SRJ

Jacob's Coffee House, 8th/D St. NE, but the bubble tea is better than the coffee. And I think everyone is familiar with Pound the Hill.

Old Europe: The steak tartare was the largest portion size I've ever had in the DC area for an appetizer. Mild spices that work well with the oil and side salad served on the dish. There's a lot about this restaurant that could use some revamping, but the steak tartare is the best value you're going to get in this area for a no-nonsense bocce-ball-sized mound of raw flavors, try it with the pumpernickle bread. Skip the trendy small plate stuff at the newer places.

John's of 12th Traditional NY red sauce Italian restaurant since 1908, now experimenting with "Vegan Italian" food. Classic neon sign. Original tile floors and panels of stained glass ceiling. Candles in the back room have been burning since the place opened with the wax of each new candle melting to form a larger and larger mound of wax with each passing day. It used to be a gathering place for newspaper editorialists and Washington Square Park protest organizers during World War II and into the 1960s.

It's not only closed, the inside is completely gutted. Even the bar on the back wall, which was kind of the focal point of the place, was torn out. I couldn't see inside the kitchen from the doorway window, but I'd have to assume that it was all taken out as well. Whatever becomes of the property, it won't be a simple turnkey restaurant any time soon without some substantial renovation. One positive: that God-awful plastic banner of a sign on the top of the building was taken down, and I finally got to see the older perhaps original sign hidden underneath. On a black wooden background it looks like hand-painted red lettering that says "Caffe Bar." It would have added some character to the place if it hadn't been covered up all those years.

Murry and Paul's Restaurant. 3513 12th St., NE, Brookland. (Date Needed.)

Old news by now, but it should probably be mentioned on this page. George Vetsch is leaving to explore new business opportunities, while Brian Nance returns to take his place: And I'm sure Art Carlson is delivering a great James Beard Award acceptance speech as we speak.

The Southern Kitchen in New Market is a trip back in time with one of the best old-fashioned neon signs you'll see in these parts. Peanut soup and country ham in a diner with blue upholstery and formica counters. Probably more for the unique experience than for the actual food but worth some photos.

On the Shady Oak Inn - A guest post reviewer who sounds knowledgeable of the history of the place: http://www.superpage...reviewContainer "This neighborhood bar and restaurant was founded at this location and under this name by Walter Gray , Sr. in 1909 - now over 100years old. The raised area at the rear of the dining room is the original stage as built in the 1920's. Small bands provided music for dancing. It was here that Washington area natives Kate Smith and Jimmy Dean performed in the early days of their show-business careers. W.V. Gray , Sr. operated the business until his death in 1947. Gray , Jr. then operated the business until 1963 when the family would then lease the business to Mr. Billy Wyvill , a saloon keeper from Upper Marlboro , Md. Wyvill would operate the business for the next 25 years."

The Shady Oak Inn, District Heights, MD. Good breakfast, quality steak and crab, and entertaining evenings for over 60 years. Not for tourists. http://www.restauran...6?&mcn=00066211

I stopped by shortly after 1:30 pm this afternoon and as I pulled up the ramp I saw Mr. P himself and the Preacher Man stepping off the school bus, getting into a car together that looked like a taxi cab, and driving off. Does anyone know if either of them are cab drivers on the side? The kicker was that they were both still wearing their barbecue aprons. Belinda was at the window and I ordered a half rack of pork ribs with cole slaw and beans. It also came with the standard two slices of bread wrapped tight in a clear plastic bag and a can of iced tea. Gotta appreciate the simplicity of not even being asked what you want to drink, she just shoves a can in the bag. I recommend sitting in your car while facing 4th Street so you can experience the great irony of eating that much meat while staring directly at the vegan bakery directly across street at Chez Hareg. And I'd love to catch the faces on the White House pool reporters if the President's motorcade ever did actually show up here on a lunch excursion in between a rundown car wash and a boarded-up decaying building that used to house a Safeway. The experience itself is a must. The pork ribs I had showed me both ends of the spectrum. I think I had six, and four of them were so rawhide--like that I didn't even want to risk the dental work to try chewing them. The other two were probably the best I've ever had in the area. All of them had very little bone with lots of meat. I agree that it's best to skip the sauce. The beans were just fine, and the cole slaw was great in a strong vinegar base. It's always hit or miss, and the $14 meal can seem expensive considering that only two of the ribs were any good, but it's still a special part of DC culture that I will be sad to see leave this poor lot. For those looking for family roadside barbecue that might actually continue to the next generation, has anyone ever tried King Ribs on the Wharf? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxacVlFJ_es I can't stand promotional videos, but I'm curious what the food and experience is like.

The Hill Center is looking for operators, concepts or ideas for a family-friendly cafe serving beer and wine, but no alcohol, that could operate as a neighborhood gathering place at the carriage house on the site of the rehabilitated Naval Hospital, which will serve as a community and cultural center with special events lasting into the evening. It could also have a catering component. I know it's hard to say without knowing specific details (you can contact center and it's executive director here http://www.hillcenterdc.org/index.php if you're interested in gaining more information) but I'm curious if anyone has any initial thoughts, ideas, or interest.

I don't know what year the Carlson's started running C.F. Folks (guessing late 70s), but I know the original Linda's was started sometime in the 60s.

Some of Fred Armisen's and Carrie Brownstein's antics asking the waitress about locally raised chicken remind me way too much of some of the reviews and complaints on these forums: http://www.ifc.com/portlandia/ Watch "Is it local?"

The Jazz Brunch on Sunday mornings at the Barracks Row location is very entertaining. And when they have the windows open during good weather, it really brings life to the whole street.