ENTYSE, Wine Bar & Lounge — Restaurant in Tysons

You wouldn't think a meal that started off by getting frisked by the Secret Service would end up being that great, but that just goes to show you. My top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality and I came here for dinner the Saturday before the Inauguration. Our Airbnb happened to be in this area, which at first glance seemed pretty desolate and geared toward weekday office traffic more so than a hopping night scene, but it turned out to have a few decent eating options. This one was located in the Ritz (literally), a 10-minute walk for us. It was pretty easy to find though it WAS odd to have to take our coats off and walk through a metal detector. We never found out who was staying there who required the SS presence, but Trump was having an event nearby so it literally could have been anyone other than Hillary Clinton. It will remain a mystery.

Every adjective you're thinking of regarding a potential restaurant in the Ritz? You're right. Picture those. Very high end, very bougie. We weren't wearing sweats but were probably underdressed. It seemed though like there were a lot of other out-of-towners dressed in jeans and decent tops so no issues there. It was pretty busy when we got in (definitely a later dinner for me but I'm guessing it was 8ish? Perilously close to my bedtime) though we were almost immediately seated at a table off to the right of the entrance. We didn't have much of a view of the bar area but it seemed pretty raucous. Maybe the mystery Secret Service party was there? Alright. Moving on.

We went hardcore with the cocktail selection and both got the Port of Angel's Envy ($38; I know, I know), which ended up being an upper class spin on an Old Fashioned. Absolutely delicious - they nailed it. One big takeaway from this weekend is that Angel's Envy might be my go-to bourbon going forward; it's very smooth and the variations I had over the course of the weekend ended up being fruit-forward, which I like on a personal palate level. I'm having trouble coming up with another scenario where I would readily go, 'Yes, of course I'll have another $38 cocktail,' but that happened here. Huge, huge fan and it was a special occasion so I didn't lose any sleep over this.

Guess what else was fantastic? Literally everything else. We split the Grilled Octopus app ($25), which came with lightly fried tostones. Honestly the best octopus I've ever had. Super flavorful and this is a food I think where texture ends up being very important. It was cooked perfectly and not rubbery in the slightest. Entree-wise, if I hadn't accidentally had short ribs the night before that's probably what I would have ended up getting. Everything happens for a reason though and I opted for the Venison ($54). Also the best venison I've ever had. I don't think a lot of places really know what to do with it since it's JUST different enough from beef where you can't cook/prepare it the same way so I usually end up eating it in stick form where they can't mess around with it too much. This was awesome though. You can see from the accompanying picture that it was cooked close to rare, and that was for sure the right call - made it juicier and tastier. Deer never get high class treatment like this and frankly I'm not sure they deserve it. My chum got the Pan Seared Diver Scallops ($49), a dish she's gotten quite a few times in my presence. This was the first instance where she did so and gave universal acclaim. I tried one and was honestly blown away. Scallops are pretty hit or miss for me but these were great and very fresh.

The service was perfect from beginning to end. I think our waiter comped one of our bottles of water, which was nice, and was around pretty consistently but not overwhelmingly so. It was a busy night and he struck the right balance there. You can't ask for more than that.

This wasn't cheap by any means but I don't think anyone is going to be shocked to hear that when you're wandering into the Ritz. We were both enormously impressed by every part of this experience and I wouldn't hesitate...

Truly Disgraceful Experience

I'm absolutely appalled by what I experienced at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons. This was, without question, one of the most unsanitary and disturbing dining experiences I've ever had. What made it worse was that it happened at a property that claims to uphold five-star standards.

I ordered a Caesar salad with grilled shrimp. The moment it was placed in front of me, a strong, foul odor hit me. I initially assumed it was just the dressing, but after taking a few bites, including one shrimp, the stench became so overpowering I had to stop. When I asked my server to smell it, she visibly recoiled and said, "Oh no, do not eat that." That alone should tell you how spoiled it was.

Despite my discomfort, I tried to move on and ordered a plain salad. Later that night, around 3:00 AM, I woke up violently ill with food poisoning symptoms that lasted well into the next day, forcing me to miss work. It's hard to believe that no one in the kitchen noticed how rancid that shrimp was. Serving it anyway was not a simple mistake. It was negligence.

To be clear, this is not the first time I've experienced poor standards at this location. On a previous visit, there was a noticeable fruit fly infestation around the restaurant's flower bouquet displays. We brought this to the attention of the manager, who immediately removed the entire vase. This is something the staff should have caught long before a guest had to point it out. At a Ritz-Carlton, this level of oversight is simply unacceptable.

The combination of spoiled seafood, inconsistent food safety practices, and recurring hygiene issues demonstrates a clear breakdown in both quality control and guest care. This wasn't just a bad experience. It was a health hazard.

I expected excellence, or at the very least, basic professionalism and sanitation. What I received was a meal that made me sick, a ruined evening, missed work, and zero trust in the kitchen's competence.

I strongly urge others to avoid this...

Entyse in Tysons Corner: A Brunch Haven of Exceptional Delights

Tucked away in Tysons Corner, Entyse is a hidden gem that promises a remarkable brunch experience. With a delightful fusion of flavors, captivating aesthetics, and an inviting atmosphere, this establishment stands out among brunch enthusiasts.

The beignets at Entyse are a divine treat, evoking the spirit of New Orleans. These soft and sweet delicacies, generously dusted with powdered sugar, offer a tantalizing blend of textures that will leave you craving more.

For avocado toast aficionados, Entyse takes this classic dish to new heights. Creamy, ripe avocado is carefully spread over crusty artisanal bread, complemented by a sprinkle of sea salt and a zesty drizzle of lemon. The harmonious marriage of flavors is a joy to savor.

Prepare yourself for the pièce de résistance—their fabulous burgers. Crafted with locally-sourced, grass-fed beef, these thick and juicy patties are cradled between fluffy brioche buns. Topped with a delectable house-made aioli, melted aged cheddar, and a medley of crisp organic greens, these burgers are a true culinary work of art.

In summary, Entyse in Tysons Corner is a brunch destination that promises an exceptional experience. From the heavenly beignets to the elevated avocado toast and the outstanding burgers, each dish showcases a thoughtful blend of flavors. Coupled with its inviting atmosphere, Entyse offers an ideal setting for a memorable...