ohstate

I've can't seem to make up my mind about where to go for our 20th next week. Probably too late to get into lots of places. My husband eats just about everything (except urchin), but I am not the least adventurous in my dining choices, which makes any tasting room menu look like a exercise in not eating for me (most waiters in the restaurants we frequent know what I will order when I walk in). Prefer Alexandria or DC (proximity to work/home). Ok, so I'm picky, won't drive long distances, late to make reservations and adverse to anything trendy, but still want a nice anniversary experience. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Thanks all - I think the TB on Duke St. is the closest. We'll hit up the Brick some happy hour as well. Thanks again!

I have a friend who recently returned from Djibouti and has a thirst for Tusker beer. Any local sources out there for this? He lives in Alexandria, works in Arlington, but is willing to travel. Thanks!

A bacon explosion. I am in awe. http://www.bbqaddicts.com/blog/recipes/bacon-explosion/

All, I'm hoping you can help me find a breakfast place that serves good food and bloody marys early Saturday morning. We're headed to the Eagle Bank bowl game at RFK. The game starts at 11, and we'd like to get to the stadium early to see the Brigade walk on if we can. Any recs, either in Alexandria/Del Ray or on the way to RFK? We'll have a car, so metro accessible isn't a requirement. Thanks! Go Navy! edit: Casual dining is probably the best, as we'll be attired for whatever weather the game brings.

I'm leaning that way as well. We have two events at National Harbor the weekend we're going, and having one hotel/convention meal is more than enough for one weekend.

It also appears that they have a concession tent at the show that opens at 7 p.m. if you just want a panini. Might be easier, if not tastier. http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSole...ntro/bistro.htm

To Kathleen, a concerned neighbor who spotted my stolen car and reported it, and the Alexandria Police for recovering it.

Some restaurants are offering specials if you show them your Kooza ticket on the day of show. http://www.nationalharbor.com/consumer/ent...ment.htm#cirque

Bacon Salt and Baconnaise!

We moved to that area not too long after that. Took me a few years to get up the nerve to try it.

They'll have BBQ and SoMD style stuffed ham sandwiches for her (assuming she likes kale/cabbage and spices stuffed into ham and baked). I am bivalve adverse myself but always go for the fun. My husband loves the Circle C BBQ oysters. They'll have a tent, rather than be in one of the big fair buildings. Grown right on St. Jerome's Creek in St. Marys. http://somd.com/news/headlines/2007/6754.shtml

Bump for 2008. This weekend. http://www.usoysterfest.com/

I hope that bar goes non-smoking. Even when it was Hectors, the smoke drifted into the dining room to the point where I wouldn't return (that plust the food didn't merit a return).

This weekend - way outside the beltway in St. Mary's county: http://www.sdvfdrs.org/ 3rd Annual Crab Feast Sunday Oct. 5, noon till 5 p.m. Social Hall at the Firehouse in Valley Lee. All you can eat steamed crabs for $27 per person Children 5-12 years old $10 Children under 5 years old Free, Carry outs available - $22 a dozen Beer and soda sold separately There will also be hotdogs, chips and baked goods on sale. 50/50 raffle All proceeds to benefit the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Inc. Must be 21 to drink. ID's will be checked

Not AYCE. They serve them raw, fried, scalded, grilled, etc. It is at the fairgrounds, and the buildings are loaded with picnic tables and condiments suited for whatever oyster dish they are serving. There is also an outdoor picnic pavilion w/ a bands. If you are there while they are having the oyster shucking competitions, they hand out the freshly shucked oysters for free at the fence line of the arena after they are judged. They've got lots of other Southern MD favorites as well, including local stuffed ham. My husband likes the Circle C oysters: Roast oysters round side down over a hardwood charcoal fire until they pop. Remove the top shell (watch out they're hot!) Baste with a mixture of equal parts margarine, hot sauce and chopped garlic. Wait till they sizzle. Serve warm. EDIT: You can see the World Oyster Shucking champion in action: http://somd.com/news/headlines/2008/8462.shtml

This would definitely be on my rotation if true!

A friend brought over a new bloody mary mix that was quite tasty - good flavor and heat, although I add a bit more horseradish. Ultimate Tailgater mix from Tilted Palm. Doesn't look like I can get it around here though. I've ordered a few bottles online to get me through football season though.

The more I think about it, the better this sounds. Even the less adventurous could find something to eat here. Thanks all!

Also in Fells Point, there is a breakfast spot called the Blue Moon Cafe. Sunday mornings will have a line, but that's because it is small place and pretty good. I recall some tasty french toast on weekend a few years back. http://www.citypaper.com/eat/place.asp?id=1714

Looking for a good place to hold a dinner celebration mid-week (next week) for about 12 -15 people. Since they're all attending the same meeting near the Pentagon, I was hoping to find someplace walking distance or just a metro stop or two away. Business casual-ish, not too fancy (or pricey as everyone will be on per diem). Any recs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Well, my post was somewhat TIC, however, the oysters are local typically, and the Circle C oyster ranch has their own variety that they breed and sell (Crassostrea virginica Lineback©) (we have some growing at our dock as well). I don't eat the things, personally. http://www.oysterranching.com/lineback.html

Of course, less than a tank of gas and a $5 entrance fee gets you into the St. Mary's County Oyster Fest in October. You can even watch the U.S. National Oyster Shucking competition. They have an amateur division if anyone wants to try their hand at it as well. http://www.usoysterfest.com/

We're headed to Seward and Homer Alaska next week, so I'm looking for any recommendations. We'll need a place to dine along the way to Seward from Anchorage as well. We're open to any and all ideas you might have for good road food/fine dining/etc. Thanks!

Just a reminder for those interested. The Farmers' Market begins today, Wednesday August 13, 2008. Per the press release, "the market features locally grown produce, baked goods and dairy products as available. The market will run rain or shine Wednesdays, August 13 through October 29 from 3 to 7 p.m. It is located at the King Street Gardens Park (1806 King St.), just a few steps from the King Street Metro. "