Product:	(3.5 / 5)
Service:	(4.0 / 5)
Accuracy:	(3.5 / 5)
Gluten Free Options:	(2.5 / 5)
Average:	(3.4 / 5)

Laura, Ryan, and I ate at Mon Ami Gabi for lunch today at their Reston Town Center location on this beautiful day in May.
Reception was a bit awkward.  On a day like today we would have loved to eat outside, but they said it was a 20 minute wait, even though the tables were half full.  We ended in up sitting inside, but close to an open wall, which made it a little better.

They knew we were gluten free, but brought bread.  The waiter noticed the gluten free menu and offered gluten free bread, but brought out enough for just one of us.  He did correct this too.

After that things got better.  I ordered the Make Your Own Bloody Mary.  We’re getting closer to our May destination review so I’m always there in my head.  They bring out the Grey Goose Vodka and send you over to the fixing bar.

Make Your Own Bloody Mary

For lunch Laura had the scallops, Ryan had a kids hamburger (no bun) and I had the steak with bernaise sauce.  Both were good meals, but I think we’ve had better.

Mon Ami Gabi Scallops

Mon Ami Gabi Steak

I would go back, but I’d try something else next time.

Shawn

Food:	(3.5 / 5)
Service:	(4.0 / 5)
Accuracy:	(4.0 / 5)
Gluten Free Options:	(3.5 / 5)
Average:	(3.8 / 5)

Tonight Laura and I dined at Ford’s Fish Shack in Ashburn.  Ford’s is a local restaurant chain that was established in 2010 with another location in Chantilly, Virginia. This is the first time visit to this location and overall it was a good experience.

Ford’s does not have a separate Gluten free menu, but have several items available and they are willing to discuss any allergic needs to better meet your needs.

I ordered Ford’s Fantastic Lemonade; one of the signature drinks from their Hand-Crafted Cocktails.  Ford’s Fantastic Lemonade blends Smirnoff Blueberry Vodka, Cranberry, Pineapple, and Orange Juice to make this libation.  

I liked the drink, but felt that “fantastic” is a stretch to describe it.  It was refreshing, but a bit light in the flavor.  I don’t think it will be my go-to drink during future visits, but I have not crossed it off the list.  The drink costs $9.

For dinner both Laura and I ordered the Maine Fried Seafood Baskets with Sautéed Sea Scallops.  Mine came with French fries while Laura had the sweet potato fries.  Ford’s uses a separate fryer from their breaded entrées to avoid cross contamination.

Scallops and Fries

The scallops were okay.  Other restaurants in the area have better scallops.  The coleslaw was pretty good, but for some unfortunate reason Ford’s uses a preservative with Gluten in it to maintain freshness. The fries were ok, but tasted like they hadn’t changed the oil in the dryer in a long time.  This meal cost $19.90

Scallops and Sweet Potato Fries

The reason why Laura’s plate looks sparse is because her meal was completely Gluten free due to her allergy.  As stated above Ford’s coleslaw was not Gluten free which was unfortunate, but we were surprised to find out that their sauce and ketchup were also not gluten free.  Ford’s didn’t offer, but to be fair, we didn’t ask for any gluten free substitutions.

Laura says that the sweet potato fries were good, but a little soggy.  They were seasoned with a little bit of an Old Bay favor so they had a savory flavor to them.

Her meal also costed $19.90

For dessert I had the Banana Pudding.  This was fantastic.  Fresh banana, caramel, whipped cream, vanilla wafer in a fantastic mix to end the meal on a high note.  Served without the vanilla wafer makes this the only gluten free dessert Ford’s offers, but it’s a good one at $6.50

Banana Pudding

Overall the experience was a good one.  The food could have been better, but on par for the price (at least for the area).

Shawn