Oh, this reminds me of the neruneru nerune from my childhood. Fun, but not so delicious.

If you're willing to take Metro into Virginia, most people agree that Ray's Hell Burger is better than 5 Guys. Amsterdam Falafel in Adams Morgan is pretty good and cheap. Julia's Empanadas are super cheap. Matchbox is good for pizza and not too bad.

You should check out the Washingtonian Magazine's Cheap Eats for some other inexpensive ideas - Blue Duck Tavern is pricey. The Mall area in general isn't the best place for food.

I have sadly never been, but everyone I know raves about Big Bad Wolf barbecue. Down at Fell's Point, Pitango makes some pretty awesome gelato. Mr. Yogato is kitschy but fun, and they have an old NES so you can relive your childhood. Blue Moon Cafe is pretty good but the wait is always really long and not necessarily worth it. A friend thinks Faidley's makes the best crab cakes in Baltimore, but I haven't had them. Timbuktu is pretty popular as well.

You could make a quick Korean-esque cucumber pickle with cucumbers, salt, and chili flakes.

Or you can try oi sobagi (cucumber kimchi). A little more labor intensive but really tasty. There are lots of recipes online but I love watching this lady's crazy knife skills.

http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/oisobagi-kimchi

My grandmother makes lots of kappa maki, kanpyou maki, nattou maki, oshinko maki, or Hawaiian style futo maki for various gatherings. My favorites were always the kappa maki or negitoro maki.

Are you talking about the braid or the twisting rope thing? If it is the braid, I think Martini Me is right and you just add it on top.

I found this site and it seems like the method for making the rope isn't too difficult, although I've only tried the fluted edge and fork crimps myself.

http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--813/decorative-pie-crust-edges.asp

I found the mini cakes to be pleasantly not-too-sweet and a good alternative to shortcake. Although that was as dessert and not breakfast.

I'm kind of paranoid that I'll go to Shopsins somehow do something to merit getting yelled at and kicked out. But maybe I should risk it the next time I'm in NYC - sounds like it could be worth it.

This makes me kind of sad since I liked being able to share a bunch of different slices among a group. Not that I can go very often.

I can understand the sentiment though. I think many people are adverse to getting a piece of an already sliced cake/pie (it's going to be dry! how long has it been sitting there?).

That looks delicious! What a terrific sandwich idea.

I've been making quick carrot pickles occasionally since reading about it on Smitten Kitchen - the brine looks similar to this one. Really delicious and really easy.

I have a whole freezer worth of pig's and lamb's heads and I'm just going to sit there and wait for the perfect man to materialize from thin air? What silliness.

Best line ever.

You know, they make a pretty tasty smoothie with some yogurt and honey. I've seen some Asian pear frozen yogurt recipes floating around the interweb that sounds pretty good.