erikv

Picked up some monkfish last night, but when I got home I realized that I have no idea how to cook it. Does anyone have any good recipes to recommend? Thanks

Cannot wait! Is it wrong that I get sad when I walk by RTS? Maybe I need a new hobby other than coveting the food of Michael and Michael

Bring back the Gold Rush Sandwhich! Roy's on River Rd (by Talbert's) provided many a memory in High School...

I vote for the sunny and 80 degree day

Went to Tabaq on Saturday night for dinner with a few friends. The table on the rooftop provided a great view of DC, and made for an intimate setting...however, it was almost impossible to read the menu without holding it directly above the candles on the table. Yes, the drinks were expensive, but they offered some more unusual cocktail selections, which were nice to try out. (on a side note, plates of empty glasses by the bar must have broken very loudly all over the floor at least three times throughout the night. Once is a mistake, but 3 times!!) Either our table all really really enjoyed the bread with basil olive oil dipping sauce, or we were starving; not quite sure since we had to sit for a while (around 20min) before having our orders taken. 3 of us all shared various tapas plates (shrimp, eggplant wrap, and a few other forgettable ones) that all more or less had the same temperature and texture. One of my friends ordered the kabab entree and loved it. It was also a very generous portion, so he offered some tastes to the rest of us. The kebab entree was by far the highlight of the night (other than the setting of the meal). Would I go there again? Eventually. Anytime soon? Not likely. Overall impression? Average food meets "club" setting/vibe.

I believe Michael might serve the plastic deer in the window as the "mystery meat".....but it will be delicious

Wow, not so good stuff to be eating/drinking. Thanks for the enlightening link

Does anyone know if the Brickskellar is currently well-stocked? Or am I better off going to Pizzaria Paradiso to get some good drafts (would like to avoid RFD this weekend due to the bball, etc)?

I completely agree. I have never felt rushed by Michael or anyone else at RTS. In my experience I have been able to enjoy the wine, food, and the company at my table at a leisurely pace (even when being told before sitting at a 6pm slot that I would have to make room by 7ish). He is definately doing the best he can with the situation.

I took my parents to Ray's last night for their first time there and we all had a wonderful experience! I can't remember the last time they even ate red meat, but they both commented on how flavorful, perfectly cooked, and glad they were that they ordered the hanger steak. I have been trying to introduce my parents to good places to eat for the past few years, and they said that the service, hospitality, and food at RTS really surprised them (I think they were a bit skeptical regarding the decor at first, but they quickly got over it). Both didn't leave a single scrap on their plates. I on the other hand brought home a good chunk of my delicious house ribeye (any recommendations on reheating it for tonight?). I won't be able to attend the Mystery dinner (unless about 40 people decide not to go ), but I look forward to hearing all about it from everyone. Have a great time!

In my experience the beer has vastly outperformed the food (their mashed potatoes being an exception)

So you're telling me there's a chance? Have a good time everyone

I appreciate everyone's advice! I am compiling a list of potential places and will then get feedback from co-workers to help narrow things down a bit. I think I am going to steer clear from Rasika, Ceiba, Acadiana, or anything that might have too much emphasis on spice to the palates of some of my co-workers.

Love Allagash White, thanks for the other recs, I will definately keep an eye out for them.

Does anyone know if Hoegaarden was bought out by another company? It seems that it is now becoming more available (not that I'm complaining about that) and I was wondering what it might be attributable to? Additionally, any other Belgian White Ale recommendations would be welcomed...

How does such an irresponsible and ungrateful person even have friends who would trust and like him/her enough to invite them to a soft opening....or anything else for that matter....yikes

Sounds good to me...or any other time of the day or night....seriously

I wish it were entirely up to me, but I am going to ask for feedback from my team and try to do things democratically....But I'll let everyone know where we decide.

They make great screwdrivers, but perhaps that wouldn't go over too well for an office lunch

I guess someone had to come in last Have a good time everyone!

The consensus seems to be that people want to celebrate with "a night on the town" in either DC or Old Town. While the date has not been set, we anticipate trying to go on a Friday or Saturday within the next 6 weeks (once we can coordinate everyone's schedule). There are no special needs of anyone in the party other than wanting to be able to select between fish/meat and possibly pasta. We have a budget of around 4k for the night, so that comes out to around $222/person. Ideally, I'd like to stay perhaps a tad under this range while finding a place with excellent food that has an atmosphere that isn't too "stuffy" where my team can celebrate (ie: be possibly slightly overserved and loud at times). Thanks

I have been put in charge to find a place to take 9 co-workers (plus dates, 18 total). Price isn't too much of an issue, but having a diverse menu would be important. I apologize if this isn't the correct venue for this post, but I know I would get some great recommendations here. Thanks!

Thanks! I have the brown thumb disease as well, but think I will follow your advice and stop by that flower vendor and copy you.

Does anyone have recommendations for starting a small herb garden on the balcony of an apartment building? It will likely only get a few hours of direct sunlight per day. Thanks!

I respectfully disagree and think that the wings there are the worst I've ever had. They're practically fried mini-drumsticks oozing with oil. That being said, I've rarely come across a place with even decent wings in DC.... Best wings I've ever had were at Quaker Steak (which I believe is unfortunately a Western PA and Ohio chain)