The Lavatory Lady

DC Coast - New Year's Eve 2010

2011-01-02T22:14:00.000-05:00

Friday night, the fam and I went to DC Coast. This is one of those places I've been meaning to try for awhile and after riding around the city for nearly an hour in search of a place that opened before 5:30pm, we settled on DC coast. It opened at 5:30, by the way. If nothing else the baby got a nap during the drive.

The staff was extremely welcoming and attentive and our waiter, his name escapes me, was excellent. I finally got a chance to try caviar (loved it) and baked alaska. My husband had the special smoked lobster dish with crispy fried spinach. The lobster was great, but I found the spinach to be on the oily side. I chose the gnocchi which was darn near perfect, although I am afraid to know how many weight watchers points this cost me. I guestimated on the high side. The CEO martini was very nice even though it was not made with Grey Goose.

Of course, no family trip to anywhere is complete without a trip to the restroom. Little Miss is not potty trained, so we are still changing pull-ups. The bathroom was downstairs and the first thing to hit me was the scent. No worries, it was a very good scent. It has to be the best smelling restroom EVER. It was very clean, fully stocked, with a full length mirror and good hand soap. Unfortunatley, there was no changing table, but this is my 3rd child so I know how to make it work without dropping her on the floor. The only slight drawback was not having a trashcan right at the door to keep from having to touch the door handle.

This one is on my return list! Good food, clean bathrooms and excellent martinis; what's better than that?

Farmers and Fishers (formerly Agraria)

2009-08-30T00:52:00.004-04:00

We went to Agraria for the first time today and were pleasantly surprised. It is the sister restaurant of Founding Farmers, another new family favorite. The restuarant is located on the Georgetown Waterfront and many of the seats have a clear view of the windows which allows patrons to take in the beauty of the harbour. The service was a little slow especially considering there weren't many people in the restuarant.

Overall, the food was pretty good. We were encouraged to try to chocolate covered bacon lollips. No that is NOT a mistake. The waiter talked it up and we decided since it was restaurnt week, why not try something completely ridiculous. They were a nice balance of salty and sweet and completely unlike anything I've ever had. I think the fact the chocolate is dark and not milk made the combination work well together. My husband and I shared this interesting appetizer and a salad. The salad was excellent; made with extremely fresh ingredients! Our entrees were also fairly good. My husband got the cowboy pan fried chicken (the portion was too huge) which was very tasty and I got the grilled salmon, also very good. Be sure to ask for the salmon medium if you don't want it dry and overcooked. My fresh berry cobbler was good, but my husband's carrot cake completely missed the mark. Stay away from the the carrot cake!

The bathroom was great! It was very clean, a little on the dark side and nicely decorated. There was a changing table in the last stall and it was placed a lot lower than most changing tables. This was a plus for me for two reasons. 1. I'm short so it was easier for me reach the baby. 2. It allowed me to use the facilities and keep my hand on the baby. They have a state of the art hand dryer and no paper towels for drying. Ordinarily I would like this, but my daughter does NOT like loud noise, so I had to leave with wet hands.

Overall a good place, but I think we prefer Founding Farmers.

Ella's Brick Oven Pizza

2009-08-30T00:20:00.002-04:00

Ella's is one of those places I've passed by for years, but did not try until recently. It has become of my favorite places to take the whole family on a Saturday.

The pizza is high quality with a crunchy yet tender crust. The toppings are varied and there are a lot of other great choices on the menu besides pizza. I had a great salad and drinks from the bar are fairly good. I noticed there were some complaints about the size of the portions, but I don't think you should leave a meal feeling like you've ingested a basketball. The staff is very helpful and the place is extremely friendly. The dining room is small, but when we arrived with our stroller, they offered to put it away from us and immediatly brought us a high chair.

The bathrooms are in the back past the open kitchen, which I love. I'm always a bit concerned when the kitchen is hidden from view. The bathrooms are always clean and there is a changing table in the front stall. Now mind you, I always travel with my own changing pad, but it just so happens I had removed it for disinfection and forgot to return it to the diaper bag (I guess I don't "always" travel with it). Well, lucky me, this is the only bathroom in 7 years of motherhood that had the liners stocked! Seriously, even the most family friendly places do no bother to stock them, so this earns them extra points in my book.

I have no complaints about this place.

Good Stuff Eatery, Washington, DC

2009-01-31T07:22:00.001-05:00

Finally, I'm doing a new post. I'm back to working part-time but 3 kids takes up a lot of time. Through it all, my husband and I managed to find some time to check out Good Stuff Eatery in DC for some phenomenal burgers.

I happened to come across the announcement of the the impending opening back in July and was very excited to find that Spike Mendelsohn of Top Chef was running the place. Spike was my favorite that season. That said, I was a bit leery of a place that boasted of burgers, after all, how special can a burger be? Let me tell you something; these burgers are pretty damn special as evidenced by the wall to wall customers tripping over themselves to make an order that day. I got the Farmhouse cheese burger and was blown away by the perfect seasoning and fresh taste of the meat. This was no ordinary burger. The onion rings were less like rings but more like battered onion chunks, not a huge fan, but the french fries with thyme and rosemary were quite good. Since I'm still trying to lose baby weight, I didn't even get near the custom made shakes, but they sounded wonderful bearing names like Toasted Marshmallow, Milky Way Malt and D-Lechable Leche.

I really didn't expect much from the bathroom as I have found that in Capital Hill, space is at a premium and there is no such thing as a large bathroom. This place was no different, it was more like a small closet with a toilet. Here's the interesting thing, while I was waiting, 3 women emerged from the bathroom. I have no idea how they all fit and even less of an idea of why they were in there together. At any rate, the bathroom was in need of some cleaning attention, I'll provide a pass since the place was beyond busy. The trashcan was overflowing, the mirror was smeared and there was hair and water on the sink. Overall, it did not appear to be a bathroom that suffered from chronic lack of attention. Now, the restaurant is listed as kid friendly, but I assure you the bathroom is not. While it would not be impossible to change a child and/or have multiple children with you, it would be quite a challenge. The food; however, is so good I would not let that deter me from returning.

The biggest disappointment was that Spike was not wearing his trademark hat! Also, he threw an eggshell at me. OK, not at me but while I was standing in line Spike tossed a an eggshell toward the traschan,missed and hit me instead. He laughed and apologized.

Overall, a great place and well worth the wait!

We have A New Baby!!

2008-10-04T00:17:00.000-04:00

In case anyone is wondering where I've been (yeah right), I've been busy having another baby! Not only that, I went back to working full time, so I don't have as much time to rate my beloved restrooms anymore.

At any rate, our daughter Sasha Michelle arrived a full 2 months early on August 16, 2008. The birth story is quite interesting, but I'll save that for my friends over at Baby Center.

Benihana, Georgetown, New Year's Eve

2008-01-01T17:11:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone! Last night we took the boys (ages 2 and 6) to Benihana in Georgetown for New Year's Eve dinner. We don't keep them up until midnight for obvious reasons. At any rate we thought they were old enough to enjoy the spectacle that is Benihana. Overall Benihana was just fun as it was back when I was a kid. My 6 year declared it was better than Disney World. We'll see what he has to say when we make it the next family vacation destination. HA! My little guy was mesmerized and enjoyed it as well. Overall the food was OK. Our steak was overdone and the shrimp were not fully deveined, but the chicken, salad and soup were all good. Their special drink for the evening was a Cranberry Mojito. It was very nice, but that second one did sneak up on me. Of course, a trip to the restroom was necessary as is the case whenever we have the kids with us. I'll just say this; they keep those grills amazingly clean and I guess that's why they completely ignore their bathrooms!! Paper was everywhere because the waste basket had not been emptied. The soap dispenser was leaking and it had been for some time the soap had damaged the wood between the sink and the wall, causing it to separate. The sink also had not been cleaned in awhile nor had the toilets. It wasn't the worst bathroom I've been in, but I was very disappointed. Overall a fun place, but avoid the restroom if you can.

Cove Atlantis Update

2008-01-01T17:06:00.000-05:00

It is official, we will NEVER go back to The Cove. After numerous phone calls and promises that my glasses were on the way...I just went ahead and had LASIK! I'm very happy about the LASIK (I've been wearing glasses for 30 years), but bitterly disappointed by their lack of service or concern. Time to plan the next family vacation!

Kanye's Meltdown!

2007-09-12T21:34:00.000-04:00

Since summer vacation and now the start of real school, I haven't had much time to review any restrooms. I did; however, waste an entire 2 hours of my life watching the MTV awards(I'm not proud). I will not talk about the obvious because enough people have given it too much time, but the Kanye' West outburst reminded my of some very special people in my life. Check out our first movie:

I'm sure he'll never see this...but it was just too funny to pass up.

The Cove Atlantis, Nassau Bahamas

2007-09-04T18:35:00.000-04:00

The Lavatory Lady finally went on vacation with the family and boy do I have a helpful review for you.

Summer is finally over, the kids are in school and I now understand why summertime is considered a busy time for people with school age children. We took our annual family vacation during the week between camp and the beginning of school. This was a first for us as our oldest is just now starting regular school. We chose The Cove; which is billed as the newest and most exclusive portion of the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. Let me say; the place is absolutely beautiful! There are ponds with beautiful fish and lounging areas with soft blue backlighting from the drop off area to the registration desk. There are butter soft leather couches for your group to wait for you while you get checked in. I had no qualms about the looks of the place. You know what's next right? The bathrooms! I loved each and every one of them. Even the bathrooms around the pools were beautifully maintained and nicely decorated. I will spare you the details of each and every bathroom I went into for the sake of time, but I'll just say the bathrooms were not a disappointment, but the service in comparison to the price was less than stellar.

The first chink in the armor was the lack of towels upon our arrival. I figured it was just a housekeeping oversight until we got to the pool and snagged the last two towels. I heard the couple behind us say, after we were given the last two, "Still no towels, huh"? Hmmm....

We returned to our room and still NO TOWELS, even though we called to tell the staff our room was devoid of towels upon our arrival. During my shower, my husband spotted a cart in the hallway and procured some towels for our use. The towel issue seemed to suddenly resolve itself by day 3.

Aside from the towel issue, we were nickled and dimed to death!! The fitness center was $10/day per person. We were charged for being "late" for breakfast. The meal plan did not include lunch and so they attempted to charge us even though we had breakfast and not lunch. Fortunately, we were able to have $300 in "lunch" charges removed. During one breakfast I opted for a cappuccino instead of regular coffee and was charged $5. I've been on enough vacations to know that things at resorts are overpriced, but I'm sorry, there is no reason for a lunch of ham sandwiches to cost darn near $100.00. The only complimentary items were the very nice toiletries in the bathrooms and 2 tiny bottles of water provided with the turn down service.

The other thing I hated was the "exclusive" beach area of The Cove. It was incredibly rocky; so much so we took our children out and went to the pool instead of risking a twisted ankle. Upon talking to my mother-in-law, who stayed at Atlantis 4 years ago, she explained that the beach on the other side was equally as rocky.

A lot of the staff was borderline rude and have a lot to learn about how to treat patrons who are expecting upscale service. Neither the concierge nor the restaurant reservationist were particularly helpful and seemed to be "bothered" by our questions. The dinner crew at Mosaic is in pretty bad shape and are not concerned about keeping tables clear; our pile of dinner dishes sat on the table through most of dessert. The food at Water's Edge was practically inedible, with the exception of dessert.

The stay was certainly not all bad as there were many bright spots. The staff during the breakfast period at Mosaic was very sweet to us. The bellmen were great. Our babysitter, Katrina, was very nice and punctual. The lifeguards on the Lazy River Ride were cool. The lifeguards at the Splashers pool were good with the children. The best restaurants were Mosaic for breakfast, Mesa Grill for child-free dining and the BEST service was at the Bahamian Club. The rest of the staff could take a lesson from the wait staff at the Bahamian Club as we felt very well cared for while we dined.

Overall, we had a fabulous vacation and at one point I thought we might give it another chance in the future, but once back at home I realized I'd left my glasses and called the hotel. The housekeeping staff informed me that they would send them to me as soon as I gave them a Federal Express Account number. That, for me, was the last straw...while we had a good time and it is a very family friendly place, we will gladly spend our money elsewhere.

Bonefish, Kingstowne, VA

2007-08-19T00:11:00.000-04:00

I have been waiting to try Bonefish for about 3 years. It got such rave reviews from several people that when I heard one was opening near us, I jumped at the chance to go. We had a bit of wait so we took the children outside for about 15 minutes until our table was ready. We ordered the chicken eggroll appetizer which wasn't bad, but was a bit on the juicy side. To our great surprise our two year old loved it! My husband and I ordered drinks; a pomegranate martini for me and a raspberry mojito for him. Tsk, tsk....we strayed from our usual drink order and got burned. My pomegranate martini was more like cold syrup in a martini glass. I sent it back and went with my usual Grey Goose Martini with olives (dirty, this time). Oy! I think they got the vermouth and the vodka measures backwards! It was like I ordered a vermouth martini....not good. The raspberry mojito while very pretty was quite weak as well. OK, enough about the drinks.

The piping bread was served with olive oil, parsley, garlic, kalamata olives and parmesan cheese blended at the table. It was delicious!! I only allowed myself a small piece but would have gladly had it as an entree. Yes, it was THAT good.

This place is known for its fresh fish and choice of 3 sauces to accompany it. I ordered the rainbow trout and my husband got the sea bass. We both chose the Mediterranean sauce with capers. They were both good, but I thought the sea bass was better.

The bathrooms were lovely with lots of wood, real plants and artwork on the walls. The hand towels were in pretty baskets and the soap and overall smell of the place was pleasant. The water was hot and there was an open trashcan near the door.

Uno's, Baltimore Harbour

2007-08-18T19:48:00.000-04:00

OK, Ok, I know it's Uno's and I shouldn't expect fine dining, but our experience was worse than I'd expect at the worst McDonalds! We were seated immediately; I guess that's one positive thing. The view of the Harbor was cool and we were close to the Aquarium (our final destination). Where do I begin? We only received 1 children's menu and 1 set of crayons and we clearly have two children. The waitress was gracious enough to bring us a 2nd set before WW III erupted. Afterwards, as she did throughout our service, she inexplicably disappeared for an inordinate amount of time. She returned a bit later; perhaps after a shower and a cigarette, to take our order. The kids had the usual and I got the veggie burger with steamed veggies and my husband got some kind of pasta with red sauce. Just as we were about to send a search party for our disappearing waitress, she returned with our food. Really, she could have just stayed away! It was horrid. My husband's pasta had no taste what so ever. It was like someone cooked pasta and threw some cheap, tastless sauce on it and put it in a bowl. My side dish was inedible, but I did manage to eat the burger portion of the burger. The kids' chicken and fries was the best thing on our table. Our on again off again waitress returned and offered the kids ice cream; the absolute last thing they needed after that extremely unhealthy dinner, but hey it was the weekend and it's not an everyday occurrence.

I figured that just maybe a little wine might quell my annoyance with the place; so I ordered the Chateau St. Michelle Riesling as my "dessert". I mean, that's safe right? How can you screw up wine?? Well, I've had this particular Riesling before and enjoyed it, but it was always served CHILLED. The wine I was served was slightly below room temperature and to me it was undrinkable. Great, they managed to ruin my entire lunch! After the search and rescue team returned with our waitress we paid for our "meal" and took a potty break. Lord have mercy...the bathroom was atrocious. I shouldn't have been surprised, but I thought maybe our waitress was busy tidying up the restrooms during all the time she was missing in action. No so! There were three stalls and one was missing a door; the kiss of death in my ratings process. There was paper strewn about, hair in the sink and a general bad odor indicative of improper cleaning. I will never EVER go back there again!

One more thing: The music in the place is beyond loud! Be sure to turn down the volume on your hearing aids and bring some ear plugs if you decide not the heed my warnings about this place.

Crazy Google Results

2007-08-06T14:34:00.000-04:00

So my husband and I are thinking of adopting a little girl and I set about doing research by searching for an agency to help with the adoption of a toddler. Check out some very interesting results:

Black Toddlers
Find black toddlers at Great Prices.
www.Pronto.com

African American Toddler
Find, compare & buy. Compare & Buy from 1000's of stores.
www.Dealtime.com/toysandgames

HAHA...I'm sure the process will not be that easy; at least I certainly hope not.

Ten Penh, Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC

2007-07-31T18:41:00.000-04:00

I had a lunch date with my husband at Ten Penh last week. It was a beautiful day and work was slow, so we took a nice long leisurely lunch. About halfway through the lunch we realized we both left our wallets!! Fortunately for both of us, I am a bit disorganized and I had a credit card in the bottom of my purse that I had failed to put back in its rightful place. Had I been of the organized variety, it would have been back at the office inside the wallet which was inside a brown paper back in my office drawer. Really, don't ask. At any rate; we sat outside and once we realized we didn't have to wash dishes; we enjoyed a very nice lunch. We had the spring roll appetizer; nice and light but full of flavor. My husband enjoyed the steak salad and I had the vegetable hot pot. It was essentially vegetables in broth in an actual pot. It doesn't sound like much, but they managed to make it very tasty and enjoyable.

I checked out the bathrooms just before I left and took note of the well stocked bar on the way. The bathroom was a bit on the small side, but still very nice. It was very clean and thoughtfully decorated. The color scheme was deep red and black; one of my favorites. Pastels in bathrooms annoy me for some reason. The sink was nice and the stalls were impeccably clean. One draw back is that they need a trashcan near the door (see bottom pic). As we all know some people don't wash their hands after a trip to the restroom and there are those of us who will open the door using a paper towel rather than using our nice newly washed hands. Unfortunately, some of us (not me) will leave the paper towel on the floor or elsewhere if there is not trash can near the door. I loved everything about Ten Penh; just add a trashcan near the door and it is on my top 10 list.

McDonalds, Braddock Road, Annandale, VA

2007-07-31T18:23:00.001-04:00

On the occasion that I have extra time in the mornings; I sometimes treat the kids to breakfast at McDonalds. Now, I'm sure my 5 readers have noticed I haven't posted in quite some time mostly due kids' summer schedule, so please know this doesn't happen often. Additionally, as I continue my review of bathrooms; my choices are getting smaller and smaller. There are times I wish I hadn't looked because once I know the restroom in an eating establishment is sub par; I don't go back. Fotunately, the bathroom near my 2 year old's daycare was spotless!! Whew! There were no frills, of course, but it was impeccably clean and well stocked. The largest stall also had a changing table for little ones.

California Pizza Kitchen, Connecticutt Avenue, Washington, DC

2007-07-11T21:53:00.000-04:00

Today my boss took me to one of my old favorites, California Pizza Kitchen. Back in the day when I was single and working at Pentagon City, I ate there so much I thought I should have my own booth with my name on it. At any rate, the menu has gotten much bigger and while I watch what I eat a lot more closely these days, I broke down and ordered a pizza. I figured since I was celebrating, I would get the Wild Mushroom Pizza. Man oh man was it good!! There were 4 different kinds of mushrooms, at least 2 cheeses and a ton of garlic. I washed all of those lovely calories down with a diet Mango Italian soda. I did at least skip the bread. I was happy to see some of my old favorites still on the menu; for example, the Kung Pao Spaghetti, Thai Chicken Pizza and the Sesame Ginger Chicken Dumplings. With all of those calories consumed, dessert was out of the question, but if I could have ordered I would have stuck with the Chocolate Soufflé Cake; another old favorite. We went in at 12:45 and the place was packed to the gills so I didn't expect the bathroom to be in great shape. I was very wrong! The bathroom was spotless and well stocked. There were two stalls and the larger one was equipped with a changing station. The soap was upgraded, the mirrors were large and the water was hot and forceful. There was a towel dispenser right next to the door with an open waste basket underneath. I was pleasantly pleased with CPK; it was very much like having lunch with an old friend who hasn’t changed a bit.

Celery Soda? Seriously!

2007-07-09T23:39:00.000-04:00

During my boring lunch today, I saw Dr. Brown's celery soda and just had to try it. It tasted like a sprite with a hint of celery. I had imagined club soda and celery juice but it was sweeter than expected. I would not buy it mainly because I don't drink a lot of soda and on the occasion that I do it's usually diet. The sugar content is too high to make it a habit. It's not bad if you want something different.

China Opens Worlds Largest Bathroom

2007-07-09T23:28:00.000-04:00

I saw this story on CNN while I was at the gym and could not resist putting it on the site. Looks like a very interesting place.

CNN STORY AND VIDEO

SOURCE: CNN

Citronelle, M Street, Washington, DC

2007-07-08T10:02:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the Lavatory Lady's 37th birthday! Yeah, I put it out there like that because as a child I promised myself I would never lie about my age. I also said I was going to move to California, become a Soul Train dancer and marry either Michael Jackson or Todd Bridges. Thank God, I've learned to make better promises to myself. At any rate, I’ve wanted to go Citronelle for about 3 years, but it is not one of those places that's friendly to everyone; meaning if you just want steak and potatoes this is not your spot. The evening started with a Grey Goose Martini. It was excellent. Not too much vermouth, very cold and strong. There a few ice crystals and the olives were not huge, but overall a very good drink. The menu changes constantly and is either 3 courses or 9 courses. We went with the 3 course for our table and a bottle of Champagne. The 4 of us were very happy with our entree choices which were salmon, cod, halibut and duck. The presentation of each was amazing! I won't go into details, but this restaurant was a wonderful experience and I would suggest it to anyone with open minded taste in food. They were aware that it was my birthday they provided an additional dessert plate with various choices for the table. The best dessert at the table was Chocolate 3 Ways, pictured below. I love this place and I will be back again, but it won't be because of the bathroom. The best or most important thing is that it was clean. There were floor to ceiling doors and a choice of cloth and paper towels. There was a pretty bouquet of fresh flowers on the basin, but the light fixture over the mirror was cracked. The worst part was the mysterious door leading to what could only be described as Freddy Krueger’s basement. It was too dark to take a picture, but that door should be locked during normal business hours. OK, I have bone to pick with my fellow patrons; while I think it is important for a restaurant to have an open trashcan by the door, I do not think it is appropriate to use a paper towel to open a door and leave the paper towel on the floor. I understand not wanting to touch a handle in the event that one of the more slovenly patrons did not wash their hands, but at least take the paper towel with you and hide it in your purse or something. At any rate, I really did enjoy my experience at Citronelle and I will not hesitate to go back for special occasions.

Clydes, Gallery Place, Washington DC

2007-06-27T11:24:00.000-04:00

We went to Clyde’s of Gallery Place for Father’s Day and we were not disappointed. Yes, I know Father’s Day was quite some time ago, but those Lavatory Kids have been keeping this lady quite busy. I have been “off” of Clyde’s over the last couple of years because the one closest to me (Alexandria at Mark Center) is atrocious. I have tried to like it because Annandale is not exactly a hot spot for foodies, but to no avail. DC is only a 10 minute drive and worth every mile. At any rate, the Clyde’s name has been redeemed with our Father’s day visit.
I have to admit I am doing this post based on memory as I was busy keeping the my two year old entertained while making sure my 5 year old was not joining his uncle in sticking straws up his nose (I’m sure I misinterpreted the scene, but that’s what it looked like to me).
The restaurant is still fairly new and well decorated. I had no idea the place was so huge on the inside. There were a total of 10 of us and not one complaint about the food. Believe me people, this is rare!! The bathroom was lovely, again, I was trying to keep my 2 year old from crawling under stalls, but it was very clean and decorated nicely. There were large round mirrors on the walls behind the sinks. The stalls were roomy and the last was enormous with a changing station. The soap was upgraded and the water pressure was very good. There were fresh flowers on the sink. The hand towels were plentiful, but they were stacked on the decorative tray on the sink. I am not a big fan of stacking as they could easily fall over and cause a huge mess. Nice bathroom, we’ll be back.

Around the Web

2007-06-21T09:47:00.000-04:00

Should People be Able to Name Their Child Whatever they want? I say heck no! Check out this related story I picked up. These people wanted to name their kid 4 real - AP

Three people named their sons ESPN, their wives should be smacked for allowing it. - ESPN

Where in the heck did the lake go? - Yahoo News

Beercicles? Hmmm.... - WJLA

Lucky Strike, Gallery Place, Washington, DC

2007-06-19T23:23:00.000-04:00

My family and I came here for my husband's birthday lunch back in March. We were very impressed with the pizza (my kids love pizza, go figure) because they use fresh mozzarella as opposed to the plastic variety. I came back to rate the bathrooms and was very impressed with the place. I sat at the bar and ordered my usual club soda with lime. Another nice bartender...this has to be some kind or record. I'm not a frequent bowler, but this has to be the nicest bowling alley bathroom I've ever seen. It should go without saying that is was very clean, but there as much thought put into the decor of the bathroom as it was to the main areas. There was dark stone tile adoring the walls and there were various articles hanging on the walls about stars who bowl. I thought this was cute and different. Not to mention it will give you something to read while hiding from a bad date. Additionally, there was a nice well kept plant in the corner and plenty of room at the basin. The lighting was a bit on the dark side and there were 3 clean stalls. Please note: no changing tables. The soap was blue and a bit watery with a nice scent. The water pressure and temp was good. Lucky Strike, as a whole, is very spacious, beautifully decorated, with lots of activities for adults and older kids. I definitely plan to return

Acadiana, 901 New York Avenue, Washington, DC

2007-06-19T22:44:00.000-04:00

What can I say, I love Acadiana!! Unbelievably, I have been to this restaurant at least 3 times and somehow I have managed to miss out on rating its bathroom. What a shame because it is fabulous! I'll get back to that later. I would suggest this restaurant to anyone as it is consistently excellent, from the service to the food and I have never been disappointed. My favorites are the fried green tomatoes, meat pies, red fish and barbecued shrimp (can you add a vegetable to that item). They also offer a vegetarian plate for those of us avoiding meat. Mine consisted of collard greens, grits and fried green tomatoes. All of it was delectable. The bar area is also very nice and again I had a great bartender during my "bathroom critique" trip. The bathroom was perfect. The stalls had nearly floor to ceiling doors and were fully stocked with toilet paper. Each stall was clean as a whistle and had a nice shelf behind the toilets for safe storage of purses. There were also individual trashcans in each stall. The sink area had two pretty, free standing sinks and decorative mirrors behind each one. The water was hot and forceful and the paper towel dispenser was automatic. There was an open trash can between the sinks but not near the door. The light was not overly bright and the decor was pleasant. No extras were available, but none are needed for this place. This is still one of my favorite places in DC.

Chinatown Express, H Street, Washington, DC

2007-06-15T15:30:00.000-04:00

This restaurant was submitted for one of the dirtiest in DC. Let me tell you something; I feel like I need to bathe after this experience. Chinatown Express is a tiny little place on 6th and H in Chinatown. The restaurant walls boast of its mention in The Washingtonian as one of the best cheap eats circa 2004. Fortunately for the them, the criteria had nothing to do with the cleanliness of its bathroom. Although, I'm not sure how the person who chose it got past the the dirty fish tank with grime floating on top of the bubbles and clinging to the sides of the tank! The fish looked like Potomac/Anacostia river fish. Now that I think about it, my husband mentioned he saw a man fishing at Haines Point and it appeared he was taking his catch to a restaurant. I think I know which one. I ordered a vegetable eggroll which I had no intention of eating, but I had to get something in order to gain access to restroom. It was in the back and up a couple of filthy looking stairs. I opened the door and oh horror of horrors!! How do people eat at this place? There was a dirty, and I mean BLACK dirty, mop in a dirty blue bucket, the walls were bulging as if something was trying to come out but had been taped over with duct tape and then plastered. There was an exhaust fan that allows one too see outside into an alley. What do you want to bet someone can't look in and see you there on the toilet? I, my dear readers, will NEVER know because you couldn't pay me enough to go into that alley! The door to exit the bathroom was positively filthy. Look people, if you're going to keep your bathrooms dirty, don't use white paint. It shows everything...then again maybe that's the point. Maybe they think their food is so darn good, that you will still eat there in spite of the grime that makes no attempt to hide itself. Ack!! As I was waiting for my egg roll, which I had no intention of eating, I caught a glimpse of the kitchen as the door swung open. There was crap all over the floor and that was it. I was just about to leave without the darn egg roll, when it was handed to me in a nice clean brown paper bag. I'm assuming it was brown...maybe it was just dirty.

I'm going to have to go back, oy, and get more photos. These came out green...I

think my camera got sick.

6/14/2007 - I went back for video. Check it out!

Mie N Yu, M Street, Washington, DC

2007-06-14T22:01:00.000-04:00

Oh Joy!! Finally another good restaurant and great bathroom to boot! I had only visited the bar at Mie N Yu, but soon after starting this contest I received 3 entries to name it as most interesting bathroom in DC. The waiter directed me to go down stairs and upon entering the bathroom area I was a bit confused. I was looking for the standard men and women marked doors, but oh no...this unique bathroom is a wide space with individual, unisex stalls and floor to ceiling doors. I LOVE THAT! No worries of someone playing peek-a-boo under the stalls. The tile was a pretty green color and the commodes were black. Black commodes seem to be a recurring theme in a lot of restrooms these days. I'm assuming because they show less dirt. The overall theme of the restaurant has a middle easter vibe and that same decor was carried into the rest area. Each stall had an individual mirror with a hook for your purse. Excellent! Pick your teeth or whatever in complete privacy. The sink area was very cool. It's an open area with pipes leading into wooden barrels. There are about 6 individual barrels with smooth black stones in the bottom of each. Only one major complaint, while the soap was in pretty containers, it was not in plain view nor was it close to the "sink" I was using. The hand towels were the high quality thick variety and there was trashcan resembling a clothes hamper next to the wall. This truly is an interesting bathroom and is in the top running for the most interesting in DC.

Around the Web and Back!

2007-06-13T13:50:00.000-04:00

Here are some interesting tidbits I've found on the web today.

Police: Butts Swiped Toilet Paper From Court - NBC NEWS

Passport found after 50 Years, amazing Story - Hybrid Thoughts

Botched 10K Race in Herndon - the Running Reporter

FIRST LOVE (ADORABLE PICTURE) - Hybrid Thoughts

McCormick & Schmick, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA

2007-06-13T09:48:00.000-04:00

Loved it!! I had an evening meeting and decided to drop by Reston Town Center afterwards for a little drinky drink. I am so far removed from the scene that I assumed it would be a quiet night at the restaurants. No such thing, every place was packed! I bellied up to the bar at McCormick and Schmick and may have possibly met my favorite bartender…Cindy! The bar area was beyond busy, but Cindy introduced herself, asked my name and never forgot it for the rest of the evening. What impressed me most is that she did the same thing with every patron, not just the regulars. That is a skill that I do not possess; so I am truly impressed when I see it in others. Not only that she made my martini fast and perfect! It was very cold, no floating ice chips, no vermouth taste and was served with 3 huge olives! OH JOY!! I ordered a Greek salad and Maryland crab soup. The salad was excellent as well; the best part was the leaves were cut down to size for easy eating, but not shredded. The amount of feta cheese was not overdone as I have seen in many places, but they could have thrown in a few more black olives. The soup was very good, but a little on the fishy side for my taste. This was served with a huge hunk of crusty bread and butter, which I managed to avoid like the plague. The bathroom was also very nice. It was clean, clean, clean and this is no small fete when you have a huge crowd of drinking people. The décor was black and white marble and with multi-colored tiles. There were 4 stalls with floor to ceiling doors, my favorite kind of door, and the large handicapped stall had a changing table. The sink area was adorned with fresh flowers, two sinks each with its own soap and wall mounted lotion dispenser, nice touch. The soap was an upgraded foam with a nice scent. One of the faucets was wobbly, but still in working condition. The water was hot and forceful and hand towels were adequate. If I still lived/worked in Reston, I would not hesitate to go back.

Tune Inn, Pennsylvania Ave, SE, Washington, DC

2007-06-08T07:34:00.000-04:00

This was an entry for dirtiest bathroom in DC and I can't argue with it. I'll post a full write up later, but the video pretty much tells the story. I understand that if your primary business is "watering-hole" you're not going to have bathroom a la Beverly Wilshire, but this place serves food! We were there during the lunch crowd, so this is inexcusable in my opinion.

Would you eat here?

The Ugly Mug, 8th Street

2007-06-08T00:03:00.000-04:00

This bathroom was sent to me as a worst in DC entry, but considering what I saw, I can't put it in that category. One of the first things they have on their side is the fact that it did not smell like a bar when I walked in. The place was very clean and the bar area was impeccably neat and well organized. Of course, the bartender was very pleasant and I must say bartenders are fast becoming some of my favorite people on the planet. At any rate, the bathroom was also very clean and I’m sure it's due in part to only having a hand dryer available. Now, ordinarily I would say that's awful, but in a place that's primarily a bar, it's the best alternative. Drunk people tend to have bad aim. The soap and water were fine and while I cannot place this bathroom in the worst category; it was not without a few issues. In the very first stall the door was "inside out"? Take a look at the video; it will clarify what I mean. The last stall (there were only 2) was the one I used because after 3 club sodas, I really had to go. As I reached for the toilet paper, the dispenser fell open and nearly cracked me in the head. Also, the toilet started to rock when I flushed it, which wasn't a huge deal, but I can imagine how this would affect a person 3 sheets to the wind. LOL!! Must be a sight. At any rate, I mentioned the toilet paper assault dispenser to the very nice bartender and he told the manager who said she'd handle it. Overall, if I were the bar type, I would come to this place. It also got a thumbs up from Mr. Lavatory Man as it had 5 plasmas behind the bar (mostly tuned into sports) and two more in other areas. If they fix the door it would go on top as one of the best “bar” bathrooms.

Firehook Bakery, Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC

2007-06-07T23:15:00.000-04:00

I spent the afternoon on Capitol Hill seeking out the bathrooms from the contest entries, most of the submissions in this area are for worst bathroom in DC. We needed to eat first and since we would not eat in any of the places submitted, for obvious reasons, we chose Firehook Bakery. I'd read a couple of weeks ago that this is one of the best bakeries in DC and was eager to try it out. The first thing I had was a brownie sample at the register. Ahhh..simply divine. It was moist, chocolaty, buttery and tasted like it was made by somebody's mother. Not mine, because she doesn't bake, but SOMEBODY's. I picked up a Firehook salad and a cup of garden vegetable soup while my husband got a chicken Panini. The salad was delish!! Mesclun greens, gorgonzola cheese, raisins, red grapes and cracker thingies. It came with the house dressing which seemed to be a honey mustard, citrus, poppy seed concoction. It was very good as was the soup. It was full of vegetables in a tomato broth, that wasn't too heavy but did not come off like tomato water. My husband’s chicken Panini was also very good, full of chicken, cheese and vegetables. We intended to take some of the specialty breads home with us, but we were too late. Now for the bathrooms. They were a rousing disappointment. The one good thing is that they had a changing table and an automatic towel dispenser. Everything else was bad. There was a ceiling tile moved of place, which always creeps me out. The place had an odor to it that does not belong anywhere around food and the commode was filthy! Firehook, you cannot produce such wonderful treats and completely ignore your bathroom. Clean up your act please.

Out and About

2007-06-07T12:03:00.000-04:00

OK readers, I will be out and about today, expect new posts, pictures and video later today!!

See you soon.

LL

I had no idea what picture that was, I just chose something off my harddrive. It happens to be a license plate that Mr. Lavatory Man liked. Can you figure it out?

Thai of Shirlington, Shirlington Village, VA

2007-06-05T12:08:00.000-04:00

I really love the Shirlington Village as my experiences there have always been positive. My latest visit to the Thai of Shirlington restaurant was great; with the exception of a very rude hostess, who left for our table without us, threw our menus on the table and nearly mowed us down on her way back to the front. I used to come to this place all the time, but kids are typically not big lovers of Thai food so it's not on the schedule as much as Extra Virgin (another Shirlington favorite). I typically am not too adventurous when it comes to Thai food and I once again went with my favorite drunken noodles. Yummy! The noodles were big and wide and not stuck together in a mushy ball like some places. The dish was very spicy! None of that wimpy crap here; the red peppers were the real deal. There were no vegetables as advertised on the menu, unless they count the one sliver of red bell pepper and basil leaves. Not a complaint, just an observation. I decided to give the Thai Pepper Vodka-Tini a whirl; just for the sake of being different. OH lordy. If you're having spicy food, do NOT order a drink made with pepper. Folks, when they say pepper, they mean it. You can't see actual pepper floating in the drink, but the vodka was obviously infused with it. It became quite apparent after I took a bite of the spicy dish and then took a sip of the Martini in an effort to cool my mouth. Big mistake!! Rest assured, there are no more pepper-tini's in my future. The ladies room was VERY clean. Someone took the time to paint it red, which I thought added a nice touch. There was also pretty tile and excellent lighting. There was nothing very exciting or scandalous about it, but fortunately it is not a restaurant I will have to take of my list.

Whole Foods, Duke Street, Alexandria, VA

2007-06-01T22:51:00.000-04:00

This is unbelievable; I have finally found another grocery store with a clean bathroom!!! Whole Foods is one of my favorite places, but I'm sorry they are a bit overpriced. I still go there because there are still some things you can't find at your regular grocery store. Their hummus is the best and so are their soups. At any rate; after my intended $20 shopping spree turned into $80, I checked out their bathroom. The first thing that greeted me at the door was a light orange citrus scent, nothing overpowering but something very pleasant indeed. The bathroom was very clean with the exception of the sinks which could have used a wipe down. The floor tiles were a nice rusty, brown. I guess when you charge $8.00 for mouthwash, you can afford nice tile. There was a changing station, but it was behind the door of the second stall and I can see this will cause a problem with someone changing a baby and someone else coming out of the second stall. The sinks were black and needed a wipe down, but not horrible. There was also a feminine product dispenser. The soap was a nice lavender scent and a full length mirror. The best part was the number of choices for drying your hands. There were two dryers, one tall one short (for kids I presume). There were paper towels and Purell sanitizing gel. You had your choice of how you wanted to clean your hands. There was an open trash can just inside the door and there was also a trashcan just outside the bathroom door. I have no issue with this place. The bathroom is one of the best I've seen in a grocery store.

Something Other Than Bathrooms

2007-06-01T11:22:00.000-04:00

Here some interesting Posts from Around the Web:

NATIONAL DOUGNUT DAY - DCIST

PERFECT ILLUSTRATION OF DRIVING IN DC - Quiet in the Stacks

NEW WINE POSTING - DCIST has added a wine column (JOY!!)

Enoy!

Mental or Physical?

2007-06-01T10:57:00.000-04:00

Progress at all Cost: IS IT MENTAL OR PHYSICAL (The urge to tinkle grows worse and worse)

Mark Bey over at Progress at all Cost ponders the question whether the urgent need to go is all in our heads at times. This post of course ties in nicely with what I do. I have often not gone while out in an effort to wait until I could get home and yes, the closer I got, the more I had to go. Mark so eloquently describes his situation after a night of partying:

Finally when we approached the street that I lived on my need to go became unbearable and every second my agony worsened. Finally the car reached my home I and I jumped out yelled goodbyes to my boys as I sprinted up the steps. When I reach the my front door I began to search for my keys and after going through my pockets for what seemed like an eternity I finally find my keys.

I feel the agony in his post because I've been there; the other thing I notice is if I'm in the middle of trying to hurry and finish something (this post for example) the need to go is intensified. Thanks Mark!

Tonic at Quigley's, Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC

2007-06-01T10:50:00.000-04:00

I came by this place accidentally as I was making a trip to Pennsylvania Avenue for lunch. I figured why not give it a shot. After all a new place would have a clean bathroom. I know, I know…a one track mind. Tonic is the new restaurant on George Washington University’s Foggy Bottom campus. It is actually the old Quigley’s pharmacy. I was there the day after opening day and was pleasantly surprised at everything they offered. The restaurant has lots of wood, brick and plenty of windows. I chose to sit at the bar to be served by the bartenders who, again, were very nice. The menu had a lot offer in terms of meatless items and even has a separate dessert menu. This place is no dive. I also spied tiny buckets of crayons and high chairs tucked in a corner, so in spite of the fact it is on a campus, it is still somewhat kid friendly. I ordered the Hummus Wrap and roasted Red Pepper soup. They were both delicious! The wrap was full of veggies (a few too many sprouts for my taste) and had plenty of flavor. The red pepper soup was spicy, creamy and thick. I saw some items delivered to other customers that were tempting to look at. All the sandwiches were served with tator tots (I used to love those as a kid!) and the Buffalo wings looked appetizing as well. The bathroom was very pleasant, mainly because one whole side is windows overlooking the street. It offers tons of natural light and they open on each end, which in time will keep the bathroom from getting a dank musty odor. The tiles were sparkling clean in colors of plum, dark pink and vanilla. There was a trash can near the door, but the paper tower dispenser was overstuffed which made it difficult to pull out just one. There was Soft-soap still it its original containers; I would suggest an investment is some decent dispensers. There was no changing table in the larger stall which surprised me since there are crayons and high chairs in the restaurant. Nice bathroom, but the true test will come with time. Will that tile stay sparkling? Overall I liked the place, but they do have a few service blips to work out. There was some confusion on orders and at the cash register, but again, it was only the second day so I’ll give them a pass. I’ll go back for lunch in the near future.

Shoppers Food Warehouse, Duke Street, Alexandria

2007-05-31T16:21:00.000-04:00

The saga of the dirty grocery store bathroom continues with my brief review of the Shoppers on Duke Street. I VERY rarely go into this store because I can't stand this shopping center. The parking lot is a haven for people who either can't drive, don't know how to cross the street or both. The only reason I come in is for the Jamaican Beef patties that Mr. Lavatory Man likes so much. If anyone knows where I can buy Cocoa bread please let me know.

Anyway, back to the nasty little bathroom. There were two stalls and each had pieces of the lock missing so people can see right into the stall. NICE! There was the standard yucky soap and both soap dispensers were broken. The water only had one knob and it never got warm. I guess since it's a discount place hot water is too expensive. There was paper on the floor, the mirror was dirty as was the trashcan. There was also a changing table, but I wouldn't have used it even if it meant having a funky minivan for a couple of days (yes, I drive a minivan, SHUT UP!) The most interesting thing was the paper stuffed into the wall behind one of the toilets. It appears to be a peep hole leading to the men's room. I was not about to remove the paper and have God knows what flying out of the hole. Bad, very bad. Yet another reason for me to avoid this shopping center.

OK wait, they do have a Total Wine there and they are the only ones who carry my Lillet. So I'll go for that, but NO FOOD!!

RFD's, 7th Street, Washington, DC

2007-05-29T14:33:00.001-04:00

Slap my face and call me Shaniqua; there is a beer place with every kind of beer imaginable. This post is dedicated to Mr. Lavatory Man as this is his kind of place. They even had plasmas on the wall showing nothing but sports. . The selection of beers was mind numbing to me. The flavors ranged from Strawberry (ewww) to Extra Special bitter (double ewww). The names were equally as interesting; for example: Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale and Smutty Nose just name a couple. I chose to sample the Rogue Dead Guy Ale, mainly because of the name. I’m not much of a beer drinker, but I rather liked this Ale. It was red in color so it wasn’t watery in nature, yet not as heavy as a Killian’s Red. Quite a few people were there drinking bear in the middle of the work day. Yes, I was at work too but considering there is alcohol in the suite refrigerator, I have no qualms about a little Dead Guy ale during lunch. As usual, the bartender was very nice (I don’t think I’ve met a bartender I didn’t like). I chose the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. Excellent choice! The tomato soup was creamy and spicy/sweet and was perfect for dipping my sourdough grilled cheese on an 80 degree day. The bread was thick, crunchy, buttery and full of gooey American cheese. So much for my all salad lunch, but I rather enjoyed it and this my friends is where the good feeling ended. A quick stop to the restroom greeted me with a stall missing its door. That is unforgivable, why not just install a pole and sell tickets to the show. The other stall was dark and so small that a good sized woman would not be able to get in and close the door unless she stood atop the toilet. There were seat cover holders, but no seat covers to use in two of the three stalls. I can’t imagine what this place is like when it’s full of beer drinkers, who will have to go many times throughout the evening. The stall I went into did have toilet paper, but it was in such an awkward place I needed to lean over with my head on the floor and reach back with my left hand to grab some. Life is so hard for women in bad bathrooms. The place gets thumbs up, but the bathrooms really need some work.

Macy's, Landmark Mall, Alexandria, VA

2007-05-27T22:52:00.000-04:00

Oh Macy's, Macy's, Macy's. I received an e-mail from Sara telling me to check out Macy's because the condition of the bathrooms always leaves a lot to be desired. So far she is right on the money. The Macy's at Landmark was the 2nd this week and it was awful! Again, several of the sinks were inoperable, some soap dispensers were either broken or empty and there was a handwritten sign on one door stating the stall was out of order. The disabled stall I spent the most time in had a lock with missing pieces and you could see straight into the stall (exposure issue). The corners and floors were very dirty as was the toilet. They also made a half hearted attempt at a lounge area and while it looked a heck of a lot better than Pentagon City's, it still fell flat. Macy's get it together!

This picture was snapped in the "men's" section of Macy's. I'm not sure what C.K. was thinking, but those are PANTIES!! Not underwear, but panties. Those can't even qualify as briefs!

Another Interesting Urinal

2007-05-25T08:13:00.000-04:00

Check this out; I don't know whether to laugh or be appalled...

SOURCE:

Something Other Than Bathrooms

2007-05-24T13:05:00.000-04:00

I figured some readers might want to hear about something other than restrooms. So here are few tidbits from around the web.

DC Morning Round Up - DCist
Guys and Weddings - Adventures in Wedding Photography
DC vs. Baltimore - Holy Buck, Fatman!
What's in A Name? - DCist

American Cafe, Landmark Mall, Alexandria, VA

2007-05-22T22:10:00.000-04:00

I stopped eating at the American Cafe some years ago, but I figured since I was at Landmark Mall, I would go and check out the bathroom. Surprise, surprise. "sigh" It was not good. The first thing I noticed when I walked in the door was the roll of toilet paper rolled across the floor. The room had 2 stalls and neither had a roll of toilet in the dispenser. The toilets needed cleaning as did the sinks and one stall had a leak with wet toilet paper on the floor. One soap dispenser was leaking and the mirrors were dirty. There was a changing table in the room, but it was in an awkward place right in front of the stalls. I didn't expect much from this place so I wasn't disappointed. I must say the bartender was very nice. I have video, but I am having editing issues thanks to Vista! I really need to do a rant about it!

Macy's, Pentagon City Mall, Arlington, VA - VIDEO!

2007-05-22T14:24:00.000-04:00

Macy's is at one end of the Pentagon City Mall and Nordstrom's is at the other end. It's a perfect way to describe their bathrooms as well because they are on the opposite end of The Lavatory Lady's scales. I walked towards the bathroom with my urine filled 5 year old in tow, past the customer service desk and the pretty little gift bags. I did not need to ask anyone where the bathroom was because not only have I been there before, but I could smell it from several feet way. This is not starting out well. The first stall we entered was too dirty for him to use and the lock on the door was broken. Once he came out of the stall the next big issue was finding a sink where the faucet would work. There were 8 (I think) sinks and only 5 of them were fully operable! What the hell?! There were paper towels, soap and a trashcan, blah, blah. OK, they attempted to make a lounge area a la Nordstrom’s. I took a picture of it and it turned out like crap, but hey so did their attempt at a lounge so maybe I'll post it anyway. The broke down Nordstrom's wanna be lounge had a stained couch with fabric hanging off it, the table had part of the wood veneer missing with the raw wood showing and the area rug was FILTHY! Macy's, use some of the profits from your $50 t-shirts to clean your bathroom and upgrade the lounge. There is no excuse for your restrooms being in this condition. Get it together.

UPDATE: I won't post the picture, I think I'll take the video camera in tomorrow and attempt to film it.
UPDATE 2 - I have unedited video, don't ask, I think it's a Vista thing.
UPDATE 3 - I finally figured out how to get the actual video on the Blog!

Favorite Lavatory Lady Quote

2007-05-22T10:43:00.000-04:00

This quote comes for Susan D., a former co-worker and Lavatory Lady fan:

"Ha! I rushed home the other night to see you on TV!! You are a star. Whenever I go into a bathroom, I think of you…………………….well, I think of you critiquing the facility".

Lavatory Lady is on YouTube!!

2007-05-21T22:51:00.000-04:00

I now have an account and will be uploading video. I'm still learning, so be patient with my video skills.

Check me out here:

What the Heck Is This?

2007-05-21T20:27:00.000-04:00

This is a toilet in the ladies room where I work? I've taken to calling it the squat pot, but seriously I have never seen a toilet like this in the ladies room.

Does anybody know what this is?

Safeway, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC

2007-05-20T15:46:00.000-04:00

The picture says enough, really it does. Grocery store bathrooms continue to amaze and disappoint me. This little "locker area" was inside the ladies room in the back of a Safeway down on the waterfront. I was required to walk through some doors and go way back into a storage area and past a very dirty breakroom to get to the ladies room. Ack! As you can imagine, the toilet, floors, sinks and mirrors all needed cleaning. There was a fully stocked paper towel dispenser and an open trashcan that needed emptying. Inside the stall, was a plunger out in the open, which leads me to believe the toilet clogs often (shocker). I'm trying to think of something to say that's positive, but it's not working. OH WAIT, I KNOW! I don't wear false eyelashes, but if I did, there was a nice set waiting for me on the sink. They looked pretty stiff, maybe they use them to tendorize the meat. I guess I'll never know because you can bet your last penny I will not shop here and it's a shame there are other people who have no choice. Clean up your act Safeway!

More From Fox 5

2007-05-18T00:50:00.001-04:00

The newscast was great and aired twice. Additionally Roby Chavez blogged about my blog!! Thanks Roby!!

LAVATORY LADY---My Hero!! May 17, 2007 4:01 PM Category: News
Report This Post Featured On: MyFoxDC
Lavatory Lady doesn't leap buildings and she doesn't fly, but she is trying to clean up a dirty situation in a single flush. Lia Pendarvis started her blog as a pregnant woman deparate for a bathroom. These days she, like most parents, cringes when her two kids utter these words..."mommy I have to go Potty!" Worry no more. Talk about using time wisely she spends an hour a week to rate bathrooms in the city and in Northern Virginia. The website is a hit and you may want to check it out before you go do your business in public......"
http://community.myfoxdc.com/blogs/ViewBlogEntry.aspx?entry_id=118088&blog_id=2376

Ruby Tuesday, 7th Street, Washington, DC

2007-05-17T21:26:00.001-04:00

Before I even made it to the bathroom, there was a slight odor. It didn’t knock me out, but it was there...mocking me. The bathroom was on the small side and there was a wooden chair sitting in the middle of the sink area (not sure what the point was). The floor area inside the stalls was clean until you looked on the side and behind the toilet. Someone needs to get on their hands and knees and scrub that thing. Perhaps they could use the dirty bucket underneath the filthy sink. The hand towels could be used as a cleaning tool; oh wait, there weren’t any. There were 3 hand towel dispensers and every single one was empty. The sink was in need of a good cleansing as were the mirrors. I wasn’t expecting it to look like Indebleu, but it could have at least been well stocked and clean. The other thing I found surprising was the lack of a changing station. Ruby Tuesday is considered family friendly place and even has the standard chicken fingers and grilled cheese available for kids; I would have expected a changing table to boot. Oh well, another place to mark off the list.

McDonald's, Verizon Center, Washington, DC

2007-05-17T21:01:00.000-04:00

OH boy...this was a completely horrid experience! Just getting into the bathroom was an ordeal. The sign on the door directed me to a manager for the key. The manager said it should be open; it was not. I asked another worker, who directed me to the security guard who finally (after knocking) opened the door. My goodness, I almost wish he hadn't opened it. Dirty, dirty, dirty!! Graffiti everywhere, no soap, no hand towels, dirty commode and here's the kicker; as I'm checking out the place I hear a knock at the door. I yell, "Just a minute". More knocking, I yelled louder. Do you know what happened next? The security guard starts opening the friggin door (the additional lock was inoperable)! My lord, had I actually been going, I would have been completely exposed! It was like one of those recurring nightmares come to life. I don't think any further detail is required. Don't go here and if you do make sure you have someone watch the door for you. You won't see me here. Oh yes, least I forgot even the diet coke was disgusting.

Fox Five News Appearance

2007-05-17T14:47:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all my wonderful readers, the folks over at Fox 5 News are doing a story on me tonight at 5!! I am beyond excited, next stop Oprah!!

LL

Indebleu, 7th Street, Washington, DC

2007-05-16T23:54:00.000-04:00

I went to Indebleu a couple of years ago and did not have the pleasure of viewing the bathroom. I need to go back for a trip to check out the food, but yesterday I ran in for the sole purpose of checking out the facilities. I do recall during my last visit that they had the coolest waiting area. It's not brightly lit, but there were very hip comfortable sofas that put one more in the frame of mind of going to bed rather than eating a meal. The upstairs dining room was a bit more formal, but maintained an air of fun. The bathroom can only be described as one of the coolest I've ever seen. Get this, instead of a mirror, there's a camera and your face shows on the screen! I loved that...it didn't provide the best reflection but it certainly puts it in the running for the most interesting bathroom in the area. The sink (pictured above) was a silver tub coming up out of a glass disk where the water flowed down. Not particularly forceful, but nice to look at for 20 seconds. The colors follow the theme of the restaurant which are dark reds (my personal favorite, one my bathrooms is in this color). It was clean and the hand towels were readily available. There were open trashcans and 4 stalls, one of which was for the disabled. Guess what? No changing table, it's certainly not that kind of place. I thought the area between the stalls and the sink was a bit on the narrow side. I do have footage, but again it is very Blair Witch Project like. I need to work on that or at least get another digital camera. Nice place, I'll go back again.

Changing Lives!

2007-05-16T19:02:00.000-04:00

According to people over at Wonkette I am "changing lives". Very nice!

"Finally, the Internet is used in a meaningful way that helps people, changes lives". WONKETTE

Luckily I don't take myself to seriously (Come on, I call myself Lavatory
Lady!) Thanks for the shout!

Zatinya, 7th Street, Washington, DC

2007-05-16T10:15:00.000-04:00

My husband and I discovered Zatinya by accident on my birthday a couple of years ago. It has now become part of our ritual of skipping work and taking in a movie while the kids are at school. Like an actual date! The restaurant is decked out in white and blue and reminds of the time I spent in Mykonos (good time, great memories, I need to find those pics). Sorry, I was caught up in the moment. The chairs and tables are done in muted tones that go well with the blue/white walls. The other thing I love about this restaurant is the bar area which isn't tucked away as if to shame its inhabitants, but is stretched along the wall with a great assortment of libations and beautiful back lighting. The food is Greek and Middle Eastern inspired and while they do not have a kid's menu, the food is kid friendly. The small portions bring to mind the tapas found in many Spanish restaurants. We all enjoyed the French fries with yogurt sauce and hot, yummy, puffy bread served with olive oil. The falafel, spanokopita and hummus were also hits with us. Amazingly, I never went into the restroom until now. They had my favorite floor to ceiling doors and a very large room for the handicapped (no changing table). The soap was upgraded to something pearly, nicely scented and moisturizing. It's nice not to look like you've been playing in chalk after your hands dry. The highlight for me was the sink area. The minimalist decor continued, but the faucets and sink were incredible. The faucet was a silver tube coming out of the stone wall with the handles for hot and cold on either side. The water flowed into a stone bowl sitting atop a brown wooden stand, very pretty and different. The hooks for purses were a very nice touch. Who hasn't had the fumble to wash hands and hold on to a purse at the same time? The rooms were clean and there were open trashcans around the room and near the door. Darn near perfect. Oh yes, they make a great Martini here (no floating ice/crystals, a smidgen of vermouth, very cold with big ass olives).

P.S. I have video, but it looks like something out of the Blair Witch Project. I’ll post pictures later.

Vidalia's, 19th Street, Washington, DC

2007-05-15T22:32:00.000-04:00

Vidalia’s has been a family favorite of ours for a number of years. It’s been two long years since my last visit and many things have changed, but none of them for the worse. The restaurant has been remodeled and now has a large comfortable, beautifully decorated waiting area. After we were seated, we realized we left our 2 year old’s sippy cup in the car. A chef, I think (I should have asked his name), sent someone to CVS to buy us a new sippy cup. How’s that for service?! The shrimp and grits is the signature dish at Vidalia’s and while many menu’s now have this dish listed, no restaurant comes close to competing with Vidalia’s. The shrimp was tender and succulent, the spinach thoroughly cooked but not mushy and the grits was creamy and well seasoned. The portions were properly sized and to me that means small because in my opinion, dinner should not require a trough, but that’s just me. The portion size left room for some perfectly perfect lemon chess pie. Oh yes, there were bathrooms, that IS my thing right? The bathrooms fell right in line with everything else. The same nice understated, yet elegant décor was apparent in the bathrooms. There were 3 nice rooms with floor to ceiling doors and sturdy locks. The lighting was good, but not too bright and of course it was impeccably clean. I have to say it did not wow me, but I was not disappointed. There was a lovely container of mouthwash and plastic cups on a table which is a great idea for a restaurant name after an onion. The water was warm and the soap was upgraded. Nordstrom’s, please take note. The trashcan was open and clean and the hand towels were easily accessible. Overall, this restaurant has a theme that permeates throughout the entire experience and I would suggest it to anyone who enjoys fine dining!

UPDATE: OK, the person who got us the sippy cup and checked up on us throughout the meal was not just a chef he was chef RJ Cooper Chef de Cuisine and 2007 James Beard best chef mid atlantic . Now I'm extra impressed; he's a nice guy and world class chef. You don't get much better than that.

Would You Dump Someone over A Dirty Bathroom?

2007-05-14T16:02:00.000-04:00

Recently I recalled a dating experience I had back in the mid 90's. A friend introduced me to a co-worker because she thought we would click. Honestly, I think it was because we were both vertically challenged (short) because that is truly where our similarities ended. I will spare you the gory details. I went to his apartment after a concert and somehow ended up looking behind his shower curtain. Oy!!! You could have grown mushrooms in the crap that was clinging to the inside of his tub! He was never the right guy for me but that really made decide to turn down his request for a 2nd date.

Would you dump a guy/girl for having a horrible bathroom? You already know my answer.

The DCIST Likes Me

2007-05-14T15:36:00.000-04:00

A nice post over at DCist is sending some traffic my way.

Thanks for the love DCist!!

LL

Nordstrom's, Pentagon City Mall, Arlington, VA

2007-05-14T11:12:00.000-04:00

The Ladies Restroom, pardon me, Ladies Lounge at Nordstrom’s could easily put some living rooms to shame. A lot of effort was put into the facility resulting in a comfy space that could easily host a small event. Cleanliness, of course, is the most important aspect of any bathroom, but what stands out in my mind for Nordstrom’s is the Mother’s room! Oh what a joy to behold. There is a full counter, two chairs that can be used by other children or you if you need to sit down and nurse or just comfort your child. If you forgot your diapers or ran out, there was a diaper vending machine. I didn’t check on sizes, but whatever you can get if you have nothing is fine until you can get home. There was also a door in the event privacy was needed was well as a separate sink. In addition to the mother’s room, there was another lounge area with sofas, chairs, carpeting and nice art on the walls. Another door leading to the actual bathroom full of marble and tons of mirrors including a full length on the wall. The stalls were clean and the floors were free of paper. Several fragrance stick jars were placed around the room to give off lovely scents that were not overwhelming. The stalls were clean and the doors were floor to ceiling with very sturdy locks. The paper towel dispensers were of the old fashioned pull down variety, but were operable. There were plenty of open trashcans around the room, including one by the door. There were only a couple of minor complaints here. One leaky dispenser spilled yucky, pink, disinfectant soap everywhere. Now Nordstrom’s, you all put a lot into this bathroom, please, please upgrade your soap. Lastly, the automatic water does not stay on very long and NEVER got warm. Overall, this is an excellent bathroom, especially for families. Good job!

Mother's Day Weekend

2007-05-11T12:48:00.000-04:00

I have a wedding this weekend and will not be able to post much, but we are going to Vidalia's on M street for the big day. I can't wait, Vidalia's is one of my favorite places in the city.

I went to the Nordstrom's Ladies "lounge" today and I have a wonderful update and pics. One of the best department store restrooms.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mai Tai, 19th Street, Washington, DC

2007-05-10T22:04:00.000-04:00

I rated 5 restaurants yesterday and this one was number 1 for the day! By the time I made my way to Mai Tai I had had 4 club sodas, so I was ready for a good restroom. The whole place was simply gorgeous and very colorful without being garish or tacky. The bar was well stocked and the back was painted green paint with dim back lighting. I ordered the vegetable dumplings and they were great. Normally, dumplings have a vegetable mash or just a ton of cabbage. These were full of whole pieces of carrot, peas, corn and water chestnuts. They were a perfect golden brown and didn't crumble into pieces when I took a bite. The presentation was even on point with stone square plates and a carrot/cabbage decorative thingy. The sauce was not the usual splash of soy; it had quite a bit of spice to it which was nice. It seems to me that restaurants have gotten a bit wimpy with the spiciness of their dishes. The bathroom was lovely, clean and beautifully decorated. The sinks were black on a red counter and very clean. There was a vase orchids in one corner with lit candles next to the mirror. The music was nice and soft, not blaring like in some places. The trashcans were open and the paper towel dispenser was near the door. The only issue was there appeared to be a serious leak that I didn't notice at first because the tile is dark and the lighting is not very bright. Over all, this is definitely a place I will return for dinner. It is an absolutely gorgeous restaurant.

More Contest Entries

2007-05-10T22:02:00.000-04:00

Billy S. - St. Gregory for best bathroom

Scott S. - Pour House - i'm assuming worst bathroom, not really sure, but I'll check it out.

TNA Lady - Raven - "terrifying... something out of deliverance"
TNA Lady - Regent Thai - best bathroom

Keep 'em coming!!

Why a Bathroom Blog?

2007-05-10T11:54:00.000-04:00

One of the questions I often get is, “why are you reviewing bathrooms”? This question is typically followed up by the suggestion to do political or celebrity blogging because I might get something more out it. As if my 3 free club sodas are not enough! There are plenty of people handling the political/celebrity side of things. I, of course, will keep an eye on the race for president and listen to all of the nit picking of Hilary Clinton and Barrack Obama (it’s really out of control) because it’s important. The problem I have is that nothing is ever truly black and white and I prefer not to get kicked around by the general public for my political views. That is the job of my republican father-in-law. As for Celebrity Blogs, I’m not knocking them as I do read some of them and even comment on some of the outrageous behavior. It’s a guilty pleasure and a time waster, but I am not going to track down the latest Britney crisis (no underwear, drugs, bad husband, missing baby), how much time Paris Hilton will spend in jail, or Lindsay Lohan’s latest antics, Nicole Richie’s weight loss, Sienna Miller's latest conquest, PDiddy’s newest band, Jay-Z’s latest business, Beyonce’s newest earrings, Angelina Jolie’s newest baby or Rosie O’Donnell’s newest project. I’ll read about it briefly, but as far as sitting down and writing and researching it; I’ll leave that to two of my favorites, DListed and YBF.

The Palm, 19th Street, Washington, DC

2007-05-09T22:13:00.000-04:00

As expected the bathroom at The Palm was very nice. It was decked out in green marble and wood. There were decorative flowers and clean toilets. The water was good and hand towels were nice and thick with the restaurant logo on them (nice touch). There were plenty of mirrors including a full length on the wall. I really love that because it's the worst thing in the world to leave the bathroom with your dress tucked in your panty hose. One interesting thing I noticed while sitting at The Palm enjoying my $3.00 club soda, were all the color picture cut-outs on the wall. I meant to ask the bartender about them but we started talking about kids and the rest was history. Nice place, I'd go back for dinner.

McDonalds, M Street, Washington, DC

2007-05-09T21:57:00.000-04:00

I really started not to do a review of this bathroom because I took it for granted that the bathroom held a horror story reserved for nightmares. Well, slap my face and call me Sha Ney Ney because McDonalds surprised me with a clean bathroom. It's in the middle of the store and opens directly to other patrons, but the lock was sturdy. There was a changing table, a clean sink, a clean commode and mirror. Very basic, but surprisingly clean. Now here's the kicker for me; of all the restaurants reviewed on this particular corner (Au Bon Pain, Rumors and Penang) good old Mcdonalds with the homeless people out front had the cleanest bathroom!

Penang, 19th Street, Washington, DC - CLOSED

2007-05-09T21:29:00.001-04:00

I have been interested in going to Penang for quite some time and I finally made it today!! Unfortunately, I will never go back. The bathroom was atrocious. I was off to a good start when I saw it was unisex. This is good because if a bathroom is open, you're in luck regardless of your gender. The good feelings ended the moment the smell of urine hit me in the face. No excuse, that's just a bathroom that has not been cleaned. The paper all over the floor was yet another indication and if that was enough there was some kind of black crude between the sink and the wall. The soap dispenser was leaking, there was no toilet paper and the trashcan was horribly filthy. Just bad, bad, bad. To add insult to injury, at least in my opinion, there were hardly any customers. The two people I encountered were watching a basketball game, so the condition of the bathroom just simply is not a priority. Shame on you Penang.

Rumors, 19th Street, Washington, DC

2007-05-09T21:03:00.000-04:00

Rotting Wood Moldy Caulk

Jeez, where do I begin? A lot of people I used to work with love this place. I've been in once or twice because it's close to my hair dresser (shocker), but I had never been in the restroom prior to this visit. Let me tell you this, I will not be back. It was a sad little bathroom. There was an odor the moment I opened the door and my eyes immediately focused on the rotting wood underneath the dripping soap dispenser. There was moldy caulk all around the sink and it was peeling away from the bowl. I gingerly entered into the stalls to find something growing behind the toilet. OK, growing is not the right word, but something that should not have been there was quite comfortable. The stalls were in need of a serious paint job as it was very apparent things had been ripped off and replaced and in some cases just ripped off. I suppose an establishment that is primarily a place to get plastered and then leave your stomach contents on the sidewalk does not need a nice bathroom. What's that? How do I know? Well, my hairdresser is next door and I have had the pleasure of seeing the sidewalk the day after a Friday night at Rumors. This is definitely not my kind of place. I'm going to attempt to post some pics of the place now.

WASH YOUR HANDS

2007-05-09T10:36:00.000-04:00

We have all seen it at one time or another. That person who comes out of the stall and strolls right past the sink and out the door without even a thought given to 20 seconds of hot soapy water. Oftentimes its co-workers; and it provides me with yet another reason to hate the dreaded potluck get together. I mean let’s be real here, if you can’t wash your hands after a trip to the restroom in front of other people, what must you do in your own home when no one is watching? I imagine washing your dog in the kitchen sink and using your barbeque brushes to give his teeth a nice brushing. I remember one conversation in particular with a co-worker regarding hand washing. I said men especially need to wash their hands because of the way you carry out your procedure (I’m trying to be delicate). He proceeded to explain to me that it’s all skin and it isn’t any different than when you touch your face. WHAT?! After I realized he was in fact serious about this revelation, I made a mental note to NEVER sample anything coming from his home and hopefully never shake his hand because I know where it’s been and I know he didn’t wash it. I wonder if he feels the same about the skin inside of his nose or between his toes. Look people; WASH YOUR HANDS EVERYTIME. You are a gross, gross, disgusting person if you do not. For those of you who do the hand wash drive by (3 seconds of cold water, no soap and a quick shake); you are just as gross as your counterparts who never touch the water. Wash your hands; if you’re not sure how to do it, I have a 5 year old who has become quite proficient.

McDonalds, Duke St and Lincolnia, Alexandria, VA

2007-05-08T10:08:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was coming down with the flu, my husband had a meeting and my childreen needed dinner. I let them choose where we would have dinner that evening (they're 2 and 5) and of course we ended up at Mickey D's. I've never been inside this particular one (I'd done drive-thru). It's not fine dining by any stretch and I wasn't expecting a lot but what I got was an eye opener. ACK!!! is the only way to describe the entire facility! The walk from the door to the counter was the only clean area. The drink area was a mess..napkins everywhere, spilled drinks and ice all over the place. Yes, I should have left, but the flu made me search for a clean table instead. Believe me, it was a challenge. Then of course the 5 year old says the dreaded words "I need to go potty". We already had our food, which I was not ABOUT to take into the restroom and I couldn't leave it outside all by itself. I dragged the highchair to the door, kept the food in sight and stood by the ladies room door while my 5 year old went inside. I didn't get a chance to go inside and do a "formal rating" and there was no need. The odor that hit me while I propped the door open was not created by a person; it was a combination of lack of cleaning and possibly a sewage problem. This was inexcusable under any circumstance, but they were not even busy! Aside from us, there were only 2 other patrons and tons of staff behind the counter yakking to one another. I will NEVER go here again...they should be ashamed of themselves.

Loving the Lavatory Lady

2007-05-07T21:22:00.000-04:00

OK, don't get all excited, it's not that kind of post, but it's a good one.

I only started this blog about 2 1/2 weeks ago and I have received a lot of love from the blogging community and my husband and of course my mother.

We have been featured on www.dcblogs.com and as of today were number 13 out of 100s of blogs in the DC area.

We were quoted on www.readexpress.com over the weekend under the blog log article.

We have been blogged about by visitors http://www.bmahone.bravejournal.com/entry/21588. Thanks Beverly!! I am forever grateful.

We have been linked by one other blogger http://gledwood2.blogspot.com/. Thanks Gled!!

We have been blogged by another bloggerhttp://www.lastsecondcomeback.blogspot.com/. Thanks Jefro!!

This is great; I will work hard to keep the momentum going! Thanks everyone for your current and future support.

The Lavatory Lady

CONTEST ENTRIES!!

2007-05-07T13:13:00.000-04:00

Here are the entries to date:

Charlie Palmer Steakhouse - most interesting

Me N Yu - most interesting

Dave & Busters - White Flint Mall - most interesting and dirty
Fed-Ex Field - cleanest (Go Redskins!)

You have plenty of time; get those entries to me at www.lavatorylady@yahoo.com

Thanks!

Extra Virgin, Shirlington, Arlington, VA

2007-05-06T00:02:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite places for Friday night dinner. It's a perfect blend of kid friendly and adult friendly. We go here on Friday nights and get a good pizza for the kids and a nice bottle of wine and adult food for ourselves and by adult food; I don't mean your choice of chicken fingers, quesadillas and salad from a bar with a sneeze guard. This is a place where you can hear good jazz music AND get a highchair and crayons for the kids. All this and nice bathrooms!! What more could a person ask for in life? First off, it was very clean! No paper on the floor, the sink and commodes were spotless. The decor was a light colored wood with gray granite or stone tiles. The lighting was perfect and the mirrors were large and clean. The best part; everything was automated!! The toilets, the towel dispenser and the trashcans were all automated (my 5 year old got a kick out of that). The less I have to touch in a bathroom the better. Great going Extra Virgin, you get the best automation award!

Smith and Wollensky, 19th St., Washington, DC

2007-05-05T23:36:00.000-04:00

I no longer eat meat so I don't have much of a reason to go to Smith and Wollensky except for a club soda with lime, for which I was accidentally charged $43.20 (a bartender error) and to check out the restroom. The jazz playing at the bar was nice and it wasn’t in the middle of the restaurant where you feel like you’re on display for other (real) diners. On to the bathroom, which consisted of 1 lone toilet. I would think a restaurant that charges over $40 for club soda could afford a couple of stalls. At any rate, there was a sturdy lock on the door and lovely linen hand towels for drying hands. The toilet and sink were clean and the press down water was warm. There was a silver doohickey on the wall that may have been a trashcan for "stuff", but it was on the other side of the bathroom away from the commode. It actually looked like on those creepy doors in the doctor's office where you place your "sample" with your name on it. It was adequate, and a bit disappointing, but clean which is the most important aspect.

Legal Seafood, K Street, Washington, DC

2007-05-05T23:15:00.000-04:00

I was pleasantly surprised by the bathrooms at Legal Seafood. They had a separate make-up counter and mirror separate from those in front of the sink (very nice). Flowers in a vase, while fake, added a nice touch as did the beige tile with the green and blue accents. Let me add the fake flowers were free of dust. Often-times, establishments will put out fake flowers and allow them collect dust and in my opinion you're better off not having any floral decor. There was a also another large mirror on the wall opposite the sinks, so everyone can make sure they are pretty and free of spinach teeth before they return to their dates. There was a large stall at the end of the row with a changing table, I love that! The vents over the stalls could use some cleaning and the stall dividers could use a fresh coat of paint. On to the sinks; there were two soap dispensers, one was clean and the other was not working. The water was automatic and oh my gosh, there was so much force it almost blew me out the door!! It was insanely forceful and shut off very quickly. Not only that, the water was very cold and shut off just as it got warm. It took 3 tries to get the soap off my hands. The bathroom was nice overall, but they need to get a handle on that water situation. The thing that really shocked me was the men’s room. NO, I did not go in, but as someone was coming out, I noticed they had two tables with lacy table cloths and very nice flowers on each. I thought they only gave guys urinals and dividers if they were lucky. Good looking out for the guys.

Mr. K's, Washington, DC, Sad News

2007-05-05T23:09:00.000-04:00

My mother-in-law, who is also a woman of excellent taste, told me to check out the restroom at Mr. K's as it was one of the cleanest and most interesting she's ever been in. Well, I walked down there during my lunch hour to check out the best Chinese food in D.C. and low and behold it was gone!!! There was a sign on the door indicating they had moved to New York. I guess the world will never know about the DC location's restrooms. Perhaps, I'll just have to make a trip to NYC to check it out.

Tony & Joe's, Washington, DC, Georgetown Waterfront

2007-05-05T22:56:00.000-04:00

Tony and Joe's was the perfect lunch spot last Sunday. It was a beautiful, sunny, perfect day and of course it gave me another excuse to rate another bathroom. :) There were tons of people in the area that day, so I was prepared to cut them a little slack, but there was no need. The bathroom, while very dark, was also very clean. There were plenty of stalls and just a tiny bit of paper on the floor; which isn't such a bad thing considering the place was a flutter with drunken women. There was an attendant on hand; and I know this because another patron asked for a feminine product and she graciously provided it for her. Were it not for that encounter, I would have thought she was a tired lady sitting in the corner. The towel dispenser was automatic and there were two open trash cans right by the door. They also had a changing station, but it was in a bit of an awkward spot, that would require people to squeeze between the person changing the baby and the people washing their hands. Overall, not bad, but awfully dungeon-like and management should consider moving the changing station. Still one of my favorite spots!

Au Bon Pain, 19th & M, Washington, DC

2007-04-27T07:56:00.000-04:00

Oh man, does it pain me to write this one. I really love Au Bon Pain especially now that they have such a wonderful variety of soups. The one I reviewed is across the street from my hair salon, and I often run in there after an appointment to grab some soup before I head home. I have never entered the restroom facilities and now that I have, my afternoon soup runs (at least to this location) may be a thing of the past. I don't know where to begin, because honestly there was not one redeeming quality. OK maybe one; there weren't any living organisms visible to the naked eye. EVERYTHING was dirty!! The walls were dirty and appeared to never have had a wipe down, the caulk around the commode was dirty as was the commode itself. Additionally, the tank cover was missing pieces. The floor was wet and there was paper strewn about the room. There was unidentifiable black gunk on the walls by the auto paper towel dispenser. They almost got a point for having the automated towel dispenser, but it was NOT working! The blue soap dispenser was dripping and would not dispense additional soap. The lighting was very dim, which is probably a good thing because additional light would only show more grime . The trashcan by the door was also dirty and needs to be replaced. It did appear someone tried to wipe down the mirror, but I'm certain they used a filthy rag to do it. This was a huge disappointment and I expected much better from one of favorite places. Get it together people!!

Casey's Coffee House, 23rd St., Washington, DC

2007-04-27T07:42:00.000-04:00

This bathroom was relatively clean, but there was some dirt between the tank and the seat. The soap was the icky pink variety. The water pressure was good and warmed up nicely.
The automatic paper towl dispenser is a plus and scores bonus points. Negatives: the bathroom opens directly into the restaurant. In that case I think there should be more than one locking mechanism, least someone is “exposed” to waiting customers and/or the people making sandwiches behind the counter.

Also, apparently something large and round was removed from the wall and the paint job was not adequate enough to hide wall damage.

Overall, it did not give me a bad impression of the restaurant and I will continue to eat there. My favorite is the mozarella veggie sandwich!

Squatter's Rant

2007-04-26T21:30:00.000-04:00

Ladies, I understand that we do not want to sit our delicate selves on bare toilet seats and that's fine. However, if you choose the squat and go method, please lift the darn seat! You don't plan on touching it anyway so lift it as opposed to sprinkling your essence all over it! Why? Well, some folks actually use those toilet seat covers and guess what? when you leave your "calling card" all over the seat, it saturates the seat cover!! At the very least, wipe it off after you're done for Pete’s sake. You think you're cleaner by tinkling over the seat? I've got news for you tinkle sprinkling ladies; you are just as disgusting as if you sat on the seat.

That is all.

Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar, Penn Ave., (Washington, DC)

2007-04-26T14:22:00.000-04:00

I have nice girl syndrome in that I hate to post bad reviews, but Sonoma Restaurant left me no choice. This is by far the worst restaurant bathroom of this caliber I've ever been in. In early January, I was there for a girlfriend's birthday party and there is no good place to start so let's get to it. There was paper and debris everywhere and I can't even name all the fluids that covered the toilet seat. The sink was disgusting and I don't even recall what the soap situation was about..why, you ask? Well, I was too busy trying to high-tail it out of there since my friend was guarding the door because the lock was completely inoperable. If you have read any of my posts you know I have a serious fear of exposure in public restrooms. I wouldn't have used it all, but after a martini, wine (which was very good by the way) and Prosecco I really did not have a choice. I have not been back to this restaurant since and I have not suggested it to anyone. I intend to pay them a visit again at some point to see if they've gotten it together. Until then, they have earned the worst restaurant bathroom award. Tsk, tsk.

Giant, Backlick Road, Annandale, VA

2007-04-26T14:03:00.000-04:00

I always rave about the Harris Teeter in my neighborhood, but there are times when I must venture to other stores. The Giant near my sons' school is one I frequent often and until yesterday, I have amazingly never entered the restroom. Well, I did and I was sorry. There was paper all over the floor, hair on the sink and toilet seats. The toilets needed cleaning, but were not the worst I've seen. Unfortunately, I didn't have a pen and paper with me so I could take notes, but let's just say I would try to hold it before I used their bathroom and any other food I get from there will have to be pre-packaged. This store needs to do better.

Caribou Coffee, Washington, DC (18th & M)

2007-04-26T12:54:00.000-04:00

I'm such a Starbucks fiend that I never really get to try other coffee shops in close proximity. I decided to try Caribou coffee on Saturday just for a change of pace and honestly to check out their restroom. This is another restroom that requires a key to enter and while it may be a bit inconvenient, it's worth it because of the reduction of exposure risk . Another big plus, a clean, fold down changing table on the wall. The sink was also very clean and the paper towels were in a convenient pull down dispenser. The light was good and the decor was minimal but not stark. The place was in need of some light housekeeping as the toilet needed a cleansing, the handicap rail was dirty and the mirror was smeared and spotted. The trashcan needs to be replaced with one that does not require touching to throw away trash. Additionally, there were a couple of ceiling tiles missing. I'm not sure why this was left open, but I was afraid something would jump or fly out of that hole any second! Not terrible, but needs some work.

The Occidental, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania Ave.

2007-04-24T15:51:00.000-04:00

I loved this bathroom!! With the exception of something odd going on with the sink, it was quite nice. The walls and the floor were all marble and there was not a drop of water or stray paper in sight. The faucets and plumbing were all gold plated and fading a bit but that's not such a big deal. The hand towels were in a free standing holder and were thick, sturdy and towel-like. The facial tissues were in a separate container so that in the event you have to wipe your nose, it won't get ripped from your face in the process. I'm sure you know what I mean as most paper towels are not nose friendly. There were lots of mirrors everywhere and they were completely spotless. The soap was thick, nicely scented and in a separate dispenser that was free of soap goo. Now for that oddity I mentioned earlier. There was only one handle for the water and therefore no distinguishing hot and cold. Now for me the water was great, it was forceful and very warm and left my hands very clean, but a more sensitive person may have found the water too warm. Overall I loved it and not only that, the bartender refused to charge me for my club soda with lime.

Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington, DC (15th Street)

2007-04-24T15:07:00.000-04:00

Old Ebbitt Grill has been a family favorite of ours for a number of years. During my last visit; however, I was thoroughly disappointed with its restroom. Let's start with the good stuff. The decor was nice, though a bit on the dark side. The basin area was done in an orange and white marble. The fresh flowers in the sink area were a nice touch. The paper towels were free standing and easily assessable and the water was warm and forceful. The stalls are in need of some help. They are very dark and creepy. There is what appears to be an old ashtray attached to the metal dividers and each one contained a black, moldy, dusty substance. Additionally, there are mirrors on the back wall and as I turned to it to take a look at myself, I also saw the face of the person in the stall next to me! Talk about creepy. The handicap/family stall was nice and roomy and most importantly had a changing table. I love stalls like this because you can easily bring an older child and a baby to the bathroom at the same time without any major mishaps. On the flip side, the toilet seat cover hold was broken, the toilet paper dispenser was falling off the wall and there was quite a bit of paper on the floor. The light over the sink did not work and appeared to be coming away from the wall. The sink was full of debris and needed a good cleaning. The paper towel dispenser was in an odd place behind the faucet and required some maneuvering to get the towels out. I expected more out of this DC landmark.

Kinkeads, Washington, DC (2000 Pennsylvania Ave.)

2007-04-23T14:12:00.000-04:00

This is one of our favorite restaurants for family gatherings and I had lunch there this afternoon. I only had a chance to look at the lower level bathroom because Mr. Lavatory Man (my husband) was ready to leave. The lower level bathroom by the bar was a bit on the small side, but that's understandable since it is not the main bathroom in the restaurant. The walls were a black marble are at least marble-like, with amber and white accents. There was a combination of decorative and recessed lighting. The effect provided plenty of light, but not so much that your corneas were singed. A vase of flowers on the attractive Kohler sink added a nice touch. Kohler really makes some of the most unique sinks around. This one in particular featured a thin round faucet curving out of the mirror down into a sink which appears to be a white bowl sitting atop the vanity. The handle was also built into the mirror beside the faucet. The soap was in a separate container and smelled like a combination of the dreaded pink variety and something that had a decent smell at one time. The dispenser was a brushed aluminum that was in need of cleaning. The toilets and corners of the stall could stand some attention and the paper towel dispenser was crammed with towels and required a bit of wrestling to remove a couple to dry my hands. There were two places to throw away the towels; in front of the last stall (I found this odd) and on the wall right by the door (very good). Overall; not bad, but I will need to take a trip back there to check out the main bathroom.

Beverly Wilshire Hotel Lobby Restroom, Los Angeles, CA

2007-04-23T13:48:00.000-04:00

OK, it's the Beverly Wilshire so expectations were high. My husband and I had the pleasure of staying at this hotel in February 2006 and every expectation was exceeded. I love everything about this hotel and this is where I plan to live when I retire. Yes, I liked it that much! The hotel lobby restroom was fantastic. The bathroom was beyond clean, there was no visible paper, water stains or even a speck of dust anywhere. The soap provided was Molton Brown and the scent was fresh and clean. I have since begun using it in my own home in certain rooms. It was nicely decorated with good lighting and fresh flowers. The best part, an attendant gave me a fresh warm towel to dry my hands. It's really unfair to pit this against your everyday bathroom because it is truly in a class by itself. For me, it's the standard by which all other bathrooms are rated.

My Ratings System

2007-04-23T11:16:00.001-04:00

The ratings for each category are from 1 – ack! To 5 – most excellent.
Ratings Categories

Cleanliness – should be clean with no trash or water on the floor. Trash should be emptied and the sinks wiped down and mirrors cleaned. Toilet seats should be wiped clean of “anything”.

Soap Quality – I despise the pink hospital smelling moisture sucking soap in most bathrooms. I appreciate when an establishment ups their soap game. I understand the need for antibacterial soap but it doesn’t have to smell bad.

Hot Forceful Water – Dribbles of water do not clean hands, I understand water conservation; however, hands need to be washed in very warm water forceful enough to remove all soap and dirt.

Drying Apparatus – Those rolling towels will not fly here, nor will stacks of brown paper that fall to floor. Towels need to reside in a receptacle that is easily assessable and does not require you to reach over other patrons or rip your arm out of the socket to pull them out. Air dryers are nice but noisy. Personally, I prefer nice warm towels from an attendant, but that’s not always financially feasible.

General Smell – If a bathroom has been properly and regularly cleaned, notwithstanding certain “a-hem” circumstances, the smell should be pleasant.

Trash Receptacle – There should be more then one receptacle and it should be regularly emptied and patrons should not have to touch it for it work. Preferably, there should be a trashcan by the door in the event you want to open the door using a paper towel and simply drop the paper in the can near the door. This is what I do because let’s face it; some people simply do not wash their hands.

Door Locks – This is pretty straight forward; one should not have to worry about accidental exposure in an establishment

Lighting – Lights should be bright enough to get a good look at oneself and freshen make-up, but not blazing bright or cave like.

Décor/Other Niceties – Pretty simple décor is nice and I adore when other niceties such as lotion, mints or feminine products are available. Nice to have but not necessary.

Zola Washington, DC (800 F. Street)

2007-04-23T09:13:00.001-04:00

I had the pleasure of dining at Zola's on F Street last Friday night. It's a beautifully decorated restaurant and I was certain the bathroom would be equally as stunning. I was not disappointed, but of course there were a couple of areas that could stand improvement. The red and silver décor was very nice. The doors were floor to ceiling and solid with a circle of decorative opaque glass about 3/4's of the way up. The locks were strong and sturdy (I have a fear of being exposed). When I opened one of the doors, I found a solid wall of sheet rock. I was a bit confused, but soon discovered the stall and the one beside it had been converted into a nice large handicap stall complete with its own sink. The regular sinks were a little on the messy side with water and hair and the mirror was in need of a wipe down. One of the soap dispensers was inoperable, the others were fine and the soap was nicely scented and not overly drying. It was definitely one of the nicer bathrooms I’ve rated this week. If you get a chance to dine there make sure you check on the restroom. I have to give an honorable mention to the Apple Martini. I am not an Apple Martini drinker because I find them overly sweet and let’s be honest it’s not REALLY a martini, it’s just a fruity drink in a martini glass, but that’s a whole other blog. Our friend did not care for the one our waitress brought, but I tasted it just to see and it was perfect! The color was a very nice barely there green, not the usual nuclear waste, swamp creature green. The taste was strong and pleasant with a hint of apple as opposed to slap you upside the head jolly rancher flavor you get with most places. I might actually order one, but I still wouldn’t call it a Martini.

Starbucks, Washington, DC (19th & M)

2007-04-23T08:55:00.000-04:00

I have been coming to this Starbucks for years and have never entered the restroom until now. It's a fairly busy place in the mornings, but I was pleasantly surprised at what I found. The color scheme of burgundy and gold was warm and lovely. There was a nice decorative mirror and light combination over the sink and the smell was pleasant and clean. The paper towel dispenser was full and in working order and the trashcan was open and clean. The store requires patrons to use a key to open the door which eliminates the fear that the lock will fail leaving you exposed to the staff and fellow coffee drinkers. Now for the bad, the lighting was a little on the dim side and there was a little hair and dirt on the sink. The soap had a nice smell (not too antiseptic), but the dispenser was nearly empty. There also an additional soap dispenser attached to the sink, but it did not work. The cleaning products and toilet brush were in plain view (unsafe for kids, especially the ones who drink coffee) and the receptacle for the used feminine products was missing the bottom. Overall it was not bad. It wouldn't make me not go back to the store again especially since I went during a very busy time.

It's a Nice Place but What About The Bathroom

2007-04-19T21:48:00.000-04:00

Has this ever happened to you? The bathrooms of restaurants and even my neighborhood grocery stores have made a big difference as to how I view these establishments.

A perfect example is the Safeway I shopped at for the first year I lived in Annandale. It was a nice enough grocery store, I knew the cashiers, the people who worked the seafood department and I knew where all the essentials were and most importantly it was on the way home.

One day, during my 8th month of pregnancy, I stopped in and of course had to make a trip to the ladies room. My view of the place has never been the same. It was like something out of one of the filthy home shows. There was paper everywhere (that’s the minor part), the sinks were filthy and 3 out of the 5 stalls had excrement in, on and/or around the toilet. It was a gag fest. Now, I have 6-pound fetus sitting on my bladder so I had no choice except to use the facilities as best I could. All women are familiar with the squat and go method, but this takes on a different meaning when you’re 8 months along. Needless to say, this is no longer “my” store as this was not an issue of aesthetics, but of cleanliness. This is where I bought food (much of it fresh) for my family and the people who handled the food were required to use the same bathrooms and none of them cared enough to get this bathroom in better condition. Now, let’s move on to my good experience.

I discovered a wonderful Harris Teeter near my home a short time later. A girlfriend of mine, cringes when I tell her this is where I shop because she claims the prices are astronomical. Well yes, they are a tad higher, but the meats and vegetables are incredibly fresh and the bathrooms are fantastic. I brought my son with me to the grocery store and of course he needed to go “potty”. Off we go, with fear in my heart, to the ladies room. Do you know the sound of angels humming when confronted with something that truly takes your breath away? I heard that sound because that bathroom was magnificently clean. No paper on the floor, the sinks were sparkling, no urine smell, no visible excrement, the paper and soap dispensers were stocked and fully functional. Now mind you, I was already sold on the store because of the food the nicest cashiers you ever want to meet, but the bathroom situation has made this “my” store.

This note is to all establishments that have bathrooms open to the public. Your bathrooms matter and you need to get them together because the Lavatory Lady is coming!