649692 Thu Sep 03 04:57:32 -0700 2009 6 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 5001345 I am racking my brain and coming up with nada. Being the hound that I am, I try to weasel in a good meal at any juncture. Client meetings downtown are mostly scheduled at 10 or 1, I plan weekend errands around a meal, etc. I'll be heading to beach tomorrow, to arrive at Bethany around 3pm. Will have a 2yr and 4yr old in tow, and was hoping to get them their nap in the car while driving. Thus, thinking the meal would come first, then hit the road. We're in Reston, so thinking something near the 270 spur, Wheaton/Silver Spring, College Park/Greenbelt or at the latest, Annapolis (though would prefer earlier). My oldest has done Joe's, but that might be pushing it now that she's more "discerning". Any ideas? Thu Sep 03 04:57:32 -0700 2009 11368 Dennis S 1 5001351 How about Gillian Clark's General Store in Silver Spring? It's very close to the Georgia Ave exit off the beltway and has delicious food including items the kids should like, like fried chicken. Thu Sep 03 05:10:15 -0700 2009 5001345 1098580 foodtrip 1 5001431 my go to place on the way to Bethany is either the Crab Deck or Harris Crab House both at exit 42 on route 50 in Kent Island just over the bay bridge. both are on the water so there are boats, fish, ducks etc around and the food is great. both places are also kid friendly. not sure if it fits into your plans however. Also, Parkway deli in Silver Spring as well as a million choices in Bethesda and on Rockville Pike Thu Sep 03 05:53:14 -0700 2009 5001345 124764 dining with doc 1 5001435 If you can wait for it, in Annapolis, the owner of Chick and Ruth's Deli is also a magician who loves to entertain kids as they eat. The food is basic deli, nothing to challenge Manhattan, but decent. http://www.chickandruths.com/ Thu Sep 03 05:56:18 -0700 2009 5001345 69275 Gonzocook 1 5001499 How about Nava Thai in Wheaton? It's fairly family friendly, as long as your family is Thai friendly. For you, the floating market soup really is terrific. In Beltsville, which is pretty close to 50, you can hit up the many taquerias. I've really liked El Tapatio in the past, but there are a number of options, and there are some recents posts about a newer place. In Crownsville, not too far from 50, I really like Lures. They have a nice patio, so consider this if the weather's great. Great beer list and very good food (sandwiches, etc.). Thu Sep 03 06:26:04 -0700 2009 5001345 13808 Jason1 1 5001515 Adams Ribs in Edgewater makes some really great ribs. It's probably a little too close to Annapolis though. Thu Sep 03 06:31:09 -0700 2009 5001345 132385 reiflame 1 5011170 Wanted to report on the first leg of the trip (out) - as maybe we'll explore some of the suggestions on the way back in. We got off to a slightly late start, but had Gillian Clark's General Store in mind (and printed out from G Maps). Nearing the exit I became sqeamish that the chicken might be cooked to order and thus take 20 minutes or more (a la Flavors). Both my wife and I had put out options for backup ahead of time, also incorporating Jason1's option into the mix. Ruan, Nava or try Max's. We went to Max's, thinking it was the most surefire to keep away Mr. Grumpy (the villian that takes over our daughter when hungry), and thinking it would be quick. There was a logistical issue with our 1/2 schwarma and falafel plate, but the kids stuff came out quick. WOW. I now LOVE LOVE LOVE Max's. My falafel plate was outstanding, and while the falafel itself was good, the mix of stuff on the plate was tremendous (hot, garlic, salad, cucs, cabbage, tahini, probably a couple of other things I can't remember at the moment). But - I would love to hear more about the experience at Gillian Clark's. If we can't/don't do it on the way back from this trip, we'll probably want to try it out before long on a Saturday evening or such. Thanks for all recs - as we draw closer to leaving we might checkout one of the edgewater/annapolis area offerings. The stay at the beach house is dominated by each of us taking turns cooking for the rest - including raw materials brought from our homes and gardens. Eating out will probably take a greater place as the days pass. Mon Sep 07 11:22:56 -0700 2009 5001345 11368 Dennis S