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Just to add another two cents (probably actually worth less than that), I guess I have to say that I just can't get that worked up about something that isn't directly affecting me. Etiquette or no etiquette, think it's rude or not, I just look away from things that I don't want to see (and FWIW, I couldn't care less if someone breastfeeds in front of me). Now, if you're yammering away on your cell phone right next to me or your kids are trying to climb in my lap, I'll be bothered. It's just not in my nature to get all huffy about how someone else is leading their life if it doesn't mess up my world. Dining to me is about the food, the drink, my friends, etc. While atmosphere is a big part of it, if it means not looking at one particular 4x6 part of the restaurant for five minutes, I'll deal. I probably screw up the demographic analysis, though. I'm single, female, just turned 30, no kids. I'm not that big of a fan of kids in restaurants but the ones that are breastfeeding age are generally pretty quiet as compared to the ones who have learned to talk (and run around). To sum it up, it's less to me an etiquette question than it is one about how you control your own meal. Ignore the distractions and enjoy your experience.

Mark, Tom, Patrick, Sonya, Rachel and Sue all at Capital Grille. They're all phenomenal and so great to spend time with. Plus, they put up with all of my antics (and those of my friends) John at DC Coast (used to be at Signatures) Nick (used to be at Signatures, not sure where he landed...if you ever find him, ask him for "The Nick"...makes you feel like you're on a beach with waves and warm sun)

Oh, that's not true. Didn't anyone read "A Blackberry Throbs and a Wonk Has a Date" from the NY Times sometime last year? Here in DC, at least, it has "other" uses too... And by "other", I mean to find a great dinner partner of course <---- trying to stay on topic.

There's a reason I spend most of my time in restaurants...Thanksgiving brings out the worst in my cooking abilities (or lack thereof). One year had me wondering why the lettuce I got for my salad was so thick (um, it was cabbage). Another had my guests eating pumpkin mush -- had forgotten the crust on my pumpkin pie (but I baked it!). So here's to wonderful Thanksgiving meals cooked by others! (I'm in charge of the beer this year)

I love Spices (mmm, sushi and Wafu), but it does require going through A La Cart, which can get pretty expensive at times.

These are all awesome suggestions. Thank you guys so much...last question. Any recommendations for basic baking books? Or do some of these incorporate baking?

It's one of my mom's favorites too -- one of the Fannie Farmer roast beef recipes is what she makes for my birthday every year! Thanks for all of these suggestions -- these are great!

Hi all -- am looking for some great beginner/intermediate level cookbooks as holiday gifts for my sister, who struggles with the difference polish sausage and shoe polish. Thoughts? I've already nailed down The New Making of a Cook: The Art, Techniques and Science of Good Cooking but thought I'd branch out. Are there cookbooks you constantly rely upon? What has the best of basic recipes? I'm looking for anything that will both allow her to eat AND keep her alive in the kitchen..

Not to start to sound like an ad for this place but... I think Capital Grille is great for eating at the bar. They're good about service, always someone to talk to and they'll generally leave you alone if you want to be left alone. I'm also a fan of Signatures -- quick, in and out, and yummy sushi. Matchbox can be good if you can handle being bumped by the crowd -- the bar service there has always been efficient and friendly when I've eaten there. And finally, I think Acadiana does a good job with bar service. I especially like the two little seats at the end of the bar (on the right if you're facing it). They're like little chopped stools and you can have a good meal there with a friend if you want a little privacy from the rest of the bar. I almost always prefer the bar to sitting down in a restaurant -- you don't get rushed out, you can sit and have as many drinks as you want afterwards (often many in my case ) and people are generally friendly and willing to talk (and boy do I like to talk....)

Had a moderately disappointing dinner at Ceiba last night. While the service was excellent (from the host to our waiter) the food left something to be desired. I started with the queso fundido. This dish was, unfortunately, absolutely tasteless. It's prepared with steak and some peppers (unclear which kind they were). If my eyes were closed, I wouldn't have been able to differentiate one from the other -- they and the cheese were completely bland. It has been a problem I've encountered with Ceiba's food before -- I'm a huge fan of the native Brazilian dish Feijoada -- but it's never been served with much flair or flavor. My guests started with the grouper ceviche, which they seemed to like quite a bit. It was very fresh and well-seasoned. I had the special last night -- seared duck with prosciutto wrapped asparagus and rosemary potatoes. The duck was good -- not great, though. The flavoring was excellent -- it was just a little dry. The asparagus was overdone and the potatoes, while well cooked, were a little overwhelmed by the seasoning. My guests both ordered the bouillabaisse and they both loved it -- said the flavoring was excellent and the seafood was very well prepared. So, all in all, a hit or miss kind of night. I think it would be great if the two dishes I mentioned above were spiced up a little -- Ceiba is a beautiful restaurant and I've always had excellent service. Would be great if the food were more consistently good!

I'm a big fan of the simple house salad at Bistro Bis. It's well made, not too big and perfectly dressed with a wonderful, tangy vinaigrette. I also think Capital Grille's steak salad is goodif you're looking for something a little heartier than your average salad. They have a Parmesan Vinaigrette that is pretty good (though a little grainy at times). The Thai Chicken Salad at Zola gets raves from my friends (have never tried). And finally -- my favorite salad in the entire city -- the Wafu Salad at Spices. Very simple salad -- iceberg lettuce, carrots and cucumbers (not usually the ingredients of a fabulous salad). What makes this salad great, however, is the dressing. It's a sesame/ginger dressing that should be put in a glass to drink it's so good. I have one at home in my fridge that will be devoured tonight!

You're quite right. Sonja is wonderful. I'm just usually relegated to the dining room during the day, when she works.

Hahaha...I'm sure you're right! I'll slither back in my hole now...

I expect better of this board.... That's why I came to you guys!

I'm one of the sheisty lobbyists that I've read about here (I love the Signatures thread -- it's almost entirely about how to have a good meal there and avoid people like me. ) Because of my job, I eat at Capital Grille (the Penn Ave location) usually two to three times a week. If I had to recommend my "bests", I'd say: Onion Soup (SUPREMELY cheesy and delicious) Calimari (I swear I think it's the best in the city -- love the spicy peppers) The Delmonico (not the mushroom crusted one). This is their best cut of meat if you're not afraid of a little marbling. The Au Gratin Potatoes. I've had them a few times where they've come out not totally cooked, though, so check them when you get them. Their desserts can all be fairly good and they're pretty consistent from meal to meal (not always the case with their entrees and appetizers) The service in the dining room can be hit or miss. The service at the bar is pretty great though. Tom, Mark and Patrick take really good care of the massive crowds that swarm in there throughout the week.

We're looking for something in the American/Italian/French food categories. Price isn't an issue. Dean, your private room sounds like it might be the place to go, and I've been dying to try it for awhile now!

Hi Everyone. I'm relatively new to posting (have been a lurker for sometime) and figured this was the best group to pose this question to. I'm looking for a place to hold a 30th birthday dinner. Will likely be 15-25 people. Any suggestions? DC or VA would be best, and good food and drink are a must. The crowd isn't rowdy but we're certainly not wallflowers either, so it would need to be somewhere where it's okay to not whisper). Thank you!

I've eaten there once and will not do so again. Service was horrible. Entrees brought at different times, server complaining to us about his boss, food was bland and it was impossible to order more drinks (waiter kept "forgetting" to bring more wine). We actually got better service when we went next door to Bungaloo Billiards (a divey pool bar). As a side note -- our waiter came into billiards place later. He got fired. He proceeded to get increasingly intoxicated and told anyone who would talk to him about his prison time. I saw him a few weeks ago -- waiting tables at Acadiana. Can't wait to see how long that lasts!

While also not technically Chinese, Kanalaya (Thai) does a pretty good job. I am a big fan of their Ka Pow Beef. They also deliver within a certain area and their decor is a little more spruced up than many of the places you see in Chinatown (so generally ok for business/dates/etc).