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.

For more restaurant chatter, join Sietsema's Table, Tom's new discussion group about dining experiences.

The transcript follows.

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Fairfax VA: Tom, I am so behind the 8 ball, we have 10 people coming from Fairfax, Arlington and Charles Town: we MUST go out for Turkey Day. In the past we have usually gone to 4 and 20, but, alas they have closed. Friends have recommended Clyde's in Reston (perfect for all parties for location and you can't beat the price) but my husband and kids would like 3 courses instead of 2. Suggestions? Is there going to be an insert in the Post as to who is doing what to for Tday this year?? Help. Thanks!!

washingtonpost.com: In Search of Turkey and Trimmings (Going Out Guide)

Tom Sietsema: Hopefully, an answer awaits in the link there.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom, longtime reader here. I went to Ray's Hell-Burger last Wednesday with my girlfriend. I also had been to Ray's a few months ago over the summer. I noticed they no longer gave us free watermelon and corn, but rather just an orange slice. Is this due to the changing economy, or was the watermelon and corn a special summer thing? The burger was still pretty good, but I'm not in much of a hurry to go back without the fun freebies. Also, I love a good juicy burger, but it was pretty impossible to eat like a normal burger -- the bun fell apart after one bite, completely soaked in burger juices, losing all structural capacity. I had to pick the remaining burger parts off the plate. Overall, still delicious, but a bit disappointing. Thanks, and keep eating!

Tom Sietsema: Do you *really* want out-of-season fruits and vegetables with your burger, Washington?

Initially, owner Michael Landrum tells me, that ear of corn was put on the plate because his burger joint wasn't offering sides. And the watermelon was there to end a meal with something sweet.

These days, customers are getting an orange slice and a cup of hot chocolate, which you serve yourself. Sounds like a fair, indeed generous, replacement to me!

Landrum stands by his bun, currently a 3.5-ounce potato brioche roll. "This is a dirty burger," he says. "You're going to get messy when you eat it."

Is anyone else out there getting hungry?

Good morning, everyone.

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National Harbor Area??: Thinking about going to the newly renovated National Harbor area -- I know you praised the Old Hickory Steakhouse last week. Any other non-chain restaurants in the area that are worth visiting for a dinner?

Tom Sietsema: Your timing is impeccable. Just yesterday, I got word from a publicist that a place called Bobby McKey's has opened at 172 Fleet St.

It's an, um, INTERESTING concept: dualing piano players and an all-dip menu. (Folks, I don't make these things up.)

I liked Old Hickory, by the way, and not just for the swepping view.

washingtonpost.com: First Bite: Old Hickory Steakhouse

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Metro Centro: Come on, T....best onion rings in DC?

Tom Sietsema: I haven't had any here in town (lately) that I've loved. Chatters?

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anywhere, USA: A question about dining etiquette - my significant other is vision-impaired - low vision, not correctible with glasses. So I try to help out by reading menus aloud, but it definitely takes a little extra time at the front end of a meal. What's a good way to signal to our waiter not to hover, without bringing up the disability (which is otherwise not noticeable to wait staff)? Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: "Well need a few extra minutes, thank you."

That should do the trick.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi, Tom! My in-laws are coming into town for Thanksgiving, and we have reservations for dinner at Tabard Inn.

The next day, though, is my mother in law's birthday, and they would like to go out for that as well. I am thinking that we want something light for the day after Thanksigiving, but I'd still like someplace nice. What would you recommend? No sushi, but otherwise they are pretty open to different types of cuisine.

Tom Sietsema: If they're open and have available seats, I'd point your party to the new Corduroy, Proof or Oyamel.

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Kensington, MD: Have you ever reviewed the Japanese restaurant, Makoto?

washingtonpost.com: Review of 3 sushi places, including Makoto (April 24, 2005)

Tom Sietsema: Indeed I have. I went back for the fall dining guide, but never wrote it up, because I thought that while the food was very good, virtually nothing had changed on the menu from my previous visit (and the place was pretty expensive to boot). I wanted, I expected more from the experience.

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Washington, D.C.: Dear Tom, I wanted to wish you and your chatters a great Thanksgiving. I think it is really important every year to give back to the people around you. The people that cannot afford the $40 or $50 to have a Thanksgiving meal at a restaurant like Hudson or wherever Washingtonians go. Last year we had the opportunity to serve 16 wounded military personnel from Walter Reed. It put a smile on their faces and it sure felt good on our end. So in this significant time of need, I am planning to donate what I feel I can afford and that would be 8% of our Thanksgiving revenue to The Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund which helps DC inner city kids advance their educational goals. It's not an enormous sum, nevertheless it is what I think we as restaurateurs are responsible for in our business and personal life. I am also hoping that our guests without any pressure from us at all will open their wallets or checkbooks and donate on that day as well. Everyone needs help right now and this is the best way I can see us helping people on that day and going forward. Perhaps other restaurants will also see this as an opportunity to give back to their own special charities.

Best,

Alan G. Popovsky, Principal, Hudson Restaurant and Lounge

Tom Sietsema: What a grand idea! I hope your idea catches on, too.

Here's wishing you a full house next week, sir.

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Think Fast!: What 5 restaurants would Tom Sietsema choose to celebrate the birthday of a coworker within walking distance of his office. (His office happens to also be close to mine, natch.) Okay -- go....

Tom Sietsema: You mean MY office on the corner of 15 & L streets?

Tick, tick, tick ....

Mio is nearby. (The restaurant has just begun serving pizza at lunch, by the way.)

I like Rice for light Asian fare, though it gets noisy at prime time.

A short walk away are also the Bombay Club (Indian in regal environs), Equinox (seasonal American) and Spezie (Italian).

That's five, off the top of my head. (Whew!)

washingtonpost.com: Review of Spezie (Oct. 10, 2007)

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Onion Rings: The ones from Matchbox are absolutely addictive. I dream about them.

Tom Sietsema: Another poster mentioned BLT Steak as a source.

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New York, NY: Tom- As an insider, (current profession: Maitre'd), and a Washington native, I had to respond to some of the comments from last week and previous posts in regards to certain tables getting different,and or "better" service. In this business we try to give a every guest a great experience, but the truth of the matter is that someone who comes to our restaurant once a week, or every time they come spend $1000 on wine are going to get different service. My best advice: just be nice to the staff and they will be nice to you.

Tom Sietsema: That's easy! Thanks for the tip.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi Tom, any news when Chef Gillian is opening her new restaurant? Thanks

Tom Sietsema: Read all about it (or PART of it) this Sunday, when the Food section publishes early due to Thanksgiving.

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Arlington, VA: Was surprised by the sudden closing of Les Halles yesterday as I was a fan (of the hanger steak and pommes frites). Any chance of Les Halles opening at a different location in DC?

Tom Sietsema: In this environment? I'd say no.

washingtonpost.com: Au Revoir, Les Halles (GOG Blog)

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Dupont Circle, DC: Onion Rings at DC Chophouse. BIG onion circles (wedge-like, really), not greasy, beer battered. Hopefully this'll help get my question answered...

Tom Sietsema: Suggestions from readings cominng in as I type:

Re: Onion Rings: I had some unbelievely good onion rings at Black Squirrel in A Mo recently - Vidalia onions with a crispy, crackly batter and a creamy/spicy jalapeno dip on the side. We originally went there just to watch football, but now go back just for the rings!

Rocklands and Popeye's are both getting nods from various lurkers here, too.

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dueling piano players and an all-dip menu. : Perhaps they consulted Jerry Seinfeld (who can forget the episode in which he disastrously advised Babu Bhatt to serve only food from Babu's native country?) in planning this restaurant...

Tom Sietsema: It DOES smack of comedy, doesn't it? I'd love to see the "SNL" crew's take on the concept.

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Oyamel: What is the pronunciation of this restaurant's name?

Tom Sietsema: OY-uh-mel

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Bad etiquette...?: Is this bad etiquette or just me being fussy?

During a recent disappointing (for various reasons) visit PS7's I was a bit flabbergasted by the actions of a fellow group of diners. If I had been wearing a monocle, it would have dropped into my glass.

We were a table of two trying, unsuccessfully, to have a night out. This was mainly due to criminally bad service and the maitre d' seating us between two loud groups of 8-10 people.

Anyway, a group next to us had started out as jsut a couple having dinner at a two-top. Slowly more people arrived and as they did, they just grabbed chairs from nearby tables. Soon 6 people were crowding the area, blocking the paths of waiters and encroaching on other diners' space. They weren't eating, just having cocktails. The ultimate slight came when one turned around, interrupted our dinner, and asked if they could take one of the empty chairs (upon which my wife's jacket and purse rested) from our table!

I wanted to say "no," but caved. The guy didn't even thank us, just returned to his overflowing table. This annoyed me because,

1) It was rude. 2) This is a dining room, not a lounge! If they just wanted to drink and chat with friends, they should be somewhere else. 3) PS7's staff should have asked them that if they wanted to continue drinking, they could go to the lounge. It was Friday night, so they dining room was crowded.

In the end it sort of ruined our night, especially when coupled with an awful waitress. Am I just being to fussy?

Tom Sietsema: Fussy? No.

I agree: The staff should have noticed, and taken action against, the crowding in the dining room. (Was the bar packed? Was that way all these people started showing up?)

At the same time, however, *you* could have helped solve the problem by pointing the situation out to the staff and asking to be reseated. I'm sure a manager could have come to your aid there.

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Tom Sietsema: Confidential to Frankfort, Kentucky: I am not amused!

(Actually, I began reading it as fact and got the joke by the end of the sentence.)

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Re: Good Burger: A great place to try for a burger is Thirsty Bernie's, on the corner of Glebe Road & Lee Highway in Arlington. Have you been there ?

Tom Sietsema: I have not, but my pal, former Post food reporter Candy Sagon, has. Here's her take:

washingtonpost.com: Review of Thirsty Bernie (Oct. 19)

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18th Street: In today's Dish, you mention that David Craig Bethesda is closing partially due to an eighty percent drop in business from a year ago. Considering your glowing review of the restaurant and its location in affluent, relatively recession-proof Bethesda, a decline in food quality seems to have led to a dearth of return customers. Any take on David Craig Bethesda's demise?

Tom Sietsema: I noticed a slight dip in the cooking level on my last visit, less than a year ago, but nothing that alarmed me.

I think Bethesda probably has too many choices for dinner (and certainly lunch, which DCB served in its last year) and, as the chef pointed out, the place was pretty small.

I'd be curious to hear from custmers of the restaurant, which I liked very much when it opened.

washingtonpost.com: Review of David Craig (Feb. 26, 2006)

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Another Drewno Fan: Tom, Following on last week's glowing remarks about Chef Drewno and The Source, I had to write in too with my praise. We went last week and the food was excellent and on point: from those tuna cones that you, and now I, am addicted to... to the crispy Chinese roast duck (couldn't get better if you were in Hong Kong), and dee-lish pork belly and lamb chops (the chops maybe a bit on the bit fatty, but I really shouldn't complain).

The service was on point too. Our server was very experienced: knew how to attentive but not obtrusive and really took care of us right (while at the same time taking care of Rahm Emanuel seated next to us). Maybe it was just because we were there for my girlfriend's birthday that they pampered us so, but I get the feeling that this is just how they roll. (Special thanks to the hostess for hiding the birthday presents till the surprise moment!) We'll be back.

Tom Sietsema: Always glad to point out random acts of hospitality! Although The Source seems to deliver that on a regular basis ...

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Reston, Va: have you been to Jackson's? The new Great American Restaurant... if so what's your take?

Tom Sietsema: Here's what I thought of the newcomer, fresh from the folks at Great American Restaurants:

washingtonpost.com: First Bite: Jackson's

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Chantilly VA: The onion strings (onion rings' little cousin) at Bobby Van's are fantastic.

Tom Sietsema: Mmmmm. Our list is growing longer by the post.

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Silver Spring, MD: Hi Tom - a friend is coming in from out of town, and we were hoping to have drinks at a restaurant/bar with a view. Now that my usual go-to place, the Hotel Washington, is closed - where else can we go? View is paramount! Thanks!!!

Tom Sietsema: That's tough. Charlie Palmer Steak has a *bit* of a view of the Capitol ... Agraria in Georgetown overlooks a slice of the Potomac ... New Heights in Woodley Park has windows overlooking Rock Creek ... and what about the Roof Terrace at the KenCen?

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Sushi: So what is the best sushi in town?

Tom Sietsema: In no particular order:

Sushi-ko in Glover Park, Kaz Sushi Bistro on I St., the aforementioned Makoto (very traditional), Kotobuki in the Palisades (inexpensive and fun), Sushi Taro .... gosh, what else am I missing?

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Washington, DC: The view from the roof at Tabaq on U street is nice!

Tom Sietsema: Yes it is. But I've not heard anything about the place of late.

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Glover Park, DC: Hi Tom, Anne here from Rocklands - thanks for the mention of the onion rings! Just wanted to mention that we are now serving those delicious onion rings at our DC location. We also just started serving icy cold beer and tequila shots!

Tom Sietsema: Tequila shots and onion rings! My kind of lunch (on a day off)

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Dupont Circle, DC: Hi Tom -

Have plans to meet up with an old school chum in Columbia Heights (his neck of the woods) tonight for cocktails, possibly food. He suggested Logan@theHeights, but I seem to recall that CommonWealth is up that way too. Should we switch plans?

Tom Sietsema: The British-inspired CommonWealth is a distinctive and different watering hole. It gets my vote.

washingtonpost.com: CommonWealth review (Oct. 26)

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Clifton, VA: A restaurant experience is needed:

My husband and I are disappointed with the usual restaurants since Maestro and now Les Halles have closed. Can you recommend a fabulous local restaurant (price no object) where we can find the creativity of Maestro and the comfort of Les Halles? We have been to Inn at Little Washington a number of times so please suggest another. My 401K can afford just this one splurge.

Tom Sietsema: Of the upscale choices out there, the restaurants I'm always eager to return to include The Source (for elegant, pan-Asian riffs); Rasika (for modern Indian cooking and a fine wine list); Palena (for luscious and carefully composed Italian-French food, despite the service lapses); and the tasting room at Restaurant Eve in Old Town.

Does that help?

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The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Washington DC- Response from last week's chat: Hi Tom,

This is Christine, the General Manager of The Oceanaire Seafood Room. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to respond to the person who posted in your chat last week about a negative experience that they had here and for your kind words about us.

I am very sorry that they did not receive the superior service and food that we strive to give all of our guests. As you know, our Executive Chef Rob Klink works very hard to provide the freshest and most sustainable seafood options for our guests and wants each guest to enjoy every last bite of their meal.

I only wish that this person would've alerted me or another one of the management staff while they were in the restaurant to let us know of the problem. It's much easier for me to fix problems or to correct any staffing issues if I find out exactly what is happening at that time rather than later. Unfortunately, the information that they provided is not enough for me to look further into this incident right now.

I invite the guest/chatter who was dissatisfied with their experience to contact me directly so that I may speak with them and offer my apologies for any inconsistencies that occurred during their visit.

Best,

Christine de Clerfay

General Manger

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for reaching out, Christine. I'm happy to help you track down the poster, who is hopefully with us today. He or she can also write to me at asktom@washpost.com.

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Richmond: Of course, calling being asked if diners can use your spare chair "the ULTIMATE slight" is fussy. Yes, you deserve excellent service, but expecting to hoard spare chairs is arrogant. If being asked to pass a chair to someone who needs it is an ULTIMATE slight, you should be grateful for your abnormally easy and painfree life.

Tom Sietsema: Well, let's not go all postal here (sorry, Eddie!)

I think a guest grabbing a chair and making a cramped space more so is the real issue.

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Washington, DC: How do you feel about Founding Farmers for a holiday group dinner?

Tom Sietsema: I'm getting mixed reviews about the place lately, although I bet the new restaurant has space to accomodate you.

washingtonpost.com: First Bite: Founding Farmers

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Sushi: In response to the sushi comment, I really enjoy Murasaki right above Tenleytown (on Wisconsin).

Tom Sietsema: Yep, it has its fans. I've not eaten there in several years, however.

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onion rings: Yummy onion rings -- Bourbon for your basic, old school onion ring.

Cashion's late night menu onion rings that come with the steak and cheese. Super light batter, very crispy... YUM

Tom Sietsema: Our onion ring seeker must be salivating by now.

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Restaurant Closings: Every month we are hearing about a well-known restaurant closing... It is all the economy, is it not? Hopefully with the new administration things should help. What's your advice to restaurants to stay afloat?

Tom Sietsema: Hang in there!

I think you're right; an influx of new diners should give the scene a much-needed boost. One political observor told me recently that Republicans generally live outside the city, Democrats tend to reside within the District. Let's hope, for the sake of our restaurants, that he's right and the new crowd takes advantage of our wealth of good places to eat.

More than anything right now, diners want value. Restaurants HAVE to pay attention to that.

At the same time, I encourage diners to reward their favorite places with their business, as much as they can afford to.

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The Publicist, Bobby McKey's: Hi folks, sure, the dueling piano bar might sound "comedic" -- that is the point! More than a dining option, it's an interactive performance. After a few hours knocking some back and singing along with the crowd, Cheeseburger Dip served with Fritos or Creamy Crab and Roasted Red Pepper Dip with Old Bay Chips are exactly what you'll want! Looking forward to seeing you all there. . .

Tom Sietsema: I take it YOU planted the question I got? (Not that there's anything wrong with that, as Jerry used to say.)

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Vienna, Va: Have the Obamas contacted you for dining recommendations?

Tom Sietsema: I see a cone of silence descending!

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Arlington, VA: Anyone who doesn't love Ray's Hellburger is not a patriotic American. Or worse, they're a Syracuse fan.

Tom Sietsema: Ouch.

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Waldorf, MD: How can I get a copy of the Dining Guide?

washingtonpost.com: 2008 Fall Dining Guide

Tom Sietsema: You mean a PRINT version? I have a limited number in my office, but I hate to even mention that.

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Alexandria, Va.: Tom - Wanted to let you know about a dismal experience we had at Firefly, despite the silver lining of a sympathetic manager. We arrived at 8:40 for an 8:45 reservation. At nine I was told the table had just ordered dessert so it would be "a while." We were not seated until 9:15. The manager made up for it with a free appetizer, but then the app was on the bill and we had to have it taken off. It took 25 minutes to order, 30 minutes to get our appetizers and then 55 minutes to get our entrees. What arrived after those times was hardly worth the wait. While the manager tried to do best with what he had and should be complimented for making the best of a bad situation(the comped app, he then took an additional amount off the bill) he truly did not have much to work with - marginal food and an overwhelmed and uninterested wait staff. We were not ugly about it, as I worked in food service before and for the industry as an advocate at one point, so I know that there are a lot of different factors that go into a bad experience, but I was saddened by the quality of the kitchen on top of all the other problems with Firefly.

Tom Sietsema: Having once liked the place so much that I had a birthday party there, in Firefly's cozy back room, I can only say how sorry I am to hear about the food quality going down.

Maybe this will serve as a wake-up call to the staff. It sounds as if the mnager did his best to smooth things over, but your problems were made worse by poor food.

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Founding Farmers? : I don't know why anyone is still going there! I've been three times (different times, days) with three different groups of people and I've gotten some of THE worst service I've ever encountered in a restaurant. Tom, you need to get back over there and suffer the indignities so that you can start warning people away.

Tom Sietsema: Gosh, I think you just did!

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Publicist again: Did not plant. Was in staff meeting til 11.30am. We don't do that, Tom! -Lisa, Linda Roth Associates

Tom Sietsema: JUST asking, just asking ... :)

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Washington, D.C.: I'm a bit off-track of the conversation but I really want to know when the Jockey Club is reopening. Can hardly wait. Any news?

Tom Sietsema: I believe the Jockey Club opens today for regular diners. (I was told by a reliable source that hotel guests were eating there earlier this month.)

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20005: VALUE is sorely lacking in the district. My family makes $200K+ and we can't afford (family of four) to eat out at anywhere other than ethnic joints more than 2-3 times a year.

Restaurants, help US out and we will support you. It should not cost me, on average $50 pp minimum to have a decent meal in this town.

Tom Sietsema: I hear you. But the food and other prices are also killing the restaurants, so they tell me.

On that note, I bid you farewell until next Wednesday. Try, if you can, to eat out at least once before we gather again, OK?

Cheers for now. I'm off to get some onion rings ...

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