A local Italian (and Irish!) foodie's list of my favorite restaurants, hot spots in Leesburg, Middleburg, Purcellville and sometimes when wandering outside of Loudoun . . . enjoy!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Superior Nails

SUPERIOR NAILS - A RELAXING EXPERIENCE AND MORE THAN JUST NAILS.

This family-owned nail salon is by far the best in town. Paul and Terrie (Owners) treat their customers like gold.  They are obvious veterans of the business and had a salon in Sterling for many years before moving their salon to Leesburg more than 10+ years ago I believe.  They will get to know you and remember your name. My daughter loves that they are very “detailed” and do great designs that match her nail color really well!

Not only is the service excellent, it is very reasonably priced - unlike other salons, their pedicures come with paraffin wax and is not extra (check pricing though as it may vary).  Personally, I think they are the best pedi massages around - even compared to Lansdowne Spa or other hotel spas.

The environment is also very relaxing, with soothing music playing in the background.  A huge plus for me is how they allow you to truly close your eyes and relax - what I want when I go to a salon.  Many salons have lots of chatting going on and TV's blaring with news in the background - here, you will certainly catch anything important on once in a while, but music is always playing appropriate for a salon when paying to have your nails and toes done.  

This is not just a nail salon either - they also cut hair, do waxing and more. Most importantly, it is extremely clean and overall top notch.

Superior Nails is located just off Battlefield Parkway in the Exeter Shopping Center, where the new 7-11 is located.


Facebook for Superior Nails (and Hair) in Leesburg
700 Fieldstone Drive NE, Leesburg, VA 20176
(571) 918-0926

Tell Paul and Terrie that Mary sent you!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Travinia Italian Kitchen - a marvelous spot in Leesburg!


Travinia Italian Kitchen has been a great addition to Leesburg's growing restaurant scene.  With live music, outdoor seating, welcoming and fashionable decor ambiance, and great food, Travinia is sure to be one of Leesburg's hot spots this spring and summer.

First, the food: Their menu features delicious Italian comfort food and Travinia's own special dishes.  While they went through a rough patch with their food I noticed, it has been great again for the last couple of months!  Here is a sampling of  my own favorites:

  • Rigatoni Bolognese: Braised Short Ribs in a red sauce with a dollop of Mascarpone (an Italian Cream Cheese that melts beautifully and in your mouth!) tops this exquisite dish, all served over a hearty bowl of Rigatoni.
  • Veal Scaloppini: Simply delicious and plentiful!  I go a more Italian traditional route and have red/marinara sauce over just my Capelini instead of the veal sauce which is a lemon butter with artichokes, mushrooms and pancetta. 
  • Polo Isabella: Chicken Breast (add risotto, yum!) and goat cheese with a lemon butter sauce served over a bed of spinach.  This is a favorite of many of my friends.
  • Mussels: The mussels I had came in their own "nontraditional" sauce which I loved.  A wonderful treat which I highly recommend - you will not want them to take your plate if there is bread left and scooping up the sauce using your shell/spoon is a delight!
  • Margherita Pizza: My daughter gets this almost every time and loves it.  Served with fresh mozzarella and plum tomatoes.  A great kid-friendly dish that adults will enjoy as well.
  • I've enjoyed the Caesar, Spinach & Goat Cheese and Granny Smith Apple (not what you think) salads which are all good and plentiful.  When ordering one to accompany your own Entree, "share."
  • One dish I do not recommend and commented on to a waiter for the kitchen (as did several friends who I asked not to judge them on this dish!) is the Butternut Squash Ravioli.  Why?  Simply because they are served in butter, and it is too much and does not compliment the ravioli.  Butter turns to oil too when heated for a while, so if you love Butternut Squash Ravioli as I do, ask for a sauce substitute like a "light cream."  I'd love to see them pair these with a light Sage Cream Sauce I make for my own yellow squash ravioli which would compliment it and not overpower the delicate flavor of the squash. 
Next up, ambiance: Immediately upon your entering the restaurant, you are greeted by a lovely atmosphere with plush couches and a hostess who treats everyone who arrives like gold.  I believe she has been there since the restaurant opens, and she is an incredible asset to their team.  Now that it is warm outside, you have a number of seating options:  1) indoors at gently curving rows of tables and spacious booths; 2) outdoors on the patio where there are fire pits that add charm and fun to the restaurant; or 3) the bar area, which opens up to the outdoors in the spring and summer for some wonderful breezes.  If you choose to sit indoors, you can see your food being prepared through the glass divider to the kitchen.

On the weekends, allow for a wait time, but do not be dissuaded from staying - Travinia has a spacious waiting area with plush couches and their wait times are often shorter than they say they will be.  Kids and adults alike are able to sit much more patiently than in such a relaxed environment.

The background music is lively without being loud, so it is always possible to have a conversation with your friends and family while you dine at Travinia.

And speaking of music - Travinia has live jazz every Wednesday from 7 to 10pm.  I so was pleasantly surprised to find this out when I was at dinner one evening, so we decided to stay longer to enjoy the fun duo that was performing!  And coming soon, there will be a band every Friday night from 10pm to 2am with the dining area cleared for dancing.  I can't wait for the fun to begin!

Be sure to check out this happening and delicious restaurant the next time you treat yourself to an evening out.  You will not be disappointed.

1605 Village Market Blvd SE, Suite 104, Leesburg, Virginia
http://www.traviniaitaliankitchen.com/travinia-leesburg-va.php

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Los Tios Grill - Wonderful Mexican Food in Leesburg

Los Tios Grill is an authentic, family-owned Mexican restaurant and the staff is all kind, professional and very welcoming.  This cozy restaurant sits in Market Station on its main level (below Fireworks) but fills up nightly with hungry (then satisfied!) locals and visitors.  The moment you walk in, you feel the upbeat energy, as friends and family laugh and talk together, and the perfectly mixed margaritas flow.  Whether you choose to sit inside or out on the patio, you are sure to have a great time!

Atmosphere is not the only thing that makes Los Tios such a don’t-miss restaurant.  The fresh, high-quality food is incredible, and the portions more than generous!  The meal starts with warm tortilla chips and an excellent house salsa brought to your table as soon as you arrive.  Then your choices range from the usual Mexican fare like tacos, lightly fried chimichangas, sizzling fajitas, and more, to more upscale choices like their Pollo Mexicano (chicken breast topped with shrimp and a fresh cilantro sauce), and even a selection of Salvadoran dishes. 

In short, this wonderful Mexican restaurant is a cut above the rest, and will win your heart with its friendly charm and flavorfully fresh food.  Check it out the next time you have something to celebrate, or when you just want to celebrate the joys of good company and excellent food.

Don't forget to tell them Mary sent you!

Visit them today in Leesburg Los Tios Grill in Leesburg