We headed downtown last night to celebrate Will's birthday quietly and always have some of the best food in DC at CENTROLINA. Last night was no exception where Chef Amy Brandwein had a full kitchen and an almost full house with many diners outside as well.
Wednesday, October 09, 2024
CENTROLINA for Will's birthday is bravissima (10/8/24)
Wednesday, October 02, 2024
NYC's C as in CHARLIE is cool Korean cuisine (9-28-24)
I was in NYC over the weekend only for one night with our son and his roommate and they really wanted me to try this new place they found in their 'hood, which was 2 blocks from my hotel to boot. C AS IN CHARLIE is simple with a crammed feeling inside and there were folks spilling out onto the curb as well with outdoor seating! We had been told that for three people we were allotted 90 minutes, and this is not my favorite approach, but the food is so good and service very good that it does work, provided everyone arrives on time!
Tuesday, October 01, 2024
Vienna's LE BISTRO Domaine Berthet-Rayne Chatueaneuf-du-Pape winner dinner is delicious (9-26-24)
When we were at dinner at Le Bistro in Vienna, VA. earlier this month we found out about this fab wine dinner and could not resist. Chef Roberto Donna and his team cooked up a storm and the wondrous wines were served by Laurent Lala of Elite Wines!
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
MAKETTO makes magic at James Beard Foundation Taste America (9-16-24)
Every year the James Beard Foundation embarks on TASTE AMERICA, w wonderful "tour" across America (20 cities this fall) with nominated and winning chefs hosting various dining events. Monday night Chef Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto was joined by Jerome Grant of Mahal BBQ for a super fun evening of food and wine.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
MOON RABBIT will make you want MORE (9-13-24)
Each year that we have been involved with March of Dimes Signature Chefs that Chef Kevin Tien has participated, we have purchased his tasting dinner with paired drinks and always had the most amazing of times. We purchased this dinner on a Covid-zoom March of Dimes fundraiser and then sadly Moon Rabbit at the Wharf closed. There is a silver lining for everything and now Moon Rabbit has reincarnated downtown and is better than ever. The new setting is cozy with a large open kitchen and several rooms. There is no signage save for MR outside, but last Friday at 630pm, the place was jammed full and did not clear out until very late.
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Big Bravos for LE BISTRO in Vienna, VA (9-11-24)
We've been dining in Vienna a lot lately as our friends Chef Roberto Donna (Roberto's) and Chef Tracy O'Grady (Clarity) and some others have settled down out there and the dining scene is growing. Earlier this year the Donnas opened LE BISTRO, a truly French bistro/bar across the street from Roberto's and have placed Chef Steven Scott (who has worked on and off with Roberto for 4 decades) at the helm.
Friday, September 06, 2024
DC's Michelin-starred OYSTER, OYSTER is an organic vegan delight and yes, ONE oyster(optional)! (9-4-24)
Friends of ours who are pescatarian asked us to go out for dinner and we planned way ahead and decided we had to try OYSTER, OYSTER as its tasting menu which apparently sells out way in advance was getting huge raves. In 2023 they also garnered their first Michelin star and the James Beard Award for outstanding chef! When the reservations finally opened up (it was not easy to determine how many days ahead this would happen as it is not always 30 days!) I grabbed 4 seats and was promptly instructed that the entire amount for dinner with tax and tip must be prepaid. (that's $135+20%=tax each). they have a 48 hour cancel period but paying in full up front does irk me a tad. I am fine with a deposit, and then of course, we had to get our friends to reimburse us!
We anxiously awaited the day and arrived at our 6pm time and loved the adorable small setting with super comfy (and very supportive for your back) gray leather booths and tables on two small levels facing the small open kitchen where the staff was hard at work.