Ask Tom

Nectar Closes, Bread as Mop

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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Nectar Closing: Hi Tom,

I know it is all speculation at this point, but what do you think happened to Nectar?

I understand they weren't busy enough to justify being open any longer. I want to say that "poor location and a lousy space" do not fully explain what happened. I mean, Zuki Moon thrived in that location for a long time...especially among pre-theatre folks.

Frankly, Nectar was too precious and pretentious for its own good. It had small portions (but albeit excellent food), high prices, very high prices for wine, superiority complex to the Nth degree
(especially that host with the big square eyeglasses), a reliance on internet chat rooms to develop clientele, and a seriously snooty disdain for people who wanted a quick but nice meal before a show at the Kennedy center. I also understand that they even had disdain for most of the hotel guests staying at the hotel in which their restaurant was located.

This is just a case of very bad business sense.

Tom Sietsema: I, for one, was sad to hear of Nectar's demise after dinner service Saturday night. During the restaurant's short run, Jamison Blankenship put out some terrific food and his business partner, Jarad Slipp, worked hard to raise the service bar.

Slipp told me earlier this week that he and Blankenship hope to regroup in the near future, but "never again with a corporate entity." For the moment, Slipp says he is in no rush to find another job (though he has received local offers) and Blankenship plans to go to New York to "stage" (say STAHGH) in a few high-end restaurants, "stage" being the industry term for cooking around, learning a few tricks, rubbing shoulders with other chefs, enhancing one's game.

Nectar's location wasn't great, especially for lunch, and the staff and hotel company that ran the place never saw eye to eye on a number of important details. (Example: Nectar was responsible for room service, at Nectar prices.)

I understand the space will be "re-concepted" and made more casual.


Good morning, all.

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Washington, D.C.: Have you had a chance to sample the menu at H2O which used to be Hogates? If so, how was it?

Tom Sietsema: Short answer: I liked the rum buns.

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Washington, D.C. - Tom, who's your publicist?: Hey Tom - You've had a lot of ink in other papers recently....NY Times - USA Today - Canada's Globe & Mail.....congrats! But what's up with the CIA disguise USA Today wrote about and is it food proof?

Tom Sietsema: You mean fool proof? Well, I've been able to dine in a half dozen major restaurants without be identified, as far as I know.

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Gaithersburg, Md: Tom, I asked this question on the GOGs chat last week as I had missed your show. I would still like to get your input: where can I get some wonderful chocolate souffle for dessert? I have a terrible craving...

Tom Sietsema: If I tell you now, I'll scoop myself. Stay tuned.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom - I have just returned from overseas, and I can't seem to find a real doner kebab here anywhere. All I seem to come across are gyros - with fake processed meat, and lame bread. Please help!!!

Tom Sietsema: I know your pain! I'm a fool for the Turkish dish, too. Two years ago, I would have pointed you to Temel in Fairfax, but the cooking has declined there since then. You might check out Cafe Divan in Georgetown or Nizam's in Vienna, though I hear that the food at the former isn't as good as when it opened and I get occasional service complaints regarding the latter.

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Silver Spring, MD: Tom, Do you have any ideas for a nice meal within walking distance of Crystal City? Ethnic, OK and cost, about $20 per person. I'll give you bonus points for friendly service and pleasant atmosphere. Thanks!;

Tom Sietsema: You must have missed my recent review of Kabob Palace Family Restaurant on S. Eads St.

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Washington DC: Do restaurants usually bake their own bread? Does it differ between mid-range places like Cafe Deluxe or Carlyle and higher-price places like Butterfield 9 or Buck's? Or is it impossible to even generalize about this?

Tom Sietsema: It all depends on the restaurant. Carlyle, for instance, sits right next to its own bakery operation. Other places buy bread from outside producers.

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Baltimore, Md.: Do you generally prefer small restaurants to large ones? I find big restaurants, even very elegant and fancy ones, rather impersonal and the experience suffers by comparison to an intimate, more personal small place. What do you think? Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: While I haven't necessarily experienced worse service in a large restaurant -- some of which are quite handsome (DC Coast, Rosa Mexicano, Zaytinya, Oyamel, Oceanaire) -- I do tend to find them noisier than small restaurants.

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Springfield, Virginia: Hi Tom,

I was wondering if you had a chance to try the new restaurant in Fairfax, VA called "Pad Thai". This restaurant has been around for a while, however, it was purchased by new ownership in late July and the business has been booming since. I must admit, Thai Square was my favorite thai restaurant in the DC metro area until I ate at Pad Thai. The food is even more authentic and the seafood there is fresh. I highly recommend the crispy duck basil entree and mussels for appetizers. The Pad Thai dish is also very excellent and not bland. I also thought Sakoontra was a pretty good thai restaurant and what I found from talking with some other customer's at Pad Thai was that they used to go there as well but not anymore. I've heard stories that owners from other Thai restaurants have even come in to sample the food after hearing about all the hype. Pad Thai just renovated its interior. It's still a very small restaurant (holds about 12 small tables) and the only knock on the place is that they are still waiting to get their liquor license approved. But that hasn't stopped customer's from coming into the place. The food is as authentic as it gets and the cooks/owners even come out to chit chat with the customer's to provide a friendly atmosphere. I go on Friday nights and lines are typically out the door. It's pretty crazy. The word is quickly spreading about Pad Thai. As an avid thai food critic, I highly recommend Pad Thai to anyone. Hope to see you there sometime.

Address:
11199 Lee Hwy
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-591-2525

Tom Sietsema: I'm intrigued! Sounds promising. (Are you connected to the business in any way, I wonder?)

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All You Can Eat?: Tom, I know you probably won't take time for this question since it involves down-scale dining but I don't know who else to turn to. I would like you to settle a bet for me. For the last three Sundays, I have went to the Hawk and Dove for their "All You Can Eat" Spaghetti special on Sunday night. Everything was fine until Halloween Sunday night. The board outside the restaurant, which normally lists all the specials, included none. I thought maybe all the specials were eliminated since the holiday would drum up enough business. I would have dined elsewhere if the special was being suspended. I asked the waitress before sitting down if the normal "All You Can Eat" Specials were still being honored. She looked at the menu and said, "Yes, all you can eat spaghetti tonight." I then ate two bowls and ordered a third and the same waitress said, "Sir, we're charging you for each bowl. I didn't understand." I asked for the bill and I was charged for each bowl. I picked up a menu and pointed to the Special listing. She said that didn't matter. I then asked to talk to the manager and the waitress eventually took off the charge for the second bowl. Then the waitress asked if I still wanted a third. I felt my business wasn't appreciated, declined and left no tip. I felt she falsely had me sit down if she was going to charge me and, therefore, leaving no tip was appropriate. My friend says I was a bore for leaving no tip My friend said, "Don't blame the waitress. You still should have left a tip." My friend further continued that "All You Can Eat" doesn't really mean that. The restaurant is only obliged to give you a refill and that's it. The restaurant doesn't want to lose money and "all you can eat" is akin to a politicians promise to not raise taxes or cut spending. Could my friend possibly be right?

Tom Sietsema: If I understand this correctly, the waitress made a mistake, but the mistake was eventually corrected (she didn't charge you for the second bowl of pasta). Mistakes happen. You should have left a gratuity.

As for "all you can eat," I assume that's what it means, not "all you can eat, but really, just a second portion."

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Arcadia Restaurant in Richmond??: Hi Tom-

At the end of your last chat, someone asked you for a recommendation in Richmond and you mentioned "Arcadia". I can't find out anything about this restaurant, but I do see "Acacia" mentioned. Is it possible that this is the name? My in-laws live in Richmond and we're always looking for fun places to take them. It would be great to have something new to try out.

Thanks!;!;

Tom Sietsema: Oops! Thanks for correcting me. Yes, it's Acacia.

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Pentagon City, Arlington, Va.: Dear Tom,
I had a lovely meal at Oyamel the other night - terrific service, delicious food - except for one thing. The chipotle soup was beyond salty! It tasted like someone had dumped an entire vat of salt into my bowl, and the broth was watery and lukewarm - hardly the smoky chipotle flavor advertised. Everything else was quite tasty. So Jose, if you are reading this, please - de-saltify your soup!

Tom Sietsema: Did you let your server know you thought it was too salty?

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Cabin John, Maryland: Tom, would you please update us on the James Beard controversy?

Tom Sietsema: In brief: The Restaurant Awards Committee, on which I sit, is attempting to become a separate non-profit organization, in part to distance itself from even the appearance of conflict of interest. Earlier this year, the head of the James Beard Foundation resigned, amid questions concerning finances.

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Jaleo brunch: Tom, Have you had the brunch at Jaleo? Would you recommend it?

Tom Sietsema: Si, and si.

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Springfield, VA: Oh, the anticipation!;!; Headed to Restaurant Eve tonight to celebrate our 1-year anniversary. Our reservations are for the tasting room.. do you recommend the 5-course or the 9-course? Will we be able to walk after the 9-course?

Tom Sietsema: Honestly? Five courses is plenty. I personally do not like taste after taste after taste after taste after taste after taste a la Per Se in New York. It's stimulation overload.

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Annandale, VA: Everyone I know, including myself, that has recently eaten at The Inn at Little Washington has raved about the complimentary cup of "Apple Rutabaga" soup. I tried to find a suitable recipe on the internet but couldn't. For those who want it, it has been published in the Inn's new cookbook, I made it and truly it is the same.

Tom Sietsema: Sounds like a good day to whip up a batch, too!

Spouse: "Honey, what's for dinner?"

Mate: "Oh, I whipped up a little something from the Inn at Washington tonight."

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Downtown, Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom, I love your chats! I am going to NYC this weekend and while I am pretty familiar with the downtown area and have decided to go to Inoteca on Friday night and Casa Mono on Saturday evening, I am at a loss for thursday evening in midtown. I have to be at 45th and Madision for that night, any suggestions for a moderately priced romantic restaurant? I always love your suggestions, so I hope you can help!
Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: I recently had a lovely meal at Sushi Yasuda, at 204 E. 43rd St. (212-972-1001) The setting is serene, the sushi divine.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi Tom - Love your chats. In my opinion you are really on the mark with your reviews. I rarely disagree with your assessment of dining options here in the metro area. My question, however, deals with another city's restaurant selections. Do you (or any other chatters out there) know anything about the scene in Orlando, Fl. I'm headed there for business next week. Any direction you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and keep up the great work.

Tom Sietsema: It's been years since I dined in Walt Disney's back yard. Chatters?

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom, Pleeeeeeease answer this if you can. It's causing me sleepless nights (ok, not really). Some friends and I have noticed in some of the nicer restaurants we go to, like Bombay Club, in the men's bathroom (no observation of the women's) they fill the urinals with ice. None of us have been able to figure out why, and before I decide to ask a busboy, I'm wondering if you or the chatters can enlighten me. Thanks, love the chats

Tom Sietsema: Do any restaurateurs care to weigh in on this topic?

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Northern Montgomery County: Hi Tom!; My boyfriend's parents are coming down from upstate NY for the weekend and he wants to take them out to dinner. Got any suggestions? His dad tends to be a picky eater, nothing too weird. We're looking for something around the Rockville or Bethesda area and not too expensive no more than $30/person

Tom Sietsema: Consider the newish Oakville Grille, which neighbors Gepetto's, in Bethesda. The modern American menu has dishes "safe" (think beef tenderloin) and more adventurous (shrimp with basmati rice and lemongrass) as well as a fun little wine list.

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Nectar?!;: NNNNNNOoooooooooooooo!; I'm a poor grad student who was only able to eat there once, but it is my all-time favorite restaurant in DC. The food was delicious, the service impeccable and the staff was amusing and helpful. I'm so sad to see it go. I hope that the creators will open another restaurant soon, of the same caliber.

Foodie wannabe

Tom Sietsema: Hear, hear.

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Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C.: Tom, How do you explain, and what can be done about, the woeful decline in quality Vietnamese food in DC? Vietnamese was, not too many years ago, one of the great local treats of the area, but your recent restaurant guide recommended only one place in the entire metro area... sad commentary, but I think reflective of the reality. Even the Queen Bee seems to have experienced a significant decline in quality and attendance.

My own view is that Thai has edged out Vietnamese based on style and overall quality. Now, I love Thai food enough that I was induced to spend a year in Thailand after the last election, but I think our city has room for two wonderful, distinct Asian cuisines. I think Vietnamese restaurants that raised the game on (interior) design and presentation, and returned to the high quality that was available here a few years ago, could be very successful. How can we encourage such a development?

Tom Sietsema: You raise an excellent question, for which I have no answer. The Vietnamese restaurants within the city limits are pretty lackluster, particularly the spots in Georgetown.

For good Vietnamese hereabouts, you have to go to Eden Center. I'd go more often if the parking weren't such a nightmare.

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Re: ice in the urinals: I used to work in a restaurant where this is done. Sorry to be brazen, but it is to minimize odor and staining.

Tom Sietsema: Aha.

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Fairfax, VA: Today's article on the newfound usage of ox tails was very interesting. However, European cuisine can't claim exclusive historical rights to this delicacy. Korean cuisine uses this ingredient as well.

Tom Sietsema: Indeed it does.

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Richmond, VA: Acacia is nice, but also try it's sister restaurant, Six Burner. The menu is a little less expensive than Acacia, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. I've had fantastic duck there, as well as pasta and seafood. My mother (who can have a finicky palate) insists on going to Six Burner every time she comes to town.

Just my $.02 from an amateur foodie!;

Tom Sietsema: Thank you, amateur foodie!

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Washington, DC: Just noticed that Ceiba is in an old Roy Rogers restaurant location and DC Coast is in an old McDonald's location. Not sure about Tech Peach, the other restaurant owned by the same group, but I hope that that group keeps cooperating fast food places!;

Tom Sietsema: ha!

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Arlington VA: Tom, Do you ever walk into a place with the intention of reviewing and then walk out without eating?

Tom Sietsema: Sometimes, but not often. Picture it: I've trekked all the way to Manasseh, or Monrovia, to check out a place. I'm not likely to just leave. What I MIGHT do is walk around the neighborhood to see if something looks more interesting.

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Ashburn, VA: I have a question about etiquette that I was hoping you could help me with. My wife was nice enough to take me to the Inn at Little Washington for my 30th birthday. The meal was fantastic, but I'm afraid that my fear of looking like the country boy that grew up as may have kept me from enjoying my meal as much as I could have. I had a beef and kidney pie as my main course that was wonderful. I really wanted to soak up the gravy with some bread, but I was afraid that this would poor etiquette. Also, I love to share what I'm eating with my wife, but she thought it would be improper to be passing our forks back and forth. I'm not talking about giving her my entire meal, just a couple of bites. Are these issues that I really need to worry about when I'm eating at a really nice restaurant? For the prices I'm paying, I figured I should be allowed to soak up every drop of gravy, but at the same time, I don't want to look like an idiot.

Tom Sietsema: I'm a bread swiper myself! Even in the best places in Paris and London, you'll see diners enjoying the last drops of sauce with pieces of bread. Of course, you don't want to pound your fist into the plate, but there's a "nice" way of retrieving juices.

A lot of people like to share tastes of their food with their tablemates. I'd probably opt to put a bite or two on a bread plate and pass the sample that way.

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Eden Center Parking: Maybe I shouldn't let the secret out, but here goes anyway. There is ample parking BEHIND the center--it is usually no problem to find space back there. You can then enter the center through any of several walkways. If you are going to Four Sisters, for example, you can likely park literally within a few yards of the front door--there is a walkway immediately adjacent to the restaurant.

Tom Sietsema: Why do I envision a traffic jam BEHIND the Eden Center this weekend?

GREAT TIP.

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Hauter City: "Everyone I know, including myself, that has recently eaten at The Inn at Little Washington..." Eheu? I'm very happy for you that you have recently eaten at that esteemed establishment, and that many of your acquaintances have as well, but please would you spare us the hauter. We working stiffs could barely afford to pay for the tips at Inn at Little Washington, let alone a full meal.

Tom Sietsema: (For the record, that wasn't me, but an earlier poster.)

This forum is meant to be inclusive, but keep in mind, there are also lots of different tastes and budgets out there. I don't think the poster was showing off, just relating a fact.

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Washington DC: In response to the "Allergies Ignored": At the outset, we deeply regret any inconvenience caused to our guests on Sunday night. And would also like to further apologize for any misbehaviour on part of any of our staff. It is our ernest endeavour to ensure that all guests leave satisfied.The guest was served her biryani without any peanuts, as it is not part of the dish. On taking pillau rice from another guest on the table(which is garnished with cashew nuts)to make her dish a little milder may have caused the whole problem of "nuts".However this was not clearly understood by the staff present.We would however be more than happy to have guests back in our restaurant and speak with Mr Atul Bhola (The Manager- who was actually not present on the day)who would be delighted to host a meal of their choice . He would be more than happy to rectify any complains and smoothen out the entire misunderstanding/communication errors on the part of our staff.Heritage India has always made it a point to accomodate all its customers in every which way possible.

Tom Sietsema: I'm not able to verify the sender's identity, but it sounds legitimate.

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Doner Kebab: Tom--To the person seeking out a decent Doner Kebab,
should try out Meyhane on Pennsylvania Ave. near Eastern
Market. They do a very decent rendition of this treat, and
much of the rest of their menu is commendable as well.

Tom Sietsema: Ah, thanks.

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Washington, D.C.: Another foodie's two cents...People are always griping that you don't list enough "lower-cost" restaurants (although I disagree). I wanted to put out a few of my own suggestions:
Astor, mediterranean food in Adams Morgan (avg. meal is about $6)
Vace, incredible pizza and reheatable pasta in Cleveland Park($3)
Cafe Tirolo, amazing Italian and Swiss food in Ballston (avg. meal is about $6)
Jetties, the best sandwiches in the city and ice cream from Giffords in Georgetown (avg. meal is about $8)

Tom Sietsema: Good suggestions. Thanks for weighing in.

If people read me regularly, they know I serve up a mix of reviews. Most recently, for instance, I did a round-up of dim sum parlors. And next month, I'll be writing about a place where the check average is $15.

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Washington DC, Adams Morgan: Hi Tom!; I've just moved in Adams Morgan, near
18th Street and Columbia Road and I am a bit lost
amongst all these restaurants. Which one would
you recommend ?

Tom Sietsema: Mantis and Leftbank for cocktails, Meskerem for Ethiopian, Cashion's Eat Place for yupscale dining, La Fourchette for simple French fare, Little Fountain Cafe for romance and yummy (I can't believe I just typed that) desserts and The Diner for an easy breakfast after you've been out all night.

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Bread wiping???: Tom, what are you talking about? Don't lead the country boy astray!; I wouldn't want someone I know to wipe their plate with their bread at a dinner at my house, much less a nice restaurant.

Leave the sauce alone!;

Tom Sietsema: It's all in how it's done, hon.

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Washington, D.C. : This is a two part question. First, it feels like Quizno's is taking over downtown. Have you, Tom, noticed a plethora of franchises opening, or is it just me? I like a toasty sandwich as much as the next person, but how many does a city need?

Second, besides Breadline, where are your favorite places to get a takeout sandwich for lunch? I am getting bored with the same old places.

Tom Sietsema: Yeah, these sandwich places are like rabbits, multiplying left and right. Too bad they aren't better.

I like C.F. Folks for a basic sandwich. Plus, the gossip is always hot.

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For Hauter City: Chill out. The person was passing along a great tip - there's an awesome soup at this really fancy restaurant that YOU can make for YOURSELF and enjoy. I also have the Inn at Little Washington Cookbook and LOVE it, even though I can't exactly afford to have them cook things for me, I enjoy eating their stuff!;

Tom Sietsema: What I wouldn't do for one of Patrick's itty bitty, dime-size ham biscuits right now!

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Falls Church, VA: I have a friend visiting from the west coast this week who asked about going to a good seafood restaurant in the city that isn't too expensive. All I could think of was Johnny's Half Shell, which isn't cheap, but probably at the top end of what he was thinking of. Any other suggestions?

Tom Sietsema: On the same block is the very good Pesce.

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Fredericksburg, VA: Hi Tom!;
Great Forum, keep it coming. I'm taking a couple of friends in to the city this weekend and they're in from Alabama. I would to like to show them that D.C. has some good ole southern flavor and hospitality!; Many of my DC compadres have sent me in the direction of Georgia Brown's and B. Smith's, can you help me out?
Thanks and have a great day!;

Tom Sietsema: Actually, Vidalia would be the best choice of all.

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Bread wiping-just a suggestion: Put the bread on a fork and use that to sop up the gravy. I doubt anyone would mind seeing that. My husband was corrected with that once by one of French friends when he did it.

Tom Sietsema: Been there, done that. Thanks for the reminder.

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Silver Spring, Md.: You can get more than decent Vietnamese at Kim Thanh in Silver Spring on Georgia Avenue around the corner from Jackie's.

Tom Sietsema: Right, but we were talkin' (or typin') Vietnamese in Washington.

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Annandale, VA: Annandale is a focal point for many Korean restaurants, however, it almost seems as if most of these restaurants don't want to cater to the Non-Korean population. While this is certainly their right, it seems like a poor business practice. I love the cuisine, but when a menu has 2 items on it and one says "Noodles with brown sauce" and the other says "Noodles with special brown sauce" you aren't given a lot of information on which to start making a decision. I'm usually willing to muddle through and am usually gratified with my selection, however, I know that this practice turns away many. If any of these restaurants would take the time and effort to cater to the Non-Korean clientele, I'd bet their business would improve. There are only so many Korean's to eat at these establishments and as each new restaurant opens the available client base has to spread thinner.

Tom Sietsema: You raise a good point. Wouldn't it be great if the restaurants hired someone to better translate the menu into English?

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Doner Kebab: Is.....?

Tom Sietsema: Shaved marinated meat mixed with bits of pita bread and yogurt sauce.

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Washington DC: When you were at minibar, did the waitress take your drinks if you weren't finished? We went and she took our mojitos before we finished them, saying they were part of a course. I guess she decided when we done!;

Tom Sietsema: I'm not sure I follow your question, because there is a mojito COURSE at Minibar, too. Did you let her know you wanted to keep your cocktail?

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Washington, D.C.: Tom, A girlfriend and I meet once a month and try new restaurants. We've been doing it for over a year and haven't missed a month yet! The dilemma for this month, you see, is it's my turn to pick and yet it's her birthday. I need to pick a place that will make this a special dinner - one that stands out among the others. Below is a brief list of places we have been in the recent months. (As you will see we are not picky eaters!) Thanks for your suggestions - I always admire your advice and hard work. Cheers!

701
Sette
Rosa Mexicano
Pesce
Bombay Club
Georgia Brown
Bistrot du Coin
Ceiba

Tom Sietsema: You really need to check out Komi in Dupont Circle.

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Potomac, MD: Finally getting to Charlie Palmer this weekend. What are your "can't miss" menu choices there?

Tom Sietsema: Well, the menu changes, but you should certainly round out your meal with as many side dishes as you can; there are a dozen or so, and most are terrific.

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Silver Spring, Md.: If you were a twenty-something woman, where would you go for a moderately-priced girls night out?

Tom Sietsema: You don't have to go to the big city to have a groovy time if you book at the fledgling Jackie's on Georgia Ave. Fun space, fun eats, fun crowd.

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Old Town, Alexandria, Va.: I went to Vermillion this weekend and had a wonderful time. A great wine recommendation, very good food, and a very nice waiter. Stuffed to the brim and out of money (well...it was an expensive dinner...), my SO and I went home full and happy.

Anywho, my question is why you don't praise this restaurant more often? I read somewhere that the chef of the Vermillion once worked under the Majestic's chef. Having been to both restaurants, I could see the influence (but, I still like Vermillion more, even though the Majestic's desserts are to die for!).

Also, was that you at the bar at Carlyle on Friday night?

Tom Sietsema: In my experience, Vermilion has been hit or miss, though I have yet to try the cooking of the latest chef. (There have been a few since the place opened.)

And no, I wasn't at Carlyle on Friday night -- or was I? Hmmmmm. "Only the Shadow knows."

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Chevy Chase, Md.: I think the peanut poisoning issue from last week has raised a good issue. How much indignation do you expect us to us to take from a restaurant before we write off the good food? Having had a horrific experience at Heritage a year ago, which actually cost my group a couple hundred dollars, I will never go there again. You get constant complaints from there, but seem to just not care, so why do you keep recommending them. The thing is, its not a service problem, per se. The problem is lack of response. There are constant complaints, but they absolutely refuse to seem to want to fix the problems.

Tom Sietsema: It's not as if I don't care, because I do. In just about every review I've written about Heritage India, I mention the restaurant's unfortunate service. Some people will put up with inattention when the food is wonderful, but I'll confess: my patience is being tried.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm a meat-and-potato eater, and my boyfriend has a very adventurous palate. Can you think of some restaurants in the DC area that might be able to please us both?

We're looking for something mid-price ranged. Thank you!

Tom Sietsema: Corduroy, Poste, Firefly, Bistro Francais, Addie's in Rockville and the bar at Palena are all good choices for the two of you.

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Report on Jackie's : I thought I would report on a meal I had at Jackie's in Silver Spring. A friend and I walked in last Friday, and they were completely booked with reservations, so we sat at the "lounge". We decided to order appetizers, and after a minute we decided to order entrees as well. They all came out very quickly and within 5 minutes of each other, creating a difficult situation for us to balance all the huge plates on tiny lounge tables. A little attention from the server could have helped the experience immensely.

The appetizers were great--the entrees, not so great. My friend had the chicken breast, which was the tiniest, plainest breast with some limp fries and a little salad. The other entrees looked so plain I just ordered a salad and soup.

The atmosphere is great, so I'd recommend Jackie's for drinks and apps, but not much else right now.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for your mini-review.

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Washington, DC: Do you have a favorite Boston restaurant? Many thanks.

Tom Sietsema: I've always enjoyed my meals at No. 9 Park, Hamersley's Bistro and Clio.

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Washington, DC: Tom, I'm trying to give recommendations to a few people who are in town from Boston this weekend. They wanted recommendations for places to eat in DC in the following categories: Neighborhood place, romantic, fun, best views, and atmosphere. One or two suggestions in each would be really helpful. As far as the price range, the entrees could be in the teens and twenties. I'm especially stuck on the views category. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you!;

Tom Sietsema: My fall dining guide has plenty of answers to most of your questions. The link follows.

I'm not sure what kind of view you're after; food tends to take a back seat in a lot of restaurants that offer vistas as part of their charm. An exception, Charlie Palmer Steak, has a partial view of the Capitol.

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Tom,
Have you ever dined at The Reef, the bar in Adams Morgan? We have enjoyed several good meals there--mushroom risotto, bison hangar steak, catfish, etc.
I was wondering if you'd ever tried it, and if you agree that they serve good food for a bar--or did I just have the munchies after a few beers?

Tom Sietsema: A few months back, I TRIED to order food there, but no one seemed interested in taking my order, so I left after 10 minutes.

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Springfield, Va.: Yeah! My husband and I are off from work tomorrow, but the kids are in school. Where should we go for a great, healthy lunch in VA or DC? I prefer the kinds of foods that aren't easily prepared at home (like Italian or steakhouses).

Tom Sietsema: For "great" and "healthy" close to home, you should try Thai Square in Arlington. For Italian, try the simple lunch menu in the bar at Galileo.

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Ray's the Steaks: Sorry if you already got this but my computer crashed and I am not sure if it went through.

We live in Arlington and were walking past Ray's last night and looked at the menu since we hadn't been in a while. Have you seen his current prices?!;?!; They are outrageous. It looks like Ray has gotten quite full of himself!; Why would anyone pay prices similar to a top notch steak or seafood restaurant in the city to eat at Ray's? We have taken Ray's permanently off our list of restaurants and will not recommend it in the future (which my husband frequently did). Harry's has great filets, is a much better deal and has awesome atmosphere.

Tom Sietsema: Great meat, like prime seafood, doesn't come cheap. With wine, tax and tip, dinner at Ray's is still about half the price of a meal at any of the fancier steak houses in Washington. Plus, at Ray's, a diner can get unusual cuts of beef that aren't available at much of the competition, at least on a regular basis.

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Alexandria, Va.: Tom - I am going to Brussels with a side trip to Bruge and possibly to Amsterdam in less than two weeks. This is my first time in Europe and I read your postcards on Brussels and Amsterdam but was wondering if you had any further suggestions about things not to be missed and if you knew any places in Bruge. This is my first time going to Europe and I am soooooo excited. Thank you.

Tom Sietsema: I don't know Bruge. But if you follow my (still current) restaurant suggestions for Brussels and Amsterdam, you'll at least dine well.

P.S. Don't miss the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam. And DO rent a bike during your stay in the city, a mode of transportation that EVERYONE uses over there.

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Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.: Say it ain't so about Ella's!!!

Tom Sietsema: It ain't so.

I just spoke with the owner of Ella's Wood Fired Pizza in Penn Quarter, who told me "there's no truth at all" to the unfortunate rumor going around.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom. I am looking for a Thai restaurant that can seat large groups: 15 - 20 people. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. (Preferably in the District.)
Thanks!;

Tom Sietsema: The recently reviewed Regent Thai on 18th St. NW is just what you're looking for.

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Bethesda, Maryland: I think D.C. has exhausted the types of restaurants it can offer. The only thing a new restaurant might be able to improve upon is quality of food and service, not concept. In your opinion, what type of restaurant do you think is desperately needed in Bethesda? Annapolis?

P.S. I appreciate your answer, a group us had a 2 hour discussion about this.
P.S.S. A fine dining dinner is resting on your answer.

Thank you for your help. (I love this forum!;!;)

Tom Sietsema: I don't agree at all with the idea that there are no new concepts to be explored. Washington could use a true delicatessen, a Swedish restaurant, a really good Mexican outpost, a great place for pastries and coffee, an Argentinian steakhouse, a Cambodian eatery ... I could go on for minutes with examples of food and themes I'd love to see here.

Bethesda needs better restaurants, period. The choices there are many but mostly middling (or worse).

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Missoula, MT (for now): Tom -- Such a quick and easy question: What's the best expense account joint in Seattle these days. I've been recommended Dahlia's and Lampreia. Anything else?

Tom Sietsema: Lampreia has long been a favorite of mine. Quirky as he is, Scott Carsberg, the Carole Greenwood of Seattle, may well be the best chef in the Pacific Northwest.

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washingtonpost.com: Tom's Dining Guide 2004

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Bosdarros France: The bread wiping question is silly. The French have been wiping plates clean with bread in the finest restaurants for years without anyone getting hurt.

Tom Sietsema: LOL

Have a four-star Wednesday, everyone. See you here next week.

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Chocolate Souffle: In response to the reader looking for souffle. The chocolate grand marinier souffle with orange ice cream at Marcel's is wonderful!; (If it's still on the menu) However, the rest of the meal doesn't quite cut it for their prices.

Tom Sietsema: Last minute tip, there, for the souffle lover.

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