jandres374

We had friends in town so we decided on some take-out Saturday in lieu of eating in since it was 100 degrees outside and last time we ate in it was pretty warm inside. We did not call ahead but it is just as easy to order once you get there as things come out fairly quickly.

We ordered the cheese dip and chips, the cheese has a nice little kick to it. We also had the shrimp tacos, fish tacos, steak fajitas taco and the steak burrito. Everything was fresh and delicious and our friends were jealous that they did not have something like this in their hometown.

The free parking makes the in and out a snap.

One small hiccup was that when we got the food home we notices we were shorted one fish taco order even though we were charged for it. We tried calling back but could not get through to anyone all Saturday night or even on Sunday. Also, tried e-mailing but have gotten no response. Seems a little odd not to be able to get a live person on the phone since they promote call ahead orders.

Stopped in on Friday for the first lunch service. Like the space - very rustic and open. Have some booths (maybe 10 or s0) and an oval bar that accomodates maybe 15-20 people seated. I was alone so opted to sit at the bar. Bartenders were friendly and outgoing making suggestions and giving me the lay of the land. RW was in the kitchen making sure everything came out properly. Appeared they had a decent lunch crowd for the 1st day

Started with 1/2 dozen of the west coast oysters ($12), which were a good size but served a little warm for my liking despite being on a bed of ice. Followed by the Spicy Thai mussels ($16). Mussels were a medium size not huge with about 30 in the pan. Spicy Thai had a nice spice to it but not over the top served with frites and a bread basket. Washed everything down with a Brabo Pils ($7).

Service was great and food was what I had hoped for from a RW place. Only a minor complaint would be the pricing. I work in Old Town and hit up Brabo Tasting Room every now and then. The prices at The Mussel Bar seem to be a dollar or two more than both Brabo and Beck, maybe the rent is higher or they are still searching for the proper price point. A minor issue that will not stop me from going since it is so close to my house.

Talked to the bartender who mentioned they currently do not have any happy hour deals but may add something in the future.

A welcome addition to the mundane dining scene in Bethesda.

Looks like they are scheduled to open tomorrow night.

http://www.urbandaddy.com/dc/food/10840/The_Mussel_Bar_Mussels_Fries_and_50_Beers_in_Bethesda_DC_DC_Bethesda_Row_Restaurant

Have gotten into a summertime rut at work with lunches. Anyone know of any good kabob take out places for lunch within say a 5-10 minute drive of Old Town.

Has anyone tried Shane's Rib Rack on Richmond Highway in Alexandria? Not too far from my office and was thinking about giving it a shot today for lunch.

Heading to Marco Island on Thursday for a long weekend. Any suggestions?

The Baltimore location always seemed to have lines out the door - for some unknown reason.

From ESPN.com

WASHINGTON -- If it wasn't already clear that Stephen Strasburg is the Washington Nationals' biggest star, now he has his own burger.

The restaurant BGR: The Burger Joint, is creating the "Strasburger" to recount the young pitcher's climb. The burger is topped with a hot dog and smothered in aged Vermont cheddar cheese.

The hot dog symbolizes Strasburg's professional debut with the Phoenix Desert Dogs in 2009. It's topped with "Syracuse Orange" aged Vermont cheddar to represent his promotion to Triple-A Syracuse. All that is on top of a BGR patty to signify his new home with the Nationals.

The burger sells for $10.99 through the end of June. BGR will donate $1 from every sale to Children's National Medical Center.

Recently had a company outing for 30 at Oval Room at it was outstanding - my co-workers can't stop talking about it.

Also, just had a surprise birthday party for my wife at Volt, which was also excellent. We had a 4 course meal for $75 in their private room downstairs.

So we are headed to Volt on Saturday night, 12 people in a limo for the 45 minute ride up there. I was thinking of getting some light snacks for the ride up there - nothing too much.

Any suggestions on what to provide and from where? Will need to be a prepared tray as I can't let the wife see me putting something together or the surprise will be ruined.

Preferably something in the Bethesda area that I can quickly pick-up on Saturday afternoon.

Thanks for the suggestions but we pulled an audible. We are now going to head up to Frederick and do dinner in the private room at Volt.

Looks like the expansion plans are underway with completion projected for August. And a new website.

Stopped in a few weekends ago for lunch with the family.

Everything was great - crabcake for me, grilled cheese for the kids.

As we were walking from the parking lot to the restaurant I was telling my wife about the cheessteaks they were no offering. We tried to order one and the person at the register looked at us like we were crazy. What's the deal?

My wife is turning 40 in May and I am trying to arrange a birthday dinner with some friends preferably in the Bethesda/Palisades area. Looking for possibly a private room that could accomodate our party.

Looking for good food and wine.

I heard from a reliable source today that Redwood will be closing. Anyone have any details. This is a huge space to fill - perfect for say a Bethesda locale of Ray's.

Looks like a 3rd location is scheduled for Rockville.

My link

The weather this weekend has my wife in the mood for chili. She wants to go to Hard Times.

Please help me come up with some other options.

Once again I am stuck helping coordinate a company holiday party for 35-40 people. We are looking to have an hour happy hour before dinner with some hors d' oeuvres followed by a sit down dinner. The tough part is that the people paying for the party want some facility/room that is somewhat unique (no hotel ballrooms or dark private rooms in restaurants).

Any suggestions on places with great food as well as a nice location.

Anybody know if they have any happy hour specials here? Thinking about taking a company happy hour here tonight instead of our usual spot.

Cleveland Park Bar & Grill

Anyone have an update on when the Old Town location will be opening?

A couple of my co-workers tried it out last week and proclaimed that it was "the best burger in Old Town". The also raved about the fries.

Another had the crab cake and thought it was pretty average.

Looking to pick-up some live crabs this weekend to cook at the house - maybe 2 to 3 dozen.

Any good sources in the area (Bethesda) to pick some up. We used to get from Cameron's in Bethesda but they are gone.

Brabo Butcher Block had some jumbo softies today - biggest I have seen this year. $6.50 each.