Escoffier

The last time I was in Jack's, I think I counted about 20 seats max. Jack's does/did rely on a lot of take-out (and there was a lot of take-out). Not to stray too far from the topic, but he has/had an extensive menu of Vietnamese food (about 10 total on a menu board above the cash register). Check with Grover, she is close to that neighborhood and she should be able to tell you if Jack's is still there.

At one time, Jack's in Chinatown had decent pho, not great, not Pho 75 quality, but decent. His mother did the broth making so it was as authentic as you could get. I'm not sure if he's there any more. Jack's was a block away from the China gate (on 7th st?).

Washingtonian came out in the December issue with the "top 100 restaurants". Michael gets two mentions, RJ Cooper (along with Cathal and a slew of others is on the cover). My favorite Korean restaurant made the list at #100...Gom Ba Woo. Lots of interesting reading. You might want to pick it up just to see if you agree or disagree with the selections.

At the risk of turning this into the "Let's give Michael L. a pat on the back" thread...Congratulations Michael. A well deserved award...and to RJ Cooper, congratulations as well.

This is a standard Summer dessert all over Asia. Every country claims it as theirs but there is very litttle variation from Korea to Taiwan.

Shame you aren't in VA. We pick up our standing rib next Saturday, off the bone and then bone tied back on. Custom cut and ready for the oven. Springfield Butchers do a fine job. There are also a bunch of Halal butchers nearby.

ummmm let's see here...$20 x 20% = $24.00....$20 x 15%= $23.00...not to say that the staff may deserve more, but 20% is pretty much standard for good service and food.

definitely an experience (urpppp!!!)

There has been no drop off in quality of the food. The menu really hasn't changed too much since Joe left and Bob Beaudry became head chef. There have been some nice additions (the crab cakes come to mind), and as usual, the desserts are outstanding. After December 31, I'm not sure I'll be able to say any of this, but go now so you can remember some really good upscale Southern cooking.

The hushpuppies and fried chicken are great. Here is a quote from AOL City Guide for Raleigh/Durham: "Family-style is the only way to go at this mecca of North Carolina barbecue. Get a group of friends, and don't even crack open the menu. Just order ''family style,'' and the buffet comes to you. Bottomless bowls of barbecue, fried chicken, green beans, slaw, french fries, Brunswick stew and all the hush puppies you can eat magically appear (and reappear) on your table." Now, I don't take anything that AOL says too seriously, but I do agree with this. Three of us spent the better part of an afternoon trying to eat the kitchen empty. Didn't work (but the 5 Tums © I took definitely did).

I guess it depends on which you get to first. I like Allen and Son but the last time I was there, Bullocks just satisfied that special something. I agree that Allen and Son are good, no doubt (and compared to here, BBQ heaven), I just got to Bullocks first last trip.

Short Sugar's in Reidsville, NC, just across the border from Danville, VA. You might also check Stamey's in Greensboro, Jimmy's in Lexington (after you've been to Lexington #1), Bullock's in Durham (damn fine), Mountain Smokehouse in Asheville (again damn fine), Blue Mist BBQ in Asheboro on Rt 64.If you want more, let me know. I've eaten my way across NC a couple of times listening to recommendations at truck stops and gas stations. Never been disappointed so far (and if you happen to be going to the other side of the gnat line, I can give you some recommendations for Goldsboro, Gold Rock, Little Washington, and Wilmington)

Lexington BBQ is the place to go. Best BBQ in NC. Voted on by the number of NC State Police cars you see in the parking lot at lunch time.

Eat at RT's just across the street or Nam Viet down the street towards Arlington. Either is better than what you'll get at the Birchmere.

Is this going to be the unveiling of Don Rockwell, the fresser?

They also take about 3 days to get it to you (if you can find a server). Worst service I've ever had. I ended up getting up and walking out.

Nah, they're doing that in all of their stores. I personally find it obnoxious but if it makes them happy to call me Mr. Safeway Shopper, who am I to object (I dont' ever put my real name on affinity cards, there's enough data mining going on as it is without making it easier for them to create a 'shopping profile' of you).

Alexandria -- All of old town is wi-fi active. Plans are being made to expand it to 16 square miles. Covers a lot of restaurants.

Pretty specious. If Britney (or her ilk) gets you to listen to music, at least there's hope you'll go on to discover Yo-Yo Ma.

Well, she did say "not infallible" (wonder if they ever found the sunglasses I lost there in the 90's?)

The duck was good if not exactly authentic (cucumber on Peking duck? I don't think so...and no peanuts before either).

with drinks (cokes, water, etc) around $10 each. Dinner without tax and drink was around $8. Our dinner (me and Grover) was $21.51 which included tax and drinks. That was chicken, trout, whiting or pork chops with 2 sides and biscuit or cornbread. The mashed potatoes are properly lumpy and peppery, the black eyed peas are just right, the rice and beans are good...the mac and cheese is cheesy and flavorful...just like Mom used to make (actually more like my grandmother used to make).

No, it's never too late. These are pretty informal affairs and you'll definitely be able to tell the DR people. We'll be the ones gazing hungrily at every plate that goes by... But just so you have something to go on, I'm wearing a blue shirt, jeans and glasses (the vision kind, not the other ones)...and to quote mdt, welcome!

and worth every minute...talk about anticipation...

Everyone is more than welcome. Come on by. I'm sure there will be enough fried chicken for everybody.