Buckinghamilton

You made me go back and re-read it more carefully, thanks. You're right, it's not in the original post that almartin says that. It's in his second post in this thread, and there is some reading between the lines (not to put too fine a point on this!). He says they asked about separate checks "upfront" (IIRC).

The initial post certainly makes it sound as though it didn't come up until the the check was presented.

Funny, I initially read "up front" as "up front at the host stand", rather than "upfront" (one word). Especially since he mentioned possible host/server miscommunication:
"We asked up front about separate checks and were told it was O.K. Maybe that's host/server/managment miscommunication.".

Asking the host about policy is not quite the same as requesting separate checks from the waiter "upfront". But I could be totally misreading it, and he really did mean that he asked the waiter upfront.

Happy Belated Birthday Hillvalley! Hope it was great.

I'll just be happy if the food is better than La Fourchette. It certainly seems to be somewhat cheaper, if less ambitious.

This looks like a job for the LAME DUCKS.

Mr. Buckinghamilton popped in for a quick caesar salad and french onion soup at the bar yesterday and seemd impressed- said the soup was delicious and had a nice brief chat with the bartender. He brought me home a copy of the menu which, if I remember to bring to work tomorrow, I can try to scan. Menu looks good; a few things struck me as a bit pricy, though, for what they are- such as the crepes with lemon and powdered sugar ($8.95, I think), but maybe I've just become out of touch with the dining world after hibernating most of the winter. I'll check it out very soon, as we live right across the street. Thrilled it's finally opened.

Does this place offer a Saturday brunch? Is it vegetarian-friendly? Is it within walking distance of the Dairy Godmother (I forgot- is that what it's called now?)?

Thanks- trying to throw a birthday brunch for a friend.

Quite possibly!

Any updates? Tom Sietsema seems to like the new chef (2 1/2 stars), and I'm considering booking it for my company's holiday party.

Congratulations!

The Diner will be showing it again this year.

Is Ray's open on Sundays? Thinking of going there for our first anniversary...

There's an excellent website that rates coffees, Coffee Review. That's where I discovered the Counter Culture Coffee Roasters that I mentioned in an earlier post. Coffee Review gave their Guatemalan Antigua one of the highest ratings they've ever given to a coffee--see October reviews--so I ordered a couple bags of beans. It may be the best coffee I've ever tasted and, best of all, my wife agrees.

Tryst and The Diner (and Open City?) now use Counter Culture.

I used to love this place in high school- haven't been in about 10 years, but now that you have me thinking about it, might go this weekend with the 'rents (is their Columbia location still around? Is it as good?). I remember loving the cornbread muffins, Bourbon Street Pasta (with cajun grilled chicken- spicy, but a bit too oily sometimes), and a side of those awesome mashed potatoes. Do they have sweet tea? If so, that seals the deal.

Have you tried Asylum's wings? Crispy-fried (not battered), average/good meatiness, doused in the standard buffalo sauce. With blue cheese, celery, and carrots. Not bad for 25 cents apiece during happy hour (5-8). Just had some last night, myself (along with some 75 cent tacos and a $3 Blue Moon Belgian White).

Edited to add: Never mind- I see that you have tried them! Sorry!

You're not going crazy- Palena was open for lunch on Saturdays for a spell. Sadly, I never made it there, but I do remember talk of paninis...

Hope y'all can help- I need a few quick suggestions for outdoor dining in the Tyson's area for tonight! I don't know the area well- is there anything good? And not too pricey?

THANKS!!!

I'm there every weekend!

(it's a half block away, lucky me!)

I believe So's Your Mom (on Columbia Rd. in Adams Morgan) has them, but I've never tried them.

I think there was a similar thread on the other board a year or two ago...

i had a very nice entree, but it couldn't touch the salmon.  like many places the,  apps are the strength of cashion's menu.  one of these days, i am going to learn my lesson and just do 3apps instead of the usual app, entree, bourbon format.

This is exactly what I did (on the same night you were there, actually!). Ravioli with Tuscan meat sauce, wild mushrooms on a polenta cake, and gumbo (in order of preference). I'm also convinced this is the way to go (though I'm now wishing I'd tried the salmon). But even with my voracious appetite, it turned out that 3 apps was a bit too much for me.

I love having this place a block away from home.

Happy Birthday Hillvalley!!!

(Dinerboy's at home cooking up a "Happy Birthday Jenna" dinner that we'll enjoy in your honor! )

Hope your day is filled with good food, friends, and cheer.

OK, make me proud!

I used to know a girl that went to OMHS who graduated in 1988 with the last name of Hamilton.  Any relation?

No, sorry- my last name (well, maiden name- but haven't officially changed it yet) is Buckingham (the husband's is Hamilton, hence the screenname).

Cafe de Paris over Tersiguel's?!?? NO!!!!!  I think I can look past it since it's her birthday.  But any other time....

Not to worry, MY birthday is in March...

Did you get any feedback yet?

A bit- My mother adored her meal (the salmon??), but added that she thinks she got the best one. She told me some details of what everyone got, but as I'm going on about an hour of sleep today (been doing the head nod thing all day), it's not coming to me. I'll get more out of her when I see her next week- at Cafe de Paris! (Her choice- even though I put Tersiguel's out there). Will report back on that, too.

Tersiguel's was the first place that I built up the courage to try a tasting menu (which you have to ask your server for since I don't think they offer it on the menu).  During that meal, I had foie gras, skate, and spaetzle all for the first time!  I can't say enough about this place.  If we're in the area, my wife and I will stop by for dessert and have their bananas foster, crepes suzette, or cafe diablo (which they do all 3 table-side!!).  It's always a big production.

As far as Pasta Plus, you wouldn't want your mother to wait in line (since they don't take reservations) on her birthday, do you?

I worked as a busboy there in '87.  I remember that Baltimore Magazine had just down-graded them to 2 1/2 stars.  The chef (and co-owner) kept storming around the kitchen, yelling "HEY, we're only a two and a half star restaurant!!" 

I've been there maybe 5 times in the last 10 years and each time gets worse.  It's never been what it was during the '80s

I remember the crepes suzette being THE thing to get. My french teacher even took our class there for them. I fondly remember the cute little fried potato cubes (I know there's a more sophisticated name for them, but that's what I called 'em. Are they still accompanying the beef dishes?) Maybe I'll try the tasting menu this time!

Good point about the lines at Pasta Plus. Mom's knees are bad. And I suppose it's too late to warn my parents about King's Contrivance- they're taking friends there this weekend as a thank you. I'll get their feedback.

(sorry- didn't mean to hijack the thread!)

Don't be bringing up my age, you whippersnapper.  

I don't get back to Columbia much, but my first job was washing dishes in the restaurant that was in the Clyde's space before Clyde's was there.  I was on little league baseball and went to Oakland Mills High School with Steve Wecker, the guy who owns Iron Bridge, so I guess my career as a ranting food freak began right about where you live now.

Another 21045-OMHS-er here (though I was born 6 years after your parents settled) . My all time favorite Columbia area restaurant growing up was Tersiguel's, but like Rocks, I probably haven't been there since the late 80s (or early 90s). Thanks for the suggestion mhberk- sounds like a great place to suggest for my Mom's upcoming birthday. (We were thinking of our old standby- favorite Pasta Plus, but could be time for a change)

We also used to enjoy Old Hickory Grill in Burtonsville (loved the biscuits and mashed potatoes), and my parents have grown to love Cafe de Paris, but I haven't eaten much in that area in the past 7 or 8 years. Sorry to hear Kings Contrivance has gone downhill.

Wish I could help- good luck!

I remember this, I thought some entrepreneur had gone into business renting Segway's to tourists.

Someone has.

http://www.segsinthecity.net/