Ask Tom

Soup and Reubens

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.

____________________

Tom Sietsema: After a chatter asked me about Patowmack Farm last week, I received the following missive from the restaurant's owner:

"Thank you so much for chatting with a customer from Patowmack Farm - Dinner in the Garden this previous Wednesday. I felt very honored that you would

include her comments.

One of the struggles that we are having is educating people that we are open year round and dine in a very comfortable heated conservatory. Even you were not sure that we were open.

Please come relax, enjoy a beautiful fall day or a winter vista and quiet ambience. We continue with Thursday, Friday and Saturday night dinners and Sunday brunch. Although we will take a few weeks off during the holidays,

we will resume shortly after the new year.

Anything you can do or any suggestions you have to get the word out would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you immensely for your continued support.

We love doing what we are doing - my dream come true!!"

Beverly

Patowmack Farm - Dinner in the Garden LLC

(540) 822-9017

So there you have it, kids, straight from the source.

Good morning.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: good morning Tom...thanks for taking questions. Living in this area (Capitol Hill), it seems I have family and friends coming out of the woodwork all the time who just show up for visits. If you had to pick a few restaurants that you think best typifies a "taste of DC", which are your top three?

Tom Sietsema: My top three? Hmmm. I can't commit to that idea.

But off the top of my head, right this moment, I'm thinking I'd take visitors to the bar at Palena for one dinner, do brunch at Colorado Kitchen and Saturday lunch at Zaytinya in Penn Quarter.

_______________________

Simple, yet Difficult: Alright Tom, this may be a quixotic exercise but where in downtown can I find a really good cheesesteak and a really good Reuben?

I've had plenty of bad ones, so give me the skinny!

Tom Sietsema: Man, you're reading my mind. I have yet to encounter sublime examples of either sandwich. Maybe a chatter or lurker will step forward with a suggestion or two?

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom....I look forward to your chats every Wednesday! Thank you for all your useful and entertaining information. Just wondering, do you ever feel like ordering in sometimes? If you do, where do you like to order? I am desperate to find a reliable and good place to order from in the district! After a long day at the office, I would love to just call up and be pleasantly surprised for once. Please help.

Tom Sietsema: Every now and then, I order in, but I'm obviously limited by my Zip code. City Lights of China does a decent job (I emphasize decent) of delivering its menu to my pad. I even dialed Domino's recently (!) and while the pizza arrived in timely fashion, I thought, after eating a slice, "Why did I just do that?"

And then I remembered: it's part of my beat, that's why!

_______________________

Silver Spring , Md.: Going to Frederick this weekend any place to eat well?

Tom Sietsema: Book a table at either the Tasting Room or the recently relocated Zest, both on Market St.

_______________________

Washington, D.C. : Tom,

Please help, as I have an 11:30 lunch appointment. I am ISO a decent pizza in the Capital Hill/Eastern Market area. Any suggestions?

Tom Sietsema: One word of advice: Sonoma.

_______________________

New York, N.Y.: It's a little outside your scope of responsibility, but what do you typically tip a deliveryman? I mean for something "fancy" like sushi (not your average Domino's driver). I don't want to tip 20% since he's not clearing my table or performing wait staff duties, but $2 seems low on a $20 meal and $4 seems ridiculous for ringing my doorbell.

Does it make a difference if he uses a bike, not a car?

Tom Sietsema: It all depends. For instance, I live in a building with no elevator, and I'm on the fourth floor, so no way am I going to tip a delivery person less than $5. Given the price of gas these days, I'm not sure you'd tip a driver any less than you would a bicycler.

What does the peanut gallery think? Share amongst yourselves.

_______________________

Arlington, Va: Tom my question is about your dining guide reviewing your picks from last year. I noticed there a few restaurants that have three stars and they are very different type of places. And there are only a few restaurants that have four stars but they seem to be very similar. My question is can a restaurant have four stars and not fit into the mold of the current four star restaurants? Thank you so much and I cannot wait for the new dining guide.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for noticing that. And yep, I consider Two Amys, Heritage India, Thai Square AND Palena three star experiences, despite their different cuisine styles and atmospheres.

A four star restaurant has to transport me, however. And thus far, the places I've given my top rating have only been upscale establishments (though their cooking styles are varied).

I'd love to find a bargain that transported me, so I'm definitely open to notion.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Tom,

How's Dish looking these days? I was thinking about going?

Tom Sietsema: The service is a little goofy, but I like the all-American menu and its proximity to the KenCen.

_______________________

Springfield, Va.: Tom

Great column! For my wife's b-day, will Old Ebbitt's Grill hit the mark?

Tom Sietsema: Uh, what does she like? I had a good lobster roll there not long ago ...

_______________________

Sushi, Calif.: Thanks for the chats! I looked at your San Francisco postcard, but there was no mention of sushi restaurants. I understand that it is one of the best places for sushi and I will be traveling there for the first time in two weeks. Could you or the chatters make a recommendation?

Tom Sietsema: I'd argue that Los Angeles counts more and better places for raw fish and vinegared rice, but from my food writing days in San Francisco, I have fond memories of Ebisu on 9th Ave.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hello Tom, thanks in advance for posting my question.

This is to the wait staff that might be in the chat today: I recently went to a restaurant with a large group and a 20% tip was included with the check. Not a big deal. But the check also had a line for "Extra Tip." This made me uncomfortable. I prefer to be a decent tipper, but I felt 20% is decent enough. Are wait staff offended by groups that don't leave "Extra tip?"

Tom Sietsema: Any servers out there care to post your thoughts?

An aside: I spent the weekend in Miami, where several restaurants (mostly in South Beach) added an 18 percent gratuity to my bill. Thankfully, the servers at each of these places pointed out that detail when they delivered the checks.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom-

My husband and I found ourselves on MacArthur Boulevard this Friday night and I remembered your tip about Kotobuki for great, inexpensive sushi in a low-key atmosphere. It was fantastic! The sushi was the best we've had recently, the Eel Kamameshi was delicious and a great value, and the service terrific. We plan to make it our new sushi spot, although we're looking forward to trying the tasting menu downstairs at Makoto as well. Thanks for the great tip - we never would have found it without you.

Could you help us with another dining predicament? Birthday dinner for my husband, with our moms. My mom doesn't dine out very often and isn't very adventurous - I think Italian or American cuisine would be safest. We are considering the Palm and I thought Buck's might be a good fit. Anywhere else between Dupont and Bethesda we should check out?

Thanks so much!

Tom Sietsema: Ah, I'm so happy to hear Kotobuki worked out for you!

For your husband's birthday gathering, I think you'd enjoy the sleek Tosca downtown or Obelisk in Dupont Circle. Both are upscale and Italian. In Chevy Chase, there's the cozy Tavira, which is Portuguese in flavor and has a menu to accommodate a range of appetites.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hey, Tom. Great chat.

I was wondering if you'd seen the new book, "Everybody Loves Pizza." It lists Two Amy's, Pizza Paradiso, and Alberto's as the best joints in D.C. It also has VA and MD listings.

What do you think? Are those the best in D.C.? And, what do you think about books like this - that provide "best of" lists?

Thanks!!

Tom Sietsema: I'd definitely put Two Amys at the top of any pizza list for DC. I love its thin, smoky crusts and prime toppings.

More and more, I see mainstream (non-pizza) establishments turning out very good pies, among others the new Dahlia in Washington's Spring Valley.

As for what I think of "best of" books, it all depends on who is doing the choosing and what the author picks. I have not seen "Everybody Loves Pizza," but I did enjoy reading "Pizza, A Slice of Heaven," by my pal Ed Levine.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Since most places don't charge extra for delivery it seems reasonable to tip at least $5 for orders less than $20 or 20% if a bigger order. I'm glad to pay the driver rather than the restaurant - and not be taxed even more...

Tom Sietsema: Good answer!

_______________________

Cheesesteak: not in DC - but by far the best area cheesesteak is Marios in South Arlington - I like it better than those in Philly. absolutely worth the quick drive out.

Tom Sietsema: Homer Simpson voice: "Mmmmmm. Marrrriooooo's."

_______________________

McLean, Va.: Hi Tom. Looking for a real Mexican restaurant with light, fresh fare as they have it on the Pacific coast. All of the heavy, tired, and worked-over food they tend to call Mexican around these parts just doesn't cut the grade. Any suggestions?

ps True Margaritas would be a bonus...

Tom Sietsema: Well, you certainly won't find it at Rosa Mexicano or Andale, where I've dined most recently. Andale in particular seems to have gone downhill. Sad.

Guajillo in Arlington is probably your best bet, along with Samantha's in Silver Spring.

_______________________

Washington, D.C. : Tom,

I hear you on the take-out issue: I never order out because we can't find anything I like! This is big gap in the market!

In other news, I just returned from Paris and am craving good French at the same reasonable price I can find at the local spots in France - any suggestions? Is Bistro d'Oc still a good option?

Tom Sietsema: I prefer Montmartre on the Hill and Bistro Lepic in Georgetown.

_______________________

Re: Dominos: Was the Dominos you ordered regular crust? or thin crust?

I have to say, the thin crust is surprisingly decent. The regular crust is worthless, even harmful to the reputation of pizza everywhere. But, I really really like the thin crust. What do you think?

Tom Sietsema: I got the regular crust, which had as much flavor as notebook paper.

_______________________

Delivery tipping: I generally tip $5 or more to delivery people. I just feel like tipping them well isn't that much of a burden to me and hopefully it makes their day a little better. I'm in NYC, and this weekend a man delivering Chinese food in the Bronx was shot in the lobby of the building where he was bringing food. It's a thankless job.

Tom Sietsema: Yikes!

_______________________

Mmmm, reuben: Forget downtown. Hop on the 42 bus on your lunch hour and ride it up to Adams Morgan for the reuben at So's Your Mom. Best in the city. It's not on the board, but ask for it, and they'll get you a great one.

If you have to stay closer to the office, a pretty darn good version comes out of the kitchen at the Post Pub near L and 15th. Warning: it gets smoky in there.

Tom Sietsema: Grateful for the tips (though I'm not as enthusiastic as you are about the Post Pub's sandwich).

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: I also live on the 4th floor of a condo with no elevator.

I tip 15-20%, but I meet the delivery person on the ground floor so I'm not stuck in the stairwell.

Tom Sietsema: You're a better man than I am!

_______________________

Cheesesteak: I know this is going to sound like an oddball answer to the person looking for a good cheesesteak, but GWU Hospital does one that is good and cheap. One of my co-workers ordered one and shared it with me. Half of this sandwich was a two fisted job. It was filled with juicy meat, gooey cheese and your choice of peppers, onions and mushrooms. Filling and less than $3.00.

Tom Sietsema: I can't quite get past the idea of ordering a cheesesteak at a hospital -- and what kind of hospital serves fat and salt on a bun?! So much for promoting healthy hearts, huh?

_______________________

Taste of DC: While Zaytinya is certainly where DC eats, I wouldn't call it "a taste of DC." When I visit other cities, I don't necessarily want the best food in the city or the most popular restaurant, but a taste of the region and a feel for the history. For that, I'd point DC visitors to places like Old Ebbitt Grill and Market Lunch at Eastern Market.

Tom Sietsema: True, but don't forget: Washington is also a world capital.

_______________________

Atlanta, Ga.: Please take this questions!!

I left DC a few years ago, but still follow the restaurant scene and love the chats. My boyfriend and I are coming to town (his first trip to DC in 12 yrs) and want to show him a good time. Dinner on Friday is in Dupont and am deciding between Etrusco, Sette Osteria, and Al Tiramisu. Please help me decide!!! Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: I'm partial to Al Tiramisu myself. Focus on the kitchen's pastas and fish dishes.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: What is the name of the new restaurant near MCI Center that took over the Nick & Stef's spot?

Tom Sietsema: Drinx has replaced the once-great steak house.

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Hi Tom! I'm wondering when your dining guide will be coming out in the Sunday paper. I'll be out of town next weekend and want to make sure I don't vacation stop my paper that week in case the dining guide comes out then! Thanks for doing these chats - I've become so much more knowledgeable from reading them and your advice is always right on (in my opinion)!

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for the kind comments. My dining guide comes out this Sunday (but will appear online as early as Friday).

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: Hi Tom. My wife and I had a fabulous dinner at Silverado in Annandale a couple of weeks ago. Ever health conscious, my wife ate only half her steak and asked for a box for the rest. Half a mile down the road, she realized she had forgotten to take the box with her. Upon returning to the restaurant, she found that it had already been thrown away. While I believe that a restaurant should automatically hold on to such things for a few minutes at least (we had only been gone about 5 minutes), neither of us felt that we were owed anything. However, without prompting, they offered to cook us a new steak! Feeling that was more than we were entitled to and not wanting to wait, my wife declined the offer. They still gave us a coupon for two free desserts.

That's all. I just wanted to pass along another story about the great service at the Great American Restaurants.

Tom Sietsema: Now THAT'S graciousness!

After a guest departs, a restaurant really is under no obligation to hold on to forgotten leftovers. The restaurant's willingness to cook a fresh steak is going well beyond even the proverbial extra mile.

_______________________

Old Ebbitts Grill: In regards to "what does she like," she likes all types of food. We'd prefer a place that sells seafood and steak. I like to keep it around $100.00 for the meal. Thanks for the follow up.

Tom Sietsema: Old Ebbitt would be fine then. So would Corduroy downtown.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Tom:

Re the questioning about ordering in. My wife and I think Spices does a great job.

Tom Sietsema: Spices delivers? Now THAT'S a restaurant worth noting.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Tom,

We already know you are out of touch with your readers who have to actually pay for their meals, as you never criticize the frustrating dining situation in Washington where most every good restaurant is priced for the expense account set, other than Jose Andres's restaurants, pizza places and restaurants in the suburbs. You could take the lead on criticizing the number of places with entrees that start at $15 and the paucity of those with entrees less than $15. BUT NOW YOU HAVE FURTHER ALIENATED all of us by ripping the Metro in you column today. The Metro is the safest, cleanest and most efficient subway system in the United States. Many of us rely on it to get us to work and to play. It is very important to us and for the most part serves us well. As you probably take cabs to all of your restaurant boondoggles and do not have to pay for the taxi fares (reimbursed) it is no wonder that you would turn up your nose to our Metro. We have to pay for our food and our transportation. The Metro works quite nicely thank you and the good restaurants in DC cost too much. You haven't noticed either and should think a little bit more about your audience and our reality, not your own.

Tom Sietsema: Obviously, you are out of touch with ME, because I love to shine a light on (delicious) cheap eats and I do so with regularity here and in my various columns.

By the way: I walk to restaurants. I take the Metro to restaurants. I drive, I cab, I've even cycled to restaurants.

True, not everyone in Washington is making six figures, but a lot are. I need to write about the ENTIRE dining field, understand? And I do. Frankly, I'd get bored eating in fancy paces all the time. And frankly, I spend a lot of time NOT eating in Big Deal establishments.

So .... there.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.:

Is there any place in DC like SFs Swan Oyster Bar? I am looking for a no-bones seafood place for oysters. Most of the really good places are a little more upscale than what I am looking for on a regular basis ( e.g. Pesce, Kinkeads)

Tom Sietsema: Try the bar at Johnny's Half Shell or the newer Hank's Oyster Bar, both of which were partially inspired by the adorable Swan Oyster Depot.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Tom, do know what a good, inexpensive restaurant for a second date would be? Preferably a place where you can hear the other person speak, and nothing too spicy.

PS I'd like to avoid Bertucci's

Tom Sietsema: Kotobuki on MacArthur Boulevard is relatively hushed, but you have to be up for sushi. Etete on 9th St. NW is a fine example of Ethiopian cooking, but you have to be comfortable eating with your mitts. A few small plates at Tabaq, on U St., would also be fun for a second rendezvous. Good luck!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom!

If you were planning a bachelorette dinner - no crazy drinking, games, or strippers - just delicious food, good wine, hip atmosphere, and no pressure to leave (we want to linger and laugh over bottles of wine for hours) where would you take the lucky lady? Should be big enough to comfortably host 20+ gals, all around 30 years old. Thoughts?

Tom Sietsema: That mile-long communal table at Oyamel in Arlington is calling your name as I type this response.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Argh, the clouds! This prolonged gloominess calls for a delicious and hearty soup for lunch today. Any suggestions?

Tom Sietsema: The peppery seafood gumbo at 21P will have you sitting up a bit straighter. Anyone care to weigh in with another bowl?

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Tom,

though I've only been a reader of your chats for a short time, it seems that there are some questions that you are answering quite frequently (where is the best dim sum, how can I become a food writer, what do you eat on your own, etc.). Have you ever thought about adding an FAQ page? It might be a good resource for recurring questions, and it is easier than scanning old chats for an answer to a question that someone may have.

Just a thought.

Tom Sietsema: Brilliant suggestion. And I bet more than a few regulars to this forum are nodding and saying "yes!" to the idea.

I'm swamped at the moment -- really, I won't have a life again until the end of this month -- but I promise to seriously consider such an addition in the near future.

_______________________

Herndon, Va.: Tom,

Hoya saxa.

I'm in need of a nice, but not-too-drawn-out dinner before the U2 show at MCI Center on Thursday, 10/20. Top picks?

Tom Sietsema: Poste, Jaleo, the aforementioned drinx and Cafe Atlantico leap to mind.

_______________________

Reubenville, Ohio: For Reubens I highly recommend the Reubens at Roy's Place in Gaithersburg. (#108 on their epic sandwich menu, as I recall) As for cheesesteaks--let's just say that I lived in the Philadelphia area for 13 years and my policy is only to get cheesesteaks the few times a year I'm back in Philadelphia. The first time in DC that they asked me if I wanted lettuce and tomato on my steak I just about cried.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for da tip.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: I'm a woman who used to deliver pizzas as a side job. It's not the most taxing job - which is what made it great as a second job - but there's certainly more to it than just ringing a doorbell. Remember, the delivery person is making sure the food gets to you quickly and neatly, and that's much trickier than it is when you're a server in a restaurant. (I had more than one pizza end up in a heap on the floor in my car due to someone in front of me stopping short.) Not to mention they pretty much have to learn virtually every street in the delivery area. And don't even get me started on safety...I got so that I would only work in daylight - it's scary out there. That big sign on your car might as well just read 'rob me.'

So tip well, and be nice!

Tom Sietsema: I bet you were really good at the gig. Thanks for reminding all of us that there's also a second, a third side of any story.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Soup - I love the French Onion soup at Cafe La Ruche.

Tom Sietsema: That place STILL has a table tent with a quote from me from, like, 1985:

"Ordering dessert here is as certain as death and taxes."

OUCH.

I've learned a thing or two since then, like how to run away from cliches like the plague.

LOL

_______________________

How I get to restaurants!: Tom,

Have you ever even CRAWLED to a restaurant? Well I have. BACKWARD even! Don't even think of reviewing another restaurant until you've crawled a mile backward in my shoes!

Oh yeah, I was also on fire.

Tom Sietsema: And then there was the time I went to Herndon on a pogo stick...

_______________________

MCI Arena area?: Why not Matchbox for the poster who wants a not-to-drawn-out dinner before the U2 concert? They did a great meal for me before the Rolling Stones. I was in at 6 (no wait) and out well before the opening act at 7:30.

Tom Sietsema: Yes, yes to Matchbox.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Re: Hearty soup

Red Sage makes some great chili. It's also available in their little take-out shoppe on the F Street side. The steak and black bean is a personal favorite.

Tom Sietsema: Haven't been there in years.

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: Tom, went to the new Del Merei Grille in Alexandria last week. I must say that I was very impressed. Food and service were both great. It's really nice to have another solid local restaurant option. Hope it does well!

Tom Sietsema: Me too!

_______________________

Metro?: I couldn't find where you talked "poorly" about the metro system. Could you post the link? Thanks

Tom Sietsema: I've asked my producer to follow this with a link to my Dish column, the source of the earlier chatter's rant.

_______________________

For the bachelorette party: Cafe Atlantico--we went there for my bach. party and it was perfect. Hip atmosphere, great food, attentive staff, and they were able to accommodate our party of 15. My friends had brought the "dessert" from home and the staff even took it back into the kitchen and artfully displayed it on a platter for us!

Tom Sietsema: Sweet. Good suggestion. Got that, party planner?

_______________________

washingtonpost.com: The Weekly Dish

_______________________

Washington, D.C., a salmon of doubt: a waiter recently asked me how i wanted my salmon cooked. is this common now? i don't eat out that much. what's next, chicken?

Tom Sietsema: Actually, fish can be cooked rare, medium-rare and so on, just like steak. Most chefs suggests medium-rare; that state keeps the fish moist.

_______________________

The suburbs...: Don't listen to that guy who's complaining you're out of touch, Tom. Wow, some people are cranky today.

Just wanted to say that I take the Metro to work every day, too, and - GASP! - live in the suburbs, and find plenty of restaurants to enjoy without an expense account. Yikes, people. Whoever that guy was needs to try doing something outside the city for once.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for your show of support. I like to include comments from people who don't agree with me, but this dude went overboard.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Tom, I just went through today's Weekly Dish and I have to say, I can't find where you "Ripped the metro."

I disagree with you plenty (Face it dude, you're wrong about Buck's, about Colorado Kitchen, and about Meskerem, among others), but I have never ever seen you be rude about a place because it's inexpensive, nor have I ever seen you be rude about public transportation. I think that person has some other grudge against you.

Tom Sietsema: I guess you don't care for Buck's or Colorado Kitchen? I'm not a big fan of Meskerem, by the way. It's an also-ran these days. So perhaps we agree on more than you think we do.

_______________________

Good Reuben: Kilroy's in Annandale makes an excellent Reuben sandwich.

Tom Sietsema: And another sandwich tip!

_______________________

"Andale has gone downhill. Sad": I've been telling you this for over a year. What a downright boring place, with the game shows on the one tv at the bar which broadcasts throughout the boring restaurant. Boring people and just a boring place. Food? Who cares.

Tom Sietsema: Well, I just returned recently. Hadn't experienced the decline first-hand, you know?

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Tom,

How is Minh's in Arlington for Vietnamese? I got take out the other day and the place was empty. The food was great.

Thanks

Tom Sietsema: LOVE Minh's!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hi, Tom!

Submitting early, and hope you can help. My husband and I are celebrating our anniversary today. We were engaged in Thailand, and would love your recommendation for the best Thai food in the area. Thanks so much!

Tom Sietsema: In Washington, I like Thai Regent, which is both handsome and delicious; in Northern Virginia, I think Bangkok 54 in Arlington is best for an anniversary celebration -- the service is terrific, the room stylish -- though Thai Square, plain as can be, has fabulous cooking, too.

_______________________

Palena Query!: Tom, your wonderful chats have inspired me to go to Palena for my birthday dinner this year. Question: What is the difference between the bar and the restaurant, and where should I take my group of 7? Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: The bar is casual, doesn't take reservations, and its small menu is less formal than what awaits diners in the rear -- and handsome -- main dining room. Seven people probably need to book in the back.

I'm off, kids, to a (gasp!) CHEAP RESTAURANT, where I intend to (gasp!) WALK ON MY OWN TWO LEGS and (gasp!) THINK ABOUT HOW REAL PEOPLE EAT.

Fear not. I'm chuckling as I type. See you next Wednesday (actually MONDAY, when I'll be discussing the dining guide at 1 p.m.)

_______________________

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.