Foundation named as “Top 25 Restaurants in Northern Virginia”

Monday, December 10, 2007

Foundation , Manassas’ newest fine dining restaurant, has been named as one of Northern Virginia’s Top 25 Restaurants by Northern Virginia Magazine. The honor was bestowed by food critic Warren Rojas after a recent visit. Owner Charles Gilliam is known in the community as someone who colors outside the lines and still finishes with a work of art because of his persistent refusal to follow the standard formulas to create something exciting.  His first restaurant venture was Okra’s Louisiana Bistro, a true Cajun/Creole experience, which has established itself as a Northern Virginia fixture over the last nine years, winning many impressive accolades of its own. His restaurant concepts have helped to create what he calls “the Old Town Manassas Entertainment District”.

Foundation opened in 2006 as an “outside the box” fine dining concept. Executive Chef Matthew Wood, a New Orleans native, presides over the kitchens of both restaurants and brings magic to Foundation through his endless repertoire of recipes and seamless showmanship. He has a habit of winning converts to his signature dishes such as Strawberry & Poppyseed Salad, Duck Chambord, Lobster Ravioli, and Chocolate Desire. Foundation boasts a no-holds-barred dining experience called “The Chef’s Bar” that treats guests to a five course meal prepared right before their eyes with an optional flight of perfectly paired wines chosen from 125 labels in the wine cellar. The synergy between the Chef and Owner is undeniable as they continue to position the two restaurants as the most unique concepts in the area. Foundation is quickly becoming a local favorite for monthly wine dinners, Christmas parties, wedding rehearsals, and private events with eyes ahead to the world of catering to outside venues. Foundation is located at 9112 Center Street in Manassas.