A frigid winter evening didn’t hold people back from coming to historic downtown Manassas for the 2nd Annual Souper Bowl, Friday, Feb. 5.
Crowds filled the sidewalks and shops as they explored downtown and tasted 13 different soups. In the end there had to be a winner, and this year’s Souper Bowl Champion was Mariachi’s Tequileria & Restaurant with their homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup, featured at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory.
Mariachi’s is a new restaurant in Manassas opening just over a month ago in the old City Square Café location on Battle Street. They featured two soups at this year’s event – the winning Chicken Tortilla Soup as well as a spinach and chorizo soup.
Originally, the spinach and chorizo soup wasn’t a regular menu item, but after such positive praise at the Souper Bowl, owner Antonio Escamilla added it to the restaurant’s daily menu.
“We’ve had a few different groups of people come in since the Souper Bowl, saying they learned about us and our location after attending the event,” Escamilla said. Mariachi’s is owned by Escamilla, Rafael Martinez, and Primo Castlan who says their goal was to bring authentic Mexican cuisine and traditions to downtown Manassas – “it’s the food your grandmother would make” said Escamilla.
Every Friday and Saturday night a live mariachi band performs in the restaurant but on this First Friday they traveled to both Calico Jack’s and the Center for the Arts to supply an added ambience as attendees sampled the soups from both locations.
Head chef L. Fernando Babadilla says the key to the winning Chicken Tortilla Soup is his homemade tortilla recipe that he has had perfected for nearly five years. Chef Fernando’s secret to the spinach and chorizo soup – homemade chorizo. The chorizo mixed with the creaminess of the spinach makes for a soup packed with flavors everyone can enjoy.
This year’s Souper Bowl saw nearly a 20 percent increase in attendance with many already talking of their excitement for next year’s event.
It was a great kickoff for this year’s series of First Fridays, the next of which is Friday, March 4. Don’t forget to mark your calendars and come out to enjoy a fun evening in historic downtown Manassas! For a comprehensive list of events going on in Manassas this year, go to www.visitmanassas.org.
This post is written as part of a paid content partnership between Potomac Local and City of Manassas to showcase businesses and economic development in the city.
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Get ready for some of the coldest weather this winter as Arctic air grips our area. Wind chills are expected to plunge to dangerous levels, prompting the region’s advisories.
What to Expect
Cold Weather Advisory:
In effect from 7 p.m. tonight to 10 a.m. Tuesday and 10 p.m. Tuesday to 10 a.m. Thursday.
Wind chills as low as -10°F could make outdoor exposure hazardous.
Here’s the latest report from the Prince William County Police:
Fatal Crash Investigation
On January 17, a crash occurred on Centreville Road near Breeden Avenue in Manassas. A 2019 Jeep Cherokee and a 2024 Suzuki motorcycle collided when the Jeep turned across the northbound lanes. The rider of the motorcycle, Nicholas Blaze Damon, 25, of Fairfax, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Jeep, a 44-year-old woman from Woodbridge, was treated for minor injuries. Police are seeking witnesses.
Armed Robbery
On January 18, officers investigated a robbery reported on Whisperwood Court in Dumfries. A 16-year-old male was approached by two individuals, one driving a vehicle. Both suspects displayed firearms and demanded property. The victim was struck with a firearm, and his shoes were taken. The suspects fled in a white sedan. They are described as males, possibly juveniles, wearing dark clothing.
Local fire departments responded to multiple incidents this week, including a house fire Sunday night on Haversack Lane in Woodbridge, where a blaze from a chicken coop under a deck displaced five people. On Thursday, a truck fire on Lee Highway in Gainesville destroyed three tractor-trailers and damaged a trailer, with no injuries reported. Earlier that day, Stafford County crews extinguished a hotel room fire at Affordable Suites of America, saving a canine and relocating affected occupants. Sprinklers and alarms minimized damage. All incidents are under investigation, and no injuries were reported. Crews’ quick actions prevented further harm in each case.
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
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