schnyder

I really liked Corks the one time I went. But you're right, that photo is far more shabby than chic. I also like Black Olive for very fresh fish (as in, you pick it out on a bed of ice, and one still had the hook in it...). Question: Can anyone recommend a decent but not upscale Italian place in Baltimore (a la Bethesda's Pines of Rome)? I've never heard great things about any one restaurant in Little Italy...

sounds good. Is that the place in the meatpacking district?

The big COMET neon is now up. I love this place, but I gotta complain... Last night, driving home from a banquet dinner that had nothing to offer my wife to eat, we decided to stop at Comet for a pizza and a PBR. After all, it was only 9:40 pm. We walk in, all the tables are empty, but there are about 15-20 people hanging around the bar. A nice young waiter stopped us and said, "Sorry, kitchen's closed." Sure enough, you can see the kitchen workers breaking down and cleaning up. It's 9:40!! I'm not asking for NYC hours where you can get anything anytime, but 9:40??!! Is this an early-bird-special-only joint catering to the retirement homes up and down Connecticut? No, it's a pizza joint! Very disappointing.

PP is not what it used to be. Disappointing the last time we went. 2 Amy's can be excellent, and there's a nice variety of kinds of pizza. Plus it's better for kids. But I loved Comet for its crispy crust and unique atmosphere. It's like I'm home from college at a friend's basement. I'm grown up, but still like PBR and don't have kids to worry about. Pure escapism on a thin crust.

Grappa Julia

They could use a sign out front. Not that I want it more crowded. I'm just saying...

They have much better beer -- Sierra Nevada on draft for one -- but sometimes I just crave that American beer (Schlitz, Budweiser, etc.) experience. How much? No idea, my brother-in-law picked up the check. And with no menus or prices on the board, no telling much it all cost. Sometime ignorance really is bliss.

I went last night. I really liked it. The crust was crispy and slightly salty. Everything tasted fresh and real. I got anchovies and ricotta. Loved it. Wife got "melted onions" not bad. Bro in law got smoked mushrooms and huge chunks of garlic. PBR in a can. What's not to like? As I said, I liked this place and will go back. It's not 2 Amys as it's not really for kids. When we bring the kids, we'll do 2 Amy's.

I don't know much about that part of town. Mesa Grill and Union Pacific are nearby, but I've not been to either so I shouldn't comment. I'm a big fan of Babbo, so I would hop in a cab and dine at the bar there--especially if I was alone. It's at 110 Waverly in the Village. The bar area gets really crowded, so go early or late (5:30-6:30 or after 9:30), or prepare to wait up to an hour. If there's not a seat at the bar when you get there, tell the host you'd like to dine at the bar. That way you're not fighting for a seat when someone gets up. That's just what I'd do. The food (and the menu) is that good.

Perfect, thanks!

Going to NYC next week. Does anyone know if Del Posto serves dinner at the bar? It's too late for reservations, but I'd like to pop in and try the food.

Thanks to all for suggestions. We ended up getting some at Balducci's. It was a frozen pack, but previously cleaned. Once thawed, it tasted fresh and worked great in the Babbo two-minute calamari, Sicilian lifeguard style. (which I highly recommend!)

Great, thanks!

Thanks! Can you tell me where they are?

HELP! We need to find fresh calamari for a dinner we're having tomorrow night. Can anyone please suggest where to find in DC/MD today? We already tried Balducci's in Bethesda. Thanks.

Anyone know where I can buy 2005 gragnano grotta del sole? It's a fizzy red we had at 2 Amy's. A fun wine with pizza.

Went to Centro in Bethesda for drinks and appetizers. I asked if they could make a Dark & Stormy (our drink of summer...). The Italian bartender asked for help, someone came over (some kind of manager/expediter) and asked us what was in it. When I said "Gosling's black seal rum, ginger beer, and..." She interupted with "We don't sell flavored beers," and walked away. Okay. At least we got a good laugh out of it.

Hope it's not too late, but I would recommend WD-50. The food is innovative, to be sure. The presentation is so interesting and unusual that you're challenged because it doesn't look like good-tasting food should look like. But both my dishes (tongue, with the fried mayonnaise cubes, and pork belly with a thick and savory, but clear, sauce) were unbelieveably good. You're almost challenged by the appearance to disregard your vision and trust your pallate. The place in DC that comes closest to this is Cafe Atlantico. They're definitely creeping into innovative and unusual over there (and I haven't even been to Minibar) without call attention to themselves or sacrificing flavor or quality. If you want to go traditional, WD50 not for you. It's in the Lower East Side (50 Clinton) but remember the cross streets (Stanton and Rivington), because both times I've been, the cabbie had no idea where 50 Clinton was.

Thanks, I've been meaning to try Palette anyway.

I'll have to try Bin 209, thanks. And I haven't made it to Dino yet, but it's at the top of my list!

Martini. Hendricks gin and Vya vermouth (and four onions, so techincally it's a Gibson). The Hendricks and Vya really make a perfect Martini.

Thanks for the tip! I will definitely try out Argonaut. If you're ever in Rehoboth, they make a great one at the Back Porch Cafe. Instead of ginger beer, they use their own fresh ginger concoction. It's not carbonated, but it's very fresh and very snappy.

Great. And thanks for the landmarks...

I've been mail ordering Vya for a couple years now. Where are Bells and Pearsons?

Not exactly "classic" but does anyone know who can make a Dark and Stormy (Goslings, ginger beer, and lime) in DC/Bethesda? Tnx.