Tom Sietsema

Tom Sietsema

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Longtime Washington Post restaurant critic (now writer) posting about notable meals, restaurants, and dining scenes.

Testing Fresh Rhubarb for Upcoming Indian-Spiced Recipe
SocialApr 15, 2026

Testing Fresh Rhubarb for Upcoming Indian-Spiced Recipe

I got hold of some fresh rhubarb and started testing for my forthcoming “Next Course” online newsletter. Look for my Indian-spiced recipe next week, on beehiiv.

By Tom Sietsema
Celebrate Restaurant Regular Perks with Recipe and Q&A
SocialApr 7, 2026

Celebrate Restaurant Regular Perks with Recipe and Q&A

The joys of being a restaurant regular. Plus, a recipe for a classic salad and a Q & A with a Washington notable. You'll find it all in my "Next Course" newsletter https://t.co/cU655CHjec via @tomsietsema

By Tom Sietsema
Consistently Excellent Seafood and Service Across All Locations
SocialApr 5, 2026

Consistently Excellent Seafood and Service Across All Locations

One of my takeaways from (many) meals at @thesaltline — all three locations — is not just how good the raw oysters, clam chowder and seafood rolls are, but how consistent everything is, service included. No easy feat.

By Tom Sietsema
Rye Bunny Reinvents Fine‑Casual with Counter‑First Dining
SocialApr 2, 2026

Rye Bunny Reinvents Fine‑Casual with Counter‑First Dining

The format at the beloved Tail Up Goat in DC wasn’t sustainable. So the owners switched gears. The new Rye Bunny, from chef Jon Sybert and hospitality ace Jill Tyler, finds diners ordering food and drink from a counter, then...

By Tom Sietsema
Discover Montreal Eats and a Fresh Recipe in Next Course
SocialMar 31, 2026

Discover Montreal Eats and a Fresh Recipe in Next Course

Check out my new online newsletter, “Next Course” on Beehiiv, for this great recipe, plus tips for where to eat in Montreal.

By Tom Sietsema
Host Lamb Burger Nights with Top Montreal Spots
SocialMar 31, 2026

Host Lamb Burger Nights with Top Montreal Spots

An easy recipe for bringing folks together: Lamb Burger Nights. Plus, three great places to eat in Montreal. #montrealeats #mtlfood #lamburger https://t.co/203amunhpp

By Tom Sietsema
New Next Course Newsletter Debuts with Noma LA Review
SocialMar 24, 2026

New Next Course Newsletter Debuts with Noma LA Review

I recently launched a thing: An online newsletter, “Next Course,” featuring essays, simple recipes, travel advice, and more. Please check it out. My debut column looks at the most controversial restaurant in the world: Noma L.A., where I lunched last...

By Tom Sietsema
Bomb Bomb Bar: South Philly’s Must‑Try Italian Feast
SocialMar 23, 2026

Bomb Bomb Bar: South Philly’s Must‑Try Italian Feast

A must-taste in South Philly: Bomb Bomb Bar for old-school Italian-American cooking and hospitality. Pro tip: Go with a group and order … everything. bombbombbar thechefassembly

By Tom Sietsema
Try Emilia’s Standout Dishes in Kensington, Philly
SocialMar 22, 2026

Try Emilia’s Standout Dishes in Kensington, Philly

Heading to Philly? Make time for the handsome Emilia, the latest from veteran chef Greg Vernick and team in Kensington. My cheat sheet: fried artichokes, sea scallop crudo with burrata, mushroom bolognese, wood-roasted eggplant. #phillyeats

By Tom Sietsema
Finally Discovered DC’s Best Empanadas at Brasero Atlantico
SocialMar 19, 2026

Finally Discovered DC’s Best Empanadas at Brasero Atlantico

Why did I wait so long to try some of the best empanadas in DC? Dunno. But I’m glad I finally hit the handsome Brasero Atlantico in Georgetown, where I also devoured swordfish with squid ink linguini, drank...

By Tom Sietsema
Sweetbreads Reimagine Buffalo Wings at Baby Bistro
SocialMar 15, 2026

Sweetbreads Reimagine Buffalo Wings at Baby Bistro

My favorite dish at the cozy Baby Bistro: Gently crisp sweetbreads and soft-cooked carrots on a puddle of celery root puree sharpened with blue cheese — a convincing twist on Buffalo chicken wings. (Calabrian chile oil helped.)

By Tom Sietsema
Funny Celebrity Meet‑ups That Still Make Us Smile
SocialMar 14, 2026

Funny Celebrity Meet‑ups That Still Make Us Smile

Name a (brief) celebrity encounter that makes you smile years later. I’ll start: The time Barbara Walters mistook me for a host at Le Cirque and asked me to escort her to the powder room And The time I encountered Tony...

By Tom Sietsema
Birthday NYC Feast: Top Eats & Broadway Surprise
SocialMar 8, 2026

Birthday NYC Feast: Top Eats & Broadway Surprise

My birthday getaway to NYC was made special by so many events, chiefly lunches at the beguiling Borgo and Four Horseman; dinners at The Dutch and 425, the latest attraction from Jean-George Vongerichten; drinks at Commerce Inn in the West...

By Tom Sietsema