| Ask Tom
Hosted by Tom Sietsema
Washington Post Food Critic
Wednesday, May 28, 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, I have been trying to get a part-time serving job for months now. I waited tables in high school, but not since, so managers have serious issue with my lack of experience. Any suggestions? Do you know anyone who is hiring a competent, responsible adult who, with a little training, could be the best damn server in the city? Thanks. Tom Sietsema: If you are as enthusiastic and competent as you come across here, I bet any number of restaurants in this city would be eager to discuss a job opportunity with you. Good waiters are darn hard to find (and retain).
Danny Meyer, the well-respected New York restaurateur (think Gramercy Tavern, Union Square Café, Tabla, Eleven Madison and Blue Smoke) makes a point of hiring staff based on their people skills rather than experience (though experience is, of course, helpful).
If you are serious about this, drop me your name and a way to reach you, and I can forward your vitals to any restaurant that bothers to call.
Good morning, chatters. I’m just back from Rome, where the weather was perfect, the driving is scary and the meals were ... well, read all about ‘em this Sunday in the Travel section.
Foodie in Falls Church: Hi Tom, which food magazines do you read? Gourmet? Bon Appetit? Which do you think is the best and why? I want to subscribe to one but don't know which to pick. Tom Sietsema: I read or scan dozens of food and wine publications every month. In general, my preference is for Gourmet and Saveur; I trust the bylines and have had good results with the recipes in both. The writing also tends to be meaty and intelligent.
Alexandria, Va.: Gay friends of my wife and mine, took us to this smoke-filled, chattering Steakhouse called Annie's Steakhouse in DuPont Circle. We had the greatest time, though the food was marginal. Are there any restaurants or taverns with a similar atmosphere, but a more "conventional" crowd? We certainly felt welcomed and enjoyed ourselves ~ but it may be a big step for some of our out-of-town friends from the mid-West, if you know what I mean... Tom Sietsema: How very brave of you two!
If it's steak and a straighter clientele you are after, check out Ray's the Steaks in Arlington. The meat is good, the service is neighborly, and I have yet to see anyone in drag there.
Hungry in DC: We seem to have food from all over the world well represented in DC with only a few exceptions. One I can't find, however, is Persian food. Any recommendations? The Closer to DC the better. Thanks. Tom Sietsema: One of my favorite sources for skewers and rice is Kebab Palace in Crystal City. Just look for a cluster of taxis out front.
Bethesda hidden gem: Last week someone mentioned an italian restaurant that was a couple blocks away from Bacchus that was a hidden gem. The name of that place is Olazzo. Unfortunately it is no longer a secret. It is packed nightly and well deserved. A great little place with terrific food and a cozy ambience. Tom Sietsema: Oops. I was picturing the Washington branch of Bacchus, which is a few doors down from an Italian restaurant, too (Trattu). Thanks for the catch.
Washington DC: I want to report on a growing problem in the restaurant industry, mainly guest's use of explitives when lodging a complaint. I am an operator of a very busy downtown restaurant. Recently, a family of four was served cold soup. While making a table visit, the son asked if I was heating it with a (f-bomb) match! I told the family that they were comped, and that they could leave now. What makes people think that this is acceptable behavior? To all of the other operators out there, I know we are in the service industry. We need to draw the line somewhere! Do not tolerate this behavior. Cell phones and folks who can not hold their liquor are bad enough. Tom Sietsema: I see vulgar behavior out there all the time, too. I love the way you handled the situation, by the way: quickly, efficienctly ....and diplomatically.
I was at a restaurant last night where a mother let her monster-child roam the restaurant until she got fed up with the noise and ... SHUT THE CHILD IN THE GLASS-ENCLOSED FOYER. It was an unreal scene: the kid was livid with rage, banging on the windows, and too small to open the doors himself. It was like watching a rabid animal at the zoo.
Eastern Market, Washington, D.C.: There is a semi-new Vietnamese restaurant on the Hill where Cafe Italiano used to be. Is it worth checking out? As you know, good ethnic restaurants are a rarity here on the Hill. Tom Sietsema: I forget the name of the place, but not the meal I had there a few months back. It was totally average.
Washington, D.C.: What about the classis Persian joint-- Moby Dick's!?? Tom Sietsema: I thought about that as I hit the "send" button a few questions ago. Thanks.
Washington, DC: The new Washingtonian Cheap Eats Guide is out. What are your thoughts on their list? Do you use the guide a a reference or starting point for your restaurant visits? Tom Sietsema: Do I read the competition? Sure.
Do I agree with all the conclusions? No.
Do THEY agree with everything I write? Most certainly not.
My response? A fall dining guide in October. And a restaurant book, due out in November.
Washington, DC: I understand that tomorrow and Friday you will be an eGullet Q&A guest. As a regular participant over there, I'm really looking forward to your visit. What can I and the rest of your chatters expect? Tom Sietsema: It's true. I'll be answering questions on the site over the course of the next two days or so. I'm really looking forward to it; I learn a lot from these online experiences.
Washington DC: Hi Tom, Which restaurant were you at? Just Curious.... Tom Sietsema: It's a newish restaurant that probably shouldn't be introduced this way.
Appropriate Behavior:: Well, the soup really should have been delivered at the appropriate tempature in the first place, correct? Tom Sietsema: Well, yes. But there is no excuse for a foul mouth.
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Regarding your item this morning about the Inn at Glen Echo: What is it about the "Irish" designation that is so appealing? Is there something particularly delicious about Irish cuisine that is escaping me? I see that the old Sheridan's steakhouse on 8th St. SE is about to become an Irish-themed restaurant as well (and yet another Irish pub is opening on Capitol Hill, in the old Masonic Temple building on Penn. Ave. SE). Is this some sort of trend that we are seeing here that's worth getting excited about? Or we are in for just another round of mediocre pub food? Tom Sietsema: We'll have to wait and see. The forthcoming place in Glen Echo intends to service Irish fare in its bar only, as I understand it.
Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: A comment and a question.
Comment: What's so brave about straight people going to a gay restaurant? Your response seemed sort of homophobic to me. Us gay people go to majority straight restaurants all the time and don't make a big deal about it.
Question: Since summer is here, I want some soft shell crabs. Where do you recommend? I like mine sauteed, not fried with tons of breadcrumbs. Tom Sietsema: Um, I meant that "brave" comment to be cheeky.
Soft shell crabs? I had some terric ones at O'Leary's in Annapolis --worth the drive.
Ballston, VA: Re: Unfit mother. That behavior (hers, not her poor child's) is borderline child abuse. Really. Saying the child was responsible for his/her behavior is akin to saying that the 4-year old deserved to have hot fries rubbed into his eyes for spilling ice-cream. I would seriously have considered calling the cops. Remember, it takes a village! Tom Sietsema: True, true. But the whole thing started and ended in about five minutes. A looooong five minutes, I might add.
Eastern Market, Washington, D.C.: Tom -- Speaking of ethnic restaurants on the Hill, it should be noted, with sadness, that Victor Amaya, who owned La Lomita and Las Placitas (and was co-owner of the new La Plaza), was killed recently in El Salvador. Tom Sietsema: Oh, that is awful, awful news. I am so sorry.
Huh?: Can you tell us what eGullet is so we can join in? Tom Sietsema: It is a major online site devoted to the sweeping subject of food, here and abroad. It includes gossip, reviews, stories from food sections around the country, cooking discussions -- you name it. I make sure to look at the site every day.
Annapolis, Md: What is Phylllis Richman doing these days? Has she come up with any other new book ? Are you in touch with her? Tom Sietsema: Phyllis and I are great pals and we try to dine together at least every six weeks or so (although that can be a rather interesting affair, as you might imagine!) She is newly married, travelling a lot, writing for several magazines and dining where she wants to, not where she thinks she has to.
Rockville, Md.: Tom -- What do you think is the most romantic bar in the city, and in particular, near Dupont Circle? Anniversary tonight . . . . Thanks. Tom Sietsema: The bar at Palena in Cleveland Park, just a Metro stop or two away from Dupont Circle, is pretty blissful. (Tip: order a sidecar, and the classic cocktail comes with fresh blood orange juice. Clever.)
For the Foodie: Not sure if they want a chatter's opinion, but I find that Gourmet's recipes tend to be more elaborate with harder to find ingredients. I prefer Bon Appetit and Cook's Illustrated. Bon Appetit has a great column each month in which it prints requested recipes from restaurants all over the country. Cook's Illustrated is the scientific approach to cooking. Tom Sietsema: Thanks for weighing in. I should have added Cook's to my list of faves.
Arlington, VA: Tom, I was in a restaurant last night, and accidentally dropped a roll on the floor. Within 10 seconds a busboy very descretely picked it up and went on his way -- even my dining companion didn't notice it. It occurred to me that this would be a good test of a restaurant's service. So, my question is: Do you ever "accidentally" drop a fork, spill your drink, or do anything else to gauge the level of service? Tom Sietsema: Honestly, I tend to do enough of that sort of thing unintentionally, so there's no need to "pretend." Alas.
Annandale, Va.: I recently had gastric bypass surgery, and would like your recommendation for handling my new eating requirements in restaurants. Simply put, I can only eat very small amounts of food, for example a couple of bites each of salad, meat, starch, and vegetable. I can also only drink a small amount of water with a meal -- no wine, alcohol, tea, soda, etc. This seems to bother restaurant staff and they appear offended when I ask to take the majority of my meal home or simply order a small salad, soup or appetizer. The last time my husband and I went out to a nice restaurant, he ordered a regular meal, and I ordered a salad and had a few bites of his meal. As soon as I had transferred a bit of food from his plate to mine, the waiter appeared and asked me twice if I wanted to order another meal. (It's not like this was a buffet or anything, so I don't see what the big deal about sharing was.) I usually have no problems in "family" type restaurants where they have even offered me smaller sized meals for a reduced price, or offered to just bring me a plate so my husband and I can share a large-sized meal. But "nice" restaurants seem to be offended by someone not eating a full meal, and the service seems to get worse with the waitperson realizes we won't be ordering drinks, appetizers, desserts, etc. What is the best way to handle this? Tom Sietsema: Sorry to hear about your situation.
Having been a waiter myself, I’ve observed more than a few people sharin food (say, a single entrée), most often to save money. Some restaurants allow this practice, but they extract a “plate charge.” Like corkage fees, plate charges are all over the map.
If you want to fend off questions – and don’t mind sharing your plight with strangers – you might consider telling your server that a medical condition prevents you from eating more than a few forkfuls of food at a sitting.
Upper Marlboro, Md.: Good Morning Tom! I am interested to find out if there is a good(or decent) restaurant in the metro area that offers dinner and dancing in one establishment. It seems that those places only exist in movies now. Also, what would be your choice for a romantic evening between Two Quail and Cashion's Eat Place?? (or any other suggestions) Thanks!! Tom Sietsema: Melrose in the Park Hyatt in Washington offers dancing every Saturday evening.
Between Two Quail and Cashion’s, the latter gets my vote for most appealling, food- and otherwise. But I’d add to your list of options Little Fountain Café in Adams Morgan, Taberna del Alabardero downtown and Greenwood in upper Northwest.
Washington DC: Georgetown Seafood Grill closed? When (and why) did this happen? It was a great place to take out of town friends without breaking the bank and I loved their crab cakes. Tom Sietsema: Fear not. You can still get your crab cakes at the new Fin, which is basically the Georgetown Seafood Grill with a colorful facelift and some new items on the menu. The restaurant continues to be run by the Capital Restaurant team.
Somewhere: We've been chatting about the varieties of ethnic from other countries. How about Native American food? Where can we find them? Tom Sietsema: I have not seen any fry bread or other Native American food around here, except at a Smithsonian festival a few years ago.
Washington, D.C.: Could you PLEASE tell me where I can get a great slice of prime rib without mentioning the usual "same-old, same-old" Morton's and the Prime Rib. I went to Crystal City Ruth's (nice view, OK)and Nick and Stef's (disappointing despite a 2-year-old rave review). District Chophouse -- loud, smoky and way-overcooked my steak. HELP!!! Tom Sietsema: I’ll throw this one out to the peanut gallery (or should I refer to this illustrious group as the macadamia gallery?) Has anyone out there had great prime rib recently?
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Our son is graduating from high school in a couple of weeks, in a ceremony to be held at Lisner Auditorium (721 21st NW) at 10 a.m. We'd like to go for a post-graduation lunch nearby at someplace nice but not opulent, easy for two late-eighties grandparents to get in and out of. Any ideas? Thanks. Tom Sietsema: You can’t get any more convenient than the fledgling Dish, at 924 25th St. NW, where chef Ron Reda is turning out familiar American fare with a twist or two. The number there is 202-338-8707.
Luthervill, Md.: Could you recommend any Portuguese restaurants in the greater DC area? While in Portugal a few years ago I became a fan of Portuguese food - especially the seafood. washingtonpost.com: Tom's review of Tavira. Tom Sietsema: Really, the only thing I don’t like about the place is its location: underground, in Chevy Chase. But that is for selfish reasons, since I’m a city dweller.
Arlington, Va.: TOM! TOM! TOM! What is your opinion of the Bistrot du Coin?? I was there this past Saturday where the waitress proceeded to SPILL RED WINE on me and then, practically deny that she did it. When we spoke to management - the owner was there - his response was "those things happen". I was very disappointed... Tom Sietsema: Bistrot du Coin is big and noisy and sometimes delicious. But I continue to get complaints about off service – and managers or owners who seem indifferent to problems that arise. Sure, “those things happen.” But a good restaurant should be able to right the wrong and make certain the diner leaves with a smile on his face (and, in your case, a voucher for dry cleaning services).
Palisades, Washington, D.C.: Had an ok dinner on Saturday night at The Black Olive in Fells Point. Although food quality is top notch (particularly the fish), I am not sure whether it is good value for money, particularly in light of the so-so presentations of the food. (Mixed appetizer just a bunch of heaps of different stuff on the plate.) For that price, your table should not rock either. Also found the Fish Lecture pretentious. Again, try the Silver Swan at Queen Anne's Marina. Nice food and wonderful service. A great newcomer on the Bay. Tom Sietsema: Thanks for the mini-review and the restaurant tip.
My last visit to Black Olive was lovely, though, and I rather enjoy the fish “lecture” myself. It’s expensive, I agree, but you get what you pay for: pristine seafood is worth saving up for.
Arlington, Va.: Hi Tom, It's my birthday next week so some friends and I are planning to have dinner at a Chinese restaurant in/near Chinatown next Friday. Just wanted to see if you have any suggestions on where we should go. I'd like to find a place that's inexpensive since some of us are students. Thanks! Tom Sietsema: Try Eat First at 609 H St. NW, where you can find the familiar (roast duck) along with the more unusual at student-friendly prices.
Crofton, Md.: Good Morning Tom. I hope that you are well. One of my favorite restaurants in DC was the AV Italian Restaurant on NY Ave. In the '80s and early '90s it used to be a regular stop for my family. I haven't been back in about 5 years but a friend was there recently and gave it terrible reviews! Do you have any infor on the place? Are there new owners? Do you know if the quality has gone down as much as my friend claims? Thanks for a great column. Tom Sietsema: I took MY family to AV when we gathered together most recently, and we ordered a broad range of dishes, none of which were memorable -- and some of which were awful. I like the Bohemian charm of the place, but I’m not inclined to return for anything on the menu.
Bethesda, Md: I've asked half a dozen times, but I'll try once more. Tesoro or Arucola? Ok or no way? Tom Sietsema: Haven't been to the former, haven't had much interesting at the latter.
Washington, DC: Orlean's House in Rossyln. Good piece of steak? Tom Sietsema: I heard not-so-good things about the place from a trusted source who dined there recently.
*****: Why don't you use star ratings like the NY Times so that we know if one restaurant is better than another? Tom Sietsema: Because I want you to read all 27.5 inches of review!
DC Diner: Tom - A friend mentioned a new Malasyian restaurant across the street from Vidalia on M street. I've searched the entertainment section and am having a tough time finding any details on this place. Can you provide any? Tom Sietsema: No longer so new: Penang.
Bethesda, Md.: Tom -- Ok, if no one else is going to say it, I will: Foie gras wrapped in cotton candy sounds AWFUL!!! Tom Sietsema: LOL (laugh out loud)
But if anyone can make the combination work, it's Jose Andres. (Well, I bet Michel Richard could, if he wanted to.)
Baltimore,md: Whatis the name of the New York Times food critic?
Tom Sietsema: William Grimes. His friends call him Biff.
re: Washingtonian: Tom, I don't consider the Washingtonian your competition. I LIVE for the fall dining guide, but I only pick up the Washingtonian cheap eats/top restaurants editions if I see them! Tom Sietsema: Mom, I told you not to log on!
Washington, D.C.: Hello, My Grandmother wants to go out for all you can eat seafood. Crabs, fried clams, oysters, etc. I have no idea where to even begin. Are there any places you can recommend within the metrorail system, or by train? Tom Sietsema: Crisfields pops into my head at the moment.
Bethesda, MD: I would like tips on where to find the best empanadas and enchiladas. They need not be the same place. Tom Sietsema: Most recently, I’ve enjoyed the enchiladas at El Golfo on Flower Ave. in Silver Spring (there’s a good meatless version, with spinach, cheese and mushrooms). As for empanadas, Café Salsa on King St. in Old Town makes some fine ones, stuffed with luscious shredded beef. There are others out there, but none are coming to mind at the moment.
Clifton, VA: Good prime rib Arties, Outhouse woops Outback. Tom Sietsema: Hey, hey, hey!
Downtown Washington, D.C.: Hey Tom, I was hoping you or the other chatters would share which restaurants you think have the best deals for lunch! Tom Sietsema: Gang? Your favorites? I’ll start: La Fourchette in Adams Morgan offers a three-course menu for $16.95. The entrée choices include pork in mustard sauce, seafood crepes and grilled chicken. The neat thing is, “lunch” runs from 11:30 to 6:30 Monday through Friday. Who’s next?
Falls Church, Va.: Tom, regarding the chatters question on Portugese restaurants - try Carmello's in Manassas, combination Italian and Portugese restaurant. Particularly seafood, paella, etc. Excellent food, service, quiet. Tom Sietsema: We appreciate the suggestion.
Georgetown, D.C.: A quick comment on Irish cuisine. Sure, the old standards are not worth a trip across the street, but on my last trip to Dublin and the west coast of Ireland I had some spectacular meals -- no corned beef but some great salmon, shellfish and great wine lists as well. EU membership has its advantages. Maybe the Irish restaurants around here will stick with the (boiled) originals, but just because it says Irish doesn't necessarily tell the whole story. Tom Sietsema: You are so right. Irish cooking as it is practiced in Ireland has really come of age.
Arlington, VA: Heading to Chicago and have to make a difficult choice - Tru or Charlie Trotter's for dinner? Need help! Tom Sietsema: Whoa, we're talking apples and corn fungus there!
For fun and adventure, try Tru.
For A Serious Dinner, book CT's.
Chicago, IL: Ooh! I am just back from Rome too, Tom. I can't wait to read your report. We had a very special meal at a place in the Trastevere neighborhood called Enoteca Ferrara. Did you make it there? Innovative cooking and a tome-like wine list, that was, sadly, wated on me and my husband because I am pregnant. Speaking of which, at one restaurant we went to, a waiter brought me a special soup, gratis, and insisted that I eat it because it is good for "la bambina!" Can you imagine an American waiter doing that? In Rome it was charming, at home, it would have been amazingly presumptous. Tom Sietsema: Your service experience mirrors mine (except, I'm not pregnant). In almost every restaurant I visited, something utterly charming happened. At one place, the waiter took me to a front window where the fish was displayed and talked me through the myriad choices. Fun.
Ok, back to the real world. And lunch. See you all again next Wednesday. Ciao for now.
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