Date Visited: 16 June 2012
Meal: Dinner
Diners: 2 - Me & Wendy
Experience: According to their website, this Balducci’s location in the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets is more properly called a “Balducci’s Express,” even though the sign says “Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market.” It’s in the location formerly occupied by City Deli. Readers of this blog may be more familiar with the real “Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market” (gourmet grocery store) locations in Alexandria, McLean, and Bethesda. I’m a big fan of these stores and often have the opportunity to visit the Bethesda location. I always find some delicious treats and a high-quality lunch-to-go (sushi!) when I need it. This Balducci’s Express in Leesburg, however, is a different story. As far as I can tell, they basically stock only a very limited selection of pre-made sandwiches, salads, and a few sides.
On this visit, Wendy and I were looking for a quick, light dinner, and we were in the mood for sub sandwiches. We arrived about an hour or so before the mall closed, and were told by the guys behind the counter that the sandwiches and things in the glass case in front of us was all that was available, and they couldn’t make us anything new!?!
I ordered the Santa Fe sandwich that featured shredded chicken, red peppers, and chipotle seasonings on a baguette-type roll. Wendy got the Club sandwich that featured ham, turkey, bacon, and swiss cheese on a ciabatta roll. She also got another one to take home to Alicia. As these were listed on the menu as “hot” sandwiches, each in turn was put into an oven for one minute before being served to us. The best I can say is that the sandwiches were OK. The bread itself was better than anything inside. Alicia really did like hers, though.
On the whole, this was a rather disappointing experience, and I don’t think we will be back. It’s too bad, because the experience you get at a Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market is completely different.
Location: 241 Fort Evans Road NE, Leesburg, VA 20176
Web site: http://www.balduccis.com/
Total bill: $31.30
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