Merry Mary

Two thoughts.

I had to ask for ingredients once after an allergic reaction and they hedged for awhile because they thought I was saying that I had gotten sick - I had to really spell out that it was an allergic reaction, not a stomach issue, and then I got the list of ingredients. How many spices do you think there are in 7 different dishes at an Indian restaurant?

Shrimp - A former coworker was told that when shrimp are caught, they are rinsed with some kind of solution. You could be allergic to that, and who knows how many different preservative or cleansing solutions are in use.

Ronnie James Dio

I think this is kinda sorta the right place for this question - what is up with all the tomatoes at farmer's markets? I bought gazpacho from Chris' Market today because I jones for it as much as the next guy, but there are grape, regular, and vine tomatoes easily available this spring. Those I won't buy. But why not?

Apples, also. At the Dupont market I overheard someone ask a vendor how he had apples at this time of year and he explained they were in some kind of nitrogen storage - that's about all I caught.

Speaking of seeing Jose Andres out and about... He was also at the opening day last year. This year, he did a huge piella.

My mouth is watering reading this. I will be there at some time with a container.

Me three.

Cheese grits casserole

other cold or room temperature dishes

Oh - oops. Never mind.

I didn't see Max's Kosher Cafe and Marketplace on opening day, a friend and I were after their falafel. Was in section 143 last year, hope they will be there the rest of the season. I called the store just now and was told they would be to the left when you enter the main gate, and that is right where 143 is.

I can go the 23rd.

People are handing out fliers on the street today. Supposed to open in two weeks.

Does anyone know if this market has butter and eggs at this time of year? I missed the weekend markets and don't want to wait until next weekend.

I am afraid I will have to go next time. I see sleeping in and loafing in my future.

Gin and tonic, stiff. This was my day, and by day, I mean roughly the last 24 hours:

I am a maybe now. Will check back in to let you know one way or the other.

Another vote for Bar Pilar, don't miss the duck confit, or Masa 14. Haven't been to Masa in awhile so maybe that is why others didn't recommend, but Pilar is solid.

Living Social sell the coupon for $25 and I get a percentage of that amount.

Do you limit the number you will sell? 1115 and counting.

Loads of octopus are being charred...yet I've never personally had a great octopus dish anywhere.

A friend of mine was recently on a quest for baby octopus, must be the tiny ones. Masa 14 is the place for those. We found that often what is listed as baby octopus on a menu is just not baby. Cava is an example,.

(I, for one, am far too deaf to hang out there regularly)

But wait, doesn't that mean the music won't bother you? Oh, but wait, then you will talk louder. Oh, wait. Never mind.

The GM came to our table explained they had a small, busy kitchen and that he would allow appetizers off the main menu, but entrees needed to be from the set menu. GM, as a note, perhaps you should tell groups when making a reservation about this policy. And as a note when you build a restaurant the size of Columbia Firehouse, perhaps make sure your kitchen is sizeable enough to handle the seating you put in. This place is huge between upstairs and downstairs, a small kitchen was not smart, but I digress

I agree with you on the set menu, you should have been notified when you made a reservation.

Just so you know, 'they' did not build Columbia Firehouse, nor the kitchen. Back in the day (I worked there late 80s), this space was Portner's - main level where the bar is, downstairs (small room), and upstairs (fine dining). Sunroom added ??

The kitchen (not tiny but not roomy) is located between the main floor and the upstairs, no space to expand. Pain in the ass for runners/wait staff who have to negotiate stairs in either direction to deliver food. Prep kitchen in the basement.

Heavy cleaver suitable for chopping through bones.

I thought you were going to follow this up with a story about losing a finger up to a knuckle. (recent mandolin injury here)

Dark chocolate covered caramels from Trader Joe's. What happened - they used to be big chunks, now they are average rectangles? (indignation)

I will be ready to leave the office on Friday to get there in time. I am ready now to leave the office to get there in time.

I am out of town this Friday, but will be here and ready for HH on the 12th.

I wish we could put to bed this nonsensical idea that Washington VA is in the Washington DC area. It isn't.

Thank you!

Posh closed today - got the following email. Damn, I didn't get to try the chicken.

To All of our Valued Patrons,

It is with deep regret that we must inform you that Posh Restaurant & Supper Club will be closing its doors effective today February 22, 2010.

Over the years, we have had the pleasure of entertaining patrons from all around the world with jazz music, karaoke, and the music of DC’s best local DJ's, Bands and Performer's. We have been host to hundreds of events from bachelorette parties to movie premieres to company gatherings.

It has been an honor to be a part of these important events providing savory American cuisine and entertainment. We are also extremely proud of having been named Diner’s Choice Winner by Opentable in 2009.

We thank you, our staff, and all of the people of DC, Virginia, & Maryland who made this award possible. As our patron, you have made our experience at Posh a memorable one and we hope we have done the same for you.

Sincerely,

Posh Management