Where do you buy matcha in Hampton Roads?

Wow. I completely forgot about making this post. It's funny how a google search can lead you back. OK, it took me over a year to locate non-Starbucks matcha and here's the findings for VA Beach:

Hana Oriental Market (near the corner of Aragona/Witchduck Rd.) carries two small cans of matcha powder. I believe they are both 9.99. I bought the fancier looking can.

J Mart (on Aragona, along that strip of shops with the Greek cafe) carries matcha as well. However, I picked up the "au lait" version for lattes. This place was perfect because they carried the bowl/whisk/stirrer. The box is in Japanese, except for "matcha au lait."

I haven't opened either of them yet so I can't report how they both taste. However, if anyone else is still looking, definitely check those two places out. As for the rest of the Hampton Roads region, I have no clue. Also, I did check out Grand Market on Newtown Rd. and it's probably my favorite international market in the VA Beach/Norfolk area. They didn't have matcha, but their tea aisle had some gems.

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Virginia Beach Recommendations

Despite my VA Beach address, I find myself dining in Norfolk more so than down the road.

Azar's
2000 Colley Ave.
Norfolk, VA
http://www.azarfoods.com/ghent_start.html
There's a Virginia Beach location but it's smaller. Not a bad place, but I think if you're for more of an atmosphere, visit the Norfolk location. Great Mediterranean food, and I suggest trying the By George pizza and ordering an Awesome Lia for dessert. Their oat cookies are good too. For another similar alternative, try Baladi Cafe in Virginia Beach located in the Hilltop area. (
http://www.baladicafe.com/)

Machismo's Burrito Bar
(on College Pl. across from Chocollage--201 College Pl/Norfolk, VA)
http://www.machismoburritobar.com/
The original location is on York/Boush, but I think it might be closed now due to construction, which is sad, because that building is great. The downtown Norfolk location opened recently. Some people think it's hit or miss, but I personally think it's great. I think people are just too used to grilled veggies that lose flavor and end up tasting too much like charcoal with seasoning in burrito chains. The veggies here are fresh/raw and there are different varieties of tortilla to choose from.

Granby St. Pizza
233 Granby St
Norfolk, VA
http://www.granbystreetpizza.com/
This is my favorite place to go get pizza in downtown Norfolk. Do not go to Gusto's up the street. It's about as appealing as store bought pizza. Who wants to buy a slice of store bought pizza for the same price you could buy a whole box with? Ugh. Anyway, there's a lot of seating in Granby St., and it's usually quiet/slow in the afternoon, but it tends to pick up around 6pm.

Rama Garden
441 Granby St
Norfolk, VA
A lot of people like going to Bankok Garden which has locations everywhere in the Hampton Roads area. I definitely think this might be one of the best Thai restaurants in the area. Tida's Thai in Virginia Beach (http://www.tidathai.com/) is second on my list. That's near town center.

Tortilla West
508 Orapax St.
Norfolk, VA
A very hip Mexican joint. I usually just order the nachos because they give you a lot. It seems like you definitely get your money's worth of food. Fifty cent taco nights are on Monday and Tuesday.

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Best breakfast in Norfolk Hampton Roads

Charlie's Cafe on Granby St. definitely has my blessing as well as the Ghent location of Yorgo's. Citrus in VA Beach off of Shore Dr. wasn't that bad, but I'd rather go out to Norfolk for breakfast choices.

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