"Are you ready for this because I believe your life is going to change forever" That's on their menu. Big words for a Mediterranean/Lebanese place in NW DC. It's good -- really good -- but not quite life changing.
Work colleague of L recommended this place and the two of them go for lunch. This is L's write-up.
Decide to get the "restaurant week"-style course. However, this place is a tapas-style place so you have to get multiple dishes to make a meal anyway.
First course - BABA GHANNOUGE
Baba is growing on me, and this one likely made a big leap for me. So maybe this is the life changing event. Nice and evenly spiced. The piping hot bread puff made an excellent server. Very good. Maybe a little too much, portion wise, for an appetizer, but hey, rather too much than too little.
Second course - ARAYES
Ground lamb in a pita. Juicy. Tasty. Overall really good. Definitely worth trying a second time.
Third course - ADANA KEBAB
Okay, so I should have varied a little more than two lamb courses. Really, this was somewhat of a continuation of the second course. That's good in terms of food, but just poor selection on L's part. Compared to the first course, the portion size here was lacking, even for a tapa.
Fourth course - TURKISH DELIGHT
It's ice cream...but it's sooo good. I'd get it again if so inclined.
Cost
$$$ - I'm going to venture and say to expect to not get under $40 on a good day, but I think $50 for two minimum is to be expected.
Cleanliness
This is a finer dining place - it better be and it was
Service
Very good
Pluses
The bread if you get it piping hot is just awesome (go early)
Nicely seasoned food
Nice atmosphere
Minuses
None that I could tell in terms of surroundings, but conversation distracted me from paying as much notice
Portion size (yes, it's tapas but come on)
Overall value
I'd go again, that's for certain. Tasty food (despite portion size) and good atmosphere make this well worth going in once or twice a year.
Showing posts with label good. Show all posts
Showing posts with label good. Show all posts
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Tommy Thai (Franconia-Springfield) [CLOSED]
Tucked away in an anonymous shopping center is Tommy Thai -- a place you pass by, say "Tippy Thai" or "Sada Te", laugh and roll on by. At least that's what we did dozens of times before M's friend said it's really good. So we go. Are we ever glad we did.
We go in, and it looks good enough. We're seated very quickly and look over the menu -- typical Thai restaurant menu end to end. That's not a bad thing, but something to note. We decide to go with 2 appetizers and 1 meal.
Appetizer 1 - Dumplings
These seafood balls tucked away in a rice-noodle pouch set a good tone for what was to come. They could be enjoyed with or without the simple, but tasty, sauce. Delicate fishy scent, but without an overpowering "fish" flavor. Yum!
Appetizer 2 - Satay
Fantastic. Simply awesome. The chicken was the juiciest pieces of chicken L thinks he ever had (and being from GA, that's really saying a lot). Well marinaded where you could taste the marinade and the chicken evenly. Nice! The side peanut sauce was very tasty, with a little bit of extra flavor. Get two orders and you could leave happy. There. Said, and believe it. Took M
Main course - Spicy Basil
In some ways, this was the perfect complement to appetizers. The two were so exciting, that a calmer, measured spicy basil pork with rice posed a nice change of pace. Simple and straight forward, the chef knew how to be sensitive to the spiciness. The waiter said 3.5 stars sounded right, and boy, was he on the money. "It tips on that edge between medium and hot. The spicing is perfectly done." While the pork itself did not have succulence or juiciness, in the context of the dish it still was fine. Better to be slightly overdone than under.
Portion size was just right. Otherwise, with two main courses, we should order one each. It's just enough. We should likely go during lunch when possible.
Cost
$$
Cleanliness
Very clean.
Service
Great service by Bill. He was a hoot and really seemed to engage with the customers (L listened out for it)
Pluses
Satay
Well-handled spices (big plus)
Good service (this cannot be underestimated)
Nicely lit (daytime)
Satay
Minuses
Portion could have been a little bigger on the entree
Would be nice if they offered beef, lamb or pork satay and not just chicken
Would have been nice with a cucumber sauce (ask M if uncertain what the heck this means)
No skinny noodles...prevalent issue in NoVA/DC area
Overall value
Better than average value because the food is really good. However, for Thai there are several "nice to haves" that would make this better. On the whole (and especially the DC metro area), there's few that are this good. Bonus points because they can make sweet tea using simple sugar.
We go in, and it looks good enough. We're seated very quickly and look over the menu -- typical Thai restaurant menu end to end. That's not a bad thing, but something to note. We decide to go with 2 appetizers and 1 meal.
Appetizer 1 - Dumplings
These seafood balls tucked away in a rice-noodle pouch set a good tone for what was to come. They could be enjoyed with or without the simple, but tasty, sauce. Delicate fishy scent, but without an overpowering "fish" flavor. Yum!
Appetizer 2 - Satay
Fantastic. Simply awesome. The chicken was the juiciest pieces of chicken L thinks he ever had (and being from GA, that's really saying a lot). Well marinaded where you could taste the marinade and the chicken evenly. Nice! The side peanut sauce was very tasty, with a little bit of extra flavor. Get two orders and you could leave happy. There. Said, and believe it. Took M
Main course - Spicy Basil
In some ways, this was the perfect complement to appetizers. The two were so exciting, that a calmer, measured spicy basil pork with rice posed a nice change of pace. Simple and straight forward, the chef knew how to be sensitive to the spiciness. The waiter said 3.5 stars sounded right, and boy, was he on the money. "It tips on that edge between medium and hot. The spicing is perfectly done." While the pork itself did not have succulence or juiciness, in the context of the dish it still was fine. Better to be slightly overdone than under.
Portion size was just right. Otherwise, with two main courses, we should order one each. It's just enough. We should likely go during lunch when possible.
Cost
$$
Cleanliness
Very clean.
Service
Great service by Bill. He was a hoot and really seemed to engage with the customers (L listened out for it)
Pluses
Satay
Well-handled spices (big plus)
Good service (this cannot be underestimated)
Nicely lit (daytime)
Satay
Minuses
Portion could have been a little bigger on the entree
Would be nice if they offered beef, lamb or pork satay and not just chicken
Would have been nice with a cucumber sauce (ask M if uncertain what the heck this means)
No skinny noodles...prevalent issue in NoVA/DC area
Overall value
Better than average value because the food is really good. However, for Thai there are several "nice to haves" that would make this better. On the whole (and especially the DC metro area), there's few that are this good. Bonus points because they can make sweet tea using simple sugar.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Rice & Spice Thai (Ft. Belvoir)
After eating noodles at ChinaTown Express, the noodle craving got bigger. We (M and L) remembered that there was a Thai place near Olympians. After seeing good enough ratings on Yelp, we thought, "why not" and went to check it out.
Blah blah...no one in the restaurant...blah blah...not great seats...blah blah...average menu. The point is the food was pretty dang good.
M has the Lard Da w/chicken (
L has the Rice & Spice Noodles, which we both agree looked and tasted like Pad Thai over lettuce(?!?). Really good, though. Not spicy, though I'm sure they'd be happy to oblige.
Anyways, the wide noodles. If you've had Thai wide noodles, you think you know what you're in for. But these wide noodles are best described like this: lasagna sized noodles bathed in a tasty broth. They are relatively uncut, so you get this super-large "noodles" mixed with yumminess. The wide noodles are fantastic, and we both know we don't generally prefer/like wide noodles.
Cost
$$
Cleanliness
Clean.
Service
Good, but we were the only ones...
Pluses
Good noodles, esp. for wide noodles
Large portions (we could split a plate)
Minuses
No music or anything in the restaurant
Little atmosphere
Overall value
Worthwhile.
Blah blah...no one in the restaurant...blah blah...not great seats...blah blah...average menu. The point is the food was pretty dang good.
M has the Lard Da w/chicken (
L has the Rice & Spice Noodles, which we both agree looked and tasted like Pad Thai over lettuce(?!?). Really good, though. Not spicy, though I'm sure they'd be happy to oblige.
Anyways, the wide noodles. If you've had Thai wide noodles, you think you know what you're in for. But these wide noodles are best described like this: lasagna sized noodles bathed in a tasty broth. They are relatively uncut, so you get this super-large "noodles" mixed with yumminess. The wide noodles are fantastic, and we both know we don't generally prefer/like wide noodles.
Cost
$$
Cleanliness
Clean.
Service
Good, but we were the only ones...
Pluses
Good noodles, esp. for wide noodles
Large portions (we could split a plate)
Minuses
No music or anything in the restaurant
Little atmosphere
Overall value
Worthwhile.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Italian Store (Lee Hwy meets Spout Run -- middle of nowhere Alrington)
Extremely popular deli/Italian grocer/eatery that serves some of the BEST subs/italian hoagies in the area. Waiting to place your order seems a time-honored tradition, but think on two things when you think you should not be waiting: 1) if these subs weren't this good, would there be this type of wait EVERYDAY? and 2) if other places made subs that were remotely close to being this good, would there be this type of wait EVERYDAY? Yeah, that's right. You wait until your number comes up.
Or you could get the to-go hoagies, but that's limited to two types, so if you want, you wait. And you'll like it.
The pizzas are so-so.
One of the first places we tried. We really found some gems early on here. Thank goodness for that! And when we first came, it didn't have any signage outside or anything. Some obscure place that had good reviews. You would have never known it was there. And still hard to see from the road.
Cost
$-$$
Cleanliness
Prep area seems clean enough.
Service
That's not what you're here for.
Pluses
Best subs in the area
Outdoor seating
Minuses
You will wait
It's kind of out of the way
Only outdoor seating so if all the tables are taken, you take it to go
Overall value
One of the best bang-for-your-buck places.
Or you could get the to-go hoagies, but that's limited to two types, so if you want, you wait. And you'll like it.
The pizzas are so-so.
One of the first places we tried. We really found some gems early on here. Thank goodness for that! And when we first came, it didn't have any signage outside or anything. Some obscure place that had good reviews. You would have never known it was there. And still hard to see from the road.
Cost
$-$$
Cleanliness
Prep area seems clean enough.
Service
That's not what you're here for.
Pluses
Best subs in the area
Outdoor seating
Minuses
You will wait
It's kind of out of the way
Only outdoor seating so if all the tables are taken, you take it to go
Overall value
One of the best bang-for-your-buck places.
Carlyle (Shirlington)
A higher-end casual restaurant we somewhat frequent, , especially to celebrate special occasions, located on the marquee corner in Shirlington. This was the first DC-area restaurant we ate at.
Still haven't tried the brunch, but hear it's great.
Cost
$$$
Cleanliness
Clean
Service
Good service (more times than not -- this may be slipping...grrrr)
Pluses
Filet mignon - some of the best anywhere.
Crab cakes - some of the best anywhere.
And that they occasionally offer the two above together...GOLD!
Outdoor seating
Location
Minuses
Price makes it prohibitive. But for the special nights, this is a nice place because the food is excellent.
No upstair bathroom (minor but annoying)
Overall value
Good for a nice night out. They make the food well and seem to use good ingredients. Service and seating can be tough on the busy nights. Go during non-peak hours.
Still haven't tried the brunch, but hear it's great.
Cost
$$$
Cleanliness
Clean
Service
Good service (more times than not -- this may be slipping...grrrr)
Pluses
Filet mignon - some of the best anywhere.
Crab cakes - some of the best anywhere.
And that they occasionally offer the two above together...GOLD!
Outdoor seating
Location
Minuses
Price makes it prohibitive. But for the special nights, this is a nice place because the food is excellent.
No upstair bathroom (minor but annoying)
Overall value
Good for a nice night out. They make the food well and seem to use good ingredients. Service and seating can be tough on the busy nights. Go during non-peak hours.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Original Pancake House (Falls Church)
Not the one that was on 7, but the new one on 29. What an improvement.
We went sometime in 2009/10 to the one on 7. Then, the food was good, but the place was tightly packed, poorly lit, with terrible parking. Now the place is bright, well-spaced and plenty of parking.
We've been twice in the past few months and the food is great and the service is pretty good, too.
L - 1st visit - Praline (seasonal) pancakes; 2nd - Pumpkin pancakes
M - 1st - Cinnamon apple pancakes; 2nd - Buckwheat-GA pecan pancakes
Thoroughly enjoyed both visits. We do take our own maple syrup, because no one offers it... (boo!)
Peeking over at other tables, their omelets are obscene. They look to be 8" round and 2 1/2" thick. Packed with whatever its filling is. Eating one on your own may make for happy taste buds but an unhappy heart.
Cost
$$
Cleanliness
Very clean.
Service
Great.
Pluses
Really good food
Friendly staff
Bright and open tables
Minuses
Distance
Price...maybe?
Overall value
Good value and it's probably lucky that it's not close or we'd be here very often.
We went sometime in 2009/10 to the one on 7. Then, the food was good, but the place was tightly packed, poorly lit, with terrible parking. Now the place is bright, well-spaced and plenty of parking.
We've been twice in the past few months and the food is great and the service is pretty good, too.
L - 1st visit - Praline (seasonal) pancakes; 2nd - Pumpkin pancakes
M - 1st - Cinnamon apple pancakes; 2nd - Buckwheat-GA pecan pancakes
Thoroughly enjoyed both visits. We do take our own maple syrup, because no one offers it... (boo!)
Peeking over at other tables, their omelets are obscene. They look to be 8" round and 2 1/2" thick. Packed with whatever its filling is. Eating one on your own may make for happy taste buds but an unhappy heart.
Cost
$$
Cleanliness
Very clean.
Service
Great.
Pluses
Really good food
Friendly staff
Bright and open tables
Minuses
Distance
Price...maybe?
Overall value
Good value and it's probably lucky that it's not close or we'd be here very often.
Pizza Autentica (DC on 7th)
This place. Argh! So close to good pizza, but it's always something in this area. For Pizza Autentica, the dough is just too doughy. The sauce - very good. The toppings - good enough. The cheese - actually pretty good. The dough - too much!
The strombolis are good, though, and help counteract the dough issue. I like the veggie pizza (barring the dough), though a veggie coworker doesn't. A cheese slice with a light dusting of garlic powder is awesome...if not for that dang dough.
Cost
$
Cleanliness
It's fast food. You know what you're getting into...
Service
Good.
Pluses
Good toppings
Good cheese blend
The behind-the-counter set-up is right (so easy to mess that up)
Minuses
The dough!
That door near the cash register
Overall value
Fair value, especially for DC. If you really can get over the major complaint...can you guess what it is? Think Homer Simpson...
The strombolis are good, though, and help counteract the dough issue. I like the veggie pizza (barring the dough), though a veggie coworker doesn't. A cheese slice with a light dusting of garlic powder is awesome...if not for that dang dough.
Cost
$
Cleanliness
It's fast food. You know what you're getting into...
Service
Good.
Pluses
Good toppings
Good cheese blend
The behind-the-counter set-up is right (so easy to mess that up)
Minuses
The dough!
That door near the cash register
Overall value
Fair value, especially for DC. If you really can get over the major complaint...can you guess what it is? Think Homer Simpson...
2 Sisters (formerly Wall St. Deli) (DC on C St)
You'll pass by this place and never bat an eye. That's a shame too because it's a pretty good deli. Not great, but for the immediate area, worth going to if you want either a deli sandwich...or a sizeable meat-rice-bean burrito. Nothing special about the place in terms of the shop. It's very utilitarian and straight-forward...except the separate line to pay.
So this is the one odd thing about the place. There are effectively three lines -- one of the burritos, one for the sandwiches, and then one to pay. But the layout is a typical deli line (think Subway sandwich shop where you have meats, then veggies, then pay, but sub out burritos for meats, sandwiches for veggies, and pay is pay) And that third one is the troublesome one because you wonder "Are they in the sandwich line or the pay line?" It's just odd.
Otherwise, though, the meats taste fresh and as for the burritos, they are sufficient, though they could lay off the salt a little.
Cost
$-$$
Cleanliness
The prep line though looks pretty clean, and that's what matters. Otherwise, eh, it's a deli. Take it to go.
Service
It's counter-service. They're usually nice though.
Pluses
Tasty
Consistent
Minuses
The line
A little too vanilla -- nothing draws you back, though the food IS good.
Overall value
Good enough. Nice change of pace for an area deprived of good eats.
So this is the one odd thing about the place. There are effectively three lines -- one of the burritos, one for the sandwiches, and then one to pay. But the layout is a typical deli line (think Subway sandwich shop where you have meats, then veggies, then pay, but sub out burritos for meats, sandwiches for veggies, and pay is pay) And that third one is the troublesome one because you wonder "Are they in the sandwich line or the pay line?" It's just odd.
Otherwise, though, the meats taste fresh and as for the burritos, they are sufficient, though they could lay off the salt a little.
Cost
$-$$
Cleanliness
The prep line though looks pretty clean, and that's what matters. Otherwise, eh, it's a deli. Take it to go.
Service
It's counter-service. They're usually nice though.
Pluses
Tasty
Consistent
Minuses
The line
A little too vanilla -- nothing draws you back, though the food IS good.
Overall value
Good enough. Nice change of pace for an area deprived of good eats.
Aladdin's Eatery (Shirlington) [CLOSED]
What's for lunch/dinner? Aladdin's Eatery.
The travesty of frequenting places you enjoy is that you may miss the tastiness right next door. That's what's been happening for us by going to Shirlington for Carlyle and Capital Brewery. Just a few doors down has been a terrific Mediterranean place: Aladdin's Eatery. We ordered way too much...but it's research, right?
So, we've been twice now and this location is extremely delicious. They have such a variety of things that this place can easily answer the question of "What do you want to eat?" Because if you don't want wraps, then just the meat and rice. If you don't want that, get a salad. Not if that? Pita pitza. Or go for a smoothie. Real good. (Almost as good as the ones M makes at home. Both use yogurt. Very tasty.) Or a dessert. The tiramisu is delectable. They use a non-alcohol liqueur substitute. Whatever it is, it is makes theirs even more delicious.
First visit
Obviously, L has not had GOOD falaffel. Awesome. And the tabouli was delectable. Actually it was all quite delicious. This could be a meal in itself, if you really want to eat all that hummos and baba.
Again, a BIG salad with very fresh veggies. Can't go wrong and, again, is probably too much for one. Split this and an appetizer and two can eat well.
Second visit, two rolled pitas: the Shishtawook and the Dawali Rolled. Both very good. The turnips in the Shishtawook are an interesting twist, but it works. And they toast the pitas, which we both like. This place will be frequented.
More visits: Their baklava is tremendous. It is NOT Greek-style, but made with a honey/candied "shredded wheat like" outside with candied pistachios in the center. Absolutely fantastic.
Cost
$$ ($30-35. The issue is that while the plates and a drink are around $10 each, you'll get a dessert or smoothie or appetizer or something because it's just that good. All of the sudden, bang! you're at $30+.)
BEWARE THE $6 SIDE OF RICE...
We did finally squeeze out a $25 visit with plenty of food, but that's the best you'll probably do for two.
Cleanliness
Notably clean
Service
Good service. Attentive waiter who was relatively patient with us (both times) -- Wally, you rock!
Pluses
Fresh food
Big portions
Wide selection
Friendly staff
Nice atmosphere
Outdoor seating
Tasty tiramisu
Fantastic baklava
A good place for a salad (finally!)
Minuses
That dressing - can they do something about that?
$6 side of rice - are you kidding? it's real good, but seriously...
Overall value
For the area and the quality of the food, it is a good value for the price. It is not cheap, but it's less than Carlyle and just as tasty, which makes it easier to have an excuse to go into Shirlington.
The travesty of frequenting places you enjoy is that you may miss the tastiness right next door. That's what's been happening for us by going to Shirlington for Carlyle and Capital Brewery. Just a few doors down has been a terrific Mediterranean place: Aladdin's Eatery. We ordered way too much...but it's research, right?
So, we've been twice now and this location is extremely delicious. They have such a variety of things that this place can easily answer the question of "What do you want to eat?" Because if you don't want wraps, then just the meat and rice. If you don't want that, get a salad. Not if that? Pita pitza. Or go for a smoothie. Real good. (Almost as good as the ones M makes at home. Both use yogurt. Very tasty.) Or a dessert. The tiramisu is delectable. They use a non-alcohol liqueur substitute. Whatever it is, it is makes theirs even more delicious.
First visit
Appetizer - Vegetarian Combo
A sampling of all your favorites! Hummos, Tabouli, Baba, Falaffel, and Dawali.
Obviously, L has not had GOOD falaffel. Awesome. And the tabouli was delectable. Actually it was all quite delicious. This could be a meal in itself, if you really want to eat all that hummos and baba.
L - Aladdin's Favorite ComboA LOT of food here. Each meat was very good and well-seasoned for our tastes. The side salad was fresh, but the one complaint -- didn't like the dressing option. Basically a boatload of oil with seasonings at the bottom and no good way to get it out well-suspended. Nonetheless, the meal is a good value and can be shared.
Beef Kafta, Shish Kabob, and Chicken Tawook served on a bed of seasoned white rice with vermicelli. Served with mixed greens, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers and your choice of dressing.
M - Taza Chicken Salad
A flavorful mix of freshly chopped spinach and romaine, squash, zucchini, grapes, dried cranberries, tomatoes and chopped marinated grilled chicken, tossed with our Honey Dijon dressing and topped with pine nuts and feta cheese.
Again, a BIG salad with very fresh veggies. Can't go wrong and, again, is probably too much for one. Split this and an appetizer and two can eat well.
Second visit, two rolled pitas: the Shishtawook and the Dawali Rolled. Both very good. The turnips in the Shishtawook are an interesting twist, but it works. And they toast the pitas, which we both like. This place will be frequented.
More visits: Their baklava is tremendous. It is NOT Greek-style, but made with a honey/candied "shredded wheat like" outside with candied pistachios in the center. Absolutely fantastic.
Cost
$$ ($30-35. The issue is that while the plates and a drink are around $10 each, you'll get a dessert or smoothie or appetizer or something because it's just that good. All of the sudden, bang! you're at $30+.)
BEWARE THE $6 SIDE OF RICE...
We did finally squeeze out a $25 visit with plenty of food, but that's the best you'll probably do for two.
Cleanliness
Notably clean
Service
Good service. Attentive waiter who was relatively patient with us (both times) -- Wally, you rock!
Pluses
Fresh food
Big portions
Wide selection
Friendly staff
Nice atmosphere
Outdoor seating
Tasty tiramisu
Fantastic baklava
A good place for a salad (finally!)
Minuses
That dressing - can they do something about that?
$6 side of rice - are you kidding? it's real good, but seriously...
Overall value
For the area and the quality of the food, it is a good value for the price. It is not cheap, but it's less than Carlyle and just as tasty, which makes it easier to have an excuse to go into Shirlington.
Dor-Stop (Pittsburgh - Dormont off W. Liberty)
We love breakfast, and (obviously, given our last few posts) we love diners. This place is just awesome. Very tasty food that it seems the people cooking actually care about what you are putting in your mouth. It's refreshing when you can tell that while dining.
If this place isn't a Pittsburgh institution, it should be, and after 20 years, it should be.
M had their hot meatloaf sandwich. L generally shies away from meatloaf. It was divine ("though, not as good as my Mom's." -M).
L had their apple walnut pancakes. So fresh, so tasty, so apple-y! Everything tasted fresh -- the potatoes, the eggs, everything.
It was packed! The waitress was nice even on a very busy day. And the layout is very tight, so this has to be stressful for the waitresses.
We met a couple their with the family and kids. They said they loved going to eat here as often as they could. With kids, it's pricey. For DC'ers, it seemed regular dining pricing ($20-25 for two with tip). We're reminded: A) How lucky we are we can eat out and try all these new places, and B) How different pricing can be. For me (L), that gets lost in writing these up. While this is for us, we shouldn't take this for granted. They were very nice people, too.
Cost
$$
Cleanliness
Notably clean, but very tightly packed
Service
Good.
Pluses
The food
Nice people
Minuses
Tightly packed seating
Street parking
Overall value
Definitely a bright spot and the positive online ratings are well deserved. We would definitely try to get back next time we're in Pgh.
If this place isn't a Pittsburgh institution, it should be, and after 20 years, it should be.
M had their hot meatloaf sandwich. L generally shies away from meatloaf. It was divine ("though, not as good as my Mom's." -M).
L had their apple walnut pancakes. So fresh, so tasty, so apple-y! Everything tasted fresh -- the potatoes, the eggs, everything.
It was packed! The waitress was nice even on a very busy day. And the layout is very tight, so this has to be stressful for the waitresses.
We met a couple their with the family and kids. They said they loved going to eat here as often as they could. With kids, it's pricey. For DC'ers, it seemed regular dining pricing ($20-25 for two with tip). We're reminded: A) How lucky we are we can eat out and try all these new places, and B) How different pricing can be. For me (L), that gets lost in writing these up. While this is for us, we shouldn't take this for granted. They were very nice people, too.
Cost
$$
Cleanliness
Notably clean, but very tightly packed
Service
Good.
Pluses
The food
Nice people
Minuses
Tightly packed seating
Street parking
Overall value
Definitely a bright spot and the positive online ratings are well deserved. We would definitely try to get back next time we're in Pgh.
Eat'n Park (Pittsburgh - Dormont/W. Liberty)
M's favorite Eat'n Park. LOVES the SuperBurger because of their "sauce supreme." While I fully doubt the sauce master cannot recreate this, "the sauce to sandwich ratio cannot be replicated. It simply is not the sum of its parts. It's near magical." (Note: any of you readers really have no idea how spot-on M is in recreating nearly any sauce. -L) Granted, M is right -- there is no place we've eaten at (and that's a LOT of places) that does the "sauce supreme" on their burger and that alone does make it special. And it's a darn tasty burger!
The other nice thing about Eat'n Park -- and I'm speaking to you who miss the "old" Shoney's -- you'll LOVE Eat'n Park. They have a breakfast bar. And it's good. There's history we won't go into. Keep in mind that this blog's for us to remember places... Ah, memories.
Cost
$$
Cleanliness
Clean-ish. I'm sure some days are better than others.
Service
I'm sure some days are better than others.
Pluses
Breakfast bar.
Nice diner feeling.
Minuses
Service and cleanliness are spotty.Can definitely be on the spendy side.
Overall value
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Baked and Wired (Georgetown)
Tasty cupcakes. Our friend (who find this the best cupcake place, and makes fantastic cupcakes herself) is spot-on -- the Chai cupcakes are A-W-E-S-O-M-E! And fudgy brownies? Indeed! Cute coffeehouse/bakeshop, with live music. Fun flavor names, too (Unporked Elvis, we're looking at you). Look forward to our next visit.
Cost
$10+ for 2 cupcakes and a brownie
Overall value
Yes - Tasty cupcakes are all we ask
Cost
$10+ for 2 cupcakes and a brownie
Overall value
Yes - Tasty cupcakes are all we ask
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Dishes of India (Centreville) [CLOSED]
Already closed. Didn't last a year. Too bad as the buffet was good.
Obrycki's (Baltimore - near Fells Point) [CLOSED]
"Longtime crab house Obrycki's will close its Pratt Street doors in [Nov/Dec 2011], ending a six-decade run of serving seafood" - Baltimore Sun, December 7, 2010
Crab houses are not well rated in Baltimore, and this was supposed to be one of the better ones. Half tourist-trap, half-destination that is was a feature in one of the early Homicide episodes made it a place to at least try. It's one of the "1000 places to see before you die" according to Patricia Schultz, and "Influential New York Times critic Craig Claiborne was particularly fond of Obrycki's, writing in a 1983 travel piece, 'Olde Obrycki's [is] to my mind one of the greatest crab houses in America, which is to say the world.'" The world! And it's closing after this season ("'for quality of life' reasons" says the Sun, and good for them if that's true, especially in theCrime City "Charm City"). So we had to try it...and we were not disappointed.
Tucked in a lot between the row houses and anonymous businesses along the Pratt St stretch south of the Inner Harbor, this place doesn't look like much from the outside. Parking is in a $10 pay lot (5 w/restaurant validation) catty-corner from the restaurant. But inside is a more welcoming look in a pretty spacious restaurant with (at least) two rooms split by the waiting area/bar.
Cleanliness
Clean
Service
All things considered, it was okay. It wasn't very welcoming but it wasn't off-putting and we weren't ignored. We were relatively left alone, given space. It felt like very "northern", very "Baltimore". You're not going to be coddled but you're not going to get bad/rude service (it's not Dick's). Guarded is the best word.
Pluses
Crab houses are not well rated in Baltimore, and this was supposed to be one of the better ones. Half tourist-trap, half-destination that is was a feature in one of the early Homicide episodes made it a place to at least try. It's one of the "1000 places to see before you die" according to Patricia Schultz, and "Influential New York Times critic Craig Claiborne was particularly fond of Obrycki's, writing in a 1983 travel piece, 'Olde Obrycki's [is] to my mind one of the greatest crab houses in America, which is to say the world.'" The world! And it's closing after this season ("'for quality of life' reasons" says the Sun, and good for them if that's true, especially in the
Tucked in a lot between the row houses and anonymous businesses along the Pratt St stretch south of the Inner Harbor, this place doesn't look like much from the outside. Parking is in a $10 pay lot (5 w/restaurant validation) catty-corner from the restaurant. But inside is a more welcoming look in a pretty spacious restaurant with (at least) two rooms split by the waiting area/bar.
The food:
Being with our visiting good friend T, M suggested we get in-shell crab as an appetizer so that way everyone gets a "crack" at fresh crab before going off into the world of broiled and fried crab cakes. It was a good idea.
Dungeoness crab (1 lb) – Tasty. Light on meat (surprisingly) but good nonetheless. (The blue crab season had not started (April-Nov) and the dungeoness is still in season (Nov-June), though on the tail end of it. Dungeoness was the best choice at this time according to the good people at Monterey Bay - Pittsburgh.)
Crab Imperial – "Jumbo lump and backfin crab meat in a rich sauce accented with sherry and broiled". Good, almost very good. L did not like the “rich sauce” as much as M did ("it was a nice change of pace [to the broiled crab cake]"). Would have liked bigger lumps instead of a finer shredding.
Crab duet – Two fried crab cakes - one regular and one deviled. Very good. M liked that it was lightly fried with just enough breading and egg to hold it together. Not greasy or heavy and seasoned well. L preferred these over the imperial because of the nice seasoning to them.
All meals (except the dungeoness) came with asparagus and potatoes. The asparagus was really good by all eaters. Firm (not wimpy), clean, fresh, with a slightly detectable marinade that brought out its flavor -- it was a highlight in a meal full of good eats. Baked potatoes were really good (not Yukon golds, dirty, or overly salted) and not so mushy as to essentially be mashed potatoes in skin.
Except possibly the crab imperial (as noted above), the cakes had a creaminess that was just enough without overdoing it.
And the portions were great. Each of us (unfortunately) had food left. It was just too much!
Cost
$$$ (seafood + tourist area + actually being good...what would you expect?)
$$$ (seafood + tourist area + actually being good...what would you expect?)
Cleanliness
Clean
Service
All things considered, it was okay. It wasn't very welcoming but it wasn't off-putting and we weren't ignored. We were relatively left alone, given space. It felt like very "northern", very "Baltimore". You're not going to be coddled but you're not going to get bad/rude service (it's not Dick's). Guarded is the best word.
Pluses
The crab cakes. The asparagus.
They don't use Old Bay.
They don't feel compelled to overly season EVERYTHING. Still left everything flavorful.
Minuses
The prices are high, even for seafood. Add 10% to everything you'd expect to pay.
This location will close by 2012.
Overall value
Good and we'll like go back during blue crab season to make a day of the Inner Harbor and tasty crab.The prices are high, even for seafood. Add 10% to everything you'd expect to pay.
This location will close by 2012.
Overall value
There's a BWI location and, really, they're going to just relocate to a smaller lot in Arundel Mills. In addition to likely lower rent, that "quality of life..." statement may be excluding a key part of the thought: "...in the heart of Baltimore".
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Lobster Truck (DC food truck)
So this is crazy but I feel extremely compelled. Here goes...
The Lobster Truck roams downtown DC, like many other food trucks. However, somehow this truck is an experience unlike many other things regarding food and eating. Emblazoned with "Maine Lobster" on one side, this truck sell lobster rolls, bisque and also whoopie pies and flavored sodas (free refills!) plus a few other items, but really, it's about the rolls.
So it's good. Why write a story around this? Because people will wait in a line 40 people deep for these lobster rolls. When we got to the location, the truck wasn't yet there, but already about 15 or so people were waiting in line. We joined it. Minutes went by. The line grew. More time goes by. More people. It's the closest thing to waiting in line for concert tickets when that was actually a thing to do. And most, if not all, of these people are standing here, waiting, during their lunch hour. For a lobster truck with $15 lobster rolls.
I got excited.
When the truck did arrive, it was like the President himself walked down the street. In fact, had Mr. President been walking down the street, he likely would have been ignored, especially if it's your turn to order. I didn't time it, but I honestly think I waited (with others) in line over 30 minutes. And keep in mind, the line ended up at least 40 people deep. For lobster rolls. In DC.
So how was it? Good! The meat was plentiful. And it was fresh. So much so I even had a small bit of clawshell left on a bit of meat. That gave me comfort, as a natural concern for any food truck is "how fresh is this?"
Over-priced? If you're in Maine or have a good source. But this truly is one of the few places that you can get a bonafide good lobster roll (fresh lobster meat on a split-top hot dog bun) in the DC area.
Is it perfect? No. Minuses are that there is some filler, but honestly, places in Maine rook you worse than this place does. And not while you eat it, the rolls must have a bit of saltiness to them, because a colleague and I both noted we were thirsty a bit more during the day. Small sacrifices.
Cost
$$ -- $15/roll; $7/bisque
Cleanliness
Seems clean...for a food truck. I'd go back.
Service
*** - Actually pretty nice guys
Pluses
The food, the line.
Minuses
The line. $15/roll (necessary evil)
Overall value
Worthwhile...worth the wait
The Lobster Truck roams downtown DC, like many other food trucks. However, somehow this truck is an experience unlike many other things regarding food and eating. Emblazoned with "Maine Lobster" on one side, this truck sell lobster rolls, bisque and also whoopie pies and flavored sodas (free refills!) plus a few other items, but really, it's about the rolls.
So it's good. Why write a story around this? Because people will wait in a line 40 people deep for these lobster rolls. When we got to the location, the truck wasn't yet there, but already about 15 or so people were waiting in line. We joined it. Minutes went by. The line grew. More time goes by. More people. It's the closest thing to waiting in line for concert tickets when that was actually a thing to do. And most, if not all, of these people are standing here, waiting, during their lunch hour. For a lobster truck with $15 lobster rolls.
I got excited.
When the truck did arrive, it was like the President himself walked down the street. In fact, had Mr. President been walking down the street, he likely would have been ignored, especially if it's your turn to order. I didn't time it, but I honestly think I waited (with others) in line over 30 minutes. And keep in mind, the line ended up at least 40 people deep. For lobster rolls. In DC.
So how was it? Good! The meat was plentiful. And it was fresh. So much so I even had a small bit of clawshell left on a bit of meat. That gave me comfort, as a natural concern for any food truck is "how fresh is this?"
Over-priced? If you're in Maine or have a good source. But this truly is one of the few places that you can get a bonafide good lobster roll (fresh lobster meat on a split-top hot dog bun) in the DC area.
Is it perfect? No. Minuses are that there is some filler, but honestly, places in Maine rook you worse than this place does. And not while you eat it, the rolls must have a bit of saltiness to them, because a colleague and I both noted we were thirsty a bit more during the day. Small sacrifices.
Cost
$$ -- $15/roll; $7/bisque
Cleanliness
Seems clean...for a food truck. I'd go back.
Service
*** - Actually pretty nice guys
Pluses
The food, the line.
Minuses
The line. $15/roll (necessary evil)
Overall value
Worthwhile...worth the wait
Friday, January 28, 2011
El Paso (Rt 1 Mt Vernon)
El Paso is a sit-down, chain Mexican restaurant, but this location is our favorite (especially compared to the one in Woodbridge). Aside from the always friendly service, the food is generally well-seasoned and well-made. While they do have a slight tendency to over-sauce some of their food, it's generally not an issue.
Notable dishes: Carne Guisada, Chicken Colorado, also they serve arroz con gandules(!)
Dish to avoid: T-bone (dry and grisly - very disappointing given their other entrees are consistently well prepared)
Cost -- $$
Service -- Very good people. Andres is always nice, very professional and personable. Rosa is always says hello and works very diligently.
Cleanliness -- Notably clean.
Pluses
1) Very consistent in terms of preparing the more seasoned foods
2) Good happy hour food specials
Minuses
1) Special steak dish was awful
Overall -- Very good
And worth driving a little out of the way to eat here
Notable dishes: Carne Guisada, Chicken Colorado, also they serve arroz con gandules(!)
Dish to avoid: T-bone (dry and grisly - very disappointing given their other entrees are consistently well prepared)
Cost -- $$
Service -- Very good people. Andres is always nice, very professional and personable. Rosa is always says hello and works very diligently.
Cleanliness -- Notably clean.
Pluses
1) Very consistent in terms of preparing the more seasoned foods
2) Good happy hour food specials
Minuses
1) Special steak dish was awful
Overall -- Very good
And worth driving a little out of the way to eat here
Ray's Hell Burger (Clarendon) [CLOSED]
Burger joint that bustles like a weekend night at the Little Italy pizzeria in Athens, GA (packed). Robust menu of burger options (wide selection of cheeses and toppings). We probably should have gone to Ray's Too. Something to go back for. We wanted to stick to the original, not the imitator!
To remember:
Cost
$$ = Casual restaurant price point (think somewhere between Panera and Ruby Tuesday's)
Cleanliness
Clean considering how busy it gets
Service
*** - Average (commendable given the pace)
Pluses
Big burger! Flame-broiled! Cheeses galore! And bone marrow topping?? Seriously? A wealth of free toppings too. Business is good (bad for parking, seating, see below).
Minuses
Parking is TERRIBLE. Finding a table can be a challenge. Mac-n-cheese: noodles were soggy and one of the SEVEN cheeses was gritty (such promise!).
Overall value
Value-to-price ratio was good for the burger ($8 with cheese). Fries are good. Other sides aren't worth the extra cost, though, and can run the tab up quickly.
Definitely the place to go for a great burger. (NOTE: For those who stumble upon this, yes, we've tried Five Guys. We like this better. Deal with it.)
To remember:
- "Medium" came out "Medium rare". "Medium well" was right.
- Oh, and free water ;-)
- CASH ONLY!
Cost
$$ = Casual restaurant price point (think somewhere between Panera and Ruby Tuesday's)
Cleanliness
Clean considering how busy it gets
Service
*** - Average (commendable given the pace)
Pluses
Big burger! Flame-broiled! Cheeses galore! And bone marrow topping?? Seriously? A wealth of free toppings too. Business is good (bad for parking, seating, see below).
Minuses
Parking is TERRIBLE. Finding a table can be a challenge. Mac-n-cheese: noodles were soggy and one of the SEVEN cheeses was gritty (such promise!).
Overall value
Value-to-price ratio was good for the burger ($8 with cheese). Fries are good. Other sides aren't worth the extra cost, though, and can run the tab up quickly.
Definitely the place to go for a great burger. (NOTE: For those who stumble upon this, yes, we've tried Five Guys. We like this better. Deal with it.)
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