Sonoma

Last date I was here: 07/16/2010

Restaurant: Sonoma (http://www.sonomadc.com/)

Location: Capitol Hill

Total Rating: 4.05
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: Sonoma's mission is to highlight the Mid-Atlantic's best naturally-raised and local ingredients and pair the creations with the best American and Italian wines. The menu features wood-grilled meats and seafood, as well as smaller plates - including a recognized collection of local artisanal cheeses - all of which marries perfectly with the 40-plus wines Sonoma serves by the glass. Replacing an older restaurant that accompanied the many others that line the strip along Pennsylvania Ave SE, Sonoma peaked our interest. Closest Metro Station is Eastern Market or Capitol South.

Aug 2007: Very narrow, the tables are packed in and it was very crowded when we went. Packed with people from the Hill wanting to enjoy a fancy cheese plate and wine, I was not super impressed with the service. The food was not memorable and I would only try this spot again for lunch possibly.

UPDATE: Keith and I tried this place after our first choice plans fell through. We were able to be seated at a large communal table with no problems - and luckily no one was seated next to us the entire evening. Still dark and very noisy, packed with local Hill staffers, service was ok. The menu was slightly different than our first visit highlighting fresh ingredients. Again, this place is good for sipping wine and sharing smaller plates but not my favorite place to dine.

What I ate:

Smoked Mozzarella Risotto

Grilled Sea Scallops

served with white beans and eggplant puree

Penne
With pulled amish chicken, dried tomatoes, basil, ricotta salata

Charred Calamari
with chickpeas, grilled onions, basil-walnut pesto

Fussilli

with confit chicken, onions, and pesto

Margherita Pizza

crushed san marzano tomato, basil, mozzarella

Plus Keith ate:

Branzino

Grilled fish on a broth with oyster mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and spinach

Tony & Joe's Seafood Place

Last date I was here: 7/2/2010

Restaurant: Tony & Joe's Seafood Place (http://www.tonyandjoes.com/)

Location: Georgetown

Total Rating: 4.35
Food: 5, Price: 3, Service: 3, Ambiance: 5, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place located at the Georgetown Waterfront serves tempting dishes such as Maryland crabcakes, fresh lobster and shrimp scampi. With spectacular views of the Potomac River, Kennedy Center, Washington Monument, Roosevelt Island, and the Key Bridge, Tony & Joe's is a nice place to grab a drink on a nice summer day. Closest Metro is Foggy Bottom.

Although not super convenient to Metro, Tony & Joe's is situated on the waterfront next to other similar restaurants, yet has better seating options and a large outdoor bar. We only had a couple appetizers to share over drinks, and they were very tasty and fresh. The ambiance made up for the long walk and although the place was very crowded, there were enough servers to accommodate everyone.

What I ate:

Freshly Shucked Cherrystone Clams

a dozen steamed clams served with lemon wedges and butter

Fried Catfish Fingers

Strips of fresh farm raised catfish dipped in egg and fresh bread crumb

Served with chipotle aioli

♥Hot Crab Dip♥

A blend of lump crabmeat, cheese and spices,

served with toasted French bread croutons

Sticky Rice

Last date I was here: 7/1/2010

Restaurant: Sticky Rice (http://www.stickyricedc.com/)

Location: H Street, NE

Total Rating: 4
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Sticky Rice serves up an unusual mix of American, Pan-Asian entrees in a friendly, inexpensive and inviting atmosphere. With its charming atmosphere and “punk” attitude you won't find anything quite like it. Their specialty is the fresh sushi bar and house favorite – tator tots. Closest Metro is Union Station.

June 2008: With two bars on two floors and a back patio, there is plenty of seating. We went for dinner right at 5:30pm and did not have to wait. The sushi was very fun, fresh, and tasty. Our waitress was cool and nice, when we realized she missed one of our orders – she happily treated us to their famous tator tots while we waited. I expected more fun cocktails but they only had beer, wine, and sake. It was different to see guys in t-shirts and tight jeans with tattooed arms rolling my sushi behind the bar – as opposed to the traditional Japanese chefs. Located on the “up and coming” NE neighborhood of H Street, this area can be shady at times. Parking is not the easiest, so be prepared to park on a side street and walk a couple blocks.

December 2009: We went back for dinner since we had not been in over a year. And we have the same pleasant experience. Our server was covered in tattoos and very friendly. We devoured the fried teriyaki mushrooms and attacked the large bucket of tots while waiting for our sushi. I must say - the bucket of tots is VERY large and filling. The sushi was fresh and very pretty. A little heavy on the cream cheese filling at times - overpowering the beautiful fish, yet we still enjoyed our meal. I don't know why we don't come more often. Maybe that will be a new goal for 2010.

UPDATE: Finally came back and had the same server - she was very nice and suggested a sweet, cold sake for Keith. The place was already very crowded for 6pm on a Thursday, but many patrons were enjoying the 1/2 off specials at the bar. We ordered some trusty favorites as well as some new rolls. Again, the sushi is super fresh and tasty and I don't know why we don't come more often being that it is the closest sushi restaurant to us.

What I ate:

Sticky Balls

Tuna, crab, sriracha rice, in an Inari pocket deep fried

topped with scallions, wasabi dressing, and eel sauce

♥Fried Teriyaki Mushrooms♥

teriyaki marinated mushrooms lightly tempura fried

served with a sweet and sour sauce

Tator Tots

Tater tots w/ secret spicy tater tots sauce

Garden Balls

Shiitake mushrooms, red pepper, cilantro and spicy rice in an inari pocket

then tempura fried and drizzled with eel sauce

Poki

Tender cuts of the best tuna seasoned with sesame oil, ginger garlic, scallions,

tohgarashi and soy sauce finished with tosted coconut.

Spicy Tuna Roll

♥Godzirra Roll♥
Large crunchy shrimp, avocado, cream cheese, spicy sauce and cucumbers w/ tempura crunchies and tobiko

♥The Fantabulous Amazing Roll♥

A spicy inside-out roll with lump crab meat, cream cheese and cucumbers topped with tuna sashimi.

Crazy Calamari Roll

tempura fried calamari, tamago, cilantro, cucumbers, sriracha rice,

rolled in tobiko and panko flakes