It’s been a long time

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve been on here.  Let me see if I can give you all a quick summary of what’s been going on.
I’ve been “practicing” my cooking so, I haven’t really gone out for a meal in awhile. With that being said, I went to Pho Bistro a couple of weekend ago and they have new tables outside. Guess they are doing some remodeling but that doesn’t mean you have to jackup the price! A friend of mine friend just open a restaurant there (I will have to get the name and give proper props) and they as so have hot pot so watch out! I will tell you that the food there is really good but I’ve only tried a few things.

Thanks to MM for driving around DC and showing me around. Went down to Waterside and had some raw oysters and clams….yum! Went to Chinatown and wish I did get some duck. For those of you who know me….I went to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (one of the largest Roman Catholic church in the US) and did not burn…for those of you who don’t know me…I’m an angel. Last but not least to the National Zoo…..haha…didn’t get left there. I did see my boss in the kids farm (one of the donkey has the same name)….It’s amazing how much people complain to see something that’s free.

Made my first ceviche as well. I used Red Snapper which next time I will ask them to take the skin off as well. Turned out alright for the first try but there’s always room for improvement.

I think that sums up most of it.

Unicorn Winery

Unicorn Winery (Amissville, VA)-http://www.unicornwinery.com/ 
**Don’t take 211 to Leeds Manor to Jeffersonton Road to Old Bridge Road….it’s easier to take 211 to Old Bridge Road and you avoid having to go on the “old bridge”

The plan was to just to to Galloping Grape (retail) for the free wine tasting but why not go to a winery and get the tasting there as well……It just stormed out that way and didn’t expect the place to be busy which was fine with me since I don’t want to make a fool of myself  since it was my first wine tasting experience. Did I mention that it was only $5??? That’s how they suck you in…I guess but will worth it! Tried about 4 or 5 of the whites, a good bit of the reds, the blush and the dessert wine. It’s really interesting how much certain foods can bring out the taste of the wine.  There were some crackers at the wine bar (that’s where the tasting took place), they also had some simple cheddar (so good) with crackers, and chocolate. These items help with the taste of the wine. 
At the end of the tasting I ended up buying some of the cheese for a good friend in Edinburgh, VA and a bottle of Pinot Gris for my drinking pleasure….I asked them to open it a had a few glass at the winery. There’s plenty of places to sit in and out on the deck (overlooking the koi pond).  You may also get a little visit from a salt & pepper schnauzer name Frank or Frans…I couldn’t tell the name for sure.
So, this means I have plans to visits a few more winery in the area (why not, right)….so keep a look out!

Thoughts

A friend in Pitts that will be named “Crook” suggest that I get waffles at the various places that I visit……hmmmmm. This is part of his marketing/advertising idea….. Perhaps when I go up to the Penn State game.

Bombay Bistro

Bombay Bistro (Fairfax, VA)-http://www.bombaybistro.com/

I found this place on Washingtonian and thought I should give it a go.  After checking out the menu I wasn’t really sure if I wanted lamb or goat curry.  While I take a few more minutes to decide, I went ahead and order the Taj Mahal (Indian beer). I asked the waiter for his opion if the lamb or goat would be better. He suggested the lamb so, I went with Lamb Rogan Josh.  Eric ordered Rava Onion Masala Dosa (crepe filled with onion and potato masala). The lamb had really good flavor but it was smaller than I thought. I actually finished the whole thing and was still a bit peckish and from what I understand the Dosa was not the greatest (apprarently there’s some place in MI that has really good Dosa). Overall the price for the amount of food was not that impressive and certainly not enough for me (the Dosa was big and was cheaper).

I give it a 3 out of 5 cherries