Prix fixe $50
Apartment 2g, Front Royal VA
This was a good way to end the meal. The bread pudding wasn’t too sweet and had just the right amount of bourbon flavor. I liked the texture of it and the whipped cream and caramel sauce helped to add a bit more moisture.
Shenandoah National Park.
Pusser’s rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut, served on the rocks with orange slice and cherry, topped with nutmeg. $8
Pusser’s Caribbean Grille, Annapolis MD
I don’t know why I order these cocktails. They always end up being super sweet and not worth the calories. This tasted fine but I would have preferred a Manhattan in retrospect.
Annapolis waterfront.
Slow roasted pork shoulder, pickled red onion, cilantro, garlic aioli. Happy hour $5
MXDC Cocina Mexicana, Washington DC
Although these tacos were small, they certainly packed a punch! I loved the delicious, tender pork and they didn’t go overboard with toppings. MXDC kept and simple tasty.
Segura Viudas Aria Cave Rose, Penedes, Spain. Happy hour $6
Chips and salsa. Complimentary
The green tomatillo salsa was too sour for my taste, but the darker roasted salsa was delicious!
Sundried tomato pesto, baby fennel confit, lemon emulsion. Happy hour $5
Jardenea, Washington DC
This was much more rich than I anticipated from the menu description, and I kinda liked it! The fennel confit almost caramelized and very tasty, and the kaffir lime leaves added a great citrus flavor. Noms! (The mussels could have been more plump and juicy though.)
Shenandoah Caverns, Quicksburg VA.
Oaxaca cheese, corn, rajas, crema fresca, plantains, cilantro rice, avocado.
La Sandia, McLean VA
I really wasn’t as into this was I though I would be. I really liked the plantains and the cilantro rice was fine, but the shrimp enchiladas left me wanting more. The enchilada sauce was bland and boring and the shrimp were over cooked. Thank god for the crema and avocado make it a little interesting. And the good margarita to wash it all down with!
De La Casa Margarita: tequila, citrus, on the rocks. $8
Chips and salsa. Complimentary
These were really addicting and the salsa was delicious!
With tagine of fall vegetables and cous cous. Prix fixe $50
Apartment 2g, Front Royal VA
The lamb was nicely prepared in this dish, but the tagine vegetables fell flat and was pretty bland. I was missing more of the Moraccan flavors that should have excited my tastebuds.
Shenandoah National Park.
Single scoop $2.90
Storm Bros. Ice Cream Factory, Annapolis MD
This ice cream was pretty good. I liked the flavor of the red velvet cake because it wasn’t too strong (and nauseating like some cake flavored ice cream). I will say that the ice cream was really dense and on the sweet side though.
Annapolis waterfront.
Cucumber, chile pequin, red onion, lime. Happy hour $6
MXDC Cocina Mexicana, Washington DC
This wasn’t my favorite because the dressing was way too salty! It did have nice flavors with a spicy kick and the fish (what little of it there was) was tender. There was an anise or five spice flavor that I couldn’t quite place, but it was unexpected and enjoyable.
Poema Cava, Penedes, Spain. Happy hour $6
Shaved beets and baby arugula, marcona almonds, orange blossom honey vinaigrette. Happy hour $5
Jardenea, Washington DC
I loved the flavors in this salad, but I thought the greens were overdressed and in a pool of dressing underneath. The beets and goat cheese combination worked perfectly though and the marcona almonds were a nice addition.
Cabernet sauvignon. Happy hour $5
Maryland Inn, Annapolis MD.
Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, mozzarella, tomato sauce. $2.59
Wiseguy NY Pizza, Washington DC
The owner Tony emailed me and apologized after my first post of their margherita slice which was lukewarm and congealed. I really appreciated that I hope to return to Wiseguy and enjoy a properly done slice! Unfortunately, I still had this meat lovers slice to post and it was in the same sad state. I swear I saw them reheat it, but it still came out barely warm and the toppings were hard and congealed together. 😦
Inside the Washington Monument.
With potato onion pie and spinach. Prix fixe $50
Apartment 2g, Front Royal VA
This was standard fair, but really well prepared. The filet was tender and juicy and very flavorful especially with the pan drippings. The spinach was unmemorable, but I liked the potato onion pie.
Shenandoah National Park.
Avocado, mango, orange vinaigrette. $13.99
McCormick & Schmick’s, Oxon Hill MD
This appetizer was bland and the crab was soggy and not fresh at all. I guess they tried to dress it up, but you really can’t dress up bad food. It’ll still taste bad. Thank goodness there was a private event happening at another location in National Harbor and they had a little fireworks show so the evening wasn’t a complete loss.
Fireworks, National Harbor.
Vittle Monster 