NoVa Supper Club: Hanks Pasta Bar

Last week I had an opportunity to meet for dinner with some of my fellow Yelpers. I was ecstatic that Alexandria my hood was chosen and I wouldn't have to battle traffic to make it out. Also, I'd been dying to try Hank's Pasta Bar ever since it opened and this was the perfect excuse to dine out.

I love the Industrial feel

Cute Decor for the win

I arrived a few minutes late but I was still able to find free, yes free street parking. I will say if you decide to visit after reading this post go a few minutes early to find free parking, lol. The restaurant is on the corner lot and a bit small. However, upon entering, you can tell that it's filled with so much personality. This Italian restaurant bypasses the traditional uppity vibe and has a trendy down to earth vibe.

Luckily the good peeps from Yelp as well as fellow Yelpers already had a table reserved. We had an awesome waiter that was very familiar with the menu and offered several recommendations when asked. The complimentary seasoned oyster crackers were sooo good; kinda reminded me of the Goldfish they give at their "sister restaurant" Hank's Oyster Bar. We started off with a few appetizers which consisted of Grilled Baby Octopus, Burrata, and Mussels.  This was my first time having grilled baby octopus and although it was seasoned well I wasn't a fan of the texture. But I'm really happy that I tried it.

For my entree, I thought I'd get the Carbonara that I saw in the pics I'd stalked earlier, however it was no longer on the menu. I asked the waiter for his opinion and I went with the Beef Bolognese Lasagna which was such a great choice. There was also a lot of it on the plate. I made sure to eat only half so I could have leftovers for work smart girl as well as make room for dessert. For the dessert I went with the Key Lime Pie because I'd had it at their other restaurant and it tasted just as I remembered. If I wan't trying to get fine for the Summer I definitely would have got another slice!!!

If you're in Alexandria, definitely give Hank's Oyster Bar a try and let me know what you think.

NoVA Supper Club: Hot Spot

I try to think back to my life pre-Virginia to see if I was much of a foodie then than I am now. I honestly think that answer is no. You see, exposure is everything and I don’t think I was exposed much to anything outside of my normal southern delicacies (pig feet, chitterlings, neck bones). Now that was good eating and still to this day I indulge in my southern delicacies. However, Virginia and the DMV has opened my palate to sooo many different foods (and cultures).

One of the best ways to learn of new food adventures is to join a meetup or a groupme in your area. But the absolute BEST way, is to start an account on Yelp. If you know me personally then you already know my love for Yelp is infinite. Nonetheless, I try to go to every event that my schedule allows and since I’m a Yelp Elite, their events are really the cream of the crop.

Always make time for a margarita!!!

Last night I was able to attend NoVA Supper Club and enjoy a nice dinner at Hot Spot, Fairfax with my fellow Yelpers. Hot Spot specializes in the hot pot which is described as an "Asian-style fondue" but in soup form if that makes sense. Now I’m not a fan of fondue per se, but this dining experience was nothing short of amazing. What made it sweeter is the all you can eat price of $22.99.  Although it was my first time, the order sheet was pretty self-explanatory and there several Yelpers around that were more than willing to offer suggestions. I ordered the basic broth, with noodles, veggies, and several types of meat/seafood. Just see for yourself:

I am such a saucer!!!

#SauceHeaven

#TooMuchSauce

Make sure you're hungry when you visit

Get in my belly!!!

Can you believe I cooked ALL of this!!!

Quite a deal

I can actually see myself visiting Hot Spot again and again because it was just that great. Aside from the price and the amount of food you get, the atmosphere was fantastic. The music that they played definitely went along with the have it your way vibe. Have you tried any new and interesting restaurants? If so, let me know in the comment section, us foodies have to stick together!!!