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DaveO

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  1. DaveO
    While at Ambar, Clarendon the other night I ordered a G & T, asking if it was the same cocktail as downstairs at Baba. While the response was in the affirmative from a server, I wouldn't swear that she would be an authority on the topic. The $11 cocktail was served in a large goblet with ample ice. It came with a bottle of Fever Tree, but I did not check to see if it was elderflower. The menu said cucumber infused gin. In lieu of the flower petals and lime it came with a long thin slice of cucumber. I have no idea what the base gin was. Frankly I did not detect a strong sense of cucumber. Wasn't bad but it wasn't exceptional, priced somewhere in the middle or lower end of "fancy" cocktails.
  2. DaveO
    Yes. Thank you. The Ha'Penny Lion. That was it. "Working" people (if you called what I did --work) also took advantage of the taco bar. Jody Taylor, very identifiable with his black handlebar mustache, would be there from time to time as it was one of the Blackie Auger bars that he oversaw.
  3. DaveO
    Ooh ooh. That is one for a DC restaurant/bar historian that dates back to the 70’s. That predates me. That person would probably have drunk a lot which would cloud his/her memory. I’m sure the web and the google time machine would pull up good history—-or just get Jody Taylor to jump in. At one point in the mid 80’s I worked around the corner from a Blackie restaurant/ bar at 17th and L. I can’t remember that name but I ate a lot of taco’s there He also must have been the mid Atlantic Franchisee for one of the National mid range steak house chains. Not a ton in these suburbs but a lot on the DelMarVa peninsula
  4. DaveO
    More on the gossip, didn't eat there variety of post: With a 7:15 reservation at Ambar the other night I stopped in early to take a look at both Buena Vida and TTT. Both are attractive. At about 6:30 -7PM both were roughly half full. While that left me surprised I suppose there is no reason why entirely new restaurants should be swamped. In any case it was an encouraging sign to get over there now. On the other hand well established Ambar was quite full. Most tables were occupied. The bar and tables by the bar were crowded; There are great values on the HH menu. I think during dinner the restaurant was fully occupied. Dinner at Ambar was one more enjoyable time at the restaurant. Quite enjoyed the small plate flat bread, a dish I don't recall ordering before. One thing, because Ambar, Buena Vida, and TTT all recruited bartenders from our school and I've had a little interaction with management and staff I fully suspect that service at Buena Vida and TTT will be terrific. Besides the school interaction at other times when I've been at Ambar in a more anonymous mode service has always been delightful. I look forward to visiting TTT and Buena Vida.
  5. DaveO
    Hah. that "just as it was in the 20th Century" comment grabbed me. Then I glanced at the calendar and realized we are in the 19th year of the 21st Century. Hah (again). Time flies!!! Roughly around the time it opened it was my favorite dining spot and was there on a not infrequent (or at least more frequent than any other comparable restaurant) basis. At some point the couple divorced, I Ricchi went to the wife, the husband opened Cesco in Bethesda, my ex was friendly with his significant other, and we ended up dining there fairly frequently with nary a visit to I Ricchi. (Cesco was never as good as I Ricchi). I've read how I Ricchi went "downhill". I can't really comment on that. In any case I appreciate Sietsema and more relevantly the WashPo reviews which are numerous, informational and cover far more restaurants than I could ever visit. Interesting to see not a review here for 12 years. I Ricchi has plenty of reviews on other websites, and if a restaurant doesn't get mentioned here that is no reason to ignore it. I was impressed by Sietsema's comments. Meanwhile the menu looks to be priced roughly in the Fiola range, and all things considered Georgetown has a much better view. But I'd return --had many a great meal and enjoyable time there.
  6. DaveO
    Read most histories and lists or listacles about ACC basketball and I'm sure you will find Thompson as the greatest player in the vast majority. Of note Jordan had David Thompson introduce him to the basketball HOF. Thompson was his hero growing up. The oft quoted comment about Jordan in college is that Dean Smith played the best defense against him of all players over all time. Dean kept him from absolutely dominating and kept him from breaking scoring records. Not really a problem Jordan played with other college super stars on his team. As great as we treat Bias in Maryland there are many others in the ACC who would probably rank with or above him in "greatness". Ralph Sampson was a 3 time college player of the year, Duke's Laettner had an amazing college career with championships and amazing games. Tim Duncan quietly dominated. There are others who approach those levels. Relative to the way Zion Williamson has dominated this season--it brings back to mind the level of dominance David Thompson revealed. I don't know how many videos there are of Thompson playing...but I watched him in college and in the pro's even seeing him in person. Thompson's skill level was other worldly. He ruined his pro career with drugs and he also suffered leg injuries. Certainly Jordan was far superior in the pro's...and who knows how good Jordan would have been in college if he was unleashed. But in terms of being dominant--I think Zion Williamson today, easily the number one player in college equates with David Thompson in his era. BTW: I saw Dr J and David Thompson play one another in the ABA--they were so remarkably better than all others on the court. Among the all time best players at their peak. Addendum and added: I think Dr J "elevated the dunk" before David Thompson. Dr J is a bit older and was dunking hither and yon before David Thompson launched from earth to the heavens. David Thompson had more vertical leap, probably being one of the best ever. Dr. J could sky, most definitely not as high off the ground but combined it with long attacks from anywhere on the court combined with long arms and a ball controlled by one hand. Come to think of it Connie Hawkins, who must have joined the NBA in the late 60's or early 70's and was older than Dr J did that same kind of one handed arm waving dunking before Dr J.
  7. DaveO
    That ACC game deserves its own thread. It was the ACC championship game that season...and not the NCAA's. U Md was so good, and far superior to virtually all teams in the nation but did not get into the NCAA's. It was the game that forced the NCAA's to expand the tourney. Note I just happened to look up this game in Google and see there are 3 videos uploaded. Now that is a gold mine. For decades the only taped version was one shown every few years on TV. I'll have to get to those videos when I have more time. As to the make up of the Maryland team--no Brad Davis was not yet a part of the team. Its stars were Seniors Tom McMillan and Len Elmore as the big men and underclassman John Lucas as the point guard. Probably Owen Brown was on that team and a sub. Come to think of it David Thompson of NC State was the Zion Williamson of his day--the super duper duper and add another super ultra star of the era. With all the great ACC players over the eras I don't think anyone else comes close to him. Meanwhile across the country Bill Walton was the Big Man super star--at a similar quality level. Finally even as Thompson was the star of stars in college at that time, in this amazing game the guy that pulled it out for NC State was their Center Tom Burleson, who probably had the game of his career. U Maryland played both those teams to a virtual draw that season--getting edged out in both cases. Now back to those video's referenced above. This basketball game is often lauded as the best game in the history of college basketball. Here is a chance to watch it. It opens the discussion for which teams and eras are better--now or in the past.
  8. DaveO
    Hey it appears he did get on his tippy toes--maybe even jumped a silly little millimeter.
  9. DaveO
    It takes a month or so, but so do the playoffs for all professional sports. OTOH; an old fart as myself was a fan of the excellent U Md team that was probably one of the 3 best teams in college basketball in 1974, losing a very close game to UCLA with Walton in the regular season and a brutal game in overtime of the ACC finals to North Carolina State in what has to go down as one of the greatest college games ever. 2nd place in the ACC (ACC tourney) was not good enough. They never got into the tournament. I'll go with the many teams and extended excitement. ,,,but to each his own.
  10. DaveO
    There is something OFF with the Sfoglina "deal" or opening. They announced a signed lease to open at 1100 Wilson Blvd last summer. A long time passed and there was zero construction. They closed off the area and started preliminary construction work in early January. Apparently they have never drilled a hole or done anything since after about 2 or 3 weeks of preliminary work. In fact I walked by a couple of weeks ago and some people were removing some of the equipment sitting in the space. I have no idea what is going on, but at the minimum they have postponed construction. I assume that is all on Sfoglina as the construction is their responsability. For the time being I have NO idea if and when this restaurant will open. Starting and stopping construction is extremely rare. Meanwhile I visited the Observation Deck on the 31st and 32nd floors of the office building at 1201 Wilson Blvd, virtually across from Metro. Because of large open air atrium on the ground this is about 400 feet up. It is an astounding view. The observation deck offers a 360 degree view around the building. On a clear day you can see as far as 11 miles away. Views into DC and Arlington National Cemetery are spectacular. The observation deck offers 2 bars and finger foods including a special wine/sparkling wine bar on the upper floor. Its terrific for individual and group visits. It is very unique and a simply marvelous view. Tickets are $22 for adults with a great variety of discounts available including free access for Arlington residents. Besides visiting as a local I'd bring out of town visitors there and then hop off somewhere nearby for a good dinner. Hmmm. I have no idea if Sfoglina is going to be one of those nearby dining options--at least not in the foreseeable future.
  11. DaveO
    Having seen this a bit, neither of the last two shots were easy or automatic. Both close, but not shoo ins or easy shots, or automatic-should have gone in shots, including the tip in,. But damn they were close. Very close. Meanwhile often games are about match ups. UCF's enormous guy in the middle frustrated and played good enough defense of Zion Willamson that he somewhat negated the superman effect. That made an enormous difference. Coach Dawkins son Aubrey hit from everywhere. He was HOT. As per their record, without Zion Willamson Duke is not utterly unstoppable or unbeatable. Same goes for a Willamson who is somewhat negated in a way that no other college team could do. There is much to be said for 7' 6" tall.
  12. DaveO
    I only saw highlights. Duke was fortunate. Here is some college basketball trivia I didn’t realize until after the game/highlights connecting UCF/Duke. U F’s high scorer for the game, Aubrey Dawkins is the son of coach Johnny Dawkins. Johnny Dawkins was a former Duke All-American, having played for coach K. He went on to an NBA career, and a college coaching career including assisting Coach K before he became a head coach. But there is a greater connection. Johnny Dawkins was Coach K’s first great recruit as part of an excellent recruiting class that ultimately made it to Coach K’s first NCAA finals. That team set the pattern for Coach K’s long run and possibly saved his career at Duke. Another teammate is the Bilastrator. A little bit of NCAA and Coach K/Duke history re: the Dawkins class.
  13. DaveO
    Darn. Washington played a zone against UNC negating the ability of their flashy wavy haired guard Coby White to drive on them. It’s precisely what I had hoped to see. Regardless he hit 3 pointers in the first half and in the second half UNC shredded the zone wherein the Washington guards were too extended. UNC’s big men killed them. A steady romp in the second half. Also got to see Ja Morant of Murray State, often described as a probable top 2 or 3 draft choice. Fla State of the ACC crushed his team but he was good. How good? Well he ain’t no Alan Iverson but we’ll see in the future.
  14. DaveO
    Jody Taylor’s Facebook post from 2018 announcing the closing. It was terrific that the Auger family sold him the Rooster for $1.00. Jody was it’s guy. He holds the longest memories. Evidently starting in the 1970’s Blacky Auger opened a slew of bar/pubs, predominantly along L Strreet, each one with a part of their name being Black. In the 80’s I vividly recall Jody even as I didn’t know him. His handlebar mustache was prominent and frankly after work I too often was at one or another bar. Jody at some point was the he GM for all of them. So great he inherited the last remaining one and carried it through to the end of the lease. Jody’s post above has sweet memories
  15. DaveO
    I just had the So Happens its Tuesday with Coffee from Bruery at Fireworks Arlington. They have something from Bruery on Tap and it gets a big crowd, being popular. This is great. I'm a dark beer fan. This is strong at 14.6 ABV and extremely tasty. It looks like it might be available at Total Wine. I'm in. I can't believe it. I never drink during lunch. Now I can't do anything...but boy that was good.
  16. DaveO
    Noticed that tonight TTT on the first floor is having a soft opening tonight
  17. DaveO
    I am not an Expert on WAR, though I have read through descriptions to try and grasp what it represents. I do leave it to those more knowledgeable to present coherent description(s) while I do have some perspective: A. WAR presents a single number; hence it creates an easy way to rate players against one another, the player with the highest WAR being rated the statistical best. It would seem to me since it creates an easy method of ranking by using one number that makes it easy to use and increases its popularity. B. I noted you had related dWar to War and had made a similar argument about dWar being undervalued. I suggest that in evaluating the offensive side vs the defensive side and evaluating runs scored vs runs NOT scored, one would have to add dWAR with pitchers WAR to adequately compare defense, (runs NOT scored) to offense (runs scored). For instance, if Scherzer throws a 9 inning shutout or a 1 run game say with a home run and strikes out 12 players, there is less defense. He and the eight players behind him only need to make 15 defensive plays. There is less defense. If someone else throws a 9 inning shutout or a 1 run game with only 3 strikeouts wherein the 1 run came from a series of hits then there are 24 outs wherein one can accumulate dWAR, let alone some plays where runners on base can be advanced or wiped out by good defense. In sum I suspect that both dWAR plus pitchers WAR should "equate" to batters WAR. Now I'm not sure if that is on the "right track" or not, but I do think in terms of wins and losses pitching and defense come into as much and equal play as hitting. I look forward to a better description of WAR from those that are knowledgeable.
  18. DaveO
    Thank you. Sounds great. Interesting article describing dishes not normally seen here. Looking forward to stopping by. I think the Ambar team are excellent restaurateurs and some of that shows in the quality/friendliness of the staff.
  19. DaveO
    Games for this year's NCAA tourney (2019) will start later this week. Having spent some time watching the ACC tourney last week I'm now more interested. In one of those rare years, this year's tourney has 3 teams from one league (ACC) as #1 seeds. While I suppose that seems like dominance both the SEC and the Big 10 have a group of teams in the tourney and a LOT of high seeds. As per usual there is and will be endless writings and articles about the tourney, including one little piece of silliness which rates the basketball skills of the coaches of the 68 teams, ranking their skills from 1-68. You will need to read the story to see how they are ranked. Now I particularly think this is silliness having this year attended one big conference game wherein the Coaches had been super stars. Earlier in the regular season I attended a college game between St Johns and Georgetown, both storied teams of the Big East. Why did I go to this game of so many??? It was because of the coaches, Patrick Ewing coaching his alma mater, Georgetown, and his old foe in college, Chris Mullin coaching his alma mater, St Johns. Those two were college stars of stars in their hey day. Conclusion????? Mediocre game and teams--and there were/are no Mullins or Ewings on either squad....some good players but none that reflect the former skills of their coaches. Further conclusion???? Caring about the former basketball abilities of a coach has absolutely zero relevance to a team's play. But if you want to spend some time reading about "old coaches"...well there is an article for you. Now as to this year's tournament: I have no favorites. Zion Williamson of Duke is probably leaps and bounds better than any other player in the college game today. Meanwhile watching UNC over the weekend was cool. I forgot about them. They have featured fast breaks for years and they can run some beauties. So I'll try and catch them. Good luck with your picks.
  20. DaveO
    Where and how are they going to cook?
  21. DaveO
    Did you stop by? If so, what did you think? I know I'll hit it up some day soon, just don't want to tie down a day.
  22. DaveO
    The video "replayers", whomever they are --are missing highlighting that play on its own. Its a wondrous fast break. Immediately taking it out after the basket, an outlet pass, Carolina players must have and were streaking down the court.. Point guard looks up and sees it....a long pass...a beautiful touch pass and a basket. That was a beauty. Hadn't watched UNC play this year. Now I'd like to watch them during the tournament--hope they go far. I like their freshman point guard with the long wild hair. He's an offensive player, a shooter, a driver who sees openings and goes for it. Admittedly his hair makes him more watchable in my eyes; Coby White. I guess he'll go pro, which means he might not play a lot. Too bad. He is very talented (at least for the college game) and watchable.
  23. DaveO
    Oh man! So now I need to add mortadella...just when I thought I had it down pat. Spoil sport!!!! 😂
  24. DaveO
    The pro game is very different than it used to be. Clearly the 3 pt shot and it’s emphasis b/c of analytics is the biggest change. Changes in defensive rules have also been impactful. One key element of the article is How Milwaukee has made much greater use of the 3 pt shot and how. I’ve seen lots of old fans lose interest in the game over the decades—for myriads of reasons. Meanwhile the play of the weekend that literally took my breath away was in the marvelous UNC vs Duke game. It was NOT made by Zion Williamson, but by UNC following one of his dunks—maybe about 4-5 minutes into the video below: Killer fast break by UNC While the video features Zion they should have kept replaying that fast break—just beautiful team basketball --- Teamwork (DonRocks)
  25. DaveO
    An interesting article analyzing the tremendous season the Milwaukee Bucks are having, currently and for much of the season, leading the NBA in wins and winning percentage attributes much of their success to the changes instituted by Coach Mike Budenholzer. Budenholzer had one or two excellent coaching seasons turning the Atlanta Hawks into a playoff contender with a great regular season record, wherein he altered their game. He was a long time assistant under Coach Pop at San Diego. He took over from Jason Kidd, and Kidd's replacement from last season. Hmmm. Must admit Jason Kidd was one of my favorite players to watch, was an all time star, had a dramatic impact on teams that pushed them to winning records, seemed to carry that throughout his career,, even into the doddering end of his career and was clearly a player who had "coach" written all over him. Alas his coaching tenure's have also come with problems and his results as a coach didn't mirror his results as a player. Budenholzer has done very well...and this Milwaukee team has changed its character and is playing at an excellent level with a variety of changes that reflect the coaching changes. The article --- The 3-Point Shot (DonRocks)
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