TheInsider

Urbana?

Had a wonderful evening here last night: Drinks before dinner at Quill proved that the bar is no longer a secret. A few weeks ago I had the place to myself; last night I snagged the sole remaining table. The drinks are classic while the bar itself with its orange glow is one of the more unique ones that I have seen. The complimentary pickled veggies are reason enough to return. Amuses: spoonful of tuna tartar and an airy gougere Appetizers: Tartare of Beef - I nearly always order this dish when offered and this was a solid preparation, basic but well executed and a portion size that didn't make me feel like I was at a trough as some places are wont to serve Sunchoke Veloute - the taste I had was velvety bliss, though I was more focused on the following: Soft Poached Egg - phenomenal. Perched atop pain perdu - a great dish Salad of Raw and Cooked Vegetables - gorgeous colors, asparagus "marmalade" sets the base for the vegetables, mache and truffles. This was a lovely salad with very clean flavors. The dressing is subtle which I prefer but if others expect bold flavors I could see how they might see this dish as muted Mains: Scallops - perfectly prepared and served with the all too rarely seen parsnip. Venison - underwhelming. Cooked at the chef recommended med-rare with a nice crust, however the two medallions lacked flavor. The texture was fine, but I was expecting more gaminess, more punch. Not a bad dish at all just a bit "meh" compared to everything else thus far. I was eying the Poularde and will return shortly to see how Chef Damon's compares with the other top chicken dishes in town. The cheese cart was then rolled around and we enjoyed four types - a pungent blue, morbier and two others that I can't recall. All cut into generous pieces tableside and served with honeycomb Dessert: Recommended as the best dessert (maybe because it was the newest?) - the pumpkin chaud et froid was, though very indicative of the season, texturally a mush. The date ice cream accompaniment as well as a side order of the almond ice cream were both picture perfect quenelles and were delicious. Four types of mignardises were offered and sampled but we were nearing capacity at that point Wine: Complimentary glasses of champagne were poured in recognition of the special occasion. Followed this with a bottle of Tantara Pinot and a glass of Monte Bello. Michael, the sommelier, instantly rises to the top tier of wine professionals in the DC area. He is a gem. Extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure with whom to speak. He gave us a tour of the small wine cellar / private room afterwards (which includes a secret door and unique wine dumb waiter) and provided us with a nightcap of chinato, gratis. Upon leaving, my guest was presented with a bag including some petit fours as well as a typed list of the wines we enjoyed that evening a la Per Se - a nice touch. A few improvements can be made to be sure, but overall a very good meal. I look forward to returning.

Using an upcoming wedding as an opportunity to explore the South for the first time, we will be travelling to Birmingham, parts of MS & the gulf shore near Mobile/Fairhope, AL but the trip is culminating with the raison d'étre of a 4-5 night stay in New Orleans. We will be staying at Windsor Court which seems centrally located and luckily close to many of the restaurants mentioned. As of now, I have Cochon, August, Cuvee & Herbsaint on my list, along with at least a look-see at Galatoire's since I just sometimes like being a wide-eyed tourist . If there are any other recommendations/hidden gems worth a trip please let me know. We will have a car so short trips are possible. Thanks for your help!

I will be heading to St. Louis next week for a few nights and will be staying at the Hilton near the Ballpark. On my last visit around a year ago, I did Imo's, Gitto's and Tony's. After reading this thread, I think I will try Domonics, Lion's Choice, and wander around the Hill possibly stopping by Modesto. Are there any other more recent recommendations the sages of this board care to offer? I will not have a rental and will be taking cabs, so places grouped in walkable neighborhoods are preferrable. Thanks.

Not sure if this is what Rocks is talking about but Alan Yu of Zengo has put in his two weeks notice due to differences with management. Sandoval is in town trying to mend the situation or see if Alan would be willing to relocate to the Denver location.

I have not been to Elevation yet and though I have had an In' n Out, it was so long ago that I cannot accurately recall its detailed attributes. I was however in Chicago last week and sampled a Culvers' Butterburger, served with a side of fried cheese curd, which I thought was simply delicious, though a serious blow to my cholesterol count. Any thoughts of those who have sampled all as to a comparison? I for one thought the Butterburger was much better than Five Guys; then again, I'm not a huge fan of the local chain.

I would hope people would give this place a chance. It may be part of a quasi-chain of the budding Sandoval empire but it is a very nice space that is very well priced. Not everything is a smashing success; however in ventures such as this where the food tends to be an afterthought it seems as though, from what I have tasted thus far, the food is right up there competing with the surroundings. This place is not Tex-Mex or Mex-Mex, it is (cover your eyes) another attempt at fusion, this time with a "Latin-Asian" slant! However, whether one likes this restaurant or not it does provide several nice touches, including a ceviche bar and some interesting maki rolls. Also, given the prices at Indeblue and Oya, the tasty cocktails here are extremely affordable. I have not been to Isla so I cannot comment on JoeH's posting; I am however a fan of the Zengo outpost in Denver. If nothing else I find this place interesting and given the prices I can see myself going there every so often when I am in the area. Obviously, it does have several kinks to be kind but given time I am sure they will be ironed out and in the end I think Zengo will add nicely to the DC restaurant scene. NB: They had a soft opening last week and are scheduled to open some time this week.

Before Ziebold was selected to head Cityzen, it was rumored that Jean-Georges was being approached to helm the Mandarin's signature restaurant. Recently, it has been suggested that he is again on the verge of making his entrance to the DC dining scene with the ground floor restaurant at the condo complex to be built across from Lulus between the Ritz and Shulas. However, I don't believe ground has been broken and regardless it will not be completed for some time. Perhaps it has something to do with the restaurant that replaces Gabriel at the new Kimpton property? Anyway, long time lurker, first time poster. Thanks to everyone for your posts and entertainment and to Rocks for putting it all together.