Monday, December 28, 2009

Weenie Beenie Shop in Arlington VA

2680 S Shirlington Rd
Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 671-6661


OMG! This place is the bomb if you are into sloppy, greasy, dive-in kinda place. I saw this place on a Food network show and had to check it out. Located on South Shirlington Rd, tucked behind the "fu-fu" restaurants, this place is the holy grail of hole-in-the-wall place to eat. A must try is chili smoked hot dog for which it is well-known for. Normally I'm not so crazy about hot dogs. Working in downtown D.C. I get my share of hotdogs. But this dog is very different. The hot dog snapped as you bite into it. The chili is just so tangy. It's one of the finest things I have tasted all year. I regret I only got one for to-go. Fries not recommended.

p.s. ignore the day laborers; they seem to hang-out there a lot, but don't let that bother you.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Full Key Restaurant China Town DC

Hours: MONDAY - SUNDAY 11 :00 a.m. - 2 :00 a.m.
Tel: (202) 371.2233 (202) 371.2089
509 H Street, N. W. Washington, D.C. 20001
http://www.fullkeedc.com/

Eatting tips for tourist in D.C.- Eat at Full Key for authentic Cantonese food and save $$$. This is the original Full Key restaurant prior to other branches opened across the VA-MD areas.

If you are not familiar with Cantonese food, they are originally from the Canton province in China and Hong-Kong. You can get a decent meal for less than $10 person.

The striking part of this place is the display of roast pigs, ducks, and chicken in the front window, which is typical of Cantonese restaurants. My favorite is soy chicken on rice. Chicken was roasted with soy sauce topped on rice- very authentic Cantonese delicacy. Roast pork noodles is also their specialty. I would skip the "American" dishes such as Moo Goo Gai Pan or Chichen with Lemon sauce- those are for "Americans". You might not be aware of this, but a lot of famouse Chinese dishes as such are not really authentically "Chinese". Many of them are created here in America or are made very differently that their Chinese cousins in China, and Chinese typically do not other such dishes. Instead head straight to their "Noodles" or "Rice" section of the menu. Most items are under $6.00.The tea comes free of charge.

This is an example of a classic "hole in the wall" place. The place is totally run-down. But the food is to die for.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Green Olive Buffet - Richmond Highway VA

Green Olive Buffet & Grill
7405 Richmond Hwy.
Alexandria, VA 22306
(703) 765-5899
(703) 765-5893
(703) 765-5891 FAX


My korean friend once told me the best place to eat crabs is at a Chinese restaurant. Then I found the Green Olive restaurant. If you love buffet, chinese food, and a fan of crabs, this place is the bomb! They are the same owner with China King. Other than crabs, Green Olive serves steamed craw fish, sushi, cocktail shrimps, BBQ, roast beef, and much much more. All for $12.95

Monday, June 29, 2009

Taqueria Nacionale - cheap eat near Capital Hill


Whether you are a tourist in town or work near Capital Hill, you can't miss Taqueria Nacionale. This place tugs behind Johnny's Half Shelf. It serves mouthwatering pork, fish and chorizo tacos on the Hill. Their main attraction are the tacos, but I've tried their cheese burger and soggy fries- they are totally yummy. As a matter of fact, cheese burger with pimento cheese is their Monday special. Wednesday is chicken pot pie, Friday is shrimp jambalaya ($7), a riot of sweet shrimp, tomato-tinted rice, zesty andouille sausage and soft peppers that wards off winter's chill as it sticks to the ribs. While you are there, try a glass jugs of agua fresca beckon to put out the fire.



Photo is from the Washington Post

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Capitol Hill Tandoor & Grill

Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Southeast
419 8th ST SE
(between S D St & S E St)
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-3233
www.capitolhillgrill.com

If Indian food & All You Can Eat Buffet are your things, you CAN'T miss this one. Located near Eastern Market metro in Washington DC, this place is a hidden gem. They offer an incredible selection of authentic Indian & Pakistani specialties. I eat here a lot as I work downtown DC. Their buffet menu is $9.95. It costs more to eat on weekends.

As a regular there, I think their lunch buffet is way underrated. Their saag paneer is my favorite of any place yet. Do you like Butter Chicken? This place makes a killer Butter Chicken. They rotate food everyday so call in advance if you are into a specific dish. My favorite desert is rice pudding- so creamy it's just do die for.

Service is good- friendly and attentive. Nothing special.

p.s. their ice-tea is a thirst quencher.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Mama's Chicken

6257 Little River Turnpike
Alexandria, VA 22312 703-354-9400

This place is close to my house. One of my favorite if you are into Peruvian dishes. My favorite is beef taco- this is not your usual taco Taco Bell. This place are authentic down to earth kind of food that caters to Latino crowd. If you are adventurous, try cow's feet soup for $7.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

EL TIPICO Mexican Restaurant- VA

664 South Pickett St.
Alexandria, Virginia 22304
Phone: 703-370-3581
Hours: Wed - Mon: 10:30am - 1:30am
Tues: 10:30am - 11:00pm

This neat restaurant in Alexandria, VA is heaven for Mexican-Salvadorean-Bolivian food fans. I came across it on my way driving to the UPS store. I don't dine-in but do carry-out because I find the place a little "stuffy". The food, however, is rated five stars!

If you are a little adventurous, I highly recommend Tacos de lengua which is beef tongue tocos served with cilantro, onions, and pico degallo (salsa). The beef tongue, however, is rather fatty and has its own unique taste, smell, and texture that is very different than other parts of the cow. As bad as it sounds, I enjoyed the dish a lot.

My favorite here is cheese pupusa (pupusas de queso) which, to me, looks like o'regular pancake stuffed with cheese.

If you like soup, they serve a few that would pass as a meal. I recommend Sopa De Res which is lightly spiced beef stew with plantains, cassava root (yuca)

This restaurant caters to mostly latino clientele. Karaoke nights are from Thursday to Monday 8:30pm to 1:00 am. So I would avoid the crowds if you are not into Spanish Karaoke.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Taipei Tokyo Cafe- Rockville MD

11510 Rockville Pike Ste A
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 881-8388

I've been coming to this small cafe since late 1990s. Don't judge the book by its cover, this small place is packed with awesome Americanize Chinese-Japanese food you would otherwise pay lots of $$$ for somewhere else. I actually love getting my sushi here. While it's not goumet sushi, it's a bang for your buck. Its quick, its fast, its a good location. And most of all, it's consistent. My favorite is California Rolls and hot&sour soup. The portions are generous.

If you never had hand made noodles, you've got to try them here. They are very different than regular machine made noodles; the best part that I find appealing was the texture of the noodles- fat and plump. My favorite is pork-chop noodles.

This is the only place that served whole fish for under $10. You can't go wrong with that price.

Order first at the cashier when you arrive. Then seat yourself, but not before serving yourself a cup of free hot tea. You'll be given a number and your order will be delivered to your table when ready.

If you can't finish the generous portions, they even have boxes convinently located at the corner on the right next to the hot tea.