Attention DC Area Roadfooders.....

It's so nice how roadfooders don't stay only "internet buddies" and they actually meet and eat together. And I can say that if I didn't work tomorrow (I'm off today), and don't like chili, and it's past the RSVP deadline anyway -- have a wonderful time and enjoy each other's company and whatever you eat.

Say hi to Mr. 95 for all of us whose distance away from Ben's is a few thousand miles.
Bill

Sorry- won't be able to make it this time. Not only do I work way out in Reston, but any lunch hour time will be spent frantically and desperately dashing through any and all retail stores in a 10 mile radius before leaving for Raleigh on Thursday to celebrate an early Christmas with the family.

But knock yourselves out. And thanks for the invite. Maybe I'll pop on over there tonight instead.

Just got back. I will have pictures of the DC crew to post this evening. It was delicious and much too short. I don't think any of us wanted to go back to work after lunch. Not to mention I am feeling a tad sleepy now.......
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Yes, a splendid time was had by all. Nothing quite says the holidays like Ben’s Chili Bowl.

The group was six strong and arrived via foot, car, and train. However, none matched the dogged commitment of Chumley, who drove down from Pennsylvania. After introductions, re-introductions for some, we ordered at the counter as is custom and gathered in the backroom, where there is more space to sprawl. The walls at Ben’s are plastered with photos of politicians, singers, and actors who have eaten there over the years, and it was with some comfort that the group sat beneath a photo of Fred “Rerun” Berry, who never met a meal he didn’t like. Food arrived soonafter, chili-blanketed half-smokes all around. Ben’s half-smokes are exemplary, and put to shame the dirty water versions sold in carts around town. I’m pretty sure everyone was happy with their grub, as there were no leftovers, save for a smattering of chips that come with every order. Rbpalmer was the only one to get dessert, and the piece of cake he wolfed down looked good and moist. I’m guessing german chocolate but I can’t be sure.

Like Meowzart said, the time passed very quickly. As expected, conversations mostly centered around restaurants past and present, from coast to coast, with occasional pauses only for someone to tear into their food. It should be noted that I-95 did indeed interrupt his self-imposed exile to take part in the gathering, though following the group photo at meal’s end, he said his goodbyes and was last seen wandering down an alleyway on U Street toward sights unseen.

Thanks to Meowzart for putting it all together.

It was German chocolate (my favorite) and it was delicious! It was also great to meet some of my fellow roadfooders and put faces with some of the names.

A great half smoke and chili time was had by all

OK...finally got around to picture processing. Here are a few snaps from lunch yesterday....


This is a picture of our lunch from yesterday. Everybody had a chili half-smoke. Marber had an side of chili and rbpalmer had a piece of cake, but for the most part nobody deviated. One of these days maybe I will get around to trying something else off the menu. The chili half-smokes also come with mustard and onions. Sorry about the Roadfood photo faux pas of biting into my food before I took a picture of it. Hunger sometimes gets the best of me.


Here is a true professional food service worker if I ever saw one. That is a stack of individual slices of lemon cake she is carrying, folks.


Presenting the DC contingent of the Roadfood Crew....the cool guy in the shades is John (jpatweb); the tall, dapper fellow is Bob (rbpalmer); the bitchen babe in the cute crocheted hat c'est moi; honoray DC crew member Manley (Chumley, who came down from Philly just for the occassion); the guy in the DC federal worker uniform is Bernie (marberthenad); and the little BoSox cheerleader in the front is the venerable Kurt (i95). Roadfood makes you happy, as this picture illustrates.

Meowzart

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!More fodder for my Photoshop antics.....

I told Kurt he was SUPPOSED to find me some single, over 35 nice man, albeit participants or waitstaff /preparers, but noooooooooooooooooooooooo......all he could focus onwas the food and the wonderful conversation y'all had. I gotta hire someone new to pimp for me.

The food and the conversation were both fabulous, well worth the drive down and back.

I didn't know Kurt had taken on a second job, Red. All I can in his defense is that he was, er, distracted

FWIW, I do know a nice early fourties Boho Vegan in NYC if you're interested! He'd be pretty useless on a hot dog tour but he has been known to eat Pizza on occassion.

Hey Red,
I've got one son left on the single list...26 and addicted to video games, good job and a PT Cruiser that looks like a mobile dvd-player...He could be the perfect mate???
Contact the Mayor !!

Well Chumley, ya never know.....maybe I could show him the error of his ways(although I can cook vegan pretty well)

Mayor darlin', before you make such generous offers, think about it......Would YOU want me as a daughter in law? Plus...well.....at the age of 26, he'd be much more likely to call me Granny Red, than something I'd wanna hear like lovey or sugah britches.........

Arrgh...as a relative newcomer to Roadfood (and newer to the forums), I have only just now seen this; sorry to have missed it. Especially since nobody loves a good Ben's chili half-smoke more than myself.

Next time, hopefully.

As a member of a full-time touring music duo, Roadfood has become our almost-literal savior. Everyone keep up the great work.

Paul.

Once again, a VERY happy bunch of roadfooders doing a meet & greet. Sorry I missed it. I know that in the very near future there will be a chance for all of us to get-together. I'm working on a new Philadelphia/South Jersey roadfood tour.

Scott- Don't forget the Febuary Hays Smokehouse "Introduction to BBQ 101" Seminar!! Looking at a Friday evening and Saturday on or near Presidents Day. We have about a dozen folks on the "interested"list so far...You could get the 'distance' trophy if ya join in !

Paul, Welcome to Roadfood.com I have attended several of the get-togethers hosted by folks on both Coasts and in the Middle too...All were great fun and provided super conversation and good food too. Plan on hanging out with us when you can !!
Al-The Mayor

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen

Scott- Don't forget the Febuary Hays Smokehouse "Introduction to BBQ 101" Seminar!! Looking at a Friday evening and Saturday on or near Presidents Day. We have about a dozen folks on the "interested"list so far...You could get the 'distance' trophy if ya join in !

Al, give me some details on the get-together. I know Hays is in TN.

We have been thinking that the Friday/Saturday of the Presidents Day weekend (Feb 18/19). Lexington TN is just off the I-40 at the 108 exit. That puts it @100 miles east of Memphis and about 150 west of Nashville.
I say the Friday and Saturday to accomodate the folks who will be traveling from more than a Days ride away. The main activity would be a several hour visit at Mr Hays Smokehouse on Saturday. If we let him know we are coming, I am sure he will be happy to share his cooker, and some real lessons in the "How to Do it" area. We would also head down the road a short distance to his Slaughter house (optional), as he supplies whole Hogs and other critters to area barbecuers. Since some folks will be driving in on Saturday we would probably start the day there at about 11am or so, and figure on about 4 hours for eating everything we can, and the tours etc. We'll put up the location where we will be staying the friday evening before, so those who want to come down early can enjoy a supper , and maybe a Waffle House Breakfast !! All this is tentative right now...But the date looks right to several of the folks who talk of coming.

Al, if you could, move this back to the BBQ area. Count me in. I will be there and I look forward to it. I may overnight in Memphis just for the heck of it and hang out on Beale street. I think four hours at Hays would be a lot of fun. I really like the way he differentiates the different parts of the BBQ Pork. I think I want the middling if that is how you spell it.

Perhaps we could do some catfish on Friday night and BBQ on Saturday? You know the places.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Sorry I missed out on the lunch... looks like good food, good company and good fun. On the plus side, our kitchen remodel (which prevented me from going) is almost done. Ceramic tile floor is being completed today (hopefully? fingers and toes crossed) and then it's just touch up work and trim painting on our end.

I noticed in the last RF newsletter that the Sterns are planning to visit DC ...

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen


We have been thinking that the Friday/Saturday of the Presidents Day weekend (Feb 18/19). Lexington TN is just off the I-40 at the 108 exit. That puts it @100 miles east of Memphis and about 150 west of Nashville.
I say the Friday and Saturday to accomodate the folks who will be traveling from more than a Days ride away. The main activity would be a several hour visit at Mr Hays Smokehouse on Saturday. If we let him know we are coming, I am sure he will be happy to share his cooker, and some real lessons in the "How to Do it" area. We would also head down the road a short distance to his Slaughter house (optional), as he supplies whole Hogs and other critters to area barbecuers. Since some folks will be driving in on Saturday we would probably start the day there at about 11am or so, and figure on about 4 hours for eating everything we can, and the tours etc. We'll put up the location where we will be staying the friday evening before, so those who want to come down early can enjoy a supper , and maybe a Waffle House Breakfast !! All this is tentative right now...But the date looks right to several of the folks who talk of coming.

Oooh! I've been looking for a good excuse to return to Tennessee and this just might be it. We loved our visit to Nashville and are just itching to check out Memphis. Don't know about the timing, though. Please keep me posted!

On another subject, I hope the fact that you are actively posting means your eye surgery went well, Al!