CrescentFresh

Do you have plans/interest in trying a few pizzas there?

Joe, how does the pizza at Bebo compare to Cafe Pizzaiola? I'd be curious to hear what you think about the positives and negatives of each. Of course, keeping in mind that there is a great bit of difference between the NY-centric specialty of Pizzaiola and the Naples-centric speciality of Bebo. I'm pretty convinced that Crystal City (and not just Bebo) is the new nexus of pizza in the area.

I'm pleased to see the back and forth on the truffled peaches and what people think of them. And, as Eli notes, I have no doubt that there are just as many lovers of these things as haters. My issue was more of befuddlement (a rather common affliction of mine) because what arrived was, in no way, related to what I was expecting from the menu. Varying in size from olives to walnuts, with a vinegary/briny flavor and what must be a touch of truffle oil, my wife and I both looked at them and said, "hmmmmm." We tried them. But they just didn't cut it for us. I gotta buy what shaggy says and maybe recommend an adjustment to the description. When we asked a server about them, she did indeed say they were peaches, but no further details came about exactly what kind of peaches they are, or why they didn't resemble anything we would have considered peach-like. Perhaps if the peaches were peach-colored it would have helped. Anyway, when we balked the server removed them from our bill without hesitation, which was nice. And as I can only sense from Eli's post, based upon such love/hate relations guests have with the truffled peaches, it's probably not the first time they've been clipped from a bill. I'm glad I tried them though. If you haven't tried them yourself, perhaps you should take them up on the offer for a sample of them. They are, indeed, interesting. But I'll stick to the figs...and "walking on the beaches looking at the peaches."

Sonoma has always been one of our favorites from the day it opened. We had to sit outside last night for the first time, with no chance of reserving a table for a quick bite before enjoying watching the Mets win. Loved the bruschetta with the local ricotta, but perhaps a bit more crunch in some manner to the bread would have ruled. The real thing that brought us in was seeing a grilled mackerel dish on the menu. That was killer. Not overwhelmingly oily as you may consider a fish of its ilk to be if it sat around too long. But, I have to say, what the fuck was up with the truffled peaches? Before I answer what I thought of the truffled peaches, I'd like to ask the DR crew to post what would come to their mind if they were to order a dish called "truffled peaches." I'm happy to tell you all about what we got once I know what people would have expected to get. Let's just say this was the first wacky-ass WTF I've ever had at Sonoma. BTW, wines at Sonoma are always a bargain and interesting. It's rare that we'll even consider a glass these days considering how affordable their bottles are. (TROLLING FOR MADD MEMBERS AND MADD LOBBYISTS: Maybe if there was a law in DC allowing me to take over my leftover unfinished wine off premises, I wouldn't have to try to finish everything before I leave!!!! Losers.)

Please present the details soon. Holiday weekend and all, plans are made early. Would love to consider an opportunity to enjoy some Linden wines with Jim outside of a cellar tasting. Cheers.

Nothing better NY Style. Not to be a total shithead, but for fuck's sake, if you're sampling pizza at Bebo, you're only 5 minutes from Pizzaiola. It is my understanding that Pizzaiola has a deal where they pay their employees, too!

Crosspost here, recommending the podcast series of the Great British Beer Festival.

There is a series of podcasts for each day of the Great British Beer Festival. This year's series is better than last year's. It gives a great audio visit to the festival.

NPR's Kitchen Window podcast from August 8 features a nice interview with Komi's Johnny Monis.

Even better slightly heated with a simple side of vanilla ice cream. But it gets everything a little to sticky when eating it that way while driving.

I second all the comments made above. A fantastic writer and speaker on both beer and whisky. All About Beer posted his most recent column which, as it turns out, is rather ironic.

I just had the distinct pleasure of watching Cathal Armstrong, with Eve and Eamonn, on Chefs A'Field: Kids on the Farm. They paid a visit to Polyface Farm (familiar to all the Omnivore's Dilemma fans, as well as purchasers of Eco-Friendly foods at our local farmers' markets) and Joel Salatin took them (and us through them!) on a tour of the farm, and a discussion about his philosophy. That's followed by Cathal (with the kids) demonstrating a chicken dish that I most definitely will be making in the near future. For the life of me, I can't quite figure out how (or why) PBS sets up their programming schedule so sloppily, so I have no idea exactly when it's on again (MPT on Sunday the 19th?) but I cannot stress this enough -- Watch this program. Just watch it.

I totally agree about the creativity at DFH. I just wish they had the talent to brew something that was less than 6% ABV. That seems to be a serious problem for them. I haven't been to Franklin's enough to categorize it like you did. Could be possible. But I really liked my occasional visits there. Hook and Ladder could go either way. I like the two beers they're out with now but after talking with their marketing folks, I'm not too confident. That District Chophouse lager was better than both of the Hook and Ladder beers. Why doesn't anyone grab some of the Legend Brewery product from Richmond?

Dude! I thought that was only at Central??!! But I found that the waiters there just didn't get the "phantom menu" thing. Give it all away, why don't you! But you're right. It's killer. Beats the pants of the phantom menu at Beck.

The Anniversary Lager I downed at the District Chophouse today was fantastic. Absolutely superb beer for a hot day. I think they're the best brewpub in the area, although their Bourbon Stout is foul for my taste. I wish Franklin's was easier to get to though. I've only been through that area twice, and both visits to Franklin's were great.

The tally is in and I'd like to congratulate agm and not quick draw for winning the Above and Beyond Award. Crackers and Cucas87 for Hostesses with Mostesses. But nothing. Absolutely nothing can be comparable to Ferment Everything. Between the home cured bacon and the home brewed beer there is no doubt for a second that he wins Best In Show -- Spring 2007. Amazing.

I have been seriously remiss in posting anything about my visits to the new Majestic. And, unfortunately, time has whittled away at a number of the memories, but I would truly be a terrible person if I did not at least share with you this. The Majestic is serving the best roast chicken I have had in the area. I have not had all of the roast chickens that many people have been raving about here. But I can say I thought it was the best I've had. And I've had Palena's. I extend my heartfelt apologies to the fine folks there who I promised to share my thoughts with, and I assure you I will join you again sometime soon for a complete download. (Most likely while I'm filling up my internal fuel tank!)

Crystal City Episode IV: A New Hope

Now that's the crust I remember. I didn't put that as a subtitle to this thread on a whim. It's the gosh-darned truth. There are a lot of places in the DC area that claim NY-Style Pizza and 99% of those claims are complete bullshit. The remaining 1% come oh-so-close but no cigar. Today I had it in, of all places, that deadly, strip of foul restaurants on S. 23rd Street in Crystal City between Eads and Fern. Cafe Pizzaiolo opened up quite recently in a building on the corner that has seen businesses come and go over the past 5 years or so. I would have skipped right by this place because everything on that strip just sucks patootie. But then I saw this review in yesterday's paper and, lo and behold, I'm familiar with the owner from a past life. Owner Larry Ponzi is one of the people responsible for the restaurant in the National Museum of the American Indian. And while it may not be fine dining, Mitsitam Cafe is one of the most unique and worthwhile places to eat in this city simply because of its special menu highlighting a broad array of Native American ingredients and recipes. That venture alone shows that Larry has class and vision. Cafe Pizzaiolo, the restaurant he just opened on his own proves he has talent. He makes two kinds of pizza, NY-style and Neapolitan. Personally I wasn't a fan of the Neapolitan. But I wouldn't hesitate to suggest you try it, as your taste may differ. My problem is that NY style is far and away my preference. And Cafe Pizzaiolo's NY style is far and away better than any NY style pizza I've had in the area. (For the record, my preference has always been Vace, but as I said above, close but no cigar). Great crunch. Great resistance. Great chew. Just enough shimmering oil from the sausage. Wonderful yeasty flavor. Fresh tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella. Pepperoni and roasted garlic also topped my selection today. If you get it, and you should, be sure to keep it simple. The menu has a lot of toppings available that I consider questionable, such as pineapple and chicken breast, but I'm more of a purist and would also make the possession or sale of cinnamon raisin bagels a capital crime if given the chance. Hey, so when is Bebo's pizza oven going to be running? Who cares anymore? Unless you are allergic to NY style pizza, why even consider putting up with all the service issues at Bebo? Drinkie drinks? Aside from the fresh brewed iced tea, today there were five red wines and four white wines (including a prosecco) to choose from. All Italian and not a single cute animal on the labels. By the glass from 5-8 dollars, bottles run $19-$29, but if you choose to take your bottle to go instead of dining in the restaurant, that bottle price drops almost in half. Beers? I didn't see any drafts, but the bottle list is nothing to sneeze at. No Bud or Miller in the bunch. Bell's Two Hearted or Oberon. Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA or Indian Brown Ale. Peroni. Fuel Cafe Stout from Lakefront Brewery in Wisconsin. All about $4.75/bottle. The dining room is pleasant. Warm wood and colorful abstract oil paintings. Neon light accents and Italian advertising posters. I think it was a coffee bar, Starbucks-type knockoff before Cafe Pizzaiolo opened and you most definitely will see some resemblance. It definitely has that cafe feel. But as any Rays the Steaks diner will tell you, "who cares about decor?" (I'm also stuck thinking of George Costanza saying, "Eyebrows? Who cares about eyebrows?") This is the kind of pizza that can be baked early in the day, left out on a tray stand and eaten by the cut slice hours later and still taste great even if it's not reheated. And he sells it by the slice too! In a world surrounded by crap delivery pizza, Pizzaiolo delivers too. So now there's no need to order delivery from anywhere else if you're in the neighborhood. Larry is an independent local businessman who lives in the area and clearly takes pride in what he does. He is EXACTLY the kind of person who needs the support and word of mouth by people like us. And he wants to hear what you think, too. So be sure to tell him. Bottom line.......consider a visit to Cafe Pizzaiolo. If you take Metro, it's only about an 8 minute walk from the Crystal City station and essentially is no farther than going to Bebo or any of the other spots there on Crystal Drive. It's just a couple blocks further away from the river. If you like it, post it. If you don't, send me a PM first so I can come and choke you with a cinnamon raisin bagel before you have a chance to type your first vowel. ETA: This is $20 Tuesday country, pardners.

You hadn't heard she's training to be a Jedi Knight?

Hey! How's everybody doing tonight?? Great! Good on ya! Ok. Somewhere there's probably a thread that has lots of back and forth about how long you're supposed to wait for a restaurant to get settled before you say anything about it. There is definitely some merit to that. I cannot sit idly by when restaurant critics allow comment for restaurants that haven't even opened to the public yet...which has happened. On the other hand, there's the "you're taking my money" crowd. Anyway, so when I discuss my meal with assorted companions this evening there was a lot of "they're new" going on. Yeah. But we're now three-ish weeks into service and I've had comments on other restaurants sooner so......Sorry to let you down but... Ain't All That Which is not to say that Beck can't become killer. The crowd was packing the house tonight so clearly there's something positive happening here for folks but, for me, it was 50-50. I loved the beer. That Bavik is just fantastic. Goes down smooth. Not too strong. Not too challenging. Perhaps my favorite lager in the last two weeks. (But couldn't surpass the Harviestoun Schiehallion that jparrot, stretch and I had in Boston recently). But that entire list is just amazing. What a great beer program. (But isn't it kinda cheesy for Beck to be serving Beck's? Can we start a pool to find out when some poor sap says "I didn't know you were a brewpub!") So, the beer was great. Not so great -- The food. Eh. Okay, the mussels were really good. Massive. The size of hamsters. (which I understand is a delicacy in Syria!) But the steak tartare? Eh. The grind and texture were right on. Chunky and with heft. The opposite of BdC or Les Halles which is ground. But what was wrong with Beck's? Someone seemed to have forgotten the seasoning. No essence of anything remotely resembling anything in the family of herbs or spices. Sure, there was stuff around the side of the plate and some kind of "dressing." But completely devoid of any flavor that I've been accustomed to finding in tartare, such as pickle or hot sauce or, well, anything. Boring. But the main dislike was the pork belly. When I think of pork belly, I'm expecting a piece of meat that's going to fall apart into gooey, fatty shreds just because I looked at it funny. This pork belly had the texture of an overcooked and dry pork roast. Grill marks and all. There was nothing to like about this pork belly. And I kept digging into it hoping I'd find that spot where the fatty goodness would be, but no luck. (The dish was kindly taken off of the check when I reported my displeasure with it.) The bread basket was great. Incredible crispy crust. Flavorful soft interior. That bread may very well be the best restaurant bread I've had in the area. Amazingly good. The frites? Well, I mentioned them before I'll mention them again. Much better at BdC or Les Halles. The limp to crisp frites ratio at Beck was improperly skewed towards limp. Another like. A serious like. The service. Stellar. Helpful, friendly, accommodating, timely and right on target. Just superb. Another dislike. A serious dislike. I couldn't hear a fucking thing in there. I don't know what the story is with the acoustics, but trying to listen to Mrs. CF who was all of about 2.5 feet away from me, if that, was impossible. This wasn't an issue with crowd. This was acoustics. And I didn't like the layout, which seemed utterly disjointed. And the crowd? Well, I was really impressed with the woman who walked in as we were leaving dressed LIKE A FUCKING SNOW BUNNY RETURNING FROM THE SLOPES! White, quilted ski jacket, tight white pants and a white headband that looked more like earmuffs. Who goes out like that? Doesn't she have one friend who could step up to the plate and say, "uh, no." ?? Ok. So I'm a curmudgeon. But I'm not busting the bubble here because I'm meanspirited. The Mrs. and I just didn't feel the love that everyone else seems to have found. I'd go back to Beck for beers. I may even dig into another dish or two to get a better sampling. But you know what? I wandered over to Corduroy right after leaving Beck, and all became good in the world. And Corduroy has Murphy's on tap!

With no commentary and just imagery, this is one powerful documentary about the food we eat. (Well, it's about industrial food production in Europe, but you'll know what translates to this country). "Our Daily Bread" is apparently repeating tomorrow and Sunday on the Sundance Channel.

I just learned of this dairy's demise this morning at Courthouse market. I was shocked. Nothing can be done to help Adam. But that doesn't mean that nothing can be done at all. Think of it this way, to my knowledge, Blue Highland was the only source for relatively large numbers of people in this area to buy milk untouched by agribusiness, yes? This is a metro area with millions and millions of people, and not everyone wants that kind of milk, but why should we stand by when the odds are so stacked against the individual like Adam and now we don't have a choice anymore in what we buy? What can be done? For starters, I think the folks at FreshFarm Markets should be hitting their email list with information. That can be passed along here and forwarded, too. And perhaps they can move their informational tent at Dupont from where it currently is to the spot where Blue Highland used to be. What information should they give out? Well, why not tell a little bit about the unique nature of what we were all able to buy from Adam? Or, why not share a little bit about Michael Pollan's recent NY Times article regarding the upcoming Farm Bill vote? Even better, why not alert Michael Pollan to the situation himself? Perhaps this example, if given a high enough profile, (and a high profile individual like Pollan using this situation to put a human face to the producers and consumers affected) might provoke enough attention in our seat of government to actually help to make some changes in the situation?

I realize there's very little to what I'm going to say to help others in determining what to eat, where to sit, what to drink, etc. etc. but to give a simple, to-the-point, mini-review -- Dinner last night at A la Lucia was fucking amazing!

My friend, you are so right, you make fascists look like commies.