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You won't overstuff yourself, but you'll be very happy.

May 23 is the only good day for us. I'd really hate to miss two in a row

Hmm. I can see wearing the glasses in a theater. I can see wearing them at home. But in a bar?

Scheduling the second happy hour one week after the first may have been pushing it a bit. I thought it might be too soon, but I was thrilled by the great turnout last week and wanted to capture that interest. Right now, that's not looking so good. As of this morning we have three people committed. Last-minute drop-ins are always welcome, of course, but with such a small group I can't ask Restaurant 3 to hold tables for us. So, if you're planning to come, or think it's likely you'll be there, please let me know - otherwise, I'll give them their tables back. Reserved tables or not, some of us will still be there, so join us at Restaurant 3 in Clarendon around 5:30 or so this Friday.

Restaurant 3 will be holding a couple of tables in the lounge for us on 3/19. Specifically, "the two high tops right under the big tv in the lounge." A headcount would be very helpful, so if you're planning to come please post or PM me. But if you just show up Friday, we'll squeeze you in :-) Next up, maybe something not on the Orange Line corridor?

I'm working on the where ... stay tuned. When? Friday night seemed to work well, so why not 3/19?

Great turnout for our first Virginia happy hour, 15+ at last count. Also great drinks, and as for food, well, it's Eventide, so you know it doesn't exactly suck. Thanks for coming out on a rainy night, everybody. For those who couldn't make it, we'll do this again soon. A note to all NOVA restaurants / bars - we had a great time at Eventide and will certainly be back, but we also want to explore all of the various options Virginia has to offer. Would you be interested in hosting a dozen, maybe more, food and drink lovers on an early Friday evening? Or if you're already jammed on Fridays, perhaps another night? We're a mostly friendly and generally well-behaved bunch. Post here, or feel free to PM me.

I don't suppose there's any truth to the rumor that one of the challenges will have the contestants catering our spring picnic?

NQD and I are planning to be there early - shooting for around 5:30.

Well, I had assumed that as instigator the job would be mine, but if you're volunteering... NQD and I are in.

Two votes for Eventide, and a promise that it's not too crowded early, all sounds good to me. How about next Friday, 3/12 at around 6:00? When does their roof open?

It's great to see that the Friday happy hour tradition is reviving. However, for some of us home, the office, or both, are in Virginia and happy hour in the city just doesn't work very well. Is anyone interested in starting up regular - or even occasional - happy hours in Virginia? If so, do you have any suggested locations? Some of the likely spots may be a bit overcrowded on Friday evenings, but there have to be reasonable options. I'm thinking of the Clarendon / Ballston / Falls Church area, but maybe that's just because it works for me, so please suggest other ideas if you have them.

http://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/7th-annual-blue-jeans-ball/ Anybody going? Has anyone been in the past, and is it worth going to? (Yes, of course it's worth supporting the Capital Area Food Bank, but we could just as easily write a check.)

To answer my own question, yes. The duck breast is a nice piece of well-cooked duck. It sits on top of a hash of sweet potato, shallots and shredded duck meat. It's fantastic - worth going back for, at least until I can replicate it at home.

Informal. 2/5 isn't too soon, but it is too busy for me. 2/12 works better, depending on location (we have plans at 8:00). 2/19 family will either be in town (not good for me) or will have just left (and I'll be looking for a drink or two. Or five).

I should probably attempt a detailed write-up, but I'm still digesting and don't feel quite up to it (24 hours later). Plus, it might be a bit unfair to those who weren't there, since nothing we had is currently on the menu. I'll just say that there is some seriously good cooking going on in that kitchen, and some real creativity behind the bar as well. I was hoping for something special, and Eventide delivered. Thank you!

NQD and I are in.

NQD was complaining about some item of clothing smelling like Honey Pig after we were there recently. So yes, it's an issue.

The 27th works for us. Any Wednesday in February would be OK, too.

Any suggestions for a Saturday lunch or an early dinner in the vicinity of 35th and 6th Ave? Not looking for a destination restaurant, just a decent meal nearby.

The problem here is, you're looking for good stuff, with a specific flavor profile, cheap. I don't think it can be done, so you'll have to compromise somewhere. If you want a single malt comparable to Laphroaig, Lagavullin is your best option (I prefer it). Not cheap, and you seem to have issues with them. If you want something cheap, buy the blended stuff and ... no, on second thought, don't bother. You might want to try Isle of Jura. It's not particularly peaty, and it's sweeter than you're looking for. But it has some of the salty, oily characteristics of the Islay malts, and you may like that. Nowhere near the class of Laphroaig - don't even bother comparing the taste. Compare the price, instead. It's one of the cheapest single malts out there. If that doesn't work, then stick to pricy stuff. Drink well, just less often.

No, I just checked and it's a place called Hermanas Cafe (no web site) in Hilmar, CA, an hour or two east of San Jose. There's a video online of him eating an 8.5lb burrito there.

I know a guy out in California who regularly eats at some place (I can't recall the name) that serves 5lb burritos. He finishes them easily. He comes to this area occasionally, so maybe I'll send him to Guajillo next time he's in town. Is there a time limit on the "eat it all and it's free!" offer?

When post #2 becomes a reality.

Breakfast burritos this morning (eggs, shallots, bacon, cheese, tortillas). Hot apple cider is in my mug right now. Chocolate chip cookies are in the oven. I'll be starting a big pot of chili soon for dinner tonight.