hillvalley

Any word on the lottery?

Yes please!

To the local firefighters who came to visit tonight. Again.* *It is amazing; no matter how many false alarms your building has, they keep coming back.

Pearlz oysters continue to be great. A dozen of gulf coast for $10.95. They had a variety of other oysters but I didn't bother since I can get them in DC for half the price. Their shrimp taco, made from North Carolina Shrimp, is also good. We had take out Hominy Grill Saturday night and it was very good for take out. I loved their pimento cheese, pickled okra, mac and cheese and cornbread. The greens were good but not great. The purgoo was good but we should have had their shrimp and grits. The great thing about Hominy is that it is affordable good food. They have also recently expanded so the waits are a bit better than before. If you are looking for something non eating but food related, check out Heirloom Books and Co. They have a good selection of old cookbooks, especially if you are into Southern cooking. It's on King right before Broad.

This needs to go in the Joe H hall of fame.

Dark Wing-long time no hear from. And returning in daylight?

Homemade blackberry jam. With a spoon straight from the jar. It's basically cooked down blackberries. Soooo good.

I want a secret line for those of us who knew about them before. It's fun to watch this happen in my neighborhood but the lines have already begun.

They are looking for a civilized bar. And don't get me started on trying to eat out on Valentine's day. Don needs to make it a new thread.

I need recommendations on where to send a group of women in their late 30s/early 40s who want a night out in the town Saturday night without getting stuck in Valentines Day madness. They will be staying in Penn Quarter so suggestions in that area or H street would be preferable. Not having to wait in line and no cover charge is preferable.

Apparently, if you bring a flask of scotch for the immediate family at a funeral it is now called The Scherbotsky. Wish I hadn't learned that. To Kirby-the best person you'll never meet.

Does "Dressy Casual" mean you can wear "nice" jeans to the bar?

Bolognese sauce

The bakery, Mrs. Fines, is a Jewish bakery at its roots. Great rugelah but no lady fingers. If you want the soft kind of lady fingers Whole Foods usually has a decent version.

To community & ritual & food & family & friends who are family & limoncello & onion confit & scotch & corn whiskey surrounding those when they need it.

I completely agree. And thanks for the avocado heads up-there will be good, cheap guacamole enjoyed in Rosa's new neighborhood this weekend.

The mozzarella sticks are gone, and someday I may get over this loss, but at the bar they have been replaced with french fries. Damn good french fries. French fries that are what McDonald's could be if they only used real potato. And no ketchup here. Three ailolis: traditional, curry, and marie rose. In case that isn't enough cholesterol for you, there is a roasted tomato soup and grilled cheese combo on the menu now that is perfect for a cold, rainy night.

The sucking of the nuts of ventworms begins Saturday night. BTW-The guac is up to $14.

Brussel sprout hash with fried eggs Sourdough toast with onion confit Chai

Chicken stock on the stove, round one of onion confit in the oven. The stock and onions have the house smelling incredible.

I need a recommendation for dinner. It's for two couples, one in their 60s and one in their 90s so noise is an issue. They are looking for restaurants similar to Proof, Black Salt, Palena, etc. I think they would like the Village Highland area but am not sure so suggestions throught the city would be helpful.

When making from scratch isn't an option, who makes the best whipped cream in a can?

Of course, they must be placed on ones fingertips before eating. It is the only way to eat a delicacy.

You can find baby artichokes at Bloomingdale, fresh ginger, gooseberries, and lemongrass at Dupont and other markets during the season. Farms that sell micro greens to restaurants will often sell you their leftovers if they have any; it's a matter of creating good relationships. Granted it is January and all I dream of are tomatoes in August, but I can't think of anything we can't get at our local markets that isn't already out there if you are willing to look.

My first chili verde of the year. I had a tempting offer to spend my afternoon doing other wise that I may regret not taking, but in the end the chili won. The chili's not bad but needs some work.