So, work is going out for another restaurant meal on Thursday night. Italian this time.

I need your help on the menu to stay low calorie.

http://graffiatodc.com/menus/

I'm thinking one of the following:

Starter: Marinated olives or spring peas
Main: charred octopus or the spanish mackeral

Help! You're the pros!

I doubt this is the kind of help you were looking for, but man, I've wanted to check out Graffiato since before it opened. I watched Top Chef when Mike Isabella was on - and met him once at the Dupont farmer's market. Nice guy. I think one of Isabella's more noted items is his pepperoni sauce, so I'd have to advise getting that (the chicken thighs).

I'll eagerly await your report out on the dinner!

Umm, everything?? And copious amounts of red wine to wash it all down!! Seriously though I would go for something from the wood oven for my entree.

I thought dinner was beer o'clock for you?

Can you not just have a salad and some beverages?

I'd do a salad and fish. Some wine if you can control yourself. Or, if you think you have the discipline for it, eat whatever you want to get right back on track at the very next meal.

Good choices. I'd go with the olives over the peas because the fat there plus the protein in the seafood would fill me up.

Thanks guys. I will drink a lot because alcohol is fully OP for me (I do the Ian Diet). It's the food that does the harm.

Oooooooooo.

I'd try the smoked beets and the roasted cobia. *wipes drool off chin*

I *think* both of those would be fairly low calorie.

You're a stronger man than I am! I think I'd have to throw caution to the wind for 1-night only and do the chef's tasting! Whatever you choose, ENJOY! Y ou DESERVE IT!!! I can't wait for you to report back.

What sounds good to me probably doesn't sound good to you

This weekend, I'm going to Farmers Fishers Bakers, it seems somewhat like Founding Farmers (not sure if you've been to either?). That might be a couple restaurants to check out if you are interested (or suggest to work). My coworkers love that place (Founding Farmers that is).

Roasted cobia is what I would order, but the Amish chicken thigh or the Spanish mackerel look good too. That is my kind of restaurant!

I wouldn't do olives, they are high fat and calories, though I guess they are a good fat.

If not the olives I'd do the peas appetizer.

I also agree to go with the Cobia Seafood is usually safe

I'm so jealous! I've always wanted to go to a restaurant of a Top Chef. There was one when I lived in Austin but I couldn't afford the prices- it was probably an average of 50-$100 per plate!

But what are you gunna wear?

Thanks guys.

Sum...designer stubble is now in full effect. I have just picked up new glasses and had my hair done. I will wear a slim fit, light pink shirt (not hot pink like the last one), no tie this time and either grey checked or black trousers with black shoes.

I'll try on and take a pic tonight.

Yes, picture please!