We have enjoyed dinner at both the Fireside and accross the street at Panne y Vino. The four of us that ate at both of the resturants enjoyed Panne y Vino more. We through the food was better prepared and the service was far better. Give it a try and write it up.

Robert

I went to pane vino once, and the food had so much garlic that my throat was hurting for 1/2 hour after the I ate, it was pretty bad.

Fireside is not bad at all and a welcome addition to Lorton. Been there 3 times and it has been good, not great, but good. Real nice inside. Service was not so great, very inexperienced wait staff.

Singling out Fireside as "the anchor" for Lorton Station suggests the columnist was blindfolded during her meal and escorted to dinner in a windowless van.

The fact is we have three very good restaurants where once we only had Polo Grill and check-cashing storefronts on Rte 1. Chen Bistro offers outstanding dishes from across China, and deserves more diners. Pane e Vino is the perfect representation of a neighborhood affordable dining spot. Both superb dining experiences can be found within 60 yards of Fireside.

At Pane e Vino, you cannot escape being warmly welcomed by one of the three owners when you first arrive. Some dishes indeed have some garlic, as the restaurant is unapologetically Sicilian. If you have any questions about the food or wine, simply mention it and you will likely find yourself chatting within minutes with Anthony, the head chef and part owner.

Stop by some evening and you will be delighted to hear the chatter as families share toasts outside on the warm patio. The neighborhood is truly stiched together when you see strangers who live in the same town become friends over wine and banter.

It is this personal touch that can be found at either Chen Bistro or Pane e Vino.

(For the record, I have no business affiliation with any of these restaurants, I am simply a homeowner who has waited seven years to enjoy the choices of reasonable dining steps from my door. Now I must go, I don't want to miss the jazz Sunday brunch over at Pane.)

I agree totally that the Chen Bistro and Pane e Vino are the better restaurants. Both are locally owned by families with years of restaurant experience. I have been to the Fireside Grill three times, with very mixed results (for food and service). Generally expensive for what you get. But I have NEVER had a bad experience at the other two. Quite the opposite! Wonderful food and atmosphere. Aside from the great food, it's nice to have a choice of a boisterous "Cheers" type restaurant and the calm, cooling ambiance of the Chinese restaurant. Both feature food that is not the steroypical food. I have also heard raves about the Sunday brunch at Pane e Vino, and hope to get there soon. Post ... you need to add two more reviews!! (Also just a neighbor, totally unbiased, but very happy to be able to walk to great restaurants!)
~~ Leslie Rodriguez