Sorry if it's not the right place to ask but you guys seem to know a lot about the area. We are at the TC Ritz in an executive suite next week (which hopefully was a good choice) and are looking for at least one 'fancy' meal out for our anniversary. However places like Maestro and others mentioned in this thread just don't appeal to me because I really don't like lot of the items or how the chefs add their own "signature" to items i normally would like. Now I realize there is a huge market for this fine dining and do realize some of you will say take a chance, but i dont want to take too much a chance away from our standard fare and risk spoiling our trip.

I was wondering are there any places that would have the same type of atmosphere and level of service but serve more, and please excuse the term, 'normal' food. I'm not talking burgers and fries and chicken nuggets, I want more than that :). We like things like scallops, crab/cakes, veal, filet, ribs and heck, even a good plate of spaghetti with a good choice of sauces (if you have ever been to Polistinas in AC you'll know what I mean. )

Thanks for induging me, I'm just trying to make the right choice for us.

I am keying off of the fact that you are in Tyson's Corner. Very near to the RC is the Colvin Run Tavern by Bob Kinkead (of Kinkeads in DC). To be honest, from your description, I really don't know what your idea of "normal food" is, but I personally like CRT. You can check out the menu on the website to see if it is to your liking: http://www.kinkead.com/ (The website includes links for both Kinkeads and CRT).

A review from the Washingtonian is here: http://www.washingtonian.com/Dining/...colvinrun.html

Outside of Tyson's, you can always try all the other wonderful recommendations in DC.

I thought of Colvin Run...

Then it occurred to me that one of the excellent upscale steakhouses might fit the bill best for standard, uncomplicated fare.

In Tysons Corner there's The Palm and Sam & Harry's. I'm not really a steakhouse kind of guy so am not the right person to suggest which one is best. But that may be the best way to go...

Sorry for the terrible use of normal, should be normal 'to me.' :)

I knew "normal" was gonna get me in trouble (and I dont eat often much in general anyway), but just for a reference, I've looked at the menu for Maestro and found maybe 2 things that would interest me (yes even had a coworker decode the stuff I didnt' know). Here are a few more menus I've reviewed and what looks good to me.

I took a peek at CRT and Kinkeads and yes, that's more in the types of food I would probably like. I reviewed The Capital Grille menu and that also appealed to me.

Someone pointed me to http://www.fogodechao.com/dining.htm and that definitely looks like a fun experience. I'll have to search the board to see what kind of recommendations they have on that.


I like the term uncomplicated fare. Much more accurate than my description of normal for me. Thank you.

Palm is VERY much like what I had in mind menu wise. I'll have to dig for S/H menu, didn't find it yet.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm just trying to make this exciting for my wife without going to a place she may not be able to find something she likes...she's very picky..picked me afterall :)

Well, if we are going for steak houses, there is also Morton's, in the same complex as Colvin Run Tavern. Same experience that you would get at a Morton's, if you don't mind a chain, albeit an upscale one.

My wife's not necessarily a huge steak fan, but read up on fogo....seems almost like a fun place. May have to venture into town for it. Especially if the only difference between lunch and dinner is the price.

Are there any 'less busy' times in DC. I dont mind 2-4pm meals at all if it lessens the crowds.

And any recommendations for parking near Fogo? I'm assuming it's a huge premium there in that location though, especially the middle of the day.

Also wondering if the Palm is an above avg noisy place? The pic of the dining room leads me to believe it can get pretty intense in there with the wood floors etc.

Yea i'm insane and like to be totally informed :)

You are BEGGING to go to The Palm. It's got the menu you desire, the upscale nature worthy of a special occasion, and is literally next door (about 100 yards walking) to the RC. While it is a bit noisy (aren't ALL Palms?), you could request a quieter table when making your reservation. Tim, the GM, is great about taking care of all his customers.

I have had two disappointing experiences at Colvin Run and won't bother going back. There are simply too many other nice places to keep spending money at a joint that overpromises and underdelivers.

Colvin Run was initially disappointing when I first went (late '02?), but has gotten better since.

I'm probably dating myself, but what happened to the people that were Maison Blanche?

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...pagewanted=all

Used to be a staple. :)

The TC Palm is not too noisy, especially if you go on the earlier side. Definitely request a table in the back room (a great choice if not closed for a private party) or a booth in the front foyer. Check and see if the NY strip/crab leg special is still on ^

Logically yes you are right, it seems the palm makes the most sense and it's almost like it was destiny staying next to it. I saw on the reservation page that it's non smoking correct? Just want to warn her.

We definitely dont mind going early. The web page http://www.thepalm.com/sitemain.cfm?site_id=19 is a tad confusing as it says something about dinner 3? - 11 but 5 is probably what they meant and I'd have no problem eating at 5.

Thanks for the seating suggestions. I'm assuming that there are no booths in the back room? I only ask because of my wife's back etc and it's easier but I'm sure she could deal with a chair in the back if it's more quiet. :) I at least want to give her options. (and also impress her with the knowledge you guys have given me :))

My next question would be, does anyone have an idea of what they might be able to do special for our 10th anniversary? Didn't know if they could make her up a special dessert etc if i called them a few days before.

The restaurant closed a number of years ago. was owned by the daughter of the founder(who knows??) She retired, the Matre d(who knows?) opened a Russian restaurant iin No VA somewhere, then converted it to a steak house, then disappeared.

Regarding colvin run. classic kinkaid kooking, designed for people who want "normal" food. A fish house with steaks also.

The Palm really does start serving dinner at 3, but it's 5 on the weekends (when they're not open for lunch).

I don't know if they can create a special dessert, but they really do aim to please. Ask to speak to Tim, the GM, and explain that it's your 10th anniversary and see if he has any suggestions for ways to make it special. Depending on whether or not they are sold for other parties, he may be able to arrange private dining just for you in one of the separated rooms, for example.

If steaks, then go to Ruth's Chris in Crystal City. This location has a great view.

Thanks. 3 is early but I know that will work out to our advantage. I see what they can do for me :)