pleen

People don't change. I think this is just Peter Chang's MO. I'm inclined to agree that he is more entrepreneurial than anything else...probably getting a lot upfront to set it all up and train other chefs. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to dine at Taste of China in December 2009! I love the idea of a Komi-like setup of limited diners, limited seating tasting menu. I would pay $100 for a Peter Chang experience. I have yet to experience the same level of Chinese fine dining here in the US as I have been lucky to experience in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Peter Chang comes close... As for the interesting discussion about a comparison between Lotus of Siam chef and Peter Chang, I'm inclined to think it is a fair comparison. Everytime I'm in LV, I dine at LoS. If the chef from LoS moved somewhere else, I would be sure to put it on my list, much like I will for Peter Chang's next endeavor. Chasing the umami....

For those in VA who don't wish to schlep into DC on a weeknight for good Ethiopian, try Caboose Cafe in Del Ray (run by Ethiopian family - they make small batches of Ethiopian food, so everything is really fresh-tasting) or Meaza @ Bailey's Crossroads. Of course, it's worth following that up with a trip to Dama for dessert. You'll have to jockey with the cab drivers for a parking spot, but sooooo worth it!

Went there recently and am eager to go back. Their aushak was the best I've tasted in this area....very fresh! The decor is...entertaining!

My opinion only: Both the ramen and mochi scene in DC are sadly lacking. The best ice-cream mochi I have had in the US is in a little Japanese restaurant in NYC. None of the frozen stuff compares, as part of the delight of mochi is the consistency and freshness. If anyone knows of a place in the DC area that makes FRESH mochi, I'd be up for trying some!

We've done most of these trips and highly recommend it: Domestically 1) Portland, ME and the surrounding area - incredible food scene in Portland, ME! 2) Drive from San Francisco, through Napa, stopping by the Yountville mecca of course, up the coast to Portland, OR. Portland OR has an incredible food scene - serious people making incredible eats! 3) Houston - yes, you heard it here first - Houston's food scene is diverse, with tons of ethnic eats as well as fine New American dining 4) NYC, of course....but why not also drive to Flushing for amazing Chinese food and since you're already in the vicinity, pls drive to Connecticut for the Pepe's vs. Sally's pizza taste-off Internationally 1) Spain & Morocco - this trip will guarantee a diversity of flavors - European into Middle Eastern/North African 2) Japan - go with someone who speaks the language - it will help greatly, as we learned on our second triip there! 3) Eating tour of South East Asia - start in Singapore, work your way up to Malaysia and/or Thailand, followed Vietnam and/or Cambodia - on these trips, I like to do the fine dining (you still get a lot for your USD) and street food - fantastic contrast! 4) Sri Lanka & India - I'm planning this trip for next year 5) Italy, of course!

Hi all - my husband and I love to travel and eat - we believe our lives are greatly enriched by both! We have lived in the DC area for over 8 years and love the food culture here, especially all the ethnic eats in the 'burbs! I love to cook and am always in search of high quality food recommendations! Looking forward to being a part of this great community! Best, Pauline Lewis, aka pleen