MicGSD

Soy-braised chicken thighs from the Molly Hazen book are awesome and fast. Throw some glass noodles in the braising liquid at the very end, and you're good to go. I've turned many thigh haters into lovers with this recipe

Currently Stracotto with Garlic and Pancetta from Molly Steven's book is sending its aroma outside where DH is working, making him repeatedly come in to ask when we're having dinner. The book is addictive; there is a list of recipes that I have to have!!

For duck, Super Fresh in Annapolis has a d'Artagnan (sp?) cold box with duck confit, duck fat, breasts, etc.

About a month ago I went to the LC outlet in Leesburg, and they had a risotto pan on sale for about $75. The only problem was that there were no more in stock, I would have to have it shipped and HOPE that, as a second, it wouldn't be too bad. Since even with shipping to my house it would be cheaper than a similarly-sized oven, I took a chance. It arrived 4 days with only a slight discoloration under the handle, and hasn't left the top of my stove yet!

Sesame and honey cashews from Trader Joe's - don't know how I didn't find these earlier

I went there for my anniversary in August. Luckily I'd made a reservation, b/c they were turning away walk-ins, so apparently others have ventured there. The food was excellent -- great to find such a place in the basically culinary wasteland that is southern MD.

Somehow, after ordering from Amazon, I started receiving a subscription to Saveur gratis. After at the date on the address label, I realized it extends to '07. I can accept articles like the 'Haggis' when I don't have to pay for it

It was a bus-loop as far back as the late 70's. My DH (former Metropolitan PD) who patrolled this area, was asked to stay (off-duty) b/c of the break-ins they'd been having. After eating a TRAY of baklava , he caught burglers breaking in thru the roof. One of his all-time easiest, and most pleasant, arrests!

Adriana's Caravan has a great variety, including Eastern Mediterranean and Moroccan items.

To Mrs. B: (how funny - b/c I am Mrs. B to my students)

In ChasCo: nicer dining in LaPlata: The Crossing/Casey Jones) - eclectic dining, great wine list, fresh, Gustavo's - try the bruschetta, and if you need a Greek fix Ouzo's. Casual - Captain Billy's in Pope's Creek - good portions and great servers.

In StMary'sCo: nicer dining in Leonardtown: Cafe des Artistes and The Willows (but not much for atmosphere). Casual - Captain Leonards as mentioned in an earlier post - haven't eaten there but their to-go crabs are good, and Copsey's in Mechanicsville has great seasonings for their steamed crabs. I guess I'm more picky than most when it comes to seasonings since for years I had the luxury of fresh-from-the Patuxent wood-steamed crabs and like flaked salt in my mix.

As for SMD ham - based on experience - be sure you eat from a reliable source- but it is so very good. I made it once, but altho very labor intensive, you have to be very careful in the cooling process or else you invite food-poisoning (a big problem in St Mary's about 7 years ago)

I've lived in SMD for about 20 years, pretty much a culinary wasteland. However, we had dinner at The Westlawn Inn in North Beach on Saturday night - a great improvement over most places down here. The menu leans toward southern foods, and the wine list is small but better than most in the area. I believe they won some type of best restaurant award. The Old Field Inn in Prince Frederick is doable also. Stoney's in Broome's Island (don't go to the one in the shopping center in Pr. Fred.) has awesome crabcakes. Of course there's Vera's in Lusby on the water - it's worth the trip for the decor if not the food. Solomon's Islands doesn't offer too much - except for the Tiki Bar if you want a watered down mai tai - which many do; most of the island is closed to drivers on opening day! Of course, if you want steamed crabs, I'm sure there are plenty of places (such as Stoney's) especially in North and Chesapeake Beach. For an area with many miles of waterfront, it is amazing that there are not any really decent seafood places - most people here consider a seafood dinner as fried 'something' with sides of fries and slaw or else all-you-can-eat crabs which are great but I prefer to buy a few dozen, cook, and eat at home.

Now if you want to go a bit out of your way to Charles or St. Mary's counties, there are a few no-so-bad places there...but if you're like most people from the metro area, you'll already feel like you've been driving forever and won't want to take any detours.

Not eating - drinking a glass of Akakies, a Greek rose in honor of 24 hours until DH's vacation

My favorite was the one I got this year, not as fancy or expensive as those mentioned, but it was just what I wanted ---- an acrylic cookbook stand. It's adjustable for all size books and covers them entirely (except for the really large ones). Now my pages won't stick together if I've become too sloppy!

You serve crabs with crabs -- I must be the odd person here.

My dad lived in Balto, and all his relatives just ate crabs. Of course this was back in the day when bars gave away crabs for free just to get you to drink more beer. I've hosted crab feasts for up to 100 (where my ex caught and steamed the crabs himself for his coworkers) from the metro area, and it amazed me when people piled their plates high with all kinds of food (salads, meat, etc.) and then put on a lone crab. My 2 kids would just laugh themselves silly.

I will admit that there's nothing like a really sweet dessert after you've stuffed yourself with crab - especially when it includes chocolate.

A bit late, but the memories remain nonetheless ...... Sunday after hitting Dupont and Eastern markets, I was obviously hungry so we went to Belga Cafe. Mussels and frites and wine while others ate breakfast - haha. Monday - larp kai, Tuesday - spinach and feta chicken sausages, and tonight - soft shell crabs

I was at Dupont this morning and tried the creamsicle milk - yup, tastes just like one that melted. Also picked up some chard, pea vines, cheese and my Thai basil plants. Then went to Eastern market and ran amok with Aidell's sausages!!

Did anyone notice any bedding plants - namely Thai basil? Although I saw some last year at mid-summer, it shouldn't be too early to plant now.

One of the few perks of living in Southern Maryland is the availability of soft shells from many of the seafood markets -- fresh, just hours from the river. Be sure you get a true soft shell - I think they're also called 'paper shells'. Once they begin to harden the least bit, they lose the delicacy that makes them so special.

I'm spoiled because when they're plentiful, it's easy to pick them up and do them many ways - sauteed in butter, tempura, deep-fried po-boys, etc.

Just don't drown them in sauces or condiments or bury them in bread - the delicate taste deserves to shine.

There's a Middle-Eastern market off of Duke St., but I can't for the life of me remember either the street or the name. They have, I believe, a Halal meat counter, plenty of canned/bottled goods, as well as tagines, bowls, glassware, music, etc. There's a carry-out next door.

I agree with Mktye; I think once you add to it, the taste difference is probably

lost. I've tried bothCento and Muir Glen also - don't see a whole lot of difference.

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.

Thanks, I'll look into it further.

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...

Dare I say it - I'm one of the incredibly few people who doesn't like fries - unless they have Old Bay on them (which means I'm eating them for the 'crab' fix, not the potato). Seeing fries as a side is the kiss of death for me...

So this is a great thread - to read and see what all the fuss is about.

I second Taqueria Poblano - try the cebolitos (sp?); shrimp tacos aren't bad either.

I know that on Sundays Meyhane has wine half-price; don't know about other days.