wristband

We drank the Kool-Aid - here and in Sietsma's review - and went today for lunch. Big disappointment. As reported, the room is pleasant and staff are eager to please. But the food was mediocre. The lattice-work Autumn Roll was tasteless, deep fried and nondescript. Even wrapping an outer layer of lettuce, mint, carrot and lotus root dipped in the sauce, it lacked flavor and dimension. The minced clam mash in the sesame cracker nest was the best part of our meal - though certainly nothing to return for. Enjoyed that one. We took the bait on the deep fried fish. Way over done in the fryer, zero fish taste, like eating fried dough. Even with the ginger sauce poured atop, the fried fish was a big, big miss. We were bound to have been better off if we had the steamed version based on reports here. The smoked eggplant was an interesting presentation - white sections arrayed on a platter - but nothing noteworthy. I should add we are fans of fried and Asian food (who isn't?) but recommended selections were below our expectations. Not a horrible meal but its not one we will be repeating. Because of staff's sunny enthusiasm, we hope Present will improve to meet expectations fostered online and in WaPo.

Wayne - I concur. I posted re: Legal and noted last week's lunch at Clydes' Tyson with the halibut special. My business acquaintance had the scallops entree and a raw tuna appetizer - she said both were quite good. Prices were surprisingly reasonable. No spilt wine or tea down my back but the experience was a good one.

After numerous meals at LSF Tysons, I gave up in December trying to convince myself it was worth the frustration. The room has all the appeal of an airport waiting room but the chowder and several grilled entrees were the basis of my self-delusion in returning. The wine list offers, as Rocks notes, a very nice selection at reasonable prices. But the LSF Tysons service was so consistently inept and oblivious - wrong orders, missing items, ice tea glasses sitting empty for ten minutes despite repeated request - that I don't intend to return. That said, the Reagan Airport branch is a welcome relief. Yes, service is rushed but my experiences have been mostly positive as a beleagured passenger. I lived in Boston for three years in the late 90's and found the food quality and management of the Chesnut Hill LSF far above LSF Tysons. I have also scratched Coastal Flats off my list. I have no problem with the Great Am Rest philosophy but the quality of the entrees became inversely related to the price escalation - more expensive mediocrity. Last time there, the daily special came out unrecognizeable. Halibut atop a slice of rye bread(!) submerged in a brown sugary sauce. Nothing like the description of a Mediterrean tapande. My companion's dish was also mediocre. Prior visits were equally unimpressive. Personally, I do not think CF is worth the wait. BTW, Clyde's is running a halibut special this month. I thought the halibut was plated nicely and the quality quite good. As a pleasant suprise, the service at the Tysons branch was professional and friendly.

I agree with your comment on the smokiness. I reeked of grease and eau-de-grill all afternoon. Also, it would improve one's "impression" if Joe's staff cleaned up. In close-knit surroundings, which plasters that smoky scent all over, its not reassuring to see gents handling orders that have not showered (slept?) in days. Appreciate your feedback on Slade's - I do hear tell the grilled burgers are good and 25% price knocked down before noon and 6 pm weekdays.

Had lunch there yesterday months after reading a glowing piece in WaPo. The "organic" burger - claimed to be grass fed - was a huge patty but tasteless. The fries that lolled alongside the burger were cardboard-like and tasteless. Onion rings were greasy and, yup, tasteless. I just don't understand asking $10-15 for a burger that lacks personality and flavor when the local marketplace is riddled with so many competitors offering the exact same product. My tablemates had burgers topped with the usual array of exotic ingredients and were similarly unimpressed with both patty and flavorless fries. One wanted mushrooms included (gratis per the menu) but, alas, no 'shrooms in stock. I will happily pay a premium if the superstar burger measures up - there are local hot spots well worth the upcharge for gourmet burgers. To charge a hefty tariff for merely average burger fare is not the way to generate repeat business or good word of mouth. Plenty of alternatives abound for burger fans. Next stop...Ray's Hellburger and Slade's at Tysons Mall (which I have been told is an excellent grilled burger).

We also had a very nice experience at Lot 12 this summer. The service was gracious and warm - and surprisingly well informed as to ingredients and course presentation. The recommendations by our server were spot on for the entrees and deserts. The wine and spirits choices are thoughtful (but limited) and are reasonably priced. The dining room is, well, a dining room in a restored Berkeley Springs "mansion" but it strikes the right balance - not too casual, not too stuffy. In my opinion, Damian Heath is a creative and curious chef, especially with his seasonal choices and use of locally grown organic ingredients. This is by no means a Michelin star experience. That said, Lot 12 exceeded our expectations and we would definitely return when taking a soak in the hot springs in town. BTW, I was surprised to learn that Coolfont has closed and is slated to be developed into a large scale community/resort. Don't see that happening any time soon with the real estate construction business in a tail spin.

May I add yet one more voice to the disenchantment chorus? To sum it up, our recent meal is in tune with the litany of complaints posted above: lousy service, mediocre food, unreasonable prices for the product presented, unavailable menu choices (is there a cash flow problem with vendors?) and a startling empty dining room. Put a fork in this stinker - its over. Don't see how Bebo can survive with such a poor reputation (reinforced by the overwhelming negative sentiment of posters here and on Tom S.' WaPo chat) and the sagging NoVa restaurant economy. Could this simply be a matter of Roberto's attitude that somehow motivates his staff to act in such an unprofessional and arrogant manner? How else to rationalize the chorus of complaints about the absence of hospitality and professionalism at Galileo and now Crystal City if not a serious management problem at the top? Far too many dining options offering a far more pleasanter and thoughtful experience than this disaster.

Three of us tried it mid-week for lunch. Very disapppointing, esp. hoping for a Border Grill type operation to replace Moto's problem child in the same spot. Good news: guacamole is excellent. They plan to make it tableside in the future but not now. The chips are decent and the gratis salsa is quite good. Bad news: entrees were mediocre, half step up from El Palacio fame. Our three entrees were highly recommended by the staff when we asked for their input. Carnitas asada was oily, flavorless, rubbery pork mounded on the plate. Ate a third of the dried out mess and told the waitron it was pretty bad. She shrugged. Salmon was overcooked and tasted as it had been frozen. Chicken enchilada divicidas (sp?) was nothing special served with two touted sauces. Plating included old shredded lettuce, several radish slices, lukewarm rice and refried beans. The room has all the ambiance of an airport hanger. Loud, characterless and tables bunched together under a tin ceiling which amplifies the noise. Likely a bizzbuzzing bar scene at night but the acoustics made it difficult for conversation, esp. at lunch with the music blaring. Staff was disorganized with different folks dropping by the table but no one refilling iced teas or clearing the dishes unless we asked them to. I would cut them slack since it is just opening. But La Sandia is definitely not ready for prime time. While the staffing will hopefully sort itself out with management oversight, the food really needs attention. I won't be back - far better options at Tysons than this.