In a city loaded with diverse restaurants, from New American chic and upscale Italian to sandwich shops and burritos on the run, finding the best places to eat can be a real puzzle. Where's the best restaurant for a first date or an anniversary? Father's Day? What's the best burger joint? Who has the best service?
Ask Tom. Tom Sietsema, The Washington Post's food critic, is on hand Wednesdays at 11 a.m. ET to answer your questions, listen to your suggestions and even entertain your complaints about Washington dining. Sietsema, a veteran food writer, has sampled the wares and worked as a critic in Washington, Seattle, San Francisco and Milwaukee, and can talk restaurants with the best of 'em. Tom's Sunday magazine reviews, as well as his "Ask Tom" column, are available early on the Web.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
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Tom Sietsema: Exciting news at the top of the hour: Eric Ziebold of CityZen is one of 10 chefs from around the country to be honored as a 2005 "Best New Chef in America" by Food & Wine magazine. The awards were announced last night in New York.
On with the show ....
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Breakfast in Dupont:
Thanks for all tips Tom. It's really turned my view of DC food around. Now that I've sufficiently brown nosed, on to my question. Where is a good place for Sunday morning breakfast in the Dupont area? I say breakfast, rather than brunch, because I'd like to eat around 9:30. Am I restricted to hotels (if so, which would you recommend)? I was thinking maybe the cafe at Kramer Books?
Tom Sietsema: There's always The Diner in Adams Morgan -- but the crowds!
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Embarrassed to Ask:
Tom,
I have the opposite problem of many of your readers: unlike those who get upset with fine dining establishments that forget to commemorate birthdays or special occasions (when specifically requested), I am always embarrassed to broach it with the waiter at an expensive restaurant.
While I would not think twice about informing a waiter at a Lauriol Plaza-type restaurant that it is my dining companion's birthday or an anniversary or other special occasion, I find myself clamming up at typical super-expensive places one would go to celebrate such occasions (you know the type of place).
How does one broach the subject of the birthday guy or gal without seeming tacky or like you belong at a lesser place for doing it?
Thanks for your thoughts on this.
Tom Sietsema: You can always call ahead and ask if a restaurant does anything special for a guest's birthday. No harm in that.
At the esteemed Inn at Little Washington, for instance, you don't get singing waiters, but a celebrant DOES get "Happy Birthday" (or "Happy Anniversary") written in chocolate on his or her dessert plate.
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RE: Dupont Sunday Breakfast:
I was hoping for something a bit less hectic than the Diner as I'll have my parents with me. Dad's hearing has gone a bit with the years and I'd like him to be able to join the conversation. Any other thoughts?
Tom Sietsema: Sorry, but I think you then need to go the hotel route --or trek up to Colorado Kitchen.
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Downtown Washington, D.C.:
Tom, How did you celebrate Easter? Chocolate eggs and jellybeans or lamb?
Tom Sietsema: You'll laugh if I told you. I was on a writing deadline and was obliged to eat in my home office.
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Washington, DC:
With the on-going complaints over poor and indifferent service in area restaurants, is it possible for the Restaurant Association of the Metropolitan Washington Area to hold a workshop or seminar for restaurant owners/managers/servers to educate them on why good customer service is a win-win proposition?
Tom Sietsema: GREAT IDEA. Just a week's worth of my letters, phone calls and emails from readers could provide material for several hours of dos and donts discussion.
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For Breakfast in Dupont:
What about the Luna Grill?
Tom Sietsema: If it's open that early, sure.
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Vegetarian Food:
I am writing in response to a recent post that said vegetarians should stop whining about lack of menu choice and start eating "real" food.
A popular misconception is that vegetarian food is just a bunch of salads and boring food, or cobbled-together dinners made out of vegetable side dishes. To be sure, that is what vegetarian food is if you're unskilled in the kitchen and unimaginative -- and all that menu DC restaurants offer. Vegetarians would LOVE to eat real food -- substantial entrees that have the same balance of proteins, carbs, and fat as other dishes on the menu; interesting ingredients and blends of flavors. I have no doubt that if more of these types of vegetarian dishes were offered at more restaurants in the area, they would be quite popular.
I am not a vegetarian but try to eat mostly organic, particularly when it comes to animal products, out of concern for my health and the environment. As such, I prefer to order vegetarian when I go out to dine and am frustrated at the lack of choices at so many places. I have many relatives and friends who are vegetarian, too, and we frequently go to just a handful of restaurants that we know are respectful of this choice.
How many of us would find ordering a couple of vegetable side dishes satisfying? It's much more preferable when it's a thoughtful and interesting dish that just doesn't happen to have meat or fish. Think of how many restaurants have decided to cater to the low-carb diet fad in comparison to how few provide real vegetarian options.
Tom Sietsema: Your excellent post gets my hearty applause.
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Black Salt:
Hi Tom!
May go here with a few friends this weekend. Thoughts? Entree to not-miss? Is this place expensive or "normal"?
Thanks...
washingtonpost.com:
Tom on Black Salt.
Tom Sietsema: There you go.
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DC 5 year old:
Hi I'm 5. I may not have completed my dissertation, but I'm smart enough to know that some of these pretentious washington nobodies, who long to be somebody, are just mad because mommy didn't take them out when they were young.
Dont be upset by the fact that I'm cuter than your date or significant other, you cant keep your eyes off me, and I'm eating at YOUR favorite restaurant.
And dont even think of getting mad at my mom and dad, they know better than to discipline me, but I'm sure they'll have words for you.
So here's to you lightening up, stopping to appreciate the innocence of children, and most of all, you finding a date that you are more apt to focus on!
Tom Sietsema: LOL -- and three guesses as to who this might be!
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Georgetown, Washington, D.C.:
Tom, When was the last time you stopped in to Red Ginger on Wisconsin Ave? From the bread at the start of the meal to the seafood-based caribbean cuisine, it is honestly some of the best food I've had in quite some time. I dropped into Zaytinya a couple weeks ago, and while they are two totally separate themes, the food at Red Ginger was far superior. It's never very crowded though - I just want them to stick around. Could you drop in and give them 4 stars on your way out? I know it's a lot to ask....
Tom Sietsema: LOL
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Washington, DC:
Love the chats - always a highlight of the week - I especially like it when we hear from the restaurant side (chefs, owners, servers).
Here's my question - we're about to go on our honeymoon to Italy next week, hitting Venice, Florence and Rome. I've checked out your Rome postcard from a few years back, but I was wondering if you or the chatters might have some recommendations on the other cities, or newer ones for Rome. Hoping to have at least one special dinner in each city. Thanks!;!;!;!;
Tom Sietsema: Didn't one or more chatters recently return from Italy? Can anyone share some recent experience? My Postcard from Rome is still valid, by the way.
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Perspective :
Hi Tom,
Long time bartender here. A couple years ago, headlines were made locally when bartenders were being arrested BEHIND THE BAR for serving underage patrons. Stings are very popular in DC and Arlington during which the police department sends in underage patrons to order drinks. In many of the city's nicer establishments, violations were rampant because, quite frankly, underage customers simply didn't dine there--what 19 year old can afford a $15 martini? Now, we must be relentless, the fine is substantial, thousands of dollars, not to mention a stain on your record and the likelyhood that you will be looking for another job. I do not mean to justify the behavior of the staff at Indebleu by any means, but there is always a context to these situations. Would it have been completely out of line for one of the ladies to ask why their ID's were scrutinized closely? If a customer communicates with me it helps me better serve their needs--was your drink too sweet? No problem, I'll make you a new one, maybe it was my recipe. But should the proper response be to never return and lambast the establishment in a very public forum? A good restaurant or bar will fix the problem then and there. I wonder what Indebleu's on duty manager or GM might have said to handle the problem--they are, after all, Little Washington trained, certainly they know how to diffuse situations and please customers? Furthermore, if the customers had spoken to the most senior manager on duty that night, then they could have really judged the restaurant and their complaint to your forum would leave no room for doubt.
Whew. I love your chats by the way, I think you take your fair share of shots from diners with a great deal of grace, and that you provide a service to those diners and the Biz employees that is invaluable.
Best,
Mr. Bartender
Tom Sietsema: Following last week's chat, I received this response from the general manager at IndeBleu, Jay Coldren, who gave me permission to share it with this audience:
Tom,
To respond to the ladies that were asked for ID's at IndeBleu:
We feel horrible that they our guests would feel at all criminalized by our procedures and safeguards. We hate having to ask for ID's. We hate not being allowed to take our guests at their word.
The fact is that the three ladies in the party had a remarkably youthful genetic make-up (honestly, they looked younger than 18 - all of them!). Nonetheless, our policy at IndeBleu is to ask for identification from anyone who looks under the age of 35. This policy is enforced in the bar, the lounge, and in the dining room. What made this particular instance more than a routine hiccup was that the ladies had out of state licenses that were not in the best condition and, according to the bar staff, they were all born in the same year. This confluence of circumstances along with their blissfully youthful appearance created an immediate heightened state of awareness.
The subtext here is that the ABRA (Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration) continuously runs a series of entrapment scams at restaurants and bars using out of state licenses and 18 year olds that look like they are 30.
Just last week, ABRA agents came into IndeBleu with a full-bearded young man who looked amazingly mature for his age, but was, in fact, days shy of his 21st birthday. We have also had a visit in the dining room from a couple working with the ABRA who were trying to get our staff to pour 'just a sip' of wine into the glass of their 16 year old daughter. Their best trick is to pick up empty glasses from the bar and try to 're-order' another drink in a different part of the restaurant.
With the insane lack of personal responsibility built into the liquor laws, the restaurant staff can actually be ARRESTED for serving anyone who is underage. The manager (i.e.: me!) can also be handcuffed and dragged down to the station for being on duty when a mistake like this is made. In addition, we could lose our liquor license and have to close the business.
Though I am saddened by this experience, the pressures applied by these regulations require such a balancing act between guest service and the protection of the business that instances like these are bound to become more and more common - even in the best intentioned establishments.
We hate that these ladies felt like criminals here at IndeBleu and are working with the staff on better ways of explaining to our guests the process and the reasoning behind.
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Silver Spring, MD:
Thanks for the chat, Tom. My brother is coming to town, loves sushi, and can't get it where he lives. We're looking for the best value sushi on a moderate to low budget -- ambiance not required. Would Matuba in Bethesda or Hakuba be right? Any place better? Thanks.
Tom Sietsema: My vote goes to Sushi Taro in Dupont Circle.
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Rosslyn, Va.:
Hi Tom,
Love the chats. Here's a pickle for you: my in-laws are coming next weekend, and their tastes are very pedestrian. Burger and fries, chicken fingers, salads and not much else. Anything not available in a Shoney's is "weird". To make things even more complicated, my father-in-law is allergic to everything from milk to shellfish to mushrooms. So we need a restaurant that will accommodate substitutions.
Do you have any ideas of places serving all-American fare that won't make my husband and me die of boredom? We're foodie types. Thanks!;
Tom Sietsema: What about one of the reliable Great American Restaurants in Northern Virgnia? I'm thinking Sweetwater Tavern, Artie's or Carlyle.
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Arlington, VA:
Tom, I am curious - for every really great meal you get to eat, how many bad meals do you have to eat?
Tom Sietsema: This week, I'm striking out. The best meal I had was (I gotta be honest) carry-out Chinese from City Lights of China in Dupont Circle.
Truly GREAT meals are not that common. Depending on the month and the places I'm checking out, I'd say for every distinguished meal I endure three or four that are merely fair.
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Columbia, MD:
Hi Tom, What do you think of this waiter response? I was at a Mexican restaurant in Baltimore (Blue Agave) which serves traditional Mexican dishes as well as Tex-Mex entrees. My dining companion asked whether the beef or chicken burrito was better, and the waiter responded "I don't know. I don't eat Tex-Mex." He gave no recommendation. He could have said "The chicken burritos are quite popular" or whatever. I believe this was his effort to steer us to more pricey entrees. I could possibly understand this response if he was a new waiter, but I know he's been there at least a year. What do you think?
Tom Sietsema: I think there are 100 better ways for your waiter to have responded to the question, including "Let me ask what my colleagues suggest" and "The beef version is our No. 1 seller" (if that's true).
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Dupont Circle, Washington DC:
Hey Tom, hope you can help!; I am looking to take my boyfriend out for a romantic birthday dinner. I want to spend around $100 - he likes French (and is adventurous). Any good ideas??
Tom Sietsema: I adore Bistrot Lepic, but not the cramped seating. What about the bar menu at Citronelle, in the upstairs lounge?
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Arlington, VA:
To the birthday poster: Ceiba will print "Happy Birthday" on your menu if you call ahead.
Tom Sietsema: Cool beans.
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HELP:
Tom, I'm craving Thai, but I'm tired of Tara Thai. I'm looking for a good thai restaurant in NoVa - preferably the Falls Church area. Please recommend something. Also, I was searching on the Entertainment Guide, but it appears not to be working... Thanks- your recommendations are always dead on!;
Tom Sietsema: Sakoontra in Fairfax and Bangkok 54 and Thai Square, both in Arlington, are first-rate.
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Cabin John, Maryland:
Tom, I don't want to sound critical, but as I see it you write one restaurant review a week, prepare a blurb or two for the Weekly Dish and periodically write a Postcard. What do you do with the rest of your time? And can't you write more articles so we can benefit from your knowledge and experiences?
Tom Sietsema: Good Lord, I don't have much of a personal life as it is!
I'm already out almost every lunch and every dinner as it is. And those Postcard trips take more time than you'd imagine. Plus, I'm already working on the fall guide, and possibly an update to my book.
What more do you want me to do?!
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Washington, D.C.:
Hi, Tom,
My friend and I ate at 21P on Saturday after your review came out online Friday. We both thought the meal was fairly mediocre. Her beet salad was bland, the greens had no dressing. My conch chowder was lukewarm, mostly tomatoes with barely a hint of seafood or spice. But what really surprised us was when our two different entrees arrived with the exact same side dishes. Her pork came with the same sweet potatoes, string beans and red cabbage as my duck! I've never seen this done before in a restaurant—a diner or cafeteria, yes, but a full restaurant, never. Is this unusual? You didn't mention it in your review.
washingtonpost.com:
Tom on 21 P
Tom Sietsema: Sorry to hear you had a less than god experience; I got different side dishes with my entrees.
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Washington DC:
Hey Tom,
Steve from KAZ here. I just got a chance to read last week's postings and I'd like to comment. While I understand that by nature my servers tend to be more "pleasant" than outwardly friendly, it sounds like a couple of the posters may not have even gotten a pleasant experience and there is no excuse for that happening. We try so hard here to make sure every guest has great food and great service. If the posters or anyone else would like to offer comments to me to help this restaurant, I ask them to call me personally at KAZ. If I'm not there, please leave your number and I will call you back. YOU are the reason we are here, and we know that.
Tom Sietsema: One of the things I like about this forum is the dialogue it creates between restaurant-goers and restaurant owners. Thanks for extending the "invitation" to readers to comment on your operation, Steve.
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Washington, DC:
Tom, Have my 13 year old sister visiting for her spring break and wanted to do something fun with her for dinner. Any ideas? Maybe $20-$25 a person -- she doesn't like food that is too exotic. Thanks!;
Tom Sietsema: How about a hot dog and hand-cut fries at the counter at Johnny's Half Shell? Or a thin-crusted pizza at Two Amys? Or a few tapas (there are dozens to consider) at Jaleo?
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Florence: Washington DC:
I highly recommend ENOTECA PINCHIORRI in Florence. Take a lot of money.
Via Ghibellina 87,
Phone: 055/242777
Tom Sietsema: Grazie!
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Miami FL:
Re birthday at fine dining establishments: I ate my birthday dinner at Colvin Run Tavern recently; I mentioned the occasion when I made reservations and was rewarded with a personalized menu and a coffee mug full of cookies to take home. Plus a fantastic meal!; It doesn't hurt to mention that you're celebrating a special date; you might be pleasantly surprised.
Tom Sietsema: Sweeeeeeet gesture.
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Sunny and Warm, FL:
Tom,
After all of the service complaints of the last few weeks, I had to relay a different experience of mine. I was in DC for a convention last week and had two great service experiences - both regarding lunches with clients. The first was at Legal Seafood (not my choice, but hey...). We were to meet at noon for a business lunch. I arrived first and was promptly seated. My server informed me of the specials and also told me she was new and apologized in advance for any gaffs. My client called and was running 15 minutes late. The staff was great. Checked in at appropriate time intervals and in no way made me feel out of place for holding a table. Once my client arrived, the service was excellent. A more senior server came by twice during the meal to make sure the "rookie" had everything under control. It was a very nice experience.
The second was two days later. Again for a business lunch. This time at Tocana West on I Street. This was a very important meeting for me with a demanding client. The service, food, and overall dining experience was excellent. Our table ordered a wide variety of entrees and everyone's food was superb. Out of a table of 7, we had one person who did not order a salad course. The staff did an excellent job of attending to this person during the time the rest of us were served. Additionally, the Manager came by twice during the meal to make sure everything was going well.
Kudos to both establishments!;!;
Tom Sietsema: As regulars to this chat know, I'm always happy to report random acts of deliciousness here.
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Washington, DC:
Please please please stop saying "cool beans." The expression is dated and ridiculous, and not worthy of a skilled writer such as yourself.
Tom Sietsema: Ouch! Okay, okay, okay ....
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Silver Spring, MD:
Help for this Weekend!; Our daughter lives in Frederick, MD. My husband and I are finally going up to visit this Saturday and would like to take her to lunch. We eat anything, but she is more basic, such as steak, chicken, not too exotic. No "family" restaurant please. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
On another note, dined at La Paradou last week. The food and service and atmosphere were all amazing. However, the wine list is generally prohibitive because of the cost. Far too many bottles well into the hundreds of dollars, while only a few under $100. Makes me not want to return because I can't enjoy a meal when I can't afford the wine to go with the meal.
Thanks for the chats.
Tom Sietsema: Try the Tasting Room or the recently relocated Zest. Both have good reputations. And I agree with you about the wine prices at LP: Ouch!
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Arlington, VA:
Hi Tom. Can you clarify the common policy on charging tabs when a credit card has been requested to open it? At Cafe Asia in Arlington last night (03/23/05) I was asked to provide a credit card to open a bartab while I waited for my companion. Though I intended to pay in cash, I gave them a card for convenience sake. Imagine my surprise when I asked for the check and was loudly told (in front of my companion, on our 2nd date) that my credit card was declined. At other establishments I've always been afforded the courtesy of being asked whether or not I would like to have the check put on the card. Not only was I put off by the presumptuousness of the barstaff but I was incredibly embarrassed as well. On a related note, I know they're trying to maintain a hip vibe at said bar but the loud techno music is more fitting for a niteclub. Perhaps if the music were kept at a more reasonable volume (and catered more to the bar's demographic) the server would not have had to shout that my card had been declined. Sorry to prattle on but this was an incredible turn-off and I hope to spare others the same bad experience.
Sincerely,
Tiffany C.
Tom Sietsema: Sorry to hear about your sour experience. I, too, prefer it when the server asks if I want to keep my tab on a credit card. Instead of announcing to the world that your charge was denied, the server should have discretely returned the card, mentioned that it wasn't "taking" (or whatever) and asked if you'd like to pay another way.
To the waiters in today's peanut gallery: How do YOU handle such a delicate issue?
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Silver Spring, Md.:
Hi Tom, I need help! My boyfriend (of 1.5 yrs) and I are introducing our parents in two weeks. He's from England, and this is the first time his parents have come over to visit in about 3 years. We want to take both sets out to dinner on a Thursday night. I have been dying to try Jackie's since it's local and I have heard such good things about it - the food seems to be a good fit for all parties and the prices seem within budget for me (although I'm sure the parents will insist on paying). My problem is this: my father HATES loud restaurants and will not be able to hear if it is too loud (but, of course, I don't want a place that's dead quiet incase conversation doesn't flow!). Is Jackie's rowdy? Or is there a part of the restaurant I can request to sit in so that we avoid bar crowds? I'd really appreciate your advice, thanks!
washingtonpost.com:
Here's just the thing you need from today's Food section -- a noise chart of local restaurants.
Tom Sietsema: Dad won't like Jackie's, I'm afraid, for just the reason you site.
Corduroy, Little Fountain Cafe, Melrose, Bombay Club and Sea Catch are all quieter choices.
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Washington, DC:
I would like to treat several friends, no more than eight total, to dinner to celebrate my 40th birthday. I would like a place with great food where we can also have a conversation and celebrate. The food is the most important part.
Tom Sietsema: I'd call Restaurant Eve in Old Town and cross my fingers that it has space for you in its chef's tasting room. And I'm getting good reports from readers again about 2941 in Falls Church (which I thought had slipped the last time I ate there, about six months ago). That communal table at Buck's Fishing & Camping waaaaaay up on Conecticut Ave. is another option.
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Bethesda, MD:
Trying to find a new moderate priced Italian restaurant in Rockville or Bethesda to try. Any Suggestions?
Tom Sietsema: I'm fond of the charming Amici Miei Ristorante, recently reviewed by Eve Zibart in the Weekend section. Lovely pastas, pizza and service. It's at 1093 Seven Locks Road in Rockville. (301) 545-0966.
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Arlington, Va.:
I'd like to give big praise to Firefly. My girlfriend and I were scheduled to have dinner there on the night of her birthday, about ten days ago. We had to postpone for a week, however, because of a minor medical emergency. When we finally made it there for dinner, the staff graciously asked about her health and wished her a belated happy birthday, complete with candles on her dessert. Plus, they gave us the best table in the house!; The food was excellent, but the warm-hearted service made it very special.
Tom Sietsema: That sounds like the Firely I know!
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Washington, D.C.:
Tom: You recently wrote an article about the newly opened establishment signed as "Opera". The formerly popular Kuna restaurant is now called Opera? What would drive a restaurant owner to change a successful joint so drastically? Also, I noticed that not until the name was changed that it received any press. Why is that?
Also, I would love to hear your take on all the hidden gyms in this city that have yet to be discovered by the flashy and pretensious. Hit me off line if you wish to still keep it as a hidden gym.
Thanks
Tom Sietsema: Actually, I reviewed Kuna in the paper, included it in my restaurant book and frequently suggested it as a moderately-priced Italian place in this forum during its short life.
Hidden gems? I try not to keep secrets from my readers. Sooner or later, they get revealed in print.
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Washington, DC:
Sushi Taro for value sushi? I do not think so. Their prices are the same as the much better Sushi Ko.
For value sushi there is no question that THE PLACE TO GO is Kotobuki on Macarthur Blvd. $1 a piece and great quality. For breakfast in Dupont, Firefly is really great.
Thanks Tom.
Tom Sietsema: Ah, yes, Kotobuki! I reviewed it and adored the place. Thanks for jogging my memory. Too bad it's so removed from the action, way up there on MacArthur Boulevard, though. Unless, of course, that's where you live.
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Clifton, VA:
In Rome, Florence and Venice avoid any place whose menu is translated into English. Get off the tourist track. Make friends with hotel staff for recommendations. For breakfast and lunch get take out from the little shops. Pannini's fried stuff rice balls pastries etc. Walk around and look for where the Italians from the neighborhood are eating.
Tom Sietsema: You are my kind of road warrior.
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Washington, DC:
How about Teaism for a Dupont Circle breakfast?
Tom Sietsema: Another good idea.
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A rejoinder on vegetarian food:
I have nothing against the vegetarians or the vegans per se, although I am not one of them. I do think that they are a bit out of line when they act as though restaurants have a responsibility to offer vegetarian or vegan menus. I don't see how any restaurant has any obligation to offer anything in particular (aside from complying with the health code, of course). It might cost them a few customers, but isn't that a choice you make in running a business? I mean--you don't go to the Palm for the salad, you know?
Tom Sietsema: Yes, but restaurants are also in the hospitality business, with the task of giving people what they want, within reason. No, I wouldn't go to a steak place for its vegetarian pasta, but it would be nice for said restaurant to offer two or more appealing dishes that someone who refrains from eating meat might enjoy.
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WDC Honeymoon in Florence:
For the honeymooners going to Florence, you have try Cibreo. They have both a formal restaurant which which requires advanced planning to get a reservation. But they also have a no-reservation 'back door' section of the restaurant where you sit on the other side of the kitchen at communal tables. The food is nothing short of amazing, and perhaps one of my best dining experiences... and we ate at the communal table!;
Tom Sietsema: I, too, have very nice memories of the place, which I last had the pleasure of eating in about six years ago.
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Vienna, VA:
Following on today's article on restaurant noise, I like the SF Chronicle's rating that includes a number of "Bells" for the noise level. I have used this rating not to decide if to go to a restaurant, but when. I must admit that we were to try Rice this evening before Studio Theatre but may stick to something quieter. Have you often considered this dimension in your reviews? Maybe the availability of quieter tables?
Tom Sietsema: When a place is uncomfortably noisy, I try to mention that in my review. But I DO think noise symbols are a worthwhile piece of information in a restaurant review.
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Arlington, Va.:
Hi Tom,
With this being the second week of spring, what restaurants are doing the best job of evoking flavors of spring? Also, what foods do you get excited about when the winter doldrums finally wane? Thanks!
Tom Sietsema: Restaurants are only now getting much spring flavor on their menus. It's been a long and cold winter. But I do like to see things like shad, rhubarb and such on menus when I'm out and about.
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Birthday Girl:
I recently had a birthday (my 23rd) and was taken to the bar at Kinkead's in a "won't it be cool when we can really eat here" gesture by my boyfriend. Not only did the fabulous bartender bring me a free glass of champagne the moment my martini was emptied, he too brought me cookies in a Kinkead's mug and gave my boyfriend Haribo gummie bears when he heard he had studied in Bonn, Germany (where they are produced). It was such a class act, especially when he knew we were not going to be his high rollers of the night!;
A question - I would love to try some of the "old school" restaurants in DC. I recently went to La Chaumiere and loved the old-fashioned feel of it. Where else would you recommend that has been around and been good forever?
Tom Sietsema: Well, there's The Prime Rib, with its live music and strict dress code. And L'Auberge Chez Francoise continues to pack 'em in for old-fashioned French cooking. Any others I'm overlooking?
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I like "cool beans":
I would never diss anything that brought a smile to my face, which "cool beans" did. That clickster needs to get a life, or get their own chat (which I won't be logging into). Lighten up!;
Tom Sietsema: Someone just suggested I switch to "neat-o" instead.
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re: Spring flavors:
David Guas, of DC Coast and Ceiba, will be on "The Today Show" on Friday morning to present rhubarb desserts.
Tom Sietsema: This must be his lovely wife (and publicist) chiming in .....;)
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Takoma Park, MD:
Noise ratings help, but I'd like level-of-light ratings too. I couldn't see either the menu or my food at the balcony of DC Coast a while back.
Never again!;
Tom Sietsema: And let's not forget the problem of TOO MUCH lighting. Case in point: Blacksalt's lounge, lit as if it were an operating room.
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I'm 32:
Hi, 5 year old. I'm 32. My wife and I
choose not to have children. So, please
tell your mommy and daddy that we don't
appreciate them letting you run around,
yell, scream cry, or annoy us when we go
out to eat.
I don't think I'm important...but neither are
you or your mommy and daddy. Wild
teenagers aren't appropriate at
restaurants, so noisy, annoying, and
spoiled 5 year olds aren't as well!;
Tom Sietsema: Uh oh, what have we started today?
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Re: Vegetarian Obligation:
No, restaurants are not obligated to provide anything beyond food that doesn't violate health codes. However, maybe restaurants should be looking at the big picture. Let's say a party of 10 (or 20) wants to have a night out, but one diner is a vegetarian. The party is more likely to pick a place with a vegetarian option.
Tom Sietsema: How true. I mean, look how often that very question pops up here.
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Arlington, Va:
I loved the Peking Duck at Yanyu - where to go now? Long ago I ate at Peking Gourmet Inn and enjoyed it - is the duck still good? Thanks so much.
Tom Sietsema: In a recent Weekly Dish column, I mentioned that a number of Yanyu's specialties would be offered now and then at its sibling restaurants, Spices and Nooshi.
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16th and L, Washington, D.C.:
Tom, Love your chat! Love your writing! How do you feel you're filling the shoes left behind by Phyllis Richman? To be honest, I wasn't reading the Post prior to you and so I only know of Ms. Richman's reputation. I'm asking this question now because you've really got quite a nich for yourself and you've got some very loyal readers - myself included. Just curious!
Tom Sietsema: Personally, I miss reading Phyllis Richman, my longtime mentor and friend. And I'm sure a lot of other readers do, too. She is very smart, very opinionated and has a terrific palate. Fortunately for her fans, she continues to write for a variety of publications as a freelancer.
Following a legend is not easy. I remember telling people when I got this job five years ago (gosh, has it been that long?) that I had big pumps to fill. I think she and I have slightly different approaches to the task, but we tend to agree more than disagree about most restaurants. But that's to be expected of two different personalities, right?
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Papaya Garden @ Seven Corners::
So on my way to eat at Four Sisters at Eden Center last week, my mother and I noticed yet another new vietnamese restaurant across the street from the center. We asked ourselves how such a small area could support so many vietnamese restaurants, let alone one that wasn't catching the Eden Center foot traffic. But, we decided to give it a chance and Papaya Garden turned out to be GREAT!; It was truly as good as any meal I have had at Four Sisters. We shared a vegetarian spring roll that included a wonderfully flavored friend tofu. We then shared the traditional vermicilli noodle, chicken, bowl and the surprisingly excellent caramel Salmon. The diners near us were all vietnamese and appeared to choose from the long list of more pho oriented broth dishes, which I will save for next time. The meal was great and Papaya Garden is certainly deserving of critical review.
Tom Sietsema: Sounds like a promising tip! Thanks for sharing it with the peanut gallery.
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Cranky Chatters:
Tom --
I am a loyal reader and over the past few months, I've seen two disturbing trends evolve. First, I think you are being played by cranky diners who are in search of free meals. The spate of emails identifying negative dining experiences with such detail that it is impossible for the restaurant NOT to offer an apology and a free meal in return, is overwhelming. And that's just based on the comments you choose to post!; Why are you enabling them? If people have such negative experiences, I suggest they grow up and call the restaurant directly instead of going through you in what is classic passive/aggressive behavior.
Second, and much more importantly, I firmly believe that you should not be posting personal information about employees (e.g., server's name, bartender's name, physical descriptions) without giving the restaurant and/or the employees a chance to respond simultaneously. Simply saying "-INSERT RESTAURANT NAME HERE], care to respond to this?", during the limited time frame of your weekly chat is not enough. People's reputations and livelihoods are at stake. And, as you always try to point out (though I think it's too little too late), there are always two sides to every story. I enjoy hearing about dining debacles as much as the next person, and these discussions consistently influence my dining choices. But I don't need to know that the bartender or server named X was particularly rude to decide that I'm not going to patronize that restaurant. It is patently unfair to use the names of the "accused" when they have not been afforded a chance to defend themselves in the courtroom of public opinion, aka your chats. I suggest you accept the very prominent position you occupy in the DC restaurant world and start wielding your power more wisely. At a minimum, please, scrub the employees' names unless the "accused" are able to offer their version of events in conjunction with those of the posters.
For the record, I have no personal or familial connection to the restaurant industry in any way, shape, or form.
Andrea A.
Cleveland Park
Tom Sietsema: Trust me, I've thought about this a lot in the last few weeks. And you raise some valid concerns. I don't see myself holding back negative posts, but I WILL try to delete names of actual people involved, at least in this forum, which is live.
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Silver Spring, Md.:
Hi Tom. The other day my family and I dined at the Cheesecake Factory. It was a large group, and 18% gratuity was added to the bill. After my father paid, the waiter kept hovering around, I assume waiting for another tip. When my father pointed out to him that the tip was included in the bill, the waiter responded "well, that was gratuity." The end result was, we didn't give him anymore money, but have you ever heard of a waiter saying there was a difference between tip and gratuity? Or was he trying to pull a fast one? thanks!
Tom Sietsema: There is no difference between a tip and a gratuity. Something tells me your waiter isn't long for the Cheesecake Factory -- or any other restaurant in the field.
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Fairfax, Va.:
Tom, This may seem like an unusual question, but I am hopeful that you can provide an answer. Our family moved to the DC area about six months ago and our youngest daughter, 14, recently started 'dating' a nice boy whose father we learned is a chef at a local restaurant. Not sure about his first name, but the last name is Bubin. Are you familiar with him and the restaurant where he works?
Tom Sietsema: (Is this a joke?)
Yes, I've heard of Jeff Bubin, whose multiple restaurants -- Bistro Bis on the Hill, Vidalia downtown -- have made Washington a more interesting city in which to dine.
In other words, your daughter is dating the son of a rock star, culinarily speaking.
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Washington DC:
Tom - A few coworkers and I were thinking about heading over to Cafe Asia after work today. How do you think their sushi compares to others in the city? Thanks.
Tom Sietsema: I can think of several better spots for sushi, but I presume you want a scene to go along with it, right?
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Arlington, VA:
With Spring and warm weather rolling around, which restaurants with outdoor seating do you recommend?
Tom Sietsema: I'm eager to dine al fresco at the Oval Room, Les Halles, Poste, Tabard Inn and Addie's, among other restaurants.
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Washington, DC:
Hey Tom. I just barely missed the chat live today, but noticed the (very good) note about the barbecue tour in my hometown of Memphis. The chatter noted that Red Hot & Blue clearly copied Corky's. I'm Joel Wood, one of the three founders of RH&B, and the chatter's exactly right ... when we opened in 1988, we had arranged a deal with the owners of Corky's to buy in to their recipes, techniques, suppliers and training. We have no ongoing relationship with them, but consider them great friends and are extremely grateful for the original affiliation.
One other note ... I notice a lot of childless folk who have a huge chip on their shoulder about kids in restaurants ... one in particular who said that the couple with kids in Bistro Francais should have never taken a 5-yr-old to such a place, noting that there are "kid friendly" alternatives. Generally speaking, as the parent of a 7- and 4-yr-old, I agree that parents should exercise discretion, but c'mon, I can't take my kids to Bistro Francais? Do I really have to take them to Red Hot & Blue every time???
-- Joel Wood (in my real job, I work for Ken Crerar -- please don't tell him what I'm doing at work!;)
Tom Sietsema: Your secret is safe with us!
Thanks for taking the time to write in.
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Washington, D.C.:
Tom -- I have some relatives coming in town tomorrow night on a college visit to your alma mater. Now, I haven't been out to dinner in Georgetown for a while so was wondering if you could suggest a good, well priced restaurant for dinner. Thanks.
Tom Sietsema: Well, you're probably too late for 1789, which requires reservations (and jackets for men). Lower on the scale, but satisfying nonetheless: Bistro Francais (French), Sea Catch (seafood), maybe Cafe Divan (Turkish).
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London:
For the chatter from last week looking for good, cheap places to eat in London..notoriously difficult to find!; Borough Market is an excellent place to start, but some other recommendations -
Tas (Turkish chain, 3 branches in Southwark, near the London Eye)- fresh, and authentic
Busaba Eatthai - avoid the one on Wardour Street (too crowded, too Soho), go to the one off Tottenham Court Road
SeaShell - Lisson Grove, off Edgeware Road, commonly considered to be the best fish and chips in London
Ranoush - on Edgeware Road, the 'Arab quarter' of London - simple lebanese good and great, freshly squeezed juice!;
Boulevard Brasserie - French bistro right by Covent Garden
Orangerie - in Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park - great atmosphere for an old-fashioned afternoon tea
Tom- I can't believe you tried Amaya and not Rasoi Vineet Bhatia when you were in London!;
Tom Sietsema: Hey, I was in London exactly three days. I couldn't eat EVERYWHERE on my list!
Thanks for your suggestions.
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Fairfax, Va.:
Love your chats! I'm graduating from Georgetown this May (my M.A. is finally done! hopefully...) and my parents want to take me and maybe some friends out for dinner that night. Criteria: We're definitely NOT limited to the Georgetown area, we really like places such as Ten Penh (and want to spend about that much as well), and none of us like French food. The ceremony is on a Friday night, but should be over by 5:30 at the latest. The party could be anywhere from 3 people to 7. So there's the guantlet -- what would be your suggestion?
Thanks so much! Keep up the good work!
Tom Sietsema: Congratulations! I'm thinking Ceiba, Etrusco, Cashion's Eat Place, Vidalia and Oya in Arlington -- very different venues, but all interesting -- would make for festive segues.
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Washington, DC:
Any suggestions about where to take a friend for a
comfort meal? We're taking a friend out tonight who's
having a hard time with life as of late, and we would like
to take her somewhere cozy and quiet in DC, hopefully
with entrees south of $20 (and, or course, with a full bar).
Do you or your readers have any good ideas where to have
a good warm dinner that will make a friend feel better?
Tom Sietsema: Dinner at Little Fountain Cafe always makes ME feel a little cheerier. So do meals at (the bar at) Palena, Corduroy, Two Amys, Al Tiramisu and Buck's Fishing & Camping.
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Boston, Mass.:
A few times in these chats, you've mentioned that you
were decisively not impressed with Bradley Ogden, the Las
Vegas restaurant. Can you elaborate on why you were
disappointed? Thanks.
Tom Sietsema: Let me count the ways: Blase greeting, a table near noisy slot machines, indifferent cooking -- and a bill for two that came close to my monthly condo fee.
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College Park, Md.:
What is the best Indian food restaurant in the District?
Tom Sietsema: I like Heritage India in Glover Park for yupscale dining and (the all-vegetarian) Nirvana downtown for something more budget-friendly.
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Arlington, Va:
Thanks for your extremely fair review of an extremely fair restaurant, 21P. Only up from here, so far as I can tell, thanks.
Tom Sietsema: Um, thanks (I think).
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Italy:
I second the 'avoid the translated menus'.
Two stories: On our first night in Venice my husband and I were craving good pasta (coming from France where we had our fill of crepes etc). I ordered what I thought was pasta and out comes gnocci. I was all prepared to send it back (I don't like gnocci here) when I took a bite and it was the best thing I had tasted the whole trip. My mouth is still watering...
Be careful what you order. Our tradition was to after dinner, wander to a little place and order a bottle of wine. We had a lot of success except one night in Florence. We ordered a Sweet Tuscan Dessert wine. It came in a little bottle which had us confused but oh well. The first sip told us why. It tasted like straight bourbon. I don't think it was bad that's just what it was. It's still a good joke between us.
Tip: the lasagne in Italy is very good but don't expect the American version. It's usually very deconstructed.
Tom Sietsema: Great postings today. Thanks so much for participating, everyone.
See you next Wednesday.
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