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chiefdc

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  1. chiefdc
    Last night myself and 3 others (of varying ages and stages) ate a very nice meal at Pearl Dive. After hearing about the "ticketing" system for waiting for a table (basically, the same as you'd see at a deli or DMV), I was skeptical. But it's actually a good concept because they have the "now serving" signs all over both Pearl Dive (downstairs) and Black Jack (upstairs), which allows you to wander a bit without loitering by the host stand. At 7:30 pm, we were quoted a 20-40 minute wait. We opted to check out the upstairs bar while grabbing a drink, and try our hand at bocce. The bar service upstairs was confused and very slow (as you can imagine on an opening night) but pleasant. After about 20 minutes, the "now serving" number jumped from 86, where it had been the whole time, to 92, seemingly skipping everyone in between. We ran downstairs to make sure that we hadn't been skipped, and thankfully we hadn't, and we were eated immediately (was it a glitch?). I am guessing that depending on your party size, you will be served before or after those who may have gotten there before you. They should explain this, however, so people don't freak out at the thought of missing their table after a lengthy wait. Once we sat down, the host took our drink orders graciously before the waiter arrived, which was nice. My party ordered appetizers that everyone seemed to enjoy- bacon wrapped oysters, half-dozen raw oysters, and mushroom soup. The server also arrived with a generous basket of jalapeno (?) corn muffins and rolls (which were delicious). For entrees, we ordered the classic Black's mussels (great as always); Rockfish over mussels, tomatoes, and chorizo; crawfish etouffee; and wood-grilled redfish over grits. Everyone really enjoyed the entrees. This is a great neighborhood joint that tries hard and largely delivers on the promise of being a good, moderately priced seafood joint. Next I'd like to try some of the items on the bar menu upstairs, which has some tasty-sounding sandwiches and other unique dishes that you don't see anywhere else. I will say that the staff was really on edge and nervous- understandly so, it being opening night. Hopefully they'll all find their groove as they become familiar with the menus and drink lists.
  2. chiefdc
    I have the misfortune of working in the TB building. And the misfortune of having Diya as my only option (other than an even more abysmal deli in the interior of the building). While the folks that run the place are genuinely nice and try hard, it's a bizarre concept that isn't priced well for a place that should be a go-to for the 500+ employees in the building. You rarely see people stopping here for the $15 lunch buffet (most other Indian buffets are in the $9-$12 range). But to the point, the food is just not great. Wish it were, but it ain't.
  3. chiefdc
    Ever been hungover at work reuben? If so, for shame
  4. chiefdc
    I was really disappointed by my last meal at Ripple- and this was with Chef Cox was at the helm. I actually liked my previous meal better prior to his taking over. I found the portions to be miniscule and the food to be bland. I was even disappointed with my cheese plate from here. What happened to giving people value for their money? I don't ever need or want Maggiano-style portions, but just an honest amount is all I ask. The cocktails were good, not great. From now on, I will opt for Dino and Palena further down the block. [Edit- didn't mean to "jump" darkstar's post above- but it jogged my memory of how bad my meal was at Ripple- and unfortunately I can't recommend anything I had that night]
  5. chiefdc
    Honestly, I've found Sietsema's (and Kliman's!) reviews to be curmudgeonly and subpar recently. He seems to hate noise in restaurants and it seems to color his reviews of places. I may be in the decided minority, but I'm craving new blood. I actually think Tim Carman would be a superb replacement. He digs in more, and writes some really fascinating columns. Sometimes Sietsema reminds me more of the snooty reviewer from Ratatouille. Sorry if this is a bit off-topic. It's just that I've disagreed with most of Sietsema's recent reviews in one way or another.
  6. chiefdc
    I second!! That fried chicken was one of the greatest things I've ever tasted. With a new chef, I hope you still have the old recipe!
  7. chiefdc
    Unfortunately, the CVS is steamrolling those businesses out of the way to make way for... an even bigger and more prominent CVS! What an awful use of a prime corner. Too bad DC doesn't have laws against banks and large drug stores on corners. I'm only half-kidding The two issues with the the strip are the fact that tourists-who-don't-know-better frequent the strip, keeping awful places alive, and the restriction on % of restaurant frontage along the strip, also keeping the awful places alive by artificially limiting the supply of restaurants.
  8. chiefdc
    plarkins... thanks for clarifying But, all this fuss about THAT?! No offense, but the neighbors need to get a grip. That "beer garden" is tiny!
  9. chiefdc
    I think there's something of an "emperor's new clothes" mentality when in NYC. While there is some quantitative superiority just based on the sheer population and quantity of places, I often have better experiences for just about anything other places than NY on any everyday basis. I basically feel like I'm treated like crap there, and often get crap for a lot of money, when I go there. Now, if you choose only the best places (i.e. book places well advance of you're trip), you're bound to have only the best experiences. But when you venture into the average, everyday, run-of-the-mill picks, you might be as disappointed as I generally am. We certainly have our share of disappointments here, but we don't claim to be the best at everything like you know who... Happy holidays all! P.S. One 2011 culinary trend that I hope will continue... breakfast places! Between Kitchen on K, Salt & Pepper (Palisades), Horace & Dickie's breakfast expansion (into a larger, sit down space), and yes, IHOP in Columbia Heights... I wish for some great new breakfast options in 2011. It's a meal that I like a great deal, and maybe if I work from home more in 2011 (another wish for 2011), I can take full advantage during the week! In: Breakfast Out: Brunch.. YEAH!
  10. chiefdc
    I find the article to be a complete hit piece on AU. Even in the article, it stated that the university reduced rent on Morty's. Cmon, should they run those retail spots as a not-for-profit? Surely not. This isn't on-campus retail we're talking about here. They weren't making money or meeting rent.
  11. chiefdc
    I went here today with a group of coworkers, for about the 6th time. It's actually quite good. The broth is beefier than most (some, like Pho 14, are more aromatic), and it's a generous portion. The place is almost never busy, but I think that's mostly because of its location and people not knowing it was there. Also, believe it not, the Thai dish I ordered once was pretty decent. And beware, vegetarians- I did not see a vegetarian version of the broth listed on the menu. You would be able to find something of your liking off of the Thai (or "N More" menu).
  12. chiefdc
    People always say things like this... I think a huge element is people glamorizing their exotic abroad experiences more than anything. People also remember Wagamama being good from their abroad experience, til they go back a second time and realize it's mediocre.
  13. chiefdc
    Yes, she purchased Chaos' liquor license. The space does not have to be in the old Chaos space since licenses are easily transferable within that neighborhood moratorium zone. Not many large, open retail spaces though. The only ones I know of are subterranean (old Blockbuster) or too small.
  14. chiefdc
    I heard a rumor that the owner of Jack's is actually one of the principals involved with Masa 14, and that Masa was doing so well that he was able to close, and pay for renovation to, Jack's. It's hard to believe that he would be involved with the high-quality Masa operation. I do have to come to Jack's defense in a few regards. It was cheap, edible, had a fun atmosphere for drinking, and they had great specials (mostly for wine, when you could score $10 bottles). The problem with that strip, of course, is that there are just too many places like that. It is what it is. I still have fun hanging out and drinking at many of the establishments (especially the venerable Fox & Hound and its brother, Trio's). I think something that bears watching in the medium-term is the pending expansion of Hank's into a much larger next door space, and the liquor license purchased by Amy Bowman of the Black Squirrel. A place comparable to Black Squirrel would be a godsend to 17th, and would do a killing. I don't foresee much turnover beyond that, which I suppose is some of the charm of 17th.
  15. chiefdc
    ReconJohn- I agree, but I went for dinner, and was pleasantly shocked by how good the food was. Tried the burger, pork bbq, and fries. Simple yet quite good. I think the place was considered a disaster initially after going through multiple chefs. But I had heard from friends that the food had improved considerably under the latest chef, and I'm glad I gave it a chance. Make no mistake, this isn't fine dining, but if you set your expectations appropriately (casual southern/american cuisine) then I don't think you'd be disappointed at this price point.
  16. chiefdc
    I had a great roast beef and cheddar sandwich with horseradish mayo the other day from Earl's. I walked past it so many times without stopping in, and now I know better. It's a high-quality operation and leagues beyond what typical sandwich chains can give you. I do wonder what's up with that strip next to Earl's. There's not a lot of adjoining retail there along Wilson, in what you'd think would be a highly desirable retail location.
  17. chiefdc
    I'm really excited to see a BGR in Dupont. It will fill a much-needed fast casual hole in that immediate vicinity. Besides Nando's and the usual chains (Subway, Fuddruckers, etc), there's a need for some cheaper, casual but still high-quality options. I'm hoping they serve beer and/or are open late.
  18. chiefdc
    No offense but I think this a pretty strange thing to be annoyed by. To put it bluntly, it seems like it may be you rather than the restaurant that's the issue in this case. That said, everyone's entitled to their opinion (this comment being my opinion on your opinion- heh)
  19. chiefdc
    I've actually heard from friends that Restaurant 3 is, by far, the most improved restaurant in the area. Unfortunately, this sentiment still isn't enough for some people I know to try it again. But I certainly will. And you're right that the happy hour is probably the most generous in Arlington (perhaps tied with Yaku's $3 sangria and $2 drafts).
  20. chiefdc
    Sounds good- Thank goodness Van Ness finally got an infusion of what sounds like quality dining. What a bleak restaurant scene for what is a pretty populated and decent neighborhood. Hopefully there's more where that came from! Good restaurants would make a killing there.
  21. chiefdc
    According to Bisnow.com http://www.bisnow.com/washington_dc_commercial_real_estate_news_story.php?p=4631 Looks like "Koi" is eying DC, and Kellari (NYC) is a done deal for the Restaurant K space on... K Street, of course. Not sure how I feel about the out of towners. The free marketer in me says, come one come all and let the best persons win. The provincial side of me says, stop trying to cash in on our fair city with subpar replicas of restaurants that may not be that great to begin with. I do think if anything this influx with elevate the overall talent pool of chefs based on the law of averages (add more chefs, more good ones will emerge and start their own places). So I'll welcome them, but warn that they should bring their A game in this economy.
  22. chiefdc
    Don't forget Herr's!
  23. chiefdc
    I agree wholeheartedly with ktmoomau's suggestions, and will add (and emphasize) a few of my own. I definitely think Eastern Market is a necessity. You can definitely "make your own sandwich/meal" with the various vendors located there. It's not far from the Capitol, so it would make for a pretty painless detour through a beautiful part of the city. Other suggestions: Taqueria Nationale, a great place for good takeout Mexican lunch & even breakfast near the Capitol. Nando's Peri Peri- affordable and tasty chicken place in the Gallery Place neighborhood. It's an international chain from South Africa, but a "good chain" and this is their first foray into the US. Potenza, next to the White Hosue- I've heard the bakery portion is great, but it is definitely "Italian", not French or American. Along the same lines, Leopold's Kafe tucked away in an (upscale) alley in Georgetown is a good bet too. I would classify it as "Austrian." Patisserie Poupon and Baked & Wired are also recommended. If you're near the zoo, Vace Italian Delicatessen is great for to-go pizza and subs.
  24. chiefdc
    This is all fantastic news for one of my favorite, oft-overlooked neighborhoods in the city. All involved should be commended for investing in the restaurant scene during these difficult times. I look forward to trying them out.
  25. chiefdc
    Is it bad that this sounds amazing to me right now? Signed, Drunk and Hungry PS All I heard was "overstuffed, bacon, roasted turkey, gooey cheese mayo"
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