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

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…..

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.