Keithstg

31 minutes ago, DonRocks said:

Anyone home?

I think that GoFundMe is the best platform. A friend of mine started a GoFundMe for a valued member of our community and it really took off...as you can see:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/sam-coleman

8 hours ago, Ericandblueboy said:

How does it compare to Shake Shack's chicken sandwich?

I prefer Shake Shack.

1 hour ago, Bob Wells said:

I've never been to Luger's but I love the attacks on people who order fish. Quality steakhouses know how to cook fish too.

I've been to Luger's countless times over the years and agree on the decline, which seemed particularly steep post-2005 or so. I think that there are three factors at play here - first, the experience is no longer singular. Plenty of spots in Manhattan offering similar approaches to the Porterhouse, if not the atmosphere. Second, the steakhouse has evolved significantly over the years - remember Charlie Palmer Steak when Bryan Voltaggio was there? Steak wasn't even the main draw, arguably. As Bob stated, fish is a huge focus in steakhouses now, as are more interesting, less indifferently cooked side dishes. Finally, hard to keep a family business running on all cylinders for so many years. Need a singular focus on quality and a vision for the future. 

Wouldn't cry for them though - based on the value of that land alone.

26 minutes ago, Ericandblueboy said:

Has anyone tried the chicken sandwich?  It returns on Nov. 3.

I tried one during the first run. It was pretty good for a fast food chicken sandwich. I've only had chic fil a once, so can't really compare the two, though.

Great atmosphere over the past three games... the results, not so much. Saw a lot that I've never seen before in my section - two women were removed for flashing Gerritt Cole, some Maga guys got into an argument with veterans on two consecutive nights (different veterans), and few of the usual suspects in my section in attendance. I was really impressed with the Delta Club service for the series - my first beer each night was given in a commemorative cup. They were happy to provide other commemorative cups if asked, as well. Some may figure it's the least they can do given several years with these tickets, but I thought it was a very nice touch.

6 hours ago, DonRocks said:

Unless you go to the World Series (and I hope you do, and *even* if you do), this was probably the "best" baseball game you'll ever see in your life, in terms of importance and satisfaction - I mean, you were *there* when the Nats won the pennant!

Curious, who else was there? I don't want you making this claim ten-years from now, so speak up and get on-record!

I was at the 1969 All-Star game - that's the best I can do. (It was 50-years ago - I was 7-years old!)

I was there. Halfway up Section C. Incredible game. Looking forward to the Series, and was very happy to see Mark Lerner acknowledge the DeWitt family from the podium after the game. Very nice to call out one of the best families in baseball. Also interesting that the Nats won the penant right before Bryce's Birthday...

Bourdain's property being auctioned to support scholarships at CIA...

https://www.igavelauctions.com/auctions/property-from-the-collection-of-anthony-bourdain

18 hours ago, DonRocks said:

Dave, did they not pony up already? I didn't read the article but $30 million a year is a lot of money (plus, if he's playing with an unspoken injury, he'd be worth less to the Nationals) - I might be missing something here, as I'm reading this from afar, but this seems like an honest effort by the Nationals.

Far below market for an MVP- level third baseman, as the Arenado contract shows. At least the deferrals were mimimal - credit to the Nats for that.

The only team more interested in deferring money than the Nats was the NY Mets...how has that worked out?

36 minutes ago, Marty L. said:

The omission of Little Serow, 2 Amys and Bad Saint is absurd.

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/washington/washington-dc/article/news-and-views/michelin-guide-washington-dc-2020-results

The omission of 2 Amy's in the sense that it merits a *? Don't follow that, and 2 Amy's is one of my favorite restaurants. Bib Gourmand, for sure though.

Leaving politics aside, I can say that as a former patron of Mirabelle when Chef Ruta was there, and a current patron under the new regime, I am unlikely to return based on what I've read thus far, though am open to hearing more about what sounds like a potentially nuanced situation.

I've no axe to grind with Hakhan Ilhan, but this makes two of his places I won't patronize (the other being Al Dente, for obvious reasons).

To Robert Hunter. Fare thee well.

On 9/13/2019 at 6:33 PM, DanCole42 said:

Now that Ray's has moved on, what's a good steakhouse experience in Northern VA for two bros to bro it up with some meat?

Specific to Northern VA:, and in no particular order:

DC Prime (Ashburn)

Randy's Prime (Tysons) - new, and GAR so will have it's proponents... and detractors

Capital Grille (Tysons) - hit or miss for me, but good service

Palm (Tysons) - maybe the "best" of the bunch - in particular, Smitty is a great bartender and the bar is always lively/ fun. 

Eddie V's (Tysons) - sleeper. Good Ohio based chain.

22 hours ago, DaveO said:

On the Caps side he notes that the team has a strong following but wonders how that will last once Ovi retires.

On baseball he references Rendon, suggesting that the Nats/Lerners should resign him.  I agree.   I don't put an onus on Boras.  Its in the Nats hands.  They can compete aggressively or allow Rendon to hit the open market, and if they are still competing they will HAVE to fork up more money, I assume.

An Ovi retirement will definitely be interesting. The Caps have had franchise-defining players before (Langway, Oates, Kolzig, etc), but never a generational talent, or best player in the game until Ovi. I could see there being a short-term hit to ticket sales - how much depends on how many Caps fans are hockey fans, or Ovi fans exclusively. I'd bet on the former though admittedly hadn't considered it until your post.

The reasonable assessment of Rendon's contract status and responsible parties is much appreciated.

To Richard Keane and Bill Meehan.

7 hours ago, Kibbee Nayee said:

When it comes to anything other than money, Scott Boras is [No!] and is bad for baseball.

Well, he's an agent who has to try and get his clients the most money possible over a finite career, so...

Boras isn't driving MLB attendance, stadium/ tv revenue, or doing anything than representing his players to a set of owners/ GM's.

7 hours ago, Kibbee Nayee said:

He also squeezed the Brewers for $214 million for Prince Fielder, who hasn't played since 2016 but is owed $24 million a year through the end of 2020.

Did Scott Boras also somehow create Prince Fielder's degenerative neck injury? Is it somehow Boras's fault that MLB contracts are guaranteed (though insurance picks up Prince's salary now)? Would you prefer a system like the NFL's, where a player can be cut and have remaining contract years voided for nearly any reason - including injury?

Surely there is a [No!]

12 hours ago, Kibbee Nayee said:

Scott Boras is an evil slime-bag, and he will take Rendon out onto the free agent market. With Scott Boras as an agent, the player is committed 100% to money-money-money, not the team, the fans, the game, or anything close to noble.

 His reputation is not likely to be pristine after climbing into the pig sty with Boras this winter.

You mean just like Boras did with Stephen Strasburg?

Assuming you've paid no attention to Anthony Rendon's actions in the community throughout his tenure with the Nats - if you had you'd realize that he's deeply committed to fans, the game, and the DC area - all with Boras as his agent. Shocking, eh?

I think most understand the need to maximize their earnings, regardless of occupation. Would love to see an example of a player who has suffered reputation damage solely from their choice of agent (in baseball - pretty clear that Ricky Williams suffered for having Master P as his agent). Clearly players don't see a risk in being associated with Boras - nor do owners seem to avoid detaling with him.

4 minutes ago, treznor said:

I was in the Ambassador program a couple years at Starwood before the merger. Based on talking with others it seemed pretty hit-and-miss about whether it was useful or not. I never really got any use from my Ambassador that I saw. I'm way too particular about my hotels to have someone else book for me though. My biggest year was probably back in 2010 when I traveled 240 nights. Not all of that was Marriott, but it was also to an expensive location (London), so it was probably a pretty hefty tab.

Wow - that's a lot of travel! I peaked at 210 nights in 2016, which I do not hope to repeat. Had several 100 night + years as well, but the initial invitation was based on revenue.

I hear you re: Ambassador - I got use out of the Ambassador with two things - issues with billing, stays and point credit, and for family travel - primarily pre-booking connecting rooms/ suites. Of the two, I found delegating the follow-up items most useful.

Since I switched to Four Seasons I have found that they have a similar program with enough nights/ revenue..

8 hours ago, treznor said:

I wonder how far down the totem pole 3% gets to. I'm lifetime titanium, not that that really means anything for a specific year, but I've also qualified for titanium separately from lifetime status last year and on target to do so this year (as well as Globalist at Hyatt). Not sure if I'd be in the top 3% or not as I don't end up being part of the Ambassador program as I don't quite stay enough for that I believe.

The 3% covered/ created the Ambassador program back in the SPG days, which existed for at least three years prior to being published with stay criteria. There are a slew of 100-200 night customers, but the ones in NY, SF, LA, etc really drive revenue. A back of the envelope calc on my highest travel year in those days put me at around $90k in room revenue, pre taxes. I was in the second Ambassador invite wave when unpublished and continued until the merger. Are you still Lifetime Titanium, or back to lifetime platinum? I grandfathered into Lifetime Titanium but seems as though it's now just lifetime plat.

Doesn't matter either way since I don't generally use Starriott anymore. That said, I'm in Portland Maine right now and the Press Hotel is lovely. Will stay at the Francis next time though.

11 hours ago, Mark Slater said:

You can skip CP. Shitty selection,, overpriced.

Was thinking of Weygandt, now that I look at the storefronts online...

13 hours ago, Ericandblueboy said:

I like to treat myself to a few bottles of champagne, say up to $200/bottle.  Any recommendation on a  web store with great selection and pricing?

www.envoyerfinewines.com

I wouldn't ship now, though. Best to wait for (much) cooler weather.

That said, I'm sure the you can also treat yourself at Schneider's, Bassin's (MacArthur), or Weygandt in Cleveland Park.

4 hours ago, Ferris Bueller said:

I agree - we are also Bonvoy members but not Platinum level - requesting the late checkout at check-in certainly appears to help.

This whole “bonvoy member” thing is misplaced - joining a free program doesn’t get you much, and shouldn’t. IIRC,  More than 50% of Marriott’s earnings are driven by the top  3% of customers - that’s who they cater to. SPG was marginally better, but regardless the deck is stacked toward those who spend many nights at affiliated properties.

26 minutes ago, DonRocks said:

Does anyone know if having a Chase Sapphire Reserve can alleviate this situation, and how?

I have a ridiculous amount of points on my card, but does that even matter?

Doesn’t matter at all. Hotel chains don’t care about points - chains care about nights at their brand. If you travel frequently, stick to one hotel chain. 

7 hours ago, DonRocks said:

I just called the front desk at a Marriott, and asked what time checkout was (11 AM), and when I requested a late checkout, I was advised that anything after 12:30 PM would result in an additional charge (and I'm a Bonvoy member).

Sorry, but I lol’ed - this is sad, and probably happens all the time. Bonvoy Gold can request late check out (best to do so at check in) and Bonvoy Platinums are guaranteed late check out. Otherwise you can be SOL depending on the property.

On 4/10/2019 at 1:59 PM, Keithstg said:

What transpired has been worse than I'd imagined in terms of point devaluation and program erosion.

Effective 9/14, point redemptions will now be grouped into three categories - low, mid, and high season. The devaluation continues. After close to 1000 nights in Starwood brands, it’s a bit surprising to me how little I miss them. Zero time to be Bonvoyed.

54 minutes ago, Rovers2000 said:

Another great meal at the Grotto last night.  Brought along two colleagues who had never been and both had a great time.  I will continue to get the soft shells every time I'm there...they are wonderful.  Happy on a personal level for Dean but am sad that a place I have so many happy memories anchored to will be departing.  I'll be back at least a couple more times.

Wine Madness is just nuts - the 2006 Brunello Riserva from Costanti was awesome and a steal at the wine madness price.  

I was at the bar again last night. Cacio e Pepe and sirloin were great and the ‘01 Marcarini Brunate was both fantastic and an incredible deal. Be back next week!