noahcofc

Sitting here with my family a couple days after we went to Dino's Grotto on Friday Night (the second night of official opening). We had a wonderful time at the restaurant, the waitstaff were all really pleasant and helped create a really positive atmosphere.

For starters, my Mother really appreciated the whole wheat bread served and as she says "you can tell a lot about a restaurant by the stuff they serve for free."

For appetizers we particularly enjoyed the Burrata and the Deep Fried Artichokes.

For entrees we had the Skirt Steak (with an anchiove-based sauce that was really good), the Mussels which were really juicy and plump. The broth was delicious. I ordered the Duck, which was really juicy. My brother ordered the free form lasagnette and really enjoyed it (even though he avoids carbs and didn't know it was going to be pasta.

For dessert we had a couple cheese plates and a delicious tiramisu. Dean and Kay were wonderful and the vibe in the restaurant was just really pleasant. I really believe this place will do well and we will definitely be back. I'll be checking the board regularly to see any updates on the place.

-noah

ooh sorry for lateness. i cant go tomorrow

I would like to go on February 19th.

I am very interested. Saturday works better for me.

Thanks to Don,

I was able to attend the party yesterday at Fuego in Clarendon. My Brother & I had a lot of fun and the service was great. They had some Michelada-type Oyster shooters which I liked, the pepper on the rim was spicy. The traditional Margaritas were more sour then sweet which I also liked. Besides the Margarita I didn't get to taste any Tequila, but supposedly there are over 200 and many of them are on display, laid-out quite nice. The Restaurant is designed for the Bar to be downstairs and the Restaurant to be upstairs. It's a very open-space. I don't remember the layout exactly of Harry's but it seems more spacious. Not sure if this was just for the event.

Food-Wise:

The Chorizo on the Chorizo tacos was great and flavorful. I wasn't able to try the Ceviche, but heard it was great. Dessert wise there was this Flan passed around that was really good, but I'm not sure if it will always be on the menu. Overall all the Tacos I tried were good but the Chorizo stood out. There was also Lengua, Braised Pork and Fish.

Other than that I drank a lot so I don't remember too many details. But this should be a fun restaurant when it opens. I will definitely be back to try some of the Tequilas!

Jeff,

I was one who went to the special last weekend. Took my brother and mom. We loved the wines and thought the lamb some of the best we had ever had. How did you make it so tender?

Someone at Luzmila's told me Don Arturo returned to Bolivia and its still the same cooks/staff but they changed the restaurant up a little bit.

had to do a separate post with this pic: chicken manchurian and the chicken masala fried rice

I thought the food was really good. Wish I could have sampled more dishes. The Desii Special Soup was interesting. I will be back for sure!

I'd love to try this place with a group. I can do lunch tomorrow. What time?

I would like to do lunch on the 17th as well, but am open for anything. Please mark me down for whenever it happens.

Noah

Didn't make it to the Tasting/Tour but I want to say thanks for setting up the lunch. It was delicious! I will definitely enjoy the leftovers. Its great to meet people who are passionate and know about good food! I will check back to see if there is something like this again.

This is my first time posting. I really love food and trying new places. My name is Noah and I grew up in the DC area. I look forward to finding out new places to try and maybe meeting up with others to try restaurants.

Noah