NoVA Restaraunt Must: MELT, Leesburg

Leesburg, located in northern Virginia, is packed full of restaurants. I have a very extensive list of restaraunts I want to try…but I’ll be honest; I go to my favorites instead of something new (Wine Kitchen, South Street Under, RJs Deli). Melt, a new addition to the Loudoun County dining scene, is a gourmet burger stop. And being mostly vegetarian I can’t say I was really pumped about going. Burger shops don’t generally nail the veggie burger. But I like to stay informed, so we went. I think it says a lot that we’ve been back twice in the same week. Melt is NOT your average burger stop.

What the Dietitian orders: Veggie burger on cracked wheat roll (Seasoned black beans, grilled and diced sweet chilies, roasted white corn, chipotle peppers) topped with mozzarella, roasted peppers, spinach, tomato, onion and house sauce....for TWO people. The husband and I split it. In the future I think I'll order the bunless version which comes over greens.

The Craftsmanship of the Burgers:

• House made buns
• Each burger is grilled to order
• A ‘no pink slime’ sign adorns the wall
• Quality and interesting toppings including brie, fresh mozzarella, garlic, balsamic onions

 The Menu:

• 100% angus beef
• crab burgers
• shrimp burgers
• lamb burgers
• turkey burgers
• the veggie
• sweet potato fries...and more

The other reason I'm loving MELT is because of their support of the county's animal shelter. Their walls are decorated with cute photos of animals that are up for adoption as well as recently adopted critters. I have a soft spot for animal helpers.

NoVA residents, what other stops do you love?