Now before we go any further, let me say that I love Sticky Rice.  All the times I have waited and waited for a table, suffered through lackadaisical service, and jostled for a spot at the bar, the only thing I felt at my most recent trip to Sticky Rice was underwhelmed.

Maybe the novelty is wearing off.  Maybe it’s the post (non fatal)-stabbing-incident-and-brief-closure malaise.  But baby, it’s just not like it was!

The sushi is just as delicious, don’t get me wrong.  The monster rolls (personal faves: The Godzirra and The Snap, Crackle, Pop) keep on going long after you feel full.  The tots and PBR are just as elemental to achieving ultimate happiness as ever.  I don’t know that there’s anything missing besides that certain let’s go to that new place on H Street feel.  I know the geniuses behind the deep fried cheesecake are working on updating the menu.  Stay tuned for excitement on that front.

How can we get back what we had, Sticky Rice?  Counseling?  Should we take a break?  I really don’t know.

Let’s go back to the basics, for starters.  Sushi?  Check.  Drinks (PBR, sake, cocktails)?  Check.  Gimmick?  Check.  New and exciting crowd?  Ahhh, there’s the problem.  Maybe everyone else is feeling the malaise as well.  The energy in the diners is way down, come to think of it.  No excitement equals no energy, which equals malaise!  Ah HA!

What to do then?  I’m too sad to come up with ideas.  What do you think?