Flashback Friday - Hot Spot Restaurant

Known as "asian-style fondue", Hot Spot, located in Fairfax, VA, is sort of reminiscent of an asian version of the Melting Pot. So basically, you cook your own food. This was my first time having hot pot and it was very interesting to say the least.

The way it works:

1. Choose a broth to cook in. I chose the veggie broth.
2. Choose your proteins and veggies. It's all you can eat, so you can check off anything from a menu they provide.
3. You have the option of preparing a sauce at their sauce bar.
4. Dip everything in the broth and let it cook up.
5. Dip in sauce and eat!

In general, I was very overwhelmed by it all and I didn't think it was a typical complete meal. By the time you feel like you have everything cooked, it's a lot to eat. Overall, it was difficult to keep up with and I probably won't go back but it was definitely a cool experience! 

Flashback Friday - Crepe Amour

Last weekend I had the pleasure of having breakfast at Crepe Amour - Creperie and Espresso Bar in Vienna, VA. Almost a hole in the wall, they serve a variety of customized crepes! They have a menu showcasing both savory and/or sweet crepes for you to choose from. I have only ordered savory crepes in the past but I decided to switch it up and try something sweet. I ordered the fraise amour made with nutella and strawberries. It was simple and satisfied my sweet tooth.

Fraise Amour

Flashback Friday - Beauregard's Thai Room Restaurant

Although it's a late Friday post I wanted to quickly do a Flashback Friday restaurant review! A while back I ate at the Thai Room in Richmond, VA. The atmosphere was relaxing and the restaurant was gorgeous! The only downside was that it took a while to receive the food but it was well worth it.

I ordered my usual veggie pad thai and I tried thai iced tea for the very first time, which was DELICIOUS.

I'm very used to small "hole in the wall" thai restaurants but as a more sophisticated and less casual thai restaurant date, I would definitely come back!

Flashback Friday - Ipanema Cafe

I wish I could go back to last weekend so I can enjoy a wonderful date night! Another great food experience, located in Richmond, Virginia, Ipanema Cafe features very creative and select vegan and vegetarian dishes. However, I noticed that they have expanded to feature at least one non-vegan/vegetarian dish, which is usually a seafood dish. Not bad at all!

We started off with one of their tea selections - African Vanilla Rooibos tea which is South African Rooibos blended with pure vanilla cane. I definitely need to do some research and get my hands on my own blend! 

For our entrees, I got the pasta roulade which was absolutely delectable. I'm pretty sure they used lasagne noodles to construct the roulade. It was also made with oyster mushrooms, french green beans, arugula pesto, tofu ricotta, and tomato sauce. I was VERY impressed with the tofu ricotta - it definitely tied the entire dish together. 

Another dish I tried was the Tilapia fish with vegetables over rice in a green curry sauce. Spicy, spicy, spicy! 

Ipanema cafe is one of my favorite go-to restaurants that has a relaxing atmosphere. It is a very cool underground experience (literally).  It is small and intimate and perfect for quick date nights with your special one!