Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Eggspectation
















This past weekend I visited Eggspectation in Silver Spring. I had never heard of this place before but after viewing their menu was excited to give them a try. Obviously the running theme was eggs and the restaurant offers breakfast all day long.


When i first walked in, I was a little disapointed with the decor and style of the restaurant. It is rather cold and uninviting. The bare floors and cold tables and chairs did not make me feel very comfortable. It was also a little difficult to find any privacy, the tables were all bunched together and we had to squeeze into our seats. However, all of the staff were very accommodating and friendly.

I was a little overwhelmed by the many pages of items on the menu which ranged from a jumbo lump crab cake and rib eye surf and turf to a western breakfast burger. However I knew i was in the mood for breakfast so i stayed on the breakfast page to make my selection. They offer something for everyone so this may be a great place if you have a large party with different tastes.


I asked the waiter to give his recommendation for breakfast and he informed me that their eggsbenedict's were very popular as well as more traditional breakfast platters. I decided on the Eggcitement- French toast topped with strawberrys or banana's FLAMBE' prepared wtih brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and orange brandy. I combined this with the Eggstravaganza which included two eggs, choice of meat and grilled potatoes. Lets just say everyone at the table had food envy when they had a taste of my french toast! The orange brandy sauce really set off the flavors in the french toast. Large peices of bread and the combination of traditional french toast with a twist, this is a must try. The eggs were eggcelent (I couldn't help myself) and the potatoes were the best breakfast potatoes i've ever had. They sliced them thinly then cooked them and they were perfect. My only complaint was my sausage link which was slightly undercooked for my liking, but everything else was perfect. I also ordered a drink from the juice bar. A Tropical Teaser-Mango, banana, pineapple blended with fresh orange juice and ice. This drink was perfect. It was very light and healthy, fruity and flavorful.



Now for the dinner side of the house I will definately be back to try some new dishes. All of the pasta's and burgers looked great. I did taste some of the Baked Potatoe Soup and it was very delicious. My fellow bloggers had some of the dinner and lunch dishes so maybe they will let you all know what they thought.



My recommendation is to visit this place for brunch or breakfast. I need them to narrow down the menu choices because you can't be great at everything!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

DC Restaurant Week

Here are some of my picks for DC restaurant week Winter 2012. For those of you who have not yet enjoyed dining out during restaurant week, it is a time where local spots offer a set menu for lunch and dinner at a pre-set reduced price. Lunch is offered at $20.12 per person and dinner at $35.12 per person. Unfortunately I will be out of town so i will not be able to visit any new places this time around. But i will be giving you some good out of town spots once i return.

Here are some of my favorites on the list and some places i've heard good things about and have not gotten to try. Let me know your thoughts!

The Bombay club- Looks a little upscale..boasting of serving past presidents. It is Indian food that you don't eat with your hands. The prices look reasonable and i look forward to visiting here for dinner some time this year.

Buddha bar- Their website is what's sold me on wanting to visit. The atmosphere looks relaxing and inviting and makes me want to visit China. This is a sushi spot that i've heard good things about and i hope to try soon. I'm excited about the spicy Double Tuna Tempura Roll..doesn't that sound good Has anyone tried them out?

Casa Oaxaca- Authentic Mexican food near adams morgan. Read an earlier post here on restaurantrundown.blogspot.com reviewing this spot.

Ceiba A latin-American inspired restaurant that i've heard good things about. The Lobster enchiladas and grilled sugar cane skewered jumbo shrimp sound excellect.


CoCo Sala chocolate lounge and boutique. I was sold at chocolate lounge! The menu boasts small plates and bites such as sliders and shrimp mac and cheese. The desserts appear to be the star here with the 3 or 5 course dessert experience I would visit just for deserts and signature cocktails.

La Tasca - A spot us ladies recently visited is a Spanish Tapas restaurant with small plates. The menu selections are awesome, there's much to choose from. They also offer tasting menu's where you can get plates of almost everything and share between friends! delicious food.

Lost Society- I had dinner here for my birthday last year and it boasts a nice bar and sophisticated atmosphere. There is a club on the upstairs level after 9pm its 21 and up. The food is pricey for the amount you actually get. But it was tastey and i would recommend it.

Oceanaire- I've been told that their seafood is the best. It appears to be a typical seafood restaurant and restaurant week is a great time to visit and eat at a reduced price!

Poste Brasserie -I have eaten here for brunch in the spring on their outdoor terrace. It is located in Hotel Monaco and has a nice fresh vibe. The food was fresh and flavorful and i look forward to trying them for lunch or dinner.

Ruths Chris-I love Ruths Chris! It is my all time favorite restaurant and steakhouse. Everyone must eat there. Restaurant week is a great time to visit and get a good meal for a good price. The food is a la carte which can often add up. However the sides are huge so it is smart to just order sides that you can share in order to save money.

Zaytinya-A greek tapas restaurant near chinatown. They are fun and lively with great small plates. The hummus is delicious

Well there you are. My suggestions for DC Restaurant Week 2012. Leave comments and let me know which places you plan to visit this week!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Bobby's Burger Palace!





Philadelphia Burger



Bobby Flay is one of my favorite chefs. I have tried to visit 2 of his bigger restaurants and failed both times :( so when i read that he was opening Bobby's Burger Palace on K street in downtown DC I immediately went to try them out that same day! Since this locations grand opening Bobby has also opened another Palace locally in College Park, Maryland near the college. So you have two to choose from! I have been to only the K street location and have not tried the college park location yet.



The decor of the restaurant is fun and lively. From the outside you are drawn in by the colorful eye catching sign. You line up at the register upon entry and that is where you place your order. If dining in, you receive your cup and a number to place on your table. You can fill your own cup with the beverage of your choice and servers bring out your food to your table once its ready. There are long tables throughout the restaurant so you may be sitting side by side with strangers. It is a great way to maximize the small space. Since it is located on K street it gets pretty crowded at lunch time with the line often stretching out the front door.



The Food!


The menu has much more than just burgers as the name suggests. This place is not comparable to 5 guys at all. The menu is much more sophisticated and has something for everyone. You can order a beef burger, turkey burger or chicken breast. I recommend the beef! Why go to a burger place if you aren't gonna eat a burger?? There are also sandwhiches (Griddled Cheese) and salads on the menu. Pictured above is the Philadelphia Burger which had provolone cheese, griddled onions and hot peppers. I was pleased with the choice of red hot pepper over the expected jalapeno normally used in restaurants. I have also tried the Santa Fe Burger with grilled chicken breast. This featured queso sauce, pickled jalapenos and blue corn chips. I found the chicken breast was lacking in flavor and i prefer the beef!



The beer battered onion rings are fresh not frozen, and huge! A must try. Also if you aren't in the mood for the typical fountain drink try a Frozen Cactus Pear Margarita just $5! Delicious They also offer milkshakes which i still have not been able to try. After eating the burger i was way too full for anything else. The portion sizes are not too much. Its a perfect sized burger not huge and sloppy like some places i've tried.



In my eyes Bobby Flay can do no wrong...but Bobbys Burger Palace is a great place for a sophisticated burger lover. Go check it out