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Ferris Bueller

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  1. Ferris Bueller
    Went for dinner a few weeks ago (party of 6) and not only was this place packed, when we left, the lobby crowded with people waiting for a table(s). From a very gracious greeting, to thorough explanation of the menu and specials, expertly prepared homemade pasta, dessert and the Manager checking on us at the end of our dinner service, to make sure our experience was excellent. They were already decorated for Valentine's Day and had been completely booked for some time. Yes, the portions are large. The food (and drinks) is excellent. The atmosphere is welcoming, can be a little tight on seating as there are a lot of tables, but the place is lively. If you have not been, give it a shot and take your leftovers home to enjoy at a later date.
  2. Ferris Bueller
    We had a (pre-parking app/charging) party planned for last night at RTC. Luckily it was on a weekend so the parking app and issue was not a problem for anyone. While there, I walked around a little and it was extremely quieet. Granted it was a Sunday evening, however the parking garages were empty, there was minimal walking traffic and several of the restaurants I passed were empty. This was between 6-8:30 PM and purely just a passerby observation on my part.
  3. Ferris Bueller
    Boston Properties: Impact of Town Center Paid Parking ‘Far Less’ Than Claimed https://www.restonnow.com/2017/02/09/boston-properties-impact-of-town-center-paid-parking-far-less-than-claimed/ I had a business lunch today in Reston; originally scheduled to meet at RTC. Changed plans to meet at Not Your Average Joe's at 1 PM, so I did not have to explain any of the challenges of the parking app/parking to attendees. I could tell it was busy since the parking lot was packed, so was the restaurant. Waited about 15 mins for a table, and their indoor waiting area had no fewer than 20 people waiting for tables. If anything, perhaps the secondary shopping areas are directly seeing more business traffic with the RTC parking situation.
  4. Ferris Bueller
    I do not think it is the app, but that has only made the situation more challenging. I think it is the fact there was once "free" parking at RTC, and now it comes at a cost along with a strange way of regulating where you can park and for which establishments. When something has been free for 20+ years, but now it costs a fee (as some have commented and observed a relatively high fee compared to other areas that have limited or high demand parking), people get upset; it makes them think twice about going someplace and hanging out. Some validate, some do not - you have to figure any company leasing from RTC/BP knew when there was free parking there were no objections to people going to RTC to enjoy food/shopping/walking around/events etc...now with the paid parking and a bizarre color-themed, specific level designated parking system, people think twice or simply do not go anymore. I believe, based on observation, and from articles as linked and referenced above, it is the latter. People have made the decision to stop patronizing RTC which affects every retailer and employee who has a store or stores there. As people boycott the RTC ownership's decision to commit to paid parking, sadly the retail businesses there take the hit. The lack of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic is visibly noticeable since the new parking system activated.
  5. Ferris Bueller
    Perhaps they are setting the trend for paid parking in suburban VA (j/k). Since Tysons (I and II), Fair Lakes/Fair Oaks, One Loudoun and Vienna are all within a relatively short driving distance and have at least as much diversity for shopping/eating, it seems odd that RTC is instigating a paid parking system. The publicized reasoning was to stop the "commuter" parking for the Metro starting at Wiehle Ave and the future station under construction at Reston Parkway. The area is not as dense as Bethesda or Rockville which have far more office space and commuter traffic, where parking may be more of a premium. RTC is a stand alone destination, convenient due to its proximity to Rte 7 and Dulles Toll Road. Obviously people are boycotting the RTC which is referenced in the recent links posted above. It is affecting the businesses and their employees with potentially reduced income (based on the nature of their business) and also being charged for parking too.
  6. Ferris Bueller
    But wait there's more....Now there is a Protest March: https://www.restonnow.com/2017/02/06/online-call-for-protest-of-town-center-paid-parking-draws-interest/
  7. Ferris Bueller
    Last I read, there are 60 or so RTC businesses meeting today to discuss situation. Hopefully those empowered at BP will listen and reconsider parking position. Reston is not LA or DC or NYC and to have a paid parking system implemented as it was done seems silly. There are many other options with few, if any, charging for parking in a suburban shopping area that is convenient but far from unique.
  8. Ferris Bueller
    Starting the 1st week of 2017, Reston Town Center instituted a new paid parking policy utilizing a proprietary parking application and somewhat bizarre method of color-specific parking locations. Apparently people who oppose the policy are voicing their position by not frequenting the numerous businesses there. The local printed press has recently been paying more attention: "Town Center Merchants Considering Lawsuit over Paid Parking" by Dave Emke on restonnow.com The local TV news media is slowly keying into it as well: "Reston Town Center Businesses, Residents, Push Back on Paid Parking" on fox5dc.com
  9. Ferris Bueller
    Local chain El Tio Tex-Mex Grill expanding where the former Great Falls Tavern (closed), then more recently Triny's Mexican restaurant existed, but recently also closed. This will be their 4th location and they are working on a refresh/remodel before opening in the near future. Location is excellent at the corner of Georgetown Pike (Rte 193) and Walker Road.
  10. Ferris Bueller
    New Greek restaurant in Great Falls off Seneca Road at the corner of Route 193 and Route 7. Have not had the opportunity to try it yet, but from their website, the Chef has a great background. http://www.ourmomeugenia.com/
  11. Ferris Bueller
    Willards BBQ is apparently close to opening a 2nd location, which will be in Reston at the Home Depot Shopping center. Signage is up, not sure of date.
  12. Ferris Bueller
    Restaurant Eve last Saturday evening for a break from Turkey and the typical Thanksgiving leftovers. Could not have had a better experience. Having been here several times for various occasions, you really feel like you are eating in someone's home. Todd Thrasher greeted us warmly and promptly seated us; checked on us periodically and made us feel very welcome. We were educated on their wine list format, a little different from most, but the sommolier was more than helpful and we enjoyed a great bottle with dinner. The 7-course option was our selection and basically we closed the place down. It was a very nice, properly-timed dinner with attention to food preferences. I do not think there was anything they could have done or presented better. The gnochi was awesome, as was the fish, filet, prawns, soup, deviled quail egg, bread (warm, just out of the oven), pork etc, etc. The staff gracious, sincere and professional. If you have not been here and want a very nice evening out, I do not think you can go wrong. Parking is the only hassle and if you circle the surrounding blocks a few times, you will find something close.
  13. Ferris Bueller
    Charcoal Kabob House at the KMart shopping plaza in Herndon off of Elden Street is their main location. Been there for years. They are one of the few who actually use charcoal to cook their selections. This place is great! They recently updated the interior and added nicer seats and basically updated it. Reasonably priced and great chicken, Koobideh. The restaurant is run by brothers, I think 3, who are all very gracious and appreciate your business. The sides are always good too. The consistency of the clientele is a testament to their quality and value. The shopping center has quite a bit of turnover so it is nice to see a place like this succeed for many years.
  14. Ferris Bueller
    Recent article on Dulles location: "Cafesano Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Dulles" by Sharon Reed on patch.com
  15. Ferris Bueller
    I just had brunch at BRX, an American Bistro in Great Falls, VA (www.brxgf.com/). Having eaten here for lunch and dinner, sadly I had overlooked this local establishment for brunch. This place is nestled in the small shopping center along Route 193 (Georgetown Pike) and Leesburg Pike (Route 7) at the traffic light. They are locally owned and have an excellent menu and specials weekly. Brunch was excellent - all their food is made to order and from various eggs benedicts to pancakes, crepes or omelettes you cannot miss. Because they are situated in the corner of the plaza you have to look for it. The decor is nice and the bar area separated by glass from the main dining area. When the weather is nice, you can be seated outside. The staff is accommodating and the owner is often visible and interactive making sure your experience is to your liking. The have a great wine selection as you will observe when you enter there is a wine locker area that appears well utilized. If you are looking for a nice, consistent locally-owned restaurant with comfortable atmosphere, check it out.
  16. Ferris Bueller
    Update - their Sterling location moved to Lansdowne. They actually do have a Watergate location, however the menu on the website www.thedeliva.com is mostly correct however, the steakburgers and ribeye referenced are not on the menu. Sorry for any confusion, the owner is working to correct the issues on their homepage.
  17. Ferris Bueller
    Shelly's is one of those places you just can't find easily anymore; a smoke room with food/sports/spirits. The interior dim, the smoke heavy and the food not bad. The wings are a treat and perfect with a cold beverage and of course cigar. Great place to meet up before or after a sporting event at VC, close enough to park and walk, and just far enough away, that most do not. If you decide to visit, don't think you will get away with it - you will stink of cigar smoke at the game, train or ride home and for a day after you get home. Their air circulation is one of the best, however with as many people in here smoking at one time, even without a roof, this place and its visitors would still stink.
  18. Ferris Bueller
    Pretty sure their Herndon location was the original - this link provided above is NOT the same Deli. They do not have steakburgers. It appears another Deli managed to obtain their website and modify for their own location. There is a location in Fairfax, but the Deli I referenced above does not have a DC location. Hope this helps.
  19. Ferris Bueller
    Been here for dinner, both private and normal reservations. This place continues to impress. Food is very consistent, exciting, and filling. Wine selection is decent and sommelier is good when given price or taste preferences. Nice atmosphere and noise is manageable, but if on the high side, typical for most "in" places these days. Always treated well, and consistently - worth a visit if you have not been. Expensive, but food and wine quality justify.
  20. Ferris Bueller
    Good tequilla selections and drinks prior to a sporting event or concert at Verizon Center. Food comes out quickly and is geared towards the tapas style adventurer. Their made-to-order guac is very good. Servers are well-versed with regard to drink and food offerings. This place is always busy and reasonably priced for what it is. Their ceviche bar is interesting and quite good, just read the descriptions carefully so you are not surprised.
  21. Ferris Bueller
    When downtown, up on the Hill in need of an interesting place to grab lunch or dinner, this place is OK. Not the Hawk and Dove it was before, but nicely renovated and consistent. Hard to compare to the nostalgic landmark it once was, but they try. It is like reinventing a place of historic value and trying to update it to a new, more chic place. The bar is moderately busy but I have only been there several times for lunch. Food is fresh, prep can sometimes take longer than I'd prefer, but it is what it is. Staff is accomodating, and atmosphere is bright and usually inviting. Moderately priced for food value and variety.
  22. Ferris Bueller
    The Deli has been here for years, located at 480 Elden Street, in the KMart shopping center a few storefronts to the right. From the time you enter to the time you leave they treat you right. If you cannot decide from one of their outstanding subs detailed on the menu, ask them to make something for you and they will. No fuss, not a chain and not franchised. The bread is fresh, the meats plentiful and made to order within minutes. There are a few tables to sit at but most take their subs with them. I have had "the Deli" which is more of your traditional "Italian" sub, their turkey and cheese, meatball and cheese, tuna, chicken salad and they make canollis to order for dessert. This is one of the no frills, local establishments making their way with the Subways, Jimmy Johns etc all around them. If you want to support a local business with great food and service, give it a a shot. Their website is non-existent and they closed their store in Leesburg last year, but still thrive in Herndon and Fairfax.
  23. Ferris Bueller
    If you are ever in the Fair Lakes area, the Whole Foods has a seafood "restaurant," as well as sushi area, pizza/bar area, and onsite BBQ bar - all are very good. The "bar" has wings/beer/burgers etc and is usually packed for lunch and dinner. The bouillabaisse at the seafood eating area is awesome. Saffron tomato base, with mussels and chunks of fish, all cooked to order. They even serve wine/beer. If you go, plan to be there when they open or towards the end of the lunch rush, otherwise you won't get a seat. This is one of the area's best kept secrets, but my go to for an awesome bouillabaissefor a whopping $13! Make sure you have the bread as well, it makes a great sponge to pick up all the saffron tomato sauce that is left.
  24. Ferris Bueller
    Wings are great here. Its a neighborhood bar owned and supported by mostly locals. They do a ton of charity work for local charities and are very involved. Though location in the center of town, and on a corner, parking is where you can find it. Only been here a few times, but the Beef on Weck and wings with cold beer were as expected. If you want to support a locally owned (there are not many), establishment with good food, check it out.
  25. Ferris Bueller
    Have only been to the Reston location once and the food (salads and pizza were average). This place now has a 2nd location in a new strip mall in Ashburn about a 1/4 mile from the Dulles Town Center.
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