Good eats offered on Haymarket Day

When people come to Haymarket Day, they get hungry.

Visitors to the 23rd annual Haymarket Day, Sept. 17, will be walking down Washington Street and watching as the parade strolls by from 9:30 until about 11 a.m. They’ll likely see familiar faces of family, neighbors and friends. They’ll also see local restaurants on this path opening their doors to hungry visitors ready to chow down on some good, local eats.

Right in the center of town is Pizzarama in the old Red House Ordinary building at the intersection of Washington and Jefferson streets. Restaurant owner Eli Bawab said they always have lots of walk-ins on Haymarket Day. “I’ll put a tent outside and sell pizza by the slice and drinks. Or people can come in if it’s too hot and sit down and enjoy a pizza,” Bawab said. Pizzarama was first in Gainesville, and has been in the Haymarket location for three years.

Traveling further west on Washington Street is Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano, which will be celebrating its fifth anniversary on Haymarket Day by featuring the classic rock band Ryder & Zani, which will play in the restaurant’s parking area. “Every year, Haymarket Day gets bigger and better! Last year we grilled on the porch; another year we sold pizza by the slice. We opened five years ago on Haymarket Day,” according to Josie Russo, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Joe. The Russos were both born in Italy and love serving authentic Italian meals. They have been in the restaurant business for more than 30 years.

Foster’s Grille located west of town, will serve the traditional menu many have come to love. But one thing will be new. A hamburger-eating contest sponsored by the company, will give people a chance to down more of Foster’s burgers. This first-time event will take place in front of the town hall following the parade.
With all this great food along the parade path, no one should go hungry.

Pizzarama, at 14950 Washington St., can be reached at 703-753-9009; its website is http://www.pizzaramava.com Giuse.ppe’s Ristorante Italiano, at 15120 Washington St., can be reached at 703-753-1004; its website is http://www.giuseppesri.com Foste.r’s Grille, at 4416 Costello Way, can be reached at 703-393-2427; its website is http://www.fostersgrille.com .