Get your passport ready. You’ll need it for the inaugural Greater Falls Church Foodie Trek taking place now through the end of August. The food challenge, held in a dozen local dining destinations, offers prizes and discounts if diners eat at participating restaurants.
“Tricia [Barba] from Preservation Biscuit, Jen [Demetrio] from Cafe Kindred, and I were getting some restaurant owners together to discuss ways we could not only get more business for our restaurants but help each other,” says Sarah White from Westover Taco. “We were inspired by the scavenger hunt Falls Church City had done during Covid and also their restaurant week. The three of us reached out to some friends and everyone was excited to jump in.”
A Variety of Cuisines
The Falls Church foodie trek route spans about a dozen blocks. It features a wide range of cuisines, from Vietnamese and Afghan to modern American gastropubs. Business owners see it as the perfect way to attract new business.
“The foodie trek has been great,” says Thomas Harvey, chef and owner of Harvey’s, a participating restaurant. “Summers are the slow season in Falls Church and the trek has brought in new people and guests who had not been in for a long time.”
Participants can pick up a passport at any of the 12 restaurants and start collecting stamps when eating at each location. Dining spots include Borek G, Cafe Kindred, Ellie Bird, The Falls, Harvey’s, Ireland’s Four Provinces, Panjshir, Preservation Biscuit Co., Solace Outpost, Stray Cat Bar & Grill, TeaDM and Westover Taco.
“Falls Church has become such a hub for food and drink. I’ve even discovered a few places that I had never been to before,” notes Stuart Mayo, general manager of Solace Outpost.
Falls Church Foodie Trek Prizes
Prizes up for grabs during the Falls Church Food Trek include a basket full of restaurant gift cards and goodies from participating eateries.
“There are three large prizes that we will draw winners for out of everyone who turns in a completed trek,” says White. “They have gift cards and merchandise to the participating restaurants. But the best reason to join the trek is to try the truly diverse restaurant scene in the Falls Church area. We have a brewery, some award winners, breakfast, Mexican, Afghani, Irish, and more. You won’t be disappointed!”
The trek runs through August 31; completed passports may be turned in to participating restaurants between August 18 to 31.
“The time frame puts low pressure on people to complete the trek and the gift basket raffle is a fun prize,” says Harvey. “I truly hope this becomes an annual event.”
According to organizers, due to the trek’s popularity, plans are already in the works for another Falls Church culinary adventure.
“We are hoping to add 12 new restaurants and start again in September,” says White. “We would love to have a new trek quarterly if we can get enough participation.”
Feature image courtesy Harvey’s
