In a city loaded with diverse restaurants, from New American chic and upscale Italian to sandwich shops and burritos on the run, finding the best places to eat can be a real puzzle. Where's the best restaurant for a first date or an anniversary? Father's Day? What's the best burger joint? Who has the best service?
Ask Tom. Tom Sietsema, The Washington Post's food critic, is on hand Wednesdays at 11 a.m. ET to answer your questions, listen to your suggestions and even entertain your complaints about Washington dining. Sietsema, a veteran food writer, has sampled the wares and worked as a critic in Washington, Seattle, San Francisco and Milwaukee, and can talk restaurants with the best of 'em. Tom's Sunday magazine reviews, as well as his "Ask Tom" column, are available early on the Web.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
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Tom Sietsema: Good morning, everyone.
Has everyone made plans for Valentine's Day? It's right around the corner (Monday, Feb. 14) and already, a lot of the better dining venues are booked solid.
Sifting through a few of the special scripts I've received from local restaurants, I got a kick out of the Aphrodisiac Menu from the new IndeBleu. The six-course, $95 dinner includes a palate-cleanser -- basil and honey sorbet -- tagged (ahem) "inter course."
Later in the chat I'll post the recipe for graham crackers that I mentioned in this forum last week.
Also, a correction: Tallula in Arlington does NOT accept reservations for small parties, only seven or more diners. My bad.
Onward!
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Washington, D.C.:
In your opinion, where is the best place to get quality Southern food in the city? I have family coming up from Mississippi tomorrow, and I want to take them out and show them that Washington can do it (almost) as well as back home!;
Tom Sietsema: You mean "down home" southern cooking or yupscale southern cooking? I keep searching for a good example of the former and gravitate to the cheerful Vidalia in Washington for the latter.
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Persia in DC?:
Hello, Thank you for your help. We are looking for a Persian restaurant in DC that would accommodate a family dinner next month. Would like authentic meal, but also a nice room that may be less noisy. We appreciate your advice. Thank you.
Tom Sietsema: Hmmm. You might try the newish Kabob Palace Family Restaurant, which I reviewed Oct. 31 2004. It has a small private party room.
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Washington, DC:
Broasted chicken: I grew up in Philadelphia and loved the broasted chicken we were able to buy. Is there a restaurant in the metro DC area that makes it?
washingtonpost.com:
The Food section's piece on broasted chicken from last year.
Tom Sietsema: Hot out of the oven!
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Washington, DC:
I'm looking for a moderately priced restaurant for my birthday. I LOVE Komi, so somewhere along those lines, but with better acoustics so you can hear everyone at the table without shouting. A lively atmosphere would also be nice. There will be about 6-8 people.
Thanks
Tom Sietsema: What about the communal table at Buck's Fishing & Camping near Chevy Chase Circle or the reliable Little Fountain Cafe in Adams Morgan?
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Washington DC:
Might I humbly suggest that you post any requests for restaurant recommendations in obscure cities early in your chat? You have a habit of posting requests at 11:57 or so, when there is no reasonable chance of getting a response from your readership.
Tom Sietsema: Duly noted!
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Makoto:
Last week, my husband took me to Makoto for my birthday. He had made reservations weeks in advance, as you had recommended it, and we both really really like sushi. So much, in fact, that I ate sushi three times that week. Of course, I was kicking myself afterwards as my craving had been sated and I was no longer in the mood for sushi on Friday (the day of the dinner). No worries, Makoto was so fantabulous (I love that word!;), it was like no sushi I had ever had. Wow. Place was the size of a postage stamp, though!; Thanks for the rec!;!;!;
Tom Sietsema: Ah, I'm glad to hear you had a good time. Makoto is indeed a special place.
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Italian chef's wife downtown:
Hi Tom. I read your chat every week and report comments back to my husband's restaurant. I wanted to plug our Tsunami charity event tonight at Casa Italiana 595 1/2 3rd Street. $50 donation is tax deductible and goes to the Red Cross. Restaurants include Aria Trattoria, Circle Bistro, Equinox, Galileo, Citronelle, Tosca, Nora, Poste, Terrazza and others. Live music, live and silent auction. Great opportunity to have some great food and wine.
Tom Sietsema: It's been heartening to see the local restaurant industry support such a worthy cause. Thanks for the reminder about your event.
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Bethesda, MD:
Does the Washington area have a good Thai restaurant that does not dump a cup of sugar into each dish? This problem seems to be increasing and I have abandoned many restaurants because of it.
Tom Sietsema: I've noticed that unfortunate trend in a few Thai places, too.
Try Thai Square or Bangkok 54 for terrific Thai cooking without excessive sweetness.
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Washington, DC:
For anyone traveling to Seoul, do yourself a favor and eat at So Sim Vegetarian restaurant in the Insadong section of town. The ambiance is quaint, the service is impeccable, the proprietor speaks excellent English, and the food is plentiful and amazing. Get advice on ordering ... the bibimbap, 3 different types of kimchee, roasted caramel soy beans, burdock root ... vegan and very filling and tasty. They have some seafood dishes if your not a big veggie person but you'd be missing out. Our dinner was finished off with a complimentary cup of hot chinese quince cider ... DELIGHTFUL. All for 9000 won (about 9 bucks) -- which is several times cheaper than the more popular (and more touristy) Sanchon. It was the highlight of our trip. Go, go, go!;!;!;
Tom Sietsema: I'm packing my bags ...
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Boulder, Colo.:
Good Morning, Tom!;
As soon as I read your review on City Zen I immediately made a reservation for a Saturday night in February and planned a trip across the country just to check it out (OK, I'm lying, the trip was already planned). In your review you mentioned how extensive the menu explanation is. I wonder, should I call ahead of time to review some of this information (I have not found menu information on the web)?
My real question though is where would you recommend we go for Sunday brunch the following morning? This trip to D.C. is in some way an excuse to eat out well and I wonder what kind of brunch could follow dinner at City Zen? We'll be staying near Georgetown, but quality far outweighs location.
Thanks!;
Tom Sietsema: CityZen is a tough act to follow, and I'm guessing you want something interesting but not heavy. I adore Cashion's Eat Place for weekend brunch and Colorado Kitchen is great fun, too. Reviews of both places are online.
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Restaurant Eve:
Hi Tom!; My other half and I are planning a pre-Valentine's day dinner at Restaurant Eve. Is it worth the extra splurge to do the Tasting Room? Does your answer change if we would only do the 5 course vs. the 9?
Tom Sietsema: Yep, the chef's tasting room is worth the splurge and my preference is for five rather than nine courses. "Just do it!" as the ad says.
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Lake Ridge, VA:
Tom - My husband and I have never gone out to dinner for Valentine's Day. Our tradition is to make fondue at home. It's easier than you'd expect, and being at home gives a much better V-Day vibe than being out in the restaurants with a bunch of rookies!
Tom Sietsema: I LIKE the fondue idea!
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Washington DC:
So, I'll be heading to Cancun at the beginning of March for the first time (no, I'm not a college spring-breaker!;). We'll be there for a work function, but I'm hoping to break away for dinner a few nights. Do you or any other chatters have recommendation, maybe even for places off the beaten track?
Tom Sietsema: Cancun? Anyone? Anyone?
(Asked in my Ferris Bueller's teacher's voice.)
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Reston, VA - Foie Gras:
Tom: In a recent review, you mentioned burnt foie gras (or that's what I remember). We never experienced that at the restaurant you reviewed (by the way, there, the scallops are excellent) or any where else when we read the review. But we did experience it Friday night, at a venerable on Pennsylvania Ave. We won't say the name because we didn't complain (we were more concerned about the Inaugural attendees nearby who were getting obnoxiously drunk), and we still love the hot chocolate at the bar. My question - do you think this is the power of suggestion? Do you have that power?
Tom Sietsema: Not to sound dumb, but I'm not sure what the question is. The way it reads to me, it sounds like you're asking if my mentioning acrid foie gras encourages other chefs to burn their foie gras?
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A burger at the Beacon?:
Looking forward to trying the Beacon tomorrow. In light of today's column, any thoughts on their burger?
Thanks!! - M
Tom Sietsema: I have yet to sample the burger myself. Let us know what you think!
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Arlington, VA:
Thanks for the chats Tom. Does anyone know where to find alfajores (those South American oreo-like cookies); vanilla cookies with filling, usually dulce de leche, sometimes rolled in coconut.
I just got back and did the unpardonable--didn't bring back goodies for the office.
Thanks for any help.
Tom Sietsema: I have this vague memory of eating something like those cookies at La Flor de la Canela in Gaithersburg. It's worth calling to find out.
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Washington, DC:
Hi Tom,
I'm meeting my dad for dinner tonight in Dupont since he's in town for business. I've been to Bistrot du Coin, but Mourayo, Sette Osteria, Fish, and Al Tiramisu also are catching my attention. I just got back from the Middle East and Turkey, so probably skip those cuisines. I took him to Jackie's last time he was here and he loved it, but I'm thinking unless Firefly is so much better than the above we'll try non-American this time. Dad and I are pretty adventurous eaters, so no problem there. Some place like Galileo is probably too expensive and time-consuming for us tonight, looking for nice casual and moderate. Any of the above choices strike you, or something completely different? Thanks!;
Tom Sietsema: Al Tiramisu would be high on my list, as would the nearby Etrusco. Both are Italian in flavor.
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Judiciary Square, Washington, D.C.:
Tom: I'm going to New Orleans this weekend and have space for two dinners and one lunch. I've got dinner reservations at Bayona and Brigtsen's, but would like a casual lunch place that serves good N.O. fare, particularly gumbo. Any suggestions?
Tom Sietsema: Herbsaint!
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U St. Washington, D.C.:
Have you dined at, or heard anything about Opera, the place that replaced Kuna? Thanks
Tom Sietsema: Your timing couldn't be better. My review of Opera hits the news stands this Sunday.
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Herndon, VA:
Do you know if there has been a change in management and cook at SBC in Herndon? I got the impression on my last visit there: Some changes in decoration and slight changes in the menu (more Korean).
Tom Sietsema: The former owners of SBC are now devoting all their time and energy to 21P in Dupont Circle.
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DC Metro:
Response to Cancun: You MUST try "La Habichuela" ("The Green Bean")--it is, IMHO, the best restaurant in Cancun. The house specialty is (I think this is right) the "Cocobichuela"--A seafood curry served in a coconut shell that is MMMMMMMMMM good!;
Tom Sietsema: Sounds promising.
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Alexandria, Virginia:
Okay Tom, I am in a crunch. We lost our babysitter for our anniversary next week and have decided to celebrate this Saturday instead. But of course now I cannot find a table.
We had planned another fabuluous experience at Maestro, and did the Inn last year, so now I am finding it impossible to get close to the same level on such short notice. Any ideas for other sure things that might be able to squeeze in two more at a reasonable time this Saturday?
Tom Sietsema: Explain your situation and beg for a table at the Inn at Easton, the chef's room at Eve, maybe Palena in Cleveland Park. (Advance apologies to the owners of these places!)
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Washington, D.C.:
Tom, I am hosting a business dinner and need to find a restaurant that is downtown, not too noisy, and moderate in price (I am footing the bill for the group). I am expecting about six people. Ethnic is okay. Do you have any ideas? HELP!
Tom Sietsema: Corduroy leaps to mind. Excellent food at reasonable prices, plus relative quiet.
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Alfajores:
Eddy's in Bailey's Crossroads has excellent alfajores and some really good other desserts as well as excellent spit roasted chicken (you will never touch Boston chicken or Chicken Out again). Be aware that they only accept cash though.
Tom Sietsema: I knew someone would pull through. Gracias!
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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.:
Tom, DC really is a brunching kind of town and it would be oh so helpful if in your reviews of places, you included at least one brunch review (at least of the places that have brunch) or at the very minimum indicate whether or not brunch is served at a place somewhere. You can't always rely on the listed hours, because even though a place may open at 11 a.m., they might only serve lunch and not brunch. Thanks
Tom Sietsema: Actually, I DO go for brunch a lot, but when push comes to shove -- if space is tight -- I tend to write more about lunches and dinners. But I'll keep your suggestion in mind.
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Rockville, Md:
For the New Orleans visitor: Try the Acme Oyster House or Irene Kitchen. Both are great and much lower priced than some of the more talked-about establishments. The food at both places is real N.O. fare. I can highly recommend the oyster and shrimp po'boys.
Tom Sietsema: Mmmmm.
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Arlington, VA:
Tom,
I'm posting early with a timely comment and question about Duangrats on Rt. 7 in Falls Church, which was recently mentioned in a certain NY paper's dining section. Having just moved near this part of Leesburg Pike my girlfriend and I were excited to try a new-to-us local restaurant. So we went Sunday night, expecting at least better than average Thai food. At least as good as Typhoon or any of the other more reliable local Thai mini-chains.
Bottom line, it does not live up or deserve any praise it has been given. The food was mediocre at best, and both our soup course and entrees came out cold. With the sort of wok burners they have I'm not sure how this is possible. Both courses had to be sent back for "re-heating". Whether that had anything to do with how the food tasted when it was hot I don't know, but it was not good. She had a panang curry and I had shrimp dish.
Now my question, I see that you haven't reviewed Duangrats but most people who have seem to be overly taken by the appearence of it being "upscale" simply because they go against the recent trend of utilitarian dining rooms and use white table clothes and linen napkins. Since when have linens been an indicator of anything but trying to cover up what is under them?
If readers want inexpensive eats with similar "upscale" decor, I suggest Lauriol Plaza. Both seem to be dressing up otherwise "usual" for around here food offerings in "nicer" environs. Despite what you might think, they have always presented us good and "hot" food. As for Thai food, stick to the local mini-chains they might not be all that unique but they are reliable.
Arlington
Tom Sietsema: I think Duangrats is resting on its laurels. Based on my meals there, I can't understand the raves it continues to receive from local and national press. I mean, it's not just OK, it's b-a-d! And there are SO many good competitors out there now.
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Silver Spring, MD:
Dear Tom - I'm a big fan!; Thanks for these chats...
I wanted to share our experience at Oriental East this weekend. We've been in Silver Spring a couple of years and had always seen the long lines outside of this place on the weekends for dim sum. We finally decided to try it and were horribly disappointed.
The food was bland, bland, bland, overcooked, and without the variety that makes dim sum such an exciting experience. From Hong Kong to China Town, every other dim sum place we've been to has had the 'art of the cart' down to a science, so that just as you start wondering what comes next, a new array of delicacies appears. Not so here - our row of tables was so underserved, we and other diners actually had to get up and chase down the cart servers to convince them to come by.
If you or any of your readers can enlighten me as to why this place is packed (and frequently with Asian customers) on the weekends, I'd be glad to hear it. Did we just catch them on a off day? Thanks!;
Tom Sietsema: Alas, my experience there mirrored yours. Has anyone out there had better luck at Oriental East than we have?
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For Traveling New Orleans:
Peristyle and Nola
Tom Sietsema: But Peristyle lost its top toque late last year. I'm not sure it is as wonderful as it was when it launched.
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Your opinion (and mine):
Tom - Do any aspiring restaurateurs contact you for your opinion about the dining scene (what kind of restaurants/bars would be a welcome change, what kind of decor, etc)? I'm just guessing here, but I'll bet they do. What do you say to them?
Because I'm kind of hoping that you will tell them there are too many Thai restaurants, "upscale" fern bars, WAY too many TVs (and usually turned to nothing but sports stations as if women don't exist), not enough southern food (I saw that earlier post - I think that person may have been talking more in terms of chicken and dumplings, fried catfish, fried pickles with comeback sauce, etc. which, by the way, does not exist up here), absolutely no good barbecue places like the 'Vous in Memphis, too few sushi places in Virginia, a complete lack of fried clam platters and nary a Sonic to be found. Oh, can you also tell them to open up a decent place in the new Carlyle complex in Alexandria, Chinese-style buffets be damned!;
Thank you.
Tom Sietsema: From your lips to their ears!
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Bethesda, MD:
Do any of the chatters know what happened to the wonderful Persian chef who cooked at the now-defunct Villa on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda below Trader Joe's. We miss her cooking, which was the best Iranian fare we had found in the Washington area, and want to have access to it again.
Thanks so much
Tom Sietsema: Chatters?
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Embarrass, ED:
Hi Tom,
Husband and I had a fabulous dinner at Ray's the Steaks on Sunday but I have a question for you on handing an odd situation - As you've mentioned, the chef circulates around the tiny dining room talking to the patrons and delivering food. He stopped by our table while we were having appetizers. My husband commented to the chef that the crab bisque was as good as the she-crab soup at the Warehouse restaurant in Old Town (pretty well known for their wonderful soup). It was meant as a compliment but the chef looked at us blankly and said he had never been there. Needless to say, the chef never returned to our table (which gave us the giggles after a while as he had to walk by us to deliver food to other tables). I tried to explain to my husband that, because the Warehouse reference meant nothing to the chef, the complement was not interpreted as intended. For all the chef knew, the warehouse served Campbells. Again, our dinner was fabulous and I would return in a heartbeat.
My question is, how could we have recovered?
Tom Sietsema: I can't imagine "Ray" (otherwise known as chef-owner Michael Landrum) taking offense at your compliment. On your way out, you could have said something to the effect of "Hey, don't get us wrong, we dig your soup and we'll be back."
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Alexandria, Va.:
What's the best Chinese restaurant in Alexandria? Please help me!;
Tom Sietsema: Oh dear. I'm not sure such a thing exists! Tell me if I'm wrong, folks.
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Re: Brunch:
For information on places that serve brunch, buy Tom's book!;
Tom Sietsema: LOL
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re: casual southern cooking:
I love Southside 815 for yummy and reasonably priced southern food.
Tom Sietsema: Yeah, but it's pretty heavy stuff.
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DC is NOT a brunching kind of town:
I'm from the Bay Area, and brunch there begins bright and early (9 or even 8). Here, people call it brunch even if the restaurant opens at 11 and serves only sandwiches and burgers and not lovely breakfast food. Adams Morgan is wrong.
Tom Sietsema: I smell a fight brewing!
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Arlington, Va.:
Tom-
My parents are going to be in the area--staying near Dulles to catch a flight the next morning. Can you recommend a restaurant out that way? They've been to Sweetwater and liked it, but I wanted to try something different. New American, Italian or Mexican preferable as they are not so adventurous. Thank you!;
Tom Sietsema: Picante! The Real Taco is what you want. It's in the Chantilly Park Shopping Center at 14511-B Lee Jackson Memoria Highway -- about five miles from the airport, I'm estimating.
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Bethesda, MD:
My husband and I will be near the Tyson's area on Sunday and I want to take him out for a casual and leisurely birthday lunch, just the two of us. We like any kind of cuisine, and prefer someplace with one or two vegetarian options on the menu for me. Any price range is fine. Do you have any suggestions?
Tom Sietsema: Try Bombay Tandoor, Neisha Thai or Sweetwater Tavern.
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As promised from last week: A recipe for making graham crackers:
Credit goes to Marian Cunningham, otherwise known as Fannie Farmer.
GRAHAM CRACKERS (Makes 12 2 1/2-inch squares)
4 tablespoons ( 1/2 stick or 1/4 cup) butter, softened
1 egg, well beaten
6 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons water
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups graham flour plus extra for dusting
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Combine the butter, egg and sugar in a bowl, and beat until smooth
and creamy. Stir in the honey and blend. Dissolve the baking soda in the
water and add to the butter mixture. Add the salt, graham flour and
all-purpose flour to the mixture, and blend thoroughly. The dough should
hold together and be manageable. If it is too "tacky," add a little more
graham flour.
Liberally dust a surface with graham flour and roll the dough to a
thickness of about 1/8 inch. For convenience in handling, cut the rolled
dough into three or four sections that will fit on your cookie sheet.
With a knife score the dough, without cutting through, into 2 1/2-inch
squares. Prick each square a few times with the tines of a fork. Using a
spatula, place the sections of scored cracker dough on an ungreased
cookie sheet. Bake on the first side for 8 minutes at 350 degrees, then
turn the crackers over and bake for another 6 to 7 minutes. Remove from
the oven and cool on racks.
To make cinnamon graham crackers, substitute 4 tablespoons sugar
for the honey, and add 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Tom Sietsema: Oops! That should be MARION Cunningham. not Marian. (The recipe is correct, however.)
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Ashburn, Va:
Have you been to Le Paradou yet? Any comments?
Tom Sietsema: I have. My review of the modern French restaurant ran October 3. I gave it three stars, despite some reservations.
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Washington, DC:
Going to Georgetown with a small group of friends for dinner this weekend. We are sick of Paradiso and can't afford Citronelle, what places do you recommend? We do not really like French food, but all other kinds of food are fine. Where should we go?
Tom Sietsema: Georgetown is a tough one. So many restaurants -- and so few good ones. Some people really like Mendocino Grille, but I've not had great luck there. What about Old Glory BBQ, Sea Catch or Sushi-Ko?
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McLean, VA:
Hi!; My boss is rewarding me for a job well done with a dinner out with my boyfriend on the company credit card. He suggested Citronelle, Maestro, or Galileo, but I have been to all of those. The only places I am NOT allowed to go are Inn at Little Washington and Per Se (he said no travelling to New York). I am thinking CityZen, but do you have any other places I might not be thinking of? Thank you so much!;
Tom Sietsema: That's easy: CityZen is a very special experience. If you don't mind the drive, the Inn at Easton is romantic AND delicious.
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Maryland:
With all due respect, this is a restaurant chat, not a recipe chat. and I'm pretty adamant about cooking from scratch, but GRAHAM CRACKERS? Good lord - get out more.
Tom Sietsema: Are you telling ME to get out?!
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Old Town, Alexandria, Va.:
The warehouse as a compliment? You've got to be kidding. That place is a disgusting overpriced tourist trap.
Tom Sietsema: Admittedly, I have not been there.
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Washington, DC:
For real "southern" food you might want to try some places that are "off the beaten path," like Florida Ave. Grill or The Hitchin' Post.
Tom Sietsema: I think people like Florida Ave Grill more for its history than for its cooking.
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Rockville, Md.:
Looking for a good place for brunch somewhere in the Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Chevy Chase area....we're new to the area, and like to go somewhere relaxing and lovely. Thanks! You rule!
Tom Sietsema: For brunch in Silver Spring: Jackie's is where you want to head. In Rockville, try Addie's.
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Arlington, Va:
I was incredibly underwhelmed by the Caucus Room during the recent restaurant week. Are they off or was Congress not in session?
Tom Sietsema: Unfortunately, my last dinner there was less than good, too. It's a shame. I really, really liked the restaurant when it opened.
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washingtonpost.com:
Tom on Le Paradou.
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Re: Your opinion (and mine)::
Don't make gross generalizations about women!; I have been known to politely excuse myself (in heels, drinking a cocktail) from dinner to check a football score. TVs are fine as long as they fit the atmosphere.
Tom Sietsema: You, miss, are oh-so-right. I count a lot of female sports fans among my dining chums.
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Oh for the love of all that is good and holy:
Tom, please ignore that poster. The recipe for graham crackers sounds FABULOUS and I have been anxiously awaiting it since you mentioned it last week!; You are awesome!;!;
Tom Sietsema: Keep in mind: These are NOT like the ones you buy in the store. From-scratch graham crackers are thicker, heartier and --- plain scrumptious!
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Washington DC:
Where can you get a really good lobster ravioli in downtown DC?
Tom Sietsema: You will pay dearly for it, but few lobster pasta dishes come close to Yannick Cam's lobster "purse" at Le Paradou.
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Pentagon City, Va.:
Are there any Pittsburgh themed bars in the area? I am looking for something like what Poli-Tiki/Pennsylvania Pour House used to be before they took down all the Pittsburgh stuff. I need to pay off a bet from earlier in the season with a friend who is a Steelers fan. My team lost, so I have to subject myself to ridicule by wearing the loser jersey and singing Myron Cope songs at the bar.
Tom Sietsema: Chatters?
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Washington, DC:
Been to the Wine Room? It's a joke of a place. Stopped there last Fri night and there was one person in the bar, it was 60-degrees inside, and the cheese plate had seven small, thin slices of Safeway-like cheese that barely covered half the plate. Entrees are $16+ and while we were there (mind you, one other person there) we had to go up to the bar from our seats and ask for service. A couple came in and left after sitting for 15 min and not getting served. How does a place like this stay open in expensive Gtown?
Tom Sietsema: Beats me! I went there shortly after it opened and had such a miserable experience, I predicted it would be gone in a month. Guess I was wrong about the life span but not the concept.
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Arlington VA:
Oh I hope it's not too late to submit. I have to tell you that my fiance and I tried Georgia Brown's this weekend and were horribly disappointed!; The hostesses were unprofessional, the wait staff unaccommodating and without personality, and the food made my fiance sick!; The man eats MREs for a living, so it's pretty tough to put his stomach into knots. What's up with that place? Where should we go next time instead?
Tom Sietsema: Colorado Kitchen!
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Maryland:
lol . . .no, you probably need the opportunity to stay IN more. I was referring to people who would be interested in baking graham crackers from scratch. How about a recipe for ketchup, too?
Tom Sietsema: Actually, have you ever HAD ketchup made from scratch? It can be really good. But I promise, no more recipes for the remainder of this chat. Today.
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Arlington, VA:
Why do certain guests at Ray's the Steaks receive special treatment, while others do not? I noticed some parties received complimentary Hot Chocolate with their checks, but our table and the table next to us did not. I know that members who identify themselves as being posters from a certain messageboard get special treatment, but is it really necessary to do this?
Tom Sietsema: Well, membership has its privileges and I'm guessing that the recipients of the freebies were regulars.
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Maryland:
Man or woman, TVs are fine in bars or restaurants dedicated to viewing (i.e.: ESPN) but otherwise, they have no place in a dining establishment. Are we so boring that we need a box to fill the (sometimes refreshing) gaps in conversation?
Tom Sietsema: It's an unfortunate trend, I agree. But restaurateurs tell me people demand 'em. This is Washington, after all, a city that operates on a 24-hour news cycle.
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Across the Street from the Post:
Hi Tom, can I take you to lunch sometime this week? I promise I won't reveal your identity
Tom Sietsema: Can I take a rain check? I'm leaving for Vegas (Vegas, baby!) tomorrow morning.
That's it for today, folks. Thanks for a lively hour. You're the best pre-lunch company a guy could ask for.
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