jpschust

has anyone else noticed the viagra ad in the forums if you go to the site not logged in?

Rumors abound around Capitol Hill that Matchbox is coming. They've been scoping out locations along 8th Street SE (Barracks Row), including one on the block with Las Placitas. This is still a while off though.

Other locations in Dupont Circle & Adams Morgan are apparently coming along. Not sure of the exact locations. Anyone?

Clyde's.

Update: we will be meeting tomorrow at 1:00 at Dim Sum Go Go at 5 East Broadway (between Catherine and Chatham). A few people have said that they might be able to join us; we are happy to have more company. If you think you can make it, please PM me so we can get an accurate headcount. See you tomorrow!

before this devolves into a discussion about VA ABC laws, and I agree some are archaic... Anything specific you think is antiquated?

this is officially the dumbest law ever. next to a foie gras ban.

Odd experience- we brought wine to Ray's last night and were told that it was Virginia law that you can't bring wine in, and you could only bring wine out. This seems strange to me as I'm almost absolutely sure we've brought wine in before for a corkage and I know for a fact that you can pay corkage at 2941. I asked the hostess (not Danielle this time) if she was sure, and she said she was...was she mistaken? Am I mistaken? We weren't rude or anything, and we bought 2 bottles of wine there, but we were carrying some pretty high end wines that we wanted to drink with our steak (and we would have gladly paid corkage to have those).

Franchise or not, the beers in question are very good, and unquestionably local. Even if they are chains, the brewers usually have flexibility in creating seasonal beers, and the brewers at our DC outposts are great brewers. I'll take issue with the dissing of the Cap City, too...their mainline beers are not going to suprise you, but they are well made and tasty, and the seasonals are often fantastic (I'm thinking of Fuel, the Tripel Double IPA, their Bitter).

I would like to have some local independent brewpubs too, but I'll enjoy the stuff we have for now.

On a whim I'm going to 11th street lounge in a little bit. Birthday present to me, I quit my job today, going to go walk the earth...err drink some duvel and relax for a bit.

Hmm, that's not going to work as I'm already in Europe. But if anyone happens to follow these instructions, post the answer? And ferment everything, I'll definitely post any highlights.

perhaps with the approximation of new orleans food they congress might recognize that new orleans is still in shambles in the lower 9th and other wards heavily damaged by katrina. sorry, had to.

I don't, but go to the Reef on a Thursday night and go to the roof to see Brian- you'll know who he is (Anybody Thirsty is apparently his mating call or something like that). He goes to Belgium every year to scout new breweries and beer for the bar- he knows it all.

Summary: beer snob (in a good way) friend and vegetarian wife coming to visit, looking for bar-type place with good beer (ideally obscure and local, Sam ADams does not count) and whatever it is that vegetarians eat. Should be walking distance from 14th and Rd. Island. Viridian and Beck are too upscale -- need something like a vegan "Friends". (Speaking of which) Friends of said wife have suggested Health Bar, next to Results gym. I've never been there but I can't can't healp but imagine that it sucks. Any suggestions or reassurances that Health Bar doesn't suck will be appreciated.

As far as local beer, DC doesn't have good local beer, but if you really want fun obscure beers The Reef and Saloon are your best bets.

How much does it cost each restaurant (upfront cash only) to participate in Restaurant Week these days? I wonder if the general public realizes that it costs small restaurant owners money to get listed by RAMW as participants in each restaurant week.

I remember when Restaurant Week started (after 9/11) as a way to get business back to restaurants during an extremely slow time. It worked. Fast forwarding a few years later ('03-'04--the last time I participated), I know it cost each restaurant $500 to get listed each time and it happened twice a year and not necessarily during slow periods.

It does bring new customers in your doors, but is the added expense and hassle worth it? I could argue either way, depending on what day of the week it is and which direction the wind is blowing.

Bumping this up to see if anyone has a good local source for foie gras. PM me, or reply here. Mucho thanks!

Where do you get the mignonette sauce? The only place I know is Legal Sea Foods. And why do you capitalize it, is it a trade name? If so, it should be available bottled.

I have some in my refrigerator at the moment, bootlegged from LSF.

I think they are on Firefly's current menu...but Oysters in June?

What are dinner prices like? The web site is very nice, but doesn't say much, if anything, about prices. I understand things change, but a range would be helpful at the very least. I'm dining with a very price-conscious work group tonight. Ray's was rejected as too pricey for our group. Yeah, I know...

this just in:

Grill Sandwiches Available for Delivery

If you work downtown and can't make it out of the office for lunch, the BEBOmobile is to the rescue! Order Bebo's delicious Panini sandwiches for delivery to your office on Monday's, Wednesday's, and Friday's. All delivery orders must be a minimum of $50 (not including tax and gratuity).

To place your order, please fax this form to 703.412.5079 before 11:00 am of the day of delivery (Monday, Wednesday or Friday).

Panini Sandwiches may also be enjoyed at Bebo Trattoria Monday-Friday and can be ordered for dine-in or carry-out.

I'm out of here in a few minutes. Anyone up for something in the Clarendon area?

There are never discrete, recognizable whole beans in the red beans and rice. I don't know if they actually puree them or they just break down from long cooking, but that's how they always are. I think they're delicious, myself. I, like some others, think Popeye's is the best fast-food chain, in fact the only one that I ever patronize.

Hey all- Ken, the chef at The Reef asked me to post this for you all to see as he thought there would be some interest. Between the beer list and the food list I think this is a pretty incredible deal myself. Cheers, bro.

The Reef Restaurant would like to invite you to a Belgian Beer Dinner

Wednesday, June 27th 2007

De Koninck & De Koninck Blonde

Stuffed Mussels

Sharp Aged Gouda from Winchester Cheese, CA

Frites & Garlic Aioli

Liefmans Goudenban

Grilled Squab, with Mashed Redskin Potatoes & Green Beans

Cantillion Organic Gueuze

Pan Roasted Halibut, Tart Apple & Jicama Slaw, Berurre Blanc

Bacchus

Rabbit Terrine & Frisse

True Belgian Sunrise

Fresh Melon & Cherry Salad

Malheur Dark Brut

Belgian Chocolate Mousse in Orange

$65 per person, gratuity not included

Please call The Reef 202-518-3800 between 11am–5pm M-F for reservations or ask your bartender. Cheers!

run don't walk to get the broccoli cheddar soup. the best i've ever had.

I agree- while I mostly disagree with his reviews I don't see it as an issue of a lack of integrity, but rather a different set of tastes and a differing approach to reviewing than suit me.

I'll play the game...hmmm...is Wabeck going back to his old haunt?