Breakfast at Sub Rosa

I still remembered my first breakfast at Sub Rosa five years ago. Biting into the buttery, flaky crust of my chocolate croissant is one of my favorite food memories of that trip. Not only are the pastries beautiful, but they are so photogenic that a picture of their pastries still graces my business card. I recently returned to Sub Rosa and loved seeing the bakery still thriving. Order a few pastries and a coffee, and walk over to Jefferson Hill Park for some great views of Richmond. If you love freshly made pastries, make sure to add this to your list of places to eat in Richmond.

Sub Rosa, 620 N 25th St, Richmond, VA 23223, Website 

Trip to Cuba at Kuba Kuba

If you’re in the Fan District and want a casual lunch, head to Kuba Kuba. This Cuban-owned restaurant is the perfect spot for Cuban classics such as Cuban sandwiches or Cuban roasted pork. Start lunch with a few starters. I recommend the empanadillas or the platanos. If they have maduros, the fried ripe plantains, you’re in for a treat. The portions are generous. We ended up taking half of our dishes home!

Kuba Kuba, 1601 Park Ave, Richmond, VA 23220, Website 

Island Flavors at Perch RVA

Chef Mike Ledesma brings together his Filipino heritage, his love of Hawaiian food, and the produce of Virginia together at Perch RVA. This unique restaurant with a very instagrammable dining room is a must on your places to eat in Richmond list. Although the menu is seasonal, an item that never leaves the menu is the lumpias. I learned to make lumpias with Chef Ledesma during my visit to Richmond, and I fully understand why his guests beg him not to take them off the menu. These crispy egg rolls filled with ground pork and vegetables are a must-order. The restaurant’s centerpiece is a wood-fired oven where the Chef cooks whole fish Hawaiian style. 

Perch RVA, 2918 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230, Website

Southern with a Twist at Lillie Pearl

If you’re looking for a place to eat in Richmond that exudes the flavors of the Mid-Atlantic, Lillie Pearl is it. A native of North Carolina, Chef Mike Lindsey merges the southern flavors with dishes he’s developed in his over two decades of being a chef throughout the United States. Named after Chef Lindsey’s grandmothers, the menu at Lillie Pearl centers on southern African American cuisine. Don’t leave without trying the fried chicken or the seared scallops with collard green risotto. Tip: make sure to get a reservation because the restaurant gets busy!

Lillie Pearl, 416 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219, Website 

Soul Food Classics at Mama J’s

We got several recommendations for Mama J’s, so we had to try it out. Sadly, the restaurant only offered take-out but don’t take it off your places to eat in Richmond list. This Black family-owned restaurant offers southern staples such as fried chicken, crab cakes, and fried catfish. I ordered the fried catfish, which was phenomenal, extra crispy, and very generous portions. 

Mama J’s, 415 N 1st St, Richmond, VA 23219, Website

Beers at Hardywood Park

One of the best-known craft beers of the Richmond area, Hardywood has grown exponentially during the past few years. Going to Hardywood Park has become an experience with ample outdoor space to have your pale ale under the Richmond sun. The Brewery usually has local food trucks at the park in case you get peckish while sampling beers. There is also a market where you can buy beers to go and other local merchandise. While there, we became acquainted with Nightingale Ice Cream. The decadent ice cream sandwiches are a must, especially during a hot RVA day. 

Hardywood Park, 2410 Ownby Ln, Richmond, VA 23220, Website

Indian at Lehja

One of my favorite places to eat in Richmond is Lehja. My first time eating there was three years ago. It was one of those meals that you still think about years later. Chef and owner Sunny Baweja creates modern Indian dishes without compromising the authentic flavors. The menu offers the Indian menu classics such as Tandoori and Biryani, but it also has unique dishes like blue crab taka-tak and a deconstructed butter chicken. If you are a wine lover, Lehja is the place for you. Their 26-page wine list has every varietal you can imagine. The selection of Indian wines is the most notable. If you’re there, ask Chef Baweja for pairing suggestions.

Lehja, 11800 W Broad St Suite 910, Richmond, VA 23233, Website

Classic Italian at Gersi

We headed to Gersi at the recommendation of Chef Ledesma of Perch. This popular Brooklyn restaurant opened its second location in Richmond, serving northern Italian cuisine. We loved the cozy patio area, vintage plates, and friendly servers. The menu is ideal for pasta lovers like me. I loved the housemade rigatoni with rich ragu, and make sure you save room for dessert. The tiramisu is worth it!

Gersi RVA, 805 N Davis Ave, Richmond, VA 23220, Website

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Alexandria

For my friends traveling north, Alexandria is a great destination for a weekend getaway. Just a quick metro ride from Washington, DC, you can explore the best of both worlds. Old Town Alexandria has a colonial charm. Wander on the cobblestone roads and admire the colorful townhomes. Head to King Street and get your shopping fix with locally owned shops. For the lovers of food, there are plenty places to indulge. From fine dining at Restaurant Eve to delicious doughnuts at Sugar Shack, you’ll have plenty to keep you full!

Where to stay: The beautifully modern Hotel Indigo along the Old Town Waterfront makes a great base to explore from.

Roanoke

Roanoke is an easy way to discover Virginia by train if you’re coming from Washington, DC or Northern Virginia. Their new route has captured the interest of many-from Virginia Tech fans to craft breweries lovers like ourselves. One of the main questions we got from our trip to Roanoke by train was the car situation. We didn’t miss our car! We got to do plenty with Uber or by walking. Downtown Roanoke is a walkable area, with plenty of restaurants, breweries, and shops to keep you busy for a weekend.

Where to stay: Not only is Hotel Roanoke a beautiful historical property, it is only a five-minute walk from the train station.

Charlottesville

In my humble opinion, Charlottesville is one of the more picturesque small cities in Virginia. With its cozy downtown area, beautiful wineries such as Pippin Hill, and of course, the University of Virginia, it makes for a fun getaway. Due to its college population, it is a young, vibrant community. You can see that with the farm to table eateries, breweries, and up and coming cideries.

Where to stay: Graduate House is a hip design hotel in the heart of Charlottesville.

Norfolk

For the lovers of the sea…I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about going to Norfolk or Virginia Beach but I see the traffic on Google Maps and my plans change. Discover Virginia, beautiful coastal Virginia by train. This is especially a treat if you’re coming from Northern Virginia or Washington, DC. If you’re a connoisseur of Naval history, head to the Nauticus Museum. For the lovers of art, head to the Virginia Modern Museum of Art. Have a taste of Virginia farm to table delicacies at Commune. Hit the waves on a short Uber ride to Virginia Beach.

Where to stay: Hilton Norfolk The Main has stunning views of the bay and some of the best cocktails in town.

Richmond

If you are going to discover Virginia by train, you must add Richmond to your itinerary. It was love at first sight during my first trip last year. The food, architecture and friendly people make it a place I recommend repeatedly to our readers and followers. Head to Sub Rosa for their unforgettable pastries, Maple and Pine for a proper southern brunch, and Hardywood for local-made craft beer. Take a stroll along the FAN district and check out the lively scene, especially on weekends.

Where to stay: For a cozy home away from home feel, stay at Linden Row Inn, a beautiful urban Bed and Breakfast.

Discover Virginia by Train: The Verdict

Whether it is sipping on Petit Verdot at a Virginia winery or dipping your toes in the Atlantic, there is no shortage of places to discover Virginia by train. These five places are so different but they all have several things in common: delicious food, friendly locals, and unforgettable sceneries.

Some practical tips for train travel on Amtrak:

• Book in Advance: I hate the ticket shock I get when I wait until the last minute. You can get great deals on Amtrak, but you have to book on time.
• Military Discount: There’s a 10% military discount available. Make sure to check the Military Discount option when booking your ticket.
• Be on time!!! The train waits for no one!

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Amtrak Virginia. As always opinions are my own and I am a big supporter of train travel. Hope it continues to grow in the United States. 

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A perfect time to pack a sweater, some good hiking shoes and..go on a weekend getaway. Recently, we did just that by exploring the town of Roanoke, Virginia and we decided to make the most of our time by taking an Amtrak Virginia train to get there. Here’s all about our “railway” weekend:

Getting there: sit back and relax on Amtrak Virginia

Most of us know the drill when going on a weekend trip: don’t waste any time and hit the road straight out of work on a Friday night. Only to get stuck in commuter traffic. Unfortunately a reality in many big cities. This time, we decided to really unwind instead by booking our Amtrak Virginia train to Roanoke from Alexandria, Virginia. Despite the small parking lot at the station, we found several open spaces, right in front of the building. At a cost of $15 per day it’s a little bit more expensive than say – the long-term parking at Dulles airport – but for a weekend getaway, you’re not breaking the bank.

The Train Ride

Of course, we were also super excited to take our little one on the train and though traveling light, we did not have to worry about carrying snacks and beverages or about TSA lines for that matter! A very helpful train conductor helped us on board and to some comfy seats and we were happy to see there was plenty of space to stow the stroller plus our bags fit comfortably in the spacious overhead luggage racks.

And that’s when you can really sit back and relax. There are 120v outlets, a restaurant car (basic snacks, lunch kits, hot coffee, soft drinks) and a quiet car for those that want to really submerge into a good book, or take a nap. We did a little of both and after 4+ hours we arrived at our destination: Roanoke, Virginia.

About Amtrak Virginia

For most of us living in DC, we automatically think of DC to NYC as the classic Amtrak route. However, there are many great destinations to be reached in Virginia by rail. On this particular route, I spoke to a handful of travelers that were thrilled that they didn’t have to sit in traffic to make it to their Virginia Tech games. Check out more of their Virginia routes here.

Where to stay

The golden days of railroad transportation fueled the fast growth of Roanoke, a town then called “Big Lick”. Around 1882 railroad magnate Frederick J. Kimball picked this town to be a major railroad junction and with it came a steady flow of money from industry and travelers.  Those travelers found a place to stay at the newly built Hotel Roanoke.

Renovated and restored in 1993, Hotel Roanoke (a Hilton Property) with its Tudor style façade sits slightly elevated overlooking the city and of course, the railroad.  Which means our walk from the brand new Amtrak Virginia Roanoke Station to our hotel room was literally a two-minute walk. The rooms are comfortable, its classic details well preserved, its location very convenient to the downtown attractions, Hotel Roanoke was just what we needed for our weekend getaway.

What to do in Roanoke

Go on a brisk hike

Especially when arriving in Roanoke later in the evening, you will not miss the iconic “Roanoke Star”, beaming with pride on nearby Mill Mountain. It is actually the world’s largest freestanding illuminated man-made star. Mill Mountain (which has a zoo on it, and hiking trails) can be hiked all the way up to the star, and we certainly gave it a good try but one wrong turn and a baby in a stroller proved a little too much this time to go all the way. We hiked to Mill Mountain from downtown which is doable but allocate plenty of time for this day activity.

Visit the many craft breweries

The reward for hiking (even if you don’t go all the way to the top) is waiting for you in one of Roanoke’s craft breweries. And boy they have that mastered it here. We visited three craft breweries; Deschutes Brewery, Big Lick Brewing Company, and Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers. All three have a very own distinct character and you’ll simply have to try some beers at each of them. We loved the space at Big Lick, and the collaboration they have with Tuco’s Taqueria Garaje, a taco and tequila restaurant right across the street. They will deliver food to you at the brewery as you’re indulging in some fine brews. We thought it wise to eat some food before hitting three breweries so we actually had lunch there before, more about that below.

It’s difficult to pick a favorite but we certainly loved the barrel aged beers they served at Deschutes, we bought a friend a nice bottle as a little souvenir.

Eating

As mentioned, we were quite hungry after our hike so we chose Tuco’s Taqueria, conveniently located across from Big Lick Brewery. At the risk of sounding cliché, you really are transported to Mexico as you enter this stylish, colorful and modern space.  Tasty chicken, pescado, and chorizo tacos and plenty of chips and salsa with some solid margaritas made for a fine lunch, before hitting some of the local craft breweries.

Leisurely walking from brewery to brewery we made sure we worked up an appetite for dinner at Local Roots restaurant, a place that is consistently recognized for its quality food and wine by publications such as Wine Spectator and USA Today.

And it did not disappoint.  A vegetable salad (roasted broccoli, delicata squash, lemon, sweet potato, herbs, robiola cheese) and charcuterie board with lamb liver mousse were perfect appetizers to precede a handmade pappardelle with braised lamb neck and the Prince Edward Island mussels that I find myself still salivating over. Made with Benton’s bacon and rye whiskey, you should not be embarrassed to slurp up the leftover broth after there are no more shellfish left. So good!

The Verdict

Roanoke in Virginia’s beautiful the Blue Ridge Mountains celebrates the good things in life. There is no doubt that one travels to this place to enjoy the outdoors, and to be inspired by friendly Roanokers who take pride in their individual crafts. Traveling by Amtrak Virginia and seeing the gorgeous rolling hills slide by made our trip so much more relaxed and even more memorable.

Our point of improvement would be the departure time on Sunday. An 8:45 am departure keeps you from enjoying more of Roanoke. I spoke to some of the conductors about it and they said that there may be more departures in the future pending the success of this route.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Amtrak Virginia. As always opinions are my own and I’ve done plenty of traveling on Amtrak on my hard earned Dining Traveler money. 

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Exploring The Luxurious Side of Virginia Wine

To me, the process of making wine is fascinating. So many factors involved: geography, geology, meteorology. Making wine is literally a science. With the commercialization of wine, there are too many people who are quick to capitalize on the industry without caring about the roots. Recently I had to opportunity to spend some time in three upscale wineries that go above and beyond.

RdV

RdV Vineyards is not a winery visit, it’s an experience. A tasting doesn’t come cheap at $65. However, it comes with a comprehensive tour, a beautiful charcuterie and cheese plate, and unparalleled customer service. The story of RdV is as interesting as its wine: founder Rutger de Vink is a former Marine who decided to try his hand at winemaking. He succeeded producing award-winning wines that have attracted the likes of Chefs Jose Andres and Eric Ziebold to its winery.

Must try wine: The Rendezvous, a rich red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Frank, and Virginia’s own Petit Verdot.

RdV Vineyards, 2550 Delaplane Grade Rd, Delaplane, VA, Website 

Boxwood Winery

If you’re looking for an intimate space for wine tasting, Boxwood Winery is a good bet. The cozy tasting room makes the perfect setting for an afternoon of wine tasting. Make sure to take a walk around the winery and take a peek into their cellar. Their cellar, with meticulously arranged fragrant barrels is very reminiscent of the iconic Opus One winery in Napa. Dining Traveler Tip: Start your Virgina wine with Brunch at Field & Main, located in between RdV and Boxwood Winery.

Must try wine: Although Boxwood Winery rose is relatively new to their selection, it has become one of their best-selling wines.

Boxwood Winery, 2042 Burrland Ln, Middleburg, VA, Website 

Delaplane Cellars

Jim and Betsy Dolphin had a dream to own their own winery. They found the perfect place to grow Virginia wine in Delaplane, Virginia. As you enter the winding driveway up the tasting room of Delaplane Cellars, you see a sign that says “no buses”. That’s because Delaplane wants its patrons to have a relaxing environment with live bluegrass music overlooking the rolling hills of Fauquier County. Take a sip of their crisp white wines with a gorgeous view of Virginia wine country.

Must try wine: The Vidal Blanc, perfect for a hot Virginia summer day.

Delaplane Cellars, 2187 Winchester Rd, Delaplane, VA, Website

The Verdict

If you want to escape the big tours, loud bachelorette parties, and cookie cutter wineries, this is the perfect itinerary for you.

Disclaimer: Big thanks to Virginia Wine for facilitating this experience. As always, opinions are my own. I’m convinced I’ve sent someone’s kid from the Virginia wine industry to college with all the money I’ve dropped on my own escapes to the region! 

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The Vibe

As you walk into the property, you are taken by the timeless luxury. It’s ingrained in every detail of Salamander Resort and Spa with the warm wood furnishings and equine themed sculptures. The founder and CEO of Salamander Resort, Sheila C. Johnson is a well-known figure in DC as the cofounder of BET and part owner of local sport teams such as the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, and Washington Mystics. From what we heard from the staff, she is very personally involved in every detail of the property. There are very few luxury properties where the vision comes from a single figure, and it’s interesting to see her influences throughout the resort.

The Location

Located in Middleburg, Virginia, Salamander Resort and Spa is an hours drive from Washington, DC. and thirty minute drive from Dulles Airport. The area is also very well known for Virginia Wines as there are many great wineries nearby such as one of my favorites, Greenhill Wine. For more Loudoun County wines, check out my Virginia Wine picks.  Middleburg has deep equine roots and the property perpetuates the tradition with in-house stables where guests can go for a horse rides or simply admire the beautifully pedigreed horses.

The Rooms

The equine theme is present in every facet of the hotel, to include the rooms. The linens have horse stirrup accents and the fireplace gives it a warm cozy feel. The rooms have a large, comfortable bed and tub/shower combination showers. Although there’s plenty to do at the resort, it’s very tempting to stay in the room and just lounge! We had a room facing the rear of the property where you can admire the sprawling land that encopasses the resort. Tip: make sure to wake up early as you can witness the cotton candy colors of the sunrise from your room.

The Spa

During our stay at the Salamander Resort and Spa, I treated myself to a massage a their spa. Tip: if you are in the local area, the resort offers local discounts. You can make a whole day of their spa experience as there is a pool exclusively for Spa guests, indoor whirlpools, saunas, and a luxurious relaxation room. Even if you’re not staying in the resort, a spa experience is definitely a must if you’re in the area.

The Food

I had the opportunity to try Harriman’s Grill, the resort’s fine dining restaurant for dinner to sample their spring menu. I started the dinner with an earthy grilled beet salad and continued with the whole roasted branzino, which was delicious. However, the highlight of the meal was the dessert: the Irish cream bread pudding. The deliciously decadent warm bread pudding against the cinnamon bun ice cream immediately became a favorite. Totally worth the hour drive! The best part came at the end when our group went to the bonfire outside the restaurant for s’mores and digestifs. There are several firepits around the property, this is a definite must do if you’re staying at the Salamander Resort!

Salamander Resort and Spa: The Verdict

If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway close to DC, the Salamander Resort and Spa is the place for you. I’m trying to look for points for improvement to be objective but sorry, can’t come up with any. Not only does the resort provide great amenities, it is laced with impeccable service. The staff knows guests by name and ensure that your desires are met. Whether you’re an hour away or flying in for the experience, you will be satisfied.

Salamander Resort and Spa, 500 N Pendleton St, Middleburg, VA, Website

Disclaimer: I was hosted by Salamander Resort and Spa for this experience, however, opinions are my own. Spa experience was not sponsored and I have experienced the resort on my own accord in the past. 

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Fauquier County Wine Tasting & Competition

The wine tasting event and competition occupied two large event rooms at Airlie, where different wineries set up stations for wine tasting. I took my bestie to the event, and as soon as we arrived we started making the rounds!

Our Favorite Wines

Our favorite wines of the event were Pearmund Cellars, which had a fantastic cabernet franc, and Molon Lave Vineyards, which featured a gorgeous semi-sweet white. We also enjoyed wines from Narmada Winery and Barrel Oak Winery. Each station not only had wines to sample, but a tasty snack to pair with the wine. In the center of each room was a huge display of breads, jams, cheeses, and other treats. In between sampling wine we grabbed cheese and sat out on the stunning patio to enjoy the venue.

The Scene

After all the wine tasting we purchased a few bottles, we jumped on our shuttle and hit the road. If you missed the event this year, I highly recommend gathering a group of friends and renting a shuttle to take you to this all–day event next year. Your ticket includes unlimited wine tasting and plenty of snacks, plus the opportunity to vote for your favorite Fauquier County Wine. The tickets this year ranged from $35-$95.  While sampling the wine is fun, it was also interesting to meet the winemakers and learn more about the individual wineries.

The Verdict

Whether you are a wino or a novice wine drinker, you will love this annual Virginia wine tasting event! Fauquier County wine is a great addition to the booming Virginia wine scene.

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Getting There

When we were planning our Glamping in Lexington, Virginia adventure, we looked at several properties on the Glamping Hub website. Booking with Glamping Hub was a breeze. It was tough to choose where we wanted to stay as there was a great selection of rustic cabins in the central Virginia/Blue Ridge Mountains region. We finally settled for a cabin in Lexington, Virginia, a quaint college town surrounded by picturesque nature, idyllic streams, and photogenic livestock. It takes 3.5 hours to get there from Washington, DC by car.

The Cabin

As we took the winding road to our cabin, we passed cozy country homes lined with pine trees. Pity that it was winter as I can imagine how stunning the vegetation must be during summer or fall. The cabin comes fully equipped with kitchen supplies, bed linens, and even condiments to cook with. Also enjoyed how our hosts welcomed us with a bottle of wine and a packet full of local tips upon arrival. One of my favorite features was the fireplace which came with plenty of firewood to keep us warm.

With three ample bedrooms, this cabin comfortably fits six people. We brought a travel crib for piccola that fit perfectly in our room. Aside from the beloved fireplace, we all loved the deck in the rear of the cabin. It was still pretty cold during our visit but we still made a point to sit down and take in the winter sun with a cup of coffee.

Cabin Life

I believe one of the perks of being detached from the city is communing with nature and reconnecting with your loved ones. That’s what we did during the weekend. We had long, lazy breakfasts and we made dinner one evening. Loved that the cabin was equipped with plenty of pots and pans, colorful China, and even condiments. There was a Kroger supermarket nearby, where we bought our supplies. We chilled in the evenings with hot chocolate with yummy SmashMallows and shared stories around the fire.

Glamping in Lexington, Virginia: What to Do

Although the cabin lends itself to staying in, we also wanted to see a bit of Lexington. We had dinner one night at The Palms, a cozy restaurant where we indulged in pub food like chicken wings (so yummy we ordered a second serving), burgers, and country fried chicken. We also spent one afternoon at Devil’s Backbone Brewery. The space is warm and cozy, perfect to sample the wide range of beers the brewery has to offer. It’s pretty cool to see the place where one of the beers we drink at local DC restaurants such as Brookland’s Finest is made.

A Glamping in Lexington, Virginia trip is not complete without stocking up on Virginia wine. We spent a few hours at Rockbridge Winery with a rustic feel and an intimate tasting room. With a comprehensive tasting for $5, it’s a great deal. Although Virginia wine is known for their reds, it was the Gewürztraminer that captured our heart. It was dry, crisp, with citrus notes which took me back to a summer trip I made to Austria where I first fell in love with the grape. The staff is very friendly and the owner, Jane shared a bit about the history of the winery with us.

The Verdict

For a luxurious rural getaway, I recommend Glamping in Lexington, Virginia. Great wine, good company, and a beautiful cabin is what good memories are made of. City life is great but I truly enjoy disconnecting and spending time in nature. It really allows me to recharge my batteries and come up with new and exciting ideas. Most importantly, it was great to introduce our daughter to the beauty of the outdoors.

Disclaimer: This experience was hosted by Glamping Hub, but opinions are my own.

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The twinkling fairy lights on Red’s Table’s terrace make it an enticing go-to restaurant in South Lakes Drive, Reston. On arrival, it was clear that it’s a restaurant for all types – a glam ladies only group were giggling over their wine on the terrace, while inside it had more of a family and friends vibe. Little ones are in for a rare treat at Red’s Table, as we were impressed by the extensive kids menu. Thinking outside the box, the chef offers welcome alternatives to standard kids fare such as eggplant parm, crabcakes and veggie pasta.

The Food

The food is pitched as fresh and locally sourced by the three local brothers who own Red’s Table. We chose the signature appetizer of goats cheese fritters to start. Light and fluffy, they were delicious. Served with chili apricot jam and green onion, they were indulgent without being heavy. The jam was more sweet than spicy and added a welcome compliment to the fritter.For the entrée, I chose the Maryland Lump Crabcakes with celeriac remoulade and grilled lemon. This classic dish was simple, meaty and tasty, the crabcakes deceivingly filling.

My French friend’s eyes lit up when she saw the suggestion of ‘cassoulet’ on the menu, so we couldn’t resist trying this traditional fare, that comes from her home town! Sadly, this Americanized version didn’t quite come up to scratch in her opinion, as in the south west of France this would be prepared days before and served sizzling hot in a clay pot. Instead, it was confit de canard (duck) served on a bed of beans with sausage. However, with no local French market to source your traditional cassoulet ingredients, the difference is perhaps understandable, although she was left underwhelmed.

Sweet Ending

With not much space left to breathe, we were convinced by our outstanding server at Red’s Table that we should indulge in a dessert. All desserts are made in house and they boast their own gelato expert – it sounded too good to resist! We opted for the Spiced Cream Cake and the Nutella Ice Cream. The Spiced Cream Cake was beautifully presented with a fine, wispy parsnip crisp decorating the whipped cream topping. Double layered with cinnamon ice cream in between, this felt like a Christmas treat mid-year and an extremely delicious one at that! The nutella ice cream was rich, smooth and creamy with chocolate pieces to add to the luxurious flavor.

Red’s Table: The Verdict

Overall, Red’s Table was a very pleasant dining experience. The service was exceptional and it was a lovely place to catch up with a friend. Although the food didn’t blow us away, this is a restaurant that changes its menu regularly. I’m looking to see what new items they add to the menu.As a diner, I appreciate the creativity, thoughtfulness and originality of an ever changing menu.

Red’s Table, South Lakes Village Shopping Center, 11150 South Lakes Dr, Reston, VA 20191, Website 

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The space at Jinya Ramen Bar is fresh and modern, right in the center of the Mosaic District. It’s pretty crowded during lunch but you can usually grab a spot without a wait. They do have outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. I went with two friends of mine and we were so hungry we started off right away with some of the appetizers, which are perfect nibbles for a pre-ramen lunch. A bowl of cauliflower was crispy and meaty, shisto peppers came doused in a soy-sauce based sauce, and crunchy Brussel sprouts tempera hit the spot.

As soon as we were done devouring the appetizers the ramen appeared. There are two vegetarian options, I went for the “spicy and creamy vegetarian ramen.” I will say it is like no other ramen I have had. Creamy and sublime, and full of curly ramen noodles, tofu, and veggies, it will warm you to your very core. The crispy onions on top are awesome, and you can choose from a host of extra toppings like corn, seaweed, bean sprouts, and bamboo shoots. The other vegetarian ramen has a more silky smooth broth, and is topped with heartier veggies like mushrooms and cauliflower. What’s fun about Jinya Ramen Bar is not only the variety of toppings, but they actually have thirteen different kinds of ramen, which is more than any other ramen shop in the area! Plus, you can choose from the traditional thin curly noodles, thick noodles, and spinach noodles if you are in the mood for something healthier. All three are great; they just have unique textures. For those who don’t want ramen they also have curry bowls, and if you need something sweet at the end of the meal they offer green tea and chocolate mochi.

The Verdict:  Jinya Ramen Bar is well worth the track to Virginia!

Jinya Ramen Bar, Mosaic District, 2911 District Ave #140, Fairfax, VA, Website:  jinya-ramenbar.com/

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Signing Up:  Signing up for Enterprise CarShare is quite easy.  It takes a few minutes online and it requires a valid driver’s license and credit card.   It takes a few weeks to get approved and get the membership card in the mail so make sure to plan ahead.

The Pick Up:  There were plenty of places to pick up my Enterprise CarShare car in DC.  I was delighted to find a pick up spot walking distance from my house.  This pick up location was also adjacent to the metro station (extra points).  I picked a Nissan Versa as it is a small car and easy to navigate.  Opening the car with the membership card was easy.  One small hiccup was the scent of cigarettes as I entered the car (Enterprise CarShare has a strict no smoking policy).  I called the customer service number, which connected me to human quite rapidly to report the issue as you can be charged an extra fee if the smoking in the car is traced back to you. She was very friendly and annotated my complaint on the file.

The Day Trip:  I love going to Loudoun County for day trips. It’s part of the Virginia wine region with plenty to see and do.  This time I headed to Leesburg, a small town an hour drive from DC.  There, you have the best of all worlds with vineyards, shopping, and of course, good food. I started with lunch at Shoes Cup and Cork, a quaint café located in Historic Downtown Leesburg.  After lunch, I walked off my cobb salad and pecan pie at the Leesburg Premium Outlets.  I always recommend these outlets to my out of town friends given its great selection of shops. One of my faves: Saks Off the Fifth, the Saks Fifth Avenue outlet with some fabulous designer finds at great prices.  To end the day, I headed to Lansdowne Resort and Spa where I toured their gorgeous spa (wish I would’ve had time to book an appointment) and dined at their new restaurant Coton & Rye.  No better way to start fall season than to have their hearty turkey pot pie. Dining Traveler Tip:  another great stop in Leesburg is Stone Tower Winery.  This gorgeous winery has two tasting rooms and plenty of great wine!

The Drop Off:  If you’re headed to Northern Virginia for a day trip during a weekday, make sure to factor in traffic as it could get pretty bad in the evening rush hour.  Given I was running late, I changed my return time on my Enterprise CarShare app so I wouldn’t be charged extra.  Returning the car was quite easy: you place the key on a special slot in the glove compartment and there’s no need to refill with gas (unless you go under ¼ tank).

The Verdict:  For $44 for a 6-hour rental, I think Enterprise CarShare is a great deal.  Pros: there are plenty of choices for pick up, don’t have to deal with gas, and none of the hassle of an airport car rental.  I will definitely be booking a car from Enterprise CarShare. If you’re interested in trying it out, click here for special deals in your area and a $20 dollar credit.

Disclaimer:  This post was sponsored by Enterprise CarShare but as always, opinions are my own.

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