Oh, the Dining Diva has been dissed!
In my very own local paper, the arts and entertainment editor wrote a column weakly defending the tepid, lukewarm restaurant write-ups she publishes each week. About halfway through the excuses, I saw a reference to yours truly. I was shocked! I, your very own Dining Diva, was chastised for my posting delinquency. Alas, I was portrayed as a blog slacker . Which of course, I am.
In the 30 minutes that have elapsed since I read her words, I have engaged in deep soul-searching and thoughtful meditation to determine why I have been so derelict in my blogging duties. Over time, the answer was carefully and slowly revealed. I am busy. Also, lazy. In addition, I had no idea anybody was actually reading what I wrote!
Anyway…now that I have been publicly hand-slapped, I feel compelled to post!
Where to start, where to start. I have eaten out far too many times in the past year. My waistline certainly provides ample (!) evidence of my pursuit of the next meal. Whether I’m served beautifully at amazing fine dining establishments, or I’m grabbing my food from the waiter/cook/chef/dishwasher at the counter – I’m always looking for the perfect bite. I’m less concerned with ambience and more tuned in to the ultimate reward - great flavor.
Anyway …just to get back into the blogging groove, I figure I’ll just mention a few of the newer places I’ve tried in the past few months.
The Dungeon at Dutch’s Daughter – What I loved – outdoor seating, attentive service, fresh salads and dressings, warm bread and honey butter, unlimited iced tea refills with a smile, beautiful carved bar, decent sized portions. What I didn’t love (OK, hated) – SMOKING!!! Why are smokers allowed to leave the bar area, congregate in the outdoor dining courtyard and pollute the air. Seems that the smoking area could be relegated away from our tables….I'm not a big fan of Dutch's Daughter in general. The food is ok, but kind of boring. So - the dungeon is actually a bright spot! Go figure...
Taco Michoacán – can you say yummy? What I loved – the charming woman who single-handedly cranks out all the food for the diners. All kinds of meat tacos served in double-stacked warm, soft corn tortillas. I particularly like the tacos al pastor (even though it’s not real pastor like in Mexico, cooked on a spit and served with pineapple). Nonetheless, the flavors are good. Also quite tasty are their tortas (which are sandwiches) and the decadent Pollo con crema. All dishes served with fresh lime wedges, salsa, and all the cilantro you care to request. …. What I didn’t like – it gets pretty hot in the eating area. They have a portable AC machine – but it definitely struggles to keep up. Oh well – makes me feel like I’m actually in Mexico. In the summer.….This small strip center restaurant is a little hard to find – it’s in that shopping center on the southside of 40 just before you get to the ALT-40 split. I think there’s a Burger King in the parking lot and a diner and an International Market. It’s at 1450 W Patrick St Frederick, MD 21702. (a note - the taco picture wasn't taken by me...but they look very similar to what I was served at taco micoachan - so I kind of, scraplifted it)
Dairy Delite – Yes, the one that’s been around forever out on 40. But now, in addition to a nice soft-serve, you can go in and get some tasty homemade pupusas! Tons of variety and made one by one. If you go, be prepared for a bit of a wait. But you can call ahead so that they are ready when you get there…
Volt – Wow. Phenomenal food and impeccable service. Haven’t been there enough times to thoroughly review. Just enough to know I want to go back!! Plus - the owner/chef, Bryan Voltaggio is one of the cheftestants on the upcoming season of Top Chef...Can't wait to see him and keeping fingers crossed that he makes it to the finale!
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9 comments:
Yay, glad you're posting once again! Keep it up - you mentioned two places I hadn't heard of (Taco and Diary).
Thanks for commenting! I'm going to try to post at least once/week . Well, it's a lofty goal anyway...
Glad to have you back Janis! Looking forward to many more reviews!
Hey Janis, good to see you back. I'd just about given up on you! I saw your comments on the FNP write-up on FredFoodie and couldn't find the article anywhere on the FNP's website. Can you let me know where it is because I'd love to read it.
I've never heard of the taco restaurant either. Can you let me know more so I can put it up on FMO?
You will find Taco Micoachan at 1450 W Patrick St. It is in a little strip center in the same shopping area as the Burger King.
Right next to the Taco place is an International Market. If you go to the back of the market, they sell marinated meats that look interesting.
Let me know if you enjoy the restaurant as much as I did!
Janis,
Enjoyed your reviews. I will pass along your link to my colleagues at work. They are always looking for places to eat in Frederick. BTW, have you reviewed Frisco's? My friend from Hagerstown says it is one of his favorites. What say u DDoF?
John
John - I do like Friscos quite a bit. Most things on the menu are pretty tasty. My kids especially love the exploded potatoes - a casserole reminiscent of smashed twice-baked potatoes.
Full salad size portions are huge. Definitely large enough to share with 2-3 good eaters.
Thanks for the reminder though - I'll have to go refresh my taste buds and write about them soon!
did you say "scraplifted" in your post? Combining my two greatest passions, scrapbooking and cooking/eating in one blog post??? You are my new hero! Love the blog, will be a regular follower now, for sure.
Yes, I DID say scraplifted! Ha ha! I figured there would be a few like-minded folks out there in the blog-o-sphere! Glad to have you along for the ride..
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