Mrs. P

Update on the new Red Dog Cafe...The space looks pretty much ready to go, and a sign outside announces a March 2004 opening. Yesterday there was a troop of folks inside with the chef in what seemed to be a tasting/tour. With the red garage door entrance and outdoor seating, this place is sure to be popular in the neighborhood. I hope it will be a nice alternative to Parkway Deli!

Marcela's does have excellent mozzarella, made fresh daily, and not stored in the fridge so it keeps that creamy goodness till you get it home! Can't wait for the first good tomatoes to come out...

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I'm new to Arlington, with my office in Ballston....Where is El Charrito? I have seen it mentioned a couple of times on the board and would love to know where to find it! This former Austinite would love to find some good tacos! Thanks!

Stopped by Adega last night, just before the end of happy hour (8 PM) for $2 wine by the glass and a few appetizers (excellent bruchetta & grilled flatbread with toppings). The service was, as usual, very good, but be prepared for wine in a plastic wine glass. Our group stayed on the sandwich side, ordering the smoked salmon club, the napa burger, the steak and cheese sandwhich, and a bowl of clam chowder in the bread bowl (no atkins here!). All seemed to like their dishes, and we eyed the eggplant fries at another table. The steak and cheese, we were informed by the PA native, was not like in Philly, but it was very good. Overall this is a nice addition to the neighborhood. The wine prices are higher than at other places, like Rodmans, but the selection is often unique and you can't beat the by-the-glass price. Very worth a return visit.

I would agree with the above comments about the quality of food at the Colorado Kitchen. The meal I had there was excellent, and with the restaurant mostly empty on a cold Saturday night I have to say that the service was very good, though the servers seemed monkish in their quietness (fear of Chef?). Go for the cauliflower appetizer - a revelation on cauliflower for me. The brunch is at the top of my to-do list. I did find the atmosphere somewhat stern, though, and not quite relaxing with all the rules and caveats. The individuality of the place won me over and I can't wait to go back.