Anonymous wrote:My husband is Indian (born in India) and he loves Rasika as do many other Indians we know. It is somewhat "fusion" in its approach, but definitely still something many Indians would like (there are always Indians eating there).

The term "fusion" is one that makes me immediately suspicious of whether an Indian restaurant serves authentic Indian food. It is really an attempt to say we are not the "typical" Indian restaurant that serves conventional dishes. Interestingly, the term "fusion" is rarely used in the better restaurants in India (other than the more trendy ones) because there really is no need to do so to try and market the food there given that they are catering to Indian customers.

Having been to Rasika on a couple of occasions, most of the clientele were non-Indians and there was a smattering of Indians. Given the clientele it is not surprising that the food is geared to American taste and in the process is less than authentic. On one of the occasions I went to Rasika it was a business dinner and certainly my American colleagues raved about the food. One other Indian who was with the group - and I - did not share that opinion.

I have generally found the mark of authentic food at any ethnic restaurant is how many of the customers are from that particular ethnic group.

But adapting ethnic food to suit local taste is not unusual - for example, some of the best Chinese food I have had was in India where the food is adapted to Indian taste and is sometimes referred to as "Indo-Chinese"! I don't think the average Chinese person would view what is served there as authentic.

So my comments are not a knock on Rasika per se - but I still think it is a stretch to refer to it as authentic Indian cuisine.

I like HanGang for Korean BBQ, their galbi is really great.

Less divey and cleaner than Yecheon. Also, the waitstaff actually come and check on you.

My husband is Indian (born in India) and he loves Rasika as do many other Indians we know. It is somewhat "fusion" in its approach, but definitely still something many Indians would like (there are always Indians eating there).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Minhs in arlington for good Vietnamese.

I go to Eden frequently but Minhs is good for entertaining without the hustle and bustle of Eden. Upscale viet food. Their Chaka Hanoi is still the best.

As an authentic Vietnamese-American, I can say that we drag our kids to all of these eateries and they are always welcome. That said, I think Minh's has the best ambiance and the best Northern Vietnamese food. For appetizers, try their version of pork-stuff escargot. Delicious. All of their salads are also delicious. Also their sizzling catfish is fantastic and just like what you'd get in Vietnam. Most of the portions are made for family-style sharing so get a bunch of dishes and let everyone have a taste.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HotSpot in Fairfax Circle instead of Uncle Liu

Never heard of it, but checked Yelp and Hot Spot seems worth checking out. Thank you for the tip!

It is kid friendly and the people are nice.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I will have friends coming to visit us and I am looking for ideas of cool/different places to take them while they are here.

And, of course, you MUST go to Rasika for Indian.

Unless they are Indian or like authentic Indian food in which case Rasika is not it - totally over-rated and geared to American taste.

Yep.

Do they like Persian? Amoo's Kabob. Their shirin polo? Soooo delicious.

Anonymous wrote:HotSpot in Fairfax Circle instead of Uncle Liu

Never heard of it, but checked Yelp and Hot Spot seems worth checking out. Thank you for the tip!

HotSpot in Fairfax Circle instead of Uncle Liu,
HoneyPig for Korean BBQ, Ilme for Korean BBQ buffet, Yechon for Korean individual dishes - all in Annandale,

I second Tachibana - for the food and the child friendliness - but go early or be prepared to wait a long long time.

Anonymous wrote:Minhs in arlington for good Vietnamese.

I go to Eden frequently but Minhs is good for entertaining without the hustle and bustle of Eden. Upscale viet food. Their Chaka Hanoi is still the best.

Tachibana is child friendly. Go early.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I will have friends coming to visit us and I am looking for ideas of cool/different places to take them while they are here.

And, of course, you MUST go to Rasika for Indian.

Unless they are Indian or like authentic Indian food in which case Rasika is not it - totally over-rated and geared to American taste.

Minhs in arlington for good Vietnamese.

We've loved Raaga in 7Corners for years.