ctay122

Chick-Fil-A is across the street from Target (off of Fairfax Cty Parkway, on Sunset Hills Rd). I think there's a Gold's gym or something there and also a Carraba's.

My dad in law lives in N Myrtle. Try the Outrigger for good seafood. It's nothing fancy but they have some great dishes and the hushpuppies are yummy! If you want something more sophisticated I highly recommend SeaBlue on 17 North. http://www.seablueonline.com/

Perhaps Chef was in a generous mood that night. He also signed my copy of Food and Wine's Best New Chefs issue.

We did the 5 course for my husband's birthday in July (along with the wine pairing) and along with the Chef's little "extras" I can assure you that you will not be able to move when it's over. Outstanding.

We had a nice dinner at Dino Friday night, it was our first time there. Our server, Emily, was perfect. We were able to enjoy a leisurely dinner at a nice pace. I think we were the third to last couple to leave (we got the hint when the lights were turned all the way up around midnight). You just don't want to leave a good thing! The one thing I did find (perhaps because of our location upstairs and the echo) was that it was too LOUD. I almost had to shout to my husband across this little 2 top table near the stairs. Next time I think we will ask to sit downstairs, where it seemed to be a bit more quiet. Of course it was a Friday night with 830pm reservations. A booth with a party of 4 nearby was having a good time, but they were just a little bit too noisy. We didn't ask to be moved and it got considerably quieter once they left. I think the decor was absolutely lovely. I am somewhat of a traditionalist (boring my husband said) at times and went with the Caprese Salad. But the bufala mozzarella was so light and creamy, and the tomatoes so juicy, I am was happy with my choice. Husband had the baby octopus which he said was outstanding. We allowed our server to select our wine. We enjoyed a bottle of Milleuna Primitivo - it was an excellent choice once we allowed it to open up a bit. Husband had the signature lasagne and I had the spare ribs with a side order of 3 cheese polenta. We both enjoyed the entrees, though my husband could not finish the lasagne, as he had to save room for dessert. I opted for the Parmigiano Reggiano with balsamic vinegar and he had the tirimisu (the chocolate tart or whatever it was called -I Noticed it as it was on its way to another table, probably the last of the night - was gone) which was one of the best I've had and I was only allowed one bite. We got to meet Dean, and he is a very personable man and we enjoyed talking to him. We will definitely go back, particularly if we can find a quiet table during the week to have a nice little romantic dinner. For my first time out, atmosphere, decor, service and quality of food, I would definitely give it a 5/5. Thank you Dean.

What happened to Alton Brown on FOA? I missed a show and saw him with a sling on his arm. Did he wipe out the bike?

We are looking forward to dining at your place Friday night. Have only heard good things about it and know it is one of the favorites of several of the members here. Is there a way to get there from the metro or do we have to drive in ?

We had a wonderful dinner at Corduroy last night. The Local Tomato Salad is to die for. Hubby had the Northern Neck Corn Chowder. He went with the Baby Roast Chicken and I did the Summer Pork Belly (I was in absolute heaven). We let our server choose the wines. To top it off, coffees with the creme brulee and the chocolate tart with carmelized bananas. Can't get much better than that. I feel like I could rolled out of there I was so full. Thank you Pamela and Raisa for the impeccable service as always!. Well thanks for letting me know, how embarrassing! Anyway, we have never had a dinner there that lasted less than 3 hours. We had a four hour one at Marcel's, and I think close to that at Eve. I'm glad these fine establishments appreciate customers who enjoy their dinner and wine, even if it costs them turning over a table or two. We always end up going back.

Raisa, I hope we didn't get Pamela in trouble last night. We only had 4 glasses of wine and 2 whiskey sours! (Had to get up for work today at 5 am). Excellent dinner and we enjoyed talking to you. I think we did monopolize the table for 3 hours...sorry!

If the restaurant is offering their entire menu, my husband and I tend to tip based on the original cost of the 3 courses. We have no problem doing this, but I guess we've been lucky, as we have always gotten great service. Nor, have we except for one instance (last year at Tosca) been rushed during the places we've dined at during RW. We typically take at least 3 hours (or more if the restaurant accomodates us) for dinner. Yes, our problem is that we will add a good bottle of wine to jack up the price a bit, but some participating restarants will offer special prices on a bottle, or like Dino, I think they are offering a wine flight to go with dinner. So I guess you can make it as inexpensive or expensive as you like. Any servers out there who can comment?

Tonight heading to Corduroy for an 8pm. Is anyone else here going to be there? We always sit in Pamela's station, we highly recommend her. Look for the short blond and the good looking guy with blue eyes and the salt and pepper hair Friday at Dino 8:30.

I Ricchi's website shows restaurant week 31 July - 5 Aug 2006. Can anyone confirm? I always prefer to make reservations early!

So does that mean you are going to the picnic?

Has anyone here mentioned the Vintage Virginia Wine Fest is the same day as this picnic at Bull Run Park??

Michael and I will be there. I plan on making 2-3 tarts....an heirloom tomato tart, another onion, and one surprise one since I can't decide. Or better yet, I might make minis of the 3 different kinds, that would probably be the easiest. This sounds like fun!

Danny, Congrats on your being nominated for Manager of the Year! http://www.ramw.org/pdf/06nominee.pdf And also to your Exec Chef Anthony Chittum (Rising Culinary Star of the Year) WAY TO GO!!!

I think Michael and I are going to stop in to say hi and have a glass of wine as soon as I can get him moving. perhaps see you around 730.

I highly recommend Acappella , (Church Hill Area), it's in the Patrick Henry Inn, 2303 Broad Street, , which looks like a small B&B. Their cuisine is German/Italian. They have a wonderful outdoor patio garden area for al fresco dining, it is very cozy and makes you feel like you are in a different world. Here's their website: http://acappellaonthehill.com/index.htm It is one of our favorite restaurants in Richmond.

Looking to assemble a DR group at Galleria for the Iron Chef Rematch May 7th. And perhaps a pre-event cocktail somewhere close. Any takers? I don't want to go alone. By the way, if you haven't already gotten your tickets, it's SOLD OUT. I am making the trek into the city early because traffic on Sunday is a bear. My plans are to arrive around 5pm, I think the doors open at 6:30. If anyone is interested, please let me know. If the weather is nice I plan on parking it outside somewhere (NB, Les Halles, other suggestions?) .

Witness Tree 2003 Pinot Noir, nothing special, but needed something to go with my grilled salmon. You get what you pay for and this was cheap stuff.

Has anyone attended the Pork and Pinot Wednesdays at David Greggory? Would appreciate any comments.

Michael and I will be metro-ing in around 530ish also.

Friday will be at NB for HH, then off to Firefly for dinner.....

Any plans for Rockwelians to meet and assemble somewhere to go as a group? My husband will be out of town, and I would prefer going with others than solo.

My better half and I will come on any date as we have not had the pleasure of last's years', we will arrange our schedule to suit the consensus of the majority!