Not everything that you’ll eat this winter to keep you merry and bright is brothy. Try these stews, pastas, and dumplings when you need a boost. We’re not claiming to have a cure for depression, but any of these restaurants is all but guaranteed to temporarily improve your mood and keep you warm through the icy months.
Jacques’ Brasserie
Boeuf Bourguignon
The lesson at Jacques’ Brasserie is that this French wintertime classic doesn’t have to be heavy. Chef-proprietor Jacques Haeringer proves that by using fresh, organic veggies to lighten up his take on the beef stew that’s almost fall-apart tender thanks to its braise in red wine that becomes a sticky reduction. 332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls
Il Cappero
Chicken Piccata
At Il Cappero, Naples native Tony Iliano brings his Southern Italian cooking to Loudoun in the form of crowd-pleasing pasta dishes. Our favorite? This piccata that ideally balances buttery comfort with rousing lemon and the capers that give the restaurant its name. If you like your spaghetti al dente, this is the place. 19307 Promenade Dr., Leesburg
Mattie & Eddie’s
House-Cured Corned Beef
No mere slices of pickled meat at Mattie & Eddie’s. Instead, chef-owner Cathal Armstrong, takes his time (three weeks) to get his soaring slabs of brisket ready for customers. The fork-tender flesh is drenched in creamy parsley sauce and rests on a bed of buttery cabbage confit. 1301 S. Joyce St., Arlington
Smokecraft Modern Barbecue
Macaroni and Cheese
OK, so it’s officially a side dish. Don’t let that stop you from making a meal of our favorite add-on to the smoked meats at Smokecraft Modern Barbecue, like chipotle-cherry duck and beef barbacoa tacos. The noodles are baked to an enticing bronze in a sauce made from Jack, cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella and “a secret ingredient.” Don’t ask what it is, just enjoy. 1051 N. Highland St., Arlington
Saravana Palace
Palak Paneer
Vegetarians already know the secret: Few things will make you feel the edible equivalent of hygge quite like a well-spiced dish featuring bouncy, squeaky Indian cheese as the protein. Saravana Palace’s take on the earthy spinach dish, paired with a duo of balloon-like poori breads, is sure to leave you feeling contentedly cozy. Even better? Hit the all-vegetarian buffet at lunch to try even more dishes. 11725 Lee Hwy., Ste. A15, Fairfax
La China Poblana Taqueria
Quesabirria
Braised meat, melty cheese, and spicy soup for dipping. We can’t think of a better combination to beat the chill. For those occasions, La China Poblana offers the trendy birria quesadilla. Not feeling the quesadilla? There are tacos, burritos, pizzas, and mulitas that take advantage of the same ingredients. 9792 Center St., Manassas
Hawk & Griffin
Steak-and-Stout Pie
Leave it to Michael Burgess, the mind behind Vienna’s Pure Pasty Co. to top this cuddly stew in one of the flakiest short-crust pastries around, at Hawk & Griffin. Local Mast Farms provides the cubes of Black Angus that fall apart in a deep, dark Guinness sauce. Thanks to fresh carrots, celery, and onion, you’ll even get your vegetables. 435 Maple Ave. West, Vienna
Yu Noodles
Soup Dumplings
There are three varieties of brothy xiaolongbao at Yu Noodles. The wrappers are on the thick side, but this only helps to contain the rich broth within. We like the standard pork or shrimp-and-pork pockets just fine, but for something you won’t find anywhere else, try the peppercorn spicy soup dumpling. 11217-C Lee Hwy., Fairfax
Feature image of La China Poblana by Alice Levitt
This story originally appeared in our January issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
