Sunday, December 2, 2007

Highs and Lows just east of Loudoun - Hard Times Chili and Coastal Flats

High -

Believe we've found the single best and most creative new menu that's popped up nearby in a while....at "Coastal Flats" in the Fairfax Corner Town Center (darn it, why can't this kind of restaurant open in Loudoun?). Amazing food, wonderful decor, friendly and helpful staff - almost like actually being on vacation somewhere between Florida and Cuba. When it says "spicy", it's spicy. Very complex and generous sauces. No chintzing on the seafood - plenty in the bisque, the various shrimp dishes and appetizers. Even the kid's fish fingers were like actual fish, vs. pre-processed, frozen typical fare.

This place is an absolute gem, beats Clyde's hands-down in the seafood department, and is worth every minute on Rt. 50 East to get there.

Low -

Our favorite haunt as a large family for the past years has been Hard Times Chili restaurant, ever since living in Clarendon and subsequently moving to the Herndon location. Great beer, family-friendly, great appetizers and wings, and of course, great chili. Last night was different - perhaps new management? (this is now an opposite review from the last, on Oct. 2).

- Out of the two very best beers and singular reasons for going on a Friday night - Tupper's Hop Pocket and Victory Hop-Devil Ale. Had to "settle" for a slightly flat Nevada Pale Ale.
- Wings - still pretty decent, but not nearly as hot as they used to be - plus the blue cheese dressing was kindof watery.
- Chili - my standby, 3-way Texas dry, was OK - didn't seem as flavorful or naturally juicy as it used to be...

We'll probably be thinking twice about going back, now.

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