On a visit to the Tysons Corner Shopping Mall (Tysons I), Keith and I happened upon a new restaurant, La Sandia. We were thrilled to discover a number of farms mentioned on the menu. The chef purchases the chicken and beef directly from farms–our kind of place. Naturally, we raced inside and took a booth near the kitchen.
We noticed the waiter at an adjacent table mashing the avocado for guacamole at table side, and right then, we knew we were in for a treat.
We ordered two margaritas (one was spicy with chipotle peppers, the other a classic) and the guacamole. The margaritas came in hand blown glass and were outstanding. When the guac came, we were able to spice it up to our taste, and I must say the pepper sauce that they added to the mashed avocado was awesome. We ordered it medium hot, and then after tasting it, went for the gusto and added the remaining pepper sauce. Ole’!
The Fajitas were tender and delish–and the beef, according to our waiter was grass-fed. We have been back numerous times since this first time.
Keith and I with Chef Richard Sandoval
The most recent visit to La Sandia, we had the privilege of seeing a ceviche demo by the Chef and Owner, Richard Sandoval. He grew up in the family restaurant business in Mexico, Maya was the name of the original restaurant. He took Maya to New York City, and now has 6 restaurant brands in 13 locations, from San Francisco to Dubai. For such a young guy, this has got to be record setting success.
He has come out with a cookbook, Modern Mexican Flavors, available at Barnes and Noble.
I am impressed with this chef, because Richard’s cooking style is a fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine and classic European cooking techniques (the kind I have been learning from Sally Fallon’s Nourishing Traditions cookbook).
It is very important for those of us that believe in sourcing of ingredients from small farms to support establishments like La Sandia. We need to let the managers and staff know that we appreciate their support for sustainable farms.
Check out Sandoval’s website, Modernmexican.com for information about this and all his other restaurants and the locations near you.
Classic Margarita
I would have never imagined that I would be blogging, or that I would join a group like Real Food Media. None of this would have happened without you. I mean more than the help you have given me, though I appreciate it very much. I also mean seeing the great good you do with your blog, with supporting WAPF, with advocating real food and the great info you provide on so many issues. There is such a desperate need for this information. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for being who you are, and for doing what you do.
One Comment
Hi Kimberly, thanks for blogging about this restaurant! My husband and I have been to this mall numerous times but we had never thought to eat here. After reading about it at your blog though, we ate there for lunch/brunch today and it was just outstanding. I got the carne asada made with beef from Pineland Farm and it was so flavorful and tender. We’ll definitely be going back! Thanks again!
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