Rita’s Date Guide for Guys: Stone’s Cove Kitbar, Herndon, VA

Read this article in the PDF version: Rita’s Date Guide: Stone’s Cove

 

 

 

 

“Willy Wonka’s Food and Booze Factory!”

 

 

 

 

 

Interact with the staff while they prepare original concoctions and entertain you at the same time. Be sure to experience BJ Stone’s new restaurant concept. It’s the first and only of it’s kind–so far.

 The bar at Stone’s Cove wraps around the entire restaurant. That’s because all the action takes place behind it around an enormous stone oven. The whole kitchen is in the middle of the room and your meal is prepared before your very eyes by a bustling team of “cheftenders.” Chef-tender. Get it? A job title coined by the owners, BJ Stone and Scott Mowrey, a cheftender takes your order, makes your drinks, and cooks your food while making conversation with you the entire time. And the things they make, you’ve never seen before: lobster in a cone, blueberry juice popsicles in your cocktail, and bourbon shots garnished with steak! Buck describes it as “Willy Wonka’s Food and Booze Factory.”

  

What to Wear

Almost any outfit works for a date at Stone’s Cove. It’s casual, but upscale enough to dress up for.

 

Where to Sit

Definitely sit at the bar. You and your date can sit side by side and watch the food and drinks whipped up right in front of you. The various and interesting things that come out of the oven make for good conversation. And the cheerful cheftenders are happy to talk to you about what they are making. Stone’s Cove employees are hired for their charm and sense of humor.

 

 

What to Order

Ask a Cheftender for recommendations and prepare to be entertained, because you’ve never seen food like this before!  Sean got our night going with bourbon shots garnished with steak (seared bourbon-marinated beef with gorgonzola, smoked bacon, green onion and Maker’s Mark)! (Tip, chew first then swallow.) Whizzing around the corner of the bar, Dave brought us a tray of Lobster Cones – small waffle cones stuffed with chipotle lobster salad with basil, guacamole & tomatoes. They look just like miniature ice cream cones and I didn’t know whether I should lick them or bite them! Sean re-appeared to refill our drinks and then Ben popped up from behind the bar with Blue Crab Margarita Lettuce Wraps (jumbo lump crab meat tossed with avocado, mango, red onion, almonds and agave-lime dressing, served with lime flavored sugar and mayo made in-house)! Lime sugar is about the best thing ever! For dessert, make sure to order the S’mores Flatbread. Women love s’mores and I know your date hasn’t had s’mores like this before! The taste of melted chocolate chips and toasted tiny marshmallows had me feeling like I was back in summer camp!

 

 

 

What to Drink

The Cheftenders are like wizards, playing with liquids and mixing up different boozy concoctions that are just as inventive as the food! My drinks were garnished with popsicles, peppermint sticks and cotton candy. My Pom Cosmo (pomegranate vodka & patron citronge with fresh lime and cranberry) had a frozen popsicle made from pomegranate juice! The Blueberry Bourbon Sour (Marker’s mark, lemon syrup and a splash of soda) had blueberries for ice cubes! As the blueberries melt, the drink becomes more tasty! Check out Secret Tip #1 to learn how to experience personalized, handcrafted, cocktails!

 

 

 

Where to Go After

Just because the dinner show comes to an end doesn’t mean the date has to! Head across the parking lot to Ned Devine’s Irish Pub for live music (Tuesday), pub-trivia (Wednesday), karaoke (Wednesday) or dancing (Thursday-Saturday)!(2465 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA; http://www.neddevines.ning.com)

 

 

 

 Where is It?

 

2403 Centreville Road

Herndon, Virginia 20171

(301) 434-3615

http://stonescove.com

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm; Friday-Saturday 11am – 11pm; Sunday 11am-9pm

 

Secret Tip:

Ask for a personalized cocktail!! The Cheftenders love to experiment and they’ll whip up a cocktail made especially for you, or better yet, your date!! Even better, you get to watch them while they do it!! It’s like you are watching a scientist in his lab! (If wine is more your date’s speed, make your date on Wednesday night which is ½ priced wine night from 4pm-9pm.)

 

Pocket Guide to a Date at Stone’s Cove

Style: Casual

Expect to spend: $60 – $90

Best tables: Bar Seats 108 & 109

Best evening:  Wednesday – half priced wine night

Order: Caramelized Beef Edibations, Blue Crab Margarita Lettuce Wraps, Lobster Cones, S’mores Flatbread

 

Drinks: Pom Cosmo (for her) and the Blueberry Sour (for him).

After dinner:  Ned Devine’s Irish Pub for an after dinner drink, trivia, karaoke or dancing 

Where to make your move: Ned Devine’s Irish Pub at the bar by the music

Stone’s Cove has a fun atmosphere serving up its own cooking style that you won’t find anywhere else. You are smack in the middle of a gourmet cookout. And you’ll find a new surprise with everything the energetic chefs slide in front of you.

 

 Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Stone’s Cove Kitbar!

We’d love to hear what you have to say!  Post a comment to this blog no later than Sunday, March 25, 2012 and you’ll be entered to win a $50.00 gift certificate to Stone’s Cove!  The winner will be randomly selected and announced in the next “Rita’s Date Guide for Guys” post on April 1st!

Here is a topic to get you started…what is the best “type” of first date?  A restaurant?  An activity?  Specific locations.  We can’t wait to hear from you! 

 

 

**Pursuant to “what’s right” as well as what the FTC is right *wink*, I’d like to disclose the following:  Stone’s Cove Kitbar graciously donated the date for Buck and me, as well as the $50 gift certificate that was raffled, in order for us to be able to truly bring to you the best way to navigate a date at this location!

 

Rita’s Date Guide for Guys: Azteca Restaurant & Cantina, College Park, MD

Read this article in the PDF version: Rita’s Date Guide – Azteca

 

 

 

 

“Eating at Azteca is like a party with friends!”

 

 

 

 

Greeted at the door with a friendly smile and hearty handshake, you a feel as if you are being welcomed into a good friend’s home! With vibrant and bold colors, and a bar that replicates an authentic Mexican cantina, walking into Azteca feels like walking into a Mexican fiesta!

 

What to Wear

You’ll be perfectly comfortable in jeans at Azteca but, guys, please don’t confuse casual with dowdy! This is a date after all!  Jeans are okay but balance them with a crisp dress shirt and, please, no sneakers! Take into account where your date is coming from and be sure to dress to complement her attire.

  

What to Order

The food is incredible and the menu showcases Mario’s Latin heritage offering a variety of authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex options! Buck and I wanted to order EVERYTHING! James pulled up a chair and walked us through our options and, before we could say a word, Mario had Ceviche Mixto (shrimp, filet of flounder, marinated in lemon juice, spices & cilantro, served with avocado) on the table and ice-cold margaritas in our hands!

Mario explained that authentic Tex-Mex dishes often center on combination plates with multiple options on one platter, so we decided to be adventurous and ordered the Plato Picadera Especial! And especial it is, consisting of Codorniz (Quail), Mexican Sausage, Beef, Chicken, Ribs, Shrimp, Yuca, Pico de Gallo and onions (although, I suggest substituting the onions with another vegetable of your choice.) Have you ever had quail? Neither had I and now I wonder why I waited so long! An ample serving, there will be plenty to share and eating off the same plate will create an immediate level of familiarity that will help set the tone for the rest of the evening!

 

What to Drink

As any good party host would do, Mario kept the beverages coming and we eventually had to decline another margarita, recognizing that one of us would have to drive home! We suggest that your date have the Azteca Sunrise, the restaurant’s Signature Drink. It’s pinkish red, fruity and fun to just look at! Men, you have a wide selection of quality, Mexican, beers to choose from, but if you’re feeling adventurous as well, order the “Bluebird.” They won’t tell you what is in the drink but it’s tasty!

 

Where to Sit

When you make your reservation, ask for one of the tables by the window. You’ll be far enough away from the bar that you can start your evening in a quieter location , but you’ll still be able to view the activity throughout the entire restaurant.

 

 

Where to Go After

Like any good celebration, the party at Azteca can last well into the night! After dinner, head over to the bar and enjoy a delicious dessert and coffee cocktail. Azteca’s bar replicates the feeling of an authentic, Mexican, cantina. Grab one of the back, left, tables for two. You’ll be close and comfortable under soft, dim lighting. We highly suggest ordering a few of the restaurant’s gelatos to sample and share (chocolate, mango, rum raisin, chocolate with jalapeno, Mexican vanilla, papaya or cinnamon)!

 

My night at Azteca was enjoyable! From the moment you step through the door you feel as if you are being welcomed into someone’s home! The staff’s focus is on ensuring that you have a great night—and with good food and drinks flowing freely—you will! Be sure to follow our secret tip #2 to experience Mario’s personalized, and most delightful, cocktails!

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 Where is It?

9505 Baltimore Avenue

College Park, Maryland 20740

(301) 474-8226

http://azteccantina.com

Hours: Daily, 11am-11pm

 

Parking

There is hidden, free, parking in the back (if you aren’t able to pull into one of the spaces located immediately in front of the restaurant).

 

Secret Tips

Secret Tip #1:  If your date loves Paella, call ahead and order The Paella Marinera for Two (consisting of lobster, shrimp, fish, mussels, scallops, calamari & clams, simmered in saffron rice with green peas & sweet pimentos.) This dish has a cooking time of 40 minutes and the chef will work with you to ensure that the timing of its completion fits perfectly with your arrival.

 

Secret Tip #2:  Call ahead and speak to co-owner, Mario Orellana. Let him know that you heard about Azteca through Rita’s Date Guide and he’ll be sure to personally greet you at the door! Ask him to recommend a beverage and he’ll disappear behind the bar to whip up an ice-cold concoction for you both. He’ll see to it that by the end of the night you know the entire staff! You’ll leave Azteca feeling not only that you’ve had a great night, but that you’ve also made good friends!  It’s a party you don’t want to miss! 

 

Pocket Guide to a Date at Azteca

Style: Casual

Expect to spend: $50 – $90

Best tables: By the front window

Best evening:  Thursday (less crowded)

Order: Plato Picadera Especial or call ahead for the Paella Marinera for Two

Drinks: Azteca Sunrise (for her) and Bluebird (for him). Both should enjoy Azteca’s delicious margaritas!

After dinner:  Dessert and a cocktail coffee in the cantina

Where to make your move: Cozy up next to her in a corner table of the cantina

My night at Azteca was a true fiesta!  You’ll have a great time on this date, boys!  I’d love to hear all about yours, so drop me a line and tell me your stories!

 

 Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Azteca Restaurant & Cantina!

We’d love to hear what you have to say!  Post a comment to this blog no later than Sunday, March 11, 2012 and you’ll be entered to win a $50.00 gift certificate to Azteca!  The winner will be randomly selected and announced in the next “Rita’s Date Guide for Guys” post on March 13th!

Here is a topic to get you started…what is more important when choosing a first date location?  The atmosphere or the quality of the food? 

 

**Pursuant to “what’s right” as well as what the FTC thinks is right *wink*, I’d like to disclose the following:  Azteca Restaurant & Cantina graciously donated the date for Buck and me, as well as the $50 gift certificate that was raffled, in order for us to be able to truly bring you the best way to navigate a date at this location!

Rita’s Date Guide for Guys: Policy Restaurant, Washington, DC

Read this article in the PDF version: Policy – Rita’s Date Guide

 

 

 

 

“A swanky U Street joint with creative tapas and a cool lounge.”

 

 

 

The Love Dining Room at Policy Restaurant, DC

Since reading all its rave reviews, I’ve been dying to try out  Policy Restaurant for a while.  So, I got my friend “Buck” to take me there for my very first date field trip. I loved Policy because everything about it – the food, the drinks, the setting – is sexy.

Provocatively named “The Love Dining Room,” the bar and restaurant of Policy is definitely one of the most unique spots to go to in DC.  With glowing red vinyl booths against  sharp black walls and stamped tin ceiling, it’s styled after a diner–but much swankier.  It looks and feels like a film set from Oceans Eleven. I felt sexier simply by walking into the restaurant!

 

What to Wear

Almost any style of dress works at Policy. The cozy, intimate booths would make you feel comfortable in nice jeans but, since I went to the date straight from work, I was dressed up and so Buck wore a suit for me. We felt like we fit right in with the stylish ambience (and like we might be able to take part in some kind of sexy heist after).  If your date hasn’t been to Policy before, when you mention the location, give her a heads up on how you plan to dress.  Girls take their outfits very seriously. 

 

Policy's Salt Roasted Local Beets

 

What to Order

The food is delicious and elegantly designed.  Policy serves it tapas style, so the plates are small and made to share.  Our friendly waiter, Vinny, recommended ordering six plates (2-3 per person), but I suggest starting with four and waiting until later to order more (or saving room for one of their fabulous desserts or after dinner drinks).  We were especially impressed by the Salt Roasted Local Beets (with pistachio pesto and gorgonzola mousse) and the Blackened Diver Scallops!  If you are like Buck, and choosing six dishes in an unknown restaurant, in front of a new date, makes your nervous (or seems potentially costly), be sure to read Secret Tip #1 for the great insider tips that the General Manager, Jordan, provided!

Cocktails at Policy

What to Drink

If you and your date are interested in smooth and carefully crafted cocktails, suggest that she try a Hibiscus Cocktail.  It’s sweet and lovely and actually has a hibiscus flower in the bottom that you can eat. Men, if you want to feel like Dean Martin, then be sure to get a Black Manhattan, Policy’s version of the classic man’s cocktail with top shelf scotch.

Where to Sit

When you make your reservation, request one of the following tables.  The booth all the way in the back (Table 32) is very moodily lit and intimate–you’ll feel like a couple of spies.  The small booth (Table 15) all the way in the front,  near the bar, is more charming and allows for better people-watching (and honestly has more flattering light).  On warm nights, you can really impress your date by reserving the front window table.  You’ll feel like VIPs!

Liberty Lounge at Policy

 

Where to Go After

Right upstairs!  Policy is designed as an all-night destination.  Their Liberty Lounge is a roomy little club decorated by graffiti artist, Andrew Funk.  It has DJs on the weekends and Karaoke on Wednesday nights if you’re feeling Rat Packy.  The room has several partially enclosed booth areas that make you feel like you’ve got a private cabana right in the club.

 

 Where is It?

1904 14^th Street, NW,Washington,DC 20009

(202) 387-7654

www.policyDC.com – the website is very informative

Hours:  Daily, 5:30 pm – 2:30 am (food served until 12:30 am)

 

How to Get There

Policy is metro accessible, located at the U Street/Cordozo Stop on the Yellow and Green Lines.  Personally, I suggest driving your date as it provides a more intimate pre-date connection and can set the mood for a romantic evening.  Take advantage of Policy’s Valet Parking ($15), as street parking is limited. 

 

Secret Tips

Secret Tip #1: Call ahead and tell Policy you’re bringing a date that evening.  Tell them how much you’d like to spend and ask them to design a meal for the two of you to fit your budget. (Be sure to have asked your date about any dietary restrictions.) She will be impressed by your decisiveness and planning and the two of you can sit back and get to know each other while being pleasantly surprised as the courses come to your table one by one. (Be sure to tell Policy you heard about them from Rita’s Date Guide for Guys, but not in front of your date!)

In fact, calling ahead and letting a restaurant know who you are, and that you hoping to impress a date at their place, is always a good way to find out about unique opportunities and you often get a warm welcome at the door and other special treatment!

 

Secret Tip #2: Make your date at Policy for a Wednesday night and get a bottle of wine for half price. Your date doesn’t have to know! Our waiter recommended the Willamette Valley 2010 Pinot Noir, Oregon, and I was very impressed!

 

Pocket Guide to a Date at Policy

Style: Swanky Casual

Expect to spend: $40 – $120

Best tables: 15, 32 or window

Best evening:  Wednesday (1/2 price wine bottles and karaoke)

Order: Roasted Local Beets and Blackened Diver Scallops – or let Policy choose for you.

Drinks: Hibiscus Cocktail (for her) and Black Manhattan (for him)

After dinner: Liberty Lounge located upstairs

Where to make your move: Sit beside her in a partially enclosed booth in the Lounge. If she doesn’t slide away, you know you’ve got a shot!

My night at Policy was extremely fun and I don’t think you can go wrong with this date, boys!  I’d love to hear all about yours, so drop me a line and tell me your stories!

 

 Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Policy Restaurant!

We’d love to hear what you have to say!  Post a comment to this blog no later than Sunday, February 19, 2012 and you’ll be entered to win a $50.00 gift certificate to Policy!  The winner will be randomly selected and announced in the next “Rita’s Date Guide for Guys” post on February 21st! 

 (Not sure what to comment?  Here’s a topic up for debate!  Should a guy take the bold move of ordering for a woman?  Men, do you feel comfortable doing the ordering?  Women, do you think it’s sexy when a guy takes charge and orders for you?)

**Pursuant to “what’s right” as well as what the FTC thinks is right *wink*, I’d like to disclose the following:  Policy Restaurant graciously donated the date for Buck and me, as well as the $50 gift certificate that was raffled, in order for us to be able to truly bring to you the best way to navigate a date at this location!