Lake Anne Market - A Restaurant Review for the Gluten Free

1645 Washington Plz
Reston, VA 20190

Phone number(703) 435-0532

Listen closely, because I am about to change your life. I have 2 words for you, homemade tortillas. I have always been on the fence regarding Mexican food. Of course, what I am referring to as Mexican food is actually tex mex. The only thing remotely similar between tex mex and authentic Mexican food, is that some kind of tortilla is involved.

Well, no more am I on the fence. Last weekend I tried THE taco that changed my mind. Lake Anne Market is located in small building on the perimeter of Lake Anne shopping center. In there you will find a festive and family friendly environment, good music, wonderful people, and of course delicious food.

I originally encountered the staff at the Lake Anne Farmers Market, where they had a booth set up. Tacos only cost 3.00 a piece, so you could have a 3 taco delight for only $9.00. In my opinion, this is the best deal in the area for sure.

At the Farmers Market, they also sell pint size jars of their homemade beans, which I did not try at the time. More about these later. Turns out the corn flour soft taco shells are homemade as well, and soooo soft and delicious. I knew I had to go try the store itself.

Yesterday I decided to go there for lunch. They were very busy, so it can be a little wait, but trust me, it is worth it. You can also call in advance and order to shorten this wait. I am actually glad I did not. There is a definite up beat and warm vibe that envelopes this place. It is unique. It is fun to watch the chefs work in the kitchen too.

They seem to have a dedicated grill just for cooking the corn tortillas, and switch gloves to handle any flour ingredients, which are not grilled anyway. Let me tell you that these tortillas are the best I have ever tasted. I bought extra to use at home. Because they are so good, and versatile, I plan on using them for other things, like regular sandwiches, instead of gluten free bread. I detest GF bread.

While I waited, I tried their homemade beans. I'd swear, the moment I took that first bite, I heard a choir in the background. The flavor of these beans was so multilayered and rich. I could definitely see myself buying this from their booth at the Farmers Market.

I cannot encourage you enough to sample this little gem right here in old Reston. Soon I will try using the corn tortillas in making a recipe of chicken enchiladas which I got from a friend who was from Mexico City. Just for fun, I have enclosed the recipe below. This recipe IS authentic, and so refreshingly simple. You can really taste the individual ingredients and they come together beautifully, like a dance.

I will see you, I am sure, at the Lake Anne Market and Deli.

True Mexican Chicken Enchiladas. (Not exact measurements, just have fun)

Plain cooked chicken (Can be homemade or even rotisserie from the store)

Lake Anne Market and Deli corn tortillas

Salsa verde (Either homemade or jarred)

Queso Fresco (Crumbly fresh cheese)

Crema (Comes in a jar or bag)

Chopped fresh onions

Instructions

Place some chicken (Not too stuffed) in corn tortilla and fold over, like a taco. Put in frying pan with oil and fry till tortilla is to your desired crispiness. Once all enchiladas are cooked, place a number on a plate and smother with salsa verde. Cover with raw onions and crumble queso fresco, then drizzle with the crema. Finish off by enjoying every delightful bite. You can also serve with some of those delicious beans from the Market. ;-)