Mrs. B

Jason,Waitman and I fried up some vietnamese spring rolls at one or another of the dr. picnics, and while I was more or less pleased with the results, I would suggest that the hassle factor of dealing with the grease (and getting it to high enough frying temp) out-weighs yummy factor plus there is also the kids running around boiling oil nerve factor too. I agree with Barbara's points in her earlier post. However, if you really want to, we have one of those nifty propane burners too and would be glad to toss it in the car if you would like.

Not as long as I have been living with him (20+ years). He sneered at me the one time I did, and I was only going to serve it to the kids. Waitman is kind of an opinionated fanatic about his sauces (and nothing else of course) . eta:whoa how'd this end up on "whim'? I thought I was on Mulino?

Waitman, Nora and I will be in NB vicinity around 7:00 on the way to Kennedy Center will anyone still be about?

Bistro Francais in Georgetown a little further afield. ETA: and already mentioned a bunch.

I really like making buttery fried mini croutons out of pepperidge farms or arnold white bread. Rye croutons are also a favorite of mine. This works better in my estimation on a more creamy soup. Michel Richard suggested tossing in some sunflower seeds at a class that Waitman & I took last year.

Green or Yellow. I can share green and I need yellow.

I'm hesitant to reply but as long as you are comparing to soggy pizza and "Chinese" PM me and I will let you know. I would say thatafter tonight I am sworn off, my daughter still likes the Kik Alitcha. I would be interested if any of the "Little Ethiopia" restaurants deliver.

Thanks Don And Hill You have created a great community of individuals that never ceases to amaze me with its talent and insight to many things which all of us hold in common [damnit can't link to that effing cowbell clip or maybe the Perlow jello mold] and the many things we don't [cue DNC or RNC Convention footage here] not to mention fine food and beverages. Thank you for your ambition and tireless attention to creating a very special and real place in the virtual reality that has and continues to change our way of seeing ourselves, each other and those that wear (by choice or circumstance) different shoes (or Segways) or tastebuds.

Right Shogun, but I already used up what back bone I have by suggesting in the follow-up call (that left me queasy) that their spicy wasn't spicy only to be told that it was their spicy but my "extra spicy" part was left out of the order and that's the way it (their Kitfo) is. That left me somewhat cowed. If that's the way their kitfo is well let me just reiterate YUK (and I know that's a lie because I've been eating it there for years and never has it been that effing bland). I do appreciate your point that those that are slighted for whatever reason need to stand up but dang, I got no balls, once the food has been delivered or in ths case picked up by Waitman. I almost picked up the kitfo clamshell and stormed back to the resto but was stopped by two things. 1. Adams Morgan Traffic & 2 Appearing like a strident bitch in a restaurant with out a tall man behind me. Which kind of gets to the heart of my post. If I know what I want at a restaurant with a cuisine I understand and I get something totally different (ie non spiced (though blessedly raw - I guess)) than what I ordered, how do you tell the restaruant that they fubared up my life in a way that doesn' fray everyone's last nerve and leaves the door open to further ordering with. perhaps, authenticity next time.

I would love to go into great detail about how I really needed a decent carryout of spicy gut-clenching Kitfo tonight but I will spare you. Kitfo ordered by a non-Ethiopian/Eritrean over the phone is always fraught with peril and I do understand that, but once we were past the "yes raw" not "cooked" part of the order I thought all would be fine. I further refined my order to ask for the kitfo extra spicy and the response was "extra spicy?" and I replied yes. Okay, great, we were on the same page. I then asked for specific sides (and was once again was saddened to hear that gomen is not a side) but got the feeling that we understood each other and thought it was clear that I had some familiarity with the cuisine. I was beyond bereft when my order arrived and the kitfo spicing was something milder than a raw burger spiced with A-1. Really, the sides had more zing. Well yay the kitfo was raw (and that's a plus) but an underspiced hunk of chopped meat doused in plain butter? gak. I called the establishment (and if you know me, you know this is well beyond my MO) to ascertain that we had a firm understanding that I wanted my food "spicy" not "not spicy"and was told after a long wait that my side of spice wasn't included. Whatever. The butter burger kitfo crap was nasty. They asked if I lived far away and I explained that I lived in Mt Pleasant (15 min walk tops) I asked if perhaps they would have a delivery in my direction in the near future, they were apolgetic but went no further. If this is the way they currently serve kitfo to the public well yuk. I think they misunderstood and thought I wanted "not spicy" Who's to blame and who bears the responsiblity for correcting the problem? In a restaurant you may send an incorrect order back but delivery is a done deal I suppose, even if you attempt to be quite clear with your order. I am still lacking the requisite endorphine jolt but I have number of dragon chilies in the house that I will tuck into now that I am finished with my rant.

But they misspelled the Begula Caviar from Citronelle in the print edition was that a joke?

Waitman and I along with 2 friends dined ala carte at Citronelle a few weeks back and it was crazy good. I mean like the best meal I think I have ever had good (no kidding). The four of us were able to choose from among the "I gotta try it" items on the prix fixe menu and there were smiles all around. The amuses were off the chart and I still can't get the flavor of the green bean salad with flying fish roe (served in the cute little egg with the cherrio handle "casserole") out of my mind. Mr. Slater's care and attention is beyond words and his wine choices didn't suck either. I don't believe we made it out of there under $200 per person but happily we weren't picking up this tab.

With regret, I must withdraw.

I hosted a dinner for 18 at Marcel's a couple of weeks ago. We were seated toward the front of the restaurant in one long table plus a second behind it toward the entrance (the seating situation was not to my taste, rather awkward). The meal however was impeccable and service did not disappoint, the best part being that we were able to order from the menu rather than a set dinner. I believe part of our ordering good fortune and seating misfortune was due to the fact that a better part of the restaurant was occupied with a much larger group than ours (and I don't know if their menu was limited or not). I would not hesitate to recommend Marcel's, my discerning group of gourmands from Louisiana were very pleased with their dinner. I'm not sure I would choose Marcel's for a blow-out celebration dinner that might get rowdy but it suited my group on this night just fine.

I think I'm good for Sunday. Nora is to be Confirmed on Saturday and I don't think I can get the Bishop to change the date even for Chinese food

I must plan certain food indulgences carefully as well, though I will not go into detail. I eat most every form and spiciness of food but I think this is a case of know thyself or know thy in-tes-tine.The only time I was sure of the sickness being something I ate (that was truly bad and didn't just "disagree" with me) that had its impact within 24 hours was brought about by clams that I merely tasted than spat away. Boy did I pay The person (that slammed his comped shake out meal) is an ingrate and if the identity of such ingrate is discovered, the identity and person to whom such identity is attached should be banned forever from the secret society and the ingrate should have to be a server for all eternity earning naught but 10% (grammar and punc. okay Hill?). That behaviour leaves me positively speechless.

Since the demise of the Philadelphia Cheeseteak Factory on 9th Street, Waitman and I have been unable to find a suitable carryout (or even better - delivery) purveyor of this gourmet delight. We have been able to create our own version but lacking proper ventilation and a good oil disposal system makes home preparation a less than satisfactory solution. Suggestions within 15 or so (driving) minutes of Adams-Morgan/Mount Pleasant gratefuly accepted. --- The following posts were split into separate threads: Hooters (B.A.R.) Momo's (AlexC) P.S. Hoo win there write mined woody tattooed hers?

I've chatted with him before and he is a bit off kilter but not scarily so. He's always struck me as a lost puppy. I've seen him around for at least 18 years (yes I'm old) and remember his burnt-orange suit from the 80's most vividly.

ouch (again) & best to you and your family.

Order online. http://www.thefreshlobstercompany.com/Merc...roduct_Count=15 or http://www.farm-2-market.com/products/scallops.html I've not tried either, if you do let us know. Welcome to DR.com. What dish are you hoping to make for your wife (lucky woman!)?

lovely rememberance Joe. Thanks Let it snow so all the folks that have never seen it may revel, snuggle, eat drink and be merry. I will be breaking out the duraflame log with special wood crackle effects. I second Tabard. It is an especially romantic space to trek to if the weather is particularly foul.

My daughter is fond of their chocolate milkshake and I quite like the turkey salad on rye toast, lettuce only please. Onion rings are still pretty tastey.

sin duda bien sur

The Cruise Room in the Oxford in LoDo is also a swell place for a cocktail. If you are in Cherry Creek Mel's, Barolo & 4th Story (located in a fine independent bookseller Tattered Cover) were fine establishments (but this info is a bit dated - try to confirm with a current local). I would add my support for Potager and Duffy's. There was also a great Indonesian restaurant that had hallucinogenic Sambal. Waitman do you remember the name/location?

Ahem, I had transcendent corndogs at Bonnaroo. I went back for seconds (and they were not chicken based and I really don't smoke pot). I dream of them sometimes. I think I might get a bunch of those little smokies or such and make mini corn dogs with a great crust to rival the trite mini-burger.