Murphie

Looking for suggestions in DC north of downtown, or close in MD. Low ambient noise levels are important because one of the parties has a hearing impairment. Thanks

and they already have signs in the windows announcing "Roscoe is Back!"

At a very well attended community forum this evening, after a discussion about Chef G and Robins new Avenue Oven, Murat Uzuntepe and Cenk Duzturk presented their plans for Roscoe's. First of all, the name was an immediate hit with the locals, and actually showed some knowledge of the community. Roscoe was a free range rooster who lived in downtown Takoma Park for many years. After his death, the community commissioned a bronze sculpture which is on display in the farmer's market area. Anyway, the idea is what they describe as "gourmet pizza", and they specifically mentioned Two Amys and Pizza Paradiso. They are going for a full liquor license and will also have patio space, both of which drew applause from the audience. 96 seats. Besides pizza, the expect to serve appetizers "with lots of olive oil" and goodies from based on their native Turkey. Takeout, of course, and no delivery. They have not run a restaurant in the US before, though Murat said he was manager of an Italian restaurant in England once. I think this is a great idea and could do very well, but I was surprised that they were unaware of the local competition (Moroni & Bros), and hope they can maintain a high standard of management.

Chef and Robin made a presentation before a group of about 60 Takoma Park residents this evening, discussing their plans. I heard nothing really surprising: opening around the end of the year, beer and wine license, open relatively late evenings, 90 seats. Clear intent to do carryout, a great idea since so many people walk home from Metro right past the location Chef talked about the eastern european emphasis and had my mouth watering: things like pickles, knishes, strudels. They think they will open at 11 for lunch most days of the week, but of that I am dubious, the town is dead around noon on weekdays. Questions mostly related to how the place will be different from the G-SPOT, which is planned to me more of a self serve option, kids (no separate menus, child portions will be available, and there will be rules) and vegetarian and vegan options. Takoma Parkers kind of expect some accomodation there, but I did not hear her commit - she said food would be seasonal and suggested it depended on what was available. My take is that if there is some at least one vegetarian item on the menu she'll be fine with the locals. Of course, the redeeming feature is that she has a following and people will come from outside TP for her food. There was also a presentation on a new wood-fired pizza place down the street a bit, Roscoe's, which sounds promising and I will write up separately.

Alas, 'tis true..the stands are wimping out a bit. However, the carts seem to stick by the standard. In Uptown, where I grew up, you can still find the real thing on the streets and the carts out by the Field Museum also have 'em. Other neighborhoods, you are on your own.

Thanks Pat, that did the trick. I had the shredded pork, mac and cheese and yams, all very nice. Loved the nutmeg in the yams. My friend, however, wanted to keep things light and ordered the "Fried Chicken Sandwich". That ended up being a breast and a drumstick on a plate, presented with two pieces of white bread in a baggie. Thats it, not even a side of mayo...more of a sandwich kit, I guess. He wanted something light, so he got it! Service was great, BTW. Next time, I'm getting the sweet potato pie - $2!

Coppi's is also no lunch. I'm also thinking Moroni & Bros, but I have eaten there two days in the last week, and this morning if you count the leftovers.

Actually, thats often where they stay... Thanks - I'm doing the no Mondays/No lunch filter on Don's list. So far Belga is looking best.

who often comes to DC on business, and I'd like to move him off the Downtown/Dupont/Georgetown habits that he has fallen into over the years. I'd like to show him something new and refreshing, maybe even a little divey like Granvilles, Argonaut or even Red Derby, but they are not open for lunch. I'd also like to have a relaxed conversation, so no place that needs to turn tables quickly, though that should not be such a problem in August on a Monday. Metro accessible a plus, but not a requirement. DC or closeby, SVP. Thanks

I guess it is! They just need to patrol the premises and take down all the old signage. I can't pay $15 for a hamburger. I won'tt pay $12 for a hamburger, either mostly because I don't think I can buy a hamburger anywhere but in VA right now.

Driving by last night it seemed to be open for business. Not packed like a special event, but several tables filled. No changes in the signage: it still said Meridian...?

Since the issue came up I've been watching the behaviour of kids (and parents) in Takoma Park. I don't really see any real issues. Certainly Marks is the favorite of families, and I never see any problems. Maybe its because there is no room to run around. Service is prompt too. 'Taliano's, on the other hand was totally out of control. Maybe, compared to Mark's the issue was that it did have a lot of room, the empty stage, etc, that was conducive to kids gone wild. The real problem was the terrible service. If you go in with hungry kids and they have to wait half an hour or fortyfive minutes for a pizza, kids will have a problem. So pack the tables in and feed the kids- all will be well, as it is now in Marks. BTW the local BBs are reporting that a "gourmet" pizza place will open in the old House of Musical Traditions space. Moroni and Bros is only ten minutes away, so the newcomers will have to meet high standards.

Had dinner last night, three of us each had small pizzas that were all fantastic, I loved my Capra! Many tables filled at about 8PM on a Tuesday, so it looked like they were doing alright. I am going to spread the word here in Takoma Park - its only two miles away. What a find! Noise from the TV -Nickelodeon no less- was the only issue.

Hmmm...but Taliano's is stumbling distance for me! Not even half a block

Takoma Park neighborhood bulletin boards are alive with the rumor that a Chef G and Robin might be opening in Takoma Park as well as Forest Glen. The location mentioned is the long closed Taliano's, about three blocks from the Metro station and right next to the Sunday farmer's market. What a location for brunch! Incidentally, down the block a local developer is in the final stages of getting approval for a plan that will include new restaurant space and the requisite off-street parking. This would be at the corner of Eastern and Laurel, again about three blocks from Metro. Anyone think there is any truth to the rumor about Chef G coming to Takoma?

Well, it turns out there was no hanger steak! Bit of a disapppointment, really, since we are both fans. Didn't see any of the neat sounding appetizers, either - no tartare stuffed eggs, or marrow stuffed mushrooms, etc. She had the carb bisque, very nice, and I had the wonderful onion soup, it seemed like essence of beef sweetened with onions, and topped with a bit of shredded hard cheese. Rich and perfect. When we expressed our disappointment about the hanger steak, the server didn't really suggest alternatives. So I went for the entrecote, medium rare, she the house special strip. Both were perfectly cooked and quite wonderul. The stock mashed potatoes and spinach couldn't have been better, there was just a bit of heat to the spinach that balanced the creaminess: subtle and yet memorable. We would have normally gone with a cab, but were amused to find out that the list started with an Avalon 2004 ($29) that we drink all the time at home. We switched to a super tuscan, Brancaia Tre (2004?) that was a delight and a relative bargain ($41) We'd seen some of the enormous desserts go by - the coconut cake at the next table - but wanted to split the key lime pie. (I used to do it the real old fashioned way at home: fresh key lime juice, egg yolks and sugar.) We asked about the portion and were told it was big as well, but in reality it was pretty normal sized. Based on the amount of beef we took back home (in a , full sized kraft paper shopping bag, my wife thought that doggie bags should be more subtle) we didn't really need the oversized pie, and it was silk smooth but, IMHO, could have used a bit more tang. So all in all, a fine first visit. I think next time we will call first and get a better idea about what is on the menu. We still have to go back to try the hanger steak!

First timers: Pushed by the discover of the place through donrockwell.com, we are off to RTC for the first time, for an anniversary dinner. Reviewing the fifteen (!) pages of posts for menu suggestions, I'm a little overwhelmed. We both love beef, but we are more hanger steak than filet types. Seems like you can't make a bad choice, but I would still like to hear your suggestions. Thanks

We've eaten there twice now, and probably won't give it another shot unless we are feeling really charitable. The service is decent and friendly, for a deli-by-day, not bad. The owner seemed like a best bud on the first visit and totally ignored us on the second, on equally slow nights. I'm not much for TVs on in the dining room, but if you must this one -which ran a continous loop of a helicopter tour of Sicily -was not bad. Bread with olive oil and balsamic to all comers, a nice touch. Then came the salad, and when the previous poster said "drowned" it was right on-there is the most amazing pile of "dressing" on the salad, even if you eat all the not very inspiring greens your plate will be filled with the stuff. Quite unpleasant, actually. I had a penne arabiata once, which was fine though a little bland, and my wife had a special that she enjoyed. The second visit I had a very disappointing lasagne, clearly right out of the microwave, with no texture or flavor. My wife's penne was overcooked. One good note was the house wine, an simple, fruity Chianti that we thought was very drinkable. No need to move up the winelist here. When we asked about it we were told by the server that they do not divulge the name. Silver Spring badly needs what this place is trying to offer: a cozy Italian red sauce place near the theaters. Right now the serious miscues in the food stop Da Marco in its tracks.