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

Mary's Real Estate Site

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

A happening surprise - The "King Street" Oyster Bar in Leesburg, Virginia

WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED - A CULINARY "OYSTER" EXPERIENCE - JUST LIKE A FINE WINE.  

You may wait or even be asked to move down and change your seat when first settling in . . . but don't be annoyed, the more the merrier is the Oyster Bar theme and vibe.  This happening, street-facing, window-exposing restaurant is one you won't want to miss!

The Oyster Bar is one of the newest palette-pleasing spots in downtown, Historic Leesburg.  With an atmosphere that is lively and even loud at times, it exudes a faux water-front mindset or style in both decor and atmosphere.  It has come into its own and the food is definitely worthy of its descriptive name!  Rick Allison, the owner, has dabbled in the past with seafood fare, but he has hit his mark with this very successful and sought-after restaurant (and bar) on King Street in downtown Leesburg, Virginia.

When first visiting the Oyster Bar with friends and co-workers (we working down the street), I tried several of the appetizers and slowly made my way through menu item . . . having a particular mind-set and how I would expect an "Oyster Bar" to taste and feel; I had a Boston or Maine vibe preconceived in my mind.  After the weeks went on, and I experimented with several plates, I came to realize that this food was not only good . . . it was VERY GOOD!  It ventured far from what I was used to in its tastefully "unique" style.  Some dishes adorned a Spanish flare, demonstrating to me that the owner has an obvious knack for seafood with the unexpected twist.  Rick has brought in a culinary team that while adding excitement to his offerings, he is staying in touch with what works price-wise and pulls in people regularly that go "out" to eat and spend their money to get what they want and will only pay for  . . . EXCELLENT FOOD!

Moving right along to the important stuff . . . some of my favorite appetizers are the Blue Crab and Corn Chowder, the Columbian Ceviche (yummy with just the right amount of tortillas to go with and a rarity!), and the Asian Tuna  that several friends order regularly.  Recently, I dabbled with the crab cake (ordering no bread to savor the actual crab cake ingredients).  Growing up in Maryland, I loved to pick crabs with family and friends we caught ourselves, this was a curiosity and typically I won't usually order a crab "cake" enjoying just the pure crab with ALWAYS BUTTER.  It was not the largest crab cake I've ever had (without the bread keep in mind), but the friendly server was kind enough to include and add a side of delightful green beans which quantity-wise then  passed my taste test and it was delicious.  

A great way to sample many of the menu items is to visit during Happy Hour (3:00 - 6:30 pm) where both $5 specials and 1/2 price oysters, along with drink specials are offered.  Two of my initial favorites stemmed from happy hour and are the Columbian Ceviche and the Crab Sliders - both had just the right amount of seafood in each dish.  Some other's  favorites are the Calamari and the Mussels, but really everything is worth sampling.  Lunch starting at 11 am and dinner are served 7 days a week, and the menu includes everything from Filet Minot to decadent desserts with some entree-style salads, a great Burger, Lobster Mac & Cheese and many seafood dishes in between.

My daughter, a foodie well beyond her food years, enjoyed a Basil-Encrusted Chicken (Pasta) that she just loved with pesto!  I have to share that she is one of my own biggest food critics and compliments when I cook "Italian" -  she continues to order this great Pasta dish again and again.  Because she loves food so much, she tries never to be disappointed.  She's already realizing that when you try more out, you learn more about what flavors work best together and it opens up your palette.  As she's grown more of a love for food, she tries to make a dish herself at home and change it up or experiment . . . to enjoy the process and and to have some culinary fun.  

SO . . . DO YOU KNOW YOUR OYSTER?

Given the name "Oyster" Bar, I recently inquired as to the various types of Oysters being offered because I had not dabbled much with fish/seafood varietals or differences-  even though both of my parents are from Boston (dad is a "Southie" and lived a block from the water).  We grew up with all types of seafood and fish and thoroughly enjoyed all foods with the Italian side and my dad (and his dad) loving to cook.  I was completely impressed learning that some oysters are not just saltier than others or take on a different size or shell size and shape (similar to how vegetables, fishes and meats take from their environments), but they truly vary to a point where one can become quite the enthusiast after looking into their differences from waterway to waterway and region to region.  For example, West coast oysters, the owner shared, are smaller and sweeter . . . while East coast oysters are larger and a bit saltier and brinier, encased in shells with more shades of brown, green and white.  

Suggesting a special East coast large oyster with a unique blend of garlic, cheeses and a flavorful combination of spices, the delicacy wowed me once again and was $5 a pop at happy hour.  Don't ask me the name as the oyster which was described and delivered to us, but it will wow your palette and this was not your average "oyster" by any means!

In doing a little oyster research out of a newfound curiosity, I've learned that Eastern Oysters are great for martinis because they are a bit saltier and larger, with a smoother/flatter shell which lays well on a serving plate.  West coast oysters are smaller and sweeter with more jagged shells appearing in shades of black, white, pink, green and purple.  Their taste is sweeter with notes of cucumber, cut grass, watermelon and other flavors have been noted.  Sound familiar?  Maybe like wine notes?  Exactly!  Also, the West coast oyster is less salty, so it lends itself well to Asian-style dishes and they are less briny (vinegary) than the East coast oyster.  

Tah Dah!  I have now been somewhat educated on oysters and want to venture more, all because of a little breath of fresh air in a new restaurant called  King Street Oyster Bar" in the downtown, Historic District of Leesburg, VA.  

Visit and make a reservation even better, but tell them There's Something About Mary's List sent you!  


Read more of Mary's blog which also appears on Mary's web site

Oyster photo credit to EastCoastMagazine.com and some great oyster information by Maris Callahan, she picking the brain of Chicago's Pearl Tavern owner, Matt Balikov.  Thank you!

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