The Lemongrass Beef Banh Mi at Song Que Deli

After leaving from one of my routine trips out to Tyson’s Corner Mall, I decided to knock another dish off my 40 eats list: the lemongrass bahn mi from Song Que Deli in Falls Church, VA.

As soon as I drove into the shopping center where Song Que is located, I felt like I had entered another world. There were nothing but Vietnamese restaurants and shops. Even the “streets” in the parking lot had been given Vietnamese names. Located at the very back of the shopping center, Song Que is packed full of Vietnamese groceries, snacks and delicacies. After taking a quick look around, I approached the counter to order up the lemongrass banh mi and an iced bubble tea.I’ve never tried banh mi before, so aside from knowing that it was a sandwich, I didn’t truly know what else to expect. But for a mere $3.95, I was more than willing to take the chance.  The banh mi was stuffed full of tender grilled beef, pickled carrots, daikon, onion, cilantro and jalepeno; all of which made for a great combination. I was seriously shocked by how flavorful and tender the beef was. And at such a great price, you get much more than your money’s worth. The thai iced bubble tea also helped to round out what was quite the nomaliscious experience. I’d definitely consider the lemongrass banh mi to be an essential eat! The flavor as well as the complete experience absolutely made this trip worth while.

 

@LifeandDimSum

Blue Crab and Rock Shrimp Fritters at Coastal Flats

Tyson’s Corner is my absolute fav mall. However, whenever I’m there I merely grab a bite to eat in the food court(or pop in Pinkberry) if I get bitten by the hunger bug while shopping. I’ve never eaten in one of the actual restaurants in the mall, so I’m glad this 40 dish challenge  prompted me to give Coastal Flats a try. 

Located on the lower level, in the same wing as the Barnes & Noble, Coastal Flats specializes in American fare. I took my mom along with me for this dish, so we snagged two seats at the bar and as soon as I got the menu I spotted the fritters under the appetizers and also ordered the spinach, parmesan & artichoke dip.The fritters come with a lobster ginger butter and grilled corn salsa. I love crab & shrimp, so to say I was excited, was an understatement.These little balls of fried seafood goodness were amazing! There were surprisingly huge chunks of shrimp and crab encased in the crispy shell that was perfectly crunchy and light. And the lobster ginger butter?? Divine! I’ll admit that I didn’t taste much ginger at all, but the sauce was just delicious. All 3 elements together made for the perfect little bite. I almost wish I didn’t have to share it with my mom, ha!

Are the blue crab and rock shrimp fritters an essential dish? Absolutely! I’ll definitely be stopping by Coastal Flats the next time I’m in Tyson’s Corner. And not just because of the food, but also because of the awesome service. Our server, Dacee was incredibly sweet and attentive! If you decide to head out there, I’d recommend sitting at the bar and asking for her; she was just that great!

Thank you Coastal Flats!

@LifeandDimSum

The Italian Sub at A. Litteri

What I’m enjoying most about the 40 essential dishes challenge, is getting to know the ins & outs of the food scene in DC. While most of the dishes are from newcomers to the city, there are a few that have been around for years; A. Litteri is one such hidden gem. Located at 517 Morse street, A. Litteri is a full scale Italian market. They carry everything from pasta to wine to more types of olive oils than you can imagine. The star here; however, is the deli section which is where I would find the heralded Italian sub.I ordered the 6″ sub on a soft roll, which will run you a whopping(sarcasm) $3.95.The sub is stacked with salami, capicola, mortadella, ham, provolone cheese and the fixins – lettuce, Italian dressing, oinions, hot pepper and tomato. You can also add additional toppings for a fee or free depending on what it is. I opted for mayo and oil & vinegar.The sub was stellar! The bread was so fresh and soft. And all the flavors worked perfectly together. This folks is a real deli sandwich and at such a great price it’s definitely a must try and essential eat!

After exploring A. Litteri for a while, I couldn’t leave with just the sandwich. I also picked up a thyme infused olive oil & the absolute cutest bottle of prosecco.

@LifeandDimSum

The Gelato at Pitango!

I love ice cream and all of its variations; whether it be custard, frozen yogurt, etc etc, I LOVE it! So with that said, it’s only natural that I was excited to see gelato make the Washington Post 40 Essential Eats list.

With 5 locations in the area, I’m shocked I had never been to Pitango! But now that I have, I’ll definitely be back for more. I visited their location at 1451 P St., which is pretty small but has a nice fresh/crisp feel. Every day they offer 16 flavors, all made fresh with organic ingredients. I appreciate the variety they offered with flavors such as bacio(chocolate-hazelnut), cardamom, chocolate chip and pistachio.

With the recommendation of the gelato server, I chose a cinnamon and coconut combo for $4.99.This gelato was SO good! I know it seems like I love everything(ha!) but seeing as these are supposed to be the essential eats in DC, I should love everything lol. The flavors were subtle yet well represented. The gelato was creamy and just all around nomaliscious(yep, I made that up). Considering the great weather we’re having today, I’d suggest you pop by the Pitango closest to you for a sample of this yummy frozen treat!

@LifeandDimSum

Fried Chicken w/ Spiced Salt & Basil from Jumbo Jumbo Cafe

As I write this post, my fingertips are still glistening with the grease from the fried chicken at Jumbo Jumbo Cafe. Okay, maybe not really, but I wish they were!

I grew up eating fried chicken and honestly had no idea what to expect from this dish at Jumbo Jumbo Cafe, a no frills Asian bistro located in a strip mall in Rockville, that is most widely known for their bubble teas.Soon as I entered the cafe, the aroma that hit my nose told me I’d be in for a treat.Feeling adventurous, and hungry, I ordered the fried chicken with ground pork and white rice. I was in a hurry, thanks to my dying cellphone, so I had to take my order to go. But everybody who knows anything about fried chicken, knows that you have to eat it fresh! That’s the only way you can judge whether it has that signature crunchiness that makes or breaks a great fried chicken.That means that I was left with no choice but to sit in my car, in the parking lot and steal a taste. Ohhh was I happy I did! The salty, peppery flavor was balanced out by the basil and cinnamon/star anise flavors from the 5 spice powder. And the juiciness?? If you’ve ever wondered what heaven tasted like, this chicken will get you pretty close. Every piece was serious golden brown deliciousness  And at $7.25 for enough food to put you in a food coma for the rest of the day, this dish is absolutely essential!

@LifeandDimSum

*Six dishes down, 34 to go!*

Pineapple Soda at Buffalo & Bergen

Soft drink. Soda pop. Pop. Soda.Whatever you call it, Union Market’s Buffalo & Bergen has taken it to a whole new level!

While hopping into my bar seat at the counter, I was instantly reminded of an old fashioned soda jerk at an apothecary. And rightfully so, since the owner and mixologist Gina Chersevani, says her inspiration came from old school New York soda shops. Buffalo & Bergen doesn’t only make sodas, they also carry cocktails, salads, bagels and a variety of knishes. Having eaten already, I went straight for the pineapple soda.  I’m not much for soda, I stick to water, green tea and mimosas, but the pineapple soda here is superb! I know that seems like an extreme adjective to use to describe a soda but this one is just that tasty! The pineapple flavor is so authentic, and there is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

While the ‘Big Ohh’ aka the orange and sassafras soda is the crowd fav, the pineapple is definitely not to be missed. Next time you find yourself perusing Union Market, stop by Buffalo & Bergen for a refreshing pineapple pop. 

 

@LifeandDimSum