New to the area -- suggestions please

[geg5150]

Hi y'all,

I'm being relocated frm Phoenix to the Norfolk area in mid-February, but I'm in sales and my territory consists of Virginia, Maryland and DC. I'll be hitting the entire area once every three weeks or so.

It's been over 8 years since I spent any time in DC or Baltimore and the surrounding areas.

I'd love suggestions for single dining in both cities. Lunch and dinner preferrably, I can usually swing breakfast -- unless there's a great, can't miss b'fast place you'd recommend.

I don't mind sitting alone in a dining room or at the bar. I love ethnic foods of all kinds, particularly Asian. Budget is decent on the expense account -- about $35 for dinner.

I like funky, friendly places with lots of character (and characters!)

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

[dunlapped]

If you want ethnic food, I found this to be a very good guide:

http://www.gmu.edu/jbc/Tyler/tyler_co...

[Dakota Guy]

The easist thing to do is buy the Washingtonian (or visit their web site), buy Tom Sietsma's [sp] book, and read this (and other boards and blogs). Steve's list is comprehensive and long but missed many places, although $35 for dinner is very limiting--check out the Washingtonian's Cheap Eats annual edition.

[Steve]

Sounds like you need The List:
(As always, please search for menu recommendations on Chowhound)

Rockville, MD
Joe’s Noodle House (Sichuan), Urban BBQ, Bob’s Noodles 66 (Taiwanese), A & J (Northern Chinese Dim Sum)

Wheaton, MD
Ruan Thai, Max’s (Felafel Bar)

Langley Park, MD
Samantha’s (Salvadoran), Woodlands (south Indian Vegetarian)

Germantown, MD
Peking Palace (Hunan)

Baltimore, MD
Chef Ras Doobie (Jamaican), Bill’s Terrace Inn (Crabs)

Bethesda, MD
Passage to India, Daruma (Market that also serves Japanese light meals at counter), Faryab (Afghan)

Silver Spring, MD
Cubano’s

DC
2 Amys (pizza), Jaleo (also locations in Arlington and Bethesda), Zaytinya, Etete (Ethiopian), Pyramid (Moroccan), Thai X-ing (only one table!), Full Kee (Cantonese), Breadline (Sandwich Shop)

Arlington, VA
Taqueria El Charrito Caminante (Mexican, a few stools), Thai Square, Bangkok 54, Nam Viet, Ravi Kabob (Pakistani), Costa Verde (Peruvian), El Pollo Rico (Rotisserie Chicken, several location throughout the area), Pie-Tanza (pizza), Hiedelberg Pastry Shop (German wursts)

Falls Church, VA
Tay Do (Vietnamese) in the Eden Center, a Vietnamese Shopping Center with at least 23 restaurants and other shops, The Lebanese Butcher, Hong Kong Palace (Sichuan – ask for Chinese menu), Punjab Dhaba, Victor’s Grill (Steaks), El Pike (Bolivian Saltenas)

Tysons Corner, VA
Shamshirry (Persian)

Annandale, VA
Vit Goel – Also Called Lighthouse Tofu (Korean), Shiney’s (Pakistani)

Bailey’s Crossroads, VA (sometimes included in Falls Church)
Peking Gourmet Inn (Chinese-American), Machu Picchu

Alexandria, VA
Bombay Curry Company, Satay Sarinah (Indonesian), Dairy Godmother (frozen custard)

Fairfax, VA
China Star (Sichuan), Simit (Turkish)

[geg5150]

Steve!! You rock! That's exactly what I was looking for! Thanks so much. I can't wait to start eating my way through the area.

[Steve]

I forgot one of the most important sources of great eats: City Deli in NE DC. In a most unlikely location, a real deli serving corned beef and pastrami to make a New Yorker jealous. I just returned from New York and ate at Katz's in the Lower East Side, considered to serve the definitive pastrami sandwich, and I can tell you that City Deli is better. Get a combo corned beef and pastrami and you will be in heaven.

[Dennis S]

All in DC:

CF Folks on 19th just south of DuPont circle - for lunch only.

I like Stoney's - new location at 14th and P. Not going to work the expense acct here unless you're ordering drinks, but the old one had tons of character and they kept enough at the new location.

Hank's Oyster Bar - 17th and P I think.

Johnny's Half Shell (near Cap Hill - haven't yet been to new location myself) Dinner is great here or at Cashion's Eat Place in Adam's Morgan (Columbia Road).

[Dennis S]

If you're going to be in Herndon/Reston, ask again. I mainly focused on DC proper. H/R is coming into its own. The first rec I would suggest always is Jimmy's in Herndon.

[jpschust]

get ye to Dino in cleveland park :) Will fit perfectly in your expense budget and you will be fat and happy at the end of the meal :)

[Sal Gee]

Welcome Back! This will get you started.

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/167237