Ask Tom

Grungy but good

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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Adams-Morganish: Hello Tom,

Birthday coming up. Trouble is, it's on a Sunday. Where (preferably in the city) can I dine with about 8-10 of my friends where the restaurant is both open and not below par because it's the chef's day off?

Thanks for you attention. As far as I'm concerned, I give you 4 stars for your chat-running skills.

Tom Sietsema: I recently had a lovely Sunday dinner at Little Fountain Cafe, which has "it's still the weekend" written all over it. The underground space is cozy, the wine list is enticing, the options are varied. Go, go, go!

Good morning, all.

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Ashburn, Va: Tom,
I've finally convinced my boyfriend to take me to the Kennedy center. Problem is I have to choose what we do before and the best I have come up with so far are Marcel's (but am second guessing as it's a bit pricey for a non special occasion) and Dish (seemed better on the budget but I'm just not too excited about the menu/reviews). Should we (a) stick with either of my dinner ideas (you'd really have to sell me if you say Marcel's), (b) go somewhere else for dinner or (c) forget dinner and go to ____ for drinks/apps at the bar? Please help…I really want this night to be a success in hopes of ever doing it again. Thanks

Tom Sietsema: I'd opt to have appetizers and drinks at the bar at Marcel's, which features some pleasant counter seating and a scattering of tables (and even live music some nights).

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Herndon, Va.: Tom, this is sometimes a problem in any season, but with winter approaching, particularly so: cold restaurants. It seems counterproductive to prepare a fine meal and have it ruined because one is freezing, and having to wear an overcoat to stay alive.
Would you be willing, for the next four months, to bring a room thermometer with you and report a restaurant's temperature in your columns? Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: Sorry, but don't you think carrying a thermometer around is going to make me stand out in the crowd?

I'll post your plea, though, in hopes of your having comfortable meals out.

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Washington, District of Columbia: Hi Tom: Recognizing that ambience and service are key parts of a dining experience, can you put those admittedly vital elements aside for a moment and give us your suggestions for the best grungy-but-good eateries in DC (Places with counter service only or places with a disturbing patina of grease, but where the food is so good that you can't help but return)? No restrictions on type of food.

Tom Sietsema: I'll start the list: Tobago's on 7th St.NW is a tiny but delicious Caribbean outpost.

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Tom Sietsema: Typing too fast. Make that Caribbean.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Good afternoon Tom! We are taking my mom out for her birthday on Saturday night and want to try Ruth's Chris. Which location would you recommend? We are willing to go to any of them. Thanks for your help!

Tom Sietsema: The great thing about chains is consistency. You get pretty much the same product whichever branch you pick. I'd opt for the one that's closest.

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Philadelphia, PA: Tom-
This is my last opportunity to get my question answered, as I will be coming down to DC this Saturday. I'm looking for a good restaurant that serves lunch on Saturday, not brunch. I have to find something that would also appeal to my mom and mother-in-law, who aren't as picky as I am, but my mom-in-law definitely likes to go to the trendy restaurants, and my mom definitely doesn't do a lot of ethnic cuisine. Please help!;

Tom Sietsema: Try the sunny Bistrot Lepic in Georgetown, home to some lovely French cooking.

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Desperate Diner in D.C.: Tom, please help me.
I need reservations at minibar. Two high-profile friends/colleagues are coming in from Los Angeles and have their hearts set on it. If I can't pull of a reservation, I will look like a nobody. How can I assure myself of a table?

Tom Sietsema: Just how high-profile are these guests of yours? And how soon do you need to impress them? I'm wagering that Jose Andres could find space for them if you beg, plead -- and are flexible enough to dine early or late.

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Italian chef's wife Downtown: Tom how did you get started? Is it true that SOME restaurants pay SOME reviewers once in a while?

Tom Sietsema: I got started in the food writing business in the mid-80s, as an assistant to my predecessor, Phyllis Richman.

All you have in this occupation is your credibility. If you lose that, you are done. A critic on the take isn't going to have a very long run. (And a critic who tries to please everyone, I should add, pleases no one.)

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Rec needed: I'm having lunch at Restaurant Eve today...what should I not miss?

washingtonpost.com: Tom's review of Eve.

Tom Sietsema: Food for thought, so to speak.

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Rockville, MD: Oh-no!; The tomato shortage!; Many restaurants are already cutting dishes from the menu and raising some prices. I guess we won't be going to Italian restaurants for a while. What type of alternatives do you think they will offer?

Tom Sietsema: My immediate thought is: no conscientious chef is going to put tomatoes on his or her menu at this time of year ANYWAY, so why the fuss?

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Grungy but Good: Jimmy T's on Capitol Hill is a can't-miss for greasy food with attitude!;

Tom Sietsema: Ah, there you go.

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Washington, DC: What will you be doing for the big turkey feast?

Tom Sietsema: Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, but I'll be at 30,000 feet for most of it. I plan to travel to Zurich next Thursday.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom, My partner and I just had a lovely meal at Four and Twenty Blackbirds in Flint Hill VA. It was a wine dinner that paired their food with Linden wines. We loved it. It was quite a hike from the city, but made for a nice evening out. Have you reviewed the restaurant recently?

washingtonpost.com: Tom's review (10/04) of Four and Twenty.

Tom Sietsema: There you go!

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Grungy-but-good: Granja d'Oro in Adams Morgan, just west of the 18th and Columbia intersection. Great roasted chicken, ugly overly lit room.

Tom Sietsema: I've always wondered about that place ...

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Washington, D.C. : Tom, Please help. I am looking for a place to hold a work dinner of 100-125 people after the holidays. They were considering Maggiano's if that gives you an idea on price. Desired locations are Woodley Park, Dupont, or Metro Center. Any suggestions you can provide would be helpful. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Try Mimi's American Bistro in Dupont Circle or M & S Grill on 13th St. NW.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: Tom: You don't know your own power...Two Amy's is now a madhouse. Your readers should know their experience getting into the restaurant will be more like the grand opening of a Krispy Kreme offering free doughnuts for a year than the pleasant dining experience they may be seeking. The hordes of people start forming outside the restaurant around 5:30 most nights and the tension around the maitre'd stand from people checking on their tables ("Hey, they came in after us and now they're getting seated before us!") makes it feel like a prison riot is about to break out. The restaurant (which is not large) and has NO PARKING, was never meant to be more than a neighborhood restaurant - albeit a phenomenal one. The restaurant is simply not set up to be a 'destination' but your constant recommendations in this forum have unintentionally turned it into one. When the Giant Grocery store in back of Two Amy's closes for renovations soon there will be no more illegal parking opportunities, and there will absolutely NOWHERE for the scores of suburban minivans to park - and, yes, they ALL have MD and VA plates. Factor in a punishing wait for a table and I think your readers might decide that saving a few bucks isn't quite worth it. Is there nowhere decent to eat in the suburbs or are people really that cheap? Signed, a disgruntled neighbor who can no longer eat in his neighborhood restaurant

Tom Sietsema: What can I say? I can't very well keep (food) secrets. But I'm sorry to hear that the place is spoiled for you now.

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Grungy: And if you're in the mood for getting snapped at for taking too long to order, stand in line at the Market lunch at Eastern Market any weekend... It is one of my faves.

Tom Sietsema: Crab cakes and pancakes with a side of 'tude. Count me in.

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Lake Ridge, Va.: Hi Tom! I went to Williamsburg a couple of weeks ago. Before departure I did a search in the archives for good eats recommendations. Unfortunately Ford's Colony was out of our price range, but we found a couple of gems. One chatter recommended the James River Pie Company last year. Even though it was on the outskirts of town, we went and had the crab pizza, which was excellent. We told the very friendly cashier that it was our first time there and she promptly brought out two complimentary samples of their wonderful pecan pie. The only downside is that the only available seating is three cement tables that are located outside. Nice view of the 7-11! Upon arrival we drove around to scope out the area around the hotel. The first night we noticed hordes of people in Maurizio's, a small Italian restaurant in a strip mall on Route 60. We decided to go with the locals and we had the best meal we've eaten in a while. Homemade garlic rolls, to-die-for chicken marsala... fabulous. Hello to our waiter, Antonio! Just a couple of suggestions for the budget-minded W'burg visitors. Hope you get to try them, Tom!

Tom Sietsema: Those sound like good tips! Thanks for sharing with the crowd. I'll be reviewing a slightly more formal new restaurant in Williamsburg later this month, by the way.

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Downtown Washington, D.C.: Tom - can you suggest a few places to eat near the Washington Cathedral? We're open to all types of food/prices. Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: Obviously, DON'T GO TO TWO AMYS. (I'm joking, I'm joking -- sort of.)

Some people like the convenience of the nearby Cafe Deluxe, because it's good with kids and easy on the budget, but I've never been thrilled by the cooking. My preference would be Old Europe off Calvert on Wisconsin, for reliable German fare.

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Please Help - Restaurant Gift Certificate: Hi Tom, We were lucky enough to be given a gift certificate for a free 5 course dinner for 2 at the Four Seasons in Georgetown. We intended to use it in late October, but I fell very ill for several weeks and we didn't make it. Now I see that the certificate expired in October. We were really really looking forward to this. Can you recommend anything we can do? Do you think the restaurant would honor it a month late? We're desperate - thank you!;!;

Tom Sietsema: Have you tried contacting the restaurant? I bet the staff would be sympathetic to your situation.

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Ford's Theatre: Hi Tom, My fiance is taking my Mom and me to Ford's Theatre for A Christmas Carol on my 30th birthday, Dec. 23!; The play starts at 7:30PM. Can you suggest a special birthday dinner restaurant before the show? We've already started calling around and find everything booked, is that because it's 2 days before Christmas? Thanks Tom you rock!;!;!;

Tom Sietsema: Right across the street there's Bistro d'Oc. Have you tried that? And don't forget 701 or Signature restaurants, both on Pennsylvania Ave.

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Washington, D.C.: Good morning Tom. One of my friends from London is coming to visit and she asked what the "scene" restaurants are in DC. What do you think?

Tom Sietsema: Places that sizzle with eye candy (and noise!) include Ten Penh, Zaytinya, Cafe Atlantico, Buck's Fishing & Camping and Bistro Bis, the last place being the most "mature" in terms of its clientele.

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San Francisco, CA: I used to live in DC and have always trusted not just your food taste, but your ability to judge the overall feel of a restaurant, so...
I am forced to come to DC next week for a meeting on Friday, which means I am going to arrive in DC on Thursday early afternoon, which means that I will be stuck here, by myself, on Thanksgiving. Which is completely annoying. But, is there any place that you would recommend to have a thanksgiving dinner by oneself - maybe a place open that will be serving at the bar or something so I don't look like a loser by myself at a table for four? Thanks!;

Tom Sietsema: Call Corduroy restaurant right now -- 202-589-0699 -- and keep your fingers crossed.

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Olney, MD: Hi Tom!; Hope you can help me introduce some newlyweds to some fine dining. I'd like to give them a gift certificate to a moderately priced restaurant in the Alexandria area, with a romantic or cozy ambience. She likes Indian, far east food, he eats anything. Thanks, I'm very late getting my gift to them!;

Tom Sietsema: I'm not aware of any good Indian restaurants in Alexandria, but for good bistro fare, I bet your friends would love Restaurant Eve's main dining room in Old Town.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom,

I was in New York and San Francisco recently, and I made sure to check out the restaurants you recommended in your September piece about tried-and-true places to eat in those cities. You were right on the money.

In NYC, Esca was a delight. We were in the mood for seafood on a Saturday night and the crudo was as good as your rave. Almost like getting it off the boat. We also had a pumpkin-flavored pasta as an appetizer that was out of this world. We'll definitely go back.

In SF, at the Zuni Cafe, the roasted chicken was the best chicken I've ever eaten, in any form. Great seafood appetizers, too. Not only that, we experienced a true San Francisco moment. Once a month, hundreds of people from a group named Critical Mass bicycle through the city as a protest. We had a street view seat, and saw one guy ride through buck naked.

One other SF note. As fantastic as Zuni was, I may have had the best dining experience of my life the next night at Boulevard. It's a moderately upscale American place located at the end of Market St. near the Wharf. If there is some sort of book on the perfect restaurant experience from start-to-finish, they must have written it. Warm greeting at the door. Comfortable space between tables. A waiter who was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, without being annoying. Service staff who knew when to take away your plate, and when to leave you alone. The appetizers and entrees(lambchops for me, filet mignon for my wife) were expertly prepared and colorfully presented. We were never rushed. Boulevard is a very confident restaurant that pays attention to detail without straining to do so. I highly recommend it for anyone traveling there.

Thanks, Tom. Keep up the good work.

Tom Sietsema: I hope that guy on the bike ... well, never mind.

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Capitol Hill mea culpa: Kudos to you and brickbats to me. The kudos result from your recommendation of Cortez, on Geary Street in San Francisco. Having just returned from a week in that city, full of excellent dining (and quite high prices), I would have to say that our best meal of all was at Cortez. The atmosphere, the decor, the service and of course the cuisine -- ahi tuna tartare, trout, prawns, beignets. Yum!
The brickbats are for allowing myself to be cajoled/coerced by my visiting sister-in-law to dine at Two Quail. Their food has always been inconsistent. Last night they overcame that -- it was universally not good, and the service was even worse. When the waiter took the drink order of my three companions and started walking away, I said "What about me?" His response was a snide "Well, what do you want?" You're right, too, about the bread, stale and unappealingly presented. Whatever charm it may have had when new many years ago has certainly evaporated.
I promise to trust you in the future. Keep up the good work!

Tom Sietsema: Uh, thank you!

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Arlington VA: The single dining dilemma or self-fulfilling prophecy? I hate being pegged as a low dollar ticket and therefore not worth much effort. I know you usually take a group with you, and I also know you recommend sitting at the bar when dining alone, but what is your experience when you ask for a table for one? I sometimes like to sit at a table by myself if I don't want to sit in a smoky bar. I recently went to the McCormick and Schmick's in Crystal City solo. I had just met a big deadline and wanted to relax with a late lunch and a glass of wine. After being seated, it took so long for my waiter to acknowledge me that I was about to get up and leave. I should have. 4 or 5 servers went past my table in the meantime. When the server finally did acknowledge me, it was to tell me that he would bring me water. In the time it took him to bring the water, a manager (hopefully his) had asked me if I had been helped, took my order, and brought me water and bread. No one ever offered a wine list. By then I just wanted to get my lunch and get out. I didn't ask for a wine list because I was peeved. So I ended up being that low dollar ticket and left a two dollar tip. All this was at 2:30 on a Wednesday, not a busy time at all. Why can't servers understand that single diners deserve the same attention as a group?

Tom Sietsema: You just imparted a useful message. But I wouldn't be TOO quick to blame your experience on being a solo diner. A mediocre waiter is a mediocre waiter. Did you notice that twosomes and groups were getting better service?

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Richmond, VA: Hey Tom, Love the chats. Quick question, My girlfriend and I are going to San Francisco for 4 days and would love to get your advice on some affordable good restaurants we should go to. Thanks so much

Tom Sietsema: Check out my postcards from San Francisco on the Travel portion of this site.

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Germantown, Maryland: Tom:
Are there any places that you would recommend in Germantown, Gaithersburg and/or Damascus?
Thanks!;

Tom Sietsema: Try New Fortune for dim sum in Gaithersburg and Agrodolce for casual Italian in Germantown.

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Washington, D.C.: What would you recommend for a nice weeknight place in DuPont area, that doesn't break the bank? Many thanks.

Tom Sietsema: This raises an interesting point. I'm curious what you (the chatters) think is considered a moderate weeknight meal? It seems to be harder and harder for two people to go out for a two - or three-course meal with vino and leave a "nice" restaurant for less than $100, including tax and tip.

That said, I gravitate to Al Tiramisu, Pesce, Firefly, Sushi Taro and (maybe) Komi for a relaxing night out myself.

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McLean, Virginia: Hi Tom -- we are going to the Alan Jackson concert at the MCI center on Friday night. Could you recommend a place to eat? Nick & Stef's apparently is closed. Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: Andale, Cafe Atlantico, Ella's, Rosa Mexicano, Poste, Matchbox -- all are close to the venue, but you better start dialing if you want a reservation!

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Washington, DC: Good afternoon!; My husband's family has a tradition of going out for a seafood dinner on Christmas Eve, and we're looking for a few good suggestions!; In the past, we've gone to the Fish Market in Alexandria, Legal Sea Foods and McCormick and Schmick's, but we'd like to try a new place. Do you have any recommendations for good seafood restaurants (that can accommodate a vegetarian) in DC or Arlington?

Thanks!;

Tom Sietsema: What about the Art Deco-style Oceanaire Seafood Room downtown, the more casual Pesce in Dupont Circle or the handsome Sea Catch in Georgetown?

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Arlington, VA: Tom,
A few weeks ago you challenged a reader to name a Japanese restaurant better than your choice, Sushi-ko. On the high end, there is Makoto. A great Japanese restaurant that somehow never makes any of the local reviewers top lists. On the low end, there is Temari, a place that mimics the food one can find in any small cafe in and around Tokyo. Their ginger pork, ton-kutsu, and hamburger ( really a small Japanese meat-loaf) remind me of my years working in Tsikiji. Both of these places far exceed the over-priced food and cold atmosphere I experienced at Sushi-ko.
Well, there's two.

Tom Sietsema: Makota HAS made my list of favorites in the past, but it isn't as innovative as Sushi-Ko. In other words, my annual meals there have begun to mirror one another.

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Falls Church, Va.: Re: Two Amy's crowds. Cleveland Park needs to chill out. My wife and I drive up to Two Amy's monthly (yes, from Virginia) to eat what is simply the best pizza on the planet. Their vanilla ice cream is also the best I've ever had. We get there by 4:00 PM, usually on a Saturday, park in the Giant lot out back (which I was unaware was illegal), and vacate the vicinity an hour or so later. Surely the locals can tolerate that. If they can't I will still go, if only to annoy the hipsters.

Tom Sietsema: LOL

And what about all those Washingtonians pouring into itty, bitty Ray's the Steaks in Arlington?

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Silver Spring MD: Hi Tom I live in Silver Spring and was looking for somewhere nice to celebrate a birthday on Sunday. Have you ever eaten at Mrs. K's Toll House in Silver Spring. I'd love to try there but haven't seen any reviews. Thanks for your time and I love reading your chats and reviews.

Tom Sietsema: You know, I've never been there myself. What exactly are you looking for?

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Tone & Tenor: Tom, The last couple of weeks your chat has been less about restaurant recommendations and more about sniping, complaining, and arguing over various restaurants policies and service issues. I have to admit, it makes for far more interesting reading than where to get the best hamburger/Sunday brunch/tapas. Please keep the bile and invective flowing, I'm hooked!

Tom Sietsema: I like to present a mix of topics -- and that there has been here in the last few weeks!

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Kalorama, Washington, D.C.: Dear Tom, I know there must be some restaurants in DC that we may not hear about very often, but whose consistency of good food and service persevere through trends and fads. One of those restaurants, I feel, is the Mendocino Grille and Wine Bar on M St. in Georgetown. I have lived in DC for 5 years and have been going back again and again for superb wine, wonderfully refreshing organic and West Coast inspired cuisine and attentive and informed service. I noticed that while Mendocino has been given 3 stars in the online restaurant review section of the Post that there is no actual review. Can you share if you have reviewed it before and if you plan to in the future. Thank you for your wonderful insights to DC dining!

Tom Sietsema: I know the restaurant has its fans, and I keep returning to see if I'm missing something, but the setting always makes a better impression on me than the cooking at Mendocino.

You know what seems to have gotten better in the neighborhood, though? Fahrenheit in the Ritz Carlton.

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Rockville,MD: Good Morning. We are going to the Oakville Grille for a bday dinner on Saturday. Any suggestions? We heard it was fantastic !;!; Thanks...

Tom Sietsema: Fantastic? I wouldn't go quite that far. But it does offer a nice wine list and some flair (the Caesar salad, for instance, is served in an edible "vase" a la Mendocino Grille in Georgetown. I hear it gets very noisy at night, by the way.

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Disgruntled 2 Amy's Patron: Get takeout!; And why the bile? - we really can't get decent pizza in the 'burbs.

Tom Sietsema: Simmer down, class, simmer down.

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Dupont suggestions for earlier question: Bistro du Coin is reasonable, as is Regent Thai and Sette Osteria.

Tom Sietsema: Right, though Bistrot du Coin is up and down, food-wise, and I get periodic gripes about the service, or lack thereof.

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Lake Ridge, VA: Tom-My husband's birthday is on Christmas Eve, and I'd like to take him out to dinner. Last year, I took him to 2941, and it was nothing less than magical. Can you recommend something similar for this year? I don't think I can afford Citronelle or the Inn this year, but anything else should be fair game.

Tom Sietsema: Do you mind a drive? The Inn at Easton in Easton is well worth the journey.

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At my desk, dreaming of fine dining while eating last night's leftovers: I think it is funny that the advertisement running at the top of the page is for TGI Fridays. So, do you recommend it?

Tom Sietsema: Take a wild, wild guess!

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Germantown/Gaithersburg: Along with Agrodolce, La Flor de la Canela is wonderful.
Also, I think Old Shanghai does the best Chinese food that side of Rockville and is convenient if Agrodolce is too crowded.

Tom Sietsema: Yes, yes.

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Washington, D.C.: Re: "Moderate" Dining...My boyfriend and I always applaud ourselves if we are able to spend less than $50 when we eat out. This only seems to happen on nights when we do not have drinks, though.

Tom Sietsema: The alcohol will do you in every time, won't it?

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Aspiring Food Writer: Out of curiosity, do you currently have an assistant?

Tom Sietsema: I do not.

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Washington, DC: One answer to 2 of your chatters' questions: What is a great hole in the wall place -- located in Damascus? The Red Rooster. Fabulous pie, great fried chicken, almost no seating -- and you can feed 2 people including drinks and dessert for less than $10.

Tom Sietsema: Yum. Thanks for the tip.

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Washington, DC: Just wanted to let you know we visited Belga Cafe this past Friday. While they're clearing still in the process of getting everything sorted out (only about 1/3 of the respectable beer list was available, and the steak was OK, nothing spectacular), the service was great. My wife (who was reluctant to say anything) found that her mussels were too gritty -- they were taken back without question and immediately replaced with a different dish (african sea bass?) which she loved. And the frites rocked.

It was also packed -- it was filling up rapidly when we got there at 6:00 and standing room only by the time we left after 8:00.

Hopefully they can work out the few remaining issues -- we're looking forward to finally having a reason to stay on the Hill for nice (expensive) dinner (although I confess we haven't been to Montmartre).

Tom Sietsema: You need to make time for Montmartre!

Thanks for your early review of Belga.

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Fairfax, Virginia: Hi Tom, love the chats. My birthday is on Sunday (I will be 43). I would like to take my family (husband and kids ages 12 and 14) to dinner at a nice restaurant to celebrate. We usually eat at very casual type places. Would like to get dressed up and go some place with a festive (not stuffy) atmosphere that will not frown on teenagers. Want to show my kids theres more to life than Don Pablos and Fridays. Prefer Northern Virginia area. My budget is $200.00. We like seafood, ethnic (not indian) italian. What would you suggest? Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.

Tom Sietsema: Does Thai cooking interest you? Bangkok 54 is both handsome and delicious, and you'll leave the place with cash to spare. For seafood in your neck of the woods, I think Bonefish Grill in Fairfax does a nice job.

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NoVA, "the country" according to one of your earlier posters: Come on, Tom, you can fess up. Just how much of a kickback are you getting from Colorado Kitchen?

Tom Sietsema: None! And what would prompt a question like that? I don't mention it any more than other restaurants I admire -- and I've been critical of its service in the past.

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Arlington, Va.: If you think 100 dollars is a moderate meal, well, I think you need to revisit reality. not all of us get our meals comped by the Post.

Tom Sietsema: Whoa there! I didn't say I thought $100 for two was moderate. Re-read the post.

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Germantown Dining: One of the places I like in Germantown is Cafe Mileto. Wood-burning pizza oven, and the chicken marsala is my favorite.

Tom Sietsema: Ah, yes. I hear good things about the place. Thanks for the reminder.

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Beltsville, MD: Zurich?? Will you be doing reviews? With it being a holiday and all, it seems doubtful, but it never hurts to ask.

Tom Sietsema: Yes, I'll be doing reviews in Zurich -- which, as you know, does not celebrate Thanksgiving.

See you all here next Wednesday, folks!

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