During the COVID-19 pandemic some restaurants are aiming to stay afloat by offering delivery and takeout service. Among those who could use some love are several restaurants whose owners I’ve interviewed for Dining With Strangers, so please help if you can however possible.
FishScale (Washington, DC)
In October last year I interview Chef Brandon Williams and his sister Kristal about FishScale for the 125th dinner interview. They serve fantastic high quality fish burgers with interesting sides like Japanese sweet potatoes and condiments made in-house. According to their Facebook page, FishScale is open for delivery and pickup every Monday through Saturday.
Puddin’(Washington, DC)
All locations of this amazing comfort food vendor by Chef Toyin Alli are currently closed, but keep checking Puddin’s Facebook page because Toyin (the 119th interview) is reviewing the situation on a regular basis.
Mikko (Washington, DC)
Chef Mikko Kosonen, featured as the 118th interview, is not only offering delivery and takeout from his wonderful Nordic restaurant Mikko but is also offering a limited list of groceries for sale. Check out Mikko’s Twitter or Facebook page for more information.
Medium Rare (Washington, DC)
I’ve already written about the incredibly generous work that Mark Bucher, owner of steak frites restaurant Medium Rare, is doing with deliveries of free food to seniors in the District during the pandemic. Say thanks by ordering some of the best steak in DC for either carryout or delivery from Medium Rare, profiled as part of Mark’s life story in the 113th interview.
Parkway Bakery and Tavern (New Orleans)
Temporarily closed, this place is the home of perhaps the best poor boy sandwiches in the Big Easy. Owner Jay Nix was the 108th stranger featured on this site. Keep checking Facebook and Twitter to find out when they reopen.
Brigtsen’s (New Orleans)
Another iconic Crescent City restaurant, though Chef Frank Brigtsen (the 100th stranger) has temporarily closed the place. You can find out when they reopen by following their Facebook page for updates.
Nellie’s (Washington, DC)
This gay sports bar, owned by the 87th stranger Doug Schantz, has already donated more than 250 meals to the hardworking staff at DC’s Howard University Hospital. According to Nellie’s Facebook page, they’re offering some delivery and carryout including a walk-up window where you buy $2 beers.
The Musso & Frank Grill (Los Angeles)
In May 2015 I interviewed Mark Echeverria for the 75th profile on this site, discussing his career as proprietor of The Musso & Frank Grill. It’s a decades-old Hollywood landmark restaurant — and recently featured in Quentin Tarantino’s film Once Upon a Time In Hollywood. According to a March 20 note on the venue’s Facebook page, Mark believes the best way to protect the health and safety of his team is to temporarily close, although he says employees will all be paid through at least April 19.
Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza (Washington, DC)
Back in May 2009 I interviewed Mike Wilkinson and Alicia Wilkinson-Mehr for the ninth meal with strangers. They talked about opening their pizza restaurant Pete’s in DC’s Columbia Heights neighborhood. The business underwent some expansions and contractions, and it appears it now has just the one location in Friendship Heights (the Columbia Heights location was replaced by a Wawa). According to Pete’s website they are still open at their current location for both delivery and takeout.