Eatin’ & Drinkin’ – Weekend in Ballston

As was to be expected, this past weekend was not the best I’ve ever had. We had a deadline at work that required us to work late nights all last week and through the weekend.

But I’ve told you that already. I’ve also whined about it to anyone who would listen and, despite the serious amount of self-hatred it induced, I even posted a self-pitying status about it on Facebook.

I’m seriously a lazy ass bum. Who gets THAT upset about a few days of extra work? Lazy people, like me.

Basically, I am once again ashamed at my silly behavior.

But what’s been whined cannot be un-whined, and I can only try in the future to be less petty.

Despite the fact that I was at work more than not this past weekend, I still had some fun. I normally go to D.C. or Clarendon to appease my wining and dining needs, but because the weekend was so hectic, I stuck to my little corner of the world – Ballston. It was nice to stay local and enjoy some of the places I’ve been meaning to try before moving to D.C. in April.

Friday night, we (two friends and Mr. T) tried out the new Green Turtle on Glebe. It was your standard, crowded sports bar, but they run their happy hour until 9 p.m. Three dollar 22-ounce Miller Lites washed away the annoying week that had preceeded them, and dulled the pain of what was to come.

After that, we crossed the street to the Westin hotel to try a new Thai place, Bangkok Bistro. It was okay, but doesn’t really warrant a full review. I ordered veggie pad Thai, which wasn’t very spicy and had a somewhat awkward after-taste. I still cleaned my plate, so I guess I can’t really complain. I tried bites of my both friend Unmani and Mr. T’s drunken noodles (one chicken, one beef) and they were good, but not very spicy and with too much onion flavor. I wouldn’t go out of my way to go back, but I wouldn’t avoid it either.

The next night, after a productive day of work, I was out in Ballston again.

Celebratory margarita’s and Mexican food were on the agenda at Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande.  We were celebrating a new job, a new apartment, and not being at work and the Patron margaritas hit the spot ( fairly priced, too, at $10.50 per drink). I kept it “light” for dinner by ordering one chicken enchilada a la cart with black beans and rice. I still had to waddle out afterward though. Mexican food deliciousness will do that to you.

In light of the Great Mexican Food Hunt, this place was okay. It’s a chain, but is more akin to the Mexican food I would get in Oklahoma than are the fancy Mexican places I’ve tried (like Rosa Mexicana, for example, although I kind of love that place). It’s still not the Mexican diner/grease-fest/cheesebomb type of place I prefer though.

Sunday it was back to work before the rooster crowed, so that I could leave early for a Bandolero Pop-up Restaurant Preview, hosted by living social, but I’ll talk about that later.

After we finished our five-course meal there, I trekked right back into work to finish up that deadline – meaning I unexpectedly got Monday off for President’s Day.

I used that little gift of time to eat at the best, and most affordable joint in Ballston – my kitchen.

I saw Gretchen’s recipe for Healthy Bulgogi awhile back and have been dying to make it. I love Korean food, but sadly haven’t found any Korean restaurants since moving here. This homemade bulgogi was amazing – so easy and flavorful. I paired it with a simple salad with homemade Asian dressing. Terrible picture, of course.

And thus my weekend full of food, fun and over-reacting came to a close. Now, I only have two days of work standing between me and a belated long weekend.

It’s all good in the neighborhood.