I'm a celebrity hound...restaurant celebs, that is.

Tony Bourdain at the DC Central Kitchen Food Fight '07.Michel Richard in his kitchen at Citronelle in the Latham Hotel.



It's difficult to describe the experience of sitting at the chef's table in the kitchen being served by this man and his staff. Mark Slater, THE Sommelier, is a wizard in his own right. The hotel GM, Joe Giannino, is also a master of hospitality. I met him first at Cafe Milano, then worked with him at mCafe/Famoso in Chevy Chase.

Vikram Garg at his former restaurant, Inde Bleu.

Vikram is a huge talent and will be missed in the DC Metro area. I believe he'll miss the heat and humidity after spending a few years in San Francisco and will come back to us. He's working with a company named American Karma out there opening a few restaurants.

That's enough celebs for now. I've got more in the vault and try to add more every week.

Keep eatin'.

American Tap Room in Reston Reopens

And what could possibly be more American than a guy on stilts dressed in traditional Uncle Sam garb?
I'm not sure.
Anywho, the menu, as well as the entire interior of the restaurant, has been redone. The restaurant is now owned by Thompson Hospitality and is being run by an ex-player from Greystone Grill.
I can't dish too much as they reopened less than a few days ago. I can say that the waiters and busboys have the proper spirit. I hope that spirit is shared by the kitchen staff soon.
Stay tuned for more.