Ask Tom: Our Food Critic Talks Shop

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema dished about the RAMMY awards, New York dining, Eastern European fare and yet another steakhouse in Washington on Wednesday, June 10 at 11 a.m. ET.

____________________

Tom Sietsema: SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT TODAY!

The Inn at Little Washington is offering a whopping 30 percent discount for the few and the proud ... Jean-Georges Vongerichten shared more details about his forthcoming steakhouse in DC ... Kaz Okochi confirms that he's opening a fusion restaurant with Richard Sandoval ... Poste restaurant introduces a deal of a (grilled) meal in its garden ... Ted Allen shared behind-the-scenes stories over breakfast with me at Blue Duck Tavern (apparently, Carson was a big camera hog on "Queer Eye for the Straigh Guy") ... and I have yet to talk to anyone who went to the Rammy Awards on Sunday who didn't leave hot, deaf or a little embarrassed for the food community....

Let's rock and roll.

washingtonpost.com: Calling All Military Personnel: Patrick O'Connell Wants You!, New York Accents for a D.C. Steakhouse, Break Out the Sake (and Tequila)! for Kaz's New Place and Grill's Night Out at Poste

_______________________

Could the 4th time be a charm?: Tom -- Long time lurker, fourth time questioner and I'm hoping that this is the time! I hope that this is in early enough that if you don't have an answer, someone out there in ChatLand can help me!

I am in desperate need of a restaurant under (if possible) a two hour drive of the D.C. area that serves fantastic Czech/Eastern European food. My boyfriend lived in Prague for years and is _very_ homesick for the food, especially a roast beef dish with dumplings I can't pronounce -- he talks about it nonstop.

I've found a restaurant in Astoria, Queens, and am willing to go that far if need be, but hope someone has a gem that's a little closer.

Thanks in advance!!!!

Tom Sietsema: The reason I didn't respond sooner is because I didn't have a solution for you, my friend (that sounds very John McCain, but it's not meant that way!)

The closest thing to what I think you want is the Bohemian W Domku in Petworth.

washingtonpost.com: W. Domku Bar and Cafe

_______________________

McLean, Va.: Tom, I'm mad at Jose Andres. According to a review in Wine Spectator of his L.A. restaurant Bazaar, Jose is offering some of his signature Minibar dishes (such as foie gras wrapped in cotton candy) on the regular menu at Bazaar. The review gleefully notes that just about anyone in L.A. (including walk-ins!) can get these dishes whereas Washingtonians have to scrap and claw for a reservation at Minibar weeks in advance. It seems like a slap in the face of his home market, which has supported his many restaurants for years, that L.A. gets his most creative dishes and we don't (except for the lucky few speed dialers who get a Minibar reservation). Can you lobby Jose to put these dishes on the menu at Jaleo?

Tom Sietsema: Life isn't fair, is is, McLean?

Bazaar is no slap in the face for Washington, it's just a natural way for Mr. Andres to spread the love around. Don't forget, he still has plans to turn Atlantico into a larger forum for his experimental Spanish cooking.

washingtonpost.com: First Bite: Bazaar by Jose Andres and Dish on Minibar's expansion plans

_______________________

Reston, Va.: Dear Tom -- Please. What is the very best Japanese restaurant in the area?

My niece just graduated from U of MD, School of International Studies. She spent junior year in Japan -- wants to return there asap -- as soon as job opportunity permits. She speaks fluent Japanese.

She is a vegan. For part of her grad gift, I invited her out for a Japanese dinner. Please help us find the best of the best. Must have vegetarian menu. Ambiance a plus. Price is not a problem but best bounce for a buck is always appreciated.

Tom Sietsema: Your best bet is probably Kaz Sushi Bistro near the World Bank, which has a number of dishes to accommodate your niece, including vegetarian sushi and bento boxes.

washingtonpost.com: Kaz Sushi Bistro

_______________________

Philadelphia, Pa.: Hi Tom. I'm bringing my 13 year old son to Washington, D.C., for a few days. He used to be a very picky eater but in the last year has become very adventurous and is willing to try new (vegetarian) foods. = He really wants to try some Spanish and some Indian food while we're in Washington. Where do you recommend we go -- the best would be places at which we could order lots of small plates to get variety. He might be open to Ethiopian, too -- where would you recommend for that? Thanks a lot.

Tom Sietsema: I think your son can be converted by the likes of Jaleo (Spanish tapas), Bombay Club (Indian food near the White House) and Etete (Ethiopian food served in a cheerful bistro). Good luck!

washingtonpost.com: 2007 Dining Guide: Etete

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: My boss has charged me with finding "good Chinese" for a catered event at our offices in Penn Quarter. It doesn't have to be fabulous, but better than adequate. My old law firm (we're in government now and obviously more restricted in terms of cash) suggested City Lights and Meiwah and someone here in my division suggested Full Kee. Thoughts? Pretty please? Help me!!!

Tom Sietsema: Good Chinese is in short supply in Washington. I'm thinking Full Kee or Eat First might do the trick. The nearby Asia Nine on E St. NW also has some Chinese dishes on its pan-Asian menu.

washingtonpost.com: First Bite: Asia Nine

_______________________

Let Down By The Gibson: Tom,

I know the place doesn't count as a restaurant, but since the proprietors also run the neighboring restaurant, I thought I pass along my thoughts about The Gibson. Friends and I made our first visit recently and we were really underwhelmed by the whole experience. The service was spotty and indifferent at best. We were the first patrons in the joint that evening and the first cocktails took more than 20 minutes to arrive. One member of our party never got the cocktail that she ordered. If the service had been speedier, I'm sure we would have ordered another round. We do like the speakeasy concept, but I just don't know how The Gibson can survive if our experience there is typical for all patrons. I remember that you mentioned a decline in service at Marvin, The Gibson's sibling on the block. The malady seems to be infectious.

Tom Sietsema: I've not had occasion to sip there yet, but I've been hearing from friends and friends of friends that the service there is indeed s-l-o-o-o-w.

Keep in mind, Gibson is no ordinary bar. But I've never had to wait 20 minutes for a cocktail at, say, PX in Alexandria, which also makes its drinks the old-fashioned.new-fashioned way.

I no longer recommend Marvin as a place to dine. It's too loud and not as good as when it opened.

washingtonpost.com: Fritz Hahn on The Gibson

_______________________

washingtonpost.com: Here's the link for the Kaz-Sandoval story -- my bad!

_______________________

Boston, Mass.: Hi Tom ---

Taking my wife to Chicago for a birthday weekend. Have reservations for Mercat ala Planxa for one dinner, but three more left to plan. Your latest Chicago postcard is from 2005 -- any more recent must eats? This is our first time to the Windy City.

Tom Sietsema: Funny, I'm working on a Chicago piece this week.

You should definitely put Avec, Publican and Topolobampo -- one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, anywhere -- on your itinerary.

_______________________

Inn at Little Washington?: What's the deal with the discount?

washingtonpost.com: Here's the deal with the discount.

Tom Sietsema: You gotta click on the links to find out!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Good Morning! I am going to take my mom to old town tomorrow night for drinks and some light fare. I was thinking of first checking out Jackson 20 for a cocktail and then having a bite to eat somewhere. We like atmosphere...where should we head to eat? Should we stay there? Thanks Tom!

Tom Sietsema: I haven't been back to Jackson 20 since it opened, but the new chef and his menus sound promising. But you can't go wrong with dinner at Vermilion or Majestic, both on King Street.

washingtonpost.com: Vermilion and Majestic

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Planning a trip to NYC, looking for a restaurant that will impress my boyfriend who is a chef. Anything French is a good start. Do you have any suggestions?

Tom Sietsema: Wow. That's a question with lots of potential answers. Do you have a neighborhood or a price range in mind?

For splurges, you can't top the esteemed Daniel (as in Boulud) or Le Bernardin (as in Eric Ripert's seafood temple). Both come with four stars from the New York Times.

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Do you have any thoughts on Pizza Paradiso in Georgetown's "no seating till everyone arrives?" I understand if its a big group, on busy nights, or lunch time. But 6:30 on a Tuesday night? For a party of 3 when 2 are there? When the restaurant is half empty? And of course you can't sit at the bar because that's only for diners. But wait, no one is sitting there either! To make it worse, the host says the reason for the policy is that it's not fair to the waiters to seat a table until everyone has come! Are they kidding? They were so rude I will never go back again.

Tom Sietsema: I sympathize with you, but one of the reasons such rules exist is because of the actions of a few bad apples who spoil it for the rest of us.

For example: Two or three people show up for a reservation for six and end up taking up space, and possibly not ordering anything, while the rest of the group arrives a few people here, a few people there, over the course of the next 30 or so minutes.

That said, some rules are meant to be broken and I think this rule is one of them, under certain circumstances (as when the restaurant isn't busy and there are seats free at the bar).

_______________________

Logan Circle: What happened at the RAMMYs? Do tell!

Tom Sietsema: From what I've heard and read (Tim Carman's story is must-reading), no one shut up during the awards, the food was mediocre and at least a few of the honors were a little goofy. Did anyone on today's chat attend?

washingtonpost.com: Tim Carman on the RAMMYs

_______________________

W Hotel: Ugh, Tom...another overpriced hotel steakhouse...YAWN!

I understand the economics:

Pick a brand name chef

Stuff the menu with their "greatest hits"

Throw on some steaks

Collect money from the masses

But seriously this is becoming trite.

Tom Sietsema: I know, I know. It does sound like a "safe" formula, doesn't it? I think it's a shame the W folks couldn't get some local talent in the place. We DO, after all, have a few marquee names to spare.

washingtonpost.com: New York Accents for a D.C. Steakhouse

_______________________

McLean, Va.: Submitting early -- I will be in a meeting during the chat. Can you please, please, please tell me if you know of any Cuban restaurants in the D.C. Metro area? I prefer Va. or the Va.-side of D.C., but I will happily take what I can get if I have to travel to the far reaches of the globe. Thanks in advance!

Tom Sietsema: I'm a big fan of the sunny Cuba de Ayer in Burtonsville. Anyone know of a good Cuban outpost in Va.?

washingtonpost.com: Cuba de Ayer

_______________________

D.C.: Went to the RAMMYs on Sunday night. You are right, it was absolutely appalling. The noise level was to the point that presenters were shouting, and still nobody in the audience could hear or understand which award was being announced or who had won. The worst was the apparently drunk presenter of the Chef of the Year award who made a mockery of one of the most important industry awards. We've been going to the RAMMYs for years, and while it has always been a very high-energy event, this year was stunningly poor in some many areas, it really was embarrassing for the industry as a whole.

Tom Sietsema: Ouch.

washingtonpost.com: Reliable Source on the RAMMYs

_______________________

NYC: My two favorites for the girlfriend to take her boyfriend who's a chef: Babbo and Per Se. Good luck getting a reservation at either one but if you do they are both well worth it.

Tom Sietsema: Good suggestions, but I think the poster was seeking something with a French accent.

_______________________

Founding Farmer: A few weeks ago I arranged to have Sunday brunch at Founding Farmers, planning to meet some friends there. I arrived first and had a drink at the bar. My friends phoned to say they had tried to book a table for brunch but were told on the phone that there were no tables. We decided to meet at the bar anyway and work out Plan B from there. The restaurant was not busy, so I decided to inquire about a table at the host stand. I was told a table for 3 would be no problem and they could seat me as soon as my friends arrived! Why would a restaurant tell someone on the phone the place was booked solid when there were not only empty tables, but they were seating walk ins?

(There was a mix-up with our order, but the food was satisfactory).

Tom Sietsema: One possibility: Those seemingly "empty" tables were reserved (at least on the books) and waiting for their takers. Or maybe a few parties cancelled at the last minute, or failed to show up on time.

It's difficult to say for sure without more information from the restaurant.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Review: Founding Farmers

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: Hi Tom! I found your chats about two months ago and they get me through the week! Was wondering if you'd had a chance to try 'Old Hickory' and if you would recommend it for a special occasion? Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Been there, done that. Nice view! Decent cooking.

washingtonpost.com: First Bite: Old Hickory Steakhouse

_______________________

Logan Circle: Hi Tom, For once I get to legitimately be reading your chat during work! I'm planning a business lunch for three people next week and looking for suggestions. Mid-price (lunch not over $15), relatively near Logan or Dupont Circle, not too formal/stuffy, and extra points if they have some tie in to the local foods movement since that is what our business meeting is about. Thanks for your help!

Tom Sietsema: That's a tall order there, partner!

Have you considered Chop't Creative Salad in Dupont? Pizzeria Paradiso? Teaism?

_______________________

Rammys: From the description, the Rammys seemed more like the Razzies! Not a good night for the best chefs and caterers in the area to take the night off.

Tom Sietsema: I actually went out to dinner (in the deep suburbs, and thank goodness I had a Spanish-speaking buddy in tow).

_______________________

imrit: For the New York visitor, if budget is a concern the lunch at 4- and 3 michelin star Jean-Georges is excellent. $28 for two courses, and $14 for each supplement. My SO and I visited last week, and supplemented the menu with JG's well known foie gras brulee and a dessert.

The cuts made to dinner stalwarts to accomodate the $28 budget are modest: skate instead of halibut for the fantastic fish with Chateau Chalon sauce, for example. You can really have a very special lunch, each course paired with 3 oz. "tastes" of wine, for about $100 a person, and a great lunch for even less.

For something less august, how about a bunch of pates, hams, and great wine at Bar Boulud?

Tom Sietsema: Terrific suggestions. Merci.

_______________________

How do you do it?: As you do the chats, do you have notes from all of the restaurants you have visited? Do you recall all of them? If someone asks for a recommendation for a Greek restaurant in the Columbia area, are your notes at your fingertips and organized so as to be able to answer that question?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Tom Sietsema: I'm currently surrounded by my dining guides, recent notes, Postcard archives and other food files.

_______________________

Clydes: Thoughts on the servers who used electronic gadgets to scan credit card numbers, passed them to others who racked up over $700K in charges? They're now getting 5 yrs in prison, I believe,

Tom Sietsema: I feel sorry for the restaurants that employed the thieves and had to have their good names dragged into print. A good long sit behind bars should give the former waiters time to think about the reputations and credit ratings they hurt.

washingtonpost.com: 8 Plead Guilty in Restaurant Credit Card-Skimming Scam

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Tom,

If you could uproot one restaurant that you've been to anywhere in the world and place it in DC for your faithful readers to enjoy which would it be?

Tom Sietsema: What a wonderful fantasy -- except there are so MANY restaurants I'd want to introduce to my readers: I'm thinking of De Kas in Amsterdam, Ubuntu in Napa Valley, Il Tordo Matto outside Rome, Duck de Chine in Beijing, Patagonia Sur in Buenos Aires .... this list could go on and on.

washingtonpost.com: A Natural Emerges: Tom's Story on Ubuntu's Jeremy Fox

_______________________

Ted Allen; Founding Fathers: So what's the dish with Ted Allen? I loved that show, and the sensibility Ted brought to his part of it.

May I say here that every time someone mentions Founding Fathers, all I can think of is the SNL skit in which the founding fathers time travel to the present to give a press conference on what they meant in the Constitution/Declaration of Independence. When they arrive, the reporters only want the juicy details on whether they had sex with slaves.

Tom Sietsema: Ted Allen is one cool cat. Very down-to-earth and funny. He's currently renovating his brownstone in Brooklyn and is without a working kitchen, just a single burner and a dorm room-size fridge. Things he says we should all keep on hand for unexpected guests: champagne on ice, a hunk of Parmesan and .... um.... I forgot the third staple!

_______________________

re: link for "8 Plead Guilty...": Whoops! The link for "8 Plead Guilty in Restaurant Credit Card-Skimming Scam" takes you to this chat.

washingtonpost.com: Man, I am off my game today! 8 Plead Guilty in Restaurant Credit Card-Skimming Scam

_______________________

D.C. -the territory (see Constitution): Tom,

Do you know if Little Inn only applies the discount to the service member? What if my exceptional Lt. Col friend takes his wife?

Thanks

Tom Sietsema: The promotion applies to active-duty military personnel.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: I'm meeting an old friend for dinner tonight in Tyson's Corner. Looking for someplace we can catch up without spending a fortune. Recommendations?

Tom Sietsema: The bar at Inox could be fun. Also: Sweetwater Tavern, Coastal Flats and Lebanese Taverna.

_______________________

More for Less: Hi Tom, Enjoyed your weekend article "More for Less". I just wanted to give a plug for my favorite neighborhood restaurant in rockville - Bombay Bistro - Celebrating its 18th year anniversary - 3 course meal - with a glass of wine for $18.95 - A recent meal we had mussels, a lamb dish for maincourse and a fabuluos dessert and a glass of Goats do Roam - For about 20 bucks it is an amazing deal.

Tom Sietsema: And the Bombay Bistro thanks you for the generous plug! ;)

washingtonpost.com: This Week's Magazine Story: More for Less

_______________________

Re: Locanda: Tom: What made you change your mind when you said last week: "My two cents: A smart restaurateur would scoop up Barszcz" after the closing news of Locanda; when you said on your October chat: "I went back after the original chef returned, just before my dining guide deadline. But I was so disappointed by what I ate that I left Locanda out. It was as if a stranger was in the kitchen."

Tom Sietsema: Because I dined there more recently and had a nice dinner. Indeed, I was planning to write an update, but Locanda closed before I could do so. The chef also strikes me as a decent guy, based on my conversations with him and what I've heard from reliable sources.

_______________________

NOVA: "I actually went out to dinner (in the deep suburbs, and thank goodness I had a Spanish-speaking buddy in tow)." -- explain please

Tom Sietsema: I can't explain without giving away the name of the restaurant. But let's just say NO ONE in the joint spoke more than a few words of English.

_______________________

Dupont: Chop't in DuPont has a broken AC right now - it is unbearable in there!

Tom Sietsema: Are you a competitor or a well-meaning citizen?

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Tom,

I am a native of Mumbai (Bomday), India, and a huge fan of yours. I wonder, have you any interest in going to India and sending us a postcard from a city there? There are some interesting things going on in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, lots of fresh, local ingriedients cooked with care, not to mention the abundance of street food. Why no love for India, Tom?

Tom Sietsema: I have India on my radar and would LOVE to know what you like in Mumbai.

True fact: Of all the cuisines, I think I could easily eat Indian food every day. I love the variety, the spicing, etc.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Tom, This is a late question, so feel free to answer next week if you can. Do you have any dining recommendations in Greece -- in particular in Athens and Santorini? We're planning on honeymooning there this fall...

Tom Sietsema: Greece, anyone?

_______________________

Washington, Va.: Hi Tom -- Rachel from The Inn at Little Washington here. I wanted to answer the question about service member's guest. The 30 percent discount will apply to all members of the party. So please bring your wife or significant other! Thanks

Tom Sietsema: Thanks, Rachel. I think I mentioned that in my blog item, but here's a reminder.

_______________________

Sam from South Florida: "But let's just say NO ONE in the joint spoke more than a few words of English"

Welcome to my world.... but sometime this results in some of the best meals I've ever had.

Tom Sietsema: I wasn't complaining! I rather enjoyed the experience. I felt far, far removed from the big city -- well, except for the Metro train that rumbled by in the distance every 15 minutes or so.

_______________________

DC - [2] the territory (see Constitution): The promotion applies to active-duty military personnel.

I meant if my aciive-duty friend takes his wife and he pays is it only his meal that is discounted, or both?

Thanks again!

Tom Sietsema: Both. (See above.)

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: Hi Tom,

What's good in Shirlington these days for an after-work dinner with a new boyfriend?

Tom Sietsema: Having eaten in most of the options there, the place that's most reliable is Carlyle.

_______________________

Frederick, Md.: I took my family to Volt this Saturday. For the level of service and dining, I thought the price was very reasonable -- 6 people $720 including tip. However, I'd say my overall dining experience (food + service) was mediocre. I don't think I'd go back.

About three months ago, I went to Chez Panisse and Ad Hoc in Calif. They were so simple yet delicious. Is there nothing on par with that in this area? I've been eating off your 2008 Dining Guide and still haven't had anything come close. Where's the REALLY good food? In this area, I've come to find that the best places for good food are tucked away in the burbs, hole-in-the-walls. When you enter the fine dining arena, everything's kinda sub-par.

Tom Sietsema: Tell me more about your experience at Volt. What did you eat? What was it about the service that left you unimpressed?

As for great food in D.C., are you asking if we have it, or if we have something like Chez Panisse and Ad Hoc? There's a difference. I think Frank Ruta's food at Palena comes very close to the CP model.

washingtonpost.com: 2008 Dining Guide: Palena

_______________________

Penn Quarter: Rammys sounds like a nightmare. Reminds me of a banquet meal I had in the Omni a couple years back. My seatmate requested a vegetarian entree. Eventually, they brought over what looked to be a brick of puff pastry that had been in the back of the freezer for a couple years, solidifying into an impenetrable mass. Dumped on the top of it was plain, unseasoned barley. When my guest sawed her way through the stone, the pastry was stuffed with ... nothing but barley. Made me appreciate my steamship round of beef with Woodbridge wine.

Tom Sietsema: Oh dear.

_______________________

Deep suburbs: Do you plan to write about the place where no one spoke more than a few words of English, or was that a non-working dinner?

I like to go to restaurants where little or no English is spoken, but those are getting hard to find around here. Years ago my wife and I went to a Peruvian place near Seven Corners where no one spoke English. I had enough Spanish to order dinner, which was wonderful. We went back a few years later and the place was much more mainstream, including English-speaking servers. Unfortunately, the second dinner was nowhere near as good as the first.

Tom Sietsema: Well, my meal was complicated by the fact that there seemed to be two very different menus and a waitress who informed us after we sat down that there were only THREE items left to consider. (The kitchen closed early.)

_______________________

Silver Spring: Any inside tips on getting reservations to The French Laundry in Napa Valley?

Tom Sietsema: Start calling if you know you'll be out in Napa; ask to put your name on a waiting list; continue to check before your arrival; then just show up before service to see if there might be something available. You just never know when a party might cancel, and then you are THERE, in PLACE.

Or marry Thomas Keller.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Tom - I have an appointment to go out with an old friend to catch up, but I want to secretly turn it into a romantic interest. What's a good restaurant that doesn't sound too romantic when mentioned, but once you get there, bam!

Tom Sietsema: I could see that happening at the bar at Cityzen, a table at Cashion's Eat Place or a seat at Sei .... (you little devil, you!)

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Someone asked about restaurants in Athens and Santorini. Oh boy.

In Athens -- actually Piraeus -- go to Kanaris. It's at Akti Koumoundourou 50, Mikrolimano (little harbor), Piraeus. Phone 210 4122533. We had lunch there on our first day in Athens. It's expensive, but the fresh fish and seafood were incredible. The wait staff speaks English, French, German, and Russian at a minimum. I had one of the best white wines I have ever drunk: the vineyard is Hatzimichali.

In Santorini: Go to Eanos, on Kamari beach. There is a pedestrian street right next to the beach, and there are a number of restaurants there, with the main part of the restaurant on the land side and outdoor seating on the beach side. Eanos has great fresh fish, as well as salads and seafood. They even have terrific pizza. Our party of 7 went there twice during a 3-night visit to Santorini. The restaurant is owned by an Irish woman who has a Greek husband. Their sons wait tables -- fluent English (with an Irish accent) and fluent Greek. Absolutely wonderful. Phone 22860 31161.

Tom Sietsema: Ah, thanks, and just as the hour is coming to a close!

_______________________

Baltimore, Md.: For the chatter seeking Eastern European food -- come on up to baltimore, hon! Ze Mean Bean Cafe in Fells Point has all the traditional foods, and a jazz brunch on Sundays.

Tom Sietsema: There you go, EE-seeker.

_______________________

Rockville, Md.: Long time lurker and huge fan (think all dinner decisions made per Sietsema ratings -- husband jokes -- Does the guru approve? Must have the Siestsema Seal of approval!) submitting early in the hopes of making it into your chat. Visiting San Fran, which restaurant(s) should we absolutely not miss going to. We have reservations at Chez Panisse. Is it worth the trip to Oakland. D.C. places we love are Maestro (miss it), CityZen, Bombay Club, Proof, Posto, Palena, Minibar, Eve. Thanks in advance!

Tom Sietsema: Chez Panisse is actually in Berkeley. And by all means, keep your reservation there; I love the simplicity of whatever Alice Waters' crew serves on its seasonally-bound menu.

Prime spots around SF: Coi in North Beach, Delifina in the Mission District, Gary Danko near Fisherman's Wharf, Quince in Pacific Heights, Zuni Cafe .... I could go for about four dozen more restaurants, but we have to get to more questions!

washingtonpost.com: Zuni Cafe

_______________________

The District: I have enjoyed several very outstanding meals at the Fountain Restaaurant in the Philadelphia Four Seasons. I was delighted with the recent review by the Philadelphia restaurant critic which I thought caught the essence and quality I have always enjoyed.

My question to you... Why do you never recommend it when readers request information on where to dine in Philadelphia?

Tom Sietsema: Because the one time I ate there I felt like I was dining in a generic upscale hotel, and there are many, many more interesting places to eat in Philly.

washingtonpost.com: Postcard From Tom: Philadelphia

_______________________

Crystal City, Va.: Tom --

I'm taking some potential clients out to dinner tonight. It needs to be in Crystal City -- any suggestions? Upscale is good!

Thanks

Tom Sietsema: There's not much that's upscale -- and good -- right in Crystal City. Your best bet is to go to the festive Jaleo over there.

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Another way to get more value for your dining dollar: go vegetarian. A meatless entree is one of the least-expensive options at higher-end restaurants.

And while we're on the subject: how about a little more love for the herbivores in your audience, Tom? Your last few reviews have pretty much ignored vegetarians. There are a lot of us out here, you know...

Tom Sietsema: I know! I know! And I hear from you, seemingly ALL of you, whenever I fail to mention meatless options.

Fear not. You're on my radar.

_______________________

Greenbelt, Md.: Tom, why have the Q&A links been moved off the front page? I don't want to have to hunt around to find you! I just want to click and be there!

washingtonpost.com: They're still there, Greenbelt! Scroll down on the homepage and you'll see them on the lefthand side.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks, Ms. Producer

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Hi Tom,

I love your weekly chat sessions and have learned so much from you and your chatters. In fact, I recently visited Vermillion based on information gleaned from you and the chatters and had a wonderful evening.

Now, about your review of Founding Farmers -- really, are you angry with someone there? The review seemed personal, ("EAGER" to point the crowds in other directions) not at all like your usual. I find your reviews to be a bit more balanced than this one seemed to be. You criticized the waitstaff, the food and even other reviewers (Travel and Leisure, by suggesting they could not have eaten the food and arrived at their conclusion). You are the food critic and I am a mere foodie with only one visit to the restaurant, but my one lunch-time visit was notably more enjoyable than your four visits.

I hope your considerable influence does not severely damage this restaurant that so many people seem to enjoy.

Tom Sietsema: Good question!

Here's the deal: I don't personally know anyone connected to the restaurant, which I admire for the lengths it goes to operate in an eco-friendly fashion.

But the food, with a few exceptions, tastes nothing like what a consumer might expect from a place that relentlessly spouts a farm-to-market mission. I left every meal feeling as if I had eaten in a Cheesecake Factory. The place had faux soul.

The T & L plug baffled me. It sounded as if the writer read a copy of the menu from a press release and never actually ate there (because I KNOW she has better taste). I'm wary of a lot of magazines' food reviews, which tend to sidestep criticism, in general. The piece in T & L reminded me why.

_______________________

Frederick, Md.: Hi Tom. Last week, a vegetarian poster asked about recommendations for her hub's birthday next month that would be both high-end and vegetarian. In addition to your suggestions for high-end vegetarian fare anywhere in the greater D.C. area, Volt should be considered. My husband is a vegetarian and we have enjoyed both their tasting menu and the fantastic Table 21 -- we made our vegetarian request at the time we made our reservations. It was obvious in the results that as much care, skill, attention to detail and innovation went in to his vegetarian course as did my carnivorous ones. Chef V makes stellar accommodations for his non-meat eating guests -- one of the reasons we keep going back.

Tom Sietsema: That's good to know about Volt. Thanks.

By the way, I was at a supposedly vegetarian-friendly restaurant in the city the other night with a pal of mine who can't do meat, fish, dairy or gluten for health reasons. He did all the right things in advance of our meeting: He called ahead and asked if the kitchen could accomodate him, and he reiterated his limitations to our waiter -- who steered him to first a fish dish and then a pasta dish!

_______________________

NoVa: Tom - What is the protocol if one has been served meat or fish that's overdone? I love seared fish, but more that once, in different places (GAR level or above) I got tough, overcooked protein with my salad after having asked for rare or medium rare. Since I usually eat out with a group, sending the food back would mean my companions would have to wait for me to finish my meal... Hope you can tell me what to do; I don't think I can take tuna a-la bootsole anymore!

Tom Sietsema: I'd place my order and then repeat it, just to make sure your waiter takes note of your preference. State your desired cooking temperature ("I'd like that medium-rare, please") and follow up the request with something along the lines of "How does the kitchen prepare medium-rare?"

_______________________

McLean, Va.: Regarding doggie bags. My wife and I always try to pack them ourselves, because we have, on more than one occasion, come home to find we have someone else's food when the kitchen does it.

Tom Sietsema: Right. Which is also why a number of restaurants bring the containers to the table (a practice I think looks sloppy) and require the customers to pack up the leftovers.

I've never received anyone else's leftovers, but I have sometimes been sent home with everything BUT what I really wanted from my plate -- the dab of puree, the steak bone, whatever.

_______________________

Woodbridge, Va.: This is a comment.

It's nice to see you've made it to my neighborhood. The Hermitage is a nice find, isn't it?

But you need to get to Manassas. That's the location of the D.C. area's finest Thai restaurant, Thai Secret. Lemme 'splain. Years ago, a major destination was Thai House in Arlington; folks from the Thai Embassy ate there. After it closed, I tried just about every Thai rest. in the area, looking for its equal. Then I stumble on Thai Secret. Guess what -- the owner is the sister of the owner of Thai House, and a better cook! This is World Class Thai, and you should try it. By the way, hot there REALLY IS Thai Hot! Do the hot side of medium unless you're bold AND acclimated.

Thanks for listening.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for the tip (although, for what it is worth, the online reviews I glanced at are not very glowing).

_______________________

re: Chez Panisse: The Chez Panisse Cafe is probably the thing we mostly don't have, although as one regular of the former, I would vote for Proof as quite similar in the fact of the great food, very vegetarian friendly, and good wine.

Tom Sietsema: We adore Proof.

Time's up, folks. Thanks for spending the hour with me. See you again next Wednesday.

_______________________

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.

Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.