321 Ashland

AGHAST!!!! For your anniversay, $$ should never be a concern on your end. Now of course, your wife will have your gift on a strict budget!

 

A nice dinner for two with bottle of wine, appetizer, entres and dessert will likely average about $140. Ours was a bit more but we had plenty of reason to celebrate last night!

By the way, I also suggested to the other co-owner, Chris' father, that 321 should consider a Sunday Jazz brunch but sadly he was not keen on that idea. There are some nice places in Loudoun county and even in Ashburn for brunch but noone is doing the jazz brunch which I think would be an added draw and appeal. Oh well...

 

My wife and I average anywhere from $150 - $200 for a "nice" evening out on special occacasions (read Anniversery, Christmas, Birthdays). That's at our normal spots that I won't mention on this board. When it comes to special occasions, $$ should not be a concern. Remember Life's too short.

 

My moto: DIE POOR!

-T

 

My moto: EAT OUT MORE OFTEN AT LESS EXPENSIVE PLACES!

 

Just had to say, I ate at this place and thought it fantastic! They are adjusting the menu to try to meet the needs of everyone and still maintain the fine dining experience that sets them apart. Spoke to the owner who made himself very available to our group. He said he's not trying to compete or set himself up as anything, just trying to provide a fine dining experience closer in for those of us who don't always want to go far, or worse wait for a table at the more well known places. I for one think it's great! The outdoor area should be more accomadating for those who want a more casual experience. I was thinking that instead of picking it apart or worrying about spotlights lets just enjoy it for what it is. Between the other places to eat in that center everyone's taste and budget and family should be accomodated. Let's celebrate being a part of a great new place!

 

Also wanted to add that where else in the area do you get the table-side preparation of food? One last thing (I promise!) is that for a brand new non-chain establishment the talent is most note worthy. Over time I can see the prime rib being a staple for us. I've never it had anywhere else like they prepare it there. A house wine that is a fine Merlot instead of typical reds also won me over. I felt that our bill was reasonable for what we recieved, awesome personal service, amazing food and romantic old world charm. Right here in Ashburn. It was the first time in months where my meal was NOT accompanied by a pager!! I did bring my daughter by the way, she's a big meat eater so the filet was perfect for her, and she was made to feel very welcome, with the waiter addressing her as "madame". She in no way felt unwanted. And now with the patio opening I can't imagine what they are lacking. Obviously I'm a big fan. I think I'm still in shock about such a place being so close to home!

 

Does anyone know if 321 Ashland has a website? Thanks.

 

http://www.321ashland.com/

 

Carol

Are you aware that the review that you posted on this forum is the "New Testimonials" section of their website? Did they ask for your permission?

 

I'll have to check out the site! And yes, they did request my permission before posting the testimonial.

Now if we can only persuade them to offer a Sunday jazz brunch....

 

Has anyone tried Fiore de Luna in Great Falls? It was recommended by a co-worker....

 

Has anyone tried Fiore de Luna in Great Falls? It was recommended by a co-worker....
[/quote]

I just had lunch there this past Tuesday. The food was excellent; however, the service was very slow. It was a group of 9, reservation at 11:30AM, and out by 2:45 PM. Mind you, we all had to go back to work that day to attend a meeting. They only had one chef, one host, a waiter and a server. If this was lunch can't imagine dinner. Again, the food was fabulous from the bread to dessert. High priced $$$$ but it my case the company paid for the luncheon.

Good Luck ~

 

We ate there during the winter. There was some snow on the ground, so the restaurant was pretty empty.

In our case, the food and service were all very good. I would go back again.

 

While I appreciate that 321 Ashland is a great place - it was not what I expected. Perhaps I should have read up more.

We had hoped for a slightly more casual, neighborhood eatery.

Don't get me wrong, 321 Ashland is a fine restaurant. And judging from the reviews, it'll do well.

We don't have the kid at home anymore (grown up, moved out, etc), but many families in Broadlands (and definitely on our street) have young ones. I was hoping that one of the "eateries" in the shopping center would be family friendly.

Now, before you jump - I do know that San Vito, the Steakhouse, Bravo Pizza and many other are certainly family-oriented - but they tend to server one typs of food. I guess what I was hoping for was the sort of family run cafe - with a lighter fare, reasonable prices (adjusted for our area ), and most of all...a good, simple Sunday breakfast menu.

Okay...what I really want, is somewhere to get Sunday breakfast (or even Saturday). No, not "brunch" - oh, and I wanna be able to walk there.

Picky, aren't I?


Dawne

 

I hear ya. I would love a non-franchise diner or a simple cafe in the Broadlands (or, as some people non-appetizingly call them, "greasy spoons.") In my experience, though, those types of places are few and far between in this entire metropolitan area. They are tons of these places in midwestern cities and cities along the east coast -- but not here.

 

Yes, we've noticed there are not too many "mom n pop" kind of places in this area. When we were on a trip to Tennessee recently, we stopped at a family owned place called "Hi Neighbor" which was such a pleasant experience -- family owned; casual; homecooking and very reasonable. There were signs advertising this restaurant off of 66 and I believe it was right before the intersection with I-81...not exactly convenient from Ashburn but worth a mention.

I wish there was a Cracker Barrel's close by for a nice breakfast place. However, we do go to the Amphora in Herndon as we find it has a varied menu and friendly.

 

For a nice homestyle and cheap breakfast, check out the Yorkshire Restaurant on Rt28 right before you get to Manassas Park on the left.

I prefer bob evans to cracker barrel for some reason *shrug*

 

Great News Everyone!!!! In addition to another wonderful evening at 321, my spouse and I learned that the first jazz brunch will take place on May 21st!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isn't it wonderful to have such an exquisite, scrumptious and responsive restaurant in our own backyard?

Hope to see many Broadlands residents there.

 

Carol, How much are they paying you?