wlohmann

I have visited the Columbia Pike location many times. Extremely friendly service, great selection of german products (great beer of course and, at holidays, grab a bottle of Gluhwein!!) and of course a gorgeous display case of every "wurst" you can imagine. Long lines on saturday morning but the sausage samples make the time pass quickly!

Interestingly, while chowing down on a pork sandwich at Galileo, I got talking to Walter, who i guess is Donna's dining room manager/sometime-sommelier/bartender/maitre d.....asked him if he'd been with Donna for a long time....he said no, he'd worked for years at Zeffirelli....I think he said there were others on his staff that he recruited to go to Galileo....all after Walter having met Donna in a restaurant and striking up a friendship. That was the first I'd heard of Zeffirelli but may have to go out to Herndon and check it out.

Nice, quick, and even economical lunch here with a friend the other day. Walked in on spur of moment and sat at the bar. Avoided main courses and just grabbed some mussels (santorini?) and the rapini with garlic and feta side....yummy bread and hummus even for us cheapskates. Friend's shrimp salad looked quite good too. Mussels were plump and ouzo-accented sauce was out of the Belgian norm and great for dipping. Rapini simple and fresh. Little bag of Greek cookies on the way out the door to snack on walking across farragut park.........maybe we spent 40 bucks between us? Great lunch!

I don't think there is much basic disagreement here.....we've all has that experience of wading through tables occupied by students and telecommuters who have settled in for the day---whether they are doing that by hauling in stacks of books or plugging in a laptop makes no difference. They are occupying valuable real estate and need to make it worth the owner's while doing so and, when it gets crowded and they are forcing people to wait, common courtesy demands that they pack up and move on. Whether it is an iPad, a laptop or War and Peace the standard should be the same. What I think Buzz needs to reckon with is that by plastering.....and I mean plastering...their establishment with signs bearing the word "NO", they risk not only insulting those like me who simply chose the ipad version of the Journal over the "hard copy" to take to Buzz for convenience, but making their space uninviting for ALL patrons. I can say that when I walked into St Elmo's, bustling with families,students on laptops, seniors with their books and sleepy locals reading newspapers, both analogue and digital, I felt comfortable and I felt welcome. So until Buzz revisits their policy, I vote with my dollars for St Elmo's.

Ahhhh DeLorenzos on Hudson in Trenton. It's a holy grail of pizza I've grasped for and never obtained! Largely due to fact that their hours seem calculated to preVENT actualy serving customers and I've stopped by even DURING open hours to find them closed. HAVE however made an actual love connection at arch rival DeLorenzos on HAMILTON. Absolutely deelish, quite unique, tomato pie......grabbed one just prior to an evening drive back to dc and it was gone by the Susquehanna bridge. Was up visiting family last weekend and promised it for a lunch only to find them closed Sunday afternoon. Backup plan was Candela on Lawrenceville Road in Lawrence-more on pedestrian NY style side of things but pedestrian in Trenton is nirvana anywhere else!

Stopped at Buzz for an espresso and to read the newspaper on my Ipad. Greeted by a SEA of little table tents and signs reading "no laptops or ipads". Folks lounging with books and analogue newspapers in the "no iPad" zone...... Understand limitations on time spent at tables and perhaps even laptop restrictions but e-readers? The irrationality of it makes my head explode. For a place that clearly aspires to a "hipper than thou" vibe, the Luddite policies are even more inexplicable. Told by nice woman behind counter that she first heard about policy this morning. Sooooooo I made my way to e always-hospitable St Elmos in Del Ray and read my newspaper there.....bye bye Buzz!

I had a great lunch when I was last there at Le Dauphin, a wine bar adjoining (and sharing celebrity chef Inaki Aizpitarte with) Chateaubriand. EUR 5 wine-by-the-glass and a very abbreviated lunch menu but spectacular food in a comfortable and friendly setting (I had this pork jowl and winter vegetable dish that blew me away!). Seems, along with Verre Vole' in Canal St. Martin district, to be a real "buzz" restaurant of late.

Can very solid food with deft execution for what must be a large well-staffed kitchen make up for a 50 minute wait past reservation time and discourteous treatment despite that wait? As I take my internal temperature sitting here a couple days after, I'm going to have to say no, since it seems that, despite the quality of the meal, I'm thinking I won't go back. We (three couples) arrived spot on time (a few minutes early in fact) for our 8:30 reservation. After a slightly awkward coat check experience (the hosts both check guests in AND take coats in a narrow bottleneck of a location with servers squeezing by as heavy wraps are hoisted over the reception desk), we were cheerfully informed that, while "our" table had "paid", the table had not yet been "cleared" (i.e., those that preceded us were lingering). I'd been looking forward to sampling one of Gina's Sazeracs so we happily adjourned to the bar to wait the couple minutes needed to clear and set the table. ANNd the clock started ticking. The scene at the bar was a bit chaotic....several mixologists (Gina not there) working away at some beautiful concoctions but service a bit slow and awkward...drinks just lovely though (Sazerac zesty and exotic with absinthe misted from an olive oil spray apparatus and my wife's beet/gin cocktail valentine-appropriate in a deep red; not too sweet). We began a process of checking back every 10 minutes or so as to the status of clearing the paid table- -we had the actual table pointed out and saw the party there showing no signs of having finished dining, let alone having paid (the "paid" part turned out to be untrue- -won't use the word "lie")....and we began to commiserate with others whose waiting time was getting attenuated, forming a little community of righteous indignation. As we ticked toward the hour mark, we identified the gentlemen who was managing the front of the house.....he noted our concern without making eye contact and kept walking.....the host(ess), who had been very solicitous and kind, ran up to report that a large party had left a private room and they were setting it up for us as well as our comrades-in-waiting......so as the clock hit a full hour after our arrival, we were seated.....with no accomodation ordered.....our desire for retribution being somewhat high at the time, one of our companions, who had brought wine along, suggested that the restaurant waive the corkage fee in light of the delay.....after consultation at some undisclosed location, the front of house manager (grudgingly) agreed....the service after that was quite good (though, as the restaurant emptied as 10 pm approached, I imagine people were freeing up) and, as I said, the food was lovely....after being told that my first choice the Foie Gras Bar was 86'ed, I had the deconstructed rabbit brioche and, as our friendly server suggested, I first sampled the components then mixed them all together- -it was whimsical and tasty....I got to sample a companion's House-made Hot Dogs- - -it was quite excellent and served with a cool smear of condiments on a large plate...my pork loin entree with roasted brussel sprouts, lentils, pureed turnips and a virginia ham garnish were perfectly prepared....and an enormous portion (which I nonetheless was able to polish off)....my wife's branzino was lovely too....the Cosby's 140% dessert we shared was worth saving room for....a dense pudding on one end of plate...a chocolate chip cookie topped with milk sorbet on the other.....So I ask myself after all this- -if the meal was so good (and it truly was)- -why do I have these negative thoughts? I guess, at least in this case, that, for me, service and feeling cared-for is more important than food quality in its effect on the overall experience.......W

Is anyone aware of a traditional French boulangerie in DC or NoVa? Absent some inspiration from my DR friends, I will just head to Le Pain Quotidiene, but I have hopes of finding a nice, family-owned place.

My wife, myself and another couple had a great meal at Eola last Friday and will absolutely be back. We'd booked via Open Table and found, even after the Washingtonian cover and other great notices, Friday night prime times were wide open. There were probably three other parties in the first floor dining room while we were there. What a great shame because the food is imaginative and tasty, the service just great (like Dark Star we were assisted by Jean Paul who lived up to his reputation, earnest and friendly, very knowledgeable about the menu and also knows his way around the wine list (is currently training to become a sommelier and really offered some interesting out of the way choices that we enjoyed). Dining room small and intimate- - -noise level low (even if it were packed, I think conversation would be easy). Ambience quite relaxed for the food quality, which is always a great combination- -high cuisine in friendly, low-key surroundings. My dinner (and what I recall of others....) Starter: Deviled Virginia Rabbit - - generous portion in little heaps atop rye toasts -- accented with mustard, very tasty (my wife enjoyed the coddled egg and I got a little taste of each of our friends' "Bacon and Eggs and Suckling Pig Salad" the latter tasting quite special). Entree: Cedarbrook Farm Tamworth Pork - - I would drive cross-country for this pork jowl - - pork belly on steroids? hard to capture but rich and melt-in-your-mouth and glazed to perfection - - some tartness supplied by a little mound of powdered buttermilk. Greens well-prepared. Wife loved the rockfish, our friend's mate had the tagliatelle (a carbonara preparation)- -enjoyed it but thought it was a touch oversalted. Dessert: Apple Upside Down Cake, worth saving room for We got to spend some time with Chef Daniel after dinner and he was a delightful guy - - also chatted with some regular patrons- -it was that kind of relaxed and fun vibe - - almost like being welcomed into someone's home. Really a lovely evening!

oh i have a great recipe at home that I've made many times- - -SO SIMPLE and delicious- -will post later. A good place to grab Socca at lunchtime is G Street Foods, which I think has it on their daily menu these days.

Just noticed Yves walking around after movie at Hoffman. Looks like a cute place and some diners we chatted with on way out seemed pleased. Yelp reviews seem middling at best. Posted menu cites a connection (common ownership?) with au pied de cochon, anyone have any info? Will check it out soon.

I stopped in today for a bowl of red red (bean-based stew), some plantain and a chat with Tony, Abigail and their son Peter. As always, good hearty food and gracious service. A bit quirky and unpredictable at times, but well worth a visit. They recently catered an event at my office and the foes was hot, tasty, on-time and very reasonably priced. I recommend them highly.

Daniel, can you catch others up on this thread? What is the reservation for?

What a great time we had at Saturday Night Sips! It was held in a beautiful home on 16th Street with cocktail, small plate and wine stations scattered throughout the three stories of the house. The mixologists held court on the first floor (Gina from PS7's dazzled with a gin, saffron and cardamom concoction) and the chefs were strategically placed elsewhere (especially mad props to Graham Bartlett of Zengo for the Flounder Crudo with Hibiscus-marinated Clementine (I think?), Shannon Overmiller for a wonderful bite of the "Kobe Beef of Pork" and best-in-show to Will Artley of Evening Star for his Pork Belly atop Sunchoke Puree (ably assisted by Kate Lytle of Rustico/CIA). Very nice range of wines sponsored by Le Baccanti (arranger of Italian food and wine tours on road show from their Florence offices) represented by Benedetta Marinelli and her colleague. Those on the ground floor were treated to inspiring words from, among others cookbook author Joan Nathan, Jose Andres (who smilingly posed for pictures with guests) and Alice Waters (in from Chez Panisse, who provided a very heartfelt greeting). A cost-effective (and available!) alternative or add-on to the Sunday Suppers series (oversubscribed before we could sign up this year). Felt special to be there- -great food, wine and conversation in every room. Good times!

My wife, son and I used our Groupon on Friday night at Grass Roots Station. What an odd place - - non-descript cafe-ish atmosphere with very random decoration (mannequin head wearing sunglasses, tree-branch mounted on wall). Menu that is part sandwich shop, part Italian pasta joint and part Ethiopian vegetarian. But, you know? In sort of an odd neighborhood-ish joint kind've way it worked for me! Prices are very reasonable (and the Groupon made it MORE reasonable), service was very friendly (if a bit scattered) and the dishes we sampled were tasty. I went for the vegetarian sampler, billed on the menu as sauteed spinach, a chickpea dish and a red lentil dish (no ethnicity specified). It arrive with a couple little rollups of injera and the promised red lentils and spinach but a third dish that seemed more yellow lentil than chickpea- -nonetheless all were well-prepared (and the red lentils brought some very welcome heat!). In keeping with the esoteric premise, my son had tortellini with pesto (humdrum but tasty enough) and my wife had a tunafish sandwich, which she enjoyed. We shared an(ample) glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. The owner, who I understand brings the Ethiopian connection (the chef is apparently Italian), was in the house and gracious when we greeted her on the way out.

Subject: Rotisserie Pork Panino Lunchtime Rapture Two work friends and I (including Toby who might post separately) walked in today lured by the $7 pork sandwich DR special and, after a slightly shaky start, ascended into sandwich heaven. There seemed to be some uncertainty among the staff at first when we announced our purpose and our order (simply pork san's) but they quickly recovered and, in about 20 minutes' (I think) time, delivered the goods. And I can honestly say this was the best sandwich I have EVER consumed - - the portion was more than ample (a sizeable fresh, crusty loaf, wrapped in paper and halved), the pork absolutely moist, succulent and well-seasoned, the onions sweet and the olive oil drizzle a perfect compliment - - my associates and I simply (but very attentively, I promise) inhaled them. During our feast, we were well-entertained by a chat with my namesake, (and, I believe, dining room manager?) Walter, who taught me more about Italian culture (and in particular Italian wine) in 30 minutes than I'd learned in the preceding 51 years. (Walter also pointed out that an issue previously posted here, the off-puttingly frosted glass in the bar windows, has been addressed to permit passers-by a glimpse at the proceedings within). What a knowledgeable and charming guy, the perfect host. Chef will absolutely need to stock up on pigs as we will be back, with reinforcements! Thanks Chef, Chris, Walter and team for a very well-priced and VERY lovingly prepared lunch! Walter

More Alexandria nostalgia- - -when we first moved there 20 years ago, Tempo on Duke Street was a very cool place and we loved the oddball location in a converted gas station- -actually ate there in the last six months or so and, though never really groundbreaking (and even less so 20 years on), I thought everything was well-prepared and well-priced. Another rise and fall in Alexandria was Cafe Monti, a conversion from what had been a sub and pizza shop. Original owner Vic Kreidel (sp?), ex of Tiberio as I recall, came out of nowhere with high quality chef-prepared meals for absolute bargain basement prices, cooked by Vic and served by his wife, who tended to some very authentic austrian desserts. You really felt like you were dining somewhere subversive and special in those early days (and the Weiner Schnitzel was wonderful). Vic left (to open a similarly-named and similarly obscure place in Arlington that I was literally NEVER able to find despite repeated attempts) and sold the business to some of his staff (and a sous-chef he'd hired in his last months there) - - I drifted away from "Monti" at that point but have the impression that, though it's still there, it's glory days are over.

You are a true sage, my friend- -at least as to the first two.......though I guess Bilbo Baggins was an exciting place to eat back in the day (gosh, how long HAS that been open?).......and I seem to recall it having some pride of place in terms of an expansive wine list before Alexandria restaurants went in that direction....I'll have to dissent on Ecco.........but again, more from a nostalgia perspective.....when I was first in Alexandria in the 80's, when Ecco opened, it was the very first COOL place in town.....I remember in particular the pasta's which seemed so lovingly fresh and hand-crafted.....it was the first "nouveau-Italian" place we had and was a breath of fresh air next to the already-stale Landini Brothers and the already-long-decomposed (and now mummified) Il Porto.

The singularly most uninteresting and unimpressive meal I have consumed in my years in Alexandria was at O'Connell's, so I cringe at the thought of what sounds like an outpost in Shirlington....... --- [The following posts have been split into separate threads: Caphe Banh Mi (weezy) Bilbo Baggins (BayingHoundAleworks and Leonard Nimoy) Mango Mike's (weezy) Nick's (weezy)] Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato - (goldenticket)]

Just was checking out Graceland Farms in hopes of signing up for this year- -the reviews in this thread were quite good- -anyone else have any further experience with this CSA?? Walt

Always applauded the aspirations but found MixT Greens overpriced and just never felt drawn to the 13th and F location downtown. Just walked by it and, after perusing the cheery "we are closed to give our staff a holiday break" sign on the window, looked in to see the interior completely gutted...........does NOT look like they will reopen with the New Year..................

I was surprised to dig into the Del Ray guide and not see a thread on Monroes. I recall it being one the first actual dining spots of the last 15 or so year rebirth of the neighborhood. It was opened by the Abraham family, formerly associated with the Vienna Inn. Its woodburning pizza oven and neighborhood vibe caught on fast and local Del Ray loyalty has sustained it this many years. A family connection to Monroes spawned the now-late Del Merei grill on Mount Vernon. I've only stopped here a handful of times over the years but always enjoyed the family atmosphere and well-prepared pasta's, fish, pizza's and general comfort food. Though I'm not a regular, Monroes won my heart during a big blizzard, gosh, has to be 13 years ago, when I was soldiering home to my then-pregnant wife desperate for a place that was open and had some takeout for me to bring to her. I was turned down flat at the open-but-empty Evening Star ("we only do takeout at lunchtime") and lurched in my mini-van to Monroes. The smiling welcome (and perfect snowbound-carryout meal) earned my eternal (though sporadic) friendship in the same way as my "spurning" by Evening Star has earned eternal dirty looks whenever I drive down Mount Vernon (I hold grudges). So when I was scrolling through Open Table listings in Alexandria for a spur-of-the-moment Saturday dinner, I was pleased to see my old friend and, thanks to technology, I was booked before I gave it a second thought. Our table for five (son, wife and good friends) awaited us in the midst of a packed dining room. Service was friendly and low-key. Nice variety of wines by the glass, with a Barbera and a Vernaccia the "specials" at a (these days) refreshing $7. I had a fairly simple arugula and pear salad and the lamb tenderloin w/port wine sauce appetizer, both lovely, and sampled my wife's mussels au gratin and my son's vegetarian pasta (and lusted from across the table at my friend Bob's Linguine with Shrimp and Mushrooms). All shared the Monroe's Bread (pizza dough with kosher salt, rosemary, basil and parmesan with VERY intense pesto for dipping), which disappeared in no time. Very lively very "neighborhood-ish" vibe but not too loud for conversation. Really just the ticket for a chilly early winter's night. Nice to check back in with an old friend.

Oh do let me know how the Le Souk one works out. Online reviews looked pretty good on those (once they arrived intact) but the requirement of the diffuser for use with direct gas flame just seemed like a complication that could doom the experiment for me (I just know I would lose that diffuser and be finished.....). I think both Sur la Table and Williams carry the Emile Henri - - not as traditional but a little more user-friendly for the gas stove. Saw it on Williams website and went to Old Town store on a whim to try and get it - - sold out and not restocking (though, oddly, they DID have for sale a gorgeous brass (?) Moroccan "couscousier" for $200 - - I mean I like interesting cookware as much as the next person but a "couscousier"?? I must admit I am feeling a little foolish about the Tagine-quest - - will it just turnout to be a harder-to-use crock pot?? Well perhaps, but there is something so earthy (literally!) and exotic about it, I can't resist it. Keep me posted!!

Hey all, I've searched forums for any indication that someone's asked this one before to no avail. Have become fixated on traditional moroccan cooking using a tagine - - my online search has yielded a bewildering array of choices and some concern about seasoning the vessel, use on an open gas flame, breakage during shipment, etc. Best reviews seem to be for one marketed by Emile Henry (sold through amazon and at Sur la Table). Apparently safe for gas flame without a "diffuser" which seems like an important feature. Anyone have wisdom to impart??? Many thanks!