hm212

Under the topic of Cheap Eats - Six had dinner for under $50 at Five Guys tonight. I know this probably is obvious and stands to reason but if you are short of cash and need to feed the crew.

I will not have my kids this year, but will definitely be there. Please put me down for soft drinks and brownies.

The mango and cucumber molds from last year were both great and neither had a drop left!

He got exactly what he deserved. Without knowing him I would guess he starts complaining as soon as he sees kids.He complained about kids in Mamma Lucia, Guapo's and Austin Grill. There is a reason we call these family restaurants. If he does not want to see kids he should try going out after 8:00 or to a higher end restaurant.

This basically describes the entire chain. You will never have a 4 four store dining experience, but you probably will never go wrong.The desserts at Tower Oaks are really good too. The menu does vary some throughout the different locations. They are not exact carbon copies.

I like fois gras. Today Fois Gras, tomorrow chicken and beef.When I was in High School and college no one would have ever imagined a real crackdown on smoking. Today even I am an ex-smoker. Why don't we just let the market dictate what we can and cannot do.

I was in a Giant this morning and they had a new sign up - "Krispy Kreme - back by popular demand". I had a sweet craving so I got one - Thought it sucked. It was more like a sugar glop. What a waste of calories.

Just read over this thread. I don't have my kids this weekend. Is Lucky Three on Saturday 4/22 or Sunday 4/23? Sunday would be better. Please let me know.

Any chance of an update for those of us on the North side of the bridge?

Try this link http://www.stratford.edu/?page=culinaryworkshops

I have never had them, but last weekend at a high end (not named) DC restaurant ramps were listed as an ingredient on the menu. The waiter said that they were very strong and was not recommending that dish because the ramps overpowered the dish. Yes, it is a good thing when the wait staff can guide you honestly. Are ramps normally that strong?

I agree with Dan - I have only had fabulous meals at HEOTB.But please see my apples and oranges comment on the Foong Lin thread. Foong Lin is across from my office and has nothing in common with HEOTB. I still like Foong Lin's egg foo young.

APPLES AND ORANGES! My office is across the street from Foong Lin. It is not the place for authentic asian cuisine. It does have very good americanized chinese food. Many times I will pick up egg rolls, fried rice, lo mein, etc for my kids for dinner. I personally like their egg foo young and I will mix in fried rice. I would not call this the best be all to end all. No it is not "authentic". But it is a pretty good dinner that is in my neighborhood and I like it. This is a very different meal than if I am going to HEOTB. Having been to HEOTB several times including the banquet hosted by John B, that is great dim sum. That is a great meal. We need to stop comparing apples and oranges.

I don't really travel that often but I am pleased Maestro made the top ten http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2006...staurants_x.htm

That is the place. Definitely as close to NY style as you can get. I do admit I could be a little jaded since I have been going there for years. The staff is extremely nice and courteous. That alone says a lot these days. They have pictures of kids eating bagels on the walls and one of those pictures is of my older daughter when she was about two.

Went last night and Chef Cesare was not in house. His staff did not disappoint. They do change the menu often so a dish or two that I was hoping for they were not serving. They will also serve anything off of the tasting menu ala carte. Their portion sizes are more than fair. We shared all of the items below and neither of us went hungry. Fois Gras - Roasted foie gras with rhubarb, morel mushrooms and aged balsamic vinegar The presentation allowed for the rhubarb to blend with the fois gras while the mushrooms were offset with the balsamic vinegar. Extremely rich and pleasing. Risotto - Risotto with pecorino cheese, morel mushrooms and black truffle. Totally melted in my mouth. Pasta - Fresh tagliatelle noodles with a Mallard duck ragu, sautéed black trumpet mushrooms and imported Castelmagno cheese. This was cooked to perfection all of the flavors blended perfectly. Dessert - Classic profiteroles stuffed with espresso gelato and warm chocolate-espresso sauce and toasted almonds. This was the only not off of the chart dish of the night. The espresso gelato was a little overpowering. It may have also been that we were looking for something a little lighter. They had ran out of the strawberry cobbler with cream and I was looking forward to that dessert. The manager even came over and aplogized that they were of the strawberry. Service was excellent. We were seated in a nice quiet corner and were able to have a comfortable conversation without screaming. Tosca will never be confused with cheap eats, but I felt that it was very fair for the caliber of food and service. The bill ran just over $100 plus tip but remember we did not have any wine, just coffee with dessert.

Izzy's Bagels on Rockville Pike, Previously Manhatten Bagels (same owners) has bialys that are probably the best for this area. After a recent trip up to NY, I believe that the difference is in the water. I don't know why but even if everything else were the exact same the water makes a difference.

I have been doing low carb for the last two weeks and have reservations at Tosca tomorrow night to spend those carbs. I know they have just changed to the spring menu. I think that Cesare is away, but I have always heard that his staff does a great job whether he is there or not. Would you recommend the tasting menu or order by the entree? If I do by the entre will they do the 1/2 portions so I can order more or is that only at the bar? I am thinking my own tasting menu - Fois Gras, Risotto, Pasta, Dessert. Do you think they would put that together for me?

I heard the independent theory at the roulette table when I went to Vegas earlier this year. Didn't help much there. Hopefully we will have better luck for the weather.

If you are looking for the best - Maestro and if you really want to go all out stay the night at the Ritz. They have a great spa to really get you in the mood before dinner.

Sunday May 21st

I didn't ask last night, but did anyone get an ETA for Silver Spring?

I just call Guajilo and they said that they would be open until at least nine. So if anyone from the 8:00 group would like to meet at 7:30 for a drink please let me know. Any suggestions for parking?

Not a chance, lets check back in 90 days.

I finally made it there and went for lunch today and agree completely with the above. The burger was missing flavor, five guys is much better. The fries were good but not as good as when five guys is on, but due to the inconsistency of five guys these days way better than five guys when they are off. Not worth the drive from Montgomery County but if I am in the area worth a stop.