MBK

Has anyone been to Tokyo since 2008? Any tips? I haven't been since 2002, so my memory is faded! But I am tacking a few days on to the end of five weeks in SE Asia, and am pretty psyched to get back there! Thanks for any tips...

I'll be flying through Narita next week. Any recommendations?

NRT

Thanks, guys. I had already founding WWOOFing and just wanted to see if there was anything else out there. Guess I've found what I'm looking for.

Now, to narrow down the possible locations.

I'm considering taking a month off, and doing some sort of volunteer vacation. Am open to pretty much anywhere in the world, and one thought I've had is doing something agritourism-related.

Anyone have any ideas, good experiences, or thoughts of resources for me to look into? Thanks!

Could go outside of DC. PS7 is a good thought...

I'm looking for a place to go to dinner Saturday night, eat at the bar, enjoy good food, but keep an eye on a basketball game. Thoughts? I'm decidedly not interested in a sports bar, and I don't need (or even want) the tv to have volume on. Was thinking potentially Central, but ... any other thoughts?

A friend is planning a business dinner for 30-60, in mid-April, here in DC. It needs to be near-ish to the JW Marriott, but that's about her only parameter. Any suggestions? Occidental gave her an extraordinarily high quote, so I told her I'd dig around... Thanks!

I've got a friend visiting from out of town, and we're going to brunch or breakfast this Saturday. Most of my go-to brunch spots are Sunday-only. Any suggestions for a Saturday spot? In the district is preferred, but we could certainly metro to the burbs if need be. Thanks!!

A former DC resident (and DR member) has told me she really likes The Purple Pig. Might be an option for snacks.

I forgot - she told me that too! Thanks for jogging my memory...

Spending the three day weekend in my old stomping grounds of Chicago - but it's been a decade since I did any stomping there. Tips? Our dinners are already planned (Alinea and The Publican), but I'd love suggestions for brunch/lunch (we'll probably do xoco or Frontera for one, but that leaves us with two others), snack ideas, drink ideas (we'll try to get into Aviary one night). And - if anyone has any other tips on things to do - new cool shops, cafes, etc. - that would be much appreciated.

To my friend Ben.

Visiting my cousin and her brand new baby at Virginia Hospital Center tonight - and will want to grab takeout on my way back into the city. Any suggestions?

I'm driving to Douthat State Park this evening (I-66 to I-81) in advance of a half-marathon tomorrow. Will want to stop for a bite on the way - something Italian if possible (pre-race carbs). Any suggestions? Thanks!

How was Portland?

My meal at Le Pigeon was one of my top five meals of all time; Beast was nice; and Pok Pok is a place I'd eat at weekly if I lived out there.

I'm already planning a return visit.

I'm going to have a couple of breakfasts or brunches or lunches in Philadelphia this weekend - any suggestions? I'll be staying near Rittenhouse Square but willing to explore a bit.

My cousin will be in town on a Saturday - staying in Alexandria (the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center) - and I want to meet him for dim sum. But here's the rub - he's available from 8-11 am, or 1-5 pm.

So ... any suggestions of dim sum places located a reasonable drive from where he's staying, that would be open at those hours? (I know very little about non-metro accessible VA...) Thanks!!

To my brand new niece, Caitlyn Rose.

And to my sister, her mom, who deserves a medal.

Hi all -

I'm considering a career change in the next couple of years to something in the world of food policy or sustainable agriculture policy. If anyone has any advice, thoughts, suggestions, connections - please let me know. Am happy to share details about my experience, educational background, etc.

Perhaps referring to EcoFriendly? I would say to have a chat with Red Apron, or Everona or Keswick. Passionate and amazing folks who are the ones rolling up their sleeves and doing the nitty gritty.

Well, given that Bev is there most weeks - I'd say EcoFriendly definitely has "passionate and amazing folks who are the ones rolling up their sleeves and doing the nitty gritty".

I'll give you atmosphere, sense of place (great term, by the way), and people-watching - sure - but for quality food? I guess I'd just respectfully disagree.

If by traditionally you mean years and years ago, then perhaps. Even in New Orleans, even in the most traditional of restaurants, coffee and chicory is something you'll have to ask for (if they have it at all). "Standard" coffee is the standard, for better or worse.

That may be right - I moved away 17 years ago - but last year, the version at La Boucherie came standard with chicory. Either way, espresso is ... incorrect.

Elizabeth, you know the answer to your question - but to serve as your friendly Louisiana native - cafe au lait is NOT an espresso-based beverage. It's coffee and hot milk. Traditionally in New Orleans the coffee has chicory; traditionally elsewhere it might be French press or regular coffee. It's never espresso. That's called a latte

But did you try the catahoula sandwich? Mighty tasty...

Anything more...? I'm traveling to Kenya in a couple of months - will be in Nairobi, also on safari somewhere, also possibly will visit Lamu. Any new recommendations, food or otherwise? Thanks!!

Anything new? I'll be there in a couple of months... and can't wait!

To my grandmother, to Debbie Friedman, and to the victims in Arizona.

It's been a hell of a week.