Mike C.

about me

I live in the Washington, D.C. area. I love cooking and long walks with my golden retriever. I don't love work, though others would probably think I'm crazy since it's allowed me to travel all over the world. My passions are good people, good books, and good food.

Favorite Foods:

My favorite dish to cook is salade nicoise with Dave's alderwood smoked albacore from Whole Foods - better than fresh-grilled. Also, gumbo based on a home-made roux with really good andouille and jumbo shrimp. My favorite restaurant is L'Auberge Chez Francois. Jaleo and Kinkead's are close seconds. The third tier is huge: Thai Luang, Minerva, Aroma, Supper Club of India, Cantina d'Italia, Tortilla Factory, Lebanese Taverna, Burma, Full Kee, Les Halles, Jasmine Cafe, Cashion's Eat Place, El Faro, Fior di Luna, Sine, Old Brogue, Cafe Montmartre, Turcuisine, and I'll add others later. Anita's is ok generally, but what a great breakfast - my wife and I go about once a week and consistently marvel at the take-out trade. Il Cigno was high on the list for 15 years but has disappointed terribly recently. Also, and I kind of hesitate to add this, our local Chinese takeout in Sterling, VA., with the scary name of "Chopsticks House" is great. The hot and sour soup is as good as anything in Chinatown and that's my yardstick and their entrees have generally been wonderful - great dumplings too. Also, Lucia's in Reston is the epitome of a great neighborhood Italian restaurant. Ate at Yee Hwa in Herndon the other night. My wife disagreed, but I thought it stood up quite well to Woo Lae Ok for much less $$.

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