After more than four hours of presentations at the annual Mount Vernon District Town Meeting, a dedicated audience was not only eager but starved.
When they finally got a “Taste of Mount Vernon,” they weren’t disappointed.
Nine eateries from the Mount Vernon and Lee districts delighted the palates of those that came to sample their wares. From the Dishes of India to the down-home barbecue of Red Hot & Blue, the goodies were scarfed up so fast the one-hour event lasted only 50 minutes.
Billed as a new addition to District Supervisor Gerald W. Hyland’s 16th Annual Town Meeting, the Taste of Mount Vernon was an innovation of the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, “to highlight the products of some of their members.”
“We’re very pleased,” said Richard F. Neel, president of the chamber. “This new event has really showcased our members.”
His sentiments were echoed by Holly Hicks Dougherty, chamber executive director. “This is a great way to introduce new customers to our members. We hope to expand it next year,” she said.
Ruby Tuesdays offered a variety of their appetizers while Roy Rogers from the Belle View Shopping Center, provided the dessert with a sampling of their latest addition, apple cheese crisp with a dab of vanilla ice cream.
FOR THOSE WITH a taste for something more exotic, there were selections from Thai Herbs and Dishes of India. The former was offering a variety of Thai selections. A favorite was the spicy ribs.
At Dishes of India’s booth, the line just kept forming to sample their specialty, chicken breast in tomato sauce over basmati rice. Right across the aisle was Red Hot & Blue. Located at the corner of Beulah and Telegraph roads, they were dishing up an American favorite, “down home barbecue.” Attendees had their choice of chicken or pork topped by a hot or mild barbecue sauce.
If making a decision proved impossible, Daks Grill offered two choices — hot artichoke dip on toast points, and smoked chicken and peanut soup. They have two other locations in Northern Virginia - 5838 Columbia Pike, in Falls Church, and in Dale City, at 13641 Minniville Road.
The sweet tooths zeroed in on the Hollin Hall Pastry Shop, Washingtonian Magazine’s January 2003 pick for “the best tasting wedding cake.” There were so many selections it took two six-foot-long tables to hold it all. Those pouring into the event seemed to take the advice of partial owner Jay J. Palermino Jr.’s, slogan, “Eat Dessert First!”
FOR THE HEALTHY EATERS there were “Austria’s Finest, Naturally” and “Costco Wholesale.” Both featured foods for those that were fighting the 21st century’s version of “The Battle of The Bulge” and those counting their calories.
Christa H. Hellberg, cook and vice president of HELCO Ltd., offered advice on how to prepare such delicacies as corn salad, pasta salad with pumpkin oil, and Styrian pesto. Costco offered a fruit and vegetable platter, positioned next to Red Hot & Blue’s barbecue.
Others participating in the Taste of Mount Vernon included the Old Country Buffet, Chef Huang, and Hunan Royale. Old Country Buffet also supplied the exhibit area, prior to the Town Meeting, with baked goods and pastry for that early morning fix.
Reactions to the latest feature of Hyland’s annual event were best summed up by Jim Cossey. “This is a great idea,” he said. That was borne out by Hyland himself who was amazed as he viewed the crowd.
“Can you believe this?” he said. “We should have done it before. I’m amazed.”
It raises the possibility that “Taste of Mount Vernon” could become a permanent stop on Hyland’s Virtual Bus Tour.
Places That Taste Like Mount Vernon
Chef Huang
8638 Richmond Highway
703-360-0600
Costco
7373 Boston Blvd., Springfield
703-912-1214
Daks Grill
7629 Richmond Hwy
703-765-0400
Dishes of India
1510-A Belle View Blvd.
703-660-6085
HELCO Ltd.,
3102 Little Creek Lane
703-360-5766
Hollin Hall Pastry Shop
7920 Fort Hunt Road
703-768-9643
Hunan Royale
8746 Cooper Road
703-360-2888
Old Country Buffet
7820 Richmond Highway
703-619-9557
Red Hot & Blue
6482 Landsdowne Center
703-550-6465
Roy Rogers
7692 Richmond Highway
3213 Wessynton Way
703-360-2580
Ruby Tuesdays
7692 Richmond Highway
703-765-7020
Thai Herbs
8501 Richmond Highway
703-780-9875