Pizza

Am I a snob, or is there practically no place in DC to get a good crunchy pizza? We went to renowned 2 Amy's tonight, waited more than an hour (thanks to a hostess error) and then were presented with a half soggy, half burned, partially raw "puttanesca" with too much watery rapini. I wondered why would so many wait so long for this kind of pizza? We also ordered lardo, which we LOVED and the suppli al telefono were delicious, but you have to assume most are ordering pizza that's not quite up to par.

On a side note, why would you bring a baby who is still nursing to a crowded restaurant? There were several moms with tiny babies which absolutely astonished me.

In short, I know DC isn't New York but can where can we get a good pie these days? Paradiso rarely disappoints it's true, but are there no worthy competitiors?

West End Bistro

Ok, sorry, it's been a long time since my last post, but have you been to Eric Ripert's West End Bistro yet? Try the Eastern Market Salad, it's probably the most exciting salad I've ever had, full of spice and salt.

Trader Joe's

Tonight at Trader Joe's in Foggy Bottom, the checkout line stretched all the way to the front of the store! Everyone was there to snap up good deals on everything from crackers and dips to meat, produce and low-priced beer and wine. Much better deal than Whole Foods, or as it's known, "Whole Paycheck."

Bebo pizza

Had a great pizza last night, cooked by Chef Roberto Donna himself, at Crystal City outpost Bebo Trattoria. The vitello tonnato wasn't half bad either. But I am the only one who forgot that you can still smoke in Virgina? Three at the corner of the bar puffed away while I tried to enjoy my Negroni.

Le Pain Quotidien...

...is coming to Georgetown. Chow Chow ate a fantastic sandwich on whole wheat bread at one of this chain's N.Y.C. locations. It's much more than just an Au Bon Pain competitor. The place has style, store made, artisan breads and even a communal table.

Central -- again

At Central, Chow skipped our usual Tuna Tar Tar for another "Tar" altogether, this one made of Filet Mignon. Generous portion arrived, slightly spicy, tart with some kind of sesame-type crunchies? Fantastic! And of course, the Cappuccino dessert pleased (split for two) with its foam, caramel and bitter chocolate layers. Good luck getting a table, or a seat at the bar for that matter.

Miller "Chill"

Chow was pretty excited when we saw the bus stop ads for "Miller Chill," a light beer with a hint of lime and salt," because Chow likes beer, lime and salt. Unfortunately a taste test proved false advertising: it went down more like a Sprite than a post-Tequila gulp.