Ask Tom

Seating Policies, Old Town Take-Out

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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6th and P Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.: Are you aware of anyone in the DC area where you can get conch?!;?

Tom Sietsema: I've had conch stew at both Ceiba downtown and the new 21 P in Dupont Circle.

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Tom Sietsema: Fun news on a gray day: The nominees for the forthcoming "Rammies" -- the local restaurant awards gala sponsored by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington -- have just been released. Winners will be announced at the June 5 event at the Washington convention center.

Here is who is up for top honors:

Fine Dining
1789
2941
Equinox
Maestro
Ristorante Tosca

Informal Dining
Andale
Firefly
Johnny's Half Shell
Rays The Steak
Zaytinya

New Restaurant
Belga Cafe
CityZen
Komi
Le Paradou
Restaurant Eve

Chef
Jose Andres - Proximo
Ris Lacoste - 1789
Cesare Lanfranconi - Ristorante Tosca
Morou Ouattara - Signature's
Fabio Tuabacchi - Maestro

Pastry Chef
Leon Baker - Signature's
Didier DeRouet - Marcel's
Steve Klc - Proximo
Chris Kujala - Kinkead's
Joshua Short - Zola/Red Sage

Rising Culinary Star
Cathal Armstrong - Restaurant Eve
Katsuya Fukushima - Café Atlantico
Rob Klink - Oceanaire
Johnny Monis - Komi
Bryan Voltaggo - Charlie Palmer

Wine & Beverage
Charlie Palmer
Citronelle
Maestro
Passion Food Hospitality
Ristorante Tosca

Neighborhood Gathering Place
Belga Cafe
Café Saint-Ex
Cashion's Eat Place
Evening Star
Firefly

Power Spot
Bistro Bis
Café Milano
The Caucus Room
Charlie Palmer
Oceanaire

Hottest Bar Scene
Degrees Bar
Harry's Tap Room
Helix Lounge
Inde Bleu
Local 16

Manager
Don Bachelier - Jaleo
Tricia Cominsky - Poste
Christine de Clefay - Oceanair
Steve Greehan - Kaz Sushi Bistro
David Troust _ Mie N Yu

Employee
Moez Ben Achour - Marcel's
Peter Chan - Smith & Wollensky
Emily Jarmuth - Mie N Yu
Efrain Velasco - Andale
Serge Zinga - Four Seasons Hotel

RAMW Associate Member
A.J. Dwoskin & Associates
Balancing Act
Foodservice Monthly
Krupin O'Brien, LLC
SYSCO Foodservice of Baltimore


Now, on with your questions and comments!

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Site for sushi: Tom, I need your expert opinion. 2-year anniversary on Friday, went out for sushi on first date, and celebrating with the same. What do you think: Sushi-Ko or Kaz? Or perhaps somewhere else? Thanks!;

Tom Sietsema: Both are very good. For the best experience, reserve a seat at the counter rather than a table. And don't forget the equally delectable, and more formal, Makoto.

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Washington, DC: Tom-

Thanks for taking my query. My girlfriend and I are heading to merry old London next month and are looking for some gastronomical suggestions. Do you have any updates since your last postcard? We would like one "experience" dinner, but other than that frugality and the dropping dollar suggest more modest fare. While I know that it is now the official dish of London, some non-curry choices would be grand.

Cheers

Tom Sietsema: Did you catch my latest Postcard, from earlier this month? Three good choices await therein, the most interesting of which is Amaya. For cheap eats, nothing beats a grazing tour of the fascinating Bourough food market.

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Alexandria, Va.: Absolutely Ridiculous! That is my sentiment while I was having drinks and dinner with some girlfriends the other night at a local restaurant, one that seems to be taking a beating in this forum, when all of the sudden the lady next to our table threw up all over the table. Sorry folks, to those enjoying lunch at the moment. What was amazing to me was the fact that the couple got up, and walked away as nothing happened, and we also overheard the lady say that she had been feeling queezy for about 5 minutes. The Bartender followed to find out if everything was ok, and the gentleman replied that ''my date may have had 1 drink too many,'' and he walked away as if nothing happened. Common practice Tom? Am i missing something, such as an apology to the other diners whose meal was just ruined. The bartender bought us a round and had the table physically removed from the bar.

Tom Sietsema: It was bad form for the drunken customers not to apologize to those around them. But bravo to the bar tender who responded with concern (asking after the health of the guest) and grace (doling out free drinks to nearby customers).

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Old Town Alexandria, VA: Tom,
Still wondering if you have been out to Fireflies in Del Ray. Del Ray has gotten quite popular lately and this is one of my favorites. It's great consistent food, and they use very fresh ingredients.

Tom Sietsema: It sure wasn't very good when I tried it, which is why I never bothered returning.

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North Potomac, MD: Tom, do I remember you saying that you had Cafe Spices (at the Rio Center) on your radar as a place you where going to review, soon. If so, how did it go. We tried this weekend and overall, it was good. Just curious.

Tom Sietsema: I try not to discuss what I've got on my plate at any one time. Sorry.

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Fairfax, VA: Posting early, although I'm not sure you'll take my question regardless. In the weeks leading up to my recent dinner at Belissimo, I posted in two or three separate chats, asking for guidance about the menu, and whether it had been updated since your magazine review, or if the chef had moved on. You never fielded the question, so I asked it in Marc Fisher's online chat, wherein certain readers were kind enough to offer me their own guidance.

So that's what it's come to. When you won't field our questions, we have to post them elsewhere.

But why not keep on trying? That's why I'm posting this follow-up message and question about my dining experience.

Specifically, I wanted to know about the seating arrangements at Belissimo. The space is small. We had reservations. When we showed up, on time, the maitre'd asked for our names. I told him. He looked a little confused but then ushered us to a table near the window, close to the front door. There were two more tables-for-two tucked away on the far wall, ready for new customers. The couple behind us, who also said they had a reservation, were sent to one of those tables.

Only after a few minutes did it become apparent that, sitting so close to the door, the cold air from outside could be felt everytime someone entered or exited. We were at the later seating - 8:30 - so I figured there wouldn't be too many new customers at that point, and because we didn't plan to linger too long, we'd probably beat most of the late crowd out the door. So I didn't ask to be moved.

However, thinking about it later, I kept wondering why we were given the table closest to the door, where the management must know that the cold air is easily felt, while the people who came in after us were seated at what I consider to be a more intimate, cozy table, where they weren't as prone to sudden temperature changes.

I realize I could've asked to be seated further back. But I wonder: What was the restaurant's strategy in placing the earlier customers closer to the door? Is that typical in a smaller restaurant? My own theory is that they try to fill the table nearer the windows first, so that passersby sense activity and a bustling environment. But that's just a theory. What say you, Tom?

I should quickly add that, although the seating was puzzling, and it did affect my perception of the restaurant, the food itself was outstanding. I'd return anytime, although I'd ask for a table further from the door.

Tom Sietsema: Different restaurants have different policies for seating guests. Without asking the owner, I have no way of knowing why Bellissimo steered you to the front. Maybe the staff didn't know it was cold? Maybe the restaurant wanted to make the place look busier (as you suggest)? Any restaurateur care to chime in?

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Silver Spring, MD: Hi Tom,

Love your chats... here's an issue I haven't seen you
address. What do you think a newish (less than 1 year)
restaurant should do when a customers coat is stolen
from their coat rack. I dined out about 2 months ago,
hostess asked if she could take my coat, since it was
raining I said yes & she took it away. Having never been to
the restaurant, I did not know that my coat would be hung
up in an area near the restroom where everyone had
access to it.

I thought it was going to some sort of coat check in a
somewhat secure location. (This is a place that you've
reviewed favorably - 2 stars, $15-$25 entrees... NOT a
diner)

Spoke with both owners within 24 hours, they suggested
we wait & see if it was returned. Since then have left
phone messages and written a letter and have not
received a response. I'm surprised at owners lack of
response.

My dining companion has told everyone in her large office
about the incident & this restaurant has lost business as a
result - and I don't see myself returning any time soon
which is disappointing because it seems like a great
restaurant.

Tom Sietsema: A lot of restaurants post notices: Not responsible for lost items. Did this place do that? Also, when you gave up your coat, did you get a claim check -- and if you didn't, did you ask or wonder why none was offered?

If I'm getting all the facts right, it sounds as if the restaurant is responsible. Note to restaurants: Nothing aggravates a problem more than not responding to a diner's complaint -- even if the news is bad.

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Alexandria, Va.: I'm doing a research project for my English class this year. The topic I chose was food and music reviews. I just had a quick question for you. How did you become a food critic? (what is your background in journalism)

Tom Sietsema: I took a single journalism class, as part of an English requirement, as an undergrad at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown. But the most important training was my first job, as a news aide in the Food section, where I learned how to cook, how a section was put together, how to write, etc. Nothing beats DOING the actual work.

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Bethesda, Md.: I have to say, the dishes you described in your Sunday review of Indebleu did not sound particularly appetizing. I checked their menu online as well, and noticed a surprising lack of vegetarian dishes (no veg main dishes, two "first and second course" dishes). This sounds like a bad attempt to "Europeanize" Indian food... or maybe Indianize European food? I'd rather go to a good Indian restaurant and a good French restaurant, rather than having someone attempt to mingle the two.

Tom Sietsema: IndeBleu is more entertaining than it is delicious. I, too, would have welcomed stronger Indian accents in the cooking.

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Re: Bellisimo: Hi Tom, they may have tried to seat the "worst" table first so that they would have options if the party wanted to move. Out of three parties, chances are that one would sit there without complaining...
Please remind your readers that they can always ask to be relocated. It's annoying to hear complaints from people about seating when they didn't even try to be moved.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for weighing in.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi, Tom - I have been remiss in submitting any restaurant complaints in the past because I was hesitant to say anything negative about a place that everyone else in this area seems to love so much, but I'm not letting that happen again. (For example, back in June or July, I planned a b-day gathering for a friend at Zaytinya and brought in my own cake, requesting that the server bring it out after our meal as a surprise. They seemed happy to accommodate, but when dessert time came, no cake was presented and the surprise was spoiled. When I brought it to the manager's attention, they tried to blame it on me for failing to -remind- them about it, which I believe I should not have had to do. I enjoyed Zaytinya so much before this happened, but I have not returned since - I did not appreciate the attitude of the manager or hostess, who should've relayed the request to our server. We were a large, paying party, so it's not like we didn't spend enough money on the the restaurant's own menu items.)

So, this time my complaint is about Kaz Sushi Bistro. I was excited to go there last night with an old friend who was visiting from out of town. As a student of Japanese culture and language, and as someone who lived in Japan for an extended period of time, I was truly looking forward to experiencing "freestyle" Japanese cuisine at a place that is so often touted. It was a Tuesday night and only a few tables were occupied, but when we entered and requested a table for two, the hostess was very unfriendly and unwelcoming and said "well do you have a reservation?" I apologized and said that I didn't know a reservation was necessary, and she sighed and made a big deal of finding us a table in a restaurant that was almost completely empty. Then, the service was very cold and unfriendly as well - no checking in after the food was delivered to ask if it was to our liking or if we needed anything else, no smiles, and barely any eye contact. The young man who refilled our water glasses - he was the friendliest and most accommodating of all. The food was pleasant but nothing to write home about, and during the entire hour+ that we were there, at no time were all the tables filled or was there a wait at the door. As a result, I was left with a bad taste in my mouth and do not plan to ever return or recommend this place to anyone else. Has anyone else had such an off-putting experience at Kaz? Thanks for listening and caring, Tom. I am a big fan of your work!

Tom Sietsema: Your experience at Kaz doesn't mirror mine. Has anyone else had a bumpy time there? Maybe you caught the hostess on a bad night?

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Lansing, MI: People seem to become personally offended when you don't answer their questions. I would guess that your chat is among the more popular ones on the Post website. How many questions do you receive over the course of the hour?

You've been doing better at not answering the same questions each week. Just some positive feedback.

signed,

Tom's Mom.

Tom Sietsema: Ah, but my mom doesn't even have an email account!

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Washington, D.C. 20036: Tom - long time lurker, first time poster. Our first wedding anniversary is coming up soon, and lands on a Sunday - we are going out to Kinkeads for lunch, and will be having our dinner at home. I'd like to either pick up a meal to-go, or have something delivered. We live in Old Town Alexandria - do you have any recommendations for delicious take-out or delivery that would cost under $70 for two? We enjoy all types of food except Mexican and Sushi. We'll have the wine and dessert covered at home - a friend has made us a small wedding cake as an anniversary present (we were so busy didn't get to try our actual wedding cake on the day!) Thank you!

Tom Sietsema: Take-out in Old Town on a Sunday night. Does anyone out there care to field the challenge?

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Washington DC: Tom - took your good advice and went to Al Tiramisu. Great food, treated very nicely. Made cardinal mistake of ordering special w/out asking price, poricini and pasta - very nice but nothing special - an $ 11 (70%) markup over the most expensive menu pasta - give me a break!; We eat out at least twice a week, but it'll be months before we go back to this place.

Tom Sietsema: You can't say I didn't warn you, though, right?

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Bethesda, Md.: Last week my wife and I were at Le Bistro Francais. Fine food and service, except for when the previously thoughtful maitre d' seated a couple with a young, restless, obviously unhappy child (about 5) right next to us. We have children and understand what they can be like, but we hire a babysitter when we want to go out (this was about 9 PM). This boy was fidgeting, crying, under the table and his parents threatened him with taking him out and leaving him in the car (!) We finished quickly and left. Should we have complained? (PS: If any restaurant managers are reading this, please give consideration to your guests when seating young children.)

Tom Sietsema: I sympathize with you AND the restaurant. Where exactly should the crying kid be placed, I wonder? Or are you suggesting that the parents should have left, then and there?

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Conch Fritter: Try the conch fritters at Cafe Atlantico!;

Tom Sietsema: Another one to add to the "conch" list. Thanks.

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Arlington, VA: Hey Tom, I'm a loyal reader and I love your chats!; I wanted to share with you and the chatters my horrible experience at Indebleu on Sat. night. I had 2 girlfriends coming to town and wanted to take them to the trendy, new "it" place to dine, so I chose Indebleu. We arrived 40 minutes before our reservation so we could enjoy a drink at the bar. When we sat down there were only about 5 other people in the entire bar area. It took 10 minutes for either of the bartenders to even acknowledge us. When he finally came over, he asked for our order and also asked to see our IDs. We didn't find this unusual because some restaurants/bars do card, so we handed over our IDs. He took out a flashlight and studied them for a good minute or two before handing them back, then started to make our drinks. He then stopped abruptly, went over to the female bartender, looked in our direction and whispered in her ear, causing her to look over as well. She walked by us several times before coming over to us and asking to see our ID again. We must've appeared quite taken aback as we're all in our late twenties and aside from being petite, do not look or act underage. She told us that we should take this as a compliment. I can assure you that none of us took this as a compliment. We do not dress, act or look like 20 year olds and we do not expect to be treated as such. We finally did get our drinks along with zero customer service. The only time the bartender, Tim, spoke to us was to ask our names, which we found rather odd, as he ignored us the rest of the evening, not even engaging in friendly banter the entire hour we were seated. When our table was ready, we asked to close out our tab and the female showed sudden interest in where we were dining, upstairs or downstairs. It became apparent why she cared so, when we were asked for proof of ID for a THIRD time when seated. We carried drinks with us from the bar to our table, so why the need to see our IDs again? Our waiter not only looked at our IDs, he wrote down info from them. I don't know whether he was noting our license numbers or date of birth, but it was very disconcerting. I've never seen this done anywhere to anyone. After handing them back to us he asked if we were students. This appeared to be another trick to "catch us" in our supposed fake ID scam that we decided to pull off at one of the most expensive restaurants in DC. When was the last time you saw a college student dying to pay $15 for a drink and $100 a person for dinner? So we explained to him, that NO we're not students, and each gave our occupations--an attorney, a teacher and a senior analyst for the government. The rest of the evening we were completely ignored. Tom, I was absolutely mortified by the treatment my friends and I received at Indebleu. What I'd hoped would be a nice dinner out turned into the Spanish Inquisition from an over zealous and disrespectful wait staff. I will NEVER return, and neither will any of my friends. We may be (slightly) under 30, but nevertheless deserve to be treated with the same respect as other guests. This new "it" place won't be "it" for long if it continues to treat their guests in a similar manner.

Tom Sietsema: If what you're saying is the entire picture -- and I'm not doubting you, just curious if anything else was going on to explain the staff's behavior -- I'd be really disappointed in the restaurant, too. No matter how old a diner is, she still should be treated with respect.

IndeBleu, care to weigh in with a response?

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Alexandria, Va.: Submitting early since I cannot be a part of the discussion. Since so many tell you their tales of woe with customer service at restaurants, I would like to share a good story. At Evening Star Cafe we, my fiance and I, had a waiter who was rude (walked away while we were still asking him something) and food that was slow and then not completely hot when we got it. This is completely out of the ordinary for the restaurant, we have dined there about once a month for a couple of years or so, so I said something to a woman I thought was the hostess but who I guess was the manager and when our bill came out she took 1/2 our meal off and gave us a coupon for the next time we came into the restaurant. Now that was totally above and beyond and we told her at the time she didn't need to do that but she said she wanted to and that (and the yummy food) is why we continue to return again and again and bring our friends and family there.

Tom Sietsema: Smart manager!

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Burtonsville, MD: Tom, your review of The Inn at Brookville Farms is from 2001, only four months after they opened. You said they were a bit uneven. Any chance they've settled in by now, and any recommendations for what to try or stay away from? I've got reservations for this weekend. Please, may I ask the chatters too, has anyone been there recently? Any high or low points?

Tom Sietsema: Sorry, I haven't been there since I reviewed the place. Chatters?

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Fireflies in Del Ray: Fireflies in Del Ray is very good - Tom, you're the only person I've ever heard of to complain about it!;

Tom Sietsema: But you aren't privy to my mail box.

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Silver Spring, MD: I recently went to Urban BBQ in Rockville for lunch at the suggestion of a friend. Aside from the fact that it is just a small hole in the wall with minimal seating (and what is available is on tall stools) I thought it was excellent. I especially liked the dirty wings and the ribs. How do you think other BBQ places in the area compare?

Tom Sietsema: I find the barbecue places around here to be pretty inconsistent: good one meal, indifferent the next.

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Rockville MD: Last week you had a question about places to eat in Key West. All the suggestions were good, especially Blue Heaven and Seven Fish. I also had a wonderful meal at the Banana Cafe which was made even more enjoyable because it was a Thursday and they had live jazz.

I don't know if the person who asked the question is into wine, but we had a wonderful time at Manga Manga. The pastas were home made and the reserve wine list (you have to ask for it) was amazing. Lots of great older wines at prices that are amazingly inexpensive when compared to the wine list prices here in DC.

Flamingo Crossing on Duval St. is a must stop for ice cream. Huge servings of the most wonderful ice cream I've ever had for the price.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for the update.

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Bagram, Afghanistan: Tom -

I'm back in Afghanistan after taking a much needed leave. I had little chance to eat where I wanted, everyone had other ideas.

I did enjoy a meal at Argia's in Falls Church...great broiled shrimp appetizer. Also had a couple of great meals in Charlottesville - The Shebeen (a South African restaurant) and a couple of others that I cannot remember the name of off the top of my head.

I really don't have a question - more of a comment. I read the postings here whenever I get a chance and I understand the sentiment behind the feelings about having a great meal when dining out, but I also have come to understand how incredibly lucky we are....Being here, you forget about the things you take for granted...like ice in a glass, clean water, a decent meal, beer!; lol I had a bit of a culture shock being back.

Take a minute to reflect upon what we have in our country, and how great a city we live in where you have great cuisine from around the world. See you again in July!;

Thanks,
SFC B

Tom Sietsema: Your missive certainly puts things in perspective. Thanks for taking the time to write.

I have a question for YOU: what is your typical meal over there -- and what food or service do you most miss when you're away from the states?

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Washington, D.C.: (I have a similar background to the previous person who posted, 3 years experience living & working in Japan and an interest in Japanese cuisine.)

I also had a so-so experience at Kaz sushi bistro. The night I went with a small group of friends our server was cold & distant. He rarely checked in on our table and we had to request his attention more than once to order more food & beverages. It was a Thursday night, we had made reservations, but the restaurant was by no means crowded or busy. If I want Japanesey sushi I now head to Sushi-ko, Sushi Taro, Sakana or the Japan Inn. I'm hoping to test out Makoto in the near future.

Tom Sietsema: Japan Inn is poised to close, I believe.

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Sunday-Night Old Town Take Out: Tom, I know you won't agree with me on a couple of these, but as an Old Town resident who's done takeout from them all, here's my $.02:

Cheap but really good: Taverna Cretekou, Cafe Monti, Faccia Luna
Not-so-cheap, mostly good: Bilbo Baggins, Blue Point Grill, Las Tapas
Expensive, mostly good: Chart House, LaPortas

Tom Sietsema: Grateful for the tips.

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Rosslyn, VA: Tom,
These online discussions are helpful to a lot of us readers. How helpful are these online chats to you? I'm just wondering how much your reviews are swayed by all the comments you receive online.

Keep up the good work.

Tom Sietsema: I enjoy this forum a great deal. First, it gives me a sense of what's important to readers. Second, I occasionally get useful tips. Third, what's not to like about steering people to great eats in Paris or helping them decide where to take their folks to celebrate a 50th anniversary? The mix, the variety -- it's fun (and hopefully useful).

The Post pays me -- not my friends, not my colleagues, not readers -- for my opinion, though I DO like to hear about the restaurant experiences, good and bad, of other diners.

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Washington, D.C.: My goodness but people are touchy! No one enjoys an extraordinary restaurant experience more than I--one of those evenings where atmosphere, food, wine, service, and mood all intertwine perfectly. But, people: these are RESTAURANTS. They are businesses. They are places you go to get something to eat.

They are also run by PEOPLE. People who have bad days and blah days just like you and I. People who don't know that something's troubling you if you never bother to mention it.

So many of your posters seem to expect such perfection and deference at every dining experience that they just set themselves up for disappointment.

Vowing to never return because of bad food or food with foreign objects in it? OK!

Vowing to never return because of some perceived slight from a stranger? Not OK!

Tom Sietsema: You make some GOOD points there.

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Sacre Bleu!;: Tom, There always seems to be a second side to the complaint stories, and perhaps there's some far out reason why an ID would need to be checked 3 times, but to have stuff written down from the ID? I would have called the manager, and maybe even the police on something like that? Is IndeBleu now the hub of identity theft in DC? Or are they secretly working with Homeland Security to support the Patriot Act? Reading that story gives me the creeps and I surely don't want anything to do with that place!;

Tom Sietsema: IndeBleu is sure taking a beating today!

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Columbia, MD: Ok so after repeated unanswered question re Memphis, the boys and I headed out last weekend. So here is my postcard

Rendezvous - GREAT place. The ambiance is excellent. It looks, smells and feels like a bbq joint. The ribs were a bit dry but I attribute that to the late hour (10pm). Excellent service

Corky's - Ribs were spectacular. a bit fatty in some spots but had an awesome flavor. Let's just say Red Hot & Blue copied Corky's in terms of decor down to the condiments on the table. Service was EXCELLENT

Pig-n-Whistle - BEST ribs of the trip. meaty and flavorful (order them muddy) The coleslaw was decent but the ribs....ohhhhhhhhh. Service was excellent! I love the south and their hospitality

Jim Neely's Interstate BBQ. We were there late so I got the smoked sausage sandwich. It had coleslaw lining the bottom of the bun and the best smoked sausage I have had in a long time. The counter service was excellent. I am ordering their ribs to be delivered.

A popular appetizer is sausage and cheese platter. Corky's had a good one with pickels and peppers but Rendezvous came at you with salami, sausage and ham. BEST of trip

I love Memphis. Next stop Kansas City

Tom Sietsema: You've just saved me a trip to Memphis (though NOW I'm more tempted than ever to visit).

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Washington, D.C.: Seems to be a lot of complaints on this rainy day, so I thought I'd share a funny story.

Last week my boyfriend and I had dinner at Belga Cafe. It was my first time there, but I knew from reviews that the tables were quite close together (important later). We were seated in the back, by the kitchen, next to a table with two older gentlemen enjoying mussels and beers.

The meal was incredible, and since I had been out of town, it was nice to have a romantic meal out. Throughout the course of our meal, other diners arrived and addressed one of the gentlemen as "Senator".

So, when the Senator stood up to leave, his backside brushed up against our table, and right over the candle!; He almost set his ass on fire!; I jumped up and blew the candle out, just as the bottom of his jacket was starting to singe.

I still crack up when I think about it.

Tom Sietsema: Interesting visual there.

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Buck's?: Tom, my husband wants to try it on my bday next month. I'd like to try it too. But for my birthday would like to go somewhere where we can linger a bit and order at our leisure - that's not that type of place is it? Big group table right?

Tom Sietsema: What night are you thinking about? Weekends, obviously, tend to be very busy at Buck's. And if you've read anything about the place, you'll know not to ask for a single substitution. lol

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Arlington, VA: Tom,
We like your reviews, and the fact that you review restaurants across a large area (physically and food styles), but my concern is that since you implemented your star system, you have given an overabundance of places 2 stars. It seems like almost every review is 2 stars. How do we tell the difference between Indian 2 stars where it is $60 per person, and Italian 2 stars where it is $30 per person? Are we better off with Italian because we are getting a better deal on our money? Does price factor into your star rating system? It is possible for a place like Pizzaria Paradiso to get 4 stars without turning into Maestro?
Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: Actually, every review is NOT two stars. Earlier this month, for instance, I gave three stars ("excellent") to Etrusco in Washington and one star ("satisfactory") to Oakville Grille in Bethesda.

While I go into every restaurant hoping for the best, the truth is, "excellent" and (four star) "superlative" establishments are few and far between. And while I don't shy away from being critical, I don't think readers want to read about more than a few "satisfactory" places in, say, a month's time.

Stars are a sort of shorthand, as I explained in my introduction to the rating system. One star places might be good to know about for a single dish, or if you live nearby; two star spots offer generally appealing cooking, service and ambience and are worth a drive across town; three stars blend high-quality cooking with environs to match and are rewarding destinations no matter where you're coming from; four star restaurants do what they do extraordinarily well. They are the best at what they do.

At this time, I do not factor price into the equation; as to your final question, anything is possible.

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Reston, VA: Can you recommend some places for Saturday lunch, that have good food and an atmosphere conducive to conversation? It seems that many places are not open for lunch on Saturday, and some that are open actually only serve a limited selection of light fare in the bar.

Tom Sietsema: Bistrot Lepic in Georgetown is open for lunch, and so is (news flash!) the excellent Palena in Cleveland Park. And Saturday lunch is one of the best times to experience Zaytinya in Penn Quarter.

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Take out in Old Town: The only places I know of that have take out are: Pines of Florence (their pizza is actually really good), Hard Times, Austin Grill, and Chicken Out. Perhaps they could get something from Balducci's and reheat it at home?

Ps. I doubt this exists, but can you think of any place a girl can grab a bite to eat and a drink at a bar in that general area?

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for the additional suggestions.

In response to YOUR query, try Cafe Salsa or the bars at Majestic or Eve.

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Re: Fidgety child in restaurant: I'll suggest that the parents should have left with the child then and there. They are taking a chance when they go to a nicer restaurant with a younger child that his/his behavior will be acceptable. they chose not to hire a babysitter, or couldn't get one. They chose not to go to a kid friendly restaurant - there are many above the "fast food" level. So they take their lumps, maybe with the food wrapped up to go, and leave. They should not expect that disturbing other diners with their child's behavior is OK - it is not. It isn't the kids fault - he is just 5. But the parents should know better.

Tom Sietsema: Sounds fair to me.

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Bagram, Afghanistan: Tom,

Our typical meal inside the wire (here on base) is cafeteria style food but with less taste....Haliburton KBR serves our meals here and it is your usual meat + starch + hot veggie and salad bar type set-up. Lunch is usually, pizza, chicken wings or cold cut sandwich.

Occasionally we'll get fajitas, or something related to the holiday at hand - for St Paddy's Day we had corned beef and cabbage and Shepard's Pie which was a decent change.

Outside the wire, we'll eat at Afghan compounds or roadside restaurants..great bread - nan, rice, goat or beef, yoghurt with dill or cucumber...and lots of tea - (black or green)

The thing I miss most varies on the day, but overall - I miss food with spice / garlic. As far as dining - I miss silverware and drinks with ice cubes.

Khodafez!;
SFC B

Tom Sietsema: Interesting. It must be time for dinner by now, right?

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Del Ray, Alexandria: I'm with you, Tom. Fireflies was a pricey disappointment,
compared to it's cheaper and more interesting neighbors
(Taqueria Poblano, Thai Peppers, etc.). I live in Del Ray and
love it. There are MUCH better dining options. I had a
good cuban sandwich and cabbage soup at the Caboose
cafe up the street that put the food at Fireflies to shame.

Tom Sietsema: A good Cuban sandwich, huh? I'm there.

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Bethesda, MD: Hey Tom,
Know any good upscale Bar-be-que places? I'm looking for someplace with table service and real plates, as opposed to counter service and plastic. I have a craving for sweet Southern-style pulled pork that won't be ignored.

Thanks!;

Tom Sietsema: I like Old Glory in Georgetown for that kind of 'cue.

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Re: Sacre Bleu!;: Yes, I don't understand why a restaurant would be so suspicious of a group of diners that they'd request info 3x's and write stuff down and STILL serve them. I can sort of understand being carded twice--once at the bar, and once at the table--but why three times? And why the tricky questions about them being students? If they were so suspicious, they should have politely declined to serve them alcohol. If the diners pitched a fit, I imagine a free appetizer or something might have smoothed it over, especially if they plead "new restaurant roadbumps." I imagine the diners would have left, but it sounds like they had such a bad experience they won't be coming back. I'd rather be politely refused a drink, than grudgingly given a drink.

Tom Sietsema: I'm with ya there!

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Seating Children: Should restaurants have an adults-only policy after a certain hour? Makes sense to me.

Tom Sietsema: I'm not sure that would work, but the idea is intriguing.

Funny, whenever I'm abroad, I always see families eating together and doing so peacefully. I LOVE seeing kids soak up the dining experience, provided they are well-behaved, and they always seem to be. Just my two cents.

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Washington, DC: Hypothetical (well, not really). Restaurant server accidentally drops an entire plate of scrambled eggs with mix-ins (peppers, sausage, etc.) at a Sunday brunch, narrowly missing the head of a 15-month old, crashing to the floor, spilling eggs, etc., all over the table, chair legs, floor, and shoe of 15-month old's dad. What is the proper response of the restaurant? Can I presume it has nothing to do with the server screaming, Oh my God, Oh my God, I can't believe I did that, I've never done that before, and then running off, with no one to be seen for the next 10 minutes?

Tom Sietsema: The proper response of the ideal restaurant would have been to 1) quickly and completely clean up he mess 2) agree to pay for dry cleaning 3) quickly remake the dropped order and 4) probably comp the (one) meal.

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In Virginia: Hi, Tom. I'm in my mid-30's and when I go out for dinner, I tend to go at around 5, if it's a popular place, because while I have found many good restaurants, none are worth waiting an hour. So I like to go a bit early to beat the crowd. My boyfriend thinks I'm the youngest old person ever for doing this. Is it so bad? I don't think the hippness factor increases the later the dinner hour. I'm going to eat, not be written about in the gossip columns!;!;

Tom Sietsema: Eating early certainly has its advantages: your pick of table and even bargain menus in some cases. Plus, you can get home in time to watch Brian, Bob or Peter in real time rather than TiVo.

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Arlington, Va.: Tom,

I've asked this question multiple times -- before and during the chat. Never get a response. Maybe you don't think the answer means much to the majority of your chatters, but I would like to know if such a thing exists.

Is there anywhere in the metro D.C. area that could arrange a dinner for a birthday party of about 50 people for about $40 each? I want an atmosphere similar to Zola, and someplace Metro-accessible would be ideal.

Help!;

Tom Sietsema: You're asking for a lot there! Is that $40 of food, drinks, gratuity -- everything?

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Washington, D.C.: I, for one, would love to see a chatter write in with a lengthy "gripe" email about a restaurant where they even marginally acknowledge the slight possibility that there is -anything- that they might have done which contributed to the problem, as they perceive it. For example, "I admit, my temper was short that night." Or whatever.

I would find such posts a -lot- more believable. As it is now, while I do realize that some people have off experiences at restaurants, and sometimes waiters have off days, or managers snap, I mostly laugh out loud at the types of things that cranky chatters complain about. And then hope that the complainers are serious about never coming back, so I can take their reservations at some of my favorite places.

A restaurant just can't fix patrons' drunkenness, stomach flu, or paranoia that other patrons or waiters are looking at them funny.

So complain away, but BALANCE, please!;

Tom Sietsema: For my Ask Tom column in the Sunday Magazine, I have the luxury of investigating all sides of a given problem. You'd be surprised at the situations that never make it in print because one side or the other -- or both! -- have left out crucial details.

Gotta run, folks. Have a great week!

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