Lolly’s Creamery
Located in the ViBe Creative District, Lolly’s Creamery is a Virginia Beach classic that everyone must try at least once. It’s the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. The Tiffany blue building with a black and white striped awning gives off major retro vibes. Lolly’s Ice Cream written in curly script adds to the storefront appeal. According to their website, “at Lolly’s we are about 3 things: Joy, Community and Generosity. We want every bite and every interaction to leave you with a smile on your face. Hopefully so much so, that you would want to pass it along and share the joy of Lolly’s with others in our community.”
They have multiple classic flavors that include Cookie Monster, Strawberry, Three Ships Coffee, Mint Chocolate Chip, Double Dark Chocolate, and Real Deal Vanilla. In addition to these favorites, Lolly’s also offers Flavors of the Month. For the month of September this includes Go Geek Buckeye!, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Just Trust Me, M&M&M, Corn Cake and Jam, and Funky Monkey. More information can be found on their website, https://www.lollys.online.
One of their most popular flavors, Cookie Monster, is a local favorite. This cool treat combines cookies n cream ice cream with chocolate chip cookie dough. Did we mention the ice cream is a bright blue? Not only do they offer scoops of ice cream, but you can order milkshakes and malts as well. You can also customize your order with options of adding a waffle cone, Lolly’s sauce, hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, Bing cherries and/or sprinkles. The possibilities are endless.
So, stop by and stay a while. Outdoor seating is available with multiple tables and picnic tables laid out in front of the store. You won’t regret it!
So, stop by and stay a while. Outdoor seating is available with multiple tables and picnic tables laid out in front of the store. You won’t regret it!
Lolly’s Creamery
lollys.online
414 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Faith Macwana
fpmacwana@vwu.edu
Which Wich
In the mood for actual sandwich options? Which Wich gives your choice of a Philly cheese steak to vegan/ vegetarian options. The choice is yours from the second you grab your sharpie marker by the menu to right at the register when you hand your order to the cashier. Many customers call this one of the fastest yet appetizing sandwich restaurants they have been to so far. Aside from the welcoming service and extremely appetizing meals , the customer appreciation reaches a whole other level with a wall covered in drawings some customers doodle on the paper bag they are supplied with when they make their order. “When I first got to the restaurant i was a little overwhelmed by the menu but it quickly changed when the manager came by and assisted me,” Allison Churchman said. The environment is both friendly and welcoming with no judgment towards a confused first timer. “Which has allowed me to finally go to a sandwich restaurant and not get shot down by the lack of vegan options’’ Danielle D’arcy said. This restaurant has gained the interest of many vegan and vegetarian customers, “I am a very new vegan and the opportunity to try all the different options for me especially have made me want to be a loyal customer. This new sandwich place is right by the outlets which gives you just enough to stop by and grab whichever sandwich catches your eye.
Which Wich
1541 Premium Outlets Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502
Valery Caraballo
vecaraballo@vwu.edu
Clayton’s Counter
What’s your go-to sandwich place? Jersey Mike’s? Firehouse Subs? Jimmy John’s? It’s great to make your sandwich the way you desire, but how about stepping out of the commercial deli restaurants and trying more locally in Hampton Roads. Going beyond your favorite build-your-own deli, Clayton’s Counter Delicatessen is a local family-owned sandwich shop close to VWU that serves gourmet sandwiches in a relaxing, welcoming setting. The newly opened restaurant had its grand opening on Aug. 31 near the commissary on Oceana Blvd.
The room was filled with calm island-style music and aromas of smoked meats on the grill. Seating arrangements were spread out and spacious to dine inside for COVID-19 health and safety purposes. After placing your order at the register, customers could watch the cooks preparing and making the food from their seats.
The owner-operator and head chef of Clayton’s Counter Delicatessen, Ralph C. Anderson III, focuses on buying ingredients and supporting products from local food owners. “We buy local stuff. And we use it in all of our recipes too. It’s just supporting locals so that we give that love back, I believe in using local products and being as creative as possible with them,” said Anderson.”The menu at Clayton’s Counter Delicatessen also provides 100% plan-based options such as the Quinoa-black bean burger, Hummus platter, and various salads. “I want to cater to everybody. That’s why you see a lot of the plant-based items on the menu,” Anderson said.
Despite the hurdles of COVID-19 on small local restaurants and businesses, he made his lifelong dream to open his own restaurant a reality. “ It’s rewarding when we serve it to the customer and see a smile on their face like ‘wow’ I never had anything like this,” Anderson said.
The owner hopes to start catering once delivery and curbside pick-up is more smooth and simple. Clayton’s Counter Delicatessen is gradually getting its name out by word-of-mouth and social media on Facebook and Instagram to expand.
Take a chance to try a new style of gourmet sandwiches instead of the usual build your own or your famous home-style grilled cheese sub.
Claytons Corner
1337 Oceana Blvd. #130 (3.94 mi)
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Tiffany Warren
tawarren@vwu.edu
Benny Damato’s
Benny Damato’s is a local family-friendly Italian restaurant that serves the iconic 28” New York-style pizza pies located on Granby Street by the Slover Library in Norfolk. Though the restaurant is social distancing, there is enough space for four people to sit in and eat as well as some space to sit out. Though not very big, the restaurant is very homey and aesthetically pleasing, They even decorated their bathroom with comic book wallpaper. The challenge at Benny Damato’s is to eat an entire 28” cheese pizza in 28 minutes and the winner receives a $280 prize. If you aren’t up for the Benny Damato’s challenge, then enjoy a slice of your favorite choice of topping or their monthly specials. Options to dine-in, and order online for pick-up or delivery are available through Benny Damato’s website.“I hope the customers can come to expect a kind and helpful staff experience, as well as a relaxing atmosphere while dining in or waiting for their orders. We are constantly working on our environment and customer service to make it as enjoyable as our pizza,” said Poquel Davis, Benny Damato’s manager. Many fellow Marlins who were recently introduced to this restaurant had nothing but positive remarks. If you have not had a slice of pizza bigger than your face, you definitely have to!
Benny Damato’s
www.bennysva.com
131 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Tiffany Warren
tawarren@vwu.edu
