Long Island, Wagshals, and Pack Pile

Salmon, collard greens, brisket, and mother-in-slaw (LS)

This past weekend was just a taste of things to come...Julia was in New York and we were in DC. Next weekend we will be moving her into OSU and saying goodbye. However, I hope to use this blog as means to still share great meals and updates from Columbus, OH, and Washington, DC.

We went to Wagshals for dinner (again!). Julia and Chris went several places...but below are the pictures from iHOP.

BLT pasta (SS)

Deer! It safely crossed New Mexico

Omelet (JR)

Stuffed french toast

Eggs, bacon, hash browns

Julia with her newly acquired records from Chris

Cutie couple

Packing pile...not too much

"Chocolat" and OSU Puzzle

This past weekend--Julia's LAST weekend in DC--we watched the movie, "Chocolat," with Jonny Depp, Juliette Binoche, and Judi Dench (2000). A light drama based on the novel, Chocolat, tells the story of how a small chocolaterie changes the lives of the townspeople. The scenery of the French countryside is beautiful. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. We also completed the OSU puzzle--YAY! We separately sampled neighborhood favorites: Wagshals and Surfside. Julia made great progress on packing her clothes and other must-haves. I am not counting down the days...I am remaining in denial.

Our Birthday Bash!

We enjoyed a great dinner at Wagshal's and then bought our meat for the week! We are so glad they are in the neighborhood and wish them all the success possible. The food is really good and the meat is exceptional--reasonably priced too! By far, Steven and Julia's favorite was the Berliner. Wagshal's puts their own spin on this doughnut-like dessert by filling a sweet bun with gelato, your choice of a topping/filling (peanut butter, chocolate crunches, nuts), and then putting it in a panini press. A must try and worth a special trip. Steven was telling the server that it was better than anything he had in Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, London... Too funny--we obviously have not been to Berlin!

Delicatessen info: 3201 New Mexico Avenue, www.wagshals.com, 202-363-5698; M-F, 8am - 9pm; Sat., 9am - 8pm; Sun., 9am - 7pm.

Recommendations: Half-smoke with the works, hot bar for seared tuna, seafood pasta (tons of seafood!), make-your-own salads, and gelato bar for Berliner!

Julia's 18th Birthday!

Julia is an adult. WOW. On the first morning of adulthood, she was kidnapped by her fantastic friends and whisked off to Philadelphia for cheesesteaks and shopping. Upon her return, we opened presents--including a new OSU puzzle to work on.

Town Hall Graduation Party!

Thank you friends and family who have supported Julia throughout her childhood. It was nice to celebrate another milestone--her high school graduation. Thank you, managing owner Paul at Town Hall for a splendid event (favorite was the pork belly!).

3D Puzzle and Dinner(s)

Ever since Julia decided she was going to pursue engineering, Steven and I have repeatedly used the phrase, "...we need your engineer brain to help us..." do XYZ. She has fixed and assembled many items over the last two years or so. This puzzle is a prime example! I'm thankful for the hours spent in front of the "capitol" and look forward to our next challenge.

Fourth of July at Deep Creek Lake, MD

We spent a relaxing time over the Fourth of July at Deep Creek Lake! Thank you, Lisa & Tony, for the fun times and the yummy meat from The Organic Butcher!