allegra

Oops, I meant to quote that first part, not present it as my own words. Not very technically skilled...

Usually, I go for something that I can sing along to like Early Pulp, New Order (namely Technique or Substance) or some MBV. I agree that MBV is good for creative concentration--I used to listen to them when I did high school art projects. Afghan Whigs and Tindersticks somehow get me into a cooking mood.

I've tried the Cleveland Park location a couple of times and noticed that every burrito tastes the same, whether it's Caesar-themed, Mexican-themed, or Mediterranean-themed. It's just very big and bland (I guess that's where the wall of hot sauces comes in).

It's funny, I was just thinking of asking about afternoon tea places on Tom's chat this week, but didn't get around to it. My mother, who is English, recently had afternoon tea at the Ritz for the first time in several years and was somewhat disappointed--small servings at a high price (I think $35), though the quality was good. What she's really craving now is a tearoom that's more generous and less formal, serving the kind of substantial tea she used to have in England (and which I've enjoyed over there too), with plenty of sandwiches and scones and cake (plainer than the French-inspired pastries that seem to be served more commonly over here). Any advice would be appreciated. We went to the Tea Cosy in Old Town many years ago and were a bit disappointed, but I know there are other places out there. (My apologies if this is too akin to asking for New York pizza rather than enjoying what DC does have to offer.) (Apologies also for all the parentheticals. )

Thank you. I can be VERY shy, and I've found that the longer I've waited, the harder it gets to join in--like jumping onto a stage in the middle of a play or something....

I see him around all the time too. Years ago, my sister worked at DCCD on 18th St. and he used to come in regularly. She got it into her head that he was Mark Jenkins, the music critic for the City Paper and Washington Post! And now, to make my first post (long-time lurker here and on eG) food-related, I saw him at the Palena bar a couple of weeks ago.