ruslev

I understand it was late, but was there any interaction with a manager to express your concerns and try to see if things could be made right? I'm usually not one of those "I'm sending this back!" types, but I probably would have done so for the cold spinach and the improperly cooked steaks.

I usually go at 5:30 and have always had a great meal. I think rolling into any restaurant a half hour or so before closing is a gamble. Would the finest of restaurants even take you in at that time? I would say that they were probably not prepared to have a new group start dining at that time. What front of the house person would send away plates in these times? You should try again at a more reasonable time.

For my first time, what do you recommend as a "must-have"?

I had a brisket sandwich in Rockville today and it was as good as always. Not much of a crowd at 1pm.

Now it's going to be impossible to get a table!

Thank god he did not go to RTS!

do you think Michael found an old crisfield's recipe book while walking the streets of silver spring - "simple preparations"

Quick comment on dinner at Ray's tonight...

Food: good

Service: lousy

Overly grabby, "can I take that?"..."have you finished that?" and my absolute favorite, "Are you still working on that?" Why yes I am. I've already constructed a neat little sculpture with the mashed potatoes, I'm making a lawn with the spinach...

The bowl of cashews half full (half-empty?) that are unceremoniously ripped from the table, being asked 20 times in 5 minutes if we're finished...blah!!!

I think the new place should be named Ray's the Classics of Clarendon. The expense report/business write-off people were out in full-force. None of the funky charm of the early incarnation, none of the personalized service (even if it was hurried), none of the indefinable something that made Ray's the Steaks what it was. The new place is a nameless, faceless place. Without Danielle at the front, I could have been in any of a thousand steak places in a thousand different cities and wouldn't have known the difference. I certainly don't want anyone to think that I don't wish Michael to succeed, the world should only have many more like him, I just don't feel any warmth or individuality in the new Ray's.

I have been going for years and that "hurry-up" attitude was a trademark to me. there was a certain charm of having servers circling around ready to snatch that plate from the table. it was like a frenzied madness that I assumed was dictated by Michael. Over the past year, much of that attitude had been lost, I am glad that the reins have been tightened up again.

they do have an updated website: http://www.obrienspitbarbeque.com/

I did end up going on Saturday night.

The place has a cool vibe, but the food was fair. I did start off the night with their fried oysters which were quite good. My wife ordered a green salad that was too spicy for her to finish. For the entrees, I had their special Saturday plate which was lamb. The lamb was pink and gray with no texture or flavor other than garlic. A complete disappointment. My wife had the rock fish which had plenty of kick to it, which was not mentioned at all on the menu. My wife, a plain food type, usually picks plain but safe choices and could not eat either. The deserts were good - apple crisp and a brownie.

Unfortunately, I will not be back.

Has anyone been there since it re-opened a couple of weeks ago?

Went last night and had a great dinner. The lamb shank was excellent. The table really enjoyed the duck. There were some interesting starters: pumpkin custard that was most unusual but everyone really liked. The mackerel starter was very flavorful. The sides: grits with gorganzola, beans with rabbit confit and of course the fries were great. Everyone enjoyed the meal, but if you do not like smokiness in food or lots of game-like confits, it may not be your thing. I have been there 3 times now and the food has been great.

Anyone been here lately? I am supposed to go with a group and Bucks had been off the radar.

what's the menu going to focus on? something new up his sleeve? the Heat, hmmm?

anyone seen the wine list lately? any suggestions...thanks

Stopped by today and had a cheeseburger, fries and coke. It was my first time so I thought I would go traditional. The burger was very good. I like the bun very much. The fries were also very good. Mark was present and was a very nice host. This is nice addition to that neighborhood.

Has anyone compiled a "beer map". I have found the blue moon, but where is the bass ale?

Those little old ladies need rest.

Mmm. Domilise's. Oh man, I just remember a ridiculous road trip to NO last fall, rolling into town after 9 hours on the road, only to see a sign--"Domilise's is closed Thursday and Sunday"

Parasol's did OK in a pinch .

If you hurry and are in the area they are on the menu at Breadline today! I believe they're a Thursday staple until the soft shells start coming in. I've also enjoyed the version at Hank's, but have heard dissenting opinions from others. I'm not much of a traditionalist when it comes to fried seafood sandwiches as long as it tastes good.

My office is next door and I have had their po-boys. They are tasty, but their version does not quench the po-boy fire. I lived in New Orleans during my college days and there is no substitute for the real deal. I like that acadiana has the zapps, thats cool. Add an abita beer and it could work.

Where can I get a great oyster po-boy?

Thanks all. I had the BBQ from Urban BBQ in Rockville and the brownies from Artisans confections in Arlington. Everyone was great to work.

I called Urban BBQ this morning and they were very easy to work with. Their website has a nice catering menu which allows you to order in bulk. Last year I made the mistake of trying to place an order on the day of the game at Rocklands. They told me that the super bowl is their busiest day of the year. The italian store is swamped on a normal sunday, but the thought of BBQ brisket and chicken with their redneck fondue dip is too hard to avoid for the super bowl.

Now, where do I find a great dessert?

I am trying to decide where to get my food for my Super Bowl party. Certainly, everybody has their favorite places for take out for this event. For example, should I get subs from the Italian Store? or BBQ from Urban BBQ? I would really like to know some great places to get take-out food. Thanks

Did this restaurant in Bethesda change ownership? What is Houston's Woodmont Grill?

I had an 5pm Sunday dinner with my wife and children (4 y.o. and 1 y.o) I had a ribeye steak which was very good for $30 + 1 side. It was cooked with a nice char, pink inside, the way I asked. My wife had the bourbon marinade steak tips. She asked for it medium well, but came medium rare in parts. She liked the taste though. We shared a house salad which was chopped up and the lettuce had that day old brownish edges if you inspected it carefully. It was designed to share, at least 3 people. The wine program was pretty good. They have flights for tasting..

The steaks were good, not at the level of Ray's, but I was really impressed. I have eaten at most of the local steak houses, and I left pretty happy all things considered.

Anyone know of good chili in downtown dc? Thanks

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[The following posts have been split into separate threads:

Hard Times Cafe (thetrain)]

Has anyone been to Lima on K St? I am looking for some reviews. Thanks