Shop Till You Drop, Then Eat

With more Advent candles being lit by the week, we are reminded of Christmas’ coming glory and that the gift buying season is getting hot! hot! hot!

Shopping maybe a visual experience, but as every self-respecting fashionista knows, you’re only as good as your stomach.  Nothing can hamstring a marathon mall-spree more than hunger pangs, so here is your food court survival guide to our local Mecca of fashion and durable goods, Tysons Corner Center.

 Plan of Attack

For me, shopping is a surgical strike operation. Before I step foot in a mall, I’ve got to know what I’m after and where I’m getting it. Otherwise, I become confused and lost for hours. Some enjoy a more leisured approach and that’s fine, but at the very least have your food stops planned ahead of time.

Level 1

People from all over the country and world travel to Tysons every Christmastide for the supreme shopping experience . Tysons’ ground floor food court provides out-of-towners with international and exotic dining options for that special taste of home.

 Level 2

Level 2 is a food desert. End game. Avoid at all costs.

Level 3

For those who enjoy a food court with ambiance, Level 3’s open air layout affords diners a  pleasant view of shoppers going to and fro on the floors below. Food options abound with Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Taka Grill, Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory and TGI Friday’s.  

Congratulate yourself on your gift thrift with an ice cream cup from Cold Stone Creamery and a ride on Tysons’ very own Polar Express.

 Pitfalls

I know what you’re thinking and for God’s sake don’t do it! Nothing will make you question the direction of your life more than a pound of dough dripping with honey glaze.  And trust me, you don’t want to feel bad about yourself when trying on clothes, especially when you are supposed to be shopping for others. Check yourself: You’re not waiting for a flight, you’re shopping. Stay light on your feet and carry on.

Instead, grab something from the rotating sushi bar, Level 1, for a healthy, quick fix.

What About My Starbucks?!

Not to worry. There’s one between every store.

Good Luck!

Okay shopper, you have your mission, should you choose to accept it. Godspeed, productive shopping and happy eating!

richard

Richard is a freelance writer who enjoys building a healthy appetite with long runs around the city. When not logging the miles, he can be spotted training the palate at brunches, happy hours and food trucks.