Liz

Folks - since Udupi Palace closed, I've been looking for the best Dosai in Montgomery County. A few people have recommended Woodlands in Woodley Pk. Any other suggestions?

For anyone that has been around long enough to remember when the last incarnation of Galileo was a single concept restaurant -- no laboratorio, no osteria, and no grill, and the dining room was the sole focus -- you should be excited about Galileo III. The current incarnation of Galileo evokes what originally made that a special restaurant, though this is definitely an updated version.

My dining companion and I took advantage of the DR.com deal tonight at the bar, which we split, and can honestly say that every dish was exceptional. From what we selected, it seems like they've opened with a heavier fall menu with a lot of hearty flavors. We started with the Budino Di Parmigiano, which is a gooey pot of cheese with deep mushroom flavor and a healthy slice of truffle. As appetizers, we had the Porcini, which is basically a fritter with sauteed porcini and a black truffle sauce, and the Capesante, which is scallops with smears of yellow and black polenta. For our "mains" we had the Mezzelune pasta, a dumpling-like pasta filled with eggplant and crab in a rather striking orange sauce, and the lamb with celery root pure, artichokes, and an equally intriguing coffee sauce.

As for beverages, the cocktail menu features several of Chris' "greatest hits," including the El Diablo Magarita from Andale, and the amazing Manhattan from Dino, both of which may be even better than I remember. My companion got a trully great pear sidecar that I would also recommend. The wine list is fairly small right now, but the "Bliss" Sauvignon Blanc that my companion had, which is one of about ten whites available by the glass, was very good. And the bar menu, which is not yet in place, sounds like it will feature about ten items and be priced a bit more gently.

I should also mention the staff, all of whom could not have been nicer or more professional.

In short, go get the deal that Chef Donna has offered. This is the rare restaurant opening that lives up to the hype. Congratulations to everyone involved and thanks to Chris for the hospitality.

I made a reservation for this coming Saturday. The staff and maitre D couldn't have been more gracious and helpful. I am looking forward to Sat's meal. Great to hear an early review!

This is amazing. Thank you!

I am definitely interested in attending this! Please add me to the list.

Greetings all! I'm a newbie and am hoping to make it Sunday afternoon!

Love to eat/drink/cook so am planning on making some cherry pepper poppers (stuffed with cheese only and/or cheese/prosciutto and then marinated) to satisfy both vegetarian/non-vegetarians) plus a bottle of something.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

D1 right?