Ask Tom: Our Food Critic Talks Shop

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema discussed his review of C.F. Folks, options for vegetarians, Dublin dining and where to eat near Eastern Market on Wednesday, July 15 at 11 a.m. ET.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Tom,

I read this today in that other east coast paper and wanted to know your reaction.

"Mr. -Christopher] Lee is now the chef at Aureole, ... For diners who are vegetarian, he asks the waiters to recommend dishes like this -Summer Vegetables in Saffron Broth With Ricotta and Toasted Baguette]. It is not on the menu, but he will make it by request. The vegetables vary by season.

I would ask chefs to please put these dishes on the menu! I love summer produce and even though I'm a meat eater, I would definitely order this dish! When I was a child and our garden was in full production, the meat at the table was definitely the side dish to fresh tomatoes, peppers, beans, corn, beets, carrots, etc. Such sweet memories.

Tom Sietsema: If restaurants only knew how many of us would appreciate more meatless options, even those of us who are dedicated carnivores. Why keep anything of interest a secret?

Good morning, everyone. Thanks for showing up for another chat. Lots of stuff to mull over this morning. Did you hear that Rock Harper has left the Carlyle Club? Or that Ashok Bajaj is making major changes at 701?

By the way, I'm taking next week off. (Heading to Vegas, baby!) I'll be back in the captain's seat July 29.

Onward!

washingtonpost.com: Stefanelli Named Bibiana Chef; 701 to Close Temporarily and Carlyle Club and Rock Harper Part Ways

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Using a (very) old gift certificate: You get a lot of complaints about restaurants refusing to honor old gift certificates, so I wnated to relate a positive experience I had this past Sunday at Firefly.

I had been cleaning out a desk drawer at home when I came across a $50 gift certificate with an issue date of February 7, 2006. Even though there wasn't an expiration date on the certificate, I still had my doubts as to whether it would be honored, given that it was more three years old. My wife and I showed up Sunday afternoon for brunch and I showed the certificate to the hostess fully expecting the possibility that it would be rejected. I was pleasantly surprised when she immediately stated that it wouldn't be any problem whatsoever. She instructed me to just give it to my server.

This was our first visit to Firefly, and with customer service like that, we will definitely be back.

BTW, our bill came to exactly $50.05 with drinks and tax, and I gave our server a $10 bill with the certificate.

Tom Sietsema: Kudos to Firefly for honoring the ancient document. I'm not sure I would have been so accomodating.

BTW: I verified this story with Erik Travers, the restaurant's general manager, who told me he's even honored *hand-written* notes (unlogged gift certificates) from former managers.

"To make a guest happy," he says, "it's worth it."

Let's hope Firefly doesn't see any unusual spike in old or scribbled gift certificates now.

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Topsail Island, N.C.: Ate a few days ago at a local restaurant that blared music so loud that I couldn't hear my family speak at the table. This was not the first time I have experienced loud restaurant music creating an atmosphere that made dining out joyless. What is the purpose of loud music at a restaurant? And what clintele is loud music in a restaurant geared for?

Tom Sietsema: The answers await herein:

washingtonpost.com: No Appetite for Noise

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National Harbor: Tom, two questions:

- Are you planning to review anymore restaurants at the Gaylord national harbor? I hear they're opening a bond 45 there soon.

- I know you get this question a lot, but why don't you review more restaurants in Northern Virginia? Come on, Tom! Get out of the district a little more often. Surely, you have enough disguises in your closet to maintain your anonymity this side of the Potomac, no?

Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: Stay tuned for one or two National Harbor reviews in your future.

As for your second question, I hear the same complaint from Maryland readers: "What about US?" they ask. For the record, I've written about Present in Falls Church, Brabo in Old Town, Zed's in Gainsville, Kybecca in Frederickburg and El Pollito in Arlington in recent weeks.

washingtonpost.com: Today's First Bite: El Pollito

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Friendship Heights: I wanted to echo the question in your Ask Tom column this past Sunday.

While I don't agree that you never mention veggie dishes you also don't make a regular habit of it either.

But your predecessor did -- every one of her reviews would mention whether a vegetarian could eat at a restaurant and whether it was worth the trouble.

While I don't think you need to bother with that on a steak house, BBQ joint or an Indian restaurant you have reviewed numerous restaurants (e.g. Italian and Vietnamese) with nary a mention of whether a vegetarian could find anything on the menu to eat.

You find time to talk about decor, noise and even bathrooms in most of your reviews but skip an important part of the dining experience that many of your readers would be interested in and that your predecessor did a better job of covering.

Tom Sietsema: Sorry, but I stand by my response in last week's column.

washingtonpost.com: This Week's Ask Tom

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Georgetown: Split plate charges -- Okay, folks, oftentimes the main dish is split, but sides come in normal portions. Also, if the restaurant is kind enough to forego the split plate charge, please leave a tip of at least 25-30 percent. Personally, I like to see a split plate charge printed on the menu. It means the restaurant is okay with it and your server will probably not shun you. Exception on increasing tip -- don't worry about it on a shared dessert -- all concerned win if you order that and you cut your calorie intake in half. Hmm, I think there is some leftover chocolate pound cake in the freezer. I think I'll split it with my wife and see what kind of gratuity results.

Tom Sietsema: I like the way you think. And thanks for the good laugh.

washingtonpost.com: Last Week's Chat: *Lots* of Musings on Charges for Splitting Plates

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Washington, D.C.: Dublin down again: Hi, Tom. Am trying again with this urgent request (sent last week): I am spending next week in Ireland and would appreciate any tips on great places to eat you or fellow chatters can offer. I didn't see anything in your trove of Postcards, so any leads would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: We've chatted about Dublin pretty often in past discussions here, but I'll throw your question out for the crowd to consider. (I've never been to Ireland, alas.)

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Ashburn, Va.: Tom -- do you have a Postcard for Las Vegas? I am going there in a a few weeks and want to think about dining options.

Tom Sietsema: Can you wait? I'm going there next week.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi Tom, I want to ask your advice on where to take a group of 30 or so international guests for a fun evening in the greater D.C. area. They will be here for a conference in October and we are seeking a venue for dinner and some type of entertainment. There are some dietary restrictions so we need a varied menu: vegetarian, fish and so on. In the past we did a dinner cruise, a Wizard's game and restaurants sans entertainment. Any suggestions? We will be a bit noisy, so private room/area will be preferred.

Tom Sietsema: I'd see if you could rent the whimsical Comet Ping Pong (pizza, ice cream and ping pong!) for the night. Or get a bus and do the crab thing at Cantler's in Annapolis.

Anyone else have better ideas?

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Work in D.C., Live in Md.: For National Harbor who complained that you don't review enough Va. restaurants. Um, are you nuts??? As a (pretty distant) Md. resident, there are PLENTY of reviews I only skim because they are for VA establishments and I know I will almost certainly never go there.

Tom -- just had to stick up for you.

Tom Sietsema: Whew! Thanks.

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Arlington: Where should I take my mother for dinner on U street? I want to take her somewhere that will provide a sense of what the neighborhood is like (it's been a decade since she's been there), but at the same time she's not a very adventurous eater.

Tom Sietsema: Creme should make Mom happy.

washingtonpost.com: Creme Cafe

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Fairfax, Va.: Good morning! (submitting early -- I'll be out at 11) PLEASE enlighten me on the mystery that's baffled me for years... How can eateries of any sort survive if they sell some really bad food? I was interested in your lunch counter review because I used to work right next to that place and it was always busy. Really busy. So I tried it on a couple of occasions. Both times the sandwich/soup were not very good and the desserts were horrible. I will stress that this was about seven years ago and there may well have been several cooks between then and now (your review indicates that whoever prepared the food I ate is not the current chef I will assume the food is yummy now). But my question is quite real -- also I am no a picky eater, I enjoy really just about every sort of food high-end to the humble PB&J. I've seen this before -- Is it just the combination of food/location/hunger -- or what? It's not just a difference in personal taste either -- I even asked fellow office workers and they even said it wasn't very good-but they continued to go there.

Tom Sietsema: Are we talking about the same place? While C.F. Folks has had its good and its lesser seasons over the decades, I've never heard anyone complain about the cooking. But as I point out in my review, sandwiches are not the best reason to grab a stool there.

Much of C.F. Folks' success has to do with its discerning owner, Art Carlson, and his unique brand of customer relations. But he also has a knack for picking good chefs to run his luncheonette.

washingtonpost.com: This Week's Review: C.F. Folks

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Pittsburgh, Penn./Washington, D.C./New York, N.Y.: Hi Tom, I am working in N.Y. for the summer and was wondering if you have any recommendations for great burger places to try out here.

Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: One of my favorite destinations is the no-frills Prime Burger on E. 51st. The place is a time warp. The basic burger is a mere $5.25!

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Adams Morgan: Tom, Tommy, Big T,

I was having a great Friday last week until I checked out your review of C.F. Folks online. The only thing I could think of as I read the review was...I am going to have to start eating lunch at 11:30 in order to get a seat. I think you owe me a lunch at another hidden gem. Where are you taking me? (And yes, I realize that by my asking this question online that place will be crowded as well).

Tom Sietsema: Hey, restaurant critics don't get paid to keep "hidden gems" to themselves!

Right this moment, I'm excited about the future of the intimate Arisu, a Korean newcomer in Glover Park. We don't see much of that style of cooking in Washington, and the owners have promised a bigger, richer menu than what I encountered early on.

washingtonpost.com: First Bite: Arisu

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Georgetown: Sorry to hear that Nathans has closed. Something of a landmark neighborhood place. Would never have gone for food, but always thought it would be there for a drink and jostle around the bar if, and when, I ever returned to G'Town. Such a great location.

Does anybody go to Georgetown anymore? Are there dining destinations worth the hassle (i.e., limited parking/no Metro)? Is there anything happening in G'town these days?

Tom Sietsema: You're right. Nathans was more about the scene than the cooking. But I was still sad to see the institution shutter earlier this month. I have fond memories of the place from my college days at GU.

With a handful of exceptions, Georgetown isn't much of a reason to visit for its food. Among the exceptions: the fish-friendly Hook; its spinoff, Tackle Box; Pizzeria Paradiso; Mendocino Grille; and (sometimes) 1789.

washingtonpost.com: The Reliable Source: Last Call for Nathans

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Arlington, Va.: Re: Las Vegas

Ok, but hurry! I'm getting married there in two weeks and would love some recommendations on where to treat some of our beloved guests and my future-in-laws.

Tom Sietsema: Email me when I get back: asktom@washpost.com. I'll give you a preview.

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Your Lady Love... dish please!: Hi Tom, Months ago you mentioned taking your sweetie to a nice dinner, and I think a lot of us would love to know (we're nosy, we know) how things are going. Are wedding bells going to ring in Vegas for you?

We're so happy that you're happy!

Tom Sietsema: Um, not to bust your bubble or anything, but ...

No, I'm not getting married in Sin City. But I am very happy. Thanks for asking.

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Las Vegas: I'm going there this weekend! Please, a preview?

Tom Sietsema: How can I give you a preview if I won't be there until next week?

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Alexandria, Va.: Tom,

Thank you for addressing the issue of mentioning vegetarian dishes. One of the biggest problems is finding vegetarian dishes worth ordering -- so often, at the nicer restaurants in town, you see the same ravioli or veggie plate. Perhaps if you were to regularly "call out" or highlight a vegetarian dish made with thought, creativity, and distinction -- not just as an aside in reviews, but as part of the Dish?- - it would be more of an incentive for restaurants to serve them?

Tom Sietsema: I'll take your (good) idea into consideration. Thanks.

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Rockville, Md.: Went back to Baci in Rockville recently. First time was okay, second time was really nice. The menu has changed a great deal, with the prices on pastas coming down to reasonable Rockville levels ($16-$20), and a new seasonal menu. Why don't more restaurants reinvent periodically to keep things fresh?

Tom Sietsema: Oh, but they do! Haven't you heard about the revamped Bombay Club? The new nibbles at Spezie? The expanded menu at Enology? And on.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Review: Bombay Club

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Ireland: The best lunch I have ever eaten was on Inisheer one of the Aran Islands when we asked a local which of the pubs was best for lunch (Tigh Ned). Lots of fabulous seafood and soups on the west coast near Galloway. Also owners of B and Bs we stayed with sent us to some great places

Tom Sietsema: Lots of Dublin ideas streaming in now, including this one:

For Dublin: Get on the tram and go to Caviston's, a little south of town, in Sandycove! One of the best seafood meals I've ever had, and a bit of fun adventure to get to. But plan ahead, and absolutely get reservations. Lunch is easier. (See the online Frommer's review for more info.)

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Oakton, Va.: One less restaurant in town: Todd English's Olives is CLOSED as of last Friday. A friend who worked there was told on friday that the restaurant was closing it's doors after the dinner shift.

Tom Sietsema: It's demise didn't surprise me one bit. Actually, I was impressed that the restaurant stayed open as long as it did.

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NYC burger places: Here are some more NYC burger places that I like or am told by people who know burgers are good:

Burger Joint (a dive in the middle of the swanky Le Parker Meridien)

5 Napkin Burger

Minetta Tavern (a bit of a scene to get in, but I am told the burger is nearly perfect though expensive.

The Spotted Pig

DBGB - Daniel Boulud's new bar/cafe.

City Burger

Tom Sietsema: I can't vouch for these myself, but I want to pass on the suggestions. Thanks.

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Washington, D.C.: Brand X, The New York Times, just today published a very good piece on the restuarant scene in Vegas.

Tom Sietsema: I saw that. Grrrr.

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Washington, D.C.: In response to the chatter who wondered how places can remain in business if they serve awful food. I live in Woodley Park and have been to the Woodley Cafe twice. Both times it was one of the worst meals and service I have ever encountered... so awful. But, I have noticed that the only people that go there are tourists who are drawn to their all-American menu, so I'm guessing a lot of places in the city rely only on tourists and can have bad food b/c the people who eat there won't be back anytime soon.

Tom Sietsema: Good point. I concur.

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Boulder, Colo.: A quibble with you, Tom. I'm also going to Ireland next week and have submitted Ireland questions at least 3 times over the past 2 months, never to make it to your forum. I got the hint that you've never been there and thus didn't answer, but with such an informed base of readers and eaters, it would be nice if you could throw questions like mine out to the group. I understand you get tons of questions, so would Tom's Table be a better forum for travel restaurant recommendations?

Tom Sietsema: Man, I can't make ANYONE happy today.

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Friendship Heights Again: Actually not true -- in this Sunday's review you managed to omit anything about whether a vegetarian could eat at C.F. Folks or not.

So while defending your habits, you fail to notice what they are.

Which is fine except this review, like most, contained all sorts of info that was sort of extraneous to the food being served -- you can describe what the shelves in the kitchen look like in some detail but not whether some of your audience can find something to eat there???

Tom Sietsema: Okay, Okay, okay, okay ..... geesh.

Bottom line: I write for a general audience, not for subscribers to the Vegetarian Times. BUT, I will take your suggestions into consideration.

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Brussels, Belgium: Hi Tom: For the reader asking about Dublin eats, I recently visited and ate at three interesting places: Winding Stair, an updated take on Irish cuisine featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients. The menu broccoli-leek-pea soup, pasta dishes, skate, among many other, including a fantastic ginger cake for dessert. The place is tiny so reservations are a must! Halo at The Morrison hotel had a fantastic and innovative dinner menu, including a savory white asparagus mousse, grilled quail in a savory chocolate sauce (better than it sounds), and a banana-chocolate semi-freddo. Also, if you enjoy street food or want makings for a picnic, you must visit the Temple Bar food market. Many different types of foods (to eat there or take home) with an emphasis on organic veggies, and free range and grass fed meats. Dublin has great service and friendly people...enjoy!

Tom Sietsema: Dublin-bound, are you happy now?

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Washington, D.C.: Was wondering why in your C.F. Folks review, you did not mention their sister restuarant the Well-Dressed Burrito? The C.F.Folks Web site leads with info about their catering. Have you ever thought about doing a column looking at the local caterers?

Tom Sietsema: I didn't mention it because I only had so much space and I preferred to include an extra photo rather than that detail.

This gives me an opportunity to report in advance of my Sunday review of Ray's the Steaks that I had to cut three inches at the last minute. One of the sentences that got dropped included this note to vegetarians: There's not much for you to eat there.

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Wrong side of the bed: You seem to have a lot of cranky chatters today. Maybe they didn't eat their Wheaties this morning. Just a thought...

Tom Sietsema: Actually, I think it's important to hear from folks who disagree with me. But some people have unreasonable expectations, too. There is no such thing as The Perfect Review.

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Chevy Chase, Md.: Business or pleasure in Vegas? Are you always working when you travel?

Tom Sietsema: This is work, but I might squeeze in a show.

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Arlington/D.C.: Hi Tom! Love the chats -- hoping you can get to my birthday brunch question this week. Looking to celebrate a quarter-century during a Sunday brunch with my parents and little sister at either Montmartre or the Barracks Row Matchbox...options chosen because I think Eastern Market would be a fun neighborhood to wander around afterwards. Which of those two would get your vote, or would you steer us toward another option and/or a different neighborhood?

Tom Sietsema: I don't recall having brunch at either Matchbox or Montmartre, but they're both good restaurants and I like your idea of walking to Eastern Market afterwards.

The last best brunch I had was in the garden at Tabard Inn in Dupont Circle. Heaven! (Well, except for the slow service...)

washingtonpost.com: The Tabard Inn

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Washington, D.C.: Looks like you might want to get a class of wine early Tom. Tough chatters today.

Tom Sietsema: Let's see what I have here in my bottom desk drawer ...

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Penn Quarter: Tom, A chance to make someone happy. I hope to be taking out a girl on a first date next week in the Penn Quarter area. Besides Zatinya and Sei, where is there good food thats original (or good sushi).

Thanks

Tom Sietsema: I like both your choices. But be warned: Zaytinya is one of the noisiest restaurants in town. You know what's fun on a nice evening? Dinner on the terrace at Poste.

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Potomac Falls, Va.: On the subject of reviewing NOVA restaurants or Maryland ones or D.C. How about rotating each week, one week NOVA, next week DC and the next Maryland. That way readers in all areas can find out about places in their areas.

Tom Sietsema: When I started --- a decade ago! -- that was my aim: review two places in D.C. and one each in Va. and Md. every month.

More or less since then, I've kept to that schedule. But sometimes, real life intervenes. As in, a Va. restaurant closes at press time and I have to replace it with a review from D.C. or Md. (That just happened.) Or a Md. restaurant announces a chef change just as I'm filing, and I need to move up a review from somewhere in D.C. or Va.

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Washington, D.C.: Tom,

It's probably one of my life goals to meet you at some point. Can that ever happen?

Your biggest fan!

Tom Sietsema: Tell me more. (You don't have a criminal record, do you?)

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Eastern Market: I've been tasked to pick a restaurant for a few friends to meet for dinner tonight. We'll eat anything but are on a budget. I don't know Eastern Market that well. Please help!!!!

Tom Sietsema: You want to stay on the Hill? Try the pizza and burgers at the newish Matchbox or the freshly-minted Cava, a spinoff of the Greek restaurant of the same name in Rockville.

washingtonpost.com: First Bite: Matchbox on Barracks Row and First Bite: Cava

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom! A group of teacher friends have started a weekly night out in an effort to try the amazing variety of restaurants DC has to offer. Our only requirements are 1. unique 2. not prohibitively expensive 3. will take a large group. We've done Hook, Central, Granville Moore's, etc...the usual suspects. Where do you recommend? What's something off the beaten path?

Thank you!

Tom Sietsema: What a cool idea. You don't mention the size of your group, but I think any of the following meet your wishes:

The new Eatonville on 14th St. for its southern fare

The rooftop at Perry's in Adams Morgan for tapas

Himalayan Heritage on 18th St. for its vivid Neapalese-Indian flavors

That help?

washingtonpost.com: First Bite: Small Plates at Perrys

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Del Ray, Alex.: Dearest Tom,

A great friend and food lover is visiting next week, staying at the Marriott by the zoo. I'm using his visit as the impetus to try Palena's bar (finally!).

He also needs a fancier spot to take some guests, a "medium" place to take a family, and a couple quick-bite type spots, all in decent proximity to his hotel.

Any suggestions?

Tom Sietsema: Fancy (but not too): New Heights

Family-friendly: Lebanese Taverna or the pan-Asian Spices

Quick bite: The bar at Ardeo or Dino

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My office...: Tom - Just finished reading "Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain. Though I'm not a huge fan of his on television, I found the book entertaining and informative. Any suggestions for similar "insider" books to pick up for the next beach trip?

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: I'm a fan of "Garlic and Sapphires," Ruth Reichl's beautifully written account of her years as the New York Times' restaurant critic. It's a few years old now, but I still pick it up now and then to re-read a chapter or two. (Ah, the good old days!)

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Crab Feast: Tom, people wouldn't be so crabby if they didn't value your expert opinion. Consider it a back-handed compliment.

Dublin-bound and Vegas newlywed-to-be: Sometimes you have to branch out a little. They're called travel guides. Buy some.

Cranky vegetarian: Tom's reviews include helpful contact information for the restaurants he reviews. It's called a phone. Use it.

Tom Sietsema: LOL

Hey, I'm seriously happy to help readers out with their restaurant plans on the road. But I'm just one guy, you know? I've been a lot of places, but not EVERYwhere.

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Re: Veggies: My husband's a vegetarian, and it seems to me you do a fine job mentioning stuff in reviews. But you know what? There's a little thing called personal responsibility, where I am perfectly capable of looking at a menu online or calling the restaurant in question.

-platonic smooches-

Tom Sietsema: "Platonic smooches."

You just made my day.

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San Antonio, Tex.: Good morning, Tom. Thank you for posting the recipe for Faidley's crab cakes in last week's chat. I made them the same day and they are fabulous! May the Fates bestow a marvelous culinary experience on you in gratitude for your kindness!

Tom Sietsema: Actually, thanks for the recipe go to one of my chatters here. But I'll take your good karma anyway! I can use more "marvelous" culinary experiences as I make the rounds of restaurants in my march toward publication of the fall dining guide in October.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom, Not to beat a dead, er, pig about it, but could restaurants PLEASE mention when pork (or other meat) is included in unlikely dishes? At Lia's on Sunday I ordered Halibut with summer succotash and the succotash had chunks of bacon in it, (thought it was a piece of beet, surprise!) and when I asked the waiter to confirm, then he told me there was bacon vinaigrette poured over the whole dish. I don't eat meat, at least knowingly. I spoke to the manager, but she was really dismissive beyond asking me if the waiter had told me there was bacon in the dish (uh, no, or I wouldn't have ordered it) and I e-mailed the restaurant that night but have not heard back. They brought me something else, no freebies but I wasn't looking for any, but come on! Lots of people in Lia's neighborhood keep kosher or halal, and it would have been a bigger deal for them.

Tom Sietsema: There are some ingredients that restaurants really need to flag on their menus. One of those is bacon. Frankly, I'm surprised that a meat-based vinaigrette on a seafood dish wasn't highlighted by either the chef or the server.

We should start a list of enhancers that merit billing in any description. I'll start (second?) with cilantro, an herb I love but others have a strong dislike for.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom,

Big fan of the chats and reviews. One server/customer relationship question that has been bugging me: so often, I get attentive service throughout the meal. But then it is clear we are done eating. I look for the server, but have no luck. Fifteen, 20 minutes or more later, I am finally able to flag the server. Then, before I can quickly see the damage and get my card into the wallet, s/he is gone again for 5 or 10 minutes. I understand not wanting to be obtrusive or, but it is very frustrating to have other places to go and not be able to pay. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

So my question: why do servers disappear for -so long-, and how can I ensure it doesn't happen to me? Surely I don't have to say "Hey, when there are three bites of food left on my entree, you can stop by with the check, and please wait at least 45 seconds..."

Tom Sietsema: Having been in your position -- a lot -- before, you have my sympathies. Service shouldn't stop with the delivery of the last course.

However, in most cases, I don't think waiters intentionally disappear. They simply get busy. Having been a server in a previous life, I know that waiters and customers experience time differently: What feels like a minute for the former can seem like a lifetime for the latter.

Next time you eat out and don't want to linger, let your server know from the start. You might even request that the bill come once your last plate is cleared.

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NYC Burgers: Unlike the previous poster, I have been to the following places:

Big Nick's Burger Joint, Broadway between w. 76th and w. 77th -- more varieties of burgers than you can shake a stick at

Shake Shack, both in Madison Sq. Park and at Columbus and w. 77th.

Also, try The Burger of the Month Club, www.burgerrankings.com. Those guys are really serious about their NYC burgers. Brand X newspaper had an article about these guys earlier this spring, perhaps in April or May.

Tom Sietsema: Is anyone else getting hungry?

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Columbia, Md.: Hi Tom! Hope this question isn't too late. My fiance and I are taking a Staycation this Friday and visiting this museums, especially the American History Museum. Where should we grab lunch for a reasonable price? Somewhere near the museums, but we'd be willing to take the metro a few stops if it's worth it. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Oyamel, the very good Mexican restaurant from Jose Andres, is within walking distance. So is his Cafe Atlantico.

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Suburbs: I for one think you do a fine job mixing in different locations. You will always have more D.C. reviews because the city has more interesting restaurants. It really is just a matter of opportunity.

Seriously, everyone needs to take in a deep breath. And get over themselves a little.

Tom Sietsema: And that wraps up another hour of food chat. Don't forget: I won't be here next Wednesday, July 22. But we can chat after I return from Vegas on July 29.

Thanks for a lively discussion today. You're the best audience anyone could ask for.

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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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