Ask Tom: Our Food Critic Talks Shop

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema discussed great chili, Alexandria dining, food advice, dining anonymously and Restaurant Eve on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. ET.

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Tom Sietsema: HAVE YOU HEARD ...?

... Great American Restaurants is expanding, this time with an Italian accent in Fairfax. The missing ingredient: A chef to helm the kitchen ... Ris Lacoste swears she's getting close to opening her long-awaited ris in the West End, possibly by next month ... My colleague Fritz Hahn tells me that the forthcoming BarCode on L St. NW is the creation of the folks at Lima downtown. It's expected to be a burgers-and-sliders kind of venue. No launch date yet ... and finally, I broke down, logged on to Twitter.com and starting filing 140-word dispatches last week. You can follow along at twitter.com/tomsietsema.

Let's get started.

washingtonpost.com: Great American's Going Italian in Fairfax and twitter.com/tomsietsema

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Pie purist: Tom -- As pie lovers, we just wanted to give a shout out for Ms. Sagon's highly entertaining review of The General Store this Sunday. Loved her pie comments, loved the photo, great review. A nice appetizer before your fall dining guide!

Tom Sietsema: Kudos go to Ms. Sagon there. I obviously like the way she writes, too.

washingtonpost.com: Candy Sagon's Review of The General Store

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Tom Sietsema: With the permission of a co-owner of Restaurant Eve, I'm publishing her response to a poster who last week accused me of being "in the tank" with the establishment, in part because of my frequent mention of their restaurants and principals.

Dear Tom,

I was trying to let a poster's comment from last week that you 'had it in the tank for Restaurant Eve' go, but I can't. It is offensive and insulting to you, us and to professionals in our industry who work so hard to reach and maintain high levels of standards, on merit alone.

And while that poster, one who clearly does not know us, may think their gibe comment makes for controversial reading, I'd like them to know this: Aside from how we must perform for our guests, we are constantly in strict competition with ourselves. We are driven people, unable to settle for even our own status quo. Because of this, it affects everything we do. And so that our professionalism is never questioned; we do not advertise with any magazine or paper, we've turned down two reality shows, we do not allow our management staff to engage in industry blogging and everyone who dines with us pays.

And while our first priority as restaurateurs is to make people happy and produce a quality product; it is also our hope to bring about social changes where we can and we intentionally use our restaurants as platforms. Cathal and Todd are often interviewed and mentioned in publications because they are truly experts in their craft.

Our integrity and focus stems beyond our product and never shall the lines blur. Our accomplishments are gained solely by our performance and belong to us.

Meshelle Armstrong Principal | Eat Good Food Group, Restaurant Eve, The Majestic, Eamonn's a Dublin Chipper, PX

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Woops!: Tom, Loose lips sink ships... Are you angry?

Tom Sietsema: About what?

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Colorado Springs: Friday, right? Friday, Friday, Friday? I'm 1650 miles away, and I can't wait........

Tom Sietsema: Good morning, Colorado!

Actually, you might want to check out our site tomorrow afternoon for a preview of this year's fall dining guide.

washingtonpost.com: And just an FYI, folks: The Dining Guide will land in your inbox tomorrow once it's hot off the digital presses if you sign up for the Going Out Guide newsletter.

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Rockville, Md.: Tom, love your chats.

What are you eating right now?

Tom Sietsema: I'm not eating, I'm drinking: four shots of espresso with a dash of hot skim milk, hold the foam. I didn't get to be until after 2 a.m. last night.

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washingtonpost.com: Ris Lacoste's New Restaurant is Close to Launch

washingtonpost.com: Ris Lacoste's New Restaurant is Close to Launch

Tom Sietsema: The link to the update.

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Cabin John, Md.: To: We all love your lively comments and quick spot on responses. For a change, however, have you ever considered a guest co-host? Perhaps a distinguished reviewer from another city? You could trade off questions or jointly answer them. It could be a lot of fun for you and us.

Tom Sietsema: Paging Sam Sifton!

Calling Ruth Reichl!

Buzzing Michael Bauer!

That's a good idea, a very good idea.

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Washington, D.C.: Any suggestions for a nice dinner for a bride and groom near the D.C. Superior Court post-civil wedding ceremony?

Tom Sietsema: Within walking distance, there are abundant choices: 701, Rasika, Oyamel, Poste ... what kind of experience are you after?

washingtonpost.com: Poste and First Bite: 701

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Inox: Hi Tom,

We're going to Inox tomorrow night for our anniversary. Any recommendations?

Tom Sietsema: I'm certain the menu has changed since my review in April. Has anybody out there been to Inox lately?

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom, Any ideas for a kid-friendly restaurant in the Dupont Circle area? We will be there for a early dinner on Friday and will have three kids under the age of 10. Thanks for suggestions!

Tom Sietsema: You can't miss with the new Pizzaria Paradiso on P St. NW. Another option: Firefly on New Hampshire Ave.

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D.C.: Maybe the 5th time is the charm -- I have been fiending for some delicious chili -- any recommendations?

Tom Sietsema: (It worked!) Anyone out there run into good chili lately?

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Arlington, Va.: Hey Tom,

When chatters ask for recommendations in Clarendon, you frequently steer them toward Eventide and Liberty Tavern (recommendations with which I cannot quibble). I have not, however, seen you recommend one of my favorites in the area, Restaurant 3. Have you been? If so, what sets other restaurants apart from it?

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: I gotta be honest: I've not dined there yet.

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Alexandria, Va.: The tagline of your discussion asks what rules of eating we received from generations past.

What my mother and grandmother told me: "Always make sure the food on your plate has a variety of colors. If so, it is probably well-balanced." Makes sense. Orange sweet-potatoes or carrots, green beans, white turkey -- hmm, sounds like Thanksgiving!

Tom Sietsema: Hey, let's start a list here.

The question again: What Rules to Eat By did you pick up from your friends or family?

Mine is pretty basic: Always eat breakfast. (And I do.)

washingtonpost.com: Sietsema's Table: What Rules of Eating Do You Live By?

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Point Reyes Station, Calif.: We are from D.C. and visiting the Marin county area this week. We went to Osteria Stellina in Point Reyes St. per your recommendation in the Sept 13 Postcard article. It was perfect. Everything we ordered -- oysters, mussels, pastas, and the cheeses -- were amazing. Thank you for the suggestion. We hope to go back next time we're visiting. Best regards

Tom Sietsema: I love to get feedback such as yours. (Isn't the trip up, on that winding highway, a thrill?)

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Postcard From Tom: San Francisco

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom, I would really like to surprise my boyfriend with a nice dinner, but I am not sure where to go. He loves Komi, but that is currently a little out of my price range. Is there anything else that you could recommend that is similar in style, but not quite as expensive? Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Similar in style, as in Greek cooking? I'd have to say Zaytinya in Penn Quarter. Similar in style, as in pure ingredients and clean arrangements? Corduroy comes to mind.

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New Place Next to Post Pub: Tom,

Do you have any intel on the new restaurant next to Post Pub (the old Ollie's Trolley?) Looks like they have ritzed up Ollie's, but I haven't seen a menu or any reviews yet. Worth checking out?

Tom Sietsema: The word from my colleagues here at the Post: Don't bother.

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Downtown D.C.: Am looking forward to the dining guide. Wondering if "Ray's the Steaks" will drop as one of your favorite. I've been a fan for a long time, but don't love the new location. Somehow the "whole in the wall" where we'd have to go at 6 p.m. on a Tuesday so not to wait was more fitting. Ate there a few days ago and something just wasn't the same. Have you noticed?

Tom Sietsema: I still like Ray's the Steaks, but I hear what you're saying. I kind of miss the old digs.

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Washington: Tom, good morning, what makes you write about service? How do you evaluate service? You seem to write less and less about service, but it is the biggest complaint amongst your chatters? What are the top five restaurants in town in terms of service? Eager to read yours and your chatters responses.

Tom Sietsema: Really? I feel as if I'm describing service all the time (particularly if something weird or funny happens to me).

I think service is important. It can definitely make a difference in the number of stars I award a restaurant.

Off the top of my head: Komi has fabulous -- easy, smart, efficient -- service. Proof does, too. And I was really impressed by how polished the waiters are at J & G, despite its youth. Among the oldies, Marcel's service is also quite good.

Readers, weigh in with some examples of your own, please.

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Old Town Alexandria: After so much hype a few years ago, Old Town seems to be at a standstill. Restaurant Eve, PX, Vermillion and the Majestic seem to be your faves -- but am I missing a couple?

Tom Sietsema: You're right: There's been some slippage in Old Town. Farrah Olivia, for instance, is no more, and some previous favorites in Alexandria aren't performing as well as they did before. You'll see evidence of that in the fall guide.

On the other hand, I'm eager to see how Colombia Firehouse develops.

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Olney, Md.: Tom, as you know, I'm one of Great American's biggest fans. Thus, I'm glad to hear they are opening another restaurant and going in a new direction--Italian. However (and this is a big however), this will be another long trip for my husband & me. Only Coastal Flats in Tyson is at all close. Why, why, why can't they open a restaurant in Montgomery County? I'd be there every night if I could.

Tom Sietsema: Every chance I get, I tell Randy Norton, the company's CEO, the same thing: Maryland wants you!

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Recent Bride in D.C.: To the couple who is getting married at the courthouse -- we went to Capital Grille after our lunchtime ceremony, and they treated us to a glass of champagne and gave us a photo in a frame. It was a lovely touch, and greatly appreciated!

Tom Sietsema: That's most generous. (What was the photo of?)

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Other Food Critic: Tom, The other critic says that if restaurants are 2 minutes late to seat a reservation, the customer should get free drinks. If they are late to seat 50 minutes, customer should get free meal. What is your take? By the way, can not wait for the dining guide. thanks

Tom Sietsema: I see the great, the good, the bad and the ugly in this business. I guess knowing what I know about restaurants, I'm not inclined to expect a free drink if my table is delayed by two minutes. Fifteen minutes? Maybe then. Think of it this way: If your dentist is running late, would you expect a discount on your oral exam?

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Hate to say it, but:: The Homeless Wendy's on K Street is my spot when I'm craving chili. Pair it with a Frosty and you're good to go.

Tom Sietsema: "The Homeless Wendy's," eh?

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Eve...: Your publishing the Armstrong letter shows you are clearly in the tank with those guys......self-serving..

Tom Sietsema: Give me a break, dude. I publish stuff from people who disagree with me all the time.

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Washington, D.C.: Corduroy has excellent service. Not fast -- graceful and charming.

Tom Sietsema: I like graceful and charming.

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Chili-head: Other than my own, I think the best chili is the Terlingua Red at Hard Times Cafe.

Tom Sietsema: Mmmmmm. Sounds good on a day like today.

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Rosslyn: Tom, my Marine husband is being deployed next month. We don't have much time but where could I take him for a memorable meal. He is a big fan of the Carlyle and likes fish and steak and is somewhat of a gourmet but not that adventurous that I would take him to Komi. Thank you!

Tom Sietsema: How about the Inn at Little Washington? For awhile there, the destination restaurant was offering military discounts.

washingtonpost.com: Calling All Military Personnel: Patrick O'Connell Wants You!

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Good chili: Greek Deli and Catering at 1120 19th St. has PHENOMENAL chili. Our office ordered from there last week; it didn't look too exciting, but one bite won me over with its spicy sweetness. Be warned, lines for this place stretch out the door at lunch, but it's SO worth it.

Tom Sietsema: I'm a fan of much of what the deli does, too.

washingtonpost.com: Tom's Take on Greek Deli & Catering

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Rockville, Md.: Best comment: "We're not lumberjacks" Said by a work colleague when I asked if the small salad he ordered would be enough. True, we worked in an office and sat most of the day. I always remember that phrase when getting lunch.

Tom Sietsema: I'm going to use that!

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Rockville, Md.: Took guest to the Old Angler's Inn and have not been there for several years. But it was very nice and the service was exceptional.

I will be back sooner. The food was also good. I got shrimp and my wife got a crab cake.

Tom Sietsema: Very interesting. I had a slightly, um, *different* last meal there.

washingtonpost.com: Tom on Old Angler's: Charm in Short Supply

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Turkey Point Island, Md.: Hi Tom. I sent this request to you a month ago and didn't hear back. Now that the time is upon us, I thought I would try again. I'm going to the National tomorrow evening with friends. We are doing drinks and appetizers before the show. We usually go to the Old Ebbitt Grill, but would love to try something new. Can you recommend something nearby for our pre-theater fun. Thanks. Love your chats. Look forward to them every Wednesday morning.

Tom Sietsema: New and fun -- and delicious: J & G Steakhouse. I also like the bar at the nearby Michel Richard Central.

washingtonpost.com: 2008 Dining Guide: Central Michel Richard

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Tomfan, D.C.: Made early Saturday reservations at J&G based on your recent reporting, but I'm wondering what dress is acceptable there for dinner. Are jeans okay? Or does it require khakhis and coat? I'm always willing to dress down, but mainly asking for my parents... Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: A diner can wear pretty much what he wants these days, but I still think an occasion like J & G merits, at the least, a nice shirt and neatly pressed slacks (for men). Think business casual or better; I always wore a jacket on my visits.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Review: J&G Steakhouse

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Tom Sietsema: Blast from the past! I just checked my e-mail and spotted a message from the publicist for McCormick & Schmick's, who informs me that Mel Krupin, the legendary D.C. host, is 80 today -- and working the room of the seafood restaurant downtown. I want his stamina! (Thanks, Jill. Congrats, Mel.)

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Sam: Tom Sietsema: That's most generous. (What was the photo of?)

This reminds me of my Dad who bought a picture frame and kept the generic photo that came in it. When asked he said "look at that lady...she's better looking than any of my real realtives. I think I'll keep her picture in the frame."

Tom Sietsema: FUNNY.

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Chili: I really like the chili at Whole Foods actually. Also the chili at Uno's pizzeria isn't bad either. Of course there is always Hard Times for chili. I like their veggie chili best or a mix of half veggie and half Texas. I prefer my lamb chili with black beans. I wonder if anyone makes lamb chili, the tangyness of the meat really adds something I think.

Tom Sietsema: The chili tips are pouring in ....

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Alexandria, Va.: I am a longtime reader of your chats, but rarely submit a comment. I am very glad that Mrs. Armstrong allowed you to post her comment, and believe that she and her husband have built a rock solid family of businesses. Those few individuals who post inflamatory comments should be ashamed of themselves, and rather should consider themselves fortunate for being able to dine at such a variety of places with really terrific food. Thank you.

Tom Sietsema: One rule here: I don't want to play favorites. And I try, really hard, to be fair to everybody. Hey, I even let myself get beat up on a fairly regular basis!

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Arlington - for now: Tom, are you having internet problems or something? I posted a question twenty minutes on San Diego dining and still no answer. What gives?

:-)

Tom Sietsema: I'm not up on the San Diego scene, unfortunately. In the past, however, I've liked the city better for its weather than for anything I've eaten there.

Prove me wrong, someone.

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Chil: Pretty decent chili of both meat and veggie varieties at Vermont Village on Vermont Ave between K and L.

Tom Sietsema: People are mentioning Ben's Chili, too.

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Re: Postcards: Hi Tom, been meaning to write to say thanks for the Postcards and chats. Someone asked recently about places in San Francisco and you reminded them of your postcard that mentioned SPQR. I was in San Francisco recently too and checked SPQR out -- wow. Great food, super friendly service, and completely reasonable prices! That is a combination that is almost impossible to find. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

Also, I gotta say -- that sort of recommendation is exactly why I love the Washington Post and newspapers in general. I did check out San Francisco resources, but it was so hard to sift through all their recs. But I know your writing and your taste, and that you selected a handful of places with care. It made the search so much easier (also checked out Hog Island Oysters). I love having the WaPo as a reliable portal to nearly every type of information I could possibly need.

Tom Sietsema: God bless readers like you! Thanks for the kind words. I put a lot of time and thought into those out-of-town dispatches.

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Downtown D.C.: Have you been to Room 11 in Columbia Heights yet? I had a great experience there this past weekend and while I don't want it to get too popular (it's so small), I want it to thrive!

Tom Sietsema: Been there. Done that. And hoping it's improved since my dinner.

washingtonpost.com: First Bite: Room 11

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Wokingham U.K.: About to visit Washington with son, daughter in law and grandchildren (5 and nearly 2) -- any suggestions for an evening out?

Tom Sietsema: Check out my fall dining guide tomorrow, mate. There are at least 50 ideas therein.

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Annapolis: Not sure where I read this, but the best food advice I ever saw was "Never eat anything bigger than your head".

Tom Sietsema: I think Miss Piggy gets credit for that one.

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Washington, D.C.: My mother and grandmother always insisted that no one else should be able to hear me eat. No loud chewing, smacking or clanking of spoon on bowl or glass, etc.

Tom Sietsema: I dated a "smacker" once. Our meals together could have been fodder for a Seinfeld episode.

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Little Washington: Tom -- If this is a duplicate I am sorry that I am sending the same note twice. I got a strange error message with the last one.

We had such a tremendous response to our Military Discount program that it has been extended through the rest of 2009. The chatter can make a reservation by calling 540-675-3800. Thanks! Rachel from The Inn at Little Washington

Tom Sietsema: Ah, thanks for the update, Rachel!

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Chili on a cold day...: For the chili-seeker -- Ben's! RIP Ben Ali.

Tom Sietsema: Yep, and when I drove by Ben's earlier this week, there were long lines, the kind I last saw after Obama paid the institution a visit.

washingtonpost.com: Half-Smokes and High Spirits: 'Exactly How Mr. Ali Would Want It'

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imrit: I visited San Diego recently for business. While the food scene isn't extraordinary, there is in fact terrific fish and Mexican food. I especially recommend Blue Water Seafood market, which is a fishmonger that also happens to cook up terrific fish dishes and a bracing seviche with some of San Diego's surprisingly strong craft beer.

Tom Sietsema: Sounds promising. Thanks.

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Washington, D.C.: Just me, and I'm not a Luddite. I don't really need to read your Twitters or Tweets. If you have a good enough Web site, a good enough blog, and you have discussions on a regular and scheduled basis, then, to me, that's sufficient. I don't see why everyone needs to be available on every "social network". Heavens' knows I appreciate all that I read under the Sietsema banner, and find almost all of it useful and/or interesting, but I doubt that I need to get minute by minute updates of each and everything. Even if it means I might be missing some minor piece of information in the global scheme of things, or missing out on the most immediate of things critical to the immediate survival of the world.

Sorry, but I don't have a Facebook or MySpace or...or a lot of other ways you can communicate with me, let alone Tweeter.

Tom Sietsema: I sympathize. But I will STRIVE to post on Twitter only that which I find useful/entertaining/helpful/enlightening. I may regret typing those words, but that's my aim for the time being. (I thought my White House tour, deep into the heart of the place, was kinda fun, for instance.)

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Smackers: Tom -- I married a smacker. Every Thanksgiving with his family reminds me where he got it from. How did you deal? (Or is the past-tense "dated" an answer in itself?)

Tom Sietsema: Notice I used the past tense. Lol.

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Superior Court Wedding: You gave some fine options, another one would be the Source, just around the corner.

Tom Sietsema: But of course!

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Columbia Heights, D.C. and Fairfax, Va.: Hi Tom,

My mom and I are going to see "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the Kennedy Center in November. Where would you recommend we go for a pre-theater dinner? We're open to most cuisines and locations, I'm just not sure where to recommend and I want us to go somewhere great.

Thanks so much!

Tom Sietsema: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll steer you to the French-themed Marcel's in the West End.

washingtonpost.com: Pre-Theater Review for Marcel's

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Seattle fine dining: Hi Tom -

Love your chats and am sad that I will be out of town this weekend, so I'll miss getting your Dining Guide with my Sunday paper!

Question for you: my husband and I are headed to Seattle to celebrate our two year wedding anniversary. I took a look at your Postcards from there and we've already taken some of your recommendations. However, we were planning on having dinner at Canlis for our anniversary, a place that I've read a lot about in Seattle related publications, but didn't see on your list. In my mind, it's going to be an experience similar to that of Restaurant Eve. Are we in for a nice evening or should we look elsewhere?

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Honestly? I'd find another restaurant if I were you. Canlis is no Restaurant Eve.

The views from the former's windows are lovely but the cooking there is trapped in amber -- a little dated, judging from my last visit there a few years ago. Canlis is like L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls, a destination that locals continue to patronize partly because earlier generations of family or friends did.

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Denver: A couple of weeks I was in Va. for business and my colleague and I went to Wildfire in Tysons Corner for dinner. Our waiter was soooo talkative -- basically walked us through the ENTIRE menu, and kept trying to upsell. Every time he stopped by it was more talking. At the end, he was trying to sell us their frequent diner card even though there are no participating restaurants in our states and we were trying to nicely decline (we were on an expense account, we didn't need the savings now). He wouldn't take "no" for an answer -- In short, the guy would NOT SHUT UP. Put a damper on an otherwise good meal! We basically just sat and listened -- would you suggest anything different if (God forbid!) something like this happens to us again?

Tom Sietsema: I put up with stuff like that -- and did, just last week at a soon-to-be-reviewed restaurant --- mostly because I can use the material for my column. But a civilian diner shouldn't have to endure a yakker/product pusher.

The next time you encounter a server like that, you might say something along these lines:

"I appreciate your tour of the menu, but my colleague and I have some important business to discuss. If I need anything, I'll be sure to let you know."

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Vienna, Va.: Re: the Controversy over differing opinions: Tom, In the last week's discussions, there were threads about people having bad experiences where you had had great ones, and especially remember your response about a bad experience at Rasika:

Wow. Really? That's not been my experience. Or the First Lady's.

I can't even type that without laughing: You are the food critic for the Post. Your picture must be posted in the backroom of every restaurant in town. Michelle Obama had a good meal! Right, we ALL get treated like Michelle Obama when we dine out!

That being said, I think it must be very difficult to review anonymously. You may be "made" more often than you know. A smart restaurant would be subtle and treat you well without falling all over you with extra attention, but be completely on it's game both in the kitchen and in the dining room.

In a similar vein: in this week's Food Section David Chang of Momofuku Noodle Bar called Wu's Garden in Vienna one of his favorite restaurants. He's either related to the owners or he is getting entirely different food than the average diner. Try Wu's Garden. Let me know what you think...

Thanks for the recommendation of Bibiana a couple of weeks ago. Have been twice: loved the Egg Pizza, and the truffled pasta with walnuts and anchovies, delish. And love the room with the modern chandeliers and the metal chain shade curtains, too.

Keep up the good work. You're still the only source I trust!

Tom Sietsema: Ah, where to begin with this one ...

I was being cheeky with that reference to the First Lady having a good time at Rasika. OF COURSE she's going to have a good time. She's FLOTUS.

Do I think I'm recognized after 10 years on the job? I'd be naive to think I wasn't. But I take pains to dine out as anonymously as possible and take into consideration those meals where it's obvious I'm being (for lack of a better term) massaged by the staff.

I have subtle ways of figuring out what service is really like: I almost always make my own reservations, for instance, to see how customers are treated on the phone. And I occasionally send trusted sources to places where I have questions about the wait staff. For the fall dining guide, I followed a friend into one famous establishment where I knew that the employees knew me -- five minutes after he had been awkwardly greeted and seated. (You can read about the place on page 51 of this Sunday's Magazine.)

In sum, I feel that more than 10 years of experience with the D.C. dining scene makes me a better informed reviewer and that the benefits of that history and context outweigh getting recognized now and then. (You'd be surprised at how often I'm also NOT identified.)

As for Wu's Garden, I don't know if I've ever been there.

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20794: Hi Tom -- My goal was to try every restaurant in your 2008 Dining Guide. I made it to 31/44... not too bad (and my CityZen reservation is in a couple weeks). Here are my final conclusions -- Overall favorites: Komi and Volt (both were simply amazing meals). Much better than I expected: Marcel's and Mio. Overrated: Great Wall and the burger at Palena. I love the Dining Guide -- looking forward to the new list!

Tom Sietsema: That's a mighty impressive feat, 20794!

Thanks for sharing your observations. Like a lot of folks, I remain a fan of the burger at Palena but given all the complaints I got about Great Wall, I'm now wondering if the three happy visits I made there were flukes. It can happen.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi Tom -- Can you please remind restaurant folks to not forget about the restrooms! Had a superb meal at Volt with wonderful service. The food is amazing, the ambiance is great, our server was so adorable we wanted to take her home with us and Bryan Voltaggio was actually in the kitchen. Everyone had a great time except for the bathroom. The ladies room had two stalls -- one toilet did not flush properly and the other had a weird accordion door that did not close correctly. I highly recommend your readers making the drive up to Volt -- especially if they order anything with goat cheese, but tell them to use the bathroom before they go!

Tom Sietsema: Something tells me the restroom will be sparkling there tonight ....

Seriously, I've encountered this problem in a number of restaurants. They should have a dedicated staffer monitor the facilities on a regular basis throughout a shift.

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Potomac Falls, Va.: As a former waitress and a reader of many restaurant/foodie/server blogs I have a question that perhaps you or your readers can answer.

How many soda/iced tea refills do you and your readers think is appropriate while dining out? I have had customers that kept me hopping to refill sodas and teas all through their dining experience and I see many current servers (who blog) have the same problem. They are running for four, sometimes five or six, beverages in the course of a meal.

My confusion stems from the fact that I doubt customers really drink that many beverages during lunch or dinner at home. Why would they do it while dining out? I know we don't (at home or dining out) and I don't understand the mindset of sucking down that many drinks in the course of an appetizer, main and dessert. Is it really necessary?

Thanks if you get the time to answer this. Love the chat -- nicest part of my Wednesday. (Well, except for when my kids arrive home from school ;))

Tom Sietsema: I appreciate your priorities, Potomac Falls: Kids first, me second.

Why do some people knock back so much soda or tea in restaurants? Maybe because they can? Or the refills are free? Perhaps the diners are parched?

I have no idea. I'd like to hear from them, though.

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Richmond, Va.: Rule of the table from my parents: share with others; the food always tastes better with conversation and laughter.

Tom Sietsema: I bet you were a happy child.

Folks, I'm staring at two deadlines and a photo shoot (yes, a photo shoot -- something that's me but not really me).

Thanks for the lively discussion and I'll see you back here next Wednesday, same time, to talk about this Sunday's dining guide.

Ciao!

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San Diego, Calif.: I'm originally from San Diego and agree with you on the lack of quality restaurants in the city. When I go back I tend to stick to favorites I grew up with, Pho Hoa on El Cajon Blvd., Jasmine in Kearny Mesa for dim sum, or South Beach Bar & Grill for fish tacos. I've had some good food at Urban Solace in North Park, Market in Del Mar, JSix in the Gaslmp, but, honestly, I'd take a meal in DC any day.

Tom Sietsema: This just in....

Good-bye!

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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. Find all of Tom Sietsema's Washington Post writing at washingtonpost.com/tomsietsema. 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.