Chris Cunningham

Your friend said exactly what he thought about the meal, yet it seems that with your comment, a meal in his mind went from good to unremarkable I think all you did, was to knock the wind out of his sails. This is not a personal attack on you, rather I would just like to show a prime example of opinion-whick is individual to us all. I know you eat out often and post alot here, but what do you expect from every meal that you eat out- a band to be playing at the conclusion?

Two people can sit down together and have the same exact meal, and these two people can have two polar opposite experiences within their own mind and own perceptions of this meal. This is a fact of life. There is no explaining this phenomenon called personal opinion. It's like a wine. If you like wine X but a "wine professional" tells you that it is not a good wine, and eventhough you really enjoyed it, you change your opinion because of their comment--you my friend are a sheep, and deserve to be led to the slaughter. Here is a fact: If you like it, it is good. The same holds for food as well. Yes, one can educated themselves by trying different wines and foods to better increase their culinary threshold and have better experiences, but do any of us eat"extaordinarily" each meal....No we don't. Each and every meal is not a mind-blowing, life alternating experience for most of us. And even if you ate at Citronelle or Per Say every night for a month, you would not find everything perfect and to your liking, and I guarantee, that you will grow bored with it. I know more about wine and booze than most people I meet(it is my proffesion) However, I am never going to scoff or burst someone's bubble when they said that they enjoyed so and so wine/gin..I will offer them something that I think is better in order to expand their horizons and give them another experience. I think most people on this board have realist expectations with regards to their meals in a variety of establishments, and all these opinions, including mine, are just that:OPINIONS So go forth and enjoy being alive and being able to eat out.

Honestly, any place that serves waffles and chinese food really does deserve to close. Yea, I don't think I hear any sobs out there

On a date and in the mood for pizza last night, I decided to go to Comet. Walked in and was greeted by James and took a tour of the spot. Sat down and got the 411 from our server on what is arguably one of the most simple menu's around. Your choices are pizza( red or White) and salad. I ordered both salads and a white pizza with peperoni and a red pie with smoked mozzarella and merguez sausage. I had a Victory draft and my date had a glass of Chianti. Only other red choice was a primitivo. I love simplicity at times and I think for what it is, it works for this restaurant. However, I would like to have some other choices for apps beyond a salad. I can respect their decision to limit the menu, and if that is the way they want to do it, then I will abide by their rules. The pizzas came out hot and crispy. I thought that they were quite good and did not run into any soggy or topping deficient areas. Yes the pies are individual in size, but they are quite good and filling. Service was great and would definately return.

Went on a date to Bebo last monday and had quite an enjoyable time. Got there around 8:00 for a reservation, and seemed to be fairly full at that time for a monday. Saw Roberto and spoke with him for a few minutes and then sat down. Took a while initially to get situated, as I was interested in both my date and looking at the menu and wine list. Bread was served, but not with olio and I could not find the wine by the glass to save my life. Ordered a bottle of Dolcetto and started with the Lardo and the fried Mozzarella with anchovy sauce. The sausage was spectacular and the beef carpacio was more like steak tartare in its presentation, but quite good. Fried cheese is fried cheese, so always a winner. Then had the Canneloni and the veal-both of which were really good and fairly priced. Portions were perfect as well. Finished with a desert sent by Roberto that was like a baked Alaska(can't quite remember the name-but god was it good). Dinner was $125.00 and I can't wait to return and try the pizza and other dishes.

I have been to Chutzpah on several occasions within the past 3 months. While I agree that there is a huge hole for a good deli within this area, Chutzpah is not that bad. I have enjoyed all the sandwiches that I have had from there, and their picles are top notch, both the new pickles and the full sours. The corned beef is tasty and the bread is passable. As for the Matzoh soup, I do agree that one could literally go bowling with it and/or use it as a projectile. The service can be quite frustrating even when there are only 3 tables that have customers. Overall, much better than most in the area, but I believe that Morty's in Tenlytown, offers the best of everything in this area.

Obviously, I am a bit biased when it comes to eating at the bar as I have been working and running them for 15 years, but there are pleanty of times that I prefer to eat at the bar, whether I am alone or with a date. Yes, there are times when I prefer the intimacy of a table as ooposed to being on display at the bar, but I feel that if you choose wisely, one can have the best dining experience at the bar. Just as the server should make it his/her goal to give you the best personal service possible, I strongly believe that a exceptional bartender will go over and above to make your experience unique. Sometimes, there are just many more perks and if they have alick of sense, can read you and make suggestions or choices for you. It is a much more personal experience, especially if you are a regular of the establishment. I have a knack for remembering most everybody that I have served, especially women , but when I get new guests, I want them to feel at home and really inform them about the menu and beverages. There have been plenty of times where guests cannot get a table and are offered the bar and they have the reaction. I love to change their opinion and convert them towards the light. The intamacy of my current bar-7 seats allows for that, as opposed to larger bars that sometimes will not. When I dined at Yanyu years ago, I remarked that I could never work such a tiny bar. Well, while I long for 7 more seats(possibly by restructuring the current wall) I love my current real estate as it allows for a very communal feel, as well as a perfect poker table. One concept that I am begining to offer is the ability to reserve the bar for your dinner. I have booked 5 parties already and basically the bar is yours for you and 6 of your friends. Just as you reserve a table in the dining room, The chef and I will create a tasting menu for you and your party. Cocktails and apps will begin the event and then the chef will prepare special items that I will then pair with wine. The cost is from $55-85 per person depending upon the menu and wines. If you are interested, please call me at the restaurant.

Sometimes, that is exactly what one wants for the hell of it...Let me know where and when you set up your hand cranker and I'll gladly show up to try it

Just returned from 4 great days in New Orleans. Lots of food and drink, little sleep, and spending a small fortune, but worth every penny. Here is a quick rundown of the places I sampled. Acme Oyster House NOLA-Emerils place Court of Two Sisters Tujagues Bourbon House Cafe du Monde Galatoires Jacques-Imo's cafe The Highlights - I was with a group of about 12 people who met down there to just party and have a good time. Two of the group are my best two friends from Dallas, the rest of the group were friends of theirs that I had never met, but after all the food and drinks, we have bonded and one stunning girl from the group is seriously making me contemplate moving to Dallas In any event, she is my date for my friends Charity Bll on New Years Eve....On to the food Tujagues is the second oldest restaurant in N O. I joined 4 lovely ladies as the only lucky male in the group to be treated to a meal as the guests of the owner; Steve Latter. One of the girl's in the group is a travel writer and is doing a piece on N O and we were treated to a complimentary meal. WE started with The SIX COURSE TABLE D' Hote menu- Shrimp Remoulade Corn and Crab Soup Crawfish Gumbo Beef Brisket with creole sauce-served over bread with a spicy horseradish sauce-Unbelievable A fish dish-sorry can't remember but was great A Meat dish- Same as above, can't remember but think it was pork As an added bonus, Steve served us a dish that is never printed on the menu, but can be verbally requested by those in the know It was a smothered/baked chicken pieces covered in potatoes, garlic and onion. This is not to be missed Finished with bread pudding and pecan pie NOLA Stuffed chicken wings with hoisin dipping sauce Wood oven roasted black mussels with chardonnay, Roasted garlic-reggianno parm Bisque with basil pesto Wood oven roasted veal chop with smothered collard green-potato gratin and tchoupitoulas sauce White chocolate-bananas foster bread pudding Galatoire's Shrimp Gumbo Oysters en Brochette Poisson Meuniere Amandine-sauteed filet of Copia with brown butter, lemon and red wine vinegar Jacques-Imo's Cafe Shrimp and alligator cheese cake Fried oysters Amberjack Provencal Shrimp etoufee Cafe du Monde Bengeits and the greatest Coke in the world(that morning) Bourbon House I will be honest, this place was not the greatest with regards to service and food quality. Gumbo and Po Boy was okay, bread is to die for, served in its own bag. Crowning achievment-7 different bourbons to make up for weak service and passable food. Its a pretty restaurant and huge as well, but the bourbons during lunch basically killed any brain cells I had for that day Acme Oyster House Always a line for this little place, but really feels like the tourist trap it is. Fried oyster/shrimp Po boy and gumbo just kinda there.. would not go back Court of Two Sisters An amazing courtyard to have the best Buffet Brunch I have had in a long time and a beautiful setting(especially when 2 separate tables of a bachelorette party and a wedding party made of over 20 smoking belle's are sitting on either side of you. The eggs benedict, and bacon was what I needed after drinking constantly for over 3 days. I seriously have not drunk as much as i did since college, and I drank everything this weekend-beer, gin, vodka, hurricanes, tequila, wine, champagne and GOD help me....6 yeager bombs in a span of 20 minutes, but i will tell you that this was one of the best trips I have been on and the food was great. I had never been to New Orleans before, but will be going back. In closing, there is one totally fucked up event that took place in the Harrah's casino at 5:30 this morning and that was me placing 5 $500.00 Roulette spins, betting only on the colors, as I was high as a kite. The luck is back in NO becuase I hit each spin on the money-black,red,red,black,red and the 2500 i walked out with just covered the bill for the booze.

Sorry, but I have to reiterate that cat food is far superior to anything churned out from Indigo Landing, so that bar isn't raised very high.

AHHH...I love the smell of napalm in the morning. I think I can't wait to get down there and enjoy what is guranteed to be a unique experience and great drinks.

With regards to the Charleston incident, that female was not even an employeee of the restaurant, she was a friend helping out the restaurant in a pinch. With regards to the incident in Annapolis and the Maitre D' there are two sides to every story, and unless anyone here actually witnessed it, we will never know what truly happened. The guy could have been a total idiot, and the patron a total cheapskate: its a crapshoot and the whole issue could have been blown out of proportion. Bottom line I think those in the hospitality industry should be seen and less heard when performing on the clock, unless the guest invites the interaction. Remember, someone has to be the professional. When your off the clock, talk away about how cheap or rude a guest was, amongst your own, until one of them betrays your trust. If you believe his version, the restaurants actions reflects the sad state of our bullshit politically correct society and having to walk around on eggshells due to lawsuits and whatnot. If the restaurant had the balls to stand by its employee and support him, there would be no issue. They had every choice in the world and made theirs. Would a business have suffered financially like you suggested- probably not, unless the owners were total idiots, with a substandard product, the restaurant would have continued on.( I take that back since most chain restaurants are still in business and you open up one if you really want to make money in this business, rather than get by for a few years till the rent kills you business and drains you financially) This issuse was a race card issue that gets thrown around every day if you don't watch what and how you say things. With regards to firing people, especially in DC, do you know how ridiculously hard it can be? Race, gender, sexual-orientation- all off limits and will be thrown back in your face with any penny-ante attorney representing an employee who actually gets fired because they actually suck at their job. Ultimately, its getting so complicated to live in this country, watching what and how you say something to someone and being afraid of getting sued for looking at someone the wrong way or hurting their feelings. Did you hear the one about giving trophy's to all the little league teams, so their feelings would'nt be hurt? Or Not just giving RED stars in school, because little johnny would be traumatized if he did'nt get a colored star similar to our nations threat level color coded chart signifying a mediocre job. WE reward incompetence so that someone won't file a lawsuit or have their feelings hurt. As a result, we are slowing becoming a nation of pussies, where the freedom of speech is slowly becoming just the opposite. I now give my soapbox back to those brave individuals who actually express an opinion and aren't afraid of saying that their server was not that good. Godspeed and bless little SURI-HOLMES-CRUISE-

[M']

Having grown up enjoying Calhoun's hams, I have to sing the praises of this ham genius. His hams are hands down the best around. However, it is his incredible ham biscuits-3 sizes all on fresh yeast rolls, and his country sausage that is to die for. Quite simply the best you will ever have. He is located in Culpepper Virginia, but also every Saturday at the Farmers market in Old Town. He ships his hams UPS . His website is www.calhounhams.com. But go to the farmers market and try the biscuits and sausage an you will be a follower.

Went to Black's with a date for the first time last night. Aside from our 4 1/2 hour stay getting to know each other and having a great time, I really enjoyed the food and decor. The only downside is that the noise level is crazy even though we were only 3 feet apart and felt as though we were shouting at times, but it would not make not want to go back just for that reason. The entrance doors are quite confusing with the faux bamboo/reeds on the glass and temporarily disorient you upon entering. We started with the 03 Talley pinot noir and ordered 1/2 dozen oysters and the grilled lamb tapas special. Then went to the cod fritters with lemon-black pepper aioli, and the goat cheese tartlette with beet tapenade. Then tried the Heirloom tomato gazpacho with crab and celery sorbet. The main course consisited of Black pepper and fennel tuna, while I had the Berskshire pork chop, with fried onion strings and a side of chimichurri for dipping. Dessert was the chocolate trio of fallen souffle tart, panna cotta and ice cream sandwich. All in all this was a great meal, service was very efficient and our waiter was quite patient as we did spent 4 1/2 hours dining. No rush and while I felt a bit bad for leaving at 12:10(we really camped out and enjoyed ourselves-and I did pay the waiter around 11:15, so I guess only the busboys were hoping for my sudden death so they could go home) total bill was $317. plus tip with the 2 bottles of wine. Date was fantastic as was the restaurant. Only downside was the parking ticket I recieved and the birds literally desecrating my newly detailed car with their offerings

RE: New Morrison Clark Inn Review by Tom Seitsema- Three Stars out of Four(due to the oily sheen on the crab bisque not matching the muted tones of the wallpaper! Gosh, Love the Chat's.

On a separate note I am not specifically refering to his review of Jimmy's. I know where I go for steak, but I still might try it sometime and decide for myself. Have you been to Jimmys, experienced it for yourself, or do you plan on ever going?

Sietsema is enamored with certain chefs in Dc. One especially who has 4 restaurants. This chef, while excellent, could serve shit on a plate, topped with a deat rat, and tom would give the dish 4 stars-5 if the hostess was attractive. I am not saying that he is not a passable critic as I personally tend to agree with him at times, just that his opinion is just that: one person's view. Please take it with a grain of salt and just like movies, go see for yourself, because only you can decide. His annoying "love the chat" groupies and less than stellar writing, makes me want to buy him a ticket on Jet Blue back to San Fran-where eveything in roses.

Damn you Michael! Both places closed on my days off.

Was in NewHampshire for several days and tried a few restaurants. The clear winner in Hampton was called Bonta 603-929-7972 287 Exeter Road. Found this restaurant on the way to my hotel and stopped in to look at the menu. Glad I did! The menu changes daily at this superb restaurant. I sat at the bar and watched as some food came up for 4 older golfers enjoying their dinner came out. They went with the bar menu and their burgers and Pizza looked fantastic. They actually gave me a slice of pizza that had a great deep dish crust and tasty toppings. I started with the Spicy beef Spring Rolls- lightly fried with shitake mushrooms and a spicy dipping sauce $12.00. Then I had a half portion of the Maine Lobster Ravioli $10.00, with fennel cream, crispy leeks and truffle essence--superb! My main course was The Local Halibut with a hazelnut crust, wild rice and a side of lobster sauce, $27.00 Some of the best fish that I have ever had. Also got to try SmuttyNose beer which is brewed in Portsmouth, NH and thought the Porter was one of the best I've had. Liked it so much, I just changed all the beers at DINO to include their Porter. Two other notable restaurants on the area include Agave-mexican bistro in Newburyport,MA--reminded me of my old haunt Anadale except with more options. Great tequila list, decent margartitas(biased since I make the best and cool atmosphere in this quiant seaside town.

What are the current hours of operation for RTC? are they open Sunday or Monday?

I went to Indigo Landing last Sunday before a flight out of town. I had never been there, and since it was close to the airport, decided to give it a try. Everyone raves about the view, and it is nice, but is in no way worth the price of admission to this sub standard eatery. This place reminds me of my summer camp mess hall with the interior and furnishings. At $30.00 per person for the Brunch, I have no qualms about paying for decent food, but McDonalds produces a more satisfying experience for an egg McMuffin, hash browns and drink for a few bucks. After an initial game of musical chairs to be seated, we were greeted 10 minutes later by a pleasent enough server who seemed quite flustered. After our drink order and entree order, my date and I went to the buffet area to get started. The spread consisted of bagels,spreads, soup, various salads, cheese cubes, and cubed meats, pastries,crackers and spreads. She opted for the bagel and some spreads on the crackers. I tried the shimp salad- bland with oranges and mayo, the Lobster Bisque-picture pink salt water with cream, a few pieces of smpked salmon,a few spreads on crakers that I cant remember which is just as well, and the macaroni and cheese which was just totally tasteless. After about 25 minutes our mains arrive. Hers-an omelet requested without the ham-arrives piping hot with ham. Me-the eggs Cheseapeke -A heavily breaded/fried crabcake over poached eggs. I was good for about 3 bites of this crap and called it quits. I do have to say that the maple sausage links that I ordered were some of the best I have had-hot and quite flavorful. I was really having second thoughts about the salmon and crab that I had just ingested and had visions of distress on my flight that thankfully proved unfounded. My dates omelet was actually okay with the exception of the ham that she did'nt ask for, and having to fend off the busperson who kept trying to take her fruit plate every 5 minutes. As I was more interested in spending time with my new girl I wrote it off as a place that will never see me for Brunch again. As for trying it for dinner with its other options, I might be game one day, but really see no need to return to this place. There have been very few places that I've been to where the food is truly bland, boring and tastless. Indigo Landing is at the top of this list.

It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that Andale has been shuttered on Monday night. I had the pleasure of opening it when it was originally the Mark, and then we did a complete concept change in Aug of 01 and became Andale. There is no need to go into the details, as we all know the restaurant business is tough. Alison Swope is one of the best Chefs this city has had the pleasure of dining with, and is one of the best people that I know. She will be missed, until she decides what she wants to do next. There were several parties interested in moving into the space, espescially Oyamel. Both the Jaleo and Oyamel Crystal city locations are taking a beating financially due to that location, and are looking to relocate, close or sell, as I understand it. I was told that the owners of Ceviche-wherever that is-was going to move into the Oyamel location, but am not totally confident with my source. Just goes to show that two good concepts, can be the victim of a dicey location, but that's the gamble we take in this business. The new owners of the Andale space are the people who own the Peacock Cafe in Georgetown. I am not sure of their plans with the space. Alison and her cooking will be missed until we are lucky to try her food in her next project.

Appleby's Hell Was out in Chantilly yesterday for the gun show, and my buddy and I were really hungry so we decided to go to Appleby's only because we hoped it would work in a pinch. So go in and get sat, then waiter who might be about 20 comes to table to take order. We ordered the boneless chicken wings, then both got burgers, one coke and one diet coke. When I asked that my burger be cooked medium and with the barbeque sauce on the side, he tells me that he thinks they have to cook it medium-well, but he will check with the manager. As for the buffalo tenders he goes into lenghty explanation of mild vs spicy. I opt for spicy. About five minutes later, he brings the sodas to the table, asking who gets diet-regular, we tell him. About ten minutes later the burgers come to the table. I looked at him and inquired as to the whereabouts of the buffalo tenders. DEER IN THE HEADLIGHT LOOK. Oh, do you guys still want those he asked, n ot quite sure himself. Yes, I say as I ask him for soda refills for both of us. Start in on burger and notice that sauce is on the side, yet also on the burger! My buddy ordered the same burger and got no sauce at all. He surived. Walking dead returns with the sodas only to auction them off. The kid only had 2 tables to deal with. The funny thing was this was kind of enjoyable to experience, with his 2.3 minute responses. Buffalo tenders come out near completion of the burgers and we start eating them. No more than 4 minutes had passed when Keeanu comes back and asked if were done. A simple no is my response, but I'm thinking that this guy is Agraria/Extra Virgin waiter material. Check is dropped about 10 minutes after that and the bill is $25.34 and "I'll take that when your ready" is gladly optioned to us. We throw down $40.00-2 twenty's and take a bet as to whether or not he is going to ask us if we want change. Personally I feel a 60% tip was a bit much, but who am I to question. Sure enough, he picks up the check and asks the million dollar question--" do you guys need change", trying not to either laugh/grab him by the neck and shake him, I just said Yes. It's always a roll of the dice in these places, and the meal was what we expected-decent for what we ordered. He was no Justin Guthrie, but hey, who is.

For one of the best meals I think you will have in the area, I am going to recommend CHarleston in Baltimore. Hands down one the best dining experiences I've had next to Bistro Jaunty in Napa, and Per Say in Ny. The service, the food, and the fact that several hotels are nearby for a continued celebration If you want to stay in Dc, then I would go to Citronelle, if you want Virginia- go to Maestro and enjoy the Ritz after.