It’s dinnertime, the kids are bored and everyone is getting hungry? Why not get a DIY Pizza from Troy’s Italian Kitchen? Located just around the corner at 2710 Washington Blvd in Lyon Park, Troy’s is known for its ready-to-eat pies, but the DIY Pizza Kit lets you create the perfect pizza at home, adding an element of fun to your dinner preparation.
The DIY Pizza Kit can be found at the bottom of the pizza options on the website menu. For $16.99, the kit contains:
– pizza dough for two pizzas (size depends on how thin you prefer your crust) – flour for rolling out the dough – Troy’s fabulous pizza sauce – 2 bags of pizza cheese – Your choice of two toppings – Easy-to-follow instructions – An official pizza box in which to serve your creation
Troy’s owner, Neel Vaidya, encourages patrons to post photos of their creations on his Instagram – what a fun opportunity to showcase your creativity! And then you get to enjoy delicious pizza, too!
For the truly adventurous pizza chefs out there, you can also buy pizza items a la carte, such as dough balls for $1.99 (calzones, anyone?) and a variety of sauces. Be bold and have fun.
And thank you, troysitaliankitchen.com, for your support of our community through the years!
Tiger Dumplings in Clarendon is a great option when you are craving something delicious and quick. The restaurant has a casual, relaxed atmosphere that makes it an easy choice for either lunch or dinner, especially if you do not want a long, drawn-out meal. Service was quick, the food came out fast, and the overall experience felt efficient without sacrificing quality.
My wife and I started with the Sassy Beef Shank Salad, which was one of the more interesting dishes of the meal. The beef shank is marinated with a blend of five spices and served cold. The meat was tender and packed with flavor, with the spice blend giving it a fragrant, savory quality that made it stand out. Serving it chilled also made the dish feel lighter and more refreshing than you might expect from beef shank. It was a strong start and a nice contrast to the dumplings that followed.
Next were the Chicken Shiitake Dumplings, one of the chef’s recommended options. These were soft, tender, and full of flavor. The seasoned chicken paired nicely with the earthy shiitake mushrooms, creating a filling that was savory without being too heavy. The overall dish had a comforting quality that made it easy to keep reaching for another one.
We also tried the Pork Chive Dumplings. These leaned a little more classic, with juicy seasoned pork and fresh chives inside a soft steamed wrapper. The chives added just enough freshness to balance the richness of the pork. They were simple, flavorful, and satisfying.
The standout, in terms of appearance and flavor, was the Tiger Signature Pot Stickers. These come in an order of 10 and are filled with pork, shrimp, and chives. Unlike the steamed dumplings, the pot stickers are pan-seared and presented as a single sheet where you can easily separate each individual dumpling. They have a crisp, golden exterior that adds a great contrast to the juicy filling inside. The pork and shrimp worked well together, while the chives added some freshness. They were easily the highlight of the meal and definitely worth ordering, especially if you are sharing.
Overall, Tiger Dumplings delivered exactly what we hoped for. The food was flavorful, the portions were perfect, and everything came out at a steady pace. The casual setting makes it especially well-suited for a quick lunch, an easy weeknight dinner, or a low-key meal when you want something good without a lot of fuss.
Tiger Dumplings is an easy recommendation for the whole family and a place my wife and I have visited a half-dozen times in the past year. Trust us, once you go, you will be going back over and over again!
Tiger Dumplings (3225 Washington Blvd): Hours of operation are Sundays from 10:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Friday from 11:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Phone number is 571-970-4512. Visit the website: https://tiger-dumplings.com/ for more information.
The Angie, a new French-inspired restaurant in Ballston, offers a polished take on the neighborhood bistro experience, with an attractive dining room, classic dishes, and attentive service. My wife and I recently stopped in for dinner and left with a positive overall impression, though the high prices are worth keeping in mind.
The restaurant itself makes a strong first impression as you walk in. The space has a modern French bistro feel without leaning too heavily into traditional décor. It is bright, stylish, and very clean, with enough personality to make dinner feel like an occasion while still being comfortable for a casual night out. The atmosphere struck a nice balance between upscale and approachable.
We started with the tuna carpaccio, which ended up being one of the highlights of the meal. The thinly sliced tuna was fresh and tender, and the dish packed plenty of flavor. It was a light way to begin dinner but still felt satisfying.
For our entrées, my wife ordered the Duck au Poivre. The duck was cooked very well, with a nicely prepared exterior while remaining tender inside. She thoroughly enjoyed it, and the fries that came alongside it were a nice touch. I went with the Dover sole, another one of the more classic French offerings on the menu. The fish was delicate and flaky, with a rich, buttery sauce that complemented it nicely. Dover sole can be a relatively simple dish, so execution matters, and The Angie did a very good job.
We added the mashed potatoes and green beans to share. Unfortunately, these were probably the weakest part of dinner. Both were perfectly fine from a preparation standpoint, but we found them surprisingly bland compared with the rest of the meal. Given the quality and flavor of the main dishes, we were hoping for sides with a little more seasoning and personality, but were underwhelmed.
Dessert helped finish things on a stronger note. We ordered the crème brûlée, which had the classic combination you want: a crisp caramelized top over a smooth, creamy custard. It was simple but well executed.
Service throughout the evening was also very good. Everything moved at an appropriate pace, and the staff was attentive. The timing between the appetizers, entrées, and dessert was spaced appropriately. We had no complaints.
Overall, The Angie delivered a good dining experience, particularly with the tuna carpaccio, duck, and Dover sole. The atmosphere and service make it an appealing addition to Ballston’s restaurant scene. The biggest caveat is price: dinner here can become expensive fairly quickly, especially once sides and drinks are added. Still, if you’re looking for a polished French-inspired dinner in Arlington and don’t mind spending a little more, The Angie is worth considering.).
The Angie (3901 Fairfax Dr.): Hours of operation: Sun-Thur 7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 7:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m. Phone number: 703-263-8501. Visit https://www.theangieva.com/ for additional information.
In August, OASiS the Listening Bar celebrated one year in Clarendon. If you’ve missed its unique ambiance, fresh and delicious Japanese-inspired menu, live music, artfully-crafted cocktails, and gracious hospitality, be sure to rectify that! This is a can’t-miss elevated dining experience. Inspired by hi-fi bars of Japan, its owners describe it as a “peaceful Japanese retreat in the City.” OASiS is just one of the restaurants in the Sisters Group restaurants that also includes Flore Café in Tysons and multiple locations of Sisters Thai.
Just walking in, you know you’re in a special place. There are walls lined from tabletop to ceiling with record albums (we happened to be sitting in a classical music section). High-top tables in the bar are divided by short tennis nets, a huge movie theater marquee hangs over a 25-seat wrap-around bar. Parts of the space evoke Tokyo, others offer a desert locale—with a cacti wall—or surfboards from Hawaii. It sounds—and is—a little eclectic, but not in a jarring way. The overall vibe is soothing, especially in the dining room with dark paneled walls and very private booths, separated by windowed dividing walls.
During daily vinyl sessions from 5:00-7:00 p.m., patrons can select albums and give them to the bartender to play. At 7:30, the venue changes to live music, but not live music that makes conversation impossible. On Thursday and Friday nights (when I’ve been there), Alejandro Villareal plays guitar accompanying a rotating roster of vocalists who, as they describe it, “provide ambiance,” not a show. And they are fantastic. On weekends, there are two music sets, one from 7:30-9:30 and one from 9:30-11:30. I’m told the live jazz brunch on Sundays is also terrific.
When it takes a few paragraphs to get around to mentioning the food and drinks, you might think they weren’t very good. Quite the contrary! The food is top-notch—everything we ordered, from appetizers to dessert—was delicious. The sushi is fresh and tasty and available in sashimi, nigiri, and maki form. My personal favorite (that I had to order again on my second visit) was the grilled salmon carmelized with teriyaki sauce and served with sauteed mushrooms, brussels sprouts, carrots, and rice.
Bar selections are equally impressive. My husband describes the Kimi Wa 1000%, as a “wonderful, smooth, creamy take on a a whiskey sour.” Several of the drinks are completely clarified so that all of the color has been extracted; it looks like water, but has amazing flavor. Jeff calls it “a twist on the senses.” OASiS stocks 20 kinds of whiskey and offers curated flights of Japanese whiskey or sake. Happy Hour is from 3:00-6:00 daily.
Their website says, “we offer a fusion of traditional flavors with a modern twist, creating a dining experience like no other.” No false advertising here—every aspect of this dining experience is unique and worth a visit (or more).
Oasis: The Listening Bar (2940 Clarendon Blvd): Hours of operation: Sun-Thur 11:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.–12:00 a.m. Phone number: 703-512-3068. Visit https://www.oasisthelisteningbar.com for additional information.
The mission of chain restaurant, Bonchon, is “to share the joy of Korean comfort food around the world.” The Bonchon located on the far Eastern edge of Lyon Park has been sharing that joy for 13 years. Says the manager, who’s been there for ten of those years, “We’ve been here since the building we’re in opened and we stay here because everyone loves us—and we love everyone.” The owner of Bonchon Arlington (which translates to ‘my hometown; my roots”) also owns a location in Navy Yard, the only two DC area locations. On a beautiful Spring Tuesday evening, the manager’s words were apt, as we witnessed a brisk takeout business and plenty of diners both inside the spacious dining and bar areas, as well as in the outdoor patio area in front.
They’re especially busy on Mondays and Tuesdays at the moment because of their new dine-in only special, $1 Korean fried chicken wings all day. They also have $2 beer and $3 wine Happy Hour specials, and kids eat free with a paying adult on Sundays.
The menu has three designations: Spicy, Fiery Spicy, and Must Try! My “Must Try” item was the Japchae, stir-fried glass noodles, with carrots, spinach, mushrooms, scallions and Bulgogi. The Soy Garlic sauce gave it excellent flavor and texture. Portions were generous and I took half of it home. When you place an order—by scanning a bar code on the table—you can add or subtract whichever ingredients you wish (for instance, I opted for no red pepper and extra scallion).
The star of the show at Bonchon is the Korean Fried Chicken, served with a complimentary side of pickled radish or coleslaw and one of five signature flavors (including the traditional Korean favorite, Yangnyeom, Korean BBQ, and Classic Crunch). The menu and website proclaim, “The Secret Behind Our Korean Fried Chicken? Hand battered, Double fried, and Hand brushed for the perfect crunch and flavor” (Not so secret, I guess). But the recipe must be worth it, as we overheard rave reviews from tables all around us.
There were few options for my vegetarian husband (Several sides, including a new Korean cucumber salad, Korean Street Corn, Edamame and Pickled Radish, Kimchi were available). He went with the Bibimbap with Tofu, expecting it to come in the sizzling hot stone bowl. It instead it came a room temperature bowl and was less flavorful than he hoped, but there was plenty of tasty hot sauce available which really enhanced the dish. The only dessert on the menu is the Korean donuts coated in sugar-cinnamon and served with sweet cream dipping sauce. One donut is 190 calories, which I know because calorie counts are included on the menu, for those who wish.
If you’re looking for some good casual dining with reasonable prices, fresh fare, and friendly service, try Bonchon Arlington in person or to go. They also make party bundles and “K-Meals” for sharing at gatherings.
Looking for a local volunteer opportunity? Want complete flexibility? Like to give a lift to a neighbor?
I’ve lived in Arlington for over 40 years and once I retired, I started looking for a way to give back to the community. Last fall I discovered The Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church (SCMAFC). It’s an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that provides free transportation to seniors for medical and dental appointments or run errands to grocery stores and pharmacies. I volunteer my time and my car and get direct satisfaction by helping neighbors get to their doctor’s appointments, or therapy, or Harris Teeter. The organization covers (as the name implies) McLean, Falls Church, and Arlington but I’ve chosen to provide rides mostly in Arlington (North Arlington, South Arlington, Culpepper Gardens), although you can choose rides from clients in any location. I’ve met some very charming folks who truly appreciate the service and I can fit rides into my often very unpredictable schedule (being retired is surprisingly full of things to do).
The Shepherd’s Center is currently looking to recruit volunteer drivers in Arlington and I wanted to pass on their information. There’s no minimum commitment. You’re free to choose when and how often you drive. You can choose rides that are one-way or round trip. By volunteering your time and vehicle, you can have a direct impact on the health and well-being of older adults who may face challenges in accessing essential medical care. Volunteering with the Shepherd’s Center: Strengthens our community by supporting our neighbors in need; Fits your availability with its flexible scheduling; Provides an opportunity for you to make meaningful connections with older adults. You get to meet wonderful folks, often with very interesting backgrounds and stories to tell. And you brighten their day with your companionship; and Gives you a sense of fulfillment knowing you’ve made a tangible difference in someone’s life.
For detailed information or to apply, you can check out the https://scmafc.org/volunteer or call (703) 506-2199.
An evening out with my young neighbors at Pho & Banh Mi Eatery Café was a hit. Before we even get to the food, 10-year-old Harrison and 7-year-old Brayden asked me to mention the friendly staff. April opened the Café a year and a half ago with her husband, Chris, as the primary “chef, husband, father, and worker.” The couple have three children, ages 12-22 and each family member is represented by a cartoon character on the fun mural featured on one of the restaurant’s walls. Presumedly because of his role as parent, Chris was extremely accommodating to Harrison and Brayden’s special requests (He asked repeatedly, ‘Are you sure you only want plain shrimp on a plain taco shell’ for Harrison. We were.)
Surprisingly, the winning dish of the evening was neither the Pho nor the Banh Mi for which the restaurant is named. The birria soft taco was awarded “15 out of 10 points” by my companions (“The meat has lots of juice” reported Brayden). Of course, we tried both of the namesake dishes, with chicken and with shrimp. For anyone unfamiliar, Pho (pronounced “fuh” (rhymes with “duh”) is a Vietnamese noodle soup whose signature broth is simmered for hours and is the heart of the dish. It’s definitely a distinct flavor, which some people will appreciate and others less so (hence the request for shrimps in a taco shell). Banh Mi (“bon me”) is a sandwich on a light airy baguette (interestingly, AI informed me the origin of using a baguette is the French Colonial period of Vietnamese history) filled with seasoned meat, pickled daikon, carrot, cucumber, cilantro, etc. It’s considered one of the great street foods of the world. The flavor of the banh mi was delicious. Just watch out for some very spicy peppers (or ask for them to be omitted)!
The menu also features poke bowls and drinks. Lots of drinks – Milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies, slushes, and fresh fruit lemonade, all with about a dozen options for toppings (from honey boba to mango star jelly or Oreo). We tried the brown sugar milk tea, strawberry slushies, and strawberry lemonade (“If you like a sour/sweet combination that’s mostly sweet, then you’ll love this,” says Harrison). The boys intend to return for refreshing, delicious slushies as the weather heats up.
Chris used to sell healthy and vegetarian foods from a food truck in Clarendon. When the location for a restaurant became available, they took the opportunity to open a business here right away. The couple live in Woodbridge and drive the two hours round-trip each day because this is a great neighborhood and a great location. The Eatery employs 3 additional cooks and about 6 cashiers.
Give Pho & Banh Mi Eatery Café a try. And, if you mention you read about it here, the owners will give you 20% off.
Pho & Banh Mi Eatery Cafe (3000 Washington Blvd): Hours of operation 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Sunday. Phone number: 703–489–8212. Visit https://eaterycafeva.com for additional information.
In the last issue of the Citizen, I wrote about a pizza place. This month, I needed to find a more upscale restaurant for a birthday dinner for my husband. As we are new(ish) to the neighborhood, I looked online for recommendations. I was surprised that one of the more highly rated places for special occasions was right in the center of town! If, like me, you’ve also missed Maison Cheryl (which, despite it’s Wilson Boulevard address is actually tucked in beside Ethan Allen on North Filmore), this French New-American bistro, is a neighborhood gem!
Robert Maher, is the owner and chef, and lives right around the corner on Clarendon Blvd. He opened Maison Cheryl, his first restaurant, in 2021. When asked why he chose to open here in Clarendon, he told me he’d seen how amazing the neighborhood was. “There’s something about the area and community that is welcoming,” he said, “It has all the hustle and bustle of a city, but is more relaxed and felt like home.”
The ambiance was just what I was looking for for Jeff’s birthday celebration. One restaurant reviewer calls it a “sleek, New York-influenced interior,” which is no surprise. Maher is from New York and the photographs of that city hanging on the walls were taken by his brother. Maison Cheryl also decorates for the season, with cherry blossom decorations currently warming up the place. Maher also makes a cherry croissant donut to usher in the turn of the weather. Menus change seasonally with a focus on quality, fresh food and an enhanced customer experience. “It’s what I look for in restaurants when I go out,” Maher notes.
Our appetizers were terrific. We had the Brussels sprouts (minus the bacon for my vegetarian husband), which were spectacular and are among the more popular dishes, as well as the cauliflower, another standout. For dinner, my husband had the vegan vegetable curry, which, to be honest, wasn’t as good as the rest of our food. My orecchiette pasta with bay scallops and shrimp (pictured) is a best seller—for good reason. The entrées Maison Cheryl is known for are the duck for dinner and the truffle steak and cheese omelet for brunch (served every day of the week). Then there’s Maher’s own favorite, the bucatini with zucchini herb sauce and fried burrata on top, a staple menu item since day one.
All this talk about the great food ignores the extensive bar. Maison Cheryl has a Happy Hour every night and a carefully curated wine list. Additionally, Maher likes to make a cheaper option available, like this month’s lychee cherry mule offered at $9. “I want to give back a little,” he says. “Dining out has become expensive and I try to find little things that can help.” “I love this community and having a restaurant here. It’s flattering to have enough business to have been here for five years. It’s fun to see faces coming back over and over again.”
Full from our dinners, my husband and I skipped dessert (despite the neon sign in back of the restaurant proclaiming, “Life is short; get the dessert.”) It seems we missed something pretty amazing, as all of the online reviews of the place rave about the cooked-to-order madelines and other sweet treats. Ah, well, dessert is a great reason to go back again to Maison Cheryl!
Maison Cheryl (2900 Wilson Blvd.; Suite 104): Hours of operation 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–12 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m.–12 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday. Phone number: 703-664-0509. Visit https://www.maisoncheryl.com for additional information.
Tucked away in a two-storefront shopping “center,” is a pizza place that not only serves some of the best pizza in the area, but that is also unique in several ways. You’ll notice right away the huge signs in the windows that proclaim that Troy’s Italian Kitchen offers both “Vegan & Gluten Free” menus. In fact, Neel Vaidya, who co-owns the place with his wife, Palak Patel, says that 65% of their business comes from their vegan menu (“The biggest vegan menu in the DMV!” boasts Neel). Other innovations include the specialty pizzas (more on that below) and the introduction of halal meats, starting with the pepperoni, which my 9-year old neighbor, Harrison, said was “very, very good; some of the best I’ve had, and I’ve had a lot of pepperoni in my life!”
Neel and Palak have owed Troy’s since 2019 in what was formerly the home of Z Pizza, and then Troy’s. They considered changing the name when they bought it, but “the former owner was Troy and the community knew that name,” so they kept it. Your classic, unassuming pizza place, Troy’s currently seats just six people, but plans to add more seating in the near future. Once that additional seating has been added, Neel, Palak, and their seven employees plan to host “Make your Own Pizza” kids’ parties and other community events. Most pizzas are ordered for delivery or pick-up.
While there is an extensive menu of specialty pizzas, we ordered a simple cheese pie (slices are about $5 each; might as well get a whole pie for around $16 (prices vary)). The dough and sauce is made fresh daily and the cheese is high quality. “We don’t skimp,” says Neel. And you can taste the quality ingredients in the pizza, which is thin crust, but not soggy. Says Harrison, “I enjoyed the pizza; it’s really good.”
Neel’s claim that “we’re unique because we have options for everyone” includes the specialty pizza menu, including their bestselling Vegan Elote Pizza—with fire-roasted corn, onions, poblanos, vegan chipotle mayo, and vegan parmesan cheese—and the very popular Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza, with creamy tikka masala sauce, grilled chicken, green peppers, and onions. The Big Dill Pizza was also suggested, with bacon, onions, pickles, and ranch drizzle. If none of these specialties appeals to you, you can always create your own pie.
Lyon Park’s own Paul Showalter happened to drop by while we were there. A regular patron, he said some of his favorites are the huge calzones and the Gourmet Salad with dried cranberries, walnut, feta, green apples and balsamic dressing. Troy’s also has salads, wings, calzones, sandwiches, pasta, and a refrigerator fully stocked with desserts. Truly a full Italian kitchen.
In addition to our cheese pizza, we had some pepperoni slices (quite large), garlic knots, and mozzarella sticks. The crispy mozzarella sticks got rave reviews. Harrison’s 7-year old brother, Brayden (pictured), says the “cheese can stretch far!” He and his mother gave them a “15 out of 5 stars.”
If you’re looking for a great slice of pizza in the neighborhood, and you haven’t yet discovered Troy’s, it’s well worth a visit.
Troy’s Italian Kitchen (2710 Washington Blvd): Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Closed Sunday. Phone number is 703-528-2828. Order online at https://www.troysitaliankitchen.com (10% off online orders).
There’s a new sweet shop in town—just in time for Valentine’s Day! Kilwins—offering chocolate, fudge, ice cream, and other confections—opened across the street from the Clarendon Metro Station in late December and has been tantalizing taste buds ever since.
It’s so new, it doesn’t yet have an awning (permits are pending), but step inside for a delightful sensory experience—from the smell of the waffle cones to the sight of the bright blue walls, pink tablecloths, and cases of delicacies. Cases are chock full of chocolates, fudge, candy apples, ice cream cakes, and more.
Wissam is the Assistant Manager. She will welcome you kindly (and recognize you, if, like my friend who joined me, you’ve been there before) and offer tastes of fudge and ice cream. The Kilwins® Tracks is amazing (creamy vanilla ice cream with chocolate covered peanut butter truffles and swirls of fudge)—and ice cream isn’t usually my passion. The Dubai-Style chocolate fudge was being prepared on-the-spot when we arrived and is a specialty of the brand. The peanut butter fudge was tasty and the peppermint fudge tasted, my friend said, “like a melted candy cane.”
You may be familiar with the Kilwins brand already—there are over 200 franchise locations across the country (including 2 in DC and 6 others in VA, including Old Town Alexandria). Franchise owner, Omneya, says she chose Clarendon because it’s “a great neighborhood. The people are so kind. And we have a wonderful, central place in an overall walkable area. It’s awesome to be here.”
Started in 1947 in Petoskey, Michigan with a promise to “make the best possible chocolate fudge & ice cream,” each store still follows the original recipes. The Core purpose at Kilwins is “to create enjoyment and make people happy.”
A grand opening is scheduled for Sunday, March 8th at 11:00 a.m. Signage will go up soon, and there will be some outdoor seating. But don’t wait for these exterior additions. Get your taste of “Sweet in every sense since 1947” the next time you’re walking downtown. And, of course, the store has plenty of things cooking for Valentine’s Day, right around the corner.
Have a local business you’d like to see featured in a future issue? Or, would you like to join Sophie for lunch at a local spot she’ll be writing up (NOTE: each person pays their own way)? Contact soberstein@gmail.com.
