Ask Tom

Hank's Oyster Bar, stars

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. You can access his Postcards from Tom to read his recommendations for other cities or read transcripts of previous "Ask Tom" chats . Tom's Sunday magazine reviews, as well as his "Ask Tom" column, are available early on the Web.

The transcript follows.

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Farragut Square, Washington, D.C.: Help Tom! This just got dumped on my lap: I have to plan the birthday lunch for one of my co-workers. She's leaving the restaurant choice up to me, since I'm so particular (all I said was that I didn't like Bertucci's). Where's a good place, moderately priced, for a small group (8-10) in the Golden Triangle area?

Tom Sietsema: You'll get a group pat on the back if you book a table at Bombay Club, Sesto Senso or Spezie -- all better than Bertucci's!

Good morning, all.

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Madison, Wisc.: Hey, Tom. Displaced DC-er here who lives vicariously through your chats.

For the chatter looking for Madison recs - here are a handful of suggestions:

Blue Marlin, Harvest, Johnny Delmonico's, L'Etoile, Ocean Grill, Restaurant Magnus, Tornado Room. Two people should be able to enjoy a full dinner for around $100 at any of these places. I'd recommend he or she go to www.isthmus.com - which is the local weekly - and check out the profiles of these restaurants to find one suitable for the newlyweds.

Cheers, and thanks for helping keep the homesickness at bay.

Tom Sietsema: Reader Mike Lind also sent me these suggestions following last week's online discussion (thanks):

Hi Tom,

A couple of suggestions for your chatter looking for Madison, WI restaurant ideas. I lived in Madison for six years before moving to DC and have plenty of places I love to eat. By far, though, my favorite is Restaurante La Paella. I sincerely miss this place! While you wait for your table, sample from about 30 different wines from the wine tasting bar. Then on to the meal: My favorite tapas: Caracoles a la Francesa, Albondigas Catalanas and Queso de Cabra al Horno. Favorite entrees: Of course the Paella (which head chef Tomas will more than likely dish out to you at your table himself), but the Solomillo a la Pimienta is the most delicious filet I've ever had. This is a tough call, though: It's hard not to get the Paella, but you need two people to agree on it, so if there's any conflict: Go with the filet!

As a second choice, and something I would recommend as a gift for newlyweds is Quivey's Grove. The setting here is much more romantic. Recommendation: Begin with drinks at the Stable Grill, then take the 60 foot long tunnel to the Stone House for dinner. I have only eaten there a couple of times, but it was fantastic both times I went. I like the Schurz Schnitzel and the Beef Barstow.

Another local favorite is the Kennedy Manor.

Hope this helps!

Mike Lind

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Arlington, Va.: I enjoy your chats- thanks.

Do you have any suggestions for good sushi in Arlington (Clarendon Area) besides Matuba?

Tom Sietsema: Kapai on Wilson Boulevard is pleasant.

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Chevy Chase, Md.: Tommy -

(Can I call you that?) How long before a menu gets "stale." We really love Jackie's in Silver Spring but find its menu a little tiring. -It probably doesn't help we're there at least once a month.]

While Jackie has weekly specials - the fried chicken is to die for - it's getting a little old now. Are there general rules for adding new stuff? Seasons? Availability of ingredients?

Or is this something that Jackie - or any restaurateur - would like to hear from their clientele? Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Chefs and restaurateurs frequently tell me that it's sometimes hard to switch out dishes, because regulars like to return to them -- and customers get upset when they find out favorites are no longer being offered. But I agree: the menu at Jackie's could use a little tweak. The one I saw recently read a lot like the one I reviewed.

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Arlington, Va.: Tom, with all due respect to your review of Charleston on Sunday, I feel reviewing out-of-town restaurants in the Sunday spot is useless for most of your readers. I suggest that you could do a periodic Sunday with Tom feature which covers a group of restaurants in nearby cities such as Baltimore, Richmond, and maybe even Wilmington, Delaware. Tom eating his way through Pittsburgh sounds more fun than covering one downtown restaurant somewhere that none of us will ever get to see.

Tom Sietsema: But Charleston is a very important restaurant! And plenty of readers live or work near Baltimore (and Annapolis and Fairfax and Warren ton and Easton and ....)

Even if they DON'T live or work nearby, they might like to know about it for a special occasion.

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Baltimore, Md.: Thanks for reviewing Charleston, Sunday. Cindy Wolfe is an amazing chef who is innovative in her approach to her restaurant. With her husband Tony Foreman, they've created one of the best restaurant experiences I've had.

Baltimore is attracting more and more Washington residents. I'd like to see you spend even more time here - there are a number of good restaurants here, and a few great ones. Maybe you should consider doing a Postcard column or at least do a restaurant review every two months or so of Baltimore restaurants.

Tom Sietsema: Ah, you must be a newbie to these chats! Otherwise, you'd recall the recent backlash from readers asking why the heck I bothered with a restaurant (Pazo, which is also owned by the couple) in Baltimore. Thanks for providing just the ammo I can fire back at the critics! lol

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Annapolis, Md.: Hi Tom,

I enjoy the chats and I have a question about your review of Charleston last week. I have always considered Charleston to be the best of what Baltimore has to offer, and was very surprised that you consider it on par with its cousin Pazo, and in DC, Notti Bianchi, Vidalia, Etrusco, Jaleo etc. Was it the food, the unfortunate remark by a staff member, or something else? Are there any better restaurants in or near Baltimore right now? Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: I hardly think three stars (an "excellent" rating) is a disservice to Charleston, which does a lot splendidly. It's on par with a number of great restaurants in Washington, including Palena and Charlie Palmer Steak.

One service slip was not why I gave the place three stars instead of four. I didn't give it four stars because Charleston is not (yet) "superlative." If you reread my review, you'll note a couple of dishes that fall short.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Hi Mr. Tom. I just wanted to give a suggestion and ask a question. For last week's poster looking for Beef Wellington, Fleming's Steakhouses have it. It's FABULOUS! They call it Beef Flemington.

Now my question. My friends and I have lost a lot of weight, but we still aren't the slimmest people. When we order food sometimes, we get snide weight-related comments from the waitstaff! How do we handle these? They really hurt! I only go out to order the foods that I won't keep in my house and treat myself to, so the order could be interpreted as unhealthy. But either way, isn't it just my business??

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for the Wellington tip.

Can you be more specific about what waiters are saying to you?

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Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.: Tom, Tom,

I must share the great experience I had. I'll try to make this brief. Last Saturday, I went to Zola, first time. When I arrived, Jeff, the maitre d' made me feel like I was a VIP. The food was tasty and the service attentive (They offered a black napkin for my black dress). I know that most people on this chat complain, but if more places did as good of a job as Zola, the complaints would stop.

Thank you for being there to voice our experiences. (Both negative and positive)

Keep up the GREAT work.

Tom Sietsema: I'm glad to hear about your positive experience. My last visit there, a month or so ago, was less than stellar. The menu was virtually identical to the one that I ate from a year earlier, and you couldn't begin to tell what season it was, judging from the ingredients (lots of root vegetables - in deep summer!) On the other hand, I love the space and my server was tops.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom,

I am looking for someplace to have a romantic breakfast with my husband for our anniversary next Tuesday. We would prefer someplace downtown or on the Hill that has really good food. A nice ambiance would be good as well, but the food is more important.

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: I like Bis on the Hill for breakfast (though a recent dinner there was really disappointing. Definitely not up to the standards Mr. Buben, the owner, would apply.)

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Washington, D.C.: Dear Tom,

I was chatting with a chef who told me he receives a list and record of every time his restaurant is mentioned on your chat. Is it true that he can see the chatters' info? he said he knew it was a girl who had posted something about his restaurant. . . and I was arguing saying that you don't know the sex of the person, only their city and state. So, am I wrong? I've written some harsh things about restaurants to you in the past, and none of those restaurants have contacted me. Did they know it was me that wrote about them, or is it anonymous?

Tom Sietsema: Fear not. Members of the public cannot see the original email addresses of the people who submit to this chat.

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Washington, D.C.: I just want to say THANK YOU for all the suggestions over the years in your chats. My parents were in town last weekend for their annual visit, and I took your sage advice given to others over the years and made a reservation at Citronelle. It was a fabulous meal, and my father (being an somewhat of a wine connoisseur) loved the meal and the wine list.

We also went to Hank's Oyster Bar and loved it. So thank you!

Tom Sietsema: Sounds like your tribe ate very well over the weekend!

Thanks for the feedback.

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Washington, D.C.: Making my first trip to South Beach next month; your postcard is a from 2001; any new suggestions I should know about??

Tom Sietsema: Hang tight! I'm going there early next month to check out the latest crop of restaurants for Travel.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Hey Tom,

Tried Sonoma for the first time last night. I really wanted to love it, as it's in my neighborhood and sounded from your review like my kind of place. The food was everything I had hoped for, but we were disappointed by the service, especially at the bar upstairs. Took far too long to get a drink, although we were the only ones there at the time. Service downstairs was slow but friendly. I'm hoping they're still working the kinks out, and plan to give it another try soon...

Tom Sietsema: I think Sonoma is still working on its service. Give 'em some time; that second-story lounge just opened.

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washingtonpost.com: The Weekly Dish about Sonoma's lounge .

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Washington, D.C.: I agree with your choice to review Baltimore and other "out of town" restaurants, Tom. Don't let these naysayers get you down! It's nice to know about a place that I could create a trip to Baltimore around!

Tom Sietsema: Whew!

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Fairlington, Va.: Tom, I love your work. I just have one question/criticism...

I don't really have all the data to back this up, but it seems like the great majority of the places you've reviewed end up with two stars. Sonoma? 2 stars. Blacksalt? 2 stars. Del Merei? 2 stars.

So, do you think this simply means that most restaurants in the area fall into this sort of mediocre to good rating, or is it possible that the star rating system, with just five possible classifications (O-4) doesn't leave you enough options to really differentiate between say, Ray's the Steaks (2 stars), Full Kee (2 stars), Ginger Cove (2 stars), Guajillo (2 stars), Hank's (2 stars), etc...

Did you set up the system intentionally just so that maybe 1 to 3 restaurants in town achieve 4 stars and perhaps 5-10 make 3 stars ? If so, doesn't lumping "the rest" in the 2-star category make it difficult for us to gauge your opinion on them since there are literally dozens that fall into this category?

Thanks for all your hard work, and hard eating.

Tom Sietsema: Your question (and it's a good one!) will be answered (and hopefully solved) soon. Very soon.

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Washington, D.C.: I know you get this question from time to time, but I'm having a hankering, particularly because summer refuses to end...

Where can you get awesome fried chicken?

Tom Sietsema: How about some awesome Cornish hen, in the guise of fried chicken? You'll find it at Colorado Kitchen.

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College Park, Md.: Hey Tom!

You do such a great job in this forum. Definitely a D.C. treasure. Keep it up. On to the question. I am, At last, after reading for months in this forum about 2Amys, going to be having lunch with friends there tomorrow. Anything I shouldn't miss? Apps? Desserts? Thanks for such a great forum. You have yet to steer me wrong in

Tom Sietsema: Definitely, you'll want to check out the charcuterie. Definitely, you should pay attention to the special pizzas. I also love the deviled eggs to start and the marsala custard to finish.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Tom--Do your ID cards carry your real picture or that little illustration at the top of the chat page?

Tom Sietsema: Take a guess.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi Tom -- I enjoy your chats, always some new tidbit to enjoy. My husband and I dined at La Ferme in Chevy Chase and had a delightful meal. We've now been there several times for special occasions or dinner with family and friends and the food is always top notch with a charming country atmosphere. Yet I rarely see this restaurant mentioned on-line or during restaurant surveys. What your opinion -- have you visited recently?

Tom Sietsema: Gosh, I haven't been there in ages, at least four years.

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Not the "Baltimore" thing again: Nobody flinches when you go review that little restaurant out

in Washington, VA, and that's a longer hike than Baltimore

for many. CHILL OUT. Let the man review restaurants in

Baltimore and quit yer bitchin'.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for reading my mind aloud.

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Washington, D.C.: Mario Batali's father runs a salumeria that I believe does mail order and has an internet site...would you happen to have the url? Need some homemade salami!!! No pun intended, of course.

Tom Sietsema: Salumi, the purveyor in question, is one of Seattle's hidden gems. It's number is 206-621-8772. Don't miss the lamb prosciutto!

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Silver Spring, Md.: What's up with the restrictive "no food served in the bar" policy at the new bar/restaurant Ceviche in downtown Silver Spring? My husband and I went their last weekend to have drinks and appetizers -- and the waitress told us -- no appetizers in the bar when the dining area is on a waiting list. I have never heard of a policy like that! They didn't even have anything for folks to munch on in the bar. Can you clarify what the story is? Seems crazy for a new restaurant -- particularly one w/ such great drinks!!!!!!

Tom Sietsema: I just spoke with the general manager of Ceviche, who told me that the menu is available throughout the restaurant -- "the bar, the dining room, everywhere." He apologizes for the misinformation you received.

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Washington, D.C.: My experience yesterday at Carlyle in Shirlington illustrates why it has been one of my favorite restaurants for the past several years. I went there for lunch and opted to eat outside. Unfortunately, my lunch was cut short by some overzealous flies and an aggressive bee. I had to flee my table several times to escape the bee before I finally just gave up and asked for the check. The servers were appropriately apologetic but I pointed out that it wasn't their fault. Upon receiving the check, I noticed that the total was much less than it should have been. I asked the server about this and she said that someone removed a couple of items from my bill. Now, I didn't complain to the management or expect any compensation. When you opt to eat outside you basically take your chances with nature. However, I was thoroughly impressed with management's show of good will. This is just another reason, on top of the consistently good food and service, why I will continue to place Carlyle at the top of my dining list. And for the record, I gave the server a 20% tip on the full meal amount.

Tom Sietsema: I agree: Carlyle was not obliged to comp a thing, since al fresco dining entails dealing with wind, sun and insects. But I like the way the restaurant grabbed your attention with its generosity -- and the way in which you noted the graciousness.

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Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom,

Need a pre-theatre restaurant with quick service for less than $50 dinner for two in Penn Quarter. Any thoughts come to mind? I'm thinking somewhere in between Teaism and Cafe Atlantico, but don't want to wind up at Austin Grill!

Tom Sietsema: Jaleo, Andale and the new Drinx come to mind as options.

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Washington, D.C.: Some advice to the restaurateurs out there on Web sites - don't waste your hard earned on $$ on flash/animated intros no one wants to see. Sure your design firm loves to do it (and charge you for it), but it's a waste of time.

When I'm coming to your site I want to know: your menu (keep it reasonably up to date), how to make reservations, where you are, your phone # and what your hours are. Pictures to give me a sense of YOUR place are good too. (No stock photos!) Links to reviews of your restaurant are also helpful.

FWIW, just visited the Zola site which is an example of what not to do.

Tom Sietsema: Hear that, restaurateurs? Just the facts (and a few nice snapshots), please.

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Notti Bianche: Good morning Tom -

We would like to address last week's comments from one guest regarding slow lunch service at Notti Bianche. As always, we strive to not only anticipate our guests' needs but to exceed them by offering creative and high quality cuisine, and a high level of service to create an overall experience. On behalf of the entire Notti Bianche team, we extend sincere apologies to these guests. We hope that they will relent just a little bit on their decision to never come back. It would be our pleasure to buy them lunch or dinner to begin to make amends and attempt to earn their trust. As has been noted before in your column, we in the restaurant industry are only human and, when issues arise, it is our goal to set things right before the guests leaves.

With regard to the timing of the meal, it is always a difficult balancing act between not making guests feel rushed and pacing their meal too slowly. We are not sure whether the guests informed their server that they wanted a quick lunch, but if the server saw that they were conversing, they probably would not have made repeated attempts to interrupt. In any event, we at Notti Bianche pride ourselves on providing the best dining experience possible for every guest. However, when guests have specific constraints - time limitations, food allergies, noise sensitivities, etc - they are considerably easier to accommodate if we are made aware of their existence in real-time.

We are also sorry that the guest was not specifically offered beverages beyond water, although we are pleased to hear the water was kept filled. Our service standards mandate that our guests be offered beverages at the beginning of the meal period, and when each course is served we ask, "May we bring you anything else".

Once again, let me apologize to this guest and again ask the guest for another chance to make a great first impression (ok, we stole that line from last week's chat but it is such a great one!).

Regards,

Danny Boylen, General Manager

Anthony Chittum, Executive Chef

Mollie Roth, Assistant General Manager

Miles Vaden, Sous Chef

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for your collective response, as well as for the opportunity to remind diners to speak up if there is anything a server or cook needs to know to make a dining experience more enjoyable.

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Greenbelt, Md.: Do you know what has happened to Wurzburg House restaurant?

Tom Sietsema: Alas, I do not -- and no one is answering the phone there this morning, even though the Rockville restaurant was typically open for lunch.

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Washington, D.C.: Dear Tom,

I was unable to participate in the chat, but read Mr. Bruno's reply afterward. This is very upsetting to me, and I want to send you the response I mailed him because I feel that he did both you and me a disservice. You will be happy to know that I will not revisit this issue, but I do feel strongly, since I employed your chat, that I need to reiterate what actually happened. It doesn't do patrons any good to be essentially told that the issue has been resolved, at least to the satisfaction of the restaurant, because a skewed version of the events has been provided by the server in question.

Mr. Bruno relates the server's version of events, and essentially dismisses the entire issue. The server's version of the story is inaccurate (see below), and I regret that this issue has been "resolved" in a manner that causes us to appear as those we are rubes. I contacted you because the management from Taberna chose to ignore my e-mail, but I think it would have been more prudent for the restaurant to discuss the situation with me. As I told Mr. Bruno, we expected no free dinner, no reduction in the bill, nothing. Since we were hoping to enjoy the evening, and did not, we felt it was an opportunity to remedy an unfortunate event for future visits. We've resolved our own issue; there will be no other visits.

For what it's worth, my husband didn't penalize the server in any way in terms of his tip, although I firmly believe the service we received could have and should have been significantly better.

Enjoy the fall. Thanks for your time.

P.S. I find it interesting that Mr. Bruno, like the server who wrote into the chat last week, seems to miss the point completely. The server did not listen to our requests, nor did he respect our wishes. I suppose I should have indicated that the bottle of Rioja the server suggested was over $200, although I could swear he pointed to a bottle of wine that was $235, because Mr. Bruno seems to imply that since I misrepresented the price of the Rioja, I am misrepresenting everything else.

P.P.S. This is the first time I have EVER complained to a restaurant or to you about a restaurant, and it's as thought we are unfamiliar with fine restaurants and the service received in them. We have been to many in DC and elsewhere, and count Restaurant Eve's tasting room and Citronelle among our favorites. I just don't get it.

-----Original Message-----

From: XXX

Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 1:06 PM

To: 'taberna.dc-alabardero.com'

Subject: Attn: Mr. Bruno

I read your version of what we experienced at your restaurant last week in Tom's chat today. It is not quite what happened, as I tried to explain to you last week. To reiterate, the server never asked us if we wanted to keep the bottle of chardonnay that we didn't order. To this minute, I don't know what kind of chardonnay it was, what year, what price. I'm not even sure how we ended up with a bottle of chardonnay, as the guests drinking the white wine had originally told the server, they wanted white wine by the glass, but three different kinds of white wine. My husband doesn't even like chardonnay.

My husband DID NOT ask the server to recommend a bottle of Rioja (that we were planning to drink later on in the evening); the server did this on his own, and precisely when we were trying to order our wine by the glass. A particular Rioja had been suggested to us, and we wanted to try it. It was not a bad t hing that it was less expensive than the three-figure bottle of wine that your server was recommending.-

Of course, your server's version of the events is going to be different than ours, but I am relaying the situation as it occurred. I find it interesting that, although my e-mail indicated that I was looking for nothing from the restaurant, no one from the restaurant found the time to respond to my e-mail. I only wrote in to the Post because the restaurant essentially dismissed me.

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-In deference to you, I thought the price of the wine the server recommended was $235 bottle of wine; maybe it was $240; maybe it was $250; maybe it was $225; but the issue is the fact that he was NOT LISTENING TO US and was focused on suggesting a three-figure bottle of wine at the time we were trying to order three different pre-dinner white wines by the glass.

Tom Sietsema: Last week's chat with the letter from David Bueno .

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U Street, Washington, D.C.: Which is the best of the Ethiopian restaurants? I'm especially interested in which one does the vegetarian dishes the best. I went to Meskerem a few weeks ago and was very disappointed. Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: I can't say they're the best, because I haven't tried all 30 + Ethiopian restaurants around town, but Dukem on U St. and Etete on 9th St. certainly rank among the more delicious choices.

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Baltimore, Md.: Charleston used to have the very best cheese cart in the area, hands down. Is the composed cheese plate as good? Do you get choices or is it just whatever they select for the day? And who is their pastry chef?

Tom Sietsema: The cheese course is still first-rate (and you DO get a nice choice of selections).

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Georgetown, Washington, D.C.: Tom-Is there a date for the release of your new book? I know it's October, but I'll be heading to the bookstore the day it hits. Any details?

Tom Sietsema: I'm eating and typing -- and typing and eating -- as fast as I can to get my copy in by the end of next month. The publication date is mid-November.

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Black's renovations: Does the "more spacious dining room" mean they'll take private parties now? My fiance and I have always loved it and wanted to use it for a rehearsal dinner.

Tom Sietsema: I was referring to more space between tables only. Sorry!

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Denver, Colo.: Tom, thanks for the Charleston review. Before moving to Denver, I lived in Baltimore and my beau and I had one of the best meals of our lives there before I left. After reading about the changes we can't wait to get back for a visit and have another spectacular meal there.

For the person asking about South Beach places, if they want great, authentic, cheap Cuban food they can try Puerto Sagua at 700 Collins Ave. Whenever I visit my friend who lives down there (and is Cuban) we make a point to have a meal there. It's a hole in the wall but sometimes those places serve the tastiest food!

Tom Sietsema: We LOVE holes in the wall with good food! Thanks for the tip.

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Baltimore, Md.: Re your Charleston review: let me remind you and the chatters that the Post offers home delivery in Baltimore. As the Baltimore Sun continues its precipitous decline in quality (a rant for another forum), more and more Baltimoreans are turning to the Post for acceptable journalism. Just because I live in Baltimore doesn't mean that the Post I pay for isn't my paper, and I greatly appreciate occasional coverage aimed at our end of the BW Parkway. Please keep up the good work.

Tom Sietsema: I appreciate your comments.

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Silver spring, Md.: Our mainstays for special event meals are Palena and Corduroy and that Portuguese place in Chevy Chase whose name I can't remember.

Can you give us another suggestion that is on a par with those AND is quiet?

Many thanks. We also love Asian food of all kinds if that helps.

Tom Sietsema: The place you can't remember is Tavira, and it's terrific.

Other quiet places: Makoto in Upper NW, Tosca downtown and Le Paradou off Pennsylvania.

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Washington, D.C.: Okay, so maybe you don't know much/don't care about Friday night fish fry, but maybe some of the chatters do. But I'll be back next week, and the week after, and the week after, with the same fish fry question (where can I find one in DC or MD) until I get an answer.

Tom Sietsema: Geez Louise, if I knew, I'd tell you!

Chatters, help me help out a reader. Fish fries around here? (I remember them fondly from my days as a food editor in Milwaukee.)

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Washington, D.C.: Tom, I don't know how old you are, but I know some restaurants card even those who are obviously of legal drinking age. Do you ever get carded, and if so, do you have an ID with a fake name? Is this legal? Just curious...

Tom Sietsema: I got carded last night! Much to my chagrin and amusement. But I have yet to get busted. Obviously, the checkers are focused more on dates than names.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom! Submitting early in hopes I'll get your take on this. I am not a "whining diner" that complains about every aspect of a meal, but I am a stickler for good customer service. My boyfriend and I were having dinner at Hank's Oyster bar, outdoors, on a not very busy monday. We were two people at a four top, with my purse on one chair and expecting a friend to join us for coffee maybe later. After our appetizers, the outdoors area got a bit more busy, and I assume the male host on duty Monday night needed one of our chairs because he brusquely, rudely and without even a glance at us yanked one of the chairs away and placed it at another table.

I'm not asking for a request to take our chair, but a simple nod, or acknowledgement that we're sitting there at the table was necessary. I approached him and said that he should at least make eye contact with the diners he's yanking a chair away from, and acknowledge us, and that his behavior was rude and showed he didn't have a lot of restaurant experience. He dismissed me with a simpering smirk and said, "OK thanks!" and walked away.

Again, Tom, I'm not asking that the restaurant ask your permission to move your chairs or salt shakers or whatever- just make eye contact, be polite, be normal. I think it's the difference between a restaurant that cares about customer service and one that couldn't give less of a crap.

Overall, everything else was fine, and I'm really happy to have Hank's in the neighborhood since other than Sushi Taro and Komi that stretch of 17th Street is really lacking in good restaurants. We obviously tipped the waitress well, and enjoyed our dining experience, but I left with the impression that, at those prices, Hank's should have someone with a little more savoir-faire and customer service skills than that. Am I being too thin-skinned (a bit thin skinned, I'll admit), or should I just expect a restaurant that tops out at $80 for dinner for two to not give two whits about my dining experience? Thanks so much Tom!

Tom Sietsema: If what you're telling me is the whole picture, I'm in your camp. It takes no more time to be courteous than it does to be rude.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi Tom --

I just wanted to write a quick thank you. My husband and I stopped for lunch in Frederick on Saturday on our way up to Taneytown, MD for an anniversary getaway. Before we left, I went on-line and found your recommendation for the Tasting Room in Frederick. We had a lovely lunch at TR -- the food and atmosphere were wonderful, and the service was super. Thanks for your part in making our weekend memorable.

Tom Sietsema: Why, thank you for the thank you!

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom,

I have an exciting week, and am hoping you can make it moreso. First, my boyfriend is moving to th US today. We're having dinner at Little Fountain Cafe tonight; any tips on dishes to make his first dinner here very memorable?

Second, my birthday is this Sunday. I'm debating between brunch (for 4) at Tabbard in or the Kennedy Center. Which would you recommend?

Many thanks!

Tom Sietsema: I hate to ruin your plans, but my last (and recent) meal at Little Fountain was pretty bad. Try instead the new Tabaq on U St. NW, which has a rooftop dining area with cool views of the city.

You're fine with your plans for brunch at the venerable Tabard, however.

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Washington, D.C.: For the theater goer who wanted to spend less than $50, don't rule out Cafe Atlantico. Their three-course pre-theater menu is $22 (or was last time I was there), so without wine it would be just a bit over $50. Choices are limited, but there's no skimping on quality or quantity.

Tom Sietsema: Good suggestion. Gracias.

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Washington, D.C.: Regarding the previous discussion thread about Sonoma's lackluster service: I would beg to differ. I went there with a friend the day after Tom's positive review. The hostess allowed us to talk our way into a 7 pm reservation although, technically speaking, tables were available only at 6:30 pm or 8 pm. Then, although my friend was on time for the reservation, I arrived nearly half an hour late because of a series of last-minute work snafus, underestimating the vagaries of the Blue Line, etc. When I got there, he told me that the waitstaff had been unfailingly pleasant and accommodating, an impression that was confirmed by my own experience throughout the meal. Our waiter was attentive, we didn't feel as if we were being hurried despite the late start, my water glass was kept perpetually full (a blessing on the humid evening), and best of all, the food was terrific. My friend and I agreed we would definitely return.

Tom Sietsema: Fair is fair. Here's a positive review of the service at Sonoma.

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Germantown, Md.: Beef Wellington!!!

So what do you think of this Fleming's Steakhouse?

Do tell - my hubby (& I) would be forever obliged!

Tom Sietsema: I like its wine program a bit more than its steaks, but the chain does a reasonably good job of cooking and serving. That said, I prefer the independents myself.

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Georgetown, Washington, D.C.: Thanks for the info on the book release. I also wrote in about 'Town Hall'. Don't go. Or find out what the deal is with the kitchen. I eat around town about half as much as you-which is still a lot-and this was probably my worst experience thus far. The only other thing that came close was Zed's. Ew.

Tom Sietsema: Ah, Zed's, the 39th best Ethiopian restaurant in town?

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Arlington, Va.: Tom,

Where do you recommend for Brazilian dishes like feijoada and coxinhas in the DC area? Tom, even though you're not Brazilian, or even South America, I trust your ability to know quality.

Keep up the good work beyond the Beltway!

Tom Sietsema: I think Ceiba does a respectable job with that Brazilian treasure.

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S. Arlington, Va.: Tom,

Love this chat. I wanted to share a small note of disappointment. Two weeks ago I asked you about L'Auberge (my sister and I share the same birthday--you recommended a dish with sauerkraut and the plum tart). I have lived in the DC area all my life and we finally went there last Saturday.

Frankly, I don't see what the fuss is all about. The restaurant is charming and warm. The service was great too, albeit that the waiter brought the wrong flavor soufflC/ my partner for desert, he specifically asked for one of the fruit souffl}!nd the waiter brought chocolate. I love chocolate, so I was happy.

However, while the meal was "nice" it's just not what I had imagined after reading accolades for L'Auberge for the last 20 years. I believe for the same cost, we could have gone to City Zen, for much better food. There were four of us at the table, and we all said our meals were delicious. However, there was something also unsaid - I knew no one wanted to be negative, and while I would normally say something, I couldn't since I wasn't picking up the check.

Are the accolades based on service and venue alone? After dining at L'Auberge, there are so many other places I would rather go for good food.

Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: I gave L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls two stars several years ago. I think nostalgia keeps a lot of diners going back. There are some dishes I particularly like, but the menu certainly has its pitfalls. For maximum pleasure, best to look at the entire package rather than just the cooking.

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Rockville, Md.: Tom: What are the ground rules for sending food back to the kitchen? Is there are gray area between what is unacceptable and what is just not to one's liking or up to expectations?

Tom Sietsema: If something is not cooked the way a diner has asked for it to be cooked, that's a dish that should be returned. But I don't think it's fair for someone to return a dish just because it doesn't appeal to him -- though I can certainly understand the temptation.

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Washington, D.C.: I know you usually recommend Makato or Kaz Sushi Bistro among others - but do you have an absolute best sushi pick for the novice sushi eater? My dad is in town this weekend, has always wanted to try sushi, but he has never had it. I am only a beginner myself (really I will only eat the rolls). I was thinking perhaps Spices - that way if he doesn't like the appetizers we can order plain Chinese for a main course? But are they friendly to newcomers to sushi??

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Spices is a fine place to start. I love sitting at the counter there.

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Carlyle redoux: I want to second the 'buzzing bee' story. I have had excellent service at The Carlyle Cafe. Many years ago two friends and I went there. I'm a vegetarian and my friend told me thay have a vegetarian menu - with which I eagerly got to grips. There was, however, ceaser salad on the veggie menu, which can be a bit of of a stickly wicket what with anchovies being blended into the dressing. And indeed, I found out it did have anchovies in it.

So when a manager asked about the meal I told him about this, explaining that if it had been the normal menu this wouldn't have mattered - but I really advised them to change the vegetarian menu in some way as it was quite misleading. He was agast and said he'd get right onto. Later in the meal he came by, gave each of the three of us a $20 gift certificate and told us that he'd also like to offer complementary dessert. This was way above and beyond the call of duty - but let me tell you, much appreciated. It also turned me into a warm and fuzzy customer.

Tom Sietsema: Awwwwwwww.

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Dulles, Va.: Another tip: If you're opening a restaurant (hello, Willow!), make sure that your Web site says you're now open, not "Coming this fall..."

Tom Sietsema: Uh huh.

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Washington, D.C.: I just suggested the Cafe Atlantico pretheater and wanted to correct my earlier statement. It's now $24.95, not $22. I had tried to look at the website, but because it's one of those chic-fancy-flash-video sites a previous poster complained about, I couldn't find the price. I went back, and if you click menu, then pretheater, then the third UNMARKED little white bar in the center top of the screen, they will deign to show you the price.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for correcting yourself.

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re: Hanks: How can you complain about a host utilizing unused chairs when Hank's is ALWAYS busy. And you don't reserve chairs at a place that busy for a friend that might come for 'coffee'. Hank's does not serve dessert. It's not a place to loiter-have your meal and then move on so others can share in this great little place that is constrainted by capacity. Diners have become way too sensitive. If a diner knows the place is busy, and is 'holding' a chair with their posession, shame on them.

Tom Sietsema: I think it was the manner in which the chair was removed, not its removal, that upset the customer.

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Willing to Drive: Same old complaint about reviewing a restaurant that's not within the limits of DC. Goodness gracious, folks, get out of your house! I do NOT understand why people are so limited to their own little neighborhoods. I'm amazed by people who won't get in their cars and drive halfway around the beltway for any reason at all. When I lived in Austin, we'd occasionally jump in our cars and head for San Antonio, or drive over an hour to hit a little bakery in a small town that had the best kolaches. Part of the enjoyment is the trip and the change of scenery.

Also, guess what - the "outside of DC" readers of the Post VASTLY outnumber the "inside DC" readers. When a review appears in the Post for a restaurant in Baltimore, Annapolis, Chantilly (really? Chantilly?), odds are that the place reviewed is a short drive for hundreds of the readers.

So, keep reviewing those "out of town" restaurants. There are plenty of us whose world actually expands beyond a 10 mile radius from home.

Tom Sietsema: I have every intention of getting out and about -- and sometimes waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out and about -- for the dining column.

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Georgetown University: hey tom-

What's your suggestion for a college student on a budget in the georgetown area? As a georgetown alum, i'm sure you know the area (and the college student's short pockets) pretty well. Any places not to miss?

Tom Sietsema: Pizzeria Paradiso, for starters. The pre-fixe menu at Bistro Francaise is pretty good, too, as are snacks at the bar at Neyla.

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Washington, D.C.: You mentioned Drinx as an option in one of your answers... have you reviewed it yet?

Tom Sietsema: I have been by, but have yet to review the place.

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Correcting Rude Service: "I approached him and said that he should at least make eye contact with the diners he's yanking a chair away from, and acknowledge us, and that his behavior was rude and showed he didn't have a lot of restaurant experience."

Be careful how you phrase your suggestions as I think noting his lack of restaurant experience (how does this person know how long this waiter has been at his job?) crosses a line and would put me on the defensive. Just because someone is rude to you doesn't mean you can be rude to them.

Tom Sietsema: Oops, thanks for catching me on that! Tone is everything.

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Hank's: Sounds like the second poster might have been the host himself, based on what I have seen from the host staff there...just my two cents.

Tom Sietsema: You never know!

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Rockville, Md.: Why is it that it took an application, 3 reference calls, 2 home visits and an interview to adopt my dog, but only 4 glasses of wine and a tequila shot to get my baby?

Tom Sietsema: That joke is SO old!

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Washington, D.C.: I'm planning a welcome back from Iraq dinner for my boyfriend's brother and his family in Georgetown. There will be 6-8 of us. I generally go to Sequioas or Tony and Joes and haven't eaten anywhere else in Georgetown in the past couple years. Any place you would recommend? I feel a lot of pressure to make it good considering this will be his first meal back in the states. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: I think you'd all have a lot more fun at Sea Catch along the canal, Bistro Francais on M St., Pizzeria Paradiso down near the Key Bridge or the wine loft above Bistrot Lepic in upper Georgetown. The places you mention have fun views, but not much else, to recommend them.

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Bonus Dinner: Hi Tom, I lo-uh-ove these chats! I just found out that I am getting a bonus and I need help deciding on a place for dinner tonight. Near a red-line metro stop, something with real meals--not tapas-style, any ethnicity, not too very expensive (don't want to blow all the bonus all at once!)

Thanks so much!

Tom Sietsema: (Wow, lots of tapas backlash today!)

You can find a "real" meal at the seafood-themed Pesce in Dupont Circle; the eclectic Komi on 17th & P streets; Lavandou (French) in Cleveland Park and the new Drinx in the MCI Center on F St.

Congrats on the bonus.

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Arlington, Va.: Tom,

I love your chats and think that you have excellent "taste" in restaurants! I'm hoping you will post my comment to drum up some business for a unique, delicious little local restaurant. My boyfriend and I recently tried out Bistro Bulgari -- an inexpensive little hole in the wall on 23rd Street in Crystal City. Boy was it fantastic! I had the best roasted zucchini and eggplant with dill yogurt sauce and pureed red peppers. And their dolmades were the best I have ever had -- we got an extra order to take home with us! Also, terrific service. Anyway, we are disappointed every time we walk past because the place is always empty, so I thought I would give it a shout out on your chat to try to drum up some business so we don't lose all these cute unique little establishments. Thank you so much if you post it!

Tom Sietsema: I've been meaning to give the place a look-see. Thanks for the reminder. It's not like we have a lot of Bulgarian restaurants around here, and a good example of that cuisine would be a nice addition to our global larder.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Tom, thanks for all the great advice. Do you know of any restaurants in the area that serve Native American food?

Tom Sietsema: The cheerful cafeteria in the new American Indian museum on the Mall is the only place I know of that serves what you're after.

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Washington, D.C.: I ask this question every week so I thought I'd try one last time - do you know anything about the restaurant LIMA coming in next door to DC Coast? I pass it every day but its had the same "coming soon" sign up for almost a year. What gives?

Tom Sietsema: I'll let you know more about Lima when *I* learn more about the forthcoming restaurant, which sits next to DC Coast. I passed the place yesterday. It's doors were open -- revealing lots of unfinished space inside.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi there. I am going out for a special anniversary dinner tonight with my boyfriend and we're still undecided where to go. The restaurant needs to be metro accessible, moderately priced, and vegetarian friendly. We've enjoyed great meals at Zaytinya, local 16, etc. but are hoping to try some place new (and prerably not tapas-based). Any thoughts? Thanks for your help!

Tom Sietsema: I like Spices in Cleveland Park and Nirvana downtown myself.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom,

Yet another chat without any specific restaurant discussion. Give us some recommendations. I appreciate the tip to go to Drinx, Jaleo and Atlantico, but there are no other recommendations on the whole chat. This place has become a forum for people to tell of their good/bad experiences at restaurants.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stop this inane banter. Do not post any more, "i didn't like ..." or "it was raining and they were so nice at .."

Tell us about restaurants we should and should not go to. I have two questions: 1. Have you been to Willow, what do you think?

2. What are your favorite affordable restaurants in DC and NOVA (we like 2 AMy's, Cactus Cantina, Paradiso, Kotobuki, Singh Thai, Rice, Jaleo, Zaytinya)? Please add to our list. Not just one or two additions, but a whole list, please, of your favorites.

Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: Actually, I think there are plenty of recs sprinkled throughout the chat today. (You can't please everyone!)

1) Nope, I haven't been to Willow, but some friends are raving, others are underwhelmed.

2) Cheap eats: CF Folks, Thai Square, La Flor de la Canela, Malaysia Kopitiam, Casa Blanca ..... I'm out of time!

See you here next Wednesday. Thanks for showing up.

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