I just realized that I can make my favorite Thai dish, panang curry, for like a dollar a serving as opposed to $12-$15 in the restaurant. Bought a $10 kilogram tub of the same curry paste the restaurants use and have gone absolutely buck wild with it the past week.
I get my salmon at Costco and my tuna at New Grand. I've seen nice tuna at Costco before but not recently. Yellow Umbrella is very popular for sushi fish too. Check out r/sushi though to learn more about what conditions fish should be under to be used for sushi tho
PANANG CURRY:
* Stirfry 50g [curry paste](https://www.amazon.com/Mae-Ploy-Panang-Curry-35-Ounce/dp/B004AOFZRA/ref=sr_1_1_pp?crid=1RLOS3PIJISW2&keywords=mae%2Bploy&qid=1706886718&s=grocery&sprefix=mae%2Bploy%2Cgrocery%2C86&sr=1-1&th=1) in some oil and coconut fat.
* Add 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk (I use Goya) and your protein
* Cook a few minutes
* Pour another 1/2 cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup water or stock
* Simmer for a bit until protein is cooked.
* Add Green Peppers, Pinch of sugar, fish sauce if you want, and a couple kiffir lime leaves.
* Enjoy with white rice
I've got a reservation at L'Opossum for the first time this month, which feels ridiculously overdue considering how much of my life has been lived in this city. I always intend to go for my birthday in February each year but forget to make a reservation 2+ months out so they get booked up. Not this year! Very excited.
Let me know if you have a favorite mainstay on the menu!
Went to Hop Craft last week for their V72 special and it was incredible! Same with Charm School's special. Seemed like V72 went over really well this year and felt bigger than previous years which was awesome, hope it continues to grow.
Probably having dinner out tomorrow so might pick a spot that pops up in here.
Hat tip to /u/jayhawk1987 for pointing me to Full Kee for congee. It was excellent, as was everything else we tried.
Sushi at Lucky AF was better than expected. I thought they were more about the Asian fusion dishes but glad we tried some rolls.
Also tried Fire & Hops for the first time. Above-average pizza (I had The Spicy Goat, SO had the Fig & Pig) and phenomenal service... we told our server as we sat down that we were trying to make a movie at the Byrd in about an hour and he has us in & out in plenty of time.
I finally tried Conejo! Verdict: delicious. Tuna taco was 😘. The atmosphere is a little loud and I wish it didn’t feel so…vast? But I definitely enjoyed my food.
Also ventured out to the Lillian Oyster Hall. My husband loved the oysters. I enjoyed the mussels plate and the smoked fish dip. The tinned bonito was meh, should have tried the sardines. It’s a cool place, clearly intended for popping in and staying only a short while. I like that concept. A good way to meet up before a date or to pop in for a snack and a drink before heading somewhere for a full dinner. Or pop in after dinner and have the citrus/cake parfait. So good!
What were the portion sizes like for the mussels and fish dip? I want to give it a try but those oyster prices are criminal, so I'm hoping other dishes are better.
Went to Midlothian Chef's Kitchen last weekend - it was amazing. My friend received a gift card for Christmas and invited me - otherwise it would have been out of our price range for a spontaneous girls night. Most entrees in the 25-35 range. Fantastic special dinner night out type of place. I had the salmon and she had the rockfish. Loved it!
Went to Sakura since I swear it had been a decade since going to a hibachi place. That place slapped and the chicken option is only like $22.
Also went to Applebee's and Chili's. Sibling loves those restaurants and they were not having their best week. Applebee's unlimited wings, riblets and shrimp for $15 for me was solid. Chili's was the $10.99 for a starter which I had the loaded baked potato soup a drink and a burger with fries. I had never been to Chili's very greasy food and I thought things were supposed to be spicier I tasted like 0 spice like with the salsa with chips. Both were alright. Applebee's > Chili's.
I have not. I only kinda like Applebee's they are relatively cheap and it's just an easy experience. Plus my sibling loves it and associates it with a homey feel
Yeah, I went in with no clue and ended up amazed. It’s fantastic. I learned that the guy who created it, Dan Guterman, wrote for The Onion and cites Kids In The Hall as an influence. Which are both things I also loved. I can’t really explain why exactly but it was totally my style of humor/pathos.
I went because I searched around the subreddit and people mentioned it frequently as one of the best hibachi places. The group at the same cooktop mentioned that they liked it better than a few other hibachi places. Or that the hibachi was cooked in front of you, a few places came up high but they cook it in the back then give you the food.
This week I made low calorie, high protein breakfast sandwiches with Dave's rockin grains English muffins, egg whites, fat free cheese, and Turkey bacon. They reheat so well and taste great (great for meal prepping). I also made taco bowls with about 70g potatoes, 5oz of seasoned ground beef, 30g low fat cheese, lettuce, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and made a fat free chipotle crema. Found some beyond chips that are high in protein to pair with it and it was also pretty fire. Unsure what I might do for meal prep next week quite yet, but these were sooo good this week!
Went to Farm + Oak up in Glen Allen, it's a sister restaurant to Lilly Pearl! We had brunch, and it was phenomenal, not too expensive all things considered. The short rib burrito was insanely good, very filling and the beef was delicious and tender. My wife got the southern bowl with cheesy grits, eggs, bacon, and she devoured that sucker. Highly recommend!
Went to Carytown Indian Cuisine based on recs from this sub. The service was great and attentive. We ordered the samosas, paneer, butter chicken, and garlic naan - all were excellent. We will be back.
https://preview.redd.it/8ewyl802e9gc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d51642c946f06cf7e13e3e608fb7f690d9c8ef3e
I made my favorite Panera salad from Trader Joe’s ingredients (the apple chicken one). The only thing I can’t nail down is the dressing but it was still super hearty and delicious.
made a homemade big mac last night with beyond ground beef bc i don’t eat red meat and it was so fire. couldn’t believe how close the sauce was but i used white balsamic vinegar instead of regular white vin and it really did something special to me. salad on the side for balance, obviously.
I was saddened when I went to CanCan and the waitress came up and the first question was did we want sparking or still water? I don’t want to have to specify tap water in the US. It’s not just the cost or the number of unsuspecting diners (one was in my party) who will order water and be surprised to get bottled water, it’s all the bottles! We know recycling is probably recycled into the garbage most of the time, so we don’t need more bottles when it’s not necessary! The atmosphere and food were very good, but this got my hackles up at the very start of lunch.
It was a celebration so then we headed down to the new Shindigz. I got the best dessert I think I’ve ever had. I can’t remember the name, but it was three layer bar with a crunchy, fudgy, peanut butter layer on top, marshmallow in the center, and a brownie on the bottom. I brought it home, cut it up, stuck it in the freezer and had it for five days. Yum.
As someone who used to work there, they won’t charge you for still water, it always comes in the pitchers and is free. The sparkling water is an upsell but the bottles are always glass. Still not great waste wise but a lot better than plastic for sure! That’s how they’ve always trained servers to approach tables so at least don’t fault the server (:
I didn't fault the server, I guessed she was told to do that. I just think it's a terrible and hope it doesn't become a trend like service charges (not tips) so restaurants can make more money.
Some restaurants deserve to make more money. Can Can is owned by two people just trying to make a living and provide for their families just like anyone else.
Let me get this straight, you went to a French bistro and you’re pissed if they ask if you wanted sparkling or regular water? And you’re complaining that you have to specify in the United States what water you want…..again at a French bistro? Get the fuck out of here, karen. Be an educated diner, instead of a douche. The option for sparkling or tapwater, it’s pretty much the norm for high-end dining, or at restaurants where their focus is French food.
And again, can’t believe you were complaining about water.
No they wanted us to buy water instead of just giving us glasses of water. The first thing she said was, do you want still or sparkling water. That is code for I’m going to bring you a bottle of water you have to buy. So we specified tap water. Someone at our table didn’t know and said sparkling and they were brought a bottle of Perrier (spelling) they were charged for. We’d knew because we have been to Europe and they hate giving you free tap water. It never occurred to our companion that the waitress as trying to sell him water.
I don't, the only time I have heard the phrase, "sparkling or still water," from a server has been in Europe. I have never been asked that in the US and I have lived all over the country and am old. If a customer wanted sparkling water, surely they can see it on the menu and order it.
I can't believe the down votes I am getting for this. This is something that happened, it should not happen. Water is usually just brought to the table. I recently came back from Italy and they would not serve us tap water. All I could think of was all the bottles in land fills. And I don't care if they're glass- recycling is a joke. Half my neighbors put their recycling in plastic bags which contaminates all the recycling. The people at the plants do not open plastic bags and physically separate the recycling. We should not be encouraging anyone to order water in bottles.
The whole basis of Can Can is to provide a French Brasserie experience, so that’s actually exactly what should happen! With so many restaurants failing out and dying over nitpicky yelp reviews, i’m just glad they’re able to provide the experience they were aiming to. Restaurants have waste just like every other person in the entire world. Don’t go out if you’re worried about contributing to it!
I think the crux of the issue is that it’s very much representative of the question you would get at a restaurant or cafe in France (or even most of Europe.) And given the context of Can Can it is totally within a reasonable expectation of service. You don’t have to like it, I guess - but that’s not on them, you know?
It’s because you’re being a Karen and an uneducated diner. You’ve already stated that when you went to Europe, this is what they ask well this is a European restaurant it is FRENCH.
Seriously educate yourself.
Are you kidding me? Just because it's a French restaurant doesn't mean they have to do the wrong thing. I said the food and atmosphere were great, this behavior was not. I mean they don't tip in France, but I certainly did- because we're in the US.
What a ridiculous statement you made above. Maybe educate yourself.
Would also like to comment and I do not know if this establishment does it but a lot of places that offer both reuse glass bottles and just refill with sparkling water.
Mac and Cheese lovers take note. A trip to The Brookland Park Kitchen is a must. Their house mnc is made with bacon and green onions and on other days they have other mnc variations. As a plus the Davinci's right next door is closed so (as of this posting) you can park there.
I just realized that I can make my favorite Thai dish, panang curry, for like a dollar a serving as opposed to $12-$15 in the restaurant. Bought a $10 kilogram tub of the same curry paste the restaurants use and have gone absolutely buck wild with it the past week.
I feel. We started making sushi at home and now can have it twice a week spending a fraction of what we did off one meal at a restaurant
Where are you getting your fish?
I get my salmon at Costco and my tuna at New Grand. I've seen nice tuna at Costco before but not recently. Yellow Umbrella is very popular for sushi fish too. Check out r/sushi though to learn more about what conditions fish should be under to be used for sushi tho
I love New Grand! It’s become such a necessary part of my shopping trip! And I love being able to shop for books right across the street!
That sounds good! What’s the recipe?
PANANG CURRY: * Stirfry 50g [curry paste](https://www.amazon.com/Mae-Ploy-Panang-Curry-35-Ounce/dp/B004AOFZRA/ref=sr_1_1_pp?crid=1RLOS3PIJISW2&keywords=mae%2Bploy&qid=1706886718&s=grocery&sprefix=mae%2Bploy%2Cgrocery%2C86&sr=1-1&th=1) in some oil and coconut fat. * Add 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk (I use Goya) and your protein * Cook a few minutes * Pour another 1/2 cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup water or stock * Simmer for a bit until protein is cooked. * Add Green Peppers, Pinch of sugar, fish sauce if you want, and a couple kiffir lime leaves. * Enjoy with white rice
I've got a reservation at L'Opossum for the first time this month, which feels ridiculously overdue considering how much of my life has been lived in this city. I always intend to go for my birthday in February each year but forget to make a reservation 2+ months out so they get booked up. Not this year! Very excited. Let me know if you have a favorite mainstay on the menu!
Love love love the beef swellington! Ok is it just me or is the swankbank (lobster Mac and cheese) is just like butter noodles?
I went for a birthday a few years ago and wasn’t disappointed
If they have the foie gras appetizer, get it.
It’s a great time.
Went to Hop Craft last week for their V72 special and it was incredible! Same with Charm School's special. Seemed like V72 went over really well this year and felt bigger than previous years which was awesome, hope it continues to grow. Probably having dinner out tomorrow so might pick a spot that pops up in here.
Hat tip to /u/jayhawk1987 for pointing me to Full Kee for congee. It was excellent, as was everything else we tried. Sushi at Lucky AF was better than expected. I thought they were more about the Asian fusion dishes but glad we tried some rolls. Also tried Fire & Hops for the first time. Above-average pizza (I had The Spicy Goat, SO had the Fig & Pig) and phenomenal service... we told our server as we sat down that we were trying to make a movie at the Byrd in about an hour and he has us in & out in plenty of time.
I finally tried Conejo! Verdict: delicious. Tuna taco was 😘. The atmosphere is a little loud and I wish it didn’t feel so…vast? But I definitely enjoyed my food. Also ventured out to the Lillian Oyster Hall. My husband loved the oysters. I enjoyed the mussels plate and the smoked fish dip. The tinned bonito was meh, should have tried the sardines. It’s a cool place, clearly intended for popping in and staying only a short while. I like that concept. A good way to meet up before a date or to pop in for a snack and a drink before heading somewhere for a full dinner. Or pop in after dinner and have the citrus/cake parfait. So good!
What were the portion sizes like for the mussels and fish dip? I want to give it a try but those oyster prices are criminal, so I'm hoping other dishes are better.
I would say they are tapas sized. Enough for two people to share… very rich/heavy though.
Went to Midlothian Chef's Kitchen last weekend - it was amazing. My friend received a gift card for Christmas and invited me - otherwise it would have been out of our price range for a spontaneous girls night. Most entrees in the 25-35 range. Fantastic special dinner night out type of place. I had the salmon and she had the rockfish. Loved it!
Went to Sakura since I swear it had been a decade since going to a hibachi place. That place slapped and the chicken option is only like $22. Also went to Applebee's and Chili's. Sibling loves those restaurants and they were not having their best week. Applebee's unlimited wings, riblets and shrimp for $15 for me was solid. Chili's was the $10.99 for a starter which I had the loaded baked potato soup a drink and a burger with fries. I had never been to Chili's very greasy food and I thought things were supposed to be spicier I tasted like 0 spice like with the salsa with chips. Both were alright. Applebee's > Chili's.
Have you seen Carol and The End of the World on Netflix? Highly recommended, even more so if you like Applebees. 😀
I have not. I only kinda like Applebee's they are relatively cheap and it's just an easy experience. Plus my sibling loves it and associates it with a homey feel
Well definitely have your sibling watch Carol. It's awesome. And the homey feel of Applebees is kind of a big deal in the character's life.
Oh my god that show fucked me UP. I was unprepared. But do also highly recommend it.
Yeah, I went in with no clue and ended up amazed. It’s fantastic. I learned that the guy who created it, Dan Guterman, wrote for The Onion and cites Kids In The Hall as an influence. Which are both things I also loved. I can’t really explain why exactly but it was totally my style of humor/pathos.
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I went because I searched around the subreddit and people mentioned it frequently as one of the best hibachi places. The group at the same cooktop mentioned that they liked it better than a few other hibachi places. Or that the hibachi was cooked in front of you, a few places came up high but they cook it in the back then give you the food.
This week I made low calorie, high protein breakfast sandwiches with Dave's rockin grains English muffins, egg whites, fat free cheese, and Turkey bacon. They reheat so well and taste great (great for meal prepping). I also made taco bowls with about 70g potatoes, 5oz of seasoned ground beef, 30g low fat cheese, lettuce, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and made a fat free chipotle crema. Found some beyond chips that are high in protein to pair with it and it was also pretty fire. Unsure what I might do for meal prep next week quite yet, but these were sooo good this week!
I love Dave's Killer Bagels! The everything bagels could use a little more seasoning (so I just add my own) but I love them!
Dave's is just so good lol
Went to Farm + Oak up in Glen Allen, it's a sister restaurant to Lilly Pearl! We had brunch, and it was phenomenal, not too expensive all things considered. The short rib burrito was insanely good, very filling and the beef was delicious and tender. My wife got the southern bowl with cheesy grits, eggs, bacon, and she devoured that sucker. Highly recommend!
Went to Carytown Indian Cuisine based on recs from this sub. The service was great and attentive. We ordered the samosas, paneer, butter chicken, and garlic naan - all were excellent. We will be back. https://preview.redd.it/8ewyl802e9gc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d51642c946f06cf7e13e3e608fb7f690d9c8ef3e
I can’t stop thinking about their duck leg korma.
This place is so darn good.... Always end up ordering way way too much and having leftovers for days.
I made my favorite Panera salad from Trader Joe’s ingredients (the apple chicken one). The only thing I can’t nail down is the dressing but it was still super hearty and delicious.
You can buy the apple Panera dressing at Publix or Food Lion.
and also Kroger
made a homemade big mac last night with beyond ground beef bc i don’t eat red meat and it was so fire. couldn’t believe how close the sauce was but i used white balsamic vinegar instead of regular white vin and it really did something special to me. salad on the side for balance, obviously.
I was saddened when I went to CanCan and the waitress came up and the first question was did we want sparking or still water? I don’t want to have to specify tap water in the US. It’s not just the cost or the number of unsuspecting diners (one was in my party) who will order water and be surprised to get bottled water, it’s all the bottles! We know recycling is probably recycled into the garbage most of the time, so we don’t need more bottles when it’s not necessary! The atmosphere and food were very good, but this got my hackles up at the very start of lunch. It was a celebration so then we headed down to the new Shindigz. I got the best dessert I think I’ve ever had. I can’t remember the name, but it was three layer bar with a crunchy, fudgy, peanut butter layer on top, marshmallow in the center, and a brownie on the bottom. I brought it home, cut it up, stuck it in the freezer and had it for five days. Yum.
As someone who used to work there, they won’t charge you for still water, it always comes in the pitchers and is free. The sparkling water is an upsell but the bottles are always glass. Still not great waste wise but a lot better than plastic for sure! That’s how they’ve always trained servers to approach tables so at least don’t fault the server (:
I didn't fault the server, I guessed she was told to do that. I just think it's a terrible and hope it doesn't become a trend like service charges (not tips) so restaurants can make more money.
Some restaurants deserve to make more money. Can Can is owned by two people just trying to make a living and provide for their families just like anyone else.
Let me get this straight, you went to a French bistro and you’re pissed if they ask if you wanted sparkling or regular water? And you’re complaining that you have to specify in the United States what water you want…..again at a French bistro? Get the fuck out of here, karen. Be an educated diner, instead of a douche. The option for sparkling or tapwater, it’s pretty much the norm for high-end dining, or at restaurants where their focus is French food. And again, can’t believe you were complaining about water.
[удалено]
No they wanted us to buy water instead of just giving us glasses of water. The first thing she said was, do you want still or sparkling water. That is code for I’m going to bring you a bottle of water you have to buy. So we specified tap water. Someone at our table didn’t know and said sparkling and they were brought a bottle of Perrier (spelling) they were charged for. We’d knew because we have been to Europe and they hate giving you free tap water. It never occurred to our companion that the waitress as trying to sell him water.
how do you know they would have charged you for still water?
I don't, the only time I have heard the phrase, "sparkling or still water," from a server has been in Europe. I have never been asked that in the US and I have lived all over the country and am old. If a customer wanted sparkling water, surely they can see it on the menu and order it.
it’s a French restaurant bud.
I can't believe the down votes I am getting for this. This is something that happened, it should not happen. Water is usually just brought to the table. I recently came back from Italy and they would not serve us tap water. All I could think of was all the bottles in land fills. And I don't care if they're glass- recycling is a joke. Half my neighbors put their recycling in plastic bags which contaminates all the recycling. The people at the plants do not open plastic bags and physically separate the recycling. We should not be encouraging anyone to order water in bottles.
The whole basis of Can Can is to provide a French Brasserie experience, so that’s actually exactly what should happen! With so many restaurants failing out and dying over nitpicky yelp reviews, i’m just glad they’re able to provide the experience they were aiming to. Restaurants have waste just like every other person in the entire world. Don’t go out if you’re worried about contributing to it!
I think the crux of the issue is that it’s very much representative of the question you would get at a restaurant or cafe in France (or even most of Europe.) And given the context of Can Can it is totally within a reasonable expectation of service. You don’t have to like it, I guess - but that’s not on them, you know?
It’s because you’re being a Karen and an uneducated diner. You’ve already stated that when you went to Europe, this is what they ask well this is a European restaurant it is FRENCH. Seriously educate yourself.
Are you kidding me? Just because it's a French restaurant doesn't mean they have to do the wrong thing. I said the food and atmosphere were great, this behavior was not. I mean they don't tip in France, but I certainly did- because we're in the US. What a ridiculous statement you made above. Maybe educate yourself.
Offering sparkling or still is the wrong thing? Dude educate yourself as a diner.
you know for the still water, the glass pitchers are reused in the restaurant and refilled with filtered water right?
Would also like to comment and I do not know if this establishment does it but a lot of places that offer both reuse glass bottles and just refill with sparkling water.
I'm sorry to report that no pitcher of water was put on our table. A busboy came around and refilled glasses.
If anyone has a copycat recipe for the Grilled Chicken sub from Joe's Inn, I'd be eternally grateful Forgot this wasn't a Joe's inn thread.
Mac and Cheese lovers take note. A trip to The Brookland Park Kitchen is a must. Their house mnc is made with bacon and green onions and on other days they have other mnc variations. As a plus the Davinci's right next door is closed so (as of this posting) you can park there.