Friday File: NoVA’s Much-Deserved Attention; Three Week Summary; Dining Anticipation; Eating Cheaply

Posted by Stefanie Gans / Friday, December 30th, 2011

Some news, eats, ideas, questions, rants, you know, it’s Friday.

NoVA’s Much-Deserved Attention
The lists pour in this time of year and our region’s getting a few nods: Washingtonian names 21 Northern Virginia restaurants in its 100 Very Best Restaurants cover story and Going Out Gurus‘ reader-submitted hit list pegged 25 NoVA dishes out of 40 DMV most essential eats.

Three Week Summary
Hey there. So I’ve been at the mag for three weeks now. It’s a pretty rad gig (although I’m sad to say goodbye — Part 1, Part 2 — to my blog, Endless Simmer).

Thus far, I’ve enjoyed the quaint main-drag of Leesburg, especially the checkerboard tables at Shoes, Cork and Cup; the gorgeous rava masala dosa — and the almost-charming surly service — at Amma Vegetarian Kitchen (pictured); the Santa sighting at Skorpios; the shortribs dog at Lyon Hall; and the seared beef carpaccio at Tallula.

But it hasn’t been all hits: I will ignore the bland mussels at The Grille at Morrison House; I should have taken the bartender’s advice and skipped EatBar‘s chicken and waffles; I should have taken my co-worker’s advice and not have been so excited to try The Wine Kitchen‘s barely-bacony version of chicken and waffles; and I should not have trusted ravioli that needs to rely on a blanket of melted provolone and two sauces, at San Vito Italian Restaurant.

Dining Anticipation
I’m really pumped to dine around Northern Virginia. That’s all.

Eating Cheaply
Help a new girl out. Any cheap eats recommendations? (But no cheap chicken, please.)

Get In Touch
While I’ve lived in Washington, DC for over 10 years, I’m still figuring things out this side of the river. Dining suggestions are welcome. Email me at fooddesk@northernvirginiamag.com.

Happy New Year Dudes.

Photo by Stefanie Gans

Tags: Amma Vegetarian Kitchen, bargain dining, cheap chicken, cheap eats, chicken, EatBar, Endless Simmer, food, Gut Check, Lyon Hall, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, San Vito Italian Restaurant, Shoes Cork and Cup, Skorpios Maggio's, Stefanie Gans, Tallula, The Grille at Morrison House, The Wine Kitchen