eating out

I had my first "giant saltine" experience last night, the softshell crab pizza being quite dry, with even the two tiny crabs lacking moisture. There were way too many herbs on the pie. No, Carole was not there, but she hasn't been there before and the pizzas have been great. I've had this particular pizza four or five times now, and this was the first failure - and a failure it was. Two other pizzas (the "Smoky" and a garlic, pepperoni, and Italian sausage) were very, very good, although not quite up to the usual high standards here. They weren't serving the Hot Wings. The salads appeared limpid. Desserts featured variants of ice cream without any cake or baked goods. The Chianti by the carafe (2005 Castello di Poppiano if I recall) is nasty, although a carafe of Chardonnay is worth ordering (a Domaine de Martinolles, I think - Comet is putting some thought into their carafe wines.) Overall an off night which I wouldn't even mention except that I've touted this place so highly in the past.

Cheers,

Rocks.

(This post is mostly reproduced from an earnest email which has received the recipient's blessing)

My SO and I went to Comet on Sat nite for the first time for date night. I had been talking it up since it opened, and was eager to finally try the pizza that has been hailed as so important to the DC scene. I knew of the potential for the giant saltine from the recent posts, but hoped that this would not be the case, b/c I love the idea of Comet as a hangout.

So, I got the softshell pizza which I had been dying to try, and she got a Tomato Pie with mushroom, garlic, greens and melted onions. The pizza was very bad. I had two teeny softshells on my pizza with the leeks/melted onions (not sure if I had both or one or the other). I liked the softshells, they had good flavor and were very tasty, as were the leeks/melted onions. But the crust?? Holy crap it was disgusting, I felt gross for hours afterwards - it was incredibly salty (I am a huge salt/savory person as opposed to sweet) - and I couldn't chew it! It was like bread that wasn't fully cooked, that was left to sit out for hours. You know, how the dough gets so hard and you can't chew it? It was gross. My better-half will definitely not go back there with me for pizza. Hers was incredibly salty, and there was practically no sauce on the pie, we had to search for it. The shrooms and other ingredients on top were fresh tasting and good, but the sauce/cheese/crust was just inedible.

We sat at a table that faced the kitchen. We could see the pizza "chef" standing around looking like she wished she was ANYWHERE else - The SO called her the "disaffected chef" as she slumped around the kitchen. The other weird part, we ordered a bottle of white wine at the bar while we waited for our table, and each had a glass before our table was ready. Then, we had to settle at the bar, and the bartender was completely clueless as to how to then transfer our bottle to the table - meaning, he was going to leave it on ice at the bar. I was like, well can't we take it to the table with us? The hostess was waiting for me to follow her, and she was like, we have buckets at the bus stand with ice. I said, don't you have a bucket with ice that we can take to our table? She walked away with an unsure expression and said let me check - it didn't seem as though she'd heard of that before. Then, finally, the manager took over and said I will get you a bucket with ice for the table. As he set us up he mentioned that they don't get many orders for bottles of wine. It was kind of sad the staff didn't seem to know what to do for a bottle of white wine...

The best part of the meal was a dessert scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream. My SO summed it up after her second bite: "Their ice cream is better than their pizza." I solemnly nodded in agreement. Not good. I know they are capable of better from trusted reviews on this board, but I couldn't help doubting after this experience. I would not go back there for pizza unless I called ahead to find if Carole was in the kitchen. And even then I might be doubtful. And, I will stop talking about this place and recommending it to everyone I meet that lives near by. I had been talking it up pretty good - I would be quite embarrassed had friends gone there and had the same experience I did, after I spoke so highly (serves me right I guess for not having gone myself). Anyway, we both loved the space, and we'd go back for beers and ping pong and ice cream, but definitely not for pizza... even yesterday in the evening we were joking about how gross it was, and I was still reeling from the crust.

I was unsure of whether or not to post this for the board. Because you know what? The pepperoni/cheese jumbo slice pizza we had much later that night that was delivered to a party from Cappuccino's, was sooo much better than Comet. I really don't have anything good to say about Comet's pizza, other than the fresh ingredients/toppings. I hate to be so harsh about it, because I know they are nice people and I love the space for hanging out. But they need to do something with that disaffected kitchen staff cuz that pizza was narsty.

Finally, I made it to an In-n-Out. They've been expanding through Northern California, and can be found at various points along US101 or El Camino Real.

I ordered a 2x2 animal-style, and had the fries animal'd as well. The burger toppings were better than just about any burger chan I can think of - very crisp. fresh, well-chosen and not too wet, and while the fries themselves were merely good, the animal treatment (fried onions, cheese, special sauce) put them over the top. But the burger patties themselves were on the small side, and came up low on char and medium on flavor. This was a very good burger, much better than anything from the mega-chains, but IMHO not as flavorful as either Five Guys (all over the $#@ East Coast) or Whataburger (across the South)...and only because of the patties.

Same impression that I had when I was there once. The patties are weak as compared to the fabulous toppings.

Just to be clear, currywurst is simply bratwurst cut up into bite-size pieces, sprinkled with curry powder, and served with ketchup and fries. Generally, you get it at an Imbiss (somewhat like our hot-dog stands, preferably in Berlin) not at a shop.

That may be how they actually serve it in Germany, but I've had a version here in the states that was delicious, and not how you've described it. My experience was that it was like an amazing bratwurst that was cooked in curry (or curry powder) or however, and it tasted and smelled of curry, and was served whole on a bun, like a brat, with saurkraut on top. DELICIOUS. Got it at this great little German bar in NYC. It's that version I hope they sell at German Gourmet, but if they have your version, I'll happily try that too.

Do they have currywurst?

Just wanted to let everyone know that there is a big sign hanging in front of Taqueria Distrito Federal that says "DELIVERY - $5 MINIMUM" or something to that effect. I haven't tried it, but if you want to give it a whirl the number is 202-276-7331. Let us know how it is!

this just made my day! thanks for passing it along, I will be testing the delivery shortly

I was recently at Love Cafe for breakfast, but not for the cupcakes (though I think they're okay, I'm not really a sweets person - the carrot's my favorite). Instead I was interested in a light and fruity bite. I happily discovered that Love Cafe will serve you mango slices - that is, they will take a whole mango not previously sliced, and cut it up after you order it. I thought this was a pretty great thing, and not a service I've seen anywhere else. It was ripe and refreshing. And only $1.50.

Also, the egg and cheese sandwich looked good as well - with what looked like a properly fried egg. I'm planning to go back and try it...

Finally made my way to Pedro & Vinny's. Initial impression? above average.

Ingredients are solid - but the refried beans are a little sweet for my tastes, and there were too many of them on the burrito (I got a medium black & tan on tomato/chili w/ cheese). Plus, for me, I like my burrito to be tight and easy to take bites out of - it can be huge, but I generally appreciate it more when it isn't oozing out from all sides - I like it to have some shape. And this was a messy burrito. Definitely a sitting-down-at-table-to-eat varietal (for me at least).

So, too much moosh/beans to rice, and it wasn't proportionate - if possible, I like to have a little of everything on each bite. Now, I know this is coming across critical and picky, but I do think it is a burrito worth trying (definitely better than Chipotle), and it was tasty, and it is a great deal for $5 - it's huge! The mango hot sauce is delish as is my all time favorite Cholula. The fresh salsa was good, the cheese and tortilla's are good. I'll be back, and the next time I might ask for light on the tan and see if that helps the over-stuffed situation.

Thanks to everyone who posted! For me, Mixtec is still the best burrito in town...

I couldn't afford to eat out very often, and I also didn't want to eat convenience or frozen foods, which were also expensive and tasted crappy to me. I knew what good food was supposed to taste like, even if I didn't know how to cook it.

That's what I'm dealing with, and why I'm ready to get started. Thanks again for sharing - you've led an amazing culinary life!

Zora - this blog is delicious and inspiring. I'm a total newbie to cooking, but want to get going - still need to get one good pot, one good pan, a good knife, and a stable of good and easy recipes. I'm wondering how you came to be such a fabulous cook, with such a voluminous catalogue of recipes in your head? Any recommendations for someone just starting out? Thanks so much for taking the time to share your meals with us!

What's the word on this place? Read a blurb about it in Washingtonian - anyone a regular? How do you order your burrito (heard there was a special way, kinda like In-N-Out Double Double Animal Style)? How does it compare to Mixtec (which, IMHO, is the best take-out burrito in the city)?

Apologies if there is a post about this somewhere, didn't find one... Thanks!

four things:

1. do the honeydew.

2. the strawberry drink is nice but could use a blender and some rum.

3. the brisket sandwich: the meat is tasty and tender - though a touch dry. was on the same small bun as the burger, and there was a suggestion of mayo, but not enough to make an impact. this sandwich is not very filling but has potential. it needs the au jus from the brisket, and perhaps some horseradish, before I'd order it again.

4. the shrimp jambalaya looks great.

I want to add a shout out for the Tuna Burger. It is deliciously flavorful. IMHO, much better than the shrimp and lobster burgers (though I am a big lobster snob). Still haven't had the Bacon Cheeseburger, that's next. Also, the burrata and tomato app was quite refreshing.

Had dinner at Chef Brendan Cox's restaurant recently. On such a beautiful night there were thoughts of eating outside, but it ultimately came down to wanting a great meal while brown-bagging wine, and thus Circle Bistro was chosen. It did not dissapoint.

The menu was a thorough tribute to Spring's best offerings - asparagus, ramps, softshell crab, sugar snap peas, sweet peas, morels and dill. And all at reasonable pricepoints.

Our order: The Angus burger was a given, the Sweet Pea Shoot Gnocchi with Morel Mushrooms, Spring Vegetables and Parmesan Reggiano, and the Tempura of Soft Shell Crab with Pea Shoots, Pickled Spring Onions and Dill were musts, and the Polyface Farm Egg Papparadelle, Oregon Porcini Mushrooms and Wild Ramps seemed irresistable. But sadly, the Softshell crab was no longer available, and due to Chef Cox's prowess with the poisson, the Pan Roasted Alaskan Halibut with Spring Asparagus, Onion Soubise and Porcini Jus was selected.

I had ordered the Papparadelle, and when it was set down in front of me I immediately had dish envy - the Gnocchi dish was a big, beautiful, bounty of Spring in a light and shroomy buttery cream sauce that coated the dish but was flavor enhancing and not overpowering. Most times I've had gnocchi, the ratio of gnocchi to accompanyment is probably 70%-30%, gnocchi to whatever. This was 60%-40% Spring to gnocchi. The amount of morels, asparagus, ramps and sweet peas was staggering. I wish I'd had a camera. The gnocchi themselves were of the melt in your mouth varietal, and were a perfect accompaniement to the veggies - crunch with grainy silk on the palate.

Oh yeah, and the Papparadelle - this was well cooked pasta with a ramp infused butter sauce, with a few porcini mushrooms. The shrooms were firm and tasted grilled, with a subtle smokiness but full on flavor. A little too buttery for me and ultimately pale in comparison to the gnocchi masterpiece, this dish was good, but not my favorite.

Next, the giant hunk of meat that was the Angus burger, juxtaposed with the delicately placed, palm-sized portion of Halibut atop bright green spring asparagus. We deigned to finish the fish first, and leave the meat for last. The fish was perfectly cooked, flaked with the prong of the fork, while moist and full of flavor. Lightly browned on top, it had a buttery texture and taste. At first I was assembling my bites to include Halibut and asparagus, then lightly dredged through the Onion Soubise and Porcini Jus. This was good. But, once I incorporated the dill into my bite, it was transcendent. The dill brought the whole dish together - the few bits on top of the fish as plated now seemed a coronation. It was like the perfect wine-food pairing - the dill gave this dish an exclamation point and the flavor melded together perfectly. I wish I could explain the flavors better, but I'll just say - if you get the Halibut, and you should - take each bite with a sprig of dill.

And now for the burger - this giant hunk of meat was indeed as tasty as previous reports. However, what made it great for me, was the tomato on top- Chef Cox simply roasts the tomatoes that he puts on the burger. They were delicious and seriously complimented the meat. What was nicely surprising as well, is that at first glance there seemed to be a lot of mayo on the bun. But, after finishing off the burger, I remarked that I hadn't noticed any gloppiness of mayo at all - it was light, yet no miracle whip. Chef said it was Duke's - I'm going to have to try and pick some of that up.

I used to work across the street from Circle Bistro. In all my time downtown, I only went there once for lunch and thought it was alright. But, I was also unaware of the lurking genious operating in this colorful cave of a restaurant. Sometimes, ignorance isn't bliss. Thanks for a great meal, Chef. Looking forward to many more

DInner at 7:30, but a new development...

Kay and I cannot make it and Jeff C is also out.

Still in:

Daniel

Legant

grover +1

cucas87

rkduggins

synaesthesia

Still a goodly group. I will try to schedule a second dinner later on for those of us who could not make it to start with or had to drop out. Sorry about this. Grover made a reservation but now it needs to be reduced. Cuscas & Legant need a ride, we were going to pick them up at Silver Spring.

Sorry!

I really want to try this place with you guys - but I'll be in Bethesda until 6:30. How ridiculous of a trek (by car) is it from there? I will be interested in a second date if one is proposed, for sure.

Thanks.

I'm obsessed with their Mozzerella Stix - yes, they're the frozen kind that splurts hot grease at you when you take a bite, but man do they taste good after a few beers on the softball diamond. I always get the Titanic ( huge platter of boneless wings/mozz stix/onion rings) - those boneless buffalo wings are pretty tasty.

Fine, more for us

Sushi Ko had a great preparation Friday. The sushi chef strongly urged another diner to get the softshell crab appetizer over the soft shell crab roll b/c the appetizer was the only preparation made with fresh, not frozen softshell crabs.

Pax,

Brian

I was going to suggest the same thing - if you want to give them another try, the one I had at Sushi-Ko was the fattest softy I've ever had - really plump, lots of meat.

Oh. My. God.

At the risk of being thought of as some PR flack for Taqueria, you absolutely, positively, definitely HAVE to go there next Monday for the burger special. Having had the burger at Central and here I can say that at $5.50 w/ some fries, the Taqueria burger more than holds its own against Central AND you can eat three of em for the price of one at Central!!

Swell meat never tasted so good!

Agree 100%. That was a swelluva burger. Just delicious, big, juicy! burger. Palena look out!

Just had a plump and delicious tempura battered one at Sushi-Ko couple of nights ago...

There's meat, and then there's swell meat. Surely ya'll know that by now.

Nope, didn't know that. And don't call me shirley. looking forward to a swell burger.

Monday-Hamburgers made from swell meat on tasty buns with pimento cheese

swell meat?

I am so happy about this place - I work around the Union Station lunch wasteland, and this is a very welcome addition! Those yucca fries are a must try (I'd get them over fries any day), and I think the green salsa is awesome. Loved the watermelon drink, going to try canteloupe next. Also very much enjoyed both the fish taco and the chicken taco - while boring in looks, they were very tasty. Definitely need to break out the mints after this meal, though

What's the latest on the taco carryout?

Yeah, I'd love an update on this too if anyone knows anything... thx.

Would people be interested in a LAME DUCK meetup for happy hour sometime this week on either the roof of The Reef or the back patio of Bourbon?

Can't do this week (I guess it's over, anyway), but I would be interested in doing this sometime...

Please, please let them have currywurst to go with that great beer list!

I met a couple of friends at EatBar last night for dinner and despite high hopes, we had a less than stellar experience.

First off, the service was atrocious. Our waitress came by one time to take our drink orders and I kid you not, she never came back to our table for the rest of the meal. I was able to flag her down after several attempts to get our check but that was it. We were given one menu for three people, I believe a manager finally took our order, and at the end of the meal both water and wine glasses were completely empty with no offer of refilling either in our two hours of sitting there. We wanted to order dessert but since no one was even walking by, it was impossible. There was one table at the back of the restaurant that our "waitress" seemed to be spending all of her time helping. All of this said, with our limited interaction, the waitress seemed very nice, just completely MIA.

I decided to order the grilled cheese panini because it looked good on another table. To the eye, it looked full of a variety of interesting cheeses but tasted surprisingly bland. The chips alongside were good. I had a couple of my friend's fries and the homemade ketchup was shockingly sweet.

I am sorry, I really wanted to like this place and I am sure I will get skewered for a negative review. But I won't be returning unless something at EatBar dramatically changes.

I just want to say thank you for posting your experience - I know it probably gave you pause. I have had only good experiences at EatBar, but I would never discount the fact that you might have had a different experience, nor skewer you for it. I also want to agree with you about the ketchup - I didn't like it at all, it tasted like tomato paste straight out of a can to me.