Author Archives: Don

Mazagan, South Arlington

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Don

Pay no attention to anything you’ve read or heard about Mazagan; go here and get the Bastilla ($9.50, get the one with chicken) and Moroccan Couscous ($18) with caramelized onions and raisins. The couscous would make a perfect carryout dish … Continue reading →

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The Shack, Staunton

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Don

Winding down my recent trip to the Midwest, I drove from Louisville to Staunton for my third consecutive evening of trying James Beard Award semi-finalists and finalists, in three different categories (Great Lakes, Southeast, and now Mid-Atlantic). First, let me … Continue reading →

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Centrolina, City Center

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Don

I can’t get used to this alley being here; nonetheless, I love the area, and hope that DC can have about twenty more like it in the future. After the parking gods smiled upon me, I strolled into the bar … Continue reading →

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610 Magnolia, Louisville, KY

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Don

I’ve been procrastinating writing a continuation of my trip to the Midwest – the day of Matt’s invocation, I decided to take the southern route home, and hit a couple James Beard nominees in the process. The night before, in Bloomington, … Continue reading →

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Soma Coffee House and Juice Bar, Bloomington, IN

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Don

Move-In Day. This is what mother’s are for (at least in this case). Invocation was at 2 PM, and Matt called me around 11, saying his room was finished. I went over and saw it – it’s an old dorm, … Continue reading →

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Bedrock Billiards, Adams Morgan

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Don

At 1 PM, the best answer to “Where to play pool?” was driving into Sunday’s shitstorm known as the Marine Corps Hurricane, and heading up Rock Creek Parkway, and over on Calvert Road to Bedrock Billiards – this despite having … Continue reading →

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Le Diplomate, 14UP

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Don

(For the Sep 20, 2013 Review, click here.) One thing you have to say about Le Diplomate is that it’s often open. Not only is Le Diplomate often open, it’s also often expensive – deceptively so, but in fairness, no … Continue reading →

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Elephant Jumps, Merrifield

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Don

(For the Dec 16, 2010 Review, click here.) lion, on 23 Aug 2015 – 9:59 PM, said: Elephant Jumps is definitely one of the best Thai restaurants in the DC metro area. DonRocks, on 23 Aug 2015 – 10:19 PM, … Continue reading →

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Taste @ Hong Kong, Chantilly

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Don

I’ve had three meals at Taste @ Hong Kong in the past several weeks, have raised its rating to Italic, and have elevated it to #1 in the Chantilly Dining Guide. “Ice water, tea, and a Tsing Tao ($3.95)” was my response when my tentatively … Continue reading →

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Willard’s Real Pit BBQ, Chantilly

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Don

I am so far behind on my reviews that I’ll never catch up – but this is one that I really want to get out there because it involves a now-funny anecdote (it wasn’t so funny at the time), and … Continue reading →

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