Delicious Italian Food for Both Meat Eaters and Vegans at Troy’s Italian Kitchen
ARLINGTON, VA – Does your friend eat meat, but you’re a vegetarian? Troy’s Italian Kitchen in Arlington allows you both to enjoy the same delicious meals together. Each of your palates will be happy!
Owners are husband and wife team Chef Neel and Palak Vaidya, and they are passionate about everyone being able to enjoy their food, no matter their food preferences or allergies. They have created an astounding menu of appetizers, pizzas, pastas, salads, sandwiches and desserts with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Their restaurant provides a one-stop shop for families who often consist of a variety of different diets.
From behind the ordering counter, you can see directly into the chefs working in the kitchen. This open restaurant model is set up for takeout and delivery. Their radius of delivery is extensive; the demand for their variety of food is high.
My companion and are I were able to sample and compare a few of their menu items and we were blown away with how similar the vegan versus the non-vegan items tasted. First of all…Garlic Knots, what’s not to love? The freshly baked bread is topped with garlic and olive oil, herb seasoning and served with a marinara sauce. Described on their website as “melts in your mouth and arouses the taste buds”. I would certainly agree with that.
Next came the chicken wing comparison. We had Jumbo Wings and Vegan Wings to taste. Their flavor and texture were similar. You see the main difference when you have either the bone or bamboo stick left on your plate. The vegan option is made from seitan. You may choose from several sweet or spicy sauces for dips.
Troy’s number one seller is Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza. This pizza’s Indian-based creamy tikka masala sauce is made in house by Palak. The spices are subtle, but certainly gives a new flair to your traditional pizza. It’s topped with mozzarella, grilled chicken, green peppers and onions.
The appealing, vibrantly colored second pizza we sampled is a newer creation that hasn’t even made it to the official menu yet. It’s called The Big Dill Pizza (you can get this vegan or non-vegan). This pizza was my favorite. Spread onto the perfectly baked crust is their homemade garlic sauce; the pizza is topped with bacon, mozzarella, red onions, dill pickles and drizzled with ranch dressing. I know, it sounds a bit strange, but it was yummy! “When I was out for two days after getting my COVID shot, my wife invented it, put it on the menu and started selling it,” says Neel. Customers have discovered this item solely from social media.
For the final savory part of our meal, we compared the chicken Parmesan Pasta with the Vegan Parmesan Pasta. These flavorful dishes were presented the same. I think the only give away was the mozzarella cheese melted more evenly than the vegan cheese. Both dishes are their versions of breaded “chicken” served over spaghetti, topped with marinara and their appropriate cheeses. The vegan dish uses a breaded soy chicken patty.
We finished off our meal with fresh, hand-dipped Italian Ice. I chose watermelon, and my friend sampled the blueberry. This was a perfect way to end our meal.
Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for (pick up only) for the month of August at Troy’s, you may choose any pasta (including vegan and gluten free), a side salad and a 20-ounce drink for $19.99. This couple is always looking to support their local community and one way they are contributing this August is by conducting a back-to-school drive. Drop off any school supplies and they will be distributed to local schools for this school year.
Troy’s Italian Kitchen is located at 2710-B Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA. They are open Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visit troysitaliankitchen.com or call 703-528-2828 to place an order for delivery or carryout. You will also find them on online ordering apps, and they will deliver to Alexandria. Catering is available as well.
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