Clydes of Reston

Image

Address: 11905 Market St, Reston, VA 20190
Phone:(703) 787-6601
Prices:

$$$$

Reservations: opentable.com
Website:  http://www.clydes.com/reston
Image

We made our second visit to Clydes during Reston’s Pet Fiesta.  Given the “dog friendly” reputation of this Clydes it was a happening place for the brunch seatings.  The Pet Fiesta drew hundreds of dogs and their hungry companions and Clydes did an admirable job keeping up with their furry clientele.

Our first visit to Clydes was a week ago when I had a business meeting with a colleague from another company.  In both cases Clydes accommodated us beautifully, providing outdoor seating (by law dogs are not permitted inside.)  Also in both cases they brought a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a disposable dish at my request.

Honor  - Water

It was a pretty sunny and hot day.  Joseph, our server this afternoon, made sure that Aunty Yvonne and I were both kept filled up with tea and Honor’s water bowl never went empty.  He even included some extra ice cubes!

I try not to be grumpy about food but I’ve got a couple of food allergies. Fish and Fungus.   One of the things I love about Clydes is that they do an excellent job of modifying dishes so that I can safely eat.  This is in part because they keep their ingredients fresh and separate and dishes are made to order.  In addition, true to my southern roots,  I like my tea sweet.  They don’t have sweet tea on the menu but they are willing to add simple syrup (available at the bar) to it…or bring it on the side so you can sweeten to taste.

Image

Their appetizers are flavorful and while they have some standards on the menu you’ll find a few favorites that they make uniquely their own.  The deviled eggs are amazing.  And the pickle jar allows for grazing with a nice mix of sweet and sour.

Honorarium:  Ice cream is da bomb!  Plus, I like the shady tables.  Everything was DELISH!

Verdict:  This is a terrific “go to” place if you’re looking for a solid meal with terrific service, excellent people watching, and a staff that deals well with dogs – and really appreciates well behaved ones!

The Red Velvet CupCakery

Image

Reston, VA: Town Center
11939 Democracy Drive
Sunday-Thursday, 11am-9pm
Friday-Saturday, 11am-10pm
t: 703-464-7075

http://redvelvetcupcakery.com/

 

Making our second venture out to Reston Town Center, this time in search of cupcakes for my daughter’s birthday, we swung around the corner and let several folks pet Honor.  Then I got to the front of The Red Velvet Cupcakery where I found a bowl of water and a hitchin’ post.  So far, so good.

I wove Honor’s leash around it and made sure he couldn’t go on a walkabout by himself.  Then I popped in to order my dozen cupcakes.  I kept looking out the window to make sure someone didn’t steal Honor then explained to the woman behind the counter that I was keeping an eye on my dog.

“Bring him in!”

“Are you sure?”  (I think my jaw was hanging half way to my bellybutton as I asked this.)

“Yup.  As long as he’s leashed he’s welcome.”

I didn’t need a second invitation.  Neither did Honor.  In addition to getting my delicious cupcakes he got lots of pats.  Both women ooh’ed and ahh’ed all over him then explained that they kept things clean and as long as he didn’t go behind the counter (and, for the record, he tried) there was no problem.  It was clear that dogs aren’t just an aside…they are an immediate part of The Red Velvet Cupcakery.

Honorarium: This place is AWESOME.  But I’m very sorry about the nose prints on the display glass.  Did you see those cupcakes?  Did you *smell* them.  If only I were allowed to eat chocolate…   The owner is working on specialty dog cupcakes and they’ll be available soon.  Right now she’s testing them on her pup.  Lucky pup.

Verdict:  We’ll be back and regularly.