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Josh Radigan

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Everything posted by Josh Radigan

  1. Josh Radigan
    Its a spoof that the Arts League of Alington is doing for several weeks.
  2. Josh Radigan
    In some ways the story was uplifting simply because it wasn't the typical doom and gloom of some secret behind closed doors issue. Like inter squabling between owners, profits going up someones nose, bad product whether it be service or food. It was simply about money, not having enough to start which is a big problem with small business', and just not getting accustomed to the daily grind of everyday operations. I had the pleasure of working with Laura this past summer at Washington Golf, she was our pool manager and did a great job. Great personality, great attitude. As for the comments at the end, people will make snarky second hand comments because they can, who cares. Thats the beauty of the internet, your face doesn't need to be in the place. Just a name.
  3. Josh Radigan
    if it *is* an indictment of the industry as a whole, Anytime I see a statement made in that fashion I think back to this wonderful movie scene. 'But you can't hold a whole fraternity responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn't we blame the whole fraternity system? And if the whole fraternity system is guilty, then isn't this an indictment of our educational institutions in general? I put it to you, Greg - isn't this an indictment of our entire American society? Well, you can do whatever you want to us, but we're not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America. Gentlemen!
  4. Josh Radigan
    As well, I can only imagine that shortly after the renovations that took place in Union Station, they sought out long term lease deals in order to fill the existing retail/restaurant spaces that were created within the renovation.
  5. Josh Radigan
    http://www.foxbaltimore.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wbff_the-owner-two-popular-baltimore-restaurants-dies-vehicle-collision-while-riding-bicycle-ocean-city-14949.shtml?wap=0 Bummer, people that I knw=ow who were close to him say he was a really laid back guy.
  6. Josh Radigan
    To answer that question, although most servers complain due to the high volume, low check average= typically lower tips, this time of year unless you work at a food factory like cheesecake, clyde's and some of the other volume crushing establishments, this is a time where servers maintain a balance in their checking account, instead of the dip into savings routine come August. But that all goes back to what many talented restaurantuers have dished out in advice, if you maintain consistency with food and service ALL YEAR round, then you will not see the annual dip in August. Move thread accordingly Don.
  7. Josh Radigan
    After work, I will be siting down with a glass of somthing, most likely red, and jamming out to Jerry Garcia in celebration of what would have been his 70th birthday.
  8. Josh Radigan
    My father-in-law has been taking the subway for the past 30 years and although its not a headache, he deals in more day to day issues with train failure, escalators being shut and peak scheduled track work. I used to take it to prep school in the 80's and loved it, but as well at that time, the big crush of customers had not found the appeal of the subway. Ballston used to be the last stop, as well there were far fewer stations and even lines.
  9. Josh Radigan
    The Subway in DC was a nightmare from day 1 because it was never really valued as a true way of mass transit. It was a novelty item that made washingtonians believe we were and are today a big city to the likes of Chicago and NYC. Another issue with the subway, shuting down at night. Reading different reports on the faults of the system itself is that running constantly would aleviate the issue of 'breathing' tracks.
  10. Josh Radigan
    I find that good restaurants that are truly built to last with good leadership both in FOH and BOH can and will get over an 'off' review. In some cases its what gives them the turn they need to be successful. I firmly believe that Mr. Harlan and his crew will look at this merely as a stepping stone and not a slight to their efforts.
  11. Josh Radigan
    the business failed, get over it. No explanation needed. Simply put, we have no idea why or what happened and no one should have to explain.
  12. Josh Radigan
    Surprisingly, Hard Times has a decent veggie burger. BGR, the one I went to at least was mediocre at best. Its just tough to find because most places want to do their own 'special' brand, which is great, but it usually involves some sort of potato filler as binder. Then the burger becomes uber startchy.
  13. Josh Radigan
    Breathe. Breathe. All sides of this discussion have made their points,some louder than others, and quite frankly, that is ok IMHO. Some choose to read and stay on the sidelines, others choose to jump into the fray. This topic obviously set off some fireworks and in the name of of this website, that is a good thing. Not all topics drive people to read, some actually may in fact make them turn away just by topic. Whatever the case may be, the bottom line is that its ok to disagree, whether it be passionately, or quite muted. My father-in-law and I were speaking several years ago on an article in the NY Times penned by David Brooks (One of my favorite columnists) that was discussing at the time Obama's approach to the bank bailouts. Now, for those who do not know David Brooks, he typically writes from the right side of the political spectrum, yet his column directly spoke with a rather left leaning view. My father-in-law said what makes David Brooks such a good writer is that he takes an approach/view from both sides of the coin. In doing so not only do you understand the whole picture, but you have a better stance in which to debate your point. Clearly if we all looked at one view through the lense of life, our path/direction could be rather boring. But a wide angle view allows us to see so much more of what is out there to offer us. As for Heather's comment, the chord that struck me with a smile is the fact of her Creed loving friends who otherwise have good taste in music. I have a guy whom I work with who is somewhat of a beer geek and low and behold even he has the weak moment as he says to pop open a Bud Light Lime on a hot summers day. Go figure.
  14. Josh Radigan
    Eat Bar.
  15. Josh Radigan
    Osteria 1909 last night, sat at the bar. I would love to report back that all was positive, but... I like the place and not just because its in my neighborhood, but because of the feel. I just wish the food would get better. Its not horrible. Its just meh. For every item I like, there are two that just don't complete First off, if you are going to have pin lights above tables for soft ambience, turn them on. Granted we sat at the bar, but it is something I immediately noticed when we walked in. Why have them if you are not going to use them, its obvious. Second, Davey the bartender is good. He knows his menu, he knows his drinks, and he has just the right amount of personaility that its not cloying. Third, to whomever does pricing on wine, ouch! $70 bones for Hodder Hill? When it goes for $20 wholesale, thats 3.5 on the markup. Pretty steep. I understand costs of buildouts and business, but that just seems to be over priced. Fourth,the food. Cheese plate, good. Decent portions, 2.5-3 ounces per cheese. End pieces, ugh! when 50% of it is rind, don't send it out. Salads, one over dressed; one dressing so acidic my wife had to ask for Olive Oil to cut the acidity. again, the food doesn't wow and maybe that is it intention, but I just felt that it was off. Overall, again I will continue to support the place simply because Davey really does a great job behind the bar.
  16. Josh Radigan
    I also believe part of the 'shock' is how quickly these places shut. INOX and Michel's I believe did not exist to the magical 3 year stage. i could be dead wrong, but places like Olives, Asia Nora and B9 were open for an extended period of time, longer than 5 years.
  17. Josh Radigan
    And to think that they have Wawa's in Poland, at least that is what one of my fellow co-workers who just got back from there told me. Poland, yes. NoVa, no. Hmmmm.
  18. Josh Radigan
    Other places yearn to have that type of affection and support, maybe you can find an old soul in a place you have never visited.
  19. Josh Radigan
    Then one question, if it seems that only Steakhouses are surviving, then how do they do it with the example of 'people only dining out Friday/Saturday Night'? Reason being I ask is that the last time I checked, The Cap Grille had no bargain basement pricing, as well as The Palm. The flipside is how do so many mid-range restaurant fare so well day in and day out out in Tysons? Cafe Deluxe, Clyde's. It could simply be what the function of penny-pinching does in terms of everyday spending. So many people who used to dine out on top dollar had to scale back, but in the process no one wants to have to forgo or even give up dinning out regularly. So, people are more willing to take a chance on a cheap dinner repeatedly, and save for that special night out. Hence the visability of Applebee's, Chili's and just about every other cookie cutter restaurant has skyrocketed in the past 4 years. People know what they are getting, they know its consistent, and overall its accessable to their needs.
  20. Josh Radigan
    Michel was at the Ritz-Carlton. As for Harth, I can only imagine it is Hilton's restaurant, not a independent owner such as Jeff Buben at Bistro Bis and the Hotel George. Buben leases his space from the building owner. Poste at the Hotel Monaco is a Kimpton owned restaurant.
  21. Josh Radigan
    but INOX and Michel's were in no way attached to the mall, yet again placed in areas of office buildings and hotels, where foot traffic is sparse at night. Reminds me of what happened in Rosslyn in the 70's, after 5PM, ghost town. Until there is a substantial amount of residential, restaurants in that area will continue to battle against one another for the all mighty dollar. I have a very good friend of mine who is the owner/operator of The Cap Grille at Tysons and he has been there for over 10 years. They seem to be doing fine for being high end, maybe someone should ask him, Hey, how do you do it, and yet others fail?
  22. Josh Radigan
    Saturday night with my wife at Bistro Bis, first time back in since the day I left in October of 2001, yes folks, not a typo, 2001. Whew Boy. Needless to say I had a great time, 2 bottles with dinner, '07 Brickhouse, and '09 Martinelli made for a great dinner with my wife. Food was spot on and my wife is better with describing food than I. Highlights, Beet Salad, my wife's salmon dish, my Turbot special and scallop app. all good flavor, and the apple tart to finish put a smile on my wife's face. Sunday lunch pick-up, the 4th street location of Taylor Gourmet. Both sandwiches were ok, but gotta admit, not a whole lot of flavor, or should I say acid. Sometimes that is what I feel is lacking in a sandwich. Wife had the Wharton, I had the Tasker. Bread was good, filling was spot on for protion size, not too much to make the sandwich hard to get around. But acid.. Maybe it is me, but sometime s a sandwich can come off flat. Sunday lunch sit down, and yes I did eat two lunches. Justin's cafe down by Natstown. Small place, somewhat loud due to the concrete flooring, must be packed on game day, and if not,what a shame. Solid beer selection, no comment on wine selection. Food, meh. I had the sqaush bisque, tasted like pie filling it was so sweet. salad , was thin and not much flavor most likely because I took meat out of it (Pescatarian for two more days, 1 year commitment), but hey, at least they are giving it a go.
  23. Josh Radigan
    Tiber Creek for the yards of beer, which used to be housed right behind the Dubliner, in what is now Bistro Bis.
  24. Josh Radigan
    Lets not forget that one of the biggest issues with that area, and believe me I spend quite a bit of time during basbeall season down there, is residential.There has to be a good mix of residential and retail that fits that market to survive. Without the development of afforadable and reasonable housing down there, it eventually ends up becoming a wasteland of low vacancy properties that never gropws business, but yet spurns it for fear of paying too much while living house poor. I was down there not too long ago looking around and with all the happy feelings of growth, it still needs suipport. The group that is doing The Yards complex, residential and retail, actually were the ones who developed the old Tobacco warehouses in Richmond, just east of the Bottom. It took quite some time to develop the Hill in Richmond, and other than Millie's most of the places came and went. The process for business owners is to step cautiously, lower expectations, and who knows, maybe talk to the guys who own Justin's and see what the vibe is overall. They were doing decent business in late October, long after the Nats season was over, so they must be doing something right with the people who live in that area.
  25. Josh Radigan
    Had dinner there (Mac Blvd) with my wife's family right after the holidays, nothing terribly wrong with the meal. But with 12 of us, eating is the last thing on our minds.
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