DLB

I agree the poor guy is overwhelmed, by all this press. We have eaten at Ray's 4 times in the last year. It took me a while to get my fist reservation, so after the first meal I started making a reservation while I was there in person for my next trip. Never had any issues. Customers can be so demanding of a small place. You have to know what to expect from a small local spot like Ray's. The service is not going to 4 stars., but you are going to get a great steak, good wine selections at below market prices. I hope it all works out for this place!

How would you know how much money 2 Amy's is making? Are you managing the books? Look folks this was just my opinion. I can assure you that most of the locally owned restaurants, some of which I mentioned above did not open a restaurant to get rich. These people LOVE food ,LOVE serving the community and LOVE offering a quality product. If you happen to make a little money along the way, that's even better.

I understand both sides, however I think in other parts of the world it's not really about the profit. This past May my wife and I were in Paris and we had what I thought were early seatings at two different Bistros ( La Petit Chaise and Le Regalade (sp) ). we were there until the place closed. It was not because we were just hanging at the table. They gave you time to enjoy the meal and your wine without feeling rushed between your courses. Our Counrty is different, most people don't have the time to take 4 hrs for dinner, and most restaurants are trying to turn a profit. In Paris most Restaurnts are doing it for the love not profit. I can only think of a few places that I have visited that are doing it for the love in DC. They would be; Komi, Rays the Steak, Colorado kitchen and Two Amys to name a few.

Sometimes I am amused by the amount of time some people on this board spend writing lengthily reviews of restaurants. You really have to take these reviews with a grain of salt, as everyone has different taste. Tom's job is to go out to eat and review restaurants. When I go out to eat it is for pleasure, as long as the food taste good and service is great I am fine. I am not sitting there analyzing the flavors, or making mental notes about every detail. Some of you guys take this whole eating out foodie thing, way too seriously. Relax

My wife and I went to brunch for the second time this past Saturday as well. We live in Arlington so, it takes about 30 min to drive in and we usually get there about 15 mins before opening. This has become my favorite place for brunch. This past weekend I had the eggcelent eggs benedict, and my wife had the waffle. We started with 3 doughnuts which could me a meal by itself, we always resist the urge to order six. Colorado Kitchen I, think also has the best grits in DC. Next time we will try sunday, i have heard good things about the French Toast. Keep up the good work Gillian Clark!

You are correct the meat department is top notch for a store. We do all our shopping at that WF, and lately something has been off to me. I really think it has to do with the amount of people that shop there and the size of the store, it's too small and understocked.

Is it just me, or has anyone else notice the decline of the Whole Foods in Clarendon? Don't get me wrong I will pick WF any day, but recently have I have not been able to fine basic items, it think they should have, and the produce is suspect now and the seafood never really looks fresh. I still think the meat department is fine. I am not sure if that little store can keep up with the growing population in the area, with so many condo communities rising. I think it's time for a bigger store, as it never seems to be stocked properly

Has anyone used this service?

I live a few blocks from Earl's and my wife and I have been going just about every weekend for lunch. I am glad they have received the recognition from the Post! This is quality stuff folks. I have tried the Roast Pork, Roast Beef ( my favorite), Grilled Cheese, and the hamburger and hot dog. They just recently added hand cut French fries and these are very good, as well as the soups, if they have it I recommend getting trying the lentil. If you live or work near the Courthouse or Claerdon area give Earl's a try! I have never seen many people there during my visits, and Five Guys is opening soon nearby, which could provide even more of a distraction form a very worthwhile sandwich shop! http://www.washingto...6022100317.html

Some items we have prepared over the last several months. Most are sweets, I will try and focus more on the dinner stuff going forward. The roast chicken is from the Bouchon cookbook and is quite good

Made our first trip to Restaurant Eve last night, since my birthday is on the 14th we always go out the weekend before. V-day is not a good day to go out for dinner. We had a 5:30 reservation, I was not happy with this when my wife told me, as this was quite early but it worked out because of the weather. We were in the tasting room until around 9pm, and we enjoyed every moment, except for a somewhat rowdy table of eight held up at a corner table. Some highlights: We arrived a little before 5:30 and we were led to bar, we both ordered the Seasonal Cocktail which was a Pomegranate Vodka Drink, (I don’t remember the name) the seeds were muddled together with limes and sugar, a very good fresh tasting cocktail. After about 30 min our table was ready, and we headed to the tasting room. We were presented with three amuse’s: Deviled quail eggs with caviar, a mushroom beignet, and very tasty mini chicken pot pie. We decided to go with the 5 course menu with wine parings. It did not disappoint. Our choices: First Course Pigs feet hoagie: Very good creative dish, a mini hoagie roll with a morsel of pig’s feet and sweetbreads served with cabbage. Lobster Crème brulee: My wife enjoyed this, but noted the Crème Brulee did not taste of lobster I agreed after tasting, however the other components of the dish were great. Second Course: Risotto with black Truffles: Simple but excellent dish. I think it was a veal stock that added so much flavor. Monk Fish: Although I loved my Risotto, this is the dish I wished I had ordered. It consisted of Monk Fish, Prawns, Clams, and mussels. Third Course: We both ordered the Lamb with celery root three ways, and lamb kidneys. We both enjoyed. Fourth Course: This was a cheese course. I would have preferred a simple selection of cheeses; however they offered something a little different. I had stilton flan, with puff pastry stuffed with caramelized onions, and my wife ordered the fondue (I forget the cheese) served with brioche. These were both creative, but did not blow me away. Fifth Course: Chocolate Soufflé for me- Classic and good Spice Cake for the wife- I did not remember any of the wines we had, but they all matched really well with our selections. The paring was $55 and included Champagne to start. We finished with coffee and as a birthday gift Restaurant Eve gave us a sample of the house coffee and a bag of scone mix. We will return soon, to try the bistro. I thought the service was good, although at times uneven. By far this is the best food you can get in old town.

We have reservation on Saturday night for the tasting room at Restaurant Eve. I hope it's not too bad to drive from Arlington to Alexandria.

My wife and I made our first visit last night, and we loved it. I do not think there is a better deal in the DC metro area for the amount and the quality of food you get at this place! We did the tasting menu and here were the highlights. Processco House cured olives- My wife loves olives, I am not a fan, but these were good. Warm Figs with mascarpone cheese- Crostini- Salted Cod, Prosciutto, and white beets- Fried Cheese with Onions- Homemade Crackers Cauliflower Pana Cotta with quail eggs- Very creative, I was not expecting the egg to be in the center Mozzarella with bread crumb and Anchovy I had the ricotta ravioli with truffles for my pasta course and the wife had the baby goat papperdella. Both were very good the goat dish had a hint of cinnamon, and the sauce for the ravioli was excellent. For the main we shared the suckling pig, with polenta, Brussels sprouts, and bacon Desserts was Doughnuts, Chocolate crostatta, and lemon gelato This was a great meal , that I am still thinking about today. I have been reading about this place for months and I have been kind of blowing it off while we were trying other places in the metro are. What a fool I have been! I am not sure what the place looked like prior to the recent renovation, however the space is real cozy and warm, with candles on the walls. I found the service to be excellent! I dare anyone to find a better deal in DC. We will be returning very soon!

I am sick of these post about cake love. I am not a fan of the product myself, but is it necessary to continue to bash his business daily. It is clear that there are many people who do like this product and continue to support Mr. Brown. If you don't like the product, don't visit his shop! I don't think anyone is being forced to visit Cake Love. Can we move on?

Thanks starfish, I have been "lurking" for a while.

I think the reveiw is dead on. My wife and I have been several times, and we really wanted to love it ( She is from Baton Rouge) but thought it was good but not great. I think two stars is fair. We will return, if only for the biscuits!