Smokeater55's Profile
Dim Sum
Ok I've got to admit, I use to think Hollywood East was good but indeed will agree that over the last few months, the quality has just not been as good. Seeing the rave reviews about New Fortune in the last few posts, I thought I might as well give it a try again. My last trip a year ago was so so but what the heck.
Well walking in the door today it was backed up a bit as the Dragon Dance was going on for the New Year. I love doing Dim Sum in Boston and San Francisco Chinatowns at Chinese New Year as they tend to bring out more than the typical spread of dishes and they try to impress. It was very cool to have the Dragon Dance thing as I know not a lot of places have that but after 30 minutes of that drum and ear splitting cymbals I was happy it was over and we could hear ourselves talk.
Well again the back up at the door was involved but no more than say at the Silver Fountain if you don't get in before 11:30. We were seated in 15 minutes but at the table next to the front door. No doubt this distance from the kitchen was the cause for a number of our plates being lukewarm. This was very disappointing with a dish of fried pork dumplings served from a special cart that has a fryer built-in. They have one like it at Red Pearl in Columbia were they put a final fry on the dumplings so they are hot at the table. I guess the unit at New Fortune was not on.
Next nit I have is a pork siu mai that had a taste of fish. Fried rice was ok but not out of this world. Summer rolls had a off taste. What did rock was a Walnut Shrimp w/ broccoli, it was nice and crisp had a great clean taste with a slight sweetness that was an above average rendition. The Mai Tai was also good, a nice pineapple balance that did not have the bar mix components so many can have.
I guess the overall problem I have is the place just did not wow me with anything that seemed better than Hollywood East or Silver Fountain on a normal day & as it was New Years I'd hope the food would be a bit more special. One note, when walking to the bathroom, my wife was able to see carts with other stuff we had not been served Maybe, the pressure of so many people slamming the place on New Years and this caused some of the problems. I guess I've still got to drive to Red Pearl in Columbia as it has it over Montgomery County.
Dan Dan Noodles?
Sichuan Pavilion in Rockville has a "Dan Dan" Spicy Noodles we had last night. Now, my wife has gone nuts over the typical peanut butter sweet style of Dan Dans that you will find at many places. I just don't care for them. But last night, the SP type were served with some meat and a red pepper sauce on them that gave me a nice warm buzz. The noodles are almost naked when they show up, and you have to stir the mess up to get a nice coating. I'm not sure how they have the same name, anyone expecting that sweet "jiffy" coated stick to the roof of yea' mouth dish would indeed be surprised. I was delighted.
Knife sharpening
I've used this place up right by I-95 and I-695. They provide a service to commercial operations where they rent knifes. So I think the deal is they will drop off a set of sharp knives and then pick up the dull ones and sharpen then.
Point is, they have a shop with all kinds of big wheels / wet stones, whatever...I've had great luck with all my steel. They did break a ceramic knife but made good on it. Sorry I don't recall the rates but it is very low, like $3 each, and they will do it as you wait. You may not want to take Shin till talking with them. But anything German or main line they know how to do it without harm.
Martello Knife Service
410-536-7110
Ruan Thai Expands
The new space is open and the place looks great! The old rugs are now a nice wood floor so it is a bit loud; I hope they will add some art & stuff on the walls to catch the sound but the stand around & wait should be much less now!
I had dinner last Friday night and they may also need to add some staff too. They are getting use to the new digs and will have to see how it works out for them. Mind you, I love the staff to death, the take the best care of us and I think the food is by far better then any other Thai in DC.
My points would be to get the watercress & ask for it w/ cornstarch (non-glut), it just seems better. Love the Yum Ped Yang (duck ap) is a must have for me; I just go nuts over how smokey it is. Also, Yum Sam Krob (squid is always so nice a crispy and has the nice little dried shrimp that make me have happy mouth.
For main dish food, Mhoo Krob Kha Nha is my "go to"; it is this nice pork belly w/ chinese broccoli and a wonderfull sauce that is great on rice. Ped Pad Kha Prao is another chance to get the fine duck w/ hot chili and fresh basil leaves. My wife and girlfrends love to get the flounder or rockfish w/ Choo Chee.
http://www.ruanthaiwheaton.com
Between Baltimore & Frederick?
A few weeks ago it was a chilly night and my wife and I thought we’d celebrate a belated wedding anniversary with a dinner out at Bistro Blanc in Glenelg, Maryland per the suggestion / review of Tom S of the Post. The room is a warm inviting red that joins an upscale wine store that has a neat contraption that dispenses tastes of a number of different wines that are gas stabilized.
Nice wine list indeed. To get started as we thought about what to order, (it has many choices that can be ordered by ½ glass, glass or bottle) we got ½ glass orders of Jordan Chardonnay and Black Ankle Viognier. Once we made our picks for dinner, we were thinking about maybe a Ferrari-Carano and a Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon. As both were sold by the glass, we begged for a taste of each to decide the one we wanted. The owner came over with a glass of each and introduced himself and told us that a short time ago, they had a Duckhorn tasting dinner that that been a fun event. Well the Ferrari-Carano had a nice nose but the Duckhorn brought back memories of when we had been to the winery and what the hey…it was our wedding anniversary!
I’d just re-read Tom’s review and was jazzed for a pork appetizer called “Pig & Fig” that has braised pork shoulder and mission fig. I was very tender and had been a lovely start. BUT another Tom suggestion was the Rustic Rabbit my wife got. I was so in love with this dish and almost turned into Elmer Fudd as I wanted to hunt more Wabitts! This dish at first hit seemed to be too salty but it had a balance that was to die for and the plate was clean in a flash.
The last item I was hunting for was the duck confit he seemed to rave about; the only dish that sounded close was “Braised Lamb Shank – duck & pork confit cassoulet + smoked ham hock jus + aromatics $26” Well when served indeed I got a nice lamb shank and some beans in a sauce but I asked the nice waiter where the duck was and he told me that duck fat was used to cook the beans…. Well darn this did not sound like what I was expecting! I did not see any duck at all.
Don’t get me wrong, the Lamb tasted great and after some time the owner came by to ask if I hated my dish and we got into the whole confit debate again. To his credit he asked if I wanted another dish or a duck leg but who wants to be that guy and sit around watching her eat alone as we wait 15 minutes for my diner all out of sync on an anniversary. How acquired turtle it that! Owner guy did ask “oh you read Tom’s review right? He had another duck confit dish that is for lunch; if you come back tomorrow we can set you up……yea that was going to happen! I know he was attempting to fix things but I’m thinking you have duck confit on the menu and that is what folks are going to expect. So word to the wise, when ordering here double check stuff maybe. He thinks it is just fat....
This is what I think it is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_confit
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Duck-Confit-102313
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-live/duck-confit-recipe2/index.html
Now one last nit, when we got the bill we had a $10 corkage fee? As we had not brought any bottles with us I’d asked what the deal was. Kind waiter told me he’d have to ask the owner….a few moments later the waiter came back to tell us the charge had been removed with the explanation that it was at "odd operations" with the retail store in the front. And as he sells wine at such a close price he must mark it up for service in the restaurant. I don’t mind a normal mark up on a wine list but this sounded off to me. So 2006 Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon was $110 on the wine list. Oh by the way, Corridor in Laurel sells it for $64.99 so what the heck with this corkage fee when it is marked up $45 bucks already?
Oh yea, this is what I think a corkage fee is:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-corkage-fee.htm
http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/corkage-for-dummies
http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/corkage.html
notice none talk about a fee for wine ON THE WINE LIST!
The Source's Happy Hour Deal
The place was ranked high on the Washingtonian Magazine best restaurants so we did a b'day dinner a few weeks ago. As for "First Flavors" the onion soup was a miss as were the tiny dumplings. Crispy suckling Pig with black plum puree, cipollin & sweet bean sauce was ok but not to die for.
HOWEVER, the Spicy Tuna Tartare delivered in a neat sesami-miso cones ROCKS!!! You get three to a serving and I could have gone for another order if I'd known how lame the other items would have been.
By the time we got to the main event, Lacquered Chinese Duckling w/Lo Mein Noodles I was getting a bit full but the skin was nice and meat ok. It went home fine and was not too bad the next day. The little lady had the Pork Chop that we both thought was a bit to rare (I'm talking raw!) but you know wolfgang is oh so trendy. Best be clear on how you like it when you order.
Drinks were good! Sorry the on-line menu does not list them so I can't recall what the heck I had.
Dim Sum fix in MD
So, Thanks for the New Fortune pointer, we went and it is a BIG place and no waiting to get a seat. The carts ran fast and we were stuffed. MaiTais were solid cocktail with a nice blast to get the day going. I think overall the food was "OK" but nothing was outstanding or bad for that matter.
Later went back to Silver Fountain in Aspin Hill and had a bit of a wait to get in as we arrived at 12:15. The food was GOOD and MaiTais were very good. Only a few moments did the carts slow down but the pace picked up fast to keep up with demand.
Something that I love in service: It has been over a year yet a waitress we know a love long ago sill recalled us and jumped right on our table to keep things going smooth.
One note on another string going on Ping Pong in Chinatown...I did not see anyone talk about carts, everyone orders off the menu. Darn that would take all the fun out of Dim Sum.
Last, I don't post near as much as some but don't need the ding about hashing this to death. Indeed I do know how to search. I was hoping for some current info. A search of "Dim Sum" in Md does not have much current info.
Fresh oysters in DC?
If you don't mind a short drive north, check out J&T Seafood in Woodbine, Md. I and frends have gotten oysters from them a few times and they are lower cost then the markets in Jessup and very sweet. Call them at 410-489-9800.
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GPEA_enUS300US300&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Woodbine+MD+seafood&fb=1&gl=us&hq=seafood&hnear=Woodbine+MD&cid=10964542509099617342
Dim Sum fix in MD
Hi, Ok I've gotten to the point I can't wait another momet for Hollywood East to fix this or that and I need a DIM SUM FIX!!
It has been some time since I've gone to Silver Fountain in Aspin Hill; they were ok but when I found HWEOTB (in the old location), I just never went back as it was so much better.
New Kam Fong in Wheaton is good but correct me if I'm wrong but they don't have carts right?
Good Fortune in Wheaton has been a bit long in the tooth the last few times I've been the last few times I've gone but it has been a long time since I've gone....
So allow me to ask folks if they can point me to any good place in MD they have found is a good cart rolling Dim Sum spot?
thanks
Has anyone ordered from Virginia Traditions (Edwards family smokehouses) or any other suggestions for Virginia ham?
I've been to Edwards and had good luck with the hams; got one hanging in the basement now and plan to cook it for xmass next week.
I will point you to an on-line outlet called Burgers' Smokehouse, they are not smithfield or even from VA, as they are located in the Ozark Hills. What I've liked are the uncooked "attic" hams.
http://www.smokehouse.com/burgers.nsf/x/A7E1C0B0BCA9B5AD862567760017EF25
They also have some killer bacon and sausage.
Now for something very different, take a walk on the wild side to LaTienda.com and look at the Jamon Iberico & Serrano ham, it will blow your mind. Much milder then anything from VA with a price tag to boot however.
http://www.tienda.com/jamon/index.html
Cheers,
Tilghman Island Inn and Harrison's Chesapeake House Country Inn this weekend
This past weekend we took our boat from West River across the bay to Tighman Island Inn in the Knapp’s Narrows area. We’d called ahead and when they do have slips the depth is only 3’ so we had to dock at Tilghman Island Marina next door.
The Inn is very nice and has a warm design. Walking in the door a black poodle was curled up in a char to greet us along with the great staff. Business was light Sat night (only three other tables in use) but they were expecting a crowd for Thanksgiving.
The all menus are on line at:
http://www.tilghmanislandinn.com/menus.php
but what got us in the door was the Tasting Menu at $60 with 5 courses that had a this or that choice each. My wife and I decided who would get what and we were off to try it all. As for wine we took the suggestion and were very happy with Conundrum from Caymus Vineyards; it had a very complex range of notes that we found worked with the wide scope of the menu, $56.
First off I’ll tell you to skip the Spring Rolls I picked; the Oysters Rockefeller were MUCH better with three nice fat guys that were sweet and they were lovely.
Next round was Escargot w/angel hair pasta in a garlic sauce that was good but I went NUTS over my Pears & Cheese w/ Roasted Prosciutto wrapped around it & balsamic glaze that rocked it had a wonderful balance of sweet and salty with that nice earth of the ham. Wish I had more!!
Round 3 and she got the beets, apples, feta w/ lettuce ho hum from my point of view but she liked it. I however just went wild over a seared foie gras on house made brioche with dried cherry cabernet sauce again the roasted pears. Not sure why they have the roasted pears twice in a row on a tasting menu but as a dish it worked very well and again I loved this dish.
Main round and she had the Halibut Bouillabaisse Style in a Tomato Saffron Broth w/Shellfish, this was a nice piece of fish done just right and mussels, she did not complain other than to say it had a bit too much salt. I got a fine Fillet Mignon au Poivre with Fingerlings & Red Wine Demi; I thought the steak was done just as I’d asked (med/rare) and the sauce was so good I used the last of our bread to soak it from the plate, the potatoes were that warm creamy kind I love.
Last, she got a cute little Pumpkin Cake with warm Cinnamon Ice Cream that was OK. I got a Bittersweet Chocolate Cake w/house made Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. The only thing that seemed odd to me is the feel of sugar crystals in my mouth when eating the cake, like it was not dissolved all the way; taste was great but the grit was a bit odd.
Service was very good and on the way out we got to see the cat that hangs out near the bar along with yet another dog and a few more people who I guess were staying at the Inn enjoying a night cap and the soft sounds of a trio.
Next day, when we understood Tilghman Island Inn has a brunch for $25 we decided to take a walk to Harrison’s Chesapeake House Country Inn for an a la carte breakfast, the service was good and she had fine western omelets however, something was weird with my pancakes. Both of us could not put a finger on what the problem was but it just had an off taste, how can you screw up pancake? Anyway we did hear about some of the great all you can eat deals they run on weekend afternoons before 5 pm. Prime-rib, soft crab, oysters all for about $20. And on Friday nights they have oysters 8 ways; best call them first to see what the deal is as no doubt sea food changes.
http://www.chesapeakehouse.com/inn.htm
Hollywood East - Any news?
I've been counting the weekends for Hollywood East to open so I can get my Dim Sum fix on so..... I emailed them...... and Janet Yu told me it will be yet another
3 weeks ;-( for the new Wheaton Mall location to open.
http://www.hollywoodeastcafe.com
Five Super Supermarkets
It has relocated from Burtonsville to Laurel and has opened in a spot that has less parking but I'd point you to the Dutch Country Farmers Market for some very cool food on Thurs to Sat. They have a mix of operators that sell a wide range of quality stuff. Beiler's Meats is a large source for natural grain fed beef, organic grass fed beef, pork & turkey. The place will get packed on weekends & you have to take a number but the service is fine and they will cut anything the way you like.
I go nuts over the soft pretzels. They are stuffed with meat & cheese or are sweet or just salted.
Another operator has bakegoods; someone sells cheese, produce...on and on. It is much bigger then the old place and they have the Lantz restaurant as well, good for b'fast or lunch or dinner.
One other counter sells smoked or bbq ribs, chicken or fried chicken...this is a great place to go and shop hungery.
www. burtonsvilledutchmarket.com
my only beef is the parking lot is too small and you may consider parking in Home Depot or across RT.198.
Burger Joint on the corner of Georgia and New Hampshire avenues
Microsoft Streets and Trips tells me it is:
Sunshine Store (it is a gas station also)
22300 Georgia Ave
Brookeville Md 20833
301-774-774-7420
They open at 5AM and close at 5PM. I love the sausage pattie sandwich w/chez for b'fast on rye. The counter only has a few seats so they do a heck of a lot of take-out too.
Sysco Outlet Store - Pork Butts?
OK I know you state "other then major supermarket chains" but I've had very good luck with SAMSCLUB in Laurel or other spots I'll guess. They vac-u-pac two to a bag and the I've found the pork to be good for some reason and I've smoked a ton.
BUT if you want to go small scale and get some service:
Laurel Meat Market, 347 Main St. 301-725-5855 has been around for 35 years.
http://howchow.blogspot.com/2009/05/laurel-meat-market-in-laurel.html
Or Beiler's Meats at Dutch Country Farmers Market - 9701 Fort Meade Road in Laurel.
http://www.burtonsvilledutchmarket.com/
Last, Boarman's - 13402 Clarksville Pike, Highland 301-854-2883
http://www.yelp.com/biz/boarmans-market-highland
good places to eat in Rockville?
I'll second that York Castle idea; was in for a Swiss w/swiss sauce that was GREAT!!! Perhaps you may consider diner just next door at Cuban Corner at 825 Hungerford Drive
Rockville, MD 20850 (301) 279-0310. I love the ropa vieja a beef dish and they have wonderful deep-fried beef or cheese empanadas for starters. I go nuts over the vaca frita a crunchy pile of shredded beef with onions. My wife loves the seafood. Service is great and it is clean with wacky art on the walls. Great one two combo idea with York Castle!
BBQ Ribs - Where to eat
King's Barbecue in Petersburg, VA at 3221 W Washington St (west side of town & like the old place) is the Best I've had in my life. Love them better then the other King's on Crater (east side of town). I buy the sauce by the gallon to take home (best to call ahead to see that they have this size ready or you will have to take the small bottles)
Yes I know I'm hung up on this place as my dad took me as a small fry and I recall him getting sauce in Coke bottles with a cork in the top. So I guess I was raised on this stuff and it is coursing through my blood.
Now for the other side look at andy:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/136899
weekend in Annapolis
Also love Lewnes Steak House, it is kinda' old world in the plastic menu city. If you need an all day b'fast or ez lunch, check out Chick & Ruths Delly on mid Main St. It is close to public parking and is a wild: http://www.chickandruths.com/
Last, Yellowfin has a good happy hour with a discout on OK Sushi. I've always had good food and service but note that on the GoogleMaps site, reviews are raves or pans.
