Thai Basil

Thai Basil (Chantilly, VA)-www.thaibasilchantilly.com

This place is located in the same shopping center as the Indian place but a bit hidden away. First walking in the place look very “thai-ish” with the pictures of the King and Queen, some Thai stuff that were hung on the wall. There were a couple of ladies sitting near the register eating and chatting away. I’m not sure if they were customers or if they were staff….but there was not one else in the restaurant . Which can be worry some.  The service was really good but then again there was no one else there.

Since I was only peckish I ordered a couple of “salad” dishes (I know, I know). My first choice was the papaya salad and the other was larb gai (ground chicken salad) and the Thai beer. The waiter had gone back to put the order in and I notice that he was speaking Thai. At least that was a good start. I was not very impress with the menu selections however, they did have a separate vegetarian menu.  Also, notice on the menu that Thai hot is low than Laos hot……hmmmmm.  I just want to make a quick mention that they were playing some annoying elevator music…for those who can’t block that type of thing out. Underneath the glass on the table there were some pictures, post card, and some printed reviews. I notice that it was dated a few years back and that this place was rated above Thai Luang.  Perhaps that gave me a higher expectation. I was a bit disappointed that the food was not that great. This place seemed more “fusion” than a “Thai” restaurant.

I give it a 2 out of 5 cherries

Rainbow

This was after one of the storms that came through this area. Notice that one of the pics has 2 rainbows!!!
Here’s a link to wiki if you want the “scientific explanation” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow

Doesn’t it make you want to sing……

Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high

Take a look, it’s in a book – Reading Rainbow.

 

I can go anywhere!

Friends to know and ways to grow – Reading Rainbow.

 

I can be anything!

Take a look, it’s in a book – Reading Rainbow…….

 

Minerva Indian Cuisine

Minerva Indian Cuisine (Chantilly, VA)-http://http://www.minervacuisine.com/

The first time I went here I was not impress at all. The service was not that great, the bread/cracker was soft and not crunchy at all. In addition, the chicken tikka was dry.  But then again, I went there before they close. I wanted to make sure I tried it again.

The second time it was a totally the opposite experience. When I got there they were having a party there but it was next door, sort of private room so it was not bothersome in the dinning room at all. They were jamming in there and I kindda wished they play that music in the dinning area. Any ways, I wasn’t sure what I want to order but I knew I wanted lamb. So, I asked for suggestions and decided on Lamb Do Pyaza with extra Naan *just a note that they have good vegitartian selections and if you don’t want bread then, the rice is really good as well…thanks for letting me try it*, and Taj Mahal beer…..oh, so good!  Didn’t wait long for the food, the service was great and those break/crackers were crunchy. As I mentioned earlier….total opposite than the first time.

I will need to try this agian before I rate it….or is that just an excuse to go there again…..

Viet Bistro Falls Church, VA

Viet Bistro (Falls Church)-http://www.vietbistro.com/

This has been one of my fav place to go to lunch when I’m really hungry and share some Thai Style Hot Pot (sea food) with my co-worker(s) (it’s good for 2-3 people for us).  They’re located at the Eden Center near 7 corners. Keep in mind you if you go there for lunch plan to be there for at least an 1 1/2. The service is not slow but to really enjoy your hot pot, you may want to take your time to eat and chat. 

I only come a cross a little language problem as some of the staff are not familiar with some english words. But I don’t consider that as service issue. Just a little “hump” we get over.

I went there Friday night after coming back from a company picnic, driving for a few hours and shopping. So, I was ready for some serious eating and drinking a few beers. First time there for dinner and sat outside. Of course I ordered the Thai Style Hot Pot with extra dipping sauce and plate of rice noddles/Chinese watercress. Ordered a couple of “33″ beer as well.  When the food came out, the people at the next table was talking about how they should of gotten that….haha.  If you plan on sitting outside make sure you wear dark pants/trousers cause the table is one of those tables that has little holes in it and if you’re messy like me the sauce from food  will get on you.

I would say that the Thai Style Hot Pot is their specialty dish there. My rating will be based on my experience with the hot pot since I haven’t really order anything else from there.

I give it a 3 1/2 out of 5 cherries

Special thanks on I495 and 66

I just like to thank all the arses on 495 and 66 this morning for not using your turn signals, cutting in front of one more car just so you can be one car ahead and to that special woman who was not even paying attention to the road in front of her and letting me in so I can get over for my exit.  These are just some of the reasons why it takes 45 mins to drive 15 miles. Thanks again for putting DC on the Top Ten Cities For Traffic Congestion ( btw-we’re #4 on the list).  Let’s try for #1 next time. 

Oh, you, Wii Fit, you

This all started when I was chilling in my room looking for some images for my blog when I received a text from my housemate asking if I ate. So, I finally made my way upstairs to get some Korean chicken, potatoes and rice (YUM). As I walked upstairs I notice the WiiFit set up….after we ate my housemates are showing me how it’s done. Finally…a few beers later…I’m on this thing doing lunges, twist, skiing…

I must admit I was not very keen . I mean why waste your time on this thing when you can go to the gym and smell other people’s sweat…..needless to say, the Wii fit was a blast. It’s not just about being fit but there are some interesting”mini” games (hoolihoop) to play as well.

Little Italy Deli- Centreville, VA

Looking for a great Italian place? Check out Little Italy deli in Centreville, VA -http://www.restaurant.com/microsite.asp?rid=326483&mcn=00022328

When I first walked in, it was like seeing the “normal” italian deli. But to the left of the deli, there’s a dine in area. The staff there are great, food is fresh and tasty…need I say more?  Almost as good as my grandma’s….yum!!!

Best Eats in Reston/Herndon

  

 

I used to take folks out to the “local” dinning and hangouts in the Reston/Herndon area. Not to mention that I grew up around that area as well.
So, if you’re in the area and looking for some ideas here’s mine.

• Thai Luang (Herndon, VA)- http://www.thailuang.com/. I used to work here when I was 15. They are one of the best Thai places around this area. It’s where I want to go when I miss Thailand. The food here is the closest to my grandma’s cooking. Try the Crispy Duck if you like spicy food and duck. Sun Dried Beef is also a good way to start your night with a bottle of Thai beer.  
  I give it a 4 out of 5 cherries
  
• Ned Devine’s (Herndon, VA)- http://www.neddevines.com/. Great pub with good food and drinks. On weekends they have live bands as well. Also, the one in Sterling is a club.
  I give it 3 out of 5 cherries
  
• Charcoal Kabob (Herndon, VA)- Great kababs.
  I give it 3 out of 5 cherries
  
• Reston Town Center- http://www.restontowncenter.com/. Has good varity of food and places to hang out.
  I give it 3 out of 5 cherries
  
• Carpool Billards (Herndon, VA)- Try the terriyaki wings or cheese fries. Pool table and darts are also available.
  I give it 3 out of 5 cherries
  
• Zeffirelli Ristorante (Herndon, VA)-http://www.zeffirelliristorante.com/ . Located Downtown Herndon. It’s a bit on the expensive side especially if you order the house special “Lamb Chops”. Overall great food.
  I give it 3 out of 5 cherries
  
• Russia House (Herndon, VA)- http://www.russiahouserestaurant.com/. This one is also located Downtown Herndon. Right across from Zeffirelli. I’ve only been there twice and both times it was amazing. I can’t recall what I had but I know that I left with no complaints….just still a little hungry.
  I give it 3 out of 5 cherries
  
• Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern (Herndon, VA)-http://www.jimmystavern.com/. Oh, where do we start with this one.  This is where all the locals end up. I’ve been to Jimmy’s for years now and the food is great, staffs are so cool, not to mention Jimmy is there almost every night. DJ Brian Friday and Saturdays.Great happy hours.—Thanks guys!!!
  I give it 3 out of 5 cherries
  

 
Just want to make a few adds to this since Aaron made a good point.
Cantina D’Italia (Herndon, VA)-http://www.cantinaditalia.net/home.htm 
This is the only place that I can get really great anchovy pizza! Pizza Della Vecchia Napoli (anchovies, tomatoes, oregano, basil, and voo (virgin olive oil)). I also love the Spaghetti Carbonara as well.

Virginia Kitchen (Herndon, VA)- After a long night out….slightly hung over and in need of some home cooked breakie? This is the place….steak and eggs….need I say more?

Guapos (Herndon, VA)-http://www.guaposrestaurant.com/
Great chicken here.  As soon as you walk in you can smell the goodness of the chicken and spices roasting over hot coals on the right side……I could eat the whole chicken with some fried yucas and the jalapeno sauce mixed with the house dressing. That is what I’m talking about. Oh, it comes with salad as well…also, you don’t have to get the yucas…you have a choice of fried potatoes or corn tortillas.