Al Dente

They had all 3 kinds of Chimay (I believe there are only 3, right?), Delirium Tremens, Leffe, and a few others. I stuck with a good Cotes du Rhone just because I had a "couple" of Hoegaardens at home before we went out.

What, no thread on Belga? Dropped in last night with my brother and nabbed the last two seats at the bustling bar. Despite the frenzied atmosphere, our bartender provided us with calm, cool, and efficient service. We both had steaks-- he had the hanger with roasted potatoes, and I had the "Belga Steak" which was a filet with herbed butter and their killer frites. Both steaks were cooked perfectly and absolutely delicious. My only complaint would be that the menu should state that the "Belga Steak" is a filet mignon. I'm glad I ordered it, but I'm not typically a big fan of filet as I prefer the more flavorful cuts. If you haven't been yet, go!

May I suggest... Wine and Dine

I was just trying to reinforce the fact that you're a "Power", not "Powers" as in "Austin"-- a mistake I've been rebuked for myself.

A good read-- and if you haven't made some sort of tomato/watermelon salad yet, you must! Tomato Dishes

I had a very good dinner there back in April, but haven't been since. Unless there's been some change in management, I'd think it would still be a solid restaurant.

When I moved to the DC area in 1997, one of the first "serious" restaurants I went to was Jaleo. I was just back from nearly a year in Europe with over a month of that time in Spain, so I was hankering for a tapas bar. I was prepared to be disappointed with Jaleo, but instead found myself returning every few weeks over the next couple of years. I intended to go to Cafe Atlantico last night, but the bar at Jaleo looked tempting. And for the first time in a long time, it looked like there were a few free seats. I started with a couple of scallops in Romesco sauce. I enjoyed the sauce, and the scallops were a bit past their prime but still decent. Queso de Tupi "Abuelo Tunica" was a surprise. This was a soft cheese that had been mixed with some sort of Spanish liquor served with bread and fig puree. It had a boozy sharp flavor that hit the spot. I also tried the Ensalada de Remolacha which consisted of beets, orange segments, walnuts, mixed greens and Cabrales-- one of my favorite cheeses. This was tasty, though the beets just didn't taste super fresh. I wouldn't go so far as saying they were canned, but they had definitely been around a while. I finished up my meal with a variety of sliced Spanish sausages: Chorizo, Soria, Butifarra, and Salchichon de Vic. All the meats were great, but I didn't care too much for the whole wheat toast points that came with it. Everything was washed down with a Garnacha, Carinena, Syrah, and Merlot blend called Perlat. I'm glad I stopped in. It had been too long. If I'm in the area, and it's still early enough in the evening to get a seat at the bar, I'll be back. Soon.

Don Rockwell?

Unsalted almonds will work fine.

I love Belgian beers, but I'm not in a beer mood. I'm thinking of a Mojito at Cafe Atlantico. Maybe have a bite of something deconstructed and inhale a truffled napkin or two.

Dollop of Miracle Whip on top!

Is anyone whimming tonight? What restaurant in DC has the most powerful air conditioner?

International Chef of Mystery

That's Saganaki. It's made with Kaseri cheese. Easy to do at home if you want to make something dramatic.

Nah, with this heat, go Seersucker.

On a related note: Alcoholic-Beverage-Consumer Confidence Skyrockets

I took advantage of the Tuesday HH deal at David Greggory last night. Deviled eggs were delicious, and the pizza with applewood bacon was a steal at $5. They have a decent chenin blanc and cab/shiraz blend for $4.75/glass. There was a minor incident at the bar. The tool standing next to my seat at the bar was oblivious to his surroundings-- leaning against the back of my barstool, whacking me in the shoulder with his elbow, and eventually setting down the menu on a lit candle. I looked around for whatever was burning, spotted the menu, and tossed it on the floor behind the bar because it looked quite wet. Good move huh? Well the bartender seemed to think that I set the damn thing on fire and was amusing myself by throwing flaming menus at his feet. Oy.

Also from Lileks: pressed shank braised with smoker's phlegm Perhaps someone should host a dinner party with nothing but dishes from old recipe books. No fresh vegetables allowed!

Most of you have probably seen this before, but you gotta give props to one of the funniest sites on the internets: Lileks - The Dayalets

I gotta cruise by a place near DG after work, so I thought I'd drop in while in the neighborhood. Also, margaritas are dangerous.

Sounds like it'll be the Japanese version of PF Chang's.

I'm thinking David Gregory tonight. Looks like Tuesdays are all night happy hour. Anyone else?

Can't get a reservation? Doesn't mean you can't have the steaks! These were cut from a giant slab of beef yesterday afternoon by Chef Hartzer. Cowboy Steaks $26 each I fed 6 adults and 3 approx 3-year olds on 3 steaks. The fourth is in my fridge awaiting ferocious consumption. They're about 2 lbs each.

It's just not the same. Something about that freefall drop that is really fun to watch. This is why people (okay, well really men) will hock a loogie off the top of the Eiffel Tower or off the edge into the Grand Canyon.

Ouch indeed. That was a painful read.