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StarStraf

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  1. StarStraf
    Dissapointed - I had heard good things, and had never made it to TenPenh so was looking forward to giving Urban Heights a try. We met up at the rooftop bar - crowded and the waiter couldn't find a drink menu - then after finding it there were only 5 or 6 craft cocktails, two of us had one and neither was imprssive (Ended up doing wine with dinner) Downstairs for our meal - the space is nice thought not sure why big picture windows looking out at power lines are a bonus. Waitress was friendly but was having a hard time hearing two of us, and twice had to come back for more info as she either got it wrong or wasn't sure when she went back to enter it. And annoyed that had to ask for more water 2-3 times. We had a number of the small plates and they were hit or miss - some were good, others not so much. Highlights were the Tocino Bao Bun and Brussel Sprouts Low point was the Oxtail Ravioli - pasta was very undercooked (yes we mentioned to waitress) Average: Tartare Trio ,Buttery Bok Choy (cured pork belly, garlic) ,Lumpia ,Lamb Pot Stickers ,Chilled Calamari, Main Lobster Rangoon dessert we had a coconut chocolate bar dish and a sausy tart. Rest rooms clean and not crowded. Dinner and drinks for 3 was just under $200 + tip Grandma - no reason not to take her - she would enjoy the full windows, and well lighted and easy to eat food
  2. StarStraf
    Always hard, and a situation I know is in my future. I try to give Grandma as many experiences as I can while she still can and hope that some will stick in the memory for when she can't go experience things anymore.l
  3. StarStraf
    We were meeting up in Falls Church area with a group, a total of six of us, with various eating restrictions (no pork, no mushrooms, no spicy, limited chewing because of freshly tightened braces) and an out of town traveler that wanted something she couldn't get in her small town. So I looked thru the Virginia Restaurants on the list her and picked Elephant Jumps. Very pleased with our decision. We called head since a large group, and glad we did as most tables are 2 or 4 tops and a fairly small restaurant, and by the time we were half way thru dinner the restaurant was filled. We took the advice of the list and suggested that folks order from the special menu. We did a lot of tasting of everyone's food. I think the best comment of the night was 'this may not be the best drunken noodle ever but this is the best all around Thai restaurant I have ever tried' Various dishes tried were: Beef Steak Spicy Herb Salad, Crispy Flat Bread Shrimp, Thai Dumplings, Sen Yai Ladd na Moo Mug, Sen Yai Pad See Ew Moo Mug, Gang Hung Lay, Drunken Noodle, Pad Thai, and some desserts including Croissant Pudding, Fried Banana, and Eternal Flame (Fried Ice Cream) Service was wonderful, all the staff were available for refills, questions, clearing plates, We will be back! Grandma report: well lighted, easy access, but not much spare space in the restaurant for walker manoveration so not a place for her when busy - I think she would enjoy the SenYai Ladd na Moo Mug.
  4. StarStraf
    went with a friend from Peru and we all had a great time and wonderful food and drinks. Small plates to share The waitress was fun and eduational, the drinks were plentiful (5 spice old fashion was my favorite) Everything was great but outstanding was the Nobu Usuzukuri (Ceviche), Dorado (Dim Sum), Lengua de Pato. Was able to find a good mix of spicy and non (Two of us were non) and everyone had things they enjoyed. Grandma: Nope - food would be to strange for her and much to loud
  5. StarStraf
    Yves Pierre Courbois Sept 5, 1940 - Sept 15, 2015 of Yves Bistro in Alexandria
  6. StarStraf
    For some reason I always skipped that section becasue I though it was businesses that were of use to restaurants and thus not relevent to me.
  7. StarStraf
    Restaurant Eve
  8. StarStraf
    Never thought to review this place even though we probally eat here every 6 weeks. It is close to where we get our massages (Alternative Health Associates) so it is often where we go aterwards. Always fresh, friendly, good - nothing is great but all is good - I have had mu shu, chicken cashew, crab ragoon. All is quiet good - once they had my favorite cold sesame noodle as a special but not a regular item. Reliable good food.
  9. StarStraf
    The start of Grandma's birthday month (She turns 98 on the 24th) was dinner at Texas de Brazil. We have been to a number of 'meat faucets' before (Fogo, Chima, and another in KC) so knew what to expect and had decribed to Grandma and she seemed excited. We went to the one at 455 Massachusetts Ave, took a few passes to figure out where to put the car, you have to go on I street to find the valet (which is really just a parking garage where they park for you) and walk half a block to the restaurant. Started with Caipirinhas around the table, they really wanted us to get flavored ones but we went for original, mostly ice and small glasses, I've had better. Salad bar was great, included cheeses, sauses for the meat, and much more then just salad. Highlights were the roasted pinapple and fresh mozarella The bring to the table sides of the cheese bread balls (good when warm, not when luke warm), mashed potatoes (nothing special) , and fried bananas (good); The meats were good to very good and they were very accomodating with sending the meats we wanted or getting something more done for our pickey eater friend. Leg of Lamb and Garlic Steak were the big hits on our table. I think i have a prefrence for Fogo because the Caipirinhas and atmosphere are better. Grandma report: A nice restaurant where she dosen't feel like she is imposing for having me cut her food up, I was able to just have them serve me and then would cut up and put half on her plate and she was able to mostly eat with fingers - she loved it. The bathrooms are VERY Dark and were hard for her to navigate, the accoustics are tough to hear if there are any large groups around and the sun bounces off a mirrored wall and shines in your eyes while sun in setting. 'This place is really ugly but the food is good, and those boys work very hard'
  10. StarStraf
    We were meeting a friend in Falls Church for lunch so I checked out the list and decided on Pita Pouch. WOW am I pleased. Clean, fast, completely customizable, friendly Common tables and wierd clear plastic chairs. We will be back! Grandma note: Very well lighted but not food she's ever heard of so not sure would like and I'm afraid that she wouldn't be able to see the chairs and would be confusing to her.
  11. StarStraf
    Friend of mine Adam is a huge believer in Intermittent fasting and it has worked very well for him, and is a good option to mix with exercise. At the risk of derailing for me the Ideal Protein protocol worked really well I lost almost 50 pounds Jan-Mar and my other half lost 40.
  12. StarStraf
    Sonoma Cellar (website) has recently opened up in Old Town Alexandria at 207 King Street The downstairs is a wine tasting bar and the upstairs is a restaurant (the kitchen is part way upstairs and you pass on your way up) They had just been opened a week when we went there and I'll take that into consideration. The owners and chef are very enthusiastic about the new place and that energy shows. The wine menu is divided up into standard and select, you can order 5 one oz pour flights or a two ounce tasting pour or a glass of any of the wines. We each had a flight and you can pick which of the wines you want in your flight. All was average, and hopefully they will improve to good in the future. Wines were pretty middle of the road, food needs to even out, staffing is still learning. Tables are very close together and the accoustics make it so you can hear every table (we actually joined in conversations with everyone else there) We started with the Brie and Fig Jam Crostini which was yummy, I had the Beef Estouffade which parts of the beef were dry and parts were good, the noodles also had parts that were under and over cooked, sweetie had the Petaluma Chicken au Jus which was okay but nothing special. Next table had pork chop that was to dry but enjoyed their Bodega bay Shrimp (and were amazed with their spaghetti-cut zucchini and I told them they can often buy them pre-cut at Whole Foods). The dessert wines and the Lavender Crème Brí»lée were the high spot - very smooth with a lavender taste that was not overpowering. OverAll we left feeling 'meh' as there is so much better in the area, but maybe a good lunch spot to take a break when we have someone there as a tourist or someone really wants to do some wine tasting of california wines. Grandma review: Nope - restaurant is upstairs and stairs up to restaurant so not an option for her, the wine tasting is all at tall stools/tables/bar so not an option either.
  13. StarStraf
    No particular order Vermilion Overwood Los Cuatos Guapos Mackies Yamazato Peking Duck Chart House
  14. StarStraf
    Went for birthday drinks - we all dolled up and had a good time - took 3 rings on the door bell to get an answer for our reservation and I really think the confirmation texts or emails should give info on how to find (luckily a friend had been there before ). Watch skirts going up as there are candles on the stairs. Quite dark (had to share candle to read menu), drinks were good and we shared them around. I think 'Gotta Go Home' and 'Wet Money' and the champagne cocktail were the best. Though for me I think the drinks we had after at Magnolia's upstairs bar were better. Might try again just the two of us and request to sit at the bar to get more of the experience next time. But what it really made me miss was Hala Kahiki in Chicago which was the gangs pay-day spot. Grandma review : right out (dim, stairs)
  15. StarStraf
    This was my birthday choice for the small group of friends and I for dinner. We went early since they don't take reservations. Special drink was the Cider Sangria (very yummy) and then I had the crepes norwegian (as usual) but got to taste many others - we did have one guest with a hard time ordering (no pork, no cheese) but they were able to accommodate. And the dessert crepes were wonderful. Quiet enough for conversation but not so quiet that you feel you can't talk. Grandma report: need to take her - well lighted, a few steps up and no room for walker but she would enjoy very much.
  16. StarStraf
    We went back just for drinks the other night while on my birthday stumble and I have to say that Magnolia's upstairs bar is one of my two favorite bars (other is Captain Gregory's) turns out that the brains behind the drinks is Zachary Faden - who used to be bartender at Rouge 24. We exchanged many food stories as he poured us all some wonderful drinks. And I was able to convey my thoughts of the restaurant downstairs and he says kinks should be ironed out within the next month and to try again.
  17. StarStraf
    We went to Bond 45 last night and disappointed. No longer have pop-overs that we had been looking forward to - but had a facaccia bread instead - no charcuterie board (but when we asked they did have some prosciutto and served us some with the burrata. Steaks were good but I think Macky's in old town do them better - Porterhouse, NY Strip, and Ribeye. Side were good but not great (asparagus, spinach, polenta). Dessert - no more amazing chocolate mousse (pout) but we had chocolate mousse cake and vanilla merange cake. Grandma report - wide aisles, easy to get to bathroom, if sitting in back well lighted
  18. StarStraf
    Just got back from a great 5 days in Vegas stayed at Cesar's Homestead - link - overpriced steak and wine, good single malt selection. I'd rather eat at Mackie's in Old Town Bacchanal Buffet - link - Sunday Brunch - pricey but wonderful, Mimosa's, Eggs Benedict multiple ways, Meats and cheeses, shrimp and grits, pastry - was $50/person (included all you can drink) but kept us full all day, and was just a wonderful experience of gluttony. Serendipity-3 - Link - went for a cooldown, nice break - over the top sundaes and great malts, the frozen hot chocolate not worth trying but everything else was great - if want a well lighted burger and ice cream break away from the slots this is your place. Mon Ami Gabi - Link - Over to Paris for dinner with friends - this was great place for a group of 6 - reasonable wine prices, good selection of food was able to handle all the odd dietary restrictions and all quiet yummy. Long wait for patio but short wait for inside. Beijing Noodle #9 - Link - DO NOT MISS this. You can watch them make the noodles, great dim sum dishes - perfect lunch spot - all white inside with bright lights to give you a sensory break. Never saw a wait her, great service, yummy food. Kahunaville - Link - Treasure Island - great place for a meal before Mystere show. Great burgers and tiki drinks, quick service, friendly staff Nabu - Link - Wow was this yummy - shared small plates and we went overboard but everything was SO good. Wait staff all were excellent and able to answer questions, Black Cod in miso sauce was simple divine.
  19. StarStraf
    Enjoy - we will be at National Geographic museum with mother in law
  20. StarStraf
    Captain Gregory's speakeasy inside Sugar Shack is now in soft open - we tried it last week and we will be back. They are open Thursday - Sunday evenings starting at 6pm You make reservations via text 571-281-0059 and when you arrive you pull on the whiskey flag and the slid open the door to check for reservation. There is a two hour limit and a $30 / person minimum. There are about 22 seats and it is very dimly lit (had trouble seeing menu) by candlelight and the music is via LP. We had a great time, after the first round we moved over to the bar and chatted with the bartender Sam who was friendly and talkative. he makes most of the bitters and flavored boozes himself. The food options ($12) when we were there were long johns one with Brie/Fig/Bacon (YUM) and the other was a brushutta type (also good) The drinks ($10-15) all have a story and are all wonderful we had quite a few and all were unique and very wonderful
  21. StarStraf
    Magnolia's on King - We went just after they started taking reservations. The bar upstairs is WONDERFUL - unique cocktails (range $12-16) I had not tried before with a range that everyone enjoyed something. We though of trying the appetizers upstairs but figured (wrongly) that we could get them downstairs. Know that they do not server the drink or bar menu down in the restaurant (To risky to carry down the stairs was reason given). Bar is well lit, easy seating that can adjust to different party sizes but I can see it getting to full fairly quickly. I highly recommend 'The Cure' black bottle scotch, ardbeg 10 year, domaine de canton, lemon juice, honey. Generous sized drinks and worth the higher pricing. The restaurant has some serving issues but those were all due to being just opened (wait staff not able to answer questions and having to go check), they seemed pretty inexperienced. Wine list is good, cocktails downstairs are pretty simple, but the southerner in our group was pleased to see the multiple Fanta options. Dinner was good but not great, my options were limited because of spice levels (many options are heavy on the hot side). I had the Bison Meatloaf which was good but not great. Others had Catfish (Very happy), Fried Chicken (good but not great (If you want great see my review of Tupelo's )) and Denver Steak. (Range $18-35) portion size was good. Dessert Cobbler was good as was the Smore's bread pudding but neither worth a special trip The Southerner with us said the corn bread was to sweet but the greens were wonderful, though the cobbler should have been double crusted. The chef came out and talked to us for feedback (though later on our Southerner wanted to add some more but there is no email address on the web page) he seemed sincere but also talked down other restaurants when we gave comparisons. Overall I'll be back for the bar and might give the restaurant another try in a few months once they settle in but not sure since so many better options in that area. Well lit and Grandma friendly but not sure will make the list to take her to.
  22. StarStraf
    Were originally going to go Thursday night but our tablemate had a schedule mix up and we were able to move reservations to Wednesday. Two of us showed up about 10 minutes early and as the bar was full we asked to be seated to order drinks from table and were fairly quickly. Our waiter Francisco was wonderful and we had a leasurely dinner We have a number of cocktails thru the evening. (Range $9-$13) The Georgia Peach Mai Tai was wonderful and fruity The Elenore Roosevelt Sparkling Sangria was good and light I wasn't sure if they were made to mask the booze or if they were light on booze but after 4 drinks I should have been tipsy. My other half had the Achilles Hell Manhattan and they were good and quiet strong. Our beer dinker was dissapointed as the first order of the Allagash tripple ended up with the other Allagash as the tripple was out and the waiter had misheard (The noise level is high so that can happen easily) and the second thing he asked for was also out for the night. Overall the bar menu was good but nothing to make a special trip for. We started with a number of small plattes. (Range $7-$10) Goat Cheese Grits poppers (Light and spicy). Ham/bacon wontons - very yummy Fried Avocado - great at first bite but cooled quickly and not as good. Salted beets with pistatios and goat cheese - yummy but nothing special. Over all the small plates are good but a touch over priced for what they were. Entrees were ($13-$26) Fried Chicken breast which was PERFECT - crisp and tender and juicy and not oily and wowza. Shoo Shrimp and Grits with Chorizo - I didn't try (to spicy) but the others liked this a lot - large serving, much taken home. Fried Chicken BLT sandwich - very good Sides were brussle sprout salad, edemame salad, and i'm not sure on the others - they were good but not great, but nice to have vegetable options beyond asparagus and spinach Over all VERY well done, very reasonablly priced Dessert was Banana pudding which was good and Pegan Pie that was WONDERFUL. Total for 3 peple was $220+tip Reservations online were easy Staff was Great and my water was never empty Well lit but a bit noisy, clean restrooms. This is added to the places to take Grandma as it would be something she woudl enjoy.
  23. StarStraf
    The others in my party had the "watermelon" but I had something else since that was very spicy - they did a great job of adjusting for me as I'm a spice wimp. Excited that they keep records as another friend wants to go with us now.
  24. StarStraf
    We did the Omakase counter last night and we will be back. Got there early for the 7pm reservation and was able to miss the rain and grab a cocktail at the bar before being shown back to the Omakase counter. The window behind the counter looks out over a bamboo garden. the three of us were served by Chef/Owner Nobu Yamazaki and the other couple by chef de cuisine Masa Kitayama. I lost track of the order and food served but a WONDERFUL experience. I know we started with the signature Goma Tofu then had a trio of fish including Jellyfish and Barnacle which were both new for me. Then a seasonal platter that was a wonder including a crab stuffed 'corn on the cob' and octopus steamed so long it was tender served over Tuna cheek. There was a fried head of prawn and smoked bonito and a noodle in broth dish that was some of the best noodles I've ever had. Then the Sashimi course where he brought out the 6 trays of fresh seafood and we got to mix our choices and his recommendations. I had never had sushi served with salt before - wowza, and having never understood the Uni wow from people I decided to give it one more try with the imported from Japan Uni - and now I understand. I think my favorite was the Wagyu beef wrapped around uni and served with shaved truffles - unbelievable. then softshell crab in a squid ink temprura and then the boxes came back out for nagiri. Desserts were much better then I expected from sushi the Hoji-cha pudding is wonderful, and we explored some of the Japaneses scotches. All in all a wonderful night - food was $160/person and total tab was about $225/each + tip (Not grandma friendly as the restaurant is up a flight of stairs and dim lighting and you really want all your senses to enjoy, and besides she isn't really a sushi fan, but I try to put a Grandma comment in all my reviews)
  25. StarStraf
    Sorry but I have to cancel - spent today in ER with Grandma and she has been admitted for observation - seems to be doing okay but I'll be at Hospital for a few days. - Star
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