Ruan Thai

Posted on 2006/03/06 by .

Ruan Thai, 11407 Amherst Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 301-942-0075, not so far from Rt.29 and University Blvd. (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
My Thai restaurant of choice, after Duangrat’s. Not just the usual stuff. Fresh ingredients, and truly spicy. When it comes to ordering, you can’t go wrong. This place is exactly what a Thai restaurant should aspire to be.

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Posted in Maryland, Thai, The Best, Wheaton/Kensington | 3 Comments

Chez YonYon

Posted on 2006/03/06 by .

Chez YonYon, 834 Chillum Road, Hyattsville, MD, 301-853-0404 (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [EchodHaiti | City Paper | Citysearch]
Haitian food, the fried pork is my favorite, the fish is good too. You can’t go wrong at Haitian restaurants, as long as you steer clear of the macaroni and cheese. But the real question is not what you want, but rather what they have in that day. This is not better than average Haitian food, but it doesn’t have to be. The rice and beans are always superb, mix in the spicy sauces.

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Posted in College Park/Hyattsville, Haitian, Maryland | 1 Comment

Le Matin de Paris

Posted on 2006/03/06 by .

Le Matin de Paris, web site, 7326 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA, 703-914-0088 (by the Pollo place and across from Jerry’s) (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Citysearch | WaPo (scroll down) | Yelp]

Also at 4217 Annandale Center Drive, Annandale, VA, 703-914-0088

A Korean bakery, and with many desserts. Must be tasted to be believed. Incredible. Go. Will appeal to the Western palate. The quality here is simply remarkably high. I usually don’t list bakeries but this place is extraordinary. Go, go, go.

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Posted in Annandale, Bakery, Current Favorites, Korean, The Best, Virginia | 7 Comments

Il Mee Buffet

Posted on 2006/03/06 by .

Il Mee Buffet, web site, 7031 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA, 703-642-2100 (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Expulsion! | City Paper | Don Rockwell]

An excellent Korean restaurant with an amazing degree of choice. Huge, note that all they have is a very large buffet, reasonably priced. Everything is great and surprisingly fresh. Don’t worry if you hate buffets, as I do, drop your reluctance and go. Everything here is fresh and outstanding. Get the cold soups. The kimchees. Make sure you dip your grilled meats in the sauces.

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Posted in Annandale, Korean, The Best, Virginia | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Pike Pizza

Posted on 2006/03/06 by .

Pike Pizza, 4111 Columbia Pike, at the intersection of Columbia Pike and George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA, 703-521-3010 (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | Citysearch]
First-rate Bolivian. They do not, however, have pizza, despite the name. The best Bolivian sausage around, too. Amazing atmosphere.

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Posted in Arlington, Bolivian, The Best, Virginia | 3 Comments

A Taste of Morocco

Posted on 2006/03/06 by .

A Taste of Morocco, 3211 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-527-7468 Opens for dinner at 5 (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [zabihah | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
Primarily à la carte, very tasty, authentic, and very reasonably priced. The crust on the Bistillah (a pie of chicken, almonds, raisins, cinnamon and sugar) is properly thin. At a Moroccan place always get the Bistillah. Everything is good, but it is the Bistillah, and the Bistillah alone, that elevate this place to my favorites list. In case you don’t know, imagine a yummy pie full of chicken, topped with cinnamon and sugar and totally sinful. It isn’t even a dessert. UPDATE: They are now open for lunch again.

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Posted in Arlington, Moroccan, The Best, Virginia | 2 Comments

Faryab Afghan Cuisine

Posted on 2006/03/06 by .

Faryab Afghan Cuisine, 4917 Cordell Avenue, between Norfolk and Old Georgetown, Bethesda, MD, 301-951-3484 (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
I’ve yet to go but I bet it is good, Afghan food is close to a sure thing.

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Posted in Afghan, Bethesda/Chevy Chase, Maryland | 3 Comments

Kabul Kabob House

Posted on 2006/03/06 by .

Kabul Kabob House, 514A South Van Dorn Street, West Alexandria, VA, 703-751-1833 (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [zabihah | openlist | Citysearch]
Excellent Afghan food. The kabobs are very good but I like the stews and mixed dishes best. Fresh salads and good use of vegetables. The best Afghan place, apart from Panjshir, for vegetables. They don’t always have pumpkin, though, which is the best Afghan dish. Worth trying in any case.

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Posted in Afghan, Alexandria, Virginia | Comments Off on Kabul Kabob House

Panjshir

Posted on 2006/03/06 by .

Panjshir, 924 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA, 703-536-4566, closed Sunday lunch (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Washingtonian | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Gayot]
Panjshir II, 224 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, VA, 703-281-4183, closed Sunday lunch (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Citysearch | Gayot]
The premier gourmet Afghan place. The two branches are indistinguishable, as the food is cooked in the same kitchen. The kebabs are good but boring, get the stews, but especially the side dishes. The Kadu, the pumpkin, is a must. One side order serving is usually not enough for two people, so get two. This place offers many wonders. I love the apple, prunes, and walnut combinations.
Saturday lunch is an excellent deal. For dinner for two, order all of the side dishes, plus the Mantu. The service is a bit slow, I think they do it on purpose, though for no good reason.

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Posted in Afghan, Falls Church/Seven Corners, Vienna/Tysons, Virginia | 2 Comments

El Patio

Posted on 2006/03/06 by .

El Patio, web site, 12303 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, 301-231-9225 (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
Washingtonian magazine praises this place to the skies, but not a word in its favor is convincing. How can do really do this cuisine without first-rate beef, which no U.S. restaurant short of Morton’s is going to have?

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Posted in Argentinean, Maryland, Rockville/Gaithersburg | 1 Comment