Jeffrey "You may have to age but do not have to mature" K.'s Profile

The staff here is great.  They interact with the little kids as well as they interact with the big kids -- and are as knowledgeable about the games for little kids too.  They are always happy to lend some advice and also to "help" the parents convince their kids choice of game may not be the best and help to steer them to something more appropriate.

I was outside, enjoy a beautiful day in November, and taking a nice long walk during lunch when I came upon this corner of the village and as I got closer, I was mesmerized by the wonderful scents that were wafting my way.  Smelled like steak, so I followed my nose to this busy but otherwise unassuming cart.

I get to the cart and it seems like they are making classic Mexican street fare that would made a southern Cali native proud.  I ordered the carne asada taco and took it  back to the office.  The flavors were spot on and the steak was tender.

When the weather warms up again, I look forward to taking a walk back over here again for more wonderful treats.

How can something so tasty, so fresh and made with such high quality ingredients be so bad for you?  These are the absolute best doughnuts I've ever had the pleasure to sink my teeth into.  So even though these are awesome, we all know what they can do to a person . . . and although I try to walk past here as often as possible, there are some mornings where I just can't help myself.  I NEED a fresh coconut cream doughnut or a tres leche to start my day.  And their coffee is so good too -- it just works so well with these doughnuts.

And although I've been to both of their locations, this one is the one to go to because you can actually sit down in here and enjoy your snack in a comfortable atmosphere.

I've been to this truck a couple of times in the past few weeks, but have mainly gone to them for their yummy Belgian frites which are very good.  While I've had their burgers, they aren't as good as at least one other neighborhood truck that I've been into.  I'll come back for the frites and would like to try the sweet potato fries as well, but I'll go elsewhere for the burger to go with the fries.

The "new and improved" RVC Lanes is looking GREAT!  The business was bought a few years ago and they have been investing lots of time, and I assume, money into modernizing the old alleys.  They've done a great job, and have touched just about every interior section of the alley's so far . . . and I gather they will be taking down what remains of the carpeting on the walls sometime soon.

Hoping that they update and exterior when they finish the interior just to compliment the beautiful work they've done on the inside.

This is certainly a unique fusion . . . one I've never thought of before, so I decided to give it a try.

So I got online and ordered the three Korean marinated beef tacos that were topped with traditional taco ingredients along with kimchi.  The kimchi was definitely a unique topping.  The beef was marinated nicely and was tasty and all of the ingredients fresh.  And although I have never had kimchi before, I believe that it was good and fresh . . . just not sure if I appreciated it as a taco topping.

Would I come back?  Yes!  Am I in a rush to come back?  Not really.  Lots of good trucks out there and plenty worth exploring.

This, by far, is the best hamburger you'll experience that comes out of a food truck.  And it definitely can hold it's own against any of the premium burger places you can think of.

The truck was happily parked in front of my office building, so I got in line, filled out their laminated menu card and patiently awaited my burger.  I ordered the burger of the week -- a Southwest Fusion Burger -- with the Belgian Frites.

The Southwest Fusion Burger included "spicy" guacamole (not terribly spicy), jack cheese, sweet chili sauce and bacon.   All of the ingredients were spot on and of what seems to be the highest quality.  

I couldn't get enough of this burger and if common sense didn't kick in, I would have gone back for seconds.  Really!  I still have the scent of this burger all over my hands as I type this . . . yum!

The Belgian frites were very good . . . I ordered it with the garlic aioli (I love garlic).  It was good, but it was basically mayo with garlic mixed in.  I'd rather try one of their other sauces next time . . . something with more kick to it -- but this fact does NOT lessen the all around quality of this lunchtime wagon.

I came across this truck last week when Mastercard was doing a promotion with them and they were handing out free falafel sandwiches.  I was told this was a good truck, so I grabbed one, took it back to the office and enjoyed a nice free lunch.

Came back to the truck today, and they had an even bigger line than when they were giving away sandwiches.  I noticed they were offering the Harissa Falafel today, so I inquired about it.  Upon learning that this was a more spicy version of their green falafel (spicy = tasty), I signed right up for it . . . with "everything".  I have to say, that this is one of the best falafel sandwiches I have had in a very long time.  The flavors of the tahini, chili sauce, peppers and pickled cabbage marry together well and give a great taste sensation.

The price is reasonable for a New York lunch and I look forward to visiting again for another Harissa.  Although it is my understanding that this, unfortunately, is not a regular menu item . . . it should be.

Not a lot needs to be said about these hallowed ground.  It is full of heroes and we need to thank each an everyone of them for what we have and cherish in our daily lives here in the USA.

With that being said, the ground are beautiful and peaceful.  You could walk through / around here for hours in awe.  When in DC this is a place that should not be missed.  And above all, when you are here, do not even think of missing a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers -- just to be there to see the Old Guard guarding the tomb and the ceremony which goes along with the changing of the guard . . . every hour, just can blow you away.

NOTE: although the cemetery closes at night, the guard is there night and day, through all kinds of weather, standing guard and "walking the mat" to honor our unknowns.  Amazing to see!

I was debating between three and four stars . . . although I was truly leaning towards three, because this line of hotel brand doesn't usually deserve more, I had to remember and take into account its proximity to the green line Metro station.  Driving into town, I passed by a bunch of hotels throughout town, and finally came to my hotel.

This hotel is both a motel style -- with drive-up rooms and rooms in the "tower" -- a four story building across from the reception desk / lobby.  Interesting configuration.  I opted for the drive up, ground level, motel style room.  They offer all-day coffee and continental breakfast in the lobby.

I am quite familiar with Choice Hotels and the Quality Inn brand, so I wasn't expecting much, didn't need much and got what I expected and wanted . . . a clean room, relatively comfortable bed (and pillows), and perhaps an internet connection.  The room was a bit dated and it's definitely no-frills, but comfortable regardless.  My only problem with my stay were the very loud (I assume drunk), guys who were speaking very loudly outside of my room at who knows what time of the morning for at least a half-hour.

The best part of staying here are the low rates, and the proximity to the College Park green line Metro station.  It is the closest of the local hotels to the metro which is a big plus when you are trying to save a buck by not staying in downtown DC, but you need to be in the district for business or pleasure.  It's a 1/2 hour ride away, and the only hotel which is walking distance from the station.  And an even bigger plus is that although I checkout of the hotel in the morning, they had no problem letting me leave my car there while I spent the morning / afternoon in downtown DC.

Summary . . . brand name hotel, clean.  No frills, but close to the metro give it an extra star, while keeping your costs down.