Roast n Toast
14674 Lee Hwy.
Gainesville, VA 20155
Monday — Closed
Tuesday —  Thursday 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Friday — Saturday 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
(571) 421-1166
https://roast-n-toast.com/

Fusion | $

Roast & Toast has set up shop in the Gainesville Square retail complex at 14674 Lee Hwy — right next door to the beloved Gainesville Diner. Owner George Nino says they’re bringing something Northern Virginia hasn’t quite seen before: a coffeehouse and bakery built on an unexpected marriage of Italian and Lebanese cooking.

Plenty of comfortable seating.

The kitchen includes Chef Amina Tabza, who brings a Moroccan culinary heritage into the mix — one more thread woven into an already unconventional flavor profile. Getting the menu right hasn’t been effortless. Chef Amina uses regional ingredients sourced Europe and the Middle East. Sourcing solid butter turned out to be one of the earliest headaches for the team, and figuring out reliable suppliers delayed things more than once. The butter from the Normandy Region of France has a higher fat count and price tag, costing 3 times what you pay for a pound of butter at the grocery store. For their dough, they settled on Caputo flour, prized for being exceptionally clean and consistent — a small detail, but one that matters a lot when you’re baking hundreds of crusts a week.

The centerpiece of that idea is something Nino has named Nova Crust — a Neapolitan-style pizza with a twist. There’s no marinara sauce here. The flavor comes entirely from the freshness of what’s piled on top: burrata, Italian salami, prosciutto. Each individual pizza is fired the moment it’s ordered. It bakes for roughly 80 seconds in an 800-degree oven, but the crust itself borrows from manoushe, the traditional Lebanese flatbread, rather than sticking to a purely Neapolitan base. The dough goes through a two-day fermentation process, with the yeast grown slowly to build flavor before it ever sees the oven. The team is proud that it’s not trying to be traditional anything — it’s a Northern Virginia original, and the name is a nod to exactly that.

There is something for everyone with more than 15 Flatbreads or Pitas to chose. This Armenian Fire Pizza was topped with egg, Armenian Sausage, and cheese making it great for breakfast. It was delicious and I didn’t miss the traditional marinara sauce at all.

Roast & Toast sources green coffee beans from an American supplier that imports from South America, then roasts locally in Culpeper — Nino and the team actually book time  in Culpeper to roast their own batch by hand. Right now the lineup leans toward medium roasts from Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia, with decaf blends in development that mix beans from multiple regions to chase down real flavor instead of the usual decaf flatter tasting compromise.

They’re also playing with mushroom coffee, built around turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper — the pepper, they say, is what makes the blend work, both for taste and for the liver-detox benefits mushroom coffee fans chase. Looking further out, there’s talk of infused coffees built around unconventional flavors, including a date coffee concept.

A wide selection of cold drinks to chose from.  Smoothies are made with 100% fruits and vegetables — no additives — using IQF (individually quick-frozen) produce instead of ice, with coconut water standing in for plain water. It keeps the sugar content down without sacrificing flavor, and it’s a good sign of a kitchen thinking about health as much as taste.

Don’t skip dessert, the bakery case leans into croissants and cinnamon rolls, with plans for a rotating lineup of croissant styles — chocolate, classic butter, and beyond — baked in-house.

Roast & Toast is open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays), with hours running into the evening Tuesday through Saturday and a shorter Sunday morning schedule. Check their Facebook page to confirm when they are open. Hours will likely change in the fall as they settle into the business.

Long-time customers of Gainesville Diner know that George and his wife Judith pride themselves on quality food and excellent service. Most of the staff at Gainesville Dinner have been there for years, which says something in an industry with such a high turnover rate. Between the scratch-made Nova Crust pizzas, the hand-roasted beans, mushroom coffee, and a kitchen that’s willing to spend real money on European ingredients rather than cut corners, it is worth a visit.

Dave’s BBQ
1009 Laskin Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-434-6093
https://davesbbqvb.com/

BBQ | $

Located near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Dave’s BBQ is the best we have found in the area and rivals our own Northern Virginia local favorite, Hammerdown BBQ.

There is plenty of seating inside and out.

There is a wide selection.

The day we visited they had a Brisket Jalapeño Eggroll that was off-the-charts good. Not something I have seen before, but something I hope they have on our next trip.

I got the melt-in-your-mouth Brisket, Sweet Smoked Sausage, with Mac & Cheese. The brisket and sausage were smoked to perfection. There’s a particular kind of silence that falls over a table when brisket is done right — the kind where conversation just… stops, mid-sentence, because someone’s fork has found the promised land. This isn’t “cut it with a fork” brisket. This is “look at it wrong and it falls apart” brisket. The bark on the outside is doing all the hard work — a deep mahogany bark signals it’s been twelve-plus hours on the cook. The fat renders into something silky rather than greasy, coating every bite in that low-and-slow richness that no amount of quick-cooking can fake. This is brisket that didn’t rush anything, and it shows.

In comes the sausage, with a sweetness that catches you off guard in the best way. It’s got that satisfying snap when you bite through the casing, followed by a juicy, caramelized interior that tastes like it stopped by a candy shop on its way to the smoker.

Everyone got Brisket. Some also got Pulled Pork while others varied their sides. It was all good, especially the smoked baked beans. A lot of places smoke meat, but the places that pay attention to the quality of their sides, is where you want to go. Dave’s is one of those places.

Plenty of condiments to choose from.

Home-made Brownies and Cookies are available if you have room.

Passing through or here for the week? Either way, Dave’s BBQ is non-negotiable. Yes, it might look slammed when you pull up — but don’t panic and don’t turn around. That “line” is a lot of locals grabbing carryout like their job depends on it. Walk in anyway. There’s likely a seat for you. Worst case is you eat in the car or standing up, its worth it.

Heirloom
2484 N Landing Rd #113,
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-689-3339
http://www.heirloomvb.com/

Regional American | $$

Tucked into a shopping center just off North Landing Road, not far from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Heirloom doesn’t look like it’s trying too hard with it’s laid back charm. Step inside, though, and it’s clear this is one of the most thoughtful dining experiences in Virginia Beach.

This is posted in the waiting area so you can see where your food comes from. I was already familiar with Wanchese Co. During a trip to Duck, North Carolina, last fall, I bought swordfish steaks from them for a birthday party. They had been caught that very morning and were outstanding on the grill. Wanchese Co. offers some truly exceptional fresh seafood.

That connection to family and farm shows up on the plate. Executive Chef Brent Cowan builds the menu around ingredients sourced as locally as possible, working directly with small growers in the region. It’s the kind of relationship-driven sourcing that’s increasingly rare — the kind where the chef knows the farmer’s name, the farm’s history, and exactly which fields the vegetables came from.

First to appear was an amuse-bouche of compressed watermelon.

She Crab Soup

This silky smooth She Crab Soup had plenty of Jumbo Lump Blue Crab with a touch a Sherry and Old Bay is one of the best I have had. Certainly the best in VAB,

The Heirloom Cheeseburger

Our friends each went with a cheeseburger. It looked amazing and they were very happy with it. The patty looked sizable and it came with Pimento Cheese, Crispy Onions, Black Garlic Aioli, Bread & Butter Pickles, and Lettuce, on a Sesame Potato Bun and White Truffle Fries that had a shape I had not seen before.

Seared Diver Scallops

My wife decided on the Scallops with a Maque Choux, “mock-shoe” (a traditional Louisiana side dish of Sweet Corn sautéed with the Cajun “holy trinity” of Onion, Bell Peppers, and Celery, usually cooked in Bacon Grease or Butter and finished with a splash of Chicken Stock), Butter Beans, Sofrito Relish, and Smoked Pork Belly. The Scallops were cooked perfectly. The Maque Choux and Sofrito Relish paired wonderfully with the smoky pork belly.

Southern Friend Chicken

I was intrigued by the Southern Friend Chicken with Pimento Mac n’ Cheese with Seasonal Vegetables and Black Pepper Infused Honey. The chicken had a nice crisp sweet crunch to it and was super moist. If I were picking a cheese for my Mac n’ Cheese I am not sure Pimento would have made the list. But, the mild pimento worked. I will definitely order this again on our next visit.

Our friends chose the classic Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée.

S’mores Tart

Once I saw this S’mores Tart with Graham Cracker, Marshmallow, and Heath I had to have it. This is why we eat. A dessert you don’t see anywhere else built for chocolate lovers.

Heirloom bills itself as “casual fine dining,” and that balance is exactly what makes it work. Coastal Virginia Magazine named it a Southside Gold winner for Best Local Farm-to-Table Menu, with a Southside Bronze nod for Best Fine Dining Restaurant.

I would describe the atmosphere as light and airy with a farmhouse-meets-modern-chic feel — elegant enough for a special occasion, relaxed enough that you’re not afraid to linger over dessert. Service gets singled out. Our waitress was fun, with a kind of attentive, table-side warmth that makes a meal feel like more than just dinner out.

This was a great find for us and we will be back on our annual July beach trips. Check it out if you are anywhere in the area. You won’t be disappointed.

Maude and the Bear
1106 N Augusta St.
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 688-1660
https://www.maudeandthebear.com/

Regional American | $$$$

Few restaurants can match the creativity and craftsmanship found at Maude & the Bear in Staunton, VA. Housed in a beautifully restored 1926 Montgomery Ward kit home, the restaurant combines elegance, warmth, and a deep appreciation for regional ingredients. Every course feels thoughtfully composed, showcasing seasonal products from the Shenandoah Valley while telling a story about the people, traditions, and landscapes that inspire the menu. The intimate setting, attentive service, and constantly evolving tasting menus make each visit feel like a special occasion.

The driving force behind Maude & the Bear is chef and co-owner Ian Boden, one of Virginia’s most accomplished chefs. Boden first gained national recognition through his acclaimed restaurant, The Shack, one of our very first reviews on the blog back in 2014. His inventive cooking earned widespread praise from food critics and diners alike. He is a two-time nominee for the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic award and has become known for blending Appalachian traditions with modern techniques and global influences.

Maude & the Bear has quickly become one of the most celebrated dining destinations in the country. Since opening in 2024, it has been recognized by Esquire as one of America’s Best New Restaurants and was later named to The New York Times list of the 50 best restaurants in the United States. Retired food critic Tom Sietsema of The Washington Post described the restaurant as a destination worthy of a road trip, praising Boden’s creativity and the restaurant’s role in elevating Staunton’s growing culinary scene.

Like The Shack, the kitchen is not large.

While not the most comfortable seating, you are so distracted by the amazing food that you could be sitting on a rock and not really notice.

The sealed menu is your first clue this meal will be anything but ordinary.

It starts with sips of a Miso, Rhubarb, Muscat Grape drink. Not bitter, not overly sweet, you think, ok, that’s different. We start with something few people have experienced.

I’m a pass on these Mussels, but my wife loved them.

Carolina Gold rice, one of my favorites,  is a historic heirloom rice variety associated with the Lowcountry of the Carolinas, it has a nutty flavor and rich texture.

The ramp, encased in this a wonderful crunchy ball was fantastic. Ramps season is so limited in Virginia it was nice to have them.

Amazing dish after dish.

Green Strawberry, Fennel, on Matzo.

Our friend joining us had the Sable, Porcini, with Spring Onion.

I had the melt-in-your-mouth Virginia Wagyu Flat Iron steak.

My wife had the Dry-Aged Duck with Hakurei Turnips and Spring Greens.

Dessert, its why we eat, was a wonderful Strawberries, Coconut, and Fluff with what looked like an edible wafer hat.

A meal at Maude & the Bear is more than dinner. It is an immersive culinary journey that reflects the character of the Shenandoah Valley through exceptional ingredients, imaginative technique, and genuine hospitality. Chef Ian has created a second restaurant that stands comfortably among the finest dining experiences in Virginia, making Maude & the Bear a destination, roughly 2.5 hours from DC, that food lovers should place at the very top of their must-visit list.

Reservations are required and the noise level is minimal. Everyone is so taken with the food there isn’t much to say.

Mama Lama
10278 Bristow Center Dr.
Bristow, VA 20136
703-743-2410
https://www.mamallamachicken.com/

Peruvian | $

Open for a little over a month, Mama Llama hit it out of the park with their rotisserie chicken.

Peruvian cuisine is a vibrant blend of indigenous traditions and influences from Spanish, African, and Chinese. Known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and remarkable diversity, Peruvian food features everything from the citrus-marinated seafood dish ceviche to savory stir-fries, known as Chaufa.

My favorite Peruvian dish is Chaufa.  Found on some menus as Arroz Chaufa. It is a wildly popular Peruvian fried rice dish that originated from the influence of Chinese immigrants centuries ago. Chaufa is typically made with stir-fried rice, eggs, green onions, soy sauce, and a protein such as chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or a combination of meats. The name “Chaufa” comes from the Cantonese phrase chǎofàn, meaning “fried rice.” Mama Llama offers two versions, rotisserie chicken or steak.

I had to try the rotisserie chicken dish and was not disappointed. The rice was flavorful and moist. The rotisserie chicken elevated the dish above grilled or baked chicken commonly served with it.

My wife ordered the BBQ Pork Ribs, and they were excellent. The ribs were tender and coated in a flavorful barbecue sauce that complemented the meat perfectly. The fries were crisp on the outside with a soft, fluffy center. She also commented on the coleslaw, noting that she rarely enjoys the versions served at restaurants, but found this one especially good.

For dessert we took home some Tres Leches cake. It was very good and a great way to finish dinner.

Mama Llama gives Bristow its second outstanding Peruvian restaurant. I reviewed Nankar last May and found it excellent, so at first I thought having two local Peruvian restaurants might create a dilemma. Fortunately, each brings something unique to the table.

Mama Llama shines with its moist, flavorful rice, perfectly seasoned rotisserie chicken, and what I consider the best Chicken Chaufa in the area. Nankar, on the other hand, serves a Seafood Chaufa that is absolutely exceptional, along with delicious empanadas. Rather than choosing between them, we’ll happily alternate our visits.

Mama Llama is a wonderful addition to our local dining scene. Stop in, welcome them to the neighborhood, and treat yourself to authentic Peruvian cuisine. The owners and staff are friendly, attentive, and genuinely appreciative of their customers. Prices are reasonable for the area, and the quality of the food speaks for itself.

This is a restaurant well worth visiting.

Goodstone Inn & Restaurant
36205 Snake Hill Rd.
Middleburg, VA 20117
(540) 687-3333
https://www.goodstone.com/dining

American | $$$

The setting is beautiful, the restaurant, not so much.

We arrived for our 25th wedding anniversary dinner and were told the restaurant was making changes, so the main dining room was unavailable. On all of our pre-COVID visits, we had always dined in the main room, so this was disappointing. As we were leaving, I noticed a party of five seated there, which added to the confusion. Perhaps the main dining room is now reserved for Inn guests, but that was never explained to us.

I also was not aware there was a downstairs dining area. Unfortunately, the furniture there appeared quite worn, which took away from the overall fine dinning experience. Our waitress was very capable and friendly.

Our first course was this tasty Baked Brie with Goodstone Honey, Berries, and Toast Points. The best part of the meal.

My wife ordered the Steak Au Poivre. It had a sauce my wife described as “almost flavorless” on a bed or ordinary mashed potatoes. Her steak, like mine, was lukewarm.

I ordered the 12 oz NY Strip with Frites and Garlic Aioli (misspelled on the menu), but the entire meal arrived lukewarm. While the steak had decent flavor—reminiscent of a solid meal at Outback—it quickly went cold. Worse, the fries became unappealing as they lost what little heat they had.

For dessert my wife had a decent Crème brûlée.

I ordered the chocolate tart with chocolate mousse. The outer shell was so hard I struggled to cut it with a spoon, and the mousse was unusually dense. It wasn’t what I expected, though the rich chocolate flavor was the one redeeming quality.

Calling this experience a disappointment feels like an understatement. We chose this restaurant based on past experience. Our anniversary fell on a Monday—already limiting fine dining options. On any other night, it likely wouldn’t have been our first choice, especially given the hour-plus drive. We arrived with high expectations based on past visits, but they weren’t met.

The menu was surprisingly limited, offering only basic options of chicken, fish, pork, and beef. Prices felt excessive for the quality and simplicity of the dishes: $49 for a plain steak and fries, $16 per dessert, and $28 for a burger or chicken sandwich.

For guests paying over $400 a night to stay at the Inn, this level of dining is hard to justify. I hope the restaurant can return to the standard it once delivered.

Food fraud is often described as a hidden tax on consumers, but investigators say the impact goes far beyond higher prices. China plays a major role in global truffle fraud through production of Tuber indicum, a mushroom that closely resembles the prized French Périgord black truffle but lacks its flavor and aroma. Mānuka honey faces similar problems. New Zealand produces about 1,700 tons annually, yet more than six times that amount is sold worldwide as authentic Mānuka honey.

Seafood fraud remains one of the most common forms of food deception in the United States. Investigations by Oceana found widespread mislabeling of red snapper, tuna, grouper, and sea bass. In a nationwide DNA study of more than 1,200 seafood samples, 33 percent were mislabeled, including 87 percent of fish sold as red snapper. Restaurants and sushi venues often substitute cheaper fish, such as tilapia, escolar, or pangasius, for premium species.

Investigators say seafood fraud is profitable because many fish look nearly identical after filleting, making substitution difficult to detect without DNA testing. Fraudulent relabeling allows low-cost farmed fish to be sold as wild-caught or premium regional varieties. The problem is amplified by global supply chains. More than 90 percent of seafood consumed in the United States is imported, while only a small portion is inspected specifically for fraud.

Meat fraud is driven by many of the same financial incentives. Regulators have uncovered cases in which lower-grade beef was marketed as premium cuts, imported meat was relabeled as domestic, and undeclared pork and other meats were mixed into processed foods. Food fraud also includes manipulating product weight through excessive glazing, soaking, or injected water solutions that increase package weight and profits.

Shoppers across YouTube have documented national big-box grocery stores selling underweight products labeled by weight. In some cases, the shortages are significant. Some items arrive mislabeled from manufacturers, while others are weighed and packaged in-store. The problem appears especially common with sliced products such as deli meats and cheeses.

The risks go beyond overpaying. Consumers with allergies or dietary restrictions may unknowingly eat substituted or mislabeled products that could seriously affect their health.

Federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, increasingly use DNA testing and digital traceability systems to fight food fraud. Even so, only a small portion of the food supply is inspected specifically for fraud.

Consumers remain the first line of defense. Read labels carefully, use produce-section scales to verify weights, and ask store employees to correct mislabeled items. Food fraud only changes when companies know customers are paying attention.

Priory of Indulgence House of Sinful Sweets
10215 Carnoch Way Suite 121
Bristow, VA 20136
inquiry@prioryofindulgence.com
https://www.prioryofindulgence.com/

Tucked into the growing community of Bristow is a dessert spot that feels less like a typical suburban bakery and more like a passport to Europe. Priory of Indulgence House of Sinful Sweets lives up to its dramatic name, offering a rich, almost theatrical approach to pastries, chocolate, and ice cream.

From the first glance inside the case, it’s clear this isn’t your standard sugar-and-butter operation. The shop leans heavily into European technique and sourcing, bringing in flour and butter directly from France. That commitment shows up in the texture. Laminated pastries carry that delicate, shattering crispness you’d expect from a Parisian bakery rather than something pulled from a local strip mall oven. Even the vanilla and much of the chocolate are sourced from France or selected as single-origin, giving their desserts a depth that goes beyond just sweetness.

When you first walk in it can be a bit overwhelming. Chocolate to the right, freshly ground coffee and croissants dead ahead, Gelato to the left. You are like a deer caught in headlights trying to decide what you want first. An easy rule of thumb to follow, it’s all good!

I was drawn to my childhood with these simple chocolate covered Graham Crackers. The deep rich chocolate is a real step up.

One of the more striking desserts I just had to have is called Silent Night. It has a vanilla Japanese sponge cake center filled with a vanilla mascarpone mousse, and covered in a blueberry citrus puree laminate topped with a cinnamon walnut crunch. To quote my wife, “that doesn’t even look real” and “it’s amazing.” I agree, it is one of the more unique and flavorful desserts I have had.

The last thing I grabbed was the ham and Swiss cheese croissant for breakfast the next day. Loosely wrapped in a wet paper towel and into the microwave for 20 seconds brought it back to life like it was just out of the oven. The bechamel sauce was the perfect complement to the ham a cheese. A great way to start the day.

A quick note about transferring moisture back into baked goods with a wet paper towel.  Always use a plain white paper towel, never one with print on it. You want to be sure you are not transferring ink to your food while heating it.

And then there’s the ice cream. It may be one of their standout offerings. Rich without being heavy, and thoughtfully flavored, it reflects the same philosophy as the baked goods. High-quality ingredients handled with intention. I sampled the Banana Peanut Butter, it was rich with flavor.

In Northern Virginia where bakeries often play it safe, Priory of Indulgence House of Sinful Sweets leans into authenticity. It’s a place built not just to satisfy a sweet tooth, but to introduce a community to a different standard of indulgence. It’s not cheap, but it’s also not expensive, given the high quality ingredients and artesian nature of the products. Next time you are shopping at Wegmans for that special meal, bypass the dessert section and head over to what will become you new favorite House of Sinful Sweets. You won’t be disappointed.

Bebop Korean American Grill
6410 Trading Sq, Haymarket, VA 20169
(571) 222-7005
bebopkoreanmexicangrill.com

Fusion | $$

They have an extensive menu of burgers, sandwiches, rice bowls, wings, and steak-and-cheese subs.

My wife ordered the fried fish bowl with white rice, cucumbers, sprouts, and shredded lettuce. The white fish was exceptional with a wonderful crunch to it.

I got the Korean-Mexican fusion spicy chicken sandwich. The chicken is moist and crunchy. It is tossed in a Korean BBQ glaze with Mexican Mayo and topped with shredded lettuce and pickled Jalapenos. I asked how spicy it was and the young man taking the order gave it a 3 out of 5. That is probably right, but it was right at the top of my spice limit. You do get a lot of chicken, almost enough for two sandwiches.

For dessert, we decided on some Bavarian Cream Churros. They were good, but the Bavarian Cream had little flavor. I’ll go with the chocolate next time.

If you like Korean or Mexican food, you really need to stop by Bebop in Haymarket and give it a try, especially if you like spicy food.

The Original Pancake House Beverly
10437 S. Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60643
773-445-6100

American | $

Massive pancake house vibes.

This Dutch Baby pancake, also known as a German pancake, puffs up dramatically in the oven. It was sensational.

I have been eating pancakes for 65 years.  Nothing could prepare me for the sheer perfection served up at the Original Pancake House. Every bite of their signature offering—whether the airy, delicate Dutch Baby or the classic, buttermilk-rich plate—was a revelation. They weren’t just good; they were, unequivocally, the best pancakes I have ever eaten. They hit that perfect balance of being fluffy yet substantial, with a buttery richness and a crisp, golden edge that simply dissolved in my mouth. Forget what you think you know about breakfast comfort food; this is the new standard, and I’m already planning my next pilgrimage to experience that unforgettable taste again. We will be visiting relatives in Chicago over the Christmas holiday. I told my brother we would only come if he took us to get pancakes again.