What's worth visiting in Leesburg . . . read on!

Palio of Leesburg . . . an Italian Restaurant in Leesburg’s beautiful downtown (2 W. Market Street) at the corner of King & Market is one to dine in regularly. Read the history behind the horses and Palio's name for more fascination behind the scenes.

Antonio (Nino) Pino greeted me upon my first visit to a new Italian Restaurant I couldn’t wait to try . . . his greeting was not only gracious but genuine. He exudes hospitality and has been in the food business for years it showing. Nino proceeded to greet everyone in this similar manner showing me that Palio is a restaurant here to stay.

The Chef is Gianna Piazza and wonderful. Having had many a meal created by Chef Roberto Donna (whose food I enjoyed when frequenting Galileo’s in Washington, DC working there many years) and having friends in the food business, I had a good opinion of what satisfying Italian food for me should be . . . what I wanted in Leesburg. I had briefly worked as a Client Relations & Marketing Director for a “Foo Foo” DC Catering Company (loving food that much), and I feel the food at Palio is authentic Italian . . . the atmosphere is also inviting.

I was very pleased also with the service I received (chatting in Italian myself studying for my father while in College and he being born in the States), and the selections and most importantly the pricing I feel are quite satisfying.

If you haven’t been to Palio in Leesburg, you must see for yourself (they experienced a few growing pains early on customers pouring in). There's a crowd every Friday and Saturday, so expect a short wait for a table. They had to expand almost immediately and added yet a beautiful 3rd dining area with a beautiful bar that rumor has it may soon be filled with music and dining! It’s bustling with new people every weekend - so be patient and enjoy. In my opinion, the fresh pastas and versatile offerings (eat very cheaply or not!) are plentiful while you enjoy Italian wines if you'd like that also they do switch up on occasion.

The lower tapas bar area offers a nice variety while waiting or casually dining on all fresh creations. I'm a huge fan of the meat and real cheeses they will serve in combination. For me this is a true authentic delicacy before a meal. A few patrons shared early on with me that their only complaint was the pasta was a bit sticky a time or two - not the case since! The Ossobuco (made with lamb) melts in your mouth with its creamy risotto I ordered frequently. The Veal Marsala is excellent, and my Italian father raved about it upon his very first visit. Palio serves a red (bolognese meat) sauce which is a standard for me (pastas all made freshly). The gnocchi many a friend have commented . . . melt in your mouth!

Palio is here to stay - many in a growing Leesburg have complained that they wanted more restaurants of a high quality – well, we have one. I’ll be the first to promote it and to spread the word. They have wonderful Italian Wines and again, the service and hospitality can’t be matched. Both owners of this restaurant are doing all the right things . . . it’s up to the public/Leesburg now to enjoy it! (703) 779-0060 and tell them "Maria sent you".

ROUGE BOUTIQUE & SPA on 17 S. King Street in Leesburg, VA. Also on my TOP 10 LIST. You have no idea what you’ve been missing if you have not popped in. Please visit them and tell them Mary sent you for a discount! It's owned by Anita Henry, and her style and customer service can't be matched. Her lovely daughter you will also find often in her place, and they both will greet you with warmth and smiles.

Whether you are looking for a unique gift for your wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, daughter, nieces and more . . . there is something at Rouge for them for you to feel special giving it and they receiving (while not breaking your bank!). For about 10 years I have been a loyal customer because of what one finds within the store . . . beautiful lotions, scrumptuous candles, skin-care products, fun stocking stuffers for all ages, gifts for the difficult man to please, and more. If you are seeking to give a gift of luxury to yourself or your significant other, the spa will take you away . . . massages, facials, manicures and pedicures await.

Ask Anita about where their products are from and why they recommend a certain yummy lotion or soap . . . they choose products manufactured in the USA for a reason, and their knowledge or why they only offer this or that makes the experience all the more pleasureable.

NEXT UP . . . DOGGY DO RIGHT is a professional dog training and day care facility also located in downtown Leesburg (209 E. Market Street at 703-777-8221). A sure answer to any dog training need or care need, Nancy Dryden the Owner has a wealth of experience. Very few dog owners that I have met in Leesburg (when their dog had been trained) had not been trained by Nancy to my surprise. She knows her stuff, and she is unique in that she holds a College Degree in Canine Training. I will post more to come in the next month. And until then, have fun shopping in Leesburg!


Mary Dionisio Roberge