Chef Moye G Eats at Annandale Fall Festival and Parade

Chef Moye G Eats
at the Annandale Fall Festival

The Annandale Fall Festival was held on Saturday, October 25th, 2014, at the Safeway Shopping Center on Little River Turnpike in Annandale, Virginia.  The festivities started out with a parade leading up to the site where the festival took place with cheerleaders, marching bands, folklore dancers, cars and floats.  The streets were lined with children decked out in there Halloween costumes just waiting to get their trick or treat bags filled with some goodies. As the parade participants and a parade of spectators entered the festival site they were greeted with delicious smells, interesting sights and pleasant sounds.  

There was plenty of activities for people of all ages and culture, especially the kids.  There was a section for the kids to play, ride and have fun.  With bungee jumping, slides, puppet shows and a special visit by Olaf from Disney's Frozen, the kids were truly happy.  If you were looking to pickup something unique, you were in the right place!  With so many vendors of all kinds selling anything you could imagine, from clothes to toys, homemade beauty products and soap to handmade jewelry. If shopping is not your thing then there were adult activities including the Nationwide racecar and racing simulator, companies showing of their products and services as well as live music of different genres from local band.

 

Ok! Let's talk turkey! Yes, smoked turkey legs, kabobs, sausages and so much more foods from around the world.  Let's face it that's the real reason that I was there.  Lined up by the road were about 20 different food vendors, each with their own delicious aroma filling the air.  With an empty stomach and a driving hunger, I made my way through the crowd to the food area.  The choice of where and what to eat was the hardest part because everything looked so good.  This overall was a great event with a lot to do, a lot to see and a lot to eat.  This is definitely on my list for next year, I hope it's on your list as well!  This festival was sponsored by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce for a number of years now along with other local and national business that are represented in Annandale, Virginia. Go to the website seen below for more information.

 

 

www.annandalechamber.com

     

Chef Moye G Eats at Spice Merchants

Chef Moye G Eats
at Spice Merchants in Fairfax

Spice Merchants is located in the heart of Fairfax City, in Northern Virginia right on Main Street. This little shop is big on quality and quantity and bold on the aromas. Spice Merchants has all your needs when it comes to spices, spice blends and teas. I was first exposed to their spices at a farmers market in Fairfax and I must say that the impact it had on me drove me to go and check out the store.
This adventure turned out to be more than I had expected, the aromas of the spices had me dreaming of dishes to prepare with each spice. The spices and teas that they have are fresh and high in quality. With so many spices to choose from it is very easy to be confused on what to get. Relax! Breathe! I understand; I wanted to go home and clear out all my spices to make room for theirs. The staff is there and they are more than willing to help you choose the spice, blend or tea that you need.

They have any spice or herb that you need or want, always fresh and full of flavor and taste. Whether it is sweet, zesty, savory or spicy, the flavor will be pronounced in your dish. The blends are a beautiful masterpiece of spices and herbs married together to produce a taste that is out of this world. There are different blends for meat, poultry, vegetable and seafood, but it does not stop there. They also have blends that are for dips, dressings, baking, beverages, barbeque and even blends that are internationally influenced and many more. The teas are no less intriguing, from basic flavors to more complex flavors, every cup will be a taste of heaven.

No matter what you are looking for in flavor you can find it here. With the friendly and helpful staff and recipes on their website, you can rediscover an old favorite dish or create a new one. So spice up your life and stop in at Spice Merchants in Fairfax.

 

Spice Merchants

10376 Main Street

Fairfax, VA 22030

 

703-359-2425

www.facebook.com/spicemerchants-fairfax

 

Shilla Bakery & Cafe

Chef Moye G. Eat's

at Shilla Bakery & Café

Shilla Bakery & Cafe in Fairfax, Virginia has captured me with their gorgeous display cases full of delicious delectable. If you're looking for sweets, treats and good eats, than Shilla Bakery is the places to feed that need.  Shilla has everything you need from a bakery and then some.  This bakery has infused Asian and European flavors together in their breads and pastries creating a twist on age old recipes.  With six different locations within the metropolitan Washington D.C. area you bound to find one that will fix your cravings.  Those locations includes: Rockville, Ellicott City, Annandale, Centreville, and two in Fairfax (on Old Lee Highway and Fairfax Blvd).  Whichever location you visit your taste-buds
will thank you.

Have you ate breakfast yet?  Well, they have that covered with an assortment of breads and pastries. If that's not enough, then try the breakfast plate which includes: sausage, bacon, ham, eggs, hash browns and your choice of bread; white, honey wheat or an English muffin.  My favorite choice is the Shilla omelette, which has tomato, green pepper and mushroom.  Thirsty? They have regular and flavored coffee, or if you dare there are four different tea lattes.  I am a big fan of the black-milk tea latte.  If you are stopping in for lunch, dinner or just simply hungry, they have sandwiches, hot Panini's (served with fresh chip and a pickle) and wraps. If you feel like something more filling they also have special plates which include  yakisoba, chicken or Salmon Teriyaki.  Each special plate is served with rice, potato salad and a mixed salad.


If you are looking for something refreshing to drink then try the Boba (bubble Tea) or the Bingsoo (Korean shaved ice). Boba comes in an assortment of flavors, from Korean traditional flavors to fruit, coffee and tea flavors.  Bingsoo also has an assortment of flavors as well including caramel, chocs, teas, coffee, different fruits and even red bean.  They also serve ice cream and yogurt.

Now we are going to get into the good stuff!  Breads, pastries, pies, cakes and tarts.  Shilla's had an idea that they have been true since the beginning, which is a fusion of Asian and European baked goods that gives you the best of both worlds.  Shilla's uses butter cream and not sugar base in their bread and pastries, this gives you that melt in you mouth butter goodness.  Any special event that you can think of Shilla's has it covered, with creations that will blow you mind.  Don't worry they have the classic desserts as well.  Maybe you don't need a reason to celebrate, maybe it is a party of two, just you and your sweet tooth.  There are many different mini items to satisfy your appetite.  Chef Moye G's must tries are the mini fruit tart, Tiramisu, and the Mango or Strawberry Mousse.

Shilla Bakery & Café

10940 Fairfax Blvd. Suite E-F

Fairfax, Va 22030

703-691-1171

www.shillabakeryusa.com

King Street Blues

Chef Moye G Eats
at King Street Blues

King Street Blues, located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, is a must stop if you are in the area, it is right off of King Street on North Saint Asaph Street.  King Street Blues is a very interesting three level restaurant with a fun decor of paper mache characters hanging on the wall and from the ceiling. But do not let that scare you!  It definitely adds to the laid back atmosphere of the restaurant.  This place has all the comfort's that you have been looking for plus more.

The comfort's that I am speaking of, span from the great food to the good old southern hospitality, and the "more" part, is the barbecue!  With everything made in house from scratch, you know you are going to have some good eats.  I hope you brought you appetite, cause you are going to need it.  There are so many delicious items to try on the menu that your eyes can get bigger than your stomach.  The po'boys were definitely of interest, with four different ones on the menu to choose from. I of course, had to go with the French Quarter Po'boy, which is not just any po'boy. It had Chicken, Shrimp and Andouille sausage with Cajun spices, lettuce, peppers,

onions, and topped with a tomato ranch sauce.  With the first bite, I thought  "Oh My God!" I have died and gone to Cajun heaven.  Each one of its meat trio were definitely pronounced through-out this sandwich. It also came with the choice of either hand cut fries or homemade potato chip.  I went with the homemade chips and it was an excellent choice on my part.


If I had to choose something else on the menu, it would have been one of two things, the Elwood or the All American Classic. The Elwood is a smoked pulled pork barbecue sandwich served with coleslaw and either house-made potato chips or hand cut fries.  In the spirit of being a true American, it would be an act of treason if I didn't get the All American Classic. This dish comes with a quarter rack of pork back ribs, pulled pork BBQ and served with "Carter's cool beans," red bliss potato salad and cornbread. Truly a patriotic meal.  But don't

stop there! With so many good southern comfort foods to choose from you can't go wrong. They also have gluten free and a kids menu as well.  You must indulge in the desserts, my recommendation is the "Old Dixie Bread Pudding"  a warm serving of southern bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with bourbon sauce,whipped cream then sprinkled with cinnamon and powder sugar.  

Besides the welcoming at home feel and the comforting meal, King Street Blues has live music on Friday and Saturday nights, so that you will also have something to feed the soul as you are kicking back at the bar or sitting back in your booth enjoying your meal. This is definitely a spot that you will want to return to again and again!  

112 North Saint Asaph Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 836-8800

http://www.kingstreetblues.com/

Taste of Peru DC

Chef Moye G Eats

at Taste of Peru-DC

The Taste of Peru DC was held on Sunday, June 8th, 2014, at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington D. C. This was the second year that this event has taken place and I am already ready for the next one. The Taste of Peru DC definitely had the food and the fun, with all kinds of Peruvian”yummies” being served up from different restaurants and vendors; you could not help but to keep on munching. “Taste of Peru” definitely lives up to its name because it is exactly what you get, including delicious Peruvian foods to live Peruvian music performances, Peruvian folklore dancers and live food demonstrations from renowned chefs. There were also vendors selling jewelry, t-shirt, Peruvian spices and packaged goodies from Peru. 

With over 30 restaurants and food venders' there, each cooking up their own Peruvian delight or serving something sweet and/or refreshing, you found yourself in a Peruvian foodie paradise. All five senses will be on overload from the aroma of food cooking or the sound of meat grilling. I know for me just seeing the beautifully plated food passing by me (in what it seemed like everyone’s hands) drove me crazy, even after I had just eaten. With each plate having something different you quickly realize

that the gastronomy of Peru is very diverse and broad. Some of the dishes that were represented there were Pan con Chicharron, Pollo and Asado from Peruvian Brother, Parrillada Mixta from Huascaran Restaurant and Ceviche, from Picca Restaurant. Along with other great foods from other restaurant and vendors such as Sweet Vikki, Victoria’s Dessert, Passion for Sweets, Sardis Restaurant, Sabor a Peru and many others.

Among the many delicious beverages that were served there were also some adult beverages available to quench your thirst. These included Cusqueña a Premium Dark Beer which is a Milk/Sweet Stout and also served was Pisco Sour, the Peruvian national cocktail which is prepared with egg white, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters (Pisco is a colorless or yellowish-to-amber colored grape brandy).

It was a rare honor to meet and speak with Senora Teresa Ocampo, she is one of the pioneers of the gastronomy of Peruvian cuisine. Also offered at this event were master cooking classes taught by renowned Peruvian Chefs, Jose Del Castillo, Roger Karachi, and Darwin Santamaria as well as a demonstration on the coffees of Peru by Aladino Delgado. Besides the food, the day was filled with traditional dancing, music and entertainment. Each performer was dressed in beautiful traditional folklore attire and the performances were breath-taking. Your mind body and soul felt as if it were transported to a past life centered in the heart of Peru. Even Mickey and Minnie Mouse came out to join the crowd for a routine.

This event was a great culinary and cultural experience and a must on your list for next year. Hope to see you there!

www.tasteofperudc.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Taste-of-Peru-Washington-DC/

La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Chef Moye G Eats
at La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant

La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant, located in Clarendon, VA, serves  authentic Spanish tapas, cuisine, wines and sangria. This two level gorgeous restaurant has an old world feel to it, with its architecture having an Iberian coast look with an Arabic flare complete with wrought iron railings and staircases. With a friendly staff and a host of food and drink selections this is a place that you definitely want to frequently visit. Whether you are stopping in for happy hour or have reservations for dinner, this location will not disappoint, because it has it all! La Tasca has four other locations in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area including: Alexandria, Baltimore, Rockville and Washington D.C.

La Tasca has become known for its sangrias, with over 10 different kinds to choose from. Whether you are having traditional sangria or a mango blackberry sangria, each one is a delicious and refreshing beverage. My personal favorite is the sangria rosada! If you just want to wind down with a glass of wine, they also have a great selection of white, red, rose, and sparkling wines as well as a variety of sherries that pair great with one of their delicious entrees.

One of the most well known Spanish dishes is paella. And yes!

They have it. There are four different types on the menu to feed your paella needs. The Paella Mixta (mix) which is made with chicken, chorizo, shrimp, scallops, mussels, squid and clams, is my favorite of the four, but all four are great. If you want the opportunity to learn how to make Paella, La Tasca offers a Paella making class and tapas dinner. See their website below for details, times and locations.

Hands down the dishes that are the main attraction at La Tasca are the Tapas! There are so many variations to tempt your palate, from vegetable or meat to seafood. Tapas are served in many different ways, rather fried, baked, on skewers or served up on a plate. The concept of a “tapa” originated in Spain and legend has it that the tapa was actually invented by the Spanish king Alfonso X El Sabio (the Wise). Due to an illness, he would eat small amounts of food with wine and would use this food, either a slice of meat or cheese, to cover his glass not only as a method to soak up alcohol to prevent intoxication but also as a way to prevent unwanted debris from falling into his wine. Thus the tapa was born and decreed throughout Castille!

La Tasca is a perfect place for great food and to join in on some fun events. Sabor de España A Taste of Spain, Available exclusively at the Arlington, Virginia location, prepare to take a trip to Spain without the expensive airfare. Explore the very best in regional Spanish cuisine with a Sabor de España Menu. For $28 per person, select any four items from a combination of sangria, wine, tapas and desserts! This is offered only Sunday through Thursday. An event that’s coming up at the Washington, DC location on May 20th at 6:30 p.m. is La Tasca Sherry cocktails dinner and more. Enjoy modern and trendy sherry-inspired cocktails and an amazing tapas dining experience! Event is hosted by a local expert in Spanish sherry wines. Another event on Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday, May 4th from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at La Tasca in Rockville, Maryland is a Paella making class and tapas dinner. Learn how to make paella alongside Chef Josu while enjoying sangria and a tapas dinner! A perfect afternoon! There are many more events going on at every location so be sure to visit their website for more details. ¡Buen Provecho!

La Tasca Arlington

2900 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, Virginia 22201

703-812-9120

www.latascausa.com

www.facebook.com/LaTascaRestaurants

(Spanish Tapas, http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/society/food/tapas.asp).

Zabb Thai Restaurant

Chef Moye G Eats
at Zabb Thai Restaurant

Zabb Thai Restaurant, located in Manassas, Virginia, has been a favorite of mine going on two years now.  With great authentic Thai dishes, a cozy atmosphere, and a friendly staff it is hard, very hard not to consider this spot as one of your repeat dining locations. Whether it is having a meal with friends, kicking back at the bar with a few drinks, listening to live music, or taking the microphone and singing along with one of your favorite songs, this is is the place that has it all!

 The staff and atmosphere here are so warm and inviting, you will find yourself at home with the Zabb Thai family.  With a slight bow and palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion, you will hear “Sawatdi” (a Thai greeting similar to the Hawaiian greeting "Aloha") from your hostess as you enter the door.  Besides just coming in to enjoy a wonderful meal, there are various activities offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. On Thursday nights there is “Open Mic Night”, on Friday nights you can join in the fun for “Karaoke night” and on Saturday nights there is live entertainment from bands of all different genres (see website for schedule of bands).  Zabb's is also available to host parties, other private events, as well as cater.  If you have a hunger for Thai food and can not make in out, Zabb's also delivers, so you would not have to miss out on your Thai food fix. 

Thai food, glorious Thai food, the food here is very fresh everything made in house by a very talented and knowledgeable staff.  Each plate is a masterpiece from the appetizers, to the main courses, to the desserts.  For appetizers my favorites are the crab wanton, the Thai Shu-mai and the fried calamari. I can never decide which to order so usually I order all three (I know I’m greedy).  Soup? Never a problem! Tom Ka with shrimp, is a refreshing bowl of goodness made with lemongrass and coconut milk.  For the main course? Drunken noodle, drunken noodle, drunken noodle! It is a stir fried flat noodle sautéed with chilies, fresh tomatoes, basil and either veggies or a meat of your choice.  If you are looking for a rice dish than I recommend the basil fried rice. It is a spicy fried rice with fresh chili and fresh basil leaves that can also can be served with veggies or the meat of your choice.  After a great meal there is always room for dessert and with so many tempting choices it is almost impossible to choose one.  My favorites are mango sticky rice and dulce de leche cheesecake.

At Zabb's, the philosophy is simple: A fun place where you can celebrate with great foods and top-notch service at a reasonable price.  Stop in whenever you are in the area or make a reason! I am sure they will be happy to see you! Hope to see you there. Sawatdi!  

Open Sunday-Thursday 11:30 AM-10:00 PM and Friday-Saturday 11:30 AM-11:00 PM.

11010 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas, VA. 20109

(703) 392-9222

www.zabbrestaurant.com