dcfoodie

Thank you all for your support!

I'm feeling a lot of love right now. I'd just finished reading the chat and after a long hard day at work, I was feeling quite depressed -- but then I came here...and all was better.

Not to go into too much backstory, but the person who posted that first comment (basically naming my web site) had actually posted a comment on my site as well about Sonoma. They accused me of not knowing what I was talking about with the usual "I'm a foodie and I used to be a professional chef" routine. I obviously hit a sore spot with this person because I didn't give a glowing review of his new favorite hangout. I deleted a very rude comment that he posted off my site -- I guess he didn't like that.

IMHO, I wrote an extremely fair writeup of that place after a single visit (which I was very open about) and quite honestly, I was probably too nice. The whole bit about "you don't have to try something to know what it tastes like" was in regards to the pizza, which I took one look at and knew I wouldn't like, but if you read my post, I said "I'll reserve my judgment until I actually try it". 2 weeks later I returned and actually tried the pizza and guess what...well, you get the idea. I'll let you try it yourself and make your own judgments.

I think Tom got the hint, and I hope he doesn't have anything against me, because I think he's great.

Anyway, thank you everyone for the support.

Heading to Dino tonight for dinner. Anyone else planning to be there?

$18 is the maximum price on the menu?! I'm looking forward to some reasonably priced Italian food in the neighborhood besides 2Amys -- and within walking distance! I just hope they can deliver on the inventive menu. (Fingers crossed)

Queen Makeda is on 9th just south of U, maybe six storefronts down on the east side of 9th.  Sodere is across the street and a bit closer to U.

Sounds like I need to make my way down there.

I swear by Queen Makeda.  Last week, my out-of-town cousin and I stopped by, and Mama prepared us a feast.  She just kept bringing us more and more dishes to "taste."  My cousin was amazed.  I like Sodere (far more than most of the Ethiopian restaurants on 9th/U Street),  but when I want a soul satisfying meal, I head to Queen Makeda.

Where is Queen Makeda??

15 years ago, when I was an undergrad at GW, Zed's was where I went.

Then I discovered Adams Morgan, and until I moved to the burbs, Fasika's and Meskerem became my regular haunts.

About 4 years ago, I discovered Langano in Silver Spring, and that's where I've had most of my Ethiopian feasts recently. I know the U St. corridor is supposed to be the best these days, but I just haven't made it there yet. I do go to the AFI Silver theater frequently, so Langano is very convenient.

However, last night before catching a film at the AFI, I went again to Langano. Maybe it was just me, but I thought everything seemed off (except for the injera, which was great as usual.) Wats didn't seem as spicy as they've been in the past. Collards and other vegetable dishes just didn't have the same kick they used to. The lentil dishes, which are usually so interestingly spiced, seemed bland. The lamb was actually chewy, not tender.

Rocks, I know you've recommended Langano in the past - been there recently? I tried to ask one of the servers if the chef had changed recently, but didn't get a straight answer.

So where SHOULD I be going?

I've only been there once and I know it's Eritrean, but...

I really liked Harambe at 18th and U, which was very cheap but tasted just as good as Dukem, Zed's or Meskerem. (although I didn't order the kitfo). Other than that (and I'm sure people will jump all over me for saying this) I think Zed's is one of the better places in the city, mainly because the service is much better there than other places. I have to be honest though...I haven't been anywhere further east than 11th and U.

---

07/05/05 - Queen Makeda (Halloween)

Enjera (cheezepowder)

Langano (DanielK)

Ethiopic (ppsailor1)

Axum (Waitman)

Walia (Simon)

Meskerem (cheezepowder)

I've had positive experiences at Corduroy (of course) and Ceiba, both of which usually offer their full menu (or at least close to it)

I'm beginning my long process of calling all of these places today, now that the official list is posted. If any of you reading this work for a participating restaurant please help me out by emailing me what you're offering.

I finally had a chance to go today and ordered ahead of time. I arrived with my wife at around 11:30 and the kitchen was already bringing out the pre-orders. I'd probably eaten and passed you all on my way out. I had the pork shoulder with peppers and onions and broccoli rabe, but I have to say that they got our order completely wrong. I didn't ask for the peppers and onions, but I was glad they made that mistake because they added a lot of flavor to the sandwich. They also left out my bread and put everything on Amy's hot dog (which she only wanted ketchup -- boring I know, but she HATES mustard and relish). I think if I were to go again, I wouldn't order ahead. I'd say that the sandwich lived up to everyone's praises.

I think that one of the reasons it might have been so crowded today is because it was Friday.

Hillvalley, you're 100% correct about the garlic -- my wife was complaining that a stank of garlic for the rest of the day.

Grill is open Friday this week. Get your orders in. I plan to go, FINALLY!!! I'm taking Friday off.

I had the Chocolate Chip Spice ice cream the other night and I think it might be my new favorite ice cream flavor.

I hope Jason/DC Foodies won't mind me posting this link.

I don't mind at all! I'll be doing the same thing again this time. Hopefully I won't have to do as much calling though, since some restaurants know now to email me the info ahead of time.

That's unfortunate.

I have my in-laws driving in tonight from Michigan, ariving around 7:00 or 7:30.  They are staying up in 2 Amy's neighborhood .... how long do you think the wait would be for 4 around then on a Tuesday night?  They might get impatient waiting, but I know they would love the pizza.

Craig.

It shouldn't be too bad. Tuesday nights typically aren't toooo busy. You can always have a drink at the bar or have some of the bar menu food while you wait.

Wait....Seitsema is going to appear in public? Somebody get that man a Nixon mask!

I was surprised to hear that as well. He'll probably be behind a screen and have a voice modulator so we can't hear his voice. I mean, I'd love to know what he looks like just so I would know if I was sitting next to him at a restaurant.

I hope this isn't off topic but...

Someone left a comment on my site notifying me about the Food Writing for Food Lovers seminar being held by the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program. I thought it sounded like it would be pretty interesting and educational, so I figured I would post something here about it as well just to give everyone a heads up.

Just a quick summary:

The seminar will go from 10 AM to 4PM on Saturday, July 16th and will feature two sessions, led by Dianne Jacob, author of Will Write for Food: The Complete Guide to Writing Cookbooks, Restaurant Reviews, Articles, Memoir, Fiction, and More. After the two sessions, there will be a panel discussion with Kim Severson from the New York Times, Tom Sietsema from The Post, and Jeffrey Steingarten from Vogue Magazine.

Info about the event on the Resident Associates web site.

Sorry, still a little gunshyness from previous experiences.  I'm guessing that Hillvalley soon will be posting a list of those attending.

NP. Don't give it a second thought. For all you knew I was just some newbie who didn't bother to read the prior posts and thought that a reply was good enough.

On the topic of the event, I'm really excited about this one. Any Indian food event really peaks my interest, but the fact that it is at Passage to India with Chef Sudhir Seth makes it even more appealing! My thoughts go back to the Indian Street Food event last year...

Please note that if you want to attend, you have to contact Hillvalley directly.  That means send her a PM.

Yep. I got that from her post but I figured people would still post that they were attending.

My wife and I will be attending.

With Komi changing their menu as often as they do, it's getting really hard for me to go to other new restaurants. First, each time I go, I find a new dish that I love and I want to go back and have it again before it's gone. But then I am torn because each time I go back, it's like I'm trying a new restaurant except that I know that everything on the menu is phenomenal.

I wonder if it's open today. The weather is pretty bad out. Just my luck, I happen to be in GTown today...

and a nice gesture - a free scoop of the mint choc chip for our 4 yr old - absolutely the best mint choc chip ice cream I have ever tasted - truly exceptional - the taste was akin to what you get when you pop a mint leave into your mouth - it made us want to order a full serving but by then we were ready to burst  

They have the mint ice cream now??!! Hmm, sounds like I need togo tonight.

Stretch,

When are you at 2Amys? I'm there pretty much every week now -- usually there on Sat. afternoon, Sun. night, or Monday night, sitting at the bar. I think you're the only one who's a bigger advocate of 2Amys than me.

On the fava bean note...I was there a few weeks ago for a late lunch on Saturday and Peter Pastan was sitting at the bar peeling those fava beans. It was interesting to watch.

My latest favorite there...Any of the ice cream made by Amy. Wednesday night was the coffee chocolate chip and I am praying they bring back the mint chocolate chip. I swear they should start selling that stuff by the gallon.

Jason

-- Tapas served anywhere but a Spanish or Mediterranean restaurant

-- Braised Short Ribs

-- Drinks with Red Bull in them

-- Tea infused...anything

The mini-burger is probably on the top of my list though.

AARRGGHHH!!!

I'm so pissed that I work in Largo (otherwise known as Foodie Hell!)

Why, oh why, can't I work downtown??!

It's so hard for me not to go to Komi every weekend.

Rissa,

Reading your post is making me so hungry. It's 7:30, and I've yet to leave for dinner -- I'm STARVING.

I went to Komi again last week. We opted not to get the tasting menu. The dishes my wife and I ordered were:

Bluefin Tuna with Foie Gras

The "Antipasto" - I fail to remember each of the meats that were on the plate but they were all wonderful

Papardelle with Hen of the Woods Mushrooms with Sheeps Cheese

Foie Gras stuffed Quail - This was by far my favorite of the night.

Pork with Brussel Sprouts and Italian Bacon

I have posted pictures here if anyone is interested.

I'm in complete agreement on the Speck Wrapped White Tuna. I had that my previous trip to Komi and it blew my mind -- I JM doesn't take this dish off the menu anytime soon.