Arlington Magazine May/Jun 2025

Haute Dogs in Arlington

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CON TENTS

■ FEATURES

FOOD & DRINK

92 Bargain Bites

Yes, it’s still possible to grab an outstanding meal for $25 or less. Our dining critic has a few suggestions.

108 Kitchen of Dreams

This Arlington culinary school is a place for new beginnings.

118 Take Your Pick

For optimal flavor and freshness with a side of fun, road-trip to these area farms to harvest your own fruits and veggies.

ON THE COVER:

HOME & GARDEN

132 Drinks on the House

No need to go out barhopping when you have a killer wine cellar or whiskey room at home. These cool spaces are designed for imbibing.

140

Putting Down Roots

Our local leaf canopy needs protection. Plenty of citizen advocates are speaking for the trees.

PEOPLE

146 Patient and Kind

Raymond Wadlow lost his mother to pancreatic cancer the year after he finished medical school. He’s devoted his career to others facing the same diagnosis.

Haute Dogs photo by Tania Hauyon

When you can’t decide if you should take a prebiotic, probiotic, or postbiotic because what you really need is a right-now biotic.

We have experts for that.

Schedule a visit with a digestive health expert today.

CON TENTS

174 Places to Eat

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

188 Shop Local

These kid-approved toys, books and crafty clothes are sure to draw smiles from the little ones.

190 Driving Range

Colonial history meets contemporary public art in Chestertown, Maryland.

Go outside and play! Warmer temps bring street fairs, music festivals, spring markets and the annual McLean Day carnival.

20 Big Picture

You can’t rent this runway, but its emerging fashion designers are ones to watch.

22 Familiar Faces

His “straight-friendly gay bar” has been the pride of the neighborhood for more than two decades.

28 My Life

Life is messy, brutal and exhilarating. So is rehabilitating birds of prey.

166 Great Spaces

A quiet home library serves as a sanctuary for busy working parents.

168 Prime Numbers

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

172 Home Plate

What to eat at Marufuji, a sprawling new Japanese market in Tysons.

197 Get Away

Live like a local in Richmond’s Fan District, decompress at a bayside inn, or get your thrills with a bungee jumping adventure.

200 Back Story

This turn-of-the-century Arlington farm was no ordinary agricultural operation.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS 32 Faces

125 Seniors & Aging Experts 151 Builders & Architects

CHLOÉ

letter from the publisher

Cheap Eats

WHEN OUR DINING CRITIC , David Hagedorn, suggested we publish a cheap eats story, I was delighted. Not because it’s an original idea (a lot of sources publish their own versions of cheap eats), but because I knew he would do a terrific job with it. I was also curious to learn which restaurants and menu items he’d pick.

I am happy to report that David’s story, called “Bargain Bites” (we like to do our own thing), is terrific and provides some tasty discoveries. I assume most folks have heard of Charga Grill, courtesy of The Washington Post, but some of the other spots, like Borek-G and Café Sazon, may not be household names yet.

Two of my favorites on David’s list are Arlington Kabob and Haute Dogs. Arlington Kabob is a delicious, healthy choice when you don’t have time to cook. You can serve it to your family guilt-free and savor every bite. Equally as pleasing, but definitely not guilt-free, is Haute Dogs. To me, hot dogs evoke memories of carefree summer evenings when I was a kid—fireflies, firecrackers and flashlight tag. Slathered in yellow mustard, a grilled hot dog is delicious decadence on a lightly toasted bun.

I made the trek to Haute Dogs shortly after it opened. I ordered the Chicago Style and was immediately transported to Portillo’s in Forest Park, Illinois. (My wife, Maureen, is from Chicago.) I’m not sure why I haven’t been back, but I am planning to head over there later this week. It’s that good.

Speaking of good things … I don’t consider myself the jealous type, but when your friend has a secret bourbon room hidden behind a bookshelf in his tricked-out basement, it’s easy to feel a twinge of envy. My next thought was, “We need to write about it!” So,

my buddy’s bourbon room set our editorial team on a quest to find more homes with enviable drinking spaces to share with you. Here they are, in “Drinks on the House,” by Nigel Maynard, for your reading and viewing pleasure.

My colleague Lori, who lives just a few blocks away, was lamenting the loss of big trees in our neighborhood. It’s a conversation I’ve had with other neighbors as well. She suggested we write a story about Arlington’s tree canopy and tree loss, so we did. “Putting Down Roots,” by Kim O’Connell, looks at how our community stacks up, tree-wise, compared to our neighbors. It also examines some of the challenges of maintaining trees in an urban environment, and what you can do to help.

I hope you enjoy our May/June Food & Drink issue. If you are in the habit of reading the magazine at your doctor’s or dentist’s office (or another public place), please consider subscribing. You can sign up at Arling tonMagazine.com for just $19.95. You also might see a card in this issue or receive an email from us that offers an even better rate. Either way, it’s a tiny amount of money for excellent content that’s dedicated to covering your community. I hope you will subscribe.

We also want to hear from you. Please email me at greg.hamilton@arlingtonmagazine.com with ideas and questions. Letters to the editor should be sent to jenny.sullivan@arlingtonmagazine.com. Enjoy the rest of your spring!

Greg Hamilton Publisher & Owner

Alice Lima-Whitney

LIVES IN: Falls Church

ORIGINALLY FROM: Springfield, Virginia

IN THIS ISSUE: Writes about volunteering at a raptor rehabilitation center

BAR BIZ: She and her late husband, H. Wilson Whitney, were among the founding partners behind Rhodeside Grill, Ragtime, Dogwood Tavern and William Jeffrey’s Tavern. They were also co-owners of (now-shuttered) Argia’s in Falls Church and Republic Gardens on U Street in D.C.

LOCAL FAVES: “A beer and anything with the diablo sauce at Rhodeside Grill. Dogwood Tavern for oysters. And I love the vibe and food at Godfrey’s in Falls Church.”

LIKES TO COOK: Picadillo, a traditional Cuban dish made with cumin, oregano, onion, garlic, olives and ground beef.

CURRENT FOCUS: “After 15 years in education, I’m relaunching my communications consulting business and supporting clients advocating for access to literacy education, nature, play and the arts.”

FUN FACT: “In the early ’90s I worked as a mystery shopper visiting restaurants and hotels. I filed my reports with the main office via a dial-up internet connection.”

ONLINE: limawhitney.com

Tania Hauyon

LIVES IN: Adams Morgan in D.C.

ORIGINALLY FROM: “Santiago, Chile, where I lived until I was 15. I grew up on an avocado farm. I miss it dearly!”

IN THIS ISSUE: Photographed our doggone excellent Bargain Bites cover.

LOCAL FAVES: “If there’s one place that makes me cross a bridge, it’s Haute Dogs in Arlington. We Chileans love our hot dogs! The Banh Mi Dog lives rent free in my mind. Taqueria Al Lado in Adams Morgan also hits all the right places.”

LIKES TO COOK: “Lasagna from scratch. I make my own pasta and marinara sauce. It feels like a warm hug when I eat it.”

LABOR OF LOVE: “I am lucky to be married to a pastry chef, Alexis Grea. I’m helping him open his own bakery in D.C.—hopefully open by the end of summer.”

CURRENT PROJECTS: “I’ve been filling up my calendar photographing various music acts and festivals, like Project Glow in D.C. Also expanding my restaurant and food clients.”

ONLINE: taniahauyon.com, @taniahauyon

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, Wendy Kantor, Anthony Lacey, Alice Lima-Whitney, Nigel F. Maynard, Jamie McCrary, Kim O’Connell

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Shannon Ayres, Belle Bermudez-Tubel, Stephanie Bragg, Skip Brown, Jen Fariello, Stacy Zarin Goldberg, Tania Hauyon, Lisa Helfert, Tony J. Lewis, Deb Lindsey, LRG

Portraits, Donna Owens, Robert Radifera, Suz Redfearn, Hilary Schwab, Eric Tate, Joseph D. Tran, Michael Ventura, Stephanie Williams

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Traci Ball, Kristin Murphy, Lori Reale

FINANCE & CIRCULATION MANAGER

Julie Rosenbaum

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AROUND TOWN

by Jamie McCrary

PERFORMING ARTS

THROUGH MAY 11

Woman on Fire

Creative Cauldron

Social justice meets the supernatural in this spellbinding drama about a MexicanAmerican woman’s conflicting loyalties— and a restless spirit seeking a proper burial. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Tickets begin at $35; $20 for students. 127 E. Broad St., Falls Church, creativecauldron.org

THROUGH MAY 18

Muffed

Prologue Theatre

Bedlam ensues in this comedic play about a small town’s annual celebration of Chester Greenwood, the inventor of the earmuff. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $50. 6408 Williamsburg Blvd., Arlington, prologuetheatre.org

MAY 1-23

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Avant Bard

Delve deep into Hamlet’s grief-fueled ALL

Chicago:

The Musical

Packed with showstopping tunes and dance numbers, the Grammyand six-time Tony Award-winning musical chronicles the sensational story of night club dancer Roxie Hart, who murders her on-the-side lover. Tickets begin at $34. See website for show times. Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, capitalonehall.com

disorientation in this bold new rendition of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $40; $20 for students, seniors and military service members; free

June 14

Erykah Badu

July 6

Rick Springfield with John Waite, Wang Chung, and Paul Young

Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’

June 8

Mohan Sisters Live

June 13

HAUSER

June 25

Gregory Porter

Dianne Reeves

June 27

June 18

James Blunt Back To Bedlam 20th Anniversary Tour Forest Blakk

July 12* + 13 ^

Todo Sonido Juanes* | Carlos Vives^ Kany García Monsieur Periné | DannyLux and many more!

Signature Theatre and Wolf Trap Present Broadway in the Park

Jessie Mueller and Lindsay Mendez

June 28

James Arthur

July 2

DISPATCH

John Butler (with Band)

G. Love & Special Sauce

July 5

June 29

The Roots

July 17

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert National Symphony Orchestra

Straight No Chaser July 9

The Swell Season July 11

Iron & Wine

I’m With Her July 15

…and many more!

for Arlington students. Gunston Arts Center, Theatre 2, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, avantbard.org

MAY 23, 7 P.M.

Napoleon Dynamite LIVE!

20th Anniversary Celebration

Capital One Hall

Embrace your inner geek with this castled screening of the indie cult comedy. Afterward, Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Jon Gries (Uncle Rico) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro) will lead a lively, freewheeling discussion with games and improv. Tickets begin at $34. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, capitalonehall.com

MAY 29-JUNE 15

Disney’s Aladdin

Creative Cauldron

This heartwarming musical revives the classic Disney love story of rebellious princess Jasmine and vagrant Aladdin. Featuring Academy Award-winning music from the animated film, the show will have you dreaming of Agrabah and “a whole new world.” Performances (offered in both English and Spanish) are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Tickets start at $40; $20 for students. 127 E. Broad St., Falls Church, creativecauldron.org

MAY 30-JUNE 8

The Wizard of Oz

Encore Stage & Studio

Join Dorothy on her journey to Emerald City

IN FOCUS

Nothing Personal

A Collaboration in Black and White

Photography meets literature in this gallery show examining Nothing Personal, a book of collaborative works by African American writer James Baldwin and Jewish photographer Richard Avedon underscoring the distinctive power of the arts to wield social change. Free. Mason Exhibitions Arlington, 3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, masonexhibitions.org

in this adaptation of the beloved classic. Will she prevail over evil and make it home to Kansas? Follow the yellow brick road to find out. See website for show times. $15; $12 for students, seniors, children and military service members. Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington, encorestage.org

JUNE 3-JULY 13

The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical Signature Theatre

This new rock musical by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill) depicts the life of infamous and irreverent gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. Directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley (Come from Away), the counterculture production is a collision of politics and rock ‘n’ roll in human

form. Tickets begin at $40. See website for show times. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org

JUNE 5-22

The Piano Lesson 1st Stage

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson tells the story of two siblings with a complex past—and a 137-year-old heirloom piano with a haunting history of its own. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $55; $15 for students, educators and military service members. 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons, 1ststage.org

JUNE 6-15

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

The Arlington Players

Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang star in this family-friendly musical brimming with wit and heart. The show kicks off Arlington’s annual Lubber Run Summer Concert Series. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Free. Lubber Run Amphitheater, 200 N. Columbus St., Arlington, thearlingtonplayers.org

JUNE 22, 7 P.M.

Couture on Tour: An Emily in Paris Experience

Capital One Hall

For Emily in Paris fans, this cinematic journey into haute couture includes

a fashion show with iconic pieces by costume designer Marylin Fitoussi, interactive exhibits and exclusive merch. Tickets begin at $39.50. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, capitalonehall.com

ART

THROUGH JUNE 1

Faces & Figures

Falls Church Arts

Artist-submitted works explore the complexity of faces and figures. Visit the show in person or view it online. Free. 750-B. W. Broad St., Falls Church, fallschurcharts.org

THROUGH JUNE 14

Spring Solo Exhibitions

McLean Project for the Arts

This curated exhibition of Mid-Atlantic artists includes interdisciplinary works by Jackie Hoysted, abstract paintings by Emon Surakikoson and mixed-media

compositions by Heidi Fowler incorporating found objects. Free. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, mpaart.org

MAY 15-JUNE 29

Arlington Career Center Student Show

Arlington Artists Alliance

This student-produced exhibition showcases multimedia works by student artists, with 30% of gallery proceeds going to the Arlington Career Center art department. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. May 15. Alliance Gallery at The Crossing Clarendon, 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 330R, Arlington, arlingtonartistsalliance.org

JUNE 7-JULY 6

All

Member Show

Falls Church Arts

Selected member artists (last names starting with A-L) display their best works in this annual all-media gallery show. Free. 750-B. W. Broad St., Falls Church, fallschurcharts.org

MUSIC

MAY 1-22, 6 P.M.

Music by the Metro

Clarendon Alliance

The free outdoor concert series brings performances by reggae band Zedicus & Abyssinia, blues band Mama Moon and the Rump Shakers, rockabilly artist Kiti Gartner & The Drifting Valentines, and jazz group Veronneau. Performances are 6 p.m. Thursdays. Free. Clarendon Metro Park, 3140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington,clarendon.org/ music-by-the-metro

MAY 3, 7:30 P.M.

Lady Blackbird

The Birchmere

Jazz and soul singer-songwriter Marley Munroe, known professionally as Lady Blackbird, performs a selection of bluesy favorites, including works from her new album, Slang Spirituals. $35. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

MAY 4, 7 P.M.

Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road

Jammin’ Java

Lauded as “the future of bluegrass,” 22-year-old Purcell and his string band intertwine Appalachian tradition with innovation. Tickets begin at $15. 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, unionstagepresents. com/jammin-java

MAY 16, 9:30 P.M.-1:30 A.M. Collective

The Renegade

Head out for a night of rock, pop, punk, alt and country hits with Arlington’s favorite cover band. $20. 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, renegadeva.com

MAY 31, 5 P.M. Envision

The Arlington Chorale East meets West in this eclectic performance of works by J.S. Bach and Indian-American composer Reena Esmail, including This Love Between Us, Esmail’s seven-movement oeuvre juxtaposing

FINE FOLK

MAY 30-31, 8 P.M.

The Avett Brothers

Kick off Wolf Trap’s summer season with the genre-bending Americana band featured in the Judd Apatow documentary May It Last, and whose music formed the soundtrack of the Broadway musical Swept Away They’re joined by roots rock group Heartless Bastards on Friday and folk duo Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange) on Saturday. Tickets begin at $49. Wolf Trap Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

India’s major religious traditions. $25; free for children under 17. Westover Baptist Church, 1125 Patrick Henry Drive, Arlington, arlingtonchorale.org

JUNE 6-AUGUST 1

Lubber Run Summer Concert Series

Lubber Run Amphitheater

This summer’s free outdoor concert series brings Afropop band Elikeh, soul stylist

Cecily and the Arlington Philharmonic to the wooded stage. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 11 a.m. Sundays. Entrance at the corner of N. Columbus St. and Second St. N., Arlington. For day of event info, call 703-228-1850 or visit arlingtonarts.org

JUNE 7, 8:30 P.M.

Allstar Purple Party: A Tribute to Prince State Theatre

Grammy-nominated recording artist Junie Henderson channels the spirit and stage presence of the legendary musician, performing classics such as “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Little Red Corvette” in full purple regalia. $25$30. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church, thestatetheatre.com

JUNE 12, 7:30 P.M.

Vivaldi’s Extraordinary Four Seasons

National Chamber Ensemble

In this special Kennedy Center performance,

ARLINGTON $2,899,900 5900 35th St N

Betsy Twigg: 703.967.4391 betsytwigg.com

ARLINGTON $1,475,000 2222 N Emerson St

Bob Adamson: 703.967.8033 bobadamson.com

KNOLEWOOD

A limited collection of 24 exquisite home sites in McLean, offering a life well-appointed, and thoughtfully designed in every detail.

Lisa Joy: 703.408.3450 or visit knolewood.com.

ARLINGTON $1,949,999 2307 Randolph St Sarah Picot: 202.251.5635 sarahpicot.com

1373 Carpers Farm Way Mackenzie Horne: 571.594.9136 mackenziehorne.com ALEXANDRIA $735,000 1411 Mt Vernon Avenue

Jen Walker: 703.675.1566 jenwalker.com

ARLINGTON $899,900 1000 Randolph St #209 Bob Johnson: 703.822.1550 bobjohnsonrealty.com

ARLINGTON $529,000 1621 S Barton St S #17 Bob Adamson: 703.967.8033 bobadamson.com

ARLINGTON $1,550,000 1700 Clarendon Blvd #128 Eric Kutch: 703.919.8202 erickutch.com

NCE artistic director Leo Sushansky and actress Lynda Carter uncover the story behind Vivaldi’s masterpiece through poetic sonnets, multimedia visuals and humorous demonstrations. $50. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW, Washington, D.C., kennedy-center.org

JUNE 14, 1-8:30 P.M.

Columbia Pike Blues Festival

Arlington Career Center

The festival returns for its 28th year with an electrifying lineup of live blues, jazz and bluegrass music, and local food vendors. Admission is free. 922 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington, columbia-pike.org

JUNE 20-28

The Marriage of Figaro

The Barns at Wolf Trap

In this comedic Mozart opera, quick-witted Figaro works to outsmart the court so that he can marry his beloved Susanna. Performances are 2 p.m. Thursday and Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets begin at $45. 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

JUNE 28, 8 P.M.

Broadway in the Park with Signature Theatre

Wolf Trap

Broadway’s brightest stars join forces with Signature Theatre talent for an unforgettable night of show tunes. Tickets begin at $35. Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

AUTHORS & BOOKS

MAY 1, 6-8 P.M.

Three Arlington Poets

Mason Exhibitions Arlington Arlington poets laureate Courtney LeBlanc (current), Katherine E. Young and Holly Karapetkova (emeritae), will read their works to close out National Poetry Month. 3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, masonexhibitions.org

MAY 13-JUNE 24

Great Books Discussion Series

Mary Riley Styles Public Library

Delve into literary classics ranging from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and The Veldt by Ray Bradbury to Nelson Mandela’s Rivonia trial defense

FRESH FUN

MAY 1, 3-7 P.M.

Mega Market Season Opener

Ballston’s first Mega Market of the season kicks off with live music, a farmers market and local beer and wine. The market returns on the first Thursday of each month through November 6. Admission is free. Welburn Square, 901 N. Taylor St., Arlington, freshfarm.org/markets/ballston

statement. See website for details. 120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church; mrspl.org

MAY 14, 7-8 P.M.

Escapism Book Club with Author Bethany Turner

Shirlington Public Library

The bestselling romcom author will lead an online discussion about her latest pageturner, Cole and Laila Are Just Friends Registration required. arlingtonva.libcal. com/event/13782788

SEASONAL

MAY 3, 10 A.M.-4 P.M.

Arlington Historical Museum Grand Reopening

Arlington Historical Society

Celebrate the reopening of the renovated museum—and the big public reveal of its updated exhibits. Free. 1805 S. Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington, arlhist.org

MAY 3-4, 11 A.M.-6 P.M.

Mosaic Spring Market

Mosaic District

Peruse vintage and handmade goods from 75+ artisans while enjoying live music,

food and cocktails at this URBNmarket street fair. Admission is free. 2905 District Ave., Fairfax, urbnmarket.com/ mosaic-spring-market-2025

MAY 11, 2-4 P.M.

Mother’s Day Tea

Cherry Hill Farmhouse

Looking for a unique gift for your history buff mom? Join an interpreter-hosted discussion about the influence of mid19th century mothers while enjoying sandwiches, sweets and bottomless cups of tea in the historic farmhouse and museum adjacent to City Hall. Reservations required. $48. 312 Park Ave., Falls Church, cherryhillfallschurch.org

MAY 15, 7-9 A.M.

Bike to Work Day

BikeArlington

Switch up your commute, leave the car at home and take to the streets for this citywide event on wheels. The celebration features more than 100 pit stops across the DMV with free giveaways, food and beverages. Looking for a biking buddy? Join one of the free Bike to Work convoys. See website for details. Free. bikearlington.com

MAY 17, 11 A.M.- 4 P.M.

Arlington Palooza

Lubber Run Community Center

Bring a picnic blanket and settle in for a day of live music, art, street vendors, food trucks, moon bounces and other fun. Admission is free. 300 N. Park Drive. Arlington, stayarlington.com/events/ arlington-palooza

MAY 17-18, 11 A.M.

Spring Pop-Up & Pet Palooza

The Crossing Clarendon

This URBNmarket street fair features 50+ creative vendors, live music, spring activities and a Pet Palooza supporting local animal rescue efforts. Free. The Crossing Clarendon, 2800 Clarendon Blvd., urbnmarket.com

MAY 17, 11 A.M.-5 P.M.

McLean Day Festival

McLean Community Center

Celebrate the 110th birthday of this cherished event featuring rockin’ music, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, a petting zoo and magician, plus carnival rides and more. Ride tickets will be

sold both onsite and online. Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, mcleancenter.org/events/mclean-day-2025

MAY 26, 9 A.M.-5 P.M.

Falls Church Memorial Day

Parade and Festival

Falls Church City Hall Grounds

Honor community heroes during this annual summer kick-off, which includes a parade, commemorative ceremony, 3K fun run and food and drinks from local vendors. Admission is free. 300 Park Ave., Falls Church, fallschurchva.gov/645/ memorial-day-festival-parade

MAY 31-JUNE 1, 7 A.M.-10 A.M.

Armed Forces Cycling Classic

Crystal City/Clarendon/D.C.

The DMV’s premier cycling event returns with an all-levels Challenge Ride, Pro and Amateur Cycling races, and a free kids’ ride for participants ages 9 and under. The standard registration fee for the Challenge Ride (all levels) is $130. See website for details and to register. cyclingclassic.org

JUNE 14, 3-9 P.M.

Mosaic Pride Celebration

Bust out your favorite rainbow attire and swing by the Mosaic District for its fourth annual Pride parade, followed by a drag show and glittery performances by Starfire Aerialist and funk band Groovalicious. Mosaic District, mosaicdistrict.com/events/ event/pride-at-mosaic/

JUNE 21-22, 11 A.M.-6 P.M.

Philippine Independence Day Festival

Mosaic District

Mabuhay! This celebration of the Philippines’ Independence Day (June 12) promises authentic Filipino food and beverages, jewelry, crafts and cultural performances. Free. 2910 District Ave., Fairfax, mosaicdistrict.com/events/event/ philippine-independence-festival

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

big picture ■ by Stephanie Kanowitz | photo by Suz Redfearn

Fashion Conscious

“Who are you wearing?” These aspiring young designers hope the answer will one day be their names.

A MODEL SASHAYS down the runway in a canary yellow bustier and a coordinated, floorlength hooded cape. Next up: A succession of flouncy halter dresses, structured jumpsuits and retro bohemian looks evoking the Flower Power movement of the 1960s.

This is not Paris Fashion Week. It’s a scene from Marymount University’s annual Portfolio in Motion (PIM) spring fashion show, where everything similarly happens by design.

To prepare for this annual, student-run expo, Marymount fashion design students spend months sketching, revising, measuring and sewing the garments that eventually make their way onto the catwalk. Students studying interior design, graphic and media design, and fashion merchandising also contribute their creative skills to get the show runway ready.

“Everything that goes into Portfolio in Motion is all unique; it has to be 100% your own design,” says Rebecca Moreno, a 2019 Marymount graduate who designed several pieces for that year’s show, including a threepiece set with a corseted top, pants and an overskirt. Today, she works for Sondra Falk Couture, a Las Vegas-based atelier specializing in bridal and formalwear, and cocktail dresses.

PIM typically draws about 800 to 1,000 attendees, including D.C.-area influencers and apparel designers. Historically, it’s been staged in the university’s gym—but this year brings a fresh change of venue. For the first time, PIM will make its 2025 debut at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, on May 3.

“We wanted to see how it would work to expose our show to more of the community in a public space,” says Julia Ravindran, associate professor of fashion design, who has overseen PIM for six years. A designer by trade, Ravindran previously worked for designers Reem

Acra, Bibhu Mohapatra and Carole Hochman, producing custom-made gowns and developing bridal and eveningwear collections showcased during New York’s famed Fashion Week.

PIM has a different theme every year. During the fall semester, students present their ideas, including visions for color stories, hair, makeup and stage décor, and everyone votes for their favorite. Last year’s concept, Soiree, evoked a dinner party setting. This year’s theme, Secret Garden, promises greenery and flowers as a backdrop to the clothes and models, who are also Marymount students.

One face that always stands out in the crowd is the Designer of the Year, an industry luminary who attends the show and provides feedback to student designers during a portfolio review the next day. Past honorees have included Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors and Tadashi Shoji. This year, it’s D.C.-based Nina McLemore, who designs business apparel for women. She currently has a Marymount fashion design student interning at her flagship store in Chevy Chase.

For many students, PIM can be a career starter. “Sometimes this has led to job opportunities, internship opportunities,” Ravindran says. “It’s a really, really amazing part of their senior capstone.”

Monique Bryant, class of 2017, says participating in PIM showed her how all the elements of fashion design fit together, including culling sketches after peer review, making prototypes and meeting deadlines.

“That informs a lot of how I work now,” says Bryant, who last year opened her own studio, Alyssa Monique Bridal, in Orlando. “I design and handmake every piece for all the brides that order my gowns. It’s been going really, really well so far.” ■

A woven ensemble on the runway during Marymount University’s 2024 Portfolio in Motion fashion show

familiar faces ■ by Anthony Lacey | photo by Michael Ventura

Everybody Comes to Freddie’s

This campy cabaret on Crystal City’s “Restaurant Row” has been welcoming everyone and anyone for nearly 25 years.

IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT at Freddie’s Beach Bar and the place is packed. Owner Freddie Lutz moves through the standing-room-only crowd with ease, chatting with longtime friends, checking on orders and murmuring cues to staff. He disappears downstairs and returns a few minutes later, having traded his black polo shirt for an all-white ensemble—fur coat, scarf, hat—that makes his dark mustache pop.

The stereo system blasts a herald of trumpets as Lutz, 74, makes his way to the mic, then segues to the theme from the 1970s television show “Charlie’s Angels.” Lutz tells the audience that this evening’s performers are “Freddie’s Angels,” and they’re all about “respect, kindness and compassion.”

And with that, the club’s weekly drag show is underway. The first diva, Destiny B. Childs, ascends the stage to the pounding beat of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” The audience goes wild.

Freddie’s Beach Bar owner Freddie Lutz

■ familiar faces

“My name is Freddie!” Lutz shouts, ceding the spotlight to her with a broad smile. “It’s time to go to work!”

If Lutz carries himself with the charisma of an industry veteran, it’s because he is one. He’s been working in restaurants along 23rd Street in South Arlington for more than 50 years—24 of them as proprietor of the colorful cantina that bears his name.

Happy hours, buffet brunches and trivia nights are part of the draw, but there’s something different about this place—and it’s not just the rainbowclad entrance that gives way to an explosion of Barbie dolls, pink plastic flamingos and purple furnishings inside. Also notable are the military flags and portraits of uniformed soldiers lining the walls alongside posters of Judy Garland and RuPaul.

This is Virginia’s only self-proclaimed “straight-friendly gay bar,” and for more than two decades, mili-

tary personnel—straight, gay, lesbian, transgender and queer—have been counted among its regulars. Tucked amid the disco balls and feather boas are framed photos of high-ranking officers, U.S. senators and other luminaries—prize mementos reminiscent of the framed snaps of celebrity patrons so often seen at classic Italian restaurants.

It helps that the bar is located a mile from the Pentagon, making it a convenient spot for an after-work drink. Lutz, being the son of a U.S. Army colonel (both of his parents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery), has always had a soft spot for the armed services.

Born in New York, Lutz arrived in Arlington at age 3 when his family relocated for his father’s work as an officer in the U.S. Army’s ordnance division. Lutz attended local schools—Oakridge Elementary, Gunston Junior High and

Wakefield High—before studying painting and illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. But the hospitality business would become his calling.

Returning home after college in the mid-1970s, he landed a job as a stockroom manager at The Portofino Restaurant, a Crystal City fixture on 23rd Street since 1970. A few years later, Portofino’s owners opened a sister establishment, Cafe Italia, across the street, where Lutz worked his way up from server to maître d’.

“And then I lost my mind and opened Freddie’s Beach Bar in 2001,” he quips. “I was starting to get a little bored and I wanted to try something on my own.”

The beach bar theme (a seemingly ironic choice in the burbs) was a nod to his love of the ocean. He had a travel trailer at the Sea Air Village mobile home trailer park in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he’d built a small, fenced courtyard with a tiki bar, an ice

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maker and lights. “That’s where I got the idea for Freddie’s,” he says.

The previous tenant of the Crystal City space, a fox-hunt-themed tavern called The Fox Hole, was a dim haunt marked by dark wood paneling and hunter green paint—a stark contrast to the incoming riot of tinsel and glitter.

Within a week or two of opening, Lutz hung rainbow flags and bunting outside. The flags were never a significant source of controversy, he says. “People knew me and liked me, and it’s not like I opened some sleazy bar. I wanted diversity in here and I wanted it to be all-inclusive. I wanted everybody to get along. We have not had a lot of trouble.”

The bar’s festive atmosphere and “straight-friendly” promise became a welcome invitation. Soon its clientele included service members donning shades of khaki and camo.

Lutz fondly recounts a conversation

with Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith, the Army Reserve’s first openly gay flag officer to come out while serving. She popped in for a drink one day in 2012 and presented him with a framed rainbow starsand-stripes flag that had flown at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan on September 20, 2011—the day the law known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed. The gift was a thank you for providing a safe space over the years for closeted military members. The “straight-friendly” tagline, she explained, “gave us all cover to come in.”

The club’s long history has not been completely without incident. Lutz recalls bomb threats that once brought police with bomb-sniffing dogs to scour

the premises and give the all-clear. And the time he raced home to check on his partner, Johnny (who was fine), after receiving an anonymous death threat via email that listed their home address. They still live in the house Lutz grew up in, not far from the bar.

They’ve been together 24 years, and while they haven’t married, Lutz says the current political climate is making him think they should.

In January, Freddie’s was one of several 23rd Street businesses to sustain damage after an arsonist set fire to its front entrance, although police reports did not categorize the attack as a hate crime. (The perpetrator, it turns out,

Turning HOPE into HEALING

of survey volunteers said they would consider participating in another clinical trial*.

■ familiar faces

had been kicked out of all three establishments the night before.)

But as the nation’s capital gears up to host a full lineup of WorldPride celebrations in May and June, Lutz isn’t sure what to expect. At the time of this interview, he was dismayed to see corporate sponsors withdrawing from the festivities. “That may start a whole chain of people dropping out, or being threatened and dropping out,” he says. “Hopefully the 3 to 4 million people they were expecting [to attend] will think of this as sort of a show of force.”

“I’m just very nervous right now,” he adds, “as everybody is—at least in the gay community.”

In the meantime, he has bars to stock, kitchens to manage and books to

keep. In 2018, Lutz opened his own redsauce Italian restaurant, Federico Ristorante Italiano, in the former Cafe Italia space, where he still works front of house, greeting guests. Ever the maître d’, he’s sentimental about the building’s legacy, and happiest when he can continue to say “welcome.”

“I’m very proud of what I’ve done [at Freddie’s] with the diversity and the accolades and all that stuff,” he says, “but I always felt like I left my heart at Cafe Italia. Freddie’s and Federico are two totally different atmospheres. I can come over here [to Freddie’s] to get crazy, and I go over there to calm down.”

Today he splits his time between Arlington and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he opened a second Fred -

die’s Beach Bar location in 2021. “I was looking around Freddie’s [in Arlington] and thinking, what is it missing? I know: the ocean and sand,” he says. “So I opened one in Rehoboth. It’s kind of like coming full circle.”

Launching the spin-off “has kind of worn me out,” he shares, citing red tape delays and an ongoing sprucing up of the interior. (At press time he was aiming to reopen the Rehoboth Beach location in April.) But he’s finally realized his dream of owning a true beach bar one block from the ocean.

At one point his ambitions included broadening his empire even further with a Freddie’s in Fort Lauderdale, but he’s not sure that’ll happen.

“I’m getting old,” he says. “I don’t know if I could take on another one.” ■

Anthony Lacey is a freelance journalist who has lived in Washington, D.C., for more than 20 years.

my

by Alice Lima-Whitney | photo by Michael Ventura

Alice Lima-Whitney with a horned owl named Snyder at the Owl Moon Raptor Center

Wild Wonder

I needed to know I could still experience awe. I went into the woods in search of it.

MONTHS INTO MY self-proclaimed “year of wonder,” I finally revisit the browser tab that’s been sitting open on my laptop. It’s the volunteer page for a raptor rescue and rehabilitation center, beckoning me to “help make a difference in the lives of birds of prey.”

Sure, I want to make a difference, but that’s not why I finally click the “submit” button. After a treacherous several years dominated by illness and its unwelcome companions, duty, isolation and grief, I’ve been clawing my way back to joy and wonder, one Why not now? moment at a time. Now the moment has come to indulge my fascination with killer birds—the allure of fluffy feathers mixed with a macabre appreciation for their flesh-ripping violence.

The drive to the Owl Moon Raptor Center in Montgomery County begins with a familiar tangle of Beltway interchanges, construction bottlenecks and traffic snarls as I leave my home in Falls Church and cross the Potomac into Maryland. A right turn off Germantown Road merges into a two-lane byway through rolling hills dotted with farmhouses and patches of woodland.

The sight of a bright yellow tractor crossing sign transports me back to the summer of 1981. I’m 12, and our whole family is in the car—a blue, wood-paneled station wagon—on one of my father’s Sunday drives to the country to scout out hunting sites for fall quail and dove season.

A true guajiro , my father had an earnest connection to nature that the direct English translation of that term (farmer or peasant) fails to capture. The

youngest of eight children, he was raised among the sugarcane crops surrounding La Chucha, a rural village in Cuba. He spent his childhood exploring the fields, free to come and go much like the other wild creatures who shared his playground. Surely he would love to know what I’m doing on this sunny morning in September. “Hey Siri, call Dad,” I command absentmindedly. Then I remember as nostalgia sinks into grief. We buried him a year ago.

I arrive at the raptor center, the gravel crunching under my tires as I try to recall what the volunteer manual said about parking. I have zero wildlife rehabilitation experience, but I hope to work directly with raptors. Passing a

barn and two smaller outbuildings on foot, I make my way to the back door of an unassuming house, my inner voice rattling off terms from the manual. Mews. Mutes. Gut cup. Castes. Urates. Scrape. Wet mess.

My orientation starts with cleaning a mew—an enclosure where rescued birds can fly around in preparation for their release back into the wild. Each door inside the mew is marked with the names of recovering raptors. Two barred owls, Dayton and Drake, are perched high above my head, staring at me with an unsettling vigilance as I scoop up nastiness from the pebble floor and replace newspapers covered in wet messes. It’s intimidating, but mostly I’m starstruck. Downy and wideeyed, barred owls can have a wingspan of up to 44 inches. They use their formidable talons to crush their prey.

Feeling accomplished, I head back to the house, where rescue director Suzanne Shoemaker and board member Malia Hale are chit-chatting with another volunteer as they prep medications for critical feathered patients.

The author’s father, Nelson Lima, at La Chucha, Cuba, 1979

Hale turns to me and asks, “Can you handle gutting mice?” My stomach flips as my memory flashes to page 21 of the manual, a section titled Food Preparation Procedures:

Mice, rats, and quail are gutted. In addition to gutting, quail is plucked. Day old chicks do not need to be gutted or plucked.

“I guess I’m going to find out,” I respond, knowing this is not the time to be squeamish about the harsh reality of the food chain.

The sight of cutting boards and kitchen shears in the barn locks in my coping strategy. “This is a culinary task. Food prep 101,” I tell myself. My father prepared me for this day.

As a kid, I always hated that my father hunted animals. But I was a daddy’s girl and would do just about anything to spend time with him. He was happiest in autumn when he could go bird hunting with his pack of friends and

two German shorthaired pointers, Yara and Hatuey. Though I never joined their expeditions, I was tasked with plucking the countless doves, quail and pheasants they brought home. I’d perform this ritual on the back patio of our house in West Springfield, plucking feathers while listening intently to my father’s stories of his outdoor adventures.

Now here I am once again, elbows deep in dirty work. I manage to avoid puking as two veteran volunteers teach me how to eviscerate the small rodents they’ve pulled from the freezer, weighed and portioned to thaw in cups.

Next up: pluck quail. I fall into a familiar rhythm, plucking feathers and telling stories. Time passes quickly as the others share the satisfaction they feel seeing birds they helped rehabilitate released back into nature.

I smile, remembering my own bird release in the spring of 1982. School was out, and I was eager to check on the two

Nelson Lima pheasant hunting in 1980

oddly cute guinea hens my father had brought home over the weekend. I raced past my mother in the kitchen, which smelled of garlic and cumin, and out to the back yard, peeking into the hutch that had previously housed pet rabbits, Marshmallow and Cocoa, and later doves we never bothered to name. My father kept the doves to train the dog.

I should have known our new pets, those funny-looking game birds, weren’t there for eggs. I heard the glass door slide open and my father’s voice: “Alicia, get a hen.”

It was clear I could only save one. I waited a few days to announce (with feigned surprise and alarm) that, somehow, the remaining hen had flown the coop and escaped. But my father was onto me. Sitting at the kitchen table, he held up a copy of the local paper.

“La guinea, the hen, they found it in the woods,” he said, laughing, as I nearly spit milk across the table. After dinner, I

read the story myself: “Unusual Guinea Fowl Sighting Near Lake Accotink.”

Not all bird rescues have happy endings. A few weeks after my volunteer debut, I arrive at the raptor center to learn that a bald eagle named Cook has been euthanized. Eagles may be ruthless birds of prey, but living amid apex-predator humans is dangerous for them. I’m told a collision with a powerline or window is likely what caused Cook to fracture his coracoid, a shoulder bone that supports flight. The bone never healed properly. A flightless eagle will not survive in the wild.

On a crisp November morning, I’m selling raptor-themed jewelry at Owl Moon’s annual raptor festival. Wildlife enthusiasts from the DMV and beyond have come to Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds, Maryland, to see and learn about birds of prey up close.

The highlight of the day is witnessing the release of rehabilitated birds back into the wild. My shift ends just in

time for me to join an expectant crowd as it follows Shoemaker to a clearing overlooking Little Seneca Lake. She explains that the beautiful creature on her arm was rescued after being struck by a vehicle and was successfully treated for brain and eye trauma. Then, she extends her arm above her head and releases the owl, Dayton.

I am still. Holding my breath, I watch Dayton’s wings unfurl as he flies majestically to perch on a high branch. The guajira in me exhales in joy and wonder. ■

Alice Lima-Whitney is a communications strategist, writer and literacy advocate who enjoys the wildlife outside her home in Falls Church. She is also a cofounder and former partner of Vintage Restaurants, whose eateries include Dogwood Tavern in Falls Church City and Rhodeside Grill, Ragtime, and William Jeffrey’s Tavern in Arlington.

FACES 2025

Behind every great business are great people—from doctors, dentists and attorneys to builders, bankers and real estate agents (and more). Faces highlights the amazing professionals who help make our area special and a wonderful place to do business.

ARLINGTON | FALLS CHURCH | MCLEAN

With over 60 years of educational excellence, Westminster School fosters curiosity and a love of learning in students ages 3-14. Its classical curriculum, enriched by the arts, athletics and STEAM, prepares 21st-century learners with a strong foundation in core subjects, emphasizing critical thinking and creativity. Westminster engenders a sense of pride in one’s efforts and results, effective study habits, and a sense of personal responsibility and accountability. All students engage in art, music, dance, drama and daily PE, strengthening

703-256-3620 | www.westminsterschool.com The Face of

collaboration, flexibility, effective communication and leadership skills. Westminster’s hands-on learning is enhanced by frequent field trips and extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs and community service. The diverse, inclusive environment prioritizes character education, instilling values of integrity, kindness and resilience, ensuring graduates excel academically and personally in our 21st-century world.

Hungry for a perfect trio of cozy food, a refreshing beverage and a sweet treat? Share a meal with your friends and family at Mpanadas, at Columbia Pike and S. Cleveland St. in Arlington, the only place you’ll find empanadas, coffee and ice cream under one roof.

Serving a diverse community, the restaurant fuses traditional recipes with cuisines of the world, like empanada fusions of cheeseburger, chicken pesto, and spinach and artichoke. Pair

your savory empanadas with an horchata latte, an original fusion of a latte and latin american rice-cinnamon beverage. After finishing your dish, treat yourself to a refreshing paleta or a scoop of gourmet gelato. Come see why patrons have graciously given them a rating of 4.5 stars on Google and Yelp. Everyone is welcome at Mpanadas!

The best way to explore neighborhoods and see homes in Arlington is on a bicycle. That’s why cyclist and star real estate agent Natalie Roy and her team invite clients to tour homes available on the seat of a bike.

“There’s no better way to check out homes for sale and new neighborhoods than by biking,” she says. “Call me today to schedule a bike tour today for a fun, informative, and eco-friendly real estate workout! We also house-hunt by car, foot and Metro!”

Natalie’s approach is all about personal touches and positive results. She uses the latest technologies, market research and business strategies to give her clients excellent service, and help them find solutions for their needs. She’s licensed in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

703-819-4915  www.bicyclingrealty.com

Dude’s Dog House & Spa is a family-owned boutique dog daycare and boarding facility in Falls Church, Virginia, that is dedicated to providing exceptional care for your pets. Our unique facility consists of a cage-free environment where dogs are not confined to crates or kennels. The delightful indoor and outdoor play areas allow pups to socialize and have fun, while our experienced staff provide 24/7 supervision and individualized attention. We offer expert dog grooming and spa treatments, as well as

enrichment activities and training curated to engage your pet both mentally and physically. At Dude’s Dog House, we prioritize the health, safety and well-being of every pet, ensuring they receive a hands-on, loving experience during their stay with us. Trust us to treat your dog like family while you’re away! 703-857-1400 www.dudesdoghouse.com

Strong communities start with strong businesses, organizations and leaders who drive them forward. Locally focused, technology-driven Founders Bank provides the personalized service of a community bank with advanced tools businesses need to thrive. Since 2020, the bank has fostered economic growth throughout the Greater Washington area. Full-service branch and corporate offices, along with a loan production office in Arlington, offer tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of clients. A comprehensive suite of financial services includes business loans, real estate financing (owner-occupied, investment, construction and development loans), deposit and

treasury management, business credit cards, and consumer lending. Whether supporting a local business, financing a new venture, investing in real estate or managing everyday finances, Founders Bank is committed to helping build a stronger community—one partnership at a time. 703-683-1205 |

The Face of Business Law

The Bolton family started Bob & Edith’s Diner in Arlington in 1969 with the opening of the first location on Columbia Pike by Robert “Bob” L. Bolton and Edith Bolton. Since taking over management in 1995, son Greg Bolton has continued the family tradition, growing to eight locations in Northern Virginia with the assistance of the third generation, Chris and Tammy Bolton. Arlington Law Group has been pleased to support the Bolton family in their growth for the last nine years, assisting

with commercial real estate, contracts, employment law, business succession planning and all facets of a growing family enterprise. By forming and developing long-term relationships, our attorneys provide valuable and trusted advice, managing risk while helping our entrepreneurial clients achieve their goals.

703-842-3025

www.arlingtonlawgroup.com

Catholic Education

Jennifer Kuzdzal, Principal | Saint Agnes Catholic School

For over 75 years, Saint Agnes School has educated students so that they become loving Christians, inspired learners, outstanding achievers, natural communicators and strong servants of God.

Located in the tree-lined Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, the school offers two classes per grade. Small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 means Saint Agnes is more than a school, it is a tight-knit community.

Saint Agnes is proud to announce the opening of a brand-

new elevated turf play area this spring. Led by award-winning Principal Jen Kuzdzal, the future is bright at Saint Agnes School. Featuring after-school athletics, fine arts, a hot lunch program and a full-time school nurse, this Blue Ribbon school (2022) is a unique experience for students and families.

703-527-5423 www.saintagnes.org

The Face of

From left: Jim Wilmot, Karen Rosales, Tanise Bing, Libby Snipe, Delia Montecinos, Kevin Sheffield

The Face of Cosmetic Dentistry

Michael Paesani, DMD

Dr. Paesani and his team provide comprehensive dentistry and cosmetic services for patients of all ages. The practice offers traditional treatments like fillings and crowns, along with advanced procedures, such as implants, veneers, Botox and Invisalign. As a longstanding member of the Arlington community, NOVA Dental Studio has been caring for local families for many years.

“We utilize the latest technology to ensure the most precise fit and design,” says Dr. Paesani. “Each patient’s custom shading is tailored to avoid generic cosmetic results, offering a more natural, lifelike appearance compared to the blocky, opaque look of lower-quality veneers.” Dr. Paesani continues to expand his expertise through advanced training in dental implants and veneers, ensuring that patients benefit from the most current techniques in tooth replacement and ceramic aesthetics.

703-237-7725 | novadentalstudio.com

MICHAEL VENTURA

Montessori Education

Mary Anne Duffus | Founder, Brooksfield School

With over 38 years in education, Mary Anne Duffus founded Brooksfield School to provide a safe space for children to creatively express themselves through art, music and nature with a dynamic Montessori curriculum. Brooksfield offers a toddler-kindergarten (2 to 6-year-olds) program that includes Spanish, music, art, organic gardening, outdoor adventures and orienteering. Summer camp program activities are suited to each age group’s maturity and interests. They revolve around weekly themes and include swimming, tennis, arts, crafts, science,

703-356-5437 | www.brooksfieldschool.org The Face of

cooking, movement, sports, outdoor adventure trips and more.

Brooksfield cultivates a love for learning with lifelong friendships between children, families and teachers. With the principles of excellence in education, shared discovery, and joy for life and learning, Brooksfield students become lifelong learners ready to take on the world with confidence, compassion and determination.

2025 FACES

The Face of Custom Homes

Homebuilding is a family tradition for A&G. Founder Amer Salameh began his construction journey as a teenager, working alongside his grandfather. With hands-on experience in every aspect of the process, A&G values honesty, integrity and craftsmanship.

After 16 years in commercial renovations, Amer and his wife, Gigi, launched A&G in 1999 to focus on high-quality custom homes and residential remodeling and additions. Today with their adult children, they’ve become a premier homebuilder, specializing in single-family homes designed for each client’s vision and lifestyle.

A&G offers a seamless process, thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, whether building on your lot or a new site. They provide premium finishes within budget and ensure transparency at every step. Now crafting exquisite homes in Arlington, Fairfax County and Lake Anna, A&G remains committed to excellence. 703-224-4448 www.ang-builders-va.com

The Face of Daily Money Management

Christine has a passion for assisting clients who are very busy or have difficulty managing personal financial matters. “We turn your piles into files!” she says, as her team works across the DMV with seniors, adult children of seniors, high-net-worth individuals, busy professionals juggling careers and families, and organizations without the staff or expertise to handle these challenges themselves. Services are customized for every client’s needs, and they can include bill payment and management, budgeting, expense tracking, and document and tax organizing.

The company builds solid relationships through strong financial and organizational skills, great patience, and a sunny good nature, putting clients, families and professionals at ease. As your daily money manager, they will help you navigate and organize your financial paperwork to restore your peace of mind.

2025 FACES

The Face of Design Build

Michael and Deborah Sauri, husband and wife duo and creative visionaries of TriVistaUSA Design + Build, have built their home remodeling company around connection and commitment. “We want to get to know you and what isn’t working in your home… how it makes you feel. We provide creative solutions based on resource-efficient building methods. Our deep understanding and appreciation of the Arlington community informs our remodeling projects,” Michael says. “And we love building cool projects for cool people.”

They have gained recognition not only for their individual work but also for their thought leadership in the broader designbuild community. Michael is board president of the National Professional Remodeling Organization and together, their team of talented architects and designers has won 70+ awards, including Best Builder 2025 by Arlington Magazine’s readers.

The

Divorce Law

The attorneys at Hicks Crandall Juhl, P.C. understand that family law matters can be stressful and challenging, even for the best of people. They provide sound guidance to assist clients in navigating the hard decisions during this process. Dissolving relationships is complicated.

While each case is unique, the firm believes that resolving disputes peacefully and economically without litigation is optimal. However, when negotiations fail, attorneys are prepared to litigate vigorously. The firm handles a multitude of family

law matters, and the attorneys are seasoned litigators with experience arguing before courts throughout Virginia.

Known for experienced, trusted and respected representation, attorneys Susan Hicks, Camille Crandall, Kelly Juhl, Dana Wolfson and Sarah Piper are honored to assist in family law matters.

left: Sarah Piper, Susan Hicks, Camille Crandall, Dana Wolfson, Kelly Juhl

Face of

A firm partner, Broderick Dunn helps individuals and small businesses navigate litigation and counsels clients in dispute avoidance. Focusing on labor and employment counseling and litigation, he represents federal government and private sector employees as well as employers. Licensed in Virginia, Maryland, as well as federal courts in the District of Columbia, his practice also covers business torts, labor law, and defamation. For the past several years, he’s been honored by Super Lawyers in the area of employment litigation. He was also recently named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite in the area of labor and employment law. Mr. Dunn is a graduate of Woodberry Forest School, Williams College and Washington & Lee University School of Law.

703-865-7480 www.cookcraig.com

TONY J. LEWIS

Nestled in the natural beauty of Northern Virginia, Westminster at Lake Ridge offers a vibrant, engaging lifestyle for those seeking connection and fulfillment. As a not-for-profit life plan community, we offer independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, home care and a social day program all on one campus with memory support opening later this year. Residents enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with enriching social events, wellness opportunities, cultural programs, lifelong learning, chef-prepared dining and scenic walking trails. With a planned expansion coming soon, now is the perfect time to discover Westminster at Lake Ridge. Here, you can experience life without compromise in a community designed for you to thrive.

571-503-8121 | www.wlrva.org

The Face of Family Law

MDB offers award-winning counsel for divorce and family law. With an emphasis on comprehensive service, firm attorneys are dedicated to assisting clients in a wide variety of family related matters. The attorneys of MDB have significant experience handling complex divorce and custody issues, and they also efficiently resolve many routine and straightforward uncontested matters.

Firm services are tailored to the unique circumstances of each client. The attorneys make every effort to reach resolution

through amicable negotiations, mediation or the collaborative divorce process, but they are also well known for producing positive results in the courtroom and zealously advocating for clients when litigation is necessary.

The practice is focused primarily in the trial courts of Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., as well as the appellate courts of the Commonwealth.

703-522-8100 | www.mdbfamilylaw.com

CJM has served as financial advisers to generations of highnet-worth families for more than 45 years. Their robust team of Certified Financial Planners® focuses on personal financial planning to deliver solutions and investment advice tailored to each client’s specific goals.

From their roots as a family-run office, CJM has earned an excellent reputation of trust between client and adviser by respecting the unique wealth challenges of each client and their families. Their reputation as a top-tier financial planning and

wealth management firm is maintained with transparent and easily accessible information that is shared with clients.

CJM’s approachable experts provide comprehensive financial planning and investment management. Their financial planning includes areas such as retirement planning, goal setting, education and legacy planning, life-transition planning, and more.

The Face of Health Care

Johns Hopkins Care in Arlington

Johns Hopkins Medicine is excited to bring its exceptional care to Northern Virginia communities with locations in McLean and Arlington. These new, state-of-the-art locations and experienced care teams offer primary and specialty care including internal medicine, gynecology and obstetrics, cardiology, surgical subspecialties, and more.

With convenience in mind, patients have access to on-site lab services and virtual care options. Both locations provide easy, on-site parking. The Arlington location is easily accessible

by metro via the Ballston Metro Station sky bridge.

Johns Hopkins Medicine’s integrated network of communitybased practices and hospitals in the region includes Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. and Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.

Schedule by phone or online: Arlington: 571-998-1189 | hopkinsmedicine.org/Arlington McLean: 571-624-1654 | jhcp.org/McLean

MICHAEL VENTURA

A Healthy Dental Lifestyle

Dr. Manisha Grover | Clarendon Dental Arts

At Clarendon Dental Arts, they view each patient’s well-being as a whole and treat your mouth as the gateway to your body. Dr. Grover partners with you in achieving optimal health through an integrative approach that considers your unique biology, focusing on addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. The team practices precision dentistry guided by the latest research in oral systemic health and cutting-edge technology. Under their philosophy of “Caring for your Mouth, Mind, and

Body,” they tailor treatments to individual needs, identifying and integrating risk factors into personalized plans based on your health, genetics and lifestyle. Throughout your journey with the practice, they prioritize your comfort and confidence, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your overall well-being.

703-525-5901 www.clarendondentalarts.com

The Face of

Homes with history tell a story and I love helping my clients become part of that narrative. Specializing in historic and architecturally significant homes in the D.C. area, I know that a home is more than just a place to live—it’s a connection to the past and a cornerstone of a thriving community. When marketing a home, I highlight historically significant details that may otherwise go unnoticed, helping sellers showcase its unique character. With over two decades of experience in real

estate and design, I guide buyers and sellers who appreciate charm and heritage. I believe preserving and embracing these homes fosters a sense of belonging and enriches our neighborhoods. If you’re drawn to a home with a story, let’s bring it to life together.

The Face of Home Loans

Home mortgages are what Monument does—and all it does. With no juggling of auto loans, ATMs and asset management, the focus is solely on ensuring every client has a smooth and predictable financing experience. Monument’s team works with clients from all backgrounds—first-time buyers, experienced buyers, refinancing, jumbo loans, self-employed, credit-challenged—and is adept at finding the right options for any situation. Monument understands mortgages should not be one-sizefits-all, offering one of the widest arrays of mortgage products in the DMV, and works closely with clients to identify the program that best meets their needs and goals. Regardless of a customer’s circumstances, the Monument team has one objective—to close loans on time, as expected, and as efficiently as possible.

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MICHAEL VENTURA

The Face of Implants & Veneers

Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP Siranli Dental

As a Board-Certified Prosthodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, Dr. Siranli is double board certified, the highest distinction in the field.

Dr. Siranli is renowned for crafting transformative smiles that enhance her patient’s natural beauty and complement their unique facial features. She combines expertise and artistry with advanced technology to achieve stunning results.

Dr. Siranli’s state-of-the-art, in-house lab is dedicated to delivering unparalleled fit, beauty and quality control. Her technicians take great pride in their craft and love to see it reflected in patients’ new smiles. With patients often traveling from across the country for her care, Dr. Siranli has become the trusted name for veneers, implants and fullmouth rehabilitations.

Siranli Dental has convenient locations in Arlington (Advance Dental Care Center), McLean, Dupont Circle and Foggy Bottom.

Inclusion at Bishop O’Connell High School is about creating a community of belonging for all students. It began 10 years ago with a choice to accept and include students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and a commitment to provide modified instruction to meet students’ individual needs. Inclusion extends far beyond academic support. It is grounded in countless relationships between students and teachers, coaches, club moderators and most notably peer mentors.

Trained peer mentors who work 1:1 with a student receiving expanded services in a specific class for the year, grow in authentic friendship and learn from one another. Peer mentors are the foundation of Bishop O’Connell’s inclusive approach, facilitating their mentee’s support in school and modeling the joy of friendship among their peers.

703-237-1400 | www.bishopoconnell.org

The Face of Innovative Education

Dr. Karyn Ewart | Founder, The Sycamore School

Dr. Karyn Ewart, a lifelong Arlingtonian, founded The Sycamore School in 2017 to create a safe, nurturing space where students can thrive as their authentic selves. With over 20 years as a clinical psychologist in local schools, she saw the need for an educational community that prioritizes social-emotional growth alongside academics.

Serving grades 5-12, the school emphasizes hands-on learning, real-world experiences and mastery-based education. Students develop critical skills such as problem-solving, communication and adaptability while receiving personalized

feedback and executive functioning support. Small classes, onsite counseling and weekly community engagement foster a holistic learning environment. The school proudly embraces neurodiversity and inclusivity, with many students and staff identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Sycamore School prepares students for success beyond the classroom.

703-717-5360 www.thesycamoreschoolva.org

The Face of Insurance

Founded in 1889, Rust Insurance Agency has safeguarded nonprofits, educational and religious institutions, and private clients for more than 136 years. From the Dead Sea Scrolls to major television networks, Rust has protected some of the world’s most treasured assets and businesses—and not just in Washington D.C., but across the globe. As the oldest insurance brokerage in the country, Rust continues to lead with integrity and dedication. Billy and his team of producers and customer service representatives are honored to carry this legacy forward.

“At Rust, we don’t just insure—we stand beside our partners,” says Billy. “At Rust, we’ll handle it.”

The Face of International and Local Real Estate

Veronica Seva-Gonzalez, Vice President | Compass | VSG Homes

Let Veronica help you in Arlington, Falls Church and McLean, and connect you with her local and international network, which she has been building for the last 20 years. She delivers extensive expertise, creativity and dedication. Just see what her clients say:

“I do not have enough words to describe just how wonderful Veronica, along with her team of professionals, were in handling the sale of my home. From beginning to end, from listing, repairs and staging, to marketing, sale and closing, their attentiveness

and attention to every detail made all the difference. My home received five offers and sold well above the asking price. This all made possible my own move and new chapter in life. I recommend Veronica and her team most highly!”

202-361-6098 / 703-266-7277 veronica@compass.com VSGHomes.com/Arlington CompassConnected.com

At CPW, your portfolio will be hand-crafted to match your individual goals and timeframe. No cookie-cutter or robo portfolios, period. Depending on the markets, portfolio construction can take a year or more, but we think you will like the results.

Portfolio construction is different for every single investor. We prefer utilizing individual companies, relying less on mutual or exchange-traded funds.

CPW was built by Arlington residents for Arlington residents. We think it is important that you can walk to our office, and we

encourage you to stop by anytime. Our mandate:

• Develop, grow and protect your net worth.

• Distribute after-tax income as needed in retirement or other phases of your life.

• Transfer wealth to the next generation in the form and timing you prefer.

703-996-4002 | www.campuspw.com

The Face of Invisalign

Dr. Amir Zamani is a Platinum Invisalign Provider, a distinction earned through his demonstrated expertise and outstanding patient results. With nearly 20 years of experience in cosmetic and general dentistry, Dr. Zamani ensures every Invisalign treatment is tailored for precision, comfort and efficiency. Whether guiding patients through Invisalign or providing comprehensive dental services, Dr. Zamani believes that great dental care starts with listening. He takes time to understand

each patient’s needs, answer all their questions and create customized treatment plans that align with their goals. With a reputation for innovation and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Zamani is a trusted provider to those seeking straighter teeth, healthier smiles and personalized dental care.

Specializing in engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary gifts and delightful surprises, Boone and Sons fulfills the need for style, quality and service. French Boone opened his first store over 60 years ago, instilling a powerful commitment to provide great value along with the intimacy of a local, family-run business. Today multiple generations of Boones are currently working in the company’s three Washington area locations (McLean, Downtown D.C. and Chevy Chase). While the jewelry industry constantly evolves, Boone & Sons Jewelers has thrived with an unwavering commitment to service and value. Generations of Washingtonians seek the personal touch and expertise Boone & Sons provides for their beloved life milestones. No wonder Boone & Sons has become known as Washington’s “First Family of Jewelers.”

The Face of

A Joy-Filled World-Class Eduction

The Nysmith School

Nysmith School shatters the limits of traditional education, offering an advanced, dynamic curriculum designed for students who can and do love to learn. With an insatiable curiosity, a drive to explore and a passion for discovery, Nysmith students thrive in an environment that challenges them to think critically, solve problems creatively and push beyond expectations. The school’s cutting-edge science and technology program immerses students in real-world problemsolving, from robotics and engineering to coding and hands-on

experimentation, equipping them with the tools to innovate and lead. Accelerated academics propel students up to four grade levels ahead in reading and math, fostering confidence, intellect and a lifelong love of learning. Families from across the country relocate to join Nysmith, recognizing it as a truly one-of-a-kind educational experience.

703-713-3332

nysmith.com

The Face of Land Use & Zoning Law

For four decades, this team has been at the forefront of land use and zoning law in Northern Virginia, guiding clients through complex approvals across Arlington, Prince William, Loudoun, Winchester and surrounding counties. With deep ties to local governments and communities, they ensure a seamless process from concept to completion.

Their experience spans projects of all scales, from drivethrough restaurants to Fortune 500 headquarters. They address critical issues such as community impact, environmental

Andrew A. Painter, Shareholder Robert D. Brant, Shareholder Nicholas V. Cumings, Shareholder

Kathryn R. Taylor, Associate Lauren G. Riley, Associate Jessica T. Washington, Associate

Bernard S. Suchicital, Land Use Planner

Elliott M. Young, Land Use Planner

Zach M. Fountain, Land Use Planner

Real Estate Transactions: Thomas J. Colucci, Founding Shareholder H. Mark Goetzman, Managing Shareholder

Kathleen Harney Smith, Shareholder

Michael R. Kieffer, Shareholder

Antonia E. Miller, Shareholder

Timothy J. Clewell, Shareholder

Susan L. Truskey, Shareholder

Emily K. Stubblefield, Associate Bailey M. Morris, Associate

Estate Planning & Administration: Emma R. Goetzman, Associate

sustainability, historic preservation and affordable housing. Backed by top legal and planning talent, many of whom are active in civic and political organizations, the firm combines strong relationships with county authorities and an unparalleled understanding of the region to help clients achieve their development goals.

703-528-4700 | www.thelandlawyers.com info@thelandlawyers.com

Landscape Design-Build

For 28 years, Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape has been transforming Northern Virginia homes with well-planned and seamlessly installed landscape projects. The company is known for commitment to quality, clear communication and innovative landscaping solutions that enhance beauty and functionality.

At its heart is Amanda McNiff. Amanda has over a decade of tenure with Kingstowne and a horticulture degree from Virginia Tech. Amanda blends technical expertise with a deep passion for outdoor design that includes sleek and usable

outdoor living spaces and lush plantings. She’s managed projects from simple front yard refreshes to complex, multilevel backyard hardscape installations.

A mother of two, Amanda understands the fast-paced life of Northern Virginia and the importance of a peaceful outdoor space to relax. “I’m dedicated to crafting serene outdoor retreats where my clients can escape and unwind.”

703-921-9200 | www.KingstowneLawn.com

Litigation

Litigation is the legal process of resolving disputes through the court system. It involves filing a lawsuit, arguing motions and going to trial. A successful litigation lawyer is willing to think independently, be strategic and consider different methods to save the client money and obtain the best result for the client.

Heba K. Carter’s philosophy, first as the head of litigation and now as the owner of General Counsel P.C., a firm established in 2004, is simple. Communicate and remain open

and transparent with the client, adapt to new legal issues and types of cases, and bill efficiently while providing a superior level of representation. Heba K. Carter strives to maintain a close relationship where both the client and attorney are considered part of a team.

703-556-0411 www.gcpc.com

The Face of

Heba

The

Luxury Real Estate

For more than 25 years, Diane has been successfully helping buyers and sellers around the metro area. She leads one of the region’s top teams. Diane knows the market, offers excellent, honest guidance and treats her customers like family. The team brings a seamless approach to buying and selling, and her clients remember the personal and compassionate care they received long after the transaction closes.

“We deliver first-class service, expert market knowledge

and trustworthy advice, helping clients make the best decisions for their particular lifestyles,” she says.

A Washingtonian Top 100 Best Agent for 2024, among many other awards, Diane is well-connected with other agents, which is so important when inventory is tight and many homes sell before they hit the MLS. About 90% of her business is from repeat clients and referrals.

703-973-7001 | LewisTeam.com

The Face of A Master Plumber

John Korona | Korona Plumbing & Renovations

John Korona is a licensed master plumber in Virginia and the owner of Korona Plumbing & Renovations. Since launching his company in 2019, John has loved serving clients in the greater Arlington area. His specialty is complex, complicated plumbing issues. The more difficult, the better—John loves tackling problems that no one else can solve. He also oversees the bathroom renovation side of his business, managing over a dozen custom bathroom renos per year. His clients love the final product because Korona Plumbing & Renovations

prioritizes a fierce dedication to high-quality execution. Just like his plumbing services, John also helps clients correct bathroom renos gone wrong. Have peace of mind for your plumbing and bathroom renovation needs when you work with a master plumber.

571-317-1555

John@KoronaPlumbing.com KoronaPlumbing.com

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The Face of McLean Real Estate

Nikki Nabi | RLAH Real Estate

As an award-winning, NVAR Lifetime Top Producer, Nikki Nabi is redefining the luxury real estate experience in McLean with expertise, strategy and a client-first approach. Whether buying or selling, she makes the process seamless, leveraging her deep local knowledge, powerful network and sharp negotiation skills to deliver exceptional results.

Nikki’s reputation is built on trust, responsiveness and an unmatched ability to connect clients with homes that fit their lifestyle and investment goals. From top executives and professional athletes to local families, she provides personalized service with a commitment to excellence. More than just an agent, she’s your advocate, strategist and trusted partner in real estate. When results matter, trust Nikki to guide you home.

Photo location: Nikki’s listing at 1070 Vista Drive, McLean, VA 22102

703-725-6981 | nikki@nikkinabi.com nikkinabi.com

The

Relocation

As a West Point grad, Army veteran, and military child and spouse, Ashleigh has moved over 20 times, living in 18 different states, as well as Spain and Korea. She understands the stress and upheaval that can often accompany a move, be it across town or across the big blue ocean. She also understands the exhilaration of exploring a new city and the thrill and anxiety that often comes along with buying or selling a home, including sometimes buying sight unseen.

Ashleigh values honesty and integrity above all else. She understands the importance of listening and establishing an open line of communication. She’s your advocate! Once you’ve worked with her, you will truly understand that you Get Way More with Wehmeyer!

703-254-9761 ashleigh.wehmeyer@compass.com AshleighWehmeyer.com

The

Montessori Early Childhood Education

Jad

Touma | Children’s House Montessori School

Children’s House Montessori School (CHMS) has been an established leader in Montessori early childhood education in Arlington for the past 25 years. Head of School Jad Touma, M.Ed., came to CHMS in 2014 and joined the management team in 2020.

Collaboration between parents and educators in a nurturing, inclusive environment is a core CHMS value. Children are encouraged to explore, learn and grow in a safe, supportive space. CHMS’s Montessori-trained educators provide

personalized instruction that fosters both academic and socialemotional development. From practicing empathy to building foundational skills in language, math and the arts, every toddler and preschooler is empowered to succeed. CHMS is committed to nurturing a lifelong love of learning and is gratified to see our community thrive, one child at a time.

703-276-1360

www.childrenshousemontessori.com

Face of

North Arlington Real Estate

Eli’s commitment to advising, not selling, his clients is highlighted by his weekly real estate column “Ask Eli” for Arlington’s ARLnow local news publication. He has authored 500+ articles offering valuable advice and data analysis on a wide range of local and national real estate topics since 2015. He is considered to be one of Arlington’s leading experts in residential real estate, and he is currently expanding his expertise through a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development at George Mason University’s Arlington campus.

Eli preaches a client-first approach in everything Eli Residential Group does, with experience ranging from new construction, home sale services, first-time home buyers and investors. Clients receive a highly personalized level of service through every step of the transaction, no matter your budget or timeline.

703-539-2529

The Face of

The

of Outdoor Living

For years, area homeowners have turned to Groff Landscapes for useable, custom, livable outdoor spaces. Family-owned and operated, the company designs and builds all elements essential to outdoor living and entertainment, including patios, pools, decks, walkways, retaining walls and landscaping. Led by Robert Groff, the expert team creates a low-stress experience with outstanding craftsmanship, clear communication and meticulous management of every aspect of your project. The

company has earned client kudos and awards from Houzz, Arlington Magazine and Angie’s List.

“We create outdoor spaces our clients love! As part of our service, we guarantee both our timeline and pricing. Life is busy and our goal is to ensure an easy process, so you can stay focused on what’s important in your day,” says Groff.

Face

Personal Injury Law

Voted “Best Personal Injury Law Firm” by Arlington Magazine’s readers for 2025, Mark Cummings dedicates his practice to trial work involving injuries and deaths caused by the negligence of others. His long and extensive career ranges from “white collar,” national-profile cases to six- and seven-figure resolutions for many clients in recent years.

In 1983 he started his own firm specializing in wrongful death, personal injury and civil cases, as well as juvenile and adult criminal matters.

Recently inducted into the Virginia Lawyers Weekly “Hall of Fame,” he also mentors young lawyers and students as an adjunct law professor at George Mason University’s Scalia Law School. Judge Doris Causey of the Virginia Court of Appeals praised Mark as “one of Arlington’s finest legal minds and one who is genuinely caring about others and the rule of law.”

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Same North Arlington address. Same great food. Twenty years and counting! For two decades, pie-tanza has been serving authentic wood-fired pizzas and Italian classics in the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. From our kitchen to your table, enjoy fan favorites—classic wood-fired pizzas customized to your liking, made-to-order salads and flavorful pasta dishes, all crafted with care and the freshest

ingredients. We’re proud to celebrate 20 years of amazing food, great company and giving back to our local community. Open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for dine-in, carryout, curbside and catering. Visit us at pie-tanza.com, where tradition, taste and community come together.

703-237-0200 | www.pie-tanza.com

The

Professional Painting Tech Painting Company, Inc.

Your Vision, Our Craftsmanship—Since 1987, Tech Painting Co. has redefined service excellence in the painting industry, delivering superior results and customer experiences. Specialized divisions for residential, commercial and school facility services showcase deep expertise and commitment to client needs. With over 10,000 satisfied customers—more than 90% from repeat business or referrals—the company is known for reliable service, long-term relationships and top-tier craftsmanship. Skilled professionals, many with over a decade of experience, specialize in

interior and exterior painting, wallpaper services and carpentry. Every project is approached with care and precision to bring each client’s vision to life. Beyond the work, Tech Painting Co. is deeply community-focused, contributing over $750,000 in donations and volunteer support. Excellence, reliability and community define this trusted industry leader.

703-684-7702

www.techpainting.com

Face of

The Face of Professionalism in Real Estate

“I deliver knowledge, care and solutions for my clients in Virginia, Washington, D.C. or Maryland. Whether buyers or sellers, clients will tell you what I do and how I do it works. Ninety percent of my annual business is from repeat clients, their referrals, referrals from other agents and corporate relocations.”

John’s guiding principle is to have every client feel like they’re making an informed decision. In 2024, he was the #1 agent in his office of approximately 100 agents (the fourth time in the last five years), #7 of approximately 1,100 agents in Long & Foster’s Northern Virginia and West Viginia region, and #24 of more than 6,000 agents company-wide.

The

Pond Roofing has grown steadily since its founding in 1964 by focusing on customer satisfaction, attention to detail and professional workmanship. The team of skilled professionals specializes in roofing, windows, doors and siding, and the longtime local company is built on a foundation of trust, quality and communication. It’s a strong foundation, too—locally-owned and -operated for over 60 years and trusted by generations of residents. Named after original founder Bob Pond, today

Pat Readyhough and his wife Cindy, along with the team, focus on providing a peaceful experience for all. “We’re proud of our reputation for professionalism and dedication to our customers,” says Pat. “Our longevity and expertise set us apart, and we’ve earned the loyalty of generations of homeowners,” agrees Cindy.

703-573-8000 | www.pondroofing.com

Face of Roofing Pond Roofing

Selling a long-held or estate home isn’t just a transaction—it’s a pivotal life transition. It requires expert strategy, precision planning and a trusted guide to navigate the complexities. Lorraine offers clients in the D.C. Metro Area unparalleled expertise and comprehensive counsel, seamlessly integrating deep market knowledge, business acumen, and a nuanced understanding of family and legal dynamics. Her network of distinguished professionals, including the Sotheby’s Auction House, strategically optimizes disposition of valuable assets through appropriate sales channels or

& Estate Homes

donations. She delivers a white-glove experience with discretion and personalized attention and empathy. Her services include renovations, high-end and virtual staging, and bespoke marketing strategies. She encourages clients to make advanced decisions, prep in advance, downsize and avoid probate. Trust the expert who optimizes your valuable assets.

202-285-3935

Email: Lorraine.Nordlinger@SothebysRealty.com

Website: LorraineNordlinger.SothebysRealty.com

Senior Moving

Matt McGeehan, Director of Senior Moving | MG Moving Services

Matt has become a driving force behind the trusted partnership between Ararity and MG. Two years ago, Matt’s dedication to customer care caught Ararity’s attention when he stayed late to help one of their senior clients hang a picture. That simple act of kindness sparked a relationship that now helps serve more senior living communities across the Beltway than either company expected.

Led by Steve Kuhn of MG and Lori James of Ararity, the

partnership allows both companies to focus on their strengths— expert moving and senior move management—while keeping customer choice central.

Kuhn says, “After 40+ years, I know expertise is essential. Matt embodies that, not just through skill, but in how he treats every client with care and respect.”

703-657-1402 | MGmoving.com

The Face of

Care

If back or neck pain has affected your comfort and lifestyle, and previous treatments left you still searching for answers, VSI can restore hope and provide you with new solutions. As the region’s first comprehensive spine center, VSI brings all the essential disciplines under one roof, ensuring seamless, expert-driven care. We provide the least invasive, most effective solution for each patient. From spine-specialized physical therapy and aquatic therapy to targeted injections and natural healing options like PRP and stem cell therapies, we explore innovative options before considering surgery.

W hen surgery is the most effective approach, our minimally invasive techniques help speed recovery and preserve mobility. With modern technology and elite specialists, VSI delivers ultra-personalized spine care—so you can return to living life!

703-991-2902 VSIspine.com

From top left: Dr. Ella Akkerman, Dr. Niteesh Bharara, Dr. Christopher Good, Dr. Colin Haines, Dr. Ehsan Jazini, Dr. William Kemp, Dr. Yash Mehta, Dr. Thomas Nguyen

Why do we do what we do? It’s critical that diagnosis of your situation is done properly. Since TMD (temporomandibular disorders) and OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) correlate so tightly, we make sure that neither is ignored when we diagnose your issues.

For TMD, we absolutely need an MRI to understand the situation. This must be done at the one location we trust. They offer a radiologist with a really good handle on reading that MRI.

For OSA, we work with specific sleep doctors who identify the problems with your sleep patterns. A Vitamin D-3 study is usually indicated. A very important CBCT X-ray is critical in measuring for an airway obstruction and looking at cranial bones, condyles and cervical spine—all of which connect TMD and OSA.

The Face of Trusted Financial Advice

Wealth Enhancement Group—Washington Wealth Team

The Washington Wealth Team at Wealth Enhancement Group offers advisory services to those seeking to elevate their financial planning approach with a trusted partner. They specialize in providing clients with financial planning and investment management services backed by team-based knowledge to simplify their financial lives.

Committed to helping clients reach their financial goals, the team is founded on the fiduciary standard of care. Goalsbased advice is driven by their clients’ best interest. The team is committed to sharing independent financial advice that

empowers clients to make their best decisions in each life stage. Simplicity and financial organization are key when life gets complicated, and having a financial partner to advise and support the navigation of life’s ups and downs can give clients confidence in their future.

703-584-2700

washingtonwealth-info@wealthenhancement.com www.wealthenhancement.com

From top left: Todd Youngdahl, CFP® Maura Schauss, CFP®

Robert Schneider, CFP®

Lynne Celia, CFP®

Nichel Mitchell

Joshua Graham

Nina Lansky Falci

The

Face of

Vascular Surgery

Dr. Deepak Deshmukh Vascular Institute of Virginia

Dr. Deshmukh is a highly experienced vascular surgeon with over 20 years of expertise, specializing in peripheral arterial disease. With offices in Fairfax, Woodbridge and Fredericksburg, he performs 300 to 400 minimally invasive interventions annually, striving to save lives and improve patient outcomes.

With 23 years of service in the U.S. Army, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, he is deeply committed to caring for veterans and all those who served our nation. He treats each patient like family, ensuring compassionate, individualized care. His expertise extends to aneurysm, carotid disease, and dialysis access creation and management, and he collaborates closely with other vascular specialists to provide the best possible care. He and his team prioritize patient well-being beyond procedures, fostering a supportive environment where every individual is treated with respect and care.

Wealth Management

At Evermay, wealth planning is about more than just money—it’s about unlocking opportunities for you and your future.

We believe wealth management should be as personal as your goals. That’s why our team of dedicated wealth advisors takes the time to understand what truly matters to you—your dreams, your ambitions and the legacy you wish to build. Whether you’re an individual, family, entrepreneur, retiree, or managing a trust or foundation, we tailor our approach to fit your unique needs. From investment strategies and estate planning to

philanthropy and next-generation guidance, Evermay offers comprehensive wealth solutions designed to provide financial security and peace of mind.

Let’s start the conversation. Call our Arlington office today to connect with an Evermay advisor and take the next step toward a richer life. 703-822-5696 | www.evermaywealth.com

The Wise Investor Group

The Wise Investor Group is a nationally recognized advisory team known for cohesive financial planning services. They are committed to serving as your faithful guides for every part of your life that money touches, from leasing a vehicle to buying a vacation home. In the last 30 years, they have guided clients through market ups and downs, advising them to pay less attention to short-term disruptions and stay tethered to longterm plans and goals. The group hosts a weekly podcast, The Wise Investor Show®, available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube, with education and insights around financial planning, asset

management, investment analysis and insurance. The team provides personalized and detailed financial planning services, helping clients achieve financial success, plan for the future and sleep well at night.

571-430-7200

www.raymondjames.com/thewiseinvestorgroup

The Face of Young Learners

Congressional School | Falls Church, Virginia

Creativity, critical thinking and innovation develop best when students are challenged with rich, open-ended tasks. Students need to be comfortable working and creating in an environment where the answers are not always straightforward, and outcomes may be unknown. This ability requires students to employ their creativity, work in teams, learn to fail safely, be self-motivated, synthesize knowledge and create new knowledge.

A Congressional School education is about more than short-

term recall; it builds long-term understanding applicable to a complex world. Rather than teaching facts for a test, the school teaches concepts and skills for a lifetime, encouraging students’ inquisitive young minds to keep questioning, exploring and preparing them for a complex future.

703-533-1064

admission@congressionalschool.org www.congressionalschool.org

The Face of Youth Baseball

Arlington Little League (ALL)

Growing baseball since 1986, ALL offers spring and fall programs, plus free Summer Sandlot and Winter Skills Clinics. The all-volunteer organization is part of Little League International.

Kids start with Jr. T-Ball at age four and continue playing through age 13. ALL emphasizes player development, sportsmanship and balanced competition. Outstanding coaches introduce new skills as the season progresses. A Challengers Division serves athletes with mental and physical disabilities.

During tournament play, All-Star teams face tough competition from Alexandria, McLean and Vienna. Eight teams will compete in 2025 for the chance to represent northern Virginia at state, regional, and nationwide tournaments.

Voted Arlington’s Best Youth Sports League, ALL welcomes players of all abilities and backgrounds. Registration for fall starts in June at www.arlingtonlittleleague.org.

www.arlingtonlittleleague.org

Hungry and on a budget?

Here are 10 places where you can eat like royalty without breaking the bank.

BY DAVID HAGEDORN

Food costs are rising and economic conditions are tenuous, leaving many of us in a budgetconscious state of mind. But there’s more to life than eating in. Our restaurant critic hit up 10 casual eateries for terrific meals that come in around $25 or less. The prices that follow exclude beverage, tax and tip.

For a heady mix of complex flavors, the “Create Your Own Tiffin” special ($21.95) at Delhi Dhaba, a longstanding destination for Indian food in Courthouse, is hard to resist. The feast includes two chicken dishes (vindaloo, butter, tikka masala, curry and/or a daily special, such as korma), a vegetable (palak paneer, moong dal, chole or daal makhani) and basmati rice, plus a side of warm and blistery naan, pulled piping hot from the restaurant’s tandoor oven. A vegetarian tiffin is also available.

As the name suggests, this lavish and colorful meal arrives at the table in a tiffin—a carrier that stacks the various dishes in metal containers to keep them separate.

“We used to call it mix and match,” explains Raghav Dumera, who co-owns the restaurant with his mother, Daisy. “We started out in 1991 as a carryout. People on the go, especially taxi drivers, would double park on Wilson Boulevard and run in to pick up food. As young professionals moved in, we transitioned to a nice sit-down restaurant—plus carryout—and created the tiffin experience, which ties into our Indian culture.”

Daisy Dumera and her late husband, Yogi, immigrated to the U.S. from Delhi in the 1980s, naming their restaurant after the roadside food stands in India called dhabas. The restaurant seats 45 inside and 30 on an outdoor patio festooned with colorful faux flora.

The kitchen’s abundant offering of chaats, pakoras (fritters), street foods and curries, along with Indian-inspired cocktails and a flight of homemade lassis, easily lives up to the motto emblazoned on servers’ T-shirts: Khao, piyo, aish karo means eat, drink and have fun. Delhi Dhaba, 2424 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 703-524-0008, delhidhaba.com

A “Create Your Own Tiffin” feast at Delhi Dhaba in Courthouse

Tacos at La Tingeria in Falls Church

In 2021, chef David Andres Peña opened his diminutive 20-seat taqueria at the corner of South Washington Street and West Westmoreland Road in Falls Church. I was shocked when the bill during my latest visit came to just $12 (before tax and tip) for three tacos plus elote, toothsome corn on the cob slathered with garlicky mayo and sprinkled with tajin. As luck would have it, I was visiting on a Tuesday, when tacos are priced at $2 instead of the usual $3.50, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Peña’s business, which started as a food truck, is named after his signature tinga tacos—double corn tortillas rife with tender chicken breast made smoky from chipotle peppers and stewed

in a tomato-based sauce with caramelized onions. The birria taco, a corn tortilla stuffed with succulent braised beef (or goat) and gooey mozzarella cheese, is crisped on the griddle and downright addictive. It’s also available in quesadilla form ($13), served with a side of crema.

While the traditional preparation of tacos al pastor centers on marinated roast pork, Peña’s halal version—his now trademarked “hal” pastor—is a fan favorite he introduced during the pandemic when he made his food truck halal to accommodate Muslim customers. It swaps out the pork for marinated chicken thighs, which are chopped and topped with the usual pineapple, red onions and cilantro. La Tingeria, 626 S. Washington St., Falls Church, 571-648-9167, @latingeriatruck

La Tingeria brings the heat.

The No. 12 combo platter at Arlington Kabob

Combo Platter

AT ARLINGTON KABOB

$15.99

The scent of rosemary, basil and garlic rises from behind the counter of this tiny, 22-seat storefront, where chef and managing partner Ali Endra has been overseeing rows of kebabs sizzling on the grill ever since the place opened in 2013. Of the 21 platters depicted in colorful photos, my favorite is the No.12—a lamb and chicken combo ($15.99) piled with two kinds of fluffy basmati rice (one rendered brown by caramelized onions), plus julienned peppers and onions, your choice of side dish (think spinach stew or chickpeas) and naan. Two yogurt-based sauces are offered as condiments—a white one made with olive oil and lemon juice, and a zesty green version incorporating cilantro and jalapenos.

Owner Susan Clementi, who lives in Falls Church, was born in London to an Afghani mother and Turkish father. She grew up in Arlington and spent 22 years working restaurant jobs before switching to a career in telecom. Her return to the hospitality business was prompted, in part, by her dismay that there weren’t more nourishing, healthful takeout options to pick up after work for a family dinner.

Arlington Kabob pays tribute to the food she grew up with, including Afghanistan’s national dish, quabli pulao ($16.99), braised lamb shank atop fragrant rice dotted with carrots, raisins and almonds. In addition to providing good value, Clementi believes in supporting the community. She offers a 15% discount to police and members of the military. She opened a sister restaurant, Courthouse Kabob, in 2019. Arlington Kabob, 5046 Langston Blvd., Arlington 703-531-1498, arlingtonkabobva.com

DMV food cognoscenti know that for excellent banh mi, it’s worth a drive to this Eden Center eatery. Owner Ha Lu has been serving up the beloved Vietnamese sandwich on crusty French bread ever since 2006, when she took over the business her sister founded in 1986. Two small tables outside the teeny shop offer seating for four, but it’s otherwise a takeout operation.

These days, Lu takes orders at a table blocking entry into the store, a practice that started during the pandemic. Each of the eight sandwiches on the menu is priced at $8, having crept up from the $2 they were on my first foray there decades

ago. Lu only takes cash—everyone knows that. I hand her $20 for two banh mi and call it a day.

The top-selling No. 1, thit nguôi (aka Combination), features housemade pork pate, head cheese and steamed ham, plus the standard garnishes—cucumbers, pickled daikon radish and carrots, sliced jalapeno, cilantro sprigs, and a shmear of the slightly sweet, house-made mayo that Lu calls beurré.

The No. 1 may be the most popular, but Lu’s personal favorite is the No. 5 (bì) packed with strips of roasted pork belly, including the crunchy skin. Fish lovers will go crazy for the No. 8 (cá), stuffed with good quality sardines. Nhu Lan Sandwich, 6763 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, 703-532-9009, nhulancafe.com

Ha Lu, owner of Nhu Lan Sandwich in the Eden Center

Churrasco Guatemalteco

AT CAFÉ SAZON $19.99

This charming eatery serving Latin American fare and baked goods on Columbia Pike since 2010 came about by accident. The previous tenant was closing and the landlord asked Eva Sejas, owner of Cassiel’s Hair Salon next door, if she was interested in the property.

“A coffee shop seemed like a good idea, but coffee and pastries weren’t enough to pay the rent, so we started adding Bolivian dishes to the menu,” explains Sejas’ daughter Claudia Camacho, who immigrated to the U.S. from Cochabamba, Bolivia, in 1989—paving the way for her mother and her sister, Adriana Torres, to follow a year later. All three now live in Arlington and co-own the 80-seat Café Sazon, which also has a 20-seat outdoor patio.

Over time, the restaurant has hired employees hailing from all over Central and South America. Its menu has expanded accordingly, featuring enticements such as Guatemalan champurradas (sesame-studded cookies) and bread pudding squares; fried Colombian corn flour empanadas with beef and potatoes; and Salvadoran pupusas.

The bestsellers, for good reason, are the filling and flavor-packed churrasco platters ($19.99). I’m partial to the churrasco Guatemalteco, which finds a grilled, 8-ounce steak accompanied by sliced avocado, refried beans, queso blanco, rice, pico de gallo and blistered scallions and jalapenos, plus two warm, griddled corn tortillas and a mixed green salad on the side. The equally generous churrasco Ecuatoriano steak platter is served with fried eggs, rice, fries, avocados, plantains and salad. The lovely lady with lavender hair who was my server, it turns out, was Eva Sejas herself. Café Sazon, 4704 Columbia Pike, Arlington, 703-566-1686, cafesazon.com

Churrasco Guatemalteco at Café Sazon on Columbia Pike

From left: Café Sazon owners Adriana Torres, Eva Sejas and Claudia Camacho

Three Slices AT ANDY’S PIZZA

$15.00

What’s quick, delicious and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? The easy answer is pizza—especially when it’s from Andy’s Pizza, a DMV chainlet that opened its first counter in Tysons Galleria in 2018, and in April debuted a new spot in Virginia Square. “We call it New York-style, but it’s not really,” says owner and founder Andy Brown, who lives in Arlington. “New York pizza is cooked at 500 degrees for 10 minutes. Neapolitan is 900 degrees for 90 seconds. We bake ours at 700 for five minutes, on stone in a Baker’s Pride oven, so we have a bastard-style pizza.”

Whatever it is, it’s terrific. The dough for Brown’s thin, flavorful crust has a slight tang, courtesy of a three-day cold fermentation process, and his sauce is made purely with tomatoes and salt—nothing else.

That combination of dough and sauce, plus whole milk mozzarella cheese from Wisconsin, won Brown the top prize at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas in 2021.

Andy’s offers eleven 18-inch whole pies ($22.50 to $32.50), five of them classics such as plain cheese, pepperoni, or sausage and pepper. The menu also touts six specialty pies, including a burrata Margherita (which can be made vegan with dairy-free cashew cheese) and a carnivore pizza for meat-lovers. All are available by the slice ($4.50-$6).

My perfect three-slice meal includes two classics (Margherita and mushroom and onion), plus a wedge of the house-favorite specialty topped with crispy cupped pepperoni, burrata, Mike’s hot honey and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Andy’s Pizza, 2001 International Drive, 3rd Floor Food Court, Tysons, 703-775-2212, eatandyspizza.com

Andy’s Pizza in Tysons

For those of us who can’t decide which carb we love best, Egypt’s national dish, koshary, is a dream come true, and there’s no better place to grab it than King of Koshary, a congenial spot just west of Ballston. A piping hot bowl of this king of all comfort foods ($10) finds elbow macaroni, black lentils, chickpeas, rice and vermicelli topped with an abundance of crispy fried onions and a cumin-laced tomato sauce served on the side. Toss it all together and season it to your liking with dashes of shatta (hot sauce) and dakka (cumin and garlic vinaigrette) for a hearty marriage of textures and flavors.

Throw in an order of warm foul (fava bean hummus, $9) garnished with olive oil, cucumbers and tomatoes, plus two large rounds of warm pita bread for slathering, and you’ve got a perfect meal that may even be enough for two.

Open since 2019, King of Koshary seats 50 in a charming setting loaded with Egyptian bric-a-brac. Its namesake dish speaks to the restaurant’s origin story: Owners Ayob Metry and Nadia Gomaa met while working at the Whole Foods Market in Ashburn, where they competed over who made the better version of koshary. Soon a partnership and thriving business was born. Tip: Don’t miss their Om Ali, a rich, creamy, almost soufflelike dessert made with puff pastry, almonds, cashews, raisins and peanuts that’s brûléed on top. King of Koshary, 5515 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 571-317-7925, kingofkoshary.com

Koshary and Foul

AT KING OF KOSHARY

$19.00

King of Koshary’s namesake dish

$15.25

Sometimes a craving strikes that only a good old hot dog can satisfy. That’s when I head to Haute Dogs, a 35seat gourmet hot dog joint in Arlington’s Williamsburg Shopping Center, where 15 versions of the beloved street snack go for $6.75 apiece. Chloé Swanson, who grew up in Arlington and cofounded the restaurant with her mother, Pamela Swanson, and stepfather, Lionel Holmes, is usually on hand to help narrow down the choices.

Made with dry-aged Black Angus beef and served on buttery griddled New-England-style split buns, the uncured franks (which, by the way, are gluten- and dairy-free) have that allimportant snap that is a telltale sign of a top-notch hot dog.

My go-tos used to be the Chicago style (relish, tomato, onions, pickle spear, mustard, peppers, celery salt), the OBX (chili, coleslaw, yellow mustard) and the banh mi (cucumbers, carrots, cilantro, jalapenos and sriracha mayo). That was before Swanson turned me on to the Buffalo (blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery, ranch dressing and sriracha ) and the Plus the Dog (cheddar cheese, slaw, chopped onions and chipotle mayo).

An order of two franks comes in well below $20, as does a dog plus an order of totchos ($8.50)—tater tots topped with chili, salsa, cheese, jalapenos and lime cream. Haute Dogs, 2910 N. Sycamore St., Arlington, 703-534-2510, hautedogsandfries.com

Fancy franks and sides at Haute Dogs

It’s late morning on a weekday at Borek-G, a Turkish restaurant and market that opened days before the pandemic hit in 2020. I’m indulging in their lavish breakfast special, a panoply of snacks and condiments (olives, feta and cheddar cheeses, dried apricots, walnuts, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey, jam), plus warm pita bread, tea and scrambled eggs with sucuk, a fermented Turkish beef sausage.

Six women at the next table over are knitting and chatting, needles clacking. “They’ve been coming every Tuesday from 11 to 2 since we first opened,” says Huseyin Kaygusuz, who co-owns the family business with his mother, Dilek, and father, Erol. “We don’t charge them anything.”

The Kaygusuz family came to the U.S. from

Istanbul in 2001 through the Diversity Visa Program, commonly referred to at the time as the green card lottery, when Huseyin was 6 years old. Erol landed a job in housekeeping at The Watergate, Dilek at a nail salon, and they began baking on the side. In 2008, Dilek started selling her dips and baked goods—including the filled, spiral shaped phyllo pastries called borek—at the Falls Church farmers market. Soon she had weekly stalls at multiple farmers markets, plus a catering operation.

Borek-G seats 20 inside and 20 outside, serving specialties such as sarma (grape leaves), biber dolmasi (stuffed peppers) and borek filled with spinach, cheese or ground beef, plus tempting trays of assorted baklavas. The green sarma baklava— phyllo and pistachios rolled into a log resembling a grape leaf—is divine. Borek-G, 315 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church, 571-230-6821, borekg.com

A hearty Turkish breakfast at Borek-G in Falls Church

There’s all kinds of reasonably priced deliciousness going on at Charga Grill on Langston Boulevard. The 30-seat eatery, which opened in 2019, specializes in American, Peruvian and South Asian street foods—particularly dishes reflecting the Pakistani heritage of its owners, Asad Chaudry and his uncle, chef Iqbal Chaudry. Kebabs, curries, loaded sandwiches and wraps, and kickass chili momos (dumplings) are among the fare, but it’s really all about the chicken, which is not surprising given that charga means chicken in the Pashto language. Charga offers the bird six ways, starting with its namesake Pakistani charga-style, for which skinless poultry is marinated in yogurt and South Asian spices, then steamed and flash-fried. The Pakistani sajji-style rotisserie chicken is skin-on, brined, marinated and spicecrusted. Other preparations include Peruvian-style rotisserie, fiery peri peri, tandoori and classic fried chicken. Quarter- or half-chicken combos ($12/$18) come with two sides and a drink. I like both Pakistani styles, but my advice is to go for the half combo with the tandoori and peri peri versions.

When it comes to sides, Charga has some of the best naan in the DMV (so thin and delicate!), not to mention the boldly flavored stewed okra and terrific chana (chickpeas) in a cumin- and coriander-laced gravy. “Chana is the most popular side dish,” says Iqbal. “We go through 150 pounds of dried chana every week.” He also turns 45 gallons of milk per week into homemade yogurt.

Business here has been booming ever since The Washington Post named it the number one casual restaurant in the DMV in 2022. Sister restaurant Charga on the Pike (as in Columbia) opened in September. Charga Grill, 5151 Langston Blvd., Arlington, 703-988-6063 chargagrill.com ■

David Hagedorn is the dining critic for Arlington Magazine and Bethesda Magazine.

HalfChicken Platter AT CHARGA GRILL $18.00

A chicken sampler platter with Peruvian fried rice, black beans, chickpeas and spinach at Charga Grill

Charga Grill co-owners Asad Chaudry (left) and Iqbal Chaudry

Martha Palacios (right) teaches knife skills to a culinary student at Kitchen of Purpose in Arlington.

Kitchen of

Job training, economic development and food assistance converge at this Arlington nonprofit. Culinary magic is the result.

an early spring morning and Jonathan Aponte is heading from his home in Woodbridge to the Hilton Arlington National Landing. He works at the hotel as a kitchen supervisor, checking in orders, reviewing invoices, taking inventory, helping the chef and sous-chef with recipes, and making sure multiple walk-in refrigerators, freezers and storage rooms are orderly and well-maintained. Soon he’ll be taking on payroll and scheduling duties, too.

For Aponte, 45, the $25-an-hour job is the first step in a major career change. He caught the cooking bug years ago, watching Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations and other foodie shows while un-

BY DAVID HAGEDORN

dergoing dialysis three times a week. It stayed with him after he received a kidney transplant in 2013.

Ten years later, Aponte was unemployed, having left an office manager job at his alma mater, George Mason University, for mental health reasons. “I had no idea how to cook,” he says. “I looked at culinary schools, but they were very expensive, and I was already paying off student loans.”

Online research led him to Kitchen of Purpose (KOP), an Arlington nonprofit that provides culinary training to low-income, mostly immigrant minorities, then helps them land jobs in food-related businesses such as restau-

rants, hotels and senior living communities. In June 2023, Aponte entered one of the organization’s eight-week culinary and sanitation training sessions (called cohorts), followed by a monthlong, 160-hour paid internship at the Hilton. As happens with most KOP graduates, his internship transitioned into a full-time job.

“I didn’t pay a cent for the program,” he says. “A scholarship covered everything—the binder, the pens, the pencils, the uniforms. Even the knives, [including] a chef knife, a boning knife and paring knife, plus a honing steel and the knife roll you carry them in. They belong to you when you graduate.”

■ kitchen of dreams

KITCHEN OF PURPOSE, originally known as La Cocina VA, was founded in 2014 by Paty Funegra, a native of Peru who first moved to the U.S. to work on sustainability projects at the Inter-American Development Bank. Funegra was volunteering at D.C. Central Kitchen when she noticed that many immigrants weren’t receiving culinary training because they lacked English proficiency.

At first, her fledgling nonprofit ran its operations out of the basement of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church near Ballston. Its initial mission—training Latino immigrants in culinary and English language skills and donating meals they prepared to neighbors in need—expanded over the years to include a wider range of programs for people of all backgrounds.

As the concept grew, Funegra oversaw a capital campaign to build the 5,000-square-foot facility on Columbia Pike that the organization has oc-

cupied since 2020. The space includes a classroom, a café (currently closed) and two 1,000-square-foot industrial kitchens. One kitchen is used for culinary training while the other operates as a ghost kitchen that food entrepreneurs can rent while getting their start-ups off the ground.

La Cocina VA rebranded as Kitchen of Purpose in 2022. The following year, Funegra passed the torch to the current CEO, Brian MacNair, who served as executive director of World Central Kitchen from 2013 to 2019. The two had met a decade earlier when MacNair was the chief development officer at D.C. Central Kitchen. “Paty had the space and instructors for La Cocina, and we gave her a curriculum for a two-month program,” he says.

Today, a dry-erase board in MacNair’s office outlines the cohort schedule and the details of KOP’s $1.6 million budget. Its projected funding for 2025 includes $825,000 from foundations

and corporations such as Amazon, Capital One and Wegman’s; $200,000 from workforce development agencies in Arlington and Alexandria; and $450,000 in federal and state government funds. The revenue projections also include $125,000 in rental income from the dozen or so start-up businesses that lease its second kitchen space, including a personal chef service, a company specializing in Bolivian salteñas, and a Chinese family that sells pork bao at area farmers markets.

A wall of framed photos chronicling MacNair’s travels with World Central Kitchen shows him smiling with students in Haiti, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Cambodia—places where the organization in its early years taught clean cooking, food safety and culinary skills. Joining those missions were chefs and luminaries such as José Andrés, Anderson Cooper, Ted Allen, Tom Colicchio and Victor Albisu. MacNair calls it the “Food for Change” wall.

Aspiring chefs in the kitchen with Palacios

Jonathan Aponte in the kitchen at the Hilton in National Landing

The operation he oversees today offers free job training to anyone whose income is 60% or below the area median income (AMI), which differs by county. In Arlington, 60% of AMI amounts to about $46,000 per year for a single-person household.

“Last year, our students represented 18 nations, including Norway, Tunisia, Palestine, Ethiopia and Afghanistan,” says MacNair, whose management team also includes director of operations Daniela Hurtado and program manager Paloma Martinez. “We provide training for them to start out at fast-casual places, prove their skills to employers and move up the ladder. They make an average of $18.50 an hour in wages, so $37,000 a year. This year, we project $2 million in annual wages from our job placement, and more than half a million dollars paid in taxes. These were previously unemployed people.”

In 2024, KOP trained 86 students with a 92% job placement rate.

BORN AND RAISED in Arlington, Esvin Gramajo was always interested in cooking. His father, a chef, worked at various local restaurants, including Lebanese Taverna and Mylo’s Grill. During his high school years at Yorktown, Gramajo took culinary courses at the Arlington Career Center.

“KOP [then La Cocina] had a competition at my school,” says Gramajo, now 22, a first-generation Guatemalan American. “I entered but didn’t win. It was a pan-seared chicken dish and crepes for dessert.”

After graduation, he worked at Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe and enrolled in Stratford University’s culinary arts program in Alexandria. Three months in, the university shut down.

Not one to give up, Gramajo applied to KOP and became a member of its fall 2022 cohort. “I’d get to the bakery at 3 a.m., then leave at 7 a.m. and go straight to class from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Then I’d go home and sleep,” he says.

KOP’s curriculum, overseen by chef-instructor Martha Palacios, covers kitchen safety and sanitation, knife skills, vegetable and protein cookery, basic butchery, kitchen science, and how to make mother sauces such as velouté, hollandaise and bechamel. Through the program, Gramajo earned his ServSafe Food Manager certifica-

A mock interview with a prospective employer

Students in the Food Lab, a small business incubator

sociation, as well as Allertrain certification, which centers on safely serving diners with special dietary needs such as food allergies.

Palacios runs a tight ship. She’s a retired U.S. Army veteran whose family immigrated from Nicaragua in 1986. After leaving the military, she earned culinary and baking diplomas from Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Florida, and held various food industry jobs in Miami. Her interest in teaching began during the pandemic when she started offering online cooking classes. She joined the staff of KOP in 2022, moving her family to Northern Virginia.

In addition to culinary proficiency, KOP emphasizes job readiness. Students practice their interviewing skills via mock interviews with business owners and job recruiters who come on-site and offer feedback.

After completing an internship with FLIK Hospitality Group on the Freddie Mac campus behind Tysons Galleria, Gramajo was hired there full time.

“I started on the salad station, then to the grill, oven and fryer, and then

In 2024, Kitchen of Purpose trained 86 students

with a 92% job placement rate.

to junior sous-chef,” he says. He now makes $22 an hour cooking for thousands of people in one of the company’s four kitchens.

In 2023, Gramajo launched a side business—a pastry and catering enterprise called Sweets by Esvin. He specializes in eclairs, flans, chocolate-covered strawberries and large chocolate hearts (to be broken with a mallet) filled with Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

KOP played a hand in that, too. His start-up was aided by the nonprofit’s Food Lab, a small business incubator that assists entrepreneurs with basics such as creating an LLC, registering with the health department, financial management, marketing and pitching potential investors. Food Lab graduates can apply for three months of free kitchen space in KOP’s ghost kitchen.

“I wanted to learn about business, so I took the small business incubator for two months,” Gramajo says. In the process, he learned how to create a business plan, maintain steady cash flow, keep the books and market his concept. His ultimate goal is to open a shop called Esvin’s Bagels and Café in Prince George’s County, where he and his father recently purchased a house.

PROGRAM GRADUATES COME from myriad cultural backgrounds and all corners of the world. What they share is ambition.

“A common trend when we interview people who want to come to KOP is the eagerness to learn,” says Cintia Castillo, a former IT recruiter who oversees

Palacios (left) with graduate Iris Faccini

CEO Brian MacNair (center) with KOP students

Helina Kebede in her kitchen at home

“She wants to learn and has picked up everything so fast.

As a busy professional, that makes my life easier.”

client success and development for the nonprofit.

She routinely mentors students well beyond graduation. “I am really good at playing matchmaker,” says Castillo, a first-generation American born to Salvadoran parents who lives in Falls Church. “I understand where people are coming from. They relate their long-term goals and what they have to offer so I can pitch that to employers.”

Over time, those employers have come to include giants such as Wegman’s, Sodexo, the Archer Hotel, Goodwin House senior living and Aramark. Many companies have hired KOP graduates after sending representatives to conduct mock interviews.

Castillo coaches trainees on how to present their culinary bonafides, as well as soft skills and interview tips— like not asking about salary right off the bat. “Asking about salary right away shows you’re not there for being there, but just for the money,” she says. “I explain that they may not start out making much, but if they are patient, it will be very rewarding.”

In Aponte’s case, heath issues contributed to his anxiety about switching careers. “I had someone in my personal life who had a kidney transplant,” Castillo says, “so I understood his concerns. I told him he could achieve whatever he wanted to. Hilton understood that he had the drive, even if he didn’t have the culinary experience.”

KOP ALUMNA Helina Kebede is going places. The 22-year-old came to the U.S. from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2023,

joining her mother, who immigrated in 2016. (Her mother owns Azi Flowers on Columbia Pike, not far from Kitchen of Purpose.) After graduating with the June 2024 cohort, Kebede landed an internship at Earl’s Kitchen + Bar in Tysons that soon turned into a permanent position paying $19.50 an hour.

She says the training she received from KOP was invaluable: “I never worked in a professional kitchen, so I really wanted to learn knife skills. They taught so many things. Kitchen etiquette, like what to wear—no jewelry, for example—sanitation, keeping your station clean, understanding the chemical reactions of foods and why things are cooked in a certain way.”

“I liked her energy from the moment I met her,” Castillo says. “She’s kind of a goody two shoes who’s excited about learning, like me. She wants to open her own restaurant one day.”

In December, Kebede moved one step closer to that goal, starting a new job in the British Airways lounge at Dulles International Airport. Sean Kelly, an executive chef with parent company Sodexo, had spoken with KOP students and remembered being impressed with the program. He reached out to Castillo to ask if she knew of a graduate with management potential. He had a sous-chef position at the airport he was looking to fill.

“He asked me for someone who could grow, and Helina came to mind immediately,” Castillo says.

After sailing through a phone interview with Kelly, followed by a panel interview that also included the prop-

erty’s general manager and the corporate regional chef, Kebede was hired as sous-chef, earning $30 an hour.

“It was a bit of a leap of faith,” says Kelly. “I’d rather have someone who may not have all the technical skills but who wants to learn and grow. I can teach someone how to chop an onion, but I can’t teach them to care about chopping an onion.”

Today, Kebede’s duties include running the back-of-house operation, working the line, creating menu specials, monitoring food safety and other regulations, training staff and leading team meetings.

“She wants to learn and has picked everything up so fast,” Kelly says. “As a busy professional, that makes my life so much easier.”

Some of the kitchen staff initially bristled at the idea of working for someone so young—and a woman to boot, he says. “She wasn’t intimidated by that. Now they all respect her.”

KOP is attuned to the needs of the marketplace. In 2022, it began offering front-of-house training because so many understaffed restaurant owners were desperate to fill waitstaff, host and bartending positions. In addition to teaching service basics and conflict management skills, the program offers barista and bartender training.

IN MARCH, FOUR KOP students are in the kitchen preparing for their final exam. Their black cotton uniforms, aprons and pillbox hats, all emblazoned with the Kitchen of Purpose logo, are crisp and immaculate. Pens and food thermometers are neatly tucked into the pockets of their jacket sleeves.

Each stands at a tidy station outfitted with a cutting board, printed recipes and a mise en place of beautifully sliced, diced, chopped and minced ingredients. Carrot peelings, chicken bones and other scraps have been set aside and saved for stock—nothing is to be wasted. Each trainee has deftly

butchered a pile of raw chicken parts that now rests atop a pan on ice to maintain food safety.

“They are fabricating chicken breasts to pan fry and make with beurre monté [emulsified butter sauce],” Palacios explains. “They have two hours to make a protein, starch, vegetable and sauce.”

While the English speakers in the cohort fire up their sauté pans in the kitchen, the Spanish-speaking students are taking the written part of their final exam. “The next day, they’ll switch and those who need to take the ESL test will do so,” Palacios says. “Friday is the deep-cleaning party. Everyone has to clean, no matter what hat you wear. I’m huge on that.”

At this point, all 10 of the students in the spring 2025 cohort have been offered internship positions well ahead

HUNGER IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Food For Neighbors, we believe no child should worry about where their next meal is coming from. In Northern Virginia, more than 25% of students depend on the free or reduced-priced meals at school, leaving many of them vulnerable to hunger on weekends and school breaks.

of their April graduation date. Castillo reports that they’ll be heading to the kitchens of Morrison Healthcare, Tatte Bakery and Capo Deli, as well as two senior living communities and a couple of government-related employers.

Meanwhile, in KOP’s other kitchen space, Victoria Cortes and three cooks are busy prepping a week’s worth of anti-inflammatory meals for people with compromised immune systems. As the owner of Victoria Cortes Personal Chef Service, Cortes will deliver the meals to clients the next day. The heady aromas of Thai-basil beef stirfry, Cajun-blackened wild salmon and grain-free quiche with caramelized onions waft in the air.

“I’ve been working out of the KOP kitchen since 2022 and it’s going really great,” says Cortes, who lives in Falls

Church. “I was a personal chef in clients’ homes for 12 years, cooking for one family a day. Now I cook for 15 households a day.”

Cortes pays $3,200 per month to use the nonprofit’s ghost kitchen—a fee that includes dry storage, refrigerator space, equipment use and a cleaning fee.

“KOP is great for a business my size because it’s such a big jump to go to the next step, getting my own kitchen,” she says. “This way I can grow my business. I’m bootstrapping everything.”

FOR

A TIME, THE nonprofit had a 20seat café that it rented as a pop-up location for food entrepreneurs such as D.C. chef Rock Harper, whose Queen Mother’s fried chicken enterprise now has a permanent home in National Landing’s Water Park.

MacNair closed the cafe in 2024 (he says it wasn’t profitable enough for the trouble), but has plans to repurpose it in a way that gives back to the local community. KOP already offers food assistance by partnering with Boys and Girls Clubs and Community Lodgings to provide bag lunches to kids in after-school programs. “Many take them home because here’s no food at home,” MacNair says.

His newest idea, called Family Meal, aims to use the café space to host an initiative similar to chef Massimo Bottura’s Refettorio concept in Harlem, “where chefs close their restaurants once a week and feed folks in need a high-end meal created with dignity and love.” (The term “family meal” is restaurant slang for the communal meals shared by kitchen and waitstaff before

or after a busy shift, to build a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.)

He’s hoping to enlist local chefs to cook for people in shelters run by nonprofits such as New Hope Housing, PathForward and Bridges to Independence. His target list includes restaurateurs who have already partnered with KOP, including Colada Shop owner Daniella Senior, Chiko founders Scott Drewno and Danny Lee, and Taco Bamba creator Victor Albisu.

The goal, MacNair says, is to line up $200,000 in corporate sponsorships to offer Family Meal once or twice a week. Once it’s established, his plan is to widen the outreach to include clients of food pantries such as the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

“We want to bring wraparound services to them—maybe address hous-

ing needs and mental health services and how to manage finances, with folks coming in to talk about these things. We want them to feel respected and seen in a nice environment with a nice meal, while also helping them move toward the next step in their life.”

Respect, dignity and next steps are staple ingredients in KOP’s mission. Any of its graduates can attest to that.

When you graduate, “they give you a chef jacket with your name on it,” Aponte says. “Maybe I’ll open my own restaurant one day and wear it then. I never dreamed of that possibility until I went to Kitchen of Purpose.” ■

David Hagedorn is Arlington Magazine’s dining critic. He also shares recommendations for affordable restaurant meals costing $25 or less in this issue.

Take Your

Pick

For peak flavor and freshness with a side of fun, road-trip to these area farms to harvest your own fruits and veggies.

BY STEPHANIE KANOWITZ

Produce starts losing nutrients within hours of being picked, which means the fruit and veggies you grab from the grocer have already decreased in nutritional value. For optimal flavor and to see your healthy eating goals come to fruition, head to these nearby pick-your-own (PYO) farms as they reopen for the spring and summer growing seasons. Strawberry crops may be limited this year due to weather conditions and a widespread fungal disease affecting strawberry plants (check websites for availability before you go), but summer promises other kinds of berries, as well as peaches, tomatoes, sweet corn, squash and more. Bring the kids, as many farms also offer fun festivals and playgrounds.

Hollin Farms

Drive time: 1 hour 1524 Snowden Road, Delaplane, Virginia hollinfarms.com

Named after Hollin Hills, a Fairfax County community of contemporary houses (now a historic district) founded by developer Robert Davenport in the 1950s and ’60s, this 40-acre property began as a beef cattle farm. Freerange Angus beef is still available, and starting in June, so is a wide variety of produce grown using environmentally sensitive Integrated Pest Management practices. Crops include strawberries, cherries, blueberries, black and red raspberries, blackberries, 21 types of peaches, 27 varieties of apples, nectarines, summer Asian pears and European pears. Depending on when you go, you can also pick veggies such as peas, arugula, kale, beets, tomatoes, broccoli and sweet corn. Check the website for availability.

Visit Hollin Farms to pick your own berries, peaches, apples, veggies and more.

Great Country Farms

Drive time: 1 hour

34345 Snickersville Turnpike Bluemont, Virginia greatcountryfarms.com

“We are a regenerative agriculture farm,” says Kate Zurschmeide, whose family has been farming in Loudoun County for 50 years—32 of them in Bluemont. “From our mobile chicken coops to sheep in the orchards and pigs cleaning up our pumpkin patch, our farm animals are our partners in farming.” This year’s strawberry festival is on hiatus due to limited supply, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit Great Country Farms. Cherry-picking season begins in June, followed by peaches, blackberries and sunflowers during the high summer months, and apples come fall. The farm stages festival events to celebrate the arrival of different crops. “A fun little secret is that we give away season passes as prizes at our festivals,” Zurschmeide says. Tickets, which cost $10-$16, include wagon rides, kids’ games and live music, but PYO carries an extra fee. Head out for the Pick Your Own Blackberry Bonanza in July and the Peach Fuzztival on July 26 and 27 and Aug. 2 and 3.

Have a cow at Great Country Farms.

Berry picking at Great Country Farms

Butler’s Orchard

This 300-plus-acre family-run farm turns 75 this year. You can taste the secret to its longevity when you pick your own strawberries starting in May, plus other fruits and vegetables through summer and into the fall, including tart cherries, tomatoes, blackberries, apples and pumpkins. In August, the farm’s Sunflower Spectacular invites guests to wander through two football fields’ worth of sunflowers and take pics with props among the crops.

Leave time for kiddos to romp around the all-new playground equipment at Farm Park. “We previously had just a wooden ship and a castle—which we still have because they are beloved—but they have moved,” says Julia Wieseckel, the farm’s marketing coordinator. “We put in another huge playground structure in their place.” The $5 entrance fee includes access to the playground, plus farm animals, pedal tractors and fields of seasonal produce.

Plan a picking party at Butler’s Orchard.

Mackintosh Fruit Farm

Drive time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

1608 Russell Road, Berryville, Virginia mackintoshfruitfarm.com

Located in aptly named Berryville, this farm has been growing fruits and veggies for 40 years. Owner Bill Mackintosh attributes the flourishing crops to using “good insects to control the bad insects” and mineral-packed, pH-balanced dolomitic limestone soil. This year, in addition to the strawberries, tomatoes, cherries, beets, peaches, melons and eggplants that are usually available throughout the warmer months, you can also pick purple asparagus (available in late April or early May, depending on temperatures) and blackberries, which will ripen in June. PYO hours are Thursday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults can kick back in the Cider Room, open Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., from May to October, to enjoy local hard ciders, wines, craft brews and appetizers. Check the website for the live music schedule, and mark your calendar for farm dinners on June 14 and Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Miller Farms

Drive time: 45 minutes

10140 Piscataway Road, Clinton, Maryland millerfarmsclinton.com

Building on the success of its first-annual Strawberry Fest in 2024, this 19th-century family-owned and operated farm is readying for another. At press time the exact dates for the 2025 festival were still TBD, but expect to have access to the PYO strawberry fields, a giant jump pad, yard games and face painting (for an additional fee). Admission is free to this weekend-only event, though a reservation with a pre-purchased berry container is a must. Berries are priced at $8 per quart, $28 for the first gallon and $24 for each additional gallon. Alternately, swing by on a weekday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and pay a mere $3.99 per pound of fruit. “The strawberry field is located right around the corner from our main farm and farm market,” says co-owner and farm manager Adam Miller. “After all of the fun, stop at the farm market to enjoy some homemade ice cream and doughnuts, fresh produce, barbecue, jarred goods and more.”

Cherry trees at Mackintosh Fruit Farm

Blueberry picking at Butler’s Orchard

Yankey Farms

Drive time: 45 minutes

11812 Bristow Road, Bristow, Virginia yankeyfarms.com

Browse three acres of berry patches and fields of flowers at this Prince William County produce farm, and pick your own fruit for $32 per gallon or $9 per quart. Owner Jay Yankey, who’s been growing strawberries at the farm for 20 years, says the best way to check availability is to visit the Facebook page for daily updates on picking conditions and weather-related closures.

Wegmeyer Farms

Drive time: 1 hour

Wegmeyer’s Home Farm: 38299 Hughesville Road, Hamilton, Virginia

Oatlands Historic Mansion: Little Oatlands Lane, Leesburg, Virginia

Strawberry Hill: 18451 Taylor Road, Hamilton, Virginia wegmeyerfarms.com

Harriet and Tyler Wegmeyer started this Loudoun County farm in 2002 with a small crop of pumpkins. They opened the patch to PYO in 2008 and expanded with strawberry fields in 2009. Last year, they launched the Lincoln Strawberry Festival in neighboring Lincoln, a village founded by Quakers in the 1750s as Goose Creek that later changed its name in honor of our 16th president. This year’s festival returns May 16-18 with live entertainment, a strawberry pancake breakfast and DIY berry picking, plus readymade strawberry baked goods for sale. Can’t make it for festival weekend? No worries. The farm has three pick-your-own locations. Reservations are required. ■

Pick your own fruit, and flowers, too, at Yankey Farms

Strawberries at Wegmeyer Farms

Sunrise of McLean Village

A brand-new, beautiful boutique-style senior living community, Sunrise of McLean Village opened its doors in 2023 and is still accepting new residents. Conveniently located on Chain Bridge Road, it is a quick drive from ample shopping, dining and medical support.

1515 Chain Bridge Road

McLean, VA 22101

703-286-2095

www.sunriseseniorliving.com/communities/va/ sunrise-of-mclean-village

Q: Why choose Sunrise of McLean Village?

A: Sunrise of McLean Village is the only boutique-style senior living community in the heart of McLean, close to all the local conveniences. Its exquisite interiors, thoughtfully designed to promote activity and engagement, create a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere. The pristine Heritage Garden, featuring native plants, benches and accessible walking paths, provides a lush green space for relaxation— and a great place to take your dog out to play! Our pet-friendly community delivers a maintenance-free lifestyle with housekeeping, laundry, trash removal, transportation services and more. Experience the charm of Sunrise of McLean Village and embrace an active lifestyle and vibrant social community filled with enriching activities.

Q: How does Sunrise of McLean Village help seniors flourish?

A: We empower seniors to live their best

lives through a customized approach to care and services, fostering independence, promoting engagement, and cultivating a sense of belonging. We love seeing our residents build new connections and friendships, enjoy our robust calendar of social events, and celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and holidays together. Popular activities, like happy hours and resident outings—organized day trips to historical and cultural sites in Washington, D.C., our area’s many landscaped parks, nature preserves and more—further enrich our vibrant community.

Our experienced team takes the time to truly understand each resident, allowing us to tailor care plans to meet individual needs and preferences. With onsite medical, therapy and pharmacy services, we ensure that each resident has easy access to comprehensive healthcare within our community, enhancing their overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Vinson Hall Retirement Community

Vinson Hall Retirement Community (VHRC), nestled in a serene park-like campus in vibrant McLean, Virginia, offers an amenity-rich lifestyle with the comforts of home and the security of a Life Plan Community. Once exclusive to military officers, their families and government employees, VHRC now welcomes all, providing a supportive, engaging environment with access to a full continuum of care.

6251 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22101 800-451-5121 www.vinsonhall.org

Q: What sets your leadership team apart, and how does their expertise enhance life at Vinson Hall?

A: Our senior leadership team brings over 200 years of combined experience in senior living, but what truly sets us apart is our passion for helping residents live life to the fullest—with dignity, engagement and a true sense of home. We don’t just manage Vinson Hall; we partner with our residents to shape it. Through resident committees that collaborate directly with our leadership team on everything from dining and wellness to community programming, we ensure that every voice is heard and every need is met. We’re not just experienced; we’re committed to evolving, innovating and making Vinson Hall the best it can be for those who call it home.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about senior living, and how does Vinson Hall challenge them?

A: One of the biggest misconceptions about senior living is that moving to a community like Vinson Hall means giving something up. In reality, it’s about gaining so much more. Moving to Vinson Hall opens the door to a world of new opportunities for personal growth, new friendships and lifelong learning. Here, residents find purpose, connectedness and a sense of adventure—trying new things, discovering new hobbies and embracing new passions. Whether uncovering hidden talents in our art center, immersing themselves in theater and music for brain health, or joining one of our many active groups, there’s always something to explore. Senior living doesn’t mean slowing down. Vinson Hall residents don’t just live here—they thrive here.

Vinson Hall Retirement Community Senior Leadership Team

Woodleigh Chase

Live your best life at Woodleigh Chase, a thriving 62+ community in Fairfax, Virginia. Enjoy maintenance-free living in a beautiful, modern residence with resort-style amenities, and benefit from the convenience of an on-campus medical center with fulltime doctors. Woodleigh Chase is managed by Erickson Senior Living, a national leader in senior living and health care.

9805 Woodleigh Lane

Fairfax, VA 22032

1-888-377-2032

www.WoodleighChase.com

Q: What makes Woodleigh Chase stand out among other retirement communities?

A: Woodleigh Chase is a premier senior living community in the heart of Fairfax. Conveniently located just three miles from George Mason University and close to a wide selection of desirable shopping, dining and entertainment, we also offer easy access to the capital region’s many cultural and recreational activities. At Woodleigh Chase, residents gain so much more than a spacious, stylish, maintenance-free residence. They become part of a vibrant retirement community on 42 beautiful acres packed with resort-style amenities, including a pristine state-of-the-art fitness and aquatics center, bocce court, dog park, walking paths, and a full-service salon and barbershop—activities and services designed to help seniors thrive.

Our campus also features multiple restaurants that provide their own unique ambiance and plenty of common spaces for learning, exploring hobbies and socializing. Just steps from your door, our on-site medical center offers a full range of health and well-being services, and security staff trained in emergency response are just moments away.

Q: What living options are available?

A: Residents can choose from various stylish, open-plan residences—lavish oneand two-bedroom floor plans with abundant square footage—that suit every need and budget. Features include screened patios and balconies, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, crown molding, soft close cabinetry, double vanities in most primary bathrooms, luxury vinyl plank flooring, full-size washer and dryer, and under-building parking. All utilities, including Wi-Fi, cable and telephone, are covered.

Greenspring Senior Living

7440 Spring Village Drive Springfield, VA 22150 1-877-211-3699

www.GreenspringCommunity.com

Q: What should seniors look for when considering a continuing care retirement community?

A: The first step is to understand that a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), like Greenspring, offers independent living plus multiple levels of on-site care, such as assisted living, longterm nursing care, respite care, memory care and home care.

If a priority is to meet new people and stay active, look for a community large enough to offer a variety of clubs, activities and amenities while retaining the warmth of a small town. Residents often refer to Greenspring as a “small town under one roof.” Its wealth of amenities are connected through climatecontrolled walkways.

If you wish to stay active and independent while enjoying peace of mind for the future, a CCRC may be right for you.

Inspīr Embassy Row

2100 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20008 202-293-2100 www.inspirseniorliving.com

Q: What makes Inspīr Embassy Row unique?

A: Inspīr Embassy Row is where historic prestige meets modern luxury senior living. Located in Washington, D.C.’s distinguished Embassy Row, our community offers refined assisted living and memory care in a setting that blends timeless elegance with forward-thinking wellness. Residents enjoy bespoke residences, world-class amenities and curated cultural experiences designed to foster independence and peace of mind.

Q: How does Inspīr Embassy Row support residents’ well-being?

A: Our purposeful design philosophy creates spaces where wellness thrives naturally. From spa-inspired wellness floors and nutritious culinary experiences to curated intellectual programs, every detail enhances residents’ quality of life. Through our Integrated Care Model, a team of medical professionals and wellness experts collaborates to provide highly personalized, holistic support—nurturing physical, intellectual and emotional vitality.

Cogir Senior Living

Cogir Senior Living is a premier provider of independent, assisted and memorycare services in over 100 communities nationwide. Cogir communities honor independence and freedom of choice in a vibrant environment. Residents can engage in a daily calendar of activities and enjoy restaurant-style dining and beautiful outdoor spaces.

Four unique locations in Northern Virginia and Maryland

For more information or to be a tour guide at your community please call: 571-583-5487

www.cogirusa.com

Q: What distinguishes Cogir Senior Living from other similar communities in the area?

A: Cogir Senior Living is a premier, internationally recognized senior living provider with over 100 communities nationwide. We offer best-in-class care and upscale, resort-inspired amenities— without the burden of large buy-in fees. Our personalized approach and awardwinning services foster independence, allowing residents to enjoy life on their terms. With restaurant-style dining, beautiful outdoor spaces, a vibrant community and innovative programs designed to keep seniors engaged and active, we empower residents to live each day to the fullest.

Q: Many seniors prefer to stay at home—why should they consider Cogir Senior Living?

A: We encourage future residents and

families to see assisted living as a new, maintenance-free lifestyle rather than a loss. At Cogir, we take care of the everyday chores that take time away from doing what our residents love. They can leave the housekeeping, laundry and cooking to us so they can focus on what truly matters and have more time for the things they love, whether that’s spending quality time with family, pursuing hobbies or discovering new passions.

We also recognize the emotional shift for families. Our communities allow spouses, adult children and loved ones to step out of the caregiver role and return to being family again. The fear of losing independence is natural, but transitioning to senior living isn’t the end—it’s the start of an exciting new chapter. Here, you can live as independently as you choose, with the support and assistance you need to make life easier, more fulfilling and more enjoyable.

MICHAEL VENTURA

Billy and Rebecca Simons’ subterranean bourbon room in Country Club Hills

ON THE Drinks House

No need to go out barhopping when you have a killer setup at home. These toast-worthy spaces are designed for imbibing.

BY NIGEL F. MAYNARD

■ drinks on the house

The speakeasy-style bourbon lounge is hidden behind a bookshelf (iykyk).

Whiskey Business

Billy Simons did not set out to make his friends jealous, but when party guests eventually make their way down to the bourbon room in the basement of his Country Club Hills home, envy is a reasonable response.

A cool basement was always part of the plan when Simons, an insurance executive, and his wife, Rebecca, broke ground on a new home last year. He just wasn’t sure what form it would take until construction wrapped up in August and she agreed to give him the entire lower level to play around with. Then the ideas started flowing. “I took that and ran with it,” he says.

Working with their builder, BCN Homes in Falls Church, Simons identified an 11-by-18-foot spot at the back of the house. He already had a theme in mind. “I decided to turn it into a British pub,” he says, “because I used to live in London.” He enlisted Mindy Gayer, an interior designer based in Newport Beach, California, to help bring his vision to life.

In true speakeasy fashion, the pub is hidden behind a bank of unassuming bookshelves, so it’s easy to miss. Beyond those shelves (handcrafted by Arlington carpenter Tom Blevins), a secret hideaway is anchored by a backlit shelf of whiskeys, bourbons and fine scotches from all over the world.

Tartan plaid wallpaper and painted wainscoting give the windowless lair a U.K. sensibility, while leather chairs and a tailored sofa welcome visitors to have a seat. A bourbon barrel table with two lazy Susans inside provides extra bottle storage. “The space has really cool artwork of my five favorite London pubs,” he shares, “and a big picture of Steve McQueen from a 1963 magazine photo shoot.”

The subterranean haunt even has a name: The Dog and Elbow, inspired by Simons’ dog, Trooper, and one of his favorite English rock bands, Elbow.

But it is still missing one final piece—a bourbon barrel from his friend, football legend Terry Bradshaw, who owns Bradshaw Bourbon, a small-batch distiller based in Kentucky. Simons says he and his wife met Bradshaw at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel bar in L.A. the day after their wedding. They’ve been friends ever since.

The Dog and Elbow may have been conceived as a social space, but its proprietor has discovered other uses for it. “I work predominantly from home. If I want to mix it up, I’ll come down into the bourbon room, put on music and bring my laptop with me,” he says. “No, I’m not drinking anything. I just sit on the couch and hide out in the room. It’s just a very cool vibe in there to sit and be quiet.”

Vintage Vault

What’s an oenophile to do who is long on bottles but short on space? Renovate and create a wine cellar to house the collection. That’s what attorney David Barsky and his wife, Patricia Petroccione, did in their Shirley Woods home.

“He is a prolific wine collector,” says Michael Winn, founder and CEO of Winn Design + Build in McLean.” Prior to engaging us, he had wine stored in every nook and cranny at his house. It was filling up closets, storage rooms…It was everywhere.”

The clients wanted a dedicated place to store their stash, and a room where they could host wine tastings and social gatherings. After exploring various design options—including a proposal to convert existing space within the footprint of the house—they decided to add on. “We constructed a small addition off the back of the house where we could have the wine room in the cellar, in a conditioned space, and a sunroom directly above it,” Winn says.

Measuring 16 feet by 10 feet with a palette of natural materials, the wine room features custom builtin storage. A granite countertop spanning three walls provides a ledge for glasses during tastings. Cherry coffered ceilings and ceramic floor tiles that look like tumbled stone complete the old-world aesthetic.

Completed in 2018, the wine cave is not overly large, but it’s efficient. One of its most important features is unseen: a dedicated ventilation and humidification system that ensures perfect climate conditions for its trove of fine vintages. “There is a separate system, so on the other side of the wall behind that small tasting area is a storage room with mechanical equipment,” Winn says. “It takes up a fair amount of space.”

Barsky and Petroccione recently added a small table and chairs so guests can sit and enjoy the setting. But even with the additional storage, their collection is overflowing. “There’s still more wine than could fit in this room,” Winn says. “He has another room that just has boxes and cases of wine.” Perhaps another remodel might be in the offing.

Moody Booze

When Arlington designer Ame Gold and her husband, Bryan Berezdivin, built their Crescent Hills home in 2016, he really wanted a bar. She wanted a formal living room. They compromised and got the living room.

“A formal living room is not in vogue anymore, but I didn’t care,” Gold says. “I grew up using a formal living room and I always wanted one, so I put it in.”

Fast forward seven years, and Gold decided it was time to renovate and give Berezdivin the bar he’d always wanted. “He’s a big tequila collector,” she says, “so I leaned into that. I love how pretty tequila bottles are.”

To convert the living room into a lounge, she designed a wall of built-ins to display spirits and store cocktail accoutrements, adding a refrigerator and freezer drawers, a bar sink, and ornamental grille-front cabinet doors for architectural interest. A mirrored backsplash takes the glam factor up a notch and makes the room feel larger.

Gunmetal gray paint (Benjamin Moore “Flint”) strikes a sophisticated chord, while crown molding at the junction of walls and ceiling has a unifying effect. “People like the idea of making these rooms darker...to feel like it’s nighttime,” Gold says. “I think that’s the intention for us. My other thought was [to play up] all these beautiful tequila bottles. They usually are very vivid and full of bright colors. I wanted a backdrop that would give a lot of contrast.”

French doors bring light into the 14-by-16-foot space and provide access to an adjacent porch. Four leather swivel chairs clustered around a tufted ottoman can pivot to face the fireplace, the bar or the porch. “Everybody can put their feet up,” Gold says. “We went with that camel leather [seating] to get some nice contrast off of those dark walls.”

Built-in shelves display collectibles from the couple’s travels and objects with special meaning. Says Gold, “It’s a place where you can be surrounded by your happy things and your memories.” ■

Nigel F. Maynard is editor of the newly launched architecture magazine Design Vibes (design-vibes.com).

Arlington County urban forestry manager Vincent Verweij

Putting DOWN Roots

An army of local citizens is working to protect and expand the urban forest.

BY KIM O’CONNELL

a Friday afternoon and Vincent Verweij is leading me into the woods. Not the dark and forbidding forest of a fantasy novel, but the airy, picturesque woods near Bon Air Rose Garden and Bluemont Park in Arlington. As we walk across the grass toward Four Mile Run, oak, sycamore and other trees tower over us, their shadows lengthening in the late-day sun.

We stop at a scraggly patch of land just under an acre in size, close to the stream. In contrast to the manicured rose garden nearby, this space has a wilder feel, with wavy tall grass and a profusion of saplings. Verweij, the county’s urban forestry manager, rattles off a few of the nearly 20 species growing around us: black locust, sycamore, black gum, hornbeam.

“This area used to have a bathroom, an accessory building and a basketball court,” he says. “It all flooded out in 2019. That’s the negative part. But then we saw an opportunity. A private real estate company wanted to do something good and donated some money to remediate the soil here. We replanted it with all native trees.”

Seizing opportunities to plant and save local trees is the central focus of Verweij’s job. Industrialization and development, along with wildfires, major storms and invasive species, have led to concerning levels of tree canopy loss, both nationally and globally. With new construction happening in seemingly every corner of Arlington, McLean and Falls Church, the local landscape faces the same pressures close to home.

IN ARLINGTON, trees are everywhere and nowhere, all at once. Some 755,000 of them line our streets and creeks, and shade our office buildings, schools and homes, according to county data. Large specimen trees serve as home base for kids playing tag or hide-and-seek. Hikers enjoy the lush forests of places like Donaldson Run and Potomac Overlook Regional Park.

At the same time, many locals lament the dearth of street trees on certain residential blocks. Constant development and redevelopment have often meant the loss of mature trees, either through outright removal or damage to root systems caused by construction, flooding or stormwater runoff.

Pests have also taken a toll. The spotted lanternfly is just one invasive bug that has chewed up trees in the area, particularly the non-native tree of heaven. Other invasive insects, including multiple species of flathead borers— the emerald ash borer is probably the most infamous—feast on a wide range of native Virginia flora.

When old-growth trees die or are removed and replaced with younger trees, it takes years or decades to recoup the benefits that mature trees provide, including shade and cooling, stormwater retention, wildlife habitat and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. “Arlington is doing some good things

with its tree canopy,” says Julie Udani, principal of Greener Gardens Landscape Design, “but by the very nature of the community, some bad things are happening, too. It is a very urban environment. The problem is that trees require space. The roots need soil, and the canopy you see above, it pretty much needs that same space below for the roots.” Constricting the root system means that the average street tree’s lifespan might be only five to seven years, she says.

It’s a global problem. According to research from the World Resources Institute, tree canopy loss has accelerated worldwide in recent years, from 13.4 million hectares (Mha) lost in 2001 to 28.3 Mha in 2023. (A hectare is approximately 2.5 acres.) Here in the U.S., the nonprofit Global Forest Watch reports that 47.9 Mha of tree cover disappeared between 2001 and 2023, representing a 17% decrease in a mere quarter century.

Major U.S. cities are fighting to maintain a healthy tree canopy: New

Invasive pests such as the spotted lanternfly (top) and emerald ash borer pose a threat to local trees.

A reforestation effort near Bon Air Park, funded by local mortgage broker Peace Home Lending COURTESY OF ARLINGTON COUNTY

York City’s total tree coverage is 29%. In the city of Los Angeles, it’s 25%.

Arlington’s numbers (because it’s less urban) are notably better, although not yet up to the levels that the county— and many private citizens—would prefer. A countywide tree study released in November 2024 indicates that Arlington’s present-day tree canopy is 35.2%, up from 31.7% in 2014 and 33.3% in 2018. The study was conducted after the county in 2023 adopted a forestry and natural resources plan that establishes a goal of 40% tree canopy coverage by 2035, with the majority of those trees (70%) being regionally native species.

Neighboring jurisdictions enjoy even higher percentages of tree cover, by virtue of having more open land and larger lots. The City of Falls Church has 49% tree cover, while Fairfax County has about 55%. The District of Columbia has a canopy similar to Arlington’s, calculated at 37%.

Although Arlington’s tree census has been moving in a positive direction, it’s uneven. Verweij points out that a percentage alone can’t convey the number and types of trees on every block, or whether that block has sufficient or desirable foliage. He and his team are regularly out in the field, surveying trees and taking note of the blank spaces.

Essential to this work is a detailed map, available on the county website (atreeconnect.org/tree-canopy-reportmaps), that illustrates the county’s tree canopy concentrations in a range of greens. “You can actually zoom in and see where trees have grown, and where trees have been lost,” he says. “There are a couple of neighborhoods where there’s been a little bit more loss.”

Arlington is becoming more urbanized, yet it still has great potential to accommodate more trees, according to a 2023 countywide urban forest assessment prepared by Mary Glass, director of the Arlington Tree Connection, a citizen tree advocacy group, in conjunction with the Green Infrastructure Center in

Charlottesville, Virginia. The analysis identified space for 132,660 new trees around the county, including 5,315 on school grounds, more than 10,000 in parks, 44,202 along streets and more than 73,000 on private property.

Working with a team of foresters and tree crews, Verweij engages with private citizens, community groups, developers and neighboring jurisdictions to prune or remove diseased or hazardous trees, plan tree restoration efforts and review building permits.

In Arlington, new construction projects—particularly those of 2,500 square feet or more—require landscape plans that include tree planting and protection measures. That’s where a volunteer army of tree lovers comes in.

NORA PALMATIER KNOWS that seeing the forest for the trees is not just a metaphor. Protecting trees involves work on multiple fronts, she says, and an eye on the bigger picture. Palmatier presides over a volunteer group called Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria, which has been around since 2001. Its members undergo light forestry training and participate in activities such as pruning and mulching trees, leading neighborhood walks and

Get Involved

Want to donate your time and sweat equity to growing and protecting the local tree canopy? Consider volunteering with one of these Northern Virginia groups.

Arlington Tree Connection atreeconnect.org

Earth Sangha earthsangha.org

EcoAction Arlington Tree Program

ecoactionarlington.org/communityprograms/tree-program-overview

Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society

Neighborhood Tree Program vpis.org/environment/trees

McLean Trees Foundation mcleantreesfoundation.org

Plant NOVA Trees plantnovatrees.org

Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria treestewards.org

A volunteer trims invasive ivy to save an old-growth tree.

■ putting down roots

doing public outreach about tree care.

Palmatier says the county does a good job updating and assessing tree canopy maps to identify areas in need of attention. Her group hopes to convince more homeowners to protect existing trees on their properties—and to plant new ones, choosing native species whenever possible.

“I was just with a friend from Dominion Hills, and she was pointing out how she used to be able to take her dog for a walk, and it was all shaded on the sidewalks. Now, it’s not. People aren’t replacing the big trees [when they lose them],” she says. Doing so can be expensive.

“That’s not something the county can control,” she adds. “They can encourage it, and we can lead tree walks and talk about it. But private [property owners] have to say, ‘I want more trees.’ ”

Equally important are the kinds of new trees homeowners choose to plant. When recommending trees to her landscape clients, Udani gives what she calls her “dogwood talk.” Many local nurseries sell two kinds of flowering dogwoods: One is a native dogwood, Cornus florida, the Virginia state tree; the other is Cornus kousa, a non-native dogwood from Japan.

“Our native dogwood supports more than 100 different species of birds and insects,” Udani says. “The kousa dogwood supports zero. The native dogwood has evolved with our migrating birds, so in the fall, just as the birds are getting ready to set off on their migrations, that’s when the native dogwood berries are ripe. In the spring, it starts to flower when the bees are coming out. The Japanese trees don’t bloom or berry at the right time. It’s like wax fruit in your kitchen. It’s pretty, but you can’t eat it.”

Removing invasive plants, such as non-native ivy that chokes out native trees, is a major focus for Plant NOVA Trees, a joint initiative of local nurseries, governments and citizens that advocates planting native trees to protect biodiversity. (For a

list of recommended species, visit arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/ Sustainability/Trees/Plant-Trees/Recom mended-Trees). Protecting existing trees is also essential, says coordinator Margaret Fisher.

“Even though it is very important to add more trees in areas that are really urbanized or in commercial districts,” preservation is just as critical, Fisher says. “We’re just spinning our wheels if we’re losing grownup adult trees faster that we are planting little baby trees.”

SOMETIMES TREE-LOVING

citizens take matters into their own hands. In the Aurora Highlands neighborhood where I live, my neighbor Mark noticed a while back that our block didn’t have many trees planted along the street. He began acquiring trees from

Proper Tree Care

As with humans, good health care is essential to maintaining trees’ vitality and longevity. Improper pruning, mulching and watering practices can inadvertently harm trees, as can invasive vines such as English ivy. For helpful guidelines on tree care and maintenance, visit arlingtonva.us/Government/ Programs/Sustainability/Trees/ Tree-Maintenance-and-Health/ Private-Tree-Care-and-RemovalPermits

various sources—usually new construction projects that planned to remove or destroy them (although I admit to not knowing the provenance of all of them)—which he then transplanted himself.

About six years ago, he installed a rescued oak tree in the two-foot plot of grass between the sidewalk and the curb

Local Tree Stewards conduct “rotated pruning” to keep a young tree healthy.

in front of my house. When I expressed concern that the oak would eventually grow too big for the space, his response was pragmatic: “You won’t have to worry about that for a long time. In the meantime, you have a tree.” The county has since kept that tree pruned and cared for, along with all the other street trees Mark has rescued and planted.

Elsewhere in Arlington, tree stewards are getting creative and finding new ways to promote greening beyond the usual environmental benefits. A new project at Drew Elementary School is a case in point. Soon, the school will be home to an urban orchard, thanks to Mary Glass and the Arlington Tree Connection.

After learning that many residents of Arlington’s Green Valley neighborhood used to keep fruit trees, Glass rallied community organizers to secure a grant

to plant an orchard at the school. Once installed, this grove of at least 18 fruit trees—possibly including apple, fig and pawpaw trees, along with some bushes—will provide shade, habitat and learning opportunities for Drew students and area residents.

“An orchard is innovative,” Glass says. “I’ve been astounded by the support I’ve gotten from people for this. We’ve got lots of people ready to volunteer.”

ALL AROUND US, trees are disappearing. But more are being planted, too. In the City of Falls Church, chief arborist Charles Prince and his team recently planted 800 native seedlings in forested areas. They intend to plant 500 more in the months ahead.

Back at Four Mile Run, Verweij says Arlington County has laid plans to ex-

pand the newly forested area near Bluemont Park all the way to the stream bank. As we survey the scene, he directs my attention to a bird box the county installed near the tree restoration site to provide a safe nesting habitat for native bluebirds. It would have been pointless had the trees not been planted first to draw birds to the location.

“It’s hard to be a tree in an urban area,” Verweij says. “You’ve got construction, air pollution, wind, heat, cold, dogs and human activity, and that makes it really challenging. But there are some really great trees around our urban corridors too, and we’re trying to improve that.” ■

Writer Kim O’Connell’s favorite tree is the river birch in her Aurora Highlands backyard.

Tree Stewards introduce a sapling to its new home during a planting event.

Oncologist

Raymond Wadlow at UVA’s Rotunda in Charlottesville

BY WENDY KANTOR

Kind Patient and

Raymond Wadlow lost his mother to pancreatic cancer almost 25 years ago. He’s been staring it in the face ever since.

When Raymond Wadlow graduated from UVA’s medical school in May of 2000, he never imagined his mom would soon begin treatment at the teaching hospital where he had honed his clinical skills and put his empathy into practice.

He had just started his residency in internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia when his mother was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

At that point, Wadlow had been contemplating becoming a cardiologist like his stepfather. But after watching his mother’s battle—traveling with her to Texas for treatment in a clinical trial, sitting beside her at home after she entered hospice—he decided to pursue a career in oncology. He chose as his specialty the same illness that would take her life on Oct. 18, 2001.

“The care she received was unbelievably inspiring,” says Wadlow, 51, now

a medical oncologist and researcher at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Merrifield. “That’s what really led to my change of heart.”

EMILY COURIC WAS a powerhouse.

An Arlington native, author, high school botany teacher and two-term state senator (and older sister of journalist Katie Couric), she had just embarked on a campaign for lieutenant governor, sharing a ticket with Mark Warner, when she received her cancer diagnosis.

She dropped out of the race, ceding her candidacy to Tim Kaine, but continued her legislative duties while undergoing chemotherapy. She became an outspoken advocate for pancreatic cancer research.

“She was a fantastic mother,” Wadlow says, “and just so inspiring with the way she handled her cancer. She didn’t miss any votes for the state senate. She would go to the Medical College of Virginia and

get IV fluids when she was dehydrated and sick from chemo and still make it back for all of her sessions.”

She never quit, he says. So neither did he.

Wadlow was born at Inova Fairfax Hospital, just across the street from the medical campus where he works today. He moved with his mom to Charlottesville when he was in third grade, after his parents divorced and she remarried.

But Northern Virginia was his second home. On weekends, he traveled north to visit his dad, Raymond Clark Wadlow, an attorney living in Lake Barcroft, and his grandparents in Arlington, playing little league baseball and soccer in Arlington and Falls Church. Medicine wasn’t a lifelong dream. At Dartmouth College, Wadlow played piano and rugby, majored in art history and studied abroad in Italy. He contemplated going to law school—until his mother “started sending articles about

■ patient and kind

how miserable young corporate lawyers were,” he says. “She was getting into her political career and she helped me realize the importance of service.”

Observing the career of his stepfather, George Beller, he came to see medicine as a kind of service. He enrolled in pre-med classes and envisioned a different path, even though it meant maintaining a long-distance romance with his future wife, Jessica Drolet, whom he’d met at Dartmouth.

For a time, he and Drolet were in separate cities—she at Dartmouth, finishing her undergraduate degree, and then in New York, working on Wall Street; he in Boston, working as a hospital research assistant, then relocating to Charlottesville for med school at UVA. Eventually they were reunited when Drolet enrolled in UVA’s Darden School, where she earned her MBA.

THE COUPLE HAD just returned from their honeymoon in Bermuda in 2000 when Emily Couric received her cancer diagnosis and began treatment at the UVA medical center in Charlottesville.

During his residency in Philadelphia, Wadlow frequently spoke with and visited his mother and stepfather. “I think they tried to protect me,” he says. “When I came home intermittently for vacations and breaks, she was doing very well and still working.”

He accompanied them to San An-

tonio when his mom participated in a Phase 1 clinical trial with hopes of slowing her cancer’s progression. “As she got sicker, I was more involved,” he says. “But not having started my oncology fellowship yet, I didn’t fully understand all the details. I was straddling this line between young physician and son.”

He returned home to Charlottesville to be with his mother during her final days. “I don’t remember how long it was, but I was home for an extended period after she entered hospice and through the end of her life,” he says. “It was horrible and traumatic seeing her suffer. I never imagined my mother dying before I had a chance to have children so she could be a grandmother.”

Not to mention her political ambitions. He’d always assumed there was so much more she would do.

“After she died, my stepfather lobbied the university and Mark Warner to get a bunch of state funding,” he says. “They built a brand new, state-of-the-art cancer center at UVA that’s named after her, which is a huge part of her legacy.”

Arguably, so is Wadlow’s career. By 2004, the young doctor was working in a lab at the Dana-Farber Cancer In-

stitute in Brookline, Massachusetts, studying how cancer cells communicate with other cells in the body. He enjoyed the challenge and was passionate about the research, but he missed taking care of people.

Shifting gears, he began seeing patients as an oncologist at an affiliated clinic in Boston. In 2011, he moved with his family back to Virginia, ac-

Left: Wadlow with his mother and his brother Jeff during her first campaign for state senate in 1995. Below: Emily Couric with her second husband, cardiologist George Beller.

The doctor on a camping trip in Olympic National Park

Wadlow on a bike trip with his son, Colin, in Banff

cepting a position with Virginia Cancer Specialists in Fairfax. Having that human connection with patients is something he finds deeply meaningful, even when the prognosis is bleak.

“It’s a huge part of who I am,” he says. “It’s definitely a calling and provides me with a sense of purpose—not just the gratification of helping people but really being of service on a daily basis. Even if you can’t change the outcome, even when they have a terminal disease, it’s about caring. Just trying to make their quality of life as good as possible.”

EACH YEAR, MORE than 67,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 70% die within 12 months of diagnosis, making it the nation’s third deadliest cancer after lung and colorectal cancer. Roughly 8 in 10 patients with pancreatic cancer are already in advanced stages of the disease by the time they are diagnosed.

In 2020, Wadlow joined the Inova Schar Cancer Institute, where more than half of his patients have pancreatic cancer. The rest are being treated for colorectal and other GI cancers.

Early detection is a major focus of his work and ongoing research. “People have been nihilistic about pancreatic cancer screening for a long time,”

he says. “Forever it was sort of a death sentence. People died within months. If you were cured, you were extremely fortunate.”

He and his colleagues are aiming to change the odds by advocating annual screenings to catch cancer in its earlier stages. Abdominal MRIs and endoscopic ultrasound may offer early detection in patients with a family history or genetic predisposition for pancreatic cancer. The preliminary data have been promising. “We need to define ways to detect pancreatic cancer earlier when it’s more curable,” Wadlow explains.

The research community is currently working to develop a blood test that screens for pancreatic cancer, which he says will be more “cost effective” than other screening technologies.

In addition to family history, risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, abdominal obesity, inactivity, a diet high in processed foods and saturated fats, chronic pancreatitis, heavy alcohol use, and a history of alcoholic or hereditary pancreatitis. “Those are the big ones,” he says. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and unexplained back pain.

A few years ago, Wadlow’s aunt Katie Couric introduced him to Diane

Simeone, director of the Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. Simeone is also co-founder of the international Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium, which seeks to improve survival rates through early detection, screening and risk modeling.

Wadlow is enrolled as a patient in the PRECEDE study, in light of his family history (in addition to his mom, his great uncle also had pancreatic cancer). “I’m being proactive and getting screened,” he says. “I try to live a healthy life within reason. I try not to worry about it too much.” But the whatifs are always in the back of his mind.

In February 2022, Wadlow opened a research site for PRECEDE at the Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center off Gallows Road. As one of its principal investigators, he devotes a quarter of his time to disease research. He is also director of the Inova Schar Cancer Institute Hematology Oncology Fellowship program, a continuing education track for physicians specializing in GI cancers.

“We are making very, very modest improvements,” he says. Until recently, the five-year survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer was 5%. This year it’s projected to be 13%.

Wadlow with his wife, Jessica, and daughters, Grace and Emily, in Spain in 2024

■ patient and kind

He wishes he could go back in time, that his mother’s cancer could be detected early and that she could have been cured. “But I can’t,” he says. “It happened and it was terrible.”

In retrospect, witnessing her battle gave him a special kind of compassion for patients going through the same experience: “Things happen for a reason. It’s been a dominant part of my life. I can’t imagine a life of anything else.”

LAST SEPTEMBER , Wadlow was honored with The National Pancreas Foundation’s Clinical Excellence Award during the nonprofit’s annual Courage for a Cure gala, which raises money for pancreatic cancer research. Presenting the award was his stepfather, George Beller. The two remain quite close. Wadlow calls him a mentor, a role model and “really my best friend.”

“I loved my mother for marrying him,” he says.

Colleagues hold Wadlow in similar regard. “He’s a very conscientious doctor. He thinks a lot about his patients,” says Arthur Winer, a fellow oncologist at the Schar Center who lives in Arlington. “We collaborate all the time. I bounce cases off of him almost every day. I value his expertise and input in patient care.”

Timothy Cannon, a gastrointestinal oncologist who lives in Falls Church, describes Wadlow as “incredibly smart, compassionate and hard charging.”

Wadlow works long hours—more than 60 per week—but always makes it home in time for dinner with Jessica and whichever of their three kids are around. Their eldest daughter, Emily, is a junior majoring in religion and art history at Dartmouth. Their son, Colin, now finishing his first year at UVA, “is set on going to medical school,” says the oncologist. “He is very serious about his pre-med classes.”

Their younger daughter, Grace, 15, is finishing her freshman year at The Madeira School in McLean. A devoted

“Things happen for a reason. [My mother’s death has] been a dominant part of my life. I can’t imagine a life of anything else.”

foodie, she often cooks dinner for her parents and loves watching Grey’s Anatomy. Wadlow does the dishes.

They live in Herndon’s Oak Hill neighborhood, where Wadlow wakes at 5:30 a.m. to work out on the Peloton and treadmill in his basement. He attends a 7 a.m. men’s Bible study on Tuesday mornings and teaches Sunday school at Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna.

He loves museums and the opera (his favorite is the Marriage of Figaro), mountaineering, black-diamond skiing and cheering for the Commanders during football season. He reads fiction when he needs a break from the heaviness of his profession. In March, he was reading Arcadia by Lauren Groff. Other authors whose works resonate include Kazuo Ishiguro ( The Remains of the Day) and Marilynne Robinson (Gilead).

Over Memorial Day weekend, he and Jessica will return to the Bermuda resort where they honeymooned to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

“He somehow balances it all, which is really hard to do,” says his wife, a strategy and business consultant. “I call him my Renaissance man. He does everything.”

AT WORK, THE MAJORITY

of Wadlow’s time is devoted to patients like Francesca “Cina” Deaton, 75, a retired community preschool principal who was diagnosed with ovarian and peritoneal cancer in 2020.

“There’s often a lot of diagnostic confusion between ovarian cancer and metastatic GI cancers because both types can spread within the abdomen,” Wad-

low explains. The origins may not be immediately clear: “Is it an ovarian tumor or is it metastatic colon or stomach cancer that metastasized to the ovary? At first you can’t tell. Only when you get a biopsy does it all sort itself out.”

Deaton was referred to Wadlow before a biopsy confirmed that her cancer began in her ovaries. She didn’t want to switch doctors.

“Sometimes it’s traumatic and also delays things to have to switch to a different provider,” Wadlow says. “I was comfortable treating [her]. Back when I was with Virginia Cancer Specialists, I was doing a little bit of everything [so it wasn’t unfamiliar territory]. We got along well and she asked me to keep her. I think it’s worked out well.”

Now five years into her cancer journey, Deaton has faced setbacks. After an initial round of treatment, she remained cancer free until last July, when she learned it had returned.

At the time of this interview, she was receiving chemotherapy every three weeks. She and her husband, Larry, have been grateful for Wadlow’s calm, action-oriented approach, and especially his bedside manner.

“He’s such a great listener,” Deaton says, “so thoughtful and caring in a very genuine way. We’ve always felt like we were in good hands.”

“I just feel like he has a calling to do this,” she says. “I have a great deal of hope.” ■

Freelance writer Wendy Kantor lives in Herndon with her husband, children and her little dog, too.

Builders & Architects Profiles

TriVistaUSA Design + Build

Awards/Honors:

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Builder 2025

PRO Remodeler of the Year, 2025 Best of Houzz, 2024

Arlington Chamber of Commerce Service Small Business Award

Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award

3103 N. 10th St.

Arlington, VA 22201

703-243-3171

info@trivistausa.com www.trivistausa.com

TriVistaUSA Design + Build’s awardwinning build team is all about making clients happy—it’s their top priority. They work hand-in-hand with their design team on every project to meet their clients’ every need. Clients compliment their upfront process, which gives them a realistic preview into what the remodeling experience will be like. One client review sums it up perfectly: “The TriVistaUSA team was excellent—it’s the easiest renovation (despite being the biggest and most extensive one) we’ve experienced. It was a true white glove service, where they anticipated requests, questions and follow-ups.” They walk clients through the good, the challenging and the incredibly exciting after, so clients know exactly what to expect.

Leading their build team is Boyd Baggarly. With over 40 years of experience in the remodeling world, Baggarly is a trusted expert who oversees every detail of each project to make sure it’s on time and on budget. His attention to detail and commitment to clear communication ensure that clients get the best possible results, while making the entire process as effortless as possible.

TriVistaUSA Design + Build’s process is constantly being improved to better serve clients and provide value and communication throughout the entire remodel. They have developed a proprietary project planning system that allows them to pull projects forward—yes, ahead of schedule, when possible. Needless to say, their clients are delighted!

Alair Arlington

Awards/Honors:

NARI Regional Remodeler of the Year 2025

NVBIA Great American Living Award Winner 2024

NVBIA Custom Builder of the Year 2023, 2022

NARI Regional Contractor of the Year 2024, 2020, 2019

NARI National Contractor of the Year 2021

Arlington Green Home Choice Platinum Award 2020

NARI Community Service Award 2020

P.O. Box 100221

Arlington, VA 22210

703-791-1317

chad.hackmann@alairhomes.com www.AlairArlington.com

Under the leadership of long-time Arlingtonian and twenty-year industry veteran Chad Hackmann, Alair Arlington is an award-winning custom home builder and remodeler serving the D.C. metro region.

Alair’s expertise is working with Arlington’s small lots and setback requirements. “Whether navigating permitting, zoning, historic preservation or structural complexities, my team and I excel at intricate projects,” says Hackmann. Alair’s outstanding craftsmanship has received numerous industry top honors, including a 2025 NARI Regional Remodeler of the Year award.

Alair’s commitment to transparency sets them apart from competitors. Their proprietary Client Control®system empowers homeowners with 24/7 access to their project schedule and budget. Using this unique system, homeowners can seamlessly track every line item related to their projects, eliminating surprises and allowing them to control costs.

Additionally, each homeowner has a direct relationship with their project manager from concept through completion, giving them the one-on-one attention they deserve. One satisfied homeowner recently shared, “Our project manager was always responsive and detailoriented. I had a few unique design requests for the interior, and he was great at remembering everything and making it happen.”

Hackmann advises homeowners to research and understand how different builders scope and price their projects and to not settle for the lowest-cost bidder, assuming you will get the same quality, experience and value.

"Choosing a builder based only on proposed costs can compromise your vision and construction quality. Ensure you fully understand the finishes and services offered in each proposal and don’t discount the value of transparency, communication, and a strong track record."

Chad Hackmann, Regional Partner; Jason Chaney, General Manager; Andrew Hall, Project Manager; Jonathan Olarte, Project Manager; Maseeh Exeer, Project Manager

Arlington Designer Homes

ANDREW MOORE

Andrew Moore is President of Arlington Designer Homes. An Arlington native, he has served as a translator at the Arlington Free Clinic, on public school planning commissions and as President of the Custom Builders Council. ADHC has been presented with multiple “Best Green Building” Gala awards by the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA).

4719 N. 24th Road

Arlington, VA 22207

703-243-1752

arlingtondesignerhomes@gmail.com

www.arlingtondesignerhomes.com

Arlington Designer Homes Construction is a true custom builder specializing in green, energy efficient building. “As a true custom builder, we design our projects based upon what the customer needs and wants,” says company president Andrew Moore. “We use design opportunities to highlight the best aspects of the lot we are building on. Whether it is the direction that light travels or some other unique detail, we have the ability to create the design that best fits the site for our clients.”

Being an energy-efficient green builder means offering a higher standard of building. Arlington Designer Homes hires a third-party independent inspector to review their projects to ensure that the highest standards are met and exceeded. The result of this attention to detail is the cre-

ation of more comfortable and healthier houses for their customers.

Arlington Designer Homes has been doing custom new homes and remodeling for over four decades. “Whereas all projects are different, the processes through which we approach them are the same,” says Moore. “It all starts with our clients. We listen to our clients’ needs and see if we are a good fit for their expectations. In turn, we see if they are a good fit for our systems and processes.”

Arlington Designer Homes learns how their clients best communicate and works with them in that way, using tools such as weekly updates, their online client portal and on-site meetings. The ultimate goal is creating an open environment to support their clients. They build for the way you live!

DeFalco Home Design

TRIPP DEFALCO, AIA

Bachelor of Architecture, Syracuse University

Licensed Architect, Virginia & North Carolina

NCARB Certified to practice nationally

26 years practicing as an Architect

10 years managing a Design/Build firm

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Architect, 2022 & 2024

Specializing in new homes & whole-house renovation/additions

3409 N. Potomac St.

Arlington, VA 22213

703-483-2427

info@defalcohomedesign.com www.defalcohomedesign.com

DeFalco Home Design owner Tripp DeFalco spends a lot of time on construction sites. “I want my clients’ designs to be executed as we envisioned,” he says. “Though reviewing shop drawings and product submittals from the comfort of an architect’s office is helpful, there is no substitute for observing the build as it progresses.” Even under the best of conditions, builders will have questions and can make the occasional mistake. Without the presence of an architect to help both client and builder make decisions and solve inevitable issues, the process can be stressful and the end product disappointing.

For the firm’s architecture clients, this dedication translates into DeFalco having insider knowledge when working with

their builder. “It’s much easier to avoid an adversarial relationship between client and builder when the architect is able to offer an explanation for what may otherwise seem strange to someone outside the profession,” he says. Due to ongoing construction cost inflation and higher interest rates, clients ask how to manage these risks while still achieving their goals. DeFalco’s advice is twofold: First—focus on the essentials, and tailor the design to those functions or spaces that are absolutely critical to everyday living. “Nice to have” amenities can often be added later. Second— involve potential builders early in the design process, when scope changes can easily be made if cost estimates exceed the project budget.

Bowers Design Build

For 35 years, Bowers Design Build has honed an exceptional home renovation and new home construction experience. They offer a complete turn-key operation, with on-staff architects and interior designers creating customized designs and onstaff construction experts building with quality-minded project management skills. The entire Bowers team is committed to delivering a great experience for their clients.

6715 Whittier Ave., Suite 200

McLean, VA 22101

703-506-0845

info@bowersdesignbuild.com www.bowersdesignbuild.com

While Bowers Design Build’s singular goal is to create an extraordinary design and construction experience for our renovation clients, it has to start with a great design. Their on-staff architects focus on creating beautiful structures that enhance the functionality of the home. Their inhouse staff of interior designers guide clients through the detailed product selection process so that all finishes deliver on the client’s vision. After design is complete, their construction project managers and craftsmen bring the design to fruition with a detailed schedule and fixed “no surprises” budget. Their proven process provides clients with peace of mind.

“While winning industry awards for exceptional design and construction for more than 30 years is wonderful, the

true measure of the Bowers team’s success is happy clients,” says President John Coburn. “Our team of professionals goes above and beyond to ensure overall client satisfaction.” Proof that their hard work is paying off: recent results from independent survey research firm, GuildQuality.com, show that 100% of Bowers’ clients surveyed would recommend them to a friend.

Satisfied clients describe the Bowers Design Build team as creative, detail oriented, dedicated, honest, fair and great project managers. They recognize that their employees are talented people focused on customer care. In fact, many of Bowers’ customers have said they wouldn’t change a thing about their experience and 30% of their projects are with repeat customers.

Architect-Marc Prisco and Construction Site Manager Adam Metzger with client Elizabeth Ferrill in her newly renovated home

Yuri Sagatov

PRINCIPAL, ODE DESIGN (FORMERLY SAGATOV DESIGN+BUILD)

Yuri Sagatov has over 25 years of experience designing and building homes in Northern Virginia. He has lived in Arlington for 20 years and, along with his wife Michelle and two children, is heavily involved with Doorways, an Arlington-based nonprofit.

205 W. Jefferson St. Falls Church, VA 22046

703-534-2500 info@ode-design.com www.ode-design.com @ode_design_

While ODE Design creates beautiful, tangible homes, it’s the intangible that makes them special. Their homes have a heartbeat that is created in the deep relationships ODE Design develops with their clients. When they take on a project, they are 100% committed to creating something special.

ODE principal Yuri Sagatov is empathetic, creative, insightful and truly cares about the relationships between his team and clients. His team is incredibly compassionate and professional, and their ability to transform clients’ goals into sacred spaces for families is truly amazing.

“I love challenging projects and developing a home tailored to our client’s dreams and the natural constraints of the property,” says Sagatov. “Our design team skillfully balances functional goals, aesthetics, budgets and site constraints, co-creating homes that are both beautiful and practical. We take enormous pride that every detail in our homes is curated, considered and responsive to our clients’ goals.”

In addition to ODE, in 2025 Sagatov is launching a new company—Ateliers Jacob DC. It is the first USA flagship showroom for the Montreal-based cabinet manufacturer. “Our product and design are centered around wellness in the home,” says Sagatov. “Our primary focus is on designing, fabricating and installing premium cabinetry for kitchens, bathrooms and built-ins. Come visit us at ateliersjacob.com!”

MC3 Design

JOHN MCKENNA, AIA, NCARB AND MAYA CHEHAB WITH PUP, BELLINI

Awards/Honors:

Best Architects in McLean, BuildZoom Best of Houzz 2025 for Service

1308 Vincent Place McLean, VA 22101

202-599-7779

info@mc3group.com www.mc3group.com

The MC3 Design team doesn’t just build houses; they craft homes. A family-owned firm, they prioritize personal connections and truly understanding their client’s vision. MC3’s leadership combines architectural expertise with engineering acumen, ensuring both beautiful design and sound construction.

“Translating your vision into reality is our specialty,” says John McKenna, MC3’s principal architect and managing director. The MC3 team begins by listening intently to your ideas, needs and lifestyle. They then leverage their extensive experience and design expertise to develop a plan that captures the essence of your vision while adhering to budget and feasibility. “We’ll guide you through every detail from initial concept to the final finishing touches, ensuring the end product reflects your unique style and exceeds your expectations,” McKenna says.

MC3 provides its clients support from the very start. “We understand that building or renovating a home can be daunting,” says MC3’s Director of Design and Operations Maya Chehab. “That’s why we prioritize clear communication, transparency and meticulous project management.” MC3 handles every detail, keeping their clients informed and involved every step of the way. Their goal is to allow clients to focus on the excitement of seeing their dream home come to life.

While beautiful design is essential, a truly successful home must also be functional and sustainable. MC3 considers factors like energy efficiency, material durability and long-term value in every decision they make. Their architectural and engineering backgrounds ensure your home is not only beautiful, but also built to last.

Ed Ball Designs

Awards/Honors:

Home & Design Excellence Award: Best Outdoor Living Space Design, 2024

APLD International Landscape Design Award: Gold Award in the “Exquisite Garden Getaway Specialty Projects” Category, 2024

LCA Excellence in Landscape Award: Grand Award for Residential Outdoor Living Area, 2024

Seven-time Winner, Best of Houzz

12976 Hattontown Square, Oak Hill, VA 20171

703-433-1863 | contact@edballdesigns.com www.edballdesigns.com

Ed Ball has dedicated over 30 years to the landscape architecture industry, cultivating his passion for outdoor living spaces from an early age. What started as a childhood job mowing lawns evolved into a hands-on experience at a nursery in McLean during his teenage years, where he developed a deep appreciation for landscape design. This natural affinity for transforming outdoor environments led him to pursue formal education in landscape architecture and horticulture at Virginia Tech. Since then, he has focused his career on high-end residential projects throughout Northern Virginia, creating bespoke outdoor spaces that seamlessly blend aesthetics, functionality and nature.

For Ball, a successful design project is built on a foundation of deep client understanding and thoughtful collaboration. “I believe that truly listening to the client’s needs, lifestyle and vision is paramount,” he says. “Every project begins by considering how the client and their family intend to use the space—whether for entertaining, relaxation or functional outdoor living.”

Beyond the client’s aspirations, Ball’s design process factors in the unique characteristics of the space, such as terrain, surroundings and architectural context. The goal is to create a seamless extension of the home that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Because outdoor spaces are deeply personal, they should reflect the client’s personality and lifestyle in a way that feels natural and intentional.

His clients appreciate his keen eye for detail, his ability to problem-solve in complex spaces and his commitment to delivering highend, timeless designs that elevate the way they live outdoors.

Ballard + Mensua Architecture

SETH M. BALLARD, AIA, NCARB

Awards/Honors:

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Architect 2016, 2020

Arlington Magazine Top Vote Getter, Best Architect 2018, 2022

Northern Virginia magazine “Best of Northern Virginia” 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

DC Magazine – Best of DC 2023, Luxe List 2024 Best of Houzz 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022

Build magazine “Best Residential Architect” 2019, 2020, 2021

5185 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Suite 370 Washington, D.C. 20016

202-810-6555

seth@ballardmensua.com www.ballardmensua.com

As a full-service architecture firm specializing in unique and custom homes and renovations, Ballard + Mensua Architecture offers far more than the typical architecture firm. They will manage the entire project, from interior design, architecture, landscaping and hardscaping to finding and managing the contractor and subs from concept through completion. “Many architects just issue a permit set and do the outside architecture and get out of the project,” says Ballard + Mensua architect and principal Seth Ballard. “We believe it is important to have an architect as the point person for the project and have everything go through us.”

Ballard + Mensua’s process is designed to help their clients make every decision on a costinformed and design-option-informed basis. Their goal is to manage dreams within the reality of budget. “Many builders and even some architects limit owner choice and information,” says Ballard. “We keep our clients very informed. We are happy to make all of the decisions or to provide detailed information for clients that want to be more involved in design.”

What makes it all worthwhile for the Ballard + Mensua team is seeing their clients’ happiness and pride when showing off the firm’s work. They provide homes that function and flow better, with organized spaces for all of the living and working and playing that families do in their homes. “We work to make dreams come true and love to see the good effects of properly designed homes with good chi,” says Ballard.

Miller & Smith

With nearly 100 industry awards, including Best in American Living, multiple Great American Living Awards (GALA) and recognition for Best Interior Merchandising, Miller & Smith is a proven leader in innovative home design. For homebuyers, this means exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtfully designed spaces and a home that stands the test of time.

1960 Gallows Road, Suite 200

Vienna, VA 22182

703-468-8659

www.millerandsmith.com

For 60 years, Miller & Smith has been more than a homebuilder—it has been a visionary in creating communities that feel like home. Known for imaginative designs and award-winning craftsmanship, the company has shaped the landscape of the Washington, D.C. metro area with over 20,000 homes built across Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. Now, as the demand for quality new homes continues to rise, Miller & Smith is expanding its offerings while final opportunities remain in some of its most sought-after neighborhoods.

At Birchwood at Brambleton, a top 55+ community in Northern Virginia, the final Courtyard Home, a few single-family homes and newly released move-in ready brownstones are available—but not for long. Meanwhile, at Beacon Park at Belmont Bay, another sought-after 55+ com-

munity, homes are almost sold out. Don’t miss these rare opportunities!

As Miller & Smith expands, it is making its Richmond debut with Sadler Square, a brand-new 130-home community in Short Pump, VA, bringing the company’s signature style to an entirely new market. Additionally, this spring Miller & Smith is set to launch the next phase of Beacon Park, featuring all-new four-level townhomes with rooftop terraces, offering elevated, contemporary living for all ages.

For those looking for a home that is beautifully designed and built for the way people truly live, Miller & Smith continues to deliver. With a legacy of innovation, a commitment to community and new opportunities on the horizon, finding your dream home has never felt more like coming home.

James McDonald Associate Architects, PC

Awards/Honors:

Southeast Builders Conference/Florida Home Builder Association (2023)“Best on the Boards Custom” and “Best Custom Home” Northern Virginia Building Industry Awards (2023)—Grand Award: Custom Home of the Year; Award: Best Design and Architecture (4 awards); Award of Merit: Best Design and Architecture (3 awards); Best Interior Merchandising

10135 Colvin Run Road, Suite 200

Great Falls, VA 22066

(703) 757-0036

james@jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com www.jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com

This year marks the 16th anniversary for James McDonald Architect Associates, a residential design firm that has added signature projects to communities throughout the mid-Atlantic area and beyond. The firm’s projects range from small renovations and additions, to jewel box cottages, to grand estate homes. Their diversity in design style allows them to work on projects ranging from Miami contemporary to French provincial and anything in between.

James McDonald has been working on residential projects for the last 36 years in many capacities. “I have been the lead architect for a firm that did design-build remodeling, and I have worked on luxury production homes, townhomes and 600unit apartment buildings,” McDonald says. “Working across the residential design

field has allowed me to see and understand trends in the housing market.” This insight allows McDonald to advise clients when something goes against what the greater market may be looking for.

The design process starts in the initial meeting. “After some conversation about wants, wishes and needs, we start sketching floor plan and elevation ideas right in front of the client,” McDonald says. “This allows us to try multiple ideas and design directions very quickly and further define the project design parameters.” This brings everyone into the design process and creates a vision of the project from the initial meeting. All that hard work eventually pays off: “When we get toward completion and a client tells me that the project exceeds their dreams—that is why we do our job.”

Stanley Martin Custom Homes

MICHAEL SCHNITZER & JOHN JORGENSON

Stanley Martin Custom Homes creates an enjoyable experience by maintaining a focus on client satisfaction and delivering construction excellence. Building a home is a once-in-a-lifetime experience— Stanley Martin Custom Homes delivers homes for the best value while providing personalized service.

11710 Plaza America Drive, Suite 950

Reston, VA 20190

703-352-3000

www.WeBuildOnYourLot.com

Stanley Martin Custom Homes’ process has been meticulously refined so the customer has the best experience from start to finish. Because the company dovetails with Stanley Martin Homes, they are able to leverage buying power, floorplans and back-office systems to bring their customers the best price and experience.

They offer two ways to buy with different experiences. One is called Affordability/Efficiency, which allows clients to select from new and modern designs and choose finishes from the design studio. This method leverages their parent company’s resources and customers are unburdened so they can enjoy the homebuilding experience. The other experience is Luxury/Complexity, which leverages practices more akin to commercial construction. While this requires additional time, it offers a higher level of project management.

Whichever process they choose, prospects and buyers rave about Stanley Martin Custom Homes’ digital assets, which help them understand the pricing as well as the building process. Their pricing and floorplans are online at www.WeBuildOnYourLot.com, and they also offer comprehensive pricing spreadsheets which detail the costs of upgrades.

In 2001, Michael Schnitzer was awarded "Best Home Built in America" by the National Association of Home Builders. He won the award as a result of meticulous design and impeccable craftsmanship. “This award validated our processes in building homes focused on Luxury/Complexity,” says Schnitzer. He and the team at Stanley Martin Custom Homes apply this same design philosophy to every home they build. Their motto is simple: A great experience and craftsmanship are achieved by starting with the end in mind.

BOLT Builders

JUSTIN OLEWACK

BOLT Builders: DESIGNED WITH PURPOSE, built on quality. We believe great building is rooted in integrity, relationships are built on trust and respect, craftsmanship is enamored with details, and quality is driven by control.

8472 Tyco Road, 2nd floor Vienna, VA 22182

703-525-0719

justin@boltdevelopmentgroup.com www.boltbuilt.com

BOLT Builders is a premier provider of new construction, extensive remodels, renovations, additions, and outdoor structures. Their team-centric approach ensures seamless project coordination, delivering exceptional craftsmanship and a stressfree client experience.

Known for tackling complex, custom projects, BOLT Builders has earned a reputation for excellence—whether merging two condos into a single, cohesive home or designing a custom residence that perfectly aligns with a client’s vision. They specialize in remodeling, additions, and new home construction, consistently overcoming challenges with expertise and precision.

“Many builders focus solely on new homes, some remodelers specialize only in bathrooms or kitchens, and others claim to do it all but lack the track record, processes, and ability to manage quality,

budgets, and schedules effectively,” says founder Justin Olewack. “We bring all that and more. Our team is made up of highly trained professionals who are masters of their craft.”

The strength of BOLT Builders lies in its diverse team of specialists. Some project managers focus on structural framing, others bring expertise in foundation and structural construction, while others excel in custom finishes of intricate designs. This well-rounded skill set ensures every aspect of a project is executed with precision.

At BOLT Builders, collaboration and best practices drive every project. With extensive experience in new home construction, remodeling, and custom additions, they are true experts in the field—ready to take on any challenge. If you're looking for a team that delivers quality, integrity, and exceptional results, BOLT Builders is the right choice.

From Left: (back) Dustin Wince and Eliseo Flores; (front) Daniel Salome, Paul Walhout, Suzette Conrad, Gigi Dresser, Juan Solis, Kevin McLister, and Justin Olewack

EL Studio

Awards/Honors:

AIA Potomac Valley 2023 Design Award for Excellence in Residential Design, Lincoln St Residence

AIA Northern Virginia 2023 Merit Award in Commercial Interiors, Momentous Sports Medicine

The Architect’s Newspaper 2023 Best of Product, Outdoor Furniture, Mobile Marketplace 2023 NKBA Design Awards, First Place— Large Kitchen, Kent Residence

1319 Naylor Court, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 202-365-3598 | info@elstudioarch.com elstudioarch.com

EL Studio is an award-winning architecture and design firm dedicated to experimentation, collaboration and advocacy. They specialize in innovative design within challenging constraints and eagerly tackle complex problems through research and testing. The company’s commitment to rethinking the standard uses of techniques and materials allows them to develop unique solutions for each project in collaboration with their design partners. EL acts as their clients’ advocates, addressing their current and future needs while promoting equitable and sustainable design. Their hands-on approach ensures that the spaces they design are not only visually appealing but also finely crafted and comfortable to live in.

“The highest measure of success we can imagine is building a sustaining relationship with a client—or a house,” says EL Studio principal and co-founder Mark Lawrence. A notable example of this is a home in Arlington for which EL completed several projects over the course of about five years, including a significant renovation and addition to the roof. Things were quiet for about eight or so years but when the homeowners sold the property, they recommended EL to the new owners who have now reached out to the team to make further updates.

“This opportunity to revisit and enhance a past project with more improvements with a wonderful new client not only highlights the enduring quality of our work but also the trust and confidence our clients place in us,” says Lawrence.

BOWA

MARK FIES & ROB LUCAS

BOWA is a trusted, award-winning designbuild firm specializing in luxury renovations ranging from single-room upgrades to whole-home remodels.

Awards/Honors:

PRO Remodeler of the Year: Entire House

Over $750,000, Residential Detached Structure, Residential Interior $250,000$50,000

NARI Regional Remodeler of the Year: Entire House Over $1,000,000, Residential Bath Over $150,000

7900 Westpark Drive, Suite A180

McLean, VA 22102

703-734-9050

www.bowa.com

An award-winning design-build firm, BOWA specializes in luxury renovations ranging from single-room upgrades to wholehome remodels. With over 80% of projects from referrals and returning clients, BOWA is a trusted name serving clients throughout the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia region for more than 35 years.

Rob Lucas and Mark Fies are not just project leaders at BOWA; they are the trusted advisors that high-end Arlington homeowners turn to when remodeling. Their deep understanding of the area, homeowner needs and remodeling challenges sets them apart. With BOWA’s deep roots in the D.C. metro area, Rob and Mark have honed their expertise in creating luxury remodeling experiences that feel effortless for homeowners.

“The density of homes and wide range

of different types of older and newer homes makes Arlington unique,” says Fies. “You can drive in two blocks and be in a completely different neighborhood with a completely different type of home.” BOWA believes in retaining these unique qualities. “We look at what is there and strive to respect the existing architecture while balancing what clients want,” Lucas says. Most of BOWA’s clients are either busy professionals, busy parents or both. BOWA’s concierge level of service allows them to create the design of their dreams without investing as much time as they would with other companies. BOWA understands the client’s master plan and their “why,” and helps set realistic expectations when it comes to the design and build timeline and budget. The end result is a seamless experience with a stunning outcome.

Blue Notes

A tranquil library for busy working parents strikes just the right tone.

SUSAN SUTTER’S CLIENTS were expecting their first child, and they were already thinking about acoustics. One of the requested features in the new home they were building in Lyon Village was a library and designated quiet zone.

“They wanted a retreat away from the hubbub where they could read, take a phone call or do some work,” says the Arlington designer, who partnered with Falls Church builder BCN Homes to handle the home’s interior selections. Completed in spring 2024, the house features a cool palette of ocean shades that flow from room to room. Most spaces have crisp, white walls offset with soothing blue-gray accents. In the library, however, Sutter flipped the script, allowing Benjamin Moore’s slate-blue “Amsterdam” paint to predominate.

“This is more of a medium moody vibe, with saturated walls, trim and shelving,” she says. “A particular requirement in this house, which is more than 6,500 square feet with 10-foot ceilings, was making spaces feel cozy in spite of the home’s size.”

Custom painted bookcases by Twin Diamond Studios in Dunkirk, Maryland, wrap the room to convey a feeling of intimacy. The soft furnishings include a natural wool rug, leather ottoman and custom seating in a velvety performance fabric that Sutter says is easily washable with dish soap. “Builtin drawers on either side of the sofa are pull-out desktops where you can sit with a laptop,” she adds.

Gold accents, including a light fixture by Visual Comfort, provide contrasting textures and warmth. A framed floral painting by Florida artist Steven Ward (not shown) is a piece the owners discovered while strolling through the annual Arlington Festival of the Arts in Clarendon.

And it really is used as a library, Sutter says. The items pictured on the shelves have since been replaced with tomes from the couple’s sizable book collection. ■

PROJECT CREDITS: Susan Sutter Interiors, sutterinteriors.com

BCN Homes, bcnhomes.com

Twin Diamond Studios, twindiamonds.com

February’s Most Expensive Home Sales

22201 (Arlington)

2011 N. Hancock St.

List Price: $2.14 million

Sale Price: $2.3 million

Days on Market: 4

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: Lyon Village

Year Built: 1937

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22202 (Arlington)

2772 Fort Scott Drive

List Price: $1.6 million

Sale Price: $1.6 million

Days on Market: 13

Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty

Neighborhood: Aurora Hills

Year Built: 1948

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22203 (Arlington)

810 N. Abingdon St.

List Price: $1.83 million

Sale Price: $1.89 million

Days on Market: 6

Listing Office: eXp Realty

Neighborhood: Bluemont

Year Built: 1939

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/0

22204 (Arlington)

5727 5th Road S.

List Price: $1.75 million

Sale Price: $1.76 million

Days on Market: 19

Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty

Neighborhood: Glencarlyn

Year Built: 1960

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

This information, courtesy of Bright MLS as of March 17, 2025, includes homes sold in February 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.

8230 Weller Ave., McLean SALE PRICE: $5.5 MILLION

■ prime numbers

22205 (Arlington)

5307 20th St. N.

List Price: $2.35 million

Sale Price: $2.33 million

Days on Market: 91

Listing Office: Coldwell Banker Realty

Neighborhood: Broyhill Heights

Year Built: 2024

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22206 (Arlington)

2244 S. Glebe Road

List Price: $1.1 million

Sale Price: $1.1 million

Days on Market: 7

Listing Office: Pearson Smith Realty

Neighborhood: Townes at South Glebe

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22207 (Arlington)

2909 N. Edison St.

List Price: $3.7 million

Sale Price: $3.7 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: Rock Spring

Year Built: 2025

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22209 (Arlington)

1530 Key Blvd., #904

List Price: $1.6 million

Sale Price: $1.59 million

Days on Market: 24

Listing Office: RLAH @properties

Neighborhood: Rosslyn

Year Built: 1986

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22213 (Arlington)

2838 N. Rochester St.

List Price: $2.1 million

Sale Price: $2.35 million

Days on Market: 4

Listing Office: Real Broker

Neighborhood: Berkshire Oakwood

Year Built: 2011

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22101 (McLean)

1100 Balls Hill Road

List Price: $3.29 million

Sale Price: $3.29 million

Days on Market: 36

Listing Office: Innovation Properties

Neighborhood: West Langley

Year Built: 2025

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22102 (McLean)

8230 Weller Ave.

List Price: $5.5 million

Sale Price: $5.41 million

Days on Market: 98

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: Dogwoods

Year Built: 2024

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/3

22041 (Falls Church)

6393 Lakeview Drive

List Price: $1.19 million

Sale Price: $1.2 million

Days on Market: 5

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Neighborhood: Lake Barcroft

Year Built: 1956

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22042 (Falls Church)

6610 Barrett Road

List Price: $1.94 million

Sale Price: $1.94 million

Days on Market: 2

Listing Office: DSA Properties & Investments

Neighborhood: Bel Air

Year Built: 2024

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22043 (Falls Church)

7619 Leonard Drive

List Price: $1.3 million

Sale Price: $1.45 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: KW United

Neighborhood: Pimmit Hills

Year Built: 2013

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22044 (Falls Church)

6633 Van Winkle Drive

List Price: $2.2 million

Sale Price: $2.18 million

Days on Market: 6

Listing Office: Corcoran McEnearney

Neighborhood: Rich E Land

Year Built: 2006

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22046 (Falls Church)

205 Poplar Drive

List Price: $1.25 million

Sale Price: $1.24 million

Days on Market: 79

Listing Office: Weichert, Realtors

Neighborhood: Greenway Downs

Year Built: 1948

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 2/1

2909 N. Edison St., Arlington SALE PRICE: $3.7 MILLION

Real Estate Sales Trends

22201

22206

22202

22207

22203

22209

22204

22213

22205

22102

22041

22042

22043

22044

22101

22046

Tastes

of Japan

Mini taiyaki (fishshaped waffles) ($3.99) filled with red bean paste, matcha cream, custard cream or chocolate cream.

Move over H Mart, Great Wall and 99 Ranch. Tysons has a new Asian market and it’s a stunner.

Opened in January, the 18,000-square foot Marufuji Japanese Market is a Japanophile’s dream, chockablock with (mostly Japanese) food products, plus some home goods thrown in.

I drooled roaming aisles stocked with imported snacks, condiments and spices before moving on to the meat and seafood cases, where the premium goodies include various cuts of Wagyu beef, cooked Kurobota pork, fresh uni (sea urchin) and Hokkaido scallops, not to mention to the pristine tuna otoro and assorted sashimi I took home for dinner.

Marufuji’s 48-seat counter-service café is a destination unto itself, serving espresso and matcha drinks, small plates, donburi, handrolls and chirashi, as well as gyudon—warm rice bowls topped with thinly sliced Washugyu beef in a sweetened soy broth with scallions and pickled ginger ($10-$17.49). Try the negi onsen tamago gyudon topped with a runny poached egg.

Ready for a shopping trip? Here are a few of the grocery items I found intriguing.

For a playful kids’ activity, Kracie brand Popin’Cookin’ DIY no-bake candy food kits ($5.99) provide easy instructions for turning fruit-flavored gels into molds resembling familiar foods (think ramen, gyoza and doughnuts with assorted toppings). My favorite is a candy likeness of cheeseburgers with fries, ketchup and a fizzy cola drink. “So cute and so fun” the label promises—and delivers.

Premium Waygu beef

Fresh imported uni (sea urchin)

Find fresh cream puffs in the cafe pastry case, or take home a box of frozen Hokkaido Food Concourse brand cream puffs ($10.29) filled with vanilla cream, sold in packs of two.

Prepared foods include chirashi bowls ($12.99), assorted sushi rolls ($6.99 to $8.49) and a tonkatsu bento bowl ($14.99).

(marinated

from

Kimino brand carbonated white peach, yuzu or appleflavored drinks ($3.59), delicious on their own or as mixers.

Karen brand individual cheesecake cups ($7.89) in various flavors, including chocolate brownie, gorgonzola, pancake maple syrup, lemon fromage and strawberry brownie.

Otafuku brand shrimp and squid okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancake) with Japanese barbecue sauce, bonito flakes and green seaweed powder ($5.79). They come frozen and can be microwaved or pan-fried.

Kumagawa Artisans green ume plum puree or yuzu marmalade ($12.99), perfect for spreading on toast or adding to cocktails for extra oomph. maruichius.net

"Maruchiki"

fried chicken)

the deli counter ($4.50)

Le

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 fare such as stuffed cabbage, mushroom pilav and rotisserie meats. O R L D G V $$

Anita’s New Mexico Style Bar & Grill

3444 Fairfax Drive, 571-290-0659, anitascorp. com. The chainlet has 10 NoVA locations serving 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, arcade games 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 $$

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 and food truck cooks with locally sourced, certified Angus beef and cagefree, 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 cookies, cocktail fixings, small plates, bubbly and gifts 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

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

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls HAWKEYE JOHNSON

■ places to eat

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 Thai spring rolls and khao soi noodles from this outdoor kiosk in National Landing’s Water Park. O L D $$

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, or go for a “chef’s choice” selection and be surprised. 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 $$

The Café by Kitchen of Purpose

918 S. Lincoln St., 703-596-1557, kitchenofpur pose.org/cafe. Operated by the nonprofit Kitchen of Purpose, this lunch spot serves soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries and Swing’s coffee. L 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. Mark Handwerger’s garage-themed watering hole has pool, pub grub and an extensive beer list, including “house” suds brewed at sister bar the Board Room. D A $

Cava

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-652-7880; 4121 Wilson Blvd., 703-310-6791; cava.com. Build your own salad, wrap or bowl with an array of Greek dips, spreads, proteins and toppings. L D G V $$

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 food truck) run by Nevi Paredes and his daughter, Yorktown alum Elizabeth Marquez. L D $

Epic Smokehouse

1330 S. Fern St., 571-319-4001, epicsmoke house.com. Wood-smoked meats and seafood served in a modern setting. O R L D G $$$

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

About Us

Enjoy a sophisticated experience in our restaurant and bar where every taste is a masterpiece composed by culinary chef Kamilia Jackson and tea sommelier Dacey Goodwin.

Indulge in our all day Al La Carte menu, plant based options, and modern desserts. Savor afternoon and high tea towers, refined by chef’s sustainable nutrition studies at Harvard and tea sommelier’s unique aroma specialist degree.

ArTeA Signatures are gracefully paired with organic loose-leaf teas, tea-based wines, mocktails, and tea flights–creating elegance in every sip and bite.

Serving all day A La Carte Brunch, Afternoon Tea and High Tea.

■ places to eat

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 $$$

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 (try the burger blending brisket, short rib and pork belly) and classy 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 and Filipino fried chicken to a Kamala Harris-inspired coconutcurry chicken and rice bowl. O R L D G V $$

Inca Social 1776 Wilson Blvd., 703-488-7640, incasocial.com.

Colada Shop

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 $

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 and hibachi dishes, plus traditional and signature sushi rolls. 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.” Try 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 at this Westpost café. Or splurge for omakase. 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. Chef Samer Zeitoun’s menu centers on the flavors

of Lebanon, Turkey and Greece in dishes such as hand-rolled grape leaves, 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), luckydanger.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.

■ places to eat

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 Ballston eatery is known for 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 for two and other enticing plates at this Ballston 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 at chef Rock Harper’s kiosk in the Water Park at National Landing. 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. Try Roman-style rectangular pies with toppings such as eggplant, pepperoni, smoked bacon or hot honey. The menu also includes 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 $$

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 $$

Salt s

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-0491, saltrosslyn.com. The speakeasy-style cocktail bar serves cheese plates and carpaccio, classic sazeracs and old-fashioneds, as well as 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 $

South Block

3011 11th St. N., 703-741-0266; 1550 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-8423; 4150 Wilson Blvd., 703-4658423; 2121 N. Westmoreland St., 703-534-1542; 1350 S. Eads St., 703-465-8423; southblock.com. Cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls.

O B L V $

Spice Kraft Indian Bistro

1135 N. Highland St., 703-527-5666, spicekraft

■ places to eat

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. Dig into beef birria tacos, crispy stuff mulitas and other Mexican street foods. D A V $$

Tatte Bakery and Café

2805 Clarendon Blvd., 571-312-8691; 269 19th Court S., 571-357-1470; tattebakery.com. Grab a breakfast sandwich, tartine, panini or grain bowl

from the all-day menu, or keep it simple with a coffee and pastry. O B R L D G V $

Ted’s Bulletin & Sidekick Bakery

4238 Wilson Blvd. #1130 (Ballston Quarter), 703848-7580, tedsbulletin.com. The retro comfort food and all-day breakfast place has healthier fare, too— which you can undo with a visit to its 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 Danger, 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, street-art murals 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 whimsical covered patio. 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 $$

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, coconut chicken or one of the many meatless options, and maybe catch some live outdoor music. Closed Mondays. 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 in this Falls Church meetup spot has something for everyone, from ancient grain bowls to jambalaya, burgers and coconutcurry salmon. O C R L D A V $$

Dolan Uyghur

400 S. Maple Ave., 833-693-6526, dolanuyghur.

Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ

■ places to eat

com. Order noodles, kebabs and Uyghur and Dolan specialties such as kawa manta (steamed dumplings stuffed with pumpkin and peppers) and stirfried crispy shrimp. 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 kimchi bouillabaisse, fennel rigatoni and other award-winning dishes at this award-winning 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. Grab Texas-style smoked meats, Tex-Mex eats (tacos, nachos, queso and wings) and tequila drinks 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 Michelin-starred Mayd¯an, a lively kebab concept (with a great bar) that allows diners to mix-and-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 $$

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-

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 spicy noodles, dumplings, mapo tofu and other Asian comfort foods, plus 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 an on-site cafe serving 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

■ places to eat

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, and the dining room resembles an old-fashioned train station. 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 $$

Starr Hill Biergarten

1805 Capital One Drive, starrhill.com. Anchoring The Perch, an 11-story-high sky park, this indooroutdoor beer garden offers more than 20 brews on tap, and snacks like soft pretzels with beer cheese. Grab a brew and a seat by the adjacent outdoor amphitheater to watch a game or live music.

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 $$$

Wiseguy Pizza

Weddings

Mitzvahs

SocialSceneEventsisafull servicefirm, with over 20 yearsexperience.Wewillworkcloselywithyou to coordinateaspectacularevent. OurservicesInclude:

• Weddings

• Commitment Ceremonies

• Anniversary Celebrations

• Milestone Events

• Mitzvahs

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local ■ by Jamie McCrary

Cool for Kids

These fun things for youngsters to read, play with and wear are sure to draw smiles.

Inspire Imagination

Created by the parents of Montessori students, Blueberry & Third ’s handcrafted wooden play furniture and activity boards ($34-$299) are designed to promote openended play and imagination. “We really value hands-on learning and want other families to experience this joy,” says co-founder Nikki Benbenek, who owns and operates the Ashburn-based workshop with her husband, Brian. The toys in their catalog are made with high-quality Baltic birch wood and coated with a sustainable water-based finish. Order products online or in-person after your kids give them a test drive at The Toy Nest in Falls Church. blueberryandthird.com

Picture This

Sue Pyatt’s illustrated Amanda books were written to inspire young girls to dream big. “And what’s greater than dreaming of becoming president?” says the Arlington author, who also co-owns Kinder Haus Toys in Clarendon. The three-book series ($17-$19) follows 8-yearold Amanda’s imaginative journey to become POTUS, featuring “fanciful” illustrations of famous D.C. landmarks and an interstellar adventure to Mars. Visit Kinder Haus to purchase the first book in the series, Call Me Madame President, and get 50% off the second. Pyatt’s most recent book, D.C. Daniel—Washington Superhero, tells the story of a Capitol Hill boy fighting to save the world. kinderhaus.com

Play With Prints

Fashionable tots will find plenty to love about Noctiluna screen-printed duds for kids ($30 and up). Textile artist Chitra Sharma handprints her designs on organic cotton wares from eco-friendly clothing company Colored Organics, then heat-presses each item to ensure lasting quality. “I want to make heirloom shirts that people can pass down,” says the Vienna-based maker. Spring and summer-themed designs include cheeky mermaid onesies, “cool cat” tanks and island life tees featuring multi-layer beach waves and palm trees. And yes, she sells adultsized T-shirts, too. noctiluna.com

Fuel the Force

Looking for a creative gift for an aspiring young Jedi? Fuel your galaxy defender’s fandom with a Star Wars plushie from Mimi Crochet Apparel, just in time for May the Fourth (be with you). Textile artist Maliyah Henry’s Star Warsthemed repertoire includes Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia ($42), Chewbacca ($55) and light sabers ($15), hand-stitched with either jewel- or mono-toned hypoallergenic yarn. Her crocheted creations also include superhero beanies, flirty apparel and ”forever flowers” sold as single stems or bouquets. mimicrochetapparelllc.square.site

All Over the Map

Artists have flocked to Chestertown, Maryland, for years. Now its quaint streets and leafy parks are home to a sprawling, contemporary sculpture walk.

BY CHRISTINE KOUBEK FLYNN

A LIFELIKE PACK of “Wolves” created by English sculptor Sally Matthews is just one of the many art installations that have turned a stroll around historic Chestertown, Maryland, into a captivating game of search and discovery.

The walkable downtown—named a “distinctive destination” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its 18th- and 19th-century architecture—is also an enclave of galleries, artist studios and the new Kent Cultural Alliance Resident Artist Program.

Founded in 1706 along the Chester River, Chestertown was Maryland’s second busiest port city in the mid-18th

century, and is home to Washington College, the nation’s 10th-oldest college. Today, it’s also a thriving arts community.

I first learned about the Woicke Sculpture Collection—23 large-scale works gifted to the town by art patrons Peter and Hanna Woicke—during a spring 2023 tour led by Ben Tilghman, an associate professor of art history at Washington College and chair of the Chestertown Public Arts Committee.

Though he teaches medieval art, Tilghman describes contemporary art and sculpture as his “first love.” He moved to Chestertown eight years ago and was excited to learn that it had a

public art masterplan in the works. Back then, the newly formed arts committee was looking for “art of the moment,” he says.

Since then, Tilghman (a descendant of the Eastern shore family for whom Tilghman Island is named) has worked with John Schratwieser, director of the Kent Cultural Alliance, and various artists and community members to thoughtfully plan the placement of each sculpture in the Woicke collection.

“I’m just constantly in awe of the [local] talent, energy, and goodwill,” he says. “Chestertown is a lively, vibrant place because there’s a real spirit of working together to make things happen here.”

The 2023 tour with Tilghman was arranged, in part, by Hilari and Dave Rinehart, owners of Brampton 1860, a historic inn on the outskirts of town. Our group met up at “Broad Reach,” a massive steel wave sculpture by American artist David Hess, installed in Wilmer Park in 2016 as the town’s first commissioned work. The structure’s evocation of a rolling sea frames views of tall grasses in the distance alongside the Chester River. (Fun fact: Hess and his son Eli are also the creators of “Fire Lines,” a bronze and steel sculpture affixed to the facade of Arlington County’s Fire Station 10 on Wilson Boulevard.)

At that point, only a handful of contemporary pieces in the Woicke collection had been installed. Others were soon to find permanent homes in various pub-

“Wolves” by Sally Matthews

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lic locations around Chestertown—from Sumner Hall, an African American museum, to the small Betty Ann Connolly Park, which honors a longtime champion of Chestertown’s trees.

The acquired works, Tilghman explained, were a reflection of Peter and Hanna Woicke’s international travels and love of art. Peter was an executive at the World Bank. Hanna served as curator at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey after studying art history at the University in Saarbrücken in Germany. When the couple, who live in St. Michael’s, Maryland, decided to donate the entire collection as a set, they chose Chestertown for its support of the arts and its careful attention to how the pieces would be presented for public enjoyment.

Leading us toward the historic district, a charming enclave of Georgian, Queen Anne and Federal style architecture, Tilghman noted how the Woike pieces were intentionally scattered throughout town—not concentrated in a single sculpture garden—so that the townspeople could live among them.

“There is all sorts of research that

public art has great public health benefits,” he said.

We stopped by Robert Ortiz Studios on South Cross Street, where custom furniture maker Robert Ortiz creates commissioned pieces after taking clients to a Pennsylvania farm where they can select their preferred wood, often walnut or cherry.

Next, we walked around the corner to the Diane Rappisi Fine Art Studio, whose namesake artist, known for her painterly portraits and landscapes, also exhibits and teaches at the Academy Art Museum in Easton. Students travel from afar to attend her classes and workshops focusing on figurative, stilllife and landscape painting.

At Massoni Art, an elegant gallery and fixture in the Chestertown art scene for more than 35 years, we chatted with owner Carla Massoni before strolling to an intimate pocket park, where a handcarved wooden sculpture, “Ancient Connection” by Walter Bailey, had taken on a silvery patina.

By the time we paused for a break in Fountain Park near the circa-1899 “Hebe Fountain” (crowned by a classi-

cal representation of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth and beauty, and cupbearer to the gods), I was smitten. I made a mental note to revisit this mesmerizing town at a future date for more arts immersion.

“The Dance” by Shakiru-Ola Erogbogbo

Lee Kelly’s “Inchworm (for John Coltrane)”

“Woicke’s Owl,” by Don Rambadt

MAKING GOOD ON that goal, I returned to Chestertown in December 2024. By then, some 17 sculptures in the Woicke collection had taken up permanent residence in public spaces.

My first stop was the 5-foot-tall “Reading Dog” by Jay Lagemann that greets bibliophiles outside the rear entrance to the town library. Cast in bronze, the whimsical canine figure conjured memories of many a good evening spent reading with my sons before tucking them into bed.

Next, I made my way to “The Dance,” a striking steel work by Shakiru-Ola Erogbogbo depicting a Nigerian woman performing a ritual dance. Composed of found objects welded together, the figure stands outside Sumner Hall, a circa-1908 structure (restored in 2014) and one of only two African American Grand Army of the Republic buildings still standing in the U.S. Now

a museum, the building houses a performance stage, social hall and gallery.

This year, Lee Kelly’s “Inchworm (for John Coltrane)” was installed at the head of the Wayne Gilchrest Trail, aka the Chestertown Rail Trail, in an intentional nod to Coltrane’s nickname, “Trane.” The title of the work references a composition the legendary musician adopted and added to his repertoire. The sculpture’s swirling steel forms pay homage to Coltrane’s fluid style.

The final remaining works in the Woicke collection are scheduled to be permanently installed in May. They include three bird-inspired forms by American artist Don Rambadt, and a 7-foot-tall feminist depiction of a woman reaching for the sky by the late Ella Tulin. The latter figure, titled “Fully Empowered,” served as a centerpiece for the United Nations’ “Progress of the World’s Women” exhibit in 2000.

Collage artist and author Marianne Sade, a member of the Chestertown Public Arts Committee, says she delights in observing public reactions to the art—from children patting the heads of the “Wolves” to lively debates over the meaning or message behind a particular piece.

“They have the ability to transform, uplift and engage us in conversations about possibility,” Sade says.

Heading out to revisit the “Wolves” among the trees in Wilmer Park—just as their creator, Sally Matthews, envisioned them—I was reminded of the initial concerns of a few locals that the lupine figures might scare young children.

But as I approached the pack, a chubby-cheeked preschooler let go of his mother’s hand and ran gleefully toward the lead wolf, looking straight into its squinted blue-gray eyes, and gave it a long hug.

“Broad Reach” by David Hess

“Fully Empowered” by Ella Tulin

If You Go

Things to Do

Pick up a walking tour map for the Woicke Sculpture Collection at the Kent Cultural Alliance site (101 Spring Ave.) or the Kent County Public LibraryChestertown (408 High St.). You can also read about the collection and its artists at chestertownpublicarts.com. For architecture aficionados, a Walking Tour of Historic Chestertown Architectural Guide, published by kentcounty.com, is available at area inns.

Carla Massoni of Massoni Art (113 S. Cross St., massoniart.com) collaborates with architects, interior design firms and art consultants to curate artworks in settings ranging from corporate offices and SoHo lofts in New York City to American embassies throughout the world. Spring exhibitions at the gallery

include landscape paintings of water and reeds, workboats and watermen by two of its most popular artists.

Diane Rappisi Fine Art Studio (241B High St., rappisiart.com) is a gallery, working art studio and teaching space helmed by a contemporary realist painter whose portraits are rendered in oil, pastel, charcoal and graphite.

At Hegland Glass Studio (315 High St., Suite 103, heglandglass.com), founders Patti and Dave Hegland specialize in kilnformed art glass, including intricately colored bowls and platters.

Discover rising artists at the Kent Cultural Alliance at the Raimond Cultural Center (101 Spring Ave., kentculture.org), which hosts working artists in residence. Current works exploring food themes will be on display from May 2 through the end of June.

Take a class at RiverArts Chestertown (ctownra.org), which offers art instruction and workshops to participants of all ages, including a clay studio and “Kidspot” with free art activities on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon.

The annual Chestertown Tea Party Festival (chestertownteaparty.org), held May 23-25 this year, is the town’s oldest and largest festival. It celebrates Chestertown’s famed

A Colonial reenactment during Chestertown’s annual Tea Party Festival

Shopping in Chestertown

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© Kristin Sweeting Photography

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resistance to British rule with a tea toss reenactment, Colonial parade, street performances and strolling musicians, as well as 5K and 10-mile runs.

The National Music Festival (nationalmusic.us), coming June 1-14, welcomes international musicians to perform orchestral and chamber works. Rehearsals and many concerts are free.

Where to Eat & Drink

The Retriever Bar (337½ High St., theretrieverbar.com) has an apt motto: “Come. Sit. Stay.” The raw bar menu highlights oysters from the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Main plate options include Maine mussels steamed in miso, garlic and ginger, and a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich. Open Monday-Saturday, evenings only.

The Kitchen at the Imperial (208 High St., imperialchestertown.com), helmed by chef and owner Steve Quigg, serves seasonal farm-to-table (and water-to-table) fare, including a Sunday brunch.

Evergrain Bread Co. (201 High St., evergrainbreadco.com) is a carb-lover’s heaven specializing in fresh breads, including rustic sourdough and flaky croissants. Grab a loaf for takeout or linger over pastries and good coffee.

Brewpub and distillery Bad Alfred’s (323 High St., badalfreds.com) hits the spot with wood-fired pizza, including a deep-dish option, craft beer and a popular crab dip.

Where to Stay

Set on 35 acres of lush landscaping, meadows and woodsy paths, Brampton 1860 (25227 Chestertown Road, bramptoninn.com) is less than two miles from Chestertown’s historic center. Enjoy morning coffee on the wraparound porch or sip a drink by the fire while relaxing in one of the brick patio’s Adirondack rockers. The inn’s seven spacious rooms and suites, plus six private cottages dotting the property, offer a range of perks, from soaking tubs to private porches. Rates start at $279 per night. Gourmet breakfast (puff pancakes and huevos rancheros are two guest favorites), homemade scones,

Chestertown, MD

afternoon tea and fresh-baked cookies are all included.

White Swan Tavern (231 High St., whiteswantavern.com) is a short walk to the town’s galleries and restaurants. Its new owners completed a 2023 renovation that blends antique and reproduction furniture with modern amenities such as updated bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers. Each of the six period-style guest rooms and suites has a comfortable bed with luxury linens. Rates begin at $150 and include coffee and tea any time of day,

plus a full hot breakfast to enjoy in the dining room or outdoors on the patio or front porch.

For a peaceful bayside stay, the recently renovated Great Oak Manor (10568 Cliff Road, greatoakmanor.com) offers elegantly appointed rooms, suites and a twobedroom carriage house with waterfront views. See page 197 for more details. ■

Christine Koubek Flynn’s travel and arts stories have also appeared in The Washington Post, Coastal Living and Bethesda Magazine.

An elegant guest room at Brampton 1860

get away

■ by Christine Koubek Flynn

Find Serenity by the Bay

Tucked away on 12 peaceful, bayside acres on the outskirts of Chestertown, Maryland, the elegant Great Oak Manor emerged from an extensive renovation in 2024 renewed and refreshed from the inside out—much the way guests feel after time spent in its serene setting.

Designed as a place to unplug and reconnect (with others, nature and yourself) the waterfront property is a respite from the digital grind. Have a drink by the fire in the cozy parlor, find a good read in the well-stocked library, or gaze with binoculars at the bird show outside the conservatory’s glass windows. Give your phone a rest by tucking it into one of the “cell

phone sleeping bags” in your room and head outdoors, where a gazebo amid the trees and Adirondack chairs lining the lawn provide a frontrow seat to vibrant sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay.

Each of the manor’s luxurious 12 rooms and suites—six with bay views—features unique decor in a mix of soft whites and subtle greens and blues, a king or queen bed, Molton Brown bath amenities, bathrobes, a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi and yoga mats. Some rooms also have a fireplace, desk or built-in bookshelves.

Another lodging option, the twolevel, two-bedroom Carriage House Suite, feels like a home away from home with a full kitchen, leather sofa and chairs, fireplace, spacious

bathroom with a soaking tub and walk-in shower, and numerous windows overlooking the bay.

Seasonally-inspired farm-to-table dinners designed by the manor’s chef feature ingredients sourced from area farms and suppliers, as well as Great Oak’s garden. Check the schedule for upcoming culinary event weekends. Previous themes have included “Love and Chocolate” and “An Appalachian Food Experience.”Additional dining options abound in Chestertown’s downtown.

Rates begin at $369 per night and include a gourmet breakfast, plus coffee, tea, sodas and snacks throughout the day. Great Oak Manor, 10568 Cliff Road, Chestertown, Maryland, 410-778-5943, greatoakmanor.com

Great Oak Manor in Chestertown, Maryland

Kick Back in Richmond

Opening in May in Richmond’s Fan District, Shenandoah Mansions is boutique hotelier Ash’s fifth creation (its fourth, the Ulysses in Baltimore, opened in 2022). The elegant sixstory brick hotel was once a luxury apartment building financed by suffragist and entrepreneur Ellen Kidd, who made her fortune in the pickle business.

Decor throughout the 73-room hotel includes hand-painted lamps

with motifs inspired by early American folk art, vintage textile upholstery and bathrooms done up in Delft tile. Several high-ceilinged guest rooms and suites feature a mahogany four-poster canopy bed with dramatic, texturedcotton drapes. Some also include a writing desk.

Take a bath with a view in the Serpentine Suite which, in addition to its freestanding castiron tub, offers large bay windows overlooking Monument Avenue, restored hardwood floors, and a private living room with a wet bar.

Richmond’s Firehouse Theatre, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Virginia Museum of History & Culture and a handful of parks are all a five- to 20-minute stroll away. Pop into the hotel’s Phone Inn, an intimate cocktail bar serving drinks such as the Star Daughter (named for Shenandoah Valley starry nights), a refined take on an espresso martini featuring Richmond’s Cirrus Vodka and a homemade espresso liqueur made from Blanchard’s Beartrap espresso beans.

If you’re partial to living like a local, visit Common House, a social club for co-working, coffee, events and music, or work out at the nearby Gold’s Gym—passes for both are complimentary. Use of a cruiser bicycle is, too.

Catch a concert downtown at the new Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront. The outdoor venue’s star-studded summer lineup includes Boyz II Men, the Dave Matthews Band and Alison Krauss, among others. Rates begin at $239. Four-legged (dog) friends welcome for a $75 fee. Shenandoah Mansions, 501 N. Allen Ave., Richmond, Virginia, 804-381-0099, ash.world/hotels/ shenandoah-mansions

Take a Flying Leap

Care for a thrill? The Great Bungee Company is set to open the country’s first quarry-based bungee jumping site this summer, not far from West Virginia’s Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.

Select an ankle or body harness for the 150-foot plunge high above the sparkling, spring-fed oasis of Old Standard Quarry, then dive forward or fall backward, with the option of dipping into the water below for a body-chilling blast. Catch a glimpse of historic Schoolhouse Ridge Battlefield as you rebound approximately 80% of the way back up before the elastic cord loses its slack and gravity prevails. The whole experience takes about an hour; the jump itself about a minute. Check out the

videos on Great Bungee’s website for a sense of what’s in store.

The Great Bungee Company was founded by Bungee Consultants International’s Matt Lawrence and Nick Steers, both of whom have worked on bungee and zip line projects in several countries, including Canada. To up the ante on the day’s adrenaline rush, follow your jump with a white water rafting excursion with nearby River Riders.

The first jump is $141.51, with additional jumps for $70.75. A package deal for $188.66 includes the jump, plus an HD video of your plunge and a T-shirt. Two jumps (same day, same person) plus video go for $250 (prices do not include tax). The Great Bungee Company, Old Standard Quarry, Peregrine Lane Entrance, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 304-202-3159, greatbungee.com

back story ■

by Kim O’Connell

Growing Like Weed

Hemp and many other plants were grown and tested at this experimental farm.

ON A LATE AUGUST day in 1929, a man named Lyster Dewey posed for a photograph next to a row of 13-foot cannabis plants, also known as hemp, that towered above his head. Even in the summer heat, Dewey was dressed in a long-sleeved shirt and tie, providing some evidence that his interest in the crops was not recreational.

As a longtime botanist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dewey oversaw hemp production at Arlington’s Experimental Farm, a research facility that once existed where the Pentagon’s south parking lot now sits. There, under the direction of the Bureau of Plant Industry, scientists researched and grew different species, including several kinds of flowers, fruits, vegetables and other plants.

The farm was viewed as a continuation of governmental agricultural studies that dated back to the nation’s founding. At the end of the Civil War, a 40-acre federal experimental garden had been created in downtown D.C. near the National Mall, but this soon proved inadequate. Setting its sights on the Virginia side of the Potomac, Congress in 1900 approved the transfer of 400 acres from the former Custis-Lee estate, then governed by the War Department, for use as an experimental farm, along with an initial $10,000 appropriation.

At the farm, workers also tested various tools and machinery, including a “shaking machine” and a “stirring machine” that were used for making fertilizer. Other experiments involved the study of plant diseases, food dyes,

road-building materials and proper crop storage.

But for decades, hemp was a major focus. Lyster Dewey conducted numerous experiments and gathered data about hemp’s suitability in fiber production, which he recorded on more than a thousand index cards—a collection that became known as the “Dewey Index”— and published in reports and articles.

Dewey was also a prolific diarist whose entries were terse but informative. “Thursday, October 19, 1922. Fair, cool,” began one entry. “Go to Arlington Farm on the 9 a.m. bus and work all day. Harvesting Kymington, Yarrow, Tochigi, Tochimington, Keijo and Chinamington hemp.”

In 1940, to make room for the construction of the Pentagon, the farm moved again—this time to Beltsville, Maryland, to become part of what is now called the Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, which conducts research on animal health, crop production, food safety and other areas of study. (It includes the National Agricultural Library, where Dewey’s index cards are archived.) The Pentagon was completed three years later. ■

An early 1920s corn “huskin’ bee” at the Arlington Experimental Farm

Farmers tend Kymington hemp crops in 1917.

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