A staple of the McLean community since 2002, Starnut Bistro recently underwent a number of changes, implemented by a couple who has owned the space since the COVID-19 pandemic. With different management, a new menu and updated furnishing, Starnut Bistro has flourished into a true highlight of McLean.
“There have been lots of changes, starting with the menu. We upgraded the menu and ended up with a new setup, with new tables and chairs [as well as] TV screens,” store manager Mohamed Elgamal said. “We also plan to add a happy hour in the future.”
Walking into the establishment, you are met with a feeling of hospitality and friendliness. All of the staff members greeted us with a kind smile and happily answered any questions we had. Starnut Bistro goes beyond making delicious food; they are committed to being a sanctuary amongst the tribulations of everyday life.
Labneh Za’atar Toast- 4.5/5
The Labneh Za’atar Toast was a healthy, flavorful addition to our meal. We ordered this item to balance out the sweet dishes we tried. The sourdough toast, layered with creamy labneh (thick yogurt), cucumbers, tomatoes, za’atar seasoning and olive oil was a pleasant surprise. Although the labneh was a little bit too sour for my taste, the toast overall had great textures and made for a nutritious snack.
Cheese Bread – 2/5
Sitting in the display case, these cheese breads caught our eye as soon as we walked in. However, upon tasting the small treat, we were disappointed by the underwhelming taste and texture. The small delicacies were clearly reheated, leaving the flavor bland. There were sesame seeds inside that did little to revive the dryness of the cheese. Overall, Starnut Bistro has many better options on the menu compared to the cheese breads. Although they may be enticing as you first walk in, they are ultimately not worth the money.
Red Velvet Cake – 5/5
The red velvet cake, compared to the eclairs and fruit tarts in the display case, was not incredibly appealing. It looked like a normal slice of cake, but we decided to get it so that we could review a wide range of food items. Upon tasting the cake, we were amazed at how moist it was. The cake was sweet, but not oversweet, and was layered beautifully with cream cheese frosting. Starnut’s red velvet cake uplifted our moods and left us feeling satisfied.
Mexican Mayan Latte – 4.5/5
The Mexican Mayan Latte was truly a coffee to remember. With a perfect balance of sweetness from the chocolate and spice from the cinnamon, it is an exquisite option for a cozy rainy day. The flavors blended wonderfully together to create a unique tasting experience. As someone who is not a regular coffee drinker, this latte was a pleasant mix of bold seasonings.
Pistachio Eclair – 3/5
The Pistachio Eclair was mediocre at best. The texture was satisfactory; however, the fondant undermined the delicacy of the desert. Additionally, the cream inside was unsatisfactory, providing little to no pistachio flavor. Despite this, the texture was satisfactory, with the cream filling combining beautifully with the crispy outside. The treat was tasty but not necessarily the best that Starnut Bistro has to offer.
White Chocolate Mocha – 4/5
The white chocolate mocha was a sweet and creamy pick-me-up after a long day. I ordered it with 2% milk and requested for it to be 50% sweet, as white mochas tend to be on the sweeter side. I also added an extra shot of espresso. The flavor of the strong, good-quality coffee came through in this drink, but the excess of ice left me wanting a little bit more. While I would purchase this again, I would most likely order the same drink with the same moderations, but request that it is made with less ice.
Overall, Starnut Bistro is an exquisite eatery in McLean. With a revamped look, it has evolved into a chic yet friendly establishment. With a combination of tastefully crafted goods and the charm of a family-owned business, Starnut Bistro truly has everything to offer.
