Ruth
Restaurant’s name translates to ‘My Way’
Click here to subscribe today or Login.
Fresh seafood dishes such as this salmon with shrimp reflects dishes the owners of the new restaurant enjoyed in Virginia Beach.
Photo courtesy Ruth Corcoran
You’ll find some Italian flair in Sicilian Surf and Turf.
Photo courtesy Ruth Corcoran
Ruth has visited Mia Via twice, and the Rigatoni Rocco is one of her favorites.
Photo courtesy Ruth Corcoran
Chris Barge is a big fan of Frank Sinatra’s song “My Way,” and that’s how he wanted to do things with his new restaurant venture on Main Street in Luzerne – his way. He named the restaurant that he opened with his girlfriend, Kristy Burginia, Mia Via. In Italian, La Mia Via means “My Way.” Between his love for the song and a unique spin on many traditional Italian dishes, Mia Via is the perfect name for this new area eatery.
Chris credits a strong support system of family and friends for helping to make Mia Via Restaurant & Bar a big success. This includes his brother Anthony, a talented executive chef. The pair worked together on another restaurant venture in the Virginia Beach area before moving back home in November 2019. Lucky for us, both Anthony and Chris are sharing their passion for fresh, delicious Italian food.
Chris said they moved back with the intention of opening a restaurant. COVID hit and temporarily derailed their plans. They both worked other jobs and then eventually the opportunity in Luzerne arose. It was the right place at the right time. Chris, Kristy, and Anthony are surrounded by many family members and friends who are helping as well. This includes Chris and Anthony’s grandma who makes homemade desserts and helps out onsite a few days a week. Both Kristy’s parents and Chris and Anthony’s parents help out as needed, along with many others.
I’ve visited twice since Mia Via opened in early May. The first time was on a weeknight during the opening weeks. Although they were still trying to bring their staffing levels up to where they needed to be, we enjoyed a delicious meal, and the service was fine.
My second visit was this past weekend with a group of friends. What a difference a few months makes. The restaurant and bar were packed, and it was obvious everyone was having a great time. You can tell that many of the guests were repeat customers by the way they were greeted by the staff. It’s definitely a gathering place for family and friends.
The menu is large and varied. Chris explained that core favorites will stay while other items will rotate seasonally. In my visits, I’ve tried Nonna’s Meatballs and Bang Bang Shrimp and both starters were excellent. Others I was with had the calamari and also the Crab Chesapeake. The crab dish was truly unique, featuring lump crab, colossal shrimp, diced pancetta, and shiitake mushrooms finished in a Sherry butter sauce and served over a puff pastry. Chris said this was their take on a dish they enjoyed while in Virginia Beach.
Between both visits and tasting the meals that friends were enjoying, I got to sample many different items. My favorites were the Rigatoni Rocco with house spice vodka, Murazzi hot sausage, and diced pancetta, and the Eggplant Parm, a 5-layer eggplant stack that was light, yet packed with flavor.
The pork chop that came topped with sauteed hot and sweet peppers, as well as shaved sharp provolone was also delicious, and my friend loved her seafood-filled Pescatore. Another friend said she enjoyed the unique twist on lasagna, which featured six layers of meat sauce, a parmesan cream sauce, and a cheese blend, but no ricotta. A salmon special was another group favorite.
Although we were all stuffed, we tried a bite of traditional cannoli, as well as pumpkin cannoli and both were delicious. The restaurant also features a full bar with unique seasonal cocktails, an extensive beer list, and a well-thought-out wine list to pair with your meal.
Both the meatballs and the lasagna are family recipes. Chris told me that when developing the menu, they also focused on featuring fresh seafood in recipes that had been popular during their time in Virginia Beach. On the menu at Mia Via, you will find Seafood Sambuca, Fra Diavolo, Shrimp & Grits, and others. You will also find steaks, a luscious Italian herb-rubbed roasted half chicken, pan seared tuna, as well as burgers. A new fall menu will include a classic and comforting Sunday sauce and pasta with braised meat. I can’t wait.
Mia Via also has space to accommodate parties up to 100 depending on the layout. Chris said they planned on expanding their hours to open on Sundays, but staffing remains a challenge, so for now, they will stick to their 4 days a week schedule. They are open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. Mia Via has a casual, family-friendly feel and features a menu of Italian-inspired cuisine. Give it a try, I think you will like it.
***
Ruth Corcoran is a professional marketer, former restaurant owner, and community advocate. She resides in Bear Creek. Readers can reach Ruth by emailing [email protected].