Radman

Well, I had every intention of going to my establishment and having one or two cocktails and going home. Little did I know (or did I) that it was half price wine night. So, a bottle and perhaps a few "touch ups" later, I find myself somehow going through my favorite economics blogs and then making my way here. So, I figured I have a full battery, might as well review Central. Let me state a few ground rules. I am a grazer. I have conditioned, coerced, cajoled, pleaded with my dates, friends, and family that this is the way to eat. I eat multiple time a day. I always eat small portions. When I am at a restaurant, I always share food and I always order multiple dishes. That being said, here is the review. Central is one of my go to places. They have convenient valet parking and it is cheap relative to nearby locales. I sit at the far end of the bar near the wine rack. I find the dining room too open and too noisy. I request Tracy as my bartender (he understands and accommodates my grazing habits). The following assumes dinner for two. I first order a cocktail (no need for a menu yet; I dont come to a restaurant to rush and leave). I never order everythng at once. I now order a nice bottle of wine and a half dozen oysters and ask for the bread. The wine is fairly priced, the oysters fresh, and the bread (oh the butter so good). Next, is a goat cheese salad which Tracy is kind enoug to split. Depending on how things are going, another bottle of wine is now in order or not. I next order the steak au povire med rare with side of fries. Oh my god, is it good. I am not talking about the steak (which is delicious), but i am referring to the outstanding onion accompande (recipe was in the WaPo a few weeks ago). The onions and the fries are so ridiculously good. Once again, the bartender has managed to split the dish. We always finish the steak and onions but neve the fries. I leave my car at Central and venture elsewhere for a nightcap, hopefully back in time to retrieve it.

Had lunch there yesterday with a friend. We sat at the bar. The bread was rustic and the butter was sweet and tasty. We ordered the mozz app. 3 types of mozz with 4 condiments. to my surprise, it was the tastiest tomato i have had in the wash area in a long time (i tend to feel that all the taste has been bred out of tomatoes in the us). my friend had the chicken milanese and i had bolognese with penne (instead of the flat pasta). both were tasty. we both took food home. like a previous reviewer, i had to salt my dishes. i did notice that several diners were taking advantage of the $15 lunch special (entree and dessert). i met the gm whose name has been previously mentioned (she seemed gracious). i will come again for dinner.