This is what Arlington has been missing!
I was able to talk our way into the Green Pig Bistro last week when it had a soft opening (i.e., friends and family) to partake in their cocktails with some friends. Think custom-cocktails, a la The Gibson or PX, which take time to be made, but deliver a delicious punch. While the Green Pig (the signature cocktail) is interesting (as it uses a fat washed bourbon), my favorite is the Pimms and gin focused Almost Paradise.
A week later (i.e., last night), we returned to sample their food. Soulful and delicious. Between the eight of us, we sampled a wide range of the menu. My favorites included the fries (with duck liver gravy and cheese curds), the duck breast with farro, and the bacon cheeseburger (which I couldn't help but order). The bacon is ground into the burger itself, and the cheese provides a thick, velvety unctuousness that I covet on a burger (but only rarely find). All of the desserts looked amazing (observing what we ordered and what was delivered to other tables), and the strawberry-basil bread pudding tasted as rich as the other desserts looked.
The setting matched the food well -- country chic, with (what appears to be) reclaimed woods and rustic trinkets. I would note that, while the service at the bar during the soft-opening was first-rate, the only disappointment last night was the service: it took a while for the food to arrive and there were several instances where our drinks were empty (with our server MIA). Hopefully, this was an opening week issue which is ironed-out, as the food, drink, and ambiance make the Green Pig Bistro a place I want to return to (frequently).
Food: A
Ambiance: A
Service: C
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Society Fair (Alexandria, VA)
Society Fair is the latest restaurant in Cathal Armstrong's stranglehold on Alexandria's culinary scene. And it does not disappoint. A blend of high-end grocery/butchery/bakery, wine-inspired bar, and demo kitchen, Society Fair has a little bit of something for everyone.
My first trip was a Saturday evening at the Demo Kitchen, hosted by Trey Massey. Our evening was fabulous, beginning with house-cured gravlax salad with blood orange, followed by duck two ways (breast and confit), and rounding out the meal with a golden syrup glazed citrus cake. Between the gourmet food and insightful cooking tips from Massey, my first trip to Society Fair did not disappoint.
My second trip was a Saturday evening in the wine bar area of the restaurant, where we focused on cocktails, charcuterie, and (for me) an amazing sandwich. Todd Thrasher has created a menu of "wine-inspired" cocktails which -- for the most part -- incorporate a unique wine as a part of the cocktail mix. I began the evening with an "I want to Eat an Onion Tart" cocktail, a delicious and savory drink to pair with our charcuterie. While not for everyone, the lardo was outrageously good. It was the conclusion of my meal -- the Walter sandwich (smoked turkey, gruyere, bacon, mayo, sweet and sour onions) and the Aviator cocktail (off-menu twist on a gin martini) -- that stole the evening.
My third trip was to the market, where I picked up duck fat, lard, flat iron steak, duck confit, and green sausage. Everything has been first-rate -- especially the green sausage (think kale, collards, and pork), which they apparently have year-round (and will add other varieties of greens depending upon the season!). Needless to say, I will be back.
Service: A +
Food (Demo Kitchen): A+
Food (Wine Bar): A/A-
Market: A
Atmosphere: A
My first trip was a Saturday evening at the Demo Kitchen, hosted by Trey Massey. Our evening was fabulous, beginning with house-cured gravlax salad with blood orange, followed by duck two ways (breast and confit), and rounding out the meal with a golden syrup glazed citrus cake. Between the gourmet food and insightful cooking tips from Massey, my first trip to Society Fair did not disappoint.
My second trip was a Saturday evening in the wine bar area of the restaurant, where we focused on cocktails, charcuterie, and (for me) an amazing sandwich. Todd Thrasher has created a menu of "wine-inspired" cocktails which -- for the most part -- incorporate a unique wine as a part of the cocktail mix. I began the evening with an "I want to Eat an Onion Tart" cocktail, a delicious and savory drink to pair with our charcuterie. While not for everyone, the lardo was outrageously good. It was the conclusion of my meal -- the Walter sandwich (smoked turkey, gruyere, bacon, mayo, sweet and sour onions) and the Aviator cocktail (off-menu twist on a gin martini) -- that stole the evening.
My third trip was to the market, where I picked up duck fat, lard, flat iron steak, duck confit, and green sausage. Everything has been first-rate -- especially the green sausage (think kale, collards, and pork), which they apparently have year-round (and will add other varieties of greens depending upon the season!). Needless to say, I will be back.
Service: A +
Food (Demo Kitchen): A+
Food (Wine Bar): A/A-
Market: A
Atmosphere: A
Friday, October 7, 2011
Bunk Sandwiches (Portland, OR)
Someone I work with told me about this place, Bunk Sandwiches, being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. I looked into it, and decided to check it out. I believe that any place that seasons and makes its own pork belly deserves a shot.
We ordered the pork belly bahn mi. While I fancy myself a connoisseur of bahn mi, I've never had it with pork belly. And I don't know why, because it was AWESOME!!! The only downside is that I split the sandwich (instead of ordering my own).
We also had the cauliflower and chickpea curry soup. Much like the sandwich, the soup was delicious, but it was the sandwich that would bring me back. Again, and again, and again.
We ordered the pork belly bahn mi. While I fancy myself a connoisseur of bahn mi, I've never had it with pork belly. And I don't know why, because it was AWESOME!!! The only downside is that I split the sandwich (instead of ordering my own).
We also had the cauliflower and chickpea curry soup. Much like the sandwich, the soup was delicious, but it was the sandwich that would bring me back. Again, and again, and again.
BridgePort Brewing Company (Portland, OR)
I may have had the best burger of my life here.
I showed up planning on sharing an appetizer and/or a sandwich as a 3:30 pm "lunch" (knowing that we had dinner plans with friends). When I saw the Pimento Burger, however, I changed my mind and just went with the flow.
And the flow was good. Local beef, topped with pimento cheese, bacon aioli, and fried green tomatoes. I'm pretty sure that a more decadent (and, yet, complimentary) combination of three burger toppings could not exist.
This must be a new burger, as it's not on BridgePort's online menu, so it may not be there if/when you visit -- but if it is (and I should hope that they make it a permanent fixture on the menu) -- jump at the opportunity to enjoy this outstanding burger.
I showed up planning on sharing an appetizer and/or a sandwich as a 3:30 pm "lunch" (knowing that we had dinner plans with friends). When I saw the Pimento Burger, however, I changed my mind and just went with the flow.
And the flow was good. Local beef, topped with pimento cheese, bacon aioli, and fried green tomatoes. I'm pretty sure that a more decadent (and, yet, complimentary) combination of three burger toppings could not exist.
This must be a new burger, as it's not on BridgePort's online menu, so it may not be there if/when you visit -- but if it is (and I should hope that they make it a permanent fixture on the menu) -- jump at the opportunity to enjoy this outstanding burger.
Cafe Pasqual's (Santa Fe, NM)
The one stop I was not going to miss on our trip to Santa Fe was Cafe Pasqual's. I saw their Huevos Barbacoa on a "Best Thing I Ever Ate" episode about eggs, and have been dreaming of it ever since.
Pasqual's frequently has a wait -- and our visit on a Monday was no different. But the Huevos Barbacoa lived up to the "Best Thing I Ever Ate" episode's touting. A pleasant amount of heat, balanced with rich and succulent meat, and I was done with the entire plate of deliciousness before my fellow diners finished half of their sandwiches.
I would be remiss if I did not mention these sandwiches. Pasqual's has a green chile cornbread, baked and sliced as sandwich bread, that changed my impression of what can be done with corn in bread form. Never before had I seen sandwich-style cornbread -- and it was good.
On my next trip to Santa Fe, I'll have to hit up Pasqual's on multiple occassions -- first to get the Huevos Barbacoa and second to get a sandwich.
Pasqual's frequently has a wait -- and our visit on a Monday was no different. But the Huevos Barbacoa lived up to the "Best Thing I Ever Ate" episode's touting. A pleasant amount of heat, balanced with rich and succulent meat, and I was done with the entire plate of deliciousness before my fellow diners finished half of their sandwiches.
I would be remiss if I did not mention these sandwiches. Pasqual's has a green chile cornbread, baked and sliced as sandwich bread, that changed my impression of what can be done with corn in bread form. Never before had I seen sandwich-style cornbread -- and it was good.
On my next trip to Santa Fe, I'll have to hit up Pasqual's on multiple occassions -- first to get the Huevos Barbacoa and second to get a sandwich.
Galisteo Bistro (Santa Fe, NM)
If you're looking for a place with ambiance and character in Santa Fe, Galisteo Bistro is your place. With the open kitchen (who doesn't like that?!?) and the chef visiting each table to discuss the day's specials (who doesn't like that?!?), Galisteo Bistro welcomes you like no other restaurant in Santa Fe.
I began my meal with the "House Specialty," artisanal duck liver pate. I love pate, but had hit a streak of inconsistent and/or poor duck liver pates. Well, Galisteo Bistro's house specialty broke the run of bad duck liver pate. It would be safe to say that I was disappointed when it disappeared.
For my entree, I had the Pasta Al Forno with Veal Ricotta Meatballs. Having had the pasta at Galisteo Bistro recommended to me by my dining companions (although none had previously had the Pasta Al Forno), I was disappointed -- but probably because I anticipated a veal meatball with fresh ricotta melting atop the oven roasted pasta. Instead, the ricotta was blended with the veal IN the meatball. While okay for what it was, I would not order the dish again. I was certainly jealous of my other dining companions, who all LOVED their entrees.
The dessert, however, is another story. I enjoyed "Decadence" (their name, not mine) at the conclusion of my meal, a flourless bittersweet chocolate cake on an almond crust -- and it lived up to its name. I would be the first to acknolwedge that I am a sucker for flourless chocolate cakes, but this one may have been the best I ever had.
Needless to say, Decadence helped me forget my disappointment with the Pasta Al Forno and left me with nothing but positive vibes about Galisteo Bistro. I plan on returning.
I began my meal with the "House Specialty," artisanal duck liver pate. I love pate, but had hit a streak of inconsistent and/or poor duck liver pates. Well, Galisteo Bistro's house specialty broke the run of bad duck liver pate. It would be safe to say that I was disappointed when it disappeared.
For my entree, I had the Pasta Al Forno with Veal Ricotta Meatballs. Having had the pasta at Galisteo Bistro recommended to me by my dining companions (although none had previously had the Pasta Al Forno), I was disappointed -- but probably because I anticipated a veal meatball with fresh ricotta melting atop the oven roasted pasta. Instead, the ricotta was blended with the veal IN the meatball. While okay for what it was, I would not order the dish again. I was certainly jealous of my other dining companions, who all LOVED their entrees.
The dessert, however, is another story. I enjoyed "Decadence" (their name, not mine) at the conclusion of my meal, a flourless bittersweet chocolate cake on an almond crust -- and it lived up to its name. I would be the first to acknolwedge that I am a sucker for flourless chocolate cakes, but this one may have been the best I ever had.
Needless to say, Decadence helped me forget my disappointment with the Pasta Al Forno and left me with nothing but positive vibes about Galisteo Bistro. I plan on returning.
Coyote Cafe (Santa Fe, NM)
On our first night in Santa Fe, we went to Coyote Cafe (on the insistence of my parents). It was an excellent choice.
I began the meal with the New Mexican Sweet Corn Soup -- probably because it claimed to be "New Mexican" and definitely because it included black truffles. The silky texture complimented the sweetness of the corn and the earthiness of the black truffle superbly.
For my entree, I selected the elk tenderloin (on the recommendation of my father). Tender and flavorful, the elk did not disappoint. Throw in some mashed potatoes, bacon, and mushrooms, and the entire dish delivered.
I also nibbled on a few other dishes, highlighted by the sherry infused italian brown mushroom struedel. Without a doubt, one of the most flavorful and "meaty" vegetarian dishes I've ever had.
While a pricier restaurant, Coyote Cafe delivers and justifies the prices charged.
I began the meal with the New Mexican Sweet Corn Soup -- probably because it claimed to be "New Mexican" and definitely because it included black truffles. The silky texture complimented the sweetness of the corn and the earthiness of the black truffle superbly.
For my entree, I selected the elk tenderloin (on the recommendation of my father). Tender and flavorful, the elk did not disappoint. Throw in some mashed potatoes, bacon, and mushrooms, and the entire dish delivered.
I also nibbled on a few other dishes, highlighted by the sherry infused italian brown mushroom struedel. Without a doubt, one of the most flavorful and "meaty" vegetarian dishes I've ever had.
While a pricier restaurant, Coyote Cafe delivers and justifies the prices charged.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Ray's to the Third (Arlington, VA)
The newest restaurant in the Ray's restaurant empire quietly opened in the Courthouse neighborhood last week (opposite Ray's Hell Burger and Ray's Hell Burger Too). I am pleased to say that we made it to Ray's to the Third (I don't know how to use superscript) tonight (during its first week in operation!) and were not disappointed.
The basic menu is quite simple: steak, fries, salad, bread. Now, they have some of the classic Ray's appetizers (think steak tartare deviled eggs and sherried crab bisque) and they also have other staples such as fried chicken (which I saw and for which I will be returning), but I felt compelled to confirm that their steak lives up to the Ray's name tonight.
Certainly, the "Bertolucci" does. The "Bertolucci" is a hanger steak (think intense meat flavor), served with roasted bone marrow (in the bone). Cooked flawlessly, I was surprised by the tenderness coaxed out of this challenging cut of meat. While I've tried the hanger cut at Ray's the Steaks previously, I would posit that the piece served by Ray's to the Third tonight was superior to that I tried at Ray's the Steaks.
My other half ordered the Blackened Top Sirloin, which -- as its name suggests -- is blackened with Cajun seasonings and topped with garlic. I was afforded one, single bite of the sirloin, but enjoyed it thoroughly.
Both of these steaks lived up to the Ray's name -- and, along with the perfectly dressed salad and better-than-McDonald's-fries-used-to-be fries -- I can recommend you visit Ray's to the Third without reservation. You certainly won't go home hungry. Oh, and they have eminently drinkable wines by the glass ($5-7), as you might expect from a Ray's operation (we tried the Malbec, Super Tuscan, and Cab -- the Malbec was my favorite).
It was relatively empty tonight -- something that I anticipate changing in the near future -- but I firmly believe that Ray's to the Third fills a niche that is otherwise missing in the Courthouse neighborhood. I will be returning. Often.
The basic menu is quite simple: steak, fries, salad, bread. Now, they have some of the classic Ray's appetizers (think steak tartare deviled eggs and sherried crab bisque) and they also have other staples such as fried chicken (which I saw and for which I will be returning), but I felt compelled to confirm that their steak lives up to the Ray's name tonight.
Certainly, the "Bertolucci" does. The "Bertolucci" is a hanger steak (think intense meat flavor), served with roasted bone marrow (in the bone). Cooked flawlessly, I was surprised by the tenderness coaxed out of this challenging cut of meat. While I've tried the hanger cut at Ray's the Steaks previously, I would posit that the piece served by Ray's to the Third tonight was superior to that I tried at Ray's the Steaks.
My other half ordered the Blackened Top Sirloin, which -- as its name suggests -- is blackened with Cajun seasonings and topped with garlic. I was afforded one, single bite of the sirloin, but enjoyed it thoroughly.
Both of these steaks lived up to the Ray's name -- and, along with the perfectly dressed salad and better-than-McDonald's-fries-used-to-be fries -- I can recommend you visit Ray's to the Third without reservation. You certainly won't go home hungry. Oh, and they have eminently drinkable wines by the glass ($5-7), as you might expect from a Ray's operation (we tried the Malbec, Super Tuscan, and Cab -- the Malbec was my favorite).
It was relatively empty tonight -- something that I anticipate changing in the near future -- but I firmly believe that Ray's to the Third fills a niche that is otherwise missing in the Courthouse neighborhood. I will be returning. Often.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Mo's Midtown (Hartford, CT)
I spent four years of my life in Hartford, Connecticut, but it wasn't until late in my junior year/early senior year that I discovered Mo's Midtown...and I really don't know how I lived before then.
Mo's is a greasy spoon, no doubt about it, but their breakfast food is outstanding. While I have had the pancakes (and understand others' affinity for the same), it is the Egg McMo that has become the standard bearer for all breakfast sandwiches.
I order it on a hard roll, over-medium, with cheddar cheese -- and I've never had another breakfast sandwich which compares. Throw in the phenomenal home fries -- think large potatoes which melt in your mouth like butter -- and you'll be in heaven.
Oh, and their coffee is on-point too.
In short, when in Hartford, go to Mo's Midtown. And having gone back this past weekend provides even more incentive to return to my alma mater on a yearly basis...
Mo's is a greasy spoon, no doubt about it, but their breakfast food is outstanding. While I have had the pancakes (and understand others' affinity for the same), it is the Egg McMo that has become the standard bearer for all breakfast sandwiches.
I order it on a hard roll, over-medium, with cheddar cheese -- and I've never had another breakfast sandwich which compares. Throw in the phenomenal home fries -- think large potatoes which melt in your mouth like butter -- and you'll be in heaven.
Oh, and their coffee is on-point too.
In short, when in Hartford, go to Mo's Midtown. And having gone back this past weekend provides even more incentive to return to my alma mater on a yearly basis...
Friday, September 2, 2011
District Taco (Arlington, VA)
What was once a food cart is now a restaurant. Not quite as fast as Chipotle, not quite as slow as a sit-down meal, District Taco delivers.
I've tried most of the meats, but my favorite is the Al Pastor -- spit roasted pork, carved like gyro meat, served with pineapple. If you feel indulgent -- and I usually do -- top it with pinto beans and chorizo. I also usually get the corn tortillas (though you have to order them by name).
I've tried most of the meats, but my favorite is the Al Pastor -- spit roasted pork, carved like gyro meat, served with pineapple. If you feel indulgent -- and I usually do -- top it with pinto beans and chorizo. I also usually get the corn tortillas (though you have to order them by name).
Song Que (Falls Church, VA)
Grilled pork banh mi. Check. Taro bubble tea. Check.
Better bread than the other banh mi shops in the area, paired with an excellent blend of the pickled goodness and jalapenos. The meat isn't as flavorful as other shops, but it's the pickled crunch (with a kick of heat) that keeps me coming back for more.
The Vietnamese pate is also good, although you know you're eating liver (if that matters to you).
The highlight (for me) is the taro bubble tea. No one else I know likes bubble tea. Maybe its the texture of the tapioca pearls. But the taro milk tea is for real. Do it. Thank me later.
Better bread than the other banh mi shops in the area, paired with an excellent blend of the pickled goodness and jalapenos. The meat isn't as flavorful as other shops, but it's the pickled crunch (with a kick of heat) that keeps me coming back for more.
The Vietnamese pate is also good, although you know you're eating liver (if that matters to you).
The highlight (for me) is the taro bubble tea. No one else I know likes bubble tea. Maybe its the texture of the tapioca pearls. But the taro milk tea is for real. Do it. Thank me later.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Me Jana (Arlington, VA)
We went here for a mid-week meal and sat outside to enjoy the Summer weather, ordering mostly the classics: tabouleh, kibbeh nayah, falafel, and lahem be ajeen (ground lamb on a baked pita). On the whole, the food was good, although it was a bit pricier than Lebanese Taverna (what I have to assume is its biggest competitor).
I was a little disappointed they didn't provide a sampler option, like they do at Lebanese Taverna. Would I be willing to go back? Definitely. Will I likely seek it out? Probably not.
I was a little disappointed they didn't provide a sampler option, like they do at Lebanese Taverna. Would I be willing to go back? Definitely. Will I likely seek it out? Probably not.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The Frog Bar & Grille (Ocean City, MD)
There's mention on at least one website that The Frog Bar & Grille appeared on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" based upon its mushroom and swiss burger (served with an entire marinated portobello mushroom cap), though I cannot seem to locate any reference to the specific episode it appeared on...perhaps it was filmed, but didn't make the final cut?
Anyway, their slogan -- have a brew with a view -- is apropos, as it is located at the south end of Ocean City, overlooking the inlet and Assateague. We shared the clam strips based upon an online review, and were not disappointed. Fresh, with a hint of saltiness, and lightly breaded. Delicious.
But the star was the burger. Served atop a fresh brioche roll, the burger is topped with locally sourced fresh vegetables. I had mine with bacon, swiss, and ranch -- and man was it good. Even if there wasn't a great view, I'd return for the clam strips and the burger!
The house margarita, however, was overly sweet. The lesson to be learned, of course, is to do what the locals do -- enjoy a BREW with a view.
Anyway, their slogan -- have a brew with a view -- is apropos, as it is located at the south end of Ocean City, overlooking the inlet and Assateague. We shared the clam strips based upon an online review, and were not disappointed. Fresh, with a hint of saltiness, and lightly breaded. Delicious.
But the star was the burger. Served atop a fresh brioche roll, the burger is topped with locally sourced fresh vegetables. I had mine with bacon, swiss, and ranch -- and man was it good. Even if there wasn't a great view, I'd return for the clam strips and the burger!
The house margarita, however, was overly sweet. The lesson to be learned, of course, is to do what the locals do -- enjoy a BREW with a view.
Waterman's (Ocean City, MD)
A well-known Ocean City seafood and fried chicken joint, we went here for a birthday dinner. I had the cream of crab soup (outstanding) and the fried chicken (thick and crispy, without being greasy) after learning of the reputation for high-quality fried chicken on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
The all-you-can-eat meals (consumed by two at our table) looked impressive -- blue crab, boiled shrimp, fried chicken, hush puppies, and corn on the cob -- and offered a diverse array of all-you-can-eat options. I would note, however, that the cocktail sauce was frozen.
The double chocolate cake (ordered by someone else at our table) got "blah" reviews.
The all-you-can-eat meals (consumed by two at our table) looked impressive -- blue crab, boiled shrimp, fried chicken, hush puppies, and corn on the cob -- and offered a diverse array of all-you-can-eat options. I would note, however, that the cocktail sauce was frozen.
The double chocolate cake (ordered by someone else at our table) got "blah" reviews.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Galileo III (Washington, DC)
We went to Roberto Donna's newest (and currently only) restaurant to enjoy his take on the rustic cuisine of the Piedmont area of Italy. While the food was good to outstanding -- burrata with roasted red peppers and pickled eggplant, raviolini del plin with roasted veal and prosciutto in a veal jus, brown butter sage sauce, sauteed Moulard duck breast with sour cherries and balsamic, and a chocolate-hazelnut semi freddo -- I came away questioning whether it is worth a return trip.
While the raviolini was a revelation, delicate overstuffed pasta in a sauce of impressive depth, Roberto Donna was not in the kitchen (on a Friday night!) and the main dining room never reached even half capacity. Add in the fact that the decor did not pair well with the warmth I associate with rustic Italian cuisine, and I came away conflicted.
While the raviolini was a revelation, delicate overstuffed pasta in a sauce of impressive depth, Roberto Donna was not in the kitchen (on a Friday night!) and the main dining room never reached even half capacity. Add in the fact that the decor did not pair well with the warmth I associate with rustic Italian cuisine, and I came away conflicted.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Best of DC Metropolitan Area (2011)
Inspired by the Washingtonian's "Best Of" issue, but interested in the opinions of my friends and family, I sent around an email requesting people to provide me their favorite restaurants for several categories of food.
The following list represents the results of this study. In some categories, only the winning restaurant received multiple nominations. In other categories, a number of restaurants received multiple nominations. When a restaurant received multiple nominations for "Best Of," but neither won nor finished as a runner up, that restaurant received an honorable mention commendation.
I look forward to checking out the restaurants nominated and expect to post my thoughts on those experiences on this blog. If (and when) my favorites for these categories change, I will update the same in the column on the right.
The following list represents the results of this study. In some categories, only the winning restaurant received multiple nominations. In other categories, a number of restaurants received multiple nominations. When a restaurant received multiple nominations for "Best Of," but neither won nor finished as a runner up, that restaurant received an honorable mention commendation.
- Best Deli/Sandwich: Italian Store (Runners Up: Wisemiller's and Chutzpah's (tie))
- Best Diner: Metro 29 (Runner Up: Amphora; Honorable Mentions: The Diner, Steak and Egg, Tastee Diner, Tune Inn)
- Best Brunch: Boulevard Woodgrill (Runner Up: Tabard Inn; Honorable Mentions: Birch & Barley, Blue Duck Tavern, Carlyle, Belga, Brasserie Beck)
- Best Burger: Ray's Hell Burger (Runner Up: Central; Honorable Mentions: Good Stuff Eatery, Five Guys, Morton's)
- Best Sports Bar: Crystal City Sports Pub and Carpool (tie) (Honorable Mentions: Four Courts and Cleveland Park Bar and Grill)
- Best Outdoor Bar: Sequoia (Runner Up: Cantina Marina; Honorable Mentions: Poste and Cleveland Park Bar & Grill)
- Best Cocktails: The Gibson (Runner Up: PX; Honorable Mentions: Columbia Room and The Majestic)
- Best Quintessential Bar Food: Carpool and Jay's Saloon (tie) (Honorable Mention: Dogfish Head)
- Best Food Cart: El Chilango
- Best Wings: Hard Times (Runner Up: Glory Days; Honorable Mention: Buffalo Wild Wings)
- Best Pizza: Italian Store (Runner Up: Two Amy's; Honorable Mentions: Matchbox, Fairlington Pizza, and Pizzeria Orso)
- Best Sushi: Kaz Sushi Bistro and Sushi Taro (tie) (Honorable Mentions: Sushi Ko and Tachibana)
- Best Steak: Ray's the Steaks (Runner Up: Morton's; Honorable Mentions: Acqua al 2 and Flemings)
- Best Mexican/Tex-Mex: Guajillo (Runners Up: Rio Grande, Picante and Guapo's (tie))
- Best Chinese: Peking Gourmet Inn
- Best Indian: Rasika and Tandoori Nights (tie) (Honorable Mentions: Sangam Restaurant and Jaipur (tie))
- Best Thai: Thai Square, Rein Tong, and Sawatdee (tie)
- Best Vietnamese: Pho 75, Four Sisters, and Mihn's (tie)
- Best Italian: Ristorante Tosca (Runners Up: Da Domenico, Filomena, and Dolce Vita)
- Best Seafood: BlackSalt (Runners Up: Hank's Oyster Bar and Kinkead's; Honorable Mention: Passionfish)
- Best Restaurant (Overall): Komi, Rasika, Chez Francois, Restaurant Eve, Tosca, and Central (tie)
I look forward to checking out the restaurants nominated and expect to post my thoughts on those experiences on this blog. If (and when) my favorites for these categories change, I will update the same in the column on the right.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Guajillo (Arlington, VA)
Located on Wilson Boulevard next to Ray's Hell Burger, Guajillo is one our two "go-to" restaurants when craving Mexican and/or Tex-Mex, with Guajillo meeting our Mexican needs and Rio Grande meeting our Tex-Mex needs. But this post is about Guajillo...
The salsa at Guajillo is freshly made throughout the evening and, man, does it pack a (pleasant) kick. This place does not cater to the masses by producing mild (or flavorless) product, but rather, puts out solid Mexican standbys.
And it's one of the few places in the area that I have found to put out a delicious Mole. Having had the Mole atop chicken (the house specialty) and enchiladas, I felt compelled to try it as served atop the Flautas Mojadas. While the Mole was excellent, as usual, I think I will be returning to the chicken or enchiladas presentation in the future.
I've also heard that their tostadas are outstanding, so that's also on the list of dishes to try at Guajillo.
If you haven't been, you may be missing out on some of the best Mexican food in the area. Go now. Thank me later.
The salsa at Guajillo is freshly made throughout the evening and, man, does it pack a (pleasant) kick. This place does not cater to the masses by producing mild (or flavorless) product, but rather, puts out solid Mexican standbys.
And it's one of the few places in the area that I have found to put out a delicious Mole. Having had the Mole atop chicken (the house specialty) and enchiladas, I felt compelled to try it as served atop the Flautas Mojadas. While the Mole was excellent, as usual, I think I will be returning to the chicken or enchiladas presentation in the future.
I've also heard that their tostadas are outstanding, so that's also on the list of dishes to try at Guajillo.
If you haven't been, you may be missing out on some of the best Mexican food in the area. Go now. Thank me later.
Hollywood East Cafe (Wheaton, MD)
We went out to with some of our close friends at this highly-rated dim sum restaurant, and were not disappointed. While I'm not sure we would make a special trip to Wheaton for this dim sum (in light of the proximity of Fortune's), Hollywood East offered an incredibly diverse number of plates, including TWO separate steam carts with unique offerings.
What I liked best about Hollywood East, however, was the fact that freshly cooked vegetables, seafood, and other assorted dishes were brought around by a server (about a 15 year old kid) who would hock his fresh-from-the-kitchen food. As dim sum plates can be lukewarm after being carted around the restaurant for ten minutes, I definitely respected the importance placed on the food being hot at Hollywood East. Of the fresh from the kitchen dishes, I particularly enjoyed the fried squid with jalapenos (touted as "like calamari, only better") and the Chinese broccoli.
If we find ourselves in Wheaton during the dim sum hours, I am sure we will return.
What I liked best about Hollywood East, however, was the fact that freshly cooked vegetables, seafood, and other assorted dishes were brought around by a server (about a 15 year old kid) who would hock his fresh-from-the-kitchen food. As dim sum plates can be lukewarm after being carted around the restaurant for ten minutes, I definitely respected the importance placed on the food being hot at Hollywood East. Of the fresh from the kitchen dishes, I particularly enjoyed the fried squid with jalapenos (touted as "like calamari, only better") and the Chinese broccoli.
If we find ourselves in Wheaton during the dim sum hours, I am sure we will return.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Pho 75 (Arlington, VA)
We're currently on an Anthony Bourdain kick, which means we're currently inundated with his praises of Pho. While I've had Pho elsewhere, the broth at Pho 75 is truly savory, and the meat is delightfully tender. When I ordered mine with top sirloin and fatty brisket, our server sought to confirm that I understood that fatty brisket was, quite literally, 85% fat. I did, and it was good.
Bayou (Washington, DC)
Went here with a group of 12 for birthday drinks -- and everyone ended up ordering food. The Po Boys were outstanding, albeit a bit pricey. The food on the whole, however, was rich and delicious. Definitely worth a return trip when a hankering for the Big Easy arises...
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