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Fredericksburg Restaurant Week- Don Moncho
Restaurant Week in Downtown Fredericksburg is a great excuse to experience some of our cool local restaurants?. In my blog yesterday my wife and I had an amazing meal at Soup and Taco II. We decided today we would take the whole family, and continue the Mexican theme by heading to Don Moncho. We have been here one other time, and had a great experience, enjoying tacos? and the best Margaritas? we’ve had in a long time!
Don Moncho’s is in an ideal location overlooking the Rappahannock River with Chatham Manor in the distance. (Today it looked especially cool as the river is still mostly frozen!). Their outdoor patio will be really nice when the weather gets warmer. For lunch their menu was $10.18 for a two-course meal including an appetizer and an entree. We decided on tortilla soup and fried yuccas for the appetizer course. The soup was just okay, but the fried yuccas with chipotle dipping sauce really hit the spot! The kids meals were $5.95 and didn’t include anything but the plain quesadilla. For my entree, I went with the chicken tostadas, and my wife decided on the Caribbean chicken salad. Both of the entrees were a little underwhelming. The tostadas tasted fresh and had great presentation, but needed some more flavor. My wife really liked the salad, especially that the chicken was very flavorful. However, the salad was very small. The most disappointing thing about this visit was the service. There was only one waitress for all of the tables. She didn’t bring out chips and salsa until we asked and she never asked what we wanted to drink. Although, once we received the chips and salsa, they were excellent and included in the lunch price. I really hope they work on their service for future customers because I definitely see some potential here!
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Jay Parrish | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Elite
Cell: (540) 735-5564 | www.movetofred.com | jay.parrish@movetofred.com
Fredericksburg Restaurant Week – Soup and Taco II
My wife and I were able to create a spontaneous date night. (which never happens!) We were quickly trying to decide what to do and realized that it is Restaurant Week in Downtown Fredericksburg. Restaurant week has been going on in Fredericksburg for a couple years now, and is a great opportunity to try out some of the best local restaurants. Restaurants set two and three-course meals all priced at either $10.18, $20.18 or $30.18 allowing you to sample their menu. After looking at the various menus, we decided to head to Sunken Well Tavern which is well-known for its from-scratch kitchen, and we were excited! Unfortunately, when we arrived it was packed, and they were completely booked for the night! We decided to go with option number two, which is appropriately named Soup and Taco II.
We have been to both of the Downtown Soup and Taco locations and have always enjoyed their Mexican cuisine. Their menu was $20.18 for a three-course meal including appetizer, entree, and dessert. Chips and salsa were included, and we added their amazing guac and a couple of adult beverages (after all this was a rare date night). My wife got a blueberry mojito, and in her words, “one of the best drinks I’ve ever had!” It was good! I decided on chicken corn chowder soup, and she got the romaine salad with cranberries and fried banana chips. Both were excellent and just the right amount for us to split. We both chose the steak with chimichurri sauce over garlic mashed potatoes accompanied by pickled onions. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a steak at a Mexican restaurant. Usually, I go with tacos or enchiladas. All I can say is “WOW!” The steak was amazing and probably one of the best steaks I have ever had in Fredericksburg. I highly recommend you get out this week and try their steak as it isn’t on their regular menu. (We asked three different people to have them add it to their menu!) After finishing the steak, I was stuffed and had completely forgotten about the flourless chocolate cake with ice cream and raspberry sauce that was on its way. I figured out a way to make room, and it was the perfect ending to a perfect meal!
Here’s the challenge: This year they have created a Winter Restaurant Week Passport where you can win up to $250 in gift cards by going to five restaurants and getting each restaurant to stamp that you were there anytime from Jan. 12 to Jan. 21. (Plenty of time to visit even more than five!) You can print out your passport here. I hope to see you out this week. Let me know which is your favorite and why! I will keep you updated on the others that I check out, and I really hope they live up to the high bar that Soup and Taco II set!
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Jay Parrish | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Elite
Cell: (540) 735-5564 | www.movetofred.com | jay.parrish@movetofred.com
Harry’s Alehouse: Exceptional Food and Awesome Service
It was Friday night. I was tired from the long week and looking to relax and enjoy some good food that was close by and kid friendly. Usually, this is only accomplished by going into to Central Park or heading Downtown, which can be a little much with two little ones. We had seen that Harry’s Alehouse had recently opened near us in the Harrison Crossing shopping center and had been meaning to check it out for a few weeks. I was excited at the possibility of a good non-chain restaurant and bar in our neighborhood.
As I walked in, I had a good feeling from the start. Very nice decor and I was greeted with a high five and a “How about those Redskins!!” after the hostess noticed my hat. I was feeling right at home and relaxed. It was pretty busy and we had to wait a few minutes before getting our table. We were promptly greeted by an enthusiastic waitress, who welcomed us, explained the menu, and took our drink order. We are not beer drinkers, but they have an extensive list of craft beers that is sure to satisfy the most savvy craft beer enthusiasts. I will say that my mixed drink was perfect and a great start to the meal.
After deciding between several different options on the menu, I chose the Baja Fish (Mahi Mahi) Tacos with fries, my wife the Pork Sandwich with a salad, and my daughter chose the “I’m Not Hungry” Cheeseburger and a fruit cup. We are all gluten free, and they were very accommodating and even changed the way they typically cook the fish for me. As we were talking about our week and waiting for our food, I noticed a sign saying that they are a scratch kitchen. This is pretty unique, and I was even more excited to sample the food.
Our food arrived and looked and smelled great. The presentation was excellent, and you definitely could tell there was a lot of thought and detail put into each meal. My mahi mahi tacos were exceptional and probably the best I’ve ever had! They were topped with a cilantro lime slaw (amazing!), pico de gallo, and feta cheese. The fries were perfect, and I could’ve kept eating them all night. I can’t wait to go back to for both of these again soon! My wife, who is quite the foode, thoroughly enjoyed her pork and couldn’t stop talking about the lime jicama slaw. My daughter cleaned her plate, and that speaks for itself!
I have nothing but great things to say about Harry’s! I highly recommend it as a great family restaurant with exceptional food and awesome service. Maybe I’ll see you there soon!
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Jay Parrish | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Elite
Cell: (540) 735-5564 | www.movetofred.com | jay.parrish@movetofred.com
What is a Smart Home?
I vividly remember the first time I bought a smartphone. See, I love technology and how quickly it changes. I get excited, like a kid on Christmas Eve, on my way to Best Buy to get that next new gadget. When I showed my Dad my first smartphone, he said “why would anyone need that? I’m just fine with my ‘dumb’ phone.” (He now finally owns an IPhone.) I was pumped to show my wife everything it could do and how it could help her get things accomplished quicker. She immediately said, “Do you really need this?! That thing seems like a huge waste of time and I definitely won’t ever buy one myself!” (She has probably had five different smartphones by now, uses them to run her business, and can’t live without it.) I love that I proved both of them wrong, and I am absolutely amazed at how far they have come since the first smartphone.
I feel like we are in the same place with smart homes right now. People aren’t sure what smart homes are and if they are something that they actually need. I believe that it is the next big thing for consumers, something that everyone you know will own and rely in the future.
I’m sorry, I still haven’t even told you what a smart home is, per Coldwell Banker, a smart home is defined as:
“A home that is equipped with network-connected products (aka “smart products,” connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar protocols) for controlling, automating and optimizing functions such as temperature, lighting, security, safety or entertainment, either remotely by a phone, tablet, computer or a separate system within the home itself.
In order to be categorized as a smart home, the property must have a smart security feature that either controls access or monitors the property or a smart temperature feature, in addition to a reliable Internet connection. It must also include at least two additional features from this list:
- Lighting (smart light bulbs and lighting systems)
- Safety (smart fire / carbon monoxide detectors and nightlights)
- Entertainment (smart TVs and TV streaming services)
- Appliances (smart refrigerators and smart washer / dryers)
- Heating / Cooling (smart HVAC system, smart fans or vents)
- Outdoors (smart plant sensors and watering systems)
- Security (smart locks, smart alarm systems or cameras)
- Temperature (smart thermostats)”
Basically, a smart home is making certain functions in your house automated and/or controlled by your smartphone. Your smart thermostat (Nest is a very popular model) can learn to adjust the temperature when you typically leave home for work. This can save you a lot of money in the long run. You can set your garage door to open, doors to unlock and all of your lights to come on, when your car pulls up to your house. The possibilities of home automation are endless and new gadgets are being developed every day. Have you ever left your house or just snuggled into bed and worried about whether or not you locked your doors? With the August lock you can check your smartphone and lock the doors without having to get out of bed.
I cannot wait to get started on my smart home soon!!
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Jay Parrish | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Elite
Cell: (540) 735-5564 | www.movetofred.com | jay.parrish@movetofred.com
365 Things in #FXBG | A Video Tour of England Run North Community in Fredericksburg, VA (Stafford County)
Please take a few minutes and check out my video tour of the England Run North community in Fredericksburg, VA. England Run North is located in Stafford County just off of exit 133 on Route 95. The England Run North Community has a ton amenities and is a wonderful community. The amenities include outdoor swimming pool, multiple playgrounds, and walking paths. The England Run Library is located right next to the community. T.Benton Gayle Middle School is located in the center of the community walking distance from most homes. It is also located minutes from the commuter lot and tons of shopping and dining options are nearby. I’ll see you guys next time!
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Jay Parrish | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Elite
Cell: (540) 735-5564 | www.movetofred.com | jay.parrish@movetofred.com
365 Things in #FXBG | A Video Tour of John Lee Pratt Park in Fredericksburg, VA
Please take a few minutes and check out my video tour of John Lee Pratt Park in Fredericksburg, VA. There is something here for everyone to do. I absolutely love living in Fredericksburg and Pratt Park is one of the reasons why!!
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Jay Parrish | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Elite
Cell: (540) 735-5564 | www.movetofred.com | jay.parrish@movetofred.com
365 Things in #FXBG | Sunday Mornings with Dee Daniels Interview – Buying and Selling Real Estate Tips- Full Audio Version
Here’s the full interview with Dee Daniels from B101.5 on her show Sunday Mornings with Dee Daniels. We discussed the local Fredericksburg, VA real estate market and I answered common questions from buyers and sellers.
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Jay Parrish | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Elite
Cell: (540) 735-5564 | www.movetofred.com | jay.parrish@movetofred.com
365 Things in #FXBG | Sunday Mornings with Dee Daniels Interview – Buying and Selling Real Estate – What you need to know!
Please tune this Sunday April 24, 2016 at 8am on B101.5 to hear Dee’s interview with me for her show Sunday Mornings with Dee Daniels. We will be discussing the local Fredericksburg real estate market and I will be answering common questions from buyers and sellers. You can click hear to listen to the show if you missed it on Sunday.
Dee Daniels interviewing Jay Parrish at the B101.5 studios.
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Jay Parrish | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Elite
Cell: (540) 735-5564 | www.movetofred.com | jay.parrish@movetofred.com
365 Things in #FXBG | A Bird’s Eye View of Fredericksburg, VA – Video
Please take a few minutes and check out this video with absolutely amazing views of Fredericksburg, VA. This drone video really lets you look at our hometown a little differently. I absolutely love living here and this really shows you why!!
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Jay Parrish | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Elite
Cell: (540) 735-5564 | www.movetofred.com | jay.parrish@movetofred.com
365 Things in #FXBG |Best Christmas Lights in Fredericksburg Tour
We started this tradition last year with my daughter and we will be doing it every year moving forward. Start off by heading to your favorite coffee shop to pick up a cup of joe or hot chocolate. Next, pull up the list from Fredericksburg.com and start checking out some of these awesome homes in our area. Your kids will absolutely love it! It is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and spend some great time with the family. Our favorite last year was 394 Greenbank Road in Stafford. Their light show is set to music that you can listen to in your car, brilliant and beautiful! Let me know which ones are your favorites.
Click here for the complete list of lights and interactive map!
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Jay Parrish | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Elite
Cell: (540) 735-5564 | www.movetofred.com | jay.parrish@movetofred.com
