Lauri "Tricksy Hobbitses" N.'s Profile

I joined the Energy Club back in September, and I couldn't be happier.  Having just moved California, where gyms are plentiful, I have to say, this one is a cut above anything I experienced out West.   The space is airy and well-lit, I have never had to wait for any machine, and the fringe benefits are great.  The locker rooms are top-notch with free towels, shampoo, conditioner, Q-tips, etc.  The peak hours are generally M-W, 6-8pm, but it is NOTHING compared to the shenanigans I endured in San Diego.  Missing are the long waits, the continuously broken equipment, and the smell of hot and cold feet.  Energy Club is clean, friendly, and has great ammenities (including a social aspect for those interested).  Highly recommended.

2.5 Stars, were that an option.  

I live right near this location, so I have had occassion to frequent the establishment.  I have to say, it's not terrible, but it's just not great.  The flavors are a bit bland, the pasta was just kind of lackluster.  The pizzas are decent, but I am sure you could get better elsewhere.  I'd have to agree with the review stating the pre-dinner rolls were great.  They most certainly were.  

Does this mean I will stop coming by Bertucci's?  Heck no!  I'm lazy!  I'll be back, but I'll stick to the pizzas if I am too sad sack to walk elsewhere nearby.  Just kind of "meh."

I work right near this delightful Thai restaurant, so I can only speak to the lunch menu.  

As such, I love the Drunken Noodles here.  I alternate between the Chicken and Tofu varieties, and couldn't be happier with either.  The atmosphere is great, the service has always been quick and friendly, and the food is delicious.  

I would have to agree that the spiciness is a little lacking.  I generally order things at about a 7, but was a little disappointed in the lack of kick.  The flavors are there, but the heat is a tad low.  I knocked off one star for that, otherwise it would have been a 5-star rating for me.

Delicious Greek cuisine, with a beautiful garden patio hidden from the street.  I have been here a few times, and was delighted each time.  I went for Sunday brunch the first time (although I ordered off the menu, vice opting for the buffet).  I really enjoyed my Chicken Souvlaki.  My mom and sister ordered a crab salad in an avocado, which was even more impressive.  I completely recommend that, if it is a special again!  We sat on the patio, which was in full bloom and not too hot.  

I love Old Town for these hidden gems!  Absolutely recommended (although I would opt out of the buffet, and go with something on the menu).

I wandered into this shop as the last stop of a Walking/Dining Tour of Old Town (which was amazing, by the way).  We had Blackberry Sage Tea and a jellyroll cake, which was delightful, but only the beginning.

I marveled at the jars upon jars of loose-leaf teas and coffee beans.  It was truly an experience.  I felt like I had walked into a turn of the century apothecary, and couldn't have been happier to be there.

The owners are incredibly dedicated to tea/coffee, and more importantly, to finding exactly what you want.  I was introduced to some new tea that I would have never thought to try, and have become a devotee.  

Hands-down the best tea in the DC area.  I smelled over 20 different teas, and walked out with a pound of loose-leaf, in 4 varieties.  The chocolate chai is especially delicious.  I learned a lot visiting this shop, and will absolutely be back before too long.  

Highly recommended!

I live right next to this place, so it could be said that I frequent it more than I should.  

The Tomato Basil soup is delicious on a cold day, and hard to beat for the price.

Sandwiches are a tad disappointing, but mainly because the prices are a tad high for what you are getting.  That being said, the Tandoori Chicken sandwich is tasty, but it would probably be best to request that the chicken be warmed up first.  Just a recommendation.

I do love their Mojito Lemonade.  It is just interesting enough to make it worth the $2 you are paying for it.  And I kept thinking it would be even more delicious if it was transformed into a post-work cocktail.  Hmmm.  Idea.

This review is for Brabo's Tasting Room.  

The decor is chic: white walls with some interesting pieces on the wall.  It is clean and light, which I almost always enjoy.  

The tasting menu was interesting, and my friend and I delighted in sampling some more interesting varietals.  I have to say, I was impressed with the scope of the tasting menu (and I just moved from California) and the friendy, knowledgable wait staff.  

The food menu is simple, but also simply delicious.  The mussels were tempting, but my friend and I went with the fire-grilled pizzas, which hit the spot.  I got the duck, which was delicious, and paired well with the wine I was drinking.

Overall, a wonderful place to discover your new favorite wine.  I will certainly be back!

I lived here for a year (April 2006-2007), and it was a complete nightmare.  Sure, it is glitzy and the kitchen was amazingly big with all the upper crust ammenities, but it wasn't enough to make up for the terrible managment.  

The trains are loud.  At midnight and 3 am.  Ridiculously, brain-shatteringly loud.  

The management that I worked with have since fled the area, but were a complete disaster.  My roommate and I had to threaten litigation to get our safety deposits back.  They finally buckled, but what a ridiculous rigamaroll.  

The washer/dryer combination is a nightmare: I ended up taking my clothes to a laundromat every two weeks, which is completely stupid when you have a supposed washer/dryer in your unit.  It also had a leak in it, which managed to soak everything in the closet, thus ruining at least $300 worth of our belongings.  No reparations were made by the management, shocking.

The building was pretty slapped together: the ceiling was cracking already (and they were brand new!), and the pipes in the bathroom and kitchen weren't even connected!  Talk about a little shock while doing the dishes for the first time.  

My roommate was trapped in the elevator twice, and the management would not call the fire department, but INSISTED on calling the free elevator repair guy who lived out in BFE somewhere.  She was trapped for over an hour, both times.  Lovely.

The pool is beautiful, and had an amazing view (which will be blocked by the impending building going up).  The location is great (sans the train noise).  Other than that, this place is ridiculously expensive for what you actually get.

This place is the BEST!  I have searched (in vain, admittedly) for a little taste of my trip to the Middle East.  Schwarma is about the best post-drinking food, maybe on Earth (or tied with a California Burrito), which means they are amazing comfort food for any time of day.  Mama's definitely delivered on the magical combination of delicious to create the best schwarma I have this side of the Nile.  Seriously, all of their dishes are flavorful and perfectly seasoned.  My chicken was tender and melt-in-your mouth good.  My friend got the dolma wrap and was equally delighted.  The "ambiance" is perfect too- a walk up window accompanied with a shaded patio for your dining pleasure.  

I will be back!  And I might beg Mama to adopt me this time.

All right, first thing's first: this is not frozen yogurt that tastes like ice cream.  This is the froyo that tastes like yogurt, but frozen, hence the name.  

That said, it is really good if you like the more tart flavors.  The original is the old standby, and while I didn't enjoy the coffee flavor, I really did love the pomegranate delectability around the holidays.  Plus, you can get 2 flavors swirled together, which is a little slice of heaven in my book.  Their berries are always super sweet and ripe, and I have bypassed every other topping in favor of their berry goodness.  

The staff are usually pretty friendly, and the seating is ample (comparatively) for your fro-yo-ing needs.  

I dig it, and it is only a couple blocks away, which makes it that much better!