Keith Smith
Latest Reviews
Founding Farmers DC
Cornbread and salads were delicious. Grace was an excellent server! The table next to us got the carrot cake which looked amazing but we were too full by the end.
Be aware of the 5% wellness charge, listed on the menu but easy to miss.
We tipped on the pre tax, pre wellness amount plus a little extra for the exceptional service.
Be aware of the 5% wellness charge, listed on the menu but easy to miss.
We tipped on the pre tax, pre wellness amount plus a little extra for the exceptional service.
The Hotel at The University of Maryland
Great choice if you have business at the university, obviously. The rooms are great and the staff are helpful. The gym is above and beyond with a wide range of equipment by Matrix, including a smith machine. Booked a 2 queen room with access to the exec lounge (no change in price) which provided a relaxing atmosphere and continental breakfast in the morning.
Viaggio
Exceeded our expectations both in terms of flavor and service. Every staff member was friendly and engaged, there were absolutely no hiccups. The food came out with perfect pacing and was a complete delight.
For 2 people, we shared the beets and cauliflower apps, both were sensational. The pairing of mint and pistachio (2 ways) with the beats was a highlight. The cauliflower app (not pictured), while almost monochromatic in presentation was terrific. The batter was light and crispy, with oodles of flavor, especially with the squeeze of lemon.
Next up was the pasta. We went with the ravioli with the balsamic and brown butter sauce. It came out looking heavy but was actually perfectly balanced and surprisingly light. It disappeared before our eyes.
The herb roasted cod was next and was packed with flavor and depth. It could've possibly used a tad less salt in the sauce, but that largely comes down to personal taste. It's a very robust fish and the sauce held up to it very well. I'm glad we shared this one, it was pretty intense.
Out of morbid curiosity more than anything else, we ventured forward with one of the steak specials. Everything had been so very good, I would've kicked myself for not trying the steak. Since we had shared the cod, and since everything else was so light, we still had a little bit of room. The funghi misti and smashed potatoes on the side absolutely made the dish sing. The strip was perfectly cooked, no complaints there, with a healthy ribbon of fat along the side to give you a range of flavor profiles depending on your preference. Those potatoes and mushrooms, though! Combined with each bite of the steak, it was outstanding.
We finished up with the pana cotta. The texture of the granita provided great contrast and a bright burst of flavor while the creamy panna cotta did its thing down below. It was a great finish to a spectacular meal.
We'll be back later this month for my wife's birthday. Lastly, while we were there, we learned that you can follow their social accounts for notification of private menu items and some other goodies!
This place is a gem. The menu is well thought out, beautifully executed and not overwhelming, especially if you follow the guidance of treating it like a traditional Italian meal with an appetizer, a small pasta dish and the entre. There's a lot of attention to detail and passion in the dishes, backed up by a knowledgeable service team. It doesn't get a whole lot better. Don't let the strip mall location fool you!
For 2 people, we shared the beets and cauliflower apps, both were sensational. The pairing of mint and pistachio (2 ways) with the beats was a highlight. The cauliflower app (not pictured), while almost monochromatic in presentation was terrific. The batter was light and crispy, with oodles of flavor, especially with the squeeze of lemon.
Next up was the pasta. We went with the ravioli with the balsamic and brown butter sauce. It came out looking heavy but was actually perfectly balanced and surprisingly light. It disappeared before our eyes.
The herb roasted cod was next and was packed with flavor and depth. It could've possibly used a tad less salt in the sauce, but that largely comes down to personal taste. It's a very robust fish and the sauce held up to it very well. I'm glad we shared this one, it was pretty intense.
Out of morbid curiosity more than anything else, we ventured forward with one of the steak specials. Everything had been so very good, I would've kicked myself for not trying the steak. Since we had shared the cod, and since everything else was so light, we still had a little bit of room. The funghi misti and smashed potatoes on the side absolutely made the dish sing. The strip was perfectly cooked, no complaints there, with a healthy ribbon of fat along the side to give you a range of flavor profiles depending on your preference. Those potatoes and mushrooms, though! Combined with each bite of the steak, it was outstanding.
We finished up with the pana cotta. The texture of the granita provided great contrast and a bright burst of flavor while the creamy panna cotta did its thing down below. It was a great finish to a spectacular meal.
We'll be back later this month for my wife's birthday. Lastly, while we were there, we learned that you can follow their social accounts for notification of private menu items and some other goodies!
This place is a gem. The menu is well thought out, beautifully executed and not overwhelming, especially if you follow the guidance of treating it like a traditional Italian meal with an appetizer, a small pasta dish and the entre. There's a lot of attention to detail and passion in the dishes, backed up by a knowledgeable service team. It doesn't get a whole lot better. Don't let the strip mall location fool you!
Rivertown Taphouse
Great location with excellent and friendly service. Sandwiches all looked great. Cocktail menu looked unusually good, too. Tons of outdoor seating with the street blocked off. My salad (tricolor cabbage with carrots, peanuts and seasame vinaigrette) was a tad underwhelming and could've used a few more ingredients, otherwise still good.
Pecan pie was outstanding, filling was light and not too sweet. Would happily come back to try a sandwich, subbing out the brioche bun for a cauliflower flatbread (one of the many substitutions they offer).
Pecan pie was outstanding, filling was light and not too sweet. Would happily come back to try a sandwich, subbing out the brioche bun for a cauliflower flatbread (one of the many substitutions they offer).