Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Magda Nakassis

TWO AMYS
3715 Macomb Street NW
Washington, DC 20016
202-885-5700

There are a couple unpleasant things about 2 Amys, it must be said. They don’t take reservations, and it is often overrun with unruly children. But foodies can be parents too, and some things are worth waiting for. So suck it up, cause the pizzas that come out of this restaurant’s brick, wood-burning ovens are simply out of this world (metaphorically)… and from Naples (literally). 2 Amys serves “authentic” Neapolitan pizza—thin, puffy, light, fresh—that has been approved by the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association, the Italian organization that protects and promotes traditional Neapolitan pizza. And while you can’t miss out on 2 Amys’ “pizzes,” the rest of the menu—which includes a fine selection of salads, cheeses, and desserts—is worth sampling as well.

by Magda Nakassis

MAESTRO
1700 Tysons Boulevard
McLean, VA 22102
703-821-1515
Chef Fabio Trabocchi is the culinary maestro behind Tyson Corner’s Ritz-Carlton restaurant. He leads a staff of cooks (all equipped with headsets) that compose Maestro’s open kitchen—perhaps one of the most orderly, calming kitchens in the world. He is also the mastermind behind Maestro’s menu, which is divided into four themes: La Creazione (a tasting menu), La Tradizione (traditional fare), L’Evoluzione (a sort of adventurous fusion with European and Asian flavors) and I Colori dell’Orto (“the colors of the garden”). Sample from more than one section, or stick to what you know—but rest assured that you will leave Maestro delighted and sated. This elegant Italian dining room has won awards and star reviews from everyone who’s had the pleasure. You simply can’t go wrong

by Magda Nakassis

BOB’S 88 SHABU SHABU
316 N. Washington Street
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 294-5888
First, let’s get one thing clear: we’re talking about Bob’s 88, not Bob’s 66. Yes, across the street from each other are two Bob’s Chinese restaurants—both quite delicious. Bob’s 88 Shabu Shabu, however, specializes in Taiwanese hot pot. For those who have not had the pleasure, it’s a bit like Chinese fondue—but instead of melted cheese, diners have a simmering broth in which they can cook and eat just about anything, from cabbage to pig blood. Each diner has his own burner and pot in front of him, and all orders come with a generous plate of fish balls, shrimp cakes, mushrooms, noodles, tofu, onions, etc. Then you tack on whatever else: beef, lamb, squid, duck feet, whatever. You throw it into the broth and let it simmer, then fish it out and eat it with a dipping sauce—which you get to fix for yourself from a selection of chili sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, chopped leeks, garlic, fish sauce, Chinese barbeque sauce, etc. It’s a lot of food for your money, and even more fun. It’s only a matter of time before Bob’s 88 becomes one of the most popular restaurants around and all of DC gets hooked on hot pot.

by Jenny Bengen

Jack’s La Jolla
7863 Girard Avenue
San Diego, CA 92037
(858) 456-8111
This beautiful, formal restaurant in the heart of downtown La Jolla has a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Opened in 2006, Jack’s is a collection of classy bars and dining areas. A loungy piano bar on the lower level is filled most nights with sophisticated singles or couples sipping enjoying drinks and appetizers, and the upstairs level takes on a nightclub feel after 10:30. In the dining room area upstairs, a beautiful, airy atrium sets the stage for a dining experience which is difficult to match in San Diego. There are actually three dining areas, all of which offer a view of the bar areas or courtyard down below. The menu a fusion of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, with offerings such as fresh goat cheese, foie gras and Jidori Chicken and Poached Lobster.

by Russell Stacey

THE ENZIAN THEATER
1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751
(407) 629-0054
Showtimes vary according to film being shown.
A typical romantic date is usually wrapped up in a simple night of dinner and a movie. But why not combine the two? That’s what the Enzian Theater has done and now they are what hopeless romantics dream about. Weeping oaks surround the theater and a bubbling fountain welcomes every guest. This unique movie-going experience, offered at The Enzian, provides sneak peeks at first-run independent films, along with a variety of special events. A serious wait staff is available, and the menu ranges from burgers and pizza to luxurious pastas and salads. The theater offers four tiered levels to ensure that every seat in the house has excellent viewing pleasure. Tables for two and four are provided for up to 250 people at each show. If you’re hungry for new and different films, not to mention great food, visit The Enzian.

by Jim Phillips

SADIE’S (New Mexican)
http://www.sadiessalsa.com/ 6230 Fourth St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 345-5339 

Located just a few blocks north of it’s original location (a North Valley bowling alley), Sadie’s is an undoubted Albuquerque dining tradition. Their down home New Mexican favorites are served fresh from the kitchen and topped generously with Sadie’s signature chile. Red or green, your choice. Just remember, whether you choose to enjoy a plate of carne adovada enchiladas in the dining room or outdoor patio or just have some chicken taquitos and chilled margaritas in the bar, no visit to Sadie’s would be complete without a basket of fresh, hot sopapillas with honey.

by Judy Asman

EL MARIACHI
650 N. Tustin St.
Orange, CA 92867
714-532-4001

For an authentic Mexican experience, this place can’t be beat. One specialty is the siete mares, a seafood soup that consists of tomato stock and scampi style shrimp. The flame-broiled fajitas are also good standard fare. The Tlapaque Plaque musicians and various Latin bands play on the weekends when things really start hopping. The deep booths and large tables are very popular with the customers, many of whom come to celebrate anniversaries and weddings. The atmosphere is casual, the live entertainment authentic and spirited. During the week, lunch specials range from $3.25 to $4.50 and general menu prices from $4.95 to $10.95. On weekends, when there is entertainment, the food prices include the show and range from $14.95 to $19.95.