Where the Feeder is Coming From

I’m pretty sure I mentioned this before, but Dana Cowin, editor of Food & Wine magazine has a typical letter from the editor page in the front of each issue.  It gives a little background on what’s in the current issue and so forth.  However for years, she also includes a little side bar called “Where I’m Coming From” which lists places she has dined recently.  This month there were places in NYC (aquavit, Keens steakhouse), others have been Miyake in Portland Maine; Moxy in Portsmouth, NH and occasionally Europe, and so forth.  All are usually either incredibly chic or expensive.  Most likely places “we” wouldn’t go except for special occasions.  Anyway, I would have a couple of questions for her:  1) who cares?; 2) are my subscription payments going to subsidize you gallivanting around to posh eateries?  Whew, things got away from me for a bit

My purpose in mentioning this (before i got carried away) is that I have developed that kind of list of my own ramblings that I pass along for whatever it’s worth.

CoCo Cantina – I drive by there a fair amount, mostly around lunch time.  Lately I have noticed that the parking lot is extremely empty, while almost next door IHOP is quite full.    I was concerned about anything going into that spot (old Lone Star).  Maybe dinner is a different scene.  Hope so.  I would hate to see another independent struggle. 

The (new) Lighthouse – have heard that things are moving along, and a local seafood restaurant (NOT Stoneys) is involved.

Back Door Lounge (at CD Café) – had a very nice cocktail/small plate experience there recently.  The food was really good.  Pasta with clams, a salad of calamari (sautéed, NOT fried) fresh and hot.  Bar keep was friendly and knowledgeable.  Mostly people are there waiting for tables in the (non-reservation) restaurant so turn over is pretty fast and you can get a table easily..  Food is solid.  Drinks well made (did the alternate DGGMU)

DB McMillan’s – Had a nice quiet lunch there yesterday.  Shepard’s Pie and a nice bowl of vegetarian vegetable soup (which also is Vegan, I asked out of curiosity).  Had a couple of Smithwick’s on tap which gives you a little slice of Ireland which is always refreshing. Guinness material is everywhere.  Ahh….good for a relaxed quiet lunch.

Clyde’s Tyson Corner – The little company (based in Virginia) that I work for here in their satellite office hosts a holiday dinner party for the employees every year.  Since most of them are in DC, it usually is up there someplace.  For the past few years it has been in pretty nice restaurants.  This year it was held in Clyde’s near Tyson Corner.  For us country mice, the company gets us a room to avoid a long drive home.  Very nice of them.  We checked into the nearby Marriott early had a little in-room pregame,

met another couple from down here in the bar for a cocktail then set out for dinner.  What followed was a nightmare of driving around trying to find Clyde’s with the Droid GPS.  Many circles and trips along Leesburg Pike, Chain Bridge Road, Gallows Road, occasionally descending into shouting, we finally spotted a small sign about Clyde’s Valet Parking.  We had expected a huge neon sign announcing the location.  Not.   After waiting for ten minutes the complimentary valet parked never showed and MFO found a nearby spot and we self parked.  The place is HUGE dining rooms all over the place, banquet rooms upstairs, more than one.   Clyde’s started out (? Guessing here) as a “hamburger joint” in Georgetown and has grown to have several locations in the DC area.

Anyway the company party was in one of the smaller banquet rooms.  A couple glasses of wine erased the angst over the journey (where WERE you both?) and we enjoyed some passed appetizers and conversations.  Dinner was a salad, a choice of Grilled Salmon, Pork Medallions, or Mushroom Ravioli.  One might think that (their trademark) beef might be offered, but all was good.  Nice evening.  I'm not sure it is a destination from SOMD, but if you're in the area....  I think i heard one time they may be hooked up with Old Ebbitt's Grill, but don't hold me to that.

LongHorn Steak House – “opening soon” sign over door.  Signs of a “soft opening” the other night.  5^th corporate chain in a row

sweetFrog – soon to be sixth in a row as it is maturing next to the Horn Steak house.   Not just a frozen yogurt place, but a “Premium” frozen yogurt..  wonder what the difference is.  Their website lists over seventy flavors, one of which is "Blueberry Acai Tart".  Pretty sizeable building... don’t think they will occupy the whole thing.  Oh, they make a big deal out of Low and No Fat.........  Premium??

New McKays – despite urgings from several readers the feeder has yet to make an exploratory visit.  Have been told is NOT a reincarnation of the old Woodburn’s.

Guess that’s it for the list.  Another edition required to tell you about the warranty for my new Christmas power drill

DFD

Quick postscript:  “national title” football game, was, well, a snoozer.  Sorry Domer… and I’m not sure Manti T’eo was dressed…

second afterthought:  if you have a chance look at the Sports Section of today's post.  Pretty scathing indictment of Mr. Shanahan's handling of RGIII.  Please don't let him be a star whose light fades after one year..