A look at what's going on in Trinidad, on H Street, and in the larger area north of Capitol Hill.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wine Tasting @Taylor
Check out the free wine tasting 12-3pm this Saturday, January 31. They will have 4-5 Italian wines to sample. Taylor is located at 1116 H Street. They sell sandwiches, and also feature an Italian grocery.
p.s. - we ordered from Taylor thrice over the inaugural weekend (at dinner time, no less) and were served delicious sandwiches in a timely matter each time.
This place has been great. Hands-down the model for new businesses I'd like to see come into our area:
1) offer a unique product
2) focus on quality
3) build with attractive design
4) offer good customer service
With each new post about potential restaurants, and bistros, and buildings being rehabbed, I'm always hopeful we are getting more Talyors and fewer African-carry outs and XIIs...
I have eaten there 5 or 6 times and outside of one experiance it was one of the best sandwiches I ever had. Even better than what I usually get in NY. I will be y for wine and I am sure I will stuff myself with that killer italian
We have really enjoyed having Taylor in the neighborhood. Fresh, friendly and fast with a feel not like H Street. The feel if you were in Dupont or Gtown. We only hope more places like this find their way onto
I like their sandwiches, but I don't get how they are different customer service wise from any of the other food establishments I've patronized on H. With the exception of a bad experience with a delivery (they messed up the order, and said everything short of blaming me for the mistake) the service is the same as when I go to Tropicana, H & D's or the Argo. They have some damn good sandwiches, though.
@ Anon 8:49-- not knowing your exact needs, it's hard to say whether you could do all your deli meat shopping at Taylor, but I doubt it. Maybe the deli case selection will improve over time (fingers crossed!) But for now, I'd say you will be able to get some nice treats (an interesting salami or mozz, imported pastas, different sauces to try) there, but still need to hike up to Eastern Market to supplement. Their bulk pesto is fabulous. I love that they roast their turkey on site-- maybe next November we'll be able to order one for Thanksgiving? Eh? Guys? Pretty please!?!
Just had lunch over there after seeing this post. WOW! What a treat. I drive by all the time and never noticed this place. From my first experiance I will be back again and again
Tom A - What "new Ethiopian place"? I'd love to have one here, but the only Ethiopian place on H St I know of is Sidamo's, and they don't serve Ethiopian food.
8th and El, there is some difference customer service-wise, at least for new places. When Granville's was in its early days, the food was great (like it is now), but the service ranged from OK to horrible. Things have improved significantly since they underwent a management change.
Sticky Rice is still hit-or-miss on service. The sushi is good, and the other entrees are good, but waits can be interminable with the staff generally unable to give you an explanation. Or it can be fine...really depends on the night.
I had high hopes for XII when they converted from Cluck-U, but I went twice, and while the food was quite tasty, the service was ungodly slow, despite basically being empty both times. I'd be willing to give them another shot, if I could find one bit of positive feedback.
Service has been consistently good at Napa, Sidamo, Sova, Naby's Island, and Taylor's. I've only been to Tropicana once, but found the service fine.
It is interesting how people seem to hide behind their racist tendencies in these postings. It really is unfortunate. We take two steps forward and three steps back so often.
I've eaten at Taylor and also used their delivery service which is very welcome. I've also experienced service problems at Sticky Rice--had to walk out one lunch after waiting 40 minutes without any food.
As one new to the neighborhood (I work in NoMa), are there any other worthwhile places on H Street serving lunch, especially ones that will deliver?
Anon 8:49:00, I also had high hopes that I could purchase deli meats from Taylor (like a grocer), but I have been unsuccessful. I get the feeling that they just want to focus on making and selling sandwiches which, by the way, are fantastic.
Though the hours are less convenient, you can fully stock up on Italian deli items at A. Litteri's in the Florida Market [no need to trek over to Eastern Market]. That would allow you to just re-up at Taylor's and maybe pick up a bottle of wine and sandwich when you stop in at Taylor for those cold cuts.
Inked I have to disagree with you. Stopped by Taylor Saturday for the wine tasting and the place was buzzing with people. I took a look at their market and it had just about everything Litteri's has. Frozen pasta, pasta, tomatoes, oils, vinegars, pasta sauces, crackers, anchovies, pizza dough, pizza sauce, cured meats and cheese. I stocked up. I do agree ith you that Taylor does sandwiches 1st and market 2nd but the hours on the door look convienant and the selectiom of goods was great
Like the sandwiches, the market prices are much higher than Litteri or even Eastern market. ummm like 25%-33% higher than Eastern market or Mavelous market. Super convenience, or stupidity would be the only reason to shop there.
Anon 842, I agree that Taylor is well stocked. I'm just saying that Litteri's is a better option than Eastern Market if Taylor doesn't have a desired item.
so other than convenience or a need to feel trendy, i can't think of another reason to pay more.
Uh Charles - convenience can be a fairly big deal. Litteri's isn't even open on Sundays or Mondays and doesn't serve sandwiches after 2:30.
But on the whole, the sandwiches at Taylor are different than at Litteri's. Not necessarily better, just different. I love the chicken cutlet and broccoli rabe/provolone sandwiches at Taylor. Just like I like the loaded, custom-made subs at Litteri's.
It's alright Charles, you can go to both. Really. Or, you can just go to Litteri's. No big whoop...
Not to beat a dead horse, but the discussion was about grocery items, not sandwiches. In this economy, I personally don't want to pay a dollar more for the same tube of tomato paste or tin of imported tuna.
For a person who does not have a vehicle, Taylor is mighty convenient and mighty good. Where else can you get fresh greens, healthy chicken and premium products on h fast and quick and during the day????? I am very happy they are in our neighborhood!!
I love Taylor's but I rarely taste the tasty provolone cheese on any of my sandwiches (that include provolone). I also inspect them before the first bite and can barely see any. More provolone guys!
You know what Joe, I am actually glad that Taylor is here also. I think what set me off is some earlier posts about how some people wish H Street could be like Georgetown, and places like Taylor would push out the "African takeout" spots.
Personally I am happy to live in a neighborhood that has b oth kind of places, trendy and old school.
36 comments:
Any details? Cost?
free.
p.s. - we ordered from Taylor thrice over the inaugural weekend (at dinner time, no less) and were served delicious sandwiches in a timely matter each time.
Gotta give em props for that.
This place has been great. Hands-down the model for new businesses I'd like to see come into our area:
1) offer a unique product
2) focus on quality
3) build with attractive design
4) offer good customer service
With each new post about potential restaurants, and bistros, and buildings being rehabbed, I'm always hopeful we are getting more Talyors and fewer African-carry outs and XIIs...
I love this place! I get sandwiches from there on a daily basis. Can't wait to check out the wines!
anon @ 5:44
what do you mean by african carryouts?
i can't think of one african cuisine carryout on the street
was that some kind of freudian slip?
i will co-sign on taylor being cool. all that other stuff? meh.
the place is just a really nice over hyped and over priced sub shop. It really isn't all that.
Maybe they mean Carribbean?
What's the grocery like at Taylor? Can I get all my deli meats/sauce ingredients there?
I've only had a sandwich someone picked up for me. It was okay, I mean, it was just a sandwich.
How does everyone like the vibe there? Is it laid back like H St in general or is it too cool for school?
I have eaten there 5 or 6 times and outside of one experiance it was one of the best sandwiches I ever had. Even better than what I usually get in NY. I will be y for wine and I am sure I will stuff myself with that killer italian
We have really enjoyed having Taylor in the neighborhood. Fresh, friendly and fast with a feel not like H Street. The feel if you were in Dupont or Gtown. We only hope more places like this find their way onto
I like their sandwiches, but I don't get how they are different customer service wise from any of the other food establishments I've patronized on H. With the exception of a bad experience with a delivery (they messed up the order, and said everything short of blaming me for the mistake) the service is the same as when I go to Tropicana, H & D's or the Argo. They have some damn good sandwiches, though.
Happy Camper, I don't think Anon 5:44's comment of needing fewer African-carry outs was a Freudian Slip. He/She is dead on.
I'm confused. Other than the new Ethiopian place, who else serves African food on H Street? And has anyone here tried the new Ethiopian place yet?
@ Anon 8:49-- not knowing your exact needs, it's hard to say whether you could do all your deli meat shopping at Taylor, but I doubt it. Maybe the deli case selection will improve over time (fingers crossed!) But for now, I'd say you will be able to get some nice treats (an interesting salami or mozz, imported pastas, different sauces to try) there, but still need to hike up to Eastern Market to supplement. Their bulk pesto is fabulous. I love that they roast their turkey on site-- maybe next November we'll be able to order one for Thanksgiving? Eh? Guys? Pretty please!?!
Just had lunch over there after seeing this post. WOW! What a treat. I drive by all the time and never noticed this place. From my first experiance I will be back again and again
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/01/coming_soon_bars_opening_in_20.html?wprss=goingoutgurus
Looks like HSCC could be opening next month (fingers crossed and knocking on wood)!
Tom A - What "new Ethiopian place"? I'd love to have one here, but the only Ethiopian place on H St I know of is Sidamo's, and they don't serve Ethiopian food.
ANM Convenience Store (next door to Sova) has Ethiopian carry-out.
8th and El, there is some difference customer service-wise, at least for new places. When Granville's was in its early days, the food was great (like it is now), but the service ranged from OK to horrible. Things have improved significantly since they underwent a management change.
Sticky Rice is still hit-or-miss on service. The sushi is good, and the other entrees are good, but waits can be interminable with the staff generally unable to give you an explanation. Or it can be fine...really depends on the night.
I had high hopes for XII when they converted from Cluck-U, but I went twice, and while the food was quite tasty, the service was ungodly slow, despite basically being empty both times. I'd be willing to give them another shot, if I could find one bit of positive feedback.
Service has been consistently good at Napa, Sidamo, Sova, Naby's Island, and Taylor's. I've only been to Tropicana once, but found the service fine.
It is interesting how people seem to hide behind their racist tendencies in these postings. It really is unfortunate. We take two steps forward and three steps back so often.
I've eaten at Taylor and also used their delivery service which is very welcome. I've also experienced service problems at Sticky Rice--had to walk out one lunch after waiting 40 minutes without any food.
As one new to the neighborhood (I work in NoMa), are there any other worthwhile places on H Street serving lunch, especially ones that will deliver?
Naby's Island serves very tasty food and delivers.
I've enjoyed several good meals at Sticky Rice, including lunch. I haven't had a service problem for quite a while.
I am looking forward to H street County club because I do love Mexican food.
Anon 8:49:00, I also had high hopes that I could purchase deli meats from Taylor (like a grocer), but I have been unsuccessful. I get the feeling that they just want to focus on making and selling sandwiches which, by the way, are fantastic.
Though the hours are less convenient, you can fully stock up on Italian deli items at A. Litteri's in the Florida Market [no need to trek over to Eastern Market]. That would allow you to just re-up at Taylor's and maybe pick up a bottle of wine and sandwich when you stop in at Taylor for those cold cuts.
Inked I have to disagree with you. Stopped by Taylor Saturday for the wine tasting and the place was buzzing with people. I took a look at their market and it had just about everything Litteri's has. Frozen pasta, pasta, tomatoes, oils, vinegars, pasta sauces, crackers, anchovies, pizza dough, pizza sauce, cured meats and cheese. I stocked up. I do agree ith you that Taylor does sandwiches 1st and market 2nd but the hours on the door look convienant and the selectiom of goods was great
Like the sandwiches, the market prices are much higher than Litteri or even Eastern market. ummm like 25%-33% higher than Eastern market or Mavelous market. Super convenience, or stupidity would be the only reason to shop there.
Anon 842,
I agree that Taylor is well stocked. I'm just saying that Litteri's is a better option than Eastern Market if Taylor doesn't have a desired item.
Super convenience, or stupidity would be the only reason to shop there.
Sheesh, thanks Mom... and why buy Ben & Jerry's when the Safeway brand costs 20% less? Idiots!!
Not everyone has to be a coupon-clipper 24-7.
Ben and Jerry's analogy is not valid - or should i say, "idiotic" since that is apparently what we call anyone with whom we disagree ...
the quality of the goods at Litteri is certainly just as high as Taylor, and prices are lower.
so other than convenience or a need to feel trendy, i can't think of another reason to pay more.
"The quality of the goods at [Safeway brands] is certainly just as high as [Ben & Jerry's], and prices are lower.
"So other than convenience or a need to feel trendy, i can't think of another reason to pay more."
Man, if only there were a pithy epigram that could sum up this argument.
Something like "Different coats for different blokes..." Hmm.. I'll work on it...
so other than convenience or a need to feel trendy, i can't think of another reason to pay more.
Uh Charles - convenience can be a fairly big deal. Litteri's isn't even open on Sundays or Mondays and doesn't serve sandwiches after 2:30.
But on the whole, the sandwiches at Taylor are different than at Litteri's. Not necessarily better, just different. I love the chicken cutlet and broccoli rabe/provolone sandwiches at Taylor. Just like I like the loaded, custom-made subs at Litteri's.
It's alright Charles, you can go to both. Really. Or, you can just go to Litteri's. No big whoop...
Not to beat a dead horse, but the discussion was about grocery items, not sandwiches. In this economy, I personally don't want to pay a dollar more for the same tube of tomato paste or tin of imported tuna.
Charles,
AMEN!
Joe Englert said:
For a person who does not have a vehicle, Taylor is mighty convenient and mighty good. Where else can you get fresh greens, healthy chicken and premium products on h fast and quick and during the day????? I am very happy they are in our neighborhood!!
I love Taylor's but I rarely taste the tasty provolone cheese on any of my sandwiches (that include provolone). I also inspect them before the first bite and can barely see any. More provolone guys!
You know what Joe, I am actually glad that Taylor is here also. I think what set me off is some earlier posts about how some people wish H Street could be like Georgetown, and places like Taylor would push out the "African takeout" spots.
Personally I am happy to live in a neighborhood that has b oth kind of places, trendy and old school.
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