Northern Virginia Restaurants

13872 Metrotech Dr
Chantilly, VA 20151

703.378.6888

www.LotusVegetarian.com

I've been looking for a good vegetarian restaurant in Northern Virginia for a while now. Granted it wasn't like I made it my mission to locate one but I figured if I came across one I would try it. I'm actually surprised how long it took before I found one. Lotus Vegetarian restaurant is a very satisfying and affordable choice for vegetarian dining.

While Lotus says that it is a vegetarian restaurant it actually is more of a vegetarian Chinese restaurant as nearly all the things on the menu are vegetarian counterparts to a Chinese menu. That isn't to say that the food doesn't taste great - the meals we tried were great and I didn't miss the meat at all while eating.

We arrived early enough to try the lunch specials which are smaller versions of several dishes on the menu and served with a spring roll (or your choice of salad or hot and soup soup). The spring roll arrived piping hot and was very tasty. It was served with hot mustard dipping sauce and duck sauce.

For our entrees I ordered the General Tso's Surprise. I was interested to see how the vegetarian spin would affect one of my all time favorite Chinese foods. The chicken was replaced with balls of soy protein that were lightly fried until crispy. The soy protein was soft and slightly chewy and was just as satisfying as having chicken. The sauce was a little mild in my opinion but I've been told that I like foods a little on the spicier side. Still the sauce was flavorful and plentiful and went well with both the brown rice and fresh steamed broccoli.

The Triple Delight over Brown Rice was also a great meal. In this dish the soy protein is made to imitate chicken, beef, and roast pork. Also served with the dish is celery, snow peas, carrots, white mushrooms, and a brown sauce. I thought the brown sauce could have used a little more seasoning but otherwise it was a very filling meal.

Lotus also has veggie burgers, smoothies, and veggie sushi. Many of their dishes are even cooked with organic ingredients. In addition, their menu is mostly vegan with only very few items containing dairy. If you've been hesitant to try a vegetarian meal or to sample tofu Lotus is a great place to start!

203 Harrison St SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
703.771.9610

http://www.southstreetunder.com

Located in the Market Station section of Old Town Leesburg, South Street Under's exterior is surprising underwhelming - cute, but underwhelming. Don't let the lack of flashy unique outside decor deter you - instead pay attention to their customer traffic! You'll see tons of people popping in and out picking up their sandwich and soup for lunch! A very good sign indeed.

Think of South Street Under as Panera but%u2026 tastier. Their menu is much more limited in comparison to Panera, but for many restaurants that means it can focus more on getting high quality ingredients which in turns means healthier and tastier food. South Street Under's claim to fame is its ciabatta bread - which is an Italian loaf of bread with a thin crispy or chewy crust and lots of soft, fluffy, open crumb. Their ciabatta is perfect for soaking up their soups. The customer base there absolutely loves their potato and leek soup - and now I do too! Think of it as Grandma's mashed potatoes as a soup - it has that warm homemade taste and feeling that can only be added by careful thoughtful human interaction. Their chicken noodle soup (special for Wednesdays) was also delicious and contains lots of chunks of chicken meat.

Their sandwich are extra tasty! I tried their sandwich special of the day: a zesty tuna melt made with spicy cheddar and pickled sweet peppers. I asked them to add a couple slices of salami to really give it a meaty kick. The sandwich was great! It was pressed on a grill giving the bread a super crispy texture and the sandwich itself was piping hot. The cheese was a little spicier than I expected it to be, but it was a welcome surprise. I was also a little wary of the pickled peppers (if you follow my reviews, you may know that I'm not a fan of pickles) but they were delicious and complemented the tuna fish perfectly which, by the way, was not drowning in mayonnaise! Thank you!

Make sure you try one of their eclairs filled with delicious vanilla pastry cream. The shell was also very light, thin, and tender and was topped with a dark chocolate ganache decorated napoleon style with a white icing. I was a little disappointed with the hot chocolate which didn't taste much better than hershey's syrup. However, their ice tea was flavorful and freshly made, and they had simple syrup available for sweetening - perfect for iced tea! I love when bistros and coffee shops do that!

The service was very friendly and accommodating. Unlike most bistros, they bring your food to the table - which was welcome in such a tight space. A woman in blue, who I can only assume is the owner or a manager at the very least, was especially friendly asking me how my sandwich was after I ate it. If I lived in Leesburg I would definitely come by more often.

South Street Under also makes other pastries such as lemon bars and they also make cakes and wedding cakes. Their prices are very fair but expect to pay a bit for a full meal (soup, sandwich, chips, a pastry, and a cafe drink). For two people it was just under $40. However, their soups and sandwiches are very good portions. In fact, I strongly recommend a party of two each getting their own soup and splitting a sandwich and a pastry. You really don't want to pass on those eclairs.

~March 9, 2011

2338 Woodland Crossing Dr.
Herndon, VA 20171
571.299.6887

http://www.kumosushiva.com

Kumo sushi has some of the tastiest sushi I have had in ages. Apparently everyone in the local area agrees. When I went to visit Kumo it was so packed I couldn't take pictures. Don't worry about the crowds though - the waitstaff is friendly, accommodating, quick, and welcoming no matter how busy it is.

During my visit I ordered the negimaki appetizer which is strips of beef cooked to a crisp and wrapped around scallions. These little guys were so delicious I ate 7 of them before my guest ate 1 - oops. Together we order the maki lunch for $9.99 - just pick two different kinds of maki off a list and it comes with miso soup or salad. The miso soup was delicious and full of hot broth. The maki was outstanding. We ordered yellowtail, spicy tuna, and yam maki. The yellowtail was firm and mild in flavor perfect to balance the more flavorful spicy tuna. When I took a bite of their spicy tuna roll my mouth filled with tantalizing flavor. The savory steak-like flavor of the tuna was paired with the most sensual rich spices and sauce that my lips tingled with joy.

Yam maki has always been a personal favorite of mine since I had it in Rhode Island. I first enjoyed sushi in a little shop called Sakura - which was apparently the locals favorite. This unassuming little restaurant was definitely what many people would call "hole-in-the-wall" with it's effortless decorations and creaky floors. But their foods were always tasty, plentiful, and affordable. College students loved Sakura's five course dinners for $15. One of Sakura's specialities was the yam maki which was a deep fried sweet potato french fry wrapped up sushi style with seasonings and sauce. I've had yam maki in other sushi places but none compared to Sakura's. Well Kumo, you've brought me back to college with your yam maki. The sweet potato fry is as crispy as extra crispy chicken fingers at KFC and as flavorful and tender as grandma's sweet potato pie. I came for fish, but the first maki vanished from my plate was the ever nostalgic yam maki.

Kumo sushi is a little pricier than other sushi-ya so if you'd like to try them out and save some money get there in time for the lunch special. If you end up missing the deal, the food here is worth each one of your blood-sweat-and-tears earned pennies. If you've ever tried sushi and didn't like it, visit Kumo and try it again. If you're trying sushi for the first time Kumo will steal even the most uneasy "I don't know about raw fish" heart - and their vegetarian options will still blow your mind. Remember that many items such as California roll and many shellfish options (such as crab or shrimp) are not raw and they also have deep fried/flash fried rolls which are partially cooked - all created to help ease the sushi curious into the cuisine. And if you're a huge sushi lover like me, then you're doing yourself a disservice not to visit Kumo.

The restaurant is tiny so you may have to wait. If there's a line out the door, then hop in line. There's a line for a very good reason.

~February 10, 2011

294 Sunset Park Dr
Herndon, VA 20170

703.964.0500

www.amphorabakery.com

Tucked away in what appears to be an ghostly industrial park is an unassuming monotone store front that blends in with all the other shops. As soon as you open the door you are quickly transported to a new world, so startling you may actually look over your shoulder to make sure you hadn't accidentally stepped into Europe. The room smells of buttercream, coffee, and artisanal skill. Instantly you'll be drawn to their dessert display case full of fruit tarts, chocolate glaze cakes, colorful mousses, and decorations that defy both gravity and convention but still feel nostalgic and classic at the same time. If that isn't enough to make your mouth water, their whimsical cake names (such as the Shangri-La cake) as well as their just-descriptive-enough-to-get-your-interest-piqued names (such as Chocolate Truffle or Chocolate Mystere) should do the trick. If you're looking for classic European cakes, tons of pastries, and dessert at its most elegant then you'll want to come visit Amphora Bakery.

Amphora Bakery is not your typical sit down cafe. Yes, they do have individual desserts (such as napoleons, fruit tarts, eclairs, and fruit turnovers) and they do make cafe drinks. However, if you want a slice of cake you might be a little disappointed. Their cakes are only sold in their whole form - but that just means you'll just have to save some for later! Don't let that deter you from trying out Amphora because their pastries and individual desserts often mimic their cakes' flavors.

Be prepared to pay for quality. Their average 9" cake costs between $23 and $30. If you want to buy a cake be sure to call ahead and see if they have it available otherwise you'll have to special order it. You can also order almost every single style of cake in just about any size you want. Their pastries are a little easier to access, being readily available in their dessert case, and are priced fairly. A set of about 8 different pastries costs about $14.

Amphora Bakery also works with Amphora's restaurant and catering service. They also make wedding cakes. Amphora can be your one stop bakery experience.

~February 9, 2011

Looking for good authentic Filipino cuisine in Manassas? Then you need to stop by Pinoy Market & Cafe! From the grocery store portion, to the authentic cafeteria style set up, to the woman speaking in tagalog over the phone nothing rings truer to the native Filipino experience.

If you've never tried Filipino food there are a few things that seem to be a consistent theme throughout most of the cuisine. Most Filipino cuisine is made with pork - and they use every part (ears, blood, and tripe - so be sure to ask what's in the meat if this concerns you) but they also frequently use beef and chicken as well. You should also expect to see lots of fish - especially fried, but not battered. Many Filipino dishes revolve around one of two flavors: Sour or salty. That's a wide generalization but it is typical. For example: Many Filipino foods are fried (lechon which is fried pork, fried fish, lumpia which are like egg rolls, and langonisa which is sauage) which lends to the saltytastes (and sometimes spicy). The range of sour foods ranges from bistek which is beef sauteed with onions; pork adobo which is cooked in vinegar, garlic, and soy sauce; and sinigang which is a soup made with bok choy, pork or beef, and tamarind. Luckily, the people at the restaurant are very friendly and love to explain and even allow to sample the selections. You can also browse their menu online for a list of most of their foods and a brief description (although apicture of each would be helpful). There is also much more available on the weekends.

Many Filipino cafe's also have a grocery store attached and Pinoy is no exception. They have bottled and can drinks, frozen foods (fish, vegetables, and meats), and non-perishable groceries (tea, crackers, snacks, jarred and boxed ingredients, rice noodles/vermicelli, and more) for sale. Be sure to check inside their freezers for ice cream and their refrigerators for desserts.

I regularly visit this restaurant and some of my favorite entrees include the chicken apritada (which is a tomato stew made with chicken, beef, or pork and carrots, potatoes, and peppers), sinigang, pork ear chop suey, pork adobo, lechon, pancit (noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat), and lumpia (special order minimum of 10 pieces but totally worth it - if you don't finish freeze them at home and warm them up in the oven). Though honestly you can't go wrong with any of their delicious foods - but if you can't decide try a sample, you won't be disappointed.
~January 11, 2011

2972 Gallows Road
Falls Church, VA 22042

703.560.6868

http://www.yelp.com/biz/uncle-lius-hot-pot-falls-church

Recently featured in the Washingtonian as the one of the best places to get dinner for a bargain, Uncle Liu's Hot Pot is as much fun as it is filling. The wait staff is very friendly, cheerful, attentive, and willing to answer any questions you have. This was my first time getting hot pot but it definitely won't be my last.

If you haven't had a hot pot experience it's very much like fondue. Here's how the process goes: When you first arrive the hostess asks if you would like to order from the menu, the buffet, or if you're getting the hot pot. After sitting the waiter asks which kind of broth you'd like spicy (lots of heat but not unbearable) or mild (with is like a chicken broth) or both. I would recommend the spicy broth just because it really has a strong flavor compared to the mild broth and everything comes out much more flavorful. He'll bring the cooking utensils and the burner over and turn it up so the broth begins to boil. Then you choose a la carte which items from the menu you'd like. The menu includes a variety of vegetables and meats as wells as items like noodles, dumplings, and rice cake. I would highly recommend the broccoli, white mushrooms, lamb, noodles, and rice cake. The meats come either frozen or chilled and completely raw while the vegetables come uncooked - the noodles and rice cake come cooked but are still willing to absorb flavor. The fun comes in when you start tossing in your a la carte items to cook. Be careful not to overcook the veggies as they can get soggy, just like that would at home obviously, and try to separate the pieces of meat as you add them in so they don't stick together that way they cook evenly. Generally speaking, we were probably a little more gung ho than most but it was all in good fun. If you watch how other patrons handle the meal they add their portions, let it cook, and fish it out - if you work like we do then everything goes in and it's every man for himself. Any way you slice it, it's delicious, fun, and hearty.

There is also a sauce bar you can visit for $1 per person to make your own sauce to go with your meal. Ingredients at the bar include peanut sauce, sesame sauce, sesame oil, spicy oil, cilantro, garlic, salt, green onions, soy sauce, MSG, Asian BBQ sauce, and oyster sauce - among others. Two of our favorite combinations included Oyster sauce + sesame oil + cilantro + garlic and spicy oil + garlic + green onion. If you chose the mild broth I would definitely recommend a spicy sauce to go on the side.

Uncle Liu's hot pot is great for groups because it emphasizes a family oriented style of eating and incorporates an interactivity that even the most wary of home cooks can appreciate! Whether you're a huge fan of hot pot or never had it before you cannot go wrong with Uncle Liu's Hot Pot!

~August 27, 2010

Mad Hatter, Washington DC
1321 Connecticut Ave NW,
Washington DC 20036
202.833.1495

Metro stop: Dupont Circle

http://www.madhatterdc.com/

If you're looking for a fun time definitely make the trip to DC and try Mad Hatter. It's based on the Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland but in a tasteful way. It's not like Disney world theme park but it has all the kitschy fun you'd expect from a restaurant based on the book.

The restaurant is also a bar, closer to the entrance, but further in the back is the dining room as well as a private dining area. You'll find pictures from Alice in Wonderland as well as thematic pictures, mirrors, and décor. If the private dining room is empty you have to check out the artwork they glued onto the ceiling - they designed the room to be the upside dining room from the story. Complete with 3d fake fruit, plates, teapots, and even light fixtures designed to look like candles - it's definitely an exciting feature not to be missed.

The food ranges in price but is equally tasty all the way around. They have sandwiches and burgers; an array of tapas and appetizers to try; gourmet hotdogs; salads; as well as signature drinks! My friends tried several of the hot dogs, the alice burger, and I tried the pasta aria - we also tried the mad hatter cheese fries and lamb croquettes appetizers.

If you're a fan of Greek or Middle Eastern food the lamb croquettes are not to be missed. Cooked to perfection, the lamb croquettes have that tangy bite to them that is recognizably only found in well-prepared lamb. You get four lamb sliders (basically) but are large enough to split each in two. They are served on top of a grilled piece of bread and on the side they have a feta and tomato spread as well as a delicious lemon-cucumber sauce. The feta was difficult to put on the croquette without it getting everywhere but the sauce was the perfect accompaniment. If you've been to Canada and have had poutine then the mad hatter cheese fries are not to be missed. You'll get a plate of super crispy salted-to-perfection fries with melted almost sauce cheese (cheddar and horseradish cheddar for a fun kick!) and a delicious savory bowl of gravy on the side - the gravy is what makes cheese fries poutine. These fries were almost gone in a flash and are a must on your first visit to the Mad Hatter.

The Alice Burger is a great vegetarian option on the menu. The vegetarian in our group commented that he loved the flavors he was experiencing - the Alice Burger is a homemade vegetable burger, with black beans, aioli, avocado, and sautéed mushrooms. Honestly, if I read the menu more closely I probably would've order this for my entrée! My other friends tried the Wonderland Dog (which is a hotdog topped with mac and cheese) and the Psychedelic Dog (hot dog topped with crushed potato chips, pineapple, and cheese.) The members in our group who had the Wonderland Dog absolutely loved it and commented the serving size was so big you could actually probably eat the mac and cheese with a spoon and then a hot dog (of course that would defeat the purpose of getting the topping!) If you're looking to try something unique the psychedelic dog is a good place to start. The saltiness from the chips and the cheese perfectly complements the hot dog and the sweet pineapple was an interesting surprise - it took a moment to adjust to it but once you got used to it was definitely fun. I tried the Pasta Aria - another vegetarian option on the menu. This entrée was big enough to feed two - if not three people especially after the appetizers. The pasta is a thin linguini accompanied with expertly roasted garlic, tangy sundried tomato, and hints of lemon and parmesan cheese. Hiding in the noodles are garlic butter soaked croutons - a super tasty surprise. Now with that said, this was definitely a butter heavy entrée so be prepared for an extra filling meal but this tastiness is definitely recommended if you aren't watching your waistline!

Luckily for us our friend was celebrating his birthday so the waiter brought him a huge slice of blackberry cake. It had a light airy vanilla crumb with pieces of fresh blackberries scattered throughout and iced with a creamy berry frosting. It was a delicious end to our meal at the Mad Hatter.

If you're in DC and looking for a fun, different, and filling meal then stop by the Mad Hatter - who knows you might get the same waiter wearing the giant oversized mad hatter top we did!

9451 Lorton Market Street
Lorton VA, 22079

703.372.1538

www.zpizza.com

I didn't know what to expect when I went to Zpizza for the first time. I've heard plenty of mixed reviews, most saying that Zpizza isn't worth it, so I was hesitant to even bother going. However, Zpizza continued to grow contrary to popular opinion. Craving a flatbread I decided to just give Zpizza a try - and what a pleasant surprise! Zpizza is healthy, light, and just plain tasty! I'm glad I gave it a go.

The Lorton location is full of helpful positive employees who were willing to put up with my indecisive nature. There's plenty of choices to pick from and almost all of them superior or unknown to the average Pizza Hut. On top of that it was Tuesday - and every Tuesday it's get one large pizza get one free! My first pizza I got a whole wheat crust with a basil pesto sauce and topped it with cremini mushrooms, chicken sausage, mozzarella cheese, roma tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. The second was a regular crust with a roasted garlic spread topped with roasted peppers (the spicy kind!) and lime chicken. They also have pre-designed pizza options incase you don't really feel like customizing from the ground up, and if you're only in the mood for a slice they sell premade pizza by the slice too (though I seriously doubt you can have just one slice).

Every bite was like a warm wonderful expedition to flavor. Personally, I think the sauces at Zpizza really make the pizzas as tasty as they are. In no time, my friend and I had scarfed down one pizza, or four slices from each pizza, and were happily satiated. No greasy guilt, no lumbering sleepiness, no salty aftertaste - just good ol' fashioned good-for-you flatbread.

My only issue is that for a 15-minute pizza place the price was a little expensive. The basil pizza was $22.00 after all was said and done (about $2.00 a topping) which can be especially pricey for a large group or those extra hungry individuals (the flatbread is lighter, so you can consume more effortlessly). But it was free pizza Tuesday so if you break it down it was really only $11.00 per pizza and I am always willing to pay a premium for quality. I'd pay $22 at Zpizza any day over $15 at Pizza Hut for Zpizza's delicious alternative - and I think you will too once you try it. Other issues that may affect you are the small seating area and the lack of delivery.

So if you haven't tried Zpizza because of the naysayers then I say naysay to them. Maybe they were just unlucky that day or maybe the pizza they got they didn't really care for - Now I'm telling you this is worth trying. They won me over.

Zpizza is expanding all the time and, at the time of this post, have 12 locations in Virginia including several locations in Alexandria, Manassas/Woodbridge, Falls Church, Arlington, Haymarket, Herndon, Springfield, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, and (coming soon) Fairfax.

7535 Somerset Crossing
Gainesville, VA 20155

703.753.9902

www.anothairestaurant.com

If you've ever wanted to try Thai Anothai is a great place to start. Its décor is clean, simple, and straight-forward. There isn't a gimmicky giant Buddha statue or a koi pond stuffed in the corner. The wait staff is helpful and pleasant and ever attentive.

If you're looking for a tasty way to start your meal try the curry puffs. They are extremely spicy, even for someone like me who loves spicy food, so if you're looking for a mild appetizer try the satay. The curry puffs are very similar to the Indian samosa and are filled with potato. The pastry is light, airy, tender, with a slight crisp resistance. You have to try it with the sauce since the sauce is just as delicious. It's a sweet and sour sauce punched up with savory red onion and minced cucumber.

If you're looking for a Thai drink try the Thai Iced Tea. Typically, it's a black tea flavored with tamarind and star anise and served with either sweetened condensed milk or cream. Stir it all up for a sweet treat unique to the American palate. For the drinkers, try the Anothai Iced Tea which is a Long Island done Thai Iced Tea style.

For the entrée I will always recommend Karim's duck. Tender, juicy, slices of extra crispy, slightly salty duck are accompanied with slices of pepper, onions, and crisp basil. Served over rice and drizzled with slightly sour soy sauce this entrée is always a favorite. My only complaint: I wish there were more vegetables so I wouldn't feel so guilty about indulging in so much duck.

If you're not a fan of duck try the Thai BBQ chicken. It's a mild and savory meal that has evidence of being cooked over a real grill. The meat is so tender it falls off the bone and right into a tangy, sweet and sour sauce. If you're a huge fan of BBQ chicken try this Thai spin.

For dessert, I highly recommend the coconut rice cake with fresh mango. The rice cake is a warm chewy delight with a toasted coconut flavor. It's topped with toasted sesame seeds for a savory kick while it swims in a sweet coconut milk sauce. Did I mention it was served in the shape of a turtle? Don't forget to eat up all the slices of fresh mango!

Overall, Anothai is a pleasant journey through Thailand.

Click the above picture for more pictures of Anothai!

9329 Main Street
Manassas, VA 20110

If you love tapas like I do, then you already know that finding a good tapas place in Northern Virginia is impossible unless you go in closer to DC. Not anymore. La Capilla is in the heart of Old Town Manassas and is a tasty authentic celebration of tapas. For those of you who don't already know tapas are like several small appetizer like dishes that are meant for sharing. If you don't have a large party to split the tab with (ordering many tapas can be a bit expensive) then order one or two tapas and then your entrées. Some of the tapas I recommend are the empanadas (always an excellent choice) and the pollo al Ajillo. The pollo is chicken breast chunks cooked in white wine with lots of garlic. The chicken itself was a little tough but the strong flavor of garlic, which I can never get enough of, still makes it worth while. One of my favorite tapas is the championes al Ajillo - perfectly sautéed tender mushrooms cooked with garlic and olive oil. If you're not as crazy over garlic as I am there are plenty of tapas to try.

Before you first course arrives the wait staff bring to your table a basket of salty chips with a refreshing salsa verde. Their chips are something special as they are house made and are extra crispy. If you saw my post for La Sandia then you know that I'm a big fan of Mole and La Capilla has an entrée called Pollo En Mole Poblano which, according to their menu, is chicken breast with mole poblano sauce which is a rich sauce made with chocolate, chile, and spices. The dish itself also includes Mexican rice and sautéed vegetables. The tender chicken was accompanied with the rich, dark, heavy, slightly smoky sauce. The Mexican rice was very tasty as well and complemented the dish well by lightening it. The creamy vegetables, while cooked well, didn't exactly complement the dish. It would be nice to see a little more creativity put forth in that arena. If mole isn't your thing try the Carne al Mexicano which features tender and slightly chewy slices of skirt steak topped with a spicy tomato based salsa with slices of fresh jalapenos.

To see more pictures, click the picture above!

http://www.mimiscafe.com

5005 Wellington Road Gainesville, VA

I first tried this Creole chain restaurant in Arizona, so when they opened a location in Gainesville I knew I had to give it a second try. Their menu is hearty and filling comfort food at its best but they also have a Just Enough dinner section for those trying to eat less, or eat better. Each dinner comes with a bread basket containing a wide variety of breads including carrot bread. If you're looking for soul warming soup try their French Onion soup (remember it's healthier if you ask them to hold the cheese and croutons!) which is delectable to the last drop. For dinner try the Baby Back Ribs which are tender and well-seasoned so that even the pickiest eater will enjoy or try the Honey Dijon Salmon which is a tangy and delicious option on their Just Enough dinner section. Check frequently for specials - recently they had a Just Enough special which came with a soup or salad, Just Enough dinner, and a Petit Treat (try the brownie or the raspberry mousse!) Nothing says comfort food like Mimi's Café!

8085 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109
703.393.2249

www.panerabread.com

Panera has always been a great place to get a hearty lunch or light dinner for me - and apparently, I'm not the only one since this restaurant has been springing up all over Northern Virginia with locations in Manassas, Woodbridge, Gainesville, Fairfax, and even inside Tyson's Corner.

One thing that makes Panera so successful is its fresh bread availability. All the breads are baked onsite and include crisp and chewy baguettes, hearty three cheese bread, and flavorful focaccia. The best part about having bread baked onsite? Being able to include it on the sandwhiches. I've never been a huge fan of bagels, but Panera's bagels are a real hit with the customers. Even I found a variety I enjoy: the asiago cheese with sun-dried tomato cream cheese. Other popular varieties include cinnamon crunch and French toast.

The reason Panera is such a great lunch place is the typically wide expanse dining room, so you're not eating on top of each other like at some fast food places, and the cozy atmosphere which makes you feel like you're eating at somebody's house, as opposed to the sometimes sterile to a fault fast food restaurants. Panera attracts the working crowd and college students with its free Wi-fi and large seating area and quick but high quality food and service.

I always recommend getting their U-pick two option will allows you to pick two option from half a salad, half a sandwhich, or a cup of soup; and is served with a side (include a slice of baguette, apple, or chips). Always a hit for me is their French Onion soup, but check their menu on different days as their soup rotation is different daily. For sandwiches try the chipotle chicken or asiago roast beef which both bring a lot of flavor to the table. If you're looking for a salad make it a point to try their seasonal options. My favorite is the summer Fandango salad (I always add chicken and wonton crunchies) which is a standard salad finished with mandarin orange wedges and raspberry vinegarette. As for now, try their brand new salmon salads which could prove to be another big hit.

That's another reason Panera is so successful. While most places are stagnant or only rotate one or two options, on a yearly basis I might add, Panera is always bringing in new items and seasonal items and seasonal favorites. You could have a great meal one week at Panera and two weeks later the menu could be drastically different giving you new items to try. If you're lucky you might get to try some of their ever present test market products like their once popular flatbreads. Though they are no longer available make sure to keep your eyes peeled for test products like these as I've always found them to be tasty - and miss them dearly when they're gone!

It's hard to imagine anyone not trying Panera but if you're one of them make sure to give Panera a try at lunch. I promise you won't be disappointed.

13658 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Woodbridge, VA 22191
703.490.8059

I've been going to Jangko on an intermittent basis for at least 4 years now and every time I go there's always a new surprise - either in the restaurant itself or looking it up online. One of these surprises includes the Korean side of Jangko, that's all the buzz online, that I've never experienced - but next time I will for sure, because the sushi and Japanese aspect is always a pleaser. Service here is always friendly and the decorations, while shoddy and loosely connected, do create an Pan-Asian atmosphere (though I never understood the strip of under sea wall paper that lines the room). Personally, I like eclectic - it just means more personality (think: lived-in). If you're a fan of sweet tea then try the Asian counterpart - Thai Iced Tea, which is available at most Asian restaurants. However, if you ask for sweet tea at Jangko this is what you'll get. Typically Thai Iced Tea is pre-sweetened and served with either sweetened condensed milk or heavy cream, which gives the drink a heavier body, but Jangko skips the cream so it's just pure refreshment. Start your dinner with miso soup, as I always do a Japanese restaurants. Here the miso is much lighter in flavor than in other places, so bring your friends with a pickier palate to ease them into something new. One nice aspect of their miso is the thicker chunks of tofu which helps give the soup for character and texture. For an appetizer try the tempura, which is essentially fried vegetables, including avocado, broccoli, and onion, and shrimp. Jangko's tempura is a much thicker batter recipe than typical tempura so it's extra crunchy. For sushi try the spicy tuna, smoked salmon, and crunchy spicy California roll. Where most sushi bars will hide the spicy sauce for the spicy tuna inside the roll, Jangko generously tops the rolls as a whole. The smoked salmon is a Scandinavian twist on sushi, and if you've ever had smoked salmon this is sure to please, though it would've been nice if there was a piece of cucumber or Neufchatel typically present in smoked salmon rolls, maybe I should've scanned the menu for a Philadelphia roll. If you know anything about California rolls then you know that these super popular rolls in America are just that, American. But if you really want to see an American-Japanese fusion then order the crunchy spicy California roll. This roll has every texture and flavor covered: creamy avocado, meaty crab/shrimp, cool cucumber, rich and salty rice/seaweed, spicy creamy sauce, and crunchy tempura pieces around the exterior. Remember how I mentioned surprises? Well the ending was a surprise as the friendly waitress brought over a plate of dessert for each guest at our table: a perfectly portion slice of tiramisu at no charge. While not the most Japanese dessert, it was a tasty treat, and who could say no to a surprise like that?

Jangko is one of those diamond in the rough restaurants hiding in a has-been strip mall, but it's definitely worth visiting - especially if you're already in the area. If you can try to work Jangko into your regular eat-out routine because online rumors say that they truly reward their loyal customers.

http://www.salsaritas.com/

Center at Innovation
9979 Sowder Village Square
Manassas, VA 20109
703.330.7482

The service style is similar to Chipotle or Qdoba where the customer's order (tacos, burritos, nachos, and Mexican pizzas) are made-to-order and assembled right in front of you. They have several combos to choose from but if you're eating with only one other person just get one combo - the chips from one combo is typically enough to feed two people easily. What sets Salsarita's apart from the national chains? One thing for certain is the friendly to a fault staff. However, I've found their margarita bar to be a real draw. Salsarita's calls this amenity their quick cantina. If you're looking for an inexpensive margarita to go with your tacos then Salsarita's is your one stop taco shop. Shell out a few extra dollars to upgrade to the Patron tequila which they always keep on hand. Keep in mind that not all locations have the quick cantina - but the one at the above address is ready to serve! Salsarita's also has a location in Fredericksburg.

http://www.phogourmet.com

Sudley Manor Shopping Center
7829 Sudley Road
Manassas, Virginia 20109
703.530.9693

This popular restaurant is hiding in the unlikely area of Manassas and is nearest neighbors are a Big K and a BB&T - don't let that discourage you, this real diamond in the rough is worth the trek. The service is always friendly and they're very quick to bring out your meal. If you want to drink something that embodies the Asian pop culture experience try a bubble tea (also called Boba) drink which can be served on ice or blended. The real treat are the large tapioca pearls buried in the refreshment. Try the black milk tea variety for a flavor that compliments your meal or get one of the sweeter fruity flavors for an after dinner treat.

Try the every man's appetizer: the spring rolls - which come out piping hot. If you're looking for something different try the summer rolls which are served chilled. They are wrapped in very thin soft rice paper and chock full of vegetables as well as shrimp and chicken. If you're a buffalo wing fan try Pho Gourmet's chicken wings. They're not breaded but still fried to a crisp perfection - and if you're looking for a spicy kick try the red condiment on the tray at the table called sriracha. This super spicy hot sauce is made from sun ripened chiles and garlic - and yes it's that red without added coloring!

If you're looking to try something that is common in Vietnamese cuisine try one of the Rice Vermicelli Noodle bowl entrees (commonly referred to in Vietnamese as bun). Each bowl is filled with rice vermicelli noodles and topped with your choice of meat and includes fresh veggies like carrots and bean sprouts and a sprinkling of peanuts and served with fish sauce on the side (try the sauce you might like it!). Each bowl is a wide variety of flavors, textures, and temperatures pleasing any craving you may have. But if you want something that says, "I tried Vietnamese food and loved it!" then you have to try the restaurant's namesake: Pho. Pho is a Vietnamese hot pot (think hot broth fondue) served with rice vermicelli noodles, your choice of meats (typically beef varieties), and veggies like onions. On the side is a little garnish plate you can use to customize your pho which includes Thai basil (for those who like extra flavor), sliced jalapenos (for those who like it extra spicy, and Pho Gourmet always uses the spiciest jalapenos), bean sprouts (for those who like a fresh crunch to contrast the soup's softer textures), and a lime wedge (to add a sweet and sour note). Me? I just add it all in - the more flavor the better! If you're looking for a new cuisine to try, or looking for an authentic Vietnamese restaurant, then Pho Gourmet is perfect for you!

http://www.clairesrestaurant.com

65 South Third Street Warrenton, VA 20186

Claire's welcomes all guests without the stuffiness of a dress code but the dining and décor are reminiscent of formal dining. Have a seat at one of their tablecloth lined tables near the fireplace and enjoy one of the several delicious appetizers. My top recommendations? Try the Chipotle Lime Smoked Salmon Nachos for a delicious south of the border take on a Norwegian treat or dive into the Yellowfin Ahi Tuna Wontons if you're a sushi fan. The options on the menu are excellent but be sure to listen carefully to Claire's specials of the day for an extra special treat. We tried the Shellfish bowl, which included an array of scallops, mussels, shrimp, and clams with potato gnocchi in a light white cream sauce; and the Pork tenderloin cooked to a tender perfection with a rich elegant take on barbeque sauce culminating in sweet notes which was served with broccolini and mashed potatoes.

http://www.buffalowildwings.com

5143 Wellington Road Gainesville, VA 20155

If you're trying to eat more veggies then look elsewhere, but if you're looking for hot and spicy buffalo wings then you're missing out if you don't try Buffalo Wild Wings. This sports bar features 14 sauces to coat your wings in. I strongly recommend the Asian Zing which, according to their meter that rates heat, lands right in the middle of spiciness. For a true buffalo wing experience try the hot or wild sauces which give a real kick to the typical buffalo wing flavor. For the truly adventurous try the Mango Habanero which is sweet and spicy all at once. Love the sauce? You can buy a bottle at any Buffalo Wild Wings location to take home. If you still have room, splurge and get the Chocolate Fudge Cake - though you might want to split it. This dense cake is almost brownie-like and will satisfy even the most ravenous chocolate craving. BWW is building new locations all the time and currently has restaurants in Dulles, Culpeper, and Fredericksburg.

http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/CoastalFairfax

Fairfax Corner
11901 Grand Commons Avenue
Fairfax, VA 22030

Coastal Flats, which is part of the Great American restaurant chain, has been an extremely popular restaurant in Fairfax. Though the Great American restaurants typically serve similar dishes with tweaks here and there, Coastal Flats stands out with their Crispy Sweet & Spicy Calamari which features not only perfectly crisp Calamari and green beans but a sweet and spicy glaze that's mouthwatering all on its own. My absolute favorite dish? Try the Short Smoked Salmon Filet - rare. This one of the few restaurants that will actually cook my fish the way I like it. A sushi fanatic like me loves a good salmon cooked well on the outside but still cool and creamy right in the middle. The tangy mustard sauce is the perfect complement to the fish. With its overtly nautical theme and another location at Tyson's Corner there's no reason you shouldn't be heading there for dinner tonight!

9114 Center Street
Manassas, VA 20110
703.361.2500

I think I know what Thai Secret's secret is: heat. If you love spicy Asian food Thai Secret is perfect for you. That's not to say they don't cater to the mild palate, but just know that when I was given the choice between mild, medium, and hot and chose hot the waitress eyed me and said, "I'll give you medium and I'll give you condiments to make it hotter if you want." The condiments went untouched.

For a mild but tasty appetizer try the Chicken Satay. This includes a piece of chicken on a skewer (chicken lollipop anyone?) that's lightly pan fried so that it has a subtle meaty flavor with a slightly crisp texture. It's served with a thick peanut sauce/paste on the side to slather on your chicken and complimented by a cucumber salad to lighten the heaviness of the peanut paste. If you're coming in out of the cold try their Chicken Galanga Soup which comes out of the kitchen piping hot. The broth is a sweet and sour soup (a little more sour than sweet though) with a spicy note and flavored with coconut milk - all the flavors are present! Sitting at the bottom waiting to be discovered are pieces of chicken and mushrooms as well as chunks of ginger. My only warning is that those pieces of ginger, though edible, are probably a little overwhelming for most. For an entrée try either the Crispy Duck or Puket Paradise, both served with a shared bowl of rice. The first is a dish with thin, tender, slices of duck that has been blackened to a crisp perfection swimming with a variety of peppers. I was impressed at the lack of grease which you tend to get with duck entrees. The second is a scallop dish. The scallops are extremely crispy on the outside, something you don't often see with scallops, but are still tender and flavorful in the middle. They are also served with a variety of peppers. While the food was excellent and the hostess/waitress was pleasant I find the serving size a bit small for the price.
-February 4, 2010

http://www.marksduckhouse.com

6184-A Arlington Blvd. Willston Center I Falls Church, VA 22044

Mark's Duck House has been featured in several newspapers and magazines including the Washingtonian. Traditionally Dim Sum is served around brunch, but Mark's Duck House serves it all day long. Make sure you try their pork buns, fried dumplings, and their Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce dressing. Finish off with some of the baked egg custard tarts for a sweet, delicate, and tasty treat. Make sure you bring plenty of friends to split the dishes with, and even if you don't you won't have to worry about breaking the bank. You and two friends can eat until you're full for about $10 - $15 a piece.
-February 1, 2009

http://www.afghanfamouskabob.com/

14702 Lee Hwy (Gainesville Square) Gainesville, VA 20155

Quietly sitting off of route 29 is Afghan Famous Kabob. When you first walk in the mild mannered room may seem a little understated but their food is phenomenal. Start off with the sambosay - a lightly fried crispy pastry filled with vegetables like spinach and potato. Make sure to dip it in the accompanying light green yogurt sauce which contains a myriad of flavors like cilantro and cucumber. For your entrée try the chicken thigh kabob, deliciously seasoned chicken thighs grilled to a tender perfection, or the Qaubili Palau which is a heaping potion of rice featuring carrots and raisins hiding tender portions of lamb. If you're tired of eating the same kind of food everyday you must try Afghan Famous Kabob.
-January 29, 2010

http://www.modernmexican.com/lasandiavirginia/index.htm

Tyson's Corner Mall

Must-have appetizers include the huitlacoche-mushroom quesadilla and the beef & chorizo empanadas - both will have you eagerly anticipating your entrée. For dinner try the enchiladas divorciadas, a delicious and hearty take a chicken enchilada, or the mole enchiladas, rich in flavor from the mole with a mild spiciness. Mole (pronounced moh-lay) is a thick sauce made from spices, peppers, and believe it or not - chocolate. La Sandia also offers great margaritas and mojitos. They use the freshest ingredients so keep seasonality in mind when ordering.
-January 26, 2010

http://www.okras.com

9110 Center Street Manassas, VA 20110

Every guest gets a string of Mardi Gras beads to help contribute to the lively colorful décor. To drink I recommend a Golden Margarita, which is sweeter than a typical margarita, or a Cajun Mary, which is a peppery cousin to the Bloody Mary. For an appetizer try the fried okra which is a creamy piece of okra encased in golden brown breading and served with a mildly spicy and creamy Dixie Sauce. Make sure you try a cup a of Okra's famous gumbo which is chock full of hearty broth, fluffy rice, flavorful vegetables, and spicy andouille. If you're looking for comfort food try the Red Beans and Rice entrée, which comes with a full sized grilled andouille sausage, or if you're in the mood for fried food try the Shimp Po' Boys complete with waffle fries.
-January 23, 2010

http://www.gomatsu.com/index.cfm

5635 Stone Rd Centreville, VA 20120

If you're looking for great sushi in a quiet area of Northern Virginia then look no further. Featured in the Washingtonian, Matsu is huge on hospitality despite its small size. Every dinner starts off with free edamame and warm dumplings! Must-have appetizers include miso soup, gyoza, and shumai - the latter are both dumplings. The gyoza are fried while shumai are steamed, both delicious. For those not into sushi Matsu also offers a wide array of dinners including tempura (lightly fried vegetables, chicken, and fish) and the ever large serving of yakisoba (stir-fried noodles with your choice of meat). For the sushi fan try the spicy tuna rolls or their house special the geisha roll. For a sweet ending try the mochi ice cream - your creamy treat is wrapped in a dense and chewy rice cake.
-January 20, 2010

http://www.eltiogrill.com

7527 Linton Hall Rd Gainesville, VA 20155

El Tio is a great place to find a hearty and festive Tex-Mex dinner. The atmosphere is lively and friendly and the menu has something for everyone. Your dinner starts with a basket of crisp tortilla chips and freshly made salsa. The enchiladas are great but if you're looking for something really tasty you have to try one of the chicken chimichangas. If you're planning on bringing a large party be sure to call ahead - you're not the only one. It seems every time visit there's a celebration or a birthday party, which only adds to the lively atmosphere.
-January 17, 2010

http://ariana-afghan.com/

4182 Dale Boulevard Dale City, VA 22193

703.897.1190

Who knew there would be such a hidden gem in Woodbridge? Ariana is Afghani dining done right. When you walk in you're welcomed by an elegant foyer with fresh flowers and dramatic draping curtains. The dining room is wide enough to accommodate large banquets and weddings - in fact there is a throne for each of the newly weds! The food is just as amazing. Every meal is served with a house salad of tender greens and perfectly ripe tomatoes with a minty creamy dressing. For our appetizer we sampled the Bolanee, a clay oven baked pastry with potato and leek filling paired with yogurt chutney sauce on the side. The Bolanee was soft and tender with crisp edges and a warm creamy potato filling with a slightly spicy kick. The pairing sauce was tangy and cooling all at once. One entrée we tried was the shami. It was a long piece of tender meat with a rich hearty flavor served on top of a crispy, sturdy Nan. Meat lovers have found paradise. For those looking for less meat try the Palau. When it is brought to your table all you can see is fragrant saffron rice but below the rice is a real treasure. Extremely tender, fall off the bone, melt-in-your-mouth, cooked to perfection lamb morsels lie in wait. Each bite was truly an experience. A rich and flavorful meat sauce is served on the side made with chick peas, which helps hydrate the rice and vary the flavors in the dish. To cleanse your palate with an after dinner treat try the Firnee. Firnee is a fluffy but creamy handmade pudding thickened with cornstarch with pieces of pistachios sprinkled throughout. At first glance the appearance of clumpy pudding may be off putting but one bite of this sweet floral dessert and you'll be amazed. The floral flavor is at first overwhelming but before I knew it I was gobbling down the last bite. Ariana is an experience from start to finish for both the eyes and the palate.
-January 14, 2010

Jason Shriner is a 2008 alumni of Johnson & Wales of Rhode Island with an AS in Baking & Pastry Arts and a BS in Entrepreneurship. He has a wide range of experiences working in kitchens and bakeshops including a small business bakery, corporate bakery, grocery store bake shop, resort bake shop, and worked as a pantry chef in a trendy restaurant. Jason currently works as an admin and marketing agent for McGlothlin Properties but hasn't lost touch with his food roots. Always looking for a new restaurant to try, big and corporate or that small hole-in-the-wall treasure, he puts his finds here and on http://www.dcnova.com for you. If you have a restaurant you'd recommend to him or to the lens viewers leave a comment!