Originally Posted By Ursula Hi, I tried to book Ariel's for Saturday for dinner. They are all booked up. After being agast for a few seconds (DON'T THEY KNOW WHO I AM????) I asked the scheduler for ideas. She suggested the Trattoria so I took it. This is for my spoiled, er, uhm, darling niece, otherwise known as PirateBrittany. I cannot say why, let's just say we're making up for a major travesty in her life. I haven't been to the Trattoria since like, 2002. I have no idea if I liked it. I had wine. So, should I keep trying for Ariel's for a cancellation or can the Trattoria handle a picky eater?
Originally Posted By cstephens Since both restaurants are in DCA, is it necessary that it be a restaurant in DCA? Or is there something specific about Ariel's that appeals to you? My alternative suggestion if it doesn't have to be inside DCA is Storyteller's. While I don't like their lunch, I do really like their breakfast and dinner, and their dinner menu is varied enough that your niece shouldn't have a problem finding something to eat. It's also relatively close to the DCA entrance through the Grand California. I haven't been to the Trattoria since it first opened so I don't have any opinion on its current status. /cs
Originally Posted By Ursula Hi, I like the view at Ariel's. I was looking for a change from Storyteller's. The last time we ate there, the service was lousy and it was noisy. We figured we'd probably be in the general area at dinnertime, and I hate being hungry and doing that whole "where do you want to eat?" craziness.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Trattoria was rather hit and miss for us over the years. The last two visits -- most recent was last Thanksgiving -- were very, very good. Food was fresh and hot, server was efficient and friendly, setting and wine was superb.
Originally Posted By Ursula Well, then. It seems an LP'er needs to visit and make an updated report. So I shall. I hate onions, though, so the server is going to roll his or her eyes at me. Fun!
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA I hear you, Ursula. My wife and I don't like cheese, and when we order 'no cheese' you should see the looks we get from servers. Like we've hurt their feelings or something....
Originally Posted By cstephens <a href="http://www.jiminmercedcaandwifehatecheeseandtheymustnotbehumanbecausehowcananyonenotlikecheesemmmmmmcheese.com" target="_blank">http://www.jiminmercedcaandwif ehatecheeseandtheymustnotbehumanbecausehowcananyonenotlikecheesemmmmmmcheese.com</a> Hmmm, view at Ariel's - that can't really be duplicated. Looking forward to hearing the report about the Trattoria. We had such a bad time on our visit that I haven't wanted to go back, even though I've heard occasion good stories about it. /cs
Originally Posted By piratebrittany You make me sound so horrid! lol. I really do appreciate you getting us in and reservated {new word!} and I will admit to being spoiled-I mean, come on, only neice, only child, only grandchild....it was bound to happen- but in all fairness it wasn't my idea to go to DL.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 We ate at Trattoria in December and thought it was pretty good. What I remember from the menu is a variety of panini sandwiches, a vegetarian and maybe a meat lasagne. There was minestrone and a soup of the day and a dinner salad. The glass of wine was nice We enjoyed our meal, nothing to rave over, but the food was good and the server was a nice guy, I'd say cute if I were piratebrittany's age If you get a table near the edge of the patio you can people watch, if it's too cold you can sit inside. piratebrittany, I think reservated is a word I must use in the near future I'm sure you deserve all the spoiling you receive Have fun!
Originally Posted By velo I LOVE the Bruschetta Chicken Salad so much at the Trattoria! But that might only be for lunch....not sure. If he's there, server Eric is wonderful. We had such a great time last August that we ended up eating lunch here nearly every day!
Originally Posted By Ursula Yeah, silly. I was kidding there, PirateBrit! (of course *I* was the baby of the family until she came along! HA!) And I'm still trying to make Uncle Buzz tag along, too. I am looking forward to a nice lasanga and a glass of merlot!
Originally Posted By piratebrittany I LOVE lasagna. and uncle buzz. and annie dawn {who's royalty i ruined upon my birth....many apologies...lol ;]} never tried merlot {hint hint wink wink...I'm sure mom won't mind...haha}
Originally Posted By Ursula Hello. We had a fine dinner there. The sevice was slower than I'd like, but it wasn't terrible at all. The food: I had the Rustico Lasagna. It was quite yummy. Mom and PB had the meatball sandwich and minestrone soup. Both really liked both. We sat outside. We had reservations for outside, but when we got there it was a bit chilly. I asked if we could get inside, they said it would be an extra wait. As we were starving, we stayed outside. I think I enjoyed the outside better that I would have inside. We had our own conversation, we had a view of DCA, and all was well!!! An outside heater would have been nice, but again, no big deal. I was surprised at how inexpensive the bill was, even with our discount. I had a nice glass of merlot, too. I can't recall the name, but it was the second one down on the wine list. I was also supposed to post something funny to embarrass my niece. Now WHAT was that...? Oh, yes. Did you know that waiving your arms hysterically back and forth like a robot ala 1980's Boogaloo Shrimp is the international symbol of "Yes, waiter, I have my mouth full but you are here now and I am in need something"
Originally Posted By ilvdland <<Did you know that waiving your arms hysterically back and forth like a robot ala 1980's Boogaloo Shrimp is the international symbol of "Yes, waiter, I have my mouth full but you are here now and I am in need something" >> I knew that. And how much do I love the Boogaloo Shrimp reference? <---looks for the movie Breakin'
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS Did you know that Ursula and I went to school with the Boogaloo Shrimp himself?? He even showed up to my homecoming game in a limo. His driver tore up our football field. Boy was Mr. Ferrigamo mad! (Our football coach). After "Breakin" was made, Michael thought he was hot hot hot. My friend Christina dated him once, and said she would never go out with him again. He was conceited and thought the world revolved around him. Christina told him that the only time the world revolved around him was when he was on his head spinning around on the cardboard sheet he laid out. I miss Christina - she was a funny gal!
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS He actually taught Michael Jackson how to pop. He also was Urkel's robot in Family Matters and was the one who created the dance moves for "Do the Bartman" when Michael Jackson was a guest star on "The Simpson's". He used to do bit parts on "Arsenio" and was the host of "Fun House". I guess he did a lot for that type of dance craze, so maybe the world did revolve around him a little bit
Originally Posted By ilvdland OH that is just crazy!! When I got home from seeing the movie Breakin' I was convinced I could do all of that. What I ended up doing was hurting myself trying to do all of those moves on our kitchen floor with no cardboard......
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Thanks for the review Usula. I'll have to have lunch there next time I'm at DLR with adults.
