ACERO

We returned to ACERO last night after going to see Red at the Repertory Theater (which was excellent) and got a warm welcome from the hostess and Sam Foley, the manager. It always seems warm and friendly there and I'm so grateful for restaurants like ACERO. I'm obviously not alone, the place was full and the customers looked happy.

 I can't seem to go there and not have their BRUSCHETTA with CARAMELIZED ONIONS, GORGONZOLA AND A TOUCH OF HONEY. Not only that, but I had RAINBOW TROUT, ROASTED CAULIFLOWER, SPRING ONION, LEMON AND CAPERS again, too! So instead of duplicating my last blog on this terrific Italian restaurant, I will tell you about my companions' dinners.

Two of our friends had the L'INSALATA MISTA, which is made with BLUE CHEESE, DRIED CRANBERRIES, MISSOURI PECANS, PEAR AND RED ONION. How does that sound?
One of them had the CROSTINI FEGATINI, MARSALA CHICKEN LIVER MOUSSE, which was a generous portion served spread on a wonderful ciabatta bread slice. He followed that with the SPAGHETTI CHITARRA AMATRICANNA, which can be ordered with a fried egg on top for a slight charge, but he ordered extra red sauce, because he likes it that way.

Our other friend ordered the GRILLED TUNA WITH CELERY ROOT PUREE AND RED WINE SAUCE. The tuna was done to perfection and celery root is a delightful change from mashed potatoes plus it really complimented the tuna.

My husband ordered the Chef's Menu which was 4 courses.  He started with BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP, then had the CROSTINI FEGATINI, and followed that with the GRILLED TUNA, but instead of the celery root, which he doesn't care for, ADAM GNAU, the chef, fixed it with ROASTED CAULIFLOWER and it worked really well. For dessert he chose, no surprise, the WARM CHOCOLATE TART with VANILLA ICE CREAM.

Our server, Maggie, was terrific. The room was crowded but not noisy, so you could have a conversation with your table mates and not have to raise your voice. I keep going back to ACERO, you should too.

ACERO
7266 Manchester Road
63143
314-644-1790 www.fialafood.com

Observations and Recommendations in Washington DC

Well, I more or less took the summer off. Our grandchildren from Philadelphia were visiting and I wanted to give them my undivided attention, plus, their idea of eating out is Steak n Shake, and I figured everyone knows about that already.

In August, Chuck and I went East to our family's annual Crab Feast. We then went to Washington DC for a few days and I'd like to recommend the following places to eat, should the DC area be in your future.

The Source 575 Pennsylvania Ave 202-637-6100   www.wolfgangpuck.com
              Right around the corner from the NEWSEUM ( a definite go-to museum! ) The Source is very attractive plus the menu is excellent. Recommended dishes are: Spicy Tuna Tartarein a Sesame Miso Cone,with Pickled Ginger and Shaved Bonito.  Crystal Garlic Chive Dumplings, Chinese Mustard Sauce, Chili Garlic Sauce.  Scallop and Shrimp Shu Mai, Shanghai Crry Lobster-Uni Emulsion.

Cityzen 1330 Maryland Avenue SW Mandarin Oriental 202-787-6006 www.cityzenrestaurant.com
                The chef, Eric Ziebpld, was Thomas Keller's souchef and opened Per Se in New York City. You can immediately recognize his devotion to perfection. The food is precise, imaginative, gorgeous and delicious. There's a choice between a 4 or 6 course menu, and since it changes every day, check in with them. You won't be sorry.


America Eats Tavern   405 Eighth Street 202-393-0812
          Hurry, this is a pop-up restaurant set up by the great chef, Jose' Andres, to compliment the "What's Cooking, Uncle Sam" exhibit at The National Archives Museum, which is scheduled to close on January 3,2012.  The chef and his team have recreated historic American dishes in a 21st century form that is absolutely delighful and delicious.  Recommended dishes: Cold Peanut Soup, Abalone, Short Ribs with Coleslaw.  Kentucky Burgoo with Rabbit, Squab and Lamb. Shrimp and Pork Jambalaya. Bison Tomahawk Steak with Cheddar mashed Potatoes, Catsup and Pickles.

Jaleos   480 Seventh Street 202-628-7949 www.jaleo.com

 Terrific tapas restaurant with a joyful atmosphere, a friendly staff, and really good Spanish wines. Check out their website.