wdcbrucefan

Are you talking about the spot where Julio's was, right next to Distad's?

What do you think of Open Table? Do you use the service? if so, why?

Yes, I use it all the time. Its quick & convenient. No waiting on hold. And you collect points that get you a good-as-cash gift certificate to use at any OpenTable restaurant. It takes 50 meals for $50, but if you eat out a lot, you can collect one in less than a year. (There's also a $25 check you can get.)

I've collected a couple $50 "OT checks" and they've been seamless to use, both in DC and once in Sonoma (which raises another benefit: its used far & wide).

A little trick I have learned. Most restaurants don't accept large party reservations on Open Table. But, make an OT res, then call the restaurant to have them increase the size of the party. That way, you still get the points. This also works if you call to change a time, etc. As long as the original res is made on OT, the points are awarded.

Another trick: There's a check box for being an administrative assistant, which allows you to make reservations in several names. (I have four on file: me, my wife, computer illiterate boss, wife's coworker). This way, you can make multiple res for the same meal period (if you make them for coworker, partner, etc.). You collect all the points by being helpful and making their reservations for them. (Selfless, huh?)

If we're walking out to go somewhere on OT, I'll usually just make a res for 15 minutes later, to collect the points. Of course, this only works for a place that you can actually get a table as a walk up. Some places will not let you use OT to eat at the bar, but most don't particularly care.

Now, if I could just get Johnny's Half Shell to start using it.

If I could improve OT, I would give a point for every diner. Currently, you get the same # of points for a party of 2 that you do for a party of 10. That would seem more equitable.

Drew Trautmann informs me they are fine at Sonoma.

the Trover book store looked pretty good from the outside.

Good to hear, considering that the picture at WJLA shows smoke (no fire) coming from Trover.

That block includes, from east to west:

Firehook Bakery at 215

Sonoma at 223

Art & Soul at 225

Trover Shop at 227

Cap Lounge is 229-231

Ritz Camera at 233

WJLA story has removed Sonoma from the list of buildings effected. Not sure if this means anything significant. (The first posting around 7am at WJLA didn't list Cap Lounge... that's been added.)

PS: I finally figured out how to embed the links... I'm a little slow.

Bad news: 3 alarm fire this AM on 200 Block of Pennsylvania Ave. Sonoma likely affected, per WJLA story online. Anyone have eyes nearby? Trover Shop, Art & Soul, Cap Lounge also right there.

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0807/445783.html

I thought barracuda was poisonous?

We got to Hook last night (Saturday) for our first time. Excellent meal. Sharp service.

Arrived at 8:30 for our reservation and were promptly seated. Bar was pretty full, quite loud. But, I admit to liking a loud place... makes it easier to talk freely and not worry about being overheard.

Started with 3 crudos, of course. Just asked for whatever were the 3 recommendations from our waiter, and he brought mackerel, wahoo w/ blueberry, barracuda. Of these three, wahoo was the most underwhelming. We both enjoyed the barracuda the most. All 3 are single bites, but its very easy to split them between 2. The mackerel is actually 3 slices. The other 2 are aforementoined "postage stamps" but this is clearly the point.

Bread basket arrived after crudos were cleared, and they're a mixed choices. I only mention because it included 2 flat biscuits that were excellent. There's also a couple slices of baguette and a couple rolls. More than enough, and we let most of it be, so as not to fill up on it. Side of really soft butter, capable of dipping. I assume this is on purpose.

I got the calamari with potato salad appetizer. Squids are small and whole, superbly grilled. The potato salad accompanyment was fine, but I left most of it. I didn't get the pairing, but the squids were more than enough. She had the cold wax bean salad, which she enjoyed, but I couldn't pull myself away from the calamari.

Entrees were blue fish over a potato & zucchini cake for me, and barracuda over barley with fried kale (like Rasika's spinach). Both were superb. Waiter called the blue fish the chef's signature dish.

The thing about ordering at Hook is that you probably haven't had many of the fish choices, so you gotta take a recommendation or choose by the preparation. The waiter was very knowledgable about fishiness, texture, etc. of each item and he gave a lot of guidance. He points out that its all sustainable, organic, and lot of local (with some other from Tabego).

For wine, had the Ridge '03 Syrah. Bottle was a little warm upon arrival, and this is a pet peeve of ours. And unfortunately not uncommon, even in high end places. Cost was $66, and we really enjoyed it. Markup is probably about $30, based on a little web research. One minor glitch with the wine service: waiter offered me the tasting although she ordered. (She always orders, since I'm too easily up charged.... ha.) Wine list is broken down well, runs the gamut price-wise and geographically.

For dessert, had "The Bakery" which is a cannoli, pain au chocolate, and a donut. Also easily shared. Donut was a bit dry and didn't blow us away. Pain au choc was also a bit dry in the pastry, but filling was creamy and great. Cannoli was excellent, and fulfilled our craving from last weekend's trip to an Italian place in Rockville that didn't have them. Accompanied it with a couple ports.

Total bill was $200 plus tip.

Our ratings:

Food: 4 of 5 stars (tasty, portions reasonable)

Service: 4 of 5 stars (knowledgable, friendly, helpful)

Price: as expected, you pay for the top notch

Overall: 4 of 5 (we'll definately be back!)

GM's did in fact open last night. I didn't make it up there, but here's a neighborhood resident's review, pictures, etc. Can't wait to get there...

http://frozentropics.blogspot.com/2007/08/...ft-opening.html

Matchbox has signed a lease for its forthcoming Capitol Hill location. Location is apparently in the 8th & Penn area, perhaps the space next to the Dunkin' Donuts. If that's the case, it must be the former Heart & Soul space, which was 2 levels. (For those longtime Hillers, I'm thinkin' its the 2nd Heart & Soul location, the one final place they were. If memory serves, H&S started where Ellington's eventually was, actually on 8th, past the Blockbuster.) H&S had a checkered history that culminated with its being closed down by the ABC about 5+ years ago.

Will be at least 9 months until they open.

Soft opening tomorrow... info from http://frozentropics.blogspot.com/2007/08/...re-info_02.html

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

OPENING FRIDAY, AUGUST 3RD

Granville Moore's

1238 H st NE

202.399.BLGM

docmoores@gmail.com

Hello All!-

Granville Moore's, the Atlas District newest restaurant, will be opening Friday, August 3rd. Doors open at 5:00 pm, with food service beginning @ 5:30. As this is our first weekend, we will be doing a "soft" opening. We will offer 50+ Belgian beers, wines by the glass, as well as the full menu for your enjoyment. Please come and join us as we celebrate several years of hard work, but understand this is our first weekend of business. You will be pleasantly surprised this weekend, and wowed next week!

Chris Surrusco

Proprietor

Granville Moore's

202.399.BLGM

Had lunch at Jaleo today. As always, the patatas bravas are such a treat, as always. Special of figs wrapped in serrano ham was tasty, although the vinegrette didn't quite work, in my estimation. The dessert of chocolate torte with candied nuts was quite large, filling, smooth and addicting. And, after traveling in Sevilla last year, I love to have a cortado after my meal. I have never seen it anywhere else in the US, except Jose Andres' establishments. It brings me back.

Today's Post features AFB on the front page in a piece about locally grown produce.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...ml?hpid=topnews

Update: Joe Englert posted in the comments at Frozen Tropics that they're all set to open next Friday. All the paper work's done & proper certificates are all in hand.

Yesterday's Roll Call had an article about it too.

http://frozentropics.blogspot.com/2007/07/...ng-tonight.html

I see no thread on Red Sage. A moot point, since its now closed. Any idea what the future holds for the space? Its a primo location.

Is there a bar, or do you just pick up your drink as you move thru the line? Does it serve decent German bier? Looks like just standard American beer, plus Peroni & Pilner Urquell. A friend is organizing an evening event there, and its a crowd that will want to drink copious amount of beer. (Its a German group though, so this may make sense.)

We're booked for Cafe MoZU. Any been for RW there before? Do they have the whole menu available, with up-charges? -- Thanks, T

Stopped into the Catoctin Mountain Orchard fruit market -- just north of Thurmont on US-15 (southbound side) -- on Sunday afternoon on way back into town. A woman who said she'd been visiting for 40 years said it was the busiest she'd ever seen it.

They offer pick your own fruit, pick your own flowers, and a decent size indoor offering of fresh fruit & jarred items. We brought back some blackberries (ate lots in the car on the ride), peaches (free stone, should be ripe enough tomorrow), sweet corn (grilled it last night and was sweet and tasty, but kernels could have been crisper), and a couple peppers.

If you're traveling to DC from Harrisburg, PA, check it out. You can't miss it and there's a sign about a mile before.

Had dinner last night at Center Street Cafe in Pittston... in a neighborhood apparently also known as Hughestown. Its Italian and was recommended by a DC resident, Pittston native. Service was very friendly. Veal was good. I had stuffed sole. Pork medallions looked tasty.

Clams casino app were filled to the brim. Stuffed mushrooms were tasty, but not overly special. Shrimp cocktail were too limp.

The sides are generic. Choice of potato (mashed with peppers, etc. added) and mixed veggie. Salad was a lot of iceberg and too much dressing.

For the area, it was a decent meal. Will return on future trip to the in-laws.

For a dynamite meal in the Valley though, hit the church bizarres for potato pancakes, pizza fritta (fried dough with sugar), etc. We went to one in Swoyersville last year that had great potato pancakes. Waited 45 mins. in line, maxed out our order, and it was well worth it! Having returned from Poland in May, its a good way to get back to the placki we were loving in Krakow, Zakopane, Jaroslaw and in between.

We were headed up to a quick Thai dinner at Old Siam, and looked like Locanda was closed. They're not open Sundays? We considered trying it tonight, but decided we were a little too scruffy after a 4 hours drive back to town. It doesn't sound like the type of place to pop into in tee shirts, flip flops, unshaved for 2 days. Right?

From Frozen Tropic blog about H Street area, the proprietor posted a look at the menu. I'm sure he'd be happy to have it here too, along with info on the opening. How about 65+ Belgian beer choices!?!?! Now we're talking!

Dr. Granville's Menu Sneak Peek

Hello all-

Shooting for a July 27th opening. A little sample of the menu:

Apps & salads:

-Seared Georges Bank Scallops w/ Bacon & Corn Ragout.

-Arugula Salad w/ Kriek Swelled Dried Bing Cherries, Point Reyes Bleu, Toasted Walnuts, Red Onion.

-Belgian Endive Salad w/ Asian Pear, Fresh Coconut, House Tweaked Ginger, Mint.

Frites:

-choice of 8 different sauces (Roasted Garlic Aoli, Heinz Classic, Cucumber Raita, House Smoked Red Pepper Catsup, Wholegrain Studded Dijonaise, & others.

Sandwiches:

-House Ground Angus Burger w/ Homemade Pickles & Frites.

-Croque Monsieur w/ Organic Farm Egg, House Smoked Taso, Gruyere, & Frites.

-Grilled Organic Vegetable Sandwich w/ Belgian Ale Washed Chevre & Local Greens.

Moules:

-Belgian Tripel, Toasted Elephant Garlic.

-Preserved Lemon, Black Olive, & Harissa Broth.

-Applewood Smoked Bacon, Braised Leeks, Parsley, & Cream.

-Tamarind, Lime, Cilantro, Palm Sugar, & Thai Chili.

*** all moules served w/ sm frites, 1 sauce.

Entrées:

-Exotic Mushroom Risotto w/ THE Reggiano and Fresh Thyme.

-Grilled Pacific Snapper Filet w/ Heirloom Tomatoes, EVO Poached Fennel, & Saffron Broth.

-Natural Chicken Breast w/ Toasted Israeli Couscous, Cerignola Olives, & House Preserved Lemons.

This is just a sample of the menu that Chef David Nugent has come up with. Expect these and many more selections from the kitchen when we open at the end of July. Oh, and 65 + Belgian Beers!!!

Chris Surrusco

Proprietor

Granville Moore's

1238 H st NE

202.399.BLGM

docmoores@gmail.com

Source: http://frozentropics.blogspot.com/2007/07/...sneak-peek.html

My lunatic chef/owner boss used to love to jam to Allmans & Jethro Tull.

Common exchange in the kitchen, mid-Saturday slammin' service:

Lou: "Hey! Do you know who Ian Anderson is?!?!"

Me: "Yeah, he's in Jethro Tull."

Lou: "No baby! He is Jethro Tull!"

I listen to any decent rock... but Bruce (check my screen name) is of course da best!

scallops poached in sake

This ranks in the top 5 item I've ever eaten. It is amazing. The way the sushi chef cuts the scallop to lay it over the rice... the succulent meat... the packed rice... I need to get back & have it again.

I got something delivered from Hunan Dynasty (just down from the Library of Congress) while my husband was away on a trip. ... I know I got enough food to last several days, but I don't recall the rest of the order

I swear by their Kung Pow chicken. To me, it's exactly what Kung Pow should be: Chicken, peanuts, hot peppers, and the sauce. No broccoli or other filler. And, yes, they deliver a lot of food in each order.

I have even eaten in Hunan Dynasty once. They have a menu board that's in Chinese. That's usually a good sign. For me, its the only Chinese food delivery on the Hill, although we don't do much delivery.

Back in college (Catholic U.), some friends developed a theory that they* gave you more food if you asked for chopsticks when ordering. I suppose we tested this on many a drunken evening. Discuss.

* they = whatever random place we were ordering from... not Hunan Dynasty

A sports-bar impresario friend of mine (he's opened eight) says the TVs should be set so that the bar patron does not have to turn his head upward at too steep an angle to view them (he says, if you feel tension in your neck, we've screwed up); in this the Denver Bar Louie has failed rather dramatically, though perhaps your local Gallery Place unit has this relatively simple thing under control.

I'd say not. We sat at a table in the bar area, and the TVs are high enough to be seen by the entire room. Those sitting at the bar itself will likely be craning their neck.