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2009-04-04T08:57:00.002-04:00

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Back to PassionFish with a group of Nine including Kids & Elders.

2009-03-21T20:09:00.055-04:00

FOOD:

FOR KIDS:

COST:

PassionFish
11960 Democracy Dr., Reston

Tel: 703.230.FISH [3474] <--- cute isn't it?
Restaurant Website
March is a big birthday month in my extended family. My husband's grandmother turned 87 on the 17th. My father-in-law had his birthday on the 19th and even more exciting my son, Alexander, turned five on the 21st. My father-in-law cooks for most of my husband’s family birthday celebrations, so for his own we decided to go out. I was given the honor to choose where we went to dinner. This posed a logistical challenge for a number of reasons. First of all, there were nine of us. We had a wheelchair and needed easy access to the front door and dining room. We also had two small children in our party, so it needed to be as kids-friendly as possible. A lot to consider, but I had an idea! Seafood is a favorite of everyone in the family, and I had recently been to PassionFish, in Reston Town Center, for Restaurant Week. I knew that the front of the restaurant could be accessed right from the sidewalk. I knew that there was a large dining room on the main level and I could test out their self-proclaimed kids menu. With all these things being considered, PassionFish was an easy choice. I was lucky enough to score a reservation on a Friday night at our ideal time of 7 p.m., and for nine people at that. I contacted the restaurant via e-mail to ask them if they were able to accommodate our large party in the dining room on the main level. (See photo of Main Dining Room for view of the Mezzanine level above staircase). Grandma is in a wheelchair and can't go up stairs. They reassured me that they were able to accommodate our large group, including the wheel chair and high chair that we needed. When they called to confirm, I asked again, just to be doubly sure.
When we arrived at the restaurant, General Manager Michael Yarger graciously greeted us at the door. The table was ready when we arrived and we were able to be seated right away. We had a little bit of trouble re-arranging the chairs in order to fit grandma's wheelchair but the highchair was already at the table in place for us. Once we were settled into our seats our server came over to the table. I recognized Phillip right away from the last time that I dined at PassionFish. He told us that Halibut was the "Poisson du Jour" (or the Fish of the Day for the non-French speaking). My husband and I decided to split some sushi for our appetizer, so we ordered a simple California Roll with Jumbo Lump crab meat, Avocado, and Cucumber. I thought that it was okay, but I’m not nearly the sushi lover that my husband is. For the main course, I ordered the Monkfish “Osso Bucco” Amatriciana. (See picture on the right). Through some online research, I learned that "Osso Bucco" is Italian for 'hole bone'. Considered a classic dish in Milan, Italy, veal shanks are cut across the bone into slices using the bone marrow as part of the appeal of the dish. The veal is usually sprinkled with gremolata, a mixture of parsley, garlic and lemon peel, and served with risotto. PassionFish has done an excellent job recreating this Milanese classic; however, with fish. Presenting the fish "Amatriciana" with zesty pancetta and tomato sauce so named after the Italian town of Amatrice, is quite flavorful and zesty. If it were any spicier, I would not have been able to eat it. The menu description includes the "gremolata"; however, to be perfectly honest, I think it would be nearly impossible to notice a mixture of parsley, garlic and lemon peel with the pancetta as spicy as it was. The fish was served atop creamy Parmesan Polenta. I really like the polenta. It's delicious and is a better accompaniment than mashed potatoes. The Passion Hospitality Food Group doesn't have an Italian themed restaurant, but if they were to open one, I think this would be an excellent signature dish for them (but using the Veal, perhaps, as it is more traditionally Italian). My husband ordered the Whole Crispy Flounder. This has not really happened before in my experience, perhaps it's rare for PassionFish also, but my husband's meal did not come out with the rest of the main courses. His flounder arrived 5-10 minutes later. It was indeed the whole fish! It was quite spectacular (see photo to the right). I tried one bite that my husband fed to me and it contained 4 very long bones! He apologized that the bite that he gave me had so many bones in it. With that being said, I wasn't able to really get an idea of how the fish tasted. When asked, my husband said his fish was very good but was more than he needed. He mentioned that Tamarind Chili Garlic Nam Pla Prik, with his fish (served in a side dish) was very good, spicy without being over-powering. I did not try it. I don't do peppers, as I am allergic. He did not care much for the vinegar dressing that came with the Sunumona Salad.
As for the kids menu at PassionFish, I will say that my son's “Beach Bucket” of Chicken tenders and French Fries did arrive in a jaunty nautical blue & white tin bucket, just as the menu described. The chicken tenders were crispy and delicious. The fry batter was well-seasoned, yet not too salty. The fries, although sprinkled just lightly with Old Bay, were too spicy for my five year old's taste; however, he ate all three of the chicken tenders. He also enjoyed coloring on the nautical themed placemat and he occupied himself by playing with the "Wikki Sticks" that were provided to him. The server was very tolerant of the fact that we had kids. He was very patient, polite, and professional. He asked me if I wanted the kids meal to come out before the adult entrees. I told him that if we had his meal arrive beforehand that he would finish eating before we got our meals and we would be disturbed while trying to enjoy our dinners. My son's meal did come out a few minutes before every one else's meal, but not too far in advance that it was a problem. I consider PassionFish to be pretty kids-friendly, although I was surprised to discover that neither the Ladies nor the Men's room was equipped with a changing station. We were at the restaurant at least two hours. My daughter, who is one needed a diaper change, but we were unable to do so because there were no facilities to do so. This was part of my consideration but I still gave PassionFish my highest kids-friendly rating thus far: 3 pacifiers (or as my husband calls it "sucks"). I'm looking forward to returning and I will certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a family friendly restaurant with excellent food!

Taste of the Nation Washington, DC

2009-03-18T16:44:00.005-04:00

Taste of the Nation Washington DC is March 30, 2009. Dining in DC has been trying to raise money for this cause.

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation® is the nation’s premier culinary benefit dedicated ending Childhood Hunger in America. This event each spring, brings together the nation’s hottest chefs and mixologists where they donate their time, talent and passion with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger. Dining in DC is also helping to raise money for this cause.

On March 30th more than 40 Washington, DC area's finest restaurants and chefs, including James Beard award winning Chef Chair RJ Cooper, will participate in this gastronomic event, which is being held at the historic Mellon Auditorium. Complementing the evening’s haute cuisine, guests can look forward to the new Wine Bar feature as well as specialty cocktails from the city’s top mixologists and Master Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim from Las Vegas. Complete with the festive sounds of DJ Erin Myers plus fabulous live and silent auctions, this culinary celebration is sure to be a night to remember. Please Help to ensure that No kid in America grows up hungry and support Taste of the Nation DC!

Join Dining in DC on Facebook to help raise money for this event!
Click here to Join our Group!

Please Vote Today!

2009-03-14T16:06:00.002-04:00

Please Vote for Dining in DC for Best Blog in Washington's City Paper Reader's Poll!
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Dining out for Life Thursday, March 5th! Don't Miss it!

2009-03-01T20:14:00.003-05:00

This Thursday, March 5, 2009 hundreds of restaurants all over the DC area will be participating in a very important fundraiser: Dining out for Life. On March 5th, more than 150 restaurants in the Washington metropolitan area will donate a portion of their proceeds from 25-100% to Food & Friends.
Food & Friends helps people with AIDS, cancer and other life threatening illnesses by providing nutritious food delivered right to their door. In addition to providing meals, they also provide groceries and nutrition counseling. Food & Friends is the only nonprofit organization in the Washington, DC, region providing these services.
Since 1988, they have provided this service to all who need it free of charge! However, in these trying economic times, when needs are even greater than usual, their ability to provide service to all is becoming more difficult. This year they had their first ever waiting list.
Simply by dining out, you will ensure that thousands of individuals facing HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses, in the DC area will receive the daily, nutritious meals so vital to their care.
So please click on the link and take a look at the restaurants participating. Pick one and dine out so that others may get help from this great organization!
Dining Out for Life is a true expression of how a community can join forces to save the lives of their neighbors. Choose a restaurant and invite your friends today!

PassionFish - Jeff Tunks goes to Reston

2009-02-18T19:58:00.045-05:00

FOOD:

FOR KIDS:

COST:

PassionFish
11960 Democracy Dr., Reston

I have reviewed three other Passion Food Hospitality (PFH) Group restaurants before such as Ceiba, DC Coast, and Acadiana. Each restaurant has their own expertise. Ceiba is Neuvo Latina cuisine, DC Coast is local seafood, Acadiana is what the name suggests, Cajun Southern cooking. I was anxious to visit their newest sister, PassionFish in Reston, VA. The website mentions that the restaurant focuses on "Global" seafood.
The dining room decor and design resembles the other Passion Food restaurants. It's open, clean, crisp, and modern except because this space was newly built, probably just for them it is much larger than the other restaurants. I'm not sure about the exact table count. Hmm... I could look into this. This dining space like the others offer diners remarkable views of the kitchen at work. This seems to be a signature of their establishments. I loved that I could see from my table Mike Yarger, General Manager checking each plate before it goes out. The floating glass chandeliers are gorgeous and the glass staircase is remarkable(see photo to the left).
It's also the little things, the small touches that makes a restaurant it's own. PassionFish continues their central theme to the table top with flatware with fish tails and hugging Koi salt-n-pepper shakers. I took a lot more pictures, but I can't include them all here. (see photo to the right). My good longtime friend Rick and I were seated on the upper level at the top of the floating glass staircase. The view of the large dining room was quite impressive.
I was surprised and pleased to learn that the Restaurant Week menu offered all of their regular menu entrees with the exception of the lobster and there was a small surcharge. First course offerings included two kinds of Ceviche, a mixed green salad; Caesar salad; Louisiana seafood gumbo; lobster-and-roasted-butternut-squash bisque; blue-crab-and-corn chowder; Peruvian-style ceviche; Yucatan shrimp ceviche “cocktail”; and trio of nigiri with tuna, salmon, and hamachi. I was able to sample the ceviche cocktail and lobster bisque. The ceviche was a deliciously thick and chunky shrimp salsa served with tortilla chips. The server was very thoughtful and brought an extra spoon for us to share. The bisque had some lobster chunks and was deliciously creamy. I've had the bisque at other PFH restaurants. It was as good as I remembered. The portion was plentiful ... certainly enough for two persons to share. For the main course, I ordered the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Chipotle Remoulade (see photo on right). The crab cakes were pretty good; certainly not the best that I have ever had. Some bites were crunchier than others; I found a few shells, it's bound to happen. I would have also preferred to have the sauce on the side. Rick ordered the salmon colored Poached Icelandic Arctic Char. It looked exactly like salmon, coloring, texture except that it tasted like a white fish. I would have been pleased if I had ordered the Char as my entree. It is on the regular menu so I of course could order it at my next visit.
For desserts I sampled the Salted-caramel crème brulee with hazelnut biscotti and the molten chocolate cake with vanilla-malt ice cream. I don't ever order chocolate desserts so I enjoy being able to taste someone else's. Rick said that he thought the chocolate cake was the best dessert that he had ever had in his whole entire life. I didn't share his enthusiasm, but it was flavorful.
I have to mention that I was very pleased to find out that there is a substancial children's menu and at a bargain with entrees just $6 [including a drink], and desserts and sides $3 each. Kids also get an adorable Menu placemat with a number of nautical word games. Menu items include a trio of Mini Burger Sliders, a "Beach Bucket" choices of Fish, Shrimp, or Chicken and Fries which arrives in a jaunty nautical blue & white tin bucket, fish Tacos, grilled Cheese, and even PassionFish's own "Beginner Sushi Roll" which features cucumber, avocado, and fresh crabmeat that comes with soy sauce in a seashell-shaped bowl. There are a few side dishes as well. I didn't see any children in the restaurant when I was there so I don't know if kids will dig what's on the menu.

DC Restaurant Week Lunch at Vidalia

2009-02-17T21:15:00.048-05:00

FOOD:

FOR KIDS:

COST:

VIDALIA
1990 M Street, NW

On Monday afternoon my friend and former co-worker and I ventured into the city to have lunch at Vidalia. Neither of us have ever been there before, so was really looking forward to it. Vidalia has been open since Spring 1993 and has continued to receive accolades from local and national authorities, including being listed annually as one of Washington's Very Best restaurants.
In 2009, Vidalia was listed as #7 on the Very Best list earning three and a half stars out of four. Executive Chef, Jeffrey Buben has also received his own awards including Best Chef (Mid-Atlantic) from the James Beard Foundation. The decor of the inside of the restaurant is tastefully neutral. The space is open yet intimate.
Despite the fact that Vidalia ranked among the top 10 of Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurants, it still participates in DC's Restaurant Week twice a year. I was lucky enough to score a last minute change of plans reservation at this top establishment and at a prime time lunch hour at that. I was also lucky that it so happened to be a national holiday and parking near M Street was not as in demand. I don't like to pay to park in a garage, if I can help it.
Vidalia's menu for restaurant week reflected their usual menu, it's daring and adventurous. For their restaurant week lunch menu, choices for first courses included suckling pig galantine, marcho ranch veal cheek salad with sweetbread terrine and veal tongue, and crispy pig tails. I was able to try both the citrus cured madai snapper with key lime, watermelon radish with grinnel caviar, and avocado and piquillo pepper sauces and the smoked pappardelle pasta with rabbit bacon, smoked gouda, and preserved apples. The madai snapper was presented beautifully (see photo) and was served resembling the size and shape of sushi pieces. You could hardly tell the snapper was fish except that it was raw. The tiny bit of lime on the top of the snapper reminded me of wasabi. Placing citrus with fish is not unique, but it is truly a wonderful combination. The smoked pappardelle pasta was a larger portion than the snapper (see photo). With every single bite, you could taste the rabbit bacon, smoked Gouda, and apples. It had a creamy consistency and was delicious. A slightly different version of the pasta is available on the regular dinner menu, but the pricey black périgord truffle was replaced with apples. Fair enough.
For the main course, I ordered the braised Wagyu brisket served with heirloom root vegetables and potatoes in a rich beef bouillon (see photo). Most briskets that I have had have been dry, bland, and tasteless. This brisket was, however; moist, tender, flavorful, and delicious. The beef bouillon and vegetables were perfect accompaniments. I also tried the shrimp and grits which the server indicated was one of Vidalia's "signature" dishes. The brisket was a much larger portion, however; the shrimp came with three jumbo shrimp atop yellow grits with andouille sausage, pearl onions and spicy shellfish cream. The shrimp were perfectly cooked. I was glad that I was able to try something off their regular menu.
We also decided to order an additional side of baked macaroni with cave aged cheddar and smoked virginia ham with fresh shaved truffles. I am not sure if it was really worth the $8.50. The cost is probably associated with the truffles. There has been a recent trend of high end fine dining restaurants creating their own version of a comfort food, such as macaroni and cheese. I guess people like it. I thought that the macaroni and cheese was pretty good but I only had a little bit due to the probable fat content.
Speaking of fat content, for dessert I ordered the banana napoleon served with caramelized bananas with salted caramel mousse, bitter sweet chocolate layers and salted caramel sauce (see photo). The banana napoleon was beautifully presented. The banana and caramel combination was to die for. It was truly heavenly. I think the dessert could have easily come with peanut butter instead of the caramel and it would have been just as delicious. I also sampled the Georgia pecan bar served warm with bourbon caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. I think that this was the better of the two desserts nbt to mention it was a larger portion. If I ever visit Vidalia again, I am sure that I won't forget that Pecan Bar. It was sweet but not too sweet. The Georgia pecan bar is a good example of what is Southern on the menu at Vidalia.
Overall it was a superb meal. In terms of value, even though we had wine and an additional side, it was a pretty good value. To cost down on costs, diners who want to stick to the $20.09 lunch should drink water and skip the wine and additional side items offered. Also to get the bang for your buck, you could order the pasta as a first course, brisket for the main entree and the pecan bar and have a very filling meal!
I'm not sure if there is a kids-menu, but I don't think that Vidalia is very kid friendly.

Valentine's Day at Morton's

2009-02-16T16:20:00.028-05:00

FOOD:

FOR KIDS:

COST:

MORTON'S STEAKHOUSE
8075 Leesburg Pike,
Vienna, VA 22182

My husband and I decided to use our $200 gift certificate that he won from his office Holiday party for our Valentine's Day dinner celebration and go to Morton's Steakhouse. Neither of us have ever been to Morton's and the $200 was burning a hole in my husband's pocket. I realized beforehand that Morton's menu is not run by the Executive Chef per se and is a corporate menu that it won't be like going to an independent restaurant. There are many locations, including several in Northern Virginia, but we decided to go to the Tysons Corner location (8075 Leesburg Pike).We had a 7 o'clock reservation and were glad that there was a valet because we were running a few minutes late.
Once we arrived and looked to check in with the host/hostess we wished that we had not rushed. They were extremely backed up. Perhaps their computer system was down because there was "Oscar" who was frantically trying to organize his little slips of paper with everyone's reservation information on them. There were at least half a dozen other couples waiting for their 7 p.m. tables (now at 7:30 p.m.). Not to mention that many seven-thirty reservations were attempting to check in as well. It was quite chaotic.
Once we were seated our server gave us his little schpeel about the menu. I startled when he picked up the lobster off the tray and he moved! I joked that he stayed still on the tray because he knew that he was part of the presentation. Well ... I guess that you just had to be there.
The two-tops on the dining room floor were very close together. Diners were moving the table in and out to let the other in their party get by. They were pretty close.
I ordered a special champagne cocktail to celebrate. It was pretty Chit-ching! $14 I think is a lot for one drink ... they did leave the rest of the small bottle of moet champagne that was left in the bottle so I could top it off.
Most restaurants offer a bread basket, it's pretty common but at Morton's there is no question that this is the largest loaf of bread that I have ever seen. This enormous round onion topped loaf is deliciously warm on the inside and crusty all over. It's quite difficult to cut ... I made a mess! (see left; borrowed photo)
I was interested in their Jumbo Lump Crab Cake appetizer, but I decided to go with the Morton's classic combo for dinner which is sort of like a surf & turf and includes a Western Australian lobster tail and an 8 ounce filet mignon. It comes with a cesar side salad, but Ben and I decided to "swap" salads and he would order the wedge and I would give him my cesar. It would have worked out except that the server brought out the cesar salad and Ben's oysters on the half shell at the same time. I nibbled on the salad but wanted to wait for the wedge. Apparently, this center cut iceberg wedge salad is their most popular salads. It comes with egg, bacon bits, diced tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing. (see photo on the right; courtesy of Morton's). Since I have dieting I have been really watching my fat intake. This salad is pure fat. I decided to order it despite that and justify by saying that it's a special ocassion. I was very disappointed. The center cut didn't appeal to me at all. The wedge had too much dressing and tasted mostly like egg. I simply could not eat it.
I ordered my filet medium plus which is just a tad less rare than medium and less done than medium well. The filet was over cooked on the outside, it was too charred for my taste and I think that even for medium plus, it was closer to medium rare. Ben agreed that it was too pink for my taste. I didn't send it back because I was filling up anyways and decided that I could reheat it at home without drying it out. The filet was served with jumbo asperagus with Bernaise sauce on the side. The lobster tail was delicious ... perfectly cooked and quite tasty. I used just a splash of lemon juice and a dash of melted butter. I wish I had more lobster than filet. I would have been more satisfied with my meal. Ben ordered the NY Strip. I had a piece of his steak. I honestly couldn't tell the difference from the piece he cut off his steak and my filet.
I had their house apple pie for desert which was delicious and I liked that it was served a la mode.
In terms of value, there is no question that our meal was not worth the $290 that we spent. We used the $200 gift certificate so we didn't use but about $100 of our own money. My husband remarked that if we had to spend our own money that he'd be angry. I pity all the other couples who were there that did.
I noticed that there were children that were there before we sat but I wouldn't really call this place, "kid-friendly". I give Morton's a "one pacifer".

Restaurant Week and Extentions List

2009-02-15T14:24:00.005-05:00

Restaurant Week officially starts Monday.
I'm looking forward to my week at various DC area restaurants. Monday I have lunch at Farrah Olivia - one of my favorite spots and is of course one of the Washingtonian's Very Best 100 Restaurants.
I've been able to find out the RW menu for Farrah Olivia. It is as follows, with the standard Lunch 3 courses prix-fixe for $20.09
First Course:
Painted soup (smoky chestnut, gingery squash, beet cider)
Organic green salad
White grit cake (cinnamon cider squash, candied red cabbage)
Second Course:
Tarragon gnudi (with arugula salad)
Pan roasted chicken (pecan crusted with mushroom mac and cheese)
Arctic char (with yucca couscous)
Dessert:
Almond panna cotta
Chocolate espresso cheesecake
Vanilla crème brulee

Tuesday dinner I will venture out to Reston
to Passionfish. PassionFish is the newest restaurant of Passion Food Hospitality, whose owners, Chef Jeff Tunks, Gus Dimillo, and David Wizenberg. I am of course very familiar with their work since I have visited DC Coast, Acadiana, and Ceiba. I don't believe that I have ever been to TenPenh. Here is a copy of the Restaurant Week Menu with their offerings for lunch and dinner.

I might try to schedule a visit to Dino on Sunday. I got a newsletter type email from the Chef, Dean Gold. He said that Dino has some availability for Wednesday and Sunday, and decent avaiability on Tuesday. I noticed that according to opentable.com that they have a lot of dinner reservations such as 5 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 5:45 p.m., etc. Also that Thursday, Friday and Saturday are pretty tight already except for early and late time slots. I thought that it was interesting to find out that Dino plans to open for dinner service 30 minutes early February 16 thru March 22 to accomodate as many as possible! They are also extending restaurant week another full week thru March 1. They said that they offer "restaurant week" every week, they are adding a crostini trio to patrons meals for this week (there will be no free corkage or menu della sera thru March 1).

Other Restaurants who are extending their Restaurant Week Promotions:
1789 (1 additional week)
701 (1 additional week)
Adour (1 week)
Ardeo (1 week)
BlackSalt (Entire month of February)
Bombay Club (1 week)
Cafe Atlantico (1 week)
Cafe Bonaparte (Extending until March 8th)
Circle Bistro (1 week)
Dino (Extending until March 1st)
Domaso (1 week)
Farrah Olivia (Entire month of February)
Hook (1 week)
Il Mulino (Entire month of February)
Jackson 20 (1 week)
Jaleo - all locations (1 week)
La Tomate (1 week)
Nage (Extending until March 1st)
New Heights (2 weeks)
Oval Room (1 week)
Overwood (1 week)
Oyamel (1 week)
Perry's (1 week)
Petit Plats (Entire month of February)
Prime Rib (1 week)
PS7's (1 week)
Rasika (1 week)
Urbana (1 week)
Vermillion (1 week)
Willow (1 week)
Zaytinya (1 week)

Valentines' Day Guides and Tips

2009-02-06T09:02:00.003-05:00

Valentine's Day is coming up next week!
There have been an influx of critics providing suggestions for this day.
Northern VA magazine online has an excellent Valentine's Day Restaurant Guide for both singles and/or mixed groups and couples for those who wish to dine out on the big V-day.
The Washingtonian Magazine has also published some helpful tips.
* Girls Only Valentine's Day
*Couples guide to Tables for Two in DC

*Activities to Do on the big V-day
*Valentine's day for "Art Lovers"

I hope that these resources are helpful!

This week: Atlanta's Aria

2009-01-28T14:52:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow is my birthday! Yes. I turn ... um 30, again! This year is a special birthday because I am spending it with two of my closest oldest friends, Allie and Rachel. Allie and I are flying tomorrow afternoon to Atlanta to visit with our friend from grade school, Rachel.
Of course, since it's my birthday, Rachel said that I could pick the restaurant that we go to for my birthday dinner. After doing a little bit of research, I decided to book a dinner reservation at Aria.
Aria opened its doors in Spring 2000 in one of the hippest hottest trendiest places in town, Buckhead. Buckhead has become a place be seen since it is frequented by a lot of young professionals. Chef and restaurateur Gerry Klaskala has received plenty of attention as Aria was named one of the country's best restaurants in 2000 by Esquire magazine and tops local lists for best restaurant, best chocolate desserts, best food and wine pairings and most romantic. The ambiance of the restaurant so I have heard is intimate and romantic. I'm very excited to visit this restaurant on Thursday. I have also read quite a bit about chef Klaskala's version of "slow food"-- those braised, roasted, stewed and patiently simmered meats so savory they are creating headlines. This is no surprise ... Chef Klaskala graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America.

New Indicator Rating - TBD

2009-01-27T15:50:00.011-05:00

So I've decided that I need to come up with my own type of rating or indictator.
Tom Sietsema from the Washington Post uses stars (four is the highest) to rate primarily the quality and taste of the food but also takes into account service and ambiance. He introduced a noise level indicator in April 2008 where he checks the decibels of each place he visits and he reports on the din level. Apparently, he thinks people are interested in this. I'm not sure what Todd Kliman of the Washingtonian has. Well he ranks them from 1 to 100 ... and healso uses a four star rating system, plus he rates them according to price (from c to $$$), and also rates the service from adequate to supremely attentive.
So what shall mine be?
Should I have a kid-friendly scale?
Something like this?
I also want to report categories such as atmosphere (5), service (5), value/bargain (5), food (5), and more!
Stars are used by most reviewers for food. Most people recognize it and now what it means. 4 stars usually means excellent, 3 very good, 2 good, 1 satisfactory.

Extra Virgin - Italian

2009-01-27T13:22:00.029-05:00

Extra Virgin Modern Italian Restaurant
4053 Campbell Ave.
Arlington, VA
website

(Not Kid-friendly)

(3 stars = Food, Very Good)

($$ = Expensive or >$50 per person)

Sunday evening my family met at Extra Virgin, Modern Italian Restaurant in Shirlington, located at 4053 Campbell Ave. Shirlington is a developing area due to the new Harris Teeter and is gaining popularity due to the new Busboys & Poets cafe. It is still quite difficult to get close parking. There is a garage, but most people I don't think like the walk to the shopping area. No one in my family has been there before except me. I have been to Extra Virgin before for lunch a few months ago when it was still warm enough to sit outside. They have a nice outdoor seating area in front. Inside, the dining room is modern, colorful, and the dining room is quite large, however you can't tell unless you get up and walk around. The restaurant is partitioned off into several small dining areas. Many tables are situated next to windows, which creates an intimate and cozy feel. and I like that the tables aren't on top of each other. We sat right in front of the large revolving door, yet it was not cold. I was worried that we were going to be cold while sitting so close to the front door. The winter menu provides a lot of excellent choices, however, I was very disappointed that there was no kids menu. It's not very kid-friendly establishment.
I ordered the pan seared Rainbow Trout with roasted almonds, served wit mashed potatoes and grilled zucchini and eggplant. The trout was delicious, cooked perfectly and was a nice size portion. The mashed potatoes were fluffy and very good. I tried the Veal Ravioli but did not care for it at all. It tasted like rancid meat. It tasted musty and had an awful aftertaste. I also tried the homemade ribbon pasta with asparagus, and shrimp in a cream sauce. I liked this so much I would consider ordering as my entree when I return. What was most memorable besides the trout was the Insalata della case which is heart of romaine and spinach salad with gorgonzola cheese, kalamata olives, red onion, diced tomato, and raisins. It was absolutely delicious and it really could stand alone as a entree salad.
Everyone enjoyed their meal, perhaps we shall return.
The service was pretty good however it became quite confusing right after we sat down and while we were waiting for other members of our party to arrive. At least four different people came over to the table to talk to us... all of them saying that they would be "taking care of us".
The restaurant advertises that there is live music nightly, but I don't think it is on Sundays. There wasn't anyone performing when we were there.

Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant List 2009

2009-01-24T15:41:00.020-05:00

The Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurants Issue is out! This is the first year that I can remember that it has come out in February. The Inauguration apparently was a big enough event this year in Washington to take over the most anticipated issue of the Washingtonian, The 100 Very Best Restaurants Issue. If I knew then what I know now, I would have been proding Todd Kliman a lot more about the list.
There have been some huge changes in my opinion.
First and foremost, the fact that Michel Richard's Citronelle (Pictured Michel Richard)
has slipped to number two is a really big deal. Not only is Michel Richard one of the world's best chef's, but he's been in the restuarant business longer than Johnny Monis of Komi has been alive! Although ranking the restaurants from 1 to 100 is relatively new practice (since 2007), Citronelle has remained in the number one spot ever since they began ranking them in 2007. Also, I will mention that in 2007, Komi was #10. If you can recall from last year's blog about the 100 Very Best list for 2008, I remarked about how amazing it is to move from #10 to #3. (Komi dining room) Well ... I find it even more remarkable that Komi knocked out Citronelle and has taken the number one spot. Executive Chef, Johnny Monis has achieved several of the highest possible honors of culinary arts in half of the amount of time of other chefs. I've heard through the grapevine that the reason Citronelle was ousted from #1 is due to their lack of superb service. Apparently they have slipped in this regard.
Also, CityZen lost two spots in their ranking. They went from #2 in 2008 to #4. In 2007, they were ranked #3. It's still a very high accolade, regardless, but still I have noticed that the top 5 usually remain within a few top restaurants. Komi really snuck in ... and took over. (Pictured on the left: CityZen dining room) It's on my list of things to do is to try Executive Chef, Eric Ziebold's three-course, $50 prix-fix bar menu.
Maestro (Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner) which was #2 in 2007 lost their Executive Chef, Fabio Trabocchi in July 2007 and temporarily closed so was removed from the list in 2008 all together.
Jose Andres has gotten much play lately due to Anthony Bordain's No Reservations show featuring DC area restaurants. He said on the show that he thought Minibar, the six-seat restaurant within Cafe Atlantico was one of the best restaurants in the world. In 2009, Minibar was ranked #3 which is a two spot improvement in 2008 from #5.
Cathal Armstrong's Restaurant Eve makes the top ten again this year, which is not at all surprising. Last year in 2008, the restaurant was ranked #4. This year, it slips down two notches to #6. My favorite thing about Restaurant Eve is the lickety-split 3-course lunch menu at the bar for only $13.50! I've been for lunch a few times. I enjoy every morsel, but caution those who don't eat ham, pork, or bacon. There are a lot of course with pork as an option.
Vidalia ranked #7 this year which is a slight improvement from last year's #8. They still got three and a half stars, so no change there. Just two years ago, in 2007, Vidalia was below the top ten at #11. The reviews over the years don't provide an inkling of why the restaurant would be viewed as improving in one thing or another. Perhaps they improved in Cuisine or Service ... but you wouldn't be able to tell by Todd's write up. Perhaps it's a question for me to include when I participate in his Tuesday afternoon chats online.
Inn at Little Washington ranked #8, Oval Room #9, and The Source #10. (Inside of The Source dining room pictured) The Source is kind of a big deal. The Source is the first fine dining restaurant in the nation’s capital headlined by world famous Chef, Wolfgang Puck. The Source is the recipient of many awards and accolades including "2008 New Restaurant of the Year" Award from the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington and "2008 Restaurant of the Year" from DC Magazine. The three-level restaurant is the signature dining experience at the Newseum.

My Picks for Restaurant Week

2009-01-23T15:13:00.015-05:00

So I have made a couple of reservations for restaurant week. One for lunch and two for dinner, so far ... Thank goodness for my very patient husband!
I made a lunch reservation at one of my favorite places in Old Town, Alexandria, Morou's Farrah Olivia. I think Morou is extremely talented and I always enjoy every morsel. I have been at least twice for dinner before, not during restaurant week and at least once for lunch. (Click on Labels to see past reviews). At Farrah Olivia is where I learned about quinoa for the very first time. I think it was exquisite and it was then that I decided that Morou was impressive. Farrah Olivia has made the Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant List since it's opened. In 2008, it was #22; in 2009 (just released) it is #19. So it moved up 3 spots ... I think it deserves to be in the top ten!

I have made a dinner reservation at Jackson 20 which is also in Old Town, Alexandria in the new Kimpton Hotel Monaco on King Street. I have heard very good things about this new restaurant, who will be celebrating their first birthday celebration one day after my birthday on January 30th. According to their website, it is named after former President Andrew Jackson. Did anyone see the Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central last night? Well there was a special guest author of a new book about President Andrew Jackson called American Lion. Also, I can recall it being a Washingtonian's Readers Choice for Best New Restaurant. I am a firm believer that the customer is always right. I read in the Washington Times, that Executive Chef Jeff Armstrong comes to Alexandria from Texas and California, and much of his youth was spent on his family's farm in North Carolina. I've seen pictures of the huge bronze pig at the entrance, now it all makes sense. His American upbringing has a great deal of influence on his cooking style which is mostly American with a Southern inspiration. The dining room is crisp, clean and has a contemporary Colonial style restaurant and bar that captures the simple, classic charm of the Jackson period.

I am mostly excited about my dinner reservation to Cafe Atlantico. I have always known that Cafe Atlantico has been on the Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant List. In 2008, they were #5. Executive Chef, José Andrés is well-known for its innovative Nuevo Latino cuisine and the cafe and minibar has an award winning wine list. Did anyone watch No Reservations last week with Anthony Bordain? The chef, José Andrés was hilarious! I laughed out loud! He's truly a vibrant soul. I had such a good time watching José Andrés that I decided that I simply MUST go! Restaurant week is a perfect time to do just that!
Be sure to check back before, during, and after Restaurant Week for updates and reviews. I will try to post as soon as I can following my meal!

Restaurant Week Dates Just Announced!

2009-01-23T15:11:00.001-05:00

DC restaurant week is Monday, Feb. 16 to Sunday, Feb. 22.

Gourmet Prix-Fixe Menus
$20.09 Lunches & $35.09 Dinners

Enjoy special three-course, prix-fixe meals at participating restaurants. See list below for participating restaurants and their meal participation. Prices are per person and do not include beverage, tax or gratuity.

See link to certain DC area Opentable restaurants who are participating.
http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=9&ref=299&pid=68

Do NOT wait to book your reservations!
It fills up VERY fast!
Good luck and Bon appetite!
Be sure to come back and share with us about your meals!

Dining in DC on Facebook

2009-01-19T23:08:00.002-05:00

This week, Dining in DC (blog) has also become a "Group" on Facebook!
It's quite exciting! In the first few days, the group has grown to over 55 members.
Thanks to everyone for your support!

Pho 75

2009-01-17T12:28:00.007-05:00

Last night a friend of mine, Justin Trawick, organized a get-to-gether with friends at Pho 75 in Arlington. It's located at 1721 Wilson Blvd in Arlington. It's right next door to the new Ray's Hell Burger, which I am dying to try also. I've been dieting and really trying to watch what I have been eating. I looked up on the internet the calories and fat of Pho. It doesn't seem to be too terribly high, but I definitely know that it depends on the cuts of meat that you order as "toppings" in your Pho.
A quick glance online before I left work about this place told me that it's not fancy and that's cafeteria-like, but that the Pho at Pho 75 is one of the best in the DC area. Since I have never tried Pho before (pronounced FUH - not FOE), I was pretty excited and since our friend Ben was going to be there, I knew that I was going to be dining with a Pho expert.

The write-ups about the establishment was right on the money. It was not fancy, or cozy, nor quaint. It did feel almost like a cafeteria. There were five or six rows of long tables that could be shared by diners. Dark chairs lined the tables. Sitting atop of the tables were reusable chopsticks and soup spoons, along with hot and spicy sauce and plum sauce.

It took a little while to get the server to come over to us to take our order, but once we ordered, the soup came in minutes! Very fast! I ordered the #12 with eye-round and well-done beef brisket. The Pho Soup consists of beeth broth, very thin slices of beef that you can almost see through, onions, long thin white rice noodles, and cilantro. Separately on a small plate, you are given sprigs of fresh basil, bean sprouts, slices of fresh jalapenos, and slices of lime. This allows each person to season their serving to taste. The menu offered several different cuts of meat. Some other possible "toppings" were soft tendon, flank, bible tripe, some fatty cuts, and brisket. Fattier cuts of meat does effect the nutritional value of the meal as some of the fattier meats tend to have a higher fat content. Apparently, as I learned from Ben, it is common to add a hearty helping of hot sauce to the dish as the soup is somewhat bland without condiments, however; I added very little of the hot sauce.

I really liked the Pho very much. I think it was delicious. I definitely plan to try more Pho, especially a variety of meats. Pho really is quite a bargain. The restaurant's walls were adorned with dozens of Washingtonian's Best Bargain Awards. Apparently, it has won Best Bargain awards for the last several years.

On that note, Pho would be a great meal for starving musicians, artists, college students, DC interns, and those struke so hard by today's tough economy. Since it's right in Clarendon along Wilson Blvd., it's metro accessible. Anyone could enjoy some of DC's best Pho for Cheap!

Evening Star Cafe for New Year's Eve

2009-01-08T10:29:00.008-05:00

The Evening Star Cafe which is nestled into the quaint Del Ray area of Alexandria had a very special prix fixe menu of four courses for New Year's Eve Dinner.
The restaurant is located at 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue and in addition to the dining room there is a lounge and and upstairs bar where local artists like my favorite, Justin Trawick often plays.

The Executive Chef, Will Atley, who is a personal friend of mine had a lot to do with why we chose to dine there for the evening. It was also conveniently close to the new Gaylord Resort at the National Harbour where were were attending our New Year's Gala. However, I will never make that reference again ... Our dinner was one of the best I have ever had. I think I enjoyed it more than CityZen!
Yes, I was a bit spoiled that evening by Will. When we told our server that because there was two individuals in the party and there was four courses, that we would like one of each course and that we would share. Well I guess when Will got wind of this, he decided to give us each our own portion of every course. To say the least, We were delighted by every course, including the amuse bouche that Will brought out personally that was a lobster stuffed mini biscuit, as he described it. For the first course, we each had our own portions of the duck carpaccio and the lobster risotto. The risotto was served atop a quarter lobster which was perfectly cooked and the risotto had a deliciously rich texture. I have never prepared risotto and I don't think I've ever ordered it at other restaurants, so I don't have much experience to judge the risotto, but it was delicious and the texture seemed perfect. The duck which was cut into thin slices was served atop mixed field greens, sweet walnuts, and red onions and was perfectly paired with the vinaigrette. As my husband told the Chef, he thought the duck was not gamey tasting at all, which he said was very good. The spinach gnocchi with the tomato puree was soft and flavorful, however, it was not my favorite of the four courses. My favorite course was the butternut squash stuffed ravioli. I told Will that I don't particularly care for ricotta cheese, but that I thought that the ravioli was divine! I hope that it becomes an addition to the regular autumn menu. My main course was the beef tenderloin which was succulent and juicy. It was served atop mashed potatoes and mushrooms. Ben ordered the trout which I thought was amazing. It was creamy and had lemons and capers. I would definitely order that again if it was featured on the regular menu. There were two desserts. One was a chocolate mousse cake, which I didn't try too much of, since I'm not a huge chocolate lover and the other was a mango fruit tart. Very rich but delicious! Our entire meal was heavenly! The cost of the four course prix fixe menu was only $60 per person or $85 if you had wine pairings with each course. What a bargain! The meal was one of my best yet and for a very reasonable price, especially since it was a special occasion. Kudos to the very talented chef! We are excited to come back again!

Correction: Restaurant week pushed until February 2009

2009-01-05T14:40:00.001-05:00

I just found out that DC's Winter Restaurant Week will NOT be in January this year, like it normally is. The dates have not been released as of yet, however we know that it is being post-poned until February.
Source: www.washington.org

Winter Restaurant Week dates Announced!

2009-01-02T13:16:00.000-05:00

Yes! Yes! Yes! The dates for the Winter DC Restaurant Week have been announced! DC is going to be the most happening city in the world the week of January 12, 2009 - January 18, 2009! It's Inauguration week! Thousands of people will be in the city preparing to welcome and Celebrate the Inauguration of our 44th president into office. Marketing folks have earned their money this year already by planning to have restuarant week be the week before the big event. Very clever!
Here is Opentable's list of restuarants for Inauguration Week.

Mais Oui, Brasserie Beck!

2008-12-31T10:37:00.001-05:00

For Ben and I's 5 year wedding anniversary, we canceled the reservation to Citronelle and decided to go to Brasserie Beck instead.

Located at 1101 K Street, NW Executive Chef/Owner Robert Wiedmaier of Marcel's has opened a less formal, more casual, contemporary restaurant named after his younger son, Beck. The dining room features an open steel and glass kitchen visible from three sides, set across from a unique family-style chef's table, dramatic 22-foot ceilings and a raw bar located at the end of a grand marble and walnut bar featuring an array of Belgian beers on tap to compliment his French Belgian fare. I found the tables to be a bit close together. It makes it rather uncomfortable to have an intimate dinner with your significant other. Conversation is forced to be on the DL. The din was mostly acceptable. I have heard of others complaining about the din, but I did not find it to be terribly loud or boisterous. I think it was because we were tucked in a nook outside of the open main dining area. I spent most of my evening starring at the large clocks on the wall above. They reminded me of the clocks that are in European train stations. It brought back some memories ...
Of course, I have to mention that Washingtonian Magazine named Brasserie Beck #36 on it's Very Best Restaurant List
Service was mostly good; however, on several occasions, we found ourselves looking around for our server when we needed something. Our server pointed out on more than one occasion that we should take our time, relax, enjoy ourselves and leave everything to him. I think it was wonderful!
Another perk, I found the bread basket to be enticingly plentiful. The server was very gracious when we asked for more bread. This has not always been the case at other establishments. I shall not name them here. It's hard to resist the bread due to the fact that it's deliciously warm, perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It was an exceptional baguette.
I was also very pleased by the charcuterie plate. There was a rabbit pate, We also ordered a side of the "Belgium frites". Who are we kidding, really? They were french fries. The frites were accompanied by 3 dipping sauces (traditional mayo, spicy which was a nice extra touch.
Ben ordered the raised rabbit with a sauce of its own juices fortified with kriek (cherry) beer and I ordered the trout. The portions were plentiful. I really enjoyed this place, I plan to return!

Free Food (or close to it) in the DC area

2008-11-10T20:59:00.001-05:00

I have done some research recently for a friend (you know who you are) and I decided that a compiled list from multiple sources, could be very handy for some. So here it is...

Capitol Hill
1. Hawk and Dove
The way to an intern's heart is through free food. The Hawk and Dove is the free-nosh capital of Capitol Hill, with a daily spread of complimentary snacks between 4 and 7. On Monday, it's grilled cheese. On Friday, there's a taco bar. In between, you'll find wings, popcorn shrimp and other bar treats. Wash them down with $2 domestic drafts, $2.50 rail drinks or the $3.50 pint of the night, which is usually something better than Coors Light.

2. Tortilla Coast located: 400 1st Street, SE
Popular with Republican staffers and just steps from the Capitol South Metro station, Tortilla Coast's large bar area is usually more crowded than tables in the restaurant. Beer specials rotate nightly -- $2.75 Dos Equis on Monday, $3.25 Mexican beers on Thursday -- but the key is that all deals run from 5 until close, which is perfect for nights when you're not ready to go home at 7 p.m. or times when you're stuck in the office later than usual. Early in the week, there are savings on both Tex-Mex food and beer: 50-cent tacos washed down with $2.75 Bud on Tuesday, 10-cent wings paired with $2.75 Miller Lite on Wednesday. Saturday's combination night offers all the week's deals during one overheated happy hour.

3. The Pour House location: 319 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
The Pour House is a flatscreen-filled sports bar is a destination for the Hill's kickballers, softball teams and bocce players. Daily deals include $5 appetizers and $3 beers from 4 to 7, but all-night specials offer reasons to hang out longer. On Thursday, for example, Budweiser and Bud Light bottles are $1 from 4 to 6 and $2 after; Wednesday is $5 burger night (with $12 margarita pitchers); and Friday's happy hour is extended until 9.

4. Union Pub Formally, The Red River Grill, located at 201 Massachusetts Ave NE
Settle onto the covered patio with your friends and hang out for a few hours, because if there's a bar on the Hill with more drink specials than Union Pub, I've yet to stumble across it. The key is that every day is markedly different. Wacky Wednesday has been a mainstay for years, with $1.50 Budweiser and Bud Light bottles and $5 Gold Margaritas offered all night. On Freaky Friday, the deals switch every few hours, so keep an eye on your watch: Rail drinks are $2.50 from 5 to 7, frozen cocktails are $5 from 5 to 8, pitchers of house ale are $10 from 7 on, fruity Orange Whip cocktails are $4 after 8, rail drinks are $3.50 from 9 until midnight, and the house sangria is $6 a glass from 5 p.m. until it runs out.

5. My Brother's Place 237 2nd St NW, Washington, DC
Forget the weekday grind -- My Brother's Place really revs up on weekends. The divey bar begins hopping on Friday nights with beat-the-clock specials: domestic drafts cost 75 cents at 4 p.m. and prices rise 25 cents an hour until 9, which sets the mood for a night of dancing to a DJ. Saturday kicks off with a Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament from 4 to 9, but the big deal is the $15 all-you-can-drink draft beer from 9 to 1. (Rail drinks are included for the first hour.) There's plenty more where that came from: Ladies get $1 drinks on Monday from 9 to 11, and Thursday's College Night means $2.50 domestic beers from 8 to close.

Dupont Circle

6. Lucky Bar (South Dupont) 1221 Connecticut Ave NW # 1221
Anywhere else, a weekday happy hour that runs from 3 to 8 would be extraordinary, with drafts starting at $2.50 and rail drinks for a buck more. At Lucky Bar, though, it's overshadowed by the legendary "Do the Deuce" Thursday night, where Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Select and basic rail drinks like vodka-and-tonic are $2 from 3 until close. Bike messengers rub shoulders with interns, and young professionals in office attire get down with hipsters on the dance floor. On Monday nights there are salsa lessons, Tuesday and Wednesday, there are food specials -- half-price burgers and 25-cent wings -- paired with $3 pints of Yuengling.

7. The Front Page (South Dupont) 1333 New Hampshire Ave
It's pretty much a given that D.C. interns will hit the Front Page at least one Thursday this summer: The lure of $2 Coronas, $3 margaritas and a $1-per-plate taco bar is just too much to resist. The drink specials begin at 5 and run all night; tacos are available from 5 to 7. This joint has been voted one of the best happy hours in the city!

8. The Fox & Hounds (South Dupont) 1537 17th St NW
The patio at the Fox & Hounds is the best people-watching spot in Dupont Circle, so arrive early if you want a seat. Still, with some of the strongest drinks in D.C. offered for $3.59 every weekday between 4:30 and 6:30, you won't complain too much about being stuck inside; here, the bartenders' idea of a gin and tonic is a glass full of gin served with a mini-bottle of tonic on the side. Want something with lower octane? Bud, Bud Light, Yuengling and Miller Lite are $3.50 each.

Downtown

9. Recessions
Hidden in a hotel basement -- you have to pass conference rooms on your way to the bar -- Recessions makes up for its lack of atmosphere with some of the best drink prices in town. From 5 to 8, oversized "King Kong" drafts, served in frosty 32-ounce mugs, are $3, as are the strong rail drinks. Appetizer plates are $3 each; the kitchen specializes in deep-fried snacks like onion rings, mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders.

10. Porter's Dining Saloon
With plenty of bars around 19th and M to lure the after-work crowd -- Rumors, Madhatter, Sign of the Whale -- I'm more likely to head for Porter's Dining Saloon, a three-story pub with $2 Miller Lites and $3 rail drinks from 4 to 7 on weekdays. Not wildly different from its neighbors, I know, but the walled patio is comfortable, and happy hour keeps going well after some of the neighbors: all-night specials at Porter's include $3 Miller Lites until close on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and $3 Coronas on Wednesday.

11. Chef Geoff's
Happy Hour brings $5 burgers, $8 personal pizzas and $7.95 draft beers -- but that's not just any beer, it's a 34-ounce supermug. Offered all day on Monday and Tuesday and from 3 to 7 the rest of the week, it's a beacon for office workers and American University students. (As great as happy hour is, don't overlook the prix-fixe Sunset Special: a three-course dinner for less than $20, offered between 4 and 6:30.)

12. Cafe Asia
Famous for its bargain-basement sushi happy hour -- $1-a-piece nigiri, $2 Kirin drafts, discounted maki rolls -- Cafe Asia's small, L-shaped bar area quickly becomes packed. Its saving grace is that it runs until 7:30, so stragglers can often find a seat. (If you sit in the more spacious and modern dining room, the specials don't apply.) These deals are also offered at the Cafe Asia in Rosslyn.

13. Restaurant K
If your date (or your older co-workers) won't be impressed by how many $2 beers and rail liquor shots you can slam back, take them to Restaurant K, where you won't have to spend too much to enjoy happy hour. Yuengling drafts for $4.95 are not a deal by any stretch of the imagination, but the delicious house-infused cocktails -- think grapefruit or prickly pear tequila, pineapple or pair vodka -- are $5.95 between 3 and 7, along with a rotating selection of red and white wines. All items on the bar menu have a few bucks knocked off, too: A black angus burger is $5.95, as is a a bubbling bowl of queso fundido for sharing, but the best are bite-sized beef hot dog pieces, fried in jalapeno batter and served with dipping mustard for $3.95.

Penn Quarter

14. La Tasca
The bar at the Spanish restaurant turns into a fiesta at happy hour with specials on sangria ($3.50 a glass, $15 a pitcher), wine ($3.50 a glass, $15 a bottle), draft beer ($3.50 for any of the 10 taps), and margaritas ($5 a glass, $14 for a sampler flight). A selection of tapas, including fried eggplant, Spanish meatballs and calamari -- are $2.50 a plate. On Friday, there's free paella.

U Street

15. Nellie's Sports Bar
Though it's been billed as D.C.'s first gay sports bar, Nellie's draws a remarkable neighborhood mix: black and white, straight and gay, casual and sharply dressed. There are numerous TVs and a large rooftop deck. Happy hour at Nellie's runs on a beat-the-clock system: $1 Miller Lite, house beers and rail drinks from 5 to 6, with prices increasing $1 per hour until 8. At that point, it's better to just order the ongoing summer special: an iced-down bucket of five beers (Michelob Ultra, Budweiser or Bud Light) for $11.95.

16. Polly's Cafe
One of the coziest, friendliest spots on U Street is this tiny cash-only restaurant and bar. Happy hour, offered on weekdays between 4 and 7, is kinder to your wallet than most of its neighbors: Your four choices, all priced at $2, are Budweiser drafts, Miller Lite bottles, PBR cans or any rail drink. With the money you save on booze, you can afford to slip another buck into the jukebox.

Foggy Bottom

17. McFadden's
From Guitar Hero competitions to mechanical bull riding to "Trailer Park Tuesdays," there's always something going on at McFadden's, a crowded two-level pub-with-a-dance floor, and it usually involves getting liquored up on the cheap. Tuesday, for example: $2 drinks from 4 to 7, $1 drinks from 7 to 9 if you have a college ID, $1 domestic beers and $5 Jager bombs from 8 to close, and $1 taco plates from 9 to 11. Thursday also has $2 drinks until 7, an optional $10 open bar from 6 to 8, $2 Coronas from 8 to close and $3 Captain Morgan drinks and $4 Jose Cuervo shots from 8 to midnight. Get the picture?

18. Tonic at Quigley's Pharmacy
Tonic's business has grown by leaps and bounds since it landed a liquor license in January, and really, how could it not? Located on the campus of George Washington University, the three-level bar has become a favorite of students and nearby office workers. From 5 to 7 on weekdays, the bar offers 50-cent wings (the best in the neighborhood) and half-price beers, so you'll pay $2.25 for a pint of Yuengling or Red Hook or $3 for Guinness or Hoegaarden.

Bethesda

19. Caddies on Cordell
The two-level outdoor space at Caddies is as impressive as the golf memorabilia covering the walls inside. Golden Tee is big, of course, but so are the happy hour deals. Miller Lite, Yuengling and Budweiser are $2 on Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 7, domestic beers are $2 or $3 on Wednesday -- both at happy hour and at the DJ-fueled '80s night, which begins at 8 -- and buckets of beer are $10 (domestic) and $15 (import) on Thursdays.

20. Rock Bottom Brewery
Rock Bottom brewer Geoff Lively has racked up some impressive awards during his tenure in Bethesda, including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival for his Raccoon Red. Find out why on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday when the bar runs its popular Happy Hour and a Half with $1.50 pints of its house-made beers from 5:30 to 7. On Wednesday and Sunday, purchase a special logoed pint glass for $4.95 (which includes the first beer) and get $2 refills for the rest of your visit. Check their website to See Multiple locations, such as Ballston Mall in Arlington, VA.

Arlington

21. Caribbean Breeze
The best thing about happy hour at this lively Ballston restaurant isn't the $2.99 Mexican beers, the $2.99 empanadas, quesadillas, wings or other appetizers, or that the neighborhood's tastiest mojitos are $5. It's that servers are willing to give you happy hour prices if you sit on the lovely shaded patio instead of at the attractive cherry bar.

22. Rock Bottom Brewery
On Wednesdays, the line to get into Rock Bottom Brewery winds through Ballston Common Mall, past the flower shop, the vitamin store -- almost to Starbucks. You may have to wait 30 minutes to get in if you arrive after 6. Why? $1.50 house-brewed beers from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Great deal and lively scene. Other highlights include $2.50 pints on Monday between 4 and 9, and the "buy a glass, drink cheap beer" promotion on Friday: Purchase a 23-ounce glass with a Rock Bottom logo on it for $5.95 (including the first beer) and refills are $3 until 9, and $4 after.

23. The Front Page
Located just across the street from Rock Bottom, the Front Page's extended happy hour (4 to 9 p.m.) includes $1 Miller High Life drafts, $2 Budweiser and Miller Lite drafts, $2.50 Sam Adams beers, $2.75 rail drinks and $3.50 glasses of wine, plus half-price appetizers. On Wednesday, burgers are half price, and on Thursday, there's a free taco bar from 5 to 7.

24. Whitlow's on Wilson
Offering one of the longest and latest happy hours in Clarendon, all draft beers at Whitlow's are $2.50 between 4 and 8, Tuesday through Friday. On Wednesday, glasses of wine are half-price from 4 to 9. Thursday is mug night: Buy a $5 mug and refills of draft beer are $1.50. Don't forget that Monday nights are burger nights!

25. Piola
It's a wonder that Piola turns a profit. Every weekday, happy hour runs from 4:30 to 8 and includes $3 beers, $4 glasses of wine and $5 cocktails, plus servers wandering through the bar area offering free pizza. Free. Pizza. Between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, pair any pizza with any beer for $12. Sundays are all-you-can-eat pizza night, and anyone with a student ID gets 20 percent off their meals between 3 and 5 p.m. and again from 10 to close.

Also with multiple locations:
Don't forget about Chili's. They offer free wings and chips and salsa during weeknight happy hours (3-7 p.m.)
Rock Bottom Brewery
La Tasca

OH AND THERE IS MORE!
Happy Hours for the Hungry

Restaurant K's entrees hover in the $20s, but during happy hour, a selection of the Southern/Southwestern-inspired apps are available for $4 to $6. Burgers, hot-dog bites and chili cheese fries make up the menu, but the smoky, creamy, cheesy vat of "piggy" clam dip is an especially good choice.

Most interns are priced out of Hill favorite Johnny's Half Shell, but from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, small plates are well within reason. Mini-burgers and mini Asian tuna sandwiches are $2.50. Fried oysters and gumbo are $6 each. They also have really good pickles!

Wings, fried shrimp, sliders and oyster shooters are among the treats on the K Street McCormick and Schmick's happy hour menu. Dishes range between $2 and $5. Find these prices between 3:30 and 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and again between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
Nigiri pieces are $1.50 at both Cafe Asia locations from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Wash the raw fish down with half-price sake and $2.50 draft beers.

At the Dupont location of Heritage India, samosas, pakora and Indian street-food treats are half price between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. on weeknights.
Burgers in Hotel Helix's swinging-60s lounge (and on the patio) are half price from 5 to 7 p.m. everyday.

Piola's happy hour is known for its tasty free snacks, but that's not the only opporunity to score a deal at this Rosslyn pizza shop. With a valid ID, students can get 20 percent off their meals between 3 and 5 p.m. and after 10 p.m. Also after 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Piola offers a $12 pizza-and-a-beer deal -- any beer, any pizza.

The Big Hunt, a divey Dupont bar, isn't known for fine cuisine, but a large beer selection and food deals make it an attractive bet during the early part of the week. Food specials kick in once happy hour wraps up at 7 p.m. On Mondays, pizza is half price; burgers are half off on Wednesday. On Tuesdays, wings are 15 cents a piece.

At nearby Lucky Bar, you'll find one of the best deals, around. Wing lovers can get 25 wings on Tuesdays and half-price burgers on Wednesdays from 5 to 11 p.m.

Restaurants Within Reason

On the Hill, there's simply no better lunch under $5 than tacos at Tacqueria Nationale. (Same building as Johnny's Half Shell on the Hill). Fresh ingredients make them sing.

D.C. institution Ben's Chili Bowl is a must-try for anyone who lives here. Score a chili half-smoke and a thick shake for under $8.

The subdued Talay Thai restaurant provides a welcome respite after a long couple of happy hours at Tortilla Coast. Pad thai and other mainstay dishes are available for under $10. To sample as many tastes as possible, split the appetizer sampler platter with friends.

Rice has an upscale restaurant's feel with a cheap restaurant's prices. The dimly lit romantic space is perfect for a date night on a budget, since most of the entrees are about $13. You can't make reservations here, but it's worth the wait.
Grilled cheese and burgers are some of the specialities at subterranean Polly's Cafe. Brunch is served all week here, and the specialities include eight different eggs benedict offerings and $3 spicy bloody marys.
Neighboring pasta shop Pasta Mia gets a lot of attention, but you'll find better service and big bowls of pasta under $13 at Adams Morgan's San Marco.
In downtown, you can't go wrong with the tandoori chicken tikka sandwich at the Naan and Beyond locations.
La Loma's Mexican dishes aren't mind-blowing, but, in the summer, the patio is a great spot to enjoy a filling $10 taco platter, boozy margaritas and free chips and salsa.

ALSO SEE: http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/diningguides/2788.html

For Good Bargains:
THE BARKING DOG, 4723 Elm St., Bethesda, MD; 301-654-0022; thebarkingdogonline.com Appetizers like coconut chicken tenders and spinach-and-artichoke dip are $6 at this friendly tavern. Selected pints are $3, rail drinks and wine $3. Happy hours: Monday - Friday 3 to 7.

For super duper yummy coconut chicken tenders.
BISTRO BISTRO, 4021 S. 28th St., Arlington; 703-379-0300; bistro-bistro.com We felt as though we were the only people who didn't know the waitstaff or the patrons, but Bistro Bistro's friendly atmosphere and great half-price appetizers, like the smoked-chicken quesadilla, made us feel at home. Miller Lite and Bud Light are $1.99, seasonals $2.99. Happy hours: Monday through Saturday 3 to 7 PM.

For Yummy Jamaican-jerk-chicken spring rolls ($3.50). Ask for teriyaki sauce.
CAFE CITRON, 1343 Connecticut Ave., Dupont Cicle (South); 202-530-8844; cafecitrondc.com For a tropical-flavored happy hour try the Tasters menu ($3 to $7.50) at this Dupont hot spot. The fried plantains and fried Sonso cheese patties are delicious. Fruity drinks like mojitos ($4) and tropical rum lemonade ($4), and bottled beers like Corona ($3) and Portuguese Sagres ($3) are discounted. Happy hours: Monday through Saturday, 4 to 7 PM. You can also get drink specials Monday through Wednesday from 8 to 10 PM.
Our pick: Bolivian potato cakes stuffed with beef and cheese ($5.95).

CHADWICKS, 203 S. Strand St., Old Town, Alexandria, 703-836-4442; also in Georgetown; chadwicksrestaurants.com. This Old Town pub offers $3 bar food and $2 domestics and rail drinks. On Monday, the bar sweetens the deal with half-price burgers; on Thursday, it's "fire and ice"--35-cent hot wings and $2.95 Molson Ice. Happy hours: Monday through Friday 4 to 7 PM.
Our pick: country-fried chicken tenders with house-made honey-dijon and barbecue sauces ($3).

DIVINO LOUNGE, 7345-B Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda; 240-497-0300; divinolounge.com. The only thing interns love more than cheap food is free food. At this trendy, dimly lit lounge--which is on The Washingtonian's Very Best Restaurant list--we enjoyed free Argentinien tapas: sausage, chicken croquettes, olives, and mushrooms. (The four mini-dishes change daily.) Rail drinks, martinis, and beers are half price. Happy hours: Wednesday through Friday 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

FACCIA LUNA, 2909 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 703-276-3099; also in Alexandria; faccialuna.com. It's technically not a happy hour, but the Monday-night special at the Arlington location is one of the best deals in town. Two people can feast on house salads or an appetizer such as a goat-cheese napoleon or tomato bruschetta, a pizza with two toppings, and two glasses of house wine for $22.22. Specials offered Mondays 5 to 11 PM.

GRILLFISH, 1200 New Hampshire Ave., NW; 202-331-7310; grillfishdc.com. Domestic bottled beers, select glasses of wine, and appetizers such as buffalo shrimp and steamed mussels are half price. Cocktails such as the "Kokonut Kamikaze," a blend of coconut rum, sour mix, and pineapple juice, are $4. Happy hours: Monday through Friday 4 to 7 PM, Saturday & Sunday 5 to 7 PM.

HERITAGE INDIA BRASSERIE, 1337 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-331-1414. Dishes from the small-plates menu--inspired by Indian street food--are a steal at half price ($2.50 to $3.50). The classy, low-key bar is a nice break from the wilder Dupont bar scene. Domestic beers are $2.75, imports $3.75, martinis $4.50 and rail drinks $4.75. Happy hours: Monday through Friday 5 to 7 PM (food) 4.30 to 7.30 PM (drinks).

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S, 7401 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-961-2626; also in Chinatown, downtown DC, Tysons Corner, and Reston; mccormickandschmicks.com Because McCormick & Schmick's is on the ground floor of a Bethesda high-rise, much of its clientele comes after work from the building's upper floors. The bar, which is separate from the dining room, has a $1.95 appetizer menu that includes tasty burgers, wings, quesadillas, oysters, and mussels. There is a two-beverage minimum for the special, but it's worth it. Happy hours: Monday through Friday 3:30 to 6:30 PM and Monday through Thursday 9:30 to 11.

TUNNICLIFFS TAVERN, 222 Seventh St., SE; 202-544-5680; tunnicliffstaverndc.com You'll find specials every weeknight here. Monday, they have Wine Night, with any two entrees you get a bottle of wine for half price. Tuesday Lasagna Night, enjoy lasagna with a side of house salad and a glass of wine for $14. Friday all appetizers are half price. Get a Bud Light for $2. Between 11 PM and 1 AM there is a Late Night Menu with burgers and salads for half price and pizzas $7. Happy hours: Monday through Friday 7 to 11 PM.

WHITLOW'S ON WILSON, (Also mentioned above) 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-276-9693; whitlows.com Whitlow's fantastic apps--like peel-and-eat shrimp and spinach-and-artichoke dip--and good drink specials make it a favorite. Get there early--you can't sit at a table unless you're ordering dinner, and bar stools fill up. You can feast on half-price burgers all day Monday. Mug night Thursday from 4 to 9 PM, buy a Mug ($5) and refill with the beer of the night ($1.50). On Friday from 4 to 8, appetizers such as cheese fries are $2 off. Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 8 PM drafts are $2.50.
Our pick: spinach-and-artichoke dip with pita chips ($5.95 on Friday).

Cafe Trope ~coming soon~

2008-10-17T13:44:00.002-04:00

Today's Lunch @ Cafe Trope

My coworker and I went to lunch today at Cafe Trope in Dupont Circle. It was a little chilly today and a bit windy, but we thought that we had to take advantage of our last opportunity to have lunch together since I am leaving.

Odeon Cafe ~ Dupont Circle

2008-10-17T11:23:00.001-04:00

One of my coworkers invited me to lunch. We decided before we left work that we had both never been to the Odeon Cafe on the North side of Dupont Circle (located at 1714 Connecticut Ave.). The cafe wasn't busy even though it was lunch time on a Thursday afternoon. We were seated right in front of the open window doors with a great view of the Circle's hustle and bustle. We were greeted shortly after arriving by our server who had a very heavy Latino accent. We got drinks and he brought us each a warm round bread roll and some sort of mystery garlic butter. The butter had some sort of leafy spice floating around in it. My friend and both decided that we thought that the butter was quite disgusting and did not taste fresh. We each ordered a lunch special that was written on a daily specials board outside in front of the restaurant's entry way. I ordered the Classic Italian American favorite, Chicken Parmesan. Also to accompany my meal, the lunch special included a house salad. I almost laughed when the salad arrived. It was a bed of lettuce with a few shredded carrots on top, one half of a grape/cherry tomato, and one cucumber slice. (Yes, picture this, but halved!) The dressing was probably a red wine vinaigrette. My coworker didn't even finish her salad. I ate most of mine. When our lunch plates arrived, I was surprised at the large portion. There was a side of spaghetti with tomato sauce sprinkled with parsley and a large chicken patty with Parmesan cheese and tomato sauce. The chicken was a little bit dry, so I am guessing that the chicken parm wasn't made fresh to order. It was pre-made and reheated. The spaghetti was a little over cooked. It was almost mushy but the sauce tasted authentic and not jar bought. My coworker had to ask for a water refill several times. The restaurant wasn't busy. There was only one or two other tables other than ours. There was no reason that she couldn't have gotten excellent service. The other waiter or bartender leaned on the bar in the entry way, reading a newspaper. All in all ... not impressed. I can't say that I would ever go there again, and since I am no longer working in Dupont Circle, I am most likely say that I will not return. It was a decent enough mail. Nothing memorable or exceptional.

Celebration at Liberty Tavern

2008-10-12T07:57:00.003-04:00

I got a new job! New digs is always a cause for celebration, especially being able to land a new job in the middle of a recession, especially one that pays significantly more money. My husband suggested that we go to dinner to celebrate. My husband is always very supportive and thinks that my happiness is crucial. So of course I consulted Opentable.com. Since it was a Friday night, and late notice, a later reservation (after 7 p.m.) is a must. I was pleasantly surprised that the Liberty Tavern located at 3195 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington had reservations available. I had heard about the Liberty Tavern in various places. I probably had read a review in the Washington Post magazine, in the Washingtonian magazine, or perhaps during Todd Kliman's online chat on a Wednesday, or a combination of them all. Not only is it listed on the Washingtonian's 100 Very Best List, the tavern has a prime location in the Clarendon area of Arlington, Virginia. In fact, it's right next door to the Clarendon Ballroom and with the large bright neon sign, it's hard to miss.
According to opentable.com the Liberty Tavern is located in a historic 1907 building that has been beautifully restored and updated.
I have heard that the main draw of the Liberty Tavern is their cherry wood bar. I guess I didn't realize how popular it was until I saw all of the happy hour goers jam packed into lower level bar of the restaurant. Perhaps I shouldn't have, since it was a Friday night in Clarendon. It's always busy on a Friday night in Clarendon. By the looks of the cherry wood staircase, you'd think that you were going to the neighborhood Clyde's, but up above the "tavern" there is a small open dining room. The dining room was almost completely packed as well. The tables are small and nestled closely together to ensure space is utilized to it's fullest (Photograph by Stacy Zarin-Goldberg). Despite the tight space between tables, the dining room is open and airy. You can see across the dining room from any seat in the house. Lucky me, my husband and I were seated directly across from the kitchen. I could see Executive Chef, Liam M. LaCivita busy working. I was mesmerized by Liam so much, I think that my husband was going to accuse me of ignoring him. I had a great view, to say the least. I was able to see all of food as it was being plated. The menu is small and quaint, rustic American. I was surprised to see that they serve pizza. Not just any pizza though, wood-fired pizza, which is supposed to make all the difference. I don't know because I did not order a pizza. For the first course, I talked my husband into ordering the duck confit. I have learned to appreciate the duck due to some pursuing of my good friend, Shabobe. The duck was served with fennel and watercress salad, with lemon-pomegranate marmalade. I was surprised when the duck was served as a drumstick with partial thigh and not shredded like most confit. The duck was moist, not oily and didn't taste at all gamey, which is why most people say that they don't enjoy eating duck. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that it was cooked in a wood burning oven. For my main course, I ordered the handcrafted baked Gnocchi with Jenkins orchard apples and squash. The menu had autumn touches throughout. The addition of the apples and squash to the gnocchi was delicious. The gnocchi was strangely tiny and bite-size. In addition I also ordered a fields green salad. I wish that I had ordered something else. I forgot until my salad arrived that I don't care for field greens. The dressing was a red wine vinaigrette, but needed something else less earthy to cover the greens. I might suggest pine nuts with a shallot red wine ... We looked at the dessert menu, but I did not see anything that struck my fancy. I was looking for something like a cheesecake or an apple pie. After all, they said it was rustic American.

Restaurant Week Recap

2008-09-06T21:14:00.001-04:00

So Restaurant Week is long gone ... but not forgotten. This time around, I had the pleasure of dining at PS 7's, Penn Quarter's Zaytinya, and Olives for lunch. My first dinner of the week was on a Tuesday night. My good friend Shabobe, (pronounced Sha-Bob-Ee) and I had dinner at PS 7's. I had to do a little research to find out how it got its name. Apparently, PS 7’s is a combination of the Executive Chef/Owner’s name, Peter Smith and the address 777 I Street. The restaurant is located in the Chinatown/Penn Quarter neighborhoods of Washington, DC, which is conveniently just one block away from the Verizon Center and two blocks from the Gallery Place Metro Station. Any place that is accessible by metro, in my opinion is bound to do well. PS 7's is no exception. The restaurant's dining room is very modern, yet cozy. Some of the tables are a bit close to each other, which could be considered cozy or intrusive, depending on who you ask. PS 7's restaurant week menu was, how do I say it, almost barren (unfruitful, lacking). There was not enough appetizers to choose from, and if you don't like fish, well you'd leave hungry. For my first course, I ordered the "house-made" Black Pepper Parmesean and Lemon Gnochi, served with duck confit, haricot verts, pearl onions and watercress in a sage and vermouth broth. I thought that the gnochi was decent, but it was so peppery, that I coughed with almost every bite. For my second course, I opted for the Cornmeal Crusted Rainbow Trout, described as served with roasted yellow corn, watermelon and cilantro relish and baby spinach. Shabobe said that he had ordered the trout before and recalled it being very good, so I decided to give it a go. I wish I hadn't. I wasn't in the slightest bit impressed. I don't even think that I finished it. The fish was dry and with every bite, I wished I had more cilantro relish. I will say that I thought that offering Beingnets as a dessert was quite unique. I haven't had them since Nawlins, going on 8 years ago. They were delicious and I hope that they offer them all year round on their dessert menu.
A day or so later, I attended a meeting out of my office and found myself standing outside the restaurant Olives at located at 1600 K Street, NW. I sat at the bar and was pleasantly surprised by their restaurant week lunch menu. For my first course, I had melon and procuttio. I ate every single bite, although I think that the procuttio should have been wrapped more around the melon pieces. It was plated nicely, in terms of presentation, but it was rather difficult to eat. For the second course, I ordered what I thought would be a very simple boring chicken breast, but boy was I wrong. This chicken was the best chicken breast that I have ever had in my entire life. The meat was extremely tender and unbelievably juicy. It definitely had a mediterranean flavor and the ingredients were almost unidentifiable. I learned by researching the owner and chef, Todd English that he is not only, breathtakingly handsome, but very well known for his "rustic mediterranean cuisine". He owns several restaurants all over the US, including Bonfire, Kingfish Hall, Figs, and several locations of his restaurant Olives. I'd like to come back. Great place for a cool and chic happy hour.

Le Paradou offers Restaurant Week Menu

2008-08-02T18:12:00.001-04:00

I have only been to Le Paradou one time and I think it was in December 2007. I believe that my husband and I went there for our 4th wedding anniversary celebration. My hubbie is not a foodie, but we loved Le Paradou.
I was so pleased to find out that Le Paradou just annouced that for the first time since their openinig, they are participating in restaurant week from Monday August 11 to Saturday August 16 (see RW post below).
Le Paradou's Restaurant Week menu will feature the Best of Executive Chef and co-Proprietor Yannick Cam's contemporary cuisine;
Sea Scallop Ceviche, Chilled carrot soup with ginger infused carrot sorbet, Lobster purse with carrot and ginger reduction, the famous Crab Flan with Miyagi Oysters and White Corn Ragout, Tomato Gazpacho with Avocado Terrine, Cilantro and Lobster Claw, Roasted Salmon with artichokes tomato confit and Parma Ham, Black Angus filet with a Millefeuille of Potatoes, Veal Ossobouco with fennel seeds and safran jus, quail with muchrooms and pistacchio mousse stuffing , Breast of Duck with Poultry mousse stuffed cabbage and basil jus and more! Don't forget their extensive wine list when ordering! Especially since the restaurant receieved the “Best of Award of Excellence" by Wine Spectator magazine in 2006.

Le Paradou is located at:

678 Indiana Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202.347.6780
Fax: 202.347.4066

For more information (dress code, parking, map, etc.) or to make reservations at
Le Paradou:

Make sure you visit www.opentable.com to make your restaurant week reservations. Hurry!! Le Paradou plans to provide diners a spectacular adventure in intense flavors.

DC Restaurant Week Dates Just Announced!!

2008-07-20T08:34:00.001-04:00

DC's Restaurant Week is back!! That’s right … haven’t you heard? Yes, well maybe you haven’t because the RW dates for this summer were just released. This summer expect restaurants to be HOT! Washington’s twice-a-year Restaurant Week, always creates quite a stir for DC Area diners. It's the time of year that normal folks (those without a hefty expense account) can actually afford to dine in Washington's best restaurants.
Restaurant Week is intended to create business for area restaurants that would normally be in a downward slump due to so many people vacationing over the summer months.The upcoming Restaurant week officially begins Monday, August 11, 2008 and ends Sunday, August 17, 2008, but some establishments will be observing early and expanding their participation to all month.
Participating Restaurant Week restaurants offer a gourmet 3-course prix fixe menu, $20.08 Lunches and $30.08 Dinners. Some of the regular participating restaurants include Corduroy, Bistro Bis, Butterfield 9, and Vidalia. Some newcomers include Restaurant K by Alison Swope and Rasika. I wonder when restaurants like Komi, Restaurant Eve, CityZen, or even Citronelle might open their doors to Restaurant Week.
Last RW in January, rustic Italian Dino offered its full menu, with a few upcharges and lasted the entire month. Romantic Butterfield 9 last time started the promotion a week early and extended the entire month, as well.
All of José Andrés’s area restaurants—Spanish tapas flagship Jaleo, Mediterranean-flavored Zaytinya, Modern Mexican Oyamel, and Latin-themed Café Atlántico have offered Restaurant Week for an extra week in the past. We can only hope that they will continue. The same goes for two places owned by restaurateur Ashok Bajaj—Cleveland Park’s neighborly Ardeo and its wine-bar sibling, Bardeo.

I already have reservations at Foodie Favorite, Corduroy for Dinner. Make sure you return to see my reviews!

Cooking and Culinary Arts: Where to go

2008-04-21T14:24:00.001-04:00

So I've been recently considering taking some cooking classes or getting a degree or diploma in Culinary Arts. So far I've been looking for information on co$t. I saw a commercial on TV about the Art Institute of Washington and their Culinary Arts program. Also I found a huge List of cooking classes for adults and children in the Washington Post. The list is rather dated since it's from 2001, but the websites are listed. I'm considering signing up for a class or two that is offered at Galileo in DC by Chef Roberto Donna. It costs $100 per person for each class and includes hands-on instruction with the Chef, an apron, recipes, a five course meal and wine pairings. Other cooking classes of interest to me are those being offered at the Lebanese Taverna. The cost per person is a little less at $60 per person. You can register online, which is handy and the classes last from 6:45pm to 9:30pm.

Dining in DC Wish List and Mother's Day (May 11)

2008-04-20T11:52:00.002-04:00

So there are lots of opportunities to celebrate by dining out each year. For me, the big ones are my wedding anniversary (Dec.), my birthday (Jan.), Valentines's Day (Feb.), Mother's Day (May), my husband's birthday (Nov.) and then were back around to another year. In Dec 2007 my husband and I went to Le Paradou (see review) for our wedding anniversary. For my birthday, I went to CityZen (see review). For Valentine's Day, I can't remember if we went out or what we did. I was very pregnant, so we probably didn't do much. With that being said, Mother's Day is approaching. Since I have twice the duty, I plan to pick a special place this year.
I've decided to take a look at the Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurants
and make a "Wish List", starting with my #1 most desired place to visit. This was easy of course, since the #1 restaurant, Citronelle, I have never been to.
So my Wish List is as follows:
1. Citronelle
2. The Inn at Little Washington
3. Komi
4. Restaurant Eve (Tasting Room)
5. Vidalia
6. Central Michel Richard
7. Kinkaid's
8. The Source
9. Marcel's
10. Palena

So with Mother's Day approaching ... I am not sure what I will pick.
Komi is closed Sunday and Monday, so if I pick Komi I will celebrate on Saturday, which is preferred anyways. Citronelle and The Inn at Little Washington are out of our price range right now, for two or more reasons. First is I am not working because I am on maternity leave and second we have a new baby and it costs a fortune.
I think I will try and talk my husband into Restaurant Eve. I really like it there (been there for lunch) but have never been there for dinner. The tasting room menu for five courses is $125 per person, which is a steal, especially since it's Cathal Armstrong.

Oya: on the fast track to 100's Best

2008-04-12T10:37:00.001-04:00

So last night I checked out Oya (777 9th St., NW). The restaurant calls itself, "Contemporary Asia-French fusion". Traffic was horrendous, as there was a Capitals game at the Verizon center and a baseball game at the new Washington Nationals stadium. Besides that, getting to the restaurant was uneventful. It's on the same block as Zayatina and the Capital City Brewing Company. They offer Valet, thank goodness because they probably know that there is no way that a diner would be able to find parking on their own, well especially not on a night like tonight.
Inside the restaurant is breath-takingly sexy and chic. It has a clean crisp design with white leather tables and chairs and the foyer is adored with a heavy metal chain link curtain on the wall. On the restaurant website, you can see their interior photo gallery for pictures. http://www.oyadc.com/Interior
The bar and lounge area had at least two areas that were reserved for special parties. The bar itself was fairly large and could easily accomodate a couple hundred people for a bustling happy hour.
One thing that I noticed right away once we were sat at our table, besides the decor, is the din. You can't really hear the person sitting with you and you especially cannot hear your server. I had to ask my friend more than once what the server was saying. You simply cannot hear over the noise level in the dining room. I'm sure that the bustling lounge and bar area nearby didn't help. The servers are dressed in head to toe black, which is a stark contrast to the tables and chairs. On almost every table there is a unusually tall thin bottle of trendy (probably over-priced) water (Zengo).
One very unique thing about Oya other than the decor is that they offer a prix fixe menu every day of the week. They offer a $20 lunch menu and a $30 dinner menu. My friend and I both ordered off of the prix fixe menu. For the first course, I ordered the coconut shrimp. It was cooked perfectly. Shrimp that is overcooked, usually is very rubbery. This was very good. The shrimp was lightly battered like tempura. Since Oya serves tempura, it was probably the same batter. My friend ordered the Spicy Tuna Roll (sushi) as his first course. I of course tried it and thought that it was spicy, but not enough so that you can still taste the tuna. There wasn't a lot of the tuna in the roll. I thought that there was a lot of "white" in the roll (rice). I noticed that the wasabi was presented as if it was squeezed out of a decorators tube. We also ordered a California Sushi Roll. The ginger was un-died, it wasn't that pink that you would find at other sushi joints.
For the second course, I ordered the Grilled Sirloin which I ordered medium. I rarely ever order red meat so rare, but I truly think that meats are juicier more rare. Boy, was I right! This steak was so moist, so tender, it almost melts in your mouth. My friend ordered the Chilean Sea Bass which came with stuffed roasted peppers. I did not try the peppers, as I am allergic, but the Sea Bass was perfectly cooked as well. It didn't taste "fishy" at all. Light, soft, delicate buttery flavor; it was delicious. When I return, I will order the Chilean Sea Bass. For dessert, I had the trio of sorbets, mango, strawberry, and pineapple. All in all, when it's all said and done, I think that the atmosphere makes it a great date place, but not for a first, second, or third date, as you would need to be able to hear someone that you are trying to get to know. I think the food was delish. I bet in a few years, it will find itself on the 100's Very Best. I can't wait to go back!

Oya!

2008-04-11T13:43:00.001-04:00

So tonight I'll be dining at Oya (777 9th St. NW), the sushi/american restaurant in DC's Penn Quarter. It's my first dinner in DC since the new baby has been born; that's 6 weeks, to be exact. I don't know a lot about this place, so I decided to do some research. So far I have been able to find out that Oya's "co-chefs" Jonathan Seningen from Le Paradou and James Stouffer from the Château Elan Winery & Resort in Georgia met snowboarding in Argentina. What this has to do with the great food? I have no idea, but people like to know little tidbits. Washingtonian Magazine says that Oya is "sexy and delicious". I can't wait to see what it's like inside. I don't think I have ever eaten in a firelit dining room before. Bring it on!

CityZen

2008-01-27T06:03:00.003-05:00

A delayed review. I've been a bit busy with the new baby and new house, but I wanted to write before I forgot about my big Birthday dinner. CityZen was rated #2 by Washingtonian and Executive Chef, Eric Ziebold was voted in Food & Wine magazine as one of ‘America’s best New Chef’s’ and the restaurant one of the ‘Hottest Restaurants in the World’.

Washingtonians knew that CityZen was going to be big even before it opened in September 2004. Chef Eric Ziebold's previous gig as chef de cuisine at the Napa Valley's The French Laundry, one of the most celebrated restaurants in the country made him a sure thing in DC. CityZen has pretty much been booked ever since Ziebold arrived. Located in the deluxe Mandarin Oriental Hotel. That part of town looked like new construction.

One thing I learned about this restaurant is what an "amuse bouche" is.
The restaurant is truly beautiful. The bar and lounge area is as large, if not larger than the dining area. Minimalists would feel at home in the dining room with the stone pillars, chocolate-leather banquettes, and gourd-shape red-orange lanterns--and the mesmerizing wall of fire behind the bar.
Within minutes of sitting down, the maître d' explains that the menu comes in three parts: a regular six-course tasting menu, a six-course vegetarian tasting menu, and the prix-fixe three-course dinner menu. You choose between a $75 prix fixe menu of 3 courses or a $90 5-course tasting menu; tasting menus of 6 courses for $110 and of 7 courses for $125 are sometimes available. The Sommelier was very informed and very polite. I didn't choose the tasting menu but it looked scrumptious. Our meal began with the first of many compliments of the chef; an amuse bouche of fried mushroom with truffle butter. This mushroom fritter, even if it was only one bite tasted out of the ordinary. This fritter was an earthy, but otherworldly, tribute to late fall. The flavors were deep and the multiple textures clever. It did what an amuse should do, awaken one’s senses to future surprises by the depth of taste. Wait staff keep bringing intermission refreshments, such as olive oil custard topped with infused butter on one occasion olive oil custard slicked with hot chili oil. I ordered from the menu the Pekin Duck, described on the menu as Poached with Medjool Dates, Spelt, Asian Pear and Duck Leg Confit. My entree was the Pan Roasted Rouelle of Spotted Skatewing, described on the menu as made with Spanish Capers and Meyer Lemon. I never had skatewing before and thought that by trying this, I was broadening my horizons. Have I mentioned the cute little boxed rolls? Oh they are what I remember best about the entire meal. Those little rolls were delicious!

Restaurant Week is coming!! Yay!!

2008-01-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

DC's Restaurant Week is rapidly approaching. Foodies all over the DC area area anxiously await not Christmas, or New Year's Eve, but YES, Restaurant Week!!
Washington’s twice-a-year Restaurant Week, always creates quite a stir for DC Area diners. It's the time of year that normal folks (those without a hefty expense account) can actually afford to dine in Washington's best restaurants. Restaurant week occurs usually once in the Fall, around October and the second week in January. The upcoming Restaurant week officially begins Monday, January 14, 2008, but some establishments are observing early and expanding their participation to all month. Most of us foodies already have at least a lunch and dinner reservation booked. Actually, most of us booked them before it was announced which restaurants would be participating. *wink*
Participating Restaurant Week restaurants offer a gourmet 3-course prix fixe menu, $20.08 Lunches and $30.08 Dinners. The participating restaurants list includes some regulars like Corduroy, Bistro Bis, Butterfield 9, and Vidalia. Some newcomers include Restaurant K by Alison Swope and Rasika. I wonder when restaurants like Komi, Restaurant Eve, CityZen, or even Citronelle might open their doors to Restaurant Week. Well ... only a girl can hope!

Rustic Italian Dino offers its full menu, with a few upcharges, starting January 2 and lasting the entire month. Romantic Butterfield 9 is starting the promotion a week early, on January 7, and extending it to the 26th. All of José Andrés’s area restaurants—Spanish tapas flagship Jaleo, Mediterranean-flavored Zaytinya,(pictured left) Modern Mexican Oyamel, and Latin-themed Café Atlántico—offer Restaurant Week for an extra week, through January 27. The same goes for two places owned by restaurateur Ashok Bajaj—Cleveland Park’s neighborly Ardeo and its wine-bar sibling, Bardeo.

I already have reservations at Circle Bistro in Foggy Bottom and Foodie Favorite, Corduroy for Dinner. I will just slide into Zaytinya just in time on Sunday for dinner, as well. Make sure you return to see my reviews!

Da Domenico: No Accolades here

2008-01-01T18:15:00.001-05:00

Da Domenico, established in 1980, is a small, family-oriented, Italian restaurant nestled into the heart of today's bustling Tysons Corner. The restaurant's founders, the Ramella family came to America from Imperia, in northern Italy and successfully ran their business for more than 40 years. It is currently owned and operated by Sayed, who was with the original owners for 10 years.

According to the website, "The recipe to Da Domenico's success is the spirit, warmth and culinary talent of the Da Domenico family". Perhaps the culinary talent had the day off on New Year's Eve (NYE). Granted, New Year's was my first visit (and probably my last), but I expect that no matter what I order, that my food is served warm.
Apparently they had a special NYE menu, because neither of the two dishes that my husband and I ordered is on their regular menu. They had a prix fixe menu, three courses for sixty dollars per person.

The appetizers that they offered except the Calamari Fritti, were new to their dinner menu. They offered a lobster stuffed ravioli with salmon caviar, lobster bisque, crab stuffed shrimp, and two choices of salads; an arugula and a Caesar. All of the options were very tempting. I couldn't decide which would be better, since I like crab and lobster, however, for the first course, I ordered the lobster bisque and my husband ordered the stuffed shrimp. The bisque was smooth and creamy and was served at the perfect temperature in a white oval bowl with a small round crustini floating on top. I liked the bisque, but have had better. Actually the Lobster Bisque served at the Great American Restaurants, as I recall, is surprisingly better. The bisque was spicy but lacked the occasional chunk of lobster meat that I think most people expect in a quality bisque. I was unable to taste the stuffed shrimp, as my husband said that it was loaded with bell peppers, which I am allergic.

For the second course, there were mainly seafood options, even though I had heard that Da Domenico is well known for their Veal Chop, however, I just wasn't in the mood for the Chop. It was on the menu, but I ordered the Cotoletta Porchini ... the menu described it as Veal Scaloppine with a creamy mushroom sauce. It sounded delicious and I figured if they are good with Veal that it would be good, as well. I was rather disappointed when my dinner arrived. The Scaloppine cutlet was borderline cold and the mushroom sauce was almost bland. Served with the veal was one single quartered potato slice and a few green beans with a quartered tomato slice. I ate the potato, even though that wasn't warm either. The green beans were crisp, just the way that I like them. I didn't ask for them to heat it up, although I probably should have. Instead, I just picked at it and ate an occasional bite here and there, but it looked like I barely touched it when they took my plate away.
I ordered the cheesecake as a dessert, but was disappointed, as well. The top coating of the cheesecake gave it a roasted flavor that I don't care for on cheesecake.
Overall, I just expected more. I am thoroughly disappointed. Maybe I should have ordered the Chop, since that's what they say is their best dish. C'est La Vie!

The 2008 100 Very Best List -- It's Here!!

2007-12-23T20:03:00.002-05:00

The most anticipated edition of the Washingtonian has been bestowed upon DC Foodies. DC area restaurant goers have anxiously awaited the release of the Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant List in the latest issue (January 2008).
There have been quite a few changes. First off, this issue introduces a scale for service in addition to the traditionally used star system for culinary experience. Introduced last year, the magazine ranks the restaurant from 1 to 100 and all 100 restaurants are rated on a scale of four to two stars. All restaurant receive at least two stars or are not included in the top 100. The highest rating of four stars (culinary epiphany) was given to only three restaurants this year and last year.
Michel Richard's Citronelle was ranked #1 again this year, however CityZen moved up from #3 in 2007, to #2 in 2008. Chef Richard (pictured) made that rarest of leaps in the world of food—from the pastry kitchen to chef of one of the country’s foremost restaurants. A chef who inspires colleagues with his creativity of invention, he was among the first chefs inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who in American Food and Wine. Maestro, which was ranked #2 is closed until March 2008, thus was not included in the 2008 list. The restaurant is searching for a new Chef de Cuisine to replace the award-winning Chef Fabio Trabocchi.
Amazingly, Komi moved from #10 last year 7 spots to #3. This is quite impressive! The Executive Chef is one of DC's youngest chef's. Komi's success has been attributed to Chef Johnny Monis who was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s 2007 Best New Chefs. As newest member of this exclusive club, Chef Komi (pictured on the right) joins the ranks of past local winners Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve (2006), Eric Ziebold of CityZen (2005), Fabio Trabocchi of Maestro (2002), Frank Ruta of Palena (2001), and Roberto Donna of Galileo/Bebo Trattoria (1990).
I have not had the honor of dining at any of the top 3 restaurants, Yet although I plan to visit CityZen for my birthday dinner late January. CityZen has gained several prestigious awards such as, “Restaurant of the Year”, by DC Modern Luxury, August 2007, Mentioned on The Go List as one of the “Hottest Restaurants in the World”, Food & Wine, May 2007, 2006, and “Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year”, Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., June 2007.
I am thrilled to visit this extraordinary establishment and sample Chef Ziebold's culinary expertise. The restaurant’s 20-foot high ceiling offers you a better view of the activity in the open kitchen, while the style and décor still provide an intimate setting. Eric’s menu changes monthly depending on the availability of the freshest ingredients. Stay tuned my review next month, it will be a big one.
Following the four stars, the first awarded 3 1/2 stars (Outstanding) is Restaurant Eve, which moved up 2 spots from #6 in 2007. I have reviewed Restaurant Eve's lickety split lunch in the lounge, but have not been there to try their main dining room or tasting room. The closest that I come to the Top 10 is #11 Charlie Palmer Steakhouse that I visited in August 2007 for Restaurant week.
As of 2008, I have only dined at 19 of the 100. Many of them that I have reviewed were pushed out for 2008, such as Acadiana, Ceiba, and Restaurant Kolumbia. It seems rather unfortunate that Acadiana and Restaurant Kolumbia were added to the Very Best in 2007 only to stay one year and be Out in 2008. There is an asterisk next to Restaurant Kolumbia in the "Outgoing" box on page 89 that indicates that a restaurant has closed. The restaurant's website does not provide any news about the supposed closing, but upon further investigation, I found on zagat.com that they closed on October 27, 2007 and will be looking for space elsewhere to launch a new venture. DCist reports that the renovations to their building have caused them to lose their lease. It's a shame, really. I was just there. I reviewed the restaurant just a few months ago and now it's gone. Jamie Stachowski told Don Rockwell of the Food Forum that he plans to open an Eastern-European bistro with an emphasis on his Polish roots. The location and date are to be decided.
The Majestic was added to the List (ranked as #42), however I don't believe that this establishment is consistent enough with their cuisine to be included. I dined at the Majestic in October 2007 and was thoroughly disappointed. I believe that it was added only for the fact that Cathal Armstrong (pictured to the left) has recently taken over the kitchen. It simply doesn't belong in the 100's Very Best, not yet, that is. Maybe the fact that Washingtonian named them "Restauranteurs of the Year" has something to do with it. Don't get me wrong, I think that Cathal and Meshelle are fantastic! I especially love what they did with Eamonn's and I heard that their next venture, European-style butcher, break bakery, gourmet shop, and wine centric lounge, will be opening in 2009 in the Del Ray area. I also can't believe that Johnny's Half Shell (#59) is ranked above L'Auberge Chez Francois (#60). I find it simply impossible. The service alone at L'Auberge should rank them higher than most. After all, the Washingtonian did award them the highest rating for service "supremely attentive" while Johnny's only got "competent and efficient".
I am mosly pleased that Farrah Olivia by Morou Ouattara in Old Town, Alexandria that was added in 2007, ranked as #32 with 2 1/2 stars has moved to #22 in 2008 with 3 stars. My first visit to Farrah Olivia was January 2007 for my birthday. Yes! I chose it for my special dinner. I have been back at least twice, since, never to be disappointed.
I just love Chef Morou. I even stopped watching the Food Network's Next Iron Chef when he was eliminated in week 3, the episode in which the chefs' resourcefulness were tested by sticking them with coolers full of "wild" ingredients — chosen in secret by a fellow competitor — that they had to turn into two dishes in one hour with a charcoal grill and limited tools. The Ivory Coast native's signature artistic presentation was lost on the judges, who wanted to see his food "touching" after being warned in week 2. "I mean everything is constantly in little piles," Judge, Donatella Arpaia said. Though the other judge, Andrew Knowlton defended the Farrah Olivia chef's dishes, he ultimately echoed that sentiment: "We found the plating again to be a little monotonous," he later told the chef. And so ... he was out. I was thoroughly upset and disgusted that at one point the judges said that his dish, based solely on taste alone, was their favorite, Yet he was eliminated for "monotonous plating".

Since Restaurant Week is coming up, beginning January 14, 2008, I plan to visit at least one or two of the Top 100's Very Best Restaurant's. I have my reservation for DC Foodie Favorite, Corduroy and I hope to also try one more ... Komi and Central (#10) are not participating, so I will try to get to Vidalia (#8) since I have not been there.

My goal is to visit all 100, but of course, it keeps changing!
I have a lot of food to eat ... and a long way to go to being able to boast that I have dined at all the 100's Very Best!

Le Paradou.

2007-12-16T09:37:00.001-05:00

Saturday night, my husband and I went to Le Paradou, located on Indiana Ave, NW in Washington, DC, to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Of course whenever there is a special occasion, I consult Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant List and then go to Opentable.com to see who has a table available. My methodology of choosing a restaurant is always lengthy and extremely critical. At first I considered Citronelle, since it's rated #1 and I have never been there, but after looking at the menu, and seeing how expensive it is, it looked like either we could eat dinner there to celebrate our anniversary or we could have Christmas, but not both. I also wanted to try CityZen (#2) but there wasn't a table open until the new year. Restaurant Eve (#6) would have been great, but I have been there so many times for lunch that I just thought it wasn't "new". The Inn at Little Washington (#7) would break the bank. 2941 Restaurant (#8) we have already visited, and loved, but I wanted to go to someplace that I have never been before. Marcel's (#9) again, like the Inn, had no openings. So I decided to move down the List ... well all the way to #15.

Last Tuesday, I logged in to consult my guru (Todd Kliman) on his weekly online chat. I asked him about my choice of visiting Le Paradou. Our conversation went like this:

Todd,
It's been a while since I have been online and been able to participate in the chat, but I just had to ask you about my upcoming dinner reservation at Le Paradou. My husband and I are celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary and I know absolutely nothing about this restaurant. I know that it is on the Top 100 Very Best List, otherwise, I wouldn't even bother ;) ... but what else can you tell me about it? The chef, the service, best dishes, some juicy inside stuff? Dying to know. Hope all is well. Always a pleasure, Lisa D.

His Response:
Hi, Lisa. Welcome back, and happy anniversary!

What can I tell you? I can tell you that Yannick Cam is one of the best cooks in the city, and that his roots here go back a long, long way. In the '80s, his restaurant, Le Pavillon, was one of the city's top dining destinations. I can also tell you that you can expect -- well, no, that I can't tell you. The restaurant runs hot and cold. It can be brilliant at times and uninspired at others. Or -- one visit is sublime, the next leaves you wondering whether it's the same kitchen.

Best dishes? That depends, as I said, but his foie gras terrine with stewed apricots, his roasted lobster with Sauternes, his gazpacho with lobster claw, and his duck breast with foie gras tart, are all good bets.

Good luck, and be sure to check back in with a report ...

So last night, I think that I would say that the restaurant wasn't have an "off-night", but who knows. I am not nearly the expert that Todd is about such matters.
We were pretty happy that upon our arrival to the restaurant, there was a space right in front. We were delighted to not have to use the valet. When we go inside, I noticed immediately how the Christmas Tree by the door wasn't decorated in the back. All of the decorations were on the front. Pretty humorous, if I don't say so myself. The host was very pleasant when "checking-in". Of course, we had a reservation. The bar area off to the right of the entrance wasn't bustling yet. When we tell the host our name, he says, "Oh, this is for you," and reaches into a drawer and pulls out a yellowish-brown folder with Paradou written on it. My husband and I looked at each other, both confused. Apparently, my father and his lady purchased a gift certificate for us to the restaurant.
The main dining area is very large full of large round tables and boothes.
So we are sat at our table in the private dining area. It's in the back of the main dining room. It is the area that if someone has a large party, that room can be closed off to the other diners. It was the room of the restaurant that has the very large hand blown chandelier.
We each ordered an appetizer and we shared a bottle of Evian. I was surprised to find out later that the water was $9. Before the appetizers came, a small gift from the kitchen came out and the bread basket. The compliments of the chef was a single shrimp on top of some Sweet Bell Peppers Sauce. This was fine for one bite, but if I were to order this as an appetizer from the menu, I would be disappointed. There was nothing really to the shrimp. The only seasoning was the sauce that the shrimp sat upon.
There were more choices for appetizers than there were for anything else, well except for the wine list that was as thick as a telephone book.
I ordered the Raviolis de Crabe, Pince de Homard au Beurre Fin de Tomates, which is Crab Ravioli with Lobster claw, tomatoes, and butter. It was served in a large bowl with small thin raviolis on the bottom covered in large chunks of crab and lobster meat. In the butter sauce, you could taste the garlic and there were little tiny bits of tomatoes. How they cut those tomatoes so small, I'll never know. The butter sauce was so delish that I dredged my dinner roll in it. Ben ordered the Noix de Coquilles Saint- Jacques Enrobées d’une Feuille de Jambon de Parme, Truffes d’Hiver et Coulis de Poivrons Doux. Presented beautifully on a large square platter, the Scallops were wrapped in the Parma Ham, Black Truffles and Sweet Bell Peppers Sauce. I am not a fan of peppers ... as I am allergic, but I did try one of the scallops, also something that I don't ordinarily like, but these scallops didn't taste like scallops. They were soft and tender and didn't taste "fishy" to me. Plus, anything with bacon I love. Well Parma ham is close enough to bacon.
For the main course, I really branched out. I ordered the "Estouffade de Lapin aux Olives Niçoises et Romarin, Galette de Champignons Farcis" This 'Estouffade' of Rabbit with Olives, Rosemary and Stuffed Mushrooms Tort was exquisite. I have never had rabbit before due to ethical considerations, but I have to admit that this was the best meat that I have ever tasted. The rabbit was tender and succulent. I only found one piece that was dry. I had only minor difficulty with the small bones. I don't recall ever really enjoying eating turnips, but I ate every single one that was on my plate. The texture was soft but not mushy. It was almost like a small ball of mashed potatoes. The small Olives Niçoises were delish also. There were only a few scattered around the rabbit, but they too, were quite delectable.
My husband ordered the Osso Bucco aux Carrottes Glacées, Graines de Cardamon et Safran. At the time, I did not know that Osso Boccu was veal. It was only I could go and look it up that I learned exactly what it was. Nevertheless, this dish was cooked perfectly. In my experience, Veal is usually chewy and sometimes tough and I avoid it usually for this reason (and also the ethical considerations, again). This wasn't. It was very tender and the Cardamom and Saffron sauce was an excellent accompaniment.
For dessert, I ordered the Pomme Confite Façon Tatin, Crème Chiboust Vanillée, Glace Cannelle. It was presented well. The most interesting thing about the dessert was this thin sugary spike that stuck out of the ice cream. It was very crispy and reminded me of a creme brulee. It was served in a small votive with layers of the Vanilla Chiboust Cream and Cinnanom Ice Cream on the side. Wonderful, memorable meal. A nice place to spend a special occasion like a wedding anniversary.

Swanky Old-time Fav in Old Town

2007-10-14T09:30:00.003-04:00

Adorned on the walls in the newly reopened The Majestic, historically known as the Majestic Cafe, are old photographs of the original layout of the restaurant and some of the employees from long ago. Some date back to 1932. The new owners, chef Cathal Armstrong, his wife, Meshelle, and the couple's business partner, sommelier, Todd Thrasher have successfully taken over and revived the old Majestic Cafe and the menu. Rumor has it that four years ago, chef Cathal Armstrong and his wife, Meshelle, came up with the idea for their Restaurant Eve over a bottle of wine at the old Majestic Cafe and of course when they got wind that the landmark was closing, they decided to step in and come up with a plan to save it. Todd Thrasher's wife, Maria Chicas serves as the Majestic's general manager.
This is the fourth establishment in their reign over Old Town. Their first restaurant to open in the area was Restaurant Eve, which has recently been remarked as being as good as DC's most highly ranked establishments, Citronelle and City Zen, which were ranked number 1 and number two on the Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant List in 2007. Restaurant Eve, ranked number 6 in 2007, was named after Cathal and Meshelle's daughter has become one of the most talked about restauarants in the DC area, not just by area diners, but also by DC's top Chefs. The group has since opened Eamonn's, a Dublin chipper, named after Cathal and Meshelle's son, and Px, their upstairs swanky speakeasy lounge.
I have visited all but the Px. These folks really have their eye on the ball. Last night, my non-foodie husband, Ben and I visited The Majestic. It was both of ours first time ever dining there. I made a reservation using Opentable.com, as I do with most of my dining out visits. Even though we arrived on time and told the hostess that we had a reservation, we waited 10 minutes to sit down because she said that they were out of menus. I thought it was rather peculiar for a Saturday night.
Once we were sat at our table, we got a bread basket. Service to say the least, was a bit lacking. There was waiting for everything. Uneventful until the entrees came. Ben's fish was overcooked and I felt responsible because I picked the place and raved about it because it was Cathal's! I'm not sure if I will go back. I might ... maybe it was just an Off-night.

October 2007 Washingtonian. I'm Published!!!

2007-09-22T13:50:00.001-04:00

Can you believe it?
I was reading my October 2007 issue of the Washingtonian that just came in the mail and quite to my surprise, a portion of my posting on Todd Kliman's online chat on Tuesday's was in the magazine! On page 169 you can see it... It was my July 12, 2007 posting. You can also read it in my archives of my blog.

Here was the orginal coversation:

Alexandria, VA:

Todd, I wanted to follow-up with you about where I went to dinner before Justin Trawick's show at the 9:30 club. I did research Oohhs and Aahhs, but I agree that it would have been a better place for an after show treat. I made a reservation at Etete. The Ethiopian place off of U Street. I think the it was an amazing experience. I remember reading somewhere that you thought the service was very good. I think you described it as family-like... anyways... my experience was pretty awful when it came to service. We had to wait for a long time and most of the time, I just got tired of waiting and I had to get up and find my server. I was not very happy about that. It took so long for the waitress to come over to us, I had to go find her to tell her that we were ready to order and this is after a 30-40 minute wait. Also ... I had a hard time picking something from the menu that didn't have jalapeño or green peppers in it (I'm allergic). But I got the Yefem Tibs as my entree and I loved it. Next time I go back I know to order more things from the menu to try. I will not order, however, the tomato salad. The dressing was such a disappointment. It came right out of the bottle... like a Kraft Italian. I tried the Sambusa (Lentil) and loved it. It reminded me of empanada's a little bit... Do you have another suggestion of where I can try more ethnic foods but won't run into the Green Pepper or jalapeño problem? Thanks. Always a Pleasure. Lisa

Todd Kliman:

Lisa,

Thanks for the update. And I'm glad you had a good time at Etete. It's interesting: I've never had a problem with the service there, but I've also never gone there before trying to make a show.

If you're looking for other good ethnic spots ... shoot, we just published a whole issue of them, essentially, in June's Cheap Eats. One that's in the city and doesn't go in for jalapenos is Malaysia Kopitiam. The food's consistently tasty, and there's a lot to choose from. Give it a go.

And, of course, there are always kabob houses. The area is full of them, and there's a lot that's good.

My favorite is probably Ravi Kabob (either I or II, both in Arlington). You'll run into the "jalapeno problem" if you order the terrific karahi, but if you stick to the skewered meats, you shouldn't have any worries. Fantastic stuff. Really, this is some of the best eating you can do in the entire metro area. And you can afford to do it often.

I highlighted what you see on p. 169 in bold italics.

Pretty Groovy, I think. :D

A Spoonful of Sin

2007-09-21T09:22:00.001-04:00

Ohhhh my goodness! I just heard about this lovely doorstep service. Have you heard?
A Spoonful of Sin
https://aspoonfulofsin.com

That's right, it is an exclusive club dedicated to bringing you a monthly sampling of the most scrumptious, sumptuous, decadent desserts imaginable right to your doorstep. They have enticed some of the Washington, DC area’s most renowned chefs to share their confections and all of us get to enjoy them ... never having to leave your home.
There could be one problem. The portion sizes are just a spoonful or two – sharing is not recommended. Imagine receiving a beautiful box each month, filled with a portion of a specialty dessert, the likes of which you could get only in a five-star restaurant – but you only had to open your front door? Wow.... my goodness.
The subscription service costs $14.95 per month plus tax and shipping. You can order it for yourself or as a gift for one very lucky soul.
You can designate your membership for 3 months, 6 months, a year, or yes, even life...

Bistrot Du Coin. Le bistrot du poivre. Le bistrot du snobinard.

2007-09-19T21:00:00.000-04:00

So tonight I premiered Bistrot du Coin in Dupont Circle.
It was a recommendation of my good friend and fellow DC Foodie, Shabobe Glover. Since I work in Dupont, I had walked past the bistro almost every day for the last month.

Only today during my lunch break did I actually stop and look at the menu. At first glimpse, even though I speak French (Oui, C'est Vrai. Je parle Francais) I didn't find a whole lot on the menu that I would even consider eating. Quite to Todd Kliman's dismay, I don't think I would ever order Duck Confit, mussels, Rabbit, or anything remotely funny like that. I know. I'm a very bad foodie, indeed.
When I walked in to the restaurant, the host asked me how many. I said that there would be a party of two that I would be meeting someone, arriving shortly. He says oh well you can wait at the bar. I can't seat you until both of you are here. I was pretty steamed. It wasn't busy. There was no reason that he couldn't sit me. The entire restaurant was practically empty. It was basically just rude, hence the "snobinard".

It wasn't very nice. So I sat at the bar and waited. Shabobe arrived fifteen minutes later and then he finally sat us (at the same exact table that I wanted to sit at to wait for him). Rude. Just rude.
Shabobe ordered a glass of wine. Even if circumstances were different, I don't think I would have ordered wine. Not sure. Didn't matter because before he could drink one entire glass, he managed to spill it all over himself and all over the floor. It was pretty funny. Another lesson of why you should not talk with your hands.
The waitress told us that as one of their specials, there was an endive salad with walnuts and blue cheese. Sounded like a winner to me. I got that and Shabobe ordered the mussels. (Ewwww...) Todd said that they were good, but no thanks. None for me.
Well I did take that choggers advice and I ordered Le Steak Maison (the house steak). It is described on the menu as, "Grilled Steak Frites with French Fries and béarnaise sauce". I'm confused a bit by this. Simply because I thought frites were "French fries". Shabobe orded the Rabbit stew, but I was a wuss and I didn't try it. As soon as we ordered, someone brought a basket of sliced French baguette with butter, nothing fancy, but we weren't complaining.
The endive salad was pretty tasty. The dressing was light and creamy. The walnuts tasted like they were slightly sweetened, they were my favorite part. I didn't notice any chunks of blue cheese, but maybe the blue cheese was the dressing. I don't think I have ever had this kind of endive before. This was not the leafy dark green lettuce leaves that I am used to, rather the endive was mostly hard from the inner leaves and were light green to creamy-white in color. The salad was still very good. I ate every bite.
My steak was thin, which I didn't expect and even though I ordered it "medium" it was served as "medium-well" almost "well-done". (Not actual photo)

It was still fairly juicy but what I didn't like much at all was how peppery it was. Hence the Poivre remark. This wasn't just plain ground black pepper. These were whole large peppercorns covering the entire steak. I had to dredge every bite of the steak into the béarnaise sauce just to be able to equalize the pepper. Even when Shabobe had a bite, he agreed.
Regardless of not being able to be seated upon arrival, the pepper and the steak being over cooked, we had a nice dinner. Dining with Shabobe is always a treat (and he paid). ;)

I took Todd's Advice. Zorba's Cafe in Dupont --

2007-09-19T12:59:00.003-04:00

Today, I was in the mood for some hearty Italian cuisine and luckily for me, next door to my work is Buca di Beppo. I have been there only once before and I had a pretty good meal. I think it was a little pricey for lunch. I spent almost $18 for a lunch portion of the lasagna and a side salad and beverage (soda, not wine). Jeez. I am working, people. Only one thing I didn’t like what some of the lettuce that was in my salad was those hard white pieces. I hate that. I ended up fishing them out of my salad bowl and putting them on a bread plate. Anyways, I attempted to return this afternoon, but there was no one at the hostess stand. I waited a few minutes and then decided on such a nice day, I would venture out for somewhere with outdoor seating. So... I walk along Connecticut Avenue and before I realize it, I am almost to the Dupont Circle metro stop. All the sudden, like a light bulb went off in my head, I remembered that Todd Kliman's advice to me when I announced my new job in Dupont was to "become a regular at Zorba's Cafe" (see previous post, July 24, 2007).
So only this lovely sunny day, I went to Zorba's for my first time.

I was nervous walking up. I realized that I had never been there and I didn’t know what to do. I felt like I was in unfamiliar territory and that I could upset someone with my ignorance of the Zorba procedures (flashback to Soup Nazi).
So I walk up and there are small patio tables, (just for two) some with umbrellas, scattered about on their front stoop.

There is a sign posted out front by the door, "Order inside". Thank goodness for the sign. I would have been lost. I grab a menu on my way in and before I could open it, a man passes me with a large blue tray, filled with ... (gasp) everything that I want! I almost asked.... I said almost.
Well I took a quick glance at the menu. There wasn’t much for more (the line moved quickly). I figured out that he ordered the "Yero plate". It comes with a yero (pita with meat), small side salad, and french fries. Hmm… Are they called french fries at a Greek place? I dunno. So for the price, I thought it was a pretty good deal... all for $9.95 + tax.
You don’t wait long. Yes, sireee, ... in about 3 minutes, they called my number. I was so nervous ordering that I forgot to get a drink! Luckily for me, I noticed that there were glasses and pitchers of water available. As soon as my number was called, I went outside looking for a spot. I actually got a table with an umbrella.
I really loved the light vinaigrette dressing that was on the salad. I couldn't get enough. I bet I could have eaten another entire serving. The salad was a mixture of greens and romaine, shredded carrots, radish, and a tiny sliver of tomato and red onion. I personally would have been happier with more tomato. oh well.
My Yero was very tasty. I ate every bite. The pita was toasted and warm. The meat was tender and not dry. There was very little tadziki dressing, which I like more. I also would have liked some lettuce and tomato on my yero. Maybe you have to ask for that. I don't know. I'll find out because I definitely plan to go back. I ate my frites last. I ate them one by one dredged in ketchup. By this point, I was getting warm. Being partially in the sun began to wear on me. So there you have it! Zorba's is affordable, good food, and great outdoor seating.

I took Todd's Advice. Zorba's Cafe in Dupont --

2007-09-19T12:59:00.002-04:00

I was in the mood for some hearty Italian cuisine and luckily for me, next door to my work is Buca di Beppo. I have been there only once before. I had a pretty good meal. I think it was a little pricey for lunch. I spent almost $18 for a lunch portion of the lasagna and a side salad and beverage (soda, not wine). Jeez. I am working, people. Anyways, I attempted to return this afternoon, but there was no one at the hostess stand. I waited a few minutes and then decided on such a nice day, I would venture out for an outdoors seat. So... I walk along Connecticut Avenue and before I realize it, I am almost to the Dupont Circle metro stop. All the sudden, like a light bulb went off in my head, I remembered that Todd Kliman's advice to me when I announced my new job was to "become a regular at Zorba's Cafe" (see previous post, July 24, 2007).
So today I went for my first time to Zorba's. It's a little strange.

I'm BACK! Another Blog with Washingtonian's Todd Kliman.

2007-09-19T12:55:00.001-04:00

So after being away from my blog and also Todd Kliman's weekly online chat, I am Back! This was my question that I posted to Todd. Even though Todd wasn't much help, a fellow chogger chimed in and made a comment. That's below. :) I'll let you know how my dinner went tomorrow (time permitting).

Washington, DC:

Todd, This evening an old co-worker/friend of mine and I are meeting up for dinner. We are both pretty well versed when it comes to restaurant dining. We even usually go together to Restaurant Week Lunches, etc. Well tonight we are meeting at Bistro Du Coin in Dupont for dinner. I was wondering if you could give me a few must try items! I have never been there. I am not sure if my friend has. :) Thanks. Always a pleasure, Lisa D.

Answer:

Must-try items? Bistrot du Coin? I'd say that's going just a wee bit too far.

I'd zero in, though, on the mussels, the frites and the duck confit. Great atmosphere, some good cheap wines, lots of fun -- you might even enjoy the surly waiters (if you're in the right mood).

washington dc:

you forgot to mention the steak and fries at Bistro Du Coin, its a good dish for the price and a decent standby.

Answer: I didn't forget. :)

Yay, Me! New Digs in Dupont Circle.

2007-07-24T11:51:00.001-04:00

The most recent chat with Todd Kliman online ...

Alexandria, VA:

Todd, Good day to you! I have great news! I have accepted a new position and luckily for me my new office is located in Dupont Circle. I wanted to see if you could recommend a few good lunch spots that I should not pass up in that area. I will get an hour lunch so walking distance is necessary. Let me know your suggestions! Thanks! Always a pleasure, Lisa.

Todd Kliman:

Congratulations!

First off, you'll want to become a regular at Zorba's Cafe, right near the Metro stop north of the circle. It's good, it's varied, it's affordable, and you can sit outside and people-watch when the weather's nice. It's the kind of place you could probably eat in a couple of times a week for a couple of years without getting sick of it.

What else ... Malaysia Kopitiam, at 19th and M, isn't far away and is consistently good and interesting, with a vast and sprawling menu that includes curries, pickles, stir-frys, noodle dishes, and marinated fishes.

There's also Pizzeria Paradiso on P St., for boutique pizzas, and Alberto's, on the other side of P St., for thin, crispy prole pizza.

That ought to keep you full, and happy, for at least a few weeks!

As Restaurant Week approaches ....

2007-07-17T12:08:00.001-04:00

Check out the Online Chat of Todd Kliman. I participate every week ... here was today's question.

Alexandria, VA:

Hi Todd, I know that you are tired of talking about Restaurant Week, but the rest of us DC Foodies are really anticipating it and have looked forward to it all year. I wasn't able to get a table at Cityzen or Corduroy, so I made a dinner reservation at Charlie Palmer Steak house. It was ranked #12 on Washingtonians 100's Very Best Restaurant List, so I thought it HAS to be good. Can you give me an idea of what I should expect on the menu there knowing it's a $30 dinner (prix fixe)? Thanks, Todd. Always a Pleasure, Lisa

Todd Kliman:

Tired? Not tired at all.

What I was having some fun with was, the fact that so many of you were urging me to weigh in so early. Well, it turns out it's not so early at all, with many restaurants already starting to book up. Once I knew that, I was on board. And we went ahead and put together our preview a couple of weeks early.

What can you expect of Charlie Palmer Steak? For one thing, not many choices -- which I'm usually not thrilled to see. The good news is that CP Steak does a lunch prix fixe all year round, so it's not as if Chef Bryan Voltaggio is contriving some dumbed-down menu for the week that departs wildly from his usual options.

You'll eat well. Just don't go looking for one of the huge, bone-in cuts of beef that define the restaurant.

Todd Kliman the Governor of DC Foodies...

2007-07-12T12:03:00.001-04:00

So on Tuesday at 11 a.m., I participated in another chat with Todd Kliman, Editor of the Washingtonian Food Section. I wanted to write in and follow-up with him about my experience on U Street. I didn't get to hit any of his recommendations but I did talk about my visit to Etete. Read below.

Alexandria, VA:

Todd, I wanted to follow-up with you about where I went to dinner before Justin Trawick's show at the 9:30 club. I did research Oohhs and Aahhs, but I agree that it would have been a better place for an after show treat. I made a reservation at Etete. The Ethiopian place off of U Street. I think the it was an amazing experience. I remember reading somewhere that you thought the service was very good. I think you described it as family-like... anyways... my experience was pretty awful when it came to service. We had to wait for a long time and most of the time, I just got tired of waiting and I had to get up and find my server. I was not very happy about that. It took so long for the waitress to come over to us, I had to go find her to tell her that we were ready to order and this is after a 30-40 minute wait. Also ... I had a hard time picking something from the menu that didn't have jalapeño or green peppers in it (I'm allergic). But I got the Yefem Tibs as my entree and I loved it. Next time I go back I know to order more things from the menu to try. I will not order, however, the tomato salad. The dressing was such a disappointment. It came right out of the bottle... like a Kraft Italian. I tried the Sambusa (Lentil) and loved it. It reminded me of empanada's a little bit... Do you have another suggestion of where I can try more ethnic foods but won't run into the Green Pepper or jalapeño problem? Thanks. Always a Pleasure. Lisa

Todd Kliman:

Lisa,

Thanks for the update. And I'm glad you had a good time at Etete. It's interesting: I've never had a problem with the service there, but I've also never gone there before trying to make a show.

If you're looking for other good ethnic spots ... shoot, we just published a whole issue of them, essentially, in June's Cheap Eats. One that's in the city and doesn't go in for jalapenos is Malaysia Kopitiam. The food's consistently tasty, and there's a lot to choose from. Give it a go.

And, of course, there are always kabob houses. The area is full of them, and there's a lot that's good.

My favorite is probably Ravi Kabob (either I or II, both in Arlington). You'll run into the "jalapeno problem" if you order the terrific karahi, but if you stick to the skewered meats, you shouldn't have any worries. Fantastic stuff. Really, this is some of the best eating you can do in the entire metro area. And you can afford to do it often.

Etete, an Ethiopian Gem on U Street

2007-07-05T12:13:00.002-04:00

Last week, on the same day, I had Afghan and Ethiopian food. I didn't think that that my stomach could handle it, but I think that I did well. Last week on Friday before a show at the 9:30 Club, my husband and I decided to try Etete. It's listed on the Washingtonians 100's Very Best Restaurant list as number 76.
This looked more like a contemporary bistro than an Ethiopian restaurant. The walls were adorned with photos and various dining awards. We ordered as an appetizer the tomato salad (but without the green peppers) but was very disappointed to discover that the dressing for the salad was a store bought, comparable to a Kraft Italian. I wasn't very happy about that. We also tried the Sambusa (Beef: Triangular shaped pastry crust filled with fried beef, green, pepper, jalapeno, onion). I am pretty sure that I ordered the Beef, but what we were served is the Lentil (Triangular shaped pastry crust filled with lentil, green pepper, jalapeno, onion). To be honest, I loved it ... and we actually ordered one more Lentil. For my entree, I ordered the Yefem Tibs (*Etete's Special) described on the menu as charcoal broiled sliced prime tender beef marinated in white wine and rosemary, with a touch of garlic and black pepper. My husband order a spicy meat dish, I don't recall what it was, but it was firey reddish in color probably from the berbere. Although it was too spicey for me to eat as my main entree, I think it was very good. I also decided to try the honey wine. When I first tried it, it was very strong, but sweet at the same time. You have to almost force yourself to finish the glass. It is an acquired taste, after each sip, I liked it a little better.

Real Fish n' Chips without needing a passport

2007-06-28T14:17:00.001-04:00

Even on a hot and steamy day like today, I ventured out for lunch with one goal in mind -- to see what all the fuss was about in Old Town at the new Eamonn's -- A Dublin Chipper. Located on the corner of Columbus and King, Eamonn's is like no other place in the tri-state area, probably intended to be that way.
The world-renowned Chef Cathal Armstrong, an Irish native, his wife Meshelle, and partner and sommelier Todd Trasher have brought a taste of Ireland, right to Washington, DC.
The owners of Eamonn's are the same folk who opened Restaurant Eve, also in Old Town, which has received world-wide recognition.
Eamonn's, named after the Armstrong's son, is a traditional chipper, in that you order at the counter and grab a seat, and wait for your name to be called with your order. The wait can be a long one, since everything is served fresh and there are only 30 seats, including the counter with stools. The menu is squalled on a chalk board that hangs over the cashier's counter.
You don't need a lot of choices. Why else would you be there if you didn't want the infamous fish n' chips? You have your basic cod in two sizes and fried Ray. If you absolutely don't want to try the fish you can choose the deep fried "burghers" or battered sausage. Yes, if you are counting calories, lunch at Eammon's will blow it out of the water.
They offer a few choices for sides that includes two sizes of "chips", bachelor's baked beans, onion rings, coleslaw, and "mushy peas."
They throw in one homemade sauce, and you have a choice of seven, such as traditional tarter sauce, "Marie Rose" (ketchup and mayo), Kitty O'Shea (capers and kalamata olives), Chesapeake, Hot Chili, Fronch, and Curry. I didn't try any of the sauces, like an "eejit" (Irish for idiot/fool).
I did try, however the cod and the chips. The cod came in a light weight, waxy paper pouch. Just large enough for the battered fish to stick out the top for you to take a bite. The cod was perfectly cooked, moist, flaky, and the batter is light and is almost crunchy. I actually thought the batter was the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The fish was so fresh... it even tasted fresh. I actually said to the two women who sat down at end of the bench where I was sitting that it tastes like, "Someone caught the fish, battered it and gives it you." It was that good. I think it's well worth the several minute wait.
The fries ...er, um, I mean Chips reminded me of boxy steak fries, but divine! I dipped every single bite into the malt vinegar that is provided on every table. I didn't get an dessert, and now I am kicking myself... they offer fried milky way, banana, and dough balls. The cashier area is also lined with authentic sweets.
I will definitely go back, but next time I am going to try the Onion rings (oh, I bet they are heavenly), the Irish soda as my beverage, and I will force myself to order a dessert! ;)

Website with menus and photos: http://www.eamonnsdublinchipper.com/
Address: 728 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone (703) 299-8384

Cheap Eats

2007-06-27T15:54:00.001-04:00

The Washingtonian's "Cheap Eats" dining guide came out last month. I subscribe to the Washingtonian, but other than the 100's Very Best guide that comes out every January, the next most popular issue is June's "Cheap Eats".

I like that there is always a fold-out guide that lists the name of the restaurant, type of cuisine, address, neighborhood, phone, etc. This makes it very easy to skim the guide to look for a particular restaurant meeting your interested criteria.
Online there are even a nifty little symbol next to each restaurant if it is also one of the 100's Very Best.
ttp://www.washingtonian.com/restaurantreviews/3/index.html

I haven't been to many of these places that are listed as "cheap eats" but there are a few that I have frequented. I noticed that Artie's in Fairfax was listed as a cheap eats restaurant. I think that it's interesting that Artie's was included, but not any of the other restaurants owned by the Great American Restaurants group, like Sweetwater Tavern, Mike's American Grill, Coastal Flats, Silverado, because their menus are almost identical in each place. I wonder what set apart Artie's from the others?

I have visited this place only once because the last time that I went, which was on my birthday, was such a disaster. When I mean disaster, I mean disaster.
I remember distinctly waiting a very long time for our appetizers, and when we asked our server, he told us that he had lost our order and the kitchen is working to get it out to us.

The manger on duty brought out our appetizers, and apologized, but we were not compensated in any way. Not even a free dessert. I was even more angry when our entrees came out almost immediately after the appetizer. Well I will most likely never go back there again...
All the other places on the Cheap Eats ... maybe I will have better luck with.

Todd Kliman's Chat (Tuesday's 11 a.m.)

2007-06-26T12:23:00.002-04:00

So every Tuesday at 11 a.m. Todd Kliman, the Food Editor of the Washingtonian Magazine has an online chat.
He begins the chat every week with some comments about a few local places that he wants to highlight. In addition, people can write in about questions that they have about restaurants, etc. I participate every week. I actually have an alert set up in Outlook to remind every week. Ha ha ha. Anyways ... this was my comment this week. And of course, I loved Todd's reply. See below.

Alexandria, VA:

Hey Todd, One of my really good friends, Justin Trawick is playing at the 9:30 Club on Friday. Before the show, I wanted to get some "real" food, so I made a reservation at the Tabaq Bistro for me and my husband. I have never been there and I know that it is not on the 100's Very Best list. I have heard great things about the atmosphere, but how's the food? Can you tell me what I should expect or what I should definitely not miss? Thanks, Lisa

Todd Kliman:
How to Build a Life with a Lemonade Stand. Neat sound.

(Sorry, folks. I've been grooving to the music on Justin's website for the last few minutes -- www.justintrawick.com ... And no, I'd never heard of him before popping open this question. Kinda reminds me a little of G Love and Special Sauce, if just a touch folkier.)

Lemonade, Special Sauce ... and back to food.

I'm no fan of Tabaq, although I do like the terrific view upstairs -- it gives you a great sweep of the city.

If it's good eats you're after -- and not just a place to drink and catch up and find yourself among a crowd -- then I'd rather send you to Coppi's Organic or Etete, also on U St. Or to Oohhs & Aahhs, which has just started serving chicken and waffles from midnight to 4 a.m. It'd make a great post-show "snack."

Link to Todd's Chat: http://www.washingtonian.com/chats/restaurants/4412.html?msg=1

Is this thing on? 1...2...3

2007-06-22T15:36:00.001-04:00

Okay, so thanks to Miss Ashleigh Hill's suggestion, I now have a blogspot.
This entire blog will be dedicated to my journey to becoming the next Phyllis Richman, the next Todd Kliman (Dining Editor of The Washingtonian) ... well I can dream, right?

Well I will settle for more eloquent writer. I know that I have a lot of work to do, but there is one thing that I have on my side. It's determination.

I will tell you ... but I am going to sound obsessive compulsive. Since August 1997 (yes, over ten years) I have been collecting the dining reviews from The Washington Post Magazine dining section. Phyllis Richman was the food critic for years until Tom Sietsema (The Washington Post's restaurant critic) came along. In addition, I have followed The Washingtonians 100 Very Best Restaurants for years. It's my biggest goal, dream, highest aspiration to one day be able to say that I have visited all 100. It changes every single year, but so far I think I have been to about 15%. Again, I track it, obsessively.
One accomplishment thus far is that I have already earned the esteemed title of "VIP member" of Opentable.com. This was accomplished just yesterday. I honored my 12th reservation this year to a participating OpenTable restaurant, Farrah Olivia by Morou. This Chef is best known for his "Modern Tribal Cuisine". It makes perfect sense, since he grew up in the Ivory Coast. He is by far one of Washington's best Chefs. With the use of a wide range of exotic ingredients and unique culinary style, Morou has enlightened both food Aficionados and the every day diner.

My lunch at Farrah Olivia was another truly amazing experience and I expected nothing less. If you have read my other dining review posts, from a previous site, you will find that I already raved about my first experience at Farrah Olivia.
In late January, I visited Farrah Olivia for the first time to celebrate my 30th birthday with my husband, Ben. Yesterday, I went to lunch with a co-worker and I knew that no matter what I decided, I would not be disappointed. I was pleased to try something new -- Quinoa. This delicate side was paired with my Chicken Breast. Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wa) is like a very course grain. It looks like a couscous ...
and comes from South America. I thought it was amazing at how the texture really pops ... like of like roe on a California Roll. it The Quinoa included small sqaured carrots, used in other of Morou's dishes, green onions, raisins, and fresh ginger. It was truly divine -- like nothing I have ever tasted before. My chicken breast was not your usual, thin, flat filet. This was a real acutal chicken breast. There was even a bone sticking out the top. The presentation was unique to Morou. The chicken was on the plate sitting besides a swirl of brown mustard sauce. The sauce used whole mustard seeds. The yellowish-brown color was very attractive.

I also had the Beef Tenderloin sandwich. The beef was a little pink on the inside and incredibly tender, not at all chewy. The beef was drizzled in melted blue cheese, which I loved and served on a soft french roll. I will definately go back and order this as my own next time. The best part of this dish was the battered onion rings. You have never tasted onion rings like these.
These were like funnel cake good. The batter was the perfect combination of sweet and salty. It doesn't get much better than that.
I highly recommend the Prix Fixe Menu of two courses for $16 and three courses for $20. For this quality of food, it's a bargain! Check it out... I promise your taste buds will thank you.

Website: http://www.farraholiviarestaurant.com/ct/index.html
Address: 600 Franklin St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 778-2233

Past Reviews: DC Coast, Ceiba, Arcadiana

2007-06-20T17:03:00.001-04:00

So ... Thursday, February 22,2007 I patroned DC Coast.
Are you seeing a trend here? First was Acadiana, then Ceiba, and now DC Coast.
They are all owned by Passion Food Hospitality, LLC (Passion Food Profile)
Owners Gus DiMillo, David Wizenberg, and Chef Jeff Tunks. Next I think I will have to try TenPenh .... DC Coast is a very nice restaurant; clean, simple, not to contemporary or to old-fashioned. I like how diners can see what's going on in the kitchen depending on where you are sitting. It's basically open. No mirrors, or glass. Free show! woohoo! ;) The decor is beautiful with a motif of the sea and mermaids.

On thing that I didn't like right off the bat was being sat (table of two) right next to a (rather loud) party of four ... literally we were so close I could have eaten off their plates. It wasn't the best environment for conversation. Mike (Yarger) said on Tuesday that he refers to those types of tables as, "I'll have what she's having (tables)". Ha ha.
Literally, the tables were on top of each other. I wish that we were sat in a more intimate setting. There just wasn't any privacy.

Dinner and the Food ... I will be back to review those and talk a little bit about my experience with Ryan McCarthy, GM of DC Coast. He was really charismatic. He pretended to know me.

Ceiba

2007-06-19T17:07:00.001-04:00

So tonight (Tuesday, February 20, 2007) I visited yet another one of Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurants -- Ceiba (pronounced SAY-Bah).
Ceiba is owned by the same owners of DC Coast, TenPenh, and now Acadiana.
Ceiba has done very well since it's opening in September 2003.
The restaurant's menu is full with cuisine based on Latin American influences.
The decor was very bright and very colorful almost like a tropical paradise, right here in DC.

I think the theme of the "bird and the tree" was very unique.

The name Ceiba refers to a tree indigenous to much of the region and purported to have mystical properties. The restaurant's decor includes murals throughout the restaurant celebrating the ceiba tree. Even the furniture is from Brazil -- made from wood indigenous to Brazil.

The menu includes dishes from specifically the Yucatan (Vera Cruz and Cancun), Brazil (Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), Peru, and Cuba.
I did not try any of the Ceviche dishes offered (there were more than five offered), however I was able to sample three of their appetizers (one compliments of the chef). The chef brought out the Cuban Paella Crab Fritters. Described on the menu with a fried Lemon and peas served with a light Aioli. I was so pleased that the Chef brought out the Crab Fritter. I was going to order it as one of my choices, but I knew that I was ordering Crab Cakes as my entree. The crab fritter looked better than it tasted.... in my opinion. It reminded me of a hush puppy but just crab tasting. Also, the fritter needed a little more of the aioli. Maybe I just prefer a lot of sauce to dredge each bite, but I think without the aioli, I wouldn't have been as enthused to eat it.

I also ordered the Albondigas de Chorizo. Described on the menu as Chorizo Meatballs, Shaved Reggianito, Soft Polenta, Tomato Sofrito. So I was asked, "What do you think of the Chorizo?". I said, "It takes like a meatball."
Well ... I don't know how else to describe it. It did. The chorizo was very moist and yet did not fall apart when trying to pick it up with your fork. I think the shaved Reggianito on top was the perfect touch. I really liked this dish. I would order it again.
Next, I tried the Beef Empanadas Criollas. Described on the menu as having Green Olives, Raisins, Eggs and Piquillo Pepper Romesco. I didn't see or taste any of the olive or raisins, but I did have an egg in every one of the Empanadas. I really like this dish and would order it again.
Now that I think about it, the Empanadas seemed similar to Acadiana's Trio of Pies. (Check the other blog). Mike ordered the Black Bean Braised Pork Shank "Feijoada". Described on the menu as being served with Rice, Malaguetas, Toasted Farofa. I was able to try this ... I have never tasted pork so succulent and with so much flavor. It reminded me of being on my Uncle Loren's farm in Maryland at a pig roast. This pork was simply amazing. I have never had anything like it. It was served in a very large clay bowl. It felt like we were being served in some old Brazilian woman's kitchen.Very authentic looking.
I ordered the Jumbo Lump Crab Torrejitas. Described on the menu as being served with Peruvian Fried Rice, Red Onion and Asparagus Salad, Rocoto Corn Vinaigrette. I usually order crab cakes when I go out. For some reason, I am just always in the mood for a good crab cake. Saturday night at Restaurant Kolumbia, I ordered the Crab Cake there too. The presentation of the crab cake was good. It looked like a large volcano. The red onion and asparagus covered two crab cakes that sat on top of a bed of peruvian fried rice. I think it looked better than it tasted. The crab cakes were a little crunchy (I found shells), however I was surprised that there was actually "lump" to this crab cake. I can't tell you how often I order "lump crab cake" and there is no "lump". It's all just crab meat that is basically "shredded" no real lump. I think I would have liked the red onion and asparagus salad more, but I think it needed more vinegar. Maybe there was too much vinegar. Maybe just something was missing. Can't put my finger on it. I should have put some salt and pepper on it, but it didn't occur to me.

I tried two of their "spirits"- First, I had the PLAYA DEL SOL. An eclectic delight of Cruzan coconut rum, touched with amaretto, pineapple juice, Coco Lopez & grenadine. I also tried the YUCATAN SUNSET. Bacardi Razz rum, Citronge, mango puree & grenadine. I liked the first one best ... probably b/c I love amaretto.

Restaurant Kolumbia

2007-06-18T17:14:00.001-04:00

Restaurant Kolumbia. (1801 K Street NW) Chef/Owner Jamie Stachowski.

Of course, my friend Mike (Yarger, of Acadiana; see previous blogs) that always takes such good care of me while I am experiencing my latest adventure in DC restaurant scene (thanks, Mike), has worked with Jamie when he was an Executive Chef at eCitie restaurant in Tysons Corner. So of course Mike, being who he is (very sweet) spoke to Carolyn (Chef's wife and restaurant Manager) and arranged a meeting for me with Chef Jamie Stachowski.

I was also spoiled with a tasting board (compliments of the chef) of Jamie's specialties. The board contained varieties of mostly hand-crafted meats. All of which Chef knew that I would never have tried otherwise, if he hadn't presented it to me. The board contained kielbasa with pickle chips, liver, lamb shoulder, veal breast with sweetbreads, blood sausage, smoked fish on pumpernickel and everything was a delectable experience of it own.

My favorite was the kielbasa and the pickles. It was presented like a kabob, loved it. Also surprisingly good was the accompaniment to the bread basket. I believe it was eggplant ... (according to our server). I was the only one who was willing to try it. It tasted like a very cremey Guacamole, rich in flavor and a perfect texture for the unadventurous diners.
So for my meal, I ordered only one course, the Baked Blue Crab Cake, Blended with Scallop Mousse, Creole Sauce, Homemade Potato Chips.
It was very different than any other crabcake that I have ever eaten. It was very rich and the scallop mouse gave the cake a creamy consistency.
I dredged every other bite in the bright orangish creole sauce. It changed the taste of the crab cake from creamy to spicey ;)
Two of the other ladies ordered a choice from the second course menu, the "Rock and Roll", described as Tempura Rock Shrimp, Crispy Calamari, Asian Daikon Slaw, Shallot Remoulade". I thought that the rock shrimp were dry and bland, but the calamari was fried to perfection and a little bit salty, but nevertheless, perfect. My favorite thing about the Rock and Roll was the Asian Daikon Slaw.
The slaw was colorful and the vingear mix was perfect. I could have eaten several more helpings. I loved it ... I wish that they would have had that with my crab cake.
I would definitely recommend the experience to others.

Stay tuned for my next excursion, 2941, Another restuarant on the Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant list.

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Dining in DC has moved