| Ask Tom
Hosted by Tom Sietsema
Washington Post Food Critic
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 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.
Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom, A restaurant week review: I went to Ortanique last night for dinner, and had a great experience. This place seems perfect for this kind of deal, since the food was good, but, in my opinion, not great enough to spend approximately. $30 an entree(!) on a regular night. The atmosphere and service were great, and the portions were ample and seemed to reflect their menu well. Also, kudos to their management for keeping the Half-price wine Tuesdays even with the restaurant week deal! This was my first experience with this promotion and I was fully satisfied. Tom Sietsema: I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your experience at Ortanique, and thanks for reminding your fellow chatters of the delicious bargains to be explored through the rest of the week at participating Washington restaurants.
Good morning, everyone, and thanks for tuning in.
Washington, D.C.: Make my restaurant week lunch choice today: Poste or Zola? Tom Sietsema: Even though it does not yet have a top toque installed, Poste would be my pick.
Much as I admire the interior and wine program at Zola, I continue to hear mixed things about the place.
Bethesda, Md.: I have tried many of the "restaurant week" menus that have been offered in the past, only to be disappointed. Some have no choices, some are the bland chicken-salmon-pasta menu and some steak houses seem to offer a lower grade beef. Do you know of any restaurants that are offering a "restaurant week" menu, that is actually a good value? (i.e. -- good food AND good price) Tom Sietsema: I don't know where you are eating, but it can't be at either Corduroy or Ardeo, two restaurants I've sampled that are doing their customers a service with appealing Restaurant Week menus.
Washington, D.C.: I made the trek out to 2941 and thought the food was excellent -- the foie gras with pistachios and the quail were extremely tasty. And the wild mushroom pasta had the texture of silk (wow). The cotton candy at the end was a bit cutesie for my tastes but fine just the same. I have only one gripe -- every time the front door opened there was an arctic blast from outside that seemed to chill the first 1/3rd of the dining room. If you go there during the winter months you should ask for a table towards the back of the restaurant to avoid the chill. Tom Sietsema: Or better yet, a seat near one of the two fireplaces.
Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom -- What restaurants around town do you think makes the best drinks? I like to grab a cocktail before dinner and don't know the places that mix the best concoctions (besides my personal fave, Cafe Atlantico).
Thanks! Tom Sietsema: I've had good luck recently at two bars in Adams Morgan: Cities and Felix. (No one in town makes a breezier mojito than Atlantico, I agree!)
Rockville, Md.: PICK ME! My mom and sister are planning a wedding shower for me, which would include about 18-20 people. We would like to do a lunch somewhere in Montgomery County, but not Chinese or Asian. Any suggestions would be helpful Love the chats, you make my Wednesdays. Tom Sietsema: Hey, I'm glad it's so easy to make someone's day.
Several places that come to mind are Green Papaya and Jaleo, both in Bethesda, and Mykonos Grill in Rockville.
Washington, D.C.: hi Tom - I love restaurant week, because it gives me an excuse to try new places and eat out more (not that I really need an excuse...). Anyway, I tried Equinox on Monday and wanted to share our experience. While the food was good, the service was very disappointing. Rude waiter, no water till 10 minutes after we were seated, didn't hear the specials, forgot our side dishes. And once we mentioned we were participating in RW, his attitude went from bad to worse. We complained to the manager as we were leaving, who was very apologetic. I thought the service was usually good there - is the poor service a result of RW, do you think? Tom Sietsema: You are not alone in complaining about a service drop during restaurant week. But your treatment at Equinox surprises me. It normally does a great job with its guests.
Oakland, Calif.: Tom, I moved away from D.C. in June, and I'll be back for visit at the end of the month. My boyfriend and I would like to have one nice dinner somewhere we haven't been before. Can you recommend a restaurant that has opened in the last six months that we shouldn't miss? In the District, up to $20 an entree, any cuisine. Thanks. P.S. Your chats get me to the computer early every Wednesday morning! Tom Sietsema: Good morning, California! Be sure to put Zaytinya near the MCI Center and maybe the newish Smith Point in Georgetown on your itinerary. Reviews for both are online.
Arlington, Va.: I read your review on Spices Asian, but is it good enough to take your wife on her birthday? Since it is restaurant week, price isn't much of a factor. Any other Asian (Thai especially) places to take my wife? We did Ten Penh last year on your recommendation, so suggest somewhere besides there, please. Tom Sietsema: Spices is pretty casual after Ten Penh. If Asian is your thing, I’d suggest the excellent Yanyu.
Rockville, Md.: I'm going on a first date to Jaleo this weekend, and I was wondering if you had any suggestions of what I should order. I've never had Tapas before, so I don't know whether or not I like it. Tom Sietsema: The Spanish restaurant, which specializes in 50 or so appetizer-size plates of food, meant to be shared at the table, offers a wide range of hits. Some of my favorites include chorizo on mashed potatoes, anchovies on tomato-slathered bread, squid with black rice, potato-onion omelet, sweet peppers filled with warm goat cheese ... you get the idea. Even picky eaters can find something to like there.
Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.: Good Morning Tom! Love the chats! Question: I'm assuming that the $20 lunches and $30 dinners during Restaurant Week are prices for each diner. Is that correct? Thanks Tom Sietsema: That's per person, correct.
Silver Spring, Md.: Tom -
My coolest, hippest friend is coming into town from San Francisco -- she's used to the best they have to offer (we were last at the Redwood Bar at the Clift Hotel, Rose Pistola, etc.). Where can I take her in D.C. for drinks and then for dinner? A place with good vegetarian options is a plus -- type of food unimportant (we're adventuresome eaters), quality and atmosphere is. Thanks for any help! Tom Sietsema: Game plan No. 1: Drinks at Zola, near the Spy Museum, followed by mezze (think tapas with a Middle Eastern accent) at Zaytinya on 9th & G streets.
Game plan No. 2: Drinks at the bar at Palena, home to two former White House chefs, followed by dinner at the Asian-inspired Yanyu, a stroll away in Cleveland Park
Not that you are an etiquette forum, but...: ...her MOM and SISTER are throwing her a shower? Talk about a big no-no! Tom Sietsema: Miss Manners, is that you?
Wedding Shower: Tom, isn't Green Papaya an Asian restaurant? Tom Sietsema: Oops. Yes, GP is Vietnamese. How about Heritage India in Bethesda as a replacement?
Arlington, Va.: Hi Tom -- I'm looking for nice place to get drinks and snacks within safe walking distance of the Ronald Reagan building on Friday night. Price is not a huge issue, but if you could give a price range for the places you might suggest, it would be greatly appreciated. We are planning on going after a show, probably around 9:30-10 p.m. Tom Sietsema: Try the bars at Butterfield 9, the historic Occidental Grill or the glam Sofitel, home to Café 15, near the White House.
Glover Park, Washington, D.C.: Tom, we were wondering whether you had heard anything regarding the outcome of the dispute between Timothy Dean and his former management at the St. Regis. The details might be of interest to those who would not continue to patronize an establishment guilty of what Mr. Dean allegedly accused them of. On the other hand, a person who would so accuse (presumably as a tactical move in a business dispute?) is as cowardly and craven as they get. What do you know? Tom Sietsema: All I know is that the St. Regis currently serves a fine hamburger in one of the most elegant settings in town, and the service is accommodating.
If I hear anything re: Mr. Dean and company, I’ll post news here.
Vienna, Va.: Hi Tom, Are you getting all these questions people submit? Every time I submit a question I don't get a response from you. Does this mean I am not following something right? Devoted Reader Tom Sietsema: Here's proof that I am getting your question.
Please keep in mind, I usually get hundreds of queries and comments an hour and, unfortunately, I'm a slow typist.
A tip: People who ask questions I've addressed many times before probably won't hear back from me in this forum.
And your burning question is ...?
Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom, This isn't so much a question as it is a comment. Recently, I planned a carefully orchestrated event at McCormick & Schmick's in Bethesda, only to be treated shabbily by one of the wait staff. I was there with many others and brought the restaurant plenty of business. Our waited rudely asked us how long we'd be there because they "needed" our table. When I looked around, only a couple of other tables were occupied and another section was entirely free. Also, our bill was incorrectly tabulated and when I pointed this out to the waiter, he rudely disputed it and then sent a manager to my table to do the same. The manager came by only to be shown by me, using the same "proof" he'd brought along, that he was wrong. The service was terribly shoddy and not one member of my party ever plans on returning there. Tom Sietsema: Double ouch. Your tale reminds me to remind all of you to check your bill when you get it. You’d be surprised how many errors I find, both in and against my favor.
(Just how was your tab incorrect, I’d like to know?)
McLean, Va.: Re: The hip SF friend -- While Yanyu does excellent Pan-Asian by D.C. standards, don't you think it would be less than impressive to someone from San Francisco -- home to some of the best Asian food in the world! Tom Sietsema: I thought about that, but SF doesn't have a place quite like Yanyu, in terms of serious wine list, eclectic menu and nice design. SF has lots of good, basic Chinese places, though, far more than DC.
Washington, D.C.: Just a comment. As the wife of a D.C. restaurant GM, I wanted to share with everyone the secret to a wonderful restaurant experience: If things aren't going the way you'd like, simply ask for what you want and remember to ask politely. If you have been waiting long for a table, kindly remind the hostess or manager how long you've been waiting; if your food is cold, politely ask the server for a warm replacement; if you hate your table or you're in a noisy spot, smile and ask to be moved. Just do it nicely. Remember: The main goal of everyone who works in a restaurant is to make their customers happy. If you are not happy, let someone know. If you're nice about it, you will be taken care of -- probably above and beyond what you'd expect. Tom Sietsema: Thanks for your advice, Wife of the Manager (who, I'm guessing, has to live with customer complaints long after her spouse comes home).
The Morrison House/Elysium: We're going to the Elysium for my birthday this Friday. I know they don't have a menu and I am supposed to discuss what I want beforehand with the chef. Problem is, I would like to think about what my tastes really are for a few days before I get there. Can you give me a few examples of what kind of questions they are going to ask? Thanks! Tom Sietsema: The drill is pretty simple (and certainly not a “test” of the diner). The chef or sous chef will recite what he has on hand and ask if you dislike any particular ingredient. Then it's up to you to sit back and enjoy.
Washington, D.C.: Tom, I'm thinking of moving. Which neighborhoods inside the Beltway would be on the top of your list if one wants to be within walking distance to good restaurants? Tom Sietsema: The block between 20th and 21st on P St. NW is mighty delicious. So, too, is Penn Quarter. The West End is improving, too, I'm happy to see.
Etiquette Question: Mr. Sietsema, I'm a loyal lurker. I never miss your chats (thank goodness you're not on at the same time as Gene Weingarten -- I don't know what I'd do). I have a French etiquette question. Really, I'm just curious about this practice. I've been to France once before, and am about to go again in a few weeks. I hear Americans half-joke all the time about "European" style dining, where the salad is eaten after the main course. But, I have to confess: in my one week in Paris and Burgundy, I never once was served a salad at the end of my meal. Did the waiter just automatically know I was American and decide to serve me as I'd expect to be served at home in the U.S.? When I ordered a salad, it arrived before my rack of lamb. If it matters, I never once ate in a proper restaurant I ate most of my meals in brasseries, cafes, and bistrots (hey, I'm on a budget!). Also, aside from the places in your "postcard," are there any other food-related things I shouldn't miss? I plan to visit at least one of the open-air markets. washingtonpost.com: Tom's Postcard from Paris, (Post, March 25, 2001) and Bistro Burden, (Post, Dec. 1, 2002) Tom Sietsema: Typically, in fine French restaurants (and even in French homes), a green salad is served after the first two savory courses (appetizer and main dish) and before the cheese course, which is then followed by dessert.
As for non-restaurant food destinations in Paris, be sure to make time for La Grande Epicerie de Paris, a fancy grocery store in the Bon Marche at 38 Rue de Sevres, 7th. La Derniere Goutte is a terrific wine shop, at 6 Rue de Bourbon-le-Chateau, 6th. For food equipment, be sure to check out M.O. R. A., at 13 Rue Montmartre, 1st.
REALLY disappointing service, Washington, D.C.: The food was fabulous at Firefly! I especially liked the winter green salad with feta, almonds, and fresh pears, the homemade chips, and the "presentation of chocolate." I especially did not like that it took us over two hours for lunch. The best way to put it was that they forgot about us. We had a one o'clock reservation and arrived on time. Yes, I know it is restaurant week, but that should not be an excuse since the tables around us did not seem to have the same problem. We were not shy either, yet not rude. To make matters worse, when our appetizers were delivered, one of them was missing, so one of the diners brought it to the waitpersons attention. She responded by saying "I only have two hands." We later discovered that she was the manager. During the 20-minute wait for dessert (which we ordered because it was part of the restaurant week special), a member of our party brought the issue to the manager. Her first response was that it was restaurant week and then she offered to take something off of our check. Although I understand the offer, it was not what we were after and we had already paid the check. Urgh! So disappointing to find a place with good food and really rotten service. Sometimes I wonder if being the youngest people in the place (mostly 20-somethings) dictates the kind of service you are likely to get. Tom Sietsema: The good thing about restaurant week is lots of people in the dining room -- which can also be a bad thing, particularly at prime time.
I’d give Firefly another chance.
Arlington, Va.: I read your review of the "new" Perry's and wanted to ask one question. As a fan of the "old" Perry's, do they still make the best and most interesting sushi in town? Or did they revamp the sushi menu? I think this town needs more places like Perry's -- upscale food in an environment that's funky (not stiffly conservative), energetic and young. washingtonpost.com: Seeing the Light, (Post Magazine, Jan. 12) Tom Sietsema: I thought the sushi was fine at Perry’s, but there are other places that I think do raw fish and vinegared rice better, including Kaz Sushi Bistro, Makoto, and Sushi-Ko. And for those who care, the drag brunch is going to be tweaked in the near future, or so I'm informed.
Del Ray, Va.: Tom,
We're going to dinner at 15 Ria tonight to celebrate my birthday. Any recommendations (no seafood, please)? Tom Sietsema: You’re in luck if you’re a meat eater; I think Wednesday is suckling pig night.
Washington, D.C.: Help! In your chats people keep talking about the new deli -- Stacks or something -- where is it? Details please! Tom Sietsema: Stacks is a new kosher deli located on Pennsylvania Ave. NW., in the old Planet Hollywood location. It has a formal kosher dining room, Archives, adjoining it. A former chef from the nearby Signatures is heading up the kitchen.
Washington, D.C.: Good morning Tom! We dined, for the first time, at The Inn (The Inn) a few weeks ago. While their reputation obviously needs no further promotion, I feel obligated to relay our experience as visitors to the Inn as a young (28, 25), not affluent, yet seasoned in the world of fine dining, couple. Before we even stepped foot inside, I was shaking my head with preemptive disappointment. Such was the height of my expectations. How could this possibly live up to everything I've heard? BUT! To anyone out there who has doubts that dining at The Inn could possibly be worth the considerable cost, here a a few thoughts: I have never spent so much on a meal. Yes, this is true. Yet, at the same time, I felt that I was getting a TOTAL BARGAIN. After the second amuse bouche (an overwhelming heady "sip" of apple-rutabega soup), I was completely convinced that no matter what the bill said at the end of the evening, I had gotten my money's worth. A spectacularly relaxing drive, the welcoming embrace of a very quiet Sunday in Washington, Virginia, the impassioned perfection of service and hospitality, and, obviously, the very, very special food and wine we were served made for a dining experience which I can safely say was the best of my life. I couldn't believe when they put a massive cherry on top of it all after dessert: a private tour of the gorgeous kitchen! If you've been holding off, thinking, "There are clearly better ways to spend several hundred dollars,"...think again. This could be as good as it ever gets. Tom Sietsema: Amazing, the power of just a sip of apple-rhutabega soup!
Thanks for your mini-review of the inn, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year -- no small feat in this business.
Newington, Va.: Hello First timer here. Where is 2941 and what great places might you recommend for V -day! Thanks! Tom Sietsema: 2941, a contemporary American restaurant, is in Falls Church.
Quite frankly, I would recommend treating your Significant Other to a home-cooked meal on Valentine's Day. Along with New Year's Eve, Feb. 14 is considered "rookie night" in the trade.
Restaurant Week Newbie: Tom-
Since it's restaurant week, do we have to tell our waiters that that's why we're there, or will the restaurants only be offering the special menus? Thanks, I'm new at this. Tom Sietsema: In the places I've been in, the promotional menu is doled out with the regular script. If you DON'T see a special menu, the restaurant is either not participating or you should ask.
Washington, D.C.: I discovered PETIT PLATS during Restaurant Week, and it has -- count them -- FOUR working real fireplaces! And sits on top of the Woodley Park Metro. So folks liking a house type setting and that kind of warmth -- give it a try. I think I'll go back for this weekend's snow storm! Tom Sietsema: Something for fireplace fans to mull.
Arlington, Va., Re: arctic blast at 2941: You will NOT avoid the arctic blast from the front door if you sit near the front fireplace at 2941. I agree with the previous poster to avoid the front of the restaurant at 2941. We sat directly in front of the front fireplace, and every time the door opened we froze. However, the meal was excellent. In addition, when we ordered glasses of wine, the server without our requesting it, brought the bottle to the table before poring, so we could verify that we were getting the wine that we had ordered. We will go back in the summer time, but not during cold weather. Tom Sietsema: I really appreciate restaurants that serve their wines by the glass that way, too.
"The Inn": Reminds me of an old joke: the man on the phone to his wife says "Well, I just cannot believe that waiter called me pompous! Pompous? Moi?" Scuse me while I pry myself off my chair.
Tom Sietsema: LOL
Washington, D.C.: What exactly is a "rookie night"? Tom Sietsema: People who rarely go to restaurants visiting at the worst possible time and often with very high expectations that may or may not be met because ... it's rookie night.
Shower Question: Nothing to do with a restaurant suggestion but how come someone has the right to comment on how people should celebrate personal events? A big no-no? Why? Is there ONE way in this world to do things? All I can say is: wherever the shower is, if the food is good, it will be fun! Tom Sietsema: Case closed.
Washington, D.C.: Hey Tom, Any recommendations on restaurant supply shops here in the District? I'm tired of lugging stuff from the Bowery in New York. Tom Sietsema: Chatters?
Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom. I understand that Smith Point may have a wonderful chicken pot pie and a new chef but I feel like you lead people astray when recommending it. You overlooked in your review that its main business is as a divey bar that serves drinks in plastic cups to an extremely homogeneous group of people, all of whom have to be on a "list" to get in. And the fact that it doesn't even serve dinner most of the week makes me feel sorry for all the other restaurants that haven't caught your attention and may be struggling every night to bring people in. Just my opinion. Heading to Equinox tonight for Restaurant Week and hoping that first chatter's bad service experience was just a fluke. Thanks for the chats! Tom Sietsema: Smith Point does have a lively bar scene -- it didn't during my review visits, or I would have mentioned it -- and very good American cooking that deserves our attention.
Washington, D.C.: So many of your comments are about people who are "disappointed" that the food doesn't match the hype of the Place X, Y, or Z. It tickles me to think that so much of the restaurant experience has become a "thrill me" experience, a challenge to the kitchen.. whatever happened to just going out for a nice meal? Do you think the hype of food (critics everywhere, food Web sites, food channels, knowledge of the the hipper-than-thou places in NY and SF) has just ruined the casual dining experience? Tom Sietsema: I can see different points of view -- and could write an essay on the topic. Some view dining as entertainment, I agree. Others carry their personal lives into the dining room and won't be happy no matter what.
Restaurant Supplies: This question was covered in Kim's chat on Tuesday -- many, many suggestions there. Check out the archive. washingtonpost.com: What's Cooking, (Live Online, Jan. 14) Tom Sietsema: I was out Tuesday. Thanks.
Chicago, Ill.: Tom, feel like taking a break from all the restaurant week queries? How about recommending some restaurants for my upcoming trip to Rome? Thanks! Tom Sietsema: Perfect timing! I recently asked Roberto Donna of Galileo for his picks. They include:
Agata E Romeo, via Carlo Alberto 45
Camponeschi, Piazza Farnese 50
Il Convivio Troiani, Vicolo dei Soldati 31
That's all for today, everyone. See you back next Wednesday. Stay warm and eat well until then.
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