Gemini644

I have a friend from Colorado coming into town for a conference (at the L'Enfant Plz. Hotel) and he would love to have dinner someplace in the city with a water view (even Alexandria would work). Any suggestions? thanks,

There is a wonderful little Bistro in Front Royal, Va. No one was more surprised to find it there than I on a weekend shopping trip. It would do well anywhere "down here" among the better restaurants. It's run by a young couple, he is the chef and she is the pastry chef. It's part of a wine and gourmet food store right in town and open most day only open for lunch. There is a "fine dining" restaurant upstairs Apt. 2G, but I have never eaten there as I am not in Front Royal at night. Element is a lunch spot and has a regular menu of soups (all made in house) and sandwiches, but has a special entree that changes every day. Try the special, it's usually the best thing on the menu and that says a lot. The deserts they have on the menu are just cookies and ice cream, ask them what is being made upstairs for dinner and they will let you have one of the glorious treats they are preparing for the fine dinners anticipated later that evening. The chocolate profiteroles are sinful delights.......... the last time I went I had the special, which included the best piece of pan seared salmon I have ever eaten. Hope some of you, looking for a nice beautiful drive in the country at this time of year will try it out and add your comments. here is their website: http://jsgourmet.com/element.html

I'd be happy to help, but you are talking to the person who couldn't even get the first message up! and I don't have an iPhone (just an iPod!) but appreaciate your help, now to go on a restaurant hunt!

Any tips on getting around easily, I'm spending way too much time looking through things I don't want or need. My focus at the moment is finding good "normal" food close by. It's really pretty easy to find a great "special" place to eat, everyone talks about those. But I'm looking for places to go on a regular basis, not too far away, not too expensive, where the food is good, you feel welcome and want to go back regularly. And not a chain right across the street in that strip mall!

thank you, see this is working already!

Greetings on this rainy Sunday in Northern Virginia. I have never viewed or joined a food blog before and frankly didn't know they existed until reading about them in the Washington Post this morning. I have been a foodie all my life and always wanted a place to either find that "perfect food" or tell someone about it myself. The best piece of blueberry pie I ever had was in York, ME, but I never could find a way to tell everyone about that. I'm happy to find a place like this where we can share that information. thanks Don for the opportunity to read others suggestions and recommendations and to leave of few of my own as well. and for the help to get this posted too........