Maaza 29 to Host Fall Harvest Dinner

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Braised Short Ribs at Maaza 29. Braised Short Ribs at Maaza 29.

By Stacy Shaw 

The award-winning restaurant, Maaza 29, serving modern Ethiopean, American and European cuisine, is holding a special 15-course meal this Saturday.

To give the community a sample of what Maaza 29 offers, the restaurant will host a 15-course meal called the Fall Harvest Dinner the evening of Nov. 7. The meal will feature small plates, including five appetizers, five entrees, two alcoholic drinks and five desserts for $85 per person.

The menu includes grass fed, grass finished beef and modernist style cuisine, including chemistry-infused cooking.

Owner/Chef Emanuel Reta explained that Maaza 29 brings “D.C. quality food, innovation, techniques and creativity” here to Prince William County and offers it at a fair price.“ Good food doesn’t need to be expensive,” Reta said.

While most of the menu is a surprise, Reta revealed that it will include cured wagu beef on tomato and garlic foam with roasted chestnuts, plus lamb medallions with mint pearls. Among the gourmet plates and desserts, there will also be a special dessert surprise at the end of the night.

Seating is limited, so Reta suggests guests make their reservation as soon as possible.

Maaza 29 has won accolades from several publications. As recently as August, they were listed in Open Table’s Magazine’sDaytrip Dining: Top 9 Restaurants Outside Washington, D.C.” Maaza 29 was the only Prince William restaurant to make the list, which includes such better-know restaurants such as Trummer on Main.

Polpetti as served as Maaza 29. Polpetti as served as Maaza 29.

Back in 2014, Maaza 29 was the only Prince William County restaurant named in Northern Virginia Magazine’s “50 Best Restaurants” list. And for the third year in a row, Maaza 29 won InsideNova’s Best of Prince William in the Ethiopian restaurant category.

Owner and head chef, Emanuel Reta said he believes Maaza 29 stands out because they serve mainly locally sourced food and offer quality service.

“I really think that it’s loving what you do [that’s makes a difference.]” said Reta “I think it has do with where you are getting your local ingredients and your style, but on top on that, service is where it’s at. Good food is great and all, but the hospitality has to be there too; your service has to match the quality of your food.”

Reta said he enjoys the fusion of several types of cuisines, and enjoys enhancing traditional dishes with Ethiopian spices.

“Maaza 29 as a restaurant has always evolved. We’ve always tweaked our menu. What is important to me is cooking in the now. I love to play with Ethiopian spices and put them in different things. They are a very under rated family of spices.”

While some spices are locally sourced from farms, others are grown in Maaza’s own garden. Generally, Reta said he tries to source from farms within a 15-mile radius.

Reta is excited to offer a unique experience for his guests this Saturday.

“We’ve been working on this menu for quiet some time. This menu tells a story. It’s tells a story from the first appetizer to the last dessert.”

Maaza 29 is located at 14630 Lee Highway in Gainesville, Virginia. Call them at (703) 753-2177 or, visit their website, Maaza29.com.

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