smokey

I agree with the poster who complained about the lack of salt in the dough. I like their pizza and eat it fairly regularly (not simply because I live close, really), but it's not the platonic ideal of pizza. One thing that can help reduce the problems with the crust is to ask for it extra well done. I always do and they usually do a pretty good job obliging. It makes for a better pizza. However, I'll admit, getting it well done results in a better job of burning the cheese, which I like, then getting the crust done to a less doughy consistency.

Was back in Hampden for over Xmas and learned that Rose's Cookies is no longer there. The owner (Rose?) moved to PA. However, Cynthia, the owner of Soup's On is still there, still making yummy soups and salads. She seemed fairly busy for 12/24, which made me happy.

The banana is fantastic (tastes like it really contains banana, what a novelty!). Brought home a pint and enjoyed it with homemade caramel sauce. Tried some ginger at the store and loved it. Sure wish York had moved into town center instead of giffords...

Hey, I just wanted to thank you for the dynamic dish rec. I just came back from a yummy meal there. It was the very antithesis of the conference I'm at, which is what I needed (I've been here about 12 hours and am ready to pull my hair out). It was a mellow place to be alone as a woman, which was part of what I wanted. I had initially turned up my nose at the Star Provisions rec because when I was last at Bacchanalia I thought Star Provisions was perfectly nice, but this trip I didn't want to go there all for a croissant (no matter how perfectly executed), some cheese that I have no place to store and some beautiful but pricey tableware. I went back to their website though and realized that they have a little place to sit, and now serve sandwiches and such, and I'm thinking it's my lunch plan for tomorrow. Thanks for pointing me back towards it. The folks at Dynamic Diner recommended Miller Union. Sadly, it's only open for dinner and this was my only available night for dinner out. Ah, well. More feedback to come as appropriate.

I tried to get a res at Abbatoir and wasn't able to come up with anything for lunch in the coming month at opentable. I think their dinner reservations were actually more open, provided you were flexible about time.

Hey Daniel--How was it? I wish I could have joined you guys, but it wasn't a good day for me to go. It's been too long since I've been and would love to know if it's still as good as ever.

Wow, this is exciting news. I drove by the 355 location a few days ago and wondered what was up, but wasn't feeling very optimistic (my assumption was that it was a move towards a mini-chain and blandification/standardization of recipes in such a way that removed all flavor). Must go do some research...

Cafe du Parc at the Willard has it as a special every Saturday. However, I've never had it so can't vouch for it.

Thanks for your replies. Much to my surprise, when presented with Cafe du Parc and Jaleo as their options, my parents chose Jaleo. Who'd a thunk it?

>Jaleo is always reliable but may be too avante-garde Indeed. I can tell you know where I'm coming from.

Bettyjoan, Just wanted to let you know that the Friday night, low cost, affair has been settled. We're going to the Cottage Ethiopian Restaurant at 1841 Piedmont Ave (intersection of Piedmont and Rock Springs Rd.). Although it's certainly too late to change the plans, I'm curious, do you have any thoughts on this place? On a different topic, I'm still debating Watershed. Their fish/veggie options looked a bit slim and I'm thinking that the nostalgia I feel for Bacchanalia might not carry over to a restaurant other than Bacchanalia. But, that's a totally different issue and I'm grateful for your thoughts on a substitute.

My parents are coming to town and taking a couple out to lunch in DC on Saturday. They're looking for something that is <$50/person, all in. My parents are not big drinkers; I don't know if the other couple is or not, so let's assume no more than two glasses of wine at the table. This can't be adventurous food (translation: no sushi, Indian, SE Asian). Ideally, it will be in downtown-ish DC, even more ideal, close to a Red Line stop. Lucky me, I've been asked to provide restaurant recs for this affair. I've poked through the restaurant guide here and looked at various menus. Most of the places that seem like vague candidates for this event aren't open for lunch on Saturday. I'm thinking Cafe Du Parc in the Willard is a maybe. Anybody want to give feedback on the general question, or Cafe du Parc specifically? Any and all advice appreciated.

Went here on Sat night with the +1 and had a great, inexpensive meal ($21/person, including tip). I always end up ordering the Mysore Masala Dosa because I love it so much. As on previous visits, it didn't disappoint. Not very spicy, but flavorful. Yellow lentils were very rich, mildly spiced and yummy. The sambar is nice and spicey. They started making their coconut chutney-ish accompaniment really spicey, which I like. Broke out of our rut a bit and we also ordered the Special rava Masala Dosai. Different kind of crepe around it, good in a different way, and hot chilis cooked in with crepe. They don't have a liquor license, so it can't all be washed down with a beer, which is a pity. They have a buffet area, but I've never gone when it's been available, so I can't comment on the quality of it. I've never been to Woodlands or Tiffin, so can't compare to those. A great, inexpensive meal. Service was friendly and competent. The most significant barrier to regularly eating meals at Udupi is the distance from my home.

A friend, whose restaurant/food opinions I trust, said that she thought the kebab she bought there was dry and eh. Don't have details on specifically what meat. Her report was from sometime in the past 12mo or so.

Hey, Bettyjoan--I just wanted to let you know that I decided it might be better to take this to PM. I'm happy to share the recs (and my impressions of the places I go!) with the broader group.

I'm heading to Atlanta for 4 days in the middle of November and staying at the Hyatt Regency (265 Peachtree Street NE). Based on what I've read in this thread, there isn't much hope for good eats in this area, but I thought I would at least give it a try. I'll be eating breakfast, lunch and dinner around here, generally with limited options for getting away (and the fed doesn't generally like to pay for expensive taxi rides for yummy dinners, damn that M&IE per diem). The one night when I have some leeway is Friday night. I'm going to be going out with a group of roughly 20-30 and am looking for a restaurant where entrees are <$13 (IIRC) and is no greater than a $5 taxi ride from the hotel. All cuisines welcome (more or less--needs to be able to accommodate the usual round of vegetarians, allergies, whathaveyou). In an ideal world, this place would have some kind of either private room or area to put us (you know, so we don't have to mix with the hoi polloi). Most of these restrictions, if not all, have nothing to do with me and I have limited to no ability to alter them. I realize this list of restrictions may be impossible to accommodate, but if I have any ability to keep us out of a TGIFridays, I'll take it. I had hoped to skip part of the conference and go to Bacchanalia for lunch on Saturday (a favorite treat from when my parents lived near Atlanta and a place with some fond memories for me). However, I just went to their website and it appears they no longer serve lunch. [insert sad sigh here] Any recs for somebody who's last meal there was a lunch 6 years ago and really liked it, is looking for a similar quality/price lunch spot, doesn't eat pig/chicken/cow (and is willing to taxi around a bit to get to said restaurant)? Thanks!

Went to Spice Xing on Friday night to celebrate anniversary with the +1 and was reminded of just what a great restaurant it is. No apps. Ordered a side of the chana masala that I raved about in my previous post (not listed on the menu, comes on the side of the samosa and is really good with great spicing, if a smidge salty). It remains rave-worthy. Dal Makhni was good. Returned to the Portugese shrimp dish I ordered last time (Balchao Shrimp) and LOVED it again. The Paneer makhni was good, but not great. Too sweet (IMHO). However, I imagine it suits others just fine. As last time, the flavors in the food are complex and nuanced. We spent a bit more this time ($40/person inc tip). Not surprising, however, as we had a couple of EtOH drinks and we tipped 25% because our waiter was really good. Run, don't walk, to Spice Xing.

I swear I remember (in one of Paula Wolfert's, I wish I could remember which to help you track it down, I think it was a release in the past 5 years but could be wrong) reading about these heavy-duty metal molds that were literally tossed into an open fire (maybe slight exaggeration), so that the outside was almost blackened (but still edible, maybe more like heavy duty caramelization) and the inside was soft, with the combination of the two (out and in) sublime. I remember being surprised when I first saw the silicone molds on the market, because I've heard they don't do a good job of giving a 'crust' and that seemed integral to the canale. Perhaps if you perfect canales you can provide a tutorial in your new kitchen!

Alright, replying to my own post--Atlas was great. Really friendly waitstaff and hostess (I'm pretty sure that she was one of the owners), food was delicious (of course, I don't remember a single thing we ordered now). I do recall my dessert, however--butterscotch pudding. perfect. The +1 had steak frites, which he thoroughly enjoyed. The space is fairly blond (definitely not restaurant as theater), but it's attractive. I would wholeheartedly recommend it. ETA: Had a GREAT breakfast at rooster (http://roosterstl.com/). Great crepes, good atmosphere, relaxing. Another thumbs up. I had a savory crepe and the +1 had a sweet, we were both pleased. I recall the coffee being fine (nothing remarkable in either direction). I wish I had something like it near me here.

You're not leaving your beautiful home, are you? On a related to canales note, one of the Paula Wolfert books has a long discussion of caneles. Really made me want to try them, but I decided I was unwilling to buy yet MORE specialized equipment. I look forward to hearing of your successes!

Went on Saturday 8/29 and bought three mini-chocolate croissants. I wasn't crazy for them, but they certainly weren't bad. I love the amount of chocolate in a standard croissant, and there wasn't enough in the minis. Normally, mini croissants would not have been my choice, but for reasons not worth going into here, that's what it needed to be. Flavor was fine, nicely browned on the outside. They gave us a freebie macaroon (I threatened my kids to make them act as cute as possible in the hopes they might do something like that), and I thought it was great. However, I don't claim to be a macaroon aficionado(a?). WORD--they don't take credit cards.

Got there today for a late lunch (2:00? it opens at 1:30). There's a bus stop that goes from white flint metro to just on the corner there. A great thing when carless! I got the fish tacos and liked them, but didn't love them. The guacamole is outstanding. The fish left me sort of shrug and I don't think the cheese adds. Good tortilla. I think it would be improved by more of a cilantro/onion/cabbage 'thing' instead of the cheese. I don't think they're bad, but I don't think they're at all standout. Great to be able to wash them down with a beer! My friend had the fried chicken, which she declared fantastic, mac and cheese (which we both agreed was delicious) and Chef's wonderful cornbread. I would certainly go back; I probably wouldn't order the fish tacos again.

I'm going to STL and considering Atlas for dinner (in the CWE). I've read good things about it at chowhound and from locals. Anybody want to chime in with an opinion?

I appreciate your response, but I'm pretty sure I know what bad milk tastes like. What I'm describing isn't off from a cow who wandered into a patch of ditchweed--it's gone sour.

Hi Mr. Seth, Truly, I want to emphasize how much I enjoyed the meal there, how much I want the restaurant to succeed and that I hope to return soon. For example, not making burfi isn't a big deal at all. I love brownies, but not every restaurant serves them! It was more the fact that it seemed pretty apparent that the waitress didn't know much about burfi. And, if I didn't make it clear, let me now. I never said to any employee that I didn't want to sit in the bar. I'm pretty confident that if I had asked, we would have been moved. It was more meant as something to consider for others who might go. My guess is that there are many people who wouldn't mind. I should have been more aware of my preferences and realized that I wasn't going to like it. Again, the food is delicious and I can overlook all kinds of problems chana masala like that!