cucas87

Interesting interview with Michael Pollan in New York Magazine. Who knew he shared my love of Yodels? (the supermarket cake type, not the "Sound of Music" type) http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2013/04/michael-pollan-in-conversation-with-adam-platt.html

Thank you for this thread. I now work in Chantilly. I do not get out for lunch much, but I am thrilled to learn of these places. And I will post reviews as I go.

A quick and belated review of my lunch last week at Fiola. A friend was flying into town for a business meeting and said she had just enough time to meet for lunch, so we headed to Fiola. The lunch menu is great. I opted for the mussels as my first course and they were delicious in a slightly spicy tomatoey broth. The portion size was good for an appetizer, but I will point out that this is not a huge portion that could serve as a main dish -- at least not for me. In my fitness quest I have tried to stay away from carbs so I did not --but did consider-- using all of the bread to sop up all of the broth. That was my loss because the bread was grilled and toasty and beautiful. I also had a half order of the lobster ceaser salad. As Darkstar says, it is beautiful and delicious. The amount of lobster in the half portiion is generous and it was perfectly cooked. But no surprise, I would have preferred more salad to go along with the lobster. Srvice during the meal was terrific. However, we had a bit of a glitch when we were on our way out when my friend, who had recently broken her foot and was wearing a cast/boot on her leg, asked the hostess to call a cab for her. We explained that she was not in a rush but needed help because of her broken foot -- and that we were headed in different directions. The hostess said that it didn't make sense for the restaurant to call a cab because it generally took the cabs an hour to arrive at the restaurant and my friend could catch a cab on the street easily. We explained again that we were going in different directions (and had different time pressures). My friend said she would be happy to have a drink at the bar while she waited, but the hostess again said it did not make sense for her to call a cab. The hostess then walked away and so my friend, who was already tired from her trip, asked me to help her. I was in a big rush for work (I was on borrowed time against a deadline) but ran outside and hailed a cab for my friend. I don't work downtown these days and I have no idea how long it would have taken for a cab to get to the restaurant, but it was one of those moments that makes me wonder where the communication went wrong.

Scott and I will be there early-ish on Sunday to help set up. We'll also bring some beer and wine. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

We are headed to Columbia (Maryland) to meet some friends on Friday evening and would love some guidance as to a good sushi restaurant. Sushi Sono? Sushi King? Hanamura? Something I'm missing? Thanks!

By some miracle of time, space and DC traffic, I managed to see the announcement this morning and just was able to call and make a reservation.

If there still are 2 spots for the dinner this Thursday, Scott (ScottJohnston) and I would love to join the fun.

Incredible. Thank you, thank you, thank you, FishInnards, Porcupine, Mr. Porcupine and Zora, and all of my fellow attendees. Last night was a wonderful night. I am excited to try to recreate some of last night's wonderful dishes at home.

DC Area Favorites: Joe's Noodle House: Spicy, crispy tofu Fiola: Lobster Ravioli Fishnet: Fried Hake (a taste of summer on a cold and rainy evening) DR Fall Picnic: Barbara's Pumpkin Cheesecake Home: Scott's Home made Chicken Soup and Popovers Outside of DC Favorites: The Homestead: High Tea Peter Chang's (Charlottesville): Cilantro Rolls and Crispy Eggplant Husk (Charleston): Pig's Ear Lettuce Wraps Sable Kitchen and Bar (Chicago): Veal Meatballs and the War of the Roses cocktail Intelligentsia (Chicago): Latte Lenny's Pizza (Bernardsville, NJ): Margherita Pizza Antonio's (New Bedford, MA): Seafood Stew And here's to a wonderful, healthy and happy new year.

We had a great meal at Fishnet on Saturday evening. It was, of course, great to see Ferhat. We had the fish soup, which is delicious and could really be a meal on its own; the grilled porgy (excellent, maybe a little overwhelmed by the bread, but perfectly cooked and very tasty), a lobster roll (loved the tarragon mayo; a suggested improvement would be to toast the bun) and the fried hake, which was outrageously good. We also tried the fries (good) and the coleslaw (really good; maybe a little less dressing would be better but the slaw was very tasty). We'll definitely be back.

Scott, it is not a dream, it really is your Birthday. I am so happy to be celebrating with you (despite your protests about some sort of calendar mistake). I love you so.

I have a major weakness for ice cream and Serendipity was a favorite of mine in high school. This was a while ago, before it was so touristy. I am not a fan of their frozen hot chocolate. But I used to love the chicken salad sandwiches on Irish soda bread and, of course, the hot fudge sundae.

Last night was our first return trip to The Oval Room in a year. We ordered the tasting menu. We did not opt for the wine pairings, mainly because Scott's brother had surprised us with a bottle of champagne (Louis Sostene) to enjoy with dinner. In addition to the tasting menu, we shared an appetizer of foie gras, listed on the menu as "Aero fois gras, fig jam, oatmeal & tarragon." I had not had this kind of foie gras preparation before, where the foie gras is cold and whipped. The dish is served with fig jam and oatmeal "crackers". It was a great study in contrasts, smooth, cold, crispy, savory and sweet. Please sir, I'd like some more. The tasting menu included an amuse of parsnip soup and a taste of tuna tartar, the soup creamy and the tartar a nice bit of spice; followed by the pastrami-cured kampachi with hot mustard ice cream (a dish that enhances my love of ice cream and mustard); roasted baby beets with passion fruit, horseradish and icewine dressing; heirloom tomatoes with halumi, basil oil and black pepper oil; sea scallops that were on a delicious and gingery stew; prime beef striploin with tamarind, stewed carrots and red wine; and ricotta cheesecake with black licorice sable and white coffee ice cream. With dessert, the restaurant gave us each a glass of the 1982 Toro Albala, "Don PX," which was smooth and rich and tasted like caramel, plums and coffee. A delicious match with the dessert and something I'll order again. The meal was delicious and well paced and while I certainly ate a lot of food, I did not feel overly stuffed at the end of the night. Each dish was distinctive and added to the entire experience. The service was terrific. For me, the sea scallops and kampachi were my favorites of the night. The prime beef striploin was expertly prepared; but to my tastes, not as inventive as some of the other dishes. I love The Oval Room and cannot wait to return. Special thanks to Chef Conte, who made the night extra special by coming to talk with us, and to Brent, Adnan and the rest of the staff, who made us feel so welcome. I very much look forward to returning. I noticed on the menu that they offer a pre-theater menu from 5:30 to 6:30, offering 3 courses for $35. I had not noticed that before and will definitely find some sort of "theater" that will allow me to take advantage of this opportunity.

Today is our first wedding anniversary. At such a sweet time, I want to be sure to thank Don and everyone here again for creating such a vibrant community. When I look back over our time together, I think of so many DR events and people, who've become so important in our lives. It's hard for me to be at a loss for words, but all I can think of to say is, Scott, I love you truly and deeply. I adore you. Thank you for a wonderful and lovely year, and thank you and Katie for opening up my world. I am looking forward to our next great adventures together. On that note, we are both looking forward to seeing everyone next week at the picnic. See you all soon. Claudia

I met Stephen at the first dr.com event I attended, a $20 dinner at one of Peter Chang's old stomping grounds. Stephen"s ability to talk about music, art, politics, books, food, religion, fashion, and Keith Olbermann is unparalleled. I am so glad to have had the chance to get to know and spend time with him. He will be missed.

Appetite? Check Assorted Beverages? Check Sunshinse? Check Sunscreen? Check Deviled eggs? Check Wine? Check Water? Check Soda? Check Carload of picnic supplies? Check Knowing that Scott handled all of the picnic prep while I slept in? Priceless. T minus 4 hours and counting. See you all soon.

Add me to the dinner on April 1st.

Thanks. DanielK, for the calendar help. How about June 7.

I prefer June 8th.

Is everyone up for a cross country visit to Ferment Everything's new digs this summer?

Thank you to everyone here for your support and good wishes, as well as your part in creating this great community. It's been a whirlwind since Scott and I started dating two years ago, so you can imagine the last few days are a bit of a blur. Thank you to Chef Tom, Ferhat and Katt for a flawless evening on Friday night. As Scott mentioned, the food was exquisite. (As an aside dear friends at Corduroy, your game faces were excellent and I will not play poker with any of you in the future). And Katt is correct, I was completely surprised at the end of the meal by Scott's lovely and heartfelt proposal. I am awed by it all. And now for a sobering thought, it's back to work.

I haven't been to Sushi Yama in two months, but when I'm back in town in September maybe I'll go back and give them another chance.

This has become a go-to place for us. The quality of the fish is incredible and the sushi is always beautiful. The friendliness of the staff is an added bonus. Since we've started coming to Sakana, we haven't been as happy with our other neighborhood sushi joints (even Sushi Yama just down the road). I am close to addicted to the scallop, spicy tuna and uni. Sakana is located in the strip mall with Tuesday morning (next to Magruder's) on 123 -- and I never would have found it if it hadn't been written up on this board. Thanks!

Sadly, Scott and I will not be able to join you afterall. Hopefully, next time!

It had been far too long since I'd been to Vidalia, and after some much-needed exercise, I will be back. That was a wonderful and inspired meal. Thanks to all and especialy Chef RJ and team and Walrus and Tripewriter.