vickie

I completely agree about the wine program at Esca. The sommelier and her counterpart both stopped by my seat at the bar and talked wine with me at length last time I was there. I remember having a great Bianchetta (by I think it was Bisson) several years ago which I believe cost about $35/bottle. It was perfect outdoors on a warm summer evening and excellent with the food. I don't mind restaurants making a reasonable mark-up on a thoughtful wine list. What I hate is paying huge mark-ups for uninspired wine choices.

I completely agree about the quality. The masa on the tamales is incredibly delicate. One caveat. Don't go exactly at noon as there is a really long line of locals.

Sorry. roasted coffee.

Or Cary Grant in The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit."

2002 Chateau de Lussac, Lussac Saint Emilion. A little funky and horsey with tons of torrefaction and some really pretty fruit.

The scrapple and ravioli dish was fabulous. One of my top three favorite dishes of the evening.

Some of the larger Whole Foods have them sometimes.

I don't know where you live, but I found some at the Balducci's in McLean and the Whole Foods on Rte 7 in Tysons.

Went there this am. They had zucchini blossoms, english peas, strawberries, baby squash and more. Definitely agree that the chance to buy Westmoreland without a line is great.

That brings back memories. I used to work in Old Town and we went to Blue and White all the time. They used to serve a fried pork chop sandwich--just like the chicken, bone and all--between two pieces of white sandwich bread. Do they still have it? Also, seriously hammered but really delicious sides of kale and green beans.

I live in North Arlington. Would also take DC recommendations. Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'll try them and report back.

Anything closer in?

I used to go to Connaught Place in Fairfax before it closed. Does anyone have a recommmendation for good Indian food? --- [The following posts have been split into separate threads: Raaga (ol_ironstomach) Indian City Grill (xdcx) Bollywood Bistro (Sundae in the Park) Jaipur (hoosiereph)]

Wasn't there something on No Reservations about supper clubs in Seattle?

Is Tachibana in McLean too far? If not, that's a good choice.

No luck in my local spot so far this year.

Does anyone know if Blanche de Bruges beer is available around here?

I couldn't find any pricing information for renting kitchen space. Does any one know how much they are charging?

I completely agree about Wine Traditions. I would add Potomac Selections which represents broker Tom Calder's wines, although they aren't national either.

I know. I was making fun of myself that when I see varietal, I think wine.

Sauvignon Blanc?

I've had a spicy soup there, but I thought it was beef. No clue what it was, it just tasted good.

If you are looking for a stopping place in Rioja, Laguardia is charming. Here's the link for a great little hotel. http://www.travelinginspain.com/basque/laguardia_hotel.htm

Are you planning on staying only in San Sebastian for those three-four days or does that include your foray into France? If it is just for SS, 3-4 days is probably good. I don't know what your hotel budget is, but if you don't want to spend outrageous amounts, the Hotel Niza on the Concha Beach is perfectly suitable. Splurge at Arzak. Otherwise just wander the old town and eat and drink at the pintxos bars. Try the txakoli, a crisp lightly effervescent low alcohol white wine.While in France you must go to Espelette and eat at Hotel Euskadi. Try the Axoa d'Espelette--a local Basque veal stew which was one of my top meals ever. The hotel isn't anything special, but the food is. Also, St. Jean Pied de Port is worth a visit. In Bologna, stay at the Orologio Hotel. Right off the main square and really nice yet affordable. Eat all the mortadella you can get your hands on.

I'm torn between San Sebastian, Bologna and Lyon. All really great food towns.