danfishe

Does no cell phone = no blackberry? I have no problem with restaurants banning phone conversations in the dining room (a good idea actually) but the reality is that many folks, especially those who frequent high-end restaurants, simply can't go 3 hours without checking e-mail, especially on a week night. Not sure I see the issue with silent use of smart phones.

I agree--the breakfast prices are really reasonable (to me). You can't get out of Silver Diner or Metro 29 for a family of 4 without spending $40 (including tip), and there is no way you can spend that much at District Taco.

They have opened up in the old Vero space on Lee Highway in North Arlington. Went there for breakfast in Saturday. It was fairly crowded at 8 am and the food was excellent. There is a definite void for a family-friendly breakfast place in Arlington--north of 50 there there is Silver Diner, Metro 29 and I think that's it. I could see them doing very well. Tacos were excellent, friendly staff, etc.

In my last visit I also noticed the significant reduction in the menu's offerings--I hope that is not a bad sign. The pizza was still excellent, though our appetizer did not get brought out until after the pizza came, which put a significant crimp in our toddler management plan.

The Tysons location closed last week, but the Fairfax location is still open.

Agree. Had 2 red pizzas with various toppings. Great stuff and soupy in the middle just like in Italy. It has been a few years since I've been in Naples but Pupatella equals my memory of Da Michele and Cibo. There are definite logistics issues to be worked out with ordering and timing but worth a trip from anywhere in the area (though a very small space so probably best to go in the off hours).

Having been to Nashville a number of times, what amazes me is how a "jewish stle" NY deli can thrive there, but not here. See http://noshville.com Similar concept to Artie's on the Upper West Side. Seems like a place like this could make it here.

I lived next to Noshville for years. I thought it was decent. Probably marginally better than Chutzpah, with a large difference in the physical plant and upscale feeling.

I think a good deli could survive and possibly thrive in a relatively small space on the Orange Line. Chutzpah signed a lease on a space in Ballston a few years ago but the deal fell through. But without a steady diet of customers who know the real thing, any specialized place will likely deteriorate over time, IMO.

Most restaurants in Arlington, even on the Orange Line, are pretty good, even some you would not necessarily expect (like Eventide and Liberty Tavern). Boulevard Woodgrill, Mexicali Blues, Rio Grande and PFC are all good bets, plus all the places in North Arlington of course.

Any recommendations for southern diner-style (e.g. biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash) not far off of I-64 on the route from Wintergreen to Richmond on a Saturday morning?

Thanks.

Anyone know where this project stands?

That is awesome news. My wife and I perform right across the street.

Sucks that it's going to take a whole year...

That is indeed great news for those of us in Arlington. Based on the address, it appears to be in the Liberty Center complex.

This looks great. A tremendous addition to the neighborhood.

http://amandamc.blogspot.com/2009/05/summe...alls-ahead.html

anyone been here yet?

Went there Friday night with a friend. Pretty space, moderately crowded. We shared 6 of their (small) appetizers, tuna tartar, a scallop special, crispy salmon roll, squid, lettuce wraps and fried rice. The dishes were fresh-tasting and pretty good, drinks were excellent also and they appear to have a large wine selection by the glass. We were very pleasantly surprised by the price point. They have an outdoor patio that was crowded. We would definately return. They are going for a younger/hip vibe, pretty clearly. I think it will succeed long-term, though it is in a somewhat out of the way location for the Courthouse/Clarendon throngs, notwithstanding the Clarendon Blvd. location.

The new place:

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stor...ml?ana=from_rss

My wife and I went here last Saturday. Excellent, fresh sushi. I tried to order off of the "secret" Japanese menu, but the waitress looked at me like she had no idea what I was talking about (though the TV kept showing pictures of the small dishes). I'd love to try some of those dishes, though, so if anyone has any clue how to order them, I'd appreciate it.

My wife and I had dinner at Artie's on Saturday evening. We got there around 6:00 PM and got seated immediately. The reservation-taker said we just beat the rush; indeed we had, judging by the crowd when we left and hour later.

We really liked the cozy decor of the place, with the knotty-pine walls, the ship models, and the amber chandeliers. We were waited on almost immediately, and given a basket with delicious breads, especially the rolls. I started with a martini and had the seared tuna. My wife had the filet mignon and crabcake combo. Both entrees were delicious, and reasonably priced, but I'll go for the filet on our next visit. For dessert we shared the flourless chocolate cake with homemade ice cream -- super yummy.

In summary, we loved Artie's decor, food, and service. We'll definitely return the next time we're in Fairfax.

One caution about Artie's: There is lots of cigarette smoke wafting from the bar. If this bothers you, as it does me, ask for a seat far from the front door.

This reminds me of one of my pet peeves, which is that the GAR restaurants no only don't ban smoking, but have designed their restaurants so that the smoke flows to the tables as well (Coastal Flats in FFX is horrible about this also). It is odd for such a customer friendly place. Oh well, won't matter after July 1 I guess.

How has this place managed to stay in business?

I've obviously had a different experience than others on this board but my wife and I both like this place a lot. The fajitas are good, we like the chips and the brunch menu is pretty solid. It is not as good as Oyamel but holds its own with most tex-mex places in Northern Va (Rio Grande, etc.) and its menu is certainly more ambitious than most. Plus it is not that expensive, in the middle of a popular mall and is very user-friendly/family friendly. Certainly it is as good any any other restaurant in Tyson's Center.

This may not be the right forum, but there is some interesting stuff in here:

http://idea.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/11...2190140zs-1.htm

I peeked inside here last weekend, and it looks like they're getting close to opening. There was a sign on the door saying they were hiring.

The area could use some more neat places, but my greatest concern would be the parking. It is already basically impossible to get a spot in that area at a prime dining hour. Unfortunately, none of the new buildings have had shared parking like the government garage in Clarendon.

Nice addition to the neighborhood. Had the Mac and Cheese with bacon and mushrooms (wonderful), with ham and mushrooms (alright, but who'd have thunk there'd be much difference), and the BBQ sandwich (barely edible). The rest of the stuff. Parking is pretty decent, interior same, beer selection as noted above outstanding, Calamari (should be better for that price). Couple final notes, like many of similarly situated restaurants in North Arlington (Pie Tanza, Joes Pizza, Lost dog to a certain extent) its can be overrun with kids. If so, the noise level can be deafening, the demands on the wait staff excessive, and the floor resembles that in a Frathouse. Just a heads, so you know what to expect.

You missed Taquiera, in my opinion the biggest star in that category!!

does anyone have any recommendations for a good sushi place in north arlington? thanks

Sushi Zen in the strip mall at Harrison and Lee is certainly decent enough for day-to-day needs; I don't think there is anywhere inside the beltway that compares to Sushi Ko or Kaz.

I am not sure that calling it a "GAR-type restaurant" is setting the bar very high. Frankly I like to find places that are not expensive, but I just want to walk away thinking that I had a dish that doesn't bore me to tears. It doesn't have to be fancy, it doesn't have to use the best ingredients available, it just has to taste like the dish was not inspired by a Sysco newsletter. That part of Arlington does not have the best track record for places that are inexpensive, pleasant, and easy to get seated, but Delhi Club and Guajillo are two that come to mind. My real issue with Woodgrill is the same I have with GAR and Clyde's, they are just plain boring.

Sure, but occasionally, or even more than occasionally, pleasant, non-chain, boring places with broad menus are a perfect fit, even for diners who otherwise like all of the great restaurants touted on this board.

I don't disagree. I have had plenty of good meals at the Woodgrill, this just wasn't one of the standouts. It's been a long time since I ate there, and the first time for brunch. I think I'll stick to dinner for future visits.

I agree, brunch is not the strongest meal there. I actually prefer the brunch at Liberty Tavern which has a really nice buffet for under $20PP

I don't know. We go here all the time, it is very kid-friendly, usually easy to get seated at, quick, pleasant, not very expensive and some of the dishes are pretty good. It's not Restaurant Eve but there is plenty of room in the world for restaurants like Boulevard. It is essentially a GAR-type restaurant.

Yeah once I read that part I sort of agree. I forgot about seeing people do this in starbucks before. I guess the only solution is maybe to give it to them in one of those small plastic cups like you get at the dentist to rinse. That way there is no room to add copious amounts of milk.

Also, does anyone else find this kind of humorous?

I mean it is a COFFEE shop. I would just sneak over while he is out and dump a few shots of espresso down his gullet and when he jumps up just yell, "HA! Let's see you take a nap now jerk!" I don't know why I just thought it was kind of funny that the guy is taking naps 10 feet away from all the caffeine he could drink.

I assumed this is some sort of vague reference to a problem with homeless in the store (there are a few in Clarendon) and an allusion to the contraversy over the Tenly *$ not serving homeless people, but maybe I'm reading too much into it.