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Grapeseed, Cordell Avenue in Bethesda - Chef Jeff Heineman's Cafe and Wine Bar - Closed Jul 29, 2017 after 17 Years


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I work maybe 4 blocks from there and I rarely go. Nobody at my office goes out for decent lunches. <sigh> Well, that and I rarely go out for lunch period as I am a slave to my company but that is an entirely different issue. I need to go and try that chili though!

Ha. I am down the street also, but never get out. I think I stood up from my desk twice today!

Maybe a lunch meet up is in order!

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Met up with darkstar965 for lunch today. A nice salad, an unexpected surprise of 'Redneck Ramen' and a bowl of really good chili ensued.

Salad was good. Well dressed, nice.

The Redneck Ramen was not really ramen, and not really a stew but something in between. Loaded with pork and collards, resting in the broth just above the surface of the delicious broth (NOT enough of it - more please!) was an exquisite soft, but not toooooo soft egg. The egg stole the show for me.

The chili was short rib based. No beans (YES!). And arguably some of the best chili I have had. It has a very similar flavor profile to the 'Dark Pot Roast Chili' recipe that I use. Dark, unctious, shellac. Served with corn bread cubes. Crisp grilled at the edges was a nice touch not unnoticed by me. Also, not too sweet - the corn in the cornbread could shine a bit.

Got to meet Jeff, too. :) Dude, your grip could crush my hand like the Agent of Evil in Unbreakable's bones.

Nice to finally meet up with another DR-er, darkstar, too. Good conversation, not enough time to properly relay enough stories. Ah well.

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Nice to meet you and glad you enjoyed the food.

Oh, and Pi Day starts Tonight

Happy Pi Day  (3 14 15 )

Menu

1st House Made Grilled Pizza Pi

2nd Chicken Pot Pi

3rd Braised Pork Shepherd's Pi

4th Apple Hand Pi

$31.41

Friday and Saturday Nights

Whoever can get their order placed at exactly 9:26:53 tomorrow will get something amazing, perhaps total omniscience or something similar

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Nice to meet you and glad you enjoyed the food.

Oh, and Pi Day starts Tonight

Happy Pi Day  (3 14 15 )

Menu

1st House Made Grilled Pizza Pi

2nd Chicken Pot Pi

3rd Braised Pork Shepherd's Pi

4th Apple Hand Pi

$31.41

Friday and Saturday Nights

Whoever can get their order placed at exactly 9:26:53 tomorrow will get something amazing, perhaps total omniscience or something similar

You're short-changing yourself: The digits of Pi are 3.14159, so the price should round up to $31.42. The price of copper is on the rise.

Speaking of being on the rise, Apple Hand Pi is what happens when you surf porn on your MacBook. I didn't just say that, I have a Chromebook, and I'm never touching a cream pie again.

Got to meet Jeff, too.  :) Dude, your grip could crush my hand like the Agent of Evil in Unbreakable's bones.

I thought you were 6'4" - did your hand disappear?

Isn't Jeff the most unlikely fine-dining chef you've ever met?

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...I thought you were 6'4" - did your hand disappear?

Isn't Jeff the most unlikely fine-dining chef you've ever met?

No stance on Pi as related to Jeff's menu. And, all in (and nothing personal), I'd take Jeff for my football team.

And, "unlikely fine-dining chef"? Maybe, but if you think of some of the others around town, nah, there are all kinds. Just like the rest of us. :-)

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I thought you were 6'4" - did your hand disappear?

Isn't Jeff the most unlikely fine-dining chef you've ever met?

I am indeed a tall guy, but my hands are no match for Jeff's. The only guy I ever met with hands that big before was the significant other of a German cousin - and he was a construction guy.

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There must be a Godwin's Law corollary around here that all conversations make it around to talking about my hand size. Doesn't bother me, it is just interesting.

This one has to go on Don 100%. Well, guess PoolBoy too since he started it.

I just really like the chili. :-)

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Not to interrupt the mutual admiration society, but that Pi menu looks freaking awesome.

I can't make it tomorrow, so I will be by tonight late-ish for a Pi preview. Anyone else stopping in?

That's "interrupt[ing] the mutual admiration society"? Insert confused but smiley/winky emoticon here ____.

Time permitting, please report on this Daniel. Does sound excellent.

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There must be a Godwin's Law corollary around here that all conversations make it around to talking about my hand size. Doesn't bother me, it is just interesting.

Unfortunately for you, "that correlation" which you sometimes read about is presumed to be false.

You should shake hands with Julius Erving sometime.

Or Andre the Giant. <--- That is a 12-ounce can of beer.

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15TH ANNIVERSARY     CELEBRATION!

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, and you'll receive 15% off your check. (up to $15 off)

We are Giving away $1500 in Gift Certificates!

Dine in April and you could win 1 of 2 $30 gift certificates given away daily

You will also be entered to win our Grand Prize "“

a Chef's Tasting menu (4) valued at $500.

I am very thankful that a number of this site's users have contributed to our 15 years of success. Thank you all

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Had lunch here today. A great Texas Sloppy BBQ sandwich that also involved sausage (smoked and tasty!) and pickles. What a handful, but so good. Good service and pretty good iced tea.

The vendors I was dining with had the beef tacos (supposed to be great) and fried chicken (he thought it was underseasoned).

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As a Public Service Announcement I would like everyone to know that we here at Grapeseed are alive and well. We have started to do Friday Night Wine Tastings at the Bar. And even though everyone is busy and maybe even out of town, I thought those of you still here should know tonight's tasting is super. the wines are from the Spire Collection. Galerie Sauv Blanc, Wind Racer Pinot Noir and Chateau Lassegue St Emilion Grand Cru. These are all delicious special wines. Usually Wind Racer and Lassegue are in the upper twenties for a glass. If you can't make it we do it every Friday.

Montgomery County requires us to charge for tasting wine so it costs $3, then we give you the first thing you order at half price. Whatever you want. so it is actually less than free for the tasting itself. (yes, i know you could actually just  buy a half price entree for $3, but I hope people would be more fine spirited than that).

There you have it , your PSA for the week.

Oh, and we do restaurant week.

and we are doing the AYCE BBQ again on Saturday Sept. 5th.

Bye

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FWIW-

Join us for our 2nd BARBECUE PARTY

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5th

12 noon to 7 or so

LIMITED TO THE

FIRST 100 GUESTS!

All-You-Can-Eat

St. Louis Style Ribs

Pulled Pork Shoulder

Sausages

Chicken

Beef Brisket

Slaw, Potato Salad, Chopped Salad, bbq Beans & Cornbread, Dessert

Beer Specials

$40 in advance/ $45 at the door/  12 year old and under $15

first 100 resos only

Call us at 301 986-9592

It would be nice to see some folks other than Daniel and Scott (although they are Great to see)

---

[This is Don aka @dcdining - I just tweeted about this. I want to promise everyone there is *nothing* in this for me financially; it's just that Jeff has been a great member, and Grapeseed is one of the great, unheralded restaurants in the DC area - if you support quality, you're supporting our website. Thanks! Don]

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It would be nice to see some folks other than Daniel and Scott (although they are Great to see)

If you're reading this, and you go, please let Jeff know you found out about the event through donrockwell.com - I'm pretty sure this community has a greater reach than diners who self-identify. Who knows? You might have a new favorite restaurant! Identifying won't get you anything special or free with this meal, but it will make you a new friend, and it will convince Jeff that our reach is greater than he thinks. :)

I don't make a habit of encouraging people to say hello to chefs before the meal, but in this case it does no harm. I want Jeff to know how much this community supports him, so you can tell him when you call for reservations if you'd like. I think he needs to hear it. Grapeseed is on of the very top restaurants in Bethesda, has been ranked in Italic since I can remember, and Jeff deserves to realize how valuable he is to the community at large. Let him know if you would - he can use the pick-me-up. I'd go myself if I didn't already have plans - it's a great deal and a great way to spend a Saturday.

All you can eat of multiple types of barbecue for $40? This is a no-brainer. What I fear is that people will hear about this because of us, and *not* tell Jeff, he'll lose confidence in donrockwell.com, and it will have a reverse snowball effect ... so tell him when you reserve! Even if you're not a member, tell him how you heard about it. He needs to hear it. If you write for another publication and you find out about this event here, please mention it this one time - I'd really appreciate it, and so would Jeff. I hate it when our strongest members develop doubts. Shake his hand when you meet him - your hand will disappear inside his (I HAD to get that one in! Sorry!) Jeff has been one of our most loyal members, and I want him to know how much he's appreciated here, even indirectly. Call in advance and reserve for your party of four and save $20 plus tax and tip! Jeff's a good guy, man, I hate to see him having so much self-doubt. Tell him. and please make it loud and clear - contact details are well-stated in Jeff's post. Regular DR members - please bring your friends - what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon then a bull roast and massive quantities of beer. Get your exercise done in the morning, get to bed early, and get up to go jogging on Sunday morning. $15 for a 12-year-old is a great price, too.

Daniel and Scott, maybe you can bring some friends?

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If you're reading this, and you go, please let Jeff know you found out about the event through donrockwell.com - I'm pretty sure this community has a greater reach than diners who self-identify. Who knows? You might have a new favorite restaurant! Identifying won't get you anything special or free with this meal, but it will make you a new friend, and it will convince Jeff that our reach is greater than he thinks. :)

I little bit off topic but in the beginning of July, I asked in the "Help Wanted" topic where would be best to host a retirement luncheon for my wife.  We have since signed a contract with Grapeseed for a date in the third week of October as Grapeseed was the overwhelming recommendation on DR.  I spoke with a Grapeseed event coordinator earlier today in order to resolve some questions that I had.  At the end of the conversation I mentioned that the restaurant was recommended to me through Don Rockwell.  Although he was not familiar with the website he said that he would pass the information along.

- Paul

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Brisket just went into the smoker so, the BBQ is on. Ribs start in the a.m., chicken etc, too.

If you need a last minute reservation call me at the restaurant ( I spend the night to tend the smoke) 301-986-9592

Or walk in anytime between 12 and 7 tomorrow. see you then.

If anyone (including Jeff) wants to tweet about this, I'll retweet your tweet - include @dcdining in your tweet.

It's ridiculous that more people aren't going to Grapeseed. Or Passage to India. Or Barrel and Crow (although I don't know about the latter) This event should be packed to the gills, and I have this uneasy feeling it may not be.

This is most likely the best culinary event in suburban Maryland this weekend.

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I am cooking up some Whole Animal Dinners for each of the next 5 Fridays. They will be 4 or 5 courses for $40 with drink pairings extra. If enough DR types were to make up a table for any dinner I will do an extra course for you all. We are taking reservations for any time from 6-9 on these Fridays for this spectacular. We will start with Duck.

Whole Animal Dinner Series

Duck

Friday 10/16  - Accepting Reservations from 6-9 pm

Duck Canape

Liver Crostini

Neck Stuffed with House made Sausage, Lentils du Puy

Braised Leg Ravioli, Foie Gras

Roast Breast, Sour Cherries, Chard

$40

Drink Pairings Additional

10/16  Duck

10/23  Pig

10/30  Lamb

11/6  Goat

11/13  Seafood

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I am cooking up some Whole Animal Dinners for each of the next 5 Fridays. They will be 4 or 5 courses for $40 with drink pairings extra. If enough DR types were to make up a table for any dinner I will do an extra course for you all. We are taking reservations for any time from 6-9 on these Fridays for this spectacular. We will start with Duck.

Whole Animal Dinner Series

Duck

Friday 10/16  - Accepting Reservations from 6-9 pm

This sounds amazing and I was all set to make the trek up from Alexandria on the metro (I like how close you are to the Bethesda station), but I realized my damn daughter has a damn field hockey game in damn Springfield tonight so this one is out, but please keep posting the details on the rest of them.

And if possible do another duck dinner!!

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Good to see some smiling DR.com faces here Friday Night. Thanks for bearing with us as we figure out the five course dinner system and deal with fragile servers no showing at the same time.

 I have the Pork Menu done. here it is:

Friday's in the Fall  Dinner Series

Pig

Friday 10/23  - Accepting Reservations from 6-9 pm

Pig Candy and Snacks

Charcuterie Plate

Smoked Ribs and Belly

Gnocchi with Milk Braised Shanks

Porchetta, Salsa Verde, Warm Potato Salad

$40

Drink Pairings Additional

10/16  Duck - too late!

10/23  Pig

10/30  Lamb

11/6  Goat

11/13  Seafood

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Well the first two Friday Dinners have been popular. We have made some changes to keep up, on the reservation side, production side and service side. So we should be spot on for Lamb. After this is Goat, then seafood, then a California vs. France wine battle and BBQ the day after Thanksgiving. then a break.

Friday's in the Fall  Dinner Series

Lamb

Friday 10/30  - Accepting Reservations from 6-9 pm

A little BLT

Honey and Coffee Glazed Lamb Lollipops

Greek Style, Slow Cooked Shoulder, Orzo

Braised Neck, Parmigiano Polenta

Moroccan Tagine, Preserved Lemons

$40

Drink Pairings Additional

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That was some really tasty lamb Friday night, every course a winner.  Sadly the only chance I had to do one of these dinners, but you're missing out if you don't go.

Say hi next time. The 5-top round table by the wine room was our table of Rockwellians.

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That was some really tasty lamb Friday night, every course a winner.  Sadly the only chance I had to do one of these dinners, but you're missing out if you don't go.

Glad you enjoyed it. these are fun to cook.

Next up ...GOAT.

Really nice tour of Mexican, Texan, Indian and Italian takes on goat here, and a dessert to round it out. Just $40. drink Pairings are $20

Jaliscan Birria Stew

Grilled Barbacoa, Camp Bread

Indian Goat Korma, Pappadam

Moist roasted goat, Pasta, Carrots and Potatoes

Goat cheesecake, Roasted Berries

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Here is this week's Seafood menu. Please mention it when you reserve, I sold out of 48 portions of Goat so I am thinking this might go quickly.

Friday's in the Fall  Dinner Series

Seafood

Sardine Escabeche, Pine Nuts, Raisins

Oyster Grilled with Pecorino Cheese

Octopus, Grilled with Pork Belly

Head on Shrimp, Shrimp Fried Rice

Scallop a la Grapeseed Filet

$50

Drink Pairings Additional $20

11/13  Seafood

11/20 France vs California Wine Throwdown

11/27 BBQ returns!!!

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Seafood was Delightful, thanks to all that came.

The Good News for anyone who couldn't make it the Char Grilled Oysters and the Big old Nigerian Shrimp will be available Tonight! Since those things come in Big Cases.

Jeff, how large will the portions be, and how much do you need to sell?

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I am doing the Shrimp as an entree, and the oysters are $2.50 a piece. They are good size oysters, bigger than you would want to gulp raw.but it is a grilled dish anyways, Think Drago's in New Orleans.

I have plenty of portions. the menu didn't sell as great as i had hoped.

Honestly and unfortunately, if you put Sardines and Octopus on a tasting menu you lose a number of potential customers. People around here seem to only want Sea Bass and Rockfish and Wild Salmon and aren't too willing to explore foods that have more interest than just their blatant uniformity,  I could have written a menu with  Shrimp, scallop and a 2x2 square of Sea Bass, Halibut, and Salmon, and it would have been a damn lot more boring. And it would have been more than $50 for 5 courses. $10 a course kind of means you have to cost average and get some Sardines in there,, Those fuckers are $6.50 a pounds whole too, and you get 25% meat off of them if you are lucky. The damn Octopus is used to cost average down, too. 20 pounds of that shit at 7 bucks a pound turns into about 3/4 of a gallon on cooked product, too.. And people should eat more sardines, octopus and Mackeral, and the like. They taste good. if you don't like them, maybe the last person who cooked them for you messed them up.

It is strange that as i was cleaning them, my African and Central American employees all stopped next to me and we talked about how these fish are important to their culture, and how they used to cook them with their families at home. Then I get first world people who don't want a 5 course seafood tasting menu for 50 bucks and order the shrimp app and a rockfish for their meal. First world issues.

Sorry, it gets aggravating. I am going to take my sardines and go home.

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here we are. France v. California Wine Throwdown on Friday.

Nothing weird. No small, bony fish, no cephalopods.

Scallops, Duck, Lamb and a bit of Lobster.

 if you say you don't like Merlot, you should try some of the Merlots they are making now. They have changed a lot.

Reserve anytime 6-9, it is NOT a formal wine dinner, rather a menu that anyone may partake of from 6-9

Please mention this dinner when reserving. And yes, it is all only 55 bucks

Reserve Friday anytime from 6-9

France vs. California

Wine Throwdown

Wild Mushroom Hazelnut Crostini

Franco-American Cider Cocktail


Scallops, Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Pine Nuts & Lemon

Brown Butter Vinaigrette

Two Chardonnays-

Chanson Bougogne (France) and Two Sisters (California)

Duck Cooked in Riesling, Lardons, Roasted Potatoes

Two Rieslings

Willm Cuvee Emile (France) and Chateau Montelena (California)

Duo of Lamb-

Grilled Chop and Shepherd's Pie, Turnip, Local Mushrooms

Two Merlots

Chateau Lyonnat (France) and Celani Family Siglo (California)

4 Courses 1 Cocktail  6 Wines all for"¦

$55

11/20 France vs California Wine Throwdown

11/27 BBQ returns!!!

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