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!

Saturday, August 10, 2019

I highly recommend The Conche in Leesburg, a Chocolate-Themed Boutique Restaurant

Did I say "DECADENT" - what an understatement!  A gourmet restaurant using the art of Conching (stirring and churning chocolate using a Conche) to create a unique full-dining experience in Leesburg . . .
(Photo courtesy of The Conche)

The Conche in Leesburg, VA is delectable, reasonable and much more than chocolate.  If you haven't stopped in yet (yes, you can go casually dressed), you better soon before there will be long waits and standing room only.  It is superb, and they are not a chocolate shop - they intertwine their on-premise house chocolates into their foods and sauces and have an out-of-this-world full menu that I can't get enough of and am still on a mission to tackle.  It seems too good to be true, and the name is in and of itself a representation of what the world renowned Pastry  Chef Santosh Tiptur and his staff have created.  Quality and distinction in service.
Ahi Tuna Poke (photo from The Conche)

Some of my favorite appetizers are the Catalan Shrimp, Sweet and Sour Cauliflower, Ahi Tuna Poke, the Beef Sliders are crazy good and a must when available, and the Avocado Flat Bread is a meal in itself.  As far as entrees, the Braised Short Ribs will make you swoon and I loved the Lobster Tagliatelle.  Honestly, there isn't a single entree that won't wow you, they have Vegetarian and Gluten-Free offerings and you can also visit them for Brunch.

Chocolates from The Conche
Desserts are too plentiful to list, but let it be known I ordered beautiful chocolates for my family two holiday seasons in a row and our eyes rolled back in our heads with delight.  You can mix and match and purchase one or as many as you'd like at the front chocolate boutique and also watch the mouth-watering chocolate being made right in their restaurant!  The chocolates are presented in specialty gift boxes/packages and are as special and detailed as is this restaurant.
Join them for Happy Hour - The Conche

Decadent Desserts-The Conche photo
Signature cocktails, flights, spirits and cocoas are plentiful and unique, so whatever you are in the mood for, you will find it and quite often times think they too are "beautiful."  

Are you thinking that this restaurant and boutique seems too good to be true?  I did too after first visiting and realizing it is not a dessert or chocolate store . . . which brings me to what I love and appreciate as a foodie and one who enjoys venturing out often . . . it is not priced out of most budgets for a nice dinner or drinks out on the Town (or just Happy Hour) because  you leave happy and more than satisfied without your wallet feeling like it experienced that "big occasion" out it could if they were located in DC and for this incredible food.  Try this restaurant soon - because there is something for everyone at all price points - it is to me considered in line with all of the other nice restaurants in the area.  Once you go, you will be disappointed that in what you have been missing since we were so fortunate to have them open in the Village at Leesburg near Travinia and near Wegmans)!

A great insider's tip . . . they are honoring happy hour with many specials you'd pay at least double for elsewhere when it comes to quantity and quality.  For the rest of the summer, a little birdie told me their specialty cocktails are reduced and their normal happy hour days and pricing that start at 4 pm will run up until closing for the duration of the summer months.

Enjoy and tell them Mary sent you from her favorite places and There's Something About Mary's List!!

Make a reservation or visit The Conche located at 1605 Village Market Blvd., #J108, Leesburg, VA  20175


AN ESCAPE IN LEESBURG - THE WINE KITCHEN - DID YOU SAY HAPPY HOUR?

Enjoy a refreshing, palette-discriminating menu in a relaxed yet classy atmosphere. For me, the Wine Kitchen has it all and has only gotten better . . . it is still an “anchor” restaurant in the very happening, downtown district of Leesburg, VA that other restaurant owners are and should be trying to mirror.


Having lived and worked alongside many business owners now for over 20 years in Leesburg, many friends and clients who know I love to cook (and eat!) ask me where to find great food and wine.  The Wine Kitchen, as I've written about in the past when it first opened, remains one of my favorites! Their food and wines are superb, and because "thank goodness" they offer imports from  countries like Italy and Spain (more) where they regulate what goes into their wines.  Natural ingredients are used - not the food coloring and nasty chemicals and preservatives our bodies reject with headaches, and unlike many US wines without regulation.  This is a one of a few important reasons why I frequent the Wine Kitchen over other restaurants and continue to recommend it to family, friends and newcomers to Leesburg, VA.

The Wine Kitchen's willingness to educate us, while adding a bit of "social" to our dining experience, adds a very special touch while serving your wine with one of their own personal/descriptive Wine Cards.  Have some fun in deciphering if your own experience or palette matches the poetic journey they describe on this little card, and keep it even as a keep-sake for that special occasion or night.

The Wine Kitchen has paired their wines with local farms in a relaxed yet hip style, while the demeanor of its available Executive Chef, Tim Rowley, is a prized possession as he listens to his guests.  Not only does the Chef incorporate current trends, the Wine Kitchen is now offering a full array of impressive cocktails with an impressive Happy Hour you shouldn't miss!  The staff, some of my favorites being Agnes and Morgan, are "excellent" and I am brought back because they not only know their wines, food and specialty cheeses to a very impressive degree, but their decorum is as if they were hand-picked for this restaurant.  

Upcoming events to pop by the Wine Kitchen for:
  • Tuesdays are "Flight Nights"
  • Wednesdays (confirm if still running) enjoy $$$ off any bottle of wine in-house
  • Happy Hour Tuesday-Fridays from 3 - 6 pm
Enjoy the Wine Kitchen or you are missing a treat.

Mary's Real Estate Site

Friday, August 2, 2019

NY-STYLE DELI - PUCCIO'S -  More than a Sandwich Shop in Leesburg, VA!  

We moved here, live here and love to play in Leesburg!  Located as you head East out of Town on Loudoun Street, don't miss their stand-alone building with parking in the rear and on the street.  The experience that Puccios offers its patrons is top-notch (and fast) because of its staff and beloved owner, Efi

PUCCIO's - The greatest New York-Style Delis in Leesburg!

Whether you are on the run, taking a lunch break or you want to sit quietly eat and catch up with a local or two, Puccio's Deli in downtown Leesburg is a treat.  The new location of a few years now is warm and friendly and you are often greeted by its owner.  She not only cares about her customers, but her deli is a favorite to so many that work, live and frequent Leesburg - and has been for many years now.  Why?  She serves authentic, deli-style sandwiches with kindness and kit-gloves.  And . . . if she can make it and you've requested it, consider it done!  She makes her own Tuna and Chicken Salads fresh, daily.

The Deli selections are plentiful and will remind you of an Italian NY Deli (I flock to them being an Italian and cherishing the similar sandwiches my Dad made for me as a child).  She also offers freshly-made breakfast sandwiches, omelets, deli-style sandwiches, fresh and original salads, yummy desserts . . . just a few of her many offerings.  When you enter, it is her greeting and the kind atmosphere that makes you feel like you are at home and brings her customers back over and over again.  In her newest space, there is not only an enclosed "indoor/outdoor" area to protect you from the elements but it allows you to enjoy passers-by while chatting - plus, she has few outdoor tables if you want the sun on your face and if you can snag one of those sought-after tables!

So let's talk about...food!

The meats and vegetables are fresher than one could imagine, cut and delivered each day - my daughter who works there says that "fresh" is an understatement!  Eggs come from local farmers and her produce as well, whenever she can get it.  The sandwich selections are posted on a large New York style board on the wall offering everything from her home-made Tuna Salad (one of my favorites, yum!) to belly-buster submarines on fresh breads that are by far one of its biggest appeals. 

You see most of the items named after NY cities or points of interest there like the Broadway (Prosciutto with fresh mozzarella cheese topped with lettuce, mayo, tomatoes, onions, hot or roasted peppers, Italian dressing & seasonings, served on a toasted sub roll).  The Deniro is one of the favorites and a rib-eye steak and cheese sub, yum!  Two other favorites are the New Yorker with hot Pastrami, Swiss Cheese, Thousand Island Dressing and Coleslaw - while her other popular sandwich is her Reuben where she serves it with the traditional Corned Beef and instead a spicy mustard.

The Soho, my daughter's favorite and now mine own, is a roasted turkey with "fresh" Mozzarella Cheese, lettuce, tomato onion, peppers, mayonnaise, Italian dressing, seasonings all served on a toasted sub roll.  It's crazy good!  Her Gyro has lamb and beef, topped with cucumber dressing, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, served on pita bread. The list goes on, including many deli meats for subs and sandwiches: Pastrami, Corned Beef, Salami, Mortadella, Meatball, more.  Nine other side salads include a big favorite of mine, Mozzarella and Tomato. Wraps, fruits, plated salads and finally desserts complete the menu – try the NY Style Cheesecake, her yummy delectable cupcakes or a Cannoli - everything is so fresh!

Visit their new location and web site at www.puccios-deli.com. They are open Monday - Saturday 8am - 4pm, closed Sundays but check hours as they may vary.

Do not miss out on the best sandwiches in Town . . . you will keep going back for more as I have now for years!   Puccio's Deli in Leesburg, VA

Don't forget to tell them MARY SENT YOU!