Arlington Magazine Jan/Feb 2023

When Will founded Evermay, he brought a diverse and experienced team together with a single goal in mind: strengthening families through a comprehensive approach to wealth management. Today, Will is still applying his entrepreneurial spirit to help individuals and families manage and grow their wealth. He lives with his wife and two children in Great Falls, Virginia.

There was a time when the thought of living off MREs did little for your appetite. But those days are done—at Falcons Landing, you’ll find the MRE replaced by culinary delights ready for your enjoyment. Whether you’re looking for something quick and convenient, a cocktail with friends or something more elegant, our three dining options are sure to keep you coming back for more.

CON TENTS

EDUCATION

82 What Is Arlington Tech?

than

and

and

High school classes in cybersecurity, veterinary science, TV production and civil engineering? Six years in, a look at an alternative academic program that’s all about hands-on learning.

98 Brazilian Breeze

This midcentury modern makeover with Brazilian accents will have you singing samba in your head.

COVER: Personal trainer Damion Moss of DMossFitness. Photo by Skip Brown.

Your healthy start is right here.

Reaching your healthy weight just got easier. VHC Health has a nationally recognized bariatric & metabolic health center — the only in the area to have all the experts you need in one location. No matter your goals, VHC Health is committed to providing you personalized, dependable care. For you. For life. Visit us for your FREE online personal assessment at vhchealth.org/bariatric

CON TENTS

116 Places to Eat

Our dining guide includes bite-size write-ups on more than 250 area restaurants and bars.

136 Shop Local

A chic new way to say “I love you” with roses this Valentine’s Day.

138 Driving Range

Has the pandemic left you in knots? Treat yourself to a spa weekend at one of these luxe resorts.

Ring

with

18

One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel García Márquez, was a bestseller around the time this book club was founded half a century ago.

A meditation on the perils of being tall.

102 Great Spaces

I see a fireplace and I want to paint it black…

104 Prime Numbers

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

110 Restaurant Review

At Pirouette, a café and wine shop, owners Jackie and Philippe Loustaunau have staged a beguiling pas de deux.

114 Home Plate

Feast on “pig wings,” sustainable seafood and biscuits that earn our Southern dining critic’s stamp of approval.

142 Get Away

Discover a new military museum, a swanky Pennsylvania inn and a colorful D.C. boutique hotel that’s perfect for outof-town visitors.

144 Back Story

Back in the day, this Arlington fast-food franchise served comfort in a bucket.

letter from the publisher

Popularity Contest

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE

this is our 10th annual Best of Arlington issue. Each year, we ask you to name your favorite people, places and businesses. We crunch and compile the data, hire writers and photographers to create great content, and serve this helpful information back to you. We even have our editors weigh in with their favorites.

Best of Arlington is the best kind of popularity contest because we share your favorites in aggregate. Looking for a new restaurant to try? Which dining establishments have the best chefs? What are some great options for date night? Here’s your resource. But it’s not all about food. We can also help you find a builder, cardiologist, dentist for your kids, mental health professional, mortgage lender, accountant and so much more—even the best places to play pickleball.

Our community loves to celebrate the best, and the best way to celebrate is with a party. Please mark your calendars for Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. We will be hosting the annual Best of Arlington party once again at Mercedes-Benz of Arlington. I hope you will join us for an enjoyable evening of delicious food, fine wine, tasty craft beer and live music.

Also in this issue, we do a deep dive into Arlington’s newest high school, Arlington Tech. Since its launch in the fall of 2016, I have wondered: Is it the Thomas Jefferson equivalent in Arlington? Is it designed to serve students with learning differences? Or is the focus on technical training and career readiness? As I’ve talked to people in the community, it turns out I am not alone in my confusion, so we decided to investigate. If you’re

expecting me to provide an answer in this letter, sorry to disappoint. You’ll have to read the story.

On a deeply personal note, I want to acknowledge the trauma our community has endured recently with the tragic deaths of two fine young men, Braylon Meade and Alexander Gil. Braylon was a senior at Washington-Liberty, and Alex was a 2022 Yorktown graduate and freshman at William & Mary. Our middle daughter, Katherine, is also a senior at W-L and has been friends with Braylon since the seventh grade. Her boyfriend, Brian, is on the varsity basketball team with Braylon, and they’ve played hoops together since the fifth grade. We’ve loved watching the boys play over the years and feel a real connection to them and their families. It is a wonderful, supportive community and we are so sad for the families, their close friends, the players and the members of the W-L senior class. We extend our most sincere condolences. We didn’t know Alex, but we mourn his tragic loss, too, and share in the pain his family and friends are experiencing.

I hope you find our Best of Arlington issue to be an interesting and helpful guide to the wonderful communities we serve—Arlington, McLean and Falls Church. Best wishes to you and your loved ones in 2023. As always, I can be reached at greg. hamilton@arlingtonmagazine.com. You can find our editor, Jenny Sullivan, at jenny.sullivan@ arlingtonmagazine.com. Cheers.

Greg Hamilton Publisher

Susan Anspach

LIVES IN: Vienna

ORIGINALLY FROM: “Manassas. But I later lived in an apartment on Columbia Pike in Arlington, eating many a waffle at Bob and Edith’s Diner. We’ve spent the last 10 years bebopping around for my husband’s Air Force career. Hello, Northern Virginia! It’s good to be home.”

IN THIS ISSUE: Writes about several of this year’s Best of Arlington winners

A PERSONAL BEST: “When I lived in Italy, I thought I got pretty good at speaking Italian. In hindsight, it was one part me, two parts prosecco. I miss Italy.”

CURRENT PROJECT: “I am on an elephantine learning curve, teaching preschool for the first time.”

A FAVORITE PASTIME: “Going to open houses I find on Zillow and avoiding eye contact with the real estate agents there. I don’t have money. Just curiosity and opinions.”

WINTER SURVIVAL STRATEGY: “Making the preschoolers huddle around me for warmth on the playground. We call it Playing Alaska.”

Paul Hostetler

LIVES IN: Washington, D.C.

ORIGINALLY FROM: “Maryland OG”

IN THIS ISSUE: Illustrates an essay by Jeffrey Yeates on the dangers of being tall

A CAREER HIGHLIGHT: “I once decorated a city bus with dinosaurs. With permission!”

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: “A graphic novel history of magic mushrooms”

FAVORITE ARLINGTON HANGOUT: Compass Coffee in Ballston. “They remember my order since it’s literally just a small black coffee.”

A PERSONAL BEST: “I managed to find the best girl in the world and marry her. I bought her jewelry, and she signed paperwork.”

WINTER SURVIVAL STRATEGY: “Soup”

ONLINE: @phostetlerart

PUBLISHER & CO-FOUNDER

Greg Hamilton

EDITOR

Jenny Sullivan

ART DIRECTOR

Laura Goode

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Danny Ryan

DIGITAL WRITER

Eliza Tebo

WEB PRODUCER

Erin Roby

DINING CRITIC

David Hagedorn

COPY EDITOR

Sandy Fleishman

CO-FOUNDER

Steve Hull

WRITERS

Susan Anspach, Adele Chapin, Christine Koubek Flynn, Stephanie Kanowitz, Colleen Kennedy, Meredith Lindemon, Nigel F. Maynard, Kim O’Connell, Helen Partridge, Adrienne Wichard-Edds, Jeffrey Yeates

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Skip Brown, Anne Chan, Jen Eun, Stacy Zarin Goldberg, Nils Granholm, Paul Hostetler, Christy Kosnic, Tony J. Lewis, Deb Lindsey, Rey Lopez, Liz Lynch, David Moss, Angela Newton Roy, Hilary Schwab, Tamzin Smith, Birch Thomas, Joseph D. Tran, Michael Ventura, Dixie Vereen, J. Michael Whalen, Dawn Whitmore

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Traci Ball, Kristin Murphy, Lori Reale

FINANCE & CIRCULATION COORDINATOR

Julie Rosenbaum

ARLINGTON MAGAZINE is published six times a year by Greenbrier Media LLC © 2023

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Phone: 703-534-0519

MA

AROUND TOWN

by Colleen Kennedy

Hairspray

Get the Aqua Net ready!

Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad fights segregation and falls in love, all while looking fab on the dance floor in this Tony Award-winning, bouffant-tastic musical. With numbers harking back to 1960’s R&B and campy pop vocals, the cast proves “you can’t stop the beat.” See website for show times. Tickets start at $63.50. Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, capitalonehall.com

MUSIC

JAN. 19-21, 8 P.M.

The Del McCoury Band

The Barns at Wolf Trap

The famed bluegrass group keeps it in the family with bandleader Del’s sons, Ronnie and Rob, taking the stage on mandolin and banjo, performing honky-tonk hits and bluegrass favorites. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $47. The Barns, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

JAN. 27, 8:30 P.M.

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

The State Theatre

Missed DMB’s last tour? You can still jam to covers of “Jimi Thing,” “Ants Marching” and other fan favorites at this live show in

The Little City. $20 in advance; $25 day of show. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church, thestatetheatre.com

FEB. 7-8, 8 P.M.

The 5th Dimension

Wolf Trap

In the late ’60s and early ’70s, this quintessential R&B and pop vocal group racked up 20 Top 40 hits, including the Grammy-winning “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” Half a century later, original member Florence LaRue and company still create five-part harmonies that are sunny and soulful. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $67. The Barns, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

FEB. 11, 7:30 P.M.

Valentine’s Concert

National Chamber Ensemble

NCE brings together Black spirituals and

JAN. 20-22

DO THE TWIST

Hairspray comes to Capital One Hall.

Happy New Year!

ODE TO A QUEEN

JAN. 31-FEB. 5

First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald

Lady Ella, the Queen of Jazz, the First Lady of Song. No matter the moniker, Ella Fitzgerald remains one of the most popular female vocalists of the great American songbook, known for classics such as “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “The Nearness of You,” “Blue Skies” and many more. Signature Theatre stages a weeklong cabaret honoring the legendary chanteuse. See website for show times. $38. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sig theatre.org

Broadway favorites in a musical celebration of romance and love, featuring one of America’s leading young sopranos, Aundi Marie Moore. $38; $19 for students. Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, nationalchamberensemble.org

FEB. 12, 2 P.M.

Munich Symphony Orchestra

GMU Center for the Arts

Featuring Grammy-nominated violinist Robert McDuffie and conducted by Nodoka Okisawa, the Munich Symphony Orchestra performs masterworks including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D major. $45-$70; halfprice for youth through grade 12. 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, cfa.gmu.edu

ART

THROUGH FEB. 18

In the Round: ThreeDimensional Fiber Works

McLean Project for the Arts

In this curated exhibit, fiber works become

three-dimensional objects that challenge the concept of object d’art. Featured artists include YunKyoung Cho, Linda Colsh, Michael Gessner, Sookkyung Park and Kristina Penhoet. Free. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, mpaart.org

JAN. 14-FEB. 26

ColorLove

Falls Church Arts

Nothing like a little color therapy to brighten up the dark days of winter. Find brilliant works in a variety of media in this juried show. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Meet the artists in person during an opening reception on Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Free. 700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church, fallschurcharts.org

PERFORMING ARTS

JAN. 27-FEB. 11

Boston Marriage

Dominion Stage

Playwright David Mamet is known for dramas about tough guys making tough calls—from Glengarry Glen Ross to The Untouchables. But in 1999, Mamet took a different tack with Boston Marriage, a play centering on three women in early 20th-century New England that subverts the notion of “It’s a man’s world.” Performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. See website for show times. $25. Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run, Arlington, dominionstage.org

FEB. 9-MARCH 5

Diagnosed

Creative Cauldron

Written and directed by Helen Hayes Award winner Iyona Blake, Diagnosed tells the story of Lydia, who, after inheriting her family boutique, fosters a community of Black women who work together through shared trauma and healing. Don’t miss this “Bold New Works” premiere. See website for show times. $35-$45; $20 for students. 410 S. Maple Avenue, Falls Church, creativecauldron.org

FEB. 15-18

The Second City

The Barns at Wolf Trap

Just say “yes, and…” to an evening

MAR 11

MAR 23 + 24

MAR 21 + 22

EVANS And many more!

MAR 25 + 26

THE SECOND CITY

FEB 14

DARLENE LOVE

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

KELLI O’HARA

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY A SPRING SWING WITH GOTTASWING

SARA

of improvisation, audience participation and general high jinks from the storied Chicago theater group that gave rise to Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Steve Carrell, Stephen Colbert, Catherine O’Hara and other comedy royalty. Catch the latest members before they join the next cast of Saturday Night Live See website for show times. Tickets start at $32. 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

FEB. 18, 8 P.M.

Doug Varone and Dancers

GMU Center for the Arts

This contemporary dance performance by the famed New York City choreographer and dance company will include Somewhere (2019) set to the score of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story; Short Story (2001) with music by Rachmaninoff; and Nocturne (2017) with music by Chopin. For the finale, Double Octets (2021), an explosive new work, the visiting troupe will share the stage with students from the Mason School of Dance. $29-$48; halfprice for youth through grade 12. 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, cfa.gmu.edu

SEASONAL

JAN. 12, 7 P.M.

The Retrocession Riddle

Arlington Historical Society

In 1846–47, Alexandria County separated from the District of Columbia. Was this aimed to preserve slavery or to better control the county’s economic development? Historian Charlie Clark explores this riddle. Free. Marymount University Reinsch Library Auditorium, 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org

JAN. 16

MLK Day of Service

Volunteer Arlington

Join Volunteer Arlington and more than 1,500 area residents for a day of giving back through community service. In-person and virtual volunteer opportunities available. volunteer.leadercenter.org

JAN. 28, 6:30 P.M.

99th Annual Arlington Business Gala

The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City

Celebrate the local business community at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s largest annual fundraiser. The black-tie evening promises silent auctions, dinner, dancing, networking and more. See website for ticket prices. 1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington, arlingtonchamber.org

FEB. 9, 7 P.M.

Freedmans Village

Arlington Historical Society

Spencer Crew, emeritus director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, will discuss the formation of Freedmans Village during the Civil War on land that is now part of Arlington National Cemetery, and the settlement’s important role in American history. Free. Attend on Zoom or in person. Marymount University Reinsch Library Auditorium, 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org

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

AT SIGNATURE THIS WINTER

familiar faces ■

by Kim O’Connell | photo by Michael Ventura

Bound by Books

This group of devoted Arlington readers has been meeting for more than 50 years.

A DOZEN OR SO women have gathered in Madge Palumbo’s well-appointed Arlington Ridge living room. Surrounded by nautical paintings and snacking on a spread of cookies and tea, they’re contemplating how they might have fared in the hollows of Appalachian Kentucky during the Great Depression. They’ve assembled to discuss The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

by Kim Michele Richardson—similar historical novels about the packhorse librarians of the 1930s who traveled through Appalachia, delivering books to underserved mountain communities.

“These women were fierce,” Nancy Swain, the meeting’s official “reviewer,” says in her opening remarks. She summarizes each book’s plot and then asks attendees to comment on the deprivation the characters endured.

“You can escape your empty stomach by reading,” Joan Quinn says thoughtfully. “In these stories, you have children who are starving to death, but who are so in love with the books and what books bring to their lives.”

Therein lies a sliver of common ground between past and present. When it comes to loving literature, the members of this book club (and that’s its official name: The Book Club)

From left: Maggie Gaffen, Mary Fry, Hurdis Griffith, Marge Gazzola and Helen Hyman at the home of Ethelmary Maddox

■ familiar faces

can relate. Helen Hyman, a former Arlington schoolteacher, founded the club in 1967 to bring neighborhood moms together while their kids were in school. More than half a century later, it’s one of the longest continuously operating book clubs in the D.C. metro area.

“I don’t think we’d be together if we didn’t have a love of reading,” Hyman says. “We really try very hard to respect [each other’s] opinions. They could be very different from our own, but we all speak up. That’s what makes a book club worthwhile.”

In the beginning, most of the women Hyman invited were (like she was) married with young children and craving the intellectual company of other adults. In the decades since, the club’s members have moved through subsequent life stages together—kids’ graduations, divorces, retirement, grandchildren, the deaths of spouses and friends.

Over time, the group has developed some agreed-upon rules. Membership is generally limited to the Arlington Ridge neighborhood, although neighbors from adjacent Aurora Highlands have also joined over the years. Members can stay in the club even if they move away—something that’s happened with greater frequency as people have aged, downsized and relocated into different living situations.

The club has capped its roster at 15, “generally the size most people can accommodate in their living rooms,” says club archivist Marge Gazzola. They meet most months of the year (save an unwelcome intermission during the pandemic), with one person hosting and another person serving as the “reviewer” on a rotating basis.

“I feel like I’m always learning something new from these women,” Hyman says. “Their take on the same subject might be so different. They may have another way of looking at the topic. It opens your ability to take a new idea and form an opinion about something.”

Organizers tend to choose books

that have been in print for a while, which makes library editions easier to access. While there have been concerted efforts to cover an array of genres—history, philosophy, biography—most of the selections are fiction and narrative nonfiction. Recent favorites include A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown and The Overstory by Richard Powers.

For the sake of polite company, they avoid politics, though news headlines have a way of seeping into the conversation. “What is happening in the world is usually not related to our choice of books,” Hyman says, “but often current events come up in discussion.”

Quinn can’t help drawing parallels between the violence that surrounded the packhorse librarians of the Great Depression and the pervasive gun violence of today. “In a rough society, the presence of

guns means you have enormous amounts of violence,” she says.

As the critique of The Giver of Stars and Troublesome Creek continues, others find fault with what they see as trite plotlines and predictable happy endings. “This is a Romance Channel-style narrative arc,” one reader laments.

The club occasionally organizes field trips around specific books. They visited the Phillips Collection to see the PierreAuguste Renoir painting Luncheon of the Boating Party after reading the novel of the same name by Susan Vreeland. Another outing took them to an IMAX film on monarch butterflies on the heels of Flight Behavior, Barbara Kingsolver’s novel featuring the migratory insects.

Hyman describes the literary discussions as an escape from the routines, relationships and pressures of daily life. “We’ve got military wives, civilian wives, career women,” she says. “Even though we don’t socialize with each

other so much—some do, some don’t— the time that we do spend together at these meetings means so much to me.”

Back in Palumbo’s living room, guests nibble on cookies as Swain quotes from The Washington Post ’s review of The Giver of Stars

The book, she reads, “is a celebration of love, but also of reading, of knowledge, of female friendship, of the beauty of our most rural corners and our enduring American grit.”

Having seen each other through so many of life’s changes over five decades, and being bound together by a love of books and conversation, The Book Club is, in its own way, a celebration of reading, female friendship and true American grit, too. ■

Kim O’Connell is a former English major based in Aurora Highlands whose favorite book-related memory is meeting her childhood idol, Judy Blume.

my life ■ by Jeffrey Yeates | Illustration by Paul Hostetler

Tall Tales

I’d really like to stop whacking my head on stuff.

I HONESTLY DID see stars—just like a Looney Tunes character who takes a blow to the noggin and collapses in a daze, with stars and tweety-birds circling his head.

It happened back in 2000 when my wife and I were living in a two-room London flat. I was bounding through the doorway between our kitchen and living/dining/sleeping area, excited to tell her something and—wham!—I caught my head square on the lintel, staggered a few steps, then theatrically fell backward.

I’m 6-foot-4. People always ask me if I played basketball. Or “How’s the weather up there?” Economy airline seats are a menace.

To be sure, height does have its advantages. Rarely does anyone block my view at a concert or sporting event. And I have no trouble reaching that seldom-used dish relegated to the back of

the highest shelf. But my stature poses hazards to my head.

I’ve sliced my scalp on an open cupboard at work. I regularly collide with our dining room chandelier when I get up from the table. Recently, I even managed to walk into a parking garage ventilation fan cage. (The cage did its job— the fan survived—but my forehead sprouted a prominent purple bump.)

Smacking one’s head is not a quiet event. The office cupboard incident made a loud enough sound that our administrative assistant was already getting out of her seat to check on me as I stumbled out of my office with blood streaming down the side of my

head and asked her to call our medical staff. Once I was stitched and bandaged up, I saw that the blood had stained my favorite shirt, so I stopped at the cleaners on the way home to drop it off. Did you know that when you bring heavily bloodstained clothing to a dry cleaner they are obligated to check in with the police? The things you find out when you are tall…

As for the London episode, that also made a nice, loud whack that horrified my wife. As I collapsed on the bed of our tiny flat, she feared for a moment that I might be dead. “Gangly American Male Loses Battle with Sturdy London Architecture,” the local dailies would say.

You need a certain amount of life experience to truly appreciate Birchwood at Brambleton. But that doesn’t mean you’re slowing down—you’re just getting started!

Birchwood is a walkable community—to open spaces, daily activities, a lifestyle full of inspiration, and our fabulous amenities, including The Clubhouse, Pickleball & Bocce Courts, Demonstration Kitchen, Health & Wellness Center, Indoor & Outdoor Pools & Bars, Greenhouse & Garden Area and Miles of Walking/Biking Trails.

exceptional

LOCATION

In the heart of Loudoun County with easy access to primary commuter routes, Dulles International Airport, Metro’s Silver Line, the Nations’ Capital, the Blue Ridge Mountains and endless outdoor adventure.

Knutson Homes–Condos from the low $500s through the $600s

Miller & Smith –Courtyards, Elevator Towns and Elevator Single-Family homes from the upper $700s through the mid $900s

Van Metre Homes–Condos from the low $500s; Single-Family Homes Coming Soon

Though that mishap may have sacrificed a few brain cells, my wife was spared the horror of witnessing my demise. She is 5-foot-4, a full foot shorter than me, and cannot relate.

Head wounds aside, research indicates that tall people generally don’t live as long as their shorter fellow humans. One 2015 study, published in the Journals of Gerontology , concluded that being tall increases a man’s chances of dying earlier from any cause by 2.2%— and of cancer by 7%.

So what’s my height good for besides reaching high shelves? Faced with the possibility of an early death, I suppose it is some consolation that studies consistently show tall people are more often promoted, get paid more and have an easier time finding romantic partners compared with their shorter peers, unfair as that may be.

Shorter folk: If I could, I would gladly give some of my height to you.

I don’t need to be this tall. Seeing as how I’m not playing basketball in the NBA—where 6-foot-4 is actually 2 inches below the average—I could definitely lose a few inches. The average American male is 5-foot-9½.

If only I could trade some of that vertical for muscle. Despite my lifelong efforts in the gym, I’ve never had the gift of broad shoulders, and I’ve never been able to do more than a dozen perfect push-ups, if that.

As a teenager, I avoided going shirtless at the pool or the beach. Show off my “guns”? These skinny arms are more like popguns.

No matter what we have, there is almost always something else we crave.

Arthur C. Brooks, in a recent essay for The Atlantic, reflected that money, fancy cars, boats and such don’t move him, but seeing a man his age with a full head of hair triggers deep envy.

Tellingly, in that same essay, he

quotes Joseph Epstein’s wry observation that, “Of the seven deadly sins, only envy is no fun at all.”

Wishing for something unattainable can no doubt squeeze the joy out of what we do have.

I am me, you are you, we have what we have, and there are no trades. Maybe my height means that I die a little earlier—though hopefully not from one of my accidental blows to the head.

While long flights and small stadium seats will always be something I have to endure, I’ve decided to be grateful for my height and stop pining for bulging biceps. My family, friends and loved ones don’t wish I were any different, so neither will I.

But I am going to try to be more careful when standing up at the dining room table. ■

Arlington resident Jeffrey Yeates also writes about cycling, travel and local culture.

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Q: What does a business membership look like at ACFCU?

A: At Arlington Community Federal Credit Union, it’s our mission to find solutions for our members’ financial needs. In addition to serving personal banking members, we are proud to support hundreds of local businesses and nonprofits in their banking needs. Beyond products and services, ACFCU offers personal guidance, educational webinars on a range of commercial banking topics and we even highlight member businesses in our ads.

ACFCU works closely with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce to understand and advocate for the needs of the local business community. The Chamber’s focus on education, as well as the vast opportunities to network and forge strong connections in the business community, aligns perfectly with ACFCU’s commitment to its business members. Members can

expect the Business Services team to be fully invested in their success and help them find customized banking solutions, as well as community connections, through Chamber programs and beyond.

Whether you’re just starting out or taking the next step in growing your business, we’re with you. When our business members prosper, our community thrives.

Q: How do you serve the community beyond financial services?

A: ACFCU’s purpose is to improve financial lives throughout our community. We provide free financial education programs on topics such as buying your first home or first rental property, saving for retirement, and improving your credit score. Our staff passionately gives back through volunteerism, nonprofit board leadership and in-kind financial support for local organizations that need it most. Because Community isn’t just part of our name—it’s who we are.

Wendroff & Associates

Awards/Honors:

Arlington Magazine, Best Accounting Firm 2019, 2021, 2023

Arlington Magazine, Best Places to Work, 2022

2900 S. Quincy St., Suite 360 Arlington, VA 22206

703-553-1099

bjwendroff@wendroffcpa.com www.wendroffcpa.com

Q: What services does Wendroff & Associates provide?

A: Wendroff & Associates is a full-service tax and accounting firm. In addition to bookkeeping and tax preparation, we offer strategic tax planning, business and CFO consulting, accounting automation and workflow management, and compliance consulting.

Q: What type of client do you specialize in?

A: We work with start-ups, small and growing, and established businesses in the technology, government contracting and professional services sectors. As a veteran-owned firm, we specialize in serving veteran- and disabled veteranowned businesses. We also take great pride in helping minority-owned businesses succeed as our employees represent nine countries, and half are minority women.

We thrive on being a trusted advisor to our clients throughout the year, not just at tax time, proactively strategizing tactics to maximize their revenue and grow their businesses. Our services are tailored to our client’s needs and can be scaled up or down depending on where someone is in their growth trajectory. Our ability to support our clients’ often-changing needs is widely referenced in our reviews and has led to numerous referrals, which we greatly appreciate!

Q: What do you find most satisfying about your job?

A: What we enjoy most is seeing our clients’ businesses flourish. Many of our longstanding clients have been with us since our inception in 2006. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to play a part in their tremendous growth, and we have learned a lot from them along the way.

TONY J. LEWIS

Evermay Wealth Management, LLC

Wealth creates possibilities. We help you lead A Richer Life with a deep understanding of what wealth means to you and your loved ones.

1776 Wilson Blvd., Suite 520 Arlington, VA 22209

703-822-5696

www.evermaywealth.com

*Evermay will work with your attorney and/or accountant as necessary.

Q: How do you help clients achieve a richer life?

A: At Evermay, wealth planning is about much more than money. It’s about helping you realize your lifetime goals. We work with you to create a wealth strategy encompassing your investments, estate planning* needs, philanthropic ambitions and next-generation guidance.

Our well-established clients include entrepreneurs, executives, foundations and multi-generational families with $1 million to $25 million or more in investable assets. Whether you are funding a grandchild’s college savings plan, exercising stock options, establishing a charitable giving program or reviewing private capital opportunities, our ongoing advice helps ensure your assets are working toward your goals.

Q: What makes your client experience exceptional?

A: We are good listeners. Each client is unique and deserves focused attention, with

thoughtful recommendations tailored to their particular circumstances. We do not use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we learn what is most important to you and focus our efforts on your financial success.

The complexities of wealth often require multidisciplinary knowhow. Our highly credentialed team includes Certified Financial PlannerTM and Chartered Financial Analyst® professionals with decades of advisory experience to help you manage the challenges and opportunities wealth brings.

Q: What is your biggest challenge?

A: The world is ever-changing, sometimes with significant impact on our clients’ financial lives. We have helped clients navigate the chaos of a global pandemic, the turbulence of a nationwide banking crisis, the sorrowful loss of loved ones. As challenging as our jobs can sometimes be, helping clients plan for and reach their goals is the richest reward of all.

Burke & Herbert Bank

AHMED HACHIM, NMLS# 584515

300 N. Lee St., Suite 450, Alexandria, VA 22314

703-549-2315 | ahachim@burkeandherbertbank.com www.burkeandherbertbank.com

Q: What do you find most satisfying about being a mortgage lender with Burke & Herbert Bank?

A: Burke & Herbert Bank is a local bank that has been in business since 1852. Here I can help firsttime buyers, experienced homeowners, builders and investors. My goal is to help families achieve homeownership and find the right home to build a lifetime of memories. At Burke & Herbert Bank, our underwriting and processing teams are local, which allows us to oversee each step of the loan process and keep all parties informed from start to finish. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a homeowner moving to a new home, you can depend on me and my team at Burke & Herbert Bank to help you find the right loan for your mortgage needs.

Burke & Herbert Bank (NMLS# 195335)

C.

Dolan & Associates

CHRISTINE DOLAN, MBA

I am a daily money manager who is passionate about assisting clients who are very busy or overwhelmed by managing their financial matters. I have an MBA and 20+ years of experience.

703-868-8664 christine@cdolanfinancial.com www.cdolanfinancial.com

Q: How can C. Dolan & Associates make my life easier?

A: Managing bills, maintaining a budget, tracking insurance claims, organizing tax documents, and overseeing monthly income and expenses can be stressful! We handle your financial paperwork with our personalized, in-home daily money management services, including:

• Bill payment and management

• Budgeting and expense tracking

• Document and tax organization

• Estate and insurance management

C. Dolan & Associates will help navigate and organize your financial paperwork to restore your peace of mind.

Centurion Wealth Management, LLC

Awards/Honors:

AdvisorHub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch, 2022

Northern Virginia Magazine Top Financial Professional, 2014-2022

Washingtonian Magazine Top Financial Adviser, 2022

Five-Star Wealth Manager Award, 2016-2022

7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 800

McLean, VA 22102

571-765-1890

info@centurionwealth.com

www.Centurionwealth.com

Q: What services do you offer your clients?

A: Centurion Wealth Management, LLC is an independent financial planning firm built on a foundation of sound ethics, mutual respect and deep integrity. We proudly offer fiduciary financial advice to successful entrepreneurs, top executives and empowered women. Since opening in 2015, we have been fortunate to experience steady growth while maintaining a trusted reputation within the financial services community.

Our firm’s services include investment advice, tax planning and preparation, cash flow and estate planning analysis, risk management, and traditional retirement planning. We strive to establish an intimate and trusted client/advisor relationship through clear, consistent, and ongoing communication and review. At the

end of our eight-part planning process, we clearly illustrate and explain our recommendations regarding all aspects of your financial plan.

We are honored to be a Top Vote Getter for Best Financial Planner/Advisor in Arlington Magazine!

Q: How do I know if Centurion can work for me?

A: Please feel free to reach out to our team if you are:

• Looking to change the way your investment portfolio of over $1,000,000 is being managed

• A divorcee, widow or independent woman seeking assistance to build a comprehensive financial plan

• A top executive or business owner who appreciates experienced advice on how to grow, build and protect wealth

VLP Financial Advisors

We are proud to carry the following designations:

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Professionals

• Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®)

• Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)

•

Q: How would you sum up your business philosophy?

A: Life is made to be lived—at every age. That’s why we’re here to help you with thoughtfully considered, carefully constructed strategies that can provide you with the means and the confidence to dream big. We believe that financial planning is not a product, but a process we go through together—one that involves discovering your goals, identifying your resources and creating a customized blueprint to fit your specific situation.

Q: What types of clients do you work with?

A: For more than 30 years, we’ve worked successfully and effectively with all kinds of families and individuals, retirees and business owners, women and men—all pursuing their own aspirations, each investing and saving in the ways that make

the most sense for them. We’ve stood with those clients through life transitions, through celebrations and challenges, through milestones and market swings. We look forward to standing with you.

Q: VLP’s advisors are fiduciaries—how does that benefit your clients?

A: We commit to always applying our years of training and experience in ways that benefit our clients. Our status as fiduciaries means you can rest assured that we will act in your best interest, provide prudent investment advice, be transparent about costs and fees, and disclose potential conflicts of interest. Our clients appreciate that we explain all appropriate options, avoid high-cost or high-commission products, and are always honest about any possible risks. When you work with us, you place us in a position of trust. We take that responsibility very seriously.

Old Dominion National Bank

Awards:

Washington Business Journal Fastest Growing Companies, 2022 (41st among 50 companies and the only bank named).

Washington Business Journal Best Places to Work, 2022.

8607 Westwood Center Drive, Suite 440

Tysons Corner, VA 22182

571-299-6942

www.odnbonline.com

Q: Who is Old Dominion National Bank, and who do you serve?

A: ODNB is an independent, locally owned and managed community bank with executive headquarters in Tysons Corner. Our purpose begins with our company culture and values. We are a high-care, high-accountability organization that promotes the delivery of superior service to our customers. We serve commercial and consumer customers across Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Central Pennsylvania and the Charlottesville, VA area. Our focus is Purpose and Partnership with every single customer.

We have built a standard of excellence that resonates throughout the entire organization. Our talent, some of the best relationship-based local bankers and professionals in the business, are

passionate about delivering success together, far exceeding their customers’ expectations, serving their neighbors and community, and building a highperforming local bank.

Q: What services does ODNB provide?

A: We offer a full array of commercial and consumer financial products and services, including commercial and consumer loans, treasury and cash management, debit and credit card services, and online and mobile banking.

Q: What makes your clients’ experiences unique?

A: The ODNB team delivers concierge style service with tailored financial solutions. Each customer is unique, and we honor and embrace this. Our bankers serve as advisors and understand that our bank is only successful when are clients are successful.

2023

COURTESY OF MICHAEL WARDIAN (RUNNER); DAWN WHITMORE (ART); STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG (LIGHTING)

OF ARLINGTON

Happy Hour

Lyon Hall

lyonhallarlington.com

When 5 o’clock rolls around, a quick scan of the bar at this easygoing, French-style brasserie in Clarendon finds plenty of familiar faces. “We make new regulars often,” says general manager Dana Nyam. No wonder, when the happyhour menu includes deals on charcuterie boards, smoked brisket dumplings, Bavarian pretzels with smoked cheddar fondue and more. Pair a frosty German Hefeweizen, a

sparkling Alsatian brut or a Moscow mule with snacks like $6 frites and $1.50 oysters. The $15 pots of mussels (available in four different preparations, from smoked tomato to Thai curry) are also a fan favorite. –Adele Chapin

Other top vote-getters: Ambar Clarendon, Ballston Local, Fire Works, Open Road Rosslyn, The Salt Line, SER, Texas Jack’s Barbecue

R e ader Pick

Happy hour at Lyon Hall

HALL)

Jason

Brunch

Ruthie’s All-Day

ruthiesallday.com

Fresh buttermilk biscuits emerge from the oven every 20 minutes during Saturday and Sunday brunch at Ruthie’s, a Southern-accented café that opened in 2020 in Arlington Heights and immediately became a local mainstay. But it’s not just the biscuits that have discerning diners coming back for more. “We sell a lot of everything,” says chef and co-owner Matt Hill (also a Best of Arlington 2023 winner for “Best Chef”). “There aren’t dishes that don’t really move.” Try fried-to-order apple-cider doughnuts made with local apples; brisket hash with mustard-seed cream and seasonal vegetables; or a grits bowl with pulled pork and pickled Fresno chilies, topped with a fried egg. The bar program includes classic cocktails, spritzes and kombucha on tap. –Adele Chapin

Other top vote-getters: Ambar Clarendon, Green Pig Bistro, The Liberty Tavern, Lyon Hall, Palette 22, Ted’s Bulletin

Yo Matsuzaki Wren

Tracy O’Grady

Green Pig Bistro

Jaime Pelayo Buena Vida

Dane Sewlall

Open

Thompson

Barbecue Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co.

rocklands.com

Owner/founder John Snedden’s latest improvements at Rocklands, an Arlington institution since 1995, include newly installed solar panels, a patio garden with okra and tomatoes, and a revamped private dining space upstairs. What hasn’t changed over the years is the appeal of the signature food—fresh (never frozen) meat, smoked over a hickory blend, low and slow. Each of the restaurant’s five DMV locations has its own pit boss and specialties (like pork-belly burnt ends in Arlington). Snedden says he loves to hang out in the dining room, watching customers enjoying that first bite of barbecue and sides such as coleslaw, Texas corn pudding and minted cucumber salad. “It’s been a thrill from the very beginning,” he says, “and it’s still a thrill for me.” –Adele Chapin

Wine Shop

Arrowine & Cheese

arrowine.com

Other top vote-getters: Liberty Barbecue, Ruthie’s All-Day, Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque, Smokecraft Modern Barbecue, Texas Jack’s Barbecue

Arrowine proprietors Doug Rosen and Shem Hassen have traveled the world in search of fine wines at every price point. Thousands of bottles fill the racks of their Arlington shop, from $15 Rioja to rare vintages priced at $1,000 and up. (Rosen worked here as a teen when it was called Cheese and Bottle before returning as a partner in 1991 and buying the store in 1993. Hassen became a partner in 2004.)

Shoppers can grab charcuterie, gourmet packaged goods and hundreds of cheeses, too. Just don’t expect Jarlsberg. “Everything we have is artisanal,” Rosen stresses. He takes pride in offering products you won’t find elsewhere—including choice finds from small, family-run European vineyards. “We have actually introduced quite a few wines to the United States,” he says, such as Jean-Louis Dutraive Fleurie and selections from Domaine Stéphane Magnien. “I like to say we are a neighborhood store with a national reputation.”

–Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters: The Brew Shop, Dominion Wine and Beer, Screwtop Wine Bar, Total Wine

R e ader Pick

A brisket sandwich with scallion slaw at Rocklands

Arrowine partners Shem Hassen (left) and Doug Rosen with general manager Ayet Boudjellal

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Aslin Beer Co.

The Board Room

Settle Down Easy Brewing Co.

Solace Outpost

RESTAURANT FOR DATE NIGHT

Lyon Hall

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Ambar Clarendon Café Colline

Green Pig Bistro

Ruthie’s All-Day Salt

The Salt Line SER

New Restaurant

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Ballston Local

BGR the Burger Joint Cowboy Café

Elevation Burger Five Guys

If you’ve been to The Salt Line’s flagship location in Navy Yard near Nationals Park, you know this New England seafood house with a mid-Atlantic twist makes an excellent lobster roll and is a raw bar go-to. These and other classics are always on the menu at the Ballston outpost, which opened in 2021. But chef Matt Singer also has free rein to do his own thing in Arlington—where you’ll find him whipping up housemade pastas and seasonal fresh catch, from crispy-skinned rockfish with garlic and herbs to poached Atlantic halibut with roasted vegetables and dashi butter. “We really let the freshness of the fish come through,” Singer says. –Adele Chapin

Other top vote-getters: Ballston Local, Bar Ivy, Buena Vida, Harvey’s, Hawkers Asian Street Food, Maison Cheryl, Wren

A bounty of seafood options at The Salt Line

COURTESY

PHOTO

(THE SALT LINE)

Chinese-Korean Comfort Food

Chiko

mychiko.com

Northern Virginia devotees of Chiko’s “orange-ish” chicken and cumin-lamb stir-fry let out a collective cheer when the counter-service eatery arrived in Shirlington (its fifth DMV location) in 2022. The restaurant’s easygoing, pan-Asian format defies classification: It’s not full-service, but not strictly fastcasual either. “We don’t really know what it is. We’ve been trying to figure that out for over five years,” jokes chef Scott Drewno, who owns Chiko and sister restaurant Anju (in D.C.) with fellow chef and

NoVa native Danny Lee. “We’re just trying to use our many years of restaurant experience and cooking know-how to make some cool food.” The result is addictive dishes such as soy-glazed brisket with soft egg, smashed salmon with black bean butter, and pork belly-kimchi stew—plus creative offerings like a monthly cook-at-home supper club, dumpling happy hours, special dishes by guest chefs and theme weeks devoted to seasonal ingredients such as Maryland crabs. –Adele Chapin

Editor Pick

Dumplings at Chiko

Trivia Night Ballston Local

ballstonlocal.com

There’s always something happening at Ballston Local, be it live music, an open mic session or football fans gathered to watch a game. But trivia nights are one of the bar’s biggest draws. On Mondays and Thursdays, the place reaches capacity by 6 or 7 p.m., and— this being the D.C. area—people take their trivia seriously. “It’s friendly, but it’s certainly fierce competition,” says co-owner Jonah Troth, who opened the congenial pub with co-owner/chef

Jason Johnston in 2021. Beyond the glory of a correct answer, participants are lured in by the beverage specials and prizes (which can include drinks, shots or discounted bar tabs). Then there’s Johnston’s menu: The former MGM casino chef does justice to sen-

timental favorites, like gourmet burgers, poutine and New York-style pizza topped with chicken parm or littleneck clams. –Adele Chapin

Other top vote-getters: The Board Room, Courthaus Social, Cowboy Café, Quincy Hall

R e ader Pick

Trivia night at Ballston Local

READER PICK BEST REMODELER

Cheers to you! Thank you for voting Vinson Hall Retirement Community a Best of Arlington Top Vote Getter in the Senior Living Category, as well as for our Pickleball Court! Visit us today to learn how you can thrive at any age or stage.

Pick Best Title Company

BEST OF ARLINGTON 2023

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Uppasna Chand

Philip Gentry

Manisha Grover

Karen Harriman

Joseph Khalil

Greg LaVecchia

Michael Rogers

URGENT CARE

Immediate Care by PMA Health

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

AllCare Family Medicine and Urgent Care

Inova Urgent Care

Old Dominion Urgent Care Center

Patient First

Primary and Urgent Care - Falls Church

Urgent Care Center of Arlington

VHC HealthImmediate Care

Cardiologist Antonio Parente

virginiaheart.com

Cardiology felt like an obvious choice for Antonio Parente after his 1984 graduation from Georgetown University’s School of Medicine. “It was just so satisfying to see people respond [to treatment] and feel better,” says the New York native. “That was the turning point for me.” By 1991, he was practicing at Arlington Cardiology Associates with a focus on interventional cardiology, a subspecialty that deals with the insertion of stents to open blocked arteries. The practice merged into Virginia Heart in 1997. Today, Parente sees about 100 patients per week, treating chest pain syndromes, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and coronary artery disease. “I’m happy going to work every day,” he says. “It’s an incredible field.” –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters: Rachel Berger, Timothy Farrell, Charanjit Khurana, Michael Notarianni, Hassan Tabandeh, Eric Thorn

MICHAEL VENTURA

Cardiologist Antonio Parente

Medical Cannabis Dispensary

Beyond/Hello

beyond-hello.com

Arlington’s first and only cannabis dispensary is slated to open in late December, stocking the product many have sought as an alternative to traditional pharma in many forms, from tinctures and gummies to old-school “flower.”

Owned by Jushi Holdings, the 7,500-squarefoot Clarendon shop will be the company’s fifth in Northern Virginia. “Arlington being one of those central hubs of where individuals live, eat, enjoy, congregate…[it] was super important for us to be part of that community,” says Trent Woloveck, chief commercial director at Jushi. Newcomers who feel overwhelmed by the options can expect more than a casual greeting from the budtenders at Beyond/Hello. “Not too many people are super experienced with cannabis,” Woloveck says, so education is part of the business model. Patients currently need a medical marijuana certification to purchase in Virginia, but the company anticipates a seamless transition to retail once weed is legalized for adult recreational use in the commonwealth in 2024. –Stephanie Kanowitz

Editor Pick

The cannabis counter at Beyond/Hello in Fairfax

Reader Picks

PRIMARY CARE/ INTERNAL MEDICINE PRACTICE

VHC Health

Primary Care

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Arlington Primary Care

Inova General Internal Medicine Group

Inova Primary CareFalls Church

Kaiser Permanente Falls Church Medical Center

Northern Virginia Family Practice Associates

One Medical

PMA Health

Premier Primary Care

CHIROPRACTOR

Edward Beck

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Josh Angulo

Bill Booker

Cheryl Gottesfeld

Michael Moses

Kim Muzinski

Scott Muzinski

Dentist for Kids

Michelle Keaney Flanagan

keaneydmd.com

Michelle Keaney Flanagan can confirm it: She has patients who intentionally schedule dental visits on their birthdays. The Ballston practice she launched in 2015 has an air of festivity, with helium balloons, hallway lights that change color and ceilingmounted TV screens above each dental chair. But there are other elements in the care equation that have gained parents’ trust, too. Unlike dental practices owned by management companies, the Northern Virginia native hand-selects the tools of her trade, from the specific type of fluoride used to filling material—“What I would use for my own kids,” she says. –Susan Anspach

Other top vote-getters: Giannina Galliani, Rishita Jaju, Peter Markov, Edward Nelson, Nathalie Phaeton, Christine Reardon, Cris Ann Ternisky

MICHAEL VENTURA

Kids dentist Michelle Keaney Flanagan

BEST OF ARLINGTON 2023

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: The Adara Spa Eyes on Skin Spa

Honey Skincare Studio

Massage Envy

Skin & Wellness Centre

Urban Halo Salon

PLACE TO LEARN MARTIAL ARTS

Jhoon Rhee

Tae Kwon Do

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: EvolveAll

Pentagon Mixed Martial Arts

GOLF

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTER: Washington Golf and Country Club

Local Athlete Michael Wardian

mikewardian.com

You may have seen 48-year-old Michael Wardian whizzing by, ruddy beard and ponytail bopping along, during one of the two 6-mile runs he completes almost daily. Or perhaps you caught a glimpse of him in 2019 when he ran a 90-mile loop around the D.C. Beltway on one of the hottest days of the year. Or when he logged the equivalent of 10 marathons (263 miles) in almost three days during Covid quarantine by running around his Arlington Forest block for 63 hours straight. Or maybe you saw him in the news in the spring of 2022, when, inspired by Forrest Gump, he spent 61 days crossing the continental U.S. on foot. It’s the euphoria, he says—that proverbial runner’s high—that 28 years ago got him hooked on the sport in which he now holds several world records, although he also counts CrossFit and pickleball among his passions. “It’s one of the best feelings ever…the elation of doing something hard,” says the Arlington local, a partner at a shipping company and professional marathoner whose sponsors include sneaker company Hoka, T-Mobile and DMV favorite District Taco. To date, he has completed more than 200 marathons and more than 100 ultra-marathons. –Stephanie Kanowitz

COURTESY OF MICHAEL WARDIAN

Editor Pick

Michael Wardian, after crossing the U.S. on foot, auctioned his running shoes for charity.

Eyebrow Shaping

Beauty Brains Brows

beautybrainsbrows.com

Vicky Modica likes to say she has a great “browside manner.” It’s imperative when she’s literally in the faces of about 50 clients per week—trimming, tinting and shaping their eyebrows to perfection. A celebrity makeup artist for 20 years (her past clients include Paris Hilton and John Waters), she still offers makeup services, though the bulk of her work for the past decade has been brows. In 2021, Modica opened Beauty Brains Brows inside hˉom Salon in Courthouse, where she chats with clients about their goals, facial structure and brow hair before pulling out her tweezers (no waxing or threading here). “What I do is more about a bespoke one-on-one,” she says. “I have a really good eye for shape and color.” –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters: Arlington Threading & Waxing, Azure Dream Day Spa, DuPont Threading Arlington, European Wax Center, Hair Play Salon, Perfect Eyebrows, Urban Halo Salon

hˉ om Salon Jon David Salon

Salon Joseph

Smitten Boutique Salon

Urban Halo Salon SALON IN FALLS CHURCH Nash Hair

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Kess Hair & Skincare Rooted Mane

Tinner Hill Hair Salon

SALON IN MCLEAN

Eclips Salon & Day Spa

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Dolce Vita Salon & Spa

Elements McLean

PR at Partners Salon

Salon Sage

Tom & Deniz Hair Studio

Brow guru Vicky Modica

Old School Shave & Haircut

Mr. Moore’s

Barbershop

mrmooresbarbershop.com

James Moore Sr. founded Mr. Moore’s Barbershop in 1960, opening his doors to everyone regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or anything else. Decades later, he passed his shears on to his son James Jr., a retired Arlington County firefighter who has run the business on Langston Boulevard full-time since 2020. The elder Moore died in 2021, but James Jr. is carrying on the tradition of service, cutting hair at nursing homes and giving free back-to-school cuts to kids. In the shop, he sees 25 to 30 clients a day (the fade cut is the most often requested), encouraging them to put down their phones and chat. “We try to have a more personal experience,” he says. –Stephanie Kanowitz

Pickleball Court Lubber Run Community Center

arlingtonva.us

Four lighted outdoor courts at Lubber Run Community Center are lined for multiple sports, including basketball and volleyball, but pickleball is the current favorite. Open since the fall of 2020, the courts are free to use and require no reservations, attracting about 60 players (aka picklers) on any given day. In a pickle for a partner? It’s easy to find one upon arrival. “You can just drop in and pick up and play with the people who are out there,” says Nakish Jordan, a county recreation services supervisor. “Pickleball is a really social sport that way.” Bad weather? Lubber Run also offers drop-in pickleball indoors on select days. –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters: Army Navy Country Club, Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center, Vinson Hall Retirement Community, Walter Reed Recreation Center

Editor Pick MICHAEL VENTURA (MR. MOORE’S BARBERSHOP); DAVID MOSS (LUBBER RUN)

The art of the fade cut at Mr. Moore’s Barbershop

Pickleball at Lubber Run Community Center

Personal Trainer Damion Moss

dmossfitness.business.site

It takes a lot for a fitness studio to stand out in the nation’s fittest city—a title Arlington has held for five years running. Damion Moss says his success has little to do with the actual workouts. “I don’t think I’m any better or worse than any other trainer out there. We’re all using a lot of the same stuff,” says the former Howard University football player, who launched DMossFitness seven years ago and in 2022 co-founded the Sukha Center, a Black-owned and -operated yoga studio in Clarendon. “It’s about the relationship-building. I think that’s where I tend to excel.” Still, a 50-minute session with Moss isn’t all schmoozing. Clients can expect to be pushed with strength and cardio exercises, plus stretching and yoga. “My approach to training is holistic,” Moss says. –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters: Sheila Cordaro (COR FIT), Chauncey Graham (Gold’s Gym Ballston), Aryan Siahpoushan (Method Fitness)

Personal trainer and yoga instructor Damion Moss

BEST OF ARLINGTON 2023

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

20/20 Drain Clean & Plumbing

All Plumbing

B.L. James & Son

Northern Plumbing

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Allied Title & Escrow

Cobalt Settlements

Community Title Network

KVS Title

Universal Title

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: American Pest

Green Pest Services

My Pest Pros

Midcentury Modern Furniture

The George Vintage & Design

@thegeorgevintage

Stocked with retro-modern goods ranging from postwar credenzas to Don Draperesque barware, this cozy Del Ray shop fetes midcentury style without a trace of feeling stuck in the moment. Owner Teri Brake keeps the inventory moving with an approachable pricing model, while “constantly resetting, so you feel like you have options and choices and vignettes.” The George, which opened in June, is a one-woman show for Brake, and she does her own buying, scouting out pieces that are truly vintage (no reproductions). The shop’s 1,000 square feet feel “palatial” to the proprietor, who relocated from New York City after enduring the start of the pandemic in a tiny apartment. Looking ahead, she plans to turn The George into an increasingly social space, making it available to host events after hours. –Susan Anspach

Editor Pick

A vintage Gunlocke armchair at The George

TriVistaUSA Design + Build

trivistausa.com

Hearing a client say, “I never knew my house could do all that,” is music to Michael Sauri’s ears. He would know. A former professional musician (he still plays guitar), he fell into his current line of work after remodeling an investment house in Baltimore in 1999. Six years later he and his wife, Deborah, founded their Arlington design-build firm— which to date has redesigned or built about 400 homes, accumulating an ever-growing fan base. In the process, Sauri says he’s realized music and home design aren’t so different; both rely on creativity. “I think homes have a soul,” he says. “How can we make that soul and the souls of the people who live there work in harmony?” The answer lies in the big-picture architectural planning, as well as the details. –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters: Alair Homes Arlington, BOWA, Bowers Design Build, Case Architects & Remodelers, Paradigm Homes, Sagatov Design+Build, Zimmermann Homes

A spa-like bathroom by TriVistaUSA

Lawn Service

Paul’s Best Lawn Service

paulsbestlawn.com

Brothers Tim and Jay Lo Monaco bought Paul’s Best Lawn Service from their dad, Paul, in 2012, sustaining the same work ethic that drove their father to turn a side hustle cutting grass into a full-fledged company nearly 40 years ago. Today, their staff of 30 keeps area properties in pristine shape with expert mowing, turf management and landscape services such as leaf removal and mulching. Tim serves as office manager, processing about 460 invoices per month, and Jay handles scheduling. “We really just want to do the best job possible,” Tim says. At least 70% of their customers are in Arlington. –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getters: Andy’s Lawn & Landscape, Avanza Landscaping & Maintenance, Better Lawn Service, Ian’s Lawn Service

R e ader Pick

Paul’s Best Lawn Service

us a call.

Of Dog Groomer Happy Grooming

happygroomingva.com

Occupying a tiny storefront at the end of the Lee Center strip mall near Cherrydale, Happy Grooming has a no-frills exterior. It has a no-frills interior, too— unless you count vivid tangerine paint as a frill. But no one is coming here for the ambience. This is a place where, if you know, you know. And—if the endlessly bleating phone and ceaselessly chiming door are any indication—pet owners have spread the word that this is where dogs go to look their best. Sisters Mary and Ann Asawatangsathian opened Happy Grooming in 1999, and they have no plans to expand. Quality control, which they maintain with their small staff of eight, is just too important. Customers trust them, Ann says, because they don’t shave dogs “unless very necessary.” And they’re happy to share grooming tips that clients can maintain at home. –Susan Anspach Other top vote-getters: Custom Canines, Dogma, Happy Tails, Loyal Companion, The Muddy Mutt, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

R e ader Pick

Keeping pooches pretty at Happy Grooming

Kids Art Classes Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

mocaarlington.org

At MoCA Arlington (formerly Arlington Arts Center), artistic inspiration isn’t imparted via stuffy slideshows or sequestered behind a red velvet rope. It’s a hands-on experience. The museum and gallery in Virginia Square offers art classes for children as young as 2 (“My 1st Portfolio”), elementary-age kids (from portraiture to color theory) and teens—who earlier this year applied through MoCA to collaborate with DMV artists to design and paint sneakers brought in by the public. All of these invitations to create happen amid the art building’s rotating exhibitions and installations featuring both emerging and established artists. That’s very much on purpose. “It’s not necessarily about the old masters,” says education coordinator Lia Ferro. “It’s about living artists, too. We want kids to feel welcome in a gallery space.” –Susan Anspach

Other top vote-getter: Art House 7

KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE Scramble Falls Church

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: The Little Gym of Arlington Ultrazone

PRIVATE K-8 SCHOOL

St. Thomas More Cathedral School

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Congressional School Full Circle Montessori School

The Langley School

The Linder Academy Saint Agnes Catholic School

The Sycamore School

Westminster School

PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR NONTRADITIONAL LEARNERS

The Sycamore School

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Commonwealth Academy Full Circle Montessori School

The Linder Academy Oakwood School

An art class at MoCA

Reader Picks

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ADVISOR

School-Based Food Pantry

Food for Neighbors

foodforneighbors.org

Food for Neighbors executive director Karen Joseph can tell you her marketing budget down to the penny. That would be zero pennies. Founded in 2016 to tackle food insecurity, her scrappy nonprofit has been propelled entirely by word of mouth. The Herndon-based organization has grown from serving two Northern Virginia schools in its first year to 34 today, having added its first four Arlington schools to the fold in October. The nonprofit’s Red Bag Program is simple by design. Volunteers distribute bags that community members can fill with food off a wish list. Collection, sorting and distribution ensue—primarily at area middle and high schools, whose students tend to receive less aid than younger kids and families. The operation is currently putting food into the hands of some 3,800 students who might otherwise have to skip meals. “People worry about bad behavior and truancy at school,” Joseph says. “Oftentimes, if you peel back that first layer, somebody just needs food.” –Susan Anspach

Amber Cobb Vazquez

Tutoring Club of McLean

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Ann Dolin

Educational Connections

Brian Giroux IvySummit

BOARDING SCHOOL (MID-ATLANTIC)

The Madeira School

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Episcopal High School

Foxcroft School

Georgetown Preparatory School

Mercersburg Academy

Woodberry Forest School

PRESCHOOL

Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Congressional School

Full Circle

Montessori School

The Griffin Academy of Westminster School

Little Ambassadors’ Academy

Rock Spring Cooperative Preschool

Trinity Presbyterian Preschool

Westover Baptist Preschool

Editor Pick

A Food for Neighbors collection event

J. MICHAEL WHALEN

The Neighborhood Alternative Lee Heights Shops is

Readers’ Pick, Best Shopping District

dominionlighting.com

Of The Lighting Store Dominion Lighting

Meyer Sharlin founded the Dominion Electric Supply Co. in 1940 with $500 and a truck. Today, the family-owned and -operated business has 10 locations, 300 employees and 20 trucks. The Arlington flagship store, which opened in 1947, carries 300 lighting brands displayed in about 6,000 square feet of showroom. “We use the showroom almost like a Rorschach test for folks to get a gut check on where they’re going” in terms of design, says Matt Rowan, vice president

of residential lighting. Ever since a 2020 makeover, the shop has also been using its retail space to display works by local artists, hosting new exhibits every few months for free. “This allows people, when they’re in the mindset of improving their houses, to also stumble across artwork and artists that they would otherwise never see,” Rowan says. “It also just makes our space look more beautiful.” –Stephanie Kanowitz

Other top vote-getter: Lamps Unlimited

The showroom at Dominion Lighting

Bridal and Evening Wear

Zoya’s Atelier zoyasatelier.com

For Zoya Bitici, the perfect dress all comes down to perfect alterations, and they’re done on-site by seamstresses she has trained herself. “Nothing goes out of here unless I approve it,” says Bitici, who co-owns her eponymous Falls Church bridal boutique with daughter-in-law Amy. Those bespoke fittings are partly what has compelled brides to fly in from as far away as California to try on the shop’s exclusive designer lines—most notably The Atelier by Jimmy Choo—as well as satin, tulle and lace gowns by designers Suzanne Neville and Peter Langner. (Langner and Neville feature prominently in the boutique’s evening wear collection, as well.) The couture is on display for a small handful of clients each day, as the store is open by appointment only. –Susan Anspach

Editor Pick

A Peter Langner wedding gown

Shopping District

Mosaic District

The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker. The tutor, the boho boutique, the eyelash aesthetician specializing in natural-growth conditioner. In the 10 years since its first shops and restaurants opened, this buzzy district on the edge of Merrifield has grown to offer something for each of the 200,000 patrons who flock there weekly—whether to pick up a birthday gift, grab drinks with friends, catch a movie, snap a family photo on the rainbow staircase (just try and keep the kids off it), rock a new ’do or sample one of the really obscure, really hot peppers at the Sunday farmers market. With roughly 100 businesses tucked

into its tidy storefronts and a steady calendar of street fairs and events, there’s always something new to discover at Mosaic. “It’s an environment where people want to connect throughout the day and into the evening,” says David Germakian, a managing director with the neighborhood’s developer, EDENS. “It was envisioned to have that vibrancy.” –Susan Anspach

Other top vote-getters: Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, Lee Heights Shops, The Shops at Wilson, Tysons Corner Center, The Village at Shirlington, Westover

Everyday Jewelry Covet

covetinarlington.com

Diamonds aren’t a girl’s only best friend. Sometimes you’re in the mood for a chunky beaded bracelet, dangly leather earrings or a sterling silver signet ring engraved with the simple message (or is it a monogram?) “WTF.” For those occasions, Autumn Clayton’s edgy, feminine, feminist gift shop in Bluemont has your number. Tucked into the top floor of a farmhouse on Wilson Boulevard, the petite boutique is the place to discover indie jewelry designers whose business cards Clayton is careful to display alongside their wares. “I want people to feel connected to the stuff they’re buying,” says the proprietor. “You can go and find any mass-produced jewelry anywhere. That’s not us.” –Susan Anspach

Other top vote-getters: Diament Jewelry, Dominion Jewelers, The Top Jewelers, Trade Roots

R e ader Pick

The Mosaic District

Jewelry at Covet

Brian Giroux

The

New Performance Venue

Capital

capitalonehall.com

One Hall

There’s a new arts venue in town, and it’s already staged such big-name acts as country music star Dwight Yoakam, blues legend Buddy Guy and celebrity chef Alton Brown—not to mention the musical Tootsie and forthcoming productions of Hairspray and R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (a tribute to the Queen of Soul), through its Broadway in Tysons series. Opened in the fall of 2021 with a 1,600-seat proscenium stage and a 225-seat black-box theater, Capital One Hall hosted more than 300 shows in its first year. Fans have landed here to see not only box-office stars, but also plays by community theater groups that benefit from subsidized rental rates and production support. With its glowing vertical marquee, rooftop sky park, grand marble staircase and a soaring atrium with 60-foot ceilings (which can be booked for weddings and other events), things are looking up for arts lovers in Tysons. Coming next: The Opening Act, “a pre-show culinary experience,” for which the venue’s executive chef will be preparing foods inspired by performances. –Susan Anspach

Editor Pick

Josh Groban performing at the grand opening of Capital One Hall

Car Dealership

Mercedes-Benz of Arlington

justmercedes.com

Mercedes-Benz is a trusted name. So is this Arlington dealership, where fans of the German luxury auto brand can kick the tires of sparkling new (or creampuff used) sedans, wagons and SUVs, or bring in their beloved S-class convertible for service. General sales manager Mark Zetlin’s grandfather opened the family business 85 years ago—

it’s one of the nation’s last five original Mercedes dealerships remaining— and his 90-year-old father still sits on the board. Employing a staff of 200, the dealership sells and services Mercedes exclusively, but the service side of the business has been the busier of the two since the pandemic began. With supplychain issues, Zetlin says, “people want

to hang on to their cars.” Should yours happen to be a Mercedes, you’ll find yourself in good company here: More than 100 cars pass through its service center every day. –Susan Anspach ■

Other top vote-getters: Safford Brown Honda Arlington, Beyer Volvo, Koons Arlington Toyota, Lindsay Lexus

A new electric model Mercedes-Benz

Arlington Tech students

Lourdes Risco Baldeon and Samantha Parker in the animal science lab

What is What Arlington is Tech

Six years in, a look at one unusual little high school’s alternative approach to education and career readiness

BY HELEN PARTRIDGE | PHOTOS BY SKIP BROWN

The squeaky sound of sneakers on concrete echoes through the hallway as a line of eighth-graders shuffles out of a classroom at 816 S. Walter Reed Drive.

“That’s cool! I want to take that,” one kid loud-whispers to a friend, breaking the unspoken teen rule of remaining cool and unaffected at all times.

The class that elicited this reaction? Digital Photo and TV Production. It’s visiting day at Arlington Tech, and this cohort from Kenmore Middle School has just laid eyes on what teacher Tom O’Day touts as “one of the best high school television studios in the country,” outfitted with state-of-the-art digital cameras, lighting and sound equipment. He regales the group with a list of the awards the studio’s student crews have won.

?

Tucked inside the Arlington Career Center, Arlington Tech is an academically challenging high school that emphasizes project-based learning. In the past two years, more than 95% of its graduates have gone on to college. The few who didn’t entered the military through the school’s ROTC program.

On this day, visiting middle-schoolers are taking a peek to see if they can envision themselves here—at the newest and one of the smallest high schools in the county. The TV studio is the third unorthodox classroom they’ve seen in a span of 15 minutes, having just come from an aviation class where a drone was flying at the front of the room, and an automotive technology lab that looks like a real repair shop, with a pickup truck suspended on a car lift overhead.

From left: Kaleb Daniel, Jameson Berry, Ava Belacastro, and Sam Watchman in the TV studio

■ what is arlington tech?

As the tour continues, the students pass through a cosmetology lab where real-world customers come in and pay for haircuts and color. In the physical therapy and sports medicine area, they hear about classes in emergency medicine, pharmacology and forensics. “You could be 911,” a teacher says.

Next up: a carpentry class, an electrical workshop and an animal science lab where students studying biology and veterinary science care for a variety of critters, including rodents, birds and snakes.

At this school, the group is told, they will have help finding internships—and they can earn college credits before they finish high school.

The future may be an abstract notion for these young students, who on this sunny day in October are only a few weeks into their final year of middle

school. But for those who might want to give “AT” (the common shorthand) a shot, the application period for the next academic year is about to begin. Interested candidates can enter a lottery starting in November. They’ll find out at the end of January if they’ve scored a spot for the 2023-24 school year.

ARLINGTON TECH OPENED in the fall of 2016 with a class of just 40 freshmen. Six years later, it has more than 400 students—roughly 100 per grade.Like H-B Woodlawn, which also admits students via lottery, AT is technically an Arlington Public Schools program, not an accredited high school. Seniors completing the program receive their diplomas from their home high schools (Wakefield, Washington-Liberty or Yorktown).

The course offerings aren’t the only differentiating factor at AT. Step inside

the building and you’re apt to see students gathered in quiet discussion in a large atrium with bright green furniture. It’s the sort of scene you’d expect to see in a hip, tech company workspace, not a high school.

“It’s almost like a professional environment,” says 10th-grader Sheel Shah. “A lot of classes here can give you certifications and have real-world applications.”

Students can take CTE (career and technical education) “pathway” classes in subjects such as computer programming, aerospace engineering and robotics, earning professional certifications in everything from AutoCAD to the written exam for a private pilot’s license.

The CTE classes are dual enrollment, allowing students to earn college credits from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) while they are still

From left: Robert Geary, teacher John Theis and Lydia Blackwell Esslami in the automotive technology lab

in high school. CTE teachers tap into their own relationships with businesses or academics in their fields to help students find internships.

Shah, 15, who came here from Dorothy Hamm Middle School, was drawn to AT for its computer science courses and internship opportunities. As a freshman, he did a remote internship for the nonprofit software developer Sugar Labs, helping to develop a program that teaches kids how to code.

Now, as a sophomore, he’s helping a doctoral student at Texas A&M University research artificial intelligence applications in marine biology. He’s also assisting one of his teachers in developing a phone app for people who don’t have access to computers.

“I really want to help the community and do community projects,” he says. “I believe artificial intelligence is the future.”

It’s that pragmatic focus—on college, career and beyond—that administrators say sets Arlington Tech apart. Students take the same core classes they would take at their home high schools (such as English, social studies, math and P.E.), but they also take engineering (a CTE course) their first year. And classes are accelerated to ensure they earn the prerequisites required for dual enrollment with NOVA.

The curriculum is project-based and collaborative, challenging students to apply what they learn in class to realworld problems.

“It helps you with basic cooperation skills and it gets you thinking a lot more about what you’re actually learning, as opposed to a test where you’re just repeating and then answering,” says Ahmad Ali, a junior. “It’s very different from other schools. It’s a lot smaller and everyone in each grade kind of knows each other.”

Ali, 16, hopes to go to George Mason University or Virginia Tech, and then pursue a career in cybersecurity or IT.

Kaya DeMarco, a senior, was also enticed by the school’s hands-on approach. “I’ve found over time that I’m not very good at memorizing content and then dumping it onto a test,” says the 17-year-old. “It’s better for me to learn a concept over time—through discussions, a project and then potentially taking a test at the end. The test is not necessarily a form of affirmation that I know the content, but a stepping stone to see what else I still need to learn.”

THE SCHOOL’S EMPHASIS on realworld learning isn’t just lip service. Each student’s time at AT culminates in a yearlong “Capstone Experience,” when seniors spend half of the school

day (280 hours total) interning outside of the building.

“Students have this amazing opportunity to work and partner with industry to get a workplace learning opportunity,” says Career Center principal Margaret Chung. “They get to test-drive what they want to do. They can learn, Is this for me?”

DeMarco initially had designs on becoming an architect, but she made some course corrections as she worked her way through the program. “Moving into my junior year, I focused on business courses,” she says. “I took entrepreneurship, web page design and communications. Those are just a few classes that helped me narrow in on where I want to be.”

Now, she’s leaning toward a career in the field of design/build—“more on the business side,” she says, “the marketing or project management side.”

For her Capstone experience, DeMarco is interning at Marks-Woods Construction Services, a residential general contractor based in Alexandria. Rotating through the company’s various departments, she’s worked with cabinet designers on kitchen layouts, and helped the marketing director revamp the firm’s website. With one semester of high school left, she already holds certifications from the Occupa-

Seniors Kaya DeMarco (left) and Adriana Sparks

Junior Ahmad Ali Sophomore Sheel Shah

■ what is arlington tech?

tional Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and in Adobe Animate and CIW (Certified Internet Webmaster).

Fellow senior Adriana Sparks discovered an affinity for engineering after taking two introductory engineering courses and computer-aided design (CAD). She is doing her Capstone at AlexRenew, Alexandria’s wastewater treatment facility, where she’s helping the engineering team ensure the municipal system can handle a heavy inflow of rain during storms.

“Yesterday, I was working on collecting data and making graphs that record and manage the flow intake,” Sparks

explains. “Just pointing out spikes for storms and trying to see how big our pipes need to be to sustain wear and tear from larger storms.”

Like DeMarco, she credits the experience with helping her home in on what she wants to do, career-wise. At 17, she has earned certifications from OSHA and Fusion 360, a CAD program.

“As of right now, I’m looking at either civil or mechanical engineering,” Sparks says. “Obviously, I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do, but I know I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of it. I credit a lot of that to the courses offered here at Tech.”

ARLINGTON TECH ISN’T a fit for every student. Even its biggest proponents admit there are trade-offs. The school has no sports teams, no drama department—the kinds of extracurriculars that many equate with a quintessential high school experience.

Student athletes at AT can choose to be bused back to their home schools to play sports. (Sparks plays varsity soccer and runs winter track at Wakefield, and DeMarco is on the varsity softball team there.) But they say it’s not the same.

“I think not having sports changes the environment a little bit,” Sparks says. “There isn’t as much obvious

school pride [here] the way you would see it at a football game or a basketball game. The program itself is smaller, which has its pluses and minuses. It’s a personal preference. I do sometimes feel it would be nice to be in a bigger school.”

That sense of shared identity is further diluted by the fact that Arlington Tech occupies the Career Center building with three other APS programs— the English Learner Institute; PEP (Program for Employment Preparedness); and The Academy, a small high school program with individualized interventions.

“We’re in a building that has four programs in total,” DeMarco says. “It does make it harder to have a sense of school spirit that doesn’t necessarily include the other programs because we are in a shared space with them.”

But she likes the fact that she’s earning an associate degree (in her case, in general studies) for free, with dual-enrollment credits.

Eight seniors—about 13% of Arlington Tech’s graduating class of 62— graduated with an associate degree last spring. Only one other APS high school student outside of Arlington Tech did the same.

“It is rare to earn [a college degree] when you’re still in high school,” says Frank DeRocco, the college and career counselor at Arlington Career Center. “That’s pretty cool.”

In addition, about one-fifth of AT’s Class of 2022 graduated with a General Education Certificate, DeRocco says, meaning they finished high school with the equivalent of one year of college education under their belts—including the introductory courses most students are required to take as college freshmen. Tuition-wise, it’s a money saver. (Outside of AT, only one other APS student earned the GE certificate in 2022.)

HOW

DO

ARLINGTON

TECH grads stack up against other college applicants?

The first year that AT sent a graduating class out into the world—2020— was an uncertain time. Covid shuttered schools in the spring, and the first group to cross the finish line was very small. Administrators weren’t sure how the program would be perceived by college admissions officers.

“We only had 22 seniors, but half of them got into Virginia Tech,” DeRocco says. “So we knew we were on the right road.”

The following year (2021), an Arlington Tech senior was admitted to Harvard, offering further assurance that AT’s dual enrollment program was on par with the rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate programs offered at other Arlington high schools.

This fall, members of AT’s Class of 2022 headed to American University, Northeastern, Mount Holyoke, Rensselaer Polytechnic and Case Western, to name a few. DeRocco says the program maintains a strong connection with Virginia schools, too.

“What [admissions officers] like the most about it is higher-level math and science,” he says. “Once our students leave us, they’ve already taken college classes by college-accredited teachers, so they’re super prepared.” The dualenrollment teachers at Arlington Tech are APS employees, vetted by NOVA,

Teacher Craig Peppers (center) talks to teens interested in physical therapy and sports medicine.

■ what is arlington tech?

who hold graduate-level degrees in the subjects they teach.

AT program coordinator Michelle Van Lare says the leadership and organizational skills students cultivate through real-world learning scenarios are another plus: “We have students who come back and tell us, ‘I can lead groups with confidence. I’m able to coordinate and plan projects at a high level. And I’m excelling in college because I have these skills.’ ”

STILL, SOME SAY Arlington Tech has an image problem. Although it’s a choice school that any Arlington student can lottery into, its purpose remains unclear to many families.

There are those who feel the name— Arlington Tech—is a misnomer, given that its courses include not just STEM subjects like computer programming and biotech, but also early childhood education, culinary arts and cosmetology.

The fact that AT offers classes in automotive collision repair, fiber-optic cabling, barbering and carpentry has also left prospective students confused about whether it’s a trade school, a college preparatory program, or both.

Furthermore, the school’s format has led some to mistakenly assume it’s a program designed for students with learning differences.

“I thought I was getting into a project-based learning program…for kids who couldn’t learn the traditional way,” says Tony (last name withheld), a former AT student who ended up transferring out and finishing high school at their neighborhood school. “I thought it was for kids who might have been autistic or have ADHD. I thought it was for people like me, and it’s not.”

(Several other students and parents interviewed for this story expressed similar confusion, but preferred to remain off the record.)

“If it had been advertised as a college prep program…I think [more] people would have flourished,” Tony says. “But because it wasn’t advertised like that— and people weren’t given the opportunity to say no to college prep classes—a lot of people ended up suffering for it. I saw people drop out left and right. I saw people crying in classes during the exams. I saw people having to step out because they couldn’t handle the pressure. That’s not normal.”

Van Lare says about 17% of Arlington Tech students have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for special education services. That percentage is roughly on par with Wakefield’s, and slightly higher than the share of students with IEPs at Washington-Liberty and Yorktown. (APS does not publish the number of students with 504 plans for academic accommodations.)

“Attrition rates have decreased over the years as Arlington Tech is better es-

tablished,” she adds, “and our rate is commensurate with other option programs. When students do transfer back to their home high schools, it tends to be because they are seeking a larger, traditional high school experience.”

That was the case for Tugu Baterdene, who left AT after the first quarter of his freshman year and finished high school at Wakefield.

“The project-based learning idea is great on paper, but it did not work for me,” says Baterdene, now a first-year student at UVA. “I was more accustomed to learning from a teacher who would lecture or teach it instead of it being mostly student-led.”

But for Susannah Herrada’s daughters, Arlington Tech offered an ideal learning environment.

“The school is a diverse, accepting community,” says the Arlington mom, whose girls both graduated from the program—one with 57 college credits;

the other with a full associate degree, which requires 60-62 credits.

“AT knows and sees these kids who are often unseen in other academic settings,” Herrada says. “I have no doubt that there are kids who would not be who they are today without the space created by Arlington Tech. It’s not for everyone, but it is critical for some.”

IN A LIFE BEYOND high school, one recent AT graduate now lives in a college dorm at Boston University, where

Optimum Health Begins With Oral Health

she plans to major in film and television. Lina Barclay has taken to wearing Doc Martens—which other BU students have advised her are best for weathering New England’s harsh winters. She arrived on campus feeling prepared, she says, because Arlington Tech gave her a “scrappy attitude” when it comes to sleuthing out opportunities.

“Arlington Tech helped me think more like an extrovert,” says Barclay, 18. “Coming into [high school], I was kind of nervous to reach out and talk to people, even to send an email. But going through the whole process of finding Capstones or reaching out to people for video projects definitely helped me prepare for all this.”

Barclay was enrolled in the Spanish immersion program at Gunston Middle School when she toured Arlington Tech as an eighth-grader and was captivated by its broadcast studio. For her Capstone, she interned at Arlington

AT graduate Lina Barclay, now at Boston University

■ what is arlington tech?

Educational Television (AETV), which creates informative and promotional videos for Arlington Public Schools. She also produced freelance videos on the side and landed an unpaid internship as a media consultant for the Chilean American Foundation. She says having those experiences in high school helped put her on equal footing with her classmates at BU.

“You know, I went to a small, weird school in Arlington—but really, I’m super glad that I went there because it was such a tight-knit community,” Barclay says. “We all kind of took a risk going to Arlington Tech. We didn’t know how this would look on college applications.”

Soon there will be room for more students at Arlington Tech. In November, a $165 million school bond passed in Arlington with about 75% of the vote, and the vast majority of that funding—$135 million—is earmarked

for a new Career Center building, slated to break ground in December of 2023. Once completed in late 2025, it could house as many as 1,550 students. The facility will occupy part of the existing campus on South Walter Reed Drive.

School officials say expanding the AT program will help relieve enrollment issues in other county schools while simultaneously giving more students access to career and technical education classes.

At present, students from other APS high schools who did not lottery into AT can still take CTE classes at the Career Center, but the logistics of commuting between schools are tough to manage. Many students find it difficult to carve out the necessary time block (two consecutive class periods) to take a bus to and from their home high school.

So far, Arlington Tech has produced three small graduating classes. But as

more dinner-table conversations revolve around student loan debt, college readiness, and realistic career prospects in the face of a challenging economy, the school’s administrators are confident AT is giving kids the skills they need—not just to succeed academically, but to become curious, lifelong learners who will make positive contributions to society.

“[Our students] are able to make informed decisions about their future because [of what] they’ve experienced firsthand,” says principal Chung.

“When they discover what that passion is, that’s exciting. Because then they can go on onto the next step with some confidence.” ■

Helen Partridge wrote about pandemic-inspired career changes and new attitudes toward work in our November/ December 2022 issue. She lives with her family in Arlington.

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cdarts@clarendondentalarts.com www.clarendondentalarts.com

Q: What makes your patient experience unique?

A: Our commitment to whole-body health and wellness. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and we are committed to helping our patients live healthier lives, empowering them to incorporate dentistry into their overall health plan. Our “Mouth, Mind and Body” philosophy is more than a tagline; for more than 20 years, our attentive team of dental health experts has provided patients with dental solutions that impact their overall health.

Q: How do you employ new technology to help your patients?

A: We invest in the latest tools and technology, allowing us to do much more than offer diagnoses. Rather than just addressing issues as they arise, we use today’s scientific advances and technology to provide conservative and proactive treatment

options. We study each patient’s oral biome to uncover a comprehensive picture that includes eating habits, health challenges, breathing patterns and alignment, among other variables. And our work doesn’t stop there. Taking time to explain all results to our patients is crucial in developing plans for their long-term health. Our goal is to create beautiful smiles and help our patients achieve optimum overall health.

Q: What is the “All of You” total health and wellness assessment?

A: Many potentially serious health risks associated with sleep and breathing disorders stem from improper oral cavity and jaw development. Our entire staff has been trained in identifying these risk factors, and we now offer a wholebody health and wellness assessment to screen for such issues. What we learn can be life-changing—and life-saving.

Sleep & TMJ Therapy

JEFFREY L. BROWN, DDS, MBA

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

2841 Hartland Road, Suite 301

Falls Church, VA 22043

703-821-1103

office@sleepandtmjtherapy.com www.sleepandtmjtherapy.com

Q: What is the connection between sleep apnea and TMJ disorder?

A: Simply put, jaw placement/alignment. Recent studies show that more than half of patients who suffer from TMJ also have trouble sleeping. And about half of patients with sleep apnea also experience jaw pain. Not only is there a proven correlation, but one can exacerbate the other.

For instance, when an airway collapses, like with obstructive sleep apnea, the body responds by pushing the jaw forward to open it. The repeated back-and-forth motion throughout the night causes tension in the jaw joint. A misaligned jaw could also prevent an airway from staying open during sleep.

Q: Why do you do what you do? What motivates and inspires you?

A: I love helping my patients get their lives

back. Chronic pain can drastically affect one’s personality and cause a severe loss in quality of life. Every day, we see patients who feel hopeless, have been in pain for years, and have seen doctor after doctor but are still searching for answers. Our work can transform patients’ lives by providing alternative solutions to those who have long-term pain from slipped discs in the jaw joint and cranial distortions.

Q: What makes your patient experience unique?

A: We take “concierge” customer service to a new level, ensuring our patients’ individualized needs are met with compassionate care. TMD and sleep apnea affect the whole body. We value teamwork and often confer with other specialists to help uncover the root of a patient’s symptoms so we can find the underlying cause.

Advanced Plastic Surgery Center

TALAL A. MUNASIFI, MD, FACS JAMES M. ECONOMIDES, MD

1635 N. George Mason Drive, Suite 380 Arlington, VA 22205

703-841-0399

info@advancedplasticsurgerycenter.com www.advancedplasticsurgerycenter.com @DrEconomides | @advancedplasticsurgerycenter

Drs. Munasifi and Economides are passionate about sharing their extensive knowledge in the field of plastic surgery. A member of the clinical faculty at Georgetown’s School of Medicine, Dr. Munasifi presents at conferences worldwide. Dr. Economides reviews and writes scholarly articles and textbook chapters in the field and delivers lectures to colleagues nationally and internationally.

Q: Why choose Advanced Plastic Surgery Center?

A: As a full-service plastic surgery center and aesthetic medicine practice, we customize treatment plans specifically for each patient, whether they’d benefit most from surgery, noninvasive treatments or a combination of both. Our entire team is committed to providing high-quality services and a positive experience.

Q: What makes your patient experience unique?

A: We are with our patients from the moment they walk into our state-of-the-art facility through recovery. We understand that questions will arise at each stage, from preoperative appointments to postoperative check-ups. We see every single one of our patients during each visit to ensure we answer any questions and oversee their progress ourselves.

Q: How would your patients describe you?

A: Trustworthy, knowledgeable, compassionate and good listeners. We genuinely listen to our patients’ goals and are guided by their wants and needs to achieve optimal outcomes. And we always tell patients when we don’t think a procedure or treatment is in their best interest. If we wouldn’t recommend something for our own family or friends, we don’t recommend it to our patients.

Q: What is one thing you wish more people knew about plastic surgery?

A: That it’s not all about vanity. We help patients gain more self-confidence, allowing them to more actively pursue their dreams and better themselves. We love making our patients happy and helping them through their transformation.

Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do

BARRY SHACKELFORD, MASTER INSTRUCTOR, CO-OWNER

FRANCIS PINEDA, MASTER INSTRUCTOR, CO-OWNER

2449 N. Harrison St., Lower Level Arlington, VA 22207 office@arlingtonkicks.com www.arlingtonkicks.com

Established in 2005, Jhoon Rhee TKD offers programs for adults and children ages 4 and older, including Adaptive Martial Arts and Cardio Kickboxing. Co-owners Barry Shackelford and Francis Pineda continue Grandmaster Rhee’s mission, teaching life skills through martial arts. Their proven system — Grandmaster Rhee’s teachings — has been developed and refined over 60 years.

Q: What makes Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do different from other TKD studios?

A: We are privileged to continue the prestigious legacy of Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee. Known as the Father of American Tae Kwon Do, he introduced the sport to the United States in the 1950s. We, therefore, hold our students to a high standard.

Co-owners Barry Shackelford and Francis Pineda combine for 83 years of Tae Kwon Do experience, and all full-time instructors have been with the studio for 14+ years. Our specialized curriculum focuses on character development and building life skills through martial arts. And our holistic approach equally emphasizes quality martial arts, high academic achievement and outstanding behavior at home.

Q: What motivates and inspires you?

A: It’s always fulfilling when our college

students return and thank us for helping to instill them with the tools needed to succeed on their own. We’ve also had many students tell us that Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do literally saved their lives, whether through a change in lifestyle, physical fitness, or mental health. That keeps us motivated every day, even after 17 years.

Q: What can students expect when joining your studio?

A: A welcoming environment that fosters a sense of community. Our programs, taught by instructors who are passionate about sharing their love for martial arts, accommodate students ages 4 and older of all ability levels. We also have developed an “Adaptive Program” specifically designed for those with special needs. The Jhoon Rhee TKD community values giving back—our students recently helped us pack more than 40,000 meals for Ukrainian refugees.

TONY J. LEWIS

Azure Dream Day Spa

LEILA

& ARASH, OWNERS

Azure Dream Day Spa was established in 2010 to address the need for a holistic approach to wellness and the most advanced Med Spa treatments.

A Best of Arlington top vote getter for Best Spa in 2022, Azure perennially appears on Northern Virginia Magazine’s “Top Spas” list.

901 N. Quincy St. Arlington, VA 22203 703-243-4343 www.azuredreamspa.com

Q: Why choose Azure Dream Day Spa?

A: Our full-service spa is a luxurious oasis in the heart of Arlington that provides clients with an affordable escape to a sacred and peaceful place within. Azure offers more than 50 treatments, including Medi Spa services, facials, massages, hair, nails, laser hair removal, electrolysis, waxing, threading and more. We use top-quality products and the latest state-of-theart equipment and technology to achieve optimal results, employing all licensed, experienced and caring staff. At Azure, every guest will find a soothing retreat with friendly personal service and exquisite results.

Q: How do clients benefit from your holistic approach?

A: Azure’s expert staff focuses on each

client as a unique individual, providing them personalized treatment plans that will ease their mind, body, and spirit— achieving the highest results they are hoping for.

Q: What are some of the most advanced technologies used by Azure?

A: We offer an array of facials from the award-winning organic Eminence collection and a wide range of Medi Spa treatments that cater to all needs and skin tones. We use non-invasive laser technologies, including Morpheus 8, Forma, Co2, ErbiumYag, and Pico to correct any skin concerns, as well as the Candela Gentle Max Pro for laser hair removal, and the new Physiq Body Contouring device.

beauty brains & brows

VICKY MODICA

2020 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201

917-912-0520 | www.beautybrainsbrows.com

Q: What makes you different from other eyebrow/beauty specialists?

A: Customer service and expertise. As a licensed master eyebrow specialist and 20-year celebrity makeup artist, I offer a comprehensive, personalized experience with detailed treatment that is carefully tailored to meet each client’s needs. I aim to learn about their entire journey, how they got here and what they hope to accomplish with “brow rehab.” Therefore, my services always start with a consultation. I understand people are often embarrassed to seek help when they think they’ve ruined their eyebrows forever, but I’ll never judge—I’ve seen it all! My goal is to provide clients with a comfortable environment while working to find their full brow potential. I exclusively tweeze only, which is precise, lasts longer than wax/ threading and is non-irritating on sensitive skin.

Hair Play Salon

NAOUAL BENJELLOUN, OWNER

SOUKAYNA SARA SEHNOUNI, CO-OWNER

4033 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA 22206

703-824-4247 | www.hairplaysalonva.com

Q: Why choose Hair Play Salon?

A: A mother-daughter-owned business, we strive to make each client feel special and treat them as part of our family. Our stylists represent a wide range of cultures — and speak many languages, including Arabic, French, Spanish and Turkish — and have extensive experience working with all hair types. Though we are committed to keeping up with the latest industry trends, we still value the basics. Additionally, our modern salon is LGBTQIA-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and open seven days a week, offering later hours than most salons to ensure people can visit us after work.

Q: How would clients describe you?

A: Optimistic, energetic, reliable and welcoming. They’d also say that we are great listeners who take the time to understand every client’s individual wants and needs.

h Ō m salon

CARISSA LAWLOR, OWNER

2020 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201

703-705-4410 www.salonhom.com

hO m salon opened its doors in May 2021 and offers luxury beauty services, including hair cutting, coloring, styling and brow shaping. Its talented stylists are highly educated in current trends and enjoy collaborating with clients to create their vision. hO m specializes in blonding, natural coloring techniques and easy-tomaintain styles.

Q: What makes hŌm salon different from other salons?

A: hŌm salon is a collaborative space. Our stylists love working together, and guests benefit from their complementary talents. This collaborative system enables us to tailor our customer service to each client while providing transparent pricing and flexibility. We are also committed to delivering guest experiences that reflect our salon’s values: integrity, collaboration and fun. We offer an inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to be themselves.

Q: What does community mean to you, and how does it affect how you run your salon?

A: Our clients are ambitious, talented and unique individuals, and we feel genuinely excited to celebrate them as they accomplish their goals. Additionally, we work with local businesses, building a network of trusted individuals who share

our community values. Community means offering a safe space for all.

Q: How can a new haircut/color/style change your outlook?

A: Your reflection in the mirror has the power to change how you feel about yourself and the world around you. As stylists, we know that. We know the weight of what we do by the emotions connected to how we see ourselves. Outer beauty isn’t most important, but seeing yourself as beautiful adds to self-confidence and happiness.

Q: What does your partnership with Green Circle Salons entail?

A: hŌm salon is passionate about reducing its environmental impact to create a safe and sustainable life for future generations. Partnering with Green Circle Salons, hŌm recycles 90 percent of its salon waste, which is turned into new products and clean energy.

The Duda stool by Aristeu Pires (for Sossego Design) served as a springboard for the mid-mod sensibility of this Arlington remodel.

For this renovation in Bluemont, a couple and their designer drew inspiration from a chair.

BY NIGEL F. MAYNARD

PHOTOS BY ANGELA NEWTON ROY

Brazilian Breeze

amanda and Ed Malini’s home renovation was inspired by a chair—specifically, the Duda stool by Brazilian designer Aristeu Pires. Rendered in sustainably harvested wood, the elegant seat features sensuous lines that are organic yet modern.

The couple, who hail from a coastal Brazilian city called Vila Velha, wanted that aesthetic to carry through their 1950s split-level in Bluemont, and they sought a design that incorporated elements from their country.

“We love Arlington,” says Amanda, an international public policy research analyst at Bank of America. “It’s where we chose to raise our son, Victor, and to call home. But ask any Brazilian and they will tell you: You can leave Brazil

but Brazil never leaves you. There will always be that longing, or yearning— what we call saudade. So the only way for us to truly feel at home and unwind at the end of the day was to bring a little bit of Brazil to Arlington.”

When the Malinis bought their 2,000-square-foot house in 2012, they figured it would be a starter home, and that they would eventually move to something bigger. As it turned out, the warmth of their new neighbors changed their minds. “We were welcomed with cookies at the door,” Amanda says. “I thought this only happened in the movies.”

The neighborhood was great, but the house had its shortcomings. They lived with its cramped layout until 2020, when they decided it was time

to renovate and began searching for a designer. They didn’t have to look too far. Cindy Eyl, owner and principal of Jefferson Street Designs, lives around the corner.

Typical of 1950s split-level homes, the house had an awkward layout, including a wall that cut off the kitchen from the living room.

The galley kitchen was small, “with one door that led to the outside and one door that led down to the basement,” says Eyl, a former high school history and government teacher who founded her design business in 2018. “You had to walk through the kitchen to get to those doors. Then the sink was not facing the window.”

Phase 1 of the renovation concentrated on the main floor living/dining

area, kitchen and bathroom, but involved very little structural work. Eyl’s first order of business was to knock out the wall that obstructed the kitchen, freeing up space for an 8-foot island with a cooktop, and relocate the kitchen sink under the window.

The new, open plan is ideal for entertaining guests and is a versatile stage for Amanda, who likes to cook while Ed, a primary care physician, sits and keeps her company.

Brazilian modern furnishings were fitting, given that the home’s architectural style is rooted in the 1950s. Emphasizing texture and layers, the materials palette blends leather, pops of color, lush plants and artwork from the South American country.

The Malinis chose Brazilian quartzite for the island countertop, sourced a modern Brazilian living room chair from 1stdibs, and commissioned a custom walnut dining table.

The inexpensive tan leather pendant lights (Tudo & Co.) above the island took some convincing. Eyl loved them; Amanda was initially resistant.

“She likes things that are a little shinier than I do,” Eyl explains. “I like things that are a little lived-in with more patina. I just kept pushing and pushing with lots of images, and she finally agreed. Now she loves them.” (The leather lighting is one of the features visitors comment on the most.)

The walls are lined with vibrant works by Brazilian artists and American artists with Brazilian connections. Amanda personally selected the pieces from art galleries in her country, then worked with Eyl to determine where to hang them. “She purchased them all and had her mother bring them to the United States,” says the designer.

The bathroom also embraces the vibe of the owners’ homeland, with green floor

Artworks by Brazilian artists hang above an emerald-green sofa and a custom walnut dining table.

Green floor tiles reference the Brazilian rain forest.

tiles, a slatted wood Mod Way vanity and a backsplash of vertical white subway tiles. Collectively, Eyl says, these elements give the space a midcentury feel.

The Malinis are delighted with the outcome of Phase 1 and have now moved on to Phase 2, with plans for an exterior makeover, a small mudroom addition and a dedicated front-entry foyer. New landscaping, an expanded driveway and a reimagined owner’s suite will come after that.

Happily, their friend and neighbor Cindy Eyl will be there to guide them through the process, Amanda says, making sure everything is cohesive. “The truth is, we don’t make any decisions without her anymore.” ■

Freelance writer and DIY remodeler Nigel F. Maynard is currently having a custom home built in Bowie, Maryland. Follow him on Instagram @products_ hound and @custom_home_hacker.

THE PROJECT:

Interior Designer: Jefferson Street Designs, jeffersonstreetdesigns.com

Contractor: Nelson Ponce, Woodbridge

Kitchen Design: N Time Design, Alexandria, ntimedesignllc.com

Custom Wall Pantry: Geepil Construction, Berryville, geepilconstruction.com

Fresh paint, new furnishings and refinished white oak floors gave the main level a new look without a lot of structural intervention.

Kosnic

Reading the Room

A simple makeover embraces the light—and the dark.

AFTER SPENDING TIME traveling through France, Portugal, Italy and Chile, Andrea Shome and Pedro Graber landed in McLean and bought their first house in 2020.

Moving in without any preconceived design ideas left a wide range of possibilities open to the food blogger (frenchpressedkitchen.com) and her husband, an avid cyclist who bikes to work daily. They turned to Sallie Lord of GreyHunt Interiors in Chantilly to modernize their two-story 1950s home.

“I don’t think we knew what we wanted,” says Shome. “We had no furniture. We needed a decorator who would provide a lot of guidance on functionality and fit. Everything was painted white.

We were starting from scratch.” The house was a veritable blank slate.

Though the living room was small (350 square feet) it had an enviable wall of glass overlooking the backyard’s greenery. Capitalizing on that view, Lord kept the color palette subdued, but punched up the contrast. She gave the white walls a fresh coat of paint and reversed the brick fireplace (previously painted white) to a sleek, matte black.

Next came mod furnishings, including a white sofa by Jason Wu for Interior Define, blush throw pillows, swivel chairs by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and a round mirror from West Elm. An abstract print by Texas artist Kelly O’Neal hangs above a Revelation cabi-

net that hides stools the owners can pull out for extra seating when entertaining.

“We wanted to make sure it felt cozy to the couple, but could also host friends,” Lord says. “The windows in this room and the backyard are beautiful. They wanted to be able to really enjoy it.”

And they do, Shome says, relishing the room’s simple sophistication: “We wanted to spend more money on pieces we really liked. Sallie and her team gave us form and function, and options that fit with our goals.”

3166 18th St. N., Arlington

October’s Most Expensive Home Sales

22201 (Arlington)

3166 18th St. N.

List Price: $3 million

Sale Price: $2.94 million

Days on Market: 36

Listing Office: Long & Foster Real Estate

Neighborhood: Lyon Village

Year Built: 1938

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/2

22202 (Arlington)

1126 17th St. S.

List Price: $2.3 million

Sale Price: $2.2 million

Days on Market: 4

Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty

Neighborhood: Addison Heights

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 7/1

22203 (Arlington)

533 N. Oxford St.

List Price: $999,000

Sale Price: $1.09 million

Days on Market: 7

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International

Realty

Neighborhood: Ashton Heights

Year Built: 1950

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 2/1

22204 (Arlington)

319 S. Adams St.

List Price: $950,000

Sale Price: $989,830

Days on Market: 5

Listing Office: Samson Properties

Neighborhood: Penrose

Year Built: 1909

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

This information, courtesy of Bright MLS as of Nov. 21, 2022, includes homes sold in October 2022, 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.

YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS...UNMATCHED.

C LO S E PA R T N E R S

■ prime numbers

22205 (Arlington)

6037 23rd St. N.

List Price: $1.88 million

Sale Price: $1.84 million Days on Market: 11

Listing Office: Century 21 Redwood Realty

Neighborhood: Overlee Knolls

Year Built: 2020

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22206 (Arlington)

4911 25th St. S.

List Price: $699,900

Sale Price: $650,000

Days on Market: 84

Listing Office: NXT Shell

Neighborhood: Claremont

Year Built: 1954

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 2/0

22207 (Arlington)

4605 26th St. N.

List Price: $3.6 million

Sale Price: $3.5 million Days on Market: 40

Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty

Neighborhood: Broyhill Forest Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22209 (Arlington)

1503 N. Colonial Court

List Price: $1.44 million

Sale Price: $1.5 million Days on Market: 8

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Neighborhood: Highgate Year Built: 1992

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/2

22213 (Arlington)

No fee simple sales reported.

22101 (McLean)

1101 Chain Bridge Road

List Price: $6.5 million

Sale Price: $6 million

Days on Market: 200

Listing Office: Washington Fine Properties

Neighborhood: Langley Farms

Year Built: 1850

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 8/1

1027 Bellview Road, McLean

22102 (McLean)

1027 Bellview Road

List Price: $4.12 million

Sale Price: $4.12 million

Days on Market: 2

Listing Office: Washington Fine Properties

Neighborhood: Prospect Hill

Year Built: 2007

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/2

22041 (Falls Church)

3871 Pinewood Terrace

List Price: $1.05 million

Sale Price: $990,000

Days on Market: 65

Listing Office: Libra Realty

Neighborhood: Belvedere

Year Built: 2007

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22042 (Falls Church)

3105 Wayne Road

List Price: $1.25 million

Sale Price: $1.3 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: Westlawn

Year Built: 2021

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22043 (Falls Church)

2040 Great Falls St.

List Price: $1.78 million

Sale Price: $1.93 million

Days on Market: 6

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: Dranesville

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22044 (Falls Church)

3121 Celadon Lane

List Price: $880,000

Sale Price: $870,000

Days on Market: 12

Listing Office: National Capital Land & Development

Neighborhood: Lee Heights

Year Built: 1946

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 4/0

22046 (Falls Church)

6914 Mount Daniel Drive

List Price: $1.6 million

Sale Price: $1.54 million

Days on Market: 22

Listing Office: Classic Cottages Realty

Neighborhood: Ellison Heights

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

Northern Virginia

Gold Sponsors

Heidi Ellenberger Jones Ballston

Silver Sponsors

Anonymous  Bloomingdale’s  Jennifer Boeke Caterini, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Kim & John Heckler  Sarah Moore, LPC  Daphne Papamichael  Paul’s Best Lawn Service

Schaufeld Family Foundation  Nancy E. Snell  Whittington Design Studio

Bronze Sponsors

AND Accounting Solutions, LLC  Costco  Sue & George Covucci  Janet & Timothy Mountz

Northside Veterinary Clinic  Tina Papamichael  Sher, Cummings and Ellis PC Reinsch Pierce Family Foundation by Lola C. Reinsch

Friends of NVAL

Ai Fiori LLC  Anonymous  Janice Burch & Michael Platner  Dr. Lillian C. Carpio  Betsy Cooke  CP Terry and Associates, LLC

Leslie Ann Gerardo & Dave Smith  HomeFirst Mortgage/Lari Anne & Greg Kundinger  Susan & Mike Hutsell  Iverson Orthodontics

Suzanne & Ed Griesmer  Bettie Joy  Mary–Anne & Robert Liles  Meany & Oliver Companies, Inc.  Deirdre Maull Orthodontics

Rachel & Todd Murdock  Lorraine Nordlinger, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty  Susan & Matthew Pascocello  Kathy Seidel Anne Marie & John Strabo  Top Score Education  United Bank  Whitestone Custom Homes

NVAL is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of women committed to improving the community through raising funds for local organizations. All proceeds from this year’s efforts benefit Arlington Neighborhood Village (anvarlington.org).

Real Estate Sales Trends

22201

22202

22204

22205

22206

22207

*Offer good 1/1/23 - 1/31/23 with proof of ad. Limit one use, per dog, for duration of special.

22209

22102

Number

22213 Number

22101

22043

22041

Number

22044

22042

22046

restaurant

Hagedorn

Deb Lindsey

The pork chop Milanese for two, with eggplant caponata, provolone and bitter lettuces

Wine &Dine

SITTING DOWN ON my first visit to Pirouette Café & Wine Shop, the number eight catches my eye. It’s the price of the first item on the wine list, a glass of Chateau Ducasse Bordeaux blanc. Eight dollars? When is the last time I saw a glass of wine in a restaurant in the single digits?

As it turns out, the highest-priced wines by the glass are a mere $12— for which you can enjoy a Loire Valley sparkling rosé (Chanteleuserie Touraine Fines Bulles) or a Petit Manseng from Virginia’s Early Mountain vineyard. A

Jackie and Philippe Loustaunau stage a beguiling pas de deux at Ballston's Pirouette Café & Wine Shop.

bottle of Domaine Bzikot 2020 PulignyMontrachet is a very reasonable $58.

Stopping by the table, my server explains that guests may also choose any of the 240-plus bottles in Pirouette’s adjoining wine shop, to enjoy on site with no corkage fee or markup. I go for the Chateau Ducasse, whose blend of Semillon and sauvignon blanc grapes proves a worthy foil for plump Long Island oysters broiled with basil butter, and an order of hush puppies topped with crab salad and lemony jalapeno remoulade.

Owners Philippe and Jackie Loustaunau opened their Ballston café in midSeptember and they’re off to a winning start. The couple—he’s 64, she’s 48—met in 2006 because their daughters from previous marriages (both 12 at the time) were friends.

“[Manon and Jasmine] hatched a plan to get us together and pinkie swore

that it would be OK if it didn’t work out between us,” Jackie says, laughing.

It did work out. They married in 2008, dreaming of one day opening a business that captured their mutual passion for food and wine. Jackie had worked in restaurants over the years, and later, for Fresh Impact Farms, a hydroponic farm on Langston Boulevard. Philippe, a native of Limoges, France, recently closed a technology consulting firm he started in 2008.

“Wine and the culture of food were always a part of my life in France,” he says. “Jackie and I are well connected with the local French community. A lot of [those friends] are in the food and wine business. We know winemakers and carry their wines.”

Early in the planning stages, they vacillated between opening a wine shop and a restaurant. The pandemic is what ultimately gave rise to the hybrid concept.

Jackie and Philippe Loustaunau

“Restaurants were suffering, but retail wine stores did very well,” Philippe observes. Creating a place where guests could eat and leave with a bottle of wine, or come to buy wine and discover the restaurant, was a symbiosis that made sense financially.

The 3,400-square-foot space on the ground floor of Ballston’s J Sol apartments proved an ideal location, blessed with natural light, large windows and a spacious patio. It’s near the Virginia Square condo where the Loustaunaus live with their 12-year-old son, Nicola.

Designed by D.C.-based //3877, the interior has a modern industrial vibe with concrete floors, walls and beams (and the din that comes with them), exposed ductwork, an open kitchen and tall metal shelves with wooden planters. Jelly jars of carnations adorn tables tucked between gold- and chocolate-hued pleather banquettes.

The dining room seats 66, including a 16-seat tasting table that marks the transition from café to wine shop. Above it hangs a stunning acrylic mobile by Atlanta artist Przemyslaw Kordys (aka “PK”).

Charleston, South Carolina, native Adam Hoffa, 29, whose local résumé includes stints at D.C.’s Fio -

la and St. Anselm restaurants, is the chef overseeing an abbreviated menu of eight appetizers, four entrées and two desserts.

Hoffa sidesteps a pet peeve of mine— badly dressed salads—by making sure to coat every leaf, and all of his salads shine. In one instance, a perky dressing of creme fraiche and dill enlivens a medley of broccoli florets, pickled red peppers and French breakfast radishes. Another artful assembly finds red endive leaves, tossed in orange zest and Dijon mustard vinaigrette, arranged like flower petals on top of house-made ricotta cheese and finished with focaccia croutons.

The chef cooks with seasonal ingredients, including produce from Earth N Eats Farm in Pennsylvania, so the menu changes frequently. (Before this review went to press, the toppings on the ricotta salad had already shifted to red kale, roasted pumpkin and pecans with a red-wine vinaigrette.)

If salads aren’t your thing, the fried macaroni-and-cheese croquettes, made with cheddar and smoked Gouda and served with zesty roasted-pepper jelly, may well be. The ratio of flour to cornmeal in the aforementioned hush puppies seems off, making the orbs rather

cakelike and springy, when they should be fluffy and light.

An entrée of seared sea scallops with corn purée and little piles of cherrytomato-and-charred-corn relish is a delightful ode to the last gasps of summer, but it’s gone from the menu after my first visit. In its place, the chef offers a whole branzino for two, stuffed with a delicious (albeit a tad rubbery) scallop mousse and surrounded by cremini mushrooms, carrots and turnips in a rich shellfish jus.

Tagliolini—a narrower and more thinly rolled form of tagliatelle—is tossed with mussels (which Hoffa steams in the whey from his housemade ricotta), roasted tomatoes and garlic breadcrumbs, yielding a dish that is delightful in its flavor and restraint.

Chocolate budino with smoked almonds, olive oil and sea salt

Whole roasted branzino for two

I’m a fan of the pork chop Milanese for two—a crispy, breaded, on-thebone cutlet topped with roasted tomatoes and sharp provolone cheese, with a mound of bitter lettuce salad.

But that dish speaks to a larger issue with the mains on the menu: With only four offered at a time (some of which are designed for two people), the options are limited. At the time of my visit, the pork chop was the only meat entrée. Another was vegetarian. The main courses would benefit from more diversity.

The succinct offerings include two desserts. I can attest to Hoffa’s dreamy chocolate budino (pudding) made with Colombian milk chocolate and topped with smoked almonds, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of sea salt.

The appetizer cheese plate, paired with a nice wine, is also a wonderful way to end a meal. Mine features a wedge of triple-cream Pierre Robert cow’s milk cheese flanked by a salad of wild greens, fresh dill, sauteed mushrooms and fried garlic chips.

Pirouette is a family affair and I love that energy. Jackie and Philippe work the floor in the café and the wine shop and make a point of engaging with every customer. One evening, Jackie’s son Don served, while his half-brother, Nic-

ola, bused tables, having come straight from soccer practice.

Still, it’s the wine component that makes Pirouette truly special. The Loustaunaus have curated a deeply personal list born of good taste and experience. Patrons will benefit by discovering labels not seen routinely on other wine lists around town, such as a Deovlet Pinot Noir 2019 from Santa Barbara ($47), Mélanie Pfister Pinot Gris Furd 2019 from Alsace ($34) and Mas d’Amile Terrasses du Larzac le Petitou 2020 from Languedoc-Roussillon ($20).

A warning, though, to those who are partial to big California reds or oaky chardonnays: “We are biased toward Central Coast California wines,” Philippe says. “Napa is just not our style.” Some 70% of Pirouette’s wines are Old World offerings. (So, mostly not Californian.)

In my view, the Loustaunaus have hit upon a formula that is the right thing in the right place at the right time.

“We are not trying for a liquor license. It’s not in our business model,” Jackie says. “No coffee, either. We are focusing on our core mission—beautiful food, beautiful wines and beautiful service. We don’t want to stray from that.”

They don’t need to. Their Pirouette is on point as is. ■

WHAT TO DRINK

There are three beers, a cider and a few nonalcoholic beverages on Pirouette's menu, but really it’s all about wine. The adjoining wine shop stocks about 240 wines, which doubles as a wine list of sorts, as diners may purchase any of them to drink at the table, with no markup or corkage fee. Prices per bottle range from $15 to $100, with most in the $40 range. Philippe estimates there are 80 to 90 reds, 40 to 50 sparkling and the rest are white. Roughly 70% are Old World and half are French.

The wine list at the table highlights various “wines to discover,” with three selections each of red, white and bubbly by the glass ($8 to $12) and six selections of each by the bottle, many of them modestly priced in the $20s. They also offer several half bottles, a rarity in restaurants these days.

PIROUETTE CAFE & WINE SHOP

4000 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington pirouette.cafe

HOURS

Tuesday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PARKING

Street parking

PRICES

Starters: $14 to $17; Entrées: $22 to $33 ($55 for pork chop Milanese for two; $46 for branzino for two); Desserts: $12

Heirloom broccoli salad with pickled peppers

David Hagedorn

Biscuits Plus

As an Alabamian, I’m picky about biscuits, and I can say that chef Greg Lloyd’s flaky recipe at Poppyseed Rye passes muster—whether you eat one plain ($3), smothered with sausage gravy ($12), or as a breakfast sandwich stuffed with pork belly, a fried egg and cheddar cheese ($10). It comes as no surprise that one pound of butter goes into every eight of his buttermilk biscuits.

Lloyd was formerly executive chef at Le Diplomate in D.C. from 2016 until the summer of 2022. He signed on as chef and operating partner of the Ballston sandwich and flower shop in August, where his all-day breakfast program also includes a brioche breakfast sandwich; an egg white, spinach and goat cheese panini; and quiche of the day. The biggest seller is a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, black beans, pepper jack cheese and salsa verde. Standouts from the lunch menu include the roast pork, broccoli raab and aged provolone sandwich; the Rachel (smoked turkey, coleslaw, Thousand Island dressing and Swiss cheese on rye); and mozzarella and roasted vegetable panini. poppyseedrye.com

Pigs Do Fly!

Admittedly, part of the appeal of ordering this king of finger foods ($8 per pound) at Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque is being able to say, “I’ll have the pig wings, please.” To make them, pitmaster Joe Neumann trims, smokes and deep-fries the tip ends from spareribs and tosses them in your sauce of choice, be it Alabama white, Nashville hot, Carolina Gold or Kansas City barbecue. Then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get messy. sloppymamas.com

Pescatarian, Please

The littleneck clams alone merit a trip to Seamore’s, the seafood-centric chainlet that opened in Clarendon in September. Executive chef Laurence Cohen sautees the Virginia-sourced shellfish with shallots, mustard, thyme, garlic and lemon, then steams them with DC Brau’s El Hefe Speaks beer, serving the dish ($14) with two planks of grilled baguette for dipping.

This is the fifth location of Seamore’s—the first outside of New York—and the latest in a series of successful ventures for CEO/owner Jay Wainwright, who founded the fast-casual chain Cosi in 1995 and later helmed Le Pain Quotidien from 2004 to 2016.

Committed to serving seafood deemed sustainable by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, Seamore’s serves fish you won’t often find on other restaurant menus. A giant slate “Daily Landings” board highlights approved species, with a red spoon to denote the available options on any given day. “Our commitment is to only sell fish from stocks that are sustainable or growing,” Wainwright says—which is why blue catfish (a blue crab predator) is on the menu, but blue crabs, whose populations are dangerously low, are not.

The centerpiece of the dinner menu is the Reel Deal ($24 to $30), which pairs your choice of seafood with three sides and a sauce, such as red curry or chimichurri. Other winning options include fried calamari with saffron aioli ($12); a meaty lobster roll ($33) and New England clam chowder ($15). seamores.com

Fish and veggies at Seamore’s in Clarendon

Pig wings at Sloppy Mama’s

Chef Greg Lloyd

places to EAT

ARLINGTON

A Modo Mio Pizzeria

5555 Langston Blvd., 703-532-0990, amodomio pizza.com. Joe’s Place Pizza and Pasta has rebranded with a new chef, a new menu centering on woodfired pies and an interior makeover. L D $$

Aladdin Sweets & Tandoor

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

Ambar Clarendon

2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-9663, ambarrestau rant.com. Feast on Balkan fare such as stuffed cabbage, mushroom pilav and rotisserie meats. O R L D G V $$

Arlington Kabob

5046 Langston Blvd., 703-531-1498, arlingtonka bobva.com. Authentic Afghan fare includes kabobs,

wraps, shawarma and quabli palou (lamb shank with rice). 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 flatbread.

O C R L D A G V $$

Assembly

1700 N. Moore St., 703-419-3156, assembly-va. com. The 29,000-square-foot food hall above the Rosslyn Metro contains a smorgasbord of dining concepts, from oysters and cocktails to Asian street food, tacos and diner fare, plus a gourmet market with prepared foods. B R L D G V $$

B Live

2854 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-7094, bliveva.com. Find beach-inspired eats, a Bloody Mary bar and live music five nights a week in the former Whitlow’s space in Clarendon. o R L D A $$

Baba

2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-312-7978, baba.bar. This subterranean cocktail lounge is a sister to Ambar next door. A $$

Bakeshop

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

Ballston Local s

900 N. Glebe Road, 703-852-1260, ballstonlocal. com. Pair your local brew with a plate of poutine or a New York-style pizza. L D V $$

Banditos Tacos & Tequila

1301 S. Joyce St., 571-257-7622, banditostnt.

com. Mexican street food, tequila, mezcal and sugar-skull décor keep the party going at this Westpost cantina. o L D G V $$

Bangkok 54

2919 Columbia Pike, 703-521-4070, bangkok54res taurant.com. A favorite for Thai curries, grilled meats, stir-fry, noodles and soups. L D V $$

Bar Bao

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-600-0500, barbao.com. The trendy watering hole serves dishes reminiscent

KEY: Price designations are based on the approximate cost per person for a meal with one drink, tax and tip.

$ under $20

$$ $21-$35

$$$ $36-$70

$$$$ $71 or more

o Outdoor Dining

c Children’s Menu

B Breakfast

R Brunch

L Lunch

D Dinner

A After Hours/Late Night

G Gluten-Free

V Vegetarian

s Best of Arlington 2022 or 2023 Winner

Buena Vida

of Chinese and Taiwanese street food, plus sake, soju and Asian fusion cocktails. L D V $$

Bar Ivy

3033 Wilson Blvd., 703-544-8730, eatbarivy.com.

Executive chef and master forager Jonathan Till turns out seasonal dishes like squash blossom panzanella and octopus with elderberry teriyaki at this breezy, West Coast-style hive in Clarendon. O D V $$$

Barley Mac

1600 Wilson Blvd., 703-372-9486, barleymacva. com. Upscale tavern fare, plus more than 100 kinds of whiskey and bourbon. R L D A G V $$

Bartaco

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3908226, bartaco.com. A lively spot for tacos (13 kinds) and tequila. Feels like vacation. L D V A $$

Basic Burger

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

Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery

1515 N. Courthouse Road, 703-243-2410, bayou bakeryva.com. Chef David Guas’ New Orleans-inspired menu changes often, but you can always count on beignets and gumbo. Breakfast all day on weekends. O C B R L D G V $

Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique

576 23rd St. S., 571-257-5873, beautybysociety fair.com. Find champagne, cookies, cocktail fixings and small plates at this woman-owned bistro and market. Closed Mondays. L D $$

Bethesda Bagels

1851 N. Moore St., 703-312-1133, bethesdabagels. com. The popular D.C.-area chain has an outpost in Rosslyn. Eat a sandwich! O L V $

BGR the Burger Joint

3129 Langston Blvd., 703-812-4705, bgrtheburger joint.com. Top your dry-aged beef, veggie or turkey burger with add-ons like grilled jalapeño, pineapple or fried egg. C L D V $

Big Buns Damn Good Burger Co. s 4401 Wilson Blvd., 703-276-3032; 4251 Campbell Ave., 703-933-2867, eatbigbuns.com. Satisfy your cravings with “designer” burgers, shakes, beer and booze. L D $$

Bob & Edith’s Diner

2310 Columbia Pike, 703-920-6103; 539 23rd St. S., 703-920-2700; 5150 Langston Blvd., 703-5940280; 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 $

Bollywood Bistro Express

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3121071, bollywoodbistroexpress.com. Build your own bowl with fillers such as chicken tikka, paneer, chana masala and pickled onions. L D V $$

Bonsai Sushi at Crystal City

553 23rd St. S., 703-553-7723, crystalbonsai sushirestaurant.com. A go-to for sushi, sashimi, yakisoba, tempura, teriyaki. Closed Mondays. L D $$

Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

3911 Langston Blvd., 703-522-3010, bostanuyghur. com. Discover the wonders of Uyghur Chinese dishes such as kabobs, lagmen (hand-pulled noodles), manta (dumplings) and honey cake. L D $$

Brass Rabbit Public House

1210 N. Garfield St., 703-746-9977, brassrabbit pub.com. Pair carrot “fries” and lettuce wraps with craft cocktails like the El Conejo, featuring tequila, carrot juice, ginger, lime and cilantro. O R L D V A $$

Bronson Bierhall

4100 Fairfax Drive, 703-528-1110, bronsonbier hall.com. You’ll find communal tables, German and regional beers, sausages, schnitzel and cornhole in this 6,000-square-foot ode to Munich.

O L D A $$

Buena Vida

2900 Wilson Blvd., buenavidarestaurant.com. Savor an unlimited tasting menu of Mexican dishes by chef Jaime Garciá Pelayo Bribiesca, plus one of the best rooftop bars around. O R L D $$

Busboys and Poets

4251 S. Campbell Ave., 703-379-9757, busboys andpoets.com. Known for its poetry slams, onsite bookstore and social justice programming, the café offers an eclectic menu with oodles of options for vegetarians. O C B R L D G V $$

The Café by Kitchen of Purpose

918 S. Lincoln St., 703-596-1557, kitchenof pur pose.org/café-main. Operated by the nonprofit Kitchen of Purpose (formerly La Cocina VA), this lunch spot serves soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries and Swing’s coffee. L V $

Café Colline

4536 Langston Blvd., 703-567-6615, cafecolline va.com. Helmed by executive chef Brendan L’Etoile, the cozy French bistro in the Lee Heights Shops satisfies with dishes such as paté maison, duck confit and chocolate pots de creme. O 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 Langston Blvd., 703-241-8947. Cuban preparations such as jerk-style pork, fried plantains and black bean soup are mainstays. C L D G V $

Carlyle

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

CarPool Beer and Billiards

900 N. Glebe Road, 703-516-7665, gocarpool. com. Mark Handwerger’s garage-themed watering hole has pool, pub grub and an extensive beer list, including “house” suds brewed at sister bar the Board Room. D A $

Cava

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-652-7880; 4121 Wilson Blvd., 703-310-6791; cava.com. Build your own salad, wrap or bowl, 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 up pints alongside favorites like corned beef and traditional Irish breakfast. C R L D A $$

Chasin’ Tails

2200 N. Westmoreland St., 703-538-2565, chasintailscrawfish.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. O B L D V $$

Chiko s

4040 Campbell Ave., 571-312-0774, chikodc.com. The Chinese-Korean concept by chefs Danny Lee and Scott Drewno serves fan favorites like cumin lamb stir-fry and double-fried chicken wings, plus a few fun dishes that are exclusive to the Shirlington location. C D G V $$

Circa at Clarendon

3010 Clarendon Blvd., 703-522-3010, circabistros. com. Bistro fare ranges from salads and small plates to steak frites and wild mushroom pizza. Sit outside if you can. O R L D A G V $$$

Colony Grill

2800 Clarendon Blvd., 703-682-8300, colonygrill. com. The Stamford, Connecticut-based pizza chain specializes in ultra-thin-crust “bar pies” with a spicy, pepper-infused hot oil topping. L D G V $$

Copperwood Tavern

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

Cowboy Café s

4792 Langston Blvd., 703-243-8010, thecowboy cafe.com. Cool your heels and fill up on sandwiches, burgers, brisket and chili mac. An outdoor beer garden features a mural by Arlington artist MasPaz. Live music on weekends. O C R L D V $$

Crafthouse

901 N. Glebe Road, 703-962-6982, crafthouse usa.com. Locally sourced bar food, plus Virginia beer, wine and spirits equals a good time. O L D A $$

Crystal City Sports Pub

529 23rd St. S., 703-521-8215, ccsportspub.com. Open 365 days a year, it’s a sure bet for big-screen TVs, pool tables, trivia and poker nights, beers and bar snacks. C B R L D A G V $$

Crystal Thai

4819 First St. N., 703-522-1311, crystalthai.com. A neighborhood go-to for traditional Thai curries, grilled meats and house specialties like roast duck. L D V $$

Dama Pastry Restaurant & Cafe 1503 Columbia Pike, 703-920-3559, damapas try.com. The Ethiopian family-owned business includes a breakfast café, market and dining room. B L D V $$

Darna

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

Delhi Dhaba Indian Restaurant

2424 Wilson Blvd., 703-524-0008, delhidhaba.com. The best bargain is the “mix and match” platter, which includes tandoori, seafood, a curry dish and a choice of rice or naan. O L D G V $$

Detour Coffee

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

District Taco

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

Don Tito

3165 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-3113, dontitova.com. Located in a historic building, the sports bar specializes in tacos, tequila and beer, with a rooftop bar. O R L D $$

Dudley’s Sport & Ale

2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, 571-312-2304,

■ places to eat

dudleyssportandale.com. A spacious sports bar with wall-to-wall TVs, a roof deck, a ballpark-inspired beer list and weekend brunch. O C R L D A $$ Earl’s Sandwiches

2605 Wilson Boulevard, 703-647-9191, earlsinarling ton.com. Made-to-order sandwiches use prime ingredients, like fresh roasted turkey. O B L D G V $ East West Coffee Wine

3101 Wilson Blvd., 571-800-9954. The Clarendoncafe serves espresso drinks, brunch (try the massive Turkish breakfast spread), sandwiches, tapas, beer and wine. B L D $

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 Tex-Mex cantina a local favorite. C L D G V $$

El Pike Restaurant

4111 Columbia Pike, 703-521-3010, elpikerestau rant.com. Bolivian dishes satisfy at this no-frills in-

stitution. 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. A local institution, this rotisserie chicken mecca gained even more street cred after a visit from the late Anthony Bourdain. L D V $

El Rey

4201 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-5530, elreyva.com. The Ballston outpost of the beloved U Street taqueria serves tacos, margs and draft brews in a colorful interior featuring street-art murals by Mike Pacheco. L D A $$

Elevation Burger

2447 N. Harrison St., 703-300-9467, elevationburger. com. Organic, grass-fed beef is ground on the premises, fries are cooked in olive oil and the shakes are made with fresh-scooped ice cream. O L D V $

Endo Sushi

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-243-7799, endosushi.com. A neighborly spot for sashimi, teriyaki, donburi and maki. L D V $$

Epic Smokehouse

1330 S. Fern St., 571-319-4001, epicsmoke

house.com. Wood-smoked meats and seafood served in a modern setting. O L D G $$$

Essy’s Carriage House Restaurant

4030 Langston Blvd., 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, federicoristorante italiano.com. Find pasta, chianti and red-checkered tablecloths at this Crystal City trattoria co-owned by Freddie’s Beach Bar proprietor Freddie Lutz. L D V $$

Fettoosh

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

Fire Works

2350 Clarendon Blvd., 703-527-8700, fireworks pizza.com. Wood-fired pizzas and more than 30 craft beers on tap are mainstays. You can also build your own pasta dish. O C L D A G V $$

First Down Sports Bar & Grill

4213 Fairfax Drive, 703-465-8888, firstdownsports bar.com. Three cheers for draft beers and snacks ranging from sliders to queso dip. L D A V $$

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. O L D $$

The Freshman

2011 Crystal Drive, thefreshmanva.com. Nick Freshman’s neighborly dining concept has something for every appetite and every time of day, from coffee and breakfast sandwiches to oysters and negronis. O B L D V $$

Galaxy Hut

2711 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-8646, galaxyhut.com. Pair craft beers with vegan bar foods like “fricken” (fake chicken) sandwich melts and smothered tots with cashew cheese curds. L D A G V $$

Gharer Khabar

5157 Langston Blvd., 703-973-2432, gharerkhabar togo.com. Translated as “home’s food,” this artfilled, 14-seat café serves Bangladeshi fare cooked by chef Nasima Shreen. L D $$

Good Company Doughnuts & Café

672 N. Glebe Road, 703-243-3000, gocodough.com. The family- and veteran-owned eatery serves housemade 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 $

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. O R L D G $$$

Green Pig Bistro

1025 N. Fillmore St., 703-888-1920, greenpig bistro.com. Southern-influenced food, craft cocktails, happy hour and brunch draw fans to this congenial neighborhood hideaway. R L D G V $$$

Greens N Teff s 3203 Columbia Pike, 571-510-4063, greensnteff. com. This vegetarian, fast-casual Ethiopian carryout prompts customers to choose a base (injera bread or rice), then pile on spicy, plant-based stews and other toppings. O L D G V $

Hawkers Asian Street Food

Guajillo

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

Guapo’s Restaurant

4028 Campbell Ave., 703-671-1701, guaposres taurant.com. Expect hearty portions of all the TexMex standbys—quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and burritos. O C R L D G V $$

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

1119 N. Hudson St., 571-527-0445, gyu-kaku.com. Marinated meats, veggies and seafood are cooked on tabletop grills. L D $$

Hanabi Ramen

3024 Wilson Blvd., 703-351-1275, hanabiramen usa.com. Slurp multiple variations of the popular noodle dish, plus rice bowls and dumplings. L D $$

Happy Eatery

1800 N. Lynn St., 571-800-1881, thehappy eatery.com. Asian comfort foods (think banh mi, noodle soups, rice bowls and bubble tea) are the draw at this Rosslyn food hall. L D $$

Hawkers Asian Street Food

4201 Wilson Blvd., 703-828-8287, eathawkers. com. Satisfy your craving for hot chicken, pork belly bao and other Asian street foods, plus sake, whiskey and zero-proof quaffs. G V 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 $

Highline RxR

2010-A Crystal Drive, 703-413-2337, highlinerxr. com. A Crystal City bar offering draft beers, draft wines, a whiskey menu and a retractable wall that opens up in nice weather. O L D A $$

Hot Lola’s

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 1501 Wilson Blvd. (Rosslyn), hotlolas.com. It’s all about Kevin Tien’s Nashville-meets-Sichuan hot chicken sandwiches. L D $

Inca Social

1776 Wilson Blvd., 703-488-7640, incasocial.com. Empanadas, saltados, ceviche, sushi and pisco sours round out the menu at this Peruvian cousin to the original in Dunn Loring. R L D G V $$

Ireland’s Four Courts

2051 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-3600, irelandsfour courts.com. 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. C R L D A V $$

Istanbul Grill

4617 Wilson Blvd., 571-970-5828, istanbulgrill virginia.com. Feast on Turkish meze and kabobs at this homey spot in Bluemont. L D V $$

The Italian Store

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

Kabob Palace

2315 S. Eads St., 703-486-3535, kabobpalaceusa.

com. Grilled meats, pillowy naan and savory sides. L D A G V $$

Kanpai Restaurant

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

Kusshi

1201 S. Joyce St., 571-777-1998, kusshisushi. com. Feast your way through shishito peppers, sushi, oysters and mochi at this Westpost café. Or splurge for omakase. O L D G V $$$

L.A. Bar & Grill

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

La Côte D’Or Café

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

Layalina

5216 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-1170, layalinares taurant.com. Lebanese and Syrian dishes have delighted diners since 1997 at this family-owned restaurant. Closed Mondays. O L D A V $$

Lebanese Taverna

5900 Washington Blvd., 703-241-8681; 1101 S. Joyce St., Pentagon Row, 703-415-8681; lebanese taverna.com. A homegrown favorite for mezze, kabobs, flatbreads and more. O C L D G V $$

Le Pain Quotidien

2900 Clarendon Blvd., 703-465-0970, lepainquo

■ places to eat

tidien.com. The Belgian chain produces Europeanstyle cafe fare. B L D G V $$

The Liberty Tavern

3195 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-9360, thelibertytavern. com. This Clarendon anchor offers a spirited bar and creative cuisine fueled by two wood-burning ovens. O C R L D A G V $$$

Livin’ the Pie Life

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

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

Lucky Danger

1101 S. Joyce St., Unit B27 (Westpost), luckydanger. co. Chefs Tim Ma and Andrew Chiou put a fresh spin on Chinese American takeout with dishes such as duck fried rice and lo mein. L D V $$

Lyon Hall s 3100 N. Washington Blvd., 703-741-7636, lyonhall arlington.com. The European-style brasserie turns out French, German and Alsatian-inspired plates, from charcuterie and sausages to mussels and pickled vegetables. O C R L D A V $$$

Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery

1550 Crystal Drive, 703-718-4418, mahzedahr bakery.com. Café fare at this bright newcomer to National Landing includes coffee, pastries, focaccia, sandwiches and snacks. O B L D $

Maison Cheryl

2900 Wilson Blvd., 703-664-0509, maisoncheryl. com. Seared duck breast, steak frites and madeleines are among the offerings at this French American bistro. R L D V $$$

Maizal

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. O 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. O C B L D A $

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls 4017 Campbell Ave., 571-431-6530, masons lobster.com. Order lobster rolls your way (butter or mayo) at this Shirlington outpost of the Annapolis, Maryland-based seafood chainlet. L D $$

Mattie and Eddie’s

1301 S. Joyce St., 571-312-2665, mattieand eddies.com. It’s not just an Irish bar. Chef Cathal Armstrong’s kitchen serves farm-to-table dishes like lobster pot pie, house-cured corned beef, sardines on toast, and Irish breakfast all day. O R L D $$$

Maya Bistro

5649 Langston Blvd., 703-533-7800, bistromaya. com. The family-owned restaurant serves Turkish and Mediterranean comfort food. L D V $$

McNamara’s Pub & Restaurant

567 23rd St. S., 703-302-3760, mcnamaraspub. com. Order a Guinness and some corned beef or fish and chips at this watering hole on Crystal City’s restaurant row. O R L D A $$

Meda Coffee & Kitchen

5037 Columbia Pike, 571-312-0599, medacoffee kitchen.com. A casual café serving coffee, baked goods and traditional Ethiopian dishes like kitfo and tibs. C B L D G V $$

Me Jana

2300 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-4440, mejanarestau rant.com. Named for an old Lebanese folk ballad, this Middle Eastern eatery offers prime peoplewatching in Clarendon. O C L D G V $$

Mele Bistro

1723 Wilson Blvd., 703-522-0284, melebistro.com. This farm-to-table Mediterranean restaurant cooks with fresh, organic, free-range, regionally sourced, non-GMO ingredients. O R L D G V $$

Meridian Pint

6035 Wilson Blvd., 703-300-9655, meridianpint. com. A brewpub serving craft suds, burgers, salads and bar food. C R D A G V $$

Metro 29 Diner

4711 Langston Blvd., 703-528-2464, metro29. com. Classic diner fare includes triple-decker sandwiches, mile-high desserts, burgers, roasted chicken and breakfast. C B R L D V $

Mexicali Blues

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

Moby Dick House of Kabob

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

Mussel Bar & Grille

800 N. Glebe Road, 703-841-2337, musselbar.com. Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s Ballston eatery is known for mussels, frites, wood-fired pizza and more than 100 Belgian and craft beers. O L D $$

Nam-Viet

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

New District Brewing Co. s

2709 S. Oakland St., 703-888-5820, newdistrict brewing.com. Find house brews with names like Green Valley Pilsner and National Landing IPA, plus the occasional food truck, at Arlington’s only production brewery. L D $

Nighthawk Pizza

1201 S. Joyce St., nighthawkpizza.com. A joint venture of restaurateur Scott Parker, chef Johnny Spero and Aslin Beer Co., this Westpost brewpub serves low-ABV beers, personal pizzas and smash burgers. L D V $$

Northside Social Coffee & Wine

3211 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-0145, northsidesocial arlington.com. The homey, two-story coffee and wine bar (with a big patio) is always busy...which tells you something. O 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. O B L D G $$

Oh K-Dog

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-5673376, ohkdog.com. Try a fried Korean rice dog with add-ins like sweet potato, cheddar or squid ink. L D $

Old Dominion Pizza

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

ArlingtonMagazine.com

Open Road

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-248-0760, openroadgrill. com. This second location of the American saloon (the first is in Merrifield) is a solid pick for burgers and beers, or a proper entrée and a craft cocktail. O L D $$

Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen

1101 S. Joyce St., 703-567-7295, origincoffeeco. com. The industrial-chic coffee shop roasts its own beans and serves all-day breakfast, as well as bar munchies and dinner plates. O B R L D V $$

Osteria da Nino

2900 S. Quincy St. (Village at Shirlington), 703820-1128, osteriadaninova.com. For those days when you’re craving a hearty portion of spaghetti and clams, or gnocci with pesto. O 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. L D A $$

Palette 22

4053 Campbell Ave., 703-746-9007, palette22.com. The gallery-café specializes in international small plates. O R L D V $$

Pamplona

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

Peter Chang Arlington s

2503-E N. Harrison St., 703-538-6688, peterchang arlington.com. The former Chinese Embassy chef brings his fiery and flavorful Sichuan cooking to the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. C L D $$

Pho 75

1721 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-7355, pho75.res taurantwebexpert.com. The piping-hot soup at this local institution is all about fresh ingredients. O L D V $

Pie-tanza s

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

The Pinemoor

1101 N. Highland St., 571-970-2592, thepine moor.com. Reese Gardner’s country-western saloon turns out steaks, burgers, local seafood and weekend brunch. O R L D G V $$

Pirouette

4000 Fairfax Drive, pirouette.cafe. Pair your favorite vino with cheese, whole roasted fish, a pork cutlet for two and other enticing plates at this Ballston cafe and wine shop. L D G V $$

Poppyseed Rye

818 N. Quincy St., poppyseedrye.com. Pick up sandwiches, biscuits, salads, avocado toast, cold-pressed juice, flower bouquets and gift items (beer and wine, too) at this pretty café in Ballston. O r L D G V $

Pupatella s

5104 Wilson Blvd.; 1621 S. Walter Reed Drive, 571-312-7230, pupatella.com. Enzo and Anastasiya Algarme’s authentic Neapolitan pies are considered among D.C.’s best. O L D V $$

Pupuseria Doña Azucena

71 N. Glebe Road, 703-248-0332, pupuseriadona azucena.com. Beans, rice and massive pupusas at dirt-cheap prices. C L D V $

Quarterdeck

1200 Fort Myer Drive, 703-528-2722, quarterdeck arlington.com. This beloved shack has served up steamed crabs for 40 years. O C L D V $$

Queen Mother’s Fried Chicken

918 S. Lincoln St., 703-596-1557, queenmother cooks.com. Chef Rock Harper’s celebrated fried chicken sandwich operation is an ode to his mom. L D $

Quincy Hall

4001 Fairfax Drive, 703-567-4098, quincyhallbar. com. Go for pints, meatballs and New York-style pizza at this spacious beer hall in Ballston. L D $ Quinn’s on the Corner

1776 Wilson Blvd., 703-640-3566, quinnsonthe corner.com. Irish and Belgian favorites such as mussels, steak frites, and bangers and mash, plus draft beers and a big whiskey selection. B R L D A $$

Ragtime

1345 N. Courthouse Road, 703-243-4003, ragtime restaurant.com. Savor a taste of the Big Easy in offerings such as jambalaya, catfish, spiced shrimp and oysters. Or feast on the waffle and omelet bar every Sunday. O R L D A V $$

Rako Coffee Roasters

2016 Wilson Blvd., 571-2312-4817, rakocoffee. com. Sister roasters Lisa and Melissa Gerben have a cafe in Courthouse. Try a baklava latte or an espresso martini. R L D V $$

Rasa

2200 Crystal Drive, 703-888-0925, rasagrill.com. Build a bowl with options like basmati rice, chicken tikka, lamb, charred or pickled vegetables, lentils, chutneys and yogurt sauces. O L D G V $

Ravi Kabob House

350 N. Glebe Road, 703-522-6666; 250 N. Glebe Road, 703-816-0222. Curries, kabobs and delectably spiced veggies keep this strip-mall café plenty busy. C L D V $$

Rebellion on the Pike

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

The Renegade

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-468-4652, renegadeva. com. Is it a coffee shop, restaurant, bar or live music venue? All of the above—with snacks ranging from lambchop lollipops to lo mein. B L D A $$ Rhodeside Grill

1836 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-0145, rhodeside grill.com. Find chops, meatloaf, burgers and po’boys accompanied by every kind of hot sauce imaginable. O C R L D A V $$

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. s

3471 Washington Blvd., 703-528-9663, rocklands. com. Owner John Snedden has been slow-cooking barbecue since 1990. O C L D G V $

Ruffino’s Spaghetti House

4763 Langston Blvd., 703-528-2242, ruffinosarling ton.com. Mina Tawdaros bought this local institution in 2020, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The menu still in-

cludes classics such as veal Parmigiana and chicken piccata. C L D V $$

Rustico

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

RusUz

1000 N. Randolph St., 571-312-4086, rusuz.com.

The family-run bistro serves hearty Russian and Uzbek dishes such as borscht, beef stroganoff and plov—a rice pilaf with lamb. L D $$

Ruthie’s All-Day s

3411 Fifth St. S., 703-888-2841, ruthiesallday.com. Chef Matt Hill’s Southern-inspired “meat and three” serves up wood-smoked proteins with creative sides like kimchi dirty rice and crispy Brussels sprouts with fish sauce vinaigrette. Breakfast (with house-made biscuits) offered daily. O B R L D G V $$

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 $$

Salt 1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-0491, saltrosslyn.com. The speakeasy-style cocktail bar serves tasty nibbles (cheese plates, oysters, carpaccio) with classic sazeracs and old fashioneds, as well as nouveau craft cocktails. D $$

The Salt Line s

4040 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-2075, thesaltline.com. The seafood-centric oyster bar that started next to Nats Park in D.C. has an outpost in Ballston serving raw bar, clam chowder, lobster rolls, stuffies, smash burgers and fun cocktails. c O R D

Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub 2800 S. Randolph St., 703-379-0122, samuel becketts.com. A modern Irish pub serving Emerald Isle recipes. O C R L D A G V

Santé

1250 S. Hayes St. (inside the Ritz-Carlton), 703412-2762, meetatsante.com. Mediterranean fare includes shrimp saganaki, grilled oysters, chickpea fries, and mains ranging from whole roasted bran zino to lamb “osso bucco.” B R L D G V $$$

• Catering for dinner parties & office lunches (on and off premises)

• Family friendly casual year round patio dining clareanddonsbeachshack@gmail.com

Sawatdee Thai Restaurant 2250 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-8181, sawatdeeva. com. 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, screwtop winebar.com. The congenial wine bar/shop offers tastings, wine classes, and small plates for sharing and pairing. O C R L D G V $$

Seamore’s

2815 Clarendon Blvd., 703-721-3384, seamores. com. Feast on sustainably sourced seafood, from oysters, clams and mussels to arctic char and yellowfin tuna. O D G V $$$

Seoulspice

1735 N. Lynn St., 703-419-5868, seoulspice.com. Korean fast-casual comfort food, anyone? L D G V $

SER 1110 N. Glebe Road, 703-746-9822, ser-restau rant.com. Traditional Spanish and Basque dishes in a colorful, friendly space with outstanding service. O R L D V $$$

Sfoglina Pasta House

1100 Wilson Blvd., sfoglinapasta.com/rosslyn. Visit Fabio Trabocchi’s Rosslyn location for housemade pasta (you can watch it being made), a “mozzarella

bar” and Italian cocktails. Closed Sundays. O L D V $$$

Silver Diner

4400 Wilson Blvd., 703-812-8600, silverdiner. com. The kitchen cooks with organic ingredients, many of which are sourced from local suppliers. Low-calorie and gluten-free menu choices available. O C B R L D A G V $$

Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque 5731 Langston Blvd., 703-269-2718, sloppyma mas.com. Joe and Mandy Neuman’s barbecue joint

■ places to eat

offers wood-smoked meats galore—brisket, pork, chicken, ribs, turkey, sausage. Plus hearty sides and banana pudding for dessert. O B R L D $$

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

1051 N. Highland St., 571-312-8791, smokecraft bbq.com. Every menu item here is kissed by smoke, from ribs, crabcakes and spaghetti squash to the chocolate cherry bread pudding on the dessert list. O L D G V $$

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. O B L V $

Sparrow Room

1201 S. Joyce St., 571-451-7030, sparrowroom. com. Scott Chung’s back-room mahjong parlor presents dim sum and Chinese-inspired craft cocktails in a moody setting. Open Thursday through Sunday, 5-11 p.m. D $$

Spice Kraft Indian Bistro

1135 N. Highland St., 703-527-5666, spicekraft va.com. This contemporary concept by restaurateurs Anthony Sankar and Premnath Durairaj gives Indian classics a modern spin. O L D $$

Spider Kelly’s

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

Stellina Pizzeria

2800 S. Randolph St., 703-962-7884, stellina pizzeria.com. Pay a visit for Neapolitan pies, fried artichokes, squid ink pasta and a deli counter with house-made pastas, sauces, antipasti and dolci to take home. O L D $$

Supreme Hot Pot

2301 Columbia Pike, 571-666-1801, supreme hotpot.kwickmenu.com. This Pike eatery specializes in Szechuan hot pot, as well as skewered meats and a few Cajun seafood dishes. A sauce bar allows diners to choose and create their own dipping sauces. D G $$

Sushi Rock

1900 Clarendon Blvd., 571-312-8027, sushirockva. com. Play a little air guitar while sampling sushi rolls and beverages named after your favorite bands, from Zeppelin to Ozzy to Oasis. D A G V $$

Sushi-Zen Japanese Restaurant s 2457 N. Harrison St., 703-534-6000, sushizen. com. An amicable, light-filled neighborhood stop for sushi, donburi, tempura and udon. C L D V $$

Sweetgreen

4075 Wilson Blvd., 703-522-2016; 3100 Clarendon Blvd., 571-290-3956; 575 12th Road S., 703-8881025; 2200 Crystal Drive, 703-685-9089; sweet green.com. Locally grown ingredients and compostable cutlery make this salad and yogurt chain a hub for the green-minded. O C L D G V $

Sweet Leaf

2200 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-5100; 800 N. Glebe Road, 703-522-5000; 650 N. Quincy St., 703527-0807; sweetleafcafe.com. Build your own sandwiches and salads with fresh ingredients. O C B L D $$

Taco Bamba Ballston s 4000 Wilson Blvd., 571-777-1477, tacobamba.com. Every Bamba location tucks an homage or two onto its menu. Here, the taco options include the El Rico Pollo, stuffed with “Peruvian-ish” chicken, green chili puree, aji Amarillo aioli, salsa criolla, serrano chile and crispy potato. B L D V $

Taco + Pina

4041 Campbell Ave., 703-567-4747, tacoandpina. com. Try an order of Fanta pork carnitas or the vegetarian “chile relleno” taco, and cool your heels with a frozen roasted pineapple margarita. O L D V $$

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 $$

Taqueria el Poblano

2503-A N. Harrison St., 703-237-8250, taqueria poblano.com. Fresh guacamole, fish tacos, margaritas and mole verde transport patrons to the Yucatan. C L D G V $$

Ted’s Bulletin & Sidekick Bakery 4238 Wilson Blvd. #1130 (Ballston Quarter), 703848-7580, tedsbulletin.com. The retro comfort food and all-day breakfast place has healthier fare, too— which you can undo with a visit to its tantalizing bakery next door. C B R L D G V $$

Texas Jack’s Barbecue

2761 Washington Blvd., 703-875-0477, txjacks.com. Brisket, ribs and pulled pork, plus sides like raw carrot salad and smashed cucumbers. O L D A $$

T.H.A.I. in Shirlington

4209 Campbell Ave., 703-931-3203, thaiinshirling ton.com. Pretty dishes include lemongrass salmon with black sticky rice. O L D G V $$$

Thai Noy s

5880 Washington Blvd., 703-534-7474, thainoy.com. Shimmering tapestries and golden Buddhas are the backdrop in this destination for Thai noodles, curries and rice dishes. L D $$

Thai Square

3217 Columbia Pike, 703-685-7040, thaisquarerestaurant.com. The signature dish is No. 61, deep-fried, sugar-glazed squid topped with crispy fried basil. O L D G V $$

Thirsty Bernie

2163 N. Glebe Road, 703-248-9300, thirstybernie. com. Wiener schnitzel, pierogi and bratwurst provide sustenance in this Bavarian sports bar and grill. O C R L D V $$

TNR Cafe

2049 Wilson Blvd., 571-217-0766, tnrcafe.com. When you have a hankering for Peking duck, moo shu chicken, Szechuan beef or bubble tea. L D G V $$

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream

5849-A Washington Blvd., 703-536-7000, 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 $

Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita

2911 Columbia Pike, 571-970-2824, tortasytacosla chiquita.com. In addition to its namesake foods, the eatery that started as a food truck also does alambres, huarache platters, flautas and more. B L D $

Trade Roots

5852 Washington Blvd., 571-335-4274, fairtrade roots.com. Lisa Ostroff’s Westover gift shop and cafe serves fair-trade coffee, tea, pastries, salads, organic wine and snackable fare like mini empanadas and Portuguese flatbread. O B L $

Troy’s Italian Kitchen

2710 Washington Blvd., 703-528-2828, troysitalian kitchen.com. Palak and Neel Vaidya’s mom-andpop serves pizza, pasta and calzones, including a lengthy vegan menu with options like “chicken” tikka masala pizza. L D G V $

True Food Kitchen

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-527-

0930, truefoodkitchen.com. Emphasizing “anti-inflammatory” fare, the menu will convince you that healthy tastes good. O L D G V $$

Tupelo Honey Café

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

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. O C R L D $$$

UnCommon Luncheonette

1028 N. Garfield St., 571-210-0159, uncommon luncheonette.com. Take a break from the usual at this Manhattan-style diner, where the chef-y comfort fare includes biscuits and gravy, poutine and a Nashville chicken sandwich. B L $$

The Union

3811 Fairfax Drive, 703-356-0129, theunionres taurant.us. Owner Giridhar Sastry was formerly executive chef at The Mayflower Hotel in D.C. His eclectic menu includes Mumbai panini (chaat masala, cilantro chutney, Havarti cheese, veggies), sesame wings and calamari with Lebanese garlic sauce. o C L D $$

Urban Tandoor

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

Weenie Beenie

2680 Shirlington Road, 703-671-6661, weenie beenie.net. The hot dog stand founded in 1954 is still serving half smokes, bologna-and-egg sandwiches and pancakes. B L D $

Westover Market & Beer Garden

5863 N. Washington Blvd., 703-536-5040, westo vermarketbeergarden.com. A hive for burgers and draft microbrews. The adjoining market’s “Great Wall of Beer” stocks more than 1,000 domestic, imported and craft brews. O C 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. O B L D V $$

Whino

4238 Wilson Blvd., 571-290-3958, whinova.com.

Part restaurant/bar and part art gallery, this latenight spot (open until 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday) features cocktails, shareable plates and a dynamic interior featuring street-art murals and “low brow” art exhibits. L D A $$

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 features Prohibition-era wall murals and mixes a mean martini. O C R L D A G V $$

Wilson Hardware Kitchen & Bar

2915 Wilson Boulevard, 703-527-4200, wilson hardwareva.com. Order a boozy slushy or craft beer and head the roof deck. The menu includes small plates, burgers and entrées like steak frites and duck confit. O R L D A G V $$$

World of Beer

4300 Wilson Blvd., 703-576-0395, worldofbeer. com. The beer emporium features 40 taps and a rotating roster of hundreds of brews to go with

your German soft pretzel, parmesan truffle fries or pimento cheeseburger. L D V $$

Yayla Bistro

2201 N. Westmoreland St., 703-533-5600, yayla bistro.com. A cozy little spot for Turkish small plates, flatbreads and seafood. Pita wraps available for lunch only. O C L D $$

Yume Sushi

2121 N. Westmoreland St., 703-269-5064, yume sushiva.com. East Falls Church has a destination for sushi, omakase (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. C L D V $$$

Abay Market Ethiopian Food

3811-A S. George Mason Drive, 703-820-7589, abaymarketethiopian.com. The seasoned grassfed 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. The top seller at this Yemeni cafe is oven-roasted lamb with yellow rice. L D $$

Alta Strada

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-2800000, altastrada.com. Chef Michael Schlow’s menu includes house-made pastas, pizza and modern Italian small plates. R L D $$$

Anthony’s Restaurant

3000 Annandale Road, 703-532-0100, www.an thonysrestaurantva.com. The family-owned Greek and Italian 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 $$

Badd Pizza

346 W. Broad St., 703-237-2233, baddpizza.com. Order a Buffalo-style “cup-and-char” pepperoni pie and a baddbeer IPA, locally brewed by Lost Rhino Brewing Co. L D $$

Bakeshop

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

Balqees Restaurant

5820 Seminary Road, 703-379-0188, balqeesva. com. The Lebanese and Yemeni specialties include lamb in saffron rice, saltah (a vegetarian stew) and saffron cake topped with rose petals and crème anglaise. O L D V $$

Bamian

5634 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-7880, bamianres taurant.com. Try Afghan standards like palau (seasoned lamb with saffron rice) and aushak (scallion dumpling topped with yogurt, meat sauce and mint). C L D V $$ Bartaco

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-549-8226, bartaco.com. See Arlington listing. L D V A $$ Bing & Bao

7505 Leesburg Pike, 703-734-0846, bingandbao. com. Chinese street foods (crepes, steamed bun

and fried rice) are the main attraction at this fast-casual eatery. Founders Rachel Wang and Mark Shen hail from Tianjin, China. L D V $

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 plant-based options.

O L D V A $$

Café Kindred

450 N. Washington St., 571-327-2215, cafe kindred.com. Pop in for a yogurt parfait, avocado toast, grilled eggplant sandwich, or an espresso fizz. B R L V $$

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.

C B L D G V $

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack

130 N. Washington St., 703-532-9283, clareand dons.com. Go coastal with fish tacos, coconut chicken or one of the many meatless options, and maybe catch some live outdoor music. Closed Mondays. O C L D A G V $$

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), 703-884-7080, 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. C B L D G V $

Dogwood Tavern

132 W. Broad St., 703-237-8333, dogwoodtav ern.com. The menu has something for everyone, from ancient grain Buddha bowls to jambalaya, burgers and coconut-curry salmon.

O C R L D A V $$

Dominion Wine and Beer

107 Rowell Court, 703-533-3030, dominionwine andbeer.com. Pairings come easy when a café shares its space with a wine and beer shop. Order up a plate of sliders, a cheese board or some Dragon shrimp to snack on while you imbibe.

O R L D V $$

Duangrat’s 5878 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-5775, duangrats.com. Waitresses in traditional silk dresses glide through the dining room, bearing fragrant noodles and grilled meats, in one of the D.C. area’s most esteemed destinations for Thai cuisine. O R L D V $$

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

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

Elephant Jumps Thai Restaurant

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

Elevation Burger

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

7393 Lee Highway, 703-204-0609, favapot.com. Visit Dina Daniel’s restaurant, food truck and cater-

ing operation for Egyptian fare such as stewed fava beans with yogurt and lamb shanks with okra. And oh the bread! B L D G V $$

First Watch

5880 Leesburg Pike, 571-977-1096, firstwatch. com. Popular dishes at this breakfast and lunch café include eggs Benedict, lemon-ricotta pancakes, housemade granola, power bowls and avocado toast. O CB R L V $$

Four Sisters Restaurant

8190 Strawberry Lane, 703-539-8566, foursisters restaurant.com. Mainstays include clay pot fish, grilled meats, lettuce wraps and pho. O L D V $$ Haandi Indian Cuisine 1222 W. Broad St., 703-533-3501, haandi.com. The perfumed kabobs, curries and biryani incorporate northern and southern Indian flavors. L D V G $$

Harvey’s 513 W. Broad St., 540-268-6100, harveysva.com. Chef Thomas Harvey’s casual café brings roasted chicken, beer-cheese cheesesteaks, banana splits and other comfort fare to Falls Church City.

O C B R L D V $$

Hong Kong Palace

6387 Seven Corners Center, 703-532-0940, hong kongpalacedelivery.com. The kitchen caters to both ex-pat and American tastes with an enormous menu of options. C L D $$

Hong Kong Pearl Seafood Restaurant 6286 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-1388. Two words: dim sum. L D A V $$

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

C L D G V $$

Ireland’s Four Provinces 105 W. Broad St., 703-534-8999, 4psva.com. The family-friendly tavern in the heart of Falls Church City serves pub food and Irish specialties.

O C B R L D $$

Jinya Ramen Bar

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-3272256, jinyaramenbar.com. Embellish your tonkotsu or umami-miso broth with more than a dozen toppings and add-ins. O L D A V $$

Junction Bistro, Bar & Bakery 2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-3781721, junctionbakery.com. Stop in for coffee, pastries, drinks and an all-day cafe menu. O L D A V $$

JV’s Restaurant

6666 Arlington Blvd., 703-241-9504, jvsrestaurant. com. A dive bar (the best kind) known for its live music, cold beer and home-cooked meatloaf, lasagna and chili. L D A V $$

Kamayan Fiesta

301 S. Washington St., 703-992-0045, kamayan fiesta.com. Find Filipino specialties such as chicken adobo, pork in shrimp paste, lumpia (egg rolls) and cassava cake. B L D V $$

Koi Koi Sushi & Roll

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

Lantern House Viet Bistro

1067 West Broad St., 703-268-2878, lantern houseva.com. Satisfy that craving for pho, noodles and banh mi at this family-owned Vietnamese eatery. L D G V $$

La Tingeria

626 S. Washington St., 571-316-6715. A popular food truck in Arlington since 2012, David Peña’s

■ places to eat

concept now has a brick-and-mortar location in Falls Church. The queso birria tacos are a must. Open Wednesday-Sunday. L D $

Le Pain Quotidien

8296 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-4629322, lepainquotidien.com. See Arlington listing. B L D V $$

Liberty Barbecue

370 W. Broad St., 703-237-8227, libertyfallschurch. com. This ’cue venture by The Liberty Tavern Group serves smoked meats, fried chicken and all the accompaniments. Order a Grand Slam (four meats, four sides) and feed the whole fam. R L D $$

Little Saigon Restaurant

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

Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine

2842 Rogers Drive, 703-942-5622; lovinghut fallschurch.com. The Vietnamese-inspired vegan eatery offers menu items like rice vermicelli with barbecued soy protein and claypot rice with vegan “ham.” L D G V $$

MacMillan Whisky Room

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 240-994-3905, 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. O 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, too, such as short ribs, roasted pork and dim sum. R L D A V $$

Meaza Restaurant

5700 Columbia Pike, 703-820-2870, meazares taurant.com. Well-seasoned legumes and marinated beef are signatures in this vivid Ethiopian banquet hall. O C L D G V $$

Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae

112 N. West St., 703-532-5299, mikesdeliatlazy sundae.com. Fill your belly with homemade corned beef, cheesesteaks, breakfast and scratch-made soups. Save room for ice cream! O B L D V $ Miu Kee

6653 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-8884. Open late, this strip-mall hideaway offers Cantonese, Sichuan and Hunan dishes. L D A $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob 444 W. Broad St., 703-992-7500, mobyskabob.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Mom & Pop

2909 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9920050, dolcezzagelato.com. The little glass cafe serves light fare, snacks, gelato, coffee, beer and wine. O B R L D A $$

Nhu Lan Sandwich

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

Northside Social Falls Church

205 Park Ave., 703-992-8650, northsidesocial va.com/falls-church. Come by in the morning for a breakfast sandwich and a latte. Return in the evening for a glass of wine and a plate of charcuterie, or a wood-fired pizza. O B L D V $$

Oath Pizza

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-688-6284, 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

8100 Lee Highway, 571-395-4400, openroadmerri field.com. See Arlington listing. O C R L D $$

The Original Pancake House

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

Our Mom Eugenia

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 434-339-4019, ourmomeugenia.com. Beloved for its real-deal Greek fare, from saganaki to souvlaki, the critically acclaimed family business that began in Great Falls has a sister restaurant in the Mosaic District. O L D $$

Padaek

6395 Seven Corners Center, 703-533-9480, padaekdc.com. Chef Seng Luangrath’s celebrated Falls Church eatery, hidden in a strip mall, offers both Thai and Laotian cuisine. L D G V $$

Panjshir Restaurant

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

Parc de Ville

8926 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-663-8931, parcdeville.com. Find French fare such as salmon rillettes, duck confit, tuna nicoise and steak frites at this spacious Parisian-style brasserie. Hit the rooftop lounge for cocktails. O R D $$$

Peking Gourmet Inn

6029 Leesburg Pike, 703-671-8088, pekinggour met.com. At this James Beard Award semifinalist for “Outstanding Service,” it’s all about the crispy Peking duck. C L D G V $$

Pho 88

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

Pizzeria Orso

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

Plaka Grill

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

Preservation Biscuit s

102 E. Fairfax St., 571-378-1757, preservation biscuit.com. Order the signature carb with housemade jams, or as a sandwich with fillers ranging from fried chicken and candied bacon to guacamole and egg with lemon aioli. O C B L V $

Pupuseria La Familiar

308 S. Washington St., 703-995-2528, pupuseria lafamiliar.com. The family-owned Salvadoran eatery turns out pupusas, fried yucca, chicharron, carne asada and horchata. L D $$

Raaga Restaurant

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

Rare Bird Coffee Roasters

230 W. Broad St., 571-314-1711, rarebirdcoffee. com. Lara Berenji and Bryan Becker’s charming Little City café roasts its own beans and makes a mean latte, with seasonal specials. L D $ Rasa

2905 District Avenue (Mosaic District), 571-3780670, rasa.co. See Arlington listing. L D G V $

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. 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 $$

Settle Down Easy Brewing

2822 Fallfax Drive, 703-573-2011, settledowneasy brewing.com. Pair a pint from the nanobrewery’s rotating beer list with tacos from neighboring El Tio Tex-Mex Grill. Closed Mondays. O L D $

Sfizi Café

800 W. Broad St., 703-533-1191, sfizi.com. A family-owned trattoria, deli and wine shop serving classic Italian fare—pasta, pizza, parm. L D $$

Silver Diner

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

Sisters Thai

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

Solace Outpost

444 W. Broad St., 571-378-1469, solaceoutpost. com. The Little City microbrewery serves housebrewed suds, plus fried chicken, five kinds of fries and wood-fired pizza. D A V $$

Spacebar

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

D A V $$

Sweetgreen

2905 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9927892, sweetgreen.com. See Arlington listing.

O C L D G V $

Sweetwater Tavern

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

Taco Bamba s

2190 Pimmit Drive, 703-639-0505, tacobambares taurant.com. Taco choices range from traditional carne asada to the “Iron Mike,” a vegan rendition stuffed with roasted cauliflower, salsa macha and mole verde. B L D $

Taco Rock

1116 W. Broad St., 703-760-3141, thetacorock. com. See Arlington listing. o B L D V $$

Takumi Sushi

310-B S. Washington St., 703-241-1128, takumiva. com. The sushi and sashimi here go beyond basic. Think tuna nigiri with Italian black truffle, or salmon with mango purée. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

L D V $$

Ted’s Bulletin

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-830-6680, tedsbulletinmerrifield.com. See Arlington listing.

C B R L D $$

Thompson Italian s

124 N. Washington St., 703-269-0893, thompson italian.com. Gabe and Katherine Thompson’s celebrated kitchen turns out house-made pastas and some of the best desserts around. O C D $$$

Trio Grill

8100 Lee Highway, 703-992-9200, triomerrifield.

com. Treat yourself to steaks, chops, raw bar, craft cocktails and cigars. The patio opens daily at 4 p.m. for happy hour. O D $$$

True Food Kitchen

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

Uncle Liu’s Hotpot

2972 Gallows Road, 703-560-6868, uncleliushot pot.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. O C L D G V $$

Aracosia

1381 Beverly Road, 703-269-3820, aracosia mclean.com. Score a table under strings of white lights on the covered patio and order savory Afghan specialties such as braised lamb shank and baadenjaan chalou (roasted eggplant with saffron rice). O L D V $$

Asian Origin

1753 S. Pinnacle Drive, 703-448-9988, asian originva.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. O L D G V $$$

Badd Pizza

6263 Old Dominion Drive, 703-356-2233, badd pizza.com. See Falls Church listing. L D $$

Café Oggi

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

Café Tatti French Bistro

6627 Old Dominion Drive, 703-790-5164, cafetatti. com. Open since 1981, the kitchen whips up 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. O C L D G V $$$

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

7900 Tysons One Place, 703-442-4523, eddiev. com. Total steakhouse vibe, except with an emphasis on seafood (and steaks, too). L D $$$$

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

1433 Center St., 703-790-1910, eltiogrill.com. See Falls Church listing. L D $$

Esaan Tumbar

1307 Old Chain Bridge Road, 703-288-3901, esaanmclean.com. This tiny 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 $$$

Han Palace

7900 Westpark Drive, 571-378-0162, hanpalace dimsum.com. Pay a visit to this all-day dim-sum emporium for made-to-order buns, dumplings, crepes, roast duck and noodles. L D $$

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 s

6930 Old Dominion Drive, 703-893-1034, jgil berts.com. Everything you’d expect in a steakhouse and lots of it—prime cuts of beef, lobster, wedge salad, steak-cut fries and cheesecake.

C R L D G V $$$

Kazan Restaurant

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

Kura Sushi

8461 Leesburg Pike, 571-544-7122, kurasushi. com. Choose maki and nigiri from a revolving conveyor belt at this Tysons sushi bar, where drinks are served by a robot. L D G V $$

Lebanese Taverna

1840 International Drive, 703-847-5244, lebanesetaverna.com. See Arlington listing.

O C L D G V $$

Lost Dog Café

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

Maman Joon

1408 Chain Bridge Road, 571-342-4838, maman joonkitchen.com. Get dolmeh, falafel, lamb shank and kabobs (plus a built-in Z Burger with shakes in 75 flavors) at this Persian eatery. L D V $$

Masala Indian Cuisine

1394 Chain Bridge Road,703-462-9699, masa lava.com. A specialty here are “momos,” Nepalese dumplings with meat or vegetable fillings. The menu also includes tandoori biryani and Indian curries. L D V $$

McLean Family Restaurant

1321 Chain Bridge Road, 703-356-9883, themcleanfamilyrestaurant.com. Pancakes, gyros and big plates of lasagna hit the spot, and you may stumble upon a politico or two. Breakfast served until 3 p.m. daily. C B L D V $$

Miyagi Restaurant

6719 Curran St., 703-893-0116. The diminutive sushi bar gets high marks for its friendly service and fresh maki and nigiri. L D $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob 6854 Old Dominion Drive, 703-448-8448; 1500

Cornerside Blvd., 703-734-7000; mobyskabob.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Mylo’s Grill

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

Patsy’s American 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5100, pat sysamerican.com. Find greatest-hit dishes from other Great American Restaurants properties in a space resembling a vintage railway station.

O C R L D A G V $$

Pulcinella

1310 Chain Bridge Road, 703-893-7777, pulcinella restaurant.com. A stop for classic spaghetti and meatballs, linguine and clams and wood-fired pizza since 1985. L D $$

Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5110, randysprime.com. Randy’s (named for Great American Restaurants co-founder Randy Norton) serves 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. O C L D G $$

Roots Provisions & Grocery

8100 Old Dominion Drive, 703-712-7850, roots provisions.com. Part café and part gourmet market, it's got sandwiches, smoothies, acai bowls, salads, espresso drinks, pie, cocktails and graband-go snacks and pantry staples. B L G V $ Silver Diner

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

Simply Fresh

6811 Elm St., 703-821-1869, simplyfreshva. com. A local favorite for pulled pork, chicken and brisket. Plus Greek diner fare. family-style takeout meals and breakfast. O C B L D G V $

Star Hill Biergarten

1805 Capital One Drive, starrhill.com. Anchoring The Perch, an 11-story-high sky park, this indooroutdoor beer garden offers more than 20 brews on tap, plus wine, cocktails and snacks like soft pretzels with beer cheese, fries, burgers and bratwurst. O C L D V $

Tachibana

6715 Lowell Ave., 703-847-1771, tachibana.us. Stellar sushi aside, the chef’s specials here include starters such as clam miso soup, monkfish paté and savory egg custard. C L D $$

Urbanspace

2001 International Drive, urbanspacenyc.com/ tysons. Travel the culinary globe at this Tysons Galleria food hall with options like Cantonese barbecue, spicy Ghanaian fare, empanadas, donburi and U.K.-style fish and chips. And award-winning Andy’s Pizza. C R L D $$

Wren

1825 Capitol One Drive S., thewatermarkhotel. com. Topping the Watermark Hotel at Capital One Center, this tony izakaya helmed by former Zentan chef Yo Matsuzaki offers Japanese American fare (hamachi tartare, Wagyu burgers, miso-marinated sea bass), stupendous cocktails and sweeping skyline views. D G V $$$

SUMMER CAMPS

Essential Information on Summer Camps

● Offers children to develop strong bonds with the community. Nature Programs, Science, Engineering, Art, Entrepreneurship, Tennis, Basketball, Theater, Flag Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Pickleball, Robotics, Chess

● Our wildlife sanctuary in the mountains of West Virginia, immerses campers in nature, integrates learning with life, and cultivatesstewardship of the natural world! American Camping Association Accredited.

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● Burgundy’s Summer Day Camp provides nature and nurture all summer long! Campers will learn and grow throughout the summerwhile enjoying all the exciting activities our 26-acre campus has to offer.

● Since 1993, Calleva’s award-winning day camps & weeklong wilderness trips provide unparalleled adventure for campers ages 6-15. Pickup-point transportation included for day camps.

● Give your campers the gift of friendship, excitement, memories, and adventure this winter season! Join Camp Griffi n December19-23 and 27-30, 2022. Experience. Explore. Create.

● Horseback riding, aquatics with private lake and two pools, sports, performing arts, arts and crafts

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● Award winning & ACA accredited sessions with activities: Aquatics, Equestrian, Sports, Challenge Courses, Arts, Archery & GreatOutdoors. Campers unplug, try new activities, make friends & have fun!

● Summer at Chatham Hall provides girls with fun and enriching classes and activities taught by Chatham Hall faculty. Advance yourdaughter’s skills in riding, STEM, or leadership in one of our summer programs.

Guided by professionals, campers create an original performance and art show using theater, music, and visual art, following atheme from nature, folklore, myths around the world.

Join us this summer for an exciting theatre adventure! Our summer camps provide a fun and safe environment for children toexplore theatre arts.

● ● ● Established as a non-traditional summer camp, ILC is dedicated to: Celebrating diversity, Promoting creativity & Empoweringindividual growth with personalized scheduling.

Ice skating, team sports, figure skating and hockey.

We are looking forward to a safe, fun, and creative summer at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington! Campers will go on anartistic journey and explore the visual arts through exciting projects and prompts!

● Our award-winning rock climbing camps offer both indoor and outdoor, single-day or week-long camp experiences.

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

● ● Offering traditional, sports, and specialty camps like coding, fishing, art, K-prep, drones, game design, and summer academic classes. Week-long sessions, extended day, and optional lunch.

Beginning & Advanced Acting Training. Day camps expand imaginations and friendships. Sleepaway Camps & Conservatoires (byaudition) rehearse and perform plays outdoors. Small by design. Awarded for excellence.

● Kids can have fun all summer long in our camps with fresh new experiences and opportunities to try new things and make new friends.

2023 SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS

This summer, St. John’s College High School has omething for every athlete! SJC offers a wide variety of ummer sports camps for both boys and girls, including:

something for every athlete! SJC offers a wide variety of summer sports camps for both boys and girls, including:

Baseball Football Soccer

Basketball Ice HockeyTrack & Field Field Hockey Lacrosse Volleyball

For more information, please visit us online at www.stjohnschs.org/summercamps

ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

2607 Military Road, NW, Chevy Chase, DC 20015 202-363-2316 / www.stjohnschs.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.

Arts Camp

Scan the QR Code to sign up to receive our camp catalog by email in February. Registration begins in March, 2023.

PURSUING GOODNESS AS WELL AS KNOWLEDGE

There’s still time!

Be honored for who you are and who you will become. Gain opportunities to thrive in your passions. Be ready for the academic challenges of college and the world beyond. Lead with goodness and integrity. Accepting applications until January 15.

SSSAS.ORG

AGE 3-GRADE 5: 703-212-2705 | GRADES 6-12: 703-212-2706

Alexandria, VA

12

Age 3-Grade

Coed Episcopal Small Class Sizes (12-15) Extensive Bus Service

shop local

Rose Glow

“A rose is a rose is a rose,” Gertrude Stein famously wrote. But the way these iconic flowers are presented by Privé Roses is most certainly out of the ordinary. Delivering exclusively to Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., floral designer Lizbeth Melendez-Perez has found a new way of using an old medium to tell someone special you care.

“Roses have been a symbol of love and appreciation for many centuries. We have a natural predisposition to get extra excited about them,” says Melendez-Perez, who grew up in Panama, moved to the area in 2001 while attending George Mason University and settled permanently in Arlington in 2015. She launched Privé Roses from her home studio two years later.

In lieu of the traditional display

by Colleen Kennedy

of long-stemmed roses bundled together in a tall vase, MelendezPerez arranges the delicate flowers with snipped stems in open acrylic cases. Smaller bouquets of 11 blooms are clustered in a round case ($149.99), while 39 roses in a long case ($339.99) create an opulent centerpiece. For Instagrammable moments, Privé Roses also offers floral designs spelling out words like “Love” ($369.99), as well as heartshaped arrangements ($259.99). There are even whimsical colorations, such as tie-dyed unicorn roses; and personalized add-ons, including teddy bears, balloons or video messages. Another innovation, “infinity roses,” finds blossoms harvested at peak bloom, preserved in a glycerin solution and arranged in a lidded acrylic box. The simple and stunning Chloe—a single rose in a clear box with a drawer ($64.99 and up)— provides an elegant presentation for an engagement ring. With minimal upkeep, infinity roses can retain their freshness and color for up to three years, says the designer.

“You can buy purses or jewelry, but roses have a very sweet message,” she says. “And with the use of technology, you can enjoy them for longer. What’s not to love about that?” priveroses.com ■

An arrangement of fresh-cut roses and orchids by Privé Roses

Socia l Scene Events is a full service firm, with over 20 years experience W e w ill wo rk closely w ith you to coord inate a spectacula r event Our services Include:

• W eddings

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Treat Yourself

The pandemic left me in knots, so I finally booked that spa getaway I’d long dreamed of taking.

BY ADRIENNE WICHARD-EDDS

I’VE REACHED THE age where I’ve seen enough fancy hotels that it takes a lot to impress me. Keswick Hall is something special.

My visit to the resort near Charlottesville was a long time coming. I first heard about it in the ’90s from a friend’s well-to-do parents, who’d often snag a room there when visiting their daughter at UVA, and promised myself I would check it out one day.

Years later, after I’d moved to Arlington and discovered the trove of Virginia wineries within driving distance of my new hometown, the Italianate inn always seemed like a good spot for a weekend getaway. But life intervened.

It wasn’t until the pandemic that, in the throes of cabin fever, I moved the luxury resort back to the top of my bucket list after reading that it was undergoing an extensive renovation.

Tucked into a tree-lined enclave in

the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Keswick Hall has been many things since it was built in 1912—private residence, country club, boutique hotel—passing through a handful of owners, including Sir Bernard Ashley, husband of Laura Ashley (yes, that Laura Ashley).

When the current proprietors, Molly and Robert Hardie, took full ownership in 2017 (they also own the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville), they had a grand vision for the property. Their plan included expanding the hotel’s capacity to 80 guest rooms and adding a new infinity pool and cabanas, an updated golf course and tennis facilities, a new restaurant helmed by globally acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and a brand-new spa.

Sparkling and pet-friendly, Keswick reopened to the public in October 2021, reestablishing its reputation as not only

an excellent home base for vineyardhopping, but a world-class destination unto itself.

My sojourn came on one of those spectacular days as summer was cresting into fall—warm enough to sit poolside in the afternoon, but cool enough for a jacket when strolling the resort’s walking trails in the evening.

I dropped my bags in my room—a deluxe king with a sprawling view of the property’s 600 manicured acres— then wound my way down a path to the just-opened spa, housed in a fieldstone-and-glass building with soaring windows that make the space feel at one with nature.

I had booked a 60-minute “intuitive” massage ($205) but arrived early

A guest room patio with a view

enough to browse the boutique, replete with small-batch, organic cosmetics, hair and skin care products (including the spa’s signature line from Farmaesthetics), as well as a smattering of country-club-chic clothing and accessories. I contemplated buying a caftan for post-spa pool lounging but dared not look at the price tag.

When it was time, I was escorted through a sunny hair and nail salon and into what seems silly to call the women’s “locker room,” because it felt more serene and private than my own home, with its custom furnishings and impeccably stocked towel and beverage stations. I texted my family group chat— In the spa for the next hour. Dad is in charge—donned a fluffy robe, stashed

my belongings in a locker and emerged into a vast relaxation room overlooking a field of wildflowers and its attendant butterflies, birds and deer.

There I sat—amid weighted blankets and sound-therapy devices, antioxidant chlorophyll-infused water and fresh fruit—while I waited for my therapist, Shanise, to retrieve me. And that is the last thing I remember.

Okay, to be accurate, I do remember Shanise ushering me into one of the spa’s eight treatment rooms, which smelled divine in the way that spas do, redolent of lavender and lack of responsibility. And I remember the massage table, heated and bolstered in all the right spots, and how she went to work untangling the knots that had taken up

residence in my muscles since the last time I treated myself to a massage, well before Covid.

But all of that became a hazy recollection, melted in a puddle of bonelessness, swaddled in a cocoon of oblivion. The only thing I know for sure is that I unplugged myself for 60 glorious minutes, and when I opened my eyes, I did not want to go back to reality.

Eventually, of course, I had to, and Shanise eased the transition by handing me a glass of fresh-pressed juice. Forgoing the infrared sauna and steam room, I headed for the luxe showers, helping myself to plant-based soaps and shampoos, disposable razors, shaving gel and fluffy towels as I took another half-step back to consciousness.

The relaxation room in the spa at Keswick Hall

Retrieving my belongings from my locker, I noted my husband’s reply to my earlier text (a GIF of the parking lot attendants in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off taking the Ferrari for a joyride) and begrudgingly slipped back into my reallife clothes.

Fortunately, what I was going back to, at least for one more night, was the beautiful inn, with its tended gardens and all the trappings of a life of leisure.

My evening plans included dinner with my older son, a student at UVA, at Keswick’s on-site restaurant, Marigold by Jean-Georges. Sitting on the veranda overlooking the meticulous-

ly groomed Full Cry golf course, we marveled at our luck—perfect weather, combined with a swanky story assignment that found me a mere 10 miles from his apartment. We happily shared dishes of whole roasted cauliflower, warm shrimp salad, lobster with shoestring fries, and fried chicken with house-made creamed corn.

Our server tucked a parting gift of petite madeleines into a craftily folded napkin and I sent my kid back to college with leftovers. I returned to my room to find my bed turned down and a crackling fire on the TV, convincing enough to induce a deep sleep.

The next morning, I was in no rush to extract myself from the plush bed (Duxiana mattress, Frette sheets) or leave the comforts of the vast hotel room, with its marble bathroom, stocked snack pantry and walk-in closet that made me wish I’d brought more clothes.

I set up a makeshift office on the terrace and worked for an hour or so before I realized that I was only typing a few lines at a time between long gazes at the green horizon, framed at its edges by a bronze glow. I reluctantly closed my laptop and packed up, making a mental note not to wait too long before revisiting this ethereal place.

Now, I am two people: the person I was before I experienced Keswick, and the person I am after. I pity the next hotel that tries to impress me.

Rooms at Keswick Hall start at $375 per night. Spa treatments, including massage, facials, mani-pedis and body therapy, range from $70-$400 and up. Keswick Hall, 701 Club Drive, Keswick, Virginia, keswick.com ■

Adrienne Wichard-Edds returned home to discover her “Ferrari” unscathed. Find her online at theessaycoaches.com, where she helps kids find their voice and tell their stories for college.

A guest room at Keswick Hall

Marigold by Jean-Georges

Say Spaaahhhh

Need some pampering to ease away the stress? Like Keswick, these spa resorts are also within a two-hour drive of the DMV, promising an easy day trip. Although you may be tempted to stay longer.

Inn at Perry Cabin

If your perfect day involves a spa treatment topped off with a sunset sail, this grande dame of Maryland’s Eastern Shore might be your jam. Offering 78 guest rooms and suites in St. Michaels, the resort keeps guests busy with entertainment for the mind (history lectures), muscles (from golf and tennis to biking and bocce) and taste buds (resident chef Gregory James was recently named Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland). For fun on the water, the inn’s private sailboats and yachts are available to charter. Like its restaurants, Perry Cabin’s spa incorporates the property’s natural resources into its menu. Try the Seasonal Botanical Ritual, a 50-minute body treatment ($180) that utilizes freshly snipped herbs from an on-site garden. innatperrycabin.com

Boar’s Head Resort

Another gem of the Virginia Piedmont, this Charlottesville inn is more expansive (168 guest rooms) and less expensive than Keswick (most rooms are in the $175-$300/night range), but still feels like a privileged getaway. If you haven’t visited the Boar’s Head in a while, things might feel different: The main building and its guest rooms were modernized in 2018, and two adjacent buildings will follow suit in 2023. The spa was also completely renovated after it was gutted by a fire in 2020. It reopened to the public in August 2021 with an updated menu, offering traditional salon services and specialized facials and body treatments, like the 50-minute Blue Ridge aromatherapy massage ($150). Boar’s Head’s extensive sport and fitness facilities include two pools, a climbing wall and all manner of racquet sports, as well as an 18-hole golf course with an extensive training academy. The resort is a launch point for hot-air balloon rides through Monticello Country Ballooning. boarsheadresort.com

Salamander Resort & Spa

There may be 168 rooms at this elegant English manor in Middleburg, but somehow it feels like you have the place all to yourself. Situated on 340 acres with restaurants, an equestrian barn, multiple pools, a fitness center, golf and tennis facilities, lawn games and even a ziplining park, the resort boasts a spa that’s a slice of serenity. A 60-minute Swedish massage ($205) is all you need to make the world disappear, particularly if Erica is your therapist. Spa guests are asked to “set their intention” (relax, rebalance or rejuvenate) before their treatment and are sent home with a miniature vial of aromatherapeutic oil to keep the good vibes going. salamanderresort.com

Inn at Perry Cabin

Salamander Resort & Spa

Boar’s Head Resort

Christine Koubek Flynn

New in NoMa

Opened in the fall of 2022, a short walk from Union Station, the 10-story CitizenM Washington DC NoMa hotel is a study in art, design and efficiency. The colorful and spacious lobby is adorned with works by D.C. artists and has tucked-away booths and comfortable seating areas. The adjacent bar opens to an interior courtyard. Try CanteenM bar & kitchen’s signature cognac-based sidecar, or the DC old fashioned, made with honey blossom water and locally sourced whiskey.

Most of the 296 rooms (save the 16 that are ADA compliant) are a snug 150 square feet and designed to maximize space. Each includes a compact desk, a safe, an extra-large king bed with underbed storage, and a tablet that controls the TV, lights, blinds, blackout curtains and LED shower lighting.

Visit the lobby barista for coffee 24 hours a day. An $18.95 breakfast buffet includes unlimited espressobased drinks. The small hotel gym,

open 24/7, includes two Pelotons and two higher-end Woodway treadmills. Rates begin at $134. Save 6% when you book on the hotel’s website or app and select the mycitizenMrate. While requests can’t be guaranteed, courtyard view rooms are quieter, and outer rooms on higher floors have a view of the greater NoMa area. Note: The hotel has no parking. citizenM Washington DC NoMa hotel, 1222 First St. NE, Washington, D.C., 202-9983851, citizenm.com

The colorful lobby at the CitizenM Washington DC NoMa hotel

Unwind, Rock Star Style

Set in the heart of artsy and walkable New Hope, Pennsylvania, the historic Logan Inn reopened in the summer of 2021 after a two-year expansion that added 22 contemporary guest rooms and suites to the original 16-room inn. Ferry + Main, the new open-kitchen restaurant, has a large bar at its center and many delicious dishes, from butternut squash soup to arugula potato gnocchi. The main floor’s warm-toned stone walls, cozy nooks, leather sofas and whiskey lounge with a wood-burning fireplace—plus a small movie theater downstairs—make it easy to find your ideal respite. Framed photos of Freddie Mercury plus coffee tables dotted with books on the Rolling Stones and John Lennon infuse the place with a rock-star vacation vibe.

Swanky accommodations include the vibrant Safari Suite (Room 211), which has a zebra rug, a decorative fireplace and a balcony. Room 202 features Keith Haring art. Three suites offer a soaking tub and two have balconies. King rooms and suites have a retro fridge and mixology station with artisanal spirits and housemade mixers (pricing varies). All rooms, including the historic spaces, offer a Lavazza coffee/espresso machine, high-end toiletries, Sour Patch gummies and chocolate-covered raisins in big boxes ($5), and a “Love Box” ($10) with massage lotion and other intimacy items.

Rates begin at $180. Dogs allowed in select rooms ($100 fee). Logan Inn, 10 West Ferry St., New Hope, Pennsylvania, 215-862-2300, loganinn.com

Learn Army History

Located off I-95, roughly 17 miles south of Arlington in Fort Belvoir, the National Museum of the United States Army tells the history of America’s oldest military branch, established in 1775. Freestanding pylons—each with an etched image of a soldier and accompanying biography—stretch from the museum’s exterior into the entryway, through the lobby, and to the Army Concourse.

Opened on Veterans Day 2020, the 185,000-squarefoot museum chronicles both Army history and the history of the United States through art, artifacts, audio tours, talks with docents and more. Themed exhibit areas include Founding the Nation, Army and Society, Global War, Cold War and Preserving the Nation.

An entire visit could be spent in the Experiential Learning Center, where visitors of all ages can hone their geography, science, technology, engineering and math skills through immersive activities. In the “Fort Discover” play space, kids can climb an Army tower, drop cargo supplies, launch a space rocket and drive a jeep. Animated Army mules Buckshot and Blackjack share Army innovations across history— from the creation of interstate highways, to the Panama Canal and satellite communications—via interactive video games.

Open daily (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free timed-entry tickets are available online or at the museum’s entrance. The building is located outside of Fort Belvoir’s restricted area. National Museum of the United States Army, 1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, 800-506-2672, thenmusa.org

The Safari Suite at the Logan Inn

Inside the Army museum at Fort Belvoir

Kim O’Connell

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner

Once upon a time, it was Arlington’s go-to place for buckets full of comfort food.

IN THE 1970S, one of the surprisingly popular items at the Holly Farms Chicken franchise on Wilson Boulevard came breaded and fried and packaged in a 12-ounce Styrofoam cup. It wasn’t the signature two-piece fried chicken meal (complete with dinner roll and “Holly Taters”) or the jumbo 18-piece bucket (only $7.89 in 1978), but chicken livers, which could be yours for less than a dollar.

Long before streamlined value menus and order-ahead apps, Holly Farms served fast-food chicken that

felt traditional and familiar on dinner tables throughout the South. The Arlington location was a freestanding joint in the parking lot of the Safeway just west of Ballston, making it a favorite for grocery workers getting off their shifts and high-school students stopping by for an after-school snack.

Whenever someone mentions Holly Farms in the “I Grew Up in Arlington, VA” Facebook group, a flood of nostalgic comments is sure to follow. “Food tasted like real food back then,” wrote one wistful local.

Founded in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in 1958, Holly Farms Chicken was a household name in the Southeast, serving up crispy thighs, breasts and drumsticks alongside Kentucky Fried Chicken, Roy Rogers and a handful of regional chains. In a 1981 story titled “Washington’s Fried Chicken Wars,” The Washington Post noted that fried chicken sales in D.C. exceeded the national average by 22%.

At the height of its popularity, Holly Farms boasted 20 locations in the DMV. By the late 1980s, however, the company had transitioned its business model to packaged chicken sales in grocery stores and was acquired by Tysons Food in 1989.

Today, fried chicken can still be found in places like Hot Lola’s, Ruthie’s All-Day, Queen Mother’s, Tupelo Honey Café and The Liberty Tavern. But the memory of Holly Farms, for some, is still so savory they can nearly taste it.

“My uncle would bring home chicken and tater wedges every Friday night,” remembers Ohio resident Kat Morris Hicks, who grew up in Arlington with her uncle Robby Copeland (he died in 2018 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery) and cousin Wayne Copeland.

“He was a single parent to both of us. One Thanksgiving, he preordered Holly Farms chicken dinners and went to 7-11 and bought a bunch of Willy Wonka candy. It was just the three of us, but it was a fun-filled holiday.” ■

W-L students Michelle Roeder and Peter Ching at Holly Farms in 1976