The Best Things I Ate in 2025
It's been years since I have written any blog post. Life has been quite different for me in the past several years but I'm still very much a foodie (if you follow me on my Instagram - it's still filled with food photos).
This year seemed quite long - it has challenged and rewarded me at the same time. But we are not here for anything deep. We are here for food. :)
Here are the best things I ate in 2025:
Cebu Lechon Belly by Mang Eton Filipino Food
Northern Virginia has gained another Filipino restaurant in Mang Eton Filipino Food in Annandale, replacing the space Sari Filipino Kusina left. This Cebu Lechon Belly took a while to be served at our table but it was worth it! Like a typical Filipino home, this restaurant is lively - the chef himself came to the dining area almost dancing and serving free hot broth (a much needed relief in the middle of winter). I personally wish there would be more Filipino restaurants in the area with a more formal dining setting (less carinderia-type), but maybe the market is not ready for it yet.
Handmade Pasta by Elyse
Elyse is a newly-opened intimate fine dining restaurant in Fairfax. The tasting menu changes regularly which makes this pasta dish unforgettable. This dish has sunchoke, truffle, and squash. The portion may seem little but is enough to blow my mind away.
Truffled Mushroom (Not So Flatbread) by Proof
I often overlook flatbreads but Proof's Truffled Mushroom ($14) is not to be overlooked. The creaminess from the truffle ricotta combined with the roasted garlic and mushrooms punches with flavor. This new restaurant's entrees and cocktails are all worth it too!
Ozzie Rolls by Great American Restaurants
I cannot comprehend why I haven't tried Ozzie Rolls earlier but here I am getting a Community Basket ($1) with honey butter every chance I get. It's pillowy like donuts but savory - and even as a baker myself, I'm not sure I can replicate it. And I don't want to.
Jose's Asian Taco by Bazaar Mar
I was able to finally visit a restaurant by the genius Chef Jose Andres - Bazaar Mar in Las Vegas. We had a limited time tasting menu which included Jose's Asian Taco - smoked hamachi, Osetra caviar, gold leaf, and nori. I always believed that fusion isn't something that should be done but I take everything back, give me more of this please. A similar dish is available ala carte but with Jamon Iberico instead of smoked hamachi for $25.
Duck Tacos by Esoteric
While the cocktails were watery and the rest of the food were served in bowls, these Duck Tacos ($18) by Esoteric saved an otherwise mediocre dining experience. The braised duck was tender and combined well with the hoisin bbq sauce and slaw. I wish we could have skipped the rest and just got this - and only this instead.
Classic Omakase by Sushi Nakazawa
This Classic Omakase ($190) experience is what dreams are made of. I wish I have more words to say but let me say this: this is how sushi should be served and eaten and this is why Michelin stars matter.
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Mang Eton Filipino Food
6920-J Braddock Rd, Annandale, VA 22003
Elyse
10822 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Proof Kitchen + Bar
9861 Discovery Blvd. Suite 115, Manassas, VA 20109
Great American Restaurants
Bazaar Mar by Jose Andres
3720 S Las Vegas Blvd Suite 240, Las Vegas, NV 89158
Esoteric
501 Virginia Beach Blvd Ste A, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Sushi Nakazawa DC
1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
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