Stretch Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Dear DR.com friends, Forgive the self-indulgence, but with Don's permission I wanted to bid farewell to all of you before the Stretch family rather regretfully decamps for Boston next week. Thank you for the many, many hours of entertainment we've enjoyed in your company (virtual and otherwise) and for the many, many good meals we've enjoyed as a result of your discriminating palates and didactic generosity. I'd also like to apologize for not (despite several kind offers) getting any sort of "On a whim" event together to say this in person, but what with selling a house, buying a house, changing a couple of jobs and discovering, in the midst of all this, that some careless bastard popped another miniburger bun into the old oven, we've been well into the dreaded weeds. Anyway, I'm bound to keep lurking around, albeit from a remote location, and if the board was secretly crying out for more content on crappy chain places in the restaurant wasteland of Beantown's Western commuter suburbs, then I'm your man going forward. Keep eating, everyone. Rocks, special thanks for making the good stuff happen all the way back to the eG days of yore. And hey, we'll always have the bathrooms at Timberlake's. Pip pip. Stretch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Dente Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Good luck Andrew. Sorry to see you go. We'll always have Let Phet Thoke (Green Tea Leaf Salad) $5.99 Best Regards, Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPW Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Best of luck to the Stretch clan. Restaurants and (especially) bars are already lamenting the decline in revenue. You've always got a place to crash in DC. Hugs and kisses to Mrs Stretch and Whopper Jr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillvalley Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Has anyone let Two Amy's know that there will be drop in their revenue in September? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Stretch: Farewell, bon chance and congratulations on the pending addition to your family. its too bad we will not have a chance to hoist that last one before you decamp. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilrus Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Good luck on all fronts Stretch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Good luck to the entire Stretch family! Enjoy things up north and I will be sure to be in touch when visiting relatives. Looks like the rest of us will have to pick up the slack at 2 Amy's! I for one will happily do my part. Cheers, Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 I'm very glad I got to meet you, your wife, and Whopper, Jr. You will be missed and I wish you all the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLK Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Happy trails, Family o' Stretch. I will do my best to keep 2 Amys open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shogun Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Stretch! There was so much I had yet to learn from you, about life, and about having really awesome sounding nights out on the town in heroically debauched style. Your exploits were an inspiration to us all, and you'll be dearly missed. Keep in touch, and best of luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotteeM Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Andrew, I hardly knew ye! Best of luck on your family's relocation! Our loss will be Boston's gain! Sorry I never got to know you in person. ScotteeM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted August 26, 2005 Share Posted August 26, 2005 I wanted to say some really nice things about Andrew, but I'm having trouble - still, I will try: Andrew is a perfect example of why it's better to be loved than it is to be right all the time. He's a wonderful husband and father, and were it not for a single incident at Timberlakes at 2 AM, him being downstairs in the restroom hurling (though he denies this), and his wife calling me on my cellphone wondering where her husband was, then he would have successfully left town without the world knowing he couldn't hold his liquor. He will be missed, certainly for several days at the minimum, and has offered a guestroom to each-and-every member of this website searching for a free place to stay in Boston. Cheers, Stretch - I'll be stopping by in the next day-or-so to return the Viagra that fell out of your pocket at Timberlake's, although by the sound of things, you've already gotten your prescription refilled (congratuations on the second miniburger-bun in the oven!) Rocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted August 26, 2005 Share Posted August 26, 2005 I was the third wheel the beginning of that evening, and I had absolutely no idea the debauchery that was to follow after we left our fourth joint of the night. Good thing I live in the sticks, I suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanishka Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Two months. I'm off to the third world in two frickin' months. When I come back, my wallet will be significantly fatter -- but for now, on a starting bureaucrat's salary, I'm lucky to make enough to support my Eastern Market habit. So here's the big question: with the holidays coming, I'm more than a little strapped. But I want to go out in style. I've decided to do this by enjoying a few evenings at some of the more moderately priced places in DC, saving trips to Laboratorio, Citronelle, CityZen, etc. for my return. Here's the list of restaurants I'm thinking of -- not where I'm gonna go, but the list I'll use to draw up my initial itinerary. The list is both favorites and places I have never visited, DCcentric since I'm scared of NoVa. Suggested cuts or additions? You guys should be able to come up with plenty, and I welcome them. Special consideration given, BTW, for spots that do seafood (esp. sushi) and pork particularly well. No lunches, since I'm not able to get out of training and enjoy a good lunch, ever. And no Indian/Pakistani restaurants, obviously. The Never Visited Sushi Ko Acadiana Colorado Kitchen Palena's Back Room Buck's Fishing and Camping The Favorites Sonoma Kotobuki Palena's Cafe Kaz Sushi Bistro Two Amy's Zaytinya Mandalay Have at it, Rockwellians. Oh, and if you need suggestions for places to eat in Pakistan, get in touch with me in a few. I hear the KFCs over there are particularly delicious (seriously), though they have a penchant for getting blown up. K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm chen Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Cool plan! Palena's back room should be at the top of your list, and chuck Sushi-Ko. Given the impending disappearance of pork from your diet, you might stop in at Dino for a plate of proscuitto. And I've never been to the pork or bacon dinners at David Greggory, but that would be another way to pig out on pig... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lackadaisi Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Head to Colorado Kitchen. I just went for the first time this weekend and loved it! Skip Acadiana; it does not belong on a list this short with this company. Why don't you replace it with Dino and save yourself a bit of money. I know if I were heading out, I would definitely make a stop at Corduroy as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mame11 Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 "Have at it, Rockwellians. Oh, and if you need suggestions for places to eat in Pakistan, get in touch with me in a few. I hear the KFCs over there are particularly delicious (seriously), though they have a penchant for getting blown up." I think this should be an ad campaign for KFC!!! Seriously. Have to go to Colorado Kitchen before you go. All those American comfort foods that you will long for are done really well at CK. Do a brunch and dinner. Heck, I'd go for a burger night too... The bar at Corduroy is a nice way to spend an evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLK Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 Definitely Colorado Kitchen. Oh so American! I have not yet been to Acadiana, but it sounds awfully hit-or-miss to waste precious bux on pre-trip. If it's still open when you return, go for it. How do you feel about Vidalia? I ate there once about a month ago and adored it. Happy hour (at least) at Corduroy is a great suggestion. I keep thinking back to my meal at Notti Bianche, but I think you were there pretty recently.t Maybe a drink by the fireplace at Tabard Inn? That's also a good spot for brunch, I hear, HOWEVER it's been booked every single time I've called for a table. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oliveDC Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 Pork=suckling pig at Komi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrescentFresh Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 (edited) There are some excellent suggestions here. Ones I agree with in particular are Komi (Do the tasting menu. This is a must before you go. If you're strapped for cash now, make this your splurge), pasta at Naughty Bianca, soup and spring rolls at Corduroy, pizza at Two Amy's or Paradiso. And Heavens to Mergatroid, man, get over your NoVa fears. For cripes sake you're going to freakin' Pakistan! And not the Epcot version. Don't you dare leave without having a steak at Ray's the Steaks. And while you're there, get the scallops to start and the key lime pie to finish. I'm serious. Your judgement as a foreign service officer would seriously be compromised if they ever found out you skipped going to Ray's! If not at Ray's, then get the steak at Crystal City Restaurant. It's a dining experience I can assure you you won't get in Pakistan either. Edited November 22, 2005 by CrescentFresh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 not a huge fan of colorado kitchen; i just don't think its anything special. i have been twice for dinner and once for brunch, so my verdict now has some legs. i just dont see it as a place worth going out of ones way to go. there has to be tons of restaurants around as good that dont get the love this place does. i hear great things about the sushi at makoto (not the tasting menu, but the sushi). komi is very good and a thick steak and some mashed potatoes from Rays is as american as it gets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanishka Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 Don't you dare leave without having a steak at Ray's the Steaks. And while you're there, get the scallops to start and the key lime pie to finish. Ahh Ray's. The greatest thing that DR.com has given me so far has been a seat at the dinner in December, where I will get to treat my girl to some awesome steak for her birthday and get to hang out with a select few of my fellow Rockwellians before leaving for Pak. So I left it off, intentionally. It's already locked in! I guess I should asterisk the statement "the greatest thing DR.com has given me" to say that the Eve dinner was phenomenal -- but the timing for the Ray's dinner is awesome. Corduroy is one of the restaurants I KNEW I was missing. It is now on the list and I cannot wait! Two Amys is there definitely... I am going to hear Handel's Messiah at the Cathedral (one of my non-food related "things to do in DC") and will do the 'za at Two Amys prior or after, depending on my schedule. Keep it coming peeps. I appreciate it. And if any of you need housing in Pak for a visit... K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 I'm not a fan of the back room of Palena. I am a fan of having the back room menu in the front room. It's crazy but I just seem to enjoy the menu better when I know I could bail out and get the cheeseburger... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 I'm not a fan of the back room of Palena. I am a fan of having the back room menu in the front room. It's crazy but I just seem to enjoy the menu better when I know I could bail out and get the cheeseburger... I will echo JG's comment on the mystery of ordering a burger at Palena when there are so many other tempting things on the menu. Anyway, I would put CK on your list as you will surely not get that type of food while you are in Pakistan. How about brunch at Cafe Atlantico? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLK Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 What she said. I appreciate the back room, but love the comfort and flexibility of the cafe. I'm not a fan of the back room of Palena. I am a fan of having the back room menu in the front room. It's crazy but I just seem to enjoy the menu better when I know I could bail out and get the cheeseburger... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillvalley Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 The Never VisitedSushi Ko Colorado Kitchen Palena's Back Room The Favorites Kotobuki Palena's Cafe Two Amy's Go to Sushi Ko, sit at the bar (in front of Koji if possible) and order the Chef's sashimi plate. It's enough for a light dinner for two, isn't outrageous in price and highlights the chef's best work. Make sure you ask him to recommend the order in which you should enjoy the sashimi. Hit Kotobuki for the rest of your sushi fill. CK, go for brunch the morning after one of your last nights out, when you need warm, slightly but wonderfully greasy, comfort food. Get the donuts. Someone at the table should get the grits so you can at least share. Two Amy's, well, only you alone know how many times you need to go. Palena's back room can be done in the front. Choose your own three courses but make sure you get the gnocchi. Your last night in town, get a Palena burger to go. As for the rest, they will be here when you get back. And if they are not, you won't have wasted one of your last meals finding out why. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm chen Posted November 23, 2005 Share Posted November 23, 2005 This just occured to me: how about Hank's Oyster Bar for seafood? I've never sampled it firsthand but it seems to fit the bill of a highly regarded, casual spot that won't break the bank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laniloa Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 As some of you know, I'm leaving DC and heading south. The decision to leave was not easy for many reasons including the wonderful community that gathers here to regale in the food and wine offerings of the city and beyond. Thankfully my new job will bring me back to DC several times a year so you'll still see me from time to time. Because of you, I've become more adventurous in what I eat and drink; conquered my mental block about crossing the river, making pasta, and baking bread; debunked myths about fine olive oil and not so fine tomatos; and enjoyed many meals and beverages mixed, cooked, served by and consumed with some of the warmest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I hope you'll join me on Friday, December 2nd at Corduroy for one last happy hour before I go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 I'll be there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RissaP Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 Oh—I’ll definitely be there, rain, snow or shine! We’ll miss you much, laniloa, but it’s good to know we’ll still see you from time to time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 Wouldn't miss it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrescentFresh Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 Black Sheep and I will be there. I'll bring the sexual innuendo with cute "Smilies" and back-slapping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilrus Posted November 29, 2005 Share Posted November 29, 2005 I wish I could show but am out of town this weekend. Have some spring rolls for me and good luck in Florida. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laniloa Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 Sorry you won't be able to make it. For those who can I plan to start the festivities at 5:30. Of course, I can always be persuaded to come earlier! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shogun Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 Absolutely be there, just not until about...6:45 because of class. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillvalley Posted December 1, 2005 Share Posted December 1, 2005 Just to let everyone know, this would be a GREAT chance for new members to join us at Corduroy. If you've ever thought about coming to a dr.com function, why not start now? We're friendly and we won't bite (well, maybe just the spring rolls). Feel free to show up on a whim, but PM me if you'd like so I can look out for you. And welcome in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrescentFresh Posted December 1, 2005 Share Posted December 1, 2005 For those who can I plan to start the festivities at 5:30. Of course, I can always be persuaded to come earlier! I presume now is out of the question...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laniloa Posted December 2, 2005 Share Posted December 2, 2005 (edited) I presume now is out of the question......  Not really. I wound up there for happy hour with a colleague who (gasp!) I'd somehow never managed to bring there. To echo hillvalley -- the more the merrier. Think of it more as your regular dr happy hour where I will just happen to hug a lot of people on the way out. Edited December 2, 2005 by laniloa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waitman Posted December 2, 2005 Share Posted December 2, 2005 Mrs. B and I will have symphony tickets and will be trucking our daughter around, and unfortunately will likely be unable to make it. Have a great night though, and PM me if you're still going at it, oh, 10 o'clock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted December 2, 2005 Share Posted December 2, 2005 I'd love to be there but will be presiding over a meeting of Brownie Troop 97 until 5:30, and most likely will just drive home afterwards to start drinking. Have a great time though, and good luck in Florida. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brr Posted December 2, 2005 Share Posted December 2, 2005 I and my luurvely wife will be at a cooking class....have fun and good luck with your move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPW Posted December 2, 2005 Share Posted December 2, 2005 (edited) i COuld Really Decompress and Unwind with a Refreshing drink (or 5) OY! Edited December 2, 2005 by JPW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotteeM Posted December 3, 2005 Share Posted December 3, 2005 Sorry I couldn't make it, Laniloa, but I do wish you Happy Trails, safe travels, and many delicious meals! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted December 3, 2005 Share Posted December 3, 2005 Just a quick rundown of the wines--just in case anyone wanted a record: 2002 N. Joly Savennieres "Clos Sacres" NV Louis de Sacy Champagne 2001 Riefle, Riesling Alsace Grand Cru "Steinert" 2001 Schlumberger, Gewurtztraminer Alsace "Fleur" NV Aubry Champagne (RM!) 2001 Rene Monnier, Maranges 1er Cru "Clos de la Fuissiere" 1997 Calera Pinot Noir "Reed Vineyard" 1999 J.-M. Boillot Volnay Great night, and good luck laniloa!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted December 3, 2005 Share Posted December 3, 2005 It's a little too early to say goodbye to Laniloa as she will be at Ray's on Monday evening. But thank you to Don Rockwell for sending the Champagne for the send-off toast. And thank you Chef Power, Rissa, Ferhat, Dave, and the rest of the staff for their friendly service and all the "gifts." Thanks to Jake for playing the role of sommelier (he even found a corked bottle of Burgundy). It was a special evening. I expect pictures will be posted in due time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laniloa Posted December 3, 2005 Share Posted December 3, 2005 My thanks to all who attended, including those who were able to join us only in spirit, for a wonderful evening of food and drink. Thanks to the entire crew at Corduroy who never seem to bat an eye when we take over their lounge, use all of their stemware, and still they reward us with soup and special vegetarian springrolls with a fabulous ginger dipping sauce. Nights like last night certainly make it hard to say goodbye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackers Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 (edited) But thank you to Don Rockwell for sending the Champagne for the send-off toast.  And thank you Chef Power, Rissa, Ferhat, Dave, and the rest of the staff for their friendly service and all the "gifts." Thanks to Jake for playing the role of sommelier (he even found a corked bottle of Burgundy). It was a special evening. I expect pictures will be posted in due time. Ditto that. Maybe more of y'all should plan to move away so we can do that more often. (Just kidding, but seriously? If you do? please don't slip away and deprive us of the fun of giving you a proper send off!) I am still marvelling at how many pieces of stemware were fit on those small bar tables. 26 people in that space made for one cozy happy hour. I'd post pictures but I'd have to go into Photoshop to blur, like, every single smiling face to respect all the privacy concerns, and how fun would that be? Unfortunately I am told I missed the photo-op of the night ...hillvalley sampling a "winter strawberry." I imagine it would have looked something like this: Laniloa, we expect to have you back soon for visits! Edited December 5, 2005 by crackers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 Ditto that. Maybe more of y'all should plan to move away so we can do that more often. (Just kidding, but seriously? If you do? please don't slip away and deprive us of the fun of giving you a proper send off!) Insert picture of Stretch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanishka Posted December 26, 2005 Share Posted December 26, 2005 Any notable restaurant closings other than Komi in the post Christmas period? I'm in minimal grocery mode and planning on hitting some spots in the next few weeks. Can't restaurateurs sacrifice their personal lives and needs for one individual, just this once? Pretty please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilrus Posted December 27, 2005 Share Posted December 27, 2005 Any notable restaurant closings other than Komi in the post Christmas period? I'm in minimal grocery mode and planning on hitting some spots in the next few weeks. Can't restaurateurs sacrifice their personal lives and needs for one individual, just this once?Pretty please? I know Ray's was closed last year between Christmas and New Years - don't know about this year though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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