Ask Tom: Our Food Critic Talks Shop

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema discussed turkey sandwiches, street vendors, hole-in-the-wall places, dearly departed restaurants and the Washington neighborhoods with the best food scenes on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. ET.

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D.C. Metro: Hello, Tom. If you were from out of town and looking to buy a home somewhere inside the beltway (or very near), what neighborhoods would be your top picks to live in based on the food scenes in those neighborhoods? Thanks a bunch!

Tom Sietsema: Penn Quarter is one seductive neighborhood. That's where you'll find Rasika, Jaleo, Poste, Zaytinya, Minibar, Proof and other great restaurants. Right this moment, I'm thrilled to be living in Logan Circle, where Masa 14 and Birch & Barley have recently added more flavor to the hood, home to Cork Wine Bar (and next year, the Spanish-themed Estadio).

Chatters, what Zip Codes do you find most delicious?

Happy Wednesday, everyone.

washingtonpost.com: Estadio adds a Spanish accent to Logan Circle

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Alexandria, Va.: Thank you so much for the newest Dining Guide, my husband and I, being former restaurant workers who can't shake the foodie label, love debating your choices. We have noticed that many of your choices fit the higher end of the price scale, though. The economy of the last couple years has hit us hard too, making visits to many of your choices impossible. But we have found a new hobby in finding under the radar, affordable and underrated restaurants that we don't read about here. I know that Alexandria doesn't get much attention outside of Restaurant Eve, but over the last year we have had consistent, excellent experiences at Vaso's Kitchen, The Warehouse and our new favorite, The Light Horse. It's always a thrill discovering a hidden gem, I was wondering if you or any other readers had any tips on other underrated restaurants for my husband and I to explore.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for your feedback. As I stated in my dining guide intro, I aimed for a range of places in this year's collection of favorites, including choices that fell in the cheap-to-moderate zone. That category embraces CF Folks, Two Amys, Ruan Thai, Cuba de Ayer, Tavira, Four Sisters, Bamian, among other restaurants.

Vaso's Kitchen? I like it, too.

Don't forget, a number of the high-end restaurants in the guide offer great bar/cafe/pre-theater deals, allowing a wider range of the public to experience the establishments.

Finally, I'm happy to highlight "hidden gems" in this forum. Share away, people!

washingtonpost.com: 2007 Review: Vaso's Kitchen

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McPherson Square: Ris update. After drivng by for months and months and months it can be reported stainless steel can be seen in the kitchen, lights are up and on, furniture is being moved in and it appears there may be an opening in the coming weeks.

Tom Sietsema: We are waiting, patiently, with bated breath.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hello! I'm hoping to find a classic turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy in the District. Any recommendation?

Tom Sietsema: I smell Thanksgiving coming on. Chatters?

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Del Ray, Va.: Tom, My wife and I are celebrating an anniversary at the Little Inn this weekend. Since this is a likely a once-in-a-lifetime meal for us, any tips or recommendations for making sure we don't miss out? Sure, I know it's all great, but what is a Must Have? Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Here's my recipe for four-star fun:

Start with a cocktail in the lounge, where Parmesan tuiles and truffle-scented popcorn might be offered. Try, if you can, to get a seat in the room that opens onto the garden; be sure to order the lobster with gnocchi and/or some of the best sweetbreads I've ever had; and be sure to end with a kitchen tour and a chat with the top toque, Patrick O'Connell.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Dining Guide: The Inn at Little Washington

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Luna on Connecticut: has an open faced turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy and stuffing on their menu.

Tom Sietsema: Good to know! Thanks for the speedy reply.

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Falls Church, Va.: Tom - Did you ever think of having a section in the dining guide that charts the ups and downs of certain places or neighborhoods? For instance what places fell out of the top 50 this year, what places made it in, what places are a constant, what places jump in and out every few years.

Also what I would love to see is more general writing about trends and the scene and changes, etc. You had some of that as you looked back on the 10 years worth of guides but I found myself wanting more.

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: All great ideas. Thanks for the feedback.

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Washington, D.C.: Over the last eight months, I've been trying to hit as many of the top local restaurants as is possible for a vegetarian working mother of a toddler. I've gone to 16 of your 2008 Top 50 restaurants (only 12 of the 2009 Top 50), and 42 of the Washingtonian's Top 100. The only four-star restaurant I've gone to so far is Rasika.

In any case, tho ones that have exceeded expectations (in food, service and overall experience) include: Art and Soul, Vermillion, Oyamel, 2941, and 2 Amy's.

The ones who have been less than delightful include: Buck's Camping and Fishing (ridiculously long wait), Adour (boring lunch menu), and Taberna del Alabardero (long wait, and "the worst fish I've ever had" -quote from fellow diner).

What should I do for lunch tomorrow on my mental health day off?

Tom Sietsema: Lunch at Present in Falls Church always makes me a happy camper. So does a window seat at Cafe du Parc downtown, followed by a stroll on the Mall. For something even more tranquil, there's the serrene Sushi Taro in Dupont Circle.

I totally agree with your assessment of Taberna del Alabardero, by the way, having spent way too much money for too much middling food there earlier this week.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Dining Guide: Present

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Washington, D.C.: The best "Thanksgiving sandwich" in DC is the Nobadeer at Jetties. You can get it year round, though it comes with cranberry sauce instead of gravy.

Tom Sietsema: Noted!

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Washington, D.C.: Tom: Increasingly, I am noticing a definite movement toward more pork and pork products on the menus of some of the finest restaurants in town as well as elsewhere. Pork belly and bacon are not among the healthiest of food items. I would appreciate your comment on whether the trend toward cholesterol-laden menus is in concert with our desire to eat healthier?

Tom Sietsema: We are awash in pork belly and bacon products, it's true. Part of the trend has to do with using all parts of an animal (not wasting anything), part of it has to do with price (pork is relatively inexpensive) and part of it has to do with flavor. For many of us, pork belly -- seasoned fat -- spells comfort food.

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washington, d.c.: Tom -- love your reviews. One of my favorite restaurants in D.C. closed a couple of years ago - AV Ristaurante (sp) on NY ave. It was friendly, good food, and informal. I have not found a replacement that hits all the right buttons - any suggestions?

Tom Sietsema: Cheap, decent Italian food is harder to come by than you might think, isn't it? Tutto Bene in Ballston is one place that comes to mind at the moment. (Help me out, chatters!)

I'm highlight this very subject (What restaurants do you miss?) on my current Sietsema's Table, by the way. Feel free to add to the list of delicious memories.

washingtonpost.com: 2004 Review: Tutto Bene and Sietsema's Table on Restaurants You Miss

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Don't bother with the Hill: I've lived on the Hill for 8 years, and I find it incredibly convenient - you can get to anywhere in the metro pretty quickly. However, it has one of the most mediocre food scenes I've ever scene. I constantly find myself going to Penn Quarter, Logan, U St, Arlington and Alexandria to have my meals out. So, skip 20002, and 20003.

Tom Sietsema: I am ever hopeful that the Hill will someday be blessed with more than two or three decent places to eat. Even places I like elsewhere -- Matchbox in Penn Quarter and Cava in Rockville come to mind -- seem to slip once they open shop on the Hill.

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McLean, Va.: Hi Tom, I was able to attend the opening party for the new gastropub/restaurant Againn in DC on Monday night, and came away very impressed with what I imagine was only a small glimpse of the menu. Doors opened for business on Tuesday, so do you have any plans to do a formal review? I'm curious to hear your take.

Sticky toffee pudding is a must.

Tom Sietsema: I'll write up some early impressions (in First Bite) before I offer a formal review. But the place JUST OPENED, as you state.

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Washington, D.C.: Where would you eat before a concert at the Strathmore?

Tom Sietsema: Addie's, of course.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Dining Guide: Addie's

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Washington, D.C.: I like dives and holes in the wall and remember you once suggested Saint's Paradise Cafeteria in D.C. Any other inexpensive and decent places that you yourself might not otherwise go to? Cheap breakfasts? Sandwich shops? Pasta take-away?

Tom Sietsema: In addition to Saints Paradise, I like CF Folks for sandwiches at the (lunch-only) counter; burgers and beer at Quarry Tavern in Silver Spring; weekend brunch at Whitlow's on Wilson in Arlington; and hoagie-style sandwiches and pizza by the slice at the Italian Store.

Anyone care to expand on the list?

washingtonpost.com: 2008 Mini-Review: Saints Paradise

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Reston, Va.: While I now this is not your "usual fare," I am curious as to your opinion for the best street food vendors in downtown D.C.? Thanks in advance from us cubicle inmates looking for a day brighter.

Tom Sietsema: I like good food wherever it happens to be. One vendor I especially like is run by a Korean family on the corner of 14th & K streets NW. They serve a terrific (and garlicky) bulgogi.

washingtonpost.com: Savoring the unexpected: Tom's write-up on the bulgogi cart (bottom of this page)

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Passionless Fish, Va.: I had dinner with some friends at PassionFish in Reston on Saturday evening. I told our waiter that I wanted the crab cakes. He told me that I should order the "special" of mahi-mahi with lump crabmeat on the top. I said no and that one of my dining companions was from the midwest and wanted to sample the crab cakes and that I really wanted the crab cakes. He made a face, and said, I'm telling you, you really want the mahi-mahi and you'll get both great fish and the crab. Finally, I said, fine, I'll go with your recommendation. When I receive my dish, it is grilled mahi-mahi with about a tablespoon of crab on the top. I swear. I was very upset because in no way was this going to give me the experience I wanted which was the damn crab. So I called the waiter over and explain my displeasure so he said that he understood and would give me a crabmeat cocktail. I didn't know what that was, and he rushed off before I could ask him. I then received a bowl of backfin crabmeat over ice. I'm really getting annoyed and called the waiter back over. I didn't even have to say anything, and took it back and said he would fix it and was having trouble getting just a crab cake. I said, I know you have a crab cake back in the kitchen, please find a way to get it!!! So I finally get the crab (it was fabulous) and when the bill comes it has the mahi-mahi, the crabmeat cocktail and the crab cake. I call the waiter over and point out the problem and he takes away the bill and brings it back and the crab cake is still on the bill. I just go ahead a pay it. The more I thought about it though, the more I thought that I should have been comped the crab cake. Otherwise it was a nice dinner, but not outstanding as I had expected and the treatment I received from our waiter really left me feeling disappointed by the whole evening. Am I nuts?

Tom Sietsema: Let's see if I understand this.

You didn't like your mahi-mahi, which was pressed upon you by the waiter. You shouldn't have paid for it. Nor should you have been charged for the crab cocktail, which you didn't request and appeared to be a gift. As for the crab cake, even though the pleasure was delayed -- well, you ate it, right?

Did you bring any of this to the attention of a manager? Something tells me you would have had your crab cake a lot sooner had you piped up earlier in the meal.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Review: PassionFish

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Washington, D.C.: Tom, Stop with all the postcards nonsense. We have wonderful and unexplored restaurants here in the tri-state area and you don't even cover them. Get to work here in D.C. and stop the postcards from who cares......Thanks

Tom Sietsema: Who cares? I get hundreds of emails every year from readers who have successfully used my restaurant advice from around the world. Those monthly Postcard columns appear in the Travel section and never replace, or take away from, what appears in the weekly Sunday Magazine.

washingtonpost.com: Postcards From Tom

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Burbank, Calif.: Hi Tom, have been a huge fan for years. Thank you for your reviews and lively discussions. I am the D.C. restaurant expert on the West Coast, thanks to your reviews!

Thought that you'd enjoy the attached "dining guide" for local hospitals that showed up in today's local paper, hahahah.

Tom Sietsema: Hello, Burbank! Thanks for the kind words.

Those reviews of hospital (cafeteria) food are entertaining. Heaven help the food lover who ends up at Glendale Memorial.

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For the producer: Morning! Every time I hit refresh (and this happened yesterday on a chat, too) the font size changes (sometimes big, sometimes teeny) drastically and I have to re-adjust the browser setting.

I'm on Mac, Safari. Has never happened before. Thoughts?

washingtonpost.com: This is the first we've heard of this. We're looking into it. Thanks for the heads up!

Tom Sietsema: Ask and ye shall receive (he types hopefully)

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Turkey Sandwich: For the chatter who wants a traditional open faced turkey sandwich...you might want to venture out and try PS7's version of the Hot Brown. Its not a "traditional" version of the open faced turkey sandwich....but it is yummy!!!

Tom Sietsema: I'm getting hungrier by the post today.

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I was able to attend the opening party for the new gastropub/restaurant Againn in D.C. on Monday night, and came away very impressed : I smell a publicist

Tom Sietsema: Or a friend of the chef. Or the building's owner. Or ...

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Washington, D.C.: Tom, I just wanted to write in and mention a little noticed sushi place in D.C. that I happen to love: Murasaki. It may not be as trendy and creative as SEI or Sushi Taro, but I've found the rolls and sashimi offerings to be just as good as, and far more reasonably priced than, Sushi-Ko. We celebrated my birthday there the other night, had great service, and each person came out with a fulfilling dinner and several drinks for under $40. Have you been to Murasaki?

Tom Sietsema: It's been a few years. Thanks for the feedback.

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E Street theater: Thoughts on a good place to grab a bite before a movie near E Street Theater?

Tom Sietsema: I like the bar at Oceanaire myself.

washingtonpost.com: Oceanaire Seafood Room

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Columbia Heights, D.C.: Hi Tom, I recently heard Frank Bruni, former food critic for the Times, talk about the process of coming up with a restaurant review. He said he never based his assessment on one visit. That seems like good advice for any person who considers themselves a "foodie." According to my unscientific survey, most of the "I will never go back there again" complaints are based on only one visit. As you have noted, everyone -- chefs, waitstaffs, sommeliers -- has an off day. It's one thing if a visit leads to a foodborne illness or you observe obviously unsanitary conditions that make it hard to eat the food. In the absence of those kinds of experiences, real foodies should give a restaurant a couple of shots before writing it off completely.

Tom Sietsema: Critics *have* to return to a place if they want to give it a fair shake. But I can understand a civilian having a bad experience and not wanting to return to a restaurant. There's a LOT of competition for diners' stomachs and wallets.

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Moving where the good food is: I vote for Bethesda. As a lowly federal worker, I couldn't even afford a closet there, but it does have a glorious array of restaurants, from I-can't-afford-this to cheap-eats.

Tom Sietsema: Bethesda? Really? I agree that the city is rich with places to eat, but I don't find many of them to be very enticing.

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Cabin John: Restaurants we miss?

Maestro, of course. Fabio was fabulous. And so was his staff.

Tom Sietsema: .... some of whom have gone on to do some good work elsewhere! (See: Bibiana.)

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Harvard Business/Harris Interactive report out this week: Tom, thought you would wish to know this data that came out this week:

"Most in U.S. to Cut Spending at Restaurants...

Still struggling through the downturn, two-thirds of Americans say they plan to decrease spending at restaurants and on entertainment, according to the Harris Poll. Just one-quarter of U.S. adults say they anticipate having more money to spend the way they want."

Tom Sietsema: Uh oh. What a way to spoil the hour!

Seriously, thanks for passing the report along. I'd love to hear how today's chatters see their dining out futures?

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Silver Spring: Why does they N.Y. Times dining critic position seem to turn over every 5 years, while here, it is a much longer tenure. Nothing against you of course, just wondering if there is something different about the Times, or NYC dining that might lead to shorter runs of reviewers.

Tom Sietsema: Interesting question. The NYT restaurant beat is a big, big job and pretty grueling if you do it right. Ruth Reichl went on to fry bigger fish at Gourmet. Biff Grimes, I believe, left in part because he got tired of the beat. Frank Bruni wanted to do something larger at the Times Magazine. At the Times, people are hired less for specific jobs than for careers at the paper -- or so I was told by an insider this week.

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Postcards!: Hey Washington, speak for yourself! -I- care, and I know I'm not alone. I NEVER leave for a trip without looking up Tom's postcards for my destination. He is directly responsible for a very good meal I had in San Francisco and the best meal I've ever had in Paris. In case you haven't noticed, a lot of people who live around here do travel to other places, for both business and pleasure, and we have to eat while we're there.

Tom Sietsema: (I'm smiling. Thank you.)

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He made a face, and said, I'm telling you, you really want the mahi-mahi and you'll get both great fish and the crab. : Tom, can you think of a reason that a waiter would be this pushy (aside from being an egotistic jerk)? I mean, had he been told to push the mahi-mahi for some reason, maybe? Just curious.

Tom Sietsema: The only reason I can think of us if the kitchen or a manager told the staff to "push the mahi-mahi tonight" or some such. Who knows. Maybe there was a prize involved: Whoever sells the most mahi-mahi tonight wins a trip to Hawaii!

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Washington, D.C.: The Cleveland Park area has a nice concentration of good restaurants -- Palena, Lavandou, Ardeo, Dino, and more.

Tom Sietsema: Yes, except for ... Lavandou? Gosh, my last meal there was pretty much left uneaten.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Inexpensive but good Italian? Sergio's in Silver Spring. Specialty is ravioli.

Tom Sietsema: Gotta get back there. Thanks.

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Timonium, Md.: I am stunned that you omitted to mention the Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt in the latest edition of the WP dining guide. My recent experiences there confirm that it provides some of the finest food in the capital, though I admit that the decor and service need a bit of work. (Of course, I am accustomed to lunch at Taillevent.)

Tom Sietsema: Actually, I *did* mention the restaurant, in a sidebar on great desserts; Blue Duck Tavern bakes a special apple pie.

I went to the place twice before wrapping up the guide. Lunch was fabulous, but dinner was a huge disappointment, served with a side of that lackluster attention you mention. I didn't feel it was consistent enough to be included.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Dining Guide: 10 sweet endings

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Great Italian In Dupont: I've always loved Giovanni's Trattu in Dupont circle-- you've got your proteins, pastas, sauces and wines. What else do you need? Intimate and comfortable and carbo yummy goodness!

Tom Sietsema: Ah, yes. It's easy to miss, tucked away as it is on tiny Jefferson Place.

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D.C.: My husband's birthday will be arriving shortly. I am trying to find either a restaurant where he can enjoy a steak but I there will be options for my dinner or else a restaurant with a tasting menu. I will take him wherever you suggest. Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: The elegant new J & G Steakhouse in the W Hotel has everything you're looking for -- a great steak, non-meat options, a tasting menu -- plus unsurpassed views from its Palladian windows.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Dining Guide: J&G Steakhouse

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NoLo, D.C.: For cheap, good red-sauce-Italian, I love the Pines of Florence on Connecticut just below Kalorama. To my mind they have the best eggplant parmigiana in the city. Also a big fan of the garlicky, winy mushrooms and the white beans, as well as the white pizza.

Simple, traditional foods tend to be better than more complicated dishes.

My family has been regular customers since my parents moved to a nearby apartment 14 years ago, and it's been the home to many group dinners. But it's satisfying enough that my partner and I will make the trek up from the Logan/U street area when we're in the mood for the kind of food and don't feel like cooking.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for sharing.

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please pick my question!: Tom, I know it's almost time for you to wrap up, but I am craving comfort food for lunch today, big time. Any suggestions near the White House? Thanks!!

Tom Sietsema: Oysters and a burger at the bar at Old Ebbitt? Soup from the Breadline? An egg salad sanwich from the new G Street Food?

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College Park, Md.: I have read pros and cons on the Iron Gate Inn. I'm taking family from out of town out over Thanksgiving and they enjoy fine dining at historical spots. Money is no object, what would you suggest? Old towne or D.C. is fine.

Thank you.

Tom Sietsema: If history is what you're after, try the venerable 1789 followed by a leafy walk around the university campus afterwards.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Re-review: 1789

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Arlington, Va.: Againn is now accepting reservations on OpenTable. Is it opening imminent?

Tom Sietsema: Againn, the new British-Irish restaurant on New York Ave., actually made its debut last night.

washingtonpost.com: Tom's dish column on Againn

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Palisades D.C.: Tom: I am a huge fan, but why do you promote the myth that the Palisades needs "more places to refuel?," as you say in this year's guide. While they did not make your 2009 list, Blacksalt, Kotobuki, and Makoto -- and of course Et Voila! -- serve some of the best seafood, Japanese and Belgian in the city. And I am not mentioning places like Battery Kemble Tavern, D.C. Boathouse, Figs and other "normal" restaurants in our great neighborhood. Small town in the big city, yes, and with some great places to tuck in!!

Tom Sietsema: Makoto is cooking in place these days and Kemble Park Tavern is more handsome than anything. I really think the neighborhood could use more better restaurants.

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Dining Guide: Et Voila!

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi Tom. I have 2 things for you.

First, I went to Founding Farmers last Thursday. I agree with your review about the food. I was also very much on the lookout for our server being too stuck on a script. However, he was not. He was very good. Helped us select meals and wine and had good suggestions. I liked him. I would recommend anyone that wants to go there to grab a seat at the bar, order a drink and a few apps and head somewhere else for dinner. Anyway, great review, as always.

Second, I just booked a trip to New Orleans in mid-January. I grew up there from middle school till I was 21. Let's just say I was a little too poor to go to more than the local po-boy shop for more than a shrimp po-boy (my absolute favorite that Louisiana Kitchen & Bayou Bar in Bethesda does a great job making). We are going to be staying down by the casino and Quarter. Please give me some suggestions as to your top few restaurants there.

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Glad to hear you had a good server at FF.

For eating in New Orleans, let me direct you to my pal Brett Anderson's recent round-up of the ten top (white tablecloth) restaurants there.

washingtonpost.com: Brett Anderson's Top 10

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Alexandria, Va.: This has happened at two different restaurants and it's just annoying. In the last month, I have been invited to celebratory dinners for friends at seafood restaurants. I am allergic to shellfish and am not the biggest fan of fish. When I have ordered either the chicken or steak, our waiter has asked, "You do know this is a seafood restaurant, right?" I normally just say "yes" and leave it at that -- again, I didn't choose the restaurant, my friends did. It's their party, their restaurant choice. But I feel like saying "Well, yes, I do and I would be oh so happy to order your lobster if you don't mind calling the EMTs when I pass out on your floor."

Tom Sietsema: Servers have actually said that to you?

I guess you could look at the situation two ways. On the one hand, it's none of their business what you choose to eat; on the other hand, the waiters might be signaling that steak or chicken is not the kitchen's strong suit.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Tom, Which would you say is the best restaurant(s)at Reagan National Airport? My wife and I are meeting our nephew there tonight while he has a 3-hour layover. The airport Web site lists about 10 restaurants that have full-service dining. Don't mean to rush you but we're meeting him at 6:30 p.m. tonight. I just had the brainstorm to seek some professional advice! Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: I've eaten lunch at Matsutake many times and have always enjoyed the sushi there. The other places, mostly big chains, don't thrill me much. I'd be tempted to try out the wine restaurant, Cibo, however.

washingtonpost.com: Sit-down dining at Reagan National

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom! Love the chats and sneak a read every Wed at work. (Shhh.)

I am the happy recipient of a gift certificate to Komi, a restaurant I'm thrilled to go to especially because I couldn't afford otherwise. What I'm wondering is if you would suggest I hold out for spring to use it... winter isn't exactly the best time of year for ingredients, right? I know it will be a fabulous meal no matter what time of year, but any thoughts or tips?

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Life is short and full of surprises. Komi cooks beautifully no matter the season. Why wait?

washingtonpost.com: 2009 Dining Guide: Komi

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Sam: Place I miss:

The Pleasant Peasant. My Mom's favorite back in the day and still the best Duck Taco I ever had.

Tom Sietsema: Yes!

Also, does anyone else out there recall Mrs. Simpson's? Loved that dining room.

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Washington, D.C.: Where did you go to college? What prepared you for this job most? Did your education help you more or did experience?

Tom Sietsema: I graduated from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Having a wise mentor -- my predecessor, Phyllis Richman -- was probably most important to my career, but so, too, were travel and eating widely. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably take professional cooking classes at a small (reputable) school.

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Mechanicsville, Md.: Comment: As usual Mr. Seitsema finds an insurmountable barrier at Southern and Eastern Avenues and cannot penetrate the Pale and enter Maryland. Is it true that all food prepared any direction from downtown D.C. other than north or west is dreck? As one who cannot drive 50 or 70 miles for a meal I find Mr. Seitsema's selections totally unusable.

Tom Sietsema: Let's make a deal: You spell my name right and I'll spend more time in Maryland (which is where I'm already booked for tomorrow night, I should add, 45 minutes from downtown).

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Washington, D.C.: For cheap, basic Italian, Dupont Italian Kitchen (17th and R) is really good!

Tom Sietsema: ABSOLUTELY NOT.

(And how do you really feel, Mr. Sietsema?)

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washingtonpost.com: Remember: there are still a few more weeks to enter to win dinner with Tom Sietsema. Upload your photos to this online gallery between now and November 20. After that, we'll pick 10 finalists at random and ask you to vote for your favorite. (Check out the official rules for more info.)

washingtonpost.com: Remember: there are still a few more weeks to enter to win dinner with Tom Sietsema. Upload your photos to this online gallery between now and November 20. After that, we'll pick 10 finalists at random and ask you to vote for your favorite. (Check out the official rules for more info.)

Tom Sietsema: Here's an invitation to anyone who has ever wanted to talk shop over a restaurant meal with me.

The clock is ticking, folks. Gotta dash. Thanks for a lively 60 minutes. And see you next week.

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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.