Roger Troutman

What's with the "$10 minimum" next to the soccer events in that schedule? I realize that it costs a fortune to subscribe to the network that carries all of the big European matches on cable or satellite, but do they really have a problem with people showing up just to watch and not ordering any beers?

I lost all faith in the screw cap the other day, when I went to open a bottle of wine with said cap, and the entire metal sleeve came off with the cap, instead of separating from the cap and staying in place. Anyone could have opened this bottle and then replaced the cap, without me knowing about it until it was too late. And those synthetic corks tend to be rather tough and difficult to open, if your corkscrew is a bit dull.

The restrooms at the District Chophouse are hidden away in the basement, and you must take the tiny, slow elevator to get there. The stairs are locked down. And the basement area has a very creepy vibe, especially when the private dining room down there is empty.

I've also noticed how the Ugly Mug has gone way downhill over the past year or so. The miniburgers and pizzas used to be worth going out of your way for. Not so much, these days.

I enjoyed a Sazerac at Bourbon during their Kentucky Derby shindig a few weeks ago, and it was by far the finest cocktail that I have ever tasted. Such a shame that so very few people know how to make one.

I prefer Beefeater for my Gin and Tonic, but regular Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire are also good. For a martini, my favorites are Plymouth and Hendrick's.

Next try the Oberon- it's unreal.

I will give it a shot soon -- I've noticed that Bourbon has it in bottles.

Add me to the list of folks who are thankful for the availability and good distribution of the Bell's Brewery products in the D.C. area. I picked up a sixer of their Pale Ale on Sunday and found it to be delicious.

The Glover Park location has been closed for a few months now.

Whatsabagel in the strip mall in Cleveland Park may have been shut down once or twice by the Health Inspector, but it was convenient for someone running errands in the neighborhood.

Whatsa Bagel had excellent bagels, but the last time I ever went in there (over two years ago), they had some very obvious infestation issues. I wonder if the health department issues are what shut them down for good.

In theory, only gas grills are allowed at the RFK parking lots. I've never seen that enforced, though.

Charcoal grills are allowed (or at least that rule isn't enforced there) in the grassy area in the back of lot 8, along the river. Those spots fill up fast, though.

My prediction for next year in the new digs where the food choices will be much better and easier to get,

It's also very likely that Aramark will not be the vendor for concessions at the new park, thanks to the frustration their ineptitude has caused. The key difference here is that the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission controls the concessions contract for RFK Stadium, while concessions for the new ballpark will be handled by the ballclub.

My father-in-law-to-be is coming into town for the weekend and he wants us to get together for dinner on Saturday. But he is an avid basketball fan so we want good food but we don't want to miss any of the games. Where can I take him so that we can watch the game but still be able to eat more than wings & nachos? Some place that's kind of comfortable too (more than just bar stool seating options). Please, please help. All suggestions are welcome!

LaShanta

District Chophouse, down the street from the Verizon Center, has tables that seat four in the bar area, and they have decent food. I'm not sure how easy it is to see the TVs from the tables, though.

So how's that Harris Teeter in Adams Morgan progressing, anyone know? I've heard that they're actually working on it these days, but I haven't been over there to check it out in a long time.

Well, I was sober in the sense I'd had all of one drink, and there is one particular bartender there that is exceptionally moody. It's not totally unusual for her to lash out at a customer- I saw it when she worked at another bar. I had interrupted a 20 minute conversation (literally 20 minutes) with someone who wasn't drinking at the bar, and the conversation was about clothing shopping.

This isn't the only dumb incident to happen to me there. I like when they wanted to watch the simpsons on the TV instead of Sunday night football. OK, great it's your bar, but can we at least watch the simpsons with the freakin subtitles on?

I have a love-hate relationship with that place. Great ambiance, great jukebox, decent beers. Just a few little annoyances here and there that have kept it from becoming one of my regular haunts.

I've had their Backdraft Brown Ale and it's decent. It was available on tap at my favorite watering hole for a few months, before being inexplicably replaced replaced by Brooklyn Lager (ugh).

Is the article about anywhere other than Bistro du Coin?

How did I miss this?

One could write a rather large book about that miserable place's shortcomings and how they still manage to pack the house in spite of them.

the Fox and Hound patio

I was having a hard time coming up with an example of someplace that I frequent despite less than fantastic service until you mentioned the Fox and Hounds. There are few outings I enjoy more than throwing back a few stiff drinks on their patio, but I sometimes find myself ordering two drinks at a time, knowing that it might be a long, long time before I see my server again. Having said that, the service is always friendly, and I get the impression that the problem is caused by understaffing. It isn't uncommon to spot a single server taking care of the entire patio, in addition to some of the tables inside.

A foot of snow would be a lot more fun than this ice storm crap.

The ideal mid-February snow day scenario involves an early afternoon stroll to the neighborhood watering hole. A seat at the bar near the front window is essential, for the purpose of gawking at the falling snow and passersby.

I've played cards with a group of friends at the Childe Harold in the downstairs bar before.

It's on the corner next to that little park on Columbia rd - in the same strip as Bedrock, etc...across the skreet from Grill From Ipanema and that crazy expensive furniture store, Design Within Reach (Only If You're Riche).

So is the basement at Napoleon still dance-party-ready. Mantis used to serve 40oz of Colt 45 and play house music until the wee hours. I'm going to miss it!

Yes, the downstairs lounge is still there. They've also done something unusual with the restrooms. There is now a row of 4-5 doors against the back wall, with just a toilet behind each. The sinks are now out in the hallway.

They have MUSSELS???? I am so there.

I'm not 100% sure, but sadly, I don't recall mussels on the menu I could be wrong, though.

We were there last night, which was apparently opening night. The place was slammed, and for being so new, the food and service were both very good. Everyone at our table was pleased. The menu is typical French bistro fare, and goes beyond crepes. I'll need to have another go of it to be sure, but I believe I've found a nice alternative to Bistrot du F**k You.

Order it rare. Not dry. Not terrible. Not awful.

I've long been a fan of Bourbon's ostrich burger, but the last time I ordered it, it was dry and overdone. I will have to give it a shot at rare or medium rare next time.

I've had this Cuisinart model for years, and it has always performed flawlessly.