New Orleans has its etoufee, New York has its pizza, and Memphis has its barbecue, yet many culinary delights await you throughout Virginia. Perhaps these dishes don’t carry the same reputation, but they’re still a delicious meal and a masterpiece in their own right. The next time you’re searching for something to satisfy that hunger deep within, make sure to eat some of these delectable local cuisines.
1. Brunswick Stew
Although the deep south is the hotbed of comfort food, Virginia still reaches back to its southern roots with Brunswick Stew. With its origins in the southern half of the state, this hearty concoction of vegetables and beef is sure to hit the spot on a fall afternoon or a cold winter’s evening. It’s most readily available at local festivals and county fairs, yet many restaurants in the region all claim to own the best recipe. The official taste test is entirely up to you.
2. Barbecue at the Honey Pig
Located in four locations throughout Virginia, the Honey Pig is an eclectic mix of flavors from across the world, centered primarily on a fusion of southern and Korean barbecue. However, what makes this culinary journey unique is that the grilling is done right at your table. Whether you love fresh pork belly, traditional Asian dumplings, spicy beef, or even octopus, you’ll have a cook table-side to prepare your entire meal. Plus, they offer a massive list of local craft beers to wash down your meaty dinner. Just be mindful that you may need a few hours to digest. Failure to heed this warning may result in sluggish behavior or a food coma.
3. Sushi Lasagna
Obviously, the basis for this dish wasn’t drawn up in Virginia, but it’s till the only place in the country you can get it. Sushi Lasagna is the product of Miyagi Sushi in McLean. It’s not just a mix of layered sushi, however. It’s actually sushi and all the familiar ingredients of lasagna mixed together. While Italian-Asian fare isn’t widely known in the U.S., or throughout the world for that matter, it’s a refreshing take on two classic dishes. Plus, locals seem to love the mish-mash of flavors.
4. Chesapeake Cownose Ray
If you’re looking for something that’s 100 percent Virginian, look no further than the Chesapeake Cownose Ray. This brown, kite-shaped ray looks like the more famous manta ray, yet it’s much more tasty. Each summer, this sea creature swims into Chesapeake bay to mate, giving fishermen ample time to round-up some specimens for human consumption. Virginia’s government officials originally started to push for cownose ray consumption due to their status as an “invasive species,” and within a few years, they became popular among travelers and locals alike. Word has it that it tastes more like veal or flank steak than seafood, and people continue to purchase it by the boatload.
With so many appetizing dishes in Virginia, it seems like it would take a lifetime to eat them all. Don’t worry, though. Once you hit these spots, chances are you’ll thirst for even more creative Virginia dishes.
Image Via Pixabay
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