Notebook: Washington DC

  During the months before Audrey's birth, friends (most of whom had no children) all agreed: "You can throw spontaneity out the window. Dinners out? Forget it." But my wife and I had long since made a pact: We'd keep our lifestyle (with little regret in giving up 3AM bedtimes and monster hangovers). Four years later, we've held pretty true to our promise. For instance, we love to cook, and Audrey helps us out in the kitchen (she's a master at peeling garlic and mixing salads). And each month I try to take her to a new restaurant on a daddy/daughter "date." Our most recent outing: Tup Tim Thai in Sterling, VA. It's a sweet little place with a penchant for fresh; small touches in the kitchen go a long way on the plate. It started to rain while we were there, and the hostess brought Audrey one of those little paper umbrellas used in their exotic cocktails. At the end of the night Audrey gave me a hug and said "Daddy, I love shrimp." On the way home, she started singing the chorus to "Extraordinary" by Liz Phair ("I am just your ordinary average everyday sane-psycho supergoddess..."). First thought: You are such a cool 4-year-old. Second thought: Don't listen to "Exile in Guyville" til you're 22. More of my favorite Thai places:

Thai Basil (Chantilly, VA)
Arun's (Chicago)
Vong's Thai Kitchen (Chicago)
T's Thai (LA)
Pad Thai Noodle Lounge (New York)

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