Heather

No one wants their child to grow up in a bubble, but thistle's desire to protect her kids is completely understandable. It's almost impossible to fully convey to someone who doesn't have children the utter terror you feel when you imagine someone harming your child. Imagine the most afraid you have ever been, then amplify that fear by several orders of magnitude. And sadly, we have had far too many of these senseless tragedies lately to ignore that prickle of discomfort when trying to decide if your daughter can go to the mall with friends.

It's funny that this should come up. Holiday shopping after work with the kids in tow is generally not a good idea, as it puts you in a mall at dinner time. The kids vetoed driving anywhere else, so I let them choose where to eat and they picked Cheesecake Factory. There was no wait, surprisingly. I won't detail what we ate, because it wasn't very interesting, but would note that everything was very salty, so much so that no one ate much. Also, you would think that with a menu the length of the King James Bible that they could put together a children's option that is something other than the same cheeseburger/chicken tenders/french fries bullshit that one sees everywhere else, but alas, they cannot. Ordering from the adult menu there for your child is especially ridiculous given the mammoth portion sizes. Lesson learned, and they won't ask to go back. It was full when we left, though, with a line forming at the host counter. I totally understand the popularity. The cost to perceived value here is tremendous. Almost every I saw leaving was carrying at least another meal in leftovers, nothing whatsoever is threatening about the food, and the featured dessert is something that most people won't make at home. The overwhelming majority of people I know aren't "foodies" and they are all educated professionals. It's perfectly possible to be a Dostoevsky-reader ,or a rocket scientist, or a brain surgeon, and patronize The Cheesecake Factory. Intellectuals don't necessarily care about food. Sometimes value and convenience are enough.

You guessed correctly. . I've tried it twice, and it's not my thing. I prefer the braunschweiger, the Italian sandwich, and the meatball sandwich. If you're into self-punishment, get on their mailing list, and let them taunt you with what delicious prepared treats are available for pickup every night. Yet another reason to wish that this delightful place was on my way home.

I'm not a fan of the pastrami, but the braunschweiger is to die for. It's worth driving to Georgetown just for that.

We might not want to know the answers, because it may be more places than we think. How does it differ from any other pay to play scenario? Is it just because it's the web, and therefore new and easier to dislike. Buying advertising, contracts with LivingSocial, endorsing products to up a chef's name recognition, comps, extras to favored customers to boost word of mouth...it's all marketing. Participating here is, to a certain extent, part of a successful marketing/PR campaign. We might not like it, but it's done and done a lot.

I think any restauranteur would be foolish not to at least consider this as well as courting bloggers, encouraging people to "like" them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, etc. A place with a good business plan, marketing, and a publicist has to consider their online presence.

We had dinner at the new Silver Spring location last night. The space is odd, very large and as brightly lit as a laundromat. There is a large counter directly in front of the entry doors, and we walked up expecting to order and take a seat, but found out that it's table service for dining in. Our server was a very friendly young man, and very eager to explain the menu. I got the three taco combo, and my dining companion ordered one of the plates. Carnitas, barbacoa res, and lengua tacos were all decently flavored but a little dry, and not filled enough to balance out the double corn tortillas. The salsas on the tables were tasty, particularly the red. The alambre plate with chicken, chorizo, melted cheese, onions, tomatoes and peppers had a spicy bite, and is a tremendous value for $10.50. My taco combo came with a bottled soda, and a wee slice of flan for $12.50. Nice addition to the neighborhood, and I'm looking forward to coming in for breakfast one day.

Zora, I'm in full agreement with you. I was more than a little shocked to see Tim on the list.

Even better!

Pulled pork kimchi rolls sound great! Christmas Eve dinner this year will be raclette, with tiny boiled potatoes, sausages, and a green salad. Christmas dinner this year will be parsnip soup, then sauerbraten, red cabbage, and spaetzle.

Bump. I'm curious to hear what everyone is cooking for Hanukwanzmas.

Darkstar makes a lot of really good points. Becoming a nonprofit sounds like a great idea, but it's considerably more complicated than most people assume (this site gives a pretty good rundown). There is the need for a board of directors, a charitable or educational mission, tax-exempt status, and transparency. I assume you have already incorporated, since the site has advertising. Talk to your business advisor about option #2, but that becoming a for-profit operation assumes that members are willing to offer enough free content to make it worthwhile. Investors would want to see potential revenue streams, and relying on occasional content is risky. Option #3 positions you as a journalist, but as he said, reporting and investigative journalism are in deep trouble right now. There are hundreds of thousands of people trying to figure out how to monetize the web. You have decent resources, and a good business plan should position you to accomplish it.

It's still got paper over the windows. Maybe this month sometime?

Moving to Bethesda put me back on the Giuseppe's side of the county. I've been three times now since June, and was extremely disappointed all three times. Pizza was underdone and doughy, the chicken parm sub now features overcooked chicken tenders, and the steak & cheese was insanely salty and had way too much mayo. Both subs were on squishy, underbaked rolls. Not even the birch beer made up for the bad food. I didn't see either of the owners on my three visits. It's off my list. It's like saying goodbye to a longtime friend.

If making your own sausage is an option, Waitman has an excellent recipe (from the chef at La Chaumiere, IIRC) that he may be willing to share. I just looked through my book and don't have it anymore. I have used Wolfert's recipe from the book I named above, but liked his recipe better.

It wasn't open the last time I walked by. I'd be happy to check tomorrow and post.

Pickles, relish, or chutney

Sorry to miss seeing everyone, but I just couldn't get out of the house today.

I may try to make a big pot of baked beans. Seems like good weather for it.

If this is offensive to the employees & our community, I have faith that we will express it to the company. In the mean time, most of us are thankful for their investment in our neighborhood and the jobs they are providing. They hired the daughter of a good v friend who has struggled with learning disabilities. I'll patronize them.no matter what.

Melissa was there tonight, and we had two great pizzas, the wild mushroom, and the Rustico. Beautiful blister & char, crisp, & no floppy center. As always, they needed a tiny sprinkle of salt.

Agreed. I loved her review. Why can't all restaurant reviews be as matter-of-fact?

Turkey meatballs, mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus. Coconut macaroon ice cream for dessert

The lunch I had at Galatoire's two years ago is probably in my top 5 meals of my life.

OK, say my kid gets sick at the last minute and I cancel the day of my reservation. Do you penalize me, or make an exception? If you make an exception, how do you know that I am not just giving you some BS excuse? Who decides who has to pay? This would definitely give any parent a reason to worry about making a reservation anywhere. EricandBlueBoy asked No, I'm not going to Komi or Rogue 24, or anyplace that only has a tasting menu because as everyone on this board surely knows by now, I am a peasant that hates tasting menus. Given that, the idea of giving a credit card number and signing a contract for a meal that I get no choice in makes me laugh. Are they going to tell me I have to enjoy it, too? Maybe I will miss out on some fabulous food. Oh well.