The 2016 Virginia is for Lovers Culinary Challenge Champions

In case you missed it, restaurants around Virginia spent the past four weeks competing in four separate categories for the honor of being named a Culinary Challenge Champion in Virginia. The categories are as follows:

1. Burgers & BBQ
2. Fresh Catch: Oysters & Seafood
3. Bakeries & Desserts
4. Eat Like a Local

Fans nominated restaurants back in February on our blog and social media. Then, the finalists faced off each week and fans could vote for their favorite places. Here are the winners of each round for the 2016 Culinary Challenge!

—WEEK 1: BURGERS & BBQ—

As narrowing down this category into a reasonable number is difficult, we split the burgers and barbecue voting up and announced separate winners for this round.

Burger Winner: NN Burger—Tappahannock & Kilmarnock  
With locations in Tappahannock and Kilmarnock, NN Burger is a new Virginia-born Gourmet Burger and Craft Beer restaurant specializing in fresh locally-sourced ingredients. They prepare each hand-crafted, artisan burger in a unique two-step process. First, they place each Burger on a 700 degree wood-burning grill to infuse a delicious smoky flavor – then apply a seasoning blend made from traditional Virginia herbs. Next, each Burger is transferred to a second super-hot flat top grill to quickly seal in the juices and finish the cooking process. NN Burger has been voted “Best Burger” in the annual Virginia Living Magazine Reader’s Poll.

Barbecue Winner: Wolfe’s BBQ—Marion
Wolfe’s BBQ is locally owned and operated by Brett and Jill Wolfe, who both grew up in Marion. Being raised in Southwest Virginia taught them both the importance of great food and southern hospitality. Providing quality food with distinct flavors, excellent customer service, and an inviting atmosphere for families and friends to meet is the mission at Wolfe’s BBQ. They proudly smoke all their meats in-house, creating a barbecue that consistently brings customers back for more.
 

—WEEK 2: OYSTERS & SEAFOOD—

White Dog Bistro—Mathews
Located in Mathews, the White Dog Bistro operates in an 1840’s Georgian Mason. This historic restaurant is on both the Virginia and National historic registries, and the property holds a fine dining restaurant, two bars, two dining rooms and a wedding event center. Order a few of their locally-sourced seafood options, like the White Dog Puppies, Clams Manchego, or Chesapeake Blue-Cat. Reliably appetizing and reasonably priced dinner options abound on the White Dog Bistro’s menu.
 

—WEEK 3: BAKERIES & DESSERTS—

The Family Bakery—Gate City
This small family owned and operated bakery is located in a beautifully restored century old building in historic downtown Gate City. They pride themselves in serving traditional home baked sweets as well as delicious seasonal specialties highlighting regional flavors. The selection changes daily, infusing local and seasonal flavors into their delectable desserts.

—WEEK 4: EAT LIKE A LOCAL—

Two Drummers Smokehouse—Toano
Two Drummers Smokehouse provides great food, service, and atmosphere at a reasonable price. They take pride in their barbecue, serving up pulled pork, ribs, and brisket, along with other Southern favorites like catfish, meatloaf, and Brunswick stew.

We thank the restaurants and fans for participating, voting, and sharing their opinions in the Virginia is for Lovers Culinary Challenge. Until next year!