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.