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lovehockey

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Everything posted by lovehockey

  1. lovehockey
    That is all.
  2. lovehockey
    Visited last night as part of dining in DC, part 2 (part 1 was at Flight Wine Bar). We enjoyed the food. I'll just summarize my thoughts: *Mr. lovehockey got the beef kubideh and I got the chicken kubideh, which turned out well because they're easy to share. Personally, I think they should do a chicken/beef combo. The chicken was spicier than the beef, but we liked them both. For $12.95 each, they were generous dishes. *The ice cream was unique and tasty, but of a size that it's best shared. *Service was good until near the end, when the waiter was busy taking care of other tables and the hostess ended up getting the check for us. But I noticed that our table wasn't the only one where the waiter would ask "shots?" to those who were at the possible dessert portion of the proceedings. *For a Saturday at primetime, it wasn't as busy as I thought it should be. On the other hand, Barracks Row itself wasn't teeming with foot traffic, although some places looked fuller than others. It's a good option along Barracks Row if you're looking for good food and bar selection.
  3. lovehockey
    We visited last night, and as Bettyjoan mentioned in her post, we also thought it would be a good "first or last stop". In our case, it was the first stop, and we arrived around 5:15. One thing to note is that their 5-7 p.m. happy hour is also on Saturdays. The wine list is certainly extensive (as Mr. lovehockey said, you won't find Sutter Home here). Instead of going for a pre-set flight, I asked for a white, rose, and red made from grapes I'd never heard of. I was a bit surprised when the waitress told me later that she planned to use that as a suggestion in the future, since I thought that at least someone before me would have thought of that. I received the Bodegas Muga, Bianco, Viura-based blend, Rioja, Spain, 2013; the Sauska, Villanyi Rose, Kekfrankos-based blend, Vllany, Hungary, 2013; and the Stobi Winery, Vranec Tikves, Macedonia, 2012. Of the three, I liked the last wine (the Macedonian red) the best, although I enjoyed all of them (and so did Mr. lovehockey, who sampled each alongside his happy hour beer, which was a draft stout from Baltimore whose name I can't remember; he called it an excellent winter beer). If I could find the wine around here, I'd buy a case of it. The waitress told me that "everyone loves it". It's a great combination of spice and fruit. For our snacks, we had the zucchini fritters and duck sliders, both at happy hour prices. We enjoyed both, although Mr. lovehockey preferred the fritters to the duck sliders. The fritters are definitely at their best when hot. Since it's on the 6th Street side of the Verizon Center, it doesn't get the same level of foot traffic if it was on 7th, but it was pretty full by the time we left after 6:00. We'd go again.
  4. lovehockey
    The only time I've made a reservation and cancelled at the last minute was for Restaurant Week. I still feel bad about it and it was 10 years ago. After the RW incident I can't recall a reservation I didn't honor. Guilt complex? Perhaps. But if I make a reservation I intend to act upon it. To be honest, it's all about common courtesy.
  5. lovehockey
    This place gets a lot of business at lunch because of its $7 Maniac lunch special (at least it was still $7 the last time I had it at least a year ago; it includes a soda). A number of years back the quality of the meat served in the lunch special went down markedly.
  6. lovehockey
    One correction to the list: Mary Landrieu did not defeat Cassidy and Maness. Louisiana requires 50% plus one so there will be a runoff between Landrieu and Cassidy in early December. (As for Alaska, Begich has not conceded yet due to the absentee and questionable ballots still needing to be counted.)
  7. lovehockey
    Visited for the first time last night. It was pretty busy when we arrived around 6:30 but we were seated right away. Mr. lovehockey ordered the starter Ceasar salad but a runner presented him with the Chopped Mixed Green Salad instead; he was perfectly OK with it although I thought it looked like salad from a bag with some dried cranberries and dressing thrown in. We shared the St. Louis Toasted Ravioli, which I've had before in STL but he'd never heard of. They had good flavor (and they were better than some I've had in St. Louis) but I had a feeling they'd been cooked earlier since the dish was room temperature and the sauce was cold. Mr. lovehockey, though, discovered something new that he liked. Entrees were the Woodoven Atlantic Salmon and Classic Black Angus NY Strip, both of which came with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. We both enjoyed the entrees, and since Mr. lovehockey's preferred level of doneness on a steak is medium in some places and medium-well in others (firm, pink center) he did well taking the waiter's advice to order it medium (the waiter was also honest on the beer question when Mr. lovehockey asked about it, describing it in such a way that Mr. lovehockey knew he'd probably like it even if the waiter wasn't overly fond of it). Beverages were the New Fashioned (Crown Royal, Amaretto, simple syrup, bitters, orange peel) and a draft beer whose name I can't remember because it was on a list of specials separate from the menu and I didn't order it, although for $5 it was a good deal and Mr. lovehockey liked it. Overall, we thought it was a good experience and we'll add it to the Old Town rotation. Addendum, many hours later: I'll add that it's loud when it's busy.
  8. lovehockey
    To Cpl. Nathan Carillo, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada reservist, and prayers for his widow, young son, and family.
  9. lovehockey
    Schneiders, a few blocks' walk from Union Station at 3rd and Massachusetts NE.
  10. lovehockey
    Baltimore Sun link mentioned above can be found here.
  11. lovehockey
    We visited on Saturday night. We liked the look of of it, and my experienced eye noted (and it was confirmed by the waiter) that the benches on the left side are former church pews. Recycling! But if it's busy, expect it to be loud because of the design. Of note, their wine menu is by the 3 oz pour, 6 oz pour, or bottle, and it includes the 2011 Glen Manor Vin Rouge (and a Rose from Texas!). Between us we had the caramelized onion tater tots, the risotto of the day (which was fig and something else), the warm spinach salad, and the oven-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and roasted garlic flatbread. If you're in the area, it's worth visiting. The service, while not spot-on, is earnest. Overall, it's a good value. Plus we could tell there were regulars there, including an elderly gentleman who was known by name and menu preferences, and the chef even came out to say hello to him. EDIT: I'll add that they do wine tastings on Saturdays from 2-4. Since the next-closest place that I know for this is UnWined Belle View, it's a good idea.
  12. lovehockey
    I assume milk is not involved? If so, I'd probably go for this.
  13. lovehockey
    I'll put this here instead of the Zagat thread from years ago that I found on the search engine. Sorry, it's a few days later than the post at the link. Two months of a NYT subscription, plus apps, doesn't wow me. Also, I have never heard of that brand of tablet. To pile on the mean, I don't think Zagat has the influence they used to have. They've been overtaken by sites like Yelp (alas) and TripAdvisor, and it's also a sign that this establishment is doing a good job. While I commend them for trying to get a sense of the local vibe, it's too little, too late. I'll add that the "Do all of the chefs know you on a-first name basis?" may be hyperbole, but usually that's a sign that everyone knows you and they'll treat you really well.
  14. lovehockey
    The Eisenhower Memorial design needs to go back to the drawing board. Personally, I think Eisenhower would be appalled at the whole idea. As for the memorials we already have, I'll just relate the following: Earlier this evening when I wanted to avoid traffic in the 3rd Street Tunnel and 295 I went down Washington Avenue, which merges into South Capitol Street. Looking over at the new memorial for disabled vets, I saw a veteran in a wheelchair who had both legs amputated, with two others standing alongside him. I regret not pulling over at the first chance, walking back, and saying thanks for his service.
  15. lovehockey
    I'm coming in late here, but Salvation Army is the way to go. They will remove furniture whatever the size or quantity.
  16. lovehockey
    I watched the bottom of the 9th not knowing that there was a no-hitter in progress (I saw the first couple innings and then had to quit watching for a while). When Souza made the catch and everyone went nuts I was very happy and wished I had been there in person. Personally, it was a great catch, especially considering that he knew what the result would be either way. This was the first no-hitter pitched by a Washington pitcher since 1931. But because this team carries on the legacy of the Expos, they carry on the legacy of Dennis Martinez's perfect game. Zimmermann can join the team history of legendary pitching performances.
  17. lovehockey
    A no-hitter today courtesy of Zimmermann and Souza, Jr. Between Thursday and today they played 6 games and had shutouts in half of them.
  18. lovehockey
    Last night: The Schwarma was good; the Lebanese fries were forgettable and I'm glad I got the combo instead of just paying $6 outright for the fries. Afternoon game today: Just for the fun of it, I tried a gluten-free hot dog ($5). The hot dog tasted like a hot dog that's cooked on a flattop. The bun was dry and tasteless. Last month: Went to a game on a Wednesday. I got the Italian Hero from G Sandwich and asked for it without mayo (I don't like mayo). The cashier had to go to the back and get one for me, but otherwise it wasn't a problem. I wasn't expecting it to be a bit spicy, but I thought it was good and filling.
  19. lovehockey
    My annual rite of going to baseball games late in the year (procrastination) and the ability to go while it's still dirt cheap = 18 straight innings of shutout baseball (Gonzalez, Thornton, and Storen's joint effort last night* and Fister's complete game three-hitter this afternoon). Right now it's 3-1 Nats in the top the 2nd with two on, the shutout streak is gone and the bats are certainly getting a workout so far on both sides. *As of the typing of this post while sitting on the couch because I decided not to go for the trifecta, the headline on the ESPN link above is "Nats' Zimmerman plays 7 Innings in loss to Mets". Oops. Final score: 15-7 Marlins; Marlins had a grand slam and Werth almost hit for the cycle.
  20. lovehockey
    I'll note that the Bryan brothers make an annual appearance in DC every August at the Citi Open (when I last saw them, it was the Legg Mason Tennis Classic). Doubles tennis is very entertaining.
  21. lovehockey
    On Saturday we visited Manassas for the Civil War weekend event (sponsored by the Manassas Museum). Venturing into the Old Town area, a block from the museum, we had dinner at Carmello's on Center Street. The sister restaurant, Monza, is right next door and I'm pretty sure the kitchen is shared. Dinner started with complementary sparkling wine (Gatao, from Portugal). The bread and tapenade was great. Mr. lovehockey enjoyed his Ceasar salad. Entrees were filet mignon and halibut with crab and veggie risotto. For the former, Mr. lovehockey likes it medium well and it was the first time since he showed up in my life that they asked if they cooked it right upon serving. It was medium-rare. It went back, but I really was stunned that they asked first! The description on the menu for the halibut is "crab-stuffed pan roasted Alaskan halibut." The crab that was there was not stuffed into the halibut, but the portion of halibut was generous. We had no room for dessert, although the menu indicates the desserts are made in-house. Prices are in line with what you'd find in DC (entrees $22-$42). They have several gluten-free options. This may be nitpicky, but Mr. lovehockey's espresso included the lemon rind. So many places neglect this. He notices this, and I've learned to notice this (I don't drink coffee). It was also the first place I think I've ever visited that had ads included in the music track. Carmello's has spring, summer, and winter menus (we had the summer menu). The dining room is very nice and the service is earnest. Personally, I think it is a place that has a lot of potential. If you're looking for fine dining in Manassas, go here (although I admit I was in jeans and they welcomed me in!). There is a parking garage a block away that is free after 10 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.
  22. lovehockey
    I may have posted this in the wrong section, but I don't care. Here's your chance to express your appreciation for Don. For me: His unwavering devotion to this site day in and day out, his appreciation for Diet Coke, and his love for Matt.
  23. lovehockey
    Living up to my moniker, I'd say that an excellent example of a true national team vs. an all-star team is the Red Army playing Team Canada after 1961 (when Canada quit sending club teams to the Olympics and the World Hockey Championships and started sending only amateurs for several decades) until the Olympics opened up to pros. But the most important years are between September 1972 and the fall of the Soviet Union at the tournaments where Team Canada consisted of NHL and/or WHA players. The first time this happened was the Summit Series in 1972*, and the best examples after that were the five Canada Cups. If you like hockey at all, take some hours, get on YouTube, and watch the 3 games between Canada and the USSR in the 1987 Canada Cup final. The final score in each game was 6-5. It is arguably one of the best displays of hockey you'll ever watch, although Grant Fuhr didn't look too great in net for Canada, IMO (five of the players on Team Canada played for the Edmonton Oilers at the time). A number of the USSR players were in the NHL within a few years. Several Washington Capitals played in the tournament for Canada or the United States. *If you're a Canadian over a certain age, you need to know the answer to "Where were you in '72?" when Paul Henderson scored with 36 seconds left to beat the Soviets in the final game of the Summit Series and win the tournament for Canada. My parents witnessed the goal in person at the arena in Moscow.
  24. lovehockey
    I have two brothers, so I've heard many stories about adventures in the car with friends, some of which are the stuff of legend. I guess this means that the perpetrator can now yell, "Don't roll down the windows! This is good for your health!"
  25. lovehockey
    I assume the last two pictures are from the Germany-US match, but could you mention the matches that are included in your photos? Thanks! I hope you had a good time!
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