It goes without saying that traveling by air is a royal pain. However, I have realized it can be a journey in self-awareness. Trying to deplane after a 5 hour+ flight, which departed 2+ hours late, I followed my companion into the narrow aisle, only to receive a very loud "Harrumph" from the woman behind me. (Did I feel a slight body bump?) In my effort to struggle down the aisle with my carry-on bag, my shoulder bag, and my cross-body purse, I had apparently cut her off from her companion who was carrying all their luggage. She had her fake Birken bag to carry. (Anyone with a real Birkin bag would have traveled in 1st class, not coach.) I was sure to step out of her way, once I actually got off the plane. Another "Harrumph" and she went sailing ahead.
As I gazed at the back of her head, I wondered, "Am I like that when I am at my wits end after an exhausting flight; and I want to avoid hyperventilating and/or screaming while waiting to deplane?" I could imagine myself as the "Harrumpher," and I felt embarrassed for all the past times when I was she. She made me realize how self-involved I can be when I am in my "Hurry up or I will knock you over" mode. Not everyone speed walks through life. A recent trip to California made we realize this; and of course, the "Harrumpher."
Apologies to all the tourists who have felt my scorn, as I have left them in the dust on Broadway.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Suenos is still a food lovers dream
Suenos still delivers flavorful, assertively spiced food using the full array of herbs and spices found in Mexican cuisine. Delicious appetizers, recently sampled, include a Tequila Flamed Shrimp Stack with Avocado-Black Bean Salad, each stack served on a small, house-made tortilla, the shrimp perfectly cooked; and Rajas and Cheese Tamal topped with matchstick radishes plated with Mole Verde and Crema. The "Winter" Entrees sampled were a delicious Tamarind Glazed Hanger Steack served with what tasted like mashed potatoes with a hint of chipotle smokiness; and a Plaintain crusted local Cod, served with a Salsa Verde Cruda and crisply grilled Chayote slices. Was the fish also served with mashed plaintains or sweet potatoes, I could not tell? Two of the desserts offered were crispy, greaseless Churros with two sauces on the side--Dulce de Leche and melted Bittersweet chocolate; a mountain-shaped Tres Leches cake with a Cherry-Anise Compote.
Am not a Margarita expert, but if you like lime, try Suzy's Smokin' Margarita which includes plenty of lime juice, Grand Marnier and, of course, Tequila.
Service is usually very attentive without being rushed or intrusive. However, when there are more than one or two large parties, things slow down a bit; and you may have to reach out for service.
Suenos is always worth a visit. Year after year, Sue Torres keeps the food interesting and delicious.
Am not a Margarita expert, but if you like lime, try Suzy's Smokin' Margarita which includes plenty of lime juice, Grand Marnier and, of course, Tequila.
Service is usually very attentive without being rushed or intrusive. However, when there are more than one or two large parties, things slow down a bit; and you may have to reach out for service.
Suenos is always worth a visit. Year after year, Sue Torres keeps the food interesting and delicious.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The Return of a Home Town Girl--Washington, D.C.
A long weekend back in Washington, D.C. after at least 5 years away. The low density is Washington's biggest asset. However, it is still a one-company town that gives off a very self-satisfied vibe. This is still a city I would rather visit, than make my home.
How did the Adams Morgan neighborhood become the hot thing? Most of what is new are the constantly changing college bars on upper 18th Street, and the handful of restaurants at the crossroads of Columbia Road, 18th Street, and Calvert Street. Venture south of 18th and Kalorama and the neighborhood looks like the same un-hip neighborhood where I grew up. Of course, now there is the Unity Market on Saturdays, where representatives from the under-appreciated Latino community have food stalls. This at least is an improvement.
There have been many restaurant changes on Connecticut Avenue between Calvert Street and Woodley Road. While you can find edible food in this neighborhood, there is still not enough to support the locals and the tourists staying at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
Open City is the place to go for your morning "Red Eye" and an inviting array of breakfast offerings, which are also available all day. Its Intelligencia coffee, moderate prices, no-rush service, and child-friendly atmosphere make this a busy place from dawn to dusk.
Vie de France still bakes some of the best french bread in town. It is a reasonably priced alternative to the fast food offered at the Air and Space Museum, for which you will have to stand in line for at least 45 minutes. There are several Vie de France locations, primarily in office building lobbies.
Nam Viet & Pho 79 (3419 Connecticut Ave., NW), across from the Uptown movie theater, serves decent Vietnamese food, generously portioned. Authentic? I am not able to judge. The staff is accommodating and pleasant.
Tono Sushi (2605 Connecticut Ave., NW) is a popular after work sushi restaurant with a welcoming waitstaff, fresh food and affordable prices. Do not expect the sushi and sashimi to be sublime.
The National Zoo is still a treat. Parts of it are being well maintained, while other parts look a little neglected.
The National Building Museum (401 F Street, NW) was a revelation with its Lego Exhibit. I cannot understand why I found no mention of this exhibit in any of the Washington, D.C. on-line tourist sites.
The Air and Space Museum is still a wonder, but how can it justify having only one set of restrooms on the second floor in operation on the opening weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival, the real beginning of tourist season? The space ice cream is still a treat.
Ben's Chili Bowl (1209 U Street, NW) is a guilty pleasure if you like chili hot dogs and chili half smokes. I am sure the neighborhood "appreciates" the weekend influx of tourists crowding the regulars out. More lines.
How did the Adams Morgan neighborhood become the hot thing? Most of what is new are the constantly changing college bars on upper 18th Street, and the handful of restaurants at the crossroads of Columbia Road, 18th Street, and Calvert Street. Venture south of 18th and Kalorama and the neighborhood looks like the same un-hip neighborhood where I grew up. Of course, now there is the Unity Market on Saturdays, where representatives from the under-appreciated Latino community have food stalls. This at least is an improvement.
There have been many restaurant changes on Connecticut Avenue between Calvert Street and Woodley Road. While you can find edible food in this neighborhood, there is still not enough to support the locals and the tourists staying at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
Open City is the place to go for your morning "Red Eye" and an inviting array of breakfast offerings, which are also available all day. Its Intelligencia coffee, moderate prices, no-rush service, and child-friendly atmosphere make this a busy place from dawn to dusk.
Vie de France still bakes some of the best french bread in town. It is a reasonably priced alternative to the fast food offered at the Air and Space Museum, for which you will have to stand in line for at least 45 minutes. There are several Vie de France locations, primarily in office building lobbies.
Nam Viet & Pho 79 (3419 Connecticut Ave., NW), across from the Uptown movie theater, serves decent Vietnamese food, generously portioned. Authentic? I am not able to judge. The staff is accommodating and pleasant.
Tono Sushi (2605 Connecticut Ave., NW) is a popular after work sushi restaurant with a welcoming waitstaff, fresh food and affordable prices. Do not expect the sushi and sashimi to be sublime.
The National Zoo is still a treat. Parts of it are being well maintained, while other parts look a little neglected.
The National Building Museum (401 F Street, NW) was a revelation with its Lego Exhibit. I cannot understand why I found no mention of this exhibit in any of the Washington, D.C. on-line tourist sites.
The Air and Space Museum is still a wonder, but how can it justify having only one set of restrooms on the second floor in operation on the opening weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival, the real beginning of tourist season? The space ice cream is still a treat.
Ben's Chili Bowl (1209 U Street, NW) is a guilty pleasure if you like chili hot dogs and chili half smokes. I am sure the neighborhood "appreciates" the weekend influx of tourists crowding the regulars out. More lines.
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