DC Deb

It's getting chilly enough for stew. A rare Sunday off so I simmered some beef in Guinness with onions, carrots, peas and potatoes.

We shared a bottle of JK's Scrumpy Hard Cider.

Wow, I totally forgot about them. I went there once about 7 years ago. It was getting late and there were few options. Mediocre red sauced Italian food. The thing I remember most about the meal was the Tony Bennett Christmas music playing in the summer.

I'm cooking for one, so I don't have the pressure of preparing daily family dinners, but I also don't HAVE to cook for anyone.

Have you checked out Joe Yonan's book? Serve Yourself, Nightly Adventures in Cooking http://www.amazon.co...g/dp/158008513X There are some great ideas on making something, storing some then resusing it later. The portions are good for one or two eaters.

I will probably have to work that day. There is already one event on the calendar. I will try to hand it off to someone else. If not, I will come over after the event +1.

It is sad news, but really, where's the support been for this restaurant?

When I worked across the street, I was there at least once a week. They had a very strong lunch business--line from the counter to the front door.

You are right. Since being away, I haven't made the trip---I live in MD. My work schedule is unpredictable and I spend any free time with my family.

Oh no! I used to work right across the street (in my old career). I must make a trip out there before they close.

They are also known as maitake mushroom. You can find them fresh in most Korean markets.

Does anyone remember House of Chinese Gourmet on Rockville Pike from the early 80's? They had really good Peking duck.

I can't remember the exact location but it was near where the Bed Bath & Beyond/Staples are now. Back in the day, there was a night club called New York New York.

I love York Castle Ice Cream on Hungerford Drive across from Montgomery College. It's going to be a nice day so you can sit outside at the picnic tables.

Lovely dinner tonight. We ate:

roasted eggplant puree with dashi broth

seared scallop with Ansen Mills grits mixed with sweet corn, soubise sauce

coriander and pepper crusted big eye tuna on sushi rice

Berkshire pork loin with chipotle BBQ sauce and summer squash

peach tarte tatine and flourless chocolate cake

Mark the waiter was so friendly and informative that it took us until the second course to figure out that he was not actually our waiter. Even then, he was gracious enough to stop by and describe each course for us. Next time I go, I will definitely request him.

What is the parking situation nearby? Is there street parking after 6:30?

I would normally Metro but it might work out better to drive today. Thanks.

What a great offer. Thank you Chef Power. I look forward to being there Tuesday night.

The Casey sisters are now also at the Urbana Library farmers market on Sundays. They bake using fruit and produce from the other vendors at the market. Talk about eating local!

Cracker Barrel was segregating its dining rooms by race -- basically seating people by color.

I have personally experienced that. My friends and I were placed in a back room at a dirty table. When I complained to their HQ, they replied that their internal review showed no errors.

I don't knowingly support places that discriminate.

No way I would spend that much. Even Bob Kramer (in a lecture at Sur La Table) says it's how you take care of your knives that matter.

My better knives live at home--even then, they are no where close to the $500+ range. My work knives are in the $100-$150 range. They take a lot of abuse so I get solid but not expensive ones.

Old Town Warrenton is a cute area. It is 5 or 6 blocks of gift shops on Main Street. There is an old jail museum on one end. The Red Truck Bakery is across the street from the museum. Their moonshine chocolate cake is really good.

I finally made it out to Pizza CS a couple of weeks ago and went back again tonight. I really enjoyed the pizzas. The first time, I tried the prosciutto white pizza. Tonight, we had the CS Sausage and the Bianca with ricotta cheese add-on. All the pies were great, with a crispy outside and a soft inside. (Like Rock, I fold my slices and take a big chomp first.)

Peroni and Hoegaarden on tap, both good choices. I was pleasently surprised to see that they serve Grotta del Sole Gragnano. I have to try and go back on a Wednesday for the half price wine special.

Nice dining room, great casual vibe. The food came quickly and was promptly devoured. The staff was friendly and the co-owner Jon was a nice guy. Highly recommended. I am glad to get my pizza fix closer to home.

There is a nice shop in Bethesda Row that carries oil from California. They offer tastings and the owner, Madeline, is very knowledgeable. http://secolarievoo.com/

All Clad has 2 scratch and dent sales each year at the fairgrounds near Pittsburgh. It may be worth a road trip.

My sister and I start with these questions:

1. East or West?

2. What haven't you had lately/anything you crave?

3. How hungry are you? (that helps determine how far to go)

4. What do we have here that you don't have in your area? (I live in MoCo, she lives in Fairfax)

Ginger helps with nausea and stomach upset. If you can handle the spiciness, just slice it and cover with hot water for ginger tea. You can also toss it in your chicken broth as suggested by Weezy. Good luck.

In the summer, I eat a lot of salads--Caesar, Caprese, cucumber & Feta, etc. with good bread. I also like cold soups such as gazpacho or avocado.

I work a lot. I seem to only use my kitchen to eat cereal over the sink now.

There is a new gluten free vendor at the Middletown Farmer's Market (off of Rt 40A, between Frederick and Boonsboro). Casey Sisters Sweets https://www.facebook.com/CaseySistersSweets makes only gluten free breads, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, etc. The selection changes each week and they are available for custom work.

The market's hours are Thursdays, from 3 to 6 pm. http://www.local-farmers-markets.com/market/2262/middletown/middletown-farmers-market

Disclosure: I know one of the Casey sisters through L'Academie de Cuisine. She is completing her externship at Tabard and training under Pastry Chef Huw Griffiths. I have personally tried and enjoyed her gluten free pastries. They taste remarkably close to conventional wheat products.

I'll be heading down after work--ETA 2:30. Will bring appetizer + drinks.