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There were a couple of bits of garlic (literally less than ten tiny pieces) and nothing oily on my fries so... I guess that was the tiny amount of garlic I was tasting. The Old Town location just seems to be a problem, apparently. ::sigh:: It was only 50 cents extra, I guess... [

I went to the BGR in Old Town Alexandria this afternoon and it was literally the worst-constructed burger I've ever received in my life. It fell apart the moment I touched it, no joke. I had gotten the lunch special (regular burger) with bacon added, plus the garlic fried instead of regular fries. They put the soft, cooked, wet onions and sauce on the thinner, bottom part of the bun under the burger, which soaked it with all the juices and the bread disintegrated underneath the weight of the burger and tomatoes/bacon/lettuce on top. I went through about 20 napkins (not an exaggeration), even after trying to eat the burger with a knife and fork. The fries were good, though. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, but they tasted like they had been sitting out for a few minutes, not fresh out of the fryer, because they got cold mighty quick. Or maybe just more time passed than I had thought while I was wrestling with the sloppiest damn burger on the face of the earth. Could barely taste the "roasted garlic" flavor, but it was there... The thing is, the burger wasn't half bad, taste-wise. I just couldn't enjoy much because it was akin to eating chunky stew with my fingers. Really hope this was just a one-off for them, or maybe just at this branch. Burger construction should be...common sense?

Went to the Saturday dim sum brunch this weekend and ordered an EPIC 14 plates with my dining companion. I think we went in with a good attitude: to not expect what we think everything should taste like and just to go in with the mindset of good food. We were both pretty impressed. There were some duds, but most of the dishes we tried were pretty damn good. Sure, it's expensive, but it's a treat, and you can see the care and attention to detail that went into most of the plates. Not gonna list everything we had, but the duds seemed to be their dumplings (most were just bland and flavorless, nothing really spectacular at all). The Chinese sausage fried rice was also SUPER salty. I mean, so salty that you couldn't taste anything else but the soy sauce. You can tell there was too much soy sauce because the rice was too wet. That was the biggest dud, for my sister and me, but we aren't really into salty salty foods. Your salt preference may vary, as I know salt sensitivity is different for everyone. The hits were their noodle plates, especially the Shanghai Noodles and chow feung. Shanghai noodles is just so complex, umami-rich, perfectly balanced with sweet/salty/spicy, but you could still taste every individual component. The braised oxtail in it was great, and not too much/not too little. We were definitely sad to see the bottom of that bowl. Chow feung was great and perfectly balanced as well, if not as complex as the Shanghai noodles. They added brussels sprouts and these wonderfully fried, glazed shrimp. Familiar and comforting for me, but also surprising and flavorful. Wok fired shrimp dumplings stood out as well because of the surely house-made XO sauce. It was so good and garlicy that my dining companion and I were trying to get the last bits of it out of the bowl with our chopsticks. There were lots of other hits, but about ten hours after this feast, I am STILL full and groggy, so I won't get too into it. Needless to say, I'm really impressed with the dim sum brunch. It really shows that Drewno learned a lot in China, and that his staff is great at executing the lessons he learned. It's rare that I've tasted something so familiar to me, yet with something different and new. On a lot of the plates, you can really tell that Drewno learned the main lesson of Chinese cuisine is balance of many strong flavors, and I'd definitely go back to try some of the in-tried plates and to also re-try the stand-outs. It's a bit pricey, I won't delude anyone about that. But as a treat, I think it's a good value with 2 people for an extravagent, varied brunch. 8 plates for $40, 5 plates for $30. And quite frankly, it's not that much more per person (or the same) as some of the other brunches/lunches in the area. I don't pretend to be a professional food critic or even to have a sophisticated palate, but I did like it and would go back, and I'm really glad I gave it a chance and kept an open mind. Definitely made a fan out of me.

There were some workers working on the outside of the store in Rosemont today, and it's been going along fairly quickly and well since the beginning of the new year. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if it does open in about a month/'month and a half. I just hope it won't bring a bunch of idiots and their cars screwing up the neighborhood...

Yes, I did go that one time when I first posted asking about it. It was good food, kept fresh and nothing dried out, wonderful service, good music. Worth the price, I would say. Standard Indian buffet fare, maybe one level above Delhi Club's weekend buffet in terms of offerings. Equal in execution and taste, imo. There seemed to be mainly tourists there when I went, as I'm sure they're from the hotels around the area and there always seems to be 90% tourists in that area on weekends. They were mostly taken with the scrambled eggs in the brunch offering, which were indeed good...and probably made of 50% butter (that + the spices were what made them spectacular), but the other curries and appetizer-like foods (poppadoms, bahji, etc.) were good, as well.

I want to make chewy chocolate mint chip cookies (stocked up on the mint Nestle dark chocolate and mint chips last week), but am finding it hard to get a good, guaranteed chewy chocolate cookie recipe. I'm basically looking for a chewy sugar cookie, but chocolatey and with the mint chips mixed in (will also add a tiny bit of peppermint extract). Does anyone know if I can just use a good, chewy sugar cookie, add lots of cocoa powder, and it will be fine? Or does someone have a good soft, chewy chocolate cookie (no crunchy, brownie-like top, please) that they are willing to divulge? I need to make something sweet tomorrow!

Suddenly came down with a cold Friday, so I trekked out onto the icy sidewalks in my pseudoephedrined state this morning to get ingredients for chicken soup. I've got almost 8 quarts of soup sitting in the kitchen now. Basically the only thing I'm eating this weekend besides tea with honey and yogurt... Am always amazed at what a difference using fresh, crushed herbs is for chicken soup.

I think, for anywhere that wants to be really popular and cater to people with actual money to spend on the food (esp. in Del Ray or anywhere near Arlandria), it'd be damn near impossible to have a successful non-Hispanic-food business that has that kind of vibe that will also be profitable. This just is not the area for that, period. If the vibe was more "authentic", as it were, you'll probably have a bunch of people crying about how "dirty everything looks", how it could be more upscale, how they should offer a better variety of quality drinks, blah blah blah. The owners knew what they were doing, especially in the Del Ray area (and the more affluent areas of the DMV in general). I'm sure the thing they most regret is not being able to afford a place closer to a Metro stop or with a bigger parking lot.

Going to the dim sum brunch here next Saturday. Any suggestions/things to avoid? Yes, I am going with the full expectation that this is not really dim sum or Chinese food... Am intrigued that the chef did go to China to learn how to make XLB, though. Hopefully, that kind of knowledge will show in the dim sum brunch?

I just had lunch here not two hours ago, and enjoyed it. It wasn't the best Vietnamese, no, but it was good and a great value, especially for Old Town. Got the imperial roll (2 sizeable rolls for only $5) and the classic bahn mi (9", and I could only eat half), along with the house lotus tea (such a perfect thing for today, especially since I'm having sinus issues). A little under $13 without tip, and they do accept credit cards. Imperial roll was a little oily, as some oil spilled out when I bit into the first piece...but that might have also been because it had literally only been out of the fryer for about a minute or two before it got to me. Once it cooled down a bit, the oil sort of "absorbed" and it didn't feel as greasy. Wish they gave you more pieces of lettuce with it, as you're supposed to eat it with a piece of fresh lettuce wrapped around it, but not complaining too much about that since most people probably treat it like a spring roll, and it was still pretty good. The bahn mi was good, and definitely a good value at $5 for such a large sandwich. Almost a third longer than the ones you get at Eden Center, but thinner because of the bread. The bread is crunchier, in a delicate way, and not very fluffy/soft. But it's not "cut up the roof of your mouth" crunchy at all. The fillings were good. Standard, and I'd say...about 85-90% as good as the classic bahn mi fillings you get at the typical Eden Center places. Again, for Old Town, I was very happy. And I'm glad to have this option in the area for when I want something cheap, warm and filling. Next time, I'll try the rice dishes and maybe grab a pork or chicken bahn mi to go.

It's sad to hear that they're still having service problems. I haven't been in a few months, but I remember the last couple of times I went, Virtue was just opening/had opened and the service was noticeably worse/wobbly than every other time I went before. I was thinking this is just because some of the Majestic servers might have gone to Virtue, and the newer servers were learning their stride...but apparently not? I'd still list it as my favorite place right now, but again...I haven't been in months. Hoping the server issue isn't going to be a continued problem.

Was in La Cuisine in Old Town today and Todd Thrasher came in to buy an ice pick. He said the market had a soft opening last night, but I think he mentioned the official opening is this coming Wednesday (25th)? The place opens at 11 on weekdays, I heard. Please be aware I didn't actually speak to him directly and might have heard things incorrectly. Heh. Apologies to Todd Thrasher and his friend for not-so-subtly eavesdropping on the conversation...I was trying to peruse the spices, I swear.

Having grown up in a Chinese restaurants and having parents who are still in the business (though, thankfully, no longer owners), the only two things that I think might be effective are 1.) making nice with the local police department so she can call them for support whenever a customer refuses to pay for food that he/she has eaten/is taking/basically stealing food or money, and 2.) maybe the "story in a local paper" option, though that might just bring more idiots into the fold once they find out about this small restaurant where they can get "free" food and rip off the owner somehow. Quite frankly, the best thing you can do is to just continue being a loyal patron and telling everyone else NOT to be an asshole. Especially in tough economic times, there are always going to be jerk-offs who see a small restaurant as ripe for the picking. And if I'm being completely honest, Asian restaurants are probably targeted more because of the ridiculous stereotype that we're all pushovers who are too weak and cowardly to do anything about it and probably don't know enough English to do anything about it, much less understand what's happening. Oh, and that we're all rich anyway. ::rolls eyes:: You can't stop this from happening, really. Assholes are going to be assholes because they feel like they deserve to act like them and get everything they want. Just continue to NOT be one and encourage others to NOT be assholes, as well. You can't control other people, and quite frankly, the restaurant owner will just eventually realize that it's not worth the stress and ridiculousless and just sell/close the restaurant soon, anyway. I don't think people realize just how hard it is, not just to be a small restaurant owner, but to be a minority, immigrant restaurant owner in this country. It wears you down, and one can't just brush it off by thinking of all the good customers, because even the good customers leave once they perceive your food isn't quite worth it anymore.

I've tried a few trucks by now: -TastyKabob -Red Hook -District Taco -Bada Bing -Sweetbites -Sinplicity -DC Empanada -Capital Empanada -Eat Wonky -Seoul Food DC -Yellow Bulgogi Truck -Sauca Best value and the one I keep going back to whenever I get the chance: TastyKabob. Chicken with rice with extra hot sauce and the dill sauce. The lamb is good, but I fin the chicken more flavorful. Red Hook was okay. The price and the line-waiting (complete with jerks cutting right in front of me) was NOT worth it. One can get better, bigger lobster rolls for around the same price elsewhere. Their whoopie pies from a NoVa bakery are great, though. Those were actually worth the wait in line! -District Taco is always solid, though I haven't been to their cart in a while and have never been to their brick-and-mortar. But I did go on this solid DT streak about a year ago... Bada Bing has been great all but once (ate from them about five times so far). The spiedies are definitely the thing to get. Not sure how they get the chicken so moist and flavorful, but it's a thing of beauty when you get the right sandwich. Their cheesesteaks were good the first time I got one, but the last time was sort of sloppy and haphazard (onions were just piled meagerly on top instead of being cooked/heated with the beef). Sweetbites - just your standard, over-priced cupcakes. -Sinplicity - GREAT ice cream and sorbets. Have tried them about three times (and I know they sell pints at local Whole Foods) from the truck, and it's really good value for an ice cream truck. You get a generous scoop (or two, or three...and you can mix flavors) with a big piece of biscotti. During the summer, they had this watermelon sorbet that was just about the most perfect watermelon treat I've ever had (and I've had the watermelon juice at Rasika and Bombay Club). -Both empanada trucks - horrible. Over-priced (WAY over-priced considering the SIZE of the empanadas) and bland bland bland. If you want a good empanada, go to the Alexa's Empanadas stand currently at the Downtown Holiday Market right now (until the 23rd). I think they also do some markets in North Arlington, as well. Or probably Julia's in DuPont (never ate there, so can't vouch for those). Sure, there's a difference between baked (Alexa's ad Julia's) and fried (the other two), but there's also a difference between tasting something and tasting absolutely nothing. -Eat Wonky - you can tell the guys who started/run the truck(s) aren't really "food people", in that they pretty much only know the basics in preparing and flavor combos, etc. Still, their grilled cheese is acceptable (I did eat it while really hungry, though), their fries are hit-or-miss depending on the day...I do love their whoopie pies, which are from Treet, a local bakery. Good flavor combos in the whoopies. -Seoul Food DC - you know, the food wasn't bad, but I just about got the world's tiniest burrito for $8. It was seriously no bigger than my hand, and I don't have massive hands or anything. And most of it was the tortilla, not the filling. But their burrito was spicy, their kimchi wasn't bad, and what little beef was inside it was tender and flavorful without being too salty and overwhelming. It's a shame they took that egg breakfast sandwich off their menu...and I couldn't bring myself to try their bulgogi because serving it on a salad just seems wrong to me. Your mileage may vary... -Yellow Bulgogi truck - second best "value", but it's basically just your basic "teriyaki beef/chicken". Nothing too exciting. It's satisfying if you need a bulgogi/protein fix and don't want to spend too much money. I'd go again if I get tired of TastyKabob or just feel like something different. -The less said about Sauca, the better. I still can't get the salt out of my mouth from their horrendous version of bahn mi, and their "butter chicken" was just...ugh. I think I even wrote a review of my first visit here, but I've been trying to repress that memory...to no avail. Been wanting to try out the crab truck, CapMac, Ficelle, El Floridano and the Hula Girl truck (if only to pretend I'm back in Hawaii). Not too many chances to get into the District during the week, though, so they might have to wait.

I've gotten a slice or two of coconut cake to go many times. Just order at the bar. I'm 98% positive that you can just have a slice of cake at the bar if you don't want to eat the rest of your meal there, so that might be an option? Hope you find something, as I love coconut cake (and coconut anything) myself. And happy birthday! ETA: At The Majestic, of course. Should have made that clearer...

I believe I read on Twitter that they had a very bad accident and might be out for the rest of the year, which is a shame. I've been itching to try a Cajun food truck since I found out about Willie's, but will have to try and track down the Cajunator truck in the District one day.

I think Cedar gets lost because it's 1.) yet another "New American" cuisine restaurant in an area that's glutted with them, with a lot of them producing pretty good food and 2.) its location and proximity to all these other restaurants that are closer to the touristy/office worker paths. It's sad because I've had about 5+ great meals there (brunch, lunch and dinner) since they opened, and the quality and service has been consistent and wonderful. Even at other restaurants I love where I've eaten even more meals (like The Majestic in Old Town), I've had times where either the food or the service (or both) weren't up to par. I truly wish the best for Cedar and make it a point to spread the word and give my highest recommendations whenever I can, but everyone always ends up going someplace like Jaleo or Poste. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I just personally think Cedar deserves more recognition for the solidly good food they pump out.

There was a review of Sax in the free Express today, complete with a photo of the interior and...it looks seedy as all hell. Basically like a Baroque Hooters, or perhaps a Crazy Horse-like entertainment dinner theatre. But the review of the food wasn't that bad. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised if it thrives. DC is very much the type of town that would go for this type of thing. Old Boys' Club, bachelor parties, and all that...

Ah, but these are about just hot dogs in various forms around NJ, and not the Italian-style dogs! Grew up on the Shore and remember seeing an Italian hot dog truck every week (even during the winters) at the same spot, but for some reason, I only ever really had an Italian hot dog once! Damned if I can remember the name of the truck, or if it just had "Italian-Style Hot Dogs!" painted on the side. There's one thing about growing up on the Shore: too much good food to shove down yer piehole.

I do believe they have prix-fixe lunch offerings still (there's different offerings for different appetites and price points). I got the soup + sandwich lunch for $19 last time I went, and ordered their burger with pimiento cheese (comes with fries). The soup was their Italian wedding soup, which was great. Wonderful balance, not heavy at all, not too heavy on any one flavor, a perfect start for the heavier burger and fries. Burger was juicy,. pimiento cheese gave it a great oomph, and they also put a fried egg on it (!). You can put a fried egg on anything and I'll eat it. The waitress comped me a dessert for that lunch due to a kitchen mix-up, and I got the chocolate bombe, which was made with in-season strawberries (I was there around mid-June). One of the best restaurant desserts I've had in a while, and I found room for it after the soup and burger because it was just. that. good.

I know I'm starting to sound like an investor for this restaurant, but do give Cedar a try. Sure, it's "New American" cuisine that is found everywhere, but it's never talked about much and I find it's food as solid as the other good places in the area (and MUCH better than Central!). They have a great Happy Hour deal, I believe (though I've only been to lunches and dinners). If I don't feel like something super casual in the Penn Quarter area, I go to this place as a treat. Might or might not be too late to try and get into a Rasika lunch?

Yeah, I sort of figured. I went on a Sunday afternoon, around 3:00, in case anyone was wondering. I would go back if I'm ever in the area (don't really go to U Street area a lot). Tuna would've been superb if the mayo wasn't applied with such a heavy hand. I think they just need a bit of a lighter hand when dressing the sandwiches sometimes? They had all the potential in the world for me, if that makes any difference to anyone reading this. I hate criticizing restaurants when it's probably as much personal preference as it is the restaurant's doing.

When I went two weeks ago, they had the skinny fries, which I quite liked (but I'm not too picky on fries as long as they're fresh and crispy). I did eat inside the place, not take-out, though. Had the chivito since it was so talked about. Found it...okay. Sort of disappointing, as are most things that are hyped, I suppose. Way too salty because of the capers + mayo + cheese, but that's probably a personal thing. It did make it really hard for me to taste any of the components except for one big assault, though. It really would have benefited from an actual fried egg with soft yolk, as that would have mellowed out the flavors a bit. I could hardly see the hard-boiled egg they put in it, nor could I taste it at all. My dining partner had the tuna, which was much better. If I go back, I'll try something with less going on. I think the chivito is one of those "eyes bigger than stomach" type of thing. Service was wonderful. Such nice guys behind the counter.

Yeah, agreed. I guess I spoke a few days too early. It seems their "Top Stories" ridiculousness (as opposed to having the chronological events option before) simply makes it easier for whatever companies/retail things you "liked" to be pushed to the top, which I'm positive was their intention all along.

If there's anything I like commercially or want to know more about, I stick to Twitter. I find Facebook is just about the worst venue to "like" any company or celebrity of any fashion. I hate getting my wall clogged up with the useless stuff, and then missing the rare useful info because I "blocked" them on my wall feed. Twitter's just so much easier to ignore the crap.