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President Obama followed his meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday by treating him to lunch at Ray’s Hell Burger in Arlington, Va., the pool reports... DEVELOPING...

Mentioned to our server the other night that we'd loved our last meal at Ray's the Steaks, East River. Apparently some of the popular items on the RTS-ER menu will soon be available on the Classics' bar menu, notably the chili half-smokes, and the smoked fried chicken. Here, here!

I'm surprised (nay, amazed) somebody hadn't already posted on this, as Hell-Burger Too has been up and running for at least a week. Three of us stumbled upon it last Friday. We didn't try the game nor turkey burger, but our "classic" Hell-burgers were as good as ever, and the new veggie option was a much-welcomed hit. Also new is a (slightly) smaller 1/3 lbs. burger option. Table service is another nice change of pace.

From Tom Sietsema today in the post

TOM SIETSEMA WRITES:

For starters, as of *today,* Ray's Hell-Burger Too opens at 1713 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, the space previously scheduled for Ray's: The Game.

Looks like they're having their grand opening this week. Based on the menu, I don't know whether to be excited (galbi tacos!) or horrified (a charcuterie plate?). Either way, have any brave souls been yet?

Website is here.

Tom Sietsema has the scoop, though he buries the lede under news of Tourondel's plans for the "Carmine's style" Casa Nonna (yawn).

As a big fan of the Manhattan branch of BLT Burger (menu), I'm looking forward to another competitor in DC's burgeoning burger-war.

-Owen

Walking past the old location today and windows were "curtained" with signs saying "filming in progress." ??

This was posted on CraigsList yesterday:

MOVIE EXTRAS NEEDED - 02/22/09 (Arlington, VA)

from craigslist | tv/film/video/radio jobs in washington, DC

Extras needed, Sunday, February 22, 12PM-8PM, for independent film in Arlington, VA. We need 15-20 extras to fill dining area of indoor restaurant scene. We also need 5-10 men or women to act as Secret Service Agents (must wear black or navy blue suit). Restaurant located at 1725 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA. If interested, please e-mail KenBeaver@comcast.net and let us know if you are interested in being a restaurant patron or Secret Service Agent.

I know I'm not alone in saying this: the ice cream at 2 Amys is - bar none - the best I've ever had. I'd kill for a scoop of their stracciatella right now.

But one flavor I haven't seen in a while is their mint chocolate chip. If you haven't tried it, trust me: it will change the way you look at ice-cream forever. Has anyone seen it on the menu recently?

-Owen

Eater (via Metrocurian) posted today that "Good Stuff Eatery" (god-awful name) is the brain-child of a Top Chef, Season 4 alumnus. I haven't been following this season closely. Is this guy anything to get excited about?

Cheers,

Owen

DCist today noted, "Corduroy has reopened in its new Shaw location on 9th Street NW." [Free Ride]

Corduroy's answering machine still says they'll be opening in "early April." Is there any news, or did DCist simply jump the gun?

-Owen

I'm in for the 8pm seating, if there's still room.

Don: Sorry if I've missed it someplace, but what's going to be the start-time?

Any chance of getting one of these in the DC area, or do I have to make my own?

I'm almost positive I've had a pork skin banh mi at the aforementioned Song Que (Eden Center).

If memory serves me right, it was an acquired taste I'd yet to acquire.

Would it be easier to start a list of DR members who aren't coming?

Having said that, count me in.

A couple friends and I checked this place over on Friday night. Short review: cool atmosphere, good value but we left unimpressed by the food.

The three of us did the "All You Can Eat The Meat" special for $15.99, as I'd read this Yelp thread that indicated it might be an "everybody or nobody" policy on the All You Can Eat BBQ. We never figured out if that was actually the case as our waitress was very attentive, but spoke no English - and best err on the side of caution.

The BBQ special included 2 types of beef (thin sliced, and tips) + some extremely fatty pork. The beef was ok but didn't wow anybody at the table. The pork on the other hand just seemed to render down to some crispy fat & a sliver of meat. It all was decent enough when dipped into one of the sauces (a sriracha-type sauce, a sweeter fish-based sauce and the third seemed to be sesame oil with a heap of salt) but overall, the meats all seemed to lack seasoning. The kimchi was great though - more fermented than some of the other Annandale spots. There was a decent variety of panchan (the usual standards) but a couple less than some of the other places I've tried in the neighborhood.

The staff were attentive and friendly, but despite the bargain price, I don't think I'll be returning.

Cheers,

Owen

So ... where exactly is this cart? I walked down to 14th and L a little after noon and only saw two carts at that corner, both of the standard hot dog variety, one at the NE and one SW corner. No other carts in sight up and down the block in all four directions. While I was down there I decided to head over to the burrito cart instead, but he wasn't there today either. Damn.

They were right on the SE corner yesterday and seemed to be getting good traffic.

I tried the bulgogi, and - while I wasn't blown away - it made for a nice change of pace. The free sample of chicken teriyaki seemed like a decent rendition of the standard, food-court variety. The kimchi was better than I expected, as I like a bit of crunch in mine.

Only complaint: I think they'd be wise cut back the portion size and price by 20%. I had trouble finishing mine, and $6.75 (while cheap for the amount of food) is a touch steep for a "street meat".

Cheers,

Owen

I'm taking three newbies to Ray's The Steaks tonight. I know it's perhaps a controversial/clichéd question, but I'll give it a go:

If you're going to show off the very best Ray's has to offer these days, what do you order? What's the steak that knocks your socks off more than any other and demonstrates that RTS is head and shoulders above the competition: The Diablo? The Black and Blue? A New York Strip with the brandy mushroom? Personally, I can never resist the siren-call of a Cowboy cut, medium rare-extra char...

Clearly these are all great options, but what's the steak that really epitomizes what Ray's is all about? I'd love to hear various opinions, and if M.L. happens to be out there listening, I'd love to hear his opinion on the matter...

Cheers,

Owen

I dropped by for the $1 Oyster Happy Hour (5:30-6:30pm) @ Hank's last Thursday. Expecting it to be packed, I showed up at 5:30 on the nose, and was surprised to find I was the only one in the place. A dozen oysters and and Allagash later, I was still amazed how quiet it was. Some varieties aren't offered at the happy hour (e.g. the Kumamotos), but the $1 oysters are *'ed on the board. I had a sampling and enjoyed them all.

Good food at a great price without fighting a crowd is hard to find in DC, so just thought I'd share. I'll be back soon.

-Owen

I dropped by Amsterdam Falafel last night. Word from behind the counter is that M'Dawg is set to open "on January 15th, give or take a couple days."

Can't wait...