R.I.P.
Tom Sarris' Orleans House was a landmark in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia for 40-50+ year will be missed more in theory than in actual dining experience.
I only went there a couple of times, once with some friends, another for a birthday lunch for a colleague, maybe another time or two. The Orleans House closed in January 2008 to make way for a high rise development on the location. I only went there a couple of times, but somehow knowing it was there was comforting!
Home to a giant salad bar and slabs of prime rib, it was the perfect place for college grads to go with the parents for a "real" restaurant dinner (well, for me at least, this was in the less trendy 80s!).
With ironwork, balconies, and lots of greenery, it gave diners an idea of what Tennessee Williams' New Orleans might look like (if it had a steamboat shaped salad bar that is!).
After it closed in January, the teardown was quick. By May 2009, the exterior was nearly stripped and the "Old South" look was starting to take on a post bellum look!
How was the food? I can't really remember. I recall the prime rib seemed pretty good and that giant salad bar brought back memories of salad bars from my long ago childhood days.
So, so long Orleans House, we'll miss you, as will the busses of tourists and stretch limos of prom kids. And one mystery will remain? Who was Tom Sarris???
Meal: Lunch/Dinner
Rating: N/A
Date Closed: 17 January 2008
Address: 1213 Wilson Blvd., Rosslyn, VA 22209
Website: N/A
2 comments:
Orleans House was well worth the usual bi-annual trek from central Maryland for me.
I remember glistening, melt-in-your-mouth prime rib the size of a plate. My mouth is watering now thinking of a bite with a little tasty horseradish sauce.
And yes, the mother of all salad bars. It was the only restaurant I ever recall finding ambrosia salad, normally seen only at church pot-luck dinners.
Nothing fancy, Orleans House was a true all-American comfort food kind of place. I sure miss it, too.
The green dressing was a mysterious gem!!! I miss that place so much...memories of high school graduation dinners, anniversary dinners, a Christmas date with a high school boyfriend...That truly was a special place!
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