zgast

I didn't say explicitly that I was only looking to spend $60-$80 on the wine. I've never had to do that - my understanding of the process is that the sommelier's responsibility is to read your cues on price - particularly when you are ordering for a table of guests. I also don't want to seem like I'm here to bash Fiola Mare. They made us a good meal with one glaring service error. Based on my experience, I probably would try other places again first as they're at a price point that isn't forgiving of errors, but that doesn't mean that Fiola Mare doesn't usually fire on all cylinders. It seems like others have had very good experiences there.

Yes - you got all those facts correct. The sommelier was a woman, but beyond that I couldn't tell you much more - it was last year. Unfortunately, my only witness was my wife. We were just headed out for our weekly date night, which would make it a Wednesday. I will say that the place was quite packed and most looked like expense account meals or big day celebrations. Perhaps we were mistaken for one of those, but I truly felt like I was following standard protocol for signaling my price point.

So - did you get the gig?

This - above - is what puzzles me. I've eaten in the majority of the places in that list and my overwhelming sentiment after eating at Fiola Mara was - 'Why did I just spend that much money for that meal?' Got off to a bad start when the sommelier tried to steer me to a $500 bottle on an ordinary Wednesday night. Politely asked about a $70 bottle to steer her back. She returned to a $450 bottle for her next recommendation. I inquired about another sub $100 bottle. She came back immediately with a $600 bottle. Sorry - that's not good service - that's running a racket. Food was good, but not great. At the end of the night, I shelled out as much for a meal there as at Le Bernadin. I've never described anything at the latter as good, not great. Ok - diatribe over - I'm one post closer to seeing Don's list.

Shame - Really did think this was the best of the Bethesda burger places. Perhaps the fact that that's a large group was the real problem. Haven't tried Fish Taco, but I'll give it a chance. The end of the Woodmont construction might even bring increased foot traffic back to the area.

Any word on soft or hard opening for Kapnos Kouzina in Bethesda? Seems like work has started progressing again there.

Hi - new user here. Looking forward to participating. Zach