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saxdrop

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  1. saxdrop
    [I hesitate to start new threads but I suspect there will be more posts on this one] Couple brief thoughts before I forget. Maybe I'll return and do a more thorough writeup. I was able to swing by last Saturday on what I believe was the second full day of business. They already seemed to be humming on all cylinders, service wise. I didn't get to try dinner, but we had several drinks in the bar at a four top table in the corner. Service was extremely friendly - even going as far as to repeatedly apologize for getting in the weeds behind the bar (really, the waits were not bad). The young-ish, attractive crowd seems to have already descended on the place. As we left (around 6pm), they seemed to be beginning a brisk dinner service. They clearly put a ton of design resources into this place. It's slick, modern, with some clever touches. Note: the restaurant/bar is on the 2nd floor, but they have an elevator. By coincidence it turns out my friend Candice is working there, and she mentioned they hope to start distillery tours soon (on the 1st floor, where the hostess stand is). A special shout to the bar staff: they have some killer signature cocktails, and the bartender that night improvised at my request an ad hoc Cachaça drink (their substitute for not having any pisco for a pisco sour) that was excellent. I'll definitely be back but I suspect this place will get crazy very quickly.
  2. saxdrop
    Dupont location - Saturday, about 8pm Several open bar seats. 2/3 full dining room. How did I not know about this place? As others have said, completely without pretense. Our bartender Lorraine was a sweetheart. Only had appetite for a split order of the house moules frites (Mussels St. Arnold's - Ommegang Abbey, shallots, thyme, and duck fat (!)). Would've like to try some other items, but even now looking at the menu nothing really jumps out at me. Of course paired with a couple Belgian beers. Got out of there for a song. I'm not really in Dupont very often these days, but this'll be a go to esp. if I need a last-minute spot to meet and/or grab a bite.
  3. saxdrop
    If anyone's dodging holiday traffic and sticking around, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is sponsoring a FREE music festival Fri-Sun at the Lincoln Theatre on U Street. I'm particularly excited cause I'll be performing around 7pm on Saturday (my first time at that venue), but the entire wknd lineup looks great. Addt'l info: FB page / DC Music Download mention / DC Arts page Whatever you do, weather looks like it's gonna be pretty damn decent, so go out and enjoy it!
  4. saxdrop
    I think this is a fair assessment. They deliver now (not a great sign) -- so of course we tried it last night. A couple buns, a heavily brined chicken sandwich w/ fries (!) and ramen. Everything was pretty good for delivery, not that any ramen can or should hold after that kind of delay. I guess I'm glad to have another delivery option in my neighborhood, but sad to lose what seemed like a shining star. Overall impression is they're definitely changing the brand - from chef-driven, meticulous, idiosyncratic to crowd-pleaser, larger volume, everything to everyone type place.
  5. saxdrop
    Came for a very early dinner on Sunday after the crazy thunderstorm cleared. We were one of the first patrons through the door after opening so I haven't had to contend with the crowds or wait that @Simul Parikh and others have commented on. Eat: Guacamole, Verde Asado Salsa (tomatillo, garlic, serrando), Ceviches: Sea Scallop / Hamachi, Amarillo Mole (striped bass), and Tacos: Fried Oyster / Al Pastor Drink: A flight of three mezcals (see picture) FOH staff was without fail accommodating, friendly, and cheerful. Again, they weren't at all in the weeds so it was a lower level of difficulty round. My dining companion was supposed to be in a wheelchair, which I alerted the restaurant to before arriving. They had kindly and without fuss arranged for a table that was accessible. Worth nothing: the entrance and bathroom are also wheelchair-accessible. Turns out my friend was feeling better than usual and was up on her crutches this day so it wasn't necessary in the end but the way they happily complied was satisfying. Mezcal: Knowing almost nothing about this drink, we turned ourselves over to our server. They've obviously structured the mezcal menu and trained the staff for exactly this kind of low-information customer. He started by asking what our usual preferred liquor is. Having said "I'm a rye guy" he set us up with a flight called "The Whiskeys of Mezcal." It's smart that they've pre-assembled these tastings and my guess is the flights have been big sellers. Standouts: The heritage masa they use for the corn tortillas is just out of this world. The Al Pastor did not disappoint. A mezcal called Rey Campero was my favorite of the three we tried (most resembling a rye whiskey). Also a shoutout to our server Dallas was an absolute joy and had a lot of fun with us. He alerted us to their new late-night bar menu, which will go to 1am on weekend. I have a copy of the menu but can't seem to find it right now. I do recall it including a 6 oz. mezcal pour for $21 (which seems like asking for trouble!). Price: I think we spent around $140 (incl. tax). So I echo others -- it's not cheap. But I think they're cooking at a high level, sourcing some ridiculous ingredients , and given the location the overhead must be vertiginous. I imagine this'll be a place I'll look forward to getting a more affordable lunch at if I'm in the neighborhood, or swinging by during HH if it doesn't look too crazy. UPDATE: In response to @bettyjoan, there was no dessert listed on the main menu, and we were not offered any. But if you're craving something sweet to end the meal, Buttercream Bakeshop is two doors down (past All Purpose). That's what we did after a spicy and smoky dinner. They have some incredible pastries from master pastry chef Tiffany MacIsaac, both small and big and also feature Compass Coffee. A few seats but not big. I had a cherry scone, a double shot of espresso, and a few bites from my friend's chess cake. Espita may have (intentionally or not) realized they're better off in a more cooperative relationship of specialization with the neighbors!
  6. saxdrop
    Thanks for the update. I was wondering myself. My gang used to be regulars there for about the first year or so after opening, and were pretty friendly with Scott and the staff. Then we all either moved out of the neighborhood or had kids and whatnot so, absence by attrition. Always really appreciated what they were doing and Scott definitely worked himself ragged getting the place up and running. I'm overdue for a reunion. Speaking of which, way back when, he kept telling us they were taking over the place next door and opening a full-service butcher/charcuterie. Doesn't seemed to have happened, but anyone have info intel on why?
  7. saxdrop
    Dropped in last night for an early supper. Food: (shared everything): Crispy Spiced Chick Peas, Meatballs, Tuna Crudo, Steak Tartare, and two pizzas (Duck Duck Goose and Puttanesca). Drink: Wolffer Dry Rose Cider from NY (I mean c'mon, it's like a 100 degrees out!). Also sipped from Evolution Craft Pine'hop'le and a gose I can't recall. Cost: $48pp (incl. tax/tip) Good to know: Ample parking lot (unless super busy) My first time, but doesn't seem like much has changed since @Choirgirl21's thorough soft opening writeup from 2012. The beer list is one of the more impressive in Baltimore, not merely because of size (on that count, there are longer ones) but the variety, availability of flights, inclusion of oddballs, and sheer rep of locals. Not sure exactly how formalists would categorize the pizza: not quite neapolitan or Roman, but nonetheless wood-fired. The Duck Duck Goose was just too rich for me to enjoy more than a slice, which made me happy I was primarily responsible for the excellent Puttanesca. The Chick Peas were the big surprise: a heaping portion and not afraid to bring the heat. Their Steak tartare is apparently very popular but I preferred the tuna. Takeaway: this Clipper Mill/Woodberry/Hampden area is becoming my favorite F&B neighborhood in Baltimore between this place, Woodberry Kitchen (natch), Union Craft Brewing, and of course La Cuchara. Postscript: Swung by the relatively new (I believe) Waverly Brewing Company for a quick one on the way home. They have limited hours on Sunday so we only had one each: a ginger pale ale (okay), and a trippel (full on excellent). Snake Hill was just breaking down their pop-up, which smelled delicious. They have a few tables outside in the shade too.
  8. saxdrop
    Baltimore Sun reporting they finally launched just under three weeks ago, after a near three-year delay. Anyone been yet? "Long-Awaited Pizzeria Paulie Gee's Opens in Hampden" by Sarah Meehan on baltimoresun.com
  9. saxdrop
    -- Sun., July 17 @ Wolf Trap: Tedeschi Trucks Band / Los Lobos / North Mississippi Allstars (my annual outing) Sorry buddy, not likely. Possibly Madison Square Garden for NYE. Saw both nights @ Wrigley Field tho.
  10. saxdrop
    [assuming you're in that area] How's Pizzeria Orso lately? I'd found their quality had a high variance, not unrelated to various chef changes (e.g., Edan Macquaid, Will Artley, etc). I ask b/c between Takumi, Orso, and Elevation + Smashburger, that block is becoming quite a lunch hub.
  11. saxdrop
    Went tonight on the recommendation of Tyler Cowen, who in turn was advised by @DonRocks. I think I can appreciate good sushi and Japanese izakaya items, but I'm no expert, so I'll leave to others to grade the quality. But I was very satisfied and perhaps more inclined to return here than other more heralded spots in DC. Had six nigiri selections. Standouts were: tuna, aji (horse mackerel), and uni. But everything was great: fatty tuna (maki), arctic char, salmon, and a special I can't recall. Also had a reasonably priced Taisetsu ("Ice Dome") sake. Fair but efficient service, casual environs. Music (Hidden Beach-style smooth jazz) could use some work. But the star attraction, Chef Jay Yu and his product, are top notch and for whatever reason I felt appreciated. As Tyler put it: "This is the best sushi place around, period.... It compares favorably with the elite places of DC." I can't disagree but I don't have the wherewithal to offer judgment.
  12. saxdrop
    Is it revealing my ignorance, unjustified elitism, or both that upon visiting their website it was clear I've never visited (or even heard of) any of their restaurants? Based on their employee satisfaction, should I plan a visit based on expected service alone?
  13. saxdrop
    Nearly four years later...I wouldn't put much weight behind pushing back on @Mark Dedrick's take above. Rather, I'd add emphasis to his use of the word "solid." Stopped in for dinner last week and I'd offer this proposition for discussion: is there a more charming dining room on the Hill? How about in NE? From the mismatched serving ware to the unapologetically old-fashioned furniture and decorations. Alternatively, as @DonRocks put it in the DC Dining Guide capsule review: "A fine French bistro in a quirky setting, great onglet, some of the best wines by-the-glass in town, a little gem"
  14. saxdrop
    I'm a roughly weekly visitor to the Upton Hill batting cages - usually Saturday or Sunday mornings. They open on 10am on weekends until Labor Day. It can get a little crowded as it moves into afternoon, but I've never seen it with more than a 2 min. wait for any of the cages. I was there yesterday in fact. The blood blisters on my lead hand notwithstanding, it's a great visit (don't worry, it's my flimsy batting gloves, not any of their equipment). Some insider tips: 1. $1.50/round (1 round = 14 pitches). There's also a special: $7/5 rounds or something like that. I always drop $20 and that pretty much exhausts me. 2. Helmets and bats are free. They fairly recently replaced their helmets - pretty decent full mask and the padding is all intact (for now) but it's still public equipment, y'know? The bats are about what you expect. I'd recommend they just regrip them, but I'll take it. 3. I usually camp out in the Fast Pitch cages (#1 and #2). Supposedly these are 80mph+, but I don't buy that theyre anything more than 70 tops. At least one of these machines will crap out every 3-6 rounds or so. But the staff is quick to run out to unjam the hopper and is pretty loose with free rounds as compensation.
  15. saxdrop
    Had lunch here today. Much better than my first experience at a Friday night dinner soon after opening. Had: Chilled Carrot Soup, Coq au Vin, Meyer Lemon Tart The latter two items qualify as excellent, but both extremely rich so I couldn't finish either. The carrot soup was adequate; could have been more chilled. Service was also excellent throughout. Based on only two visits, very far apart, the limited data indicates an upward slope but my margin of error here is high.
  16. saxdrop
    Had a group dinner in the 2nd floor dining room last night. This was my first return since I had lunch there some time in the restaurant's first couple months. My general impression is exactly the same as it was (3 years ago!). So thumbs up for consistency, but as @lekkerwijn said in the thread's initial post, it just never measures up to anything, The bar was extremely busy for a Monday night - possibly spillover from the ticket line next door at The Hamilton - and the main dining room moderately busy. Had Ensalada de Jicama, Roasted Pork Shoulder, and Margarita Pura (tequila reposada, agave, lime). Only that last item really sang. N.B. Though others have confirmed Todd English is no longer actively involved, his book(s) and merchandise is still prominently displayed.
  17. saxdrop
    In NYC over the weekend for a birthday getaway. Was able to spend several hours getting acquainted with The Dutch, the new-ish spot from Andrew Carmellini in SoHo. Unfortunately didn't ever make it over to a proper table as I was using the place as a meetup for folks. But got to try several of their items via the bar. Definitely get the fried oyster mini sandwiches (order several), the hot fried chicken (semi-famous in his cookbook), and anything they're recommending from the raw bar. The real standout, though, is the service. Top notch at every station -- the killer bartenders somehow made dealing with the Friday evening post-HH rush seem effortless and kudos to the beverage director Brynn who took care of us with a little extra. I'd recommend going for lunch or early in the evening during nice weather when the sun is still out and occupying the counter seating alongside the open windows.
  18. saxdrop
    Summary review: Went Sunday for dinner as part of an overnight Memorial Day getaway. Place was doing good business on a night with bad weather. Great lively feel and a very cool but underpopulated bar. Standout dish was the crispy snapper which was finished by ladling hot fry oil over the scales. The beef short rib had promise but was overly salty - mgmt was kind enough to take it off the bill. Was impressed by the inclusion of a semi-funky french cider (750 mL format) on the menu, which we polished off in lieu of dessert before heading to Monk's Cafe. If my visits to Philly weren't so infrequent, and there weren't so many other deserving spots on the, I'd definitely go back. But unlikely at this point.
  19. saxdrop
    A brief postscript: the weather being sunny yesterday for the first day in a while, swung by Johnny's patio for its last day at this location (it's two blocks from my office). Perhaps shouldn't have been surprised it was populated by a couple small group happy hours (office groups, not fundraisers) and only a smattering of actual diners. The dining room was effectively empty, but the patio was moderately full. We took the occasion to enjoy the weather at one of the couches in the rear patio, and people-watched the cable news personalities walk out of the adjacent office building where many of the studios are. We realized we didn't take advantage of this patio enough, just as a pure proximity play. The food isn't crave worthy and the drinks are weak, but the service was adequate and the homemade oyster crackers were a nice touch. Unfortunately great food options are scarce on the Hill proper (esp. the Senate side) so maybe this is an opportunity for something better to move in, but it's a pretty big space so I'm guessing only a [mini-]chain would have that kind of capital. [N.B.: As a Congressional staffer, I could definitely engage with @Kibbee Nayee's and @DaveO's comments above, but I'll refrain for now ]
  20. saxdrop
    I had the same experience, both on the field and on the concourse. I remember getting in was a little slow, but never had a problem getting beer, liquor, or water. And i don't usually carry cash but always bring some to events - i used both cash and card that day. There was a weird portion in the middle where because of a thunderstorm, they paused the show and moved everyone to the covered stands. But they made the right call there. And to be fair to rockcreek, I didn't stay to the very end, so maybe things went sideways after I left.
  21. saxdrop
    I saw the sun yesterday! I swear the sun was out! Accordingly, we cruised around yesterday (Mon, May 16) looking for a new place to try. I hadn't been to CityView for probably a year or so. When we dropped in, they said the dining room was full so we grabbed seats at the bar, with our backs to the open patio (around 7pm). Ordered: Ricotta (starter), Margherita pizza, Maltagliati. The whipped Ricotta dish is house made (and as described by @eatruneat). The pizza is not - nor intended to be - a traditional Neapolitan pie. It's a signature Michael Schlow style, closer to a New York-Neapolitan, with less cornicione, less rise, and without the coal oven. [So I guess, not so NYN after all]. Was okay but I won't crave it. The maltagliati (also described above, similar to pappardelle) was a must because FAVA BEANS (also pecorino and braised rabbit). The pasta is obviously fresh, but lacks the texture and chew of the superlative Red Hen, and the fava beans didn't seem integrated or of a piece with the dish. By the time we were finishing up around 8pm, despite it being a Monday, the bar was already full and the dining room humming. I wasn't blown away by any of the (limited) selections we made, but everything was executed well and we finished it all. I can see how they're going for a neighborhood audience - albeit a an upscale neighborhood, w/ L'Hommage Bistro across the street and many floor of high-end condos up above. The bar area is breezy (literally, with the windows open) and light feeling. Michael Schlow clearly has found a vein in DC and I'm sure this place will do as well as the others. Good spot for early dinner with friends, a not-too-special occasion, taking less adventurous out-of-town company, or the aforementioned CityView resident who's tired of Busboy & Poets.
  22. saxdrop
    Let me pile on. Went Sunday, May 8 around 6pm for a spontaneous get together with some industry friends who live down the street. In all we had a group of 6, and were able to post along the corner seats at the bar (the ones adjacent to the hostess stand) as soon as we got there. Summary judgment: Food? Excellent. Service? Excellent. Environment? Excellent. Maybe I'll come back and edit this post to give the full rundown on everything we ate and drank (it ended up being A LOT), but everyone else has pretty much nailed it. [Who does bread this good anyway?] Also apologies to anyone else dining that night in our vicinity as we were, um, boisterous. Yes, we were that group, but fortunately the restaurant design allows for a decent separation between dining room and bar, and the other bar patrons seemed amused if anything.
  23. saxdrop
    Funk Parade Anyone planning on going ? If you're on the fence, I highly recommend it. Last year was one of the most fun days I had all year! As long as the weather holds, it's a great excuse to spend a few hours wandering around U Street, checking out the parade and free day shows and then popping into a venue/bar for more music later. My big question is, what's the optimal food strategy on/near U Street when things will be so crazy? If anyone ends up dropping by, come say hi! I'll playing at it for the 3rd year in a row as part of the evening showcases (7-10pm) @ Archipelago (1201 U St).
  24. saxdrop
    I'm a couple months (with some weeks off) into Blue Apron. [Note: I have some invitations for free trials - message me if you would like to try it out] Like Bettyjoan has described, the appeal of particular meals can be up and down. Last night I made what was probably my favorite meal so far: Za'tar-crusted chicken breast, with couscous and asparagus. The ingredients included a pink lemon, which I've never handled before. As others have said, you have some flexibility in meal choices, which they offer up several weeks in advance. There are generally 6 recipes to choose from available in a given week, but there some restrictions on combinations you can choose depending on overlapping ingredients and such. I can also attest that they really do try to stay as seasonal as is reasonable. This can be a drawback as it seemed like for a while, there were several weeks in a row where kale was constantly on the menu. Same with salmon, which I just generally get tired of quickly. I've also had some disappointing meals and/or recipes that required an inordinate number of utensils/pans/etc - that just didn't seem that convenient and somewhat defeated the purpose. You can pause your subscription at will. Can't speak for environmental-friendliness of packaging. There does seem to be QUITE A LOT of it in every shipment, though. Each box is packed and insulated very well. It has overall been a convenient service, well-executed, at a reasonable (though I wouldn't say cheap) price.
  25. saxdrop
    Just posted on Facebook ---- Cusbah 3 hrs Dear loyal Cusbah Patrons, H Street neighbors and future guests, A number of local blogs are reporting the impending closure of Cusbah on May 1, 2016. The inundation of phone calls, which both reflect support and curiosity have prompted this note. Cusbah is currently in a legal dispute with our landlord regarding our lease. Since we opened for business in August of 2012 we have made every effort, in good faith, to remain in favorable standing with our landlord, our customers and our neighbors. Having that said, Cusbah has every intention to be open at its current address on May 1, 2016. Cusbah ownership, management and staff thank you for all your support. We look forward to having the privilege to serve you today, tomorrow and well into the future. Cusbah Ownership
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