Ericandblueboy

That's what I'm tryiing to ascertain given these facts, i.e., what is reasonable and would not ruin someone else's good time. There are two different issues. One is talking too loudly at a restaurant - the response to that should be a polite request to lower the volume. I'm only concerned about the other issue - one's gratuitous opinion about someone else's conversation. Is it reasonable to offer your opinion about their topic of conversation? What does that accomplish anyway? Telling others their conversation is revolting is likely to impinge on their ability to have a good time, no?

So you don't mind if I tell you that your conversations are stupid if I were to overhear it? That if one overhears a conversation, one ought to interject their own personal opinion? P.S. Please don't get offended personally. I'm not saying you're stupid or your conversations are stupid. I'm just using an extreme example.

So it's okay to tell someone you think their topic of conversation is revolting? What if I think someone's topic of conversation is stupid? Also, the poster never explained why the other person is loud, perhaps because the restaurant is loud and one must be loud to be heard?

Great! I think we got: Sthitch Kmango KtMoomau and her man Merry Marry Me What if we meet at the Seaside Crab House...we can get a beer (or a pitcher) and some spicy softshell crabs (or whatever V.H. recommends) at a not so seedy looking place to start the tour! I'd like to do some bahn mi tastings, and whatever else you guys are interested in.

I didn't know there are verboten topics at dinner. I don't think I would appreciate someone telling me what I can or cannot discuss at dinner. Telling someone they're too loud is one thing, but telling them that their discussion is revolting?

Thanks for stepping up. What's your availability the next couple of weekends? Kate: what works for you?

Maybe we can find a place that serves cats or squeezel. BTW, I loved the episode of No Reservation where he goes up to the Central Highlands of Vietnam (except the part where he eats what appears to be a large cockroach).

I've read others extol the virtues of the hawker's menu at the Dupont location (mostly on CH) and I've heard it sucks. Does anyone have an updated report?

Actually, maybe mid-afternoon is more conducive to imbibing adult beverages.

I've wandered thru Eden Center on my own. There are pickles and condiments in the market that I know nothing about. There are gelatinous rice treats that I dare not try. There are take-out places with lots of great smelling food that I would like better explained. I'd like a better understanding of Vietnamese food and I think Eden Center is a good place to start. I'll pay $50 per hour for a guide. I only expect 2 hrs of work at most and I'll even buy drinks at one of those bars that's cranking out music at 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Incidentally, I think I'd like to take this tour either Sat or Sunday morning. Looking for a guide as well as anyone else who wants to explore and help defray the cost (I can pay for the guide but you can help chip in on the food and drinks).

The Serbian Crown has this on its menu: Nevertheless, I've never been there while they had the lion meat (I've only been 3 times, in the last 7 years). ETA - I see KMango has already posted.

Yes, it means little joint/restaurant. Typically hot pots are served in a communal pot at home. When I was in Xi'an, we went to a hot pot restaurant where everyone has his own individual hot pot. I wonder if they use individual sized hot pots at Liu's - I'm sure this is much more palatable for Americans who don't want to swap spit while dining.

Oye, we's not talking about those cats.

I don't believe I've had any form of feline. I just as soon start with a regular cat. If you find a restaurant that serves cat, let me know. I do believe that Cantonese and Koreans eat cat but I'm not aware of any local restaurant that serves them. Blog showing cat being skinned and cooked in Vietnam

Alinea's forum where Grant goes slightly off on diners. I saw this originally on CH. Stevie Williams in action.

Just saw pictures from the 1st 24. I could not bear to read or peruse that page in detail, but the food does look good. Can someone tell me how many beverages are served with this meal? I'm just wondering if we need a cab or a hotel room afterwards in the event we go. Just to clarify - that's not my blog and I haven't the slightest idea who those people are. They sure luv photos though.

That shrimp taco commercial is pretty funny. The screaming fisherman sounds authentic

Really? World Cup in 3D? Didn't know this was in the works.

Tom Seitsema calls the food at A&J dim sum

Thanks. I'll keep my pimp hand strong (not entirely sure what that means).

I feel like a pimp but I would add Eola to the list and I would join my relatives at any of those restaurants (that actually depends on the visitor). Eola is also the only one that's little known.

What does the "Taiwanese" in the thread title refer to? Do they serve Taiwanse food? If so, can you describe generally what's on their menu?

I have a Shun knife sharpener but I think I prefer the service of professionals. Does Sur La Table sharpen all knives?

The restaurant smelled quite pungent (fish sauce?). My wife tells me that Chinese restaurants also smell but I just don't notice. Is that true or is the ventilation really bad at Ruan Thai? Eventually I got used to the smell but it sure wasn't pleasant. Fortunately the food was good. We had the Yum Watercress - fried shrimp with fried watercress - as a starter. I've never had this dish before but I immediately wish the Thai restaurants around Tysons would serve something like this rather than the generic appetizers. We then had some duck with chili and basil, catfish with chili and basil, and the crispy pork with Chinese broccoli. Everything tasted just a tad salty but it's fine if you ingest some rice with the entrees (I try not to eat rice as it takes up valuable stomach-estate). The duck had a lot of fat, and the dish was quite oily. It's been awhile since I've been to Nava Thai, IIRC these two are comparable in quality but Nava Thai has a much nicer dining room.

I've had lots of soft and slightly chewy lengua in tacos but none that fell apart like it was really slow cooked for a long time that ends up like pulled pork or beef. Glad you enjoyed your meal. But no heart to start the meal and no tongue to keep you titillated? I believe the restaurant was maybe half full while we were there on a Friday night. This place deserves more attention.