Ask Tom: Our Food Critic Talks Shop

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema discussed his review of Founding Farmers and dished about the closing of Locanda, the changes at Buck's and Comet and whether or not children's meals should be served early on Wednesday, June 3 at 11 a.m. ET.

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Send-Off for a Friend moving to Korea: Tom -

I have a quandary, and since you are the king of solving dining puzzles, I thought I would ask the D.C.-food-maestro.

A good friend will be back in town (he used to live in D.C.) for just one night (Saturday) before he moves to Korea for a few years. My husband, myself, and another couple of friends (all in our mid-late 30s) want to make an evening of it, and I'm drawing a blank on where we should go.

We usually sit at the bar/lounge when available so we can take our time without taking up a table for too long, and definitely want to stick to D.C. (preferably on a Metro line, and extra points for NW).

Places we enjoy are: Cashions, Cork, Al Crostino, Sonoma, Rasika, Proof, Kaz, but we really want to try something new along the same quality. Good wine/cocktails are a must, and all of us will eat anything.

I would really appreciate your sage advice, as I've lost all connection with new and interesting restaurants in D.C. after spending last year unemployed!

Thanks Tom,

Stumped in D.C...

Tom Sietsema: How about drinks and dinner at the mod Sei in Penn Quarter? Or drinks at the new Bourbon Streak followed by dinner at Hook, both in Georgetown? Or wine at Cork followed by a meal at the nearby Posto?

Chatters, feel free to weigh in.

Happy Hump Day, everyone. It's the middle of a very busy (newsy) week here in food land.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Review: Sei and 2009 Review: Bourbon Steak

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Falls Church, Va.: Hey Tom, I think you should check out the papaya salad at Thai Square off of Columbia Pike in Arlington. It's awesome! Especially if you ask them to add the shrimp paste & blue crab. Makes my mouth water every time I think about it =)

Tom Sietsema: I used to love that place. But my last visit to Thai Square was less than stellar. Has anyone else experienced a decline in quality?

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Del Ray, Va.: Last week, some peanuts assailed the practice of eating out and advocating for home-cooked meals. I wanted to chime in and say that the primary reason that our family -- with two full-time working parents -- eats out is so we can spend more time together and give a break from the daily grind of rushing home to put a well-balanced yet delicious meal on the table. I absolutely love cooking but at least twice a week I like to trade the time in the kitchen with time with the family.

Tom Sietsema: Restaurateurs everywhere applaud your noble deed!

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Tomville, USA: Tom,

Can I just tell you why I admire you so much? I work two blocks from Founding Farmers, and I caught the "Founding Fever." I just loved the hype and I totally bought into it...even though I hated the flat bread and the salad made me feel like I had just eaten 2 Big Macs...I waited in that overcrowded waiting area...

Your Cheesecake Factory reference was spot-on. Thank you for not just buying into the hype!

Tom Sietsema: That's my job (testing the hype)!

It's a shame, really. I kept thinking during my meals there, "If only the owners put as much thought into the cooking as they did with the interior, this could be a cool place."

My hunch is that FF will remain as busy as ever.

washingtonpost.com: This Week's Review: Founding Farmers

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Founding Farmers: I couldn't agree more with your review of Founding Farmers. The cocktails I had there were divine but the food was mediocre. I was really put off by the ginormous size of everything... it was a little grotesque. I saw a pork chop the size of my head go by! When I'm paying that much for a meal, I want to think of everything on the plate as a special treat. I know the restaurant wants to emphasize local farming, but I really just felt like a pig at a trough!

Tom Sietsema: On top of it, larger portions of mediocre food only emphasize the flaws.

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D.C. to NYC this Friday!: Hello! I checked out the NYT and Bruni's review of Minetta Tavern makes it sound like that is where I need to be waiting on Friday evening at 5:30 to try to snag a bar seat at the already fully reserved newcomer. Question...other reports I have read aren't in tune with Bruni's. Still worth a shot if I have one night in NYC?

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: I'd trust Frank's word, in part because he ate his way through the whole menu over the course of multiple visits. Plus, he's rarely steered this reader wrong.

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Leesburg, Va.: We eat out often, usually with our preschooler. We've noticed that more and more often the server will (without asking in advance) deliver her meal almost instantly, rather than bringing her meal with our entrees. She is always happily engaged (talking, coloring, or eating the crackers/whatever we've brought for that purpose), not clamoring for her food. Part of why we take her out is to teach her how to dine out "well", and when we have to ask for her plate to be held back (or worse, when we just try to "hide" it on the table until our meals arrive) the reactions amaze me. Why is it assumed that we don't want her to eat her dinner with the rest of the table?

Tom Sietsema: I think the restaurants are simply trying to be helpful by bringing out food for a young diner who may or may not have the patience to wait for her food. Judging from a lot of the mail I get from parents with small children, parents generally applaud that kind of thoughtfulness.

I understand your desire to teach manners. And good for you! From here on out, though, you might place your restaurant order with a request to have all your family's food come out together.

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Capitol Hill: What happened to Locanda!? :(

Tom Sietsema: Sad but true. The neighborhood Italian restaurant closed just before Memorial Day, after a year or so of ups and downs, the opening chef's departure and return, and a power struggle between the landlord and Locanda's one-time co-owner. Ultimately, chef Brian Barszcz tells me, the closure was brought about by a decline in patronage and "insufficient funds."

My two cents: A smart restaurateur would scoop up Barszcz

washingtonpost.com: Tom's 2007 Review of Locanda

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Silver Spring, Md.: Tom,

I checked the postcards, but didn't see any mention of Hawaii. Do you know of any good restaurants in Honolulu/Oahu? I'm looking for places in all prices ranges and would love to try to eat like a local. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Hawaii, anyone? Among the places that I read favorably about, but haven't experienced yet, are Chef Mavro, Ola and Alan Wong.

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Berlin Help!: Tom, I'm leaving for Berlin in three hours and I'll only be there through Saturday. Please please please can I have a small spoiler from your Berlin postcard? I'm desperate!

Tom Sietsema: The squeaky wheel gets the grease: For a splurge, try the contemporary Facil. For something moderately priced, I like Aigner. And you'd miss one of Berlin's most engaging destinations if you skip the amazing department store known as KaDeWe, which devotes an entire floor to a world of food shops and places to eat. (Viel Spass!)

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Hungry and Clueless: Tom,

I know you've answered this question before, but can you please remind me of your recommendations for pre-Kennedy center performance restuarants? We're headed there tomorrow night and would like to get a quick and good dinner before the 7:30. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Dish + Drinks on 25th St. does a decent job of getting performance-bound customers in and out. Even better: Marcel's, the luxe French restaurant on Penn. Ave., which offers a deal of a meal in the form of a three-course, $52 dinner that includes car service to and from the KenCen.

washingtonpost.com: Tom on Marcel's Pre-Theater Menu

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Vienna, Va.: Where is the best ice cream and sorbet in the region?

Having recently had some very intensely flavored sorbet (at Berthillon in Paris), I'm now obsessed with trying to find anything even half as good here. Either a stand-alone ice cream parlor or at a restaurant would do. I'd prefer either the Vienna/Fairfax vicinity or something metro accessible.

Tom Sietsema: Ah, let's start a list!

My choice won't help you, but it's worth seeking out:

Dolcezza Argentine Gelato, a terrific shop next to Redwood restaurant in Bethesda. (Incidental update: Redwood has a new chef, Blake Schumpert, formerly of Ardeo in Cleveland Park.)

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Washington, D.C.: Good Morning Tom,

Thank you for the fantastic chats! Do you have any recommendations for a budget-friendly sushi place downtown? Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: What about Cafe Asia on 17th St? Or Wasabi, where the goods roll out on a conveyor belt?

washingtonpost.com: Wasabi

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Bistro L'Hermitage: I was so excited when you rated Bistro L'Hermitage at two and half stars because there are not many nice restaurants near where I live Fairfax Station. Unfortunately, my experience did not mirror yours.

I was VERY disappointed in the quality of my entree, the paella, which was the special that evening. (I know -- I shouldn't have ordered Spanish food in a French restaurant.)

The dish did not have any depth of flavor, the rice was equivalent to Rice-a-Roni and it was topped with Japanese seaweed salad! Additionally, there was no quality seafood in the dish -- just about 4 mussels, 3 shrimp, 4 clams, and bits of fish. Having worked in a kitchen before, my guess is that the paella components (rice, seafood, and seaweed salad) were made separately and assembled for the dish rather than having been cooked all together. I just ate the seafood and left the rest.

To be fair, my dining companions did enjoy their steak and lamb, which was average-to-good but not great. And I did like my Caesar salad, though the dressing was extremely mild and it basically consisted of 3 Romaine lettuce leaves with 3 white anchovies for $8!

It was fairly busy and the service was average. The staff did not ask how our meal was at all. Had I been with people I knew better, I would have complained at the host stand about both the food and the service.

Our meal for 4 people was $300. Honestly, we go out to dinner quite often and I just feel like I was "taken." I would not recommend Bistro L'Hermitage, nor would I go back. The whole experience made me wish we had gone to Ray's the Steaks or Mike's instead...

Tom Sietsema: I'm so very sorry to hear about your experience at BH. I think it's a valable addition to the scene. Has anyone else been there recently?

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Review: Bistro L'Hermitage

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McLean, Va.: Hi ya Tom...to the poster who asked last week about Nashville suggestions. I have but 4 words... Prince's Hot Chicken Shack. I travel a lot for work and am fortunate enough to be able to visit some of the best restaurants in the country. Prince's was my fave meal for 2008. It is in a strip mall and is a real dive, but the fried chicken (the spicier the better) is to die for. The poster won't want to miss it!

Tom Sietsema: You're making my mouth water ....

Thanks for the tip.

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Old Town: Tom, hi. I'm on a health regimen that requires me to track my calorie intake every day. I'm wondering if, given your insight into restaurants and their kitchens, how much you think their fare differs from home-cooked preparation of similar dishes.

My understanding is that part of why fine dining tastes so delicious is that chefs layer so much butter/cream/fat etc. into their dishes -- which would make my efforts to estimate nearly impossible. Or is it not as bad as I fear?

Tom Sietsema: It's probably as bad as you fear. Butter and olive oil and the like are fats used in abundance by a lot of chefs, because fat equals flavor. Your best bet is to patronize places like Rock Creek in D.C. and Bethesda, which promote healthful eating and offer calorie and other counts, or restaurants where butter and frying are de-emphasized. (I'm thinking of Vietnamese and Thai restaurants.)

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Arlington, Va.: In your Sietsema's Tables you asked about the decline of high restaurant's in D.C.? Now I have been to most of the D.C. area's high-end restaurants over the last 18 mos and the only one with a high end FOH is the Inn at LW. Sorry the rest could all learn something from Great American and a little Italian place in Manassas next to the taxidermy shop. I dont mind spending a $150 or more per person for a special occasion but not in D.C. when even the best places have inconsistent service. It maybe good it may not. Or some are just awful like any place Donna opens. The D.C. area needs better waiters, bar keeps, front of the house managers and host/hostess. A name chef does not guarantee a great meal in D.C. It usually does in Vegas.

Tom Sietsema: D.C. doesn't have the deepest pool of restaurant talent, it's true. But based on my occasional visits to Vegas, I have to disagree with you. It's very easy to spend a lot of money for so-so food and service in even the top places.

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D.C.: Dear Diners,

We want to make you happy, we want to provide you with great food, great service and have you leave us satisfied and content. That being said, we also like to minimize any potential problems (make them invisible). So when you arrive for a table and the dining room looks "half full" and we ask you to wait for a moment it may be that a server has just been triple sat (three tables at once) and we need to make an adjustment in the seating to give you a table in another section or maybe someone in the kitchen just dropped a tray of prep items, or passed out or well, just about any and everything. Please try and understand we are not trying to make you day any more difficult or harried, we are only making last second adjustments to make everyones experience better. And yes sometimes we fail. We'll try and do better. Ciao!

Tom Sietsema: Hear, hear. Thanks for shedding some light on what goes on behind the scenes. Tell us where you toil!

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi, Tom, two quick questions, if I may. Not too long ago, your chat mentioned favorably an Ethiopian restaurant in the Virginia suburbs, but I can't recall the name. Can you help? Also, is it possible to get dim sum in Virginia on a weekday night? Good dim sum, that is. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Tom Sietsema: Meaza in Falls Church is probably the spot I mentioned for Ethiopian. As for dim sum on a weeknight in Virginia, the only place that comes to mind is A & J in Annandale.

washingtonpost.com: 2008 Dining Guide: Meaza and A&J Restaurant in Annandale

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Baltimore: Going to a conference in June at Washington Marriott- usually go out to dinner at the Palm afterwards, but would like to go somewhere different this time. Taking a client and wife. Can you recommend some other options?

Tom Sietsema: The Palm is fine, but Washington has so many locally-owned alternatives. Are you looking for steak or something else?

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Dissing D.C.: I don't know why everyone is always dissing on service in D.C. Yes, of course some places have bad service (as is the case anywhere) but I have also gotten really great service at many restaurants here. Every week you post comments from chatters about great service they got! I don't know why everyone is always complaining and putting D.C. down!

Tom Sietsema: It's funny. Every critic I know complains about the level of service in their markets -- San Francisco and Los Angeles included!

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Dupont Circle: Your review of Founding Farmers was spot-on. It is easily the most overrated restaurant in D.C. right now. I appreciate the affordable prices on the menu, but when the food doesn't taste good it is still a rip off. I would have given it a half-star rating (and only because I enjoyed the cocktails)!

Tom Sietsema: I gave FF a full star because I thought the design was pretty innovative, the drinks were better than average and there were, in fact several "satisfying" dishes on the epic menu.

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Bourbon Steak: Tom:

In recommending Bourbon Steak, I am curious as to whether you have been back there lately? Service has seriously deteriorated, which is a shame since when it opened it had probably the best service in the city. On my two recent outings we received another table's drinks and entrees (which had to be auctioned when they finally arrived), our servers forgot to bring the complimentary fries, no one checked back to ask if we wanted new cocktails (we did, to no avail) and at our last visit, the check arrived without asking if we first wanted dessert. I don't know how it got so bad in such short order. Also, the latest menu tweaks are not for the better; some of the dishes you praised in your review are now gone. I really hope this place gets its mojo back; at those prices, one does not expect or deserve Applebee's-quality service.

Tom Sietsema: Oh dear. Has anyone else noticed a decline in the service at BS? (Menu changes I can understand. I reviewed BS in early March, having made most of my visits in late winter.)

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Re: Bistro Hermitage: Went there for brunch a few weeks before your review ran, and yours was a mirror image of our experience. The food was pretty good, and the service could not have been more accommodating. And the bathrooms -- pretty cool!

Tom Sietsema: Yep, gotta love those loos.

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Vegas: Any restaurants to recommend in Vegas for a special birthday? Price is not the deciding factor, but do not want to break the bank. Birthday boy likes most foods, but for this event no sushi or Indian.

Tom Sietsema: I had a romantic and delicious dinner atop the Paris Hotel a few years back. The place has pedigree, but you might not know that, because the inspiration's name -- Jean Joho of the excellent Everest in Chicago -- is nowhere evident on the menu. The views are unbeatable, too.

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Re: counting calories at restaurants: Old Town might also want to consider Japanese, if he/she stuck to carefully selected sushi items and the like. There's no butter in Japanese cooking!

Tom Sietsema: Right-o.

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Re D.C. Dear Diners: Any and everywhere in D.C. area. Maybe restaurant workers (front and back of the house) should chime in more and shed a little more light on what may have happened when diners raise points in the chat. Everything is not always as it seems and as you have said many times there are at least two sides to every story/complaint. This is not being said to condone rudeness (on anyone's part) just want everyone fed and happy.

Tom Sietsema: Industry types know they're welcome to post here. Indeed, I encourage dialogue between diners and restaurants.

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Stamford, Conn.: Hi Tom -

How much time do you spend each week trying to arrange dinner reservations? Do you find that it's a struggle to get the seating times you want? Do you gang-up reservations at locations (make 2 or 3 at a time) in order to be able to get in to a place enough times before writing?

Just curious. I'm NOT in the industry; not trying to scope out your methods!!

Tom Sietsema: I eat out for work about 10 meals a week these days. More often than not, those meals require reservations. I figure I spend several hours each week coordinating guest lists, booking tables, changing locations, etc.

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Springfield, Va.: Founding Farmers does have very good mini cheeseburgers!

Tom Sietsema: I never got that far ...

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Crofton, Md.: We are looking for a 10-year anniversary dinner. Instead of taking a trip, we decided to have the best dinner out we have ever had. We do not normally go out to very expensive restaurants so we would like this dinner to count.

Is there such a place in Washington, Baltimore or around Annapolis that would fit our criteria? Price is not a consideration. Unforgettable food; romantic with implacable service (we don't like servers that are rude or arrogant). We are looking for a long leisure enjoyable, quiet intimate meal. We like steak but not this time, not a problem if it serves steak but should be not the majority of the entrees. Somewhere to dress very nice and not feel out of place.

Tom Sietsema: You know where I'm most anxious to return? The lovely Volt in Frederick.

washingtonpost.com: 2008 Review: Volt

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Washington, D.C.: Tom, I'm hungover from last night's baseball game (those margaritas at Bullpen are surprisingly potent!) and trying to decide where to get takeout for lunch in Penn Quarter. Where would you go?

Tom Sietsema: The potatos brava at Jaleo shuld cure what ails you. Or maybe a Cubano at the bar at Cafe Atlantico.

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Washington, D.C.: Is it bad form to order dessert or coffee after the waiter has brought the check? I'm not sure if it is my age (early 20s), but almost every time I eat out, the waiter brings the check without asking if I want dessert or coffee. I usually just pay and get a cup of coffee somewhere else (since I frequently get a "I can't believe you have the audacity to order something else after you have the check" look). Any suggestions, other than deciding at the beginning of the meal if I am going to want dessert?

Tom Sietsema: Typically, the check should be delivered after customers have been asked if they care for anything else. Otherwise, it looks as if patrons are being rushed. You have every right to ask for dessert and java if your bill comes early.

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Annapolis Junction, Md.: Tom- Very much enjoying the leftovers from the delightful dinner last evening! Thanks!! Mike says a big hello to you from Afghanistan.

Tom Sietsema: That was fun, catching up! Let's not wait so long for our next dinner, Marci.

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Washington, D.C.: We're eating at Al Tiramisu tonight. Can you recommend any favorite dishes off the top of your head?

Tom Sietsema: I'm invariably drawn to something from the fresh fish platter that the server brings to the table, or most any pasta.

washingtonpost.com: Al Tiramisu

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Kids in restaurants: I love it when servers ask if we want the kids' food to come ASAP or to arrive when ours does.

That said, a lot of kids like their food at room temperature, so if it does arrive early, they still may not eat until their parents do. "It's too hooooot!"

Tom Sietsema: So the trick with kids is to be proactive. Parents should let the server know, up front, how they like their food to come out.

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Marcel's for pre-Kennedy Center: Not only do they have the prix fixe meal and car service, but you can usually arrange to do your dessert course after the show, making your pre-theater courses less rushed.

Tom Sietsema: Love that detail.

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Re: hangover in PQ: Five Guys!

Tom Sietsema: As Homer Simpson -- or the President -- would say: DOH! (Of course!)

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Oxford, Md.: In your years as a critic, how often does a restaurant you have given a sub-par review reform itself into a better restaurant?

Tom Sietsema: Not often, and not without making major changes. A notable exception to that was my before-and-after experience at the long-running Canlis restaurant in Seattle, which totally rethought its look, feel and taste after I panned it in the mid 90s.

washingtonpost.com: From the Seattle P-I Archives: Tradition Doesn't Come Cheap at the Often-Disappointing Canlis

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Washington, D.C.: Here's a tip from a bartender. When I say "I'll be with you in a moment." I truly and sincerely mean it. Please don't give me your order then. I more than likely need to finish the order I'm making, ring it up, get the two beers for the guy in front of you, tell the other bartender his food will be delayed, print out a check for the guests at the other end of the bar etc. If you tell me what you want then, it is very likely I won't remember when I get back to you. Which will frustrate you and me both. But I promise I'm coming back. The faster I can get you my drink, the happier we will both be, especially considering that my job is dependent on your happiness (happiness generally=tips). Thank you.

Tom Sietsema: You sound like my kind of mixologist.

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Birthday dinner for veg/non-veg?: Hi Tom, thanks so much for the chat today!

My husband's birthday is coming up in a month or so, and I'm looking for a follow-up to last year's stellar (with many exclamation points) dinner at Restaurant Eve's tasting room. We'd like to try someplace new, but I'm a vegetarian, and many similarly high-end places (I'm looking at you, Minibar and Komi) don't have options for me...Maestro used to have an excellent vegetarian tasting menu that we loved, and we tried Cityzen a couple of years ago but found their vegetarian tasting menu not-so-good, really just a collection of appetizers with the meat removed. What should we do? Should we try Cityzen again? Do you have another suggestion? We're happy to go anywhere in the greater D.C. area.

Thanks so, so much Tom! You're the best!

Tom Sietsema: I'd certainly give Cityzen another try. I think Eric Ziebold is one chef who takes his meatless cooking very seriously. (What did you have, by the way?) The Inn at Little Washington does well by vegetables, too.

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Alexandria, Va.: Heading to the Carlyle Club in Alexandria later this month for our 25th wedding anniversary. I hear the music is fun, but does the kitchen meet the test?

Tom Sietsema: It's too soon to tell. There's a new chef in place.

washingtonpost.com: Rock Harper to Carlyle Club

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Tom,

I love your chat and have been reading for years. I was hoping you could give me your opinion for a restaurant pick.

For a post-baby/wedding anniversary dinner, who would you say is doing the best cooking right now:

Palena

Obelisk

Komi

Firefly

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: I like all your ideas (for different reasons). But right this moment, I'd be most inclined to travel to Italy (hold the passport) via dinner at Obelisk in Dupont Circle.

washingtonpost.com: 2008 Dining Guide: Obelisk

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Dupont: My husband just graduated from law school and after doing the "congrats" round with his fam and our friends the last few weekends, he is taking me out to dinner this weekend as a thank you for putting up with his stress-ball tendancies the last 3 years (and months ahead with bar-studying). We are saving somewhere super special (Komi) for after he takes the bar. Suggestions for excellent cooking in D.C., tier below the Komi-range? Went to Cashion's recently and adored it -- something in that vein would be ideal. Thanks as always!

Tom Sietsema: Suitably celebratory but not over-the-top: Eventide in Arlington, Bombay Club downtown, Poste in Penn Quarter, Corduroy near the convention center and Mourayo in Dupont Circle.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Review: Eventide, 2009 Review: Bombay Club and 2007 Dining Guide: Mourayo

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Pennsylvania: A comment for any restaurant owners/managers/chefs who happen to read the chat. It would be really nice if more places offered decaf iced tea. I'm nursing a baby this summer and can't have caffeine, so my drink choices are limited to fruit juice and water. I love iced tea in the summer, but places rarely have decaf iced tea (and herbal does not automatically mean decaffeinated). Just a suggestion...thanks much...love the chats.

Tom Sietsema: Here's your request, Mom-to-be.

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D.C.: Tom, there seems to be some discussion recently about restaurants ability to survive in these difficult economic times. I have a bit of a different take. My spouse and I would thoroughly enjoy dining out but we have been doing so a lot less lately not because of economic considerations but because my spouse is a vegetarian. The experience has become disappointing and frustrating rather than fun and enjoyable. Yes, I know my spouse has made this decision, which is not mainstream, but being a vegetarian these days is not rare and we know many who feel the same way. We cannot just decide to go out to dinner tonight at this great new or different restaurant because most menus have one token vegetarian selection. We actually have been seated at a restaurant and asked about a vegetarian entree and were told there was nothing they could provide! Yes, there are a handful of vegetarian friendly restaurants in D.C., which we frequent, but sometimes we want to try someplace new. If a restaurant can put two chicken dishes on a menu, why not two vegetarian entrees as well?

Tom Sietsema: I'm happy to post this for restaurants of all stripes to see: Pu-leeze consider the wishes and needs of those customers who don't eat meat.

The potential audience for vegetarian-friendly cooking is greater than you might think; even those of us who consider themselves to be dedicated carnivores appreciate the option now and then.

Plea No. 2: Show some imagination with those vegetarian dishes. A bowl of noodles topped with steamed vegetables or a random plate of side dishes don't cut it anymore (if they ever did).

Sermon over.

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Columbia Heights: Is it true that Carole Greenwood is no longer at Buck's and Comet Ping Pong?

Tom Sietsema: Indeed it is.

washingtonpost.com: Tom Sietsema: Seismic Changes at Buck's and Comet Ping Pong

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom. I read with interest your piece about Carole Greenwood leaving Buck's and Comet. That's quite an interesting development -- she's been one of the most colorful characters in the D.C. food scene, if not purveyor of delicious steaks and pizzas. Is Buck's open right now and are they generally serving what they've been serving? I was planning on going tonight, and if they are closed, that's not a very good area to find an equivalent alternative.

Tom Sietsema: Buck's is very much open! It will continue to serve its regular menu until the middle of the month, at which time the kitchen will be offering "Martha's Vineyard-type" fare, according to owner James Alefantis.

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Madera, Calif.: I recently had gastric bypass, and in doing so, lost 100 pounds. Yeah me! However, I do still enjoy eating very much, and in particular, nice meals at nice restaurants; I just haven't done much of it lately.

I can only eat very small amounts of food at one time, and have to be very attentive to what kinds of food I eat. Having said that, how tacky is it to go to nice restaurants and ask for "doggie bags"? I'd hate to commit a terrible slight, but I'd love the chance to enjoy my wonderful food for another meal or two or three or four. I don't want to offend. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: There's nothing tacky about taking home uneaten restaurant food. My friends and I do it all the time. Why? A lot of restaurant portions are outsized and we'd rather not stuff ourselves. Plus, it can be fun to reexperience something you enjoyed the day previously (if the leftovers make it that far).

Your post allows me a chance to air a pet peeve: I dislike it when restaurants give customers empty cartons when they request leftovers, instead of wrapping up the remains behind the scenes. Customers often don't have the proper utensils to neatly transfer the food from plate to carton. And it looks sloppy.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Tom, I have guests coming into town in two weeks and was wondering what you thought was the best brunch spot in Old Town? Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Vermilion would be at the top of my list.

washingtonpost.com: 2008 Dining Guide: Vermilion

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Washington, D.C.: This is a comment on a topic I know I have read about on this chat many times in the past. I live right near the new Busboys and Poets in Mt. Vernon Square (City Vista,5th and K, NW). Love the ample outdoor seating and free wifi. Perfect for Sunday brunch and a newspaper. That being said, EVERY time I walk by on my way to Safeway, Ace or Starbucks there is always at least one or two employees of Busboys smoking near the 5th street enterance to Safeway. I don't care if that is part of the "vibe" of the place. It is so gross. It is unprofessional. It makes me want to avoid eating there. Just my two cents.

Tom Sietsema: People are watching, Busboys and Poets!

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Foggy Bottom: The reason Founding Frmers is so crowded isn't because it's "green" or because people think the food is good ... it's because it's the only restaurant in the neighborhood besides Kinkeads!

Tom Sietsema: Good point! There's not a lot of competition over there.

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Leesburg, Va.: I, too, love it when servers -ask- if we'd like the kids meal first. HATE it when they just assume that we do! I wish servers would ask as a matter of course - how would you like your steak, which salad dressing would you like, would you like that right away or with your entrees...

The places that ask instead of assuming (or know us already and don't have to ask) are the ones who are most likely to get our repeat visits.

Tom Sietsema: Yet another good reason to: Never assume!

Thanks for al your questions and comments, gang. I'll see you here next Wednesday, same time.

Cheers for now.

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A veteran food writer, Sietsema has worked as a critic in Washington, Seattle, San Francisco and Milwaukee and covers the local scene in his Dining, First Bite and Dish columns and moderates the Sietsema's Table discussion group. Join his live Q&A every Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET.

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