In search of a quick meal as I was heading out of town, I was craving a bahn mi sandwich. Doing a little research, I found out about this tiny little sandwich shop that makes a Cambodian alternative to the Vietnamese specialty.

Good: I had the Duroc Pork Sandwich, layered with pickled veggies and peppers. It was coated with a delicious sauce, and served on a big crusty french roll. They have a number of specialty sandwiches like this including a catfish and pork meatball choice. Each of these fairly large sandwiches will set you back about $6.50.

Bad: Its a small place and not much on frills but they have a few seats upstairs in case you want to dine in. Also if its busy, you might have to wait a little since the kitchen is small.

Wine: No wine but don’t pass on the wonderful blood orange lemonade.

Overall: This literal “hole in the wall” was a terrific find. The food is fresh and very flavorful. Its perfect for a quick lunch or to take home for dinner. I was really impressed how high the quality of the food was.

Located in the East Village, this tiny Italian restaurant prides itself on bring a modern flair to Italian cooking. This is definitely a neighborhood spot first and foremost, but due to the inventive cooking and romantic feel of the dining room, it has developed a strong reputation from critics.

Perbacco

Good: A warm, inviting atmosphere created by cozy confines and soft lighting. Wonderful melt in your mouth pastas and risottos. Great cheeses and appetizers. Interesting spins on Italian staples. Prices are very reasonable.

Bad: Could be a little tight for those that are claustrophobic. Bathrooms could be updated or expanded.

Wine: One of the real highlights. Great all-Italian wine lists, with very floral and expressive wines. Average pricing, and good choices up and down the boot.

Overall: A really enjoyable experience. Its perfect for a romantic dinner out, and it really does fit the bill as a perfect neighborhood gem. Between the wine and the food, you’d be hard pressed to find a better Italian experience for the price.

Another New York trip, another David Chang restaurant, serving Asian-focused dishes with an accent on noodles. As with Saam Bar, their focus tends to be taking foods common to Asian dishes combined with regionally produced products from the US. The results are flavorful and inspired.

Good: Ambience is good, with a blonde-wood color scheme and a large bar area for the noodle-slurping. Its a small space but with the modern touches, it still feels open. The roasted rice cakes in so much pork fat, it should be against the law are a hit. It was also a huge portion. Loved the fantastic apple-crisp ice cream that I could eat all day. Lunch deal is only $30 for three courses, which is a lot of food by the end.

Bad: Again the broth on the pho-style soup just ok – had a duck ramen that was just so-so. Also they didn’t have much in the way of non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy from. Water and soda mostly.

Wine: Didn’t have a chance to check the wine list since I was enjoying this during my lunch hour. Maybe next time.

Overall: Well worth the trip for lunch though I think I prefer Saam – I think I’d stay away from the price-fixe next time and go for more appetizers. They really do a great job with the steamed buns and the Rice Cakes. I’ve been so-so on the ramen so far, but they do their pork products proud.

This fairly recent addition to the Clarendon area of Arlington, Virginia is a sister restaurant to The Liberty Tavern. The menu is focused on French/Alsatian food that spills over into a little German-influence as well. With sausages, rabbit and other “meat and potato” options, its a welcome addition to the stale New American restaurants in the area.

Lyon Hall

Good: The ambiance is very inviting, though a little on the trendy side. The staff was very helpful and really worked with our group. The food was all very good and portions were large. The menu was inventive and large, with a lot of choices which is good for the picker groups. Good focus on cheeses as well. Prices were also reasonable ranging from 18-25 for entrees.

Bad: As with Liberty Tavern, sometimes they try to do a little too much with a dish. Its doesn’t usually end badly but you can tell there are too many flavors going on. Its a relatively small space as well so as it gets crowded, you can be fighting for space, and it starts to get loud.

Wine: Very strong wine list including solid wines by the glass selections. Wine were focused mostly on France and Germany with a little Austria thrown in, and there were enough reasonably priced wines to find something in your budget. Nothing American here, which isn’t a bad thing.

Overall: Overall, I was very happy with my experience here. Between the helpful staff, good wine, and excellent food, I highly recommend a visit or someone take me back there again soon. This restaurant group really makes an effort to give you a good experience every time out.

Growing from the rise of food trucks popping up all over DC and Virginia, this once-pizza truck has now expanded into a brick-and-mortar just outside of DC, in Arlington, Virginia. While the truck has been parked due to the expansion and workload of opening a new restaurant, the pizza has transitioned rather well from the street to the store. Pupatella specializes in Neapolitan pizza, blister-thin and baked for only a minute in a wood-fired pizza oven straight from Naples.

Good: Pizza is chewy and toppings are fresh and wonderful. There’s a good char on the pizza to give it that smokey flavor. Overall, you can get their daily special, or select one of their other favorites. Or of course you can make your own. Friendly staff and quick service add to the positive vibe.

Bad: Not too much – its a small place though so it would probably be tough for groups, and since their pizza comes out quick and fresh, a option to go might leave your pizza a little cold by the time you get home. Some flavor combos also might be a little too much, so if you’re a traditionalist, just stick to the margarita.

Wine: Though I didn’t get to sample a wine or beer list, I can only guess that they have a simple list of wines to choose from. Next time I’m in there I’ll get a better look.