Having dined at Nordstrom Cafe very regularly during the 90's (albeit in Bethesda), my dining companion and I had not been to one for a couple decades. With a convenient opportunity to give it a try and the menu looking attractive, we decided to give it a try. After 3 stellar visits, we have been totally won over by the Marketplace Cafe at Nordstrom-Tysons Corner Center for its outstanding quality of food (homemade pastas, wild salmon and Pacific shrimp, organic berries) executed consistently with harmony by Chef Antonio Harris, exceptional service led by Manuel as well as understated but inviting ambiance of natural light, quality furniture, and fresh air (spacious, too)!
On our 3 visits, we ordered the following:
SPICY SHRIMP POMODORO PASTA (Chitarra twice, Spaghetti once) w/ GRAPE TOMATOES, PARMESAN, BABY SPINACH
+ Flavorful and comfort food (for us) with a classy touch, this dish was so outstanding that we ordered it on ALL 3 VISITS! The shrimp and pasta were at optimal doneness, the tomato sauce at ideal saltiness, and the overall composition a delight for the taste buds and eyes as well!
BRAISED BEEF SANDWICH w/ BLUEBERRY GLAZE, CHEDDAR, ARUGULA, PICKLED RED ONION (seasonal special)
+ From the quality bread (also noticeable in the complementary ciabatta served with butter) to the herbaceous and sweet sauce, creamy cheese and aioli, to the clean-flavored and evenly-textured beef (no gristle!), this epitomizes this gourmet gem hidden inside its unassuming mall setting! It is like a French Dip with the sauce on the inside but elevated by the pleasantly fruity-sweet accent and bitter balance from the arugula!
WILD MUSHROOM PIZZA w/ CARAMELIZED ONIONS, BOURSIN CHEESE, THYME, GARLIC OIL (seasonal special)
+ The aroma of the mixed mushrooms, herb, and garlic are reminiscent of fancy bistros, prepared with a unique thin-ish crust with an pleasing gradient of texture. Whether you are a vegetarian or a lover of fragrant mushrooms, don't miss out on this winner!
TUSCAN WILD SALMON w/ SAFFRON VEGGIE COUSCOUS, BABY SPINACH, PARMESAN, CREAMY GARLIC VINAIGRETTE
- While this was our least favorite of the 4 dishes, it was still a fine dish with clean flavors, if a little bland.
Regarding the service, the servers are courteous and attentive. Moreover, it is their attention to the little details that elevates the overall quality of experience to head-and-shoulders above most other casual dining. First, for our hot water with lemon, Manuel specially warms up our mugs so that we can enjoy our beverage hot from the beginning and throughout our meal! This apparently small detail is one that can get missed in even luxe dining establishments but ends up making a real difference. Another detail is with the sticks of butter that comes with the bread: they are tempered to be easily spreadable without having to be whipped (we prefer our butter not whipped)!
All in all, Marketplace Cafe is a diamond in a hidden alleyway in that it is polished and quality without any roughness but happens to be overlooked. Having experienced and enjoy dining a wide variety of price points, cuisines, and locales, we are so happy to return to an old culinary friend that has grown up and excelled in the essential qualities of food, service, and ambiance without having to necessarily scale up into the fine dining realm. In short, it has earned a place in our increasingly very short list of go-to restaurants! read more