Patch Pockets

Foodie Alert!

Some of you may remember that, as a self-admitted foodie who cooks, has eaten all around the world and does know something about good food and drink, I wrote on these pages many months ago about a French restaurant named Bistro L'Hermitage, surprisingly tucked away in a Woodbridge residential area at 12724 Occoquan Road (703-499-9550//bistrolhermitage.com).

Forget DC, this is the best restaurant of its kind anywhere in the region -- definitely a date destination with that special someone, as well as one for single diners and family groups. Any of you who have tried it know what I'm talking about. I have since become a regular there and still strongly recommend it.

Well, I've found another one. A little jewel of a new restaurant, located at 12419 Hedges Run Drive, in the Lake Ridge Commons Shopping Center, Woodbridge.

Do you like skewered, fresh, grilled meat and vegetables but are tired of Something-Something Kabob or Something-Something-Else Kabob? It seems kabob places are everywhere, that is, those which don't go out of business between the last time you were there and the next time you go.

Well, this place is different and that's why it's called Les Brochettes - Grillade de Lake Ridge. It's not just another kabob place. It's Morocan-French. Relatively small and located at the end of the shopping center farthest away from the Giant, this restaurant has only been open for less than a month, has no outside sign or website yet and is already doing a good business from walk-bys and by local area word-of-mouth (the best type of advertising).

The interior decor is crisp and clean, with attractive yet sturdy tables and chairs. The kitchen is located at the rear of and exposed to the dining area, so you can see and smell your food being prepared. You are served, not on paper plates with plasticware as in some shopping center kabob places, but on real plates with silverware.

And the food is delicious and fresh, fresh, fresh. Succulent and savory, with crisp salads and perfectly grilled meat (several types) and vegetables. And the Basmati rice -- see if you can identify the subtle seasoning which makes it so tasty. I couldn't. And, especially if you like lamb, nobody does lamb better than the Moroccans. The Tangine of Lamb Moroccan Style is fall-off-the-bone tender and so well seasoned they will even give you some slices of a French baguette to sop up the sauce.

The owner-manager, Lotfi, brings his Casablanca background and considerable restaurant experience to bear on each and every dish. Prices are more than reasonable, especially for the quality and quantity of food you get. The numbers are 703-499-9200/9223 and the hours are Monday - Saturday from 11:30AM to 10:00PM and Sunday from 11:30AM to 9:00PM. Try it. You'll like it.

You will get good service at either of these places you go because both are run by professionals, but it also wouldn't hurt to mention that Chuck sent you. Bon appetit!