Local Eats: Banana Blossom
By: Maureen C. Cribb
Finally. The corner of Queensbury Road and Rhode Island Avenue is now home to a Vietnamese “upscale, fast-casual” eatery. Have some pho, or make your own noodle or rice bowl … plenty of crunchy, spicy condiments and other fresh stuff to add on. I like it. I had a basic plate – rice, mushrooms, and tofu nuggets (with a spicy garlic sauce on the side). Nothing fried or heavy on the stomach, just right. Warm-coloured and -feeling decor, owners who cater to folk who have allergies, helpful staff … nice. Busy, but not crazy busy, at lunch (showed up around noon). Pros: close to ESSIC/Discovery District (< five-minute drive if you take the shortcut, i.e., hang a left at Rivertech Court and keep going left, then right at the train tracks – ask Siri, eh), plenty of free parking (hang a right immediately after crossing the train tracks). Con: the place echoes, so you need to talk loud if lots of customers are around. All in all, a good place to check out for a decent lunch. Note: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/bananablossombistro/menu/
6202 Rhode Island Ave., Riverdale, MD
