Lola007

I had a coconut cream cheese frosted chocolate cupcake today. The frosting was weird - some kind of acidity to it. At first I thought it was maybe the lime in the coconut and the lime juice was in the frosting, but I don't think it was. WEIRD.

I had the same impression. Very weird tasting coconut cream cheese frosting! A friend and I stopped by yesterday for a quick snack. I really liked the yellow cake cupcake, but found the chocolate icing to be a bit too sweet and not chocolatey enough for me. Still, the coconut cream cheese frosted chocolate cupcake was worse. We liked the place, had good service (with a smile , and found the atmosphere cheerful and laidback---all of this in contrast to the lines, cramped space, and pretentious service at Georgetown Cupcake. I should mention that I'm not a huge cupcake fan. But of all the ones I've tried in recent years, I like Baked and Wired's and Furin's the best.

I'm looking for a recommendation as well:

Does anyone have an idea for a lunch by the Guggenheim?

I highly recommend Café Sabarsky in the Neue Gallerie (Fifth Ave. @ 88th). It's like being in a Viennese café. I usually go for coffee and dessert or breakfast, but have gone for lunch as well. It's an elegant, relaxing (when not crowded) spot with good food and service.

http://www.cafesabarsky.com/

http://www.wallse.com/

My latest Yelp experience.

We were contacted by a Yelp "advertising rep" a few months ago about paying to have our best reviews moved to the top of the page, the first to come up, better links, etc, etc... They wanted us to pay like $300 or so for this 'service'. I declined, saying I didn't think that was what Yelp was all about. The guy on the phone was very aggressive and called me back every couple of days until finally (very forcefully) told him to never call me again. Well, now everytime I get a new 5 star review, it mysteriously disappears the next day. It was happened twice in the past week, as I get a notification when a new review is posted. The next day, said review is gone. Vanished. I guess this is my punishment for not paying to advertise with Yelp.

Yelp can blow me.

Jason, you are definitely not alone. I've heard the same scenario from a lot of other business owners. When I was reviewing on Yelp, one of the businesses I wrote a positive review of and had a good relationship with, shared with me the details of a number of conversations they had with Yelp advertising reps about this topic and offers to remove negative reviews. They actually did advertise on Yelp for a while, and even when they paid, they were still subjected to extortion and hardball tactics. Yet Yelp's CEO constantly denies (both on the site and in the press) that these kind of shenanigans occur. So, I completely agree with your sentiments (last line of your post).

OK, then. I'm not a lawyer, but I play one on DR.com. It's time to call in the FBI or the WaPo because this is, I believe, is the definition of EXTORTION. Time to call them out.

Actually, Yelp has been called out for extortion and "pay to play" tactics in the press a number of times (although to my knolwedge not in WaPo). One of the most telling exposés that came out earlier this year is by Kathleen Richards of the East Bay Express. See:

http://www.eastbayexpress.com/eastbay/yelp-extortion-allegations-stack-up/Content?oid=1176984

Apparently, the story was also picked up by the NYT and WSJ. See also:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/technology/start-ups/03yelp.html

http://www.pcworld.com/article/159839/is_yelp_manipulating_user_reviews.html

For a great meal with a good price-quality ratio and swankitude, I like the Bar Room at the Modern. For something more casual, I'd recommend Casa Mono (Spanish tapas). I've also heard great things about Eleven Madison Park, but haven't had a chance to try it yet.

My recent positive soup experiences have been:

- Mandoo (Korean dumpling) soup at Arisu, a Korean restaurant in Upper Georgetown (IMHO, it is outstanding)

- Simply Azyzen's udon noodle soup

- Cosi's tomato basil soup and New England clam chowder

- La Chaumiere's French onion soup

I thought the portion size of the smoked gnocci was small, and my perception was exacerbated by the mammoth size of the white bowl in which it was served. The size of the bowl accentuated the petite nature of the serving. After I had a few bites, though, I was pretty bored with the dish. I wouldn't have wanted more. I also think my serving wasn't properly cooked - the outer part of the gnocci was kind of tough, while the inside part was kind of flabby. I'm not a gnocchi expert, so perhaps they were perfect and I'm a dunce. But while I had the highest of hopes for Bibiana, and it is oh so close to SO's place of work, I don't think I'll rush back.

As a gnocchi lover, I appreciate this information. It certainly sounds like the gnocchi weren't made very well. They should be light, but not mushy. Certainly not tough. If I go to Bibiana (and so far, the majority of recent reviews and expceriences I've heard about from friends aren't all that positive), I won't be getting the gnocchi. Btw, IMHO and in the opinions of a couple of Italian friends who are accomplished cooks, Al Tiramisu has the best gnocchi in the city. I will say that the service there can be lacking at times, but the gnocchi has consistently been excellent.

You are probably about 5 blocks from Cafe Mozart which is nice for a pretty day.

I used to work right across the street from Cafe Mozart and really enjoyed its Hungarian goulash and potato leek soup (not to mention the apple strudel). Sometimes my colleagues and I would go there for a sit-down lunch, but on days when I was pressed for time, I would go there and pick up something to go. I think it's one of the best options in the area for good quality carryout food in the OP's area.

Another place the OP could go is Potenza bakery (15th & H)--not too far of a walk, I think.

I'll be there. I went last year - we were standing right in front of Barton Seaver's parents during the food fight portion of the show. It's a great event, well-organized and a ridiculous number of tasting stations.

Plus as a Top Chef fangirl, I can't wait to see Bryan Voltaggio and Carla Hall live and in person! (I have been to Volt, but I don't think he was in the kitchen that day.)

Late to the party. Too bad the event is sold out. Can't wait to hear all about it--especially since Eric Ripert is going to be there too!

Hi everybody - hope all's well. Wanted to share a few posts we've had up on Washingtonian.com that I thought you'd like.

-We scored the recipe for Jaleo's bacon-wrapped dates

Good water is a part of every mixed drink! I like tea, but water's even easier than that.

Coming down with a cold, last night I heated some water, grated some ginger into it, used eucalyptus honey, lemon juice and the kicker was a shot (or so) of Laird's bonded applejack. Mighty fine. Two were even better.

Your remedy sounds like a good one, especially with the ginger in it, weinoo. I'll have to try it.

Here's a Mexican remedy that has worked for me (I'm really not a big fan of tequila, but Vitamin T is supposed to be the key ingredient):

a cup of boiling water

a generous shot of tequila

fresh squeezed lemon

1/2-1 teaspoon of sugar, preferably brown

a slice of orange

Drink just before bedtime (it will knock you out).

New topic.

How do people feel about mentioning things in a review that might be unique to one's personal experience? Maybe you go somewhere regularly and the waiter knows you and you get extra bacon. Even if it does enhance your enjoyment, is it fair to the restaurant to mention that in a public forum? Does it create unrealistic expectations? Is it a betrayal of an unspoken trust?

If I had a great time somewhere, am I restricted to only talking about those uniform elements that every individual could potentially enjoy?

I don't see why you wouldn't mention things that you consider unique to your experience. I also think there are all kinds of situations. Sometimes a waiter, restaurant owner, or manager will go the extra mile to try and please a diner regardless of whether he/she knows the person or not. Anyway, I've yet to read a review that isn't personal as people experience things differently, have different preferences, value different things, etc. My two cents, of course.

While I'm a bit suspicious of some of the ingredients listed on the French fds caramels now at Whole Foods, the price isn't bad and it might be a better idea to take the matter into one's own hands: melt and temper a really good dark chocolate bar (Valrhona from TJ's or one of its huge Belgian bars) and coat the ones from WFM. Sprinkle a little more fds on top while they're hardening...

Anna, I've bought a few boxes of the fds caramels at Whole Foods and have been enjoying them. IMHO, they could be a bit saltier. Besides the Guerande sea salt, I didn't pay close attention to the ingredients...In any case, I don't know how it would work to try and coat them with chocolate. They seem to be on the very soft side--not as substantial as the chocolate-covered fds caramels I'm used to. Dean & DeLuca used to carry my all-time favorite chocolate-covered fds caramels here in the U.S. (very substantial and chewy with just the right amount of salt and butter). Now they only have the softer ones, which I don't like as much. I've heard that Artisan Confections (the place that just moved in Arlington) has good ones, but haven't tried them as of yet. I have, however, tried ACKC's chocolate-covered fds caramels, and they were magnifique! Have yet to try TJ's, which I hope to do soon!

I also saw that Blue Duck Tavern is having Thanksgiving dinner and am always glad to recommend it; at the same time, the $85/p.p. price is a bit steep.

According to the blurb on Open Table, Blue Duck Tavern is offering a buffet on Thanksgiving Day from 10:30 to 3:30, for $85/pp. I'm sure it's going to be great, but a little early to count as dinner for me. I wish they were offering a real Thanksgiving dinner!

Thanks for posting the updated information. When I first checked the site, it wasn't indicated that it would be a brunch as it does now. So, it won't be a dinner after all, and considering it's brunch, $85/p.p. is mucho dinero.

I had a very good Breakfast Tartine ($4.25): bread, ham, cheese, and fried egg (not poached, per their website).

This is good to know. I have been meaning to make it down there for breakfast and do recon on G Street Food's Montreal bagel. Now that you mention the breakfast tartine, that sounds good too. Speaking of tartines, I really like Le Pain Quotidien's tartines (especially the proscuitto-mozarella one), but they're pretty pricy at $9-$10 each and not all that filling.

I really like El Patio, the Argentine cafe/market near the Twinbrook metro station. Their homemade alfajores (cookies with dulce de leche) are delicious. I don't buy a lot things there anymore though (although I do my fair share of eating there--empanadas, pastel de choclo, etc.). They used to sell boxes of La Havanna alfajores and individually, but haven't had them in some time. Vace in Cleveland Park carries some of the same items from Argentina(like mate tea) and dulce de leche, but I prefer the overall experience at El Patio. I enjoy talking to the people who work there aabout all things Argentine--politics, soccer, slang, etc. Viva Argentina!

I wasn't able to make it to a Farmer's Market this past week to get my fix of Atwater's kalamata olive bread.

But the good news is that I discovered Firehook Bakery's black olive and thyme loaf.

The bread smells of fresh thyme, and the other ingredients include Greek Kalamata olives, oil-cured olives,: organic white flour, and sea salt. It's not as hearty of a bread as Atwater's (and doesn't use large and whole olive pieces like Atwater's). It's more like a traditional sourdough boule with small olive pieces. Delicious!

I also picked up a loaf of Firehook's green olive bread, which is made with Sicilian jumbo green olives, fresh sage, and cracked pepper. I'm not enjoying it as much as the black olive and thyme bread.

Magness are my favorite; hard to find since this does not seem to have been a good year for them. This year's black seems to be Seckel pears--at least the small variety has become more common than in the recent past. If you're into bigger fruit, Comice have also returned in quantities that should grow in the next couple of weeks.

Though I generally prefer to eat soft, ripe pears, I haven't been drawn to Bartletts this year. Probably all those Asian apple-pears have gotten me to appreciate crisp, grainy raw fruit since I ended up snacking on wonderful, juicy Bosc pears purchased with the intention of roasting them.

Thanks so much for the pear advice, Anna! I'm not sure if I've eaten Magness pears before. I especially Comice and Bosc pears. Bartletts are just OK, not exciting. I've tried some Asian pears that I like. Not sure which varieties. I also prefer to eat slightly soft, ripe pears. I sometimes have trouble selecting them unless I eat them right away. I'm also trying to make up some fruit and cheese plates. For that, the pears have to be on the crisp side. Thanks again.

It's pretty much like that in France, too.

I've had the same experience in France and in Belgium too. Bad service is pretty much accepted over there (the sense of resignation is as depresessng as the perpetual grey sky), and no one gets fired for providing bad service.

Last night, I had a chance to try Quill, the new bar/lounge in the Jefferson Hotel. What an elegant and classy place! We were also impressed by Quill's bartenders, who put on quite a show making both traditional cocktails and modern concoctions . I had a cosmopolitan, and my friends had cuba libres and one of Quill's signature cocktails--a mixture of Prosecco, ginger, and pineapple. The verdict: AWESOME and pricey (at about $15 each, the price, was not so awesome). We also ordered some tapas--the crostini w/ manchego cheese and olives, a Serrano ham plate, and foie gras "bon bons", which were all delicious. Quill has a pretty decent wine list too with a wide range of European and American wines averaging $10-$13/glass. I liked the drinks at Quill and would put it right up there with the Lounge at Bourbon Steak.I hope to return soon, maybe for a drink before dinner at Plume or the Greenhouse, the Jefferson Hotel's restaurants. Has anyone been to either place? The reviews I've read of Plume have been mixed.

I walked by La Miche's space today and noticed there was brown paper papering up every last window and door.

Are they remodeling or just a victim of the economy?

Pool Boy, it doesn't look good. I can't say for sure, but have read on a number of sites that it is closed. On the other hand, last spring, I recall that it was closed temporarily and there was no sign on the door. (:

Especially this time of year...

YES! I love the pic. about that, but about Mendocino not being open!

Well, then, my sincere apologies. I misread your post. I misread your "boo" and anger as anger at the fact that they had been shut down for not paying back taxes as opposed to disappointment that they're simply not open. Sorry. Crazy interwebs.

Ok, thanks. And it is almost Halloween, so BOO!

Don will undoubtedly delete this for crossing over into an overtly political discussion, but why "boo" and why the angry face? Should places of business simply be allowed to continue to operate if they don't pay their taxes?

Sorry, but I don't see anything political about posting this news piece. As for the "boo," etc. I'm unhappy as I'd like to be able to go to Mendocino, one of my favorite wine bars. No comment on your other question as I didn't post to get into that kind of discussion. I honestly thought the post might provide useful info to others, who like me, might have been planning to go to Mendocino or one of the other establishments this weekend.

Oh well...so much for good intentions.

Thanks for the suggestions. We couldn't get into Central or TenPenh - but we were able to get a table at Tosca....

Looking forward to it!

You're welcome. I think you'll enjoy the food at Tosca. I haven't been recently, but used to go quite often for business lunches and dinners (and my northern Italian clients have always been pleased). I don't see it as a place for a leisurely meal, but the quality of the food is consistently good, and the service is efficient and professional. Definitely it works when time is tight. Hope you enjoy your evening at Tosca and the Warner!

*back sales taxes*

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2009/10/26/daily112.html

I hope Mendocino Grille & Wine Bar reopens soon...

EDIT: Argonaut is open again. See: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/2009/10/29/argonaut-back-in-business-after-brush-with-d-c-office-of-tax-and-revenue/

(Interesting article by Tim Carman)