Monthly Archives: May 2011

Ray’s Hell Burger, Arlington, VA

Posted on May 21, 2011 by Don

It should say a lot that on their first full day in the United States, I took my house guests to Ray’s Hell Burger. Old, old school French senior citizens, they were bewildered and engaged by the vivid, youthful atmosphere … Continue reading →

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Pizzeria Orso, Falls Church, VA

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Don

(See the April 30, 2011 Review here.) Uh oh. “It” happened. If you click on that April 30th review, you’ll see in the penultimate paragraph that I expressed a concern about a possible future decline at Pizzeria Orso, but in … Continue reading →

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The Pure Pasty Co., Vienna, VA

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Don

(See the January 26, 2011 Review here). The Pure Pasty Co. is one of the few places that brings out primal cravings in me. The pasties here are so good that at any given moment, I could be perfectly happy … Continue reading →

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Bibiana, Downtown

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Don

It had been so long since I dined at Bibiana that it got moved up from my “short list” to my “critical list.” I pulled up a seat at an empty bar at what was a very full restaurant, with … Continue reading →

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Wagshal’s, Spring Valley

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Don

Wagshal’s has been serving Spring Valley since 1925 (although the current owners have “only” been around since 1990). It was a beautiful day for an al fresco lunch, and Wagshal’s had only one table left on a Thursday afternoon. I … Continue reading →

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Freddy’s Lobster and Clams, Bethesda, MD

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Don

May 17th was opening night for Freddy’s Lobster and Clams, and when I walked in, none other than Jeff and Barbara Black were sitting at the bar, paying respect to owner Jeff Heineman. I knew bartender Chris Cunningham was working here, … Continue reading →

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Mad Fox Brewing Company, Falls Church, VA

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Don

I’d only been to Mad Fox Brewing Company once before, with a large group, and somehow missed the fact that they served some of their beers in cask – it was only recently pointed out to me that they did. … Continue reading →

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Jaleo, Penn Quarter

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Don

The standard line about Jaleo is that Crystal City and Bethesda are shadows of the original downtown location, and based on my experiences, I tended to agree although these restaurants all wax and wane – my last meal at the … Continue reading →

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The Majestic, Alexandria, VA

Posted on May 14, 2011 by Don

When people think of “good service” at Alexandria restaurants, their thoughts automatically turn toward Restaurant Eve, but The Majestic – while not having the sheer numbers of staff on the floor – has service that’s otherwise its equal. My young … Continue reading →

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Mark’s Duck House, Seven Corners, VA

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Don

If you’re ever in the mood for pure protein, get a carryout order of Roasted Pig with Crispy Skin ($8.35) from Mark’s Duck House, and make sure to order it “warm.” “Ten minutes,” the gentleman told me on the phone. … Continue reading →

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