| Ask Tom
Hosted by Tom Sietsema
Washington Post Food Critic
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2002; 11 a.m. ET In a city loaded with diverse restaurants, from New American chic and upscale Italian to sandwich shops and burritos on the run, finding the best places to eat can be a real puzzle. Where's the best restaurant for a first date or an anniversary? Father's Day? What's the best burger joint? Who has the best service? Ask Tom. Tom Sietsema, The Washington Post's food critic, is on hand Wednesdays at 11 a.m. ET to answer your questions, listen to your suggestions and even entertain your complaints about Washington dining. Sietsema, a veteran food writer, has sampled the wares and worked as a critic in Washington, Seattle, San Francisco and Milwaukee, and can talk restaurants with the best of 'em. Tom's Sunday magazine reviews, as well as his "Ask Tom" column, are available early on the Web. The transcript follows. Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Tom Sietsema: Good morning. First, a few house-keeping items. I’ll be online next Wednesday (Oct. 30) an hour earlier than usual, at 10 a.m. Second, whoever wrote in last week with a complaint regarding Oceanaire Seafood Room should contact me at asktom@washpost.com. The general manager would like to make amends.
Onward!
Arlington, Va.: Hi Tom,
We ate at Thai Tanic last week and I was very disappointed. The service was fine but the dishes we ordered not only lacked the spiciness I have come to love from Thai cuisine, they also lacked any real flavor at all. I am tired of Thai restaurants dumbing down their flavors for the American palate. Any good suggestions for authentic Thai? Thanks. washingtonpost.com: Tiny Thai, (Post Magazine, Sept. 29) Tom Sietsema: There's a start!
Arlington, Va.: I am just curious to know why the stellar restaurants like I Ricchi, Nora and Bombay Club were not included. Of course they are Washingtonians favorites, is there a reason that these are not your favorites?! Tom Sietsema: I Ricchi is a shadow of what it once was. Nora is inconsistent and REALLY expensive. Bombay Club is beautiful, but I like the cooking better at Heritage India (whose chef previously worked at BC, by the way).
Washington, D.C.: Simple question: Biscuits & Gravy -- Where? Tom Sietsema: I'd start my quest at Colorado Kitchen.
Alexandria, Va.: Re: your inclusion of a Baltimore restaurant in your dining guide Do you really believe a Baltimore newspaper would list a D.C. restaurant in its dining guide? What is up with this unrequited love shown to a city that abhors Washington and everyone who lives here? If you don't believe that, ask any Baltimoron. Tom Sietsema: I included a B’more restaurant for several reasons. One, a lot of us get up there now and then and want to know about good places to dine. Two, Charleston is one of the best examples of southern-style cooking within easy driving distance.
Gaithersburg, Md.: There are about 10-12 of us going on a Monday night before a 10 p.m. show at Blues Alley. We are looking to park our cars for the whole night and walk from dinner to the club. Everyone eats just about anything. We're looking for someplace with entrees in the $10-$15 range. Suggestions? Tom Sietsema: How about the original Clyde’s on M St. or Neyla on N St.?
Rosslyn, Va.: If I want to contact a restaurant, and find out about their vegetarian selections, should I ask to speak to the chef, the maitre d, the hostess, or whoever answers the phone? I've been told "Sure we do vegetarian," only to arrive and discover this means tossed salads. Tom Sietsema: Maybe you need to ask a more specific question, like "what exactly do you have for a vegetarian?" Whoever answers the phone (I'd ask for a manager, and get his or her name for reference) can rattle off the choices.
12th Floor Metro Center: Do you ever get any complaints/nasty e-mails from restaurants that aren't included in your annual dining guide? Tom Sietsema: Sometimes. More often than not, I hear about their complaints through the ol' grapevine, though.
Arlington, Va.: Tom, Thanks for the wonderful dining guide -- I got hungry just reading it. On that note, I'm thinking Al Tiramisu for dinner to catch up with an old friend. Are reservations necessary? Any dress code? Thanks! Tom Sietsema: Reservations? Yes, as it's a pretty popular spot, and not very big.
Dress code? Casual is fine.
Washington, D.C.: Tom, Any word on where or when the Rupperts folks are going to open up shop? Tom Sietsema: When I last spoke with chef John Cochran, he suggested the team was retiring, at least for now, from the rest biz. Rupperts shuttered in early May.
Falls Church, Va.: I would like to extend my gratitude to a waiter at Cafe Luna in Dupont whose name I (unfortunately) did not get. I recently visited with my wife and 4-month-old as well as a visiting couple and their baby. This waiter cleared tables to make space for the strollers and when he saw how the lively music was affecting the kids, asked if we were uncomfortable. When we told him that we would probably be better off somewhere quieter, he helped us up the steps with the strollers and even offered to put our drink orders in to-go cups free of charge. They just earned a new customer. Next time, we'll get a sitter. Tom Sietsema: I do believe in cloning, I do believe in cloning ....
Thanks for sharing the nice story.
Seeking Caesar: Hey, Tom - Where can I find a really great classic Caesar salad in D.C.? You know, the kind they make at your table with the oh-so-dangerous coddled egg. I can't take one more that's coated with gloopy white dressing or that's so full of anchovies that you can't go near people for three days, and I'd love to see the word "Caesar" spelled correctly on a menu just once! Thanks so much! Tom Sietsema: In the guide, I praised the Caesar at Nick & Stef's in the MCI Center.
Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom, Love the new guide and can't wait to check out some of those places. I have a question about Yuan Fu. I love that place -- and also love the Vegetable Garden, just down the street. What do you prefer about Yuan Fu over the Vegetable Garden? Would love to see more in your reviews about vegetarian-friendly restaurants, or at least mentions of the vegetable sides. Minor criticism, though, because I love your reviews! Tom Sietsema: Just so you know, I do try to seek out vegetarian dishes on the menus of places I visit (and I do count several vegetarians among my frequent dining companions).
It amazes me, though, that in 2002 it’s not all that easy to find more than a token meatless entrée in even some of the finer restaurants.
Virginia: Tom, didn't have a chance to get a question in on Monday, and was surprised that no one commented on your comments about the Inn at Little Washington. To come clean, I've always been one of the place's few detractors, for exactly the kinds of reasons you mentioned -- for the kind of money they charge I don't expect to have the sommelier be a total snob and try to steer me to the most expensive bottle of wine he thinks I'll buy, I don't need to be so close to the next table that the waiter's behind is in my face when he takes their order, I don't need to hear my name called across the lobby and be herded into the dining room like cattle, etc. I could go on, but I'm sure that's enough rant. My question is, don't you think there are a lot of other fine dining experiences in our area that are nicer, and a LOT nicer when you factor in the incredible cost difference of the Inn? (Sometimes I think you food critics forget what it's like to spend your own money on a meal like that.) L'Auberge Provencale, where I ate a few months ago, comes to mind. Tom Sietsema: Let me share something only my editor and a few pals know: I personally paid for that $600 dinner for three at the Inn at Little Washington, so I really, really know how it stings to shell out big bucks for a less than perfect evening.
It pained me to write what I did about the Inn – the cooking these days is some of the best I’ve had in years of visiting -- but I had to be honest about what I experienced. And the service snafus I listed in the guide didn’t include all my quibbles, including getting the wrong plates, waiting forever for the bill, etc.
Arlington, Va.: Tom -- My wife and I owe a wedding present to friends who live in Chicago. At this point, they have all the tchotchkes they need, so we'd like to get them a gift certificate to a nice restaurant in the city. They like just about any variety of good food and don't mind dressing up for dinner. We had in mind to spend about $100; that doesn't have to cover the entire bill, but we'd like it to cover two thirds or so. Any suggestions? Tom Sietsema: Chicago is a terrific restaurant town. For something splashy, it would be hard to top the French-minded Everest, high above the clouds in the Loop. Other options include Tru (modern French) and Nomi (French-Asian) in the Park Hyatt on Michigan Ave. Nice gift, by the way.
Arlington, Va.: Hey Tom, Love the chats and the Dining Guide! I have a college buddy coming into town who likes to eat at the places that show a city's "local color" -- restaurants or food styles unique to a particular city. He likes "frugal" (cheap) places, too. So far my wife and I have come up with Pho 75, Meskareem, Jaleo and Ben's Chili Bowl. He'll eat just about anything. Any other suggestions inside the Beltway? Tom Sietsema: For local color, and in addition to what you already have there, I like to introduce visitors to Market Lunch on the Hill; Chi Cha Lounge (Andean tapas in a moody setting) or the Islander Caribbean restaurant, both on U St.; and Johnny’s Half Shell in Dupont Circle for great, simple seafood.
Washington, D.C.: I know that Eve Ziebert sometimes writes a column about restaurants. But, don't you think that a city like Washington, and specifically the newspaper of record, should have more than one restaurant critic? They have multiple movie critics, when there are only 10 movies to review each week. It would be fun to have more writing on restaurants, and more perspectives. Unlike many prior posters, I am not inquiring because I am interested in being a reviewer, I am only saying that you are only able to review one restaurant a week (the dining guide, and other supplements have been great). It seems like there is room and interest in more restaurant reviews. One idea would be to have reviews done by a rotating group of local chefs, or local celebrities, or people highlighting their neighborhood, or even another devoted, experienced critic like yourself, covering a different slate of places than you. Tom Sietsema: Actually, my colleague Eve Zibart writes every Friday in Weekend and both the Extra and Food sections (see the Foraging column) of the Post feature restaurant profiles and restaurant news, too.
While I can appreciate different opinions, I am not a huge fan of more than a few voices within a publication weighing in on a topic, be it film or restaurants. (Surprise, surprise.) You are right, though, there is plenty of material for the paper to cover!
For the reader, multiple or rotating critics can get really confusing. Having chefs or celebs review places doesn’t strike me as a good idea. How, for instance, would a working chef be able to write fairly about a competitor? And what kind of credentials would a celebrity bring to the table?
Washington, D.C.: Did you see or hear about the movie "Dinner Rush?" I am trying to find it on video, and cannot find any video stores that have it. I heard it is a very realistic movie about a restaurant. Which food movies are your favorites? Mine is "Big Night." Tom Sietsema: I am way, way behind on my movies, and have yet to see Dinner Rush. Among the better food scenes on film, I’d have to include Tampopo, Chocolat, Like Water for Chocolate, Babette’s Feast, and (ghastly as it was) The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and her Lover.
Also, I wouldn’t mind the recipe for Aunt Em’s crullers (doughnut twists) from the opening scene of The Wizard of Oz.
Washington, D.C.: If you were to open a restaurant in the area, what type (French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, new America, etc.) of food would you most want to serve? What is most lacking in the area, and/or what is your favorite type of cuisine, that could use a new rendering? Assuming of course that you were able to find a great location and a great chef for that type of cuisine. Tom Sietsema: I know far too much about the blood, sweat and tears that go into a successful restaurant to want to open one myself.
While the Washington area is rich in a lot of things, I’d love to see more good regional Chinese restaurants, better delis, more varied Indian outposts, better southern (American) fare, something representative of Eastern Europe and DEFINITELY more moderately-priced neighborhood destinations.
Washington, D.C.: If you were meeting friends for a 7:30 movie, and then were going for dessert and drinks after, and since dessert is not that expensive, you could afford to go anywhere, where would you go just for dessert in the District? Tom Sietsema: If they’d take me just for dessert and drinks, I’d opt for Cashion’s, Palena, Citronelle, Little Fountain Café, Café 15 or Two Amy’s. All are different from one another, but all are known for their sweet endings. Several have a bar or lounge, where the staff might oblige such a request.
Tenleytown, Washington, D.C.: Hi Mr. Sietsema! Thank you for your wonderful chats, I look forward to them every week! I asked you this last Monday, but you didn't have time to address it, I think. My high school orchestra is coming on tour to D.C. this February, and the conductor would like to know some good, inexpensive ethnic restaurants in the area that can seat 50+ people. Non-ethnic restaurant suggestions are also good. Maraming salamat po! (Thank you very much!) Tom Sietsema: The top floor of the Ethiopian-themed Meskerem in Adams Morgan might be fun. Ditto Meiwah (Chinese) in the West End, Old Glory (barbecue) in Georgetown, Gabriel (upscale Latin American), Jaleo (Spanish tapas) in Penn Quarter, and Luigi’s (red sauce Italian) on 19th St.
You DO intend to call ahead and orchestrate this with someone at the restaurants of your choice, right?
Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom - I fear the answer is no, but do you know of any Portuguese bakeries in the Washington/Maryland/Virginia area? I used to visit Providence, R.I. and the bakeries had the most amazing sweet bread [i.e. bread, not brains!]. I've wanted it ever since. Tom Sietsema: I'll throw this out to the crowd to see if anyone can help you in the search ...
Washington, D.C.: Tom,
Why do we hear about the same restaurants over and over again from you? Please tell us something we don't know! We're getting tired of the usual suspects getting space in your dining guide. Tom Sietsema: (Hey, I only have three fall dining guides under my belt!) Sorry to have disappointed you, but I’m not sure what you expect. I mean, I can’t leave out places I really like, and since I don’t keep restaurant tips a secret, chances are probably high that I’ve mentioned the “usual suspects” before, in print or here online.
Out of 59 reviews, and a list of 12 sources for favorite dishes, NONE of them were new to you? You must eat out more than I do! (he types, light heartedly) If you look at previous guides, by the way, you’ll see plenty of additions and subtractions from year to year. Really.
Washington, D.C.: Now that Zuki Moon has closed where can two vegetarians (not vegan) and two carnivores go for a nice dinner before a 7:00 p.m. Monday night Kennedy Center curtain? Thanks! Tom Sietsema: I believe the new Circle Bistro, a vision in soothing orange, can help you out. It’s in the Washington Circle Hotel (202-872-1680)
Biscuits and Gravy: Southside 815 does biscuits and gravy with backfin crab and country ham that is excellent. It's on their appetizer menu but I get it for brunch. Other than that, cruise out I-66 to Cracker Barrel. It may be an interstate chain, but some of the best, most filling Southern cooking I've had came from the CB in Harriman, Tenn. and Abingdon, Va. Tom Sietsema: Hmmm. My vote goes to Southside. And thanks for reminding me.
Penn Quarter, DC: Tom, ditto on the kudos on the guide. Question: the p's are coming to town this weekend and their train arrives around 12:30 pm. Want to grab lunch before we head to Hillwood (amazingly got a reservation!). Can you suggest somewhere for a casual lunch either near Union Station or the Tenley/Woodley/Cleveland Park areas? Nothing really comes to mind. Many thanks! Tom Sietsema: Yanyu now serves lunch, and it's terrific. Right on the Red Line, too.
Washington, D.C.: Food movies: try watching the opening of "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman" without getting hungry for some good Chinese! Tom Sietsema: True, true!
Old tale: Without knowing too much about Thief/Wife/Lover, I invited friends over for dinner after the film. No one had an appetite.
New York, N.Y.: Any good restaurant environment, decor such as Asia de Cuba in New York, N.Y.? Any good lounges too? Tom Sietsema: The new Zaytinya on 9th & G rivals anything I've encountered in Manhattan, San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: Tom, I wrote you a long story about my experience at the Inn during your Monday chat, here's the short version, maybe you'll post it. I went there earlier this year and left with many of the same complaints you listed in your guide and the chatter listed above. My girlfriend wrote the Inn about this and their Director of Hospitality, Jay Coldren, has invited us back for a second chance, on them. Of course we accepted and we're going in December. I thought it was very nice. Tom Sietsema: It does not surprise me that the Inn would extend such a gracious offer. When the place is on, it's on.
Annapolis, Md.: Have you heard anything about Jimmie and Sharon Banks opening a new place? Tom Sietsema: Yep. The husband-and-wife team are putting together ideas for a two-part Caribbean restaurant in Penn Quarter. One menu is going to be casual, the other more upscale. Finally, Fish, Wings & Tings and Hibiscus Cafe under one roof! (Old-timers will know what I'm talking about there.)
Chantilly, Va.: Hi Tom: This is for the poster asking about Portuguese Sweet Bread. I am from Providence, so I know how fantastic that bread is. I haven't seen it outside southeastern New England, BUT King's Hawaiian Bread, available at supermarkets everywhere, comes extremely close. Hawaii has a substantial Portuguese community (descendants of fishermen, I think) and this bread reflects that. I think the poster will be pleased. Tom Sietsema: I knew one of you would pull through! Thanks.
Thai restaurants: Why, why do owners of Thai restaurants feel compelled to make a horrible pun in their restaurant's name? We have Thai Tanic and Thaiphoon and I've seen Thai Me Up, Fit to be Thaid. The list goes on. I have to say, I am getting mighty Thaired of this trend. Tom Sietsema: Well, they certainly are all easy to remember, aren't they?
Meiwah: We had our rehearsal dinner there, and I can tell you from personal experience, their private area upstairs only holds 50 people. I spent a lot of time sweating it, but in the end had 49! I will also tell you the food and ambiance was wonderful, it was very reasonable, and they were very easy to deal with. Tom Sietsema: Good to know. Merci.
Arlington, Va.: Thanks for the chats and columns! Think your "tastes" are right on. My husband and some friends and I had dinner at the new Firefly last night. While the space is nice, there is a certain noisiness, a la Johnny's Half Shell. Nothing to absorb any of the noise. The food was fair to good. We had the crispy oysters as an appetizer -- virtually greaseless and served with an incredible remoulade. Hubby's grilled salmon was adequate, not overcooked and served with decent mashed potatoes, but my mussels were on the bland side -- had to keep adding salt! The mussels came with french fries which were pretty standard but served quite fetchingly in a paper cone encased in a wrought iron swirl "vase." Very funky looking. Our friends had the carpaccio as an appetizer, which was beautifully presented and quite tasty, but their entrees were bizarre -- her risotto was a tiny little portion, and his short ribs were hidden under about 20 cloves of garlic. The "presentation of chocolate" dessert was delicious and cute and a great dessert to share. My biggest complaint though was the service -- we had made a reservation, and wound up waiting over 45 minutes for our table. We relaxed with drinks at the bar, were told our table was ready, then told it was not, then told it was ready again. What a mess. Plus, everyone seemed so harried and unhappy, and any cheerfulness at all was really forced and false. Not sure that I would go back. My $0.02. Tom Sietsema: Thanks for the detailed preview. Keep in mind, it's still a young restaurant, though.
Rockville, Md.: Okay, I asked you a questions a couple of weeks ago, and you said, wait for the dinning guide. Read the dinning guide -- loved it -- but I'm re-asking the question: Special occasion, want something really romantic for $200 a couple including wine, tax, and tip. Need really good fish or seafood. Was thinking 1789, any other suggestions? Really want an incredibly memorable evening. By the way, was at the Bombay Club recently and thought it was incredible. My never happy in-laws also loved it. But, now I'm dying to try heritage India -- can't imagine anything better. Tom Sietsema: If you don't mind the drive, the Inn at Easton is really lovely. And how often do you get Australian cooking?
Closer to home, I like Palena, Cafe 15 or Bis.
Bethesda, Md.: FYI, I'm a Baltimore native, moved to D.C. six years ago. Just FYI to the earlier Alexandria poster -- both the Baltimore Sun and Baltimore Magazine print columns with information on the hot places in D.C. for those who want to venture down. What's with all the bitterness? Can we all just get along? Tom Sietsema: I agree. Bitter is NOT pretty.
Washington, D.C.: Going to San Francisco next week. Where but Sam's Grill for broiled petrale sole? Was introduced to it by the former, so can't take the current. Those in the know say that the organ meats at Chez Andree in Alexandria are the real deal. If that's what you want to be dealt. Why do folks complain about the portions at the Majestic Cafe? They must not be eating their vegetables. Tom Sietsema: 1) Try the Tadich Grill, one of SF's oldest restaurants
2) Haven't been to Chez Andree enough to comment
3) Sixty percent of Americans are deemed overweight.
Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.: Hello Tom:
What is Zaytinya? Tom Sietsema: A new Mediterranean restaurant, from the cast that brought Cafe Atlantico and Jaleo to Washington.
Washington, D.C.: Tom - I heard that Gerard's Place has discontinued their policy of allowing "no-corkage" on Monday evenings. Just wondering if you heard anything about this. Tom Sietsema: Yes, because I wrote about it in the Food section Sept. 11.
Annapolis, Md.: I must admit, I don't know much about wine etiquette, but I hope you can answer this question. At a certain fairly nice restaurant here in town, one person in our party ordered a glass of merlot. When it arrived at the table, it appeared that the glass was just barely half-full, if that. It wasn't a large glass, and it wasn't your typical red wine glass (the extent of my knowledge). At risk of looking like total rubes, my friend asked the waitress if there'd been a mistake, if it had been the end of the bottle, what have you. Waitress responded that it was a 7 oz. pour, the glass just happened to be a large one, making the amount of wine look paltry. End of discussion. Were we crazy or should this indeed have left us feeling a bit slighted? Tom Sietsema: Can you be patient? I address this very gripe in the Magazine next month.
Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C.: Briefly, would you recommend Iron Gate or Little Fountain if you wanted to take a picky eater to a special dinner? Other suitable suggestion? Tom Sietsema: Little Fountain, definitely.
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Tom -- Congrats on the dining guide. It's a sensible list with a few surprises (Persimmon, for instance). Now it's time to start planning for the spring edition, where you usually do something more specialized. Here's an idea -- Tony Soprano and the gang come to Washington. Where do they go to eat? He has to testify before Congress -- where on the Hill might he try? Dr. Melfi is meeting associates at a conference near Dupont -- where will the psychological associates go to hang out? This might be a way to get an answer out there for all the folks who ask about the best "red sauce" Italian places. Whaddya think? Tom Sietsema: LOL
I like it, I like it ...
You sound like you should be down here at 15th & L instead of the Hill.
Arlington, Va.: Tom,
I am home sick today from work and am taking advantage of the moment to sit in on your chat! I don't have the luxury (or talent) which my boyfriend has, which is to multi-task job duties while viewing your online chat every Wednesday. (One day his partners are going to catch him!) First comment: We LOVE Wasuri! Being from Louisiana a couple of the dishes remind me of similar stews back home. Lauriol Plaza is a snooze fest in comparison. Secondly, have you read Kitchen Confidential, and what do you think of it?
Keep up the good work! Remember people are spending billable time on you! Tom Sietsema: KC is a really fun, colorful, and sometimes gross read about the restaurant industry. I had a chance to dine with the author in NCY a few years ago. He is much more reserved in person.
Washington, D.C.: A few weeks ago I was surprised to hear you on WTOP, I guess reading a review that I had seen in the paper -- I think it was 15 Ria. Is this a regular occurrence? Tom Sietsema: I do two segments a week for WTOP, one on Thursday (restaurant news), another on Saturday (preview of the forthcoming Magazine review).
Washington, D.C.: Tom, In addition to the magazine Dining Guide, the Post and Phyllis used to put on an (annual?) book -- something like Zagats but with more detail (and less restaurants). Will you be doing this? Tom Sietsema: I am hoping to do something like that in the near future.
Arlington, Va.: Hi Tom - here's a tip for everyone looking for some Halloween Fun: Olive's is slashing its wine list - half price ALL bottles, all day (lunch and dinner) to celebrate it's wicked side. How's that for a trick-or-treat?? Tom Sietsema: Great way to get those seats filled, yes?
Alexandria, Va.: Tom: Congrats on the Dining Guide. Excellent job! A definite keeper. The two chatters (or was it REALLY the same person twice?!) who complained Monday about Majestic Cafe must either work for another (jealous) restaurant in the area or have serious issues to work through. On a couch. Seriously, I've been to the Majestic several times and I have NEVER been disappointed. The food is great, the prices are elevated but reasonable (this ain't McDonald's, after all!) And you are SO right about the layer cakes. They make the trip worthwhile all by themselves, but are even better as the cap to a delicious meal. Tom Sietsema: I concur.
San Francisco, Calif.: Hi Tom,
I don't know if this is your realm, but please help me out here! I lived in D.C. for a year but had to move back to California. Anyway, I NEED the Lunch Lady's phone number! I miss her soothing voice! I believe it was for the Pentagon cafeteria, and she always started, "Good morning, or good afternoon..." I'm going through withdrawal over here! Please help! Thanks. washingtonpost.com: www.lunchlady.com Tom Sietsema: Your wish has been granted, sort of.
Inn at Little Washington: Wow, you waited forever to get the bill too?! I feel a little better. When I went, we waited so long to get our bill, over a half hour with no refills on our drinks or anyone to check on us, that we thought we were supposed to pay at the front. I was horrified when the waiter came running after us. Okay, (shrug), not entirely my fault. Tom Sietsema: The hour is up, gang.
Thanks for another lively discussion. Wednesday has become one of the highlights of my week, thanks to you.
I'll be back here next Wednesday, at 10 a.m. (next week only).
Ciao. And chow.
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