Northern VA, DC, maybe Maryland Dopers - Help

My SO’s birthday is friday and we are going out to dinner I just can’t decide where. The following has been recommended:

Arte’s in Fairfax - she said she wanted to try it, it looks a little “not birthdayish” to me

The Melting Pot - dunno, never been

Bellisimo (sp?) - on Main st in Fairfax, it might be too late for reservations though, that and I havn’t heard much about it.

The Cheese Cake Factory - again, I know nothing

The question is which do I pick. Or do you have any recommendations. I don’t want to spend over $100 for the two of us–we went to the Trellis last year and it was $95 and it was worth it.

And if possible if you recommend a new place can you give a website or some info about it. Thanks

Maggiano’s in Tyson’s has very good family-style italian food.

Mrs. Moto and I recently tried the Serbian Crown in Great Falls. Wonderful Russian and game dishes. We will be back.

Cheese Cake Factory is mediocre, except for the actual cheesecakes. These are very good indeed.

Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant, IIRC. I guess you’d really have to like fondue.

What about the revolving restaurant at the Doubletree across the river (in VA)? Might be too pricey, though. I haven’t been there yet, but I’d really love to try it. It’s supposed to have an excellent view of the city, too.

Melting pot is too overpriced. I’d stay away from there.

I haven’t been to most of those places.

Maggiano’s I think is better for a big group. I’ve not been to Artie’s, but it’s owned by the same folks as Mike’s and Sweetwater Tavern, so I’m sure the steaks are very good. I’m guessing that you’re right about the atmosphere.

If she doesn’t work in the District, it’s always fun to make a big deal about going downtown for a fancy dinner. I’d recommend Vidalia; also good are Tosca, Ten Phen, and the Occidental Grill, but my experience with these three is exclusively lunch, and sometimes nice restaurants do much better at one meal than the other.

–Cliffy

Melting Pot - http://eg.washingtonpost.com/profile/975591/?&flavor_id=2

Argia’s - http://eg.washingtonpost.com/profile/1025562/?&flavor_id=2

Geranio Ristorante - http://eg.washingtonpost.com/profile/795527/?&flavor_id=2

Through research and polling I’ve narrowed it down to this. Some of the suggestions above would be great for me, but my SO would flip is she saw rabbit w/ sour cream on a menu.

The only reason I kept the Melting Pot was because it keeps coming up over and over again.

If anyone has a war story about any of these places let me know and I’ll take it off.

Wait wait! - How bout Benihana?

If you aren’t looking for a “dressy-type” restaurant, you might try Hard Times Cafe.

/Comic Book Guy/

Best. Chili. Ever!

And I REALLY have to be in a mood to want to have chili.

They have locations in Bethesda, Rockville, College Park, Clarendon, Alexandria. Check out www.hardtimes.com for more info.

Oh yeah, Cheesecake Factory DOES NOT take reservations.

EVER.

Hard Times is nice - we have one in Laurel.

I think we’re going to Melting Pot next week. Washington Post gave it two dollar signs, which should mean it’s not too expensive…

I use to live in the DC/MD/VA area, now living in DE.

Is the Mustache Cafe in Alexandria still around.
As I remember really good food, nice ambiance, casual, not dressy, really worth it.

Excerpt From Link-

A riot of flamingo pink and grasshopper green, this kitschy fun house pays tribute to excellent pizza by serving them up huge. There’s big pasta, too.

Where Everything Spicey Is Nicey!
The decor is bizarre. The portions are huge. The prices reasonable.

    3 locations!

NOTE- I am in now way affilliated with these restaurants. I just miss them. A lot.