monkeyrotica

I just read that book! It's very good. I grew up eating this stuff several times a week. Oh for some good kishka...

Now a major motion picture. 

House of Dynasty has a new website to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

I'm a fan of Hunan Deli down Telegraph Square Drive. Predominately a Korean menu, but they do some nice Koreanized versions of Chinese dishes. I like their Szechuan Spicy Crispy Pork and their Korean Sweet and Sour Pork isn't drowned in sickly sauce; you can actually taste the vegetables.

Sampan is my go to for dim sum (it's 20 minutes away). Most of the time when I go to the usual cart dim sum places, half the stuff I get ends up being cold by the time it gets to me, so I prefer ordering a la carte. The noodle soups are filling, but the ones I've tried haven't been particularly outstanding (I really like the Floating Market Soup at Bangkok Noodle). I've had good luck with the tripe dishes, particularly the casseroles, as well as the clams with black bean sauce. I'm always looking for a decent deep fried pork chop; Sampan does an excellent Crispy Spicy Pork Chop that cut into bite size pieces, fried extra crispy, and toppped with fried garlic and chilis.
 

I wish I knew where their chef went. Their deepfried eel was fantastic. If I recall correctly, most of the Yelp complaints concerned the poor quality of their General Tso's Chicken.

It sounds like they're planning to reopen on lower Barracks Row on November 1st.

They're located in the old Chicken Tortilla restaurant, nextdoor to the former Levi's Port Café which is now Ziaafat Grill. I've been meaning to give their nihari a try; it's difficult to do well.

Grotto Pizza recently opened their first shop this side of the Chesapeake. Perfectly legit steak & cheese and if you're familiar with their pizza, it's exactly like what you'd find in Rehoboth beach. They also do gelato and have some decent happy hour specials. Free popcorn too.

The Awe Shack does solid kebabs and grilled meats.

Otani is our go-to for sushi when we're in Bowie. Very fresh.

They did a great job replicating the overall feel/vibe of the original location. Sampled the wife's cioppino and it was excellent. Highly recommend skipping the raw bar and going for the fried oysters. They're some of the best I've had in town. And if you like your fish prepared simply, this place does an excellent grilled petrale sole in lemon butter sauce.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tadich-grill-washington

When we visit my father's grave in Davidsonville, we stop by Killarney House. I usually get either the fish and chips or the corned beef. Both are excellent.

That's too bad.  Reading between lines it seems like the owners of the land/building aren't interested in elevating this place from a tourist trap serving mediocre food to an actual restaurant serving good food with a local following.

I'd imagine zoning had a lot to do with this decision as well. The building itself is pretty shabby, the kitchen isn't all that big, and they aren't allowed to serve food on the second floor. Having to navigate all those hurdles isn't cheap. Anyway, the food at Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant is pretty good and River Bend Bistro isn't far away either.

The wife and I have reservations this weekend. We went to the original on our honeymoon and had a great time. Unfortunately, since being diagnosed with gout, I've had to skip most crustaceans, so the cioppino is off the list. Looks like I'll be opting for the broiled fish and clams. And hopefully, they have a decent barkeep.

"First Look: Tadich Grill Opens in DC" by Rina Rapuano on zagat.com