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Chicken breast marinated in NC BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic, shredded and mixed with sauteed onions, on warm pita with Monterey jack, more Dijon, and garlic mayo Gin and (flat ) tonic with lime

I'm sure you have more expertise than I, but judging from the near-constant weddings and office parties I attend: in no way is one bartender sufficient for 150 people, no matter how experienced--unless they're only serving beer and wine, and even then, one is really stretching it. To be fair, my friends and family are probably at the high end of the curve as far as bar requirements are concerned, but waiting forever at a bar just stinks (and may result in more product loss because folks will end up just asking for two drinks so they don't have to wait again and then misplacing that second one) (or so I've heard... ).

Ice water. But trying mightily to reimagine it as tequila because it's already that kind of day.

I *wish* I liked Columbia Heights Coffee better. The coffee is fine, but the food is really disappointing. I would go there a lot more often if I could get a good pastry or sandwich with my coffee. I fear that enough other people feel the same way so it may not be able to hang on much longer...

I'm so sorry, T. Please accept my condolences and a virtual 'clink' to your brother.

I'm sorry I didn't report back on this, but I found out that one of my houseguests was a serious OCD germophobe, which ruled out eating with our hands, so no Ethiopian. But I'm excited to get back to eating it myself soon and will let you know (even if I don't end up schlepping my provincial butt out to H Street...).

Graeter's black cherry chocolate chip: yes, please.

The Atlantic: In Defense of Eating at Chick-Fil-A

What do you do with a crappy bottle of white wine? (Aside from not buy it in the first place?) Pour over ice + St. Germaine + club soda = pretty dern good for a summer night

[i'm not one to start a political debate then step out, but I really have nothing to add to these posts, and I'm pretty much torn down the middle. Thanks for the interesting discussion!]

Stir-fried pork with cucumber from the Washington Post It sounded like it might be a little bland, so I added some vermouth and rice vinegar during the final stir-fry. I'm not sure why they direct you to fry the garlic in a separate saucepan; I did it in the sautee pan and it turned out dandy--and really added a nice touch to the dish. Very nice overall. I always forget how flavorful cucumbers become when cooked.

Guor Marial South Sudan oye!

Huh. I want to respect Don's request to keep this non-political, so I'll so governmental. I wonder what folks think about Boston banning the franchise. Individual or citizen-organized boycotts are one thing, but I am chagrined and uncomfortable with a city government punishing a business due to the owner's frankly legal beliefs and actions, no matter what they are. [Then again, it may not be possible to keep this non-political. Mods, make your call.]

It's common in Africa too. I've had the one made by Guinness--not too bad. An acquired taste, as they say.

P Street definitely has* them. [sorry--should have said "had." This was two weeks ago.]

Bruschetta topped with a mix of chopped beautiful orange tomato* from RRB farmers' market, olives, garlic, parm, olive oil, champagne vinegar and sherry vinegar (I really need to get some red wine vinegar), and oregano Muddled blackberries* and mint with vodka, St. Germaine, and club soda *One thing I love about the Vitamix is that I am buying all sorts of fruits and veggies for it so I always have fresh food in the fridge.

I'm working with Gwen at Kissable Canines and I couldn't be happier. My girl is just a pup and not a problem (yet), but Gwen's been outstanding--she comes to the house, and every time she leaves I can't believe how much dog has learned. I recommend her highly.

Rant extension: it's got music too, so don't get that "taste" at the office or coffeehouse.

I've added Greek yogurt to ground chicken when making kofta, and they've turned out nice and moist. You could use an egg too.

Lemon/lime/white grape/mint juice (+ gin in about an hour)

Something Different pulled pork* with their NC BBQ sauce and cole slaw on a bun *And feeling especially grateful to my mom for putting the leftovers in the freezer when she realized we wouldn't get through it all before it turned.

Wait--you can't put it in the dishwasher? Oops... (For my purposes, processing it with dish soap and water works, but I've been putting it in the dishwasher once a week to sanitize.)

What "events policy" kerfuffle?

Columbia Heights sounds like it's being invaded by the Syrian government (too soon?), but I love it--the Fourth is one of my favorite holidays, especially in DC, and as a government employee at a time when government employees are generally loathed, I enjoy the communal celebration of our country. I don't even mind not going out tonight because it turns out that my four-month-old puppy, who I was staying home to comfort, is a hearty little bitch who couldn't give a hoot about the explosions and howling neighbor dogs. Good girl!

Grilled Fontina cheese sandwich Cold cucumber soup Gordy's sweet pickles