MBK

So good. He does seasonal flavors as well -- I can't wait til fall, when he'll have pumpkin and apple pie ice creams that are blissful.

From a Frank Bruni article in today's NYT... "Gold Star Chili, the single worst item of the journey. It was a gummy nest of thin noodles, which were covered by a watery chili, which was in turn covered by rubbery orange confetti that bore a passing resemblance to cheese." The author's companion's take on it? "Ewwww"

Anyone have any dining suggestions in College Station or Bryan? I've been twice before, and had mediocre pizza and pretty tasty Tex-Mex (although I can't remember the names of the places we went). Am heading down again this week and would love to be armed with a suggestion or two.

Brunched this morning at Hank's... yum! We were tempted by oysters (very very tempted), but realized we should probably exercise restraint, given that we had already made our way through the farmers' market, and were heading to Eastern Market, and then Cheesetique. There would be noshing throughout the day. Pacing oneself is important... We both had the crabcake benedict - good, although the crabcake was just a little underwhelming. A bit too fried for my taste, and not so well-formed. But there wasn't a bite left on my plate, so I'm not really complaining And the bloody mary was nice and spicy ... think it's now my second-favorite in DC. I was kinda disappointed there weren't any veggies dunked in, celery or okra perhaps, but still yummy. And, although we both claimed to be stuffed when our plates were cleared, neither of us could resist the chocolate that came with the check. Perfect sweet ending to a nice brunch.

Or, if you fail to request a larger table, they may just wheel a serving table right up to yours, extending your table and allowing you to enjoy your many dishes without overloading your table! This is what happened last night, when my dinner companion and I ordered enough food for four (and now I have leftovers for the rest of the week!) One highlight (because I can't remember every dish we had) was the stuffed bell peppers, which were a fantastic combination of slightly spicy filling, stuffed inside a barely grilled and still crisp and fresh-tasting green pepper. The textures and flavors complemented each other superbly, and the dish easily became a favorite for when I return. I was also introduced to the wonders that are Indian pickles. I'd always avoided them in the past (generally not liking the flavor of pickled things), but they added a great zest to the flavors of our lamb and prawn dishes. And service, although a problem in the past, was actually quite good last night. Attentive without being overbearing, we were checked on enough to satisfy any need we had, but left alone enough to enjoy our feast. The only downside to the evening was that I was too full to stop by Max's Ice Cream for a scoop before heading home...

So did Hannibal Lecter... Click (See #21)

That's just wrong....

Before last night, I had never enjoyed a five hour dinner that felt like two. How were we there for five hours? The food kept coming, our wine glasses kept being refilled. We saw a family celebrating the son's acceptance into law school, a couple celebrating their upcoming move to Tunisia -- both tables came and went, and still we ate... drank... enjoyed. Before last night, I didn't know that simple olives could taste so good; that house-made crackers could have such subtle and deep flavors. That mascarpone stuffed dates -- I don't have the words. That pappardelle with goat ragu with a hint of cinnamon could be a new favorite (and accompanied by that Greek red wine, the one whose name I can't remember, but that our server said was an ancestor of pinot noir, and that I said was delicious). That the flavors and textures of baklava could be expressed so beautifully in gelato. That beignets sometimes go better with chocolate mascarpone cream. Before last night, I had never experienced Komi. And after last night, I know I need to experience it again, and soon.

"Like their confreres in the travel genre, food writers have crossed a frontier. Cheap airplane travel, mass tourism and television, not to mention a horde of scribbling journalists, have shrunk the globe and placed absurd demands on anyone trying to deliver an exotic experience to readers. When everyone, either in person or through the Food Network, has sampled street food in Hanoi, what's left?" Click (The rest of the article reviews a number of recently published food books.) Thoughts? I personally think it's a cop-out of an argument, useful as an excuse if your prose can't transport your readers. I, for one, equally enjoy reading food writing about street food in Hanoi (something I haven't sampled) and sushi at the Tsukijii fish market in Tokyo (something I have) -- if the writing is sufficiently evocative. ETA: Then again, I'm not a food writer... so clearly I could be missing something...

That's not the best area for food... if you see a Rue de la Course coffee shop, that wouldn't be bad, but I can't recall any of their locations being near the Wyndham. Your best bet, if you have time, is to wander into the Quarter for either Cafe du Monde, Brennan's (if you want the real shtick of New Orleans breakfast), or the coffee shop half a block down the street from the W French Quarter (I can't remember its name, but it's pretty good). Sorry I can't be more helpful!

I know, I know... I've been to and love and now miss Camellia Grill. I was just trying to offer a not-quite-the-same-but-still-feels-like-home substitute. For when you just want warm, chocolatey, pecan goodness tempting your tastebuds as the zydeco music tickles your ears.

Slightly off-topic, but have you had the warm homemade chocolate pecan pie at Cafe des Amis in Breaux Bridge? It does the trick.

Agree wholeheartedly on K-Paul's. Considered by locals in the same vein as Emeril's. I read that in the Times this morning... so sad. That place was an institution. Jerky and creepy? By that, do you mean came in fits and starts, or do you mean they were actually jerks and creeps?

Made me chuckle. Gosh, I miss New Orleans. Must plan trip. Summer is of course the worst time to go, but I don't think I can wait til the weather turns cool again... in October...

It's JazzFest in New Orleans... and for the first time in many years, I'm not there. Of all the years to miss, this seems like the worst choice -- eight months after Katrina, with the city fighting to rebuild and its people yearning to return. With another hurricane season approaching, new evacuation plans being unveiled, a mayoral election pitting old New Orleans politics against new... In some ways, the more things change, the more they stay the same. In others, New Orleans will never be the same again. I still miss it. For those of you lucky enough to be on your way down for JazzFest this weekend, or for some other reason soon, a list of my "can't miss" restaurants follows. (I don't know whether they've all reopened after the storm.) Be sure to poke your head into one of the jazz or blues clubs in the Fauborg or Uptown, avoid Bourbon Street at all costs, and tip your hat to the local New Orleanians, who are fighting for and celebrating the rebirth of their city every day. Longbranch - Abita Springs - see above. Bon Ton Cafe - CBD - near the courthouse, this is where lawyers and judges go for lunch after arguments; it's worth it more for its place in NOLA history than its food, although their bread pudding with whiskey sauce is a good way to clog your arteries... Cuvee - CBD - see above - run, don't walk. Herbsaint - CBD - one of Susan Spicer's restaurants, and possibly my favorite for lunch. Horinoya - CBD - surprisingly good Japanese. If you're a visitor, you probably don't need sushi during your time in NOLA. If you're a local, this place satisfies a craving. Mother's - CBD - my favorite lunch counter in town, stop here for a bowl of gumbo, and whatever looks good. Don't expect it to be healthy. But expect it to taste amazing. Palace Cafe - CBD - owned by the Brennan family (see Commander's Palace, Brennan's), and my favorite of the bunch. Solid food, without pretension or the resting on laurels/unevenness of the others. Restaurant August - CBD - one of the best newer restaurants in town, Chef Besh works wonders with his menu. And located in an old bank building, the space is phenomenal. Bayona - French Quarter - Susan Spicer has probably received most fame for this sweet restaurant, located in a romantic little house in the Quarter. Cafe du Monde - French Quarter - beignets and cafe au lait. Best to start off your morning, or end your night. If you're wearing black, you'll be dusted in powdered sugar by the time you're done, but you won't care! Central Grocery - French Quarter - home of the muffaletta. Peristyle - French Quarter - another fine-dining can't miss. Port of Call - French Quarter - be a local, go here for beers and burgers. Trolley Stop Cafe - Lee Circle - another local haunt, this one is good for a greasy breakfast after a long New Orleans night. So is Camellia Grill. Brigtsen's - Riverbend - one of my favorite little restaurants, Frank Brigtsen works wonders with local flavors. Jacques-Imo's - Riverbend - loud, raucous, no reservations, and delicious. And, if you have the time and the inclination, travel west two hours to Cajun Country. Wonderful people, fascinating culture, vibrant music and nightlife, and some gems of restaurants... the best po-boy in Louisiana is at Olde Tyme in Lafayette, and a zydeco brunch that'll bring you to your feet to dance is at Cafe des Amis in Breaux Bridge. Oh, I miss it...

The best Bloody Mary I've had in town is at Acadiana -- it is SPICY, and tastes like New Orleans. (I mean that in only the good ways...) I made a batch of their Bloody Mary recipe for a party of Louisiana ex-pats last winter, to rave reviews. Yum! Looks like I have a new plan for next Sunday...

It's true. Their fried chicken and strawberry pie were the bright spot of some not-so-great days working crazy hours as a junior associate at a law firm a few years ago.

Sad news from Tom's chat... "Another Washington institution bites the dust. I just learned that Reeves (1306 G St. NW) has closed its downstairs dining room. This is unfortunate news for budgeteers who appreciated a good ham salad or hot roast turkey sandwich. Manager Fabio Orellana told me the high rent and lackluster business did in the 120-seat underground venue, which dates back to 1886 (though not always in that location). On the bright side, the ground-floor bakery will remain open and continue to sell such Reeves' signatures as strawberry pie and "shadow" cake made with yellow and chocolate batters ... "

Even without launching it in Ireland, they had a problem on their hands... http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060421/od_nm/benjerrys_dc

I haven't been to Lepic, but I thought Mendocino Grille was really nice for a date... the food was excellent, the atmosphere intimate. And the service was excellent -- our waiter allowed us to set the pace of the evening, and we never felt rushed.

Try Meiwah for average Chinese. They used to deliver to that area, a number of years ago. Or you could probably do takeout from any number of places in Chinatown/MCI Center area -- I don't know if you can spare the 20 minutes to walk and pick stuff up, but it might be a nice break in your long day. (At least, that's how I always saw it when I was working those kind of hours!)

Any decent late night spots in the Dupont area? I'd settle for just dessert and drinks, but won't be sitting til nearly midnight on Saturday. Are we stuck walking up to Tryst?

I'm heading to Mendocino on a date tonight -- and have never been (although I love Sonoma). Any recommendations on what to eat? Unfortunately, I'm limited tonight by the fact that I keep sort-of kosher for Passover -- so I'll eat out, but avoid bread, rice, corn, legumes, etc. I know this is a tough one, but if anyone has been there recently and has suggestions, I'd definitely appreciate it! I'm bummed my first Mendocino experience will be with these limits, but I'll just have to go back after the holiday's over!

I have a recipe for a 3-5 pound chicken that I am supposed to roast for 1 1/2 hours in a 375 degree oven. I need to double the recipe, so I intend to buy two 3-5 pound chickens. How do I need to change the time/temperature? Thanks from a newbie at roasting chickens!

Thanks to all for your comments... I ordered the chicken tenders salad (not on the menu, like you said!), and it wasn't bad. I wasn't overwhelmed, and wouldn't hurry back, but it wasn't a bad meal, and our service was excellent. And he ordered the chicken tenders meal, so clearly he too was in the know. Next date, though, I'll suggest something a bit more interesting...