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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

At 150 adults you are between 1 good experienced bartender and 2 bartenders. 1 good experienced person can handle that sized crowd, essentially keep people from waiting on line, keep their drinks refreshed and help you have a successful wedding with everyone enjoying the event. To be on the safe side, and if you aren't sure about the staffing efficiency then you should have 2 at the bar.

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 like Columbia Heights Coffee at 11th and Monroe.

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...

To my brother Bill, gone suddenly this afternoon at age 64. He gave me my first joint, taught me everything I know about cars, and asked me to be his best man, wearing matching leisure suits.In shock and tears, I raise a Bud to him, which he always called his favorite Belgium beer. Cheers, big bro.

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

Last night, I was chagrined to realize that I haven't eaten Ethiopian in DC for at least a year or more. But I've got people coming into town next week who I'd like to introduce to it. What's the scene like nowadays? Who's at the top of his game? Is Ethiopic really worth the extra cost? (And the schlep across the city??) (I'm so provincial.) Even though my guests are first timers to Ethiopian food, they won't need to be handled with kid gloves. Thanks!

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 makes their own chocolate for the chips.

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!

[i ask people in advance to please keep religious or political debates outside this forum - there are plenty of them going on elsewhere (which is why I even mention it). I enjoy reading them, and respect people for having different viewpoints - just not here because that's really out of our purlieu, and more importantly, the "spirit of comradery" - which binds us all - that I wish to maintain on this website. You know, I've just always loved the fact that people here break bread together, regardless of their personal beliefs. That means so much to me. Thanks!]

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 called Malta. Look in the international (Latin, Carribean) section of the grocery store. Goya makes a version.

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

Or the decision of buyers at Friendship Hts and Silver Spring (both checked) vs. Tenleytown? I don't know since I am convinced I've seen them at WFM before.

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.

And yet another overblown, flash based website that can't be viewed on a iPhone or iPad. Why restaurants have websites that millions of potential customers can't see is beyond me.

Rant done.

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.

I wish I could put it through the dishwasher.

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.)

I'd say that the vast majority of my friends in DC are people I met through eG and that migrated over here after the infamous new "Events Policy" kerfluffle and Don founding this site.

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