Joe's Crab Shack has always been a favorite among my friends and I. When I was notified of the restaurant's new menu offerings, I didn't hesitate to volunteer to try to them out.

The location that I usually patronize, and that I visited for this review, is the Fairfax location, not far from Fair Lakes mall and Fairfax Corner. The decor and atmosphere of the restaurant are a large part of what make it perfect for large groups of friends and family. The walls are adorned with ocean and pirate related souvenirs, and what can only be described as "beach music," is constantly piping loudly from the speakers throughout the restaurant.

Of the new menu items, I decided to have the Fried Oysters. The oysters are served with a side of fries and a spicy sriracha remoulade sauce (never one to turn down sriracha, this is mostly what influenced me to choose this dish). The sauce was definitely the highlight of the dish and provided an excellent kick that complimented my oysters beautifully. I definitely recommend this to anybody looking for something a bit spicy.

I am not picking on McDonald’s, but I am using the name to represent all major fast food chains, including Burger King, KFC, and Wendy’s. As a family, we are not regulars of McDonald’s, but we also don’t avoid it 100% of the time. Oftentimes though, we walk out wishing we had given our choice more thought.

Every day in the US, a quarter of the population eats fast food at least once a day. There are several reasons for this: Fast food chains are omnipresent and easy to find. The service is quick with convenient drive-thrus and the food tastes good (when you’re hungry). The low prices also make it a compelling alternative for many families.
 
I decided to put together the following list of alternative fast food establishments that come close to matching McDonald’s in convenience, taste and affordability with one major difference: they offer healthier choices that are not just limited to sliced apples and salads, but include pizzas, hot dogs and sandwiches. In short, real fast food. Hope you enjoy!

Enjoying Panjshir Restaurant
Deciding to roam out of my comfort zone, I chose to experience the Afghan cuisine and went to Panjshir in Falls Church, Virginia, Zagat rated for its authentic Afghan food. Curious as to what the name of the restaurant meant, I found out “Panjshir” is a province of Afghanistan. The place was quaint. One of the tiniest restaurants I’ve ever been to, I can’t imagine more than thirty people in there at a time. Located downtown, it was off a main street. The staff was very attentive and tight knit. The menu offered many wonderful dishes. I wanted to try a bite of everything.

ROCK BOTTOM RESTAURANT AND BREWERY
What Casual restaurant with good ambiance, great beer and food for the entire family
Who Couples, as well as families, comfortably mingle in this “neighborhood” chain restaurant
Why Variety of beers crafted right on the  premises for the ultimate freshness. We loved the Lumpy Dog Light Lager for its taste and low calories. Our beer perfectly accompanied our Spicy Spinach Cheese Dip
as well as Mahi Tacos served with chile grilled Mahi wrapped in soft white corn tortillas with homemade pineapple slaw and fresh cilantro.
You also get black beans, ancho chile rice and fresh Pico de Gallo on the side.
Where 4238 Wilson Boulevard Suite 1256, Arlington, VA
7900 Norfolk Avenue, Bethesda, MD
rockbottom.com
When Sunday - Thursday 11:00AM-1:00AM
Friday - Saturday 11:00AM-2:00AM

14674 Lee Highway, Gainesville
703.753.0233
norarestaurant.com

Located in Gainesville, VA off of Route 29, is Nora's Taste of Lebanon, a casual and cute Lebanese cafe.

Inside the restaurant you’ll find a quaint and cozy seating arrangement and will be surrounded by pictures of various scenes from Lebanon. The staff is friendly and warm, making you feel right at home. The restaurant serves some of the best and most authentic Lebanese food that I've had in Northern Virginia. The food is of high quality and really tastes like the food I’ve enjoyed in Lebanon.

Here is the quick reviews to some of the area's best eats: Angeethi, Jaleo, Levantes, Café Deluxe, Woodmont Gril and etc...

ANGEETHI
17 Catoctin Circle, Leesburg, VA
Also at: 645 Elden Street, Herndon, VA
angeethiva.com
WHAT Southern Indian Cuisine
WHO Casual environment that is welcoming to families with kids of all ages.
WHY Rich lunch buff et off ers something for everyone including picky, little eaters. Lunch buff et is offered 7 days a week. Try the coconut rice, Chicken Biryani, Butter Chicken, vegetarian Matar Paneer prepared with farmer’s cheese, and green peas cooked in rich curry sauce and the delicious Naan bread.

Are you a "chicken wings" lover? Do you know where to find the best wings in town? Here is the local guide for you and all chicken wings lovers:

BUFFALO WILD WINGS
5143 Wellington Road, Gainesville, VA
buffalowildwings.com
Service notwithstanding, this place has a huge selection of sauces that span the whole range of possible fl avors. The wings are not greasy, but have a perfect texture, and are large and juicy. They also have a very considerable selection of beers on tap, which all but makes up for the second rate service that we got on our two visits there. But if it’s wings you are after, this is the spot.

The North Dakota Farmers Union had a problem. They were not getting the recognition or price for their high quality products. They wanted to connect consumers and their money with high end food produced by American family farmers without the interference from the middleman. They decided to open a restaurant that showcased their high quality produce, meat and poultry products and that’s how Georgetown Waterfront gained Farmers & Fishers in June of 2006.