Design Your Own Cajun Meal at Shakin Crab

November 3, 2017 by greystar

Shakin Crab only opened in Manassas three months ago, but it has already amassed more than 50 online reviews for its contemporary take on classic Cajun food. Shakin Crab invites its customers to take part in the creative culinary process, allowing them to select their seafood and seasoning. Choose from a list of seafood that includes crawfish, King Crab legs, and shrimp (or combinations of two). Then pick original Cajun, lemon pepper, or garlic butter seasoning—or go for all three. Finally, choose your level of heat, from non-spicy to downright fiery.

If you prefer your seafood fried, Shakin Crab still has plenty of options for you. Its fried baskets come loaded with crispy oysters, catfish tenders, or even soft shell crab. You can also nibble on some Cajun or buffalo wings with sweet potato fries, hush puppies, or onion rings on the side.

Public Domain/Pixabay/patrickblackjr

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Restaurants in Manassas, Shakin Crab, The Courts at Historic Manassas

Lil’ Bowl Transports Diners to Thailand in Every Bite

October 13, 2017 by greystar

It would be easy to miss Lil' Bowl. The eatery consists of a counter tucked away in Fresh World, a global grocery store in Fairfax. But the eaters who've been fortunate enough to stumble upon it seem to agree that Lil' Bowl offers authentic Thai and Japanese food, and it's definitely worth a visit.

Lil' Bowl only opened two months ago, but the positive reviews are already rolling in for its small plates, noodle dishes, and sushi rolls. You can't go wrong with the pad Thai, a classic dish of rice noodles, bean sprouts and bean curd, scallions, and crushed peanuts in tamarind sauce. Choose chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, seafood, or veggies to headline your Pad Thai. You can also opt for one of the signature sushi rolls, like the Bangkok roll. It showcases cucumber, asparagus, crab stick, and spicy masago inside with a mix of seafood and a dash of herbs and spices on top. Round out your meal with the Thai iced tea or mango-mint lemonade.

Public Domain/Pixabay/Simon

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Lil' Bowl, Restaurants in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas

Head Chef Noe Canales Makes Taste Buds Dance at Tortino Mare

September 1, 2017 by greystar

It may be hard to believe that the cuisine served at Tortino Mare originated right in the eatery's Manassas Park kitchen, not Italy. The dishes are so authentically Italian that, if you close your eyes while you eat, you'll actually be transported to a bistro in Old World Italy. That's because Executive Chef Noe Canales has actually traveled to Italy—his ancestors' native country—to learn all about the flavors and cooking techniques of the nation.

He brings his knowledge to the kitchen at Tortino Mare every day. You can taste his expertise in dishes like Mama Lidia's pizza, smothered with fresh basil pesto, goat and fontina cheese, fresh tomato, and a dusting of parmesan. The house-made pasta also impresses eaters with options like the seafood linguini (linguini frutti di mare) and rigatoni with meatballs. Italian steak and seafood round out the list of entrees at Tortino Mare, a go-to spot for authentic Italian food near your apartment.

Public Domain/Pixabay/oldmermaid

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Restaurants in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas, Tortino Mare

A New Restaurant Near The Courts at Historic Manassas: Hector’s of Nokesville

May 26, 2017 by greystar

For a taste of one of the newest joints in town, head to Hector’s of Nokesville. They set up shop in April and have been earning rave reviews ever since. Expect authentic Mexican plates at great prices with generous servings.

To start, the stuffed jalapenos and the nachos are favorites so far. You can go for the Hector’s Platter, which comes with some nachos, wings, taquitos, beef tips, and a quesadilla for a little taste of everything. For your entree choose anything from the staples like enchiladas verdes to unique options like their chili verde. With the camarones Mexicanos dish being the most expensive at only $15.75, you can bring the whole family and still have an affordable night out. They even have a kids' menu.

Check out their lunch specials for a real deal. You can snag one of their combo plates with three different Mexican specialties from $5.25 to $6.25, depending on what you choose. You can also turn lunch into brunch with the huevos rancheros or the huevos con chorizo plates!

Public Domain/Pixabay/adoproducciones

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Hector's of Nokesville, Restaurants in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas

This Weekend, Have Brunch at CJ Finz Raw Bar & Grille

April 7, 2017 by greystar

A native North Carolina family has put their own twist on surf and turf at CJ Finz Raw Bar & Grille in Manassas. Open a couple years now, this eatery strives to bring impeccable cuisine and hometown dining together in perfect harmony.

There is something for every palate on their menu, from lobster mac and cheese and bacon-wrapped scallops to salads for those looking to stay on the healthy train. Weekend brunch is a fan favorite, with the crab Benedict winning over diners' hearts left and right. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, try the beef tips and biscuits dish or the crunchy French toast. Lunch and dinner are also served daily, and they’re even open until 2 a.m. for late-night beers and bites.

They have daily deals like $1 oysters on Mondays, $10 fish and chip Fridays, as well as happy hour daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. boasting $6 apps and drink specials.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr elsie.hui

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, CJ Finz Raw Bar & Grille, Restaurants in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas

A New Restaurant to Try This Weekend in Manassas: Taiwan Cafe

March 24, 2017 by greystar

The brand-new Taiwan Cafe has been taking diners by storm with glowing reviews during their first few months in business. The restaurant boasts two distinctive menus: one Taiwanese and one Chinese. Two dishes that seem to be early favorites are the three-cup chicken, which combines flavorful sesame and ginger for a delightful sauce and the perfectly crispy Taiwanese fried chicken platter. If you’re looking for a dish to kick-off the meal, try the minced pork string bean with dry black beans served with bao buns on the side.

If you like to stick to what you know, the Chinese menu will take care of you. They offer all the staples you know and love, like spring rolls and general Tso’s chicken, and so much more. Their lunch combo platters start as low as $7.75 and come with a main entree, egg roll, fried rice, soup and a soda. Can’t beat that kind of deal!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr jeffreyw

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Restaurants in Manassas, Taiwan Cafe, The Courts at Historic Manassas

Your Weekend Plans: Belly Up to the Buffet at Rangoli Celebrate India

January 13, 2017 by greystar

There are plenty of flavors to be celebrated at Rangoli Celebrate India, an Indian food restaurant that made its debut in Manassas in fall 2016. With more than its fair share of five-star reviews on Yelp, Rangoli, which was previously located in Loudon County for more than a decade, serves up some of the most delicious dishes in the area.

If you want to grab a little bit of everything and see what your favorite is, the Saturday buffet comes highly recommended. The price is affordable at only $12.99 per adult or $7.99 per child. The favorite dishes thus far are the juicy lamb vindaloo, the perfectly fluffy fresh naan, and the eggplant curry. Don’t forget to try the desserts. They’re very accommodating of dietary restrictions, and strive to make sure that everyone is welcome and is able to indulge fully.

If you’re in a pinch for time or looking for a cozy night in, check out their take-out menu which you can download off the website. Also, delivery is free within 5 miles of the restaurant!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Håvar og Solveig

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Rangoli Celebrate India, Restaurants in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas

Love Turkish Food, The Courts at Historic Manassas? Try Ottoman Kitchen!

September 2, 2016 by greystar

For a taste of a whole new type of cuisine, make a stop at the Ottoman Kitchen this week. Located in nearby Chantilly, this eatery earns rave reviews across the board for their authentic Turkish cuisine.

They are known for their doner, which is meat cooked cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It's then shaved off in thin cuts, then wrapped in pita bread with red onions and greens, topped with a special sauce. Many say this sandwich is authentic as what you'd get in Turkey. Can’t beat that review!

The menu also boasts a variety of kebabs, rice platters, dolmas, and creamy hummus with veggies. Don’t forget to try one of the perfectly sweet pieces of baklava with a Turkish tea for dessert!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/snowpea&bokchoi

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Ottoman Kitchen, Restaurants in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas

Take Your Iced Coffee to the Outdoor Patio at Grounds Central Station

August 26, 2016 by greystar

A local staple for the past six years, Grounds Central Station strives to bring only the best locally roasted coffee to Old Town Manassas. No matter when you’re visiting, the beverages are always flowing. On a hot day, the local favorite is the blended coffee, which comes in decadent flavors like chocolate peanut butter, caramel latte, raspberry, or java chip. You can also stick with your standard iced coffee, which is equally delicious, or choose from the wide variety of chai drinks, teas, specialty lattes, and fruit smoothies.

For breakfast you can grab a breakfast sandwich or one of Grounds Central's delicious baked goods (go for the banana-walnut-coconut muffin). Lunch boasts an extensive list of wraps and sandwiches, even paninis. Enjoy your repast on the outdoor patio!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/torbakhopper

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Grounds Central Station, Restaurants in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas

Leave Room for a Slice of Baklava at Katerina’s Greek Cuisine

June 10, 2016 by greystar

Experience all that Greek culture has to offer, from delicious food to friendly and welcoming hospitality, at Katerina’s Greek Cuisine. In true Greek tradition, you won't leave Katerina’s hungry, but you’ll certainly be back for more!

Using ingredients imported from Greece, Katerina’s serves authentic Greek cuisine from recipes passed down through generations in a traditional and comfortable setting. To start, order the baked Greek feta, or try some spanakopita, which is spinach and feta wrapped in a light filo pastry. Other local favorites include hummus, Mediterranean olive spread, and dolmades, which are grape leaves stuffed with lean ground beef, rice, and herbs drizzled with an egg lemon sauce. For the main course, try the crowd-favorite moussaka or the gyro platter. End your meal with a sweet slice of baklava!

Note that Katerina's is closed on Mondays!

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Katerina’s Greek Cuisine, Restaurants in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas