Tonic Restuarant

My friend Matt and I took a day trip to Washington D.C. to visit my friend Parth who attends George Washington University(GWU).

For lunch, Parth recommended that we eat at Tonic Restaurant at Quigley's Pharmacy. Located on the campus of GWU, Tonic Restasurant at Quigley's Pharmacy is a go-to place for GW students to watch sporting events and socialize. In fact, it is the official tater tot sponsor of GW athletics and the GWU Men's Basketball Team.

The bar area included a number of High-Def large screen TVs. 

Mac and Cheese

Parth ordered the Mac and Cheese: Elbow macaroni in a creamy bechamel sauce with pulled pork  and fried onions. The thick, creamy, macaroni joined with the crisp fried onions and tender pulled pork on the bottom made for a heavenly combined flavor. The restaurant gave a very generous portion size for $13 dollars. For the lunch menu, this entree is the best bang for your buck. 

Pan-Seared Salmon

The "Pan-Seared Salmon" caught my eye. This entree was an absolute delight: rich fresh salmon with beurre blanc sauce under tender sautéed spinach and buttery saffron rice. The moist

and tender salmon was cooked to perfection and topped with a savory white cream sauce. Altogether, the salmon with the soft rice, and delectable spinach made for one knockout dish. In this case, this entree wasn't exactly large but quality definitely triumphed quantity. 

Baja Veggie Burger 

Matt ordered the Baja Veggie Burger: veggie patty, grilled avocado, pico de gallo, pepper jack cheese, whole wheat kraiser.  The pico de gallo joined with the fresh avocado and velvety cheese made for a mild flavor. However, the burger itself was incredibly wholesome. The texture of the Baja was superb: crisp lettuce, savoury pico de gallo on a tender burger with a slice of cheese all encompassed in a soft bun. With regards to presentation, the burger would've looked better in a smaller dish. 

Overall, my friends and I had a quality dining experience. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a great American restaurant in the D.C. area. 

We later went on to explore the American History Museum that day.

Star Spangled Banner Artwork 

Me posing as President

- Charles

Yama Asian Fusion - Ellicott City, MD

Yama Asian Fusion is an new restaurant located in the new Forest Green shopping center on Route 40 across from the Double T Diner.

My mom Lisa and I tried it for lunch recently. 

Check out the ceiling design

It's clear that Yama put considerable thought into the decor that has a modern and futuristic feel reflected in the wall and ceiling art, furniture and lighting. I'd rank the restaurant as one of the coolest designs I've seen.

Bar area

99% of the time, I  order only water at a restaurant. However, when I saw a Virgin Pina Colada on the menu, I made an exception. The mix was thick and sweet with a strong coconut taste but easy to suck through the straw. The only problem I had was the "brain freeze" I got because I couldn't get enough of it and drank it too fast.

The menu has a combination of Chinese, Thai and Japanese dishes to choose from.

My mother ordered sushi - the Sexy Lady Roll,
shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado, smoked salmon wrapped in soy paper topped with colorful tobiko sauce.

She LOVED the combination of sweet sauce, crunchy cucumber and tempura with the salty, smoked salmon. Like me, my mom loves salmon. Although she really enjoyed this dish, she said the salmon taste was very pronounced. So it may not be good for someone who doesn't love salmon.

I choose the lunch option "any two rolls" and selected the AAC and California Rolls.
It was my first time trying the ACC Roll - a vegetarian roll of asparagus, cucumber and avocado. Both rolls were packed with very fresh ingredients and tender to the bite.

We received complimentary candy after the meal

Between the miso soup (came with the lunch special), sushi rolls and Virgin Pina Colada, I walked out of Yama Asian Sushi stuffed and satisfied. 

My mom was pretty happy too after finding a new favorite sushi roll, Sexy Lady.  

Yama Asian Sushi was a big hit. We are planning on returning with my dad and brother Charles. 

Check out the outdoor seating area in the summer

- Thomas