Roger Troutman

All of the bars that I've been to since the ban have been every bit as crowded as before.

The funny thing I've noticed is that a lot of these places now possess a funky smell since the ban has gone into effect, as if the smoke was somehow masking it before. I suppose it's sort of like how you don't notice that your clothes reek of cigarette smoke until you get home. Nanny O'Brien's must be downright unbearable by this point

I hear that Yenching Palace in Cleveland Park will soon be making way for a new Walgreen's. Perhaps Ms. Greenwood will buy the old neon sign and open up Yenching Palace Checkers & Cheesesteaks somewhere on upper Connecticut Avenue.

There were Lappert's ice cream shops all over the place in Hawaii. I didn't get to try the ice cream, but their coffee was really good.

Anyone got a place in DC with plenty of beer - but not the goddamned ruckus so a group of people can actually get moderately blitzed and not have to yell to communicate?

I've had luck entertaining a group of around 10 at the Brickskeller on my birthday over the last three years, but your mileage may vary. Depending on the server you end up with, you just might get relatively quick, attentive service from someone who knows their glassware, who is knowledgeable enough to make great recommendations to every member of your party despite their level of beer snobbery, and who knows exactly what on the beer list is in stock without having to check on it first. Other times, you might end up waiting 20 minutes for your server to return, only to tell you that the beer you ordered 20 minutes ago is out of stock. And like RFD, don't bother with the food. The burgers and fries aren't half bad, but that's about it. But we've mostly had a blast every time we've been there.

I walked by there Friday evening, and the place looks like it's a long way from being ready to open. I can't wait, though.

Would anyone like to take a stab at what is contained in the spice mixture? These are so perfect for cocktails that I'd like to attempt to recreate them at home.

I would love to know how to make or procure these, as well. I found a recipe on DCist for "Ray's Spicy Cashews," but the end result wasn't even remotely similar to the real thing.

The name is pretty ridiculous, but their menu appears to be an interesting mix of both Yin and Yankee. The "Erotic Exotic Fruit Bowl" is perhaps a questionable choice for a name, though.

Much better than the other recent addition FreshMed, bringing the neighborhood total of Greek places to 3.

FreshMed is a great name. For an organic pharmacy, that is.

Had a pint of Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale at Tonic in Mt. Pleasant last night. Not a bad deal at $6/bottle.

I'm not excusing bad service because I don't think it is bad service. Casual, informal, relaxed, post-modern, even mediocre -- whatever you want to call it. I've had significantly worse service at significantly "better" restaurants and am quite a bitch about service issues. Maybe it's Chevy Chase's answer to Bistro du Coin .

I've not tried this joint yet, bu it couldn't possibly be as shitty as Bistro du Coin

According to a post on the Cleveland Park listserv, there is a rumor going around that Nanny O'Brien's will be closing down in a couple of weeks. Has anyone heard anything about this?

I wanted to report that the benefit at the Argonaut on Friday night was a huge success, thanks in part to some really fabulous silent auction items donated by people from this website. This whole experience has been a lesson to me in how to give graciously, and all of you have been a wonderful example.

On behalf of Quike and myself, thank you!

Bree

Unfortunately, we were unable to make it to this event. Is it still possible to make a donation at The Argonaut?

This is exactly why I wouldn't want to eat most people.

Soylent green, on the other hand....

So is cannibalism actually illegal in the United States? Understandably, it would most likely be very difficult to obtain human flesh meant for human consumption.

Does anyone know when the Harris Teeter in Adams Morgan will open? I haven't been by there to check on their progress in a long time. Everything I've read mentions a fall '06 opening date, but knowing the pace of new developments around here, it could easily be another year away.

Even if you don't like wings, a trip to Temperance Hall is worth it. They've got really good burgers and garlic fries. It's still bar food, but it's good bar food.

Their spicy peanuts are great. Even at $1 for a tiny bowl, they're worth it. I believe they're free during happy hour.

Just wanted to throw in a (shameless) plug. John Solomon, ex-manager of the Dominion brewpub and a mate of mine, has opened a pretty divey new joint at the SW corder of 11th and U. Solly's U Street Tavern has an upstairs and downstairs bar, no upscale booze to speak of, and the kitchen has a flat-top, a fryer, and a sandwich station. They will be serving homemade New Zealand meat pies, that is, when the kitchen stops being a storage area for the finishing touches. Definite dive possibilities here, and it's a block from Ooohs and Aaahs.

While it wouldn't exactly fit in with the "dive" theme, is there any chance they will have Dominion brews on tap? I'm not sure if it has something to do with the ridiculous anti-Virginia sentiment around town or what, but I find it unusual that these decent-quality, locally-brewed beers are not exactly easy to find on tap inside the District.

The "Cajun Style" wings at Timberlake's are made with a spicy dry rub, and while they aren't Buffalo-style, they're still really good. And even though a lot of folks seem to be frightened of the place, Madam's Organ has some of the most excellent buffalo wings in town.

They are great at Bistrot du Coin, but I would recommend avoiding this place at all costs because the service is beyond horrible.

It's great having a TJ's in town. Once the Harris Teeter in Adams Morgan opens, we'll never have to schlep out to Pentagram City and Old Town for groceries again!

Those of you with an interest in straight rye whiskey might enjoy a visit to Temperance Hall, in Petworth. They pride themselves on their rye collection, and their Web site states that they have nine different varieties to choose from.

i have never been to the standard, but i would nominate cafe st. ex, and sibling bar pilar, and tonic as the bars the do a very good, and occasionally great job with comfortable classics.

I concur. Cafe Saint-EX came to mind immediately. Tonic can be hit-or-miss, but when they're on, they're ON.

Bourbon might also be a candidate for this list, as they do an excellent job on their food, and service has always been excellent.

To my great delight, the speciality drinks included a rum and ginger beer concotion that was delicious.

This is a Dark and Stormy, at least when prepared with the dark rum.

We had a delightful time there a few weeks ago at their first anniversary party. Free wings and hot dogs for all. The hot dogs were just ordinary hot dogs, but the wings were far above average. Nice and hot, and bright orange

What I enjoy best about the place is that the annoying Adams Morgan/Georgetown weekend crowd hasn't yet discovered it. It still feels like a friendly, cozy neighborhood place, even on a Saturday night.

It sounds like they've brought the Bistrot du Coin quality of service (or lack thereof) along with them.

Back in college, the locally-brewed cheap beer of choice was Stoney's. Brewed in Smithton, PA (before the brewery closed in 2001 and Pittsburgh Brewing started producing it), it was $1/bottle at the bar.

I once picked up a case of Straub Beer, from St. Mary's PA. A typical example of the style.

Bourbon in Adams Morgan now has Dogfish 60 Minute on tap. Good stuff. If I'm not mistaken, it replaced the Hook & Ladder Backdraft Brown.

And Saint-Ex had Belhaven Scottish Ale on tap the last time I was there. Is there a place in town that has a great selection of English ales on tap that I am missing?