Potomac Fever

Dear Readers, Happy Memorial Day Weekend. The weather here in Washington DC is slightly cool, breezy and sunny, perfect for parades and remembrances. As usual every year this time, Rolling Thunder participants have taken over the famous Highlander Motor Inn in Arlington, Virginia . Residents nearby are treated throughout the weekend, starting early Saturday morning, to the roaring sounds of the motorcycles as they travel along Fairfax Drive or Wilson Boulevard. Roll on brothers and sisters! Update: Sunday morning, 8:00am, May 25. Rumbling and roars as the cyclists form up and cruise aroung the neighborhood. About 8:45am they headed out from the Highlander with police escort, on a beautiful sunny morning.

Where do you go in New York City when you want some real French cooking and French atmosphere and French-speaking owners? Take the Holland Tunnel OUT of the city and turn left at Jersey Avenue and head into Jersey City! Or take the PATH train from Christopher Street station in Greenwich Village two stops. In a neighborhood of stately 150-year old houses, parks and small restaurants and shops you will find Madame Claude's. The couscous, a special when I was there, was delicious. The desserts are few but exquisite. Chocolate mousse, for example. On a pleasant evening with the doors and windows open, the restaurant can overcome its small size by seeming to expand onto the sidewalk, where patrons can sip a drink at an ourdoor bar while waiting for a table. The place is so small, be sure to get there early. You can make reservations, but you could get bumped if a large party shows up. They do not accept credit cards, and bring your own bottle of wine. This place is a gem! ...