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How about biscuits? Or cornbread muffins? You could add cheese to either, or maybe ham to the biscuits and corn kernels to the cornbread.

Any thoughts on a dressing recipe for a soy-allergic vegetarian? I normally make a cornbread dressing with Morning Star sausage, but can't do that anymore because of a soy allergy. I could just leave it out and do the bread/onions/celery, but that seems a bit plain. Thanks!

French lentils with swiss chard, garlic, lots of cumin and pomegranate molasses.

(Sorry if this is a duplicate - having issues with the comments tonight)

Would Italian work? There's a wonderful Italian place on 23rd Street in Arlington called Tagolio (Crystal City area, about a five minute drive from Arlington Cemetery). It does say pizzeria, but they have wonderful pasta and seafood. It's a nice neighborhood place, casual but not overly so.

There's also a McCormick & Schmick’s in Crystal City - good, solid steakhouse.

On the north Arlington side (again, maybe only 5 minutes from Arlington Cemetery) there are some great places in the Clarendon area: Liberty Tavern, Eventide and Lyon Hall. All amazing food. Eventide is probably the most expensive. The all have websites, so you can see if it would suit the family.

For hotels - the Courtyard Marriott in Rosslyn is a good hotel. Embassy Suites in Crystal City is another good place.

Hope this helps some!

Would Italian work? There's a wonderful Italian place on 23rd Street in Arlington called Tagolio (Crystal City area, about a five minute drive from Arlington Cemetery). http://www.tagoliopizzeria.com/aboutUs.htm It does say pizzeria, but they have wonderful pasta and seafood. It's a nice neighborhood place, casual but not overly so.

There's also a McCormick & Schmick’s in Crystal City - good, solid steakhouse.

On the north Arlington side (again, maybe only 5 minutes from Arlington Cemetery) there are some great places in the Clarendon area: Liberty Tavern, Eventide and Lyon Hall. All amazing food. Eventide is probably the most expensive. The all have websites, so you can see if it would suit the family.

For hotels - the Courtyard Marriott in Rosslyn is a good hotel. Embassy Suites in Crystal City is another good place.

Hope this helps some!

I can't speak to the lap-band, but I can speak to going vegetarian. Your idea of "meat-lite" is a good one - don't worry about labeling it a particular name, just eat healthy foods that taste good to you. Does fish still taste good? Eggs? Both healthy foods that give you protein and nutrients. I'm not a big fan of fake meats, but tofu is wonderful, because it takes on whatever flavor you give it, and adds substance to almost any dish. Beans are a staple - something like lentils are easy/fast to fix, filling, and good for you. And you can add a little meat, or a lot, or none at all.

Kale and black beans. Or lentils and swiss chard. Kale is my go-to green, but now that I've cooked some with chard, it's a toss-up.

Liberty Tavern does do great pizzas. Lost Dog is my favorite, though - love the pizza, love the sandwiches, love the fries, love the beer. And it's a neighborhood place - you'll see families, and people out on dates, sports teams after a game. It's not fancy pizza, but it's good.

Yes, definitely eat at McClard's! But if you have a chance to have two meals, walk down Bath House Row and eat at Rolandos. It's great, family-friendly Mexican food.