Sette

About a year ago, we had pizza at Sette, and it was terrific. Classic New York-style pizza. The service was erratic, but the pizza more than compensated.

Last night, we went back, and things have changed. The pizza was just okay. We had two pies, and both came out of the oven too soon, with limp, undercooked crusts. The toppings were good quality, but they hadn't had time to blend.

We started with bruschetta and a salad, which were fine, but it's all about the pizza. The only real beer on the list was Sierra Nevada, and they were out of it. On the plus side, the service was good, but we won't be going back.

But fear not, Richmonders, you still have two choices for great pizza:

• Ariana's in the Museum District. We get our delivery pies from Ariana's. They're consistently good, and occasionally perfect;


• Tarrantino's, the pizzeria annex at Tarrant's Cafe, Broad and Foushee. Abundant cheese and toppings, and the crust is outstanding. You can order off the regular menu, too - try the world-class cheesecake.
  

High Gas Prices - More, More!

Years of blather about foreign oil and environmental damage did little to change the driving habits of the typical American motorist. The Prius was for Hollywood liberals; real patriots drove Hummers.

Now we know the price of change. When gas gets up around $4 a gallon, Americans start acting rationally. They stop buying monstrous trucks and SUV's. And they drive less.

The next step? Bump up the federal gas tax a dollar, and use every dime of the money to subsidize alternative energy technologies - wind, solar, electric cars.

Of course, it'll take a real leader in the White House to pull this off - someone who has the guts, and the political capital, to ram through a good-for-you tax increase. Someone who's willing to talk honestly about gas and taxes. Maybe someone who first brings the troops home, then positions the program as a JFK-style moon landing challenge...maybe.