jayandstacey

In, gaithersburg location ideal. BTW, if a year ago you said "hey, come on by, we're going to conduct a tour of the inside of the soda machine" I'd have told you to step away from the crack pipe. I still might

My wife and I had a spirited discussion that went like this: "How could a 100 best list have 24 incoming and 23 outgoing places?" (page 71) "Maybe when they first lined up the lists, side-by-side, the fonts were different, making them look the same length" "Maybe Black's Bar and Kitchen isn't really on the list, but they pushed it in there because they forgot a caption for the picture above" "Maybe 100 is really just a loose target" "Maybe one place ate another during the year." "Maybe honeybadger just doesn't care"

In my ceaseless quest to understand society's psychology, I offer two guesses as to what might be driving this compulsive behavior: 1. A quest for fame: Photo montages that span very long periods of time, say a pic of someone's face every day for 20 years...are popular on youtube and around the internet. 2. To satisfy the collecting bug: Many people like to collect things, some are hoarders, some are neat - but many collect something. Collecting photos of meals can be compulsive and is easy/cheap. When that bug strikes, it is particularly strong when going out to eat, as that is (presumably) more of a "special" meal, thus more worthy of documentation. No, an existing picture of the dish from the internet won't do - it must of the actual plate they ate from.

Unless he makes money at it, in which case it may be brilliant. Others have done well on stupider business models

Like with so many things in life, communication is key. If a restaurant doesn't appear to have a policy and I'm discreet about taking a picture , then yeah, I'm pissed if I'm kicked out. But if a restaurant has a policy and communicates it, whatever it is, then I respect that and know the game before I go. Its the surprises that happen from a lack of communication that are the root of many problems.

Yes but at the same time, there's ongoing desire for specials (mention DR.com and get....) and the want of restaurants to have us join in (wear a crazy Christmas sweater and we'll recognize you...) That's the slippery slope I was pointing to - that it takes two to tango and that we all sometimes play that game along with the restaurant. No one would ever pay for the card unless these things happened in the restaurant business. Sometimes two tables can order the same thing and get two different experiences/checks. Not all restaurants are like this. And I'm not saying the card isn't absurd, as it is. But what circumstance led to the invention of such a thing? Would such a card work in home depot / lowes? No. They don't really care about reviews, they run a different kind of business. But they WILL treat a contractor (heavy buyer) a bit differently than a DIY'er. So I bet that somewhere out there is someone advising how to 'work the system' and get the Lowes contractor treatment. It isn't right but it is a child of the times.

I share the fascination and the nature of my work, and having had JDs on my staff in the past, requires I know some of this stuff. I'm not, however, a JD. My one cents: Such protections come in the form of patents, trademarks and copyrights. Food is subject to none of those things. An owner might make the case that the character was defamed or there was libel if a pic is published- but, really, no jury would buy that, nor should they. What (I believe) it comes down to is the action of photography on the private property - does the owner wish to not allow photography in exchange for remaining on the property? To stretch the point by assuming there was some protection for restaurant owners: Let's say an owner pushed to not allow photography because they somehow owned the rights to the visual representation of their art - how far does that extend? If I do carry-out - am I not allowed to take the picture of my food once inside my house and eating it? It seems impossibly hard to define/enforce - especially in today's instagram world. Interestingly, art works, such as paintings, do in fact have such protections. So for instance, just because I buy a poster of a Picasso work for $6.99 - doesn't mean I can copy that poster and print it myself for resale - someone (Picasso family?) owns that right and all the benefits (commissions) that come from that work. Do some chefs believe their dishes are works of art? I suppose, and I wouldn't argue against them. But the law doesn't view a darn fine burger the way it does a darn fine painting. Any real JD's with input?

No, by "right" I mean right to possess. Like a car - when I buy a car and get a loan, I get the right to possess. (There's probably a legal term for that). Once I pay off the car I then outright own the car. Regardless (possess or own) I still must follow the rules of wherever I take that car - so different states have different rules for instance. If I pull my car onto someone else's property, I'm generally at the property owner's mercy as to what I can or can't do. (within some reason, for instance they can't dictate that I break a law with my car). So a restaurant owner could have any rules like no licking, no smearing, etc. Of course, it would be impossible to cover all the "shall nots", so instead they just retain a blanket right to kick out anyone they want, for almost any reason. (some laws trump this, for instance, certain discrimination is illegal) Back into the center of the topic, I kind of like the idea of a small (separate) staging area where photo taking is allowed. It is a way of saying "no pictures" yet accommodating those that insist on taking pictures. I also wonder how many places have that big a problem that they ended up with this solution. Is this a major issue? I don't see it much in my local Waffle House

Understanding your caveats - The restaurant is private property and thus the owner can have any such conditions...No soup for you! Purchasing the food only gives the diner the right to the food - not to take photos or do jumpingjacks or any other action if the owner doesn't want them. Besides (and this is only marginally relevant) - when the food is delivered, it usually still isn't paid for.

One other note - this appeals to the most basic of human wants, the want to feel appreciated. I imagine that some people write reviews with an eye toward becoming the "powerful critic" who is feared city-wide. They probably know that's a pipe dream but yearn to have their efforts recognized. Yet it never really happens - why would it? So they buy into what may become a standardized way to telegraph their intentions. "Hey, I'm going to post my experience. I'm not so concerned about helping others (as reviews were originally intended to do) but want to jump right to the goodies - the critic-king if you will. So here's my card, at a minimum know that I'm a critic, as you are the one most likely to care, if anyone does." Which I'm sure gets to Don's hatred of this...the hostage aspect of it. It will fail under that weight. This guy will make a few $1000, go back to marketing more dental offices and look for his next pot of gold. He invented Facebook after all

I dunno, I see this as kind of harmless. Before y'all jump on me - consider that anyone who buys such a card is pretty wrapped up in their sense of themselves and their entitlement. NYC seems to have a healthy amount of such people and they certainly exist other places. BUT>>>>> This is a two-way street. There seem to be plenty of places that offer favorable treatment - to known critics, to celebrities, etc. This card is a kind of lame attempt to join that crowd. So is it the card (holder)'s fault? or the places that offer lavish treatment for VIPs? The optimist in me thinks that in the long run, the successful places will be those, like Dino's, that treat schleps like me with as much charm and service as (seemingly) anyone else. My inclination (as with most of you) is that I'd want to avoid places that would cower to such a card as much as I'd want to avoid those bearing one. There's a whole world out there of velvet ropes and doorman tips; VIP lounges, champagne and running tabs. That world has some who feed into it and some who feed from it. This guy is on the taking side and he's probably just fine with this kind of attention. It highlights how "his people" are different from the commoners who sneer at such things.

You're welcome! Nando Peri-Peri and BGR are about the only two places I want to eat in Rio. I end up at Joe's, Julio's and CPK because the kids would riot if we didn't go occasionally... I see a British Pub is coming soon to Rio. I'll have to check that out when it does. I'll put Burma on my list as well. Batik has a nice bento-box lunch deal and is pretty fast. Parking is in the back. Vasillis and Pasha are around the corner from Batik and just a little more formal, both also good for lunch. Growler's has lots of seating and has been experimenting with the menu - they can shine at times, though I can't imagine going and not getting a beer. (I likewise can't imagine getting a beer at lunch while at work) Roy's Place is just different from all the rest. It's one part scary, one part funny and one part nostalgic - by the time you wrap your head around those aspects the food part isn't too critical. I've heard the big project next to Rio has already landed some tenants but they are all chains. My hope is they leave some spaces for Mom and Pops. Also worth a shot is Quench over by Cava (once you've been to Cava, of course). I still haven't really made up my mind about this place but from a food aspect there is thought and effort behind what they are doing.

To sumarize the (my) current Gaithersburg highlights: Non-chain favorites: - Le Palais: Country French, formal, $$$$, very good - Batik: Fusion Asian/dumplings, casual, $ - Roy's Place: Funky old-school sandwiches, very casual, $$ - Growler's Pub: Brew Pub, changing menu, casual, $$ - Vasilis: Greek, nice casual, $$$ - Pasha: Moroccan, nice casual, $$$ Local chain favorites: - Cava Mezze, Greek tapas, nice casual, $$$ (north potomac?) - Moby Dick, Persian, casual counter service, $$ - Coal Fire Pizza, casual, $$ As mentioned above, there are other places serving various 'exotic' cuisines but I don't really know enough about them to say what's good or not. I *think* I'll also take Italian Pines over Il Porto - but have to do a head-to-head comparison one of these days.

Closed. You never forget your first Peking Duck.

This sends me through the roof..a real raw nerve. Of course there are worse things in life but I once directly overheard something like this myself regarding my daughter and I nearly lost it right there in the restaurant. I just typed out the whole incident here and that made me feel better. But the details don't matter. Generally, I'm glad to see this article. We could use more civility and understanding; maybe someone thinks twice before being a similar jackass. I do fear, however, that this article exposes to the parents the fact that someone did say such a thing...and while the world is like that and they'll hear it from time to time...I can tell you that every such incident is like another needle jab and the sting never lessens.

It may not be cool to post multiple times on one place...but it has been almost 3 years... Not long after my postings above I bought a house near Batik and have been back to eat maybe...I dunno...25 times or more. Such a neat place and still going strong. My last trip included a plate of Mee Goreng (an Indonesian version of Chow Mein) that was wonderfully subtle - not the overpowering sugary taste that often comes with most peanut sauces, in fact I forgot it even had peanut sauce. The plate was enough for dinner and a late night snack. The online menu doesn't show it, but they offer a vegetarian version with a nicely done tofu. One of the really nice things about this place is enjoying meat-free dishes without feeling like you're limited to the 'side' dishes. The spicy mushroom soup was very interesting with almost a slow-cooker pot roast vibe...with a hot oil zing. Delicious and not like any soup I've had before. But here's the thing - this is a great neighborhoody place, the kind I'd drive very far out of my neighborhood to visit if I had to. It is nicely decorated but not heavy handed on the guests (everything is very relaxed; no dress code or fanciness). I have favorites on the menu yet continue to find excellent other options - my standbys are the Basil Chicken and the Bulgogi. The sweet green tea is simple but addicting. And the prices make the place worthy of any night of the week. And they are really consistent on every front - service, quality and other aspects. Batik may not top anyone's list of the best whatevers...yet I feel EXTREMELY fortunate to have such a place so convenient to me.

My basement - 1 so far. The bar in the old Jenkin's Hill on Capitol Hill, now the Pour House - that was a REALLY long bar. I haven't been in the building in decades. Is it still there? Any chance it is longer than the others?

Or here or here or here, all of which are a 90 minute drive from Gaithersburg (in 3 different directions) and will let in a car load of people for a few bucks to watch a movie on some of the largest movie screens in the world. But that part where it rises like slow missle from the ground - that part is kinda cool.

It is luxuriously luxurous.

You mean the Karmann Ghia-looking thing? Eh, not important per se - but pretty cool. To buy that TV = about $650,000. The 356 Speedster = about $50,000, maybe $100,000 in top shape. I'm not sure which could - resell for more - provide more fun - cost more in repairs and upkeep. But I do know I'm not actually in the market for either right now.

The writer is connected to Monk's Kettle in San Francisco. Loved my meal there though I don't recall what I ate. Neat place.

Comes with a chilled bottle of wine: http://www.cseed.tv/design/movie.html My birthday is coming up and if no one buys one for me, I may need to buy one for myself.

Oh, I agree. And its precisely that balance (or imbalance if you will) that works and allows people not to care. I'm not saying it is good or right, rather that it is somewhat unique and appears to be working frighteningly well. (maybe it isn't, maybe it won't.) I was in Chipotle last week for the first time in a while last week. The menu board said something like "the beef is hormone free (when we can get it)" - so, they kind of get the credit for the effort, but they aren't so committed as to ever say to someone "sorry, we couldn't get the hormone free beef, so w can't serve you". And I'd say that the general population is fine with that. 1% will demand hormone-free beef and will refuse a dish if they can't get it. For them, some restaurants will be that discerning and they'll frequent those restaurants while taking the risk of inconsistency. For the other 99%, "hey, we like the effort - do it all you can, that's great - but don't be out of stuff or raise your prices too much." I think that's the appeal here. It is deceptive in some ways. Maybe their biggest risk is if they're ever "outed" and someone comes along with a more committed answer while providing mass consistency.

Fun indeed! I think this is the magic combination, you hit it right on the head. My expectations were set via things like the factory tour of the Cabot cheese HQ in Vermont and various Lancaster County, PA type tours/restaurants. My expectations include straw/hay, lack of temperature regulation, dirt in high places, etc. Yes, maybe there's awesome cheese somewhere after all the 'out of my element' experience, but there's a lot of country to experience before getting to the awesome cheese. I don't mind pulling out the old sneakers once in a while, but for most meals, no. Instead, the experience is... all the benefit of the farm and supporting the farmer... but none of the straw or dirt or cold drafts. The resturaunt turns out to be as clean / modern / professional as the best of them. Combined also with none of the "better than thou" pretense of celebrity chefs and adventurous menus - and you have the perfect storm. I think we have it figured out; how they've figured it out. Just wish I thought of it first The downtown location had people pressed against the glass, inside waiting for their tables, at 2pm on a Saturday...they've certainly struck a nerve.

Agreed! I don't mean to say there's anything particularly bad about it. In fact, I think any restaurant that succeeds these days must have SOMEthing going for it, and when I've been, I've enjoyed some good meals - service, ambiance and food all considered. Their secret, I believe, is that they play up the 'support the local farmer' aspect but are very careful NOT to over-commit to the point where failures happen. So what does FF guarantee? An experience like at any Clyde's, which is to say a polished staff in a nice, big place and a well-rounded, widely-appealing menu. They will get their food from local sources when possible, but I'm confident that when push comes to shove, they'll buy where they can to keep the place going against their promise. THAT is a winning formula, as that way the diner never really sacrifices. Family Meal in Frederick is somewhat similar but with a focus first on preparation. This means a few things that FF is not: 1- The menu at Family Meal is, right off the bat, more adventurous than some would like. 2- There will be times when the Family Meal standard will not be compromised; at a small cost to the diner. (For instance, if the marshmallow in the milkshake gets a little too burnt from the torch, they will dump it and start over...meaning the diner waits a bit longer for their shake.) Family Meal seems to be succeeding as well, but FF seems to strike a better balance in the two (commitment vs popularity) and has the advantage of starting from scratch (over, say a Bob Evans chain which may begin to tout localvorism, but just won't get many converts). I may never own a restaurant. Yet I find this fascinating. Having seen some of the customer reaction to this place, I'd love to be an investor and I suspect we may be seeing the beginnings of an impressive empire.