Matchbox Chinatown Sunday Lunch Report

[helenahimm]

The brunch Menu didn't get my attention so we went straight to the regular Menu.

Bill: 39.60 (after tax + tip) (no drinks, 2 people)

I just wanted fizzy wine and the waiter couldn't come up with something similar to Gragnato... so i skipped them drinks...

Items:

Cream of Crab Soup
3 Miniburgers
1 Small Pizza Pepperoni
1 Pecan Pie

Soup= too much oregano & parsley flavours got on top of the crab cream that was more soup than cream. Good amount of Crab lumps and well seasoned.

Burgers= you can order 3, 6 or 9 miniburgers, 3 is enough for 1 person who plans to share dessert and/or have drinks afterwards. I asked the waiter if their well done was juicy (he smiled and said "impossible") I told him it is not impossible with a smile as well and said, then plase make it medium-well... All a waste because still the burgers came all dry, had ketchup with every single bite, except for the one I ordered with Gorgonzola, the cheese was extremely salty and melted so no need for Ketchup. Smoked Gouda is the best option since the Mozarella just worked for texture in the burger... a Slice of pickles and no vegetables in my burgers, that made me sad =(. They served these burgers topped with a HUGE mountain of curled fried onion rings that I tasted but that's it, you can't eat it with your fork because it breakfas apart and it is uncomfortable to try with your hands, it was like eating spaghetti with your fingers. But the bread saved the burgers, buttery, toasty, yum...

Partner ordered Pepperoni Pizza (we love 2 Amys, Paradiso, thinks Flipping Pizza is ok but would never drive to Falls Church just for that pizza, and also love ITalian Store, hate Listranis and think Piola is good with a coupon). The crust was thin, but not cracker texture so we actually enjoy it and the balance of the sauce, and a lot, (A LOT) of pepperoni lol, makes this pizza double think before going to Ellas in Chinatown. However, again the Oregano slap on the face.. too much.

Pecan Pie with Bourbon Caramel & Vanilla Gelato= No I am not a Pecan Pie person, but wanted to take a risk, the top of the pie was great (it was presented in some sort of wide ramekin) the filling was lumpy and bizarre, the crust was tasteless and i don't think I will order this dessert again. The Gelato was fine, (personal taste I like more ice cream with my pie). The Caramel was interesting, I think a Salty caramel would go better for a nicer contrast with so much sweet coming from the icecream and pie. I prefer Rum Caramels, but again a matter of taste.

Many would think I complain too much, but this was a $8.00 slice of pie, in compare to $13.00 Pizzza, $6.00 Crab Soup and $9.00 3 Miniburgers with Cheese... so there you go =)
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Afterwards went to the Wizards game and had a Corona with cashews... always beer, shame on me =D

Peace

[Steve]

Too bad you didn't go to a Capitals game, they could have used those mini-burgers.

I think you'd need 'instant replay' to determine the difference between medium-rare and overcooked in the precious world of mini-burgers. I can't imagine ordering them medium-well.

[helenahimm]

You are right, I should have seen the whole size thing... My partner insists in telling always to waiters, PInk in the middle... as if it was an option to order a burger.. I guess I will have to try that one the next time lol.

Do you use Twitter Mr. Steve?

[Steve]

I signed up in order to contact a long-lost friend. I don't use it, but now I get a new e-mail announcement every day that yet another total stranger is following me on Twitter.

They used to call this 'stalking.'

To keep this on-topic, you really need to try Luzmilla's sometime for the tongue, steak a la pobre (the 'expensive' $12 steak on the menu), plus they have really good lunch specials for cheap. It is right up your alley.

[helenahimm]

Luzmilla will be then.

I have Date night on Friday and I am still thinking where to go, and afterwards we are looking for a dancing place, Arlington area is difficult to find these in the same area I think... so I think I will have to try DC.

What about fried Heart. and Pickled Pigs Feet, like Ceviche taste... do you think there are place in this area I could find these dishes? I feel Homesick

[Steve]

There are two 'roulade' dishes at Luzmilla's. Both are served like a cold salad with a vinegar dressing. One is a ham and pork roll (for the less adventurous), and the other is the same with head cheese added. Or maybe you could call it souse. Both dishes are enormous, enough for a small army. Very, very good, though I think it's best to share this with about eight friends.