cjsadler

The Reef has De Koninck 175 on tap, brewed in honor of the 175th anniversary of the brewery. Bartender claimed that only a few bars in the US will be getting this, so beer geeks check it out.

Interesting-- I didn't know about this book (so thanks for that). Looks like a new and improved version of Culinary Artistry, their previous book that's received some praise here. Going to have to check it out, as Culinary Artistry has been a really useful book for the reasons you mention.

Chevy Chase almost always has the Schlenkerla beers. I believe I saw the Harpoon at the Wine Specialist.

The Saveur 100 issue (out now) has a lot of interesting projects, like making your own worcestershire sauce.

Looking for input on some places that sound interesting, but aren't mentioned here: Tilth How to Cook a Wolf Elemental @ gasworks (sounds like quite an experience) Cache Licorous (for cocktails)

No one really comes to mind. You might be better off giving this place a shot. I saw them mentioned in an article in the WSJ last year.

Three Floyds stuff showing up at Birreria these days. Alpha King was on tap last night (I believe they had Pride and Joy on before that).

Mario Batali's Parsnip and Pancetta Pasta.

Unexpectedly interesting tap selection at Art and Soul, which included Delirium Noel, Old Rasputin and Bell's Winter White as of tonight.

Maybe G&M right near BWI? I meant to try it tonight, but it didn't work out. Supposedly their crabcakes are great, but they also have soups and salads.

I tried some cardoons from Next Step too. They took a long time to soften up when boiling them (prob 45 min, with salt and lemon), but there was no problem with bitterness when they were done. They had a pleasant artichoke-ish taste to them, which was then completely lost when I used a Mario Batali recipe that called for sauteeing them with onions, honey, chili flakes and balsamic vinegar. Edible, but the cardoons might as well have been boiled celery. I'll definitely give them another go, though-- this time pairing them with milder ingredients. giant shrimp's recommendation of lemon, cream, eggs and parmesan as partners sounds like the right track.

Looks like he's chef de cuisine at Morimoto in NYC.

The guy handling the beer at Rodman's on Wisconsin has put together a pretty impressive selection at some of the best prices around (currently, most of the Bell's beers, including 2 Hearted Ale are on sale for only $6.99). Picked up some Great Divide Fresh Hop Ale at his recommendation. I think he said he's the only one carrying this in the DC area.

Stopped into A&H yesterday. I'd forgotten what a gem this place is. The seafood is high quality and very reasonably priced (like half the price of Whole Foods), plus there's assorted Spanish olives for $3.99/lb (!), chorizo, cheeses, etc. They seem to have added some new products, including black jarred truffles for only $8 (I'm curious how they are). Worth the trip if you haven't been.

I heard that peeled chestnuts are available cheap at the Asian supermarkets (Grand Mart, Lotte, etc). Haven't investigated yet, though.

Comfort food: Bacon wrapped meatloaf Bourbon mashed sweet potatoes

NY Times article on it from a few weeks ago.

I forgot to report back on Knightly Spirits. A very small shop in a strip mall, which from the outside looks like a nondescript liquor store. Beer is in two chaotic aisles in the very back. They mainly concentrate on Belgians, and there were a number I'd never seen before. Was on the way to catch a plane and didn't have the inclination to buy anything. Best beer store in the US? I don't see it.

I like the sound of "150 beers". What's the water taxi situation? Has anyone used the Georgetown one?

I saw Alton Brown making nut oil ice cream the other night.

When I went the other week, I had the Loose Cannon that was on tap (if I remember correctly, the other taps were fairly common beers). I don't think they had anything hard-to-find that would merit a special trip for a beer geek like you

Also, if you're looking for a brunch place, Five Points was pretty good (and inexpensive). Chef Marc Meyer wrote a brunch cookbook a few years ago.

The "Momofuku Ramen" at Momofuku Noodle was about the best thing I've eaten so far this year. A rich, porky broth with poached egg, two kinds of pork (pulled and belly) and noodles. This place totally lived up to all the hype. I'm itching to try Momofuku Ssam next time.

I don't know about regularly, but the kettle corn vendor was there this past Friday (with a very long line).

Some early heirloom tomatoes here today. $2.50-$3.00/lb