Olivia255

I was volunteering at the VA wine fest a few years ago, pouring at the Chrysalis table with a friend of mine. We were pouring Norton, Viognier and a Rose called "Sarah's Patio Red" which I believe is 100% Norton. Not too bad, but regardless..... You know the scene: A couple comes up and they have their "Make Mine Virginia Wine!" glasses in their necklaces - the kind that is a piece of leather on a string that holds the wine glass so they are free to mow down on a chili dog, funnel cake, or whatever else so delightfully pairs with virginia wine. The woman comes up, and holds her glass (still in the necklace/holster) to me and says (I'll have to do this phoenetically) "I'd love to try some of that Syrah/Pasheeooo blend" - referring to the SARAH'S PATIO RED. My friend said, "I'm sorry, we are out of the Syrah/Pasheeooo blend but we do have SARAH'S PATIO RED" The woman didn't even notice, took her sample, her foot long hot dog and cheerfully trotted away. Isn't it the "Patio" grape that is indiginous to trailer parks?

I just can't get past the farting dogs...... sorry!

Agreed, but Signatures is too brightly lit in my opinion. Those tuna rolls though - yummmmmm

Kenmore Inn is good -

I like 701 - I think the bar atmosphere is great and while slightly overpriced, the apps are pretty innovative - there is a Tuna Roll on the app menu that I have been dreaming about -

And which are you bringing to the Oct 2 picnic?

The new Jeff Tunks restaurant "Acadianna" (I think that is how it is spelled) at 9th & New York Ave. I was there for lunch yesterday, had the deviled egg trio, the baked oysters, the fried green tomatoes and the shrimp and grits.... oh and lots of yummy Vermentino from the Languedoc (??? I know!) Definitelly worth checking out - In fact, I should start a whole new thread on this new DC gem.......

How about 3 words? Soft Shell Crab Yum!

I love the Reef in the fall - Perfect place to enjoy happy hour, great Oktoberfest brews, and the food isn't too bad either..... I think the bartender, Brian? is great to talk to about beer too - he knows a lot!

I kind of liked the new Willy Wonka.... but of course, my votes to go Like Water For Chocolate, Babette's Feast, and Christmas Carol - "God Bless Us Everyone!" Ok, kidding - what about "Harold and Kumar go to White Castle?"

But did anyone harass my sister, that is the question!

When do we meet again? Hopefully soon! I am ready, my palate is ready, my liver is ready...... etc.... etc....

I've only showed wine there - seemed small and a little bit "hip" for Annapolis. Haven't heard a negative thing about the food though..... This is owned by the same people that own Tsunami's in Annapolis and I have had many-a-good meal at Tsunami's. My guess is let these guys settle in, mature, and develop a personality and then go back. Or, just head to Tsunami's and check their sushi out - delish!

Hilarious! Does this guy have a website? Newsletter? What?

Well, my trip was indeed steamy, but we visited Charleston Grill where my friend, Andrea bartends. She had the "quintet" of chocolate for dessert, but only after a glorified crabcake, tuna tartare, and yellow tomato gazpacho. All delicious. We hit Penninsula Inn as well - had DELISHLISHLISHous beef tartare and oyster stew. We then hit Cyprus (owned by same people as Blossom and Magnolia) for duck gumbo. Yummmmm. We also visited Red Drum in Mount Pleasant where my other friend and Andrea's fiance, John works. Delicous Ceviche. I will say, the dining was outstanding. I would add to the "do not miss" list - Poe's on Sullivan's Island for burgers and beers. An excellent after-beach stop!

Just to add a glimmer of hope here, I had what could have been a horrible experience at Grillfish last fall. I was out with my mom and sister, we were seated next to a wall, and next to a very romantic couple. Suddenly, a HUGE cockroach starts walking up the wall. The girl next to us wigs out - I mean, flat out hyperventilates. She's pointing and staring and almost making a scene. They quickly leave (hadn't ordered yet). The manager comes directly to us, and says "We just had the place sprayed for cockroaches, and if you can forgive us for our "friend" there on the wall, and not draw attention from the other customers, I will gladly comp your entire bill." We hadn't ordered yet, and were assured we could have even the most expensive item. I don't mind cockroaches, have lived with quite a few - just don't put them in my food! We were impressed and ate quite well. :-)

Just found out that the re-opening will be Sept 9th or thereabouts. That is when their license will be delivered.

Santa Rosa's in Adams Morgan. I know, shouldn't have even been tempted, but my boyfriend wanted to eat somewhere where we could order what we want by picture, and I felt otherwise. SR's was the first place we found that was open on a Monday afternoon. I order a Dos Equis. The hispanic waitress doesn't understand. After yelling "DOS EQUIS!" she comes out with a Miller Lite. I say no, "DOS EQUIS!!!!!!!" she comes out with the chef. The chef speaks Spanish, but she also evidently speaks beer, so she comprehends what I am asking for. Two Dos Equis come out, my boyfriend repeats his order for "Ice Tea!!!!" and the waitress nods and takes his beer glass away. She thinks she understands us now. I order paella. What I get is meat stew with rice on the side. I say no, this isn't paella. The waitress nods and says, "Si! Paella!" as if we now have opened a line of communication and all is well. In the meantime, a gentleman seated at a table next to us asks for hot sauce. Then he asks for "HOT SAUCE!!!!" The waitress again nods, and brings out a napkin. Thank God the guy already had his wine. Moral of the story? Pictures aren't so bad to order from.

Where to eat? Any ideas?

I order regularly from Mr. Chens, mostly because they DON'T also offer soggy pizza, fried chicken or chicken wings, and submarine sandwiches. I think they specialize and therefore attempt to excel? Unfortunately, they typically just "whelm"..... I usually stick to steamed dishes and play with the sauces I order on the side. That way, things are pretty recognizable, crisp and fresh, and I don't worry so much about how I'll feel later.

Indeed, bathrooms need a little help - the toilets don't flush without lingering an extra few minutes hovered over the bowl while holding the handle down - ew. Having been yesterday, (I managed my schedule so I could arrive at proper dining/drinking time) and I have to say the food is - wow, the food is damn good. Kudos! Definitely the skewered shrimp with chickpea puree. Definitely the Penne with pulled Amish Chicken. (Do the Amish chicken make their own clothes too and travel by horse & buggy?) I digress. Definitely the scallops with spring peas and pea shoots and pea puree. Definitely many "tastes" of wine. :-)

For lonesome drinking, I echo Saint Ex (and now add Bar Pilar) although I would consider neither as a dive bar. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Agreed, I was referring to that element of a Dive Bar that includes the patron, who is usually doing some serious lonesome drinking, and should that patron be me, then I choose St. Ex. I put the "dive" in "dive bar."

My sister works part time at that store in Clarendon and she told me yesterday that they are reopening either next week or the following week and she is back on the schedule. She works Monday evenings and her name is Molly and she loves it when people tease and make fun of her. Just ask me, I'm her sister. :-)

protein shake and detox tea. i was mean to my liver yesterday

Wonderland, The Pour House, Millie N Als, Chief Ike's Mambo Room, Fox & Hounds, and honest to god - I love St. Ex - even on week days for lonesome drinking :-)