The End of an Era

Hunan Lion has closed its doors after 30+ years in business.

My heart sunk last night for a few mins when i heard this news from my parents over the phone. Hunan Lion was the greatest Chinese restaurant in Northern Virginia (in my opinion). The food was so authentic and well prepared. The environment was simple- yet clean and welcoming. When my parents had moved to Virginia 28 years ago, they started going to this particular Chinese restaurant in Tysons Corner, VA. It was there before the mall extended, it was there before Verizon bought the building across the street, and it was there when both my sister and I were infants and there was a babystore right nearby.

Steph and I grew up going to this restaurant. We'd often go there on a Friday or Saturday evening and make the special 30 min drive out. I've had my favorite 3 tables in the whole restaurant. If one was occupied, I would settle for one of the other two. We were friends with the managers, hosts, and waitstaff. I had watched as this one waiter in particular went from being a small water pourer, to becoming a head waiter. All the while, he watched me grow up form middle to high school and then to college. The staff knew our usual order and the host would come by our table at the same moment every meal to check on us (not just our food).

There were so many memories here, like the times Steph used to play with the hanging rug on the wall; or when I would walk up and down the three entrance stairs too many times until my food was cold; the time my mom forgot her purse there and walked out with the host chasing behind. We went there when things were good in our lives and even when things were bad- it was here that we could sit in silence and still make things feel right.

It is the end of an era. I may never eat real Chinese food again. Sorry Dragon Lady, you just won't do.