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For some reason you chose to use J.Paul’s and the one steak you mentioned in common to support your premise of lower-priced steaks, which was true by $1. You are factually accurate there. That being said there are lines being crossed by your second statement, that I think have no place on this board, but that's not my call to make. Information regarding the USDA quality of beef for J.Paul’s is flat out wrong. It's USDA Choice, period. You may want to be careful to consider where you get your information. The assertion that this restaurant cannot produce a 16oz NY strip, not your call to make, and again, flat out wrong. The steaks (with the exception of the bone-in filet) do not come precut and cryovac-ed; again false information. It's your choice as a restaurant owner to validate your own quality of food by devaluing others. However if in a public forum, to incorrectly devalue the food quality of another in your industry...it's in poor taste, and that seems to ultimately takes away from the value of your restaurant. The bottom-line is that you misrepresented another restaurant, and ultimately those in who work in the kitchen - multiple times, and it makes me wonder why you cannot extol upon your own virtues without having to falsely represent others, I would think that it's diminishing to your own establishment to say the least. If you wonder why I'm even discussing this as I don't work there, it's because when a restaurant where someone you care for works, and their work is misrepresented in a forum that you participate it, it just doesn't seem okay...even if they aren't a “sacred cow”, they might be sacred to you. Anya

I don't see how you can state definitively that your steaks (as listed) are less expensive than J.Pauls, considering they do not have a 16oz NY or a 28oz cowboy. However J-Paul’s 12oz NY strip is 25.95. $1 more than your 12oz (if an online menu is too be believed) – 2 sides for both. I may sound snarky but as GF (good/girl, you pick) of a kitchen fellow there, it irks me to see the "significantly less expensive" implication that is in the tone of the post, for a largely unknown quantity. I really enjoyed your restaurant and the low cost the time I was there (even posted it here!) but the post sounds like you own the market for restaurant folks who care about the diner's experience food-wise and fiscally. I'm probably overreacting, but the implication was that those restaurants you listed don’t care, at least fiscally. I could care less what the rest of the places listed charge, but would be curious to see if you even checked on-line menus before making your assertions! FYI –to try for a true comparison, I asked what the cost 16oz NY strip might run in the G-town J-Pauls... "it depends, but around $28-30..."...not far from $29 (...do hope to try RTC or RTS again...)

don't think that pointing out a server's name for service errors or other negative comments is ever appropriate, heck my name might have made the board a few times... However, in regards to service in the cocktail area at Proof, I heard almost an identical story from girlfriends (2 weeks ago?) who received appalling service. And frankly it wasn't about all the mistakes, but the snotty/dismissive attitude; any server knows keeping a pleasant attitude is often your only saving grace when you are slammed. To be fair my only first-hand experience at Proof was late night, last fall, at the bar and we had a good time. Perhaps it is just during the busy hours that cocktail service is lacking? I would love to return, but am very hesitant now...

Did anyone go last night or is anyone going tonight? I am going tomorrow night and will report back on this post; I believe they started the pre-opening last night...

Here's some more detailed info on this website (one minor spelling error) http://www.arlingtonvirginiausa.com/index.cfm/12437 The chef is a friend of a friend, great guy, and I wish them much success!ETA: Official Website http://www.restaurantthree.com/

Interesting...Bar Louie is a standard 1st stop bar in Columbus (i.e. a place to "meet" people)- it also does generate a huge sports crowd for big events. I don't know if it will be the same in DC however as I don't know if it will be "unique" enough. I've only eaten there once I think and it was okay. Hope it does well, and I will probably try it out once.

Vegetarian Birthday Dinner Luckily my sis-in-law loved this vegetarian bday dinner. Shaft's blue cheese and water crakers to munch. Broccoli, bacon (vegetarian), red onion, with mayo and apple cider dressing, served cold. Sweet Mashed Pots, loaded with butter and salt. And a new recipe for me, Polenta Napoleon, and the following recreated recipe is attached as a scan (tried attaching as a word doc and couldn't). This was finished off with Scotch and a chocolate blackout cake (the most decadent around - uses espresso, buttermilk and cocoa, but don't know the recipe, it's my sister's). All the carnivores were just as happy!

C-bus, yes that's what the "kids" call it these days. Anyway in keeping with Don's request and since it's fun to add a new topic, I'll describe my 3 recent MEALS here in the great Buckeye city as I'm home for the month... Sedeo Cafe (Is also reviewed in the May issue of Columbus Monthly for those that care). 45 seat restaurant with a little bar off to the side, warm and modern decor, top-notch service by an endearing young man who hails from Germany, and our wonderful chef (my sister's fiance) was alas only around for a few nights filling in until the "real/new" chef takes over, our temporary chef was a substitute since the "old chef" was gone...yet "old chef's" picture was still on every tables 'postcard.' On to food and wine... A round of procesco for the 3 ladies, compliments of the house, and a mixture of brioche, breadsticks, crisp pita? and somthing else... (could have ordered some tapenades but didn't). Amuse Bouche - tropical gazpacho on silver spoons, a perfect start Small Plate - 2-3 oz of seared Halibut, Haricot Vert citrus salad, lemon caper beurre blanc (didn't remeber many capers, which is good), with the spark of the dish, french lentils, which were braised with bacon or something similar...the halibut just melted with the sauce. This was paired with a California chard, "Artesa" from Carneros Vinyard, C. Valley. Greens Truffled Beef Tartare (2) with Blue Cheese and date stuffed belguim endive (2), the tartare was over watermelon, and the balsamic drizzle was light - there's not much they could have done wrong here, and everything was just right. Paired with "Vina Borgia,Grenache, Spain DOC"Our regularly scheduled 3 courses was interupted by the following: A large shared plate of sesme seared rare ahi tuna - this fish was FREEESSSHH! simple yet stunning; to look at and to eat. And then again with a plate each of 'port wine gastrique duck breast', braised scallions, mango and endive, the duck was stellar and as I was a few glasses of wine in, I tried to save up for the main course... Land Rack of Lamb with Spinach and & Roasted Tomatoes wrapped in puff pastry. Now I normally do not like lamb and had substituted the filet (or so I thought - because my sister took the last one of the night when she ordered.) but the future brother in-law wisely took the helm and split the last plate of lamb (4 pieces of which we ate a total 1 and ½) and I decided I actually do like lamb (apparently if you prep lamb a certain way it doesn't get that offish flavor?.. anyway) and of course my sister was thrilled, she loves the stuff. That was paired with “Wynn’s Cabernet Savignon” from Australia. Satisfied out of our mind, we were trying to forgo any dessert, but a small plate of fried plantains made its way out, and while I passed, and my sister was enjoying them, I had a lovely glass of Merryvale Antigua Muskat from Napa Valley, liquid dessert for me... Obviously, there will be a different chef when you go but if you ever find yourself in Columbus make a trip up, for a $55 3 course meal with wine pairing, you’ll forget you're in the cornfields, and will enjoy the excellent atmosphere, service, food and wine. Website is www.sedeocafe.com, but no menu, pretty sure it changes a lot. Martini's This really is a great place for light food and wine before the “big night out” in the Arena District of Columbus. The bartenders were great and very friendly guys, but pros (when one friend spilled the last ¼ of her 1st glass of red trying to get her lip gloss, it was refilled to the top immediately). I'd so rather eat at the bar then at tables, and luckily tables weren't available so no arguing with the girlfriends, who haven't gotten the “eat at the bar” thing yet. Anyway it really is about the atmosphere here, but the $5 salads were good, filling, if not amazing, but good. One was an Italian wedge (sun-dried tomato gorgz dress, egg, pancetta, red onion, toms.) I had the “Martini” salad, sun dried toms, gorgz, pine nuts, and balsamic dress.) Our friend had a side of mashed for her dinner (don't ask.) I also had figs wrapped with pancetta with gorgz and port wine reduction. Honestly I've made better myself, but I also stuffed the figs with the cheese and it was on the side here. I would not get it again, but wasn't a total loss. The wine was appropriate, “mashed pot dinner friend” ordered a (few) sweet Rieslings, I had a Pine Fin (stoli doli essent.) and Sterling merlot (tried to sell me the A-Z Pinot with the figs, but no go for me.) And while the bartender didn't second my recommendation of the Nebiollo, because it didn't offer much flavor, my friend really liked it, sometimes you just know your friends, and light was they way to go. I would go back in a heartbeat, and that's probably why not only this restaurant but all the Cameron Mitchell's do well, great friendly, professional service, with reliable food and the right atmosphere can be a good thing. They aren't the best of the culinary world, but they aren't the Olive Garden either (yeah “mashed pot dinner friend” did suggest that, love her, love her). Wildflower Cafe Little Diner off of Indianola near "The Ohio State University" and Clintonville neighborhood. Cute little place with maybe 20 tables and the line was going all morning but only took 15mins to sit. Wonderful Sunday brunch the eggs benedict had one of the fluffiest hollandaise sauces I've had, and must have been made in house properly. If you are in Columbus and need to recharge, stop in here for a local favorite that beats "Bob Evans" the unfortunate other local favorite out of the park! This was my first time there but a fav of my Dad's who lives near by. I'm hoping to get to the Refectory the oldest and "fanciest" spot in columbus before I leave so look for more soon...

Greek Pizza at the New Mexico Location. I've posted earlier about my mixed feelings at their other location, but this pizza was a winner last night. Goat cheese, sweet and hot peppers (banana), tomato and red onion on a thin crust. I can't describe very well why I liked it so much but I guess it was the flavor of the cheese combined with the heat of the peppers. I've always though their pizza was just okay,like the steak and gorgonzola but upon comparison I realize that's just too heavy and the flavor in the Greek is much more balanced. The only down side was that 2 of the 6 pieces had bad crust (too much) to toppings (too little) ratio (but my BF got stuck with those anyway) Just a thought if you find yourself in the neighborhood. And since I've worked next door for five years (and probably a few more) I'm happy to have my new go-to order :-)

If you want a fun casual first date spot go to saki in adams morgan. Eat sushi at the low bar around 9ish and stay through for dancing... after that it's up to you :-) One of my favorite first dates (and we're still together!) I will mention this was 2 years ago but I assmue it's still the same .

How about DeCarlo's (I am one of only three, but here's my thoughts...) http://www.donrockwell.com/index.php?showt...l=Spring+Valley

No, they are meyer lemons.

I don't want to create a new thread called regulars, and didn't check for the thread either but move or delete as appropriate. But I have to say that I a former PT server (7 years until last march) and as much as I pretend to afford, a regular DC diner, I seem to see a disconnect between who (whom?) the House considers "Regulars" and who as diners consider themselves regulars. Factually they may be the same: a diner who regularly eats at the restaurant. From the House perspective some of these regulars are regularly pleasant and delightful, and some are regularly more difficult. Now of course the restaurant should give excellent service to both, but if one regular gets special rules or treatment then maybe the person who wonders why they aren't getting the extra special treatment or god-forbid free stuff, similarly, they should take stock of how they behave as a regular customer. Also the difficult regular may be wooed and tried to be won over, but to no avail do they appreciate the special treatment and does their difficultness and fault-finding deteriorate. More on the disconnect: A "Pleasant Regular" would never expect or question others' special treatment a "Difficult Regular" both expects and questions others special treatment (But mommy they got more cake then me...come on), regularly. Additionally a "Pleasant Regular" also tips properly and makes sure that their guests do too. A difficult regular doesn't tip well, and sometimes less than appropriately and certainly doesn't make sure their guests do the same (I'm applying all of this to service worthy of its tip). FYI... A "Difficult Regular" is often known to tip verbally. A "Really Fabulous Regular" overtips (unnecessarily) and often overlooks minor service/restaurant flaws (and certainly doesn't talk smack of any kind about a place they want to be given the royal treatment at, again come on...just to clarify lest I be questioned on that point - everyone should receive excellent service at all times, but not extra...) There's probably more to all of this, but I'll stop here for now.

Are there any new ideas or new releases that are must haves or sure-bet gifts?

​Dewey, Rehoboth Big Fish Grill (Rehoboth): 2 huge softshells for $22 crispy and clean. Grilled rare tuna also huge, perfecty cooked, a little underseasond for me, but fresh and meaty all the same. The sides were weird. Huge mash and tiny veggies . I couldn't get addtional recs for seafood so I felt we did well considering... Dewey Grill (duh): right across from the Starboard. It's a 'health' food bar which we didn't realize. wasn't a huge fan of their ceaser dressing, but I can be picky. However the bf loved, loved their turkey burger on whole wheat bun (thank goodness, since he asked if the chef had something against a 'real' burger nicely :-) and that's when he was told it was a 'health' food place.) I'd recommed for a quick bite close to the beach and bloody marys were good too. Northbeach: (Dewey): Picture perfect setting. Sunday's special mammoth frozen drinks 5.75 (prob 16-20oz) I guiltily had 2. Get the fried fish sandwich. Half the heat hot fish goes on the sandwich, half goes in your companions mouth. It says a dijon tartar sauce, but after asking about it the waitress said it's just regular - which it was (poor girl - who was a really great waitress - gets requests for the "dijon tartar" for other food, and nobody believes her when she says it really the same as the other tartar on the menu, it's these stories of 'guests' in restaurants that doesn't make me miss the biz).

Is it possible they meant pan-fried, like sauteed in oil?

Anyone remember Giorgio's Pizza on 20th & N? Was a 'secret' meeting spot for my SO and I before we were publicly SOs It's closed I've read, and so is the restaurant we met at right down the 'alley'... is that a bad sign? This was a dive of all dives complete with basement location, ahem old-er bartenders and i'm sure I never ordered much more than light beers... maybe a shot of tequilla or GM.

RE: AGAVERO I was trying to find out about marg places to go in restaurants and started looking at this thread ANYWAY I agree one hundered percent with Joe I had this tequila in mexico a few years ago and I have found no tequila like it since or have I been able to find a bottle since...or in a restaurant or bar since... Joe do you really have this in your store??? I would love to buy some - maybe today!

Can we find some ideas besides the Midtown $3 Marg's and 1/2 price apps or McFadden's... I went to Mexicali Blues the other day and sorry but as much as I don't mind spending on drinks I just don't think a $6 rail Margarita is a good Happy Hour deal, besides it's Cinco De Mayo and it's Friday! We might possibly be putting quantity over quality here folks...

(Full disclosure #1 - my +1 was directly affliated with Paolo's a while ago, and is still with CRC...) Have eaten here a bazillion times, but I have to say my favorite dish I had late night (11:27... ) last night and was unbelievably good, it's the Minestrone and for 5.95 wow (oh and you can get half orders too). Starting - it could be a full meal, I mean huge!, but more importantly the flavor, I was full, but the flavor was so good I had to keep eating. First off it's truely a made to order dish. Second everything is little tiny bites, zuch, pot, mini tubes of pasta etc, except the spinach and cheese that you swirl around. What I really loved was the broth, chicken stock base so not entirely vegetarian...(my +1 said the broth has sometimes been "richer") whatever it was awesome, I know there is some chili oil in it, the broth packs a bit of heat. (Full disclosure #2, my +1 may have, okay did, "had a hand" in this recipe, but that is not why I recommend it, actually you might realize I am p** this was the first time in 1 1/2 years I tried it!) Anyway if you are in georgetown, I'd definitely give this minestrone a try.

What a great steak joint. Was able to swing a table for 2 at the last minute by being politely persistent. They were very busy, but the food came out so fast that the 1hr window was plenty of time to enjoy a bottle of wine, starters and the steaks. Too full for dessert. Our server was great, she had a lot to attend to I’m sure, but got us started very quickly, and continued great service. This place definitely has a system, and does it very very well. Hanger Steak – wasn’t sure what to expect (had a hanger steak maybe 2 times in my life). It’s a great choice. I usually get a filet, I know those fattier cuts have all the flavor, but I never seem to enjoy the big rib-eye or strip as much, anyway… But this steak had plenty of flavor and no bits of fat to contend with. Juicy and tender (very) and was good w/ or w/o the extra order of blue cheese sauce. Also I was full with ½ of the steak, and will have a top-notch steak salad for lunch. My guy had the rib-eye apparently it was good – I didn’t even try for a taste until I realized he had gone in for the last bite! (I did snag some horseradish sauce – creamy with a kick ) No issues with temps for either of us. What else was awesome…? The caeser dressing* – lots of garlic. The house blue cheese sauce for the steaks, it was almost maroon, not sure if the color comes during the preparation or after mixing with the steak juice on the plate. And the bread - out of the world, I laughed at my BF who raised brows when he didn’t see the butter, but he hadn’t tried the bread yet, and I had. This bread is somehow packed with olive oil you can only taste not touch. *the salad was only romaine and a true “starter size” it will not fill you up – and that’s a good thing. Wine: We wanted to try “The Grappler” cab/syrah/zin, but they were out. Ended up with the inexpensive Vierlas, syrah/merlot/tempranillo/garnacha: nice to start, very light so it didn’t add much to the steaks, but didn’t detract anything. Price: Our meal was $90 for 2 starters, 2 steaks, a $29 bottle of wine, and tax. It was absolutely worth it, and the short time was perfect since we went home to watch the 3 hour long Ray ( seriously we didn’t plan that) We'll totally be back. ETA: We also got a bit of Hot Chocolate with our check (pretty cool touch even though we didn't get dessert)

So does anyone know anything about Lebanese wines? (I did search 'The Wine Scene' but didn't get anything, if this can be moved "no problem")

Jeez! I Try to talk about food and wind up trying to end this silly conundrum (rhymes with..) to get back on track the washington post had this to say... http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?n...ofile&id=800470eatin' anything lately?

I'll preface my entire review of Town Hall by acknowledging the fact that I am friends thru friends with some of the staff. I was at the opening and have been there a handful of times and have eaten there on 4 or 5 occasions. Oh and my last qualifier, had I not liked the food I would have kept quiet. "The bread basket" - Pita (I think)Chips and some Pesto style dip: the chips are light (but enough oil for flavor) and the pesto sauce is herb-ey (I like more flavor than less) and made with an olive oil, that almost made me believe there were olives in the dip (but bf said prob not.) Fried Brie with "Knotts Berry Farm" Boysenberry Jam - Creamy, very lightly (which I apprc.) breaded/fried brie, served warm with a lot of jam on the side. (only diff on eating second time seemed a little more of the breading) I don't know more specifics on the brie, but it was rich, and almost seemed fruity. (maybe b/c of the jam). Tuna Tartar with Fresh Guacamole and Fried WonTon Chips - This I've just tasted, the tuna is served in tiny bites atop a mound of guacamole and surrounded with the chips. The tuna had good flavor alone - no need to aggressively season (and I'm glad it wasn't); I'm told the guac was a highlight (don't like guac.) Arugula Salad: Prosciutto San Daniele, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Vinaigrette - I think this is my personal favorite dish in house. Nice large pieces of prosciutto (In most places it's served more thinly sliced, but that did nothing to take away the flavor - the thickness made for a juicer bite I think). Don't know what kind of goat - but if you're a fan this won't disappoint. The "icing" was the dressing - mildly zesty, slightly sweet, and obviously citrus-ey: holds up/compliments all components. Crab Cakes on Roasted Corn Cream with Fresh Spinach and Egg Cappellini Was delish (horrible word I know), lots of crab, light on the cream, and can never go wrong with the super skinny pasta. side note: I really think TH has a way with chips, the pita, wonton, and potato chips with the sandwiches are crispy, oily enough, not too greasy and the pot chips also have some seasoning that makes you eat way too many of them (I'm glad not to have to deal with some over/under salted/cooked fries with the 'wiches) My one downside was a dessert I had opening night, but again it was brand new, and because I had had a few too many glasses of wine, I can't remember the details. ************************** Menu Has CHANGED. So the last time I was in I had: Red Snapper, with I believe a crayfish sauce, awesome, I can't remember the side though. I can't name another BAR with better food. The spinach salad was more than I expected great cheese - Cheese Plate too. This is getting long so I need to add, I have been surprised by the other critiques of the wine/beer. 2 very good champagne and sparkling wines by the glass. Chandon Nectar, and another sparkling, I can't remember the name. To go with the snapper the Baron Lafite Bordeaux, which was almost too plain, but better when paired with the fish. I recommend the food on its own merits; and for those like me who enjoy a sometimes loud and crowded bar, you can't go wrong.

I do think this place is better than Chef Boyardee's... The agnolotti is not Galileo's, but not overcooked pasta, creamy sauce, just not much flavor, seasoning as I would have liked (they kindly added some tomato for me), but for the price just fine. Started with a salad which I did like as a simple green mix, light dressing was tasty too. Nothing fancy here, but goes beyond the act of nourisment for nourishments sake... What did stand out, was the limoncello gelato with a candy type shell, really creamy, and tart enough that I didn't really remeber how stuffed I was. It seemed that desserts were appealing all around the table. Obviously this place is not going away, lunch was fairly full. This may be in part to the pretty wonderful service, poor guy refilled my coffee at least 5 times... If you need to stick in the vicinity of spring valley/AU the service and 'nicer' atomosphere make a safe bet alongside price/value.