New Restraurants

That's what i like to hear. it amazes me how Emilios is like this hidden secret---whenever i mention it to people i know--they're like "who????". Time to spread the word in 2007....

 

Emilio's has been a "best kept secret" for years. I can't help but think they could do much better in a more accesible location.

 

vacliff, they are moving to a new location. It's over near the new Harris Teeter on Route 7, north of Leesburg.

 

I thought they were opening a second restaurant and keeping the original one. Anyone know?

 

Re: New Restaurants

Yes, Emilio's is keeping their Belfort location and opening a new store in Lansdowne Town Center. There was recently, I believe, a story in the Loudoun Times Business section with an interview of the owner of the Emilio's restaurant about his plans and how hard it was for people to find his business since Cedar Green has had access issues. Anyway, about two to five months ago, he said that his pizza ovens were specially made by someone from Italy. A "special type of brick or some other material used" and he was opening the new restaurant later this year at Lansdowne and retaining Belfort location. The article is archived--I do not recall what the date is; but Loudoun Times can locate it for you if interested.

We have been using Emilio's in the past when we would shop at Tart Lumber and Millwork for products when we built our home several years ago. Great place to eat!

Foodie

 

Tried Del Rey for take out last night and was very pleased. I ordered and was out of there in 15 minutes (long enough for a margarita at the bar which was just average). The food was hot when I got home, unlike some of the previous experiences I read about on here, and was pretty good. It dosen't rival the Rio Grande (what does?) but it's closer and seems to have worked out some of the kinks from when they first opened.

 

Re: Update on New Restaurants

Fellow Foodies--

We took our "brood" early today to Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Cafe for an early lunch (they open at 11 a.m.). Well, we asked the managers of the "buzz" about their corporation opening a Rio Grande restaurant in the Ashburn/Brambleton/Broadlands areas. The response was they (corporate) are "considering" not only the above-mentioned areas; but also (who knows how/where/when??) a Rio Grande Cafe or Casa Grande (same as Rio Grande--what they call the restaurant in Atlanta areas.) at Tysons Corner of all places!

So, Lee, looks like in 2 to 4 years--"build it and they will come"-- will happen! According to the DM (District Manager) who we spoke with--their headquarters are still "scouting" for locations in Loudoun County areas.

Also, not a Rio Grande Cafe--but GAR (Great American Restaurants) group who owns--Sweetwater Tavern, Coastal Flats, etc., the Rio Grande DM said is planning to also open ONE of their restaurants (GAR) across from Rio Grande at Reston Town Center. Also, he mentioned GAR is still "looking at" Ashburn/Leesburg areas he heard from the managers at GAR who ate at Rio Grande recently.

We shall see!

Foodie

 

Re: Update on New Restaurants

I thought GAR was already signed on to open a Sweetwater in Brambleton. Did that fall through?

 

Re: New Restaurants

southernwalkres and others--

A bit of clarification for you--yes--GAR (Great American Restaurants) is STILL looking at the Brambleton area (which includes Ashburn/Broadlands areas). They (GAR) may consider plans at One Loudoun Center also for consideration for one of their restaurants if they do not lease space and build at Brambleton Town Center. It will probably be 2 to 4 years or so for it to be built.

Rio Grande Cafe DM (District Manager) spoke with one of GAR's management team and this was what was reported to us today. Rio Grande Cafe is looking also at Brambleton Town Center as a possibility for one of their new locations. We shall see.

It shall be interesting to see. Also, Rio Grande Cafe DM reported that (how they are going to squeeze all this in?) across from Rio Grande Cafe at Reston Town Center--Cheesecake Factory is also planning to build one of their restaurants.

Good eats--

Foodie

 

Brambleton is way ahead of any thinking in this area is the state of the art movie theater and this theater is a beauty and will draw far and wide. Which will be great for the restaurant business. If someone waits 2 to 4 years they will be out of luck.

The secret to brambleton is also the covered parking garage which will also be a draw in bad weather. And don't forget the bookstore. Very Urban in design phase two of brambleton and smart thinking.

Brambleton is far ahead in their urban thinking compared to other projects such as Landsdowne which is a great location but a terrible design and just a twist on the strip center and it looks like a strip center on steriods.

Lee j

 

Went to Emilio's at Lansdowne tonight. Can you say FREAK SHOW?
It was busy and service was SLOW. Lots of confusion. Pizza was
mediocre---not as good as I remember it being at the other location
near Belfort. Not even close. Caprese salad was GREAT--and often
that is something that is awful other places. Atomosphere is nice and decor as well. Kitchen just needs to pull it together. In time, it will improve, I think.

 

How does slow service and being busy equate into a "freak show"?

 

Not sure about the freakshow, but I can ditto on the quality not near what it used to be at the old location. Not to mention, pizza's got smaller .

I guess I'll swing by the old location and see if they are still open.

 

Bear Rock Replacement

Anybody have any updates on the bear rock locatoin in SW, has anybody rented that space

 

i've never been to an Emilio's before last thursday, and our experience was nothing short of superb. Service- quickly seated in a comfortable booth and greeted by a friendly server. Meal- from the warm crusty bread with rosemary baked into it, served with very flavorful olive oil, to the generous portion of homemade melt in your mouth tiramisu, everything was spectacular. husband and son shared the pizza with ricotta and ground beef- i forget what it's called but the crust was crisp and oh so good, and the ricotta added a creaminess that you don't associate with pizza! I had the lasagna- 3 words: meaty, cheesy and primo italiano! ok, that's 4 words. homemade pasta, fresh sauce- best i've had locally.

everyone doesn't like a hearty, filling, saucy lasagne, but if you DO- try it here- it will NOT disappoint.

whatever service bumps it had when it opened must have been worked out because our service was flawless and worth letting the management know how pleasant our entire experience was. give it a second shot- and get a pasta dish since they make it on site DAILY.

 

I prefer the Emilios over by Belfort.....better pizza and better prices!!!