Beto

Chef Spike Gjerde has opened his long awaited farm-to-table restaurant in Clipper Mill. The wife and I went there last night and were shocked at the full dining room, given the restaurant's out-of-the-way location. No matter though, we had made reservations and were seated promptly in the loft overlooking the dining room.

The renovation to the building is stunning. The exposed brick walls and recycled old-growth lumber that were used are dramatically illuminated, looking both elegant and cozy at the same time. A wood burning oven is the center piece of the open kitchen, and most of the food on the menu seems to be cooked in it.

We ordered:
Oysters (raw and roasted)
Chicken liver parfait
Hamburger
Autumn vegetables

Everything was very good: the food, the service, and the space.

We'll be back soon.

Woodberry Kitchen

I'll try and remember to call the 2 places in Wheaton tomorrow and see if they have it.

I called "By Brazil" on Georgia Ave and they have it.

By Brazil Boutique

11335 Georgia Ave

Wheaton, MD

I'll try and remember to call the 2 places in Wheaton tomorrow and see if they have it.

A few scenes from the market this morning:

The wife and I will be going. We won't have time to eat prior to the event, so I'm trying to think of a place to eat after it finishes. I've never been to Lisner Auditorium. What's good within walking distance?

Have you tried Sangria Señorial? Some of the more traditional Mexican restaurants have it, and it is somewhat wine-like.

At Cafe Atlantico, I had the "Bizcocho templado de chocolate con banana." Part of the dessert was a chocolate flan that appeared to be ordinary chocolate pudding... except it had the most intense chocolate flavor I've ever experienced.

If chocolate's your thing, you won't be disappointed.

Beto, is the taco truck just there for lunch or during the dinner hour, too?

I've only been for lunch, but I doubt that they're there in the evening.

Here's the address:

8167 Washington Blvd

Jessup, MD 20794

It's set up in the parking lot of a liquor store (no loiters, thankfully).

If you're looking for something similar, try El Nayar. They have similar fare, but are open at night. I learned about sopes there.

El Nayar

6790 Business Pkwy

Elkridge, MD 21075

I lunch in the Columbia, MD area and my regulars are:

Pho An Loi - everything here is good

House of India - get the buffet

Some taco truck on Rt. 1 just south of Rt. 175. - really good carnitas and tongue tacos

I have a business lunch in Frederick, scheduled for Monday. What are my best options (I know the major players in town, just not who is open at lunchtime)? There will be three of us. Although I'm not too price conscious, I'm looking for a relatively nice-casual option.

The Tasting Room is open for lunch on Monday.

The wife and I went to the Tasting Room a few Saturdays ago. It was a good thing that we made reservations as the place was packed. The service could've been better, but the food made up for it. I had the pork loin, described on the menu as "Kobe Style." I'm not exactly sure what in the hell "Kobe Style" is, but it was very good. On top of it was a spicy corn cake that was crispy on the outside and creamy in the center. The sauce that came with it balanced everything out nicely. My wife had the filet mignon. It was nice, no Ray's, but nice.

Aside from the somewhat spotty service, the only other negative thing that I could think of was that the bar was right behind us and it contributed significantly to the amped-up noise level. That being said, we'd go again, but probably at an earlier hour when things are a bit more subdued.

Due to the tireless efforts of Janet Terry, the market master, Olney now has a farmer's market that will be opening this Sunday, October 7th. It will be running every Sunday until November 18th, then will pick back up in the spring.

In the interests of full disclosure, I'll let you know that we will be selling our roasted coffee there.

Market Website

Olney Gazette article

Back around '90, Atlacatl was the place where I lost my pupusa virginity. It wasn't too long after then that I also discovered Pollo Rico right down the street.

How is chicken cooked from the inside out?

That website is a riot. Lots of Engrish spoken there. My wife, who happens to be Korean, got a laugh out of it too.

Call at exactly 9:00 a.m., thirty days out.

Wash, rinse, repeat.

Should be interesting to note the differences between the UK and US versions. Methinks that the American kitchen staff won't be as receptive to Gordon's input.

For me, it would have to be steamed silkworms, or bon dae gi eaten at a sidewalk stand in Korea. They tasted musty and earthy, but the most unsettling part is that they are full of liquid which gushes out of them upon being chewed.

Here's a look:

I'll second the recommendation for Sushi Ya. It is very fresh and they do some innovative dishes there.

I was there a few weeks ago... awesome hot dogs. On the odd day that I'm in the area, I usually stop by and get a dog with everything.

We went to the Baltimore Farmer's Market and got some some of those heavenly mushroom sandwiches but the real deal was a ten pound basket of tomatoes for $5.00! Since I already have a pitcher of gazpacho in the fridge, these beauties will be destined for salsa romesco.