Don't get out to the Mosaic District very often, so when I do it's always an adventure. Today's trip was no exception. I meant to check out "Four Sisters" which was closed due to a power outage so I wandered into Cyclone Anaya's, a "Mexican Kitchen." Perusing the menu I discovered not a single vegetarian option. Even the guacamole had bacon on it. I ended up at True Food Kitchen (see review, above) and then discovered Pastry XPO, which might be my favorite "hidden" Mosaic eatery. As a district, Mosaic has grown a good bit from a year or so ago but it still hasn't realized its full potential as a foodie destination, IMHO. There are a good number of decent chain restaurants (Cava, Cheestique, District Dumplings, Le Pain Quotidien, Matchbox, Naked Lunch, Nando's Peri-Peri, Sweetgreen and Ted's Bulletin). Choolaah got good write-ups but I found it to be disappointing. Jinya Ramen only has one veggie dish but it is delish -- and perfect on a cold winter day. Artisan Confections is over-priced and not nearly as good chocolate as some seem to think. Much of Mosaic is on the high side, price-wise. I'm thinking that the leases are not cheap. Parking is free and plentiful (yes!) but the ex-urb drivers aren't as careful with pedestrians as they are closer in, such as Shirlington, so watch yourself in the crosswalks. Mosaic is likely nice in fair weather but I keep ending up there in the winter. The place could use some of the waterfront's amenities, like a fire pit or a warming lamp. It could also use some greenery and/or a water feature to keep it from being a typical suburban concrete island. The bones are there. You have retail, grocery, Target, movies and restaurants. Given time it could warm up to be a real enhancement, rather than just an addition, to the area.
The popular grain bowl trend gets a twist with this Indian-inspired takeout bowl place. Same concept -- a base, greens, toppings, etc., but the options are mostly Indian inspired and the majority of offerings are vegetarian (although not vegan, given the heavy use of Ghee in cooking). My take is mixed. Some of the items were outstanding, some less so. I got the Lemon Tumeric Rice, which was delightful. Fresh and tangy, with a little bite, it was one of the best rice dishes I've ever tried. On top of this I got the Tofu/Cauliflower protein. It was half and half. The cauliflower was perfectly roasted, the roasted onions delightful, and the nuts were a beautiful added crunch. The tofu, however, was watery, and the green and red peppers well past prime. Next, I added sauteed spinach, which was incredibly bland, and the peanut sesame sauce, which was "okay" but forgettable. I didn't do additional toppings, although there were plenty. I did get two of the mini s
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