Saturday, October 22, 2011

Persimmon


I had set really high expectations for Persimmon before going there. It's been on my short list of places to eat in the Bethesda area, where plates push towards the $30 dollar range. I guess I have high expectations anywhere the entrees are almost $30.

Walking in, my expectations started to fall flat, taking in the decor, that looks like its needed a total revamp for twenty years. I think it might be the color on the walls, and the dated seat upholstery, the ceiling and the bar area, but it does not live up to standards I would have set for a place that's so highly rated. That's fine though.. I'm here for the food, but in the all too true saying that we eat with our eyes, I believe  the atmosphere sets the tone even before our plates arrive.

The same goes for the waitstaff. I know we went on a Sunday, and it was just after the Sunday diner special time where you can get 3 courses for the price of an entree ($30)... so I don't know if the B team is working or what, but I felt like the staff, while extremely courteous and mildly helpfuly, seemed unkempt. Between the decor I mentioned earlier and the staff's unkempt uniforms, I was feeling borderline dirty for a place that's suppose to be higher end. Why mildly helpful? I hate when a patron ask which item is better of two and the waitstaff doesn't have an answer beyond they're both good. It's best to describe the dishes better and attempt to get some sort of idea which might be better for the person you're serving it too. That's how to make bigger tips in my book... but I digress.

So, on to the food..  The food was decent. All four of us were satisfied, but some more then others. I had high expectations, and they were not met I'm afraid. Maybe someday I'll give them another shot.. but with so many choices in this area.. it might be a long time till I do.


Atlantic Bouillabaisse with Saffron and Red Pepper Aioli

I went for the bouillabaisse. Having had this at BlackSalt (my favorite restaurant) which left me flushed, I had to compare. It was good, but no where near the level at BlackSalt. I found some of the seafood a little overcooked, and the broth was decent, but I thought it could be a lot more complex with flavors when it seemed very one note.. and that note was oyster sauce. It didn't speak to me.


Pan Seared Organic Scottish Salmon with Artichokes, Exotic Mushrooms and Basil Risotto

My wife went for the Salmon. I think the side of risotto is what steered her there above the other options. The salmon was good well and she enjoyed it. The risotto was OK, but not perfectly executed and not full of flavor. We make risotto at home a lot, and this didn't live up to it. I believe it should exceed our abilities in this type of restaurant, as we are not trained chefs.


Molten Chocolate Cake & Coffee Ice Cream

We finished with the Molten Chocolate Cake and Ice Cream. There is something very unappetising to me about seeing the molding lines on my food... reminds me of plopping something out of a can, like cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving.. gross! Taste wise, it was good along with the ice cream and sauces on the plate.

Overall, everything was pretty good, but no where near the bar I set for them. It was not the romantic little bistro I was hoping for.. maybe they can make some small changes to get there and I could make this my neighborhood place.. but for now, I'll be having my romantic diners elsewhere.

Persimmon Restaurant

7003 Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6106
(301) 654-9860

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Taste of DC - Recap


Had a great time at The Taste of DC yesterday. If you're looking for something to do today, I highly recommend getting over to 13th and Penn NW an check it out. The earlier you get there, the better. As the day went on it got more and more packed. We arrived just before noon in hopes of turning the outing into a lunch trip. They had some troubles with the ticket booth, and seemed fairly unorganized, but we eventually got our food tickets from Will Call and started hitting up the booths. I suggest getting tickets online, as the lines for purchasing tickets were much longer then the lines for picking up tickets paid for online. There are no more earlier bird tickets, so basically you can buy packs of 10 tickets for 15 a pack.. $1.50 a ticket.  http://www.thetasteofdc.org/


The first place we hit up was Luke's Lobster, and their sample lobster role at 5 tickets was not a lot of food, but one really tasty treat. The bun was buttered and grilled on the spot, chuck full of big pieces of lobster, lightly seasoned. It was delicious. Definitely hit up their booth.


The next stop was the Co. Co. Sala, a restaurant that specializes in chocolate. What you see here is their bacon mac and cheese tart with chocolate bacon on top. It was a very interesting combination that really worked well and was quite a treat! I believe it was only 2 tickets.


Ready for something filling, one of the biggest plates for your tickets was at Mayur Kabab. For just 2 tickets, they gave us a Samosa with a side of chickpea malasa. The samosa was a little cold for me, and I like a lot more spices in mine, but it was pretty good, albeit on the blander side of Indian and Pakistani food for me. It will probably appeal to the more common eater, who may have never given Indian food a chance. It's one of my favorites though.


It wouldn't have been a complete day without a stop at the Amsterdamn Falafel shop. For 4 tickets, they gave you a pita filled with hummus and cucumber salad, and one falafel ball. You can sauce it yourself with some Dutch mayo and Tahini. It was delicious and hit the spot.


This lamb burger with feta and tzatziki sauce for 5 tickets was another item we got to get filled up before hitting the wine and beer tasting tent. Delicious and filling, offered at the Yamas Mediterranean Grill booth.


Before leaving, we hit up Co. Co. Sala again for their desert offering. This 2 ticket treat was out of this world. Layers of chocolate moose and sauce, topped with a piece of chocolate, it was a highlight for the desserts.

These 2 wines were our favorites in the wine area:



Lastly, in the alcohol area, hit up the Divine chocolate booth. For 2 tickets you get a sample of chocolate and a whole 3.5oz bar of chocolate. One of the steals of the day!



I've only just touched on all the options there were. There is something for everyone! Head out there today and have a great time! Get there early or risk long lines. We missed out on the Waffle Shop's booth because the line was really long, but their waffles looked amazing, so look for them early if you want to try their stuff.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Amsterdam Falafel Shop

Walking down the streets of Adams Morgan, this flag might catch you off guard, but no, it is not our local porn shop. That is the flag of Amsterdam, and this is the Amsterdam Falafel Shop!


When I was first introduced to the idea of falafel, I did not think I would be interested, but the Amsterdamn Falafel Shop made me a believer! This just might be my absolute favorite fast food in the area. If you are ever in Adams Morgan and looking for something to eat that's ready quick, this is the first place I would reccomend! Heck, if you're not in the area, and you want the best falafel, it's worth the drive!


For those of you new to this whole falafel thing, falafel is pureed chickpeas, mixed with herbs and spices, formed into a ball and deep fried. They serve them in a pita and then let you go to town with toppings from the self serve bar.

When you get your pita, the first thing you need to do is squeeze the pita closed, and flatten all those falafel balls so you can put in more toppings. Don't worry, this isn't cheating, it's suggested and recommended by the shop. Sometimes I'll pull one out of the pita just to make more room... now that might be breaking the rules... oops.


Once you're ready, there are a multitude of delicious toppings. Everything from hummus (also made from chickpeas) and baba ganoush (eggplant) to pickled beats, cucumber salad, hot peppers.. the list goes on... just see what looks good to you and give it a try! There's a poster on the wall to fill you in on what the choices are when you're there.


Once you have all your toppings, finish it off with some garlic cream and tahini sauce...  it's so good, You'll forget you just ate something vegetarian.... not that there's anything wrong with vegetarian food..  ahem.

Get yourself some Amsterdam Falafel and you'll be thanking me forever! They just started franchising this place, and if I could, I'd bring one to my own neighboorhood. This place is really going to take off, so don't be surprised if you find one in your neck of the woods soon! Get out and enjoy! Open late night for post-drinking eats!

2425 18th Street Northwest
Washington D.C., DC 20009