166016 Thu Aug 01 18:26:10 -0700 2002 9 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 887061 I am making my first trip ever to Fairfax VA tomorrow afternoon to go to a matinee at the Cinema Arts Theatre. I need some recommendations for good places to get an informal lunch in the area--any type of cuisine is fine. I want to make the most of my trip to the area. I know I can depend on the board for some good recommendations. Jim Zurer Washington DC Thu Aug 01 18:26:10 -0700 2002 0 Jim Zurer 1 887063 By all means, Jim, try Temel just off Pickett Rd near Fairfax Circle (about 5-7 minutes away from the Cinema Arts). It's Middle Eastern with a most agreeable ambiance and very good food. One of my favorites for sure and truly one of Fairfax's finest! Thu Aug 01 20:12:40 -0700 2002 887061 0 Barbara 2 887079 The best restaurant in Fairfax is Artie's, at Fairfax Circle. The Post gave it a great review - finally - in last Sunday's paper. Get the crab fritters. Fri Aug 02 13:18:50 -0700 2002 887063 0 GG 3 887082 Yeah, we like Artie's alot too - the food and renovation are great as Sietsema notes (he could hardly find anything wrong!), but do think it can get rather frenetic at night. And of course it's mandatory to call ahead in the evenings to avoid a long wait. Actually, when you think about it, it's pretty amazing to have two such superior Fairfax eateries about a block apart. Fri Aug 02 14:22:07 -0700 2002 887079 0 Barbara 4 887094 Aside from Artie's what is the other restaurant that you had in mind when you referred to two good places? Thanks, rp Fri Aug 02 21:31:42 -0700 2002 887082 0 Roe 1 887064 (1) In the mall near the theatre is Mama Lucia's, which has dynamite pizza. I don't know about any other offerings, as I only eat their pizza. (2) At Old Town Fairfax (down Little River Turnpike a few minutes), there are a number of eateries including an Indian place with decent dahl. But if -good- Indian is your craving, you might as well head out of Old Town towards Oakton and visit Bombay Bistro. (3) Heading back up Pickett towards Route 50, there are a number of eateries. I know there is an Anitas, Mama's [an Italian place which looks sketchy as hell from the outside], a number of Korean restaurants, etc. Overall, there is not much directly at the theatre but most of these places are a 5 minute drive, tops. Thu Aug 01 20:36:08 -0700 2002 887061 0 Jeffrey 1 887066 Jim, this is my neck of the woods. Connaught Place is a good place for Indian food, as is Mehfil. Also, in the same shopping center with the Harris Teeter there is a noodle place whose name I cannot remember that is very good (recently reviewed in the Post, I believe). Thu Aug 01 22:29:29 -0700 2002 887061 0 James G 2 887070 Duly noted...thanks to all. I will post my experience. Jim Zurer Washington DC Fri Aug 02 09:26:39 -0700 2002 887066 0 Jim Zurer 1 887086 It turned out that my friend wanted to try Full Kee on Columbia Pike, so that is what we did. I will save the recommendations for my next trip to Fairfax. Thanks. Jim Zurer Washington DC Fri Aug 02 16:33:00 -0700 2002 887061 0 Jim Zurer 1 887107 Right off Fairfax Circle in the Lotte Supermarket there's a food court with Korean, Chinese, Japanese & a sushi place. Good, cheap and quick! Sun Aug 04 21:58:29 -0700 2002 887061 0 Geoff