casilady's Profile
Lunch Recs on Saturday near Rockefeller Center
I'm coming from DC/VA and we don't have any places that serve ramen. I'm a newbie in that category. Why do you get menchanko? Which one do you order?
Lunch Recs on Saturday near Rockefeller Center
We are taking a bus ride up to NYC on Saturday, getting dropped off at Rockefeller Center. Can anyone give a recommendation for lunch? We are looking for something special, as a birthday celebration, but also not too pricey. $25/entree at the most. I love Food Network so was thinking I would like to try out one of Bobby Flay's places, but they are only brunch and I don't want to waste a meal on eggs. We like all kinds of foods - ethnic or not. Also, is there a good place to get ramen closeby?
Good seafood in Northern VA
I agree - PassionFish is awesome! Went there for brunch on Easter. Amazing!
Best Pho - Herndon / Ashburn / Sterling area
I work out in Chantilly, so Pho 98 is less than 10 minutes away. But I WILL venture to Pho Reston 75. Maybe this weekend with the family, after we get over this snow business. I'll report back!
Best Pho - Herndon / Ashburn / Sterling area
I went a long time ago (more than 8 years ago). I remember thinking it was ok. My friend recently went there and said it was good, though. He showed me reviews on yelp.com, 3.5 stars. It's called Pho Vietnam, I think?
When my 3-year old son craves pho, we just get it from Saigon Cafe by Regal. I usually get the grilled pork or beef and rice dish. I like Pho Royal's broth, but I didn't like their noodles. They were a little thicker. Taste of Vietnam's pho is bland... and the place has gone downhill in terms of cleanliness.
I've gone to Pho 98 every week since December. I'm freaking out a bit because I don't think I'll make it there this week. Darn snow!!!
Best Pho - Herndon / Ashburn / Sterling area
I live in Cascades, so have tried a bunch of places in the area. My latest find is in Chantilly. It is bright and clean and always packed. Pho 98 on route 50. They also have sate sauce!!!! Be sure to ask for it, they don't give it to you automatically.
If I'm trying to stay close to home, I get it from Pho Bistro in Ashburn.
Passion Fish - Excellent Seafood
Went back to Passion Fish for Restaurant Week lunch. Loved that the lunch menu was so much different than the dinner menu. We saw the waiter we had on NYE and he came over to say hello; came back at the end of our meal to see what we had ordered. The RW menu is a choice of appetizer (salad, ceviche, the soups, and trio of sushi). I got the lobster buttersquash bisque. It's was not what I was expecting. Very good for people who like comforting food with squash. My husband wasn't a fan. It didn't taste like traditional lobster bisque. My sis-in-law got the ceviche. She said it was "good, but very citrusy." It hit her in the back of her mouth. Husband got the crab and corn chowder again and still loved it. For entrees - I got fish tacos - 3 huge fried filets with all the fixings... LOVED the guacamole! I could only eat 2 of them. SIL got the miso glazed salmon with schezuan eggplant - said the eggplant made the dish. Loved it! The other two got the crabcake sandwich w/ old bay tartar (tasty! I don't normally like tartar) with sweet potato fries. YUM again! Glad we could go for RW.
Passion Fish - Excellent Seafood
We went to Passion Fish in Reston Town Center for New Year's Eve where they were offiering a prix fixe menu - 3 course plus amuse. The restaurant itself is clean and modern, but not stuffy at all. Anyone dining there could be comfortable in jeans or dressier in suits. We were seated immediated and received the crostini with whitefish spread. Different, but tasty. The first one I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but by my 3rd slice, I was in love. The flavors were mild, but something kept bringing me back. The amuse was a mixture of fish, clams, and mussels wrapped into a spring roll wrapper. Was thinking it sounded funky, but it actually went wonderfully together. I ordered the bucket of fried ipswich clams. SO good!!! There were a few thinly sliced pickles that were lightly fried - surprisingly tasty. Hubby ordered the Capt N Crunch sushi roll and practically devoured it. Crab and corn chowder was good. My husband wanted to take home a quart of it. Only thing I didn't like about it was the red peppers (since I'm not a fan). Our other companion chose the crab and shrimp spring rolls - 3 in an order - she said they were awesome. Shrimp etouffe got good reviews, too. For dinner, the scallops were huge and sweet. The homemade pasta was light and brothy, with bacon flavorings throughout. The crabcakes were definitely the best I've tasted. Barely any filler. Lemon Beurre Blanc sauce on the side. It was so good!! My husband's surf and turf was a 7 oz ny strip steak topped with a 5 oz lobster tail mixture and hollandaise sauce. Heavenly! Desserts were also good. Donut holes with expresso bavarian cream, caramel creme brulee, and chocolate mousse with praline crust. Oh, and don't forget, the rocky road fudge pieces you get with the bill, as if you aren't stuffed enough! lol
The only minor complaint I can say is that service sometimes took a bit long in between course. Other than that, we throughly enjoyed our meal, the atmosphere, and night out. I highly recommended anyone who loves seafood to go here for a SPECIAL OCCASION. You'll be paying a lot of money, but the food is worth it! My husband is hard to please with restaurants and he gave 5 stars to Passion FIsh.,
Weekend in San Fran - Cheap Eats?
I will be coming to San Fran with my mom the weekend of Dec 4th for a ladies' getaway. :) Could you please give a few places that are "must trys" but won't break the bank?
A breakfast place; lunch - somewhere at the wharf? dinner? brunch? chinatown?
We'll be at the Four Seasons, if that tells you which restaurants are located around.
Sorry, I'm so lost and excited to go there!!! A weekend isn't long enough....
Thai Basil - Throw down with Bobbby Flay
I almost always get the Pad Thai, love it! My friend usually gets Drunken Noodles. When I was counting points, I had the Garlic Chicken (from the On the Lighter Side section), which was good and VERY garlicky. I've also tried some other noodles dishes that were on the Specials menu. Spring rolls are also good.
What Thai places did you go to around here? I choose Thai Basil over the ones closeby.
Where can I find pork butt?
As someone else said, they are on sale at Giant this week (thru Thursday) - $1.69/lb.
Best meatloaf?
I also like Red Rock Canyon's meatloaf (I've been to the Centreville location). It is spicy from the sausage and tomato gravy. I love their green beans. The chunky mashed potatoes are overloaded with pepper, though. I also have to agree their chicken pot pie is good. My two fave dishes there, although it's been about 2-3 years since I've been.
When Ted's opened in Cascades (Sterling, VA), I tried the meatloaf and thought it was fine. Although I didn't get excited over it. Maybe I should try it again.
Anyone been to Backyard Grill?
Backyard Grill in Chantilly is by my work. I wouldn't get excited over any of the food. More of a HH type of place - but the nice part during warm weather is being able to sit outside.
Before the management changed, I know they had a Prime Rib Night (Mondays?) that people said was a really good deal. I haven't been in over 2 years, so I really can't vouch for anything. Although a co-worker of mine went a few weeks ago (she is a not a 'foodie') and got a salad. She said it was nothing special, but same thing, just a place to go drinking after work.
Sorry to not be of more help in terms of choosing something tasty to eat...
Beef Stroganoff
I've had the stroganoff at Russia House in Herndon. It was good, but it wasn't the type with slices of beef over egg noodles. It was a piece of tenderloin with stroganoff sauce on top, served with mashed potatoes. It was still tasty, but not what satisfied my craving. The day I went, there was a chicken stroganoff special (at lunch) that was sliced and over egg noodles. If I hadn't been with co-workers, I probably would've asked for egg noodles - but it was my first day of work and I didn't want to seem too needy! ;-)
Now I'm craving stroganoff, so I'm interested in hearing other suggestions. I live out in Loudoun, so Arlington or Alexandria wouldn't work for me... and I'm on bedrest. I may have to get the hubby to go to El Manantial for me!
Carrabba's Fettucine Alfredo Recipe
I looooooove Carrabba's fettucine alfredo - plain - and also say nothing compares to it. I believe it's due to the actual pasta, not the sauce. Their fettucine pasta tastes fresh, but not like any I've had before. It may also be the pecorino romano cheese, since most times alfredo is made with parmesan.
Needless to say, I have been craving Carrabba's alfredo for weeks and now I'm really dying for some (and on bedrest). Thanks, guys!
Looking for anniversary caliber place around Loudoun County
Was your anniversary this past Tuesday (16th) or this coming Tuesday? Not sure if I missed it.
I'm not giving any new suggestions here, just vouching for ones already given.
For special occasions, I love going to Lightfoot. It's good going either casual or dressy. The atmosphere is modern, but classic. I've never been disappointed in the food, except for the fact that they changed the menu and took off the Venetian Pork Chop. I loved that with the whole bulb of roasted garlic! I do know a lot of people would complain that it is inconsistent with expensive prices... I don't agree, though. A nice meal in this area these days most always comes to at least $120 with wine.
I also like L'Auberge for once in a while special occasions. If you let time go by between visits, you really remember how well and attentive they treat you. The food is good, but not "spectacular." Every time I go, I seem to get the same couple of items. My fave app is the housemade sausages over lentil cassoulet. Although I used to pick the filet over garlic toast and sprinkled with sea salt. My husband always gets the mixed grilled with lobster tail... I'm a sauce freak, so I usually end up taking spoonfuls of the bearnaise sauce from him (yes, embarrassing for him). All in all, L'Auberge's romantic atmosphere and service is worth it, in my opinion. I have missed going there since my son was born two years ago... I'm hoping I will get to return during the holidays, when it's beautifully decorated.
My mom and her bf love Magnolia's on the Mill. They go quite often, especially during the outside dining months. She has never had a bad meal. I got a taste of the fried green tomato appetizer (leftover - she knew I wanted to try it) and it was very good, even leftover!
I was never impressed with Tuscarora Mill. Food wasn't that well prepared - getting oysters from Lightfoot always get me happy, where I was gagging and fighting tears to get Tuscarora's down. When talking to locals, it sounds like you are either Tuskies fans or Lightfoot fans... maybe there's the difference?
Wherever you do go for your dinner, please post a review! Happy Anniversary!
Anniversary Dinner in Ocean City
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check out their websites!
Where to buy a good key lime pie?
There is a shop in Vienna, VA - and that ships, too: www.piegourmet.com. They charge $9-$12 to ship into DC.
Good Reuben in NoVA?
Thanks for all of the recs! I am going to try out Chutzpah's this week or next during lunch. Will report back! I ended up going to Jimmy's over the weekend and LOVED their reuben! The layers of meat were perfect... not the fatty kind where I take a bite and the whole piece of meat comes out. The bread was perfectly crisp and buttery, but not greasy at all. I also really liked their coleslaw. I only took a few bites of the fries (I prefer crunchy), but I also wasn't in the mood for fries - plus, love that they automatically give malt vinegar to sprinkle on top! The waiters were all really friendly and I could tell that most diners were "regulars." I'll be going back to try other things!
I didn't realize Mimi's Cafe had reubens... I checked their website on Friday and didn't see the traditional reuben, just the one with coleslaw. I will have to try out O'Faolain's, too. I usually get their Guinness Casserole.
Thanks again, all!
Anniversary Dinner in Ocean City
My husband and I are going to Ocean City for our anniversary. We haven't been to OC in over 10 years, either. Can anyone recommend a kid-friendly (22 month old will be with us) with good seafood and non-seafood dishes? We aren't looking for something overly classy or romantic, of couse (kid-friendly), but something "nice."
Good Reuben in NoVA?
Any recommendations on a great Reuben sammy in Northern Virginia - preferably in one of these areas: Ashburn, Sterling, Reston, or Herndon? I'll even travel to Fair Lakes. I don't want something with super greasy (and soggy) bread or fatty meat, which is what I've gotten lately.
Cornish Pasties in DC (or online)?
There is a little shop in Aldie, VA (just past South Riding on Route 50) called The British Pantry. They sell frozen pasties that are tasty! They also have frozen sausage rolls that are wonderful. The closest I have found to the overseas version. The shop also carries all the British potato 'crisps' and candies - i.e., Cadbury.
On the side of the shop, they have a tea room. It is reservations only and they do teas plus lunches. EXCELLENT Shepherd's Pie!
http://thebritishpantry.us/ - You can also order things online
Best Burmese restaurant in the area, hands down
I recently went to A Taste of Burma. While we didn't eat in the restaurant, the service was great. The owners' son is the waiter and is very accommodating. I had been wanting to check it out for months now, because the appetizers sounded interesting. I lived in South Africa and had been looking for samosas similar to the ones I had eaten there. Indian samosas never seem to be what I was looking for. A Taste of Burma got them right on!!! Thin, crisp paper triangles filled with potato, peas, and just the right amount of curry. (Thinking about picking it up tonight, actually) I ordered the appetizer sampler - but was not really impressed with the other items. The split pea fritters and tempura veggies/shrimp were not very flavorful. Next time I will just stick to the samosas. For entrees, the mongolian beef was tasty. My husband loves PF Chang's Mongolian Beef, which it is NOT like, but he really liked this version. The beef was crisp, yet still tender and chewy. The carry out container looked small, but held two big plates worth. I ordered the Chicken w/ Potatoes Curry and requested it 'spicy.' VERY good! Big chunks of potatoes and chicken in a thick sauce.
