cucas87

For many years my go-to weekday dinner was a first course of popcorn followed by a second course of ice cream. How wonderful that Friday's lavish dinner included both! The popcorn powder with the corn custard was phenomenal; I loved the hot mustard ice cream with the kampachi (Carnegie deli be damned)...and the lobster was the best dish I've eaten this summer. Thanks to all who helped organize, showed up to enjoy and brought the delicious wines and everyone at The Oval Room who made it such a great night. This was an extraordinary dinner and I'll be thrilled to go back to The Oval Room.

I will be bringing the (vegetarian) mojito salad and to round things out, a non-vegetarian Thai beef salad.

Thanks to Gubeen for reminding me (through her post) that I meant to post about our delicious brunch/lunch at Cookshop in Chelsea in January over a whirlwind weekend trip to NYC. We met a caterer friend of mine there at her suggestion and had a delicious meal. I had a bloody mary that I had ordered extra spicy and it was terrific. The menu allowed a good choice between breakfast and lunch items and we were there mid-afternoon on a Saturday. I ordered the roasted chicken salad which was refreshing and filling (and a perfect antidote to my post sugar coma after a frozen hot chocolate at Michel Cluizel for breakfast). A link to the menu is here. Scott had the burger which I was able to taste and would definitely order next time, and my friend, for whom 2:30 pm is the perfect time for an early breakfast, had the skillet eggs. Prices were reasonable, service was great and it was just a quick walk after the feast to Chelsea Market.

Thanks to Grover, DanielK and Ilaine for getting last night's dinner together. We had a feast -- and it was great to reconnect with old friends and meet some new faces. For me, the cold buckwheat noodles and the tofu with kimchee were the stars of the night. But I have to confess I enjoyed the blood sausage as well.

I heard he is serving french food! Better count me in

I am in for Gamasot as well.

After a hiatus, a few colds and a lot of pasta, I am back on the Weight Watchers wagon, inspired in my fitness journey by my Uncle, who has lost over 50 pounds following the "You on a Diet" plan and who will be on tv this Wednesday night at 10 on the Dr. Oz show on Discovery Health. In case anyone watches, I'll remind you all in advance-- on my Uncle's behalf -- that the camera adds 10 pounds. In any event, he has done incredibly well and I am now ready to get back to tracking my own progress. I, however, will be staying behind the camera.

The last few months have been a blur due largely to a wonderful, new job (albeit one that blocks access to this website). Between getting used to the commute and the new gig, I've managed to cut out most activity/exercise from my life. That said, I've lost a little more weight and I'm now down a total of 14.8 pounds. I'm about 1/2 way to my goal. I'm posting now in an effort to prevent myself from undoing too much of this slow and hard work over the next few weeks. I'm really posting because I have so little access to this site now that while I'm able to long on I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. And if anyone wants to go for a walk in '08, I'm in.

So... How about some soup tomorrow? Pho 75, A&J, or Joe's would work for me...anytime Monday the 10th of December. Been too long since we have all eaten together!

Pho Royal 46839 Maple Leaf Pl Sterling, VA 20166 Problem: Need soup in the outer zone..... What is out here besides chains and Costco? Wait there is a Pho sign on Route 7! Can it be..Pho in the suburbs?? Pho Royal is fantastic! Tucked in a small strip mall on route 7 (near bestway). From the summer rolls to the goddess of all that is good Pho, come try some of the best pho I have had outside of the usual haunts. Really Really good Pho. [Note: this is Scott's post!]

Yep that was us stuffing our faces! edited to remove a triple space before DR jumps on my case

I am hoping to make it to PTI tonight but my 4:00 meeting was just changed to a 5:00 meeting. I'll do my best.

What was so incredible about last night to me is that had I gone to Passage to India on my own, and had I been presented with a menu including all of the dishes we ate last night, I would not have tried many of my favorites from last night's meal. I really enjoyed the range of spice and heat we tasted last night. The shrimp pickle, the mussels, the potatoes. the chicken with peppercorns and the green tomatoes with fennel are my personal favorites. I'm leaving out everything else I ate just so you'll think I exercised some restraint. What a great night, thanks to everyone who helped to make it happen.

Sounds good to me.

This is wonderful news, thanks for letting us know!

Scott Johnston and I are in.

Saw this in NY Magazine and the NY Post. Batali off foodtv.

Unfortunately it doesn't look like we can make it on Saturday this week (but we are ok for Sunday). But I'll be happy to re-join the dim sum Sundays.

Is anyone up for dim sum on Sunday (9/9)? Scott Johnston and I are craving dumplings and thought it might be fun to go. Location TBD. We even are willing to cross the river into Maryland. Newbies are welcome to join. Dim sum is always better with a group.

Thursday is not looking too good for me. If we could reschedule Tiffin (for a night other than Mr. P's Birthday), that would be great.

A few spots have opened up unexpectedly for Wednesday's chocolate making class. If you are interested, please immediately contact Jason Andelman at 703. 239.0616. This is a great chance to take on of Jason's excellent classes at a special dr.com discount.

Update 1: If your name is listed in this thread as someone who has signed up for the chocolate making class (to be held this Wednesday, August 29th) and you still intend to attend the class, please be sure to contact Jason Andelman at 703.239.0616 by no later than tomorrow, Saturday, August 25th to reserve your spot. If you do not contact Jason by tomorrow, we cannot guarantee that a spot will be available for you. Update 2: There are 2 spots left in the class. If you have not yet signed up but would like to participate, please contact Jason Andelman at 703.239.0616 by no later than tomorrow, Saturday, August 25th to reserve your spot. If you do not contact Jason by tomorrow, we cannot guarantee that a spot will be available for you.

A spot has opened up in the chocolate making class. If you are interested, please PM me. Thanks.

Reminder: Please be sure to contact Jason Andelman to reserve your spot in the class. Jason can be reached at 703-239-0616 between 8:30 am and 6 pm. Thank you.

Below is a revised list of people who have signed up for the chocolate making class on August 29th with Jason Andelman of Artisan Confections. Please note that the class is limited to 10 people and there is a waiting list, so if you have not contacted Artisan Confections yet, please do so immediately to reserve your spot. Participants Walrus +tripewriter purplesachi and politburo catharine sam gubeen squidsdc +1 smokey Waiting List atenna Note: If you are listed above as a participant and you have changed your mind and no longer are interested, please let me know as soon as possible because as of now, the class is full.