On an earlier visit, during a motorcycle meet next door, I had their “steak me away”, a combination of shaved ribeye, mushrooms, and white American cheese, over a toasted hoagie roll. Cooked medium, the steak pieces were thick rather than shaved. Sautéed cremini mushrooms nestled themselves above and below the slather of cheese running across the bun. When folded the sandwich was bursting. My side was a special of broccoli, grapes, and a bit of garlic oil.

On my second visit, I ordered their daily special of Thai spiced gazpacho, a whoopee pie, and water flavored with watermelon, blueberries, and strawberries. Made with their own tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow peppers and some lemongrass paste and ginger, the not-too-smooth soup was bursting with freshness and Thai aromas. It, along with the flavored iced water, was a cool tonic on a hot day in the July sun. The whoopee pie was well made with quality ingredients, but the chocolate cake was too spongy and the frosting lacked depth and vanilla flavor.

On my third visit, while reviewing the Triumph Street Twin, I ordered their piedmont tomato pie platter with a side of their power salad – a combination of quinoa, corn, basil, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. The pie – tomatoes, cheese, onions, herbs – was served over a bed of local greens, with a balsamic vinaigrette atop in a lattice pattern. All around there were lots of fresh garden flavors at play in a medley of summer color.

On weekends in good weather Johnny Monarch’s is a popular stop, with a line that can be twenty deep before the fury mammals are counted. However, it is one of the few restaurants with seating predominantly outside – which in the age of COVID19 – is a significant advantage when practicing social distancing.

Some on the review sites do fuss a bit about the prices and a number of entrees are not cheap. This is partly due to the concept and the food quality – locally source ribeye costs extra. However, there is no denying the owners commitment to a superior food experience and making all of their customers happy. Recently, a miniature horse stopped by and the team prepared something special for the guy’s unique dietary needs.

So, if you find yourself in the Marshall, VA area and are looking for a predominantly outdoor venue – they are open all year around – I can certainly recommend Johnny Monarch’s. The concept is cool and they deliver on a superior food experience with owner’s that care a lot about your happiness.

Johnny Monarch’s
8374 West Main Street
Marshall, VA 20115
(540) 878-3555

Our Menu

https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyMonarchs

The post Johnny Monarch’s Review appeared first on A Taste for the Road.

During my first visit, on a cold January day lashing with rain, I ordered their double twox burger (twox abbreviates their name) with lettuce, tomato, and ketchup on a sesame bun, a small house frites, and a glass of Domaine Barreau. Officially a Bordeaux, but with a profile more like a Rhone, the velvety tannins and red berry flavors matched well with the pink double patties of beef held together with a fluffy soft roll. The frites, seasoned only with a bit of salt, which I prefer, were very good, but not quite in the same league as the burger.

The double stacked burger was excellent. The butcher team has an obvious love for beef and strong attention to detail, with nothing getting in the way of very fresh flavors, grilled aromas with a bit of char, and a simple presentation style.

After finishing my wine I wandered around, checking out various food stuffs. In the end, I bought one of the in-house frozen chicken pot pies to take home. A few weeks later, I cooked the pie according to the directions on their website and sat down to a lovely meal.

Housed in a wooden basket safe for cooking, the flaky, buttery golden brown pastry top broke away to reveal large chunks of chicken, potato, celery, onion, and herbs in a cream sauce. Along with a simple mesclun salad and a glass of Gruner Veltliner, the combination was very satisfying. My original plan was to enjoy half of the pie and save the remaining portion for another evening, but whole thing disappeared. I’ll get the bigger one next time.

On my second visit, while reviewing the 2020 BMW M340i, I ordered the steak frites and substituted the fries for a side salad of arugula, carrots and tomatoes. I also ordered a glass of Pantheon Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Deep ruby red, the tannins provided good structure, and the plum and red berry flavor profile matched well with the medium rare steak – their default cooking temperature – with a bit of char at the edges. A small side vessel of brandy cream added an elegant dimension to the presentation.

On both visits the team behind the counter was very friendly, well versed on the menu options and meat preparations, their takeout choices, and their beer and wine selection. The owners were always on hand and maintained a watchful eye over customers and people in need of food guidance for in-house dining, takeout, or ingredients to make a meal at home more special.

I definitely enjoyed my two visits to The Whole Ox in Marshall, VA and look forward to stopping by again.  Should your travels have you passing through the area the shop and restaurant are certainly worth a visit.

The Whole Ox
8357 West Main Street
Marshall, VA 20116
(540) 724-1650
www.thewholeox.com

Notes:
-They are closed Sunday and Monday.
-They are only open until 6pm.
-Parking along Main Street is easy.

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On my first visit while scouting new roads, I ordered their sesame chicken and rice soup, a tortilla wrap filled with roasted zucchini, red pepper, eggplant, spicy feta, and tomato, two cookies – coconut lime and chocolate chip – and an ice tea.

Everything was ready in very short order in simple recyclable vessels or wrapped in deli paper. Beginning with the soup, there were immediate aromas of sesame and onion followed by tender chunks of chicken swirling in a broth of white rice. Gently seasoned with salt, pepper, and a bit of parsley, the soup was an excellent example of high quality ingredients combined simply with skill and confidence. The tortilla wrap was another strong performance with bursts of fresh zucchini and eggplant – no watered versions here – melding with firm feta squares and some juicy tomatoes. Tasting like a fresh summer garden – despite being December – the sandwich was light yet substantial.

The standout cookie was the lime coconut for its zesty lime fragrance, near perfect chewiness, and bright coconut flavors. The chocolate chip cookie was chewy and made with the same care, but didn’t hit as many high notes.

On my second visit, while reviewing the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, I started with their clam chowder of white cream, chunks of chopped russet potatoes, a bit of celery, and a good dose of clams. As a native New Englander, with firm views on how clam “chowda” should be made, Real Food’s rendition is very solid with integrated flavors, correctly cooked ingredients, and some gentle seasoning.

My main dish was a green salad with soppressata, fingerling potatoes, olive croutons and a red wine vinaigrette. Torn pieces of romaine were fresh and crunchy and the nicely balanced homemade vinaigrette reduction, not too acidic or overwhelmed by its seasonings, clung to the greens’ nooks and crannies well, a reflection of a light hand with the oil emulsion. The croutons were crisp and flavorful, and the fingerling potatoes soft throughout, but still holding their shape. The soppressata was a standout for its deep pork flavors and firm texture. Darker pink in color rather than deep red, reflecting a bit less red pepper seasoning I suspect, the soppressata had classic marks of fat and the meat was an excellent counterpoint to the red wine vinaigrette. In a world of indifferent salads, this simple medley is not one of them.

For dessert, I ordered a holiday gingerbread person and a chocolate and raspberry cookie. Firmer on the outside while tender inside, the soft ginger flavors let the molasses and cinnamon speak more clearly. Cookie number two had a very soft spongy center of raspberry and chocolate with a traditional dark brown outer ring holding everything together. For someone in need of a dark chocolate experience with a surprising center of fruit and softness, this confection is for you. I ordered a spare for an afternoon snack.

Real Food is an easy place to miss heading south on the way out of Orange, VA as the sign is tiny and the building nondescript.  But bypassing this gem would be a mistake. Real Food is a reminder of the ongoing force of New American food culture in small communities across Virginia.

During both visits there were no shortage of regulars, greeted by name, who were returning for one of their rotating favorites on the menu and a brief chat. Should you find yourself in and around Orange, VA on weekdays, Real Food is certainly worth a visit and I look forward to stopping by again.

Real Food
12267 Old Gordonsville Road
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 661-7261
www.realfoodva.com

Notes:
-Parking is very good w/level paved lots on either side of the restaurant.
-They are only open for lunch from 11am to 2pm Monday through Friday.

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From the restaurant’s green sign, roof, flower boxes, and some green dishware, their embrace of verdant summer themes is impossible to miss. Inside and out, brown tables, colorful artwork posters, and items for sale offer up some contrast. Whether outside on the porch or on the back deck, the restaurant seeks to make diners feel comfortable and relaxed.

On my first visit for lunch, in early October, while reviewing some backroads on Gabriella, my Ducati Monster, I ordered their mozzarella, parmesan, and herb pizza. The pie arrived shortly thereafter on a green earthenware plate with large leaves of fresh basil centered on this circle of crust and cheese. Pointing its sign more towards New York than Naples, Italy the crust was chewy with strong yeasty flavors and a solid amount of blistering char around the edges. While not to everyone’s taste, I do enjoy some dark edges for taste and texture. The mozzarella was fresh, flavorful and mild and ribbons of basil dotted the landscape like random green lanes on the piedmont hillsides around the hamlet. The sauce was a simple affair, playing a supporting role to both the crust and the mozzarella. A glass of ice water rounded things out on this visit.

As I still had room and it was rather hot outside, my dessert choice was their chocolate gelato bomb. At its center was a single maraschino cherry and a few pistachios, both wrapped in a combination of chocolate and vanilla gelato. In turn, the gelato was enrobed in a firm layer of dark chocolate, rounding out to the size of a baseball. Surrounding this orb of chocolate were century men of blueberries and strawberries, protectors of the confectionery realm, a few leaves of basil, and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. After cracking open the dark chocolate shell, I was met with a ying and yang mixture of firm gelato. Rich and creamy, the combination of frozen chocolate and vanilla soon enough yielded cold but fresh pistachios and a bright red cherry. Along with my margherita pizza, the gelato bomb on a toasty day out on the back deck proved to be a tasty treat.

On my second visit, while reviewing the Ford Mustang GT, I ordered their heirloom tomato and burrata salad, with an added fillet of grilled salmon. Resting on a foundation of fresh leafy arugula, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes, a drizzle of reduced balsamico, and bookmarked by two fresh orbs of burrata and three crostini, the grilled salmon filet was topped with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. All of the land bound ingredients tasted as though they had only traveled a short distance, with the burrata being the real standout for freshness, creamy mouth feel, and smooth texture. My drink choice was a sweet ice tea.

As I typically save room for dessert, I ordered a piece of their pumpkin pie. What arrived was a warm mini whole pie, with fluffy turrets of fresh cream and a sprinkling of snowy powdered sugar at the plate’s edge. The pumpkin custard was smooth, having good pumpkin flavors, with a bit of cinnamon. The crust was a touch dry, but still flaky and with good texture.  The whipped cream was excellent with very fresh cream flavors and just the right amount of sweetness.  Overall, the pumpkin pie is a good choice.

During both visits staff members were very friendly, worked well together, and were knowledgeable about the menu. Front Porch is a very solid choice if you enjoy farm-to-table fare with a slight southern focus.  I look forward to eating at Front Porch again as my car and motorcycle reviews bring me to the area.

Front Porch
6483 Main Street
The Plains, VA 20198
(540) 253-2018
https://www.frontporchtheplains.com/

Notes:
-There is very good street parking in the hamlet and more behind the restaurant.

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The Pub sets a classic mood with its dark wood walls, creaking floors, and some modest natural light seeking to be heard above the din of dinners, restaurant staff, and sports games running on several televisions. Out back is a covered patio with a number of tables and chairs, along with solid views of the Great Falls Village Centre green.

On my first visit, for Sunday brunch out on the back patio to enjoy the still comfortable temperatures of summer, I ordered their traditional Irish breakfast. A classic combination of two eggs, pork sausage, back bacon, black and white pudding (oatmeal, breadcrumbs, pork, & fat), bachelors beans, sautéed mushrooms, and brunch potatoes. Each part was correctly cooked, with the sunny side up eggs just a bit runny, the sausage and bacon crisp, the pudding crunchy and flavorful, and the brunch potatoes fluffy on the inside.

I still had some room left so I ordered their dessert special, a slice of rhubarb pie and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sourced from Heidelberg Bakery in Arlington, VA, the pie crust was golden brown, flaky and tender, with pronounced butter flavors. The filling had large chunks of tender rhubarb balanced with just the right amount of sugar to keep the deep red mixture balanced. The slice was a lovely way to end Sunday brunch.

On my second visit I had their popular black angus burger with a simple side salad. The burger was very good – tender, flavorful, juicy – and on the thicker side, which I much prefer. The salad was a good combination of traditional lettuce, a few small tomatoes, and some cucumber slices with a light Italian vinaigrette. Dessert was another Heidelberg Bakery pie slice – blueberry this time – and a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

On my third visit for lunch, while reviewing the Indian Scout, I ordered their fish and chips, served with coleslaw, malt vinegar, and a slice of lemon. The eight ounce cod, fried in a beer batter, was deep brown, textbook crunchy, and tender on the inside. The coleslaw, a bit under seasoned, was well prepared with freshly shredded cabbage and carrots, along with a light touch of mayonnaise. I added just a bit of salt to rev up this side dish.

All of the staff members I met were friendly and knowledgable during my visits and looked to help each other out as needed with some of the larger tables. It’s easy to see why the Old Brogue continues to remain a popular destination and worth a visit if your sporting travels take you through Great Falls, VA.

The Old Brogue, An Irish Pub
736 Walker Road
Great Falls, VA 22066
703-759-3309

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Creamy gray with black exterior accents, the restaurant has popular carve outs – a main dining area, a bar with plenty of seating, and a patio with 10 tables. The patio is appealing with yellow votive lights dancing from the patio’s edge, black tables and chairs with comfortable patterned cushions, and some planters with a bit of greenery.

On my first visit, I ordered a cup of their cream of crab and corn soup to start and it arrived table side with plenty of fresh crab and tender corn, celery, parley, a touch of paprika, and a bit of kick under the hood. A bag of oyster crackers was included too. Not surprisingly, the crab was notable for its short drive from the bay, clean flavors, and translucent white color.

Dinner was their steak frites – eight ounce hanger steak, anchovy butter and a mixed green salad, which was a substitute for the frites. The steak was correctly cooked medium and included a bit of char – which I enjoy both for texture and taste – to remind me it came off a real grill. The hanger was very flavorful and tender and obviously hadn’t traveled far. The greens were very fresh, the feta cheese mild and firm, the radish and onion slices thin and crisp, and the micro tomatoes had great flavor. The vinaigrette was a bit heavy, but preferences vary here.

My imbibing dance partner was a Pol Clement sparkling rose. Mid-salmon pink, the sparkler had good bubbles, soft red berry flavors, dry mid-palate balance, and did a good job balancing out the entree and side salad.

Dessert was their mango key lime pie – cinnamon graham cracker crust, lime custard, creme, and mango sauce. The crust was buttery tender and the custard was very creamy, with some wonderful lime flavors. The dollop of creme was very fresh and light. The mango sauce was a bit astringent and bitter, so I worked around it.

My second visit, while reviewing the Jaguar XK, had me sitting in the bar area during lunch hour. I ordered their mixed green salad, with the addition of some shrimp, and a glass of 2016 riesling from Barnard Griffin in Washington State. The salad was a mix of mesclun, feta, radishes, small tomatoes, and red onion with an apple cider vinaigrette. Each ingredient from the garden was fresh and bright, the feta young and mild, and the vinaigrette handed out of touch of sweetness. Combined with four gently grilled shrimp, the salad hit the spot on this 100F degree day. The riesling was predominantly dry with aromas of apple and some orange zest combined with honeysuckle and pear mid-palate. The overall profile reminded me of a pinot gris, with the Barnard Griffin’s off dry characteristics.

I still had some room so I ordered their brûléed cheesecake. A combination of graham cracker and pecan crust, creme brûlée flavored cake, caramel sauce and a dash of mint for color, this mild mannered dish let me taste everything. The crust was buttery, yet cracked nicely under the pressure from my fork. The caramel sauce had plenty of depth against the crust and custard and the creme brûlée experience was front and center.

On this visit my server, and indeed all of the servers in the bar area, we right on top of each party in the restaurant. So my order was taken efficiently and everything ran smoothly. Overall, I have enjoyed my two visits and certainly appreciate the restaurant’s focus on farms and purveyors local to the county. Driving through the area in the Jaguar XK was a reminder of how rural southern Maryland can be – even in 2019. So, if your travels take you into Charles County and La Plata, The Charles is worth a visit.

The Charles
417 Charles Street
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 392-5116
www.thecharleslp.com
https://goo.gl/maps/AsZnd3BGyBn8Ku9Y9

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Large windows flank either side of the front door and upon entering you’re greeted by a bar on the left and seating to the right, all wrapped in a blanket of brick, mocha floors, wood tables, and black chairs.  In the back more seating awaits and there is a large patio beyond.  A mixture of stone facade, couches, awnings, heating lamps and a fireplace, this outdoor space is a popular destination.

Trattoria Villagio is also a study in contrasts. 

My inaugural visit for lunch had me ordering their popular tagliatelle bolognese and a glass of Collosorbo Rosso di Montalcino.  Post order a side of bread and a swirling plate of olive oil and balsamico magically appeared.  The bolognese arrived shortly afterward and looked the part.  Orange tinged sauce, thanks to a soffritto of carrot, celery and onion, shared bowl space with chopped tomatoes, and ground beef.  Long, flat ribbons of egg pasta were textured enough to hold a bit of the sauce and care was evident in its presentation. 

But the dish all fell a bit flat in the mouth – our laboratory of the senses.  The meat’s baritone timber missed, the sauce lacked distinction, and the pasta couldn’t cover for the shortfall.  The dish was somewhat under seasoned too and I’m not often adding salt and pepper.  Bolognese typically gives a chef more leeway to improvise and maintain that rich texture and flavor we all enjoy. 

I suspect the stumble reflects 21st century wishes – resulting in a lighter dish – and I completely respect this desire.  But then add some lean pork and other ingredients to enrich the entree and fulfill its promise.  On the whole, the tagliatelle is a solid entree for Aunt Margaret who enjoys the familiar and domesticated presented well.

The Collosorbo was a bigger success story.  100% sangiovese, red berry aromas, good tannic structure, dry mid-palate, and a bit rustic with some oak aging, the Rosso di Montalcino would be a good foil for meat and other medium bodied dishes.  As the tagliatelle bolognese was lighter than expected the matchup wasn’t perfect.  Nevertheless, this inky, purple colored red was enjoyable and would be a hit with a fuller meal.

On my second visit for brunch, while reviewing the Audi S4, I ordered a half serving of their insalata italiana to start, their margherita pizza, and a glass of Castello D’Albola Chianti Classico.

The mixed greens were fresh along with the half moon cucumbers and julienned carrots.  Small red tomatoes rounded out the trio.  The dressing was lightly applied and as a whole, the salad came together well.  My pizza arrived shortly after finishing the first course and had the requisite ingredients – fresh mozzarella pieces nestled in a low tide of tomato sauce with basil pieces strewn around.  A good dose of brown crust kept everything orderly edge to edge.  Yeasty flavors were on-hand for the tastebuds to enjoy as was the best ingredient – the mozzarella.  Not really Neapolitan, but on the thinner side, the trattoria’s margherita is a decent affair with quality ingredients put together with care.

The Chianti Classico, 95% sangiovese and 5% canaiolo, had aromas of red berries, particularly cherries, with flavors of strawberry and cherry dominating.  Aged in Slavonian oak for 12 months, the Chianti had solid structure and balance and would be a good choice for red sauced and heartier dishes.

Restaurant staff on different visits were upbeat and well versed with the food and beverage menus and had tasted many of the choices on offer.  Looking around, diners seemed similarly pleased with the vibe of the place and how they were being treated.  Most diners didn’t talk on their phones either – a welcome relief. 

The sum of Trattoria Villagio’s parts:  focus on their decent pizzas, heartier dishes, good wine list, and the patio for al fresco dining.  Leave the bread and pastas for those who prefer a meal that’s very middle of the road.

Trattoria Villagio
7145 Main Street
Clifton, VA  20124
(703) 543-2030
https://goo.gl/maps/BR3XdrJwbJakfieZA

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On my first visit I ordered their chicken shish kebab platter and a glass of the Villa Doluca Semillon (Sultaniye) from Thrace, Turkey. Tender grilled chicken breast meat on a bed of fluffy rice, fresh salad, hummus seasoned with paprika and olive oil, and morning made pita bread, the dish was a meaningful gateway into the chef’s mindset – gentle but definitive seasoning, quality raw ingredients, an eye towards presentation, and a deft hand on the grill. Like a good team, entree parts harmoniously balanced each other as I moved from one corner of the plate to another.

The Semillon, straw colored, medium bodied, and crisp, had honeysuckle aromas, and flavors of apple, pear, and grapefruit. Similar to Pinot Gris, this Semillon was aromatic and a sound choice to work with my entree’s seasoned meat, paprika infused hummus, crunchy salad, and yeasty pita bread.

Dessert was locally made baklava – three pieces and a dollop of frozen vanilla yogurt. Created in a classic style – two layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped pistachios, sweetened syrup of sugar, honey, and lemon, topped with finely chopped pistachios – the meal’s send off hit just the right side of sweetness, with a crunchy texture, an infused dough, and a tasteful nod to presentation. The frozen vanilla yogurt was a success as well with traditional vanilla flavors, smooth textures, and a focus on quality ingredients in a simple white bowl.

On my second visit, while reviewing the Mercedes C63 AMG on Albemarle County’s lovely back roads, I ordered lahmacun – a thin crust Turkish pizza of ground beef, herbs, chopped salad, and lemon. Spread the salad, add a squeeze of lemon, roll a pizza slice up like a wrap, and enjoy the medley of crisp dough, seasoned beef, crunchy greens, and a pop of lemon. Like the chicken kebab, the seasoning of the dish warrants an extra note for its balance. No need for extra salt here.

Having extra room my waiter recommended kunefe – a center of fresh mozzarella wrapped in shredded phyllo dough and sweetened syrup, finely chopped pistachios, cooked until deep brown – it’s a creamy dish with a sweet richness that sneaks up on you. The crunchy exterior sounds like a toasted waffle when it gives way, revealing its mozzarella secrets, and offering up scents of warm, honey laced cheese. I can understand why it’s a popular dessert as it highlights several elements all at once – crunchy texture, subtle sweetness, and a comfort food like experience.

On both visits Turkish staff members were on top of the tables with diners and the owners were on-hand tending to a variety of tasks. Everyone was very approachable and friendly.

So, if your travels lead you into the Charlottesville, VA area, Sultan Kebab is certainly worth a visit.  I look forward to returning when a car or motorcycle review returns me to the area. The city, Albemarle and surrounding counties are a lovely part of the world.

Sultan Kebab
333 2nd Street, South East
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434)-981-0090
https://goo.gl/maps/ng3p9updDQbDkhxZ9

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A thinner burger, which is their style, is easy to miss the mark even with only an extra 30 seconds on the grill. Mine have always come through nice and pink, cooked medium, just as they should be. The patty was gently seasoned, so the the meat got a chance to shine through the soft roll, a bit of lettuce, a tomato slice, and a touch of ketchup. I am a bit of a purist with my burgers.

For those who prefer to slather it on more or a lot, Market Burger has a wide variety of free condiments and some that cost a bit extra – such as some tasty smoked bacon. Gluten free rolls are available, as are other burger choices including turkey and veggie. Thin cut fries can be topped with a few dedicated seasonings.  A single order of fries offered up a good mound of tasty spuds with crisp exteriors and tender insides. Sweet potato fries, which are really chips, with maple mustard, are also available.

The shakes are thick and could almost be eaten with a spoon. I had the vanilla and you can definitely taste the artisanal ice cream.

Over several visits I have been very pleased with Market Burger’s consistency. On each visit my burger has always been cooked to order and their potato fries have been spot on. They have a light hand with the salt – unless you ask for something different – and you can really taste the difference in their local farm-to-table sourcing. Not surprisingly, the prices are higher. But like most things, you get what you pay for in life. I am happy to pay for the upgrade and appreciate the commitment to locally sourced ingredients.

Areas for improvement? I think there are two. First, their sweet potato chips are thick, a bit soggy, and limp. If chips are going to be offered – which is just fine in my book – have them be thinner, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. Second, the shakes could be a touch more liquid so a straw can be used without excessive force. I think some kids might struggle.

On a busy Saturday, finding a seat can be challenging. However, there are some in the back to handle any overflow. Parking can be found on the street or around in corner in one of Purcellville’s public parking lots. For motorcyclists, the public lots are paved so your footing will be secure.

Finally, staff members have always been friendly, down to earth, and food knowledgeable. A number of the employees also cook at their other more upscale restaurants. Service is quick too. So, if during your adventures you get hungry and are in search of a good burger and fries, and in the Purcellville, VA area, Market Burger is certainly worth a visit.

Market Burger Fries & Shakes
145 West Main Street
Purcellville, VA 20132
+1-540-751-1145
https://goo.gl/maps/gYgELVwA9qDzX3aX7

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Thaiverse is a Thai restaurant whose goal is an authentic experience with a focus on flavors from the Bangkok region.  They have two locations – the original in Lovettesville, VA and a more recent addition in Middleburg, VA.

On my first visit, I started with an order of vegetable spring rolls.  They came out of the kitchen with a colorful garnish of carrots, purple cabbage, and lettuce, along with a small vessel of sweet chili sauce.  Pipping hot and with a light oil hand, their insides were filled with vegetables and a bit of vermicelli.  After letting them cool down a bit, these three rolls quickly vanished.

Dinner was panang curry with chicken.  Orange red, the dish was bursting with flavors of red curry and coconut milk with scents of basil spread over white rice.  The chicken was very tender and sliced thin.  The Thai jasmine rice was fragrant, with just the right amount of stickiness to hold steady with the curry sauce.

On my second visit, I popped for the vegetable spring rolls again and the experience was the same as on my first visit.  Hot fried rolls with modest oil on the fingers, tasty interiors of vegetables, and a nice sweet chili sauce.  My main course was pad see mow with chicken.  I didn’t specify a spice level and it arrived with a nice bite, but not at all overpowering.  I’d guess the level was American medium.  They can make it Bangkok hot and beyond if you’d prefer. 

On my third visit, this time for lunch, I ordered their thai fried rice with tofu and it arrived with big chunks of pineapple, very refreshing on a hot day, along with spring onions, garlic, and egg.  The tofu was fried with a light touch.  The house water was infused with cucumber, orange, and lemon, which made it particularly enjoyable.  My dessert choice was coconut ice cream, with the coconut pieces covered in chocolate and mint leaves as a garnish.  Made locally, it was a standout for its creaminess, tender coconut pieces, and high quality chocolate.  Even if you dined elsewhere in Middleburg, VA a stop over for dessert would be a very good idea.

The location in Middleburg is larger and has the benefit of windows overlooking a deck and patio, so even on rainy days there is a lot of natural sunlight filling the dining area.  The decor is inviting with a purple flower at each table – matching the restaurant’s color palate – and tastefully woven placemats, along with comfortable seating cushions.

As someone who really enjoys Asian food in general and Thai food in particular, for its lighter sauces and brighter flavors, Thaiverse really stands out among many in the larger Washington, DC area.  I’d strongly encourage a visit for lunch or dinner.

As the project’s adventures and reviews take me through western Loudoun County going forward, I certainly look forward to future visits.

Thaiverse
101 S. Madison St.
Middleburg, VA  20117
(540) 883-3145
www.thaiverse.com
https://goo.gl/maps/91G45MuPZL2GFkum6

Thaiverse
19E Broad Way
Lovettsville, VA  20180
(703) 628-2444

Notes:
-The Middleburg location has dedicated parking to the left of the restaurant when facing it.
-The Middleburg parking lot is level for motorcycles with good pavement once past the entrance.

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