LauraB

The East Dupont location (17th & P) closed quite some time ago, so this should be removed from the Multiple Locations index.

This placed closed in January.

I did not know that about SB County, but then I haven't been back there since I was an infant! I've been to South Mountain Inn numerous times, even had Thanksgiving Dinner there one year in the 90s -- our server was the son of some of our closest friends -- it was that kind of place. I can't say the food was ever great, but the ambience was evocative of a certain time and place. Sorry, don't know anything about "Lovers Lane." Do tell.

I was born in San Bernardino, CA and between then and when I was 5 years old we lived in 14 different locations (!), including Balboa Island, CA and Jackson Heights, NY. My parents then settled in Palos Verdes, CA and I lived there until I graduated from high school. Went to UCLA for undergrad, during which time I spent my junior year in France, where I had my first exposure to real food and wine, resulting in a life-long love affair with great food. Then went to Duke University for graduate school and lived in Durham, NC for 3 years, it was a sleepy southern town at the time. I became acquainted with hushpuppies and Brunswick stew and iced coffee and Carolina BBQ, cooked in the middle of the woods and live blues and cheap beer flowed while the Q was cooking. Left from there for Europe where I spent a year in Bregenz, Austria on the Bodensee, at the intersection of Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, where I fell in love with Kaesespaetzle and Leberkaese Semmel. Then moved to West Berlin for a few years, commuting between there and Amsterdam. Upon returning to the US I lived in San Francisco for 2 years (Cow Hollow) and finally realized that, despite having grown up on the West Coast, I much preferred the East Coast. Moved to Washington DC and lived in and around DC (including Takoma Park/Silver Spring) before moving to small-town, rural Maryland, Myersville/Wolfsville in Frederick County where I spent a lot of years. Began making my way back to DC by moving into "˜town,' Frederick, MD, for a couple of years before moving to Rockville, MD and then, finally, back to DC (Logan Circle). Next stop, who knows?

Wondering if this is Crane & Turtle? I know C&T could be thought of as an Asian restaurant, as many of their dishes are Asian. However, they are not your typical ramen joint, as many dishes are more French-influenced.

I've made her recipe and I definitely agree with her stance on dressings -- I like mine acidic and not sweet. I've been making my own simple vinaigrette for probably more than twenty years and it fits her definition. It contains 5 simple ingredients: EVOO, lemon juice, garlic mashed with salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The usual ratio of oil to vinegar/lemon juice is 2/3 to 1/3. I increase the acidic portion to achieve that tart note she's talking about.

Amanda Hesser.

Just an FYI that Quality Discount Tire moved down the street a few months ago. Their new address is: 4111 Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD. Phone number is the same. I haven't been to the new location as I sold my car after moving into DC, but I hear that it's much more spacious, so presumably the waiting room is more comfortable as well. Laura

The Pretzel Bakery

Give me Little Willie John's version any day over Peggy Lee's. Honestly, I've never understood why Peggy Lee's version was so popular. To me, there's just no soul in it. Every note is so clipped. This song begs for more fire and passion.

To the Moderators: I think that Charlottesville deserves its own thread. A lot of us in DC spend a fair amount of time there and it's just not all that far away. And, some of us may be moving there in the not-too-distant-future....

Somewhere in Fiji....

Pitmasters Back Alley BBQ

None of us have eaten here because it's carryout from a barbecue place that you're serving in your kitchen.

Old Ebbit Grill?

I had the same thought, that these dishes looked like they were from different restaurants. However, the dishes they're plated on are identical. So, either Rocks has managed to find two different restaurants with the identical tableware, OR, they're from the same restaurant. I also thought the first plate was chicken, but wasn't sure about the topping -- looked like fried scallions, but onions would work. Agree completely with your description of the 2nd dish. The plating alone suggests that this is a mid-to lower-tier restaurant -- the plates almost remind me of a cafeteria.

^I second the bar at Iron Gate! Also, the bar at Corduroy is a really nice, intimate venue and you can have their incredible $30 bar deal (3 courses, all from the regular menu) for $30 (you might want to check if they're offering the deal on Valentine's Day). I haven't been in a long time, but the bar at Fiola used to be a favorite place.

So, it's not a root. Is it fried cucumbers?

It's a goat cheese mousse

I'm stumped on this one. A good friend and I are having lunch next week and she has requested that we go somewhere 'with good salads.' Salad isn't exactly what I'm craving in mid-February. My first thought was that we get carryout salads from the Sweetgreen 3 blocks from me and eat at my house. I'm hoping you all can suggest a better plan. It needs to be in DC. Thanks!

Soi 38?

The best part of this news? They will be taking reservations!

Don, my post was a year ago and whatever the problem was, it has long since resolved (I was not using an iPad, although I have one). I have to say, I kind of miss this game!

Did you go?

Breaking news: Brian Williams is "taking a few days off." Lester Holt will substitute. Sounds like the beginning of the end for Brian.