It's closed :(
(Perhaps these owners would be wise to not let me through the door - I might be bad luck!)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Station 9
Back on the restaurant wagon. I won't bore you with a "it's been so long since I've posted." Suffice to say, I got b-slapped by a friend for slacking :)
Station 9. 14th and U St. Brunch, Sunday, 11 AM, $19.99/person for buffet. $12 bottomless bloody marys and mimosas.
I'm not sure when Station 9 occupied this space; from the website:
"Set in a former 1912 post office on U Street, Station 9 exudes a sophisticated vibe that matches its midpriced Contemporary American fare; an upstairs area, open for now on weekends only, offers casual perches for specialty cocktails and nibbles." It's a nice looking space, modern and large ... maybe a bit too large because it makes the place look empty if there are only a few diners. Which was the case when we arrived (at opening) but was not the case when we left. It got rather busy, but remained pretty low-key with decent noise levels. Apparently the upstairs is a full lounge at night, and there is a lounge area on the main level. The main level boasts 3 bars, although the two side bars are not large.
I've looked at some online reviews, and they are very mixed, from "it was great" to "avoid at all costs." The chef is also the chef at Creme, which I liked in my one trip there (I want to go back) and some of the food at Station 0 is reminiscent of Creme's menu - like the chicken and waffles on the buffet.
The food was good, not "super-great," but definitely worth $19.99 for a buffet, especially if you feel like filling up that day. I could have gone back for seconds, but I was full after my two trips (one for meats/omelet and one for fruits/salad). The buffet has four stations: meats/entrees, a salad/fruit spread, to-order omelets, and a sweets/breads table.
I had some roast beef, an omelet, bacon, smoked (I think) salmon, fruit and a salad with a delicious pesto dressing. All was good, except the salmon - I didn't care for the way it was cut, a little fat and messy on the slicing, and it was a tad fishy. Compadres also sampled the BBQ chicken ("delicious"), apple pie ("best apple pie I have ever had") and biscuits (no review, but he ate 2!).
The service was good; the waiter even brewed some fresh coffee when my dining pal complained it was weak ("like tea!"), which it was. He was helpful and friendly. Some of the busboys were not quite so pleasant, but it was mostly good service.
Overall I enjoyed the experience and, especially from the reviews I've seen, I'd like to try it for a more formal dinner outing.
Station 9. 14th and U St. Brunch, Sunday, 11 AM, $19.99/person for buffet. $12 bottomless bloody marys and mimosas.
I'm not sure when Station 9 occupied this space; from the website:
"Set in a former 1912 post office on U Street, Station 9 exudes a sophisticated vibe that matches its midpriced Contemporary American fare; an upstairs area, open for now on weekends only, offers casual perches for specialty cocktails and nibbles." It's a nice looking space, modern and large ... maybe a bit too large because it makes the place look empty if there are only a few diners. Which was the case when we arrived (at opening) but was not the case when we left. It got rather busy, but remained pretty low-key with decent noise levels. Apparently the upstairs is a full lounge at night, and there is a lounge area on the main level. The main level boasts 3 bars, although the two side bars are not large.
I've looked at some online reviews, and they are very mixed, from "it was great" to "avoid at all costs." The chef is also the chef at Creme, which I liked in my one trip there (I want to go back) and some of the food at Station 0 is reminiscent of Creme's menu - like the chicken and waffles on the buffet.
The food was good, not "super-great," but definitely worth $19.99 for a buffet, especially if you feel like filling up that day. I could have gone back for seconds, but I was full after my two trips (one for meats/omelet and one for fruits/salad). The buffet has four stations: meats/entrees, a salad/fruit spread, to-order omelets, and a sweets/breads table.
I had some roast beef, an omelet, bacon, smoked (I think) salmon, fruit and a salad with a delicious pesto dressing. All was good, except the salmon - I didn't care for the way it was cut, a little fat and messy on the slicing, and it was a tad fishy. Compadres also sampled the BBQ chicken ("delicious"), apple pie ("best apple pie I have ever had") and biscuits (no review, but he ate 2!).
The service was good; the waiter even brewed some fresh coffee when my dining pal complained it was weak ("like tea!"), which it was. He was helpful and friendly. Some of the busboys were not quite so pleasant, but it was mostly good service.
Overall I enjoyed the experience and, especially from the reviews I've seen, I'd like to try it for a more formal dinner outing.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Clarification
I want to clarify something about the Viridian post - I did not mean to suggest that a neighborhood needs a Starbucks or a CVS to be a real neighborhood. I only meant that often, around here anyway, in the "up and coming" neighborhoods, those are the first signs of "revitalization." I make no judgment as to good or bad (but I do love some Starbucks).
Reviews will re-commence shortly (as soon as I go to a new place!).
Reviews will re-commence shortly (as soon as I go to a new place!).
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Nasu Blanca
Baltimore
1036 E. Fort Ave.
410-962-9890
Spanish and Japanese? It may sound strange, but it got a resounding "Yes!" from the four of us that visited a few weeks ago.
The space is a small, two-story row-house in Locust Point. I had been in the location when it was a bar, and it has been remodeled beyond recognition. It has a modern feel, but manages to be warm and inviting with neutral colors, aged corrugated steel stairs and flowing lines. We sat upstairs, a little too close to the stairway for my taste, but it didn't affect our experience.
The menu is a mix of paella and sashimi, kobe steak and gazpacho. For whatever reason, these types of foods don't seem out of place with one another. Our table had everything from the paella to sashimi, in fact.
The tuna sashimi special was wonderful. The fish was fresh and had an excellent texture. It was dressed with just a touch of soy sauce and chive oil. The chive oil was a surprisingly wonderful accent to the tuna. I tried everyone's dish, and they were all well-flavored and enjoyable. Raves were coming from all around the table.
My dinner was a Panko crusted Black Cod with sweet potatoes, wilted watercress and butter ponzu. The sauce had a pleasing depth of flavor and matched well with the fish and the potatoes. It was a perfect portion, I thought, and the watercress added that extra something. The fish was done perfectly with a nice, crispy crust.
We ordered only one dessert - the banana bread pudding with caramel sauce. I couldn't stop eating it, and everyone agreed that it was delicious. Sake, sangria, margaritas, and Spanish wines rounded out the evening (we didn't try them ALL!).
Luckily it's not fusion, although now that I've sampled all these foods together, I'm not sure it wouldn't work. But the combination of these two cuisines in one restaurant is a very surprising and satisfying concept.
1036 E. Fort Ave.
410-962-9890
Spanish and Japanese? It may sound strange, but it got a resounding "Yes!" from the four of us that visited a few weeks ago.
The space is a small, two-story row-house in Locust Point. I had been in the location when it was a bar, and it has been remodeled beyond recognition. It has a modern feel, but manages to be warm and inviting with neutral colors, aged corrugated steel stairs and flowing lines. We sat upstairs, a little too close to the stairway for my taste, but it didn't affect our experience.
The menu is a mix of paella and sashimi, kobe steak and gazpacho. For whatever reason, these types of foods don't seem out of place with one another. Our table had everything from the paella to sashimi, in fact.
The tuna sashimi special was wonderful. The fish was fresh and had an excellent texture. It was dressed with just a touch of soy sauce and chive oil. The chive oil was a surprisingly wonderful accent to the tuna. I tried everyone's dish, and they were all well-flavored and enjoyable. Raves were coming from all around the table.
My dinner was a Panko crusted Black Cod with sweet potatoes, wilted watercress and butter ponzu. The sauce had a pleasing depth of flavor and matched well with the fish and the potatoes. It was a perfect portion, I thought, and the watercress added that extra something. The fish was done perfectly with a nice, crispy crust.
We ordered only one dessert - the banana bread pudding with caramel sauce. I couldn't stop eating it, and everyone agreed that it was delicious. Sake, sangria, margaritas, and Spanish wines rounded out the evening (we didn't try them ALL!).
Luckily it's not fusion, although now that I've sampled all these foods together, I'm not sure it wouldn't work. But the combination of these two cuisines in one restaurant is a very surprising and satisfying concept.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Viridian
14th and Q, Washington D.C.
This is a neighborhood on the verge. Walking to Viridian from Dupont Circle, I counted at least three new condo/apartment buildings, and three more under construction. Obviously, someone thinks that this is where people will want to be in the near future. Otherwise, there are some cool spots, and just a block or two walk reveals a Starbucks, Whole Foods, CVS, etc... All the signs of a true neighborhood.
Viridian is somewhat hidden in all this. Located next to the theater, one might miss the spot if not looking for it or passing right by on that particular side of the walk. The space is all windows, creamy colors (whites, creams, greens, browns) and airy. Almost too airy - I felt a little like they didn't quite finish decorating. It's very modern that way - minimalist and open. It was a little disconcerting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday when almost empty. I think it could be quite nice with a few more people in the place.
Incidentally, Tuesday is a great night to visit Viridian. $5 cocktails and appetizers all night -- and you could make a meal out of this, I think.
We sat on the patio, taking our $5 cocktails to the table. I decided to let an appetizer and side be my main meal; my companion the same. I had a crab cake with tomato and basil salad and some roasted mushrooms. The crabcake was good. Around here, crabcakes are a "thing" and everyone does them. Viridian does it nicely. I liked the freshness of the basil (purple!) with the tomatoes, but sadly the tomatoes themselves were lacking and undressed. It's so hard to get a good tomato these days. The mushrooms were a mixture of the more popular varities, fairly well roasted (I would have given them a few more minutes), well oiled, and pretty yummy. (Bread comes with tampenade, two types - a nice touch, but the toppings probably needed a little salt. In fact, it all needed a little salt!)
I decided to try dessert (it was a nice night, what the hell!) and ordered the blackberry tart with ginger ice cream. I loved it. The tart may be a tad doughy for some, but I love a nice sweet dough with tart berries, browned to a slightly crispy gold. It was shaped so nicely - a square with the blackberries in a neat pattern - so good for the OCD in me. The ginger ice cream was subtle, but with flecks of, no chunks of, real ginger that gave it a nice spice. An almond cookie topped it off.
I was impressed that the menu offers some organic items and offers to point out vegan options. Very nice.
All in all, I had a very nice meal with really no complaints. Excluding the cocktails, the bill came to $50 for two (we also had bottled water). Not bad for a nice meal on a beautiful night along with some good chatting. We decided to go back and try brunch; that tells you something!
This is a neighborhood on the verge. Walking to Viridian from Dupont Circle, I counted at least three new condo/apartment buildings, and three more under construction. Obviously, someone thinks that this is where people will want to be in the near future. Otherwise, there are some cool spots, and just a block or two walk reveals a Starbucks, Whole Foods, CVS, etc... All the signs of a true neighborhood.
Viridian is somewhat hidden in all this. Located next to the theater, one might miss the spot if not looking for it or passing right by on that particular side of the walk. The space is all windows, creamy colors (whites, creams, greens, browns) and airy. Almost too airy - I felt a little like they didn't quite finish decorating. It's very modern that way - minimalist and open. It was a little disconcerting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday when almost empty. I think it could be quite nice with a few more people in the place.
Incidentally, Tuesday is a great night to visit Viridian. $5 cocktails and appetizers all night -- and you could make a meal out of this, I think.
We sat on the patio, taking our $5 cocktails to the table. I decided to let an appetizer and side be my main meal; my companion the same. I had a crab cake with tomato and basil salad and some roasted mushrooms. The crabcake was good. Around here, crabcakes are a "thing" and everyone does them. Viridian does it nicely. I liked the freshness of the basil (purple!) with the tomatoes, but sadly the tomatoes themselves were lacking and undressed. It's so hard to get a good tomato these days. The mushrooms were a mixture of the more popular varities, fairly well roasted (I would have given them a few more minutes), well oiled, and pretty yummy. (Bread comes with tampenade, two types - a nice touch, but the toppings probably needed a little salt. In fact, it all needed a little salt!)
I decided to try dessert (it was a nice night, what the hell!) and ordered the blackberry tart with ginger ice cream. I loved it. The tart may be a tad doughy for some, but I love a nice sweet dough with tart berries, browned to a slightly crispy gold. It was shaped so nicely - a square with the blackberries in a neat pattern - so good for the OCD in me. The ginger ice cream was subtle, but with flecks of, no chunks of, real ginger that gave it a nice spice. An almond cookie topped it off.
I was impressed that the menu offers some organic items and offers to point out vegan options. Very nice.
All in all, I had a very nice meal with really no complaints. Excluding the cocktails, the bill came to $50 for two (we also had bottled water). Not bad for a nice meal on a beautiful night along with some good chatting. We decided to go back and try brunch; that tells you something!
Friday, September 23, 2005
Mambo Italiano
Okay, so there is no place to Mambo. And the Mambo is not Italiano. But Christina's in Wheaton has some delicious Italian food.
Located in a rather odd storefront, the ambiance is that of a cheesy Chinese restaurant turned Italian, but it doesn't seem to matter. Entering for dinner at 9 pm - rather late in this DC suburb - we were welcomed with a smile, not a grunt, frown or sigh. There were a few larger parties, all in seemingly good moods, still lingering after their seemingly enjoyable meals. We sat in the front of the rectangular ceramic tiled room, in an atrium of sorts. My husband commented that it would be nice if the atrium glass lifted like the chic garage door restaurant-fronts in Dupont Circle or G'town. Not so. The flowers around the walls and tables were fake. That is expected at this point in Wheaton. Overall, not bad, but not exactly cozy.
Ever since our trips to Greece, we get (fried) Calamari if it's on the menu. I try to avoid fried foods for health reasons (even though everyone loves them), but calamari is so darn yummy. This calamari was among some of the yummiest I've had outside of a Mediterranean island. Light batter, tender squid ... yum. Not a chewy tentacle in sight.
Nice wine selection. Pinot Noir and Chianti was had. It was fine and nicely priced.
He went for the old stand-by - Veal Parm. It was delicious. Not necessarily sophisticated or elegant, but very nicely done. I had some sea bass with spinach risotto. An interesting twist on the risotto was nicely paired with perfectly - honestly, perfectly - done fish. I was amazed that this weird little place could have such nice food.
A pair of decaf cappuccinos - with some great, great foamy milk, it was think and creamy - topped it off.
Enjoyable. Nice wait staff. Not too expensive for well done food. We will return!
Located in a rather odd storefront, the ambiance is that of a cheesy Chinese restaurant turned Italian, but it doesn't seem to matter. Entering for dinner at 9 pm - rather late in this DC suburb - we were welcomed with a smile, not a grunt, frown or sigh. There were a few larger parties, all in seemingly good moods, still lingering after their seemingly enjoyable meals. We sat in the front of the rectangular ceramic tiled room, in an atrium of sorts. My husband commented that it would be nice if the atrium glass lifted like the chic garage door restaurant-fronts in Dupont Circle or G'town. Not so. The flowers around the walls and tables were fake. That is expected at this point in Wheaton. Overall, not bad, but not exactly cozy.
Ever since our trips to Greece, we get (fried) Calamari if it's on the menu. I try to avoid fried foods for health reasons (even though everyone loves them), but calamari is so darn yummy. This calamari was among some of the yummiest I've had outside of a Mediterranean island. Light batter, tender squid ... yum. Not a chewy tentacle in sight.
Nice wine selection. Pinot Noir and Chianti was had. It was fine and nicely priced.
He went for the old stand-by - Veal Parm. It was delicious. Not necessarily sophisticated or elegant, but very nicely done. I had some sea bass with spinach risotto. An interesting twist on the risotto was nicely paired with perfectly - honestly, perfectly - done fish. I was amazed that this weird little place could have such nice food.
A pair of decaf cappuccinos - with some great, great foamy milk, it was think and creamy - topped it off.
Enjoyable. Nice wait staff. Not too expensive for well done food. We will return!
Friday, September 16, 2005
Ahhh, the Pub
He always said, "I wish there was just a neighborhood pub around here where we could go hang out, get some food, get some drink..." "We could buy or lease that old Pizza Hut building and put a pub in there, wouldn't that be great?"
And then...we found the Royal Mile.
It was total coincidence. Two creatures that seem to cling to habits and routines were adventuring out in the local town. The restaurant of choice had a line (can you believe it? A line - a local chicken place that gets rave reviews, we still haven't tried it) so we started walking around. And he saw it. Like a beacon in the night.
The food is good to great. The selection of wine is not bad; the selection of beers is good; the selection of single malt scotch is excellent. The prices are good and the atmosphere is what you might call "hometown." And here we are on the cusp of a major US city. Who knew? Well, lots of people, and now us.
This is not an upscale place, although you wouldn't know it to look at the specials menu. The storage fridge is outside in the alley - the staff has to go outside and through the restaurant to get some of the preparations. But the staff knows us and the chef will serve dishes himself. It's like family, just family that really knows how to cook.
The last time I was there I basically had a Reuben (it was lunch, the specials don't start until 5 or 6), and it was heavenly. Tonight, Steak Bordelaise is the featured special (usually 2 appetizers and 2 main dishes, 2 soups/salads, and 2 desserts on the specials menu).
I love that place.
And then...we found the Royal Mile.
It was total coincidence. Two creatures that seem to cling to habits and routines were adventuring out in the local town. The restaurant of choice had a line (can you believe it? A line - a local chicken place that gets rave reviews, we still haven't tried it) so we started walking around. And he saw it. Like a beacon in the night.
The food is good to great. The selection of wine is not bad; the selection of beers is good; the selection of single malt scotch is excellent. The prices are good and the atmosphere is what you might call "hometown." And here we are on the cusp of a major US city. Who knew? Well, lots of people, and now us.
This is not an upscale place, although you wouldn't know it to look at the specials menu. The storage fridge is outside in the alley - the staff has to go outside and through the restaurant to get some of the preparations. But the staff knows us and the chef will serve dishes himself. It's like family, just family that really knows how to cook.
The last time I was there I basically had a Reuben (it was lunch, the specials don't start until 5 or 6), and it was heavenly. Tonight, Steak Bordelaise is the featured special (usually 2 appetizers and 2 main dishes, 2 soups/salads, and 2 desserts on the specials menu).
I love that place.
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