Tom Sietsema Skewers French Quarter Brasserie

French Quarter Brasserie

Washington Post restaurant critic Tom Sietsema visited the fledgling New Orleans-themed eatery that took over the space vacated by the short-lived Shaw Bijou and found the local chainlet lacking. Timing is a big issue, he notes, dubbing his cocktail order “The World’s Slowest Drink.” As for the food itself, Sietsema thinks “problems surface in almost every dish,” such as the fried chicken that was “dry as sawdust” and overly sweet corn bread. One highlight: Fried pickles provide some zest to an “otherwise disappointing” spread. [WaPo]

La Puerta Verde

Over in Ivy City, Sietsema declares the six-month-old Mexican spot worked up my Mindful Restaurants Group worthy of two stars (good). One common dish “done uncommonly” well is guacamole with lime and serrano peppers. Meanwhile, tacos feature “tasty” fillings such as mild braised beef tongue and steamy fried cod. The “messiest” — al pastor — is also one of the most satisfying, he thinks. The classic Margarita is “appropriately” tart, while the white sangria compliments any order well. The space is “engaging” thanks to details like repurposed shipping containers. He notes that consistency is a little off; plates look less tidy compared to when it first opened, for instance. [WaPo]

In a follow-up to the annual roundup he released last week, Washington Post food writer Tim Carman gives a shout-out to newcomer District BBQ and three other runners-up for best barbecue in the D.C. area.

Bethesda Magazine restaurant critic David Hagedorn has a roundup of the seven most appealing noodle dishes in Montgomery County. Among the highlights: Asian-Fusion Hot Pot at Kevin Lui’s Little Dipper Hot Pot House in Rockville and Hollywood East Cafe in Wheaton for its made-to-order shrimp rice noodle crepes.

FROM THE BLOGS: BYT whips up a fried chicken guide, while Hungry Lobbyist checks out Oz in Clarendon and Been There, Eaten That explores Tredici Enoteca’s brunch.