[RP TownTalk] new restaurants: an embarrassment of riches....

[S Collins]

Oooh, didn't know about Marco and Polo, thanks for the tip!  I also checked out Banana Blossom on opening night; the pho was soooooo good!  I was telling the manager about the place that used to be there (you called it the "biker bar?"  (smile) (and yes, I remember that!).  Said it looks MUCH nicer, now!  Am also waiting for the La Riveria to open in S&J's old location.  Yes, lots of variety in food choices in the area; let's not forget Shagga on Route 1, and Chez Dior in Hyattsville, if anyone wants African food. The Washington Post gave both places good reviews.  And if you're like me and you want to try to prepare some of the dishes you eat at these restaurants, I would recommend going to New Grande Market in Langley Park.  It's near Riggs and University Boulevard.  It's where the old Hechinger warehouse used to be (depending on how old you are and  how long you've lived around here, you'll know where that is).  Lots of ingredients from Asia, India, Mideast, Hispanic groceries, etc.  AND if you're like me and don't drive, if you get $50 or more in groceries, you can get a free ride home.  
Thanks again for the info about Marco and Polo, will definitely give them a try! 

    On Friday, February 8, 2019 9:10 AM, Dwight Holmes <dwightrholmes at gmail.com> wrote:
 

 When I first moved to this area in 2000, there were the Mexican options on & off Kenilworth; the Acapulco in West Hyattsville; Franklin's Deli counter; and, of course, the Calvert House... that was about it... literally.  Franklin's Deli metamorphosed into Franklin's Brew Pub, and the Calvert House closed........ In the 19 years since, many places have opened - I won't even try to list all the dining out options we have now.

But I do want to say something about the 2 new restaurants, Banana Bistro (in the long long long-vacant corner building in Riverdale Park - site of the legendary 'biker bar' old-timers tell us about, and directly across from the erstwhile S&J's Bar - and Marco & Polo, over by the movie theater in University Town Center (directly across from the temporary location of the Hyattsville Library).

As others have posted, Banana Bistro had their official soft opening on Wednesday, and plan to be fully open (including lunch) in a couple of weeks.  They've done a beautiful job creating a very comfortable space, and the food is lovely, too!  Definitely check it out!

I really want to draw your attention to the  Uyghur   restaurant, Marco & Polo.  The owner, Mr Rozi, was actually born in the Netherlands - his family fled their homeland (what is now part of  Xinjiang Province) when the Chinese took it over in 1949 (not long before they took over Tibet).  He learned the restaurant business there, and has more recently moved to the U.S., and opened Marco & Polo a few months ago.  I'm very, very sorry I only got their for my first visit last night!

If you like any cuisine from between, say, Lebanon & Vietnam, you'll find much to love about the Uyghur cuisine served in this lovely restaurant. I have to go back on a weekend, having learned that the owner, Mr Rozi, plays music on his traditional Uyghur instruments then. And, if you've never had Tibetan (or similar) salt tea, you owe it to yourself to try their Uyghur chaya (tea). If your dish isn't hot enough for your taste, definitely ask for their special house chili paste. To die for. Most of all, just go, check this place out. You'll really be sorry if you don't :)

Dwight

Here are Facebook links for these restaurants:
Marco & Polo
https://www.facebook.com/Marco-Polo-Restaurant-459510291157051/?ref=br_rs 
Banana Blossom
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=168701623911300&ref=br_rs

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