FIREHOOK BAKERY - 14701 Flint Lee Rd - Chantilly, VA

But Firehook Bakery is no surprise to its loyal customers who have been enjoying the products from the Chantilly location for about four years now.

Its location is just a bit off the beaten path, but close the where most area residents are likely to be driving by, at least sometime during the week.

Turn on to Lee Road from Route 50, and then turn right again when you get to Flint Lee Road.  Drive along Flint Lee for a minute and you will see Firehook on the left at 14701.

ENGLISH TRIFLE CAKE FROM FIREHOOK BAKERY

The first Firehook started in Old Town Alexandria in 1993.  Since then its success has given rise to numerous locations throughout the area.  If you give their wonderful breads and other delights a try, you will understand why.  They make very good stuff!  The selection of “real” breads is especially impressive.

FIREHOOK BAKERY IN CHANTILLY - WHAT A SELECTION OF BREADS!

But then Firehook has also gotten rave reviews for their sweet products…pastries, custom cakes, cookies, sweet tarts etc.

MINI-TARTS AT FIREHOOK BAKERY - CHANTILLY, VA

Pierre Abushacra, one of the founders, was explaining the emphasis on authenticity in the style of the many breads crafted by Firehook.  I think “crafted” is the right word.  These are breads made with a tradition and a lot of pride.  Pierre also mentioned that Firehook has ongoing specials that are now part of the regular product offerings.  These specials are not day-old or “second quality” products.   The idea is to offer real value at competitive prices, especially given the realities of the current economy, and the consumer preference for value along with quality.

GREAT BREAD SELECTION AT FIREHOOK BAKERY

If you like great bread and other genuine old-world baked products, give Firehook a try.  For more details you can also visit their website - www.Firehook.com – or call the Chantilly shop at 703 263-2253.

MILWAUKEE FROZEN CUSTARD - SULLY PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER - CHANTILLY, VA

If you live anywhere near Chantilly, you occasionally, or routinely drive past the intersection of Route 50 and Centreville Road.  Right in the middle of Sully Plaza Shopping Center, you will find a little patch of frozen custard heaven.  But you don’t have to die to get there.  In fact, if you live in the area, there is a good chance you have already been there.  Milwaukee Frozen Custard has become quite a Chantilly tradition.

THE REAL DEAL AT MILWAUKEE FROZEN CUSTARD

Al, the affable founder and owner, started the store nearly 10 years ago.  He had a dream and took a big risk.  Laying it all on the line, he built the first store, using his extensive construction skills background, enterprising spirit, and good mid-western common sense.   Now, nearly a decade later, he has not one but several successful branches scattered around the Northern Virginia area.

MILWAUKEE FROZEN CUSTARD'S CHANTILLY STORE

First, if you have not been there, do yourself a favor and stop by.  But be careful, it can be addictive!  Having spent a great deal of time in Wisconsin, and having sampled many of its legendary and wonderful frozen custard flavors across the State, I can attest that MFC will hold its own with the best of ‘em.

Insisting on authenticity and quality, Al has ingredients shipped in from Milwaukee.  The production process is also the real deal.  The product is made in the store,

"OUR FROZEN CUSTARD IS ALWAYS FRESH."

and made constantly.  Freshness is critical to great frozen custard, and you are likely to see the machines producing their glorious custard ribbons any time you visit.

Chantilly store manager, Carla, reminded me of this on a recent visit.  ”We are always producing custard.  Sometimes the machines never stop running.  This is as fresh as it gets!”

This is also a business that has earned a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding community contributor. In addition to providing employment opportunities for who knows how many of the area teens, MFC is always involved in helping local charities and other worthy causes.

What is the all-time most popular flavor?  Carla offered that several fall into the most popular category.  ”Death by Chocolate is up there.  But there is always Cookies & Cream as well as Cookie Dough…and don’t forget about Girl Scout Cookies…and oh yes…Goodbye Marion Berry also gets raves.”

EACH DAY, A DIFFERENT FLAVOR

Also to remember, if you want something a bit different for a special event, the store does lots of catered affairs, and at very affordable prices.  Call Carla for details (702 263-1920).

My informal survey of MFC patrons reveals that one of the shop’s most popular features is the suspense of not knowing what that day’s special flavor will be.  ”It’s my weekly vacation..and I never know what flavor they have on that day….with all the other stuff going on, this is my therapy!”

If you have not been to this Chantilly (and now area) tradition, or if you have not been here in awhile, maybe it’s time to get some therapy.

MFC's SIGNATURE TRAINS AT CHANTILLY STORE

LOTS OF DIFFICULT BUT REWARDING CHOICES!

THERE ARE INFORMATIVE SIGNS THROUGHOUT THE PARK

With the main entrance on Sudley Road, just off the intersection of Lee Highway and Sudley Rd., it is an easy location if you live in Chantilly or any of the nearby communities.

PARK ENTRANCE IS NEAR LEE HIGHWAY & SUDLEY RD

A good place to start is the Visitor Center where you can get a brief and lucid description of how the battles of Manassas I and II unfolded.  The Civil war artifacts are also worth your time.

VISITOR CENTER AT MANASSAS BATTLEFIELD PARK

Do you have kids in school?  Their history class comes alive after experiencing even a brief tour of the Park.  The history in this place rises to meet you like steam from a geothermal spring.  When you walk the grounds, let your mind go back to what it must have been like when this site made history.

The real jolt is imagining the horror and violence of Manassas I and Manassas II, the battles that turned these once peaceful fields into scenes of carnage and death.  It is worth remembering the human sacrifice.  This can take you down the road of many philosophical contemplations on the nature of human nature, but through it all you are reminded of the sheer courage and determination of the human spirit.  This was personal war fought with the full and unbridled fury of adversaries who were usually face to face at the moment of their death.  And all of this happened just several generations ago, and right in our “neighborhood.”

The dramatic Stonewall Jackson Monument dominates the view near the Visitor Center.  Walk over and stand close to it.  In a quiet moment you can hear the voice of the soldier whose famous phrase renamed the General….”There stands Jackson, like a stone wall.”

"THERE STANDS JACKSON, LIKE A STONE WALL."

You won’t hear the voice, or the other sounds. audibly.  But if you let your mind roll back you can definitely experience just a small measure of the drama that played out on these rolling Virginia hills.  This  is historical gold in your backyard.

For more information on the Park visit Manassas National Battlefield Park webiste.

Here are a few more images of the Park.

CANNON LINE AT MANASSAS BATTLEFIELD PARK

FOUNDATION OF BENJAMIN CHINN HOUSE

ONE OF NUMEROUS WALKING TRAILS

FAMILIAR LANDMARK - "STONE HOUSE" WAS TAVERN, THEN CIVIL WAR HOSPITAL

PACINO RESTORANTE - 5655 STONE ROAD - CENTREVILLE, VA

On a recent visit I had opportunity to chat with owner Sam Z.  Having enjoyed Pacino’s distinctive pizza style, I’d thought I’d share this gem with our blog viewers.

A few basics first:

Cuisine:  Lengthy menu of Italian standards accented by Mediterranean specialties.

Location: Within the Village Shopping Center at the intersection of Braddock Rd. and Stone Rd.  From Route 29, turn on Stone Rd. and proceed to Braddock Rd.

Phone: 703 222-5885

Hours of Operation:  Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM, Saturday – 9 AM to 11 PM, Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM

Lunch Buffet: Monday to Friday, 11 AM to 3 PM

Catering Service:  Pacino’s does on-site and off-site catering for weddings, parties, special events. Menu can be customized to your preference.  A dining room is available for all special events, and the entire restaurant can also be reserved .

DINING ROOM FOR SPECIAL EVENTS AT PACINO'S RISTORANTE

Describing his approach, Sam puts it this way:  ”I started from the bottom in the restaurant business and worked my way up.  I wanted to start my own restaurant where I could make great food and treat people the way I want to be treated when I go to a restaurant.  So we always do what is best for our customers..fresh, quality ingredients, carefully made.” It is nice to see this level of passion and conviction centered around genuine concern for the customer.

Sam has built a loyal customer base which includes many local residents who come back regularly.  ”I really love getting to know my customers.  When they come here I just want them to feel completely relaxed.  They know they are welcome..they know how much we care about giving them the best food.”

Another feature that keeps people coming back is Pacino’s prices. “I want people to come back, so we work hard to keep everything affordable.  And we are generous with our portions.  I don’t want anyone leaving hungry!”

PACINO'S OWNER: HIS RECIPE IS FRESHNESS, QUALITY, & VALUE.

If you are in the area and want a hearty lunch, Pacino’s runs their buffet Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM.  Typically it includes 8 entrees, pizza, and salad for $8.50.  Also of note, Pacino’s has an attractive reserved dining room that works great for special events, club meetings, parties and other occasions.

So, if you have never visited Pacino’s, next time you have that “must have” feeling for good Italian cooking, give Pacino’s a try.  You won’t spend a fortune, but you will eat very well.

ONE OF SEVERAL DINING ROOMS

Thai food can be addictive.  With its subtle yet distinctive flavors, it keeps drawing you back for that next entree that you have not yet tried..or for that favorite you know will be good, so why risk the unknown?  Either way, the Thai Palace is satisfying.  It has an extensive and creative menu of choices, along with the more typical Thai standards.

And speaking of standards, the owner chef Sarah Siriporn-Baker, works hard to keep the dining standards very high.

Thai Palace owner and chef

When she is not personally preparing each dish, she is probably shopping for local produce.  Freshness plays a big role in her culinary concept, as does authenticity.

She grew up in her native Thailand cooking and learning about the many flavors and techniques she puts into play.

The Palace has developed quite a local reputation.  To accommodate her customers, Sarah has recently added significant space.  If you have not been there in awhile, you’ll see about double the seating room.

A bigger Thai Palace

If you are really partial to Asian cuisine, you may also enjoy the new Sushi Bar that is now up and running at the Palace.  I saw the Sushi chef busy doing the artful work of preparation last time I visited.  Sarah tells me it has been a big hit with customers.

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Thai Palace's new Sushi Bar

The Thai Palace is just off the intersection of Route 50 and Lee Road, in the same shopping center as Costco and Target.  You turn on Lee Road from Route 50, and then take the next left into the shopping center.  The Palace is next to the UPS Store at 14410 Chantilly Crossing Lane.  If you visit, we’d love to know what you think.

Here are a few images of some of the many Thai dishes you will find.  By the way, for the serious – or not so serious – lover of Thai food, Sarah does occasional mentoring in which she teaches the basic techniqes of Thai cooking.

Chicken Satay

Drunken Noodles

Kiew Grop