JOE’s Prime Steak & Stone Crab Restaurant, D.C.

     A very impressive new restaurant opened its doors a few months ago at 15^th and H Sts. NW in downtown D.C.---and it’s a winner!  I’m talking about Joe’s  Prime Steak & Stone Crab, well-known for its restaurants in Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas. You would never know it’s been open just a short time. Much credit, obviously, goes to managing partner Michael Rotolo and restaurant manager Travis Paez.   Joe’s is a handsome place with  stately white columns, high ceilings, a beautiful chandelier and a handsome bar with seating.  However, the best part is the menu. What a selection of seafood and steaks. The big thing is the stone crab, served cold with the shells already cracked for you.  Joe’s  boasts the finest stone crabs in the world.  Who am I to argue? Other seafood entrees are scallops, shrimp, crab and lobster.  And, if you like steak, Joe’s is the place for you. There’s something for everyone---not to mention the lamb chops, pork chops and calves liver. Don’t  overlook the appetizers, particularly the oysters Rockefeller, fried oysters and oysters on the half shell. Save room for dessert and a  piece of one of their many pies like key lime,  banana cream with foster sauce and Boston cream. Joe’s is truly a dining experience! For more information and  reservations, call 202-489-0140 and be sure to check the website at www.joes.net.

MEDITERRANEAN BREEZE Greek & Italian Restaurant in Ashburn

     I’m thinking of moving to Ashburn, VA so I can be close to the Mediterranean Breeze restaurant

which features two of my favorite cuisines, Greek and Italian. What a menu! So many favorites that youdon’t know what to choose first.  And, you’ve got to meet the chef/owner, Terry Kasotakis and his friendly staff. Terry has owned the Mediterranean Breeze for the past 10 years. He came to the U.S. atthe age of 14, worked hard and finally had the opportunity to  open his own restaurant. He and his wifehave five children.  As you look over the menu you’ll find both Greek and Italian appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza,  entrees and desserts. A few of the house specials are  the Athena Plaka Combination with a wonderful sampling of Greek dishes plus Greek style lamb chops,  gyro, spinach pie and souvlaki platters and a Greek burger topped with tzatziki sauce and feta cheese. From the Italian selections, my favorite, veal  parmigiana plus pizzas, chicken cacciatore, spaghetti carbonara and a Milano special platter featuring a combination of homemade lasagna, fettucini Alfredo, stuffed shells and chicken Marsala.  I don’t want to forget their seafood items such as jumbo lump crab cakes, stuffed flounder, fried shrimp and blackened salmon. Mediterranean Breeze is a real find! Don’t Miss It.  The address is 20693 Ashburn Rd., Ashburn. For  more information and reservations, call 703-726-1045 and check the website at www.mediterraneanbreezeashburn.com.