Taste Of Del Ray People's Choice, Judges' Choice Winners Named

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Taste of Del Ray was held in a modified format in 2021, but the tradition of People's Choice and Judges' Choice Awards continued.

The event allowed 13 participating restaurants to offer tastes over three days from June 4 to 6. Residents could order tastes for $5 each for takeout or dine-in, depending on restaurants' policies. Cocktail specials were also offered but weren't part of the judging.

Residents could register for Taste of Del Ray to receive a ballot for the People's Choice Award. The Judges' Choice Award was decided by guest judges, Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne and Chadwicks owner Trae Lamond.

Here are the winners:

People's Choice

• 1st Place: Stomping Ground, Cheddar Blue Corn Grits with a Pork Ragu
• 2nd Place: Spice Kraft, Raj Kachori Chaat (Indian Street Food)
• 3rd Place: Junction Bakery & Bistro, Chiquito Cubanos

Judges' Choice

• 1st Place: Evening Star Cafe, Local Coffee Custard
• 2nd Place: Pork Barrel BBQ, White Chicken Chili
• 3rd Place: Live Oak Restaurant/Elo’s Italian Pop-Up, Meatballs made with veal, pork, & beef, with creamy polenta, Pomodoro sauce, and Pecorino
• Honorable Mention: Swings Coffee Roasters, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Nitro Draft Latte
• Honorable Mention: Del Ray Pizzeria, Baked Avocado with Fried Egg & Cheddar

"We were blown away by the culinary creativity of our restaurants," said Taste of Del Ray chair Karen Johnson in a statement. "But, more than anything, we were so overwhelmed by the support of the community, even though we couldn't hold our traditional in-person event. This was a difficult year for restaurants, and the neighborhood really came out to celebrate the talented chefs in Del Ray."

This was the 12th year Taste of Del Ray was held. It is typically a one-day event with restaurants offering tastes all in one location. Held by the Del Ray Business Association, proceeds from ticket sales help fund neighborhood events throughout the year.