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reedm

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Everything posted by reedm

  1. reedm
    I finally made my way to Afghan Bistro, and my only regret is that it took me so long to do so. As soon as I opened the door and walked in, I was met with incredible aromas, and I immediately knew I had made a great decision. The space is compact and very "cozy", and while there is a bar area, there isn't any bar seating. Members upthread have did a wonderful job describing the food, so I'll only add that, while this was my first experience with Afghan cuisine, I thought the food was incredibly delicious. I inadvertently doubled up on a couple of dishes, since I chose a hot mazza assortment for an appetizer, and the vegetarian combination as a main. Mind you, I'm not complaining, and the praises for the eggplant, butternut squash, dumplings, and other dishes mentioned above are well deserved. Portions were generous, and I had more than enough food for two meals. Everyone I met was incredibly nice and helpful, and I look forward to dining in during my next visit.
  2. reedm
    This was almost enough for two meals.
  3. reedm
    I used Malwarebytes to identify and remove some junk on my wife's laptop. (I think it started when she downloaded a fake/hijacked adobe flash program) Regardless, it worked like a champ. I'm pretty sure Facebook can access your browser cookies, but I'm skeptical they use a keystroke logger.
  4. reedm
    Finally had a chance to check out their new location today. (Beware, their mobile site still directs you to 203 Florida) I placed a to-go order, knowing that I would eat the barbecue that evening. The new space, while much larger than the original, is still small most of the seating is located at the bar, and there are a couple of small tables, but that's it. i ordered the Rib and Wing combo, which consisted of 1/2 pound of ribs (2 large + a small end rib in my case), five wing sections, and a side each of pickles and fried Brussels sprouts. They also included two small sides of BBQ sauce and a roll. in a word? Tremendous. The ribs were perfectly cooked. Great smoky flavor with a great chew. The ribs really didn't need any sauce, but the sauce that accompanied the order was perfect for my tastes. Tomato sauce/ketchup based sauce with plenty pepper, mustard, vinegar, and some sugar would be my best guess. The wings, as mentioned up thread, or notable as well. There are perfectly seasoned, moist, and smoky. Some of the best I've had in recent memory. The brussels sprouts were fantastic, even with a quick microwave reheating. The pickles tasted the same as before, i.e. tangy and delicious. Even the roll was great. Welcome back DCity.
  5. reedm
    That's too bad for the employees, and I hope they find new positions quickly. That said, the original concept was a bit insane. I can't think of a single highly experienced chef who could pull off a restaurant at that price point--why would anyone think an up and comer could pull it off?
  6. reedm
    Stopped in for my first time today and while my experience differed in some ways from yours, there were more similarities. The sandwich arrived wrapped and in a container, and while it doesn't appear to be overly large, I found the portion size to be generous. The pastrami was thinly sliced--not shaved, but probably 1/8 inch thick. The meat was tender and nicely seasoned, but the entire sandwich seemed too dry. The milk bread bun was good, but if it was toasted, it wasn't obvious. I'd wager with a little TLC, this sandwich would be superb, but it was average during my lunch experience today. At $13, it's not outrageously priced for DC, but it's served without any sides apart from a pickle spear. Oh, and the pickle was as good as others have mentioned!
  7. reedm
    When I lived in Courthouse a couple of years ago, GPB was my "local". I returned last night with a couple of friends who wanted to check out the recent expansion. They recently extended the bar area--it's probably at least doubled in size. The new space looks great, and it's a vast improvement over the original area, since it became overcrowded quite quickly. While the menu has certainly changed, the executive chef Pierre Saussy has remained, and the food was as good as I remember it. The "buffalo" ribs, now offered on the happy hour menu, were as delicious as before. My friend enjoyed his porterhouse pork chop, and I think the bacon cheeseburger is still the benchmark for DC/NOVA. If Mo is working the bar, he's usually happy to make something unique/off-menu if you ask. Last night, he made an old-fashioned with muddled oranges that was quite different--in a positive way--from any version I've had before. I also learned GPB is now open for lunch. Sadly, my office is too far for a lunch trip, but I look forward to a return trip.
  8. reedm
    That's a great idea. I was stationed in Idaho twice, and the Sawtooths are spectacular--arguably one of the most underrated areas of the country. When most people think of Idaho, they think of potatoes or skinheads. Neither dominate the state.
  9. reedm
    Yes, you can decide which ones you'd like. If you do not choose a meal, they will send meals matching your preferences. There's no obligation, and you can skip weeks whenever you like and cancel at any time. We typically add a smoothie or fruit to break the $45 threshold. If you use this link, you'll get $30 off of your first order. (Disclaimer; if you use it, I also get $30 off) If you choose to sign up, you have to add your method of payment before you are able to see the menu and other options.
  10. reedm
    We've been using Home Chef for three weeks worth of deliveries so far. It certainly suits two empty nesters who aren't in the mood to decide upon a meal, shop, and then cook. Everything has been very good to excellent so far. Home Chef's packaging is recyclable.
  11. reedm
    Tonight I made a deceptively simple but delicious Caldo Verde courtesy of SeriousEats.com. I've made this dish before from a different recipe, but this recipe is far superior. Highly recommended.
  12. reedm
    Would appreciate any and all ideas for the following: My parents were in town for Christmas, and during their stay, my mom let me know they would like to treat the immediate family to a reunion this summer in celebration of their upcoming 80th (yes) birthdays. For the past several years, this has been a tradition in my dad's family, and they chose locations based upon ease of travel, access to activities, and availability of houses that could accommodate relatively large groups. Previous reunion locations include visited Estes Park Colorado and Pigeon Forge Tennessee. While my mom is in great shape, and walks a great deal every day, my dad suffered a stroke a few years ago, so while he is able to walk a bit, he's not quite as adventurous or mobile as my mom. The youngest participant will be 12, and the rest will be high school/college age grandchildren.Parents are in their 40s/50s. A house that is suitable for fits 13 comfortably, while not a rigid requirement, would be great. My mom mentioned Costa Rica, since one of her friends raved about it, but we are open to just about anything. Unfortunately, ultra-long plane trips (Australia, etc., are not in the cards) Thanks!
  13. reedm
    I'm a fan of Fiola, particularly for special occasions. They used to offer a limited food menu at bar, but I'm not sure if that's still available. Regardless, they offer the full menu at the bar.
  14. reedm
    We had a change of plans, so no worries. Thanks for following up! Our friends cooked a magnificent dinner, so we came out ahead. Feel free to delete and Happy New Year!
  15. reedm
    That stinks. What are you making? I just thought of Red Apron--they might be a good bet in the future.
  16. reedm
    Another vote for Pizzeria Orso. Their menu offers plenty of variety, which will allow those with "pickier palates" to enjoy the place, while they also offer some more adventurous dishes. The pizza is outstanding as always. As a bonus, parents can enjoy a nice glass of wine/beer or a cocktail. My wife and I took my daughter to Fiola for her 16th, but I don't have the bankroll to do that with 8 friends. If that's within your budget, taste, etc., you can ask for the private room.
  17. reedm
    Does anyone know of any places offering a "special" NYE lunch this year? As a general rule, we avoid venturing out that evening, but since NYE falls on a Saturday, I thought it might be fun to go have a nice lunch somewhere. I thought I just read something about places offering lunch, but I can't recall where I read it.
  18. reedm
    Stopped by today with my parents, who are visiting for Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised to see plenty of customers, since I think ABC Canteen is one of the best places to eat in the Fairfax City area (even if it is just outside the city limits). Three of us ordered the fish and chips, which my 70+ year old mom declared to be the best she'd ever had. (She's got very discerning tastes, so that says a lot.) The specials board listed Pozole with two accompanying chicken flautas, and I'd seen it a few times before, but I decided not to pass it up this time. I'm fairly certain this is the first time I've had pozole, so I'm in no position to comment on authenticity, but I can tell you it was absolutely delicious. The soup was incredibly clean tasting, with bite-sized chunks of pork (smoked?), hominy, and diced avocado. Wes suggested the addition of onions, radishes, and lime juice, and also provided a nicely spicy/hot chile powder mix. Wes mentioned he took in off the menu in July, but had so many requests that he added it back to the menu. Perfect on a cold day. Wes remains as nice as ever, ABC Canteen is immaculately clean, and the food is fresh and prepared to order. It doesn't get much better than that.
  19. reedm
    You might try Harvey's Market at Union Market.
  20. reedm
    I've never been, but even while I lived in the area for a year, I wondered how this place did enough business to stay open.
  21. reedm
    None of those have high water content, so I think you'll be fine, depending upon the preparation of course I recently started Home Chef as well, and I've been very pleased so far. Looks like we both picked the pork chops this week.
  22. reedm
    Had a delicious lunch today with my daughter, who is home from college for the holiday break. We shared the scallion bubble pancake, which was delicious as always, if just a tad greasy this time. My daughter ordered mapo tofu, which was also delicious. The dish is not too hot spicewise, and the silken tofu is perfect. For those who may not have been to Peter Changs, the portion sizes are huge, and meant for sharing. I chose "Roasted Lamb with Cumin" from the holiday menu. It arrived with a wonderful cumin aroma (go figure). The lamb pieces had been cut into rough rectangles (about 2x1x1/4) which had been stir fried with green peppers and carrots. This dish was a revelation to me--while the cumin scent was prominent, the dish was perfectly balanced, and I"m not exaggerating when I say the lamb was the most tender I've ever had. Please order this. The service is fast and friendly. Our server appeared to be a bit brusque at first, but she was great, and smiled when I told her the lamb was the the most tender I'd ever had.
  23. reedm
    Had a wonderful brunch yesterday with my daughter. Requin has continued to evolve since their pop-up days. The menu has expanded and changed quite a bit, and I think the portion sizes have increased on some dishes. That said, Chef Jen's french-influenced cooking continues to impress. My daughter started with a spectacular roasted carrot and fennel soup topped with crispy leeks. For her main (she is a vegetarian, btw) she ordered the wild mushroom soft scramble. The softest scrambled eggs were served on puff pastry, and served with smashed roasted potatoes and a green salad. Lovely dish. I chose the Tilefish poboy, which was served on a fresh baguette with red pepper aioli as well as sliced lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, carrots, and probably a couple others I can't recall. Both entrees were served with a market salad with the best lemon vinaigrette I've ever tasted. Service was very nice.
  24. reedm
    A little over a month later, there are only six yelp reviews. Perhaps the place simply doesn't measure up to the places you mentioned.
  25. reedm
    Don, Field & Main. Marshall, Va.
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