Ferris Bueller

5 hours ago, DonRocks said:

If this is what I'm thinking of, this new building is in-your-face driving northbound over the I-395 bridges - it has a classic, "U" shape with two towers flanking one smaller central area. Perhaps that lower, central portion is a concession to Mandarin so as not to completely obliterate their City View?

I think that one of the enticements the city made to get Mandarin to move here, was covering up the train tracks (the timing was just too coincidental). Oops, looks like they were thinking longer-term than just the Mandarin.

The tracks are still very prominent and at various times pretty noisy depending on the type of train (Amtrak or freight) 

That is the one - more info here.  If there was any type of concession, it failed - unless you have a periscope.

Has the Parkland momentum slowed...not really hearing anything about the movement which was well-publicized for months.

Coffee service in the AM was "free" in the hallway leading to Muze, perhaps they had complaints and offered a concession.

BTW - there is a large residential structure going up on the "city" view side of the hotel that eliminates any view of the city and fireworks from that side of the building, looking towards the Washington Monument/Mall area.

Since there was no thread for this restaurant on its own - there is now.  Apparently the 2nd venture for the Lahlou Restaurant Group, their 1st being Lupo Verde Cucina & Bar.

Stopped in late afternoon looking for some decent Italian food - the group of people (management) graciously greeted us and welcomed us to their establishment.  We had viewed the menu posted outside and wanted to see if they could accommodate Ghocchi for our kids who wanted tomato-based sauce instead of (GNOCCHI 22,ASPARAGUS, WILD MUSHROOMS, FONDUTA, SPRING PEAS, GELATO AL PARMIGIANO), which in unison, they replied "absolutely, we can make anything the way you want it."  It did not disappoint and the Gnocchi was outstanding.  We also had a PACCHERI 28
BLUE CRAB, SHRIMP, SQUID, GARLIC, SAFFRON BRODETTO which was excellent and flavorful.  The fresh-baked bread that accompanied our meal helped me make sure my plate was clean enough to place back on the shelf without washing 😁.  We also ordered the tomato and fresh mozzarella pizza to round out the meal.  Staff was accommodating and sincerely friendly.  This place is tucked away off the main part of the Wharf on a secondary street but easy to find.  The food came out promptly and we felt like they appreciated our visit.  If in the area and interested in a moderately-priced, fresh Italian meal, give it a shot.

The Mandarin Oriental Breakfast Buffet ($30) here is pretty decent value for the $$.  From omelette station as well as fresh-baked pastries, breakfast meats, fruit and French Toast as well as salmon, bagels, different types of cream cheese, fresh-squeezed orange juice and a partial view of the DC waterfront dock area.  Service is very good and staff welcoming.  I would suggest reservations as it was extremely busy between 9-10:30 AM.

They also had a July 4th "picnic' type of menu which was well-attended, very casual and festive.  

Was in town for the 4th, and happened upon the outdoor seating at Occidental Grill - have eaten at Cafe du Parc several times, but they were not seating outside last nite and it was actually pretty nice with a decent breeze.

Porter Braised Beef Short Rib Whipped Grits | Confit Baby Carrots | Celery Root “Chips” | Red Wine Demi-Glace - was excellent and flavorful.  Service was excellent and sitting outside on a quiet nite, perfect.  We did not stay for dessert, only as it was getting late and it had been a long day.

Have been back here several times for lunch specials and dinner - service, food and atmosphere continue to be solid.

It is a small place so it fills up quickly, but it is nice to have a decent Greek place without driving to Tysons area.

Apparently DSP locked up for another year at $1M.  I think that is a good move and great value on/off ice.

6 hours ago, DonRocks said:

It always has been, no?

[BTW, thank you very much for not only replying to the original question, but also for posting in the three individual restaurant threads - this saves me so much grief you could not believe - everything is already in the Dining Guides.]

Perhaps - for some reason I thought it was a newer addition, but could be my error.

Update: this is now a Michael Mina "Tavern" 

Decor has not changed, menu has - Sunday Brunch was one of the best we have had - from Crepes made to order to Omelette Station - and pretty much everything in between.  If you are looking for a great atmosphere (overlooking Baltimore Harbor), there is seating outside, and you can view the activity on the water while dining.  Servers never let our coffee cups hit less then 1/2 full, and promptly cleared dishes between visits to various stations.  They even have a kids bar, set down at a lower height for easier access, and it had PB&Js (crust removed), grilled cheese, breakfast sliders, chicken tenders etc. I would highly suggest reservations as the hotel has gotten busier and Brunch was busy when we arrived at 11 AM.

La Scala in Little Italy, Baltimore was very good.  We hit there on a Saturday evening, with a medium-sized party (reservation of course), and were seated promptly.  Their shuttle to/from our hotel was a nice touch so we did not have to mess with parking.  From the Grilled Caesar salad and garlic bread to the homemade sausage, jumbo shrimp and spinach over penne pasta (made inhouse), everything was served hot and perfectly seasoned.  We had Chicken Parm, fettuccine verdi alla Bolognese, Gnocchi, penne with tomato sauce; everything was available in 1/2 portions for children.  

Their waitstaff was very well informed, courteous but not overbearing.  Food came out as ordered, and courses were timed well - they were very busy on a Saturday evening.  The drinks were great.  We did not enjoy dessert although they all were homemade and sounded good.  As a side note, the bocce ball court on the basement level of the restaurant was a good distraction for the kids but they have to be accompanied by an adult - just a head's up.  Interior is a little dated, and nothing to write home about, but the food was the focus and it all worked for us.

At Don's suggestion, we went this afternoon and it did not disappoint.  The tomato pie (no cheese), was very tasty - their sauce is excellent.  Homemade meatballs can be ordered as a side (2) with sauce in case you want to try them.  Their crust is light and considered "deep" dish, but it is not at all chewy; it almost is a cake-like consistency but flavorful so you want to eat the whole crust.  Their homemade sauce is zesty, full of tomato depth.  We ordered extras to shlep back to Virginia and enjoy tomorrow.  

The wait staff was friendly, happy to make suggestions and sincere in their desire for patrons to enjoy their food.  Would go back this week if it weren't an hour drive.  Blink and you will miss this place, but worth a trip if in the area.

Woodbury is apparently booked farther in advance than we had time - called Monday and could not get in; will keep in mind for next trip.

May check out the R House as well, than you - looks interesting.

 I think we landed on Italian as times worked, once I figure out where I will update if worthwhile.

Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market Kicks Off Weeklong Opening Celebration by RestonNow

The grand opening celebration kicked off at 11 a.m. today with a champagne sabering, live music and a ceremony led by Judy Spires, CEO of Balducci’s. During the weeklong celebration from Friday (June 22) through July 1, there will be a 10 percent discount on all purchase. Tastings and demonstration will also be held throughout the week. Today, around 400 additional parking spaces will be available for customers.

Ashburn location slated to open tomorrow.

Construction on New Office Building in Reston Station Begins by Fatimah Waseem, RestonNow

180,000 sq' of office space and 8,300 sq' of retail with "above-grave" parking deck, which I really hope means above GRADE.

JBG Sells Sheraton Reston Hotel To Florida Investor from BisNow
Reston Master Plan FACTS

There is a lot going on in Reston.  Lots of development that has already been approved under the current density limit.  There are many more projects waiting for the density limit to be revised and then a flood of new mixed use retail/condos/apartments etc (essentially vertical, high-density) ready to be submitted.  I am all for progress, but when it takes me 45 minutes to go 4.5 miles during rush hour and our representatives are not demanding infrastructure improvements prior to the new development...we have a problem.  

Good information can be obtained and referenced here.  Reclaim Reston.

Thanks much - Matthew's Pizza looks pretty cool - thanks for the suggestion.

Woodbury may be the deal, have to check with friends, but thanks for the recommendation - I will keep you posted.

Here's how Brookfield fits Wegmans into its Reston Crescent project from Washington Business Journal

Has anyone been here since 2015?  Heading to Baltimore this weekend and have friends flying in from out of the area - wanted to do something fun, kid-friendly - have eaten here several times and had good Bfast/Brunch and DInners but open to ideas.

Anyone?

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Need Baltimore Recommendations (DonRocks)

44 minutes ago, zgast said:

$$$$$$$$

or lack thereof

This Weekend: Taste of Reston Food Festival Returns to Reston Town Center by RestonNow.com

Foodies can enjoy food from more than 20 restaurants during Taste of Reston, a two-day festival in Reston Town Center (11900 Market Street) tomorrow and Saturday.

"Top DC, NoVA Restaurant Award Winners Named" by Cameron Luttrell on patch.com

• Upscale Brunch of the Year: Osteria Morini
• Casual Brunch of the Year: Ambar Capitol Hill
• Favorite Gathering Place of the Year: The Daily Dish
• Favorite Fast Bites of the Year: Moby Dick House of Kabob
• Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Gerald Addison and Chris Morgan, Compass Rose Bar + Kitchen, Maydan
• Beer Program of the Year: Owen's Ordinary
• Cocktail Program of the Year: Espita Mezcaleria
• Wine Program of the Year: BOURBON STEAK
• Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: USI Insurance Services
• Regional Food and Beverage Producer of the Year: Right Proper Brewing Company
• Employee of the Year: Andrea Tateosian, Urbana
• Manager of the Year: Heidi Minora, Commissary
• Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Clarity
• Casual Restaurant of the Year: Ivy City Smokehouse Tavern
• Service Program of the Year: minibar by José Andrés
• Restaurateur of the Year: Ari Gejdenson, Mindful Restaurants
• Pastry Chef of the Year: Tiffany MacIsaac, Buttercream Bakeshop
• Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Masseria
• New Restaurant of the Year: CHIKO
• Chef of the Year: Amy Brandwein, Centrolina