brettashley01

Would we have to extend an invitation to George and Laura then?

Dinner at Central last night was sublime. No, the experience was sublime- everything from the attentive bartender who left me wondering how they stay so calm and attentive among the crowd to our lovely server, Aisha, who kindly snuck me two Gougeres when I mentioned that I'd heard their praises sung to high heaven and was dying for a taste. We sat in full view of the kitchen. I don't know if that was a gesture to us, or to the many young (cute I might add) chefs who grinned at us two attractive ladies clearly enjoying our meals. As I've noted before, I have food allergies, and my dining companion does as well. Aisha could not have been more gracious or accomodating; she explained that we could order whatever we wished and the kitchen would make the necessary adjustments. We both began with the ratatouille- my friend's without cheese, and mine was to be "lightly" dusted, but arrived covered in a flurry of what I think was parmesean. No matter. The combination of the vegetables with the bite of the arugula brought the dish to a new level. One flavor we both noted was a kick of pepper- was it cayenne, chipotle? We decided it was certainly not the provencale classic we'd come to love, but this new interpretation was something to return for. My mussels arrived in a steaming broth of garlic and white wine, perfect for the ethereally fluffy and crusty bread. Not one mussel was closed, cracked, nor one shell empty- I guess there is a first time for everything! Each one was plump and perfectly cooked, and there were enough so that I didn't feel the need to go poking for floaters at the bottom to stave off hunger. Natasha had a large arugula salad with sides of green beans and brussel sprouts (cooked without bacon). I tried the sprouts, which were good, but I thought too liberally salted. During the meal we drank a bottle of the Michel Richard Cuvee 2006 Burgundy Chardonnay. Great price for the wine. It goes without saying that Central was packed; Aisha remained attentive throughout the meal, and even stayed to chat with us in French. In a city where good service seems more and more rare, I must stop to appreciate the genuinely nice, kind, warm servers that make you feel at home in the restaurant. Merci, Aisha. Our meal finished with a plate of pear and mango sorbet, so smooth we swore there was cream hidden in there somewhere, but were assured there was none. The flavors were ripe, and complimented by a taste of rose champagne sent out by the kitchen. All in all, the evening was as close to perfection as one could hope, and I will certainly be back for seconds.

TIP... CTY... clarify?

I have plans to dine at Central tonight. I'm lucky that my dining companion is related to someone in the kitchen, so I may have an easier time with this, but I have to ask: Is there anything on the menu - not red meat- that I could eat and not leave feeling like I'll be 10 lbs heavier tomorrow? I'm even hesitant to go for the loup de mer... is it going to be more like poisson au beurre???

Whole Foods P Street is where I picked up my Spanish paprika

It is, but apparently the Bethesda cuisine is better (only had the Dupont cuisine but didn't return due to service or lack thereof).

I don't know but talk about nostalgia- this was my Saturday childhood ritual with Dad until we moved to a Roger-less area....

Yes, but I hope it isn't too "low-brow." It certainly isn't the chicken soup and matzoh balls that my grandmother makes, but then again, that's not the flavor you're looking for. When I need something to clear the sinuses, I usually take chicken broth, heat it up with a pinch of salt, throw in srichacha sauce to taste (usually two good squirts), a bit of sugar and some fresh sliced ginger (though in a lazy pinch I'll use ginger powder on top just before eating). I esp. like this with vegetables cooked in the broth; I bet you could do the same with dumplings.

If you plan on traveling into Hamilton, i can definitely provide you with some recommendations, though I don't know how inexpensive they may be... I need a few hours to put together a list but there are definitely options and one or two places to stay the hell away from (though they may look like "Bourdain" type joints, they just suck). And yes, tea is a MUST- oh the scones!- as is the famous Bermudan chowder with sherry.... and dark and stormy's! ETA: Some quick thoughts... Stay away from The Lobster Pot in Hamilton. It looks like it could be a hidden gem. It's not. The seafood is not-so-fresh and it is not-so-cheap. Little Venice, however, which is just down the street, was the best meal we ate in Bermuda this past summer- possibly one of the best ever (I have been there 10 times, my parents about 20). It is Italian, yes, but it is sooooooo so good, so fresh, amazing service. Worth every penny, though I don't recall it being very expensive.

anyone been here recently or have a menu to share?

I'm sorry but.. .Room Temperature Foods? How the hell did that beat out sliced bread?

I am pretty sure that they do, but I don't know if that extends to our neck of the woods. I can't speak to the taste of their food, but I've called Mehak before ordering for delivery to inquire about their kitchen and the oils they use (food allergy concerns). I was told they use vegetable oil; when pressed for clarification they told me it was in fact soybean oil. Now- and this is my opinion, and just my opinion only- while soybean oil may be trans-fat free or whatever, it is the cheapest of all oils, and I tend to be wary of kitchens who choose to only use that. To me it not only raises the allergy alarm, but reflects potentially poor quality. All that is to say there is probably better Indian food to be had and delivered downtown, from restaurants that are a little more discriminating in their choice of ingredients.

hey, I'll meet you anywhere downtown with a TV... maybe Vidalia would show it?

MMm that Gin & Juice sounds divine. Blackcurrant juice!

I suppose I should clarify my earlier post by admitting I do enjoy garnishes- olives, celery, and fruit in Sangria, etc.- but I'd rather eat a piece of chocolate or goat cheese than throw it back.

If I wanted to drink my food I'd be on Slimfast.

Sounds like a potential DR Blowout Happy Hour???

I'd also put in a nod for Chop't, but those lines get looong... not an hour long, but long enough. If you're looking for something more substantial than a (giant) salad, though, look elsewhere.

I cannot vouch for its taste or quality, but I saw an inexpensive Lambrusco at Trader Joe's in West End today.

a big salad with shrimp, avocado, tomato, cucumber, balsamic whole grain bread oven-toasted with garlic-marinara sauce (because sometimes you just need warm comfort on a frigid night) my favorite sugar cookie tea

I happened to be there for something else, and there they were. Not overpriced either.

I recently picked up bonito flakes at Dean & Deluca in Georgetown.

-Komi! Komi! Komi! with my parents -Hamachi appetizer at Poste (also the Basil Lemontini- addictive) -Guacamole at Oyamel -Everything I ate at Tapas del Pep in Barcelona -A romantic dinner prepared by Chef Bruno Ungaro at L'Amphitryon, Aix-en-Provence -Scallop "ravioli" appetizer filled with caviar, plus the amazing desserts and fabulous wines at Crabtree's Kittle House, Chappaqua, NY -The best pumpkin soup of my life on Thankgiving -Steamed mussels with garlic and white wine at Brasserie Beck -Spinach salad with salmon at Juice Joint Cafe, Vermont & K NW (perfect lunch) -Roasted garlic in sauce with golden raisins at Dino Bon appetit, here's to 2008

Welcome to the neighborhood.. and good luck. I do P St. Whole Foods, circulator to/from Trader Joe's, and the odd zipcar run out to VA. Peapod is pretty good too. I was using the Washington's Green Grocer CSA delivery for awhile, but wasn't pleased with the quality of the produce. The farmer's market is invaluable and I can't wait for its return to Penn Quarter in the spring.

1. Eat 2. Drink 3. Be Merry 4. Sleep 5. Lather 6. Rinse 7. Repeat 8. Run all that merriment off on a treadmill