Thank you to everyone who writes, calls or let's us know directly...
Here are a few recent comments...
“I recently ate dinner's at Tony's establishment (Visions Restaurant in Bethesda, MD) with colleagues and it was nothing short of fantastic. The food, service, and atmosphere provided a great venue to take clients out, and have an unbelievable meal at the same time. If you haven't been to Vision's yet, please do so. You are only cheating yourself by not going!! Chef Tony and his staff are TOP NOTCH!” March 13, 2008
Bryan ...
“VISIONS Bethesda is one of the best kept secrets in the Washington area, as is Chef Tony. From fine dining linens, awesome decor and atmoshere, to their exceptional service. You feel more like you are a guest in his home, than patrons of VISIONS. Tony is warm and inviting and ohhh... can he cook!!! The food is incredible the soups are to die for as are the scallops and basically everything on the menu! The kitchen is open, and Tony regularly walks around and knows most of his guests by name, making sure their dining experience is a great one. Chef Tony is very special and has made an incredible and affordable find out of Visions Bethesda!” April 30, 2008
“Tony has brought a breath of fresh air to the restaurant scene in Bethesda. Visions has a dynamic menu that can satisfy a wide range of culinary interests. While I dined on a fantastic Veggie Panini my business colleague chose the Crab Cake sandwich. From the first bite it's apparent that everything is made fresh, a rare commodity in this, flash frozen, prepared food world. You can really taste the difference, outstanding!” June 2, 2008
Doug...
As a frequent customer of your restaurant, I am delighted not only by your superb menu, but the wonderful customer service with which I am greeted during each dining experience. I am so proud of you, and wanted to personally take the opportunity to comment on the outstanding customer service provided by your staff at Visions. Jen's fantastic people skills are only matched by her attentiveness to the needs of each guest. Not only is Miss Kitty's service phenomenal , but she has the most wonderful sense of humor, which I suspect serves her well in working so closely with the public. What really can I say about you, Tony and Iddi except - how marvelous you are not only as Chefs but as people. I am so grateful that I can share even the smallest moment of time in my life with all of you.
I thought of the many ways that I could possibly thank you for the great meals, the wonderful conversation, and the many laughs we have shared. here may just be one small way. I purchased this painting entitled "Valley Lights" from a Chevy Chase, Maryland artist by the name of Ms. Mary Jane Lynch. Like the both of you, she is another local talent whose art work is known throughout Montgomery County, Md among elite artists. The painting, like your restaurant, has a Meditterranean color and mood. I hope it will bring you much good fortune. What better way to thank you for everything than to donate this painting to your restaurant as a reminder of my undying friendship and support for Visions restaurant.
If it is true that the world is a looking glass, and gives back to every man a reflection of his own face, than yours are the reflections of exceptional souls, that enhance the lives of each and every person you meet. I wish you all the best, now and always. With much gratitude and sincerity, I am...
Valery C.
Bethesda
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Hi Chef Tony!
Thank you for your reply. That's just music to a vegetarian's earsI
I didn't see your email before coming in with a small group last night. (We were sitting near the front window.) I want you to know that we all had a wonderful time – starting from the moment we set foot in the restaurant and were greeted by the nicest young woman, who served us.
Everything we ordered was delicious – from appetizers through dessert and coffee. I mean everyone loved everything, and that's saying a lot since there were some serious amateur food critics among us! We also enjoyed the comfortable ambiance and never felt rushed. (You know, some places around here actually flip the lights on at 10 or 11 to announce to customers it's time to leave!)
So, congratulations to you and your partner on your great new restaurant. We think you've got a winning formula, and we wish you every success.
And we look forward to coming back soon!
Best regards,
Marcia (Bethesda)
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From a recent review...
"Chef Tony Marciante says it best on his restaurant’s ‘‘blog” when he describes the ongoing lunchtime panini contest between
himself and co-owner and co-chef Iddi Diarra. His words — ‘‘It’s not that complicated, and all in good fun” — could easily
be about Visions, their cozy and welcoming new restaurant that occupies a long narrow slice of St. Elmo Avenue in Bethesda.
Even the LED readout on the electric heater in the front door says, ‘‘HI.”
"Our dinner included a masterfully rolled and fried crawfish egg roll that is worthy of the better than adequate Thai peanut dipping
sauce that accompanied it."
"The crispy calamari had its own nifty swirled iron basket and was accompanied by a zippy aioli. And I envied the filet
mignon satay that was delivered to my neighbor."
"Of the entrees, the catfish was clearly cooked by a hand practiced at southern cuisine. The marinara sauce in the
signature dish, Dad’s Pasta with Crab Tomato Sauce, was superb with plenty of crab. The plate would have been content
with half the pasta."
"A cheerful eagerness is built into the laid-back presentation, an affability that extends to the quirky and personal Web site.
This is a place where it is appropriate for the chefs to wander around the dining room and chat with guests."
"The atmosphere of dim light, pendant lamps, unstarched white table clothes and a little too much Sade on the stereo makes it feel
crowd friendly, unfussy — jeans are perfectly acceptable "
"It’s the kind of place that takes the edge off a first date or makes it worth getting a babysitter just to spend an hour kicking back with a few appetizers at the bar and talking to the guys who cook the food and own the place."