S is for Sushi Damo

http://www.sushidamo.com/

Type of restaurant: Sushi

We had: Garlic Shrimp appetizer, Spicy Tuna roll, Rockville Roll, and miso soup

Thoughts: Very cool restaurant. It had a very lounge-y feel to it. They had tables to the left but they had a large area of couches and cushy chairs which is where we sat. They also had a full bar and a lot of tvs which was nice because we were watching football. The garlic shrimp appetizer wasn't so great. It was very true to its title...it was just shrimp sauteed in coarsely chopped garlic. It wasn't awful, but it didn't have much flavor either. The spicy tuna roll was very good, well above average, but not the best of our lives. The Rockville roll (named for the restaurant's location in Rockville Town Center) was amazing. For some reason it's not listed on the online menu so I don't remember everything that was in it, but it was amazing. Allister and I both loved it. The staff was very attentive even though they were watching the game just as much we were.

Overall opinion: Sushi Damo is a cool place. If I lived closer, I'd probably go there more often. It seems like it would be a cool place to meet friends after work or for a low key Friday night. We would totally go back just for the Rockville roll, it was that good. Also, kinda random, but they have really nice bathrooms. And the decor is on point too.

M is for Matuba

http://www.matuba-sushi.com/

Type of restaurant: Sushi

We had: Shrimp/Vegetable Tempura appetizer, Spicy Tuna roll, Continental Roll, shrimp and tuna sashimi, and miso soup.

Thoughts: Nice and quiet. I've been to Matuba several times and it was Allister's first time. They aren't too big on the specialty rolls, but everything they serve is good. When I try a new sushi place, it always has to pass the "spicy tuna roll test." Aside from being one of my favorites, its a pretty easy roll. If they can't get that right, the place usually isn't so good. The Continental roll was pretty good which surprised me because I don't always love avocado in my rolls. They also get high marks for the tempura because Allister and I didn't have to fight over who got the sweet potato, there were two! Yummy miso soup also.

Overall opinion: Matuba is a good, steady sushi place. I never have to wait when I go there, and the staff is really friendly. Also, you can't beat their Monday night $1 sushi special. If you're looking for somewhere more upscale or with more adventurous dishes, Matuba may not be for you.

C is for Commonwealth

http://www.commonwealthgastropub.com/

Type of restaurant: English GastroPub

I had: Fish and Chips
He had: A burger

Thoughts: Cool ambiance. We’d both been wanting to try this place since it opened in Columbia Heights. We went for lunch on a weekday. It wasn’t very full at all. They had a nice beer flight, although they were hesitant to serve it…not really sure why…My fish and chips were pretty good, but nothing amazing to be in an English restaurant. The battered pickles were a nice touch although I don’t eat pickles. Allister said they were good. The tartar sauce was good and tasted very authentic. Allister’s burger was a typical pub burger I suppose. The patty was very thick, as was the bread. It was one of those burgers where you’re like, hey, how do I eat this? My mouth isn’t that big! The bread was also pretty dry and I don't think he was too impressed with the taste.

Overall opinion: Slightly disappointing after all the hype honestly. I was hoping for something a little more tasty. If you’re supposed to be serving authentic English food, then your fish and chips should be on point. They’re not that hard to get right. The burger also left something to be desired which should have been pretty simple as well. I’d give it a 6/10 only because the beer flight was good.

Why the alphabet soup?

Allister and I like to eat. A lot. We both appreciate really good food and love to cook. When we're not in the kitchen, we like to try new restaurants. With the help of Allister's trusty Urban Spoon and Yelp apps on his iPhone, we're spanning the alphabet one restaurant at a time.