goodeats

Not really. Spring roll is a spring roll, which is wrapping and deep-frying whatever you decide to put in it. Think of this as fusion cuisine. As a Chinese person, these flavors don't sound that odd. Shrimp is a common topping on pizza in Asian regions and in order to increase business, I guess you have to cater to the tastes in those regions. For example, Lobster roll is always available at McDs in the NE region, but not down here. In China, when I was there this past November, McDs had a Spicy Fried Fish sandwich that was really yummy, and I can't imagine that selling well out here. Japanese mayo is quite tasty, and I wouldn't mind trying the Rice crust pizza myself, frankly. Especially since Rice burgers sell well at that Japanese fast food chain whose name I'm forgetting....

Maybe this is another sign of the direction TFN is headed towards?!: http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=303741&GT1=7703 Headline: False Resume Gets Chef Cut From Network

Um, I've seen recipes for lo mein that uses pasta....

Here are some answers: a) I found 2 links that both say 5 days after opening and refrigeration: http://www.ochef.com/254.htm & http://www.wishh.org/whysoy/soymilk.html. However, it's been fine for a week to 10 days in my fridge. 2) There are differences in taste, also taking into account between flavors, such as vanilla, unsweetened, original and chocolate. Some, like EdenSoy, I think, puts sea salt in their soy milk. I really like Trader Joe's unsweetened, and one of my favorite ones is from the Tofu shop in Eden Center (they make it fresh daily, I think. The sweetened is the red cap, I think). It's not too sweet if you buy it from the tofu shop, but I found most soy milks from both the fridge and shelf sections (original flavor) are really too sweet, with about 6-8g sugar per serving. c) I don't know the right word, but soy milk skin is what is produced. I think that occurs if you heat it at a high temperature. If you heat it on lower heat gradually, it won't have that effect. You can just skim that off. d) I use it as a substitute in milk, milkshakes, cereal, bread making, ice cream making and almost any recipe that calls for milk. My mom made this alfredo-like sauce using soy milk and it was delicious!

I went and bought 1/2 dozen ($15 pretax) the other day and there was no line, since it was a weekday afternoon. I ended up getting: 2 red velvets, 1 chocolate ganache, 1 lemon blossom, 1 vanilla, and 1 key lime or lime flavored. The chocolate was a bit dry and its frosting was a bit sweet but alright. I find that I like the airy frosting, though it dies down when refrigerated overnight. ETA: It is cute that they put little edible decorations on top the cupcakes. I too find the cake a bit dry. I also found annoying that they're wasting all that wax paper to individually wrap each cupcake. I think that is what causes the lines to go out the door. Overall, after trying this place, Bakeshop (though to be fair, I think I got day old ones), Natalia's in FC, Cakelove and Baked & Wired, I still prefer those sold at B&W. Just a thought.

I wonder if they just changed them this year. My past bags from the year before did not have such wimpy handles. Maybe it's better if you bring your own totes? I saw several handles break on my way out two weekends ago, with the employees cleaning up right outside the store.

This restaurant has been on my radar for awhile, since I used to live in Cameron Station. I saw on another listserve that they offer baby food there too, so if you have little, little ones, there's something for them too!

Why delete? Can't pimp something any more if it's already proved its worth. Although this was two years ago, I too had a fantastic cappuccino at Eve. Been meaning to go back, but something about the bank account numbers....

I love Maxim. I think their prepared foods are a bit fresher than those at Kam Sam Rockville. It's also funny that 1 sells some things that the other doesn't sell. I don't like Kam Sam Annandale very much either. I find that their stuff is not that fresh, such as limpy produce or not very good looking meats. I recently bought something from there that spoiled quite quickly (can't remember what), so I was not happy about that. The store is also cramped and parking is not very accessible or easy to maneuver in and out of. However, when it's paired with a meal at A&Js, then it's not so bad. For the most part, I still like Great Wall in Merrifield, VA for my Chinese stuff. I really like the owners of their food court, and if you call ahead, you can pre-order Taiwanese style rice balls (shhhh, don't tell them I said so). But their you-tiao is just so-so. However, in the summer, they also have shaved ice! For fruit & produce, I split between Great Wall & Super H. Meat is usually pretty cheap at Great Wall, and I like how you can tell them how many/much you want, instead of buying the pre-packed stuff. Anyway, I'm just rambling. And Lotte in VA is not good. I was so unimpressed, esp. with Super H nearby. However, they had a yummy Korean cafe nearby, so I guess that sort of makes up for going there. **Edited because I belated realized that Jake had already said some of the same things!

Oh drool. Very jealous, especially when the quality of rice is still much better there than here. Must be the water + rice. Not that it's hard to make at home, but I haven't found any place here that makes it as good. That's comfort food for me, as well as ketchup fried rice. Ah.

It was so nice meeting all of you for the 1st time. For $32, I felt like I ate for two for two days straight! The braised pork (ti pang) had this wonderful touch of anise to it that brought back such good food memories. Such great fat on that pork! Also thanks to Dean and Daniel for organizing.

On the other hand, so is McDonalds, and this is both cheap and better tasting than McDs. Not a great comparison, but that is the first thing that came to mind. For DC Chinatown, I heard the Vietnamese place next to Kanlaya has decent Banh Mi. It's on 6th near H. As for Eden Center, I still prefer Banh Mi So 1 for my banh mi -- very good tasting bread. The pickled vegetables are hit-or-miss depending on the day.

Taro man-tou with DS, added with some pork sung. DS at most of it, I just picked off what he missed, since he's only 15mos.

Um, can I add 1 more person? Lion's meatballs are always a sign of homecooking to me! Mmm.

I would love to meet you all, but would be lame to be 90% sure?

I remember seeing them at Great Wall in Merrifield, VA last year, but haven't yet seen them when I went last week.

Thanks!

Very stupid question, as I've not visited in over a year (I know, silly me), but can you only make reservations now in-person? Or are they still accepted by calling? Reading this thread has lit a fire under my you-know-what to get over there... Thanks!

That and patience is needed to make a good cup of coffee, which by the end of the meal, most people don't have. The Hario siphon that Nick mentioned takes awhile to heat up and then another small while for the coffee to siphon down because of simmering time. Most people just want to drink and chat, so sometimes I think half the time they don't or aren't enjoying their coffee. That or trying to sober up after drinking one too many glasses of wine. The last time I had a french press at my table was at Carole Greenwood's old restaurant *several* years ago, and that was a pleasant coffee experience. Nick, if you're reading: 1) When is Aaron in? I would really *love* to relish on a good Hario made cup of brew and 2) when you are you at the Arlington location because the last couple of lattes I've had, the espresso tasted reaalllllllly bad. Had bad stomach pains after. Cupping and chatting with you would be nice.

Personally, I think it's a personal indulgence thing. Sometimes you don't want a whole pie or cake, but just a few slices, yet some places only offer all or nothing. That or the person can choose a personal variety to take home and indulge a different flavor every night. I also think that Baked & Wired already does a good job in the G'town area covering this market, so I'm not sure how well this place will do.

Nope, it's not you. It's whoever is cooking at the 7 corners location. I think things are a bit over-flavored there compared to the 1 time I've been to the Vienna location. My Golden Nuggets were super-vinegary the two times I ordered it (I forgot that I ordered it the previous time). My one other dish (and sorry, i forgot which one) was off-balance too. The one dish I really like at the 7 corners location is their turnip/daikon cake appetizer. Really out of this world for me. Soft, not too floury/carby, good flavor, much better than the dim sum cart version.