plunk

Agreed on the stinginess.

Whoa. This seems a bit odd to me. I can't afford to shop at farmers' markets, but I am not eligible for food stamps. Government incentives at work, I suppose.

Jameson, hot water, lemon juice.

I was there a few weeks ago and loved it. Similar to the PX, but bigger and easier to get a seat. We showed up at 10:30 on a Friday night with six people and it was no problem. If I recall, they had quite an extensive cocktail menu which combined the classics with their own creations. Prices are similar to the PX, as well. I thought they'd be a bit cheaper, but I was wrong.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll have to try some of them out.

Did you try West End Bistro? They certainly have the space to accomodate a large party, but it may be a bit too late to get a reservation.

Like many, my wife and I have been trying to get more out of our grocery dollars these days. We do the pasta thing and the end-of-the-week catch-all frittata, but I'm looking for new ideas. What are some of your favorite cheapo - but delicious - meals? Bonus points for weird cuts of meat that I can braise or smoke.

Holy smokes. That's a long time. And a lot of kielbasa.

Whats the problem with the Kitchen Aid stuffer? I was thinking of buying one.

...or pasta carbonara (if you've got bacon or pancetta). This is not really freezing and thawing, but helps with ease of prep during the work week: boston butt. I'll smoke (or braise) one on Sunday and eat it most of the week. Shred it and make bbq sandwiches. Put it on top of polenta, egg noodles, or baked potato. Use it for tacos, tostadas, fajitas, etc. Get some rabe and provolone and do philly-inspired sandwiches.

I haven't had that particular Three Thieves product, but I've sampled their "jug" wines. They're budget friendly and serviceable, in my opinion (for what its worth). Don't know if I'd twist one open for an intimate, celebratory dinner, but I think it would be fine for parties or for "everyday."

Thanks for the suggestions. I might try one of those places in Hancock, MD.

Anything worthwhile here? Surely there has to something good in this college town. Failing that, anything on the way to Morgantown from D.C.?

Thanks for the info. And Go Blue!

I can't believe that they ranked Perelman higher than Wiles. The outrage!

Is this true? No booze at RTC?

And I can't take seriously anybody who thinks that such a ban is a proper function of government (not saying that you are or aren't such a person, Waitman). * Political / philosophical rant banned*

Adding to this - and this might need to be a separate thread - any ideas on what to serve a handful of post-wedding reception attendees? I'm looking for something thats quick but perhaps filling (to soak up some of that booze). I'd like to avoid using my oven, if possible.

Because you mention that wings are being served, I'm going to guess that its more of a casual get-together? In that case, how 'bout pulled pork sliders? Ingredients should fit well within your budget.

Another blow to the "eat local" movement.

Why did you find this ironic?

I was just at Craftbar this past weekend. I know that people's opinions vary, but I thought it was very nice. In particular, we enjoyed the snacks and appetizers (e.g., pecorino rissoto fritters) . However, I'm not sure I would call it "fine dining", or a knockout meal.

"I go to MacDonald's and Burger King on occasion. What else are you going to do when you're on the road and you have to dash in for some food? They are pretty good; they're clean, and you know what you're getting. I don't know why anyone would think I always dine on hummingbird tongues or something." - Julia Child

Yes, the bar is the way to go; and the Big O is awesome. I went recently and tried the Smoker's Delight. I've loved every other drink I've had at the PX, but this one was a bit weird. It certainly had a pleasant tobacco taste, but the thing that was weird to me was the bits of - I guess - honeycomb that were floating around in the drink. They were sticky and plastic-y and got caught in my teeth. Still, I appreciate the creativity and effort with this drink.

Agreed. It helps to remember that not everybody can afford to drink beers that cost $6+ when they go out (and speaking from experience, this is not strictly relegated to the twenty-somethings). A lack of a cheap beer alternative would turn me off completely to BreadSoda. However, now I know that I can go there and splurge on a "fancy" beer to have with my sandwich, but then have cheap beer while I'm playing pool. Of course, I'd much prefer Bud or Bud Light, but thats another story....