Peking Gourmet Inn

Peking Gourmet Inn

6029 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
703-671-8088
http://www.pekinggourmet.com/

Map
December 21, 2008
Cuisine: Chinese
Location: Falls Church, VA
Price: $$$

Service:10

Atmosphere: 8

We finally tried this restaurant after it was recommended to both of us over the course of about 6 months. It is located on a strip mall on Leesburg Pike and not too hard to find. A hostess greets you immediately as you walk in. We were seated right away, which was surprising seeing how busy they were (impressive for a Sunday night). The walls are lined with signed pictures of military personnel who have eaten there. Even more impressive are the pictures of celebrities with the owners as you walk in (most with George Bush Jr. and Sr.).

Our waitress was sooooo sweet. She really seemed to enjoy her job and was genuinely devoted to providing a positive experience. We ordered the Peking Duck, which was very popular among many in the dining room. It arrives whole and is carved tableside. The skin is separated from the meat. Our waitress very sweetly showed us how to make the wraps with the homemade pancakes and homegrown onions (a Chinese ‘burrito’ as she put it). The duck is served with a delicious hoisin sauce, onions, and sliced cucumbers. Everything wrapped up is scrumptious.

Dessert was amazing. We ordered the fried bananas dipped in toffee with sesame seeds. It is brought to the table with a bowl of ice water. Our waitress dipped the toffee bananas in the ice water to harden the toffee. Crispy, hot, and delicious.

Overall, fabulous food, with impeccable service and a great atmosphere. I have a feeling we got one of the better servers, but good all the same. Highly recommend!

Ray's the Steaks

Review: Ray’s the Steaks

1725 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
Map
(703) 841-7297

Cuisine: American

Price: $$$

Service: 5

Atmosphere: 6

December 2008


This restaurant is almost like a little secret in Rosslyn. Everyone knows about it but it’s not easy to find. The best way to look for it is by the Greenberry’s Coffee right next door. Once you find it, you’re in for a treat. They do not take reservations, so arrive expecting to wait at least half an hour, more if you’re a large party. We waited for 45 minutes on a Sunday for a two-top. What’s nice is you can go next door to a Mexican restaurant (Guajillo’s?) for a drink and some great ceviche while you wait.

The dining room seats 45 people and is clean and inviting, but not over-decorated by any means. There is an open kitchen. Good lighting. One thing that was a tad off-putting was the sign by the door from the owner saying not to ‘be mean’ to the staff if you cannot be sat right away.

Sundays are a good day to go (they open at 5), as they offer a prix-fixe menu for a very affordable price (starting at $25 for 3 courses). On the night we went, $5 per meal was given to a charity. Spicy cashews and bread are brought out along with water to tide you over. The Green and Caesar salads were both very tasty, as were the top sirloin and scallop dishes (nice to see seafood on the menu for non-meat eaters). A nice variety of desserts was offered on a what appeared to be a first-come, first-served basis (when they’re out, they’re out). The chocolate mousse was fabulous.

Overall, a nice, inviting, minimalist atmosphere with GREAT food at a great price. We didn’t love our table by the door. It was nice to be by the window, but a bit cold. Service was good, but a bit tainted by the ‘be nice or get out’ sign by the door. Definitely recommended to anyone who is looking for a fun, energetic, atmosphere with fresh, hot, tasty food.

2941

2941 Fairview Park Drive
Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 270-1500
http://www.2941.com/

Map and Directions

Cuisine: French

Price: $$$$

Service: 10

Atmosphere: 10

Sunday, November 9, 2008.

We went for dinner at 8pm. We were both very impressed by the atmosphere and setting of the restaurant. It’s interesting how it is so hidden by trees. You wouldn’t know it’s there unless someone told you. Complimentary valet is offered. The codfish ponds by the front door are very pretty. Our greeting at the door was very nice. A hostess opened the door for us. The maitre d’ was very pleasant. He confirmed the reservation and offered to take my coat. We sat in the main dining room with a nice view of the lake and fountain nearby. The tall ceilings and full-length windows were impressive. The tables do not have a candle or centerpiece.

There were 2 options on the menu—the 3-course prix fixe menu ($70) or the 7-course tasting menu available with wine pairings ($95; add about $50 for the wine pairings). We decided on the 3-course menu. After a beet and crème amuse bouche, I had foie gras for my appetizer and my girlfriend had the “earth and ocean”, which came with lamb meatballs and shrimp. It had Indian spices. This came with a nice selection of breads. For our entrees, I ordered the scallops, which the chef allowed me to select from the tasting menu. My girlfriend had the duck breast. I had a Riesling with my appetizer and my girlfriend had champagne. The sommelier came by to ask if we had any questions. She was not particularly helpful or friendly. We did notice Chef Chemel come out and greet a table. He seemed very nice.

After our main entrees, we ordered dessert. I had the goat cheese cheesecake and my girlfriend had the chocolate truffle. They were both amazing. The coffee service was also impressive. Each serving comes with a personal French press and silver dishes for sugar and cream. Light and dark roast are offered. There were many little unexpected treats from the kitchen. There was a nice custard before dessert and some petit-fours after dessert. Our server wrapped my girlfriend’s food and brought it out with a complimentary baguette to take home.

All in all, it was a fabulous experience. I would recommend 2941 to anyone who likes superior food in a gorgeous setting. The only criticism I have is that the food runners were often unsure as to which plates went where, probably due to lack of communication between them and our server.

A very nice treat at the end was when our server, Alex, offered to take us on a tour of the kitchen. It was great to be able to see behind the scenes. The kitchen was divided into pastry, seafood, and meat stations. Another nice surprise was the chef’s table, which is sat regularly.
Juan