It showcases 15 eateries, including La Poblanita Food Truck, Sabor Latino Cuban & Peruvian Cuisine and La Parrilla Mexican Grill. Explore a different spot each day and get discounts.  Guapo’s Mexican Grill is offering 30% off its menu, excluding alcohol. It has entrees such as ramen birria (Mexican beef stew), ostiones montados (raw oysters topped with ceviche) and enchiladas poblanas (chicken mole enchiladas).

El Rey Tequila has 10% off its menu, excluding alcohol. According to its website, street tacos, cheese dip and quesadillas are the most popular dishes.

Receive 20% off the menu at Peruvian Charcoal Chicken and Wings. The chicken comes in quarters, halves and whole. Pair it with plantains, yucca, pinto beans and other side dishes.

There’s another opportunity for people to score big. Enter a contest to win a gift card from participating restaurants. The VisitNewportNews site has the details, including on its social media pages.

Details and restaurants, bit.ly/HHRestaurantWeek

Owner Zakia Thom, a Morocco native, added the “spice” in honor of her dad who had a restaurant and spice store in Casablanca. She moved here in 2021 from New York where she worked as a caterer. She fell in love with the Italian frozen dessert after taking bakery and gelato training.

I’m glad she did. The quaint shop has about 30 flavors listed on its website such as chocolate chili, apple cinnamon and strawberry. Those marked with a logo indicate what’s available for the day. Thom makes sure to have at least one sugar-free and dairy-free option.

On my visit, I sampled most of the 12 available flavors. They were fantastic, except for one: Mango chili margarita sorbet. The fruit teleported me to a tropical island, lying on a hammock. Then came the spice to snatch my soul back to reality. Hot stuff. It could work by mixing another flavor.

Three, however, stood out on their own. The basil mojito sorbet had a cool herbaceousness that I wanted to re-create as a drink. It stayed on my mind like a new love interest.

The smooth goat cheese with a blueberry swirl gelato made me feel the same way. It had a delicate tang and sweetness in every bite. In the words of “J.J.” on the ’70s sitcom “Good Times:” Dy-no-mite!

The pistachio and pecan topped with stracciatella — a chocolate used to create shredded pieces —was delightful too. I sat in a bistro chair imagining myself in an Italian gelateria enjoying the creamy nutty taste. The chocolate solidified into a shell and made me smile. All was right with the world.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya

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If you go

Where: 1115 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach

Hours: 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

Prices: $5 scoop, $7.75 for two scoops

Details: 757-763-7439; gelatovb.com

Restaurants are welcoming fans to dine, watch a game and leave happy or sad, depending on your team.

This list isn’t exhaustive but it will get you through the season.

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Peninsula

Every Sunday District 41 Sports Bar has $5 food specials, $3 beers and $7 straight or mixed drinks. Try the mozzarella sticks, two jumbo whole wings with fries, two shrimp tacos or something else. Every seat is a good seat, according to its Facebook post. 605 Pilot House Drive, Newport News, 757-223-0552; bit.ly/District41SportsBar

The Greene Turtle has personal pitchers from 8 to 11 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. They include craft beers ($8), cocktails ($12) and crushes ($15). 3610 Von Schilling Drive, Hampton, 757-838-3854; bit.ly/GreenTurtleHVA

My Neighbors’ Pub has football specials starting at 6 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and noon on Sundays, according to its Facebook page. They range from nachos ($7) to a hot dog and fries ($3) to popcorn ($.50). Get a pitcher ($11) or bucket ($12 for 4 bottles) of beers to wash down the food. 12743 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, 757-833-3333; bit.ly/MyNeighborsPub

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Southside

The tailgate menu at Ballyhoos sounds delicious. It features a loaded hot dog ($4), barbecue chicken nachos ($10), six buffalo shrimp ($10) and other delectables. Don’t forget about the orange crush ($6), Jameson green tea ($6) and the bucket of four beers ($13). Available 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 2865 Lynnhaven Drive, Virginia Beach, 757-412-4441. bit.ly/Ballyhoos

On Sundays, Busky’s Chill & Grill rolls out specials from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., including beef brisket tacos ($11.99), pepperoni pita pizza ($8.99) and two beef hot dogs with the fixings ($7.99). On Monday nights, it’s serving hamburger sliders with chips ($9.99), loaded potato skins ($9.99) and two other football specials. 237 Hanbury Road, Chesapeake, 757-482-3864; buskyschillngrill.com/events

If dining out isn’t your thing, watch the games at home and pre-order football platters from Dave’s BBQ. The Rookie ($85) includes 2 pounds of pulled pork, 25 smoked wings, 2 quarts of sides and six buns. Got a hangry — slang for really hungry—bunch? Select the Hall of Fame ($170) that includes 5 pounds of pulled pork, 50 smoked wings, 3 quarts of sides and 12 buns. 1009 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, 757-434-6093; davesbbqvb.com

The Dirty Buffalo knows good food; it’s been around since 2012. The football menu is available every day which includes tailgate nachos ($16.99), cheesy porker sliders ($9.99) and a starter platter with onion rings, chicken dippers and pretzel bites ($17.99). 4012 Colley Ave., Norfolk, 757-226-7851; 4213 East Little Creek Road, Norfolk, 757-321-7242; 2080 South Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach, 757-937-1171; 612 Grassfield Parkway, Chesapeake, 757-819-7548; bit.ly/DirtyBuffalo

Swing down to Hackers Bar & Grille on Monday nights. It has a football buffet with pizzas, wings, sliders and hot dogs for $20. Happy hour drink prices run until 9 p.m. 1532 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, 757-351-3931; bit.ly/HackersVB

Socky’s Bar and Grill — opened in February— has a menu lineup that will make fans rejoice. It’s offering $2 off drafts and burgers on Monday nights; 4 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays get $1 off bottles and cans and $2 off appetizers. Round out the week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays with deals such as fried pickles ($7), 25-piece wing platter ($33) with a choice of three flavors, and a sampler platter ($18) with boneless wings, onion rings, corn dog nuggets, chips and choice of dip (tip: get the queso). 2401 Seaboard Road, Virginia Beach, 757-301-2274; sockysbarandgrill.com/events/

Watch the NFL season at the Waterside District. On Mondays and Thursdays (5 to 11 p.m.) and Sundays (all day), it’s serving libations such as a Field Goal Shooter for $5 but it’s $3 when a field goal is made; NFLIT (Long Island tea) for $5; Miller or Coors Beer tower (100 ounces) for $25, which includes four souvenir cups. The Game Day food specials are half off, including eight-piece wings, spinach artichoke dip and soft pretzels with cheese and honey mustard. Order at Guy’s Smokehouse kiosk. 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, 757-426-7433; bit.ly/WatersideNVA

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Isle of Wight

Fatboy’s Grill & Steamshack is punching the NFL Sunday Ticket from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Grub on banana pepper rings ($5), beef or chicken nachos ($8) and 10, 18 or 45 wings (naked, breaded or boneless) for $10, $18 and $45. Domestic beer ($2) and imported ($3) pints are also available. 15042 Carrollton Blvd., Carrollton, 757-745-8200; bit.ly/FatboysGrill

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Williamsburg

Football season isn’t complete without a pizza or two. Highway Pizza has a NFL Sunday Bundle with six-piece wings, a small pizza and a draft beer (16 ounces) for $24.89. It also has 10-piece boneless and 10 traditional wings for $24.99 and 20/20 for $39.99. Other shareable vittles include an appetizer platter ($21.99) and a slider platter ($23.79). Deals are available every Sunday throughout the season. 3044 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, 757-920-5242; bit.ly/HighwayPizza

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya

Spend the day (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) visiting 15 eateries, including Mason’s Grill & Smokehouse, Haven & Hull Beer & Wine Sanctuary and the Taste of Everything. Save room for brew at the beer garden. Head to the Washington Street stage and Courthouse Fountain Park for live music. Tune in to DJ music and enter contests at the Market Street stage.

Let the good times roll at the Children’s Area on Market with freebies such as a trackless train ride, bounce houses and face painting. Don’t forget the Fun Zone across from the Courthouse Fountain Park. Participate in axe throwing, rock climbing wall, billiards and more.

The street festival has more than 40 vendors, including 757 Jerky, KēWi Teas by Soul Stir, and Kona Ice. Tasty.

Details, 757-514-7250; tasteofsuffolkva.com

So, I made my way to Hampton when I heard Day and Night Cereal Bar opened in the Peninsula Town Center. The dessert chain started as a food truck in California. This is the first franchise in the Hampton Roads area and the second in the state, according to the company’s website. It serves cereal-themed milkshakes, dessert cereal bowls and exotic Asian snacks. Customers also can get a bowl of cereal with a choice of dairy and nondairy milk (almond and oat).

I visited on a Friday morning but the place didn’t open until 11 a.m. It was all about cereal for lunch and dinner in this spacious spot with plenty of seating. Cereal boxes sat on shelves and a graffiti wall showcased my favorite characters: Tony the Tiger, Buzz the Bee and Horatio Magellan Crunch.

I ordered at the counter and sat down. Everything arrived quickly. I dove into a bowl of The Beehive after pouring almond milk on top. The Honey Nut Cheerios, Honey Bunches of Oats and roasted almond granola made a sweet collaboration— pun intended. I munched and crunched until nothing was left but milk. Yum.

The Mucha Lucha excited me even more because I love Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. I got a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and the milk was optional on the side. My mouth watered looking at Churros cereal — another version of the cereal — and whipped cream on top. A spoonful changed the way I plan to use the breakfast treat in the future. The semi-hard texture collided with the soft cream, creating a spicy-sweet concoction of goodness. It will have you saying, “Get in my belly!”

I added the milk and continuously dug from the bottom to the top of the bowl. The best of both worlds: breakfast and dessert — children will be confused.

I deemed the Buttercup shake the unofficial drink of summer. Cocoa Puffs had me going cuckoo. The chocolate ice cream intensified the flavor and the Reese’s Puffs cereal added an unforgettable peanut butter taste. It was like sipping a peanut butter cup through a straw. I couldn’t get enough and got a surprise ending at the bottom : A Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

Cereal-ously delicious.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya

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If you go

Where: 1260 Merchant Lane, Hampton

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday

Prices: $10.50 shakes, $5 to $8 bowls

Details: 757-330-2323; dayandnightcereal.com

The Hispanic fusion restaurant opened in June by economist Marilyn Castro, a Puerto Rico native, who wanted to jazz up the morning scene and provide jobs for people.

The menu ranges from omelets to pancakes and waffles, to a burrito and a quesadilla made with a choice of protein. Dishes showcase ingredients such as Argentinian sausage, sweet potatoes and Mallorca bread, a sweet bun originating in Mallorca (Majorca), Spain’s Balearic Islands. Castro gets the bread imported from Puerto Rico but creates every recipe. The restaurant also serves nine types of mimosas, including horchata, tamarind and guava.

I dined at one of the six tables on my visits.

The appetizers are a must-have. I tried three on two occasions and I loved them all. My favorite is the egg and sausage empanada ($4.50). I could eat one or two every day. It was fried golden, packed with protein and didn’t weigh the belly down. Pastry perfection.

The Cuban egg roll ($7) pulled up next with flavor from the sandwich’s ingredients. It was cheesy from the Swiss, savory from the ham and tangy from the pickles. The shape, however, was thinner and longer than a traditional roll nor did it have the same crispy texture. I still loved it. Kudos to the chef.

I let out an “ooh” when the Mallorca bread loaded with Bavarian cream ($7) arrived. Lots of smooth cream sat in the middle of thick and fluffy bread. It was decadent, not too sweet and paired well with tea.

The breakfast burrito ($14) and fries also made a great duo. I’m glad they came on the side because my biggest complaint about burritos is the often unseasoned and undercooked potatoes on the inside. The burrito had fluffy scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo and my choice of protein, which was bacon. Each mouthful contained a full breakfast entrée. I plan to get this again. Delicious.

The pork chop and creamy waffle meal ($15) were fantastic too. It came with a choice of coconut, spicy or regular syrup. I selected spicy. Juice oozed as I cut into the fried meat. I liked the seasoning but it was a little too salty. I dipped my fork in syrup but it was too spicy. I asked for regular and it did the trick. The sweetness gave the dish more balance. I snarfed on the pork chop down to the bone. The crispy waffle had a fluffy interior like it was supposed to. No complaints.

Customers could also get the sweet potato waffle which I highly recommend. No syrup is required just the greatness of the vegetable in a cake batter. 

I wrapped up my stay with a pina colada sangria ($9) and I was feeling good after a few sips. It was prepared with white wine and still had a fruity-creamy consistency. I never imagined these two getting together — talk about late to the party.

Breakfast was the best meal of the day.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya

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If you go

Where: 2720 North Mall Drive, Virginia Beach

Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

Prices: $4 to $11 appetizers, $12 to $15 entrees, $9 mimosas and sangria

Details: 757-904-5561; https://breakfastbarva.com

Beach Ambassadors, VEER and Virginia Craft Beer magazines will host more than 40 breweries looking to claim a top spot, including Harbor Trail Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, Aslin Beer Co. in Virginia Beach and Studly Brewing Co. in Chesapeake. The competition might get brew-tal — last year’s winners will be there: Thin Brew Line (1st) from Virginia Beach, Cova Brewing Co. (2nd) from Norfolk and Tradition Brewing Co. (3rd) from Newport News.

Attendees can spend the afternoon (1-6:30 p.m.) tasting more than 80 beers. General admission tickets ($75) include a souvenir glass, a food voucher ($5 value) for a meal at one of the food trucks, a token to vote for People’s Choice and other cool activities.

Nondrinkers can join the fun too. There will be live music, yard games and a silent auction on tap. Tickets ($25) include nonalcoholic options, a voucher and more.

Beach Ambassadors, a nonprofit, has raised more than $200,000 since launching the event in 2013. This year’s proceeds benefit St. Mary’s Home, Hope House Foundation and other brewer-chosen charities.

For more information, call 757-342-0013; 757battleofthebeers.com.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya

The takeout spot opened about three months ago on East Little Creek Road near Shore Drive. Its owner Bruno Diotallezi has had 15 restaurants, including the former 21st Street Deli in Norfolk.

Sloppy Sailors is his latest assignment. It features subs, shakes and salads. The shop uses Dietz & Watson deli meats and 100% beef products for the burgers and hotdogs. The lunch joint has a fun menu with names such as NATO salad (turkey, ham and bacon), Mess Hall (chili cheese fries) and Enlisted (cheeseburger).

I gravitated towards the subs because I had a craving.

The Sloppy Cheesesteak was still warm when I got home. I unwrapped it with anticipation. The 100% Angus beef looked sparse and I removed the soft bun for further examination. It had an adequate amount of meat but less than what I’m used to. I also could see the grilled onions and peppers throughout. I placed the bread back and took a bite. My mood changed. The juicy, seasoned meat brought me joy. Even the melted provolone made its presence known before going down. Don’t underestimate this sandwich until you try it.

Next, I went for The Torpedo, tempted by the ham, salami and provolone peeking from underneath the bread. That thing was huge. Surprisingly, I didn’t taste the explosion of spice from the hot peppers and I’m a lightweight. I did get a surge of sweetness from the other peppers, though. The lettuce, tomatoes, oregano, oil and vinegar played their parts well; it was like eating a mini salad. Together, everything sailed down with satisfaction.

The Commander, however, was top-notch. It was packed with sliced smoked turkey, smoked provolone, tomatoes, onions and house dressing. Lettuce fell out of the bread and onto the table as I took a bite but the flavors were too good for me to stop and clean the mess. A sample turned into a meal. The double-smoked sammich with saucy sweetness held my attention until it was gone. It was insanely good and my favorite sub.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya 

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If you go

Where:  4214 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk

Prices: $9.99 to $11.50 subs

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Details: 757-917-5800; sloppysailors.info

I recently visited the Poquoson location near Victory Boulevard and Wythe Creek Road and its latest spot at Anderson’s in Newport News.

Business partners Jesse Del Prado and Jay Barnthouse, Air Force veterans, have created an indoor oasis by serving paradise in a cup and on a plate. They’ve kept their travels in mind when developing the atmosphere and recipes. 

Pangaea offers coffee ranging from a French press to red velvet to Dalgona, inspired by candy from South Korea where Del Prado used to live. Dalgona is poured over ice and topped with a cloud-like froth. The coffeehouse has a small selection of treats such as cookies and Japanese-inspired cloud cheesecake. It also provides a few breakfast and lunch items such as oatmeal bowls, a Baja burrito and a Sichuan sandwich with grilled spam, purple and green cabbage, infused with eggs on a ciabatta roll.

In the Poquoson spot, I couldn’t help but “rest, relax and reconnect,” a motto I got from Barnthouse. Artificial plants dangled from the ceiling, sat in nooks and crannies and are strategically placed on the walls like ivy. The jungle theme with modern furniture felt special just like the greeting I got walking into the establishment.

I noticed on the menu that Poquoson has more food options than Newport News. I reviewed items found at both.

Moroccan Mint iced tea was my drink of choice — I’m not a regular coffee drinker. The cool sensation tingled my mouth and gave it a minty fresh smell. The agave wasn’t overly sweet. I took refreshing swigs between chatting with the owners and admiring the decor.

The Newport News location had a cavern vibe reminiscent of Barnthouse’s experience living in Iceland. White cascading structures looked like icicles and were surrounded by fake greenery. It was a neat place to gather after an exhausting shopping trip. I refused to sit on the sleek turquoise couches because I was afraid I wouldn’t get up. Perhaps on my return trip.

I turned my attention to the cloud cheesecake with Ghirardelli ganache prepared by Del Prado. A sample convinced me to take my time; it was scrumptious and I wanted that feeling to last. I saved the rest for later. At home that evening, I warmed the cheesecake in the microwave for 10 seconds, making the filling fluffier and lighter with a little jiggle. Heavenly.

The house-made cookies were also worth the trip. I stopped in my tracks after biting the butterscotch and bacon cookie. “Wow, that was good,” I said out loud. It was a perfect combination of sweet and salty that I didn’t know I needed in my life. I gave it a 10 out of 10 on my imaginary score sheet. It was one of the best treats I had this year.

The Gochujang cookie was unique and delicious too. The spicy snickerdoodle appeared slightly red and was made with a Korean red chili paste. Don’t shy away because of the heat. The sweetness tempered it for a pleasant experience.

The red bean and white chocolate cookie also piqued my interest. I would have never thought to put the two together. They worked. I enjoyed the creaminess that only the white chocolate could provide and the earthiness of the bean — an unforgettable creation.

While I gobbled down the cookies, my colleague sipped on the Arabian coffee, a bestseller at both locations. It came with two shots of espresso and cardamom, nutmeg and cloves. She liked this java but normally drinks a cold brew.

“The spices were similar to a snickerdoodle but not sweet,” photographer Kendall Warner said “The espresso was smooth and with the oat milk, it had a rounded flavor.”

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya

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If you go

Where: 200 Fountains Lane, Poquoson; 11250 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, inside Anderson’s

Prices: $3.90 to $5.80 coffee; $8.50 cheesecake with ganache; $3.50 cookie or 3 for $9; $6 to $12.50 food

Hours: Poquoson, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Newport News, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Details: bit.ly/PangaeaCoffee; bit.ly/PangaeaNN

Later, as I drove down Indian River Road near Regent University, it dawned on me that I hadn’t visited.

I entered the take-out spot on a Thursday afternoon with one thing on my mind: dessert. The bakery offers cakes, cookies, pies and other treats. (Their most popular are the cinnamon rolls, German chocolate cookies and the strawberry millionaire pie, according to Keen’s husband.) I ordered what appealed to my mood and headed home.

That evening, I indulged in a slice of the two-layer almond cake ($5.25). It had the consistency of a pound cake with the delightfulness of a wedding cake. The thin layer of frosting added a right amount of sweetness that made it even more remarkable.

The next morning, I heated my cinnamon roll ($4.50) in the microwave for 20 seconds. Gobs of cream cheese icing sat on top and the ribbons of cinnamon-sugar had caramelized on the inside. Two words: Gooey and scrumpdillyicious.

For my afternoon snack, I grabbed the oatmeal raisin cookie ($2.25). It was perfectly round with a little height that gave it edges. I liked the crispiness and mild sweetness. My day continued with smiles thinking about it.

My evening treats were equally comforting. The chocolate chip cookie ($2.25) was shaped like the oatmeal one. Bountiful chips appeared near the surface, exciting my palate. I enjoyed every chocolaty bite. I saw a dozen in my future.

The Key lime pie ($6.25) had a classic taste of creamy, citrusy goodness. I loved the golden graham cracker crust, as opposed to a traditional pie crust. The taste evoked a childhood memory of being in kindergarten, eating graham crackers and drinking milk before taking a nap.

Don’t sleep on AbbyCakes.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya

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If you go

Where: 5660 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Details: 757-962-0990; abbycakes757.com