on his own as a teenager, and then joined the Navy.  He earned a masters degree and was a gifted teacher. He had an amazing head for numbers.  He adored my mother, he doted on his children, and he was an engaged grandfather.  My dad liked good food, red wine, and a martini with Tomolives.  He had a big personality, and a zest for life.  I am comforted knowing that when he arrives on the other side, Leah Chase will be cooking a meal for him, and Dr. John will be playing music.  Tonight I will raise a glass of red wine to Leonard. 💔

Sounds like you were blessed with a very wonderful father. My condolences on your loss. 

Driving up to Boston tomorrow to accompany my daughter to her post-college internship. Flying back mid-day Saturday, so I’ll have time for a couple of deals  

i understand there are hundreds of restaurants near the Copley Square area, which is where I booked a hotel. 

Any recommendations for a very short stay in Boston?

Thank you. 

1 hour ago, Bart said:

If you go, consider sitting at the chef's table in the kitchen.  Sure it will up your bill by 300 bucks or so (this info is more than 5 years old, so ymmv), but most of my strongest and best memories of that night had more to do with sitting in the kitchen, than with the actual food.  The food was fantastic, but I keep thinking more about the non-food aspects of the night.  There are a lot of extra frills when you sit in the kitchen.  I won't mention any of them here because some are sort of dramatic and will be more effective if I don't spoil the surprise.

$595 per table now...

Thank you, Tweaked!

 Sounds like we have similar tastes and ideas. I’ve been to Grady’s, and while I agree it’s outstanding, it might be a tough sell.

I will certainly look into Raleigh Durham, thanks for the suggestion. 

I'll be driving to Savannah at the end of the month, and while I have always made the drive in a day, I need to stop about half way (long story). Looking for recommendations for a place to spend the night. I originally planned to spend the night in Goldsboro in order to visit Wilber's BBQ and enjoy some whole hog bbq, but they are closed due to tax issues. 

"Department of Revenue Shuts Down Wilber's in Goldsboro" on wral.com

NC BBQ trail spots would be a plus, and I don't want a massive detour, as I will be traveling with my wife and in-laws. (Pray for me. ;-))

Thanks!

I've got a bit of the dreaded spring time crud, so I'm not up to posting about our recent experience at Chloe, but I will say it was better than ever. Every dish was a hit, and the service was wonderful. Sounds identical to beachgirl54's experience!

I posted a few pictures on instagram, and you can find them if you search for the hashtag #donrockwelldotcom

On 5/8/2019 at 3:24 PM, Bart said:

Did the dinner ever happen?  I'm interested if this resurfaces. 

And from Tim Carman in today's Post:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/chef-guo-serves-an-emperors-feast-in-a-suburban-strip-mall/2019/05/07/52d86ed4-65ff-11e9-a1b6-b29b90efa879_story.html?utm_term=.97ae5be190b7

They now serve three different menus: The Banquet of Eternal Bliss Hot Pot $98;  The Banquet of Peace and Prosperity $158; Banquet Filled with Precious Gem and Jade $278

I think this is a great opportunity to get the DR forum some additional "mainstream" attention. Look for my tweet, and please add a like, retweet, etc. It's not for me, but it is for Don and all of the others who contribute to make this place a unique resource. Cheers.

Of course, the original credit belongs to Shaho, who started this thread.