Seth Says: VA is for Loving Lunch

We all love doing DC, but I have to admit that, technically, I am from Virginia.  Gasp!   It’s true.  There’s actually a lot to love about the “Lovers” state… So here’s something I love: Lunch.

Allow me to share my guide for local go-to spots in NoVa for your mid-day meal (arranged by neighborhood nosh!):

Shirlington / Fairlington: Fairlington Pizza
I have been eating at this 10 table Greek Pizza and Sandwich Shop since High School. Located near the Lindsey Lexus and Cadillac Dealerships off Quaker Lane in Alexandria, this place has the best Chicken Parmesan Sandwich I have ever had — with crispy bread, slightly sweet sauce, melty cheese and breaded and baked to perfection chicken. They also have an amazing Hot Turkey Sub…so when you stop in, tell the owner that Seth sent you!

Old Town, Alexandria: Eamonn’s
This Irish Style Fish and Chips place is the brain child of the much loved, Dublin native, Cathal Armstrong, owner and executive chef at Restaurant Eve and The
Majestic. Although both of his restaurants are considered to be among the area’s
very best, Eamonn’s gives that attention to detail and old world style in a lunch
format. Choose Cod, Prawns or the Special (if it’s Grouper you’re in luck) along with house cut “Chips” and 2 of 6 signature sauces like Chesapeake Mayo or Mary Rose. I would pencil in an afternoon nap for dessert or you can try the deep fried Snickers.

Arlington Courthouse: Pho 75
There was a period in my life — a great period — where I ate at this Vietnamese Noodle Soup House every single day. For those not familiar, Pho is a steaming bowl of hot broth covering rice noodles, different beef parts with herbs and spices; and it’s delicious! You can make it your own by adding Siracha, plum sauce, basil, pickled onions or bean sprouts and it’s great as a cheap lunch or a desperate hangover cure.  Many Pho places have popped up in recent years but this is the absolute best, as evidenced by its “Best of DC” plaques every year since 1987. Keep your eyes pealed, its easy to miss, sitting in a strip mall on Wilson Blvd.

Del Ray: Taqueria el Poblano
I love Tacos, and I also love that there are distinct differences between Mexican
styles, Tex-Mex, Salvadorian and this Taco Shop’s SoCal Style. The best part about Taqueria Poblano is the inspired way they make classics dishes into new favs. You can sit inside a small dining room or outside on Mt Vernon Ave and order Baha Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos or Duck Carnitas along with homemade guacamole and margarita’s with a kick. And being open for lunch and dinner it’s the perfect local hangout that won’t break the bank.

Bailey’s Cross Roads: The Original Five Guys
Not many people know that the 5 brothers responsible for Five Guys are from
Northern Virginia and the original burger joint is still in existence on the corner of
Route 7 and Beauregard St next to a check cashing spot. The story goes that the
oldest brother wanted to open a business instead of going to college. Liking the
entrepreneurial spirit, his dad helped him open “Five Guys, Burgers and Fries” with the understanding that when the younger brothers graduated they would have the chance to open one of their own. 25 years later the oldest brother is 43 and they are the fastest growing Restaurant in America, but I think that the first location still has the best burgers!