Monroe Bay Oysterette
15111 Washington St #113
Haymarket VA 20169
571-248-0861
www.monroebayoysterette.com

Seafood | $$

Located in Haymarket, VA, this little gem offers some of the best seafood in Northern Virginia.

There are about eight tables inside, so this outdoor summer-time seating helps.

This kitchen has an amazing history. Pre-COVID Chef Anne Thomas created stunning dishes here when she opened AKT Nourish.

I ordered the crab cake sandwich, and it was nothing short of spectacular. This was not your average crab cake — it was a towering masterpiece, easily twice the size of what most restaurants serve. Each bite was rich with sweet, succulent crab, held together by just enough binder to keep it intact. Grilled to golden perfection, it arrived on a nice bun with a velvety aioli that tied everything together beautifully. The seasoned fries on the side were crisp, flavorful, and the perfect partner to this star of the plate. Simply put, this is the crab cake every other restaurant should aspire to serve.

My wife ordered the butter-poached scallops, delicately paired with corn Elote — a clever nod to classic Mexican street fare. From the first bite, she was captivated. In fact, she talked about the dish all the way home, marveling at their silky texture and rich, buttery flavor balanced by the sweetness of the corn.

You don’t have to see the ocean to have great seafood. Just head over to Monroe Bay Oysterette in Haymarket. Seating is limited so they are not able to seat any party larger than five. The menu has plenty of choices and the prices are very reasonable. It’s a great place for date night. With limited seating, noise is almost non-existent, and you can actually hear the person you are with. Our waitress was fantastic and really hustled. At one point I saw her break into a short sprint to get something from the back of the restaurant.

Make sure you go with people who like seafood. This is a seafood restaurant, not a restaurant that serves seafood. The only non-seafood option on the menu is a Ruben, not a burger in sight. If you love seafood, make your way to Monroe Bay Oysterette. It’s the kind of restaurant you can’t help but tell your friends about — but secretly, you’ll want to keep it all to yourself.

There is a wide variety of cuisine to choose from locally. These ten restaurants will not disappoint.

1) Bistro L’Hermitage (Occoquan/Woodbridge)

Northern Virginia’s Francophile favorite—white-tablecloth service, classic French technique, and seasonal chef’s menus in a cozy, romantic setting.
Website: bistrolhermitage.com

2) Semifreddo Italian Cuisine (Manassas)

House-made pastas and refined Italian plates; weeknight half-price wine bottles sweeten the deal for date night or celebrations. Chef Franklin is amazing.
Website: semifreddoitaliancuisine.com

3) Himalayan Grill (Haymarket)

This newly opened Indian restaurant has quickly become one of the top rated restaurants in the county. The food is authentic and delicious, the service is friendly and attentive.
Website: himalayangrillva.com

4) The Black Sheep (Manassas, Farm Brew LIVE campus)

Modern American cooking, a serious whiskey & wine program, and striking barn-industrial design on the 2 Silos campus. The most visually stunning restaurant in the area.
Website: theblacksheeprestaurant.com

5) Hidden Jules (Haymarket)

Chef Aaron Lynch has created a refuge for those seeking delicious comfort food. Each dish is crafted using locally grown organic ingredients. There is plenty of parking and seating, inside and out.
Website: hiddenjullescafe.com

6) Carmello’s (Old Town Manassas)

A fine-dining fixture since 1987 serving contemporary Mediterranean with Portuguese-Italian flair; a perennial Wine Spectator award-winner.
Website: carmellos.com

7) Secret Garden Café (Occoquan)

A picturesque courtyard, hearty brunches, and all-day comfort plates—this hidden-gem setting is half the magic.
Website: thesgcafe.com

8) Zandra’s Taqueria (Old Town Manassas)

Hand-crafted tacos, margaritas, and a lively rooftop patio—perfect for casual nights in Old Town Manassas.
Website:  zandrasmanassas.com

9) Dixie Bones (Woodbridge)

Classic Southern barbecue that’s been smokin’ since the ’90s—come for the ribs and pulled pork, stay for the sides and sweet tea.
Website: dixiebones.com

10) Blue Ridge Seafood (Gainesville)

A family-run staple since 1979 serving blue crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and more—casual, lively, and beloved by seafood diehards.
Website: blueridgeseafood.com

Farewell to a Downtown Legend: Cole’s French Dip to Close After 117 Years

After more than a century of serving savory comfort in Downtown Los Angeles, Cole’s French Dip, widely considered the city’s oldest operating restaurant, has announced its permanent closure. The final day is set for August 3, 2025—marking the end of an era for an institution that witnessed LA’s transformation firsthand.

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A Storied Beginning

Founded in 1908 by Henry (Harry) Cole inside the historic Pacific Electric Building, Cole’s quickly became more than a sandwich spot—it pioneered the iconic “French dip” sandwich. Local lore suggests that a diner’s soft-bread request sparked the invention, launching one of LA’s most enduring food legacies.

The restaurant earned its landmark status with tin ceilings, vintage mahogany interiors, and even a secret speakeasy—The Varnish—that helped revitalize downtown nightlife. Over 117 years, Cole’s welcomed film crews, writers, mobsters, and late-night diners, securing its place in the city’s cultural fabric.

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Closing Credits: Why It’s Shutting Down

In a bittersweet announcement, owner Cedd Moses and hospitality group Pouring With Heart cited a litany of modern challenges behind the closure:

• Lingering impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic

• Revenue losses tied to the 2023 writers and actors strikes

• Rapidly escalating labor and rent costs

• Bureaucratic hurdles, crime, vandalism, and rising downtown disorder

• The 2024 closure of The Varnish, drained by these same pressures

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A Reflection of LA’s Changing Voice

The abrupt farewell follows other historic closures—just this spring, the 101‑year‑old Original Pantry Cafe shuttered amid labor disputes. Specialty eateries like My 2 Cents, Mother Tongue, and Shibumi have also closed their doors, painting a stark portrait of struggle across LA’s food scene.

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One Last Bite—and a Glimmer of Hope

Moses issued a heartfelt message inviting patrons to reminisce and say their goodbyes over one more French dip:

“We have cherished our time serving the Downtown community… come in and see us this month before our departure, to laugh, to cry, to raise glasses, to eat, and to say your goodbyes alongside us.”

Despite announcing a definite closure, Cole’s might not disappear forever. Heritage advocate Alison Martino hinted at potential new ownership taking the reins, holding out the possibility of a rebirth, though no specific plans have been shared.

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What’s Next—and Why It Matters

• Final day: August 3, 2025

• No current plans to relocate or reopen elsewhere

• Potential buyer window still open: interested parties can inquire via Cole’s website

The closure is more than the end of a restaurant—it’s a reminder that LA’s soul lies in these enduring, character‑filled eateries. Cole’s wasn’t just a place to grab a sandwich; it was a tangible bridge to the city’s past, where each bite came wrapped in history.

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Final Thoughts

Cole’s French Dip stood as a culinary and cultural landmark, surviving wars, economic shifts, Hollywood’s golden era, and social changes. Its closure marks the end of a narrative—one that linked LA’s early transit hub to its modern downtown revival. Here’s hoping that, through new ownership or preservation efforts, this storied institution might find a second life. But until then, August 3 is the last encore—for a 117‑year performance that defined LA’s dining history.

Nankar Brasa Peruana (Peruvian Grill)
13938 Estate Manor Drive
Gainesville, VA 20155
(571) 316-9330
www.nankarperuvian.com

Peruvian | $

On a weeknight around 5 PM it was not very busy. Nice and quiet, just the way I like it.

They were crushing it in the kitchen.

 
When we visit a restaurant for the first time, we usually skip the appetizers—we never know how big the entrées will be. So we go straight for the main course.

The fried plantains my wife ordered were outstanding, expertly cooked to achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle smokiness. Her beef empanadas were equally impressive. The pastry was crisp and delicately thin, avoiding the heavy, doughy texture often found in casual dining establishments. The beef filling was well-seasoned and thoughtfully portioned, without the excessive filler that tends to overwhelm flavor in mass-produced versions. These empanadas felt authentic, more like a home-cooked dish one might be served in a Peruvian household.

I ordered the Chaufa, a breakfast-style fried rice that showcases the unique fusion of Chinese and Peruvian flavors known as chifa cuisine. I chose the beef version, which was richly seasoned and full of savory depth. It’s easy to understand why this dish is a staple in Peruvian households and restaurants—it’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Chaufa can also be made with chicken, pork, or seafood, making it a versatile option for a range of tastes.

If you’re in Northern Virginia and looking for a dining experience that’s a bit different, consider making the trip to Gainesville for authentic Peruvian cuisine. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is exceptionally friendly. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by a Spanish music soundtrack—occasionally mixed with unexpected Michael Jackson songs—that adds a fun and energetic vibe to the dining experience.

They do a brisk take-out business and I imagine they are busy on the weekends. Whenever you go you won’t be disappointed.

Transcribing cooking videos from YouTube using TurboScribe is a straightforward process that allows you to convert video content into accurate text quickly. Begin by visiting the TurboScribe website at https://turboscribe.ai/ and creating a free account. Once logged in, navigate to the “Transcribe Files” section and select the “Link” option, represented by a chain link icon. Here, you can paste the URL of the desired YouTube cooking video and click “Import” to upload it to the platform.

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Golden and crisp on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, baked sweet potatoes are a versatile, nourishing side dish that deserves a spot in your meal rotation. Sometimes, the simplest things are some of the best. Here are step-by-step instructions if you have never baked them before or a reminder to pick some up soon.

Source: Baked Sweet Potatoes

How long does it take Instant Pot to pressurize? It’s a burning question on the minds of new Instant Pot owners everywhere. You’re excited to try out your shiny new appliance but don’t want to wait all day for it to come under pressure and start cooking. I get it. Many users forget to factor in the time it takes to pressurize in timing out their meal.

Source: How Long Does It Take Instant Pot to Pressurize? Quick Guide

Level up your mac and cheese game by using your smoker. Here is a great recipe from The Stay At Home Chef.

Source: Smoked Mac and Cheese