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Ooops, sorry! Wrong site. Seriously, didn't anybody eat anything this weekend? Nobody has any food related thoughts today? C'mon! With Peanut around, I have to mainly live vicariously through the good folks on this board.

Hungry Pigeon is a place where I could easily see myself hanging out all day. I stopped in for dinner one rainy evening, and was so pleased I wish I would have checked into a hotel so that I could wander back and have breakfast. But first, let me tell you how delicious dinner was. Parking in Queen's Village can be a bit tricky, but I managed to snag a spot right in front. Consider myself lucky, and the night was off to a wonderful start. The decor of Hungry Pigeon is very comfy. I am certain many other restaurants spend thousands to execute the design that is accomplished at the Pigeon. The room is peppered with lush green plants, artwork, and wooden tables throughout the space. There is a communal long picnic style table in the back that I find rather charming. I am not sure what the fuss is against communal dining. I happen to enjoy it. It affords the opportunity to engage in conversation with strangers, or a group of diners that are there for the same reason. On this night, I opted to have a seat at the bar, because let's be honest, it's the best seat in the house. As soon as I sat down, I had the sense I was going to have a wonderful meal. There is nothing pretentious about this spot, and I fell hard for the bohemian energy that filled this space. Before deciding on coming to the Pigeon, I didn't do much digging in terms of learning about the menu. I read that Craig Laban, Philly's food critic, was a fan. He actually gave it three bells, and for the last few years it has been the darling of the city landing on lists published by several of Philly's finest reads. The spot serves all day fare. In the AM, it's counter service for breakfast and lunch, and at 5 it converts to full service for dinner with hand crafted cocktails, a bevy of local craft beers, and wines. On the menu there is a category titled, " Let's cook for you," ($50) and I gladly obliged, and chose the cocktail pairing. ($25) Four courses paired with a cocktail for each course priced under $80, a total bargain in my opinion. The first course or shall I say an appetizer x 3 was delectable. I was expecting one, but was bestowed a flight of 3 apps. A beef tartare dressed in fragrant olive oil donned with briny capers, smoked cheddar and paper thin sliced shallots. Its was served with house friend crisp potato chips. Amazing. Second, a stunning salad composed of strawberries and cherry tomatoes served with farmer cheese and dotted with sumac. Thirdly, a ham cured in amaro presented with a few helpings of pickled zucchini. All of this food was ample enough for 2, so I happily asked the server to pack up what I did not finish. This first course was paired with a delectable seasonal Negroni. A traditional recipes with the addition of a fragrant strawberry- rhubarb shrub. The aroma of the cocktail was like the most delicious strawberry field. That drink went down incredibly smooth. I could not get enough of how wonderfully delicious the drink's aroma had me captivated. And the bread, oh my. Pat O'Malley, who recently returned from a run at Baltazar, is the genius behind all of the pastries, breads, and sweets. For the first bread offering , a country rye is served with softened butter, and later in the meal, walnut bread follows.. For the first course, I nearly sopped the plate clean with the bread in the oil that pooled on the plate of beef tartare. Following the apps, a small plate of house made linguine tossed with tender squash, fragrant baby leaves of basil, butter, and a copious amount of grana padano. There was a fresh herb peppered throughout the dish that I couldn't quite put my finger on, but lent a slight bitterness to the dish. The bitterness was a welcome contrast to the richness of all the other components. A Tired Hand Pilsner was paired nicely with the pasta. Although I am not much of a beer fan in general, it was nice. A pilsner done in the style of a German hefeweizen. I am trying to expand my palate and open myself to enjoy beers, but I am not quite there. I don't enjoy the bitterness that is present in all beers, but I do appreciate the craft that goes in the production of beer and how in the last several years a beer renaissance has occurred. I took a few sips, and was looking forward to what the next course would present. A perfectly cooked loin of swordfish paired with a vibrant salad of haricot verts and tomatoes was absolutely divine. The salad was a raw salad dressed in vinaigrette that I could only guessed to be perhaps champagne vinegar and a generous helping of garlic. There was something fishy about the vinaigrette that I could not stop going back to. Kinda tasted like perhaps a dash of fish sauce was added to the dressing. Can't say for sure, but there was a familiar flavor that reminded of me home. The wine for this course was a varietal produced in the Canary Islands. A bright Listan Blanco, a varietal of Palomino grapes that are popular in the production of sherry, paired nicely with the fish. And to wrap up this incredible meal , a honeysuckle panna cotta topped off with the sweetest strawberries ended a most delicious degustation. The final pairing was an Amarro produced in Croatia. I was informed the Amarro is distilled from orange tea leaves among several other herbs. It made sense to round things out with a digestive, and it was perfect. All of the raves the Pigeon have received are so well deserved. This meal for what I paid, I would have gladly shilled more for. The quality of the ingredients to the attentive, yet relaxed service, will warrant me visiting several times over. Next visit will be to indulge in the full spectrum of pastries. I can hardly wait! Royally fed in the Queen's Village, katt

I am surprised there isn't a forum solely dedicated to the incredible, edible Egg. Someone brought up what Tom Seisetma thinks about adding ketchup to eggs? Thoughts? Horrified? Genius? I want to know what everyone’s favorite preparation of eggs. On and by the way, I am back in full force. I will be chiming in much more often. My goal for 2018 is to make the leaderboard. Can it be done? Ambitious, kat

I've been so busy with other things that I've neglected any planning for an upcoming trip, so I need some ideas. Here's the scenario: Mr. P will be in SF for two weeks for work, and will probably be hanging out with co-workers most evenings. I'm flying out to join him on Wednesday and staying for the weekend. So, I need solo dinner options for Wednesday and Thursday, and "date night" options for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We're staying close to the Ferry Terminal building, but don't mind taking public transport to just about anywhere. Here's the important thing: l want low-key places. I'm not going to bring any fancy clothes and these days I really don't like formal dining. If my clone was coming to DC I'd tell her to go to Tail Up Goat and Himitsu. I'll consider any cuisine. Many thanks.

Location and Rates - Website Anyone one been? Going in December for a short 20th-anniversary celebration (dinner and one night). Reviews are uniformly excellent but I would love input from the DR family.

Short notice trip to the area this weekend. Spending just one night downtown (Loews). I've never been to Philadelphia, so I'd appreciate a couple of suggestions somewhat close to the hotel. (Midtown?) No real restrictions, but my wife is not as enthusiastic as I am about seafood, and casual attire is preferred.

If I can call on the help of the DR community twice in one month-- Husband's best friend coming into town next month and would be great for them to celebrate their big birthdays (40) with a nice dinner. Husband's friend is old-school Brooklyn, hates hipsters, nothing frou-frou, want something authentic. They loved Rays the Steaks, back in the day, but looking for something else and also want to be able to linger a bit. Good beers. Ideas include: Mintwood Place? Le Diplomate (might be too loud)? Thanks.

Looking to celebrate a birthday with 4 adults on an upcoming weeknight. Not too many constraints, just need great food at any price -- but must have a la carte options (no tasting-only) and must take reservations. Places we love but might hit too often for this occasion: Central Michel Richard Chez Billy Sud Le Diplomate Blue Duck Places we've been and enjoyed that might fit the bill: Mintwood Place Corduroy Vidalia Zaytinya Red Hen Places we've never been that sound intriguing: Ghibellina Rural Society Kapnos Cork Estadio Fiola Thoughts?

Attending the Preakness Stakes in Pimilco with family on Saturday. Looking for a post-race dinner at around 8:30 pm somewhere in the vicinity or on the way back to DC. Woodberry Kitchen is booked solid, as expected. I've never been to Mt. Washington Tavern or Nickel Taphouse. Ellicott City might be an option with Tersiguel's or the new Portalli's. But I'm a little concerned about whether French would be too upscale after spending all afternoon outside. I don't know much about Portalli's. I know parking anywhere in this area is difficult. Iron Bridge Wine Company would be nice, but it's a little out of the way and they don't have reservations available until much later at night. Something like the Kings Contrivance or the Elkridge Furnace Inn would probably be a little too stuffy for us. I've never been to G & M Restaurant, but it may be too casual on the other end of the spectrum. Any other ideas for some lively atmosphere or a somewhat historic setting near Pimilco or in a small town suburb not far from 295/95 on the way back to DC?

Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar Invites You to an Intimate Wine Dinner with Braida Winery from Italy on Saturday, October 25 On Friday, October 25, Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar, Capitol Hill's pioneering wine bar and farm-to-table restaurant, is hosting an exclusive 20 seat wine dinner with a pre-dinner wine tasting featuring the wines of Italian winemaker Braida. The evening begins at 6:30pm, starting with a pre-dinner meet and greet and wine tasting, with wine expert Norbert Reinisch, Braida's Export Manager and Founder's Son-In-Law. The tasting will include Braida's current releases of Montebruna, Il Baciale, Moscato d'Asti and Brachetto d'Acqui and will feature multiple vintages of Bricco dell'Uccellone and Ai Suma. After the wine tasting, guests will enjoy a three-course dinner plus amuse with wine pairings - each dish crafted by Executive Chef, Joshua Hutter to highlight the featured dinner wines. Among the menu items: Fluke crudo with lemon, moscatto gelee, frisee and local asian pear paired with the 2012 Moscato d'Asti; Grilled duck with a barbera cherry gastrique with savory pumpkin and sage bread paired with the Barbera Monte Bruna. Three Course Wine Dinner Menu First Fluke Crudo with preserved lemon, moscatto gelee, frisee and local asian pear paired with 2012 Moscato d'Asti Second Grilled Duck Breast "Autunno" Duck, chicharonnes, Barbera cherry gastrique with savory pumpkin and sage bread pudding paired with Barbera Monte Bruna Third Plum crisp with Local plums, brown sugar farro crumble and local goat cheese gelato paired with 2012 Brachetto d'Acqui Tickets for the wine dinner are only $80 per person and with only 20 seats available, the event is expected to sell out. To reserve your seat, email Brittany@sonomadc.com. Also as a special offer, ACE Beverage retailer will be offering exclusive discounts for guests to purchase their favorite Braida wines that they have tasted throughout the evening.

Hi Rockwellians! I am writing to introduce you to Arcadia's new membership program. We have some of the greatest chefs in the area (and a few from outside the area) donating their time and talents to teach Master Courses and host special dinners to benefit Arcadia. The classes are open to our members first at a discount, and then to the public. (And members get cool swag! t-shirts, high quality farmers market totes, autographed copies of Forrest Pritchard's book, "Gaining Ground," plus invites to members only pop-up events around town) Here's the link to the classes, and you can navigate around the site from there. http://www.arcadiamembers.org/#!courses/cust Arcadia is a 501©3 organization. We are dedicated to creating a more equitable and sustainable local food system. We have a small farm on the grounds of Woodlawn Mansion -- formerly part of Mount Vernon -- where we grow food for our Mobile Market. The Mobile Market makes 9 stops a week in low-food access neighborhoods. They tend to be low income and don't have farmers markets or grocery stores nearby. We also source food from a dozen farms from within 100 miles, and offer meat, cheese, yogurt, milk, bread, and locally made granola in addition to fruits, veggies, and herbs. Our prices are great to begin with -- we are currently selling the most succulent peaches you've ever had for $1.75 a pound -- and we double the value of SNAP and WIC (food stamps) so low-income people can stretch their food dollars by purchasing more healthy food. We also do cooking demonstrations and tastings, and will soon publish a gorgeous cookbook that combines WIC staples with seasonal produce. That cookbook will be distributed free to our WIC and SNAP customers and sold to others. We're looking for a corporate sponsor for the cookbook if anyone is interested! We also have a farm education program -- farm camp in the summer with 25 percent of our campers on full, needs-based scholarships, and field trips for school children throughout the year. The kids learn about sustainable agriculture, healthy food -- and pick and eat food straight from our farm. YOu wouldn't believe the variety of veggies kids will eat when they harvest them themselves. Here's more about Arcadia. We have lots of volunteer opportunities and would love to have you as members! Please contact me if you have questions or thoughts! Pam Hess Executive Director pam@arcadiafood.org

The same great quality, fresh ingredients, unique menus, sensational presentations & exceptional value that has made Monty’s Steakhouse & Lounge of Springfield, VA a favorite among the community is now available anywhere you choose: Corporate Private Home Fund Raising Team Sports Houses of Worship Picnics, and much more Whether simple or elegant, drop-off to full service catering, and any combination that suits your event, Monty’s welcomes the opportunity to help ensure that your special event remains special for you & your guests to long remember. There is really no end to our creativity. Contact us by phone, 703-942-8676, or email, catering@montyssteakhouse.co... “We listen not to reply. We listen to understand before we reply.”–Monty’s

A huge thanks to Chef Ris Lacoste and RIS for offering: "Quilt In the Capital" tasting menu July 22-28, 2012 A farm-to-table menu with locally sourced ingredients and wine to honor The AIDS Memorial Quilt returning to Washington, our hometown 15% proceeds to benefit The NAMES Project Foundation, caretakers of The Quilt More info + menu at risDC.com Please support RIS and The Names Project / The Quilt and participate! * Full disclosure: I am working for The NAMES Project (mostly volunteer) while they are here in DC.

Hello, I would personally like to invite you to an exclusive South African wine dinner at Jack Rose Dining Saloon, featuring some of the flagship wines from Cape Classics Imports and a presentation by its founder, Andre Shearer. On Wednesday, April 18, Chef Michael Hartzer will prepare a four-course meal to complement some of South Africa’s top wines, and Mr. Shearer will provide a grounded introduction to the South African wine industry--now more than 350 years old and renowned for its balance of old-world elegance and new-world fruit. The dinner will feature wines by De Morgenzon, Ken Forrester, Glennelly, De Toren, Buitenverwachting, and Klein Constantia. (The latter, in the course of its existence, was famously enjoyed by Thomas Jefferson, Margret Thatcher, Jane Austin, and Napoleon, to name a few.) Andre Shearer founded Cape Classics in 1991 and is responsible for the availability of some of the premier South African producers in the US market. He will speak in detail about the wineries and the rich history of South African wine and culture. Date: Wednesday April 18 Time: 6:30pm – 10pm Location: Jack Rose 2007 18th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009 The cost is an all-inclusive $110 per person. For reservations, please call Sean Coetzee to RSVP at 402.617.5675 or email Sean@capeclassics.com. We only have 20 seats available and they will go very quickly so please email soonest if you would like to attend. I look forward to seeing you there. Cheers, Sean Sean Coetzee | Chesapeake Regional Manager Cape Classics Fine South African Wine T: 402.617.5675 capeclassics.com facebook.com/capeclassics twitter.com/capeclassics