Yama Restaurant in Virginia

Yama Restaurant
328 Maple Avenue West
Vienna VA 22180
703-242-7703

Yama is one of my favorite Japanese Restaurant. I have been going to Yama for many years now (since I moved to Virginia in 2000). They have a good selection of sushi that you can order from the menu. And every now and then, they come up with new sushi combination roll and add it to their menu. They also have a variety of cooked dishes if you are not into sushi. Take a peek at what they have to offer.

Age Tofu

Sushi and Sashimi for Two

Tonkatsu

From Top Left: Vienna Roll. Toro Dynamite, Spicy Puff (Spicy Yellow Tail, Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon), Yummy Yummy Yama Roll

Temaki Handroll

Cost:
Sushi - $3 to $10
Appertizers - $7 to $11
Main Entrees - $8 to $40
Desserts - $5 to $8

Suggestion:
If you love sushi, just go crazy and order their sushi. But you want to order the Toro Dynamite, Spicy Puff and Yummy Yummy Yama Roll. But watch up, you may rack up the bill. So if you just want a balance meal, for sushi lovers, try their Chirashi (A bed of raw fish on rice). But if you are not into sushi, try the tonkatsu or the soft shell crab tempura. Save some room for dessert. A must try dessert is their Banana Split Tempura (Fried Banana with choice of 2 sccop of ice cream, I recommend the green tea ice cream).

Artie's Restaurant in Virginia

Artie's Restaurant
3260 Old Lee Highway
Fairfax VA 22030
703-273-7600
http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/

Artie's is an American Restaurant. Great for their steaks and seafood dishes. Consider it more like a casual dining restaurant with a 5 star service. They have specials every night. My favorite is their Blacken Prime Rib that is served every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night till they are gone each night. So if you plan to try their Blacken Prime Rib, go early before it is all gone. Below is what I ordered at my last visit.

Fried Calamari

Blacken Prime Rib

Fish of the Day: Halibut

Jambalaya Pasta

Cost:
Appertizers - $8 to $10
Main Entrees - $8 to $40
Desserts - $5 to $8

Suggestion:
The appertizers is a must at Artie's. The Fried Calamari comes with a thick version of Lobster Bisque. For the main entree, please try the Blacken Prime Rib. But if you are not a meat eater, try one of the Fish Entrees. That is what they are good for. Save some room for some dessert. Order the Flourless Chocolate Waffle with Vanilla Ice Cream. A small piece of heaven.

Myung Ga Korean Deli in Virginia

Myung Ga Korean Deli
9643 Lee Highway
Fairfax VA 22031
703-934-0112

Myung Ga Korean Deli is a small mom and pop shop. They serve the typical Korean noodle and rice dishes. Not a fancy restaurant. It is more like a fastfood join. Below is what I ordered during my last visit to the restaurant.

Spicy Pork and Squid Rice

Korean Cold Noodles

Udon Noodles

Spicy Seafood Noodles

Cost:
Main Entrees - $8 to $15

Suggestion:
Take your pick. If it sounds good, just order it at this restaurant. If you like rice dishes, definately look thru the menu and order something. Soup dishes are harder to share so if you would like to share, order the rice dishes.

Choong Hwa Woon Restaurant in Virginia

Choong Hwa Woon
4409 John Marr Drive
Annandale VA 22003
703-256-8006

Choong Hwa Woon is Korean Restaurant specialized in Chinese Cooking. In their menu, there are a variety of Chinese Cuisine and Korean Cuisine dishes. Below is what I ordered during my last visit to the restaurant.

Spicy Short Ribs Soup

Dolsot BimBimBap

Spicy Seafood Noodles Soup

Spicy Stir Fry Squid

Cost:
Main Entrees - $8 to $30

Suggestion:
Definately try the dishes I have in the photos above. But as like all asian restaurant, please share your food so that you get to try a variety of dishes.

Tsunami Restaurant in Virginia

Tsunami Restaurant
13039 Fairlakes Center
Fairfax VA 22033
703-449-8404

Tsunami is a Japanese restaurant. This Japanese restaurant serves lunch buffet Monday to Saturday. But the do have extra items on Saturday. One of their specialty is the Spicy Seafood Roll. Other than that, it's the same as other Japanese buffet. Photos below will give you an idea on what to expect at the restaurant.

Cost:
Lunch Buffet - $16 including tax and tips.

Suggestion:
The spicy seafood roll at this restaurant is a must try. Other than that, it's just a sushi buffet. They have other stuff besides sushi like dumplings, sweet and sour chicken, katsu (Pork Cutlet) and others.

Chicken with Oyster Mushroom

Ingredients:
1 lb sliced Oyster Mushroom
1 lb diced Chicken Breast
1 diced Whole Onion
5 tbsp Oyster Sauce

Steps:
1. Stir fry the diced onion with some cooking oil for like 5mins in a hot wok.
2. Add diced Chicken Breast into the wok. Cook till chicken is almost cooked.
3. Add sliced Oyster Mushroom into the wok and stir fry it for 2 mins.
4. Add the oyster sauce and stir fry for another 2mins.
5. Turn off the flames and cover the wok and let it sit for a few mins.

Notes:
Add Oyster sauce to taste. Also if you think that the dish is too dry, add some water.

Cost:
The recipe above is good for at least 6 to 8 people and cost less than $10 to make.

Tabooleh

Ingredients:
1 bunch of Cilantro
1 whole Onion
2 whole Tomatoes
4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 whole Lemon juice

Steps:
1. Dice up the cilantro, onion and tomatoes finely.
2. Add lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil and mix everything together.
3. Put tabooleh into the refrigerator till serving time.

Notes:
The extra virgin olive oil is not necessary. If you like tomatoes, you can add more into the tabooleh.

Cost:
The recipe above is good for at least 10 people and cost less than $6 to make.

Cilantro Chicken Soup

Ingredients:
1 bunch of Cilantro
1 lb Chicken breast meat
3 whole Tomatoes
4 Eggs
1 can of Chicken Stock

Steps:
1. Bring 1/2 gallon of water to boil.
2. Add 1 can of chicken stock into boiling water to make the soup base.
3. Dice up chicken and add it to the soup.
4. Cut tomatoes into quarters and add into the soup.
5. Cook for 30mins.
6. Beat up egg before adding it into the soup. Stir the soup while slowly adding the egg into the soup.
7. Add cilantro and cook for another 5mins.
8. The soup is ready to be served.

Notes:
After adding the egg and cilantro, avoid cooking it too long as the color of the cilantro will change.

Cost:
The recipe above is good for at least 6 to 8 people and cost less than $8 to make.

Mayuri Indian Cuisine in Virginia

Mayuri
2316 Hunters Woods Plz
Reston, VA 20191
703-860-4999

Mayuri is an Indian restaurant. Like many Indian restaurant, they serve lunch buffet everyday. They are a southern style Indian restaurant. Their selections are not much but they have a balance. Usually a few types of bread, rice, meats, vegetables, chutney and desserts. Just the desserts is worth the trip.

Cost:
Lunch Buffet - $12 including tax and tips.

Suggestion:
This Indian restaurant is unique for their selection of chutney and their desserts. One thing that I like a lot is their cabbage chutney and their mango lassi ice cream. Since it is a buffet, there is no need to worry as you will find something that you will like.

Big Bowl Asian Kitchen in Virginia

Big Bowl Asian Kitchen
11915 Democracy Dr
Reston, VA 20190
703-787-9045
http://www.bigbowl.com/

Big Bowl Asian Kitchen is an American Asian Restaurant. They have a variety of Asian cuisine like Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese. They have a wide selection of vegetarian, seafood and meat. Below is what I ordered when I was at the restaurant.

Fried Calamari

Fiery Dumplings

Tofu Pad Thai

Ginger Cake

Cost:
Appertizers - $6 to $10
Main Entrees - $8 to $25
Desserts - $7

Suggestion:
If you are at this place, you must order the fried calamari. It comes with 2 types of dipping sauces. Get a few appertizers if you are not into the main entree. But do definately save some room for their dessert. The Ginger cake taste like ginger cookies and is top with banana ice cream. It is definately a must have if you are there.

Victor's Grill in Virginia

Victor’s Grill (Churrascaria)
7634 Lee Highway
Falls Church VA 22042
703-573-4161
http://www.victorsgrill.com/

Victor's Grill is an Argentinean Churrascaria restaurant. That is their specialty. On the weekend, they have a wider selections in their menu. But those specialties are only available till it is sold out. So if you plan to order those specialties, go early on the weekends. I usually order the following during my visit there.

Salad with Parrillada Argentina

Rice and Fries with Parrillada Argentina

Parrillada Argentina

Cost:
The above meal is $52 including tips and tax.

Suggestion:
Definately order the Parrillada Argentina. You get all of the above. Not a meal for those that don't eat beef. I would say the plate is good for 3 or 4 people. Order something else if you do not want beef.

Thai Pilin Restaurant in Virginia

Thai Pilin Restaurant
8385 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182
703-556-9191

Thai Pilin is a small authentic Thai restaurant. It is one of the most cheapest Thai restaurant in the area. This is not a fancy restaurant, it is more like a fast food joint by the menu selection is great. You order from a window during lunch time but at night, it is a sit down restaurant. Below is what I usually order for lunch during my visit there.

Steamed Dumplings

Crispy Springroll

Spicy Crispy Catfish

Cost:
Appertizers - $4 to $6
Main Entrees - $8 to $15
Desserts - $5

Suggestion:
I would definately recommend the steam dumplings as an appertizer. The roasted garlic that comes with the steam dumplings just enhance the taste of the dumplings. For the main entree, definately go for the Spicy Crispy Catfish. Not a fan of seafood, go for their pad thai. They make it very well over here at this restaurant.

Dolce Vita in Virginia

Dolce Vita
10824 Fairfax Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-385-1530
http://www.dolcevitafairfax.com/

Dolce Vita is a small Italian restaurant that is family owned. The environment at this restaurant makes you feel at home. Definately a good place to enjoy a quiet Italian meal. The ingredients at this restaurant is made fresh as well. Below are some of the dished ordered during my last visit.

Grilled Calamari

Bruschetta

Fresh-Diced Tomatoes, Grilled Sliced Portabella and Parma Prosciutto

Fresh-Diced Tomatoes, Roasted Peppers, Mozzarella , Artichoke Hearts and Zucchini

Veal and Spinach Filled Cannelloni in A Aurora Sauce

NY Strip Steak with Brandy Sauce

Cannelloni

Cost:
Appertizers - $4 to $13
Main Entrees - $10 to $30
Desserts - $6

Suggestion:
Usually you do not share food at an Italian restaurant but I would recommend sharing your food in order to try a variety. Definately order a pizza as it is made fresh to order. Average per person is about $30.

Orange Cherry Cake

Ingredients:
Part A
280g Butter
250g Sugar

Part B
1/2 cup chopped Red Cherries
1/2 cup chopped Green Cherrie
Zest of 1 Orange
4 tablespoon of Orange Juice

Part C
240g Flour
2 teaspoon Baking Powder
40g Cornflakes (Blended finely)

5 Eggs

Steps:
1. Beat Part A till fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Add Part C into mixture, one spoon at a time.
4. Add Part B into mixture and mix it well.
5. Pour mixture into a ring mould.
6. Bake in a preheated over 370F for 50mins.

Notes:
Another coffee cake recipe. Good with hot coffee.

Cost:
The cake about cost $8 to make.

Sushi Rice

Ingredients:
3 cups Sushi Rice
3 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:
1. Wash rice well. Let is stand for 15mins.
2. Cook in rice cooker.
3. Mix vinegar, sugar and salt in a small pan.
4. Put pan on low heat and cook until sugar dissolves.
5. Cool vinegar mixture.
6. Spread cook rice into a large bowl.
7. Lightly mix the rice and the mixture.

Notes:
This recipe is only to make the rice. You can use raw fish but if you are uncertain of the grade, use smoked salmon.

Cost:
The cost is about $4 to make the rice. Cost of other ingredients varies.

Cantalope Sago

Ingredients:
1 Whole Cantalope
1 Cup of Sago

Steps:
1. Use melon baller and create Cantalope balls (40 pieces).
2. Cut up the remaining and freeze the cantalope.
3. Soak sago for 5 mins and boil sago for 10mins. Chill it down as soon as possible.
4. Before serving, blend remaining frozen cantalope with ice.
5. Pour blended cantalope into 5 bowls evenly.
6. Add 8 pieces of cantalope to each bowl.
7. Scoop cooked sago evenly to each bowl and serve.

Notes:
The sago needs to be cooked correctly and not overcooked. As for the type of fruits, you can use other melons like fruit for example watermelon or honeydew.

Cost:
The above cost $3 to make and is good for 5 people.

Sambal Belacan

Ingredients:
6 Fresh Red Chillies
3 Thai Chillies (Chili Padi)
30g Toasted Belacan
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of Sugar or to taste
1/2 Lime Juice

Steps:
1. Blend all ingredients together until it becomes a paste.
2. Keep in a container in the refrigerator.

Notes:
This paste can be used with rice dishes or used as a dressing. See kerabu recipe in other posts.

Cost:
The above cost $3 to make.

Kerabu Black Fungus with Chicken

Ingredients:
3 Tablespoon of Sambal Belacan (See Sambal Belacan Recipe)
10 Whole Shallots (Thinly sliced)
2 Thai Peppers (Chili Padi)
1/2 Whole Chicken (Cooked and shredded)
1/4lb Dried Black Fungus
4 Tablespoon of Sugar or to taste
4 Whole Lime Juice

Steps:
1. Soak dried black fungus for 1 hour before cooking.
2. Cook black fungus in boiling water for about 15mins and chill it down immediately.
3. Now put all the ingredients together and mix it well.

Notes:
All the ingredients is just an estimate. If you would like to add or subtract some of the ingredients, feel free to do so till it is your liking.

Cost:
The above cost $10 to make and is good to for at least 8 people.

Fried Tumeric Fluke

Ingredients:
1 Whole Fluke (Cut into small desired pieces. Fish should be at least 2lbs.)
50g Tumeric Powder
1 teaspoon Salt

Steps:
1. Wash fish with running water and drain it.
2. Add tumeric powder and salt onto the fish.
3. Rub it evenly.
4. Fry the fish in oil till it is golden brown.
5. Place fried fish onto a piece of paper towel to absorbed the excess oil.

Notes:
Other types of fish can also be use instead of fluke.

Cost:
The cost depends on the type of fish. The above cost $14 to make and it's good for at least 4 to 6 people.