Ask Tom

Tom Talks Shop

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, read his dining column, First Bite and the Dish 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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D.C. Hotspot: Tom, I work in what can be one of the city's busiest bars on occasion. A little reminder to your readers, if you would. I have to make a huge array of cocktails, for a lot of guests. I am very experienced and dedicate myself to each drink. This includes mojitos, caiparinhas and endless martinis w/endless choices of brand liquor. While I appreciate the comments made by appreciative guests, there is a 1 percent of commenters who get to management that I was rude, neglectful, evil, put a hex on their mother, whatever. PLEASE understand that I may be overwhelmed by the crowd and labor-intensive cocktails. And indecisive guests, confused guests and the occasional guest who just wants to make my life miserable from the get-go. So please, before you judge me off as rude, think that maybe I'm just being efficient in my conversation to facilitate a quick order and that I really don't have time to coddle you and rub your feet!!! Thanks for the vent...

Tom Sietsema: Catch that, cocktailers? Don't expect foot rubs with your cosmos and sidecars and choco-politinis, OK?

Happy Wednesday, everyone. Nice to have you all here. I'm always curious: Are you eating a sandwich as your log onto this discussion? Half-minding your work? Getting anything else done for the hour or so we're "chatting"?

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Ashburn, Va.: This may sound stupid, but I have never ordered tamales at a restaurant just because I have no idea how to eat them. Do I pick them up, or do I eat with a fork? What do I do with the stuff covering them? (And what IS that? It's not edible, right?) Do I put sauce on them? Please help end my tamale illiteracy!

Tom Sietsema: Tamales, which involve corn meal dough (typically) wrapped around cheese, vegetables or meat, are bundled in husks, which must be removed before you dig into the steamed filling. I eat tamales with a fork. Sauce is optional.

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19th and K: Kudos to Cork! My friend and I went early last night (5:30ish) and were there until 7:45 p.m. The staff was helpful and great and we enjoyed our food and wine choices. As the night went on and the place filled up, it did get loud, but we had a wonderful time. I was worried that this trendy place would have poor service and that we'd have to wait too long for a table, but that wasn't the case for us. The prices were a little high, but acceptable for a weeknight/birthday splurge. We had a bottle of wine, four dinner tapas and two desserts for about $100 with tip.

Tom Sietsema: Ah, you just tipped off Cork virgins: To get in, you gotta show up EARLY. I know a lot of people who keep trying to get in, but can't because of the crowds.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom,

Love your column and chats. Can you please give me an update on Locanda? I think my girlfriend and I may finally try it this weekend. Is a reservation required? Is it dressy or casual (jeans)? I'm in the mood to try new Italian. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: An update on Locanda? I haven't been since I reviewed the Italian restaurant, but friends who have been in recently have enjoyed all but the noise there. Reservations are taken -- advised, actually -- and you can wear whatever you wish. I've seen jeans and suits in the crowd there.

washingtonpost.com: Review: Locanda

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Arlington, Va.: Hello, Tom. Do you ever dine with "random" Washington Post fans? I imagine you must have a large rotating list of dining partners in order to sample many dishes at each restaurant you review. I would love to become one of your companions! One can dream, right? Thank you.

Tom Sietsema: I have a stable of 30 or so friends, family members and colleagues who assist me with eating. The "strangers" I'm most interested in dining with are not "foodies" (to use a term we all hate, right?) but people who are simply interesting company. Frankly, I hate talking about food during my restaurant rounds. It's too much . . . work!

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Sterling, Va.: Do you work with a team or independently?

Tom Sietsema: Well, I report to different editors, depending on what I'm writing about. But all the eating I do own my own, and all the writing I do own my own. Does that answer your question?

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Falls Church, Va.: Can you recommend a place for a dessert party somewhere in D.C., Md., or Northern Va.? We're looking at about 40-50 people and would like a private space.

Tom Sietsema: What about a place that specializes in sweets? I'm thinking Buzz Bakery in Alexandria, among other sources.

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Rockville, Md.: Tom, what exactly led you to write a review of Pacifica Cafe (given all the Chinese restaurants in the suburbs)? My family started eating there a year ago and we're now concerned about finding a table there after your positive coverage!

Tom Sietsema: A tip from a Chinese American colleague led me to Pacifica. Sorry if I spoiled your party, but restaurant critics aren't paid to keep "secrets."

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Half-minding your work?: Yeah, I guess that's what I'm doing. I usually check into the chat after it's been going for 10 minutes and read the comments. Maybe make my own comment or post a question. Then get back to my work, checking back in every 10 or 15 minutes to catch up. If I miss the chat, I'll read it when I get home after dinner.

Tom Sietsema: You know what surprises me? The number of military employees who log on to these discussions.

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Arlington, Va.: Tom,

If you ever do write a column on carryout food please don't forget to include Kabob Palace in Crystal City. It doesn't get mentioned often in your chat but this is truly a hidden gem amongst a bevy of forgettable restaurants in the area. Fantastic value and taste. I usually go for the boneless chicken and kubideh combo or the boneless chicken and lamb combo (get the extra rice instead of salad). Add an extra bread and you can feed two adults quite happily for under $15.

Tom Sietsema: Spoken like a true Kabob Palace representative!

I've written about the restaurant, and its sibling, a fair amount in the past.

washingtonpost.com: Kabob Palace in Crystal City and Kabob Palace's silbling

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Chatting: The amount of work I get done during the hour usually depends on how quick you are answer questions. You are usually pretty quick so I don't get a lot done. Also I am pretty much starving by the end of the hour and wolf down my lunch very quickly.

Tom Sietsema: I'm not feeling especially quick this morning. Today is more "tasting menu" than "express lane."

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Frankly, I hate talking about food during my restaurant rounds.: Tom, if you took me out to dinner I could tell you all about my cat and my latest crochet project. It's fascinating stuff. Hee hee.

Tom Sietsema: Fine by me! I like going out with people whose lives are much different than my own. My most interesting companion to date was, I kid you not, a porn star turned artiste. ("Nice etchings!")

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Washington, D.C.: Quick question. Do you need an assistant, to eat for you??? I have a greater appreciation for good?? Just a suggestion,that's all!

Tom Sietsema: I'm feeling kind of lumpy lately. I WISH I had a stand-in eater!

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Rockville, Md.: Did I miss it, or are you still keeping us in the dark about what happened to Louisiana Express in Bethesda? That was my absolute favorite place to go for breakfast and will be sorely missed.

Tom Sietsema: All -- well, much of what you need to know -- will be revealed in this Sunday's Ask Tom column in the Magazine.

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Arlington, Va.: Tom we are huge fans of yours and always check your reviews before dining out. We went to Bebo Trattoria Friday night and our order was promptly taken. he entree arrived in record time and was delicious. The Caesar salad arrived 15 minutes after the entree. From the time the beverage was delivered, we never saw the waiter until our dinner was finished. Twice, I got up from my seat to refill the water glass. It was a huge challenge to get the attention of the waiter so we could get our check. We talked to the manager on the way out and his reply was, "Yes, we know there is a problem and I'm here to fix it. Come back in two weeks and there will be no problems." He never even apologized just kept saying, "Come back in two weeks." I don't think we were the only table that got bad service.

Tom Sietsema: Let the countdown begin then! No restaurant in the area comes close to getting the number of complaints, mostly about service, that this one does. The husband of a colleague recently reported heading to Bebo's bar for an afternoon pizza and glass of wine and finding no help behind the counter -- even as the chef, Roberto Donna, sat nearby and could see the problem!

Two weeks we have to wait to see signs of improvement, huh? (Tick, tick, tick . . . )

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NoLo, D.C.: No, we -don't- all hate the word "foodies." Some of us like it just fine as a shorthand for the more formal (and correct) "gourmet" and a heck of a lot more tasteful than the insanely silly "gastronaut."

Tom Sietsema: Okay, okay, okay. I was merely referencing a recent chat in which we all threw out food words or phrases we most disliked. "Foodie" was a biggie. And who in real life ever uses -- correctly -- the word "toothsome?"

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Tom. Cork, Vinoteca, Marvin or Creme for a pre-theater dinner on Saturday night? We've been to many of the "usual suspect" places around Studio Theatre. Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: I had a blast during my visits to Marvin -- even when the food wasn't the best. I just like the vibe of the place. Haven't been to Creme in awhile, but Vinoteca surprised me. Love those shrimp and grits and friendly service there.

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What I'm doing: Tom: Currently on my fourth cup of joe munching on Haldiram's Bhujia -- the best snack ever.

What are -you- eating?

Tom Sietsema: I'm drinking water from a San Pellegrino bottle, but it's NOT actually San Pelligrino, which I'm boycotting in restaurants right now, along with all bottled water. I'm in a "green" mode of late. I have a fruit bowl that I keep in my office, and I'm moments away from plucking a Fuji apple from it.

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What are you doing?: I'm sitting at my desk, nibbling on homemade red velvet cake (It's Administrative Assistants Day! Baked goods! Yay!) and counting down until I get to go have fish tacos and a beer at the Argonaut tonight -- yum!

Tom Sietsema: You're eating homemade red velvet cake? Lucky you. And thanks for reminding me about Argonaut, which a dear friend (Hey, Katherine!) insists I try out sometime.

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Who's watching??: How did you know we are military employees? Yikes! Better stop surfing . . . .

Tom Sietsema: No work is being done at the Pentagon right now....

Seriously, folks from the armed forces often tell me they log in, live, on Wednesday mornings.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom - Is there anything that can be done about the poor service at Les Halles? It has become endemic to the restaurant. When I go, I expect bad service. It's just a question of how bad.

On my last visit, Saturday, I had to ask repeatedly for water, menus, Kronenbourg, butter and silverware. This was when I could get someone's attention (by that I mean anyone -- I never figured out who my waiter was). The only thing that came quickly was the bill, but in this case it came too quickly -- before we received our entrees (which we had waited 45 minutes for).

You often ask whether you've gotten the whole story on a complaint, which I think is a good point to raise -- gripes often get in the way of facts. That's why I want to be clear -- you are getting everything.

The location, especially with the patio, could make Les Halles one of the jewels of the District. I have tried and tired to give Les Halles the benefit of the doubt, despite the consistently negligent and rude service, but I can't do it anymore. After years of going there, I have finally given up. They have lost a customer.

For what it's worth, I don't want a gift certificate, or anything else, just to know the service issues have been taken care of.

It's a shame -- the fries were great Saturday.

Tom Sietsema: You can protest the poor service with your feet -- and take your money, French hankering and desire to eat outside to the superior Cafe du Parc at 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

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M Street NW, Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom. I've been submitting this comment several weeks now, with no response. The links to your various articles (Dish, First Bite, Dining Column) that appear in the intro to this chat do not have your most recent columns. For example, your article from this Sunday (4/20) and today's (4/23) articles (Dish and First Bite) are not listed. You have to navigate to Food and Dining, then search around for your various columns.

washingtonpost.com: Hi, M Street. This is Julia, chat producer, Web-fixer, etc. Sorry for the inconvenience. We were having some troubles with those links, but they're all good now. Hopefully we won't have any more issues from here on in. Thanks for your patience.

Tom Sietsema: And there's your answer, M St.!

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Gallery Place, Lunch: Hi! Hope you can answer this question at the beginning of the chat. I'm meeting a friend at Gallery Place for lunch at noon. We want something relatively healthy, good, and under $10...is that too much to ask for? Any cuisine if fine! Hope you can give us a few suggestions. Thanks! (P.S. I went to Amada in Philadelphia based on your Postcard recommendation and LOVED it!)

Tom Sietsema: You know what's good and (relatively) cheap? The nearby Teaism, which even has a few outdoor seats. I was in less than a month ago and can vouch for the serene restaurant's quality these days.

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Tamales . . . : true story. I'm an adventurous eater. My first time at Red Sage some years ago, I saw tamales on the menu. Having never had them, of course I ordered them. I didn't know how to eat them so I ate them all. It took me some months before I figured out why the waiter had such a quizzical look on his face when he removed the plate.

Tom Sietsema: Funny!

I've admitted in this forum that I, too, ate my first tamal -- part of it, anyway -- with its husk on. Decades ago, I should add.

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Not really food-related: A random thought on a drizzly morning down Richmond way . . . I've noticed you often get questions about "dress code" - i.e. are jeans OK? I think it's never out of place to step up to business casual. at least. Why not look a little nicer, just because?

Tom Sietsema: I like your thinking, NRFR.

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Kitfo crisis in D.C.: I didn't see my post yet!! So before time runs out, any suggestion where I can get Kitfo??? Please, please I'm craving it even in my dreams. Or if any chatters know how to make it -- I'll pay triple for what its worth. BTW, I'm new to D.C., moved from N.Y.

Tom Sietsema: Easy! easy! Just about every Ethiopian restaurant in Washington offers the dish (raw meat drenched in spiced butter) which means there are, like, thirty possibilities. I'd try the stuff at Etete or Dukem first.

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Washington, D.C.: It really looks like there is nothing intersting taking place in the city.

Tom Sietsema: Whaddya mean? I think this is a pretty exciting time for restaurants, and diners, despite the economy.

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Ex-Silver Springer, Now Chicagoland: I don't care if you're in a semi-private room or not, a whoopee cushion is NOT acceptable restaurant entertainment for kids.

Tom Sietsema: Agreed.

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Earth Day/Week, true, but: Have you not been following the plastics debate? Is your water bottle glass? You're not supposed to use plastic water bottles for refills!

Tom Sietsema: I'm swigging from a glass bottle.

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Washington, D.C.: Dear Tom,

Lucky me! I am headed to Charleston, S.C., next month for a wedding and it will be my first time in that part of the world. I have heard great things about S.C. cuisine and would love some guidance on where to go. I checked out your postcard, but it appears to be from 2002. Do your picks still stand, or would you recommend somewhere else? We will have 2 meals on our own before the wedding, and thought to have a great dinner Friday night and maybe a proper Southern brunch on Saturday. Any help would be most appreciated!

Tom Sietsema: Actually, I was in Charleston just last year. Check out the Postcard archives in Travel for my most recent take on the southern charmer.

washingtonpost.com: Postcard From Tom: Charleston

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Monrovia, Md.: My faux pas was artichokes. The first time I had them I could not understand why everyone was raving about them - that skin seemed mighty tough to me!

Tom Sietsema: Join the club. I had my Artichoke Moment, too. (What a way to get your daily dose of fiber, I recall thinking.)

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What are you doing right now . . . : Editing a powerpoint presentation for school on Italy's discriminatory fertility policies, munching on a cherry pie larabar (not a representative, but these things are actually delicious), and drinking water out of my cycling water bottle (yay for the bottled water boycott, Tom!)

Tom Sietsema: YOU sound like a diverting dining companion. Tell us more!

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Re: what I'm doing: Tom, how boring apple and water -- are you kidding me!! For a critic with so many choices, why an apple? One of the fruits I hate. At least Mango, banana and a touch of raspberry would have been better!!!

Tom Sietsema: Yeah, but bananas go brown too quickly (for my taste) and raspberries would quickly shrivel in my hot office.

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Washington, D.C.: Do you have any recommendations for Mexico City? I'm headed there next month, and am completely unfamiliar with the city..

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Ask my colleague Joe Yonan about Mexico in the forthcoming Food section chat. He was there just last month.

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I think it's never out of place to step up to business casual. at least. Why not look a little nicer, just because? : That is true, although then there are people like myself who have to wear a suit five days a week. On the weekends, unless there is a special occaision such as wedding or whatever, I am strictly a dress-down person.

Tom Sietsema: Gotcha.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom,

I have been singing your praises to my husband for a while, and he's now a convert! We're hoping you or the chatters can point us to a nice restaurant in Chapel Hill or Raleigh, N.C., for his MBA graduation dinner. Mu mother-in-law is a picky eater, so the restaurant must offer a filet mignon or similar steak item. Thanks in advance for your help!

Tom Sietsema: Flattery will get you -- a few suggestions, I hope. Chatters? I'm not familiar with those cities myself.

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Arlington, Va.: Tom:

I read your review of Bebo and was very excited about my first trip to Roberto Donna's restaurant. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm was soon replaced by disappointment. The food was very good, but not so good as to outweigh the poor service. After reading your review, I had lowered my expectations concerning service so that I would not be disappointed. Even with lowered expectations, the meal was a dud. From the beginning of the meal until the end, the only constant was the steady flow of errors on the part of our server.

To start, we were handed only two menus, even though four of us were eating dinner. Our waiter told us that they were out of menus. What? After looking at the menu, I thought about splitting one of the green salads with my wife. Before actually placing our order, we decided on the Caesar salad instead. The waiter was in such a rush, that he didn't really listen to us when we ordered. He delivered two different salads. When we explained to him that we had ordered the Caesar, he then went to the kitchen and returned with two additional salads of the same type. We now had five salads for four people. Next, my wife ordered a drink. After ten minutes, she again asked for the drink. Several minutes later it arrived. Toward the end of the meal, the waiter asked me if we wanted dessert or if we wanted to finish our wine (one in the positive column for the waiter.). I told him we'd like to finish our wine. While finishing our wine, the waiter failed to remove several dirty dishes on our table. They remained there for the rest of the meal. And finally, for the coup de grace, we had a problem with the bill. Before our meal, we ordered a $35 bottle of wine. The waiter informed us that they were out of that bottle. He offered to substitute a comparable $39 bottle for the same $35 price. We agreed and enjoyed the wine. When the check arrived at the end of the meal, he charged us $49. When we told him of the error, he returned with another check; this time with a price of $39 for the wine. At this point we just wanted to leave, and weren't about to wait for a third attempt by the waiter to give us the correct check. None of these errors, by themselves would have detracted much from a good meal. But all of them together negated the very good food that came out of the kitchen. While the meal was not particularly expensive by Washington, D.C. standards, I feel it should have at least earned us mediocre service. We won't be rushing back to Bebo anytime soon. Our waiter and the entire staff seemed stressed and rushed. We noticed there were no busboys to help the wait staff. Are they simply understaffed?

Tom Sietsema: Yours is typical of the complaints I receive on a weekly basis from visitors to Bebo. I'll have to put on my fat suit and wig and check it out -- in two weeks or so. (Tick, tick, tick, tick . . . )

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University Park, Md.: Dear Tom: thanks so much for the noise rating system. We only went to Zatinya once -- never again!

For a solid choice that I think would pass your tests -- consider La Ferme in Chevy Chase. We just celebrated our 61st and 62nd birthdays and 38th wedding anniversary (marry a guy on his birthday and he'll never forget!) and we could actually hear ourselves talk. There are a lot of corner tables, tablecloths and upholstery, plus fabric over foam-covered walls to absorb annoying noise. It was pleasantly humming without the need for airport landing strip ear protectors. A couple near us had come in for the first time bringing their young teen daughter and 4 of her friends who were seated at a different table. They reported having a delightful time -- and so did the younger set. It's proof you don't have to be ear-splittingly noisy to be a success for different age groups. And the food was exquisite.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for your comments. I haven't been to La Ferme since the last century. Glad to hear you liked the French stalwart. And let's hear it for more quiet restaurants!

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Oakton, Va.: One more shot at this before time runs out for today:

Tom - My wife and I will be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary one month from today. As an added bonus, my inlaws will be in town that weekend thus allowing us to spend the night away from our three kids for the first time in six years(!). We want to stay local, and are thinking that a great meal at ________ in the city, followed by a stay in the luxurious ________ hotel, followed up with teriffic breakfast at ________ (after sleeping in) sounds great. So how would you fill in the blanks? We are open to all foods, and price on this special occasion is no object. (Of course, there is the question of getting reservations at this late date . . .). Thanks in advance!

Tom Sietsema:1) Palena

2) Four Seasons

3) Colorado Kitchen or Tabard Inn

Congrats, by the way.

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RE: Charleston, S.C.: If you get a chance, I'd HIGHLY recommend the Oak Steakhouse. They don't do anything too terribly fancy, but they make even the simplest dishes spectacular! My husband and I went there after our wedding, when we were both busy coming down with the worst cold we've ever had, and still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. And Brett McKee (the ex-Marine chef/owner) is one of the nicest and most interesting folks you will ever meet, if you get the chance.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for chiming in. Oo-rah!

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My eating faux pas . . . : was edamame beans. I didn't know that you were supposed to just eat the beans and not the shell. Finally, I figured it out, the second or third time eating them. I like them now, but I really thought they were gross when I was eating the whole bean....

Tom Sietsema: You kids are cracking me up today.

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Etete: Hi Tom - I love Etete but was wondering how you pronounce it. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Eh-TET-aye

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Boulder, Colo.: I'm sitting here on hold with an airline (23 minutes and counting) to fix a reservation snafu . . . daydreaming about my trip to San Francisco and Napa tomorrow and all of the wonderful food I'll be eating!

Tom Sietsema: I'd be jealous if I wasn't hopping on a plane myself after this chat. Don't miss Ubuntu in Napa! (See my recent Postcard from there for details.)

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Tasting Menus: Tom I think your chat today is a 25 course French Laundry-type tasting menu today. You know what I am saying!

Tom Sietsema: (Burp)

That is NOT a compliment.

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Washington, D.C.: My fiancee and I are frantically looking for a decent restaurant for an upcoming rehearsal dinner for 50 people. We're on a strict budget and would like something casual and inexpensive (less than $30 per person for food), but nothing grimy or off-putting to elderly relatives. Good food is a must, but there must be a nice atmosphere and a room to accommodate 50. Ethnic is good, but, sadly, not "too ethnic" (i.e. Thai or Mediterranean would be fine but not Ethiopian or Indian). We prefer Dupont/U Street/Adams Morgan, but we could also do Rosslyn or Clarendon. We realize this is a tall order, but there's no turning back now and we've come up empty-handed so far. Any ideas???

Tom Sietsema: Good food. Cheap food. Nothing too exotic. Space for 50 in a popular neighborhood. That's asking a lot, Washington! I'm throwing the question to the peanut gallery (and wishing you luck as I do so).

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Dupont Circle: For the person looking for a restaurant down in Chapel Hill or Raleigh -- I went to school down in Durham, and if you're willing to go over there (it's still close!), I can recommend Magnolia Grill, Chamas (a fantastic Brazlian Steakhouse), Top of the Hill for a great scene (in Chapel Hill), and Verde (really wide range of food types, from Mediterranean to Asian fusion, though kind of small and not the most consistent service).

Tom Sietsema: Magnolia Grill alwways gets rave reviews. Thanks, Dupont.

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Arlington, Va.: Am I unreasonable? This past Saturday we had out-of-town guests and wanted to treat them to dinner. Because it was so beatiful we wanted to eat outdoors. I called Bistro Bistro in Shirlington in the morning and asked if I could make a reservation for an outdoor table. I was told yes. I made a reservation for five at 7 p.m. and provided my phone number as requested. When we got to the restaurant all the outdoor tables were occupied and I was told the person who took the reservation made a mistake because they don't take reservations for the outdoor tables. I suggested they should have either called to tell me that or set aside a table for us because it was their mistake. (It was obvious they knew about the problem before we got there.) I was told the only thing they could do was give us an indoor table. Because it was 7 p.m. on a Saturday night we decided it would be difficult to find another restaurant without a wait so we opted to stay. We were given a table about 25 feet from the bar, which allowed smoking though I didn't know it at the time. (The restaurant was almost empty inside.) That was potentially a problem because I have asthma and react to cigarette smoke. When I did realize people were smoking I decided not to say anything because it wasn't that close so I didn't think it would be a problem. However, as we were eating our entrees I realized a woman two tables away was chain smoking! Since we already eating and because they hadn't been responsive to my complaints about the table, we decided to finish as quickly as possible and leave. Note that there was no indication we were in a smoking section: they never said anything, nor were there ashtrays on the tables. We left the restaurant totally dissatisfied with our experience. I did try e-mailing the restaurant a couple of times to give them my input, but have yet to receive a response. At this point I doubt we'll go there again and I'll tell anyone who asks about my experience. Am I being unreasonable to feel this way?

Tom Sietsema: I know I must sound like a broken record (hey, what's the 2008 equivalent, anyway?), but I wonder if you spoke to a manager at the very start of your unfortunate evening. I'd be upset, too, if I was promised something I didn't get and had to settle for something with potentially unhealthy consequences.

Let this serve as a reminder to restaurants, now that spring is here: Have an outdoor seating policy and make sure everyone on staff knows what it is.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom,

Nice article about rising cost of food and what restaurateurs are going through. It is definitely going to be the survival of the fittest.

washingtonpost.com: It's Waste Not, Want Less For Some Chefs

Tom Sietsema: Neighborhood restaurants seem to be thriving. Luxury restaurants are having a more difficult time right now.

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Arlington, Va.: I'm in no way affiliated with the two restaurants but perhaps a reader will brave the somewhat 'eclectic' outside/inside of the restaurant and order a kabob instead of spending about the same money at the nearby Subway or McDonalds. If that happens then I've done my good deed for the day.

As for something quite funny . . . I was walking around Crystal City and overheard some older people trying to find someplace to eat in the area when one of them mentioned that a restaurants had a really good deal on a steak dinner. The restaurant that he was talking about with the 5 dollar t-bone was named The Crystal City Restaurant (a gentlemen's club) but I don't believe they had any clue about the stuff in the parrenthisis. I was tempted to tell them that most people probably paid for their dinner with dollar bills but just let them go their way.

Regards,

Kabob Palace Afficianado

Tom Sietsema: Good deed done. And thanks for the laugh.

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Rockville, Md.: What happened to your producer - Erin Hartigan?

Tom Sietsema: The lovely Ms. Hartigan decamped for an editor's position at Daily Candy.

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Capitol Hill, D.C.: Quick riposte to bartender at the opening (and all bartenders in D.C.): Learn how to make a Sazerac, please! I'm getting tired of the vacant look I get when ordering one.

Tom Sietsema: You won't get a vacant look if you ask for the classic at Acadiana on New York Ave!

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Decent restaurant for an upcoming rehearsal dinner: How about Chef Geoff's? There is one right by Metro Center. Not exactly a hip area, but well known and accessible. I used to waittress there years ago and remember we did a lot of functions that fit that bill in a private room in the back (however - I'm not sure that room would fit 50 people?).

Tom Sietsema: That's a start. Thanks.

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Rehersal dinner - Rosslyn: The back room at Cafe Asia might be a good option for you. I organized my office holiday party there one year and it was very reasonably priced.

Tom Sietsema: Another idea. Merci.

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Creme: I ate there recently-food is still a good value with a great coconut cake for dessert. Fun vibe but noisy! Good service-wine selections could be more interesting. I'm not sure Chef T spends a lot of time there anymore.

Tom Sietsema: That coconut cake is indeed fabulous. Chef T - or Tee -- also surfaces at the nearby Station 9.

It's noon. My chariot awaits. Have a delicious week and come back next week, same time, same station. Ciao, folks.

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Private Room: Beck's has a nice private room and we put together a beer pairing!

Tom Sietsema: This just in.

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