tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37944360820479722882024-03-19T04:35:35.481-07:00Young Professionals Dining in Arlington & DCShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794436082047972288.post-48641044017746222122011-07-25T21:22:00.000-07:002011-07-25T21:22:04.149-07:00Willow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF7RgEU0Xv3K0iVn6FFM_Xn5aG5vGSVtougSnZLNNGEgvOtdxH7BacPiDKZ0jY8GLoBN4EPQN7x2viZ4qcWCYH556XnGbngBDmm8EEOMg4uqvEpFheJ13Go_Ci_qs_U0gwehgNzHjCJva/s1600/IMG_0177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF7RgEU0Xv3K0iVn6FFM_Xn5aG5vGSVtougSnZLNNGEgvOtdxH7BacPiDKZ0jY8GLoBN4EPQN7x2viZ4qcWCYH556XnGbngBDmm8EEOMg4uqvEpFheJ13Go_Ci_qs_U0gwehgNzHjCJva/s320/IMG_0177.jpg" width="239" /></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Willow</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The second restaurant that deserves an </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in my book is Willow. It's a toss up between Ris and Willow for my favorite dining experience thus far in the DC/Arlington area.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location: </span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>4301 N. Fairfax Drive </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Arlington Va. 22203</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Service: <i>impeccable</i> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Food: <b>10</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Atmosphere: 9</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(the bar area could be a bit more inviting) </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jRacDQIyCnT-g3wtmj-ErUQfM69Pt7vJHmxpE_IaOOK09JGNgf3zBxKvyZgLPLadtDNaU7DC52ykEHaJGL0cJHpKMZ8zeqXZ-dgFStcPPth_-No41JYX47gUDUkzPL1gD7BlwqzL63p4/s1600/IMG_0175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jRacDQIyCnT-g3wtmj-ErUQfM69Pt7vJHmxpE_IaOOK09JGNgf3zBxKvyZgLPLadtDNaU7DC52ykEHaJGL0cJHpKMZ8zeqXZ-dgFStcPPth_-No41JYX47gUDUkzPL1gD7BlwqzL63p4/s200/IMG_0175.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margarita flatbread</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It doesn't get much better than Willow if you're looking for a fine dining experience. The prices are above average, but <b>worth it</b>. It's the perfect place to take a lady on a date...if any guys are reading this for tips. Great wine list and appetizers are perfect to share. I highly recommend their signature grilled flatbread pizzas to start off the meal right. </span><br />
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There are two sizes, a smaller and a bigger one (not sure on the exact measurements). The smaller pie is plenty for two people if you plan to order entrees. The larger would def. feed a table of four comfortably. We were boring and ordered the margarita. But if you want to be a bit more daring, there are plenty of options including the <i>calamari ali olio</i> with savory pesto, roasted tomato, fontina and parsley & lemon. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm big into seafood (if you haven't noticed a trend). Naturally, I chose the <i>sauteed Alaskan halibut</i> which was mouth watering, even to look at. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRFggJyHY5Fu3DauF8K47k-3ppWNkED5Qo9_3C1lBbyAW1xPVTee2kGyBk9pRPZU57jPKzpfzoC0SVIZm-HsF4Xoqxcea9HWvPG7N9s6_j-5TAsTy5VMQau65NwQS7ObspnN2uMJiPfA3/s1600/IMG_0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRFggJyHY5Fu3DauF8K47k-3ppWNkED5Qo9_3C1lBbyAW1xPVTee2kGyBk9pRPZU57jPKzpfzoC0SVIZm-HsF4Xoqxcea9HWvPG7N9s6_j-5TAsTy5VMQau65NwQS7ObspnN2uMJiPfA3/s320/IMG_0174.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alaskan Halibut</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Served with fried olives atop and w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">arm barley salad with gigante beans, broccoli, sunflower seeds, basil & lemon under the perfectly prepared fish--this was an A+ dish in my book. I would honestly have a hard time going back to Willow and resisting the urge to order this again. There are a number of other seafood options on the menu ranging from roasted Norwegian salmon to seared scallops with potato ravioli. There are also non-seafood options as well. If you're in the mood for red meat, I suggest the filet medallions. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Live in the Arlington area? You have no excuse to not try Willow. There is a parking garage right next to the restaurant so parking is not an issue!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Try it and let me know if you loved it as much as me!</span><br />
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</span>ShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794436082047972288.post-9229178758183804542011-07-17T16:56:00.000-07:002011-07-17T17:00:01.502-07:00Circa<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Circa</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location: 3010 Clarendon Boulevard<br />
Arlington, VA 22201</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">*Also in Dupont </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;">Awesome atmosphere, but, unfortunately, not as awesome food or service. When I walked into Circa I was immediately impressed with the <i>modern decor</i>, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">the bar area </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">and the comfortable seating. Naturally, I was expecting the dining experience to rate quite well.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1Gaj2b_Q7WFwwxmqzODJs6QwSewzCT8c7h2A7vibPzvrSXIxGhIb_pjcQSoG9LYJ8FYJncwOzT_AFeyu0R99U_VVDiyh-6PYbWhenIPhT6CJqv1VPqBm9OlPu1gv8mdsqnL1FAw3vrK9/s1600/IMG_0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1Gaj2b_Q7WFwwxmqzODJs6QwSewzCT8c7h2A7vibPzvrSXIxGhIb_pjcQSoG9LYJ8FYJncwOzT_AFeyu0R99U_VVDiyh-6PYbWhenIPhT6CJqv1VPqBm9OlPu1gv8mdsqnL1FAw3vrK9/s320/IMG_0169.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circa burger with sweet potato fries </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">The servers were unorganized from the get-go. It took awhile to get our drinks (even water) and we had to ask for refills and ketchup for our burgers and fries. The food wasn't bad; in fact, <b>my burger was above average</b>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">However, I feel like I can get a delicious burger at a number of places. Two of the other people I was dining with ordered the personal lunch pizzas and were less than satisfied. The chicken on the pizza was dry and the flavor was bland. Not terrible, just not worth the price or calories. Overall, it simply wasn't something I would rave to my friends about.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JrcoZMka4IrcBOvhg8vpGDM2ulomv9tNkQAOwQlCQMcCFsws50sVSuHv0ZudT4IQQKgWP8SLelpxGYB0uQ1O7_ELv9XI8eqxGjab_6R7QXU4NJPdJc80IKV70N1buAXOWqrOZ-odOSMH/s1600/IMG_0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JrcoZMka4IrcBOvhg8vpGDM2ulomv9tNkQAOwQlCQMcCFsws50sVSuHv0ZudT4IQQKgWP8SLelpxGYB0uQ1O7_ELv9XI8eqxGjab_6R7QXU4NJPdJc80IKV70N1buAXOWqrOZ-odOSMH/s320/IMG_0171.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBQ chicken pizza<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15px;">Last thought: I've heard a number of people say they enjoy Circa for happy hour. You can't really mess up a vodka tonic and, like I said, the atmosphere is pleasant so don't count out Circa completely. Maybe I'm just overly picky.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After the meal, I decided I wasn't planning a future visit anytime soon. That disappoints me because Circa has the atmosphere going for it. My suggestion: amp up the service and tweak the menu a bit, then you'll be in business. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall rating: <b>C</b></span></span><br />
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</span></span>ShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794436082047972288.post-60892081730803872011-07-12T20:27:00.000-07:002011-07-13T19:16:31.193-07:00Georgetown Cupcake<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My apology for the lack of posts this past week. I have just begun my internship on the Hill and have not had much spare time to enjoy dining and writing. Now that I'm getting into the swing of things, you'll see more from me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Today's food for thought</i>:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When did <b>cupcakes</b> become the latest sweet tooth craving trend? For those of you who know me, I'm not one to turn down </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">anything</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> sweet, but I personally prefer to indulge in homemade ice cream or a big piece of New York cheesecake. Nonetheless, I had to give in to the cupcake craze and try </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Georgetown Cupcake</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Georgetown Cupcake, also known as </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">DC Cupcake</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> from its TV show on TLC is located at:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3301 M Street NW (corner of 33rd & M)</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmqCfah7wS-R0xgwde5ZISfC0L86aRBARwonuKQ8utOromqDlsn-SskfcXDWBv3AhtdyTcCbJ7GrKosue3LUuosr-cXCkE9pVuXnJpkxjVAd3Hta9ctIWp5xn9Ui1ypd-TVcVJjqWGpVu/s1600/IMG_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmqCfah7wS-R0xgwde5ZISfC0L86aRBARwonuKQ8utOromqDlsn-SskfcXDWBv3AhtdyTcCbJ7GrKosue3LUuosr-cXCkE9pVuXnJpkxjVAd3Hta9ctIWp5xn9Ui1ypd-TVcVJjqWGpVu/s320/IMG_0136.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While I really admire the originality of the cupcake flavors and the fact that this bakery was started by two sisters, I honestly don't understand all the hype. When my roommate and I went to try it out on a weekday at 3 p.m., the line was pushed out the door and stretched at least half way around the block.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't get me wrong, the cupcakes are good and I have nothing bad to say. You would just think people were waiting in line to meet President Obama (ew) with the level of eagerness displayed. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because there was a "30 minute wait" for the flavor I really wanted to try, I ended up choosing "vanilla birthday." A madagascar bourbon vanilla cupcake topped with a traditional sweet vanilla buttercream frosting and rainbow sprinkles. Not too shabby, but def. didn't knock my socks off. Perhaps one of the more creative flavors, such as the "chocolate coconut," the "salted caramel" or the "honey banana" would have made a lasting impression. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next time, if I go back, I'll go for something more risky--even if they don't have the flavor I initially want. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5QwIgGkGffuhPZRbJmTpG5Bv-9Vt1fwAnD8oNf59UKvoqOza101EuUDTDK_lcDcvzf31jvsAoIUiAmAnp3-QCGUgD3TSRf10kae2a-SPJMukt9_5Cdpuo-muDWc37wdmVMZiiUkR_iA0/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5QwIgGkGffuhPZRbJmTpG5Bv-9Vt1fwAnD8oNf59UKvoqOza101EuUDTDK_lcDcvzf31jvsAoIUiAmAnp3-QCGUgD3TSRf10kae2a-SPJMukt9_5Cdpuo-muDWc37wdmVMZiiUkR_iA0/s320/IMG_0138.jpg" width="239" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To end on a positive note, the prices weren't nearly as high as I anticipated ($3 dollars a pop), the what seemed to be a never ending line didn't take too long and the staff was super friendly.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall rating: <b>B</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overrated, but still a yummy sweet treat for a reasonable price. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My pick: <b>Thomas Sweet</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're craving the best ice cream in DC, this is the spot.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's conveniently right down the street from GT Cupcake: located @</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">3214 P Street Northwest!</span>ShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794436082047972288.post-77463312389138611452011-06-27T09:29:00.000-07:002011-06-27T09:37:34.629-07:00Paolo's<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Paolo's Ristorante </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>"Traditional Italian made California Fresh"</i></span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location: 1303 Wisconsin Avenue NW,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Washington D.C. 20007 (Georgetown)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*There is also a Paolo's in Reston</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Paolo's Italian restaurant</b> offers a fun, modern atmosphere for a happy hour get-together or a leisurely dinner with your significant other.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My friend and I decided to sit in the bar area because we didn't feel like waiting for a table outside. The wait on Saturday night without a reservation was about 25 minutes. Our table was a bit small, but absolutely fine for two people. Still, I would suggest reservations on the weekend. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDTxsqbTYZTFZlqzxwRhFYTKhYucberU5otZJHgvD0e6So4q40J1_pRxhSypVvA5Y5VvRt6wlJwRSskoxUj7weuxYAl758ge1JbGxtTPo5xuSTPJXmSZOXcAsbwtp11jP9q6lDn1H7_C7/s1600/IMG_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDTxsqbTYZTFZlqzxwRhFYTKhYucberU5otZJHgvD0e6So4q40J1_pRxhSypVvA5Y5VvRt6wlJwRSskoxUj7weuxYAl758ge1JbGxtTPo5xuSTPJXmSZOXcAsbwtp11jP9q6lDn1H7_C7/s320/IMG_0152.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Breadsticks and hummus</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The breadsticks and olive based hummus was a perfect way to start our meal. I was happy to see something a little different from the bland slices of bread served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whether you're craving pizza, pasta or a hearty salad, t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">here are plenty of options on the menu.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I'm a pasta person. I love seafood so I went for the <b>crab pasta </b>dish. It was good, but not great. Capellini pasta with a light pesto/basil sauce, roasted tomatoes, corn and of course lump crab meat. The crab was delicious, but the pasta was a bit bland. While the corn and tomatoes added a nice flavor, it seemed that something small was missing from the dish.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqd1vnmK7syep2a0_RkKzR59AR0B09H9zIotA6333HO3KNNyATJgD7u0dnNnTmsnsd704MVxEXy4IP-l4oHiEZBhPBQwIVpT9uzB-qChF266wWB9Yu8elMFtRf67xFzat2NBiQbKkW6SW/s1600/IMG_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqd1vnmK7syep2a0_RkKzR59AR0B09H9zIotA6333HO3KNNyATJgD7u0dnNnTmsnsd704MVxEXy4IP-l4oHiEZBhPBQwIVpT9uzB-qChF266wWB9Yu8elMFtRf67xFzat2NBiQbKkW6SW/s320/IMG_0156.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza margarita and half of house salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The pizza margarita was above average in all regards. Plenty for two people splitting or a great appetizer for a table of four. The other pizzas sounded just as mouthwatering.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The waitress was friendly and informative and our food came out in a timely manner. One thing I noticed was my friend's salad came out with her pizza. Usually, salad comes beforehand. Not a big deal--I just notice the small stuff. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Prices were moderate. $14 for the pizza and $22 for the pasta entree. If you're looking for an Italian restaurant that's not too heavy then this is a good choice for dinner or drinks. There was a large group of 20-somethings enjoying happy hour before a night out in Georgetown. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall rating: <b>B</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Paolo's </b>wasn't life changing like <b>Ris</b>. I wouldn't suggest it for a special occasion or to a friend that was only going to be in D.C. for a night or two and wanted to experience somewhere unique and memorable. Nonetheless, it's still an above average restaurant. If you live in the area and often crave Italian, try it sometime. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Paolo's <a href="http://www.paolosristorante.com/georgetown/regularmenu.php">menu</a> </span>ShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794436082047972288.post-75482259096016726342011-06-21T17:56:00.000-07:002011-06-21T21:22:08.828-07:00Bayou<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sorry I've been slacking on the posts this week. I've been busy working so I've either made something easy at home or gone to Whole Foods to grab sushi. This week I'll step up my game and entertain whoever reads my blog--hopefully a few people!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Bayou</b>: Coffee Bar Eatery</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location: 1515 N. Courthouse Rd.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Arlington, VA </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">bayoubakeryva.com</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40dDVnEGT8LMx8-DaAGV90nE149uTv1KUfb2R8gdZ-m0rwQQtapKo3e4aYKPdSyb8-GZn3tBLtQxsL1RmFiGpbrMz5FV_1-KcCTMsruiGzbSV3ysdsiR-O2ev5C3RCkNkOsT83LlgGJLF/s1600/IMG_0147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40dDVnEGT8LMx8-DaAGV90nE149uTv1KUfb2R8gdZ-m0rwQQtapKo3e4aYKPdSyb8-GZn3tBLtQxsL1RmFiGpbrMz5FV_1-KcCTMsruiGzbSV3ysdsiR-O2ev5C3RCkNkOsT83LlgGJLF/s320/IMG_0147.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of Bayou</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been to Bayou for my morning coffee and a blueberry muffin and thought it was a cute and yummy place to grab breakfast at. Until today when </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">my roommate told me she had a delicious salad there a few weeks ago</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, I didn't know <b>Bayou</b> served lunch and dinner too!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After walking to Georgetown and back, my roommate and I were hungry and wanted something semi-healthy for dinner. The Bayou salad that she described sounded perfect for what we were craving. Not to mention, I also wanted to blog about a restaurant near my apartment in Arlington. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall, the food at Bayou is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>New Orleans style</b> cooking. For breakfast, take your pick of an egg sandwich on a buttermilk biscuit, beignets, oatmeal or yogurt with fresh fruit from the farmer's market, or one of their yummy muffins. I recommend blueberry. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For lunch, there are a number of sandwiches available. I haven't tried any of them, but they all sound pretty good and are no more expensive than $8. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Soup and salads are on the menu all day and "super hot plates" are only available for dinner. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My roommate and I both chose the same salad: grilled chicken, apples, spiced pecans and local chevre (similar to goat cheese ) over mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette. I really enjoyed the freshness of the greens and the apples. The portion of grilled chicken was generous--some restaurants tend to not put enough protein on their salads and it really bothers me when I'm paying $10 or more for a salad.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-RJsl-2g_Xp0NbRiAl2m9sswi6i-tuxNfPhJF8NgPBXL8BZXaz9mYARHrQsME7yTc5gth2WQy8g-uv12lhGJmpJA_xhzNPRrwrp9prlbgnovq9XHJjJqybgaEsUgO3rhpbfNo1_9MwaK/s1600/IMG_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-RJsl-2g_Xp0NbRiAl2m9sswi6i-tuxNfPhJF8NgPBXL8BZXaz9mYARHrQsME7yTc5gth2WQy8g-uv12lhGJmpJA_xhzNPRrwrp9prlbgnovq9XHJjJqybgaEsUgO3rhpbfNo1_9MwaK/s400/IMG_0149.JPG" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Mixed greens with grilled chicken and a cup of gumbo</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The other salads also sounded tasty. Especially the Bayou chopped with blue cheese, bacon, egg, avocado, oven-cured tomatoes and radish with a mustard vinaigrette. And if you don't like chicken, no worries--you can go for the spiced shrimp instead. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thought it would be boring to blog just about a salad, and I wanted to try something else too, so I got a side of the <b>blackened turkey meatballs</b>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZFelryjS1EfVVmBC-8fMaVttaIc_7TzyqfmBA24kSFWxMjt_uk9SpNcqWZCheG-79ezQMRyd8EzRgGneS4DiDN0VelYIbbKcyf1KPpCmmy5O_Q2vFUNF_wnGRR0WpHXaUzxGXmVYPWoj/s1600/IMG_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZFelryjS1EfVVmBC-8fMaVttaIc_7TzyqfmBA24kSFWxMjt_uk9SpNcqWZCheG-79ezQMRyd8EzRgGneS4DiDN0VelYIbbKcyf1KPpCmmy5O_Q2vFUNF_wnGRR0WpHXaUzxGXmVYPWoj/s320/IMG_0151.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Turkey meatballs </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One word: yum. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Turkey meatballs with roasted tomato sauce and melted parmigiano cheese. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Good Southern cookin' right there.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">roommate had a cup of the chicken & sausage gum</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">bo with her salad and while I didn't try it, it smelled and looked full of flavor. She doesn't like spicy foods and enjoyed the gumbo because it wasn't overwhelming in the</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">slightest. So if you're not a spicy foods </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">type of person, there are still plenty of options at this New Orleans style eatery that shouldn't be too overwhelming for your taste buds. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall rating: <b>B+</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I would def. go back for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The prices were reasonable, the atmosphere was laid back and the food was ready in no time. There were a few people having appetizers and drinks while we were there. I'd even suggest that if you aren't starving. The selection of brews on tap isn't bad either. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For my next post I'll be comparing <b>Georgetown Cupcake and Crumbs Bake Shop</b>. Can't say I'll hate comparing the two :) </span>ShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794436082047972288.post-72514055413821863252011-06-14T08:45:00.000-07:002011-06-14T08:45:33.964-07:00Ris<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Ris</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location: 2275 L<b> </b>Street, NW (Near Foggy Bottom)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Washington, DC 20037</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Phone: (202) 730-2500</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My roommate and I both had yesterday off so we decided to explore DC. After a visit to the National History Museum and a little bit of shopping, we were ready for a glass of wine and a relaxing dinner. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had the mindset that we'd stumble upon a great restaurant just walking around. We were wrong. It's not as easy as it sounds--even in the city! I definitely learned a valuable lesson. Get a recommendation beforehand and know exactly where you're going. We literally walked around for almost an hour then finally got on the metro and went to Dupont Circle. After walking around there for thirty minutes and still not finding something worthwhile (we're picky), we asked a friendly man for his advice. Bingo. He told us to follow him--he was going to meet some friends at <b>Ris</b> and he promised we would enjoy the wine and the food. He was right on point!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoWS9o7MdsvGREWyd4W2hM5Muw0GuViP7VRzvFdjEInWUlIWFaTIkoLHXYQfBOMq30fjNrn4nczS6W5RrB_wIgyhH-UwJZVMuE4_BGu7XmktZWvvqRr9gumiCQSgluIB1wQz5pLcxWbKf/s1600/IMG_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoWS9o7MdsvGREWyd4W2hM5Muw0GuViP7VRzvFdjEInWUlIWFaTIkoLHXYQfBOMq30fjNrn4nczS6W5RrB_wIgyhH-UwJZVMuE4_BGu7XmktZWvvqRr9gumiCQSgluIB1wQz5pLcxWbKf/s320/IMG_0107.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is the first, and hopefully not the last, restaurant I'll rate an </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I would like to rate Ris an A+, but I have one small bone to pick. When my friend and I got there, the hostess wasn't very polite. She sat us at a table that wasn't particularly ideal. The sun was shining in our faces and the table was near the kitchen door. When we asked to be seated somewhere else, she said it wasn't possible. So we flagged down the manager and got our way. Sometimes I feel like young people don't get the same respect as older people dining out. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On to the food... <b>American contemporary</b> is how I would describe the cuisine at Ris. The menu offered a number of unique dishes ranging from the Monday gourmet meatloaf special to pan roasted Alaska halibut. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was immediately impressed by the service (minus the hostess) and the atmosphere. We started our meal off right by ordering a bottle of Mohua sauvignon blanc. It's a white wine from New Zealand and hit the spot. We opted to split a mixed greens salad, which was plenty for two, while we looked over the menu.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rSXtcwiotFfiz08zlEO8UXDVGiv273vBE_bY6FvE_dd8bTT2g8UbzfKoR1m1oJ2PuHOhhi6rZsTQUZcHvZXIZTkns4U9mHoGnRZ9U5PxvuNVIosn2NSSo_g_Kn0HPI9wI7g5FZd6nDE7/s1600/IMG_0106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
It was hard to pick an entree because everything sounded so different, yet so appetizing. My roommate decided to go with the Monday </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>meatloaf </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">special. This wasn't your typical </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">meatloaf meal. This was high quality beef prepared perfectly and served with whipped mashed potatoes and spinach. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygl3pPRUvi_cjqSe_88yjqDchX7DYrub_jLGiEtaP5wVtDiX-IivvTN348ZUmHoF7akIqYeONX4SqWwIp9Zr6S-kPLkZqQXoHXYYWjG3h3tZUOTjVk_UTqCajZqtYd8YoxTAAOhLq2Akc/s1600/IMG_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygl3pPRUvi_cjqSe_88yjqDchX7DYrub_jLGiEtaP5wVtDiX-IivvTN348ZUmHoF7akIqYeONX4SqWwIp9Zr6S-kPLkZqQXoHXYYWjG3h3tZUOTjVk_UTqCajZqtYd8YoxTAAOhLq2Akc/s200/IMG_0103.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Meatloaf<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I went for the <b>sesame crusted salmon</b> with gingered beets, bok choi, over soba noodles and red curry coconut broth. Amazing. I'm assuming the halibut would have been just as tasty. I honestly don't think you could go wrong with any of the entrees!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Without the bottle of wine, my bill would have been around $30. Pretty reasonable, in my opinion, for an <b>A </b>restaurant with phenomenal service. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIipVlWiTIoOhrC7uvEXgxhPPXAs8plmOlnifNvomi23i-x-npkPyO-k0PR6MlgXLoQtV_rnZaH0t5UhQOUYEYfscBKxFa527ZkMusB2thZbT0j1khbSbVTgpv3ree7V_CNwIOAtyQx_H/s1600/IMG_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIipVlWiTIoOhrC7uvEXgxhPPXAs8plmOlnifNvomi23i-x-npkPyO-k0PR6MlgXLoQtV_rnZaH0t5UhQOUYEYfscBKxFa527ZkMusB2thZbT0j1khbSbVTgpv3ree7V_CNwIOAtyQx_H/s200/IMG_0100.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Salmon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wished I had saved room for dessert because the pecan carrot cake, along with all of the other options, sounded sinful (in a good way). I just couldn't do it. But I will 100% go back to Ris to try something else and make room for dessert. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of all the restaurants I've been to, thus far, this is the best. I suggest reservations if you're going for dinner!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>ShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794436082047972288.post-81806092707109671592011-06-12T18:02:00.000-07:002011-06-12T18:02:43.683-07:00Cafe Asia<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cafe Asia</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1550 Wilson Boulevard</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Arlington, VA 22209-2435</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Phone: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(703) 469-1953</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you like Asian food, and want a causal, reasonably priced restaurant, then <b>Cafe Asia</b> is your place.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cafe Asia offers a wide variety of Asian cuisine from sushi to pad tai. It may be one of the biggest restaurants I've been to in years. There were <i>at least</i> 100 people dining there for dinner! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To be honest, the size of the restaurant was a bit overwhelming and it was difficult to fully enjoy my company because of the noise. (Perhaps it's not as crowded for lunch?)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Besides the loud noise, I didn't feel as though there was the chance for a personable dining experience. To the server, we were just another table. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With that said, the waiter seemed to have trouble giving our party individual checks and did not have a spectacular attitude about doing it when we asked nicely. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While Cafe Asia is a huge restaurant, there are only two bathroom stalls in the women's room, which I found to be odd and poor use of space. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;">To sum up: good portion sizes for a <b>very reasonable price</b>:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKn_bLpdu4s499cF7qcyUZ1GVMJZ0Kj19hiMrSlEVZ89AEgFcP9HjmIFhFCYP12gKtirrhFrc_3oM04TesvAqfF1JZpfZTYhwWrZ5OLx1D2S31WuWup1dLC_iG9llVdmxd9P8GYS5jvTF/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKn_bLpdu4s499cF7qcyUZ1GVMJZ0Kj19hiMrSlEVZ89AEgFcP9HjmIFhFCYP12gKtirrhFrc_3oM04TesvAqfF1JZpfZTYhwWrZ5OLx1D2S31WuWup1dLC_iG9llVdmxd9P8GYS5jvTF/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garlic chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;">For only $10, I split chicken lo mein with my friend. It was plenty for the two of us after having an appetizer. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">While the service wasn't great and the atmosphere wasn't anything special, I would go back to fulfill my asian food craving for a cheap price.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">Also, the drinks were pretty cheap during happy hour. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">Overall rating: C+</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;">Next time I might try the sushi!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksQC-hRXCPObtEUlUwvodlLCWXHpbVlC6O2ksxqQTe-Y-xoDCMcw8ismuH7BgyOdw_Yc1Yv0N6yPvttrcP7efxvEdMb7WrTF3jO8lF9r3eFKK5vYCCxDAy6YvM75uIBTWOj8HELupaSSA/s1600/IMG_0091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksQC-hRXCPObtEUlUwvodlLCWXHpbVlC6O2ksxqQTe-Y-xoDCMcw8ismuH7BgyOdw_Yc1Yv0N6yPvttrcP7efxvEdMb7WrTF3jO8lF9r3eFKK5vYCCxDAy6YvM75uIBTWOj8HELupaSSA/s320/IMG_0091.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teriyaki chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;"></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div>ShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794436082047972288.post-20926539375579301582011-06-12T17:31:00.000-07:002011-06-12T17:31:24.124-07:00Fyve Restaurant Lounge<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fyve Restaurant Lounge </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location: 1250 South Hayes Street</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Arlington, VA 22202 </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Phone: (703) 415-5000</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Attached to the Pentagon City mall is the glamorous Ritz Carlton hotel and <b>Fyve Restaurant Lounge</b>. Whether you're up for a three-course meal or simply looking for a nice place to meet a friend for drinks, in my opinion, Fyve isn't a terrible choice. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5SnsvBQvo8fnL3311tMLbvONi4cRBgSMfsJfoWAi17flB1u4mjb6UtOqxO5SjEH5j-wYURgefTDRoK1T7tWJl2GFx5NoT-07hwP4O6XLo-0vRhr9KAO4HY_U1xIsPPy-nmPclaItdZvS/s1600/Ritz_PentagonCity_00044_MainTall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5SnsvBQvo8fnL3311tMLbvONi4cRBgSMfsJfoWAi17flB1u4mjb6UtOqxO5SjEH5j-wYURgefTDRoK1T7tWJl2GFx5NoT-07hwP4O6XLo-0vRhr9KAO4HY_U1xIsPPy-nmPclaItdZvS/s320/Ritz_PentagonCity_00044_MainTall.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The dining room<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">My dinner reservations were at 7:30 and the restaurant was nearly full when my party was seated. To me, a full restaurant is a good indication of a good dining experience. This definitely held to be true at Fyve. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">To paint a picture in your head, you walk in and there is a full bar and lounge that leads into a bigger dining room. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Modern American cuisine is offered in an atmosphere with dazzling hues of red and orange that introduce an upbeat and contemporary décor."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Side note: by no means do you need to wear your Sunday best, but don't dress like you're going to Olive Garden for lunch. For guys, a nice shirt and khakis is appropriate attire. Ladies, a causal dress or any pants other than jeans will work. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now I'll get to the food...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Surprisingly, the food was not terribly over-priced. Keeping this in mind, it was still expensive. The average entree price was around $28. The portions were satisfying and the service was nearly impeccable.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love seafood so I ordered the Maryland style crab cake. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1dtrJGungByk0NKEufeRo84Svzsm9KA89nNW56qqmDXeQIq9FrW4GOtUT653JltJpoB-68u0nA-5skmJYUeyv4DfAyxqoAor5e_w1CEVtZlBvQJhXb4wjjgJPOBq8BKiRjHDEOfq73s-/s1600/IMG_0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1dtrJGungByk0NKEufeRo84Svzsm9KA89nNW56qqmDXeQIq9FrW4GOtUT653JltJpoB-68u0nA-5skmJYUeyv4DfAyxqoAor5e_w1CEVtZlBvQJhXb4wjjgJPOBq8BKiRjHDEOfq73s-/s320/IMG_0085.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Maryland style crab cake<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">It was a large cake (about the size of a big juicy burger). There was absolutely no filler, and it was deliciously fresh. The chef prepared the entree with a mandarin orange arrangement. The citrus added a nice, refreshing flavor. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Finishing it all, I left no sign of disappointment on my plate. I would order this again tomorrow. </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">I also tried the grilled New York strip; and it was pretty phenomenal. Served with mashed potatoes, i</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">t was cooked to perfection if you like a rare, tender piece of meat. A glass of pinot noir with this entree really hit the spot! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3GWvORnxAXY-TFcdBD3Ikh2prSY9cdPjXNMXPrKy8qbWt_wRkiOqbSXTAnHxCpvNuxuIDqY1-fTc0BLjiGkynSV8EjJOyVbb_ivjkbKHxSPg2PVsGuGqMmC4SpzvDsfn_qssg6ZLfm-c/s1600/IMG_0088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3GWvORnxAXY-TFcdBD3Ikh2prSY9cdPjXNMXPrKy8qbWt_wRkiOqbSXTAnHxCpvNuxuIDqY1-fTc0BLjiGkynSV8EjJOyVbb_ivjkbKHxSPg2PVsGuGqMmC4SpzvDsfn_qssg6ZLfm-c/s320/IMG_0088.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">New York strip<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">As I said, the service was top notch. Fyve is not a causal place to go to dinner, but I highly recommend it if you're looking for somewhere nicer to dine.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Overall rating: B+</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Fyve is a little expensive for the young professional starting a career in the DC area. It's not somewhere you'd want to go spur of the moment. If you like what I've described, think of it as a great place for a special occasion. </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div>ShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794436082047972288.post-10014608803939730202011-06-09T13:47:00.000-07:002011-06-09T13:47:16.570-07:00Corner Bakery Cafe<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Corner Bakery Cafe</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"<i>Perfect Stop for Lunch</i>"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location: 2111 Wilson Blvd. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Arlington, VA 22209</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Note: Franchise (they are everywhere)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIRreOV_od7WFOdprAa0vBgKlUb06JunXylDw-XtIDwzEqG9KWUpGLlmAt4dQy-QH6JPpgrlX9MKUEC6M3tFLIWh2Bzcy_Qsv86rIa-Rn0rl2PLNWNeN1CIpZvHikqRTKKQNEXY1ACqps/s1600/IMG_0083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIRreOV_od7WFOdprAa0vBgKlUb06JunXylDw-XtIDwzEqG9KWUpGLlmAt4dQy-QH6JPpgrlX9MKUEC6M3tFLIWh2Bzcy_Qsv86rIa-Rn0rl2PLNWNeN1CIpZvHikqRTKKQNEXY1ACqps/s320/IMG_0083.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A good way to sum up Corner Bakery Cafe is to say that it's a lot like Panera but more authentic, with better variety. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I went to C.B. Cafe for a late lunch today. If had gone earlier, I probably would've taken advantage of the all-day breakfast menu. The scrambled egg sandwiches sound pretty good! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For lunch, you have your pick of fresh salads, homemade soups, signature sandwiches and hearty pastas. And like Panera, along with many other restaurants, you have a combo option, or better put: the "pick two."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-0BCyc0mimOsAPQKjDUiEao2rd8scu3L8ZzqVvaOijf6mIgIcOZNfx6nVNMNa443NnB_8Z3GgdNWhSC4ZAKXhSuSxcjieU8fRoONE37muW2S5HrB_o3FF7K3DHcSUQnAb2cJod0mLfqd/s1600/IMG_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-0BCyc0mimOsAPQKjDUiEao2rd8scu3L8ZzqVvaOijf6mIgIcOZNfx6nVNMNa443NnB_8Z3GgdNWhSC4ZAKXhSuSxcjieU8fRoONE37muW2S5HrB_o3FF7K3DHcSUQnAb2cJod0mLfqd/s320/IMG_0080.jpg" width="239" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I chose half of the <b>chicken pomodori panini</b> with a mixed greens salad. The panini was great--all natural roasted chicken, fresh basil and spinach, oven-roasted tomatoes and provolone cheese with pesto mayo on sourdough. The salad was average, but fresh. (I hate when salad isn't completely fresh, especially when I dine out)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Honestly, I have nothing negative to say about Corner Bakery. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The atmosphere was relaxing for a quick, in and out, lunch. It wasn't as hectic as a Panera where you're fighting for an open table. There were a number of comfortable booths to sit in. Not to mention, there was actually decent music playing. A little '70s and '80s classic rock going on. And the best part was, a server brings out your food--no confusion with a buzzer and whatnot. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall rating: B. I would stop in again for breakfast or lunch. However, I probably won't (this summer) because I have other places to explore!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tomorrow I'm going out for a nice dinner. The blog post should be a little more exciting than this one. For some reason, I think dinner is always wayyyyy more fun.</span><br />
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</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span>ShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794436082047972288.post-64487219367328723832011-06-05T10:40:00.000-07:002011-06-05T10:40:55.900-07:00Le Pain Quotidien<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Le Pain Quotidien</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"A Taste of France"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location: 2900 Clarendon Blvd</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*There are also locations in Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle and Alexandria </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.lepainquotidien.com/">www.lepainquotidien.com </a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If I lived in France, I would be fat. Fact. I love bread way too much. Good thing I can't afford to eat every meal out or I would go to <b>Le Pain Quotidien </b>for breakfast and lunch almost everyday. It is the cutest French cafe' ever! The bread is fresh, the coffee is good and <i>everything</i> is organic. I highly recommend this place if you like French food or just want a relaxing atmosphere to dine in. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been here only a few days and I'll admit I've already had breakfast here twice and lunch once. That's how much I enjoy this cafe'. It's a great place to stop in for just a snack or a cup of coffee. Each time I've dined here, the restaurant has been busy, but never too packed to get a table right away.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This morning I went to breakfast by myself--yea I'm one of those weird people who actually likes to eat alone sometimes. I read the paper and took my time eating a fresh avocado and tomato omelette. The omelette came with a baguette, a piece of whole wheat bread and a small side of mesclun greens. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh avocado and tomato omelette </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At first I thought it was strange having a salad for breakfast, but it actually complimented the omelette well. Having a few greens made me feel like I was eating a pretty healthy meal (minus all the bread). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Even sitting by myself, the waiter checked up on me and asked a number of times if I needed anything.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you have any self-control and don't go over board on the bread or, what look to be, delectable pastries, then Le Pain Quotidien is a very healthy dining option. Like I said, everything is organic and made fresh. For lunch, I recommend <b>tartines</b>. Tartines are open faced sandwiches if that makes sense. Bread on the bottom but not on top. I had the chicken & smoked mozzarella tartine with arugula and basil pesto. It was served with a small fruit salad and greens. The fruit salad was noteworthy because it wasn't just your typical melon and a measly piece of pineapple; it came with delicious organic berries. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The only bad thing I'll say about Le Pain is that the drinks are extremely over priced. An iced tea is $3 which doesn't seem worth it to me. Stick with water and you'll pay under $13 for lunch. Same goes for breakfast (and the coffee isn't any more pricy than Starbucks). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall rating: A-</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Definitely a great place for a lunch date with a few girlfriends!</span>ShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794436082047972288.post-67705781066031212942011-06-03T14:23:00.000-07:002011-06-03T14:23:57.362-07:00Ceiba<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This summer I'll be interning on Capitol Hill and living in Clarendon. My number one passion is politics, but my interest in FOOD is a growing competitor for my precious attention. While I'm here for the next two and a half months, I plan to experience a </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ton</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> of restaurants in the DC/ Arlington area. I love all food (and drinks)--Latin American, Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, French, of course classic American and I'm sure more I haven't named. After dining at a restaurant, I'll share my thoughts about the food (obviously), but I'll also rate the restaurant based on atmosphere, service and overall dining experience. Forgive me for leaving my AP Style book in Blacksburg. I'm not going to be grammatically correct with every sentence; I want to have fun with this and I want my readers to enjoy reading my posts. Hopefully I have a few readers... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blogging is new to me. I've been a tweeter for awhile now but this will be different and more exciting! So here it goes:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My first meal out in DC was at <b>Ceiba</b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Contemporary Latin American Cuisine </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Location: 701 14th Street, NW </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Washington, DC 20005</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Phone: 202-393-3983</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let me start by saying my overall experience was simply amazing. The food was prepared to perfection, the service was all that it should be and the atmosphere made the meal taste even better (if that was possible). </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All gone...I obviously hated it</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you like Latin American food and you're anywhere near 14th street, then you must go to Ceiba. Instead of the traditional bread to start the meal off, it was cracked bread, more like a chip-like texture, and freshly made hummus. Delicious. I was dining with my parents (last meal with them before they said bye for the summer) and we ordered guacamole for three. It tasted as fresh as the hummus and wasn't too spicy like some restaurants make it. For the main course, my dad and I both ordered the <b>tuna</b>. I wish I wrote down the exact name of the entree because it was the best fish I've had in months. I forgot to take a picture of it before I dove in...whoops: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was cooked perfectly--medium to medium rare. We hardly needed a knife to cut it. The flavor had an Asian sesame kick to it which was interesting for a Latin American dish, but the chefs made it work. On the side was crab meat, black beans and a guacamole-based sauce which surprisingly complimented the asian flavored tuna. Somehow the chefs pulled together the two different flavors, wonderfully. The portion was generous, but not overwhelming...and left plenty of room for dessert. What else at a Latin American restaurant than </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">churros? </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gourmet cinnamon churros with warm chocolate sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not your everyday churros. Whoever thought to put warm chocolate sauce on churros is a genius. Yum. These were sinful, but worth the calories for sure. It was the perfect dessert to split two or three ways. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ceiba</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> gets an A-</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A- because it was a bit pricy but still, in my opinion, worth the few extra dollars. I believe my entree was $26 which isn't terrible but might be hard for a young professional living paycheck to paycheck. If that's the case, I suggest trying it for lunch at least!</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I could go on and on about this restaurant but I'm going to go enjoy my first night out on the city. More posts to come soon!</span></div><div><br />
</div></div>ShriverShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16000224835060906039noreply@blogger.com1