Night Owl

Was here yesterday for a late lunch -- we got the lamb sandwich (photo) and the roasted suckling pig sandwich. Like LauraB, I found the lamb sandwich challenging to eat by hand, but did it anyway. Juicy and warm against the crunchy, cool veg and yogurt dressing, very nice. But I found the lamb itself too salty (and I love salt). I had a taste of the roasted suckling pig sandwich, which was really delicious -- the apple in there is lovely with it. The cooked greens in it made a clean bite a little challenging, but overall a great combination of flavors.

We sat at the counter, so I watched the sandwiches being made. The chicken parm looks slammin'. Maybe since we were there later (around 1:30/2p), I didn't notice a noise problem. Overall a good experience. Worth checking out.

Hiring a PR firm? http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qorvis-communications-takes-a-bite-of-the-burger-market-215713171.html

I see what you did there

completely unintended pun!

I was also just here last night and had a fantastic meal. Night Owl, we may have unwittingly crossed paths.

Squash blossoms were good, but for my money, the smoked swordfish belly was the clear antipasto winner of the night.

ladi kai lemoni, we likely sat at the bar at the same time last night! Darn, wanted to try the swordfish belly -- it looked and sounded delicious -- but my friend wasn't so into it. Hope I can catch it another night there...

Enjoyed a lovely meal at Etto last night, thrilled to have this restaurant in the neighborhood. It embodies so much of what neighborhood restaurants should be -- run by seasoned, local chefs and restaurateurs (Obelisk, Two Amys, Standard/soon-to-be-called Garden District)... relaxed and friendly... excellent food and drinks.

On display at the bar are beautiful antipasti. Last night included: swordfish belly; squash blossoms stuffed with faro, raisins and pine nuts; Roman artichoke bottoms; cauliflower; a rabbit roulade; peas and pancetta; and more. Also on the bar is a big punch bowl of house made "adult" punch. The wood-burning oven for the pizza is going non-stop.

We started at the bar (got there about 6:45pm and there was already a wait for tables, they don't take reservations), then were seated at a table for 6 to share with another couple. Not a problem for my friend and me -- spacious and we had enough privacy to enjoy our meal and conversation while making new friends. Peter Pastan was behind the counter all night, and kept a careful and close eye on everything going on, from bar to oven to kitchen to staff to diners.

Our meal:

• Squash blossoms: By far the best of the antipasti we had; a wonderful blend of flavors and textures -- the first time I've enjoyed squash blossoms that weren't fried, scrumptious.
• Cauliflower: Tasty, but couldn't quite place what made the florets orange-red, very mild in flavor.
• Roman artichoke bottoms: A favorite, loved this version -- the bottoms were filled with what tasted like a blend of parsley, lemon and something savory, possibly anchovies (?).
• Pizza ala Romana: Tasty pizza crust, crispy where it should be, lovely and chewy where it should be. I understand they mill their own wheat and mix in spelt. Gives it great texture and taste.

As for drinks, we kept things simple. A nice prosecco in retro glasses.

We left around 9:30pm and the place was jammed. Noise level might be my only negative, but that's typical of most places now, so it is what it is.

Will definitely be going back to Etto and, hopefully becoming a regular if I can get a seat. And I love the idea of having a place within a few easy blocks where I can order delicious and, in some cases, unique antipasti to bring home to enjoy as well.

Interested to hear what others think of Etto...

This is pretty close to my go-to black bean dip. The main differences are (1) instead of cayenne I use chipotle for a smokier flavor; and (2) I usually stir in a couple spoonfuls of fresh pico de gallo, fresh lime zest and a little vinegar to taste. Definitely give it a few hours to sit and develop flavor-wise... http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Southwestern-Black-Bean-Dip-14652

I'm meeting friends at Grace Garden next week for lunch -- is it the same as the Chinese dinner menu (I'm hoping)?

Parkway Deli?

nope

I schlepped to meet a friend for lunch. It wasn't fancy, but my sandwich was pretty darned tasty. There's a distant tie to Gifford's for any longtime locals who remember the good ole days -- though I think that tie is to more recent (not great) days. Where did I dine?

Saw this, made me think of dr.com -- no paid positives here, all genuine. Yelp, on the other hand (which we all knew already, but a fun read and reminder): http://eater.com/archives/2013/05/13/shady-craigslist-ad-offers-cash-for-fake-yelp-reviews.php

Was here last night with a friend from out of town, my second visit since the opening. Our orders were very simple -- onion soup, frisee salad, burger (for the kid). The salad made for a delicious meal -- duck confit instead of the more typical lardons, egg perfectly cooked. But we were really disappointed with the fries we ordered... Two orders at separate times of the night, both orders came out as cones of fried potato nubs that looked like they scraped the bottom of the barrel. On the upside, we had a very reasonably priced bottle of Ott rose and, as with my first experience, the service was absolutely impeccable.

Savory sticky rice with shiitake mushrooms and sliced Chinese sausage - a traditional southern Chinese dish made by my mom, treasured.

Thanks, all, for the tips and info -- I have some sampling and cooking to do now!

Not sure where to post this -- is there a restaurant in the area that makes authentic okonomiyaki (not a riff on it)? I came across this article with a link to a recipe, but it simply made me think I'd like to actually eat it/try it prepared authentically first before making it myself.

Same with artichokes. Get the ones with the longest stems and peel those puppies. As far as I'm concerned it's better than any other part of the artichoke.

Couldn't agree more. As for broccoli stems... I grew up in a (frugal Chinese - redundant, I think) family where the stems were always thrown in with the florets and to this day, far prefer the stems. Great sliced in a stir fry. Bet they'd be delish sliced for tempura.

Chocolate-covered mint chocolate chip ice cream... cold comfort.

Had lunch here today after reading DanielK's post -- had to. The food was great and wonderfully straightforward -- nothing frouf'd, fluffed up or shellacked. It felt like a meal from the heart.

Was with my teen girl, so kept things pretty straightforward -- empanadas de carne (now that's a real empanada), papa relleno con pollo (crispy, light outside, tender and tasty inside), picadillo with congrí and tostones, a Cuban sandwich and a mango shake. Wow, was that was a lot of food. We happily brought a sizable taste of Mi Cuba Cafe home with us to enjoy later.

Thanks, DanielK, for your post and reco's...

So glad there's now a thread for this. Went last weekend, Friday night -- the tail end of their "soft open," tho in this neighborhood there is no such thing as a soft open for a place like this. It was JAMMED. And had been every day that week from the start. ​Everyone in my group was French except me, we all really enjoyed the whole evening... A few specific notes:

• Service: Outstanding, period. The bartenders were overwhelmed yet upbeat and attentive. Our reservation was for 9:15pm, we were seated right on time, very impressive given how packed it was and how much everyone was enjoying their evening there regardless of time. The waitstaff were also excellent and very fun. Not easy, given how intense the opening has been for them.

• Food: The baguette is excellent (one in our group is a professional baker, agreed). So nice to have a place in the neighborhood to buy great baguettes. We all ordered "classic" fare to see how they would do... Onion soup, steak frites, mussels, etc. All very good. (I almost posted my moules frites on "Where did I dine" thread, but figured it would be too obvious.) The fries were pretty good, I'm sure they will improve as things settle down. I was the only one who wandered from the classics and ordered the mushroom tart to start -- totally agree with Don, with the addition that mine was sorely lacking in salt as well... overall a bland non-starter, unfortunately. But all else was great.

Will definitely frequent Le Diplomate, heading first to the outdoor tables if they're available. A wonderful addition to the neighborhood...

Anyone go to the preview this past Thursday? Opening tomorrow at 20th & S St. (where the little Safeway used to be) -- local producers from DC, MD, VA, PA, DE and NY. Sounds like a terrific addition to the neighborhood... A few pieces on here WashPo, HuffPo, Washingtonian.

Thanks, Don -- the event last night was beautiful and a great success... A big thanks to you and this community for all the support.

Foodie silent auction items like the gorgeous Barolo you donated, the tasting menu with wine pairing from Ris and wine tasting from Cork all brought winning bids that exceeded their stated values, bringing in much-needed and so-appreciated funds to Whitman-Walker Health for its valuable services to the Washington community.

A huge thanks again! DonRocks and dr.com, you rock! -Stephenie

Wait a minute. You mean civilization really is coming to an end? I still cry, hopefully, April Fool.

I fell for it! Some good foodie ones today, captured here: http://eater.com/archives/2013/04/01/the-best-april-fools-pranks-in-the-food-and-restaurant-world.php

I can score the DC-area restaurants as fast as I can type, but modifying each title and tags takes about 30 seconds. Multiply that by over 2,000 restaurants, and you can see why I can only promise doing this for threads going forward, i.e., only threads that are updated on-or-after today will get scored. I have too much else on my plate right now, and not enough people to help me with it all.

Yes, I am gullible and fell for it.

#9 (tofu) at Song Que in Eden Center. Mmmmmmm.

Will have to try that one... I love going to Song Que for all the treats running down the middle table.

Not sure if this is the right place to post this query, but has anyone been able to find l'abbaye de Citeaux cheese here in the DC area?

Picking up some banh mi from here for lunch today -- wanted to give a shout-out for the banh pa-tê sô/pâté chaud (not sure I got the accents correct), the little puff pastry squares with peppery umami-filled porky goodness inside. Have tried these at other places at Eden Center and think Banh Mi So 1 has the best... most flavorful and tender. I think traditionally, these are eaten for breakfast. Have been there after 12 noon sometimes and they're out. Crestfallen. These are a very yummy treat.