Casual or Carryout in Mount Vernon

[Waitman]

I was bitter when my cousin transferred from a hospital in the Little Korea/Eden Center corner of the earth and moved to some corner of Alexandria/Mt. Vernon that as far as I know has little to offer in the way of dinner, but I suppose her spine is more important than my stomach.

At any rate, any help you can provide in terms of casual sit-down and decent carry-out will be helpful in helping me get my priorities back in order and making the vigils of the various visiting relatives (adventurous eaters, all) more tolerable.

Note that, even though it is located on Mt. Vernon Avenue, Cheesetique (which might be a little fancy for these purposes) is about 20 minutes away from Inova Mt. Vernon, which is near Ft. Hunt Park.  On the other hand, the quickest route from DC to the hospital seems to be down rout 1 through or near Del Ray and Old Town, so any quick pick-up spots with decent parking in those areas will be appreciated, as well.

Thanks.

She is expected to be OK, by the way.

[Rovers2000]

I'd consider:

Society Fair (Old Town) - Parking will probably be an issue here

A La Lucia (Old Town) - It's not on the main drag, so parking has always been easy and I believe they do carryout

Market 2 Market (Del Ray) - Parking is hit or miss

Also if you're planning on jumping on Rock Creek to get out of the city to visit, you could always grab something in Cleveland Park (be it Vace or takeout from one of the restaurants nearby).

[Pat]

As far as Mt. Vernon Avenue, I was thinking the place in this thread looked interesting, but I have no idea about parking.  This is their website.

[lperry]

There is a hole-in-the-wall taqueria in a strip mall on Route 1 just North of where Sherwood Hall Road comes out.  I think it is called Guadalahara, and they are also a bakery.  We went here with some friends who live in Hollin Hills, and it was excellent.  It is what it is - cheaply-priced Mexican with service on paper plates - but you will enjoy the food, and they do have take-away. 

[thistle]

There's Sherwood Gourmet, right near the hospital, good sandwiches, Tacos El Costalilla & La Mexicana out on Rt. 1, Mamma's Kitchen, Restaurant Cosmopolitan, (Thai Nakorn, Su Pollo, & Kimchi House-I'll subtract these, not that they're not good, but probably not on your commuting route, & add Viet House, north on Rt. 1, w/ decent pho) & the new Costco for prepared foods & fresh fruit & veg....(I hope I'm thinking about the right Mt. Vernon area). I hope your cousin has an uneventful hospital stay & recovery.

[Bart]

I put in (another) plug for our favorite Chinese place.........Peking Duck on route 1 just around the bend from the Mt Vernon Hospital.  Casual sit down or carry out.  The Peking Duck is great as are the dumplings.  I love the Black Velvet Chicken (chicken with eggplant).  Shrimp with Vegetables is also a winner.  They have a bunch of "sizzling rice' dishes - - a stir fry with rice dumped onto a molten platter at your table.  They also have an all you can eat (but made to order) lunch/brunch every day but saturday.

[Waitman]

lperry, Thistle, Bart -- you nailed it.  I visited for the first time last night and Route 1 seems to be the preferred route back into town (I noticed Peking Duck but didn't want to take a chance, so indulged my Popeye's weakness).

Because of work, visiting hours and my early-morning workout habits, quick carryout that tastes decent reheated at home is the preferred culinary statement for these trips to the 'burbs though, Rovers and Pat, if we get a good night for the out-of-town support team to have a sit-down dinner, your suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks.