🚀 go-pugleaf

Bruce Wald (wald@itd.itd.nrl.navy.mil) wrote:
: So how do you know when Jean Louis is in the kitchen?  My last meal there
: was pedestrian.  When you pay over $600 for 4 people with modest wines
: you are entitled to the best,but Mr. Palladin has too many other
: interests and was not minding his flagship that night.  Service was
: indifferent too.  I used to consider JL excellent but overpriced, and
: only ate there every year or two, but I doubt if I will go back.

Everything you've said is correct.  That's why I went out of my way to 
say "when Jean Louis is in the kitchen."  He has spread himself too 
thinly -- too many interests, and not enough time in the kitchen.  The
first time I ever went there, "pedestrian" was the exact word my friend
used.  Don't EVEN think of going for the "pre-theatre special" and expecting
a decent meal -- he'll be out on the golf course.  You can either call
and find out when he's going to be in (this may no longer work), or make
special arrangements in advance.  He's an awesome talent, but is cashing in
on his success.  
 
             
: The best restaurant in any Washington is The Inn, but it is in
: Washington, VA.  The best dinners I hAve had recently in the metro
: area are the wine tasting dinners at the Tivoli which are held about
: once a month, advanced reservations required.  I believe the next is
: 22 September.  Usually $55 to $65 for four courses and six wines.

You may well be right.  The Inn may well be the ultimate dining experience
(in the country?), but I'll contend that Patrick O'Connell is NOT the
chef that Palladin and Pangaud are.    
               
That having been said, the atmosphere and service there is truly second-
to-none, and the food is very, very good, if not excellent.   
 
Regards, Don Rockwell.
 
P.S.  Greyhound Bus Terminal and Weenie Beanie are not far behind.   :) 
 
P.P.S.  Please EMAIL me about the Tivoli wine dinners.  Have you tried 
        them at Galileo?