Keithstg

Personally, I do check the board a bit less since the software "upgrade", which I don't care for. I've also fallen into the cycle of not posting on meals because for many of them, another post would echo comments made by many others on the restaurant thread. Also, I find if I wait more than a day or so after a meal to get something up, my memory starts to get hazy...

All forums have ups and downs. Don't know if this period can be considered a "down", and honestly I'm not worried about it. Dr.com remains the most informative, troll free, and interesting food forum in DC by a long shot.

The level of civility, even among "controversial" posters here is really incredible. In the past four plus years, I've seen folks come in with first posts that on many sites would be considered complete troll jobs, only to later become valued members of the forum. I don't know if anyone here also checks out Mark Squires board, but compared to the schism that went on there, this "declining participation" or whatever is a walk in the park.

With that kind of endorsement, I'd damn well like to see some reports coming in from other DR members very soon. I see the price is now $94 (+$65 for wine). The food does look gorgeous, though: http://goodstoneblog.blogspot.com/

Indeed. We'll be there in October - hopefully the restaurant stays as-is through Columbus Day Weekend...

Yeah, while I didn't agree with everything said in Mackey's op-ed piece, it was a thoughtful point of view that didn't negate the call for health care reform. I don't see the need for boycotting WF.

Agreed. And at least Mackey isn't posting about WFM and competitor's stocks in an on-line forum!

This is why Yelp is hit or miss (mostly miss). Leftbank is more a "club" or "lounge" than a restaurant. Sadly, I have eaten there twice - both meals were insipid. I'd save the $15 and eat elsewhere.

Tasty (pricey) food, crappy service.

-Offer a "Belgian Special": $19 for mussels mariniere (smaller portion), fries, your choice of three mayos, and a glass of Hoegarden. These would fly out the door.

-Simplify the dishes!

Of course, if business is booming, ignore me. But I probably won't be back.

I've been a regular at Belga since it opened, and although servers have come and gone, have always received good service. My main complaint about Belga is the noise level - it can be incredibly loud in there. I do agree that the entrees could be simplified a bit, although I don't know how much you can simplify a croque monsieur or madame from the sandwich menu. Good idea about the "Belgian Special", although was the place less than packed when you were there? Belga strikes me as one of the restaurants on the Hill that is always crowded.

I wonder if it's on the menu at their Parker Meridien location as well.

HA! Nice.

My first thought when at the fish counter yesterday was that I still couldn't see over it and it seemed even higher than before. This is really kind of crazy, since the people working behind the counter aren't necessarily tall enough to see over it either. The meat counters looked the same height as this too. Why do they do this?!

I don't know about the high counters, but the aisles are more narrow because of the addition of A/C to the market, or so I was told. The market looks fantastic - it is great to see everyone in their (new) old familiar places!

Or Red Sox games. Record crowd last night. Suffice it to say, it was not the stadium popcorn that left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Indeed. Two more games in pink hat hell... Although I believe the food will be more plentiful today and tomorrow. Lots of stands ran out last night.

How do you feel about Top-Siders? More appropriate than sandals like these?

100%. Didn't know there were so many (relatively speaking) Barker Black lovers here. I have two pairs of wingtips that are my favorite shoes - also with the same design on the sole that waitman has...

but nice man sandals.

Such things do not exist.

Pee Wee looks like he's having the most fun. The two idiots in the hats and gaudy t'shirts look pretty comfy too. Steve McQueen died like 30 years ago, didn't he? He's hardly relevant.

Now, if everybody had to dress like the Blues Brothers, I might drop my money in that establishment.

If you don't think Steve McQueen is relevant, then I'm sorry. Those pics are probably 30 years old, or roughly as old as me. Were he (or anyone else) to wear the clothes in those pics out today, they would (a) be comfortable, and ( look relevant. The choads in the last pic look absurd now - I can't imagine thirty years hence. Ultimately, I cringe at the thought of anything other than jeans and t-shirts being deemed uncomfortable, or for schmucks. Makes me wonder if the issue is that folks nowadays don't either own a decent suit or know a tailor.

All of this said, someone else's attire in a restaurant doesn't bother me if it doesn't bother the restaurant staff.

Alternatively,

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Or

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As compared to, say

Click For all the talk of "comfort", who looks more comfortable in these three pics?

So true. Nothing like wearing out on the town what you would also end up being buried in. Then let's talk about the metaphorical noose tied around one's neck.

Suits are for schmucks.

Eh, nevermind.

Maybe it's a more old-fashioned view point but I think it also has to do with respect for your surrondings and the food you are about to be served.

Perfectly stated.

Plain t-shirts or ones with pics/words/logos on them? I think plain tees can look ok, even for a higher-end restaurant.

Times are changing.

Perhaps not for the better. Honestly, I'm flabbergasted when I read posts that say things like "it was great not to have to worry about what to wear", etc. I am beginning to think that casual attire in nicer restaurants has gone too far. Must one wear a t-shirt and jeans or shorts to be comfortable? Is it that difficult to put on a collared shirt and a pair of trousers (or heaven forbid, a jacket and tie)?

I understand the need/desire to wear casual clothes to bars, neighborhood bistros, etc, as Marks mentioned. But, in a restaurant like PS7 or Citronelle, they are making an effort - shouldn't the diner meet the restaurant halfway?

How about the Union Square Cafe? Solid seasonal food and pleasant service!

I second USC. Excellent service and brunch menu. If open for brunch (not sure), you could also consider Gotham Bar and Grill. I wouldn't recomment Blue Water Grill - for me it's just too crowded. If you have your heart set on a BR Guest restaurant, head to the UES and Atlantic Grill.

Calling out to the group to get some ideas on where to make reservations for a party of 15...cost is not a factor, but we are looking for something in the higher end-range. I was thinking BLT, Bourbon Steak, Corduroy...any thoughts? What places have you hosted larger parties? Given the short notice (next tuesday), I would like to cast a wider net and make calls to see if a private room or large table is available. As always, thank you!

Maybe not the "highest end", but I have had several larger dinners in the Jean Louis room at Central. We've found that it works well for business dinners and smaller birthday parties. I would add them to the list - hope this helps.

Looking to pick up about 6 hanger steaks for a party this weekend.

Any suggestions on the best place to pick these up? Since I assume Michael will not part with any of his.

I saw some at Balducci's last weekend. What about some of the butchers in the area - anyone had any luck. Alexandria or Bethesda if possible.

I picked up four from Union Meats in Eastern Market last weekend - $7.99/lb

Last night - shared two bottles of Inglenook Cask Cabernet, 1977. Not bad for a 32 year old cali wine!

About $20 entrees I think should do it. Kind of leaning towards this place Tratorria del Arte. Hear good things, and it's right around the corner from where we'll be.

You could try Picholine - their taste of picholine and menu d'economie both come in at the pricepoint you are looking at.

Mel from Eastern Market poultry has had emu in the past. Eastern Market is not open today, but you could give him a call on Tuesday.

What $ amount range are you thinking for reasonable?

I know - just a good excuse to link to that pic, and needle both he and Psaltis. I think eater's line on our own TS is closer to the mark.

I'd vote Steven Shaw, solely for humor - oh, to see this epic picture pasted in every restaurant in manattan, and to have whatever restaurant Doug Psaltis opens next get four stars, just because.

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To my fellow LC alum, Frank Bruni. Best of luck with the book and new assignment!

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