Lovettsville’s changing culinary landscape

By Liz Tenney Jarvis

The Town of Lovettsville’s residents and visitors can now experience the cuisine of India, Mexico, and many parts of Asia with the opening of several new restaurants. On Monday, May 20, there was a ceremonial ribbon cutting held to officially welcome Train to Mumbai, the newest addition to the Town’s growing list of culinary options.

Train to Mumbai, which defines itself as having “Real Indian Street food, made from scratch,” is the concept of the husband-and-wife team, Sanjay and Menuka Gusain. Arriving from Toronto in 2001 and having worked in the hospitality industry for decades, Sanjay says that they thought the time was right to open a restaurant.  

The Gusain family has been in Lovettsville for eight years but it occurred to Sanjay that rather than commuting to his job in D.C., he could open a small, simple place that featured dishes one might find served by street vendors in India. Diners have proven to be adventurous as they have come in without any knowledge of Indian cuisine. 

The staff is quick to answer any questions and explain the unique flavors of each dish. The Train to Mumbai website illustrates the various Indian spices with gorgeous photos and educates with descriptions of their use in Indian cooking.

Rodeo’s Mexican Bar and Grill, while not new in its location, did undergo a recent post-Covid change in ownership. Felix Hernandez whose roots are in the Morelos region (the state south of Mexico City known as the “central breadbasket”) brings a wide variety of old favorites and regional dishes to the table.

While Cassia Asian Bistro has been under new ownership for some time, the restaurant now has a new chef. The variety of Thai, Japanese and Chinese found on the menu come from family recipes as well as from those close to the owner.

Sarah E. Moseley, Lovettsville’s Community Engagement & Economic Development Coordinator, indicates that within the Town, both new and established restaurants serve as pillars of the community, enriching the social tapestry, cultural diversity, and economic vitality.  

Moseley says, “these establishments not only offer dining experiences and social hubs for residents and visitors but also serve as opportunities for local job creation and as staunch supporters of our region’s agricultural heritage, including farms, wineries, breweries, and other local industries.”

As Moseley mentioned, there are also well-established places to eat within the Town. There are Thai dishes at Daughter Thai, Mediterranean offerings at Andy’s, and Italian fare at Rasco NY Pizza.  One of the Velocity Wings spots is in town as is the Lovettsville Diner, 1836 Kitchen and Taproom, Back Street Brews Coffee and Tea House and for the next-level earth-to-table dining experience, The Restaurant at Potowmack Farm.  

The Town’s new Co-op grocery has a deli filled with freshly prepared options (including sushi). The caterer Between The Hills provides yet another opportunity to enjoy chef-prepared, locally sourced meals for take-away or delivery. The Market Table Bistro has been n renovated and reopened with its seasonal menu featuring product from local farmers and culinary artisans. Coming soon: El Pitayo which will be located in the new Lovettsville Commons in the center of town across from the Co-op Market and Train to Mumbai.

The highly popular, family-owned Mi Degollado of Ranson and Charles Town, WV will open El Pitayo mid-summer. The Rayas family has kept their family recipes for Mexican food on their current locations’ menus, intending to do the same at their new place.  

Recognizing the value of the growing list of places to eat, Moseley says, “thriving towns recognize the indispensable role of a vibrant restaurant scene, and Lovettsville is fortunate to boast a variety of culinary treasures. These establishments provide more than just meals; they cultivate spaces for celebrations, family gatherings, and casual connections, nurturing a sense of belonging and camaraderie within our town.”