If you’re jonesing for cheesecake, craving fresh hot chestnuts, or still haven’t grabbed that peppermint mocha, here are some great options for seasonal fare around the Northern Virginia area.
Cheesecake: Pie Gourmet
Pie Gourmet has been around since 1987 (in their current location since 1988) in Vienna. If you’re looking to reconnect with old friends this holiday season a la The Golden Girls, it’s worth ordering one of the bakery’s cheesecakes. They come in a standard eight-inch size and holiday flavors of amaretto, marble, or vanilla. Everything at Pie Gourmet is made from scratch with no artificial flavoring or preservatives.
Roasted Chestnuts: Virginia Chestnuts
You know how the song goes: “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” Virginia Chestnuts offer a unique gift idea for the person on your list who has everything. The company sells chestnut roasting kits to make on your own open fire this season. Roasting kits and five-pound bags of chestnuts are currently on sale too! You’ll be a master chestnut roaster in no time, if that’s something you want to be.
Peppermint Mochas: Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters
Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters recently participated in a peppermint mocha competition through the National Landing BID. The shop tied for first with Freshman Coffee Shop. Their peppermint white mocha is served either iced or hot and topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and minty for your festive cravings. Commonwealth Joe’s flagship retail location is located in Pentagon City.
Hot Chocolate: Mom & Pop by Dolcezza
This concept from the team behind Dolcezza has launched a small café serving sandwiches, breakfast items, and absolutely divine hot chocolate. Their barista hot chocolate can be customized too—you can substitute the regular whole milk with either oat, soy, almond, or skim. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can add vanilla, dulce de leche, mocha syrup, or even a shot of espresso.
Christmas Cookies: Bakeshop
With a cookie menu so decadent Santa will stop there, Bakeshop is home to some amazing flavors. If you’re too busy (or exhausted!) to bake yourself, stop by for classic peanut butter, M&M cookies, oatmeal chocolate chunk, snickerdoodles, and an extensive vegan cookie menu too. Don’t miss the holiday-ready gingersnaps either.
Popcorn: America’s Favorite Gourmet Popcorn
Maybe it’s because of the decades-old tradition of stringing popcorn for a Christmas tree, but the salty snack has become associated with the holiday season as of late. America’s Favorite Gourment Popcorn, located in Alexandria, pops flavors like classic cheddar, and salt and pepper. There are also seasonal options like Christmas Kettle in red and green, and peppermint dark chocolate. The shop also offers tours of their production kitchen and samples of flavors (call ahead to confirm due to COVID).
Feature image, Brent Hofacker/stock.adobe.com
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