From the courts to the kitchen, the Madness of culinary competitions
March Madness is one of my favorite times of the year as top teams crumble and Cinderella stories make small towns proud. It’s a time when colleagues, friends and family go head to head in bracket challenges, sports stores overcharge on college apparel and it is acceptable-in some places- to follow the big game in your workplace cube.
But, before you get ready to don your favorite school colors and binge on basketball, Virginia Tourism Corporation is taking March Madness off the courts and into the kitchen as it looks for the best restaurants and dishes across Virginia.
The 2016 Virginia is for Food Lovers Culinary Challenge focuses on highlighting Virginia’s booming culinary scene that thrives on farm fresh cuisine. The challenge focuses on five different categories that highlight everything from small bites and burgers to oysters, baked goods and local favorites.
In Loudoun, we have dozens of restaurants doing innovative dishes using local ingredients. Here are just a few of our favorite dishes in these categories. Let us know your favorite restaurants and local dishes in the comments, and be sure to vote in the culinary challenge when it goes live in March.
Small Bites- Spicy Crab Bites from Buffalo Wing Factory
Burgers and BBQ- Street Tacos from Yummy Pig BBQ
Oysters, Seafood and Fish- Oysters on the Half Shell from the Wine Kitchen
Bakeries and Desserts- Caramel Apple Cupcakes from Lola’s Cookies & Treats
Local Favorites- Bourbon Maple Glazed Pork Belly from Leesburg Public House