Kanishka

One of my old roommates worked as a waiter at the Park Cafe and really, really didn't enjoy it. The number of times he came home on weekend nights with less than $40 in his pocket... Oh, and he was convinced there was something shady going on at the restaurant behind the scenes. I have no evidence either way; all I know is that for an attractive space, the food sure is over priced and bad. You think someone smart would want to do something with that...

Montmartre is interesting because though it always comes up as a suggestion to the question "I'm on the Hill, where should I go?" it doesn't really have a consistently going thread...

Thanks LizH et al.... I'm passing on Oceanaire. Thing is, I'm organizing a larger group dinner -- probably between 6 and 8 people -- and trying to think of somewhere fun to "invade". The date night is already booked at Poste... I'm thinking Cafe Atlantico for the group. Suggestions? BTW, the DC Tourist Board site is now up and active for Summer Rest. Wk 2005.

My father went to Oceanaire in DC a few months ago. He went with a bunch of business buddies from all over the US -- your typical guys night, cigar crowd. He loved it, had a fantastic time. Also had a friend go to the Oceanaire in San Diego and come back raving... so I think I might give it the benefit of the doubt and try, especially with the restaurant week deal in effect.

I'm thinking Oceanaire and Taberna -- trying to get as much bang for my buck, so to speak. I'm worried, however -- these are some high end restaurants, and the possibility of bad service is there. Anyone been to either during RW? I was surprised to see both on there... maybe its a mistake? K

Any word as to when participating restaurants will be announced? Waiting here with baited breath and an open checkbook...

Helix is nice. And super duper modern. Of that whole Kimpton Group crowd, its probably my favorite bar.

Oh great. I'll be checking the mail with baited breath. Figures, the rare moment I actually decide to drive on a Saturday night and I forget my destination is full of those darned cameras.

I thought it would be interesting to see if there were restaurants that don't come up in this (or many other) forums -- either because they stink or because no one knows about them -- or maybe some third reason, such as Rockwellian intervention. One I'm specifically thinking about... About four years ago -- before I really got into food -- I went with a bunch of college friends to Serbian Crown, a Russo-Franco restaurant out in the hinterlands of Great Falls that had an interesting -- and rather strange -- game menu. When we went they were out of both bear and lion (is serving lion even legal?) but I had a chance to sample platypus (leathery), antelope (not as good as venison) and suckling pig (delicious). From my vague, vodka infused memories, I remember thinking everything was drenched in too much sauce, but the experience itself was kind of fun. We were all inexperienced at fine dining, so it was a good laugh. Now, searching the internets, I find few mentions of Serbian Crown. There are some scattered reviews (mostly negative, it seems). Nothing off of El WaPo and no mentions on eGullet or this forum. I wonder: is it because the restaurant isn't worth discussing, because its out in the sticks, or what? Add to this list of restaurants people are silent about... Obelisk, Indique, Spezie, Palena (just kidding)...

Pleasant coincidence -- I went to Kotobuki for the first time Saturday night. I was surprised by how empty the place was, but hey, more for me. Had 2 maki rolls (spicy salmon and tuna/avocado), and the uni, toro, and scallop nigiris. Everything was fresh and delicious. The sea urchin was the highlight -- rich and salty, that "fresh from the ocean" taste you want from a good piece of sushi. The bill? Paltry. Even after a 25% tip I walked out only $20 poorer. Normally I'm no fan of the Palisades, or of driving for that matter. But if Kotobuki were in Dupont, Penn Quarter, or any other more easily accessible neighborhood, the price tags would be triple and the lines would be blocks long. It might even be worth the possible hour and a half long D6 ride from the Hill... well, maybe. In any case, I'll gladly take my little Honda out of the driveway for a trip back to Kotobuki. Don't have a car? Kotobuki is a great reason to get Zipcar. For real.

I've used Craigslist to find roommates and buy furniture... but I never thought a Georgetown restaurant would use it to attract staff. Wouldn't it be smarter to cherry pick from other restaurants in DC? At least that way you're guaranteeing experience -- which, from the looks of it, is what this place needs.

This ad has to be a joke, right? Craigslist? Yeah, I know its free, but so are the classified ads at DR.com. And the obnoxious lack of nettiquette.... shudder.

Crap, does anyone know the name of the greens chick's company, the one that displays at Eastern Market across from Cibola? I'm blanking... want to write about them, but can't find their website. Thanks!

Natty Boh?

A serious response to your helpful call on my misplaced modifier: If you're making beer can chicken, don't bother with that expensive can of Boddingtons. The type of beer really doesn't matter (though a can filled with water just doesn't have the same effect). I use Budweiser, which I believe is as close to organic as Robocop. And can you even get organic beer in a can? What a waste.

Organic Beer Can Chicken, grilled asparagus, sorrel and arugula salad... Chicken wasn't as good as Palena's, but beer can chicken is damn fun anyway. K

I had the octopus salad appetizer last night and... well, my pizza was good. There seemed to be something missing in the salad; perhaps the rather generous amount of olive oil overwhelmed the citrus, or perhaps the dish was left open to the diner's preferred level of saltiness. But still, this is the first time I've kind of been disappointed by a dish at 2 Amys. That said, I had the homemade sausage pizza that was on special last night, with hot peppers, tomato, and sweet peppers... loved it.

Yes, but the suckitude lasted a long time. I suspect its more likely because of issues like this, but I'm not certain.

Anyone pick up the sorrel from the greens chick at Eastern Market saturday? Absolutely the bomb -- wonderfully lemony, and when served in a mixed green salad with some nice peppery arugala, rockin'. Also some nice spicy edible flowers. I love that lady.

Does anyone know why Tequila Grill (20th & K NW) is shut down? The place sucks, and I suspect they got their liquor license revoked... just trying to confirm. Thanks for any help...

Dear God. No.

Tomato Festival at Jaleo, August 2005. (requires Flash)

DCist

Ad box was probably generated by Google, which saw all the mentions of the word "Black"... I think someone should start a tally of what restaurant gets bashed each week (not that the bashing is always unwarranted). We've seen Tallula, Ray's, Eve, the Black's chain, Matchbox (this week was a twofer I guess). Anyone want to place a bet on what it is next week?

I love the Cuban sandwich and the mixed pupusa. Frankly, if there's a line at the Market Lunch, just go across the street. Nicer service, good food. Also, I've been wanting to try some of their swordfish dishes but always wimp out... there's still that nagging feeling that the swordfish from a tiny hole in the wall carryout might fill me with intestinal regret. Has anyone tried it? I'm very very curious...