Month: April 2016

Philadelphia Tavern’s Cheesesteak Sandwich

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9413 Main St.
Manassas, VA 20110
703-393-1776
http://www.thephiladelphiatavern.com/

American | $

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Located in downtown Manassas the Philadelphia Tavern is a local favorite.

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References to Philadelphia are throughout the bar.

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From the Mason-Dixon line south tea is sweet.

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Philadelphia Tavern is where you go in Northern Virginia for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. Served on a hoagie roll shipped from the famous Amoroso Bakery in Philadelphia. These are as good as they get outside of the Philadelphia city limits. They offer 4 variations of the classic sandwich and give you choice of cheese including Cheese Wiz.

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For my sandwich I chose the Pizza Cheesesteak which adds grilled pepperoni to the classic. The steak is so flavorful if it weren’t for the saltiness of the pepperoni you might miss it on the sandwich. Served on a 12” roll, most people could split one if they can agree on a sandwich.

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Traveling on Center St. in Manassas Philadelphia Tavern is in the first block after turning right on Main St. Look for the Liberty Bell. Parking can be a challenge at lunch time and the bar can get busy during the week. We stopped by on a Saturday afternoon and had no problem finding a seat.

Walker’s Grille Spring Menu

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6909 Metro Park Drive
Alexandria, VA 22310
703-922-6200
http://walkersgrille.com/

American | $$

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Chef Duane Keller has created a wonderful Spring menu at Walker’s Grille. Chef Keller creates complex flavor profiles using a combination of farm fresh locally sourced vegetables and high quality meats. Flavors are rich and blend perfectly.

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There is plenty of outdoor seating with large fans for those warm summer nights.

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The seating is comfortable, not the kind you sink into because it hasn’t been replaced in 20 years.

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Bread is fresh and warm when it comes to the table.

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The Chicken Empanadas with Avocado Puree and Tomato Salsa are incredible. The Avocado Puree is the perfect complement to the chicken.

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For my entrée I chose the Prosciutto Wrapped “day boat” Scallops on Roasted Creamed Corn. The thin prosciutto elevates the flavor above the standard bacon wrapped scallop without the chunky texture of bacon. The light cooking of the prosciutto with the scallop brings out the aroma for the perfect combination. The scallops are paired with a medley of Fingerling Potatoes and Asparagus Hash.

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My wife had the Veal Shank over Pasta with a Mushroom Spinach Cream Sauce topped with Shaved Parmesan. The veal was cooked flawlessly, easily coming off the bone. The Cavatappi pasta is lightly coated in the cream sauce and a nice counterpart to the mild taste of the veal.

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We took the waiter’s suggestion and ordered the Warm Apple Fritters for dessert. These fritters are twice the size of most. This is the best apple fritter I have had. The sugar coated donut around the warm al dente apple slices was unbelievable. It was a hard choice between the fritters and the Peanut Butter Chocolate Pate but I am glad we got the fritters.

Chef Keller has done a masterful job creating this new spring menu. I can’t wait to go back and try more dishes. The service is always first class and even when busy the noise level is not deafening. Walker’s Grille has a 4½-star rating on OpenTable. Make your reservations now before all the Apple Fritters are gone.

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Mrs. B’s Recipes–Fried Oreos

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Last weekend I have the pleasure of attended the 16th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival in Doswell, VA. Taking a break to find lunch I thought my eyes would bug out of my head when I saw the sign for Mrs. B’s Recipes saying Fried Oreos 4 for $5. I’m a sucker for anything Oreo and I had never tried fried Oreos.

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Fried Oreos are amazing! Each Oreo is surrounded by a wonderful cake batter that allows it to warm without melting. On my second day at the show I ordered the Waffle on a Stick. It was truly good and I was halfway finished when I realized I hadn’t taken a picture. Mrs. B’s isn’t a traditional food truck it is more of a kitchen trailer which is easy to spot. They can be found at many summer outdoor events throughout south central Virginia. If you see Mrs. B’s Recipes run don’t walk to the window and get your order in before they are all gone.