Maple Ave Restaurant

Sometimes you come across a restaurant that you come in with trepidation and leave with your tastebuds rejoicing. This is what happened to me last Saturday. I know it has been months since I posted on my blog, but why not get back into the swing of things for Spring?

A friend of mine told me his mom highly recommended this new, barely 7 month-old restaurant in the heart of little Vienna, VA and told us to try it immediately. We agreed, and took our trek to the tiny restaurant. If you blink, you could miss it and parking is a bit awkward. Arriving with a 7:15 reservation the room was packed and people with a 7:00 reservation had been waiting before us. I noticed some were just starting dessert and I was starving. The owner suggested going to their newly opened bar section and I quickly obliged. As drinks were offered to us a gorgeous crustini bread platter arrived with the most delicious butter I have ever tasted. Pumpkin butter spread- I could eat it plain, although the health ramifications would be many.

We ended up trying the Pan-Fried Potstickers, with a great soy-based sauce that was mouth-watering then moved on and got not one but two orders of Mussels- try them they are drenched in a to die for coconut broth. Still hungry, we ordered the Spanish Dumplings, which were authentic and scrumptious. Last, we had Thai Okra, which were not your typical Okra, it was drizzled with a spicy sauce and the Okra seemed flash-fried and not as crunchy as if it was not dipped in cornmeal. I liked it, just took some getting used to!

Entrees were a tough decision but I chose the Bulgogi Wrap which is described as, "Sweetly marinated ribeye thinly sliced served in a pita wrap topped with kimchee puree." My friend enjoyed the Dr. Pepper Short Ribs which is "Braised boneless short ribs, stoneground grits, pickled seasonal vegetables" and both were exceptional. It is the dessert that took the cake, pun intended.

Specially flown in Hawaiian ice cream wrapped in rice cake called "Mocchi" then moved on to the rich, decadent Chocolate Dumplings and finished the night off with some Beignets and icecream. My mouth was in heaven and if I had another stomach or a larger one I could have had more, maybe some specialty hot chocolate. The only disappoint was that they ran out of the duck confit spring rolls, so that is a reason to come back as soon as possible. It is a must eat!

Nothing Fishy About this Sushi Hot Spot

Choosing a place to go to lunch with your significant other's sister is usually a bit unnerving in itself, but choosing a sushi place in DC could have been worse. On the contrary, I have heard from friends and co-workers Cafe Asia is not only affordable but fun. I gave it a shot and headed on down to 1720 I street. The place was crowded, good sign, and the hostess looked busy taking people to their seats and placing reservations via phone. We sat down and immediately got served by an adorable waiter. Looking around I noticed it was not your typical crowd of suits- this time it was 20-30 year-old up-and-comers gnoshing on delicacies in green chairs and steel-looking tables.

Not only is the service top notch, but the environment is fun, hip and young professional, so you feel more in your age element. Only JCREW bowties here. We ordered pretty much everything on the menu, but the Ninja Roll comes highly recommended. I ate my way through Sashimi and some special order sushi- not even leaving the ginger on the plate. There is no doubt in my mind, I am definitely going back.

BlackFinn swims into DC come Fall 2009...

Although the restaurant is a chain across the country I am pleased they are opening in the Fall. It is right off I Street- between 16th and Connecticut. They have a plethora of apps, salads, sandwiches that make me hungry as we speak.

For instance, the "Porkopolis" claims there is "No room for lettuce on this burger!" It is a signature BlackFinn Burger topped with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, pulled BBQ pork, honey cured ham, sliced sweet pickles, coleslaw and applewood smoked bacon on a grilled bulky roll.

OK, I am in. I ordered my grand opening tickets.