Recently in Food Review Category
Some months ago, when we were throwing a party in the townhouse, Gerritt stopped by the alternate-universe-equivalent-of-7-11 down the street, the 7 Market, and picked up a few 12-packs of soft drinks. Only Gerritt knows what cosmic force directed him that day to choose Inca Kola as one of the 12-packs, but that decision would rock our pantry to its very core for several months hence.
Inca Kola is a mysterious beast. Bottled in the far reaches of Peru, it is wildly popular in that country, apparently beating out both Pepsi and Coke in the soda wars. Resembling fluorescent urine in color, Inca's taste varies for everyone who drinks it. I always thought it tasted like liquid bubble gum, but the descriptions I've heard range from ultra-sweet Red Bull and yellow cough syrup to cream soda and the soul of Satan, and so on.
I promise it was only out of reverence that the same 12-pack of Inca lasted from sometime in the winter to a couple of weeks ago, when a bunch of the guys got together to help Stephen have fun while Jen got a ton of presents at her baby shower. The game of the day was Brian's new horseshoe set, and the drink of choice, due to a spark of inspiration on my part, was the remaining six cans of Inca Cola.
It was practically a requirement that each man must down at least half of his can of Inca before hitting the horseshoes. I'm pretty sure the spirit of the ancient Incans elevated my skill level to the point where I almost got a couple of ringers in one of the games once. I should have drunk more. I should have drunk more Inca!
Check out the Flickr gallery for the day in Manassas for more Inca Kola pictures and horseshoe action, as well as the ensuing pool party and celebratory cookout. Can you figure out why Katie's head is on fire?
When I stay in Northern Virginia on the weekends (which is maybe 60% of the time), I try to expand my knowledge of Falls Church and the outlying areas as much as I can. It's always beneficial, for instance, to note which intersections are needlessly convoluted and hopelessly, perpetually snarled in traffic (Seven Corners), and which roads are handy shortcuts to places you'll be frequenting a lot (Shreve Road).
Like a good resident, I also try out as many local restaurants as I can, in search of some sort of hidden surprises. Most of the time this results in a happy Bret, a happy stomach, and a happy restaurant. For instance, we originally made fun of the alternate-universe shopping center behind our house, where everything is named ever so slightly differently from their national-brand counterparts (see "7 Market" and "Papa Joe's Pizza" for more). But now, I'm coming to rely on the ease with which I can pick up some excellent BBQ, a calzone or a pizza or even a gyro, and grab some popcorn or a pinata at the 7-M, all within a span of five minutes and minimal walking!
Elevation Burger on Lee Highway has always caught my eye when I drive to work. First by the name itself, then by the colorful signage inside. This weekend, I finally satisfied my curiosity. Imagine a cleaner, healthier, and 70% less greasy Five Guys, without peanut shells, and you can get the idea of what Elevation Burger is all about. Their fries are cooked in olive oil, and they offer a few veggie-burger-type things for those people who are meat adverse. They have stupendous milkshakes, too - I drank half of my strawberry shake just waiting on my cheeseburger to be done. It was just that irresistable. And the burger itself, though smaller than I was expecting for the price, was well worth the wait. Elevation Burger: it's family friendy, not too greasy, and awesome... just expect a little lighter wallet than if you'd gone to Wendy's or something.