It was beautiful out, so RP came over and we grilled. My parents brought me back some assorted forcemeats from France, so we pan-fried some duck terrine to top our steaks. The food was great, and we had some real talk.
The next day, we went to Paladar in Tysons for dinner because we wanted to eat outside. I had a very different ceviche (it had lots of different citrus in it, very interesting). We also were surprised by the uniqueness of their chips and salsa.
I took a moment to appreciate the huge tree in our front yard from the comfort of LeBeef’s convertible.
I endured a 2.5 hour eye appointment, only to find out I can’t get laser eye surgery now (and I probably will never be candidate). Then they dilated my eyes to add insult to injury. It was a very bright day out.
At least that evening was pleasant. Marteen came over (long time no see – business trip), and we grilled some tuna and salmon. Apparently, Whole Foods will season anything that comes out of their butcher shop for free. HB had this mango, coconut, habanero seasoned salmon filet that was delicious. Marteen opted for jerk spices, and I went with salt, and aleppo peppers.
Pictured above, snapshot and snapshot. On Thursday, on the recommendation of HW, HB got us some Taco Bamba. Not only was it delicious, its very affordable. We’ll definitely be back.
by rsiv withWe went to Plaza (Plaza Time!) with HW, Li, and Virginia. It was a very corridge time in corridge. I had a big beer, white sauce, and a grown up version of nachos chicken, extra cheese: fajita nachos. Unlike college, you may see a baby behind my big beer.
We also went to OHOP. I had an unfinishable omelette, and the best bacon money can buy.
by rsiv withAfter getting back from an amazing babymoon, it was back to reality. That means catching up on work, and baby friendly restaurants. The best iteration of the latter of which just reopened. It feels like its been sooo long since I’ve had Anthony’s. It did not disappoint.
I ordered a greek salad (which seemed to be of much better quality than at the old location) and a pizza with bacon, jalapenos, and gyro meat (which was just as good as I remember). My wife has always been jealous of how the women that work at Anthony’s coo over the babies and pregnant women. Since Anthony’s in FCC closed before she got pregnant (and we didn’t visit the Manassas location) this was her first chance to show off the bump and the ladies at Anthony’s were all about it.
by rsiv withOn Friday, I went to Mediterrafish in Merrifield. I was nearby doing some physical therapy nearby, and I’d wanted to stop by for a long time after seeing their selections in the window. I went with monkfish, and salmon for the pregnant. I seasoned the monkfish with olive oil, herbs de provence, and rosemary. I put some jerk seasoning and butter on the salmon, and put them on some cedar planks.
Saturday morning we went back to Paladar for brunch. I got the tacos, which were awesome.
Later that day, we sold the wife’s car. Her VW Golf gave us 10 great years of service. She was very sad to see it go.
Then we took the back way out to my buddy CW’s. He has a week old newborn, so we went to visit. We drove through the battlefield, and up the blue highways.
CW had some burgers from a fancy butcher that he grilled up. They were delicious. The farmers’ market corn was also great. We got into his Yuengling Premium reserve, which means its just about time for a trip to WV to restock.
Sunday morning it was amazing outside; we went to brunch at Mad Fox. I got the pork belly benedict, and added fried green tomatoes. I paired it with their English style brown ale (on cask).
Then we did some dogsitting. My sister’s boyfriend just rescued a german wirehaired pointer. My hopes that he could one day hunt were buoyed by the fact that he did some fetching, treed a squirrel, bent his leg to point a little, and started to learn to come when called. However, when treats are involved, even Lord Snackington will come when called. If nothing else, Otto got some more calories out of the training, and I burned a few.
After driving back from my CW’s place, I realized there was a screw in my tire. I went to MB to get it fixed. The car I was driving was my Mom’s company car, so I sent her the picture of the SL below, and told her that her SLK was totalled, and I’d be bringing an SL home for her. She said the white looked nice, but she’d prefer to stick with red.
Later that night, we kicked off DC restaurant week at Chef Geoff’s in Tysons. For value and convenience (its close to us), it can’t be beat. Especially on half priced wine night (Mondays). I was skeptical that the key lime pie would pair with the mango, but it was surprisingly good.
Wednesday, I ran over to my parents house on a beautiful day. Really enjoyed the city on the walk back.
If y’all aren’t following me on Twitter yet, hit me up: @BonVivantVA . I just started the account, but I’ve already been retweeted/favorited by JackRoseDC, Quail4ever, National Bohemian, The Greenbrier, Nauti Foods, an author, and food writer, and more.
by rsiv withOn friday we went to Gypsy Soul in Merrifield. I had a coco loco, we started with chicken skin cracklins with snake oil and roof top honey, and then I ordered the chicken fried bobwhite quail with gizzard gravy. Simply amazing.
Thursday, karma tried to get me drunk at Cyclone Anaya’s, via drinks on the house.
Earlier in the week, I enjoyed some brown and some waspy pipe tobacco.
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The new issue of Garden and Gun has a article about southern breakfast joints. The pic below is on the cover. I found it inspiring, and fixed me up some ham steak.
My buddy CW’s wife gave birth to their daughter on Tuesday morning. The night before, I brought him some McDonalds and hung out for a few hours. The #15 and apples pies were appreciated.
On Tuesday, HB and I went to Maneki Neko for lunch. I had a redskins roll, and the wife got a bento box.
On Wednesday, Le Petite, RP, HB, and I went to the Tune Inn, and then DC United v. Toronto FC.
Since Ryry is a regular and everybody knows his name, I went with his order: bourbon soda, and a tune inn burger.
There was a pretty big crowd there a few minutes before kickoff. HB was knocking people out of her way to get down to the field to see Michael Bradley, and we tried to keep up.
We noticed on instagram that a few of our fraternity brothers were also there. Then came over during the half to chill.
DC United got the W, Ryry saw his first soccer game, and a good time was had by all. Congrats again to Lil Steve on passing his big test and getting a new job. We look forward to the crab pickin’.
by rsiv withThe Beeze and I got hungry again Sunday and headed over the The Italian (I-Talian) Store for some picnic provisions. After taking a number and waiting for mine to come up, I ordered myself a large milano on hard with extra hot peppers. Since the wife is off the lunch meat while pregnant, she got a couple of slices. We rounded out the meal with a couple of drinks, some bbq chips, a nutella to go, and rolled out.
A short drive later we were at the trailhead to Windy Run. Scrambling over wet rocks while pregnant is not advisable, but we remembered how the trail was a little too late. HB made out fine though, and we found a beautiful spot for our picnic.
The Milano on hard in all its glory.
by rsiv withAfter a few painkillers last night, HB and I headed to Paladar in Tysons for some brunch. I started with some pelo del perro. The dark and stormy settled the rough seas in my tumtum.
I had the chorizo and cheese pupusas with fried eggs, and HB had the sweet potato pancakes with fruit ceviche. Both were pretty outstanding. I’ve also been for dinner, and can’t recommend Paladar enough.
by rsiv withThe wife had a particularly good day at work, so we decided to celebrate at Trio Grill. I ordered a sunset in Brazil cocktail. It was pretty dang good. I don’t think I’ve ever had a cocktail that wasn’t excellent at Trio.
I ordered the rack of lamb. Its cooked Sous-vide to your liking, and then finished on the grill. I wouldn’t say this is my favorite meal, but its pretty far up there. I’ve had it at least four times now. Each time I go to Trio, I try to branch out, but then I starting thinking about how good the lamb is… The fried brussels sprouts are an excellent compliment. My wife opted for the waygu flat iron topped with foraged mushrooms. Also amazing.
Trio also has an outdoor cigar lounge, but it was a little humid out this evening. When I went for the opening, I did enjoy a nice stick and a few drinks, so I can definitely recommend Trio as one of the few places in the area to enjoy a stogie.
If you’re in the Merrifield area, give Trio a try.
by rsiv withTonight, RP, HB, and I went out for some Korean BBQ at Kogiya. We went with all you can eat option B, which includes: fatty brisket, three layer pork belly, spicy pork belly, miso pork belly, spicy chicken, small intestines, large intestines (작은 항문), and beef abomasums (tummy).
HB was a little concerned about the butthole. In the end (pun intended), she loved it.
Everything was delicious. If you’re looking for some good Korean BBQ in the Nova area, check it out.
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