The Scene

The diners at We, the Pizza are greeted with a colorful, mouthwatering display of pizzas upon arrival. Ready prepared and sliced there is an array ready for consumption, from honey ham, to spinach and artichoke and Cajun chicken – something for every taste. We, the Pizza advertises their suppliers, by listing them on their menu. It is made clear that the food source is important to the team. Opting for local and free range, you can tell that you are consuming quality ingredients.

The Food

We chose a selection of sliced pies and roasted garlic knots. The forest shroomin’ pie, spinach and artichoke and pepperoni were our first choices. Served by the slice, you can mix and match or devour a whole pie yourself, if your appetite allows. Although I love mushrooms, I don’t normally opt for a mushroom pizza but this one was a hit. Deliciously creamy, yet served on a crispy base, this was a taste sensation.

The cast iron pie is thicker than the others and we chose “For the Greeks in the US’ a pie containing feta, mozzarella, tomato, red onion, fresh oregano and Spike’s Keffalonian olive oil with Kalamata olives. Although filling, it felt light, the freshness of the ingredients apparent.

The secret is apparently all in the dough. Made fresh and cold proofed in house for 24 hours this improves the elasticity making the base crispier and improving the texture and taste. My daughter appreciated this. “The topping stays on top” she commented. “Not like the pizzas we get at school.”

The garlic knots were a winner too. Knotted dough balls dusted in parmesan and served with a marinara sauce were soft, melting in the mouth.

The Drinks

To accompany the food, We, the Pizza owner Spike Mendelsohn and his team have created a selection of their own craft sodas which they comically call their professional Fizzietans! The soda jerks are made with spring soda and a flash of fresh crushed fruit and homemade syrups. We chose orange, lemon and lime and cream soda and although they were still a little too sugary for us, you can ask your server to go light on the syrup. The idea of an alternative to regular fizzy drinks, particularly when dining with kids, is very welcome.

We, the Pizza: The Verdict

With 80’s music playing in the background, who wouldn’t want to sing along to Queen’s “Under Pressure” while feasting on these delicious fresh pies? A bonus is always watching the pizza chef shape his dough, whirling it over his head. A spectacle for the eyes and a feast for your belly, I would go out of my way to dine at We, the Pizza again.

We, the Pizza, Crystal City Shops, 2100 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202, Website 

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Where to Stay in Arlington:  The Residence Inn Capital View for Long-Term Business and Family Fun

The Residence Inn Capital View:. The hotel:  With its suites fully equipped with a refrigerator and kitchenette,   I recommend this hotel for those traveling long-term or with a family.  The rooms are extremely spacious, with a full living room and desks in both rooms.  The property has a full gym with a great selection of cardio machines, free weights, and a heated indoor pool. My only gripe is that the pool has limited hours (open in the morning, closed afternoons, and back open in the evenings).  Some people may work on irregular schedules or may want to entertain their kids on a rainy day, my suggestion would be for the pool to be open all day.  The hotel also has a generous breakfast buffet with hot and cold selections. I also liked that it had many items you can take to go if you’re in a rush to get to the office.

The Vibe:  One of interesting things that the Residence Inn brand has done is The Mix concept.  Each property brings local elements to the hotels as they know many of their guests are away from home for extended periods of time and the brand wanted to do something special for their guests.  On Wednesdays, the hotel offers a complimentary dessert bar with two complimentary drinks (wine, beer, and soft drinks).  My favorite part of the Mix night was the food truck.  Every week, different local food trucks are invited to park at the Residence Inn Capital View.  As a seasoned business traveler, I know what it’s like to travel for work.   Sometimes at the end of the day you’re simply exhausted but you still want to experience something local.  It’s great to experience something local without having to leave the property!  We had yummy tacos and spring rolls from the Healthy Fool Food truck.  Both my Dutchman and I ate for less than $15, great deal!

Overall Impressions:  If looking for where to stay in Arlington that is family friendly and long term stay viable, the Residence Inn Capital View is a great selection.  Average rate: $200. Arlington rates fluctuate depending on the events in the area.  Summer is high season in the region.

Where to Stay in Arlington:  Renaissance Arlington Capital View:  For Pleasure and Short-Term Business

Renaissance Arlington:  The hotel:  Upon entering the hotel, you’re immediately drawn to the beautifully decorated lobby.  Modern décor with pops of color get your stay started on the right path.  The cozy rooms continue the creative design of the lobby with a comfy bed and small yet beautiful pops of color throughout the room.  My favorite part of the room was the little touches, from the sleeping tips by Arianna Huffington by the bed to the Aveda toiletries.  The property shares its gym and pool space with the Residence Inn Capital View.   Additionally, you can also rent bicycles from the lobby if you want to take your workout outdoors.

The Food:  Sometimes hotel food can be hit or miss. Not the case at SOCCi, the Italian restaurant at the Renaissance Arlington.  That evening I met a few friends for dinner and we shared fried calamari and roasted veggies to start. I was craving a simple spaghetti Bolognese which was deliciously rich.  I also appreciated that the pasta dishes came in two sizes, to cater to different appetites.  We returned to SOCCi for breakfast where we pondered whether we wanted to dig into the generous buffet with omelet bar or order a la carte. We decided that after our feast the evening prior, perhaps it was a good idea to order a la carte.  My fluffy pancakes with apple compote paired with an Illy cappuccino started my day in the right tune.

The Vibe:  If looking for where to stay in Arlington with a modern and fun vibe, the Renaissance fits the bill.  Several evenings a week, the property offers a complimentary signature punch cocktail at 5:30pm, perfect way to start happy hour with live music by Brooke Annibale, a local musician.  We were there on a Thursday and the lobby was packed with guests enjoying the bar and lobby area, perfect place to mingle if you’re starting to feel lonely on the road.

Overall Impressions:  If looking for where to stay in Arlington for a Capital Area getaway or a short-business trip, the Renaissance Arlington Capital View is the place for you.  Average rate: $200. Arlington rates fluctuate depending on the events in the area.  Summer is high season in the region.

The Verdict:  These neighboring properties bring the best of what the Marriott brand has to offer in terms of comfort, convenience, and amenities.  Their location is very convenient to public transportation, Ronald Reagan Airport, and Crystal City which has a great selection of restaurants and shops.  When looking for where to stay in Arlington, these properties offer plenty of conveniences at a great value.

Disclaimer: I was hosted by the Marriott brand to share my experiences for this “Where to Stay in Arlington” post, however, opinions are my own.

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The scene:  Although there are several locations of the brand, each location has its own personality.  The Lebanese Taverna Pentagon City’s modern yet casual design transports you to Beirut with Middle Eastern music and decor.  During lunch and early dinner you mostly see government employees escaping the cubicle and treating themselves to a yummy meal.  The brand is family owned, so it is not rare to see the owners at the restaurant whether it is dining, working, or chatting with customers.

The Food:  I must admit, I’ve been going to this restaurant for years and always order the same thing: The Taverna Platter.  This consists of four small dishes: choice of beef & lamb shawarma, chicken shawarma or falafel (I always go for the beef & lamb), hummus, fattoush, and Lebanese rice.  I always say I am going to order something new, but I don’t like to take risks during lunch… especially if I have to head to a meeting afterwards.

However, during my latest visit, I had the chance to lunch with Grace Shea, one of the owners of Lebanese Taverna who convinced me to taste other items on the menu.  At that moment I realized how much I was missing!  My favorites were the vegetarian dishes:  a beautiful beet salad with pine nuts, orange, and pomegranate and arnabeet (fried cauliflower, chickpeas, and pine nuts with tahini sauce).  The carnivores will enjoy their take on the chicken wings. The “camel wings” are simply seasoned with lemon, olive oil, and garlic but they pack a great flavor.

The drinks:  Lebanese Taverna Pentagon City has a selection of Lebanese wines which I cannot confirm nor deny if I’ve had a glass during my Pentagon days.  I found their Lebanese Chardonnay to be crisp and light, perfect for a sunny day lunch at their terrace.  For those who want a cocktail feeling without the booze, I recommend their Taverna Refreshers, a selection of mocktails which range from the sweet mango lassi to my favorite, the tart and rich passion fruit ginger drink.  For dessert, save room for Turkish coffee which pairs perfectly with the decadent molten chocolate cake.

The Verdict:  Whether it is a lunch escape or a special occasion, Lebanese Taverna is a great choice not only if you’re looking for Middle Eastern food in the Washington, DC area but also looking to try new cuisines.  Although the cuisine is centered in a specific region, there’s a lot of variety within the menu. You can literally sit a vegetarian, celiac, vegan, and a carnivore all at the same table and they will have plenty of options to choose from.  Although Lebanese Taverna Pentagon City is my go-to location since it is  the closest to my former job and my home, there are several other locations available which include markets where you can buy Mediterranean ingredients and cooking classes if you want get better at Lebanese cooking…

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Lebanese Taverna, however, I’ve been eating there for years! Opinions are my own. 

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Q&A WITH CHEF/OWNER TIM MA OF TIM MA RESTAURANT GROUP:

Water & Wall, Gather + Feast, Chase the Submarine (Opening September 2015), & DC Restaurant (Fall/Winter 2015)

You were an Engineer before becoming a chef. Do you find that your prior career has helped you become a better chef?

Yes, my prior career definitely helped me become a better chef, but even more importantly, a better owner and overall businessman.  Especially when it comes to the organizational aspects of running a business.  Mise en place is one thing, but to understand the business inside and out has truly helped me be more efficient with my time because being a chef and an owner are two separate things.

You mentioned you and your wife, Joey Hernandez-Ma wrote your first menu in St. Thomas while you lived there.  How did travel inspire your creative process?

Watching beautiful fresh fish constantly come through the back door of the kitchen I was working at while in St. Thomas is something I will never forget.  It was witnessing the ultimate level of freshness.  Looking back on our experiences in St. Thomas, I find that most people are creative in times of quiet and being in St. Thomas is very creatively quiet.  We didn’t have much to overthink while we were there because there were no other distractions.  It was peaceful, quiet, and an important time for us to reflect – especially for me after completing culinary school in NYC.  We didn’t really have to worry about anything—designing menus, raising kids, etc. We would just show up at the restaurant and work.

Your parents are Chinese and you grew up in a Chinese restaurant.  Tell us more how you incorporate that into your modern American menu.

I really enjoy taking aspects of the food I ate growing up and the restaurant that my parents ran and further elevating the dishes into creative new twists that my parents and uncle roll their eyes at.  I think that is the best way to put it actually. Not as a dishonor or anything to them, but more as a way for me to push myself and create something completely new and unique and explore it in my own way instead of ways that are dictated to me.

If you could open a restaurant outside the United States, where would it be? Why that location?

Definitely St. Thomas. It’s the place that inspired what we have built restaurant-wise here in Virginia – our home. It’s a chapter in our lives that’s very nostalgic. The calm before the culinary storm. Who doesn’t want to cook on an island! It was pretty wild to see chefs from some of the most celebrated restaurants all over the world showing up in kitchens throughout St. Thomas for so many reasons – some to take time off, some to refocus, some to reconfirm their love and passion for the culinary arts, and some like Joey and I looking to create a new culinary chapter.

Water & Wall has partnered up with Fortessa to raise funds for Capital Food Bank. Can you tell us how you became involved in the charity?

We have been such big fans of Fortessa since it first launched — and we’ve have literally grown as Fortessa has grown throughout the past few years. It started as a hidden gem and now it has become such a significant staple in the hospitality world. They are growing outside their box, which is exactly what we are doing, so we look forward to continuing our relationship with this exciting brand. It was also Fortessa that put us in touch with Capital Area Food Bank through this initiative.  Joey and I have always believed in the importance of giving back to our community, and Capital Area Food Bank is such a worthy and important cause. Anything we can do to bring additional attention to their mission of giving communities access to quality and healthy food, is something we take very seriously and are honored to be involved in.

This post was a sponsored by Fortessa in order to promote their #FindingFortessa campaign.  Fortessa is a maker of restaurant grade tableware and works with many restaurants nationwide.  Fortessa is donating $5 to a selection of regional food charities such as Capital Food Bank for each photo tagged #FindingFortessa from participating restaurants. 

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My picks for things to do in Arlington, VA

1. Tour the Pentagon:  Did you know you can tour one of the largest office buildings in the world?  As you tour the Pentagon, you’re taken into a world of United States Military History.  A dress-uniform clad service member takes you on a guided tour of many of the key spots of the Pentagon.  As many times as I have walked the corridors of this building, I have always been fascinated by all the small exhibitions lining the walls of the building from the history of the Air Force to a homage to women in the military. Tip: tours need to be booked in advance and make sure you have all the ID requirements needed. Click here more information.

2. The Arlington Cemetery:  One can easily spend a whole day at the Arlington Cemetery taking in all the history this landmark has to offer.  For some it’s about history, for others like myself, it’s a matter of paying respects to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  If looking for a loved one, the Arlington Cemetery has made it easy via their app or their website.  If you are not capable to do the long walk (the area is quite large) there are trolley tours available at a small fee.

3. Mount Vernon Trail: One of my favorite things to do in Arlington is go for a run on the Mount Vernon Trail.  Whether it’s during my lunch break or on a Sunday morning, it’s such a beautiful trail along the Potomac with beautiful views of Washington, DC.  This 18-mile trail takes you from Theodore Roosevelt Island to Mount Vernon. There are several spots where you can park for free and it’s perfect whether you’re going for a short run, a long bike ride, or a stroll with the family. Tip: don’t miss Theodore Roosevelt Island.  It’s a hidden gem for nature lovers.

4. Pentagon City:  One of the things to do in Arlington while visiting, especially from outside the USA is shop! Although the Euro has taken a plunge, my European friends always add a day of shopping to their itinerary when visiting me. One of the places I recommend is Pentagon City Mall area.  It’s great to have all the variety without having to go deep into the suburbs. One of my go-to shopping spots in Nordstrom Rack, where I always manage to find great deals (to include my Tumi suitcase at 50% off).  There are plenty of options at the Pentagon City Fashion Centre and Pentagon Row shopping area to choose from.

Fyve Restaurant Lounge

5. Eat:  There are no shortages of great foodie spots in Arlington.  Although the city is quite small, there are plenty of options from haute cuisine to casual margaritas.  Take a break from shopping with a crab cobb salad at The Ritz Carlton Pentagon City Fyve Restaurant.  Take a virtual trip to Spain at Jose Andres’ Jaleo Crystal City.  Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine and margaritas at Guajillo VA.  On a sunny day, sit on the patio of Lebanese Taverna (tip: order the chef’s platter).

6. Netherlands Carillon:  When people ask me where to take in the best views of Washington, DC, I send them across the Potomac to Arlington.  One of the most underrated spots in the city, you can take in epic views of the river and the National Monument from the Netherlands Carillon.  It’s also the perfect place to have a picnic early in the morning or at sunset.

7. Marine Corps War Memorial: Ok, I may be a little biased… But no trip to Arlington is complete without a visit to this iconic monument.  Steps away from the Netherlands Carillon, it also has an amazing view to DC.  The Marines Sunset Parade (free and no reservations necessary) will begin next Tuesday, May 26th and will run every Tuesday this summer until August 11th. For more information take a look at their website.  This sunset parade is highlighted by the artistry of the silent drill team needs to be on top of your things to do in Arlington, VA.

If a trip to the Washington, DC area is on your agenda this summer, make sure you cross over the Potomac for military history, great selection of international restaurants, and great shopping deals.  Looking for a place to stay? Stay Arlington website has a great hotel guide to narrow down your choices.  What is your favorite thing to do in Arlington, VA? Share it with us below on the comments section! Any hidden gems to share with us?

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