Quick Bites & Cheap Eats by I AM Modern Magazine
for Northern Virginia and Metro DC

Breaking From the Golden Arches

24 April 2010

Murat Aksu, April, 2010

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!

Quick Restaurant Guide

27 January 2010

I AM TEAM

Section: Restaurant Reviews -

Quick Bites & Cheap Eats

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

Quick Restaurant Guide

26 October 2009

Murat Aksu

Section: Restaurant Reviews -

Quick Bites & Cheap Eats

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.

Washington’s Top Cheap Eats

10 June 2009

I AM TEAM

Section: Restaurant Reviews -

Quick Bites & Cheap Eats

Washington’s Top Cheap Eats, Northern Virginia’s Culinary Gems, Best Restaurants of Metro DC may be some of the titles you have read before reading the reviews for the following restaurants. Well, I am here to tell you… NOT!

My husband Murat, who does the food reviews for the magazine goes into serious research mode and eating adventures whenever he is getting ready for the next issue. Today was one of those days. He had a full list of restaurants in hand and was heading out the door. I asked to join him and he said… ok, if you must. You see he doesn’t like to go with me; I may skew his opinion or review.

Today’s agenda: Arlington. We head first to Atilla’s Turkish Restaurant on 2705 Columbia Pike. Judging a book by its cover, a practice I have perfected by now, I don’t even get out of the car. What a dump. There is a grocery store next door that belongs to them also. The parking lot attendant died 20 years ago. Scary. 5 minutes doesn’t pass, Murat comes running waving let’s go. We leave without further discussion. They are after all Turkish and we don’t want to say anything bad about them.

I love Cosi

21 December 2008

Murat Aksu

Section: Restaurant Reviews -

Quick Bites & Cheap Eats

I have been making frequent trips to Boston to see one of my Mutual Fund clients. In their employee cafeteria they have Cosi. I became addicted to their Tomato Basil Soup and Grilled Chicken T.B.M.

Their tomato soup is the best combination of sweet tomato, fresh basil and a touch of cream. I can't get enough of it. I also like the T.B.M. sandwich with grilled chicken breast (I ask them to substitute it with Tandoori Chicken), tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella with Così's vinaigrette sauce. You can even lighten it up with fat-free vinaigrette which brings the calorie count down to 563 calories. I just had this combination for lunch. Yummy.

http://www.getcosi.com/