ustreetguy

Aaack. Been meaning to go, but now the hordes might be heading in that direction in the coming week or two.

My question, though:

Is there an actual bar to sit at? I might pop in alone one evening.

Yes, but there is limited seating.

Good god you are all making me so hungry!

As I pick through the crumbs that remain after devouring the heaping mound of fried sweetbreads and mushrooms, I can’t help but wonder how this place gets away with charging $5 - $8 for their bar snacks. Most other restaurants would be doubling the price of this particular dish. But instead of contemplating about it for much longer I just sit back, take another sip of wine and smile, hoping that Landrum doesn’t come to his senses any time soon.

Our estimable Organizer-in-Chief (Crackers) has completed an inventory of supplies on hand, and determined that we are need of the following items:

sturdy paper plates (200)**

paper towel rolls (4-6)

disposable table cloths to fit long picnic tables (10)**

plastic knives (100)

quart-size zip lock bags: one box

large, heavy duty trash bags (10)

plastic wrap (one roll)

foam or heavy paper bowls, 8-12 oz. (50)

**These items should be contributed by someone planning to arrive in time to help with setting up (yes we need help with setting up)

If it's not on this list, chances are we already have enough.

If you can bring something on the above list in addition to the contribution you have already promised to bring, please indicate by posting in this thread. That way, others will know what is already covered.

I've been getting lots of additions to the food contributions list, and will be posting the current list later today. This event is shaping up to be a LALAPALOOZA!

I guess that leaves me with knives, plastic wrap and zip lock bags.

Tom's review

1.5 stars

I would have appreciated knowing that before we made the drive and paid for parking.

For future reference, valet service is free if you eat at CityZen - even at the bar. Just pull up to the front of the hotel, and tell them you're dining at CityZen. They'll give you a ticket which the host at CityZen will gladly stamp for you as long as you remember to ask.

PS: the Metropolitan Police uses photo-enforcment of the speed limit on 16th Street. Take it from someone with 1st hand knowledge.

For what it's worth (and I apologize for straying off topic), the camera is on the Southbound side of 16th Street right after you pass Carter Barron.

If you have the palate for it (and the stomach), go for it - rotten shark is a bit beyond me.

Ahhh yes - the infamous hakarl (pronounced how-karl). I actually bought some at the market to share with a few buddies. It tastes like a cross between strong blue cheese and ammonia. I'm the only one that swallowed it [insert dirty joke here]. And no, I don't think I feel the need to try it again.

But you know, it's not so bad if you chase it with a shot of Brennavin - an Icelandic spirit/scnapps made from potatoes and caraway seeds.

Marcel's, Taberna del Alabardero, Blue Duck Tavern, The Inn at Little Washington, The Inn at Easton, and Makoto.

I've also only eaten at the bar/lounges of CityZen, Citronelle, and Vidalia (before the remodel) but have been meaning to go for the full on experience.

Question the First: Or does the rudeness to my friends outweigh their rudeness to our server?

I think leaving extra money is fine. If your friends question it, just tell them that you usually tip 20% and feel funny leaving less - especially since no one gave the server a chance to correct things.

Question the Second: Alcohol. I've been told that when factoring the tip (20% standard for me), you should NOT include the wine. Is this true?

This topic has been hashed out it this thread.

Is this place really this bad? Could a review like this shut down a restaurant?

In all honesty, I don't think they'll need to worry about shutting down anytime soon. There are many mediocre restaurants lining the 17th Street strip (with obvious exceptions) that have been open for ages. This place will probably do fine mostly due to its location.

Consistent, yes, but middling? I think you might be confusing restaurant reviewer stars with ratings of the on-a-scale-from-zero-to-ten-with-zero-being-poor-and-ten-being-excellent variety.

I think you've hit the nail on the head with this. When Sietsema first unveiled his system, I seem to recall that a 1 star restaurant was worth going to if it was in your neighborhood, a 2 star restaurant was worth a trip across town or even across state lines for, a 3 star restaurant was among the best in the area, and a 4 star restaurant was an exceptional restaurant - among the best in the country. Zero star places tended to be popular places that he found middling or downright bad like Two Quail.

Of course they may mean completely different things at this point.

At the risk of raising the ire of David Hagedorn, what's the word on David Craig. I'll be there for Bethesda Restaurant Week. Is there a standout or "must have" dish? Any other restaurant suggestions?

Their current menu can be found here. I haven't had anything from this menu, but in the past I've enjoyed their mushroom carpaccio and their duck.

... skanky fogged windows on the joint...

I think they're just too lazy to wash off the spray can snow from the holiday season.

The Aviation Cocktail. Gin, fresh lemon juice, and Luxardo Maraschino liqueur (does anyone else even carry this anymore?). It's bracing and tart and cuts nicely through this summer humidity. Thanks Derek for the recommendation! I don't think it's on the menu, but ask them to make you one anyway.

By the way, as some people have already mentioned the burger there's not bad! It's a generously-sized paddy topped with red pepper coulis(?) and field greens. At $13, it may be a tad more expensive than Palena's burger and not as meaty in flavor, but at least you don't have to order the fries separately.

What's with the odd-ball pricing on their menu? 7.27, 8.18, 12.73, etc.?

If you add DC's 10% dining tax, you end up with a round number.

Perhaps this is a longshot, but does anyone have any restaurant recommendations for Iceland - preferably in Reykjavik?

LUNCH

Passage to India, Jaleo (Bethesda), Raku (Bethesda), Chicken on the Run, Booeymonger, A&J, Tabard Inn (brunch), Logan Tavern (brunch – the sacrifices we make for our friends), Dupont Market, Jolt & Bolt, Teaism

DINNER

Bar at Palena, Bar at Tosca, Firefly, Bar at Restaurant Eve, Poste, Regent Thai (carryout/delivery), 2 Amys, Sushi-Ko

Thinking about whimming it over to Palena in search of risi bisi and charcuterie...

A damn fine choice. I would join you if I hadn't had both dishes last week already. (OK - I'm just being a rain wuss).

Oh the horror! Someone had to wait a whole extra 10 minutes for their crabcake sandwich after a mix-up and then wondered why they weren't compensated.

Sorry - grouchy mood today.

There, there. It's something to be PROUD of, not embarassed by. This is pride:

I thought that was this past weekend

Anyway, is it odd that I have never ever eaten at a Taco Bell?

The same thing happened to me and some friends at a brunch last month. Even though the entire meal was comped, I asked the manager how much the meal would have cost. We left the usual 20% of what the bill would've been.

what sources?

If you must know, a friend of mine is working there as a line cook.

That never happens. Never.

This is the place in the Park Hyatt, right? I'm thinking in a couple weeks according to my sources

And no - I'm not talking about Roberto Donna.

click

Congrats Chris and Binni!