foodha for thought – menuism blog

Menuism reviewers are truly awesome! Whether they found an unexpected tasty gem of a restaurant or took it for the team after having a terrible meal, we truly applaud all their efforts in giving us the scoop on where we should be spending our hard-earned money on. On that note, I’d love to introduce you to those reviewers who we feel really contribute quality content to the site as well as quality information to fellow Menuism’ers. Our Featured Reviewer today is Lucy, better known as Flavor Finder. So let’s learn more about Lucy from Bethesda!

Introduction

Hello! I live in Bethesda, Maryland with my husband, toddler son and 4 cats. Careerwise, I sell equity products to hedge fund and mutual fund managers for an investment bank. As we live in the DC suburbs, my husband and I recently finished dining at all the Washingtonian Magazine’s Top 100 restaurants. The project took us about 19 months and our son joined us for more than half of our meals!

Among my friends, I am considered a sort of live version of a restaurant guide book. I pride myself on being able to match people up with places that they will enjoy!

In addition to dining out, I love traveling, movies and music. Finding interesting, unique restaurants and new tastes is one of the most fun parts of travel for me. I find it a great way to learn more about a local culture and even enjoy checking out supermarkets in foreign countries!

1. How did you find out about Menuism?

I actually first learned about it when a friend became a member on Facebook. I thought it sounded like a great idea and have been a member now for over a year.

2. What about Menuism first appealed to you?

That anyone could write a review. If a restaurant wasn’t on an existing list, it could be added easily. I also liked that other users could provide feedback and that you could easily share your reviews with friends. The gutchecks are fun too J

3. What restaurant did you write your first review about?

Looking back it was Michel Richard Citronelle – a 5 star rating from me! It is currently considered one of the top restaurants in the DC area.

4. What is your food philosophy?

I love to try new restaurants and new dishes! It began as a child when my parents spoiled my brother and me with wonderful home cooked meals as well as excursions to restaurants where they encouraged us to try new things. While I will happily enjoy the prix fixe menu at a 5 star restaurant, I’m also a sucker for a great hot dog or a bowl of mac’n'cheese! That said if I am at a 5 star restaurant I have a certain standard which I expect that restaurant to meet. Nothing frustrates me more than paying top dollar for a meal that is accompanied by poor service or tasteless food. By the same token, I have had some wonderful meals at such greasy spoons as the Yankee Doodle in New Haven (which sadly has recently closed) and at the DC institution Ben’s Chili Bowl. Having grown up in Long Island, I also have a soft spot for the 24 hour Greek diner!

My husband likes to joke that I am always thinking of my next meal (even while mid-meal!) and to be honest, he is right! There are so many wonderful flavors out there just waiting to be tasted!

5. What are your favorite restaurants?

In the DC area, some of my faves are Cityzen, Minibar, Zengo, Kaz Sushi, Aji Nippon and Pines of Rome.

6. What are your favorite cuisines?

How to choose?? I have yet to encounter anything that I really don’t enjoy; however I would say that Italian, Japanese and Chinese are at the top of my list.

7. What are your favorite comfort foods?

Macaroni and cheese, pasta all’amatriciana, McDonald’s Cheeseburger Happy Meals, hot dogs, my mom’s homemade rouladen with spatzle and my grandfather’s rellenos de platanos maduros with his rice and beans.

8. What is the best meal you ever ate and why?

That is a tough question – there are so many memorable meals from which to choose! I would have to say that one of the best meals occurred this past April at El Bulli in Spain with my husband. The restaurant has been ranked #1 in the world for the past three years (DC’s own Jose Andres spent some time there learning from Chef Ferran Adria.) We were lucky to get a reservation when someone cancelled hours before our flight departed for Spain! Booking a table is near impossible; some people try for years to secure a reservation so this was really a unique opportunity.

We were thrilled to partake in a meal of 30 courses over the span of almost 4 hours. The service was impeccable- servers outnumbered patrons almost 2 to 1. The food was some of the most unique I have ever tried: edible flowers pressed in cotton candy paper, beet and yogurt puffs, fried brioche Shanghai, black sesame sponge cake with miso and a fantastic chocolate dessert which looked like an autumn scene, to name a few. The wines paired with the meal were perfect and though we had ordered by the glass, they were generously refilled more than once. To make the experience even more memorable, the restaurant itself was located in a remote spot on the northern coast of Spain overlooking the water. We even got to meet the chef and get a tour of the kitchen, which was pretty neat as well!

9. Do you have any favorite cookbooks (if any)?

To be honest, I don’t really cook much, given my schedule and that we enjoy eating out. However when I do take to the kitchen, the only 2 cookbooks I ever seem to reference are Dom DeLuise’s “Eat This…It Will Make you Feel Better” and “The Joy of Cooking”.

10. What words of encouragement would you give to first time Menuism reviewers?
Have fun and don’t be shy about expressing your honest opinions. Dining out is not just about the food, but the drink, service and atmosphere. Read other reviews to get inspiration and ideas. And remember that the more reviews you add the more robust Menuism will be!

If you’d like to be able to keep up with Lucy’s reviews, click here to check out her profile!

If there is a Menuism reviewer who has really helped you make great dining choices and you’d like to see him or her be a Featured Reviewer, than be sure to message me or send me an email at abby@menuism.com.

By Abby C. Abanes
Menuism Community Manager