Cost - $

Service – A-
The staff here is always friendly and attentive. I tend to drink a great deal of water during meals and with a pitcher readily available at the table I can serve myself without having to bother the staff. As a regular, my favorite appetizers and entrees are now served the moment I sit down and any special requests are taken care of with a smile.

Food – A-
I still believe to this day that no one makes better ghormeh sabzi than the mother of my ex. After the split, I made it my mission to find a restaurant with ghormeh sabzi that rivaled her’s and the closest I have gotten is Shamshiry. The dish is served with a mound of white basmati rice sprinkled with saffron nd topped with pieces of tahdiq. Chunks of tender beef and kidney beans hide among the dark green stew. The mix of savory herbs are highlighted by the citrus notes of the lemon. With each spoonful you can actually taste the time and effort put into this dish.

Although I prefer the mast-o musir at Moby Dick (I love the generous helping of shallots), the mast-o musir at Shamshiry is extremeyl popular. Its yogurty tartness is refreshing and the sweet hint of shallot prepares your taste buds for the entrees to come. No meal can start without the huge plate of tadiq topped with gheymeh; a succulent eggplant stew studded with lentils and small cuts of beef.

In my opinion, the kebab at Shamshiry trumps Moby Dick. Both the jujeh and kubideh are delicious. In my opinion, the only thing lacking here are the desserts. I love to finish off the meal with a few cups of chai. Note: the ghormeh sabzi and the gheymeh are not on the regular menu.

Décor – C+
Like other Eastern restaurants that emphasize the culinary experience, the décor is spartan. Walking through the glass doors, you face a dirty window to the kitchen that displays the heart and soul of this establishment. Flashes of fire catch your eye but the greased glass hides any action going on. The tables and chairs are reminiscent of outdoor cafes that look strangely out of place indoors. A mirror does double duty as a wall giving the impression of a larger space and is also great for people watching in the restaurant.

Feel – B+
This isn’t a restaurant that you would want to venture into alone. Groups of people are the norm with parties ranging from 2 to 20. It’s a restaurant that you come to for two purposes; to enjoy authentic Persian cuisine and to socialize. Shamshiry is a place that pays the same amount of attention to a table of few or many. No matter the occasion, this place still remains as my first choice to a delicious and casual meal that finally rivals the food of Persian homes.

Shamshiry is located at 8607 Westwood Center Drive in Vienna.

This afternoon Dean and I set out to find a good sports bar to watch the Redskins game. The first stop was the Cleveland Park Bar and Grill but the moment we stepped in we realized it was going to take some effort to find seating. We were about 20 minutes away from kick-off and the place was already filling in pretty nicely. Dean suggested we go hit up Cafe Nema down on U Street and it turned out to be the perfect venue to watch the game.

Cost - $$

Service - A-
The wait staff is friendly, laid-back and efficient. We never had to wait more than a few minutes to get drinks and our waitress made sure to stop by every fifteen minutes or so just to check-in on us.

Food - B
It seems like the wings have shrunk as of late and I wonder if this is a case of trickle-down stemming from the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and related US financial crisis. Actually, I definitely blame those Wall Street douche bags for my small buffalo wings. At any rate, the Hamburger was quite respectable and I looked with envy at Dean’s Philly cheese steak throughout the game.

Decor - C
There isn’t really much memorable about the decor at Nema although I understand it is multi-level and I have just seen the main floor where the sports bar is located. That being said, there really isn’t anything memorable about the decor at Nema.

Feel - A-
Cafe Nema has a very warm, neighborhood feel that is perfect for watching the game. I’ve been there twice now and each time I’ve felt perfectly comfortable chatting with the people sitting around us. It is definitely a more civilized and interesting crowd than what you will find at some of the other, more prominent sports bars in DC and to top it all off, seating isn’t that much of a problem (unless there is a major sports event on).

Cafe Nema is at 1334 U Street. They can be reached at (202) 667-3215.

What’s the Buzz:

April 25, 2006 - Cafe Nema (The Blog From Nowhere) - On Friday night I met some friends for dinner at Café Nema on U Street. I had walked by Café Nema many times since I lived in the U Street neighborhood when I first moved to Washington in 1999, but I had never eaten there. I had no idea what I had been missing.  Full article…

There are a few safe bets for people looking for good Asian fusion in the DC area and Raku definitely falls into this category. With two locations (that I know about) in Bethesda and Dupont Circle, Raku provides a consistent dining experience and lively ambiance that has made it a mainstay in DC.

Cost - $$

Service - B
Raku seems to have an entirely Asian workforce (On a side note - is it legal for a business to only hire Asians?) who can speak English with varying levels of proficiency. The service tends to be solid if not spectacular.

Food - B
For hardcore Asian cuisine aficionados, Raku is going to provide an average dining experience. They have Thai, Chinese, and Japanese dishes that individually don’t rank as well as restaurants that focus on these regions. However, the synthesis of all these different dishes provides a good menu and pretty good dining experience from a purely culinary standpoint.

Decor - B+
The decor is what differentiates Raku from most Asian fusion places and allows them to sell dishes at somewhat higher prices. It has a fun, open aesthetic that people seem to enjoy because the place is normally packed. I like the layout and design of the Bethesda location slightly more than the Raku in Dupont although the Dupont Raku has ample outdoor seating.

Feel - A-
As I mentioned previously, Raku consistently draws pretty decent-sized crowds and for good reason: they offer solid Asian food and a decent price in a fun environment. Their locations are also prime: in Dupont they are just off Connecticut and Bethesda they are right on Bethesda Row, so they have clearly made some pretty strategic decisions about location. Raku is a pretty safe bet for a weekday evening or dinner with friends.

Raku is located at 1900 Q St NW near Dupont and at 7240 Woodmont Ave in Bethesda.

Price - $$

Service - B+
I’ve always had good experience with the service at Rio Grande. They staff appropriately so you never have to wait very long for an order. Additionally, the wait staff has been trained well and are extremely professional.

Food - B
Solid.  Everything on the menu is pretty good - definitely on par with some of the other Tex-Mex places in the DC area like Alero.

Décor - C
Rio Grande is an enormous family-style restaurant with a loud, main open area so aesthetics are clearly not part of their business model. Imagine dozens of tables and hundreds of yuppies in a large barn eating tacos and Rio Grande is something like that.

Feel - B
Rio Grande is a loud large space full of noise, movement and the smell of grilled fajitas. It probably is not the best place to take a date unless you don’t really care how it ends but it is an ideal venue for a family, large group, or a laid-back evening before a film.

Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Cafe is located at 4870 Bethesda Ave in Bethesda, MD. They can be reached at (301) 656-2981.

The Source is Wolfgang Puck’s first foray into DC and as one might expect, the restaurant has been an instant hit and in my opinion, a strong contender for top dining destination in the District. With its chic lounge and intimate upstairs dining room, The Source strikes the balance between cool and sophisticated.

Cost - $$$$

Service - B
A few diners have mentioned to me that the service has been lacking which is sometimes a symptom of newer restaurants but my experiences have all been quite positive. From the hostess to the waiters, the staff has been quick and attentive.

Food - A-
The downstairs lounge offers a casual dining experience with it’s interesting pizzas, mini-burgers and the like which are all good (especially the fries) but the upstairs is where chef Scott Drewno serves up an exciting menu of Asian-inspired fare. I particularly enjoyed the scallop and shrimp sui mai, grilled lamb chops and the duck. The wine list is impressive as well and there is a good variety of wines by the glass.

Decor - B+
The space is open and airy with simple clean lines. I appreciate the understated decor which leaves room for  the food and drink do the talking. The stairs leading to the dining room has a bit of a red carpet feel to it -  diners enter into the center of the room  in sight of other patrons. It’s a bit of a stretch but on a busy night it does have the feel of making of an entrance. The glass wall of wine bottles is also an appealing touch.

Feel - A
As I stated earlier, the restaurant has a great feel to it. The change of pace from an energetic lounge to a classy dining room makes for a complete dining experience for many.

The Source is located at 575 Pennsylvania Ave NW. They can be reached at (202) 637-6100.

What’s the Buzz:

April 14, 2008 - More DC Restaurants for Wolfgang Puck? (Washingtonian) - Superstar chef Wolfgang Puck flew into town last week for the grand opening of the Newseum, home of his DC restaurant the Source. Although he was a day too late for the Inn at Little Washington’s anniversary soiree, where he was one of the 30 “culinary pioneers” honored, . Full article…

Tucked away off of the bustling streets of M St., Neyla’s has it all; ambiance, cocktails, and great food. Although small in size compared to other DC restaurants, the GM bends over backwards past the caddy hostesses to try to cater to every entering guest. Adding tables, scrambling for chairs, he miraculously is able to seat everyone even on the busiest nights. Gracious as he is accommodating, he alone is what makes this restaurant stand apart from others with his genuine hospitality.

Cost - $$$

Service – A-
At a place like Neyla’s my expectations for the wait staff, at minimum, were met. My water glass was constantly being filled and we were checked on a few times during the meal. The waiter did go above and beyond with recommending certain dishes and explaining the accompaniments of each entree.

Food – B-
Dining during restaurant week, a special menu was set apart for the event’s participants. Having had extensive experience with Middle Eastern cuisine, I found that the hommos and the baba ghannoug were a bit too lemony for my palate. My favorite dish on the menu was the braised lamb. The eggplant puree and manchego cheese were a perfect sharp and slightly tangy accompaniment to the succulent lamb. The chicken shish taouk stood out with its strong garlicy-shalloty flavor, but dipped with the yogurt sauce gave the perfect creamy and tart bite that I love in Middle Eastern cuisine. Creative cocktail concoctions stand apart from the standard cosmopolitan and fruity vodka mixes that most places feature. A must try is the Lebanese beer; smooth and crisp like a light beer but surprised me by not providing a slight bitter finish. Although I gave the food a relatively low rating, I fully intend to come back again. With its eclectic menu featuring dishes all over the Mediterranean, I know there will be plenty of surprises for me to try each time I come.

Decor - A-
Middle Eastern mysteriousness definitely is reflected by the décor at Neyla’s. Strips of red fabric jet out of the walls providing a feel of luxuriousness. Wooden furniture and emblems nod to the antiquity of the cuisine and culture. Colorful lamps hang from the ceiling to solidify the feeling of being transported away from the busy DC area. If you’re lucky enough to score the couch seats in the corner, be ready to take in the plush, richly colored cushions and pillows.

Feel – A-
The music is a touch too loud, and the lighting is a bit too dark after the sun goes down, but the overall ambiance is still great. The darkness casts a mysteriousness over the restaurant and the tucked away seating inside is perfect for people watching as guests leave and enter. Mehdi Zorgani, the GM, is what I think makes this restaurant stand apart. Although people were lined up outside and the hostesses were turning guests away, Mehdi managed to accommodate anyone and everyone who was willing to try Neyla’s. His “lets include everyone” approach really caught my eye as he courteously checked on every table, kept a careful eye on the kitchen, and miraculously conjured up tables and chairs for the heavy stream of guests. Having been in the restaurant business myself, I have never seen such a display of hospitality in my life. I was truly impressed.

Cost - $$

Service - C+
The service is okay.  Vietnamese places aren’t really known for their service in general (unless you can speak fluent Vietnamese) but they were punctual (if not amiable) - that counts for something.

Food - B+
I had the Banh Xeo when I went and it was mouth watering.  The ingredients were fresh and I felt great after the meal.

Decor - C
To be honest I’m still waiting for a hot, trendy Vietnamese place to open up.  You don’t go to a place like Hai Duong for the decor however, you go for the great food.

Feel - B+
I always enjoy going to the restaurants in Eden Center.  For a moment, I honestly feel like I’m totally distanced from Washington, DC.  To top it off, the food is so good it just puts me in a good frame of mind.  Or maybe that is the MSG.  Regardless, it is always a sure fire bet for a laid back evening down in NoVa.

Hai Duong is located at 6795 Wilson Blvd in Falls Church.  They can be reached at (703) 538-8882.

There used to be a club located in Dupont called Dragonfly that Dean and I used to hit up with some regularity. It was great as a starter, intermediary or finishing venue for an evening in DC. The one consistency was that there was always a pretty good crowd, good music yet it was never difficult to get a drink. Then, somehow it inexplicably shut down and has been dormant for the past year or so. Current has been built on the ashes of Dragonfly and subsequently, has a lot to live up to.

Cost - $$

Service - B+
It was a little amusing that the doorman thought I was trying to BS my way into their soft opening by saying I write about the DC nightlife. That being said he still let us in without a problem and so that was a plus. Upstairs, we got served without much difficulty and the bartender was pretty cool. Later, some chubby Patrick Bateman wannabe was getting a little overbearing and there was almost an altercation but the Current staffer came and handled the situation with relative aplomb.

Food - ?

Decor - B+
It looks like they have modernized the look and feel of the venue a bit although I always dug the simplicity of Dragonfly. They’ve tried to glitz it up a bit and give it a more high-end feel. The bar has flip-flopped to the other side of the upstairs area and they’ve added tables for bottle service. Generally speaking, it has a pretty slick, contemporary feel.

Feel - B+
Current has certainly jumped on the high-end bandwagon that seems to be emerging in the DC nightlife scene.  Dragonfly had a unique personality and a defined character and may have been a bit more laid back - You knew that you were going to get good service and a laid-back fairly attractive crowd.  Ultimately, the question for Current will be whether they can create a solid and loyal following like their predecessor.  I’d say they are off to a solid start and we’ll be watching them with interest as they begin to try and stake their claim in Dupont Circle.

Current is located at 1215 Connecticut Ave. NW.

Tangysweet is a total rip-off of Pinkberry. Thankfully for DC, it is a pretty good rip-off and I’m absolutely addicted, as are an entire legion of people in the DC area. It’s funny because it wasn’t too long ago I was thinking that it was just a matter of time until someone put a Pinkberry in DC. In fact, it is probably just a matter of time until there is a Pinkberry (or Pinkberry rip-off) in most major cities in the United States. If there was ever a time to invest in frozen yogurt it would be now.

Cost - $

Service - B
It’s fine. They hire pretty good people to work here who are friendly and upbeat.

Food - A+
Pinkberry - I mean Tangysweet, offers simply addictive frozen yogurt garnished with fresh fruit. In these health-conscious times it is a pretty compelling benefit proposition - especially when you take into account the fact that it actually tastes better than ice cream. As a matter of fact, it is the most addictive thing you can ingest including physically addictive narcotic substances. It is more addictive than a bowl of steaming hot Pho with 10 grams of MSG. In fact while I’m writing this my hands are starting to shake and I’m contemplating getting into my car and driving down to Dupont faster than a gay dude on Madonna night.

Decor - C
It reminds me of the Korova Milk Bar in a Clockwork Orange, which isn’t a good thing because it (the film representation) came out of Stanley Kubrick’s warped imagination.

Feel - A
I feel great when I walk into Tangysweet because I know I am only minutes away from that delicious pomegranate-flavored frozen yogurt topped with blackberries and kiwi.

Tangysweet is located at 2028 P Street in Dupont Circle.

What’s the Buzz:

June 11, 2008 - Tangysweet (DCfabulous) - I knew the imitations would come fast. Lucky for us, they came just in time for summer. Tangysweet, whose design, logo, and product bear a striking resemblance to Pinkberry, opened this month on P Street in Dupont Circle. Full article…

June 11, 2008 - First Look: TangySweet (Apples and Bananas) - It’s just what the doctor ordered on a day like today; cool, refreshing, surprisingly light, TangySweet was everything I expected, and everything I could have wanted when I tried it for the first time today. Full article…

Co Co. Sala is one of the latest restaurants to follow the trend of chocolate themed dining. Self-proclaimed as “DC’s premier Chocolate Lounge & Boutique,” this recent addition to Penn Quarter specializes in espresso, chocolate-based drinks, artisanal chocolates, and pastries. Born from a creative partnership between Nisha Sidhu, founder of The Sugar Gallery and Bharet Malhotra of Cvent, Co Co. Sala is a great change of pace to the DC scene.

Cost - $$$

Service - A
The wait staff here was well trained and knew the menu inside and out which I am sure is a requirement considering the offerings.

Food - B
Being someone with a healthy appetite, I found the portions to be on the light side. That said, each dish was savory and complex and rather than feeling teased I was surpisingly satisfied. The core part of the menu consists of four Monde du Chocolat prix-fixe selections which are inspired by flavors of India, Italy, America and South America. Additionally or as an alternative, you can order small plates or “Coco Bites” which are more traditional items: mac and cheese, crabcakes, sliders and salads. There is a selection of recommended cocktails for the prix-fixe and small plate choices.

Decor - A-
Co Co. Sala’s decor is a luxurious mix of interesting details: walls and ceilings created to emulate flowing chocolate, plush mocha couches and chairs, chocolate sculptures, blue lit bar with flat screens, both fiber optic and slender overhead lighting, and open flame accents throughout the restaurant. All this makes for an attractive, different and unique setting.

Feel - B+
As I referenced above, Co Co. Sala’s is a great change of pace. The ambiance created by the dim lights, house music, rich decor and attentive staff really met the goal of being an intimate sophisticated lounge.

Co Co. Sala is located at 929 F St. NW. They can be reached at (202) 347-4265.

What’s the Buzz:

July 2, 2008 - New Heaven for Chocoholics (Washington Times) - Stepping into Co Co. Sala is a bit like falling into a box of chocolates. The new Penn Quarter restaurant is dedicated to chocolate. Obsessed, you might say. It is the place to go to die by chocolate: chocolate cocktails, five-course chocolate desserts and splendid chocolate candies.  Full article…

June 2, 2008 - Co Co. Sala (District Culturati) - Co Co. Sala is a self-described “chocolate lounge and boutique”, nestled on F Street in the Penn Quarter. I am, by no means, a Trendy Wendy. When making my nightlife choices, you’ll find me erring on the side of dive bars and undiscovered urban nooks. So color me a bit skeptical when we rush to make our reservation from our late showing of Sex and the City and arrive at Co Co. Sala’s chic exterior.  Full article…