FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Taco lovers along Caroline Street are disappointed as word spreads that Juan More Taco is closing its doors in Fredericksburg.

The locally loved taco shop, tucked in a historic 1825 building at the corner of George and Caroline streets, announced on May 2 that it will close after six years in business. Owner Maria Martin shared that lease negotiations with the landlord fell through, forcing her and her son, Jose, to shut down the popular eatery.

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Nestled along the tranquil shores of Belmont Bay, The Spot at Belmont Bay near the water is quaint and charming. Whether you're arriving by boat or strolling in from the neighborhood, this locally owned gem invites couples to unwind with handcrafted cocktails, scratch-made dishes, and a view that turns every meal into a mini getaway. With a cozy indoor space and a breezy outdoor patio, it's the perfect setting for a romantic evening or a laid-back date night.

Three-Course Date Night Menu

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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Orofino Restaurant has launched a new regional menu for May, taking guests on a culinary journey to the southern Italian coast with flavors inspired by Campania.

The announcement, made in a vibrant social media post, invites diners to explore the famed regional cuisine of Naples and its surrounding areas. Known for their monthly features that showcase Italy’s diverse culinary heritage, Orofino’s latest offering includes a lineup of carefully crafted dishes and imported wines that reflect Campania’s rich gastronomic tradition.

At the heart of the May menu is the authentic Pizza Napoletana, topped with creamy buffalo mozzarella and baked to perfection. Another standout is the Mezzi Rigatoni alla Napoletana, a pasta dish tossed with stracciatella cheese, offering a creamy, comforting flavor profile.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the pan-seared rockfish, a coastal specialty that reflects the region’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. To finish, the restaurant is offering a mascarpone-based dessert, described as “dreamy” and perfectly paired with Lacryma Christi wines—a variety grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

“Ciao and happy MAY!” the restaurant wrote on its Facebook page. “This month we’re going to the sun-kissed shores of Campania. Experience all of Campania’s iconic flavors available in May only!”

Orofino Restaurant is located at 1006 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg. The Campania-inspired menu will be available throughout the month of May, offering patrons a unique opportunity to enjoy regional Italian flavors without leaving the city.

Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at 540-373-1352.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Always Flavored, Fredericksburg’s hometown hot sauce sensation, has just bottled its first batch of legendary sauce on-site at its new bistro and market on Caroline Street—a fiery milestone years in the making.

Until now, founder and flavor architect Rita Witte has handcrafted her sauces in a fully built-out commercial kitchen at home. Now, for the first time, her small-batch sauces are made, bottled, and sold all under one roof at 619 Caroline Street, across the street from the brand’s former location.

The company celebrated the occasion with a social media post calling it a “huge win for the AF family” and a sign they’re “heading to the next level.”

A Growing Flavor Empire

The expanded space—about 1,400 square feet larger than the previous storefront—not only houses a gourmet sandwich bistro and retail space, but also accommodates tastings, events, and now full-scale production of their hot sauces and seasonings.

This comes on the heels of another major move: Always Flavored struck a retail deal with Food Lion, placing their products in 276 stores across Virginia. That means heat-seekers from Roanoke to Richmond can now find Rita’s bold creations on shelves statewide.

The Sauce Lineup

Always Flavored offers a unique and ever-growing lineup of sauces with playful names and intense personalities. Their current offerings include:

• Wrath of Rita – A blazing combo of Carolina Reapers, Ghost Peppers, Habaneros, mango, and pineapple
• Ritabeata’s Hot Sauce – Serrano, habanero, and jalapeño peppers with a vinegar-garlic-honey twist
• Ritabeata’s Mild Hot Sauce – A gentler green version for everyday flavor
• Sweet Virginia Love BBQ Sauce – A smooth, sweet, and smoky barbecue blend
• Ritabeata’s Thai Chili Sauce – Bold Thai flavors with a fiery finish
• Brady’s Tequila Sunrise – A boozy twist on your usual burn
• Ritabeata’s Peri-Peri – A zesty nod to the African classic
• Good Intentions with Bad Principals – Complex and clever, like its name
• Pissed Off Kristoff – Angry by name, fiery by nature
• Better Together Korean BBQ Sauce – Sweet, savory, and stick-to-your-ribs good
• Signal One – Built to bring the heat, fast
• The DADLIEST BATCH – A limited-edition scorcher

All sauces are all-natural, gluten-free, and fermented for deeper flavor.

MANASSAS, Va. – Farm Brew LIVE, one of the region’s top spots for beer, food, and live music, has a new name and an expanded vision. Villagio Hospitality Group announced that the 10-acre entertainment campus in Manassas is now officially NOVA LIVE.

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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – After six years of serving tacos and building community, Juan More Taco is preparing to close its doors at the beloved Caroline Street location in downtown Fredericksburg.

In a heartfelt message shared on Facebook, the family-owned business announced it would be leaving the space after lease negotiations fell through. “Every chapter has an end,” the post began, “and today we’re writing the last lines at our Caroline St. location.”

Juan More Taco opened its first brick-and-mortar shop in Fredericksburg in 2019 after gaining a local following with its food truck. The shop quickly became more than a place to grab a bite—it became a hub for connection, celebration, and community service. During the pandemic, the restaurant partnered with others to deliver more than 45,000 meals to elderly residents.

“We’ve shared so many memories inside these walls,” the post continued, citing moments like First Fridays, holiday parades, and years of watching customers’ children grow. Special recognition was given to longtime team members Jose and Aaron, with Jose—eldest son of founder Maria Martin—described as “a true cornerstone of Juan More Taco.”

Although the restaurant doesn’t yet have a closing date, the owners invited customers to visit in the coming weeks to say goodbye and use any gift cards. Remaining balances will be honored at their Richmond location. The food truck will also keep rolling, with events in Fredericksburg continuing as planned.

“This is not a goodbye,” the message concluded. “This is a ‘see y’all later.’”

Tucked away in a charming cottage near historic Occoquan, Bistro L’Hermitage offers an authentic French dining experience that transports guests straight to the heart of Provence. Its warm lighting, classic French bistro décor, and intimate atmosphere make it the perfect setting for a romantic evening or a special celebration.?

Curated Three-Course Menu
Starter:
Gratine des Hâlles
A rich French onion soup topped with gruyere crouton offers a comforting beginning to your meal.d

Main Course:
Magret de Canard Rôti
Succulent roasted duck breast served with Israeli couscous, green beans, red cabbage, and a cherry thyme sauce showcases the chef’s mastery of classic French flavors.

Dessert:
Crème Brûlée à la Vanille de Tahiti
A traditional Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust, providing a sweet and satisfying end to your dining experience.

Ambiance & Experience
Bistro L’Hermitage is renowned for its refined yet welcoming ambiance. The cozy, elegant space allows guests to relax and enjoy a memorable meal, making it an ideal choice for romantic dinners or quiet evenings. The attentive service and beautifully set tables enhance the overall dining experience.

Details
Location: 12724 Occoquan Rd, Woodbridge
Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekend evenings. Call (703) 499-9550.

Share Your Experience!
Have you dined at Bistro L’Hermitage? Please share your favorite dishes and memories in the comments below or tag us in your photos on social media using #DateNightPLN. Your insights could be featured in our next spotlight!

A Romantic Escape to Italy—No Passport Required

Tucked away in North Stafford, Robiolina Italian Cuisine offers an intimate setting that is perfect for a memorable date night. The warm ambiance and authentic Italian dishes crafted from scratch set the stage for an evening of culinary delight.

Appetizers to Share
Begin your evening with starters designed for sharing:

• Fried Calamari – Lightly breaded and served with mild jalapeño, arugula pesto, and spicy tomato sauce.
• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms – Topped with goat cheese and nestled on mixed greens.
• Beef Carpaccio – Thinly sliced beef paired with bocconcini mozzarella.

Main Courses to Savor
Indulge in entrees that showcase Robiolina’s culinary expertise:

• Robiolina Ravioli (Beet-Infused) – House-made ravioli filled with robiola cheese, complemented by a truffle butter sauce.
• Lamb Ravioli – Spinach-infused pasta stuffed with lamb, served with exotic mushrooms and a red wine sauce.

Grilled Duck Breast – Perfectly seared and finished with a blueberry port wine reduction.

Sweet Endings
Conclude your meal with a decadent dessert:

• Chocolate Cake – Rich and moist, a classic favorite.
• Cheesecake – Creamy and smooth, a delightful finish to your evening.

Enhance the Experience
Robiolina offers a selection of wines and cocktails to complement your meal. For a personalized touch, feel free to bring your own bottle; a corkage fee applies.

Plan Your Evening
Robiolina is open daily for dinner from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended to ensure a seamless experience. Book your table by calling (540) 602-0772.