Category Archives: VA

Bangkok 54, South Arlington

My disagreement about Bangkok 54 with local critics, as well as with many diners, goes back over ten years, and continues to this very day. At the risk of losing readership, I urge people who think that Bangkok 54 is a superior Thai … Continue reading

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Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastropub, Shirlington

(See the May 28, 2011 Review here.) I stopped into Samuel Beckett’s early Saturday evening, at a time when Shirlington Village was packed outside, but the crowds hadn’t yet made their way into the restaurants there – I took a … Continue reading

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Lost Dog Cafe, North Arlington and South Arlington

(See the Jan 30, 2011 review here.) Twice recently, I’ve had to eat lunch while working (I often do that anyway, but twice recently, I’ve *had* to). My assistant was going to Lost Dog Cafe, and I asked for a … Continue reading

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Tupelo Honey Cafe, Courthouse

First the good news.  These people know how to fry chicken.  Crispy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside.  No hint of grease. Now the bad news.  They need to hire decent management and train their employees. This … Continue reading

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Rappahannock Coffee & Roasting, South Arlington

My expectations of Rapphannock Coffee & Roasting were so low that it wouldn’t have taken much to exceed them. However, despite its flaws, Rappahannock is one coffee house that South Arlington or North Alexandria residents should be aware of. I … Continue reading

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Sweetbites Cafe and Bakery, McLean

I walked into Sweetbites for the first time today, and the first thing I noticed was the grab-n-go cooler on the left, which had been plundered of everything savory, save for a couple of kale salads which tempted me, but … Continue reading

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Bangkok Golden: Two Separate Companies With Two Separate Websites

I’ve changed the name of this thread from “Tong Thai” to “Bangkok Golden,” despite the possibilities of conflating these two restaurants (which are in Fort Washington, MD and in University Mall, near George Mason University, in Fairfax) with the Seven … Continue reading

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Peter Chang Cafe, Williamsburg, and Graffiato, Richmond

I was in Newport News this weekend, and took the opportunity to try a couple of DC-area favorites, a long way from where their Executive Chefs are: Peter Chang Cafe in Williamsburg, and Graffiato in Richmond. I’d never been to … Continue reading

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Pizza Vinoteca, Ballston

I’m upgrading Pizza Vinoteca to Italic. I didn’t feel like venturing out to lunch today, so I ordered delivery through GrubHub, ordering a House Pizza (a bargain at $8) with tomato, fontina, mozzarella, and basil and a Tarte Flambée ($12) … Continue reading

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Mala Tang, Virginia Square

Following goodeats’ recommendation about Chinese dining on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I wanted to remind Christmas diners that Mala Tang is open until 10 PM tonight (I called and verified this, although don’t be surprised if they close a bit early). Last night, … Continue reading

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