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darkstar965

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Everything posted by darkstar965

  1. Didn't there used to be a couple of much-hyped startups with this business model? One here in DC and the other in Chicago? The latter an inexplicably huge IPO success for a short while?
  2. I'm not 100% sure I'm remembering correctly but think Zora turned us (or, at least, me) onto this in a post on some thread some time ago?
  3. Today's game as the Red Sox victims on their home Opening Day at Fenway, was one of the worst all-around performances I've seen by the Nats in the past five years. Normally, they lose by not supporting good or great pitching with the bats. We had the mixed experience (lovely day, wonderful pre-game ceremonies, Ryan Zimmerman HR and nice job by Tanner Roark) of seeing the 9-4 thrashing in person today. It was embarrassing to see, all in a single game: - Jordan Zimmermann implode and not make it through the 3rd (almost never happens) - A fifth Desmond error - A misplayed ball by Werth - Two fly balls that just dropped alongside befuddled outfielders Taylor and Harper - Infield ineptitude in the form of two plays not scored as errors and a very rare two stolen bases allowed, by the same player (Betts) on the same play - 2 of the 4 runs the Nats did score were unearned
  4. Very funny you've posted this view as I've been nagged by the same thought ("Four Sisters Grill or Cava Grill, both which are worlds above ShopHouse.") after quite a bit of experience with all three I've had trouble articulating enough to put Into a post. Your post fired a synapse though. It's about coherence. Coherence of a regional cuisine. Coherence in a bowl or on a plate. Shophouse lacks that relative to Four Sisters Grill and Cava Grill. I've had Shophouse rice bowls, noodle bowls and salads. They too often seem random in the combinations of proteins, veggies and sauces/condiments, no matter what I get.
  5. Same. Also, of the three German places I know best (Betlin, Mozart and Old Europe), I think Berlin is the only one with square plates.
  6. I've been a big fan of both places but hadn't before considered them relative to each other. Have also been to both....maybe too much. After all, Fiona runs a superb seafood market, which also serves some good food on site. Rappahonnock, on the other hand, is really an oyster bar with tons more seating reflecting that. Probably a slight preference for District Fishwife, for lunch, but really not apples to apples...or clams to clams. I had an interesting experience with both places last week but will try to post that on their threads soon since this one is for Maketto, where I don't think I'll be going very soon either.
  7. If Don's platform allowed me to "like" the same post multiple times, this one would be multi-liked, er, loved. As to your question about how many shops with espresso machines seem to produce a fairly vile brown liquid, my answer would be "tons," "way too many" and others more profane. It's very frustrating. In a small New England university town today, we chose the "best" of four shops in town. The only one that even brews to order. A roaster/retailer known in these parts and very popular. Ordered a Costa Rican and a Yirgachaffe by pourover. Watched them brew them. More or less right! Carefully ground and weighed. Pre infused. And, undrinkably bitter and flat at the same time. They also tasted too similar. I think very old beans, over roasted (supposedly medium roast) or both. Sigh.
  8. Four reactions. - The title of this thread was a little daunting; clicked thinking it might be a project you'd worked on for months. Glad it wasn't. - Brunch is elitist? - Of all the major religions, Jews like brunch best; agree it's all about the bagels and lox angle - Wyoming is the least-friendly brunch state; hmmm, not so surprising
  9. PoolBoy, as an objective observer with no dog in this fight, this is the best option on this thread if you haven't been. I'm still not sure what I think about Gypsy Soul out in Fairfax but R24 is the real deal and, if you haven't yet been, you really should go anyway. With these new deals, even more reason to go.
  10. Really, really interesting, Joel. FWIW, I entirely agree with your view on Victrola and your notion of the generally "inoffensive" cups available at most indies around the US. And, really interesting your take on the new SBUX Reserve Roastery. I don't imagine the national rollout of 150 or so differently-branded shops will be exact copies on the one you visited. Think they're using that as a bit of a test bed. Agree the tiered pricing by brewing method is a bit unusual relative to bean though a couple spots in DC (Chinatown being one) do that. Anyway, this all prompts another question I'm hopeful others may also find interesting. I've thought for a few years that shops which roast on site and retail drinks tend to produce worse coffee than those who are more focused. By that I mean, I almost rather an indie shop choose a good roaster (or 3) with whom to partner and just ensure the beans are fresh and dated. Then they can focus on barista/brewer training. To me, Qualia is a huge exception in this regard that your coffees are so delicious, always fresh and interesting. Do you agree or disagree with this? Namely, that most independent shops would probably have better product if they weren't also trying to roast since so many muck it up?
  11. Not a huge pro hockey fan but, as a sports fan, keep half an eye peeled and will pay closer attention if the Caps should somehow, finally, make it to the Finals this time around. Will be paying more attention to the NBA playoffs and nascent baseball season. Still, go Caps...and whoever lovehockey roots for...Ottawa or Calgary maybe? Can't remember but know her affiliation has been declared here previously. :-)
  12. Have seen that. And now 7 have declared from KY with Towns likely to go first or second. A bit head spinning. Of the 7, only 1 (Cauley-Stein) even made it to his junior year. "student athletes," my posterior.
  13. How great is the suan la chow show at Mary Chung's in your opinion? Haven't been there in years but get up to Boston periodically, including this weekend. Years ago, thought of the place as inexpensive Chinese American more than something special but not sure I ever had this dish. Is it something you seek out when in town? Have you had it recently? More details please! Thank you.
  14. Literally, laughing out loud, kt! Seriously, it's virtually impossible for anyone to guess where this is. It would be totally unfair to ask that and it would big time violate at least a couple of WDID and common sensical rules. I ask real or not because the discussion upthread has been very insightful, detailed and related to that. Thanks for playing though! :-)
  15. I don't mean this so much as a WDID? or quiz type question, since I'm not 100% sure myself. No one would ever, in a zillion years, guess where this is. Not asking that. My question: real or not? (Big apologies if upside down)
  16. It's still not the best part of town a few blocks away but changing fast. Have been to Morini a few times and agree on the food and possible noise.
  17. Hmmm. There aren't many places around town that do octopus at all, let alone that well. It does look great in the photo. Can almost see the tenderness with the perfect amount of char. Maybe not sophisticated enough on plating to be the work of Trabiocchi or Ruta and seems like a pretty generous portion. The plate, along with the food, do imply a higher-end restaurant though. So...I'm thinking 14th St area...Kapnos?
  18. Morini is a great idea. Actually had that one already; we're taking him there the subsequent night since close to Nats Park. Thanks Tujague!
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