A Taste of Old Country

The first stop on our trip through local cuisine

Before getting into politics and history, I spent most of my time cooking with my wife and kids. Food is a big passion of mine. I don’t eat a lot, but I love to create. When I do eat, I love to eat good food. And most importantly, I love to bring people together. Few things in this world bring people together like a good meal.

I moved back to Corporateville (Gainesville) in 2020, but before then, I lived just outside Old Town Manassas. I was blessed to be surrounded by several independently run restaurants that created a welcoming environment and served delicious food you can’t find at your standard chain—places like Monza’s, Public House, Zandra’s, Doug’s Deli, Katerinas, The Bone, and Mariachis.

Living in Corporateville, finding good quality food served with a smile can sometimes be difficult. Chain restaurants churn customers in and out with cookie-cutter menus, and it’s served up by college kids just looking to make a quick buck while passing through to the next stage of life. Since moving, my family and I have been searching for a welcoming environment with good food. Today I would like to share one of the gems we’ve found.

Taste of Old Country

Taste of Old Country is owned by Northern Virginia native Elias Zarkadoulas, and located off the beaten path in an industrial park on Balls Ford Rd. in Manassas. When walking in the door, the environment is light and airy. Sitting down at the custom-made wood bar with a beautiful quartz top, you’ll be greeted with a smile. The alluring menu is locally printed and placed inside a soft leather cover. It’s impressive in its simplicity as well as its abundance, filled with small plates, signature salads, artisan sandwiches, and charcuterie. While waiting for the food, take the time to speak with Elias about the variety of Artisanal Olive Oil and Vinegar they sell. Sourcing only the best and keeping the prices down, they bring a taste of the Old Country right here to Manassas.

I love to order the Mini Spanakopita and the Ham & Swiss. When biting into the Ham & Swiss, the bread is crunchy on the outside and soft and pillowy underneath. The tomato and onion are fresh and bursting with flavor. It’s incredible what high-quality olive oil will do for vegetables. They serve wine and other refreshments, but I typically get a coffee since I go for lunch. Coffee is my drink of choice these days, and I have become a bit of a coffee snob. They offer an Italian roasted coffee that impresses even this amateur snob.

The food is great, but I look at the product and environment when deciding where to spend my money. Taste of Old Country has both. Sitting at the bar during the day, I see regulars walk in, greeting the owner Elias with a smile and a hug. Another couple walks in excited to finally visit the place their friends have spoken so highly of. When I get bored of working at the bar, I take my AirPods out, and there always tends to be a friendly face sitting nearby for a good conversation. If you’re in the area or don’t mind driving for a quality place to eat, stop in, enjoy some delicious food and conversation, and go home with some of their Artisanal Olive Oil and Vinegar to elevate your home kitchen. My favorite is the Lemon & Cucumber White Balsamic Vinegar, mix it with some of their Olive Oil, and you’ll have a delicious, tasty, healthy, homemade salad dressing.

For more information, visit their website.