| Ask Tom
Hosted by Tom Sietsema
Washington Post Food Critic
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2003; 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.
Tenleytown: Dear Tom: I wanted to start out the New Year on an upbeat note. My wife and I had a wedding anniversary dinner at Greenwoods on Jan. 1, and it was a wonderful meal worthy of the special occasion. It was our first time there, so we were not quite sure what to expect. All six dishes we tried were superb. (The apple fondue, the steak, and the flourless chocolate cake and apple tart were all actually in the awesome range.) The waiter was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the wine list. We were given a complementary glass of port with our desert in honor of the occasion. It was the best meal I have had in over a year, and I have had fine meals at DC Coast, Cafe 15, Zaytinya, Nick and Stefs (well, one fine meal and two more recent mediocre ones) among others in that period. Happy New Year, Tom. Tom Sietsema: Thanks for your mini-review, and a happy 2003 to you, too.
Good morning, everyone. I'm happy to be back in this forum after two weeks of merrymaking.
Chevy Chase, Md.: What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten in the D.C. area and where can I find it. (or some other strange and wonderfully ethnic foods?) Tom Sietsema: You can't eat the strangest thing I ever ate, because it was smuggled into town via diplomatic pouch and is now considered endangered. (Hey, I was young ....)
Washington, D.C.: Do you and Eve Zibert coordinate on the places that you are going to review so that you don't double up? And speaking of Eve, you think that you could persuade her to come talk to us too (not that we don't like you or anything). Tom Sietsema: Yes, Eve Zibart and I discuss restaurants quite a bit, as you might expect. If there's a question you'd like me to pass on to her, I'm all ears.
The Weirdest Thing Tom Ever Has: It was monkey's brain, was it? Tom Sietsema: No, it was ortolan, a small bird eaten beak, wings and all after having been submerged in Armagnac.
Washington, D.C.: Do you ever read the posts at www.chowhound.com? Tom Sietsema: I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't follow local and national food and restaurant news, in print or online. (I think I know where you're going with this ....)
Alexandria, Va.: I know you've covered this before, but I can't seem to find your postcard from NYC. Anyways, I'm headed up to the Big Apple this weekend to catch some shows, and was wondering what your recommendations would be for moderately-priced pre-show dinner (preferably in the theater district)? Thanks! washingtonpost.com: Postcard from New York, (Post, Oct. 6, 2002) Tom Sietsema: Esca, the sunny Italian seafood purveyor, continues to be my favorite pre-show source for fuel. Its at 402 West 43rd St.
And to that Postcard, written last fall, you might add Apizz for gourmet pizza, Jewel Bako for sushi, and Blue Smoke for bbq and fun -- all hot at the moment, though not neccessarily in the neighborhood you want.
Arlington, Va.: Happy new year Tom! I am looking to go to dinner with a dear friend this weekend. My preference is Italian, moderately priced but am open to options. The issue is I am in need of a handicap accessible restaurant. No long staircases to either enter or to use the restroom. Any thoughts? Tom Sietsema: Spezie on L St. in Washington has pools of space between tables and an appealing menu that won’t break the bank.
Restaurant Week: Hi Tom: It's Restaurant Week in D.C. again (next week). I'd like to ask you and the other participants: During the last restaurant week, which restaurants had the best deals? Which had the worst (or treated customers shabbily)? Thanks! washingtonpost.com: Restaurant Week Official Site Tom Sietsema: Now THAT’S a question that’s bound to spark debate this morning!
In advance of any reviews that might come my way, chatters should keep in mind that with each new Restaurant Week here in Washington, the participants have improved their performances -– offered more variety, better service, etc.
Potomac, Md.: Hi, Tom. Thanks for another great year of reviews and discussions. Question: Any suggestions for great dinner before attending show at Arena Stage. Can't think of anything near the theater, but considering Bistros Bis. Would value your ideas. Thanks and Happy New Year! Tom Sietsema: Having just attended a performance at the Arena Stage, I sympathize with your not finding much worth eating on the southwest waterfront.
Your best bet is to dine as early as you can at a restaurant you like – Bis is certainly a nice pick – and give yourself time to drive or taxi to the theater before the 8 p.m. curtain. Lots of places offer pre-theater menus, too, including Butterfield 9 and (I believe) Cafe Atlantico.
Williamsburg, Va.: Hi Tom,
Love your column! I'm heading to D.C. this weekend and would like to take some friends out for Greek food. Where do you recommend? Tom Sietsema: Good Greek (restaurant) cooking is relatively rare around here. One of my favorite places for the traditional experience is Mykonos Grill in Rockville. And don’t forget the recently reviewed Zatinya near the MCI Center, which offers a parade of Turkish, Lebanese and Greek appetizers in glam surroundings.
Bethesda, Md.: Happy New Year, Tom! Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Galileo. This time, in part based on your past praise, we tried a tasting menu that featured a cheese course. The meal itself was, as always, a wonderful treat. But I wanted to comment now, to thank you for your previous recommendations about the cheese course, which I'd never previously opted for! It was terrific -- and the waitstaff was quite gracious in talking with us about the cheeses we were sampling, where they were procured and how they are aged on site. That's it. Just a happy comment. Tom Sietsema: I agree: Galileo takes its cheese course as seriously as anyone in the area.
Inidque: I'm so excited to try this place. Is it officially open? Any early rants/raves? Is it any competition to Heritage India (which is my current bar-setting Indian place here)? Tom Sietsema: Indique has been open only a week or so now. It's too early to critique the place. But it's good to see such a lovely restaurant in what had long been a stretch of vacant spaces.
Speaking of NYC...: What are your thoughts on db Bistro? A friend is taking me there and I'm wondering what to expect. Love the chats!
Tom Sietsema: Be sure to order the signature hamburger, over-the-top with foie gras among other ingredients.
Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom! One of my New Year's resolution is courtesy of you -- I'd like to become a 'regular' at a restaurant. Here's the criteria I used to pick the place: 1. One I can actually afford to go to regularly.
2. One I know that I like (food, atmosphere, service, etc.).
3. One that is convenient to my house. Here's how I plan to go about being a regular: 1. Go at least once a month.
2. At least at first, not go on weekend nights, where I am apt to be lost in the crowds.
3. Sit at the bar every once in a while. So, there's my plan. Any tips on how else to make myself familiar with the staff? Thanks!
Peter Tom Sietsema: Bravo! Sounds like a great game plan there.
You might also 1) consider introducing yourself to the host or the bar tender, 2) query the servers about their favorite dishes or signature items you shouldn't miss, and 3) tip as generously as you can and 4) let the manager know you enjoyed the service on the way out. All those actions will help keep you on the staff's radar.
Washington, D.C.: RE: Galileo - I got a gift cert as a Christmas gift and am looking forward to eating there. However, the reviews on The Post are less than stellar. What am I in for? Tom Sietsema: Galileo is currently offering regional menus within its standing Italian menu.
Right now, for instance, you can explore the glories of Piedmont (home to chef Roberto Donna). That's where I would order most of my dishes, at least until the next regional menu appears later this winter.
Washington, D.C.: Next week is my girlfriend's birthday. It's our first together and I'd like to take her for dinner to a very special and romantic spot. Could you recommend me one? Tom Sietsema: People, people, people. The more specific you are when you ask a question, the better equipped I am to answer.
The above poster leaves out too much detail: Are you interested in going anywhere? Is price a factor? Does she like seafood? Italian? Organ meats?
This inquiring mind wants to know.
Washington, D.C.: A group of foodies is celebrating 34 years of fine eating. Firefly, Zola or Obelisk? Tom Sietsema: No question: Obelisk. (Though I did receive a complaint about the place this week, from a group of eight whose request for a reservation was turned down because the host thought the group would be too noisy in the small space. Odd.)
Washington, D.C.: How often do you travel for work? And how do you pick the cities/places, and the restaurants you visit? Tom Sietsema: I travel at least once a month for work, sometimes more. I tend to choose cities based both on reader queries and my own interest in either keeping up-to-date (with such restaurant destinations as San Francisco or New York) or expanding my horizons (can't wait to taste Singapore and Iceland, among other spots). Always, I try to come back with three suggestions that include different styles, price ranges, and neighborhoods.
It's harder than anyone who hasn't done it might imagine.
Washington, D.C.: What's the best place for oysters at lunch near Dupont OTHER than Johnny's Half Shell? I'm consoling myself after a break up (and I never got good shellfish with the ex) and know too many people who work there to be able to be morose. Tom Sietsema: Pesce should make you feel better about life. And the bar at Kinkead's is good, too.
Gaithersburg, Md.: Where can I find the best sushi in the metro area? With so many choices in Montgomery County and the District alone, it is difficult to try each restaurant. Tom Sietsema: Makoto, Sushi-Ko, and Kaz Sushi Bistro should be on your Washington “to do” list. In Gaithersburg, I like Hakuba; Yoko, with branches in Oakton and Herndon, is where I enjoy sushi in Northern Virginia.
Falls Church, Va.: Hi, Tom. I'm going to be traveling to Atlanta in February and am hoping to get some advice on where to eat while I'm there, both from you and other chatters. I'll be downtown by the convention center, and anything near to that would be especially appreciated! Thanks so much. Tom Sietsema: It’s been a few years since I’ve explored Atlanta’s restaurant scene. Chatters?
Silver Spring, Md.: Are there any Portuguese restaurants in D.C.? Tom Sietsema: Chevy Chase lays claim to the very good Tavira, hidden in the basement of a bank building (and worth the trek).
Great Falls, Va.: Tom, Great chats and very informative. My wife is taking me to La Perla Saturday for my birthday. Have you heard anything? I understand the room is very nice. Tom Sietsema: I’ve had one unforgettable meal there – unforgettable because the person I went with was a Washington VIP whose arrival caused such a stir that we got three times as much food as we ordered because the chef wanted to show off.
The place looks very, very Vegas.
Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom: I visited the new restaurant next door to Nam-Viet in Cleveland Park the week before last (the "Brick Oven" something), and sat at the bar for a while. A friend joined me, and we tried for several minutes to get the attention of the bartender, who was chatting away on his cell phone (it was clearly a personal call). This was extremely irritating, so we left, and aren't inclined to return. I don't recall this happening to me before, but it's a logical next step in the Juggernaut of the Cell Phone (and further evidence of the degree to which cell phone use affects one's concentration/attention -- the bartender's back wasn't to us, he just didn't see us). Any lurking restaurateurs seeking to build up customer goodwill would do well to prohibit non-emergency cell phone use by on-duty employees. Tom Sietsema: I’ll post your complaint in the hope that offenders see it and act accordingly. (You didn’t miss much by not eating at Bricks Tavern, by the way.)
Arlington, Va.: Hi, Tom. I'm headed to Richmond this weekend, and will be staying downtown. Any suggestions for Saturday dinner or Sunday lunch/brunch that are affordable, casual and yummy? Thanks! Tom Sietsema: Whenever I’m there, I like to start my weekend in Richmond with breakfast at Millie’s, a fun and personal joint with good food and gentle tabs. It’s at 2603 E. Main St. (804) 643-5512.
On traveling for work: May I ask -- What are your tried-and-true methods of picking the restaurants to try? Do you use books? Prefer the Internet? Go on a hunch? Tom Sietsema: I do a ton of homework before I go away. (If I have 48 hours in Paris, for example, I can't afford to have a meal that I can't recommend to readers.) I consult local food critics, scour books, do online searches, ask people who have recently traveled to my destination ... my research runs the gamut.
Washington, D.C.: Good morning Tom! I have a question about eating mussels. While in Ireland this summer the natives were showing us to use a mussel shell as "tongs" to put out and eat the mussels. Thought it a clever idea but haven't seen this done over here. Is there a proper way to eat mussels in public? Would this Irish method be acceptable? Tom Sietsema: At Mannequin Pis in Olney, they refer to them as "Belgian chopsticks."
It's easy: Just take an empty shell and use it as a pincer to extract the meat from remaining mussels in the bowl.
Bethesda, Md.: French cuisine is often expensive, do you know of places, where the tab for decent french food is not high? Tom Sietsema: Bistro Francais comes to mind (and finds a lot of chefs there after they get off work, in part because the kitchen serves well after midnight).
Northern Virginia: I recently moved from D.C. to Northern Virginia, near Tyson's corner. The problem is that, whereas I once walked neighborhoods looking at restaurants and menus, I cannot do so at Tyson's. So, to help me get out of my car and eat, what restaurants in the moderate price range would you recommend in Tyson's? Tom Sietsema: “Tysons” and “moderate” prices aren’t usually mentioned in the same breath. Several exceptions to that statement include Bombay Tandoor on Westwood Center Drive, P. F. Chang’s in the Tysons Galleria and Tara Thai on Maple Ave. W in Vienna.
Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Hi, Tom, I need some serious brunch help. My friends and I face the same problem every weekend: Light wallets and a dearth of places within reasonable distance from Adams Morgan for a decent and relaxing brunch (don't laugh). Did I mention the light wallets? Bardia's and Wilson's are favorites, The Diner and Dos Gringos are not, and The Reef's new brunch menu remains unexplored. Any off-beat treasures you may know of are appreciated. And while I have your attention -- do you have any tips for a good glass of hot chocolate? I'm a bit of a snob and I'm weary of paying $3 for Swiss Miss or Hershey's. Thanks for your help! Tom Sietsema: Have you tried New Orleans Café or Grille 88, both in Adams Morgan?
As for hot chocolate, I hear Baked & Wired in G'town pours a comforting cup.
Falls Church, Va.: Good Morning Tom -- love these chats -
Recently my husband and I tried the new 2941 restaurant in Falls Church (on your recommendation) and were really pleased with it! The lamb was to die for! It was obvious that the startup investment in this restaurant must have been huge. I was curious as to why such a restaurant would choose to locate in such a "tucked away" location. While it's beautiful both inside and out, it will have to depend on word of mouth and good press to have a prayer of surviving, since it's not visible from the street and it's not the type of place one would just drop into for lunch or dinner. I would understand investing in an establishment targeting the business lunch crowd in the adjacent office buildings, but an elegant first class restaurant? What do suppose made the owners choose that particular spot? It would seem to be quite a big gamble. Tom Sietsema: With all due apologies to our friends in Falls Church, I, too, was surprised to find a luxury restaurant seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Maybe the owners got a good deal on the real estate?
As word slips out, the place has gotten busier every time I've been in. In fact, I was met by a valet parker not long ago who greeted me with "I hope you have a reservation. We're booked tonight."
Speaking of French: What do you think of Les Halles, and has the clientele risen or the service gone down since Kitchen Confidential was published? Tom Sietsema: I do not understand the popularity of the French restaurant. I've never had anything there that would compel me to return. Certainly it has location (right on Pennsylvania Ave.) to recommend it.
Chatters, my stomach is grumbling. Thanks for a good discussion and let's meet here again next Wednesday.
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