The Zodiac Grill, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, MD

You walk in and think, ok, so far, so good. On a Monday night, a few folks there, soccer game on the telly, comforting 80's music wafting through the place... We ordered the calamari to start while we looked at the menu, along with a cosmo for me, sodas for the kiddos. The calamari arrived in a cool cone display with salad in the bottom and the calamari on top. It was yummy - the semi-spicy mayo sauce was just right and the calamari were tender. But at $8.95, it was approximately $0.50 per tentacle. But ok - it was maybe worth it. The cosmo, though, tasted like it was made from a mix. Ew. Not the cranberry/cointreau/vodka/lime concoction that I so look forward to. Oh well... Dinner for me was Cajun Jambalaya Pasta - pleasingly spicy but a little on the vinegary side; Annie had bowtie pasta with chicken that was ok but sorta bland; Mel had a Philly cheesesteak panini. Now anyone like Mel who was born in Philadelphia can't be expected to appreciate a cheesesteak prepared as a panini, so her tepid enthusiasm was perhaps not surprising. But still - a little disappointing all around. We're working on our rating system for this blog: thumbs up/thumbs down? Star rating? Fork rating? No, I think we're going with smiley/sad face ratings. This one, sadly, gets a sad face :-(

The search begins

Blessed with two great kids but not with a love of cooking or with loads of cash, I'm constantly seeking that perfect restaurant: one that's close to home, serves a yummy and nutritious menu, and is affordable for a single mom. And, since dinnertime is time to relax, the lighting shouldn't be too bright or the music/tv too loud. And of course, the bartender should make a mean Cosmo, the wine list should be reasonable, and the service should be friendly. Living in Montgomery County, MD - so close to the nation's capitol, multicultural, well educated - you would think there would be loads of great restaurants. So where are they?! I'm finding plenty of chain restaurants that serve up the same old burgers, fajitas, or pasta, but I want the great neighborhood restaurant that you can't find in other neighborhoods - one that makes my neighborhood special. Tonight, my kids and I began the journey to find it. And if we're lucky, we'll find more than one. In the meantime, we'll keep you posted.