willow restaurant.
July 20, 2011 Leave a comment
Chris and I recently went to Willow Restaurant right here in Arlington, thanks to a Groupon! Seriously, half of the time we go out to eat, we use a coupon from Savored (formerly “VillageVines”), Groupon, or LivingSocial. We sat outside, because we’d sat inside last time we went… and the feel of the restaurant is completely different depending on where you sit. Inside, it’s got a very posh vibe. You walk up to the host desk, and you feel like you’re checking into a very expensive and ritzy hotel. Or maybe a night club. (Well, that might be a stretch.) Outside, the feel is a lot more casual and informal (though definitely still classy!). Unfortunately, although the temperature was somewhat cooler than usual that evening, it still felt extremely muggy outside! Oh well.
Chris ordered the Seared Day Boat Scallops with Potato Ravioli (“Grilled Shiitake Mushrooms, Ragout of Corn, Peas, Fava Beans, Roasted Tomato, Bacon & Savory, Corn Sauce”), along with a glass of a Tocai Friulano (an Italian white variety!).
He loved it. Scallops are his new favorite thing, and they were seared to perfection. I was feeling like going veggie, so I ordered the Duo of Fennel & Spring Asparagus (“Fennel Raviolini, Potato Gnocchi, & Spring Vegetables with Gratin of Fennel & Savory, Black Truffle Butter”). I also ordered a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. (Typical.)
My meal was delicious, but I was so hungry going into dinner that afterwards I wished I’d ordered fish instead.
Willow is great, but I don’t dream about the food when I’m not there. Food critics must agree… it was on the Top 100 list last year, but didn’t make the cut for 2011. Sorry, Willow. It’s definitely a nice place to have right around the corner! The overall result — and the cost — make it more of a draw with a coupon though.