Mention ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen, and a smile immediately crosses my face. What can I say? I'm a sucker for tasty, healthy food in a bowl. Evidently, I'm not alone: ShopHouses have been popping up all over town, including the latest one at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda. ShopHouse celebrated their grand opening this past Saturday; and on Friday night, hosted a special media preview. As luck would have it, I was already in the neighborhood for opening night at nearby music venue AMP. How could I resist a sneak peak inside?
This latest (and greatest?) ShopHouse continues its rich tradition of minimalist appearance (similar to sister Chipotle Mexican Grill) but adds in a first-ever second level to the mix. What I like most, is that you can finally eat on the cheap in Pike & Rose without having to venture up to Arby's or Popeyes.
Of course, it wouldn't be a proper visit without a meal; and marketing strategist Stewart Wolfe was kind enough to make up a bowl of Pork & Chicken Meatballs with one of two new seasonal items... Parsnips & Thai Basil. I'm still in mourning over my beloved Eggplant, but parsnip fills in quite nicely (especially with Butternut Squash no longer on the menu.) I'm all about texture (parsnip has lots) and sadly Charred Corn just doesn't do it for me anymore. I also got to try a sample of the Collard Greens with preserved chiles and rice vinegar. Nice on its own, but I much rather parsnips in my bowl. Hopefully this one's a keeper.
 |
| Pork & Chicken Meatballs with Jasmine Rice and Parsnips |
Hours at the new location are easy to remember... 11 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week. Perhaps I'll see you there?
 |
| Parsnips |
 |
| Collard Greens |
 |
| Second level! |
