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Tujague

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  1. Tujague
    My meals at Floriana have been rather meh, and the service slow, particularly when busy (though it's been a couple years). It's been even longer since I've been to Agora, but it strikes me as a better pre-theater choice simply because the food is lighter, as opposed to heavy-ish Italan food. Agora also has some nice wines by the glass, as I recall.
  2. Tujague
    Kibbee, I wholly believe that you are not a racist. I do, however, believe that comment was rooted in the sort of unexamined racism and sexism that can infect just about anyone's thoughts and words--my own included, to my profound embarrassment and shame. The problem, I think, is that there is such an ugly history of racism, classism, and not just sexism but misogyny that is attached to black women in tennis--starting with Althea Gibson, and perhaps especially with the Williams sisters. I just don't think there is a way to address your concern about PEDs without explicitly acknowledging this history and delicately trying to detach your argument from it as best you can, like fine neurosurgery. Clever or ill-considered quips and comparisons are pretty much a sure-fire way to stumble into this sort of upset. There's no need to disrespect or demean her to make your legitimate point, which I am NOT trying to silence. Perhaps the better comparison than the Lindsey Davenport one Don makes is to Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo--two extremely muscular women in tennis who had to battle similar sorts of comparisons, plus the toxin of homophobia. And perhaps the better question than focusing on any particular player--Williams, Nadal, etc.--is to ask why PEDs in tennis seem to be an utter non-issue in the media, certainly compared to other sports, team or individual, when you would think it would be raised frequently and loudly if there were real concerns about their use/abuse. (Other drugs like cocaine seem to be a larger concern and stumbling block to players.) But, since Don wants this to be a positive string about Serena, as a non-sports fanatic, I simply think she is the supreme individual sports figure of our time. Her sheer willpower, even when it lets her down, like yesterday, is phenomenal. I can't imagine what it's like to function at such a high level with all the animus and disrespect that gets directed at her, unless that is the real fuel to her success, not PEDs. (Also, my anger has to do in part with the sort of crap my rugby-playing niece takes from both men and women simply for being an extremely fit--and attractive--woman. But she tells me that what she experiences on that front is nothing to what her black teammates get. There is something truly, deeply horrible here and we owe to sportswomen of all races to stand against it, without silencing other legitimate concerns.)
  3. Tujague
    Don, I believe you when you say that you have no racial, gender, etc. bias re: Williams, even if I disagree with you about steroid use. But I am fed up with the racist, sexist, body-shaming bias that gets routinely thrown at her, the last as exemplified in Kibbee's comments (and the other as implied). That has no place in civil discourse here or anyplace, and disrespects her dignity as a player and as a human being- -and of other woman of color. Serena may have too much class to say "Fuck you" to people who throw that shit her way, but I don't. If we don't call this crap out for the racist, sexist bullshit it is, it gets normalized and anyone--including me and you, Kibbee, can become a fair target for that kind of name calling and slurs. It's offensive, period.
  4. Tujague
    Closed for the time being.
  5. Tujague
    To Donald Capps. He likely means little to people on this forum, but I edited four books by this brilliant Princeton Theological Seminary professor, who was one of the loveliest--and quirkiest--people it has ever been my pleasure to know and work with. He wrote openly of his struggles with social phobia, which made communicating with him a challenge, and he was a lifelong holdout on producing his manuscripts on a typewriter, not a word processor. The brother of the late Congressman Walter Capps and brother-in-law of current California congresswoman Lois Capps, often called the "nicest person in Congress." Don maybe was the nicest person in the world of theology--a heartbreaking end to a distinguished career.
  6. Tujague
    Actually, the name makes some sense given Silverman's commitment to hospitality and the fine-dining intention of the evening service: the pineapple symbolizes "welcome" and the "pearls" should be obvious. I think it's actually LESS hipsterish than Rose's Luxury.
  7. Tujague
    To Julian Bond and Jonathan Daniels, icons of social justice and symbols of hope at very early ages, both of whose lives ended too soon in their own ways, one to vascular disease and one by a racist with a gun.
  8. Tujague
    A few weeks ago, in his review of Bistrot Lepic, Tom Sietsema described it as "friendlier than Montmartre." Granted, I'm a Capitol Hill local, but don't get there as often as I'd like, so I'm hardly a regular who gets special treatment. Yes, they are brisk in their service, but hardly chilly. I don't know what he's looking for, but this place does better than average in its service in a tight space. At any rate, lunch today gave me an opportunity to try the steak tartare that Don has raved about, and I have to agree that it's a very good rendition, and well priced at $12, for a substantial portion. I'm no expert on this dish, but the mustard and capers that hold it together are mild, and don't overwhelm the perfectly chopped beef; they could be stronger without doing damage. A third piece of toasted foccacia would be welcome also, but the bread basket makes when you run out of the toast. I preceded this with the special heirloom tomato salad--a simple preparation of about eight wedges, accompanied with avocado, goat cheese, some spicy greens and a light balsamic vinegar. Very nice, the only downside being the tomatoes being a bit too chilled (though still flavorful). My dining companions both had the BLT, which is large and accompanied by a large amount of greens on the side. I've had this before and liked it, though at this time of year especially, having market-fresh tomatoes rather than their tomato jam would be preferred. I forgot to post about my other recent outings here, when I brought some out-of-town cousins for dinner, and they were truly wowed. My rabbit was as good as ever (well, I think it was even better when they were new, but it's still a signature dish worth ordering). I can't remember what the others had, but everyone was immensely satisfied. And, on a couple of even earlier luncheons, the crepes, the octopus appetizer, and vegetable tartine stood out. In short, this remains one of the most steady performers on the Hill and deserves its continued success even as new places open. OK, I guess I have been here more often than usual the past few months, so maybe I do get friendlier service than Sietsema. Tough luck for him.
  9. Tujague
    He should pay him in tapas.
  10. Tujague
    This comment about service (or the acoustics) doesn't totally surprise me. I didn't really want to share this, but there is at least one person on the wait staff there whose behavior borders on the unprofessional and even inappropriate. There's a line between being friendly and trying to be friends with your customers and co-workers, and I think the owners need to be better attuned to that behavior and reining it in. On my first visit, this guy was practicing tai chi moves in the kitchen area to entertain his co-workers, which was a bit discomfiting--even if the place is nearly empty, you still have customers, and you're on the clock. The next visit, he pulled up on the stool next to me and got very palsy-walsy with me, nearly to the point of oversharing (I honestly wondered if he was stoned). Yes, have a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, but please--boundaries (and leading table cheers? C'mon, this isn't Chuck E. Cheese). And yeah, I agree that the execution of the service charge is annoying. Most of what's bothersome about the place is fixable, but sometimes it feels like landing in an episode of "Portlandia," relocated to DC.
  11. Tujague
    I agree that the shifting, multiple accounts of how this book came into print are disturbing, and I doubt that there will be any certainty that this really was her desire. But now that it's here, it must be contended with, because it does tell us more about how Lee imagined her character, even if that alters the icon. Does it force us to see something that was there all along but we failed or refused to recognize? I don't know. But I don't think that the sort of "either-or" dichotomy you establish is something mutually exclusive. Why can't it be both about race and the loss of an icon? Isn't Finch's image as a racial-justice hero a key part of that iconic status? I get that it's disappointing, particularly if you have a certain investment in time spent reading and studying. But is that possibly due to self-identification with the character (and I'm not referring to you, Don, but more generally)--he, meaning me or we, is not what one wanted to believe? That is, did we think Atticus Finch was an icon (which in Orthodox tradition are adored), and this new release reveals him actually to have been a mirror all along?
  12. Tujague
    These four places are so disparate in their identities, that ranking and comparing them seems pointless. Of course, a few months ago, after my first visit to Ocopa I speculated it might have the best food on H Street, and SMN doesn't necessarily change that view. But they are such different experiences that I can't really compare them. I resonate with Don's comment--this is how I WANT to eat, as I see my waistline expanding despite efforts to cut portion sizes and snacking. If my income was steadier, I could easily see coming to SMN several nights a week for a dish or two, and counting that as dinner--in time, I know my metabolism would adjust to the evening cravings. That said, what strikes me in this conversation is that while most of us agree the food at SMN is good, what many of us regard as assets may seem to some as deficits, which probably has something to do with expectations or hopes going in. If you're realistic about what this place is going in, I think you'll have a great time. But don't expect Rose's H Street--or Rogue 24, or Andres-style small plates, or whatever. Its simplicity/modesty is radical in and of itself.
  13. Tujague
    Some of my friends, both white and African American, have said that one of the reasons that this new release bothers people is because this portrayal of Atticus Finch upends his place as the prototypical white male savior, albeit fictional, that undergirds much of modern racism. To Kill a Mockingbird may well be a great and beloved novel, but its legacy vis-a-vis real-life racism is rather mixed, when looked at through the lens of critical race theory. Even if this new release doesn't live up to the quality of TKAM, its complexification of the character Atticus Finch may be an important corrective to the original's less attractive effects and is perhaps a "must-read" for that very reason. (And I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I have never read TKAM! It was never assigned in any of my el-hi or college courses, and I have never gotten around to its, so my memory is primarily of the movie--so take my comments with that awkward qualification.)
  14. Tujague
    I appreciate what both Waitman and jca76 say above about SMN, and think they're mostly spot on in their critiques. Yes, this is not the most innovative or creative food you're going to come across. They keep their preparations pretty simple for the most part, in ways that might well get you thinking, "I could do that." But beneath that I think there is nevertheless a finesse that lets the ingredients speak for themselves, in a way that many restaurants often miss. And I think they both capture what I said about this not being a place to linger; I can totally get that it's not even that satisfying for a "full meal" experience, unless you're willing to shell out more than you anticipated. As I hinted above, I think that's it best to drop in for a few dishes of the freshest stuff along with a beer or a wine, at least right now. It will be interesting to see how it morphs when we move into the fall and winter months. The veggie and focus fruit focus makes total sense right now, but I'd love to see them dig into some heartier fare using the same basic philosophy that they employ right now. For the time being, I'm enjoying their early charms as a great place to taste what's fresh, without necessarily having to invest in a whole meal experience.
  15. Tujague
    . . . and there goes Zakarian.
  16. Tujague
    Soon with even MORE wood!!!
  17. Tujague
    That date was to be part of the same concert tour when I saw her in Philly. She cancelled her appearance in Boston also, due to "exhaustion" (unsurprising, when she's playing at her most furious). She definitely seems to have a preference to be part of an ensemble rather than as a soloist with an orchestra (or on her own).
  18. Tujague
    A few years ago, Argerich played in concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by her former husband and best orchestral collaborator, Charles Dutoit, at the Kimmel Center--an extremely rare event. I and two friends sat for several hours in the rush line hoping to snag $10 tickets for ANY concert there. To our amazement, our patience was rewarded with three front-row tickets to the Argerich performance--the most unforgettable orchestral performance of my life. Several years ago Deutsche Grammophon started releasing bargain-priced box sets of her albums, going back to her earliest performances; Decca did the same with their Argerich catalog a few years later. They are worth seeking out; it's educational to hear her take different approaches to the same concerto with different orchestras. It's joyous to hear her pair with other pianists and musicians; her solo performances are wild, virtuosic, and sometimes harrowing. She may not be the greatest pianist of her generation, but she is definitely one of the most electrifying.
  19. Tujague
    I don't know the answer either, and I think it's okay if there is no single reason. Andres did have some time on his hands here to make his decision, and I imagine he hoped against hope that Trump might relent to some degree. And while his enterprise is not a small business per se, neither is it anywhere near the size of NBC or Macy's. His decisions have more direct effects on local actors to whom he has a different relationship and responsibility than a larger corporation, which makes it an even more difficult choice. Andres does have a personal profile relative to immigration, so I do in fact think that it wasn't just social media pressure that prompted his choice; he's long demonstrated that he does have a social conscience.
  20. Tujague
    Oh, good grief. Then again, Trump could use a few fiery sermons on being a good neighbor. It's interesting that in this case, it's Trump Jr. who is making the threats, not the Donald himself. Maybe someone is telling him that he needs to get his minions to do the crazy talk. I suspect Andres would have taken this step sooner, but he's a savvy enough businessman to get his legal ducks in a row first, knowing what Trump would surely throw at him. I wonder if Geoffrey Zakarian will also pull out now, too.
  21. Tujague
    To José Andres, for doing the right thing.
  22. Tujague
    Andres OUT.
  23. Tujague
    Don't get me wrong--you certainly can do a full meal here and eat well, though I have yet to try any of the more entree-like dishes. But it's not a particularly intimate space, and I bet with all that white tile that it can get noisy when it's full. While the cooking and prep area is mostly toward the back, away from the bar and seating area, the open design is more like eating in someone's kitchen rather than their dining room. It's not uninviting, but not warm and cozy either.
  24. Tujague
    I'm afraid I can't recommend the biscuit breakfast sandwiches at the Hill Center Bayou Bakery: the flavor is fine, but the biscuit is way too crumbly, almost cakelike--it explodes into crumbs with one bite. These biscuits just don't have the stamina to work as sandwich containers. The muffalotta sandwich is better option--good bread and meat; the grilled pimento cheese sandwich is crispy on the outside, coolish on the inside. Excellent snickerdoodles. But so far, I'm more enamored of the space than of the food.
  25. Tujague
    I've been here twice, once for brunch, once for dinner, and am quite taken with the place overall. For a light brunch, the "Eggs in a Nest" (poached egg surrounded by braised beet greens) and home fries make a nice meal. The ginger limeade is quite tart, which I like. For dinner on July 3, I arrived around 6 PM, and there was only one other table being served (and only one more by the time I left around 7:00). I went for four vegetable dishes: (1) beets and pea salad with horseradish; (2) stir-fried snap peas and fava beans with chinese vinegar; (3) tomato and corn salad with banana peppers; and (4) grilled romaine with hoisin and cherry tomatoes. Only (1) didn't capture my imagination, though it was by no means bad--just more routine than the others. (2) and (3) only seemed routine on the surface, but the preparation made the flavors pop with life. And the romaine is hearty enough to serve as an entree substitute. The Baltimore Meadworks lemongrass-basil ale made a nice partner to these. If pie is on the menu, go for it: none of this deconstructed stuff, but a real, honest piece of pie with a flaky crust and (that night) bing cherries, slightly warm from having emerged from the oven less than an hour before. And that's the best part of SMN: the dishes are unfussy and uncomplicated, focused on the ingredients. I don't think that SMN is going to be H Street's version of Rose's Luxury, even once word gets out more about its charms. The space doesn't really lend itself to lingering, personal meals, and the service is friendly if a bit quirky. Those who complain about a lack of reservations will probably understand why they don't once they visit. This is more a place that is perfect for coming for a glass of wine or a beer, and ordering one or two items on the menu a few nights a week, rather than doing a full meal, as a way of getting a sense of what's fresh right now. I like it; there's no place quite like it in DC right now.
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