Evo Bistro

For my friend Alyssa's birthday, her BF, JP chose a very out of the way bistro in McLean based on a Washingtonian review called Evo Bistro.  These friends are wine people and this was a unique way to indulge in such a hobby.  At this wine bar, they combined technology with the art of wine, allowing you to free flow taste a selection of about 40-50 wines.  My favorite was the 3 Ring Shiraz from Australia.  Its described as a dense purple accompanied by a flamboyant, extroverted bouquet of blackberries, white flowers, earth and a background oak.  Alyssa tasted a bit of chocolate at the end too.  The tapas style food at evo was hit or miss.  The hit really hit it out of the park -- and that was the scallops with a caper vinaigrette.  I lapped up the sauce with bread it was so good.  The miss was definitely the overcooked shrimp.  The atmosphere was cozy and friendly.  The staff helpful and knowledgable.  I will be returning to Evo.  It's a perfect place for a small event.

Boulevard Woodgrill

I joined a different brunch bunch today honcho'd by my friend DeDe, who chose Boulevard Woodgrill in Clarendon.  I had been there once before and wasn't impressed.  The food was unmemorable and neither was the ambience.  BUT... in giving it another try for brunch, I found a real gem.  I had the standard breakfast shmorgasborg with eggs, bacon, potatoes and french toast.   It was all fine.  I had saved the french toast until the end since with the syrup it would be a sweet treat.  One bite into it and I knew that this was the BEST french toast I've ever had.  I don't give such complements out lightly.  It was crusted in a crunch corn flake "breading."  This crunch exterior and soft interior had the texture of the perfect french fry -- you know how if you cook it hot enough, the inside melts and the outside is crispy?  That's how this french toast was.    I also complement their bloody mary... or Boulevard Mary.  If you like a spicy one, then go for this.  And a Skrimp on the edge of the glass for garnish provided a unique taste treat.  This brunch certainly reversed my previous impression on this place.