cocoarisotto

I have also been allergic to all seafood my whole life. I eat Vietnamese, Thai and Burmese cuisine, though. I realize I am probably eating fish sauces and dried shrimps, but for some reason, I rarely get affected. If I do have an effect, it's only a little bump on my lip or slightly scratchy throat. As long as I'm eating the foods in these forms, the amounts seem minimal enough or transformed enough from a whole fish or crustacean, that I have never had a serious reaction. When I've accidentally eaten even one bite of a more whole fish dish, e.g., a whitefish dip on a cracker, my throat starts to close up. Good luck!

This is our go-to place for take-out. The chicken, rice and beans, yuca and plantains are almost always excellent. I think this is becoming a micro-chain -- the same folks are opening Don Pollo on Wisconsin in Bethesda (the old Chesapeake Chicken and Rib place), and I believe, the Don Pollo on Veirs Mill in Aspen Hill/Rockville is part of the group.

Penn Quarter opening day is April 3!

The American Art and American Indian museums are excellent ideas. Also, Ella's on 9th is great for babies and children.

I think Mia's is a great addition to the neighborhood. The pizzas we had -- the sausage/pepperoni and a Margharita -- were very good, but I agree that the crusts needed more salt and maybe a drizzle of olive oil.

I made a delicious orzo salad this weekend for a party. The add-ins were red bell pepper, seeded cucumber, chopped black olives, and toasted pine nuts, and it was dressed in a lemon/olive oil vinagrette.

I used to work over in that culinary wasteland. My faves (?) were Banducci's, the take-out at La Colline, which I know is not there any longer, the bagel place up Massachusetts, and the Chinatown joints if the weather cooperated. I'm so glad to be over in the Metro Center/Gallery Place neighborhood now!

The name is up, and liquor board notices are posted. I didn't see a "will open" sign, though.

woops! Cowgirl Creamery

FYI, Black's is closed for "15 weeks" of renovations. I saw the sign last Friday, but I don't know when it went up.

You should try Cornucopia in Bethesda on Norfolk Avenue for fantastic cannolli and Italian cookies. Also, Marchone in the Wheaton Triangle has excellent traditional Italian cookies.

I lived in New Haven for two years, and when Pepe's or Sally's were too crowded or closed, I headed to Modern, which also was excellent.

the pain perdue at Louisiana Express and spicy fried chicken from Popeye's.

The porchetta was wonderful. We had it at the bar Saturday night while waiting for a table as well. It was served with delicious crusty bread and tarty pieces of poached or macerated fruit. A great beginning to a great meal.

The roast beef was very good, but I sure could have used more napkins!