saxdrop

It's been a few months, but Chuko is a frequent last stop on my drive out of NY. A Sunday afternoon bowl, with a side of homemade pickles, and a liter bottle of sparkling water is pretty much my favorite thing to do before cruising out of Brooklyn after a weekend trip.

Didn't see them mentioned above... Since I live in Arlington, Brooklyn Bagel is a decent option. But, having grown up in Brooklyn, Bullfrog Bagels on H St. are the only acceptable "gifting" bagels in my repertoire (as in, the only ones I'll bring into the office for others). Ignore me if this is all obvious: they're located in a side operation within Star & Shamrock, and thusly keep limited hours (7am-1pm). But they have a convenient online ordering system on the website so you can make pickup super quick. Decent breakfast sandwiches, and highly recommend the jalapeno cream cheese.

Were you knowingly referencing Cooper's parting with Marriott, or was that just a coincidence?

Hit up Red Hen on Saturday for an early sup. What can I say that hasn't already been endlessly blogged and commented on? A couple of my hopefully novel personal thoughts: --This is my 5th or 6th visit since opening. I've never bothered to get a reservation, and always been able to snag a seat (or two) at the bar within 15 minutes. Yes, it requires some hovering, but the bar staff is always accommodating in trying to serve the "2nd row" bar patrons. I've also only rarely seen campers at the bar during a dinner rush - everyone seems to get it. --Service is surprisingly quick, but not rushed. I wonder if that signals to the bar/walk-ins that they shouldn't linger. --Quality of dishes, especially the pastas. has never wavered. My friend commented that his rigatoni (my favorite dish) was on the edge of being overseasoned, but that's a knife's edge call. Also had the: Burrata w/ broccolini Cavatelli (w/ something of a carbonara inspired sauce) "Gnocchi" which was actually more of fried polenta squares Everything was crave worthy. --In the past, they've had their own house label Rose. This time they had an excellent VA cider. Glad to see more places embracing interesting ciders. Both are things I'd happily drink again. --Despite the crappy weather, even at 6:15 this place was in full dinner rush. We were told 10pm if we actually wanted a table for 2! Of course my plan was the bar all along, and they surprised us by offering us reserved wall counter seating before I finished my first drink. If you can swing it, my rec is to visit on a Tue/Wed, go early (6ish) and post up at a bar seat. The bartenders are some of the best people there and you get the best view of the big open kitchen.

Being reported that Cusbah is closing on May 1. https://districtcuisine.com/2016/04/11/cusbah-closing-by-may-1/

Papi's Taco Joint On an unseasonably cold spring Sunday, with temps dipping below zero, we engaged in some culinary counterprogramming with street tacos and Coronas for dinner. This was my first visit and and my friends' n-th time there. It's a cute place. Full service bar area as you walk in, a small dining room is adjacent (maybe 20 seats) and a covered patio (even smaller) with heat lamps. Collectively we've only ever tried the tacos, which you order from a small printed menu pad on each table, wherein you check off your selections like a sushi menu. They come in orders of two ($5-8.50). I went with braised short rib (probably their most popular) and the ground beef - both with soft shells, with cilantro, onion, radish, lime wedge. Incredibly flavorful meats and fresh veggies. Complimentary chips/salsa are clearly made in house but the former were cold and otherwise unremarkable. Service is quick and attentive. For < $15, I had a very filling meal plus an adult beverage. Just one order of two + chips may be plenty for lunch. I'll definitely be back. Warning: the habanero-based sauces on the table (one red, one green) should be approached like like Caps fans entering the playoffs (with cautious enthusiasm). Anyone been to either of their sister restaurants: Alexander's Tavern (also in Fells) or Huck's American Craft (Canton)?

Hey all. Ive been a kind of fan from afar of this message board for some time now - I often saw posts referenced on other blogs and so on. Not sure why it took me so long to sign up and start posting. Im already loving the interaction and community I've seen so far. Hope I can contribute something. I'm mostly found in the north Arlington area and Capitol Hill, with occasional work stops in Hampden (Baltimore). Not in the industry, though did a little back of house and retail in high school/college. ...btw, anyone know where I can grab a decent bite to eat?

I can recommend Roscoe's Pizzeria. Does it qualify as "interesting" like gibmrm asked for? Probably not. But they give an earnest attempt at neapolitan pies, done with care, and they have a great rotating beer list. Very family-friendly as well.

Dropped by Water & Wall on Sunday. It was, what I assume, a rare miss. Service was fine but food was underseasoned, or in the case of the shrimp and grits, lacking any salt at all. This is a far cry from my earlier visits and the preponderance of reviews. Tim Ma is still tweeting about new dishes at Water & Wall, but based on the WCP linked by @cheezepowder, I don't see how he'll be able to meaningfully put in kitchen time at Water & Wall AND Kyirisan

Visited Aggio on March 26 (Saturday of Easter Weekend). We were headed to a show at Ram's Head Live, so dropped by Power Plant around 7 to grab dinner. Been a fan of Range, and HUGE fan of VOLT for some time now, but its been a while since I've been able to drop by either. With the recent announcement of a new Voltaggio property at the MGM National Harbor and recent closing of Aggio in Bethesda (as Don linked to above), I was worried the domain may be beyond the reach of one king. Unfortunately, if Aggio is a useful proxy, one should worry about the future of the VOLT diaspora. Tried: Octopus, Cocoa Agnolotti, Campanelle (w/ crawfish, trotters, and lardo), and Trout. Service: No complaints. We sat at the bar. One of the guys from Rye in Fells Point (now closed) was helping out behind the bar [he's opening a bar atop the Quintessential Gentleman]. The cocktail specials were excellent. Overall: it seemed the kitchen wasn't tasting as items went out. Seasoning was highly variable, in some cases non-existent and overpowering in others. The Octopus was very chewy but had appealing seafood flavor. Cocoa agnolotti was dominated by the sweetness of the cocoa without any balancing bitterness. Trout was excellent: spare, crispy skin, well-executed, but perhaps a bit meager for $29. Btw, bread service is EXCELLENT. Was surprised how slow service was, even at 8pm, but again it was Easter weekend.