Clarendon Culture

Loved @LimeFreshMex!

Upon my return from the warm and sandy beaches of Mexico, the first place I went in Clarendon was the newly opened Lime Fresh Mexican Grill.  A couple of my girlfriends and I took our babies there (three strollers, three high chairs, 3 loud baby voices, and 6 food-throwing arms) right before the lunch rush.  In addition to all of us loving our meals, the staff was INCREDIBLE!  I have to specifically call out Jasmine as one of the best customer service experiences I’ve had in Clarendon to date!  She was so accommodating, so efficient, and so sweet.  From opening the doors for us to taking our orders at our table (instead of making us stand in line) to bringing our food quickly to her gracious demeanor - from start to finish, she was wonderful.

The food totally hit the spot!  For me personally, it’s the best Mexican in Clarendon.  It totally beat out Baja Fresh and Mexicali Blues, in my humble opinion. The guacamole had nice, bug chunks of avocado in it.  The steak fajitas (recommended by Jasmine) were juicy and tender, my tacos (one crispy beef and one soft fish) were delicious.  This post is not my “official” LimeFresh review, but I promise do do a full review in the next few weeks.  This is more of a “welcome to the neighborhood, I think I love you” post.  Here are some photos from our lunch….

(P.S. LimeFresh: Does this post count as an entry to your Superbole Superfan contest??)

(P.S. I have a big backlog of emails, but promise to respond to each one!)

Mexico!

Sorry I’ve been MIA, but I just got back from a relaxing week in Mexico doing nothing but eating tacos, swimming up to bars, and enjoying funny-faced drinks out of coconuts.  I’ll be back to blogging as soon as I adjust back to reality.  Hope you’re all well!

RIP Eleventh Street Lounge and Crossfit

It was recently reported by ArlNow.com that Crossfit would be closing its doors at the end of the month.  Sadly, the time has come for Eleventh Street Lounge, too. I’m Facebook friends with one of the Eleventh waitresses, who posted this last night:

FYI: Eleventh St Lounge will be closing on Jan 29. Stayed tuned for all the closing specials, parties, and events. This will include, but not be limited to, a party next Thursday night that I will be working. I can ensure ridic specials and a memorable, or not so memorable, evening. Hopefully all of the folks who have enjoyed the drinks, staff (in a platonic manner), and menu will be able to attend. That is all.

My husband and I have quite an intimate relationship with Eleventh.  For hubby’s 30th birthday, I rented out the basement and threw a big bash.  When we found out we were pregnant, we announced the news to my in-laws at Eleventh.  Hubby’s boys nights took place at Eleventh more times than he could count.  Our dog loved Eleventh.  Who didn’t love Eleventh?  I’m sure many will be sad to see it go.  Read my last review of Eleventh here.

RIP Eleventh and Crossfit.  Hope you make your way back to Clarendon very soon. 

(image via)

Opening date for @LimeFreshMex is January 16!

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, which is opening their first DC location here in Clarendon, has just announced the restaurant’s opening date: January 16!  Sadly, I’ll be on vacation in Mexico January 14 - 21 (ok, not sad), so I’ll miss the big grand opening, but hey - at least I’ll be united in Mexican food with all of my Clarendon neighbors!  

In case you aren’t familiar with Lime Fresh’s menu, here are just a few of the things that have me excited….

• Homemade queso with bottomless chips and an optional ground beef or bacon topping;
• Eight types of burritos, seven types of salsas, six types of tacos, five types of salads, four types of guacamole, three types of quesadillas, two types of soup, and a partridge in a pear tree.
• Frozen margarita, frozen sangria, wine, and ice cold beer!

Welcome to the neighborhood, LimeFresh  No pressure, but Clarendon lacks good Mexican food, so I hope you understand the amount of pressure riding on you. ;)

Happy New Year!

(images via Someecards)

Formal request to @BGRBurgerJoint

This blog post serves as a formal request to BGR Burger Joint.  I came across a recipe for one of the best burgers I’ve truly ever made, and I’d like for BGR to consider adding it to their menu.  I’m completely serious.  It’s the French Onion Burger of Wonder, and it certainly is deserving of that name.  The mister and I have had it two nights in a row, tonight will be night #3 of eating it, and it only gets better.  BGR, If you decide to add this burger to your menu, you can thank me in burgers for your increase in business.

Photos from my holiday weekend

Here are some snapshots from our holiday weekend.  I hope your weekend was just as relaxing and beautiful as ours was!

(Driving around the neighborhoods to see Christmas lights while sipping hot cocoa and listening to Christmas tunes) 

(‘Occupy’ protest Santa-style)

(Visiting the White House Christmas tree just as President Obama heads to Hawaii)

(White House Christmas tree.  I just don’t think this poor tree was cut out (pun intended) to be First Tree.  It has certainly seen better days.)

(Christmas Eve hors d’oeuvres)

(My brother-in-law’s homemade bread pudding accompanied by his homemade whiskey sauce!)

(Opening gifts on Christmas morning)

(Christmas morning breakfast: Trader Joe’s Danish pancakes with pumpkin cream cheese!)

(Christmas Day dinner: Burgundy beef tenderloin served with roasted brussel sprouts, loaded mashed potatoes, and rice casserole.)

(Day-after-Christmas brunch: Le Pain Quotodien ham & Gruyere croissant.  LPQ doesn’t have the best history in my book, so I was very pleasantly surprised with the excellent service and quality of food.)

Things you should know….

Paciugo Gelato and Caffè, is coming to Clarendon.  Clarendon’s new motto: More of the same!  (To be fair, Paciugo is Dallas-based, so I’ve had it before, and it’s awesome.)

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill opening next month!  Keeping my fingers crossed that Lime Fresh will help satisfy the Tex-Mex itch that Clarendon can’t currently scratch.

Still trying to decide what to do on New Year’s Eve?  ArlNow.com and Arbour Realty have some great ideas for you.  

Anybody in need of a volunteer on Christmas Day?  A Clarendon Culture reader is hoping to volunteer on Christmas Day, but cannot seem to find an opportunity.  If you have one, please contact me at ClarendonCulture@gmail.com and I’ll put you two in touch.

Happy holidays!

(images via here, here, here and here.)