ebgbdc

So helpful--thanks, Rieux and Qwertyy!

anybody tried El Chucho in Columbia Heights yet? I know they recently opened and just made plans to go this eve. Thanks!

last night stopped in for the first time and had the Curry Gold Salad (mesclun with chicken, cranberries, coconut, almonds and a pineapple curry yogurt dressing). It was really good. IMO, this place beats the others of its ilk--much better/fresher than Chop't or Cosi... and the slice of bread it was served with was nice and grainy/nutty. A great fast option in Dupont.

Heading to Poste this evening... anyone been recently? Any recommendations?? I typically enjoy myself here, but it has been more than a year since I've been and I'm curious what's new & delish. Thanks in advance!

oh man--I have to second this! My paternal grandparents are from central Alabama (Perry County) and on trips with them back and forth to Birmingham (the Big City! Swimmin pools, movie stars!) we ALWAYS stopped at the Brightstar. My grandfather loved the place. This place is just so old-school, charming and authentic... I haven't been there in years but it holds a big spot in childhood memories

Let me say that I really like this place and I have to commend these guys for what they have going on here. It’s the closest thing outside of the Philly burbs for a sandwich that comes close to the wonders of Trio's. The Sarcones roles really make it... BUT I have to echo one thing that others have said here: they need to be a little less stingy with the toppings! We ordered the chicken cutlet with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe the other day and it was *almost* perfect---BUT there was only a tiny scattering of broccoli rabe on the sandwich! Otherwise, it was SO GOOD: the chicken cutlet was light, super-crisp and not too greasy, the sharp provolone had a wonderful tang, the broc. rabe (what there was of it) was appropriately garlicky, etc. I think a bit more generosity with the toppings would go a long way toward making these the best damn sandwich you can get in DC. I'm pulling for these guys!

Thanks for the review, I've wondered about that place on 18th. Also wondered about Shawarma King on Columbia Road... up near the Safeway. Anyone been?

OMG--I just began to salivate on my keyboard when you mentioned the Roast Pork and Broccoli Rabe at Tony Lukes... Best. Sandwich. Ever.... and those seasoned Italian fries aren't bad 'niether!

Punta Cana Recommendations?? BF and I are heading the Dominican Republic in May and we'll be staying at an all-inclusive, which seems to be the norm there... I'm not a fan of the all-inclusives, and I have heard bad things about the food at these places. But we honestly got such a deal that we couldn't pass it up. We figured we'll make some headway on the free rum drinks, if nothing else! That said-- since we DID get such a bargain, we don't feel compelled to eat every single meal at the resort (Barcelo Dominican Beach). Any good dining spots we should check out in Punta Cana?? Thanks!

First time at Cork last night--the quick review: Had a fantastic glass of white burgundy at the bar while waiting for my friend (K, I lied: I had 2). We did the flight of champagnes, which for $20 I thought was a good deal for 3 yummaliscious 3oz pours... Also had: the french fries. Seriously, these might be the best fries ever. The outside was perfectly crispy. You know how sometimes at a greasy spoon diner if you ask for the fries "extra crispy" they will occasionally hit the magic formula and you get a pile of dark golden brown frites that are crispy on the outside and just a hint of mashed potato-ey goodness on the inside? Like that. But better. Not wild about the tomato-saucy homemade ketchup. I am a Heinz purist. But still. YUM The fried shrimp/calamari. A nice light touch on the breading, but nothing transcendent. Tasty, though (can you tell I like stuff when it's fried?) The sauteed kale - awesome, buttery, garlicky with parmesan shavings on top. Loved it. We didnt order it, but I loved it anyway (our waiter said he put in "kale" instead of the "quail" we ordered--lol) Quail - meh, this dish was lackluster to me. Not nuts about the kinda gummy dressing it was stuffed with... The staff was great--very kind hostesses who sat us promptly even though my friend was an hour (!!) late for our 6pm res. Our waiter was also excellent, despite the (pretty amusing) kale/quail mixup.

Bennigan's is disgusting. But those damn fried Monte Cristo sandwiches they serve are friggin delicious. I am sorry, it's just true. Haven't had one in years, but they were the go-to late night snack at the Springfield Mall Bennigan's after sneaking into a rated R movie back high school. And the jelly they serve it with it RULES. I know--it sounds nauseating. For some reason, it isn't. Or--it wasn't: see Business Week story about Bennigan's going (ahem) belly-up Where will our children's children get their deep fried sammies?? Where?!?

Had drinks and bar snacks at Darlington House on Friday. It was totally surreal. They really haven't changed the basement of CH at all--it just looks like they power-washed the place, took down the redskins bric-a-crap and put in mood lighting. It certainly smelled nicer--perhaps they also relocated the sewage line that ran underneath the bar? So much for the "ambiance." LOL We had a couple different waiters/waitresses (team serving?) and they were all friendly, though there were a few minor service kinks, as to be expected (one app that never came out and had to be re-ordered, although they were nice enough to take it off the bill and very apologetic.) As for the food--I confess I had a little buzz by then as it was late and was really looking for nosh more than dinner. But the tuna sliders were soft and tasty, and the little, fried sausage-stuffed dumpling thingies rocked! And the fries were handcut, hot and crispy--served with curry aioli and ketchup. Seems like the whole friggin world is in love with curry aioli these days, doesn't it? I gotta say--it was SO odd being in that basement and looking around to see GOOD LOOKING, young, hipster types all over the place. I mean--it was sort of a SCENE! I kinda missed the sad old degenerates (said with love, people--with LOVE!)

So... is this Pete's joint going to have a coal oven? Thought those were hard/impossible to get... if no coal oven, will it at least have a wood oven? If neither, can they really call themselves "New Haven style" in good conscience?

The 29! Ahh... memories. I spent a lot of late nights while in high school at the Tastee 29... My little gang went there pretty much once per weekend and overloaded on way too many free coffee refills (it was nice and strong, but still a pale substitute for all the booze we were WISHING to get our underage hands on...). I'm sorry to hear that it has turned sucky. Perhaps it's just my misty water colored memories, but I recall the food as a diner-classic greasefest. Nothing special, but they honored requests to make my fries "extra-crispy" and their patty melt was just what the cardiologist ordered. It's pretty brusque service (at least it used to be) but it's the kind of place where your grow to love the grumpiness... and one magical day, if you go long enough... you even get the honor of getting asked: "The usual?" Oh, the love. It's been 10 years since i stepped in the door. Hope it hasn't faded entirely. PS--the architecture is neat--it has some sort of Historic Landmark designation!

Agreed totally--went there Saturday before last and while it *was* great fun to be in Eden Center to witness the Tet-related fireworks display (almost lost an eye, but loved all the ruckus!), i was really disappointed by the Banh mi. The flavors seemed all on-target (as I'd heard described) but the numerous large and inedible chunks of gristle I have to remove from my mouth put me off my meal considerably. I don't mean to be a weeny about this--but is that normal with banh mi? If so, I'm not a-goin' back.

Just had veggie pad thai at busara and while it was chock full of well-cooked veggies, it really is a bit too sugary. I think my favorite is still Nooshi on 19th... not too sweet, not too oily... (I miss their sister place, Oodles Noodles in Bethesda.... god, that pad thai rocked)

RING IN 2008 WITH YOUR FRIENDS AT REDROCKS, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS’ FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD PIZZERIA AND CAFÉ RedRocks FireBrickPizzeria Announces $40 “RedRockin’ New Year’s Eve” Special Washington, D.C., (Dec. 19, 2007) — On December 31, beginning at 5 p.m., RedRocks—the District’s favorite neighborhood pizzeria and café—will bid farewell to 2007 and welcome 2008 with a fun and affordable New Year’s Eve promotion. The “RedRockin’ New Year’s Eve” promotion is $40 per couple (before tax and tip). Guests will receive: their choice of any two specialty pizzas on the menu choice of either warm olives or bruschetta to start a bottle of red or white wine for the table decadent tiramisu for two Located in D.C.’s booming Columbia Heights neighborhood, the 95-seat, 1,800 square foot restaurant, opened last summer, offers Neapolitan-style, brick-oven pizzas in more than a dozen varieties, including the classic Margherita, with fresh basil and mozzarella. Of course, guests can always play chef and pick their favorites from more than 20 toppings. In addition to serving some of the best pizza in DC, the eclectic and casual menu features items such as warm olives with garlic and herbs, homemade bruschetta, baked panzarotti, fresh salads, antipasto, and an array of grilled panini on homemade bread. The full lunch/dinner and brunch menus are available online at: http://firebrickpizza.com. To reserve a table in advance for the “RedRockin’ New Year’s Eve” promotion, call 202-506-1402 or email parties@redrocksdc.com.

Just wanted to add to this. Went in search of Ethiopian with a pal who'd never really tried it, thought I'd take him to Etete since I know it is consistent, but it was jam-packed Sunday night. So we trotted right across the street to Queen Makeda, were seated promptly upstairs and ended up having a fantastic meal. Again, I have to say how much I dug the greens and red lentils. They were heavenly. And this time we tried the beef tibs and Ohmygoodness. The tibs were fantastic--better than Etete and WAY better than Dukem! We sat upstairs and honestly I thought the decor was charming. Less trendy/chic than Etete, but pleasant. More rustic, but not shabby. Another telling detail--there were plenty of folks in QM, and they were *all* Ethiopian. I take that as a good sign! Exactly the opposite crowd at Etete... The service was a little bit slow, but very friendly. We stuffed ourselves silly and still had leftovers--all for $25 including tip. Needless to say, my friend is now an Ethiopian junkie like me.

Anyone remember the "Bar-J", a Tex Mex joint out on Route 1 in Alexandria (used to be close to Ft. Belvoir--next to a feed store)? It was tiny and grubby and there were TX license plates on the wall, and the proprietors were (I think) actually FROM Texas... It moved to some sanitized location in the mid-90s and lost all its charm. Not sure if the 2nd place is still operational or not. Probably not. But I recall the food at the old, hole-in-the-wall location being really, really good (though I admit to being no Tex-Mex expert)

Any additional thoughts on the new Hank's in Old Town yet? Jamie--is that the location you are referencing here? Am curious for an early review--I believe the menu has a few variations from the DC location, doesn't it?

REDROCKS, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS� FAVORITE SPOT FOR GOURMET PIZZA, NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH, BRUNCH, AND MONDAY NIGHTS Bottomless Mimosas, Happy Hour Food and Drink Specials Now at RedRocks FireBrickPizzeria, 1036 Park Rd., NW Washington, D.C., (Sept. 19, 2007) - RedRocks FireBrickPizzeria, Washington, D.C.'s favorite new pizzeria and café, is now open Monday nights, as well as Tuesday through Sunday for lunch, offering the full menu of gourmet, brick-oven pizza, panini, salads and starters. Located in D.C.'s booming Columbia Heights neighborhood, RedRocks is now also serving a full brunch menu-featuring omelets, Belgian waffles and breakfast pizza, every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 95 seat, 1,800 square foot restaurant, opened in July, offers both traditional and gourmet pizzas straight from the 900 degree brick oven. Sunday brunch features Bottomless Mimosas for $9 as well as a wide selection of wines by the bottle and the glass, Chimay Triple, Brooklyn Lager, Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale and Allagash White on tap and 30 beers and microbrews by the bottle. Saturday and Sunday brunch features specialties such as Belgian waffles served with fresh whipped cream, fruit and Vermont maple syrup, potato and egg pizza with truffle oil and herbs, a variety of omelets made to order, steamed clams cooked in Marsala wine with house-baked toast, and Eggs in Hell-poached eggs in marinara sauce with house-baked toast. A full brunch menu is available online at: http://firebrickpizza.com/brunch.htm. RedRocks also offers not one, but two happy hours every day, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to midnight. Happy hour special include half-priced cheese pizzas, half-priced house wine, $1 off all draft beers and $4 rail liquor drinks. "I wanted RedRocks to be a cozy, neighborhood kind of place where people from all over can come, sit on the patio, inside, or at the bar, and hang out for brunch, lunch, dinner, or late night," said owner James O'Brien. "Of course, our brick-oven pizzas are our pride and joy, but specials like our Belgian Waffles at brunch or our twice-daily happy hours are another great reason to stop by and say hello." With spacious rooms on two levels for inside seated dining, a takeout section downstairs for carryout customers, and a gorgeous and expansive patio seating 35 people, RedRocks invites diners to stop in for lunch, dinner, early or late evening specials, or weekend brunch to enjoy a hand-crafted beer, a glass of wine, and a crisp wood-fired pie. RedRocks' brick-oven pies come in more than a dozen varieties, including the classic Margherita, with fresh basil and mozzarella. Of course, guests can always play chef and pick their favorites from among 30 toppings. In addition to serving some of the best pizza in DC, the eclectic and casual menu features items such as warm olives with garlic and herbs, baked panzarotti, wood-fired fresh fish, mussels marinara, white bean and tuna salad, and an array of grilled panini on homemade bread. The full lunch and dinner menu is available online at: http://firebrickpizza.com/menu2.htm. "Columbia Heights is well-known for its history and personality, and our twice-daily happy hour specials and Bottomless Mimosas at brunch are our way of saying thanks for giving RedRocks such a warm welcome to the neighborhood," said O'Brien. Situated in a beautifully restored rowhouse on the corner of Park Road and 11th Street Northwest, RedRocks is just two blocks from the historic Tivoli Theater, the forthcoming DC USA shopping center (to open in 2008) and only three blocks from the green and yellow line at the Columbia Heights Metro Station. RedRocks is located at 1036 Park Rd. NW. Dining hours are: Monday, 5 p.m. to midnight Tuesday - Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. ***Brunch and full menu available on Saturday and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.*** For more information or to arrange an interview, please call (202) 320-7161. ###

Was dying for Etheopian takeout on Sunday and found that my normal standard on 9th St (Etete) was closed. So I popped into Queen Makeda and placed an order. I sat in the new lounge-y room at the front and watched tennis while they made my food. I think there is more seating or perhaps a bar upstairs, as several people went up there while I waited. The lounge part was quite charming, with comfy, cushioned rattan chairs and low cocktail tables (plus the aforementioned flat screen tv). And the takeout was a winner too. I ordered the veg combo--the winners were the red lentils, cabbage and greens. The injera was good as well--just slightly sour and appropriately spongey. They had me in and out in 10 min. I'll go back.

Was thinking of popping into Hook for dinner at the bar tomorrow night, at around 8:30. ... I've never been and don't have a good sense of how crowded it gets for bar dining... What are the chances of getting 2 bar stools around that time? Thanks!

Yeah, I thought it was pretty funny too--Dave seemed determined to get Jose off course but Jose hung in there with him and completed his dish. My favorite part was when Letterman started chugging cava from the bottle and spitting it all over the food prep area. Jose's grossed-out expression was priceless. Best quote from Jose: "I am a green card holder." LOL

Oh of course--how could I forget Dreamland, home of the Rib Sandwich--a slab of ribs jammed between 2 pieces of white bread. I haven't been in years but my hopes were not high for the BBQ quality since I know they have expanded to a slew of locations across the state. Glad to hear the original is still putting out good ribs.