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"Dhondra" Rib Roast

 
Standing rib roast will have them shouting, 'Dhondra!'

Here's Mrs. Meisner's delicious Italian rub, enough for a four-bone roast. If your roast is larger, add more stuff.

Remove the leaves from fresh rosemary (a little more than one cup) and chop them with a sharp knife. Add eight fat cloves of roughly chopped garlic, the zest of four lemons, the juice of one lemon, a half cup of kosher salt and a quarter cup of fresh coarsely ground black pepper. Toss into a food processor. Slowly drizzle in about one half cup of extra virgin olive oil.

Spread the paste all over the roast to form a crust. If you need more paste, don't freak -- just make some. Allow the roast to sit in a steel or glass pan until at room temperature, about an hour or two. Don't refrigerate overnight. The salt will draw out the juices.

Delicious! Thank you John Kass.

Complete instructions here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-18-dec18,0,3868996.column

January 24, 2010 02:57 PM   Link    Comments (0)

Dr. Fuhrman's Famous Anti-Cancer Soup

Dr. Fuhrman's Famous Anti-Cancer Soup, modified

2 cup dried split peas and/or beans
4 Medium onions
6-10 zucchini
3 stalks leek
2 lbs carrots
2 bunches celery
1 cup raw cashews
3 tbsp vegetable base stock (Vege Base by Vogue)
2 pkg mushrooms
6 oz texturized vegetable protein (TVP)

Simmer beans in covered pot in 12 cups of water.
Put onions and zucchini in covered pot, uncut.
Add Vege Base.
Cut bottom and tops off leeks and thoroughly clean, put in covered pot.
Juice the carrots and celery (or blend them into a whole juice in BlendTec) and put juice in pot.

After vegetables are soft, with a bit of stock completely blend them together with the cashews in a BlendTec. Leave beans in pot.

Put blended mixture back in pot.

Add the TVP and the mushrooms.

Simmer additional 20 minutes.

Serves 10.

From Dr. Joel Fuhrman's book, Eat to Live. Original recipe here - see "High Cruciferous Soup Recipe" in comments.

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March 22, 2009 08:57 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 3/1/09 - special "Green Smoothie" edition

How to make a Green Smoothie

• Green Smoothie Challenge
• 70 Green Smoothie Recipes
• Green Smoothie Girl
• Victoria Boutenko - Raw Family
• January Recipe - Green Smoothie with Victoria Boutenko (video)
• Green Smoothies - Yahoo Glue
• Green Smoothies - squidoo
• Vita-Mix Green Smoothie
• How to Peel an Orange in One Peel
• 12 Great Tasting Green Smoothie Recipes!
• Green Smoothie Recipe - Top 5
• Surprisingly Delicious [Gluten-Free] Green Smoothie Recipe
• Banana Strawberry Collard Green Smoothie Recipe
• Green Smoothie Recipe - Dr. Joel Fuhrman
• Emerald Ecstasy (Green Smoothie)
  • 1-2 Cups of Green Grapes
  • 1/4 of a large Pineapple or 1/3 of a small Pineapple
  • One large, ripe Banana (one and a half if small)
  • Half of an Apple (o.k. to include stem, seeds, skin, and core)
  • 1/4 of a slice of Lemon (o.k. to leave lemon rind on)
  • A BIG double hand-full of spinach (probably 4 cups)
  • 2-3 cups of ice (should reach the top of the container)
• Tropical Green Smoothie
• The Green Smoothie Blog
• Green Grow the Rushes O
• Edible and Medicinal Uses of Native Plants Found at Mound City - NPS
• Leaf vegetable - wikipedia
• How to Find Wild Edible Plants
• Edible Wild Plants - Science Tracer from Library of Congress
• Greens, Edible - from Librarians Internet Index
• North Bay Trading Company
• Barry Farm Foods

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March 1, 2009 07:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Easy Chicken Stew - for people who don't "cook"

Take 1 whole chicken, place it in a large pot of water until the entire chicken is covered. If desired put in Italian seasoning until it seems right - probably 2 tablespoons.

Put on low boil for 2 to 3 hours. (Go watch a game on TV, read a book, blog, go out, whatever, the time is approximate here. Some people who "cook" say that the longer the chicken cooks the tougher it gets. Good!)

Remove chicken from broth - those of you who don't "cook": careful, it's hot. Remove the organs, neck, all skin and bones and put chicken meat in a bowl - cover and refrigerate. Discard the neck and all skin, fat and bones - don't give to your dog or your cat. You can give the organs to your cat if you want it to get high cholesterol.

Place large pot with broth in refrigerator for 24 hours. Then remove all fat and grease floating on top of the water. You can use a large spoon and paper towels at the end - get as much fat out as you can. Discard or turn into bio diesel.

Put large pot of broth on stove and simmer. When the broth is simmering, put into the pot

1 white onion, chopped up
1/2 head of cabbage, chopped up
1 10 oz (standard size) package of frozen cut green beans
1 10 oz (standard size) package of frozen chopped spinach
2 small cans of mushrooms - drain then dice if desired
1 16 oz can of diced tomatoes - get the ones in chili if you want a little kick
8 ounces of dry chickpeas or 1 16 oz can of garbonzo beans (rinsed)
Couple of stalks of celery, chopped up
Couple of carrots, chopped up
Some baby lima beans, 4 ounces or so, whatever seems good
Some wild (or brown) rice - probably 1/2, whatever seems good
Some garlic if desired
More Italian seasoning if desired

For those of you who don't "cook", don't be intimidated, all of this chopping goes very quickly and is so easy even you can do it. With no help from your mother.

And try other vegetables if you're so inclined. Experiment! Live it up!

Last, after 30 minutes or so of simmering, take the bowl of chicken meat out of the fridge. Pull apart, slice or chop the chicken meat as desired, then put the meat into the simmering pot if you want the meat for texture and protein, otherwise give the chicken to your dog. Or your cat.

Simmer for an hour or so. Or two. Whatever.

Season as desired. Enjoy. And amaze everyone who thought you couldn't "cook" including yourself and your dog. If you have a cat, your cat will not be impressed or amazed. Your cat knew you could "cook" all along.

Makes a large pot, enough for 15 large bowls of very hearty stew. Stays good in the refrigerator for 5 or 6 days. Can also be frozen, but warning: Penny, who does cook, says freezing changes the texture of the vegetables.

The result is a very hearty, very fast, microwavable lunch or dinner with lots of vegetables. Your mother would be proud of you. And if your mother is still alive, call her! And thank her for raising such an adventurous spirit.

2 whole chickens at Costco run about $8 (as of February 2009).

The rest of the ingredients cost $4 to $8, which works out to lots-o-meals of very economical hearty stew.

Thanks Penny and other Alexandria, VA, Toppers!

Also see "Make Chicken Stock Like a Pro," with video.

"Cooking is a human universal." Except for many singles for whom microwaving, not "cooking", is the norm.
"What's cooking? The evolutionary role of cookery," The Economist, February 19, 2009

February 20, 2009 07:57 PM   Link    Comments (0)

The Hamburger

How did a sandwich once reviled as something unsanitary and purchased outside factories and at carnivals come so far? The answer can be found in this little book, The Hamburger: A History. "What do Americans think of when they think of the hamburger?" asks the author, Josh Ozersky. "Is it a sizzling disc of goodness, served in a roadside restaurant dense with local lore, or the grim end product of a secret, sinister empire of tormented animals and unspeakable slaughtering practices? Is it cooking or commodity? An icon of freedom or the quintessence of conformity?"

"Burger Triumphant. Or, requiem for the hot dog." By Victorino Matus, The Weekly Standard, September 29, 2008

More

• The best grilled burger in NYC? - A Guy In New York
• A Hamburger Today - on Serious Eats
• Bosnia burger in Alexandria, VA - Hobnob Blog
• Hamburgers - Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide
• "The 20 Hamburgers You Must Eat Before You Die," by Alan Richman, GQ, July 2005 (with some links from AHT)
• "Best hamburgers in America?" - A Guy In New York
• Hamburger - from Wikipedia

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September 26, 2008 02:47 PM   Link    Comments (0)

Senate Privatises Cafeteria

In a story rich with irony the Senate, led by Democrat Diane Feinstein, has voted to privatize its restaurants and food services. The House privatized twenty years ago. The result? Sort of like East and West Berlin.

"Food Fight," by Alex Tabarrok, Marginal Revolution, June 10, 2008

In a masterful bit of understatement, Feinstein blamed "noticeably subpar" food and service. Foot traffic bears that out. Come lunchtime, many Senate staffers trudge across the Capitol and down into the basement cafeteria on the House side. On Wednesdays, the lines can be 30 or 40 people long.

House staffers almost never cross the Capitol to eat in the Senate cafeterias.

"Senate Votes To Privatize Its Failing Restaurants," by Paul Kane, The Washington Post, June 9, 2008

More

• "Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006," GAO Report GAO-08-463, March 7, 2008 (23-page pdf )
• "Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2006 and 2005," GAO Report GAO-07-462, March 13, 2007 (20-page pdf )
• "Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2004 and 2003," GAO Report GAO-05-297, March 10, 2005 (also available as a 19-page pdf )
• "Senate Dining Room: Where the elite meet," by The Hill Staff, July 16, 2003
• Senate Bean Soup
• The Members' Dining Room
• Capitol Dining Areas Open to the Public: House | Senate
• Restaurant Associates
• Capitol Hill: Map, Buildings, Hotels, Restaurants - from TheCapitol.Net
  
• Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide
• Some of the places our faculty and authors like in "Faculty Favorites" on Hobnob Blog
• Washington Post restaurant reviews
• Washington City Paper restaurant finder
• Washingtonian magazine restaurant reviews

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June 11, 2008 07:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Al Swift

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Al Swift (bio), a former Member of Congress, shares his favorites.

Five most interesting places to visit

• Washington's Tomb or what was supposed to be that. It is now the place they store the Lincoln catafalque which has been used for every person who has laid in state in the rotunda since it was used for Abraham Lincoln. It is kind of hard to find but it is directly beneath the center of the Capitol Dome. Just keep going down. web site, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC.
• The Brumidi Corridor in the U.S. Capitol, Senate side. web site, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC.
• The Capitol Rotunda. web site, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC.
• The Lincoln Memorial. web site, Independence Avenue SW & 23rd Street SW, Washington, DC.
• The Smithsonian. Some of these are pretty standard, but they are not ordinary. web site, map of museums on or near the National Mall, 202-633-1000.

Five most favorite “fun” things to do

• Have a martini, a cigar, and a conversation at Shelly's Back Room, a tavern in DC. One of only two places in DC where you can enjoy a good cigar while wetting one's whistle. web site, 1331 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-3003.
• Go to the National Zoo. web site, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-4800.
• Go to the Arboretum. web site, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC, 202-245-2726.
• Ride the paddle boats in the Tidal Basin. This is one that I have not done, but it always seemed like fun. web site, 1501 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 202-479-2426.

Five favorite restaurants

Well, I'm a truck driver's son and while I've learned to like the finer things in life, I haven't forgotten the joys of a good peanut butter and jam sandwich...

• The Prime Rib for steak and lobster bisque. web site, 2020 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-466-8811. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• The Monocle for history and politics with your meal. web site, 107 D Street NE, Washington, DC, 202-546-4488 [WaPo | Yelp]
• Hard Times Cafe, any of them for chili. I like Texas, halfway wet with onions on the side. web site, many locations throughout the area. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Five Guys any of them for hamburgers, what else? web site, many locations throughout the area. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• BJs Sandwich Shop in the National Press Building. For good sandwiches when you are on the run. (But I've never tried their PB&Js.) web site,

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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May 22, 2008 07:27 AM   Link    Comments (0)

The World's Best Restaurants?

First published by Restaurant magazine in 2002 and now in its seventh year, The S.Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants is recognised around the world as the most credible indicator of the best places to eat on Earth.

The S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants. In the US:

• 5. The French Laundry, Yountville, CA [Yelp]
• 6. Per Se, New York [Yelp]
• 17. Jean Georges, New York [Yelp]
• 20. Le Bernardin, New York [Yelp]
• 21. Alinea, Chicago [Yelp]
• 37. Chez Panisse, Berkeley [Yelp]
• 38. Charlie Trotter's, Chicago [Yelp]
• 41. Daniel, New York [Yelp]

Rounding out the top 100:
52. Nobu, New York [Yelp]
54. Masa, New York [Yelp]
63. WD-50, New York [Yelp]
85. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, New York [Yelp]
87. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Las Vegas [Yelp]

April 24, 2008 05:07 PM   Link    Comments (0)

Chinese Restaurants in America

Chef's Ma Paul Tofu (Wu Liang Ye Restaurant, NYC)

What most Americans know as Chinese food would be more properly termed American Chinese food, a category that includes chop suey and lemon chicken, dishes born in the U.S. Given, as Lee points out, that there are about 40,000 Chinese restaurants in the U.S., "more than the number of McDonald's, Burger Kings, and KFCs combined," Chinese food might be our national cuisine. "Our benchmark for Americanness is apple pie," she writes. "But ask yourself. How often do you eat apple pie? How often do you eat Chinese food?"

Chinese restaurants are ubiquitous, usually taking the form of urban carryout shops and suburban buffets. But how did these restaurants flourish across the American landscape? For the most part they are independently run, so how is it they seem to share similar characteristics, such as gigantic menus filled with egg rolls, garish red sweet and sour sauce, and General Tso's chicken?

Each chapter answers these questions and more, examining soy sauce, the distinctive shape of takeout boxes favored by Chinese restaurants, and fortune cookies, which Lee discovers are Japanese in origin.

"West eats East: A fact-filled look at Chinese food, which just might be America's national cuisine," by Bich Minh Nguyen, ChicagoTribune.com, March 1, 2008

More

• Author's blog: The Fortune Cookie Chronicles
• Chinese Restaurants on Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide
• Chinese Restaurants on A Guy in New York
• "Review: 'The Fortune Cookie Chronicles'," by Heller McAlpin, Special to Newsday, March 2, 2008
• "Solving a Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery Inside a Cookie," by Jennifer 8. Lee, The New York Times, January 16, 2008

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March 3, 2008 08:47 AM   Link    Comments (0)

What's wrong with this picture?

What's wrong with this picture?

Caution: this is a professional actor. Do NOT attempt this at a business meal!

There are at least eight things in this picture that demonstrate bad business etiquette.

For a link to the answers, see our training course, "How to Walk, Talk and Network in Washington: Presentations, Briefings, Business Etiquette, and Networking Skills for Washington: Cmmunication Skills for the Professional".

Also see our Capitol Learning Audio Course, "Business Etiquette: Keys to Professional Success," with Jill Kamp Melton.

January 31, 2008 04:07 PM   Link    Comments (0)

Eamonn's

Fish and chips - and chicken nuggets - at Eamonn’s in Old Town.

Fish - cod



Chips



Chicken nuggets

Eamonn’s--A Dublin Chipper, web site, 728 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-299-8384 [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper]

December 13, 2007 05:47 PM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Steve Roberts

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Steve Roberts (bio), a journalist, political commentator, and the J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University, shares his favorites.

Favorite Places to Visit

• I still get a thrill every time I see the Capitol, particularly at night, even after all these years. web site, map
• The branch of the Air and Space Museum at Dulles airport is a real treat. My grandkids love the space shuttle and the Blackbird spy plane. The IMAX theater there also a special event (the IMAX theater in the Air and Space Museum downtown shows the same films but tends to be more crowded). Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, web site, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA, 202-633-1000, free admission, $ parking and IMAX have fees
• I'm a big fan of the National Zoo, lots to see in addition to the pandas. Try to catch elephant training (11 am) or seal feeding (11:30 am) shows daily (daily programs). web site, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-4800
• National Museum of Natural History is great for dinosaur loving kids. Lots of cool skeletons. web site, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-357-1729
• Get out of your car and walk around Georgetown or Old Town in Alexandria. Notice the small architectural details and get a feel for an 18th century cityscape. Georgetown - from Wikipedia, "Walking Tour of Old Town Alexandria," from Rachel Cooper.

Fun Things to Do

• Walking/jogging/biking along the C&O Canal is a lovely outing particularly in spring. Take the Park Service trip on an old barge, along the canal, starting in Georgetown, complete with guides and period musicians (web site). Also the Capital Crescent Trail (web site), part of the rails-to-trails system, goes through MD and down to Georgetown. web site
• Cherry blossoms in MD neighborhood of Kenwood (in Bethesda) are actually more spectacular than at the Tidal Basin and much less crowded. map, "Walking Kenwood, Maryland During Cherry Blossom Time," by Kevin Shaw
• National Arboretum (east of Capitol) is best in azalea season, early May. web site, 24th and R Streets NE, Washington, DC, 202-245-2726
• Glen Echo Park (also in MD) is a real old-fashioned amusement park. Don't miss the carousel (web site). Puppet (web site) and live stage shows for kids on weekends are well-done. NPS web site, events web site, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, event line: 301-634-2222
• Congressional Cemetery (in southeast DC) has some fascinating monuments (John Philip Sousa, J. Edgar Hoover, list of famous internments), very guest/dog friendly. web site, 1801 E Street SE, Washington, DC, 202-543-0539

Favorite Restaurants

• Downtown I like Primi Piatti (on Eye St) especially in nice weather when you can eat outside. Feels like Rome. I like the ravioli, farfalle with crab and peas, and roasted peppers with goat cheese. web site, 2013 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-223-3600
• A door or two away, Cafe Lombardy (in Lombardy Hotel) is nice for breakfast (ask for a window table, usually sunny even in winter). web site, 2019 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-828-2600 [openlist | MenuPages]
• Iron Gate on N St. has the loveliest garden in town, food with a Lebanese accent. web site, 1734 N Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-1370 [DC Pages | Gayot | WaPo | Yelp]
• Legal Seafood on K St. has a delicious tuna burger. web site, 2020 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-496-1111 [Yelp]
• In the suburbs, my favorite is Pines of Rome in downtown Bethesda (on Hamden Lane, walking distance from Metro stop), very reasonable and kid friendly, white pizza a house specialty. 4709 Hampden Lane, Bethesda, MD, 301-657-8775 [MenuPages | Yelp | City Paper]
• Mon Ami Gabi on Woodmont is a great French bistro, I like the crepes and omelets. web site, 7239 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-654-1234 [Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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December 1, 2007 08:07 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Excellent BBQ near Williamsburg, VA - Hog Wild Smokehouse

Gracious service, excellent food.

Must try's: the collard greens, pulled pork, pear cobbler (in season), sweet potato pie.

Five kinds of sauces in a recycled 6-pack carrier






Mr. Bill's Oyster Feast, with barbeque beans






Combo: ribs, pulled pork, Stewed green beans, cheesy cornbread, collard greens

Hog Wild Smokehouse, web site, 8864 Richmond Road, Toano, VA 23168 757-741-2515 [Yelp | dailypress.com]

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November 22, 2007 11:27 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Bill Noxon

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Bill Noxon (bio), a public relations practitioner, shares his favorites.

Favorite Places to Visit

My work led me to a couple of these choices after having more than a normal visitor's access, so my picks may have some innate prejudices.

• The White House -- Whether or not you agree with the politics of whomever is the sitting president, there is nothing more exciting than getting an up-close and personal look at this fascinating place. It's not as large as it may appear in pictures, and when you go into the press room where they hold daily briefings, it feels like you're inside a small box because of the tight theater-style seating and all the equipment buzzing around you. Yet, that's the room you see every day on TV and where White House spokesmen reach millions with their communications on presidential activity and policy. The other rooms up in the main White House complex are a little smaller than one may expect, but their beauty, furnishings and art leave you almost speechless. Many rooms give you a wonderful view of the Rose Garden. When you consider you're walking on the same floors as every president since the White House was built, you realize that you are probably one of the very few Americans who have the opportunity to be inside this seat of global power. It is an awesome place. I've personally been fortunate enough to be able to walk many of the rooms without tour guides and just contemplate the experience. I've been involved in ceremonies in the East Room with Presidents Clinton and Bush, which were all exciting events. And I can verify from having the opportunity to attend a few presidential receptions that the White House food is -- in a word -- fantastic. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC [White House Visitor Center, 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC | White House Tours]
• The Vietnam Veterans Memorial -- I was not in Vietnam, but was in the Army during the final couple of years of this conflict. If you are of an age that you have had friends or family involved in Vietnam, the 58,000 or so names that stream across this marvelous monument leave you literally without words. Even though I know of no personal friends who were casualties, I go back and continually scan the names. It's not that I want to find someone I know, but it's one of those eerie things that draws you back. The names represent real people, young people, whose lives were lost trying to do their duties in support of our nation. web site, search for names at The Wall, map (approximately 22nd Avenue NW and Constitution Avenue NW). Visiting Arlington National Cemetery is probably a good corollary if you're paying tribute to our fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen, but nothing leaves you quite as struck as this Vietnam memorial. web site, map (located just beyond the western end of the Memorial Bridge; the Lincoln Memorial is located at the eastern end of Arlington Memorial Bridge)
• The Capitol -- This used to be my favorite place to visit because of its beauty and its history, but the recent security measures have really detracted from the Capitol's true personality. There was a time you could walk into most entrances, get into the House and Senate galleries with little problem, and in fact, during my early days of broadcast news, I was able to cover many hearings in both chambers, and pretty much come and go without question. And not too long ago, it was common to see Senators and Congressmen walk by, and if you recognized them, you might get a few words with them. The atmosphere isn't as welcoming as it once was, but the building still has a lot of charm, and it is another of those "can't miss experiences" if you are in DC. web site, map
• Smithsonian Air and Space Museum -- Even for those who aren't especially interested in aviation, this is still one of the nation's most attractive "free" experiences. The kids love it. Some of the old aircraft and space vehicles are suspended high above the main floor, while others are available to on the floor for close-up viewing. The museum is beautifully laid out so that you can take escalators up and down to many other displays, theater presentations and interactive exhibits. I haven't looked at statistics recently on visitation, but this seems to be one the one place tourists all migrate to because of its central location and interesting presentation. web site, Independence Avenue SW at 6th Street SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-2563
• The Lincoln Memorial -- Of all the individual memorials in Washington, this one still makes my heart pound when I go there. It's not just that it's Abe Lincoln and his legacy that are presented there. But it's the beauty of the statue, the words that grace the interior, and the remarkable view as you turn back toward the Mall and see the Washington Monument and Capitol Rotunda squarely ahead. Then there are visions of the many historic events that occurred there, such as the Vietnam war protests, Martin Luther King, Junior's great speeches, the stirring performances given there during Independence Day and other special occasions. web site, map, next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, article from Wikipedia
• Others -- You can make a full day of Smithsonian's various museums of art, science and technology and never walk more than a mile [web site | also see "Museums, Memorials and Monuments in DC" from TheCapitol.Net]. The John F. Kennedy Memorial on the edge of Arlington National Cemetery [web site] should be a stop on your tour. People are starting to "lose the significance" of this tragic event in our nation's history, so I tend to steer people there.
  
  There are those who believe Washington has recently become too crowded with new memorials [e.g., FDR, WWII], diluting the significance of each. But I still believe many of the earlier monuments hold the most beauty, and places like the White House and Capitol retain their importance because they are still very active as part of our national character and historical relevance.

Fun Things to Do

• Fourth of July celebrations -- These are always great. They bring people together in harmony, and it's a great traditional party in Washington. None was better than the bicentennial celebration. But they are all good. web site
• Return of baseball -- My own favorite things include the return of baseball to DC, and I will "most definitely" escalate this to the top of my list when the new Nationals' stadium opens next year. Driving down South Capitol Street once a month gives you a great "progress" snapshot of the new ballpark. And it's going to be a beauty. Washington Nationals, web site, RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC. [Also see "Sports in DC" from TheCapitol.Net]
• Scottish Walk in Old Town Alexandria -- This used to be an annual winter event for me before moving somewhat far out of town. A great bagpipe parade, followed by some exploring in Old Town makes for a fun full day. web site, Alexandria, VA: map, "The Fun Side of the Potomac"
• Biking along the Potomac from Old Town Alexandria to Mount Vernon (home of George Washington) on the Mount Vernon Trail. Another of my favorite former activities, but hundreds still do this on a weekly basis, and it's a beautiful ride down the river that is almost flat for most of the ride. Mount Vernon Trail, web site from National Park Service, web site from Bike Washington. Also see "The Visitor's Biking Guide to Washington DC"
• Sampling microbrews at various bars and restaurants around town. Like exploring new restaurants, it can be a fun tasting experience. [See Microbreweries and Brew Pubs by students in MGT 558: Marketing & Community at The Catholic University of America: DC, MD, Northern VA]

Favorite Restaurants

This is harder. Most of my eating is now done outside of DC.

• L' Auberge in Great Falls. After many decades, it's probably still near the top in fine French eating in the area. Maybe there are better, but never are you disappointed at this great restaurant. web site, 332 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA [Economist | TCEDG]
• Luigi's on 19th Street. Another old DC institution. Lots of Italian places come and go, but Luigi's is an institution, with some great pizza and exquisite Italian dishes for its pricing. The pizza is not quite what it was in the 1970s, but its other dishes are still wonderful. web site - Warning: slow to load flash 1132 19th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-331-7574 [WaPo | insiderpages | WETA | Yelp]
• Chart House in Old Town Alexandria. Great atmosphere and seafood selections. web site, One Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-684-5080 [openlist | Yelp]
• Cafe Tirolo, Arlington. This little place on Fairfax Drive tucked behind Tara Thai is operated by one of D.C.'s former top chefs (from Austria) who opened up his own place in Alexandria before moving to Arlington. A walk-up and order kind of place, the food is varied, and absolutely delicious. 4001 Fairfax Drive, # 16, Arlington, VA, 703-528-7809 [TCEDG | WaPo | MenuPages | openlist | Yelp]
• About 25 Chinese restaurants could share this position [see TCEDG - Chinese]. Hard to choose a favorite. You can go almost anywhere in the city and find some truly top-notch Chinese eating. Unfortunately, my personal favorite is Yangming in Philadelphia near Villanova University and Bryn Mawr College. Nothing compares! If it were a DC restaurant, it would jump to # 1 on my list. Yangming, web site, 1051 Conestoga Road, Bryn Mawr, PA, 610-527-3200 [Citysearch | MenuPages | Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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November 15, 2007 06:17 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Chuck Cushman

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Chuck Cushman (bio), an associate professor and director of the Master of Arts in Legislative Affairs program at The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management, shares his favorites.

Most interesting places to visit

• Capitol Building, map
• Building Museum, web site, 401 F St NW, Washington, DC, 202-272-2448
• U Sreet Corridor, Wikipedia, Cultural Tourism, map

Favorite “fun” things to do

• Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden on Fridays during the summer. web site, 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-785-1277
• See the monuments at night, TheCapitol.Net's Museums and Memorials, National Park Service map of the mall
• Running though Rock Creek Park -- best green space in town, web site
• Buying Italian groceries at Litteri's wholesale in NE Washington, web site, 517 Morse St NE, Washington DC, 202-544-0184
• Films at AFI Theater, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD, 301-495-6720

Favorite restaurants (all in NW)

• Al Crostino, web site, 1324 U St NW, Washington, DC, 202-797-0523 [Yelp | WaPo]
• El Chalan, web site, 1924 I St NW, Washington, DC, 202-293-2765 [TCEDG | Yelp]
• Rumba Café, web site, 2443 18th St NW, Washington, DC, 202-588-5501 [WaPo | Yelp]
• El Patio, web site, 12303 Twinbrook Pkwy, Rockville, MD, 301-231-9225 [WaPo]
• Busboys and Poets, web site, 2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-7638 [Yelp | WaPo]

For more, see our Visiting Washington DC pages and other Faculty Favorites.

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November 7, 2007 07:47 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Deanna Gelak

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Deanna Gelak (bio), faculty for "How to Work the Hill Like a Pro Audio Course on CD," shares her favorites.

Five Most Interesting Places to Visit

• Get a Different (Aerial) Perspective
  • Go to the top of the Washington Monument to get a spectacular view of the city at least once in your life. web site, Constitution Ave & 15th St NW, Washington, DC, 202-426-6841, September through March daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • You can also get a nice view from the Old Post Office Bell Tower home to the Bells of Congress, which were a present from England on our Nation’s Bicentennial. web site, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-606-8694
  • A trip to the National Cathedral's Observation Tower also offers a nice view from the top of the city. The National Cathedral is often overlooked on public tours because it is off the beaten path, but the Cathedral is as long as the Washington Monument is high and contains beautiful architecture and much history. Many President's funerals have been held there, Woodrow Wilson is buried there and Helen Keller's ashes are in the lower level. web site, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC, 202-537-6200
• Make it Official by taking "official" tours of the US Capitol and Washington, DC. Information on US Capitol outside walking tours, visiting inside the Capitol and sitting in on a Congressional session are available at the US Capitol Historical Society.
  • Congressional Floor Tours: When the House is out of session, a staff member can escort family and friends onto the House floor. One interesting view is the bullet holes in the desk from the 1954 attack by Puerto Rican nationalists.
  • A tourmobile such as the Old Town Trolley (202-832-9800) is an efficient way to hit most DC highlights. The Tourmobile stops by the various attractions periodically so that you can depart from various locations when you are ready, according to their schedule. Kids especially like the DC Ducks Tour which takes you on a land and sea tour from the same vehicle (202-966-DUCK).
  • Before Coming to Washington, take a VIRTUAL tour to familiarize yourself with the US Capitol and White House
    • US Capitol
    • Tour of The White House
    • The West Wing
    • President's Park: Gardens and Grounds
    • White House Video Specific Rooms (Blue, Green, Red and State Dining Room)
• Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian Institute on the Mall): See the Wright Brothers' airplane and touch some moon rock. See the classic movie, To Fly (I remember it from when I was a kid and recently took my kids) and take a flight simulator ride (best to buy tickets online in advance to avoid very long lines). web site, Independence Avenue SW at 6th Street SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-2563
• Senate Summer House: Walk by the Summer House (open-air brick building near the Senate entrance just north of the capitol). The original fountain provided a place for visitors and their horses to drink. web site
• Stay at the Carriage House on Capitol Hill: Beautiful Bed and Breakfast - amidst century old rowhomes on Capitol Hill. A perfect place to retreat after a full day of meetings or touring the city. The Carriage House is a quick walk away from the Capitol, House of Representative's buildings, Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. It is a blend of new and old construction and is apointed with treasures from around the world. Guests feel at ease and cared for and small private events can be arranged. web site, 3rd St SE & South Carolina Ave SE, Washington, DC

Five Favorite Fun Things to Do

• Tour the Monuments by Moonlight: Arranging your own limo with a driver is a fantastic way to see Washington in a different light, but the "Monuments by Moonlight Tour" by Old Town Trolley is also good. Reservation information is available at (202) 832-9800.
• Go dancing over Washington in the revolving Skydome rooftop lounge, with excellent views of the Capital and the Potomac, as well as happy hour buffets and dancing. The Skydome Lounge is located at the top of the Doubletree Hotel in Crystal City, near national airport. web site, 300 Army Navy Dr, Arlington, VA, 703-416-4100
• Have a bowl of Senate bean soup at one of the Congressional cafeterias. Visitors can have official Senate bean soup that has been on the menu in the Senate for more than 100 years.
• Hear a friend's voice echo in the House and stand in the spot in the Capitol that is regarded as the very center of the city (but is it really still?). web site, map
• Take some fun photos
  • Touching the moon rock just inside entrance to the Air and Space Museum. web site, Independence Avenue SW at 6th Street SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-2563
  • If you position yourself correctly, you can have someone take your photo while you are positioned behind the Hope Diamond, so that it appears that you are actually wearing the necklace. Best to attempt this in non-peak periods to avoid impatient glances from other tourists waiting to get their own photos of the diamond. Museum of Natural History web site, 950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-1000
  • If you can get clearance from a Congressional office or security guard, get a photo outside of the House floor with the Will Rogers statue. Place your forearm on his boot to follow the tradition by members of Congress of brushing their forearm on the famous orator statue's boot for good luck before entering the House floor to speak.
  • The National Museum of Natural History has a vendor set up on the lower level to take your photo superimposed in various museum scenes such as the Hairy Mammoth, etc. Museum of Natural History web site, 950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-1000

Favorite Restaurants

• 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, web site, 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-0701 [WaPo | Yelp]
• Sky Terrace Restaurant, the roof top of Hotel Washington near the White House. Fantastic open view overlooking the Washington Monument and White House. This is the location where a scene from the movie No Way Out was filmed.. Closed from October until April. web site, 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-638-5900 [WaPo | Yelp]
• The Chart House. A great way to top off an evening walking the antique shops and Torpedo Factory in Old Town, Alexandria, VA. web site, One Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-684-5080 [openlist | Yelp]
• The Monocle on Capitol Hill (Senate side), web site, 107 D St NE, Washington, DC, 202-546-4488 [WaPo | Yelp]
• Les Halles De Paris, web site, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-6848 [WaPo | Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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October 24, 2007 06:47 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Peggy Garvin

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Peggy Garvin (bio), the author of Real World Research Skills: An Introduction to Factual, International, Judicial, Legislative, and Regulatory Research, shares her favorites. Peggy has lived in Washington DC for 24 years.

Five favorite “Oases”

• Go to the United States Botanic Garden to take a stroll through the orchids, cacti, and palms. The Botanic Garden is a great place for a little escape, particularly in the gloomy winter months. And it’s free. web site, 245 1st St SW, Washington, DC, 202-225-8333
  
  
• The Renwick Gallery’s collection is wonderful, of course, but for a mini-break I head straight upstairs to the plush Grand Salon. For a brief time, you can feel like a nineteenth-century millionaire. And it’s free. web site, 1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-7970
  
  
• National Building Museum, a grand old government office building that houses a museum, but also features a glorious interior space called the Great Hall. As described on the web site, “an ingenious system of windows, vents, and open archways allows the Great Hall to function as a reservoir of light and air” with “impressive Italian Renaissance design, a central fountain and eight colossal Corinthian columns.” Residents of the District of Columbia: this is the best place to take a break from the nearby courthouse when, inevitably, you have to report for jury duty. Grab a snack at the museum café, and take your place at a table in the Great Hall. Except for the money you may spend at the café, enjoying the Great Hall is free. 401 F St NW, Washington, DC, 202-272-2448
  
  
• I don’t have any special feelings about Firehook Bakery, but the Firehook Bakery in Cleveland Park has a back patio that is a neighborhood secret. Firehook inherited it from the legendary Roma restaurant of yore. It’s a low-key, low-cost retreat. web site, 3411 Connecticut Ave, Washington, DC, 202-362-2253
  
  
• The Hotel Washington Terrace fits the definition of oasis as watering hole, and it is not free. But every summer in Washington should include at least one visit to the rooftop terrace of the Hotel Washington for a refreshing beverage of your choice and stunning views of the White House and the Washington Monument. web site, 515 15th St NW, Washington, DC, 202-638-5900 [Yelp | WaPo]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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October 17, 2007 07:27 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Gebe Martinez

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Gebe Martinez (bio), a reporter covering Congress and politics for The Houston Chronicle, shares her favorites.

Most interesting places

• The Capitol. Even though I work there, it's a gorgeous building filled with so much to see. I love taking out of town guests there and encouraging them to keep their eyes open for political celebrities. web site, 202-225-6827
• King Street in Old Town Alexandria, is filled with shops and restaurants. It leads you straight to the water, where you can walk along the Potomac River. Old Town Alexandria web site, King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
• Jefferson Memorial after dusk or after snow has fallen. web site, map
• C&O Canal and Towpath especially north of Great Falls. web site
• Holocaust Museum web site, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC, 20024, 202-488–0400

Favorite Restaurants (This is a little harder to answer because there are so many good restaurants in this area. So, not in any particular order and off the top of my head...)

• TenPenh, web site, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-4500 [Yelp | TCEDG]
• Rosa Mexicano, web site, 575 7th Street at F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-783-5522 [Yelp]
• Restaurant Eve, web site, 110 S Pitt St, Alexandria, VA, 703-706-0450 [Yelp | TCEDG]
• Majestic Cafe, web site, 911 King St, Alexandria, VA, 703-837-9117 [TCEDG | Yelp]
• Cashion's Eat Place, web site, 1819 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC, 202-419-6755 [WaPo]]

For more, see our Visiting Washington DC pages and other Faculty Favorites.

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October 10, 2007 04:07 PM   Link    Comments (0)

Pampanguena Cafe

Pampanguena Cafe serves good Fillipino food at reasonable prices in Gaithersburg, MD. You will see many families here.

Adobo Chicken - excellent



Fried fish - you must eat it with the chopped vegetables



Chicken and pork skewers - excellent



Pampanguena Cafe, 16041 Frederick Road (Route 355), Gaithersburg (technically Derwood), MD, 240-631-2210 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Don Rockwell]

October 8, 2007 09:17 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Brad Fitch

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Brad Fitch (bio), author of Media Relations Handbook, shares his favorites.

Five most interesting places to visit

• FDR Memorial. This is more than a monument to a man. This is a monument to America at a unique time in our history. As you walk through this remarkable monument spread out over about 1/2 an acre, the three decades that spanned Roosevelt's speak to you. My 11-year old nephew visited me for a week and saw everything in DC, and when I asked him what made the greatest impressions, he said it was the FDR Memorial. web site, map (only accessible by car from the northbound lanes of George Washington Parkway, just north of I-66, and by bike and foot on the Mt. Vernon Trail from the Rosslyn side of Key Bridge)
• The Capitol. If you're coming to Washington a visit to the Capitol is required. However, until the Capitol Visitors Center is completed in 2009, there is no good tour system set up. Your best bet is to call your congressman or senator's office at least four weeks in advance and ask them if they'll give you a tour. All Members of Congress offer this service, and you might be lucky and get some bright intern who actually knows a thing or two about the most amazing building in America. web site, map
• Teddy Roosevelt Island. This is one of those gems in DC that only a few locals know about, so I'm violated a code by revealing it here. On the other side of the Potomac River across from the Mall is this small island. It includes a few walking trails, but most importantly it includes a monument to one of the most interesting and dynamic presidents in history. In typical Teddy fashion, you have to walk through the woods -- one of TR's favorite pastimes -- to reach a glade. Before you is a statue of the commanding Roosevelt, 40-foot tall, surrounded by fountains and large slabs with wonderful Roosevelt quotes. web site, map (only accessible by car from the northbound lanes of George Washington Parkway, just north of I-66, and by bike and foot on the Mt. Vernon Trail from the Rosslyn side of Key Bridge)
• Union Station. It's amazing to think they almost tore down this building in the 1980's and that we have former Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole to thank for it's renovation. Inside is a fun food court, nice shops (although a bit overpriced), good bookstores, and many restaurants. If you're in town around Christmas you have to stop by the display put on by the country of Norway: a magnificent toy train set around a miniature town. web site, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington DC, Metro
• Dumbarton Oaks. This garden next to a magnificent house is a great place to bring a book, a spouse, or girlfriend (but not all three at once). web site, 1703 32nd Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-339-6401

Five most favorite fun things to do

• Rent a Canoe on the Potomac. Rent a canoe at Thompson's boat marina. You can gentle paddle next to the monuments, Washington Harbor and the JFK Center for Performing Arts. web site, 2900 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-333-9543
• Drinks at Hotel Washington. The food's not worth staying for dinner, but get to the rooftop restaurant early on a spring or fall day and you get a breath-taking view of all of Washington. If you're lucky, the President's helicopter will take off or land next door, at the White House. web site, 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-638-5900
• Visit Eastern Market. This 1860's old brick building is currently being rebuilt after a 2007 fire. But when restored, you can shop at local vendors and get some of the best blueberry pancakes in the world. Come on the weekends to browse the flea market and the farmers markets. web site, 7th St & North Carolina Ave SE, Washington, DC, Metro
• Twilight Tattoo. This is another of those rarities that most people don't know about. During the summer, every Wednesday on the Mall, the United States Army puts on a show for anyone who wants to see it on the history of the Army. Complete with bands, singers, horses, and costumes. You need to check the Army web site to get exact times and locations. web site
• Take in a Play at Ford's Theater. There's something about watching a play in this 150-year old theater, the same one where President Lincoln was shot. You can't help but let your eyes wander occasionally from the players to see the empty box, draped in colors, where Lincoln watched the same stage. web site, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-4833

Four favorite restaurants

• Matchbox Pizza. This little brick building in near the MCI Center has quickly become a very popular destination. It has the best pizza in Washington (for New Yorkers, that means it's "pretty good"). But they have creative toppings as well. web site, 713 H St NW, Washington, DC, 202-289-4441 [Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Two Quail. This little building on the North East of Capitol Hill looks like it was subjected to a Laura Ashley overdose. But it has a quaint way about it and the lunch food it great. They always have a fresh farmers salad, wonderful bread, and very comfortable chairs. Not my favorite for dinner because it's a bit overpriced. web site, 320 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC, 202-543-8030 [WaPo | Yelp]
• M&S Grill. This is a very solid restaurant with great seafood and meat, reasonable prices, and good service. You'll go home happy. web site, 600 13th St NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-1500 [WaPo | Yelp]
• Station Grill. If you come to DC through Union Station and need to get a meal while waiting for a train, there's only one place to go in Union Station: Station Grill. There is nothing fancy about the surroundings but they have the best burgers in DC. They also have great salads with wonderful grilled veggies. Avoid the crab soup -- it's way too thick. But everything else is quite good with reasonable prices. web site, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC, 202-898-4745 [Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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October 3, 2007 11:57 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Frank Burk

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Frank Burk (bio), faculty for "Drafting Effective Federal Legislation and Amendments in a Nutshell," shares his favorites.

Favorite Places to Visit

• The Capitol, web site, map
• Great Falls Park, web site, map, 703-285-2965
• Teddy Roosevelt Island, web site, map (only accessible by car from the northbound lanes of George Washington Parkway, just north of I-66, and by bike and foot on the Mt. Vernon Trail from the Rosslyn side of Key Bridge)
• National Arboretum, web site, 24th and R Streets NE, Washington, DC, 202-245-2726
• Freer Gallery, web site, 1200 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-1000
• Middleburg, Virginia, web site, map

Favorite restaurants

• L'Auberge Chez Francois, web site, 332 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA, 703-759-3800 [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Yelp]
• Kinkead's, web site, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-296-7700 [WaPo | TCEDG]
• Bistrot du Coin, web site, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-234-6969 [WaPo | Yelp]
• Sweetwater, web site, 3066 Gatehouse Plaza, Falls Church, VA, 703-645-8100 [WaPo | Yelp]
• Tara Thai, 4001 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA, 703-908-4999 [WaPo | Yelp]
• The Dubliner, for more fun than food, web site, 520 N Capitol St NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-3773 [WaPo | Yelp]

Fun Things to Do

• Smithsonian Folklife Festival (last week of June-first week of July), web site, map
• The Birchmere, web site, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA, 703-549-7500
• Wolf Trap, especially the Barns, web site, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA, 703-255-1900
• The Torpedo Factory, and Old Town in general, web site, 105 N Union St, Alexandria, VA, 703-838-4565

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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September 26, 2007 08:17 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Claudia Thurber

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Claudia Thurber (bio), a veteran of over twenty-two years of federal government service, shares her favorites.

Five most interesting places to visit

• Dumbarton Oaks, web site, 1703 32nd Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-339-6401
• Phillip's Museum, web site, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-2151
• National Building Museum, web site, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202 272-2448
• Rock Creek Park on foot or bicycle, web site, map
• The C&O Canal on foot, maps from NPS, C&O Canal Bicycling Guide

Five most favorite “fun” things to do

• Tennis at Arlington Y, 3400 N 13th Street, Arlington, VA, 703-525-5420, or at Georgetown Visitation, 1524 35th Street NW, Washington, DC
• Cycling in Rock Creek Park (web site, map) or to Hains Point, 1090 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, DC
• Walking just about anywhere [see Washington Walks for tours]
• A good movie at the Uptown Theater, web site, 3426 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-966-5400 [WaPo | Yelp]
• A glass of wine in my back yard

Five favorite restaurants

• TenPenh, web site, 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-4500 [TCEDG | Yelp]
• Almost any Thai restaurant [TCEDG - Thai]
• Vidalia, web site, 1990 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-659-1990, closed Sunday. [TCEDG | Yelp]
• Guapo's on Wisconsin Avenue. web site (flash and music), 4515 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-686-3588 [openlist | WaPo]
• Cashion's in Adams Morgan, web site, 1819 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC, near 18th Street NW, 202-797-1819 [TCEDG | Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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September 20, 2007 07:27 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Jim Bayless

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Jim Bayless (bio), a veteran legislative and regulatory attorney who has lived in Washington for more than 25 years, shares his favorites.

Interesting Places to Visit

• Arlington National Cemetery, web site, map (located just beyond the western end of the Memorial Bridge; the Lincoln Memorial is located at the eastern end of Arlington Memorial Bridge)
• Dumbarton Oaks, web site, 1703 32nd Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-339-6401
• International Spy Museum, web site, 800 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-7798
• Hillwood Museum and Gardens, web site, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-686-5807
• Great Falls National Park, especially after a rain with rapids in the Potomac River. web site, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA

Fun Things to Do

• Jogging along monuments on Mall and on the Mt. Vernon Trail along the Potomac River by Arlington National Cemetery, The National Mall, web site, map. Mt. Vernon Trail, info and map.
• Evening Parade at U.S. Marine Corps Barracks (Friday nights, summer, generally requires a reservation), web site, park at Maritime Plaza and take shuttle, 1201 M Street SE, Washington, DC
• Witness arrivals of Marine One (presidential helicopter) on the South Lawn of the White House. See the Ellipse, map

Favorite Restaurants

• La Chaumiere (Georgetown), web site, 2813 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-338-1784 [TCEDG | openlist | Yelp]
• The Prime Rib (downtown), web site, 2020 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-466-8811 [WaPo | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp]
• Le Mistral (McLean, VA), web site, 6641 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA, 703-748-4888 [WaPo | MenuPages | Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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September 13, 2007 07:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Martha Angle

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Martha Angle (bio), associate editor at Congressional Quarterly, shares her favorites.

Favorite Places to Visit

• Phillips Collection -- Superb art in a comfortable, accessible setting. Renoir's "The Luncheon of the Boating Party" is worth the price of admission all by itself, but there are dozens of other treasures, including some of the finest Van Goghs you'll find anywhere. web site, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-2151
• National Gallery of Art -- Both buildings (East and West), all collections. Something for all art lovers, whatever your preferred era. web site, 6th Street NW and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-4215
• National Arboretum -- A beautiful place to explore any time of year (there's always the Bonsai gardens, indoors) but especially lovely in the spring at azalea time, which runs about mid-April to mid-May. web site, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC, 202-245-2726
• Bishop's Garden at the National Cathedral -- A much smaller gem, located directly below the Cathedral on south side, with nooks and crannies where you can escape and enjoy a tranquil moment or two. Combine with visit the the Cathedral itself, a stunning architectural work and fascinating place to tour. Gift shop is first-rate, too. web site, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-537-6200
• Georgetown -- a walking tour. The oldest section of DC, its residential streets are filled with historic old townhouses while the commercial corridors offer fabulous shopping and restaurants. Georgetown BID, Georgetown, Washington, D.C. - from Wikipedia

Fun Things to Do

• Hike any section of the C&O Canal, from Georgetown all the way up into Maryland. maps from NPS, C&O Canal Bicycling Guide
• Visit Great Falls, either Virginia park or the Maryland side. web site, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA, Great Falls, MD
• Bike ride or walk through Rock Creek Park, enjoying a vehicle-free stretch of Beach Drive on the weekends. web site, weekends on Beach Drive
• Pick a Smithsonian museum -- any museum -- on a rainy day and prowl through. web site | also see "Museums, Memorials and Monuments in DC" from TheCapitol.Net
• Browse the shops and restaurants at Union Station, and don't miss Appalachian Spring [Jargol]. web site, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington DC, Metro

Favorite Restaurants

• Sala Thai, Dupont Circle, web site, 2016 P Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-872-1144 [Yelp]
• Hank's Oyster Bar, Dupont east, web site, 1624 Q Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-462-4265 [TCEDG | Yelp]
• Palena front room, Cleveland Park (Conn. Ave), web site, 3529 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-537-9250 [TCEDG | Yelp]
• Two Amys pizza, Cleveland Park (Macomb, off Wisconsin Avenue), web site, 3715 Macomb Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-885-5700 [TCEDG | Yelp]
• BlackSalt, Macarthur Blvd., Palisades area. web site, 4883 MacArthur Blvd. NW, Washington, DC, near U Street NW, 202-342-9101, closed Monday [TCEDG | Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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September 6, 2007 06:57 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Robert Gee

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Robert Gee (bio), Chief of Public Services for the Law Library of Congress, shares his favorites.

Most interesting places

• DC's Waterfront, Water Street SW, Washington, DC, Cultural Tourism DC, map
• "The Awakening" sculpture, starting Spring 2008 at the National Harbor Place in Prince George's County, web site, 6710 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD
• The Congressional Cemetery, web site, 1801 E Street SE, Washington, DC, 202-543-0539
• The Holocaust Museum, web site, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC, 202-488-0400

Favorite Restaurants

• Belga Cafe, web site, 514 8th Street SE, Washington, DC, 202-544 0100 [Yelp]
• Zola, web site, 800 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-654-0999 [WaPo | Yelp]
• Rosa Mexicano, web site, 575 7th Street NW (at F Street NW), Washington, DC, 202-783-5522 [Yelp]
• Kinkead's, web site, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-296-7700 [WaPo | TCEDG]
• Bistro Bis, web site, 15 E Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-661-2700 [Yelp | WaPo | TCEDG ]
  
  

For more, see our Visiting Washington DC pages and other Faculty Favorites.

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August 26, 2007 03:27 PM   Link    Comments (0)

Hot Doug's - Chicago

"There are no two finer words in the English language than 'encased meats,' my friend."

If you like brats, sausages, or hot dogs, when you are in Chicago you owe yourself a visit to Hot Doug's, my friend.

The various combinations of encased meats and toppings are many, and the 5 different types we had were all good. The fries are also good - on the weekends Doug's offers duck fat fries.

Hot Doug's - there is usually a line



Doug Sohn and a fan













Duck Fat Fries - yummmmmm

Hot Doug's, web site, 3324 North California, Chicago, IL, 773-279-9550 [Citysearch | Yelp | Augieland | NYT | Metromix | WaPo]

August 22, 2007 04:37 PM   Link    Comments (0)

La Carreta - Colorado Springs

Recently had an outstanding dinner at La Carreta in Colorado Springs. A friend who eats there regularly recommended it, and we were not disappointed. Highly recommended.

La Carreta in Colorado Springs



The salsa was freshly made and excellent



Mole Verde Pork - excellent



Chilles Rellenos, stuffed with cheese - the best we have had in years.



Chicken tamal and 2 enchiladas - very, very good.



Sopapillas with honey, powdered sugar and cinnamon - we don't normally order dessert in Mexican restaurants, but this dish is not to be missed.

La Carreta, 35 Iowa Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 719-477-1157 [Yelp]

August 21, 2007 07:27 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Peter Loge

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Peter Loge (bio), a Principal with Milo Public Affairs, shares his favorites.

Favorite place

The Mansion on O Street, just south of Dupont Circle, is probably the most entertaining place in DC to stay or attend an event. web site, 2020 O Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-496-2020 [NYT | TripAdvisor]

Favorite restaurants

• The Tabard Inn at 1739 N St. NW, also just south of Dupont Circle, is a perfect place for leisurely breakfast or lunch or a nice dinner. web site, 1739 N Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-785-1277 [WaPo]
• A wonderful romantic dinner spot is across the street at the Iron Gate Restaurant. 1734 N Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-1370 [WaPo | Yelp | DC Pages]

Favorite thing to do

Anyone visiting Washington between May and September should try to catch a DC United soccer game at RFK Stadium. DC United is the winningest franchise in Major League Soccer and has the best crowd in the league. web site, RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC, 202-587-5000

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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August 19, 2007 11:17 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Bob Healy

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Bob Healy (bio), a senior editor at Congressional Quarterly, shares his favorites.

Most interesting places

• Hillwood Museum, former home of Marjorie Post, formal gardens and lavish Russian Art. web site, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-686-5807
  
  
• Tudor Place in Georgetown, late 18th century estate with lovely gardens. web site, 1644 31st Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-965-0400
  
  
• Dumbarton Oaks and Dumbarton House in Georgetown.
  • Dumbarton Oaks has some of the most magnificent gardens on the East Coast and a wonderful collection of pre-Columbian art in a jewel box gallery designed by Philip Johnson (now closed for renovation, but will reopen soon), web site, 1703 32nd Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-339-6401
  • Dumbarton House is an 18th century mansion now owned by the Colonial Dames. web site, 2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-337-2288
  
  
• Kreeger Museum in Foxhall - personal art collection in another Philip Johnson building. web site, 2401 Foxhall Road NW, Washington, DC, 202-337-3050
  
  
• Anderson House Museum, home of the Society of the Cincinnati, a grand early 20th century mansion. web site, 2118 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-785-2040
  
  
• You will notice a pattern here - I am very fond of historic houses, to round out the list are the two National Trust houses in DC
  • Decatur House is "one of the oldest surviving homes in Washington, DC." web site, 1610 H Street, NW, Washington, DC, 202-842-0920
  • Woodrow Wilson House, web site, 2340 S Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-4062

Fun things to do

• Walk around looking for unusual carvings on buildings.
  • The stone cat atop the roof of the House at Massachusetts and Florida Avenues NW
  • The lions on the front of a house on the south side of Massachusetts Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets NW
  • The handbells carved into the keystone over the door of a house off Logan Circle
  • The turtles supporting a column of a building at the National Zoo (the Zoo also has a large pink granite eagle that was once over the entrance to the now demolished Penn Station in New York - see "Eagle Eye." ) web site, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC
  
  
• Having cocktails in the summer on the roof terrace of the Washington Hotel. web site, 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-638-5900
  
  
• Free outdoor movies at several venues in the summer: (Screen on the Green on the mall; Films on The Vern, movies at Mount Vernon campus of GW (web site); at Strathmore Hall in Bethesda (web site, 10701 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, WaPo 2007), and elsewhere).
  
  
• The Capital Fringe Festival in the summer - dozens of live theatrical events all over town. web site
  
  
• Walking or riding a bike along the C&O Canal towpath (C&O Canal Bicycling Guide) or Rock Creek Park (web site).
  
  
• Picnic and a show at Wolf Trap. web site, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA, 703-255-1900

Favorite Restaurants (I can't limit myself to five)

• David Greggory, web site, 2030 M Street NW, corner of 21st and M Streets, NW, Washington, DC, 202-872-8700 [Yelp]
  
  
• Poste Moderne Brasserie, web site, 555 8th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-783-6060 [TCEDG | Yelp]
  
  
• Firefly, web site, 1310 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-861-1310 [openlist]
  
  
• Bistro D'Oc, web site, 518 10th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-5444 [TCEDG | openlist]
  
  
• Blue Duck Tavern, web site, 1201 24th Street NW (in the Park Hyatt), Washington, DC, 202-419-6755 [WaPo]
  
  
• Ardeo in Cleveland Park, web site, 3311 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-244-6750 [Yelp | openlist]
  
  
• Jaleo, web site, 480 7th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-628-7949 [TCEDG | openlist]
  
  
• Zaytinya, web site (flash), 701 9th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-638-0800 [TCEDG | Gayot]
  
  
• 15RIA, web site, 1515 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-742-0015 [openlist | WaPo]

For more, see our Visiting Washington DC pages and other Faculty Favorites.

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July 18, 2007 06:27 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Ron Faucheux

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Ron Faucheux (bio), former Chief of Staff for Senator Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana), shares his favorites.

Five most interesting places to visit

• The Tidal Basin during the cherry blossoms. map, Virtual tour of the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom time. WaPo Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
• Jefferson Memorial at night. web site, map
• Lincoln Memorial anytime. web site, map (monuments map in pdf)
• Georgetown on a Saturday afternoon. Georgetown BID, Georgetown, Washington, D.C. - from Wikipedia
• The Senate in session during an important debate. web site, map

Five favorite restaurants

• The Old Ebbitt Grill for a typical Washington experience. web site, 675 15th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-4801 [Yelp | openlist]
• L'Auberge Chez Francois for country French in the country (Great Falls). web site, 332 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Yelp]
• Acadiana for excellent Louisiana cuisine. web site, 901 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-1510 [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Yelp]
• Citronelle for the whole shebang. web site, 3000 M Street NW, Washington, DC, in the Latham Hotel, 202-625-2150 [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Yelp]
• 1789 for a classic old Georgetown experience. web site, 1226 36th Street NW, Washington, DC, near Prospect Street, 202-965-1789 [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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July 5, 2007 08:17 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Bangkok 54

Had dinner the other night with Mike and Arlene Roberts, from Denver. Mike is a custom home builder and Arlene is an elementary school teacher in Denver Public Schools. We ate at Bangkok 54, web site, 2919 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA, 703-521-4070 [TCEDG | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Arlene and Mike Roberts


The only dish we tried that was so-so, and is not pictured, was the Tum Yum soup with shrimp. The shrimp was good, but the broth was very heavy and a bit greasy, not anything like the delicate Tum Yum soups we have had elsewhere.





The Fried Soft Shell Crabs were very good




Penang, curry chicken, was excellent




Pad Cha from the Sea was excellent




The Mango Sticky Rice dessert is one of the few desserts worth trying in an Asian restaurant (the other is the ABC in a Malaysian or some Thai places)

June 30, 2007 10:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Judy Schneider

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Judy Schneider (bio), co-author of the Congressional Deskbook, shares her favorites.

Places to Visit

• I think the Franciscan Monastery and National Cathedral are two of the under-visited treasures in DC. I have been visiting the cathedral regularly since 1968, but only discovered the Franciscan monastery last year.
  • National Cathedral, web site, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-537-6200
  • Franciscan Monastery, web site, 1400 Quincy Street NE, Washington, DC, 202-526-6800

Restaurants

• Most restaurants I frequent are in the suburbs, but if someone else is paying in DC I think Oceanaire and Chef Geoff's are both terrific, but pricey.
  • The Oceanaire, web site, 1201 F Street NW, 202-347-2277 [Hobnob Blog | Don Rockwell | Gayot]
  • Chef Geoff's, web site, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-464-4461 [Yelp]
• For less expensive and different type meals, there are some terrific small ethnic restaurants in Adams Morgan and Wheaton, MD (near the Wheaton Metro), the ethnic food capitol in the area. However, it should be noted that all of these restaurants are small local establishments with very limited ambiance.
  • I love Chinese food and I think Hollywood East has surpassed Good Fortune, in part because the former does Cantonese, although both are good for dim sum. Hollywood East, 2312 Price Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 301-942-8282 [TCEDG]. Good Fortune, 2646 University Blvd W, Silver Spring, MD, 301-929-8818 [Yelp]
  • El Pollo Rico has great Latin American. 2541 Ennalls Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 301-942-4419 [Yelp]
  • Los Chorros has great Mexican. 2420 Blueridge Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 301-933-1066 [Yelp | openlist]
  • Max's Cafe has the best corned beef and kosher deli food in the the area. 2319 University Blvd W, Silver Spring, MD, 301-949-6297 [openlist].
  • Ferdinands has the best Italian food. 11300 Fern Street, Silver Spring, MD, 301-949-1917 [Washingtonian]

Fun

• Fun things revolve around golf, especially discovering new courses and there are many in the DC area. [A Guide to Washington area golf, from the Washington Post]
• I love Harper's Ferry, West Virginia and it is not far from Washington. [harpersferrywv.net | Wikipedia]
• I also love to gamble and everyone knows that Charles Town, West Virginia is 5 minutes from Harpers Ferry and 62 miles from my house. Charles Town Races & Slots, web site, 580 E 5th Avenue, Ranson, WV
• I also love baseball and frequent both RFK and Camden Yards as often as I can, especially if my beloved Yankees are in town. Washington Nationals web site. Baltimore Orioles web site [Sports in DC - from TheCapitol.Net]
• Finally, live theater, both in large venues like Kennedy Center, and smaller regional theaters is terrific in the DC area. [Song, Dance, and Theater in DC - from TheCapitol.Net | Theater & Dance - from The Washington Post | Washington, DC Theater - from DC Registry]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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June 21, 2007 08:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Dan Parks

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Dan Parks (bio), an editor at Congressional Quarterly, shares his favorites.

Best place to take an out-of-town guest to show off your knowledge of the Washington area

Roosevelt Island, for an amazingly serene nature stroll located in the middle of six million people, and for the impressive, under-appreciated Teddy Roosevelt Memorial. web site, map (only accessible by car from the northbound lanes of George Washington Parkway, just north of I-66, and by bike and foot on the Mt. Vernon Trail from the Rosslyn side of Key Bridge)

Best beer selection

• The Reef: the owner knows his Belgians and keeps a rotating selection on tap. web site, 2446 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-518-3800 [Beeradvocate.com]
• Brickskeller: hundreds of bottle varieties from around the world Big Hunt. It's a dive, but excellent selection on tap. Try my local favorite, Tupper's Hop Pocket Ale. web site, 1523 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-293-1885 [Yelp]

Best place with view in a hip neighborhood

• Tabaq Bistro, on U Street. Good food, good wine, and a sweeping view of the city from the glass-enclosed rooftop. web site, 1336 U Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-265-0965 [Yelp]
• Catch some live jazz nearby afterwards at U-Topia on U Street or at the Vegas Lounge on P Street.
  U-Topia, web site, 1418 U Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-483-7669 [Washington Post | Yelp]
  Vegas Lounge, web site, 1415 P Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-483-3971 [Yelp]

Best bike ride

From Rosslyn, the paved Mount Vernon Trail trail takes you along the Potomac River to Old Towne Alexandria, and then continues on to Mount Vernon. It's 40 miles round trip, so bring water and a power bar.
Mount Vernon Trail, web site from National Park Service, web site from Bike Washington
Also see "The Visitor's Biking Guide to Washington DC"

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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June 9, 2007 07:57 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Paul Powell

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Paul Powell (bio) shares his favorites.

Places to Visit

• Any Smithsonian museum, web site
• National Arboretum, especially during April-May, web site, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC, 202-245-2726
• Lincoln Memorial at twilight, web site, 23rd Street NW and West Potomac Park, Washington, DC, 202-426-6841
• Ford's Theater for a play, web site, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-4833
• Capitol Building Tour, web site

Fun

• Walk around the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom time, web site, map, (use Smithsonian Metro and use the DC Circulator)
• Visit the Smithsonian Folklife Festival (last week of June-first week of July), web site, map
• Attend a Capitol Grounds concert (Memorial Day Sunday, Fourth of July evening, and Labor Day Sunday), west lawn of the Capitol
• Walk around the Ellipse when the Christmas trees are lit, web site, map,
• Attend the National Battle BBQ Contest during late June along Pennsylvania Avenue, web site, map

Restaurants

• L'Auberge Chez Francois, web site, 332 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA, 703-759-3800 [openlist | Yelp]
• Obelisk, 2029 P Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-872-1180 [Gayot | openlist | Yelp]
• Hay Adams Hotel Restaurant, web site, 800 16th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-638-6600 [openlist | Yelp]
• Acadiana, web site, 901 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-408-8848 [Gayot | Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Yelp]
• Generous George's Positive Pizza and Pasta Place, web site, 3006 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-370-4303 [Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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May 30, 2007 11:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Mike Koempel

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"

Mike Koempel (bio), co-author of the Congressional Deskbook, shares his favorites.

Places

• Woodrow Wilson House, web site, 2340 S Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-4062
• Lincoln Memorial at night, web site, 23rd Street NW and West Potomac Park, Washington, DC, 202-426-6841
• Phillips Collection, web site, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-2151
• Two cathedrals, a basilica, and a monastery:
  • St. Matthew's, web site, 1725 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-3215
  • National Shrine, web site, 400 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC, 202-526-8300
  • National Cathedral, web site, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-537-6200
  • Franciscan Monastery, web site, 1400 Quincy Street NE, Washington, DC, 202-526-6800
• 4 Capitol Hill buildings:
  • U.S. Capitol, web site, map
  • Supreme Court, web site, 1 1st Street NE, Washington, DC, 202-479-3211
  • Library of Congress's Thomas Jefferson Building, web site, 1 1st Street SE, Washington, DC
  • Folger Shakespeare Library, web site, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC, 202-544–4600

Fun

• Afternoon tea at the Willard Hotel, web site, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-628-9100
• Walking the Dupont Circle-Embassy Row neighborhood, map (See "Embassy Row Tour" from embassy.org)
• Tours and events at the U.S. Botanical Garden, web site, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 202-225-8333
• Brookside Garden anytime including the holiday light and train displays, general web site, holiday lights web site, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton MD, 301-962-1400
• Bicycling anywhere on the hundreds of miles of paths, trails, and roadways in the metropolitan area - see "The Visitor's Biking Guide to Washington DC"
• Takoma Park Folk Festival, web site, Takoma Park, MD
• Takoma Park Fourth of July Parade, web site, Takoma Park, MD

Restaurants

• Tiffin (Indian), web site, 1341 University Boulevard East, Takoma Park, MD, 301-434-9200 [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide]
• Udupi (Indian), web site, 1329 University Blvd East, Takoma Park, MD, 301-434-1531 [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide]
• Thai Derm, web site, 939 Bonifant Street, Silver Spring, MD, 301-589-5341 [MenuPages]
• Vicino (Italian), 959 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 301-588-3372 [insider pages]
• Tabard Inn (American/continental), especially Sunday brunch in the garden while drinking mimosas, web site, 1739 N Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-785-1277 [WaPo]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

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May 25, 2007 09:57 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Cheogajip Chicken

After Tyler Cowen wrote it up, we tried the Korean fried chicken from Cheogajip Chicken in Fairfax.

We tried the hot and the regular fried chicken. Both excellent, very juicy and not too greasy. Only whole chickens are sold (cut up into about 15 pieces), and the chicken is not cooked until you order, so you can either call ahead if you speak Korean or plan on waiting about 15 minutes. Worth going back.

Cheogajip Chicken, Lotte Plaza, 3250 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax Circle, Fairfax, VA, 703-273-4499

Cheogajip is located inside Lotte Plaza, 3250 Old Lee Highway, which is located immediately south and west of the intersection of Old Lee Highway and Old Pickett Road.

The counter is about 30 feet south of the Customer Service desk and next to the deli.

Two orders ready to go.

Spciy. Each order comes with a small cabbage salad and a cup of Korean radish.

Regular fried chicken

Box of chicken

Pizza and Chicken Love Letter

"Pizza and Chicken Love Letter is the U.S. brand name of Cheogajip Chicken Korea."
We didn't see any pizza.....

May 10, 2007 10:27 PM   Link    Comments (0)

So THAT'S what's wrong with the picture....

What's wrong with this picture?

Good table manners should be second nature so that you can concentrate on your meeting, not on which fork to use.

• Place your napkin on your lap within 10 seconds of sitting down at the table.
• Buttering the whole piece of bread; butter one bite-size piece of bread at a time.
• Gesturing with food
• Holding spoon wrong
• Ladling soup towards himself (OK, it's difficult to see, but you ladle soup away from yourself)
• Placing silverware on both table & plate (butter knife)
• Resting elbow on the table
• Eating with both hands

And remember to pass the salt and pepper together.

Did you get at least six of these?

10 seconds! That's all you get to make a favorable first impression. Our training can help you shape your first impressions and all that follows. See our web site for information regarding business etiquette, presentation & briefing skills, and networking skills for Washington.

Communication Skills for the Professional Presentations, Briefings, Business Etiquette, and Networking Skills for Washington

Also see our Capitol Learning Audio Course, "Business Etiquette: Keys to Professional Success," with Jill Kamp Melton.

Text used with the permission of Jane Wilger Engstrom.

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January 31, 2007 03:37 PM   Link    Comments (0)

Ray's the Steaks

Ray's the Steaks, 1725 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-841-7297 [food-plan | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Had dinner with a friend at Ray's the Steaks last week. Our waitress, Leann, recommended the Chateaubriand. We started with an appetizer that included a small cup of crab bisque, grilled shrimp, and grilled scallop. The steak was cooked exactly as we ordered it. Everything was excellent, and a good value for the quality of the food.

Highly recommended.

Steak Chateaubriand


Sauces for the steak Chateaubriand


Sides included: creamed spinach and mashed potatoes

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January 8, 2007 08:47 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Cosmopolitan Bakery and Cafe

We had dinner at the Cosmopolitan Bakery and Cafe a few nights ago. In addition to the outstanding chicken sandwich, they also had a special of fresh trout with butter and garlic. An incredible meal for an incredible price.

You can order to go, or eat at the counter and watch soccer with the very friendly owners, Enes and Ivica - ask Ivica about his experience playing soccer in Europe....

The night we ate there, there was a steady flow of customers, all of whom seemed to be regulars.

The Cosmopolitan is becoming our favorite place for a quick, inexpensive meal. Highest recommendation.

web site, 5902A N. Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA, between T-Nails and Euro Foods, across from the Huntington Metro Station in Huntington Square, 703-329-3303 [Tyler Cowen | Suburban Tasteland]

November 20, 2006 06:57 PM   Link    Comments (0)

"Ten Percent Tip Teaches Waitress Valuable Lesson"

After receiving "subpar" service and experiencing an unusually long wait for his $4.75 lunch at a local Beefside Family Restaurant Monday, customer Gus O'Connor opted to give waitress Carla Hyams a reduced 10 percent tip in an attempt to communicate his dissatisfaction and raise awareness of the areas in which he felt her performance was lacking.

Hyams, 49, who has been serving tables at the popular eatery for 13 years, expressed enthusiastic gratitude for the "immense personal growth" the gesture will afford her, adding that, in the long run, the experience will make her a better waitress.
. . .
"If he hadn’t withheld that 50 cents, I'd make these mistakes over and over for the rest of my career," said the 49-year-old server.
. . .
O'Connor said his overall goal was not only to receive better service, but to help Hyams become a role model for her two teenage children, Tyler and Michael.

"Ten Percent Tip Teaches Waitress Valuable Lesson," The Onion, October 19, 2006

October 20, 2006 06:03 AM   Link    Comments (0)

This Week in DC Reviews - July 21, 2006

This Week in DC Reviews is a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurants that sound interesting to us.

To see a list of upcoming food events in the DC area, see "Washington, D.C. Wine Tasting, Dinners, Food/Drink Events."

For a Guide to restaurants in the DC area, see Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide. For a roundup of "good value" New York City restaurant reviews, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• Suburban Tasteland is back ... and has fun recounting a 2004 trip to China ... Hey, ST, give us a call! ... after a good Chinese meal, my friend Peter Lo sits back, pats his stomach, and says, "Thank God I'm Chinese." ... we do this too, even though we're mostly Celt ... you know, the wandering western Chinese Celts ...
  
  
• food-plan says about Albertos: "Don’t eat here." ...
  
  
• Metrocurean says "The worst part of jury duty? Getting picked." ... (Nope - we are fortunate to live in a country that has a jury system as part of the rule of law) ... and had many excellent lunches near the DC courthouse that were a good value ... Rasika [Tyler Cowen] ... 701 ... Andale [Tyler Cowen] and Teaism, web site ...
  
  
• dcfud continues his series "Where To Eat In Arlington When You Are Nearly Broke" Part IV ... Mexicali Blues ... Mister Days ... The Front Page ... Eleventh Street Lounge ... this is a good series, check it out ... thanks dcfud ...
  
  
• a capitol life is working her way through the Cheap Eats list ... Palena Cafe "the more casual front dining room of the more formal and expensive restaurant," Palena ... web site, 3529 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-537-9250 [Tyler Cowen] ... likes Joe's Noodle House: "the clear winnner in the race of appetizers was the steamed pork buns" ... "Grand total for 4 people ordering 8 appetizers, 3 entrees, 6 beers and 2 desserts = $90" web site, 1488-C Rockville Pike, near Congressional Lane, Rockville, MD, 301-881-5518 [Tyler Cowen]
  
  
• Walter Nicholls likes Bamian ... "serves one of the best Afghan-style lamb kebabs in the Washington area. Beautifully flash-seared, juicy and tender, the three large butterfly chops explode with garlicky goodness and are complemented by a generous mound of clean-tasting, cardamom-flavored basmati rice. When I drizzle on some of chef Zainab Popal's versatile chili pepper-cilantro chutney, her specialty, the good bites roll." ... lots of pics on their web site ... web site, 5634 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-820-7880

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

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Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

July 21, 2006 07:57 AM   Link    Comments (0)

The more expensive the restaurant the better the food?

According to Tyler Cowen, an economist at George Mason University who also has a popular dining guide for the DC area (Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide),

Receiving a Michelin star increases prices in a Parisian restaurant by 20 percent, controlling for measures of quality, décor and location. Michelin-starred restaurants in fancy hotels, or in areas with other Michelin-starred restaurants, also have higher prices, again adjusting for quality. Diners are paying more to eat in fine or prestigious surroundings, whether or not the food is better. One gastronomy expert, speaking in Le Nouvel Observateur, noted, “Gaining a Michelin star ensures that your banker will be kind to you.”
. . .
It remains easier to get good cheap food in the United States, if only by looking to the growing number of ethnic restaurants, most of which stand outside formal ranking systems. Labor laws that are more flexible than those in France also support more dining options in the United States. Most Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris are closed on Sundays, and many are closed on Saturdays as well. Labor costs are the major culprit.

"In the Language of Gastronomy, Those Michelin Stars Translate as Dollar Signs," by Tyler Cowen, The New York Times, July 13, 2006

We know that great dining can be had at many restaurants across the pricing spectrum here in Washington ... from inexpensive places such as Bob's Noodle 66 ... to the more expensive such as Oceanaire ... and with Summer 2006 Restaurant Week coming (August 14 -20, 2006), there are even more affordable places to explore ... Bon appétit!

July 13, 2006 07:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)

This Week in DC Reviews - July 7, 2006

This Week in DC Reviews is a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

To see a list of upcoming food events in the DC area, see "Washington, D.C. Wine Tasting, Dinners, Food/Drink Events."

For a Guide to restaurants in the DC area, see Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide. For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• DC Food Blog has a no-longer-secret love for what they call their "Brenda Walshes" ... Olive Garden ... Sonic ... Buca de Beppo ... Denny's ... PF Chang's/Pei Wei ... the food may not be great, but, unless you're a misanthrope, you can not go to Buca with a crowd and have a bad time ...
  
  
• Bethesda Rookie loves Picasso Restaurant & Tapas Bar ... "personal favorite is the Platanos Relleno, fried plantain stuffed with shredded beef and melted cheese. The Quesadillas, Camarones al Ajo, Carnitas and Tamales are all quite good" ... 4918 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, 301-986-0606 [Downtown Bethesda | MenuPix]
  
  
• Tyler Cowen added 2 places to his favorites this week ... says Soo Rah is one of the best Korean places in Annandale ... "Get the most expensive of the set menus for a treat. This will involve casseroles, ribs, dumplings, fish, egg dishes, steamed tofu, blue crabs, and the usual medley of Korean vegetables. The casseroles are to be recommended more generally" ... 7601 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA, 703-658-0508 [Tyler Cowen] ... and declares Rasika "is one of the best places in DC, although given its trendy nature, I expect it to decline with a year or two" ... "The best dish is the spinach (somewhat fried or frittered), with corn; better than it sounds. The way to go here is to order starters, chats, appetizers, etc." ... web site (Flash), 633 D Street NW, near MCI Center, 202-637-1222 [Tyler Cowen]
  
  
• food-plan rated Rasika a 7 ... "For the main course we ordered Lamb Rojanjosh. This was the real deal, unlike the connaught place lamb dahiwala masquerading as rogan josh. Tamatar fish was excellent, dal makhni was outstanding, the palak paneer, not so good. In fact, I’d rate it as atrocious" ...
  
  
• Gabriella Boston thinks Pinzimini needs to use more garlic ... "Among pastas, we liked the black linguine with shrimps, scallops and calamari. The seafood was perfectly prepared and the pasta fresh. The tomato-based sauce, however, was uninspired. Maybe a little more garlic to spice things up?" ... it's hard to use too much garlic ... web site, 801 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, in the Westin Arlington Gateway, 703-537-4200 [MenuPages | WaPo]
  
  
• You Gonna Eat All That? says the pupusas at Abi's Restaurant "are very good" ... 5838-B North Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA, in Huntington Station across from the Huntington Metro stop, 703-317-0548
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 2 stars to Praline Bakery & Restaurant ... "Be sure to order any dish that comes with a crust. If you've experienced a chicken potpie only from the freezer case of a grocery store, Praline's version will be a revelation." ... 4611 Sangamore Road, Bethesda, MD, in the Shoppes at Sumner Place near Sibley Memorial Hospital, 301-229-8180 [City Paper]
  
  
• DC Chefs added a profile of Michel Richard of Citronelle ... "God made me to laugh." ... 3000 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-625-2150 [Tyler Cowen]
  
  
• D.C. Foodie "couldn't get enough of the cellophane noodles, which came out very hearty and full of the flavor of the pork and whatever liquid they were cooked in" at Joe's Noodle House ... web site, 1488-C Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, 301-881-5518 [Tyler Cowen]
  
  
• Judith Weinraub says it's worth the trip for "Popcorn Shrimp and Calamari ($8), served with cayenne remoulade sauce" at Hank's Oyster Bar, 1624 Q Street NW, 202-462-4265 [Tyler Cowen]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema has "Seven great places to grab a sandwich" ... Breadline, web site, 1751 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-822-8900 [Tyler Cowen] ... Cuba de Ayer, 15466 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD, 301-476-9622 [Tyler Cowen] ... Deli City, 2200 Bladensburg Road NE, 202-526-1800 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Don Rockwell] ... Galileo, web site, 1110 21st Street NW, 202-293-7191 [Washingtonian | NYT | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot] ... Lebanese Butcher, 109 East Annandale Rd. at Annandale and Rt.29, Falls Church, VA, 703-241-2012 [Tyler Cowen] ... Malaysia Kopitiam, 1827 M Street NW, 202-833-6232 ... Nhu Lan, web site, 6763 Wilson Blvd., # 14, Falls Church, VA, on the interior of Eden Center, a very small place, 703-532-9009 [Tyler Cowen]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

July 7, 2006 09:07 AM   Link    Comments (0)

This Week in DC Reviews - June 23, 2006

This Week in DC Reviews is a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

To see a list of upcoming food events in the DC area, see "Washington, D.C. Wine Tasting, Dinners, Food/Drink Events."

For a Guide to restaurants in the DC area, see Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide. For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• metrocurean remembers Tony Nardelli, who owned Tune Inn: 331 1/2 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 202-543-2725 [MenuPages | Washingtonian | WaPo] ... and notes that 1789 "will begin offering a three-course menu for $35 July 1" ...
  
  
• Tarting It Up recommends Pastries by Randolph ... "I could go on and on for hours about the treats and cakes I've tried from here, but really there is no substitute: go visit and dare to say you didn't like what you had. Their carrot cake is the real thing with its soft cream-cheesy frosting (to die for)" ... 4500 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA, 703-243-0070 [WaPo]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema finds Alexandria and reviews Restaurant Eve ... Majestic Cafe ... Taverna Cretekou ...
  
  
• dcfud has an interesting post ... "Where To Eat In Arlington When You Are Nearly Broke" ... but where is Ravi Kabob ... El Charrito Caminante ... also see the Arlington category in Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide ...

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

June 23, 2006 09:57 AM   Link    Comments (1)

This Week in DC Reviews - June 16, 2006

This Week in DC Reviews is a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

"The pleasures of the table, and of life, are infinite."
-- Julia Child

For a Guide to restaurants in the DC area, see Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide. For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• You Gonna Eat All That? says Belga Cafe "wasn't that bad but it did leave us feeling like there was still a lot of room for improvement." ... "the Halibut [was] smaller than the palm of my hand. And for the price, it was especially small." ... "the worst creme brulee I've ever had" ... "All in all the meal wasn't a disaster. We had a good time as always with B&L and most of the food was tasty. But the service and creme brulee really hurt the overall experience. And it was somewhat overpriced in my opinion. Would I go there again? Probably not on my own choosing." ... web site, 514 Eighth Street SE, 202-544-0100 [Tyler Cowen | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Rina Rapuano writes that at Arax Cafe "you can find traditional Armenian sandwiches, salads, snacks and pastries" ... 5852 N Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-532-3320 [Tyler Cowen | Washingtonian]
  
  
• Corinna Lothar says the food at the new Tandoori Nights in Arlington "consists of fine, traditional Indian cooking." ... "Shrimps and prawns, which are slightly larger than the shrimps, turn out to be among the best dishes we sampled" ... "lamb in creamy spinach, mildly spiced and served with a bowl of rice, is another fine main course" ... but the "Tandoori chicken, a mainstay of any Indian restaurant with a tandoor oven, disappoints" ... web site, 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703/248-8333 [Yelp]
  
  
• Alexandra Greeley recommends the desserts at Le Pigalle ... "what you will find are inspired French goodies that look picture-pretty and taste like they sprang from the ovens of a Parisian patisserie" ... 1527 17th Street NW, 202-332-6767 [WaPo]
  
  
• Eve Zibart reports that Starland Cafe has "a new chef, Matthew Anderson [who] is gradually reworking the menu, keeping some old standards (crab-artichoke dip, parmesan-crusted fried mozzarella, burgers and mini-burgers) while incorporating more local fresh produce and two specials, a 'home style special' and a 'chef's daily offering.'" ... "roast half-chicken is very moist, and the pan juices blend into a tasty, light sauce; the skin could have been a little crisper, but it was very nearly there. And the fries, which come with the very tender onglet (hanger steak) as well as with burgers, are at least B-plus -- hot, tender and not greasy, and with an unusually long plate life." ... web site, 5125 MacArthur Blvd. NW, 202-244-9396 [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist]
  
  
• dcfud says the food at Iota Cafe "Surprisingly Doesn't Suck" ... the "prosciutto and gouda sandwich [was] great!" ... "Best were the fries on the side – incredibly crispy, and very well-seasoned: I noticed hints of pepper, garlic and perhaps even rye." ... web site, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-522-8340 [WaPo | City Paper] ... and says the crepes at Snap "are absolutely heavenly: light, firm, and delicately sweet. I highly recommend the lemon curd filling with fresh strawberries" ... web site, 1062 Thomas Jefferson Street NW, 202-965-7627 [The Hoya | WaPo | City Paper]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 3 stars to 1789 ... new chef: "Nathan Beauchamp stepped into some big pumps in January when he replaced Ris Lacoste in the kitchen at 1789" ... web site, 1226 36th Street NW, 202-965-1789 [Tyler Cowen]
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend says Georgia Brown's "tries to be more down-home [than Vidalia] -- at least as down-home as one can be with $7 soups and mid-$20 entrees at lunch." ... had the shrimp and grits: "creamy and good and there was quite a nice serving of them (unlike Vidalia, where there were very few grits). Over the grits was ladled a stew with a half a dozen jumbo shrimp with the heads and tails still on" ... thought the sweet corn bread was odd for a southern restaurant: "That's a Yankee thing!" ... web site, 950 15th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-4499. On the west side of the park, at the place where there appear to be two 15th Streets. [Tyler Cowen | Economist | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot] ... had the whole lobster at Odeon Cafe: "steamed and split accompanied by some linguine in a non-marina red sauce. They pulled the meat out of the claws back in the kitchen and split the lobster down the middle. The lobster was nice for the price ($16), but I thought the tail was just a touch overcooked and a tad bit tough." ... web site (Flash), 1714 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-328-6228 [City Paper | food-plan] ... says Panevino in the Embassy Suites Hotel "wasn't bad for a hotel restaurant." ... web site, 1250 22nd Street NW, 202-223-0747 [openlist]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

June 16, 2006 09:07 AM   Link    Comments (0)

This Week in DC Reviews - June 9, 2006

This Week in DC Reviews is a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

"The pleasures of the table, and of life, are infinite."
-- Julia Child

To see a list of upcoming food events in the DC area, see "Washington, D.C. Wine Tasting, Dinners, Food/Drink Events."

For a Guide to restaurants in the DC area, see Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide. For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• Slashfood agrees with our assessment of the pizza, hot dogs, and chicken bakes at Costco ... "The best place to get a cheap meal is no longer your local McDonald's, Burger King or other fast food establishment - it's Costco." ... all-beef foot-long hot dog, with drink, for $1.50 ... "the foods taste great and are an incredibly good deal" ... 18-inch pizzas for $10 ... berry smoothies for $1.55 ... no whiny emails please ...
  
  
• Tim Carman says the ma-po tofu at Great Wall-Szechuan House is hot ... "the chili-pepper heat is both scented by floral Szechwan peppercorns and tempered by the cool tofu, the starchy black beans, and the meaty pork. Its complexity makes American-style Szechwan plates seem hollow, if not downright insulting to stateside eaters who insist they’re open to new adventures." ... 1527 14th Street NW, 202-797-8888 [openlist] ... in NYC, the best best ma pao tofu we've had is at Wu Liang Ye ...
  
  
• Tarting It Up sums up Caribbean Breeze: "Food good. Service mediocre." ... (previous review: dcfud (TWIR, June 2, 2006)) ... web site, 4100 N. Fairfax Drive, at Randolph Street, Arlington, VA, 703-812-7997 [WaPo | City Paper | Gayot]
  
  
• Rachel Hunt and Stephen Qualiana reviewed Acadiana ... "charbroiled oysters ($10) were a standout, cooked to a snappy brown on top and tender and white underneath" ... "It was easy to see why the New Orleans-style barbecued shrimp ($28) is one of the most popular dishes. The shrimp were exceptionally meaty, with the larger ones yielding a few big bites. The garlic butter sauce with black pepper and Worcestershire was flavored at the right potency to be buttery, pungent and zesty without overpowering the delicacy of the shrimp." ... web site, 901 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-1510 [Tyler Cowen | WaPo | The Hill | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot]
  
  
• Alex MacLennan says you can find fresh fish and great deals at the Southwest Fish Market (aka Maine Avenue Fish Wharf, aka Maine Avenue Seafood), 1100 Maine Avenue SW ... "savored a plate of fresh-shucked oysters and clams from Jimmy’s Grill" ... "At Captain White’s 'to-go shop,' I exploited the Make-Your-Own-Platter special consisting of a 'customer’s choice' of two ‘mains’ (three jumbo shrimp, three scallops, three oysters, a crab cake sandwich or two fish-filets), and two sides: fries, cole slaw, hush puppies, or corn. All for the low, low price - a steal! - of $9.95." ...
  
  
• Fine Dining Solutions says "If you aren't familiar with the RAMMY's, it is the annual place to see and be seen in the restaurant industry. It is 'technically' the RAMW's (Restaurant Assoc. of Metro Washington) Annual dinner celebrating their 'voted' picks of the best of the best restaurants, chefs, etc. in the DC Metro area." ... Saturday, June 25, 2006 ... for tickets, call 202-331-5990 ...
  
  
• VittlesVamp had a "marvelous meal" at Rasika ... "From the Sweet Potato Tuk with tamarind date chutney to the rich Lamb Biriyani, it was plate-licking good." ... and describes the flambéd coffee as "freakin' amazing" ... (previous reviews: Tom Sietsema and metrocurean (TWIR, February 17, 2006), Alex MacLennan (TWIR, February 3, 2006), D.C. Foodies (TWIR, December 23, 2005), metrocurean (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 633 D Street NW, 202-637-1222 [Washingtonian | food-plan | The Hill | Don Rockwell | Yelp]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 2 stars to Bazin's on Church ... "excellent fried oysters, dotted with aioli and served atop creamed spinach and bits of ham" ... web site, 111 Church Street NW, Vienna, VA, 703-255-7212 [Washingtonian]
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend thought the "food was pretty good" at Marshall's Bar and Grille ... and the "kitchen stays open until midnight every night" ... web site, 2524 L Street NW, at Pennsylvania Avenue, 202-333-1155 [WaPo]
  
  
• dcfud says Andale "is just okay" and "overrated" ... "The one saving grace that guarantees I will be back? The margaritas are sublime." ... web site, 401 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-783-3133 [Tyler Cowen | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
  
  
• D.C. Foodies reminds us that DC Restaurant Week is August 14-20, 2006 ...
  
  
• DC Chefs features Robert Wiedmair of Marcel's ...

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

June 9, 2006 08:57 AM   Link    Comments (0)

This Week in DC Reviews - June 2, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

"The pleasures of the table, and of life, are infinite."
-- Julia Child

To see a list of upcoming food events in the DC area, see "Washington, D.C. Wine Tasting, Dinners, Food/Drink Events."

For a Guide to restaurants in the DC area, see Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide. For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• a capitol life says Taqueria Distrito Federal is "the real deal. Each taco consists of two corn tortillas topped with meat, a fresh mash of onion and cilantro, wedges of avocado, a squeeze of lime, some hot sauce and cooling slices of cucumber and radish." ... 3463 14th Street NW, 202-276-7331 [Columbia Heights News | WaPo | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Polytropos hadn't been to the Brickskeller for 5 years and writes: "the food disappointed. Neither the cheese plate, nor the pizza, nor the Brickburger measured up to our cherished memories of past visits." ... (previous review: dcfud (TWIR, March 10, 2006)) ... web site, 1523 22nd Street NW, 202-293-1885 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist]
  
  
• Hobnob Blog likes the chicken burritos from Burrito Express, the green taco tuck at Gunston ...
  
  
• Scott Haring had to review Pachanga Grill because "an uncanny number of people have referred to the good food and casual atmosphere" ... "The big standouts at Pachanga are the house specialty entrees ... Frutas del mar ... Chicken mole ... Carne asada" ... 8395 Piney Orchard Pkwy, Odenton, MD, in the Academy Junction mall, 410-551-9318 [openlist | Citysearch | Yelp]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 2 1/2 stars to Ardeo ... "The chef's restraint means a diner can really taste the roast chicken, moistened with a winy stock flavored with lemon thyme." ... "There are moments, fortunately few, when Ardeo's dishes resemble those of a lot of other restaurants: just okay. Such as the time I order a hamburger and get french fries that taste as if they came straight off a Sysco food truck." ... web site (Flash), 3311 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-244-6750 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
  
  
• Suburban Tasteland says the chorizo taco at San Vicente "was everything we hoped it would be" ... "this chorizo was finely chopped and had just the right amount of grease to let you know you're still dealing with chorizo - but not so much grease that you know you'll be lamenting your decision later" ... 2599 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA, 703-920-1130
  
  
• metrocurean declares that the best boiled peanuts "are best purchased from the back of an old man's pick-up truck" ...
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend reviews a few ... Thai Place: the "roasted duck salad [was] particularly good, having lots of shredded roasted duck, sliced strips of red onion, and shredded cabbage all in a spicy dressing" ... 2134 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-298-8204 [WaPo | City Paper] ... and American City Diner: "a 24-hour a day place" ... "the chicken-fried steak [was] surprisingly good" ... web site, 5532 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-244-1949 [City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Alex MacLennan says "There are no curlicues or fripperies" at Fogo de Chao ... loved the "cheese rolls -- a criminally savory mixture of two yucca flours and parmesan" ... "Fraldinha, or bottom filet [has] an almost fajita-like texture and flavor" ... "The hank of boneless Costela (beef ribs), was heavenly. Impossibly tender, richly flavorful beef with a crisp outer layer and deep rewardingly solid beef taste." ... but "the sheer abundance can be a bit stressful" ... (previous reviews: D.C. Foodies (TWIR, March 24, 2006), Tom Sietsema (TWIR, March 3, 2006), metrocurean (TWIR, January 20, 2006), Tom Sietsema (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-347-4668 [City Paper | Wash Times | The Hill | Yelp | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• dcfud warns you to be careful of the steps at The Boulevard Woodgrill ... web site, 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-875-9663 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot] ... also likes the brunch at Caribbean Breeze ... web site, 4100 N. Fairfax Drive, at Randolph Street, Arlington, VA, 703-812-7997 [WaPo | City Paper | Gayot]
  
  
• D.C. Foodies recommends the jerk chicken sandwich at Negrils ... "The sandwich is fairly large, so it's enough by itself for lunch." ... web site, 18509 N. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD, 301-926-7220 [Tyler Cowen | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

June 2, 2006 09:03 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (1)

Fast food and soccer in Arlandria

If you're looking for fast food in the general vicinity of Potomac Yard Shopping Center, Arlandria, Reagan National Airport, and Crystal City, swing by the Gunston soccer fields (weekdays in the afternoons and evenings, weekends most of the day), and sample the food from the taco trucks parked on South 28th Street, around the Gunston Community Center in south Arlington (north of Glebe and east of I-395), where a lot of soccer is played on two soccer fields, one an artificial turf field.

We like the burritos from the green taco truck, and prefer the tacos from the silver truck. YMMV.

chicken and beef tacos from the green taco truck


beef and chicken tacos from the silver taco truck

Many youth and adult leagues play soccer on the Gunston field, so you may be able to enjoy a soccer game while you eat.

May 27, 2006 10:57 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Ravi Kabob

The lamb kabob at Ravi Kabob is excellent - incredible flavor and so tender you can cut it with a small plastic knife. The bread is also incredible. We'll be back to try the karahi. Reviewers on zabihah say this is the best Pakistani restaurant in the US.

Ravi Kabob is located in a small row of shops, Buckingham Center, on the northwest corner of Glebe and Pershing.

Lamb Kabob, with salad, rice and chick peas, and bread

Ravi Kabob, 305 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, 703-522-6666 [Tyler Cowen | zabihah | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

May 23, 2006 06:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (1)

New blog, new books

Posting has been light at Hobnob Blog the last few months as we've been working on some large projects that are almost finished.

Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide is now in blog format

Next month we will publish two new books and a new poster:

• "Legislative Drafter's Deskbook: A Practical Guide," by Tobias Dorsey, ISBN 1587330156, is getting rave reviews
  
• "Real World Research Skills: An Introduction to Factual, International, Judicial, Legislative, and Regulatory Research," by Peggy Garvin, ISBN 1587330075, is also getting rave reviews
  
• "Federal Regulatory Process Poster," by Ken Ackerman, will also be ready in June
  

Our quasi-regular "This Week in DC Reviews" will be back soon ...

May 22, 2006 10:57 PM   Link    Comments (0)

Cosmopolitan Bakery, Carry Out & Catering

We have been wanting to try a pljeskavica, a Bosnian hamburger, since reading Robert Sietsema's review of Bosna Express in Queens, NY. And after reading Suburban Tasteland's description of Cosmopolitan, we knew we could satisfy the urge right here in Alexandria. (Also see "Bosnia’s Big Mac," by Jonathan Gold, LA Weekly, May 19, 2005.)

First, the important parts. Everything at Cosmopolitan Bakery, Carry Out & Catering is fresh. The pljeskavica (also called the Bosnia Burger at Cosmopolitan) is excellent. This is now our favorite hamburger in DC. The cevapcici at Cosmopolitan is excellent. The cheese Burek at Cosmopolitan is excellent. The chocolate Reform Cake at Cosmopolitan is excellent. The co-owner and chef of Cosmopolitan, Enes, is friendly and gracious, quick to give credit to his partner Ivica, and answered every question we had. The prices at Cosmopolitan are very reasonable. It is across the street from the Huntington Metro stop (Yellow line). Highly Recommended. Go, go, go.

Update September, 2008: moved to 7770 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA, 703-360-3660 web site.

Cosmopolitan Bakery, Carry Out & Catering, formerly Restaurant Cosmopolitan, web site, 5902A N. Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA, between T-Nails and Euro Foods, across from the Huntington Metro Station in Huntington Square, 703-329-3303 [Tyler Cowen | Suburban Tasteland]

Cosmopolitan Bakery, Carry Out & Catering

Enes, chef and co-owner of Cosmopolitan. The other owner is Ivica.

Burek - made-on-the-premises filo pastry dough stuffed with beef, cheese, spinach, or zucchini. We had the cheese Burek. Excellent.

Pljeskavica, the Bosnia Burger, before grilling.

Cevapcici, homemade sausages, before grilling.

Fresh bread, baked there. (What, are you still sitting at home reading this?? Go, go, go.)

Pljeskavica and Cevapcici on the grill.

Enes grilling the Pljeskavica and Cevapcici.

Pljeskavica ready to eat, with a dollop of sour cream. Note the white onion slices under the bread. EXCELLENT! (Unbelieveable, you're STILL sitting at home reading this? Go, go, go!)

Cevapcici ready to eat. Note the white onion slices under the bread. EXCELLENT!

Veal Schnitzel being prepared.

Veal Schnitzel being fried.

Veal Schnitzel with fries, ready to eat. This is OK.

Chocolate Reform Cake. EXCELLENT!!! (If you're still sitting at home reading this, sheesh....)

Baklava. Quite good, but not as flakey as some might be used to.

May 9, 2006 08:27 PM   Link    Comments (1)

El Charrito Caminante

El Charrito Caminante is a Mexican taqueria in Arlington that serves tacos, pupusas, and burritos. We recommend the goat tacos. The beef and chicken burritos are just OK. A bargain, too: the tacos are $2 each, burritos $3. If there's a line, it will move quickly. Ask for extra hot sauce if they don't put one or two in the bag.

El Charrito Caminante

Goat Tacos - excellent

Chicken Burrito

Beef Burrito

2710-A North Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-351-1177, between Pershing Drive on the north and the 7-11 on the south, on the west side of Washington Blvd. (the right side as you're leaving Arlington toward I-395) [Tyler Cowen | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Yelp]

May 9, 2006 09:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (1)

Crisp & Juicy

A friend recommended Crisp & Juicy in Arlington for excellent Peruvian chicken. They cook their rotisserie chicken over a wood charcoal fire, occassionally throwing some water on the coals to create steam.

The chicken is just like the name - skin is crisp and the meat is juicy. The skin is very tasty, having been rubbed with herbs and spices. They offer hot and mild sauces, which are also good with the fries.

chicken breast sandwich
The chicken breast sandwich (they were out of dark meat), with everything on it, including both hot and mild sauces. Excellent.

The whole chicken is also excellent.

Mix the black beans and rice with the salad - excellent. Fries OK.

Crisp & Juicy, 4540 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA, on the corner of Lee Hwy and N. Woodrow Street, 703-243-4222 [Tyler Cowen | WaPo | 10Best | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Citysearch | Gayot]

Crisp & Juicy, 4540 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA

May 3, 2006 09:57 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (1)

Dixie Bones

We had to try Dixie Bones BBQ after reading Tyler Cowen's description of it as "the best barbecue around." So off we went with a BBQ-loving friend to sample as much as we could. We were salivating as soon as we walked in and smelled the lingering hickory smoke...

First, the collard greens are the best we have ever eaten. Very, very fresh. Outstanding. Highest recommendation.

Dixie Bones BBQ, collard greens

And we usually don't like coleslaw, but it was excellent at Dixie Bones. Not too creamy and gloppy like most coleslaw, and again, very fresh. Even if you don't normally eat coleslaw, try it here.

Dixie Bones BBQ, coleslaw

The meats were all excellent. You should try the meats as they are brought to the table, before using any of the sauces, then try each meat with one of the recommended sauces. (There is a card at each table that suggests which sauce to use with each meat.)

The meat on the ribs fell off the bone.

Dixe Bones BBQ, rack of ribs

The pulled chicken with the vinegar sauce was outstanding. Two sauces are suggested for the chicken: a white sauce that contains mayonaisse and vinegar (we were told by another patron that the white sauce is an acquired taste and very common in Alabama); and a vinegar sauce, which we preferred.

Dixie Bones BBQ, pulled chicken

The pork shoulder is very, very good.

Dixie Bones BBQ, pork shoulder

The beef brisket is very, very good (and also excellent the next day).

Dixie Bones BBQ, beef brisket

The baked beans were very good, not too sweet, and, as you can see in the picture, not too dark. (These are also excellent the next day.)

Dixie Bones BBQ, baked beans

The catfish was OK - it did not have that strong "muddy" taste we like in catfish, which is explained by the fact that Dixe Bones, like most restaurants today, serves farm raised catfish. Although it was fresh and the breading was good, we much prefer catfish that tastes like the Mississippi...

Dixie Bones BBQ, catfish

And although we didn't take a picture, the pecan pie is highly recommended. Not too sweet - just right.

Highly recommended. Worth the drive. We'll go back.

Dixie Bones, web site, 13440 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge, VA, just off I-95, 703-492-2205 [Tyler Cowen | WaPo | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]

April 27, 2006 01:07 PM   Link    Comments (0)

China Star

We tried China Star after reading Tyler Cowen's description, although we tend to eat more Cantonese than Szechuan. Come here if you like spicy food, although they do have less-spicy dishes, too.

The scallion chili chicken is excellent. You can order it with bone left in or bone taken out. We recommend bone left in for more flavor, although bone taken out will be a bit easier to eat.

Szechuan chili chicken (with bone left in)

The scallion fried fish is also excellent. Although the spicy chicken may look hotter, the fried fish was the spicy dish.

Szechuan scallion fried fish

Whenever we go to a new Szechuan restaurant, we always order the ma pao tofu. The standard against which we judge ma pao tofu is that served at Wu Liang Ye in NYC. While this dish is very good at China Star, it is not as good as the ma pao tofu at Wu Liang Ye.

ma pao tofu

Final note: the staff at China Star are among the friendliest we have ever encountered at a Chinese restaurant, anywhere.

China Star, web site, 9600 Main Street (Route 236), Fairfax, VA, 703-323-8822 (in Fair City Mall, the same shopping center as Kinko’s and Cinema Arts Theatre) [Tyler Cowen | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch]

April 17, 2006 08:57 AM   Link    Comments (0)

This Week in DC Reviews - April 14, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

We haven't published a TWIR lately as we've been working on putting Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide in blog format.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• Alex MacLennan has a noodle roundup ... and looks at A. Litteri: "While A. Litteri’s does not make their own pasta, they do have two impressive walls of pasta for their customers to choose from." ... web site, 517-519 Morse Street NE, 202-544-0184 ... Chinatown Express: "noodles were freshly handmade and remarkably consistent" ... 746 6th Street NW, 202-638-0425 [Tyler Cowen] ... Straits of Malaya: "Strait’s noodle magic is in their Cha Kway Teow, a dish entirely dominated by broad, flat rice noodles with a consistency as fresh and distinctive as those at Chinatown Express" ... web site, 1836 18th Street NW, 202-483-1483 ... and La Tomate: "Simple, healthy noodles: a return to an almost forgotten, rewarding way of life." ... web site, 1701 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-667-5505 ...
  
  
• An Innocent Okie in King George's Court likes Bistro Francais, but wishes "we had more options for late night variety" ... try Full Kee ... web site (scroll down), 3128 M Street NW, 202-338-3830, Fri-Sat 11 am-4 am, Sun-Thu 11 am-3 am [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
  
  
• Suburban Tasteland says that "Though the Washington area has a handful of Jewish delis, if you want to experience the atmosphere of a true deli time capsule, similar to Katz’s in New York, you have to schlep out to Attman’s" in Baltimore ... "if you’re a true deli purist [stick] with the sandwiches and the pickles" ... "The hot pastrami had the perfect ratio of fat to lean, a nice smokiness, and an extra peppery end" ... web site, 1019 E. Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD, 410-563-2666 [Citysearch | Gayot | NYT] ... liked Hong Kong Palace ... "a fantastic Cantonese restaurant in Falls Church that also surprised us with their French Style Steak, an amazing French Vietnamese inspired dish" ... 6387 Leesburg Pike, Seven Corners Center, Falls Church, VA, 703-532-0940 (across the street from Sears, in the mall with Home Depot and Barnes and Noble, though both are down below on the other side of the mall) [Tyler Cowen] ... and writes that "For most folks, it’s just plain common sense that you don’t go to a hookah bar for the food." ... and then went to Cairo Cafe ... "The bazinjan mekhalil turned out be baby eggplants that clearly had been festering in some sort of otherworldly brine." ... "The falafel were among the worst we’ve ever had." ... "the food was absolutely dreadful [but] exotic beveraging opportunities abound." ... 6244-H Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA, 703-750-3551 [Tyler Cowen | Yelp]
  
  
• Lagniappe says the food at Bardia's "is hit-or-miss. The fried foods were meh, the jambalaya bland. The creole was pretty good for the DC area, but the price point was too high for what it is" ... 2412 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-234-0420 [NYT | City Paper] ... and Acadiana: "Decent gumbo when served at Restaurant Week prices. But I've never been a big fan of the Passion Food Hospitality chain of restaurants, so your mileage may vary" ... web site, 901 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-1510 [Tyler Cowen | WaPo | The Hill | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot]
  
  
• DC Food Blog "just discovered a gem in our own backyard": Ellington’s ... "the beef Mafe [was] divine. This was like an African goulash with peanut butter both thickening the sauce and giving it a rich flavor" ... 424 Eighth Street SE, 202-546-8308 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 1.5 stars to The Quarry House... but the regulars are complaining about changes new owners have introduced, including burgers made with organic beef ... "The burger? Sometimes it's overcooked, other times it's as juicy as you want it to be. Always, it is thick, nicely seasoned and presented on a fine sesame seed bun in a plastic basket, like all the chow here." ... 8401 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 301-587-9406 ... and gave 2 stars to Birreria Paradiso ... "Frankly, I prefer drinking (and eating) upstairs, where sunlight pours through the windows by day and the massive, wood-burning pizza oven serves as a focal point. While the birreria counts some charms --- a fireplace, a stone-fronted bar, wood beams overhead --- it looks like a suburban rec room pretending to be a tavern. Yet the enthusiasm of the youthful staff and the moderate tabs make up for its deficiencies" ... "try a sandwich, the best of which pairs full-flavored lamb with a good roll and a garnish of pickled vegetables." ... 3282 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-337-1245
  
  
• You Gonna Eat All That? has been out of town ... liked Hennen's in Chattanooga, TN ... "menu is limited but this isn't a bad thing. The choices are well balanced and there's something for everyone." ... "the Sweet Ginger Calamari [was] was cooked to perfection." ... "the best damn Caesar salad I've had in ages" ... "Hennen's really knows how to cook their seafood" ... web site, 193 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN, 423-634-5160 [The Pulse]
  
  
• DC Chefs features Kazuhiro Okochi of KAZ Sushi Bistro ... web site, 1915 Eye Street NW, 202-530-5500 [Economist | Washingtonian | WaPo | The Hill | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• D.C. Foodies updated his "Top 5 Restaurants" ... Komi, 1509 17th Street NW, 202-332-9200 [Economist | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist] ... Corduroy (previous reviews: You Gonna Eat All That? (TWIR, February 17, 2006), A Blog Mainly About Food (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, Four Points Hotel, 1201 K Street NW, 202-589-0699 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... Ray's the Steaks (previous review: A Blog Mainly About Food (TWIR, December 9, 2005)) ... 1725 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 703-841-7297 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... 2 Amys: (previous reviews: Tarting it Up (TWIR, February 24, 2006), A Blog Mainly About Food (TWIR, December 9, 2005)) ... 3715 Macomb Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-885-5700 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... Circle Bistro, web site, 1 Washington Circle NW, 202-293-5390 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ...
  
  
• The Washington Times, in a review with no byline of W Domku Bar & Cafe asks, "A Scandinavian-Eastern European restaurant in Petworth? Can that be right? Yes, and it's done right, too."... "While friendly, the service is slow." ... "the food is solid and unusual, if not fancy" ... "mussels steamed in a cream and aquavit broth were wonderful" ... "the Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberry preserves [are] are perfectly seasoned" ... 821 Upshur Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-722-2747 [WaPo | City Paper]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

April 14, 2006 07:47 AM   Link    Comments (0)

This Week in DC Reviews - March 24, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• metrocurean says that "the National Cherry Blossom Festival [has] plenty to offer the gluttons among us. Numerous area restaurants have created Japanese- and cherry-inspired dishes and cocktails in honor of the festival" ... including "a decadent bing cherry and dark chocolate brioche bread pudding with vanilla bean sherbet from Charlie Palmer Steak" .... and reports that "with the introduction of a new tapas and sangria happy hour," Taberna del Alabardero "is becoming more accessible to a larger--and potentially younger--crowd" ... "you can score a dish of marinated mussels with a creamy sherry vinegar and olive oil emulsion or a plate of grilled housemade chorizo for just under $4" ... web site, 1776 Eye Street NW, 202-429-2200 [Washingtonian | WaPo | food-plan | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
  
  
• Suburban Tasteland likes the "weekend Bolivian" at Tutto Bene ... and "always start off with a chicken saltena, which is basically the Bolivian version of an empanada" ... Bolivian menu, 501 N. Randolph Street, Arlington, VA, 703-522-1005 [Tyler Cowen | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Citysearch] ... reports that Silesia Liquors is "a world-renowned purveyor of wine and spirits, helmed by one of the most generous and knowledgeable wine experts I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet" ... web site, 10909 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD, 301-292-1542 ... had lunch at Monocacy Crossing ... "Saute of Pork Tenderloin with Sage-Cider Sauce was a truly new experience. While I’ve enjoyed many a delicious marinade, none was so ever-present as this one" ... "Crispy Eggplant Napoleon with Grilled Vegetables and Tomato Cream [was] a delightful interpretation of my favorite oblong and oft-maligned vegetable." ... 4424 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 301-846-4204 [food-plan | Gayot] ... and writes that HazelSnooks, which "offers a number of vintage candy favorites, such as Sugar Daddies, Pixie Stix, Mary Janes, and, best of all, Wax Lips" ... "deserves more attention than just an obligatory blurb in the Alexandria Gazette Packet" ... "cinnamon glazed almonds and pecans have the potential for dangerous snacking" ... web site, 111 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-683-8343
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend tried out Mark and Orlando's ... caesar salad was different: "They grilled and cooked an entire head of romaine lettuce. The cooked lettuce rested on a layer of dry croutons with dollops of caesar dressing on either side and little mounds of grated parmesan cheese. Surprisingly enough, the salad was actually quite good, and the grilling process imparted a completely new and different flavor to the lettuce." ... web site, 2020 P Street NW, 202-223-8463 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper] ... had dinner at Belga Cafe, which "has been open a year now, so they were having a special four course prix fixe menu for $49, including some unusual Belgian beers and free souvenir beer glasses as an 'anniversary special.'" ... 514 Eighth Street SE, 202-544-0100 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... says Zed's Ethiopian Cuisine is "alleged to be the only place the Ethiopean Embassy will use to cater their formal embassy events" ... "had a very pleasant evening at Zed's. The food was excellent and the service was gracious, efficient, and professional. Zed's is a great place for Ethiopean 'first-timers' as well as for those seeking a more elegant Ethiopean experience." ... web site, 1201 28th Street NW, 202-333 4710 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
  
  
• D.C. Foodies had dinner at Fogo de Chao ... "Rather than visiting the salad bar at the beginning of the meal, I'd recommend taking a break half way through the meal and having a salad as a palate cleanser" ... "The juicy filet was very good, as was the flavorful lamb (in either leg or chop form), which I thought was the best that Fogo de Chao had to offer. It was the most flavorful, tender and interesting by far. I also liked the bottom sirloin." ... (previous reviews: Tom Sietsema (TWIR, March 3, 2006), metrocurean (TWIR, January 20, 2006), Tom Sietsema (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-347-4668 [City Paper | Yelp | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Corinna Lothar declares that Cafe Saint-Ex is "A genuine neighborhood restaurant" ... "Even if you have to wait for a table, it's worth it for the food prepared by young chef Barton Seaver" ... web site, 1847 14th Street NW, 202-265-7839 [WaPo | City Paper | Yelp | openlist]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

March 24, 2006 08:08 AM   Link    Comments (0)

This Week in DC Reviews - March 17, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

This weeks TWIR is lighter than usual because we've been spending a lot of time working as a volunteer on a U10-U15 girls invitational soccer tournament. We apologize if we missed your review, but look for a regular TWIR next week.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• dcfud has "the definitive list of what those insanely crazy eaters in other countries would prefer with their fries" at McDonalds ... and says the decor at Greenfield Churrascaria "can only be described as ‘eighties yacht club’" ... "For a surprisingly high price, each overawed soccer family and aging tourist gets all they can eat Braziliana: A large, lackluster buffet of cold pasta salad, canned corn, and dubious shellfish, and a hot one with traditional Brazilian fare like ‘lasagna’ and ‘oily chicken’." .... mmmmmmm, oily chicken ....web site, 1801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, 301-881-3397 [Washingtonian | food-plan | WaPo | City Paper]
  
  

• Alexandra Greeley says Simply Home is "a case of a restaurant with mistaken identity"... "The Thai takeout/lunch menu is where this restaurant's gems hide" ... web site, 1412 U Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-232-8424 [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist]
  
  

• Suburban Tasteland likes the Taiwanese Hamburger at Bob’s Noodle 66, which "was somewhat sweet, extremely sour, and bursting with cool crispness, owing to the cilantro." ... "The Taiwanese Dry Noodle was equally delicious" ... 305 N. Washington St., Rockville, MD, 301-315-6668 [Tyler Cowen | Washingtonian | WaPo | Gayot | City Paper | Don Rockwell] ... and tried out El Patio ... "the espinaca tortillla was the clear stand-out" ... web site, 12303 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, 301-231-9225 [Tyler Cowen | Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
  
  

• Gabriella Boston says Thai Square "serves some of the best Thai food in the Washington area" ... "chicken satay is an excellent choice" ... "also liked the sun-dried beef with chili sauce and the steamed pork, chicken and shrimp dumplings" ... "appetizer highlight, however, was the tom kha kai" ... (previous review: Mary Hager (TWIR, December 9, 2005)) ... 3217 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA, 703-685-7040 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
  
  

• You Gonna Eat All That? had a another dinner at Corduroy ... pheasant with French Lentils: "The skin on the breast piece was crunchy and slightly salted and way too good. The meat was a little on the drier side of being done but not too dry to enjoy." ... "Loin of Venison with a chestnut puree and vegetables [was] nearly fork tender and quite delicious." ... (previous reviews: You Gonna Eat All That? (TWIR, February 17, 2006), A Blog Mainly About Food (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, Four Points Hotel, 1201 K Street NW, 202-589-0699 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  

• Tom Sietsema gave 2 stars to Passage to India ... "no sooner do you walk through the door than you're enveloped in a cloud of sweet spices and whisked to a faraway place." ... 4931 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-656-3373 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot] ... 1.5 stars to Grapeseed ... "a pleasant bistro that serves 80 wines by the glass, bottle or two-ounce taste. Tapas are excellent. Have the fried oysters." ... web site, 4865 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-986-9592 [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Gayot] ... and 2 stars to Faryab ... "I wish Faryab was a carry-out, so I could minimize my time with the people who work there" ... 4917 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-951-3484 [TCEDG | Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
  
  

• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend had dinner at The Dubliner ... "the Irish oak smoked salmon [was] very pleasant and [had] an excellent texture, flavor, and freshness" ... the "Irish corned beef and cabbage [were] cooked so they were just barely past the al dente stage rather than having been stewed soggy from hours of boiling [although the] very distinct slices were still a bit chewy and required a knife to cut instead of being fork-tender." ... web site, 4 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-3773 [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

March 17, 2006 10:07 AM   Link    Comments (0)

This Week in DC Reviews - March 10, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide is being put into blog format ...
  
  
• dcfud says "the best place drinking in DC" is The Brickskeller ... "the pub/restaurant (whith a heavy emphasis on pub) up on 22nd that holds the Guinness world record for most beers. And it's a great place to go when you want to have several very good and very large beers." ... web site, 1523 22nd Street NW, 202-293-1885 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist]
  
  
• The Rock Creek Rambler has 10 pointers for proper Bar Etiquette ... "2. Don't walk into a bar, order one drink, and put it on your credit card. If you can't afford to carry enough cash to pay for one drink, you should be sitting at home with a bottle of Old English, not going out to bars." ... "4. Are you ordering a drink that ends with "bomb"? Go back to Virginia or Georgetown. Now." ...
  
  
• Alex MacLennan had his socks knocked off by the "sunnyside farms wagyu cheeseburger" at Sonoma: "one of the best burgers I’ve ever had" ... but warns that in "three times in just over a month [the menu] changed each time. Trust the servers’ suggestions–while some classics seem consistent (the burger, a velvety gnocchi, the pizzas), cheese and meat options rotate" ... "the snake river farms wagyu sonoma steak [is] a good-sized slab of steak, grilled to the crisp edge of char, deeply juicy inside, and smartly hit with just enough spice to enliven the experience" ... "real magic lies with Sonoma’s linguine carbonara, a meltingly warm, velvety combination of soft pasta, juicy curls of bacon (cured for 7 days), and grated grana padano cheese" ... web site, 223 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 202-544-8088 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Worth the Trip highlights "braised beef BBQ ribs with slow-cooked collard greens and baked mac-n-cheese" at Del Merei Grille ... web site, 3106 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 703-739-4335 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• D.C. Foodies finally made it to Ray's the Steaks ... "each dinner at Ray's the Steaks was been wonderful! I definitely ate some of the best steaks I've ever had in this area, and they were far better than Morton's or Ruth Chris" ... the "tenderloin with mushroom brandy cream sauce [melted] in my mouth with every bite" ... "enjoyed the hanger steak the most. Honestly, you won't find a better steak for $20. Please go and order this medium rare with nothing on it. You won't regret it" ... (previous review: A Blog Mainly About Food (TWIR, December 9, 2005)) ... 1725 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 703-841-7297 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• a capitol life reports that the menu at Colorado Kitchen "has been revamped" ... "ordered the 'pot luck.' For $20 you get a mystery meal. They'll make sure you don't have any food allergies but won't ask about specific types. No hints, nada. Then your meal comes with a lid on it and is unveiled for you to figure out." ... the surprise "quail stuffed with scallops [was] very good" ... (previous review: a capitol life (TWIR, March 3, 2006)) ... 5515 Colorado Avenue NW, 202-545-8280 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Takoma Voice | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend is a regular at Thai Place ... "Not only do they have food which seems to be just as good as the more popular places, they have the extra advantage of being very inexpensive." ... "panang tofu was a huge serving of fried cubes of firm tofu and steamed brocoli florets in a panang curry sweetened with coconut milk; a big sprig of basil garnished the top of the food. I thought it quite tasty" ... web site, 2134 Pensylvania Avenue NW, 202-298-8204 [City Paper | Citysearch] ... and had dinner at Sala Thai ... the kee maoj "was very tasty, though the design necessitated eating the vegetables and tofu first and then the rice noodles last, and I would have preferred a slightly less sweet sauce." ... web site, 2016 P Street NW, 202-872-1144 [Washingtonian | WaPo | NYT | City Paper | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
  
  
• Suburban Tasteland is a regular at Kabob Palace, "a full-service restaurant about three doors down" from the original "small take-away with about a dozen tables" ... "Palace Combo #9 is king. It includes a skewer of kubideh, which are cylinders of ground lamb, liberally spiced and very juicy, and a skewer of lamb kebab, nicely charred on the outside, dusted with sumac, and tender and juicy inside. The meat comes with a small cup of their cold, refreshing herbed yogurt sauce" ... "we always share the combo so we can leave room for their amazing vegetable sides." ... "the star vegetable in our view is the okra do piaza, which may very well represent the most complex and delicious preparation of okra we have ever tasted" ... "The naan is among the best we’ve had. It’s always presented to us piping hot, doughy, and crispy in all the right places" ... web site, 2315 S. Eads Street, Arlington, VA, 703-486-3535 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Citysearch] ... and enjoyed the "revelatory contribution to the canon of great breakfasts" at Leopold’s Kafe & Konditorei, "Kaiserschmarrn mit Zwetschgenroester. The menu helpfully translates this as a scrambled souffle with plum compote" ... "the souffle is more akin to a pancake/crepe hybrid. It’s almost as if two double-thick crepes have been pressed together, wonderfully crispy at the edges, and then light, fluffy and eggy along the interior. Each piece of souffle scramble is loaded with plump currants and dusted with powdered sugar" ... (previous review: D.C. Foodies (TWIR, January 6, 2006)) ... web site,web site, 3315 Cady's Alley NW, 202-965-6005 [food-plan | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell] ... and their favorite flavor of the Argentine gelato at Dolcezza is "Banana Split, [a] banana gelato with a swirl of dulce de leche [that] has the cleanest, most refreshingly natural banana flavor of any ice cream or gelato that I’ve ever had. And the inclusion of dulce de leche takes it from merely wonderful to heavenly." ... the "Mascarpone flavor is similarly ambrosial, the gelato equivalent of the lightest, airiest raspberry cheesecake" ... 1560 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-333-4646 [WaPo]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 2 stars to Sette Bello ... "An easy way to order successfully is to focus on anything beginning with the letter "p" -- as in pasta, pizza and pesce (fish)" ... "Cavatelli tossed with broccoli rabe, crumbled sausage and pecorino cheese is a particular favorite of mine, but running a close second is spaghetti heaped with mussels and clams; the pasta retains some bite and gets a nice kick from some chili flakes." ... (previous reviews: Worth the Trip (TWIR, February 10, 2006), dcfud (TWIR, November 25, 2005), Tom Sietsema (TWIR, November 11, 2005)) ... web site, 3101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-351-1004 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Patricia Grossman writes that The Gallery Restaurant offers "stunning entrees [and] desserts with such flair you’d think you were dining in a chic Buenos Aires hot-spot." ... "Skate al Ajillo (pan fried skate filet in garlic with lime topped with slices of New Mexico chile served with greens, $18) was worth every cent. ... Mild in taste, comparable to Dover sole, with a robust texture almost like lobster, that flaked like crab—this fish called skate competes with the ever-popular Chilean Sea bass." ... "Guava Cheesecake [sent} us into a dessert heaven." ... web site, 1115 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 301-589-2555 [WaPo | City Paper]

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Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

March 10, 2006 10:07 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Bob's Noodle 66

After reading the description of Bob's Noodle 66 in Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide, we decided to try it after an indoor soccer game at the Rockville Sportsplex.

We asked our waitress what were the most popular dishes with Chinese customers, and she recommended the Ginger Chicken Casserole and the Sauteed Baby Short Ribs with Black Pepper. We also ordered the Fried Calamari appetizer, the Taiwanese-Style Meat Pie appetizer, and the Seafood Combo Thick Noodle Soup.

Our food started being delivered to the table within 5 minutes, starting with the Meat Pie, and the rest of the dishes came out rapidly after that. We have never had such fast service in a sit-down restaurant. The Ribs, Casserole, and Soup all stayed hot throughout the meal.

Although all the dishes were very reasonably priced, especially for their size, the Soup is a phenomenal bargain. We will definitely be back.

Bob's Noodle 66, in Rockville, MD




Fried Calamari with Basil appetizer - very simple and very good




Ginger Chicken Casserole - excellent




Baby Short Ribs with Black Pepper sauce and onion - an outstanding dish - if you like pepper, you will love this




Seafood Combo Thick Noodle Soup - the homemade noodles are excellent - this dish is a phenomenal bargain

Bob's Noodle 66, 305 N. Washington St., Rockville, MD, 301-315-6668 [Tyler Cowen | Washingtonian | WaPo | Gayot | City Paper | Don Rockwell]

March 4, 2006 10:57 PM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (1)

This Week in DC Reviews - March 3, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• Bethesda Rookie has a brief history of Tastee Diner ... "With their Chipped Beef and Corned beef, and over-cooked pasta, and International Omelet, and Baked Turkey Dinner and daily soups and Blue Plate Specials, you're reminded of an America we've outgrown" ... web site, 7731 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-652-3970 [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Amy at Hobnob Blog liked The Oceanaire ... the crab cakes "were delicious, with just enough seasoning to hold it together, but not overwhelming so you can't taste the crab" ... web site, 1201 F Street NW, 202-347-2277 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Economist | Don Rockwell | Gayot]
  
  
• dcfud has recently had "successful meals" at Delhi Club: "had success with the chicken tikka, butter chicken (a standard offering, but Delhi does it well), saag gosht with lamb (a spicy, spinach-infused dish), and rarah gosht....The samosas were fine, but nothing unusual." ... web site, 1135 N. Highland Street, Arlington, VA, 703-527-5666 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... Ravi Kabob: "Lamb kabobs, mixed kabobs, beef tikka – all are amazing, and come with generous sides of rice, salad and chickpeas (make sure you get a nice helping of the yogurt dipping sauce). I haven’t tasted anything there that wasn’t assertive, filling and satisfying." ... 305 N Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, [City Paper | openlist | Gayot] ... and Café Asia: "the shrimp and roasted pork Singapore noodles (distinctive for their generous shot of curry) are a favorite" ... 1550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-741-0870 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | | Gayot]
  
  
• a capitol life will go back for the burgers at Colorado Kitchen ... "Cream of Lobster Soup [was] delicious" ... "burgers were well worth the trip" ... "patties are about an inch thick, tasting richly of onions. The lettuce is Bibb and the bun is sweet and oversized" ... 5515 Colorado Avenue NW, 202-545-8280 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Takoma Voice | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Suburban Tasteland likes the BBQ at Dixie Bones ... "barbecued chicken [was] deliciously tender with a crispy flavorful skin. And the ribs were powerfully smoky, just a touch wet, and dusted lightly with spices, the meat needing only a modest prod to fall right off the bone." ... "the sides at Dixie Bones are almost as remarkable as the meat [but] Unfortunately, Dixie Bones’ talents don’t lie in the realm of Mac ‘n’ cheese." ... the cornbread "really shines" ... web site, 13440 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge, VA, 703-492-2205 [WaPo | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot] ... and says not to fear the yuca con chicharrones - "fried pork pieces served with fried yuca and garnished with pickled cabbage and hot sauce" - at Esmeralda Restaurant ... where "the fried pork pieces were so dry, tough, and sinewy that they were practically jerky-like." ... 728 N. Henry Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-739-7774 [City Paper]
  
  
• You Gonna Eat All That? says friends always ask about Kotobuki: "'How on earth did you find this place?'" ... "serves very fresh, very good sushi at $1.00 to $1.75 per piece. Rolls range from under $3.00 to $6.75 each. A great bargain for such delicious food" ... "The Toro was spectacular! It just melted in your mouth. The scallop was silky smooth and the white tuna was rich and flavorful. My favorite roll, the spicy tuna avocado roll, is a wonderful combination of the rich creamy avocado paired with the hot spiciness of the tuna with the added flavor of sesame seeds. It all melds in your mouth and tastes wonderful." ... (previous review: Alexandra Greeley (TWIR, February 3, 2006)) ... web site, 4822 MacArthur Blvd. NW, 2nd Floor, 202-625-9080 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Alexandra Greeley recommends the bubble drinks at Green Tea Cafe ... "Experiment here with such offbeat tastes as peanut, honeydew, chocolate, taro root or coconut bubble teas" ... web site, Travilah Square, 10072 Darnestown Road, Rockville, MD, 301-545-1871
  
  
• DC Chefs posted its profile of Roberto Donna of Galileo ...
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend "had a hamburger with blue cheese and grilled onions and a side of French fries" at The Exchange ... "It was very tasty, though I thought the thick burger was cooked more than the medium I had requested. The food is okay here, and it's a simple place" ... web site ("DC's oldest and most prestigious sports saloon"), 1719 G Street NW, 202-393-4690 [WaPo]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 2 stars to Fogo De Chao ... "The items from the salad bar, by the way, outclass the side dishes, of which only the soft-cooked plantains are worth taking up any real estate in your stomach. The same is true of desserts, which are better than you expect but not so irresistible that you can't say no. Actually, I take that back. Though I was 'fat as a tick' full, as a friend likes to say after big meals, I found extra space for the oh so creamy and utterly comforting tres leches cake" ... (previous reviews: metrocurean (TWIR, January 20, 2006), Tom Sietsema (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-347-4668 [City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• food-plan says the food at Rasika "isn’t that good." ... (previous reviews: Tom Sietsema and metrocurean (TWIR, February 17, 2006), Alex MacLennan (TWIR, February 3, 2006), D.C. Foodies (TWIR, December 23, 2005), metrocurean (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 633 D Street NW, 202-637-1222 [Don Rockwell] ... says Sweet Mango Cafe is "Still quite tasty" ... 3701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, 202-726-2646 [WaPo] ... and goes regularly to Sushi Taro ... "I do go fairly often for udon (off menu in the evenings, but still available) and seaweed salad and some tuna or yellowtail. It’s comforting, and the service is friendly" ... web site, 1503 17th Street NW, 202-462-8999 [Washingtonian | WaPo | Economist | City Paper | Citysearch]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

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March 3, 2006 10:27 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (2)

The Oceanaire - Seafood

My fiancé, Josh, wanted to take me to a nice dinner for my birthday, and after asking around for advice on a great Washington restaurant, he was overwhelmed with the number of people who recommended The Oceanaire. After arriving, we quickly realized that his friends had recommended a wonderful place. Our waiter informed us that many of the meals were swimming in the ocean that morning (I felt a little guilty after hearing this bit of information, but I have to admit that everything was very fresh).

My one piece of advice to those who know that they will be visiting this restaurant is not to snack at all! While everything is a la carte, the side dishes are large enough to be shared, with leftovers.

The restaurant is large and the tables are close together, but the ambience is nice and appropriate for either a date or a group. We sat in the back room, an area with 8 tables, where approximately half were groups of 6 or more and half were on dates like us. This did not detract from our conversation, and it actually was a great way to see all of the various entrees available at Oceanaire.

Crabcakes at The Oceanaire

I have to admit that I am not a "fish person," but I do love crab cakes. When our waiter told us that theirs are the best in town I figured I would give it a try. They were delicious, with just enough seasoning to hold it together, but not overwhelming so you can't taste the crab.

Swordfish at The Oceanaire

Josh ordered the swordfish, and was pleased with both the size of the cut and the taste. For our sides, we ordered the asparagus with a hollandaise sauce and the red potatoes.

Asparagus and whole red potatoe sides at The Oceanaire

We were lucky that we were warned about the size of the sides, because there were at least 25 stalks of asparagus and 15 whole red potatoes. The asparagus was perfect, and we found ourselves dipping everything into that hollandaise sauce! The red potatoes were plain but delicious, seasoned with rosemary and other spices.

I can't forget the bread, which is how I often judge a restaurant. This sourdough was thick and tasty, not too much of a "sourdough" taste, which is what I prefer. It was crunchy on the outside but warm and soft in the middle.

We did not save enough room for dessert, even though it was a birthday dinner (those darn asparagus were just too good!). The tables on either side of us, however, ordered the baked Alaska, where the presentation is half of the appeal. It is a huge brownie, covered in ice cream, covered in marshmallows. The waiter lights alcohol on fire, pours it over the concoction, pauses as the smell of roasting marshmallows floats to all of the surrounding tables, then cuts the dessert into quarters and serves everyone, all while it is still on fire!

The wine list at Oceanaire is extensive, with bottles ranging from the upper twenties to the upper hundreds.

I have to comment on the bathrooms as well; they are very modern and even have a little pump with mouthwash in it. Josh tells me that the men’s room even has aftershave -- I love when restaurants throw the little extra surprises at you!

There are only three options that are non-fish items, on the menu in very small print at the bottom of the page. I am sure that they are delicious but if you are looking for non-fishy food I don’t think this is the place for you.

If you are thinking of bringing children, I probably would have advised against it, until I saw a couple with a child come sit next to us. I wondered what he would order, but when I saw the French fries come on a huge platter, I realized that while the portions are huge, the food is good and will keep any customer happy, big or small.

In the end, Oceanaire gets two thumbs up from me. I may even try a fancier fish next time, although those crab cakes were just so good…

The Oceanaire ... web site, 1201 F Street NW, 202-347-2277 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Economist | Don Rockwell | Gayot]

Post by Amy

February 28, 2006 09:47 AM   Link    Comments (1)    TrackBacks (2)

This Week in DC Reviews - February 24, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• Eve Zibart says Suki Asia is "just about as fast as any other lunch counter around." ... "it is primarily Japanese; sushi is the big draw. It's all fairly mainstream: shrimp, California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, salmon and cream cheese, veggie rolls -- unagi (eel) is as exotic as it gets." ... "some of Suki Asia's best items are usually the least successful at carryouts: the dumplings. The wasabi shumai, eight quite meaty but delicate pieces, are very good and held up well. The vegetable gyoza, prepared in neatly pinched green wrappers like fat snow peas, were even nicer and also traveled remarkably well." ... 1730 Rhode Island Avenue NW, 202-223-1337
  
  
• D.C. Foodies says Pizzeria Paradiso in Georgetown is "a much roomier and less crowded space than its older sister in Dupont Circle" ... recommends these appetizers: tuna and white bean salad, and mozzarella with sundried tomatoes and olive oil ... (previous review: OxBlog (TWIR, January 20, 2006)) ... 3282 M Street NW, 202-337-1245 [Washingtonian | NYT | food-plan | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Bethesda Rookie says Thyme Square "is a bit of a mess, but they do just enough to redeem themselves, kind of like the pain-in-the-ass friend you just can't write off. The service was barely passable, but the food was great." ... Pumpkin Ravioli "was delicious and rich" ... "Go with low expectations and a small appetite, but try it. You might catch them on a good night and have some terrific food. Oh, and beware the juicer. What a racket." ... 4735 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-657-9077 [Washingtonian | food-plan | WaPo | City Paper]
  
  
• Tarting it Up says leave room for dessert at Two Amys ... "Two Amy's dishes up some of the best, probably *the best*, ice cream we've had in D.C." ... (previous review: A Blog Mainly About Food (TWIR, December 9, 2005)) ...3715 Macomb Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-885-5700 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... and liked Woo Lae Oak has "Korean food that both attracts a Korean clientele and is accessible to dorks like me!" ... "the gun man doo, pan fried dumplings [were] A+" ... "You must try this place." ... (previous reviews: Walter Nicholls (TWIR, February 3, 2006), Mary Hager (TWIR, January 6, 2006)) ... web site, 8240 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA, 703-827-7300 [City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Suburban Tasteland doesn't like the decor at 100 King ... "The main problem with 100 King’s small plates bistro is that Lebanese Taverna already performs at such a high level of execution that it’s well nigh impossible for 100 King to outperform the very restaurants whose success made its existence possible." ... "the true superstar of this meal turned out to be the sauteed shrimp arak. The shrimp were succulent and perfectly infused with the sweet and bitter anise of the arak, and the tartness of the lemon juice. The sauce was so amazing that we greedily sopped it up with our pita." ... web site, 100 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-299-0076 [City Paper | Don Rockwell] ... says Don Lobo’s Mexican Grill has "one of the tastiest salsas in town" ... "we always share an order of beef fajitas. The beef is unbelievable" ... "what really makes this meal worth crossing the Key Bridge for are the homemade tortillas" ... web site, 2811 M Street NW, 202-333-0137 [WaPo] ... and has a favorite in Trattoria da Franco ... "zucchini fritte (zucchini strips very lightly fried, served with a savory marinara sauce). This is hands-down one of our favorite Italian appetizers, and Trattoria does a fantastic job" ... "penne amatraciana came perfectly al dente (the pasta is homemade), smothered in a sweet tomato sauce, a liberal addition of diced onion, and its smokiness the result of the wonderful pancetta (Italian bacon)" ... 305 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-548-9338 [WaPo | City Paper | RestaurantRow | Citysearch]
  
  
• Hobnob Blog was not impressed with the food at Tempt Asian ...
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 2.5 stars to David Craig Bethesda ... oyster stew is "a bowl of warm cream, fat oysters and sweet vegetables that have been minced so finely they look like confetti on the surface of the liquid. The garnish adds not just welcome color to the picture but also contrasting texture: Each silky spoonful of soup yields a delicate crunch." ... the chef's "eye for what looks good together, and for which ingredients flatter one another, is apparent in dish after dish." ... web site, 4924 St. Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-657-2484 [Bethesda Rookie | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend ate with friends at i Ricchi ... "the polenta tartufata ai funghi farciti, a nicely done timbale of polenta (think Italian cornmeal mush) scented with truffles and surrounded with sauteed sliced wild mushrooms brightened with splashes of balsamic vinegar. A bright strip of roasted red pepper lay across the top of the polenta as a garnish." ... web site, 1220 19th Street NW, 202-835-0459 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

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February 24, 2006 09:07 AM   Link    Comments (1)    TrackBacks (1)

Tempt Asian Restaurant - Chinese

After reading all the favorable reviews of Tempt Asian, we gave it a try ... ordered the won ton soup, beef chow fun, ma pao tofu, and Chinese brocoli in oyster sauce... these are all standard dishes that a good Sichuan restaurant should be able to easily do well ... sad to report that all were mediocre at best ... the best dish was the beef chow fun, and that did not have the smoky taste that a good "wet" chow fun (chow fun with gravy) should have ... the ma pao tofu was the greasiest we have ever had (the best we have had was at Wu Liang Ye in NYC) ... and the Chinese brocoli with oyster sauce was mostly large stalks ...

Full Key is better...

Tempt Asian: 6259 Little River Turnpike (just west of I-395), Alexandria, VA, 703-750-6801 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]

February 23, 2006 09:24 PM   Link    Comments (1)    TrackBacks (1)

This Week in DC Reviews - February 17, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• Gabriella Boston says don't be discouraged by the strip mall location of Tempt Asian Cafe "when the food is among the best of its kind" ... recommends the fried fish, stir-fried eggplant, and spicy emperor duck ... 6259 Little River Turnpike (just west of I-395), Alexandria, VA, 703/750-6801 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• foodie pleads for help ... "After 10 years of reading restaurant reviews with bated breath and careful attention, I have come to loathe the recycled language and random crap that fills many of the reviews and food writing that I read (and write. Ha.) Food and restaurant reviewer, please help alleviate my pain." ... "Thank you, reviewer, for totally overlooking the $20K line cook who spends their entire existence slinging hot pans in order to fade into an oblivion of underappreciation. Also, when was the last time you've heard about sous chefs in a restaurant review? In many cases, those dudes are impacting the quality of the food more than the executive chefs. Get off your lazy asses and find out who they are - you are probably looking at the next executive chef at a trendy new restaurant coming soon." ...
  
  
• D.C. Foodies has had two "wonderful meals" at Hank's Oyster Bar ... "the oysters are only one of many treats to get at Hank's. Take for instance, the not-too-heavily-creamy New England clam chowder" ... "" ... web site, 1624 Q Street NW, 202-462-4265 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot]
  
  
• You Gonna Eat All That? gave 4.5 biscuits to Corduroy Restaurant ... "Lobster Salad with Basil Oil ... was superb!" ... "Peppered Tuna cooked rare and served with Sushi Rice and Hijiki [was] rare in the middle, very fresh and very tasty" ... "Baked Chocolate Sabayon served with chocolate ice cream [was] by far the best dessert I have had in a long time" ... (previous review: A Blog Mainly About Food (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, Four Points Hotel, 1201 K Street NW, 202-589-0699 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• The Food Section writes, "As restaurants question the inherent value of the Michelin star system, some establishments are even seeking to have their stars removed" ...
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 2.5 stars to Rasika ... "the reshmi kebab, the sweet potato tuk and the paneer shaslik. All three are appetizers, and all three make very good first impressions" ... "duck is definitely something you'll want to explore at Rasika, where the chef blankets slices of velvety fowl with a pale orange sauce coaxed from cashew nut paste, saffron and mace" ... (previous reviews: Alex MacLennan (TWIR, February 3, 2006), D.C. Foodies (TWIR, December 23, 2005), metrocurean (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 633 D Street NW, 202-637-1222 [Don Rockwell]
  
  
• metrocurean likes the drinks and the food at Rasika ... it has "a drink menu so enticing you'll be sending out a happy hour email before you can say 'inappropriate use of company time.'" ...
  
  
• Alexandra Greeley describes Fogo de Chao as "an outsized, meat-eater's paradise, with zany waiters wielding meat-filled skewers and tearing through the vast dining room like men on a mission: Treat every patron like a gaucho-in-waiting. This is Southern Brazilian meat feasting at its most aggressive." ... "The kitchen offers a killer crème brûlé -- quite the best we've ever eaten" ... (previous reviews: Corinna Lothar (TWIR, January 27, 2006), metrocurean (TWIR, January 20, 2006), Tom Sietsema (TWIR, December 16, 2005) ... web site, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-347-4668 [City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend had dinner at Zengo ... the won ton tacos "were quite unusual and I enjoyed the unexpected taste combinations." ... "grilled salmon on shitake mushrooms and cabbage in a sweet mango sauce ... the shitakes seemed to have sand in them." ... "Chinese-style braised beef short ribs (I'm not sure what made them 'Chinese') ... beef itself was very tasty and flavorful, but the sauce poured all over everything was way too sweet." ... "I have to say that the greatest failing of Zengo is service. I'm not quite sure what to think of the food, either. Everything we ate Thursday night was sweet." ... (previous reviews: D.C. Foodies (TWIR, January 20, 2006), Tom Sietsema (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 781 Seventh Street NW, 202-393-2929 [City Paper | Don Rockwell] ... and had lunch at Breadline ... "The only thing I didn't like about Breadline is that the iced tea comes in lidded plastic cups with no urn for self-serve refills (and being a Southern boy, I love my iced tea!), but that's a small complaint given the value, the taste, and the wonderful bread." ... (previous review: A Blog Mainly About Food (TWIR, January 6, 2006)) ... web site, 1751 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-822-8900 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... says Lei Garden "pretty consistently has the best dim sum in the District" ... web site, 629 H Street NW, 202-216-9696 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

February 17, 2006 09:17 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (4)

This Week in DC Reviews - February 10, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend says Cafe La Ruche "was delightful!" ... serves "simple, basic, traditional foods—sort of the equivalent of a French diner." ... "Their simple food is delicious and best of all, the prices are extremely, surprisingly reasonable." ... web site, 1039 31st Street NW, 202-965-2684 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Citysearch]
  
  
• You Gonna Eat All That? is glad they tried Gamasot ... had the seolleong-tang (soup) and bi bim bop ... "soup came out in a nice sized stone pot. It was loaded with noodles and sliced beef. It's usually garnished with salt and sliced green onion which were already on the table when we arrived. Biscuit rating = 5 biscuits!" ... the bi bim bop "came out sizzling like crazy. A bed of rice with veggies and some ground beef placed on top followed by an raw egg dropped on top of everything. The heat of the pot and it's contents actually cook the egg ... Nice. Biscuit rating = 4 biscuits ... probably the best I've had of all the Korean places I've tried." ... web site, 6963 Hechinger Drive, Springfield, VA, 703-256-0780 [Korean DC]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema recommends "5 Fun Places to Say, 'I Love You'" ... Ching Ching Cha: "best of the bunch: steamed dumplings stuffed with lamb and cabbage; peanuts tossed with star anise and peppercorns; and curried beef sealed in a packet of puff pastry" ... 1063 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-333-8288 [food-plan | City Paper] ... Hank's Oyster Bar: "takes its bivalves seriously" ... web site, 1624 Q Street NW, 202-462-4265 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot] ... Bistrot Lepic the Wine Bar: "Whereas the ground-floor dining room in Georgetown is bright and snug, the second-story lounge is dim and cozy, arranged with chairs that seem to wrap themselves around you and low tables for holding cocktails or 'appeteasers.'" ... web site, 1736 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-333-0111 [Washingtonian | NYT | City Paper | Don Rockwell] ... Elevation Burger: "its main draw [is] organic kobe beef, which is nicely seasoned, grilled to retain a juicy center and slipped in a soft yellow bun. Following the same philosophy are the skinny french fries, cooked in heart-healthy olive oil and tasting of real spuds. The milkshakes, on the other hand, are the real deal: rich, thick and served with a fat straw" ... (previous reviews: Hobnob Blog, the kitchenette and dcist (TWIR, November 25, 2005), Tarting It Up (TWIR, November 18, 2005)) ... web site, 442 South Washington Street, Falls Church, VA [City Paper | Chowhound | Don Rockwell] ... Faccia Luna in Old Town: "I welcome the wooden booths for two, the backs of which are high enough to prevent your eyes from roving away from your companion's. The pizzas are pretty good, too." ... web site, 823 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-838-5998 [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Worth the Trip says it's worth the trip to Sette Bello for the the "pizzetta con tonno crudo: grilled pizza dough topped with a lemon-infused mascarpone sauce, sliced tomato and tuna topped with sliced jalapeños, thin circles of red onion and a scattering of salt" ... (previous reviews: dcfud (TWIR, November 25, 2005), Tom Sietsema (TWIR, November 11, 2005)) ... web site, 3101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-351-1004 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• a capitol life went to Acadiana ... "I can safely say we will probably not return." ... (previous reviews: Erin Hartigan (TWIR, January 6, 2006), D.C. Foodies (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 901 New York Avenue NW, 202-408-8848 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

February 10, 2006 11:27 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (1)

This Week in DC Reviews - February 3, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• Matt McMillen writes about Shauna Anderson's Hot Chitlin Trailer ... "Anderson, 51, prepares the chitlins with her own seasoning sauce of vinegar, onions, white pepper and 'secret seasonings.'" ... with "stops in Hyattsville, New Carrollton, Beltsville or Alexandria, depending on the day of the week, from Tuesday through Friday. It stops in Landover and Largo on Sundays. For a schedule, call 866-436-9381 or visit http://www.chitlinmarket.com" ... schedule ... Chitlin Market and Fish Bar (currently under construction), 5711 Ager Road, Hyattsville MD, 301-853-1200
  
  
• The Washington Post says it's Worth the Trip to Majestic Cafe for a slice of coconut cake ... web site, 911 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-837-9117 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot]
  
  
• Mary Hager calls Jamaica Jamaica "Herndon's hidden island treasure" ... "chicken curry, and no doubt the curry goat as well, are reminiscent of Indian curry, though not as intense as many. With entirely different seasoning, the oxtails were delicious" ... "the jerk chicken [was] tender and moderately spiced" ... web site, 348 Victory Drive, Herndon, VA, 703-481-8641 [WaPo]
  
  
• Walter Nicholls gave 2.5 stars to Woo Lae Oak at Tysons Corner ... liked the "rare duck breast with roasted figs, dotted with a slightly tart balsamic reduction, as well as the perfectly seared scallops accompanied by a refreshing salsa of mango, pineapple and avocado and laced with lemon chili oil" ... "turns out some memorable appetizers, particularly the perfect, thin-skinned, pan-fried dumplings filled with a savory combination of minced beef, pork, cabbage and tofu. The same seasoned soy sauce for dipping dumplings comes with one of my all-time best bets, the flaky, egg-battered, pan-fried fish fillets" ... "I did find chunks of cardboard mixed in with the like-colored sauteed oyster mushrooms on one evening." ... ahhh, that explains the half star ... (previous review: Mary Hager (TWIR, January 6, 2006)) ... web site, 8240 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA, 703-827-7300 [City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• metrocurean has a list of Valentine Day deals ...
  
  
• Alexandra Greeley calls Kotobuki "D.C.'s little secret [where] sushi reigns supreme and also happens to be very affordable"... web site, 4822 Macarthur Blvd. NW, 202-281-6679 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Alex MacLennan will go back to Rasika ... "Palak Chat, a delirious tangle of crispy, flash-fried spinach leaves, hints of sweet yogurt, spangly tamarind and date chutney (and, our server suggested, a hint of star anise). Each bite was like tasting crisped, silken air." ... "Lamb Shank Roganjosh ... was a near perfect dish" ... (previous reviews:Tom Sietsema and D.C. Foodies (TWIR, December 23, 2005), metrocurean (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 633 D Street NW, 202-637-1222 [Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Hobnob Blog likes the bahn mi at Song Que ... and the cheeseburger sub at Al's Steak House ...
  
  
• Emilie Karrick Surrusco looks at Birdland Four Sisters Cuisine ... "'Brittany’s Lickin’ Good Snack Pac' - a 10-piece chicken package ... is a particular favorite on Friday nights. When asked to name her favorite dish, Adams didn’t hesitate. 'The steak,' she said. 'The barbecue sauce and all the sauces are homemade.'" ... 1118 H Street NE, 202-388-0830 (pic of front from frozen tropics)
  
  
• DC Chefs profile this month is of Todd Gray of Equinox ... web site, 818 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-331-8118 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
  
  
• The Rock Creek Rambler writes about Lauriol Plaza ... "overpriced mediocre mexican food" ... web site, 1835 18th Street NW, 202-387-0035 [Washingtonian | food-plan | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Scott Haring likes Iron Bridge Wine Company ... "Perfect pairings for the wines come from executive chef Marc Dixon's kitchen." ... "Smoked salmon crostini ... was rich and bursting with flavor, and the crisp crostini provided the perfect contrast" ... "Sauteed jumbo shrimp ($15) are served over black rice with sauteed watercress, strawberry sweet-and-sour sauce and a mache bouquet. The shrimp were good, no doubt about that, but the black rice was the standout in this dish. The strawberry was evident, and the sauce was just sweet enough to be divinely rich but not like a dessert." ... "the house needs to find a better way to accommodate patrons who are waiting for a seat." ... web site, 10435 State Route 108 (Clarksville Pike), Columbia, MD, 410-997-3456 [WaPo | Don Rockwell | Citysearch]
  
  
• food-plan rated Urban Bar-B-Que Company in Rockville 7 out of 10 ... "ribs were fantastic" ... "The pulled pork was also quite good" ... "The cornbread? To die for." ... 2007 Chapman Avenue, Rockville, MD, 240-290-4827 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot]
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend says "there are dozens more places in D.C. I'd rather go for Chinese than" City Lights ... "The seafood had a slightly fishy taste to it, indicating to me that the scallops and shrimp had been frozen and were not fresh." ... "The tofu came in big, thick slices which had been deep fried and by themselves tasted pretty good, but they were absolutely drowned in a way-too-sweet sauce, and quickly became soggy. We didn't finish the dish—it got to be nasty-sweet. Also, all of the dishes had been ordered 'spicy,' and there was very, very little heat to anything." ... web site, 1731 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-265-6688 [Washingtonian | food-plan | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

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Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

February 3, 2006 11:27 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (4)

Song Que - Bahn Mi in Eden Center

We love the Vietnamese sandwiches (Bahn Mi) and bubble drinks at Song Que in Eden Center ...

Song Que in Eden Center, Falls Church, VA


This is the #8, Grilled Pork sandwich


Another pic of the #8, Grilled Pork sandwich

The #6, grilled chicken, is also very good ... we usually ask for extra jalapeño on the sandwiches ... our favorite bubble drinks are the mango, coconut, and guavabana ...

This is a phenomenal bargain. The #6 and #8 sandwiches are $2.50 each, the bubble drinks (also called "bubble tea") are $3.00 ... a fabulous meal for less than $6. During the summer we come here at least once a week ...

Song Que is owned by the same family that owns Four Sisters (Huong Que), a few doors away in Eden Center ...

Song Que, 6773 Wilson Boulevard, Falls Church, VA, 703-536-7900 [Washingtonian | MetroConnection | NYT | wCities | a capitol life]

More

• Albert Eisele wrote about Four Sisters: "You won’t find a better Vietnamese restaurant in the Washington area." "Vietnamese food like Mom's at Four Sisters," The Hill, July 21, 2005
• "Bubble tea is also known as boba drink, pearl tea drink, boba ice tea, boba, boba nai cha, zhen zhou nai cha, pearl milk tea, pearl ice tea, black pearl tea, tapioca ball drink, BBT, PT, pearl shake, QQ (which means chewy in Chinese)," from "The History of Bubble Tea," by Bubble Tea Supply
• Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide – January 2005, seventeenth edition.
• Vietnamese Restaurants in the Washington metro area - from Washington City Paper

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Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, bahn mi

January 29, 2006 10:27 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (2)

Al's Steak House - Alexandria, VA

Al's Steak House, which says it is "Alexandria's First and Foremost Philly Cheese Steak Shop"

Al's Steak House, Alexandria, VA


cheeseburger sub - excellent


great greasy onion rings


very good hamburger


very good hamburger


fries look better than they are - kind of limp - get the onion rings

web site, 1504 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 703-836-9443 (cash only) [The Best Phlly Cheesesteaks] Very good value. Recommended

January 28, 2006 10:47 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (1)

This Week in DC Reviews - January 27, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• Florence Fabricant reports that "Walter Scheib, the chef at the White House from 1994 to 2005, has started a national catering company based in Great Falls, Va. He will also give cooking classes: (866) 755-0088, theamericanchef.com." ...
  
  
• Eve Zibart likes Capri ... "much of the regular menu here is good enough to keep patrons coming back (some obviously quite regularly)" ... "whole grilled orata (sea bream) was admirably prepared, lightly crisped at the edges and moist within" ... 6825 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA, 703-288-4601 [Washingtonian]
  
  
• Augieland describes and has pics of a 36-course meal at Mini Bar ... "cuisine is entirely chef-driven" ... "Mini Bar has trapped the guys making your food in a small box right in front of you. They make the food, they serve the food, and they explain the food." ... "17. Zucchini in Textures: Bear declared this the dish that disproves intelligent design, because if there were truly a wise being guiding along the development of things on the planet earth, this would be what zucchini tasted like. Had you told me a dish that had, as its major component, a layer of jellied zucchini seeds would be the one that knocked me out, I would have been doubtful before this meal." ... "27. 'Philly Cheese Steak': Mini Bar, Katsuya, and the boys, obviously love to take the familiar apart into its fundamental flavor components and reorganize them into something that makes an impact. The flavors of a great Philly steak are steak, cheese, hoagie loaf, and sometimes mushrooms. Here we have a tiny French baguette, but just the crust, filled with a foam that is just the flavor of whiz without the goopy texture, then black truffle slices are laid on top, under slices of Kobe beef. This is then cooked with a hand-held torch. If you've ever wondered what is to be gained by 'playing with your food,' this is the dish that should make you encourage this behavior. It is the best cheese steak I have ever had." ... FlyerTalk has pics from a Mini Bar meal last December ... (previous review: Opinionated About Dining (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 405 Eighth Street NW, inside Cafe Atlantico, 3rd floor, 202-393-0812 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Corinna Lothar reminds us that "Drinks, dessert and coffee are not included in the comprehensive price ($24.50 at lunch and $44.50 for dinner)" at Fogo de Chao ... "the salad bar is sumptuous" ... the best meats are "the picanha, the house special, a prime sirloin seasoned with sea salt and a touch of garlic; wonderfully tender lamb chops and a delicious leg of lamb. Pork ribs are very good; the pork loin is sometimes tender, sometimes a bit tough, but always flavorful." ... (previous reviews: metrocurean (TWIR, January 20, 2006), Tom Sietsema (TWIR, December 16, 2005) ... web site, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-347-4668 [City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 2 stars to Acadiana ... "fried green tomatoes ... arrive with a topping of sliced shrimp enriched with a zippy remoulade. The heat and crunch of the base and the chill and creaminess of the cover seesaw appealingly in the mouth." ... "Jambalaya is packed with just about everything a fan would want -- sausage, chicken, red bell pepper -- save for the kick one expects of the rice-based classic." ... (previous reviews: Erin Hartigan (TWIR, January 6, 2006), and D.C. Foodies (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 901 New York Ave NW, 202-408-8848 [City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot] ... and 2.5 stars to Oya Restaurant & Lounge ... "the original Oya ... brimmed with unfortunate ideas" ... but urges readers to try it now that new chefs are there ... web site, 799 9th Street NW, 202-393-1400 [City Paper | The Hill | Don Rockwell | Gayot]
  
  
• Albert Eisele declares "You won’t find a better Vietnamese restaurant in the Washington area" than Four Sisters (Huong Que) ... OK, the review is from last year but we like Four Sisters and we like its "sister restaurant," Song Que ... 6769 Wilson Blvd., in Eden Center, Falls Church, VA, 703-538-6717 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Gayot]
  
  
• D.C. Foodies had dinner at BlackSalt ... "The six Kumamoto oysters ... were probably some of the best I've ever tasted - buttery, briny, and tender." ... "Maryland rockfish was really incredible; the rockfish was perfectly cooked" ... "mahi mahi was also cooked perfectly [but the] sauce it came with really overpowered the mild flavor of the dish" ... "My bread pudding was quite possibly the best bread pudding I've ever had!" ... "final bill was over $200 with tip" ... web site, 4883 Macarthur Blvd., 202-342-9101 [Washingtonian | Food-Plan | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist]
  
  
• a capitol life had "mortadella, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, hot peppers, oil and vinegar on a 12 inch soft roll = $9" at A. Litteri's ... and also poked around the Capital City Market (bordered by New York Avenue, Florida Avenue and Sixth Street NE, next to Gallaudet University) ... web site, 517-519 Morse Street NE, 202-544-0184 [Washingtonian | WaPo | openlist]
  
  
• Mary Hager liked the "Peking duck roll with mu shu and hoisin glaze" at Juniper at the Fairmont Hotel ... 2401 M Street NW, 202-457-5020 [City Paper | openlist] ... and likes Restaurant Eve ... "everything about this fine restaurant was a pleasant surprise" ... "safe entrees are prime rib eye of beef with potato galette and bordelaise ($36), Armstrong's version of Irish stew ($35), and one of his "signature" dishes, a bouillabaisse ($26). This stunning dish, far from ordinary, has chunks of cod and an assortment of clams, mussels and prawns in a delicate and slightly tangy saffron "jus" garnished with two crisp triangles of crusty, airy toast, perfect for absorbing the flavorful jus." ... (previous review: Erin Hartigan (TWIR, January 6, 2006)) ... web site, 110 South Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-706-0450 [Washingtonian | food-plan | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot]
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend passed up Taco Bell and went to Alero ... "One of the nice things about Alero's brunch is they have sangre de Marias (a/k/a bloody Marys) for just $3.75 a piece." ... no comment on the food ... web site, 1724 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-234-8100 [City Paper | openlist] ... had a quick lunch at Cactus Cantina ... the pork tamales, Monterrey spinach salad, and sopapillas were "good" ... web site, 3300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-686-7222 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot] ... had a Restaurant Week lunch at IndeBleu ... "had the white cassoulet of chicken confit, boudin blanc, and navy beans. I found the dish to be both wonderfully tasty and yet disappointing at the same time." ... "we all liked the place and said we'd come back, even though the serving sizes were tiny and we all found various faults with our food" ... web site, 707 G Street NW, 202-333-2538 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot] ... and had a Restaurant Week dinner at Aquarelle ... "started with the escabeche of sea scallop with a Banyuls reduction, garlic coulis, pickled vegetables, and herbs salad [which] had a nice flavor and texture" ... "My entree was the Atlantic monkfish osso bucco, two thick pieces of stewed monkfish on the bone, accompanied by black mussels and served over a bed of risotto with Spanish peppers and dry-cured chorizo. Broth from the fish filled up the hollow of the plate. The mussels were good and I enjoyed the monkfish a lot" ... "The biggest problem I found with Aquarelle was the level of service; while nothing was particularly bad, they lost points on a number of standard fine dining points" ... web site, 2650 Virginia Avenue NW, in the Watergate Hotel, 202-298-4455 [WaPo | City Paper | openlist] ... had a Restaurant Week lunch at Butterfield 9 ... "an exquisitely delicious braised beef short rib on a pool of soft, truffled cheese grits topped by mustard greens and crispy bits of portobello mushrooms" ... "duck leg confit salad served over warm, wilted frisée with some mustard cream sauced haricots verts green beans.... The confit was rich and exploding with flavor." ... web site, 600 14th Street NW, 202-289-8810 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
  
  

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

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January 27, 2006 10:47 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (1)

This Week in DC Reviews - January 20, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• OxBlog says "there are some great places to eat" in DC, and recommends ... Tony Cheng's Seafood Restaurant: "pan-friend scallops in hot pepper sauce [and] breaded shrimp [were] cooked just right, bringing out all the flavor but still keeping it moist and tender." ... (previous review: dcfud (TWIR, December 9, 2005)) ... 619 H Street NW, 202-371-8669 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot] ... Heritage India "provides taste, for example in its polenta cake with chicken tikka." ... 1337 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-331-1414 and 2400 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-333-3120 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... and Pizzeria Paradiso: "a brick-oven establishment that can go head-to-head with the best in New York and New Haven" ... 2029 P Street NW, 202-223-1245 and 3282 M Street NW, 202-337-1245 [Washingtonian | City Paper | WaPo | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• The Rock Creek Rambler had a Restaurant Week meal at Tosca: "you have to be impressed by Tosca's restaurant week menu. They provide you with a full size menu (none of this select one from two crap) divided into starters, pasta, entrees, and desserts" ... had the "roasted veal and spinach ravioli with red wine reduction, butter and parmesan cheese ... was phenom" ... and the "grilled pork T-bone steak, with roasted potatoes sautéed Swiss chard and rosemary sauce ... was huge, and cooked absolutely perfectly" ... web site, 1112 F Street NW, 202-367-1990 [WaPo | The Hill | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
  
  
• Gabriella Boston had "32 of Team Andres' exciting and unpredictable creations as part of the Nuevo Latino Dim Sum Brunch, a unique midday dining experience in Washington." ... a "Latino dim-sum brunch" is a unique fusion we've never heard of, and none of the dishes she describes sound like dim sum ... if you want Chinese dim sum, try ... China Garden Restaurant, web site, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA, 703-525-5317 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Gayot] ... Hollywood East (Washingtonian), 2621 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, 240-290-9988 [City Paper | WaPo | Don Rockwell | Gayot] ... Good Fortune, 2646 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, 301-929-8818 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot] ... A&J Restaurant, 1319-C Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD [Washingtonian | City Paper | WaPo | Don Rockwell | Gayot] ... and for the best dim sum in NYC, try the Chatham Restaurant ...
  
  
• D.C. Foodies had dinner at Zengo ... "my experience there was average at best. Put it this way, just because you put an Asian sauce on a Latin dish, doesn't make it Latin-Asian fusion." ... "the whole crispy fish [had] 'nuggets' of fried fish meat in the dish with the fried carcass" ... "Presentation aside, the dish was bland." ... (previous review: Tom Sietsema (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 781 Seventh Street NW, 202-393-2929 [City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• dcfud says the service was frazzled but the food good at Bangkok 54 ... "A waitress took 20 minutes to 'be right back' to take our orders. Appetizers took a considerable amount of time to arrive. A friend’s main dish order of pineapple fried rice lacked, well, pineapple" ... "Won ton soup was perfectly spiced" ... "the five-spice braised pork ... was absolutely delicious, sweet without being cloying" ... web site, 2919 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA, 703-521-4070 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | dc-eating | openlist]
  
  
• Janelle Erlichman Diamond says "The soup from Atwater's Ploughboy Soups is worth the drive to Baltimore. Honestly, even without the Inner Harbor and art museum stuff." ... "Atwater gathers seasonal ingredients from local farmers markets and an organic co-op in Pennsylvania. He'll prep vegetables the night before (on a recent day, Brussels sprouts) before figuring out the next morning what to do with them" ... 529 East Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 410-323-2396 [City Paper | openlist]
  
  
• Alexandra Greeley reviews two restaurants ... Dukem Restaurant: "be sure to ask for guidance. The chili quotient of some dishes can be a minefield of fire." ... "be sure to ask for the spicy version of the lamb wot, a stew of lamb cubes served in a sauce that is almost as dark as chocolate. And don’t be fooled for one minute if your first several bites seem oddly bland. Without warning, the burn sets in" ... web site, 1114 U Street NW, 202-667-8735 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper] ... Etete Ethiopian Cuisine: "azifa ... a marvelous lentil salad composed of cooked and partially mashed lentils stirred with chopped chilies, lime juice, and a daub of Ethiopian mustard. It’s delicious, and an example of how lentils can become totally addictive legumes." ... web site, 1942 9th Street NW, 202-232-7600 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• metrocurean likes "the pork ribs, leg of lamb and fried plantains" at Fogo de Chão, a Brazilian churrasco chain ... (previous reviews: Tom Sietsema (TWIR, December 16, 2005)web site, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-347-4668 [City Paper | Don Rockwell] ... and had "an amazing procession of courses at" CityZen ... (dcchefsmagazine features Eric Ziebold of CityZen) ... web site, 1330 Maryland Avenue SW, 202-787-6006 [Washingtonian | WaPo | The Hill | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Throwing Hammers had drinks with lots of Zombies at Mackey's Public House ... but doesn't tell us about the food - did anyone have the fish and chips, or was everyone eating brain? ... or the drinks! Someone must have had a Zombie ... Ai yi yi, youth is wasted on the young ... web site, 1823 L Street NW, 202-331-7667 [WaPo | City Paper | openlist]
  
  
• DC Pussycat Doll had dinner at 1789: "it was fabulous" ... "the oyster soup ... contained very large, done to perfection oysters" ... "the rack of lamb with feta potatoes and garlic spinach ... lamb was tender and the potatoes were out of this world" ... "grilled monkfish served over scallops and garlic spinach ... was very good" ... web site, 1226 36th Street NW, 202-965-1789 [Washingtonian | WaPo | NYT | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend had a Restaurant Week lunch at The Caucus Room ... "started with the open-faced wild mushroom ravioli ... had a wonderful flavor and I think it was probably my favorite dish of the meal." ... "the seared sea bass [was] presented on a bed of roasted fingerling potatoes and lightly sauteed broccoli rabe and with a tamarind-flavored thin brown sauce, which I also enjoyed a lot, especially the slightly bitter, hot zestiness of the rabe." ... was not impressed with the pecan pie ... web site, 401 Ninth Street NW, 202-393-1300 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... and a Restaurant Week brunch at The Grill at the Ritz-Carlton in DC ... "Our Caesar salads were okay, but terribly ordinary. They used commercial croutons and there were disgusting little anchovy filets on top of the romaine." ... "main course: Cajun spiced grilled salmon. I thought my salmon was quite good" ... and for dessert strawberry charlotte: "Well, here at the Ritz-Carleton, they took the banquet caterers' route out, filling a big sheet cake pan with a thin layer of cake and using what tasted to me like strawberry Jello whipped with whipped cream and a very gelatinized strawberry puree, then cut the dessert into squares ... and an egg-shaped dollop of what Robert called 'the most artfully presented Cool Whip I've ever seen.'" ... "I'm afraid that The Grille at the Ritz-Carleton (sic) falls into the category of the typical, severely over-priced, faux-elegant hotel restaurant." ... web site, 1150 22nd Street NW, 202-974-5566 [City Paper | openlist] ... had dinner at Penang ... the sarang burung "was delicious. That fried taro root had the texture of potatoes and the lightly fried portions had a great crunch and flavor" ... Hobnob agrees with the Washingtonian: the "downtown DC branch of Penang is a bit of a letdown" ... for excellent Malaysian food in DC go to Malaysia Kopitiam (for incredible Malaysian food in NYC, go to Sanur) ... 1837 M Street NW, 202-822-8770 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | food-plan | Gayot] ... and had lunch at The Prime Rib, "which actually requires gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie" ... "the luncheon-sized prime rib ... took up the entire oval plate! ... was 'excellent' and had a 'very nice flavor.'" ... "the grilled calves' liver and onions ... was absolutely delicious." ... if you want "an old-style, elegant, steakhouse experience, I can recommend this place highly." ... web site, 2020 K Street NW, 202-466-8811 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Gayot]
  
  
• DC Food Blog had a Restaurant Week dinner at the Oval Room ... "the duck confit cassoulet ... tasted like an upscale version of the humble pork and beans" ... "loved loved loved ... the codfish with braised savoy cabbage ... was moist, tender, and flaky with a light butter sauce that complimented the sweetness of the fish without competing with it. If it was socially acceptable, I would have licked my plate. The cabbage had a sweet nutty flavor, reminiscent of good brussel spouts" ... "Overall, this place just felt so establishment. Competent, but not warm." ... web site (a mess), 800 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-463-8700 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

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January 20, 2006 11:47 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (4)

"Pizza's Next Act"

One of the nation's favorite junk foods is getting a makeover. Thanks to Atkins-style diets, gourmet chefs whose toppings extend as far as sashimi and heavy discounting by the big chains, the independent establishments that account for the majority of pizzerias have been getting squeezed for years. In response, many new places are dedicating themselves to the basics. Instead of stuffed crusts and Thai seasonings, the idea is to focus on pure ingredients: the dough, the cheese, the sauce.

"Pizza's Next Act: Buffeted by low-carb diets and chains that serve pineapple-topped pies, the local pizzerias that still dominate the business are fighting back -- focusing on basics like crust and cheese. Our look at the country's hottest joints," by Katy McLaughlin, The Wall Street Journal, January 14, 2006

According to a sidebar (1-page pdf) accompanying this article, the "pizza places that are getting buzz ["Hot"], as well as highly regarded but more traditional spots ["Classic"]" in New York and Washington, DC are

NYC

• NYC Hot: Pinch-Pizza by the Inch: "Crispy crust, subtle toppings ...unconventional by-the-inch pricing strategy inspired by the way pizza is sold in Uruguay." ... slice says "the pizza was good, and it was fun to get a long, sub sandwich–like slice. The crust was very thin, which is just how I like it. ... One of the few things we found to complain about was the convoluted ordering scheme. The price seems pretty inexpensive until you start adding various toppings willy-nilly." ... gave it a "Six-Slice rating out of a possible eight." ... web site, 416 Park Ave South, between 28th and 29th Streets, 212-686-5222 [Menupages | NY Post | NY Metro | openlist | Citysearch]
• NYC Classic: Lombardi's: "The real deal -- ultrathin-crust pizza made in the 100-year-old coal-fired oven" ... slice's take: "For the purists among us, sadly, Lombardi's has become another frayed page in Gotham's gastronomic history book. As loyal Slice readers know, Lombardi's is the elder statesman of New York pizza. Founded by Gennaro Lombardi nearly one hundred years ago, this is America's original pizzeria (even if it is a few doors down from the patriarch's famed beginnings). ... the pies at the Little Italy pizzeria were uneven." ... 32 Spring Street, between Mott and Mulberry Streets, 212-941-7994 [MenuPages | NYT | NY Metro | openlist | Gayot | Citysearch]

DC

Although we're not pizza experts (see slice) ... Chug made hand-tossed pizzas and "little hats" (a calzone) for 2 years during high school in a pizza place that made everything from scratch ... we wonder why Pizzeria Paradiso wasn't on this list ...

• DC Hot: 2 Amys: "Made with sea salt, Italian plum tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil. Certified as authentic Neapolitan pizza by the Verace Pizza Napoletanna Association." ... D.C. Foodies says "Two Amys is hands-down, the most wonderful place in DC to get gourmet pizza." ... web site, 3715 Macomb Street NW, 202-885-5700 [Washingtonian | WaPo | NYT | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
• DC Classic: Ledo Pizza & Pasta: "A local taste. ... pastry style crust, sweet sauce and smoked provolone - and no mozzarella, ever." ... why didn't they list Pizzeria Paradiso, which has been around for more than a decade, or even Bertucci's? ... web site, 1721 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-342-0091 [City Paper | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
  
• Pizzeria Paradiso ... Thomas Head: "Pizzeria Paradiso is remarkable for its consistency." ... 2 locations: 2029 P Street NW, 202-223-1245 and 3282 M Street NW, 202-337-1245 [Washingtonian | City Paper | WaPo | openlist | Gayot]
• Bertucci's: "certified by Verace Pizza Napoletana as serving authentic Neapolitan pizza." ... web site, various locations (pdf), [Washingtonian | openlist | City Paper | Citysearch]

. . . . . . . . .

January 16, 2006 08:37 AM   Link    Comments (1)

This Week in DC Reviews - January 13, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• Tom Sietsema gave 1.5 stars to Fahrenheit: "bites of tuna banded in seaweed and served as tempura with a salad of pickled ginger are light and luscious." ... "Roasted prawns, for instance, are chokingly salty, rest on a bed of oddly crunchy red lentils and show no signs of the chili vinaigrette promised in the menu. Pumpkin risotto lacks any evidence of the vegetable." ... "It doesn't help that the service is inconsistent." ... 3100 South Street NW, 202-912-4110 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist] ... 2 stars to Evening Star Cafe: it's "the culinary equivalent of a pat on the back, a quick hug, a friendly handshake." ... "Piping hot spring rolls filled with shredded duck and presented with a not-too-sweet peanut dip make a nice introduction" ... "mussels in a creamy coconut milk broth, whose richness is cut with pickled ginger, turns out to be one of those dishes that is as good for its sauce as for its star." ... web site, 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 703-549-5051  [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist] ... and 2 stars to Cafe de Paris ... likes the "martini happy hour fueled with live jazz" and "tender and herby snails ... the crisp duck leg confit that follows the appetizer [is] flanked by perfect companions: garlicky slices of sauteed potato and winy mush-rooms." ... web site, 8808 Centre Park Drive, Columbia, MD, 410-997-3560 [Citysearch ]
  
  
• Alexandra Greeley declares that The French Quarter Cafe is "worth a trek to Germantown from downtown Washington" ... (previous review: Eve Zibart (TWIR, December 9, 2005)) ... 19847-N Century Blvd., Germantown, MD, 301-515-7693 [food-plan]
  
  
• a capitol life warns, "Avoid the garden rolls, they are premade and just sit on a tray at room temperature, they have a slightly wilted doggy taste." at Pho Sai Gon ... the pho "tasted rich and made with lots of bones. The portion of meat was small and the basil offered as a topping was small and a little limp." ... 736 6th Street NW, 202-347- 3582 [menupix]
  
  
• Chris Wilson went to Buck’s Fishing and Camping to eat ... and take pictures of the food, ala D.C. Foodies (TWIR, January 6, 2006)) ... didn't mention receiving any nasty letters from lawyers ... but then we also didn't see any photos published with the story ...
  
  
• dcfud took a "DC Culinary Tour" ... Full Kee: "A few months ago it was here that I enjoyed the best bowl of noodles with brisket that I've ever had. This time I was disappointed with the Pan Fried Noodles w/ Shrimp ($8) I ordered, which were largely tasteless and cool." ... 509 H Street NW, 202-371-2233 [Washingtonian | The Hill | NYT | City Paper | openlist | Gayot] ... Circle Bistro ... "the Classic Tartare of Hereford Beef ($12), served with a paper cone of pomme frites [was] very good" ... web site, 1 Washington Circle NW, 202-293-5390 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... U-topia: the mussells in "Lemon Caper Cream sauce [were] complex, a bit sweet, and completely worth the untold hours on the treadmill it will take to make it (and the two pieces of bread that soaked it up) go away" ... web site, 1418 U Street NW, 202-483-7669 [WaPo | City Paper] ... Amsterdam Falafel: "Each falafel is crunchy on the outside and surprisingly flavorful inside." ... web site, 2425 18th Street NW, 202-234-1969 [Washingtonian | menupix | WaPo | City Paper | openlist]
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend had "two excellently prepared seafood dishes" for lunch, prix fixe during Restaurant Week at $20.06, at Kinkead's ... "grilled squid with creamy polenta and tomato fondue ... grilled to just the perfect degree of doneness" ... for the main course had "the brioche-crusted cod with artichoke puree and garlic mashed potatoes [which] was divine" ... web site, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-296-7700, [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot] ... and also had dinner at Galileo ... "the risotto alla pilota con costine di maiale al forno, a creamy rice risotto with tiny pieces of fresh salami and cabbage in it, scented with black truffle oil, and with a little crispy, roasted pork rib on top [was] exquisite." ... "If you like high end Italian food in a formal setting, this is the perfect place." ... web site, 1110 21st Street NW, 202-293-7191 [Washingtonian | NYT | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
  
  
• Mary Hager writes about Mediterranean Breeze: "the six-month-old restaurant is casual, the food is hearty, well-prepared and affordable, and the service is efficient and friendly." ... portions are large ... 781 Station Street, Herndon, VA, 703-435-4495 ...and says Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill "might be the least pretentious restaurant in Washington. But if you're looking for good quality Indian food for a very reasonable price, it's the perfect place" ... "Tandoori chicken is a specialty" ... "The lamb Korma Kashmiri ($12.95) is sensational, a dish of lamb in an almond sauce with dried fruits and Indian spices" ... web site, 419 8th Street SE, 202-547-3233 [City Paper | menupix | openlist]
  
  

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

January 13, 2006 05:07 PM   Link    Comments (0)

This Week in DC Reviews - January 6, 2006

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• WhiteTrashBBQ reports that "A stuck up chef at Buck's Fishing and Camping in Washington DC has threatened Jason at DC Foodies with a law suit for posting pictures of his dinner on his website." ... D.C. Foodies has removed the post in question, which we believe is unfortunate ... a restaurant that doesn't want its food reviewed or photos of its dishes published is a restaurant that doesn't want your business ...
  
  
• Tarting It Up also weighs in on D.C. Foodies experience at Buck's Fishing and Camping and has links to more commentary ... metrocurean also has a few comments...
  
  
• dcfud liked the tapas at Jaleo ... "Spinach with pine nuts: A surprise hit, there was just enough olive oil and sweet accent (raisins) to make this vegetable stand out." ... web site, 2250-A Crystal Drive, Crystal City, Arlington, VA, 703-413-8181 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot] ... and said the iceberg wedge salad at Buck's Fishing and Camping "looked like a scene out of college, except with better plates: when you don't have anything but some lettuce, salad dressing, and cheese and bacon bits in your fridge, you pile them up on a plate and dig in. Why anyone would pay $8 for it is beyond me." ... we loved iceberg as a kid ... no more ... as Grace Slick and Jorma Kaukonen said in "Eat Starch Mom," "I don't care if there's chemicals in it, As long as my lettuce is crisp!" ...
  
  
• the kitchenette makes the case that the best macaroni and cheese in DC is at Florida Avenue Grill ... 1100 Florida Avenue NW, 202-265-1586 [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Alex MacLennan says standouts at Vegetate "include the Smokey Tomato Bisque (rich, nicely charred-tasting and hearty, with a tangle of fried tomato skin, concentric circles of sweet balsamic reduction, and a crisp, savory slice of bread) and Black-Eyed Pea Fritters, which were nutty and crisp, with a spicy jalapeño-mustard sauce." ... web site, 1414 9th Street NW, 202-232-4585 [City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• D.C. Foodies had lunch at Leopold's Kafe & Konditorei ... "lunch for two came to $70 after tip" ... the bratwurst "had a crunchy skin, with juicy meat in the center" ... and liked the gulyas (Hungarian Goulash) ..."made with tender chunks of beef in a tomato and paprika sauce, egg noodles and a dollop of sour cream." ... web site, 3315 Cady's Alley NW, 202-965-6005 [food-plan | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Mary Hager reports that the food at Woo Lae Oak is "stunning and, for the uninitiated, an easy introduction to Korean cooking." ... 8240 Leesburg Pike, (Tyson's Corner), Vienna, VA 703-827-7300 ... and likes Neisha Thai in Tenly ...the "food is great" but "Skip the Pad Thai noodles ($9.95) that are merely average" ... we agree with this poster on Chowhound ... web site, 4445 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-966-7088 [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist ]
  
  
• Erin Hartigan had a nice roundup from last week ... "Erin's Food Finds of '05" ... Busboys and Poets "hits good food and great entertainment in one fell swoop" ... (previous review: a capitol life (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 2021 14th Street NW, 202-387-7638 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell ] ... Hank's Oyster Bar "consistently perfects seafood in a casual setting" ... 1624 Q Street NW, 202-462-4265 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | InTowner | Gayot] ... Acadiana "offers hearty food in a New Orleans-style dining room." ... (previous review: D.C. Foodies (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... web site, 901 New York Ave NW, 202-408-8848 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot] ... "The roof of Tabaq Bistro has become my favorite post-work meeting spot." ... (previous reviews: a capitol life (TWIR, November 25, 2005), dcist (TWIR, November 18, 2005)) ... web site, 1336 U Street NW, 202-265-0965 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell] ... "Every meal that I enjoy at Restaurant Eve takes my breath away." ... web site, 110 South Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-706-0450 [Washingtonian | food-plan | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot] ... "My first experience with the garlicky goodness at Lebanese Taverna warrants a shout-out." ...we second her shout out for Lebanese Taverna ... web site, various locations, including 2641 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-265-8681 [Washingtonian | WaPo | The Economist | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• dcchefsmagazine features Eric Ziebold of CityZen ...
  
  
• A Blog Mainly About Food says "the Triancria Sausage sandwich" at Breadline "was phenomenal. I’m a sandwich lover, and I can say with conviction I do not think I’ve had a better sandwich." ... web site, 1751 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-822-8900 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

January 6, 2006 10:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (6)

This Week in DC Reviews - December 23, 2005

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

We're using a truncated format for TWIR this week. We'll be back with a regular TWIR on January 6, 2006.

• American City Diner by the kitchenette ... web site, 5532 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-244-1949 [City Paper | Don Rockwell | Citysearch | Gayot]
  
  
• Cafe Berlin by Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend ... web site, 322 Massachusetts Avenue NE, 202-543-7656 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist]
  
  
• Rasika by Tom Sietsema and D.C. Foodies ... (previous review: metrocurean (TWIR, December 16, 2005)) ... 633 D Street NW, 202-637-1222 [Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Nizam's Restaurant by Gabriella Boston ... web site, 523 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, VA, 703/938-8948 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• January Restaurant Week by metrocurean ... complete list at the web site, January 9 - 15, 2006, 3-course fixed-price lunch special for $20.06, 3-course fixed-price dinner special for $30.06 ...
  
  
• "10 Under $10: Savory treats that won't break the bank," by Tom Sietsema ... includes 2 of our favorites ... Bombay Curry Company (we had our favorite BCC dish, Lamb Vindaloo, today for lunch), web site, 3110 Mount Vernon Avenue (Calvert Building), Alexandria, VA, 703-836-6363 [Washingtonian | openlist | City Paper | Don Rockwell] ... and Pho 75 (the pho here is excellent), 1721 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-525-7355 [City Paper | Citysearch] ... El Golfo, 8739 Flower Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 301-608-2122 [Washingtonian | City Paper ] ... Afghan Grill, 2309 Calvert Street NW, 202-234-5095 [intowner | openlist | City Paper | Gayot] ... Mantis, 1847 Columbia Road NW, 202-667-2400) [City Paper | Don Rockwell] ... Oceanaire Seafood Room, web site, 1201 F Street NW, 202-347-2277 [Washingtonian | Don Rockwell | City Paper | Gayot] ... Peacock Cafe, web site, 3251 Prospect Street NW, 202-625-2740 [Washingtonian | openlist | Gayot] ... Oohhs & Aahhs, 1005 U Street NW, 202-667-7142 ... [Don Rockwell | City Paper] ... C.F. Folks, web site, 1225 19th Street NW, 202-293-0162 [Washingtonian | food-plan | openlist | Don Rockwell | City Paper | Gayot] ... Bob's Noodle 66, 305 North Washington Street, Rockville, MD, 301-315-6668 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Gayot]
  
  
• Viridian by a capitol life ... (previous reviews: the kitchenette (TWIR, December 16, 2005), metrocurean (TWIR, December 2, 2005)) ... web site, 1515 14th Street NW, between P and Q Streets, 202-234-1400 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews, this week in reviews, week in reviews

December 23, 2005 02:06 PM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (3)

Elevation Burger - best fries we've had. Ever.

Elevation Burger serves good burgers ... and the best fries we've ever had ... the fries are cut fresh in a hand cutter and then immediately fried in olive oil ... the beef burgers are made with a very lean beef that results in a burger that is not greasy at all, a bit dryer than we're used to, but thank goodness not like the greasy mess we had the last time we ate at a certain Alexandria burger place that's been around for years ...

Elevation Burger is clean, the staff friendly, the prices fair ... and the shakes and malts are outstanding ... if you are a big eater and you order a phat burger with everything on it plus an order of fries, you are going to be full ... you will not have room for one of their incredible chocolate chip oatmeal pecan cookies ...

We agree with Tarting it Up: "This was an A+ experience"

Did we mention the fries are the best we've ever had?

Elevation Burger is easy to get to by car: from Route 50, go north on Annandale Road .66 miles to Hillwood Avenue. Turn left on Hillwood and then left on Washington and you're there ... (previous reviews: the kitchenette (TWIR, December 16, 2005), dcist (TWIR, November 25, 2005), Tarting It Up (TWIR, November 18, 2005)) ... web site, 442 South Washington Street, Falls Church, VA [City Paper | Chowhound | Don Rockwell]

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews

December 16, 2005 11:47 PM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (1)

This Week in DC Reviews - December 16, 2005

Periodically, we will publish This Week in DC Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in NYC Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• metrocurean: "the Bombay Curry Company in Alexandria will be raising money for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria" on Monday, December 19, 2005 ... this is our neighborhood restaurant and the food here is excellent ... web site, 3110 Mount Vernon Avenue (Calvert Building), Alexandria, VA, 703-836-6363 [Washingtonian | openlist | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Mary Hager recommends Turcuisine for "reasonably priced Turkish cuisine" ... "One way to get a quick measure of this restaurant is to order the combination platters, including the Meze Tabaci (mixed appetizer) platter ($10 at lunch, $12 at dinner) and the Turcuisine Mix ($19 and $21), for a sampling of five popular entrees." ... 13029 Worldgate Drive, Herndon, VA, 571-323-3330
  
  
• Adam Cuthbert "had a one-night-stand with my burger" at drinx ... "It was love at first bite and for those twenty minutes of glorious eating I was in bloody heaven." ... "while the burger delivers, the other dishes were hit and miss. The fries were perfect, as were the light-yet-potent garlic mashed potatoes" ... web site, 601 F Street NW, 202-661-5040 [OpenTable | Don Rockwell | City Paper]
  
  
• Eve Zibart enjoyed most dishes she tried at Chez Mama-San ... "the meatloaf at this Georgetown hideaway, of delicately bound and hand-formed ground sirloin, is so light that "loaf" is almost a slur. Slices of miso-marinated and grilled black cod have to be tasted slowly to appreciate the exchange between the sweet, earthy white miso and the naturally buttery flesh." ... "the quick-fried whiting, butterflied like shrimp and served with soy-vinegar dipping sauce, is first-rate, and the chicken wings almost as good" ... 1039 33rd Street NW, 202-333-3888 [InTowner | Washington Times]
  
  
• Washington Weekend says Merkado Kitchen "describes itself as a Latin-Asian Bar & Grill, and its menu sparkles with pleasant surprises. Heat and spice are the centerpieces of the food here" ... "Asopao is a Puerto Rican version of paella [is] a rich and filling dish" ... web site, 1443 P Street NW, 202-299-0018 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 2 stars to Zengo, which "needs to work on its service. It needs to work on a few of its dishes, too, but fewer than you might expect from such a fresh face with such an extensive repertoire." ... "In one delicious tango, sweet diver scallops and zesty sushi rice mate to become a "sandwich" dressed up with a fruity yellow sauce and a dark and pleasantly bitter black bean reduction" ... "Every category on the menu finds at least one treasure" ... web site, 781 Seventh Street NW, 202-393-2929 [City Paper | Don Rockwell ] ... and liked Fogo de Chao ... "If you like protein -- and the concept of all-you-can-eat -- this churrascaria (meat restaurant) is for you. Fogo de Chao trots out 15 different cuts and a 30-item salad bar that definitely encourage overindulging" ... "juicy top sirloin, crusty pork ribs and garlicky prime sirloin rank among my suggested picks." ... web site, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-347-4668 [Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend had a busy week ... Saigon Saigon: "had the bun cha gio—vermicelli with grilled pork. It was delicious." ... "an excellent bargain" ... in Pentagon Row, 1101 South Joyce Street, B-16, Arlington, VA (none of the online maps show the correct location unless you use 1501 South Joyce), 703-412-0822 [Washingtonian] ... News Cafe Cucina Italiana: "had one of the evening's specials, a bed of linguini in a white Alfredo sauce with a whole lobster which had been cut in half resting on top. The lobster's claw meat had been removed, dipped in melted butter, and placed in the thoracic cavity for ease of eating, and I enjoyed my lobster and pasta quite a lot" ... "While the food was tasty at News Cafe, I found the service to be rather dismal." ... web site, 3056 M Street NW, 202-965-5535 [City Paper] ... The Sign of the Whale: "hickory burger was tasty, though very messy to eat ... fries with mayonnaise for dipping were excellent" ...1825 M Street NW, 202-785-1110 [Washingtonian | City Paper | DC Menus]
  
  
• metrocurean got to eat "As a guest at a media dinner" at Rasika "which offers authentic Indian dishes 'with a modern flair.'" ... "was highly impressed" ... web site, 633 D Street NW, 202-637-1222 [Don Rockwell]
  
  
• A Blog Mainly About Food doesn't believe that Corduroy should "even be carrying Coors Light. Just should not." Uh, OK ... liked the "Kabocha Squash Soup and the spring rolls" ... the seared tuna "as fantastic as the presentation was beautiful, if not more so." ... but the sushi rice? "Wow" ... web site, Four Points Hotel, 1201 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-589-0699 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• a capitol life had brunch at Busboys and Poets ... "My salmon-cream cheese-capers bagel was fine, but nothing compared to Logan Tavern's. The real winners were our coffee and orange juice. Fresh juice, foamy and strong cappucino, can't lose." ... web site, 2021 14th Street NW, between U and V Streets NW, 202-387-7638 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell] ... and recommends Pedro and Vinny's Burrito Cart for spinach burritos ... "The real kicker here is the hot sauce though. This man has about 30 varieties available to you, and he makes his own mango/habanero sauce. This stuff is crazy good"... web site, 15th and K Streets NW, the south corner of K Street near CVS, [The Burrito Blog | WaPo]
  
  
• Opinionated About Dining says "by far the quirkiest" dining experience he's had was at mini bar at Cafe Atlantico ... "six diners get to enjoy a thirty-two course meal over a two and a half hour period." ... "offers two seatings, Mondays through Fridays, one at 6:00pm and one at 8:30pm" ... descriptions and many pictures with the review ... web site, 405 Eighth Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-0812 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• D.C. Foodies enjoyed his first meal "from start to finish" at Acadiana ... had the "'Grillades and Grits', a dish of sauteed veal medallions served with wild mushroom gravy and jalapeno cheese grits. The veal was tender and full of flavor from the mushroom gravy. The cheese grits are amazing -- I love them." ... the second meal "I didn't leave quite so blown away, but the food was still good. I think that in general the food we had that night lacked subtlety." ... web site, 901 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-408-8848 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Gayot]
  
  
• OxBlog: "On Sunday mornings in Washington, the place to be is at the gospel brunch put on by the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Local choirs perform live in the Gallery's great hall while guests try to persuade themselves that two visits to the buffet are really enough." ... Café des Artistes, Gospel Brunch, Sundays, 10:30 am to 2:00 pm ... web site, 500 17th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-639-1786 [Citysearch]
  
  
• metroblogging dc says the soft serve ice cream at Ice Cream Factory and Cafe "is easily among the best we've ever had" ... and "Their food is equally delicious" ... web site, 13700 Old Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD, 301-782-3444 [Washingtonian | WaPo | Wash Times]
  
  
• the kitchenette has a 2nd review, with pics, of Elevation Burger ... uses Kobe beef ... the bun was "moist, fresh and something about the way it stuck to the burger just turned me on" ... "This burger was quality" ... "The Elevation 'special' sauce or Balsamic Mustard? For once, someone finally thought to combine the two superlative condiments!" ... "hand-sliced pickle spears" ... ... and "don't you dare forget [a shake] on the way out! Some have called it the best they've ever tasted. My recommendation is the Vanilla with Black Cherry." ... options for vegetarians, too ... (previous reviews: the kitchenette and dcist (TWIR, November 25, 2005), Tarting It Up (TWIR, November 18, 2005)) ... web site, 442 South Washington Street, Falls Church, VA [City Paper | Chowhound | Don Rockwell] ... and warns that parking near Viridian is a hassle ... "Not a parking space in sight within a four-block radius." ... she liked the bread, which "included a rosemary focaccia and whole-grain textured bread, accessorized with a white bean puree and walnut pesto. Let's just say, I was still munching on both well after dessert was even an issue." ... the Beet and Horseradish Salad "was a catch" ... also liked the Squash Tart ... (previous review: metrocurean (TWIR, December 2, 2005)) ... web site, 1515 14th Street NW, between P and Q Streets, 202-234-1400 [WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]

Did we miss your favorite DC restaurant review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

. . . . . . . . .

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December 16, 2005 08:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (10)

This Week in Reviews - December 9, 2005

Periodically, we will publish This Week in Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• a capitol life writes that the decor at San Marco "is lacking, but by the end of your meal it feels a little like being in someone's mother's house - in the 80's" ... "We each ordered a pasta dish with some variation of cream sauce. His with boar, mine with walnut, hers with mushrooms. Each was delicious and made us realize we don't have to put up with the abuse at Pasta Mia for a fresh bowl of inexpensive pasta. Pasta Mia - NO! San Marco - YES!!!" ... and had "the best tiramisu ever" ... 2305 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-483-9300 [Washingtonian | WaPo | Don Rockwell | City Paper | openlist]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 2 stars to Willow ... "rib-eye steak, showered with winy mushrooms, is about as succulent as they come." ... "Herb-paved salmon comes with escorts that bite and soothe: broccoli rabe and a creamy cauliflower gratin" ... "potato gnocchi in a Parmesan-flavored cream sauce ... is a bland, one-note endurance contest" ... (previous review: John Metcalfe (TWIR, November 18, 2005)) ... 4301 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA, 703-465-8800 [NYT | City Paper | menupix DC | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Alex MacLennan has a roundup of his "favorite meals of 2005" ... Hank's Oyster Bar, Komi, Vegetate, Creme Café, The Diner, Miss Charlotte's Crab Cakes, 2 Amys ...
  
  
• metrocurean has "a list of recommended restaurants with pre-theater deals by closest theaters."
  
  
• A Blog Mainly About Food's dinner at Ray's the Steaks "was fantastic" ... the scallop and the shrimp scampi appetizers "were cooked to perfection" ... "my favorite dish of the night [was] a crab bisque that definitely made my knees slightly buckle." ... the hanger steak "seemed almost earthy to me, in a good way -- like I was eating meat fresh from the farm" ... (we've had 2 dinners there and both times the steaks were exceptional) ... 1725 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 703-841-7297 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... and "enjoyed grilled stuffed squid with green sauce -- awesome" at 2 Amys ... the ricotta in the "ribieno extra ... [was] better than any simple ricotta I have ever had." ... 3715 Macomb Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-885-5700 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Going Out Gurus: "Anyone who brings an unwrapped child's toy or game can enjoy Richard's famous desserts along with coffee, tea and eggnog." ... Michel Richard Citronelle on Saturday, December 10, 2005, from 1 to 3 pm ... 3000 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-625-2150
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend won't make La Plaza Restaurant a "'destination' restaurant" ... but "their salsa is by far the best fresh salsa I've had in the D.C. area" ... (we like the salsa at Los Tios in Alexandria) ... 629 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington DC, 202-546-9512
  
  
• Eve Zibart: "The food is not too salty, not too greasy, not too (indiscriminately) spicy" at French Quarter Cafe ... "One night's fried catfish was the best in years and hundreds of miles -- tender, crunchy and greaseless." ... "crab cakes ... have a satisfying high percentage of lumps. Even nicer, the appetizer portion alone is a prize light meal: two patties at least three inches across for $7.95." ... 19847 Century Blvd., in Germantown Town Center, Germantown, MD, 301-515-7693 [food-plan]
  
  
• food-plan rates Notti Bianche 8 out of 10 ... "A nice little gem in a rather awkward space (though they’ve done a nice job of making it seem cozy rather than cramped), offering friendly, competent service and very well-conceived and well-executed dishes." ... 824 New Hampshire Avenue NW, 202-298-8085 [WaPo]
  
  
• Walter Nicholls: Figs "is a fine place to grab a quick, on-the-run sandwich, soup and a good cup of coffee. It's also a terrific place to put together an instant party menu of Middle Eastern salads and dips." ... liked Persian eggplant dip, hummus, and "anyone tired of typical tabbouleh will find the Figs version ($6.99 per pound), made almost exclusively of finely chopped parsley, to be exceptional." ... 4828 MacArthur Blvd. NW, 202-333-7773
  
  
• Worth The Trip for flounder carpaccio at Sushi-Ko ... 2309 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-333-4187 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | menupix DC | Gayot]
  
  
• Hobnob Blog likes the roti canai at Malaysia Kopitiam ....
  
  
• brokekid has the "definitive [map and] list for Happy Hour in Washington, DC with places, times, deals and specials" ... The Washington DC Happy Hour Map ...
  
  
• dcfud likes the chicken with asparagus dish at Tony Cheng's Seafood Restaurant ... 619 H Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-371-8669 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• the kitchenette is spending Sundays in the kitchen at 1789 ...
  
  
• Mary Hager liked the lamb tartare, mushroom bruschetta at Firefly ... "Steak frites ($26) with shallot butter and red wine sauce couldn't have been prepared better - the steak was perfect; juicy and red, crusty outside, tender inside." ... Hotel Madera, 1310 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-861-1310 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot] ... but she really likes Thai Square ... "Somehow this small gem of a restaurant has managed to avoid the Westernizing pitfall that snares so many ethnic restaurants, so the food remains true to its Thai roots." ... and recommends: somtum, larb, potpourri mussels, pad kee mao ... "Or try any of the wonderful curries: The roasted duck with diced pineapple and basil leaves in red curry sauce ($10.50) or the fiery green curry ($9.50) with beef or chicken, chunks of Thai eggplant and basil in a spicy, coconut milk-based sauce are memorable." ... 3217 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA, 703-685-7040 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]

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December 9, 2005 07:22 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (5)

Malaysia Kopitiam

One of our favorite places to eat in Washington, DC is Malaysia Kopitiam ... the food is excellent and it is bargain-priced ...

we especially enjoy the roti canai, although the pancake/bread is greasier than we like ...

the Watt Tan Hor Fun is a hearty dish of flat rice noodle with shrimp, fish cake, pork and U-Choy (also called yu choy, yow chow sum, and choy sum) in a heavy egg sauce ...

and the chicken Rendang, a curry chicken simmered in thick curry gravy with coconut milk and spices, including anise and cloves ...

Malaysia Kopitiam (web site), 1827 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-833-6232 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews

December 5, 2005 09:47 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (1)

This Week in Reviews - December 2, 2005

Periodically, we will publish This Week in Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• The first issue of DC Chefs is out ... featuring Bryan Voltaggio of Charlie Palmer Steak
  
  
• Ever wonder "Why do most cooked, exotic meats taste like cooked Gallus gallus, the domestic chicken?" Joe Staton concludes "that cooked flavor is a result more of ancestral inheritance than of convergent evolution. Many animals taste similar because they evolved from a common ancestor that tasted that way. The meat of our argument is that 'chicken-like' flavor is ancestral (that is, plesiomorphic) for birds and many other vertebrates, as well. Indeed, the emphasis on chicken in the statement "tastes like chicken" is misleading. The common ancestor of most tetrapods would have tasted similarly, if we had only been there to cook and eat it." via Slashfood...
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 3 stars to Foti's ... "in less than six months, Foti's has become A Restaurant You Really Need to Know About Even If You Don't Live Nearby." ... "even simple-sounding dishes tend to add up to so much more than the words used to describe them on the menu." ... "Because the menu regularly changes, I can't say you'll find the same hits. What I can forecast are high-quality ingredients, handled in such a way to make them shine, and charmingly staged." ... 219 East Davis Street, Culpeper, VA, 540-829-8400 ... and 2 stars to Creme Cafe ... "offering dishes with wide appeal -- chicken soup, shrimp and grits -- that look as put together as you'd expect of a restaurant but taste as if someone's mother had a hand in their making." ... "There are hundreds of places to order steamed mussels; Creme shows us what separates okay from 'Okay!'"... 1322 U Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-234-1884 [City Paper]
  
  
• dcist says "If you master our eight simple rules for making a perfect burger, the best burger in D.C. won't be found at Harry’s, Palena, or even Five Guys -- it'll be on your very own plate at home." ... better than Elevation Burger? ...
  
  
• Le Cuvee Americain: The American Blend cautions, "Never have dinner in an Irish pub when Notre Dame is playing Stanford. We made that mistake last night, and couldn't even hear ourselves chew!" ... Sin é "is really more of a cross between a pub and a sports bar"... "The food was good, the prices were quite reasonable, and the service was adequate." ... 1301 South Joyce Street (Pentagon Row), Arlington, VA 703-415-4420 [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Citysearch]
  
  
• Eve Zibart had "several first-rate meals" at Irish Inn at Glen Echo ... "Among the highest points were a perfectly seasoned skillet-roasted trout, whose skin was just crisped and whose flesh was delectable; a properly short-crusted goat cheese tart with caramelized onion that didn't even need its portobello topper; and 'Galley Bay skewers,' shrimp and scallops carefully grilled and served over black beans and red rice of such remarkable flavor that one South Beach dieter, who had refused the rice in favor of extra beans, wound up stealing half of her daughter's." ... 6119 Tulane Avenue, at MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD, 301-229-6600 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• Tarting It Up "finally made it to Oyamel in Crystal City. ...enjoyed it a lot." (with many photos) ... "Ensalada de Palmitos. Hearts of palm, radish, and avocado with tamarind dressing. A picture-perfect balancing of flavors." ... "Pato confitado al pastor con laminas de pina. Duck confit tacos with shaved pineapple, onion, and cilantro. These were amazing. ... the best item on the table." ... 2250 Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA, 703-413-2288 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• a capitol life had Thanksgiving at Vidalia "was ah-may-zing" ... "standout appetizers were the crabcake and the pumpkin soup with rabbit boudin and sweetbreads" ... entree was "prime beef rib eye topped with marrow butter. It has a crisp seared crust and then just melted in my mouth. I don't think I've ever had a piece of meat like that in my life" ... (previous review: Tom Sietsema (TWIR, November 18, 2005)) ... 1990 M St. NW, Washington, DC 202-659-1990 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
  
  
• DC Food Blog was at Green Papaya "but I kept finding myself wishing I was at Minh's in Arlington." ... "almost a week later, I am still conflicted about whether I really enjoyed it or not." ... 4922 Elm Street, Bethesda, MD, 301-654-8986 [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Gayot] ... Minh's Restaurant, 2500 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-525-2828 [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
  
  
• metrocurean had a good experience at Viridian ... "cauliflower soup—rich and piping hot, and I'll be back for more" ... "half chicken ... was fine, the potatoes better" ... "rockfish was perfectly cooked with a nice, crisp skin and a simple piece of fennel, but the broth it came in was a little bland." ... 1515 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-234-1400 [Don Rockwell] ... and has a nice roundup of the week: "The Metrocurean Week in Review"
  
  
• Tom Sietsema reports that Veridian has solved the noise problem ... "Since most of the food at Viridian is cooked to order, she says, diners can request that certain ingredients be left out. And customers are welcome to come in for a bite or order a traditional three-course meal."

Did we miss your favorite review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...


Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants, restaurant reviews

December 2, 2005 11:05 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (2)

This Week in Reviews - November 25, 2005

Periodically, we will publish This Week in Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• a capitol life had a very bad experience at Tabaq ... "I have NEVER been abused the way I was tonight, with my mother no less." ... previous review by dcist (TWIR, November November 18, 2005) ...
  
  
• the kitchenette is excited about Elevation Burger ... "absolute bliss in a bun. Despite the inconvenient location for an urban student, I might just have to trek to East Falls Church and take the mile-long Metro bus ride from the station on a regular basis. And by regular basis, I mean all the time. That burger hit the spot like no other has in a long time. And incredibly cheap! Less than three bucks." ... that's an endorsement ... (Tarting It Up reviewed last week (TWIR, November 18, 2005)) ... 442 South Washington Street, Falls Church, VA [Chowhound | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• dcist also likes Elevation Burger ... "Every burger aficionado who proclaims the local favorite king owes Elevation Burger a shot." ...
  
  
• Tarting It Up had a late brunch at Artie's ... "Ho hum. This tasted like hotel luncheon food" ... 3260 Old Lee Highway, near Route 50, Fairfax, VA, 703-273-7600 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist]
  
  
• Metrocurean says the "muffulettas, though not winning points for authenticity, weren't half bad" at Open City ... 2331 Calvert Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-332-2331 [WaPo | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• dcfud had trouble finding Sette Bello ... "I had a bit of trouble finding the entrance, which is not actually on Wilson Blvd., but on Highland Street.... It is more or less directly across the street from the Clarendon Metro, which makes it super-convenient." ... had "tuna tartare with fennel and jalapenos [which] was really good - fresh, sweet and tangy...I am a sucker for fennel." ... for dessert had the the gianduiotto alle nocciole: " Is. A. Bloody. Good. Dessert. Chocolate, nuttiness, and some more chocolate." ... "Nothing I had was not good, and some of it (the cappelli, the gianduiotto) was excellent." ... (Tom Sietsema reviewed (TWIR, November 11, 2005)) ... [3101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-351-1004 WaPo | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• a capitol life writes: "My real weakness is Bahn Mi sandwiches though. I started going to Song Que years ago, ordering the grilled pork sandwiches before I knew they were called Bahn Mi. Often ordering an avocado shake to go with my sandwich, I always felt like I had a little secret." ... we love the # 8 sandwich and the coconut bubble drink at Song Que, and we usually get 6 fried spring rolls at the bakery 3 doors down ... in Eden Center, 6773 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, VA, 703-536-7900 ... [Washingtonian] ... and says the fried catfish sandwich at The Argonaut "was flaky on the inside and had a crisp cornmeal crust, making it an awesome sandwich." ... "Best dish, fries and gravy. Oh mamma! An honorable mention goes to the grilled chicken salad, a bargain at $5." ... 1433 H Street NE, Washington, DC 202-397-1416 [WaPo]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 2 stars to Zest, which moved last summer ... "the trembling corn custard perched on a latticelike doily of fried potatoe ... [is a] simultaneously soothing and elegant presentation." ... and says about the fried chicken: "If Michelin were evaluating just this entree, the famous French guide would surely write it up as "worth a detour."" ... 200 South Market St., Frederick, MD, 301-620-7480 [Washingtonian | openlist]
  
  
• DC Food Blog likes Los Tios in Alexandria ... and so do we ... the chips and salsa are very good ... "The guacamole appetizer was a hit for four guacamole lovers" ... chicken fajitas delciios ... and liked the "special hot sauce that was as delicious as it was powerfully hot. A mix of citrus, jalapeno, habanero, and cilantro, it provided one hell of a punch but was not too painful considering its potential." ...we can vouch that it is excellent ... Los Tios has a good web site ... 2615 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 703-299-9290 [Chowhound | Don Rockwell]

Technorati Tags: washington, dc, washington-dc, restaurants

Did we miss your favorite review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

November 25, 2005 12:40 PM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (5)

This Week in Reviews - November 18, 2005

Periodically, we will publish This Week in Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see This Week in Reviews at A Guy In New York.

• John Metcalfe likes Willow ... "first courses can be great, like the Caesar with chopped lettuce, homemade croutons, and smoked gouda, or they can be like the 'warm Seckel pear and drunken goat’s cheese tart' with endive, raw onion, whole hazelnuts, and aged sherry dressing. The flavors and textures flail everywhere inside the mouth—and I never want to chase a nut around a plate with my fork again." ... " the most interesting dish is neither fish nor fowl but humble legume: O’Grady’s beautiful-looking marinated-vegetable ragout." ... 4301 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 703-465-8800 [metrocurean| NYT | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Metroblogging DC has a roundup of crab shacks that are still open ...
  
  
• DC Food Blog has a list with links to their restaurant reviews ... handy ...
  
  
• dcfüd had Japanese at the mall ... Pauli Moto's Asian Bistro ... "the Japanese entrees were very good, particularly considering they were about $16 and you're in a shopping mall. The appetizers, ehh... not so good." ... Tyson's Corner Center, 703-556-7777 [Chowhound | Don Rockwell] ... and has a bunch of other posts ... "Finally, an Australian export that doesn’t wear a silly hat" suggests eating kangaroo ... and links to the CNN piece "D.C. dining on a dime: Eat like a senator for intern prices at these 10 capital restaurants," by Morgan Murphy ... who recommends: The Breadline, Ben's Chili Bowl, Lauriol Plaza Restaurant, Matchbox, Capital Q Texas BBQ, The Burro, Left Bank, The Diner, Sushi Aoi, and Moby Dick House of Kabob ... we agree with a couple of dcfüd's comments: "Lauriol Plaza. Why does this place consistently make every single 'cheap eats' list in DC?? It's in no way cheap, the lines are awful, and the food is just so-so." and "Leftbank. Whuuuh? It's expensive. I've never had good service (OK, I've only been twice, but still...). The food is so-so. It's expensive." ... Ai yi yi yi yi ... where's Malaysia Kopitiam?
  
  
• D.C. Foodies has a list of restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving ...
  
  
• Tom Sietsema gave 3 stars to Obelisk ... "There's not a more exciting place within the city limits to tuck into an Italian repast" ... "the most extraordinary bluefin tuna served on a cushion of velvety roasted peppers (the fish cuts like warm butter); and a blissful pudding laced with dessert wine" ... "my biggest regret is a menu that changes between visits, meaning something I long to eat again might not be around on my return." ... 2029 P Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-872-1180 [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Gayot] ... 2 stars to Matchbox ... "Salads are better than you expect; I'm partial to the hillock of greens and roasted peppers tossed with rings of fried squid and balsamic vinegar, the aptly billed 'sweet and tangy' calamari salad." ... 713 H Street NW, Washington, DC 202-289-4441 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot] ... and 3 stars to Vidalia ... start with "sushi-grade yellowtail, cut into rectangles, lightly dusted with crushed pumpkin seeds" ... "Swiss chard, buttery carrot puree and candied pecans practically steal the show from sweetbread-stuffed, cornmeal-dusted rabbit." ... "A dozen years after it set sail, Vidalia manages the neat trick of looking, and tasting, as fresh and exciting as ever." ... 1990 M St. NW, Washington, DC 202-659-1990 [Washingtonian | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
  
  
• Tarting It Up reports that Elevation Burger cuts "their fries to order then cook(s) them in olive oil." ... the shake "compares favorably" with those at Shake Shack in NYC (Peter Meehan says that Goodburger now has the best chocolate shake in NYC) ..."the meat is notably fresh-tasting and delicious, but I'm not sure that's what we found so wonderful. The fries are great, but that's not it either. The staff is welcoming as well. I think it's the whole package that's so appealing: this place fills a unique niche...it's a burger place that just feels healthy and good." ... we agree that Five Guys is too greasy and overrated ... 442 South Washington Street, Falls Church, VA [Chowhound | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• DCist likes Coppi's Organic Restaurant "because it satisfies more than our mere burning pizza lust." ... "When its crust is thin enough, when its edges are nearly burnt, when its ingredients are balanced and don't overwhelm one another, Coppi's pizza is sublime. When it's not, it's still good enough to meet our pizza needs." ... 1414 U Street NW, 202-319-7773 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot] ... and loves the rooftop at Tabaq Bistro ... "you must try the tapas. We liked the Mediterranean cheese and fig plate more than the hummus and lamb sausage. The kofte -- a pan sauteed mini-lamburger over tzatziki -- is not much to look at but so delicious we ordered for seconds." ... 1336 U Street NW, 202-265-0965 [WaPo | Don Rockwell]

Did we miss your favorite review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

November 18, 2005 10:20 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (7)

This Week in Reviews - November 11, 2005

Periodically, we will publish This Week in Reviews, a roundup of reviews of DC-area restaurants, with quick links to DC-area restaurant reviews and mentions from the previous seven days in blogs, magazines, and newspapers.

For a roundup of New York City restaurant reviews from NYC food bloggers and media, see A Guy In New York.

• HobnobBlog asked if there is "Good BBQ in DC?" and looked at a dcfud post ...
  
  
• Worth The Trip highlights the "shrimp fajitas dish called Camarones al Cancun" ... a half-pound of shrimp .... at El Mariachi ... 765-C Rockville Pike, (in the Ritchie Center), Rockville, MD, 301-738-7177 [Washingtonian | openlist]
  
  
• Tom Sietsema warns about the cameras at Sette Bello ... and says there are "some promising dishes (pumpkin-stuffed pasta, nicely grilled swordfish)" ... initiial reviews by readers in WaPo aren't promising ... 3101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 703-351-1004 [WaPo | Don Rockwell]
  
  
• Terri Sapienza puts togther a list "If you want Thanksgiving dinner at home but you don't want to cook, consider takeout." ... inlcudes Ritz-Carlton (DC and Pentagon City), Vidalia, Galileo ...
  
  
• Tarting It Up generally liked the food at Restaurant Eve ... "the olive-oil poached escolar with smoked ham vinaigrette ... might be the most wonderful fish I've ever consumed." ... "the pumpkin risotto with triple-creme St. Andre cheese ... tasted like SAVORY AUTUMN" ... read the whole thingfor pics and more ... 110 South Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-706-0450 [Washingtonian | WaPo | Don Rockwell | Gayot] ... and also visited Five Guys ... "greasy-great burgers and the thick-cut fries that inhabit your summer boardwalk memories." ... multiple locations ... we're no longer so fond of the hamburgers at Five Guys ... [Washingtonian | WaPo | Don Rockwell | Citysearch]
  
  
• D.C. Foodies was a judge at the 10th Annual International Wines for Oysters Competition held at Old Ebbitt Grill ... and after eating "close to 30 or 40 oysters ... only ordered the fish and chips since I wasn't that hungry. But the waiter brought some of the utterly delicious crab artichoke dip, which I couldn't help but dig into." ... 675 15th Street NW, 202-347-4801 [openlist | WaPo | Citysearch | Gayot]

Did we miss your favorite review?

Let us know: hobnobblog -at- gmail.com ... we're especially interested in hearing from DC bloggers ...

November 11, 2005 09:45 AM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (4)

Good BBQ in DC?

dcfud has a "BBQ link edition, including our reviews of local-ish BBQ and reviews from other great local sites" ... "The Search for Great BBQ: A Clip Show Special" ...

Capital Q BBQ ... "I would definitely go back for their brisket. Hot link: Best damn hot link I've had since I left Chicago." ... 707 H Street NW, 202-347-8396 [Gayot | Washingtonian | openlist | WaPo | Citysearch] ...

Old Glory (the kitchenette) ... "go for the collard greens, mashed potatoes with gravy, BBQ red beans or corn on the cob" ... 3139 M Street NW, 202-337-3406 [Gayot] ...

Riedel's Restaurant (metrocurean) ... "considers itself 'a sophisticated alternative to the stereotypical barbecue 'joint,'' meaning there aren't peanut shells all over the floor and tables are covered with actual cloths." ... 4221 B Connecticut Ave NW, 202-966-4567 [Don Rockwell | dc pages] ...

Rocklands (Ceno Ergo Sum) ... "they slow cook the meat over hickory and then bring it up to temperature later, after you place your order. This ensures that your order is hot, but also still tender and juicy. They also go to the trouble of splitting the ribs and breaking the whole chickens into individual serving sizes before wrapping them up for you." ... 2418 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-333-2558 [Gayot | Washingtonian | Citysearch] ...

Lefty's Barbecue (dc fud) ... "The ribs were the highlight of the meat course -- tender meat, incredibly smoky and flavorful, which fell off the bone." ... 2064 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD, 301-870-8998 [Chowhound | Citysearch] ...

The Rib Pit (Wa Po) ... "perhaps the best ribs ($16.90 a slab) to be found in the District." ... 3903 14th Street NW, at Randolph Street, 202-829-9747 [Citysearch] ...

Johnny Boy's (WaPo) ... "pork is nicely charred with a good meat taste enhanced by the slightly sweet but still fiery hot barbecue sauce. The baby back ribs are meaty and cooked just to the point at which the meat is pulling back slightly from the bone." ... Route 301 and St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, MD, 301-870-2526 ...

More

• "There's Much More Than Crab and Barbecue on the Menu," The Washington Post, April 21, 2005
• "Barbecue D.C. Style: Beef or Pork, Dry or Wet, There's Something for Everyone," The Washington Post, June 25, 2003
• Washingtronian, Best of Barbecue
• Safeway's 2006 National Capital Barbecue Battle, June 24 & 25, 2006
• Best Barbecue in DC, from Gayot
• "The Soul of DC's Barbecue Scene," by Alex MacClennan, Hiill Rag, July 2005 (4-page pdf)

November 8, 2005 01:30 PM   Link    Comments (0)    TrackBacks (2)

DC Smoking Ban

Legislation that would ban smoking in all District bars and restaurants by January 2007 was approved yesterday [October 26, 2005] by the D.C. Council's Health Committee.

The committee's action means that the full council could vote on the measure as soon as December. Smoking ban legislation has been stalled in committee for two years, but proponents say a council majority now favors some form of a ban.

"D.C. Panel Approves Smoking Ban: Council to Vote on Measure to Take Effect in January '07," by Eric M. Weiss, The Washington Post, October 27, 2005

[Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington Executive Director Lynne] Breaux painted another image of what life would be like post-smoking ban: "Can you imagine a lobbyist, or a Congressman for that matter, without a cigar and a cognac?"

"Proopsed Smoking Ban Has Bars on Capitol Hill Fuming," by Moira Bagley, Roll Call, November 3, 2005

More

Read the bill here (7-page pdf) - from Smokefree DC

Ban the Ban - "Stop the Smoking Ban in D.C."

Smokefree DC - "Smokefree Air for Washington Workers"

Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington - "Fighting for the Right to Eat, Drink and Be Merry"

"Puffing for Property Rights," by Radley Balko, CATO, June 13, 2004

November 8, 2005 09:45 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Michelin New York 2006

The brand new Michelin New York City (red) is not available until Friday, but the stars are out. A Guy In New York has the list and links to reviews of the thirty-nine restaurants that got at least 1 star.

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November 2, 2005 03:15 PM   Link    Comments (0)

Bob’s Noodle 66

Superb Chinese food, nor is it replicated by the other best Chinese places around. More Taiwanese than most local Chinese restaurants. The thick noodles are amazing. I loved the fish and the ginger casseroles. I’ve only been here twice, but right now it is one of my two or three favorite places. I wouldn’t pretend that I have discovered the best dishes here yet, but you can’t go wrong, even if you don’t usually like duck blood.

Bob’s Noodle 66, 305 N. Washington St., Rockville, MD, 301-315-6668, usually open, cash only. [Washingtonian | WaPo | Gayot | City Paper | Don Rockwell]

Technorati Tags: restaurant reviews, Tyler Cowen Ethnic Dining Guide, washington, dc, washington-dc

February 27, 2005 08:52 PM   Link    Comments (0)