KoolPaw

Three of us were going to be in Springfield last evening and I was owed a Father's Day dinner.  Based on the recommendations on this list, we chose Osteria Marzano.  It surpassed our expectations in food (including a terrific "fisherman's" soup and fabulous osso buco), service, and ambiance.  A very welcoming, warm place.  I'm looking for an excuse to go back soon!

Wine Dinner tonight! Click here for details.

See the restaurant's website for details.

I've had two burgers at the Springfield location recently, and they really are stupendous. The best burgers I've had in a long time. Fuddruckers and Five Guys aren't close, although Five Guys fries are unbeatable.

Oh, crap!  My SO and I were there just a week ago.  The food and service were great as usual.  We're going to miss it.

Not remembering that this restaurant had been sold (and it probably would have made no difference to me anyway), I stopped in for lunch today and sat on the patio on a beautiful day.  I had in mind one of the lunchtime specials the place used to have.  No dice.  When the waiter, who was standing not three feet from me, finally finished his chat with the diners at the next table (which went on for over five minutes after I sat down) and found me a menu, he told me the place was doing a "soft opening" and they didn't have any specials nor did they know whether there would be any specials in the future.

I had a lobster roll with a side of onion straws ($11.00).  The lobster roll was quite small, but I think it had some lobster in it.  At least the onion straws were good.

Right now I wouldn't go out of my way to go back.

Since July 4th just passed, can anyone suggest a restaurant in Virginia that has a really good view of the fireworks on the National Mall? Preferably with good parking? Believe it or not, I'm planning a car club event for next year. Thanks for your input.

Does anyone have any experiences to share in dining at a restaurant on its last day in business?

With lion, we have a total of 16. See you all tomorrow at 4:00 pm!

We now have a total of 14 who have confirmed:

Koolpaw +3

Darkstar965 +1

Barbara +1

MarthaG +1

Ilaine +3

lion and noahcofc, let me know if you are still interested. We have six seats left.

If you have any questions, you can PM.

Yes, the event is still on.

This special menu (see above) was put together personally by Peter Chang for our DR group. It looks really interesting and almost unbelievable at this price ($30 per person including tax and tip).

I have two tables of ten reserved in my name, Sheldon Hofferman. I will have +3, so it looks like a total of 13 so far. Any others who want to go, please check in so I know what to tell the restaurant. And those who have previously checked in, please reconfirm so we have a firm number. Thanks.

Since there is no apparent interest in Sunday, Feb 10, I am scratching it. From the little feedback I've gotten on this so far, it looks like late Saturday afternoon, Feb 9, will probably work best. That way, everyone will be able to get back home at a reasonable hour. Also, it will probably be easier to get good service and all the seating we want at that time.

I plan to call the restaurant today or tomorrow to set this event up, so if you are seriously interested I hope to hear from you TODAY so I have a realistic estimate of how many we will be.

Feb 9th either time can work for us. Any additional info on menu? Thanks for organizing.

I'll work up a menu after I see there is enough interest to fill at least a large table. I have done this before with Chef Chang.

The Chinese New Year 4711 (Year of the Snake) begins on Sunday February 10. Is anyone interested in celebrating the New Year at Peter Chang's in Richmond? I am willing to arrange a special feast. I have no idea now of the cost, but it will surely be more than a "$20 Tuesday" with a preset price and list of dishes.

If so, please indicate your preferences for :

Saturday, Feb 9 afternoon

Saturday, Feb 9 evening

Sunday, Feb 10 afternoon

Sunday, Feb 10 evening

Remember, it's in Richmond, so if you are going to imbibe you will need a way to get a ride home or stay overnight.

Sheldon

The fried bologna sandwich at Blue Smoke may be the best thing I've ever eaten at a ballpark/stadium. I think it was probably very good even by non-ballpark standards. The chicken sandwich wasn't bad either.

BLKindergartner lost a tooth while at the game and insisted he wanted a snow cone. The Hawaiian ice stand was dreadful. Incredibly slow and no real flavor to any of the items.

And the Cardinals won. It was a good day.

Based on this and other similar comments, I recommended the bologna sandwich to a friend at the game the other evening. He said it wasn't as good as the ones his fraternity brothers made at college about four decades ago late at night after a round or several of drinking. I stayed with the $1 hot dogs (special for the evening) and I'm still here to tell the tale. Nats won big, too!!

Please add me to the list.

Sheldon

Count me in also.

Twelve of us celebrated the Chinese New Year a couple of Sundays ago. Our preordered meal consisted of:

Green onion pancakes;

Beef with beef tendon;

Seafood hot and sour soup;

Pot stickers (both meat and vegetable);

Dan Dan noodle;

Peking Duck;

Whole fish with bean sauce;

Zirin (cumin) lamb;

Salt and pepper shrimp;

Ma po tofu;

Eggplant with garlic sauce;

Green bean leaves with garlic;

and dessert of sesame balls and fresh fruit.

I have been putting these annual celebrations together for over 25 years, with varying menus and at various restaurants, and this year's was the first time that every single item was delicious. In addition, the service was impeccable and the price for the whole shebang was very reasonable. My thanks to HKP's manager, Melanie, for a great experience!

We can always use cases of water, coolers with ice, and drinks for the younger set. Soccer balls or other outdoor games are sure to be put to good use. Also, the Cellar Cull is an ongoing picnic tradition. Bring a bottle of wine (drinkable, please ) to share/sample.

The forecast for Sunday looks like perfect picnic weather! There's still plenty of time to sign up - and even if you don't, just show up with something to share.

We are bringing cold cream of carrot soup and homemade bread.

Pretty sure I'm going to come by, maybe with the boys, maybe alone, maybe plus 1-3. I am not frying chicken, I refuse to ;-) Instead I am going to make curry pan, a japanese hot pocket of sorts, and roast pork buns. Yipee!! something different.

I'll be there +1. Not sure yet what we are bringing.

Never been to that location, but consistently BAD experiences at Olney, Gaithersburg, and Bethesda have caused me to write off the whole bunch except for Rockville.

They had a location in Fairfax City which closed a few months ago, even though it seemed busy.

That sounds like a winner to me.

Heart in Hand Restaurant is vacating its space in Clifton Va after 28 years. Across the street from Trummer's on Main, the space allows for 88 seats and a bar. Very nice 100 year old restored building with two small shops and two small offices. Address is 7145 Main Street, Clifton VA 20124. Please contact building owner Sheldon Hofferman at 703-323-1885 or koolpaw@hotmail.com.

Hey there! I am a cheesemonger at Arrowine. I just wanted to let everyone know about Arrowine's Annual Port and Stilton Tasting. This tasting is this Saturday, December 4, from 1-4. Sample over a dozen Ports, including Vintage, Ruby, Tawny, and Colheita. Also, Arrowine opens an entire wheel of Stilton (made by Colston Bassett) for the event, paired with walnuts and pears. Plus, all Port sampled is discounted! This is a really fun event, so bring your friends or out-of-town guests. Arrowine is located at 4508 Lee Highway in Arlington. Cheers!

Is there a charge for this?

You would get at least one customer to give it a try.

Make that two!