Tortilla Coast

Hey all, so I hope this choice will be alright. I was having a hankering for something south of the border. Thursday we were thinking of Tortilla Coast on the Hill..get some nachos, or a nice enchilada. here is the directions, it's right off the capitol south metro, so close you could hit it with a stone.


http://www.tortillacoast.com/

400 1st St SE

Washington D.C., DC 20003

Should be a good time, come and hangout, and enjoy some chips and salsa..

-Eric

Founding Farmers

Hey Everyone!


Ok, so a few changes to DCDC, mainly having to do with location. We are throwing out Matchbox. We chose that in the heat of the moment but now that we have had time to contemplate we are changing.

New Pick:

Founding Farmers
http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/
1924 Pennsylvania Ave.

It looks like the closest metro is Farragut West

I've heard a lot of good things about the restaurant. The food is all fresh and organic and the menu looks amazing! They take reservations so I will go ahead and arrange that. Just to be clear...

Rushforths, Wolfes, Smiths, Millards, & Baughmans will all be in attendance.

We will miss the rest of you lame-o's ;)

See you soon!!

light it up

wow! its another yummy thursday already!! chris and i are taking a lot of liberties this week. we wont be there to enjoy the eats so we are picking a place we have frequented. we had some great options and suggestions but we are already missing out on time with friends and we cant stand the thought of missing out on new food as well. having said all of that. you are going to love our pick!

tomorrow night we will miss you while you are eating at........

you are going to love it! the pizza is yummy yummy, think grimaldi's with better atmosphere. If you are not into pizza they have plenty of lovely salads and sandwiches to choose from.

Matchbox
713 H Street NW
202-289-4441
website

please let me know if you are coming so i can take care of reservations!

My Mai Thai? No, Your Mai Thai.

This week we're switching it up a little and having dinner at 7:00 p.m. at Mai Thai located near Dupont Circle.  There's something for everyone on the menu and its very affordable.  Please let me know if you will be able to attend as I will need to update our reservation to accommodate the entire group.

We're also adding a cultural twist to the evening with a pre-dinner visit to the Phillips Collection, also located near Dupont Circle.  The museum is open late on Thursdays and the permanent collection is free. 

I plan to head over to the Phillips right after work, so I'll be there around 5:45.  Join when/if you can.  Then, we'll walk down to Mai Thai for dinner just before 7:00.

Clyde's Review

A roaring gust of political wind swept through Clyde's as the DC Dinner Club joined for their regular gathering. From Tea Party activist Sarah Palin with her poofy up-do, to the hard working Hill staffer, political views were bound to differ. There is never a dull moment in the presence of fellow clubbers! The overall atmosphere of the restaraunt was elegant. The ambiance was almost like a room from one of the Vanderbilt's Rhode Island mansions, but the menu was reasonable enough that Joe the Plumber could afford it (maybe only on special occasions).

Mama Grizzly rated her Chicken Saltimbocca entree at 9.25 out of 10, but gave the restaurant an 8.75 for its spendy menu.

The Black Squirrel rated his Asian Spicy Turkey Burger at 8.5. He went out on a limb with that one!

Wolfman devoured his Barbeque Beef Brisket sandwich and gave it 7.5.

Two clubbers ordered the crab cakes, which is the signature item at Clyde's.

Other clubbers enjoyed the Thai Marinated Salad, Pulled Pork Sandwich and the Jamaican wrap.

Overall, the individual ratings averaged out to be 8.3 out of 10. The general consensus was that the food was delicious, but the menu was on the pricey end.

Send bill to your lobbyist, file under 'research'

As we near Election season in DC, let's do some political research. 
Check your coat and political correctness at the door,  Clydes welcomes all types. 

707 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown
Price: Flexible. Menu to please all, except the indecisive. 
Starters/Salads are $6-10
Sandwiches $9-15
Entres $15-24


Attire:  Please come dressed up as the embodiment of a political party
 (American or otherwise.)
(Your own, or otherwise.)

Choices include, but are not limited to:
 - Democrat
 - Republican
 - Green
 - Independent
 - Libertarian
 - Apathetic
 - Constitution
 - Socialist
 - Labor
 - Marxist Communist
 - Bleeding heart liberal
 - Far right wing republican (Crys every night watching Glen Beck)
 - Utah Republican (see above.  Bonus points for Utah county representation.)
 - Tea (ditto)
 - Utah Democrat
 - Joe the plumber (You'll have to speak up, I'm wearing a towel.)
 - Republican apologist (I'm sorry I'm right all the time.)
 - Fair-weather Intern! (HI! I'm cindy/stacy/jennifer! and I am going to be president! because I am in DC for three whole months!  I am a democrat/republican! whichever is more popular now!

DCDC's Bulletin

Some things are better in black and white and some things are better explained using 1920's slang. Ted's Bulletin is no exception with it's newspaper-like menus, its black and white "talkies" and its "hotsy-totsy" food.

We heard ratings up to 9.75 for the decadent cream-topped chocolate milkshake. "And how!" Chris was the "big cheese" with his peanut butter burger. If he had been using 1920s slang, he would have described his burger as the "bee's knees." Rachel describes her fish and chips as the "cat's pajamas." Matt Foulger and Cardon said their meatloaf was "swell." Abby and I both thought that our turkey burgers were "copacetic."

The only person we wanted to "bump off" that night was the "dumb dora" who butt in front of us, plunked down at the adjacent table and ruined any chance of our group sitting together. One note about the restaurant is that the dining area is small and large groups need to get there at least an hour early to be seated together.

So, all-in-all, Ted's Bulletin was "nifty" and neat, coming in with an average rating of 9.0. It was the "real McCoy."

Founding Dinner: Rosa Mexicano & Red Velvet Cupcakery

Let us not forget the first evening where the DC dinner club was founded!

It was at
Rosa Mexicano & Red Velvet Cupcakery

and it was to die for.
(especially the guac and cupcakes!)

Talkie Attire

Here's the dress code for Ted's Bulletin; you have several options:

1.) Wear only black & white.

2.) Dress up like this guy.

3.) Bring a black permanent marker, and we'll draw the 'stache on you at dinner.

I'd also like to request that throughout dinner, people only refer to movies as "the talkies." I'm excited to see everyone tomorrow!

Abby

ted's bulletin

Thursday eve we will return to capitol hill to check out Ted's Bulletin, an American restaurant that has been described as classy and gritty. Ted's features b&w movies, a throwback newspaper theme, and contains remnants from the Philadelphia Convention Center.

505 8th Street Southeast. Near the eastern market metro.
(bonus...they serve breakfast anytime!)

We, The Pizza

This week the DC Dinner Club will eat Italian with a patriotic American twist at We, The Pizza, former Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn's new restaurant on Capitol Hill.

We, The Pizza arrived on the Capitol Hill scene in July 2010, and the clubbers are anxious to see if Mendelsohn does pizza as well as he does burgers (Good Stuff Eatery, next door, is a favorite of several clubbers). His hope in opening the restaurant was to establish a laid back environment and use simple ingredients to create New York style pizza.

Dinner will be at 6:30 PM, and two clubbers, Matt and Abby, will arrive between 6 and 6:15 PM to begin gathering seats. Any other clubbers who can make it are also encouraged to come early, and if you'd like, check out the menu ahead of time.

The restaurant is located at 305 Pennsylvania Ave., SE. Here are directions from the Capitol South Metro Station, which is just over a quarter mile away.

And remember, "All we are saying, is give (pizza) a chance." -John Lennon, as adapted by We, The Pizza

I want to go to there...

http://www.pitangogelato.com/index.htm

Anyone up for some delicious gelato in the near future?

Bangkok 54 ~ take-out

This week DC DC was modified due to poor attendance and physical limitations.pic

It was held at the Baugh residence and we decided to get Thai take-out from Bangkok 54.
The Attire: Someone in the group must wear a catheter. (check)

It was an exciting evening! We were enlightened with a TV episode of 1,000 Ways to Die and we had a special appearance by a man who plays basketball with the President and a Laker (he also happens to be a fellow clubber.)

Dessert followed with some delicious costco cookies & Luigi's Italian Ice.
You can tell how great it was by looking at Chris' face in the above picture.

اكشصنيف بمراكش "Rating Marrakesh"

*Price: Chief of Staff

With a few nice Junior Hill Staffer appetizers that work as a light main course

Accessibility: Metro accessible

Less than two blocks from Dupont Circle metro stop (red line)

Atmosphere:

Small fountain in main dining section where the belly dancer comes out; traditional Moroccan clothing, decorations, and dinnerware lining the walls; seating was a blend of what you would expect at a Moroccan restaurant (sitting on the floor with pillows, or on very low couches) and traditional American dining with half of the table on normal chairs and the other half on raised couches--traditional American dining tables were available in the front of the restaurant

Food: 8.4 of 10

Every one of our bellies danced after our meal. Not the dance of a belly that has visited South America for the first time and tried food from a street vendor either, it was a dance of delight, perhaps something like this.

While everything we tried received high marks, the tangines were the highlights. I scarfed down the lamb and artichoke tangine and one DC Dinner "clubber" called his chicken mkali, "the best chicken I've ever had."

Note: He prefers to be called a "clubber" as it fills that void in his life left by marriage. Nothing brings him more joy than telling his co-workers at the United States Department of [blank] on DC Dinner Club days that he is "going clubbing tonight." Sadly his refusal to drop the "g" in the words "going" and "clubbing" is a dead giveaway that he is full of it.

Very high marks were also given for chicken pastry appetizer and all forms of couscous.

Portions:

Another "clubber" commented at the conclusion of the meal, "I'm not overly stuffed, but the thought of eating more food is gross." Don't take that as a negative, it was meant as a positive. The portions were not huge, but the food was filling and any appetite you might have left when the belly dancer comes out will quickly vanish.

WTF Experience of the night:

Belly dancer attempted to get each of the males in attendance, who were clearly sitting with their wives, to get up and dance with her...and her belly...bellies. Here she is in all her glory once again.



Word to the wise:

The waiter will tell you your only option at dinner is the group dinner at $30 a pop and that you may not be able to order a'la carte, but we believe that was just a sales play as he relented very quickly.

So, while the jury is still out on whether or not free refills are offered on sodas, Marrakesh at 2147 P Street NW is a place we all plan on returning.

*Pricing Chart:
Intern = <$10
Junior Hill Staffer = $10-15
Chief of Staff = $15-20
Lobbyist = $20-30
I Live on River Road in Potomac, MD = >$30

Marrakesh Palace Pasha Lounge

Alright ladies and gents, tomorrow night we will be eating Moroccan! We have a reservation at Marrakesh Palace Pasha Lounge at 6:30. It is located in Dupont Circle, 3 blocks from the metro (hope that's ok). Here is the link http://www.opentable.com/marrakesh-palace-pasha-lounge.

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

ATTIRE

Blake and I will pay for your meal if you show up dressed like this.

....

Just kidding. 

Please wear one or more of the following:

1.  Bright colors such as orange, red and green (see above for inspiration).

2.  A turban or scarf (again, see above).

3.  Brightly colored or excessive jewelry.

4.  Something that jangles when you walk (i.e., belly-dancing costume, bells, or a large set of keys). 

Some useful Arabic phrases:

1.  Ah'lahn (أهلا )= Hello

2.  Shukraan (شكرا) = Thank You

3.  When the waitstaff is unpleasant, say: "Whutha-fuq?" = "Who hired you?"

Yogi Berry

After swearing up and down (and walking up and down) that Cold Stone actually exists in close proximity to the Uptown, I admitted defeat.  Not the type of defeat meaning a lack of dessert, but just a concession to frozen yogurt.

Turns out it was equally as pleasing as ice cream would have been.  Other than the weird smell that lingered in Yogi Berry (I didn't smell it, but I'm taking the words of my fellow restauranteurs), it was a great place to grab a cold after-dinner bite.

The consensus was that the cookies and cream yogurt was great, as were the taro and chocolate.  And, aside from the ghost-fruit that Matt got on his yogurt, the toppings were all top-notch, too.  You've gotta admit, though, what could you really expect from a topping that looks like a Super Mario monster?

Spices = "Seinfeld, 4?"

Everything can be related back to Seinfeld. Everything. Even our dinner last week at Spices reminded us of the classic Seinfeld episode where Jerry, Elaine and George receive less than stellar service. We're not quite sure what made the hostess (excuse me, but how do you say male hostess in English?) in Seinfeld dislike the always-charming Jerry, but we think we know what made the waitress in Spices dislike us from the outset. She wanted Rachel, Matt, Abby, and me to buy drinks, which happened to be 1/2 off until 7pm. When we found out that they were not refillable, we all declined the invitation. She tried 3 or 4 more times to convince us that we needed these drinks because there were only 5 more minutes until 7. The threats did not work as she planned.

Her feelings towards us did not seem to change, and may have even worsened when I asked her to split the bill 4 ways. As we discussed at dinner, it doesn't seem like it should be that difficult to divide a bill, and print 4 receipts. After all, didn't we put a man on the moon? Can we still not divide a receipt 4 ways? Matt, Rachel and I are also convinced that when Abby asked where the restroom was, the waitress responded with a quick "white sign."

Before you start to think that this is going to be a negative review, we should explain how much we loved the food. Of the 4 random and unbiased couples polled, the average rating was a staggering 8.5 out of 10. The sushi was fresh and delicious, but the hit of the night seemed to be the red curry. We all agreed that we would return. The location is also hard to beat, as the restaurant is located less than a stones throw from the metro and across the street from the Uptown Theater.

So, in conclusion, well done Chris and Maeve. You chose wisely. Honorable mention goes to Cardon and Whitney for choosing the funky-fresh wardrobe.

Seinfeld, 4?

Spices Asian Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Get ready for the best night of your life!!!...at least the best night in the month of July.

The DC Dinner Club will be hosting a dinner tomorrow, July 1, 2010, at Spices Asian Restaurant and Sushi Bar. This spicy little place is located at 3333-A Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20008; just a block from the Cleveland Park Metro. We look forward to seeing you all there. Please check back later to find out what the mandatory attire will be for the evening.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Smith's choice of ATTIRE:
For this lovely Asian restaurant please wear one or more of the following:

1) (Girls) a classic Asian-inspired poof or bun hairdopic

2) the color blue (like the ocean - where delicious sushi comes from)

3) something with a dragon on it

pic

Optional: wear/bring something that has been purchased at or around an Asian store or Chinatown area.


and as a helpful reminder...

How to Greet an Asian Person:
Mandarin Chinese: Nee-how
Japanese: Konichiwa
Korean: Ahn Neyong Ha Seyo
Thai: Sawadee-kahp (as spoken by male) Sawadee-ka (as spoken by female or effeminate male)

The Rules

Alright everyone, here are the rules.  Don't worry, the rules can (and should) be amended as necessary.  This is just what we've come up with so far:

1.  DC Dinner Club will meet every other Thursday.
2.  For now, all restaurants must be metro accessible and in the District.
3.  Couple A (that's Chris and Maeve this time) will pick the restaurant.
4.  Couple B (that's Cardon and Whitney, I believe, this time) will pick the attire.
5.  Couple C (that's Blake and Rachel this time) will write a review and (hopefully) post a picture.
6.  If you're planning to attend the dinner, post a comment so that Couple A can make a reservation if necessary.
7.  Assignments will rotate month to month.
8.  Let them eat....everything....

See you on July 1st!