MelGold

Chris, if you ever decide to open your own restaurant, I'm first in line!

I'm in with whatever you'd like me to bring (give me a category & I'll try to find something good). Crackers, I'm still bringing the other dish, so no turning back now!

I spent a couple of blissful hours on the patio at Cantler's this weekend eating to my heart's content. We got there early and actually got to pick a spot in the corner just under the overhang (the place was packed 15 minutes later). The group ordered a cup of each of the soups to mix & match to taste. The vegetable crab soup mixed with the crab bisque is wonderfully soothing - the sherry is pungent but blends well with the tomato-base of the veggie soup. We then moved on to a dozen large crabs drowning in Old Bay. They were delicious & relatively cheap at $40/dozen. Sides were an order of onion rings and fresh, sweet corn on the cob (dessert). While some complain of the amount of work it takes to yield enough meat to feel full, I find the entire process to be relaxing somehow. Maybe it's the sense of accomplishment that fills you when the meat clears the claw in a pristine chunk or the fact that you get your own mallet and paring knife... Whatever the reason, I'll take a couple of hours picking crabs on a beautiful, low humidity day in late summer over almost any other activity. There's still time left if you haven't gone this season!!!

maybe it's also easier to shelve - nice rectangle might squeeze in space for an extra row.

Exactly - what they all said! Even without the wine pairing (I know, I know...think of what I missed!), the parade of delicacies were phenomenal! Thanks to the entire Eve crew from Tami beforehand in the bar to the efficient service staff to Thrasher, the kitchen and, of course, Nathan & Cathal. It was truly beautiful. HV, hopefully the bag conveyed the huge thanks for all you do! Rocks, the toast was almost deafening...wish you had been there to hear it! Best part of the night was finally putting some of the new names with faces. I look forward to seeing you all again (and meeting more of you) at the picnic in a few weeks! BTW, our table chose to forego the spoons and Emily Post's don't's, mykte, and sopped up the sauces from the lobster & tortelloni with the bread. Waitman was dead on, the pumpernickle went very well with the butter truffle sauce from the pasta.

You're eating?! What happened to the pre-Eve fast?

I can't see why there would be resentment. The cheques work just like cash so it doesn't affect the restaurant at all. Hopefully although people are getting a "free meal" they still tip accordingly.

This event was such a success, we're doing it again this Saturday (September 17th)! This time we're serving up the beignets & coffee at Tallula from 8 AM until noon. If you missed out on po' boys, here's your chance to eat for a great cause!

Nevermind...

I can't go today - if anyone's going & coming back toward Alexandria (and is feeling VERY generous), will you bring me a shrimp po'boy???? PM me if you are willing to make this girl who is chained to her desk today a very happy individual! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I hope that it's obvious that I'm willing to meet you somewhere in Alexandria to pick up the sandwich AND that I'll pay you back...just thought I'd clarify)

Wow - I must be losing my touch...my mind never went that far into the gutter on that one!

This Saturday, September 10th, from 9 AM til noon, Evening Star Cafe in Del Ray will be offering authentic Beignets and hot coffee, bringing a taste of the French Quarter to Virginia. Cost is $5 per order with 100% of proceeds going to the American Red Cross and Catholic Relief Services for hurricane relief efforts on the Gulf Coast. Come get them while they're hot!

Since GM Dave Pressley is too an avid fan of the reigning Dynasty, you have nothing to fear. Most likely both TVs in the front lounge as well as those in the back will be tuned in to the game.

Sounds good - what time?

Over the next several weeks, the Neighborhood Restaurant Group (Vermilion, Tallula & Evening Star Cafe) will be holding a number of fundraising events to aid in relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina’s wrath in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. The group is planning a number of different opportunities for patrons and employees to contribute to the overall donation to the American Red Cross. Fundraising events planned include: Total Sales Donation Night - September 7th A percentage of total sales from Tallula, Vermilion & Evening Star Café will be donated to the cause Sweet Tribute - September 5 – 11th Fifty percent of sales from all desserts sold during the week will be donated Taste of the French Quarter – Dates TBA (I'll post as soon as I know) Tallula and Evening Star Café will bring a taste of the French Quarter to Virginia with a tribute to the famed Café Du Monde. Beignets and hot coffee will be served with 100% of proceeds going to the fund. Check Donations - Month of September Guests will be given the opportunity to contribute to the American Red Cross on top of their night’s check. Those who wish to contribute to the fund can indicate a desired donation amount on a card enclosed with the bill. That amount will then be added to their bill. Donations will also be collected during the live music performances throughout September at Vermilion and the Evening Star Café. Visit the website for Vermilion and Evening Star for live music schedules. Planet Wine will also be collecting donations at both shops. **Also, the employees working the lunch and dinner shifts at Vermilion on Labor Day have pledged to donate at least 50% of their tips from the day to the American Red Cross. Forget the cook-out at home...drive down to Old Town, eat some great food, and tip your waiters/bartenders/bus boys BIG on Monday!

Tonight was my night to actually cook! Fresh corn cut off the cob sauteed with button mushrooms and yellow onion, tiger shrimp and a white wine butter sauce. YUM!

Tom posted at the end of the chat that they're only closed for renovations. Breathe easy, your brisket is safe!

Welcome! Must have the chicken...and a plate of the fries of course!!!

Me & my lime Jell-O mold with Cool Whip and canned fruit salad will be making an appearance.

Einstein Bros. everything bagel and full-fat cream cheese with a medium roast coffee. Is it so much to ask for one stinking NY-style bagelry in this town???? I miss my weekend jaunts to H&H.

I wasn't going to admit it, but alas here it goes: I recently found a brick of brown sugar in my cabinet and have no idea when it was bought. It was hiding behind the big tin can of matzo meal that my mother promises me will never go bad. Fortunately for me, the apple cake recipe I was making didn't call for any of the brown stuff!

Thanks, guys! A friend of mine in Chicago put them onto a place called Thyme which might just fit the bill. The website looks like a place I wouldn't mind hitting a time or two.

All I can say is BRAVO Per Se - that was WAY beyond going beyond the call of duty! You know that party was the bain of the kitchen's existence for a week prior, all night, and are probably still experiencing nightmares!

Absolutely no malice was intend on this one...there are days when I anxiously wait for 10 AM to arrive for a fix!

So who's bring Popeye's to the Picnic?