ktmoomau

I am going through a clean out the cupboard's stage. So I have some soba noodles I want to use, do they need to be served chilled or are they good hot? Any suggestions on sauce? I have some mini bok choi, and all sorts of proteins (shrimp, steak, chicken, pork in multiple forms) that I could use with it. Also have red peppers, green onion I found in our garden plot, scallions and snap peas, all could be used for the cause.

Leftover skirt steak that had great marbling acquired from Grand Mart rubbed with Adam's Steak Rub and seared. And some leftover horseradish mashed potato/potato salad inspired after eating the potato salad at Ardeo Bardeo. It wasn't quite as good yet, but I will work on it. I only had jarred horseradish, the real stuff would make a big difference.

Had brunch at 3 with our friends on Sunday morning, my stomach had been a little off that morning, so I was not feeling up to eating anything too out there. I got the skillet, which was good, but I think I like everything better just as the country breakfast. It could have used something, maybe some onions and peppers, or spinach or something, it just didn't really hit it for me, but again I was feeling the best, so am probably being a little picky. Everyone else liked their breakfast and I am just so happy to be able to wander in here on a weekend, without a long line and get some good breakfast. I am always amazed they aren't busier for brunch as they have really good items. Next time I want the cornbread benedict which looked great, but I just wasn't up for hollandaise. I love this place, it is one of my real favorites in the area. I got a group of girlfriends to agree to do our next group happy hour here (we switch back to different locations in NOVA) and I think they are going to really like it.

Had friends from out of town who came in for a conference this week (no idea why you would plan a conference this week of all weeks, couldn't have gotten a great rate with the high demand during Cherry blossom time) and we made the mistake of going downtown this weekend to see some of the Smithsonians that opened back up since they had left DC. We thought well everyone will be out seeing the Cherry Blossoms, and they were until it rained. Then they all came packing in. We made it through some exhibits at the National American History, but some were just too crowded with lines down the hall. And I just don't like it when there are lots of people crowding around around me, so we took that as a sign to vacate for a late lunch. (I also had been a very bad hostess and forgot to feed them breakfast then marched them all over town) So we went to Nando's as everywhere was just packed and we were HUNGRY! We sat down within a few minutes of going in and ordered a whole chicken with fries and peas and cole slaw. We got the chicken medium. The whole thing was very tasty and perfect for us to share as we were all hungry and that made it all very affordable. Guests also were happy they could get a beer. And we could hang out a bit longer and rest our feet than at some of the other places like Chopt or etc. I thought the Medium chicken wasn't too spicy, but very well flavored, great with the sauces, their hot sauce is almost a little too pasty for me, but I like the herb and garlic and some of the others. Fries were nice and crispy and I just love their peas here. Anyway it ended up being just perfect, we then wandered over to the White House to get their picture and etc.

We had some of our wonderful friends come in from Michigan to stay with us for a few days. Their request was Thai or Sushi something they couldn't get much of in their town. I was thinking Thai, but then they decided they really wanted sushi and casual and fairly close by so off to Tachibana it was. We had a nice little evening with some sake and sushi. The radish shoot roll with bonito flakes was very good as was the flounder fin and butterfish. We had some other things we all really liked as well. And we got in on a Friday night without much of a wait at all which was nice for our guests who had been flying for much of the day. And they were very happy with the sushi.

I get so nervous about baking I would love to do this! I would love to be able to make that bread in lperry's picture with confidence. So if you ever want to do this, know that I would love to join you!

Can I ask where you found the psyllium husk or powder?

I am not sure what it was as I didn't pay the bill, and we had two bottles of wine, but adding up everything we had and assuming for a couple off menu items the food total without tax seems to be around $220 ish and that was enough for 4 people. So really reasonable. And yes cheese no dessert, and we didn't have what was considered a main entree from the menu except the suckling pig.

Me too, I didn't realizeI could vote for multiple dates but can make multiple dates. But I don't have a delete my vote option, either.

Agreed, I am much more excited about eating in his restaurant after this season than his last, his food looked really good. But I am glad Richard won, now make that restaurant happen!!!! I didn't get to watch the aftershow thing my dvr cut off, who won fan favorite?

Last night my family had a really wonderful night, all thank to Dave Pressley who is just a wonderful guy. It was my brother's birthday and we booked a reservation at Aredo+Bardeo. Dave offered to have Chef Nate cook for us just whatever, so we said go for it! What then happened was a level of gluttony only held back by the size of our stomachs. We had a couple rounds of small bites and I am sure in the insane stupper of gluttony that I am still in that I will not be able to remember all we had, but I will try: We started with all the small bites on the menu: pork belly skewers with pineapple- really well balanced little bites, Smashed and fried fingerling potato topped with steak and some creme fraiche- I love the potato bite underneath with the steak, disco fries- I love these fries, onion strings with their burger sauce which makes me want to go back for a burger like now, and a flatbread that I didn't try, but looked good. Next round we had all the charcuterie except the foie gras: Chicken liver mousse that rivals the faux gras and rillettes at Central the flavor was just fantastic, homemade mini bagel with lox and cream cheese, I didn't eat the bagel, but liked the rest, homemade mini english muffins with egg and ham and Tabasco, crispy head cheese with fried egg and lardons was fantastic I loved this, the head cheese had awesome flavor and the crispiness gave it great texture that I think would make it more accessible, it was really good. Another big winner was the Bresola with horseradish potato salad, the potato salad was fantastic and spicy, I really loved it, I will have to try to make a version of it at home, the bresola was really flavorful, it was a great bite. Then we had the scallop schnitzel which again I really liked the flavors, the balance between the sweet scallop and salad and the crispy texture just balanced well, mozarella farm egg and house bacon was good, I really liked the homemade mozarella it was firm but so soft and smooth. Ceasar salad with gnocchi that I loved, I would never have thought to put gnocchi in the salad, but it was good, we also had this chicken soup with hominy and green chile broth that OMG had amazing Mexican flavors with lime and veggies and avacado, today with all the dreary weather I wish I had a whole bowl of it, it was so fresh and flavor packed. I know there had to be one more plate in that course but I can't for the life of me remember it. We then had pastas: the oxtail ravioli with brown butter sage was really delicate, but very savory, the lobster with whole wheat spaghetti was a little sweet I think because of the squash, but done really well; the rabbit bolognese was a favorite the pasta was fantastic and the bolognese was so flavorful, the pork cacciatore was another favorite, the black pepper fettucine was really good. I was in fall off the wagon gluten heaven, but I was good and only ate a couple bites of the pastas and then ate braised leg of suckling pig with grits and black eyed peas, I loved the dish, the black eyed peas had a strong flavor int he dish, but I love black eyed peas, this was a dish that just made my Southern heart happy. We couldn't do any more at that point and finished with some cheese, some on the list, some not- our favorite was this purple haze a chevre with lavender and something else which was really good. It was the crowd favorite, but all of them were really good. At this point we were all too full for dessert. But it was amazing and so much fun. My family loves eating bites of everyone's stuff and getting to try a lot of things so this was perfect for them. And it makes me want to go back for more of the menu as so many things just knocked it out of the park. The chicken liver mousse and bresola with the potato salad and green chile broth soup and black eyed pea and suckling pork are all things I am still thinking about today. Thank you Dave and Nate and everyone at Ardeo + Bardeo it was awesome!!!

I guess then the title important announcement is very subjective...

Looking at this thread- I am to Punk's as Dan is to American Flatbread I suppose. I had another great meal here two weekends ago. I took my Mom and friend Maria. I had a steak skewer with side of potato salad. The steak skewers were well seasoned and cooked, not tough and still juicy. Served with a nicely dressed plate of greens which I liked. I liked the salsa and cream served with it, the cream was actually quite addictive. As normal I loved the potato salad. I normally don't really like potato salad at all and I can't really figure out why I am so addicted to this one.

Mom and I skipped our normal breakfast at Regina's in West Annapolis as she wanted me to try this place. We went in and the place although minimally decorated was clean and comfortable and very family friendly, but not in an overwhelming way. They have a really nice menu of breakfast items. Benedicts, Omlettes, Frittatas, Pancakes and etc. They can substitute egg beaters and egg whites. It is just pretty much normal breakfast, but not too expensive and lots of egg options. But Annapolis needs that. I had an egg white omlette with crab, avacado, tomato and swiss. Although it had too much swiss, it wasn't incorporated in, so I could just pull off what I didn't want. Other people probably like the cheese, I just don't like very much on an omlette. But the omlette was cooked really well, nice and fluffy. Breakfast potatoes were normal, but good. Service was prompt and efficient. All in all it was a good breakfast, and I like that the menu has more and less healthy things, in a nice balance. Quick in and out, but it seemed other people were lingering without a hassle which was nice. This place is kind of hidden up by the Petsmart where Lemongrass Too is. Anyway it is a nice breakfast alternative, especially if you don't want brunch.

Went here on Friday night. Had the fried chicken with papaya salad- the fried chicken was good, crispy, well flavored, the batter tasted like it had a little five spice in it. I really enjoyed it. Papaya salad was good, although I like some other versions a little better. This one had a good bit of peanut and wasn't quite as crispy. We had started with meatballs and duck rolls. I liked the meatballs- bad for you in a great way. The duck rolls were too sweet and not crunchy enough for me. Hubby got basil fried rice I think it was. It was spicy, but really really good. We both liked this a lot, spicy, but kind of like comforting. We didn't order anything very outgoing, we were just in a mood to have something familiar, but a little different from normal. But it was good. This is one of those places we could go and get something different, but can also bring picky eaters and everyone is happy and likes the vibe.

Was at District Taco on Sunday- as I had eggs and potatoes the day before so I went for normal tacos, although the breakfast ones looked great. I got one chicken two steak with grilled veggies, cheese and lettuce. I then judiciously added a mix of mild and hot salsa from the bar to each taco. AND I got the corn tortillas which were very good. While the chicken was good, I just really like their steak tacos. But I love the tacos here. I want to take my brother and his LA loving Wife here because I think she will love the vibe (and I am trying to convince them to buy their new house in VA so....). There was a steady stream of customers the whole time we were there, and I am so happy to see this place busy. I wish I could buy a whole jar of their salsa, I really like the flavor. I just like that the meat has great flavor and tastes so freshly grilled. The veggies are crisp, the tortillas are good. Everything just tastes fresh and good like it was made with care, even just a simple taco. And the salsa bar is really a nice thing to have. Next time I am only getting two tacos so I can also get chips. Hubby had a huge smothered burrito which he seemed to like. I am not a big fan of smothering a burrito, but I don't eat burritos anymore anyway. Their burrito is enormous though. Oh and if you are ordering tacos make sure to have them punch a card for you they add up quick and after ten you get a free one!

I bet New Heights would be very easy to work with too.

I think that DanielK and some other people have had very good luck getting Antonio Burrell to do something a bit special on request and a little notice, and I think there may be some info on here about requesting that type of thing, but I can't remember. Might be worth a call.

And LT has some really non-offending dishes like Roast Chicken, which is why I thought of it. I can eat with even very picky eaters there.

What about Lebanese Taverna? I am not sure if they have a private room or not, though.

I really love molecular gastronomy because I think it is fun. And I have had some really tasty dishes. And Hubby thinks it is too cool and enjoys it. But I am ok with the fact that I may be in the minority on that. I think I tend to like the fun aspect of food perhaps more than other people. But I actually remember bites I have had of things years later. I guess I am just odd, wouldn't be the first time. But I don't think it is going to change the way people eat or save the world in any way. I think it is just one of many styles of cooking.

Lperry you are such an invaluable new asset. Thank you so much for your postings! They are incredibly helpful and just cheer me up to read.

Bakeshop ones are very very good! They are in my final two of cupcakes too!!

Wanted to note that Barrel Oak Winery is super dog friendly. And kid friendly too. I can't really remember how much I liked the wine, I had a bit too much at that point, I remember it wasn't awful though.

Went to Trummer's on Main for brunch. And while the wait staff was professional and the food was outstanding, there were a few hiccups. First off there were several items on the cocktail menu not available. I understand this happens, busy nights, things get ordered, but as there were only 4-5 options, it would have been nice to have offered a substitution or something. Then the drinks were slow to come, as was my iced tea, and subsequent refills on it and waters. Everyone at the table really enjoyed the bread basket and I think a lot of thought was put into the scones and biscuits offered. The Fried Green Tomato starter was exceptional, I loved the fried encasing, which was light but stood firm and didn't get soggy. The tomato compote, goat cheese and reductions all melded so well so that you had the slightly sour tomato, sweet tomato compote, goat cheese and balsamic all balancing nicely. With a lot of nice textures. Hubby scarfed down his smoked salmon, so it must have been good. The shrimp and grits entree was equally good. Very fresh and well cooked shrimp, excellent creamy and flavorful grits, nice sauce, it was just so good, and not too fancy or modern for my Southern heart. But really well executed. Again Hubby's steak and eggs looked good, he scarfed them down. (Our friends had our same two entrees and starters) I love the space and there was a decent crowd, but shouldn't have been overwhelming. I would go back in a heartbeat, but hope they get the service really down, because food like that should not be let down by lack of easy service things like water and ice tea and beverages being brought. Our waiter though was very pleasant and nice.