Arlington Magazine Jan/Feb 2020

Together we thrive.

When it comes to wealth management, the right relationship is everything. When it comes to your financial future, the right relationship is Evermay.

Let’s Grow Together.

S. LARSON, CFA

SENIOR WEALTH ADVISOR AND PRINCIPAL

ELIZABETH

Serious as a Heart Attack

The votes are in! Our readers and editors weigh in with their fan favorites, from brunch spots and microbreweries to doctors, boutiques and fun spots for

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S. Yet many don’t know they have it until they land in the ER. Local women share their stories.

colors and sumptuous materials have turned

into

retreats.

Stylish Patina owner Kelly Millspaugh Thompson

HEART strong, together.

Your heart is the center of everything that gives your body life. Regular check-ups with your doctor are the best way to keep your heart strong. As a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Virginia Hospital Center provides the highest quality personalized heathcare you deserve. For a heart health assessment, find a Virginia Hospital Center physician at virginiahospitalcenter.com/doctors.

CON TENTS

Style Counsel

the

and artsy outings.

A conversation with the president of the NAACP Arlington chapter. Also: a brief history of Falls Church’s resident tin man.

A broken hand is no small setback for a concert violinist. But Leonid Sushansky has faced adversity before.

When your racial identity checks more than one box, which box do you check? 110 Great Spaces

The art of making a basement not look like a basement. 112 Prime Numbers

The area’s most expensive home sales, and real-estate trends by ZIP code.

118 Restaurant Review

Two transplanted New York chefs find their sweet spot in Falls Church City.

122 Home Plate

Why doughnut devotees are flocking to Tysons. Plus, details on Victor Albisu’s forthcoming egg-centric Ballston eatery.

124 Places to Eat

Bite-size write-ups on more than 250 restaurants and bars near you.

Clay statement jewelry; a new makerspace for local textile artists.

150 Driving Range

A gambling newbie road-trips to area casinos and gives them a whirl.

154 Get Away

Cozy winter retreats, and a new lodging option for Nittany Lions.

160 Back Story

The opulent castle that became the coolest group house ever.

Investing?

letter from the publisher

The Big 5-0!

THIS ISSUE REPRESENTS an exciting milestone for Arlington Magazine. It is our 50th issue and ninth year in business. What a fun, wild ride it’s been. I would like to thank the talented people who help bring Arlington Magazine to life, including Jenny Sullivan, our brilliant, dedicated editor who guides our writers with a steady hand; Laura Goode, our art director extraordinaire (and one of the most positive, can-do people I know); Traci Ball and Alison York, our talented, client-focused and goal-oriented advertising account executives; Susan Hull, our unflappable head of advertising operations who makes everything go smoothly; Jen McNally, our resident marketing whiz who keeps many balls in the air; Meghan Murphy, who supports our magazine advertisers with talent and a smile; Leigh McDonald, who serves our digital advertising clients and brings much-needed expertise to the team; Erin Roby, who does a beautiful job producing ArlingtonMagazine.com and our email newsletter; Jenny Fischer, who brings creativity and calm to the design process; Onecia Ribeiro, who handles the needs of our magazine readers with skill and a deft touch; Jill Trone, who oversees all things financial and keeps the trains running on time; Sandy Fleishman, who brings meticulous dedication to her role as copy editor; and Steve Hull, my business partner, good friend and mentor.

It’s also fitting that our 50th issue coincides with Best of Arlington. A coincidence? Actually, yes, it is, but we couldn’t have planned it any better. Our annual Best of Arlington feature is a celebration of the best that Arlington, McLean and Falls Church

have to offer, from restaurants to real estate agents to retail, and much more. In addition to the results of our reader survey, the story also highlights some of our editors’ favorite people, places and things across a variety of categories. I hope you will look to the Best of Arlington issue when deciding which local businesses and services to support. And please tell them we sent you!

Finally, we couldn’t do what we do without the enthusiastic support of our advertising clients and readers. Thank you for joining us and staying with us over the years. We look forward to serving you for many more years to come. If you have ideas or feedback you would like to share, please send them to me at greg.hamilton@arlingtonmagazine.com. Letters to the editor should be directed to jenny.sullivan@ arlingtonmagazine.com.

Last, but not least, if you are not already a regular reader, please subscribe to the magazine at www. arlingtonmagazine.com/subscribe/. You can also stay in touch by signing up for our email newsletter and special offer emails at www.arlington magazine.com/newsletters/.

Hope you have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2020.

Best,

Greg Hamilton Publisher

n contributors

Rachael Keeney

LIVES IN: Allencrest, near East Falls Church

ORIGINALLY FROM: East Greenville, Pennsylvania, “a tiny town about 45 minutes north of Philadelphia”

IN THIS ISSUE: Highlights some of this year’s Best of Arlington winners, from Best Brewery to Best DIY Classes

GO-TO DINNER SPOT: Dogwood Tavern— for the bacon Brussels sprouts appetizer and the black bean, shrimp and avocado salad

FAVORITE PLACES TO GET LOST: “The Falls Church Antique Annex. There are so many hidden treasures in there, I could spend hours exploring. I also love the City of Falls Church Farmers Market, and enjoy touring the Cherry Hill Historic House & Farm. Can you tell I’m kind of an old soul?”

PASSIONATE ABOUT: “Storytelling, cooking, crafting, spending time with friends and family, and—unfortunately— student loan debt”

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: “Crocheting a blanket for one of my newlywed friends”

WOULDN’T BE CAUGHT DEAD: “Walking around with chipped nail polish for more than two or three days. That drives me crazy.”

LAST SUMMER: “I was a bridesmaid in three weddings in three different states, for three women I met during different stages in my life: one from high school, one from college and one after!”

Joseph Tran

LIVES IN: Fairfax

ORIGINALLY FROM: Springfield

IN THIS ISSUE: Shot photos for our Best of Arlington feature and Home Plate food column

TRAVEL BUG: “I got into photography after traveling the world solo for six months with nothing but my cellphone camera. I wanted to make sure the next time I traveled I would capture better images, so I purchased my first DSLR camera.”

FEELING MOODY: “I find a lot of inspiration from reading books. I especially enjoy the world-building in sci-fi and fantasy genres. Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game series and Patrick Rothfuss’s The Kingkiller Chronicle are some of my favorite novels. The authors’ ability to create atmosphere and mood makes me imagine what the scenes would look like in real life. As a photographer I am always looking to inspire my audience through lighting.”

FAVORITE PLACE TO FUEL UP: Northside Social, for coffee

OTHER GIGS: “Outside of editorial work, I photograph content for e-commerce brands, including fashion and product photography, and work with companies to establish their presence on social media. I’ve worked with various makeup artists, hair stylists and models in Northern Virginia on beauty and cosmetics photo shoots.”

ONLINE: josephtran.com

PUBLISHER & PARTNER

Greg Hamilton

PARTNER

Steve Hull

EDITOR

Jenny Sullivan

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Susan Hull

ART DIRECTOR

Laura Goode

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Jenny Fischer

WEB PRODUCER

Erin Roby

DINING CRITIC

David Hagedorn

COPY EDITOR

Sandy Fleishman

WRITERS

Eliza Berkon, Matt Blitz, Lisa Kaplan Gordon, Sydney Johnson, Stephanie Kanowitz, Rachael Keeney, Christine Koubek, Rina Rapuano, Jennifer Sergent, Adrienne Wichard-Edds

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Stephanie Bragg, Skip Brown, Carl Bruce, BTW Images, Lawrence Cheng, Heather Fuentes, Erick Gibson, Stephen Gosling, Darren Higgins, Linen & Lens, Tony J. Lewis, Deb Lindsey, Cesar A. Olivares, Hilary Schwab, Jonathan Timmes, Joseph Tran, Michael Ventura, Dixie Vereen, Jenn Verrier, J. Michael Whalen, Stephanie Williams

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Traci Ball, Alison York

FINANCE MANAGER

Jill Trone

AD PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Meghan K. Murphy

MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER

Jennifer McNally

MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Leigh McDonald

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

Onecia Ribeiro

Arlington Magazine is published six times a year by Greenbrier Media LLC © 2020 1319 N. Greenbrier St., Arlington, VA 22205

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Aaron Dodini, Ph.D. Dodini Behavioral Health

Reader Pick

Best Mental Health Provider

AROUND TOWN

By Eliza Berkon

TAKE THE KIDS

JAN. 10-19

Narnia

Visit with Aslan, the White Witch and four adventurous youngsters who find a whole lot more than old clothes when wandering into a closet: the magical land of Narnia. This musical performance starring children, for children, is based on the first book in C.S. Lewis’ best-loved series: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe $12-$15. Recommended for ages 4+. Encore Stage & Studio, Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington, encorestageva.org

PERFORMING ARTS

JAN. 28-FEB. 23

Gun & Powder

Signature Theatre

In this world-premiere musical based on real events, the Clarke sisters—AfricanAmerican twins who pass as white to help their mother in post-Civil War Texas—find their relationship with each other challenged by new love interests. $40+. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org

FEB. 1-16

A Daughter’s a Daughter

The Arlington Players

She’s known for gripping mysteries, but late novelist and playwright Agatha Christie also had some romances under her belt. In this one, expect a show that digs into the “bitterness that can fester as sacrifices are made for those we love.” $15-$25. Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington, thearlingtonplayers.org

■ around town

FEB. 5-MARCH 1

Phantom of the Opera

Synetic Theater

If you’re expecting a tenor and soprano to belt out the best of Andrew Lloyd Webber at this performance of The Phantom of the Opera, don’t be misled; instead, Synetic presents an action-oriented stage version of the original Gaston Leroux novel about a tortured musician who haunts a Paris opera house and obsesses over the songstress Christine. Check website for ticket prices. 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington, synetictheater.org

FEB. 13-MARCH 8

Crowns

Creative Cauldron

Regina Taylor, a playwright and actress who took home a Golden Globe in 1993 for her role in TV’s I’ll Fly Away, wrote this 2002 musical based on a collection of photos and stories about women’s hat culture in many African-American churches. Adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. $20-$35. 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church, creativecauldron.org

FEB. 15, 7:30–9:30 P.M.

Swingin’ Sweethearts Day: A Tribute to Benny Goodman

Gunston Arts Center, Theater One This National Chamber Ensemble homage to the legendary Benny Goodman is presented with the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia. Clarinetist Julian Milkis, Goodman’s renowned protégé, will perform some of his mentor’s most popular jazz and classical compositions, including a special arrangement of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, which Goodman recorded. $36; $18 for students. 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, nationalchamberensemble.org

FEB. 18-MARCH 29

Easy Women Smoking Loose Cigarettes

Signature Theatre

Local actress, playwright and director Dani Stoller brings us this world-premiere comedy about an empty nester and her new husband who are forced to contend with some unexpected guests—including members of her own family. $40+. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org

FEB. 28-29

Michael Ian Black

Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse

Comedy Central alum Michael Ian Black is an actor, director and screenwriter who seems to be everywhere all at once: You may have spotted him in Sierra Mist and Klondike commercials, playing an unhelpful accountant in This Is 40, portraying a pastor in the Net ix series Insatiable or his name in your local bookstore— he’s the author of A Child’s First Book of Trump. $25. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, arlingtondrafthouse.com

FEB. 29, 2-5 P.M.

11th Annual Move Me Festival

Bowen McCauley Dance Company

Bowen McCauley presents its annual afternoon of dance and movement for the public, featuring workshops, demonstrations and performances, as well as prizes and face painting. Free. Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington. bmdc.org

ART

JAN. 6-FEB. 8

Catharsis

Gallery Clarendon

Painter Sana Shahid, who was raised in Pakistan and now resides in the D.C. area, assembles a collection centered on the human form and “the foreigner that lives within us all” in this Overlook Gallery exhibit. Opening reception Jan. 10 from 5-7 p.m. Free. 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Suite R-800, Arlington, galleryclarendon.org

JAN. 18-MARCH 28

Action!

Arlington Arts Center

This multimedia show—which includes contemporary installations, sculpture and video—explores the relationship between human activities and the artifacts required to complete them. Opening reception Feb. 1 from 6-9 p.m. Free. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, arlingtonartscenter.org

ON DISPLAY

JAN. 1-31

High Caliber

This group show in the Focus Gallery showcases several local artists whose work was selected during the Arlington Artists Alliance’s recent silent auction, Artrageous. Opening reception Jan. 3 from 5-7 p.m. Free. Gallery Underground, 2100 Crystal Drive, Suite 2120-A, Arlington, galleryunderground.org

Donna Lomangino’s “Mistic Morning”

MUSIC

JAN. 7-18

Ol’ Blue Eyes: Frank Sinatra

Signature Theatre

While the Harry Connicks and Michael Bublés of the world certainly deliver some quality ballads, there’s no one quite like Frank. Signature Theatre honors “The Voice” with a collection of hits, such as “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Strangers in the Night” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” $38. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org

FEB. 6, 7:30 P.M.

Lizz Wright

The Birchmere

The music of jazz and gospel vocalist Lizz Wright is nothing if not emotionally stirring—in the deliciously slow “Hit the Ground” off her 2005 album Dreaming Wide Awake, her voice resonates with wisdom as she sings “See your eyes in mine / Leave the rest behind.” $39.50. 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

FEB. 22, 7:30 P.M.

Beethoven 250

Washington Sinfonietta

Celebrate the birthday of the German composer who brought us the daunting opening bars of his Fifth Symphony and a must-include in every piano student’s repertoire, “Fur Elise.” Hear Musik zu einem Ritterballet, Symphony No. 4 and the Triple Concerto for violin, cello and piano in this celebration of Ludwig van Beethoven. $10$20; free for attendees 18 and under. The Falls Church Episcopal, 115 East Fairfax St., Falls Church, washingtonsinfonietta.org

FEB. 28-29

Arlo Guthrie’s 20/20 Tour

The Birchmere

“You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant” is perhaps the most recognized line from legendary folk singer Arlo Guthrie, son of the also-legendary singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie. Hear the 18-minute Vietnam War-era tune as part of the artist’s 20/20 tour. $65. 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

AUTHORS & BOOKS

JAN. 21, 7 P.M.

From News to Talk

Westover Branch Library

Kimberly Meltzer, an associate professor of communication at Marymount University and author of From News to Talk: The Expansion of Opinion and Commentary in U.S. Journalism, stops by the Westover Library to discuss “fake news” and related media issues. Free, registration required. 1644 N. McKinley Road, Arlington, library.arlingtonva.us

JAN. 26, 4 P.M.

The Attempted Murder of Teddy Roosevelt

One More Page Books

Was a 1902 carriage accident that threatened the life of then-President Theodore Roosevelt truly an accident— or an assassination attempt? That’s the central question of this recent thriller

from political journalist Burt Solomon. Free. 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington, onemorepagebooks.com

SEASONAL

JAN. 1, NOON

2020 Predictions & Resolutions 5K

Washington-Liberty High School

Work off those holiday calories in this race sponsored by the DC Road Runners Club. The USATF-certi ed course starts at W-L. Kids are welcome, but strollers and dogs will have to sit this one out. Free for members; $10 for nonmembers. 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington, dcroadrunners.org/ sign-up/pr5k

JAN. 20

MLK Day of Service

Various locations

Celebrate Dr. King’s life by making Arlington a better place. Each year more than 1,000 local residents attend a commemorative morning event and

then head out to participate in hands-on service projects throughout Arlington County. Visit volunteer.leadercenter.org/ MLK to sign up.

JAN. 21, 4 P.M.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Watercolor Portraits

Westover Branch Library

Children in kindergarten through fth grade can honor the civil rights leader by creating their own watercolor portrait. Materials supplied. Free, registration required. 1644 N. McKinley Road, Arlington, library.arlingtonva.us

JAN. 25, 10 A.M.–6 P.M.

13th Annual Chinese

New Year Festival

Luther Jackson Middle School

Celebrate the Year of the Rat with a traditional lion dance, Asian cuisine, crafts and more. Hosted by the Asian Community Service Center. Snow date: Feb. 8. Tickets $5; $2 for kids 5-12; free for kids under 5. 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, chinesenewyearfestival.org

FEB. 2, 11:30 A.M.–2 P.M.

AFAC’s Empty Bowls

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Empty Bowls is a luncheon fundraiser featuring hot soups made by local chefs and served in beautiful hand-thrown bowls created by local artists. All proceeds bene t the Arlington Food Assistance Center. $35 ticket price includes soup, bread, dessert and a pottery bowl to take home. Free entry for kids 5 and under. 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, afac.org

FEB. 12, 10:15 A.M.

Wednesday Wonders

Valentine’s Day Special

Potomac Overlook Regional Park

Little ones can get a head start on Valentine’s Day by crafting valentines for the animals of this nature center. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. $15. 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, novaparks.com n

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Patricia Rodriguez, MD

Falls Church’s Tin Man

He’s been standing outside Dixie Sheet Metal Works on Gordon Road for decades, but no one is quite sure where he came from.

It was 1962 when the “Tin Man” (aka “Mr. Dixie”) made his first appearance in the Little City, although Allen Withers, owner of the metal shop, can’t say who built the cowboy-hatted character or why. “He [was] hooked to the back of a station wagon and pulled through the Falls Church City Memorial Day Parade,” Withers says. After that, the figure ended up on top of a building for a time, before moving across the street to the front of the metal shop in the early 1980s.

Today, the Tin Man remains a local landmark in spite of his humble construction. “Basically, it’s made out of air conditioning parts, a turbine for the head, and a little bit of sheet metal,” Withers says. “Nothing fancy.” The shop keeps him upright by sanding, smoothing and repainting him as needed, and every fall they clean out the birds’ nest that’s inevitably formed inside his head. The hope is that he will remain standing for years to come. Says Withers: “He’ll be here as long as we are here.” dixiesheetmetalworks.com

Long Live Arlingtonians

Where you live can impact your life expectancy, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and that’s good news for Arlington residents. According to the CDC’s U.S. Smallarea Life Expectancy Estimates Project, a partnership of the National Center for Health Statistics, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems, Arlingtonians have a life expectancy of 82.76 years. That’s 3.5 years older than the average Virginian and four years older than the average American. Fairfax County and Falls Church City are also above state and national averages, with life expectancies of 83.73 and 81.81 years, respectively.

The report, which estimates lifespans for the population reflected in the 2010-2015 Census, doesn’t paint a rosy picture of our nation’s health overall, however. “For the first time in our history, the United States is raising a generation of children who may live sicker and shorter lives than their parents,” the study concludes, citing access to affordable, quality health care as an important factor in ensuring a longer life.

Fortunately, this is something Arlington has prioritized. The county’s proposed 2020 budget calls for about $142 million (roughly 11.5% of the total county budget) to be dedicated to human services.

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On the Record

7 Questions with Arlington NAACP President Julius Spain Sr.

Julius Spain, 47, is president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Arlington Branch 7047, established in 1940. An analyst with E3/Sentinel in McLean and a father of three, he lives in Penrose with his wife of 27 years, Adriana. This interview was edited for length and clarity.

How did you get involved in the NAACP?

I’m a native of Columbia, South Carolina, where my parents were heavily involved in the NAACP. I joined the Marine Corps in 1999, which took me all over, but I moved to Arlington in 2009 and was stationed at Fort Myer. I found my local NAACP branch and started working with them. After being second and first vice president, I became president in November 2018.

How is the NAACP maintaining its relevance today?

We are the oldest civil rights organization in America. We look at what’s going on today—the rights and privileges of some are being taken away, disproportionately affecting people of color, whether that’s voting, education or criminal justice rights. If there’s ever a time that the NAACP needs to be relevant, it’s now. Regardless of race, color, creed, religion, socioeconomic background, the NAACP fights for everyone’s civil rights.

Describe some of the challenges you now face.

There are a lot of organizations tackling the same issues we do, which is great, but people often have to choose where to devote their volunteerism. Going back to the ’60s, the NAACP was the go-to civil rights organization for African-American communities. Today, there are many others. I want to make sure we don’t become a political extension of any party. The NAACP is nonpartisan. In this day and age, that can be tough.

In terms of civil rights and equality, how can Arlington improve?

Gentrification is happening at full speed. We have to do a better job keeping our native Arlingtonians here. Redevelopment is displacing communities and families that have been here for decades. I’m talking about neighborhoods like Halls Hill, Johnson’s Hill and Green Valley. I don’t see elected leaders doing enough to protect against that. But we have good relationships with most elected officials and are working with them on various initiatives, including affordable housing programs.

Other top-line issues for the local branch?

There are disparities in Arlington’s education system. We are looking deeper into why there’s an achievement gap for students of color. We have issued FOIA requests and will be sharing some information with the community in the coming months that may be surprising.

You mentioned criminal justice rights. How is the Arlington chapter of the NAACP addressing that issue?

There are still significant disparities, today, in how people of color are treated in our legal system. Arlington County is about [10%] African-American. So, why is there a [higher percentage of people of color] in the criminal justice system? We are looking to hold police officers accountable for their conduct. We know there are officers who have violated conduct policies but are still on the force. There needs to be openness and transparency for our citizens. In the coming year, we plan to make some of our findings public.

Parisa Dehghani-Tafti was recently elected Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington and Falls Church on a criminal justice reform platform. Thoughts on the changes she’s endorsed? Like the outgoing Commonwealth’s Attorney, Theo Stamos, Ms. Dehghani-Tafti is a member of Arlington Branch NAACP #7047. We look forward to working with her. The National NAACP and local branches continually advocate for smarter, resultsbased criminal justice policies to keep our communities safe. This includes treatment for addiction and mental health problems, judicial discretion in sentencing and an end to racial disparities at all levels of the criminal justice system. Her platform positions are in keeping with those priorities. arlingtonnaacp.com n

MICHAEL VENTURA

Kaplan Gordon | photo

With Strings Attached

Leo Sushansky ’s violin performances are fervent, dramatic and triumphant.

Much like his life.

IN THE FALL OF 2018, Leonid “Leo” Sushansky tripped over a harpsichord that was lying disassembled on his living room floor and landed on his right hand—not a place a concert violinist and conductor wants to land. He sustained a “boxing fracture,” the same kind of knuckle break brawlers suffer when they punch a jaw with a closed fist.

“My first thought was, I hope it’s not as bad as it looks,” says the soloist and artistic director of the Arlington-based National Chamber Ensemble (NCE), which Sushansky founded in 2007, just two years after his Carnegie Hall debut. “I didn’t want to let anyone down, because the big opening of the [next] season was coming up. I wanted to make sure it was a success.”

The ensemble scrambled and found a substitute violinist and conductor to save the season premiere, “Masters of the Italian Baroque.” Sushansky, with two fingers poking out of a plaster hand cast, did manage to conduct the finale, Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater.”

“I couldn’t hold the baton, so I put it

by Michael Ventura

down and conducted with my cast,” he says. “I was taking painkillers and keeping my mind on the music. The concert was great.”

The D.C. Metro Theater Arts critic agreed, calling the program “magnificent” and declaring, “the National Chamber Ensemble soars above your average classical outfit in skill, delivery, and style.” Sushansky’s accident and performance received so much positive publicity that friends wondered what other body parts he’d be willing to break for an encore.

In the months that followed, the maestro filled his schedule with physical therapy and silent fingerboard practice to keep his left hand nimble while his bow hand healed. When the cast was removed, his right pinkie emerged shorter and curvier than before. To a

“Whether I was onstage singing or playing the violin, what engaged me was telling a story and making people happy.”

layperson, the difference would seem minor, but to a violinist, whose bow hand controls rhythm, dynamics and volume—music’s heart and soul—the change was huge.

“I had to rebalance how I used the bow and how I used my fingers,” says Sushansky, who lives near the Pentagon. Before he moved to the D.C. area, he was a scholarship student at the Juilliard School in New York City and studied with famed virtuoso Isaac Stern. “I had to find a better way to keep control.”

In a way, his entire life has been a rebalancing act—a series of upheavals and obstacles to overcome.

It started out smoothly enough in Leningrad, the cultural epicenter of

Thank you Arlington!

Russia before the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Young Leo, with his dark hair and penetrating brown eyes, was the adorable son of Rimma Sushanskaya, a heralded concert violinist with “dead center” intonation and a “rock-steady” bow arm, according to a 1979 New York Times review. (His father was a physics professor.)

Long before he picked up a violin and became his mother’s student at 7, Sushansky’s treasured grandmother, Ba, had taught him to sing and delight adults by warbling tunes while dressed in a sailor suit.

“What I loved from an early age was performing,” says the musician, now in his late 40s. “Whether I was onstage

Bean, Kinney & Korman has been assisting families

n familiar faces

singing or playing the violin, what engaged me was telling a story and making people happy.”

Music was the family’s business and bane. In the 1970s, Rimma’s celebrity became yet another reason the Soviet government blocked the Sushanskys— Soviet Jews—from emigrating to the U.S. to escape personal, professional and cultural discrimination.

But by the time Leo was 8, his parents had divorced, and the government caved to international pressure and gave the family two weeks to get out. They landed in New Jersey, where his Ba had emigrated earlier.

Rimma struggled to reestablish her musical career in Manhattan while Leo attended fourth grade in Elmwood Park, speaking no English and seeing his mother only on weekends.

Nobody knows why struggle brings some people to their knees and lifts others up. Sushansky says his mother’s and grandmother’s love gave him the stamina to overcome a host of obstacles, including a major car accident in his 20s that left him with three broken ribs and 35 stitches in his face.

It also gave him the confidence to pick up a baton. Music is largely a gig economy, and most concert musicians spend decades waiting for someone to hire them to play, but Sushansky wasn’t interested in waiting around. He says he built NCE to guarantee himself the freedom to perform music he loves and to conduct musicians he calls friends.

The ensemble stages five multimedia performances each year that illuminate the classics with projected images and interesting anecdotes about the com-

posers. Concerts may involve two to 16 musicians, depending on the music, and typically are held at the Gunston Arts Center or the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington.

“Growing up, there was a formality to classical performance,” Sushansky says. “The performer came onstage, bowed, played and went off. There was a distance between performer and audience. I want to create a more welcoming environment that facilitates a deeper connection.” n

Lisa Kaplan Gordon also wrote about women and heart disease in this issue.

The National Chamber Ensemble’s next concert, on Feb. 15, is a Valentine’s salute to jazz legend Benny Goodman.

life n by Sydney Johnson | photo by Carla Johnson

Milk’s Favorite Cookie

Finding that sweet spot in a racial identity that isn’t black or white.

WE ALL KNOW the scene: The scrawny kid, deemed easy prey by the infamous school bully, is shoved into a locker in front of a hallway full of classmates. From that point on, the kid knows exactly where he belongs because the bully literally put him in his place. Something similar happened to me, albeit gradually and minus the physical assault. Throughout my adolescence, I absorbed the implicit racial bias of my peers and was shoved somewhere I didn’t find too comfortable—a box of cookies. Specifically, Oreo cookies. Never heard that one before, huh? Allow me to explain.

Growing up, race wasn’t discussed in my house. My parents—my Latina

mom and black dad—had different complexions but I didn’t think much of it. I had more important things to worry about, like which stuffed animals were joining me for tea or when my next soccer game was. But I do remember the first time I was caught off-guard by a racial comment. My dad’s stepmom was sitting on the couch with me watching an NFL playoff game and I asked her who she was rooting for. “I’m not sure,” she said. “Whoever has the black coach, I guess.”

My eyebrows furrowed. There I was, an 8-year-old watching sports. The only colors on the screen I saw as important were the ones on the players’ uniforms. But that comment made me

realize there were people in the world who saw more colors than I did.

A few years later, I started playing competitive soccer. After a joint practice with several other teams, I was waiting at pickup with a girl I’d met a few weeks before. She definitely meant no harm when, upon seeing my mom, she asked, in a hushed voice with raised eyebrows, “Are you adopted?”

I’d already started to walk away and just made a face, shook my head and said “no.” Ten-year-old me dissected this as best I could. She was my mom. Could people not tell? Would the girl have asked me that if my dad picked me up? This is when I started to feel slightly othered. Throughout high school, I was

my

The author at age 4

always told how “white” I acted. Some kids called me “an Oreo” (black on the outside, white on the inside— get it?). I’d chuckle passively, but once I really thought about it, the comments started to upset me. I listened to punk rock, wore bohemian clothing, hung out with a lot of white kids and never knew which rapper was playing in my friend’s car. Somehow, that made me “white.”

The thing is, despite the similarities between me and the white girls in school, I didn’t entirely feel like I fit in with them. I didn’t completely fit in with the Latinx or black kids, either. I had the ability to comfortably talk to every kind of person, but after a while I felt like a social paradox: Even though I fit in everywhere, I didn’t really fit in anywhere.

Now, I certainly wasn’t the only mixed-race kid in Arlington County, but I never spoke to any of the others about how I felt, about my not-soslight identity crisis. When I looked to my right and left, my fellow biracial students seemed to have it figured out, like they weren’t fighting the same internal battle. Was I the only one who struggled with checking one box on school forms, who didn’t know where to sit at lunch, who was questioned when I didn’t act in accordance with how I looked?

This feeling followed me to college. While writing an essay about microaggression, I discovered a Huffington Post article about a woman I’ve long admired, sports journalist Sage Steele. In it, she said, “I didn’t even know that I was the only black student out of 1,800 kids until someone told me, because I didn’t look at people that way—I never have.”

Steele’s father is black and her mother is white, and because of her curls and caramel skin, she was the first journalist I was able to identify with. I took comfort in knowing she had to peel back the layers of her biracialism just like I’ve had to.

A year later, my favorite television show, The Bold Type , highlighted a

- Business Startups, Private Placements and Buy-Sell Agreements

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- Probate, Estate and Trust Administration

- Commercial Real Estate Purchase, Sales, Leases and Investments

storyline I one hundred percent identified with. One of the main characters, upon being promoted, grapples with whether to identify herself as a black woman in her professional bio, even though she feels like in doing so she would be rejecting her white mother.

I was 21 when this episode aired. When it finished, it occurred to me that it was the fi rst time in my life I had watched a storyline like mine unfold on a screen. If I checked the “Latino/ Hispanic” box, was that a slap in the face to my dad? If I checked the “Black/ African-American” box, would my mom feel forgotten? If I clicked “none of the above,” was I taking a stand or waving a white flag or something else?

My biracial identity never kept me

up at night or caused severe anxiety, but no plot had ever hit home that much. Since then, I’ve seen more recognition of the biracial-American experience in media. Mixed-ish, a spinoff of the ABC show Black-ish, about the upbringing of its half-black, half-white mother, premiered in September. This past summer, Elaine Welteroth, the youngest and second person of AfricanAmerican heritage to be a Condé Nast editor-in-chief, released her book, More Than Enough, in which she discusses navigating life and career as a biracial woman. There’s even an eight-episode podcast by The Washington Post called “Other: Mixed Race in America.”

This wave of representation is just what the next generation of biracial

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youth needs to navigate their inherent dualism. I hope these stories offer figures they can identify with. I hope they realize they’re allowed to challenge the molds others so desperately want them to conform to.

I hope the little brown girl sitting in school right now, not knowing where she belongs, learns that she belongs everywhere. And if she’s anything like me, I hope she grows up to embrace what I’ve learned to embrace to the fullest: There’s something truly magical in being milk’s favorite cookie. n

PROFILES

Sydney Johnson is a recent college graduate. She is a 2015 alumna of Washington-Lee (now Washington-Liberty) High School and currently lives in Arlington.

Financial Professionals

Ambari Prakash Pinto, JD, CFP®

SAVANT CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

If you could give potential clients one piece of advice, what would it be?

Ask yourself how you feel about managing your personal finances. It is hard to know how decisions today will impact your wealth over the long term in the complex world of personal finance. Whether it is buying a home, deciding on a health care plan, making investments in your retirement and taxable accounts, staying aware of tax implications, setting up college savings for the kids, or helping parents —every one of these is an important decision that should be put into perspective. What can you do to make all this easier? Look for guidance from a fiduciary advisor you trust. It is her responsibility to help you make decisions in your best interest by providing objective advice and creating a complete personal financial plan. As an advisor, I often describe my clients who have a plan as happy and confident when it comes to their wealth.

SPECIALTIES

Ambari is on the Women’s Wealth Initiative at Savant and also volunteers through the Foundation for Financial Planning.

Eric J. Schaefer, CFP ® and Andrew T. Sponaugle, CFP ®

EVERMAY WEALTH MANAGEMENT

What financial mistakes do people commonly make, and how can you help overcome them?

In some instances clients make independent financial decisions without considering the larger picture. In other cases they fail to revisit those decisions as time goes on. As holistic financial planners we rationalize all aspects of our clients’ financial lives and continually monitor the details to ensure their long-term success. Examples that we often see are allocations within a 401(k)/company retirement plan or in 529 Education Plans for children. Consideration to the investments is given when the accounts are established, but over time financial needs may change for a variety of reasons. Clients also tend to purchase life insurance policies at various stages of their lives. We help to determine whether coverage is still appropriate or if accumulated values could be purposed more effectively. These are just a few of many situations where we strive to provide ongoing, thoughtful guidance tailored specifically to each of our clients’ unique circumstances.

If you could give potential clients one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t wait to have a conversation. Whether it is with your spouse, partner, children or a financial planning professional, time could be the single most important factor in the achievability of your goals. The power of compounding makes earlier savings more impactful than later savings, meaning small adjustments now could make a major difference in whether you are able to meet your future financial goals.

Every financial decision has trade-offs, and a financial planner can model and analyze the impact of each change in saving, spending or the potential outcome of an investment to ensure you make the most informed and confident decisions over time. As fiduciary financial planners, we help our clients gain a thorough understanding of their financial situation and provide clear and unbiased advice on how to best reach their goals.

SPECIALTIES

Retirement and Education Planning; Portfolio Construction and Investment Management; Life and Long Term Care Insurance Analysis

1776 Wilson Blvd., Suite 310 Arlington, VA 22209 703-822-5696

eschaefer@evermaywealth.com

asponaugle@evermaywealth.com www.evermaywealth.com

Chevy Chase Trust

What separates Chevy Chase Trust from other firms in the industry?

We are an independent and privately owned investment management firm with roots in the Washington, D.C. community that date back more than 100 years. We specialize in thematic investing—building long-term portfolios of companies positioned to exploit powerful, secular trends, disruptive ideas, innovation and economic forces. Our client portfolios are managed internally, using individual stocks and bonds. We avoid mutual funds, ETFs and outside managers, so there are no layers of additional fees. And clients understand what they own.

Personalized financial planning is done in-house and informs each client’s investment strategy and asset allocation. All plans are updated regularly as client circumstances, market conditions and tax laws change.

With more than 90 employees—with an average of 20 years’ experience—we are big enough to offer world-class expertise and service, but small enough to offer a personal approach to comprehensive wealth management. Client retention rate exceeds 98 percent.

What is your investment approach?

Chevy Chase Trust’s investment process is organized around global themes rather than standard industry classifications such as market capitalization, geography, style or specific benchmarks. To develop a theme, our research analysts begin by taking a broad view of the global economic landscape and identifying secular trends that are most likely to influence corporate performance across multiple industries. Themes can be driven by disruptive technologies, demographics, cultural shifts, changing consumer behaviors or new business models.

Once an investment theme is established, we conduct in-depth research on companies positioned to benefit from the theme, and just as importantly, companies that will be negatively disrupted by the theme. We assess each company’s strategic direction, competitive position, valuation, financial condition and management. Every portfolio company is the product of fundamental analysis. Ultimately, a client portfolio is comprised of 40-50 individual stocks.

7501

L-R: Laly Kassa, Marc Wishkoff, Deborah Gandy, Jast Sohi

EagleBank

What sets you apart from the competition?

At EagleBank, a new business relationship starts with listening to and learning about the new client, the business, its advantages and challenges, and the goals it hopes to attain. There is no menu of products and services to review and assign, because EagleBank knows that every business is different. Questions, note-taking and lots of open discussion—all lead to the beginning of a mutually-valuable, client-bank relationship. No matter how many directions a business wants to turn along the way to success and future growth, a good banking relationship makes the path easier to follow. When that relationship is built on flexible, personalized solutions created by service-oriented EagleBank lenders, bankers, SBA and Treasury Management specialists, anything is possible. From the start, EagleBank never stops listening and learning, because that’s what builds trust and enriches a financial relationship. That is what also makes us different from others.

What is the one thing that potential clients should know about you?

Established in 1998 by local bankers and business owners, EagleBank’s focus has always been on serving the needs of business organizations that impact our combined D.C. area economy and serve our U.S. government-shared community. Working with a successful local bank can make all the difference when time is of the essence to buy equipment or a piece of real estate, or complete an advantageous acquisition before a competitor does. Besides local decision-making and quick response, there’s easy access to local management and opportunities to work and network in the community together. EagleBank is also dedicated to and focused on the same place you, your family and your business call “HOME” . . . whether that’s Arlington or any neighborhood in our local D.C. Metro area.

AWARDS AND HONORS

2020 Readers Pick, Top Vote Getter, Best Community Bank, Arlington Magazine; 2019 Corporate Philanthropy Award, Washington Business Journal; Independent Community Bankers of America, Top 100 Performing Community Banks 2018

4420 N. Fairfax Dr. Arlington, VA 22203 571-319-4800 ContactMe@EagleBankCorp.com www.EagleBankCorp.com

L-R: Toby Haggerty, Philomina Rimi Gomes, Jacob Snider, Jeff Rubery, Lindsey Rheaume, Eric Miller, Andrea Connolly, Alex Chacaltana

Arlington Community Federal Credit Union

What sets you apart from the competition?

As Arlington’s credit union, we support Arlingtonians at each stage of their financial journey, with products, guidance and solutions for both personal and business needs. By banking with a local credit union, you are part of a co-op that will support your financial success and enrich your community at the same time. We make decisions that are in our members’ best interest, not shareholders’, and we support the broader community by partnering with nonprofits that make a difference in ensuring that Arlington is well-rounded and thriving.

The digital experience has changed the banking industry, providing people with instant access to their accounts and the ability to bank from anywhere. We proudly offer those services, but we also know our members personally, recommend solutions that improve their financial lives and make lending decisions based on the story behind the numbers. We recognize that this type of service is more important now than ever.

What might satisfied clients say about you?

They love the personalized service and take pride in being part of a co-op where neighbors all have a share in the credit union and work to lift each other up financially, while also supporting our community.

Their faith in us is well placed. Being Arlington’s credit union for nearly 70 years gives us the perspective to be our community’s best financial partner. Our tagline is “we’re with you,” and we make sure our members know that’s true for their homes, their businesses and their lives.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Best Large Business 2019; Sun Gazette, Best Bank 2019; Arlington Magazine, Best Community Bank 2020

2130 N. Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22207-2219

5666 Columbia Pike Falls Church, VA 22041-2700

703-526-0200 www.arlingtoncu.org

L-R: Jim Wilmot, Chief Lending Of cer; Katherine Magruder, Director of Real Estate; Karen Rosales, CEO; Reyes Gonzales, Commercial Banking Manager; Amy Thomas, Chief of Staff

Monument Home Loans

TAYLOR BYRD, JOE PRENTICE, ROBERT MARTINSON, SCOTT GORDON AND RU TOYAMA

Why choose Monument Home Loans instead of a bank?

Home mortgages are what we do—and all we do. Instead of juggling auto loans, ATMs and asset management, we focus solely on ensuring that every client has a smooth and predictable financing experience. As a company, we are committed to hometown values, solid partnerships, streamlined processes and cutting-edge technologies. We are experienced in working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds—first-time buyers, experienced buyers, refinancing, jumbo loans, selfemployed, credit-challenged—and can easily find the right options for any situation for our customers. Regardless of your circumstances, every member of our team shares a common objective—to close your loan on time, as expected, and as efficiently as possible.

What sets Monument Home Loans apart?

Our service. While our interest rates are quite competitive, our customer service is what sets us apart. From your first phone call until your final signature, our loan officers and processing team are fully accessible whenever needed, day or night, weekday or weekend. We also understand that mortgages should not be one size fits all. That’s why we offer one of the widest arrays of mortgage products in the DMV, and work closely with each client to identify the program that best meets their needs and goals. As a result, we enable people from all walks of life to experience a smooth, predictable process that results in the best mortgage for their circumstances—and to have an experienced loan officer with them every step of the way.

SPECIALTIES

VA loans; Construction Loans; First Time Homebuyers; Conventional Loans; Renovation Loans; USDA Rural Development Loans; Reverse Mortgages; Mortgage Down Payment Assistance; Mortgage Refinancing

Taylor Byrd, Loan Officer NMLS #1858602; Joe Prentice, Sales Manager NMLS#1610163; Robert Martinson, Branch Manager NMLS #470762; Scott Gordon, Processing Manager NMLS# 483765; Ru Toyama, Loan Officer NMLS# 1528382

Disclaimer: This ad is not from HUD, VA, or FHA and was not reviewed or approved by any government agencies.

4075 Wilson Blvd., Suite 823 Arlington, VA 22203 703-650-7431

joe@monumenthomeloans.com

www.monumenthomeloans.com nmlsconsumeraccess.org

The National Capital Bank of Washington

What do you offer that the competition might not?

At The National Capital Bank of Washington (NCB), the principle that “customers come first” has been in practice for six generations. Throughout our 130-year history, countless families and businesses have trusted NCB for all their banking needs and have grown and prospered as a result. This philosophy has also applied to the communities we serve who have benefited from our philanthropic support through The National Capital Bank Foundation. Since its inception more than 23 years ago, The Foundation has supported numerous local nonprofit organizations with financial awards and grants exceeding $2 million focusing primarily on youth, education and social services. We are committed to delivering a banking experience that exceeds our clients’ expectations by presenting our best self every day, going the extra mile, and performing our jobs with accuracy, integrity and competency. Our branch in the Courthouse neighborhood enables us to better serve the financial needs of Arlington residents and businesses and play a greater role in the local community.

What might satisfied clients say about you?

Working together with our clients, helping them grow and prosper while celebrating their successes is what community banking is all about. We strive to exceed our clients’ expectations and ensure they always have a great experience. Hear from some of our clients:

“They make me feel like a family member and I don’t have to worry because they look out for me and my financial well-being.”

“NCB knows us, our business and our patterns and practices–they anticipate and meet our needs, even as we have grown.”

“We chose NCB because we wanted a community bank that was well-established.”

“Working with NCB is collaborative–a true partnership as members of the community.”

AWARDS AND HONORS

Washington Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy- Small Companies by Volunteer Hours and Giving, 2019 and 2018; ICBA Community Service Award Honorable Mention, 2017

L-R: Rich Sobonya, Renee Aldrich, Harrison Lee and Keshaun Clark

Lisa

Kirchenbauer, CFP ®, RLP ®, CeFT ® OMEGA WEALTH MANAGEMENT

What should your clients expect when they decide to work with you?

Our clients can expect a very unique and personalized experience. While we ask for all the same financial planning and investment data as other advisors, we take it a step further, spending time getting to know you, your communication preferences and your most important life goals. Through our innovative life planning process, the vision that emerges from these discussions drives the customized financial life plan and investment strategy that we create for you. If you are going through a significant life/business/financial transition, our experience, training and special tools help you navigate that transition more smoothly. For many business owners, it may be the first time anyone has taken the time to integrate their personal and business goals in a meaningful manner.

Our hard work has been validated by our clients’ support over the last twenty years and by being voted Arlington Magazine winner, Best Financial Planner 2019.

What gives you the most satisfaction in your daily work?

When we are able to help a client gain a deeper understanding of who they are and how they can leverage their strengths in conjunction with their financial resources, enabling them to accomplish a goal they thought wasn’t possible—we’ve done our work for the day! Opening up new possibilities for our clients, giving them permission to pursue less traditional goals, and then seeing their delight and satisfaction in the results makes our work much more meaningful. We particularly enjoy working on complex planning strategies and coordinating with our clients’ other advisors to provide more complete and thorough advice. Helping our clients see the interdependence of investment decisions with financial planning, tax planning and their own personal goals can change what is the “right” decision for them. Being able to personalize our advice based on all these considerations is very rewarding.

200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 730 Arlington, VA 22203 703-387-0919

Brian Wendroff, CPA, CGMA WENDROFF &

ASSOCIATES

What do your clients need to know about working with you?

Our goal is to talk with our clients throughout the year, not just at tax time, and develop a long-term relationship to become their trusted adviser. We are proactive and offer a broad range of services from individual and business tax preparation to tax planning to CFO consulting and more. The individual attention we pay to our clients is unrivaled in the professional services industry. We’re extremely accessible, taking time to answer client questions throughout the year and respond quickly to calls and emails. We ensure our clients meet reporting requirements they sometimes don’t even know exist (which can result in large penalties should they not comply). Our biggest strength is our people. We take pride in the friendliness, education and diversity of our staff—everyone is highly knowledgeable of the tax code and they are great communicators.

What type of client do you specialize in?

Mainly businesses and organizations that feel they want more proactive service from their accounting partner, such as growing businesses, non-profit organizations, government contractors, startups, S Corporations, Partnerships, C Corporations and individuals with complex accounting needs. We strive to allow business owners and executive directors to focus on their growing organizations while we focus on their tax issues. We’ve built our services to scale with our clients by offering QuickBooks training and support for growing organizations to full bookkeeping and CFO Consulting for organizations looking to scale upwards. Our outsourced CFO Consulting is a service we’ve seen prove extremely valuable for our clients. Through budgeting and forecasting, financial modeling and analysis of expenditures, we’ve helped some clients realize revenue increases of more than 60 percent and get a better picture of what’s needed to move their organizations to the next level.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Accounting Firm 2019; Brian Wendroff Chosen as One of George Mason University’s 20 Most Prominent Patriots; Washingtonian Top CPA 2017

2300 S. 9th St., Suite 305

Arlington, VA 22204

703-553-1099

bjwendroff@wendroffcpa.com

wendroffcpa.com

MVB Mortgage

THE CHRIS CLARK GROUP

What makes your client experience unique?

The decision to purchase or build a new home, or renovate and expand an existing home, is about more than just the additional square footage. It’s about making life better and more comfortable. But getting started can feel quite overwhelming—purchasing a home is often the largest financial transaction our clients will ever make. The first step is finding the right lender.

As residents of the D.C. metro area, we know this marketplace—the real estate agents and builders—very well. MVB Mortgage isn’t just about home financing: We pride ourselves on a customer experience that takes the hassle out of the mortgage lending process. We work hard to ensure that our customers receive the highest level of care and are as comfortable with their loan—product and process—as possible.

What makes you different than others in your profession?

In today’s frenzied marketplace, borrowers deserve to work with dependable, experienced loan officers who value the importance of trust and communication. With 40-plus years of combined experience and a keen awareness of the complexities of the mortgage market, we serve our clients’ best interests throughout the lending process.

We’re also a portfolio lender, providing our clients with financing options other lenders can’t offer. Our construction and renovation loan products come with loan management other lenders don’t provide.

When we combine our in-house processing and flexible underwriting, we’re able to meet most every home financing need—ask us about our new Fast Track Underwriting! Purchase. Refinance. Renovate. Build. We have the financing options to meet borrowers’ needs and support the growth of the community.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Arlington Magazine, Best Mortgage Banker, 2015/2016, 2017/2018, 2019/2020; Top 1% Nationally—Scotsman Guide; MVB Chairman’s Club

11325 Random Hills Road Suite 600

Fairfax, VA 22030

571-266-6556

cclark@mvbmortgage.com www.mvbmortgage.com

L-R: Ryan Maghan, Krista Gates, Chris Clark, Robin Pena

Jade Kim Trusso, owner of Nothing in Between nail studio

MICHAEL VENTURA

ARLINGTON BestOF 2020

Great places to go, experts to call and things to do, as chosen by our readers and editors

The Local Oyster

Fur-Get Me Not

Food & Drink

READER PICKS

BRUNCH

AMBAR CLARENDON

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Cava Mezze Green Pig Bistro

The Liberty Tavern Lyon Hall

Northside Social Tupelo Honey

Whitlow’s on Wilson

THAI

THAI NOY

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Bangkok 54

Crystal Thai Duangrat’s Sawatdee

T.H.A.I. in Shirlington Thai Square

READER PICK

Rooftop Dining

Buena Vida Social Club

buenavidasocial.club

Want to pretend you’re in Acapulco? This approximately 4,000-square-foot rooftop bar is the tropical-hued capstone of Ivan Iricanin’s La Esquina de Clarendon, a three-part dining concept that also includes (in the same building) taqueria TTT Mexican Diner and the more upscale Buena Vida restaurant, with which the rooftop shares a name and now a menu. Chow down al fresco on ceviche, guac or a 40-dish all-you-can-eat “Fiesta Experience” ($35) and sling back libations like Oaxaca Nights (a combo of mezcal, pineapple, lime, hibiscus and cilantro), all while taking in a DJ-designed playlist and unobstructed city views. This panoramic destination could get even better in 2020. Iricanin says he’s hoping to install a fully retractable awning with rotating panels and glass sides so the space can stay open year-round—even in the dead of winter, when we are most in need of an escape to the beach. –Rachael Keeney

Other top vote-getters: Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill, Dogwood Tavern, Don Tito, Whitlow’s on Wilson, Wilson Hardware

EDITOR PICK

Breakfast Bowl

Gouda grits bowl

Stomping Ground

Stompdelray.com

Nicole Jones’ Gouda grits bowl is one of those dishes that seems simple, but is actually complex. The chef/owner of Stomping Ground (locations in Tysons and Del Ray) starts with both fine and coarse Anson Mills grits, an heirloom variety from South Carolina. The fine grits create creaminess, she explains, while the coarse ones provide texture, “so it’s not just mush in your mouth.”

PICK

Pho 75

She then adds high-fat European butter and shredded Gouda, slow cooks the mixture over low heat for 8 to 10 hours, and tops it off with ground chorizo, salsa verde (roasted tomatillos, pickled jalapeños and cilantro) and a poached free-range egg. “People really order this dish like crazy,” Jones says. “It’s like a warm hug.” –David Hagedorn

Pho 75 manager Chi Ngo believes a steaming-hot bowl of pho—the traditional Vietnamese soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs and usually beef—is a perfect elixir when it’s cold and rainy out. He’s not the only one. On a recent dreary day, the line at this no-frills Rosslyn eatery wrapped around the sidewalk. “We were packed from 10 in the morning to 8 at night,” he says. A local institution, the humble kitchen has been serving up pho by the gallons from the same location since 1985, making it one of the oldest of its kind in the area. “I have regulars who ate here in college and are now married with kids,” Ngo says. “We try to do the same thing consistently, very good, every single day.” –Matt Blitz

Other top vote-getters: Four Sisters Grill, Loving Hut, Nam-Viet, Pho 88

READER PICKS

RESTAURANT IN ARLINGTON AMBAR CLARENDON

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Carlyle Cava Mezze Circa Fire Works

Green Pig Bistro Lebanese Taverna

The Liberty Tavern

Lost Dog Café

Lyon Hall

Me Jana Pupatella

SER Sushi-Zen

RESTAURANT IN FALLS CHURCH CLARE & DON’S BEACH SHACK

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: 2941

Dogwood Tavern

Dominion Wine and Beer

Ireland’s Four Provinces

Liberty Barbecue

Northside Social Falls Church Pizzeria Orso

RESTAURANT IN MCLEAN

J. GILBERT’S

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Amoo’s Restaurant

Assaggi Osteria & Pizzeria

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

Kazan Restaurant

McLean Family Restaurant

Pulcinella

Tachibana

EDITOR PICK

Chef to Watch Kevin Tien

Hot Lola’s hotlolaschicken.com

The chicken-sandwich mania of 2019 was surely a boost for Kevin Tien, whose Sichuan-meets-Nashville chicken joint opened to wide acclaim in March in Ballston Quarter Market. But, truth is, Tien was already on the map. Since his 2012 arrival in the D.C. area, he’s cooked at Kaz Sushi Bistro, José Andrés’ Oyamel, David Chang’s Momofuku and Aaron Silverman’s Pineapple and Pearls. In 2016, he launched the tiny smash-hit Himitsu in Petworth with business partner Carlie Steiner, and was subsequently named a semifinalist for a James Beard Award as a Rising Star chef.

In October, Tien opened his own restaurant, Emilie’s, on Capitol Hill, and received a rave First Bite review from Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema, who admires the talented toque’s confidence. So it’s fair to say Tien’s career is currently as red-hot as his superlative chicken. Here’s hoping he’s got another restaurant concept in mind for Arlington. –David Hagedorn

READER PICK

New District Brewing Co.

newdistrictbrewing.com

The year 2019 was a big one for New District. The five-year-old microbrewery headlined four festivals—bringing its taps to the Columbia Pike Blues Festival, Arlington County Fair, Crystal City Oktoberfest and Arlington ValleyFest—and expanded into more than 30 restaurants and hotels. Not a bad side hustle for owner Mike Katrivanos, who by day works as a Naval Research Lab engineer. Looking ahead, Katrivanos has his sights set on a crowdfunded canning line that would give suds-lovers access to beer canned inside Arlington County lines for the first time in 103 years. He’s also looking to purchase the brewery’s currently leased 20,000-square-foot building on South Four Mile Run Drive, or build a bigger operation from the ground up. –Rachael Keeney

Other top vote-getters: Aslin Beer Co., Audacious Aleworks, Caboose Brewing Co., Heritage Brewing Co., Port City Brewing

EDITOR PICK

Outrageous Sandwich

Chesapeake Club

The Local Oyster

thelocaloyster.com

A welcome addition to Ballston Quarter Market, this Baltimorebased food stall is all about fresh seafood. For an excellent sampling of its bounty in sandwich form, order the gargantuan Chesapeake Club, which, at $25, is worth every penny. In between three slices of Texas toast, one finds a generous portion of

lightly dressed shrimp salad mixed with just a touch of diced onion and celery; a large crabcake (broiled or fried; you pick) heavy on the Maryland crab and light on the filler; lettuce, tomato and crisp bacon. Old Bay mayonnaise (“Old Bayo”) comes on the side, as does an excellent vinegary and not too mayonnaise-y red-

READER PICKS INDIAN

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Delhi Club

Delhi Dhaba

Masala Indian Cuisine Raaga

Urban Tandoor

CHICKEN EL POLLO RICO

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Caribbean Grill

Crisp & Juicy

Super Chicken

Super Pollo

TACOS

DISTRICT TACO

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Don Tito

Pa’ Tacos El Papi

Taco Bamba

TTT Mexican Diner

Taqueria el Poblano

Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita

cabbage slaw seasoned with plenty of celery seed. Want it messier? Slather on all the dressing and the slaw. Want less mess? Deconstruct it—eat the shrimp salad and crabcake with a fork, then build a mini BLT with one slice of the toast. The sandwich comes with two wipes. Ask for ten. –David Hagedorn

Health, Beauty & Fitness

READER PICKS

DERMATOLOGIST

COURTNEY HERBERT

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

William Alms

Aaron Fuchs

Glenn Fuchs

Terrence Keaney

Michelle Rivera

Lily Talakoub

Marjan Yousefi

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON DAVID ROMNESS

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Christopher Annunziata

Anthony Avery

Steven Danaceau

Robert Nirschl

Cassie Root

Kevin Sumida

Clay Wellborn

ENT THOMAS PILKINGTON

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Robert Bahadori

Michelle Roeser

ORTHODONTIST

DARIN IVERSON

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Berman & Lee

Harold Frank

Crissy Markova

Deirdre Maull

Hani Thariani

READER PICK

Cycling Studio SoulCycle

soul-cycle.com

Residents of the nation’s fittest city (that being Arlington, according to a fitness index compiled by the American College of Sports Medicine) have spoken, and their favorite place to zap calories without traveling an inch is SoulCycle in Clarendon— the high-end chain’s first location in Northern Virginia. Perched on 55 bikes in the 3,248-square-foot candlelit studio, participants in any of the 45-minute classes will sprint and climb their way to a post-workout glow as one big, happy, sweaty, Spandexcovered family. “The vibe is incredibly uplifting—together we move, ride, push toward the finish line and celebrate our accomplishments,” says instructor Charilyn Motta. “One of my favorite things to do after class with my riders is head over to South Block and grab a smoothie or take wellness shots together.” –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters: CycleBar, Good Sweat, Ryde

OF SOULCYCLE

Riding high at SoulCycle

READER PICK

Child Therapist Kitty Wicks

StartingBlock Fitness

startingblockfitness.com

Kitty Wicks is a big believer in the mind-body connection. Her 11-yearold practice incorporates physical activity into play, cognitive behavioral, psycho- and other therapies. An avid long-distance runner, boot camp-taker and Pilates devotee, she says she recognized the positive effects exercise had on her own psyche and decided to apply cardio and weight training to sessions with patients who want to give it a literal go. “A lot of people actually need help accessing exercise because it’s not something they know or believe that is a part of their identity or believe that they can do,” says Wicks, who is a certified personal trainer in addition to a licensed clinical social worker. –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters: Child & Family Associates, Georgetown Psychology, Debra Nackman, Weaver and Associates

Between

Tucked into a sliver of retail stores off Route 50 near Seven Corners, this serene jewel box of a nail salon amassed a cult following after it opened in late 2018. Chemical-conscious customers appreciate owner Jade Kim Trusso’s mission to bring wellness into all aspects of their lives—starting with their fingertips. Past the tiny waiting area filled with modern art books and minimalist furniture, clean rows of no-fuss nail stations are used for luxe treatments incorporating healing crystals and essential oils. All products used in the salon— including gels and polishes from brands like Deborah Lippmann, tenoverten, NCLA and local maker Mischo Beauty—are cruelty- and toxin-free, which makes for a healthier staff and happier clients. –Adrienne Wichard-Edds

Nothing in Between nail studio

Kitty Wicks with Arlington teen Harrison Durr

READER PICKS

COSMETIC SURGEON TALAL MUNASIFI

YOGA STUDIO SUN & MOON YOGA

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: CorePower

Down Dog Yoga

Mind the Mat

Spark Yoga YogaWorks

BARBER SHOP

HENDRICKS

GENTLEMEN’S BARBERSHOP

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Bearded Goat Barber

The Neighborhood Barbershop

Pete’s Barber Shop

Westover Barber Shop

READER PICK

Allergist

Sally Joo Bailey

allergynva.com

It’s said that this area is rough on folks with allergies. Many land in Sally Joo Bailey’s Arlington office seeking relief. “We have such a beautiful spring here, but that means we go from not having a lot of pollen to everything blooming and blossoming at the same time,” says the seasoned (see what we did there?) allergist. Pollen isn’t the only offender. The region’s humidity also creates a welcome environment for dust mites, she says, which are partial to moisture in the air.

Bailey completed her residency at Georgetown and a fellowship at Johns Hopkins, and has spent 12 years at her practice on North George Mason Drive, treating problems ranging from food allergies to eczema with empathy and care. “We treat patients like they’re family,” she says. “I know it sounds corny, but it’s so true.” –Matt Blitz

Other top vote-getters: Courtney Blair, Jennifer Pedicano, Nithya Swamy, Anita Wasan

EDITOR PICK

UltraMan

Michael Wardian

“This is something that I excel at, and I really enjoy,” says Michael Wardian with such unaffected nonchalance that you’d almost take him for an amateur. Excel indeed. The recent winner of the Marine Corps Marathon’s inaugural 50K race (which he polished off in 3:11:52) has more than 400 marathons and ultramarathons under his belt—including some he crushed while dressed as Elvis Presley or Spider-Man. He’s run the length of the Capital Beltway, the entirety of the W&OD Trail and nearly 250 miles through the Gobi Desert. And he holds the unofficial world record for the fastest time running 10 marathons in 10 days. But what most inspires us about this Arlington father of two, whose feet have touched the ground and then some in all seven continents, is his insatiable desire to always try something new. “I’m still not done evolving,” says the 45-year-old. Kick it. –Eliza Berkon

COURTESY OF SALLY JOO BAILEY; STEPHEN GOSLING (MICHAEL WARDIAN)

Sally Joo Bailey

Home

READER PICK

Real Estate Agent

Steve Wydler

wydlerbrothers.com

Experience and reputation aside, Steve Wydler thinks clients are drawn to the real estate practice he’s run with his brother, Hans, since 2004 (Steve manages Northern Virginia while Hans takes care of D.C. and Maryland) because they don’t take themselves too seriously. “There are very few brother [real estate] teams, so we have fun with it and play off the sibling rivalry,” he says, alluding to ad campaigns that depict the two grown men tussling for Mom’s attention and taking good-natured jabs at each other. Despite what the ads playfully imply, the associate broker says he’s happy to share the spotlight—with his brother and the roughly 20

others who make up the Wydler team, which joined Compass in 2018. “Instead of pretending that I’m the best at everything, we [have] a team approach,” he says, which tells clients they are in good hands when buying or selling a home. Plus, they get a few laughs, he adds. “I mean, I think I have a good sense of humor.” –Matt Blitz

Other top vote-getters: Renata Briggman, Billy Buck, Karen Close, Coral Gundlach, Heidi Ellenberger Jones, Craig Mastrangelo, Keri O’Sullivan, Natalie Roy, Michelle Sagatov, Keri Shull, Katie Wethman, Dawn Wilson

READER PICK

Landscape Designer

Groff Landscape Design

grofflandscapedesign.com

Call it the landscape designer’s version of the cobbler with no shoes: Rob Groff lives in a Rosslyn condo with no yard—all the better to stay focused on his clients’ exterior beautification needs. “I’ve seen what a headache a yard can be,” jokes the entrepreneur, who launched his landscape design business in 2007 during his final semester at West Virginia University. What started out as a two-man venture (Groff and his dad) is now a team of 13, solving design challenges ranging from making small backyard spaces more functional to mitigating water runoff. “A lot of our customers have just finished building or remodeling a house and they are exhausted,” he says. “Communicating and doing things right goes a long way. No surprises.” –Jenny Sullivan

Other top vote-getters: Andy’s Lawn & Landscape, Blue House Gardens, Merrifield Garden Center, Northern Virginia Landscaping, Wheat’s Landscape

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Alair Homes Arlington BOWA Bowers Design Build

Case Architects & Remodelers

CIMA Design & Build Commonwealth Restorations

Foster Remodeling Solutions

Metro Building & Remodeling Group

Moss Building & Design

Sagatov Design Build Winn Design+Build

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: FitzHarris Designs Moore Architects Moser Architects Red House Architects VanderPoel Architecture WINDOW TREATMENTS HOME BY EVA

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Calico Corners Next Day Blinds Studio K

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTER: Connor’s Termite & Pest Control

Backyard patios by Groff Landscape Design

EDITOR PICK

DIY Classes

Stylish Patina

The concept of “making old things new again” was instilled in Kelly Millspaugh Thompson’s mindset early on—her childhood home was a Falls Church fixer-upper filled with antique furniture. She started sprucing up her own vintage pieces in college and kept at it as a hobby while working as a management consultant in the years after she graduated. Eventually, though, word got out and friends started encouraging her to sell her goods—and share her secrets. So she started a blog and in 2010 launched a retail business, Stylish Patina, in Falls Church. Today the shop doubles as a DIY classroom, offering crafty courses such as furniture painting, sign making and flower arranging. A recently licensed real estate agent, Thompson this year hopes to partner with other local creative types to offer workshops in areas like jewelry making, whole-food cooking, photography and calligraphy. –Rachael Keeney

Stylish Patina owner Kelly Millspaugh Thompson

READER PICK

Interior Designer

Suzanne Manlove

Arlington Home Interiors

arlingtonhomeinteriors.com

No need to ban kids and pets from using the furniture Suzanne Manlove picks out. She doesn’t design museums. Rather, her spaces are homey, inviting and calming, with hues and patterns that mimic nature—a plus for lovers of the current animal-print trend, although she says she uses that sparingly.

Manlove is more likely to let her favorite color—teal—find a place in her designs, along with textures including fabric, leather, metal, glass, mirrors and wicker. That’s a nod to her self-described “eclectic, collected style,” honed initially through her work in the fashion industry and now by trolling

flea markets, the Arlington Festival of the Arts and, yes, hotel lobbies. “You can see some really amazing design happening,” she says. –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters: A. Houck Designs, InDesign Home, KPH Studio, Susan Sutter Interiors, Whittington Design Studio

JENN VERRIER

A row house makeover by Suzanne Manlove

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Education & Family

READER PICKS

VETERINARIAN

BALLSTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Arlington Animal Hospital

Caring Hands

Animal Hospital

Cherrydale

Veterinary Clinic

Clarendon Animal Care

McLean Animal Hospital

Northside

Veterinary Clinic

NOVA Cat Clinic

Suburban Animal Hospital

DOG GROOMER HAPPY GROOMING

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

READER PICKS

Custom Canines

Dogma Bakery

Gigi’s Pet Salon

Happy Tails

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER MARION MEAKEM PHOTOGRAPHY

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Cindy Kane Photography

Rachel E.H. Photography

Sweet Lime

Portrait Design

TellChronicles

READER PICK

Pet Boarding

Fur-Get Me Not

Furgetmenot.com

This fun house for pups near Four Mile Run opened nearly two decades ago as a petsitting business. Founder Tammy Rosen credits her own dog, Hunter, as the inspiration. “He was so photogenic,” she says, still a bit misty-eyed as she nods toward an image of the beautiful golden retriever, who died in 2016. Today, the business is a family affair (Rosen’s husband, Steve, came on board in 2010), and has expanded its services to include walking, training, boarding, doggie day care and in-home pet sitting. Make no bones about it, clients’ tails are wagging. “Customers tell us that their dog loves coming here,” Rosen says. “They just jump out of the car when they pull up.” –Matt Blitz

Other top vote-getters: Bark + Boarding, The Board Hound, Old Dominion Animal Health Center, Olde Towne Pet Resort, WOOFS!

Fur-Get Me Not clients Ben and Blue

Gym for Tots

Jumping Joeys

jjbounce.com

For many a parent of little ones, Jumping Joeys is the place to throw a birthday party. It’s got pizza, fruit trays, cupcakes and balloons available onsite—saving you the headache of shoving Mylar spheres out of your face while driving, or scraping frosting off the seats of your SUV after the big day. And let’s not forget the colorful mass of inflatable slides, obstacle courses and bounce houses where your tykes can lose themselves in a bouncy abyss. Be sure to check out the company’s most recent endeavor, STEAM Ahead Adventures, a children’s museum housed beside its new Clarendon location.

–Eliza Berkon

READER PICK Swim Lessons

Tom Dolan Swim School

tomdolanswimschool.com

Tom Dolan is a former world record holder, a twotime Olympic gold medalist and a local. “I was born and raised here,” says the Yorktown High School grad, who learned to swim at age 5 at Washington Golf and Country Club, and today lives in Falls Church with his wife and four kids. “My roots are in Northern Virginia.” Dolan retired from professional swimming after the 2000 Olympics, but he never left the pool. He opened his eponymous swimming school in Sterling in 2012 and added a second location in Falls Church this past March. “I really noticed a void in the more grassroots, curriculum-based, educational side of the sport,” says the athlete, now 44, whose instruction model focuses on technique, water safety and life lessons—the same fundamentals that guided him to the highest levels of competition. Now he’s passing it on. “A lot of these same families [we teach] followed me through the Olympics,” he says. “It’s an honor to open my doors to them.” –Matt Blitz

Other top vote-getter: Goldfish Swim School

EDITOR PICK

Tom Dolan Swim School

Jumping Joeys

Kids’ Entertainer

Rocknoceros

rocknoceros.com

Their catalog includes tunes such as “Harry Elefante,” “No Bananas on the Boat” and “Nappin’ Time.” But don’t underestimate the intensity or wisdom of this children’s rock trio. They’ve released six eminently listenable music albums (e.g., Dark Side of the Moon Bounce), seven episodes of the educational “Podnoceros” podcast, and they perform several times a month at venues throughout the area. Since 2005, the three longtime friends, who perform using the stage names Boogie Woogie Bennie, Williebob and Coach Cotton, have fused their talent and wit to produce quality music, earning nine Wammies (D.C.’s local version of the Grammys) along the way. –Eliza Berkon

Fun on Ice

MedStar Capitals Iceplex

medstarcapitalsiceplex.com

If you’re looking for some arctic fun for your youngster, try MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Ballston Quarter. In addition to its bragging rights as the home practice ice of the 2018 Stanley Cup champs, the rink offers quite a bit of recreational activity. Go beyond your basic public skate sessions—though it’s got those too—with games of family pickup hockey, mini stick ’n’ shoot hockey, and perhaps most intriguing, broomball. No skates are required for that last one; the sport is akin to hockey but subs in a ball for the puck and a “broom” of sorts for the hockey stick. Now if only we parents could figure out how to add a little more broomball to our homecleaning regimen. –Eliza Berkon

EDITOR PICK

EDITOR PICK

I have a passion for delivering exceptional results for my clients, and I’m profoundly moved and humbled to be recognized as a Best of Arlington Realtor for 2020. Thank you, to my clients and peers, for making my career so enjoyable and rewarding. I’m welcoming new clients, so please contact me for a free, no-obligation market analysis of your home, or for insight on your local market and the home buying process.

READER PICKS

PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL

BISHOP O’CONNELL HIGH SCHOOL

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Flint Hill School

Gonzaga College High School

The Madeira School

The Potomac School

The Sycamore School

MUSIC TEACHER

JANE POSNER

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Kaylene Blaylock

Blue Feather Music

Rene Johnson

Levine Music

READER PICK

Tutoring Service

Tutoring Club of McLean

tutoringclub.com/mcleanva

Every child learns differently, and it always helps to have a plan. Tutoring Club’s McLean center (it’s part of a nationwide network of learning centers) offers early learning, academic, standardized testing and study skills support to kids of all abilities, from pre-K through college prep. “We create customized game plans for each student, beginning with an assessment of study habits, communication styles and other aspects of learning that form the foundation of academic success,” says owner Michelle Scott. Some plans focus on helping manage student stress, school schedules and parents’ expectations. “We are also often the resource for bridging the gap between parents, students and schools, teaching students how to learn independently and to take ownership of their academics,” says Scott. “Our mission is to create confident, self-motivated learners for life.” –Adrienne Wichard-Edds

Other top vote-getters: Linder Educational Coaching, Mathnasium, MLS Educational Consultants, PrepMatters, Prepped Learning

Tutoring Club tutor Vivian Vasquez with student Charlotte Wood

Shopping

EDITOR PICK

Boutique Hot Spot

Falls Church City

We’re calling it: Falls Church City is having a retail renaissance. The Little City seems to be on fire, with independent boutiques popping up in unlikely corners and thriving, some in spite of their odd hours or hidden addresses. Turn your home into a sanctuary for houseplants with advice from tastemakers Julie Liu and Holly Manon at Botanologica. Score vintage finds at the Falls Church Antique Annex or Quinn’s Auction Galleries. Women’s consignment boutique New to You has been a reliable source for designer clothes and accessories for nearly three decades,

while at Lemon Lane Consignment you can outfit your kiddos for less dinero. Meanwhile, the motherin-law/daughter-in-law-owned Zoya’s Atelier has become a destination for bespoke and memorable formal wear. Falls Church City is also home to gems like TINT makerspace, Stylish Patina and Action Music. And if you need to fuel your shopping vibe, a vanilla cardamom latte from Rare Bird Coffee and a Nutella strudel from The Happy Tart—or a vegan “Oreo in a blanket” cookie from Bakeshop—are just the ticket. –Adrienne Wichard-Edds

Shopping on Broad Street in Falls Church

READER PICK

Gift Shop

Trade Roots

fairtraderoots.com

This fair-trade gift shop in Westover offers internationally curated wares with that warm-fuzzy bonus of knowing your purchase helped support a system of global artisans and microbusinesses. Stock your gift closet with colorful candles from South Africa, Indian block-print linens, cheeky socks from Conscious Step, or ceramics by local potter Scott Kaye. Sustainably sourced coffee, tea and chocolate are available in the store’s café and wine bar, as is homemade granola from Together We Bake, an award-winning local nonprofit that supports women through job training and personal development skills. –Adrienne Wichard-Edds

Other top vote-getters: Company Flowers, Covet, Le Village Marché, Lemoncello Boutique, Preston’s Pharmacy, Stylish Patina, Two the Moon, The Urban Farmhouse

Italo Frame Sterling Picture Framing

READER PICK

Fine Jewelry

Facets

Fine Jewelry

facetsfinejewelry.com

Facets turns 25 this year, “which means that we’re seeing children of our original clients who are now getting engaged,” says Suzanne Arnold, proprietor of the full-service jewelry boutique in the Lee Heights Shops. Her co-owner, husband Tom, still designs one-of-a-kind pieces for the store and on commission. Lately, in addition to engagement rings and statement pieces, they’ve started carrying more “jean jewelry,” she says pieces that can be worn anytime, not just on big occasions. But their specialty continues to be wearable art that’s out of the ordinary. “Unique jewelry has always been the core of our business,” Arnold says, “along with items from small, artist-driven companies that you’re not going to find at any store you drift past in the mall.” –Adrienne Wichard-Edds

Other top vote-getters: Boone & Sons, Dominion Jewelers

Purchase a $7 pack of guitar strings at Action Music and owner Matt Baker might throw in an expert restringing lesson for free. “Fundamentally, this is commerce, but to me it’s more about music and community,” says Baker, who’s been repairing and selling instruments to everyone from first-time players to arena-filling bands since the ’90s. In fact, every musiclover who walks into this Falls Church City shrine to fretted instruments seems to get a little more than they expected, whether it’s a history lesson, an introduction to the adjacent recording studio or the chance to play, say, a 1937 D’Angelico Excel (price tag $16,500). “Most of our stock is professional grade, but we can help get a new player started,” says Baker. “We try to have enough of a selection so that whether you walk in with $500 or $5,000, you can always find something good.” –Adrienne Wichard-Edds

Matt Baker at Action Music

(FACETS); J. MICHAEL WHALEN (ACTION MUSIC)

EDITOR PICK

READER PICK

Consignment Shop

Current Boutique

currentboutique.com

Oh, Current, how well you know us! Owner Carmen Lopez opened her first consignment boutique in Courthouse in 2007 with the mission of giving Arlington’s party girls and social sophisticates a place to pass along their gently used—but still very now —clothing and accessories. Her idea was so popular that she expanded into a bigger space (just up the block in Clarendon) in 2015, and added three more stores in the D.C. area. Yet there never seems to be any shortage

of on-trend clothes, shoes, bags and accessories from designer names like Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Taylor and Manolo Blahnik, as well as some past-season favorites from the likes of J.Crew, Zara and Anthropologie—making sustainable shopping both easy and chic. –Adrienne Wichard-Edds

Other top vote-getters: Finders Keepers, Lemon Lane Consignment, New to You, Second Ascent Consignment

Current Boutique owner Carmen Lopez in a Ted Baker houndstooth skirt and an Elizabeth and James blazer

~ Karen L. Keyes

READER PICKS

COMMUNITY BANK

Best Rest

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Burke & Herbert Chain Bridge Bank EagleBank John Marshall Bank United Bank

FAMILY LAW PRACTICE ARLINGTON COLLABORATIVE LAW

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Bean Kinney & Korman Mullett Dove

Meacham & Bradley

Nealon & Associates

Schmergel & Mersberger

MEDIATOR LITTLE FALLS MEDIATION

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Arlington Collaborative Law LIVE MUSIC THE STATE THEATRE

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: The Birchmere

JV’s Restaurant O’Sullivans Irish Pub

Westover Beer Garden Whitlow’s on Wilson

EDITOR PICK

Choose to Be Curious

lynnborton.com

Hosted by Lynn Borton, a former executive at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Choose to Be Curious on Arlington’s WERA 96.7 FM explores a wide range of intriguing issues. And when we say “range,” we mean it. In 2019, for example, Borton chatted with show guests about equity in public policy; Leonardo da Vinci and the benefits of distraction; and the effects of anthropogenic forces on the environment. On her website, Borton writes, “I learned to ask, not assume; to empathize, not judge; to appreciate the importance of worldviews and life experiences that were very different from my own.” –Eliza Berkon

COURTESY PHOTO

Podcast host

Lynn Borton with Second City’s Odinaka Ezeokoli, Calvin Evans and Felonious Munk

READER PICK

Local Band

Curtis Knocking

curtisknocking.com

You needn’t score tickets to a Don Henley or Sheila E. concert to catch a drumstick-wielding lead singer—look no further than Dave Signori of Curtis Knocking, a McLean-based cover band. The name is a nod to a Fast Times at Ridgemont High scene, but don’t expect to hear a slew of ’80s pop treasures at their shows; this foursome has a thing for straight-up rock, from the Beatles to Bruce (with a few original tunes in

the mix). Find the band—which also sponsors a McLean Little League team each year—blazing through “Blister in the Sun” or “Me and Bobby McGee” at Ragtime, Cowboy Cafe or another rollicking bar scene near you. –Eliza Berkon

Other top vote-getters: The Buzz Hounds, Collective a’Chord, The Legwarmers, Manther, Surfin’ Satan and the Beach Demons

Zeke Gladstone, guitar; Gary Stein, bass; Doug Sharpe, keyboard; and Dave Signori, drums

EDITOR PICK

Green Ambition

Arlington County Clean Energy Goal

environment.arlingtonva.us/energy/ community-energy-plan-cep/

As the effects of climate change continue to accelerate, Arlington is not sitting idly by. The county has set a series of ambitious clean energy goals, starting with making all county government operations, including public schools, 100 percent reliant on renewable electricity sources by 2025, and then bringing residents and local businesses into the equation by 2035. These targets, which officials hope to achieve with stricter building codes, electric transit, on-site solar power, sus-

tainable land use, the phasing out of fossil fuels and other measures, are spelled out in Arlington’s Community Energy Plan, which the county board updated in September by unanimous vote. The ultimate goal is for Arlington County to become carbon neutral by 2050. Now comes the hard part: County staff are charged with engaging the community—one that continues to see surging population growth—and delivering an implementation plan by June 2020. –Jenny Sullivan

READER PICK

Live Theater

Signature Theatre

sigtheatre.org

For three decades, this Tony Awardwinning beacon for the performing arts has staged some of the bestloved and most thought-provoking shows in musical theater, from West Side Story and My Fair Lady to Angels in America and The Scottsboro Boys. It also has championed dozens of new works through initiatives such as The American Musical Voices Project and SigWorks, and takes its out-

reach seriously—in 2019, Signature’s menu of educational programs served some 3,200 students and adults alike. Though the theater once made its home in a dormant auto garage on Four Mile Run, today its high-wattage lights shine out on the glittering Village at Shirlington. And yet, for all the glitz, the company led by artistic director Eric Schaeffer and managing director Maggie Boland still strives

for relatability. As associate artistic director Matthew Gardiner recently told Arlington Magazine, Signature’s winter production of A Chorus Line aims to be “as honest and fresh as possible.” –Eliza Berkon

Other top vote-getters: Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, Encore Stage & Studio, The State Theatre, Synetic Theater n

A Signature production of Billy Elliot

SERIOUS AS A

Heart Attack

By Lisa Kaplan

Gordon | Photos by Deb Lindsey

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S.

Many don’t know they have it until they land in the ER.

About 10 years ago, I was watching Mad Men on TV when my heartbeat fluttered like a hummingbird, then seemed to disappear. When I felt for a pulse, I got nothing.

My husband, Greg, detected a thready beat, then bundled me into the car to speed across the Potomac River to Sibley Hospital in D.C., seven minutes from our McLean home. The ER was empty at midnight, save for a drowsy security guard who asked me to sign in. When I wrote “heart attack” in a shaky script, the place jolted awake. Within three minutes, nurses had hooked me to a heart monitor and turned off its sound, because the syncopated, 190 beeps each minute freaked Greg out.

That was my first—of many—atrial fibrillation episodes. A-fib is an arrhythmia where the heart’s normal lub-dub/lub-dub rhythm becomes a samba of chaotic and inefficient muscle contractions that can’t pump all of the blood out of the heart. An electrical glitch in the heart’s top chambers, A-fib is scary, but not life-threatening. The real risk is that residual blood will clot and travel to the brain, causing a stroke.

One moment, I’m a normal, middle-aged woman with a thing for Don Draper; the next, I’m a cardiac patient tethered to an IV dripping drugs that, two days later, finally “converted” my willy-nilly heartbeat into a predictable rhythm again.

Why was I so surprised? Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women (men, too) in the U.S., claiming 299,578 female lives in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The American Heart Association has been pretty good at putting out PR every February, which is American Heart Month,” says Ra -

chel Berger, a cardiologist in the Ballston office of the Virginia Heart medical practice. “But people are still shocked to learn that it’s the leading cause of death in women. One in every five women will die of heart disease, beating out breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and all the other ways women die.”

Heart disease doesn’t discriminate by age. The odds of having a heart attack increase as you get older, but then again, young women having heart attacks isn’t as rare as hen’s teeth. “It’s more common than you think,” Berger says. “And it’s more dramatic when it happens to a younger person who doesn’t expect it and doesn’t have the typical risk factors.”

However, treatment of heart disease does discriminate by sex, according to Roquell Wyche, a cardiologist and board president of the Greater Washington Region American Heart Association.

Recognition is often the first hurdle. From the moment they begin experiencing symptoms to the time they arrive at a hospital, women having heart attacks wait more than 30 percent longer than men, Wyche says. Once there, women experience a 20 percent longer wait time than men, from arrival to the point at which they begin receiving care.

“In some cases,” she says, “women with chest pain were less likely than men to receive aspirin or be transported with lights and sirens. And women with cardiac arrest were less likely to be resuscitated.”

This article is a cautionary tale about three area women who were active, fit and healthy before their hearts— and, in some cases, the medical establishment—let them down.

n serious as a heart attack

Lori Scott, 54

LORI SCOTT LOVES TO SKI , schussing down blue-square slopes, slicing through fresh powder and feeling winter’s chill on her cheeks. But during a Steamboat Springs, Colorado, vacation 13 years ago, she felt another sensation.

“I was in bed around 11 with a book when I felt extreme difficulty breathing, like an elephant was sitting on my chest,” says the now 54-year-old. “It took about a minute before I said to my husband, ‘I think I’m having a heart attack.’ ”

While maybe a third of women have atypical heart attack symptoms—back, jaw, even earlobe pain; nausea; maybe some dizziness—Scott’s were classic: shortness of breath; numbness traveling down her left arm; an elephant (heart attack’s spirit animal) taking a siesta on her chest.

“It was unmistakable,” says the Arlington resident, who lives off Military Road and works as the chief information officer for NatureServe, a biodiversity conservation group.

Still, the couple debated going to the emergency room, which always robs four hours from your life, no less your vacation. Scott didn’t think she was a top contender for a coronary. She was 40, in good shape, with no close family history of heart disease—at the time. (Her mother would die suddenly a year later, at 65, of what Scott believes was a heart attack.)

“You always second-guess if what you’re experiencing is worth going to the ER for,” she says.

When more cautious heads prevailed and Scott finally showed up at

the mountain hospital, she was the lone heart event in a sea of breaks, sprains and dislocations. Her electrocardiogram (EKG) was normal, and her level of troponin, a cardiac enzyme that climbs after a heart attack, was just fine. Her symptoms subsided, and the docs chalked up the event to

“You always secondguess if what you’re experiencing is worth going to the ER for.”

indigestion—she had eaten her first elk steak for dinner. They discharged her at 4 a.m. with, “You’re fine; ski hard tomorrow.”

The next morning dawned on Scott’s last day of vacation. She slept in, and with “ski hard” ricocheting around her brain, she slapped on the new skis she’d been eager to try and joined her husband on a lift around noon.

You can guess what happened next. Halfway to the top, she turned and said, “Guess what, Joe. I’m having a heart attack. Again.”

That realization led to a ski-patrol toboggan ride down the mountain and an ambulance assist back to the same hospital that had discharged her 10 hours earlier. This time, her EKG was abnor-

mal, her troponin level had spiked and she was admitted. The next day, Scott was airlifted by helicopter to a major medical center in Fort Collins, where a cardiac surgeon placed two stents into her blocked arteries.

For years, nobody could figure out why her arteries had been blocked. Then, a decade later, on a hunch, Scott’s cardiologist sent her records to

the Mayo Clinic, where Scott was diagnosed with SCAD.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare and emergency condition that occurs when a tear develops in the heart blood vessels of, most commonly, a woman in her 40s or 50s who is otherwise healthy. The tear can slow or block blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack,

heart arrhythmia or sudden death. Research suggests SCAD is responsible for 40 percent of heart attacks in women under age 50. The recurrence rate for SCAD is estimated to be 20 percent.

Scott, who is now enrolled in Mayo’s SCAD registry and research study, sips a glass of ice water and waggles her right foot subconsciously as she talks about how lucky she feels to be alive

with no major heart damage. Her skiing days now behind her, she walks for exercise and tasks her husband with shoveling snow.

“I don’t want to be melodramatic, but I do try to use this as a lesson to appreciate what I have,” she says. “I try not to put things off, like visiting friends and enjoying the life we have. I care more about treating myself right.”

These days Lori Scott goes for regular lunchtime walks.

Elizabeth McKenzie, 34

SPELLING TESTS GIVE many fourthgraders the jitters, but not Elizabeth McKenzie. She remembers being a go-with-the-flow kid who prepared for weekly quizzes and didn’t stress much about getting A’s.

Still, her teacher, school nurse and parents attributed it to test anxiety when, one day in the mid-1980s, the 9-year-old’s chest suddenly tightened, her heart raced and her head felt light as a cloud.

agnosed as anxiety,” says McKenzie, an Arlington speech and language pathologist.

“I’ve probably had ventricular tachycardia my whole life that was misdi-

Ventricular tachycardia, aka V-tach, is a fast heart rate created by abnormal electrical signals in the ventricles, the heart’s lower chambers. Typical symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and feeling like your heart is racing. Unfortunately, panic attack symptoms also include dizziness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and feeling like your heart is racing.

It’s no wonder that women having panic attacks often think they’re having a heart attack; and women with heart disease often think they’re having—and are frequently diagnosed with—panic attacks.

McKenzie wears a weekday ponytail and a resigned smile when she talks about all the decades her doctors got it wrong. In junior high, when she was often short of breath, doctors called it exercise-induced asthma, even though she wasn’t exercising before, during or after the gasping spells. n serious as a heart attack

Elizabeth McKenzie today with her son Patrick

With 9 locations and 45 physicians, Virginia Heart is able to sub-specialize in every area of Cardiovascular Medicine. Women can frequently present with signs and symptoms of disease that are different than those found among men. At Virginia Heart, we are aware of these differences and are committed to the care and education of women in our communities. Our physicians work as a multi-disciplinary team with our colleagues in oncology, maternal fetal medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology to give our patients the best care, close to home.

n serious as a heart attack

When, as a 30-year-old new mother, her heart played Red Light/Green Light, constantly racing and stopping, her GP said parenthood was stressful, urging her to relax and breathe deep.

And when she became pregnant again in 2018, and her Apple Watch showed her heart seesawing between 75 and 175 beats per minute—a dozen times a day—the obstetrician in rotation talked about her “beautiful” blood pressure, she recalls, then gave her a physiology lesson about pregnancy and blood flow and blah, blah, blah.

“I knew I wasn’t crazy,” says McKenzie, eyes still glistening with frustration, remembering how her concerns and complaints were diminished or dismissed. As in space, no one could hear her heart scream.

Until someone did.

Kathy Wolf, who heads an OB-GYN practice in Annandale, has compassion-

ate brown eyes, straw-colored bobbed hair and a quirky sense of humor. Her YouTube channel is titled, “Dr. Kathy at Your Cervix.”

“We’ve been through a lot together, trying to get me pregnant,” says McKenzie, who’s seen Wolf for fertility issues since 2012. Regrettably, scheduling conflicts during her second pregnancy kept doctor and patient apart until McKenzie was 28 weeks along.

“As soon as she saw me, she said, ‘You don’t look like you feel well.’ ”

McKenzie recalls choking back tears as she spilled out her symptoms and fears. How her heart galloped a dozen times a day, how she obsessively counted her heartbeats on her smartwatch, how she didn’t want to seem dramatic, but she feared she was crazy.

Then, for the first time in 20 years, a doctor said, “Let’s get you to a cardiologist.”

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In a perfect world, that would end the story. The hero cardiologist would instantly diagnose and treat McKenzie’s heart problem, and she’d live her life knowing she wasn’t nuts, just a young woman with a super-fast heartbeat.

But McKenzie’s EKG was normal, and the cardiologist, who wasn’t accustomed to treating pregnant women 40 years younger than anyone else in his waiting room, was stumped.

McKenzie sensed he, too, believed anxiety was the culprit.

Then, like the spectral whisper in Field of Dreams If you build it, he will come—she recalled Wolf’s advice: “Push for a heart event monitor.”

A cardiac event monitor is a cellphone-sized device with electrodes that attach to your chest and measure and record heart activity. A patient typically wears it for a day. Sometimes a monitoring staff remotely keeps an eye

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on readings in case the device detects something weird or dangerous.

Two weeks passed before McKenzie was fitted for the monitor by a technician who waved her goodbye with, “If you don’t hear from us, bring it back in 24 hours.”

She made it three hours.

“My phone rings, and it’s the remote tech saying, ‘Are you okay? Are you safe? You need to go to the emergency room!’ ”

McKenzie demurred, saying she wanted her doctor to see the wild heartbeats that were panicking the monitoring staff.

“They called back in 30 minutes, then five more times in five hours,” she says. “Finally, a supervisor was on the phone saying, ‘I must insist you go to the emergency room.’ ”

McKenzie, then 32 weeks pregnant, relented with an eye roll and drove with her husband, Evan, to Virginia Hospital

Center’s Emergency Department, where the fun was about to begin.

“They hooked me to a monitor and, all of a sudden, the alarm goes off. Everyone’s freaking out. The doctor runs back and looks at the monitor and says, ‘It’s ventricular tachycardia.’ They get a crash cart and get me ready for the paddles, because they’re worried about cardiac arrest. And the doctor says to me, ‘This can cause strokes. You’re so lucky you never passed out while driving your child.’ ”

Later, Wolf held her hand and said, “You were trying to tell us this all along. And you couldn’t get anyone to listen.”

Today, McKenzie manages her arrhythmia with a beta-blocker that slows

her heart to about 50 beats per minute, ironically, an overcorrection for the problem she spent a lifetime trying to convince doctors she had.

“I’m still recovering mentally and emotionally,” says the Arlington mom, who delivered a healthy baby boy, Patrick, about a year ago.

“I grew up in a house where we trusted when a doctor said, ‘You’re fine.’ Going against a doctor? I wouldn’t have done that…before. Now, I’m a much more active consumer. I’ve been on so many different medications, and if I have any side effects, I’m quick to call or text. Before, I wouldn’t want to be annoying. Now, I’m comfortable speaking up.”

Jennifer Landers

Jennifer Landers, 45

JENNIFER LANDERS EASILY embraces her many identities: wife; mother of two young boys; president of New Dimensions, a custom homebuilding company; Christian woman of faith.

The only identity she has trouble wrapping her head around is “heart attack survivor.”

“For a long time, I’d call it a ‘cardiac event,’ ” says Landers who, for the first time, is speaking publicly about the heart attack she suffered five years ago. “It’s still difficult to say the words— heart attack. It’s still unbelievable.”

Her new reality began early on Good Friday morning when she was 40.

“I woke up and felt some pressure in the center of my chest,” she says. “I wasn’t in so much pain. I wasn’t short of breath. But I knew something wasn’t right.”

Landers, who lives in Falls Church City, woke her husband, Paul, and told him to call 911. She asked him to instruct the EMTs to turn off their sirens because their 3½- and 2-year-old sons were still sleeping.

By the time the ambulance arrived 10 minutes later, “heaviness” had spread to her wrists, like someone was pulling on her arms.

The EMTs took Landers’ blood pressure, which was elevated to 158/100. They gave her a baby aspirin and drove her to Virginia Hospital Center, where her EKG was normal.

Some three hours later, however, Landers’ cardiac enzyme level rose high enough to win her a bed in the hospital’s cardiac wing. Around 10:30 that night, a sharp pain spread through her right shoulder.

Although nobody used the words then, the shoulder pain was the moment Landers had the heart attack,

which had been revving up since morning. The nurses’ station monitor sounded an alarm, mobilizing a cardiac team.

“Within five minutes of the pain, a whole team of people were coming in, asking how I was feeling, giving me medication,” Landers says. A cardiac catheterization to scope out the problem was scheduled for Monday, the day after Easter.

Cardiac catheterization is used to locate a narrowing or blockage in blood vessels that is limiting blood flow to the heart. At 9 a.m. on Monday, doctors inserted a long, thin tube into a blood vessel in Landers’ groin, threading it through a succession of connected blood vessels to her heart. That’s when they found the “rupture.”

Landers uses a little geography and a lot of hand motions to describe where her doctor found the rupture. If you think of the main coronary vessels as the Chesapeake Bay, and lesser vessels as, say, the Patuxent River, then her rupture was hidden in a slim creek that jutted from the river that flowed from the bay.

“The pain I felt in my shoulder was when that little vessel popped,” she says. “The vessel was so tiny, that there was nothing they could do. Everything else looked good. When the cardiologist gave me the report, she said, ‘If I could order up a heart attack, it would be the one you had.’ ”

In other words, as heart attacks go, it wasn’t a bad one. Still, Landers remembers getting tripped up by those words.

“I said, ‘Wait. Order up a what?’ That was the first time I heard the words heart attack. I can’t even tell you how shocking it was.”

In hindsight, Landers—whose official diagnosis was “coronary

“It’s still difficult to say the words— heart attack. It’s still unbelievable.”

arteriosclerosis”—says she shouldn’t have been so stunned; both of her grandmothers had survived heart attacks when they were in their 40s, so she had a family history of heart problems.

When I ask Landers how the heart attack changed her routine, she mentions the daily pills she will take for the rest of her life—a baby aspirin to thin her blood, medicine to regulate her blood pressure, and a statin to keep her cholesterol levels lower than what diet and exercise can do alone. For about a year, she carried emergency nitroglycerin pills in her purse, just in case.

The heart attack also rewrote the prayers she utters as a Sunday churchgoer and a believer. Since the event, she says, her prayers have essentially evolved from, “God, give me health” to “God, give me strength.”

“I was brought up to pray for the best outcome, pray that God will provide,” Landers says. “But today, I’m praying more for him to prepare me for whatever is to come.” n

Lisa Kaplan Gordon is a Pulitzer Prizenominated freelance writer living in McLean.

A calming retreat in Tara Leeway Heights

These elegant master baths are subtle studies in texture.

BY JENNY SULLIVAN

Period Piece

WHEN AMY AND BOB Fischer put an addition on their 1948 brick colonial in Tara Leeway Heights, they wanted a master bath with spa-like luxury—and room for three young kids. “Oftentimes in the morning you can find all five of us using the space,” says Amy, an interior designer and owner of Charlotte Lily Interiors (charlottelilyinteriors.com). “We also were passionate about keeping the character of our home intact.” They hired architect Sarah Riddlemoser of Arlington-based Moser Architects (moserarchi tects.com) and Merit Homes in Falls Church (buildmerit.com) to create a retreat that is beautiful and timeless, but also supremely functional. That vision translated into a Victoria+Albert Cheshire claw-foot tub, Carrera marble basket-weave tile (which plays on the woven look of an antique rug) and marble subway-tile wainscoting. The vanity’s Mouser custom cabinetry has scalloped feet to match the style of the tub, and there are a few touches of sparkle, such as a crystal chandelier (Pottery Barn) and custom gilded mirrors from KH Art & Framing. A large shower with multiple jets “makes showering three small kids super easy,” Amy says. And in the realm of creature comforts, the space has a heated towel rack and heated floors.

n neutral ground

Posh and Polished

MARBLE HAS A WAY of transforming floors and walls into art. When John and Lucy Caracappa turned to Arlington-based Tradition Homes (builtbytra dition.com) to create their dream home

in McLean’s Franklin Park neighborhood, they wanted a bold, high-contrast aesthetic in the master bath, says Tradition co-founder Tripp DeFalco, a registered architect. The spacious retreat

finds classic marble flooring and wainscoting alongside a sleek, freestanding spoon tub (the Metro Logan model from Hydro Systems), brushed nickel fixtures and a floor-to-ceiling bank of dark, paneled cabinets. Neutral tones allow the room’s sumptuous textures— most notably the natural veining in the

PHOTO & STAGING BY LINEN & LENS

“Gray Cloud” marble—to play a starring role. A swath of creamy alabaster tiles in a herringbone pattern serves as a runway to that enviable soaking tub.

“It’s the centerpiece of the room,” Lucy says. “We add a little lavender salt, turn on some meditation music and we are whisked away for a while.”

•

•

•

Graphic Design

ANGULAR APPEAL IS WHAT Classic Cottages was banking on when it built this decidedly contemporary spec home in Arlington’s Lyon Village. (The house attracted some 120 visitors to its first open house and sold in September.) “We wanted the interiors to match the clean lines of the exterior,” says Kim Musser, design director for the Alexandria-based builder (ccottages.com).

In the master bath, Musser went for modernity. She outfitted the shower with groovy Floor & Décor Calacatta Labrinto porcelain mosaic tiles, then played off their geometry with complementary elements that were similarly shaped. Among them: a rectangular Kohler soaking tub, a fused-laminate Eclipse vanity and rectangular surfacemount sinks with brushed metal faucets (also rectangular). The vanity’s acrylic handles echo the translucence of the glass shower door, and a ceiling-mounted rain showerhead adds an extra level of pampering.

n neutral ground

Super Serene

IT’S UNUSUAL FOR a bathroom to sell a house, but that’s pretty much what happened in this Lyon Park spec home, designed and built by TriVistaUSA in Arlington (trivistausa.com). Kylin and Matt McCardle were especially smitten with the master bath, which project designer Pam Harper outfitted with a Miseno slipper-style soaking tub and

a backsplash wall of shimmery, threedimensional More Bianco tiles. They bought the house in 2018.

A double-sided vanity—framed around a center support to appear as though “floating”—is cleverly made with stock cabinetry, but clad in stained wood trim for a cool custom look. “That was the element I was most attracted

to,” Kylin says. “With the windows on either side it has this perfect symmetry. It reminded me of a resort we had stayed at in Mexico. It feels less utilitarian—almost decadent. Indulgent.”

The house has plenty of communal spaces for entertaining, notes TriVistaUSA co-owner Michael Sauri, but also “many places to sneak away and get focused.” Like this contemplative retreat, where all the troubles of the day can be washed away. n

Look Good, Feel Good PROFILES

Danine Fresch Gray, DDS

CLARENDON DENTAL ARTS

Why are regular visits to the dentist so important?

Oral health is directly connected to overall systemic health. There are 57 diseases currently linked to oral health, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and colorectal cancer, which is why we’re always striving to empower our patients to incorporate oral health into their long-term healthy living plans. With new and continually evolving technology, we are now able to test our patients for oral risk factors connected to systemic issues. A simple saliva test can tell us if someone is at a higher risk for tooth decay. It’s also important for women to know that because they tend to experience more hormonal changes in their lives than men, they do face different challenges. For instance, during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, saliva buffering is altered, which can greatly impact the rate of tooth decay and gum health. Routine dental visits ultimately save people a lot of time and money.

What makes your patient experience unique?

We offer an integrative, more holistic approach to dentistry that creates wellness for a lifetime, not just the next six months. Rather than merely looking to drill and fill, which only provides a temporary “fix,” we are committed to helping our patients determine the “whys” behind their dental challenges. We believe building trusting relationships is essential in providing our patients the best possible dental care. Through active listening, we can we help determine the underlying causes of dental challenges and work with our patients to foster wellness routines that are realistic for their everyday, busy lives. I’m proud to have developed so many long-lasting relationships—many of my patients have been coming here for 25-plus years. When our patients feel great about their smiles, they exude wellness. At Clarendon Dental Arts, we not only create beautiful smiles, we save lives.

“…we are committed to helping our patients determine the “whys” behind their dental challenges.”

Yongsook Victoria Suh, MD

VICTORIA PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER, INC.

What made you want to become a cosmetic plastic surgeon?

I’ve always had a passion for medicine, and I loved the idea of being able to transform a vision into immediate results that offer people a new, enriched, outlook on their lives. Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are meant to enhance natural beauty and inspire confidence. There is tremendous joy in providing life-changing results that help give patients a fresh view of themselves and encourage a new outlook to everyday life.

I also appreciate that cosmetic plastic surgery blends science and art, and I enjoy the multifaceted nature of these beautiful transformations. Cosmetic procedures require creative vision and the best possible outcomes are a result of the precise execution of that vision merging seamlessly with knowledge and respect for the human anatomy, while incorporating cutting-edge procedures and state-of-the-art technology.

Cosmetic plastic surgery is no longer just for people with unrealistic expectations of beauty. It’s affordable and, with ever-evolving technology, safe and reliable. I treat men and women from all walks of life, and the results allow people to enjoy their lives with newfound freedom, improved self-esteem and timeless elegance.

What makes you different from other cosmetic plastic surgeons?

First and foremost, I listen to my patients—and then listen some more. All procedures are personalized and I am driven by my patients’ wants and needs. Surgically, I’m progressive. I embrace new cutting-edge procedures, techniques and technologies. But while cosmetic plastic surgery can be fun and sexy, it must also be functional. I know when it’s best to treat a patient surgically, with non-surgical methods and when not to treat at all. I will not change my standards to fit a procedure, the procedure must fit my standards. I place quality and patient safety above all.

“I

place quality and patient safety above all.”

Courted Spa at The St. James

In what ways can patrons of The St. James experience your wellness and health offerings?

The St. James is a one-stop shop for whole body wellness. The state-of-the-art complex provides a multitude of innovative health and wellness activities for both individuals and families, including group fitness classes, sports programming, nutritious meal preparation and physical therapy services. Courted is proud to be an important part of the holistic wellness journey that is offered to everyone who walks into The St. James. Members and non-members can come relax and rejuvenate at our full-service med spa. Whether you are an athlete who wants cryotherapy for recovery, a mom who wants to learn more about injections or a teen combating hormonal acne, Courted offers an elevated, premium experience for everyone to achieve their wellness goals.

Why is self-care so important? How can it impact your overall mental and physical wellbeing?

We all lead extremely busy lives, so taking time for self-care is necessary for both mental and physical rejuvenation. Self-care comes in many forms at Courted. Certified estheticians and on-site professionals provide a wide range of restorative services. From nail care to sports recovery massages, skin-specific facials and IV hydration treatments, Courted encourages customers to take a moment for themselves in a welcoming, relaxed environment. A stop at Courted is just one way to indulge in a self-care moment. Along with The St. James’ array of fitness offerings, we’ve created the ultimate destination for customers to enjoy our treatments as part of a holistic approach to total body wellness.

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Darin Iverson, DDS

IVERSON ORTHODONTICS

What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?

Easy: The bright smile of elation we see on a patient’s face at the completion of treatment when we “unveil” their new smile. I distinctly remember what that day, back in 1984, felt like for me. It’s what solidified my decision to pursue a career in orthodontics. I had braces in high school from my sophomore year until I was a senior, and I still vividly remember the moment I looked in the mirror for the first time after they were taken off. It was incredible. I’d never had so much confidence in myself and my appearance. I had recurring thoughts about being an orthodontist throughout my treatment, but it was the pure joy I felt on the day my braces came off that sealed the deal. I wanted to be able to give that gift to others.

How do you employ new technology to help your patients?

One of the most dreaded procedures in a typical orthodontic office is taking the impression of your teeth. Anyone who has had braces remembers those big trays, loaded with goopy, slimy impression material, and trying to resist the urge to gag. We don’t put our patients through that. Our office uses a digital scanner, that essentially works as a video camera, to take pictures of your teeth, eliminating the need for impressions. The digital imaging is then sent to our in-office 3-D printer. These tools not only help us make our patients’ experience more pleasant, but they provide us with more accurate information as well. A properly aligned bite helps teeth stay healthier for a lifetime, and my team and I are committed to offering our patients the best in orthodontic care. We attend many conferences to ensure we stay at the forefront of the latest developments in our field.

“My team and I are committed to offering the best in orthodontic care.”

5401 Lee Highway Arlington, VA 22207

Rhett Kent, MD

FOREFRONT DERMATOLOGY

What are two things you wish more people knew about skincare?

The skin is a window into your health and well-being. When your skin changes, it’s trying to grab your attention! Sometimes it’s signaling what it needs, and sometimes it’s telling you what is happening beneath the surface. These signals are frequently misunderstood. Making sense of the subtext allows me to provide valuable insight and directed treatment for my patients.

Evidence-based skin care is simple, but navigating the skin care market is anything but. As Grandpa Abe used to say, “All that glitters is not gold.” Glamorous, organic and expensive is not the same as proven, effective and worthwhile. Many patients use a complex regimen of products that just don’t make sense for their skin type or skin needs. We often wipe the slate clean. By replacing their regimen with only a few directed treatments, they can see results they had never been able to attain. Point being, it’s never too late to get on the right skin treatments for you.

What sets you apart from other dermatologists?

Many patients feel like their skin problems are not given adequate time and attention. Unfortunately, they are right. This can be frustrating after you’ve made the effort to see your physician. When I walk into the exam room, you and your skin are my only priorities. Our visit is never over until your concerns have been fully addressed.

Getting onto a dermatologist’s schedule in a timely manner can be difficult. During training, I saw patient after patient whose rash had resolved by the time of their scheduled appointment. Many dermatologists’ schedules are booked months out with checks for skin cancer surveillance or cosmetic appointments. I block time every day for acute appointments, so my patients can get in within 24 hours when a more urgent skin concern arises.

“I block time every day for acute appointments, so my patients can get in within 24 hours when a more urgent skin concern arises.”

Talal Munasifi

, MD,

FACS

ADVANCED PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER

What distinguishes you from other plastic surgeons?

The extra time I spend with my patients, so I can be attentive to their wants and needs. I call my patients on the night of their surgeries, follow up with them in my office the next day and make sure I am the one to see them for all follow-up visits throughout their recovery. I want my patients to know, from their initial visits, that I truly care about their wellbeing and will always have their best interests at heart. I’m frequently asked if I ever tell patients they don’t need surgery or are not the right candidate for a desired procedure. I do that on a regular basis. I value honesty and it is integral in this profession. Plastic surgery is something I was drawn to from the beginning of my career. I relish the opportunity to positively impact peoples’ lives. In a few hours, we can completely transform someone in a natural way, taking them back to the way they looked 10-15 years ago. It’s rewarding to see the change in my patients, as their confidence increases. It’s not just something I notice; scientific studies have proven that self-esteem and selfimage improve significantly with plastic surgery.

What is something you wish more people knew about plastic surgery?

If you choose the right surgeon, people won’t know you’ve had work done. There’s often a fear that people will be able to tell someone has had plastic surgery, but a good plastic surgeon can operate without giving the telltale signs. The problem is, people only notice the bad results. When the results are good, no one knows you’ve had surgery. The most successful plastic surgeons are detail-oriented and have the right vision. When patients look at pictures of my work, they’ll see I deliver the most artistically pleasing and natural-looking outcomes.

“If you choose the right surgeon, people won’t know you’ve had work done.”

L-R: Danielle Landzinski, MS, PA-C Talal A. Munasi , MD, FACS James M. Economides, MD

Look Good, Feel Good PROFILES

Lisa Ling

REGIONAL PERSONAL TRAINING MANAGER, VIDA FITNESS BALLSTON

What is one thing your clients should know about you?

There is a common misconception that every personal trainer comes from a super athletic background, has always been naturally thin, and has never faced health problems or constraints. But, like our clients, personal trainers come from all walks of life. I had to work really hard to get in shape, and I use my personal experience to relate to my clients. My goal is not only for my clients to feel better after our sessions, but to help them make a long-term commitment to healthy living that becomes as routine as brushing their teeth.

What makes VIDA Fitness different from other gyms?

VIDA Fitness has best-in-class instructors, brand new equipment and luxurious locker rooms, but we are different because we are committed to our community. When you join VIDA, you get access to unlimited classes, spacious weight and cardio space, and the latest programming. You are also invited to parties, seminars and happy hours. VIDA members get discounts at Aura Spa, SweatBox, Bang Salon and our neighborhood preferred partners. More than fitness, VIDA members have access to registered dietitians who help our clients understand the nutrition piece of the puzzle. Most of all, I love working at VIDA because we are passionate about making our members feel comfortable and part of the VIDA family.

“Most

of all, I love working at VIDA because we are passionate about making our members feel comfortable and part of the VIDA family.”

Jeffrey L. Brown, DDS

FELLOW OF AMERICAN ACADEMY OF CRANIOFACIAL PAIN, SLEEP & TMJ THERAPY

Why is TMD important and why should people be aware of it?

I wish more people knew about TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction). When the jaw joints are not level, it is likely that the shoulders and hips are not level either. This imbalance in the body can often result in a range of symptoms. Every day, I see patients reporting problems such as tinnitus (ringing/ buzzing/hissing in the ears), migraines, headaches, tremors, joint stiffness, back pain, dystonia, sleep problems and much more. They have been to many doctors and no one has been able to find the underlying cause. As a dentist, I evaluate the person as a whole, not just their teeth. I have found that the underlying cause usually has to do with displaced discs in the jaw joints. This is why my new patient interviews are quite extensive and include a thorough evaluation with an MRI of the joints, X-rays and when necessary, a sleep study. It’s important to know what is happening both internally and externally so we can successfully find and treat the root of the problem.

What makes you different from other dentists?

Unlike other practices, we focus solely on treating craniofacial disorders and sleep-related issues. By limiting my practice to these areas of care, I’m able to concentrate on what I do best. Every day we see patients of all ages who are searching for help with developmental growth, airway improvement, relief for the symptoms associated with TMJ/TMD and movement disorders. I truly enjoy helping them get their lives back. Once in treatment, our patients can resume normal activities such as work and sports and sleep much better. That’s what it’s all about! To help identify problems early on, we offer complimentary consultation for patients 18 and younger.

“I truly enjoy helping our patients get their lives back.”

MyEyeDr

What new services do you offer to meet the needs of your patients?

We recently completed an extensive renovation at our Clarendon office. We’ve expanded our collection of frames and sunglasses, and our refreshed space features more areas for patients to sit and relax while trying on glasses. We now offer new brands and a wider selection to fit even more face shapes and style preferences. As always, we have a full range of contact lenses, including monthlies, dailies and multi-focals.

We also have a brand new, state-of-the-art retinal imaging machine. This advanced technology allows us to diagnose diabetes, macular degeneration and many other eye conditions with better accuracy. Our new space reflects our commitment to providing our patients with the very best care.

MyEyeDr. welcomes all insurance plans and has four Arlington locations in Ballston, Clarendon, Pentagon City and Baileys Crossroads.

Dr. Malalai Yarzada | MyEyeDr.—Clarendon | 703-294-6600

Dr. Sonny Truong | MyEyeDr.—Ballston | 703-525-7474 www.myeyedr.com

Deirdre J. Maull, DMD, MS DEIRDRE MAULL ORTHODONTICS

What is unique about your practice?

I have had the amazing opportunity to train with pioneers in the fields of Surgical Orthodontics and Cleft/Craniofacial Anomalies, which led to earning a subspecialty in Craniofacial Orthodontics. I offer the newest treatment modalities, including presurgical infant orthopedics, Invisalign, accelerated orthodontics, TAD’s and selfligating braces.

At the core of our practice, we are patient focused and dedicated to providing superior service and support to our patients at every step of their orthodontic journey. We will give you an honest assessment without pressure to start treatment, and we are here when you need us. Our goal is for all patients to be happy with their results and want to come back to visit us long after their treatment is complete, even if it’s just to say hello!

6845 Elm St., Suite 505 McLean, VA 22101

703-556-9400

www.maullortho.com

DARREN S. HIGGINS

“… we’re con dent that our emphasis on patient care separates us from high-volume dermatology and niche cosmetic-only practices.”

Lina Naga, MD, FAAD Terrence Keaney, MD, FAAD SKINDC

What sets SkinDC apart from other dermatology practices?

Dr. Keaney: Dr. Naga and I both felt there was something missing in the Washington, D.C. dermatology space: a comprehensive, premier practice that offered topnotch care in all aspects of dermatology. We opened SkinDC together in 2017 to provide our patients with full service dermatologic care—medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology, lasers, body contouring, hair restoration and aesthetician services—in a state-of-the-art and welcoming environment. Our practice was designed with patients’ needs in mind, including a paperless check-in process, in a chic, clean and comfortable office with two lobbies depending on appointment type.

Dr. Naga: As the practice of medicine continues to trend toward large, hospital based and private equity groups, we’re confident that our emphasis on patient care separates us from high-volume and niche cosmeticonly dermatology practices. We’ve built our practice on providing high-quality preventative and personalized dermatologic care. We understand that everyone is unique, and that the perception of skin disease and aging varies within individuals, genders and ethnicities. Through detailed consultations and collaboration with our patients, we develop customized treatment plans to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual. We are also highly accessible to our patients through emergency in-office appointments and teledermatology services.

How do you employ new technology to help your patients?

Dr. Naga: In so many ways: staying at the forefront of the latest technology is important to us. We have invested in cutting-edge lasers, skin imaging and light and energy based technologies to ensure our patients are receiving the very best in dermatologic care.

Dr. Keaney: We are innovators. Dr. Naga and I both have specialized training in the most advanced technologies. With our own clinical research department, we’re working to develop new clinical research trials and treatment protocols to improve skin health.

1525 Wilson Blvd., Suite 125

Arlington, VA 22209

703-966-7127

www.skindcderm.com

great spaces n by

Jennifer Sergent

| photos by Jenn

Verrier

The Art of the Basement

IT TOOK AN ACT OF GOD while they were away on vacation for Chandi and Jeff Krohl to finally address the basement. Truth was, the lower level of the

Glencarlyn home they’d owned since 2006 was unpleasant even before the water damage. Old carpeting competed with pink terra-cotta floor tiles, the

shelves around a gas fireplace looked like they were made of plywood, and Jeff’s home office, where he works as a market researcher, was a “dark, dank

place,” Chandi says. The 2018 flood finally forced their hand.

“We decided, Let’s go all in and make it a place that we love ,” she explains, adding that their three kids were getting older and wanted a place to hang out with friends.

Once the 1,150-square-foot basement was gutted and primed for a

makeover, they enlisted their longtime artist friend and neighbor Kate Hougen, owner of Mira Jean Designs, to use her sense of color, pattern and scale to reimagine the entire lower level—including a family room, a crafts area, a workout room and an improved office for Jeff. “It didn’t function as one cohesive space that people wanted to spend time in,” says the textile and wallpaper designer.

Hougen started with wood-grain ceramic floor tiles throughout, and then turned to custom carpenters Randy and Callie Parz (siblings, they are based in Falls Church) to create new built-ins and shiplap siding for the fireplace wall. “They treated that whole wall as one entire piece,” she says.

Next came the furnishings, where Hougen’s eye for balance and blending came in handy. A Moroccan rug picks up the basket weave pattern of wood console doors and the pom-pom fabric of an ottoman, while an expansive sectional sofa is a backdrop for lively pil-

lows by designer Caitlin Wilson. Hougen bought Ikea frames for children’s artwork that hangs above the crafting desk, and collaborated with Connecticut artist Jen Scully to produce paintings declaring “Now or Never” for the adjoining workout area. She contributed one of her own abstract watercolors to the built-in shelving next to the fireplace, and purchased a ceramic piece from Falls Church artist Lindsey Augustine for the mantel.

“We pulled in local artists wherever we could,” she says. The result is a subterranean hideaway that’s a cozy destination rather than an afterthought. “It made us really proud of our home,” Chandi says. “It feels like a really good, comfortable and inviting space.” n

October’s Most Expensive Home Sales

Savile Lane, McLean

22201

(Arlington)

2711 Key Blvd.

List Price: $2.3 million

Sale Price: $2.27 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: RE/MAX Distinctive Real Estate

Neighborhood: Lyon Village

Year Built: 2015

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22202 (Arlington)

1226 23rd. St. S.

List Price: $988,500

Sale Price: $1.03 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: RE/MAX Allegiance

Neighborhood: Not specified

Year Built: 1983

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22203 (Arlington)

323 N. Oxford St.

List Price: $859,900

Sale Price: $875,000

Days on Market: 6

Listing Office: RE/MAX West End

Neighborhood: Ashton Heights

Year Built: 1938

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 2/1

22204 (Arlington)

1402 S. Randolph St.

List Price: $1.09 million

Sale Price: $990,000

Days on Market: 204

Listing Office: RE/MAX Allegiance

Neighborhood: Douglas Park

Year Built: 1905

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/2

This information, courtesy of Bright MLS as of Nov. 13, 2019, includes single-family homes as well as row/townhouses sold in October 2019, 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 95,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve over 20 million consumers. For more information, visit brightmls.com.

22205 (Arlington)

4918 14th St. N.

List Price: $1.59 million

Sale Price: $1.85 million

Days on Market: 29

Listing Office: EXP Realty

Neighborhood: Not specified

Year Built: 2019

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22206 (Arlington)

3325 Kemper Road

List Price: $650,000

Sale Price: $677,000

Days on Market: 5

Listing Office: Compass

Neighborhood: Shirlington Crest

Year Built: 2010

Bedrooms: 2

Full/Half Baths: 2/1

n prime numbers

22207 (Arlington)

2326 N. Vermont St.

List Price: $1.88 million

Sale Price: $1.85 million

Days on Market: 114

Listing Office: RE/MAX Realty Group

Neighborhood: Lee Heights

Year Built: 2007

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22209 (Arlington)

1512 16th Court N.

List Price: $1.55 million

Sale Price: $1.47 million

Days on Market: 9

Listing Office: William G. Buck & Assoc.

Neighborhood: Rosslyn

Year Built: 2016

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22213 (Arlington)

6929 Williamsburg Blvd.

List Price: $889,000

Sale Price: $900,000

Days on Market: 10

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s

International Realty

Neighborhood: Not specified

Year Built: 1957

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 2/0

22101 (McLean)

1114 Savile Lane

List Price: $5.1 million

Sale Price: $5.26 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: Washington Fine Properties

Neighborhood: Langley

Year Built: 2019

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 6/3

22102 (McLean)

1063 Silent Ridge Court

List Price: $2.6 million

Sale Price: $2.45 million

Days on Market: 49

Listing Office: Casey Margenau Fine Homes and Estates

Neighborhood: The Reserve

Year Built: 2004

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/2

22041 (Falls Church)

6515 Lakeview Drive

List Price: $944,900

Sale Price: $902,500

Days on Market: 69

Listing Office: RE/MAX West End

Neighborhood: Lake Barcroft

Year Built: 1952

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22042 (Falls Church)

2823 Brook Drive

List Price: $839,000

Sale Price: $890,000

Days on Market: 2

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: Hillwood

Year Built: 1941

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22043 (Falls Church)

7201 Holywell Lane

List Price: $1.15 million

Sale Price: $1.14 million

Days on Market: 14

Listing Office: RE/MAX Allegiance

Neighborhood: Chestnut Place

Year Built: 2015

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22044 (Falls Church)

6519 Dearborn Drive

List Price: $1.3 million

Sale Price: $1.25 million

Days on Market: 85

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Neighborhood: Lake Barcroft

Year Built: 1963

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 3/2

22046 (Falls Church)

1504 Crane St.

List Price: $1.65 million

Sale Price: $1.65 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: Optime Realty

Neighborhood: Fowler’s Addition

Year Built: 1953

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

2326 N. Vermont St., Arlington

Real Estate Sales Trends

22202

Northern Virginia Alliance League (NVAL)

salutes our 2019 Holiday Luncheon Community Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Arlington Magazine « Heidi Ellenber ger Jones/Modern Jones, LLC

Nancy Osmond Popovich/Popovich Financial Group at Baird

Platinum Sponsors

Anonymous « Dynamic Gymnastics « Ginger Laytham

Mobile Posse, Inc. « Smithers Patriot Foundation « Whittington Design Studios

Golden Sponsors

Anonymous « Jennifer Caterini, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty « Forsythe Marketing « Geva and Jane Real Estate

HomeFirst Mortgage/Lari Anne & Greg Kundinger « Jacobson Design LLC « Northside Veterinary Clinic « Reinsch Pierce Family Foundation by Lola C. Reinsch « Chris Reynolds/City & Suburban Homes « Nancy E. Snell « Anne Marie & John Strabo/SCG Capital Corporation

Friends of NVAL

Alex & Jeff Beall and Kathy Rehill, Re/Max Distinctive Real Estate « Katherine M. Breaks « CP Terry & Associates, LLC

Brenda Hawthorne « Marymount University « Meany & Oliver Companies, Inc. « Minuteman Press of Arlington

Chrissy O’Donnell, Re/Max West End « Paul’s Best Lawn Service « Judy Smathers, CABi Stylist « United Bank

22209 Number

22213

22101

22102

22043

22041 Number

22042

Olive oil cake

restaurant review n

by David Hagedorn | photos by Jonathan Timmes

Sweet SPOT

Thompson Italian is the kind of restaurant every neighborhood craves.

IT’S NOT OFTEN that the very first bite of a dish kicks your neurons into rapid fire, grabs your taste buds by the lapels and screams to your brain that something extraordinary is happening. I had this experience at the restaurant chef Gabe Thompson and his wife, pastry chef Katherine Thompson, opened in August in Falls Church. During dessert. More than once.

Those neurons pinged over and over, like a pinball racking up points, whether the source of my delirium was Katherine’s ethereal panna cotta with cabernet pear sorbet, homemade gingersnap crumbles and pears marinated in lemon syrup and pear brandy; or her Madeira-laced olive oil cake topped with creme fraiche mousse and a compote of raisins soaked in Grand Marnier caramel syrup. Chocolate fans will melt over her chocolate-hazelnut torta, a three-layered delight of hazelnut dacquoise (meringuebased cake), Nutella and feuilletine (crispy crepe cookies), topped with fudgy ganache and served with hazelnut ice cream and candied hazelnuts.

This is not to take anything away from Gabe’s superb savory cooking—which I will get to shortly—but if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t save room for dessert, you might consider starting with that course and working your way backward.

Gabe and Katherine Thompson

n restaurant review

The Thompsons (he’s from San Antonio; she’s from Arlington) have sterling bona fides in the restaurant world. Both are culinary school graduates who sought success in New York City and found it—Le Bernardin, Per Se and other well-known Manhattan spots pop up on their résumés. The two met in 2007 through a mutual friend at Del Posto, married in 2008 and then teamed up to launch several restaurant projects of their own in the West Village—dell’anima, L’Artusi, L’Apicio, and a wine bar, Anfora. In 2014 they co-authored a cookbook, Downtown Italian. They also had two kids and decided it was time to leave New York.

In 2015, the family moved to Katherine’s hometown (they now live in Arlington Forest) after Gabe landed a job as executive chef at RPM Italian on K Street in the District. But their dream was to

open another restaurant, close to home. They looked at the former Argia’s space in Falls Church City in 2017 and signed a lease there a year later.

Thompson Italian’s rustic, American trattoria feel takes its cues from the couple’s former New York restaurants, with soft lighting, wainscot beadboard and cushioned banquettes. The restaurant is a relatively intimate 3,500 square feet with seating for 70 inside, 30 in the bar and 20 outside on the back patio. “It’s a nice size for us. Not too big, not too small,” Katherine says. “Falls Church is such a great community. People ride their bikes to us. There is momentum to support businesses here.”

In the dining room, three canvases by Katherine’s father, local artist Michael Lahr, double as soundproofing panels, joining forces with ceiling pan-

els to keep the decibel level manage able. (Praise be the soundproofing, but the full dining room is still quite lively.) On the bar side, stylized concert post ers hang opposite a neon “Pasta Power” sign. “Dad designed that, too,” Kather ine says of the sign. “Free labor!”

An evening at Thompson Italian be gins with a warm greeting at the door and another at the table. The cocktails are seasonal, so the bracing quaffs that heralded the restaurant’s late summer debut have since given way to winter weather comforts like Sage Against the Machine, made with bourbon, sage, black pepper and angostura and orange bitters. Order garlic bread with your drinks; the focaccia slices are slathered with roasted garlic and baked until the Parmesan cheese forms a golden crust.

For starters, octopus slowly braised in olive oil and bay leaves, charred a la plancha and served with a salad of roasted potatoes, green olives, pickled peppers and almond pesto, offers a delightful balance of saltiness, richness and texture.

A fritto misto of calamari, hot peppers and lemon slices is a fine rendition of the trattoria classic, even if the lemon slices could have been thinner—that’s a

Panna cotta with cabernet pear sorbet

Seared tuna with porcini mushroom crust

lot of rind to eat otherwise. Similarly, the components of a bright, straightforward fall salad of apples, fennel, celery and red onions could have been sliced with more precision to look less like something you’d make at home.

Gabe Thompson exerts plenty of “pasta power,” starting with making nearly all of his pastas in-house. The quality of a Bolognese sauce is always a good litmus test for Italian cooking, and his passes with flying colors—rich, slow-cooked and rife with ground Chapel Hill Farm Randall Lineback Ruby Veal and Roseda Farm beef, finished with butter and Parmesan. It clings perfectly to fresh pappardelle noodles that have just the right amount of chew.

Another winner is the twisted housemade gemelli with a piquant tomato and Calabrian chili sauce, shrimp and breadcrumbs.

The star of the pasta list, though, is ravioli filled with cauliflower, mascarpone and Parmesan cheese and topped with toasted pine nuts, raisins and capers. This dish is a beautiful blend of sweet and savory.

Among the meat and fish courses,

the standout is the market fish, which, in my case, was medium-rare tuna, seared in a blackened porcini and oregano crust, sliced and served with sautéed hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, celery purée, frisée lettuce and a drizzle of olive oil. (The chef finishes many dishes with estate olive oils from Tuscany, Sicily or Abruzzo.)

Another entrée finds whole boneless chicken breast, its crispy skin deftly rendered of fat, sitting atop a stew of tomatoes, kale and chicken sausage. It’s interspersed with large focaccia croutons that soak up the juices, making this lovely provincial dish hearty and rib-sticking. Just don’t eat all of it, because you have to save room for dessert, right?

If my descriptions of Katherine’s panna cotta and olive oil cake failed to tempt you, perhaps her cannoli will. The thin, crispy cylinders of fried pastry dough are filled to order with ricotta cream, tiny chocolate chips and housemade candied orange peel, then dipped in chopped pistachios at both ends. “They’re a bitch to make,” she admits. But they are oh so easy to devour. n

THOMPSON ITALIAN

124 N. Washington St., Falls Church 703-269-0893

thompsonitalian.com

HOURS

Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m.

PARKING

Abundant parking in the adjacent parking lot

PRICES

Starters: $12 to $16

Pasta: $15 to $21

Fish and Meat: $25 to $29

Dessert: $6 to $11

WHAT TO DRINK

Chef-owners Gabe and Katherine Thompson oversee Thompson Italian’s libations list with the same eye to detail as their food menu.

Bartender Hector Haran has put together a fine seasonal cocktail menu that might feature a cucumber-infused gin and tonic in warm weather, and a cranberry-rosemary number with vodka and prosecco in the fall.

General manager Kristen Carson (“KC”) Hamilton spearheads a brief but satisfying list of predominantly Italian wines (six white, four sparkling, three rosé, seven red) available by the glass and bottle, including tasty vintages such as a Sardinian Sella & Mosca “Terre Rare” ($12/$42) and Calabrian Scala Ciro Bianco ($13/$45).

Cauliflower ravioli

Gemelli with shrimp and breadcrumbs

ORDER THIS now

Borscht at Rus Uz

It’s cold out there and that means it’s hot soup season. We’re mad for this ruby-red beet-andcabbage soup, loaded with chunks of braised beef and topped with dollops of sour cream. It’s hearty, delicious and beautiful to behold. Find it alongside other Russian and Uzbek specialties at Rus Uz in Ballston. rusuz.com

David Hagedorn

Egged On

Come spring, Chef Victor Albisu will be opening Huevos, a fast-casual, egg-centric Latin restaurant, in the former Yona space in Ballston. The chef, who grew up in Falls Church and now resides in Vienna, has cooked in many of D.C.’s best-known restaurants—among them, 701, DC Coast and Ardeo (all now closed), Marcel’s and BLT Steak. In 2013, Albisu opened the upscale Argentinean grill Del Campo in Penn Quarter, and the first of what is now a chainlet of fast-casual taquerias, Taco Bamba. In 2018, he converted Del Campo into two restaurants—a Taco Bamba and a swanky Mexican restaurant named Poca Madre.

How did you get into cooking?

I started cooking when I was in the single digits. I’d go to Florida for the summer and work in my aunt’s cafeteria in Hialeah, making empanadas and croquetas and frying eggs on the plancha. As the years went on, my mom opened her own [food] market [in Falls Church] and I trained

with Argentinean butchers. But I was rst generation, and manning the butcher shop was not going to be the direction for me. The family said I was going to go to college and do something different.

But you ended up going to cooking school anyway.

I was studying international relations. I

Hole Foods

Doughnut devotees let out a collective cheer when Alex Talbot and his wife, Aki Kamozawa, tweeted they’d be opening an outlet of their Pennsylvania-based Curiosity Doughnuts in the new Tysons Corner Whole Foods at the end of October.

The couple, both chefs, married in 2000, and in 2005 created a blog called Ideas in Food, which they turned into a teaching and consulting company for chefs who wanted to learn about molecular gastronomy. They’ve written three cookbooks: Ideas in Food (2010); Maximum Flavor (2013); and Gluten-Free Flour Power (2015).

While writing the first two books, the pair became intrigued by doughnuts, developing sourdough and no-knead brioche versions. They opened a stall in a farmers market in Stockton, New Jersey, in 2015, and subsequently were catapulted to doughnut fame by a write-up in Food & Wine magazine. Now Curiosity is in three Whole Foods Markets on the East Coast, thanks to an introduction to the food retailer by D.C. chef Erik Bruner-Yang, whose Paper Horse

worked for different companies assisting Latin American initiatives, but it was bureaucratic. I had a hard time being in an office, being told what to do. I missed cooking. I found the Cordon Bleu on the internet, sold everything I owned and moved to Paris.

You raised eyebrows when you opened Taco Bamba.

It has been one of the greatest lessons of my life. Taco Bamba was a hidden little nothing in the armpit of a strip mall with no street visibility. We had the opportunity to let a business flourish without needing to hit a grand slam right out of the park. It took me three years before I was successful enough to say, Let’s go look for another one

What did that experience teach you?

I learned I could open a business, let it

ramen shops are similarly tucked into several area Whole Foods Markets. The Tysons outpost features 11 kinds of doughnuts ($3 each or $36 for a baker’s dozen), with options such as vanilla or chocolate yeast; an applecider cake doughnut; a Pennsylvania Dutch potato doughnut; sourdough; and a coffee-cake-like melt-away

struggle through its first year and then grow it. I’m not the guy who’s going to pay top-dollar rent for the top-dollar space. Yes, location, location, location—I get it. But perfectly located spaces can fail. For me, it’s about the quality of the product and giving it the right opportunity to grow.

Isn’t Huevos a top-dollar space?

No. It’s a good location, but [the entrance is] on a side street. You don’t see it from everywhere. I like for people to have to find it. Well, not too hard to find it.

How did Huevos come to be?

At my aunt’s place, everything was a caballo —“on horseback”—meaning it had a couple of fried eggs on it. Steak, rice, beans, you name it. I wanted to explore that [tradition] a bit more. There’s nothing to me that an egg

doughnut. Glazes (such as vanillabuttermilk, lemon or strawberry) and crumb toppings (picture shortbread or cookies-and-cream) are finishing touches. Other Curiosity offerings include a fried chicken sandwich ($9) and hot chocolate ($3), either traditional or white-chocolatecaramel. curiositydoughnuts.com

doesn’t make better. There’s something comforting about it.

What will we see on the menu?

There will definitely be things we really love— bacon, egg and cheese empanadas; sweet and savory popovers with butter, in a bag to go. Different version of tortas— Cuban sandwiches—a caballo. I’d also like it to be a bit surprising. It’s called “Eggs,” but it’s not going to be all eggs. We’ll have a significant barbecue section where we’re doing our own beef ribs and brisket. I’m a huge fan of egg salad sandwiches, so maybe an egg salad club. Not everything will be Latin. [The idea is] something that tastes really good and travels really well, with a small cocktail component—maybe bloody marys and mimosas—and great coffee. I describe it as just a little egg shop. I want the chance to over-deliver on that. eathuevos.com

places to EAT

ARLINGTON

1000 Degrees Pizza

3400 Columbia Pike, 703-920-9000, 1000de greespizza.com. The Jersey-based chain serves Neapolitan pies ranging from the traditional (Margherita) to the trendy (falafel and feta). L D V $$ Aladdin

5169 Lee Highway, 703-533-0077. Chef Shiuli Rashid and her husband, Harun, prepare family recipes of curries and kabobs from their native Bangladesh. Closed Tuesdays. L D $$

Ambar Clarendon« 2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-9663, ambarrest aurant.com. Feast on Balkan fare such as stuffed cabbage, mushroom pilav and rotisserie meats in a buzzy setting with ambiance. R L D G V $$

Arlington Kabob

5046 Lee Highway, 703-531-1498, arlington kabobva.com. Authentic Afghan fare includes kabobs, wraps, shawarma and quabli palou (lamb shank with rice). Closed Mondays. L D $$

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill

2424 Wilson Blvd., 703-528-3030, arlrooftop.com. There’s plenty of bar food to go with the games,

from burgers and wings to oysters and atbread. ❂ J R L D A G V $$

Astor Mediterranean

2300 N. Pershing Drive, 703-465-2306, astor foods.com. Grilled kabobs, vegetarian salad platters, pita-wrap sandwiches and fennel-scented crackercrust pizzas. ❂ L D G V $$

Baba«

2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-312-7978, baba.bar. This hip subterranean cafe serves breakfast and coffee in the morning, then transforms into a cocktail lounge with upscale bar snacks and a deejay.

B R L D G V $$

Bakeshop

1025 N. Fillmore St., 571-970-6460, bakeshopva. com. Hit this tiny storefront for coffee, cupcakes, cookies, macarons, icebox pies and other sweet treats. Vegan options available. B V $

Bangkok 54

2919 Columbia Pike, 703-521-4070, bangkok54 restaurant.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.com. This hip watering hole serves 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. You’ll nd upscale tavern fare and more than 100 kinds of whiskey and bourbon. R L D A G V $$

Basic Burger

1101 S. Joyce Street, 703-248-9333, basicburger. com. The homegrown eatery (and food truck) cooks with locally sourced, certi ed Angus beef and cagefree, antibiotic-free chicken. L D $$

Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery

1515 N. Courthouse Road, 703-243-2410,

bayoubakeryva.com. Chef David Guas’ New Orleansinspired menu changes daily, but you can always count on beignets and gumbo. Breakfast all day on Sundays. ❂ J B R L D G V $

Ben’s Chili Bowl

1725 Wilson Blvd., 703-649-5255, benschili bowl.com. The Ali family’s pork-and-beef halfsmoke sausages smothered in chili have been a D.C.-area favorite since 1958. ❂ L D A $

Bethesda Bagels

1851 N. Moore St., 703-312-1133, bethesda bagels.com. The popular D.C.-area chain is now in Rosslyn. ❂ L V $

BGR the Burger Joint 3129 Lee Highway, 703-812-4705, bgrtheburger

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

❂ Outdoor Dining

J Children’s Menu

B Breakfast

R Brunch

L Lunch

D Dinner

A After Hours/Late Night

G Gluten-Free

V Vegetarian

« Best of Arlington 2019 or 2020 Winner

The Renegade ZACH PEARSON

n places to eat

joint.com. Top your dry-aged beef with options like grilled jalapeño, pineapple or fried egg. Veggie and turkey burgers available.  L D V $

Bistro 29

3911 Lee Highway, 703-528-1111. Enjoy Mediterranean fare (shawarma, moussaka) along with American dishes such as fried green tomatoes and po’boy sandwiches.  L D V $$

Bistro 1521

900 N. Glebe Road, 703-741-0918, bistro1521. com. Filipino mainstays and street foods such as ukoy (deep-fried veggie fritters with shrimp) and sisig (grilled chopped pork ears and pork belly). L D $$$

Bob & Edith’s Diner

2310 Columbia Pike, 703-920-6103; 539 23rd St. S., 703-920-2700; bobandedithsdiner.com.

Founded in 1969, the 24-hour eatery whips up pancakes, eggs, grits, meatloaf, shakes and pie à la mode. B L D A V $

Bonchon

2201 N. Pershing Drive, 703-528-1011, bon chon.com. Aficionados flock to this Korean chain for its addictive and fiery fried chicken. L D $$

Bracket Room

1210 N. Garfield St., 703-276-7337, bracket room.com. The sports bar features more than 35 TVs, specialty cocktails (including 64 shooters) and eats ranging from chicken bao buns to burgers. b R L D A $$$

Bread & Water Company

1201 S. Joyce St., 703-567-6698, breadandwater company.com. The cafe-bakery serves sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries. B L V $

Bronson Bierhall

4100 Fairfax Drive, 703-528-1110, bronsonbierhall. com. You’ll find communal tables, 16 German and regional beers on tap, sausages, schnitzel and cornhole in this 6,000-square-foot bar ode to Munich in the former A-Town space. L D A $$

Buena Vida

2900 Wilson Blvd., buenavidaclarendon.com. Authentic, upscale Mexican cuisine and cocktails with lots of ambience. b B R L D $$$

Buena Vida Social Club« 2900 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-5306, buenavida socialclub.com. This rooftop bar above sister restaurant Buena Vida has a separate menu featuring empanadas, tostadas, sliders, spritzers and seven kinds of margaritas. b D A V $$

Busboys and Poets

4251 S. Campbell Ave., 703-379-9757, busboys andpoets.com. Bohemian types gravitate toward this Shirlington outpost with its poetry readings and an eclectic menu that includes oodles of options for vegetarians. b  B R L D G V $$ Buzz Bakeshop

818 N. Quincy St., 703-650-9676, buzzbakeshop. com. Go sweet with a s’mores cupcake, or savory with a ham-and-cheddar scone. b B L D G $

Café Pizzaiolo

2800 S. Randolph St., 703-894-2250, cafe pizzaiolo.com. New York-style pies plus antipasto, pasta, panini, cannoli and gelato.  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 $$

Caribbean Grill

5183 Lee Highway, 703-241-8947. Cuban dishes such as jerk-style pork, fried plantains and black bean soup with chorizo are mainstays.  L D G V $

Carlyle

4000 Campbell Ave., 703-931-0777, greatamerican restaurants.com/carlyle. The original anchor of Shirlington Village is a reliable pick for fusion fare, happy hour and Sunday brunch. b  R L D G V $$$

Cava Grill

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

Cava Mezze

2940 Clarendon Blvd., 703-276-9090, cavamezze. com. Greek small plates include octopus, roasted eggplant, zucchini fritters, souvlaki, briny cheeses and succulent lamb. R L D G V $$$

The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant 2500 Columbia Pike, 703-746-9644, celtichouse.

net. The pub on the Pike serves favorites like corned beef and traditional Irish breakfast.  R L D A $$

Central Coffee

1901 N. Moore St., 571-800-9954, centralcoffee bars.business.site. The Rosslyn cafe serves coffee, crepes, smoothies and Asian buns, plus beer and wine in the evenings. B L D $

Chasin’ Tails

2200 N. Westmoreland St., 703-538-2565, chasin tailscrawfish.com. It’s the place to go for a spicy, messy, finger-lickin’ Cajun crawfish boil. Lunch on weekends only. L D $$

Cheesetique

4024 Campbell Ave., 703-933-8787; cheesetique. com. The cheese shop and wine bar offers small plates, cheese boards and more. b B L D V $$

Circa at Clarendon

3010 Clarendon Blvd., 703-522-3010, circa

Bronson Bierhall

bistros.com. Bistro fare ranges from salads and small plates to steak frites and wild mushroom pizza. Sit outside if you can. b R L D A G V $$$

Copa Kitchen & Bar

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-4830324, copakitchenbar.com. Watch sports and munch on Spanish comfort foods like chorizo-manchego flatbread. B R L D A $$

Copperwood Tavern

4021 Campbell Ave., 703-522-8010, copper woodtavern.com. The hunting-and-fishing-themed saloon serves up steaks and chops, 24 draft beers and 30 small-batch whiskeys. b R L D $$$

Cowboy Café

4792 Lee Highway, 703-243-8010, thecowboy cafe.com. Cool your heels and fill up on sandwiches, burgers, brisket and chili mac. Live music on weekends.  R L D V $$

Crafthouse

901 N. Glebe Road, 703-962-6982, crafthouseusa. com. Locally sourced pub fare and Virginia beer, wine and spirits. b L D A $$

Crystal Bonsai Sushi

553 23rd St. S., 703-553-7723. It’s where chef Amy Brandwein gets her sushi fix. Closed Mondays. L D $$

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 and pub grub.  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 Market and Restaurant

1503 Columbia Pike, 703-920-3559, damacater ing.com. The Ethiopian family-owned business includes a breakfast café, market and dining room. B L D V $$

Damn Good Burger Co.

4251 Campbell Ave., Arlington, 703-933-2867, damngoodburgerco.com. Brought to you by the team behind Big Buns in Ballston, it serves “designer” burgers, shakes, beer and booze. L D $$ Darna

946 N. Jackson St., 703-988-2373, darnava.com. Grilled kabobs, mezze and traditional Lebanese comfort foods are served in a modern setting. The upstairs is a hookah bar. L D V $$

Delhi Club

1135 N. Highland St., 703-527-5666, delhiclub. com. Curries and tandoori in a stylish setting near the Clarendon Metro. Sample a little of everything at the weekend lunch buffet. b L D $$

Delhi Dhaba Indian Café

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. b L D G V $$

Delia’s 2931 S. Glebe Road, 571-483-0159, deliasbrick ovenpizza.com. The family-owned chainlet serves pizzas and Mediterranean fare. b L D V $$

Detour Coffee

946 N. Jackson St., 703-988-2378, detourcoffee co.com. The comfy cafe has a college vibe and serves up locally roasted coffee, light bites and weekend brunch. b R L D V $

Dirt

4121 Wilson Blvd., 703-337-3790, dirteatclean. com. Emphasizing “clean eating,” Dirt’s menu includes bowls, salads, toasts and sandwiches, including vegan and Paleo options. B L D G V $$

District Taco«

5723 Lee Highway, 703-237-1204; 1500 Wilson Blvd., 571-290-6854; districttaco.com. A local favorite for tacos and gargantuan burritos.  B L D G V $

Don Tito

3165 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-3113, dontitova.com.

Located in a historic building, the sports bar specializes in tacos, tequila and beer, with a rooftop bar. b R L D $$

Dudley’s Sport & Ale

2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, 571-312-2304, dud leyssportandale.com. The 13,000-square-foot sports bar has wall-to-wall TVs, a roof deck, a ballpark-inspired beer list and pub food, plus weekend brunch. b  R L D A $$

n places to eat

Earl’s Sandwiches

2605 Wilson Boulevard, 703-647-9191, earlsinarlington.com. Made-to-order sandwiches use prime ingredients, like fresh roasted turkey. b B L D G V $

El Charrito Caminante

2710-A N. Washington Blvd., 703-351-1177. This bare-bones Salvadoran takeout counter hits the spot with tacos, burritos and pupusas. L D V $

El Paso Café

4235 N. Pershing Drive, 703-243-9811, elpaso cafeva.com. Big portions, big margaritas and bighearted service make this spacious Tex-Mex cantina perfect for big groups.  L D G V $$

El Pike (Pike Pizza)

4111 Columbia Pike, 703-521-3010, facebook.com/ PikePizza. Bolivian dishes satisfy at this no-frills eatery. Try the salteñas stuffed with chicken or beef, olives and hard-boiled egg. L D $

El Pollo Rico«

932 N. Kenmore St., 703-522-3220, elpollorico restaurant.com. The rotisserie chicken mecca gained even more street cred after a visit from the late Anthony Bourdain. L D V $

Elevation Burger

2447 N. Harrison St., 703-300-9467, elevation burger.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. b L D V $

Endo Sushi

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-243-7799, endo sushi.com. A go-to spot for sashimi, teriyaki, donburi and maki. L D V $$

Epic Smokehouse

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

Essy’s Carriage House Restaurant 4030 Lee Highway, 703-525-7899, essyscarriage house.com. Kick it old school with crab imperial, lamb chops and prime rib. B L D G $$$

Federico Ristorante Italiano 519 23rd St., 703-486-0519, federico ristoranteitaliano.com. Occuping the former Cafe Italia space, it’s co-owned by Freddie’s Beach Bar owner Freddie Lutz. L D V $$ Fettoosh

5100 Wilson Blvd., 703-527-7710, fettoosh.com. Overstuffed pita sandwiches and kabobs keep the kitchen fired up at this bargain-priced Lebanese and Moroccan restaurant.  R L D G V $ Fire Works

2350 Clarendon Blvd., 703-527-8700, fireworks pizza.com. Chef Thomas Harvey has expanded the menu but wood-fired pizzas and more than 30 craft beers on tap are mainstays. b  L D A G V $$

First Down Sports Bar & Grill 4213 Fairfax Drive, 703-465-8888, firstdownsports bar.com. Choose among 20 draft beers and snacks ranging from sliders to queso dip. L D A V $$ Four Sisters Grill

3035 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-9020, foursisters grill.com. Here, the family behind Four Sisters in Merrifield serves up banh mi sandwiches, papaya salad, spring rolls and noodle dishes. b L D $$ The Freshman

2102 Crystal Drive, thefreshmanva.com. This popup in the Crystal City Underground (now Amazon central), serving sandwiches, grain bowls, espres-

so drinks and other light fare, is a precursor to a permanent café and cocktail bar set to open in 2020. B R L G V $

Fyve

1250 S. Hayes St. (inside (The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City), 703-412-2762, ritzcarlton.com/pentagoncity. The hotel restaurant serves globally influenced dishes. For a treat, go for Sunday brunch or afternoon tea.  B R L D G V $$$$

Gaijin Ramen Shop

3800 Lee Highway, 703-566-9236, gaijinramen shop.com. Choose your broth and toppings, from pork shoulder to pickled vegetables. Gaijin makes its own noodles in-house daily. D V $$

Galaxy Hut

2711 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-8646, galaxyhut.com. Pop in for live music, craft beers (28 rotating taps), grilled cheese and bar snacks, including vegetarian and vegan munchies. L D A G V $$

Gharer Khabar

5151 Lee Highway, 703-973-2432, gharerkhabar.com. Translated as “home’s food,” this art-filled, 14-seat café serves Bangladeshi fare cooked by native chef Nasima Shreen. Try the goat biryani. L D $$

The G.O.A.T.«

3028 Wilson Boulevard, 703-528-8888, thegoatva. com. The buzzy sports bar has a Champagne room, arcade games and a photo booth. R L D A $$

Good Company Doughnuts & Café

672 N. Glebe Road, 703-243-3000, gocodough. com. The family- and veteran-owned eatery serves house-made doughnuts, Intelligentsia coffee and other breakfast and lunch 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 $

Goody’s

3125 Wilson Blvd., 703-351-7827. A late-night goto for New York-style pizza, subs, ice cream and breakfast sandwiches.  B L D A V $

Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro

4301 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-7900, grandcru-wine. com. This intimate European-style café includes a wine shop next door. b R L D G $$$

Green Pig Bistro

1025 N. Fillmore St., 703-888-1920, greenpig bistro.com. Enjoy creative nose-to-tail cooking with a Southern edge, solid craft cocktails, a daily happy hour and weekend brunch. R L D G V $$$

Guajillo

1727 Wilson Blvd., 703-807-0840, guajillomexican. com. Authentic Mexican dishes such as carne asada, mole poblano and churros are favorites. b  L D G V $$

Guapo’s Restaurant

4028 Campbell Ave., 703-671-1701, guapos restaurant.com. Expect hearty portions of all the Tex-Mex standbys—quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and burritos. b  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. D $$

Hanabi Ramen

3024 Wilson Blvd., 703-867-5516, facebook.com/ HanabiRamenClarendon. It serves multiple variations of the popular noodle dish, plus rice bowls and dumplings. L D $$

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

2150 N. Culpeper St., 703-527-8394, heidelberg bakery.com. Fill up on baked goods as well as Old Country specialties such as bratwurst and German potato salad. Closed Mondays. B L $

Heritage Brewing Co. Market Common 2900 Wilson Blvd., 571-319-0024, hbcmarket common.com. The brewpub offers 18 craft beers on tap and menu options like shepherd’s pie, gnocchi with chorizo and oysters. R L D $$

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. b L D A $$

Hot Lola’s«

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), hotlolas chicken.com. It’s all about Kevin Tien’s Nashvillemeets-Sichuan hot chicken sandwiches. L D $

Ireland’s Four Courts

2051 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-3600, irelandsfour courts.com. Irish fare includes cider-braised short ribs, a Guinness-marinated burger and imported cheeses from general manager Dave Cahill’s family farm in County Limerick.  R L D A V $$

Istanbul Grill

4617 Wilson Blvd., 571-970-5828, istanbulgrillkebabshop.business.site. Satisfy your craving for Turkish meze and kabobs at this homey spot in Bluemont. L D V $$

The Italian Store

3123 Lee Highway, 703-528-6266; 5837 Washington Blvd., 571-341-1080; italianstore.com. A cultstatus destination for pizzas, sandwiches, prepared entrées, espresso and gelato. b L D G V $

Jaleo

2250-A Crystal Drive, 703-413-8181, jaleo.com. Spanish croquettes and housemade chorizo carry forth chef José Andrés’ enduring reputation as the maestro of tapas. b L D G V $$$

Kabob Palace

2315 S. Eads St., 703-486-3535, kabobpalaceusa. com. A Crystal City favorite for grilled meats, pillowy naan and savory sides. L D A G V $$

Kanpai Japanese Restaurant

1401 Wilson Blvd., 703-527-8400, kanpai-sushi.com. The STTR (spicy tuna tempura roll) is a must at this popular Rosslyn sushi spot. b L D G V $$

L.A. Bar & Grill

2530 Columbia Pike, 703-685-1560. Regulars flock to this dive bar on the Pike (L.A. stands for Lower Arlington) for cold brews and pub fare. D A $$

La Côte D’Or Café

6876 Lee Highway, 703-538-3033, lacotedorarling ton.com. This little French bistro serves standards like crepes and steak frites. b R L D G V $$$

Layalina

5216 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-1170, layalinares taurant.com. Lebanese and Syrian dishes aim to please at this family-owned restaurant. Lunch sandwiches available Tuesday-Friday. b L D A V $$

Lebanese Taverna

5900 Washington Blvd., 703-241-8681; 1101 S. Joyce St., Pentagon Row, 703-415-8681; leba nesetaverna.com. A local favorite for mezze, kabobs, flatbreads and more. b  L D G V $$

Le Pain Quotidien

2900 Clarendon Blvd., 703-465-0970, lepainquo tidien.com. The Belgian chain produces Europeanstyle cafe fare. B L D G V $$

The Liberty Tavern«

3195 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-9360, theliberty tavern.com. This Clarendon anchor offers a spirited bar and creative cuisine fueled by two woodburning ovens. b  R L D A G V $$$

The Little Beet

1800 N. Lynn St., 703-310-6711, thelittlebeet. com. Trying to avoid gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, sugar or meat? Head here for build-your-own-bowl options for all kinds of diets. B L D G V $$ Livin' the Pie Life

2166 N. Glebe Road, 571-431-7727, livinthepie life.com. The wildly popular pie operation started as an Arlington farmers market stand. B L V $$

The Local Oyster«

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 844-7482537, thelocaloyster.com. Raw bar, steamers, crabcakes, lobster rolls and “sammies.” Cocktails, too, including oyster shooters with PBR. L D G $$

Lost Dog Café

5876 Washington Blvd., 703-237-1552; 2920 Columbia Pike, 703-553-7770; lostdogcafe.com. Known for its pizzas, subs and craft beer selection, this deli/café and its multiple franchises support pet adoption through the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. L D G V $$

Lyon Hall«

3100 N. Washington Blvd., 703-741-7636, lyon hallarlington.com. The European-style brasserie turns out French, German and Alsatian-inspired plates, from charcuterie and sausages to mussels and pickled vegetables. b  R L D A V $$$

Maizal

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3966500, maizalstreetfood.com. South American street food—arepas, empanadas, yuca fries, Peruvian fried rice, street corn and churros. L D V $

Mala Tang

3434 Washington Blvd., 703-243-2381, mala-tang. com. Chef Liu Chaosheng brings the tastes and traditions of his hometown, Chengdu, to this eatery specializing in Sichuan hot pot. b L D G V $$

Mario’s Pizza House

3322 Wilson Blvd., mariopizzahouse.com. Open into the wee hours, it's been cooking up subs, wings and pizza since 1957. b  B L D A $

Maya Bistro

5649 Lee Highway, 703-533-7800, bistromaya. com. The family-owned restaurant serves Turkish and Mediterranean comfort food. L D 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. b  L D G V $$

Mele Bistro

1723 Wilson Blvd., 703-522-0284, frenchitalian arlingtonva.com. Like your proteins and veggies smoked over wood chips? Call 24 hours ahead and this French and Italian eatery will do it for you. B L D G V $$

Meridian Pint

6035 Wilson Blvd., 703-300-9655, meridianpint. com. John Andrade’s transplanted brewpub (it moved from D.C. to Dominion Hills) serves craft brews, burgers, salads, crab dip, enchiladas, oysters and more.  R D A G V $$

Metro 29 Diner

4711 Lee Highway, 703-528-2464, metro29. com. Classic diner fare includes triple-decker

sandwiches, mile-high desserts, burgers, roasted chicken and breakfast.  B R L D V $

Mexicali Blues

2933 Wilson Blvd., 703-812-9352, mexicali-blues. com. The colorful landmark dishes out Salvadoran and Mexican chow. b  R L D G V $$

Mi & Yu Noodle Bar

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3571399, miandyunoodlebar.com. Fast-casual noodle bowls and bao. L D G V $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-465-1600; 4037 Campbell Ave., 571-257-8214; mobyskabob.com. Satisfy your craving for Persian skewers and flavorful sides. 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. b L D $$

Namaste Everest

1201 S. Joyce St., 703-567-4322, namasteeverest. com. Try modern Indian and Nepalese dishes, from lamb or goat curry to momos (Nepalese dumplings), with a mango, mint or banana lassie. L D G V $$

Nam-Viet

1127 N. Hudson St., 703-522-7110, namviet1. com. The venerable restaurant specializes in flavors of Vietnam’s Can Tho region. b L D V $$

Nando’s Peri Peri

1301 S. Joyce St., 571-858-9953; 4401 Wilson Blvd., 703-888-5459; nandosperiperi.com. Flamegrilled Portuguese chicken. You control the spice level.  L D G V $$

Northside Social Coffee & Wine« 3211 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-0145, northside socialarlington.com. The homey, two-story coffee and wine bar is a haven for teleworking by day and unwinding in the evening. b B L D V $$

Oby Lee

3000 N. Washington Blvd., 571-257-5054, obylee. com. Crepes and quiche are the bill of fare at this European-style café, bakery, wine shop and coffee roastery. b B L D G $$

Old Dominion Pizza

4514 Lee Highway, 703-718-6372, olddominion pizza.com. Order thin crust or “grandma style” pies named after local high school mascots. L D G $

Osteria da Nino

2900 S. Quincy St. (Village at Shirlington), 703-8201128, osteriadaninova.com. For those days when you’re craving a hearty portion of spaghetti and clams, or gnocci with pesto. R L D G 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. B L D A $$

Palette 22

4053 Campbell Ave., 703-746-9007, palette22. com. Diners can watch local artists at work in this international gallery-cafe. b L D V $$

Pamplona

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-685-9950, pamplona va.com. Spanish tapas, paella, grilled fish, pintxos, cocktails, snacks and sangria. D A V $$

Peking Pavilion

2912 N. Sycamore St., 703-237-6868. This family-owned restaurant serves standbys such as moo shu pork and beef with broccoli. L D $$

n places to eat

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.  L D $$ Pho 75«

1721 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-7355. The piping-hot soup is all about fresh ingredients. b L D V $

Pie-tanza

2503-B N. Harrison St., 703-237-0200, pie-tanza. com. Enjoy pizza (including gluten-free options), calzones, lasagna, subs and salads.  L D G V $$

Punch Bowl Social

4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1180, 571-297-7640, punchbowlsocial.com. This adult playground has games, karaoke, bowling, TVs and hearty fare like fried bologna sandwiches and green chorizo fries.  R L D A V $$

Pupatella«

5104 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-7230, pupatella.com. Enzo Algarme’s authentic Neapolitan pies are considered among D.C.’s best. b L D V $$

Pupuseria Doña Azucena

71 N. Glebe Road, 703-248-0332. Beans, rice and massive pupusas at dirt-cheap prices.  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. b  L D V $$

Queen Amannisa

320 23rd St. S., 703-414-7888, queenamannisa. com. Its distinctive Uyghur cuisine blends Chinese, Turkish, Uzbeki, Russian and Persian flavors. 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. Enjoy live music and a taste of the Big Easy in offerings such as jambalaya, catfish, spiced shrimp and oysters. Or feast on the waffle and omelet bar every Sunday. b R L D A V $$

Ravi Kabob House

350 N. Glebe Road, 703-522-6666; 250 N. Glebe Road, 703-816-0222; ravikabobusa.com. Curries, kabobs and delectably spiced veggies keep this ethnic café crowded.  L D V $$

Rebellion on the Pike

2900 Columbia Pike, 703-888-2044, rebellionon thepike.com. The tavern sports a deep list of craft beers and whiskeys, and serves burgers (including one zinger called the “Ramsay Bolton”), wings and other pub grub. B D A $$

The Renegade 3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-468-4652, renegadeva. com. Is it a coffee shop, restaurant, bar or live music club? All of the above. B L D A $$

Rhodeside Grill

1836 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-0145, rhodeside grill.com. Feast on chops, meatloaf, burgers and po’boys accompanied by live music and every kind of hot sauce imaginable. b  R L D A V $$

Rice Bar

1235 S. Clark St., 703-501-0130, ricebardc.com. Build your own Korean bibimbap at this fast-casual eatery in Crystal City—one of six in the D.C. area. Closed Saturday and Sunday. B L D $$

Rice Crook

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), ricecrook.com. Korean-inspired rice bowls, salads and wraps made with locally sourced meats and produce. L D $$

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 since 1990. b  L D G V $

Roots & Vines

5852 Washington Blvd., 571-335-4274, fairtrade roots.com. The coffee shop inside Westover’s Trade Roots gift store serves fair-trade coffee, tea, pastries, salads, organic wine and more. B L $

Ruffino’s Spaghetti House

4763 Lee Highway, 703-528-2242, ruffinos arlington.com. Go for Italian classics such as veal Parmigiana and chicken piccata.  L D V $$

Rustico

4075 Wilson Blvd., 571-384-1820, rustico restaurant.com. You’ll find more than 400 beers to complement dishes from pizza to grilled trout and pastrami pork ribs. b  R L D G V $$

Rus Uz Restaurant and Market

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 $$

Saigon Noodles & Grill

1800 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-5940, saigonnoodles grill.com. The Rosslyn eatery owned by Arlington resident Tuan Nguyen serves pho, banh mi and other traditional Vietnamese dishes. L D G V $$

Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub

2800 S. Randolph St., 703-379-0122, samuel becketts.com. A modern Irish pub serving Emerald Isle recipes. b  R L D A G V $$

Saran Indian Cuisine

5157 Lee Highway, 703-533-3600, sarancuisine. com. The menu is a feast for vegetarians with dishes such as palak paneer, masala dosai and chickpea curry. L D G V $$

Sawatdee

2250 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-8181, vyut.com/ sawatdee. The friendly eatery (its name means “hello”) is frequented by those craving pad thai or pad prik king. L D V $$

Screwtop Wine Bar and Cheese Shop

1025 N. Fillmore St., 703-888-0845, screwtopwine bar.com. The congenial wine bar/shop offers tastings, wine classes, and small plates for sharing and pairing. b  R L D G V $$

Sense of Place Café & Roastery

4807 First St. N., 571-319-0414, senseofplace cafe.com. The “laptop free” café serves coffee drinks, matcha tea, sweets and sandwiches. B L $ SER 1110 N. Glebe Road, 703-746-9822, ser-restau rant.com. Traditional Spanish and Basque dishes in a colorful, friendly space with outstanding service. b R L D V $$$

Sfoglina Pasta House

1100 Wilson Blvd., sfoglinadc.com. Fabio Trabocchi’s much-anticipated outpost in Rosslyn is a destination for housemade pasta (you can watch it being made), a “mozzarella bar” and Italian craft cocktails. Closed Sundays. L D V $$$

Silver Diner« 3200 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 available.  B R L D A G V $$

Slapfish

671 N. Glebe Road, 571-312-4610, slapfishrestau rant.com. Grab some clam chowder, fish tacos or a lobster roll and pretend you are beachside. L D $$

Sloppy Mama’s

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 5731 Lee Highway, sloppymamas.com. The barbecue joint that started out as a food truck offers oak-smoked meats galore, including brisket, pork, chicken, ribs, turkey and sausage. L D $$

Smoking Kow BBQ

2910 N. Sycamore St., smokingkowbbq.com. At this Kansas City-style ’cue joint, meats seasoned with a rub of 15 spices are smoked over cherry and hickory wood for 18-20 hours. L D $$

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; southblockjuice.com. Cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls. B L V $

Spider Kelly’s

3181 Wilson Blvd., 703-312-8888, spiderkellys. com. The “come as you are” bar offers a sizable beer list and creative cocktails, plus salads, burgers and breakfast at all hours.  D A G V $$

Spirits of 76

3211 Washington Blvd., 703-234-7676, spiritsof 76arlington.com. The patriotic bar serves pub standards (burgers, meatloaf, fish tacos), brunch and plenty of whiskey drinks. R L D G $$

The Stand

1601 Crystal Drive, 703-413-8048, thestandva. com. The pop-up kiosk serves a rotating lineup of creative carryout fare from area vendors. B L $

Stray Cat Café

5866 N. Washington Blvd., 703-237-7775, thestraycatcafe.com. Sandwiches and Tex-Mex-inspired platters hit the spot at this feline sister of the Lost Dog Café next door.  L D 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

2457 N. Harrison St., 703-534-6000, sushizen. com. An amicable neighborhood stop for sushi, donburi, tempura and udon.  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. b  L D G V $

Sweet Leaf

2200 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-5100; 800 N. Glebe Road, 703-522-5000; 650 N. Quincy St., 703-5270807; eatsweetleaf.com. Build your own sandwiches and salads with fresh ingredients. b  B L D $$

Sydney’s Restaurant & Lounge

2620 Shirlington Road, 703-553-1907, sydneys lounge.com. Specializing in American and Southern fare, this newcomer to Shirlington Road (it replac-

es Chester’s Billiards) promises live jazz and blues, and the occasional DJ. D A $$

Taco Rock

1501 Wilson Blvd., 571-775-1800, thetacorock.com. This rock-themed watering hole keeps the margaritas and Micheladas flowing alongside creative tacos on housemade blue-corn tortillas. B L D V $$

Takohachi Japanese Restaurant

3249 Columbia Pike, 571-312-7678. The sushi bar offers $1 nigiri all day, plus favorites like tonkatsu ramen, tempura and saki. L D $$

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.  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.  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. b L D A $$

T.H.A.I.

4209 Campbell Ave., 703-931-3203, thaiinshirling ton.com. Pretty dishes include lemongrass salmon with black sticky rice. b 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, thaisquare restaurant.com. The signature dish is No. 61, deepfried, sugar-glazed squid topped with crispy fried basil. b L D G V $$

Thirsty Bernie

2163 N. Glebe Road, 703-248-9300, thirsty bernie.com. Wiener schnitzel, pierogies and bratwurst provide sustenance in this Bavarian sports bar and grill. b  R L D V $$

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream

5849-A Washington Blvd., 703-536-7000, tobys icecream.com. Owner Toby Bantug makes premium ice creams, floats and sundaes. Coffee, pastries and bagels available in the morning. B L D V $

Tom Yum District

1515 Wilson Blvd., 703-528-8424, tomyum district.com. Customize Thai rice and noodle bowls with a choice of proteins and toppings. L D V $

True Food Kitchen

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-5270930, truefoodkitchen.com. Specializing in “anti-inflammatory” fare, the menu will convince you that healthy tastes good. L D G V $$

TTT Mexican Diner

2900 Wilson Blvd., buenavidaclarendon.com. Stop in for Mexican street foods and tequila. Sister restaurant Buena Vida is upstairs. b B R L D $$

Tupelo Honey Café

1616 N. Troy St., 703-253-8140, tupelohoneyca fe.com. The Southern fusion menu includes dishes like roasted snapper with sweet potato and farro.  R L D $$

Turu’s by Timber Pizza

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), timber

pizza.com. Neapolitan(ish)-style pizzas fresh from a wood-fired oven. L D V $$

Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café

4301 N. Fairfax Drive, 703-528-3131, unclejulios. com. Tex-Mex highlights include mesquite-grilled fajitas, tacos and margaritas. b  R L D $$$

Urban Tandoor

801 N. Quincy St., 703-567-1432, utandoorva.com. Feast on Indian and Nepalese fare, from tandoori lamb to Himalayan momos (dumplings). Lunch buffet daily. L D V $$

Weenie Beenie

2680 Shirlington Road, 703-671-6661, weeniebeenie.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, westovermarketbeergarden.com. A local favorite for burgers, live music and draft microbrews. The adjoining market’s “Great Wall of Beer” stocks more than 1,000 domestic, imported and craft beers in bottles and cans. b  L D A $$

Which Wich

4300 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-0058, whichwich. com. A seemingly endless menu of sandwiches and wraps with more than 60 toppings. b B L D V $$

Whitlow’s on Wilson 2854 Wilson Blvd., 703-276-9693, whitlows.com. Live bands, a rooftop bar, pool tables and reliable American fare keep the energy level on high at this Clarendon institution. b  R L D V $$

William Jeffrey’s Tavern

2301 Columbia Pike, 703-746-6333, william jeffreystavern.com. Brought to you by the owners of Dogwood Tavern, this pub on the Pike presents a rousing bar with Prohibition-era wall murals.  R L D A G V $$

Wilson Hardware Kitchen & Bar

2915 Wilson Boulevard, 703-527-4200, wilson hardwareva.com. Serves creative cocktails, boozy slushies and local craft beers, plus small plates, burgers and entrées like steak frites and duck confit. b R L D A 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. b  L D $$

Yume Sushi

2121 N. Westmoreland St., 703-269-5064, yume sushiva.com. East Falls Church has a new destination for sushi, omakase (chef’s tasting menu) and a sake bar with craft cocktails. L D V G $$$

FALLS CHURCH

2941 Restaurant

2941 Fairview Park Drive, 703-270-1500, 2941.com. French chef Bertrand Chemel’s unlikely sanctuary in a suburban office building offers beautifully composed seasonal dishes and expert wine pairings in an artful setting.  L D V $$$

Abay Market

3811-A S. George Mason Drive, 703-820-7589. The seasoned grass-fed raw beef dish kitfo is the specialty at this friendly, six-table Ethiopian café. L D $$

Al Jazeera

3813-D S. George Mason Drive, 703-379-2733.

Cakes, Breads, Pastries, Deli, Lunch 2150 N Culpeper St Arlington www.heidelbergbakery.com

n places to eat

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-mosaic.com. Chef Michael Schlow’s menu includes house-made pastas, pizza and other Italian mainstays. R L D $$$

Anthony’s Restaurant

3000 Annandale Road, 703-532-0100, www.anth onysrestaurantva.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 steals the show at this cozy bar adjoining Red Apron Butcher. The cocktails rock, too. L D $$

Bakeshop

100 E. Fairfax St., 703-533-0002, bakeshopva. com. See Arlington listing. B V $

Bamian

5634 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-7880, bamian restaurant.com. Try the palau (seasoned lamb with saffron rice) and aushak (scallion dumpling topped with yogurt, meat sauce and mint).  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 $$

Blanca’s Restaurant

418 S. Washington St., 703-538-2466. A familyowned operation serving Salvadoran and Mexican fare in a homey atmosphere. L D V $$

Brine

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-280-1000, brinerestaurants.com. The menu is all about seafood, including oysters and other fresh Chesapeake Bay offerings. b L D $$$

Caboose Commons

2918 Eskridge Road (Mosaic District), 703-6638833, caboosebrewing.com. The microbrewery that started along the W&OD Trail in Vienna has a second location serving house brews and creative eats, including vegan fare. b L D V A $$

Café Kindred

450 N. Washington St., 571-327-2215, cafe kindred.com. The café features retro beats, light fare and espresso drinks. Laptops are non grata during weekend brunch. B R L V $$

Celebrity Delly

7263-A Arlington Blvd., 703-573-9002, celebrity deliva.com. Matzo-ball soup, Reubens and tuna melts satisfy at this New York-style deli founded in 1975. Brunch served all day Saturday and Sunday.  B L D G V $

Cheesetique

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-280-1111, cheesetique.com. See Arlington listing. B L D V $$

Choolaah Indian BBQ

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 800-4598860, choolaah.com. Indian fast-casual means rice bowls with add-ons such as lamb meatballs, paneer cheese and five kinds of masala. L D V G $$ Clare & Don’s Beach Shack« 130 N. Washington St., 703-532-9283, clareand dons.com. Go coastal with fish tacos, coconut chicken or one of the many meatless options. Live music every weekend. b  L D A G V $$ DC Steakholders

6641 Arlington Blvd., 703-534-4200, dcsteakhold

ers.com. The cheesesteak truck has a storefront in the former Frozen Dairy Bar space, where proprietors Usman Bhatti and Lilly Kaur are carrying forth FDB’s nearly 70-year frozen custard recipe. L D $$

District Dumplings

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-8847080, districtdumplingsfairfax.com. Asian-style dumplings, sandwiches and wraps. L D $$ District Taco « 5275-C Leesburg Pike, 571-699-0660, district taco.com. See Arlington listing.  B L D G V $

Dogfish Head Alehouse

Seven Corners Shopping Center, 6220 Leesburg Pike, 703-534-3342, dogfishalehouse.com. Microbrews, burgers, sandwiches, salads and woodgrilled pizzas.  L D G V $$

Dogwood Tavern

132 W. Broad St., 703-237-8333, dogwoodtavern. com. An Old Dominion-themed pub by the creators of Rhodeside Grill and Ragtime. Raw-bar specials on Tuesdays. b  R L D A V $$

Duangrat’s

5878 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-5775, duangrats. com. Waitresses in traditional Thai silk dresses glide through the dining room bearing fragrant noodles and grilled meats. b R L D V $$

Edy’s Chicken & Steak

5240 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-5508. Owner Edy Dernovsek’s secret poultry recipe blends flavors from her native Thailand with traditional Peruvian rotisserie spices. L D $

Elephant Jumps Thai Restaurant

8110-A Arlington Blvd., 703-942-6600, elephant jumps.com. Solid Thai food in an intimate storefront. L D G V $$

Elevation Burger

442 S. Washington St., 703-237-4343, elevation burger.com. See Arlington listing. b L D V $

El Patron Bar & Grille

48 S. Washington St., 703-538-2466, elpatronbar grillinc.com. Salvadoran and Tex-Mex picks include tacos, pupusas and churrasco. Open until 2 a.m. L D A $$

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

7630 Lee Highway, 703-204-0233, eltiogrill.com. A family-friendly spot for fajitas, enchiladas, combo plates and margaritas. b L D $$

Famille

700-A W. Broad St. 703-570-8669, famillecafe. com. A casual breakfast and lunch spot serving salads, tartines, breakfast staples and Illy coffee. b B L $

Fava Pot« 7393 Lee Highway, 703-204-0609, favapot.com. The popular Daniel’s Fava Pot food truck has a brickand-mortar restaurant and catering operation serving Egyptian fare. B L D G V $$

Four Sisters Restaurant

8190 Strawberry Lane, 703-539-8566, foursisters restaurant.com. Mainstays include clay pot fish, grilled meats, lettuce wraps and pho. b L D V $$ Haandi Indian Cuisine«

1222 W. Broad St., 703-533-3501, haandi.com. The perfumed kabobs, curries and biryani incorporate northern and southern Indian flavors. A lunch buffet is offered daily. L D V G $$

Hong Kong Palace

6387 Seven Corners Center, 703-532-0940, hong kongpalacedelivery.com. The kitchen caters to both ex-pat and American tastes.  L D $$

Hong Kong Pearl

6286 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-1388. Two words: dim sum. L D A V $$

Huong Viet 6785 Wilson Blvd., 703-538-7110, huong-viet.com. Spring rolls, roasted quail and shaky beef are faves at this cash-only Eden Center eatery.  L D G V $$

Ireland’s Four Provinces

105 W. Broad St., 703-534-8999, 4psva.com. The family-friendly tavern serves pub food and Irish specialties. b  B R L D $$

Jinya Ramen Bar

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9927705, jinya-ramenbar.com. Embellish your broth with more than a dozen toppings. b L D A V $$

JV’s Restaurant

6666 Arlington Blvd., 703-241-9504, jvsrestau rant.com. A local institution known for live music, cold beer and home-cooked meatloaf, lasagna and chili. L D A V $$

Koi Koi Sushi & Roll

450 W. Broad St., 703-237-0101, koikoiva.com. The sushi is fresh and the vibe is fun. b L D $$

Le Pain Quotidien

8296 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-462-9322, lepainquotidien.com. See Arlington listing. B L D V $$

Liberty Barbecue«

370 W. Broad St., 703-237-8227, libertyfalls church.com This tasty venture by The Liberty Tavern Group serves smoked meats, fried chicken and other Southern favorites. R L D $$

Little Saigon Restaurant

6218-B Wilson Blvd., 703-536-2633. Authentic Vietnamese in a no-frills setting. b L D $$

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot

6799 Wilson Blvd., 571-405-6947, littlesheephot pot.com. Cook veggies, proteins and noodles at the table in an aromatic broth dotted with cardamom pods and ginseng. L D $$

Little Viet Garden

6783 Wilson Blvd., 703-532-1069. The beloved eatery that once anchored Clarendon’s Little Saigon has resurfaced in Eden Center. L D $$

Loving Hut

2842 Rogers Drive, 703-942-5622; lovinghut.us. The vegan chain offers options like banh mi with barbecued soy protein. L D G V $$

MacMillan Whisky Room

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 240-9943905, themacmillan.com. More than 200 kinds of spirits are offered in tasting flights and composed cocktails. The food menu includes U.K. and American pub standards. b R L D $$

Mark’s Duck House

6184-A Arlington Blvd., 703-532-2125. Though named for its specialty—Peking duck—it 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, meaza ethiopiancuisine.com. Well-seasoned legumes and marinated beef are signatures in this vivid Ethiopian banquet hall. b  L D G V $$

Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae

112 N. West St., 703-532-5299, mikesdeliatlazy sundae.com. Stop in for homemade corned beef, cheesesteaks, burgers, breakfast and scratch-made soups. And save room for ice cream! B L D V $

Miu Kee

6653 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-8884. Open late, this strip-mall emporium 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, gelato, coffee, beer and wine. b B R L D A $$

Nhu Lan Sandwich

6763 Wilson Blvd., 703-532-9009, nhulansand wich.com. This tiny Vietnamese deli at Eden Center is a favorite for banh mi sandwiches. L D V $

Northside Social Falls Church« 205 Park Ave., 703-992-8650, northsidesocialva. com/falls-church. The team behind Northside Social Clarendon has opened a second coffeehouse and bar—this one with wood-fired pizzas. B L D V $$

Oath Pizza

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-6886284, oathpizza.com. The dough here is grilled and seared in avocado oil (for a crispy texture) and the toppings are certified humane. L D G V $$

Open Road Grill & Icehouse

8100 Lee Highway, 571-395-4400, openroadmerri field.com. A solid pick for sandwiches, salads, ribs, chicken, seafood or steak. b  R L D $$

The Original Pancake House

7395-M Lee Highway, 703-698-6292, ophres taurants.com. Satisfy your breakfast cravings with pancakes, crepes, waffles, French toast and more.  B R G V $

Padaek

6395 Seven Corners Center, 703-533-9480, bang kokgolden7corners.com. Chef Seng Luangrath's menu offers both Thai and Laotian cuisine.

L D G V $$

Panjshir Restaurant

114 E. Fairfax St., 703-536-4566, panjshirres taurant.com. Carnivores go for the kabobs, but the vegetarian chalows elevate pumpkin, eggplant and spinach to new levels. L D V $$

Peking Gourmet Inn

6029 Leesburg Pike, 703-671-8088, peking gourmet.com. It’s all about the crispy Peking duck.  L D G V $$

Plaka Grill

1216 W. Broad St., 703-639-0161, plakagrill.com. Super satisfying Greek fare —dolmas, souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita. L D V $$

Pho 88

232 W. Broad St., 703-533-8233, pho88va.com. Vietnamese pho is the main attraction, but the menu also includes noodle and rice dishes. Closed Tuesdays. L D $$

Pizzeria Orso

400 S. Maple Ave., 703-226-3460, pizzeriaorso. com. Neapolitan pies and tantalizing small plates, such as arancini with chorizo and Brussels chips with shaved grana. b  L D G V $$

Raaga Restaurant

5872 Leesburg Pike, 703-998-7000, raagarestau rant.com. Chicken tikka, lamb rogan josh and cardamom-infused desserts. b L D G V $$

Rare Bird Coffee Roasters

230 W. Broad St., 571-314-1711, rarebirdcoffee. com. This adorably cozy café serves espresso drinks and local baked goods. b L D $

Red Apron Butcher

8298 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-676-3550, redapronbutchery.com. The premium butcher shop and deli sells hot dogs, burgers, charcuterie, prime steaks and sandwiches. b L D V $$

Rice Paper/Taste of Vietnam

6775 Wilson Blvd., 703-538-3888, ricepapertasteofvietnam.com. Try a combo platter of pork, seafood and ground beef with rice-paper wraps at this Eden Center favorite. L D G V $$

Sea Pearl

8191 Strawberry Lane, 703-372-5161, seapearl restaurant.com. Asian-American fusion dishes and Innovative sushi rolls.  R L D G V $$$

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 $$

Silk Road

301 S. Washington St., 703-534-3838, silkroad fallschurch.com. In addition to mainstream Chinese fare, Silk Road offers lamb polo and other Uyghur dishes. Closed Mondays. L D V $$

Silver Diner « 8150 Porter Road, 703-204-0812 , silverdiner.com. See Arlington listing.  B R L D A G V $$

Sisters Thai

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-280-0429, sistersthai.com. The trendy Thai restaurant has a vibe that feels like you’re dining in your cool friend’s shabby-chic living room. L D $$

Spacebar

709 W. Broad St., 703-992-0777, spcbr.com. The little bar offers 24 craft beers on tap and 18 variations on the grilled cheese sandwich. D A V $$

Sweetgreen«

2905 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-992-7892,

Cheesetique

n places to eat

sweetgreen.com. See Arlington listing. b  L D G V $

Sweetwater Tavern

3066 Gatehouse Plaza, 703-645-8100, great americanrestaurants.com. A modern saloon serving seafood, chicken, ribs, microbrews and growlers to go.  L D G $$$

Taco Bamba

2190 Pimmit Drive, 703-639-0505, tacobambares taurant.com. Try Victor Albisu’s Mexican street food, from pork confit tacos to tamales. B L D $

Takumi Sushi

310-B S. Washington St., 703-241-1128, takumi va.com. The sushi and sashimi here go beyond basic, like tuna nigiri with Italian black truffle, or salmon with mango purée. L D V $$

Ted’s Bulletin

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-8306680, tedsbulletinmerrifield.com. See Arlington listing.  B R L D $$

Thompson Italian

124 N. Washington St., 703-269-0893, thompson italian.com. Crowds line up for housemade pasta, prosecco on tap and exceptional desserts at this neighborhood newcomer by husband-and-wife chefs Gabe and Katherine Thompson. b  D $$$

Trio Grill

8100 Lee Highway, 703-992-9200, triomerrifield. com. Treat yourself to live piano music, steaks, chops, raw bar, craft cocktails and cigars. D $$$

True Food Kitchen

2910 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-3261616, truefoodkitchen.com. See Arlington listing.  R L D $$$

Uncle Liu’s Hotpot

2972 Gallows Road, 703-560-6868, uncleliu chinesefood.com. Customers do the cooking in this eatery inspired by the ubiquitous hot pots of China’s Sichuan province. L D V $$

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. R L D G V $$$

Amoo’s Restaurant

6271 Old Dominion Drive, 703-448-8500, amoos restaurant.com. The flavorful kabobs and stews are crowd pleasers at this hospitable Persian establishment. b  L D G V $$

Asian Origin

1753 S. Pinnacle Drive, 703-448-9988, asianorigin va.com. Liu Chaosheng’s restaurant hits all the standards (kung pao chicken, beef with broccoli) plus twists like pumpkin with steamed pork. L D V $$

Assaggi Osteria & Pizzeria

6641 Old Dominion Drive, 703-918-0080, assaggi osteria.com. Enjoy a date night over plates of orecchiette with artichoke and veal paillard. The adjoining pizzeria serves wood-fired pies. b L D G V $$$

Café Oggi

6671 Old Dominion Drive, 703-442-7360, cafe oggi.com. Choose among classic Italian dishes such as mozzarella caprese, beef carpaccio, spaghetti with clams and tiramisu. b L D G V $$$

Café Tatti French Bistro

6627 Old Dominion Drive, 703-790-5164, cafe tatti.com. Open since 1981, the kitchen focuses on classic French and continental fare. Closed Sundays. L D G V $$$

Capri Ristorante Italiano

6825-K Redmond Drive, 703-288-4601, capri mcleanva.com. A chatty, family-friendly spot known for tried-and-true Italian dishes such as spaghetti carbonara and veal Marsala. b  L D G V $$$

City Works

1640 N. Capitol One Drive, 571-765-1790, city worksrestaurant.com/tysons. This pour house offers more than 90 draft beers, burgers, tacos, bar snacks and a rock ‘n’ roll weekend brunch.

R L D G V $$

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

7900 Tysons One Place, 703-442-4523, eddiev. com. Think steakhouse vibe with an emphasis on seafood. L D $$$$

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, esaantumbar.com. This tiny eatery 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 no-frills destination for Sichuan spicy noodles, dumplings, mapo tofu and other Asian comfort foods. L D V $$

Fogo de Chao

1775 Tysons Blvd., 703-556-0200, fogodechao. com. The upscale chain showcases the Brazilian tradition of churrasco—the art of roasting meats over an open fire. R L D $$$

Founding Farmers

1800 Tysons Blvd., wearefoundingfarmers.com. The farm-to-table restaurant features Virginiasourced dishes and drinks. B R L D $$$

Ichiban Sushi

6821-A Old Dominion Drive, 703-48-9117, ichiban sushimclean.com. A neighborhood go-to for sushi, udon, tempura and teriyaki. Closed Sundays. L D $$

J. Gilbert’s«

6930 Old Dominion Drive, 703-893-1034, jgilberts.com. Everything you’d expect in a steakhouse and lots of it—prime cuts of beef, lobster, wedge salad, steak-cut fries and cheesecake.  R L D G V $$$

Kazan Restaurant

6813 Redmond Drive, 703-734-1960, kazan restaurant.com. Zeynel Uzun’s white-tablecloth restaurant, a fixture since 1980, is a nice spot for kebabs, baklava and Turkish coffee. L D V $$

Lebanese Taverna

1840 International Drive, 703-847-5244, leba nesetaverna.com. See Arlington listing. b  L D G V $$

Lost Dog Café

1690-A Anderson Road, 703-356-5678, lostdog cafe.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$ Masala Indian Cuisine

1394 Chain Bridge Road,703-462-9699, masala va.com. A specialty here are “momos,” Nepal-

ese 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 served until 3 p.m. daily.  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 $$

Mylo’s Grill

6238 Old Dominion Drive, 703-533-5880, mylosgrill. com. Enjoy spanakopita, souvlaki and American classics. Friday is prime-rib night. B L D $$

Pasa-Thai Restaurant

1315 Old Chain Bridge Road, 703-442-0090, pasa thairestaurant.com. Go for a classic Bangkok curry, or a chef’s special such as spicy fried rockfish with chili-basil-garlic sauce. b L D $$

Patsy’s American 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5100, patsysamerican.com. Named for Great American Restaurants matriarch Patsy Norton, it serves greatest-hit dishes from other GAR restaurants in a space resembling a vintage railway station.

 R L D A G V $$

Pulcinella

6852 Old Dominion Drive, 703-893-7777, pulcinella restaurant.com. A place for classic spaghetti and meatballs, linguine and clams and wood-fired pizza since 1985. R L D $$

Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5110, randysprime.com. Randy’s (named for Great American Restaurants co-founder Randy Norton) is the place for prime cuts, duck-fat fries, seafood towers and other steakhouse standards. L D G $$$$ Rocco’s Italian 1357 Chain Bridge Road, 703-821-3736, roccos italian.com. The Juliano family makes everything in-house, from family recipes. b  L D G $$

Sen Khao

2001 International Drive (Tysons Galleria), 703775-2377, senkhao.com. Try a crispy rice salad or a fragrant bowl of noodle soup. L D G V $$

Silver Diner« 8101 Fletcher St., 703-821-5666, silverdiner.com. See Arlington listing.  B R L D A G V $$

Simply Fresh

6811 Elm St., 703-821-1869. A local favorite for pulled pork, chicken and brisket. Plus Greek diner fare and breakfast. b  B L D G V $

Stomping Ground« 2001 International Drive, 703-775-2312, stomp delray.com. The Southern cafe that began in Del Ray (biscuits, grits, hash, pimento cheese) has a second location inside Tysons Galleria. B L V $

Tachibana

6715 Lowell Ave., 703-847-1771, tachibana.us.

Sushi aside, the chef’s specials here include starters such as clam miso soup, monkfish paté and savory egg custard.  L D $$

SUMMER CAMPS

Essential Information on 23 Summer Camps

•SPECIALTIES

● Leadership and Team Development, Expeditions, Residential Camps, Day Camps, Rock Climbing, Kayaking and Canoeing, Caving/Spelunking, Outdoor Living Skills, High Ropes Course, Zip-Line

● Explore West Virginia mountains with dynamic, knowledgeable staff. Active days full of variety and laughter. Small groups and independent projects. Non-competitive approach.

●●● Nurturing coed, traditional camp on 26 partially-wooded acres just off the Beltway. Fun camp for youngest children; older children customize their session with programs including science, computers, math, art and sports.

●●● Calleva focuses on empowering kids through exciting outdoor adventure experiences, with hubs in Maryland & Virginia. Transportation included. Some programs include overnight.

●●● 1, 2, 3 and 4-week sessions. Horses, rafting, arts, mountain boarding,mountain biking, organic farming, rock climbing, fishing, sports, 1000 foot zip line and more!

●●● We encourage campers to be creative and independent, have fun and make friendships that last a lifetime. Activities include aquatics, sports, outdoors adventures, horseback riding, performing/visual arts and more.

● Swimming, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, stream hikes, and high ropes course.

A great learning/training opportunity for hopeful volunteers! Campers will participate in a variety of activities including animal feeding, handling, surveying, and more!

Nocturnal animal study, camera trapping, astronomy, live animal presentations, stream surveys, and campfire snacks.

● Outdoor games, arts and crafts, stream exploration, nature hikes, live animal presentations, bug hunts, and a field trip to another park.

●●● Voted Best of Bethesda 2015, 2017 & 2019. ACA accredited. Variety of sessions offered & activities. Specialties: Aquatics, Equestrian, Sports Programs, Challenge & Great Outdoors, Archery, Arts & more.

●●● 40 acre campus with pools, horses, zip line archery and much more! Best of Arlington winner.

Spend the week with over 300 animals including lemurs, foxes, and wallabies! With over 100 activities including hands-on science, archery, survival skills, and pottery, campers learn and make memories and friendships to last a lifetime!

Students learn to work as an ensemble to perform final sharings and original plays, try out their acting skills, create props and scenery, and experiment with dance and movement.

Students develop their performance skills through workshops in character study, movement, improvisation, ensemble building, and more - culminating in a performance.

The camp builds towards a fully-staged play/musical. You’ll be challenged to fully engage your creativity while gaining valuable stage and technical experience.

●● Our goal is to provide an environment of growth for kids through fun and play. We run Sports, Day, STEM, Creative Arts and Overnight camps.

Ice skating, team sports, figure skating and hockey.

Baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, lacrosse, performance training, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, volleyball, wrestling

●●● Week sessions, flexible extended day. Offering traditional day camps, sports, and specialty camps like coding, 3D-art, K-prep, game design, finance and other summer studies classes

● The St. James offers 15 sport specific camps plus our specialty Ultimate Sports and Adventure Gaming camps. 3-day and 5-day options, transportation and before and after care are available.

● Great summer days spent learning the wonderful sport of sailing on the Potomac River. It is empowering, fun and healthy! Camps available for beginners through advanced.

●●● Traditional, aquatics, gymnastics and tennis academies, specialty (such as art, science, theatre), sports (basketball, soccer, archery, and more), along with travel and outdoor adventure programs.

SUMMER SPORTSCAMPS

ULTIMATE SPORTS CAMP

Spend the summer playing over 20 different sports. Ages 3 - 15. Full-day and half-day options available.

ADVENTURE & GAMING CAMP

Explore with eSports, Martial Arts, Yoga, Climbing & Bouldering and more. Ages 7 - 15. Full-day and half-day options available.

SPORT SPECIFIC CAMPS

Focus on your favorite sport with expert instruction.

BASKETBALL / DANCE / ICE SKATING / GYMNASTICS / FOOTBALL

HOCKEY / BASEBALL / SOFTBALL / SOCCER / GOLF / SQUASH

SWIMMING / VOLLEYBALL / TRIATHLON / LACROSSE / SOCCER

Ages 7-15. Full-day only. 3 & 5 day options available.

Lunch or snack is provided for all camp options. Transportation along with before and after care are available.

SUMMER CAMP & BEYOND

Summer Camp at Madeira School

June - August: ages 9-14

Liquid Adventures Kayaking School

May - October: ages 10-adult

Dirty Dinners Farm-to-Table

June-August: adults

Challenge Course at Madeira School

April-October: 9-adult

Registration starts in January 2020

calleva.org

When kids experience Y camp, they experience something new every day. Like the power of a positive mentor, the confidence that comes from trying (and succeeding!), and the importance of healthy, longlasting friendships. Of course, they don’t know this - they just think they’re having a whole lot of fun!

From water activities and sports to creative arts, each day is packed with age-appropriate activities, new friends and personal growth. In addition to traditional and specialty camp activities, we are uniquely devoted to physical activity, water safety and STEAM education. Few environments will foster your child’s mind, body and spirit than at the Y.

stylecounsel

by Adrienne Wichard-Edds

Meet Some Makers

In September, Arlington resident Carissa Englert Malone opened TINT, which she’s dubbed “a modern makerspace,” for the legions of creative and crafty fiber artists in our area who have been missing a gathering space. “I had to trust that we were all here without a home before,” she says. “Since we’ve opened, there are all these women pouring into the shop”—for classes and workshops, or just to gather around communal seating areas to work on projects together and derive inspiration from one another.

A cozy, light-filled nook tucked into the back of a building on West Broad Street in Falls Church (it’s behind The Neighborhood Barbershop), TINT aims to be the fertile ground where your creativity can bloom. Are you a knitter? Maybe you’d like to learn how to spin— or dye—your own yarn. Can you craft yourself a handbag? Perhaps you’d like to try your skill at creating a geometric wall hanging from fabric scraps.

On the retail side, supplies are available for all manner of crafting and fiber artistry, including fabric bolts and quilting squares, hand-spun and hard-to-find yarns, and notions that help you get the job done with your own unique twist. There are also a few ready-made items available for purchase, such as totes, pouches and hand-knitted scarves. “I’m not interested in competing with Amazon or JoAnn [Fabric],” says Malone. “I want to provide more specialty items and learning experiences with experts you won’t find anywhere else in our area.” tintmakerspace.com

Cool Clay

Wander through Courthouse’s Urban Village Market on a Saturday morning and you may find Khadeejah Honesty and her young daughter behind a table spread with handmade, on-trend statement jewelry. “My jewelry is one-of-a-kind,” says the artist, who crafts her geometric pieces from clay to give them an earthy, artsy vibe. She sells her wares under the name Soultry .

Her line also includes small-batch bath and body products for men and women of all skin types, which she creates from scratch with ingredients like cocoa butter, coconut oil, turmeric and Indian clay. The shea butter moisturizer is a customer favorite, she says, because its whipped texture penetrates into skin and doesn’t leave an oily residue.

Honesty (yep, that’s her real name) spent her early career in advertising and retail—you may have seen her managing South Moon Under in Clarendon. After spending time learning how to blend essential oils, she coupled that skill with her hobby of making clay jewelry for friends and decided to make the leap to full-time entrepreneurship in April.

That move is all the more meaningful considering that in 2015, shortly after her daughter was born prematurely, Honesty was homeless. “When my daughter was born at 23 weeks, she weighed barely more than a pound,” explains the Arlington resident. “She spent six months in the hospital, had heart surgery and actually died for 13 minutes. In the process of advocating for her, I had to walk away from my job in order to be there with her every day. I lost my house and my car.”

Honesty was introduced to Doorways for Women and Families, which helped her bridge the gap out of homelessness in only one month. She now lives in Colonial Village, just steps away from the market where she sells her goods. “It’s the kind of thing that could happen to anyone,” she says. “Thank goodness Doorways was there.” All of which makes you feel doubly good about a purchase from Soultry. soultrybrand.com

Clay artist Khadeejah Honesty

I’m Game

My mother has always loved the noise, lights, sizzle and electricity of a casino. She especially loves the slots, and will stroll around until one “speaks to her.”

Me? Well, I’ve always preferred the exhilaration of ridiculously high and fast roller coasters that would turn most 45-year-olds green. I’d sooner travel to Branson, Missouri, to try out the latest adrenaline-pumper at Silver Dollar City than book a ticket to Las Vegas to fritter away precious money. (Did I mention I’m cheap? This is definitely a con-

How I learned to stop worrying and enjoy the thrill of the casino

By Rina Rapuano

tributing factor to my casino aversion.)   So, it’s safe to say that taking on an assignment to write about casinos was a pretty big gamble. Would I ever be able to overcome my distaste for this loud, dark, maze-like experience that

others seem to embrace so easily? Could I get over the intimidation factor of those unspoken rules shrouding the blackjack and craps tables?

Luckily, I have a healthy sense of adventure—and a mother who was all too eager to be my casino wingwoman. So off we went into the realm of baccarat tables and royal flushes. (Just don’t ask how Mom made out. Apparently a lady never tells.) While I won’t be jetting off to play roulette in Monte Carlo anytime soon, I could easily be persuaded to return to these two Maryland casinos.

A craps table at Live!

Live! Casino & Hotel

This gambling mecca in Hanover near BWI Airport has a Costco next door and an outlet mall across the street—not that there’s anything wrong with that; it just looks an awful lot like Anytown, USA. The first taste of Live!’s magic, however, comes from its ability to make you feel like you’re on an instant vacation, far from the suburban sprawl just outside its doors. Check in, sign up for the rewards card that offers newbies $25 of free play money, drop your bags in the room and head out to explore.

Aside from the labyrinth of 4,000 slot machines, 50 poker tables and more than 200 table games like blackjack and roulette—some of which can be accessed with a mere $5 buy-in—you’ll see the entrance to an event center that hosts such acts as Gladys Knight and Grand Funk Railroad.

The gaming floor has a smoking section that thankfully features one wall

entirely open to fresh air. Bars are sprinkled throughout the space, and a Bobby’s Burger Palace satisfies when all your imbibing has brought on a case of the munchies.

This was my first casino visit for research purposes, and while I used my sign-up bonus for an hour of fun on the slots, I mostly wandered around drinking stiff gin and tonics and trying to muster the courage to sit down at a table and join the action. Those reasonably priced $5 tables were always packed. Maybe returning during an off-peak time, like a weekday, is a better way to dip a toe in?

I later learned that Live! offers tutorials on some of the more popular table games. It also hosts a regular Ladies Poker Brunch that includes a poker tutorial from dealers.

Live! Casino & Hotel, 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, No. 7777, Hanover, Maryland; 855-563-5483; livecasinohotel.com

If You Go

Where to stay: The hotel attached to this casino recently earned a AAA Four Diamond Rating, and it’s easy to see why from the minute you step into the lobby. Its contemporary art collection includes everything from works by local artists to an Andy Warhol, and the second-floor spa level features guest room suites outfitted with private spa rooms and a fancy shower operated by a digital display on the wall.

Where to eat: The property features an outpost of The Prime Rib, where you should absolutely order a barrelaged Manhattan, a heaping bowl of steamed clams in lobster broth and whatever cut of steak calls to you. For breakfast, head down to David’s for crab hash, classic eggs Benedict or a stack of pancakes.

The Orchid gaming and smoking patio bar

The hotel lobby at Live!

MGM National Harbor

Stepping onto the casino floor of this Prince George’s County resort, I instantly noticed the stark differences between it and the handful of other casinos I’d been to in the past. It’s bright, relaxed and the tables aren’t squished together. There’s plenty of energy, but it somehow feels less overwhelming and more manageable. This might just be the perfect casino for me.

“That’s our brand, creating an elevated experience,” confirms Alex Alvarado, vice president of table games and slots at MGM National Harbor. “This is fine dining in the world of gaming.”

He adds that they don’t bill the property as a casino, per se, but rather a resort that happens to have a casino.

Still, there’s some serious play going on here. In the Asian gaming pit (so named for an array of table games popular in Asia), folks crowd around a few rousing games of baccarat. There are several styles of roulette here, too. (Who knew there was more than one?)

I, for one, appreciated the electronic tables, which allow beginners to try out

certain games with lower stakes, away from onlookers and without the added stress of live dealers. These digital games feature a service light you can hit if you want someone to come over and explain the game (which is good to know since I thought that’s what you would hit if the machine was broken). Poker slot machines are another great way to learn without the pressure, Alvarado says.

To keep things fresh, MGM changes out some of its slot machines weekly, unlike other casinos that swap them out monthly or even annually. At the same time, MGM keeps a few one-armed bandits on hand for those who prefer the traditional slot-machine experience of pulling down the handle (new machines only require pressing a button). Altogether, MGM offers 3,100 slots, 158 table games and 46 poker tables.

There are different areas for different types of gamblers, from pricey tables for high rollers to a low-stakes spot near a dance floor with a $15 a hand buy-in and a DJ on weekends. Upstairs, Hold ’em, Omaha and Seven Card Stud

aficionados will find 40,000 square feet dedicated to poker tables and tournaments. The on-property theater hosts big-name performers such as Mariah Carey, Kem and Smokey Robinson, and also pop-culture tours like a live version of The Price Is Right.

Alvarado acknowledges that the intimidation factor is real, but he has some comforting assurances for newbies who find themselves standing on the sidelines: “If you walk up and want to buy in, any one of our dealers will teach you how to play, even if a game is in progress. They’ll correct you if you do something out of sequence. If you’re playing blackjack, they’ll give you advice. Even people at the table will be like, ‘You gotta hit that.’ ”

And with those encouraging words of advice, I felt like I might finally be ready to jump in and join a live table game—next time. n

MGM National Harbor, 101 MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland; 844-646-6847; mgmnationalharbor.mgm resorts.com

Gaming at MGM National Harbor

The Presidential Suite

Fish by José Andrés

If You Go

Where to stay: Here again, the hotel is so outstanding in its own right, why would you stay anywhere else? If you’re lucky enough to book a suite, the abundance of windows allows for jaw-dropping views of National Harbor, D.C.’s monuments and the Potomac River. Downstairs you’ve got highend shopping, an awesome spa, sitdown restaurants, a food court and whimsical, larger-than-life seasonal displays that prompt smiles from visitors of all ages. Oh, and a very nice casino.

Where to eat: I can’t recommend the Asian restaurant Ginger, but there’s a wide variety of other dining options—from a Shake Shack to the high-end seafood spot Fish by José Andrés. Visit the Bellagio Patisserie for breakfast croissants and coffee. TAP Sports Bar is everything you want a sports bar to be: a convivial spot to drink craft beer, indulge in bar food favorites like nachos and crab dip, and catch a game on big screens. Note: The Voltaggio Brothers Steak House is listed as “temporarily closed.”

Off to the Races

With its dark, den-like vibe and instantly detectable haze in the smoking areas, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia definitely veers old school. But what it lacks in high-end luxury, it makes up for with variety. West Virginia has looser betting laws than the ones you’ll find in Maryland, so this resort packs in locals and out-of-towners who want the novelty of betting on live horse races. You can also participate in sports wagering, which allows bets on off-site games of everything from football to cricket to hockey. Another nice perk: Free drinks for gamblers are legal here, and that’s a casino tradition not yet available in Maryland. The sprawling space features 2,500 slot machines, 87 table games and 24 poker tables.

The hotel affiliated with the casino, The Inn at Charles Town, isn’t nearly as glitzy or modern as those at MGM and Live!, but the staff is friendly, the rooms are clean and some of them feature balconies with prime views of the racetrack. You can see the hotel just across from the track, and there’s a free shuttle that bounces between the hotel and casino every 15 minutes or so.

Among the nine restaurants in the casino, try the Hollywood-themed Final Cut Steakhouse, which incorporates local meats and fish, plus veggies from a house garden. Starters such as applewood-smoked bacon glazed with Luxardo cherries and thyme, and a satisfying salad of iceberg wedge, fennel and herbed buttermilk dressing, set the scene nicely for the main event—a selection of perfectly cooked steaks that includes two wagyu options.

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, West Virginia; 800-795-7001, hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com

Rina Rapuano is a freelance writer who lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, her slot-crazy mother and her two kids. While she may never willingly shell out for plane tickets to Vegas, she’s keeping an open mind about casinos—because mama could always use a new pair of shoes. Find her on Instagram at @rinacucina or on Twitter at @rinarap.

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

A Lair for Nittany Lions Fans

Feel the school spirit at Graduate State College, a new addition to Graduate Hotels’ fast-growing portfolio of collegiate-inspired getaways (midAtlantic sister properties are located in Annapolis, Charlottesville and Richmond). Opened in September, the 150-room hotel is a block from Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania, and a short walk to restaurants and shops.

Guest room decor includes playful nods to the university, with bed pillows that say “We Are” and a life-size Nittany mountain lion floor lamp in honor of Penn State’s mascot. Blue and white pinstripes and plaids pay homage to its school colors. The bathroom wallpaper, dotted with hand-drawn ice cream cones, might entice you to dart out to Berkey Creamery, a beloved dessert destination on campus.

The vibe in the hotel lobby’s lounge invites studying—or at least hanging out—with well-stocked, built-in bookshelves, reading nooks and a 20-foot communal worktable. Poindexter, a cafe that doubles as an evening bar, serves caffeinated drinks, cocktails,

all-day breakfast (try the “S.E.C.”—sausage, egg and cheddar on a brioche bun), salads, sandwiches, small bites, and milk and cookies. Dogs stay free and receive a pup perk from BarkBox; cats are also welcome. Rates begin at $100 per night.

Graduate State College, 125 S. Atherton St., State College, Pennsylvania; 814-231-2100; graduatehotels. com/state-college

Relax by a Bayside Fire

Set amid towering pines alongside a wide creek that spills into the Chesapeake Bay, Swanendele Inn offers water views from several porches and rooms. Opened last June in Ridge, Maryland, in St. Mary’s County, the inn’s seven guest rooms and suites each have a gas fireplace, books (including many on Maryland history) and art collected by two of the owners during their travels. Dutch-born Gerald Meyerman, formerly a senior official at the World Bank, and his wife, Victoria O’Hara, a longtime journalist and former NPR correspondent and senior editor, are happy to give guests a tour and share the stories behind the inn’s art collection and furnishings, which include a 1700s Catholic church bench from Quebec province, lovely embroidered cushions from Afghanistan, and numerous paintings and pieces from Ecuador, Russia, the Netherlands, South Africa, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and other countries. Meyerman and O’Hara run the inn along with Miguel Gavilanez.

The property’s shared spaces include a great room with a two-story stone fireplace in the center, and an oversize upper porch overlooking the water. The Margaret Brent

Winter Wonderland

Husband and wife innkeepers Ralph and Karen Riddle dreamed of having a timber-frame home in the woods after Ralph retired from the Army. That home, located on 15 acres in Luray, Virginia, and bordering Shenandoah National Park, grew to include timber-frame cabins that opened in 2002 as Shadow Mountain Escape, a romantic winter oasis with the feel of a tiny European village in the forest. The property has hiking trails, a lookout tower with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ Skyline Drive, and a new stone courtyard that features a Gothic-style tower with an iron chandelier and gargoyles. Winter guests can cozy up under a blanket in the courtyard and drink gluhwein (a German mulled wine with orange spice) as chestnuts roast on the fire.

Shadow Mountain’s four timber-frame cabins are crafted from Virginia red and white oak. Each has exposed beams, elegant wrought iron railings or beds, European antiques, plump leather furnishings and a woodstove or fireplace.

The property is part of the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop, an itinerary visitors can follow that includes Luray Caverns, wine and whiskey tastings, and restaurants in nearby Luray and Sperryville. Rates at Shadow Mountain

Suite has comfortable butter-yellow chairs, a stonesurround gas fireplace, a luxurious bathroom with a twoperson hydrotherapy massage tub, and a private deck where you can watch the sun rise over the bay while listening to a symphony of caws and chirps.

Winter rates begin at $210, full breakfast included. Swanendele Inn, 49946 Airedele Road, Ridge, Maryland; 301-576-9910; swanendeleinn.com

Escape begin at $195 per night (two-night minimum) and include a welcome basket of treats, plus Friday evening wine by the fire.

Shadow Mountain Escape, 1132 Jewell Hollow Road, Luray, Virginia; 540-843-0584; shadowmountainescape.com

PURSUING GOODNESS AS WELL AS KNOWLEDGE

Try something new. Learn a new language, become a scientist, take the stage.

Learn and explore and dream big. Be honored for who you are and who you will become.

Be ready for the academic challenges of college and the world beyond. Lead with goodness and integrity.

Become Ready.

Alexandria, VA Age 3-Grade 12 Coed Episcopal Small Class Sizes (12-15) Extensive Bus Service

Investing in the early years of learning. Building a foundation for their future.

Advanced, Research-Based Curriculum for: Passionate Learners Creative Problem-Solvers Collaborators Engaged Citizens

ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE January 15, 2019 Schedule a Tour: 703-533-1064

1st Round Application Deadline: Jan. 17

Your child can blaze a trail at Flint Hill School.

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One Cool Group House

FOLLOW ARLINGTON’S North Scott Street to where it deadends at Fort Bennett Park and you’ll happen upon two stone columns in a nearby wooded area. They’re all that’s left of the grand residence that once stood here.

In 1938, inspired by the medieval castles of Europe, prominent local obstetrician J. Bay Jacobs and his wife, Eva, built a 9,200-square-foot, stone mansion on a bluff overlooking the Potomac, near Rosslyn. The 4-acre estate bore the names of its owners: Bay-Eva Castle.

It was an opulent abode, complete with an indoor fish pond, a 35-foot turret, a wrought-iron spiral staircase, walk-in steel vaults and, according to a 1991 Arlington Historical Society article, floors made of oak boards shaped like bow ties. As furnishings, the couple chose century-old European antiques, white marble benches, bronze busts, French mahogany desks, cherry-pink velvet chairs and countless other decorative objects that projected wealth and prestige.

reclusive as they aged. Their only son, John Bay Jacobs II, would later attribute his parents’ solitude to their fear of being burglarized.

After Eva died in 1979, the elder Jacobs deeded the property to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists—which later sold it to a well-known D.C. developer. Soon after the doctor died in 1988, the castle, incredibly, became available for rent.

lived in the turret and had a 360-degree [view],” he says.

In 1993, Catherine Robb became their housemate after hearing about the place from a mutual friend. “I had just graduated from UVA and was thinking about law school,” says Robb, an attorney who grew up in McLean (she happens to be a daughter of former senator Chuck Robb and Lynda Bird Johnson Robb; granddaughter of LBJ and Lady Bird Johnson). “And I thought, Hmm, living in a castle with some boys. That sounds like fun.”

But during their four decades there, the owners became increasingly

Tristan North moved into the fortress-like residence just out of college in September of 1992, joining his brother, Erik, who was already living there and needed roommates. He remembers the rent being cheap—only $1,000 per month for the entire castle. “I actually

It was. Unlike their predecessors, the home’s new inhabitants saw it as the ultimate party house, filled with character, quirkiness and intrigue. “There was this walk-in vault with a huge door,” recalls North, now a trade association executive living in Richmond. “I think someone bore through the locks so no one could get trapped in there.”

“It was a magical place to live,” Robb says.

But the old castle was falling into disrepair. It wasn’t long before the developer went bankrupt, the property went into foreclosure and the party was over, forcing the young tenants to reluctantly find other places to live.

In November 1994, the crumbling edifice was razed and the demolition crew made a gruesome discovery—the remains of a fetus hidden in the castle’s coal chute.

Police determined it was likely one of the stillborn babies the doctor had been known to preserve for use in his teaching. No criminal charges were filed.

Today, all that’s left of the castle are those two columns. And some legendary stories. n

Bay-Eva Castle in 1991

The castle site today