Image: Kirk Douglas

This week we posted two reviews, corrected our dessert/desert mistake in our Dolan Uyghur post, and made no changes to the recommended restaurant list – though there are two new additions slated for next week, so follow us on social media ( FB, Insta, Twitter) for updates!  In news, we take on NYC parochialism and Washington Post posturing.  We also note the passing of Kirk Douglas.  We have been using pictures of old Hollywood for many of our Sunday posts to which we then add a witty caption.  This week there is no caption out of respect.

Reviews:

The Sovereign – The undergrads no longer have access to the old-school bars of Georgetown, but the alums have a great place to drink Belgian beer and eat moules frites.

Dabney Cellar – This place plays it cool.  It is easy to miss the below-ground entrance, but once inside it is cavernous refuge of good wine and refined snacks.

News:

There was news that the great Great Wall might go away. Or maybe not, depending on if they can sell the place.  In either case, we wish them the best.  It has clearly been a difficult run recently.

Tom’s review of Emilie’s in the Post was pretty positive, awarding it three stars.  But there was one potshot that did not sit well.  As we noted when we added Emilie’s to our recommended list,

“The wines include some offbeat choices, like “orange” wine, and familiar varietals but from less known producers or regions. There are also Madeira and Sherry choices. For a new restaurant, they have built out an impressive program quickly under Sommelier Alaina Dyne, who previously did stints at Komi, Little Serow, Ellē, and Del Mar. The list has hints of many of those stops. Be brave and allow yourself to be surprised by an offbeat choice.”

Tom had a different take.  His discussion of the wine offerings was limited to this: “The wine list is too rich for its own good. $85 a bottle average? Give us a break.”  Not sure what world Tom is living on, but a list with a median of $85, let alone an average is getting rarer everyday.  Yes, the list includes some higher-end stuff in the $150-200 range, but there are six sparkling options at $70 or below!  It is clear Dyne went out of her way to fill out the list with quality, affordable options that pair well with the interesting flavor profiles.  Furthermore, he went out of his way to praise the cocktails that come in at $14-16 a pop, while all the wines by the glass are $16 or less except one at $17.   Compare Emilie’s to the recently reviewed Fiola – which has pages of reds, but maybe less than 5% priced less than $100.  Maybe that comparison is not fair.  Then again, neither is Tom’s critique, and that’s our point.

The ever-changing theme bars on 7th Street will be no more.  From a tip-off on PoPville to confirmation, Drink Company says that the Cherry Blossom Bar and its like are discontinued.  Sounds like they are letting the leases go on the spaces too, with no plans for a permanent concept.  My bias was always for the original spots, especially Mockingbird Hill and Eat the Rich.

Finally, we feel compelled to weigh in on a matter that involves Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez.  It has nothing to do with politics – at least national politics.  On the Desus and Mero show, she was asked if it is possible to get a good bacon, egg and cheese – a mainstay of NYC bodega cuisine.  She said no, and then went on to talk about how no one eats in D.C.  I’m sure she was poking fun at D.C. for laughs, but D.C. foodie land took it to heart trying to point out the good breakfast sandwiches available near her D.C. residence in Navy Yard.  To which we point out the more important point: The classic bacon, egg and cheese on a big deli roll is not that good.  There is too much bread, and there is nothing to cut through like the onions in a breakfast burrito.  I get that it is a nostalgic touchpoint for people from NYC, but let’s not embarrass ourselves trying to compete with bodegas and corner diners.  Especially after we spent all these years waiting for good bagels and tacos.  Those are the priority items.  Now, if we could get some more good biscuit options that would be something to raise a fuss over.

As for the idea that D.C. is not eating that much, that also is an off-base remark considering the number of new restaurants opening every week.  In fact, for many it is impossible to keep up.  Thankfully there is a great dining guide at your fingertips: Us!!

We have more than 250 recommended restaurants listed.  You can sort by cuisine, neighborhood, and/or rating!  In both MAP or LIST format.

And we make the pitch again to follow us on social media to get updates.   We are on FB, Insta, and Twitter.  Click on the icons at the top or bottom of this page.