xs baltimore

xs has eclectic food and atmosphere. the atmosphere adds to the originality of menu- exposed brick, steel and modern lighting with eccentric glass. the feel was very modern and hip. i started with the cran-apple salad ($6.95)-mixed greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, and maple vinaigrette. the salad was crisp and refreshing except they did over do the dressing a bit. since it was a vinaigrette is did flow to the bottom of the salad and was not drowning in it. one of the sushi rolls we split was the crazy salmonroll($11.95)-8 piece spicy salmon and tempura flakes inside, outside torched salmon and masago with eel sauce and sweet and spicy sauce. beware this one is spicy and it sticks with you- trust me it lingers! the secondrollwas crunchie fire ($11.50)- 8 piece shrimp tempura and avocado inside; spicy tuna, tempura flake, and spicy sauce outside. this one had a kick to it but in no way lingered like the crazy salmon roll. both rolls were fresh and flavorful. besides the heat (i would still order it again) we enjoyed both rolls extremely.

veggie mondays!. i've been to xs a couple times before moved to the mt. vernon area with mixed feelings. one time when it was packed and our food took about a year to come out (caused us to be late for a play we were seeing), and one time when it was almost empty and i really enjoyed myself. both times the food was good (not great) and the service was ok (not quite good). since i've moved to the area it's become a routine for me to eat there on mondays. all veggie items are 1/2 off. i usually get the spring rolls (excellent), the veggie sushiroll(pretty good) and a noodle dish (very good) and share it with my gf. add two kirin's and it's a perfect meal on a monday for about $20 plus tip. we've actually got desserts a couple times, but it's not a must, as i don't think they were stellar. overall, it's one of my favorite spots to hit up (on mondays).