plunk

We used to do the Four Seasons in Georgetown, but it started getting stingy. We've never been, but I understand that the Mandarin Oriental does something grand.

Agreed on the stinginess.

Just to bring another significant issue to this discussion--Heinz Thomet has been one of the few farmers at the Dupont Market who takes food stamps.

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.

Has anyone been to the Velvet Tango Room in Cleveland? Michael Ruhlman raves about it here though this article on speakeasys was the first I'd heard of it.

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.

Three hours to stuff 20 pounds of kielbasa with the KA versus 20 minutes with the stuffer.

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.

Also, I keep a hunk of good Parmesan or piave in the fridge. Worst case scenario you make scrambled eggs and cheese, frittata with cheese, pasta and cheese, or just crackers and cheese.

...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.?

Just a reminder for those interested. The Farmers' Market begins today, Wednesday August 13, 2008. Per the press release, "the market features locally grown produce, baked goods and dairy products as available. The market will run rain or shine Wednesdays, August 13 through October 29 from 3 to 7 p.m. It is located at the King Street Gardens Park (1806 King St.), just a few steps from the King Street Metro. "

Thanks for the info.

And Go Blue!

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

I'm taking my partner out to Ray's the Classics for his birthday, and looking forward to our visit there. But we were hoping to have cocktails before dinner, and the last I heard, RTC doesn't serve liquor at the bar. Can anyone recommend a place nearby with a nice atmosphere where we might grab a decent drink beforehand? Nicaro and Jackie's are the only places that come to mind, but they're farther away than I want.

Is this true? No booze at RTC?

I can't take seriously anybody who doesn't know the difference between foie gras and Pate.

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.

I did find it ironic that the crowd was about 80% courthouse post-frats.

Why did you find this ironic?

I'm going up to NYC in a couple weeks and could use some advice. I've been up there many times, but never had a chance to go to a fine dining establishment. So I'm planning on going somewhere this time, but the amount of choices is about to make my head explode. I'd like to keep it at $200 max for two people. I've narrowed it down to the following:

Babbo (or is it too late to make a reservation?)

Blue Hill

Craft or Craftbar

Dovetail

Telepan

Any suggestions on which to try if you could only do one? Are any of the above not worth trying? Other suggestions are also welcome...

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

And my thanks go to Eric at the Proof dinner, who told me to sit at the bar rather than the couches. Sebastian's work is something really worth seeing, and is half the fun of being there.

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.

Most of the breadsoda crowd is twenty-somethings. They need one or two beer options that are a little more affordable. They also need something that they can recognize and feel comfortable with.

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....