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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Lake Ridge, Va.: Tom-

On Friday, my husband and I went to Restaurant Eve. We didn't love it. We had the nine course tasting menu, but there was too much food. By course 5, I was ready to be done. I really didn't enjoy the second half of my meal. It may have all been very tasty, but we didn't notice.

What's up with the huge portions? Normally, I wouldn't complain, but it was just TOO MUCH.

Tom Sietsema: Which is why I always order the smaller of the two tasting menus.

I felt the same way about Per Se, incidentally. The esteemed New York restaurant is fabulous, but after the 20th mini-plate, my ability to appreciate the chef's efforts wanes.

Good morning, all.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Charleston was fabulous!! We went there Saturday night, thank you so much for recommending it, we never would have gone there otherwise and had a fabulous evening. Service was fantastic from the second we walked in to the time we left and our car was outside waiting for us! You're the best!

Tom Sietsema: Yeah, I like that final touch of the car waiting for a diner's exit. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed that luxe Baltimore destination.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello Tom!!! Thanks for a great Dinning Guide. I notice that the guide is available for download into iPod, but I am wondering if it is also available for Palm/Clie organizers??? It would be great if it is.

Thanks for a great work. Oh, one more thing. The layout of the dining guide in the printed copy was terrible. Why the publishers had to put so many adds around your great writing?

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for the kind words.

Perhaps my producer can answer your technical question.

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washingtonpost.com: In response to the Palm/Clie question: It is something that we are looking into and testing, so please stay tuned for updates.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom, I know this is a bit outside your usual subject, but I'm hoping you or the chatters could help. My boyfriend's birthday is Saturday, and I'd like to take him to a place where you can brew your own beer (and hopefully have dinner afterwards). Does anyone have experience brewing beer in the DC area? Many thanks.

Tom Sietsema: Chatters?

And while we're on the subject of "Where can I find ...?", other posters want to know where to find fried clam bellies and good meals in Nashville and Denver.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom,

My fiancee and I just returned from a vacation in Vietnam. The food was incredible, and we particularly enjoyed the wonderful pho that we sampled throughout the country. Can you recommend the best Vietnamese restaurants in this area, particularly for pho? Thanks so much.

Tom Sietsema: I haven't tried enough pho around here to be helpful; as for Vietnamese cooking in general, I like Minh's in Arlington and Four Sisters in Falls Church.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom,

Do you know any good Chinese restaurants in Chinatown for an inexpensive lunch?

Tom Sietsema: Eat First and Full Kee both do nice work.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Dear Tom,

Coming from someone who works hard in this restaurant industry, I have to say I was a wee bit flummoxed that you relayed the letter George Vetsch wrote you, detailing his hand injury, and therefore the subsequent bad food his kitchen was producing at Etruscu, to the dining public. It's as if you were on the one hand helping him absolve his staff for producing bad food, and on the other hand, absolving yourself for giving the restaurant 3 stars when it clearly did not deserve such. OIf a chef goes down or is not present in the kitchen, he should have hopefully have taught his cooks how to execute, and execute at a high level what he needs done. if not, he has failed one aspect of his job.

On a related note, does this mean that from now on when you review a place, you should call ahead and make sure the chef is there; make sure he is feeling healthy and in a good frame of mind? If you are going to give George Vetsch this courtesy, does not the rest of the industry not deserve the same?

Tom Sietsema: I had permission to share news of the chef's injury with my readership, and I thought the readership deserved knowing such. I ate three star food on my visits, but not after Vetsch left. I felt I needed to explain why that happened. I agree, though: the kitchen shouldn't rely on one person to carry the ball.

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Arlington, Va.: I can help with Nashville. I can give you three excellent meals within a block of each other in Hillsboro Village, just a few blocks from Vanderbilt. You may even find country music stars at each.

First off, start with breakfast at The Pancake Pantry: neighborhood place that's been around for a long time that always has a line out front. For a lite lunch, you might try Provence for fresh bread, sandwiches, salads, and the like. For dinner, I recommend Sunset Grill. Good new American cuisine with an excellent dessert menu.

There are also traditional places like the Loveless Cafe for breakfast and barbecue joints, but I'm not sure I can help there.

Tom Sietsema: No southern or barbecue joints? I can vouch for the Loveless.

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RE: Brew Your Own: You can brew your own beer at the Shenandoah Brewery on S. Pickett Street in Alexandria (between Duke Street and Van Dorn Street). I don't know if you can eat there. They have limited hours, but they also have a Web site.

Tom Sietsema: Gracias!

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Washington, D.C.: Tom-I am a true fan. I was out of town the weekend your dining guide came out. In my desperation to get a copy of your guide, I rummaged through the newspaper recycle bin in my apartment to find a copy of your dining guide. I found one. No worse for the wear either.

Tom Sietsema: WHO THREW OUT MY DINING GUIDE! I'LL TRACK 'EM DOWN!

LOL

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Upstate N.Y.: Hi Tom. I just returned from a week in your fair city and thought I'd relate some dining impressions. First, I want to thank you for consistently recommending Corduroy to chatters looking for a great meal in a quiet, elegant setting. I dined there with some older, distinguished gentlemen, who eat out at fine dining establishments quite a bit, and it was superb. We were dining there on my suggestion, based on your recommendations, so I was nervous. But the meal, the service, the atmosphere, everything was top notch. Even the butter that came with the bread was first rate. And they use a special brand of tea that comes in silk bags, and they even warmed the mug before bringing it to the table! My meal (the crusted fish with a truffle sauce) was probably the best piece of fish I've ever eaten. Thank you again for bringing that great restaurant to everyone's attention.

I should note that these same gentlemen had eaten at Al Tiramisu (without me) and were most displeased. They said the food was ok, and the service was ok, but the owner stalked around the place like Mussolini! In fact, they took to calling the place Al Mussolini.

I also had some very nice meals at Bistrot du Coin and Mourayo. I had the onglet (hangar steak) at BdC and it was excellent but the fries didn't seem all that special. But it was a fun, lively place to dine. The food at Mourayo seemed several steps above your average Greek place. And the staff were very nice. Although I'm still wondering about what we were supposed to put in the empty bowls the waiter put next to the bread. There was no olive oil, or butter or anything to put in them. He never said anything about them and picked them up (still empty) when the meal was over. At Osteria Sette my pizza was ok but the server had a very cold attitude for no apparent reason. And the food at Thaiphoon was ok, but not that special.

Anyway, it was fun to spend a week and dine in the Dupont Circle area. I only wish I didn't have so many business meals in the hotel so I could go to more of the places you talk about!

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for your evaluations. With the exception of Al Tiramisu, we seem to have similar tastes. (I would never compare that restaurant's Luigi Diotaiuti to an Italian dictator, among other things.)

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Tom, heading to Bistrot Lepic for a birthday celebration. I've heard you talk about the somewhat new upstairs wine bar as of late, but not the regular dining room. Is it still a desirable dining destination for you and if so, what is not to miss?

Tom Sietsema: It's crowded and noisy, but Lepic remains a delicious destination. Like most good restaurants, the menu changes there, but I tend to gravitate toward the kitchen's soups, fish and -- this season -- hearty-sounding meat dishes.

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Temp: Baghdad, Permanent: Fredericksburg: Tom,

I can't always get access to the Internet here, so perhaps I've missed any further discussion about a topic I was reading about in one of your chats approx. four months ago. One of the chatters broached the subject of having you publish a list of restaurants which performed so badly, that they never made it into your columns. The last I read, you were somewhat surprised that people would be interested in such a listing. Well, to some extent, I'd be more interested in restaurants to avoid then restaurants to visit. Nothing frosts me more than spending money for a substandard meal and/or terrible service; especially if I knew in advance that this was a restaurant which had already been panned. Put another way, I'd rather learn from your "mistakes," then benefit from your "successes." Does this make any sense??

Thanks for your time.

PS I don't think you need to worry about doing a "Postcard" from Baghdad anytime soon!

Tom Sietsema: First, welcome aboard! I'm curious what you eat on a regular basis over there?

I understand wanting to know about restaurants that underperform based on their reputations. So I'll throw out an example: I don't understand the busy dining room at Restaurant Nora. The food is organic but also ordinary and VERY expensive. And the room is frozen in amber -- or at least 1988.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Tom! I've really enjoyed the Post advertising its regular columns with pictures of the authors. I caught your photo in Monday's Business section, and I nearly fell out of my chair laughing! (You have a menu in front of your face.) On the serious side, are you actually as thin as the picture? And how do you keep the weight off when you eat out so frequently?

Tom Sietsema: Actually, I think that photo makes me look portly, almost Hitchcockian. But I thank you anyway.

As I've noted before -- bear with me, regular chatters! -- I hired a trainer the day I got this job and I'm FAIRLY religious about going to the gym three days a week. I'm really lucky: my gym is RIGHT NEXT DOOR to my home, so if I miss a session, I'm reminded of the fact when I get home.

"Take care of your health!" Mimi Sheraton, the veteran restaurant critic for the NYT once cautioned me. Eating out every day of the week is a physically invasive job. But it's not a job that requires me to join the Clean Plate Club, either -- so I rarely do.

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Washington, D.C.: Parents coming into town, and they have vastly different restaurant tastes - Mom likes seafood, and Dad likes meat and potatoes. To give you an idea of what I'm looking for, if it was just Mom I'd take her to Pesce or TenPenh, if it was just Dad I'd take him to Ray's. Where can they both be happy? We've already been to Tabard Inn, Oceanaire, Kinkead's. I've considered Colvin Run, but have never been there and I'm open to suggestions.

Tom Sietsema: Charlie Palmer Steak has just what you're looking for, plus a view of the Cap dome if you get the right table.

TenPenh, by the way, is a shadow of what it once was. I had really mediocre food on a recent visit. I no longer recommend the place.

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Falls Church, Va.: Re: Pho. I agree that for Vietnamese cooking in general, Four Sisters in Falls Church is very good, but their pho is disappointing. Best to stick with a specialty shop, like Pho 75 in various locations around here (including at the intersection of Graham Road and Rt. 50 in Falls Church, as well as on University Boulevard in Langley Park, MD), and Pho 50 in Loehmann's Plaza, Falls Church.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for the suggestions.

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BEST PHO IS!!!: The best Pho hands down in the area is the Pho 75 in Rosslyn on Wilson Blvd.

If I could go to this place everyday for lunch I would. It is SO AWESOME, so flavorful!!

This place is a jewel, and other Pho houses can't even compare (trust me I have tried several). Go immediately and best to go at lunch time, don't worry about the lines the service is quite quick, and the communal table settings are great for large groups, or just having some camaraderie with your neighbor.

GO NOW!

Side note cash only

Enjoy!

Tom Sietsema: Whoa, I can feel your enthusiasm leapin' through my computer screen!

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Tipping at pricier restaurants?: Hi, Tom! This may sound like a stupid question, but I'll ask anyway. I have little experience with pricier restaurants. Went on a date to Teatro Goldoni and was told that our table "would be checked on." We waited a few minutes, then were seated right in front of the door (and yes, I did feel a breeze every time the door opened). Were we supposed to tip in order to get a decent table? If so, how much? (In other words, were we "punished" for not tipping??) I came away thinking that we'd paid enough for our dinner plus (waiter's) tip to warrant a good table, but maybe that just shows my ignorance. (Were we also obligated to tip the guy outside who hailed us a cab without our asking him to? The guy who took our umbrella though we didn't ask him to?) Any other etiquette that I should know for the infrequent occasions when I am able to dine at a restaurant that brings a tab of $100+ for a dinner for two? Thank you!

Tom Sietsema: No way should you have to pay for a "good" table. If you were unhappy with what you got (altogether now, class:) you should have spoken up.

As for the taxi hailer, I probably would have given the guy a buck or so, especially in light of the rainy weather. Who took your umbrella? A coat checker or?

Speaking of umbrellas, I no longer plan to check mine. My fancy beach-size model was taken from the coat check at lunch at (Insert Big Deal Restaurant Here) yesterday -- leaving ME with a much smaller umbrella stamped with a Four Seasons logo. I felt like a thief walking back to the office!

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Maryland: Good morning Tom! We were so excited to see Palena made your Dining Guide list as "gastronomic epiphany". We're going there for dinner next Saturday night w/friends that we don't get to see that often. We'd love to have some drinks before dinner and catch up a bit - is there anywhere near Palena that would have a nice but not too noisy bar for a quick pre-dinner cocktail or should we just plan on hanging out in Palena's bar? Nothing against going to Palena's bar, but we like to try to mix it up a bit when we go out. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Try Bardeo, the wine bar next to Ardeo (get it?) on the same block.

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Washington, D.C.: Nice review of Tabaq, but I have to quibble with you assessment of the calamari. I LOVED that shredded wheat texture against the meat of it. OPEN LETTER TO TABAQ: Please ignore critic and don't kill that plate!

Tom Sietsema: Ha!

After dining at Belga Cafe recently, I learned that not everyone listens to the critics. The Belgian restaurant STILL offers that awful dessert: asparagus fritters with asparagus ice cream.

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College Park, Md.: Hi,

I'm looking for a place to go this Saturday to celebrate my husband's birthday. We want to get dressed up and have a snacky dinner (like cheese plates and appetizers) and cocktails with friends in a restaurant bar/lounge. We don't want to get a regular table in a restaurant. We need downtown or Dupont, (so not Palena or Citronelle), metro-walkable, preferably a fun atmosphere (like Zola, which we've done that to death, but I know finding someplace else as cool as that might be a tall order). Husband liked Charlie Palmer Steak when we went there for dinner once -- do they have a bar/lounge area? Does Zaytinya? Any other suggestions? We've done Poste and Firefly. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: To the rescue: Sonoma on the Hill, which recently opened its second-floor lounge -- replete with sofas, fireplace and cheese and charcuterie plates.

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Bennett Point, Md.: How far in advance do you schedule your dinner reservations? How many months of dining scheduling do you keep on your refrigerator door?

Tom Sietsema: You'd laugh if you saw my work calendar. I book out about two-three weeks in advance; not only do I have to make sure I visit places multiple times to meet my deadlines, I have to arrange for lunch and dinner dates (about 50-60 reservations a month).

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom,

I think you are doing a great job. My question is - do you know of any good German restaurants in the DC area? Not for just good beer, but good food too!

Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: GOOD German food -- it exists, I lived in Germany for a year, and I ate quite well -- is hard to find around here. I like Old Europe in Glover Park, but Cafe Berlin on the Hill counts fans, too.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Just read the weekly dish! What great news about Jackie Greenbaum renovating the Quarry House Tavern! I know she'll do a great job - just what Silver Spring needs!

Tom Sietsema: I particularly appreciate her interest in retaining the spirit of the decades-old tavern.

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washingtonpost.com: The Weekly Dish

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Arlington, Va.: So my problem with these chats is quotes like "didn't love it", because the portions are too big and your eyes were bigger than your stomach? That has happened to all of us on occasion, right? But what about the service, atmosphere, and the food before you had to loosen your belt? Alot of people make such general statements, please people be specific.

Tom Sietsema: Hear, hear. Restaurant Eve is a fabulous addition to the dining scene and shouldn't be so quickly dismissed. How WAS the food, the service, the vino?

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom...taking my boyfriend out to Makoto for his birthday. I made reservations for the counter. Any recommendations? Should we just go for the omikase?

Tom Sietsema: Yes, the tasting menu (chef's choice) is the best path to take. And I much prefer the counter, inches away from where the cooks are chopping and frying, to the boxy seats.

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Pho: I maintain that the best Pho can usually be found at places that serve only Pho. I especially like Pho Xe Lua in the Eden Center. Even though it only serves Pho you can choose what cuts of meat you want to suit your taste. They also offer a chicken based pho, which is a nice and lighter alternative.

Tom Sietsema: I think you're right about getting a dish at a place that specializes in it.

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Denver, Colo.: Good morning, Tom. For the chatter looking to eat well in Denver, here are some recommendations. Vesta Dipping Grill in LoDo: 1822 Blake St. Rioja on Larimer Square: 1431 Larimer St. (both downtown and not cheap)

If they feel like driving up to Boulder (about 30 mins), they should try to get into the hottest new restaurant here - Frasca: 1738 Pearl St. It was opened by alums of French Laundry and the chef recently won an award for best young chef of the year or some such.

For the best green chile in Denver they should try Jack N Grill at 2524 Federal Blvd. I'm from the east coast and have never had green chile until I moved here a year ago. It's wonderful.

Now I'm hungry. Tom, when are you going to come out and visit us? Ski season has started so you can work off those extra pounds!

Tom Sietsema: I'm putting on my long johns now!

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How many times?: Do you eat out for every meal every day of the week - or do you get to make an occasional meal at home? Do you ever get tired of eating out?

Tom Sietsema: I rarely get tired of eating out, because I'm eating in different places every day.

More frequently, I get tired of having to host and make scintillating conversation. No offense to all the wonderful people I eat out with, but I get tired of talking sometimes.

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Washington, D.C.: I was surprised that one of your apparent esteemed favorites Corduroy did not make the fall dining guide. Did you and Tom Power split up?

Tom Sietsema: The tabloid rumors are not true. Tom still (greatly) admires Tom. But I wanted to spread the love around this dining guide. I've talked up Corduroy A LOT in the past few seasons.

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Arlington, Va.: re: dining guide on iPod. what a great idea! where do I go to download this? i don't see it mentioned on the main dining guide page.

Tom Sietsema: Cue the producer:

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washingtonpost.com: The Dining Guide for your iPod.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom-

I read the first comment on today's chat about Restaurant Eve, and just wanted to chime in. I was there on Saturday evening, and I too had the nine course tasting menu. While I do agree it was a lot of food (for me, not a generalization), I have to say it was a "gastronomical epiphany" as you described. From start to finish, including from the moment I stepped into the restaurant, it was a wonderful experience. Service was top-notch and friendly, and the food was divine. I just wish I could have eaten it all! I will definitely be returning, perhaps this time to try the five course tasting. And kudos to the sommelier - he knew his wines, and the pairings with the food were spot-on. Thanks for your recommendation!

Tom Sietsema: I love Eve's approach: formal but friendly. It's very American.

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Umbrellas: I'm glad someone else feels the same way about not checking umbrellas. Mine was taken from the check place at the Old Angler's Inn on Feb. 14; not only were they not apologetic, they gave me someone else's to take in its place! (In one sense maybe I got the last laugh....my old umbrella was a DUKE umbrella, and I gather that's not so popular in Maryland!)

The old joke about umbrellas: Woman says to man, "Are you sure this is your umbrella?" Man replies, "Of course it is. I recognize the weight of the umbrella, the feel of the handle, and the shape of the canopy. Plus, this one is in lots better shape."

Tom Sietsema: Ha!

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Washington, D.C.: I don't know why I bother to bring a lunch on Wednesdays. Every time I read one of these chats I get uncontrollable restaurant urges and go out and buy my lunch. Today's chat makes me really want a heapin' bowl of Pho. My stomach thanks you, but my wallet curses you.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks --- I guess?

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Washington, D.C.: Tom...I just wanted to thank you so much for your recommendation on your postcard from Las Vegas. I went to Vegas for the sumo tournament and ate at Fleur de Lys in the Mandalay Bay hotel which you recommended and it was the best meal I have ever eaten. Not only was the food fantastic, but the service was impeccable. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

Tom Sietsema: It's a gorgeous space, isn't it? Insider detail: the cabana-like spaces to the side have secret entrances and are typically saved for VIPS or celebs who don't want the world to know they're there. (Hello, Jennifer Aniston!)

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Lincoln Park: Tom--In a recent chat, you mentioned A Taste of Morocco in Silver Spring. Is this place run by the same people who own A Taste of Morocco in Clarendon? Is it the same menu, or is this a different operation?

Tom Sietsema: Stay tuned. Your answer is ... right around the corner.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom -- Went to Hanks Oyster Bar, thanks to your recommendation. It was great -- just as you billed it. My only complaint was that Hanks does not have a full bar - wine and beer only. You made a point of mentioning that Hanks does not have desserts in your review, but you failed to point out this important point about alcohol. To me, an aperitif is far more important than a dessert, and this information, had you provided it, would have helped me make a better plan for my Saturday night.

Just a thought for future reviews. thanks.

Tom Sietsema: Hank's STILL doesn't offer cocktails? Or dessert?

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HELP!!!!! Please The Pentagon: Boss---like the BIG boss---just asked for brunch recommendations. He and his wife--this Sunday. I said 1789. What would you recommend.

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Buddy, are you looking for a demotion? 1789 is open only for dinner. Better tell The Boss, and soon!

I'm not sure what your superior's tastes are, but Cashion's Eat Place, Firefly, Majestic Cafe and Old Ebbitt Grill would all make better options than a restaurant that will be closed Sunday morning.

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Washington, D.C.: Good morning and Happy "Ask Tom Day."

Quick question. I was given a gift certificate that allows me to choose from a handful of CRC Managed restaurants. I've narrowed it down to Georgia Browns or Neyla. Which would you pick?

Tom Sietsema: Probably Neyla. I like the environment (and some of the food) better.

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Room frozen in amber: Tom- Not sure if Nora is going for a 1980s retro look (in restaurants back then I remember grey and maroon and brass), but please do not suggest restaurants update their look on a whim. I loved nothing better than to soak up the atmosphere in AVs, the dearly departed Roma restaurant on CT ave- a real treasure- and others last decorated in the 1960s. I couldn't go into Blackies or the New Orleans Steakhouse or Pier 7 without thinking of 1970s Washington, scotch and heavy Galloping Gourmet foods and the time my father came home from Blackies claiming he saw Zbigniew Brzinski there. There's more to DC history than the monuments.

Tom Sietsema: You know, you are absolutely right. Not every restaurant needs to remind you that it's 2005. But, I for one, I'm kind of tired of those captain's chairs and quilts.

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Alexandria, Va.: Regarding omikase, would it be possible to request it minus really chewy stuff like octopus? It's not the taste I don't like, but the texture. Or have I just not had good octopus?

Tom Sietsema: Really good octopus is what I call "pleasantly chewy" as opposed to "man, this tastes like a rubber band" chewy. Octopus should definitely be tender.

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Bethesda, Md.: Since we're learning a lot about your dining habits today, I'd like to know if you eat breakfast. If so, what do you prefer? Thanks for your continued candor.

Tom Sietsema: I follow Mom's advice and always eat breakfast.

Sometimes it's whatever is wrapped in the little foil swan in my refrigerator; other days, it's a bowl of oatmeal (current fave: with flax seed and honey).

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Belga Cafe???: Asparagus Ice Cream? Are they taking a cue from Iron Chefs? (shudder)

Tom Sietsema: As a dining companion said after tasting the stuff: That's the worst thing I've ever put in my mouth and held down.

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Umbrellas: My boyfriend and I went to Charlie Palmers a few weeks ago on a rainy Friday night. The host upon seeing our much admired umbrellas with silver handles, immediately took the umbrellas and hid them away for us. Now that is good service and a wonderful start to a perfect evening from beginning to end!

Tom Sietsema: Let's hear it for the thoughtful host at CP Steak!

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Washington, D.C.: Tom,

I'm a vegetarian and I often find myself at meetings at the most un-veggie friendly restaurants. I just wanted to share something I constantly experience that restaurants just don't seem to get: a veggie platter is -not- a full entree. Oh, and most of us are really sick of the three options we're always handed: risotto (come on!), pasta primavera, or a veggie plate.

I really encourage restaurants to be a bit more creative. This week, DC Coast served me an overprice Olive Garden ripoff for lunch, and called it their vegetarian option.

Tom Sietsema: What exactly was it?

Note to chefs: I get this complaint a lot.

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More Denver, Colo.: Some additional Denver dining options:

Barolo Grill (Italian)

Somethin' Else (small plates)

Mel's Bar and Grill

(all in/near the Cherry Creek area)

Adega (also in LoDo)

And if you just want to grab sandwiches, try Marczyk's (it's a small specialty store).

Tom Sietsema: Again, thanks.

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Alexandria, Va.: I just wanted to say that the GF and I concur with your comments about the great service at the Great American Restaurants chain. Last Friday we were at Mike's American Grill in Springfield, in the middle of our dinner, when a waiter or busboy carrying too much stuff dropped a big load of dishes next to our table; end result, tarter sauce all over the GF's nice dark suit pants.

The manager came over and told us they'd reimburse for the dry cleaning, which we both thought was a reasonable gesture. Later they also comped dessert without our asking. Very nice gesture, given that paying for the dry cleaning was all that one could reasonably request in my opinion.

Tom Sietsema: If I owned a restaurant, I'd recruit my staff from the ranks of GAR. It's a model restaurant group that gives "chain" a good name.

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Good German Food: The Bavarian Chef in Madison is great. I realize that people who spend their lives inside the Beltway object to long drives, but the place is worth it. The place serves traditional southern German food in addition to food from other areas of the country (key for me since I spent years in northern Germany!) in a family-style setting. So the side dishes are really just that- separate side dishes instead of cramming more potatoes onto your plate. Sure the place is slightly kitsch with the waitresses in drindels, but it provides a bit of German fun. Dress up, dress down, your choice. They have different hours though, so check the web site and get reservations first if you're going on the weekend. After years of driving up and down 29 for business, I finally stopped there and am glad I did. Now I visit about once a year. Just my 2 cents.

Tom Sietsema: Danke. Jetzt habe ich Hunger!

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Olney, Md.: Hi Tom,

Love your chats! They make me look forward to Wednesdays. Here's my question:

When you are at a restaurant do you ever underdress to see if that affects the service?

Tom Sietsema: Yep.

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Washington, D.C.: Where can I find the absolute best Tres Leches in or around Washington, D.C.? Is there a bakery you can recommend?

Tom Sietsema: I recall having "three milks cake" at Cafe Atlantico, Cuban Corner and Samantha's (and enjoying the dessert at each place).

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Washington, D.C.: Re: Bad vegetarian options

An onion (!) as the main course on the vegetarian tasting menu (I think $80) at CityZen.

Tom Sietsema: Really? Me thinks Eric Ziebold is more clever than that.

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Kafe Leopold: Hi Tom,

I should have heeded your warning about this place, but figured that after a horrible review, they would get their act together. Not so.

I went last week for lunch with some friends from work. The specials were announced, and the soup of the day ($8.00) came with a ham and cheese sandwich. Thinking this was a good deal, I ordered it. The soup came out not hot, not lukewarm, but cold to the point where I had to ask if it was supposed to be served cold. I asked for it to be heated up, and fifteen minutes later, was brought hot soup, but was not the kind I ordered. By that point, I did not care to wait another 15 minutes for them to give me another serving, so I told them to forget it. The soup was whisked away with hardly an apology. By the way, the "sandwich" was actually two flat croutons with ham and cheese inside.

Two of my friends were also served cold soup. One of them asked for mayo for his fries (as is the European style) and was barely acknowledged, and then it never came.

I emailed a complaint to the manager and was not responded to. I know we hear a lot about how we should not expect to have restitution for lousy meals or service, but in a competitive restaurant market such as DC and Georgetown, poor service and bad expensive food= a very short restaurant life. I'm sure they won't get their act together if they haven't already.

Tom Sietsema: Such a fun location! Such arrogant service!

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Centreville, Va.: What do you do when your main course arrives right on the heels of your appetizer? The other day I had my main course arrive just 2 minutes after the appetizer. I'm afraid of what might happen to my food if I ask for more time.

Tom Sietsema: If it really bothered me, I'd remind my waiter that I had just been served my first course and wasn't ready to accept my entree. If your entree later arrives looking tired from sitting under a heat lamp or some such, I think it's within bounds to talk to a manager about the problem.

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Tres Leche: OH OH!! Cafe Salsa in Old Town also makes a really good one! And the piece is HUGE - enough to share with three people sometimes. Also, I have yet to see them annoyed when I just order a appetizer and a piece of cake....

Tom Sietsema: You're right. Thanks for joggin' my noggin.

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Washington, D.C.: Here's a Washington question for you: Where would you go if you had just been indicted?

Tom Sietsema: I'd probably order in.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom - I'm probably too late for this week, but I'll try to squeeze this in! I would love it if the dining/entertainment guide for the Post would include restaurant web sites. Before going to most places, I do look to see if there is a web site - and I think it would be very beneficial for readers to include a link. is this possible? Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: We added restaurant site links to my printed column over a year ago. Not sure why that doesn't translate to the online version of my reviews?

Thanks for chatting today. Hope to "see" you here again next Wednesday.

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washingtonpost.com: For clarification: the dining columns and restaurant listings often include links to Web sites.

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