squidsdc

Ah, but OT won't LET you overbook -- if you already have a reservation within 2 hours of the time you're trying to reserve, you can't make another till you cancel the existing one.  I suppose if you go on OT as an admin assistant and make reservations under different names you can get around this, but it's tacky to do anyway so I don't really mind that the system won't let you do it.

maybe overbooking is the wrong word...What I meant is that I've seen several posts on this site and EG where individuals post their schedule for the week, with a disclaimer stating that they won't be able to actually go to ALL of the places.

Ach! I should've read this thread before I cancelled--unfortunately, hubby is too ill to go. So, if anyone wants to snag the 6:00 at 1789 you'd better call them or go to OT right now!

Can anyone recommend a local store that carries a good selection of shoes appropriate for the kitchen? (Dansko, KM, Birkenstocks, etc) Montgomery/PG/Howard County location preferred...

My feet thank you in advance.

I can't recall the name of the store right now, but it's in Congressional Plaza on the Pike, in between Whole Foods and next door to Chico's. They also have a store in Bethesda.

If I can make a suggestion...If you are booking a table for a busy evening or special occasion follow up your OT booking with an phone call, sometimes the system gets turned around.  Also if you book through OT make sure to cancel your reservation if you are not going to honor it, I often have OT ressies that never walk through the door

This point should be not just for a special occasion...

AND especially with RW coming up in January, many people are posting their schedules of reservations saying that they won't be able to "do them all." Just a reminder for all those overbooking their reservations to make sure that they cancel the ones they cannot make!

It is so simple to cancel on OT, I don't see why anyone wouldn't.  It is just good manners.

I agree.

As you can see from my post, I have a very low trust level for anything "electronic" so I always follow-up with a phone call--but that's me! It's good to know that the system does get turned around sometimes. I do know from postings here that restaurants will leave openings for walk-ins and such, so I thought there may be a different schedule for OT and phone reservations.

And on that note, Mr. Squids has had that stomach bug that's going around, so I may have to cancel after all He's well enough to be at work, but if I don't get the heads up by midday, then I will have to cancel... (SIGH.)

So I would say from my perspective, you always get better, more up-to-date information from a live person on the phone , even if OpenTable says "no room."

BUMP

The reverse happened to me...as I was trying to see if I could snag a reservation for next week at 1789. My computer was having issues while navigating OT, so I called the restaurant. They said they only had spots at 8:45, 9:00, etc. (Well they did say they had a 6:15 on Monday!) In the meantime, my computer got through its hiccup, and it showed a reservation at 6:00 on Wednesday. I quickly put in for it, and have received my confirmation. I will definitley call the restaurant to confirm after the holiday, but what are the chances that I may have no reservation at all? I was really looking forward to taking my husband to celebrate an early bday (Restaurant Week is when his real bday falls) and for many reasons it is just not a good time for us to dine out.

On a spur of the moment impulse, boss is taking us to Black Rooster for a holiday drink--hey, at least it's close! AND it's getting us out early!

I was in last night as well but did not see you.  Of course they sat us in the small booth on the way to the back room.  I guess we did not pass muster for being seating where many others could see us! 

Two dishes stood out for me last night.  The oxtail "Vaccinara" style and the Pot au Feu with cauliflower, carnaroli rice, and burgundy truffles.  Man was that good!

I had a taste of the apple tart and it was wonderful.  It is a small tart shell filled with custard and topped with apples cooked with raisins, dried cranberries, and some orange zest.  I was disappointed in the cupcakes, but the peppermint ice cream was tasty.

I thought I saw Mr. Dente, when I was returning from the powder room, but didn't see you at all...we were in the corner by the window.

More love for Palena....I thoroughly enjoyed my bday dinner last night, and I heartily agree with you about the Pot au Feu--I'm still dreaming about that one today We also had the cafe salad (split) and this is no ordinary "house" salad. I also had the scallops, and Mr. Squid had the ravioli. For my dessert, I did finally get my vanilla cupcake with peppermint ice cream, and it was delicious and worth waiting for--unfortunately, I was so full from dinner I could barely finish it AND the complimentary cookie plate they provided with a candle for me (but managed to with a little help from hubby!)

Our server, Anya, was top notch as well--she even remembered us from our last visit in October, and remembered we had come in for our Anniversary.

Krusty the Klown?

KK = KING KONG

I hope to be at Palena, as long as we can find parking (KK opens at the Uptown today!)

I do hope they have that cupcake with peppermint ice cream

I am so craving a cupcake right now, and was just racking my brain to think if anyone around downtown has them...then I thought to check here, and while I didn't find my answer, I do know that I now want to go to Palena on Wednesday for my Bday to get that vanilla cupcake with peppermint ice cream!

Finally, I have a break in my work to chime in! I would like to add to the ranks of admirers my thanks for a wonderful evening...to DR, Hillvalley (she is wonderwoman personified), my tablemates, and a special thank you to Michael for seamlessly doing what he does best.

My only regret is that I did not get to talk with more people, and would liked to have had nametags to help me remember screen names with faces. (note to self....)

Is anyone from Upper NW planning on driving and/or not drinking?  I would love to carpool, and would offer up my car.  All I need is a driver

I'll post when I know more, but I will either have my car here (19th & L) to drive over and hubby will metro, or hubby will drive in from SS (thru upper NW) and pick me up. So either way, we'll have a car where we can take passengers--

I've seen them at HomeGoods as well, but not certain of the size. I did make a mental note when we were shopping for kitchen cabinets, since someone in my office was looking for a similar thing, but instead of storage she wanted butcher block. (John Boos) Definitely worth the driving trip to Frederick MD--go to Just Cabinets. You can always call them to see what they have in store, and you can get a sampling from the website as well. obviously a misnomer

Yes.  Corduroy.  I just had to cancel tonight's dinner reservation there.  The Mrs. came down sick.  Am saddened by that so I'll need to go there to at least get a drink.

Well, the Mrs. should be doing what I'm doing right now, which is medicating myself with a Hot Toddy! (Yes, it would be more fun at a happy hour, but I was in dire need of stopping my cough)

OK, I've read and re-read the posting...where does it say the announcement is happening at noon?

so it's Monday ...when do the rest of us get to know?

trying to wrap up so I can swing by to calm my scratchy throat with a shot of whiskey, maybe

Your Mileage May Vary

In this case, intentional or not, I think it is Your Mileage WILL vary

craving something sweet, yet trying to avoid the big bag of leftover candy--Maple & Brown Sugar Frosted Mini-Wheats

So did anyone end up going?  I am a fan of The Best Recipe too, but Chris is insufferable on the show.  Maybe he's more engaging in real life though from what I've read, it's highly doubtful.

It's hasn't happened as of yet....but we probably won't be going. Icky, rainy, depressing day, just want to go home. Is it 6:00 yet?

edited to say that I just realized I'm a ventworm! At the rate I'm going, though, it's more like an inchworm

if you guys have a chance, place definitely should be tried , Brigantine in Coronado by the water. fresh seafood and the best potato skins stuffed with crab meat and seared ahi tuna sandwich.

If I recall correctily, Brigantine shares ownership with Miguel's--good casual mex...ah yes, confirmed--check out the website. One other place that's good for lunch when I visit my sister in San Diego is Dakine's. Sure would like to have a place like this downtown!

This particular cookbook that Chris Kimball is speaking about is geared even more to the "masses"--As I understand it, The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook is aiming to take the place of the red and white standby Betty Crocker. Probably not for the DR crowd.

On the other hand, I have found The Best Recipe to be a great resource in our kitchen, and I respect what Chris Kimball has done, and is continuing to do. I don't believe any cookbook to be the end-all/be-all and my nature is to want to tweak any recipe, no matter how good it is...that's just my nature. My husband on the other hand, is a baker, and has that ability to follow recipes to the tee. Some cookbooks work better for some than others--no need to dis the guy.

Haven't had time to catch up on my DR reading and posting, so a late long post from our dinner on Tuesday...

First, the ambience--I don't know what does it, but no matter how loud it is, it doesn't appear to be loud. Sort of a hum in the background instead of noise bouncing off the walls. This is a noticeable pleasing aspect to dining in the cafe. Every time I've been there it feels like walking in to someone's front parlor, instead of a restaurant.

Appetizer--We shared a fry plate, DH had the salad, which I skipped since I knew I wouldn't have room for dessert otherwise. I have had it before though, and it is a very simple but quite tasty salad. Most notable--the complementary (and complimentary) glass of Alsace (sorry--memory not so good) One bite of fried lemon....one sip of wine...WOW!

Dinner--Me, gnocchi. DH, chicken: MMMMHHH. DH commented "is that enough for you to eat?" when he saw my serving....knowing how rich the gnocchi are, I knew it would be plenty. It's been a few days since our dinner, but I can close my eyes and still taste the pine nuts and parmesan melting onto my tongue. Melting, the operative word----ahhh, so that's how gnocchi is supposed to taste!

Dessert--DH had the chocolate mousse, and I had shortbread with grapefruit sorbet....Shortbread was oh so yummy, but that sorbet was out of this world. It was another one of those eating experiences where you take a bite, close your eyes and wonder how something that appears to be so simple can be done so well. Such is the coffee--anyone who eschews decaf has not had the decaf at Palena. Another item done extremely well.

Conclusion--There's something to say about establishing a tradition...in the past, we used to go to Mrs. Simpson's every year to celebrate our anniversary, until they closed. We've tried a few other places, including the back room of Palena, but the cafe is our new choice for a warm, not stuffy environment, good food and company place to come back to every year---which will be for many more years to come, if the marriage survives the kitchen renovation!

While not a "fine dining" joint, maybe we should organize a DR outing to see just how the RMP has held up over the years...? There are certainly enough DR.comers who live close by to take advantange! (whisky is a fine warmer on a cool autumn evening, not to mention some adequate grub to go with)