Lydia R

On 7/30/2013 at 10:17 AM, mnnchas said:

I heard (from an employee during a recent visit) that the shopping center is slated for redevelopment in about a year.  Has anyone else heard about this?  It wasn't clear if this would be the type of redevelopment that the restaurant could operate through or if relocation would be necessary.

On 7/30/2013 at 11:33 PM, seanvtaylor said:

Yes, Jonathan mentioned this to us about 8 months ago. It sounded like a relocation was in the cards (or at least appeared to be, when he mentioned it). i think they've done great in that location, but I'm also confident that they could do well in a number of places around Rockville.

On 7/30/2013 at 11:56 PM, rockcreek said:

Pizza CS is located squarely in the highest-development segment of the Rockville Pike Master Plan (known as "South Pike.") Quoth the Master Plan (emphasis mine):

"The South Pike has the greatest potential to receive the bulk of the population growth within the corridor, as well as a significant portion of the City's population growth, over the next few decades. This area also has the most potential to transform from a commercial suburban development pattern into an urban center, complementing Rockville Town Square to the north. Much of the growth and increased density in the South Pike is expected to be east of Rockville Pike for the near future."

So what do you know: them boys can pick 'em! 🙂

They have (imho) a good product, and they do a good job. Let's hope the moving costs don't rake them over and more people find out about them.

Master Plan is here: http://www.rockvillemd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1428

It'll be reported elsewhere on this board: yesterday, the new Twinbrook Quarter development announced their anchor tenant will be Wegmans.The parcel starts a block north of the Twinbrook Metro (where Pizza CS is located), past Congressional Lane and continues north-ish to include the building currently housing Joe's Noodle. This area totals 18 acres and is less than half the size of the White Flint parcel (44 acres) under consideration for Amazon's HQ2, but wow.

From the April 11th Rockville City Planning Commission briefing (starts on page 110):

No timeline yet, but Bethesda Magazine has additional information in an article by Andrew Metcalf.

Grace’s Kitchen: the food sums up as super delicious, but impossibly messy.  A neighbor in the stands had Jamie Leeds’ shrimp po’boy and declared it the tastiest thing he’d had in the Park (multiple seasons), but it was too messy to get again. During a cold game, I had the prescription chicken noodle and matzo ball soup. It came filled to the rim in one of those indestructible plastic deli containers usually holding potato salad and was paired with a teaspoon. It would be perfect if I was home, opening it on my kitchen counter, and eating it with a proper spoon. Instead, I was wearing it and wishing there were no noodles to wrangle with the small spoon. Matzo balls are enough for this savory soup (maybe it’ll be back in October). Carla Hall’s macaroni and cheese was spicy and creamy but should not have been left with many others under the lights, uncovered. I doubt the chefs make operational decisions like packaging - they're probably made by @LevyRestaurants . Another good reason Shake Shack & Max’s use their own staff. I wonder what the Ground Rule Mule tastes like.

I haven’t found any remaining locations of Virginia Kitchen – if it's survived, where’s it located?

The Street Skewers’ keftedes (beef/lamb/pork mini-meatballs) are warm and juicy with a good creamy sauce. All their skewers are reheated on the same griddle and the vegetarian skewers share space with the carnivore options. This line takes a while possibly because daintily steaming the skewers with a squirt bottle and no dome is a time consuming process.

Yes, the pricing is creeping up. The vendors in the stands are disadvantaged by hauling the large-format cans and not being able to accept e-cards. They carry few small cans - all Bud Lite. One vendor noted the Diamondbacks only kept the big cans for two seasons (in the Arizona heat).

There’s an extra column on many of the menu screens for calories. Maybe the beer stands can show ABV as a public service. Some of the craft brews have unexpectedly high alcohol content.

The team has a new twitter account @NatsParkService staffed during the game. Let them know if you have a good experience or something else.

Matt Grace (#60): we recognized you at the gas station after yesterday’s game but respected your privacy. You’d have thought I was crazed, especially after witnessing my pinwheel-turns to get within hose-range of the pump.

On ‎3‎/‎27‎/‎2018 at 1:04 PM, TedE said:

 With every passing season I worry that InBev will continue tightening the screws on beer distribution within the gates, that Devil's Backbone or Dominion would start consuming more and more of the local tap handles since they are under the under the corporate umbrella now.  However, these stands seem to operating outside of that influence (for now).  Continued support of independents keeps the only decent beer options viable.  

Yes, I sometimes wonder if District Drafts will go the way of the Inside Pitch program/scorecard (it's not coming back this season). Yesterday, my District Draft favorites were back: Dujuan at Section 119 and Sharon at Section 129. They had both the regular and new "big format" cups. The overhead screens weren't working so it we couldn't readily see what was on offer, or the new prices. The bar formerly known as Red Porch was missing both Laura and Karen behind the bar.

Isabella's former G-sandwich space garage gate was closed and the sign was gone. There was no "coming soon" signage indicating its successor. Hopefully it's something good and portable.

I agree about supporting the independent breweries. It might help if the breweries came and educated the beer pourers in the DD stands. In the mean time, Port City tweeted out their tap schedule for the whole season. [As an aside: this weekend, it was a pleasant surprise to see their Monumental IPA available at the Kennedy Center lobby bars]

12 hours ago, jondagle said:

Read about Il Canele in a pizza thread here, but DR’s search let me down! Someone pointed me to this thread.

In May 2010, Lola007 posted about Il Canale in a couple of threads. She positively compared it to 2 Amys and Luzzo's in NYC.

2 hours ago, bookluvingbabe said:

Gillian Clark is now the executive chef at The Gentry in Brooklyn.

She recently posted on FB a photo of the dining room at Colorado Kitchen and I realized how much I missed it (didn't even know I liked greens, but always knew I loved pie).

I think she's on a short sabbatical right now and will return to cooking next month - not sure if it'll still be in Brooklyn.

4 hours ago, ktmoomau said:

Do Moco restaurants not have a lobbying contingent for this issue? 

There are at least two threads here on the subject: Montgomery County Liquor Laws & Montgomery County May Ease Alcohol Rules (for Restaurants).

It seems like there should be a $imple fix, but no.

ETA: Tonight’s dinner was a Dark N Stormy, Super Tuscan, Crab Bisque, and Onglet with sides. Sniff, sigh. Remembering Michael’s pre-opening DR dinner. Sigh. Mmm, leftovers...

Because the Silver Diner at Lakeforest Mall closed, we weighed options and stopped by yesterday for Barking Mad's Brunch menu (Veg Frittata & Bacon/Blue Burger) and coffee. On weekends, the front café opens at 0800 with a limited menu and the full restaurant opens at 0900 - most nearby places don't open until 1100. The coffee and environment are the best things about this place. My burger was cooked to the correct temp and tasted beefy, but my +1 said the tall Veg Frittata was bland. Their menu is crowd pleasing enough to satisfy most. There were children in the middle dining area, but they were well-behaved and the overall noise level wasn't at IHOP levels. It looked even quieter in the back bar area with tall bistro tables. The friendly and competent server said when the weather gets warmer, they'll also serve in the outdoor patio. The cocktail and craft beer menu might be a reason to return.

You may remember Charm City Chowhound Dominic Armato from his time in the Baltimore area. He now writes for Arizona Central newspaper. His recent articles can be found here. There aren't any Lao Food restaurants reviewed. In 2016 he wrote about a Chicago-transplant restaurant named Lao Sze Chuan, but it is Szechuan. There are, of course, other food writers for AZCentral, but I enjoy his insights.

Here's his now dormant blog's farewell to Baltimore: http://www.skilletdoux.com/2009/07/farewell-to-baltimore.html

F1RST Residences is the new building behind The Hampton Inn, as seen from Nationals Park. Thankfully, it is going to add new food options to take into games. Rasa will be joined by Taylor Gourmet, Chop't, Chipotle, Roti and Declaration. If any can prove to be quick, tasty, portable alternatives to Park food - they will do very well.

Don -- I remember you posted instructions to miniaturize pictures, but can't find it now. Please minimize for me.

Map from F1RST website: www.f1rstdc.com/neighborhood/

From Popville: it seems all DC Bruegger's are closing 10 DEC.

On ‎9‎/‎27‎/‎2017 at 9:28 AM, DonRocks said:

"Chaps Pit Beef Opening First Franchise Locations Next Year" by Sarah Meehan on baltimoresun.com

The Frederick location looks like it'll be on Route 85 between I-270 and the Flying Dog Brewery. It's just south of the shopping center with the 16 screen Regal Cinema. 

Rockville in spring? I wonder where. 

NOTE: The original thread, with great photos, is in the Baltimore Forum.

In Tom Seitsema's 's Washington Post review the caption to this photo reads: "Server Khalid Larkin holds a plate of crispy skin rockfish entree on the bright patio at the Salt Line, with the home plate entrance to Nationals Park in the background. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post) "

In case you're exiting the Park to reach the restaurant: that's First Base Gate, not home plate entrance, in the background.

We went once before a game and found a breezy, nautically-based interior design and earnest staff. Their hours haven't been conducive to a relaxed meal before most games or between the recent Sunday double-headers. Their website states: "We open early, 90 minutes before every Nationals home day game" - sadly, not true.

Server Khalid Larkin holds a plate of crispy skin rockfish entree on the bright patio at the Salt Line, with the home plate entrance to Nationals Park in the background. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post)

I dropped by the Rockville location today for a late lunch. It's in my once a month or so rotation. I've enjoyed the atmosphere and appreciated the staff's sincere assistance. Their current special is espresso-rubbed and smoked ribeye. It was moist and smokey with a crisp sear. There was an excellent dongle of fat and it didn't need sauce to shine. 

I spent a few moments glancing at the "if these walls could talk" photos. Some were personal, while other looked like stock photos. The walls also had a Rockville City police corporal's uniform jacket in a shadow box and other patches and local mementos. The back wall was filled by football jerseys and helmets from the service academies. When I reached the cashier, I asked where they got everything. The cashier said that many items were donated by employees and customers. She pointed out some of the individuals' photos hanging on the wall behind her and identified them by their relatives in the company.

She went on to say they would be happy to receive donated photos. Maybe because this location is less than six months old, this would be a good time to add to their collection. I've attached their donation form and may find something for them. 

Sadly, they are closed until further notice due to this sudden death:

"Jeffrey Gildenhorn, Owner of the American City Diner, Dead at 74 after Choking" by Justin Wm. Moyer on washingtonpost.com

The Plamondons are still plugging along and making progress -- more history than update here: https://www.eater.com/2017/6/16/15805126/roy-rogers-restaurant-comeback-history

There's a "First Bite" review from Tom Sietsema. He relates mixed experiences that he thinks time will heal. The article includes photos, by Dayna Smith, of the PK Duck app and Coral Fish. The revelation, for me, is the dim sum on weekends (Tom doesn't comment on the weekday Dim Sum lunch box).

This sounds interesting enough to get the particulars:

Tyler Cowen guide's listing is vivid and gives recommended dishes.

Menu from restaurant's "under construction" website. It may be circa 2015.

It's located on Route 355 between Montgomery College and Gude Drive - in the shopping center that used to have Magruders Shoppers and A&W Root Beer.

Sadly, they're closed. In ten years, this location has hosted the deaths of four restaurants (preceded by Bobby's Crabcakes, Tippy's Taco House and 82 Steak Out). h/t: http://storereporter.com/tag/ev-maddys-closed/

On ‎4‎/‎20‎/‎2017 at 2:46 PM, Kibbee Nayee said:

I had lunch here today. They indicated that they are moving to Rockville Pike in July....but please don't hurry to get here before they leave!

They are taking over the large, failed location of American Tap Room in the center of Rockville Town Square:

"Modern Market Eyes Fallsgrove, New Tenant for American Tap Room, Goodbye Ten Thousand Villages" on storereporter.com

They'll be around the corner from Peter Chang, down the street from Sichuan Jin River, and within a mile of several other worthy contenders. Maryland Avenue is a small, two-lane street not really suited for tour buses.

T2-Trainspotting opens locally on 23 March at Landmark Bethesda Row.  Danny Boyle and Sony/Tristar are on the road promoting the sequel by giving interviews and hosting screenings. Last Thursday, I was at a screening with an after-screening appearance by the director for a Q&A. He was funny, smooth, and lively. He suggested rewatching T1 AFTER seeing T2 because its story does "loop back" to T1. I don't know if it's medically possible to survive rescreening T1 after seeing both movies within 36 hours (maybe 127 Hours would be safer). 

Danny Boyle explains the term trainspotting at the minute mark of Fox5's Kevin McCarthy 16 March 2017 interview: 

On 2/2/2017 at 4:14 PM, pras said:

Update on the Bethesda Fine Dining Location, which reports a May opening (credit--Bethesda Magazine)

Thank you for posting the link Andrew Metcalf's article. It included news of tonight's James Beard Chinese New Year event in NYC and menu:

Quote

On Friday, he’ll be cooking at the James Beard Foundation’s Chinese New Year Celebration in New York City. Chang’s menu includes lotus-leaf-wrapped striped bass, beef tenderloin with chili sauce and roasted pork buns.

Should I be concerned the list of his restaurants does not include Rockville?

On ‎1‎/‎23‎/‎2017 at 11:42 AM, Koozebanian Fazoob said:

Also, they have brunch here on the weekend with a different menu, including fried chicken and waffles (which were awesome). You can also get a bottomless buffet (which is actually pretty good, and includes omelets and waffles of course), and/or bottomless brunch mixed drinks. So again if you love the normal menu it's worth checking out the brunch as well for a few new things.

The weekend brunch buffet is relatively new. It's $25 and includes Red Apron charcuterie, a cheese and dried fruit plate, and smoked salmon. The bottomless drinks were $15 and included four variations on mimosas, white sangria, and Old Bay Bloody Marys. However, there's no equivalent beer offer. I appreciate they're trying to find what works for the area. Each of our brunch-time visits had a dining room with families including toddlers and strollers, but no kids in the front area with the elevated booths. I'm not sure why, but the dining room is still quieter than 2 Amys. The buffet and omelet station looked appealing and seems like a good value. We usually get a flat bread while settling in and reading the beer menu.

I applaud the work done to get Montgomery County to deliver their special order beers. The rare beers being offered over the next few weeks were ordered in September and just recently delivered. Their Churchkey order was put in at the same time and delivered six weeks ago (in DC). This weekend, they had two beers from Prairie (Oklahoma) including a saison: Praire Vouz-Francais. The White Russian coffee cream ale from Jailbreak (Laurel) was like being tucked-in under a big quilt and kissed on the forehead. 

Each of the drafts is available in a full and half pours. The are three different, specific temperatures for their drafts. All good. My awkwardness is the small pours can be $2 - $6 and require the same workload as a full pour. How do you tip for that? I am hesitant to order several beers at one time because their temperatures won't wait for me. 

Owen's Ordinary is participating in the Brewers Association of Maryland's FeBREWary craft beer celebration. Between 04 - 28 February, they are piloting a loyalty program called the Brew Club Card. Once a visit, upon purchase of a full pour, you'll receive a punch on your card. After 10 punches, there's a special surprise. On the evening of the 5th, they'll also host a tap takeover of all Montgomery County production and farm breweries (e.g., Denizens, 7 Locks, Waredaca, and Brookville Beer Farm). 

Another sign of impending Spring: Their patio will have a kick-off party on the 28th.

Tonight, the Nationals hosted season ticket plan holders in the Club Level for a Hot Stove event. There's a great round-up on Let Teddy Win’s blog detailing special event dates, bobble heads, etc. Valerie Camillo, Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer, teased a few of the events, but noted there are no chias or gnomes giveaways this coming season. We also previewed upcoming TV spot that will begin airing after "the big game" ends the football season. 

This year, the Hot Stove was moved up a couple of weeks and held on a weeknight because the front office will be heading down I-95 to the new park at West Palm Beach for Spring Training.

There again was a promise to improve Wi-Fi coverage in the seats. This time, the effort will be in conjunction with “the League” and probably paired with the increased functionality of the At The Ballpark App (powered by T-Mobile). Valerie Camillo gamely described doubling Wi-Fi coverage by wiring the tops, bottoms, and centers of the seat sections. Someone just sent me the current BBWAA password, please.  

On 9/12/2014 at 9:25 AM, Lydia R said:

Note to the Nats front office: I'll know you're serious about the "status I deserve" when there's <snip> dependable WiFi that reaches down to my seats.

Here are some of the National's food and drink updates:

There will be some upgraded food items at existing stands (e.g., sausage burger, Chicken Fried Steak, and Change Up Chicken's marinated chicken skewers), but no new high-visibility, celebrity-run stands. The item that piques my interest is the CFS at the existing Virginia Kitchen Biscuit stand.

“Tots & Wings Project” will be where the Boardwalk Fries stand was located. The name for this stand is still in development. I don't see this "tot bar" as an incremental improvement because the Haute Dogs stand already serves tots. 

DMV Distillery: There will be stands serving liquor from MD/DC/VA on both the 1^st and 3^rd base sides. There were no specific distilleries listed. This has the potential to increase their visibility more than selling bottles at local farmers' markets. 

Devils Backbone Balcony: The Lime-A-Rita stand on the third base side is being replaced by the now ABI-owned brewery beer stand.

Goose Island area (3^rd base side in old Sam Adams location) is being upgraded to be more like the Captain’s Cove bar on the first base side. It will still serve ABI's Goose Island, but will include mixed drinks as well.

A new Mojito cart will be in the Center Field Plaza.

Spiked Seltzer Water: Canned, fruity, low-carb, gluten-free, fizzy, 6% booze will be available throughout the Park. 

As an optimistic close, here's an image from @aNatsFan's Twitter feed of the bobble head being given away on 12 May. The Opening Day 8-Ball is in the background. 

Yesterday, I walked by their "closed" location and was surprised to see them open. Johnny said their hood failed and they didn't open because the smoke would have spilled out into the mall. Too bad they didn't post explanatory signage and we assumed the worst. 

On ‎12‎/‎21‎/‎2016 at 7:22 PM, coolcreek said:

I will keep my eyes peeled as I inch my way up the Pike on my next pizza run.

In the interest of public safety, the CS NY Pizza location is at the northern-most end of the same strip mall as Penzeys and Iron Age. Last time I was in, Jonathan thought it might open in maybe March (but everyone's calendars move right). I hope the "good pies" will be there too. Sounds like their current location is good to 2018.