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DaRiv18

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  1. DaRiv18
    I don't have time for a detailed review, but wanted to memorialize some late night chef menus here before I deleted them from my phone. Breakfast at Night was great, the pancakes and eggs were my favorite. The peanut butter mousse on the dessert puff was a close second. Travis's coffee cocktails were really good too! Evan and James's event was crazy, they did about 100 covers starting at 10pm, I haven't seen the place that packed on a Sunday night before. The food was spicy and sour, definitely close to the Little Serow approach. I partnered up with my friend Jason, and the food total for the two of us WAS ONLY $10. Or maybe it was $10 each. But I think it was for both. I spent more than $10 on adult beverages, hence that detail is a bit hazy to me.
  2. DaRiv18
    Most places I've had a Hemingway daiquiri serve it straight up in a coupe, that's definitely the conventional modern presentation. However, the "original" HD actually was a frozen drink, made in a blender later on from what I gather. Philip Greene has an excellent book on Hemingway, and the third slide in this article shows the original frappe version.
  3. DaRiv18
    The Late Night Sunday Celebrity Chef Takeover is really gaining steam, it's becoming a fun night out. I'll have to chill with lhollers next time! The Toki Underground one was insane. Even after being seated, no one had been informed exactly what Chefs Erik and James would be offering. The week before was an awesome fried chicken and biscuit meal for like $12. Finally, they told us that TU had a four-course price fixe meal for us. Sounded pretty fancy for a 10:30pm event, but why else was I here? The first course served was three sides: spicy edamame, pickled veggies, and a bowl of rice. Then came heavy hitters. 2nd course: Szechuan tofu with ground chicken. 3rd course: whole sardine with crushed peanuts (so awesome!). Finally: long beans with pig ears. I was stuffed, super-happy, but somewhat dreading the bill. I actually laughed when I got it: $15! The sardine dish alone might have gone for $20 in some restaurants. The restaurant was packed at midnight and everyone was having a blast. This past Sunday, the District Fishwife event. Also great. App included fried frog legs and a shrimp dumpling and a sausage dumpling. The main course was a fried whole fish (durat?) which was amazing. I've had most of the prepared offerings at their Union Market spot, but this was my favorite. Again, well attended event and I'd do it again. The next upcoming events are also Union Market folks, Jonny Taco from Neopol (he tells me to expect breakfast for dinner, as well as Travis from Peregrine preparing accompanying coffee flights, should be great). The week after, Evan Colondres (currently of Peregrine, formerly of Komi and Little Serow) & James Waziuk (Maketto/TU at Union Market) collaborate, should be excellent as well.
  4. DaRiv18
    Tonight's dinner was very comfortable, pleasant, and tasty. The menu was a bit protein-dominant, the appetizers ranged from fine (chicken karaage) to slightly greasy (tempura), and there was marked absence of legit veggie dishes. I agree that the rice was underseasoned, and too soft. The good news is that the fish was very good. My wife had a sushi platter and enjoyed it. My chirashi was a bit odd and uneven but had some great gems too. For some reason it featured imitation crab front and center, kinda lame as a first bite. But lo and behold, buried treasure underneath! Flounder belly, a favorite. The tunas were all awesome, as well as the scallop. But the rice was nondescript, and there weren't any veggies (no radish, carrots, or anything, except for a piece of kamyo). Freshly grated wasabi, too. So I would definitely visit again for a sashimi fix, and I hope the kitchen expands its range. Where at Seki one can order anything off the menu with confidence, here I benefited from donrockwell knowledge. Service was very pleasant.
  5. DaRiv18
    Certainly the threshold is a thoughtful approach to process/technique, I don't know how you can charge $14/cocktail if you can't stir a cocktail properly. Or you if you shake for 20 seconds with minimal ice that gets so melted that the drink is diluted. But assuming that's there, I look for a philosophy, theme, style, or direction. Usually from the menu you can tell whether someone is doing a riff on a classic, or is going seasonal, exploring a certain genre, focusing on a particular spirit, or whatever they are trying to do. On the flip side, there are alot of random menus out there that seem to be just a potluck of various liqueurs. Having an awesome ice program pretty much always trumps having a plethora of tropical fruit cordials. Bottom line, is there any sort of personal style or focus? I agree with everyone else about balance. In particular, aromatics often get overlooked and not incorporating them in can really rob a drink of a major dimension.
  6. DaRiv18
    Mark's posts always get me excited about the continuing development of H Street, I always want to chip in a bit! Indigo is on 3rd and K St NE, a bit off the strip, but it has very good Punjabi homecooking, we do a fair bit of carry-out there. Prefer it to Ethiopic, that's just me. Best of class for "cheap eats" in the neighborhood, but I always seem to spend money at Toki Underground (thank you, sake!). Also on the 400 block of H St NE, we await a Sticky Fingers bakery opening up. It's basically right next to the other vegan spot, Khepra's Raw Food/Juice Bar which is underrated. Back to Sticky Fingers, it will join Lyon's Bakery at Union Market, and Frenchie's in Maketto later that all service the area. I suppose I should also acknowledge the Batter Bowl Bakery right next to Ethiopic, too. I hear someone aspires to open a raw bar on this block as well?? Fingers crossed. For the 500 block, DC Harvest should open soon, something that can be destination worthy. I'm hoping it is of similar quality, yet of a markedly different style, as Boundary Road so we continue to elevate the neighborhood and attract more diners from other neighborhoods. I have been to Micho's (also on the 500 block), it is non-offensive food for $10, better than a Roti (but no Moby Dick) and cheerfully family-run. Ben's Chili Bowl looks like it is coming along as well. Maketto will be a game-changer when that opens, can't wait for that.
  7. DaRiv18
    So this sandwich carries street cred in my neighborhood so I tried it. Was very optimistic going in, poultry here is outstanding especially the wings and smoked turkey. Could pork belly possibly detract? No. Avocado and jalapeí±o aioli neither. What Eatdceat doesn't mention is a heavily buttered Texas toast on which this sandwich is built. OMG.
  8. DaRiv18
    This has been the year of the Byrrh-Cassis highball for me. Byrrh (2 oz) and about .25-.33 oz of Langlois cassis. Serve with lots of ice in a highball, and add about 2 oz of seltzer. Our own Jake recommends a peel of grapefruit. This is a low alcohol crowd pleaser, but one can add rye whiskey and a splash of Ango if you want to beef it up more.
  9. DaRiv18
    Ok, I'm not a big chocolate person, but Salt and Sundry carries these sweeteeth Sea Salt Caramel bars that are just awesome. I don't eat them often, but they are becoming my go-to gift to people to whom I want to express thanks. Without exception they have brought raves.
  10. DaRiv18
    Stopped in yesterday for their Annual Artichoke Week that runs through the weekend. They have like 4 or so dishes (apps and entrees) and 4 or so cocktails. I had the raw artichoke salad with green peas, mint, parm, and tripe. I especially liked the tripe, the visual thing for me was that it looked like a romaine lettuce rib hiding in plain sight in the salad. The Cynar Fizz was a nice highball with the artichoke bitter, armagnac, coffee syrup, and egg white.
  11. DaRiv18
    Picked up my carry out in their immaculate storefront, very cool look inside even if the surrounding businesses aren't as inviting. BBQ Sampler (out of ribs at 7pm, so pork tips instead; plus my choice to try pork belly and brisket) with a side of braised greens, house pickles, and TX toast ($18), 24 wings ($19), green chili cheese grits, crispy brussel sprouts, and smokey brisket chili (each side $3). This is adult BBQ, not sure if anything I tasted is appropriate for kids as it is aggressively seasoned. The smoked wings are outstanding. The brisket isn't as moist as what I recall at Hill Co., but flavorful. Pork belly is 50/50 meat/fat, super soft with just a bit of char. Brussel sprouts didn't work for me, the braised greens cooked with pork was better at balancing this rich platter. I shall return.
  12. DaRiv18
    Similar to this discussion here. I also see El Chucho is ranked highly in the Dining Guide. I hate recommending any food spots to folks from CA, but that's where I find myself now with no other recourse. If you could recommend something in DC, and then a place anywhere between Baltimore and Richmond if you think it's better, I'd think we'd be set. I'm happy to provide closure to this quest by relaying her reaction to the food, but I am pessimistic about this person being thrilled.
  13. DaRiv18
    This is great info everyone. For the life of me, I don't recall ever seeing the breed of the pig when pork belly is listed on the menu, but obviously it makes a difference.
  14. DaRiv18
    Pork belly has been a controversial topic of late for my dining companions, the issue being what is an appropriate ratio of fat to meat? Several of my friends, especially those who are asian, are used more to a ratio similar to bacon: 50/50 or perhaps a bit more meat than fat. But lately, we've frequented different restaurants where the quality of the ingredients are excellent, but the pork belly is almost entirely fat with very very little meat. At one venue, a friend, when asked by the server if everything was ok, expressed that he felt the pork belly was too fatty. This led to the manager visiting and defending the pork belly, saying the fat was the best part but that he'd bring over a leaner portion. Interested to hear any take on this. We've had pork bellies braised, roasted, simmered, etc. and we've seen this dynamic no matter what technique is used.
  15. DaRiv18
    You cut deep, VikingJew. I thought I was somebody on this board!
  16. DaRiv18
    It is sort of sweet but not super so. If you like margaritas then you'll love this. Of course, I get sentimental, remembering the great times I had at Chantal's bar drinking these and getting into great conversations with random hotel guests.
  17. DaRiv18
    Been drinking alot of Tabard cocktails lately at home. 1.5 oz reposado .5 sherry (amontillado) .5 Drambuie orange bitters Stir, strain, orange twist (with a sprig of thyme for authenticity)
  18. DaRiv18
    I gotta say, I loved the filter water taps at each table of Yo! Sushi. That, with a decent sake beer list, it was the perfect place to chill with visitors as they waited for their train or were tired after walking the National Mall. There has been alot of turnover at Union Station recently. Even the citi branch closed last week. My sense is that YS did ok business actually.
  19. DaRiv18
    I ate and Bub and Pops for the first time today, wow I was impressed. Much better than that New Orleans Po Boy shop that was around the corner. I ordered the Pop's Beef Brisket with horseradish, gouda, with a special order of a fried egg, on a really soft roll, it is one of the better sandwiches I have had in DC ($8 for half sandwich, $13 for the whole). My friend had the Real Obama sandwich: beef brisket, giardinera, and provolone. He is a better judge than I of food, and he also was really impressed. Must be nice to work nearby if this is a downgrade from across the street!
  20. DaRiv18
    Ok I'll bite. I realize everyone has their favorites, but this seems a bit over the top. Union Market has always been a worthwhile place to go. Plus, I really like Maketto too, but I feel there are plenty of other vendors whose product is on par with the soup and pork buns. Thanks for the back story on DF, I haven't bought any retail seafood there yet.
  21. DaRiv18
    I used to eat there 5 or so years ago, but I had to sign up for a membership to enter the cafeteria. Glad to hear that's no longer the case. It has some gorgeous outdoor seating too, perfect for spring.
  22. DaRiv18
    Stopped by last week around 7, doing the solo tourist thing. Super packed, the hostess advised me to just grab one of the 10 bar seats (but other chairs in the surrounding lounge without table service)for dinner. Miraculously a seat opened up soon thereafter, and I saddled up and ordered the Penecilina, a Del Maguey cocktail that was really nice. I started with the best scotch egg I've ever had, runny in the middle and with well-seasoned sausage housing ($8). The pan-fried cauliflower with saffron, raisons, and capers was less to my liking ($9). I waffled a bit on my entrée, and decided to do the terrine board ($35) featuring: quinea hen, rabbit and prune, head cheese, rustic pork pate with pistachios, and liverwurst. Excellent textures and sharp tastes, this was a big win for me, although it was definitely a gluttonous feast for one. The vibe here is a bit uneven for me, industry folks stopped in to say hi and have a quick shot, while the regular patrons were not really that sophisticated. A giddy fiancé was unhappy that her (made-to-order) boiled peanuts were taking more than 5 minutes to arrive. On my other side, an I-banker and lawyer argued with that bartender that they had only ordered 6 Laphroigs instead of 10 (they lost and stiffed the bartender). I should have arrived with a friend to get a table, the atmosphere would have been a bit more pleasant and I could explore more of the interesting menu as well.
  23. DaRiv18
    Took JPW's lead and checked out the Artichoke Cafe. A mature clientele and rather formal for a cafe, but an excellent suggestion. My friend enjoyed her Wagyu tartare with foie gras and caviar ($15 special). My other companion, the skeptic (how dare he doubt a donrockwell.com member suggestion!), was won over by a rich acorn squash ravioli. My duck breast was paired with a pan-Asian fried rice ($26), very nice. And I enjoyed my go-to Averna for an after dinner. Revisited the Nob Hill Grill, enjoyed the burger again. The Jack Rose cocktail was a bit too sweet, and a bit too red, so I switched to the Gruet brut and felt better. Have visited Seasons twice now, once in the upstairs bar patio during the summer, and recently at the downstairs white tablecloth service with the full menu. Both times I've enjoyed the half rotisserie chicken ($18) and every other plate my friends have ordered have also been simple and satisfying. Had some time to grab breakfast at the Grove Cafe and Market, and had some beautiful poached runny eggs over local prosciutto, asparagus, parm, and grilled sourdough with a side of red chile raspberry jam ($11). All of these places have fresh local ingredients, and it I love the high quality, each has been a tonic especially after a week of really mediocre meals. I will say that many of the ABQ menus tend to look kinda the same, haven't yet seen any non-traditional saucing or offal-based plates.
  24. DaRiv18
    I dont recall seeng it there, but I think Red Apron at Union Market has it occasionally
  25. DaRiv18
    I agree.
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