saiboogu's Profile
The Lemon Tree (Rockville)
Anyone come here yet? It's fairly new (less than a year old I believe).
I like that The Lemon Tree Market wants to be different and has a concept. A relaxed casual setting, with wide screen televisions, couches, low-key, and so forth. But sometimes concept restaurants concern themselves more with the environment and not so much the food. I don't expect the interior to look like a stereotypical ethnic setting, but I felt it too much to be an artificial coffeehouse or some kind of museum shop/southwestern lodge...if that makes sense. Well I just thought the interior was sort of not coherent with the theme and food. It didn't feel very Mediterranean to me. I did find the display case to be interesting. Usually in Japanese restaurants you see the molded inedible display of sushi/sashimi and ramen that is served. The Lemon Tree has something similar, but I believe the plates in the display actually contain real food. So right away you know what your order will look like and I must say that portions are pretty good. I also thought it was a great idea to add a mini market section where one could purchase groceries and glassware right before leaving. I also found the service to be nice...not overally fake nice, but definitely not on the rude side.
The food at The Lemon Tree isn't horrible. There are things on the menu that I have never seen before (but sadly, only a few). We had the Tel Aviv Panini and the chicken kebab platter. The ingredients appear fresh and the food had a clean taste. But definitely forgettable and somewhat bland. I ended up not eating so much due to the dullness of the dishes. The panini was just your average soggy panini. It did have some flavor, but nothing outrageous and new. The chicken kebab was a little dry compared to other places I've visited, but the rice had a great flavor and I preferred it over the chicken (which was supposed to be the main attraction). The tzatziki wasn't to die for. Some people may wonder why I get so upset over bad tzatziki..."It's just a yogurt-cucumber sauce." NO! It's more than that...It's not just a condiment that you can live without. It's vital for a place to prepare exceptional tzatziki...It contains good quality yogurt, cool cumcumbers, refreshing herbs, and just enough citrus so that it marries all the flavors together. If they pay attention to every detail and to every item on their menu, than you know this place is serious about their food. Usually I know when a tzatziki is good when my mother drinks it all up. We usually go to a place in Virginia that has such great tzatziki and bread that sometimes we only order that and make a complete meal out of it. I suppose dishes at The Lemon Tree aren't generally as herbal, bold and spicy as Thai or Indian cuisine, but I was expecting that extra something that makes their kebabs taste authentic rather than tasting like plain chicken. Something that lets me know that this was KEBAB. Plus I usually don't trust a place that serves french fries because you already know that they alter the menu to please the American palate. I'm an American, and I know many Americans who are quite adventurous and desire to experience the "real thing." I don't know, perhaps french fries did became a native food of Lebanon, Turkey and Israel sometime in the last century and no one cared to mention it to me. The Lemon Tree consists of a merging of different cultural cuisines, but I just thought french fries were really irrelevant.
We didn't bother to try the sophisticated looking French pastries mostly because we had lost our appetite and we assumed the cakes would be too sweet for our stuffed stomachs.
Overall, the Lemon Tree Market is an adequate place for a lunch break and quaint meal. It seems to be quite full at times, but never too noisy and overwhelming. Perhaps I need to give this place a second chance and order something else next time. But I can be quite harsh when it comes to food (especially first time impressions)...perhaps a little too picky for some. So that's why I don't think I'll be returning to this place very soon....I really believe in the best for a customer. I mean a place where the line cooks/chefs put their absolute heart and soul and passion into the food. Anyway, I don't know if it was risky of them to open up this place considering that it's across Congressional Plaza (where there is a Lebanese Taverna that serves similar foods).
I guess I'm just so tired of places that have the potential of becoming a chain.
Ritter Sport Chocolate Bars!
I know this is pretty old post, but I'm just so amazed that one can find Ritter almost anywhere nowadays!! Even at Target, movie theaters and the Asian grocery (I just saw yesterday at a Korean market)!! A few years ago, it was unheard of and mostly likely only found in few specialty grocery shoppes. I also first learned of Ritter Sport while shopping at Trader Joes. They only carried (and still carry) two varieties: the dark chocolate with hazelnuts and the milk chocolate biscuit (by the way, I hear that they now have a dark chocolate biscuit...can't find it in my area yet). I was impressed with the taste, the crunch and the fact that there wasn't all these nasty artificial unpronouncable ingredients in it. I rarely touch candybars like Snickers and Hersheys, but sometimes I need something with more substance than plain expensive premium European chocolate bars. I need something for the "common people" that is full of goodness but without all the high fructose and such. And thank goodness Ritter came into my life...>=) I think it is of fine quality and very enjoyable for all ages.
I was in Heaven when I visited a German Walmart and there was basically a whole aisle for Ritter. My ultimate favorite is the Ritter Sport Pfefferminz (Peppermint). If anyone lives in the DC metropolitan area, you can find a wider variety at Rodman's...but alas, I still cannot find the peppermint flavor anywhere. I have to ask my sis to send a bunch to me from Germany along with some dark chocolate covered gummi bears...MMMMMM!!
Good Pho in Bethesda/Rockville area?
I really like the Pho in a Vietnamese place on Rockville Pike, across from Wintergreen Plaza. If you're going north from Bethesda, it's before Pho 75 & 99. I forgot the name of it. It's not exactly new, but hasn't been in business as long as Pho 75. They also serve other foods and bahn min, but the sandwiches aren't as good as the ones I had in Brooklyn. Their Iced coffees are the best on the Pike because I like them strong, not too sweet, cold and very filling. I really recommend this place over the other Rockville Pho places. The broth is light, herbal, flavorful and the noodles are always cooked well. I also loved their spicy beef pho soup. It spicy as heck, but the chili doesn't overpower the overall taste.
El Pollo Primo?
This is a late response, but I was just doing a recent search on this place since I haven't been in some time.
El Pollo Primo is one of the earliest chicken joints on Rockville Pike. Since I was a kid, my parents would order take-out since it's not such a big place to dine it. It used to be busy all the time. I don't know what it's like now since I haven't been to in a year, but my Salvadoran mother still prefers their chicken over any others. I think Crisp and Juicy is way too salty and the spices overwhelm the natural chicken taste. I think El Pollo Primo is a little cheaper to. I could be wrong. I believe the last time we went, El Pollo Primo had started serving pupusas, but we didn't try those even though they looked all stuffed and yummy. I've always liked the simplicity of the place. We ordered only a whole chicken that I believe came with thin corn tortillas that seemed as though they were homemade. Even if they weren't, they did a fine job in heating them up. I also like their salsas...not too salty and not too overbearing.
I haven't been to La Limena in Ritchie Center, but I hear from my sister that their alfajores are fantastic (that's irrelevant to the chicken topic..I've been trying to find some great alfajores). And she liked their yucca. But you can't really do wrong on crisp yucca.
Weetabix...what am I missing? (Moved from Home Cooking)
My sis introduced me to it and I got hooked. Yeah, it may not seem much, but I must love the whole wheat taste and the combination of textures when milk is poured onto it (Well I use a vanilla flavored soy milk). It can get soggy if it stays a while in a lot of liquid, but doesn't ruin the experience. I've been able to pour enough milk so that I still get a nice crunch...I basically break the bars into large chunks and if I want it sweeter, then I add dried fruits and sometimes nuts for extra crunch.
As for a snack, I spread jam, a nut butter or nutella and enjoy. If I'm crazy, then I will have nutella and some ice cream...hahahahahaha. I didn't say it was always healthy. >=)
Best Commercial Frozen Yogurts
I haven't visited Pink Berry, Yolato or any of the latest frozen yogurt Shoppes in NYC nor have I encountered any good ones in MD...so I can only tell you from my experience from the frozen section of the grocery store:
I have tried Publix brand while I was in Florida. They are the only ones I know with a larger variety of frozen yogurt. But I still don't think it's as good as Haagen Dazs. Publix brand is guilty pleasure when I want the peanut butter cups, chocolate swirls, and candy bits in my yogurt. But it still does have high fructose corn syrup which my tastebuds are sensitive to. Even though it's low-fat, having high fructose corn syrup basically ruins the whole "low fat ideal" - it converts fructose to body fat. It's sad...and I was upset when I read the ingredient list and had to stop myself from gulping down another spoonful.
I like Haagen Dasz because you can actually tell that you're eating something made with yogurt. It's sweet enough to satisfy sweet tooth..and can be paired with pastries very nicely. The texture is more dense (almost like yogurt gelato) and the flavor is strong (I even adore their plain vanilla). It's more filling. I feel as though I'm doing something healthy when I eat a pint....heheheh. I've tried all flavors and really like the Wildberry and the Coffee (which I had with a decadent piece of chocolate cake). I wish they came in more flavors.
I've just tried Stonyfield for the first time, and I was disappointed. I do like the fact that it doesn't taste as sweet, but didn't satisfy me. I think it's a little too airy and bland. I don't get a heavy feeling, but I feel as though I should run to grocery store and grab a haagen dasz pint to compensate.
I haven't had Edy's but I definitely don't think I will even bother since I don't like their regular ice cream anyway.
weekend lunch in rockville?
I prefer the Vietnamese casual pho places over Taste of Saigon. BUT only order pho because the other stuff on the menu isn't as pleasing. Plus a specific Vietnamese place on Rockville Pike right across Wintergreen Plaza has very good iced coffee...strong and not super sweet.
Cuban Corner isn't as impressive and I don't think it's anything spectacular. I went with my hispanic mother and sister and they weren't excited by the menu. Meats came out dry and the Cubano sandwich was blah. If you've never had Cuban food, then you have no choice but to go there since it's probably the only Cuban restaurant in the area...but that's a pity because you'll miss out on what really delicious Cuban food is.
I do like Vegetable Garden. I had cravings for the place and would order from there all the time. After a while most of the things on the menu start to taste the same...plus they like to make the foods taste sweet so perhaps you could ask for less sweetener (whatever it is they use).
On the Border is disgusting......that's all I have to say. Salty and disgusting.
gelato or ice cream, please
I agree Sam's Cafe gelato isn't anything to rave about. I live 5 minutes away from the place and I haven't been back since. I've had a couple different flavors like the seasonal pumpkin, the pistachio, and so forth...and the overal experiences were not consistent. Some days the gelato is so-so, other times it gets ice crystals. I definitely would not take any home because gelato needs lower temperatures to retain its textures. Whole foods carries Ciao Bella gelato pints, but they freeze them to the point where I get freezer burn. I've always been curious, if gelato is supposed to be much lower in fat, how come Ciao Bella's gelato pints have sooo much fat? I've been spoiled too by the gelaterias in NYC and in South Florida so I don't really bother trying to find gelato in MD/DC area. I haven't tried the gelato and the Natural History Museum's cafe, but I heard some fairly good reviews. As for now, I just stick with my haagen dazs .
Seasons 52
I think prices are a little too high. The food is superior compared to closeby restaurants, but it definitely isn't "all that." The concept is original, but the menu itself isn't as creative as I thought it would be. I guess you are paying for the quality of the ingredients rather than the execution of it. In general, I had a wonderful dinner date there since it was a place I had always wanted to go to. Nice atmosphere, not pretentious, not rowdy and anyone can feel comfortable there. The waiters are very knowledgable, the wine list is extensive, the mixed drinks are full of flavor and not weak. As for the food, I guess I was expecting a little more unorthodox cuisine so that's why I might be a little biased. But putting that aside, the food came to our tables very fast, the food was great and very well cooked. The portions are small and meant to be healthy (because they try to adhere to the 425 calorie mark). Everything is fresh and there are no refined or artifical ingredients. So when you order meat, you really taste the meat...not a thick over-bearing salty sauce. The flat breads were extremely flavorful and superb with a crisp glass of wine. We had the steak with cremini mushrooms flatbread which really hit the spot. We had the halibut with corn risotto entree and the filet mignon cooked medium. I'm not much of a red meat eater, but I didn't hesitate to try the filet mignon and steak flatbread. The filet mignon was great, juicy and not overally spiced. I wouldn't order the halibut again because halibut doesn't seem to be anything grand or spectacular...it was cooked well, but price was too high. Plus the risotto was dry and seemed more like rice pilaf with corn bits. Not impressive. We asked for a new side of risotto and received one that was slightly more wet, but definitely not like real risotto. I would have gone for the pork tenderloin on soft polenta..I got a glimpse of it when they acidentally placed someone else's order on our table. The portion was nice and everything seemed perfect on that plate. We finished both our plates and didn't feel stuffed. We didn't bother with desserts since we imagined that they would be small and so-so. Instead we stoppped by a Paciugo gelato shoppe nearby. And that ended a wonderful night.
El Tamarindo -- SW Ft. Lauderdale Salvadoran
Good to know about this place. I have a difficulty finding Salvadoran places in an area filled with Cuban and Mexican restaurants. Although I probably won't visit El Tamarindo, I wanted to inform those in the Central Palm Beach area about a place called Restaurante Y Pupuseria El Guanaco - 2001 10 AVE #4 LAKE WORTH, FL 33460 (561) 585-0530 . I found it by chance on a long internet search. It was a hassle trying to find it again since it definitely isn't an established and well-known restaurant. I haven't been there in many months, but I can say that they have fairly decent pupusas = very thick, plump, cheesy and moist. We only tried the cheese and refried bean pupusas. Though it wasn't as flavorful and probably needed some saltiness. The curtido should have added some of that extra flavor, but it was lacking a little. It wasn't as tart, vinegary, citrusy and strong as I would have liked it. The hot sauce was definitely hot...a little too hot for me. It somewhat masked the other ingredients in the sauce. Overall it was good, but just needed a few improvements. I didn't try anything else plus I don't remember what else they offer. So hope you enjoy
Alfajores in Palm Beach/Broward?
Hello there. I have less than 2 weeks left in Florida and I've just been dreaming about alfajores and have had many unusual coincidences with this crumbly sticky goodness. I was wondering if anyone knew where I could get some alfajores in the Palm Beach/Broward area. Basic alfajores are a South American cornstarch sandwich "cookie" filled with dulce de leche.
The only place I have seen them is on the counters of La Granja, the Peruvian chicken place in Greenacres (Lake Worth Rd). They are pretty good and homemade, but I'm hoping I could find somewhere (bakery, cafe, restaurant) that serves more decadent versions or has more varieties. I can't even find the mediocre imported packaged alfajores in any of the latin food markets I've been to. Perhaps I've overlooked them on the cookie shelves. Hmm..my craving is so strong, I might have to end up making some myself..heheheh. Any recommended recipes as backup? >=) Thank you very much.
Boca: Great Quesillo&Quatro Leches at Don Pan
Check out their website: www.donpan.com They have multiple locations.
Best bakery for birthday cake South Florida
OOOH THANK YOU SOO MUCH for this recommendation. I happen be roaming on Chowhound and came upon this post. Thanks to hatless for replying and thanks to coweepooh for asking. I am visiting the Palm Beach area and have been in dire need of Chinese baked goods (I live up north where Asian bakeries and bubble tea places are only a couple minutes away from my house). Plus I really want to share this experience with my native Floridian bf who has only has baked roasted pork buns. MMm..I could really go for something with taro, red bean or black sesame innards. Too bad Florida doesn't have a Chinese ice cream shoppe like the ones in NY.
Lychee Time!!!!
Yeah I found lychees recently at a few Asian groceries near Lake Worth and Boynton Beach. Though i don't think they count because the lychees looked old and sorry...I think they would have tasted rotten. Oooh I'm interested in the Gaby's farm ice cream. Usually I go get the ultra sweet and freezer burn lychee ice cream from Asian store or I make my own with haagen dazs vanilla bean and a can of lychee.
Indonesian food in Florida
I don't think we'll have much luck. I'm originally from the DC metropolitan area where there is a greater Indonesian population. But I became curious to find a small Indonesian culture in FL. I've also been searching for an Indonesian (or at least a Malaysian) restaurant in the same counties as well. You'll only end up encountering Thai cuisine in the area. I've never heard of Indomania, but I see that it's in Miami. I also visit the Orlando area sometimes and I am interested in visiting Asia Bagus at 2923 Vineland Road, Kissimmee. The menu is filled with dishes from Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia (unfortunately they serve sushi too). I'm mostly interested because they have es cendol and I love shaved ice desserts..heh. It's even farther though. Sorry, but I guess I didn't help much.
Boca: Great Quesillo&Quatro Leches at Don Pan
Ooh I just checked out their official website, and I really really want to go to Don Pan. I'm in my sweet tooth phase and it's really strong. I could go for some 4 leches cake. Actually I think my BF's co-worker recommended this place and he told me about it last night. What a coincidence. Well according to his co-worker, she said that they have "the best cafe con leche" that's better than the Cuban restaurants we go to in Lake Worth. I hope it's as good as my grandmothers. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm in an area with a strong latin population and yet I have no idea where to go for great or decent latin pastries and coffee.
Anyone tried 5 Spice Asian Street Market in Boca?
I'm hoping to visit it this weekend. I'm on a search for roasted pork buns (baked) and according to their official website pictures, they seem to offer it. I could be wrong. Maybe it's just a plain bun to accompany roast pork. This might be my last resort if all the pork buns are sold out from a local Chinese market. I'm a little intrigued by the concept of a market style eatery that's Asian. At first I was skeptical, but I realized that it's not a chain created by non-Asians. There was a similar chain place in MD that allowed you to create your own noodle dish, but it ended up failing and closing down. But mainly I'm there for the pork buns.
A&J Restaurant in Rockville, MD
I finally got a chance to eat at A&J twice after passing by it for years. I kept hearing rave reviews about the authenticity of the place. Well I don't know...maybe I came on the wrong day, but my order didn't have much flavor to it. In fact, everything we ordered tasted like fried oil. We didn't finish our plates and left with a nasty feeling in our stomach. Yes, it does taste homemade and unlike Americanized Chinese restaurants... but also taste like a Chinese grandmother who doesn't really know how to cook exceptionally well. I won't give up too easily on this place and probably come by when it's a lot more busy. A&J stands alone at 1319-C Rockville Pike...I don't know the name of the shopping center, but it's nearby an Entenmann's I think.
Baked BBQ Pork Buns in Palm Beach County?
I've been spoiled with baked char siu bao in DC and NYC Chinese bakeries, but I would really like to find this goodness while I am vacationing in Palm Beach county area. I know there must be places because I was able to spot a couple Chinese baked goods at an Asian market on Military Trail. BUT, this was a rare ocassion because they seemed to only have pork buns on certain days, certain times of the day or perhap they are so popular that they sell out before noon. So after returning a couple times, the glass case was empty and I was very much saddened. Perhaps there is a reliable Chinese or dim sum restaurant that will always have plenty whenever I have a craving. ...Please share this valuable information...and please note that I am looking for the baked variety, not the steamed. Thanks again!!
Gelato in Florida
I've been to Bacio many times since it is conveniently placed within a shopping district. The texture is good and the taste is not too sweet. It's alright for a first time gelato eater. But I am disappointed with the small number of flavors. For me, it's not the greatest gelato in the area..it doesn't have that very elastic texture I like so much in gelato. And it's very pricey. I actually found the fruit flavors to be more satisfying. I am looking forward to visit Sonny's and other new places in the area.
Gator meat and key lime pie in Palm Beach Co.?
I am in Florida on Vacation in the West Palm Beach area. I notice this area has plenty of Cuban joints, chain restaurants and sport bars. But I really would like to find a place that serves native meats and seafoods such as gator tail and conch. Actually I would like to find a place that serves anything unusual such as armadillo, ostrich, and even snake! I am having a hard time researching restaurants with such cuisine in the Palm Beach county area. I have learned of R.J. Gators, but I only found one gator appetizer dish on their online menu. Plus I'm not very keen on chain places. I've also discovered Alligator Alley which sounds like it has potential, but I don't want to have to worry about a cover charge.
So if anyone knows of somewhere else (besides Gator World) that has at least 2 gator dishes or any of the unusual meats on their menu, please let me know. I'll be willing to travel a little outside the county.
ALSO...although one can find key lime pie just about anywhere nationwide, I'd still like to know of a place that carries authentic key lime pie that contains good quality ingredients and has a good tartness to it. I've been depriving myself of supermarket key lime pie just so I can get the real stuff in Florida. Anyone been to the Upper Crust Bakery in Lake Worth? I've only had their strawberry-rhubarb pie, and I thought that it was alright but Whole Foods has a better one. Thank you so very much!
