Full Key - Wheaton, MD

Happy New Year guys! Not just Lunar New Year, but regular New Year. This is my first post of 2013, and it's good to be back. Lots of positive changes happening including a new job, which will give me more free time (yey!) to get back to writing about deliciousness.

This past Sunday was Lunar New Year, and I celebrated the 'Year of the Snake' with my dad at one of my family's old stomping grounds. Full Key has served Hong Kong-Style food for decades in this tiny, old shopping center. I grew up in Wheaton, and my mom used to own a hair salon block away. It was nostalgic to be back after 15 years. Parking is limited up front, so there is parking in the rear. Closest metro station is Wheaton on the red line.

The interior has changed a bit since I was there last. Structurally, it looks the same, but they've added much more decor. Wallpaper, booths, picture frames and the Chinese roof replica. Even with the changes, the vibe is still very casual and not pretty, but clean.

The menu is fairly large, but typical for a Chinese restaurant. They specialize in Hong Kong-Style cuisine, which means mainly Cantonese influenced dishes.

We ordered Fried Squid with Chili Pepper and Salt (around $12), which was surprisingly good. Just looking at it, you would expect it to be boring, but it's crispy and flavorful. Half of the reason for the yumminess was the large amount of MSG sprinkled on top (you could see it), but it's ok once any a while! So good, you don't need to dip it in any soy sauce.

The Wonton and Noodle in Soup ($6.75) is a staple item because it's the best around! Huge pieces of shrimp inside the wontons, perfectly cooked noodles, and a flavorful sweet broth. It's a huge bowl too, so feel free to share so you can try the next item I'm about to mention.

Drool. As a kid, all I would order would be duck on rice. We ordered a 1/4 Roasted Duck ($7.95) which was fatty, crispy and had the right amount of salt. Look at the glistening skin!

It was great to be back, and I intend to not forget about this place again. The food was delicious, service was nice and quick, and food was inexpensive.

2227 University Blvd
Wheaton, MD 20902
(301) 933-8388

Mark's Duck House - Falls Church, VA

Ah dim sum. I don't get to have it often because the bf doesn't like small dishes...pshhh! Well that's what friends are for! One of my friends took me to Mark's Duck House - her favorite spot for Sunday dim sum. The restaurant has been around for over 20 years serving Hong Kong-style cuisine. As their name suggests, they are known for their Peking Duck. However, we didn't get a chance to try it.
Located in a shopping center, there is plenty of free parking, but it can get crowded.

This place is smaller than other restaurants that offer dim sum, so it was PACKED! We took a number when we got through the crowd waiting by the door.

They offered many of the same dishes I'm used to seeing as well as some different items. Sorry guys, but I don't have prices for any of these items because they were in Chinese. All dishes are between $2.50 - $7.50 though.

1. Pan-Fried Chives Dumpling - Out of all the dumplings, this was my favorite.
2. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling (Shiu Mai)
3. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling
4. Shrimp Dumpling (Har Gao)

5. Fried Taro Dumpling - One of my favorite dishes when I have dim sum.
6. Shrimp Noodle Crepe - Best noodle crepe I've tried.
7. Lemongrass and Ginger Oyster - Oyster by itself was the size of my palm.
8. Stuffed Crab Claw - I broke my chopstick trying to cut this. It was massive!

Service was very fast with the carts, they constantly filled our water glasses, replaced my broken chopstick and reminded me that I forgot my leftovers. I thought they were great! Food was on point. Now I just need more dim sum buddies!

6184 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22044
(703) 532-2125
marksduckhouse.com

China Star - Fairfax, VA

My cousin took me to China Star - her favorite Chinese restaurant ever. There is plenty of parking in this suburban shopping center, and the closest metro would be Vienna on the orange line. She is a lover of authentic Chinese food and is the same person that introduced me to stinky tofu. Once again, I forgot to take a picture of the front! I think I've been so hungry recently that I just run in without thinking.

The interior isn't too decorative, but there are lots of large tables for big groups.

The menu has "American" Chinese food as well as over 100 of authentic Szechuan dishes.

They started us off with a small portion of room temperature beans that were slightly sweet. Good snack.

This was the famously addictive dish we came for. The Fish with Bean Curd ($11.95) has numbing properties. I didn't know what that meant when I saw it on the menu, but apparently the Sichuan peppercorns "numb" your taste buds slightly. This causes a different sensation when eating the rest of the dish, and used to enhance flavors. I honestly didn't even notice it! My cousin thinks it feels really cool and makes her water taste different too.

Spinach with garlic wasn't on the menu, but my cousin asked for it, and it was AWESOME. So simple, but made perfectly.

Happy Family (beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, scallop, and lobster with assorted vegetables sautéed in chef's special sauce) $13.95. It doesn't come with noodles, but we asked to add them because we actually ordered the wrong thing. It was tasty and fresh though!

I don't eat as much Chinese food as my cousin does, but this place had some special dishes I haven't seen before. Cheap prices, nice service, and I would recommend coming to try any dish that has numbing spices in them!

9600 Main St
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 323-8822
www.chinastarfood.com

Sichuan Pavillion - Rockville, MD

My cousin and I were in the mood for Chinese food on a Saturday night, so Yelp helped us pick Sichuan Pavilion. There is plenty of free parking in front of the restaurant and the closest metro stop is Rockville on the red line. They also have an outdoor patio for warmer weather.

Nothing too fancy about the inside.

I love tea with my Chinese food!

There are 2 menus - American Chinese Style and Authentic Chinese Style. I think it's pretty self explanatory as to which menu you will find the Sweet and Sour Chicken or the Duck Blood Curd in Sichuan Sauce.

We started off with some Crispy Cucumber Salad ($3.50), which were pickled cucumbers. It would have been a bit better with some chili peppers.

A staple item we like to try at any Chinese restaurant (if served) is the Fried Scallion Pancake ($2.95). It was pretty big, but dry and bland.

The Eggplant in Garlic Sauce ($9.25) was ok. The overall texture of the entire dish was mushy, and had more oil than I would have preferred.

Based upon suggestions from Yelp reviewers, we ordered the "Mapo" Tofu with Minced Beef ($9.25). We didn't know what to expect, but it tasted like...pine needles. We couldn't eat it, so we brought it home and the bf couldn't eat it.

So aside from the food being disappointing, the kicker was the service! On Saturday they claim to close at 10:30pm. Between 10:10pm and 10:20pm, the entire staff had their coats on, we were handed the bill and asked to pay cash for faster processing (we didn't have cash). After swiping our credit cards, the server didn't leave our side until she saw us sign the check. We weren't asked if we wanted to take the food home, but after asking for it to be packed, they only packed 1/2 of it! Then one of the staff members starting singing the tune "So Long, Fair Well" from the Sound of Music....mind you, we were still EATING. Ok we can take a hint, but you're still technically open! So we left after that lovely song.
Sorry if you guys love this place, but I'm not recommending it. There is plenty of good Chinese food in Rockville like Seven Seas, Bob's Noodle 66, Joe's Noddle House and A&J.

410 Hungerford Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 403-7251
www.scpavilion.com

Seven Seas Afternoon Tea - Rockville, MD

The bf and I were recently invited to try Seven Seas' Afternoon Tea held daily from noon to 6:30pm for $12.99 per person. This includes: 2 Appetizers, 2 Entrees, 1 Dessert and 1 Pot of Premium Tea. Holy crap that is a deal! Granted the entree portions are about half the size, but you get to try a variety. Check out the first time we were here.

We were lucky enough to eat with the owners, their awesome daughters and marketing specialist. Many items pictured below will not show the Afternoon Tea sizes. Might I add, there was a TON of food.

1. Seaweed  - Different than the Japanese kind that you see everywhere.
2. Marinated Shredded Tofu - Really cool how it stays firm enough to hold that shape.
3. Tofu, Fish, Peanut and Soy Sauce - I love soft tofu, so this was great with the sauce.
4. Spicy Shellfish - Nice texture that I didn't expect.

5. Pan Fried Turnip Cake - Loved the soft inside and crispy outside.
6. Hot & Spicy Wonton - One of the best wontons I've ever had.
7. Chili Chicken - Spicy for me but nice flavor. One of their signature dishes.
8. Sliced Lamb with Cilantro - The bf HATES lamb and he loved this dish. That says something.

9. Double Cooked Pork - I don't remember eating much of this...
10. Crispy Eggplant - Comes with a nice dipping sauce.
11. Crispy Beef with Mango - One of my favorites! The texture is crispy and you can taste the caramelization.
12. Sesame Chicken - Not heavy or overly breaded.

Shanghai Steamed Buns - The outside was thicker than I expected but great filling.

Cobia with Garlic - Didn't break apart, nice unique flavor.

Purple Rice Pudding with Coconut Milk - Similar consistency to sticky rice, and the coconut milk is awesome.

Green Tea Ice Cream - You can never go wrong with ice cream.

As much food as their was, I didn't feel gross afterwards. The food is high quality, not heavy and all tasted unique. I learned a lot about Chinese culture, what authentic means via a "heart ruler" (how a dish measures up to your childhood memories of your mom's cooking), was introduced to the rarely seen Taiwanese fish Cobia, and just little things about how a restaurant is run. Thanks again to the Seven Seas family!

1776 East Jefferson St # 112
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 770-5020

Ping Pong Dim Sum- Chinatown, DC

After DCFBHH at Poste, Michele from Squirrels-n-Sweets accompanied me to get some more food at Chinatown's trendy dim sum spot Ping Pong Dim Sum. There is street and garage parking in the vicinity. The closest metro stop is Gallery Place-Chinatown on the red/green line.

Sorry this pic is blurry! (One too many HH drinks at Poste). The interior is beautiful with dark (almost black) cherry wood floor and tables. There are a good number of tables, full bar area, and dim sum bar counter. Very modern and sophisticated feel. This was 9:30pm on a Wednesday and the place was packed!

Traditional images of dim sum include carts of food being pushed around, but those are not present here. It's more like 'tapas' where you choose off of a menu, and fill out a sheet of paper with the quantity of each item you want to order.

We ended up not being that hungry after sitting down, but check out the few items we did get.'Chicken puff (Honey roasted barbecue chicken in hand made puff pastry topped with pineapple)' for $5. This was my favorite. The puff pastry was flaky and light. The pineapple brought a nice sweetness to the tender filling. I could eat 10 of those.

'Char sui bun (Honey barbecued pork in a fluffy white bun)' for $6. We chose this item because Michele has given one of her friends this nickname. It was also a bit sweeter than a typical pork bun because of the honey. The filling was also very tender and the outside was very soft.

We also ordered the 'pork shu mai (pork and king prawns in an open pastry topped with a Chinese wolfberry)' for $5 because we wanted to see what wolfberry was. I don't remember it tasting like anything. This was good and not as salty as I've had it other places.

Overall the food was yummy, and the items we ordered had a little twist to the traditional flavors, but nothing shocking. Our server was very helpful and nice, and the items came out quickly. They do warn that items arrive as they are made, in case you're wondering where the rest of your order went. The menu has a large variety of items to choose from, though they are more expensive than any other dim sum place I've tried. The atmosphere is fun, and a great place to shares lots of plates with friends and down some speciality cocktails.

900 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 506-3740
www.pingpongdimsum.us


Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 12 am
Sun 11:30 am - 10 pm

Zengo - Chinatown, DC

DC Restaurant Week was like forever ago, so forgive me, but life gets in the way. The bf and I decided to only check out one place since we did 2 restaurants for Bethesda Restaurant Week. We agreed on trying out Zengo because of my friends' recommendations, and the cuisine. It's a Chinese and Latin fusion restaurant, so it was something different that we haven't had before.
Located in the heart of Chinatown, street parking is limited, but there is garage parking. The closest metro stop is Gallery Place-Chinatown on the red/green line (its literally next to the main metro entrance at 7th & H St).

There are 2 levels to the restaurant. The 1st level is where the main bar/lounge is.

The main floor upstairs is huge! Nice high ceilings and comfy, yet modern decor. They did have these "potato-like" items hanging from the ceiling, which the bf and I found funny.

Isn't it cute? I love the soft lighting and simplicity.

They had a great restaurant week deal ($35, 3-courses). You could choose your 1st and 2nd meal off the menu, minus a few options. Then the dessert was on a separate menu. The prices listed below are the regular a la carte prices for reference.

One of my friends that recommended the restaurant raved about the 'Charred Tuna Wonton Tacos (Sushi Rice, Mango Salsa, Guacamole) for $10. I was in love! The flavors melded together so well, and I ate every little thing off that plate.

The bf and I love duck so he ordered the 'Peking Duck Daikon Tacos (Duck confit, curried apple, orange-coriander sauce) for $10. You have to assemble the tacos yourself and the "tortillas" are slices of radish. Everything together was good, but I would've liked it better if they were already assembled.

For my entree I ordered the 'Roasted Scallops Al Mojo de Ajo (Bacon, corn, sushi rice, yuzu-sriracha aioli) for $22. The scallops were seared perfectly, but the sauce was spicy! I ate 3/4 of it and gave the rest to the bf. He didn't like the bacon in it at all. Overall I thought it was good.

Our server recommended the bf order the 'Beef Tenderloin Palomilla (Sauteed chile pablano-onion, fingerling potato, ginger-serrano sauce) for $26. The meat had a more acidic sauce on it, which I liked but the bf was not a fan. The fries looked like yucca to me, even though it says fingerling potatoes on it. Perhaps I'm mistaken?

For dessert, they had this special item, 'Ancho Chocolate Cake (Hibiscus-sake cherries, milk chocolate mousse) for $6. We did not like it very much because it was a very "musky" flavor. I've had chocolate with chipotles, but the ancho chiles tasted different. The mousse was very mediocre, but the cherries were my favorite part.

The bf got the 'Blackberry & Cream sorbet', which I found to be very mediocre, but he liked it.

Our server was awesome and very knowledgeable of the menu. Our food came out quickly and water glasses constantly refilled. I liked the space of the restaurant and the variety of food. We were about to order sushi (love the stuff) but decided to try something else. The prices are expensive with the entrees being in the $20's. It's a nice place to go on a date or with friends because they have larger tables made for groups.

781 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Tel. 202.393.2929
http://www.richardsandoval.com/zengodc/

Lunch
Monday - Friday 11:30am - 2:30pm
Dinner
Sunday - Thursday 5pm - 10pm
Friday & Saturday 5pm - 11:30pm
Bar & Lounge
Monday - Thursday 5pm - 11pm
Friday 5pm - 1:30am
Saturday 5pm - 1:30am
Sunday Closed
Happy Hour
Monday – Saturday 5pm - 7:30pm

Seven Seas- Rockville, MD

Since the bf and I STILL haven't gone grocery shopping since the power outage, we decided to go for Chinese food. We chose Seven Seas Chinese Restaurant in Rockville because I thought it was the same one in College Park that I used to frequent in school. Its actually not owned by the same people, but happens to have the same name.I've walked by when their blinds are up, but since the sun was setting, they close their blinds to block out the sun. The restaurant has plenty of shopping center parking. The closest metro stop is Rockville Twinbrook on the red line.

Check out some of their awards! They had a whole wall full of them.

This is the main dining room, which has nice red walls and simple decor. The first room you walk in has a few small tables and their sushi bar.

Food came out fast! The menu is big and offers Chinese and Japanese food. We opted for only Chinese food and ordered 'Shrimp Lo Mein' for $8.95. It was a good amount of noodles. It wasn't overly salty, drenched in soy sauce or oily. I thought it was great! I'd definitely order it again. The bf would have liked it a bit saltier.

We also shared a 'Cap Moo Pork (Shredded pork sauteed with cabbage, mushrooms, bamboo shoots & glass noodles covered with an omelet cap. Served with Hoisin sauce & 4 pancakes) for $10.95. The pork was so tender, and once again I thought it wasn't covered in soy sauce, so it was really tasty.

With the order, you receive 4 pancakes ($.55 each for extra), and you wrap the above dish into little "burritos".

I didn't get a cool fortune or anything, haha. Those oranges were a nice palate cleanser though!

I enjoyed the food a lot. It tasted like good ingredients were used. The service was fast but for some reason we had 3 different servers. It was probably to make sure we were taken care of at all times. The price seems to be normal for a non-take out Chinese restaurant. You can order online via their website for carryout/delivery orders. They also have a cool 'Afternoon Tea' deal: 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, tea & ice cream for $12.99.

1776 E Jefferson St
Rockville MD 20852
(301) 770-5020
http://www.sevenseasrestaurant.com


Sunday - Thursday: 11:00am - 10:30pm
Friday - Saturday: 11:00am - 11:00pm