A WALK AROUND THE MOSAIC DISTRICT

It is always interesting to see how different business areas decorate their sidewalks.  Here there were reindeer topiaries.  I enjoyed them and they were at least three or four feet above me.

Even if you don't buy anything in the shops, there are many interesting ones in the Mosaic District.  It would be a whole lot of fun looking around them, especially at this time of the year.  I was drawn into one and bought some Christmas stockings to replace those that have worn out. I am not handy with a needle, sewing or knitting, only wish.  

I purchased an ornament, a crochet wreath about two inches in diameter and it is already hanging on the tree at home.  

I also bought cards to send out, because I really need to get started on those. I am late this year and they have already started arriving from family and friends.

I will be spending part of my day catching up on writing Christmas Cards, before they turn into New Year's Cards.

There were many cute dogs being taken on walks.

This is another very dog-friendly area.

Many of the windows are decorated very prettily...

and I enjoyed reading quotes on other windows.

I am very partial to a good quote.  They give me pause.

A nice looking movie theater...

 interesting buildings...

great shops and restaurants and a farmer's market.  Not sure how much longer it will be here before quitting for the winter months...

but I think we will be going back sometime.

Have a great weekend everyone.  I will be posting again on Monday.

MONDAY FOOD POST - NO RECIPE BUT A GREAT BURGER AT BGR IN THE MOSAIC DISTRICT, MERRIFIELD, VA

We went to the Mosaic District again yesterday.  Feeling like a burger, and also for a different place to try, we looked on Yelp.  It gave us several within driving distance, and after looking at each one we decided on this place, the BGR (Burgers Grilled Right).  Another excellent decision.  Our first time and won't be our last.  

Gregg is at the counter and I am sitting at the window.  It was a bit of a dreary day and had rained earlier on, but it stopped long enough for us to walk around.  Those photos will be in another post.

Gregg had the BGR Works; lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, mojo (the mojo we were told was a mayonnaise-based special sauce).

I ordered The Wellington; caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms, black truffles, blue cheese and mojo.  We shared the fries.  All yum!

These were taken while we were waiting for our meal, which wasn't a long wait at all.  

Before we left we chatted to the owner and told him how much we had enjoyed our meal, that both were excellent.  He was happy and turned round and told his cook who smiled and thanked us.  We were sure to thank both of them and said we would be back next time we were in the area.  A place we can recommend highly, for not only great food but for friendliness.  They get five stars from both of us.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.

VISITING ANOTHER RESTAURANT

This was a recommendation from our son and we decided to take a ride out there yesterday.  He and daughter-in-law had gone a couple of times and really enjoyed it.  The reviews online were mediocre but our family's  positive comments spurred us on.  Besides, we never really pay attention to reviews and would rather make our own minds up by first hand experience.

District Dumplings, as you can see from their website, offers a variety of Asian-style dumplings, steamed or fried.  Gregg also said he would like to try their fried version, potstickers I suppose those would be.  Next time we go, and there will be a next time, I will also order a cup of Edamame.  There were condiments - soy, siracha and hoisin sauce - to dip them in.  These can also be used for the dumplings.  When we asked our son what they ordered, he said we should try the soup dumplings (they reminded me of mini volcanoes) and also a mix and match plate.  We did the same and were not disappointed.  They were delicious!

For a drink I had Celery, Lime and Ginger juice.  Very refreshing, something I had never had before but wouldn't hesitate to again.  I am going to have a go at using this combination at home, as I enjoy smoothies for breakfast.  The only time I have tried anything different is to add an avocado to the fruit.  Anyhow, it was a very nice experience going to District Dumplings.

This area is called The Mosaic District.  There are numerous shops and restaurants.  I also read about their farmers market every Sunday.  Another place to visit as they go on through to December 30th.

Flowers were everywhere and they certainly made their surroundings look cheerful, a real pleasure to walk around.  We did a lot of looking in windows and looking at buildings.

I don't know much about architecture but we liked what we saw.

A lot of the shops had brightly colored facades. The one below - Cheesetique - was another restaurant right next to the one we had just been to. Gregg popped his head in the door and noticed they had lobster mac and cheese on the menu.  I know where we will be going next time.  I also noticed water bowls next to the tables outside several restaurants, for any customers with dogs.

And how about this place where you can not only get a cup of tea but an ice-cream treat?  Ice-Cream and Tea has Thai-style ice-cream, mixed and rolled on a flat plate while you wait.  We tried one in California where you could choose various additions to mix in, but I am not sure what that store was called.  It was very popular I remember, with lines out the door.  We will need to go back here and have dessert.  It also advertises classic milk tea, fruit tea and green milk tea.

Nando's Peri-Peri is a chain we have tried before.  These restaurants are very popular and there is at least one I know of in another shopping area, the one we tried.  There are others all around the world. It has its roots in South Africa, is decorated with South Africa art and its cuisine is Portuguese, famous for its chicken dishes and I believe there are other meats available, also vegetarian.  Check out their menu.  I remember the food was very good, some spicy but you can order milder versions. Peri-peri, also known from the Swahili word "pili-pili' (pepper-pepper) describes the African bird's eye chili.

The Mosaic District is new to us but thanks to our son and daughter-in-law, we have another area to explore.

We could also play a game of chess, or checkers.

I made a collage from the windows to another restaurant.  Always love these quotes I find, and the pretty artwork on the glass.

Here's one on its own, shown above.

There were more pretty flowers in planters.

These were beautiful, I loved their color.

Celosia.  I wasn't sure of the particular type but I came across the name 'Asian Garden'.  It could also be Flamingo Feather.  The shades are a little different though.  There are an abundance of photos at this link.

We passed by apartment buildings on our way back to the car, and there were crepe myrtle trees out front.  Not blooming at this time of the year but I liked their bright leaves and berries.

It was a very pleasant trip out and we look forward to going back sometime in the not too distant future.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving comments.  If I am a bit slow in replying I have been having trouble with blogger.  I read a couple of blogging friends who had the same issues when they downloaded the update.  When I replied to them saying I had no problems I jinxed myself!  I also downloaded the new update for my iPad before I saw their comments.  Up to that point I had been replying on my laptop (a non-Apple product) and am thankful that I have no issues with it, except that the laptop had to go into the repair shop when the screen went blank.  If I have been slow in replying to your comments, this is the reason why.  As for my iPad I am still trying to fix the situation.

Enjoy your day and have a great weekend everyone.