McLean Eateries Roll Out Seasonal Menus Featuring Fall Flavors: Deals

MCLEAN, VA — Several restaurant chains with locations in Northern Virginia are offering up a selection of seasonal specials to help diners ease into autumn.

Ahead of National Pumpkin Day on Oct. 26 , Seasons 52 (7863L Tysons Corner Center in McLean) has started serving a Pumpkin Pie Mini Indulgence. This delectible includes pumpkin mousse, pumpkin cake, whipped cream and a ginger snap cookie. This guilt-free dessert — it’s only 290 calories — is just a highlight of the restaurant’s Autumn Menu.

“Guests can enjoy other seasonal delights such as a new Cauliflower and Aged White Cheddar Soup, Butternut Squash Soup, a Roasted Mushroom Flatbread or Sweet Potato Skillet — and finish on a sweet note with the Mini Indulgence,” according to Seasons 52.

Matchbox Pizza recently rolled out its new fall menu, with a variety of seasonal items, featuring:

• Corn Ribs – chili lime mayo, cilantro, salt, queso freso
• Roasted Chicken & Butternut squash Salad – mixed greens, romaine lettuce, butternut squash, apples, cranberries, candied pecans, feta, creamy mustard vin.
• Roasted Salmon – butternut squash risotto, cremini mushrooms, oven-roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, arugula, shaved parmesan.
• Country Fried Chicken – served with hot honey and french fries.

Since October also happens to be National Pizza Month, matchbox has also added three new pizzas to its menu:

• Burrata & Salami – crushed tomatoes, salami, fennel sausage, burrata, fontina, parmigiano reggiano, hot honey.
• Corn & Jalapeño – crushed tomatoes, mozzarella, goat cheese, roasted corn, zucchini, jalapeno peppers, chipotle lime crema.
• Roasted Garlic Chicken –roasted garlic puree, crushed tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese, caramelized onions, roasted chicken, mozzarella, olive oil, arugula, balsamic.

Thompson Restaurants, which is a minority-owned hospitality company, has multiple matchbox pizza locations across Northern Virginia, including one at 1340 Chain Bridge Road in McLean.

Guests who show their "I Voted" sticker on Election Day at any of Thompson's restaurants (Makers Union, matchbox, Hen Quarter, Milk & Honey, and Wiseguy Pizza) will receive 10 percent off their meal.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill, which has several locations across the DMV, has also added autumnal flavors to its menu, including:

• Cheese Ravioli and Meatball Malfatti - Cheese ravioli and meatballs with spinach and ricotta dumplings simmered in our pomodoro sauce and topped with parmesan, Romano and mozzarella cheese.

• 22oz Pork Chop with Sweet Bourbon Butter - A 22-ounce double bone-in pork chop wood-grilled and prepared with the restaurant’s signature Mr. C’s Grill Baste, olive oil and herbs, topped with a sweet bourbon compound butter. Served with a choice of two sides.
• Carrabba’s Caramel Apple Cheesecake - Warm cinnamon apples under a golden-brown, crumbly topping served with vanilla ice cream and a salted caramel sauce.

But if you’re just looking for a quick way to warm up your insides, try sipping Carrabba’s Espresso Martini made with Tito's Handmade Vodka, Borghetti Espresso Liqueur, Tiramisu Liqueur, vanilla and cold brew, garnished with espresso beans.

Lazy Dog Restaurants not only introduced its fall menu earlier this month, it’s also got special plans for Election Day on Nov. 5 and Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

“Guests can enjoy 10 craveable new dishes, two seasonally inspired cocktails, and a shareable cocktail perfect for groups,” according to a Lazy Dog release. “Highlights include Pie Tin Nachos, Nonna’s Giant Meatball (the meatball is really GIANT), and Braised Beef Birria Noodles. New beverages include the Hibiscus Margarita and Tequila Old Fashioned. There’s also a new revamped lunch combo starting at under $13.”

Guests who show their "I Voted" sticker on Election Day will receive a free handcrafted nonalcoholic beverage with any entrée purchase.

“Options include lemonades, twisted sodas, sparkling refreshers, and pick-me-ups,” according to a Lazy Dog release. Some popular choices are Huckleberry Lemonade, Cucumber Lemon Sparkling Refresher, and Twisted Orange Fanta with Vanilla Bean Cream.

For Veterans Day, not only will Lazy Dog be offering veterans who are active duty, discharged, retired or reserve a free entrée, but the restaurant will be extending its Weekend Brunch hours.

Lazy Dog has two locations in Northern Virginia, 11963 U Fair Oaks Shopping Center in Fairfax and 14333 Newbrook Drive in Chantilly