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StarStraf

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Everything posted by StarStraf

  1. StarStraf
    We first drank from Zac at Rogue 24. Then the Palms above Magnolias, then convivial
  2. StarStraf
    I always thought that sitting at the bar and ordering there was the sign you wanted to be social.
  3. StarStraf
    For Pooch's 50th I gave him a 50 states Travel journal that I had entered the best restaurant in each state a combined the list by Travelstoke and Business Insider And we started the list with Virginia's entry Inn at Little washington The trip was a surprise, all he knew was travel by car, dinner jacket no tie, bed & breakfast. Our friend Terry and Emily picked us up about 1 and did the driving and we kept Pooch in the dark until there was a info sign pointing to the restaurant We checked into our B&B Gay Street Inn - very nice and got ready for dinner and then walked over to the Inn. The fount entry hall reminded us of the portrait room at the Haunted Mansion, luckily the mirror did not expand on us. We were seated in the back of the sun room, an nice quite table away from the main room. We started with cocktails and then the three rounds of amuse bouche started. first was a crispy cannoli filled with pimento cheese then the tequila lime pork belly wrapped in kimch and finally a cheese brioche with a tomato orange soup. (I Saw other tables with what I guess was the truffle oil popcorn but we missed out on that) I had the Enduring Classics menu and Pooch had the Here and Now Mine started with the Tin of Sin - Royal osetra caviar with Sweet Crab and Cucumber Rillette (Pooch's was a Foie Gras) I had only had black caviar so this was a treat and the combination was stunning. Next was a Baby Lamb Carpaccio with Ceasar Salad ice Cream - (Pooch's was Lobster and Corn) - I want more of this Macadamia crusted soft shell crab tempura was so amazingly good (tough Pooch's Wagyu Beef was pretty tasty) and finally a Duck Breast with sour cherries (Pooch's was Lamb chop with an amazing minted bearnaise which I was tempted to just drink) We had the wine pairing and the L'Arco Valpolicella Ripasso from Veneto italy (2010) is now on my list. The cheese course served from a traveling cow (Farina and her friend Cameron) was superb I finished up with the Klein Constantia, Vinde Constance, Muscat de Frontignan, South Africa (2012) and the Coconut Bavarian - Pooch had the Southern Butter Pecan Ice cream Sandwich We did ask for the kitchen tour and got to meet Patrick O'Connell (Should have had a cookbook with me) Total about a three hour meal
  4. StarStraf
    The Majestic had been off our radar for a while after two mediocre visits after their reopening. We tried wednesday night wince were walking up from Captain Gregory's and decided to give a try. The Exec Chef is now Graham Duncan and the staff has once again returned to the service level I got when I went long ago. I had the Charred Lamb and Pooch had the Bronzini. We were quite pleased and will be returning.
  5. StarStraf
    Two more trips to Cap'n's for us 1) we rented the place out for our combined Bachelor/Bachelorette party in March - what a divine experience. Sam worked with us to make the drink list of titles important to us - our friends had a wonderful time. 2) last week went to Tiki night - they have really upped the quality of the food options! Rachel is the head bartender for Tiki nights and sitting at the bar we got tiki history with each drink
  6. StarStraf
    Have followed Zac to 3 different bars so far and now Mirabelle is on our short list
  7. StarStraf
    We had our rehearsal dinner at Peking Gourmet Inn ( 23 adults and 2 kids). They put us in a private room to the left as you come in, we had plenty of room and the noise level which is sometimes a bit loud in the restaurant was only our group. There was room to wander from table to table and the service was wonderful and prompt and often times un-noiticed except that my drink was always full. We did Gourmet group dinner B + Garlic Shoots which was plenty of food and plenty of leftovers for those staying at the house. I was VERY pleased that they were able to accommodate the vegan and the kids and the amazingly picky eater. Everyone had a great time - many had never seen a duck carved table side so there were many many pictures. HIGHLY recommended for large group dinners.
  8. StarStraf
    Having driven by MXDC a number of times and had hubby say 'we need to try that' it was a natural choice when an out of town friend wanted to meet in that area for dinner. When we arrived Hubby went to bar to order cocktails as we waited for our third, and half way thru making the second drink they ran out of Pyrat XO Rum so instead of getting a new bottle he substituted Captain Morgans. Sorry if you are going to have the brand name in the drink name (PYRATS TREASRUE) and list the brand in the menu you should use that brand. The drinks were un-inspired, we switched to water for diner. Once seated we had chips and Salsa and ordered the Lobster & Corn Guacamole. The chips were a bit oily but the salsa was pretty tasty though mild. Either there is not much lobster and corn or we got the Traditional and it was below average guacamole being almost smooth and fairly bland. Pooch had the Taco mix and match, I had the Mariscada Quesadilla. The food was good but not great, could have been at Chevy's or San Antonio and had the same quality (and better guacamole) For some reason when I stepped away the guys ordered Tres Leches for Dessert - it was dry and bland. Won't be going back again.
  9. StarStraf
    Yeap sushi Toro. Squd ink tempura crab
  10. StarStraf
    Nope - In DC I think it was Sawagani crab
  11. StarStraf
    My turn - we went out last night...(No cheating by my FB friends)
  12. StarStraf
    Update - still doing brunch but the quantity of options has dropped, almost all the tables are now high tops, and service is spotty.
  13. StarStraf
    Vermillion has become our nightcap before we head home for nights in Old Town since our prior spot (The Palms -upstairs from Magnolias) has dropped in quality with the change of bar staff.
  14. StarStraf
    Was there about two months ago - still wonderful!
  15. StarStraf
    Grandma Lila - She passed last Saturday at the age of 99 - She had lost many restaurant privileges (in much the same way a two year old does) but the last month enjoyed some meals out at iHop, McDonalds, and the fast food Italian at Tysons on a trip there. She lived life to the fullest, traveled the world, thru wonderful dinner parties, and loved a gin & tonic while looking out over the beach. (Her failing health is why I haven't been on the board much in the last six months) http://www.johnsoncountychapel.com/obituaries/Lila-Skaer/#!/Obituary
  16. StarStraf
    you say Zig's I think of Zigfields down at Buzzard Point.
  17. StarStraf
    Already Seen: Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Johnathan Coulton, Sting / Peter Gabriel Coming up: 7/15 Eddie Izzard - national theater 7/22 Bacon Brothers - birchmere 7/28 Tony Bennett - wolf trap (taking Grandma) 7/30 Billy Joel - Nationals park 9/11 Heart / Joan Jett / Cheap Trick - Jiffy Lube Live (Hey DanielK) 10/27 Anthony Bourdain - DAR
  18. StarStraf
    To me Quick Serve - is that you go up to the counter and order and either wait at counter or they bring to table Fast Casual is wait-staff but very quick
  19. StarStraf
    New dining out friend (James) suggested we try Rose's Luxury and since he lives in the area he would get in line and we would meet him there. He was in line by 5 and got a 7-8 estimate we got there about 7 and got a table about 8:15. I was not sure about this waiting process, did have a cocktail at the bar upstairs while waiting, but once we sat down it was wonderful. We worked our way thru all the cocktails – Rye & Rose Water (James' favorite), Tequila & Grapefruit & Jalapeno (Pooch’s favorite), Pimms & Strawberry (I don’t remember), Gin & Clilantro (meh), Rosita (good), Luxury Long Island Ice Tea (good). My favorite was the vodka coconut with the sugar rimmed glass (the only repeat order at the table) They brought us hot homemade potatoe bread – oh so yummy but I’m always a fan of fresh bread. We placed our first round order of 4 dishes: Fennel Salad, Jicama, Pickled Shrimp & Citrus – I eat Jicama almost every day for lunch and it has never tasted this yummy, Pooch wasn’t a fan. Pork Sausage, Habanero, Peanuts & Lychee Salad – I skipped this one (to spicy) this is their signature salad, the guys enjoyed it (James favorite), you mix it all together into a slushy mess. Romaine Heart, Duck Egg, Crispy Potato, Herb & Buttermilk – very yummy. Grilled Veal Breast, Tonnato Sauce, Parsley & Bonito – dang yummy. Next round was the Blue Catfish, crispy Bread, Green tomato relish, and saffron aioli – good but not the level of the rest. They brought us a BBQ goat with beans from our server – the goat was really good but the pairing was wierd Our main dish was the family style Smoke Brisket, white bread, horseradish & slaw. Now I’m from Kansas City, I know good brisket. This brisket made the conversation stop and my toes curl. This is true slow cooked melting flavorful brisket that I haven’t had on the East Coast. This dish is worth the waiting in line and no-reservations mess. Dessert time – Had an Islay single malt I had not ever heard of before – Kilchoman Distillery – not anywhere as peaty as a standard Islay, seemed to have a sherry finish. Rhubarb tart – this was very yummy, Chocolate mousse with rose ice cream and toasted brioche – I’ve had better mousse but all went together quite well. Coconut ice cream was quite good Peanut butter / sesame seeds came with the check (which averaged about $100 per person including drinks) Grandma report – the wait makes this a Grandma veto
  20. StarStraf
    We wanted to give this a try as we walk past on our way to Chart House all the time. So on a TUESDAY night we stopped by and were told there was a 45-60 minute wait but we could eat out at the back bar. We stepped out ant tried but half the fire pits were not working and it was to cold to eat without them. The menu was torn and tattered,and the food listed wasn't impressive but we wanted to give it a try. We moved to the bar for just a drink and the first three specialty drinks on their menu they didn't have the ingredients for, the staff were all asking each other 'do you remember what that table ordered' to try to get billing done, and the drinks were mediocre. Won't be going back, Star
  21. StarStraf
    I've been to two large group events (Work) at Theismans and they do very well - the space is away from other diners, service is good - all the food came out the right temperature and was enough space to move around between tables. The places I'm considering for ours is Jaelo Crystal city, Chart House, and Theismans. Where i'm lost is the Sunday brunch
  22. StarStraf
    We went to one in Vegas, the waitresses are just the same if women are present. My memory of Vegas was fun atmosphere but mediocre food.
  23. StarStraf
    very interested in hearing what folks have to offer
  24. StarStraf
    Took Grandma to the Ballston location as it came up as 25% off (weather bonus) on my SpotLuck spin and hadn't heard of it and we will be going back. Open feel with open view of kitchen was great - though I'm guessing could get quite loud if crowded (We went at 5pm Sunday night) Great beer selection with a create your own flight option. We started with East Coast Oysters - good, but a few shell bits so not prefect, nice option on sauses. Warm hard crust bread served up Grandma rated VERY GOOD. She had the Lobster Mac & Cheese and wants to go back to have it again. I had the Scallop and Cauliflower (Still on evil diet for another week, so didn't get to try Grandma's food, they were able to easily tell me if dish had butter/cream) Then she had brownie in skillet with Ice Cream for dessert - perfect consistency. I had coffee - served in small french press - a bit to much of a bitter blend for me without cream (see diet) I have been explaining the map feature of the car (Garmin type) and as we left Grandma said 'No can we tell the map to remember this place so we can come back' Accessibility: There is a ramp or two stairs down so very easy, the restrooms are single rooms and the handicap room was plenty big. Well light, friendly staff that fussed over Grandma, we were able to park on that block (though we parked by the back door not the front, they let us leave thru the back door). I love it when a random-izer app gives me a great discount and finds me a restaurant I like (Especially like that SpotLuck shows me menu)
  25. StarStraf
    Yeah if a restaurnt replys I'll get info and details and be up front with them of what stage we are in planning
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