Lunching In The DMV: Lighthouse Tofu

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Photo by Dskco

Last week Dskco hit the Korean Restaurant on Twinbrook Parkway, Lighthouse Tofu, and found a short but surprisingly different and tasty menu.

Her review on Lunching in the DMV starts:

Last night I met up with two friends for some Korean food. I suggested eating at Lighthouse Tofu because one of my awesome readers (Sup Mark!) reminded me this place existed. I used to work right around there and always thought they only served Soon Dubu Jigae (Spicy Tofu Stew), so I never went. They restaurant has their own private lot with the closest metro being Twinbrook on the red line.

The stew was so hot she took a video of it bubbling. They serve rice with tea which you eat/drink after the rice softens and Dskco says the combination is “addicting”. She recommends the the Kim Chi Pancake and enjoyed the traditional outfits (han bok) on the servers.

Lunching in the DMV is a local Rockville blog reviewing restaurants throughout the metro DC area. Whenever she writes about a restaurant in Rockville, we post a link to her article. She stops by all those places you wonder about to let you know whether you should. We’re happy to share her experiences with our readers.

Lunching in the DMV: Bubble Tea Cafe

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Photo by Dskco

The days are warming up, sending us in search for the perfect refreshing drink. In her search to find a new favorite glass of bubble tea, Dskco went to the Bubble Tea Cafe on Rollins Avenue (where Twinbrook Parkway turns into Rollins). She was pretty happy with the results and plans on going back.

The other week the bf and I craved a refreshing drink, so before grocery shopping we stopped by Bubble Tea Cafe in Rockville. I was looking for a cafe to replace my beloved Bubble Mix (out of business) which I used to frequent 3 times a week in College Park years ago. This place is like a grown up version of that place. Parking is located on the sides and behind the building. The closest metro stop is Twinbrook on the red line.

Sometimes I’m in the mood for bubble tea and I didn’t know this shop was tucked away in Rockville. Although a couple of others are closer to home, this could be a cozy, out-of-the-way place to take a break. Plus I always found the bubbles to be chewy and apparently, they don’t have to be!

A recent New York Times article on food blogging puts New Jersey (my beloved home state) at the forefront of local people snapping pictures of restaurants for a multitude of blogs. Restaurant owners have become completely accustomed to patrons posting the pictures everywhere. I couldn’t help but think of our Dskco! Her pictures provide a perfect sense of place for all of her restaurant excursions.

Lunching in the DMV is a local Rockville blog reviewing restaurants throughout the metro DC area. Whenever she writes about a restaurant in Rockville, we post a link to her article. She stops by all those places you wonder about to let you know whether you should. We’re happy to share her experiences with our readers.

First Watch Daytime Cafe Reviewed: Yum

I was delighted to see >this recent review of one of my favorite all-time breakfast spots, First Watch Daytime Cafe in Rockville Town Square. I have spent many a pleasant moment in First Watch, not only eating their fabulous food but also holding court in meeting after meeting. If you’re looking for somewhere to go in the day, First Watch is a great bet.

This from the review:

Everyone is always on the lookout for a great brunch and breakfast joint. In the Washington D.C. metro area, one place you’ll want to pay a visit to is the FirstWatch Daytime Café, located in Rockville, Maryland.

Perhaps the only problem with the FirstWatch Daytime Café in Rockville for brunch or breakfast is that there are so many awesome looking menu items that you may have a hard time narrowing down your choices. Some are innovative like their specialty Crepeggs, which offer a thin crepe combined with whipped eggs. Others are more traditional and you’ll find classic breakfast and brunch fare as well.

Read the full review here.

100 Gibbs St., Unit D
Rockville, MD 20850
301-762-0621

Lunching In The DMV: Sushi Damo

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Photo by Dskco

In her latest review on Lunching in the DMV, Dskco was out to celebrate her birthday, which meant a visit to both Susahi Damo (for dinner) and Gordon Biersch (for dessert).

I had a great birthday weekend a few weeks ago. On New Years Day, the bf took me to Rockville Town Square for dinner at Sushi Damo, dessert at Gordon Biersh and Regal to watch Avatar in 3D (go see it if you haven’t yet!).

Sushi Damo is the bf’s favorite sushi place. Located in Rockville Town Square, there’s paid parking, meter and free parking all over the place. We parked at the theater for $1 since we were going to see a movie anyway. The closest metro stop would be Rockville on the red line.

As always, Dskco entices with her photos taking you right along for the discoveries. Read to find out about Green Tea Tiramisu and her birthday good time.

Lunching in the DMV is a local Rockville blog reviewing restaurants throughout the metro DC area. Whenever, she writes about a restaurant in Rockville, we post a link to her article. She stops by all those places you wonder about to let you know whether you should. We’re happy to share her experiences with our readers.

Max van Balgooy: Three Top Washingtonian Restaurants In Rockville

>Rockville Central friend Max van Balgooy, whose “Max For Rockville” blog is increasingly required reading, has a nice spotlight today on three Rockville restaurants that made the Washingtonian’s “top 100″ list: Cava, Spice Xing, and Addie’s.

His piece begins:

The January 2010 issue of Washingtonian magazine lists a couple restaurants in Rockville among the “100 Very Best” in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. They are part of an exclusive club that includes Komi (#1), the Inn at Little Washington (#11), and 2 Amys (#28). We’re delighted that the restaurants in Rockville are being recognized and that a few of them are meeting an extraordinarily high standard for quality.

Thanks for this, Max!

Lunching in the DMV: Carmen's

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I know it’s COLD outside and you may not be thinking about a frozen treat, but Dskco stopped over to my family’s favorite destination, Carmen’s Italian Ice and wrote up a review for her Lunching in the DMV blog.

Last month my friends and I wanted something sweet and decided to go to Carmen’s. They are known for their Italian ice, custard, and gelatis. Located in Rockville off I-270, exit 6A, there is plenty of parking in the front lot. The closest metro stop would be Rockville on the red line.

Take a read. She decided it’s affordablew and way better than Rita’s!

Lunching in the DMV is a local Rockville blog reviewing restaurants throughout the metro DC area. Whenever, she writes about a restaurant in Rockville, we post a link to her article. She stops by all those places you wonder about to let you know whether you should. We’re happy to share her experiences with our readers.

Lunching in the DMV: Bob's Noodle 66

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Photo by Dskco

I’m constantly driving up and down North Washington Street and have never tried Bob’s Noodle 66. Thanks to Dskco for reviewing this very local restaurant on her Lunching in the DMV blog.

My cousin has been craving “Stinky Tofu” so a bunch of us went to Bob’s Noodle 66 in Rockville. It’s a very popular Taiwanese style restaurant. You won’t find General Tso’s chicken on this menu. Located in downtown Rockville behind Orange Ball Billiads, there is plenty of free parking. The closest metro stop is Rockville on the red line.

Sounds like this is an exotic restaurant with just about ANYTHING on the menu! Thanks to Dskco’s usual photography, everything looks delicious. Payment and language make Bob’s Noodle 66 a unique little find.

Lunching in the DMV is a local Rockville blog reviewing restaurants throughout the metro DC area. Whenever, she writes about a restaurant in Rockville, we post a link to her article. She stops by all those places you wonder about to let you know whether you should. We’re happy to share her experiences with our readers.

Lunching in the DMV: Rolls 'n Rice

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Photo by Dskco

I go to LA Boxing at least three times a week and never noticed the new restaurant Rolls ‘n Rice in the same strip mall. This is exactly why I need Dskco to point me in the right restaurant direction with her Lunching in the DMV blog and her most recent review of Rolls ‘n Rice.

My coworker recommended that I try this new sushi place in Rockville called Rolls ‘n Rice. It’s been open for around 2-3 months. It’s located in the old Lemon Tree space, which is in the Congressional Village shopping center. There are 2 entrances, but the one in the back has all of the free parking. The closest metro station would be Twinbrook on the red line.

Dskco’s plentiful photos give you a real feel for the place. Looks like a very full and fresh dish for around $12, a pretty good deal.

Lunching in the DMV is a local Rockville blog reviewing restaurants throughout the metro DC area. Whenever, she writes about a restaurant in Rockville, we post a link to her article. She stops by all those places you wonder about to let you know whether you should. We’re happy to share her experiences with our readers.

Lunching in the DMV: Temari

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Photo by Dskco

In the mood to try some Japanese food and possibly a catch a Japanese gameshow? Read Dskco’s review of local restaurant Temari.

Ever since trying ramen for the 1st time in NYC, I’ve been on a search. Recommended by friends, the bf and I went to Temari. Located in a green shopping center across the street from Best Buy, I’ve past this restaurant countless times, and didn’t ever notice it. There is plenty of parking in the shopping center, and the closest metro would be either be Twinbrook or Rockville on the red line. It’s pretty much right in the middle of the two.

She also walked around back to a Japanese market called Maruichi. I’ve never noticed the restaurant or the market so I’m glad Dskco visited both. Yet again, we’re very lucky to have the world at our fingertips here in Rockville.

Lunching in the DMV is a local Rockville blog reviewing restaurants throughout the metro DC area. Whenever, she writes about a restaurant in Rockville, we post a link to her article. She goes out to eat far more than me and we’re happy to share her experiences with our readers.

Contributor Review by Tracy Pakulniewicz-Chidiac: Twinbrook's Little Secret – Seska Lounge

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Every 5 – 6 weeks, my girlfriends and I have a “Ladies Night Out” where we make it a point to discover new restaurants in the area while we chat and catch up on “life”. After frequenting many of the Town Center establishments, we were in search of “less-chain” and more “mom and pop” type venues. Our latest event lead to the discovery of Twinbrook’s Little Secret: Seska Lounge - a contemporary woman-owned restaurant serving Caribbean and French inspired fare.

Located just behind the Twinbrook Post Office on Viers Mill, Seska Lounge is identifiable by the big, red, illuminated sign on the first floor level – with the entrance located on the ground level. Upon entering, you get the sense you’ve left Rockville and are in the middle of New York City. The modest size space is adorned in black, white and red with sleek wood tables, red bamboo and a white tile bar.

The food is sumptuous! Everything is made fresh and you can taste the passion that was put into preparing every bite! Ranging from curry from the West Indies to Asian inspired appetizers, there is something to please everyone. And vegetarians, no worries, if you don’t see it on the menu, a specialty dish will be crafted just for you! My personal favorite: dessert of course! Piping hot bread pudding – made with croissants and rum-soaked raisins, served with a side of creamy vanilla ice cream.

While the food and atmosphere are amazing, the best part of the Seska Lounge is the owner: Francesca. She is warm, friendly and treats you like family. She hails form Ghana, her mother’s birth place, and picked up the Caribbean influence from her father’s Jamaican roots.

Throughout our evening at Seska Lounge, we were able to take our time eating, enjoy the atmosphere and New Age tunes playing in the background. And, each course was followed up by a visit from Francesca to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and the food.

It was a perfect Ladies Night Out. I suspect this will be one place we’ll return to – and I hope many of you will give it a try as well! This is one “secret” that everyone should know!

Tracy Pakulniewicz-Chidiac

This is a contributor review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us if you would like to submit something!