We were both kind of busy this week, so we didn’t get a chance to go try a new place. Yesterday, however, we did check out the new Wendy’s that opened by Wheaton Plaza, and then ordered Brother Chinese for dinner.
Wendy’s was…well, Wendy’s. Rob’s roommates go there sometimes twice a day and they’ve said that it’s the best drive thru in town. But then again when your main competition is the Taco Bell on University, you don’t have to do much to be the best. We both got chicken sandwich combos with chili instead of fries. Quite surprisingly, we got in and out of there pretty easily – Rob managed to make the light at Viers Mill and the light turning into Wheaton Plaza, and there’s a little entrance driveway right there. Traffic in that area can be pretty bad; I think we just got lucky.
We decided we wanted to get something delivered for dinner, and I had been looking at food pictures on someone’s Flickr stream – she had a lot of pictures of Asian dumplings which got me in the mood for Chinese. We had ordered carry out from Brother on Amherst once before, so we decided to try them again. I was a little nervous because we were had a pretty big order (his roommates ordered with us) and we didn’t have a menu on hand so we just kept our fingers crossed that they’d have what we wanted. I also paid with my credit card which can sometimes be a hassle. Calling in the order seemed a little too easy, so I was curious to see if they got everything right, and for the most part they did. Good job, Brother.
Brother is a pretty standard cheap Chinese place. I got an order of dumplings which were tasty but a little doughier than I would have liked. Sean said the General Tso’s Chicken was “Tso-Tso” and then repeated it like 3 times in case anyone didn’t hear his joke. Rob got Szechuan chicken, extra spicy, which he liked. I got my usual steamed chicken and veggies with brown sauce on the side, which is nearly impossible to mess up, and Andy got combination fried rice. He couldn’t tell what kind of meat was in the rice, but he thinks it was only pork. I'm pretty sure Brother also has subs and wings on their menu, but we didn't get one with our order, so I didn't get a chance to check.
While the ordering at Brother’s was painless and the delivery time was fast (just about 30 minutes), I wasn’t very impressed by the food. I think we’ll keep trying to find a better Chinese delivery place.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Nava Thai
11315 Fern St. Wheaton, MD 20902
I wanted to write this on Friday while it was still fresh in my mind, but I was really busy at work and then busy all weekend, so I’m just getting to it now. On Thursday, Rob and I went to Nava Thai for dinner and Valentine’s Day, kind of. Nava Thai is tucked away on Fern St. next to the Hung Phat grocery store (that got some giggles) and is a bit hard to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for. I don’t remember too many details about the dining area, other than it being small and yellow. On each table there were 4 small containers with chili sauce, a spicy powdered seasoning, sugar, and something else, but unfortunately I forget. There was also a bottle of fish sauce on each table and a container with chopsticks.
Rob decided he wanted to try the spiciest thing on the menu, and I wanted to try the Ya Ta Fo after reading someone’s review on yelp.com. I suggested that we get the noodle soups and entrees as well. He got the floating market noodle soup (which is the spiciest thing on the menu with three lightning bolts), and both that and the Ya Ta Fo were served in pretty big bowls – we really didn’t need to get entrees, but oh well. Rob enjoyed his soup, but unfortunately I thought the Ya Ta Fo was pretty gross. The fish balls were rubbery, there were a lot of unidentifiable meats, the broth was too sweet. Luckily I enjoyed my entrée – crispy pork with Chinese broccoli – much more. It was served in a black bean sauce and white rice. Rob got the crispy pork and string bean in curry sauce which he enjoyed but didn’t finish. I ate a few bites off of his plate, I thought the curry had a nice heat to it, but I think he wanted it spicier. I think of the Thai places we've tried I prefer Ruan Thai the best, but I wouldn't hesitate to return to Nava Thai.
On another note, we went back to Fajita Coast this past Friday evening and there were hardly any kids there. So maybe our visit a few weeks ago was just a fluke. Rob took some pictures while we were there, maybe he’ll post them later this week.
I wanted to write this on Friday while it was still fresh in my mind, but I was really busy at work and then busy all weekend, so I’m just getting to it now. On Thursday, Rob and I went to Nava Thai for dinner and Valentine’s Day, kind of. Nava Thai is tucked away on Fern St. next to the Hung Phat grocery store (that got some giggles) and is a bit hard to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for. I don’t remember too many details about the dining area, other than it being small and yellow. On each table there were 4 small containers with chili sauce, a spicy powdered seasoning, sugar, and something else, but unfortunately I forget. There was also a bottle of fish sauce on each table and a container with chopsticks.
Rob decided he wanted to try the spiciest thing on the menu, and I wanted to try the Ya Ta Fo after reading someone’s review on yelp.com. I suggested that we get the noodle soups and entrees as well. He got the floating market noodle soup (which is the spiciest thing on the menu with three lightning bolts), and both that and the Ya Ta Fo were served in pretty big bowls – we really didn’t need to get entrees, but oh well. Rob enjoyed his soup, but unfortunately I thought the Ya Ta Fo was pretty gross. The fish balls were rubbery, there were a lot of unidentifiable meats, the broth was too sweet. Luckily I enjoyed my entrée – crispy pork with Chinese broccoli – much more. It was served in a black bean sauce and white rice. Rob got the crispy pork and string bean in curry sauce which he enjoyed but didn’t finish. I ate a few bites off of his plate, I thought the curry had a nice heat to it, but I think he wanted it spicier. I think of the Thai places we've tried I prefer Ruan Thai the best, but I wouldn't hesitate to return to Nava Thai.
On another note, we went back to Fajita Coast this past Friday evening and there were hardly any kids there. So maybe our visit a few weeks ago was just a fluke. Rob took some pictures while we were there, maybe he’ll post them later this week.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Pho Hiep Hoa - TY's take
2211 University Blvd W # A, Silver Spring, MD 20902
As Rob mentioned in the post below, we went to Pho Hiep Hoa yesterday for lunch. He wanted to post his thoughts while they were still fresh, so I dictated for him. As he mentioned, Pho Hiep Hoa is next to one of the beer stores that we frequent, and I had wanted to try it for a while, so we checked it out for lunch yesterday. Parking in the shopping center is always a nightmare – there aren’t a lot of spots out front and people sit there and jockey for a spot and traffic backs up onto 193. We just squeezed past all of the cars that were waiting and happened to find an open one on the other end of the shopping center. They have a lot around back as well, but that one tends to fill up fast as well.
My only pho experience is from Pho 75 near my office in Rockville, which apparently is one of the best in the area. I agree with Rob’s statement that Pho Hiep Hoa was cafeteria-like, but so is Pho 75 so I was expecting it. We both got brisket, flank, and skirt flank for our meats – I haven’t been brave enough to try the tendons or tripe. Rob was surprised that the small bowls were actually pretty big. I’m curious to know exactly how big the large is, maybe I’ll get one next time. The small was filling enough though.
Although the broth was flavorful, it could have used something, although I can’t quite put my finger on it. It also wasn’t as fragrant as I’m used to. I put a little bit of Sriracha, basil and soy sauce, a decent dollop of hoisin, and lots of sprouts in mine. Rob went with a lot of Sriracha, a little basil, hoisin, and sprouts, and some jalapeno peppers as well. I really like being able to customize the dish to whatever you’re in the mood for. I’ve mentioned in the past that I’m not great with chopsticks so I made a little bit of a mess trying to manipulate those long noodles. I’m prone to slurping and wasn’t great about getting the spoon underneath so I just kept my head down and used a lot of napkins.
Lunch was $15 for 2 small bowls and 2 sodas. I think our only 2 gripes were that they didn’t sell alcohol (Rob would have liked a beer with his lunch) and they only take cash. Luckily I had enough on me, but I usually wouldn’t. I’m pretty sure we’ll be back assuming they have carry-out…it would be perfect to just pick up dinner then go next door to get your Singha, and head home to enjoy pho in the comfort of your own home.
As Rob mentioned in the post below, we went to Pho Hiep Hoa yesterday for lunch. He wanted to post his thoughts while they were still fresh, so I dictated for him. As he mentioned, Pho Hiep Hoa is next to one of the beer stores that we frequent, and I had wanted to try it for a while, so we checked it out for lunch yesterday. Parking in the shopping center is always a nightmare – there aren’t a lot of spots out front and people sit there and jockey for a spot and traffic backs up onto 193. We just squeezed past all of the cars that were waiting and happened to find an open one on the other end of the shopping center. They have a lot around back as well, but that one tends to fill up fast as well.
My only pho experience is from Pho 75 near my office in Rockville, which apparently is one of the best in the area. I agree with Rob’s statement that Pho Hiep Hoa was cafeteria-like, but so is Pho 75 so I was expecting it. We both got brisket, flank, and skirt flank for our meats – I haven’t been brave enough to try the tendons or tripe. Rob was surprised that the small bowls were actually pretty big. I’m curious to know exactly how big the large is, maybe I’ll get one next time. The small was filling enough though.
Although the broth was flavorful, it could have used something, although I can’t quite put my finger on it. It also wasn’t as fragrant as I’m used to. I put a little bit of Sriracha, basil and soy sauce, a decent dollop of hoisin, and lots of sprouts in mine. Rob went with a lot of Sriracha, a little basil, hoisin, and sprouts, and some jalapeno peppers as well. I really like being able to customize the dish to whatever you’re in the mood for. I’ve mentioned in the past that I’m not great with chopsticks so I made a little bit of a mess trying to manipulate those long noodles. I’m prone to slurping and wasn’t great about getting the spoon underneath so I just kept my head down and used a lot of napkins.
Lunch was $15 for 2 small bowls and 2 sodas. I think our only 2 gripes were that they didn’t sell alcohol (Rob would have liked a beer with his lunch) and they only take cash. Luckily I had enough on me, but I usually wouldn’t. I’m pretty sure we’ll be back assuming they have carry-out…it would be perfect to just pick up dinner then go next door to get your Singha, and head home to enjoy pho in the comfort of your own home.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Pho Hiep Hoa
Tracey and I went to Pho Hiep Hoa today, next to our 2nd favorite beer store.
It had a cafeteria-like feel. I tried to order a beer unsuccessfully...I don't think they sold beer there. There wasn't much english spoken.
The different types of pho were very similar - there were lots of options but they just had different kinds of meat. We got a P9 with brisket, well done flank, and skirt flank. I put sriracha, hosin sauce, and lots of jalapenos in my pho. Tracey didn't spice hers up as much.
I liked the pho overall and I'd go back again. It was cheap and filled you up.
It had a cafeteria-like feel. I tried to order a beer unsuccessfully...I don't think they sold beer there. There wasn't much english spoken.
The different types of pho were very similar - there were lots of options but they just had different kinds of meat. We got a P9 with brisket, well done flank, and skirt flank. I put sriracha, hosin sauce, and lots of jalapenos in my pho. Tracey didn't spice hers up as much.
I liked the pho overall and I'd go back again. It was cheap and filled you up.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Fajita Coast
10110 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20901
Rob and I love Fajita Coast. We went soon after it opened in 2005, but started going regularly sometime in late 2006ish. It’s the best Tex-Mex we have had, and it has ruined many of the other chains we used to enjoy. Although Fajita Coast isn’t technically a chain, it is affiliated with Cactus Cantina in Glover Park and the vaunted Lauriol Plaza in Dupont Circle (both of which I’ve been to…I think he has too). For a while, we were going at least once a week. I think we’ve scaled back to once or twice a month.
Our past 2 visits have been with friends – once for a Saturday lunch and just this past Friday night for dinner. Although we ordered the same thing both times (carne asada alla parilla for Rob, chicken/beef combo fajitas for me), our experiences were markedly different. The main difference was KIDS. There were children EVERYWHERE on Friday night, running around and screaming and carrying on. The dining room is pretty large and open, like a cafeteria, so there are plenty of open spaces for kids to run around and chase each other. I don’t understand why so many parents in the DC area take their kids out for Mexican on the weekends – Austin Grill and Rio Grande in Bethesda are always slammed with families on Fridays as well.
Anyway, I could write for hours about our experiences at Fajita Coast. Their salsa is great – chunky but not too much so. They serve delicious red rice and beans frijoles a la charra with most dishes. I would prefer to get the awesome Juanita Platter with a cheese enchilada, beef taco, and chicken tamale every time we go. Sadly I know I shouldn’t eat all that cheese so I usually skip the delicious smothered dishes and get chicken tacos without cheese or fajitas in the interest of eating a bit healthier. I’ve also had the zarzuela de mariscos (a seafood stew of sorts) which was really good.
Our service was a little slow on Friday night, but the dining room was packed so it was to be expected. Splitting a pitcher of swirl margaritas made the wait more bearable. We also ordered a bowl of chili con queso to start and Andy commented that “[the wait] wasn’t so bad with queso in your face-o.” He fancies himself a queso dip connoisseur and was happy with the consistency and smooth taste of the queso. As our meal was winding down, most of the families had left and the rest of dinner was quite pleasant. I guess in the future if we’re going to go on a Friday night we’ll make it an 8:00 dinner instead of going right after work.
Rob and I love Fajita Coast. We went soon after it opened in 2005, but started going regularly sometime in late 2006ish. It’s the best Tex-Mex we have had, and it has ruined many of the other chains we used to enjoy. Although Fajita Coast isn’t technically a chain, it is affiliated with Cactus Cantina in Glover Park and the vaunted Lauriol Plaza in Dupont Circle (both of which I’ve been to…I think he has too). For a while, we were going at least once a week. I think we’ve scaled back to once or twice a month.
Our past 2 visits have been with friends – once for a Saturday lunch and just this past Friday night for dinner. Although we ordered the same thing both times (carne asada alla parilla for Rob, chicken/beef combo fajitas for me), our experiences were markedly different. The main difference was KIDS. There were children EVERYWHERE on Friday night, running around and screaming and carrying on. The dining room is pretty large and open, like a cafeteria, so there are plenty of open spaces for kids to run around and chase each other. I don’t understand why so many parents in the DC area take their kids out for Mexican on the weekends – Austin Grill and Rio Grande in Bethesda are always slammed with families on Fridays as well.
Anyway, I could write for hours about our experiences at Fajita Coast. Their salsa is great – chunky but not too much so. They serve delicious red rice and beans frijoles a la charra with most dishes. I would prefer to get the awesome Juanita Platter with a cheese enchilada, beef taco, and chicken tamale every time we go. Sadly I know I shouldn’t eat all that cheese so I usually skip the delicious smothered dishes and get chicken tacos without cheese or fajitas in the interest of eating a bit healthier. I’ve also had the zarzuela de mariscos (a seafood stew of sorts) which was really good.
Our service was a little slow on Friday night, but the dining room was packed so it was to be expected. Splitting a pitcher of swirl margaritas made the wait more bearable. We also ordered a bowl of chili con queso to start and Andy commented that “[the wait] wasn’t so bad with queso in your face-o.” He fancies himself a queso dip connoisseur and was happy with the consistency and smooth taste of the queso. As our meal was winding down, most of the families had left and the rest of dinner was quite pleasant. I guess in the future if we’re going to go on a Friday night we’ll make it an 8:00 dinner instead of going right after work.
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