adjen

Had a great dinner in the lounge at Vermilion last Sat night. Favorite was the catfish sticks (I'm sure that wasn't what it was called) which had just the right proportion of crunchy, non-greasy, actual cornmeal crust and a zippy remoulade Liked the theory of the wings dish: pulled chicken, celery, hot sauce all mixed together in an egg roll wrapper with blue cheese dip, but thought the wrap was too thick and distracted from the filling. Loved, loved the dessert of cookies, etc., which was really six different desserts, all of which I manged to eat: chocolate donut hole with chocolate sauce, snickers (ish) bar with a strong caramel flavor, hostess cupcake, whcih tasted just like one (to my husband's chagrin and my delight), buttery, salty popcorn ice cream, a pudding pop with a hard chocolate shell, and (my favorite) an oatmeal creme sandwich with a punchy sour cream filling and salty/sweet cookies with crunchy edges and soft middles

Has anyone been here recently? Considering going tonight or tomorrow . . .

Sat at the bar at Willow last night for late dinner and drinks and had unexpectedly fantastic food. I say unexpectedly because we got there ten mins before the kitchen was closing (took longer than expected to put the little one to bed), and the bartender said there was a new sommelier and they were in the process of re-doing the whole drinks menu. My appetizer of gnocchi with shaved asparagus, peas, carrots, in an asparagus sauce (for lack of a better term) tasted like the farmers market. And the gnocchi themselves were different in a good way. They tasted really potato-y and not doughy, with a slight crunch to the outside. A little like a potato hush puppy. Really yummy. And my halibut slider was a firm, perfectly seasoned croquette, and I liked the tartar sauce so much I ate it with a spoon. And the desserts are always a highlight. Last night I got the pineapple upside down cake, which was caramelly and acidic in the right proportions, and unlike many such cakes, it was actually moist. And finally, I have to mention the barley side that came with the roast chicken. I have never seen barley devoured so quickly.

Had the tasting menu last Saturday night. When I saw the tasting menu had a soft shell crab dish on it, I started resigning myself to a la carte (not that that would have been a major sacrifice) but was pleasantly surprised when the waiter clarified that the chef could substitute a dish (tuna loin) for me because of an allergy. Made it no big deal, which I appreciated. Throughout the evening, the service really enhanced our experience: informative but not stiff or pretentious descriptions of dishes, water glasses filled at right times unobtrusively, excellent pacing of meal, friendlybut not intrusive staff, helpful wine suggestions. I won't go through each dish because the menu is on the website, but my favorite was the goose liver "creme brûlée" with a black pepper tuile and red wine poached pear. Mmm. Silky and earthy. And the tart-sweet onion on tuna loin with caviar and a caper cracker was gorgeous. Mouth watering now thinking about it. And I usually don't love squab, but it was my and my husband's favorite of the protein courses. My only complaint was that the dessert courses were both cream-centric. Looking forward to returning.

I like M.E.Swing in DC at 17th and G (for the ginger cookies in addition to the coffee), and Northside Social in Clarendon.

Thanks to Jason for a great event (my first dr.com event). I really enjoyed the business side discussion, and I just savored an Earl Grey from the stash I bought on the way out. Ok, and a honey-thyme caramel, too. Thanks to Jason and to all of the "regulars" for creating a welcoming environment (and to Don for creating the whole thing).

Thanks to everyone for the responses. We ended up venturing into DC and found ourselves at Acadiana for no particular reason. (had the bread pudding, which had a nice spongy texture and was moist, though under sauced for my taste -- I did love the salty/sweet popcorn crunch sprinkled on top for texture contrast. Also had a tasty drink with (I think) white pepper gin, beet juice, ginger syrup,and lime juice. I know it doesn't go with the dessert, but I wanted both things . . . . Back on the Arlington front, Willow is a usual go-to place for us, especially for desserts, and we're at Bayou Bakery many weekend mornings (sweet potato muffin, banana choc chip muffin, beignets, biscuits, and a shmear of pimento cheese). Have also enjoyed the desserts at screwtop with some Va. sparkling wine.

Anyone have a recommendation for a favorite place to go just for dessert (or maybe dessert and a drink) in Arlington?

We dropped in late afternoon Sunday and left a couple of hours later sated and happy. Service was relaxed (which is good, in my book) but attentive. I took the earlier poster's advice and got the Mac and cheese (veggie) for my meal. It was my ideal Mac and cheese. Creamy in the middle, crusty cheese hugging the dish on the side, not at all gooey, nice tang from the artichokes. I also really enjoyed the pickled okra. (my only suggestion for that appetizer would be to toast the bread.). I also shared some fish and chips, which had nice firm fish (didn't pay attention to what kind because hadn't intended to share the dish) and a scrumptious pickle-y tartar sauce. Dining companions enjoyed the burger and their version of BLT. Very neighborhood-y vibe. Saw couples at the bar; single diners chatting with the bartenders; and a family with young kids. Will definitely return.

Does anyone have a recommendation for good, strong hot and sour soup delivery in Arlington?

Greetings -- After reading posts for several years, I'm glad to be joining the fray. I live in Arlington, work in DC, and restaurants are my favorite hobby. Some favorites include Ashby Inn (for Tarver King's cooking); Taqueria El Poblano (with little ones); Pizzeria Paradiso (in Georgetown) and Pizzeria Orso; drinks and rolls at Sei; and takeout from Lebanese Taverna Market.