As for the atmosphere is definitely authentic. The large display with sports and the quaint music throw you off.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Irish Nachos... huh?
A post work happy hour in Cleveland park had us reach for the closest watering hole by the Uptown theater ( where people were camping in a line for tickets for the new Harry Potter movie- who are these people?) . The menu had me bewildered. When did the Irish start to make Nachos? Was I reading a menu or "The Onion"? I was tempted to seek an explanation and then the chatter and music had me distracted, until our petite waitress came by to take our order. My co-worker was braver and decided to order Irish Nachos, which turned out to be waffle cut fires, with everything on top like regular nachos. I would say, definitely worth trying once. We also tried the smoked salmon with Irish soda bread, which was a little too salty for my taste.
As for the atmosphere is definitely authentic. The large display with sports and the quaint music throw you off.
As for the atmosphere is definitely authentic. The large display with sports and the quaint music throw you off.
Ireland's Four Green Field
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Fast, Cheap and Yummy
The choice for dinner this evening was either McDonalds or... wait there has to be something else out there that was fast, cheap and yummy. And the answer is "Julias Empanada" :-)
Julia's empanadas are made by hand. Stuffings include turkey with spring onions, ground beef and chorizo. The spinach one can be given a miss! The ingredients change weekly in the other vegetarian empanadas. There are a few Soups and salads on the menu as well.Desserts on the menu include Rice pudding and scrumptious fruit empanadas, my personal favorite is the pineapple coconut.
The 18th street venue has some seating. Its minus any frills but great value for money.
2452 18th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20009
Julia's empanadas are made by hand. Stuffings include turkey with spring onions, ground beef and chorizo. The spinach one can be given a miss! The ingredients change weekly in the other vegetarian empanadas. There are a few Soups and salads on the menu as well.Desserts on the menu include Rice pudding and scrumptious fruit empanadas, my personal favorite is the pineapple coconut.
The 18th street venue has some seating. Its minus any frills but great value for money.
2452 18th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20009
MSN says 10 Restaurants in DC
MSN lists 10 best restaurants in DC
So far the only one I have been to is Zaitiniya. I would agree with the food review. But the waiting staff leaves something to be desired.
So far the only one I have been to is Zaitiniya. I would agree with the food review. But the waiting staff leaves something to be desired.
Get Your Chill On
Raku - Dupont Circle
Yesterday was a hot, sultry evening and when I met up with an old high school friend the first thing we said to each other after the whole “hey, long time, you look great” crap was “let’s get a chilled beer.” We were also feeling slightly peckish and Raku turned out to suit our needs. It’s an Asian diner which rolls out the sushi in assembly-line precision. So don’t have too many expectations there. I ended up ordering an Asian grilled flank salad from the specials. Normally I hate doing salad entrees, but a cruel summer can do wonders to change your mind. As it turned out, the salad was a perfect accompaniment to my Singha. The flank was tossed over lettuce, spinach leaves, cilantro, basil and a dash of balsamic vinaigrette with a nice mix of crispy onions. A nice change from the usual pad thai, drunken noodles and green curry.
Service: I understand the concept of Raku is like a fast food joint, but the service was too overbearing. We were practically forced to order our entrees and I had to gulp down my beer as the waiter hovered around to take away the bottle.
Décor: Cramped spaces inside with tables bunched up together so warn your friends from Cheney’s office (you may not know who they are even) not to disclose state secrets. Outdoor seating is great depending on the weather but as cramped.
Cost: Appetizers: $3-$8 Entrees: $8-$15 but look for specials!
Yesterday was a hot, sultry evening and when I met up with an old high school friend the first thing we said to each other after the whole “hey, long time, you look great” crap was “let’s get a chilled beer.” We were also feeling slightly peckish and Raku turned out to suit our needs. It’s an Asian diner which rolls out the sushi in assembly-line precision. So don’t have too many expectations there. I ended up ordering an Asian grilled flank salad from the specials. Normally I hate doing salad entrees, but a cruel summer can do wonders to change your mind. As it turned out, the salad was a perfect accompaniment to my Singha. The flank was tossed over lettuce, spinach leaves, cilantro, basil and a dash of balsamic vinaigrette with a nice mix of crispy onions. A nice change from the usual pad thai, drunken noodles and green curry.
Service: I understand the concept of Raku is like a fast food joint, but the service was too overbearing. We were practically forced to order our entrees and I had to gulp down my beer as the waiter hovered around to take away the bottle.
Décor: Cramped spaces inside with tables bunched up together so warn your friends from Cheney’s office (you may not know who they are even) not to disclose state secrets. Outdoor seating is great depending on the weather but as cramped.
Cost: Appetizers: $3-$8 Entrees: $8-$15 but look for specials!
Mom made coffee
Azi's Cafe:
1336 9th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
On our very early ride to work in the faraway land of Tysons ( yes I am not a morning person) a good latte can definitely change the mood. Instead of the usual caffeine kick from Starbucks, today we stopped at Azi's cafe located on 9th street by the Convention Center. The owner makes the coffee personally, with a smile. The serving sizes don't follow industry (aka Starbucks) standards! There is a medium and a large.
The cafe seems to attract a lot of regulars who know the owner and come back with their cups!
I must admit the baked goods looked tempting and the lady behind me ordered 6 scones and a danish, so I am going to assume the cafe is doing some thing right :-)
1336 9th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
On our very early ride to work in the faraway land of Tysons ( yes I am not a morning person) a good latte can definitely change the mood. Instead of the usual caffeine kick from Starbucks, today we stopped at Azi's cafe located on 9th street by the Convention Center. The owner makes the coffee personally, with a smile. The serving sizes don't follow industry (aka Starbucks) standards! There is a medium and a large.
The cafe seems to attract a lot of regulars who know the owner and come back with their cups!
I must admit the baked goods looked tempting and the lady behind me ordered 6 scones and a danish, so I am going to assume the cafe is doing some thing right :-)
Monday, July 9, 2007
These are a few of my favorite things...
Ceiba:
701 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
Latin inspired menu. Fun to hang out at the Bar and order appetizers and desert.The ceviche sampler is outstanding. Excellent mojitos. The main courses are not as exciting. Desserts are decent. Fun lively atmosphere. Staff is always courteous and accommodating.
http://www.ceibarestaurant.com/
St -Ex
1847 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
It hard to imagine any one living in DC would not have visited this landmark. I never come back disappointed. When you add a brownie with spices to menu its hard to keep me away. The goat cheese- cheesecake is unusual in its presentation and scrumptious in taste. Well worth a visit just for that. The bartenders are always friendly.
http://www.saint-ex.com/home.html
701 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
Latin inspired menu. Fun to hang out at the Bar and order appetizers and desert.The ceviche sampler is outstanding. Excellent mojitos. The main courses are not as exciting. Desserts are decent. Fun lively atmosphere. Staff is always courteous and accommodating.
http://www.ceibarestaurant.com/
St -Ex
1847 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
It hard to imagine any one living in DC would not have visited this landmark. I never come back disappointed. When you add a brownie with spices to menu its hard to keep me away. The goat cheese- cheesecake is unusual in its presentation and scrumptious in taste. Well worth a visit just for that. The bartenders are always friendly.
http://www.saint-ex.com/home.html
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