Bites Nearby: Eventide Restaurant

On Wednesday evening, I celebrated a friend's 26th birthday in the Clarendon section of Arlington.

Her friend had planned the evening, somewhat as a surprise and told us all to head to Eventide Restaurant, an Old English tavern, near the Clarendon metro stop.

Plates are served in courses, however you can choose what courses you want. The menu was small, but for someone like me — less options means a quicker decision.

I just ordered an entree, since I was late to dinner (but I didn't mess up the surprise), and decided on the Seared Scottish Salmon with fiddlehead ferns, sweet peas, bacon, romaine for $25.

The salmon was cooked to perfection with a light hint of smoke. I'm not sure what was Scottish about the dish, however, it was thoroughly enjoyed down to the last pea. I'm not a fan of peas, but the big, fresh sweet pea in the dish made me a fan.

The serving size was decent and because of the my entree and the few homemade biscuits they served to munch on while waiting, I did not need another course.

If I had to choose an appetizer to try, I would have picked either the Scallop Ceviche for $12 or the Virginia Beef Tartare for $13.

Other attendees ordered the Wild Alaskan Halibut (for $26), but did not enjoy it as much - stating the fish was missing salt, but in contrast the olives on the plate were too salty.

I think if I didn't order the salmon, I would have ordered the Duet of Border Springs Lamb for $31 or the Buffalo Mozzarella Ravioli for $24. 

Finally, the dessert menu offers something for everyone from gelato to flan, but the restaurant brought out a complimentary strawberry shortcake for Jess' birthday and it was fantastic — Tarragon angel food cake, strawberry chutney, whipped goat cheese and $8. It's a very fancy shortcake with a similar flavor to a strawberry cheesecake with a tartness.

Where: 3165 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington. It's about 30 minutes away from Riverdale and University Park.

When: Main Dining Room open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, or rooftop patio and bar opens at 5 p.m. (There's a menu dedicated to the bar and rooftop lounge)

Price: Starts at $8 appetizers to $34 entree.

They restaurant has a great wine by the glass menu as well.