hillvalley

I grew up a few blocks from Frager's. Now I live 9 miles away and can see the smoke from my balcony. It's heartbreaking.

Mr. Gold's suggestion met the criteria so we ended up at Harris Crab House. The crabs were excellent. Ex-larges full of sweet meat washed down with cold beer. Far superior to the crabs I got from Maine Ave. a few weeks ago. The rest of the food was either fine or scary. French fries and coleslaw did their respective jobs but were your standard fare. We came up with a variety of uses for the cream of crab soup including spackling, finger painting and hole filler. I'm going to stick with the sage advice of if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all and leave it at that. Ambiance wise it missed the mark for me compared to Cantlers. Part of the magic that is Cantlers is that it enough of a drive on random roads that you feel like you are no where near daily life. I didn't realize how much I needed that until we sat over looking the bay with the Kent Narrows Bridge a little bit away. That being said, I would head back just for the crabs. They were good enough to look beyond the bridge. All in all it was worth the trip for the crabs and the much needed break. We got away from suits and responsibility for a little while, which in the end was what we were looking for.

Izakaya Seki

To Date Five: The Great Escape To crossing bridges To water and crabs and french fries To being gone just long enough to relax but back in time to walk the dog.

I need suggestions for crab shacks/houses/dives/restaurants on the water within an hour and a half of DC. Cantler's is obvious but given that it is commission weekend I am going to assume it will be crazier than normal. Capt. Billy's in Pope Creek, Md., my usual go to, only has smalls and mediums this week. What's left? --- Harris Crab House (DeanGold)

To irony. Here, there, everywhere. And to the full moon.

The Petworth Community Market is open for the season. Their Facebook page has more up to date information. As far as I know this is the only Friday afternoon market in the city. It is a small, community created market with a dozen or so stands. There are four or five fruit and veggie stands, a bakery, meat and egg stands and four or five stands selling different pre-made goods including a line of collard green sauces (chutney, pesto, pico de gallo), homemade salsa, mole and aqua fresca, and Qualia coffee. The veggie and bread stands tend to stay the same but there is usually something new and different each week. For me, this is what farmer's markets are about. The community decided they wanted a market and created one on their own. It is not fancy, there are not dozens of vendors, but it provides the community a place to gather and quality produce that isn't easily found in the neighborhood.

It's dinner from the market season again; I bought everything this weekend at a few markets. Tonight is burrata on a bed of stewed tomatos and baby zucchini and green garlic Broiled squash blossoms stuffed with goat cheese Chocolate milk

A few Saturday nights ago I got there at 4:45 and we were in the second seating, around 7. It was worth the wait.

According to to the Georgetown Patch the landlord, who would not comment on the issue, tried to raise the rent $1,200 dollars a month. http://georgetown.patch.com/articles/max-s-ice-cream-lease-being-terminated

We are in worse shape than we thought if neighborhood businesses now turn on each other.

To fourth dates where dessert is decided when the reservation is made and leaving porches & champagne and balconies & wine was the right decision even if some parts aren't compatible

Can't stand that combo so this was as good as it was going to get.

Watermelon, mango, pineapple all sprinkled with black salt. Nonfattening comfort foods, which while tasty, are not as effective as a pint of B&Js or mozzarella sticks.

The lamb slider, on the HH menu for a mere $4, is the best deal in town. The burgers (I had two) were cooked to a perfect medium rare and the goat cheese added just the right amount of creaminess. It comes with chips but when I told the bartender I didn't want any on my second burger she offered to substitute it with a salad. Simple mixed lettuces and a few cherry tomatos, it was the perfect accompaniment. With tax and a generous tip dinner cost $12. Extra props go to the bartender who realized that I was not in the mood for conversation and kept the annoying old guy sitting near me from trying one too many times to get my attention.

The alcoholic drinks at Cuba Libra are apparently so weak that they could be non alcoholic but the mango mojito I had Friday night was excellent. Ripple also has a thoughtful selection of homemade concoctions sans alcohol.

Some dreams never die. My other favorite is The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place.

Raw baby carrots Roasted asparagus and green garlic Eggs baked in a quick tomato sauce of a Toigo hothouse tomato, green garlic, baby zucchinis and their flowers Everything procured at Dupont on Sunday. I'm pushing the season but needed real veggies.

To third dates With rum drinks while waiting in line Where you discover you have a mutual low tolerance for spice And more truths are revealed which explain the continuing connection It's a shame, yet understandable, that because of others they won't read this post.

Brandade Brie Homemade matzah crackers Homemade challah Baked sweet potato spears with preserved lemon yogurt sauce Watermelon feta red onion salad Sweet potato kale cilantro curry powder soup White bean and rosemary cake Asparagus with balsamic glaze Pasta with duck tomato sauce Lemon cream pie Reds and whites

The theme thsi week was we are done with death and winter, bring on spring: Deviled eggs Greyson Cheese An unnamed blue and an unidentifiable but delicious random cheese Popcorn Matzah Asparagus with balsamic reduction and parmesan Corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes with bacon horseradish sauce Homemade challah Tapioca pudding with mango and coconut Mango berry cake Glenfiddich 15 Dark and Stormys Mango, Strawberry, Banana, Lime, Coconut Coladas

Then what are the other restaurants besides R24?

Why don't mixologists pay attention to those who would enjoy a crafted beverage without the booze? Not every can or wants to spend the night drinking. When out for a swanky night on the town I'd like to be able to order something classy that won't add to the pickling of my liver. Dino and Palena get credit for making their own sodas but one of them had grapefruit soda as a choice which doesn't mix well with many medications. I've tried ordering at The Passenger but got the same drink each time. I know I'm not the only one around here who either doesn't drink or is a lightweight and would enjoy a good cocktail sans alcohol.

To Glendora-six years later. This hot chocolate is for you. And to Ellen because she would expect to be toasted. We will drink the good wine before the new wife comes along. May you be lucky number 7 and end the streak for a while. And to yesterday because it was a good day.

With the exception of Harper, they did what they were supposed to do everything they were supposed to do, except, you know, hit. In a break from tradition, it seemed that the concession stands ran smoother than they have on past Opening Days. The lines moved faster than they have in the past.