Posts Tagged ‘The Grille at Morrison House’
Friday File: NoVA’s Much-Deserved Attention; Three Week Summary; Dining Anticipation; Eating Cheaply
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Friday, December 30th, 2011
Some news, eats, ideas, questions, rants, you know, it’s Friday.
NoVA’s Much-Deserved Attention
The lists pour in this time of year and our region’s getting a few nods: Washingtonian names 21 Northern Virginia restaurants in its 100 Very Best Restaurants cover story and Going Out Gurus‘ reader-submitted hit list pegged 25 NoVA dishes out of 40 DMV most essential eats.
Three Week Summary
Hey there. So I’ve been at the mag for three weeks now. It’s a pretty rad gig (although I’m sad to say goodbye — Part 1, Part 2 — to my blog, Endless Simmer).
Thus far, I’ve enjoyed the quaint main-drag of Leesburg, especially the checkerboard tables at Shoes, Cork and Cup; the gorgeous rava masala dosa — and the almost-charming surly service — at Amma Vegetarian Kitchen (pictured); the Santa sighting at Skorpios; the shortribs dog at Lyon Hall; and the seared beef carpaccio at Tallula.
But it hasn’t been all hits: I will ignore the bland mussels at The Grille at Morrison House; I should have taken the bartender’s advice and skipped EatBar‘s chicken and waffles; I should have taken my co-worker’s advice and not have been so excited to try The Wine Kitchen‘s barely-bacony version of chicken and waffles; and I should not have trusted ravioli that needs to rely on a blanket of melted provolone and two sauces, at San Vito Italian Restaurant.
Dining Anticipation
I’m really pumped to dine around Northern Virginia. That’s all.
Eating Cheaply
Help a new girl out. Any cheap eats recommendations? (But no cheap chicken, please.)
Get In Touch
While I’ve lived in Washington, DC for over 10 years, I’m still figuring things out this side of the river. Dining suggestions are welcome. Email me at fooddesk@northernvirginiamag.com.
Happy New Year Dudes.
Photo by Stefanie Gans
Posted by ryan / Friday, May 6th, 2011
What to do? What to do? This Sunday is your chance to show her how much you appreciate her role in your upbringing. Breakfast in bed isn’t a bad idea. Honestly though, who wakes up earlier more often than not? That’s why I would recommend an afternoon visit to one of the many classy restaurants in the area. I’m just guessing, but she’ll probably like that idea a bit more.
2941
Voted one of the best restaurants in the region, taking your mother here would certainly be an elegant way of showing your gratitude. A three-course prix-fixe meal featuring an array of artisan cheeses, pasta, and seafood is available for $68 per person. Reservations strongly recommended. 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church; 703-270-1500
Bistrot Lafayette
Treat your Mom to a delectable French meal by reserving your table now. A three-course prix-fixe lunch runs from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. A three-course dinner starts at 4:30 pm, and runs just past 9 pm. The cost is $35 and $48 respectively per person. Make your reservation now for what’s sure to be a memorable Mother’s Day Meal! 1118 King Street, Alexandria; 703-548-2525
Bogati Bodega & Vineyard
This Argentina-inspired winery provides an escape from the hustle and bustle. It’s only forty minutes away from the District though! All mothers will receive a rose at the wine tasting. Booking this event online will ensure that she does. The afternoon starts promptly at noon, and should last around five hours. Make memories that will last a lifetime! 35246 Harry Byrd Highway, Round Hill; 540-338-1144
The Grille at Morrison House
Executive chef Dennis Marron is offering a three–course meal for $49, which includes a choice of mimosa or freshly squeezed fruit juice. Notable options include a first course offering of Virginia Crab Cakes with cherry tomatoes, brioche and sauce gribiche, Vidalia Onion Pie with mixed greens and honey mustard, Waldorf Salad of bibb lettuce, apples, grapes, and walnuts in a celery aioli or Coquille St. Jacques: bay scallops, mushrooms, parmesan gratin and grilled bread Entrée options include a Croquet Madame on brioche bread with sliced ham, gruyere, béchamel and a fried egg. You can also expect lamb and eggs with rosemary sauce. Dessert options include Chocolate Pot de Crème with vanilla whipped cream, Profiteroles served with a trio of ice creams and warm chocolate sauce and Assorted Sorbets. 116 S. Alfred St., Alexandria; 703-838-8000
Lansdowne
Celebrate the mother in your life with the time-honored tradition of brunch at the Lansdowne Restort. The menu includes a variety of house-made soups, terrines, cured meats, an impressive seafood display, made-to-order omelets, waffles, and amazing desserts. Adults will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne. The cost is $65 per person, but only $20 for children under the age of 12. 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg; 703-729-8400
The Melting Pot
Why not surprise Mom this year with something a little out of the ordinary? Treat her to a meal that she’ll want to tell all her friends about. The Melting Pot—with locations in Arlington and Reston—is a culinary experience like no other. Fondue is a fun, easy, and delicious! Cheese and chocolate fondues are paired perfectly with bread and fruit. You can also cook your own succulent pieces of meat in between. She will not be disappointed!
Open Kitchen
If you really want to cook her something, this may be the perfect thing to do. Dads and kids can learn how to cook a gourmet meal for that special woman in their lives. Chef Jackson Yordon will teach you how to make the perfect three-course meal, after which you can eat it! The cost is $179 for two parents and one child. Each additional child is $25. The fun begins at 10:30 am. . 7115 Leesburg Pike # 107, Falls Church; 703-942-8148
Ritz-Carlton - McLean
Enjoy an extravagant brunch in the Old Dominion Room featuring omelets, carved meats, organic salads and celebratory champagne. The cost is $120 per person, unless you have children under the age of twelve. Their meal will only cost $40 (not including tax and gratuity). Another option is an Afternoon Tea with a scrumptious variety of sweets from the Pastry Shop. Reservations are recommended. 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean; 703-506-4300
For a more comprehensive list, click here.
As far as gifts are concerned. I can only suggest you learn from their mistakes.
-Ryan Robertson
Posted by ryan / Monday, April 11th, 2011
Domaso of the Hotel Palomar in Arlington is hosting a charity fundraiser on Sunday, May 1 at 3 p.m. At least ten renowned chefs from across the region will engage in a friendly cooking competition. The best interpretation of a half-smoke could win the coveted title of Top Dog.
Participants include Victor Albisu of BLT Steak; Nathan Anda of Red Apron Butchery; Danny Bortnick of Firefly; John Critchley of Urbana; Scott Drewno of The Source by Wolfgang Puck; Liam LaCivita of Liberty Tavern/Lyon Hall; Dennis Marron of Jackson 20/The Grille at Morrison House; Peter Smith of PS 7′s; Chris Watson of BRABO; and Ed Witt of 701 Restaurant.
The panel of judges are comprised of Graffiato’s owner Mike Isabella, Robert Rollins of Ben’s Chili Bowl fame, The Washington Post’s Tim Carman, and Nycci Nellis from The List Are You On It.
For a $20 fee, attendees can sample all of the same food and vote for their favorite as well. Admission includes one cocktail featuring Skyy Vodka. Additional beverages like Flying Dog Beer and Whitehaven Wine can be purchased.
All of the proceeds benefit a non-profit organization called Brainfood, which uses food to develop life skills in a fun and creative setting. They teach active learning, self reliance, and healthy living in order to empower youth as resources in their own community.
Online tickets are available now. Visit the website, or call (703)-351-1211 for more information.
The Hotel Palomar is located just two short blocks away from the Rosslyn Metro Station. Street and valet parking are also available.
Hope to see you there!
-Ryan Robertson
(image: Domaso)
Posted by ryan / Friday, March 18th, 2011
It’s almost spring, which means warmer weather and the National Cherry Blossom Festival are just around the corner. The official commemoration of the generous gift from Japan begins Saturday, March 26 continuing the following two weekends. Parades, performances, and exhibitions make it a fun event for the entire family. Not only will there be numerous food and beverage tastings, but countless opportunities to take beautiful photographs. A full schedule of events can be found here.
Local restaurants are observing the occasion with special menus in store. Urbana, Jackson 20, and the Grille at Morrison House are debuting their festival-inspired creations on Wednesday, March 23 at The Pink Tie Party. Featured offerings include cherry pie cupcakes, cherry cocktails, and cherry-infused sake.
The Cherry Brandy Alexandria is a decadent mix of brandied cherries, cherry-infused bourbon, vanilla ice cream, and a candied cherry-wood smoked bacon garnish. Only available at Jackson 20 and the Morrison House.
The Cherry Blossom is a tart cocktail mixed with vanilla and cherry-infused Maker’s Mark, sour cherry purée, and sweet and sour mix. Only available at Urbana.
The Plums Blossom is a cherry-infused sake and botanical spirit cocktail finished with plum soda. Only available at Poste Moderne Brasserie.
In light of the recent tragedy, celebrations are expected to be more subdued this year. We can all help the disaster relief effort by texting REDCROSS to 90999. This will add a $10 donation to your phone bill.
-Ryan Robertson
(image: Visit DC)
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, February 10th, 2011
This Monday is Feb. 14, also known as Valentine’s Day. This gives you and yours all weekend to celebrate the love you have for each other. Certain restaurants can help relieve the stress of planning the perfect evening. Special menus have been planned in preparation for the holiday. If you haven’t made up your mind, consider the following classy establishments in Old Town Alexandria as you weigh your options. Reservations should be made sooner rather than later.
BRABO of Old-Town Alexandria will be serving a five-course meal for $85 with an optional wine pairing for an additional $45. Chefs Robert Wiedmaier and Chris Watson aim to please with their fresh seafood, gourmet sides, marinated meats, and decadent desserts. One could always take this kind of food home from the adjoining Butcher’s Block. Pre-orders are being taken now for what can only be described as the perfect dinner. Visit the store on Sunday afternoon to join in on the sparkling wine tasting. Complimentary chocolates, cheeses, and charcuterie hors d’oeuvres will also be served. Call 703-894-3440 for more information.
The Grille at Morrison House has a similar idea for its guests this weekend with an added incentive. Their $85 five-course menu features flavorful gourmet offerings from the land and sea. After enjoying the likes of filet mignon, lobster tails, and a “rose” dessert; everyone will receive house-made sea salt chocolate truffles in a heart shaped box before departure. For more information or to make a reservation call 703-838-8000.
Jackson 20 has more of a la carte menu planned for the weekend, but a special dinner for two is available for $75. This includes a braised beef shank, root vegetables, mashed potatoes, and red velvet cake for dessert. Bottles of wine are half-priced on Monday, which allows you to find the perfect complement for any meal. Call 703-842-2790 for more information.
In addition to Valentine’s Day, Feb. 17 is “Chocolate Lovers Day”. Don’t miss out on the special desserts these chefs have in store. Hotel lobbies across the nation are supposed to join in on the fun as well. You don’t have to be a guest of the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria or the Hotel Palomar in Arlington, among others to enjoy complimentary treats. Put “eat chocolate” at the top of your list of things to do that day, at least you’ll get one thing done!
-Ryan Robertson
DC Restaurant Week Spill-overs
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, August 16th, 2010
Welcome to DC Restaurant Week! For those new to the occasion (like me!), this means guests have the opportunity to taste a multi-course menu from participating restaurants for a discount price – usually $20.10 for lunch or $35.10 for dinner. Let the feasting begin! As for me, I’ll be highlighting the specials in NoVa.
- The Grille at Morrison House
- 703-838-8000
- 116 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria
Come for dinner with a tasting menu to feature all the house favorites: heirloom tomato gazpacho, salade du Marché, braised Kurobuta pork cheek, braised boneless beef short rib, braised veal breast, mussel frites, and for dessert a warm peach cake or milk chocolate pot de crème.
- Jackson 20
- 703-842-2790
- 480 King Street, Alexandria
Chef Marron has prepared a menu for lunch and dinner with multiple savory and sweet options: barbecued pork ribs, Trout Marguery (grilled and served with shrimp and lemon oyster sauce), and including the whole-shebang of a dessert list – pineapple upside-down cake, a peach turnover with sweetened crème fraiche and blueberry compote – just to name a few.
- Trummer’s on Main
- 703-266-1623
- 7134 Main Street, in historic Clifton
Trummer’s will be making its debut to RW week with a three course dinner menu offering options of Goat Cheese Agnolotti (pickled rhubarb, black pepper shortbread, fried capers), Chilled Mulligatawny Soup (laughing bird shrimp, yuzu sorbet, apple crisp), North Carolina Tilefish, Grilled Lamb Brisket, Berry Cobbler (brown sugar streusel, vanilla sherbet, basil meringue), The Chocolate Cake and more.
- 2941 Restaurant
- 703-270-1500
- 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church
Participating with its three course lunch menu of Red Beet Salad, Beef Teres Major and Hazelnut Paris-Brest.
- Bastille Restaurant
- 703-519-3776
- 1201 N. Royal Street, Alexandria
With this dinner menu, you can also add a cheese course for an additional $9 or indulge with wines paired especially for each course ($25 pp). The three course meal provides a variety of choices including a beignet of oysters, Bastille Caesar salad (with romaine and radicchio sprinkled with Parmesan and white anchovy Panacotta), pan-roasted skate filet, roasted Pennsylvania leg of lamb and Merguez sausage, roasted corn risotto and more. Then for dessert, delight in the raspberry crème brûlée, the Valrhona chocolate cake, orange cardamom flan – just to name a few.
- Harry’s Tap Room in Clarendon
- 703-778-7788
- 2800 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington
Offering a menu for both lunch and dinner with multiple options like Baked Brie or Lemongrass Chicken Bon bons; Grilled Hangar Steak, Chicken Pesto Panini (lunch) or Horseradish North Pacific Salmon (dinner); Raspberry Sorbet, Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, and more.
- Willow Restaurant
- 703-465-8800
- 4301 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington
- Participating for lunch and dinner with a three course menu to sample Cucumber and Avocado Gazpacho, Liberty Town Flat Bread, or Crispy-Fried Soft Shell Crab(dinner); Parmesan crusted Swordfish Medallions (lunch), Bacon-wrapped Monkfish filet (dinner) or Ratatouille and Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms; Passionfruit Meringue Tart or a Flourless Chocolate Torte and much more.
I’m hungry now – actually I’m borderline ravenous and it isn’t even noon yet.
(Photo: I Know U Can)
For a full listing, or if you care to go the extra mile into DC for your discount bites, check the official DC Restaurant Week Page.
-Jamel Daugherty
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, June 11th, 2010
In Old Town Alexandria, down a small side street, into the depths of a colonial-style mansion, there sits the cozy restaurant known as The Grille at Morrison House. The red-leather chairs and wood-paneled bar glow with warmth while the chandeliers and manor-setting insist on demure sophistication.
It is here where regulars of the neighborhood, cliques of writers, and even local celebrities have gathered for more than twenty years for music, food, and camaraderie. Eileen, a consistent patron for close to a decade, says it is an extension of her living room.
The bar is also the scene of “Sing-Along Piano Night” where regular performers and new music-lovers are encouraged to join and belt out their favorite tunes. Indeed, the first thing I noticed when entering was the shiny ebony instrument, lit up with candles as the pianist was just seating herself for the evening. Pat, an elderly and talented dame, is one of the pianists who have frequented The Grille for more than 20 years. She beckoned me to sing and even made it easier by handing me one of several books of songs in case I needed help remembering the words for my own musical number. Ritzy karaoke.
I left the singing to Tim Day – a theater enthusiast who took on Kermie’s “Rainbow Connection” and was soon joined for a Phantom of the Opera duet. Meanwhile, another performing regular, Jim Seeley, beckoned me for dinner, saying that if Tim’s voice didn’t send me into orbit, the house hamburger would.
With all this character and charm abounding, The Grille will be hosting a 25th Anniversary party next week in its outdoor courtyard. The bartender (“We like to call him Rosy.”) was kind enough to fill me in on a few of the promising culinary delights. Dinner will be set up in stations with a raw bar (oysters, shrimp, smoked mussels, and more), cheeses, and a porchetta for the carving – or as one nearby clever lady dubbed it, “the ultimate guy Italian food.”
(image: Luigi and Giovanni’s)
With the $75 entrance fee, guests will receive a glass of bubbly and a discount voucher for their next meal at The Grille (a chance to try that Virginia Hamburger). Proceeds will benefit Band of Parents, an organization that is dear to this community’s heart in supporting neuroblastoma research.
And of course, the evening will be full of musical entertainment from performers like Bob Smith (a former White House pianist), Michael Blaney (Washington Opera singer), Pat (see above), and you (if you fancy to sing along yourself!).
I don’t know if you got the picture yet, but the community at The Grille is an abundantly friendly crowd. If you are looking for a place to go where everybody knows your name, they are sure to by the end of the night. Or if your personal hunt is on for a stuffed, roasted and carved piggy, he’s already sent in his RSVP.
-Jamel Daugherty
Earth Day Edibles and Reusables
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
Image: Treehugger
A few weeks ago I wrote about restaurants holding Earth Day events around Northern Virginia. For some Earth Day is a marketing tool, for others it’s a good way to spark conversation and encourage involvement. Well, there are a few more events worth checking out to spark that conversation.
The Butcher’s Block in Alexandria will host a complimentary wine tasting from a certified biodynamic and organic winery, Quivira Vineyards and Winery. Jenalyn Johnson of The Country Vintner will lead the tasting of four Quivira wines. In addition, Anne Amie Winery wines, a certified LIVE winery, will be available. The tasting will occur between 6-8pm.
The Grille at Morrison House will offer a four course, 100-mile candlelight dinner with the majority of the ingredients being sourced from local farms within a 100 mile radius. The dinner is $55 per person. Call 703-838-8000 or visit the website to make a reservation.
Jackson 20 will unveil its “J20 Eco Hour” where a large selection of canned beers and boxed wines will be available. Cans are easier to recycle as it is more readily available than glass recycling. The new program will feature $2 “working man’s canned beer” and $5 “craft canned beer.” Eco Hour will start April 22nd and occur daily from 3-7p.m.
Jackson 20 will also unveil its new “late night blackout happy hour” on Earth Day. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11pm to close the restaurant will turn off the lights and instead use candlelight, turn up the music, and serve their Eco Hour beer and wine specials. Expect the event to last during the spring and summer.
Firefly will recycle wine corks from the 22nd until the end of April. For every cork you bring in, $1 will be taken off your bill (up to $22) in honor of the day Earth Day is celebrated. You could also use corks to make wreaths, bulletin boards, and business card holders.
Several companies will offer Earth Day freebies; however it seems you have to print off a coupon for some places, which seems to defeat the purpose of Earth Day. Hopefully these places are recycling the paper used for coupons.
On Saturday, April 24 from 11am-3pm all Wegmans stores will trade you a reusable bag for a bag of tightly packed Wegmans plastic bags, which they will then recycle.
DC also has a plethora of Earth Day activities this weekend.
Lastly, if you missed some films during the Environmental Film Festival, here is your chance to catch some free films on Sunday, April 25th at the Carnegie Institution for Science.
Other Earth Day notables:
SunChips will donate $1 for every Facebook fan it receives today (up to $100,000) to environmental education programs. SunChips is also debuting its new 100% compostable bag today. Visit the Biodegradable Products Institute to get your own compostable trash bags, food service items, and packaging materials.
Video: SunChips
- Chef Jaime Oliver and Edible Communities publishers and editors, Brian Halweil and Stephen Munshin, are two of The Daily Green’s 2010 Heart of Green Award recipients.
- Treehugger has a list of funny SomeeCard’s to send to your friends.
- Bon Appetit Magazine has lots of information about how to celebrate Earth Day. Anything from turning old t-shirts into grocery bags to eco-friendly gadgets and how to throw Earth-Friendly dinner parties.
The Daily Green also has some handy tips on how to reuse products you’re considering throwing away or don’t know what to do with. Highlights include egg shells, plastic bottles, and mason jars. You could even build your own house out of plastic bottles. The world’s first plastic bottle building was unveiled in Taiwan recently.
Happy Earth Day!
–Aisha Salazar