Arlington Magazine Jul/Aug 2025

ALO YOGA / RHONE / SWEETGREEN

Guiding clients through complex financial decisions.

We are a dedicated team of financial professionals committed to guiding you through life’s significant financial decisions. With a client-centric approach and decades of experience, we provide personalized solutions that align with your unique goals, ensuring your financial journey is both successful and fulfilling.

At D’Orazio Wealth Advisors, we evaluate each of your financial decisions through three areas of expertise for every client of every size, every year…at no additional cost. We offer a flat fee structure, making all our services accessible to every client, much like a multi-family office.

CON TENTS

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36 Need a Therapist?

What to know about the different kinds of mental health professionals, treatment philosophies, scoring an appointment and finding the right fit.

46 Top Doctors

Our area’s very best family physicians, pediatricians, surgeons and specialists, as chosen by their peers in the medical community.

76 Top Dentists

See your way to a healthier smile with the best local dentists, orthodontists and oral surgeons, as selected by their professional peers.

Awards

There are many ways to be extraordinary. These exemplary students paint a multifaceted portrait of resilience and brilliance.

DONNA OWENS

Wakefield High School graduate Luke Bode

When summer break means your kids will be home 24/7 and you need them healthy so they won’t actually be home 24/7.

Top Primary Care doctors are a scan away.

CON TENTS

125 Places to Eat

Consult our dining guide for bitesize write-ups on more than 250 area restaurants and bars.

137 Get Away

Summer brings

Arlington has an avid community of flyfishing devotees. This is where they meet.

20 Familiar Faces

Music is a love language for this talented couple. Their newest album is an homage to Joni Mitchell and Carole King.

22 My Life

An adoption search and reunion story.

112 Prime Numbers

The area’s most expensive home sales. Plus, real-estate trends by ZIP code in Arlington, McLean and Falls Church.

118 Great Spaces

Care for a dip? This backyard pool is mighty refreshing.

119 Shop Local

Stock your wardrobe with these warmweather essentials.

120 Restaurant Review

Korean barbecue meets high-end steakhouse in Falls Church.

124 Home Plate

Where to grab supremely sippable summer wines, and an instant picnic for your next outdoor concert.

Escape to a lakeside lodge, a glamping retreat or luxury accommodations in the Outer Banks.

138 Driving Range

Where to relax, paddle, play and stay in Virginia’s River Realm.

144 Back Story

On the eve of World War II, this Americana-themed pageant drew hundreds of spectators to Arlington. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS 27 Ones to Watch

Physicians

Dentists

106 Private Schools 116 Luxury Condos, Apartments and Townhomes

letter from the publisher

Being Vulnerable

IF YOU ARE A regular reader of Arlington Magazine, you are used to seeing my publisher’s letter in every issue. In it, I share details of my life and tie them back to stories in the magazine. What you haven’t seen before is my writing elsewhere in an issue.

Last year, a friend of mine, Colleen Avis, asked me to write a chapter in her book Sacred Spaces Volume 3 It’s a cool project—she assembles a group of people, many of whom are local, and persuades them to share their stories, vulnerabilities and insights in the hopes of inspiring and helping others. (Colleen’s book is available for purchase online.)

After giving it some thought, I agreed and decided to write about being put up for adoption. Being an adoptee has defined me in a lot of ways. In my chapter, I share some of the challenges of being adopted, my decision to seek answers and find my birth mother, our reunion, and how the information I learned and our relationship has changed me.

Several people, especially my brother-in-law Patrick, encouraged me to share my story in the magazine. It seemed like a good idea. Our editor, Jenny Sullivan, agreed, and here we are. You’ll find my adoption story in My Life on page 22.

Living through a global pandemic and enduring an ugly partisan period in our nation’s history has many people on edge. If you’re considering therapy or seeking it for a loved one, our cover story by Robyn Gearey provides a helpful framework, explaining the various qualifications, specialties and modalities, costs and insurance, and ways to

evaluate if a therapist is a good fit. Navigating the options can be confusing, and Robyn (who is a therapist herself as well as a freelance journalist) does an excellent job of breaking it down for you.

Shifting from mental health to physical health, you will find our annual Top Doctors and Top Dentists guides in this issue. We partnered with PRS, a national research firm that conducts peer-review surveys and identifies the most respected physicians and dental professionals in specific markets. I hope you find these resources to be useful, and we are excited to share them with you.

I would be remiss if I didn’t point out our annual Extraordinary Teen Awards, which is one of our most popular features of the year. It’s inspiring to read their stories. In this issue, we have athletes— including the NFL Flag Player of the Year—inventors, entrepreneurs, debate champs, and future surgeons and elected leaders. It’s an amazing group. We also want to congratulate the entire class of 2025. You did it! Best of luck to you.

I hope you enjoy our July/August issue. Feel free to reach out to me anytime at greg.hamilton@ arlingtonmagazine.com with story ideas and suggestions. Letters to the editor should be sent to jenny.sullivan@arlingtonmagazine.com. Hope you have a great summer.

Greg Hamilton Publisher & Owner

Eliza Tebo

LIVES IN: Fairlington

IN THIS ISSUE: Profiles the husbandand-wife jazz duo Veronneau, as well as several of this year’s Extraordinary Teen Award winners.

CREATIVE LIFE: A writer and former digital editor for Arlington Magazine, Tebo is also a musician. “I’m currently working on my first pop album, igniting my vocal jazz career, launching a podcast about lifealtering experiences, and writing a TV pilot about a divorced 40-something mom.”

DOC AND DENTIST RECS: “I love Comfort First Family Dental and Family Medicine in Falls Church.”

HEALTHY HABITS: “I run several times a week and aim at getting seven to eight hours of sleep nightly—still a work in progress.”

FUN FACT: “Nick Lachey once offered me a cough drop on the set of NBC’s The Sing-Off.”

KUDOS: Tebo was a 2021 Society of Professional Journalists-DC Chapter Dateline Award finalist for her reporting for WAMU’s “Money Talks” series. In 2023, she won the Wammie Award for Best Jazz Album.

ONLINE: elizatebo.com

Alice Kresse

LIVES IN: Bethesda, Maryland

IN THIS ISSUE: Illustrates our Back Story about Arlington’s patriotic “Birth of the Flag” pageant held in 1939 on the eve of World War II.

CREATIVE LIFE: A graphic designer and illustrator, Kresse is also a printmaker, jewelry artist and member of the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center in Hyattsville, Maryland. She studied jewelry design at the Corcoran College of Art and Design in D.C. before it closed in 2014.

WFH: “My studio is in my home. I’m there full time, having left my corporate design job in a buyout in 2006. Never looked back.”

DENTIST REC: “My dentist, Tim Elder, lives in Arlington. I started seeing his dad, Gary, back in the ’80s. Dr. Tim became my dentist when Gary retired. Nice people.”

KUDOS: Kresse’s work has earned awards from the Society of Publication Designers, Print Regional Design Annual, Society for News Design, Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington and the New York Art Directors Club.

ONLINE: alicekresse.com, akresse.com

PUBLISHER & OWNER

Greg Hamilton

EDITOR

Jenny Sullivan

ART DIRECTOR

Laura Goode

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Danny Ryan

DIGITAL EDITORS

Stephanie Kanowitz, Helen Partridge

WEB PRODUCER

Erin Roby

DINING CRITIC

David Hagedorn

COPY EDITOR

Barbara Ruben

CO-FOUNDER

Steve Hull

WRITERS

Christine Koubek Flynn, Robyn Gearey, Lisa Lednicer, Jamie McCrary, Kim O’Connell, Suz Redfearn, Jennifer Shapira, Eliza Tebo, Amy Brecount White

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Gieves Anderson, Stephanie Bragg, Skip Brown, Stacy Zarin Goldberg, Lisa Helfert, Alice Kresse, Tony J. Lewis, Deb Lindsey, Chris Migliaccio, Donna Owens, Suz Redfearn, Hilary Schwab, Scott Suchman, Kate Thompson, William Thompson, Joseph D. Tran, Michael Ventura, Steve Vilnit, Stephanie Williams

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Traci Ball, Kristin Murphy, Lori Reale

FINANCE & CIRCULATION MANAGER

Julie Rosenbaum

ARLINGTON MAGAZINE is published six times a year by Greenbrier Media LLC © 2025

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Letters to the Editor:

We want to hear from you. Please email jenny.sullivan@arlingtonmagazine.com.

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Arlington Magazine/ArlingtonMagazine.com

P.O. Box 5510, Arlington, VA 22205

Phone: 703-534-0519

AROUND TOWN

by Jamie McCrary

SEASONAL

JULY 4, 9 P.M.

Independence Day Fireworks

Multiple locations

Looking to catch prime views of D.C.’s fireworks without crossing the river? Snag a spot at Long Bridge Park, the Air Force Memorial, Gateway Park, Gravelly Point, Key Bridge or the Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) War Memorial for a memorable July Fourth finale. For park locations and parking info, visit arlingtonva.us/Government/ Departments/Parks-Recreation/Locations

JULY 5 AND AUG. 2, 7 A.M.-1 P.M.

Arlington Civitan Flea Market

Peruse vintage clothing, jewelry, books, furniture and other fab finds from 150+ vendors on the first Saturday of every month, now through November. The rental

fees paid by vendors support a number of local nonprofits. 4001 15th St. N. (1-66 parking garage next to W-L), Arlington, arlington-fleamarket.com

JULY 5-AUG. 30

Yoga in the Galleries

Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

Find your flow with this 60-minute yoga class held at 11 a.m. on Saturdays in MoCA Arlington’s Tiffany Gallery. Each session is followed by journaling, drawing or meditation. $10-$20. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, mocaarlington.org

JULY 11-AUG. 22, 8:30 P.M.

Columbia Pike Movie Nights

Arlington Mill Community Center and Penrose Square

The Wizard of Oz and Wicked kick off this outdoor summer movie series at Arlington Mill Community Center (Fridays) and Penrose

ALL AMERICAN

JULY 4, 9 A.M.-9:30 P.M.

July 4th at

Mount Vernon

Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks over the Potomac, mansion tours and live music at George Washington’s historic estate. The schedule of events also includes a citizenship ceremony, a wreath-laying tribute at the slave memorial, and a host of family-friendly patriotic activities. See website for prices. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, mountvernon.org

Square (Saturdays). Free. Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 S. Dinwiddie St.; Penrose Square, 2501 9th Road S., Arlington, columbia-pike.org/movie-nights-2025

JULY 12, 10 A.M.-NOON

Letters of Gratitude: A Cursive Writing Workshop

Cherry Hill Farmhouse

Compose thank you notes for the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department, now celebrating its 100th anniversary. Free. 312 Park Ave., Falls Church, cherryhillfallschurch.org

JULY 13-AUG. 31

MoCA Summer Fun

Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

Enjoy arts and crafts, live music, and coffee and treats on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Metropolitan Park, 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington, mocaarlington.org

July

August 21–24

James Taylor & His All-Star Band Special Guest: Tiny Habits

The Swell Season

July 11

Todo Sonido Festival

Juanes* | Carlos Vives^

Kany García and many more!

July 12* + 13^

Iron & Wine

I’m With Her

July 15

David Sedaris

July 19 Emmylou Harris & Graham Nash

July

September

■ around town

JULY 15, 6:30 P.M.

Tarot Game Night

Mary Riley Styles Public Library

Connect with fellow fortune-telling enthusiasts at this tarot-themed board game event. Free. 120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church, mrspl.org/event/ tarot-card-night-25002

JULY 19-AUG. 23, 2-3 P.M.

Sound Bath in the Tiffany Gallery

MoCA Arlington

Let chimes, crystal quartz and Tibetan bowls immerse you in a nourishing sound experience on the third and fourth Saturdays of the month. $22. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, mocaarlington.org

AUG. 1, 9:32 A.M.

Dark Star Park Day

Dark Star Park

Once a year, the angle of the sun casts the sculptural elements in Nancy Holt’s public art installation in perfect alignment, celebrating the exact date

Summer Concerts in the Park

McLean Central Park

Pack a picnic and lawn chairs for this outdoor concert series at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. The lineup includes Johnny Cash tribute band Johnny Folsom 4 (July 3); electro-swing band Good Co. (July 10); Lover: An Eras Tour Experience (July 17); Prince-inspired group Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience (July 24); and the Virginia Chamber Orchestra Brass Quintet (July 31). Free. McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean, mcleancenter.org/calendar/summer-concerts-in-the-park

and time that William Henry Ross purchased the land that is now Rosslyn. Free. 1655 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, rosslynva.org

AUG. 13-17

Arlington County Fair

Thomas Jefferson Community Center

Step out for carnival rides, midway games, live performances, horticultural competitions and summer eats. See website for scheduled events and details. Admission is free. 3501 Second St. S., Arlington, arlingtoncountyfair.us

AUG. 19, 5-7 P.M.

Paw-casso Party

MoCA Arlington

Celebrate your dog with pet portrait drawing demonstrations, Polaroids and pup-themed crafts. Free. Metropolitan Park, 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington, mocaarlington.org

AUG. 22, 7:45 P.M.

Sunset Cinema

Cherry Hill Park

Bring a blanket and chill out with a family-

friendly movie night in the park (film TBD). Drinks, popcorn and snacks will be sold onsite. Entry is free. 312 Park Ave., Falls Church, fallschurchva.gov/sunsetcinema

ART

JULY 12-AUG. 10

2025 All Member Show

Falls Church Arts

The annual all-media exhibition showcases works by member artists with last names starting with M-Z. Free. 750-B. W. Broad St., Falls Church, fallschurcharts.org

MUSIC

THROUGH JULY 31

Concerts in the Park

Cherry Hill Park

Now celebrating its 33rd year, this beloved concert series brings live country, Latinrock, jazz and blues music to The Little City. Shows are 7 p.m. Thursdays. Cherry

Hill Park, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church, fallschurchva.gov/632/Concerts-in-the-Park THROUGH AUG. 1

Lubber Run Summer Concert Series

Lubber Run Amphitheater

This year’s lineup includes free performances by the 257th Army Band, reggae-funk outfit Bongo District, jazz fusion ensemble Project Locrea and other local artists and theater troupes. Shows are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 11 a.m. Sundays. 200 N. Columbus St., Arlington. For day of event info, call 703-228-1850 or visit arlingtonarts.org

JULY 12-13, 3 P.M.

Todo Sonido Festival

Wolf Trap

The two-day Latin music festival features 15 artists across three stages, including Latin Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Elena La Fulana, Cuban musician Cimafunk, and Colombian actor and singer-songwriter Carlos Vives. Tickets begin at $89. 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

JULY 15, 8 P.M.

Iron & Wine

Wolf Trap

Enjoy a night of musical storytelling with singer-songwriter Sam Beam, aka Iron & Wine. Female folk supergroup I’m With Her opens the show. Tickets begin at $51.50. 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

JULY 16, 7:30 P.M.

Ryan Adams

Capital One Hall

The seven-time Grammy nominated rock and alt-country artist brings his Heartbreaker ’25 World Tour to Tysons. Tickets start at $61. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, capitalonehall.com

JULY 17, 24 & 31, 5:30-7:30 P.M.

Rosslyn Rocks Summer

Concert Series

Central Place Plaza

Looking for a summer happy hour spot? Stop by Rosslyn’s Central Place Plaza for free live music and refreshing libations for sale via cash bar. 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington, rosslynva.org/do/ rosslyn-rocks-summer-concert-series

JULY 26, 3-4 P.M.

Jazz@Central

Arlington Central Library

The U.S. Army Blues—the army’s premier, 18-piece jazz ensemble—performs a tribute concert to trumpeter and composer Kenny Dorham, who penned the timeless jazz standard “Blue Bossa.” Free. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, library. arlingtonva.us

AUG. 8, 7:30 P.M.

Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

The Birchmere

The King of Pop lives on in this high-energy tribute show packed with the songs and choreography that defined a generation. $39.50. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

AUG. 31, 7 P.M.

An Evening with Pierce Pettis

Jammin’ Java

The acclaimed folk singer-songwriter performs witty, heartfelt works spanning his 45+ year musical career, including selections from his latest album, Father’s Son. $15-$18. 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, unionstagepresents.com/jammin-java

WOVEN WORK

JULY

Threads and Expressions:

A Fiber and Textile Journey

Arlington Artists Alliance

Presented in partnership with Arlington Weaves Etc., this vibrant exhibition showcases handwoven fiber and textile works by local artists with disabilities. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. July 10. Free. Alliance Gallery at The Crossing, 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 330R, arlingtonartistsalliance.org

PERFORMING ARTS

JULY 2-13

You’ve Got a Friend: Women Pop Songwriters

Signature Theatre

Timeless hits by Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Adele, Dolly Parton and other iconic singersongwriters round out this show-stopping cabaret series. See website for show times. $46. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org

JULY 17, 8 P.M.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert

National Symphony Orchestra

Feel the Force as the NSO performs John Williams’ Oscar-winning musical score while the feature film plays on large screens throughout Wolf Trap’s Filene Center. Tickets begin at $57. 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

JULY 18-27

Footloose

Encore Stage & Studio

In this spirited Broadway musical, newcomer Ren McCormack brings dance and rock ’n’ roll to a small, religious town with a restrictive moral code. See website for show times. $22; $18 for students, seniors, children and military service members. Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington, encorestage.org

JULY 18-27

Shrek the Musical

McLean Community Players

Based on the Oscar-winning animated film, this heartwarming show brings the movie’s adventurous characters to life on stage. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $25; $20 for students and seniors; $18 for McLean Community Center district residents. The Alden, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, mcleanplayers.org

JULY 25-27, 10:30 A.M.

Cinderella

Wolf Trap

Will the slipper fit? Maryland Youth Ballet presents the beloved fairytale through dance at the Children’s Theatre-in-theWoods. $12. 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

JULY 31-AUG. 2

Rachel Feinstein

Arlington Drafthouse

Named one of Variety ’s “10 Comics to Watch,” the actress and comedian dissects her chaotic life as a mother and wife of a firefighter in her latest standup special, Big Guy, on Netflix. Performances are 7:30 p.m. ThursdaySaturday; 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $28.95-$38.95. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, arlingtondrafthouse.com

AUG. 2, 7:30 P.M.

The Extraordinary Card Magic of Jason Ladanye

The Birchmere

Ever wonder how card sharks pull it off?

Join the sleight-of-hand entertainer for insights into the underground world of cheating at cards—and how to win in Las Vegas. $65. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

AUG. 12-OCT. 5

Play On

Signature Theatre

Shakespeare’s comedic Twelfth Night is reimagined as a lighthearted musical set in 1930s Harlem, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. See website for show times and ticket prices. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org

AUG. 15, 8 P.M.

Carmen Wolf Trap

Step into the sultry streets of Seville, where desire meets danger in Bizet’s epic masterpiece. Wolf Trap Opera presents the tale of free-spirited Carmen’s seductive charm, and the destructive horror it wreaks. Tickets begin at $39. Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

AUTHORS & BOOKS

AUG. 14, 6:30-8 P.M.

Arlington Reads: Casey McQuiston

Kenmore Middle School

New York Times bestselling rom-com author Casey McQuiston joins librarian Juliane Weight to discuss all things romance. Free. 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, library.arlingtonva.us

JULY 19, 8 P.M.

An Evening with David Sedaris Wolf Trap

The preeminent humor writer brings his sardonic wit and social critique to the stage during this special, one-night storytelling event. Tickets begin at $41. 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

Got a calendar event we should know about? Submit it to editorial@arlingtonmagazine.com

big picture ■ Story and photo by Suz Redfearn

Get Hooked

Northern Virginia has a thriving community of fly fishing junkies. This is where they meet.

FLY FISHING IS SO MUCH MORE than 1990s Brad Pitt standing in a sparkling river looking winsome in waders.

Fly fishing, referred to as “the quiet sport,” is a culture unto itself that has nothing to do with Hollywood and everything to do with stunning landscapes and a love of community. Oh, and trout.

Fly fishing is angling shops filled with enthusiasts who want nothing more than to be with each other discussing the best local fishing spots and the latest feature in Trout Unlimited magazine.

It’s seminars where devotees gather to learn how to make their own fake bugs around a tiny hook—an endeavor involving vises, pliers, single hairs from animal pelts and a working knowledge of every contour of the insects a trout might want to eat.

Fly fishing is fly shop dogs, usually Labrador retrievers or hunting dogs named after fabled waterways, that sleep under racks of fishing poles or SPF 50 shirts in muted tones (you mustn’t wear loud colors or it scares the fish).

But mostly, fly fishing is a constant need to plan the next trip to a cool stream with all your gear, and if you’re lucky, your buddies.

Richard Farino, owner of District Angling in Arlington, feels all of this in his bones.

From Tuesday through Saturday every week, he holds court in his Cherrydale shop, which attracts area fly fishers like a powerful magnet. Even in the middle of a weekday, regulars stop in on their lunch breaks or sneak away while working from home. On Fridays in summertime, they come for social gatherings from 5 to 7 p.m.

Sam Mikell, an assistant director at the University of Maryland Global Campus, has been fly fishing for three years and

is now a self-described District Angling “shop rat.”

“I swing by the shop even if I don’t need anything, just to say hello,” says Mikell, adding that she learns just as much from her conversations at the store as she does from seminars and books, like fly tying tricks and local places where the fish are biting. She loves Farino’s two dogs, Madison and Luca. Farino, 50, worked for a fly fishing retailer in Manhattan before coming to the D.C. area in 2008 to open up someone else’s fishing shop. In 2017, he decided to open his own place on Langston Boulevard. Turns out the majority of the former shop’s customers were Northern Virginians who lived inside the Beltway.

According to the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, fly fishers in the U.S. grew to 8 million in 2023, and each of those folks goes fly fishing an average of 11 times a year. That’s a lot of fishing that needs to be discussed at the store.

Traditionally, older men have made up the sport’s core demographic, Farino says. His mission is to bring the joys of fly fishing to younger generations, including women. He works with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts on getting their fishing badges. He likes to hire young people.

Farino offers a free fake fly-making (referred to as fly tying) seminar at the back of the shop every other Saturday. To get the uninitiated up to speed, he also hosts intensive two-day bootcamps about 10 times a year, during which he explains—among other things—how to take pictures so your fish look huge.

Then he takes the group fishing along Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah Valley against sweeping mountain views. “Trout don’t live in ugly places,” he says. ■

Eliza Tebo

Joseph D. Tran

On the Ballads

Music is a love language for this Arlington couple. Their newest album is a tribute to two American icons.

AT A HOLLYWOOD recording studio in 1971, two singer-songwriters were cutting new albums just down the hall from each other. One was a piano-playing mom of two, and the other a folk singer who’d recently returned from Europe. The records? Tapestry by Carole King and Blue by Joni Mitchell.

More than a half-century later, Ken Avis is still enthralled by the serendipity of that magical time in music history. He recalls how both King and Mitchell were living in Laurel Canyon—then a haven for folk and rock music in the Hollywood Hills—and how their neighbor, James Taylor, provided guitar on both albums and joined Mitchell, his onetime girlfriend, on backing vocals for King.

“It was this time and place thing,” says Avis, an Arlington-based musician who performs under the name Veronneau alongside his wife, Quebecoise vocalist Lynn Veronneau. Their genredefying repertoire includes bossa nova, swing, blues and pop.

And now folk. Veronneau’s newest studio album, Blue Tapestry, an homage to those legendary records, was released on CD May 17 at a live Blues Alley show in D.C. and is slated to

Musicians Ken Avis and Lynn Veronneau

begin streaming this fall. It’s the seventh album for the award-winning duo.

The songs, of course, are familiar. Veronneau has previewed the album during live performances at Lubber Run Amphitheater in Arlington and Strathmore’s AMP. Woven between covers of hits such as King’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman” and Mitchell’s “Carey” is a healthy amount of storytelling.

“We can’t stop Ken from talking,” Lynn says, launching a playful jab at her raconteur husband, a D.C. music historian and documentarian who also lectures for the Smithsonian and local universities. They live in the Chesterbrook neighborhood near the Arlington-McLean border.

Blue and Tapestry emerged in a year of legendary albums that included Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, John Lennon’s Imagine and Led Zeppelin IV Ken says they stumbled on the stories behind the albums in David Hepworth’s 2016 book, Never a Dull Moment: 1971, The Year That Rock Exploded. Each has personal connections with the music dating back to childhood.

“I first heard Blue in the ’80s and was immediately smitten by its composition, complex poetry and imagery,” Lynn says. “Tapestry had this heartfelt sing-along and earworm effect that I found irresistible.”

While much of the music of that era stood as social commentary during tumultuous times, there was also a current of introspection, she says. “[Mitchell and King] turned the focus onto themselves, into their inner world…and that changes American music forever.”

Lynn and Ken met in 1994 at a music festival soundcheck in Switzerland. He was a U.K.-bred blues guitarist. She was a classically trained vocalist and (true story) a recent alumna of the first band to appear on the internet—a doo-wop group called Les Horribles Cernettes, associated

“I first heard [Joni Mitchell’s] Blue in the ’80s and was immediately smitten by its composition, complex poetry and imagery.”

with the CERN nuclear research facility near Geneva, where she worked. Musically curious, she’d started dabbling in funk, much to the chagrin of her opera coach.

“Lynn was getting in trouble,” Ken recalls, admiringly. “The opera teacher was saying, ‘This is a disgrace! You’re ruining your voice screaming in smoky clubs!’ ”

The two performed briefly as a jazz duo in Europe before Ken left for a job at the World Bank in D.C. and Lynn headed to San Francisco to sing. They reconnected a few years later, eventually got married and in 2010 formed a jazz ensemble with world music flavors. Their first album, Joie de Vivre, was released in 2011 as an experiment—to see if they could make a name for themselves as serious jazz artists. “It was like a big dream but, at the same time, with low expectations,” Lynn says.

Today Veronneau travels the world, performing original songs and covers in French, Portuguese, Spanish and English. Close to home, they’ve played dozens of shows at Blues Alley and won seven Wammie Music Awards. One of their song releases, “La Mer,” boasts 1.2 million Spotify streams.

They’ve performed in collaboration with other artists, including guitarist David Rosenblatt, drummer Pete Walby, Canadian saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk and British violinist Dave Kline. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine provides the occasional cameo at local gigs, joining them on harmonica and vocals.

A power couple in the D.C. music scene, they enjoy sharing the spotlight. Their longtime WERA 96.7 FM radio show, Antidote, celebrated music in the national capital region. Its offshoot, Antidote Records, promotes local artists. “What we get out of it is not money—it is the enjoyment of

being part of the process,” Ken says. They support up-and-coming musicians in other ways, too, serving as mentors for the Strathmore Artist in Residence program and producing live shows such as the Passport Music Festival at Creative Cauldron in Falls Church.

Together they have three adult children (two from Ken’s previous marriage), including a son who’s a fulltime rock musician with Toronto-based Ducks Ltd., and a banjo-wielding son in college with a penchant for jazz and bluegrass. Their daughter teaches English as a Second Language at Kenmore Middle School.

Blue Tapestry features four songs each from its parent albums. The record’s most striking track may be its fresh and contemporary take on Mitchell’s “Blue” in which Lynn’s haunting vocals match the vulnerability of the lyric: Hey, Blue, there is a song for you / Ink on a pin / Underneath the skin / An empty space to fill in.

Thematically, the 1971 albums are kindred spirits, she says. “There’s a lot of overlap, a lot of songs about love and longing. Longing for home, longing for simpler days and simpler ways.”

Veronneau’s live renditions have brought a few audience members to tears. For some, the records are nostalgic. Many recall having the albums on repeat during their formative years. “The songs are just kind of part of their DNA,” Ken says.

During a recent house concert in an Arlington backyard, the pair stopped singing midway through “You’ve Got a Friend.” The crowd had it covered. ■

Eliza Tebo is a writer, musician and podcast host living in Arlington with her fiancé, two kids and cat, Milo. Her most cherished Joni Mitchell song is “River.”

Greg Hamilton

Seeking Answers

An adoption search and reunion story

I DON’T REMEMBER when my parents first told me I was adopted. I’ve always known. As a little kid, there were certain fundamental truths: My name was Greg, Santa Claus was real and I was adopted. I must have asked a lot of questions because in the third grade, my mom placed me in a special program at school for adopted children. I attended for a session or two and then refused to go back. At that age, who wants to be different?

A few years later, an older boy in the neighborhood who had a nasty streak told me, “Your real mother didn’t love you, and that’s why she gave you away.” Bullies have a special talent for identifying your insecurities and exploiting them. I think his words wounded me because, deep down, I believed them to be true. The one person who is supposed to love you more than anyone else—your mother—abandoned you.

As I got older, I didn’t think about being adopted as often. But it was always there, a quiet voice whispering negative thoughts in my ear, undermining my self-confidence and self-worth. People occasionally asked if I was interested in finding my birth parents, and I casually brushed them off. In hindsight, the fear of what I might find and the potential for rejection was overwhelming. I also worried a search would be perceived as disloyalty to my mom and dad, the parents who raised me and have always been there for me.

When I was 35, two major events changed my perspective on my adoption and kickstarted my desire to seek information about my biological family history. First, I was separated from my job after eight years of success and positions of increasing responsibility. I was simply the casualty of a leadership change, but the blow to my ego was devastating. I decided to see a therapist to help me understand why I felt so worthless.

My therapist tied my feelings back to my adoption and explained that adoption is a traumatic event. Many adoptees suffer from mental health challenges stemming from feelings of loss, disenfranchised grief, rejection and a lack of identity. What I felt was apparently “normal” for an individual with my background. He shared that, compared to a lot of adoptees who struggle in school, their careers and their rela-

tionships, I had adapted quite well. In other words, I had “succeeded” despite the psychological disadvantages inherent in being adopted. I sure didn’t feel like a success at the time, but it was nice to be validated.

My therapist lent me a book called The Girls Who Went Away , which documents the experiences of dozens of women who relinquished their babies in the 1950s and 1960s. The themes were typically the same. The women were young and unmarried. The pregnancies were unexpected and unwanted. The women were often conflicted about giving their babies away, and some fought hard to keep them. The authority figures in their lives— parents, clergy, the administrators at the homes where they were sent— encouraged and even coerced them into placing their children for adoption.

I think the hardest I’ve ever cried

The author in 1971

was while I read that book. The stories were heart-wrenching, and yet they also helped me understand that my birth mother may not have had a choice in the matter. They suggested that maybe she had loved me after all.

The second event that changed my thinking was the birth of our first child, Caroline. Here’s why: My wife, Maureen, knows a lot about her family history. She knows the villages in Ireland and Italy that her ancestors hail from. She has a big family—her parents, three siblings, 12 aunts and uncles, and 27 first cousins. They’re proud of their traditions and heritage.

When Caroline was a baby, everyone on my wife’s side had strong opinions about who she looked like. They gushed: “She’s a Creadon [my wife’s maiden name]! She looks just like Mae [my father-in-law’s mother] with her porcelain skin and rosy cheeks.

And those eyelashes. She got them from you, Aunt Kathleen.” I loved how excited they were, but it was like my own daughter didn’t have a connection to me. I didn’t know my countries of origin. I didn’t know my birth family’s history. I didn’t even know where I was born. I just knew my birthday. That’s it. So, I decided I wanted information. I wanted to find my birth mother. (For some reason, I wasn’t motivated to find my birth father. I think reading The Girls Who Went Away made me feel empathetic toward her and even a little guilty about the trauma she endured. He, on the other hand, probably got off scot-free.) The fear of what I might find and the possibility of being rejected again was outweighed by a deep longing for answers. Although I feared the search might hurt my parents’ feelings, I felt I had to move forward to feel whole. It turns out my parents weren’t

surprised or offended. They figured I’d conduct a search at some point.

Unfortunately, the process wasn’t going to be easy. Pennsylvania, where I was born and raised, was a closed adoption state at the time, which made biological parent-child reunions difficult. For the next eight years, I chased down every lead I could think of—calling hospitals in Philadelphia where I may have been born, trying to find the administrators at the home where my birth mother had stayed (my mom remembered that detail, but nothing more), contacting various adoption agencies, and signing up for reunion registries. I did the work in fits and starts. Every attempt hit a dead end. I considered hiring a private investigator, but it was expensive with no guarantee of success.

In 2011, my mom suggested I mail letters to the four county courthouses in and around Philadelphia in the hope

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that one of them had my adoption records. I received a positive response from the Delaware County courthouse. They had my records. The next step was to petition the court for non-identifying information. I filled out a form, sent the required $100 check and waited.

Weeks later, a letter arrived from the Orphans’ Court of Delaware County. I remember reading “orphans’ court” and rolling my eyes at what struck me as an antiquated and insensitive word. But the letter contained fascinating and tantalizing information. My birth mother’s name was Jeanne; she was from Ohio; she graduated from college and studied in France; and she was 23 when I was born. The judge who penned the letter seemed sympathetic to my plight and apologized that he couldn’t provide more details. The letter also included my birth length and weight, and that I was born at the

University of Pennsylvania Hospital. (I like to joke that’s the closest I will ever get to the Ivy League.) Although it was wonderful to receive the letter and it filled in some gaps for me, I realized there wasn’t a clear next step.

Fast-forward to 2017 and Pennsylvania changed its adoption laws. Adoptees could now petition for their birth certificates, although birth parents had the right to redact their names. I didn’t learn about the change until the fall of 2018. But when I did, I looked up the steps, mailed the forms and again waited. I received a letter weeks later confirming receipt of my documents.

On Valentine’s Day 2019, I received a second letter. Like the previous correspondence, it included my adoption number and the Orphans’ Court letterhead. But this one was different. It revealed my given name at birth. I’d thought about being adopted thou -

sands of times, but it never occurred to me that my birth mother had given me a name. I learned that my first name had been Sean, and my middle name had been Michael. I also learned my last name—which presumably was my birth mother’s maiden name and most likely the final clue to finding her.

I sat in my office chair, stunned, and re-read the name a dozen times. I slowly got up, walked over to Maureen, handed her the letter, and (as a sanity check) asked what she thought it meant. She smiled and said, “This was your name when you were a baby.”

We went to her laptop and, armed with my birth mother’s first name, maiden name, and other clues from the 2011 letter, we found her in about five minutes.

Maureen suggested we check Facebook to see if she had a profile. When Jeanne’s photo popped up, Maureen

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looked at me and said, “That’s your mother.” Then she said, “Katherine [our middle daughter] looks just like her.” We hugged.

Fortunately for us, Jeanne’s Facebook page had a public setting, and we didn’t need to be “friends” to view it. We opened a bottle of wine and looked through her photos and posts. We learned about her life and that I have two half-sisters. We also discovered she was married and raised her family about 30 minutes away in Fairfax County. It was a weird, wonderful trip down a memory lane of sorts.

The next day, I wrote Jeanne a letter. I had written it in my mind over the years, and it took less than 10 minutes to complete. I included my email address and mailed it that day. Jeanne contacted me soon after and we spoke on the phone for about 90 minutes. What had been a massive void in my life was quickly filled.

Over the next few months, I learned everything about her and her decision to give me away. I learned about her husband, daughters, grandkids and extended family. I learned about my birth father. No question was off limits. She has been incredibly open and honest with me, and I’m forever grateful.

Jeanne and I have formed a wonderful friendship, and my wife and daughters have been blessed to get to know her family. As reunions go, ours couldn’t be more gratifying and fulfilling. I was looking for information and found so much more. I realize how lucky I am. And the lingering feelings of loss, sadness, rejection and inauthenticity have largely dissipated. ■

Greg Hamilton is the owner and publisher of Arlington Magazine. This essay first appeared in Sacred Spaces: Subtle Shifts for Mind, Body, and Home Transformation Volume 3, an anthology of transformative stories compiled by McLean-based author and life coach Colleen Avis.

Ones to Watch PROFILES

The Counseling Center Group

“You can’t have change without first starting with compassion.” —Victoria Mwongela, Clinical Director

1655 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 330 Arlington, VA 22209 804-293-2088 www.counselingcentergroup.com

The Counseling Center Group is dedicated to helping individuals build the life they will love to live. Highly specialized therapists are trained in areas such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and couples therapy using The Gottman Method. These therapists are committed to providing short-term therapy treatments that are designed to achieve positive, long-lasting results. Each member of the team operates with that core value in mind. In supportive, collaborative environments, they provide therapy one-on-one, in groups, or with couples. Free initial consultations are available.

Old Firehouse Center’s Youth Camp Director Barry Pinder-Robinson, Afterschool Program Manager Benjamin Barber and General Manager Andrew Carter

The Old Firehouse Center

OF THE MCLEAN COMMUNITY CENTER

“We strive to create an atmosphere at OFC that fosters personal development in the youth we serve. These life skills expand on the information they are learning at school and gives them a more well-rounded vision of what they can achieve.”

—Andrew Carter, General Manager

1440 Chain Bridge Road

McLean, VA 22101

703-790-0123

www.mcleancenter.org

In 2025, the McLean Community Center (MCC) is celebrating 50 years of serving the community. A special agency of Fairfax County Government, the center offers activities for adults, teens and children, including a wide range of classes, camps, theater performances and special events.

The Old Firehouse Center (OFC), a division of MCC housed in an award-winning historic facility, provides after-school programming, day camps, family events and a variety of out-of-school time programs planned and facilitated by experienced staff members. Through the efforts of these professionals, area youth have opportunities for fun and personal development.

General Manager Andrew Carter has worked in youth development for 20 years, 10 of them at OFC. Beginning his career as a facilitator, he was promoted to trip coordinator and camp director before becoming the general manager. Carter manages

all aspects of OFC’s budget and program planning and ensures his staff has what it needs to succeed. “We are focused on always improving the services provided to the families we serve,” he says.

Ben Barber brings 13 years of experience to his new position as after school program manager. He understands the unique needs of the youth and families he serves and fosters a strong team culture and an enriching environment. Pet therapy sessions, Friday night events and various interest clubs are offered during the afterschool program.

Youth Camp Director Barry Pinder-Robinson manages Camp McLean and is the program manager of youth camps and events at the McLean Community Center, including Springfest, Harvest Happenings, and Milk and Cookies with Santa.

OFC Registration for the 2025-2026 school year begins June 16.

Greg DeFlorio, Owner

BALLSTON LOCAL

Growing up, dinner was an important part of the day. Mom prepared our meals, and we ate together as a family when Dad came home from work. We went out to restaurants on Saturday night. I know what great hospitality feels like and that’s what we provide to our neighbors in Arlington.

900 N. Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22203 703-852-1260 www.ballstonlocal.com

“I was fortunate to have the experience of travelling the world as a kid,” says Greg DeFlorio, who recently purchased Ballston Local after being its general manager for two years. “My dad’s job took us to Canada, Holland, Saudi Arabia, the UK and several U.S. states, giving me a global appreciation of people, culture and food.”

His career path in hospitality began as soon as he was old enough to work at a drive-thru, then progressed from fast food to Five Diamond. He earned a degree in hospitality management while working in front of house positions at various restaurants. Looking beyond service, DeFlorio enrolled in the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York where he trained to be a chef.

After completing school, Las Vegas was calling. Being employed as executive chef in multiple venues at the Bellagio taught DeFlorio to provide excellence in product and service to a discriminating clientele. The culmination of this experience led him to be appointed to the opening team at MGM National Harbor. Responsibilities included hiring, training, menu creation, recipe development, operations, financial responsibility and business acumen for a culinary department of 300 personnel that staffed 12 food and beverage outlets.

Fond of the D.C. area, DeFlorio settled in Ballston. Now he looks forward to bringing all of his life and work experience to the neighborhood gathering place, Ballston Local, and to serve the community as a business owner and resident.

Krisjan & Mayra Berzins

KINGSTOWNE LAWN & LANDSCAPE

6461 Stephenson Way, Alexandria, VA 22312

703-921-9200 www.kingstownelawn.com

Krisjan Berzins didn’t start with a business plan; he started with a push mower and a relentless drive to build something of his own. At just 18 years old, he knocked on doors in his Alexandria neighborhood offering yard work, eventually growing his solo effort into what would become Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape, a full-service design-build firm with nearly 100 employees.

“I learned early on that people don’t just want landscaping. They want reliability, responsiveness and someone who cares,” he says. That mindset laid the foundation for a company now known across Northern Virginia for its quality, consistency and customer-first culture.

After attending Randolph Macon College, Krisjan returned to the D.C. area and poured himself into growing the business. Over the years, he learned to lead by listening to both clients and team members, fo-

cusing on building a workplace defined by honesty, accountability and mutual respect.

Today, Krisjan leads Kingstowne alongside his wife, Mayra Berzins, the company’s Chief Operations Officer. Together, they’ve shaped a workplace where collaboration and accountability fuel long-term success, not just for the business, but for their people.

Now in its 25th year, Kingstowne has transformed thousands of properties with custom outdoor spaces, but Krisjan says the most rewarding part isn’t the work itself. “It’s seeing what a strong team can accomplish when everyone cares.”

Krisjan Berzins is the founder and CEO of Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape. A handson leader with a passion for design and customer service, he has built a top-tier landscape design-build firm serving Northern Virginia for over 25 years. His leadership philosophy centers on integrity, accountability and continuous improvement.

Damon J. Cruz, General Manager

HEARTLAND DESIGN & REMODELING

“Heartland Design & Remodeling has built a solid reputation over our four decades in the Northern Virginia area. We have a deep understanding of local styles, preferences and needs. Our sustained presence solidifies our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, which are crucial in maintaining trust and respect in the home remodeling sector.”

—Damon Cruz

703-369-3000

www.heartlanddesign.com

Damon’s journey in the construction industry is a remarkable blend of personal passion, inherited wisdom and professional expertise. Starting from his early days on the farm with his grandfather, Damon honed the skills needed to construct and repair essential structures and tools. This foundation not only instilled in him a strong work ethic but also a dedication to problem-solving—traits that have propelled him through an impressive 25+ year career in construction. After earning his MBA from the University of Maryland, Damon advanced through various roles in the industry, from hands-on project management to senior positions in both commercial and residential sectors. His deep-seated passion for operational excellence has been instrumental in the success of the companies he has been part of, consistently helping them to exceed their business goals. His ability to synthesize his background, education and industry experience has undoubtedly contributed to the success and reliability that clients have come to expect from Heartland Design & Remodeling.

Damon’s leadership at Heartland Design & Remodeling reflects his belief that a company’s strength lies in its processes and people. The firm prides itself on a personalized, client-centric approach, backed by a team of top-tier professionals in design, architecture and skilled trades who are committed to exceptional collaboration and craftsmanship. With nearly four decades of service in Northern Virginia, Heartland Design & Remodeling continues to be a trusted name, embodying the values Damon holds dear.

Hope+Wellness

At Hope+Wellness our treatment approach is integrative and grounded in top, innovative evidence-based practices— including CBT, DBT and mindfulness—to promote healing, growth and wellness. We also offer comprehensive, strengths-based neuropsychological evaluations, helping patients gain deep insight and clarity, helping them understand themselves more deeply and live with greater purpose, potential and wellbeing.

Offices in Falls Church, McLean and Washington, D.C. Telehealth in VA, MD, D.C., CA, NY and PSYPACT

703-923-8965

info@hope-wellness.com www.hope-wellness.com

Dr. Victoria Ranade is a Johns Hopkins-trained, board-certified licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in providing evidence-based treatment of depression, anxiety, mood, life adjustment and stress.

She founded Hope+Wellness to provide not only exceptional, evidence-based care but support that is warm, genuine and deeply human. Her own family’s struggle with bipolar disorder inspired her to create a place where people could feel safe to be themselves—truly seen, supported and heard. A place where hope could be found, even in the most difficult seasons of life.

“Healing begins in relationships— where your pain is met with kindness, and

you’re able to see your inner beauty and truth more clearly,” she says.

Dr. Ranade assembled a team of clinicians who share her deeply held values and commitment to high-quality therapy and assessment. Mental health concerns can often feel insurmountable. In those moments, it’s vital to have a clinician who can help navigate the complexity with skill and compassion. This team is dedicated to being that kind of presence for their patients.

They intuitively tailor treatment to each patient’s unique needs, taking the time to build authentic, healing relationships. With care and dedication, they guide patients toward growth by helping them reconnect with their inner strengths and resilience— to greater joy and wholeness.

MICHAEL VENTURA

Gabby Wood LGSW; Carlisle Hickey; Lauren Maxwell, LPC, NCC; Dr. Victoria Ranade, Dr. Kayleigh Hale, Dr. Gwenna Blanden

Bill Milby and Jason Lindner

CAMPUS PRIVATE WEALTH

At Campus Private Wealth we see financial success as a journey, from your first day on campus to leaving a meaningful legacy. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

4075 Wilson Blvd., Suite 420 Arlington, VA 22203

703-996-4002

www.campuspw.com

Bill and Jason formed Campus Private Wealth (CPW) to create a modern wealth management firm with a local focus, designed and built by Arlington residents for their own community.

Drawing from decades of experience navigating markets and adjusting financial plans at Fortune 500 investment institutions, Campus has been set up with the singular goal of getting clients the lifestyle they envision and have worked so hard to accomplish.

“We are simply taking the best of what we’ve learned and adding all the global resources available to build the most transparent, dynamic and service-based firm in our industry,” says Bill. As a CFP® professional and chief investment officer of CPW, Bill combines the ability to design financial plans and choose the investment tools and vision to achieve goals.

Jason, who is a Retirement Accredited

Financial Advisor and the chief operating officer of CPW, focuses on making sure clients understand their financial roadmap. From accumulation to growth to eventual distribution, he ensures each financial plan is on track.

To build wealth, Bill and Jason assess all forms of public and private investments, and they believe core portfolios are best built with individual companies. Quality companies can build wealth and are an excellent asset to be handed down from generation to generation.

Over the next five years, $30 trillion will be transferred from baby boomers to Gen X, millennials and Gen Z. Transfers of wealth are often implemented through four generations sitting together—grandparents, parents, adult children and grandchildren—for tax and estate planning discussions. Modern legacy building requires a modern advisory firm, one that educates and empowers.

Adrian Thompson, PA-C, MSCP, Founder & Clinical Director

VIDA WOMEN’S HEALTH

With more than 20 years of experience in primary care, Adrian is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and she holds a Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine from the Obesity Medicine Association. She is also recognized as a sexual health expert, providing comprehensive and empathetic care tailored to the unique needs of women in midlife.

1530 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650, Arlington, VA 22209 571-461-1220 www.vidawomenshealth.com

Adrian Thompson, PA-C, is passionate about empowering women through the often-overlooked transitions of midlife. As founder and clinical director of Vida Women’s Health, she specializes in perimenopause and menopause care, medical weight management and sexual health, offering sciencebased, personalized treatments.

With over two decades of primary care experience in the U.S. and abroad, Adrian created her practice to support women during life’s most transformative years. Her journey is both professional and personal. After struggling with her own perimenopause and receiving outdated, dismissive care, she resolved to change the narrative.

For too long, women have endured misinformation and neglect from providers lacking current knowledge. Adrian’s mission is to ensure women no longer suffer needlessly but receive the expert, evidence-based care they deserve. She prioritizes science-backed treatments over trendy or unnecessary interventions, offering both FDA-approved, biologically identical hormone therapies and nonhormonal options tailored to each woman’s needs. Her patient-centered approach includes extended appointment times and direct provider access. Adrian also dispels myths surrounding hormonal health, empowering patients with clear, trustworthy solutions. Through Vida Women’s Health, Adrian raises awareness, educates and delivers exceptional care to enhance well-being and vitality at every stage of midlife.

Steven M. Harner, Psy.D.

CHILD & FAMILY ASSOCIATES

CFA is a multi-year Arlington Magazine Best Mental Health Practice Winner and Top Vote Getter—recognition fueled by the trust of our community. Most referrals come from current and former clients who confidently recommend us to friends and family, a testament to our strong reputation for effective, results-driven mental health care.

6063 Arlington Blvd.

Falls Church, VA 22044

703-533-3930

www.cfa-gw.com

Child & Family Associates of Greater Washington (CFA) was founded on four core values: make a connection, do the ordinary extraordinarily well, do the next right thing and go the extra mile. These values guide how CFA clinicians engage with clients, collaborate with schools and physicians, and build lasting, meaningful therapeutic relationships.

At the helm is Steven M. Harner, Psy.D., a trailblazer in mental health innovation across the greater Washington region. His vision shaped CFA into a vibrant, multidisciplinary group practice of 16 skilled therapists and psychologists, providing personalized care to children, adolescents and adults.

From anxious children and emotionally overwhelmed teens to adults facing major transitions, CFA clinicians offer care that is responsive, practical and grounded in addressing real-life needs. Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness,

family systems and solution-focused approaches, they create treatment plans that reflect each person’s strengths and goals. Every plan is thoughtfully tailored, so clients feel understood, equipped and empowered with the tools they need to thrive.

At its core, CFA is defined by a strengthsbased, skill-building philosophy—an approach that emphasizes what’s working, cultivates resilience and empowers clients to make meaningful, sustainable change.

Dr. Harner’s leadership is influenced by decades of meaningful contribution to both clinical care and systems-level change. He was instrumental in establishing the D.C. Superior Court’s Office of the Parenting Coordinator and extends his expertise beyond clinical settings—coaching entrepreneurs and business leaders to manage teams, navigate interpersonal dynamics and grow with purpose. He is also a frequently requested speaker on clinical and business topics.

Front row: Dr. Steven Harner, Dr. Rebecca Fritsch, Dr. Emilie Paczkowski, Ms. Ashley Maharaj, Ms. Isabel Prieto, Dr. Danielle Dougherty; Middle row: Dr. Matt DeMichiei, Dr. Kari Evans, Dr. Patricia Rodriguez, Ms. Lindsey Chapman, Ms. Theresa Dinman; Back row: Ms. Jessie Patton, Dr. Courtney Formicola, Dr. Christina Hyon-Wynn

Need a Therapist?

If so, you’re not alone. Here’s a framework for finding the right one for you.

BY ROBYN GEAREY

Several years ago, before I became a therapist myself, it became clear that my oldest, then 14, needed therapy. I didn’t know where to start. I called every provider within a 30-minute radius on my insurance company’s website, hoping to defray some of the costs. A few called me back only to say they were full or no longer accepting insurance.

Desperate and frustrated, I made another few dozen calls. It seemed nearly impossible to find a therapist who worked with kids and had immediate availability. Finally, I got a call back from Tanya Hull, clinical director of Family Therapeutics in Fairfax. She offered my child an appointment that week with a resident (a pre-licensed therapist working under supervision) at a reduced rate that I could afford. Over the years, my kids have seen three wonderful therapists on Hull’s team.

That was before the pandemic dealt another blow to the nation’s mental health, putting therapists in even greater demand. The share of U.S. adults reporting moderate to severe anxiety rose from 6% in 2019 to 18% in 2022, according to the CDC, and those with symptoms of depression increased from 7% to 21%.

■ need a therapist?

Worsening mental health among teens is also concerning. The latest CDC data finds 21% of teens reporting anxiety symptoms and 17% showing signs of depression.

The good news is that there are more access points than ever to mental health care—thanks, in part, to the advent of telemedicine and therapy apps. But finding a good therapist can still feel overwhelming. A quick search on Psychology Today turns up more than 1,000 therapists practicing in Arlington, Falls Church and McLean, and those are just the in-person providers. Adding virtual therapists increases your options several times over.

I should note that the term “therapist,” in this case, refers to an outpatient mental health professional you might see once a week or so to treat depression, anxiety or another mental health condition. (We’ll get to the different credentials later on.) Therapists don’t prescribe medication. For that, you’ll need a physician (typically a psychiatrist) or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

So, where to start? If you’re thinking you could benefit from therapy, Zack Goldman, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Solid Ground Psychotherapy in Clarendon, says friends and family can be a great resource. “If you know a therapist or have a friend who sees a therapist they like, ask them for recommendations,” he advises. “Then at least you’re getting the information from someone you know and connect with [who’s had a positive experience].”

Primary care physicians and other medical doctors can also provide referrals. Insurance company websites

“How the therapist sits with you, how they listen to you, how they are attuned to you, their ability to connect with you is much more important than the license they have.”

(my own experience notwithstanding) and therapy practice websites are also worthy starting points. Psychology Today is a popular resource that allows you to filter therapist profiles by ZIP code, specialty, rate and other helpful parameters.

Once you’ve got a preliminary list of providers, then what? Below is some guidance on how to evaluate a potential therapist, what to expect in therapy, and how to fire a therapist when it’s just not working out. The insights are based on my own experience as a practicing therapist, as well as advice from colleagues and from individuals who have sought therapy themselves.

Qualifications (Do They Know What They’re Doing?)

One of the first things you may notice are the different letters next to a provider’s name that indicate their licensure

status. In Virginia, most therapists will be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).

What do these credentials tell you? Frankly, not a lot. While it’s important that your therapist is professionally qualified and legally permitted to provide counseling, the specific license indicates more about how they got their degree than their specialty or level of experience. In order to be licensed in Virginia, LCSWs, LPCs and LMFTs have earned a master’s degree from an accredited program, passed a national exam, and accumulated at least 3,000 hours of supervised training. A PhD or PsyD has similar requirements and has earned a doctoral degree.

In short, all of these professionals can likely help you, so don’t fixate too much on the acronyms. Debbie Beach, an individual and couples therapist in Falls Church (and a LCSW), agrees: “How the therapist sits with you, how they listen to you, how they are attuned to you, their ability to connect with you is much more important than the license they have,” she says.

Most therapists pursue additional training and certification in specific areas of interest, such as couples and family therapy, addiction counseling or trauma-informed therapy. Those specialties tend to be more relevant to how they can support clients. “Look at someone’s website, look at what trainings they’ve taken,” Beach recommends. “Additional training means they care

about that area and they know enough about it to be able to apply those concepts to your work together.”

One field where licensure does matter is neuropsychological testing. PhDs and PsyDs are generally the only therapists who can administer assessments for ADHD, autism, learning disorders and other cognitive or developmental conditions. These tests are often required for accommodations in school, such as 504 plans and IEPs (individualized education programs), or in the workplace.

A final note on licensure: Legally, a therapist must be licensed in the state where the client is physically located at the time of the therapy appointment. If you live in Arlington and work in the District, for example, you can see a therapist in their D.C. office on your lunch hour, even if that person is not licensed in Virginia. However, if you’re not feeling well one day and want to do a virtual session from home, your therapist will have to be licensed in Virginia as well. Fortunately, many therapists in the D.C. area are licensed in Virginia, Maryland and the District.

If you travel frequently for work or attend college out of state, knowing where your therapist is licensed to practice is especially important. Many psychologists now belong to PSYPACT, an interstate telepsychology compact that allows them to hold virtual sessions in 42 participating states. Similar interstate agreements are in the works for social workers and counselors but haven’t yet taken effect.

Specialties and Modalities

The next set of letters you’ll see on many therapists’ websites and online profiles are the modalities, or types of therapy, they practice (see sidebar).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one example. “A lot of people struggle with rigidity. Cognitive behavioral therapists might look at a person’s thoughts, emotions and beliefs, and try to work to promote flexibility in them,” explains

Types of Therapy

Below are a few of the more common forms of psychotherapy (known as “modalities”) offered by mental health professionals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and modify negative or irrational thought patterns and behaviors to improve their emotional regulation and overall well-being. It’s a structured, goal-oriented approach focused on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. CBT is a great starting place for treating depression and anxiety.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy that combines elements of CBT with mindfulness practices. It can be helpful for those experiencing intense emotions and emotional dysregulation that put them at risk of self-harm. DBT may help with borderline personality or bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use and eating disorders.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a specialized form of CBT used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It involves gently exposing individuals to situations or objects they fear (triggers) while teaching them to resist the compulsive behaviors they’ve used in the past. As Rebecca Berman, clinical director of the Anxiety Institute in McLean, explains, “[ERP] works through a process called inhibitory learning, in which the brain learns that it’s possible to feel anxious and still be okay. Over time, ERP helps retrain the brain to realize that feared outcomes are unlikely or, if the fear does occur, we [know we] have the skills to be able to cope.”

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an increasingly popular treatment that has been endorsed by the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association to treat various forms of trauma, including PTSD. Using bilateral stimulation, EMDR seeks to change the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain, effectively rewiring a person’s reaction to certain triggers. In the most common form of EMDR, the client follows the therapist’s hand or another object with their eyes while focusing on different aspects of a troubling memory, including images, physical sensations and emotions. After treatment, clients have said they feel lighter and that the memories that previously caused extreme distress now appear hazy and distant.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a psychotherapy model used to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorders, eating disorders, relationship challenges and other issues. It views the mind as composed of various sub-personalities, or “parts,” each with its own role and purpose, that operate sort of like a family.

When the internal “family” is in distress, these parts can negatively affect thoughts, feelings and actions. For example, a defensive part might snap at a spouse when it feels criticized. IFS therapy works with these parts to help them heal and develop more positive ways of relating.

Psychodynamic Therapy is often what people think of when they picture therapy. A psychodynamic therapist helps the client explore their thoughts, feelings and past experiences to identify recurring patterns and unconscious motivations that influence current behavior and relationships. Through the therapy process, clients increase self-awareness and work to develop healthier coping strategies.

■ need a therapist?

Take the Interview

Shopping for a therapist? Most mental health providers offer free 15-minute phone or video chats so you can test the chemistry before scheduling an appointment. Here are five questions to ask:

What is your approach to therapy? This question gets at how they think about the therapeutic process and should give you a sense of how structured or unstructured your sessions might be. For example, do they give homework?

Have you worked with this diagnosis or issue before? What did your clients find most helpful? Most therapists will be comfortable working with common issues like anxiety and depression, but not all will have expertise in more complex areas such as OCD, autism and eating disorders. Ask what experience they have with your particular concerns.

How long do you usually work with people? Some therapists focus on shorterterm approaches while others see clients for years. Whether you’re envisioning a few sessions or long-term support, make sure you’re on the same page.

How will we know if I’m making progress? Many therapists will help you set goals and check in with you every few months. Some are more structured in their approach to goal setting and treatment planning than others.

Am I a good fit for you? If not, do you have recommendations? Just as you’re assessing whether a therapist is a good fit, they should also be evaluating whether they’re the right provider to support you. We want you to succeed in therapy, even if that means referring you to a colleague who is a better match.

therapy. “I try to understand somebody’s current struggles through patterns that have happened in their lives,” he explains. “I try to help them understand why these patterns exist, when they were developed and what needs they meet. I take the radical approach that everybody, even in their worst behavior, is trying to meet some type of need.”

I used a psychodynamic approach with a former client who wanted to reduce symptoms of anxiety. As we explored his past, we identified a pattern of experiences where he felt powerless. He began to recognize his anxiety as a defense mechanism to protect him from situations that were out of his control. Over time, he was able to notice this pattern as it was happening and change his reaction to the situation. His anxiety lessened considerably.

Having a basic awareness of different treatment modalities can be helpful, but don’t get overwhelmed by the science. “I personally think it’s more important to look at the population a therapist works with and the experience they have, versus the theory they practice,” says SC Nealy, founder of the LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative in Cherrydale. “Not a lot of people would go into their surgeon’s office and say, ‘You have to use this particular method in my surgery.’ If you are seeking out somebody for their expertise, you do have to come in with a little bit of trust.”

Modalities aside, some therapists— Nealy included—specialize in particular populations, such as the LGBTQ community, children, neurodivergent clients (for example, people with autism, ADHD or dyslexia) or various cultures. Having a therapist who understands your background and experience can help in establishing a foundation of trust.

Anthony LoPresti, a psychologist in Rosslyn. For instance, he says, “A client may hold beliefs such as ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘I’m a failure.’ A CBT therapist might challenge that a bit and ask, ‘Can you talk to me about times where

you felt like you were going to fail at something, and you proved yourself wrong?’” CBT is a great starting place for depression and anxiety.

Another common modality, which LoPresti practices, is psychodynamic

According to Nealy’s colleague, Roland Scheppske, clients may find it helpful to choose a therapist with a similar lived experience or world view. Doing so offers a “baseline of understanding…even if they’re coming in because work is stressful and it has nothing to do with, say, their queer-

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■ need a therapist?

ness or their race or anything of the sort. There is still this lived experience of shared marginalization.”

If a therapist doesn’t specify their background, just ask. I’ve had prospective clients ask about my political views, religious beliefs and whether I identify as LGBTQ. It’s okay to ask personal questions about the therapist’s background and beliefs if those factors are important to you. It’s up to the therapist to decide whether they feel comfortable answering.

Virtual vs. In-Person Sessions

Before the pandemic, only about 20% of therapy sessions were virtual. Today, the percentage is considerably higher. One 2023 analysis of U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs data found that more than half of the roughly 277 million outpatient visits made by 9 million veterans between 2019 and 2023 were online. Much of this rise is due to convenience. We’ve become more comfortable with video conferencing and many of us find it easier to fit a virtual session into our busy days.

“Obviously it’s very convenient to be able to just open a Zoom meeting, have therapy, and then move on to the next thing,” says Emily, 29, a Clarendon resident who has scheduled appointments both in-person and online.

The good news is that virtual therapy is widely considered to be effective across a wide range of mental health issues. A recent American Psychological Association review of 24 research studies found that telehealth patients improved at similar rates to in-person clients.

How do you know whether in-person or virtual is best for you? The first consideration may be a practical one. You’ll have access to a broader pool of providers if you’re open to virtual sessions. (There just aren’t as many therapists working in person.) This becomes even more of a factor if you’re looking for someone with a specific ethnic background or specialty.

Also, consider whether your schedule is flexible enough to allow for inperson sessions. Some therapists offer

Research suggests the connection between client and therapist— the so-called “therapeutic alliance”—is the biggest predictor of success in therapy.

evening or weekend appointments, but those slots are hard to come by.

The next consideration is why you’re coming to therapy. “For people who are doing skills-based work—coping skills, communications skills—virtual is fine,” Nealy says. In-person sessions may be more helpful for those with a history of trauma or interpersonal difficulties. “If you’re working on anything that involves [relationships with] other people, in-person is, in my opinion, always going to be the most impactful,” she advises. “Over 90% of success in therapy has to do with the therapeutic alliance [between client and therapist]. And that is just not something that can be developed in the same way virtually.”

Couples counseling is one such scenario, Beach says, noting that body language and other unspoken dynamics can be harder to pick up on during a virtual session. “I miss the opportunity to see if [when] someone’s crying, is the other person reaching out to comfort them? Is the other person scooting away? Or let’s say somebody’s angry and upset. Are you able to tolerate that while sitting next to each other on the couch? Do you get up and leave?”

In my experience, children also benefit from in-person sessions. So do teens and adults with ADHD or who

are otherwise easily distracted. (One therapist told me she can see a client scrolling on Facebook during virtual sessions from the reflection in their glasses.) Concerns about privacy and candor also come into play if there’s a chance others may overhear your conversations during virtual appointments. “I’ve had clients who have had partners or roommates walk by,” says LoPresti.

For some clients, going to in-person therapy feels more intentional and meaningful. “It feels like more of a commitment to yourself when you are really dedicating that time to work on yourself,” Goldman says. “Just getting out of the house for some people is therapeutic in itself.”

Costs and Insurance

Therapy is expensive. According to FAIR Health, an independent nonprofit dedicated to transparency in healthcare costs, a one-hour therapy session in Arlington costs around $250. That tracks with my admittedly less-thanscientific survey of colleagues’ rates. If you’re going weekly, that means an investment of $13,000 per year.

Insurance can help defray some of the expense. While most insurance plans (including Medicare) offer at least some coverage for mental health care, benefits vary widely. Using an innetwork provider in the same way you might choose an in-network primary care doctor or specialist is one way to keep costs lower. Start with your insurance company’s website, find a therapist who is in-network, and then pay a copay for each session. The copay is typically in line with the amount you’d pay for any medical specialist.

There are, however, a few potential issues with using an in-network therapist, starting with availability. A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation confirms a shortage of mental health care providers in Virginia and nationwide. And thanks to declining reimbursement rates—on average, insurers reimburse less than half the hourly rate—there are even fewer therapists these days who accept insurance.

Another downside is that insurance companies have a great deal of control over treatment for patients using innetwork benefits. A 2024 investigation by ProPublica concluded that, “It is often the insurers, not the therapists, that determine who can get treatment, what kind they can get, and for how long.” The nonprofit’s findings turned up dozens of examples in which care was denied to patients in crisis.

As Nealy puts it, for in-network providers, “the client is always the insurance company.”

In addition to health insurance, some employers offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide access to counseling at no cost, but these benefits are not designed for long-term support. You may be limited in your choice of providers, and EAPs usually cap the number of sessions. EAPs are a great resource if you’re seeking temporary support with

a specific challenge, such as a life transition, or immediate help in a crisis. If you need more sessions than the EAP allows, some plans give you the option to pay for additional appointments.

If you can’t find an in-network provider or prefer not to use one, you can always pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement yourself. Most therapists will provide what is called a “superbill” to submit to your insurance company, which details your diagnosis, appointment dates and length of sessions.

According to FAIR Health, a typical plan reimburses 70% for therapy on average, bringing the out-of-pocket cost for a $250 session down to $75.

If you decide to go this route, first call your insurer to confirm your outof-network mental health benefit. This should include the number of sessions eligible for reimbursement, the allowable amount (the percentage of your therapist’s rate the insurer deems rea-

sonable), your coinsurance amount and your deductible.

If therapy remains unaffordable, there are other options. Consider whether biweekly sessions might make sense, or look for therapists who offer a sliding scale based on income. The Women’s Center in Vienna and D.C. offers free or subsidized mental health counseling based on need.

You might also search for a prelicensed therapist—someone who has completed their degree and is working toward licensure under supervision. These professionals typically charge less than a licensed provider and will be designated as either a “resident” or a “supervisee.” Some practices have graduate interns available at even lower rates.

As a recent graduate intern and current supervisee who has sent my own children to pre-licensed therapists, I can attest that there are many excellent providers in this category.

■ need a therapist?

Finding a Match

So, you’ve found a few therapists who seem like a good fit. What now? Most mental health professionals offer free 15-minute phone or video chats to give you a chance to get to know them before scheduling an appointment.

Beach recommends having preliminary conversations with three providers. “It takes extra time and energy to research therapists and to have three calls,” she acknowledges, “but have three calls.” Each one is an opportunity to ask logistical questions regarding fees, insurance and availability, to give the therapist a little background on your situation and what you’re looking to accomplish, and to get a sense of how they work and what therapy with them might be like.

“You can kind of have a speed date to see if you’re a good match,” Emily says, speaking from the point of view of a client. She recommends asking a pro-

spective therapist how they feel about self-disclosure. “With my last therapist, I knew absolutely nothing about her. It made it hard for me to know if she was relating at all to what I was saying.”

For North Arlington resident Louise (not her real name), 65, flexibility was paramount. “I don’t want to have to commit to once a week,” she explains. “Their cancellation policy is also important to me. If somebody says they need a week or two weeks’ advance notice, that doesn’t work for me. It’s just not how my life is structured.”

While education, training and years of experience certainly aren’t irrelevant, research has shown that the connection between a client and therapist—the socalled “therapeutic alliance”—is the biggest predictor of success in therapy.

“If you can trust your therapist, if you feel you can be really honest, that’s more important than anything else,” LoPresti says.

“I think there’s a lot of truth to that,” Louise concurs. “My current therapist is somebody I click with on a personal level. I just generally like him.”

Once you’ve met with a few people, take some time to reflect on how you felt about the conversations, Goldman advises. “If it feels like you guys are kind of on the same page with things, I think that that’s going to be the best sign of a good therapeutic relationship.”

When and How to Fire Your Therapist

In the beginning, your therapist will likely ask a lot of questions to determine how best to help you. This can be awkward—you’ve just met this person and you’re being asked a lot of very personal questions—but it’s also a good opportunity to assess how comfortable you feel. Do they put you at ease? Are they empathetic?

After a few sessions, therapy should feel a little more organic. But occasionally, it just doesn’t click. “I went to a therapist who called me the wrong name a couple times,” LoPresti recalls. “It was like he wasn’t paying attention.”

Louise saw a therapist who “didn’t really offer much, didn’t ask questions. I felt like I was the one trying to carry the conversation. I need somebody who’s giving something back and helping make connections.”

If you’ve given it three or four sessions and the dynamic still feels off, consider talking to the therapist about what’s not working. “I want to give people the permission to say directly, ‘This isn’t feeling right,’” Beach says. “A good therapist is going to be able to hear that and talk through it and not get defensive.”

“I tell clients this all the time: ‘Please correct me if I am wrong. Please tell me if I am assuming, if I’m taking this in the

wrong direction,’” says Scheppske. “You need to be able to tell me I’m wrong. And if you’re not comfortable doing that, then that’s a failure on my part.”

If you’ve had that conversation and you still aren’t feeling it, it’s okay to send a polite email ending the relationship. “Most of the time, the therapist knows it’s not working,” Goldman says. “It’s not going to be a giant shock to them, and that can help take some of the pressure off. It’s not going to feel like a one-sided breakup.”

The Wellness Equation

In the best cases, a therapist is a valued partner for as short or as long a period as you need. Bryan, 55, has seen the same therapist on and off for nearly 30 years, ever since his late 20s. “It may have been like every five or 10 years… based upon the circumstances of my life,” says the Clarendon resident, “if I felt like I was getting overwhelmed.”

Emily, who has been in therapy on and off since elementary school, views it as part of her overall wellness. A therapist is “someone to bring out the best in you and help you reframe things in a way that can just make life a little bit easier,” she says.

Louise agrees: “I look at a therapist as a partner, somebody to help ground me and get me back to center if I’m really getting out of whack emotionally, psychologically.”

Plus, it’s helpful to have an objective listener. “Friends may be afraid of hurting my feelings or being too critical,” she says. “[People close to you] often have their own stake in the outcome. Therapy is another tool in my toolbox to help me navigate life’s challenges.” ■

Robyn Gearey, LMSW, is a writer and therapist at River Grove Therapy in Alexandria. She can be reached at robyn gtherapy@gmail.com.

From left: Steven Neufeld, Orthopaedic Surgery; Helen Yoon, Neonatal & Perinatal Medicine; James Economides, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery; and Karen Kaufman, Allergy & Immunology

Top Doctors

Our area’s most respected physicians, as nominated by their peers in the medical community

The doctors in this feature were selected by Professional Research Services (PRS), which conducted an online peer-review survey of area physicians in Arlington County, Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church and the City of Alexandria. The featured doctors, identified by their peers as outstanding in their fields, were screened and selected through the verification of licensing and a review of any infractions through applicable boards, agencies and rating services. For additional information, visit prscom.com. Arlington Magazine was not involved in the selection process.

ADDICTION MEDICINE

Gebrehana Zebro

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church Dominion Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Joseph Tasosa

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

ADOLESCENT MEDICINE

Ghassan N. Atiyeh

Children’s Medical Associates Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital

Sarah A. Hesselmann

Pediatrics of Arlington Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

Amir Shahlaee

Dr. Helbing Allergy & Asthma Associates

Anita N. Wasan

Allergy and Asthma Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Courtney Blair

Privia Health - Allergy and Asthma

Associates

Virginia Hospital Center – Arlington; Virginia Hospital Center – Arlington; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Reston Hospital Center

Karen Kaufman

Kaufman Allergy Asthma and Immunology

Meredith Heltzer

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Nithya Swamy

Allergy Partners of Northern Virginia

Oral Alpan

Amerimmune

Sally Joo Bailey

Allergy Associates of Northern Virginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Andrea Clark

Dominion Anesthesia Group - VHC Health

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Anna Hindle

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fair Oaks

Hospital

1,800+ PHYSICIANS

Great health starts with great doctors

60+ SPECIALTIES

35+ MEDICAL FACILITIES ACROSS THE REGION

6 MORE BIRTHDAYS TO CELEBRATE

The Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group is one of the largest physician groups in MD, VA, and DC, and serves nearly 800,000 members. Our Permanente physicians work together seamlessly across specialties to deliver the highest quality care. That’s why they continue to be recognized as Top Docs year after year by Arlington Magazine, Baltimore magazine, Bethesda magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and Washingtonian magazine.1 And it’s just one of the reasons why our members live 6 years longer than the national average. 2

1 The physicians who practice at Kaiser Permanente are recognized as Top Doctors in Arlington Magazine (2024), Baltimore magazine (2024), Bethesda magazine (2023), Northern Virginia Magazine (2025), and Washingtonian magazine (2024).

2 Tori Finch, MS, M Cabell Jonas, PhD, Kevin Rubenstein, Eric Watson, BA, Sundeep Basra, MPH, Jose Martinez, BS, & Michael Horberg, MD, MAS, FACP (2021). Life Expectancy Trends Among Integrated Health Care System Enrollees, 2014–2017. The Permanente Journal, 25(4), 10–17. thepermanentejournal.org/doi/10.7812/TPP/20.286

kp.org/excellence/mas

■ top doctors

Antoinette Covin

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Kaiser Permanente Falls Church

Ambulatory Surgery Center; Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Bill D. Alexander

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Crystal St. Clair

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

David Banks

Dominion Anesthesia Group - VHC

Health

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

David D. Lee

Dominion Anesthesia Group - VHC

Health

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

David Schrier

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Reston Hospital Center

Elena Deacu

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Reston Hospital Center

James Tsai

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Jonathan Gibbons

Dominion Anesthesia Group - VHC

Health

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Kristina Poller

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit)

Leslie Sims

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit)

Milly Rambhia

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Trevor Myers

Dominion Anesthesia Group - VHC

Health

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

BREAST SURGERY

Chaitanya Mangalmurti

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Costanza Cocilovo

Inova Schar Cancer Institute

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

David Weintritt

Virginia Cancer Specialists -

Alexandria Old Town

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Mount

Vernon Hospital (admit)

Jenny Hong

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Kelly Meehan

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Kimberly Suri

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Mami N. Martin

Inova Surgery - Willow Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Mary L. Sebastian

VHC Health Physicians - ReinschPierce Family Center for Breast Health

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Sara B. Bruce

Inova Schar Cancer Institute

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Stephanie Akbari

Virginia Cancer Specialists - Fairfax Comprehensive Breast Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

CARDIAC SURGERY

Daniel G. Tang

Inova Cardiac Surgery Vascular Surgery and Vascular Lab

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Eric L. Sarin

Inova Cardiac Surgery Vascular Surgery and Vascular Lab

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

John R. Garrett

VHC Health Physicians - Cardiac

Vascular & Thoracic Surgery

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

John W. Rhee

VHC Health Physicians - Cardiac

Vascular & Thoracic Surgery

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Lucas R. Collazo

Inova Cardiac Surgery Vascular Surgery and Vascular Lab

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Health System (admit)

Ramesh Singh

Inova Cardiac Surgery Vascular Surgery and Vascular Lab

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

CARDIOLOGY

Adam S. Fein

Virginia Heart - Fairfax Office - Heart Rhythm Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit); Stone Springs Hospital Center

Amey Kulkarni

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Antonio R. Parente

Virginia Heart - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Reston Hospital Center (admit); Stone Springs Hospital Center

Arehzo Jahangiri

Amelia Heart & Vascular Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital

Azita Moalemi

Amelia Heart & Vascular Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Benjamin Galper

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Brian C. Clark

VHC Health Physicians - Cardiology

Tysons

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Constantine Tziros

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Edward W. Howard

Virginia Heart - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Reston Hospital Center; Stone Springs Hospital Center

Eric M. Thorn

VHC Health Physicians - Cardiology

Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Hassan Tabandeh

VHC Health Physicians - Cardiology

Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

James Duc

Virginia Heart - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Retreat Hospital (admit); Stone Springs Hospital Center

Jason M. Morda

Inova Medical Group - Cardiology

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit)

Jeremy S. Bock

VHC Health Physicians - Cardiology

Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Prince William Hospital (admit)

Jonathan I. Segal

Virginia Heart

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Reston Hospital Center; Stone Springs Hospital Center

Marjaneh Akbari

Inova Cardiology - Fairfax

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit)

Mark C. Vives

Virginia Heart

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Reston Hospital Center; Stone Springs Hospital Center

Michael P. Notarianni

Virginia Heart - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit); Stone Springs Hospital Center

Rachel L. Berger

Virginia Heart - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit); Stone Springs Hospital Center

Advanced Heart and Sleep Care –Close to Home.

For over 30 years, Virginia Heart has been dedicated to the health of our community. With 10 locations and a team of over 60 board-certified physicians, we treat the full spectrum of cardiovascular and sleep medicine conditions.

Congratulations to those who earned the 2025 Arlington Magazine Top Doctor honor.

Starting top, left to right:

Rachel L. Berger, MD - Cardiology

James Duc, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiology

Timothy P. Farrell, MD - Cardiology

Adam S. Fein, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiology

Edward Howard, MD - Cardiology

Michael P. Notarianni, MD - Cardiology

Antonio R. Parente, MD - Cardiology

Amit V. Patel, MD - Sleep Medicine

Jonathn Segal, MD - Cardiology

Tajender Vasu, MD - Sleep Medicine

Mark Vives, MD - Cardiology

Raymond Vlacancich, DO - Cardiology

Convenient locations close to where you live and work. Alexandria • Arlington • Fair Oaks • Fairfax • Lansdowne Loudoun • Purcellville • Reston • Stone Springs • Vienna

Our teams deliver award-winning cardiovascular care

Inova Schar Heart and Vascular

Raymond Vlacancich

Virginia Heart - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Reston Hospital Center; Stone Springs Hospital Center

Richard P. Perrin

VHC Health Physicians - Cardiology

Arlington Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Sudip Saha

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Tania Chao

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Timothy P. Farrell

Virginia Heart - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Reston Hospital Center; Stone Springs Hospital Center

Yaning Liu

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

COLON & RECTAL SURGERY

Caroline Sanchez

Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit)

Craig Rezac

VHC Health Physicians - Colorectal

Surgery Tysons

Irfan Rizvi

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Katherine Khalifeh

Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit)

Kimberly Matzie

Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit)

Lawrence Stern

Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Health System; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit)

Mohammed Bayasi

VHC Health Physicians - Colorectal

Surgery Arlington

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Reston Hospital Center; Stone Springs Hospital Center

Paul E. Savoca

Virginia Surgery Associates - Paul E.

Savoca, M.D.

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit); Reston Surgery Center (admit)

Rebekah Kim

Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery

University of Virginia Medical Center (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit)

Rodolfo Pigalarga

VHC Health Physicians - Colorectal

Surgery Tysons

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE & PULMONARY DISEASE

Christopher C. Wyckoff

Privia Health - PMA Health - Falls

Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Daniel B. Casey

Privia Health - PMA Health - VHC

Health Office

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

David R. Duhamel

Privia Health - PMA Health - VHC

Health Office

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Eileen Hsu

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Eric A. Libre

Inova Pulmonology - Woodburn

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Jeff B. Hales

Privia Health - PMA Health - VHC

Health Office

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Mary-Margaret Lewis

Privia Health - PMA Health - VHC

Health Office

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Matthew David Williams

Inova Pulmonology - Woodburn

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks

Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Health System

Mrunalini Chakurkar

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit);

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston

Hospital Center (admit)

Nancy Maaty

Privia Health - PMA Health - Falls

Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Neil Shea

Privia Health - PMA Health - VHC

Health Office

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Robert Herscowitz

Pulmonary Associates

Inova Alexandria Hospital

DERMATOLOGY

Aaron E. Fuchs

Fuchs Dermatology

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Al Damavandy

District Dermatology

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Alexandra M. Kazakis

Alexandra Kazakis, MD

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Amanda Campbell

Virginia Square Dermatology

Brenda Dintiman

DermUtopia Wellness

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit)

Brittany Heffner

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield Medical Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Brittany Smirnov

Fuchs Dermatology

Courtney Herbert

FDL Dermatology

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

David Bray

Alexandria Associates in Dermatology

Ho Jin Kim

Kim Dermatology

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Isabela Jones

Virginia Square Dermatology

Kristin Cam

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Kurt Wenk

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield Medical Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Margaret Kopelman

City Dermatology of Northern Virginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Mark Naftanel

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Matthew R. Livingood

Arlington Dermatology

Michelle A. Rivera

ArlingtonSkin

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Missale Mesfin

Forefront Dermatology

Nehal R. Shah

Alexandria Associates in Dermatology

Nina M. Fisher

Dermatology Associates of McLean

Oge Onwudiwe

Cutis Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics

Patricia Lucey

Inova Schar Cancer Institute

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Paul Bujanauskas

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Randa Khoury

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield

Medical Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Reem Tadros

Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic

Surgery - Fairfax

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Rhett Kent

Forefront Dermatology

Sanna Ronkainen

District Dermatology

Sarah Taylor

Forefront Dermatology

Suraj S. Venna

Inova Schar Cancer Institute

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Theodore S. Sebastien

Dermatology Specialists of Virginia

Reston Hospital Center

Wanda Patterson

Kaiser Permanente - Reston

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

William J. Alms

Dermatology Associates of McLean

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Artur Treyster

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Dennis Truong

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Ian M. Warrington

VHC Health Physicians - US Acute

Care Solutions

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

John P. Sverha

VHC Health Physicians - US Acute

Care Solutions

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Prince William Hospital; Reston Hospital Center; Stone Springs Hospital Center

Praveen Kache

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Russell J. Goldstein

VHC Health Physicians - US Acute Care Solutions

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES & METABOLISM

Caroline Huang

Privia Health - The Endocrinology Group

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Christina Go

Privia Health - The Endocrinology Group

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Daniella Hines

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Reston Hospital Center

Denise Armellini The Endocrine Center

Kevin J. Donohue

Privia Health - The Endocrinology Group

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Lida Tabatabaeian

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Reston Hospital Center

Merica Shrestha

Inova Medical Group - Endocrinology

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Suzanne Rogacz

Privia Health - Northern Virginia Endocrinologists - Three Flint Hill

Thien-Giang Bach-Huynh

Privia Health - The Endocrinology Group

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

FAMILY MEDICINE

Ashley Tennyson

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Ayse Turgut

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Cassandra Sims

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Cecily Havert

Northern Virginia Family Practice

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital

Charles Gardner

Northern Virginia Family Practice

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit)

Christie Youssef

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Kaiser Permanente Falls Church

Ambulatory Surgery Center

Christopher Thomas

Kaiser Permanente - Reston

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital

Daniel Harris

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield Medical Center

Deepika S. Kunnath

VHC Health Physicians - Primary Care

Tysons

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Diksha Gupta

FamilyFirst Primary Care

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair

Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Health System; Inova Mount

Vernon Hospital; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Cornwall Campus

Elias Awad

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Elizabeth Suh

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield

Medical Center

Felix Ma

VHC Health Physicians - Primary Care

McLean

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Jeannette Tao

Kaiser Permanente - Burke

Jennifer Neria

Privia Health - PMA Health - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Joy Lee

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Kathryn A. Dreger

Prime, PLC: Direct Primary Care for Life

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Michelle M. Tran

Kaiser Permanente - Reston

Nancy Selim

Revive Medicine

Natasha Beauvais

Northern Virginia Family Practice

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit)

Rachel Marquez

Kaiser Permanente - Alexandria

Ratih Sudharto

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Robin Donald

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield Medical Center

Sumi M. Sexton

Privia Health - Premier Primary Care

Physicians

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Alexander Jow

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center

Ali Fazel

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Amy Lin

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Deborah A. Brauer

Digestive Disease Physicians

Inova Alexandria Hospital

Diego I. Kuperschmit

Gastroenterology Center of Northern Virginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Eric Wollins

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center

Gabriel B. Herman

Gastroenterology Center of Northern Virginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit);

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Irma N. Hashmi

VHC Health PhysiciansGastroenterology Arlington

VCU Health Center & MCV Hospital and Physicians

Jesse Liu

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Margaret Schwiesow

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Martin G. Prosky

Northern Virginia Gastrointestinal Associates

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Nader H. Balba

GastroHealth - Fair Oaks

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Neena Malik

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Omer Shahab

VHC Health Physicians -

Gastroenterology Tysons

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Pradeep K. Gupta

Gastroenterology Center of Northern Virginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Rachana Potru

Gastroenterology Center of Northern Virginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital

Razvi M. Razack

VHC Health PhysiciansGastroenterology Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Saad A. Haque

VHC Health PhysiciansGastroenterology Falls Church

Sean P. Hurley

Digestive Disease Physicians

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit)

Sonia Gosain

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Timothy R. Dougherty

Digestive Disease Physicians

Inova Alexandria Hospital

Truc T. Trinh

Gastroenterology Center of Northern Virginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital

GENERAL SURGERY

C. Steeve David

New Me for Life - VHC Health

Digestive Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Chaitanya Mangalmurti

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Faryal Afridi

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

G. Kevin Gillian

Virginia Heartburn and Hernia

Institute

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit)

Gao Chen

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Surgery Center

Gwendolyn Garnett

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

J. R. Salameh

New Me for Life - VHC Health

Digestive Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Jenny Hong

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Karim Sami Trad

MedStar Health - Reston Surgical Associates

Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Kashif Malik

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Kathleen M. Cleland

Inova Surgery - Beauregard

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit)

Kelly Meehan

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Kimberly Suri

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Mami N. Martin

Inova Surgery - Willow Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Sophia D. Lee

Virginia Heartburn and Hernia Institute

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit)

Stefano F. Agolini

General and Laparoscopic Surgical Associates

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Virginia Madey

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

GENETICS

Lisa Gillis

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Angela Hsu

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Cissy P. Pottanat

Center for Primary Care & Geriatrics

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Jonathan Menezes

Kaiser Permanente - Reston

Roma A. Edoo-Sowah

Inova Primary Care - McLean

Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Health System

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

Annette Bicher

Mid Atlantic Gynecologic Oncology and Pelvic Surgery Associates

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

G. Scott Rose

Mid Atlantic Gynecologic Oncology and Pelvic Surgery Associates

Winchester Medical Center (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Mary Washington Hospital (admit)

John C. Elkas

Mid Atlantic Gynecologic Oncology and Pelvic Surgery Associates

Winchester Medical Center (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Health System (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

HAND SURGERY

Alexander S. Croog

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Cassie G. Root

Nirschl Orthopaedic Center for Sports

Medicine and Joint Reconstruction

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Daniel K. Laino

OrthoVirginia Reston Hospital Center (admit)

David W. Lee

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Emily Hattwick

Pediatric Specialists of Virginia - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Nikhil Oak

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Peter R. Thomas

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit)

Rikesh A. Gandhi

Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit)

Subir S. Jossan

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics - Fairfax

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center; Prince William Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Swati Shirali

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center

Tiffany J. Pan

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Health System (admit)

HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY

Alina M. Huang

Virginia Cancer Specialists

- Alexandria

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Alexandria Hospital (admit)

Anne M. Favret

Virginia Cancer Specialists - Fairfax

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova

Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit)

Archana Jadhav

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Chao Yin

Virginia Cancer Specialists - Fairfax

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Dipti Patel-Donnelly

Virginia Cancer Specialists - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Isabelle Le

Virginia Cancer Specialists - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Alexandria Hospital

Iva Ferreira

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Ivan Aksentijevich

Virginia Cancer Specialists

- Alexandria

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit);

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit)

Jacob A. Ninan

Virginia Cancer Specialists

- Alexandria

Inova Alexandria Hospital

John Feigert

Virginia Cancer Specialists - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit)

Keeran R. Sampat

Virginia Cancer Specialists - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital

Robert Christie

Virginia Cancer Specialists - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit)

Shalini Dogra

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center

Solaiman Futuri

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Timothy A. McCarthy

Virginia Cancer Specialists - Fairfax Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

Carol Chang

Kaiser Permanente - VHC Health

Virginia Hospital Center

Inova Health System (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Jane Lee

Kaiser Permanente - VHC Health

Virginia Hospital Center

Stafford Hospital Center (admit); Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Jessica Heintz

Virginia Cancer Specialists - Fairfax Inova Fairfax Hospital

Shashikalaa Kura

Kaiser Permanente - VHC Health

Virginia Hospital Center

Stafford Hospital Center (admit); Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

David Yoho

Kaiser Permanente - Burke

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Donald Poretz

Infectious Diseases Physicians

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Ian A. Seemungal

VHC Health Physicians - Infectious Disease Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Jennifer Primeggia

VHC Health Physicians - Infectious Disease Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

John S. Symington

Infectious Disease Associates

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit); Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (admit)

Ligia Pic-Aluas

Kaiser Permanente - Burke

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Mark Delman

Infectious Diseases Physicians

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Nhat Doan

Kaiser Permanente - Burke

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Rana Traboulsi

Kaiser Permanente - Burke

Rohit Modak

VHC Health Physicians - Infectious Disease Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Stephen E. Weinroth

Infectious Disease Consultants

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Stone Springs Hospital Center (admit)

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Alice Lee

Kaiser Permanente - VHC Health Virginia Hospital Center

Anthony J. Rimicci

Privia Health - Arlington Primary Care

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Catherine S. Boinest

VHC Health Physicians - Executive

Health

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Christina L. Malekiani

VHC Health Physicians - Primary Care

Shirlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Christopher M. Walsh

VHC Health Physicians - Primary Care

Shirlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Dan Yu

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

David An

Kaiser Permanente - VHC Health

Virginia Hospital Center

Stafford Hospital Center (admit); Virginia

Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

David Zarkowsky

Kaiser Permanente - VHC Health

Virginia Hospital Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Elizabeth Cilenti

Northern Virginia Family Practice

Inova Alexandria Hospital

Esther Bahk

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield

Medical Center

Farah Abdulsalam

Kaiser Permanente - Reston

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Holly A. Batal

Kaiser Permanente - Alexandria

Hong Hanh Le Nguyen

VHC Health Physicians - Primary Care

Shirlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Joanna Bock

Privia Health - Arlington Primary Care

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Jonas Wiltz

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Jonathan Menezes

Kaiser Permanente - Reston

Judit Gordon-Cappitelli

Northern Virginia Family Practice

Julie Passarelli

Privia Health - PMA Health - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Kathryn A. Dreger

Prime, PLC: Direct Primary Care for Life

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Kimberly Lynn Houde

VHC Health Physicians - Primary Care

McLean

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Leigh Boldt

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Lellise Shewakena

Kaiser Permanente - Reston

M. Pamela Alexander

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Marie Huynh

Kaiser Permanente - Burke

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Reston

Hospital Center

Mark Sullivan

Northern Virginia Family Practice

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Mount

Vernon Hospital (admit)

Minh-Hai Ngo

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Neil Vidwans

SignatureMD - Neil Vidwans, MD

Nidhi Malik

Kaiser Permanente - Reston

Paula M. Bergamini

Privia Health - Arlington Primary Care

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Rachel

Ngernmaneepothong

VHC Health Physicians - Primary Care

McLean

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Rashmi Singh

Kaiser Permanente - VHC Health

Virginia Hospital Center

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (admit)

Ritu Cuttica

Privia Health - PMA Health - Clarendon

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Robert M. Kruger

VHC Health Physicians - Primary Care

Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Summer Abdel-Megeed

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Suzanne H. Wittig

MD2 McLean

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Terri F. Remy

VHC Health Physicians - Menopause Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Timothy D. Muir

Privia Health - PMA Health - Clarendon

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Vu Nguyen

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Xiaodong Luo

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

MATERNAL & FETAL MEDICINE

Barbara M. Nies

Inova Maternal Fetal Medicine

- Fairfax

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova

Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit)

Dana Marzilli

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit)

Kathleen R. Heim

VHC Health Physicians - Maternal Fetal Medicine

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Kelly M. Orzechowski

VHC Health Physicians - Maternal Fetal Medicine

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Kristin Knight

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit)

Myriam Ferzli

VHC Health Physicians - Maternal Fetal Medicine

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

NEONATAL & PERINATAL MEDICINE

Helen Z. Yoon

Children’s National

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

John P. Galiote

Children’s National

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center

NEPHROLOGY

Aklilu Yishak

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Retreat Hospital (admit)

Ali R. Assefi

Nephrology Associates of Northern Virginia

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Cornwall Campus (admit); Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (admit); Prince William Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Elixabeth Sullivan

Virginia Nephrology Group - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital

Kinjal Patel

Virginia Nephrology Group - Fairfax

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Paul Modlinger

Virginia Nephrology Group - Arlington Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Renuka Sothinathan

Virginia Nephrology Group - Arlington Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital; Northern VA Community Hospital

Ronaldo Mayuga

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center

Thomas A. Rakowski

Virginia Nephrology Group - Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Northern VA Community Hospital (admit)

Tulsi Mehta

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Vasudha Narayana

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Victor Lorica

Virginia Nephrology Group - Arlington Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Health System (admit); Northern VA Community Hospital (admit)

NEUROLOGY

Amy R. Stone

Neurology Center of Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Benny S. Kim

VHC Health Physicians - Neurology

Candace V. Bryan

Neurology Center of Fairfax Inova Fairfax Hospital

Eric Czander

Northern Virginia Neurologic

Associates

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Faye Rosenbaum

Northern Virginia Neurologic

Associates

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Hilary Newgen

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Margaret Perrin

Northern Virginia Neurologic

Associates

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Matthew R. Churchill

Neurology Center of Fairfax Inova Fairfax Hospital

Nicole A. Dietz

Neurology Center of Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Robert N. Kurtzke

Neurology Center of Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Zahra Rezvani

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

NEUROSURGERY

Andrew A. Fanous

Inova Medical Group - Neurosurgery

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Health System

James M. Ecklund

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus

John F. Hamilton

Inova Neurosurgery - Fairfax

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Joshua J. Wind

Inova Medical Group - Neurosurgery

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Health System (admit); Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit)

Leon E. Moores

Inova Children’s Neurosurgery

- Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Nikhil R. Nayak

Virginia Neurosurgeons

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center

Richard D. Murray

Virginia Neurosurgeons

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Sidhartha Chandela

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit);

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Alexis D. Light

VHC Health Physicians - OB/GYN Old Town

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Amanda E. Rohn

VHC Health Physicians - Charlotte S.

Benjamin Center for Women’s Health

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Amy Banulis

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Amy E. Porter

Healthcare for Women

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Anna Childson

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Stafford Hospital Center (admit); Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center

Chi-Tsui Liang

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Stafford Hospital Center (admit); Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Colleen M. Borelli

Northern Virginia Physicians to Women

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Elizabeth A. Brunn

VHC Health Physicians - OB/GYN

Arlington South Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Hania Qutub

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Stafford Hospital Center; Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center

J. Jeffrey Elliott

Northern Virginia Physicians to Women

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Jennifer Biggs

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Lynsey C. Owen

VHC Health Physicians - OB/GYN

Arlington South Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Mark Tretiak

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Stafford Hospital Center (admit); Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Melanie A. Polin

VHC Health Physicians - Charlotte S.

Benjamin Center for Women’s Health Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Nahed M. Ezmerli

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield

Medical Center

Stafford Hospital Center (admit); Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Stella Blosser

Kaiser Permanente - Burke

Stafford Hospital Center (admit); Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Sunana Chatrath

Kaiser Permanente - VHC Health

Virginia Hospital Center

Stafford Hospital Center; Inova Fairfax Hospital

Susanne Lashgari Prather

Northern Virginia Physicians to Women

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Ahmad Wali Ziayee

Arlington Eye Care

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

AliMohammad Khorrami

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Amy Kotecha

Capital Vision

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Andrew E. Holzman

Holzman Laser Vision

Christine A. Tagayun

SeeClearly Vision

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Daniel Albertus

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital

David Chu

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital

Erin Ong

Eye Specialists & Surgeons of

Northern Virginia

Prince William Hospital

Farhan Malik

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital

Farhan Merali

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital

Guadalupe Villarreal

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital

■ top doctors

Hubert H. Pham

Eye Specialists & Surgeons of Northern Virginia

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit)

Jonathan Kruger

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield Medical Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Jordana G. Fein

Retina Group of Washington

Fairfax Surgical Center; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit)

Katherine McCabe

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Leah Fuchs

Eye Consultants of Northern Virginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Meghan G. Moroux

Eye Specialists & Surgeons of Northern Virginia

Melissa D. Kern

Arlington Loudoun Pediatric Ophthalmology

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Minh-Phuong Doan

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital

Niral Gandhi

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Patrick A. Kaszubski

Northern Virginia Ophthalmology Associates

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova

Fairfax Hospital; Prince William Hospital

Sabita Ittoop

Eye Specialists & Surgeons of Northern Virginia

Fairfax Surgical Center; Reston Hospital Center

Tofik M. Ali

Global Eye Physicians and Surgeons

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

William F. Deegan

Spectrum Retina & Ocular Oncology

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

Anil Taneja

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield Medical Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Anthony L. Avery

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Anthony Ho

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Surgery Center (admit)

Christopher C. Annunziata

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Clay Wellborn

Nirschl Orthopaedic Center for Sports Medicine and Joint Reconstruction

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Corey J. Wallach

Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit)

Daniel J. Cuttica

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics - Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center, Arlington

David W. Romness

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Derek H. Ochiai

Nirschl Orthopaedic Center for Sports Medicine and Joint Reconstruction

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

George C. Branche

Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic

Fairfax Surgical Center (admit); Inova

Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Mount

Vernon Hospital (admit)

Kevin B. Fricka

Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova

Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Mount

Vernon Hospital (admit)

Kevin D. Sumida

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Leah Schulte

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield

Medical Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Lonnie D. Davis

Aligned Orthopedic Partners

Fairfax Surgical Center (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Marc Kouyoumdjian

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Matthew Buchanan

Nirschl Orthopaedic Center for Sports

Medicine and Joint Reconstruction

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Matthew Kinney

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Michael O’Reilly

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Najam Fasihi

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Nigel M. Azer

Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit)

Nikhil Oak

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Raymond Thal

Washington Sports Medicine Institute

- Aligned Orthopedic Partners

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center; Reston Surgery Center

Robert Sershon

Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit)

Ronald S. Paik

Nirschl Orthopaedic Center for Sports Medicine and Joint Reconstruction

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Sameer Nagda

Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit)

Steven K. Neufeld

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics - Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center, Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Mount Vernon Hospital; Northern VA Community Hospital

Thomas H. Sanders

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics - Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center, Arlington Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Mount Vernon Hospital

William G. Hamilton

Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit)

William P. Petersen

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

Ashley G. O’Reilly

ENT Specialists of Northern Virginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Prince William Hospital (admit)

Christopher W. Tsang

Inova Children’s Otolaryngology

- Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Daniel Hwang

Reston ENT

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Edward Tsong

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center

Edwin J. Lee

Reston ENT

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Heath F. Dreyfuss

ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Iyad S. Saidi

Metropolitan ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery

Inova Surgery Center; Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

James Owusu

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Jessica Kandl

Privia Health - Arlington ENT Associates

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Josef Gurian

ENT Specialists of Northern Virginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Prince William Hospital (admit)

Mark I. Rubinstein

Otolaryngology Associates

Fairfax Surgical Center; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Michelle M. Roeser

ENT Specialists of Northern Virginia

Fairfax Surgical Center; Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital; Prince William Hospital

Nancy Judd

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Stronger starts with our top docs.

At OrthoVirginia, our physicians help people throughout our community reclaim their mobility, strength and wellbeing. We are proud to announce our recipients of the 2025 Top Docs by Arlington Magazine. With convenient locations across Northern Virginia and walk-ins, same-day appointments and evening hours at select locations, OrthoVirginia can help you take the rst step toward recovery.

To view all of our Northern Virginia area physicians and their specialties and to make an appointment, scan the QR code or visit orthovirginia.com/appointments

Alexandria | Arlington | Ashburn | Centreville Ortho On Call | Fair Oaks | Fairfax | Haymarket | Herndon | Manassas | McLean-Tysons | North Arlington

Christopher C. Annunziata, MD Orthopedic Surgery Sports Medicine

Danielle S. Cherrick, MD Pain Medicine Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Alexander S. Croog, MD Hand Surgery

Anthony L. Avery, MD Orthopedic Surgery Sports Medicine

Daniel K. Laino, MD Hand Surgery

David W. Romness, MD Orthopedic Surgery

Tiffany J. Pan, MD Hand Surgery

Kevin D. Sumida, MD Orthopedic Surgery

Peter R. Thomas, MD Hand Surgery

Jessalyn Adam, MD Sports Medicine

Garry W. K. Ho, MD Sports Medicine

Nita Sumida, MD Rheumatology

Amanda B. Trucksess, MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

William P. Petersen, MD Orthopedic Surgery

David W. Lee, MD Hand Surgery

Nitinkumar Patel

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Noah Meltzer

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center

Patty Lee

Otolaryngology Associates

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Ravi S. Swamy

Metropolitan ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital

Richard Gardner

ENT Specialists of Northern Virginia

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Health System (admit); Prince William Hospital (admit)

Sarah Blank

Fairfax ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Sarita Kaza

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Kaiser Permanente Falls Church

Ambulatory Surgery Center; Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Shankar Sridhara

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Stanley Voigt

Associates in Otolaryngology

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Thomas Pilkington

Privia Health - Arlington ENT Associates

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Thuy-Anh Melvin

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center

PAIN MEDICINE

Assaf T. Gordon

National Spine & Pain Centers

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Health System

Daniel R. Kendall

National Spine & Pain Centers

Danielle S. Cherrick

OrthoVirginia

Mehul J. Desai

International Spine Pain & Performance Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Prashanth Mally

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Sharat Narayanan

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Suneetha Budampati

National Spine & Pain Centers

PATHOLOGY

Cary O. Poropatich

VHC Health Physicians

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Stephanie B. Soofer

VHC Health Physicians

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Alan E. Benheim

Inova Children’s Cardiology - Fairfax

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (admit); Prince William Hospital (admit)

Jennifer H. Lindsey

Inova Children’s Cardiology - Fairfax

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus

Mitchell I. Cohen

Inova Children’s Cardiology - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Health System (admit)

Sherif S. Tawfik

Inova Children’s Cardiology - Fairfax

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center; Prince William Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY

Oksana Lazareva

Inova Children’s Endocrinology - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Otilia Neacsu

Inova Children’s Endocrinology - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY

Catherine Chao

Pediatric Specialists of Virginia - Fairfax

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Natalie Sikka

Pediatric Specialists of Virginia

- Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Scott M. Sirlin

Scott M. Sirlin, MD

Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Reston Hospital Center (admit)

PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY

Niccole Piguet

Pediatric Specialists of Virginia -

Fairfax Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Katherine M. Moyer

Inova Children’s Infectious Disease

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Rebecca E. Levorson

Inova Children’s Infectious Disease

Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Health System

PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY

Davoud Mohtat

Inova Children’s Nephrology - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Patricia W. Seo-Mayer

Inova Children’s Nephrology - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Randala R. Lakkis

Inova Children’s Nephrology - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Rasheda Z. Amin

Inova Children’s Nephrology - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

PEDIATRIC PSYCHIATRY

Asha Patton-Smith

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Ashley Miller

Kaiser Permanente - Burke

Ross Goodwin

Kaiser Permanente - Burke

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY

Dagne Assefa

Pediatric Specialists of Virginia

- Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

James E. Clayton

Pediatric Specialists of Virginia

- Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

PEDIATRIC SLEEP MEDICINE

Aarthi P. Vemana

Inova Children’s Sleep Center

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Shahriar Shahzeidi

Comprehensive Sleep Care Center

Suraiya K. Haider

Inova Children’s Sleep Center

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

PEDIATRIC SURGERY

Bharath D. Nath

Inova Children’s General and Thoracic Surgery

Quoc Hung L. Nguyen

Inova Children’s General and Thoracic Surgery

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Stephen S. Kim

Inova Children’s General and Thoracic Surgery

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

PEDIATRIC UROLOGY

Christina Ho

Pediatric Specialists of Virginia

- Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital

PEDIATRICS (GENERAL)

Abha Saha

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Reston Hospital Center

Amy Reddy

Kaiser Permanente - Burke

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Ayan Farah

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Bassam A. Atiyeh

Northern Virginia Pediatric Associates

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Brent Thibodeaux

Kaiser Permanente - Reston

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Cathy McLernon

Kaiser Permanente - Reston

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Christine Ashburn

Kaiser Permanente - Reston

Christine Baldrate

Northern Virginia Pediatric Associates

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital

Debbie Peng

ALL Pediatrics of Alexandria

Inova Alexandria Hospital

Diane L. Halpin

Northern Virginia Pediatric Associates

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital

for Your Child

Children’s National is home to world-class pediatricians. Our convenient primary care locations offer preventive care and treat illnesses and minor injuries. Make an appointment today.

■ top doctors

Ely G. Mouchahoir

Northern Virginia Pediatric Associates

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Erin Yee

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Gita Reddy

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Jennifer Andresen

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Krupa Playforth

Warm Heart Pediatrics

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital

Mona Iskander

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Pemmaraju Dakin

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital

Pupi Demissie

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Sarah A. Hesselmann

Pediatrics of Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Zoya Tirmizi

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Reston Hospital Center

PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION

Amanda B. Trucksess

OrthoVirginia

Fairfax Surgical Center; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Health System; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Daniel R. Davis

VHC Health Physicians - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Danielle S. Cherrick

OrthoVirginia

Edward G. Aock

VHC Health Physicians - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Kelly Pham

The Reach Center

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Spencer Tseng

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Suneetha Budampati

National Spine & Pain Centers

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Earl Johnson

Dominion Plastic Surgery

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Prince William Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

George Bitar

Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit)

Gloria Duda

McLean Plastic Surgery

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

James M. Economides

Advanced Plastic Surgery Center

Inova Surgery Center (admit); Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair

Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Health System (admit); Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Cornwall Campus (admit); Reston Hospital Center

James Owusu

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Jared Liston

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Lydia Williams

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Marilyn Q. Nguyen

VHC Health Physicians - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Mark Venturi

National Center for Plastic Surgery

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit)

Paulo Piccolo

Paulo Piccolo MD - National Center for Plastic Surgery

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Ping Song

VHC Health Physicians - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Susan Kelly Buenaventura

The Sendi Cosmetic Surgery Center

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit)

Talal Munasifi

Advanced Plastic Surgery Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit)

Vineet Mehan

Dominion Plastic Surgery

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Wendy R. Gottlieb

Wendy R. Gottlieb, MD

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit); Stone Springs Hospital Center (admit)

PSYCHIATRY

Brian Hernandez

Kaiser Permanente - Burke

Jennifer M. Santoro

Dr. Jennifer Santoro, MD

Joseph Tasosa

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Ashish K. Chawla

Radiation Oncology Associates of the National Capital Region - Inova Schar

Radiation Oncology in Fairfax

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

Gopal K. Bajaj

Radiation Oncology Associates of the National Capital Region - Inova Schar

Radiation Oncology in Fairfax

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Health System; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (admit)

Gregory S. Sibley

Virginia Cancer SpecialistsRadiation Oncology Center

Harold C. Agbahiwe

Virginia Cancer SpecialistsRadiation Oncology Center

Nadim M. Nasr

Arlington & Reston Radiation Oncology

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Reston Hospital Center

Robert L. Hong

Arlington & Reston Radiation Oncology

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Reston Hospital Center

Samir Kanani

Radiation Oncology Associates of the National Capital Region - Inova Schar

Radiation Oncology in Fairfax

Stella Hetelekidis

Radiation Oncology Associates of the National Capital Region - Fair Oaks

Radiation Oncology Department

Inova Alexandria Hospital; Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus; Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

RADIOLOGY

Claude G. Raphael

Northern Virginia Radiology

Consultants - Virginia Hospital Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Girish Kori

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Omar Javery

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Rich Rana

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Saad Manzoul

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Shashi Ranganath

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Victor David

Ortho Radiology - Tysons Corner

Diagnostic Imaging

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY / INFERTILITY

Andrea E. Reh

Shady Grove Fertility

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Anitha S. Nair

Shady Grove Fertility

Carter Owen

CCRM Fertility of Northern Virginia Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Eric D. Levens

Shady Grove Fertility

Fady Sharara

Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine

Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Mark Payson

CCRM Fertility of Northern Virginia Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Health System (admit)

RHEUMATOLOGY

Daniel El-Bogdadi

Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates

Grace Ahn

Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates

Justin Peng

Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates

It’s All in the Way We Treat You

With all the resources of the nation’s premier dermatology network behind us, our top doctors bring you fresh approaches to medical and cosmetic dermatology, and the most advanced skin cancer treatment, built upon leading-edge research, the latest technology, and people who show every day what caring is all about.

NEW PATIENTS

FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS

One in five people of all skin colors in the U.S. will get skin cancer in their lifetimes. Are you the one?

*Valid for new patients only at participating locations. Must call to book screening. Limited availability. This preventive screening is not tied to the provision of any additional services or purchase of goods. Offer valid through June 30.

Mala Mehta

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Navera R. Ahmed

Northern Virginia Center for Arthritis, Rheumatology & Osteoporosis

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Nicole M. Saddic Thomas Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates

Nita Sumida

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Pankaj Jain

Kaiser Permanente - Falls Church

Saira Bilal

Arthritis Clinic of Northern Virginia

SLEEP MEDICINE

Amit V. Patel

Virginia Heart - Fairfax Office - Sleep Center

Ashtaad Dalal

Privia Health - PMA Health - VHC Health Office

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington

Lawrence M. Stein

Privia Health - PMA Health - VHC Health Office

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital

Mrunalini Chakurkar

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Richard L. Cho

Neurology Center of Fairfax Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Tajender S. Vasu

Virginia Heart

Inova Fairfax Hospital

SPORTS MEDICINE

Anthony L. Avery

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Christopher C. Annunziata

OrthoVirginia

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Garry W.K. Ho

OrthoVirginia

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Health System (admit)

Jessalyn Adam

OrthoVirginia

Najam Fasihi

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Richard Sisson

Kaiser Permanente - Springfield Medical Center

Ronald S. Paik

Nirschl Orthopaedic Center for Sports

Medicine and Joint Reconstruction

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Ryan T. Hubbard

Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit)

THORACIC SURGERY

Alan M. Speir

Inova Cardiac Surgery Vascular Surgery and Vascular Lab

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Daniel G. Tang

Inova Cardiac Surgery Vascular Surgery and Vascular Lab

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

John R. Garrett

VHC Health Physicians - Cardiac

Vascular & Thoracic Surgery

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

John W. Rhee

VHC Health Physicians - Cardiac

Vascular & Thoracic Surgery

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Ramesh Singh

Inova Cardiac Surgery Vascular Surgery and Vascular Lab

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Sandeep J. Khandhar

Virginia Cancer Specialists - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

UROLOGY

Andrew Joel

VHC Health Physicians - Urology

Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Brett F. Holt

Inova Urology - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Gregory M. Bernstein

VHC Health Physicians - Urology West

Alexandria

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Gregory S. Schenk

The Urology Group

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Inova Loudoun Hospital, Landsdowne Campus (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

James Jezior

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

Jason A. Levy

VHC Health Physicians - Urology

Tysons

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Olga Povcher

VHC Health Physicians - Urology

Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Robert M. Mordkin

VHC Health Physicians - Urology

Arlington

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Sameer M. Deshmukh

Kaiser Permanente - Fair Oaks

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington; Inova

Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center

Simon S. Chung

Inova Urology - Fairfax

Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit)

Sunil V. Patel

Commonwealth Urology

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital

Timothy Kim

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit)

VASCULAR / INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

Carson Campe

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Luis D. Goity

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Michael Stone

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Mohammed Loya

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Murat Sor HealthQare Services

Rich Rana

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Russell E. McWey

Northern Virginia Radiology

Consultants - Virginia Hospital Center

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Shahine Baghai

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

Vivek Mathur

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

VASCULAR SURGERY

Avisesh Sahgal

Vascular Associates of Northern Virginia

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital; Reston Hospital Center; Stone Springs Hospital Center (admit)

Deepak Deshmukh

Vascular Institute of Virginia

Stafford Hospital Center (admit); Fauquier Hospital (admit); Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (admit); Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (admit); Prince William Hospital (admit); Reston Hospital Center (admit); Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center (admit)

Homayoun A. Hashemi

Inova Cardiac Surgery Vascular Surgery and Vascular Lab

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital; Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

Hyein Kim

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

John W. Rhee

VHC Health Physicians - Cardiac Vascular & Thoracic Surgery

Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington (admit)

Maseer A. Bade

Inova Cardiac Surgery Vascular Surgery and Vascular Lab

Inova Alexandria Hospital (admit); Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (admit); Inova Fairfax Hospital (admit); Inova Health System (admit); Prince William Hospital (admit)

Priya Thirumlai

Center for Vein Restoration

Shyam Krishnan

Kaiser Permanente - Tysons Corner

PMA Health

A PRIVIA MEDICAL PRACTICE

PMA Health provides expert care in Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Immediate Care, Pulmonology, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, Travel Medicine, Aesthetics and Medical Weight Loss.

500 and 510 W. Annandale Road Falls Church, VA 22046

3301 Wilson Blvd.

Arlington, VA 22201

Virginia Hospital Center

1635 N. George Mason Drive, Suite 190 Arlington, VA 22205

703-521-6662

www.mypmahealth.com

PMA Health—Trusted Care for Generations—Growing for Tomorrow

PMA Health is a multi-specialty medical practice that has served families across Northern Virginia for over 60 years. The practice provides exceptional, patient-focused care through a collaborative, team-based approach, supported by advanced technology and proactive care coordination.

PMA Health has built long-standing relationships within the community, offering personalized care that evolves with patients’ changing needs. The practice offers a full range of services including primary care, internal medicine, immediate care, and specialties such as pulmonology, critical care, sleep medicine, travel medicine, aesthetics and medical weight loss.

With 37 providers across four locations in Falls Church and Arlington, PMA Health continues to grow to meet our community’s

needs. In the past year, Dr. Erin Haber was welcomed to pulmonary medicine. Later this summer, Drs. Liz Kazarian and Sam Lee will join primary care, and Dr. Mahrukh Riaz will join sleep medicine—expanding access to care.

PMA Health’s immediate care centers in Clarendon and Falls Church offer walkin and virtual visits seven days a week. For patients without a primary care provider, the team ensures continuity of care by connecting them with one to support efforts to optimize their health.

Founded in 1961, PMA Health remains committed to clinical excellence. Many providers serve as faculty at Georgetown and George Washington Universities and mentor residents from the Uniformed Services University.

Now accepting new patients. Schedule an appointment today and build a lasting relationship with trusted care.

PMA Health’s Top Doctors

Daniel Casey, Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease (not shown); Ritu Cuttica, Internal Medicine (not shown); Ashtaad Dalal, Sleep Medicine; David Duhamel, Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease; Jeff Hales, Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease; Mary-Margaret Lewis, Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease (not shown); Nancy Maaty, Critical Care Medicine (not shown); Timothy Muir, Internal Medicine; Jennifer Neria, Family Medicine (not shown); Julie Passarelli, Internal Medicine; Neil Shea, Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease; Lawrence Stein, Sleep Medicine and Pulmonary Disease; Christopher Wyckoff, Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease

Inova Medical Group

DR. SIDHARTHA CHANDELA, MD, FAANS

DR. JOSHUA WIND, MD, FAANS, FACS

Dr. Chandela and Dr. Wind are routinely recognized by publications throughout the metro area (D.C., Maryland and Virginia) as Top Doctors. They have clinic locations throughout Northern Virginia, as well as multiple hospital locations.

8081 Innovation Park Drive, Suite 900 Fairfax, VA 22031

3833 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 201

Arlington, VA 22203

571-472-4100

www.inova.org

and

Wind are board-certified neurosurgeons who have provided expert neurosurgical care in the D.C. metro area for over 15 years. They have a combined 30 years of experience providing neurosurgical care. Specializing in the latest minimally invasive techniques, they are guided by the treatment philosophy of avoiding surgery whenever possible. They treat patients as they would want their own family members treated. If you have been told you need brain or spine surgery, they can offer a conservative second opinion to help guide you through the complex decisions regarding whether a more minimally invasive procedure might be an option.

Dr. Chandela is a minimally invasive neurosurgeon who performs open cranial and endovascular surgery,allowing him to treat brain aneurysms and other neurovascular problems in a thoughtful, unbi -

ased manner. He also has a robust and comprehensive spine surgery practice. He has been a team neurosurgeon for multiple sports teams in the D.C. area, including the Washington Commanders and D.C. United.

Dr. Wind uses minimally invasive and motion preserving options for spine surgery that once required larger incisions and recoveries. Combining newer technologies, such as image guidance, robotics and microscopic procedures that spare the muscles around the spine, Dr. Wind leverages the latest technologies to get patients back to their lives faster. He also provides general neurosurgical care, including minimally invasive endoscopic pituitary tumor surgery.

Dr. Chandela and Dr. Wind are part of the Inova Medical Group, and they are committed to growing the INOVA neurosurgery program in the community.

Dr. Sidhartha Chandela

Dr. Joshua

From left: Dr. Chandela and Dr. Wind

Danijela Jelovac, MD

VIRGINIA CANCER SPECIALISTS

My patients have come to expect from me an approach that honors how complex the decisionmaking process around cancer can be. I firmly believe in multidisciplinary care with the patient at its core, respecting the unique needs for personalized care of every single patient I see.

1100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1600 3 Ballston Plaza Arlington, VA 22201 571-350-8400 www.VirginiaCancerSpecialists.com

Meet the newest member of Virginia Cancer Specialists’ breast and gynecologic oncology care team, Dr. Danijela Jelovac. She is settling into one of its newest expansions, in the heart of Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Jelovac is an award-winning, board-certified medical oncologist who earned her medical degree from the University of Belgrade before completing a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Maryland. She completed a residency in internal medicine at Union Memorial Hospital, followed by a fellowship in medical oncology at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) at Johns Hopkins University.

“It was a privilege to join the practice recently to meet the growing demand for breast and gynecologic cancer specialization in Fairfax and Arlington,” says Dr. Jelovac. “Working in a community cancer center environment such as Virginia Cancer Specialists has been truly a gift and richly rewarding experience.”

Dr. Jelovac served as investigator on many clinical trials prior to joining the practice, so she feels right at home with direct access to Virginia Cancer Specialists’ vast clinical trials portfolio, the largest in the Mid-Atlantic. “For more than five decades, we’ve earned the trust of our community. Not only do we offer full spectrum, state-of-the-art, integrated advanced cancer care, we do so with an unwavering commitment to integrity,“ Dr. Jelovac adds. “We believe that doing the right thing is not only possible, but also essential for our patients and their families. Being able to offer them options and hope is at the core of what we do.”

Saira Bilal, MD, FACR

ARTHRITIS CLINIC OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Board Certified Rheumatology

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Certification in Rheumatology from the American College of Rheumatology

1635 N. George Mason Drive, Suite 220 Arlington, VA 22205

703-525-3069 www.myarthritisclinic.com

Dr. Saira Bilal is a highly accomplished physician, boasting dual board-certifications in rheumatology and internal medicine. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. Her impressive credentials include the coveted Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Certification in Rheumatology from the esteemed American College of Rheumatology.

Dr. Bilal has more than 20 years of experience in clinical, research and educational medicine. She earned her medical degree from King Edward Medical University in Pakistan, and she completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore. She earned her sub-specialization in rheumatology at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, where she served as a chief rheumatology fellow.

Dr. Bilal has also played pivotal academic roles, serving as an instructor of medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. She moved to Washington, D.C. in 2017 and joined George Washington University as an assistant professor in the Department of Rheumatology. In this role she supervised and trained fellows, residents and medical students. She also chaired several core committees. Notably, she is a published author and an active contributor to various clinical trials, continually enriching her impact within the field.

Her clinical interests include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, seronegative arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, vasculitis and joint injections. She has special interest in musculoskeletal ultrasound and has obtained the prestigious RhMSUS certification from the American College of Rheumatology.

Holzman Laser Vision

ANDREW E. HOLZMAN, MD FACS

I love what I do! I have the fortunate privilege of improving people’s lives, and it’s just so satisfying to see the happiness of our post-op patients. They’ve finally achieved a dream of theirs—and we were there to help them through it!

8401 Greensboro Drive, Suite 525 McLean, VA 22102

5454 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 850

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

855-99-LASIK

www.drholzman.com

Following graduation from the University of Miami School of Medicine, residency at George Washington University and a fellowship in corneal surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Eye and Ear Institute, Dr. Andrew Holzman moved to the DMV in 1999 to open laser centers. At the time, refractive eye surgery was just taking off. “I was lucky enough to be in this industry from the beginning and started doing these procedures in the early ‘90s, well before lasers were even available,” he says.

“I am proud to have a veteran, loyal and caring team by my side growing what we believe is the best refractive eyecare center in the area.” Having been in the industry over 30 years now, Dr. Holzman knows that his clinical operations team

and support staff are second to none.

Over 300 eye doctors in the DMV and surrounding areas refer their patients to Dr. Holzman. Professional athletes and media personalities continue to choose him when seeking to improve their performance with better vision.

Dr. Holzman and his team pride themselves on a cautious approach. They will only treat someone who is perfectly suited for the procedure and likely to have an excellent outcome. “I've spent my entire career developing protocols that make eye procedures safer and easier for my patients,” he says. “While some may come to me with a bit of apprehension, they quickly realize there’s nothing to worry about as long as they are a great candidate and in good hands!”

Dr. Priya Thirumlai, MD, FACS

CENTER FOR VEIN RESTORATION

1500 North Beauregard St., Suite 210, Alexandria, VA 22311 240-965-3915 | www.centerforvein.com

Priya Thirumlai, MD, FACS, shifted from labor wards to laser fibers through systematic study— conferences, mentorships and hundreds of duplex scans. “The transition wasn’t easy—I pursued specialized training in lower leg venous disease and minimally invasive interventions and gradually shifted my practice toward vein care,” she recalls.

That dedication now powers a thriving practice where careful ultrasound mapping guides therapies including EVLA, RFA and foam sclerotherapy. She’s known for diagnosing underrecognized conditions such as May-Thurner syndrome, helping patients who’ve gone years without answers. Colleagues admire her precision and calm expertise; patients value her clarity and care.

Dr. Thirumlai’s path proves a career can be successfully reinvented with curiosity, patience, and purpose without losing the values that shaped it.

Suneetha Budampati, MD

NATIONAL SPINE & PAIN CENTERS

2800 Shirlington Road, Suite 102, Arlington, VA 2220

703-738-4336

3803 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22203

703-738-4380

Treatingpain.com

As medical director of NSPC in Arlington, Dr. Suneetha Budampati strives to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the overall condition and create a customized care plan with each patient. She is ever mindful of the unique individual effect of both chronic and acute pain on each patient.

Her expertise includes spinal injections, nerve blocks, percutaneous intradiscal therapies, neuromodulation at the dorsal column, DRG and peripheral nerves, MILD procedure, SCS implantation, revision, and pain pump therapies. She is able to see any patient in pain within 48 hours.

Dr. Budampati achieves successful results by dialoguing with her patients. “I will offer the care and expertise,” she says, “but you offer me your interest and participation so that we can come up with a progressive prevention plan for your future.”

TONY J. LEWIS

Bluemont Plastic Surgery

MARK DOMANSKI, MD

NUHA HANDOUSH, MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Northern Virginia Magazine Top Doctor

DC Modern Luxury Top Medical Professional

Washingtonian Top Doctor

Arlington Magazine Top Doctor

8316 Arlington Blvd., Suite 524, Fairfax, VA 22031

703-596-1660 | info@bluemontmd.com www.bluemontmd.com

IG: @mark.domanski

Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Mark Domanski’s specialties include facial aesthetic surgery, breast lift, abdominoplasty and liposuction. Renowned for his natural results, Dr. Domanski solves aesthetic and reconstructive problems by blending science and creativity.

“Social media has resulted in increased awareness of plastic surgery procedures and options,” he says. “The internet contains much information, but a paucity of knowledge. I seek to fill an increasing need for patients to be properly counseled about whether a particular procedure is the optimal choice for them. The most important modality is the one-on-one time I spend with my patients before, during and after surgery.”

Nuha Handoush is Bluemont Plastic Surgery’s medical aesthetician. She has over 20 years of experience working with advanced laser technologies in the aesthetic field. She specializes in treating a wide range of skin and body concerns, including acne scars, rosacea, melasma, skin tightening, cellulite treatments and fat reduction. Her extensive hands-on experience with various laser systems enables her to deliver safe, effective and customized treatments tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Nuha works hard to keep up with the latest technological innovations in the industry. “Over my career, I’ve seen significant advancements in laser technology,” she says. “Treatments have become more precise, less invasive and more comfortable for clients with minimal downtime. Staying educated and hands-on with new treatments is key.”

DENTISTS T P O

Our area’s most respected dental health experts, as nominated by their peers in the dental community

The dental professionals in this feature were selected by Professional Research Services (PRS), which conducted an online peer-review survey of certified dentists in Arlington County, Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church and the City of Alexandria. The featured dentists, identified by their peers as outstanding in their fields, were screened and selected through the verification of licensing and review of any infractions through applicable boards, agencies and rating services. For additional information, visit prscom.com. Arlington Magazine was not involved in the selection process.

Lynn M. Farrey, D.D.S.

ENDODONTICS

Ali Nosrat

Centreville Endodontics

Andrew Vo

Northern Virginia Endodontic Solutions

Anna Sidor

Prestige Dental Specialists

Asmi Shah

Prestige Dental Specialists

Brian J. Nalls

Tysons Corner Endodontics

Brian A. Suh

Tysons Corner Endodontics

David Palmieri

Dominion Endodontics

Edward Chun

McLean Endodontics

Fernando J. Meza

Arlington Alexandria Endodontics

H. Vivian Lee

Arlington Alexandria Endodontics

Hashim Al-Hassany

One Endodontics - Falls Church

Jessica Russo Revand

Russo Endodontics

Maryam Monfared

Drs. Colasanto & Monfared

Nathan E. Schoenly

Dominion Endodontics

Nicholas Leon-Guerrero

Avanti Dentistry

Prashant Verma

Centreville Endodontics

Robert A. Cheron

Northern Virginia Endodontic Associates

Stephanie Wu

McLean Endodontics

Timothy Golian

Timothy Golian, DDS, PC

Wesley Citron

Vienna Endodontics

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Adam Roca

Roca Dental

Adel Rizkalla

Karen Harriman, DDS

Adnan Al-Karagholi

Merrifield Smiles

Annie G. Kemps

Mabry Dental Group

Bahar Rowhani

Falls Church Comprehensive Dentistry

Bilal Chaudhry

Arlington Smiles - William Lessne, D.D.S. & Bilal Chaudhry D.D.S.

Bita Ellis

Sunshine Dentists

Bryan D. Wood

Huntington Dental

Carla Zamora

RenovaSmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Chang Yi

Fairfax Corner Dental

Christopher Spagna

Drs. Spagna & Kunaish

Damien Anh Huynh

Huntington Dental

Daniel E. Cassidy

Dr. Daniel E. Cassidy, Jr., DDS

David P. Cote

The Dental Office at River House

David Matney

Ballston Dental Care

David Stuver

Cusumano & Stuver Dentistry of Arlington

David S. Yoon

Springfield Dental Solutions

Diane Pham

Capital Esthetics & Family Dentistry

Erika A. Anderson

Siranli Dental

Evan R. Sapperstein

Arlington Dental Associates

Fredrick Farahi

Smile McLean Dentistry

Gary Greenspan

Dental Associates of Northern Virginia

Gheed Al Mudhafar

Millennium Dental Care

Hye Park

Green Dental of Alexandria

Jae Kim

Virginia Dental Center

James M Ronis

James Ronis, DDS

Jansen Woo

Jansen Woo, D.D.S.

Jeffrey A. Sisel

Shirlington Dental

Jerry C. Kim

Merrifield Dental

Joe Cusumano

Cusumano & Stuver Dentistry of

Arlington

John Cusumano

Cusumano & Stuver Dentistry of Arlington

Kamran “Drive Nik” Nikseresht

Nik Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Karen Harriman

Karen Harriman, DDS

Kathleen Mullaney

Dr. Kathleen Mullaney DDS FAGD

Lauren B. Gibberman

Gibberman Dental

Lizz Gentry

Caring Dentists

Lynn M. Farrey

Lynn M. Farrey, D.D.S.

Manisha Grover

Clarendon Dental Arts

Mark Miller

Drs. Love & Miller

Mark Tromblay

MT Dental Partners

Marwa Hamidi

Arlington Dental Team

Mary E. Gregory

Mary E. Gregory, DDS

Megan R. Borak

Quincy Street Dental

Melanie Love

Drs. Love & Miller

Michael J. Paesani

NOVA Dental Studio

Navdeep Aulakh

Friendly Smiles Dental Care - Burke

Paul Gibberman

Gibberman Dental

Philip A. Gentry

Caring Dentists

Rachael M. Valltos

Arlington Dental Associates

Rami Ghorab

RNX Dental

Raymund V. Favis

Favis Dental

Richard T. Stone

Stone Aesthetic Dentistry

Ronald Hauptman

Falls Church Comprehensive Dentistry

Samuel D. Cappiello

Siranli Dental

top dentists

Scott P. Lindemann

Scott Lindemann, DDS

Sheila Arbabi

McLean Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Sophia C. Phass

Flex Family Dentistry

Stephen A. Mabry

Mabry Dental Group

Sumra Ahmad

Smile Dental Clinic

William Lessne

Arlington Smiles - William Lessne, D.D.S. & Bilal Chaudhry D.D.S.

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Ali Pashapour

Pashapour Oral + Facial Surgery

Amir Naimi

Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery

Amro Shihabi

Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery

Byron Capps

Fairfax Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Craig Vigliante

Virginia Advanced Surgical Arts

Cyrus Ramsey

Fairfax Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Daria Hamrah

NOVA SurgiCare

David Liang

Northern Virginia Surgical Arts

David M. Morgan

David M. Morgan, DDS, MD, PLC

Dipa J. Patel

Arlington & Waterfront Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Center

Edward B. Delgado

Drs. Delgado & Kuzmik

Eric D. Starley

Merrifield Oral Surgery

Frederick (Fred) Liu

Fairfax Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

H. Iwin Chu

Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Centers

Huy C. Trinh

Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Centers

Jason Burkes

Alexandria Dental Smiles

Jeffrey Rothman

Alexandria Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Jonathan Park

Fairfax Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Joseph Arzadon

Northern Virginia Surgical Arts

Kenneth Blais

Northern Virginia Surgical Arts

Margaret K. Pham

Merrifield Oral Surgery

Michael Timothy Gocke

Virginia Advanced Surgical Arts

Pedram Yaghmai

Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery

Rolin Henry

Walnut Dental Associates

Ryan Peters

Northern Virginia Surgical Arts

Sang Y. Kim

Sang Y. Kim DMD, MD, P.C.

Steven Robertson

Fairfax Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Vincent Nguyen-Cao

Alexandria Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Ziad A. Ali

Elevation Center for Oral, Facial, and Implant Surgery

ORTHODONTICS

Ali Y. Ghatri

Let’s Smile Dental

Allen S. Garai

Garai Orthodontics

Ashkan Ghaffari

Ghaffari Orthodontics

Brad Hudson

Hudson Orthodontics

Christine Kim

Reston Orthodontics

Christine F. Stang

Stang Family Orthodontics

Courtney Ullrich

NOVA Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Crissy Markova

Virginia Center for Orthodontics

Curtis L. Abigail

Abigail Orthodontics

D. Michael Ellis

Virginia Orthodontic Partners

Darin B. Iverson

Iverson & Wahab Orthodontics

David Hughes

David Hughes Orthodontics

Deirdre J. Maull

Deirdre Maull Orthodontics

Denise Nguyen

Nala Smiles

Donald F. Larson

Larson Orthodontics

Elizabeth Matteson Jones

Merrifield Orthodontics

Elvi Barcoma

Northern Virginia Orthodontics

Garret Djeu

NoVA Orthodontics

Gregory D. Bath

Drive Bath Orthodontics

H. Quoc Lu

First Impression Orthodontics

Hani Thariani

TBraces Orthodontics

Herbert M. Hughes

Hughes Orthodontics

Ibrahim Y. Alhussain

Tysons West Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry

Justin Hughes

Hughes Orthodontics

Katherine (Katty) M. Vroom

Kathy Vroom DDS Orthodontics

Meghan J. Lindgren

Virginia Orthodontic Partners

Mohamed “Moe” Masoud

Berman & Masoud Orthodontics

Mona Wahab

Iverson & Wahab Orthodontics

Neal D. Kravitz

Kravitz Orthodontics

Phu T. Le

Tysons Orthodontic Care

Robert Marzban

Kingstowne Dental Specialists

Rodney John Klima

Burke Family Orthodontics

Scott Berman

Berman & Masoud Orthodontics

Sherif N. Elhady

Trü Orthodontics

Stephan Tisseront

Tisseront Orthodontics

William S. Lee

Alexandria Braces

Zach Casagrande

Northern Virginia Orthodontics

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

A. Jason Shannon

McLean Pediatric Dentistry

Allie Lonneman

VK Pediatric Dentistry

Amy H. Adair

Amy H. Adair, DMD, MSD

Carlos H. Monsalve

Carlos H. Monsalve, DDS, P.C.

Christine Reardon

Christine Reardon, DMD

Cris Ann Ternisky

McLean Pediatric Dentistry

David Treff

Pediatric Dentistry of Burke

Gary Kramer

Gary Kramer, DDS & Sara Bunin, DDS

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Gema Island

Island Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics

Girish Banaji

Banaji Pediatric Dental Specialists

Heidi O. Vatanka

Parker-Gray Pediatric & Orthodontic Dental Care

Jack Weil

Jack Weil, DMD Dentistry for Children & Teens

Jayne E. Delaney

Jayne E. Delaney, DDS and Rory N. Smith, DDS

John Han

Pediatric Dental Care - Fairfax

Lara Saleh

Drive Toothfairy Pediatric Dentistry

Latoya M. Barham

Precious Smiles of Virginia

Maryam Mohammadi

Beverly Pediatric Dentistry

Michelle Keaney Flanagan

Michelle Keaney Flanagan, DMD

Mina Dadkhah

Smileville Family Dental

Nahee Williams McDonald

Precious Smiles of Virginia

Neda Etessam

McLean Children’s Dentistry

Neda Kalantar

Pediatric Dentistry of Reston

Niloo Mofakhami

Children’s Dentistry of Oakton

Peter Markov

VK Pediatric Dentistry

Reem I. Alhussain

Tysons West Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry

Rishita Jaju

Smile Wonders

Rory N. Smith

Jayne E. Delaney, DDS and Rory N. Smith, DDS

Roselyne Gichana

Falls Church Pediatric Dental Center

Ruksana Talaksi

Centreville Children’s Dentistry

Saman Madani

Sunny Smiles Pediatric & Family Dentistry

PERIODONTICS

A. Garrett Gouldin

Northern Virginia Periodontics

Adrian Rudiak

Prestige Dental Specialists

Alfonso L. Patron

Implant Logyca

Antara Daru

Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry

Brian Feeney

NOVA Institute

Christine Karapetian

Washington Periodontics

Dima Lakkis

Alexandria Periodontics

Edison A. Abril

Edison Abril DDS, MSD

Eugene Oh

Vienna Periodontics & Implant Surgery

Fadi Hasan

Sculpt Center for Implants & Periodontics

Francisco T. Carlos

Northern Virginia Periodontics

Hazem Saqqal

Fairfax Modern Dentistry

J. Alexander Withers

J. Alexander Withers, D.D.S., M.S.

Jennifer H. Diaz

Jennifer H. Diaz, DMD, MS, PC

Justin Zalewsky

Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry

Karl A. Smith

Karl A. Smith, DDS

Keren Sperling

NovaPerio Periodontology & Dental Implants

Lillian Carpio

The Periodontal Implant Institute

Lourdes Ann Christopher

Falls Church Periodontics & Dental Implant Surgery

Mehrdad Favagehi

Falls Church Periodontics & Dental Implant Surgery

Michael A. Colasanto

Drs. Colasanto & Monfared

Norachai “Eddy” Phisuthikul

Prestige Dental Specialists

Thomas Lin

NoVA Perio Health - Annandale

Trang N. Salzberg

Periodontics & Implant Center of Northern Virginia

Vishal Gohel

Northern Virginia Periodontics

William Wen-Wei Wang

Northern Virginia Perio Health

PROSTHODONTICS

Benjamin O. Watkins

Smiles International

Brendan Bernhart

Nuvia Dental Implant Center - Alexandria

Caroline Eskow

Virginia Prosthodontics

Daniel A. Pinto

ClearChoice Dental Implants Tysons Corner

Daniel Sullivan

Lenz Sullivan Dentistry

Hugo Bonilla

Bonilla Dental Arts

Juan C. Loza

Loza Dental Health & Wellness

Mustafa Al-Karagholi

Merrifield Smiles

Negar Tehrani

McLean Aura Dentistry

Peterson Huang

Nova Premier Dental

Sebastian Viski

Bonilla Dental Arts

Dr. Samantha Siranli Siranli Implants+Facial Aesthetics+Prosthodontics

See Profile page 87

MICHAEL VENTURA

Jeffrey L. Brown, DDS, MBA

SLEEP & TMJ THERAPY

Dr. Brown is a graduate of Georgetown Dental School and an international speaker for TMD. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, an ALF InterFace Legacy Provider, and holds memberships with many academies. His extensive knowledge in the combined fields of TMJ, sleep, osteopathy and orthodontics gives him a unique perspective.

2841 Hartland Road, Suite 301, Falls Church, VA 22043 703-821-1103 | office@sleepandtmjtherapy.com www.sleepandtmjtherapy.com

Q: What makes your approach to TMD and sleep apnea treatment unique?

A: Many dentists use Botox or other injectables to ease TMD pain, but that’s just a temporary fix—ultimately, the underlying problem is still there. Rather than just masking symptoms, I treat the root cause by guiding the jaw joint back into the socket where it belongs, so it no longer pinches nerves and blood vessels. Even in cases others say can’t be helped, my patients’ beforeand-after MRIs often show real improvement. I use custom orthotics to gently reposition the jaw and restore natural bite height, reducing pressure on the joint. Once symptoms improve, we explore lasting solutions like orthodontics or crowns for long-term stability. It’s a simple, structural approach to healing that most dentists aren’t trained in.

Q: What are some signs that someone might have an undiagnosed sleeping disorder?

A: Most people who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) don’t even know they have it. But left untreated, it increases your risk for serious health issues, like heart disease, depression, even car accidents and more. Common red flags include loud snoring, restless sleep, gasping at night, morning headaches, brain fog, mood swings and daytime fatigue. OSA affects everything— from relationships to your focus at work or your child’s ability to learn in school. The good news? It’s treatable. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, talk to your doctor. Getting checked could be life-changing, not just for you, but for the people who love and count on you.

Manisha Grover, DDS

CLARENDON DENTAL ARTS

Dr. Grover graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry and completed her residency at New York Medical College’s Metropolitan Hospital. Her integrative, whole-body approach treats the mouth as a gateway to overall health, while emphasizing exceptional service, clear communication and a welcoming environment where patients feel genuinely valued and cared for.

2700 Clarendon Blvd.

Arlington, VA 22201

703-525-5901

cdarts@clarendondentalarts.com

www.clarendondentalarts.com

Q: What inspired you to take a more integrative, whole-body approach to dentistry?

A: While researching gene expression in dental school, I saw how bacteria linked to gum disease triggered inflammation throughout the body, not just in the mouth. It was clear to me, even then, that oral health isn’t isolated; it’s directly connected to overall health. If inflammation in the mouth can contribute to conditions like heart disease or diabetes, it only makes sense to treat patients holistically. Our Mouth, Mind & Body® approach uses advanced tools and diagnostics to look beyond symptoms— considering sleep and breathing patterns, diet, immune health and other lifestyle factors—to identify root causes and prevent problems before they start. True health is understanding how everything

is linked. Oral health is a portal to whole-body wellness, and every patient deserves care that connects the dots.

Q: What do you most look forward to when you go to work each day?

A: Helping people take control of their health. Many first-time patients come in feeling frustrated, like they’re doing everything right to care for their oral health, yet still face the same recurring issues. I genuinely look forward to those moments when something clicks and they realize their mouth holds important clues about what’s going on in the rest of their body. Seeing that lightbulb go off when I explain there’s an underlying cause—and that they can do something about it, often with simple changes to diet or sleep— is incredibly rewarding. I love helping patients feel seen, heard and empowered with the “why” behind their symptoms.

Michael B. Rogers, DDS

FAIRLINGTON DENTAL

Dr. Michael Rogers combines personal experience with advanced training to deliver compassionate, transformative care. A Harvard graduate with a dental degree from UCLA, he specializes in cosmetic and integrative dentistry and TMJ treatment. Passionate about the connection between oral and systemic health, Dr. Rogers is dedicated to restoring confidence, wellness and lasting smiles through personalized, innovative care.

4850 31st St., Suite A

Arlington, VA 22206

703-671-1001

office@fairlingtondental.com

www.fairlingtondental.com

Q: Why choose Fairlington Dental?

A: Having faced significant dental challenges from childhood, I understand how vulnerable a patient can feel. That personal experience shapes the way I practice today. At Fairlington Dental, every patient is treated with empathy and seen as a whole person—not just a dental case. It’s important to me that each individual feels comfortable, heard and genuinely cared for. Our office isn’t just about fixing teeth, it’s about building trust and having a positive impact on our patients’ overall health.

Q: What can new patients expect during their first visit?

A: The first thing we do is listen. Instead of immediately telling you what we think you need, we start by getting to know your concerns, goals and health background. From there, we work together to create

a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs—not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Good oral health starts at home. While regular dental visits are essential, what you do between appointments matters just as much. Our collaborative approach is designed to give you confidence and control over your oral health so you can live a healthier life and maintain a bright, lasting smile.

Q: Can you share a memorable patient experience?

A: During what seemed like a routine dental scan, we detected an unusual issue that, after further medical evaluation, turned out to be a serious health condition the patient had no idea existed. That discovery led to life-saving treatment. It was a powerful reminder that dentistry is about so much more than teeth—it’s the gateway to whole-body health.

Falls Church Periodontics & Dental Implant Center

MEHRDAD FAVAGEHI, DDS, MS, CERT. PERIO, FELLOW-ACADEMY OF OSSEOINETGRATION

LOURDES ANN CHRISTOPHER, DDS, MS, CERT. PERIO

Drs. Christopher and Favagehi met while they were residents at The Ohio State University. They’ve been married for over 25 years. They’re both board-certified specialists in periodontics and dental implant surgery by the American Board of Periodontology. Patients are accepted through referrals from general dentists or by calling the office directly to schedule a consultation.

313 Park Ave., Suite 103, Falls Church, VA 22046

703-237-3700 | periodontistoffice@gmail.com www.periodontistoffice.com

Q: What is unique about your practice?

A: We are highly specialized in what we do, and despite operating one of the area’s more established periodontics and implant dentistry practices, we treat each patient with a personal touch. At Falls Church Periodontics & Dental Implant Center, we work closely with patients, tailoring solutions to their specific needs and budgets. Our practice employs the latest technologies, including lasers, 3-D scanners, 3-D X-rays and 3-D printing for computer guided surgery. Furthermore, we extend this technology to our referring dentists, fostering collaborative, comprehensive patient care. Dr. Favagehi is an editor of a newsletter for the Academy of Osseointegration, a world-renowned dental implant organization, so he stays up to date about the latest in implant dentistry. Dr. Christopher is a recognized leader in periodontal plastic surgery and gingival grafting around teeth.

Q: What is one thing your patients should know about you?

A: We’re both teachers—and we believe to truly master a subject, you should teach it—which helps us explain even the most complicated treatments to our patients so they can understand and make informed decisions. Dr. Christopher has served as a clinical instructor at several universities, including the University of Maryland Dental School. Dr. Favagehi has received a teaching award from the American Academy of Periodontology for his work as a clinical instructor at VCU Dental School for more than 25 years. Both doctors are active presenters at many dental meetings in the U.S. and abroad.

Lara Saleh, DDS, MS

DR. TOOTHFAIRY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Lara Saleh is an award-winning, board-certified pediatric dentist and a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She completed her fellowship at Case Western Reserve University, and her residency and Master of Science degree in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Michigan. Passionate about children, Dr. Lara is fluent in English, Arabic and French.

105 E. Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22046 703-677-8775 | info@drtoothfairy.com www.drtoothfairy.com

Q: What’s the story behind Dr. Toothfairy?

A: While at the University of Michigan, I fell in love with Ann Arbor’s fairy doors. Scattered throughout the city, these tiny, magical doors exemplify the inseparable bond between the top dental school in the country (Go Blue!) and our local community. For decades, kids have gifted drawings, coins and little trinkets to the mystical fairies. I wanted to bring that same sense of magic and community— and an unmatched standard of dental care—to my practice. Children can celebrate dental milestones at our office by leaving a note in one of our fairy doors—and they are sure to find a special surprise in return. It’s our way of making every trip to the dentist a little more enchanting.

Q: What is your approach to pediatric dentistry?

A: At Dr. Toothfairy, we’re not just pediatric dental professionals—we’re parents too! No two kids (or smiles!) are the same, which is why we take a personalized, evidence-based approach and work closely with families to ensure parents feel informed, assured and involved at every step. We use only the safest, kid-friendly materials, and we keep X-rays to a minimum. Our office is designed for comfort and fun, with TVs over every chair, a glow-in-the-dark room and rewards for healthy habits. It’s all about making dental care safe, magical and something your child can look forward to.

Q: How would your patients describe you?

A: Warm, welcoming and super kid friendly. Parents say they appreciate our whole-child approach and our commitment to making every visit fun, comfortable and educational for their little ones.

Michael J. Paesani, DMD

NOVA DENTAL STUDIO

Dr. Michael J. Paesani earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach. He offers comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry that blends the latest advancements with personalized, patient-focused care to deliver exceptional results.

200 Little Falls St., Suite 101, Falls Church, VA 22046 703-997-1962 | www.novadentalstudio.com

Q: How does NOVA Dental Studio support patients who are ready to take charge of their oral health?

A: We make it easy for patients to take that first step— whether they’re maintaining healthy habits or starting fresh with a simple check-up and cleaning. Delaying dental care can have serious health implications, including links to heart disease, stroke and other systemic conditions.

At NOVA Dental Studio, we focus on preventive care and minimally invasive treatments, using the latest materials and technology to create a modern, comfortable, patient-centered experience. Our team takes the time to understand each patient’s needs and works with them to build a personalized care plan that feels manageable and empowering. By fostering a supportive, judgmentfree environment, we help patients take charge of their health with confidence—one step at a time.

Q: What keeps you motivated to continue improving your practice?

A: They say, “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” That’s exactly how I feel about dentistry. I genuinely love what I do and that passion drives everything at NOVA Dental Studio.

Dentistry is always evolving. Embracing new techniques, materials and technologies allows me to continue providing the best care possible. Every opportunity to learn brings a fresh perspective and helps us approach challenges more creatively—improving the patient experience and inspiring us to keep raising the bar.

Q: How do you stay at the forefront of an everevolving industry?

A: Innovation helps us preserve more natural tooth structure and deliver better outcomes. We embrace the latest technology—like digital smile previews—that make care more precise and patient-friendly.

MICHAEL VENTURA

Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD

SIRANLI DENTAL

Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics

Fellow, American College of Prosthodontists

Diplomate, American Board of Oral Implantology

Four locations in Arlington, McLean and Washington, D.C. (Foggy Bottom and DuPont) www.SiranliDental.com

Q: What makes your approach to smile makeovers unique?

A: We never start by examining teeth. We study each patient’s unique facial structures, including cheekbones, lip support, smile line and teeth display. We consider resting and full smiles, and we carefully listen to the patient to understand their goals. Only then can we deliver the stunning yet natural-looking smiles that built our reputation.

Our in-house, state-of-the-art lab is also unique. Technicians craft veneers and crowns onsite, collaborating directly with our doctors and patients to ensure the best aesthetic and functional results. Seeing a patient’s transformation firsthand adds an extra level of passion and dedication.

Q: Beyond appearance, what would you say is the biggest benefit of cosmetic dentistry?

A: Regaining confidence. For cosmetic cases, we need to observe the patient’s authentic smile. They start with a learned smile, so we must coax it out. But when patients see the results, they can instantly reflect their joy with a genuine, radiant smile. Watching this transformation is extremely gratifying and lifechanging for the patient.

Q: What are your most popular services? What makes them special?

A: Patients routinely fly in from across the country for our porcelain veneers and dental implants. What sets us apart is a blend of precise technique, exceptional artistry and meticulous attention to detail.

Kelly Mayer, DDS

MAYER

SMILE BE BRIGHT

Dr. Mayer graduated with dual degrees and thesis honors in biochemistry and French literature, plus a minor in studio art, from the University of Virginia. She earned her DDS at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, receiving the James R. Lance Award in Endodontics, and completed her residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

6500 Williamsburg Blvd., Arlington, VA 22213 571-210-2430 | www.mayersmilebebright.com

Q: What makes your patient experience unique?

A: With 15 years of hands-on experience and ongoing training in advanced dental technology, I bring the precision and versatility of a multispecialty practice to every patient. From surgical procedures and grafting to root canals, restorative work, sedation dentistry and clear aligner therapy, I offer personalized treatment to support long-term oral health and function.

What truly sets my practice apart, though, is my emphasis on comprehensive exams and patient education. Every patient’s journey begins with a thorough exam, but more importantly, it starts with listening. I want to understand your current habits, the challenges you face and your personal goals. From there, we build a hygiene routine that fits your lifestyle—because the best dental plan is one you’ll actually follow every day.

Q: How are you different from other dentists?

A: My patient-first approach is centered on education. When patients understand the “why,” they’re empowered to take part in lasting solutions. I walk them through what’s going on, why it matters and what their options are. I also believe in the power of seeing things for yourself. Whether that’s viewing your X-rays, observing gum response during cleanings or learning proper flossing techniques, these moments show you that change is possible— and you have the tools to make it happen.

Q: How do you employ new technology?

A: 3D radiographic and digital oral scans are part of every adult’s first visit. These advanced tools reveal far more than traditional imaging, allowing us to detect and address concerns early—often before symptoms appear or become larger, longterm problems.

Northern Virginia Orthodontics

NVO is the nation’s No. 1 Invisalign® provider, treating over 35,000 patients of all ages. With extended hours, Saturday appointments and virtual care options, NVO makes advanced orthodontic care accessible for all. From simple to complex cases—even for kids as young as six—NVO delivers expert care with flexibility and proven results.

22000 Clarendon Blvd., Suite R140

Arlington, VA 22201

703-327-1718

www.nvorthodontics.com

Q: How does orthodontic care impact overall health and well-being?

A: Orthodontics goes far beyond aesthetics—it’s about health, function and enhancing quality of life. Aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. In many ways, orthodontic care is a preventive health measure. Treatment also addresses bite issues and jaw misalignments (malocclusions), which, if left untreated, can cause TMJ pain, headaches, tooth wear, difficulty chewing, and even speech and airway issues. Correcting these imbalances improves function, comfort and long-term oral health. And, of course, a radiant smile can greatly boost self-esteem and emotional wellness. At its core, orthodontics is about helping people feel better, function better and smile with confidence.

Q: Why do busy families love Smile Doctors Anywhere?

A: Smile Doctors Anywhere brings orthodontic

care to your fingertips through the Dental Monitoring platform. Using a smartphone, patients send weekly photos of their teeth via the app for their doctor to examine. With fewer in-office visits, families save time while staying on track with treatment. The app is easy to use—patients receive a scan box and cheek retractors to take clear images. Our team reviews those images using AI-powered technology and provides personalized feedback, progress updates and any necessary instructions. It’s a convenient, flexible way to maintain high-quality care without disrupting daily routines.

Q: What makes Smile Express® a great option for busy adults?

A: Created by Dr. Zachary Casagrande, Smile Express® offers fast, affordable treatment for mild crowding or spacing—often in under six months—with just two office visits and optional nighttime-only aligner wear.

Megan R. Borak, DDS

QUINCY STREET DENTAL

801 N. Quincy St., Suite 110, Arlington, VA 22203 703-778-7610 | manager@quincystreetdental.com www.quincystreetdental.com

Q: What distinguishes Quincy Street Dental from other practices in the area?

A: The compassion and gentle approach of our exceptional team. We understand many patients come to us with dental anxiety, often rooted in past negative experiences, and we take that responsibility seriously. Especially now, as our Arlington community faces government layoffs and financial stress, we aim to be a source of comfort and stability. Our team truly cares—not just about our patients’ teeth, but for their overall well-being. We see them as neighbors and friends. Beyond providing exceptional dental care, we strive for patients to leave feeling confident, supported and empowered to manage their oral health. To us, how you feel after your visit matters just as much as the treatment itself—and we’re here to make sure you walk out feeling uplifted.

Bahar Rowhani, DDS

FALLS CHURCH COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY

311 Park Ave., 2nd Floor Falls Church, VA 22046 www.fallschurchcomprehensivedentistry.com

Q: What makes your patient experience unique?

A: Amid the rise of large, fast-paced practices, we’ve chosen to stay small so we can focus on what matters most—personalized, relationshipbased care. We take time to get to know each patient, understand their goals and educate them on how oral health connects to overall well-being. Our comprehensive 60 to 90-minute initial exam looks at the full picture—teeth, jaw joints, bite, muscles—and how it affects daily life. Using advanced tools like 3D scanners, we help patients see what we see, encouraging questions and collaboration. We don’t just prescribe treatment. We empower patients to take an active role in finding tailored solutions that support their health goals and lifestyle. Everyone’s “best care” looks different, and we’re here to help each person discover what that means for them.

Fadi Hasan, DDS, MSD, DABP

SCULPT CENTER FOR IMPLANTS AND PERIODONTICS

Dr. Fadi Hasan is an award-winning, boardcertified periodontist who is published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado and completed a three-year periodontics residency at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he now serves as assistant clinical professor, helping shape the next generation of specialists in advanced periodontal care.

8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 702 McLean, VA 22102

703-962-4119 www.sculptperio.com

Q: What makes your patient experience unique?

A: We believe dental care should feel as rejuvenating as it is restorative. Our brandnew, state-of-the-art office in McLean was thoughtfully designed with comfort and longterm health in mind, allowing us to deliver world-class periodontal and implant care in a calm, spa-like setting where patients can truly relax. From cutting-edge technology—including Green CT scanning for minimal radiation, 3Shape intraoral scanning for precision and the only Zeiss microscope for microsurgery in Northern Virginia—to highly individualized treatment plans, we carefully plan every detail of your visit to ensure a seamless, personalized experience and exceptional results.

Q: What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?

A: Many patients come to me feeling hopeless. They’ve been told their dental

issues are too complex or that they’re out of options. I love taking on these challenging cases and finding innovative solutions that rebuild function and renew confidence. Helping someone who’s avoided smiling, stuck to soft foods or struggled with speech regain their quality of life is incredibly rewarding. There’s truly nothing like seeing a patient look in the mirror after a smile transformation and light up with joy.

Q: What is your approach to care?

A: I combine clinical excellence with a personal touch and patient-first philosophy, taking time to listen, educate and build genuine trust. My interdisciplinary approach often involves working closely with other dental and medical specialists to create comprehensive, customized care plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs. That kind of teamwork is essential in complex cases, where restoring both function and aesthetics requires a coordinated effort.

Diane Pham, DMD

CAPITAL ESTHETICS & FAMILY DENTISTRY

133 Maple Ave. East, Suite 204, Vienna, VA 22180

703-255-0040 | hello@capitalesthetics.com www.capitalesthetics.com

Q: What’s a patient success story that you’ll never forget?

A: A woman with severe dental anxiety who avoided the dentist for decades finally came to me, ready to reclaim her smile. Together, we restored her teeth— and her confidence. She told me it changed her life: she felt healthier, smiled freely and no longer hid in photos. Compliments poured in and she felt like herself again, at work, with friends and at home. For the first time in years, she was proud of her reflection. Seeing her transformation reminded me why I love what I do.

Q: What makes your practice unique?

A: Dental offices can feel intimidating. We provide compassionate, personalized care to ensure visits are comfortable and stress-free. We create a relaxed, welcoming space by building genuine trust and customizing treatment for each patient.

Mary E. Gregory, DDS

2501 N. Glebe Road, Suite 302 Arlington, VA 22207

703-527-6495 www.drmarygregory.com

Q: What distinguishes your practice from other family dental offices in the area?

A: Many practices overbook, but we intentionally allow extra time so that our patients—and I—never feel rushed. Our one-hour hygiene appointments create space for meaningful conversations, health updates and real connections, allowing us to provide truly personalized care. Patients aren’t just names on a schedule; we treat them like guests in our home. When they walk through our doors, they’re welcomed with genuine warmth and leave feeling respected, heard, valued—and confident they’re in good hands. As a family practice, we make it easy for everyone to be seen under one roof. Caring for multiple generations is an incredible privilege.

Jae Kim, DDS

VIRGINIA DENTAL CENTER

Dr. Jae Kim graduated with honors from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in California. Passionate about outreach, he has offered dental care pro bono to underserved communities locally and abroad. Dr. Kim also provides dental care to members of the armed forces, helping ensure American service members are deploymentready and mission-capable.

1025 N. Fillmore St., Suite A Arlington, VA 22201

703-879-7918 www.virginiadentalcenter.com

Q: What made you decide to become a dentist?

A: When we were kids, my sister needed orthodontic headgear and braces. I was fascinated by how our dentist transformed her smile—and her confidence. That inspired me to become a dentist. I love helping people feel good about their smiles and themselves. It’s incredibly rewarding, whether I’m relieving someone’s pain from a toothache or seeing their face light up after a smile makeover.

Q: What makes you different from other dentists?

A: I take the time to really listen and understand what my patients need, so I can create a care plan that’s just right for them. Patients say I’m friendly, approachable and gentle, which helps put them at ease. They often tell me they appreciate how clearly I explain things

and how comfortable I make them feel asking questions—so they feel confident about their treatment.

Q: How do you integrate new technology to enhance your patient care?

A: Advancements like digital dentistry have allowed me to deliver faster, more precise and more comfortable care. But technology is only part of the equation—my approach still focuses on personalized, evidence-based preventive care. We’re constantly researching and testing new tools, incorporating them only after thoroughly vetting them. Two years ago, we integrated Guided Biofilm Therapy, an innovative, minimally invasive cleaning technique that’s been a gamechanger, especially for patients with sensitivity, implants or braces. Technology strengthens our care, but our patient-first philosophy guides how we use it.

MICHAEL VENTURA

Awards

There are many ways to be extraordinary. These exemplary students paint a multifaceted portrait of resilience and brilliance.

Marin McCormack

Arlington Tech

In the fall of her sophomore year, Marin McCormack was racing down the field during a Virginia Union ECNL soccer game when she got caught between two players and heard a “pop” in her left knee. Surgery for a torn ACL and months of rehab meant she was out for the season. It was a blow for the competitive athlete who also played lacrosse and golf and ran track.

Moral support from friends got her through what she calls “a dark period in my life.” Around the same time, McCormack met Susan Thompson-Gaines, a self-proclaimed “kindness activist,” and

began helping with various grassroots projects in the community, from wrapping holiday gifts for kids to stocking a “little free pantry” with food donations.

Inspired by the impact of those simple acts, McCormack started a Kindness Club at Arlington Tech, where she was taking computer science classes. Since then, the club’s student members have written cards to veterans, left uplifting messages on bathroom mirrors at school, and painted rocks with pickme-up phrases that students can take from the school’s rock garden and keep.

“A lot of people have been mentally struggling,” observes the 18-year-old. “When someone feels happy from your kindness, they’re more likely to spread kindness to others.”

She’s doing her part. “Marin is a shining example of what it means to be a

good human,” says Thompson-Gaines.

One year after her injury, McCormack was fully recovered and back in action. As a member of the track team at Yorktown High School (Arlington Tech doesn’t have a sports program, so she competed for her home school), she set a record for the 400-meter and helped the 800-meter relay team qualify for state competition.

This fall, she heads to the University of Virginia, her mother’s and sister’s alma mater, where she was recruited to play soccer and plans to study data science or statistics. She says being sidelined yielded some valuable perspective. “If I’m having a hard day at practice and I’m stressed about school, I just remind myself about the times I wasn’t able to play, and how not fun that was.” –Lisa Lednicer

Vivian Monaco

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Vivian Monaco was a freshman at TJ when she helped build a CubeSat—a small satellite that was sent to the International Space Station to test the connectivity of satellites in space. That project sparked her interest in aerospace engineering, which she now plans to study at Virginia Tech this fall while participating in Air Force ROTC.

“We think we know a lot [about space], but we don’t even know what we don’t know,” she says. “We’re making so many advances. I want to be part of that.”

Monaco served as president of the

TJ Nanosatellite Program, a club for students with an interest in space, and launched a program with nearby middle schools that engages students in research projects using high-altitude balloons. She also taught coding to 5-7-year-olds through the STEM franchise Code Ninjas.

Beyond academics, the Arlington teen played varsity field hockey and softball, captaining TJ’s softball team and setting three school records. She relishes the strategy aspect of the game—particularly the mental calculations that factor into stealing bases.

Her experience attending one of the nation’s top-ranked high schools wasn’t all smooth sailing. Monaco, who is biracial, says she has been called the nword and has occasionally overheard disparaging comments about TJ’s ad-

missions standards, which the Fairfax County School Board voted to alter in 2020—in part to ensure more diversity at the school. A straight-A student, she was among those admitted after the new rules took effect.

Monaco’s family has confronted racism before: In 1957, her grandmother was turned away from WashingtonLiberty High School (then Washington-Lee and still segregated) when she tried to register for classes. Monaco says the KKK burned a cross on the family’s front lawn in retaliation.

“Ever since I was born it’s been ingrained in me—the values of treating people fairly and not judging them based on their race or sexuality,” she says. “I think I’m particularly lucky.”

–Lisa Lednicer

MICHAEL VENTURA

Preston Lieu

Meridian High School

Preston Lieu is a serial entrepreneur and problem solver. In the summer of 2022 he launched Newsian, an outreach effort that emailed political news summaries to elderly Korean Americans and Chinese Americans in their native languages to encourage them to go out and vote.

He ran the news aggregate for a year, then gave up because the emails weren’t being opened and he was struggling to find editors and translators. Unfazed, he started another enterprise, Youthward, which bills itself as a matchmaking service connecting teens with youthled passion projects worldwide. He built out that organization during his sophomore year while participating in debate, tutoring low-income elementary school students and managing a demanding course load.

“Any connection I make [has] an impact in the world,” says the Falls Church teen. “Creating the space to make it happen is my metric for success.”

Liu’s real passion is politics. He is a past editor of Dialogue & Discourse, a bipartisan online forum on Medium whose contributors write about the economy, science and politics. At Meridian, he resurrected the school’s dormant debate club and was ranked first in Virginia and fourth in the nation by the National Speech & Debate Association for his oratory skills.

Though he’s known success (he finished high school with a 4.5 GPA), the 18-year-old isn’t shy about acknowledging efforts that fell short. A regular writer for the school newspaper, he applied for the editor-in-chief job his junior year and wasn’t selected. For three years he applied to a journalism camp for Asian American students and got rejected every time. And in debate tournaments, he hasn’t always made it into the final round.

“I can’t get caught up in wins and losses,” he says. Every setback is a learning opportunity. He heads to Princeton this fall and plans to parlay his love of debate into a law career. –Lisa Lednicer

Julia Kelly

Washington-Liberty High School

Julia Kelly’s hoop dreams began in fifth grade when she fell in love with the sport her father played at the University of Rochester. During her four years at W-L, the girls’ basketball team went from losing every game to winning a holiday invitational in Loudoun County that draws teams from all over Northern Virginia. At that point Kelly, a senior, was enjoying her second year as captain and relishing the chemistry on the court. “I like the teamwork aspect of it,” she says. “I look at it as an escape.”

A shooting guard who won district honors, Kelly also carried her love of the

game into coaching, helping to run basketball clinics for elementary school students. As a senior, she served as head coach for the Virginia Hurricanes’ fourth grade girls B Team. (The Virginia Hurricanes offers travel basketball and flag football programs for girls.)

Basketball isn’t her only passion. From an early age, Kelly shouldered extra responsibilities at home while her parents attended to her sister, Lyla, who has cystic fibrosis. Their father travels a lot for work, and their mom often needed to be with Lyla during frequent hospital stays. Kelly stepped up in a way that changed her.

“I’ve become very empathetic, very independent,” says the Arlington 18-yearold. “I consider [my sister] one of my

best friends. She’s my hero, really.”

Two years ago, Kelly started a nonprofit called Team Triumph CF that raised more than $20,000 for the pulmonary department of Children’s National in D.C. She also led an effort to deliver gift baskets to teens in quarantine in the hospital’s 7 East wing.

After graduating with an IB diploma and a 4.44 GPA, Kelly heads to Wake Forest University this fall. She wants to do research in the school’s cystic fibrosis clinic with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric surgeon. She has already shadowed surgeons performing more than a dozen different procedures at VHC Health and OrthoVirginia. –Lisa Lednicer

Kasim Khapra

The Potomac School

At 18, Kasim Khapra has set his sights on elected office. Someday he hopes to earn a seat in the Virginia state legislature or U.S. Senate.

He’s already well on his way to a political career, having represented the Commonwealth in the 63rd annual U.S. Senate Youth Program (which counts Sen. Susan Collins and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg among its alumni).

As president of the student body at The Potomac School, the McLean teen pushed for policy changes. In the spring of 2023, he persuaded school officials to begin offering breakfast—bagels, fruit and yogurt—to students, noting that those commuting from a long distance often didn’t have time to eat in the morning, affecting their ability to concentrate in class. Khapra lives 10 minutes away from the school, but recognized that others were at a disadvantage.

He makes a good argument. As co-captain of his school’s nationally ranked debate team, Khapra earned Academic All-American honors and was ranked No. 1 in Virginia for extemporaneous debate and extemporaneous speech. Last summer he worked for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, using data analytics to tailor her media spending strategy. He earned the role after volunteering with Terry McAuliffe’s 2021 gubernatorial bid (a campaign that resulted in a loss to Glenn Youngkin), during which he helped manage digital infrastructure for the statewide coordinated Democratic campaigns. He was 14 at the time.

That same year, he launched MyPy Coding, a nonprofit that matches students in grades 2-8 with high school coding tutors. It’s now a 501(c)(3) with several partner schools and nonprofits.

What really interests Khapra—who plans to study government and data science at Harvard this fall—is the intersection of data and policy, particularly around the issues of climate change. Last summer he worked at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, using drone imagery and spatial statistics to study best practices around crop sustainability. –Lisa Lednicer

■ extraordinary teens

Hope Dickson

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

An elementary school project is what first got Hope Dickson excited about space. She was invited to Cape Canaveral to watch the launch of a satellite built by older students at St. Thomas More Cathedral School in Arlington. After the launch, she joined Rosie Riveters, an Alexandria nonprofit that fosters girls’ interest in STEM subjects.

She was in seventh grade during the Covid lockdowns and passed the time filming her own video tutorials on how to build objects like birdhouses. In hindsight, she was documenting design considerations relating to structural integrity and the environment.

Three years later, as a participant in Virginia Tech’s summer C-Tech2 allgirls program, she and her team built a small mechanical arm that attaches to a dorm light switch and can be powered remotely via smartphone. The device solved a problem for students unable to turn the lights on and off from their bunk beds. She’s now intent on studying aerospace engineering in college.

“A lot of people see space as this big research project that doesn’t really have a purpose,” she says. “But it has so many impacts on our lives.”

A Girl Scout since kindergarten, Dickson earned her Gold Award (the equivalent of Eagle Scout) by organizing three roundtable discussions at Visitation with women in STEM fields, inviting them to share biases

they’d faced in their careers. She built a hovercraft out of balloons to teach elementary and middle-school students about Newton’s laws of motion, and revived Visitation’s coding club, which designed an AI chatbot based on the teachings of St. Francis de Sales. Depending on the question, the bot can provide a quote on the virtue of love or give spiritual guidance.

Dickson graduates with a 4.98 GPA and will attend Georgia Tech in the fall on a full-ride merit scholarship. She’d like to work in the space industry someday. But there’s one career path she won’t pursue.

“I do not want to be an astronaut,” she says firmly. “I’ll build the ship to take them there, but I don’t want to be away from my life and my family that long.” –Lisa Lednicer

MICHAEL VENTURA

Luke Bode

Wakefield High School

Luke Bode has wanted to become a military physician ever since childhood, when he donned his dad’s scrubs as a Halloween costume. Fast-forward about a decade and the Wakefield graduate is soon to begin basic training at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he was accepted with honors, pursuing a pre-med track.

Growing up in a military family—including a brother at West Point, a father in the Army, an uncle in the Air Force, and a grandfather and great-grandfather who were both Marines—Bode moved

every couple of years. Being uprooted is part of the “sacrifice” military families willingly make, he says.

“Not only do we see our loved ones go away, perhaps overseas, but sometimes we’re moving away with them. That has instilled in me not only a sense of service, but definitely some resilience,” says the 18-year-old, who is also an Eagle Scout. He likes to quote a phrase his mother taught him: “A flower will bloom anywhere if it has strong roots.”

Bode takes service seriously. As he prepared for college, he was working on his EMT certification and volunteering alongside emergency responders in the DMV. Earlier this year he traveled with his church youth group to Tecate,

Mexico, where he helped build a house for a mom of three. The experience had an impact on her life and his. “Seeing what is really happening outside of my little bubble in Arlington [helped me better appreciate] the privileges I enjoy on a regular basis,” he says.

In high school, Bode captained Wakefield’s varsity swim and rifle teams, and earned a second-degree black belt in taekwondo. Juggling a full schedule is all about “balance,” he says, including taking time to rest and recharge physically and mentally.

He’s carrying that discipline to West Point. “I can expect it’ll be challenging,” he says. “But I know I’m ready.” –Eliza Tebo

Josie Clayton

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Last February, Josie Clayton found herself in a situation few teens will ever experience— catching a pass from Eli Manning.

As a newly minted NFL Flag Player of the Year, Clayton was in New Orleans for the Super Bowl, where the festivities included walking the red carpet, attending the Big Game and hanging with the longtime New York Giants quarterback.

“It was absolutely crazy,” she says.

Clayton, 18, is a multi-sport athlete, dividing her time between flag football, soccer and basketball. During her high school years, she was a four-year varsity athlete at TJ in both soccer and basketball and played for Arlington’s Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) soccer team and the Virginia Hurricanes flag football team.

Some would argue that specializing in one sport makes an athlete more competitive. Clayton disagrees.“I’ve always loved playing multiple sports,” she says. “I think it’s helped having different skills learned from different sports.” Scanning for the ball in soccer easily transfers to the basketball court and gridiron, she contends.

Off the field, Clayton served as president of the Women in Science and Engineering Club at TJ, organizing a mentorship program for elementary students. She was a mentee herself in the U.S. Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program.

Come fall, she’ll be heading to Carnegie Mellon University to study chemical and biomedical engineering while simultaneously participating in ROTC at the University of Pittsburgh on a U.S. Army scholarship. She’s proudly following in the footsteps of other military family members, including her mom, who was Air Force ROTC, and a grandfather who served in the Army.

She’s excited for flag football to debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 games in Los Angeles, and proud to have contributed to its momentum. “Women’s sports have always had the talent. It’s just a matter of having that breakthrough moment,” Clayton says. “Once you get over the cliff, the flood will come.” –Eliza Tebo

MICHAEL VENTURA

Nahom Daniel

Justice High School

Nahom Daniel’s peers took to calling him “Galileo” in fourth grade after he played the famed Italian astronomer in a classroom play. He now considers it part of his origin story as a STEM enthusiast.

In high school, the Falls Church teen joined forces with his cousins to launch Inspiring Science, a nonprofit providing free STEM enrichment to elementary students in Northern Virginia. The idea emerged after one of his cousins had serious sticker shock over the cost of a STEM camp. The free sessions they’ve organized as an alternative have explored astronomy, chemistry and en-

vironmental science topics. “We want students to have these opportunities, but it shouldn’t be at a cost,” he says.

Daniel, 18, also volunteers with Comunidad, a local nonprofit that provides academic and enrichment programming for children and adults. Having benefited from Comunidad as a youngster himself, he’s now a reading coach with their phonics-based program, Strong Readers Strong Leaders.

“I’ve worked with these students for almost two, three years now, and I’ve seen them grow so much—not just as readers, but as people,” he says.

Daniel’s parents emigrated to the U.S. from Ethiopia two years before he was born, bringing with them a heritage he values deeply. During the homebound days of the pandemic, he asked his parents to speak to him ex-

clusively in Amharic so he could better learn the language.

“When I speak to my parents in Amharic, it makes me realize [they] have given up so much,” he says. “They could be in Ethiopia right now [with family]. They gave it all up just so me and my brother could have better opportunities in America.”

He hopes to conduct medical research in college and eventually work at the National Institutes of Health. When he isn’t studying or tutoring children, he serves as a blood donation ambassador with the American Red Cross, helping donors navigate the process during blood drives.

Daniel graduated with a 4.4 GPA and plans to study biology at the University of Virginia. –Eliza Tebo

■ extraordinary teens

Emmet Hand

Bishop O’Connell High School

From the time he was little, Emmet Hand has loved to build things. As a 14-year-old on backyard weed-pulling duty, he decided to invent a robot that could do the job for him. He spent a year learning how to code, make circuits and solder metal, and came up with a prototype that is now awaiting review by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

“The idea of being an entrepreneur really appeals to me,” he says. “I like when…something that’s failed again and again and again [finally] works and all the pieces align.”

Another of his innovations arose

from tragedy. After an Arlington student, Nick Rados, was killed in a drunk driving crash in the fall of 2024, Hand was compelled to create a facial recognition system to prevent impaired driving. He shot video at a local pub and used it to train an AI model to detect visible signs of intoxication. That invention is also awaiting patent approval.

As a research intern at George Washington University the summer after his sophomore year, he designed a Python-based robot that imitates sea lions. He’s fluent in Spanish (he has family in Colombia) and founded his own LLC, Potomac Robotics.

Hand now plans to study engineering while participating in the Naval ROTC program at Cornell. Having grandfa-

thers who served in the Navy and the Merchant Marines, he loves being on the water. In high school, he worked as a lifeguard and sailing camp counselor to save up money for his other love: flying. Enamored with planes, he took his first flight lesson at age 12 and is working toward earning his private pilot’s license.

An outside back and winger for the Olympic Development Program’s East Region soccer team (he also played soccer, wrestled and ran track at Bishop O’Connell), the 18-year-old began the collegiate athletics recruiting process but ultimately decided against playing in college.

“I would rather focus on academic things,” says Hand, who graduated with a 4.6 GPA. –Lisa Lednicer

Dayana Perez-Luen

Yorktown High School

About six years ago, Dayana PerezLuen had a chat with her grandfather about a critical topic—education. “It’s something that no one can ever take away,” she recalls him saying. “Once you learn something, you can’t unlearn it.”

That maxim propelled her through middle and high school, and through an internship last summer with the civil engineering and design firm VIKA, where she explored practical applications for engineering and sustainable design. This fall she’ll become the first in her family to attend college.

Perez-Luen nerds out when talking computer-aided design and geotechnical tools, but her belief in the power of education has many facets. As a volunteer with True Ground Housing Partners in Arlington, she helps elementary and middle school students with academics, including poetry. She also assists with the nonprofit’s food pantry and offers Spanish translation services to residents of its affordable housing properties. When she’s not volunteering, she works part-time as a tutor with Mathnasium.

To unwind, she turns to ceramics. “It’s very hands-on. You have to focus on the clay…what’s in front of you,” says the 17-year-old. “It kind of drains away the other things that are in your head.”

After graduating with a 4.32 GPA, she plans to study civil or biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt University. Her advice to high school students still finding their way? Don’t feel pressured to commit to a career path before you are ready.

“Explore,” she says. “Be comfortable with the idea of just exploring and being uncomfortable.” ■

–Eliza Tebo

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Essential Information on 11 Independent Schools

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April’s Most Expensive Home Sales

22201 (Arlington)

1313 N. Hudson St.

List Price: $3.75 million

Sale Price: $3.7 million

Days on Market: 15

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Neighborhood: Lyon Village

Year Built: 2025

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22202 (Arlington)

900 21st St. S.

List Price: $1.36 million

Sale Price: $1.36 million

Days on Market: 6

Listing Office: Varity Homes

Neighborhood: Addison Heights

Year Built: 1930

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22203 (Arlington)

6020 Fourth St. N.

List Price: $1.55 million

Sale Price: $1.56 million

Days on Market: 5

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: Spy Hill

Year Built: 1994

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22204 (Arlington)

304 S. Jackson St.

List Price: $1.28 million

Sale Price: $1.3 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: Compass

Neighborhood: Arlington Heights

Year Built: 1950

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

This information, courtesy of Bright MLS as of May 16, 2025, includes homes sold in April 2025, excluding sales in which sellers have withheld permission to advertise or promote. Information should be independently verified. The Bright MLS real estate service area spans 40,000 square miles throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. As a leading Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Bright serves approximately 100,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve over 20 million consumers. For more information, visit brightmls.com.

1260 Crest Lane, McLean SALE PRICE: $14.1 MILLION

■ prime numbers

22205 (Arlington)

1811 N. Underwood St.

List Price: $2.3 million

Sale Price: $2.29 million

Days on Market: 8

Listing Office: Pearson Smith Realty

Neighborhood: Falls Church Park

Year Built: 2025

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/0

22206 (Arlington)

1401 S. Greenbrier St.

List Price: $950,000

Sale Price: $965,000

Days on Market: 3

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Neighborhood: Barcroft Forest

Year Built: 1960

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22207 (Arlington)

4612 37th St. N.

List Price: $4.5 million

Sale Price: $4.5 million

Days on Market: 86

Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty

Neighborhood: Country Club Hills

Year Built: 2025

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 7/1

22209 (Arlington)

1881 N. Nash St., #2410

List Price: $3 million

Sale Price: $3 million

Days on Market: 7

Listing Office: Compass

Neighborhood: Rosslyn

Year Built: 2009

Bedrooms: 2

Full/Half Baths: 2/1

22213 (Arlington)

6580 Williamsburg Blvd.

List Price: $2.59 million

Sale Price: $2.53 million

Days on Market: 35

Listing Office: RLAH @properties

Neighborhood: Berkshire Oakwood

Year Built: 2025

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22101 (McLean)

1260 Crest Lane

List Price: $15.5 million

Sale Price: $14.05 million

Days on Market: 239

Listing Office: Washington Fine Properties

Neighborhood: Chain Bridge

Year Built: 1979

Bedrooms: 8

Full/Half Baths: 5/2

22102 (McLean)

1198 Windrock Drive

List Price: $4.38 million

Sale Price: $4.15 million

Days on Market: 258

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Neighborhood: The Courts

Year Built: 1989

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 6/3

22041 (Falls Church)

3817 Bell Manor Court

List Price: $1.5 million

Sale Price: $1.45 million

Days on Market: 16

Listing Office: Realty ONE Group Capital

Neighborhood: Bell Manor Estates

Year Built: 2006

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22042 (Falls Church)

7108 Woodley Lane

List Price: $1.28 million

Sale Price: $1.28 million

Days on Market: 0

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Neighborhood: Woodley

Year Built: 2024

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 4/0

22043

(Falls Church)

6625 Beacon Lane

List Price: $3.2 million

Sale Price: $3.36 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: Focal Point Real Estate

Neighborhood: Beacon Hill

Year Built: 2025

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22044 (Falls Church)

6359 Cavalier Corridor

List Price: $1.2 million

Sale Price: $1.36 million

Days on Market: 5

Listing Office: RE/MAX Allegiance

Neighborhood: Barcroft Lake Shores

Year Built: 1957

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22046

(Falls Church)

302 N. Oak St.

List Price: $1.55 million

Sale Price: $1.67 million

Days on Market: 0

Listing Office: KW United

Neighborhood: Woodland

Year Built: 1991

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

4612 37th St. N., Arlington SALE PRICE: $4.5 MILLION

Real Estate Sales Trends

22201

22206

22202

22207

22203

22209

22204

22213

22205

22102

22041

22043

22044

22101

22046

LUXURY CONDOS, APARTMENTS AND TOWNHOMES SHOWCASE

The Grace and Reva

The Grace: 269 19th Ct. South, Arlington, VA 22202 Reva: 244 19th Ct. South, Arlington, VA 22202 (833) 955-3012 | thegrace@jbgsmith.com www.thegracereva.com

BIO

JBG SMITH Living has over 50 years of experience in owning, operating and developing true luxury living in metro-served areas in and around Washington, D.C., most notably in National Landing. With an intense focus on placemaking, JBG SMITH cultivates inspiring and engaging residences in vibrant, highly amenitized walkable neighborhoods.

THE PROJECT

The Grace and Reva recently delivered a combined 808 elegant residences in National Landing. Inspired by Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern architecture, The Grace offers exceptional hospitality via thoughtfully designed apartments, penthouses and a highly curated onsite suite of building amenities and services. Programmed across multiple floors, residents are set to indulge in a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor lounges, an opulent resort-style pool, as well as rooftop lounges and terraces with dramatic views. Wellness is central at Reva, which has been purposefully programmed to embrace soft organic curves, a natural color palette and a biophilic design. The luxury studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and penthouse apartments serve as a sanctuary that revitalize, replenish and restore residents. Featuring exceptional private workout facilities, a pool with breathtaking views, an outdoor and indoor lounge, pet spa and co-working lounge, Reva goes above and beyond.

The Grace

Reva

The Zoe and Valen

The Zoe: 2051 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA 22202

Valen: 2050 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA 22202 (866) 520-4105 | thezoe@jbgsmith.com www.thezoevalen.com

BIO

JBG SMITH Living has over 50 years of experience in owning, operating and developing true luxury living in metro-served areas in and around Washington, D.C., most notably in National Landing. With an intense focus on placemaking, JBG SMITH cultivates inspiring and engaging residences in vibrant, highly amenitized walkable neighborhoods.

THE PROJECT

Sister buildings The Zoe and Valen represent JBG SMITH’s newest additions to the dynamic National Landing neighborhood. With 420 mindfully designed residences and socially activated spaces, The Zoe is a playful and energetic place where residents can engage, feel enriched and be inspired. Focused on luxury and prestige, Valen is a sleek and sophisticated 355-unit multifamily tower with an elevated and unparalleled amenity suite and superior services. Providing a 360-degree experience, both buildings are outfitted with indulgent amenities, including spacious fully equipped fitness studios and yoga rooms, co-working lounges perfect for working from home, rooftop pools with Potomac River and D.C. skyline views, sky terraces, activated lounges, year-round sunrooms, and a pet spa. Residents have plentiful transportation offerings at their fingertips and are seamlessly integrated into the neighborhood’s vibrant pulse, where world-class shopping experiences, innovative culinary destinations and refreshing green spaces are natural extensions of everyday life.

Valen

The Zoe

great spaces ■

by Jennifer Shapira | photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Vacation Vibes

This backyard hideaway feels like a resort.

CATHERINE AND BEN WOOD moved from D.C. to McLean’s Franklin Park in 2009, and for a good 10 years contemplated buying a vacation home, too. But as their three daughters got older and sports took over the family’s weekends, getaways proved nearly impossible. So they decided to turn their half-acre property into a resortlike setting. “We wanted our backyard to feel like we’re on vacation,” Catherine says.

As timing would have it, Covid shuttered pools and swim practices, rendering the entire family homebound. They dove in, hiring Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture, Winn Design + Build, and landscape contractor Black Pearl to add a heated saltwater pool where their girls (now in high school) could swim laps, plus a pool house and

a 2,400-square-foot terrace with an outdoor kitchen, spa and fire pit.

The pool house features charcoalpainted beams, generous storage and what the Woods say is their nicest bathroom. Its textured concrete gas fireplace is almost always clicked on, and the TV is best viewed from in the pool.

The aesthetics are a departure from the traditional white structures Catherine’s photo research turned up (which she was determined to avoid). “We thought we could blend modern with something that gave them an open, airy feel,” says general contractor Michael Winn, “which is why we have that large, raised gabled roof with the cathedral ceiling—to make it feel really open to the elements.”

A 60-foot-long retaining wall separates the garden from the pool deck, and LED lighting imparts a soft glow.

“It’s really stunning at night,” says landscape architect Joseph Richardson, who masterminded the hardscaping and all-season plantings.

In spring, pink and white dogwoods bloom, and playful daffodils pop up along the perimeter. Summer brings black-eyed Susans, echinacea and white crape myrtles. Come fall, a paperbark maple exfoliates and turns vibrant red, and the ornamental grass goes golden. Hardy hollies show their ruby berries in winter, and arborvitae serve as lush green privacy screens.

At the start of the project, Catherine told Richardson she wanted an English garden or wild prairie look. They landed on “country club prairie,” she says. “We love it.” ■ PROJECT

Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture, jrichardsonla.com

General Contractor

Winn Design + Build, winndesign.com

Landscape Contractor

Black Pearl, blackpearlmgmt.com

Jamie McCrary

Dress Refresh

Need a few summer wardrobe staples? At Apricot Lane Boutique in McLean, proprietor Dana Dorrier will happily guide you through the shop’s curated collection of blouses, frocks and accessories to find your perfect match. “We want to provide customers with a tailored shopping experience to explore what works best for them,” she says. Feel pretty in lightweight nautical print midi dresses from Line & Dot and Moon River ($108-$190), and short-sleeved floral crop top blouses ($92)—perfect for a night out under the stars. apricotlaneboutique.com

European Flair

Transport yourself to Provence or Amalfi with a visit to Crème de la Crème in Old Town Alexandria, where the merchandise selections are inspired by co-owner Tara Wegdam’s European travels. “We want the boutique to take you back to nostalgic memories of faraway places,” she says. For summertime trips to the beach or farmers market, a handwoven French market tote with leatherwrapped handles ($70-$75) is de rigueur. The boutique also stocks garden décor, hand-painted tableware, linens and Marseille-style soaps. shopcremedelacreme.com

Pretty and Pink

Traveling light is easy when you pair those neutrals with a pair of statement earrings from Gilly & Rose. Arlington designer Rosemary O’Kieffe’s collection includes goldplated cherry blossom hoops ($32), lightweight polymer clay dangle earrings ($40) and elegant beaded fan earrings crafted with Japanese Miyuki seed beads ($40). Prefer to adorn your wrist or neckline? She makes lovely mixed metal bracelets and necklaces, too. Discover her latest creations at Lemoncello Boutique or Covet in Arlington, and online at gillyandrose.com.

Apricot Lane owner Dana Dorrier

Prime Time

Seoul Prime in Falls Church is a marriage of Korean barbecue and high-end steakhouse.

BY DAVID HAGEDORN | PHOTOS BY DEB LINDSEY

OUR SERVER AT Seoul Prime arrives tableside with an array of certified Angus beef cuts artfully displayed on a butcher block. We’ve ordered the “Seoul Prime Tour,” which includes a beautifully marbled dry-age ribeye, hanging tender (hanger steak), flat iron and marinated galbi, plus mushrooms, asparagus, pineapple slices and rosemary sprigs.

“Does anyone want to take a picture?” she asks (I do!) before rubbing the grate of the grill in the center of our table with a chunk of beef fat and beginning the process of grilling the meats, one cut at a time, in a ritual that allows us to savor and discern each cut at a relaxed pace. The feast also comes with assorted Korean small plates called banchan and other side dishes—more on them later.

Seoul Prime is the brainchild of owner and co-founder Wan Bok Lee, 36, whose family emigrated from Seoul to the U.S. in 2005. Now a resident of the Mosaic District, Lee brings plenty of experience to the upscale Korean steakhouse that debuted last November in the City of Falls Church. He previously helped run Taste of Korea in Chantilly, which his mother opened in 2015. Three years later, he introduced Café Moment, a Korean dessert and boba shop, next door. Both are still going strong.

The idea for a high-end Korean barbecue place featuring USDA Prime quality beef (dry-aged in-house for over 45 days) came to Lee several years ago. He first tested the concept in Centreville, which saw its Korean population surge in the early aughts, opening Honest Grill in August 2021 with executive chef SangHyun Lee. “It was well received,” he says. “That showed that people were willing to pay for better quality and service.”

Eager to bring the vibe to a more urban area with heavier

A feast for carnivores at Seoul Prime in Falls Church

SEOUL PRIME

106 Founders Ave., Falls Church

703-563-1168

seoulprime.com

HOURS

Monday through Friday: 5 to 10 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

PARKING

Seoul Prime offers three-hour free parking validation in the Founders Row garage.

PRICES

Appetizers: $14-$30

Seafood tower: $89

Seoul Prime Tour with side dishes and banchan: $47 per person

Porterhouse for two: $149

A la carte steaks (Australian wagyu and USDA Prime) with sides: $46-$89

Non-steak dishes: $15-$33

Dessert: $9-$15

foot traffic, he set his sights on Founders Row, a new mixed-use development in The Little City. SangHyun Lee serves as executive chef and oversees the dryaging program at Seoul Prime.

The 9,000-square-foot space is nearly as sexy as those prime steaks, with deep teal walls, white globe pendant lamps and clubby seating. Colorful paintings of Korean landscapes by New Yorkbased artist Hyun Joon Kim adorn the walls of the dining room, which seats over 200 with a 25-seat bar in front. Empty wine bottles representing the well-curated wine list by sommelier and hospitality director Lauren Smith are displayed on room dividers doing double duty as shelves. (I pity whoever has to dust them.)

Helming the kitchen is chef Danny Kim, 37, whose resume includes stints at The Curious Grape in Arlington (now closed), Passion Fish Reston and Clar-

ity in Vienna. Count me a fan of Kim’s pork bossam—tender, deep-fried pork belly with crispy skin, served with a butternut squash and soybean puree, pickled Fresno chiles and cubes of pickled Korean pears.

A seafood platter is usually a reliable stalwart in a steakhouse, but the one here was disappointing. The Virginia oysters were milky and the shrimp were flabby and pale pink, with the texture and appearance of store-bought shrimp cocktail platters. The same shrimp detracted from an otherwise tasty jambalaya made with andouille sausage and kimchi.

The chef's creamy mushroom risotto topped with tender soy-braised short rib and tempura enoki mushrooms is a great dish, even if it’s a tad hearty as an appetizer. The truth is appetizers are hardly necessary here, given the plethora of goodies that accompany the Prime

Volcano egg soufflé

Chef Danny Kim (left) and owner Wan Bok Lee

Tour—which is a no-brainer for diners who don’t like to make decisions. Plus, it’s a great value at $47 per person with a minimum party of two.

A clever strategy for a table of four is to order one Prime Tour and supplement it with side dishes—say the risotto or tteokbokki. In Kim’s version of the latter, gnocchi stand in for the chewy rice cakes traditionally used in that gochujang-laced Korean staple, and julienned crispy-fried fish cakes provide a finishing touch.

Another must-have, the volcano egg soufflé, blends scrambled eggs with mirin, carrots, zucchini and onion and is baked into a fluff (thanks to baking powder) in an earthenware bowl. Dig through the melty cheddar cheese topping with the serving spoon to scrape up some of the charred bits on the bottom, as if mining the treasured crispy rice from a paella pan.

As the beef grills, a succession of banchan hits the table. These accompaniments include fresh kimchi (not the fermented kind); crunchy cubes of pickled daikon radish with jalapenos; an enormous tangle of julienned scallion threads and shaved cabbage dressed with spicy gochugaru dressing; and a savory egg custard with braised bris-

ket, soybeans, tofu and roasted mushrooms. Bean sprout salad and marinated shishito peppers with anchovies also made appearances on my visits.

Servers asked throughout the meal if we wanted refills of banchan. I gilded the lily with gooey triple cheese corn and a heaping skillet of wild mushrooms roasted with shallots and whiskey barrel-aged soy sauce.

Pescatarians may be disappointed by the dearth of fish offerings on the menu, aside from a few octopus, uni and roe cameos. It’s a shortcoming.

But I found all of the beef cuts— cooked and sliced perfectly by attentive servers—tender and flavorful, enhanced by the umami tang that comes from dry aging. An a la carte order of dry-aged ribeye cap, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt and a dab of ssamjang, a chili and fermented soybean paste, was particularly delicious.

Given the abundance, it’s hardly necessary to indulge in dessert, which isn’t Seoul Prime’s strong suit anyway. A New York-style cheesecake with a crunchy brulee topping was unremarkable, as was the hotteok cruffle—a mini croissant filled with brown sugar and cinnamon and smashed in a waffle iron. My advice: Keep it savory. ■

WHAT TO DRINK

Seven craft cocktails ($16) feature soju, a clear Korean rice spirit, including the Jeju Sunrise, a variation of a classic tequila sunrise. Other worthy sippers include the Yuja, made with gin, curacao, and yuja jam; and a Dalonga espresso martini with Kahlua and Irish whiskey.

The beverage menu also lists four mocktails ($14), eight bottled beers and four draft brews ($6-$7).

The wine selection includes 20 by the glass ($13-$23) and a bottle selection of 14 mostly American reds ($75-$211), four mostly French whites ($79-$103), one rosé ($54) and two Champagnes ($119 and $452). A reserve wine list curated by sommelier Lauren Smith features 65 reds ($60-$547), eight sparkling ($93-$452), 11 whites ($55$144) and two rosés ($50 and $54).

Pork belly bossam with soybean-butternut squash puree and diced Korean pears

The vibe is part library, part speakeasy.

Summer Sippers

Raise a glass to balmy evenings!

We asked Zena Polin, owner of Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique in Crystal City, for her favorite warm-weather quaffs. Here are her recs, with tasting notes. beautychampagneandsugar.com

1. La Cuveé, Laurent-Perrier Champagne, France

“This versatile Champagne reminds me of eating buttery brioches in Paris.” The 750ml bottle comes in a gift box and makes a perfect hostess gift for poolside invites. $64.99

2. Coquillage, Small Batch Series, Chardonnay, Bedell Cellars, 2023 Cutchogue, Long Island, New York

“What a find! Coquillage [the French word for seashell] is harvested by hand and fermented with wild yeast in stainless steel. Shells from Peconic Bay and Long Island Sound are placed into the tank and float down to the bottom where they’re aged with the wine for three months.” Truly a beach wine. $27.99

3. Weingut Steininger, Sauvignon Blanc, Sekt Reserve, 2019

Austria

“A beautifully crisp sparkling sauvignon blanc with classic tropical notes and lovely minerality. Ideal for those who love Sancerre and sparkling wine but don’t want the toasty notes of Champagne.” $37.99

4. Vermentino Reserve, 2023, Barboursville Vineyards

Virginia

“This Virginia 2024 Governor’s Cup winner beat out the vineyard’s own amazing Octagon. It’s a zesty, lightbodied white, perfect for people who like pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc but want to try something new.”

$24.99

THIS now

5. Rosé, 2024, Old Westminster

Maryland

“We look forward to the release of this rosé every year. The grape blend (merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and regent) is bold and quirky, and the notes are summer in the glass: candied cherries, wildflowers and apricots.” $24.99

6. Barbera, Loew Vineyards, 2023

Mt. Airy, Maryland

“I’ve had the pleasure to work with winemaker Rachel Lipman for years. She crafts this wine using the carbonic maceration method, which produces a fresh, fruit-forward, lowtannin wine similar to Beaujolais nouveau.” This great summer red is lovely served slightly chilled. $24.99

Instant Picnic

D.C.-based sandwich, salad and pizza shop Grazie Grazie opened its first Virginia location in Ballston in April. The 17 subs on the menu (most of them priced around $15) are the real deal—all the way down to the Philly-style, sesame seed-studded rolls that Landover, Maryland baker Gold Crust Baking Co. makes per owner Casey Patten’s specifications. The Let’s Be Friends sandwich box (which includes four sandwiches, four sides and four cookies for $85) makes a perfect, no-fuss picnic for summer outings and concerts. My sandwich faves include the Minelli (hot capicola, peppered ham, prosciutto, pecorino), the NYC Bodega (chicken cutlet with Caesar salad) and the terrific cheesesteaks. graziegrazie.com

places to EAT

ARLINGTON

A Modo Mio Pizzeria

5555 Langston Blvd., 703-532-0990, amodomio pizza.com. Dig into authentic Neapolitan pies, house-made gnocchi, lasagna, spaghetti del mare and cannoli. o L D V $$

Aladdin Sweets & Tandoor

5169 Langston Blvd., 703-533-0077, aladdin arlington.com. Chef Shiuli Rashid and her husband, Harun, prepare family recipes from their native Bangladesh. L D $$

Ambar Clarendon

2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-9663, ambarrestau rant.com. Feast on Balkan specialties such as stuffed cabbage, mushroom pilav and rotisserie meats. O R L D G V $$

Andy’s Pizza

901 N. Pollard St. (entrance on Fairfax Drive), 703552-4037, eatandyspizza.com. Andy Brown’s thincrust pies fall somewhere between Neapolitan and New York-style. Try the pepperoni special with burrata, basil and Mike’s hot honey. L D V $

Anita’s New Mexico Style Bar & Grill

3444 Fairfax Drive, 571-290-0659, anitascorp. com. Find burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and other Tex-Mex standards. O C B R L D G V $

Arlington Kabob

5046 Langston Blvd., 703-531-1498, arlingtonka bobva.com. Authentic Afghan fare includes kebabs, shawarma and lamb shank with rice. L D $$

Astro Beer Hall

4001 Campbell Ave., 703-664-0744, astrobeer hall.com. Jet to this space-themed brewpub for fried chicken, burgers, doughnuts and a retro basement billiards hall called 1969. o B R L D A $$

Bakeshop

1025 N. Fillmore St., 571-970-6460, bakeshop va.com. A tiny storefront serving coffee, cupcakes, cookies, icebox pies and vegan treats. B V $

Ballston Local s

900 N. Glebe Road, 703-852-1260, ballstonlocal. com. Pair your local brew with a plate of poutine or a New York-style pizza. L D V $$

Banditos Tacos & Tequila

1301 S. Joyce St., 571-257-7622, banditostnt.com. Mexican street food, tequila, mezcal and sugar-skull décor keep the party going. o L D G V $$

Bangkok 54 2919 Columbia Pike, 703-521-4070, bangkok54res taurant.com. A favorite for Thai curries, grilled meats, stir-fry, noodles and soups. L D V $$

Bar Bao

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-600-0500, barbao-va. com. Find trendy dishes reminiscent of Chinese and Taiwanese street food, plus sake, soju and Asian fusion cocktails. L D V $$

Bar Chinois

244 19th Court S., barchinoisdc.com. The Michelin-recognized concept that originated in D.C. is known for its Chinese food menu and French-inspired cocktail and wine program. O D A $$

Barley Mac

1600 Wilson Blvd., 703-372-9486, barleymacva. com. Upscale tavern fare, plus more than 100 kinds of whiskey and bourbon. R L D A G V $$

Basic Burger

1101 S. Joyce St., 703-248-9333, basicburger. com. The homegrown eatery cooks with locally sourced, certified Angus beef and cage-free, antibiotic-free chicken. L D $$

Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery 1515 N. Courthouse Road, 703-243-2410, bayou bakeryva.com. Chef David Guas’ New Orleans-inspired menu includes beignets and gumbo. Breakfast all day on weekends. O C B R L D G V $ Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique 576 23rd St. S., 571-257-5873, beautycham

pagneandsugar.com. Find cocktail fixings, sweets, small plates, wine and bubbly at this woman-owned bistro and market. Closed Mondays. L D $$

Bethesda Bagels

1851 N. Moore St., 703-312-1133, bethesdabagels. com. The popular DMV chain has an outpost in Rosslyn. Eat a sandwich! O L V $

BGR the Burger Joint 3129 Langston Blvd., 703-812-4705, bgrtheburger joint.com. Top your dry-aged beef, veggie or turkey burger with add-ons like grilled jalapeño, pineapple or fried egg. C L D V $

Big Buns Damn Good Burger Co. s 4401 Wilson Blvd., 703-276-3032; 4251 Campbell Ave., 703-933-2867, eatbigbuns.com. Satisfy all your cravings with creative burgers, shakes, beer and booze. L D $$

Bird’s Eye Thai

1651 Crystal Drive, birdseyethai.com. Order up a round of tiki drinks, crispy spring rolls and khao soi noodles from this outdoor kiosk in National Landing’s Water Park. O L D $$

KEY: Price designations are based on the approximate cost per person for a meal with one drink, tax and tip.

$ under $20

$$ $21-$35

$$$ $36-$70

$$$$ $71 or more

o Outdoor Dining

c Children’s Menu

B Breakfast

R Brunch

L Lunch

D Dinner

A After Hours/Late Night

G Gluten-Free

V Vegetarian

s Best of Arlington 2024 or 2025 Winner

Water Bar

■ places to eat

Bluefish Bistro Sushi & Kitchen

950 S. George Mason Drive, 703-270-0102, blue fishbistro.com. Try specialty rolls with names like Green Dragon and King Kong. Closed Tuesdays. L D G V $$

Bob & Edith’s Diner

2310 Columbia Pike, 703-920-6103; 539 23rd St. S., 703-920-2700; 5050 Langston Blvd., 703-5940280; bobandedithsdiner.com. Founded in 1969, the 24-hour eatery whips up pancakes, eggs, meatloaf, and pie à la mode. C B L D A V $

Bollywood Bistro Express

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3121071, bollywoodbistroexpress.com. Build your own bowl with fillers such as chicken tikka, paneer, chana masala and pickled onions. L D V $$

Bonsai Sushi at Crystal City

553 23rd St. S., 703-553-7723, crystalbonsai sushirestaurant.com. A go-to for sushi, sashimi, yakisoba, tempura, teriyaki. Closed Mondays. L D $$

Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

3911 Langston Blvd., 703-522-3010, bostanuyghur. com. The Uyghur Chinese dishes include kebabs, lagmen (hand-pulled noodles), manta (dumplings) and honey cake. L D $$

Brass Rabbit Public House

1210 N. Garfield St., 703-746-9977, brassrabbit pub.com. Pair lettuce wraps and crab BLTs with craft cocktails like the El Conejo, featuring tequila, carrot juice, ginger, lime and cilantro.

O R L D V A $$

Bronson Bierhall

4100 Fairfax Drive, 703-528-1110, bronsonbier hall.com. Find communal tables, German and regional beers, sausages, schnitzel and cornhole in this 6,000-square-foot ode to Munich.

O L D A $$

Bubbie’s Plant Burgers

1721 Crystal Drive, bubbiesburgers.com. Grab a plant-based or kosher burger, a fried green tomato sandwich or a plate of avocado fries at this outdoor kiosk in National Landing’s Water Park. O L D V $

Buena Vida s

2900 Wilson Blvd., 703-888-1528, buenavida gastrolounge.com. Savor the flavors of Mexico, from tacos to churros, and head to the top floor for one of the best rooftop bars in town. O R L D $$

Burger Billy’s Joint

3800 Langston Blvd., 703-512-0102, burgerbillys joint.com. Order smashburgers made from locally sourced Angus beef (or plant-based), as well as hot dogs, wings and fries, using a food locker pickup system. L D V $

Busboys and Poets

4251 S. Campbell Ave., 703-379-9757, busboys andpoets.com. Known for its poetry slams, onsite bookstore and social justice programming, the café offers an eclectic menu with plenty of options for vegetarians. O C B R L D G V $$

Café Colline

4536 Langston Blvd., 703-567-6615, cafecolline va.com. The cozy French bistro in the Lee Heights Shops satisfies with paté maison, duck confit and chocolate pots de creme. O R L D $$

Café Sazón

4704 Columbia Pike, 703-566-1686, cafesazon. com. A homey Bolivian café specializing in dishes such as silpancho and empanadas. B L D V $$

Call Your Mother Deli

1671 Crystal Drive, 571-867-9983, callyourmother deli.com. The self-described “Jew-ish” deli serves its signature bagels, schmears and latkes from a kiosk in National Landing’s Water Park. B R L $

Carbonara s

3865 Wilson Blvd., 703-721-3905, carbonarava. com. Enjoy house-made pastas, eggplant parm, chicken cacciatore and the spirit of Sinatra at this old-world-meets-modern Italian trattoria. L D V $$$

Caribbean Grill

5183 Langston Blvd., 703-241-8947. Cuban preparations such as jerk-style pork, fried plantains and black bean soup are mainstays. C L D G V $

Carlyle

4000 Campbell Ave., 703-931-0777, greatameri canrestaurants.com/carlyle. The original anchor of Shirlington Village is a reliable pick for fusion fare, happy hour and Sunday brunch.

O C R L D G V $$$

CarPool Beer and Billiards

900 N. Glebe Road, 703-516-7665, gocarpool.com. Head out for pool, pub grub and an extensive beer list, including “house” suds brewed at sister bar the Board Room. D A $

The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant

2500 Columbia Pike, 703-746-9644, celtichouseva.com. The pub on the Pike serves up pints alongside favorites like corned beef and traditional Irish breakfast. C R L D A $$

Charga Grill

5151 Langston Blvd., 703-988-6063; 3203 Columbia Pike, 703-574-5050; chargagrill.com. How do you like your chicken? Choose Peruvian, jerk, Tandoori or Pakistani charga or sajii. L D $$

Chiko s

4040 Campbell Ave., 571-312-0774, mychiko. com. Fan favorites at this Chinese-Korean joint include cumin lamb stir-fry and double-fried chicken wings. C L D G V $$

Circa at Clarendon s

3010 Clarendon Blvd., 703-522-3010, circabis tros.com. Bistro fare ranges from salads and small plates to steak frites and wild mushroom pizza. Sit outside if you can. O R L D A G V $$$

Colada Shop

2811 Clarendon Blvd., 571-771-8400; 244 19th Court S., 703-631-5320; coladashop.com. Hit this colorful Caribbean coffee cafe and bar for beachy vibes, tropical drinks and Cuban-inspired eats. C B R L D V $$

Colony Grill

2800 Clarendon Blvd., 703-682-8300, colonygrill. com. The Stamford, Connecticut-based pizza chain specializes in ultra-thin-crust “bar pies” with a spicy, pepper-infused hot oil topping. L D G V $$

Copperwood Tavern

4021 Campbell Ave., 703-522-8010, copperwood tavern.com. This rustic saloon serves up steaks and chops, draft beers and 30 small-batch whiskeys. O R L D $$$

Cornerstone

2900 Columbia Pike, 703-512-2056, pikecorner stone.com. The menu is heavy on apps and shareables such as wings, nachos and mini skewers, but you’ll also find salads, burgers and rib-sticking entrees. C O R D A $

Corso Italian 4024 Campbell Ave., 703-933-8787, corsoitalian. com. Find fresh pastas, porchetta and veal chop Milanese at this Italian trattoria by Cheesetique “cheese lady” Jill Erber. O r L D V $$$

Cowboy Café 4792 Langston Blvd., 703-243-8010, thecowboy cafe.com. Cool your heels and fill up on sandwiches, burgers, brisket and chili mac. An outdoor beer garden features a mural by Arlington artist MasPaz. Live music on weekends. O C R L D V $$

Crush Pizza + Wine

1601 Crystal Drive, crushpizzaandwine.com. Enjoy New York-style pizza, wines by the glass and patio crushers at this al fresco dining spot in National Landing’s Water Park. O L D V $$

Crystal City Sports Pub 529 23rd St. S., 703-521-8215, ccsportspub.com. Open 365 days a year, it’s a sure bet for big-screen TVs, pool tables, trivia and poker nights, beers and bar snacks. C B R L D A G V $$

Crystal Thai 4819 First St. N., 703-522-1311, crystalthai.com.

A neighborhood go-to for traditional Thai curries, grilled meats and house specialties like roast duck. L D V $$

Dama Restaurant & Cafe

1503 Columbia Pike, 703-920-3559, damapas try.com. The Ethiopian family-owned business includes a breakfast café, market and dining room. B L D V $$

Darna

946 N. Jackson St., 703-988-2373, darnava.com. Snack on mezze and flatbreads at this cocktail and hookah bar. D A V $$

Delhi Dhaba Indian Restaurant

2424 Wilson Blvd., 703-524-0008, delhidhaba.com. The best bargain is the “mix and match” platter, which includes tandoori, seafood, a curry dish and a choice of rice or naan. O L D G V $$

Detour Coffee

946 N. Jackson St., 703-988-2378, detourcoffee co.com. This comfy cafe has a college vibe and serves up locally roasted coffee, light bites and weekend brunch. O B R L V $

District Dumplings

923 S. Glebe Road, 571-518-9764, districtdumplings.com. When you’re hungry for Asian-style dumplings, sandwiches and wraps. L D $$

District Taco

5723 Langston Blvd., 703-237-1204; 1500 Wilson Blvd., 571-290-6854; districttaco.com. A local favorite for tacos and gargantuan burritos. C B L D G V $

Don Tito

3165 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-3113, dontitova.com.

The sports bar specializes in tacos, tequila and beer, with a rooftop bar. O R L D $$

Dudley’s Sport and Ale

2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, 571-312-2304, dudleyssportandale.com. A spacious sports bar with wall-to-wall TVs, a roof deck, a ballpark-inspired beer list and weekend brunch. O C R L D A $$

Earl’s Sandwiches

2605 Wilson Blvd., 703-647-9191, earlsinarling ton.com. Made-to-order sandwiches use prime ingredients, like fresh roasted turkey. O B L D G V $

East West Cafe

3101 Wilson Blvd., 571-800-9954, ewcafe.com. The Clarendon cafe serves espresso drinks, brunch (try the massive Turkish breakfast spread), sandwiches, tapas, beer and wine. B L D $

El Paso Café

4235 N. Pershing Drive, 703-243-9811, elpaso cafeva.com. Big portions, big margaritas and bighearted service make this Tex-Mex cantina a local favorite. C L D G V $$

El Pike Restobar

4111 Columbia Pike, 703-521-3010, elpikeresto bar.com. Bolivian dishes satisfy at this no-frills institution. Try the salteñas stuffed with chicken or with beef, olives and hard-boiled egg. L D $

El Pollo Rico

932 N. Kenmore St., 703-522-3220, elpollorico. com. A local institution, this rotisserie chicken mecca gained even more street cred after a visit from the late Anthony Bourdain. L D V $

El Rey

4201 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-5530, elreyva.com. Down tacos, margs and draft brews in a colorful interior featuring street-art murals by Mike Pacheco. Visit The Filling Station next door for live music. L D A $$

Elevation Burger

2447 N. Harrison St., 703-300-9467, elevationburger.com. Organic, grass-fed beef is ground on the premises, fries are cooked in olive oil and the shakes are made with fresh-scooped ice cream.

O L D V $

Eli’s Taqueria

3207 Columbia Pike, 703-663-4777. Dig into beef birria tortas, shrimp tacos and pupusas at this homey spot (a spin-off of the Taqueria La Ceibita

■ places to eat

food truck) run by Nevi Paredes and his daughter, Yorktown alum Elizabeth Marquez. L D $ Falafel Inc.

1631 Crystal Drive, falafelinc.org. Fill a pita or bowl with falafel, pickled veggies and your choice of sauces. The eatery donates a portion of its sales to feed refugees. O L D V $

Fat Fish

1641 Crystal Drive, fatfishrolls.com. Grab poke bowls, sushi and bento boxes from this budgetfriendly kiosk in National Landing’s Water Park. O L D G $

Federico Ristorante Italiano

519 23rd St., 703-486-0519, federicoristorante italiano.com. Go for pasta and chianti at this trattoria co-owned by Freddie’s Beach Bar proprietor Freddie Lutz. L D V $$ Fettoosh

5100 Wilson Blvd., 703-527-7710, fettoosh restaurant.com. Pita sandwiches and kebabs keep the kitchen fired up at this bargain-priced Lebanese and Moroccan restaurant. C R L D G V $ Fire Works

2350 Clarendon Blvd., 703-527-8700, fireworks pizza.com. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and more than 30 craft beers on tap. You can also build your own pasta dish. O C L D A G V $$

First Down Sports Bar & Grill s 4213 Fairfax Drive, 703-465-8888, firstdownsports bar.com. Three cheers for draft beers and snacks ranging from sliders to queso dip. L D A V $$

For Five Coffee Roasters

1735 N. Lynn St.; 2311 Wilson Blvd., 571-2577219, forfivecoffee.com. Pop in for coffee drinks, espresso martinis, acai bowls, avo toast and “stuffed” cookies. B R L G V $

Four Sisters Grill

3035 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-9020, foursisters grill.com. A go-to for banh mi sandwiches, papaya salad, spring rolls and noodle dishes. O L D $$

Freddie’s Beach Bar

555 23rd St. S., Arlington, 703-685-0555, fred diesbeachbar.com. Freddie Lutz’s longstanding “gay, straight-friendly” hangout is always a party, with pink and purple Barbiecore décor, flashy drinks, drag bingo and weekend brunch. O R D A V $$

Galaxy Hut

2711 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-8646, galaxyhut.com. Pair craft beers with vegan bar foods like “fricken” sandwiches and smothered tots. L D A G V $$

Gharer Khabar

5157 Langston Blvd., 703-973-2432, gharerkhabar va.com. Translated as “home’s food,” this art-filled, 14-seat café serves Bangladeshi fare cooked by chef Nasima Shreen. L D $$

Good Company Doughnuts & Café

672 N. Glebe Road, 703-243-3000; 1350 S. Eads St., 703-894-1002; gocodough.com. The family- and veteran-owned eatery serves house-made doughnuts, Intelligentsia coffee and savory cafe fare. B L V $$

Good Stuff Eatery

2110 Crystal Drive, 703-415-4663, goodstuff eatery.com. Spike Mendelsohn’s Crystal City outpost offers gourmet burgers (beef, turkey or mushroom), shakes, fries and salads. L D G V $ Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro 4301 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-7900, grandcrubistro. com. This intimate European-style café includes a wine shop next door. O R L D G $$$

Grazie Grazie

4121 Wilson Blvd., 571-216-2999, graziegrazie.com. Give thanks for Italian subs like the 8+1 (Genoa salami, hot capicola, prosciutto and sharp provolone), plus pizzas, salads and cannoli. L D $ Green Pig Bistro

2900 Wilson Blvd., 703-888-1920, greenpigbistro.com. An Arlington fave for Southern-influenced

food, craft cocktails, happy hour and brunch. R L D G V $$$

Guajillo

1727 Wilson Blvd., 703-807-0840, guajillo mexican.com. Authentic Mexican dishes such as carne asada, mole poblano and churros are favorites. O C L D G V $$

Guapo’s Restaurant

4028 Campbell Ave., 703-671-1701, guaposres taurant.com. Expect hearty portions of all the TexMex standbys—quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and burritos. O C R L D G V $$

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

1119 N. Hudson St., 571-527-0445, gyu-kaku.com. Marinated meats, veggies and seafood are cooked on tabletop grills. L D $$

Gyu San

4300 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-7373, gyusan.com. Go for Japanese barbecue, sushi, soba noodles and saki. L D G $$$

Hal & Al’s BBQ

4238 Wilson Blvd., 703-400-8884, halandals bbq.com. There’s no pork on the menu at this halal ’cue joint. Go for beef brisket, turkey sausage or beef “Dino” ribs rubbed with Old Bay and other spices. L D $$

Hanabi Ramen

3024 Wilson Blvd., 703-351-1275, hanabiramen usa.com. Slurp multiple variations of the namesake noodle soup, plus rice bowls and dumplings. L D $$

Haute Dogs

2910 N. Sycamore St., 703-548-3891, hautedogs andfries.com. Cookout fare goes gourmet with hot dog toppings ranging from banh mi with sriracha mayo to a buffalo dog with blue cheese. L D $

Hawkers Asian Street Food

4201 Wilson Blvd., 703-828-8287, eathawkers. com. Dig into hot chicken, pork belly bao and other Asian street foods, plus sake, whiskey and zeroproof quaffs. G V L D $$

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe s

2150 N. Culpeper St., 703-527-8394, heidelberg bakery.com. A local favorite for baked goods and

Old Country specialties such as bratwurst and German potato salad. Closed Mondays. B L $

Highline RxR

2010-A Crystal Drive, 703-413-2337, highlinerxr. com. A Crystal City bar offering draft beers, draft wines, a whiskey menu and a retractable wall that opens up in nice weather. O L D A $$

Hot Lola’s

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 1501 Wilson Blvd. (Rosslyn), hotlolas.com. It’s all about Kevin Tien’s Nashville-meets-Sichuan hot chicken sandwiches. L D $

Hyde Social

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-647-9342, hyde-social. com. Meet up for poke towers, fancy pub fare and quenchers like the Ube Spice (mezcal, tequila, agave, lime, ube, gochujang flakes, lava salt).

R L D A G V $$

Idido’s Coffee & Social House

1107 S. Walter Reed Drive, 703-253-1576, ididos socialhouse.com. Devotees go for the pastries, sandwiches and Ethiopian coffee. B L V $

Immigrant Food

4245 N. Fairfax Drive, 703-203-0337, immigrant food.com. Global dishes from this “gastroadvocacy” kitchen range from Salvadoran pupusas to Filipino fried chicken. O R L D G V $$

Inca Social 1776 Wilson Blvd., 703-488-7640, incasocial.com. Empanadas, saltados, ceviche, sushi and pisco sours round out the menu at this Peruvian cousin to the original in Dunn Loring. R L D G V $$

Ireland’s Four Courts 2051 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-3600, irelandsfour courts.com. Stop in for a pint and an EPL game over an order of fish and chips. C R L D A $$

Istanbul Grill

4617 Wilson Blvd., 571-970-5828, istanbulgrill virginia.com. Feast on Turkish meze and kebabs at this homey spot in Bluemont. L D V $$

The Italian Store s 3123 Langston Blvd., 703-528-6266; 5837 Washington Blvd., 571-341-1080; italianstore.com. A favorite for pizzas, sandwiches, prepared entrées, espresso and gelato. O L D G V $

Thompson Italian

■ places to eat

Jon’s Joint

250 N. Glebe Road, 202-384-4954. Order halal smashburgers topped with cheese, grilled onions and pickled jalapeños. L D $

Kabob Palace

2315 S. Eads St., 703-486-3535, kabobpalaceusa.com. Open 24 hours, this Crystal City storefront serves grilled halal meats, pillowy naan and savory sides. L D A G V $$

Kaldi’s Social House

3100 10th St. N.; 3639 S. Glebe Road; 571-2131502, kaldissocialhouse.net. The National Landing location serves a full dinner menu in addition to espresso drinks and brunch. Try a burger with red onion jam, Gruyere and rosemary aioli, or a matcha beet salad with pecans. B R L D G V $$

Kanji Izakaya

4301 Fairfax Drive, 703-512-0017, kanjiarlington. com. Dive into teriyaki, ramen, yakitori, hibachi dishes and sushi. L D G $$

Khun Yai Thai

2509 N. Harrison St., 703-536-1643, khunyaithai va.com. The family-owned restaurant serves “homestyle Thai” cuisine. L D G V $$

King of Koshary

5515 Wilson Blvd., 571-317-7925, kingofkoshary. com. Washington Post critic Tim Carman dubbed its menu “Egyptian food fit for royalty.” Order the hearty namesake dish, grilled branzino, beef kofta, roasted chicken or any of the tagines (stews). L D G $$

Kusshi

1201 S. Joyce St., 571-777-1998, kusshisushi. com. Feast your way through shishito peppers, sushi, oysters and mochi. O L D G V $$$

L.A. Bar & Grill

2530 Columbia Pike, 703-685-1560, labargrill.com. Regulars flock to this dive bar on the Pike (L.A. stands for Lower Arlington) for cold brews and pub fare. D A $$

La Coop Coffee

4807 First St. N., 571-257-7972, lacoopcoffee. com. Stop in for single-origin Guatemalan coffee, house-made horchata, breakfast sammies, empanadas and ice cream. B L $

La Côte D’Or Café

6876 Langston Blvd., 703-538-3033, lcd6876.com. This little French bistro serves standards like crepes and steak frites. O R L D G V $$$ Lantern Restaurant and Bar

320 23rd St., S., 571-800-6137, lanternrestaurant andbar.com. Order crispy fish with sweet and sour sauce, orange chicken or beef with broccoli. Consider reserving a private karaoke room. L D G V $$

Láylí

3033 Wilson Blvd., 703-512-3094, layligarden.com. Taste the flavors of Lebanon, Turkey and Greece in dishes such as beef tenderloin shawarma and hummus with duck confit. O R L D $$$

Lebanese Taverna

5900 Washington Blvd., 703-241-8681; 1101 S. Joyce St., Pentagon Row, 703-415-8681; lebanese taverna.com. A hometown favorite for shawarma, kebabs, flatbreads and more. O C L D G V $$

The Liberty Tavern

3195 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-9360, thelibertytavern. com. This Clarendon anchor offers a spirited bar and creative cuisine fueled by two wood-burning ovens. O C R L D A G V $$$

Livin’ the Pie Life

2166 N. Glebe Road, 571-431-7727, livinthepielife. com. The wildly popular pie shop and bakery started as an Arlington farmers market stand. B L V $$

Lost Dog Café

5876 Washington Blvd., 703-237-1552; 2920 Columbia Pike, 703-553-7770; lostdogcafe.com. Known for its pizzas, subs and beer selection, this deli/café supports pet adoption through the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. L D G V $$

Lucky Danger 1101 S. Joyce St., Unit B27 (Westpost), lucky

danger.co. Chefs Tim Ma and Andrew Chiou put a fresh spin on Chinese American takeout with dishes such as duck fried rice and lo mein. L D V $$

Lyon Hall s

3100 N. Washington Blvd., 703-741-7636, lyonhall arlington.com. The European-style brasserie turns out French, German and Alsatian-inspired plates, from charcuterie and sausages to moules frites.

O C R L D A V $$$

Mae’s Market and Café

1450 S. Eads St., maesmarketandcafe.com. Scratch-made baked goods, salads, gourmet sandwiches, espresso drinks, cheese and wine round out the offerings o B R L D V $$

Maison Cheryl

2900 Wilson Blvd., 703-664-0509, maisoncheryl. com. Seared duck breast, steak frites and madeleines are among the offerings at this French American bistro. R L D V $$$

Maizal Latin Street Food

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3966500, maizalgrill.com. South American street food—arepas, empanadas, churros. L D V $

Makers Union

1450 S. Eads St., 703-419-3504, makersunionpub. com. Pop in for comfort food (mac ’n’ cheese, Nashville hot chicken, steak frites), creative cocktails and live music several nights a week. R L D G V $$

Mala Tang

3434 Washington Blvd., 703-243-2381, mala-tang. com. A fragrant eatery specializing in Sichuan hot pot, dry pot and Chinese street foods. O L D G V $$

Mario’s Pizza House

3322 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-0222, mariospizza housemenu.com. Open into the wee hours, it’s been cooking up subs, wings and pizza since 1957. O C B L D A $

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

4017 Campbell Ave., 571-431-6530, masons lobster.com. Order lobster rolls your way (butter or mayo) at this Shirlington outpost of the Annapolisbased seafood chainlet. L D $$

Maya Bistro

5649 Langston Blvd., 703-533-7800, bistromaya. com. The family-owned restaurant serves Turkish and Mediterranean comfort food. L D V $$ McNamara’s Pub & Restaurant

567 23rd St. S., 703-302-3760, mcnamaraspub. com. Order a Guinness and some corned beef or fish and chips at this friendly watering hole on Crystal City’s restaurant row. O R L D A $$

Meda Coffee & Kitchen

5037 Columbia Pike, 571-312-0599, medacoffee kitchen.com. A casual café serving coffee, baked goods and traditional Ethiopian dishes like kitfo and tibs. C B L D G V $$

Me Jana

2300 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-4440, mejanarestau rant.com. Named for an old Lebanese folk ballad, this Middle Eastern eatery offers prime peoplewatching in Clarendon. O C L D G V $$

Mele Bistro

1723 Wilson Blvd., 703-522-0284, melebistro.com. This farm-to-table Mediterranean restaurant cooks with fresh, organic, free-range, regionally sourced, non-GMO ingredients. O R L D G V $$

Metro 29 Diner

4711 Langston Blvd., 703-528-2464, metro29. com. Classic diner fare includes triple-decker sandwiches, mile-high desserts, burgers, roasted chicken and breakfast. C B R L D V $

Mexicali Blues

2933 Wilson Blvd., 703-812-9352, mexicali-blues. com. This colorful landmark dishes out Salvadoran and Mexican chow. O C R L D G V $$

Mister Days Sports Rock Café

1101 N. Highland St., 703-986-3335, misterdays usa.com. The beloved Clarendon sports bar has

been resurrected with plenty of happy hour deals and bar munchies for game-watching. R D A $

Moby Dick House of Kabob

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-465-1600; 4037 Campbell Ave., 571-257-8214; mobyskabob.com. Satisfy that hankering for Persian skewers and flavorful sides. L D $$

Mpanadas

2602 Columbia Pike, 571-312-0182, mpanadas usa.com. Try barbecue pork and cheeseburger empanadas, birthday cake paletas and java chip macaroons. B L D $

Mussel Bar & Grille

800 N. Glebe Road, 703-841-2337, musselbar. com. Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s menu centers on mussels, frites, wood-fired pizza and more than 100 Belgian and craft beers. O L D $$

Nam-Viet

1127 N. Hudson St., 703-522-7110, namvietva.com.

The venerable restaurant in what was once Arlington’s “Little Saigon” neighborhood specializes in flavors of Vietnam’s Can Tho region. O L D V $$

Nighthawk Pizza

1201 S. Joyce St., nighthawkpizza.com. Visit this Westpost brewpub and sports bar for personal pizzas (both thick and thin crust), beer and smashburgers. L D V $$

NiHao

1550 Crystal Drive, 703-512-4109, nihaoarlington. com. Sichuan small plates by chef Peter Chang include walnut shrimp, spicy dry-fried eggplant, and pork ribs with fries. Enjoy cocktails made with baijiu, a Chinese liquor, or tea-infused whiskey.

O L D G V $$

Noonchi

1201 S. Joyce St., 571-451-7030, @noonchipocha. Visit Scott Chung’s Korean street food and soju bar for bulgogi, kimchi fried rice and kimbap. L D G $

Northside Social Coffee & Wine s 3211 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-0145, northsidesocial va.com. Tucked inside a red house on the edge of Clarendon, the two-story coffee and wine bar with a big patio is always busy...which tells you something. O B L D V $$

Ocean Shack

2163 N. Glebe Road, 703-488-7161, oceanshack arlington.com. Dig into a seafood boil, a fried oyster basket or an order of fish tacos and pretend you’re at the beach. R L D A $$

Oh K-Dog

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-5673376, ohkdog.com. Try a fried Korean rice dog with add-ins like sweet potato, cheddar or squid ink. L D $

Old Dominion Pizza Co.

4514 Langston Blvd., 703-718-6372, olddominion pizza.com. Order thin crust or “grandma style” pies named after local high school mascots. L D G $

Open Road

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-248-0760, openroadgrill. com. A solid pick for burgers and beers or a proper entrée and a craft cocktail. O L D $$

Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen

1101 S. Joyce St., 703-567-7295, origincoffeeco. com. The industrial-chic coffee shop roasts its own beans and serves all-day breakfast, bar munchies and dinner plates. O B R L D V $$ O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub

3207 Washington Blvd., 703-812-0939, osullivans irishpub.com. You’ll find owner and County Kerry native Karen O’Sullivan behind the bar, pouring pints and cracking jokes. L D A $$

Our Mom Eugenia

4044 Campbell Ave., 571-970-0468, ourmom eugenia.com. This family-owned spot is beloved for its real-deal Greek fare, from saganaki to souvlaki. O L D $$

Padaek

2931 S. Glebe Road, 703-888-2890, padaekdc. com. Chef Seng Luangrath’s kitchen in Arlington

Ridge turns out Lao, Thai and Burmese fare—satay, curries and noodle dishes. O L D G V $$ Palette 22

4053 Campbell Ave., 703-746-9007, palette22.com. The Shirlington gallery-café specializes in international small plates and is a hoppin’ brunch spot. O R L D V $$ Peking Pavilion

2912 N. Sycamore St., 703-237-6868, peking pavilionva.com. This family-owned restaurant serves standbys such as moo shu pork and beef with broccoli. L D $$

Peruvian Brothers

1450 S. Eads St., 703-625-6473, peruvianbroth ers.com. Dig into sandwiches (try the chicharron with pork, sweet potato and salsa criolla), saltados, empanadas, rotisserie chicken and power bowls. Grab a bottle of hot sauce to take home. L D V $

Peter Chang Arlington

2503-E N. Harrison St., 703-538-6688, peterchang arlington.com. The former Chinese Embassy chef brings his fiery and flavorful Sichuan cooking to the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. C L D $$ Pho 75 s

1721 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-7355, pho75.res taurantwebexpert.com. Purported to have curative properties, the piping-hot soup at this local institution is all about fresh ingredients. O L D V $

Pho & Banh Mi Eatery Café

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-489-8212, eatery cafeva.com. Fill up on banh mi (with tofu, grilled chicken or pork), steaming bowls of pho and poke bowls. L D G V $

PhoWheels

1731 Crystal Drive, phowheelsdc.com. The popular food truck serving Vietnamese pho and banh mi now has a kiosk at Water Park. O L D G $

Pie-tanza

2503-B N. Harrison St., 703-237-0200, pie-tanza. com. Enjoy pizza (including gluten-free options), calzones, lasagna, subs and salads. C L D G V $$

Pines of Florence

2109 N. Pollard St., 703-566-0456, pinesofflor encearlingtonva.com. The classics include linguine with pesto, veal parm and chicken cacciatore, plus housemade pizza and subs. L D V $$

Pirouette Café & Wine Shop s 4000 Fairfax Drive, pirouette.cafe. Pair your favorite vino with cheese, whole roasted fish, a pork cutlet and other enticing plates at this cafe and wine shop. L D G V $$

Poppyseed Rye

818 N. Quincy St., poppyseedrye.com. Pick up sandwiches, biscuits, salads, flower bouquets and gift items (beer and wine, too). O r L D G V $

Pupatella s

5104 Wilson Blvd.; 1621 S. Walter Reed Drive, 571-312-7230, pupatella.com. Enzo and Anastasiya Algarme’s authentic Neapolitan pies are considered among D.C.’s best. O L D V $$

Quarterdeck

1200 Fort Myer Drive, 703-528-2722, quarterdeck arlington.com. This beloved shack has served up steamed crabs for 40 years. O C L D V $$

Queen Mother’s Kitchen

1601 Crystal Drive, 703-997-8474, queenmother cooks.com. Grab a fried chicken sandwich and a side of duck fat fries. O L D $

Quincy Hall

4001 Fairfax Drive, 703-567-4098, quincyhallbar. com. Go for pints, meatballs and New York-style pizza at this spacious beer hall in Ballston. L D $ Quinn’s on the Corner

1776 Wilson Blvd., 703-640-3566, quinnsonthe corner.com. Irish and Belgian favorites such as mussels, steak frites, and bangers and mash, plus draft beers and a big whiskey selection. B R L D A $$

Ragtime

1345 N. Courthouse Road, 703-243-4003, ragtime

restaurant.com. Savor a taste of the Big Easy in offerings such as jambalaya, catfish, spiced shrimp and oysters. There’s a waffle and omelet bar every Sunday. O R L D A V $$

Rasa

2200 Crystal Drive, 703-888-0925, rasagrill.com. Build a bowl with options like basmati rice, chicken tikka, lamb, pickled vegetables, lentils, chutneys and yogurt sauces. O L D G V $

Ravenna Pizza

1500 Wilson Blvd., 571-520-2086, ravennapizza. com. Roman-style rectangular pies, sandwiches, pastries and gelato. L D V $$

Ravi Kabob House

350 N. Glebe Road, 703-522-6666; 250 N. Glebe Road, 703-816-0222. Curries, kebabs and delectably spiced veggies keep this strip-mall café plenty busy. C L D V $$

The Renegade

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-468-4652, renegadeva. com. Is it a coffee shop, restaurant, bar or live music venue? All of the above—with snacks ranging from lambchop lollipops to lo mein. B L D A $$

Rhodeside Grill

1836 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-0145, rhodeside grill.com. Find chops, meatloaf, burgers and po’boys accompanied by every kind of hot sauce imaginable. O C R L D A V $$

Rien Tong Asian Bistro

3131 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-8388, rientong.com. The large menu includes Thai and Chinese standards, plus sushi. L D V $$

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co. 3471 Washington Blvd., 703-528-9663, rocklands. com. Owner John Snedden has been slow-cooking barbecue at this Arlington favorite since 1990.

O C L D G V $

Roggenart Bakery, Bistro & Café

4401 Wilson Blvd., 703-721-3182, roggenart.com. Stop in for breakfast, coffee, pastries and sandwiches on house-baked bread. B R L D V $$

Rooftop Recess

2424 Wilson Blvd., 757-807-2233, rooftoprecess. com. Grab a seat on the roof deck to enjoy seasonal fare and refreshing cocktails O C R L D V $$

Ruffino’s Spaghetti House

4763 Langston Blvd., 703-528-2242, ruffinospaghetti.com. Fill up on classics such as veal Parmigiana and chicken piccata. C L D V $$ RusUz

1000 N. Randolph St., 571-312-4086, rusuz.com. The family-run bistro serves hearty Russian and Uzbek dishes such as borscht, beef stroganoff and plov—a rice pilaf with lamb. L D $$

Ruthie’s All-Day s

3411 Fifth St. S., 703-888-2841, ruthiesallday. com. Chef Matt Hill’s “meat and three” serves up wood-smoked proteins with creative sides like crispy Brussels sprouts with fish sauce vinaigrette. Breakfast (with house-made biscuits) offered daily.

O B R L D G V $$

Ryu Izakaya

3030 Columbia Pike, 703-399-9052. A spot on the Pike for sushi, sake and yakitori. L D G $$

Sabores Tapas Bar

2401 Columbia Pike, 571-970-1253, saboresva. com. Dine on ceviche, lomo saltado and classic gambas al ajillo at this tapas bar on the Pike.

R L D G V $$

Saigon Noodles & Grill

1800 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-5940, saigonnoodles grill.com. Traditional Vietnamese pho, banh mi and noodle dishes round out the offerings at this restaurant and takeout. L D $$

Sakaki Izakaya

3227 Washington Blvd., 703-718-4931, sakakiizakaya.com. Try mini “sushi burgers,” Wagyu fried rice and the dazzling Egg on Egg dish (king salmon, quail egg, ikura and wasabi soy in a smoking bowl). Closed Tuesdays. L D A G $$

■ places to eat

Salt s

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-0491, saltrosslyn.com. The speakeasy-style cocktail bar serves cheese plates and carpaccio alongside sazeracs, old-fashioneds and nouveau craft cocktails. D $$

The Salt Line

4040 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-2075, thesaltline. com. Hit this seafood-centric oyster bar for clam chowder, lobster rolls, stuffies, smashburgers and fun cocktails. c O R D $$$

Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub

2800 S. Randolph St., 703-379-0122, samuel becketts.com. A modern Irish pub serving Emerald Isle recipes. O C R L D A G V $$

Santé

1250 S. Hayes St. (inside the Ritz-Carlton), 703412-2762, meetatsante.com. Mediterranean fare includes shrimp saganaki, whole roasted branzino and lamb “osso bucco.” B R L D G V $$$

Sawatdee Thai Restaurant

2250 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-8181, sawatdeeva. com. The friendly eatery (its name means “hello”) is frequented by folks craving pad thai or pad prik king. L D V $$

Screwtop Wine Bar and Cheese Shop

1025 N. Fillmore St., 703-888-0845, screwtop winebar.com. The congenial wine bar and bottle shop offers tastings, wine classes, and small plates for sharing and pairing. O C R L D G V $$

Seamore’s

2815 Clarendon Blvd., 703-721-3384, seamores. com. Dine on sustainably sourced seafood, from clams and mussels to arctic char and yellowfin tuna. Brunch on weekends. O R L D G V $$$

Seoulspice

1735 N. Lynn St., 703-419-5868, seoulspice.com. Korean fast-casual comfort food, anyone? L D G V $

SER

1110 N. Glebe Road, 703-746-9822, serrestau rant.com. Traditional Spanish and Basque dishes in a colorful, friendly space with outstanding service. O R L D V $$$

Sfoglina Pasta House

1100 Wilson Blvd., sfoglinapasta.com/rosslyn. Fabio Trabocchi’s urbane trattoria serves housemade pasta (you can watch it being made), a “mozzarella bar” and Italian cocktails. Closed Sundays. O L D V $$$

Silver Diner

4400 Wilson Blvd., 703-812-8600, silverdiner. com. The kitchen cooks with organic ingredients, many of which are sourced from local suppliers. Low-calorie and gluten-free menu choices are available. O C B R L D A G V $$

The Simple Greek

1731 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-1800, thesimplegreek. com. Find gyros, spanakopita, dolmades and other Greek favorites at this café and catering operation in Colonial Village. O C B L D V $

Simply Banh Mi

801 N. Quincy St., simplybahnmi.com. In addition to its namesake sandwich, the cult-status takeout that originated in Georgetown serves pho and build-yourown rice and vermicelli noodle bowls. L D $

Skydome

300 Army Navy Drive, 703-416-3862. Savor craft cocktails, Mediterranean-influenced dishes and views of the D.C. skyline in this revolving restaurant atop the DoubleTree Hilton in Crystal City. Closed Sunday and Monday. D G V $$$

Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque

5731 Langston Blvd., 703-269-2718, sloppyma mas.com. Joe and Mandy Neuman’s barbecue joint offers wood-smoked meats galore, plus pimento cheese, hearty sides and banana pudding for dessert. O B R L D V $$

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

1051 N. Highland St., 571-312-8791, smokecraft bbq.com. Every menu item here is kissed by smoke, from ribs, crabcakes and spaghetti squash

to the chocolate cherry bread pudding on the dessert list. O L D G V $$

Snouts & Stouts

2709 S. Oakland St., 571-317-2239, snouts nstouts.com. Grab a beer and some pulled-pork pretzel bites with beer cheese while your pup runs around this indoor dog park and bar. L D $

Soul Thai Kitchen & Bar

6035 Wilson Blvd., 703-300-9655, soulthaikitchen andbar.com. Find curries, noodle dishes and other Thai classics. L D G V $

Spice Kraft Indian Bistro

1135 N. Highland St., 703-527-5666, spicekraft va.com. This contemporary concept by restaurateurs Anthony Sankar and Premnath Durairaj gives Indian classics a modern spin. O L D $$

Spider Kelly’s

3181 Wilson Blvd., 703-312-8888, spiderkellys.com. The “come as you are” bar offers a sizable beer list, creative cocktails, salads, burgers, snacks and breakfast at all hours. C D A G V $$

Stellina Pizzeria

2800 S. Randolph St., 703-962-7884, stellina pizzeria.com. Pay a visit for Neapolitan pies, fried artichokes and a deli counter with house-made pastas, sauces and dolci to take home. O R L D $$

Supreme Hot Pot

2301 Columbia Pike, 571-666-1801, supreme hotpot.kwickmenu.com. This Pike eatery specializes in Szechuan hot pot, skewered meats and a few Cajun seafood dishes. D G $$

Surreal

2117 Crystal Drive, surrealpark.com. Find playful dishes like a foot-long Boomdog, “swirl” pancakes and old-fashioneds made with cornflake-infused whiskey at chef Enrique Limardo’s all-day diner in National Landing. O B L D $$

SushiJip

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-243-7799, sushijip. com. Occupying the former Endo Sushi space, it’s still a neighborhood spot for sushi, plus poke bowls, hibachi and ramen. Closed Mondays. L D G V $$

Sushi Rock

1900 Clarendon Blvd., 571-312-8027, sushirockva. com. Play a little air guitar while sampling sushi rolls and beverages named after your favorite bands, from Zeppelin to Ozzy to Oasis. D A G V $$

Sushi-Zen Japanese Restaurant s 2457 N. Harrison St., 703-534-6000, sushizen. com. An amicable, light-filled neighborhood stop for sushi, donburi, tempura and udon. C L D V $$

Sweetgreen

4075 Wilson Blvd., 703-522-2016; 3100 Clarendon Blvd., 571-290-3956; 575 12th Road S., 703-8881025; 2200 Crystal Drive, 703-685-9089; sweet green.com. Locally grown ingredients and compostable cutlery make this salad and yogurt chain a hub for the green-minded. O C L D G V $

Sweet Leaf

2200 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-5100; 800 N. Glebe Road, 703-522-5000; 650 N. Quincy St., 703527-0807; sweetleafcafe.com. Build your own sandwiches and salads. O C B L D $$

Taco Bamba s

4000 Wilson Blvd., 571-777-1477; 4041 Campbell Ave., 571-257-3030; tacobamba.com. Taco options range from classic carnitas to cheffy creations like the El Rico Pollo, stuffed with chicken, green chili, aji Amarillo aioli and crispy potato. B L D V $

Taco Rock

1501 Wilson Blvd., 571-775-1800, thetacorock. com. This rock-themed watering hole keeps the Micheladas flowing alongside tacos on housemade blue-corn tortillas. B L D V $$

Taqueria el Poblano

2503-A N. Harrison St., 703-237-8250, taqueria poblano.com. Fresh guacamole, fish tacos, margaritas and mole verde transport patrons to the Yucatan. C L D G V $$

Taqueria Xochi

1450 S. Eads St., 571-444-6722, taqueriaxochi. com. Beef birria tacos, crispy stuff mulitas and other Mexican street foods. D A V $$

Celebrity Delly

Tatte Bakery and Café

2805 Clarendon Blvd., 571-312-8691; 269 19th Court S., 571-357-1470; tattebakery.com. Breakfast sandwiches, tartines, panini, grain bowls, coffee and pastries. O B R L D G V $

Ted’s Bulletin & Sidekick Bakery

4238 Wilson Blvd. #1130 (Ballston Quarter), 703848-7580, tedsbulletin.com. Retro comfort food and all-day breakfast with a tantalizing bakery next door. C B R L D G V $$

Texas Jack’s Barbecue

2761 Washington Blvd., 703-875-0477, txjacks.com. Brisket, ribs and pulled pork, plus sides like raw carrot salad and smashed cucumbers. O L D A $$

T.H.A.I. in Shirlington

4209 Campbell Ave., 703-931-3203, thaiinshirling ton.com. Pretty dishes include lemongrass salmon with black sticky rice. O L D G V $$$

Thai Noy

5880 Washington Blvd., 703-534-7474, thainoy.com. Shimmering tapestries and golden Buddhas are the backdrop in this destination for Thai noodles, curries and rice dishes. L D $$

Thai Square

3217 Columbia Pike, 703-685-7040, thaisquarerestaurant.com. Enjoy options ranging from crispy squid with basil and roasted duck curry to pig knuckle stew. O L D G V $$

Tiger Dumplings

3225 Washington Blvd., 571-970-4512, tiger dumplings.com. There are dumplings, of course, plus five-spice beef, roast duck and vegan options like tofu skin with peanuts. L D G V $$

Timber Pizza

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-5676463, timberpizza.com. Popular pies include the Green Monster (pesto, feta, zucchini, kale) and the Worthy (chicken, barbecue sauce, red onions, apples and cilantro). L D V $$

TNR Cafe

2049 Wilson Blvd., 571-217-0766, tnrcafe.com. When you have a hankering for Peking duck, moo shu chicken, Szechuan beef or bubble tea. L D G V $$

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream

5849-A Washington Blvd., 703-536-7000; 510 14th St. S.; tobysicecream.com. Stop in for cups, cones, floats and sundaes. Coffee, pastries and bagels available in the morning. B L D V $

Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita

2911 Columbia Pike, 571-970-2824; 3811 Fairfax Drive, 703-512-4137; tortasytacoslachiquital.com. The beloved eatery that started as a food truck does tacos, alambres, huarache platters, flautas and more. B L D A $

Trade Roots

5852 Washington Blvd., 571-335-4274, fairtrade roots.com. The Westover gift shop and cafe serves fair-trade coffee, tea, pastries, salads, organic wine and snackable small plates. O B L $

Troy’s Italian Kitchen

2710 Washington Blvd., 703-528-2828, troysitalian kitchen.com. Palak and Neel Vaidya’s mom-andpop serves pizza, pasta and calzones, including a lengthy vegan menu with options like “chicken” tikka masala pizza. L D G V $

True Food Kitchen s 4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-5270930, truefoodkitchen.com. Emphasizing “anti-inflammatory” fare, the menu will convince you that healthy tastes good. O L D G V $$

Tupelo Honey Café

1616 N. Troy St., 703-253-8140, tupelohoneycafe. com. The Southern fusion menu includes dishes like roasted snapper with sweet potato and farro. C R L D $$

Upside on Moore

1700 N. Moore St., upsideonmoore.com. This food hall above the Rosslyn metro includes DMV concepts Ghostburger, Stellina Pizzeria, Lucky Dan-

ger, Little Tiger Dumplings and a rotating roster of pop-ups. L D G V $$

Urban Tandoor

801 N. Quincy St., 703-567-1432, utandoorva.com. Sate your appetite with Indian and Nepalese fare, from tandoori lamb to Himalayan momos (dumplings). Lunch buffet daily. L D V $$

Variedades Catrachas Restaurant 3709 Columbia Pike, 703-888-0906, variedades catrachas.com. The nearly 24-hour homey Honduran eatery serves up huevos rancheros, pupusas, carne asada, fried fish with plantains, cervezas, tequila drinks and horchata. B L D A G V $

Wagamama

2950 Clarendon Blvd., 571-901-9242, waga mama.us. Feast on ramen, teppanyaki, rice bowls, bao buns, boba tea and sake cocktails at this wildly popular pan-Asian concept that originated in the U.K. O L D G V $$

Water Bar

1601 Crystal Drive, nlwaterbar.com. The succinct menu at this sleek oyster and cocktail bar overlooking National Landing’s Water Park includes salads, sandwiches and sharable seafood dishes.

O L D G V $$

Weenie Beenie

2680 Shirlington Road, 703-671-6661, weenie beenie.net. The hot dog stand founded in 1954 is still serving half smokes, bologna-and-egg sandwiches and pancakes. B L D $

Westover Market & Beer Garden

5863 N. Washington Blvd., 703-536-5040, westo vermarketbeergarden.com. It’s a hive for burgers, draft microbrews and live music. O C L D A $$

Westover Taco

5849 Washington Blvd., 703-297-3030, westover taco.com. Tacos, guac, margs and beer keep things casual at this neighborhood hangout. L D V A $

Whino

4238 Wilson Blvd., 571-290-3958, whinova.com. Part restaurant/bar and part art gallery, this vibey spot features cocktails, shareable plates, brunch, and “low brow” art exhibits. R L D A $$

William Jeffrey’s Tavern

2301 Columbia Pike, 703-746-6333, william jeffreystavern.com. The pub on the Pike features Prohibition-era wall murals and mixes a mean martini. O C R L D A G V $$

Wilson Hardware

2915 Wilson Blvd., 703-527-4200, wilson hardwareva.com. Order a boozy slushy and head to the patio or roof deck. The menu includes small plates, burgers and entrées like steak frites and duck confit. O R L D A G V $$$

Wiseguy Pizza

1735 N. Lynn St., 703-358-8880; 710 12th St. S., 703-334-9885, wiseguypizza.com. Grab Sicilian and New York-style pies ranging from classic pepperoni to Korean chicken with cabbage. L D G V $

Yayla Bistro

2201 N. Westmoreland St., 703-533-5600, yayla bistro.com. A cozy little spot for Turkish small plates, flatbreads and seafood. Pita wraps available for lunch only. O C L D $$

Yume Sushi

2121 N. Westmoreland St., 703-269-5064, yume sushiva.com. East Falls Church has a destination for sushi, omakase and a sake bar with craft cocktails. L D V G $$$

Yunnan by Potomac

721 15th St., S., 571-699-3935, yunnanby potomac.com. Try mixian rice noodles in chicken bone broth, xiaochi (small plates) and multiple kinds of bao buns. O R L D $$

Yu Noodles

1515 Wilson Blvd., 703-718-4928, yunoodles arlington.com. Noodles, dumplings, rice dishes and dim sum round out the offerings at this Rosslyn takeout. L D $

■ places to eat

FALLS CHURCH

2941 Restaurant

2941 Fairview Park Drive, 703-270-1500, 2941. com. French chef Bertrand Chemel’s sanctuary-like spot offers beautifully composed seasonal dishes and expert wine pairings. C L D V $$$$

Al Jazeera

3813-D S. George Mason Drive, 703-379-2733. The top seller at this Yemeni cafe is oven-roasted lamb with yellow rice. L D $$

Alta Strada

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-2800000, altastrada.com. Chef Michael Schlow’s menu includes house-made pastas, pizza and modern Italian small plates. R L D $$$

Anthony’s Restaurant

3000 Annandale Road, 703-532-0100, anthonys restaurantva.com. The family-owned diner serves standbys like spaghetti, pizza, gyros and subs, plus breakfast on weekends. R L D V $$

B Side

8298 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-676-3550, bsidecuts.com. Nathan Anda’s charcuterie, smashburgers and beef-fat fries steal the show at this cozy bar. L D $$

Badd Pizza

346 W. Broad St., 703-237-2233, baddpizza.com. Order a Buffalo-style “cup-and-char” pepperoni pie and a “baddbeer” IPA, locally brewed by Lost Rhino Brewing Co. L D $$

Bakeshop

100 E. Fairfax St., 703-533-0002, bakeshopva.com. See Arlington listing. B V $

Balqees Restaurant

5820 Seminary Road, 703-379-0188, balqeesres taurant.com. Lebanese and Yemeni specialties include lamb in saffron rice, saltah (a vegetarian stew) and saffron cake with crème anglaise. O L D V $$

Bamian

5634 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-7880, bamianres taurant.com. Try Afghan standards like palau (seasoned lamb with saffron rice) and aushak (scallion dumpling topped with yogurt, meat sauce and mint). C L D V $$ Bartaco

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-549-8226, bartaco.com. A lively spot for tacos (13 kinds) and tequila. Feels like vacation. L D V A $$ Caboose Commons

2918 Eskridge Road (Mosaic District), 703-6638833, caboosebrewing.com. The microbrewery has a hopping patio. Order house brews and creative eats, from wings and fried pickles to plant-based buddha bowls. O L D V A $$

Café Kindred

450 N. Washington St., 571-327-2215, cafe kindred.com. Pop in for a yogurt parfait, avocado toast, grilled eggplant sandwich, or an espresso fizz. B R L V $$

Cafe Zevian

700 W. Broad St.,703-712-7012, cafezevian.com. Savor Turkish, Greek and Lebanese influences in hot and cold mezze, grilled seafood, veal and lamb doner kebab and baklava. O B R L D G V $$

Casa Mariachi

133 E. Annandale Road, casamariachirestaurante. com. All the Tex-Mex favorites—tacos, burritos, fajitas, saltado, guac and margs. B L D $$

Celebrity Delly s

7263-A Arlington Blvd., 703-573-9002, celebrity deliva.com. Matzo-ball soup, massive corned beef sandwiches and tuna melts satisfy at this New York-style deli founded in 1975. Brunch served all day Saturday and Sunday. C B L D G V $

Chasin’ Tails

944 W. Broad St., 571-777-9596, chasintailsss. com. The Viet-Cajun menu includes crawfish boils,

char-broiled kimchi oysters and scallop crudo with citrus vinaigrette. L D $$

Chay Restaurant

6531 Columbia Pike, 571-378-1771, chayrestau rant.com. A destination for vegetarian hot pot, spring rolls, noodles and other plant-based Vietnamese specialties. L D G V $

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack

130 N. Washington St., 703-532-9283, clareand dons.com. Go coastal with fish tacos, margs and live outdoor music. O C L D A G V $$

Colada Shop

2920 District Ave., 703-962-3002, coladashop. com. See Arlington listing. O B R L D V $$

District Dumplings

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-884-7080, districtdumplings.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

District Taco

5275-C Leesburg Pike, 571-699-0660, district taco.com. See Arlington listing. C B L D G V $

Dogwood Tavern

132 W. Broad St., 703-237-8333, dogwoodtav ern.com. The menu has something for everyone, from jambalaya and burgers to coconut-curry salmon. O C R L D A V $$

Dolan Uyghur

400 S. Maple Ave., 833-693-6526, dolanuyghur. com. Order noodles, kebabs and Uyghur and Dolan specialties such as steamed dumplings stuffed with pumpkin and peppers. O B R L D G V $$

Dominion Wine & Beer

107 Rowell Court, 703-533-3030, dominionwine andbeer.com. Pairings come easy when a café shares its space with a wine and beer shop. Order up a plate of sliders, a cheese board or some Dragon shrimp to snack on while you imbibe. O R L D V $$

Duangrat’s

5878 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-5775, duangrats. com. Servers in traditional silk dresses glide through the dining room bearing fragrant curries and grilled meats at this revered destination for Thai cuisine. O R L D V $$

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

7630 Lee Highway, 703-204-0233, eltiogrill.com. A family-friendly spot for fajitas, enchiladas, lomo saltado, combo plates and margaritas. O L D $$ Elephant Jumps Thai Restaurant

8110-A Arlington Blvd., 703-942-6600, elephant jumps.com. Creative and comforting Thai food in an intimate strip-mall storefront. L D G V $$

Elevation Burger

442 S. Washington St., 703-237-4343, elevation burger.com. See Arlington listing. O L D V $

Ellie Bird s

125 Founders Ave., 703-454-8894, elliebirdva. com. Discover the wonders of chef Yuan Tang’s seasonal, globally-inspired cooking at this awardwinning Little City gem. c o R D G V $$$

The Falls Restaurant & Bar

370 W. Broad St., 703-237-8227, thefallsva.com. Dig into crabcakes, brisket and fish stew, or build your own “blue plate” of creatively delicious sides. O R L D G V $$$

Fava Pot

7393 Lee Highway, 703-204-0609, favapot.com. The Egyptian eats include stewed fava beans with yogurt and lamb shanks with okra. And oh the bread! B L D G V $$

First Watch

5880 Leesburg Pike, 571-977-1096, firstwatch. com. A breakfast and lunch destination for eggs Benedict, lemon-ricotta pancakes, power bowls and avocado toast. O C B R L V $$

Godfrey’s Bakery & Café

421 W. Broad St., 571-378-1144, godfreysbakery cafe.com. Pop in for pastries, grazing boards, Roman-style pizza and coffee drinks. B R L D V $$

Haandi Indian Cuisine

1222 W. Broad St., 703-533-3501, haandi.com. The perfumed kebabs, curries and biryani incorporate northern and southern Indian flavors. L D V G $$

Harvey’s

513 W. Broad St., 540-268-6100, harveysva.com. Chef Thomas Harvey’s casual café does roasted chicken, cheesesteaks, banana splits and other comfort fare with flair. O C B R L D V $$

Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ

8298 Glass Alley, 703-676-3550, hifitexmexbbq. com. Smoked meats, tacos, wings and tequila drinks shine at this spin-off of the original in Del Ray. R D $$

Hong Kong Palace

6387 Seven Corners Center, 703-532-0940, hong kongpalacedelivery.com. This kitchen caters to both ex-pat and American tastes with an enormous menu of options. C L D $$

Hong Kong Pearl Seafood Restaurant 6286 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-1388. Two words: dim sum. L D A V $$

Huong Viet 6785 Wilson Blvd., 703-538-7110. Spring rolls, roasted quail and shaky beef are faves at this cash-only Eden Center eatery. C L D G V $$

Ireland’s Four Provinces

105 W. Broad St., 703-534-8999, 4psva.com. The family-friendly tavern in the heart of Falls Church City serves pub food and Irish specialties, and hosts occasional Irish music sessions.

O C B R L D $$

Jinya Ramen Bar

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-3272256, jinyaramenbar.com. Embellish your tonkotsu or umami-miso broth with more than a dozen toppings and add-ins. O L D A g V $$

JV’s Restaurant

6666 Arlington Blvd., 703-241-9504, jvsrestaurant. com. A dive bar (the best kind) known for its live music, cold beer and home-cooked meatloaf, lasagna and chili. L D A V $$

Kirby Club

2911 District Ave., 571-430-3650, kirbyclub.com. From the owners of D.C.’s Mayd¯an, a kebab concept (with a great bar) that allows diners to mixand-match proteins, dips and sauces. R D V $$

Koi Koi Sushi & Roll

450 W. Broad St., 703-237-0101, koikoisushi. com. The sushi is fresh and the vibe is fun. Teriyaki, tempura and bento boxes round out the menu. O L D $$

Lantern House Viet Bistro

1067 West Broad St., 703-268-2878, lantern houseva.com. Head out for pho, noodles and banh mi at this family-owned Vietnamese eatery.

L D G V $$

Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen

7049 Leesburg Pike, 703-532-5299, lazymikes deli.com. A Falls Church institution churning out homemade ice cream, packed deli sandwiches and breakfast faves. O C B R L D G V $

La Tingeria

626 S. Washington St., 571-316-6715. A popular food truck in Arlington since 2012, David Peña’s concept also has a brick-and-mortar location in Falls Church. The queso birria tacos are a must. Open Wednesday-Sunday. L D $

Little Saigon Restaurant

6218-B Wilson Blvd., 703-536-2633, littlesaigon restaurant.us. Authentic Vietnamese in comfortable setting with captivating retro photo collages on the walls. O L D $$

Loving Hut

2842 Rogers Drive, 703-942-5622; lovinghut fallschurch.com. The Vietnamese-inspired vegan eatery offers dishes like rice vermicelli with barbecued soy protein and clay pot rice with vegan “ham.” L D G V $$

MacMillan Whisky Room

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 240-9943905, themacmillan.com. Contemplate more than 200 kinds of spirits lining the bar and a menu of U.K. and American pub standards. O R L D $$

Mark’s Duck House

6184-A Arlington Blvd., 703-532-2125. Though named for its specialty—Peking duck—it also offers plenty of other tantalizing options, such as short ribs, roasted pork and dim sum. R L D A V $$

Meaza Restaurant

5700 Columbia Pike, 703-820-2870, meazares taurant.com. Well-seasoned legumes and marinated beef served with spongy injera bread are signatures in this vivid Ethiopian banquet hall. O C L D G V $$

Met Khao

6395 Seven Corners Center, 703-533-9480, padaekdc.com. Chef Seng Luangrath has transformed the former Padaek space into a fast-casual eatery serving Thai and Laotian fare. L D G V $

Miu Kee

6653 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-8884. Open late, this strip-mall hideaway offers Cantonese, Sichuan and Hunan dishes. L D A $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob 444 W. Broad St., 703-992-7500, mobyskabob.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Mom & Pop

2909 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9920050, dolcezzagelato.com. The little glass cafe serves light fare, snacks, gelato, coffee, beer and wine. O B R L D A $$

MQR Cafe

6343 Columbia Pike, 571-378-1012, mqrcafe. com. Find cardamom lattes, kunafa French toast, harissa burgers and chicken shawarma sandwiches at this halal café and coffee shop. B R L D G V $

Nhu Lan Sandwich

6763 Wilson Blvd., 703-532-9009, nhulancafe. com. This tiny Vietnamese deli at Eden Center is a favorite for banh mi sandwiches. L D V $

Northside Social Falls Church s 205 Park Ave., 703-992-8650, northsidesocial va.com. Come by in the morning for breakfast and a latte. Return in the evening for wine and a plate of charcuterie, or a full dinner. O B L D V $$ Nue

944 W. Broad St., 571-777-9599, nuevietnamese. com. The Viet-modern menu (think coconut-curry risotto, crispy whole fish and dazzling cocktails) has a stunning space to match. R L D G v $$$

Open Road

8100 Lee Highway, 571-395-4400, openroadmerri field.com. See Arlington listing. O C R L D $$

The Original Pancake House 7395-M Lee Highway, 703-698-6292, ophrestau rants.com. Answer those breakfast cravings with pancakes, crepes, waffles, French toast and more. C B R G V $

Our Mom Eugenia

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 434-3394019, ourmomeugenia.com. See Arlington listing. O L D $$

Panjshir Restaurant

114 E. Fairfax St., 703-536-4566, panjshirrestau rant.com. Carnivores go for the kebabs, but the vegetarian chalows elevate pumpkin, eggplant and spinach to new levels. O L D V $$

Peking Gourmet Inn

6029 Leesburg Pike, 703-671-8088, pekinggour met.com. It’s all about the crispy Peking duck at this famed institution, a destination for presidents, ambassadors and celebrities for more than three decades. C L D G V $$

Pho 88

232 W. Broad St., 703-533-8233, pho88va.com. Vietnamese pho is the main attraction, but the

menu also includes other noodle and rice dishes. Closed Tuesdays. L D $$

Pho Ga Vang

6767 Wilson Blvd., 571-375-8281, phogavang. com. Find more than 12 kinds of pho, plus other Vietnamese homestyle dishes at this Eden Center café. L D G $$

Plaka Grill

1216 W. Broad St., 703-639-0161, plakagrill.com. Pop in for super satisfying Greek eats—dolmas, souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita and roasted chicken. C L D V $$

Preservation Biscuit

102 E. Fairfax St., 571-378-1757, preservation biscuit.com. Order the signature carb with housemade jams, or as a sandwich with fillers ranging from fried chicken to guac and egg. O C B L V $

Pupuseria La Familiar

308 S. Washington St., 703-995-2528, pupuseria lafamiliar.com. Salvadoran pupusas, fried yucca, chicharron, carne asada and horchata. L D $$

Puzukan Tan

8114 Arlington Blvd., 571-395-4727, puzukantan. com. From brothers Sam and Kibum Kim comes this Korean barbecue destination featuring dryaged meats, banchan and ramen. O L D $$$

Raaga Restaurant

5872 Leesburg Pike, 703-998-7000, raagarestau rant.com. Go out for chicken tikka, lamb rogan josh, toothsome samosas and cardamom-infused desserts. O L D G V $$

Rare Bird Coffee Roasters

230 W. Broad St., 571-314-1711, rarebirdcoffee. com. This charming Little City café roasts its own beans and makes an artful latte. The cafe space features rotating exhibits by local artists. L D $

Rasa

2905 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-3780670, rasa.co. See Arlington listing. L D G V $

Rice Paper/Taste of Vietnam

6775 Wilson Blvd., 703-538-3888, ricepapertasteofvietnam.com. Settle into one of the mod booths in this Eden Center mainstay for a combo platter of pork, seafood and ground beef with ricepaper wraps and fresh herbs. L D G V $$

Roll Play

944 W. Broad St., 571-777-9983, rollplaygrill. com. Grab Viet street foods such as banh mi, pho and build-your-own rice paper rolls from this fastcasual sibling of Nue and Chasin’ Tails. L D G V $$

Seoul Prime Korean Steakhouse 106 Founders Ave., 703-563-1168, seoulprime. com. The temptations here include galbi-jjim risotto with braised short ribs, Korean wheat noodles, soju cocktails and prime cuts of beef cooked on a tabletop grill. R D $$$

Settle Down Easy Brewing 2822 Fallfax Drive, 703-573-2011, settledowneasy brewing.com. Pair a pint from the rotating beer list with tacos from neighboring El Tio Tex-Mex Grill. Live music, trivia contests and open mic nights are also part of the fun. Closed Mondays. O L D $

Sfizi Café

800 W. Broad St., 703-533-1191, sfizi.com. A family-owned trattoria, deli and wine shop serving classic Italian fare—pasta, pizza, parm. L D $$

Silver Diner

8150 Porter Road, 703-204-0812, silverdiner.com. See Arlington listing. C B R L D A G V $$

Sisters Thai 2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-280-0429, sistersthai.com. The menu is traditionally Thai, but the vibe feels like you’re dining in your cool friend’s eclectic living room. L D G V $$

Solace Outpost s

444 W. Broad St., 571-378-1469, solaceoutpost. com. This Little City microbrewery serves housebrewed suds, plus fried chicken, five kinds of fries and wood-fired pizza. D A V $$

Spacebar

709 W. Broad St., 703-992-0777, spcbr.com. This diminutive and funky bar, a sister to Galaxy Hut in Arlington, offers 24 craft beers on tap and 18 variations on the grilled cheese sandwich. D A V $$

Sweetgreen

2905 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9927892, sweetgreen.com. See Arlington listing. O C L D G V $

Sweetwater Tavern 3066 Gatehouse Plaza, 703-645-8100, great americanrestaurants.com. A modern alehouse serving seafood, chicken, ribs, microbrews and growlers to go. C L D G $$$

Taco Bamba s 2190 Pimmit Drive, 703-639-0505, tacobamba. com. Tacos range from traditional carne asada to the vegan “Iron Mike,” stuffed with cauliflower, salsa macha and mole verde. B L D $

Taco Rock 1116 W. Broad St., 703-760-3141, thetacorock. com. See Arlington listing. o B L D V $$

Taco Zocalo

6343 Columbia Pike, 571-376-3859, zocalotaco. com. Chow down on tacos, chimichangas, quesadillas and burrito bowls. O L D $

Takumi Sushi

310-B S. Washington St., 703-241-1128, takumi va.com. The sushi and sashimi in this snug little izakaya go beyond basic. Think tuna nigiri with Italian black truffle, or salmon with mango purée. Closed Sundays and Mondays. L D V $$

Ted’s Bulletin 2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-830-6680, tedsbulletinmerrifield.com. See Arlington listing. C B R L D $$

Thompson Italian 124 N. Washington St., 703-269-0893, thompson italian.com. Gabe and Katherine Thompson’s celebrated kitchen turns out house-made pastas, inspiring small plates and some of the best desserts around. O C D $$$

Trio Grill

8100 Lee Highway, 703-992-9200, triomerrifield. com. Treat yourself to steaks, seafood, raw bar, craft cocktails and live piano music in this handsome hideaway in Merrifield. O D $$$

True Food Kitchen s 2910 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-3261616, truefoodkitchen.com. See Arlington listing. O C R L D $$$

MCLEAN

Agora Tysons 7911 Westpark Drive, 703-663-8737, agoratysons. com. The Dupont Circle mezze restaurant brings its Turkish, Greek and Lebanese small plates to a second outpost in Tysons. It’s a hoppin’ spot for bottomless brunch. R L D G V $$$

Amoo’s Restaurant 6271 Old Dominion Drive, 703-448-8500, amoos restaurant.com. The flavorful kebabs and stews are crowd pleasers at this hospitable Persian establishment. O C L D G V $$

Andy’s Pizza 2001 International Drive, 3rd floor food court, Tysons, 703-775-2212, eatandyspizza.com. See Arlington listing. L D V $

Aracosia s 1381 Beverly Road, 703-269-3820, aracosia mclean.com. Fall in love with Afghan specialties such as braised lamb shank and roasted eggplant with saffron rice. O L D V $$

ArTeA 6635 Old Dominion Drive, 703-469-9898, artea mclean.com. Stop in for bubble tea, artisanal open-

■ places to eat

face sandwiches, pretty desserts or a “high tea dinner” with cocktails. Closed Mondays. R L D $$

Badd Pizza

6263 Old Dominion Drive, 703-356-2233, badd pizza.com. See Falls Church listing. L D $$

Big Buns Damn Good Burger Co. s 1340 Chain Bridge Road, 571-456-1640, eatbig buns.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Café Tatti French Bistro

6627 Old Dominion Drive, 703-790-5164, cafe tatti.com. Open since 1981, this romantic little bistro whips up classic French and continental fare. Closed Sundays. L D G V $$$

Call Your Mother Lil’ Deli 6216 Old Dominion Drive, 571-395-9097, callyour motherdeli.com. See Arlington listing. o b R L V $ Capri Ristorante Italiano

6825-K Redmond Drive, 703-288-4601, capri mcleanva.com. Known for tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti carbonara and veal Marsala. O C L D G V $$$

Circa

1675 Silver Hill Drive, 571-419-6272, circabistros. com. See Arlington listing. O L D V $$$

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

7900 Tysons One Place, 703-442-4523, eddiev. com. Total steakhouse vibe, except with an emphasis on seafood (and steaks, too). L D G $$$$

Él Bebe

8354 Broad St., 571-378-0171, el-bebe.com. Spice things up with tamales, tacos, street corn, mole and tequila-based cocktails. C O L D V $$

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

1433 Center St., 703-790-1910, eltiogrill.com. See Falls Church listing. L D $$

Esaan Tumbar

1307 Old Chain Bridge Road, 703-288-3901, esaanmclean.com. This tiny, trendy haunt specializes in northern Thai dishes—papaya salad, larb, nam tok. A good bet for those who like heat. L D $$

Fahrenheit Asian 1313 Dolley Madison Blvd., 703-646-8968, fahren heitasian.com. A destination for Sichuan noodles, dumplings, mapo tofu and cocktails such as an Asian pear mojito. Closed Sundays. L D V $$

Founding Farmers

1800 Tysons Blvd., wearefoundingfarmers.com. The spacious farm-to-table restaurant features Virginia-sourced dishes and drinks, plus grab-and-go breakfast items. B R L D $$$

Han Palace

7900 Westpark Drive, 571-378-0162, hanpalace dimsum.com. Pay a visit to this all-day dim-sum emporium for made-to-order buns, dumplings, crepes, roast duck and noodles. L D $$

J. Gilbert’s

6930 Old Dominion Drive, 703-893-1034, jgil berts.com. Everything you’d expect in a steakhouse and lots of it—prime cuts of beef, lobster, wedge salad, steak-cut fries and cheesecake. C R L D G V $$$

Joon/MayBar

8045 Leesburg Pike, 571-378-1390, eatjoon.com. Savor refined Persian dishes such as lamb-pistachio meatballs with pomegranate glaze and duck with sour-cherry rice. Hit the casual bar area for more affordably priced small plates, sandwiches and clever cocktails. O L D G V $$$$

Kazan Restaurant

6813 Redmond Drive, 703-734-1960, kazanrestau rant.com. A McLean fixture since 1980, it’s a go-to for kebabs, baklava and Turkish coffee. L D V $$

The Kitchen Collective 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite L160, 571-378-0209, tkcfoodhall.com. The takeout-only “virtual food hall” has pizza, kebabs, acai bowls, cookies and much more, amassing multiple food concepts under one umbrella. C L D G V $$

Kura Sushi

8461 Leesburg Pike, 571-544-7122, kurasushi. com. Choose maki and nigiri from a revolving conveyor belt at this Tysons sushi bar, where drinks are served by a robot. L D G V $$

Lebanese Taverna

1840 International Drive, 703-847-5244, lebanesetaverna.com. See Arlington listing. O C L D G V $$

Lost Dog Café

1690-A Anderson Road, 703-356-5678, lostdog cafe.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Maman Joon

1408 Chain Bridge Road, 571-342-4838, maman joonkitchen.com. Find dolmeh, falafel, lamb shank and kebabs (plus a built-in Z Burger with shakes in 75 flavors) at this Persian eatery. L D V $$

Masala Indian Cuisine

1394 Chain Bridge Road,703-462-9699, masa lava.com. A specialty here are “momos,” Nepalese dumplings with meat or vegetable fillings. The menu also includes tandoori biryani and Indian curries. L D V $$

McLean Family Restaurant

1321 Chain Bridge Road, 703-356-9883, themcleanfamilyrestaurant.com. Pancakes, gyros and big plates of lasagna hit the spot. Breakfast is served until 3 p.m. daily. C B L D V $$

Miyagi Restaurant

6719 Curran St., 703-893-0116. The diminutive sushi bar gets high marks for its friendly service and fresh maki and nigiri. L D $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob 6854 Old Dominion Drive, 703-448-8448; 1500 Cornerside Blvd., 703-734-7000; mobyskabob.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Modan

1788 Chain Bridge Road, 703-743-6600, modan restaurant.com. Special occasion? Splurge on a 15-course omakase experience, Wagyu beef or caviar service at this Japanese izakaya helmed by executive chef Micheole “Chico” Dator, formerly of Nobu DC. DG $$$$

Mylo’s Grill

6238 Old Dominion Drive, 703-533-5880, mylos grill.com. Enjoy spanakopita, souvlaki and American classics like burgers and cheesesteaks. Friday is prime-rib night. O R L D $$

Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen

6641 Old Dominion Drive, 703-992-9095, neutral groundbarandkitchen.com. Chef David Guas is serving up whole branzino, fried quail, bone-in pork chops and “social hour” specials in a beautiful new space. Weekend brunch brings a roving cocktail cart. O r D G V $$$

Ometeo

1640 Capital One Drive N., 703-748-7170, ometeo texmex.com. An upscale “texmexeria” with Mexican renditions of duck, venison, beef and a wide variety of sea creatures, from the owners of The Salt Line.

O L D G $$$

Pasa-Thai Restaurant

1315 Old Chain Bridge Road, 703-442-0090, pasa thaimclean.com. Tuck into a classic Bangkok curry, or a chef’s special such as spicy fried rockfish with chili-basil-garlic sauce. O L D $$

Patsy’s American 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5100, pat sysamerican.com. The menu features greatesthits from other Great American Restaurants.

O C R L D A G V $$

Peter Chang McLean

6715 Lowell Ave., 571-405-6686, peterchang mclean.com. See Arlington listing. L D G V $$

Pikoteo

6811 Elm St., 703-891-0123, pikoteo-usa.com. Escape to warmer climes with ceviche, arepas, mofongo and fruity drinks at this Caribbean-infused cafe.

O R L D $$

Pulcinella Italian Kitchen

1310 Chain Bridge Road, 703-893-7777, pulcinellarestaurant.com. A stop for classic spaghetti and meatballs, linguine and clams and wood-fired pizza since 1985. L D $$

Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks

8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5110, randysprime.com. Treat yourself to prime cuts, duck-fat fries, seafood towers and massive slabs of chocolate cake. L D G $$$$

Rocco’s Italian 1357 Chain Bridge Road, 703-821-3736, roccos italian.com. The Juliano family makes everything in-house from family recipes, including minestrone, pizza, calzones, subs, pasta and cannoli.

O C L D G $$

Roots Kitchen & Bar

8100 Old Dominion Drive, 703-712-7850, roots kitchenandbar.com. Find sandwiches, smoothies, salads, espresso drinks, pie, cocktails and graband-go snacks and pantry staples. B L G V $

Silver Diner

8101 Fletcher St., 703-821-5666, silverdiner.com. See Arlington listing. C B R L D A G V $$

Simply Fresh

6811 Elm St., 703-821-1869, simplyfreshva. com. A local favorite for pulled pork, chicken and brisket, Greek diner fare, family-style takeout meals and breakfast. O C B L D G V $

Sisters Thai

7735 Capital One Tower Road, sistersthai.com. See Falls Church listing. L D G V $$

Sorn Thai Restaurant & Bar

6224 Old Dominion Drive, 703-564-0630, sorn thaiva.com. Taste the rainbow in dishes such as pineapple fried rice, Khao Soi noodles and grilled lobster with curry sauce. O R L D G V $$

Starr Hill Biergarten

1805 Capital One Drive, starrhill.com. Anchoring The Perch, an 11-story-high sky park, this indoor-outdoor beer garden offers more than 20 brews on tap and bar snacks. O C L D V $

Stellina Pizzeria

1610 Capital One Drive, stellinapizzeria.com. See Arlington listing. R d V $$

Sushi Umi

7599 Colshire Drive, 571-378-0903, sushiumiva. com. In addition to sushi, contemplate menu items such as whole broiled unagi with a house omelet, Wagyu beef served over fried rice, and colorful chirashi bowls. Closed Sundays. L D $$

Tachibana

6715 Lowell Ave., 703-847-1771, tachibana.us. Stellar sushi, teriyaki and tempura notwithstanding, the chef’s specials here include options such as miso-marinated black cod and scallop donburi with salmon roe. C L D $$

Timber Pizza

8100 Old Dominion Drive, 703-564-0023, timberpizza.com. See Arlington listing. L D V $$

Umai Ramen and Donburi

1500 Cornerside Blvd., 703-546-2465, umai tysonsva.com. Blending Japanese and Thai flavors, the kitchen serves 10 types of ramen and six versions of curry rice, plus Asian-inspired cocktails and a dozen kinds of sake. L D G V $$

The Union

1379 Beverly Road, 703-356-0129, theunionbarandgrill.com. The eclectic menu from Giridhar Sastry, former executive chef of the Mayflower Hotel in D.C., features bites ranging from sliders, lamb chops or Pibil chicken to a beet carpaccio salad. o C L D $$

Wren

1825 Capitol One Drive S., thewatermarkhotel. com. Helmed by chef Yo Matsuzaki, this sleek restaurants is known for creative Japanese American fare, stupendous cocktails and sweeping skyline views. O D G V $$$

Lakeside Lodging

The former Inn at Deep Creek in Western Maryland reopened as Cove Creek Lodge in June 2024 after an extensive renovation. Its location on quiet Arrowhead Cove is ideal for kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding or just sitting by the firepit with a beverage and gazing at the lake.

The 29 newly renovated rooms and suites come in a variety of configurations with options such as fireplaces, smart TVs and kitchenettes or full kitchens. The Lakeside Double Queen Fireplace Room has a vaulted ceiling, electric fireplace, leather armchairs, and a deck for savoring a lakeview sunrise. Tabletop shuffleboard, an outdoor pool, and the guests-only Black Antler Lounge round out the offerings. Rates begin at $260 and include the complimentary use of kayaks and paddleboards. covecreekdcl.com

Pampered Glamping

Firefly Ridge Luxury Retreat near Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, opened in April 2024 with 14 luxe glamping sites. Tents on elevated decking are furnished with beds, armchairs, linens, blankets, lanterns, cookware, kitchen appliances and other creature comforts. Each site also includes a picnic table, Blackstone grill and firepit. The classy-for-a-campground bathhouse includes private shower stalls and toilets, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair dryers and fluffy towels. While Wi-Fi is available, along with a power station for charging phones, cell service is limited. Special “family glamping experience” weekends feature forest bathing, stargazing, horseback trail rides and other outings. Rates begin at $170 per night. fireflyridgewv.com

Be Well in OBX

Begin and end an active day in coastal-chic luxury at Pamlico Station Edgecamp, a hotel that opened in 2024 overlooking Pamlico Sound on Hatteras Island in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Known for its maritime history, the windswept barrier island is a haven for surfers and kitesurfing enthusiasts.

Renowned interior designer Jonathan Adler was tapped to create the beach hotel’s swanky-casual vibe. Each of the 14 residential-like suites includes a living room, dining area, bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, Marshall speakers and a “Wellness Basket” stocked with yoga mats, Therabody massage gun, foam roller, and, upon-request, Hyperice-Normatec compression therapy boots. Indulge in a cold plunge, sauna or hot tub soak at the wellness center. Guests may also request chef-prepared meals and assistance with booking jet ski, pontoon boat and bike rentals; fishing and dune buggy adventures; and kitesurfing lessons. Rates begin at $289 per night. edgecamp.com/pamlico-station

Cove Creek Lodge at Deep Creek Lake

Glamping at Firefly Ridge

Pamlico Station Edgecamp

Tranquil views from the Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia

Salty Sweet

Visit Virginia’s River Realm for waterfront relaxation, small-town vibes and oysters.

BY AMY BRECOUNT WHITE

The minute I lay eyes on the intimate saltwater pool just steps from our private cottage at the Hope and Glory Inn, I feel the urge to submerge. For me, that pool encapsulates the allure of Virginia’s newly branded River Realm, a coastal area comprising some 500 miles of shoreline along the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay. The entire region is a nexus of relaxation and self-care with a generous dash of salinity.

Or maybe I should call it Virginia’s

“Rivah” Realm, which is how I so often heard the word genteelly pronounced when I lived in Richmond decades ago. The elegant Tides Inn in Irvington may be the best-known landmark in these parts, but the small towns of Kilmarnock, Urbanna, Deltaville, White Stone, Topping, Lively, Saluda and Tappahannock are also prime places to play in and around the water while enjoying a Southern taste of the good life.

Alas, the weather gods weren’t cooperating at the start of my visit in the

Oysters with lime sorbet at the Hope and Glory Inn

n driving range

summer of 2024. Hurricane Debby was reduced to a tropical storm by the time my husband, Pete, and I began the three-hour drive south from Arlington, but she was still winging it up the midAtlantic, and experienced watermen weren’t tempting fate by going out. No matter. We still found plenty of ways to savor the salt air and the bay’s abundance on land.

ON THE DAY we roll into Irvington, it’s evident that small businesses are booming. Many older structures have been

given new life in the post-pandemic economy. There’s a vibey exuberance about town, despite the rain.

“More younger people are moving here. [They] can work remotely, and the small town becomes a very appealing alternative for family life,” says Dudley Patteson, co-proprietor of the Hope and Glory Inn, a boutique hotel occupying a refurbished 1890 schoolhouse. He and his wife, Peggy, bought the place 20 years ago and transformed it into a bed and breakfast surrounded by lush gardens, standalone cottages and unique

amenities such as a private outdoor garden bath with a clawfoot tub.

Many of the young business owners who now make up the town’s fabric grew up visiting the area and have family hereabouts. “We didn’t necessarily set out to open a gourmet convenience market,” says Livi Justis Harlow, whose namesake Livi’s Market, tucked inside a former gas station, stocks everything from wine, cheese and cocktail bitters to sunscreen. During the pandemic, she and her husband, Tom, both Richmond natives, “hunkered down

Harvesting oysters at the Tides Inn

The Hope and Glory Inn

The Urbanna Oyster Festival

Paddleboarding on the river

and didn’t want to leave.” They opened their business in 2023.

“Irvington has such charm,” she says. “You walk out down the street and everyone waves. There’s a strong sense of community. We wanted to contribute to that.”

Kristy Cotter, owner of the Richmond clothing boutique Dear Neighbor, has a similar transplant story. She opened an outpost of her shop in the town’s former Odd Fellows Lodge after moving here with her family during Covid so that her young son had a place to run around. Cotter invites her customers “to dress up and try on things that make them feel special.”

And yet, many longstanding traditions also remain. At the 76-year-old RAL (Rappahannock Art League) Art Center, a cooperative space showcasing ceramics, jewelry, paintings and fiber works by more than 50 juried artists, I find myself wishing I had a cozy waterside cottage to decorate. That fantasy continues as we peek inside the Tiles Projects, a design studio and showroom specializing in gorgeous custom designed tiles for kitchen and bath.

Hopping from town to town, we hear the term “merroir”—the water version of terroir—used to denote the realm’s riverine products. The salinity of lo -

cal waterways produces a bounty of seafood, which in turn has inspired a thriving culinary community. Hope and Glory’s Ethiopian-born chef, Meseret Crockett, has taken the art to another level by creating what might be the world’s first dessert oyster. She tops a raw bivalve with a dollop of housemade lime sorbet infused with mint, adds a squeeze of lime juice, and finishes it with dill.

“The flavors of that oyster just pop in your mouth,” a battle between salty and sweet, Patteson says.

BY DAY THREE of our visit, the skies have calmed and we finally get out on the water in a Carolina skiff with Will Smiley, the resident ecologist at the nearby Tides Inn complex. The purpose of our excursion is to learn more about the riches of these brackish waterways—specifically the oysters and blue crabs whose populations are still recovering from decades of overharvesting and poor bay health.

On Carter’s Creek, Smiley pulls up a crab pot and measures the “beautiful swimmers” (a translation of their Greek name’s origin) to make sure they meet the legal standard for harvesting. Noting the affirmative, he scoots us to a nearby dock, where the crabs are soon

steaming and then generously sprinkled with Old Bay. As a novice picker, I heed Smiley’s advice on how best to extract their succulent flesh.

Smiley offers an equally popular Chesapeake Gold tour centering on oyster restoration efforts. “We take recycled oyster shells from restaurants and resorts,” he explains, pointing to stacks of bags filled with shells. “Then we put them in that big tank and release swimming baby oysters [larvae from a local hatchery] into the tank, and they connect to the shells.” Once attached to their new homes, the young oysters are known as spat. The spat are introduced to various sections of the creek to grow in submerged cages.

Oysters play a critical role in balancing the local ecosystem, he explains. They feed by filtering water and extracting algae and other microscopic particles that would otherwise proliferate and block sunlight from reaching the underwater grass beds where blue crabs thrive. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.

In short: More oysters mean better bay health and a higher crab population. The Tides Inn is doing its part by maintaining a restored living shoreline peppered with sunken cages filled with spat.

Sailing on the Rappahannock

n driving range

If You Go

Where to Eat, Drink & Stay

Irvington’s Hope and Glory Inn (hopeandglory.com) offers 13 enchantingly decorated rooms and cottages (some of the headboards resemble birdhouses or picket fences), with breakfast delivered every morning, plus a saltwater pool. The property’s elegant Colonnade restaurant is a must for Chef Meseret’s vichyssoise, crab cakes and chocolate ganache brownie, and the front yard is home to a popular micro-vineyard and oyster bar.

Situated along the banks of a Rappahannock tributary, the Tides Inn (tidesinn.com) offers a sandy beach, a large pool and river paddleboarding or kayaking. Its Salt & Meadow restaurant is a picturesque spot for upscale cuisine showcasing locally sourced fare. Camp Irvington (campirvington.com) is a place to chillax around fire pits with live music, beer, wine and small bites.

If you’re traveling with a group, check out Rosegill (vrbo.com/4369359) an 18th-century former plantation with five bedrooms on 700 acres near Urbanna. Kilmarnock Inn (kilmarnockinn.com) has charming rooms and private cottages named after the eight U.S. presidents born in Virginia.

In Deltaville, the casual Table at Wilton (thetableatwilton.com) emphasizes fresh, local ingredients such as softshell crabs and fried fish sandwiches. In Topping, slurp local oysters at Rappahannock Oyster Co.’s Merrior (rroysters.com/ merroir-topping-va.html), a laid-back eatery with indoor and outdoor seating.

If you forget to make a reservation at Adrift Restaurant in White Stone (adriftva. com)—it’s usually packed—grab a seat at the bar to enjoy dishes such as rockfish cakes or lamb sausage with local clams. Don’t be deceived by the looks of the Car Wash Café (facebook.com/p/CarWash-Cafe-Catering-61552956216386/) in Kilmarnock, a local brunch favorite for omelets and pancakes housed in a former car wash and 7-Eleven. Dig into lobster rolls and burgers at Small Town Burger (smalltownburger.com), a food truck enterprise with permanent parked locations in Kilmarnock and Urbanna.

Where to Shop

Aquatic wonders notwithstanding, Virginia’s River Realm is worth a visit for its boutiques. August Table (augusttable. com) in White Stone designs and stocks beautiful, patterned linens, towels, wallcoverings and other home goods. At Pointe Provisions (pointeprovisions.com), the merch includes rustic and vintagestyle home décor, local art and a nice children’s section.

In Irvington, find stylish clothing, gifts and accessories at The Dandelion (thedandelion,com), Dear Neighbor (shopdearneighbor.com) and Sweet Tea (shopsweettea.com). Peruse nautical arts at Objects Art Gallery (objectsartandmore. com) and hit up Urbanna Trading Company (urbannatradingcompany.com) in Urbanna for provisions ranging from wine and charcuterie to jewelry.

Find the perfect gift or a bright summer

Ecologist Will Smiley

Al fresco dining at the Tides Inn

The Hope and Glory Inn

The Tides Inn

August Table in White Stone

Virginia’s River Realm

dress at The Rivah (facebook.com/ shoptherivah) in Kilmarnock. If you’re looking to give your home a refresh, don’t miss the RAL Arts Center (ralartcenter. com) for original artworks, and the Tiles Projects (tilesprojects.com) for bespoke tiles and throw pillows.

Where to Play

Take a heritage tour with a local waterman (virginiasriverrealm.com/ things-to-do/take-an-eco-tour-with-awaterman/#explore) to learn more about the region’s aquaculture, or connect with Tides Inn ecologist Will Smiley for an educational outing that includes delicious seafood tastings. In addition, the Tides Inn’s resident horticulturalist leads birding, wildflower and honey bee excursions.

Urbanna’s kayak trail (virginiasriverrealm. com/things-to-do/urbanna-kayaktrail/#explore) has 26 stops, including beaches, former ferry landings and coves. Take a three-hour daytime or sunset sail on a catamaran with Nauti Cat (sailnauticat.com), or rent a paddleboard or kayak from Paddle On’s walk-up kiosks (facebook.com/p/ Paddle-On-100083411285614/) and follow their suggested launch points.

Kilmarnock hosts an outdoor summer concert series, Music on the Half Shell (kilmarnockva.com/music-on-the-half-shell), with on-site food trucks and beverage vendors. The Urbanna Oyster Festival (urbannaoysterfestival.com), scheduled for Nov. 7-8 this year, is a shuckfest of local bivalves, plus craft beer and wine tastings and children’s activities.

Visit virginiasriverrealm.com for more ideas on places to stay, experience and explore around Essex, Lancaster and Middlesex counties.

Our trip also includes a stop at the weekend farmers market in Urbanna, where Mayor William Goldsmith urges us to check out the famous 1755 “Mitchell Map” on display inside the James Mills Scottish Factor Store, once a hub for the tobacco trade and now a visitors center. It was “the goto map for centuries,” Goldsmith says, adding that Urbanna was “one of the original colonial port towns.”

Created in 1750 by John Mitchell, a local physician, the map was later used during the 1783 Treaty of Paris to define the boundaries of the newly independent United States—and reportedly helped resolve a fishing rights dispute as recently as the 1980s. Like the Library of Congress and British Museum, the town has its own impressive first edition.

Nowadays Urbanna is best known for its fall oyster festival, which attracts more than 50,000 connoisseurs annually for a shellfish-themed parade, an oyster-shucking contest and myriad ways to eat these sweet and briny sea creatures—maybe even for dessert. Gotta love that small-town ingenuity. ■

Arlington travel writer Amy Brecount White enjoys diving into any waterbased exploration and appreciates the mid-Atlantic’s ample offerings.

An outdoor concert in Kilmarnock

Alice Kresse

Patriot Days

On the eve of World War II, an Americana-themed pageant drew hundreds of spectators to Arlington.

ON A MID-AUGUST evening in 1939, despite persistent rain, an eager crowd gathered at Ballston’s outdoor youth sports stadium (now long gone) to see who would be crowned Miss Virginia. The ceremony was just one of the highly anticipated events in a weeklong Birth of the Flag pageant.

Virginia Governor James Price was on hand to do the honors, bestowing the title on a young Arlington woman

named Dorothy Simpson. In addition, Jane Smoot was named Miss Fairfax and Virginia Smarr was named Miss Arlington. For the finale, the pageant’s highest honor, Queen of the Flag, would be given to whichever contestant received the most votes.

Unfolding just weeks before Germany invaded Poland to ignite World War II, this rather Rockwellian scene was emblematic of the time. Hardships

from the Great Depression were waning, and a wave of patriotic sentiment had prompted Dorothy’s parents, Ruby and Julian Simpson, to help plan an extravaganza celebrating America’s founding. Known to be active civic volunteers, the Simpsons were charter members of the Arlington Historical Society, and Ruby was the first woman to serve on the Arlington School Board. (The fact that their daughter Dorothy had entered the pageant’s popularity contest did not seem to raise nepotism concerns.)

Created to raise funds for a new youth recreation center, the Birth of the Flag pageant brought together a range of citizens and community groups—from the American Legion to the Girl Scouts—to plan the program, perform skits and act as the backstage crew. Historical reenactments included Betsy Ross and friends sewing an early American flag, Pocahontas at the Court of St. James in England, a Civil War battle, and scenes depicting Christopher Columbus, Abraham Lincoln and “the Gay Nineties.” Lt. Col. Francis Scott Key-Smith gave a lecture about “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by his great-grandfather. The pageant’s beauty and popularity contests drew widespread attention. The Washington Post offered updates on the vote counts for the “court of princesses” and at one point ran a photo of a contestant named Dorothy Martin bedecked in a patriotic drum major uniform, bugling “her call to the Nation to attend the tribute to the Stars and Stripes” in Arlington. Ultimately, the pageant was not an economic success. But for those who attended, it was a reminder of American ideals not long before the nation entered a second global war. When Arlington teenager Mildred Bolen was finally crowned Queen of the Flag, she declared it “the happiest moment of my life.” ■