Kanishka

Mandalay is fantastic. We went there almost once a week when I lived in College Park, and locals (especially the starving and poor grad students) were very upset when they had to move--the old landlord didn't renew their lease and is turning the old space into an aparment building. If you're in the neighborhood, I have to recommend the green tea leaf salad, the pork with pickled mango, and the tea. Tea there is made in a real authentic South Asian style, with condensed milk and a ton of sugar--not my personal favorite way, but it has sent my mother into "instant nostalgia." And be careful if you ask for anything "extra spicy"--because they'll really sock it to you. K

Thanks all for the notes! Has anyone tried their mussels or fries? I'm hoping to get some sort of reservation there fairly soon--but yes, I've also heard that seats have been hard to come by. Anyone heard when their brunch service will begin? I'd feel like a bit of a traitor, as I've been going to Tunnicliff's brunch every weekend for months... but there's nothing wrong with a change of pace. K

Hi Everyone-- I'm new to the forums, though I'm a long time reader. I also am a writer for DCist, www.dcist.com, where we're trying to expand our food coverage. I stopped by Belga Cafe on Barracks Row a few days ago, and apparently they're open for business. There have been rumors around the Hill that they were having trouble obtaining a liquor license--a shame, considering that beer list. Can anyone confirm or deny? And if you have been there--how was the food? K