Al Dente

Must. Keep. Taco/Undressed/Camelot. Comment. To. Self.

They're not yet as ubiquitous as Starbucks, but they're getting there. But still, a barbacoa burrito with pintos, hot sauce, and everything else (except sour cream to keep it under 10,000 calories) is a guilty pleasure of mine.

I love living on Capitol Hill-- beautiful strolls through the neighborhood and the Capitol grounds, parks, quick access to Union Station and the Metro, Schneiders, and of course an easy 10 minute stroll to Eastern Market. But as everyone knows, the restaurant scene leaves a lot to be desired. However, there are a handful of gems scattered about, and I think Old Siam may get there one day, but it's going to be a long trip before they even reach the semi-precious stage. They're certainly doing brisk business and the space itself is warm and inviting. We sat and had a cocktail at the bar and asked for a table and were soon directed to the front of the restaurant where we were seated at a tiny two-top in the window. Unfortunately this is where everyone stands around waiting for a table. For whatever reason, the crowd hovering over us was predominantly young and female so it sounded like we were in the tropical bird exhibit during feeding time at a zoo. So, after ordering, we asked to go back to the bar and ate dinner there. I enjoyed a spicy lemon grass soup with a few shrimp and mushrooms. But we also tried some pork and shrimp dumplings that had a slightly off, vaguely gym locker kind of aroma. The vegetable pad thai was mushy and oily and lacked focus. It was as though they threw a random assortment of vegetable scraps into the stir fy. We also had what was described on the menu as simply "basil duck". This was supposed to be one of their more spicy offerings (which I gravitate towards), but instead I was presented with a deep fried breast in a syrupy sweet sauce. The batter was so dense that I ate only a few slices before I felt like I had swallowed a lead weight. Wine selection was pedestrian but fairly priced by DC standards. A couple of drinks each, two apps and two entrees came to $55 before tip. I'll give it another chance someday, but it won't be anytime soon. Maybe I need to open my own damn restaurant in this neighborhood.

Also at Tortilla Grill are the delicious Beef Tacos al Carbon for $3.95 (they're on the appetizer section of the menu but it's enough for a good lunch)! 2 soft tacos with wonderfully seasoned and seared hunks of steak. Cough up an extra quarter for some additional salsa. Canales' tamales are also a good filling deal-- I think they're a buck-fifty each or so. Nearby, on Pennsylvania Ave, is Meyhane with their cheap and tasty Turkish fare. You could fill up on mezes, a grilled lamb, chicken or beef entree, and a couple of glasses of (more or less mediocre) wine for $25 a head. And on Saturday nights a belly dancer will make your turban turn!

They have the internets in South Africa?!?

Does anyone know if Old Siam on 8th St is taking reservations? Also-- anyone know the number? An online lookup and a call to 411 yielded zippy. Trying to take my ol' lady there tonight!

I can't make either date, but should you choose the 22nd, raise a glass-- it's my (23rd) bday.

My chaps were at the dry cleaners, so I apologize. I was however, wearing my longest black socks this evening. For the record, I did wear my Fat Albert hawaiin shirt Friday night. So there.

The best seat in the house, of course. Or at least the best you can do for a guy wearing a fuschia mesh t-shirt, seersucker bermuda shorts, and black wingtips with knee-length black socks.

Hopefully about 6 or 6:30. Will there be a spot at the bar? Looks like it'll just be me-- everyone else wants to go to the remote parts of the city like Dupont Circle and Georgetown.

What is there to figure out? I'll bis at Bis for apps and drinkies tonight. Wrote a song about it, like to hear it? Hear it go...

Did I say Thursday? I meant TODAY.

I walked past Ray's Silver Sprung on Friday. The interior was torn apart-- looks like they're starting from scratch. I heard a rumor it won't open until September.

Ooops. You trust correctly.

Bar @ Bis Thursday. Bis there or bis [ ]