brettashley01

McCormick's, Legal Seafood...

*BUMP* Please post if you plan on attending. PS7s has asked that I provide an approximate head count. Thanks!

I popped my head in last week-night (so I guess they are open for dinner). Asked what kind of oil they cook in. The guys behind the counter were perplexed but eventually produced a bottle of "salad" oil (soybean). Just a heads up for any allergic diners...

Panache on Desales Street might fit the bill.

The entire bar staff at PS7's is awesome! The kumquat-gin drink is delicious even for those of us who aren't in love with gin. And say hi to the new bartender, Lauren, SJP's prettier twin sister.

I'll be there!!

I went on Saturday night (on a verrrry bad date). The rolls were inventive and very very good, as was the small plate of Yuzu- chicken. The managers sent over an amuse-bouche that I couldn't have due to an allergy but my date seemed to enjoy it. The service was good, and my server was very attentive to my allergies (soy and sesame- difficult in a sushi place). Also had the apple blossom cocktail which was to die for. Very reminiscent of Oya. Cool interior and every table was taken but hardly seemed "crowded"- I think this was due to the smooth service. Highly recommended.

One word: omniscient. Usually reserved for God and the like.

The Scorched Milk that Dean had was one of the best cocktails I've had so far in 2009.

Second that. I've tried it twice, and dream of it. It's like crisp winter in a glass... with spice on top. I have adored everything Gina's made for me. I'm scared to look at my MC bill this month. I am guess 1/3 expenses have been spent at that bar!

But all worth it.

I usually only hit TJ's maybe once every month or two for goodies, while going down the first aisle, I had a woman swoop past me & take all the bags of unsulphured apricots. Now, I love apricots, but these looked really BROWN-why would you get them, an allergy to sulphured products?

Though I have contacted TJ's about this, I never thought to post until I saw your notes. TJs sells 'sweet apricot kernels' which are, literally, apricot kernels. They look like petite almonds. I am allergic to tree nuts, so before I bought them, I asked with the store manager (Foggy Bottom) about the product.. bought them and before eating them did my research. Sweet apricot kernels are not almonds, but share many properties and may result in cross-reaction for those allergic to tree nuts. With my trusty Epi-pen at my side, I tried a few. Sure enough, had a (non life threatening, but anaphylactic) reaction. I have written to TJs about posting cross reaction warnings on their products... if you have more interest in this, PM me an dI will share with you the research I have found or the full story.

Anywhos, I will say I respect TJs for their consideration of allergic consumers in general. They are very VERY careful about cross-contamination, even with so-called "European" allergies such as sesame (to which I am allergic. However, no matter how careful a store may be, do your own research. Your life may depend on it.

Considering what I've been hearing about lousy tipping.. let them gouge. Waitstaff, bartenders and everyone else in the restaurant are so busy and overtired. It's like a marathon.

Right now I'm free for any night!!

So I'm kind of in love with Gina.

She is everything a bartender should be: talented (of course), talkative but not intrusive, outgoing, kind, and exactly the type of person you'd like to toast the night with.

She made me three original cocktails: I began with a ginger/clove/rum combination (not sure of ingredients, but there was lemon and egg whites), then an ingenious port/bourbon cocktail, and topped it all off with a kumquat/vodka combo.

I also had sips of her "Scorched Milk" cocktail, which is to die for.

I will certainly be back. In fact, tomorrow night I think I'll meet a blind date at the bar. If it doesn't work out, I'd be happy to go home with Gina... as long as cocktails are included.

On Friday night, I finally tried the burrata, and I am so glad I did. Other highlights of the night included the zuppa di pesce and the roasted chicken, as well as the beet salad with grapefruit and ricotta salata.

I have a feeling our server was in the weeds, bad, but he was still very patient and prompt. I originally ordered the duck special as an entree, which was described as "duck breast." I took one bite and unfortunately had to spit it out- it was all fat. I'm not talking some skin- it really was all fat! I usually wouldn't send a dish back, but before I even had the chance to, our server/Dean offered to replace it with something else.

It was the first time bringing my parents to Dino, one of my favorite restaurants, and I am confident they saw what keeps me coming back: the food, atmosphere, and graciousness of the entire staff from the busboys to the bartenders to Dean and Kay.

Tuesday, February 17th, 7pm, Meaza (Ethiopian), Seven Corners

Coordinator: catharine

website, DR.com topic

Add Claudia and I!

Does anyone have the phone # to Axis? The two listed lead to a "temporarily disconnected" message. Thanks!

What is the chance of an upcoming Tuesday being at a non-Asian restaurant (I ask b/c I'm allergic to soy, sesame and nuts)?

To my little brother, Ali. I had no idea; I was trying to find him to get back in touch.

Is that some sort of sick joke?

Welcome Laurie! I'm a native NYer too! Thanks for saying hi!

I vote Komi. Or... any of Jose Andres' restaurants. This is because 1) their waitstaff is awesome 2) They are super super careful about food allergies/preferences 3) have always done a good job about birthdays - but never over the top

ended up with half-numb mouth (gracias dentist) and a lil champagne. asleep when my PARENTS called to wish me a happy new year!

I had dinner in the lab on four occassions, spread out over several years. I always enjoyed the experience, and agree that it merited four stars. I don't think many have disputed that. The fact remains that the "restaurant" portion of Galileo had "very real" problems, including inconsistent food, and the worst service of any restaurant of its caliber in Washington. I think everyone on this board has a healthy respect for Chef Donna's talent - however there does seem to be a pattern of difficulty with regard to service, etc. when not in the Lab.

Agreed. I had dinner in the Galileo restaurant, and while the menu itself, as well as the setting, was elegant and ambitious, the service and food fell flat. I remember eating there with my parents, who had high expectations, and we all left disappointed. With respect to Donna's talent, I do wonder if the inconsistencies surfaced when he was not in the kitchen or in a supervisory capacity.

What is the prix fixe of this menu? And Happy New Year to you all as well!

Neglected to post about my Friday night dinner at Dino... the Zuppa di Pesce is addictive. Oh lord. I could drink that broth for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The chocolate chip-vanilla gelato is heavenly. The only thing I wasn't in love with was the vegetable anitpasto plate- and that is because I enjoy summer vegetables more. But the service and company were delightful. And I can't wait to get back for more of that zuppa!

Oh lord at this point I haven't bothered to make plans so I may be the girl with an empty bottle of champagne passed out on her couch at 10:56pm.