Falls Church Food & Dining 2022

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Lets do Brunch Local Dining Spots in the Little City Page 16 Oktoberfest The ‘People’s Festival’ Page 12 - 13 Beer & Wine Festivals Fall Festivals Page 14-15

SEPTEMBER 15 - 21, 2022 | PAGE 11

Also Inside: • Fall Festival Lineup, Menu, Map & Vendor List • ‘Taste’ Judge Q&A’s

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Oktoberfest is the People’s Festival

BY KYLEE TOLAND

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

On October 12, 1810, the world’s largest “Volksfest” (German for “people’s festival’’) was created in Germany, giving people around the world a reason to celebrate German culture and most importantly, food and beer.

OktoberFest is an annual festival in Munich, a city in Bavaria located in Germany. It is typically a 16 to 18 day festival that runs from mid- or late- September to around the first Sunday in October.

As to why the festival is called OktoberFest despite being mostly celebrated in September, there is a reasonable explanation. The first festival in 1810 was to celebrate the marriage between the Bavarian prince and later King Louis I to Princess Therese von SachsenHildburghausen. It ran for five days and concluded with a horse race that came to be called “Thereseinwiese” (“Therese’s green”). In the following years, the celebrations were repeated and Oktoberfest was prolonged and moved to September. By moving the festival up, it allowed better weather conditions and allowed participants

to further enjoy the outdoor activities.

Throughout the years, Oktoberfest has made its way overseas to the United States, where it is celebrated with daily or weekly events in September and October.

Participants in various Oktoberfest events can enjoy authentic German delicacies, such as bavarian pretzels, roasted meats and of course, beer.

The festival is widely known for the large amounts of beer consumed in both Germany and the United States.

Three years ago, it was estimated that 7.3 million liters of beer were consumed by the end of that year’s Oktoberfest.

Locally, many businesses and eateries celebrate Oktoberfest in various unique ways. Both adults and children alike can participate in these festivities, allowing everyone to enjoy the festival in different ways.

Settle Down Easy Brewing

is hosting a three-weekend celebration for Oktoberfest. Starting on the weekend of September 17th and lasting until the weekend of October 1st, the Falls Church brewery allows participants to enjoy foods such as bratwurst and

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

pretzels and beer for only $10.

The second weekend of this celebration includes Oysterfest, where 4,000 oysters “will be shucked and served” for $1 each. The last weekend presents Bratoberfest, where people can snag two bratwurst tacos from local restaurant El Tio Tex-Mex Grill for $10, as well as drinks. For more information, visit settledowneasybrewing. com.

Audacious Aleworks in their Falls Church brewery, is running food and drink specials to celebrate Oktoberfest, beginning on September 16th and lasting until October 2nd.

Participants can buy an Oktoberfest “stein” (“a large earthenware beer mug”) filled with one of the taproom’s six Oktoberfest featured beers for only $12. If one brings back the stein on a future date during the festival, the brewery will offer a 20-ounce pour for the 16-ounce price. Oktoberfest-themed platters will be served each weekend as well. For more information, visit audaciousaleworks.com.

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r e b o t k O Fest SLAM DUNK PRETZELS

CHICKEN SCHNITZEL

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ROASTED VEGETABLE TRIO

Featured Beers

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Port City Brewing Company offers Oktoberfest

participants the chance to indulge in German food and the company’s craft beers, as well as raise money for a good cause. Port City Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest celebration includes a fundraiser for Senior Services of Alexandria, a nonprofit supporting local seniors in need with Meals on Wheels, transportation and other services.

There are two events being hosted

by Port City Brewing Company for Oktoberfest this year: Wunderfest and Dogtoberfest. Wunderfest on September 17th allows people to enjoy live music and compete for prizes, while Dogtoberfest on October 1st features dog-friendly activities. For more information, visit portcitybrewing.com.

Bronson Bier Hall in Arlington will be having sample selections from local breweries such as Port City Brewing Company, as well as the “tapping” of a Weihenstephaner Ceremonial Keg. Their celebration of Oktoberfest will take place on September 24th and will feature various live music performances and a beer stein holding contest. For more information, visit bronsonbierhall.com.

SEPTEMBER 15 - 21, 2022 | PAGE 13

The Boro in Tysons is celebrating Oktoberfest with music and food on September 17th.

People can listen to the TKO band play music during a polka fest held at The Boro’s Sandlot, play games in Boro Park, while younger participants can make pretzel necklaces. The first 150 attendees can receive a branded beer mug. For more information, visit theborotysons.com.

Caboose

Commons

in Fairfax is celebrating Oktoberfest and their 4th birthday by hosting Hoptoberfest on September 17th. Located in the Mosaic District, the festivities will be held on the patio of Caboose Commons and features live music, a brewing workshop, beer tastings, food and a bounce house. For more information, visit caboosebrewing.com.

Courhaus Social in Arlington is hosting an eighthour celebration of Oktoberfest on September 17th. Participants can listen to live music, win gym gift cards at a stein-holding competition, receive some Oktoberfest merchandise and enjoy themed food, such as pork schnitzel and apple strudel. For more information, visit courthaussocial.com.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, Glory Days will be offering a variety of food options including a Sausage&Pepper Sandwich. Visit their Falls Church location at 6341 Columbia Pike. German Gourmet offers an array of Oktoberfest food and beers at their location 5838 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA. (C������� P�����: G���� D��� G����, ��� G����� G������)

Village Brahaus in Alexandria is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration from September 15th to September 16th. Beer specials, as well as a performance by Johnny Koenig, the self proclaimed “face for the next generation of polka stars,” are just some of the activities held at the beer garden’s celebration. For more information, visit villagebrauhaus.com.

Shipgarten in Mclean is hosting an Oktoberfest kick-off event on Saturday, September 17th. A ceremonial “tapping of the keg” will take place, as well as stein-hoisting and sausageeating competitions, apple-bobbing, live music and a kid’s corner. For more information, you can visit their website at shipgarten.com.

Glory Days Grill at Barcroft Plaza in Falls Church is offering food and drink specials during their Oktoberfest celebration. Customers can indulge in chicken schnitzel, roasted vegetables, a sausage that comes with onions and peppers, cheddar ale soup and a selection of beer. For more information, visit glorydaysgrill.com.

Grand Opening Saturday Sept .17

To Show Our Appreciation We are Offering Free Burritos 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (one per person)

Hours: 10am-8pm Closed: Mondays

burritosbrosfc.com

BURRITOS BROS FALLSCHURCH

7175 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22046 Check Out our other location in Arlington too!

2599 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204

BURRITOSBROS_FALLSCHURCH

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Virginia is Home for Wine and Beer Lovers

BY JOSH TRUPO

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Falls Church has many wonderful local events to attend. In addition to that, one of the many benefits of living here is the proximity to events all around Northern Virginia.

This guide is your one-stop shop to the numerous Food and Wine festivals and events taking place this year. From cookoffs to wine tastings, home-grown fruits to potlucks, there is something for everyone to attend and enjoy. Find the event that fits you best. You are guaranteed to find an event that fits you and your schedule perfectly! Enjoy yourself, unwind, and enjoy the wonderful foods and beverage in Northern Virginia.

Sip Sip Saturday Wine Tasting – Every Sunday Noon-6:00pm Woodlawn Press Winery, Alexandria

Hosted by the Woodlawn Press Winery on every Sunday, attendants can enjoy a wonderful day tasting locally made wines in a fun and cozy atmosphere. A weekly event, meaning you can come and go as you

please, as there will always be another tasting right around the corner.

Tickes start at $7 and grant entry to the event for the day.

Soul Food Saturday Sept. 17/Oct. 15 2:00pm-6:00pm

Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314 Described as a bite of American history! Soul Food Sundays connects the past to the plate. It is a guided walking tour of Old Town Alexandria that uses historic landmarks to highlight the invaluable contributions of African American innovation and tradition to American cuisine. See, hear, touch, smell and taste the culinary heritage of the nation! Starts at $42 for the guided tour and food tastings.

Pick between reds, whites, bubbles and more to find the perfect wine for you. Tickets start at $40 and get you appetizers, a guided tasting, and two glasses of your choice of wine.

Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour – Oct 7-9, 6:00pm9:00pm

Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon Located on the East Lawn of George Washington’s estate, this tasting samples wines from Virginia producers. An opportunity to explore the first and second floors of the estate, as well as the cellar afterhours. Enjoy a night at this historic estate with various wines to taste and sights to see. Daily ticket prices range from $43 to $53 for members and $53 to $63 or nonmembers.

Black Girls Wine Society Event Sept. 22 7:00pm-10:00pm

Virginia Wine Festival Oct. 1-2 Noon-6:00pm

Celebrating black and women owned business, this event specializes in testing the limits of your palette.

The premiere Wine Festival in Northern Virginia, hosting over one hundred vendors sell-

12310A Sunset Hills Road #Suite 101, Reston, VA 20190

One Loudoun, 44600 Freetown Blvd., Ashburn

DC’S LARGEST BEER FESTIVAL, featuring over 80 breweries and live music. (P����: ��� ����������� DC BEER F�������) ing wine made right here in Virginia. The event caters to people from all walks of life, the only requirement is a love for only the best wines, red or white. Tickets cost $39 for general admission or $69 for VIP, which includes early entry to the event, tastings of select reserve wines, and a private tented area.

DC Wine Fest! Fall Edition Oct. 8 Noon-10:00pm

Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE, Washington, DC 20002 An all-day, all-night, multisession vino experience. Sample premium wine with a backdrop of live entertainment, keeping the party lively during this one-of-a-

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Find a New Favorite On Us!

Bring this into the Bakery for a Buy One, get One Free thru 9/30/22

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DogtoberFest at Shipgarten Oct. 22 1:00pm-6:00pm

Best Trick, Biggest Dog, Best Tail Wagger, and so much more!

National Harbor, MD

Bull Run Special Events Center, 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville

Octoberfest fun with your pets!

Attended by various rescues bringing dogs up for adoption. Multiple pet owned vendors setting up selling various treats, toys, clothes and more. All this four-legged fun, and 50+ beers to sample. Bring your family and your pups to enjoy cold beer, delicious food, and events for all ages. Totally free to attend. Enter your dogs in the various competitions throughout the festival. Smallest Dog, Best Kisser,

Barbecue, whiskey, and wine. What more could one ask for? This event will be populated by food trucks, s’mores, live music, shopping, educational seminars, and fire-breathers!

The opportunities for fun are endless. Each guest also gets a souvenir glass to enjoy an “allyou-care-to-taste” sampling of whiskey and wine. Tickets cost $59 for general admission or $89 for VIP, limited to the first 400 guests, but includes early entry, complimentary bites, a bottle of wine, and a special seating lounge.

VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL, one hundred vendors selling wine made right here in Virginia.

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kind experience. Check out the amazing vendors participating at DCWineFest.com. Tickets start at $35 for general admission, or $65 for early admission, granting early access one hour before the crowd, providing more time to sample and mingle.

DC Metro Whiskey, Wine and Fire Oct. 8 4:00-9:00pm

Shipgarten, 7581 Colshire Dr., Mclean, VA 22102

Taco, Beer, Tequila Festival 2022 Oct.22-23 11:00am-5:00pm A 21+ event for adults in the DMV. Come sample Tacos, beer, and tequila to your heart’s content.

Churros, tacos, and guacamole provided by the best taquerias and taco trucks in the region. $45 for general admission and $85 for the unlimited ticket, granting VIP early access and as much tacos, beer, and tequila you could ever handle.

Loudon Veg Fest Oct. 30 11:00am-4:00pm

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Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pk., Purcellville The premiere 100% vegan event that is free and open to the public. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, someone interested in the vegan lifestyle, or just someone curious about learning to incorporate more plant-based food to your routine, Veg Fest is open to all. Enjoy the festival with food vendors, live music, and guest speakers. There is no cost, feel free to stop by!

2022 DC Beer Fest Nov. 5 Noon

Nationals Park, Washington, DC Attend DC’s Largest beer festival, featuring over 80 breweries, food trucks, bands, dueling pianos, and much more throughout Nats Park. Beer, food, lawn games, and live music peppered throughout the massive baseball stadium with plenty to do for anyone and everyone. $50 for general admission and $90 for VIP admission which grants access to the warning track and dugouts, also receiving commemorative tasting glasses and DC Beer Fest hats.

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Let’s Do Brunch In the Little City

by Nick Gatz

Falls Church News-Press

When it comes to brunch there are many options. Some choose eggs, some choose waffles while other go for the meats.

There is no shortage of restaurants and places to get brunch here in the Little City.

Our quest to do brunch in the Little City was quite sucessful. While we did not come to a conclusion on who was the best, we will leave you with some highlights and options that you yourself can try.

We will let you decide who ultimalety has the best brunch here in the city!

Some places that you should be sure to check out are not pictured.

Fpr example, Ireland’s Four Provinces offers breakfast and brunch, 4psva.com.

Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen has all day breakfast, lazymikesdeli.com.

Preservation Biscuit Company is another City favorite, visit preservationbiscuit.com.

Cafe Kindred, is a place to stop by for your morning delights, cafekindred.com.

Liberty Barbecue 370 W Broad St.

Northside dogwood Social tavern 205 Park Ave, Falls Churh 132 W Broad St.

SATURDAY + SUNDAY 11A.M. - 3 P.M.

Brunch items are available ALL DAY!!

Bottomless COCKTAILS Mimosa choice of orange, grapefruit, or peach LB Bloody Mary regular or spicy John Daly iced tea, lemonade & vodka Draft Beer Pacific, National Bohemian, Raised By Wolves Pale Ale, LB Brown UNLIMITED BRUNCH SMALL PLATES Full Menu: libertyfallschurch.com

BRUNCH THROUGHOUT THE LITTLE CITY! Left to right include Liberty’s unlimited small plate brunch. Avocado Toast, Ham & Gruyere Quiche, House Made Bacon & Poached Egg from Northside Social. Huevos Rancheros and Cajun Breakfast Grits from Dogwood Tavern.

Strawberry Pancakes and Steak Frites from Harveys. (Photos: Sue Johnson, Courtesy Harvey’s and News-Press)

7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday to Saturday.

Avocado Toast Ham & Gruyere Quiche House Made Bacon & Poached Egg Full Menu: northsidesocialva.com

SATURDAY + SUNDAY 10 A.M. - 3 P.M.

Harvey’s 513 W Broad St, Falls Church

SATURDAY + SUNDAY 9 A.M. - 3 P.M. Strawberry Pancakes

Huevos Rancheros

Steak Frites

Cajun Breakfast Grits

Full Menu: harveysva.com

Full Menu: dogwoodtavern.com

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Falls Church Restaurant News

Restaurants to Open in Founders Row by the end of the year or early 2023.

Nue: A new concept from the Happy Endings Hospitality Group that focuses on sophisticated, upscale Vietnamese cuisine in a refined sit-down environment.

Roll Play Grill: A fast-casual Vietnamese restaurant that reinvents a tradition of healthy, fresh, and tasty Vietnamese food.

Chasin’ Tails: Offers a family style

dining that mimics a backyard boil, a traditional event that takes place throughout Louisiana during crawfish season and typically involves cooking live crawfish with cajun spices, oranges, lemons, garlic, onions, and celery.

Ellie Bird: A new restaurant concept from the owners of Michelin Star restaurant Rooster and Owl that will feature some variations from the Rooster & Owl carryout days; seafood paella, miso caesar salad, grill corn ravioli and more.

Kyu Ramen: New York City based ramen concept which offers a variety of ramen noodle dishes, rice burgers,

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SEPTEMBER 15 - 21, 2022 | PAGE 17

ramen burgers, and more.

Kyo Matcha: A matcha tea based dessert concept from the owner of Kyu Ramen offering a plethora of match based desserts including cakes, ice cream, and drinks.

homemade hot sauces and help pick the winner! Prizes will go to the Judge’s Winner and People’s Choice. We will also have a firetruck for the kids (and dogs!). It’s a great family friendly night - rain or shine - on the Rocklands patio!

9th Annual Rocklands Hot Sauce Contest & Pig Roast

Bolay Falls Church Virginia’s VIP Week!

Come join Rocklands and the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation on Thursday, September 22 from 5 p.m.

— 8 p.m. for a great night of all you can eat Rocklands pulled pork, delicious sides and Right Proper beer and various wines. $35 in advance; $45 at the door and new this year.... kids tickets ($15!)

You also can taste all the amazing

Bolay Falls Church Virginia’s VIP Week! Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 11:00 a.m, Monday, October 10, 2022 at 9:00 p.m.

Bolay’s newest restaurant will be giving away a free Bolay Regular Bol or Wrap during the grand opening VIP week! Present your registration ticket at the cash register during Bolay’s VIP Week

to redeem.1208-D West Broad Street, Falls Church, V.A. 2204

Disturbingly Delicious Foods Making Sauerkraut and Kimchi Dave Forbes of Disturbingly Delicious Foods is now making sauerkraut and kimchi, which is fermented cabbage combined with garlic, ginger and red chilis. Find Disturbingly Delicious sauces and kimchi and sauerkraut, in time for Oktoberfest, at the Farmers Market on Saturdays, 8-12, and at his shop at 455 S. Maple St, Falls Church.

Fun for All at the 46th Annual Falls Church Festival The 46th Annual Falls Church Festival (www.fallschurchva.gov/Festival) returns this Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the City Hall grounds (300 Park Ave.). You’ll find all your favorites, from live music and entertainment to pony rides and other children’s amusements, local vendors, businesses and civic organizations, a Beer Garden, and the Taste of Falls Church!

This event is rain or shine.

Admission and Tickets Admission to the festival is free, but amusement rides, small bite tastes, and beer require the purchase of one or more tickets.

There are a full roster of restaurants

ready to satisfy your every craving with small bites of amazing food. Tickets are $3 per “taste” at each restaurant (some tastes may require two tickets). Event goers can purchase individual taste tickets or 10 taste tickets for $25. Taste tickets are cash only at the outside ticket booths. Credit cards may be used inside the Community Center.

There is no onsite ATM. Tickets will not be sold after 3:30pm.

Participating restaurants include: Taste of Falls Church Baddpizza Café Kindred Clare and Don’s Harvey’s Hot N Juicy Crawfish

Island Fin Poke Lazy Mike’s Mark’s Pub Nothing Bundt Cakes One 1ea Taiwanese Cafe Open Road Taco Rock Thompson Italian Beer Garden

fication can purchase and consume alcohol.

Entertainment for the Entire Family Main Stage 10:00 a.m. – Welcoming Falls Church 11:00 a.m. - Ocho De Bastos 12:15 p.m. – Big Tow 1:30 p.m. – All You Need is Beatles 2:45 p.m. – Lil Maceo

The Tori McKinney ROCK STAR REALTY GROUP Beer Garden returns to this year’s event, with selections from Audacious Aleworks and Solace Outpost.

The Beer Garden will be located near the main stage and serve alcohol from 11:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Anyone can enter the Beer Garden, but only those with a valid identi-

Children’s Stage 11:00 a.m. – Mr. Gabe 12:15 p.m. – Magician Drew Owen 1:30 p.m. – Rocknoceros 2:45 p.m. – Bach to Rock 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Children’s Crafts, Pony Rides and Amusements

Event Sponsors

Thank you to the sponsors of the 2022 Falls Church Festival: Aqua – Tots (Children’s Entertainment) babycito Capital Area Pediatrics Communikids (Children’s Crafts) Falls Church News-Press Goldfish Swim School Falls Church Heartland Foods Patient First Power Home Remodeling Prince William Home Improvement The Kensington Tori McKinney ROCK STAR REALTY (Entertainment and Beer Garden)

Store Closing Sale!

Lost our lease! Everything must go!

Closeout BOGO Special (Buy any sauce and get a free select sauce on us!)

Hot Sauces!

Condiments!

Cooking Sauces!

Dips & Spreads!

Kimchi & kraut!

Salad dressings!

And much more!

All natural!

Low sodium!

Fat free!

No major allergens!

No dairy!

Plant based!

Vegan!

.com

455H South Maple Avenue (for now!)

The original

Open Friday, Saturday 1-4, by appointment and if you drive by and the door is open, come on in!

So long and thanks for all the...?

(What is Falls Church known for, anyway?)

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Brightly Painted Walls Create a festive spirit at Pupuseria La Familiar

by Patricia Leslie

Falls Church News-Press

Brightly painted walls with colorful art, big windows and plants help create a festive spirit at Pupuseria La Familiar restaurant at the corner of Annandale Road and South Washington Street where its speciality, pupusas, are priced under $5.

How does pupusa translate in English?

It’s a corn or rice flour tortilla filled with ham and cheese, or sausage, pork, Salvadoran “flower bud” cheese, shrimp, steak, garlic, squash, avocado, you name it, with prices from $2.40 to $3.50.

A family of four can eat here for under $20 and that’s what many area Latin Americans do on Sundays, said Wendy Marquez, the manager.

In the Spanish tradition, many families go out to eat after church, Marquez told me, and it appears that most of them in the area come here. (Other days, not so much.)

When I dropped in on a recent Sunday afternoon, it was party time with filled tables, a line of eight waiting at the “to go” counter, a crammed parking lot, and lots of noise.

Loud Latino music played nonstop, and it’s hard to hear your meal partner sometime with the echoes (sometimes, not such a bad thing). Guests may go outside to that dining area with service and a lower sound volume.

The big Pupuseria staff is well rehearsed in the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant, maintaining cool and calm demeanors and generally smiling at everyone, and showing no impatience.

If you’ve never waited on tables, it comes highly recommended as an unforgettable experience, a sensitizing lesson in life and one I would recommend to anyone for at least six months.

Pupuseria’s has lots more on its menu than just pupusas, of course. A variety of tacos ($3.50 to $4.99), sandwiches, soups, and breakfast all day long are some of the choices.

At one meal I had my standard Latin American fare of chicken enchiladas with rice and beans ($11.50). The chicken was soft and tender, and the salsa added a welcome, slightly

tangy taste.

It was the first time I had had “blended” refried beans (in a food processor?) which, naturally, had no effect on the taste and were as mild as expected.

(Nothing I had at Pupuseria’s was too spicy.)

Marquez told me that one of the restaurant’s most popular beverages is “ensalada de frutas” which translates to “fruit salad.” Huh? A drink of salad?

After testing it ($3.50 or $4.25), I decided the name should be changed to “fructas” since I tasted no lettuce, beets, mushrooms (!), or radishes in the drink but, instead, my palate favored the little bits of finely chopped tropical fruit which Marquez warned me might be too sweet (it wasn’t). It was uplifting and refreshing, just the right blend and filled me with enough Vitamin C to last a week.

When my friend Ellie and I ate on another day at Pupuseria, we both ordered baleadas which is like a big taco with refried beans and a Salvadoran cream spread over a large handmade flour tortilla with eggs, avocado, and cheese. Its appearance was deceiving for it looked rather bland, but the taste proved otherwise.

I ordered mine without meat ($4.99), but meats are available (steak, $7.99; chicken or Salvadoran sausage, $6.99).

Ellie said her baleadas was “tasty, good and reasonably priced,” and she cleaned her plate.

Of course, I had to have a pupusa and I chose the pork with loroco and cheese ($2.25) which was ground to a sauce consistency. The Salvadoran flower bud cheese, often found on the menu, is a cooking vine with a mild flavoring and its plant parts, disguised.

For dessert, Ellie and I each had the budin or Salvadoran style banana bread pudding ($2.25) which we decided would be immensely improved with spoonfuls of vanilla ice cream or warmed whipped cream. Its consistency was like a heavenly rich pound cake and gave me the false impression it was good for me. (But not for my scale, alas.)

After working 12 years at another eatery, Marquez joined Pupuseria in 2021 when the restaurant opened in Falls Church,

its first location in Virginia, she said. The restaurant prides itself on “authentic Salvadoran cuisine.”

She praised the owners, Maritza and Hector Hernandes, who come in weekly and test the food and kitchen, demanding changes, if necessary. “They want everything to be perfect,” Marquez smiled.

Alas, Pupuseria serves no alcohol. Marquez said the owners want to keep it that way since it’s a family restaurant and there are no plans to change it.

In April 2005, the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly declared pupusas as the national dish of El Salvador and the second Sunday in November, National Pupusas Day. It will be crowded at Pupuseria’s!

Pupuseria has locations in Maryland, but Falls Church is not listed on its website, pupuserialafamiliar.com. It’s open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 308 South Washington Street, Falls Church, VA 22046, (703) 995-2528.

TOP TO BOTTOM, are the chicken enchiladas with rice, refried beans, sour cream and more. Pictured on the bottom is the Pupusa with pork and cheese. (Photos: Patricia Leslie)

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SEPTEMBER 15 - 21, 2022 | PAGE 19

Sponsored by Rock Star Realty Group, KW Metro Center

Sponsored by Aqua-Tots

­

Homemade is our Business

HARVEY’S HOME TO GOOD FOOD AND FRIENDS

Trivia

Monday @ 7pm • Wednesday & Thursday @ 8:30pm

Karaoke

Live Music

Brunch

Tuesday & Friday @ 8pm

Saturday & Sunday

1/2 Priced Burgers

Happy Hour

Tuesday

Saturday @ 9pm

Monday to Friday, 4pm-7pm

Starting Oct 1: Karaoke will be on Tuesday at 9:00 pm and Saturday at 9:30 pm

BEST of FALLS CHURCH BE

2022 Finalist

GOOD FOOD GOOD FRIENDS GOOD TIMES

STOFFC.COM

We smoke our ribs, brisket and pork. We slow roast our corned beef for reubens.

Enjoy our homemade specials and cakes. Outdoor seating.

www.markspub-fcva.com

DAY AND NIGHT AT HARVEY’S

2190 Pimmit Dr. Falls Church, VA 22043

513 W. Broad St. Falls Church, Va 22046 www.Harveysva.com (540) 268-6100

703-356-3822

PAGE 20 | SEPTEMBER 15 - 21, 2022

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Judges Talk F.C. Favorites, Pandemic Comfort Meals & More This year’s Taste of Falls Church judges weighed in on everything from what makes a meal to the strangest thing they have ever eaten.

Justin Kieffer Government Employee

Randi Kieffer Cyber Security

1. What game-day preparation is in order for being a Taste of Falls Church judge?

Last year I tried to eat less the night before, this time I think I need to have a big dinner and expand my stomach.

1. What game-day preparation is in order for being a Taste of Falls Church judge?

Saving calories the week leading up to make room for all of the delicious offerings!

2. What’s the one thing that “makes” a meal in your eyes?

Sauces.

2. What’s the one thing that “makes” a meal in your eyes?

The “perfect bite” where all of the flavors on the plate come together.

3. If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Steak Frites.

4. If you had to choose, would you eat at home or dine out for the rest of your life? Why? Dine out because my wife and I can only master so many ordinary dishes.

5. What was your comfort meal/food during the pandemic?

Thompson Italian’s Rigatoni.

6. What is your favorite recipe?

Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies.

7. Who is your favorite dining partner?

My wife and even if it wasn’t, I’d still say my wife.

8.What holiday makes for the best meal?

Thanksgiving because of all the different sides that add to the perfect base of turkey and gravy.

9. What is the strangest thing you have ever tried/eaten?

Fermented shark.

10. What are you hoping is in store food-wise for this year’s festival?

A wide variety of all Falls Church City has to offer, including any new places that opened.

11. What types of food are you most looking forward to trying at the Festival?

I am open to anything and everything!

3. If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pasta. Any type of pasta.

4. If you had to choose, would you eat at home or dine out for the rest of your life? Why? This is tough. Eating out is more fun and less cleanup. Eating home is healthier and more economical!

5. What was your comfort meal/food during the pandemic?

Thompson’s Italian Rigatoni takeout.

6. What is your favorite recipe?

Queso.

7. Who is your favorite dining partner?

Justin, for many reasons, including letting me eat his meals when he picks the better option.

8.What holiday makes for the best meal?

Thanksgiving!

9. What is the strangest thing you have ever tried/eaten?

Camel.

Matt Finarelli Gourmet Culinary Instructor 1. What game-day preparation is in order for being a Taste of Falls Church judge?

Come hungry! It’s not just that I want to be able to enjoy all the foods I taste, but I also have to make sure I have room for them all.

2. What’s the one thing that “makes” a meal in your eyes?

Contrast. When everything is the same, the meal quickly becomes boring. Contrast in textures, temperatures, colors, flavors, and more makes the meal exciting.

3. If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Spaghetti Carbonara. The reason for this is twofold: First, it’s a simply delicious Roman pasta dish of guanciale (or pancetta), eggs, butter, cheese, cream and more.

4. If you had to choose, would you eat at home or dine out for the rest of your life? Why?

That’s a tricky one for me. In essence, I go to people’s homes, and cook with and for them for a living. So in a way, I eat at home, and dine out every night at the same time!

5. What was your comfort meal/food during the pandemic?

Homemade pizza. Experimenting with homemade pizzas was something I truly enjoyed throughout the pandemic.

6. What is your favorite recipe?

That is almost impossible to choose, seeing as how I have over 1,500 of them that I work with! But I think the one I am proudest of, and truly love every time I make it is my Khao Soi.

7. Who is your favorite dining partner?

Anybody who loves good food and the joy of sharing a good meal and good conversation.

8.What holiday makes for the best meal?

Thanksgiving of course! The bounty of fall combined with bringing family together for a collection of wonderful dishes – it’s the best. .

David Tarter Falls Church City Mayor 1. What game-day preparation is in order for being a Taste of Falls Church judge?

Game-Day? More like Game-Week preparation – Fasting!

2. What’s the one thing that “makes” a meal in your eyes?

Cheese, lots of cheese!

3. If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

For the rest of my life…wow…probably nachos… they offer a seemingly endless variety of toppings and include all of the major food groups - cheese, guacamole, jalapenos, and salsa.

4. If you had to choose, would you eat at home or dine out for the rest of your life? Why?

Man, that’s a lot of casseroles, but probably eat at home. I am out at a lot of night meetings and it’s nice to spend time back at home.

5. What was your comfort meal/food during the pandemic?

Probably Kozy Shack Chocolate pudding. For variety, stir in some peanut butter.

6. What is your favorite recipe?

My aunt used to make me Hot Browns growing up.

It’s an open-faced sandwich of turkey and bacon covered in a cheese sauce that’s baked until the sauce starts to brown.

7. Who is your favorite dining partner?

My family. My kids are now all off at college and I look forward to the time we are all back together.

8.What holiday makes for the best meal?

Is National Pizza Day an official holiday? If so, then that.

9. What is the strangest thing you have ever tried/eaten?

I am not an adventurous eater. I have been eating plain pizza since I was a kid. I did, however, have grilled squid tentacle on a skewer when I taught English in Japan.

10. What are you hoping is in store food-wise for this year’s festival?

Some of the newer restaurants that highlight the diversity of The Little City dining scene.

9. What is the strangest thing you have ever tried/eaten?

11. What types of food are you most looking forward to trying at the Festival?

All of it.

The one thing I’m looking for is to be pleasantly surprised.

The usual…lots of great food, local restaurants, variety, and quantity.

11. What types of food are you most looking forward to trying at the Festival?

11. What types of food are you most looking forward to trying at the Festival?

The spinal cord of a pig in China

10. What are you hoping is in store food-wise for this year’s festival?

I don’t want to say I’m going in with any favorites off the top of my head. I want to be surprised and delighted.

10. What are you hoping is in store food-wise for this year’s festival?

I love it all…it’s a great day to be in Falls Church!

FCNP.COM | FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

FO O D &D I NI NG

SEPTEMBER 15 - 21, 2022 | PAGE 21

Café Kindred (R1)

Hot N Juicy Crawfish (R6)

Island Fin Poke (R2)

Clare and Don's (R7)

Brunch Poutine = 2 tickets Curry Chips (V) = 2 tickets Cornbread & Chili = 2 tickets

Mini Tuna Poké Bowl = 1 ticket Mini Spicy Tuna Poké Bowl = 1 ticket Mini Chicken Bowl = 1 ticket Dole® Pineapple Soft Serve = 1 ticket Bottle Water = 1 ticket Dirty Chips = 1 ticket

Open Road (R3)

Pulled Beef Mustard BBQ Slider = 1 ticket

One 1ea Taiwanese Cafe (R4)

Bubble Tea = 1 ticket Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken = 1 ticket Onigiri (Shrimp or Chicken) = 1 ticket

Taco Rock (R5)

Pollo Taco = 2 tickets El Gringo Taco = 2 tickets Baja Shrimp Taco = 2 tickets Carne Asada Taco = 2 tickets Veggie Taco = 2 tickets Elote (V) = 1 ticket Chips and Salsa = 1 ticket Add Guac = 1 ticket Jarritos = 2 tickets Bottle of Water = 1 ticket Mexican Cola = 2 tickets

Crawfish Po’boy = 2 tickets Crispy Pork Skins = 1 ticket Fried Brownies (V) = 1 ticket

Cheese Quesadilla = 2 tickets Shredded Chicken = 1 ticket Zero Proof Orange Crush = 2 tickets

Lazy Mike's (R8)

French Fries = 2 tickets Ice Cream = 2 tickets

Thompson Italian (R9)

Olive Oil Cake = 1 ticket

Harvey's (R10)

Deviled Eggs = 1 ticket IPA Honey Braised Brisket Slider = 2 tickets King Oyster Mushroom “Pulled Pork” Slider (V) = 2 tickets Soda = 1 ticket Water = 1 ticket

Baddpizza (R11)

Cheese Slice = 1 ticket Pepperoni Slice = 1 ticket (V) - Vegetarian (A) - Alcohol

Drinks can be purchased at select ticket booths.

Nothing Bundt Cakes (R12)

Lemon Bundt Bundlet (V) = 2 tickets Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bundtlet (V) = 2 tickets Red Velvet Bundtlet (V) = 2 tickets White Chocolate Raspberry Bundtlet (V) = 2 tickets

Mark’s Pub (R13)

Grandma’s Pot Roast Slider & Baked Beans = 2 tickets Hot Dog & Country Beans = 2 tickets Hot Dog = 1 ticket

Audacious Aleworks (BG1)

Oktoberfest Lager (A) = 2 tickets Summer Wheatley Hefeweizen (A) = 2 tickets Thirsty Work IPA (A) = 2 tickets

Solace Outpost (BG2)

Artificial Light (A) = 2 tickets Rocket Surgery (A) = 2 tickets

Scan the QR code to cast your vote for our People's Choice Award!

PAGE 22 | SEPTEMBER 15 - 21, 2022

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM