Electric Palm (Woodbridge, VA)

Electric Palm: (Woodbridge, VA)

 (formerly known as Eagles Nest)

12745 Sea Ray Lane

Woodbridge, VA 22192

Phone 703.492.7256

Website: http://www.theelectricpalm.com

Facebook page: yes

Pricing food - $10-30ish

Pricing Beer - $4-5ish

Notes: Water view dining, music, karaoke, tiki bar, seafood, steaks, charbroiled burgers, kids meals, outdoor dining (heat lamps)

Food: (B+)

The upstairs dining option is a great spot for many kinds of occasions.  Dates, family dining, girls night out, brunch with mom, you name it.  Serving steaks, seafood, and sandwiches, as well as a kids menu, this place seems to have it all. The crab legs are plump and meaty (available in one or two pound options) and the steaks tried by several of my dining companions were described as worth coming back for.  Options between bread include the charbroiled burgers, which are thick and tasty (that’s what she said) and the club sandwich also got high marks.

However most of the appetizers I have tried (calamari, mozzarella sticks, crab balls, and the crab dip) have been less than stellar, as are the french fries.  Skip the calories and save them for the desserts. The blackened tuna steak I tried came beautifully presented and cooked to order, however it was a bit on the cold side, so I am not sure how long it had been lingering before it was served.  Most recently our waiter met us at the table with our usual drink orders…which I think officially makes us regulars, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say…everybody knows our names (queue the theme song for cheers)….yet. 

 Beer:  (C)

The usual suspects.

			Atmosphere (B+)

Woodbridge seems to have its fair share of tucked away dining options with frequent name changes.  This phenomenon only makes me wonder if the non-chain restaurants are made to participate in some sort of witness protection program.  The Electric Palm faces the Prince William Marina and is tucked away behind the Sea Ray dealership on route 123 (Gordon Blvd).  If you don’t know its there….you wont know its there.

A bit bipolar, this two story waterfront dining option offers two kinds of settings for your enjoyment.  Downstairs you will find a laid back tiki bar with picnic tables,a bbq chef serving hamburgers,  hot dogs, chips, hot music and wild times.  Perfect for a summer night in shorts. 

 Upstairs is more serious dining with a casual dress code.  The indoor dining room boast water views and white table cloths without the need for fancy going out clothes.  Whatever you’re in, you’ll fit right in, unless you happen to be a nudist.  There is also small bar area with tables for pub fare and an upstairs outdoor deck  that beckons you to linger and lounge way beyond what your waiter might prefer on a busy night, so be sure to order often and tip generously. 

Upstairs Indoor Dining

The Cock and Bowl (Occoquan, Virginia)

My first unsolicited review-

The Cock and Bowl (Occoquan, Virginia) 
(formerly Bistrot Belgigue Gourmande)

302 Poplar Alley

Occoquan, Virginia, 22125

phone: (703) 494-1180

Website: http://cockandbowl.com/

Facebook page: yes

Pricing food - $10-20

Pricing Beer - $5-20 

Notes:  Great beer, Great food, outdoor dining (heat lamps), music, beer dinners, French, Belgian

I’ll start by saying don’t shoot the messenger, I didn’t name the place. Actually I cant even think it, without thinking Cock and Balls, which just makes me giggle like a third grader….except that I am 41 (I mentioned the colorful language, right?).  If you are still reading, just know that this quiet little place deserves your full attention, even if the name was Cock Cock Bo Bock Banana Fanna Fo Fock. And if you’re too embarrassed to tell your friends you ate there, then good! It just means it will be less crowded for me and my friends.  

The Food:  (A)

Outstanding! A mixture of French, Belgian…. and kisses from angels.  The shrimp croquette appetizer burst in my mouth with flavor like a big cheesy firework and elicited almost the same ooohhhhs and ahhhhhs. The side of frites were tasty and just the right amount of crisp. Nothing makes me sadder than an undercooked french fry (except maybe war, global warming, natural disasters…..) . 

I also tried the mussels (both the marienie and the mousle de terre).  Never have I ever, eaten such plump juicy mussels. They were remarkably clean and free from grit, and a few of them were so large, I thought about sending them off to college and claiming them as dependants on my taxes. Actually that would be my one complaint….not that I had to fork over college tuition for my seafood, but that they were almost too big, if there could be such a thing. That being said, my preference was for the marienie, which doubled as a delicious dipping broth for the accompanying bread.

I haven’t even gotten to the best part. Which wasn’t even the light beautiful Belgian waffle dessert, covered in chocolate sauce and whipped cream, that disappeared from the table so quickly it could have been a  mirage.  No, the best part was the beer list. I love beer….I love beer the way that some people love wine ….or their children. This is the most extensive beer list within a 3 town radius of my home and that is saying a lot.   

The Beers: (A)
Not only is the beer list extensive and unique for this area (40 + Belgian beers) but the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.  On my last visit I was introduced to the Duchesse De Bourgogne (Flanders Red Ale),  and despite her lofty title, I think she and I will be lifelong bffs. The waiter was also able to point me to a beer similar to the Duchesse, the Trappistes Rochefort 6, which made my mouth happy and tasted better as it warmed (as promised). One of my dining companions was equally pleased with her Bavik Lager, after asking for a Bud light type beer. If you lean towards American beers, the Bavik is your beer! It was light, refreshing, and perfect for the sunny day.  And the Golden Monkey served to another friend, came to our table in the most adorable glass with a cartoon of two people kissing. While I recognize that cutesy glassware does not enhance the flavor of the beer, smiles lift the spirits as much as spirits lift the spirits.
Beers: 

Duchesse De Bourgogne (Flanders Red Ale) (BeerAdvocate Score: A-)

Trappistes Rochefort 6 (BeerAdocate: NA – MYSCORE: B)

Bavik Lager (BeerAdvocate Score: B-)

Victory Golden Monkey (BeerAdvocate Score: B)
 

Atmosphere: (B)
This place is a bit, tucked away…. as most “ hidden gems” are. You really have to know what you are looking for to find it. Small and quaint with checkered table cloths and a tiny patio for days and nights when being indoors feels like being in a cage. Its not exactly a romantic spot though, save this place for a third or fourth date….when your ability to find it will give you street cred without making your date think that she (or he) is about to be murdered in an alleyway.  They also have music nights and beer dinners,  and although I haven’t been to either, judging from the food,  I imagine they would only enhance what is already first rate offerings. 

So go, go now…..before everyone else reads this and its impossible to get a table, just please be sure to save me a seat.