DinerGirl

I'm up to three bad meat experiences there, so I'm only going to get produce from them from now on.

Homemade blueberry-banana sorbet. (p.s., I love you, David Lebovitz, even though your book is going to make me gain ten pounds this summer)

From Bruce Williams, a Takoma Park City Councilmember: "The Crossroads Farmers Market will be opening for its first season this coming Wednesday, June 8. The market - located at 7676 New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park - will be open every Wednesday through November 14 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm and will offer a variety of locally grown vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, fresh baked goods and ethnic foods. The Grand Opening celebration is planned for Wednesday, June 20 with the ribbon cutting scheduled for 6:00pm."

Medium (hot) popcorn and a box of M&Ms or Milk Duds. Then, I pour the candy into the bag of popcorn, let it melt for a few minutes, then I dive in. Salt and sweet together... so perfect. Oh, and a bottle of water which I bring myself in my large handbag.

I was out of college only a few years. in my own apartment, slicing a bagel, when I sliced my right index finger. It was bleeding SO MUCH (I thought) so I went to the emergency room and the attending took one look at it and said, "yeah, we could probably say this needs a stitch." So they gave me one stitch to seal it back up. A few weeks later, my insurance form arrived in the mail and listed on the statement that "patient care required one stitch." I couldn't even say, "I had stitches" and instead had to say "I had stitch." Loser-ville. Population: 1

Anyone know where I can find a bottle or two of Verjus? I've already called Rodman's, Sutton, Dean & DeLuca, Arrowine, and a few wine stores in DC. Any leads are much appreciated.

I've been asked for phone and zip at various Whole Foods in the region (and other stores) and I stick to my standard response -- for phone number, I give out the phone number for the U.S. Naval Observatory Master Atomic Time Clock (303.499.7111) and for zip code, I give out 86023, the zip code for the Arizona ranger station at the Grand Canyon. What can I say, I like to mess with marketing.

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, so feel free to move it, if necessary. I got word this week from Tony Dorsey, DC Fire/EMS public affairs director, that while the fire station that houses Engine Company 17 was being renovated over the past few months, all their kitchen supplies were put in the basement in storage. During the consutrction, a sewer main leaked and damaged everything -- from pots and pans to utensils and plates/silverware. Everything was contaminated and had to be thrown out. DC Fire/EMS does not provide funds for kitchen supplies, so this was stuff that most of these guys brought in from home. And, DC Fire/EMS, nor their insurance policy, will cover the damage and provide new kitchen supplies. So, I guess I'm asking: does anyone have any contacts at a restaurant supply location, caterer, or retail outlet that might want to make an in-kind donation? I have a complete list of everything they lost and need to replace, so PM me if you can help, or know someone who can. Engine 17 is housed in the Brookland are of DC, but they respond to fires all across the city. They're back in their newly renovated fire station and anxious to get cooking again. Thanks in advance for anything you're able to give me leads on. I really appreciate it!

The Capitol Hill Community Fund has set up a special fund to support Eastern Market vendors during this time.

And now Sandra Lee can FINALLY devote a whole show to 'tinis and other koktail konkoktions. Fech......

I had great Pad Thai at Thai Derm (Bonifant Ave.) a few weeks ago. Not as good as Ruan Thai, but better than anything I've had at Thai Market.

Seriously.... Jackie's made that list? Oy.

I think I can be in for Tiffin, depending on the time.... if you're taking newbies, that is.

In my day job, one of my clients is Dunkin/Baskin-Robbins, so I wanted to share this event listing with you in the hopes that you'll come out, eat some ice cream, and support your local firefighters: On Wednesday, May 2 from 5 - 10 p.m., Baskin-Robbins is hosting 31 Cent Scoop Night to benefit local firefighters. Every Baskin-Robbins store in the Washington, D.C. area has partnered with a local fire station or fire-related charity who will be on site that evening to collect donations from the community. On a national level, Baskin has donated $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Local firefighters (and their trucks and gear) will be on-hand at local area DC Baskin-Robbins stores to help educate individuals and famililes about fire safety and prevention. Stores within the city limits are as follows: 1511 17th Street, NW 2604 Connecticut Avenue, NW 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE There are more than 70 Baskin-Robbins stores in the greater DC area. To find a Baskin-Robbins near you, please visit www.baskinrobbins.com. .... we now return you to your regular programming.....

Do what I do: just email your neighbors and say "the CSA gave me WAY too much okra this week -- first come, first served -- it'll be on the front porch." That way I don't have to even look at it. I'm an okra-hater, too. It skeeves me out. My neighbors love to make gumbo, so they take it every time.

Without question, a family friend (who shall remain nameless here) who when I was nine made the most succulent roasted chicken. Having grown up on dried out pork chops and green bean casserole, it changed the way I thought about food, and the next day I begged my mom to take me to the library so I could look at cookbooks for a few hours. Later that year, in the summertime, he grilled steaks that were so simple yet so remarkable, I still remember them to this day -- nearly 30 years later. I remember what they smelled like, what it felt like to cut them, and how juicy they tasted. I still see this man frequently and now that I'm an adult, it is such an honor and a true pleasure to cook with him at dinner parties and other family gatherings. He's one person I can call and talk to about a cheese I discovered, a wine recommendation, where to find All-Clad on sale, or figuring out a new marinade for pork. But it all goes back to that roasted chicken. I can still see the herbed butter he used under the skin, and I can still remember how it made the kitchen smell. It's one of my most poignant memories.

For your reading pleasure: What's Your Food Footprint?

Looks like Food Lion is "in bloom." Has anyone been?

I spent some time at Han Ah Reum (now called H Mart) on Georgia Avenue yesterday afternoon, and actually had a relatively decent experience. I was impressed with their selection of meat and seafood, but wondered if anyone has had any bad experiences with meat/seafood purchased there. Most of it looked fine, so I'm not trying to up the terror alert level or anything... I was just curious. Are there any items you absolutely would NOT purchase at H Mart?

Do I have to shit there, or can I want 'til I get home?

Oooooo, I want to turn those into refrigerator magnets!

My Herbsaint experiences have been both pre- and post-Katrina. Pre-Katrina was worse. Post-Katrina, it's better, but it's all relative. I'm glad people have had good experiences there.... I'm happy any time a restaurant in New Orleans (especially post-K) does well and turns a profit. I was just surprised they were nominated for an award, is all.

Wow... Herbsaint in New Orleans got nominated in one of the regional categories. That is one restaurant where I've consistently had bad meals and bad service. Huh. Congrats to all our DC-area nominees....

Oh, awesome. I'm sure they'll just have it catered by the Taco Bell that's within spitting distance from the Sphinx.

Has anyone gone to the Halal butcher on Colesville Road at the intersection of University? If so, can you share your experiences? I'm trying to find meat sources other than Sniders that do not require me to drive to Virginia or Laurel.