Tweaked

I had a spinach and cheese empanada at Eastern Market on Sunday...does that count?

Also stay tuned for Urbana, a Mediterranean restaurant that's going in where the old Gabriel used to be next to the Starbuck's at 21st and P streets NW. The company has not yet hired a celebrity chef but is on the lookout.

In a dramtic change of culinary focus, perhaps using techiniques developed from spending too much time with fellow Iron Chef Mario Batali, the new celebrity chef will be: Masaharu Morimoto

It's a shame because I remember eating at the original Goldoni's, before they were booted for the West End Ritz Carlton building and very much enjoying the restaurant and food (of course this was many years ago before I became a food snob)...but I do remember the first Goldoni's as being pretty well regarded, now it just seems like the restaurant is a joke.

I plan on hitting the grill as well, but probably will head over for the late shift.

Equinox was doing small toasted cheese sandwiches with their soup at least 2 summers ago.

I hit Old Siam last night and came away with a favorable impression. For a once local dive bar they have done a pretty good job of turning it into an attractive space. I suspect that the food is geared to the sweeter side for the American palette, but everything had a clean fresh flavor. My dining companions weren't up for spicy so we steered clear of anything marked hot, so I can't comment on the spice levels.

The spring rolls were nice, the steamed dumplings adequate, and the ginger salad with minced chicken was pretty good. I liked the presentation of each dish.

we then had the penang chicken, which was definitely mild but nice and coconuty, but definitely sweet and the pad thai which was pretty standard for a DC Thai restaurant.

Entrees run $9 to $14. The staff doesn't seem to speak english too well so the service is a bit confused.

It's certainly not going to be a knock your socks off kinda Thai restaurant, but I would rate it at least on par with the other Thai restaurants I've been to in the District.

I need a keg (actually a quarter keg) of decent to good beer (that means no Bud/Miller/lite products, but something along the Old Dominion/Yuengling persuasion). Party is in the Woodley Park area, so closer to that area the better.

Suggestions?

Yes, indeed.

or

Or even DonRockwell.org.

The Don Rockwell Society for Culinary Farts and Leather

I like that...perhaps DC Central Kitchen or some other local food related charity

going back to the Mojito Madness thread:

I propose that we have a Battle of the Bartenders

Todd "The Evel Genius" Thrasher v. Derek "There's a Fire in my Fly" Brown

Each bartender develops a Don Rockwell Cocktail called the "Fancy Pants"

we convene for a taste off at a time and place to be determined.

Perhaps we should have a Battle of the Bartenders

Todd "The Evel Genius" Thrasher v. Derek "There's a Fire in my Fly" Brown

Fancy Pants Rockwell can be the ring announcer

You know I saw that on their menu last night and thought "isn't that the champagne that everyone is serving" and they say these chat boards are a waste of time!

Ellington's on Eighth is the sort of place that more neighborhoods in DC need, the kind of places that give soul to a city. Small, family run, live Jazz, unfussy food that sticks to your ribs. A place that I have vastly overlooked even though I have lived on the Hill for 8 years, heck I even remember when the place opened...silly me. This is the kind of place that you keep in your back pocket to round out the evening, be it a date, chillin with family and friends, or just to hang out and listen to some live music.

The "main room" is narrow and small and dark, with armchairs for lounging, the jazz band sets up front, they are a little loud but heck that what makes these kind of places. There's a small bar with a couple stools in the back, to the side is a small restaurant area and outside is a small patio.

Thursday night is BBQ night, chafing dishes set up with BBQ beef tips, brisket (?), chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens. I'm no expert on soul food, but for $13.95 all you can eat, it's definitely a good deal. It's by no means high cuisine, but that's not what they are gunning for...grab a plate, have a glass of champagne, the wine list looks suspect, the beer list scores with Abita, Saranac, and Shiner Bock, and listen to some tunes.

Champagne List (my Champagne knowledge is worse than my wine knowledge, so someone more wise can comment, we had a couple glass of the Piper's Sonoma for $7.50 a glass, it went down well)

Gruet Brut (New Mexico)

Roederer Estate (CA)

Veuve Clicquot (FR)

Domaine Chandon Brut (CA)

Piper's Sonoma Brut (CA)

Dampierre Cuvee Ambassadeurs (FR)

Ellington's on Eighth

On the rare occasions I cross over into N. Va. I make a side trip to the Italian Store for a slice.

I know this is a common lament, but really I have no idea why the corner pizza store hasn't taken off in DC...in Albany there were 4 such places with in a 5 minute walk of my apartment.

The house cured duck leg with veal tongue and chorizo off the cafe menu is the sort of dish that gives people epiphanies. From my limited Palena experience, I think a good general rule of thumb to follow is: if the course description includeds the words "house cured" and involves meat, then order it.

Actually I've stopped off at komi just for dessert and cheese before...and they are just down the street from Hank's.

Top 5 Foodie to Do....eat fries at the Capitol Lounge????

ok, I spend a lot of time (and money) at the Cap Lounge, I'd never recommend going there to eat fries...at least recommend the wings, they are actually decent...but fries

Don't forget, that none of these restaurants are really Mexican, but el Salvadorean that produce food that Americans equate as Mexican. For instance, while their menus are heavy on things like burritos, enchilada, fajitas etc. Las Placitas has a section that offers El Salvadorean specialties (as does La Plaza)...I guess it's a minor point...

You should also check out La Plaza, on Penn between 7th and 8th and Las Placitas on 8th Street, a block or two over from Penn Ave (on the newly crowned stretch known as Barricks Row). Both are good low cost El Salvadorean/Mexican joints with strong margaritas. Both also kid friendly, esp. La Plaza.

I'm going to the DC United game and then tip a few pints back at the Capitol Lounge around 10:30 or so.

I had an excellent lunch at Vidalia a couple months ago, and they would fit your nice conversation requirement...and you could probably get away with no jacket and tie there, but my impression is Vidalia does tend to attract the more power DC types, so looking spiffy would be a plus.

An ex-girlfriend and I broke up over dinner at Equinox...on my 30th b-day...after dating for 3 years...but the lamb was excellent!

I'm going to try Poste...scored a table using Open Table.

You could check with the Just Ask Rental places, usually attached to Tru Value Hardware stores. There's one on Capitol Hill connected with Frager's Hardware on Penn. Ave.

Frager's Just Ask Rental

(202) 543-0100

Address:

1107 Pennsylvania Ave Se

Washington, DC 20003