MBK

Other recommendations (my jury duty is in a few weeks and I've been taking recommendations from friends) are:

Full Kee, Burma, Teaism, Kanlaya.

I'll admit that of this group, I've only been to Teaism.

We can make better suggestions if you tell us all or some of the following:

- What night of the week are we talking about?

- How much do you want to spend per person (and does that dollar figure include alcohol)?

- Geographic considerations.

- Ethnic foods you do/do not like.

Thanks -- we're talking about a Saturday night. No geographic limitations. No food limitations. As for price -- I think the crowd would be comfortable with entrees between 12 and 18. The group went out for another birthday last weekend, and went to Lauriol Plaza -- that's what they are comfortable with -- problem is, I refuse to plan a party at a place like Lauriol (ugh) so I'm hoping to find somewhere fun and comparably priced, but with better food.

I'm planning my sister's 25th birthday party -- and am tasked with finding a fun restaurant where a group of about 10 can have good food and great drinks and not break the bank. I was thinking Oyamel... Good choice? Better choices? Thanks!

We may be stuck with keeping our fingers crossed that we can get into the front room at Palena early -- Corduroy can't take us, nor can Notti Bianche. I'm trying to avoid Italian (I had it last night on a business trip, and we're having it tonight as well, and I just don't want to have it three nights in a row) so the available Italian options are out.

If we can get seated right away, my dad will be calm -- like you said, we'll order appetizers and wine and everyone will be happy. However, if we are standing around waiting to be seated my dad will lose patience quickly.

Wish I would've gotten just a little more advance notice on this trip...

What are the odds of being seated somewhat quickly in the front room at Palena at 6:30? I am also dealing with a father who doesn't enjoy waiting. (It gets trickier and trickier...) I think 10-15 minutes will be alright, much more won't be palatable.

(I've already called Corduroy and asked if they can squeeze us in, they're checking on it now. I'm hoping that comes through.)

My parents and grandmother are making a last minute trip to DC this weekend and I am tasked with picking a restaurant for the five of us (parents, grandmother, sister, and I) to have dinner Saturday night. My grandmother can be a picky eater, but will generally have a simple piece of chicken or fish almost anywhere. The rest of us are adventurous.

I tried Acadiana/Tenpenh/Ceiba and was unable to get a reservation -- we have to eat at 6:30 or 7 to accommodate my grandmother. Any suggestions? Would Corduroy be a good choice? Thanks in advance!

Does anyone have a recipe for no-yeast dinner rolls? I am craving rolls right now, and have no yeast in the house. (I do have baking soda and baking powder so I'm hoping I can cobble something together!) Thanks.

Unfortunately, I didn't test it before adding the topping -- I've learned my lesson. I just followed the recipe. Tonight I'll pop it in the oven covered w/ foil and see if I can cook it through without drying it out. As my boyfriend commented, though, if it's too dry, we can eat it with ice cream!

Hi all:

I baked an apple cake yesterday -- recipe link follows -- and when I cut into it it was not cooked through (although the top is crisp and golden brown). My thought was to put it back in the oven at very low heat (250?) for a bit to cook through, but I'm not that much of a baker so I'm not sure if that's the right answer. Any advice?

Thanks,

Marni

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/re...6_17178,00.html