🚀 go-pugleaf

Here are some Bethesda restaurants.  Sorry
I don't know the addresses of them all, but you can
always call the restaurant and they can tell you the
best way to find it and and the best place to park. 


1.  O'Donnell's (seafood) -- Whenever I go there I can't
get over how much I enjoy the entire meal.  The seafood
is great, and so are the salads, soups, rolls & rum buns.
They take reservations and you can buy rum buns to go. 
Regular seafood restaurant prices.

2.  Il Forno (pizza) -- Wood stove pizza.  Not fancy, but
good pizza.  You can sit inside or out.  On Cordell Ave
(I think) -- just a few doors down from the parking garage
(should be free after 6:00 or 6:30).  

3.  Rio Grande (Southwestern or Tex Mex, not sure which it
"officially" is) -- NOT a good place to go on Friday unless
you don't mind waiting over an hour for a table (I don't
think they take reservations).  All the food I've had here 
has been excellent.  Kind of a yuppie happy hour spot, so
you stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the bar while waiting
for your table (the margaritas, chips and really good salsa
make the wait more enjoyable).  A little pricy
for this kind of food, but the food quality is worth it.  The
grilled shrimp dishes are mouth-watering.

4.  Cheesecake Factory -- across Wisconsin from Maza (?) Gallery
(I think) -- Again, NOT a good Friday night place, they don't
take reservations.  I've only had dessert here, but I hear
the dinner menu is varied and interesting, the portions large, 
and the food good.  The cheesecake is great, they have lots of
funky flavors -- but the best I've tried is the plain cheesecake.
YUM YUM.  Don't know about the prices.

5.  Another suggestion -- park in the St. Elmo/Cordell
neighborhood, which is chock full of little restaurants.
Walk around and chat with your friend.  Sniff as you pass by
the many ethnic restaurants.  Find one that looks and smells
interesting --there are a few good Thai restaurants whose 
names I can't remember.  I think the one we like best is
Bangkok Garden.  This is a great way to find a nice quiet
uncrowded restaurant with really good food.  


By the way, if you try #5, look for me...I've just decided
what I want to do Friday night!

Christine
cwechter@mitre.org

PS after dinner if you want to listen to some good music,
try Durty Nellie's -- they often have a good band.