With locations spanning the globe – from Kiev, to Sao Paolo, to Dubai and more, the illustrious Buddha Bar finally has a home in DC.  Although its location is a bit of a stretch – in the up-and-coming neighborhood down near 5th and Mass – its brand has elicited quite a response from the DC nightlife scene and already attracted some pretty significant crowds.

Cost – $$$

Food – C
The cuisine is most aptly described as “Asian-American fusion.” The fixed menu route afforded me the luxury of range and I took full advantage. The egg rolls served at the beginning of the meal were decent but par for the course and the entrée came in a bento box with rice, lamb curry, Thai-style shrimp, and cold sautéed spinach. The presentation was solid but I found the product to be somewhat lacking. The lamb curry tasted like it came out of a “Golden Curry” box mix and the shrimp was overwhelmingly salty. The spinach, served cold (possibly to make it more “Asian”), was also excessively salted.

The one redeeming component of the bento box was the mango chutney although I do have to note that the dessert – mango soup – did help end the meal on a slightly high note.

Service – B
I found the service to generally be solid.  Our server was relatively attentive and the manager did come around to ask us how our meal was, but was incredibly hasty in making his rounds.

Décor – B+
As the name described, the décor has heavy Asian influences.  The massive Buddha in the middle of the dining area gives the restaurant a feeling of a spiritual calm that is only enhanced by the soft candle-like lighting. The enormous chandeliers resemble a combination of the Victorian era meets haunted Asian pagoda and are scattered throughout the restaurant.  The bar is lit up as though by fire and is comparatively large for a restaurant in DC. The intricate jacquard fabric on the chairs, the enhanced backlights around the perimeter and the contrasting colors of gold, red, and mahogany all provide a unique setting.  But even with all this distinctive décor, one thing you instantly notice when walking into the restaurant is the space.  It is easily one of the more spacious restaurants in DC with its lofty ceilings, great dining space, and floor to ceiling windows.

Feel – C
What I liked about Buddha Bar:  the décor, spaciousness, and general ambiance for group dinners, dates, and private conversations.  It seems like a great place for a pre or post-game drink.

What I didn’t like about Buddha Bar: When making my reservation for dinner, I requested a table for 6.  Since my party was considered “large,” I was required to hold the table with my credit card on file.  The day of my dinner I was phoned for a courtesy reminder, but was also informed that if ALL my party didn’t show up 15 minutes after my scheduled reservation time, I would have to forfeit my table and I would be charged as though I didn’t show up.  I arrived on time but the next twenty minutes were a bit of a juggling act as the remainder of the group leaked in while the clock ticked away.  Ultimately, we were seated without a hassle but in a fairly empty restaurant I didn’t feel as though the stringent adherence to protocol was warranted.

Ultimately, time will tell whether Buddha Bar’s foray into the DC nightlife scene will prove to be successful.  So far, the results seem mixed.

Rocklands usually makes the short list for most locals when it comes to answering the all important question of “what restaurant serves the best BBQ in DC?” Although Rocklands may not be the best around, I agree that it definitely belongs in the top five conversation and it sure has built a loyal following since its doors opened in 1990. The interesting thing is that I have been to many of the DC BBQ places that seem to make it on these lists and frankly, almost all of them are just ok and some aren’t good at all. Grilling fanatics concede that Rocklands is good but advise that you need to get out into the suburbs if you really want some serious BBQ. Suburbs here I come…

Cost – $$

Service – B
The staff doesn’t come off as being overly warm but they do a good job of keeping things moving and are quite prompt when responding to needs. As most know, Rocklands can get packed but the food comes out pretty quickly and in order.

Food – B+
I love BBQ and although I have had better, when I need a fix Rocklands is a reliable spot. The pulled pork, brisket, pork ribs and chicken are tasty. The baby backs are also good but may be a little fatty at times. All in all, the BBQ is pretty damn delicious. As far as sides go, I am a fan of the mac and cheese and corn pudding. The variety on the menu is good (and includes a veggie sandwich) and experimenting with the array of sauces just adds to the entertainment.

Decor – C
When you walk into Rocklands, the no frills decor lets you know that it’s all about BBQ. It’s mostly carry out so there is limited seating around a medium size community table and along the front window. The wall of sauces for sale and use seems to be the color in the place which suits me just fine. When it comes to BBQ, I am ok as long as the place is clean (and sometimes that is only a mild concern).

Feel – B
There is a strong neighborhood feel to Rocklands which is the way BBQ joints usually are and should be. The patrons range from locals reading their papers on Sunday mornings to out of towners which reinforces that Rocklands is for everyone looking to taste perhaps some of the best BBQ in DC. I think not having more seating is a flaw (especially since my friends and I tend to pig out when we go there and take up half the community table with our racks of ribs and overabundance of sides) but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Rocklands is good eats and this slight inconvenience is worth it.

Rocklands is located at 2418 Wisconsin Ave. NW. They can be reached at (202) 333-2558.

What’s the Buzz:

August 14, 2008 – Rocklands Barbecue (Beltway BBQ) – Forest Gump once said that “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” The same could be said when visiting Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company. Rocklands is a local chain that has built a reputation as one of the go-to “Q” restaurants in the D.C. area. We have been to three of its four locations. The one common factor among all the restaurants we have tried is inconsistency. Full Article…

Why can’t we have more places like Huong Viet in DC? Yes, I understand the economics, population diversity, and other factors of how Falls Church is different than Northwest DC but still, I want great tasting, easy and authentic Vietnamese food all within walking distance of Logan Circle. I know many of you go through this feeling with other cuisines but the truth of it is, we usually can find what we want nearby (the Eden Center is less than 10 miles from the center of DC). Yet another reason to venture out and discover the wonderful and culturally different parts of VA and MD.

Cost – $

Service – B+
The restaurant wasn’t completely full so the service was good and there wasn’t a wait. However, I can see the potential for the service to be quick and to the point when the place is jammed. From what I have heard and read, a wait is common.

Food – A
The food is great and it’s right up there with Minh’s. As I mentioned above, the food is authentic and it’s always a tell tale sign when you see a good number of expatriates bringing their families in for a home-style cooked meal.

Decor – C
The décor consists of wood paneling, long unframed mirrors along the walls, diner style tables, multiple framed awards and a big gold Huong Viet sign and neon logo above the bar/service area. Basically, no frills and it’s about getting people in and out. Actually, I got a kick out of the big gold sign which is definitely a frill.

Feel – B
I really like the simplicity and family-style feel of Huong Viet. You know you are here for the food and the price points make it easy to be adventurous which could make for a fun time.

Huong Viet is located at 6785 Wilson Blvd in Falls Church. They can be reached at (703) 538-7110.

What’s the Buzz:

October 13, 2007 – Huong Viet (Kings of the Road) – My mom is in town for a few days (not really to visit but to help my uncle and cousin while my aunt is in the hospital recovering from brain surgery [!!!]). I dropped her off at my uncle’s house this afternoon, but before we parted Larry and I took her to Eden Center for lunch. Full article…

Café MoZU – From the drive in to seating, the whole experience is pretty nice. The Mandarin has first-class service from the valet through the host and wait staff at the restaurant. You are seated with a wonderful view of the tidal basin. I sort of wish the food was a little bit better but it is a pretty unbeatable ambiance. Afterwards you have a drink at the Empress Lounge.

Proof – Proof has a sexy, dimly lit interior. You go and have a couple glasses of wine at the wine bar and talk for a bit before you are seated. Once seated, you enjoy one of the top meals in DC and choose from a broad array of wines. Afterwards you are right in Chinatown so there are numerous options for where to go.

Ritz Carlton in Georgetown - I’m not referring to Degrees, rather the lounge in the main Ritz Carlton foyer. Later in the evening it clears out and there is ample, quiet seating – perfect for having an intimate conversation or whatever you’re into. A waitress will come by and offer you drinks and a menu with little treats to munch on. If you feel inclined, the Georgetown waterfront is just a stone’s throw away.

Tryst – Not every name on this list needs to be posh. For a pressure-free first date or if you are trying to convince the girl that you are an intellectual and don’t drink heavily, invite her for coffee at Tryst on a weekday evening (on a weekend the place is slammed and you’ll spend all your time looking for seating). You can just sit, lounge out, and get to know the other person. What’s more if the date isn’t going so well there will inevitably be someone to make fun of here.

Rock Creet Restaurant in Bethesda – The food here has an organic slant to it and is impeccably prepared. The interior isn’t quite as sexy as some of the other places on this list but it would be a great date destination for someone you have been dating for a while and you guys want a pleasant experience in Bethesda with excellent food.

L2 Lounge – L2 Lounge is the perfect after-dinner venue to take a date if you are in the Georgetown area and are craving a night cap or two. The environment in L2 is always laid back and you can ensure a smooth, zen-like experience. Additionally, there are all sorts of places to hole up with your date and the entire venue is candlelit.

What do you do in DC? I do performance and voice coaching, and am a professional singer.

When did you move to DC? I’m a native!

Where do you live? Takoma Park, MD

Why do you love DC? Having the seat of government here means lots of new folks are always coming into town, not just from around the U.S. but around the world! I love living in a rainbow city.

How do you have a good time in DC? My fave hangout is the Wonderland Ballroom and Grill on 11th and Kenyon, an amazing jukebox, awesome food, and impressive microbrew selection.