Foodish Ways

There are so many restaurants and shops in the DMV. Restaurants reaching out to me makes it easier because one person can’t know every restaurant in the area. It’s a lot easier connecting with someone there and learning about the restaurant.

The manager at Mussel Bar & Grille in Bethesda recently reached out to me about visiting. Their only ask was to give honest feedback. Note: my meal was comped, but it did not affect my opinion.

What I Ordered

Mussel Bar & Grille Bethesda offers lunch, dinner, and brunch. I visited for a weekday dinner and had a reservation. The restaurant was a little busy. I suggest making a reservation.

The dinner menu had appetizers, salads, mussels, oysters & raw bar, entrees, sides, and a dessert. The libations menu had wine, craft cocktails (by Kosi), classic cocktails, beer, and a zero-proof drink.

Genevieve Cocktail

Quickly glancing over the drink menu, I knew I’d be in for a treat no matter what drink I chose. I chose the Genevieve because of the citrus combo. The Genevieve is made with vanilla-infused vodka, blood orange puree, lime juice, and champagne foam.

Citrus flavors in cocktails will always be a winner in my eyes. I had never seen it paired with a vanilla-infused vodka though! This drink was bright and tasty, and I wish I ordered another.

Blue Crab Dip

The Marylander in me couldn’t leave without trying the Blue Crab Dip. It’s made with jumbo lump claw, cream cheese, paprika, and cayenne and comes with a sliced, toasted baguette.

I love that this crab dip had a slight kick to it! It was flavorful and fresh. I even brought some home with me.

Steak Frites

I ordered the Steak Frites for my entree. It comes with your choice of sauce: Red Wine Reduction, Green Peppercorn, Bearnaise, or Chimichurri Sauces. I chose the Green Peppercorn sauce. This entree comes with house fries and dressed greens.

I almost never finish my food when I’m going to a tasting so I can try other things. But this Steak Frites absolutely hit different. The Green Peppercorn sauce beautifully complemented the steak. The fries were perfectly crisp. The dressed greens, personally, need their own spot on the menu. If they were served that way, I would’ve ordered some to go!

Liege Waffle

There was one dessert on the menu at Mussel Bar & Grille: the Liege Waffle. It’s stuffed with lemon ricotta and topped with blueberries.

I liked that there were different textures in this dessert. I hadn’t had a dessert waffle with more of a crunch. It worked well here. The tartness and creaminess of the lemon ricotta paired well with the blueberry topping.

Wrap-up

I can’t stop thinking about how great the experience at Mussel Bar & Grille was. Everyone was friendly. The food was fresh and flavorful. I can’t wait to visit again soon! The next time you’re in the Bethesda, MD area, check out Mussel Bar & Grille!

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4903 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814; 800 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203

Until next time.

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