Arlington Magazine Jan/Feb 2024

Warmest Holiday Greetings & Happy New Year

With gratitude, we thank you for your continued trust and local partnership. We are proud to represent our clients in Arlington, Falls Church, and McLean for more than forty years. We wish you a magical holiday season lled with warmth, joy, and cherished moments with your loved ones at home.

We are proud to support Arlington Food Assistance Center, Arlington Free Clinic, Children’s Hospital, SCAN, Share of McLean, Homestretch, Li Me Up, Community Lodgings, and New Home Housing.

YOUR HOME, BRILLIANT

The right lighting can transform your home, making it a better reflection of your character and sophisticated taste. It has the power to calm, invigorate, and inspire. And we know that it’s not just about a fixture, but how it makes you feel.

However, getting lighting right means navigating thousands of options , the complexities of layout, intensity, color, and controls. It’s daunting, but that’s why we’re here. Our team of expert lighting designers brings years of knowledge, design expertise, and extraordinary insight to light your home brilliantly.

MICHAEL VENTURA

ON THE COVER: Cocktail at Ellie Bird in Falls Church photographed by Albert Ting; lettering by Mary Kate McDevitt

59

Sam Moss, owner of Keen nail salon in Clarendon

A new Women’s Health Center designed for a healthier you.

This New Year, put your health on top of your resolution list. Visit VHC Health’s new Charlotte S. Benjamin Center for Women’s Health, designed by women for women. As our region’s preferred community health system, VHC Health is committed to providing personalized, expert healthcare for you, for life.

CON TENTS

153 Shop Local

Every piece of jewelry in this local designer’s bespoke collection tells a story.

154 Driving Range

You don’t have to travel far to experience the exhilaration of dogsledding. Here’s where you can ride with a team of mushing huskies close by.

Celebrate

Elegy

A

The

Bottle storage is part of the design in this rustic basement wine room.

114

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

120

Dreaming of warmer climes and tropical eats? Escape to Pikoteo in McLean.

124

Get this sandwich pop-up while it’s hot! Plus, what to eat at National Landing’s Water Park.

126

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

158 Get Away

It’s cold outside. Lean into the season with winter sports, a hot springs soak or a cozy stay at a historic mansion turned hotel.

160 Back Story

During their brief rise to fame, this Arlington band opened for Emmylou Harris and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Comprehensive expertise and unwavering commitment to your goals. When the path ahead is uncertain, you need both. at’s why at Evermay, our advisors are dual-focused: on the investment world, and on your world.

letter from the publisher

The Votes Are In

EVERY SUMMER , we conduct our annual Best of Arlington reader survey. Thousands of you vote and name your favorite people, places and businesses in Arlington, McLean and Falls Church— across 60+ categories. This year’s winners and top vote getters span a wide range, from the best new restaurant and best place for craft cocktails to the best orthopedic surgeon and best architect. Our story includes a few of our editors’ favorites, too. One of the upsides of the survey results is that you can see who won, as well as the runners-up in each category. You don’t have to wade through conflicting online reviews and ratings that often end up being more confusing than helpful. Instead, we are proud to provide you with a useful list of our communities’ favorites. I hope you will hold on to the issue and use it as a resource throughout the year.

Shifting from a celebratory topic to a sad and alarming one, our editorial staff decided, after reading news reports of local teen drug overdoses, to examine the dangers of opioids—fentanyl in particular—in a comprehensive way. In “Deadliest Dose,” Helen Partridge interviews the experts, sifts through the data and shares the stories of families blindsided by tragedy. According to the DEA, fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin, and a tiny amount (2 milligrams) is enough to kill a person. When I was in high school, the pot we tried was like smoking mulch—basically harmless. Today, a counterfeit pill that looks exactly like a prescription drug may contain enough fentanyl to end a life. As a father of three daughters (ages 20, 18 and 16), I am terrified that typical teenage boundary testing could kill them. Please read the story and have candid conversations with your kids.

It’s fun to see people you know in the magazine. Which is why I was delighted to read about chef David Guas and his new restaurant venture in Familiar Faces (p. 22), and to get meteorologist Ryan Miller’s insights on why snow days are endangered in Big Picture (p. 20). If you don’t know David, he’s the owner of the popular Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Courthouse. I saw him most recently at a fundraising event where we both rappelled down the side of a hotel for charity. (Check that one off the bucket list.) Ryan is an IB science teacher at Washington-Liberty and moonlights as a member of NBC Storm Team4. Our oldest daughter, Caroline, took Ryan’s class at W-L and decided to study environmental science in college as a result. He’s a terrific teacher. I hope you enjoy reading about David and Ryan.

From all of us at Arlington Magazine, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a happy, healthy 2024. Thank you for reading the magazine and bringing it into your home. We hope you enjoy our stories and find them useful. And don’t forget to visit ArlingtonMagazine.com for new stories throughout the week.

As always, we welcome your feedback. Please send your story ideas and letters to the editor to jenny.sullivan@arlingtonmagazine.com. I can be reached at greg.hamilton@arlingtonmagazine.com. We’d love to hear from you.

Greg Hamilton Publisher & Owner

hello

first words. first steps. birthday parties. first day of school. playdates.

Say hello to nationally-ranked pediatric specialty care. Where we’re helping you have more milestones, thanks to breakthrough ways to treat routine to complex health conditions. We’re nearby with convenient locations throughout Virginia, helping kids grow up stronger.

David Hagedorn

LIVES IN: Washington, D.C.

IN THIS ISSUE: Writes about celebrity chef David Guas, must-try foods at National Landing’s Water Park and what to order at island-vibey Pikoteo in McLean.

LOCAL FAVES: “I like to sneak away to Takumi in Falls Church for sushi and to Bayou Bakery in Arlington for ‘muff-a-lotta’ sandwiches and pimento cheese. I’m also longing to return to Joon in Tysons for the whole roasted chicken.”

COOKING FOR A CAUSE: Hagedorn is the creator of Chefs for Equality, an annual fundraiser featuring the best chefs and mixologists in the DMV that raises money for the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and LGBTQ+ rights.

WINTER SURVIVAL PLAN: “To get back on track after overindulging for the holidays, I’ll add more fruit to my diet by putting two olives in my martini instead of one.”

Jess Lemon

LIVES IN: Frederick, Maryland

IN THIS ISSUE: Illustrated our feature on the dangers of fentanyl and how local officials are battling the opioid epidemic, particularly in schools.

WHEN IN FREDERICK: “Try a walk around Baker Park, a visit to Idiom Brewing Co. and the waffles at Gravel & Grind.”

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: “Expanding my portfolio and experimenting with gouache and colored pencils.”

WINTER SURVIVAL PLAN: “Layering for cold weather walks and board games. I’m originally from upstate New York, so I actually like winter.”

ONLINE: heyjesslemon.com

READER FEEDBACK

Public vs. Private School

“Four pages on Covid and classroom size…and zero mention of the other major influences on parents’ decisions about where to send their kids?” Conrad Rehill writes in response to our feature on rising private school enrollment in Northern Virginia (“Public Exodus,” Sept./Oct. 2023). “How about union-based lack of accountability for teacher performance, prepubescent and ideology-based sex education, DEI-based curricula, the presence of hard drugs, gangs and a general lack of discipline?”

PUBLISHER & OWNER

Greg Hamilton

EDITOR

Jenny Sullivan

ART DIRECTOR

Laura Goode

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Danny Ryan

DIGITAL EDITORS

Stephanie Kanowitz, Helen Partridge

WEB PRODUCER

Erin Roby

DINING CRITIC

David Hagedorn

COPY EDITORS

Sandy Fleishman, Barbara Ruben

CO-FOUNDER

Steve Hull

WRITERS

Susan Anspach, Adele Chapin, Catherine Davis, Christine Koubek Flynn, Wendy Kantor, Colleen Kennedy, Matt Mendelsohn, Kim O’Connell, Barbara Ruben, Jennifer Shapira

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Acuna Photography, Johnny Autry, Stephanie Bragg, Skip Brown, Mary Pat Collins, Ryan Corvello, Jamaal Davies, Denise Van Photography, Faraz Divargar, Stacy Zarin Goldberg, Michael Hecker, Lisa Helfert, William Hereford, Megan Johnson, Zaq Landsberg, Jess Lemon, Tony J. Lewis, Deb Lindsey, Rey Lopez, Mary Kate McDevitt, Matt Mendelsohn, Aditya Negi, Rich Ortiz, Donna Owen, Daniel Rader, Hilary Schwab, Scott Suchman, Albert Ting, Joseph D. Tran, Michael Ventura, Jenn Verrier, J. Michael Whalen, Stephanie Williams

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Traci Ball, Kristin Murphy, Lori Reale

FINANCE & CIRCULATION MANAGER

Julie Rosenbaum

ARLINGTON MAGAZINE is published six times a year by Greenbrier Media LLC © 2024

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Happy New Years from our family to yours!

Buck & Associates is looking for skilled agents to join our family. For further details, please reach out via email to info@buckrealtors.com

Buck & Associate is a family-owned real estate brokerage, providing a complete range of residential & commercial services throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC (MD coming soon). Our firm is conveniently located on Wilson Blvd., between the Courthourse and Clarendon Metro station, since 1976.

When you select Buck & Associates, you’re partnering with Arlington’s premier brokerage firm. With ALMOST 5 decades in local real estate, we maintain our reputation of transactional excellence by appointing only the most seasoned agents who take care of every detail to ensure a smooth closing.

2519 Wilson Blvd

Arlington, VA 22201

(703) 528-2288

www.buckrealtors.com

Scan here and stay informed with the most

Photo by Derrick Clarke Photography

AROUND TOWN

by Colleen Kennedy

BRITISH INVASION

FEB. 10, 7:30 P.M.

The Beatles 60th Anniversary Tribute: Classical Mystery Tour with FSO

On Feb. 9, 1964, the Beatles performed on The Ed Sullivan Show and then took over the Washington Coliseum in a mop-haired show for the ages. In this 60th anniversary tribute, the Classical Mystery Tour—whose members are dead ringers for the Fab Four—re-creates the original set list of this historic concert, then invites the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra onstage for a second set of lush, symphonic renderings of classic Beatles’ tunes. Tickets start at $35. Doors open one hour before performances. Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, capitalonehall.com

Got to get even more John, Paul, George and Ringo into your life? Beatles cover band 1964: The Tribute plays Wolf Trap at the Barns (wolftrap.org) Feb. 7-8 at 8 p.m., with tickets starting at $52. And an allstar band of classic rockers called All You Need Is Love performs at the Birchmere (birchmere.com) on Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $64.

MUSIC

JAN. 5-6, 7:30 P.M.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

The Birchmere Country and bluegrass legends Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, who for eight consecutive years received the Instrumental Group of the Year award from the International Bluegrass Music Association, take the stage for two consecutive nights. $49.50. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

JAN. 20, 8:30 P.M.

The Smithereens with Robin

Wilson of Gin Blossoms

The State Theatre

Get blown to smithereens (see what we did there?) by the New Jersey band known for its distinctive sound that blends 1960s British pop with 1980s alt-rock. $26. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church, thestatetheatre.com

JAN. 27, 7:30 P.M.

Dar Williams

The Birchmere

Dar Williams, whose folk sound is inflected

with pop, takes a breather from the festival circuit to visit the Birchmere. $45. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

FEB. 2-3, 7:30 P.M.

Will Downing

The Birchmere Downing, the “Prince of Sophisticated Soul,” promises to bring down the house with R&B classics. $79.50. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

FEB. 10, 7:30 P.M.

Passion

of the Tango National Chamber Ensemble

It takes two to tango, and this evening

DUMPLINGS & DRAGONS

FEB. 17, 10 A.M.-6 P.M.

Lunar New Year Festival

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon! The Asian Community Service Center’s 15th annual Chinese New Year Festival promises a dazzling day of live performances, Asian foods and cultural activities. Last year’s event drew more than 2,000 revelers to the festival, which includes dragon and lion dances (to usher in good luck and prosperity), a Lunar New Year dragon parade, food vendors, the writing of Chinese names and activities for children, plus Asian language, craft and business booths. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children (6-12) and free for kids under 6. Parking is free. Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, chinesenewyearfestival.org

celebration of music from Argentina will be accompanied by Argentine dance. Celebrated Arlington choreographer Lucy Bowen McCauley will perform the passionate tango to Astor Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons in Buenos Aires.” $40 ($20 for students). Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, nationalchamberensemble.org

FEB. 16, 8:30 P.M.

Thurston Howell: Yacht Rock Spectacular!

The State Theatre

Put on your captain hats, all you Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald and Steely Dan fans. It’s time to go sailing with Thurston Howell, a tribute band that covers the best of yacht rock. Tickets start at $15. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church, thestatetheatre.com

FEB. 28-29, 8 P.M.

International Guitar Night

The Barns at Wolf Trap

This globe-trotting performance brings together Italian finger-style guitarist Luca Stricagnoli, Australian blues slide guitarist Minnie Marks, Brazilian classical guitarist Marco Pereira and Vietnamese awardwinning classical guitarist Thu Le. Tickets start at $37. 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

SEASONAL

JAN. 1, NOON

Predictions & Resolutions 5K

Washington-Liberty High School

Start the new year on the right foot (literally) with this annual DC Road

Runners race starting at WashingtonLiberty High School. The timing of the midday event is such that even latenight merrymakers can sleep in and still get a running start to keep their 2024 resolutions. This race is capped at 250 participants, with prizes for top runners. Check-in and race number pickup will begin at 11 a.m. $10. 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington, dcroadrunners.org

JAN. 15, ALL DAY

MLK Day of Service

Volunteer Arlington

Volunteer Arlington reminds us that the holiday commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. is a day of service. Sign up to help with various projects across the county, including packing snack and STEM kits for students, creating Valentine’s cards, translating books, cleaning up public areas and more. Last year, more than 1,500 volunteers joined this community-wide effort in Arlington. See website for details about volunteer opportunities. volunteer. leadercenter.org

FEB. 11, 11:30 A.M. & 12:45 P.M.

Empty Bowls 2024

Arlington Food Assistance Center

During AFAC’s communal luncheon feast, guests can sample various soups, breads and desserts, and leave with a handmade bowl (donated by a local ceramic artist) as a reminder of neighbors whose own bowls will go empty without community support. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser help to buy groceries for the 3,300 families that visit AFAC weekly for food assistance. The event will have two seatings: 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. See website for details and to register. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, afac.org/afac-events/empty-bowls

FEB. 19, 1-3 P.M.

2024 George Washington Birthday Parade

Old Town Alexandria

In honor of the 275th anniversary of the founding of Alexandria, this year’s parade theme is “George Washington: Alexandria’s Original Living Legend.” The one-mile route through the streets of Old Town attracts nearly 3,500 viewers annually. Free. Fairfax and Royal Streets, Alexandria, washingtonbirthday.com

AUTHORS & BOOKS

JAN. 1-MARCH 2

Winter Reading

Arlington Public Library

Read three books between Jan. 1 and March 1 for a chance to win raffle prizes such as tickets to a Washington Capitals hockey game. On March 2, celebrate your reading successes and share your new favorite book with a hot chocolate party and fun activities at multiple library locations. This library program is open to readers of all ages. See website for details. Free. library.arlingtonva.us

FEB. 29, 6:30 P.M.

Community Read: The Fire Next Time

Arlington Central Library

In celebration of Black History Month and to usher in its next Arlington Reads series, commemorating what would have been author James Baldwin’s 100th

birthday, the Arlington Public Library invites readers to participate in this community conversation. The featured title, Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time, will be available on the library’s Libby app, free with your Arlington Public Library card. Free. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, library.arlingtonva.us

PERFORMING ARTS

JAN. 16-FEB. 4

That’s What Friends Are For: Nova Y. Payton Sings

Burt Bacharach

Signature Theatre

Powerhouse vocalist Nova Y. Payton sings from the songbook of Burt Bacharach, including such favorites as “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “What the World Needs Now Is Love.” See website for performance times. $45. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org

JAN. 19-FEB. 4

Scripts in Play Staged Reading Festival

Avant Bard

Avant Bard kicks off a new season with its eighth annual free Scripts in Play staged reading festival, dedicated to developing and showcasing new works by local, regional and national playwrights. Co-hosted by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) Arlington. See website for performance times and hosting venues. Free. avantbard.org

FEB. 1-18

Shutter Sisters

1st Stage

Following the parallel lives of two women—a White woman in familial strife at a funeral and a Black woman who finds herself an empty nester—this surrealistic journey helps its protagonists discover what it means to belong. See website for performance times. $15-$55. 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons, 1ststage.org

THIS WINTER AT SIGNATURE

■ around town

FEB. 3-18

Anton in Show Business

The Arlington Players

This comedic backstage farce turns Three Sisters on its ear as three actresses in Texas tackle Chekhov’s masterpiece. See website for performance times. $30 (discounts available for seniors, students and military). Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington, thearlingtonplayers.org

FEB. 6-MARCH 10

Private Jones

Signature Theatre

This world premiere musical is inspired by the true story of a deaf Welsh sniper in World War I. ASL interpreted performances will be offered on Feb. 22 and 27, and March 10. Open, dynamic and closed captions will be available at all performances. See website for performance times. Tickets start at $40. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org.

FEB. 8-MARCH 3

Working

Creative Cauldron

Based on Studs Terkel’s 1974 bestselling book of interviews with American workers, this production paints a vivid portrait of essential but oft-overlooked members of society: the schoolteacher, the waitress, the millworker, the mason and the housewife, to name a few. Nominated for six Tony Awards, the original has been updated for a modern age, featuring new songs by Tony Award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda, as well as favorites by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, James Taylor, Micki Grant and others. See website for performance times. Tickets start at $40 ($25 for students). 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church, creativecauldron.org

FEB. 14-17

The

Best of Second City

The Barns at Wolf Trap

The comedy troupe that gave rise to stars such as Bill Murray, Mike Myers and

Virginia Cancer Specialists

Tina Fey returns with its current cast of tomorrow’s superstar comics. The newest revue, Comedian Rhapsody, promises hilarious sketch comedy, humorous songs and trademark improvisation. Tickets start at $47. 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

FEB. 16-MARCH 24

Romeo & Juliet

Synetic Theater

Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers ends in a tragedy that might have been avoided with more time. Synetic ingeniously depicts the fleet-footed love and the whirlwind downfall of Verona’s two great houses by setting the action within the whirring gears of a giant clock. See website for performance times. $35-$65. 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington, synetictheater.org

FEB. 16-18

The Cher Show

Capital One Hall

Celebrate the iconic Emmy-, Grammy-

and Oscar-winning superstar with a Tony Award-winning musical homage that follows Cher’s six decades of pop goddess status. See website for performance times. $53-$169. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, capitalonehall.com

FEB. 24, 1 P.M.

Omnium Circus Presents I’mPossible

Capital One Hall

Featuring heart-stopping aerial acts, hilarious antics and acrobats of all abilities (and disabilities), Omnium Circus celebrates creativity, positivity and possibility in all its daring incarnations. Omnium is presented in English and ASL with live audio-described performances, and with accommodations for neurodiverse and sensory sensitive audience members. See website for performance times. Tickets start at $39. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, capitalonehall.com

ART

JAN. 3-26

Arlington Artists Alliance: Above &

Beyond

Gallery Underground

This group show featuring works by Arlington Artists Alliance board members showcases the artistic talents of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Jan. 5. Free. 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington, arlingtonartistsalliance.org/ gallery-underground

JAN. 20, 5-8 P.M.

Art After Hours

Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

Join MoCA Arlington for a soiree celebrating the arts venue’s 50th anniversary and winter 2024 exhibitions. The gallery kicks off the new year with solo shows by MoCA Arlington resident artist Bahar Yurukoglu and Baltimore-based painter

Lillian Bayley Hoover, as well as a new multimedia installation by the collaborative duo Ghost of a Dream. The evening will include refreshments, a cash bar and the opportunity to chat with resident artists in their studios. Free. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, mocaarlington.org

JAN. 30-FEB. 23

Wish

You Were Here: A Solo Show by Medina Roberts

Gallery Underground

Arlington painter Medina Roberts pays tribute to Pink Floyd co-founder Syd Barrett, whose struggles with mental health and drug addiction prompted his departure from the band in 1968. The artist will donate a portion of sales to the Addiction Policy and Practice Program at the Georgetown University Master of Science department. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Feb. 2. Free. 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington, arlingtonartistsalliance.org/ gallery-underground

big picture ■ story and photo by Matt

Mendelsohn

Elegy for a Snow Day?

BACK IN FEBRUARY of 2010, when the epic blizzard that came to be known as “Snowmageddon” left the D.C. area blanketed in white, kids of all ages engaged in a fabled rite of childhood: They ran downstairs in their pajamas, turned on the television, and, in a scene seemingly descended right out of A Christmas Story, gazed at the chyron crawl at the bottom of the screen, waiting for news that schools in their district were closed. (Or maybe they just checked their phones.)

Fast-forward 14 years and the beloved snow day seems to be endangered. The world is getting warmer. This past September was the hottest on record worldwide. Temperature logs at Reagan National Airport dating back to the 1940s indicate that the 10 coldest days ever recorded in Arlington all occurred in the last century. The 21st century has yet to make the list.

And—in perhaps the cruelest cut of all—the pandemic taught schools that remote learning was at least somewhat doable with technology.

Who or what poses the greatest threat to the snow day tradition as we know it?

“The majority of it is climate change,” says Arlington resident Ryan Miller, an NBC Storm Team4 meteorologist and science teacher at Washington-Liberty High School.

“After that, maybe Fairfax County,” he jokes, referring to a recent policy change that capped that school system’s snow days at five per year, with the option of implementing “unscheduled virtual learning days” in the event of inclement weather lasting longer.

A teacher of environmental science and geographic information systems (GIS) for the past 22 years, Miller has also been a trusted meteorologist for 19 years. He’s basically a perfect storm of information on this topic.

“The trend overall is that we are experiencing warmer winters,” he says. “And we’re seeing more wild swings in temperatures—something that’s been predicted for a long time by folks who study climate science. We’ll have an intense few days of cold because the polar vortex unleashes and comes down south, but then you’ll see fluctuations in the opposite direction.”

Urbanization is partly to blame for changing conditions that make snow less likely in the DMV, he says. “It’s warmer in cities than rural areas. Our big storms have to have a really good lineup of factors off the coast, with cold air in place, and it’s not something that is typically happening here. To get a blizzard, it takes a big set of variables coming together in a very precise manner.”

Our region, it seems, is forever stuck just beneath the cusp of truly frigid air. Now warming temps have the potential to make rare snow even rarer.

This year our old friend El Niño is back, according to the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center, bringing wetter-than-average conditions. But whether that increased precipitation (caused by changes in global atmospheric circulation resulting from a shift in the Pacific Ocean’s jet stream) will arrive in the DMV in the form of snow remains to be seen.

“That’s the funny thing,” Miller says.

“El Niños come in different flavors and varieties. For us to get a lot of snow, we could use a medium range El Niño— neither strong nor weak—with really cold air in place. That funnels a lot of moisture over the East Coast and we get dumped on. If you get a really strong El Niño, you might have a lot more moisture, but you’re more than likely not going to have the colder temperatures to get the snow. It’s the Goldilocks effect of El Niño. It has to be just right.”

And if there is snow, what’s the likelihood of a week of school cancellations on par with 2010?

“We didn’t have a single snow day last year,” Miller observes. “Last year we had .4 inches of snow. Not even a half an inch. The year before that, we had 13 inches. We generally average 12 to 14 inches. In 2010, 56 inches. In 2014, 32. It’s such a crapshoot. If we can line the moisture up with the cold, that’s how you get 56 inches of snow.”

At this point, a kid might be inclined to quote a line from the movie Dumb and Dumber : “So you’re telling me there’s a chance?”

“Yes,” says Miller. “There’s always a chance. It’s possible, just not probable.”

This scientific assessment has admittedly made him less than popular with his own fifth-grade daughter and his son, a high school student at W-L.

“They’re always bummed,” he says. “The rumors are going around school that there’s going to be a snow day and they ask me and I’m always Debbie Downer. I’m the one who puts all the hopes and dreams away.”

Here’s hoping he’s wrong. There’s always a chance. ■

Kids playing on Chesterbrook Road in Arlington after the blizzard of 2010

Home on the Range

He’s a beloved local chef, cookbook author and TV personality. Here’s what David Guas is cooking up next.

ON AN AUGUST evening, David Guas hands two plates of pan-roasted, double-thick pork chops with shallot and Creole mustard sauce to the tasting panel seated before him and waits for their reaction. He’s in the kitchen of his McLean home and his critics are his sons, Spencer, 19, and Kemp, 21. The dish, served with fennel slaw flecked with tarragon and dill, is one he’s testing for Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, the full-service American bistro he’ll open in McLean this spring— if the gods of permitting and construction comply.

Guas, 48, is best known locally as the chef and owner of Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Courthouse. Hailing from New Orleans, he’s a first-generation Cuban American whose father, Mariano, fled Castro’s regime with his family in 1959 at the age of 13.

As a kid, Guas picked up cooking skills from his Aunt Boo in Abbeville, 3 miles west of the Big Easy. His parents sometimes sent him there when he acted out. “I’d hang out in her kitchen,”

Chef David Guas

12th Annual McLean Chocolate Festival

■ familiar faces

he explains. “She taught me how to make roux and gave me my first castiron pot.”

The same aunt would later put him on the right track two years into his enrollment at Colorado Mountain College—which he’d talked his parents into letting him attend after seeing a ski poster in his guidance counselor’s office. When it became evident he was more interested in skiing than studying, his parents brought him home and cut him off.

“Aunt Boo told me to go to cooking school,” Guas recalls. “My grandmother set up a call with [famed Cajun chef] Justin Wilson to get advice and I went to culinary school. Grandma paid for it.”

In 1996, after graduating from the Sclafani Cooking School in Metairie, Louisiana, Guas applied for a position as a savory cook at New Orleans’ prestigious Windsor Court Hotel. He was turned down for that role, but talked

his way into a job as an assistant pastry chef. “I had barely ever held a pastry bag before,” he says, “and was piping meringue on 300 tarts all of a sudden.”

He was a quick study. The hotel’s executive chef, Jeff Tunks, took notice and offered him a job at a restaurant he was opening in Washington, D.C. That’s what brought Guas to the nation’s capital in 1998, to become the pastry chef for DC Coast (now closed) on 14th Street NW.

He was at the construction site for DC Coast when he met fellow New Orleanian Simone Rathlé, the restaurant’s soon-to-be PR person; the two married a year later. (Rathlé, who owns PR firm simoneink, is now handling Neutral Ground’s marketing and is heavily involved in its design.)

Guas’ career blossomed in the DMV. In the decade that followed, he helped launch other restaurants for DC Coast’s parent company, Passion Food Hospi-

Lee Heights Shops is

tality. He wrote two cookbooks—Dam Good Sweet (2009) and Grill Nation (2015)—and in 2010 opened Bayou Bakery as an homage to his New Orleans roots.

Television appearances, including a 12-episode run hosting American Grilled on the Travel Channel and numerous morning show stints, established his status as a celebrity chef.

The pandemic was rough for Bayou Bakery, but Guas rose to the occasion by rallying his staff to prepare food for people in need. (The effort earned him multiple accolades, including a 2022 “Covid Hero” award from Arlington County.) The importance of giving back was something his family had taught him—a lesson that literally hit home in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina destroyed the house he grew up in.

With his latest venture, he’s aiming to serve the community in a different way. For years, neighbors running into

The Neighborhood Alternative

Guas at food events and Little League games had entreated him to open a casual, chef-driven eatery in McLean. Now that he and Rathlé are empty nesters, the timing is right. He is itching for another creative outlet. Pragmatism factors in, too.

“I can’t afford two college tuitions, do everything we want to do for retirement and secure our lifestyle with one business,” he says.

He’s found the perfect spot in the former Assaggi Osteria space in the McLean Square Shopping Center. The 4,000-square-foot property is 15 minutes from Bayou Bakery and six minutes from his house. He’s calling the restaurant Neutral Ground because he envisions a place where differences— especially political ones—can be left at the door.

The moniker is also a nod to his hometown. In the mid-19th century, the green space median on Canal Street

that separated rival French Creole and Anglo-American neighborhoods was referred to as “neutral ground.”

Food-wise, the kitchen will be serving up new-American dishes like grilled skirt steak with chimichurri, double-patty smash cheeseburgers on potato buns, and roasted sweet potatoes topped with Benton’s bacon, caramelized onions and Abita root beer syrup. There won’t be too much overlap with Bayou Bakery’s concept, although a few lagniappes of New Orleans flavor will find their way onto the menu—picture wood-fired oys-

ters topped with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, and barbecued shrimp in the style of The Big Easy’s Mr. B’s Bistro (head-on and bathed in Worcestershire garlic-butter sauce).

“Maybe we’ll have custom bibs made for those,” the chef muses.

In his spare time, Guas likes to fish and hunt with buddies, particularly around the Chesapeake Bay. An avid biker, he owns two Harley-Davidsons. One is almost 20 years old and mostly garage kept. The other is a “bagger” he takes on long road trips with friends to wide-open places like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.

“The bike is a great way to escape,” he says. “Being on the open road is part of my mental health, balancing the insanity of the restaurant business and how hard we work. It’s just part of who I am.” ■

David Hagedorn is Arlington Magazine’s dining critic.

Pork chops with Creole mustard sauce

Catherine Davis

A Bedtime Story

The evening ritual with my daughters has changed over time, but it’s still magical.

“TELL ME ANOTHER story, Mom.” My kindergartner Leah’s bedtime books were read, and the lights were switched off. She was tucked in, but she didn’t want me to leave.

“Okay, just one more quick story. About what?” I asked, hoping for a caring but swift exit. I still needed to help her little sister off to dreamland and wrap up my leftover work from the day.

“How about a rainbow ghost?” Leah said, prompting the story that would carry her away to a whimsical dreamscape.

OK, sure. “Once upon a time…”

Leah’s bedtime stories always

opened with this centuries-old warmup. I had no idea where the plot was headed. I just let my mind wander. I would concoct the silliest scenarios, painting pictures in both our minds.

“There was lightning and thunder outside the witch’s hut. The witch was inside making a potion with the glowing green gem. Suddenly, she heard a knock on the door…”

Each night, Leah would beg for a new story, and I was eager to discover what would pour from my imagination when it was cracked open and left to breathe. Tales of ghosts, tooth fairies, magic gems, wandering unicorns, dancing hip-

pos, friendly cats and girls who loved cats would briefly come to life.

“Make it a little bit scary this time!” she said one night, daring me to conjure a whole new set of spooky character scenes.

“Ruth was dreaming. She was walking through a forest. There was a full moon. And she heard a ‘HOOOOWWWWL!’ ”

Whenever my brain grew tired and tapped out, I wrapped up the story with “… and she lived happily ever after.”

The lights stayed off, and with one last hug and a kiss, I was on to my next appointment to tuck in her little sister.

Unlike Leah, who wanted a new character and a new story each night, Audrey always wanted her favorite “baby story.”

“And the baby felt so warm and snuggly in her mommy’s arms that she closed her eyes and went to sleep.” With that refrain, I lulled Audrey to slumber by narrating the very thing we were doing.

■ my life

Night after night, each daughter asked for a story and listened to every word that was made for her.

Once they were both fast asleep, I would find my way out into a quiet house, enchanted and soothed by this routine. Taking a moment to finish writing emails and clean up the piles from the day, I allowed the evening’s stories to dance in my head, too.

Maybe I started making up stories to help my daughters unwind at the end of the day. But I soon realized that letting my imagination run free also brought me joy. I didn’t know the characters in Leah’s stories before they went along their winding journeys. I loved meeting them and exploring their worlds.

Each night, I would tuck myself in with a smile, replaying the latest tale over and over again in my head until I jotted it down and then fell asleep, too.

Now a few years later, with a collection of stories saved, my daughters’

bedtime routines have shifted. I’m no longer dreaming up fictional characters and fictional journeys. I’m watching my kids take control of the narrative and seeing how their stories unfold.

Audrey, 4, still loves her one and only “baby story”—except now it’s her own remixed reprise that starts with her daddy’s arms snuggling the baby to sleep. (I’m relieved to share this important bedtime routine with my husband, Steve.) Her updates also include three additional verses for a mommy, an imaginary brother and, finally, a sister. I admire how she has held steady with her love of babies while inviting a full cast of family characters into her bedtime tale.

At 7, Leah has learned to read for herself. She now begs to read just one more chapter of a library book about cats before I turn out the light. Her passion for kitties has eclipsed all the mythical characters that previously

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captivated her. I am curious how long cats will be her main interest before her next chapter begins.

I may have been the one who created and delivered my kids’ first bedtime stories. I may have found immense joy in plumbing the depths of my imagination to delight them. But I’ve also realized how much their bedtime stories came from and are a part of them.

As I tuck myself into bed tonight, I am enchanted by my daughters. Just as I let their bedtime characters’ stories unwind and develop—the witches and the ghosts and the hippos and the babies—I now get to watch my daughters’ own stories unfold. I hope they both live happily ever after. ■

Catherine Davis is a mom to two imaginative little girls whose bedtime stories are chronicled in the One More Quick Story series of preschool books. Follow her on Instagram @onemorequickstory.

F inancial P ro F essionals Profiles

Chevy Chase Trust

Chevy Chase Trust is an independent, privately owned investment management firm, providing individuals, families and select institutions with a comprehensive, personalized approach to investing and wealth management.

8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 450 McLean, VA 22102 571-622-1200 www.ChevyChaseTrust.com

Q: How does Chevy Chase Trust use Global Thematic Investing in clients’ portfolios?

A: Our overall investment management strategy is Global Thematic Investing. We utilize unique insights to develop balanced, customized portfolios that are designed to limit risk and maximize opportunity. We provide appropriate diversification by integrating five to seven uncorrelated, multisector themes into a multi-theme portfolio. Each portfolio is comprised of 40 to 55 stocks that are diversified across sector, region, market cap and style. Consistent with our process, we keep abreast of changing macroeconomic and financial market developments and adjust our themes and portfolios accordingly.

Q: What differentiates Chevy Chase Trust from the competition?

A: We leverage our extensive knowledge, expertise and creativity to pair our research-

driven investment strategy with world-class service that’s purposefully designed to help clients achieve their financial goals. We manage each client’s portfolio without the pressure to sell products. And because we are privately owned and operated, we have the freedom to match the right resources to each client, concentrate on long-term client objectives instead of quarterly company profits, ignore the constraints of institutionalized money management, and invest in and retain highly qualified professionals and resources.

Our application of Global Thematic Investing allows our clients to capitalize on powerful secular trends, disruptive ideas, innovations and economic forces that are constantly reshaping the world. Our research-driven approach sets us apart. Instead of being confined to narrow industry sub-sectors, our analysts use a forwardlooking lens into transformational shifts across the globe and form strong convictions about their investment decisions.

From left: Jastinder Sohi, CFA, Managing Director; Jessica Frommer, Managing Director; Ramona Mockoviak, Senior Managing Director; Deborah G. Gandy, Senior Managing Director; Quinton Clemm, Vice President; Al Bhatt, Managing Director

Arlington Community Federal Credit Union

Awards/Honors:

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Community Bank 2024

PACEnation, PACESetter Award 2022 Gazette Leader, Best Bank 2023

Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Best Large Business 2019

2130 N. Glebe Road

Arlington, VA 22207-2219

703-526-0200 www.arlingtoncu.org

Q: Why do your clients choose ACFCU?

A: At Arlington Community Federal Credit Union, our passion for empowering our members’ financial lives informs everything we do. It is our mission, every day, to find solutions for our members’ financial needs at every stage of their journey. We are committed to providing remarkable service, supporting our local businesses, and offering the tools and education to empower the financial well-being of our members. When our members prosper, our community thrives.

As a member-owned financial cooperative, ACFCU invests in the products and services that support your dreams—lowrate loans, creative solutions for first-time

borrowers, checking accounts that pay YOU every month, and powerful digital banking services that keep you safe and connected so you can focus on what’s truly important in life.

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 a broad range of topics to enhance financial stability. Our staff passionately gives back through volunteerism, financial counseling in partnership with local organizations and nonprofit board leadership. Community isn’t just part of our name—it’s who we are.

Monument Home Loans

ROBERT MARTINSON, BRANCH MANAGER NMLS #470762

JOE PRENTICE, SALES MANAGER NMLS #1610163

Specialties:

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

4075 Wilson Blvd., Suite 823, Arlington, VA 22203

703-650-7431 | info@monumenthomeloans.com www.monumenthomeloans.com nmlsconsumeraccess.org

This ad is not from HUD, VA or FHA and has not been reviewed or approved by any government agencies.

Q: Why choose Monument Home Loans instead of a bank?

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

Q: What sets Monument Home Loans apart?

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

Sandy Spring Bank

MARCUS PERRY, NMLS #957103

Thirty-year banking professional focused on positively impacting the lives of businesses and individuals across Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland.

11921 Freedom Drive, Suite 250

Reston, VA 20190

703-481-0579

mperry@sandyspringbank.com www.sandyspringbank.com

Q: What does Sandy Spring Bank have to offer its clients?

A: Sandy Spring Bank is a full-service financial company with more than 50 locations. We offer business and personal loans and deposits as well as investment, wealth management and trust services through West Financial, Sandy Spring Bank Trust and Rembert, Pendelton & Jackson. The key to our success for more than 155 years is making every one of our clients know that their business is the most important piece of business we have.

In our capacity as a financial services business, we work with individuals, nonprofits, small-to-medium-size businesses, middle market and large corporate clients who are seeking a bank that is big enough to have a wide variety of sophisticated competitive products and

services, but still small enough to offer outstanding personal service. Every client has a banker who lives and works in our communities. Our team offers customized solutions to meet our clients’ financial objectives.

Q: What made you want to be a banker?

A: I have always had a heart for service and banking was a natural fit for me. Early in my career, I realized the importance of bankers acting as a valuable resource for individuals and businesses. As I have gotten to know my clients more, I have established not only working relationships, but friendships. I have always been happiest in my career when I could help a client work through a challenging situation or when my experience could benefit them when they needed to make strategic plans for their businesses.

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 Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment advisor.

Evermay Wealth Management, LLC (From left): Damon A. White, Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder; Jenny Stewart, Associate Wealth Advisor; Andrew T. Sponaugle, CFP®, Senior Wealth Advisor & Principal; William C. Pitt, IV, President & Co-Founder; Eric J. Schaefer, CFP®, Senior Wealth Advisor & Principal; and Mitchel B. Schlesinger, CFA, Chief Investment Strategist & Senior Portfolio Manager.

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

Q: What’s the first thing clients can expect when they talk with an Evermay Wealth Advisor?

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. 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.

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.

Wendroff and Associates

BRIAN WENDROFF, CPA, MANAGING PARTNER

JORDAN GLAZE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST/ ACCOUNTANT

Awards/Honors

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Accounting Firm 2019, 2021, 2023 Arlington Magazine, Best Places to Work, 2022 Northern Virginia Magazine, Top Financial Professionals 2021, 2023 Washingtonian Magazine, Top Financial Adviser, 2022

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

703-553-1099 | bjwendroff@wendroffcpa.com www.wendroffcpa.com

Q: What made you want to start a CPA business?

A: After recognizing a demand for topnotch tax and accounting services in the D.C. metropolitan area, I took the same entrepreneurial leap that many of our clients take and started my own company in 2006. My goal was never to be just another accounting firm. Instead, I aimed to become a trusted advisor proactively guiding business owners and individuals toward long-term financial success.

I quickly worked to establish Wendroff & Associates as an “Entrepreneur’s CPA” and an expert in technologically advanced accounting systems, being among the first firms nationwide to offer online accounting services and automation solutions. Beyond bookkeeping and tax preparation, we offer CFO consulting, business budgeting and forecasting, accounting automation, and

strategic tax planning services.

Q: What advice do you have for small business owners?

A: As a CPA, I can tell you financial planning is crucial! Be sure to have a detailed, realistic business plan and a working budget and forecast. Consult with experienced accountants for strategic tax planning and to navigate complex tax laws. It’s not about getting bogged down in numbers but understanding how they make or break your business.

As a small business, we also attribute three principles to success. The first is communication: We seek to understand our clients’ needs and effectively communicate solutions. Next is responsiveness: We aim to respond to client inquiries within 1-2 days. Lastly is trustworthiness: We build trust by discussing and meeting client expectations, one goal and service at a time.

TONY

J. LEWIS

The Wise Investor Group

RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC., MEMBER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

Awards/Honors:

Barron’s Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams 2022, Forbes Top Wealth Advisors 2022, Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2022, Forbes Best-In-State Women Advisors 2022, Forbes Top 250 Wealth Advisors 2021, Forbes Best-In-state Wealth Advisors 2021, Northern Virginia magazine Top Financial Professionals 2021, Barron’s Top 1200 Financial Advisors Professionals 2021, Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors 2021

11951 Freedom Drive, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20190 866-758-9473 | wiseinvestorshow@rwbaird.com www.thewiseinvestorgroup.com

Q: What makes your client experience unique?

A: The Wise Investor Group is dedicated to fostering long-lasting relationships with our clients—helping people just like you build a future centered around the things that matter most to your everyday life and future. From relieving financial stress to securing your future, our team is committed to serving your unique needs and goals and helping you navigate whatever life may bring.

We believe strongly in the marriage of portfolio management and financial planning. Every investment decision is made in the context of a written, wellarticulated plan. Frequent interactive client reviews involve both a portfolio manager and planner to make sure we are always working cohesively to meet our client’s goals and objectives. We strive to help our clients remain tethered

to their financial plans and disciplined in their focus while limiting the impact of any short-term headline “noise.”

Q: What piece of advice do you most frequently get asked and what’s your answer?

A: Investors frequently ask, “How much can I spend without running out of money?” To address this, we start with needs-based planning to determine their essential spending and include charitable gifts and family giving as well as other goals. We also factor in tax implications and inflation. On the investment side, we tailor client portfolios to aim for specific return or income needs, balancing risk and reward through asset diversification. Regular portfolio rebalancing and performance reviews help to ensure that clients’ investments remain aligned with their long-term financial goals.

C. Dolan & Associates

CHRISTINE

DOLAN, MBA

Christine is a professional Daily Money Manager with an MBA and over two decades of expertise dedicated to alleviating the financial burdens of busy professionals and individuals.

703-868-8664

christine@cdolanfinancial.com www.cdolanfinancial.com

Q: How do you improve the quality of your clients’ lives?

A: At C. Dolan & Associates, financial peace of mind meets personalized in-home daily money management services. Services are customized for every client’s needs and can include bill payment and management, budgeting, tracking insurance claims, document and tax organizing.

The company will transform your financial paperwork chaos into organized systems, allowing you to focus on what matters most while they handle the details. Solid relationships are built through strong financial and organizational skills, coupled with great patience and a positive demeanor, which creates an environment that puts clients, their families and their professionals at ease.

Q: How does C. Dolan & Associates stand out?

A: What sets us apart is not just our expertise, but our unwavering dedication to understanding our clients’ unique needs. My passion for this work stems from a background deeply rooted in family values. Growing up close to my grandparents, my experiences in ensuring their financial well-being paved the way for my role as an advocate for individuals’ financial organization.

Today, our clients are not just clientele. They are an extension of our family. We take joy in hearing their stories and making a meaningful difference in their lives. There is nothing more rewarding than helping clients discover hidden financial resources and witnessing the sense of relief that comes with balanced and organized accounts. I love what I do, and I look forward to it every day!

Wealth Enhancement Group –Washington Wealth Team

Q: What does the Wealth Enhancement Group bring to its clients?

A: Our team at Wealth Enhancement Group is committed to helping our clients reach their financial goals. Driven by the fiduciary standard of care, our advice is driven by one concern alone—the best interest of our clients. We are a team of dedicated advisors who are committed to sharing financial advice that empowers our clients to make their best decisions in each life stage. We provide financial planning coupled with asset management—based on each client’s unique goals and guided by a personalized investment strategy.

We most often serve busy families, executives, women building wealth and small business owners who have done a solid job with the financial basics. Now,

they are looking for a financial partner to elevate their planning, organize their approach and align their overall investment strategy with their unique goals. We are a trusted partner to each of our niche clients where simplicity and organization are key.

Q: What can working with a financial professional do for me?

A: Life gets complicated. Having a financial partner by your side offering actionable advice to navigate life’s ups and downs can give you confidence in your future. We invite you to talk with us about elevating your financial planning strategy. We want you to be confident in your approach for today with the peace of mind that you are aligned for your tomorrow.

We are now offering complimentary initial consultations—give us a call!

VLP Financial Advisors

8391

703-356-4360 www.vlpfa.com

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.

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.

D’Orazio and Associates

Our approach to financial planning and investment management includes strategic tax planning to ensure you protect and retain a greater portion of your wealth. Tax planning helps minimize your biggest expense and is the most overlooked tool in comprehensive wealth management. We focus on maximizing after-tax returns at every juncture.

7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 460E Falls Church, VA 22043

703-269-3100 | info@dorazioadvisors.com www.dorazioadvisors.com

Q: Who are D’Orazio and Associates’ clients, and what services do you offer them?

A: We serve a broad variety of clients, from C-suite executives and high-net worth households, to working parents with growing families and retirees in drawdown mode.

In addition to traditional investment management and retirement planning services, we offer a wide variety of nontraditional financial services, including strategic tax planning, life and disability insurance needs analysis, education funding analysis, and estate planning review and analysis. Our advisors help clients achieve their financial goals by providing personalized solutions and strive to build lasting relationships with our clients based on trust and transparency. Our goal is to create and implement a comprehensive strategy for our clients to help navigate the complexities

of finance and ultimately achieve a secure financial future.

Q: What makes your client experience unique?

A: We offer a team-based, departmentalized approach to wealth management, where our clients interact with all members of our team. We tackle complex questions and topics through collaboration across departments. Our talented team of financial professionals see recommendations all the way through from formulation to implementation. Our client’s best interest is at the north star for our entire business, and we strive to nurture enduring multi-generational relationships. This is what we enjoy most about our work—we know that by seeing our clients achieve their goals, we’ve had a positive impact on their lives. We love getting into the weeds—it’s not enough to provide recommendations and walk away—we get things done for our clients.

From left: Andrew T. Eskelsen, CFA®; David B. Trenner, CFP®; Jennifer D. VanLandingham, CFP®; Jeremy L. Meek, CFP®

Campbell Wealth Management

We are Barron’s top 10 in Virginia, top 1200 in the United States, manage $1B+ in client assets and consistently achieve 98 - 99% client retention. Campbell Wealth Management’s chairman and CEO Kelly Campbell put it best: “People come to us for retirement confidence, and they stay with us because we deliver it.”

330 John Carlyle St., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-535-5300 | Kellyc@campbellwealth.com www.campbellwealth.com

Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Aecurities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Campbell Wealth Management, Inc (CWM), a registered investment advisor. MAS and CWM are not affiliated entities. Barron’s America’s top 1,200 Financial Advisor rankings are based on data provided by around 6,000 of the nation’s most productive advisors. The accolade is not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance.

Q: How do you help your clients prepare for retirement?

A: We have been teaching people how to retire for 20 years, helping them make the best decisions. Answering the most important retirement questions is the key:

• Do I have enough money to retire?

• Is my portfolio set up for a good return and to provide income when I need it, without taking on too much risk?

• Am I paying too much in taxes?

• Will my spouse be OK if I die or vice versa?

Who can I trust to help me make all the right retirement decisions? If you can answer these questions, 90% of your fears go away.

Q: How do you help your clients develop total retirement confidence?

A: Client confidence comes from our

Right on Retirement (ROR) proprietary process. It consists of four steps: build, plan, protect and reset.

Build: We work with you to build a picture of your ultimate retirement.

Plan: Once you know what you want, we help you put together a plan to achieve it.

Protect: Regarding long-term planning, there is always risk. We work with you to build a protection strategy to limit downside or negative impacts.

Reset: Each year, we go back and review your outcomes, make any changes and then go through the process again.

Campbell Wealth Management’s ROR is designed to get you on track for your ultimate retirement and then to keep you on track to achieving all your retirement goals. This is how our clients get retirement right.

Spring Financial Group

OF WELLS FARGO ADVISORS

Bill Dunn, Managing Director–Investments, Senior PIM Portfolio Manager

Ali Ganjian, CFP®, First Vice President Shahin Halali, Senior Client Associate

1650 Tysons Blvd., Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102 703-827-7631

Bill.Dunn@wfadvisors.com

Ali.Ganjian@wfadvisors.com www.SpringFinancialGrp.com

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Investment and Insurance Products: Not FDIC Insured No Bank Guarantee May Lose Value PM-05012025-60667516.1.1

Q: How do you help your clients achieve their goals?

A: The mission of Spring Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors is to ensure our clients feel more confident that their financial house is in order and their investments are well positioned to help achieve their objectives. Our team aspires to be an exceptional sounding board, advocate, advisor and professional resource connector to our clients through the arc of their financial lives. Ali Ganjian and I each bring extensive and diverse professional backgrounds to serve each client collaboratively to ensure the client’s investment, retirement and legacy planning is comprehensive. Our job is to ask “what-if” questions and assess possible solutions amid good times so clients don’t face a crisis and say “I wish I would have known or thought about

that.” Our goal is to ensure our clients’ decisions preserve financial optionality— the hallmark of independence.

Q: What distinguishes your service?

A: We follow the “Golden Rule” by being proactive advisors helping to identify and deliberate financial options along life’s path. We value the importance of independent thinking and straight forward communication. As a portfolio manager, we invest our clients’ assets as we invest our personal assets to the extent objectives overlap—rather than farm out accounts to firm or third-party model managers with 15-20 mutual funds. All investment advice, tax strategies, estate planning strategies and insurance advice will be based on the information you provide to us and will be in your best interest.

The ever-popular “messtival” event at Congressional Camp in Falls Church lets kids turn their counselors into sundaes.

ARLINGTON 2024

Our annual roundup of all things awesome returns! Readers and editors name their favorites in 66 categories, from cocktails to coffee shops, day spas to day camps and a whole lot more.

Restaurant in McLean Aracosia

aracosiamclean.com

This fragrant and hospitable chophouse devoted to Afghan cuisine is the true definition of a family business. Sofia Masroor and her husband, Omar, run the place, and four of their five children work here, too. (The youngest, at age 11, is a bit too young to be on the payroll.) All of the recipes at their three restaurants—the other two are in D.C. and Springfield— were passed down by the owners’ mothers. “Our guests are treated like family,” Sofia says. Begin a meal with warm flatbread and a trio of dips, then move on to dishes like pumpkin dumplings with garlic yogurt and mint, or a stew of slowcooked lamb shank simmered for three hours. For a taste of everything, order the mezze-style sampler, and be sure to save room for pistachio ricotta cake for dessert. The menu is a carnivore’s paradise but has just as many tempting options for vegetarians. –Adele Chapin

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Amoo’s Restaurant, J. Gilbert’s, McLean Family Restaurant, Tachibana, Wren

READER PICK

Rice pudding with cardamom and pistachios at Aracosia

Top: Mantu (spicy beef dumplings with yogurt)

Coffee Shop

Northside Social

Northside Social’s Clarendon location turns 14 in April—but the vision behind the coffee shop is unchanged. “We wanted it to be modeled on the old-fashioned idea of a coffeehouse, where there are people having lengthy conversations,” says Stephen Fedorchak, one of the partners with parent company Liberty Restaurant Group. Today, Northside has a second outpost in Falls Church, which, like its sister, offers creative café fare, house-made pastries and a roomy, pet-friendly patio. You’ll find Counter Culture Coffee brewing at both spots and providing a proper buzz in specialty drinks such as a pumpkin spice latte made with anti-inflammatory ashwagandha, sarsaparilla root and maple syrup infused with real pumpkin. –Adele Chapin

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Compass Coffee, Idido’s Coffee & Social House, Kaldi’s Social House, La Coop Coffee, Rare Bird Coffee Roasters

EDITOR PICK

Outdoor Dining Oasis Water Park at National Landing

nlwaterpark.com

Tucked between Crystal Drive and the Mount Vernon Trail, Water Park has made a big splash since its October debut, but there are no waterslides or wave pools here—it’s not that kind of park. Instead, visitors can relax amid beautiful landscaping and soothing water features while enjoying a veritable smorgasbord of food and beverage options, from Indian dosas, New York-style pizza and plant-based burgers to tiki drinks and curry noodles. Some 11 restaurants and kiosks are

represented, nine of which are small businesses with minority and women owners. The open-air Water Bar, perched atop an infinity fountain with a cascading waterfall, is a cool spot for a plate of oysters and a proper cocktail. “People seem to be really enjoying it,” says Kai Reynolds, chief development officer at JBG Smith, which developed the 1.6-acre space. “The vendors are telling us their sales are higher than expected.” The word is out. –Stephanie Kanowitz

Food kiosks at Water Park

Mango sticky rice from Tiki Thai

Water Bar at night

New Restaurant Ellie Bird

elliebirdva.com

After earning a Michelin star at their upscale D.C. restaurant, Rooster & Owl, Falls Church natives Yuan and Carey Tang returned to their hometown to open a second eatery, which Carey calls “a cooler, calmer version of Rooster & Owl, still very chef-driven, still seasonal, but a bit more family-friendly.” Here, the wildly creative dishes by chef Yuan include a belly-warming soup that marries Vietnamese pho with cheesy French onion, and a riff on Thai larb gai featuring fried oysters dredged in a KFC-inspired spice blend. Ellie Bird also does brunch—a first for the husband-and-wife duo—with unique options such as a dramatic omelet served over kimchi fried rice and a boozy cocktail version of bright purple, ube-flavored bubble tea. –Adele Chapin

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Chicken + Whiskey, Hawkers

Asian Street Food, Our Mom Eugenia, Pirouette Café & Wine Shop, Seamore’s

Starr Hill Biergarten at The Perch Wilson Hardware READER PICK

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Dogwood Tavern Don Tito

Dudley’s Sport and Ale

Salmon poke with avocado and charred pineapple at Ellie Bird

READER PICKS

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Ballston Local Fire Works

The Italian Store

Lost Dog Café

Old Dominion Pizza Co.

Pie-tanza

TACOS Taco Bamba

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Bartaco

District Taco

El Rey

La Tingeria

Taco Rock

Tortas Y Tacos

La Chiquita

VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN True Food Kitchen

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Busboys and Poets

Extreme Pizza

Galaxy Hut

Lebanese Taverna

Loving Hut

Troy’s Italian Kitchen

READER

Sandwiches

The Italian Store

italianstore.com

The Italian Store sells hard-to-find wines and at least 50 different cuts of pasta at its Westover and Lyon Village shops, but many devotees come for the Philly-style subs packed with ingredients like imported mortadella, prosciutto and provolone. The bestseller is the Milano, made with provolone, Genoa salami and two Italian hams, one of which is crusted with black peppercorn. The lengthy sandwich menu also has typical deli offerings—think tuna salad and turkey—alongside hot subs such as chicken parm or a meatball hoagie inspired by the recipe of owner Robert Tramonte’s mother. Grab a premade sandwich from the basket on the counter or (pro tip) call ahead to order your own custom creation. –Adele Chapin

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Ballston Local, Earl’s Sandwiches, Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen, Lost Dog Café, Poppyseed Rye

A Milano sub with sweet peppers at The Italian Store

– The Hurleys

READER PICKS

COSMETIC SURGEON

Jonathan Cabin

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

George Bitar

James Economides

Talal Munasifi

DERMATOLOGIST

Courtney Herbert

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Aaron Fuchs

Isabela Jones

Margaret Kopelman

Michelle Rivera

Lily Talakoub

Marjan Yousefi

CHILD THERAPY

Child & Family Associates of Greater Washington

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

The Child & Family Practice of Washington DC

Duffy Counseling Center

The Helix Center

Catherine McCarthy, MD

Metropolitan Psychological Services

Think Happy Live

Healthy

Health

READER PICK

Orthodontist

TBraces

tbraces.com

Orthodontics is both a science and an art, says Hani Thariani, owner of TBraces: “The art of it is the aesthetic, the balance, the proportions, how a certain smile fits a certain face, and the science, of course, is behind all the movements and mechanics.” A Harvard grad, Thariani joined an Arlington practice in 1994 that he eventually took over. Today, he and Vincent Boyle, who joined the practice in 2021, see about 65 patients per day, ranging in age from 6 to 90, at their Arlington and Herndon offices. “We always make our patients feel like we’re treating them as we treat our own family,” Boyle says. Smiles result. –Stephanie Kanowitz

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Berman & Massoud, Deirdre Maull Orthodontics, Iverson and Wahab Orthodontics, Northern Virginia Orthodontics, VCO Orthodontics

Orthopedic Surgeon David Romness

orthovirginia.com

David Romness specializes in hip and knee replacement and arthritis treatment at the Arlington and McLean-Tysons offices of OrthoVirginia, the commonwealth’s largest provider of orthopedic care. High treatment success rates are what drew him to the field. “My goal is to help people get better,” says the Arlington native, “and I get to see that a lot.” The medical specialty also seems to run in the family: His father, brother and one brother-in-law are also orthopedic surgeons. In addition to seeing about 100 patients and performing 10 to 14 surgeries per week, Romness is a clinical assistant professor at Georgetown University’s School of Medicine and volunteers with the Arlington Free Clinic. –Stephanie Kanowitz

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Christopher Annunziata, Anthony Avery, Matthew Buchanan, Steven Danaceau, Ronald Paik, Kevin Sumida, Clay Wellborn

EDITOR PICK

Indoor Rock Climbing

Movement

Crystal City

movementgyms.com/crystal-city

At Movement, it’s not unusual to see Nico Combs clinging to a wall, upside down, parallel to the floor. The 16-year-old Wakefield High School student is a coach and competitive climber at the colorful and airy facility, which boasts more than 350 indoor climbing “routes” and bouldering challenges inside a 35,000-square-foot space less than a half-mile

from the Crystal City Metro stop. Formerly known as Earth Treks, Movement also offers fitness and climbing classes, a yoga studio, full gym and gear shop. But what Combs likes best is the community. “I have always been impressed,” he says, “with how many cool and interesting people could be packed into a niche hobby.” –Kim O’Connell

MICHAEL HECKER

Getting a grip at Movement

Nail Salon

Keen

keenself.care

There are no acrylics, gel UV lamps or foot soaking tubs at Sam Moss’ waterless nail salon in Clarendon. Keen’s 14 technicians use all nontoxic products, warm towels, a house-made sugar scrub and a custom scent from aromatherapy purveyor Sydney Hale Co. The most popular service in the minimalist studio—where a vibey Spotify playlist replaces the usual elevator music—is the Extra Pedicure, which includes a hot stone treatment. There are mani-pedi services for kiddos 12 and under, too. Inspired by the clean

makeup movement, Moss coined the idea for the eco-conscious business, which opened in June 2022, during her first pregnancy. Says the Arlington mom: “I really just created a brand that I would want to go to.” –Stephanie Kanowitz

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Hollywood Nails & Spa, Kosmo Nail Bar, Mint Nail Lounge, Nails 2000, Nothing in Between Studio, Yorktown Nails

Keen owner Sam Moss

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Eyes on Skin Spa, Nothing in Between Studio, Nova Therapeutic Massage, Origins Thai Spa, The Teal Center READER PICK

Azure Dream Day Spa

azuredreamspa.com

Leila Espari spent 16 years working in someone else’s spa before she decided to open her own. In 2010, she rented a 1,400-square-foot space in Courthouse and began offering med-spa, facial and hair removal services. Today, the cozy and personable retreat she operates with business partner Arash Hosseinzadeh welcomes about 500 clients per week to a three-story building in Ballston, where the menu of services has expanded to include massage, body treatments, hair and nail care, permanent makeup and a brow and lash bar. “We treat all people equally,” says Espari, who was born in Iran. “It doesn’t matter what gender they are, what color they are, ethnicity… I think everybody feels welcome.” –Stephanie Kanowitz

The art of relaxation at Azure Dream Day Spa

Photographer: Christy Kosnic Photography

Method Fitness

methodstrong.com

During the pandemic, Method’s one-on-one training approach was ideal for clients steering clear of group workouts, says owner Aryan Siahpoushan, who opened his 1,500-square-foot gym on Langston Boulevard mid-Covid in February 2021. Four months later, he bought a neighboring space and doubled the size of the business, which specializes in personal training and nutrition counseling. Today, his expert staff of 14 trainers and a dietitian continue to work with clients at any point in their fitness journey. Rather than following any sort of exercise template, they take what Siahpoushan calls a “blank canvas approach” with each individual. “We’re able to determine what works best for that person,” he says. –Stephanie Kanowitz

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Ballston CrossFit, Gold’s Gym, Onelife Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, VIDA Fitness Ballston

Personal trainer Aryan Siahpoushan with a client at Method Fitness

READER PICK

Tattoo Studio

Rick’s Tattoos

rickstattoostudio.com

After 40 years on Langston Boulevard, Virginia’s oldest tattoo parlor recently relocated to Falls Church when its Arlington landlord sold the building. Owner Rick Cherry, whose career in ink began 53 years ago, says he feels like he’s getting a brand-new start. “It gave us the opportunity to expand,” he says of the move. You can now find five tattoo artists (and counting) at the studio’s new home in Bailey’s Crossroads, along with shiny new equipment, more space and easier parking. What hasn’t changed is the philosophy that’s made Rick’s a trusted go-to for body art—from full-sleeve botanicals and old-school pinup designs to deeply personal symbolism—for four decades. “People like to be treated with respect. We give them a real good price and the best tattoo that we’re capable of giving,” says Cherry. The proof is in the repeat business. “I’ve had customers bring their grandkids for me to tattoo.”

–Adele Chapin

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTER: Lady Octopus Tattoos

Tattoo artist Zak Warren with client Jessica Kipouros at Rick’s Tattoos

Home

Call Handy Manny’s for a paint job and the first person you speak with is likely to be co-owner Chrissy Bistline-Bonilla—which is sort of nice, since you’re probably a woman, too. Women make up about 80% of callers, says the Arlington smallbusiness owner, whose husband, Manny (the operation’s namesake), is usually out on job sites with his crew. “It’s nice to talk to another woman and not feel like you’re going to get mansplained,” she quips. Bistline-Bonilla is no stranger to hustle. She can count on one hand the number of days she and her husband haven’t had work for the four painters they employ. The company has had zero worker turnover since it launched in 2019. –Susan Anspach

Handy Manny’s co-owner Manny Bonilla

Real Estate Agent

Michelle Sagatov

wfp.com

Michelle Sagatov doesn’t just know her market. She lives and breathes it, having resided in 11 different Arlington County neighborhoods over the past 22 years—a side effect of being married to a builder/remodeler who likes to live in the houses he is transforming. So it squares that 80% of her business is in Arlington, though any slice of the pie would be a generous one. The agent for Washington Fine Properties can claim $300 million in lifetime sales to her name, as well as a list-to-sold price ratio of 100.1%. Sagatov is often sought after as part and parcel of the team she comprises with her husband, Yuri. “When you hire me, you get him, too,” she says, referencing her spouse’s ability to offer a third-party opinion on a home inspection report, or to advise on a home’s remodeling potential—including estimated price tags—whether the wish list involves a screened-in porch or kitchen renovation. –Susan Anspach

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Patty Couto, Donna Hamaker, Liz Lord, Keri O’Sullivan, Lauren Reardon, Natalie Roy, Eli Tucker, Katie Wethman, Dawn Wilson

Michelle Sagatov

READER PICKS

REMODELER

TriVistaUSA Design + Build

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Alair Homes

Atlas Moran Construction

Bowers Design Build

Case Architects & Remodelers

Heartland Design and Remodeling

Sagatov Design+Build

TREE CARE AND REMOVAL

Bartlett Tree Experts

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Dad’s Tree Service

Davey

JL Tree Service

SavATree

READER PICK

Interior Designer

Mira Jean Designs

mirajeandesigns.com

“I feel like my home is the best version of my home—my home, but better,” gushed one client after hiring designer Kate Hougen to give her place a refresh. Hougen, the talent behind Mira Jean Designs, chalks it up to her collaborative and budget-minded approach. Rather than scrapping everything and starting over, she often finds ways to incorporate a client’s existing furniture and art into the redesign—though the designer’s own spirited lines of wallpaper and textiles (picture fields of pink tiaras, Bernese mountain dogs or delicate cherry blossoms) often make their way into the homes of those with an affinity for color and pattern. Hougen offers one-hour consultations that make her services accessible to anyone interested. Lately, she says, the work-fromhome trend has sparked demand for bedrooms that double as functional workspaces. “The work I do is not just about a pretty picture,” she says. “How are they using that space?” –Susan Anspach

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

BraePark Design, KPH Studio, Manlove and Company Interiors, Samara Interiors, Susan Sutter Interiors, Whittington Design Studio

A serene bedroom by Mira Jean Designs

Education & Family

Pet Boarding

Fur-Get Me Not

furgetmenot.com

The daily schedule at Fur-Get Me Not almost sounds more like a preschool than a dog boarding facility: It includes free playtime, activity sessions, lunch, potty breaks and rest times. Dogs and their owners love it, which is why the canine-centered day care, boarding and training facility is now celebrating its 23rd year in business. Fur-Get Me Not recently underwent a huge remodel to double the size of its multibuilding facility.

“I think one of the standouts is that we really treat each dog as an individual,” says owner Tammy Rosen, who

got her start as a dog trainer. Her latest innovation is an “enrichment school,” complete with dog training and nature walks on Arlington trails. –Adele Chapin

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Bark + Boarding, Country Club Kennels, District Dogs, Dogtopia, Dude’s Dog House, Old Dominion Animal Health Center, Olde Towne Pet Resort, Playful Pack

Playtime for pups at Fur-Get Me Not

Fun on Wheels

Saturday Skate Night

arlingtonva.us/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks-events/ skate-night

Come winter, one of the hottest places in town isn’t a club. It’s the Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center. On Saturday evenings from late October through March, people of all ages and backgrounds don roller skates and boogie around TJ’s indoor track to a mix of DJ-spun tunes. Skate rentals are available, as are skate “walkers” for newbies still finding their groove, and a snack bar and moon bounce round out the offerings. In addition to being a fun place to hang out with friends and people-watch, Gunston Middle School student Max Ruckh says, “It helped my skating skills a ton.” And with an admission price of just $2 (plus $3 for skate rentals) it’s a bargain. –Kim O’Connell

PRIVATE

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Bishop Ireton High School Flint Hill Gonzaga College High School

The Madeira School

The Potomac School

St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School

The Sycamore School

Veritas Collegiate Academy

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Cindy Kane Photography Donna Owens Photography Rachel E.H. Photography

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Camps Airy & Louise Camp Rim Rock Camp Tockwogh Camp Varsity READER PICKS

EDITOR PICK

READER PICKS

TUTORING SERVICE

MLS Educational Consultants

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: The StudyPro

Tutoring Club of McLean

Zee Tutoring

VETERINARIAN Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Arlington Animal Hospital

Ballston Animal Hospital

Caring Hands

Animal Hospital

Clarendon Animal Care

McLean Animal Hospital

Northside

Veterinary Clinic

Suburban Animal Hospital

KIDS’ HAIRCUTS Westover Barber Shop

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Chesterbrook Barber

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids

READER PICK

Summer Day Camp

Congressional Camp

congocamp.org

Imagine a day packed full of archery, crafts, nature walks and all the idyllic activities you might find in a summer camp located hours away from the bustle of the DMV. At “Congo Camp” (the shorthand used by those in the know), kids ages 4 to 14 can enjoy many of the activities of a traditional overnight camp without leaving Northern Virginia. The Sleepy Hollow campus in Falls Church is located on 40 acres, which means there’s room for everything from horseback riding or zip-lining off a three-sided climbing tower to jumping in a new, tricked-out swimming pool. The camp does field trips, too, such as kayaking on the Potomac. “For a large number of families, we’re part of their summer tradition,” says camp director Dan O’Neil. –Adele Chapin

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Calleva, Camp Kids Place, Camp Sarraka, Knights of Columbus Summer Camp, MoCA Arlington Summer Camp, Social Grace Summer Camp, Steve & Kate’s Camp, Summer@Potomac, TIC Summer Camp, YMCA Arlington Summer Camp

Happy campers at Congressional Camp in Falls Church

Since 1990, we have had a passionate focus on exceeding client expectations. Winning awards for excellence in designing and building home renovations has been great, but the true measure of our success is happy clients... long after their project is completed. Our on-staff architects, interior designers, and craftsmen with decades of experience are dedicated to helping you re-create your home. Contact us today and discover why over 30% of our business is with repeat clients.

Fine Jewelry

Dominion Jewelers

dominionjewelers.com

Picturing a personalized locket or a chunky emerald ring with an unusual setting that you have yet to find anywhere on the market? With more than 20 goldsmiths on staff, Dominion Jewelers can turn just about any gemstone dream into reality—“as long as it’s within the realm of physics,” jokes Rachelle Barimany, chief operations and financial officer for the familyowned business founded in 1985. If you can imagine it,

chances are they can make it. One of the shop’s particular specialties is transforming heirloom jewelry into modern pieces that feel fresh while retaining their sentimental meaning. A local gem, indeed. –Adele Chapin

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Ascot Diamonds, Boone & Sons Jewelers, Pavé Jewelers, Sacramento Jewelers READER PICK

A cuff bracelet by Dominion Jewelers

READER PICKS

APPLIANCE STORE

ABW

Appliances

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Bray & Scarff

Glebe Radio & Appliances

BOUTIQUE IN ARLINGTON

Lemoncello

Boutique

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Covet

Current Boutique

Gossip

Le Village Marché

Trade Roots

Two the Moon

The Urban Farmhouse

FLORIST

Company

Flowers & Gifts Too!

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Botanologica

Flowers & Plants, Etc.

Full Bloom

Galleria Florist

Stem & Thistle

Twin Towers

Florist

READER PICK

Boutique in McLean

The Preppy Pink Pony

@thepreppypinkpony on Instagram

You can add a monogram to just about anything for sale at The Preppy Pink Pony, including baby gifts, tote bags, key chains and ponchos—or bring in your own items to have them personalized. Owner Virginia Kennedy got her start selling ribbon belts and other preppy items out of the trunk of her car during her daughter’s horse shows and, before long, she had her own storefront. For 16 years, this McLean boutique has been the neighborhood place to score fabulous hostess gifts. –Adele Chapin

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Fashion Exchange Consignment, Le Village Marché, Mesmeralda’s Gifts, Treasure Trove

J. MICHAEL WHALEN

Virginia Kennedy, owner of The Preppy Pink Pony

Thank You ,

BEST REMODELER & BEST KITCHEN-BATH DESIGNER

Since 1986, Heartland Design and Remodeling have be en committed to helping homeowners transform their houses into thei r dream homes. Our on-staff architect, designers, production team, and craftsmen with decades of experience are dedicated to delivering a seamless process and high-quality results while engaging clients thr ough every step of the project. Let’s work together to bring your vision f or your home to life!

READER PICKS

FRAMING SHOP KH Art & Framing

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Art & Framing Club

Framebridge Frameworks

McLean Custom

Framing

Sterling Picture

Framing

RUNNING

OTHER

READER PICK

Boutique in Falls Church

Botanologica

botanologica.com

OTHER

Kinder Haus Toys

One, Two Kangaroo Toys!

Tucked inside a little pink house in the heart of The Little City, this verdant shop is a plant paradise, and proprietor Sarah Langan Orrison fancies herself a matchmaker of sorts. “You have to figure out the right plant for the right person,” says the shopkeeper, whose inventory includes everything from low-maintenance ZZ plants to TikTok-trendy Pink Princess philodendrons, as well as a curated selection of jewelry, home accessories and garden tools. Orrison herself was the perfect match for Botanologica when its previous owners, Holly Manon and Julie Liu, announced a year ago that they were selling the boutique on West Broad Street. A devoted and longtime customer, she jumped at the chance to buy it. “It’s a dream come true,” says Orrison, who is now celebrating her first anniversary hosting workshops and selling houseplants, gifts and seasonal bouquets composed of vibrant blooms from local farms. “It feels good that the shop is living on and people still love it,” she says, “because I love it.” –Adele Chapin

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Lemon Lane Consignment, New to You, Stylish Patina

Gift-worthy greenery and fresh-cut bouquets at Botanologica

Arlington Civitan Open Air Market

arlington-fleamarket.com

From Fiestaware and 1940s bowler hats to gilded frames for your favorite artwork, this community flea market has it all on the first Saturday of every month from April through November. Starting before dawn, more than 150 vendors set out their wares on four levels of the sprawling 20,000-square-foot I-66 parking garage off North Stafford Street next to Washington-Liberty High School. The market routinely draws more than 1,200 bargain hunters searching for treasure, and vendors from as far away as Pennsylvania and Delaware pay $20 to rent a space, which the Arlington Civitan Club contributes to local charitable organizations, many of which serve people with developmental disabilities. –Barbara Ruben

Vintage finds at Arlington’s largest flea market

Best Rest

Live Theater

Signature Theatre

sigtheatre.org

Signature’s creative team had a lot of pentup energy during Covid. Now they’re popping corks with a rollicking and ambitious lineup of musical theater productions, both classic and groundbreaking. The current production of Ragtime boasts a cast of 32— plus 16 in the orchestra—all for a theater of just 275 seats. In February, the Tony Awardwinning venue will stage the world premiere of Private Jones, a musical based on a true story about a deaf World War I sniper—with deaf, hard of hearing and hearing actors and creative team members. “Who they’re for and who they’re about,” says managing director Maggie Boland. “It will raise those questions about musicals.” As to who they’re for, the answer is becoming increasingly clear for the theater helmed by artistic director Matthew Gardiner: more people than ever. Post pandemic, Signature has welcomed a wave of new audiences. For the season that ended last June, 50% of audience members were folks who had never attended before. –Susan Anspach

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Capital One Hall, Creative Cauldron, Synetic Theater

READER PICKS

LOCAL BAND

Collective

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Champagne Velvet Curtis Knocking Ladywood Manther

Relaxed Fit

CAR WASH

Mr Wash Car Wash

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Flagship Carwash

Sonic Soft Car Wash

Yates Car Wash

WEDDING-EVENT PLANNER

Sara Franklin, Social Scene Events

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Margo Fischer, Bright Occasions

Anne Kelley Events & Design

Jeannette Tavares, Evoke Design & Creative Art Gallery

Lady Liberty stretches out on her side, crowned head propped in one hand, in the installation called Reclining Liberty on the front lawn of MoCA Arlington. Visitors can sit on the sculpture and take photos. That’s exactly what artist Zaq Landsberg intended in “bringing Liberty’s ideals down to the viewer,” says the museum and gallery’s executive director, Catherine Anchin. The 25-foot-long public art piece, on display through July, is just the latest example of how the art space in Virginia Square is reaching out to bring the community in. MoCA Arlington also offers art classes for everyone from toddlers to adults, studio space for resident artists, and galleries showcasing a revolving range of works by artists both local and international. Formerly known as the Arlington Arts Center, the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024 and is opening a second location in January at Amazon’s Metropolitan Park to house a museum store and more studios and classes. –Barbara Ruben

EDITOR PICK

Reclining Liberty by Zaq Landsberg

Family Law Practice

Bean, Kinney & Korman

beankinney.com

In the area of family law, Bean, Kinney & Korman is not a litigation-first firm—yet the percentage of family law cases going to trial has risen dramatically in recent years. Stress levels and instances of abuse escalated during the pandemic, and the after-effects have been palpable. “If someone was being unfaithful or physically violent, that didn’t not happen during Covid,” says Christian Lapham, one of the firm’s eight family-law attorneys. “It was at people’s doorsteps all the time.” So it’s understandable how an

attorney like Lapham might come to view his job as 75% law, 25% psychology. This requires a delicate tap dance in Arlington, given that many of the firm’s lawyers live in the county and are personally acquainted with the schools and teachers who may be called as third-party witnesses in custody disputes. Tact and discretion are paramount. “There’s no other firm like it,” says Lapham, “in terms of being so deeply embedded in the community.” –Susan Anspach

OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:

Complete Health Begins With Oral Health

Blankingship & Keith, Mullett Dove & Bradley Family Law, Schmergel & Mersberger, Surovell Isaacs & Levy Dr. Michael Rogers (703) 671-1001

The rooftop at Bean, Kinney & Korman’s offices in Courthouse

Deadliest Dose

In the summer of 2018, after a day at the beach, George woke up in the hospital. He had no idea where he was or how long he had been unconscious. That’s when doctors gave him the news that he had overdosed. The drug in his system: fentanyl.

It was a surprise to him because that’s not what he thought he was using.

“They told me after they drug tested me. I didn’t come up for anything else except fentanyl,” says George (last name withheld). Today he is speaking out to help others avoid the same fate, or worse. “I thought I was invincible, but it could’ve killed me,” he says. “I’m lucky I get to live another day.”

By the time George OD’d at age 24, he had been using drugs for many years. He started in high school, using marijuana a few times a week. Eventually, his inclination to self-medicate expanded to harder drugs, including heroin. But he never meant to use fentanyl.

It’s a familiar story for those on the

Teens don’t always know what’s in the drugs they’re using. The pill they think is Oxy or Xanax could contain fentanyl—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

BY HELEN PARTRIDGE ILLUSTRATION BY JESS LEMON

lines of the opioid epidemic. Highly deadly fentanyl is now hidden in nearly every illegal drug on the market— whether the user is aware of it or not.

George’s near-death experience was a wake-up call that sent him to Recovery Unplugged, a monthlong outpatient rehabilitation facility in Annandale. Now 29, he’s five years clean and has a steady job in Tysons. He considers his story a cautionary tale.

“It’s no joke nowadays,” he says. “The way I look at it, if I ever went back out and started using again, there’s a good chance I’d die.”

George was a habitual drug user. But as many families have tragically discovered, you don’t have to be an addict to be killed by fentanyl. All it takes is one mistake—a single moment of experimentation or one counterfeit pill—to end a life. Opioids are now the

No. 1 cause of accidental death in the U.S., killing more people than guns or car crashes, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Drug overdoses have killed more than 100,000 people per year for the last two years. It is the worst addiction epidemic in American history. In October 2017, the opioid crisis was officially declared a public health emergency.

The main culprit is fentanyl.

Originally developed in 1959 for medical use, fentanyl is an FDA-approved prescription drug—a synthetic opioid most often used to treat postsurgical pain or patients with advanced cancer. Because the drug is cheap and easy to make, it is also manufactured and sold illegally.

Unlike marijuana and heroin, which are derived from plant crops, man-made fentanyl doesn’t require farmland, paid laborers or water. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) says a counterfeit pill can be made for as little as 10 cents

front

■ deadliest dose

and sold for as much as $30—a massive profit margin. It’s also highly addictive, ensuring that buyers will come back for more. As a result, dealers are now lacing illegal drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines and heroin with fentanyl.

Perhaps most dangerous of all, they are also using it to make counterfeit prescription pills that look like Percocet, Xanax or Oxycontin.

The result is a crisis that does not discriminate. Opioid deaths are striking people of all ethnicities, races and socioeconomic backgrounds, across the nation and here in Northern Virginia.

MCLEAN RESIDENTS Karen and Forrest Stieg have been dedicated to erasing the stigma of mental illness and drug addiction ever since they lost their son Drew to an accidental overdose in March 2023, one month before his 21st birthday. The death of the well-known and outwardly successful 20-year-old rocked the community. Close to 1,400 people attended his memorial service.

Drew Stieg was a good student and a

star outfielder, recruited by George Mason University to play Division 1 baseball. Before his graduation from McLean High School in 2020, he earned all-district and all-region baseball honors.

“During that time, though, he was dealing with mental health issues. He began to self-medicate—starting with prescribed ADHD meds,” Karen says.

Drew was open with his parents about his struggles. He came to them for support and sought professional help, starting in high school. After his freshman year of college, he left campus, spent half a year in rehab, and then entered a sobriety house. But his addiction had him in a firm grip. In trying to deal with his mental health issues, he continued to self-medicate. He started obtaining substances online—on the dark web, on Snapchat, on Discord and other easy access portals, not believing the pills he was ordering might be laced with harder and more dangerous substances.

The Stieg family is now on a journey of advocacy. Intent on helping oth-

ers, they founded the Drew Stieg Aspiring Wellness Program, a nonprofit that seeks to build awareness about mental health and substance use, share resources and foster wellness in McLean and its surrounding communities.

“Drew fought hard to be well,” Karen says. “He wanted to battle the mental health and addiction issues he faced. He fought to be the best version of himself and we needed to honor him in that way. He was a leader, and he was a mentor to a lot of other kids.”

“He wanted to feel better,” Forrest adds. “He wanted to be better. He told us this. He told us he did not want to die. We started the program to keep shining his bright light and to offer others hope.”

A lethal dose of fentanyl is roughly the equivalent of 10 to 15 grains of table salt.

Below: Rainbow fentanyl pills that look like candy

The Stiegs urge parents to pay attention. “Today’s children and young adults face pressures that we didn’t experience,” they wrote in an email. “They have easy access to things that can cause them harm. We need to be familiar with the signs of mental health issues and substance use disorder. These are not choices; they are diseases and they need to be treated as such.”

People are still afraid to talk about addiction, Karen says. “They are afraid to be judged. Talking about it is important. There cannot be judgment. We need to offer grace and allow people to feel safe. It’s complex and hard to navigate. Talking about it allows you to tap into people who may be experiencing similar situations and open doors to resources, education and the simple feeling [that] you aren’t alone.”

TEEN OVERDOSES are a growing problem in Northern Virginia. Arlington County police say there were 10 juvenile drug overdoses in Arlington between January and October of 2023, two of which were fatal. (Fairfax County saw 14 fatal and 109 non-fatal juvenile opioid overdoses in the same time period.)

One of the Arlington deaths was 14-year-old Sergio Flores, who died after overdosing in a Wakefield High School bathroom. Four other students were also reportedly treated by medics on the scene and survived.

In March, several Washington-Liberty students overdosed outside Ballston Quarter. Three months later, two teens were found unconscious and foaming at the mouth in a car near Crossroads Center in Falls Church. Police administered CPR and several doses of Narcan. One of the teens, just 16, died and the other survived.

In September, another Wakefield student, Jorge Chavarria Rodriguez, was found dead in an apartment building. Drugs were suspected. Later that month, two teen girls overdosed on fentanyl inside Wakefield High School. They were treated with Narcan, according to county police, and both recovered.

In November, after Loudoun County Public Schools saw a string of suspected student overdoses (many involving fentanyl) across six schools, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order requiring Virginia school districts to inform parents when overdoses occur on school grounds.

The DEA has issued warnings about a sharp nationwide increase in the lethality of counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl.

“I’ve been doing this job for 20 years. This is the deadliest drug I’ve ever seen in my entire career,” says Jarod Forget, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Washington Division, which covers D.C., Maryland and Virginia. He says the drugs coming into Arlington and the surrounding areas are made predominantly by two Mexican cartels, using chemicals sourced from China.

“The Mexican cartels are here. They’re in Virginia,” Forget says. “We’re working very hard to disrupt and dismantle those criminal networks. This is not simply a law enforcement solution. It’s going to take the entire community.”

The cartels are especially hard to trace, he says, because they conduct their business online using encrypted communication on social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Payments are made by phone—which are also hard to trace. The DEA has seen drug deliveries being made right to people’s front doors using Uber and package delivery services. Oftentimes the purchaser doesn’t know the pills are fake.

Forget says it’s impossible, even for experts, to distinguish a counterfeit pill from the real thing. They look exactly like Xanax, Percocet or oxycodone. The only way to find out what’s in them is to send them to a lab for testing.

Another variation called “rainbow fentanyl” is multicolored to look like candy.

“Last year [2022] in Virginia, we seized approximately 115,000 of these fake pills,” says Forget. “All the fentanyl—the pills and the fentanyl powder we seized in 2022—was enough to kill half the population of Virginia. It equat-

Know the Signs of Opioid Overdose

• Small, constricted “pinpoint” pupils

• Falling asleep or loss of consciousness

• Slow, shallow breathing

• Choking or gurgling sounds

• Limp body

• Pale, blue or cold skin and fingernails

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control

Helpful Resources

Visit these websites for information about opioid addiction; counterfeit pills; naloxone (Narcan) and where to find it; treatment programs; parenting guidelines and more.

Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative arlingtonva.us/government/programs/ health/arlington-addiction-recoveryinitiative

Arlington Public Schools Substance Abuse Prevention, Education and Narcan Authorization apsva.us/substance-abuse-prevention

DEA Drug Fact Sheet: Fentanyl dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl

Fairfax County Opioid and Substance Use Task Force fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/opioids

Falls Church City Public Schools Opioid/Narcan Policy fccps.org/article/1303635

National Capital Treatment & Recovery natcaptreatment.org

SAFE Project: Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic safeproject.us

■ deadliest dose

ed to about 4 million deadly doses.”

As of September 2023, the DEA had seized three times that amount, he says.

IN 2021, NATIONWIDE deaths from drug overdoses were more than six times the number in 1999, according to the CDC. Fatalities caused by synthetic opioids like fentanyl climbed 22% from 2020 to 2021. More than 75% of the nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths nationwide in 2021 involved an opioid.

The root of the epidemic began in the 1990s with doctors overprescribing opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone to treat pain. As the medical community tightened controls on prescriptions, many people who started out taking the drugs legally became addicts who, with no other options, turned to illegal street narcotics or began purchasing pills on the dark web.

In 2016, Virginia declared a public health emergency, mainly due to increasing overdoses and emergency department visits, but also because of a spike in blood-borne pathogens from injection drug use, including Hepatitis C and HIV.

In 2022, the Virginia Department of Health recorded more than 2,600 drug overdose poisonings—75% of which were from fentanyl.

Michael Silverman, chair of emergency medicine at VHC Health, says the hospital is responding with a largescale effort that will bring much-needed services to Arlington. A new Wellness/Behavioral Health Center is slated to open on Carlin Springs Road in late 2025 or early 2026. VHC Health is also awaiting state approval to open three new outpatient behavioral health programs for adolescents and adults.

Silverman says the sudden prevalence of fentanyl is alarming for the region. The hospital has seen an uptick in overdose cases. “Patients who overdose [on fentanyl] and come to the ED tend to be sicker than patients we used to see who overdosed on heroin,” he says.

Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than

“All the fentanyl we seized in 2022 was enough to kill half the population of Virginia.”

morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, according to the DEA. A tiny amount—just 2 milligrams—is enough to kill. That’s about the equivalent of 10 to 15 grains of table salt.

DEA division chief Forget says the days of “Say No to Drugs” are done. The DEA’s new slogan is “One Pill Can Kill.” The agency is also disseminating “Spot the Fake” posters in schools and other community settings that illustrate how counterfeit drugs look just like the real thing.

THE FACT THAT fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are so pervasive and instantly addictive has also forced changes in treatment protocols.

“One of the greatest difficulties…is that [people] don’t necessarily know what they’re getting,” says Debby Taylor, president and CEO of National Capital Treatment & Recovery (NCTR) in Arlington, which each year treats more than 4,000 individuals coping with substance abuse and addiction. “So, when we take the urine [sample] usually there’s a dispute. The patient will say, ‘Well, I never did that,’ and we say, ‘Well, you may not have thought you were—but you were.’ And it’s not like we’re handling that punitively. We just really want to know what chemicals have gone into their body so that we know how to protect and assist them during the withdrawal process.”

Taylor, a registered nurse with 50 years of experience, says there used to be a longer runway to dependency. It takes several weeks to become truly addicted to a drug like heroin. But a fentanyl addiction can develop in a

few days. That makes it harder to help people before they get into real trouble.

“It is so toxic that someone becomes physically, psychologically and brainwise dependent on it so quick,” she says. “You don’t have the opportunity to do the interventions that you did with the other drugs.”

For decades, NCTR was an abstinence-based program—until synthetic opioids came on the market. Now, some patients who come to the facility need medication-assisted treatment to come off the drugs. Without it, Taylor says, they are going back out and overdosing.

The FDA has approved three drugs for the treatment of opioid dependence: methadone, naltrexone (Vivitrol) and buprenorphine. These drugs then have to be tapered down until the patient is off everything.

Taylor says her nonprofit is treating more young patients than ever before. In June, NCTR reopened its adolescent program at the county’s request.

“They came to us because of the overdoses they were experiencing in the high schools and they had no real place to send [those students],” she says. The adolescent programs had previously operated since 1990 and closed about four years ago due to lack of demand.

One patient receiving treatment is 15 and has been using fentanyl daily since age 11. It’s an extreme case, Taylor says, but just one example of how widespread the problem has become. Taking risks is normal for adolescents, but now the stakes have changed.

“The environment is so toxic right now that they don’t have the opportu-

nity,” Taylor says. “They try something once and they could literally die.”

AS THE EPIDEMIC continues, some parents have found themselves blind sided by unfathomable loss.

Arlington residents Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld are among them. After losing their 19-year-old son, Jona than, a Washington-Liberty grad, to an accidental overdose, they started a non profit to save lives. The SAFE Project (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic) is now a nationwide effort.

“I lost a child to opioids,” Admiral Winnefeld wrote in an April op-ed in USA Today. “Compassion, not criminal ization, could spare others my grief.”

Winnefeld, who was vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2011 to 2015, likened the nation’s battle with fentanyl to the front lines he faced in American conflicts around the world. He said the country must fight back.

Founded in 2017, the SAFE Project works with more than 150 college campuses and school systems nationwide— including Arlington Public Schools—as well as communities, workplaces and veterans’ groups. The nonprofit provides education, training and lifesaving resources, such as fentanyl test strips and naloxone, the overdose drug often known by the brand name Narcan.

“This is everyone’s problem. Everyone has to be part of the solution,” says Leslie Plaia, executive director for substance abuse and behavioral health at the SAFE Project. “There are so many times where people think, Oh, that won’t happen to my family or that won’t happen to my community. We’re behind the ball.”

Plaia says curbing the epidemic can’t fall on the shoulders of a single agency or institution. It’s going to take a village. “We want to help equip communities and individuals as fast as possible to really create change in a tangible way.”

In Arlington, the crisis has spurred a

Opioid Overdoses in Arlington

Source: Arlington County

coordinated countywide effort. The Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative (AARI), launched in 2017, is an opioid and addiction task force involving Arlington Public Schools, local hospitals, first responders (fire, EMT and police), the criminal justice system (the sheriff’s office, public defenders and the Commonwealth’s Attorney) and private treatment providers including National Capital Treatment & Recovery, Encore Recovery and Recovery Centers of America. The county’s Department of Human Services runs the program.

AARI’s three-part strategic plan focuses on prevention, treatment and supply reduction. The task force disseminates posters and bilingual educational materials throughout the county, including to schools and doctor’s offices. It conducts educational presentations for youth, PTAs and other community groups.

McLean and Falls Church are cov -

2023 (as of 11/6)

ered by a similar initiative—the Fairfax County Opioid and Substance Use Task Force. Fairfax County had 65 fatal drug overdoses between January and October of 2023, according to county data, compared with 45 over the same time period the year prior.

Fairfax County’s task force says it reached more than 36,000 students last year with substance abuse presentations as part of its education initiative.

Patients at National Capital Treatment & Recovery have told Taylor such presentations, as well as mentoring programs, might have stopped them from trying drugs in the first place. They’ve shared other insights, too.

“They said some interesting things,” Taylor says. “One: Take the fees out of playing sports. Two: Put back intramural sports where everybody plays, even if you’re not on the varsity team. Three: really good after-school pro -

grams for music and art…which are proven by science to produce dopamine. Sports are also proven to produce dopamine. When you have a high amount of dopamine pulsating through your brain, you are less susceptible to substances.”

Another tactic at play: drug “takeback” programs that take opioids out of circulation by encouraging residents to turn in unused prescription meds. Fairfax County says it collected more than 6,000 pounds of medication last year.

In Arlington, AARI has converted assets seized during drug arrests into funds to purchase drug take-back boxes where people can turn in unused prescription narcotics.

Most opioid users don’t start with illegal drugs, says Emily Siqveland, Arlington County’s opioids program manager. They start by misusing prescription medications.

“We know that getting rid of unused medications is an important piece of the puzzle,” she says. “We also know that 70% of opioid prescriptions go unused following surgery. So if those prescriptions are just sitting in a medicine cabinet and a teen experiments—if they like that feeling—now they may turn to the street to buy more.”

AARI is working to get naloxone into the community, and trains people how to administer it. Last March, Arlington Public Schools (APS) made naloxone available in emergency boxes on every floor in high schools, says Darrell Sampson, executive director of student services at APS. The boxes were installed three months after the first fatal overdose at Wakefield. More than 1,400 staff are now trained to administer the life-saving nasal spray.

Additionally, students are allowed to carry naloxone, provided they have parent permission, proof of training and promise to call 911 and notify staff if they administer it on school grounds.

“We are willing to do what it takes to have people come to an understand-

Most opioid users don’t start with illegal drugs. They start by misusing prescription medications.

ing about how dangerous some of these substances can be,” Sampson says.

Fairfax County Public Schools and Falls Church City Public Schools are also making naloxone available in school buildings and school health clinics. Like APS, FCCPS allows staff and students who have undergone training to carry it, according to FCCPS spokesman John Wesley Brett.

THESE CHANGES COME

as local law enforcement struggles to combat a rising tide of drug sales. In October, Arlington police arrested a 19-year-old man and a teen boy in connection with the overdoses of two teen girls at Wakefield High. The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) says it made about 70 arrests in 2023 for either manufacturing or distributing controlled substances.

Dealers who sell drugs that kill can face serious charges on par with committing a homicide, says DEA agent Forget. Last year, Arlington police charged two suspects with involuntary manslaughter for supplying drugs that resulted in deaths.

In Arlington, most narcotics sales are prearranged using text and/or social media, according to ACPD Public Information Officer Ashley Savage. She says officers are gathering and analyzing intelligence to identify fentanyl sources and distribution networks.

“Prioritization is placed on investigating cases involving heroin and opioids, with the ultimate goal of identifying those who distribute dangerous controlled substances within our community and holding them accountable.”

Savage says ACPD encourages parents to communicate openly with their children about what fentanyl is and why it is so dangerous. Kids should be reminded not to take any pills that were not prescribed by a doctor. Parents of teens can help create an “exit plan” so they know what to do if they’re pressured to take a pill or use drugs.

Local public schools have certified substance abuse counselors and have begun emphasizing prevention and intervention as early as elementary school. In 2022, APS expanded its outreach to include fourth-graders, according to school counselor Jenny Sexton. Messages for the youngest students focus on the dangers of substances like alcohol, tobacco and prescription medications; peer pressure and refusal skills; and who it is safe to accept medication from (i.e., parents or the school nurse).

Some community leaders say it’s still not enough. Judith Davis, president of Wakefield’s Parent-Teacher-Student Association, blasted leaders at a school board meeting last January after the death of Wakefield student Sergio Flores.

“Every single one of you knew that this day would come. Say his name— Sergio Flores. He died. This kid is not going back to his family,” Davis said.

“Every single one of you in this room has been told by parents, teachers, students, PTSA community leaders that we will have someone die at Wakefield. Since we came back from Covid that has been the constant conversation and you all failed to address it.”

Sexton, now in her eighth year as a substance abuse counselor for APS,

works at Kenmore Middle School and all 25 elementary schools. She says the biggest problem at the middle school level isn’t opioid use; it’s vaping, which some experts claim is a gateway to harder drugs.

Vaping is what most commonly gets teens referred to Second Chance, a program (also part of AARI) offered to Arlington youth who are found in possession or under the influence of illegal substances. Students who complete the three-day intensive course can have suspensions removed from school records or have their court records wiped clean.

Second Chance facilitator Alvaro Alarcon says the program helps young people get to the core of why they are using and learn to make informed choices about their own health.

“What we’re doing, day one, is we’re building rapport,” Alarcon says. Often something in the child’s life or environment is causing them to turn to vaping or drugs. He says addressing that root issue can be enough to spur a turnaround—and stop the behavior before they try something more dangerous.

Students in the Second Chance program participate in group sessions with peers and hear from guest speakers, including police officers and the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Parents are also involved. Outcomes are positive in the majority of cases, he says.

Interestingly, Alarcon suggests that there may be a correlation between excessive screen time and early substance use. While screen time alone doesn’t necessarily lead kids to use alcohol or drugs, it can be a risk factor, he says, given its tendency to dovetail with problems such as social isolation, lack of physical activity and reduced parental supervision—which, in combination, may increase the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors.

“It’s the same release of dopamine,” Alarcon explains. “The brain doesn’t

know the difference. What they’re doing is, they’re overstimulated. And if they can’t be overstimulated by smoking, they’re going to be overstimulated with their phone. They’re just on a high consistently.”

THAT’S

HOW IT ALL started for George. “My first addiction didn’t start out with drugs. I would say it started out with video games. That was my escape from what was around me,” says George, who grew up in a broken home.

In elementary school, he and his two sisters were removed from their mother and sent to live with a great-aunt. He says drugs were always around. “I would look to other things to kind of branch out and escape from whatever I was feeling.”

George’s mother was a cocaine addict. She died of an overdose last January. The cause of death listed on the autopsy report: fentanyl.

George says entering treatment, meeting new people in group therapy and hearing their stories helped him overcome his past, and his addictions.

It wasn’t easy. The initial withdrawal caused extreme mental distress, he

says, including suicidal thoughts. But once the drugs left his system, he began to see things more clearly.

“Just a couple of weeks passed and I swear it was like a light switch changed in my head,” he says. “I’m actually happy. I’m enjoying life. I feel good where I’m at now. Today I can sit out here and say I don’t need to have a drink, I don’t need to have any outside substance to be who I am inside.”

George is now married and living in Woodbridge, with a 1-year-old son. He works as an auto mechanic, enjoys camping in his travel trailer and spending time with his three dogs. One of his life’s ambitions is to use his story to prevent others from going down the same path.

“I’m not afraid to tell somebody this is what I went through. Because you never know. They could be going through the same thing,” he says. “I think it’s hard for a lot of younger people. It’s such a gripping addiction. A lot of people don’t break it.” ■

Digital editor Helen Partridge has also written about the county’s missing middle plan and Arlington Tech high school.

A Fairfax County Drug Take Back Day in 2022

Look Good, FeeL Good Profiles

Azure Dream Day Spa

LEILA ESPARI, OWNER

Azure Dream Day Spa was established in 2010 to address the need for a holistic approach to wellness, from relaxing massages and top-of-the-line skincare to the most advanced Med Spa treatments. Voted “Best Facial” by Arlington Magazine readers in 2023, 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: How do clients benefit from your holistic approach?

A: Azure’s expert staff focuses on each client as a unique individual, providing them with personalized treatment plans that will ease their mind, body and spirit, achieving the highest results they are hoping for.

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. Azure uses

top-quality products and the latest stateof-the-art equipment and technology to achieve optimal results, and it employs licensed, experienced and caring staff. At Azure, every guest will find a soothing retreat with friendly personal service and exquisite results.

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, Erbium-Yag and Pico to correct any skin concerns, as well as the Candela Gentle Max Pro for laser hair removal.

MICHAEL VENTURA

Clarendon Dental Arts

MANISHA GROVER, DDS

Dr. Grover graduated from VCU School of Dentistry, where she volunteered with Missions of Mercy, providing free dental care to underserved communities in rural Virginia. She completed her residency at the New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital. Dr. Grover combines artistry and advanced techniques to achieve extraordinary results.

2700 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201

703-525-5901

cdarts@clarendondentalarts.com www.clarendondentalarts.com

Q: What makes your patient experience unique?

A: One visit to our state-of-the-art office and patients will discover the difference that compassionate dentistry can make. We go the extra mile to foster a caring and supportive atmosphere that leaves patients feeling comfortable and empowered to achieve the smile and long-term oral health they deserve. Our amenities—from warm blankets to complimentary Bose QuietComfort headphones with Pandora downloads, personal movie goggles with Netflix downloads and more—go above and beyond to make our patients feel like pampered guests in a spa-like environment.

Q: How would your patients describe you?

A: My patients know how much I truly care about their overall well-being. The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body, with many systemic links between oral health and

various health conditions. I am committed to providing my patients with comprehensive, personalized care and addressing underlying issues to achieve optimal overall health. I enjoy building lasting relationships with my patients rooted in trust, empathy and open communication. I actively listen to their concerns, ensuring patients know they’ve been heard, understood and valued. I think my patients would also say that I communicate even the most complex dental issues in a way they can understand, enabling them to make informed decisions about their treatment plans.

Q: How can a healthy smile impact your outlook?

A: A bright, healthy smile can do wonders for your confidence and self-esteem. When you have healthy teeth and gums, you’re more likely to feel good about yourself, which can profoundly impact every facet of your life.

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: Why choose Sleep & TMJ Therapy?

A: Limiting my practice to treating craniofacial disorders and sleep-related issues allows me to concentrate on what I do best: get to the often-misdiagnosed root of patients’ symptoms, address underlying causes and offer effective alternatives to pain medication or surgery. We take “concierge” customer service to a new level, ensuring patients’ individualized needs are met with compassionate, expert care. We value teamwork and often confer with other specialists to ensure we provide the most precise diagnoses and best treatment plans possible.

Q: What is the connection between sleep apnea and TMD?

A: In short, jaw placement and alignment. Recent studies show that more than half of patients who suffer from TMD 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, TMD symptoms can worsen when sleeping in certain positions, especially if there’s pressure on the jaw joint. But, changing sleep positions to reduce jaw pain can impact the airway, increasing the risk of developing or worsening sleep apnea. A misaligned jaw can also restrict the airway.

Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?

A: I love helping people get their lives back. Chronic pain can drastically affect one’s personality and impede 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 transforms patients’ lives by providing solutions for long-term pain.

Michael J. Paesani, DMD

NOVA DENTAL STUDIO

“A healthy, confident smile can positively impact not only the individual but others around them. Healthy teeth and gums can make you more likely to smile and more self-confident. And to others, a radiant smile translates to positivity and approachability.”

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

Q: What is your approach to patient care?

A: The team at Nova Dental Studio emphasizes long-term oral health and takes a conservative approach to dental care, meaning more invasive treatments are used only when absolutely necessary.

Q: How can a beautiful, healthy smile contribute to a patient’s overall quality of life and confidence?

A: A healthy, confident smile can positively impact not only the individual but others around them. Healthy teeth and gums can make you more likely to smile and more self-confident. And to others, a radiant smile translates to positivity and approachability.

Q: What advice would you offer someone looking to get back on track with their oral health journey and enhance their smile?

A: Start somewhere. Delaying dental care can be detrimental to more than your teeth and mouth; poor oral health is linked to many systemic health issues, including heart attacks and stroke. If you’re unsure how to begin, just schedule an initial check-up and cleaning. This gives you professional insight into the health of your mouth. A comprehensive evaluation will identify issues, but it doesn’t obligate you to treatment. We work to ensure that any recommended treatment can be done in small steps, easing back into regular and routine dental care.

Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?

A: Seeing the positive change in a patient after improving their smile is rewarding. Beyond that, the friendly team at NDS enjoys meeting and interacting with so many people, talking about music, restaurants, travel and more. No two patients are the same.

Flavio W. Nasr, DDS

CRYSTAL CITY DENTAL CARE

Dr. Flavio W. Nasr’s mission is to deliver compassionate oral health care and unparalleled excellence in general, restorative and cosmetic dental treatments for the entire family. With a degree from the University of Virginia and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the VCU School of Dentistry, he transforms smiles with passion and precision!

2800 Crystal Drive, Suite 320 Arlington, VA 22202

703-415-0555

nasrdental@gmail.com www.crystalcitydentalcare.com

Q: What inspired you to become a dentist?

A: As a child, I was always curious about what made things tick. I loved to take apart toys, appliances and gadgets and figure out how to put them back together. Dentistry allowed me to apply the precision, manual dexterity, fine motor and problem-solving skills developed through such intricate work to help people achieve beautiful smiles and excellent oral—and overall—health.

Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?

A: Our smiles are often the first thing people notice about us. A healthy, beautiful smile can be life-changing. I love providing treatment that improves my patients’ overall well-being, boosts their confidence and enriches their lives. It’s incredible to witness a patient’s transformation when

they no longer feel the need to hide their smile. The thrill never gets old, even after over 30 years in practice.

Q: What makes you different from other dentists?

A: I believe that achieving a lasting, healthy smile is a collaborative process. I want to be a partner in your oral health journey. Together, we’ll discuss your goals, whether you’re looking to simply maintain optimal oral health, address specific dental issues or improve aesthetics, and customize a roadmap to achieve your ideal smile. I value the importance of educating my patients so they can be active participants in their dental care and make informed decisions about treatment options and lifestyle choices that will contribute to a healthier smile. At Crystal City Dental Care, we’ll help you realize that investing in yourself pays dividends for a lifetime.

Northern Virginia Orthodontics

Awards/Honors/Specialties:

#1 Invisalign® Provider Nationwide, #1 GLO Whitening provider in the DMV, American Association of Orthodontics, Medical College of Virginia faculty, Invisalign® Master Faculty, Invisalign® First, Dental Monitoring Remote Care

2200 Clarendon Blvd., Suite R140

Arlington, VA 22201

703-327-1718

www.nvorthodontics.com

Q: How can your services contribute to a patient’s overall quality of life and confidence?

A: Aligning your teeth is obviously beneficial in building self-confidence, but straight teeth are so much more than just a great smile! Teeth work together to do their job, and if they don’t fit together, they can’t achieve that—which can lead to various oral health issues. We can develop a plan to get you straight teeth and a healthy bite to ensure proper function.

Q: What makes your practice unique?

A: From being the No. 1 Invisalign® provider nationwide to our treatment fees being 23% less than the national average, our practice distinguishes itself from others in several key ways. Drs. Zach Casagrande, Elvi Barcoma, Danielle Robb, Jessica Itani, Sonny Song, Kianoush Tari and Samaneh

Mojarrad have successfully treated the most Invisalign® patients in North America. With locations in Arlington, Tysons, Reston, Ashburn, Gainesville and Purcellville, you can transform your smile knowing there’s always an NVO office nearby to help you. Plus, you can stay in constant contact with your doctor thanks to the Smile Doctors Anywhere app, a digital and fully remote way to share your progress with your doctor using your smartphone.

Q: What is your most frequently asked question?

A: Many people ask, “Am I a good candidate for Invisalign®?” The NVO team can confidently treat any smile with Invisalign®, from mild to complex malocclusions. Plus, Invisalign®isn’t just for adults! NVO can help pediatric smiles as young as six years old with Invisalign®First products.

From left: Dr. Samaneh Mojarrad, Dr. Kianoush Tari, Dr. Zach Casagrande, Dr. Danielle Robb, Dr. Sonny Song and Dr. Jessica Itani

The exterior is clad in durable fiber cement panels with Boral trim for a traditional board-and-batten look.

RooF the Raising

A tiny house on a small lot goes vertical.

When Lauren and Jon Liles bought their one-story Cape Cod 16 years ago in Arlington’s Penrose neighborhood, they always figured they would build a second floor someday. Over the years, they refinished the basement and “redid the kitchen a couple of times— just cosmetic stuff,” Lauren says.

BY WENDY KANTOR PHOTOS BY MARY PAT COLLINS

starter home into a modern farmhouse with clean lines, lots of sunlight and room to move.

Now roughly 3,100 square feet, it includes his and her home offices, a rooftop deck and plenty of thoughtfully designed storage space. “We’ve changed it completely,” Lauren says. “We’ve essentially built a new house.”

But during the pandemic lockdown, when both parents were working from home (she’s an event planner; he’s an economic analyst), the 1,188-square-foot house, originally built in 1967, felt too small for their family of four. They turned to Alair Homes Arlington to transform their little

LAUREN AND JON met their senior year at James Madison University. After graduating in 2004, they rented a house with two other college friends in Penrose and later moved to Fairfax. When they started house-hunting for a place of their own in

■ raising the roof

2007, they wanted to return to Arlington—ideally to the neighborhood they knew and loved.

At the time, Lauren was working in Alexandria and Jon was working in Tysons. “Arlington was kind of the perfect location because it was really central for both of our commutes,” she says.

Jon proposed soon after they closed on the house in October of 2007 and

they married in 2009. A decade later they had two sons, Caleb and Ethan (now 10 and 4). That’s when the cute little house on the postage-stamp-size

lot began to feel cramped. They decided to renovate instead of relocating. “We didn’t want to leave,” Lauren says. “Moving wasn’t an option.”

The couple spent about a year interviewing builders before hiring Alair Homes, getting permits and ordering materials so that the renovation could start in March 2022. With Alair’s help, they met with several interior designers

Light finishes, large windows and an open plan make the kitchen and living room feel fresh and airy. Mirrors are another design trick to make spaces feel bigger.

and selected Sarah Powers, owner and principal designer of BraePark Design.

The construction team kept the home’s foundation and built upward, gutting the first floor and adding two more floors on top of it.

“It was brought down to the studs,” says Jason Chaney, general manager of Alair Homes Arlington. “We pretty much went straight up.”

Usually, Chaney says, the design solution for a whole-house remodel includes a lateral addition, but in this case the lot was too tight. There wasn’t room to expand into the side yard or out back. (They had to get a special permit for the front porch.)

Before the renovation, the first floor contained “everything,” Lauren says— the kitchen, dining room, living room

and three bedrooms. Now, the house has a clearer delineation of public and private spaces. The main level includes a spacious kitchen, dining room, living room, mudroom, powder room and Lauren’s home office. The bedrooms occupy another level.

Open and gleaming with natural light that pours in from windows on three sides, the new kitchen features

Above: The laundry room is now on the second floor. Below: The living room has built-in storage for toys and games.

painted white oak cabinets, a textured tile backsplash, gold fixtures and a quartz waterfall island. It connects seamlessly to the living room with a continuous flow of engineered white oak flooring.

“I think our previous kitchen probably could have fit inside the island,” Lauren says. “It was very enclosed, so if you were in the kitchen…you were cut off from whatever was going on in the rest of the house. Now I can be in there making dinner while the kids are watching TV, and we can all be having a conversation.”

The color palette throughout the house is mostly neutral, which Chaney says makes the interiors feel bigger. Pops of color come through in furnishings such as a navy chair, emerald curtains and patterned area rugs.

In Lauren’s home office, the accent color is pink, including a pink desk chair and a rug with blush tones. “It’s my space,” she says. “Living in a house with four boys—if you count the dog— it’s the only place I can get away with it. It’s my favorite place.”

BUILDING

VERTICALLY on the home’s existing footprint was a necessity, but it also allowed Alair Homes to create a stacked floor plan that is more logical and functional. The new second story has four bedrooms, including a primary suite with a small balcony, a guest room and bath, and separate boys’ bedrooms connected by a jack-and-jill bathroom.

There’s a laundry room, too. “It’s now on the same level as the bedrooms, which is just so much more convenient [than carrying laundry down to the basement],” Lauren says. “When you’ve got two boys, you are constantly doing laundry.” Powers outfitted the utilitarian space with a farm-style apron sink and a patterned floor that looks like carpet but is actually porcelain tile by Annie Selke.

Jon’s home office shares the upper-

The dining room blends traditional Shaker-style chairs with a blond pedestal table and a modern light fixture.

most floor with a space they refer to as “the loft,” and a rooftop deck with views of the Washington Monument.

The finished basement on the lower level is now a casual hangout zone for the kids.

During the eight-month renovation, the family rented a home a couple blocks away in the same neighborhood. Being close by made weekly meetings with their renovation project manager and interior designer easy to manage.

“I felt like we knew what was going on and what would be coming up the next week, so that there really were never any major surprises,” Lauren says. “Nothing was stressful.”

The Liles family moved back into their newly renovated home right before Thanksgiving in 2022.

“The thing that makes me happiest about this project is the absolute pure excitement and joy that the clients have for their house now,” Powers says. “I love the finishes. I love the way it looks. But the joy they find in this home is so rewarding.”

Every member of the family has their own dedicated space, Chaney adds. “They didn’t have that before.”

“It’s everything we need,” Lauren says. “There are spaces for us to be together. Everyone has their own separate space, and there’s space for us to grow into. It’s just a happy place for us to be a family.” ■

Wendy Kantor loves watching HGTV and home design shows.

THE PROJECT:

Completed: 2022

Neighborhood: Penrose

Square Footage: 3,100 (not including basement)

Builder: Alair Homes Arlington alairhomes/arlington.com

Interior Designer: BraePark Design braeparkdesign.com

Above: The kids’ bedrooms are connected by a jack-and-jill bathroom. Below: Neutral hues create a feeling of serenity in the primary bedroom.

Jennifer Shapira

photo

Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Wine Down

WINE ENTHUSIASTS Lee and Marie Dixson needed a better bottle storage solution in the Arlington Forest home they bought about 20 years ago. They had been making use of their finished basement as best they could, but navigating the maze of boxes they’d collected visiting wineries wasn’t ideal for unwinding.

The couple shared a vision for a redo, wanting to bring home elements of the rustic tasting rooms they’d visited in Italy, California, Oregon and, more locally, Virginia’s wine country. Those “rooms are so inviting and cozy and comforting,” Marie says.

“They wanted a nice space to gather in,” adds Dory Clemens, director of project development at Case Architects & Remodelers in Falls Church. Aiming for a more open and organized layout, Clemens and her team (designers Kaitlin LeFebre and Grace McKinley, and project manager Jason Burdo) removed obstructing walls to design a winethemed retreat of about 350 square feet

on either side of the basement stairs. Together, the subterranean lounge and the adjacent tasting area have a combined storage capacity for 400 bottles.

Previously, the cavity under the stairs had been an underused closet. Now it holds an array of triangular cherry cubbies that put some of the Dixsons’ prize

vintages on display. (They manage their collection using the CellarTracker app.)

A tiny marble cocktail table between two chocolaty leather armchairs is just big enough for two wineglasses. The rich flooring looks like wood, but is actually a more durable and waterproof luxury vinyl plank product by Coretec.

Adding warmth and cohesiveness to the two spaces, cherry cabinets and floating shelves by Crystal Cabinetry provide areas to stash glassware and display wine books and memorabilia. Stacked stone accent walls evoke a “wine cellar/wine cave feel,” Clemens says, and soapstone countertops pro-

vide ample prep space for entertaining.

On the lounge side, a comfy Crate & Barrel sofa across from a gas fireplace (not shown) is now a favorite spot for toasting on chilly nights. Marie describes that ritual as “one of my favorite things in the whole world.”

Case’s perfect pairing of the two

rooms was precisely what the couple envisioned. “It came out as we wanted it, exactly,” says Marie. Cheers to that. ■

N. Harvard St., Arlington SALE PRICE: $4.23 MILLION

October’s Most Expensive Home Sales

22201 (Arlington)

1718 N. Harvard St.

List Price: $4.2 million

Sale Price: $4.23 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: Lyon Village

Year Built: 2023

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/2

22202 (Arlington)

1030 18th St. S.

List Price: $1.08 million

Sale Price: $1.06 million

Days on Market: 7

Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty

Neighborhood: Addison Heights

Year Built: 1939

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 2/1

22203 (Arlington)

492 N. Abingdon St.

List Price: $2.2 million

Sale Price: $2.13 million

Days on Market: 23

Listing Office: Weichert, Realtors

Neighborhood: Brandon Village

Year Built: 2018

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22204 (Arlington)

3723 16th St. S.

List Price: $1.49 million

Sale Price: $1.38 million

Days on Market: 114

Listing Office: Samson Properties

Neighborhood: Douglas Park

Year Built: 1941

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

This information, courtesy of Bright MLS as of Nov. 15, 2023, includes homes sold in October 2023, excluding sales in which sellers have withheld permission to advertise or promote. Information should be independently verified. The Bright MLS real estate service area spans 40,000 square miles throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. As a leading Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Bright serves approximately 100,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve over 20 million consumers. For more information, visit brightmls.com.

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■ prime numbers

22205 (Arlington)

5104 14th St. N.

List Price: $1.62 million

Sale Price: $1.62 million

Days on Market: 0

Listing Office: Non-subscribing office

Neighborhood: Waycroft-Woodlawn

Year Built: 1945

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 2/0

22206 (Arlington)

3306 Kemper Road

List Price: $870,000

Sale Price: $870,000

Days on Market: 3

Listing Office: EXP Realty

Neighborhood: Shirlington Crest

Year Built: 2008

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22207 (Arlington)

1809 N. Taylor St.

List Price: $2.4 million

Sale Price: $2.4 million

Days on Market: 0

Listing Office: Non-subscribing office

Neighborhood: Cherrydale

Year Built: 2023

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22209 (Arlington)

1781 N. Pierce St., #2502

List Price: $2.18 million

Sale Price: $2.2 million

Days on Market: 70

Listing Office: The Mayhood Co.

Neighborhood: Rosslyn

Year Built: 2021

Bedrooms: 2

Full/Half Baths: 2/0

22213 (Arlington)

6580 Williamsburg Blvd.

List Price: $949,900

Sale Price: $912,500

Days on Market: 7

Listing Office: Long & Foster Real Estate

Neighborhood: Berkshire Oakwood

Year Built: 1950

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 2/0

22101 (McLean)

1332 McCay Lane

List Price: $7 million

Sale Price: $7 million

Days on Market: 537

Listing Office: Long & Foster Real Estate

Neighborhood: Not specified

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 7/3

22102 (McLean)

1139 Towlston Road

List Price: $3.3 million

Sale Price: $3.1 million

Days on Market: 16

Listing Office: Long & Foster Real Estate

Neighborhood: Towlston Meadows

Year Built: 1996

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

1332 McCay Lane, McLean SALE PRICE: $7 MILLION

22041 (Falls Church)

6316 Lakeview Drive

List Price: $1.8 million

Sale Price: $1.73 million

Days on Market: 110

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Neighborhood: Lake Barcroft

Year Built: 1960

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 2/1

22042 (Falls Church)

6931 Carlton Ave.

List Price: $1.07 million

Sale Price: $1.07 million

Days on Market: 2

Listing Office: RE/MAX Executives

Neighborhood: City Park Homes

Year Built: 1946

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22043 (Falls Church)

1923 Griffith Road

List Price: $1.9 million

Sale Price: $2.1 million Days on Market: 249

Listing Office: Samson Properties

Neighborhood: Pimmit Hills

Year Built: 2023

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 7/3

22044 (Falls Church)

3029 Hazelton St.

List Price: $1.05 million

Sale Price: $1.01 million

Days on Market: 48

Listing Office: Howe Real Estate Group

Neighborhood: Buffalo Hill

Year Built: 1960

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22046 (Falls Church)

6604 Gordon Ave.

List Price: $2.34 million

Sale Price: $2.3 million

Days on Market: 41

Listing Office: RE/MAX Distinctive Real Estate

Neighborhood: Westmore Gardens

Year Built: 2020

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

Endless Possibilities

Real Estate Sales Trends

22201

22206

22202

22207

22203

22209

22204

22213

22205

22102

22041

22101

22042

22043

22044

22046

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Caribbean-style ceviche at Pikoteo in McLean

Lure

At Pikoteo, the tropical fare and cheerful ambience will transport you to warmer climes.

BY DAVID HAGEDORN

PHOTOS BY DEB LINDSEY

STEAM RISES FROM the piping hot bowl of seafood asopao before me. The tantalizing aroma of the Puerto Rican stew— in this case, more accurately a soup—is heady with guajillo peppers and a hint of smokiness from chipotles. Teeming with tender chunks of rockfish, mussels, shrimp and calamari, the dish’s austerity impresses.

“Fish stock, tomato, mirepoix, peppers, some rice...it’s as simple as that,” says Pikoteo owner Manuel Iguina, who opened his Latin bistro in the former Boss Hogs space in McLean in April. The warmth and depth of the broth are a perfect prescription for warding off wintertime chill.

Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Iguina, 62, brings many years of restaurant experience to Pikoteo. (The name, which is Latin American slang for snacking, also refers to his childhood nickname, Piko.) He left the island in 1979 to study science at college in Florida (his father was a doctor) but dropped out to pursue his passion for cooking.

In 1982, Iguina moved to Washington, D.C., and nabbed a culinary job as part of the opening crew of Filomena in Georgetown. Over the years, he worked in D.C. restaurants such as Café Atlantico, Provence and Coco Loco (all closed)

and for José Andrés’ restaurant group before opening his own place, Mio Restaurant, which he ran from 2007 to 2015. He later managed High Street Café in Georgetown, which shuttered during Covid.

But the restaurant business wasn’t out of his blood. “During the pandemic, I realized I missed the daily grind,” says Iguina, now a Springfield resident. “I did this for myself.”

At Pikoteo, he oversees the menu with chef de cuisine Jimmy Ortez, who worked his way up from a dishwasher after he started working for Iguina in 2007.

The vibe of the 1,500-square-foot space, which seats 45 inside, 10 at the bar and 40 outside, feels personal. Iguina

Manuel Iguina (right) with chef Jimmy Ortez

PIKOTEO

6811 Elm St., McLean

703-891-0123 | pikoteo-usa.com

HOURS

Tuesday and Wednesday: noon to 8 p.m.

Thursday and Friday: noon to 9 p.m.

Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m.

Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PARKING

There are some spots in front of the restaurant. Additional parking is available weekdays after 6 p.m. and all day on weekends and holidays at 6819 Elm St.

PRICES

Pikoteando (starters): $10 to $16

Entrees: $23 to $32

Sandwiches: $14 to $18

Desserts: $9

WHAT TO DRINK

Proprietor Manuel Iguina has curated an excellent selection of 19 wines, mostly of Spanish and South American origin, with a touch of Portugal and France thrown in, averaging around $45 per bottle. Thirteen are available by the glass ($12 to $14).

Ten cocktails, most priced at $13, are made with freshly squeezed juices. The caipirinha, mojito and Pikoteo daiquiri (made with grapefruit juice, like a Hemingway daiquiri) are among some of the tastiest I’ve had in the DMV.

decorated it himself, and his love of art and flowers is evident. The restaurant’s front and back exteriors are outfitted with faux vines, greenery and brightly hued blooms. Inside, works by Latin artists adorn the walls and vases explode with lavish silk arrangements. Vivid tropical wallpaper and banquette pillows embroidered with flowers (from his wife’s native Chiapas in Mexico) contribute to the ebullient atmosphere. Don’t sleep on the cocktails here. Pikoteo makes a smashing mojito with loads of fresh mint and freshly squeezed lime juice. A bracing daiquiri of pink grapefruit juice, rum and Luxardo maraschino liqueur gets shaken and poured tableside for extra pizzazz. For starters, a pikoteando (appetizer) of rockfish tossed with cilantro,

lime, red onion and chilies evokes the essence of a Peruvian ceviche, but with diced pineapple and cantaloupe adding cheery kicks of sweetness and acid.

I can also recommend the crispy pan-fried shrimp cakes made with roasted corn, panko and chilies. This delightful dish comes with a vinegarbased slaw and a sauce made from fruity, medium-spicy Simojovel chilies, which Iguina’s mother-in-law brings from Chiapas.

For his chicharron, Iguina smokes pork belly to tenderness overnight, then slices and flash fries it to order so the skin is crackling and crunchy. It’s rich and decadent, but could be improved with condiments other than the two lackluster sauces that come alongside it (one is barbecue and the other

Asopao de mariscos (seafood stew) with fried plantains

Cuatro leches sponge cake

merely a blend of ketchup and mayonnaise). As an alternative, ask for the zesty house-made agua de chile, a blend of habanero peppers, lime juice, red onions and cilantro.

Two enormous, hearty empanadas filled with a picadillo of ground beef, hard-boiled eggs and raisins explode with flavor, but they suffer from a slightly acrid aftertaste. I suspect the fryer oil was in need of changing.

Of the entrees, I’m a fan of Pikoteo’s enchipotlada, a version of eggplant Parmigiana for which Ortez layers thin slices of sauteed eggplant with Parmesan cheese and chipotle tomato sauce. Baked with provolone cheese, this casserole is rib-sticking, homestyle cooking at its best.

I was intrigued to find fried plantains atop what turns out to be a superlative double patty prime burger on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomatoes and provolone. The plantains’ inherent sweetness and their caramelized edges complement the beef’s tang beautifully.

A section on Iguina’s menu is devoted to barbecue. Part of what sold him on the Boss Hogs space, he says, was the Southern Pride rotisserie and smoker that came with it, which he now fuels

with hickory wood. “I wanted to learn a new craft,” he says. “At home, I’m the barbecue king. At the restaurant I still have a lot to prove.”

That’s true—the barbecue is Pikoteo’s weak spot. The chicken, seasoned with annatto, cumin, lime juice and oregano, is tasty enough, but the coffee-rubbed brisket lacks the signature smoke ring, bark, moistness and subtle yet distinctive smokiness that are hallmarks of masterful barbecue. Check out the side dishes, though. The earthy black beans are top-notch, as is a dense cornbread made with corn, creamed corn and sour cream.

Pikoteo offers a good version of flan—enriched with cream cheese— resting on a puddle of caramel. But the standout dessert is the cuatro leches sponge cake topped with butterscotchy dulce de leche. It’s drenched with so much custard that a pool of it remained in the serving ramekin after the cake was gone. I admit without shame to having drunk it like a beverage. ■

A double patty burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, provolone and ripe plantains

The dining room at Pikoteo

ORDER THESE now

Picnic in the Park

In October, the outdoor Water Park in National Landing debuted with nine restaurant kiosks, a fullservice sit-down restaurant, a live performance stage, landscaped greenspaces, multiple seating areas and water features spread over 1.6 acres. I canvassed the kiosks, which represent local, minority and women-owned businesses, and found five dishes that light my fire.

Falafel bowl at Falafel Inc

Owner Ahmad Ashkar isn’t looking to reinvent the wheel with his value-priced falafel bowl, and he doesn’t need to. The combination of fluffy, fried chickpea balls, tabouli, red cabbage, pickled vegetables, cucumber-tomato salad and crispy pita chips hits the spot. Ashkar, by the way, is also founder and CEO of the Hult Prize Foundation, which awards $1 million annually to a team of young people to fund a social entrepreneurship project. ($6)

Bo-khirria banh mi at PhoWheels

This marks the first brickand-mortar location for the food truck business Huy Nguyen started in 2012 and sold to current owner Tuan Vo in 2017. (The two are partners at Water Park.) Don’t miss their clever mash-up of a banh mi, birria taco and bo kho (Vietnamese beef stew). Crusty French bread is stuffed with five-hour braised beef shank, red onions, gooey mozzarella cheese, cucumbers, pickled daikon radish, pickled carrots and cilantro, and served with a side of “bo ko” broth for dipping. A spectacular mess! ($17.98)

Funnel cake sundae at Dolci Gelati

Gianluigi Dellaccio, the pastry chef owner of this DMV chainlet, got so many requests for funnel cakes at his National Zoo stall that he finally devised a recipe for one after 15 tries. His light, airy and delightfully crispy confections are dressed with a scoop of gelato (your choice), whipped cream and chocolate sauce. ($12)

The

Paulie Cicero from Cracked Eggery

This stand specializes in breakfast sandwiches, bowls and topped tater tots. Think of this sammie as breakfastmeets-antipasto: prosciutto, fried egg, arugula, ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and kicks of sweet heat from Mike’s hot honey on a toasted challah bun. ($13)

Masala uttapam at DC Dosa

This is the second location of Mumbai native Priya Ammu’s eatery (the first is in D.C.’s Union Market) that offers variations on a beloved crepe-adjacent South Indian street food. Ammu offers two versions of her lentil batter-based pancakes: dosas (which are thin, crispy and folded over fillings—like in an omelet) and uttapam (thicker, openface pancakes). The masala uttapam is crisped on one side, then flipped over on the griddle and topped with crispy, turmeric-tinged curried potatoes, chopped cilantro and three chutneys: onion tamarind, mango habanero and cilantro sesame. ($15)

Sandwich Savvy

Armani Johnson has a thing for sandwiches, and that’s good news for us. The 31-year-old chef is running a pop-up called I Am a Sandwich on Mondays (at least through the spring, he says) at Mattie & Eddie’s in Westpost (formerly Pentagon Row), featuring four of his creations ($19 to $21). It’s hard to choose a favorite, but my money is on the General Tso’s shrimp po’boy, which finds crispy, buttermilk-brined shrimp tossed with chives and fried garlic and stuffed inside crusty French bread from the award-winning D.C. bakery Bread Furst, with lettuce, tomato, General Tso sauce and lemongrass aioli. The jumble of crunch, sweetness and tanginess is irresistible.

Born in D.C. and raised in Prince George’s County, Johnson has gravitated toward the kitchen ever since childhood. After graduating in 2012 from the Art Institute of Washington in Rosslyn (now closed) with an associate degree in culinary arts and a concentration in baking and pastry, he worked in various area restaurants before landing a position as the opening souschef at D.C.’s ABC Pony (now closed). That’s where he worked with Mattie & Eddie’s chef Casey Bauer, who now hosts his pop-up.

The other three sandwiches on the menu are equally tantalizing. Johnson accurately describes his AJ Smash burger as “a nod to surf and turf that’s like a Big Mac, but with crab dip on it.” The Banh Moe is a riff on Vietnamese banh mi with D.C.’s venerable fave, the half smoke, serving as the star protein, accompanied by liver paté, pickled jicama and carrots, aioli, cucumbers and cilantro. Last but not least is a galbi steak and cheese (galbi is a soy-based Korean marinade) with American and provolone cheese, caramelized onions, kimchi, ssamjang (a condiment similar to gochujang) aioli and jalapenos. Save room, if you can, for Johnson’s dreamy banana pudding.

The General Tso’s shrimp po’boy by Armani Johnson

places to EAT

ARLINGTON

A Modo Mio Pizzeria

5555 Langston Blvd., 703-532-0990, amodomio pizza.com. Dig into authentic Neapolitan pies, house-made gnocchi, lasagna, spaghetti del mare and cannoli. o L D V $$

Aladdin Sweets & Tandoor

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

Ambar Clarendon

2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-9663, ambarrestau rant.com. Feast on Balkan fare such as stuffed cabbage, mushroom pilav and rotisserie meats.

O R L D G V $$

Arlington Kabob

5046 Langston Blvd., 703-531-1498, arlingtonka bobva.com. Authentic Afghan fare includes kebabs, shawarma and 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 on TV. O C R L D A G V $$

Assembly

1700 N. Moore St., 703-419-3156, assembly-va. com. The food hall above the Rosslyn Metro offers everything from oysters and cocktails to Asian street food and tacos. B R L D G V $$

Astro Beer Hall

4001 Campbell Ave., 703-664-0744, astrobeer hall.com. The space-themed saloon and coffee shop promises a fun time with made-to-order doughnuts, fried chicken, burgers and old-school arcade games. o B R L D A $$

B Live

2854 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-7094, bliveva.com. Go for beach-inspired eats, a Bloody Mary bar and live music five nights a week. o R L D 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 of Chinese and Taiwanese street food, plus sake, soju and Asian fusion cocktails. L D V $$

Barley Mac

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

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, small plates and gifts at this woman-owned bistro and market. Closed Mondays. L D $$

Bethesda Bagels

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

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 2023 or 2024 Winner

Maison Cheryl REY LOPEZ

■ places to eat

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; 5050 Langston Blvd., 703-5940280; bobandedithsdiner.com. Founded in 1969, the 24-hour eatery whips up pancakes, eggs, meatloaf, and pie à la mode. C B L D A V $ Bollywood Bistro Express

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

Bonsai Sushi at Crystal City

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

Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

3911 Langston Blvd., 703-522-3010, bostanuyghur. com. The Uyghur Chinese dishes include kebabs, lagmen (hand-pulled noodles), manta (dumplings) and honey cake. L D $$

Brass Rabbit Public House

1210 N. Garfield St., 703-746-9977, brassrabbit pub.com. Pair 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 $$

Bubbie’s Plant Burgers

1721 Crystal Drive, bubbiesburgers.com. Grab a plant-based or kosher burger, a fried green tomato sandwich or a plate of avocado fries at this outdoor kiosk in National Landing’s Water Park. O L D V $

Buena Vida Gastrolounge s

2900 Wilson Blvd., 703-888-1528, buenavida gastrolounge.com. Savor the flavors of Mexico, from tacos to churros, and head to the top floor for one of the best rooftop bars 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, kitchenofpur pose.org/cafe. 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. The cozy French bistro in the Lee Heights Shops satisfies with 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 $$

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 $$

Astro Beer Hall

Charga Grill

5151 Langston Blvd., 703-988-6063, chargagrill. com. How do you like your chicken? Choose Peruvian, jerk, Tandoori or Pakistani charga or sajii at this flavor-packed eatery and takeout. L D $$

Chase the Submarine

1201 S. Joyce St., 703-865-7829. Subs at this Westpost sandwich shop include meatball, banh mi, and PBJ with potato chips. L V $

Chicken + Whiskey

3033 Wilson Blvd., 703-740-1990, chickenand whiskey.com. Try pollo frito sandwiches, pork belly arepas, yuca fries, pisco punch and whiskey cocktails at Enrique Limardo’s Peruvian chicken joint. c L D A $$

Chiko s

4040 Campbell Ave., 571-312-0774, chikodc.com. Fan favorites at this Chinese-Korean joint include cumin lamb stir-fry and double-fried chicken wings. C D G V $$

Circa at Clarendon

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

Coco B’s

2854 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-7094, lovecocobs. com. The sister to B Live features a rooftop bar, live music, tiki drinks and tropical dishes like ceviche and jerk chicken. Closed Monday and Tuesday. O D A V $$$

Colony Grill

2800 Clarendon Blvd., 703-682-8300, colonygrill. com. The Stamford, Connecticut-based pizza chain

specializes in ultra-thin-crust “bar pies” with a spicy, pepper-infused hot oil topping. L D G V $$

Copperwood Tavern

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

Cowboy Café

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

Cracked Eggery

1671 Crystal Drive, crackedeggery.com. Sandwiches on toasted challah include the Abe Froman (sausage, scrambled egg, cheese) and the Inigo Montoya (chorizo, fried egg, pepper-jack and arugula with lemon aioli). C O B R L $

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 $$

Crush Pizza + Wine

1601 Crystal Drive, crushpizzaandwine.com. Enjoy New York-style pizza, wines by the glass and patio crushers at this al fresco dining spot in National Landing’s Water Park. O L D V $$

Crystal City Sports Pub

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

Crystal Thai 4819 First St. N., 703-522-1311, crystalthai.com.

A neighborhood go-to for traditional Thai curries, grilled meats and house specialties like roast duck. L D V $$

Dama 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 kebabs, mezze and traditional Lebanese comfort foods are served in a modern setting. The upstairs is a hookah bar. L D V $$

DC Dosa

1731 Crystal Drive, dcdosa.com. Fill a dosa (lentil crepe) with vegan options such as masala potatoes, eggplant, crispy cauliflower and your choice of chutneys. O L D G 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 spe-

■ places to eat

cializes in tacos, tequila and beer, with a rooftop bar. O R L D $$

Dudley’s Sport and Ale

2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, 571-312-2304, dudleyssportandale.com. A spacious sports bar with wall-to-wall TVs, a roof deck, a ballpark-inspired beer list and weekend brunch. O C R L D A $$ Earl’s Sandwiches

2605 Wilson 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 Clarendon cafe 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 institution. Try the salteñas stuffed with chicken or with beef, olives and hard-boiled egg. L D $

El Pollo Rico

932 N. Kenmore St., 703-522-3220, elpollorico 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 $

Eli’s Taqueria

3207 Columbia Pike, 703-663-4777. Dig into beef birria tortas, shrimp tacos and pupusas at this homey spot (a spin-off of the Taqueria La Ceibita food truck) run by Nevi Paredes and his daughter, Yorktown alum Elizabeth Marquez. L D $ Endo Sushi

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-243-7799, endosu shi.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 $$$ Falafel Inc.

1631 Crystal Drive, falafelinc.org. Fill a pita or bowl with falafel, pickled veggies and your choice of sauces. The eatery donates a portion of its sales to feed refugees. O L D V $

Federico Ristorante Italiano

519 23rd St., 703-486-0519, federicoristorante italiano.com. Go for pasta and chianti at this trattoria co-owned by Freddie’s Beach Bar proprietor Freddie Lutz. L D V $$

Fettoosh

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

2350 Clarendon Blvd., 703-527-8700, fireworks

pizza.com. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and more than 30 craft beers on tap. You can also build your own pasta dish. O C L D A G V $$

First Down Sports Bar & Grill

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. A go-to for banh mi sandwiches, papaya salad, spring rolls and noodle dishes. O L D $$

The Freshman

2011 Crystal Drive, thefreshmanva.com. This modern cafe has something for every time of day, from coffee and breakfast sandwiches to after-work 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; 510 14th St. S., 703-894-1002; gocodough.com. The family- and veteran-owned eatery serves house-made doughnuts, Intelligentsia coffee and savory cafe fare. B L V $$

Good Stuff Eatery

2110 Crystal Drive, 703-415-4663, goodstuff eatery.com. Spike Mendelsohn’s Crystal City outpost offers gourmet burgers (beef, turkey or mushroom), shakes, fries and salads. L D G V $

Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro

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

Green Pig Bistro

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 $$$

Guajillo

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

Guapo’s Restaurant

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

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

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

Gyu San

4300 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-7373, gyusan.com. Go for Japanese barbecue, sushi, soba noodles and saki. L D G $$$

Hanabi Ramen

3024 Wilson Blvd., 703-351-1275, hanabiramen usa.com. Slurp multiple variations of the namesake 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 from the team behind Roll Play, Lei’d Poke and Chasin’ Tails. L D $$

Haute Dogs

2910 N. Sycamore St., 703-548-3891, hautedogs andfries.com. Cookout fare goes gourmet with hot dog toppings ranging from banh mi with sriracha

mayo to a buffalo dog with blue cheese, celery and ranch. 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. Treat yourself to 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 $

Idido’s Coffee & Social House

1107 S. Walter Reed Drive, 703-253-1576, ididos socialhouse.com.Devotees go for the pastries, sandwiches and Ethiopian coffee. B L V $

Inca Social

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

Ireland’s Four Courts

2051 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-3600, irelandsfour courts.com. Stop in for a pint and an EPL game over an order of fish and chips. C R L D A $$

Istanbul Grill

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

The Italian Store s 3123 Langston Blvd., 703-528-6266; 5837 Washington Blvd., 571-341-1080; italianstore.com. A 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. Open 24 hours, this Crystal City storefront serves grilled Halal meats, pillowy naan and savory sides. L D A G V $$

Khun Yai Thai

2509 N. Harrison St., 703-536-1643, khunyaithai va.com. The family-owned restaurant serves “homestyle Thai” cuisine. L D G V $$

King of Koshary

5515 Wilson Blvd., 571-317-7925, kingofkoshary. com. Washington Post critic Tim Carman dubbed its menu “Egyptian food fit for royalty.” Try the hearty namesake dish, grilled branzino, beef kofta, roasted chicken or any of the tagines (stews). L D G $$

Kusshi

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

L.A. Bar & Grill

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

La Coop Coffee

4807 First St. N., 571-257-7972, lacoopcoffee. com. Stop by this cheery café for single-origin Guatemalan coffee, house-made horchata, breakfast sammies, empanadas and ice cream. B L $

La Côte D’Or Café

6876 Langston Blvd., 703-538-3033, lcd6876.com.

This little French bistro serves standards like crepes and steak frites. O R L D G V $$$

Lebanese Taverna

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

The Liberty Tavern

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

Livin’ the Pie Life

2166 N. Glebe Road, 571-431-7727, livinthepielife. com. The wildly popular pie 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 beer selection, this deli/café supports pet adoption through the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. L D G V $$

Lucky Danger

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

Lyon Hall s

3100 N. Washington Blvd., 703-741-7636, lyonhall arlington.com. The European-style brasserie turns out French, German and Alsatian-inspired plates, from charcuterie and sausages to moules frites.

O C R L D A V $$$

Mah-Ze-Dahr

1550 Crystal Drive, 703-718-4418, mahzedahr

bakery.com. Café fare at this bright and tempting bakery 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 Latin Street Food

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3966500, maizalgrill.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., 703-525-0222, mariospizza housemenu.com. Open into the wee hours, it’s been cooking up subs, wings and pizza since 1957. O C B L D A $

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

4017 Campbell Ave., 571-431-6530, masons lobster.com. Order lobster rolls your way (butter or mayo) at this Shirlington outpost of the Annapolisbased seafood chainlet. L D $$

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 friendly watering hole on Crystal City’s restaurant row. O R L D A $$

Meda Coffee & Kitchen

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

Me Jana

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

Mele Bistro

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

Metro 29 Diner

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

Mexicali Blues

2933 Wilson Blvd., 703-812-9352, mexicali-blues. com. 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

■ places to eat

Campbell Ave., 571-257-8214; mobyskabob.com. Satisfy that hankering for Persian skewers and flavorful sides. L D $$ Mpanadas

2602 Columbia Pike, 571-312-0182, mpanada usa.com. Try barbecue pork and cheeseburger empanadas, birthday cake paletas and java chip macaroons. B L D $

Mussel Bar & Grille

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

1127 N. Hudson St., 703-522-7110, namvietva.com. The venerable restaurant in what was once Arlington’s “Little Saigon” neighborhood specializes in flavors of Vietnam’s Can Tho region. O L D V $$ Nighthawk Pizza

1201 S. Joyce St., nighthawkpizza.com. Visit this Westpost brewpub and sports bar for personal pizzas (both thick and thin crust), beer and smash burgers. L D V $$

Northside Social Coffee & Wine s 3211 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-0145, northsidesocial va.com. Tucked inside a red house on the edge of Clarendon, the two-story coffee and wine bar with a big patio is always busy...which tells you something. O B L D V $$

Ocean Shack

2163 N. Glebe Road, 703-488-7161, oceanshack arlington.com. Dig into a seafood boil, a fried oyster basket or an order of fish tacos and pretend you’re at the beach. R L D A $$

Oh K-Dog

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

Old Dominion Pizza Co.

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

Open Road

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-248-0760, openroadgrill. com. A solid pick for burgers and beers or a proper entrée and a craft cocktail. O L D $$ Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen

1101 S. Joyce St., 703-567-7295, origincoffeeco. com. The industrial-chic coffee shop roasts its own beans and serves all-day breakfast, 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 $$

Our Mom Eugenia

4044 Campbell Ave., 571-970-0468, ourmom eugenia.com. See Falls Church listing. L D $$ Padaek

2931 S. Glebe Road, 703-888-2890, padaekdc. com. Chef Seng Luangrath’s kitchen in Arlington Ridge turns out Lao, Thai and Burmese fare—satay, curries and noodle dishes. O L D G V $$ Palette 22

4053 Campbell Ave., 703-746-9007, palette22.com. The Shirlington gallery-café specializes in international small plates and is a hoppin’ brunch spot. O R L D V $$

Peking Pavilion

2912 N. Sycamore St., 703-237-6868. This fami-

ly-owned restaurant serves standbys such as moo shu pork and beef with broccoli. L D $$ Peruvian Brothers

1450 S. Eads St., 703-625-6473, peruvianbroth ers.com. The Peruvian “comida criolla”—food with Andean, Spanish, African and Asian influences—includes empanadas, saltado and chicharron sandwiches with grilled sweet potato. O L D $

Peter Chang Arlington

2503-E N. Harrison St., 703-538-6688, peterchang arlington.com. The former Chinese Embassy chef brings his fiery and flavorful Sichuan cooking to the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. C L D $$ Pho 75

1721 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-7355, pho75.res taurantwebexpert.com. Purported to have curative properties, the piping-hot soup at this local institution is all about fresh ingredients. O L D V $ PhoWheels

1731 Crystal Drive, phowheelsdc.com. The popular food truck serving Vietnamese pho and banh mi now has a kiosk at Water Park. O L D G $ Pie-tanza

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

2109 N. Pollard St., 703-566-0456, pinesofflor encearlingtonva.com. The classics include linguine with pesto, veal parm and chicken cacciatore, plus housemade pizza and subs. L D V $$ Pirouette Café & Wine Shop

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

Poppyseed Rye

818 N. Quincy St., poppyseedrye.com. Pick up sandwiches, biscuits, salads, flower bouquets and gift items (beer and wine, too). O r L D G V $

Pupatella s

5104 Wilson Blvd.; 1621 S. Walter Reed Drive, 571-312-7230, pupatella.com. Enzo and Anastasiya Algarme’s authentic Neapolitan pies are considered among D.C.’s best. O L D V $$ 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 Kitchen 1601 Crystal Drive, 703-997-8474, queenmother cooks.com. Grab a fried chicken sandwich and a side of duck fat fries at chef Rock Harper’s kiosk in the Water Park at National Landing. O L D $ Quincy Hall

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

Quinn’s on the Corner

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

Ragtime

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

Rasa

2200 Crystal Drive, 703-888-0925, rasagrill.com. Build a bowl with options like basmati rice, chicken

tikka, lamb, pickled vegetables, lentils, chutneys and yogurt sauces. O L D G V $

Ravi Kabob House

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

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 creative 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 at this Arlington favorite since 1990.

O C L D G V $

Rosa Mexicano

1100 S. Hayes St., 202-783-5522, rosamexicano. com. Dive into ceviche, margaritas, guacamole made tableside and mains such as duck carnitas enchiladas. O C R L D V $$$

Ruffino’s Spaghetti House

4763 Langston Blvd., 703-528-2242, ruffinosarling ton.com. Fill up on classics such as veal Parmigiana and chicken piccata. C L D V $$

RusUz

1000 N. Randolph St., 571-312-4086, rusuz.com. The family-run bistro serves hearty Russian and Uzbek dishes such as borscht, beef stroganoff and plov—a rice pilaf with lamb. L D $$

Ruthie’s All-Day s

3411 Fifth St. S., 703-888-2841, ruthiesallday. com. Chef Matt Hill’s “meat and three” serves up wood-smoked proteins with creative sides like crispy Brussels sprouts with fish sauce vinaigrette. Breakfast (with house-made biscuits) offered daily.

O B R L D G V $$

Ryu Izakaya

3030 Columbia Pike, 703-399-9052. A new spot on the Pike for sushi, sake and yakitori. L D G $$

Sabores Tapas Bar

2401 Columbia Pike, 571-970-1253, saboresva. com. Dig into ceviche, lomo saltado and classic gambas al ajillo at this tapas bar on the Pike.

R L D G V $$

Saigon Noodles & Grill

1800 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-5940, saigonnoodles grill.com. Traditional Vietnamese pho, banh mi and noodle dishes round out the offerings. L D $$

Salt s

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-0491, saltrosslyn.com. The speakeasy-style cocktail bar serves tasty nibbles (cheese plates, 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. Hit this seafood-centric oyster bar for 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, whole roasted branzino and lamb “osso bucco.” B R L D G V $$$

Sawatdee Thai Restaurant

2250 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-8181, sawatdeeva. com. The friendly eatery (its name means “hello”) is frequented by 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 and bottle shop offers tastings, wine classes, and small plates for sharing and pairing. O C R L D G V $$

Seamore’s

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

Seoulspice

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

SER

1110 N. Glebe Road, 703-746-9822, 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. Fabio Trabocchi’s urbane trattoria serves housemade pasta (you can watch it being made), a “mozzarella bar” and Italian cocktails. Closed Sundays. O L D V $$$

Silver Diner

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

Skydome

300 Army Navy Drive, 703-416-3862, hilton.com. Savor craft cocktails, Mediterranean-influenced dishes and views of the D.C. skyline in this revolving restaurant atop the DoubleTree Hilton in Crystal City. Closed Sunday and Monday. D G V $$$

Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque

5731 Langston Blvd., 703-269-2718, sloppyma mas.com. Joe and Mandy Neuman’s barbecue joint offers wood-smoked meats galore, plus pimento cheese, hearty sides and banana pudding for dessert. O B R L D V $$

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

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

South Block

3011 11th St. N., 703-741-0266; 1550 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-8423; 4150 Wilson Blvd., 703-4658423; 2121 N. Westmoreland St., 703-534-1542; 1350 S. Eads St., 703-465-8423; southblock.com. Cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls. O B L V $

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 sultry 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 and a deli counter with house-made pastas, sauces 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, skewered meats and a few Cajun seafood dishes. D G $$

Surreal

2117 Crystal Drive, surrealpark.com. Find playful dishes like Halloween-themed sweet potato gnocchi and “breakfast old fashioneds” made with granola-infused whiskey at chef Enrique Limardo’s allday diner in National Landing. O B L D $$

Sushi Rock

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

Sushi-Zen Japanese Restaurant

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

Sweetgreen

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

Sweet Leaf

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

Taco Bamba s

4000 Wilson Blvd., 571-777-1477; 4041 Campbell Ave., 571-257-3030; tacobamba.com. Taco options range from classic carnitas to cheffy creations like the El Rico Pollo, stuffed with chicken, green chili, aji Amarillo aioli and crispy potato. B L D V $

Taco Rock

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

Taqueria el Poblano

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

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 $$$

JOIN US ALL SUMMER LONG for BBQ & beer on our patio

Watch sports on our outdoor TV!

3471 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 703-528-9663

3471 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 703-528-9663 ink of Rocklands for all your holiday events!

3471 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 703-528-9663

Thai Noy

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

Thai Square

3217 Columbia Pike, 703-685-7040, thaisquarerestaurant.com. Enjoy options ranging

■ places to eat

from crispy squid with basil and roasted duck curry to pig knuckle stew. O L D G V $$

Tiger Dumplings

3225 Washington Blvd., 571-970-4512, tiger dumplings.com. There are dumplings, of course, plus five-spice beef, roast duck and vegan options like tofu skin with peanuts. L D G V $$

Tiki Thai

1651 Crystal Drive, tikithai.com. Order up a round up tiki drinks, some Thai spring rolls and khao soi noodles. O L D $$

TNR Cafe

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

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream

5849-A Washington Blvd., 703-536-7000; 510 14th St. S.; tobysicecream.com. Stop in for cups, cones, floats and sundaes. Coffee, pastries and bagels available in the morning. B L D V $ Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita 2911 Columbia Pike, 571-970-2824, tortasytacosla chiquita.com. The beloved eatery that started as a food truck does tacos, alambres, huarache platters, flautas and more. B L D $

Trade Roots

5852 Washington Blvd., 571-335-4274, fairtrade roots.com. The Westover gift shop and cafe serves fair-trade coffee, tea, pastries, salads, organic wine and snackable small plates. O B L $

Troy’s Italian Kitchen

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

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

Tupelo Honey Café

1616 N. Troy St., 703-253-8140, tupelohoneycafe.

com. The Southern fusion menu includes dishes like roasted snapper with sweet potato and farro. C R L D $$

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. The comfort fare at this Manhattan-style diner includes biscuits and gravy, poutine and Nashville hot chicken sandwiches. B L $$

The Union

3811 Fairfax Drive, 703-356-0129, theunionres taurant.us. Giridhar Sastry, a former executive chef at D.C.’s Mayflower Hotel offers eclectic snacks like Mumbai panini (chaat masala, cilantro chutney, Havarti cheese, veggies), sesame wings and calamari with 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 $$

Water Bar

1601 Crystal Drive, nlwaterbar.com. The succinct menu at this sleek oyster and cocktail bar overlooking National Landing’s Water Park includes salads, sandwiches and sharable seafood dishes. O L D G V $$

Weenie Beenie

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

Westover Market & Beer Garden

5863 N. Washington Blvd., 703-536-5040, westo vermarketbeergarden.com. It’s a hive for burgers, draft microbrews and live music. O C L D A $$

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 features cocktails, shareable plates, brunch, street-art murals and “low brow” art exhibits. R L D A $$

William Jeffrey’s Tavern

2301 Columbia Pike, 703-746-6333, william jeffreystavern.com. 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

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

Yayla Bistro

2201 N. Westmoreland St., 703-533-5600, yayla bistro.com. A cozy little spot for Turkish small plates, flatbreads and seafood. Pita wraps available for lunch only. 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 sanctuary-like spot offers beautifully composed seasonal dishes and expert wine pairings. C L D V $$$$

Abay Market Ethiopian Food

3811-A S. George Mason Drive, 703-820-7589, abaymarketethiopian.com. The seasoned grass-

Kreole

fed raw beef dish kitfo is the specialty at this friendly, six-table Ethiopian café. L D $$

Al Jazeera

3813-D S. George Mason Drive, 703-379-2733. 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 diner serves standbys like spaghetti, pizza, gyros and subs, plus breakfast on weekends. R L D V $$

B Side

8298 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-676-3550, bsidecuts.com. Nathan Anda’s charcuterie, smashburgers and beef-fat fries steal the show at this cozy bar adjoining Red Apron Butcher. 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 with crème anglaise. O L D V $$

Bamian

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

Bartaco

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

7505 Leesburg Pike, 703-734-0846, bingandbao. com. Chinese street foods 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 has a hopping patio. Order house brews and creative eats, from wings and fried pickles to plant-based buddha bowls. O L D V A $$

Café Kindred

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

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 $

Chasin’ Tails

944 W. Broad St., 571-777-9596, chasintailsss. com. The Viet-Cajun menu includes crawfish boils, char-broiled kimchi oysters and scallop crudo with citrus vinaigrette. L D $$

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack

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

Colada Shop

2920 District Ave., 703-962-3002, coladashop. com. The Mosaic District “cafecito” attached to Bloomie’s hits the spot with empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, strong coffee and vacation-y cocktails. O B R L D V $$

District Dumplings

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-884-7080, districtdumplings.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 & 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 curries and grilled meats at this longstanding destination for Thai cuisine. O R L D V $$

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

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

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

Elevation Burger

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

Ellie Bird s

125 Founder’s Ave., 703-454-8894, elliebirdva. com. From the owners of D.C.’s Michelin-starred Rooster & Owl, a neighborly place serving cheffy dishes such as kimchi bouillabaisse, octopus ceviche and braised lamb shank alongside kid-friendly fare. c o D G V $$$

The Falls Restaurant & Bar

370 W. Broad St., 703-237-8227, thefallsva.com. Chef Harper McClure turns out crabcakes, clever salads and other seasonal dishes in the restaurant formerly known as Liberty Barbecue. But don’t worry, Liberty fans: The fried chicken and brisket are still on the menu. O R L D G V $$$

Fava Pot

7393 Lee Highway, 703-204-0609, favapot.com. Visit Dina Daniel’s restaurant, food truck and catering operation for Egyptian eats 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 $$

Godfrey’s Bakery & Café

421 W. Broad St., 571-378-1144, godfreysbakerycafe.com. Pop in for breakfast sandwiches, housebaked breads and pastries, grazing boards, Romanstyle pizza and Illy coffee drinks. B R L D V $$

Haandi Indian Cuisine

1222 W. Broad St., 703-533-3501, haandi.com. The

perfumed kebabs, curries and biryani incorporate northern and southern Indian flavors. L D V G $$

Harvey’s 513 W. Broad St., 540-268-6100, harveysva.com. Chef Thomas Harvey’s casual café brings roasted chicken, beer-cheese cheesesteaks, banana splits and other comfort fare to the City of Falls Church. O C B R L D V $$

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

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

Huong Viet 6785 Wilson Blvd., 703-538-7110, 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 $$

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 $$

Kirby Club

2911 District Ave., 571-430-3650, kirbyclub. com. From the owners of D.C.’s Michelin-starred Mayd¯an, a lively kebab concept (with a great bar) that allows diners to mix-and-match proteins, dips and sauces. D V $$

Koi Koi Sushi & Roll

450 W. Broad St., 703-237-0101, koikoisushi. com. The sushi is fresh and the vibe is fun. Teriyaki, tempura and bento boxes round out the menu. O L D $$

Kreole

2985 District Ave., 571-378-1721, kreoleseafood. com. Love seafood? Choose your preferred catch, pick a sauce and a spice level, and then pile on add-ons like sausage, ramen noodles or Old Bay fries. Or dig into a pile of steamed crabs. D $$ Lantern House Viet Bistro 1067 West Broad St., 703-268-2878, lantern houseva.com. Satisfy that craving for pho, noodles and banh mi at this family-owned Vietnamese eatery. L D G V $$

Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen

7049 Leesburg Pike, 703-532-5299, lazymikes deli.com. A Falls Church institution churning out homemade ice cream, packed sandwiches and breakfast faves. O CB R L D G V $

La Tingeria

626 S. Washington St., 571-316-6715. A popular food truck in Arlington since 2012, David Peña’s concept also has a brick-and-mortar location in Falls Church. The queso birria tacos are a must. Open Wednesday-Sunday. L D $

Little Saigon Restaurant

6218-B Wilson Blvd., 703-536-2633, littlesaigon

■ places to eat

restaurant.us. Authentic Vietnamese in a no-frills setting. O L D $$

Loving Hut

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. 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 also offers plenty of other tantalizing options, such as short ribs, roasted pork and dim sum. R L D A V $$

Meaza Restaurant

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

Met Khao

6395 Seven Corners Center, 703-533-9480, padaekdc.com. Chef Seng Luangrath has transformed the former Padaek space into a fast-casual eatery serving Thai and Laotian fare. L D G V $ Miu Kee

6653 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-8884. Open late, this strip-mall hideaway offers Cantonese, Sichuan and Hunan dishes. L D A $$ Moby Dick House of Kabob 444 W. Broad St., 703-992-7500, mobyskabob.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Mom & Pop

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

Nhu Lan Sandwich

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

Northside Social Falls Church s 205 Park Ave., 703-992-8650, northsidesocial va.com. Come by in the morning for a breakfast sandwich and a latte. Return in the evening for a glass of wine and a plate of charcuterie, or a woodfired pizza. O B L D V $$ Nue

944 W. Broad St., 571-777-9599, nuevietnamese. com. The elegant Viet-modern menu (think grilled oysters, coconut-curry risotto and a seafood tower with yuzu nuoc cham) has a stunning space to match. R L D G $$$

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), 434-3394019, ourmomeugenia.com. This family-owned spot is beloved for its real-deal Greek fare, from saganaki to souvlaki. O L D $$ Panjshir Restaurant

114 E. Fairfax St., 703-536-4566, panjshirrestau rant.com. Carnivores go for the kebabs, but the

vegetarian chalows elevate pumpkin, eggplant and spinach to new levels. O L D V $$

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 $$

Pho Ga Vang

6767 Wilson Blvd., 571-375-8281, phogavang. com. Find more than 12 kinds of pho, plus other Vietnamese homestyle dishes at this Eden Center café. L D G $$

Pizzeria Orso

400 S. Maple Ave., 703-226-3460, pizzeriaorso. com. Bring the whole family for 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. Pop in for super satisfying Greek eats—dolmas, souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita. L D V $$

Preservation Biscuit

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

Pupuseria La Familiar

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

Puzukan Tan

8114 Arlington Blvd., 571-395-4727, puzukantan. com. From brothers Sam and Kibum Kim comes this Korean barbecue destination featuring tabletop grills, dry-aged meats, banchan and ramen. O 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 an artful latte. Try one of the 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 $$

Roll Play

944 W. Broad St., 571-777-9983, rollplaygrill. com. Stop by this Founders Row eatery for Viet street foods such as banh mi, pho and build-yourown rice paper rolls. 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 menu is traditionally Thai, but the vibe feels like you’re dining in your cool friend’s shabby-chic living room. L D G V $$

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. This diminutive and funky 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. Tacos range from traditional carne asada to the vegan “Iron Mike,” stuffed with cauliflower, salsa macha and mole verde. B L D $

Taco Rock

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

Takumi Sushi

310-B S. Washington St., 703-241-1128, takumi va.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 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, seafood, raw bar, craft cocktails and live piano music. O D $$$

True Food Kitchen s

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 kebabs and stews are crowd pleasers at this hospitable Persian establishment. O C L D G V $$

Aracosia s

1381 Beverly Road, 703-269-3820, aracosia mclean.com. 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 $$

Badd Pizza

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

Big Buns Damn Good Burger Co. s

1340 Chain Bridge Road, 571-456-1640, eatbig buns.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Café Tatti French Bistro

6627 Old Dominion Drive, 703-790-5164, cafe tatti.com. Open since 1981, this romantic little bistro whips up classic French and continental fare such as quiche Lorraine and chicken marsala. Closed Sundays. L D G V $$$

Call Your Mother Lil’ Deli

6216 Old Dominion Drive, 571-395-9097, call yourmotherdeli.com. The wildly popular “Jew-ish” deli serves bagel sandwiches and babka muffins from a pink trailer in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center. o b R L 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 $$$

Circa

1675 Silver Hill Drive, 571-419-6272, circabistros. com. See Arlington listing. O L D V $$$

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

7900 Tysons One Place, 703-442-4523, eddiev. com. Total steakhouse vibe, except with an emphasis on seafood (and steaks, too). Mainstays include seafood towers, lobster bisque and Hong Kong-style sea bass. L D G $$$$

Él Bebe

8354 Broad St., 571-378-0171, el-bebe.com. Feast on tamales, tacos, street corn, mole and tequila-based cocktails. C O L D V $$ El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

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

Esaan Tumbar

1307 Old Chain Bridge Road, 703-288-3901, esaanmclean.com. This tiny 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. This meaty 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 spacious farm-to-table restaurant features Virginia-sourced 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

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 $$$

Jiwa Singapura

1702U Tysons Galleria, 571-425-4101, jiwasinga pura.com. Discover Singaporean street foods and elevated dishes such as snow crab with chili sauce at this concept by acclaimed chef Pepe Moncayo. O D G V $$$

Joon

8045 Leesburg Pike, 571-378-1390, eatjoon.com. Savor refined Persian dishes such as lamb-pistachio meatballs with pomegranate glaze and rotisserie-style duck with sour-cherry rice.

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 $$

The Kitchen Collective 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite L160, 571-378-0209, tkcfoodhall.com. Chef Chris Morgan’s takeout-only “virtual food hall” has something for everyone, from Sicilian pies and kebabs to acai bowls and cookies. C L D G V $$

Kura Sushi

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

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

O C L D G V $$

Lost Dog Café

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

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

Masala Indian Cuisine

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

McLean Family Restaurant

1321 Chain Bridge Road, 703-356-9883, themcleanfamilyrestaurant.com. Pancakes, gyros and big plates of lasagna hit the spot. Breakfast 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 like burgers and cheesesteaks. Friday is prime-rib night. O B L D $$

Pasa-Thai Restaurant

1315 Old Chain Bridge Road, 703-442-0090, pasa thaimclean.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. For those who find comfort in the familiar, Patsy’s serves 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 $$

Peter Chang McLean

6715 Lowell Ave., 571-405-6686, peterchang mclean.com. See Arlington listing. L D G V $$ Pikoteo

6811 Elm St., 703-891-0123, pikoteo-usa.com. Escape to warmer climes with Latin and Caribbean delights such as ceviche, arepas, mofongo, smoked pork ribs and arroz con pollo.

O R L D $$

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

Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5110, randysprime.com. Treat yourself to prime cuts, duck-fat fries, seafood towers, massive slabs of chocolate cake 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, including minestrone, pizza, calzones, subs, pasta and cannoli.

O C L D G $$

Roots Kitchen & Bar

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 $

Starr Hill Biergarten

1805 Capital One Drive, starrhill.com. Anchoring an 11-story-high sky park, this indoor-outdoor beer garden offers more than 20 brews on tap, and snacks like soft pretzels with beer cheese. 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 $$

The Union

1379 Beverly Road, 703-356-0129, theunionres taurant.us. See Arlington listing. o C L D $$

Wren

1825 Capitol One Drive S., thewatermarkhotel. com. Topping the Watermark Hotel, chef Yo Matsuzaki’s sleek izakaya offers Japanese American fare (hamachi tartare, Wagyu burgers, miso-marinated sea bass), stupendous cocktails and sweeping skyline views. D G V $$$

SUMMER CAMPS

SPECIALTIES

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

Unleash your child’s imagination this summer! Art Camp provides children an excellent introduction to drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and more! Art House 7 offers Art Camps in the morning and afternoon. In 3 hour camp, campers paint, draw, sculpt, do crafts and play games. Their time at Art House 7 is packed with creativity and fun!

Students age 7 + have fun coding computers and building engineering projects that they design. Recognized multiple times as “Best Camps” by our campers, as well as by regional media outlets.

At this multi-arts day camp, campers expand their creativity in theater, dance, music, visual art, filmmaking, and writing, under the guidance of and with encouragement from professional artists and educators.

● Pre-K- Rising Eighth Grade Campers welcome. Early and Extended Care available. Field trips. Specialty options: Adventure, History, STEAM, Sports, Cooking, French, Water fun & more! EXPERIENCE~EXPLORE~CREATE

● ● ● Our camp offers a wide variety of entertaining, engaging, and inspiring activities for boys and girls from ages 7 to 16. Our camp experience promotes independence, decision-making, socialization, skill building.

Creative Cauldron’s Spring & Summer Camps incorporate drama, music, movement and visual art following a designated theme. Campers work with professional teaching artists with extensive experience in their fields.

Theater camps in one and two-week sessions for grades 1-12.

No experience needed!

Create new shows and learn new skills: acting, dance, mime, stage combat and design come together in a summer to remember!

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Your guide to some of the leading independent schools in the D.C. area

The Lab School transforms what you and your child believe is possible to achieve. It offers bright children with language-based learning differences, like dyslexia, an innovative, arts-infused education that recognizes their talents, capitalizes on their strengths, builds their skills, and shows them how their non-traditional approach to problem-solving and achievement is truly an advantage.

202-944-2217 admissions@labschool.org www.labschool.org

• All-gender day school, grades 1-12, for bright students with dyslexia, related language-based learning differences and ADHD

• Expert teachers and specialists as the translators for students finding pathways for success; 3:1 student/teacher and clinician ratio

• Arts-centered and hands-on learning as our formative avenues for students across all academic subjects

• Commitment to Social Emotional Learning, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Independent JK - 8th Grade School

At Burgundy, we believe children learn best in an inclusive, creative, and nurturing environment that engages the whole child. Come experience our unique campus Open House Saturday, January 6 at 10 AM

2023 Holiday Luncheon Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Heidi Ellenberger Jones Ballston Washington Analytical Group

Hee Sun & John Rotondo  Cyndi Duvall Simmon s  Anonymous

Silver Sponsors

AND Accounting Solutions, LLC  Jennifer Boeke Caterini, TTR Sotheby’s Int’l Realty  Classic Cottages

Fernanda & Brian Fisher  Fine Earth Landscaping  Mary–Anne & Robert Liles  Monkee’s of Fairfax

Sarah Moore  Daphne Papamichael  Tina Papamichael  Paul’s Best Lawn Service

Lola C. Reinsch & Jennifer Z. Pierce, Reinsch Pierce Family Foundation

Schaufeld Family Foundation  Nancy Snell  Whittington Design Studio  Barb & John Young

Bronze Sponsors

Kim & John Heckler  Maura McCool Design  Meany & Oliver Co.  Midlife Midsters Podcast

Lorraine Barclay Nordlinger, TTR Sotheby’s Int’l Realty  Northside Veterinary Clinic

Suburban Animal Hospital  Trade Roots Fair Trade Gift Shop  Anonymous

Friends of NVAL

Andy’s Lawn & Landscaping  Bartlett Tree Service  Janice Burch & Michael Platner  Gwinneth Clarkson

Sue & George Covucci  CP Terry & Associates LLC  Suzanne Griesmer  HomeFirst Mortgage/Kundinger Family

Bettie Joy  LCM Design  Loebig Chiropractics  Mary Ellen Matheson  Janet & Timothy Mountz  Trevor Myers, MD

Melissa & Scott O’Gorman  Susan & Matthew Pascocello  Kathleen Gilles Seidel  Sher, Cummings and Ellis

Anne Marie & John Strabo  Diane & Mark Tomb  Linda Vandenberg  Anonymous

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 The VIrginia McCaffrey Fund for Children at Doorways (doorwaysva.org/virginia-mccaffrey-fund/).

MA GA ZINE

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Love and Honor

There’s a story behind every piece of jewelry Lisa Maurer designs.The Laura, a 14-karat gold ring with two blue topazes, was inspired by its namesake’s dazzling azure eyes. The Mandy, a delicate golden seashell necklace, reflects the disposition of a dear friend who is as warm as a summer day, explains Maurer, an Arlington-based management consultant

whose creative side business is called Sister Sister Jewelry. The Ann, a gold and emerald Celtic knot ring, is named after an Irish matriarch.

And then there’s the Ellen—a thin, gold band named for Maurer’s younger sister, who died by suicide.

Maurer launched Sister Sister Jewelry on Sept. 19, 2020—the date that would have marked Ellen’s 30th birthday. She wanted to celebrate her sister’s life, remembering Ellen’s sense of

by Colleen Kennedy

adventure, her signature stack of rings and the joy she found in giving jewelry to others as gifts.

Teaching herself CAD design with a surprise in mind for Ellen’s friends and loved ones, Maurer “thought of what made each person uniquely them—what traits I loved about them or what stood out about their personality to me.” That was the genesis of her first 10 bespoke rings, which she 3D-printed and gave as keepsakes to members of her sister’s inner circle. From there, a business was born.

Over the past three years, Maurer has continued to design new pieces, expanding the Sister Sister line to honor and celebrate the lives of 46 different women.

In addition to the items in the collection (now available for anyone to purchase), she also takes commissions, working in collaboration with clients to tell their stories—of anniversaries and milestone birthdays, of expanding families and lost pregnancies, of troubles and triumphs—in unique, wearable pieces. She recently made her first foray into custom wedding bands, designing rings for both brides and grooms.

Maurer says her years of experience as a consultant honed her knack for working with clients. Now she’s using those skills to demystify the jewelry making process while adhering to clients’ budgets and listening to their needs and stories.

“Ellen was the person you could always go to and trust your secrets with,” she reflects. “It is important that I can always tell her story. Everything about my jewelry is telling people’s stories.”

The Sister Sister collection includes gold earrings starting at $120, pendant necklaces ($227 and up) and rings ($173 and up). sistersister.us

The tricolor Lola ring (center) by Sister Sister Jewelry features three gemstone baguettes that can be customized.

Dog sledding north of Baltimore with Maryland Sled Dog Adventures

Mushing Around in Maryland

EARLY ON A CRISP autumn morning, I was feeling a little apprehensive as I wound my way down a country road near Parkton, Maryland, about a half-hour’s drive north of Baltimore. My contact, Catherine Benson, had dropped a pin on a map, mentioning cornfields and a wooded trail.

“Bring a helmet,” she’d written in an email. “Any kind of helmet is fine.” Oh, and one more thing. “Clothes that can get a little dog fur on them are also a good idea.”

I wondered if it would be obvious where to stop. As I went around a curve, I realized I needn’t have worried. Nine stunning Siberian huskies, all clipped to a chain alongside a pickup truck, raised their heads in unison at my approach.

As soon as I got out of the car, the dogs began barking and howling and pacing, straining against their leads. They were clearly ready for what was coming. I couldn’t quite say the same.

I quickly spotted Benson, who was

Get your thrills with an Iditarod-style winter adventure close to home. Snow not required.

BY KIM O’CONNELL

readying the rig that would be our transport on the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, part of Gunpowder Falls State Park. Benson is the owner and tour leader of Maryland Sled Dog Adventures (marylanddogsledding.com), which offers families, school groups, Scout troops and other winter sports enthusiasts a taste of the Iditarod-style mushing that most people associate with Alaska. She and her late husband, Eric, began the business in 2007 when

they were looking for an energy outlet for their rambunctious husky Zoe. Benson is also a practicing lawyer and mother of three. It’s clear that the dogs are part of the family, too.

Splitting her time between Maryland and Maine, she does both traditional dog sledding on snow as well as dryland dog sledding, also known as dryland mushing, where the dog team pulls a wheeled rig instead of a sled.

Originally developed as an out-ofseason training option for sled dogs, dryland mushing has become an established sport in its own right, mimicking the excitement and speed of sledding but without relying on Jack Frost to cooperate. Mushing has its roots in the French term marcher (“to walk”) and is thought to have originated with the French “voyageurs” who explored and hunted across the North American continent in the 1800s.

After asking me to sign a waiver and don my helmet and safety glasses, Benson said, “Let me introduce you to the

dogs,” explaining that she uses only purebred Siberian huskies versus Alaskan huskies, a class of mixed-breed working dogs used in sledding races like the Iditarod. Siberians were originally bred by the Chukchi people of northeast Asia and are universally prized for their

If You Go

Parkton, Maryland, is about 30 miles north of Baltimore.

Casual Woodfire Kitchen is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and a rustic wood-fired pizza or a “sammie” served with house-cut fries. The high gabled ceiling and wood paneling add to its cozy ski-lodge feel.

Casa Mia’s, owned by the husbandand-wife team of George and Catherine Nichols, offers a blend of Greek, Italian and American fare. The undisputed star of the menu is their “Colossal Crab Cake”—a “no filler, no filter” version of the Maryland staple that patrons can either eat in the restaurant or purchase online for shipping.

Walking into the red main building of Bull House Winery would feel like stepping back in time if the entertainment weren’t so fresh and modern. The winery hosts live music, painting parties, food trucks, charcuterie classes and more. And wine. Lots of wine.

At Big Truck Farm Brewery, come for the cool truck illustrations on the cans and glasses, and stay for the beer. The regular menu of ales and lagers is supplemented with a rotating array of seasonal and specialty brews.

After a day spent outdoors, treat yourself to some pampering at Elizabeth Jacob Spa & Salon. The fullservice salon and spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments including facials, massage and full body scrubs, as well as hair, makeup and nail care. Guests can also spend time in the sauna and “serenity room.”

beauty and strength—with thick coats and piercing blue, brown or heterochromatic (one of each) eyes.

The first dog I met was Boss, a pretty chill fellow for being under 2 years of age. His teammates include Drogo (named for the “Game of Thrones” war-

rior), A Boy Named Sue (whom Benson calls “Cash,” as in Johnny), Stark, Zoom, Casco Bay, Ebony, Nisha and Teji. Most of the dogs in the team of six males and three females are intact—not neutered or spayed—and their overall energy is high.

Benson immediately put me to work harnessing the dogs. Putting a harness on a big husky you’ve only just met is not for the faint of heart. I finally got one on correctly in the time it took Benson to do the rest.

Next, she sat me in the rig—a threewheeled cart with a seat similar to that of a recumbent bike. One by one, she put the dogs into their places on the line, with Drogo and Stark leading the pack.

“Line out!” Benson commanded, and the dogs immediately pulled the line taut so she could continue hooking them on. Closest to me at the nearly 200-pound rig was Cash, the strongest and biggest of the bunch, whose back is thick with musculature. As a team, the dogs can pull about 1,000 pounds. With all the dogs loaded up and Benson standing behind me in the rig, I felt a little like Santa Claus with his reindeer. “You better hold onto that,” she joked as I pulled out my phone to take pictures. (At least I think she was joking.) “If you drop your phone, we’re not stopping.”

Then, with a single command— “Hike!”—we were off and running, the dogs’ legs powerfully working, their back muscles hunched and engaged, the colorful autumn leaves flying by in a blur. Using the word “Mush!” to begin a sledding ride is Hollywood fiction, according to Benson. The term is simply too soft to be authoritative.

The team of canines that had initially registered as nine individuals with distinct personalities now pulled as one, in perfect synchronicity, reminding me a little of a rowing team. Although the dogs clearly responded to Benson’s commands, they also responded to the pace set by Drogo and Stark. When the

Woodfire Kitchen’s cozy interior

two lead dogs slowed, the rest of the team slowed; when they picked up the pace, everyone did.

The trail’s mostly flat surface was ideal for mushing, although the dogs can certainly handle inclines too, Benson said as she gave me a crash course in dog sledding terminology: “Gee” means right and “Haw” means left, so commonly used phrases include “Gee over,” meaning “move right,” or “Come haw,” meaning make a U-turn left.

During our mushing session—which covered 4 miles at a brisk, blowing-myhair-back pace—she used one phrase above all others: “On by,” which means “go on by,” or stop looking at that squirrel or sniffing those flowers on the side of the trail.

“On by!” she yelled to the dogs as a

man walking his clearly inferior-feeling mutt passed us. “ON! BY! ON! BY!” Dogs are dogs, after all, and they are curious.

People are curious, too, and nearly every person we passed stopped and gawked. That made me feel less like Santa and more like Queen Elizabeth in her gilded horse-drawn carriage. I couldn’t resist extending a few royal waves.

At the halfway point, Benson and the team executed a flawless U-turn to point us back toward the road. As we sped back, she told me about the many Scout troops and other groups she’s hosted for mushing rides. (Because the rig fits only one passenger at a time, she takes people on short trips, one by one, or spreads them down the trail, relay style, and picks them up and drops them off in succession.) She also does school presentations, usually in conjunction with some curriculum around the Iditarod or Alaska, and the huskies are always treated like rock stars.

She brings the dogs to sledding races throughout the winter, such as the annu-

al Maine State Championship Sled Dog Race in Farmington, Maine. With their thick coats, huskies are suited to cold weather. Except for the most frigid winter days, Benson runs her tours early in the morning so the dogs don’t overheat. Back at the truck, it was time to feed the team their kibble, which she measured out carefully based on each individual dog’s dietary needs, pouring water into each bowl of food—a common practice among mushers because it helps to keep the water from freezing in winter temperatures and ensures greater hydration for tuckered-out dogs.

Collectively, the pack goes through about 4,000 pounds of food per year. Cash, the big fellow who pulled closest to the rig, finished his bowl in about two bites.

And with that, it was time for me to make my way home. But now I had memories of a thrilling dog sledding adventure—and, yes, a little dog fur on my jeans. ■

Kim O’Connell is a writer based in Aurora Highlands and a longtime cat person, but the huskies may have changed her mind about dogs.

Tour operator Catherine Benson with her son Ethan

A sled dog gets the rock star treatment during a school visit.

Preparing the team and rig for action

Winter Wonderland

January—that time of year when it’s tempting to hop a plane to someplace warm. One look at the variety of winter experiences at The Omni Homestead Resort, though, and you may want to save the airfare, opting instead for ice-skating, snowboarding, skiing, tubing, mini-snowmobiling for kids, swimming outdoors in a steamy pool, horseback riding, taking a carriage trip, playing billiards in the game room or settling in for movie night in the resort’s 100-year-old theater. There’s also a luxurious spa and two championship golf courses. The Old Course is open year-round, weather permitting.

Set in the Allegheny Mountains on 2,300 acres in southwestern Virginia, the Omni Homestead recently celebrated the completion of a massive $150 million propertywide renovation—including all 483 guest rooms and suites, plus its restaurants and public spaces. Each wing features a distinct color palette (pink, blue, lavender or green) that flows from the hallway corridors into the rooms in the form of bed skirts and draperies.

Dining options include Martha’s Market, a casual graband-go coffee shop café; the Presidential Lounge, a new speakeasy-style bar; Jefferson’s Restaurant and Taproom,

the latter for regional brews and sports watching and the adjacent restaurant for quieter dining; and the elegant American Audubon Dining Room, the place for a breakfast buffet, fine dining dinner, or formal afternoon tea.

The iconic Warm Springs Pools, located a few miles from the resort, are an integral part of Virginia history and were the first step in the renovation. Reopened in December 2022, these 19th-century bathhouses are fed by four naturally warm springs rich in mineral content. They’ve been sought by travelers for centuries, including U.S. presidents such as Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The supposed therapeutic benefits of soaking in these springs range from soothing your skin to boosting your blood circulation and relieving pain. Unaffected by seasonal changes, the waters remain around 98.6 degrees all year and flow at the astounding rate of 1.7 million gallons per day. When it snows, a soak becomes positively magical.

Rates begin at $339, plus a nightly resort charge of $49 per room. Warm Springs Pools rate is $30 for a 50-minute soak. Reservations are required. The Omni Homestead Resort, 7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, Virginia, 800-838-1766, omnihotels.com

The Omni Homestead’s Washington Library (below), a guest room (right) and a restored warm springs bathhouse

Happy Place

Snow Business

Opened in February 2023 on the grounds of River Riders Family Adventure Resort in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, the Snow Riders snow tubing park is three football fields long, making it the mid-Atlantic’s longest tubing slope. With up to 12 lanes, durable new tubes and music piping through outdoor speakers, the park is a fun slide for all.

Thursday nights are theme nights, with special music and lighting throughout the season. The Snow Riders calendar is updated weekly with events and offerings centered on school vacation dates. Alstadts Ale House, a full-service restaurant, is scheduled to re-open this season, featuring burgers, salads, pub fare and a bar menu that includes its own house ale. For a quick bite, a taco truck and beverage truck serve up snacks and hot chocolate.

Rates range from $39-$50 per pass for 90 minutes of snow tubing. Save money and go midweek. Snow Riders also offers a 10% discount to first responders, military, clergy, educators and college students. Weather permitting, the season begins in January. Check the website for the latest rates and hours. 408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 304-535-2665, snowriders.com

The Wilbur Mansion boutique hotel opened in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in December 2022 with a cheerful beacon for the town. Inspired by co-owner Lynn Noble’s passion for “the power of a smile” (she gave a TEDx talk titled the same) is a 12-foot metal smiley face sculpture installed on the property grounds. The Gothic Revival-style mansion, built in the 1860s, was home to Lehigh Valley Railroad President E.P. Wilbur and his family, and still retains some of its original ornate millwork and stained glass.

Each of the hotel’s nine guest rooms has its own unique features, from artfully preserved bathroom tile work to marble fireplaces, soaking tubs, a rainfall shower and views of Bethlehem’s SteelStacks and the Lehigh River. All include luxury cotton bedding, a TV, Keurig coffee maker, desk and sustainably sourced toiletries.

The Wilbur’s restaurant—open Wednesday through Sunday nights, and for Sunday brunch—features a seasonally inspired menu along with handcrafted cocktails. Don’t miss the mushroom risotto with Parmesan and fresh black Perigord truffle, a local favorite.

As Noble and her husband (and business partner) John oversaw the construction of the mansion’s adjacent event space on the site of an old Masonic temple, they learned from the local Audubon Society that the building’s chimney was an important nesting spot for swifts, a species of migratory birds. They revised construction plans to save the structure, and the swifts have continued to return, typically arriving in April to perform their swirling formations before diving into the chimney.

Given the Wilbur’s popularity as a wedding and event destination in warmer seasons, the winter months are ideal for a cozy weekend escape. Rates begin at $221. 201 Cherokee St., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 610-419-1101, wilburmansion.com

The Wilbur Mansion and its signature smiling sculpture

...or night at Snow Riders

Tubing by day...

back story ■ by

Kim O’Connell

Mountain Music

During the disco era, a local country band made an ironic name for itself.

THE NAME WAS meant as a joke. It was 1972, and musicians Joe Triplett and Happy Acosta were living in a shabby house on Rolfe Street, just north of Rosslyn. Veterans of the D.C. rock ’n’ roll scene, they wanted to play more country music, so they cast about for a band name that fit.

“We can’t call ourselves ‘Happy and Joe,’ ” Triplett recalls thinking, “so Happy said, ‘We’ll call the band The Rosslyn Mountain Boys.’ ” There weren’t any real mountains in Arlington, of course. The “mountains” were the highrise buildings of the Rosslyn skyline.

Even as disco began to dominate local airwaves, the band developed a rootsy country sound, playing songs by legends like Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family. They secured a weekly

gig at the Shamrock bar in Georgetown, drawing a capacity crowd of “hippies and college kids,” according to drummer Bob Berberich. This led to a regular Wednesday night gig at the original Birchmere location in Shirlington.

In 1976, the Boys released a selftitled album of original music featuring Triplett on lead vocals and guitar; Berberich on vocals and drums; Tommy Hannum on vocals and pedal-steel guitar; Peter Bonta on vocals, guitar and piano; and Barry Foley on bass. (By then Acosta had left the band, though he played electric guitar on a couple of the album tracks.) Lyrics about heartbreak and loss filled songs titled “Right Before My Eyes” and “Gerry’s Velvet Hardhat.”

“I wonder,” Triplett sings on one track, “did the truth just pass me by, or

did I just not see what was right before my eyes….”

The album cover features a colorized photo of the Boys posing before a pond that once sat near the Key Bridge, with Rosslyn’s high-rises in the background. The record soared up D.C. music charts, and the band eventually shared bills with artists such as Emmylou Harris, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette and Jerry Lee Lewis.

As the 1970s drew to a close, the band released another album that downplayed the country elements. The record tanked and the Boys broke up shortly after. “Changing our sound is what destroyed us,” says Berberich, who moved to Maryland.

In the decades that followed, the musicians regrouped for occasional reunion shows and even recorded a third album. Triplett, now living on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley, says those days are behind them. The Rolfe Street house is long gone. Many of the original Rosslyn “mountains” have been replaced, too.

But the music lives on, thanks to platforms like Spotify and YouTube. As Triplett says, “We had great fun.” ■

The Rosslyn Mountain Boys (left) in 1976

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.