Range



red and golden beets

The Voltaggio brothers (Bryan and Michael)  hail originally from to  Frederick, Md (a city northwest of Washington, DC).  Chef Bryan has several established a number of restaurant's the DC area (i.e., Volt, Lunchbox, Family Meal). 

In February 2013  RANGE opened. I waited three months before making a reservation for a pal and I to visit. RANGE occupies more than 10,000 square on second floor of a retail space in the Friendship Heights section of Washington, DC.  There are stations throughout the restaurant dedicated to preparing aspects of RANGE's menu.                                                                                    

 
The menu features dishes to share and entrees. Our server suggested two to three small dishes per person. My pal and I thought that would be too much food. We ordered:


brussel sprouts

Red and golden beets with goat cheese
Lobster macaroni and cheese
Brussel sproutsLamb collar stuffed with merguez sausage

The red and golden beets were fresh tasty and a great starter, My pal was disappointed that the lobster mac and cheese only had two pieces of lobster. Our server informed us that the pasta was made on premises; it was tender and melted in our mouths.  We both enjoyed the savory, crunchy brussel sprouts. The merguez (merguez is a red, spicy mutton- or beef-based fresh sausage) stuffed lamb collar was a generous entrée served with well seasoned seasonal roasted vegetables. The entrée was full of flavor and color. Given the portion size we took part of the entrée home.





stuffed lamb collar



A group sat in a nearby glass enclosed private dining room. In his haste to exit the room one of the servers walked into the glass.  The glass didn't shatter, the server remained standing, but the room was silent as nearby diners looked at the glass and the server.  The server assigned to my table didn't move from her spot and continued to talk as if nothing had transpired. Moments later chatter resumed in the room.

RANGE's bathrooms were neat and orderly. The restaurant space can definitely accommodate large groups and has private dining areas. The restaurant is family friendly, but  the fast paced activity and noise level may be overwhelming to little ones.

 

It felt as if RANGE were trying to find its identity/niche  in a very fluid market. Friendship Heights draws a wide spectrum of shoppers (Bloomingdale's, Filene's Basement, Sephora , Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffanys, and World Market are all within walking  distance), but the residents of the area aren't not necessarily the individuals shopping at these stores on a regular basis.

My pal determined that her curiosity about RANGE had been satisfied and that she didn't need to return in the future to explore more of what RANGE has to offer. I plan to visit RANGE again the future after a bit of time has passed and restaurant has found its niche.

 

RANGE is above the Friendship Heights metro. Metered street parking is available as well as several nearby parking garages.  Reservations can be made via opentable.

Be well,

Technicolor girl


image courtesy of InkPlus LLC



Welcome Fall!

It's the first day of Fall in the Northern Hemisphere.  Before fully the upcoming embracing the mild days and cooler nights I feel as I should at least get closure on my summer adventures.

During Restaurant Week I visited Sushi-ko.  Good food, creatively prepared and presented at reasonable prices.  The restaurant is a short walking distance from Friendship Heights metro.  Parking is also available in the onsite parking lot (be sure to get your ticket validated to receive the discounted parking fee). Sushi-ko is also family friendly. Reservations can be made via opentable. My biggest regret was at the time I took photos I didn't realize I didn't have sufficient data storage on my camera.  I think this grounds for a second visit don't you?

I also visited Johnny's Half Shell with a pal during Restaurant Week. This pal is a rather selective eater,  but she was happy with Johnny's. All the generously portioned dishes were well seasoned.  The bathroom is clean and tidy. The restaurant is family friendly and offers a kids menu.
Johnny's Half Shelf is near Union Station metro stop. Street parking is available , but pay close attention to the information on the meters as many run until 10pm. Reservations can be made via opentable.

spicy Cajun barbecued shrimp



sautéed sea scallops Veracruz style

steamed mussels
 



shrimp etouffee



gingered peach shortcake



chocolate Angel food cake with caramel sauce

 

The fun didn't end there. Next: a star encounter.

 

Be well,

 

Technicolor girl

image by InkPlus LLC