beachgirl54

Last night, a martini to my boss, Reginald Gilliam, who passed away on Wednesday - suddenly and shocking to all of us. One of the best people I've ever worked with or for. Obit in the Post tomorrow - he was a great man.

It's my go-to place to pick up pastries for morning playdates on the weekends. Was there on Saturday AM and got those cinnamon and chocolate pretzel pastries, as well as some hammentaschen that were really good. My toddler was devouring all the generous samples of hammentaschen, apple cake, some other sweet loaf - you name it. It reminds me of the old German bakeries in Yorkville in NYC that were a part of my childhood - anyone out there remember Leonard's??

Was out this way hitting Lowe's (not one, but two - what a pain) and remembered that there was supposedly good pizza nearby. Thanks to UrbanSpoon, I found it. It was satisfying, not perfectly NY for me, as a NYer, but the crust was close and it was served hot, satisfying one of my pet peeves for not hot enough. Had one slice plain, one slice mushroom and a San Pellegrino orange soda, which I love. Service is very helpful, and chatted with one of the owners - Brooklyn born and bred. Won't make a trip out for it as I have Pupatella within walking distance (and it's very different than NY but I love it) but definitely will detour when I'm out that way to hit the big box stores.

It's been a year since anyone posted about this place so I had to share that it's still dang good. Growing up in NYC, this is the stuff I love and miss. Went with a friend, another New Yorker, and we split corned beef and pastrami, 1/2 sandwich each. We both agreed they were great but the corned beef was divine. Also had some cole slaw - good, not great, I like mine with more vinegar than mayo. Each sandwich was $7.25. Hours are later in the morning now, more like 9:30 am to 5 or 5:30 (don't remember). Sweet lady at register has retired but ownership is the same. Spoke with guy at register, who I assume is owner, and we talked about NY a bit ("Where you from?") I hope this place never goes away. Go there now.

Call their customer service line at 1-877-521-4191 - they've been really helpful when I've called before. Good luck.

Went for the first time yesterday for lunch with an old colleague who is a very picky eater - i.e. he ate nothing from the condiments bar, while I ate it all. Got the combo tacos and took 1/2 of it home for the kiddo who loved the meat. Also got guac & chips (I agree about the chips but I still ate them) and horchata, which is made fresh and very tasty. I spoke with one of the owners a bit (proud UMBC grad) and he said they're doing pretty well - they were especially swamped after Sietsema mention on Sunday, and have been busier since then so that's a good sign that they'll be around.

As an attorney, friends often ask me for referrals when they need a will, arguing a traffic ticket, fighting with a developer or contractor . . . while I don't have recommendations for EVERY kind of legal issue, I did (unfortunately) have occasion to need some outside legal counsel for a small civil matter a few years ago. A friend who works in the court system gave me Peter's name. He helped me put the matter to rest in a quick and professional matter, especially because it was an emotianally charged situation. His fee was fair, he has experience in both civil and criminal matters, and works independently. So, if you find yourself needing some legal advice, I recommend Peter. His office is in Old Town and his phone number is 703-684-6476. Nancy Bukar

Have no idea of the genesis of this place although, when I asked the manager, he said the owner was Ethiopian and had worked at a number of restaurants in the DC area. But we had a delicious meal there last night that I had to share, especially because I couldn't find another forum on Cedar . . . . Belated birthday dinner with two friends. Interesting cocktail menu - I had the Uziel, made with grapefruit vodka - very refreshing. Appetizers were shared - day boat scallops, cooked perfectly (often overcooked) and market lettuce salad, both quite good. I had the pork tenderloin with goat cheese grits (these needed a little salt, but I like salt) and my friends had rainbow trout and grilled prawns (app as a main course). Everything was tasty and our plates were cleaned. We all kept asking each other why we didn't know about this place before. Dessert for me was bread pudding, friends shared the chocolate peanut butter thing - I got a candle and we all got complimentary after dinner drinks - elderflower with prosecco, I think. All good. The place wasn't full but did a decent night with one larger table and some folks at the bar. It is quite small, maybe 10 tables and a small bar area. Service was deferential and consistent. It is kind of weird for me to eat underground - it's a NYC subway thing - but the decor was disarming and I didn't mind.

Dr. Marmon performed my son's bris - warm and professional. I highly recommend him for any pediatric care. He provided tons of information before the event, helped me make sure everything was prepared properly and the prayers and words he spoke were profound and memorable. As for the care he provided to my son, he did a great job and was very patient with me who had just given birth 8 days earlier. Nancy Bukar

Boy, did we miss him last night - gathered with some friends for an early birthday celebration and while the bar staff was nice, we had to work hard to grab their attention (it was busy but not overwhelming) and twice our drinks were removed before we were finished with them which, I think, was done by the busboy/helper. To their credit, the bartenders replaced the removed drinks but I really missed Jim last night.

Taking kids to see Sesame Street Live on Saturday at Lyric Opera House in Baltimore - need lunch after. Kids are seasoned diners - Paper Moon was suggested, I've liked City Cafe before but don't know what's nearby. Any suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks - Nancy

I'm a repeat customer too - growing up in NYC, places like this were everywhere, and are now a dying breed. "Sam" is also honest, and will tell me if something is worth repairing or not. He has worked on luggage repairs for me as well. Thankful that this place is still around and hope it will be for a while. Nancy Bukar

I admit it had been a while since I had been to the Birchmere (having a baby & being a single mom definitely impedes on my social life) but I went on Tuesday night for the Voices of the Wetlands All Stars show - which was great - and was disgusted by the "no, you can't have a glass of water" policy. The waitress surreptitiously got us empty glasses which we filled up in the bathroom. We drank beer, ate food and contributed to their coffers, but I can't have a glass of water??? So my friend was pissed too, and she contacted the Alexandria City Council and received the reply below. On a side note, the food was okay and they had Stella on tap. But I firmly believe in keeping landfills clear and providing patrons with water FREE if they ask for it. It chaps me, especially when you consider that you may need to sober up before you hit the road. So I'm open to suggestions on this - not going to the Birchmere anymore isn't an option - I like the acts they get. Thoughts? Good evening, Ms. xxxx: The 2009 FDA Food Code (which we have adopted here in Alexandria) requires that any water used in the restaurant must be safe and from an approved source. It also requires that the restaurant provide bathrooms, toilets and sinks as required by the Uniform Statewide Building Code. It does not, however, require that the establishment operator provide either a water fountain or free water by the glass or bottle on request. Most restaurants without a water fountain provide water to their patrons without charge, upon request. However, I don't believe a business owner can normally be compelled to provide a free product or service to the public. Most choose to provide free water as a courtesy to their patrons. I certainly understand your concern and am sorry the restaurant owner was not more receptive to your request. Sincerely, Bob Custard, REHS, CP-FS Environmental Health Manager Environmental Health Division Alexandria Health Department 4480 King Street, Suite 360 Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 746-4970 (desk phone) (703) 746-4919 (fax) www.alexandriava.gov/EnvironmentalHealth WORKING TOGETHER ? IMPROVING CONTINUOUSLY ? MAKING A DIFFERENCE ? Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

I used a Groupon here a few months ago, and have been meaning to go back (a 2 year old can prevent that). The food was good, nice atmosphre and we had an Indian-type dish - duck rolled in a thin bread, that was really tasty. They deliver too.

Just emailed a good friend, a patent litigator - will let you know if I hear back.

Just got back from a conference in San Juan and had mofungo for the first time (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mofongo) and just loved the coffee - brought some of that back too, and made coffee extract for iced coffee with it last night. It's just perfect. So, now where can I can (a) mofongo in the greater DC area, and ( Cafe Rico coffee at a retail shop? I know I can get the coffee online but would prefer no shipping charges if I can. Thanks for your help and let me know if you want the coffee extract recipe. Nancy

It's true - too bad. http://www.solarcrepes.com/location/

I hate parking in DC these days - meters broken, meter machine won't recognize my credit card (really? Works everywhere else), constantly trying to stock up on quarters. It sucks and I have no recourse except to stop going to DC, and I don't want to do that. Grrr.. .. .

A sudden family obligation has now trumped my ability to attend today. I am so, so sorry for the late notice as I do really want to be there, but family . . . not much left and I need to be there. Hope it's as successful as I supsect it will be.

Add another adult with me - my cousin is coming too!

Jeremy and I will attend on the later side, and will bring a dessert - cookies or maybe rhubarb/strawberry compote - and napkins, lots of them. And I will test any and all odd foods on my two year old.

When my mom was in the hospital at Cornell Medical Center in NYC, I ate lunch at LPQ every day - it was a block away, and it wasn't the hospital. The service was simply awful every single day but I like the food, and I didn't have to think about anything but eating. I've eaten at other LPQs in NYC, and the Georgetown one as well a few times. Simply awful service in each one. Have only had counter service at Arlington but I'm thinking the company Employee Manual must give instructions on poor service instead of good service.

Had lunch there today with a friend and loved it. No one else there at !2:30-ish except one other diner. We both had the 3 course prix fixe lunch special for $19.95, plus Vietnamese coffee (YUM). Started with a pork and clam dish, similar to Thai larb gai - tasty and a generous portion. I ate only half of it. Had the banh mi of the day, pulled pork - nice dressing, crunchy veggies and good bread. Comes with a side of shrimp chips, which did not make it home - 1/2 the sandwich is in my fridge, as this is much larger than the banh mi I get at the Eden Center. We shared the two desserts - a lemon pot de creme and a black sesame cake with coconut and caramel ice cream - loved both of these but the cake was really unique and delicious. Great place and hope it succeeds - a nice twist on traditional Vietnamese. Go now.

But what about the croissants?? I'd miss those . . .

Which he would think was so much fun, and I would have the look of Edvard Munch's The Scream. So it's not a huge deal but the moth was a little alarming. The good news is that I was at the same hotel today for yet another conference (tis the season in DC) and nothing peered out at me from my food.