| Ask Tom
Hosted by Tom Sietsema
Washington Post Food Critic
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 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. Submit your questions before or during the discussion. 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: Just when you stowed the shovel -- and thought you saw your last plate of beef short ribs -- along comes more snow here in Washington.
Good morning, everyone, and thanks for showing up this wintery morning. We begin today’s chat with a note from the chef at Café Atlantico, who wanted to respond to last week’s discussion about the price hike for brunch there:
“Hi Tom and fellow chatters! I'm Jose Andres from Cafe Atlantico. After the comments last week posted on your chat about Cafe Atlantico jumping the dim sum prices, I want it to clarify what is really happening. I started dim sum over four years ago. Price was $19.95 and we offered small plates, up to 26, of very small creative dishes, until you couldn't eat more. Well, many people didn't want to eat so much, or spend that amount for brunch. Then we decided to charge every dim sum plate individually. Now our customers can get a pumpkin soup for $2.50 or duck confit with passion fruit oil for $6.95; many items are priced under $4, meaning you can have a feast for under $20 per person, of a very creative cuisine.
On the other hand I had people that are asking "where is the dinner foie gras, Jose?” Some customers will ask at brunch when they don’t see it on the menu. Well, we are offering the $24.95 and $34.95 for those people that want to enjoy a long brunch, of very exciting food. What we did was to give a broader spectrum of possibilities for people to enjoy Cafe Atlantico. Now people can come in, have a decent brunch under $10, or celebrate a special moment with our deluxe or vegetarian tasting and enjoy our best dishes. Thanks.”
On with your comments and questions.
Las/Tres Marias: Tom, I think you live in my neighborhood. Do you know anything about Tres Marias at 12th and S or any of the other carryout type places on 14th St? It would be great to pick up cheap takeout sometimes but I never know about those litle mom'n'pop joints. A good pupusa or taco would hit the spot. Thanks! Tom Sietsema: Tip o' the day: There’s a new little restaurant, La Casona, at 11th & U streets NW. The kitchen makes some nice pupusas, among other Salvadoran dishes. No alcohol (yet), but I'm told one is expected soon. Amusingly, the menu refers to its margaritas as "DC's famous."
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Tom, I love how the Penn Quarter has developed around the MCI Center. While having Fuddruckers and Ruby Tuesday on a prime spot annoys me, I do have one confession to make; I love Hooters. My wife and I went there after a Caps game last week. We had a pitcher of Bud and 24 Buffalo wings. It was great. To give you a point of reference, we are also huge fans of the new Zaytinya and are long time eaters at Jaleo. But sometimes, you just need to eat some wings. Tom Sietsema: Your mate sounds like she has an open mind. Good for her and lucky you.
Washington, D.C.: Goodmorning. I would love your help with a restaurant choice. My girlfriend and I have a special occasion coming up and we'd like to celebrate with a nice dinner. We are interested in both food and wine and are looking to keep the total in the $300 range. We also would like to try a place we haven't been before. We've narrowed the competition to Palena, Maestro and 2941 (leaning towards Maestro). Which would you recommend? Tom Sietsema: From the décor to the service to the wines to the Italian cooking, Maestro is really special. It gets my vote, too. (My last meal at Palena was underwhelming compared to previous visits, by the way.)
Leesburg, Va.: These great chats are always so full of information, but you never told us where the chef from Atlantico went. Her departure was a great loss; an evening at the Shakespeare just hasn't been the same. Is she still in the area? Tom Sietsema: Christy Velie left the Latin American restaurant to consult and start a company of her own, A Chef of One’s Own, based on the Hill. It was described to me as a personal cooking service aimed at high-end dinner hosts.
Mar La Plata: Tom, Have you been to Mar La Plata on 14th street? I had a wonderful experience there the other day. Solo diner, sat at the bar. Was made to feel comfortable by the staff, was poured generous drinks by the bartender, and the food (both the tapas and the entrees) were excellent. Do people know about this place, or is it one of those hidden gems? Tom Sietsema: I know about the place, located near the Studio Theater, but it has been awhile since I've dined there.
Washington, D.C.: I know you get many more questions than you can answer, but please help - this is my fourth request! My sister and I are searching for super pommes frites in DC, or the surrounding areas in Virginia and Maryland. Our quest led us recently to Les Halles, which unlike the NYC restaurant, proved disappointing. The frites were ordinary, the steak, although well flavoured, was tough, too thin and was served on the same plate with an over dressed salad. Also the Bloody Mary was watery!! Thank you. Toni Stephens. Tom Sietsema: Ah, the fourth time’s the charm! Johnny’s Half Shell, the Breadline, Circle Bistro and Marcel's all serve fries of distinction.
Washington, D.C.: Tom - Last week you recommended 2941 to an engaged couple looking to treat each other as their wedding present. Why didn't you suggest a more established place like Inn at Little Washington? With a place such as this, the couple can be assured that the restaurant will still be in existence when their five-year anniversary rolls around. Tom Sietsema: You make a good point. But if I recall correctly, they were looking for something other than the obvious. And young as it is, 2941 strikes me as a place that will be around for some time.
Washington, D.C.: Just a comment about Stacks - I went there last week and was VERY disappointed. First, they charge $14 dollars for a grilled chicken salad which is absurd. To top it off when I got back to work the four pieces of chicken on my $14 salad where raw. The manager was nice enough to return my money. But I will not go back there any time soon. Tom Sietsema: This place has prompted a lot of attention from readers. Some people love it, others detest it.
Chevy Chase, Md.: Why does no one ever talk about Persimmon in Bethesda. We went there last night and the food there is awesome! (We always thought it was a bath shop). Tom Sietsema: It could be the location: sort of in Washington, kind of in Bethesda, with not much competition nearby. I included the new American restaurant in last fall's dining guide.
Virginia: Tom - always enjoy the chats and columns. As a matter of policy, do you ever review chain restaurants? My thinking is that most people probably have more access to those than mom and pops. Thanks! Tom Sietsema: I have on occasion reviewed chains. Melting Pot, Big Bowl and the new Clyde's (Tower Oaks Lodge) in Rockville come to mind as examples.
Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Can you recommend a good Peruvian place in the region? Drink is as important as food. I'm thinking pisco sours, chicha, cusquena beer. Tom Sietsema: I like the ambience, the cooking and the frothy pisco sours at Costa Verde in Arlingto myself.
Melting Pot: Tom, Did you really visit the Melting Pot three times before your review? If so, your personal trainer must have worked overtime. I went recently and other than the cheese fondue, which was excellent, the total meal was incredibly expensive and I felt like a blimp when I left. I mean, dinner for two with drinks ran over $100 and I had to boil my own dinner. I just can't see how it's worth it. By the way, reviewing chain restaurants seems like a waste of your time. Why not highlight someplace that doesn't have a national corporation behind it? Tom Sietsema: Yep, I ate at Melting Pot three times with friends in tow. I reviewed it for a couple of reasons, one being that it was a first for Washington. As for the price and the portions, I detailed both within the review (and concluded that it is not something you want to do everyday, for the reasons you offer).
Georgetown, Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom. Any comment from you on the suicide of Bernard Loiseau? Tom Sietsema: For those who might not be aware, the French chef killed himself after his restaurant was demoted in the new Gault-Milleau restaurant guide. Surely that wasn't the only reason behind the suicide (though press reports referred to his perfectionist streak). It's sad.
Re: Your Story Today:: There was a mention of the unisex bathrooms. I think that's a big risk for a restaurant to take. I know I would be very turned off by that, and probably wouldn't return. And if the restaurant wants to change that due to complaints at some later point, making room for an extra restroom and installing it would be very expensive and messy, I would say. Don't you think it's a silly risk? What's the point? Tom Sietsema: You got me. Frankly, the restaurant should be focusing its attention on the, uh, "eclectic" menu rather than gimmicks such as that one.
Alexandria, Va.: Tom, Can I ask why you RARELY mention Carlyle Grand Cafe. It usually shows up on people's top ten list, but you never give it print space -- good or bad. Tom Sietsema: There are something like 7,000 dining establishes in the metro area. Some, even popular ones, are bound not to be mentioned.
I've written about (but have yet to review) CGC, which was recently renovated, by the way.
Melting Pot - Take Two: Tom - I enjoy the food and the leisurely pace at Melting Pot, but I refuse to go there because every time I have been, I leave reeking of oil. It just hangs in the air in the restaurant. The last time I went with some girlfriends, the first thing my husband said when I walked in the door (in a sweet way, of course) was, "You Stink." I didn't believe him until I crawled into bed and immediately got up to take a shower -- the oil smell was overwhelming. Tom Sietsema: Come to think of it, my dry cleaning bills WERE a bit higher than usual last month.
Chicago, IL: Tom, As an on-line reader of the Post only (homesick former Washingtonian here), I can't seem to find your Postcards. Is there a way to access them from the website. I'm really anxious not to miss your Postcard from Chicago to see how you like my new home town! washingtonpost.com: They can be found in the Travel section right here. Tom Sietsema: There you go, Chicago.
Silver Spring, Md.: Hi Tom. I'm going on a second date soon, and would like to ask him out for a fun, relaxed dinner. What's a good place in NW or lower Mont. county? Preferably steak or Italian. Also, would you mind if a woman asked you out for your second date? Tom Sietsema: Most guys I know would be thrilled to be asked out on a date (he types, Carol Hax-ishly).
For steak, try Nick & Stef’s in the MCI Center; for Italian, head to Al Tiramisu on P St. or Two Amy’s near the National Cathedral (for Neapolitan pizza and Italian snacks). I might also throw in El Golfo or Samantha's, two Salvadoran charmers and both in Silver Spring.
Alexandria, Va.: Hi Tom. I really enjoy the chats. There was a boisterous group at dinner the other night in the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. There were only 4 other parties seated (including mine), and the loud group was placed by themselves on the far side of the restaurant. (At least 30 feet from the nearest group). However, we could still hear them -- apparently they were celebrating. Is it ever ok to get up and confront the loud table? Or - since it is the only restaurant in the hotel do you pretty much have to go along with it? Thanks! Tom Sietsema: Had I been you, I would have brought the problem to the attention of the manager (though it does read as if the noisy bunch was about as far removed from the rest of the patrons as possible). Why should you have to handle the matter?
Soon to be in Chicago: Tom, I'm moving to Chicago! Please recommend a moderately priced restaurant in the city where I can celebrate my new town... Thanks. Tom Sietsema: Impeccable timing you have. I’m writing about three good Windy City restaurants in this Sunday’s Travel section.
Alexandria, Va.: Tom, restaurants come and go a lot. Are their personal favorites from your time in Washington that you really miss? Tom Sietsema: I have fond memories of a lot of places that no longer exist.
Remember Mrs. Simpson’s on Connecticut Ave., before it became a shadow of itself? The Jockey Club was a great place to see celebrities, as was the original Dominique’s. As a Georgetown University student, I dropped a lot of money at American Café on Wisconsin Ave. The city lost a real treasure when Sichuan Garden – one of the finest Chinese restaurants this city ever witnessed -- closed on 19th St. I also mourn the passing of Helen’s, Scholl’s Cafeteria, Germaine’s (at it’s prime, a model of Vietnamese cooking), Le Lion d’Or (the last of the haute French kitchens), the New Orleans Emporium, Rupperts ....
Alexandria, Va.: What are the best restaurants to try on King Street in Old Town? Thanks. Tom Sietsema: My current picks are Majestic Café, which has been mentioned a lot here, and the newer Bistrot Lafayette at 1118 King St., near Fayette. Regarding the latter, seek out the steak tartare, garlicky escargots, lobster bisque, rockfish and tarte Tatin for dessert.
Lesser lights on King Street include Taverna Cretekou (Greek food in a convivial setting) and Café Salsa (best for its Latino first courses and cocktails).
More on chicken soup and pancakes: As an expat New York Jew whose mom makes sensational matzoh ball soup, I recommend the soup at Woodside Deli on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. In my expert view, it is better than the soup at any of the places that have been suggested so far, most of which I've tried. The blueberry pancakes aren't bad, either. I can't really recommend anything else I've tried there, but the soup is the best I've had in the area. For more on pancakes, my vote goes to Mark's Kitchen in Takoma Park, which has been mentioned already. The pancakes at the branch of The Original Pancake House on Rockville Pike have been pretty disappointing, though those at the Bethesda branch were good when last I was there, some time ago. And a personal note to you, Tom, about Ann Amnerick (sp?). I don't think it's that she's busy, I think she needs a personality transplant! I tried to order a cake from her when she had her shop in Wheaton, one that was on her cake list, and she simply didn't want to make it for me! Yes, she refused! This was when the shop was new and she wasn't exactly drowning in orders. She tried to sell me something else, something totally inappopriate for the occasion (a lemon tart for a birthday cake, when I wanted a lemon cake). I have since heard that her behavior in that instance was not unusual for her. Please don't make excuses for friends of yours who are in the service business and refuse to give service (Mark Furstenburg also springs to mind). Love your chats. Tom Sietsema: Thanks for your food tips.
As for Ann Amernick, I don’t recall making any excuses for her. Or Mark, for that matter. He might be a friend, but I’ve always gone on record with that tidbit. And it doesn’t prevent me from agreeing that he is no Mr. Charm at the food counter.
Washington, D.C.: Tom - please include me in your tally of those against you reviewing chain restaurants. We need to support all the great and diverse local restaurants that the D.C. area has to offer. They are many places in the country where they can't survive like they do here. It'll only be a matter of time before more of the large chains start taking over more of the market here. Let's not encourage them! Tom Sietsema: Don't worry. Week in and week out, I tend to devote most of my ink to the independents. But it wouldn't be fair, and I wouldn't be doing my job, if I ignored chain venues altogether.
Alexandria, Va.: I'm doing some traveling. Any suggestions for Worthington, Minn.? Tom Sietsema: Whoever posted this obviously knows me pretty well – and knows there is one answer to the restaurant question: Michael’s steak house.
(Tourist tip: before dinner, plan to take in Pioneer Village. Very Laura Ingalls Wilder.)
Washington, D.C.: So, how is the food at Mie N Yu? The Weekly Dish article focuses more on the atmosphere and decor. Or is it too new to tell? Tom Sietsema: Let me preface what I'm about to relay by saying that I like to be fair: new restaurants should get a full month of time in before I start the process of reviewing.
But if you read between the lines, you will notice that I trumpeted the look of the place and not the cooking. (Think about what a salad of calamari and rum-splashed bananas might taste like and you'll understand the rationale).
Tired of Snow in Downtown DC: Okay Tom. Where can I get a good grilled cheese sandwich and cup of tomato soup to help me get over this snow? Tom Sietsema: Good grilled cheese: Stoney's on L St.
Good tomato soup (ignited with ginger): El Manantiel in Reston
Boston, Mass.: Read the comment in the Post Magazine about restaurants charging for cancellations at the last moment. As a parent of two small children (now just venturing our given a good babysitter) there have been several cancellations due to a last-minute child sickness, etc. I do not think I would make a reservation at a rest. that would hit me for at least 40 dollars for cancelling. Tom Sietsema: A good restaurant should be forgiving of such circumstances, I agree. The problem is, too many people think nothing about booking multiple reservations and deciding at the last moment where they want to eat. It's a matter of manners.
Boulliabase?: I really like boulliabaise (sp?) but it comes with a little pot of some stuff on the side I don't know what to do with. Is the stuff a spread for the bread, or do you add it to the soup, or what? Tom Sietsema: A highlight of the Provence region in France, bouillabaise is typically served with croutons, atop which one slathers the sauce known as rouille (translated as “rust”, because of its color). Rouille gets its distinctive punch from garlic, red chilies and sometimes saffron.
Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Tom Sir, Where should I go to eat before the opera tonight? I'm by myself, around Farragut West, and I usually like to go somewhere nice, sit at the bar, and indulge in a couple of very good apps. Any place where I could end the meal with a lovely cup of hot chocolate gets extra points....Thanks! Tom Sietsema: A few eclectic choices: the sushi bar at Kaz Sushi Bistron on I St. or the lounge at Spezie on L St. The lively Olives is another option.
Bethesda, Md.: Tom,
Tried the newish Melting Pot in D.C. per your review and was thrilled! It's gorgeous compared to the one in Rockville! Only one problem -- $150 bucks for a couple with entry level-just out of college salaries is a lot for one dinner! Tom Sietsema: True, true. You must have ordered one of the big ticket feasts; gentler-priced options are also available there.
Washington, D.C.: Do you have I-just-don't-get-it list, as in I just don't get why that restaurant is so popular but it always seems mobbed? Lauriol Plaza gets my vote in this category. Tom Sietsema: Mine too. And I’d add to the list McCormick & Schmick’s, the Cheesecake Factory, the Palm, Georgia Brown’s and Kinkead’s, perhaps the least attractive of our expense-account restaurants, and one of the snootiest. Not a week goes by that I don’t get a complaint or three about the arrogant hosts. I do enjoy a seat at the bar, though, and the service and food I receive there. No one around makes a better lobster roll.
Brookland, Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom, Love your reviews and your chats! Thanks for being our first resource for DC dining! I want to take my best friend to lunch for her birthday in the downtown area, someplace not fast food but not too high falutin', either. We're both in our twenties and I know she prefers Italian or American fare, maybe French. What do you think? Tom Sietsema: My picks would include Equinox, the Oval Room, the new Circle Bistro in the West End or Bistro du Coin at Dupont Circle.
Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.: Valentine Dinner at Tosca Just a follow up from last week's session: I passed on last week's Valentine reservation at Tosca (my girlfriend broke up with me the night before) to my unprepared friend who neglected to make one for his girlfriend and he. As you may remember, I contemplated going alone but, in the end, I felt good and vicariously happy that they got to enjoy their "excellent" dinner and night. I went and hung out with friends and resolve to go with someone new as soon as I can. Thanks a ton for the help on this Tom.
I appreciate it. Tom Sietsema: An example of good citizenship: you giving a difficult reservation away.
That wraps it up for today. Stay warm out there!
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