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13th Annual McLean Chocolate Festival
CON TENTS
No one likes to think about end-of-life planning for aging parents. But not being prepared for the inevitable makes the hard parts even harder.
ON THE COVER: Cake by Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe. Photo by Deb Lindsey
Serene artwork and cool colors transform a 1938 Tudor bungalow in Lyon Village.
It’s time to check in with your heart.
Cardiovascular issues can start at any age, so it’s important to monitor your heart health early. At VHC Health, our expert cardiologists provide personalized treatments to detect issues before they become serious. Don’t wait—schedule your heart checkup today and invest in a healthier future.
It’s never too early to get your heart checked, make an appointment today.
Arlington | Kingstowne | Old Town | Tysons
CON TENTS
Thinking ahead to Valentine’s Day? We heart these locally made gifts and goodies.
A crafty pastime makes a comeback. It’s not just for grandmas anymore.
Feeling opulent? This luxe bathroom sets a new gold standard. 116
The area’s most expensive home sales. Plus, real-estate trends by ZIP code.
A Levantine newcomer to Clarendon gets the vibe just right.
124
Counteract winter’s chill with take-home paella, Afghan-style café fare and brunch with a boozy beverage cart. 126
Our dining guide includes bite-size write-ups on more than 250 area restaurants and bars.
When the weight of the world feels heavy, book some time away with friends in a beautiful place.
158
Treat yourself to a spa weekend, a beer bath or a literary sojourn at a publishingthemed hotel.
160
Basketball was a White-dominated sport until this local PE teacher changed the game.
letter from the publisher
Not Fade Away
MY MOM IS 89 and lives in assisted living outside of Philadelphia, not far from where I grew up. My sister—God bless her—spends a lot of time with our mom, taking her to doctors’ appointments and helping manage most aspects of her life, including the big items (her care) and the small ones (keeping her freezer full of vanilla ice cream). My role is a lot less significant. I visit as often as I can, and I call a few times a week to provide her with some laughs.
My dad just turned 96. He lives about 30 minutes from my mom. Fun fact: His grandfather fought in the Civil War with the 110th Pennsylvania Regiment, Company C, which was attached to the Army of the Potomac. (My great-grandfather fought in nearly every major battle of the Union army in the Eastern theater, including Gettysburg, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Appomattox.) When I was a kid I had friends whose great-grandparents were still alive, so it seemed pretty wild to me that one of mine had fought in the Civil War. I guess they were late bloomers on my dad’s side.
At any rate, my dad is remarried to a wonderful woman who is dedicated to him and his care. In addition, my sister (the aforementioned rock star) is a very active participant in providing both of them with assistance. I, on the other hand, turn up as often as I can with some wine and to take them to dinner.
Many of us are navigating the needs of our aging parents. We are grateful to have them in our lives, but also fully aware that it’s a challenging life stage for us, and even more challenging for them. And nobody likes to talk about the inevitable. That’s why we decided to pursue a story on planning for endof-life care. In “Having the Tough Conversations,”
Stephanie Kanowitz personalizes this difficult topic by sharing her own experience with her aging mother. She then weaves in best practices from local experts to provide a “how-to” guide of sorts for talking with elder family members about their wishes and getting those health and financial documents in order.
Shifting to a celebratory topic, this is the issue many of you have been waiting for all year long— the Best of Arlington issue. Thousands of you voted in our annual survey, naming your favorite people, places and businesses in the community. It is a wonderful resource, highlighting winners and top vote getters (the runners-up) in more than 80 categories. Sprinkled throughout are our editors’ favorites, too.
Speaking of the Best of Arlington, please mark your calendars for our annual Best of Arlington party. It will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz of Arlington. The event features food from many of your favorite restaurants, craft beer, wine, live music and a fun crowd.
I hope you find this issue both entertaining and informative. As always, we love hearing from you. Please send your feedback and story ideas to greg.hamilton@arlingtonmagazine.com. Letters to the editor should be sent to jenny.sullivan@arlingtonmaga zine.com. And if you haven’t visited our new, improved website, you can find it at ArlingtonMagazine.com. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Greg Hamilton Publisher & Owner
Jesse Rifkin
LIVES IN: Rosslyn
ORIGINALLY FROM: Connecticut
IN THIS ISSUE: Catches up with Terry Szuplat, a former White House speechwriter for Barack Obama
OTHER PRESIDENTIAL PURSUITS: “The Washington Post published my article about the history of celebrity presidential endorsements in August.”
NIGHT JOB: Professional musician. “Catch me most Friday and Saturday nights headlining the dueling pianos show at Georgetown Piano Bar! All audience requests.”
BEST OF ARLINGTON: “Quincy Hall in Ballston is one of my favorite places— and not just because I host trivia there on Tuesday nights. Their pizza is legitimately great. Also Bar Bao in Clarendon. Order the drunken noodles or chili basil stir fry.”
FUN FACTS: “I lead afternoon walking tours of D.C. history through the company Walks LLC. Plus, I can spin a basketball on my finger.”
ONLINE: Check out his weekly history blog at sundaymagazine.org.
John F.
Seymour
LIVES IN: Arlington’s Williamsburg neighborhood. “My wife and I came to Arlington in 1979. We’ve lived here ever since.”
ORIGINALLY FROM: Upstate New York
IN THIS ISSUE: Reminisces about growing up in a small town in a rural stretch of the Empire State
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: “I graduated from Georgetown Law School in 1982, clerked for a judge in federal district court, worked in private practice for several decades and then moved to the U.S. Department of the Interior, where I was an assistant solicitor when I retired. I practiced environmental law.”
BEST OF ARLINGTON: “Arlington County is well-run with honest and dedicated political leadership and highly professional county staff. I love the wellfunded libraries, community centers and public schools, the beautifully designed parks and expansive network of bike trails. I have always felt proud and fortunate to be an Arlingtonian. I have been active in politics (precinct captain) and recently returned to volunteering with the Arlington Food Assistance Center.”
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
Adele Chapin, Christine Koubek Flynn, Michael Gueltig, Wendy A. Jordan, Wendy Kantor, Nigel F. Maynard, Jamie McCrary, Kim O’Connell, John F. Seymour, Jesse Rifkin, Adrienne Wichard-Edds
PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS
Jorge Amaya, Artistry Reimagined, Shannon Ayres, Stephanie Bragg, Skip Brown, Jennifer Chase, Donn Dobkin, Emma Enig, Addison Green, Stacy Zarin Goldberg, Greg Hadley Photography, James Heimer, Lisa Helfert, Tony J. Lewis, Deb Lindsey, Susan Mathews, Matt Mendelsohn, Nova Soul Imagery, Donna Owens, Robert Radifera, Connor Reed, Hilary Schwab, Pete Souza, Abby Grace Springmann, Scott Suchman, Joseph D. Tran, Michael Ventura, Dixie Vereen, Bryn Wallace, Stephanie Williams
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Phone: 703-534-0519
AROUND TOWN
by Jamie McCrary
PERFORMING ARTS
THROUGH JAN. 12
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Signature Theatre
All roads lead to ancient Rome in Stephen Sondheim’s raucous tale of mistaken identities, tricks, ruses and love with a happy ending. Tickets begin at $40. See website for show times. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org
JAN. 25, 7 P.M.
Improvicon
6
The Alden
Improv groups go head-to-head (and joketo-joke) in this full-on competition produced
by Dark Horse Theatre Co. and The Unruly Theatre Project. Think “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” but with your wacky suggestions. $20; $15 for students and seniors; $12 for McLean Community Center district residents. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, mcleancenter.org
JAN. 28-MARCH 16
Job
Signature Theatre
In this psychological thriller, a young woman experiencing screaming breakdowns seeks an evaluation from a crisis therapist to return to work. The story that unfolds is a meditation on the meaning of work and the insidiousness of the internet, with a disturbing twist. Tickets begin at $40. See website for show times. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org
A MOVING PERFORMANCE
JAN. 18, 7 P.M.
Collage Dance Presents RISE
The Alden Performed with Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech as the backdrop, this fulllength neoclassical ballet commemorates and reflects on the 56 years since the civil rights leader’s passing. Tickets are $25; $20 for students and seniors; $15 for McLean Community Center district residents. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, mcleancenter.org
JAN. 30-FEB. 16
The Lake Effect
1st Stage
Lauded for its witty dialogue and richly drawn characters, this play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo) centers on estranged siblings who are forced to confront painful family secrets following their father’s sudden death. $55; $15 for students, educators and military service members. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons, 1ststage.org
JAN. 31-FEB. 2
Come From Away
Capital One Hall
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway, this
breathtaking production chronicles the true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them after 9/11. Tickets begin at $57. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, capitalonehall.com
FEB. 1-16
The Play That Goes Wrong
The Arlington Players
A troupe of accident-prone actors stages a disastrous production with hilarious consequences in a tale that’s part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes. $30; $25 for seniors and military service members; $20 for children and students. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington, thearlingtonplayers.org
FEB. 2, 7 P.M.
Ben Bailey
Arlington Drafthouse
Best known for hosting the Emmy-awardwinning game show Cash Cab and Comedy
Central specials Road Rage and Accidental Ornithology, comedian Ben Bailey takes the stage for a special headline performance. $30. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, arlingtondrafthouse.com
FEB. 7-9
Loni Love
Arlington Drafthouse
The Emmy Award-winning comedian, actress and talk show host is known for delivering in-depth discussions with levity. Catch Love on E!’s Daily Pop and Nightly Pop, or FOX’s The Real interviewing high-profile guests such as Idris Elba and Michelle Obama. $28. Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, arlingtondrafthouse.com
FEB. 11-MAY 4
In the Heights
Signature Theatre
The Tony Award-winning musical by LinManuel Miranda (Hamilton) and Quiara Alegría Hudes (Daphne’s Dive) chronicles the lives of New York City’s Washington
Heights residents through Latin music and hip-hop. Tickets begin at $40. See website for show times. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org
FEB. 13-MARCH 9
Steel Magnolias
Creative Cauldron
This classic comedy-drama about six small-town Southern women is a lasting testament to the power of sisterhood. Creative Cauldron gives the characters a refresh. Tickets begin at $40; $25 for students. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church, creativecauldron.org
FEB. 19-22
The Second City 65th Anniversary Show
The Barns at Wolf Trap
The iconic comedy troupe that gave rise to stars such as John Belushi and Tina Fey celebrates 65 years of funny business with a hilarious archive of songs, sketches and characters. Tickets
begin at $48. Performances are 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday. 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org
FEB. 21-22
Bill Blagg: Magic & Illusion
The Alden
Experience the impossible during this 90-minute, action-packed magic show filled with audience interactions and jaw-dropping illusions. $20; $17 for students and seniors; $15 for McLean Community Center district residents. Performances are 7 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, mcleancenter.org
ART
THROUGH JAN. 5
Vivid!
Falls Church Arts
Need some color therapy to counterbalance winter’s grays? This all-media exhibit showcases local artists’ boldest and brightest works. Visit the show in person or online to view the Juror’s Choice and People’s Choice award winners. Free. 700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church, fallschurcharts.org
JAN. 11-FEB. 23
Full Circle
Falls Church Arts
Juried by Virginia artist, educator and therapist Sharon Malley, this group show features works exploring the theme of coming full circle. Visitors are invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award by Feb. 7. Opening reception 7-9 p.m. Jan. 11. Free. 700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church, fallschurcharts.org
FEB. 22, 5 P.M.
Art After Hours
Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Join MoCA Arlington to celebrate the opening of its spring 2025 exhibitions. The gallery kicks off the new year with solo shows by D.C.-based artists Brandon Morse and Joshua Challen Ice, as well as resident artist Milan Warner. Also on display: a group exhibition exploring the legacy of painting in the D.C. area. The evening will include refreshments, a cash bar and the opportunity to visit resident artists in their studios. Free. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, mocaarlington.org
AUTHORS & BOOKS
JAN. 1-MARCH 1
Winter Reading Challenge
Arlington Public Library
Celebrate the joy of reading with the library’s all-ages winter reading challenge. Read three books between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28 for a chance to win raffle prizes, including free Washington Capitals and Wizards tickets. On March 1, celebrate your reading success with a hot chocolate party at multiple library locations. Free. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, library.arlingtonva.us
FEB. 9, 4-5:30 P.M.
Page & Stage: 1st Stage’s Book Club
1st Stage Theatre
Delve into Neel Patel’s If You See Me, Don’t Say Hi, a short story collection that explores and undermines deeply held stereotypes. This discussion is offered in conjunction with 1st Stage’s production of The Lake Effect. Free. 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons, 1ststage.org/page-and-stage
FEB. 13, 6:30-8 P.M.
Arlington Reads: Julia Quinn
Kenmore Middle School
Bridgerton series creator and bestselling historical romance author Julia Quinn joins librarian Jennifer Rothschild to chat about all things romance. Free. 200 S. Carlin Springs Drive, Arlington, library.arlingtonva.us
FEB. 27, 6:30-8 P.M.
Mary McLeod Bethune: A History
Arlington Central Library
Author and scholar Noliwe Rooks discusses the life and legacy of the pioneering educator who pushed for social reform for Black women and girls. Rooks will discuss her book, A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit: The Vision of Mary McLeod Bethune. Free. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, library.arlingtonva.us
MUSIC
JAN. 12, 2 P.M.
Junwen Liang, Piano
The Alden Theatre
Emerging artist Junwen Liang has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York
and Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, and won countless high-profile competitions— all while pursuing a performance certificate at Peabody. $10; $7 for students; $5 for McLean Community Center district residents. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, mcleancenter.org
JAN. 21, 7:30 P.M.
All You Need Is Love
The Birchmere
Relive the magic of John Lennon and The Beatles. This one-of-a-kind show features the Fab Four’s most beloved hits and timeless gems. $55. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com
FEB. 6, 8 P.M.
Doos Trio
The Barns at Wolf Trap Immerse yourself in the ancient traditions of Iran, China and India with Grammynominated musicians Wu Man (pipa), Kayhan Kalhor (kamancheh) and Sandeep Das (tabla). Tickets begin at $50. 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org
FEB. 7, 8 P.M.
Ari Shapiro: An Evening of Songs and Stories
The Barns at Wolf Trap
NPR’s All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro presents a solo cabaret packed with songs and stories from his bestselling memoir, The Best Strangers in the World. Tickets begin at $58. 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org
FEB. 8, 7 P.M.
The Black Opry Revue
The Alden
In true Opry style, this concert will showcase a variety of Black country music artists from across the nation. $30; $25 for students and seniors; $20 for McLean Community Center district residents. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, mcleancenter.org
FEB. 8, 7:30 P.M.
All-Mozart Returns
Washington Sinfonietta
This musical tribute to the 18th-century prodigy includes the iconic “Masonic Funeral Music in C Minor,” K. 477; “Clarinet Concerto in A Major,” K. 622, featuring Betty Bley on bass clarinet; and “Symphony No. 41 in C Major, Jupiter.” $15; $10 for students and seniors; free for children under 18. Falls Church Episcopal, 166 E. Broad St., Falls Church, washingtonsinfonietta.org
FEB. 14-15, 7:30 P.M.
Kevin Ross
The Birchmere
Bring your valentine and enjoy an intimate performance by D.C.-born R&B singer, songwriter and producer Kevin Ross. $65. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com
FEB. 15, 7:30 P.M.
Love at the Cinema National Chamber Ensemble
Arlington choreographer Lucy Bowen McCauley brings romantic film scores to life with a troupe of live dancers and chamber musicians. $40; $20 for students. Gunston Arts Center Theatre 1, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, nationalchamberensemble.org
FEB. 16, 3 P.M.
Wu Han, David Finckel & Arnaud Sussmann
The Barns at Wolf Trap
Three chamber music virtuosos perform Haydn’s celebrated “Piano Trio in E Major,” as well as works by Shostakovich and Mendelssohn. Tickets begin at $51. 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org
FEB. 21, 8:30 P.M.
Tusk: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
The State Theatre
Rediscover lasting hits by Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. $35. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church, thestatetheatre.com
FEB. 23, 2 P.M.
Barron Ryan, Piano
The Alden
This “classic meets cool” show by the award-winning pianist features groovy renditions of classical, jazz and pop tunes and original compositions. $10; $7 for students and seniors; $5 for McLean Community Center district residents. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, mcleancenter.org
SEASONAL
JAN. 1, NOON-1:30 P.M.
New Years’ Day Predictions & Resolutions 5K
DC Road Runners
Kick off 2025—and your new year’s resolutions—with this annual community
SELFIE CONSCIOUS
JAN. 11, 1-2 P.M.
Artist Talk: Marisa Stratton
Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Resident artist Marisa Stratton discusses You Will Never Be Forgotten, a solo exhibition of portraiture based on images of people on FaceTime, Instagram and TikTok. The VCU graduate shares the inspiration and process behind her work, much of which centers on social media and life behind the screen. Free. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, mocaarlington.org
5K. Check-in and race number pickup begins at 11 a.m.; no strollers or dogs allowed. $10; free for members. Washington-Liberty High School; 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington, dcroadrunners.org/ sign-up/pr5k
JAN. 4, 1-4 P.M.
Winter Block Party
Bundle up for an afternoon of live entertainment, games, food and crafts. Admission is free. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, mcleancenter.org
JAN. 18, 8:30 A.M.-NOON MLK Day of Service
Volunteer Arlington
A day on, not a day off. Volunteer Arlington’s annual countywide community service day commemorates the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Last year’s project assignments included packing snack and STEM kits for students, making Valentine’s cards, cleaning up public areas and other good deeds. See website for details about
Hungry for discounts and deals at your favorite eateries? Nearly 50 restaurants are participating in The Little City’s secondannual winter food fest. fallschurchrw.com
FEB. 22, 11 A.M.-4 P.M.
The Shop Open House
Arlington Central Library
Visit the Central Library’s makerspace, The Shop, for tours and demos of the equipment—from laser cutters and 3D printers to embroidery machines—and think about what you want to create. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, library.arlingtonva.us
Got a calendar event we should know about? Submit it to editorial@arlingtonmagazine.com
big picture ■ by Jenny Sullivan | photo by Michael Ventura
A Handmade Tale
Knitting and sewing are cool again. This Falls Church studio is part of that cultural fabric.
CHILDREN OF THE
’80s and ’90s may recall obsessing over Guess jeans and all things Benetton, and rolling their eyes at the hand-knit sweaters their grandmas sent for their birthdays. It turns out those grandmas were cooler than we knew.
Lately, the backlash against fast-fashion and the quest for authenticity have brought the fiber arts—hobbies such as knitting, quilting, crochet and embroidery—roaring back into the mainstream. Celebrities from Demi Lovato to Ryan Gosling have reportedly taken up knitting to relax, and countless others have picked up some form of needle and thread to stave off anxiety.
The homespun aesthetic has become runway fashionable, too. There are knitting cruises sponsored by Vogue. Ravelry, a web community for knitters and fiber artists, claims to have more than 9 million registered users. During the most recent election cycle, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff’s fashion-designer daughter, Ella, a prolific knitter, gained prominence as an icon of “weird girl style.”
All of this is welcome news for Carissa Englert, owner of TINT Makerspace in Falls Church. A former research analyst with a background in psychology and sociology, she opened her colorful fiber arts studio on West Broad Street in 2019—in part, to give yarn and textile aficionados a place to play.
Yes, the shop sells boutique fabrics and quality yarns (including mohair from Italy and merino wool from Uruguay), but much of its traffic is locals stopping in on evenings or weekends to learn the art of, say, Japanese sashiko stitching, punch needle rug hooking or visible mending. Englert teaches some classes herself and brings in outside instructors for others.
The clientele isn’t just retired folk. “I have young guys coming into the shop who have seen tutorials on YouTube or TikTok,” she says. “They’re sewing shirts. They want to embellish something they thrifted or make a cosplay costume.”
Though TINT’s workshop offerings do include basics such as Knitting 101, Englert says her mission isn’t simply to teach a skill. It’s to help creative people discover their own style.
“As a kid, I wanted to be an artist, but I can’t paint or draw,” she says. “I love color. I would steal little pieces of tissue paper from the art room in elementary school. But I didn’t go to art school, so for a while I thought I couldn’t consider myself an artist. We all choose different mediums.”
Personally, her preferred aesthetic isn’t overly precious. She’s partial to raw edges, big-stitch quilting and “left of center” tertiary colors. “I dislike doing anything exactly by the pattern,” she says. “I recently found this iridescent metallic rainbow sweatshirt material and made a corset top with exposed seams, so it looks like a shearling jacket.”
That’s definitely not something you’re likely to find at the mall—although you may well spy a young person in the food court knitting their own version of bespoke happiness. ■
Carissa Englert at TINT MakerSpace
familiar faces ■
by Jesse Rifkin | photo by Pete Souza
Tales From the West Wing
Speechwriter Terry Szuplat is a man of many words, writ large in the annals of history.
THE SCENE: It’s 2016 and Barack Obama is minutes from delivering a rousing address to thousands of cheering fans in Athens, Greece, as part of the last diplomatic tour of his presidency. But the remarks are trapped on speechwriter Terry Szuplat’s laptop—
which isn’t working. The look on Szuplat’s face is one of wide-eyed panic.
This wasn’t the first time technical difficulties threatened to derail planned remarks to a crowd hanging on the president’s every word. Szuplat weathered his share of Veep-like incidents during
his eight years as a White House speechwriter—like the time several pages at the lectern were accidentally left blank (prompting Obama to wing it), or when a speech got off to a late start because of a broken toner cartridge.
And yet, laptop crashes and teleprompter snafus aren’t what most people remember after seeing and hearing the man many consider one of the great orators of our time. They remember the words he spoke—particularly in somber moments, after mass shootings, natural disasters and racial strife, when a weary nation needed words of reassurance from its commander in chief.
Terry Szuplat wrote many of those words.
The Massachusetts native didn’t set out to become a speechwriter. He came to the D.C. area in 1991, an American
Terry Szuplat with President Obama in the Oval Office
University undergrad intent on becoming an attorney. There was just one problem later, he says: “I didn’t get accepted by a single law school.”
After college, he landed a job as a researcher with the Moynihan Commission on Protecting and Reducing Government Secrecy, a bipartisan entity tasked with recommending protocol changes for classified information and security clearances. That’s when he met his future wife, Mary. She was working for one of the commissioners, a PBS journalist.
“This was back before the internet,” Szuplat recalls. “One day I had to handdeliver a floppy disk” to PBS headquarters in Alexandria. “While I was delivering it, I met the journalist’s assistant.”
Their first date was at Kramerbooks & Afterwords (now Kramers) in Dupont Circle, followed by a second date to a ball for Bill Clinton’s 1997 inauguration. “I was 20-something, so I didn’t own a tuxedo,” he says. “I had to run down to the tuxedo store.”
Szuplat’s career took a turn in 1998, when, at age 25, he landed a job on the speechwriting team for then-Defense Secretary William Cohen. He later worked as a staffer for the Senate Armed Services Committee and—after Republicans regained control of the Senate in 2002—as a self-employed speechwriter and Democratic political consultant.
The opportunity to join Obama’s team came in early 2009, but first he had to pass a writing test. The assignment: To wordsmith a hypothetical address to the nation on the eve of Air Force One’s departure to the Middle East to sign a historic peace accord. (Evidence, perhaps, that Szuplat’s portfolio also includes fiction and fantasy.) He passed the test with flying colors. His first “actual” presidential speech, delivered about four months after Obama took office, was a commencement address at the U.S. Naval Academy . Szuplat remembers being in a weekly writers meeting in the West Wing office of senior advisor David Axelrod a short time later “when Obama just waltzed in, tossing a foot-
ball. He asked, ‘Where’s the new guy?,’ came over, shook my hand and said, ‘Thanks for the speech. Great job.’ I always remember that. A president has a thousand reasons not to take the time to say thank you. But he did.”
Szuplat would pen nearly 500 speeches for Obama over the president’s two terms in office, many of them in times of crisis. To put himself in the right headspace, he often wrote with an actual person in mind. After the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, he thought about his daughter, then a first-grader at Glebe Elementary in Arlington.
Four months later, his conservative Uncle Dan, a New Englander, was the face he envisioned while writing an address in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing. He says his uncle complimented the speech despite having ideological differences with the administration.
Szuplat seldom had time for writer’s block. Tragedies such as the June 2016 shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub, which left 49 dead and 53 more wounded, demanded an immediate response.
“That happened on a Saturday night,” he recalls. “I woke up expecting to have a normal quiet Sunday morning, but these reports were starting to come in. The president’s going to speak in two hours. I started writing in my pajamas.”
Though he had an office in D.C.— first in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and later in the West Wing— Szuplat made a point of coming home most evenings to Mary and their two children in Waverly Hills. Dinnertime and bedtime were sacrosanct. He’d often flip open his laptop and go back to work once the kids were tucked in. “My neighbors would say they could tell if something important was happening because the light was on in my home office.”
Today their son, Jack, is a junior at Drew University in New Jersey, daughter Claire is a freshman at Loyola Marymount in Baltimore, and he and Mary are empty nesters. They have more time
to dine out at favorite local spots like Pie-Tanza at the Lee Harrison Shops and Thai Noy in Westover.
With his White House days behind him, Szuplat founded his own speechwriting and communications consulting firm, Global Voices. He also teaches a course on political speechwriting at his alma mater, American University, where he is an adjunct professor.
“It’s not just how to write political speeches themselves, but how to understand and consume them as citizens,” he explains. “I think it’s important to be discerning, especially with leaders who choose not to tell the truth. It’s not a theory class. We don’t spend lots of time analyzing Aristotle, Cicero and Plato. I have no patience for that. It’s a hands-on, skills-based workshop.”
In September, he published his first book: Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience (HarperCollins).
What’s the biggest difference between writing a speech and a 350-page book? “Speeches are shorter. You can bang most out in a day or two, if you really have to,” he says. “A book took over my life for three years. Actually, it took over my family’s life for three years.”
While the book has received accolades from a veritable who’s who of influential figures—including former Obama lead speechwriter Jon Favreau (now a co-host of the Pod Save America podcast) and Columbia Business School professor and author Dorie Clark—Szuplat has one regret.
“My publisher said their readers generally prefer a professional narrator for [the audio version of] these how-to books. I wish I’d pushed back. The whole book is about my journey to become a more effective public speaker. It would have been wonderful to actually read that aloud.”
Then again, he says, narrator Sean Patrick Hopkins does a fine and convincing job: “Fortunately, most people don’t know what my voice sounds like.” ■
Jesse Rifkin wrote about the local bar trivia scene in our September/October issue.
John F. Seymour
This Old House
Crime, punishment and architectural appreciation in a small town
I NEED TO PREFACE this account with the claim that we were basically good kids—Boy Scouts and altar boys, not troublemakers. Like so many 12-yearolds in the rural small towns of the 1950s, we were also semi-feral. During the high summer days, when camps and lake houses were beyond our means and the only television shows were reruns on two channels, we roamed aimlessly,
coming home when we were hungry to slap together peanut butter sandwiches and drink cherry Kool-Aid.
Most of the houses in my hometown of Lyons Falls, New York, ranged from modest millworkers’ bungalows to a few stately Victorians on the nicer streets. The outliers were the limestone Gould estate, whose owners ran the local paper mill, and a circa 1886 gabled
house bearing the grandiose name “Florissante.” We villagers always referred to the latter simply as “the Mansion.”
Located on a quiet lane with a view of the Black River, the Mansion was surrounded by broad lawns and mature trees. It had been built by the Lyon family, the namesake of Lyons Falls (no relation to Arlington developer Frank Lyon), and was still owned by that family’s descendants, although no one had lived there for years.
One sunny afternoon, a friend and I rode our bikes around the outskirts of town and lingered near the grand home, seeking an antidote to our boredom. To me, it seemed mysterious and beckoning. Though it had been vacant for some time, the lawn was mowed and the property appeared well-main-
tained. Passing through the carriage portal, we dismounted and crept onto the front porch, peering through windows to admire the generous entry hall with its cherrywood paneling and broad staircase.
The air was quiet, save the hum of grasshoppers chirping, and there seemed to be no one else within miles of us. For some reason, I felt a compulsion to go inside. I can’t explain the logic that turned casual sightseeing into breaking and entering, but the illicit nature of the choice was clearly an attraction—a bit of a thrill.
I was curious about the interior, which was so different from any home I had ever seen. It was elegant in a town where elegance was rare. My boyhood fascination with the Hardy Boys mystery series, whose main characters
were constantly stumbling in and out of pickles, may have also emboldened me. The locks posed a fun challenge. I was an admirer—not a vandal or a thief—so it seemed entirely proper to enter the house and look around.
My friend was understandably hesitant, but accompanied me as I looked for a way in. Everything was tightly locked, as it should have been, except for one small window. Success! I hoisted myself onto the sill, pushed up the sash and lowered myself into what turned out to be the kitchen. It was cool inside, dark and dusty, and even quieter than the outdoors. My friend followed and we began to explore.
The interior was truly extraordinary. The first-floor rooms felt cavernous, with rich, dark wainscoting on the walls, high ceilings and hanging chan-
deliers. The wide staircase was beautifully designed, with intricate carvings on the railings and bannisters. Many of the windows contained stained or beveled glass. The attic had a huge wooden water tank with a galvanized inner lining, which I suppose at one point provided water for baths and showers.
Most wonderful of all was the ropepulled dumbwaiter designed to move food and other sundries between floors. Upon discovering that I could actually fit inside it (as the smallest, I was the test pilot), we began using it to transport each other. We raised and lowered the dumbwaiter and called to each other from different floors through the home’s laundry chute.
We returned several times that summer, sometimes inviting other friends to join. After a while, the place became
familiar. We were respectful, awed by its craftsmanship and decorative details. I felt welcome, somehow. We never disturbed anything except the dust—and once, an old, varnished wooden boomerang that sat on a shelf. I experimented with it a few times in the front yard, throwing it to see whether it would arc back to me. It never did.
After school started, our visits came to an abrupt end. I was in class one day when I was called to the gym, where a number of my fellow classmates were sitting in the bleachers, looking sheepish. The sheriff was there.
As the last student to be summoned, I was apparently viewed as the leader of a major criminal enterprise—which perhaps I was. When asked what “we thought we were doing,” I babbled something nonsensical about curiosity and the Hardy Boys. We received a lecture about trespassing and the dangers it posed to the property and ourselves,
after which our parents were alerted to our misbehavior.
In my case, my grandmother (who raised my brother and me) got the call. Although she was deeply embarrassed—she was friendly with the thenowner of the house, Sally Trube, a direct descendant of the Lyon family— she never chastised me for the escapade, other than to note that “at least it involved some of the best families in the neighborhood.” Our gang included the sons of the local pharmacist and the town doctor, plus a few other kids that everyone knew not to be “delinquents.”
Our punishment was swift and fair. We spent several weekends cleaning out the Mansion’s attic and other rooms in preparation, I think, for an estate sale. Mrs. Trube was very gracious and treated us with care as we worked. She seemed amused by our intimate knowledge of the house, the workings of the dumbwaiter and our deft use of the
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laundry chute to move linens in need of washing to the basement.
Sixty-five years or so later, the Mansion has been transformed into an upscale bed-and-breakfast, still called “Florissante.” The house has fared far better than the village, whose principal employer, the paper mill, closed in 2001 after 100 years of operation. Center Street, once home to numerous small shops, is now almost entirely vacant. The population of Lyons Falls has shrunk from nearly 900 in the 1950s to barely 500 today.
The kids, though, are likely no different than we were—largely unwatched and just as impulsive and curious. I sincerely hope that, when facing their own misdemeanors, they are treated with the same strain of small-town justice, heavily tinged with forgiveness. ■
John F. Seymour is a retired attorney and a 45-year resident of Arlington.
over Cancer Starts
N. Glebe Rd, Suite 1600, 3 Ballston Plaza, Arlington, VA 22201
F inancial P ro F essionals Profiles
Evermay Wealth Management
Helping you secure and enhance your legacy is our mission—and it’s a privilege we value each day.
1776 Wilson Blvd., Suite 520 Arlington, VA 22209 703-822-5696 evermaywealth.com
Evermay Wealth Management is a registered investment advisor.
Q: What makes your client experience exceptional?
A: At Evermay, our client experience is defined by genuine listening and truly bespoke financial planning. We recognize that each client’s story, aspirations and financial landscape are unique, and we dedicate ourselves to understanding what matters most to you. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we craft strategies designed specifically for your life, legacy and success. The intricacies of substantial wealth demand a deep, multidisciplinary perspective. Our credentialed team of Certified Financial Planner™ and Chartered Financial Analyst® professionals brings decades of investment advisory expertise, adeptly guiding clients through the complexities and opportunities that significant wealth presents. In a world of rapid and unpredictable change, we’ve helped our clients navigate everything from global pandemics to economic upheavals and the deeply personal challenges of loss and transition.
Q: How does Evermay help their clients achieve a richer, more full life?
A: At Evermay, we believe true wealth goes beyond numbers—it’s about empowering your vision for life and legacy. Our approach to wealth planning encompasses important facets of your financial world, from strategic investment management to personalized estate planning, philanthropic aspirations and tailored guidance for future generations. Our clients—accomplished entrepreneurs, executives, nonprofit foundations and multigenerational families with $1 million to $25 million+ in investable assets—trust us to help them make a meaningful impact with their wealth. Whether establishing a legacy fund for a family, optimizing executive stock options, creating a charitable giving program or exploring exclusive private capital opportunities, our advice is designed to ensure your wealth works purposefully and effectively for you.
From left: Brian M. Fyock, CFP®, Wealth Advisor & Director of Wealth Services—Legal and Consultant Industries; Eliot B. Simon, CFP®, Wealth Advisor; Ross J. Loomis, CFA, Director of Research & Trading & Principal; Damon A. White, Chief Operating Officer & Co-founder; Andrew T. Sponaugle CFP®, Senior Wealth Advisor & Principal; Camille Svitek, CFP®, CFA, Associate Wealth Advisor; Eric M. Reigel, CFP®, Associate Wealth Advisor; William C. Pitt IV, President & Co-founder
Vintage Financial Partners
We are more than financial planners. We are partners in your financial journey, dedicated to helping you pursue your dreams and secure your legacy.
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Suite 400 Ashburn, VA 20147
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Q: Tell us a bit about Vintage Financial Partners.
A: We are a team of Certified Financial Planners with decades of experience serving families in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Two years ago, we significantly expanded our presence in the Northern Virginia area and opened our Ashburn office. Our approach is to lead with relationships, build trust and demonstrate true care for each individual and family as we work together on their goals.
Q: What sets you apart from other wealth management firms?
A: We are proud to offer a true ensemble practice for the benefit of all of our clients. When you work with Vintage, you gain access to the depth and breadth of our entire team of professionals for generations to come. We serve our clients with extensive financial planning services, specializing in
wealth management for business owners, retirees, parents of college students and more. We understand that our clients’ goals and objectives are completely unique, and we’re passionate about helping them discover and pursue their desired outcomes. Our goal is to be their most trusted advisor by sharing our professional knowledge, transparent insights and personalized investment management services with them and their families.
Q: What is your “second opinion service”?
A: We extend an offer to review your current financial plan to determine if it aligns with your goals. If your current financial plan is on track, we will let you know. If some minor adjustments should be made, we will offer that suggestion. If significant improvements are needed, we will offer our services.
From left: (back row) Alan Belanger, Andrew Seested, Jordan Kraus, Chet Bingham, Scott Friberg; (front row) Jason Cohen, Brian Oettinger, Jennifer Cerpe, Manoli Athanasakis, Anna Squier
Arlington Community Federal Credit Union
Awards/Honors: Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Community Bank 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024
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 wellbeing 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—industry-leading rates on savings accounts and 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 financially empower our members through remarkable service: we hear the story, find solutions and create positive change in the community we love. 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.
CJM Wealth Advisers, Ltd.
CJM Wealth Advisers provides purposebuilt, customized financial planning and investment management services. We help clients reach their goals with thoughtful, educated, comprehensive financial planning and investment management.
3110 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 900 Falls Church, VA 22042
703-425-0700
reception@cjmltd.com www.cjmltd.com
Q: What makes CJM Wealth Advisers stand out in a crowded marketplace?
A: With over 45 years of experience, we pride ourselves on our reputation for helping people obtain stable portfolio income in any market environment. We are an independent, fee-only, registered investment advisor (RIA) in Falls Church.
Q: What motivates your advisers?
A: Our advisers love to help people. The most satisfying aspect of our job is celebrating our client’s financial goals and life milestones achieved, especially
when those goals seemed out of reach at one point. Our work helps people plan for retirement, send kids to college and even ensure they have a well-rounded plan to cover them in a catastrophe.
Q: What licenses, credentials or other certifications do CJM’s advisers hold—and why do they matter to your clients?
A: Our advisers all hold the CFP® designation and act as fiduciaries. This means that the advice we provide is unbiased and our clients’ interests always come first.
MICHAEL VENTURA
From left: Jessica R. Ness, CFP®; Parker G. Trasborg, CFP®; Tracey A. Baker, CFP®; Brian T. Jones, CFP®; David D. Greene, CFP®
D’Orazio Wealth Advisors
Our approach evaluates decisions through two lenses. First is the financial plan, which shows where one stands and allows decisions to be synced with what you want to achieve in your career and retirement. Second is the tax strategy, which can minimize your biggest expense and open the window for more thoughtful planning.
8614 Westwood Center Drive, Suite 310
Vienna, VA 22182
703-269-3100
info@dorazioadvisors.com
www.dorazioadvisors.com
Q: Why should prospective clients consider working with D’Orazio Wealth Advisors?
A: Throughout our lives, we’re all faced with financial decisions, from buying a house to executive compensation, paying for college, selling a business, inheritance, when to retire, long-term care and so on. These are not good times to make a bad decision. D’Orazio Wealth Advisors has been guiding people to make informed financial decisions since 2004. We help people with smaller decisions, like how to fund a car purchase, and more complicated decisions, like executive compensation or the sale of a business. We can do this because we evaluate our clients’ decision options against their financial plan. We look through our tax strategy lens while considering their larger financial ecosystem. Our process goal is to ensure our clients have the
information and confidence they need to make the big decisions.
Q: What makes your client experience unique?
A: D’Orazio Wealth Advisors offers 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 team collaboration. Our talented team of financial professionals sees recommendations all the way through to the implementation phase. Through our work, we build long-lasting personal relationships. In many ways, that’s what we enjoy most about what we do — we know that by seeing our clients through their goals and life milestones, we add value to their lives.
When we make a big difference on big decisions, it tends to create long-lasting and highly satisfying relationships.
From left: Andrew Eskelsen, Jeremy Meek, Jennifer VanLandingham and David Trenner
8391 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 203 Vienna, VA 22182 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.
Advisors carrying the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Professionals designation: Bruce Vaughn, Rose Price, Daniel Lash, Chris Mellone, Sarah Avila, Andrew Fincher, Dean Tsantes. Advisors carrying the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation: Bruce Vaughn, Rose Price, Daniel Lash, Chris Mellone, Andrew Fincher. Advisors and Registered Representatives carrying the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation: Chris Mellone, Sean Beznicki. Advisor carrying the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation: Sarah Avila. Advisor carrying the Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor (APDA®) designation: Dean Tsantes.
EagleBank
EVELYN LEE, EVP, CHIEF LENDING OFFICER C&I
JEFF RUBERY, 1ST SVP, MARKET EXECUTIVE
Awards/Honors:
Ranked 17th in the Washington Business Journal’s Corporate Diversity Index for midsize companies with 100-999 total employees
Ranked 9th in the Washington Business Journal’s Women on Public Company Boards
Named to Executive Alliance’s Honor Roll Award for Women’s Representation
4420 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203 571-319-4800 | ContactMe@EagleBankCorp.com www.EagleBankCorp.com
Q: What do you find most satisfying about your job?
A: Lee: Collaborating with talented, clientfocused professionals who want to get great work done for our customers is the best part of my job. Each time we provide a great solution to a client, we know we are contributing to the health and vitality of the Greater Washington economy, and we are extremely committed to being a critical and trusted partner in helping the region thrive. This is what motivates and inspires me every day.
Q: What makes your client experience unique?
A: Lee: For clients who work with Eagle, the combination of having scale and being authentically local is important. Although most banks will toss around
the term, Eagle has been headquartered in and committed to Greater Washington for over 26 years. Our team members live, work, raise families and engage civically in this community, while the vast majority of our competitors manage Greater Washington out of headquarters that are hundreds of miles from the DMV. What the combination of scale and local means for our clients is that they know the true decision makers at Eagle. These professionals can show up in their office on a dime and work together to get business done—regardless of the size of their organization. From the start, EagleBank never stops listening and learning, because that’s what builds trust and enriches a financial relationship. That is what also makes us different from others.
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!
From left: Todd Youngdahl, CFP; Maura Schauss, CFP; Robert Schneider, CFP
Sandy Spring Bank
ALEX CHACALTANA, CTP
Sixteen-year banking professional focused on positively impacting the lives of businesses and individuals across Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland.
4501 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 130 Arlington, VA 22203
Sandy Spring Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Wealth and Investment products are not FDIC insured, not guaranteed, and may lose value.
Q: What does Sandy Spring Bank have to offer its clients?
A: Sandy Spring Bank is a full-service financial institution with more than 50 locations throughout the greater Washington, D.C. region. We offer business and personal loans and deposits as well as investment, wealth management and trust services. 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 business we have.
In our capacity as a financial services company, we work with individuals, nonprofits, small-to-medium-size businesses, middle market and large corporate clients who want a bank that is big enough to have a wide variety of sophisticated and competitive products and services, but still small enough to offer outstanding personal service. Locally headquartered,
every client has a banker who lives and works in our communities.
Q: What do you find most satisfying about your job?
A: As a Business Development Manager, I enjoy helping individuals, local businesses and nonprofit organizations with their financial needs. Whether it’s a title company, charitable organization or government contractor looking for personalized service or an individual on the way to their next financial destination, it is an honor to serve as their dedicated banker. Sandy Spring Bank’s strong dedication to our clients and the communities we support enables me to actively participate in community engagement through volunteering, making financial contributions and applying my expertise by serving on the boards of nonprofit organizations in Arlington and nearby areas.
Wendroff and Associates, CPA
BRIAN WENDROFF
Awards/Honors:
Arlington Magazine, Best Accounting Firm 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025
Washingtonian Magazine, Top Financial Adviser, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Northern Virginia Magazine, Top Financial Professionals 2021, 2023, 2024
Arlington Magazine, Best Places to Work, 2022
2900 S. Quincy St., Suite 360, Arlington, VA 22206 703-553-1099 | bjwendroff@wendroffcpa.com www.wendroffcpa.com
Q: What changes have you seen in the accounting industry?
A: Two significant changes come to mind. First, there’s been a notable demographic shift. As of 2020, nearly 75% of the CPA workforce reached retirement age. This has led many individuals and businesses to seek forward-thinking accounting partners who provide year-round guidance, not just seasonal tax preparation. This need aligns perfectly with our mission. By developing top-notch accounting talent and remaining engaged throughout the year, we can provide tailored, proactive financial solutions, serving as trusted advisors to our clients.
Second, technology is drastically transforming the accounting industry. Over a decade ago, we began implementing automation to enhance our internal operations and client services. With the emergence of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, we are now seamlessly integrating this technology into our daily operations. Our first-hand experience with automation and AI allows us to help clients leverage these tools for their own business needs. This technology-forward approach remains central to our work and helping our clients stay competitive.
Q: What advice do you have for small business owners?
A: Prioritize financial insight and strategy for your business. Maintain a realistic budget and cash flow forecast. These tools aren’t just for tracking numbers— they provide insights into decisions that can make or break your business. Also, consult with an experienced accountant for proactive tax planning well before tax season and stay current with tax laws. A partner who understands your business can help you see the bigger financial picture, allowing for sustainable growth and the confidence to seize new opportunities.
TONY J. LEWIS
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.
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!
West Financial Services
Awards/Honors:
Five Star Professional Five Star Wealth Managers 2024
Northern Virginia Magazine Top Financial Professionals 2024
InvestmentNews Best Places to Work for Financial Advisors 2024
Washingtonian Magazine Top Fee-Only Financial Planners 2024
2010 Corporate Ridge Road, Suite 530
McLean, VA 22102
703-847-2500
wfs@westfinancial.com www.westfinancial.com
Q: How does the West Financial Services team take care of your clients’ needs?
A: Since 1982, we have provided financial services on a fee-only basis, acting as a fiduciary for clients, offering financial planning, investment management and personal consulting services. Our retirement plan consulting services help plan sponsors and trustees meet their fiduciary obligations.
Though every client is different, there is a common theme: They come to West Financial Services when they need support and coordination of their financial lives. Our approach is to get to know every client personally. We ask a lot of questions, such as how do they feel about their current savings, taxes, income, etc.? What do they wish to accomplish with their money? What does retirement look like to
them? What kind of legacy do they want to leave? We then help clients meet their financial goals by analyzing all this information and offering insights based on our years of experience and knowledge.
Q: What makes the West Financial Services team stand out from the crowd?
A: Our people make all of the difference in a profession where the people behind a company are as important as the company itself. West Financial is staffed by a team of skilled and experienced financial professionals, who are detail-oriented and committed to our clients with compassion and empathy. We create specific narratives for each financial plan and we research and implement investment portfolio decisions as a team. Clients always have a team member available to answer questions and guide them through the financial decisions we all face.
MICHAEL VENTURA
From left: (front row) Kirstie Martinez, Brian Mackin, Laurie Kramer; (back row) Glen Buco, Laura Nash, Brian Horan, Rodrigo Huerta, Matt Cohen, Victoria Henry, Kristan Anderson
From left: Shahin Halali; Bill Dunn, Managing DirectorInvestments, Senior PIM Portfolio Manager; Ali Ganjian CFP®, First Vice President
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-05222026-7375404.1.1
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, 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.
BEST 2025 ARLINGTON BEST 2025 ARLINGTON OF
Want a hot tip? Readers and editors name their favorite people, places and businesses in 83 categories, from burgers to brunch, pet sitters to pickleball courts and a whole lot more.
FOOD FOOD&DRINK &DRINK
READER PICK
Chef Adam Hoffa
pirouette.cafe
“Less is more” is a guiding principle for Adam Hoffa, executive chef of Pirouette restaurant and wine shop in Ballston. Many of his dishes feature simple, seasonal ingredients from local farms, highlighting flavors that complement different wines. “I like to do upscale things in a format that’s approachable and unpretentious,” says the chef, who previously cooked at Fiola and St. Anselm in D.C. Here, his signature mac and cheese croquette—a nod to his South Carolina upbringing—made with Gouda and aged cheddar, is breaded and fried, then topped with pepper jelly and green onion relish. Pair it with a glass of bubbly and you’ll be set for the night.
–Jamie McCrary
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
David Cardona (SER)
Miljohn Dimaano (Lyon Hall)
David Guas (Neutral Ground)
Matt Hill (Ruthie’s All-Day)
Jason Johnston (Ballston Local)
PICK
celebritydelly.com
If you’re craving a thick, mustard-slathered corned beef on rye or a teeming bowl of matzo ball soup, this is the place. Since 2010, Julie Rossler-Thompson and her husband, Will Thompson, have operated the Falls Church location of the business Julie’s parents founded 50 years ago. The menu includes all the Jewish deli favorites— lavish breakfasts, lox, whitefish and chopped liver—but really it’s all about the sandwiches, each of which is stuffed with half a pound of meat or more. Try a kimchi Reuben, the Elliot Segal (corned beef, pastrami, coleslaw, provolone and Russian dressing) or the killer Philly cheesesteak, a massive undertaking stuffed with a full pound of rib-eye. They also offer half sandwiches, which are plenty for one. Bonus: a staff of absolute sweethearts. –David Hagedorn
READER PICKS BRUNCH
Ruthie’s All-Day
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Ambar
Circa at Clarendon
Green Pig Bistro
Harvey’s
The Liberty Tavern
Lyon Hall
Tupelo Honey BURGER Big Buns
Damn Good Burgers
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Ballston Local Best Buns
Cowboy Cafe
Lyon Hall
Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque
HAPPY HOUR
Lyon Hall
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Ballston Local
The Liberty Tavern
Sabores Tapas Bar
The Salt Line
Screwtop Wine Bar SER
Upside on Moore WHINO
SUSHI
Sushi-Zen
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: SushiJip Sushi Rock
Takumi
Yume Sushi
READER PICK
Bakery
Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe
heidelbergbakery.com
Arlington’s favorite Bavarian bakery has a 50th anniversary coming up in February, but co-owners Carla and Wolfgang Büchler have no plans to retire anytime soon. That’s a good thing for devotees of their special occasion cakes and very German breads (including holiday pfeffernüss and Black Forest sourdough rye), and those in the habit of dropping by for coffee and a doughnut or something from the deli counter. The legacy of this beloved neighborhood business speaks for itself. “We’ve had a lot of customers that have been coming here from the beginning,” Carla says, and even employees whose mothers or grandmothers once worked in the shop. –Adele Chapin
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Bakeshop, Best Buns, Livin’ the Pie Life, Pastries by Randolph, Tatte Bakery & Café, Village Sweet
Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe owners Alexander, Wolfgang and Carla Büchler
READER PICK
solacebrewing.com
Beer and biochemistry don’t always pan out, but at Solace Outpost, science is what makes each microbrew exceptional. The Falls Church brewpub currently features 15 handcrafted beers on draft, each meticulously tested and optimized by head brewer Russell Carpenter, who holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry. “[Solace] is my testing ground for new brews,” he says. “It inspires me to think creatively.” Try the flagship ale Broad Street Brown (a nod to the pub’s street address) or the slightly bitter, German-style Artificial Light pilsner. And stay tuned for Carpenter’s forthcoming pineapple and mango-flavored hazy IPA, a perfect protest against colder weather. –Jamie McCrary
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Aslin Beer Co., Audacious Aleworks, The Board Room, Port City Brewing Co.
READER PICKS
OUTDOOR DINING
Circa at Clarendon
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Clare & Don’s
Beach Shack
Lyon Hall
Ruthie’s All-Day
The Salt Line SER
VIETNAMESE
Pho 75
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Chillzone Cafe
Four Sisters Grill
Lantern House Viet Bistro Nam-Viet
NUE
Rice Paper
WINE SHOP
Arrowine & Cheese
READER PICK
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: The Brew Shop
Dominion Wine and Beer
The Italian Store Pirouette
Screwtop Wine Bar
Total Wine & More
Chef-owner Mike Cordero’s Rat Pack-inspired, “old-school” Italian joint has a flair for the dramatic. A 70-pound wheel of imported Parmesan roams the dining room, helping servers whip up the restaurant’s signature pasta dish tableside. In another act of theater, the waitstaff artfully slide vodka sauce and cheese onto chicken parmigiana at the moment it’s served to ensure the cutlet’s crunchy breading stays extra crispy. Drama aside, the fundamentals are there, too. “We make everything from scratch,” Cordero says. “We start at 6 a.m. every day making pastas, bread and all the desserts. When we open our doors, we’re slammed.” –Adele Chapin
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
We ve been exceeding client expectations since , winning awards for over years! Our expert team of architects, designers, and craftsmen are eager to create or re-create your perfect home We are proud that % of our clients come back to us for their second or third project. Contact us to discover the difference we make
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Providing love for Arlington’s Pets for over 25 years.
From dog walking to pet sitting, we provide a professional, loving experience for you and your pets. Visit our website for more information, including our new dog training programs: Walk & Train: Puppy Program and Walk & Train: Basic Manners Program. Please visit the respective pages on our website and head to “Services.”
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HEALTH HEALTH&FITNESS &FITNESS
READER PICKS
LOCAL RACE
Marine Corps
Marathon
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Arlington Turkey Trot
Army Ten-Miler
Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile & 5K
Friends of Montessori
Education (FOME)
5K & 1 Mile Fun Run PNC Parkway Classic
LOCAL PHARMACY
Preston’s Pharmacy
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Carlin Springs Pharmacy
Joule Wellness Pharmacy
DENTIST FOR KIDS
Michelle Keaney Flanagan
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Jeemin Chang
Giannina Galliani
Arpi Khare
Peter Markov
Edward Nelson
Christine Reardon
READER PICK
Pickleball Courts
Walter Reed Community Center
Feeling the urge to dink, ace and volley? With more than 35 courts countywide, Arlington has embraced the wildly popular paddle sport that has become a national phenomenon. Players at the Walter Reed Community Center currently share multiuse court space with tennis and basketball, but the facility will soon unveil six dedicated (and lighted) pickleball courts with noise-reducing paddles and balls to keep the peace in the neighborhood. –Michael Gueltig
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Army Navy Country Club, Lubber Run Community Center, Marcey Road Park, Vinson Hall Retirement Community, YMCA Arlington
The Menopause Center
tysonsgynecology.com/menopause
Hot flashes may be the most common menopause complaint, but they are “just the tip of the iceberg,” says Menopause Center owner and nurse practitioner Lindsay Spudic. The Tysons practice also helps women address other associated maladies such as joint pain, anxiety, decreased libido and poor sleep. After a thorough evaluation, patients receive a personalized plan that may include hormone replacement, weight management and other treatments. –Barbara Ruben
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Healthcare for Women, Meno-Start
READER PICKS
MARTIAL ARTS
Jhoon Rhee
Tae Kwon Do
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: EvolveAll Kogaion Academy
Pentagon MMA
CARDIOLOGIST
Antonio Parente
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Rachel Berger
Timothy Farrell
Edward Howard
Charanjit Khurana
Michael Notarianni
Richard Preston Perrin
Eric Thorn
CHIROPRACTOR
Cheryl Gottesfeld
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Michael Armellino
Edward Beck
William Booker
Michael Moses
Kim Muzinski
Raymond Solano
COSMETIC DENTIST
Stephen Mabry
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Lynn Farrey
Manisha Grover
Karen Harriman
Hala Imam
Annie Kemps
Shawn Kumra
Greg LaVecchia
Flavio Nasr
Michael Rogers
READER PICKS
MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE
Solid Ground
Psychotherapy
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Child & Family Associates of Greater Washington
The Counseling Center Group
Dodini Behavioral Health
Duffy Counseling Center
Falls Church Wellness Center
Hands on Your Health Hope+Wellness
LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative
Sunstone Counseling
COUPLES COUNSELING Sunstone Counseling
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
The Counseling Center of Virginia
Dodini Behavioral Health
Falls Church Wellness Center
Hands on Your Health
Primary Care/Internal Medicine
PMA Health
mypmahealth.com
Need a strep test in a hurry? Worried you might have sleep apnea? Established more than 60 years ago, PMA Health provides a wide range of patient services, including primary care, urgent care, and pulmonary and sleep medicine at four offices in Arlington and Falls Church. “During a time when the trend is toward commoditization of health care, such as concierge medicine, we remain committed to providing top-notch care to everyone in the community,” says Arlington resident Timothy Muir, who has practiced internal medicine at PMA for 12 years. “We take lot of pride in that.”
–Barbara Ruben
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Arlington Primary Care, Comprehensive Primary Care, Inova General Internal Medicine Group, Premier Primary Care Physicians, VHC Health Physicians–Primary Care
DIETITIAN
Emily Pietsch (Method Fitness)
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Ilana Goldberg (TrueHealth)
Jennifer Hanft Nutrition
READER PICK
GOLF
Army Navy Country Club
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Jefferson District Golf Course
Washington Golf & Country Club
READER PICK
Medical assistant Anna Penkiunas with a patient at PMA Health
READER PICKS
PERSONAL TRAINER
Aryan Siahpoushan (Method Fitness)
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Sheila Cordaro (Cordaro Fit)
Chauncey Graham (Fast Fitness Results with Chauncey)
Damion Moss (D.Moss Fitness)
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Advanced Kinetics
Ivy Rehab
The Jackson Clinics
MMA & Sports Rehab
OrthoVirginia
Physical Therapy
Pivot Physical Therapy
Garrett Waller Fitness PHYSICAL THERAPY
Select Physical Therapy Virginia Sportsmedicine Institute SENIOR
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Brightview Senior Living Culpepper Garden
Goodwin Living The Jefferson
The Kensington Falls Church Sunrise Senior Living
BEAUTY BEAUTY
Studio
This Clarendon med spa is sought out for its personalized, science-based skin care. “Everything is curated to each client,” says marketing manager Sam Daza. Honey’s one-of-a-kind facial, for instance, is a 90-minute experience tailored to your skin. Also popular are corrective treatments such as BroadBand Light (BBL) to smooth out sun damage, age spots or pigmentation issues; and Halo skin resurfacing to combat fine lines, wrinkles, large pores and acne scars. The menu also includes injectables and physician formulated products in the Honey Skincare Lab line. –Wendy Kantor
EDITOR PICK
craigpokesu.com
In 2023, this trusted shop moved from its former location on Langston Boulevard to bigger digs in Dominion Hills, where it now has more jewelry cases and twice as many piercing rooms for customers seeking to bling up their ears, noses, bellies and other body parts. “Everything’s more streamlined and moves faster,” says head piercer and shop manager Blake Williams. What hasn’t changed is the staff’s commitment to safety, cleanliness and, most of all, consent. “It’s always that person’s body, that person’s choice,” he says. “We get to make it shiny. We’re making sure everyone has a good experience and they’re happy when they leave.” –Wendy Kantor
Blake Williams, head piercer at CraigPokesU
HOME HOME
READER PICK
Builder
TriVistaUSA Design + Build
trivistausa.com
To the staff of this Arlington design-build firm, your home isn’t just a house—it’s a work of art. Almost every member of the team is an artist, explains marketing assistant Hannah Burkholder, an oil painter whom coowner Michael Sauri (a musician) recruited after seeing her work on display at Kaldi’s Social House in Clarendon. Site supervisor Denny Lewis makes artisanal wooden bowls. Another staff member is a photographer. That creativity tends to trickle into the build-
er’s work for its clients. “We’re not a typical construction company,” says co-owner Deborah Sauri, a graphic designer. “It really is about the art.” –Wendy Kantor
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Alair Homes, Arlington Designer Homes, Atlas Moran Construction, BOLT Builders, BOWA, Bowers Design Build, Heartland Design and Remodeling, SKill Construction & Design
Garden Center
merrifieldgardencenter.com
Current bestsellers at this botanical wonderland include big-leaf tropical plants such as monsteras—a favorite for greening up offices and living spaces, according to operations manager and certified arborist Michael Fahey. But the options are legion, from delicate ferns and sun-loving succulents to low-maintenance pothos and snake plants. And even those represent only a fraction of what’s in stock. “If you’re looking for a unique plant that’s hard to find, we have it,” Fahey says, adding, “Taking a plant home is not even half the battle. We set you up with how to care for it and make sure you have everything you need so you don’t have to make multiple trips.” –Wendy Kantor
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Ayers Variety & Hardware, Botanologica, Greenstreet Gardens, Meadows Farms, REWILD
READER PICKS
LIGHTING STORE
Dominion
Lighting
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTER: Lamps Unlimited
PLUMBER
Chandler’s Plumbing & Heating
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Arlington Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Caffi Services
Korona Plumbing & Renovations
MORTGAGE BANKER
Robert Martinson (Monument Home Loans)
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Chris Clark (Intercoastal Mortgage)
Heather Devoto (First Home Mortgage)
Brian Kempf (CMG Home Loans)
John Masci (M&T Bank)
Greg Mullan (United Bank)
EDITOR PICK
Fabric & Wallpaper Designs for Kids
Classic children’s books by Roald Dahl and Ludwig Bemelmans count among the inspirations behind Riley Sheehey’s darling wallpaper and fabric patterns. Picture bears playing tennis, floral motifs and everyday objects representing the letters of the alphabet. “The books are fun and happy, and they have a sense of humor. I hope that is what people find in my work,” says the Falls Church illustrator, a former elementary school art teacher who has also partnered with major brands such as Ralph Lauren and Christie’s on special projects. No surprise—her wallcoverings are a popular choice for baby nurseries and kids’ rooms. In March, Sheehey will release her first book, Modern Motherhood: Celebrating Quiet Moments of Love and Care, a collection of 100 pictures inspired by Delft tiles. –Wendy Kantor
READER PICKS
TITLE COMPANY
Allied Title & Escrow
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Cobalt Settlements
Community Title Network
Key Title
KVS Title
EDITOR PICK
OTHER
JK Moving Services
MG Moving Services
Town & Country Movers
Two Men and a Truck
myfavoritefixer.com
From installing electronic doorbells to decoding Ikea assembly directions, My Favorite Fixer can do it all—and the technician who arrives at your door may well be a woman. Tired of being mansplained and wary of potential price-gouging (she had a couple bad experiences), Akilah Beavers launched her Arlington-based company in 2022. “I decided I didn’t want any other women to feel that way,” she says. My Favorite Fixer provides referrals to vetted home repair technicians, many of whom are women, and offers classes that teach DIY skills. One recent tutorial focused on basic electrical repairs, such as how to fix a flickering light or a faulty switch. –Barbara Ruben
Akilah Beavers, founder of My Favorite Fixer
If you want personal service and understanding with your insurance, I’m your good neighbor. You’ll also get 24/7 tech options when you want to manage your policies online Call, click or stop by for a quote today.
KIDS KIDS&PETS &PETS
READER PICKS
BOARDING SCHOOL
Episcopal High School
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Georgetown Prep
The Madeira School
Woodberry Forest
PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR NONTRADITIONAL LEARNERS
Full Circle Montessori School
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: The Lab School
The Sycamore School
The Village School
EDITOR PICK New Moms Group
mamistad.com
If it takes a village to raise a child, Mamistad is here to help you find that village. Founder Cynthia Tinajero knows that friendships can mean a world of difference for new mothers experiencing pregnancy and parenthood for the first time. “This is one area where it’s not a good idea to do this all on your own,” says the former Falls Church resident, now based in Vienna. For nearly 20 years, Tinajero has been helping moms find a support system of women who live nearby and are due to give birth around the same time. Many groups have stayed in touch throughout their kids’ school years and some families even vacation together. The organization also connects parents for playgroups, records a parenting podcast and has launched chapters in other U.S. cities. –Adele Chapin
Virginia Dance Conservatory
Looking for a joyful and welcoming space for kids to explore dance while building technique? With classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop and lyric dance offered seven days a week for kids ages 2 to 17, Virginia Dance Conservatory is an all-levels training ground where “love for dance is primary,” says co-founder Jennifer Ferrigno. The curriculum—which includes young children’s, youth and pre-professional divisions—uses the rigorous classical Russian Vaganova method, tailored to each dancer’s needs. During July and August, the conservatory also offers weeklong themed summer camps. Says Ferrigno: “We want to create a family-friendly atmosphere that can become students’ second home.” –Jamie McCrary
READER PICKS COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ADVISOR Launch College Consultants
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTER: MLS Educational Consultants
DOG GROOMER Happy Grooming
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Happy Tails InStyle Pet Grooming The Muddy Mutt Wag N’ Wash
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
PET SITTER/ DOG WALKER Fur-Get Me Not
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS: Becky’s Pet Care Pooch Pals Rover.com Time for a Walk
READER PICK
Offering private and group lessons on 22 different instruments plus voice, Levine strives to inspire a lifelong love of music. “Students who start learning when they are young often keep music in their lives, even if they take a break to go to college or begin their careers. We frequently see adult students come back to the instrument they remember playing in their youth,” says Aimee Halbruner, Levine’s vice president of music education. In addition to after-school lessons and ensembles, the company runs a summer day camp for children of all musical backgrounds. This winter, its Falls Church location is moving to a new 8,000-square-foot space on the ground floor of The Oak condominiums. –Barbara Ruben
John Foti’s mantra is Take a bite—you might just like it, and his vision is simple: Give all kids the chance to discover new passions. That starts by making sure every student has the ability to participate in afterschool activities, regardless of household income. Leveling the playing field has become a mission for the longtime Arlington resident and youth sports coach. After School Enrichment Matters, the fund he
created in partnership with the Arlington Community Foundation and the Arlington Sports Foundation, makes sure students in Arlington’s eight Title 1 elementary schools don’t miss out. Since its inception in 2020, the fund has raised roughly $185,000, allowing some 9,200 local students to try new things, from hockey, cartooning and theater to coding, robotics or chess. –Michael Gueltig
SHOPPING SHOPPING
READER PICKS
HARDWARE STORE
Cherrydale Hardware
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Ayers Variety & Hardware
Bill’s Ace Hardware
Brown’s Hardware
McLean Hardware
MUSIC STORE Foxes Music Co.
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTER: Action Music
SHOPPING DISTRICT Mosaic
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Ballston Quarter
The Crossing Clarendon
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
Lee Heights Shops
Tysons Galleria
The Village at Shirlington Westover
Shopping Center
READER
diamentjewelry.com
Looking for a baby shower gift that’s fun and functional? Libby Diament’s eponymous shop stocks adorable and affordable baby onesies, books, cards and accessories that you won’t see everywhere—and that have a sense of humor. Example: a Bella Tunno silicone bib emblazoned with “Ladies Keep Trying to Pick Me Up.” Beyond the Boogie Toes rattle socks and natural rubber teething rings designed in Denmark, the Shirlington boutique has plenty of goodies for moms, too, from everyday jewelry and pampering products to cheeky apparel. –Adele Chapin
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Child’s Play Toys & Books, Kinder Haus Toys, Lemoncello Boutique, Two the Moon
EDITOR PICK
Custom Handbags
Karina Gaull
karinagaull.com
Karina Gaull loves to mix and match patterns, and her handmade bags are truly one of a kind. The graphic designer turned sewing artist crafts each pouch, tote, crossbody, backpack and wristlet with a thoughtfully curated combo of fabrics and stitching. “I pick a pattern and ask, ‘What do I want to make with this?’ It has to speak to me,” says the Arlington maker. Her current specialty: slouchy corduroy bags in myriad textures and colors. For a customized design, clients can select their own fabrics for a truly unique creation. –Jamie McCrary
READER PICKS
THRIFT STORE
GoodwillGlebe Road
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Clock Tower Thrift Shop
Columbia Pike Thrift Shop
Unique Merrifield
BIKE SHOP
Conte’s Bike Shop
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Big Wheel Bikes
Bikenetic
Phoenix Bikes
Trek Bicycle
Arlington
OUTDOOR
APPAREL & GEAR
Casual
Adventure
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
District Angling REI
CAR DEALERSHIP
Koons
Arlington
Toyota
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Beyer Volvo Cars
Lindsay Lexus
Mercedes-Benz of Arlington
Safford Brown
Honda Arlington
READER PICK
Antiques Store
Falls Church Antique Annex
When Paul Quinn met his wife, Cathy, they discovered a shared love of period furniture and vintage collectibles, and together opened a family business. What began as a small booth in an antiques mall is now a longstanding co-op on West Broad Street where vendors come together to sell a diverse array of old-timey goods, from jewelry and housewares to furniture, toys and oddities. Quinn remains at the helm, dedicated to offering unique finds at fair prices, even after the death of his wife of 53 years in July. Among his most prized finds: a table once owned by George Washington that expands from a modest 36-inch round to a grand oblong banquet piece stretching 14 feet. –Michael Gueltig
Thank You for Choosing Covet for "Best Everyday Jewelry" in the Best of Arlington Reader's Poll!
Since opening our doors in 2010, we ' ve been dedicated to offering Arlington something special: a curated collection of jewelry and more from talented artisans from across the country and around the corner Thank you for supporting small businesses wherever you go! Be sure to pay us a visit when you ' re in the Bluemont neighborhood. You'll find us on the second floor of the cozy farmhouse on the corner of Wilson and Frederick
5140 Wilson Blvd | Arlington, VA 22205 703-247-9797| www covetinarlington com h k h
BESTOF THE RESTBESTOFTHEREST
EMD
The professionals camped out in this mod coworking space may have jobs in different fields, but that hasn’t stopped Industrious from adopting the best aspects of office culture—from complimentary breakfast, coffee and snacks to happy hours that build a sense of community. In addition to fully furnished workstations and glass-enclosed offices and conference rooms, which members can access 24/7, the perks include mail services, unlimited color printing, secure Wi-Fi and a wellness room for meditation and de-stressing, plus rooftop space for outdoor events. –Michael Gueltig
DJ
READER PICKS
PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM
Sher, Cummings and Ellis
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Wendroff & Associates
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
DeBlanc, Murphy & Murphy
The Elwir Group
Klausner & Company
The McGruder Group
My Personal Tax CPA
FINANCIAL PLANNER/ADVISOR
Wealth Enhancement GroupWashington Wealth Team
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
C. Dolan & Associates
CJM Wealth Advisers
Clarendon Wealth Management
Evermay Wealth Management
Illumint by Kevin Mahoney
Omega Wealth Management
Rocco Russo
READER PICK
Insurance Agent
Jose Herrera
youragentjose.com
Increasingly complex car technology and severe storms fueled by climate change have sent insurance rates soaring in recent years. “It’s very frustrating for everyone,” says State Farm agent Jose Herrera. “When rates go up, people think, ‘Oh, my agent doesn’t care about me.’ ” That’s partly why he still prioritizes face-to-face meetings. “I build relationships and find ways to help people. I can’t hide behind the phone.” Educating customers about regulatory changes, such as Virginia’s boost in minimum required liability coverage for auto insurance (effective Jan. 1, 2025), is an important part of the job. The good news? The D.C. area isn’t experiencing natural disasters of the same magnitude as other parts of the country, so home insurance rates aren’t climbing as steeply here. –Barbara Ruben
OTHER TOP VOTE-GETTERS:
Kevin Gallagher, Mike Garcia, Chris Kelleher, Alex Nguyen
Jose Herrera with his wife, Leslie Aguirre, and son, Paulo
EDITOR PICK
Private Event Space
elreyva.com
Tucked next to El Rey taqueria in Ballston, this intimate, 300-square-foot music venue— it hosts live bands most nights of the week— doubles as a party zone for private events. “We want it to be a laid-back platform for artistic expression,” says owner Ian Hilton, co-founder of the hospitality group H2 Col-
lective. His sibling and business partner, Eric, also happens to be one half of the EDM duo Thievery Corporation, and the space is plastered in old album and tour posters. Its cozyyet-edgy vibe makes it perfect for gatherings like rehearsal dinners, birthdays and even dating events. –Jamie McCrary
Socia l Scene Events is a full service firm, with over 20 years experience W e w ill wo rk closely w ith you to coord inate a spectacula r event Our services Include:
• W eddings
• Commitment Ceremonies
• Anniversary Celebrations
• Milestone Events
• Mitzvahs
• Corporate Events
Elizabeth Deegan, Founder
Best Career Coach
CONVERSATIONS Having the TOUGH
No one likes to think about end-of-life planning. But not being prepared for the inevitable makes the hard parts even harder.
BY STEPHANIE KANOWITZ | ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES HEIMER
Ididn’t watch as emergency medical technicians helped my mom onto a stretcher and took her out of the house she’d lived in for 42 years, but I knew she wasn’t coming back. Maybe that’s why, on that sunny Florida morning in June 2016, I opted to let them go while I hung back to gather my purse and keys.
That decision was one in a long line of choices I made after my mom was diagnosed with dementia in 2012. At the time of her diagnosis, she was 77 and I was 34. She was in denial and refused to discuss a care plan. I was an only child. My dad died when I was 14. My mom’s siblings were gone. All the decision-making fell to me.
A fiercely independent woman, my mom fought me on getting her help. I often refer to my interventions as a hostile takeover because I had to do it all without her blessing, and in some cases without her knowledge. I took away her car keys and took over her
finances. I hired aides. When I learned that my intuition had been correct— that she couldn’t return home after that 911 call (she’d suffered a bilateral pulmonary embolism and while hospitalized forgot how to walk)— I moved her from a townhouse in a suburb of Fort Lauderdale to an assisted living facility in Fairfax, and I sold her house.
Before my mom got sick, it hadn’t occurred to me to ask about her end-oflife wishes. I was juggling a toddler and a newborn. I was preoccupied with life’s new beginnings, not its last chapter.
Now I know it didn’t have to be that way. Conversations about senior care, living arrangements and finances in the twilight years are hard, but they’re necessary. I spoke with local experts about how to broach the tough topic of endof-life planning and the pieces every family should have in place for clarity and peace of mind—whether you’re the aging parent or the adult child.
STARTING THE CONVERSATION
“Talking about death and dying is difficult in this country because we’re very death-avoidant,” says Jane Euler, an end-of-life doula and co-founder of Present For You, which offers spiritual, emotional, psychosocial, practical and logistical help to terminally ill and elderly people in the DMV. She’s also the patient and family liaison for Capital Caring Health hospice and for palliative care at VHC Health in Arlington.
Not sure how to even begin? Euler recommends approaching the subject gently and finding natural openings for a conversation.
“Say you’re talking about [how] a friend of your mom’s just died. That’s a great opening,” she says. “The first thing you want to talk about is what’s important to them as they age.” That involves asking questions about where they want to live (at home or in a senior living community) and who they want to entrust with managing their money
■ having the tough conversations
and health care in the event that they can no longer do so.
Many resources are available to help initiate these discussions and ensure no stone is left unturned. One idea is for parents and their adult children to watch a video about advance care planning together.
The National Institute on Aging’s Advance Care Planning: A Conversation Guide has a section on how to designate a health care proxy (a person who can make medical decisions for you if you can’t communicate your wishes because of a serious illness or injury).
Euler recommends Your Conversation Starter Guide, a 12-page workbook from the Conversation Project, an Institute for Healthcare Improvement initiative that aims to normalize end-of-life planning discussions. The workbook walks through considerations such as health care preferences, and prompts the respondent to rank how strongly they feel about, say, lifesaving medical interventions.
Speaking with a trusted health care provider is another possible starting point. A primary care physician or nurse practitioner can help everyone understand a loved one’s current health concerns and family history, says Kristin Nannetti, a palliative care nurse and palliative care coordinator at VHC Health. Palliative care helps patients manage symptoms associated with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. It’s often confused with hospice care, which is a type of palliative care, but specifically for people who are expected to live only six months or less.
Once Mom or Dad has created a plan that stipulates their wishes, the next step is to put it in an advance directive. This legal document outlines preferences for medical care should they be unable to make decisions for themselves. For instance, an advance directive can state whether they want medical providers to perform CPR, intubate if they
“People who have advance directives are more likely to receive the care they want.”
aren’t breathing on their own, or insert a feeding tube.
Virginia has an Advance Healthcare Directives Registry that allows families to securely store these documents digitally for free—and where clinicians can easily find them if no one is able to provide them in an emergency.
“People who have advance directives are more likely to receive the care they want,” Nannetti says. And for family members, knowing a loved one’s wishes ahead of time alleviates the stress of having to make difficult decisions under emotional duress. Having instructions removes the guesswork.
This process is seldom a one-anddone chat, Nannetti adds. “It is an ongoing conversation. It’s important [to review the plan] every few years or as your health changes or as your goals and wishes change.”
While some people may never feel ready to have this kind of heart-to-heart with their spouses and kids, the earlier they start making their wishes known, the better. “We certainly know when it’s too late,” Euler says.
LEGAL EASE
Advance directives are not the only legal documents that provide a framework for end-of-life care. For me, a medical power of attorney (POA) and a financial POA were almost literally a lifeline. Thankfully, my mom signed those documents years before getting sick, granting me the power to act on her behalf once she was no longer of sound mind. As a result, I was able to manage her medical care, sell her house and car, and access her bank accounts to pay for her room in the memory care center at an assisted living fa-
cility. And yes, I arranged for that room with the POAs, too.
“I’m a strong proponent of the power of attorney. I think it’s in everybody’s best interest,” says Jonathan Kinney, a shareholder at the Arlington law firm Bean, Kinney & Korman. He’s referring to both the principal (the person creating the POA) and the agent (the appointed decision-maker). The more clear-cut the wishes and roles are, the less room there is for missteps in carrying them out.
When it comes to choosing designated agents, trust is key. “Your choice of power of attorney is an important one,” Kinney says. “Obviously, if you have competent family members, they should be first,” but the principal may also appoint close friends, trusted coworkers or even an attorney.
It’s wise for the principal to have secondary (backup) agents in place in case the primary person can’t carry out their duties—for instance, if they’re out of the country on vacation when the principal has an emergency.
POA agents should feel comfortable with the job and its requirements, which may include heavy decisions such as when to end life support. “Have a discussion with the people who are your powers of attorney,” Kinney advises clients. “They’re going to have a better understanding of what you were trying to say and how to interpret it.”
Even after an older parent has put their wishes in writing, talking openly helps to remove ambiguity. For example, the advance directive may include a do not resuscitate (DNR) order, but a frank conversation can clarify what to do in different scenarios. What if there’s a slim chance of recovery? What if not
everyone on the medical team is in agreement? “If you don’t have that discussion,” Kinney says, “how does the person know?”
A POA should spell out each agent’s name and exactly which actions they may take. For general or financial POAs, those actions may include making monetary gifts in the principal’s name, managing properties and overseeing financial affairs.
It should be noted that a medical POA is not the same as an advance directive. The advance directive indicates whether a person wants specific lifesaving procedures and medical interventions in an emergency, while the medical POA is a broader document that lets someone else make care decisions surrounding a variety of needs. With a medical POA, for example, the principal grants permission to someone else (an agent) to make decisions about lifeprolonging treatment, hiring and firing of health care providers, and authorization for admission to hospice.
Experts advise making both types of POAs (medical and financial) durable, meaning they are effective from the moment the principal signs them and they don’t expire. (Although they can and should be updated periodically.)
Nondurable POAs are effective only for a limited time, such as when someone is traveling, hospitalized or undergoing a medical procedure. A springing POA becomes effective after the principal is declared incapacitated, which only a judge can do after a court hearing.
Principals need not wait until retirement to get their affairs in order, Kinney stresses. It’s never too early to create a POA. “Anybody under 30 thinks they’re going to live forever,” he says, “[but] we’re doing them for people when they go to college.”
In fact, you can even create one yourself. Virginia has a free online durable POA form, as do commercial entities such as FreeWill, which says it takes 20 minutes to complete. Virginia
Know These Terms
Advance directive. A legal document that provides instructions for medical care that goes into effect if you cannot communicate your wishes yourself.
Agent. A person granted authority to act on behalf of the principal under a power of attorney (POA).
Assisted living. A senior residence that provides older adults with more support than independent living, but less than a nursing home or memory care unit.
Estate planning. A process of preparing for the transfer of property and other personal assets after death that usually involves professional counsel from lawyers, accountants, financial planners, life insurance advisers, bankers and/or brokers. Wills are the document most often associated with estate planning.
Financial power of attorney. A legal document that allows someone to make financial decisions on your behalf, such as paying bills, managing bank and investment accounts, and filing taxes.
Health care proxy. A person (also referred to as a representative, surrogate or agent) entrusted with making health care decisions for you if you can’t communicate them yourself because of a serious illness or injury.
Hospice. A type of care that focuses on comfort and quality of life for people with terminal illness and their families.
Long-term care insurance. Policies that reimburse policyholders a daily monetary amount to cover services associated with daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating.
Medical power of attorney. A legal document that allows someone to make health care decisions on your behalf, such as medication administration, withdrawal from lifesaving measures and long-term care facility placement.
Palliative care. Specialized medical care to help people manage symptoms of serious, often chronic illnesses.
Power of attorney (POA). A legally binding document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your real estate, personal property, or medical or financial affairs for you.
Principal. The person creating and designating the power of attorney.
Will. Short for a last will and testament, a legal document that states how a person wishes to distribute their assets upon their death.
Sources: Administration for Community Living, American Bar Association, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Hospice Foundation of America, National Council on Aging, National Institute on Aging, Virginia Law Online Library
■ having the tough conversations
does not require POAs to be notarized, but doing so is recommended because not all institutions, such as banks, will accept documents without that additional verification.
When making your own POA, note that “banks and other institutions may not accept a power of attorney that has not been prepared by a lawyer because it may not have the exact wording that is necessary,” according to the Virginia Poverty Law Center. Also, “if you had a power of attorney prepared while you were living in another state or country and you have now moved to Virginia, that document may or may not be legal under Virginia law. To be sure the document will be valid in Virginia, you should have an attorney review it for you or have a new one written,” the center states.
Do-it-yourself POAs are not ideal, Kinney says, but they’re better than nothing. Without a medical POA, treatment decisions can get complicated.
For those who have not documented their wishes in a POA, Virginia law requires doctors to seek a decision from the patient’s spouse. If the patient is not married, then the choice falls to a child or sibling. Absent family, “you’re going to wind up in court to have a guardian appointed…and you don’t make the decision, the court makes the decision,” Kinney says.
And yet, this due diligence is something many Americans avoid. One recent study conducted by the National Poll on Healthy Aging at University of Michigan found that 54% of older adults had not completed a medical durable power of attorney or advance care directive. Of those respondents, 62% said they “had not gotten around to it,” while 15% said they “did not know how,” and 13% said they “did not like talking about these things.” Another 13% said they “did not think it was necessary.”
Without these documents as road maps, the burden often falls on loved ones to guess what a person wants dur-
ing their final days. With a POA, the instructions are clear, Kinney says. “That’s an important psychological thing for the person who’s making the decision.”
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
As a teen, I volunteered in a senior citizens’ home, and I remember my mom telling me that she never wanted to live in one. That passing comment stuck with me and resonated when it was no longer safe for her to continue living alone in Florida. I had no choice other than to take a deep breath, tell myself I had done all I could to meet her wishes and contact assisted living facilities near my house in Virginia.
Colleen Duewel, founder of LionHeart Eldercare & Consulting in Falls Church, says there are three ways to find the right life care or assisted living community for yourself or a loved one. You can hire a consultant, use a free service or do your own research.
Once you have a short list, the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a helpful resource for guidance on the quality of care in different senior living communities. More locally, you can gather information about senior living options from Arlington County’s Aging and Disability Services Division, the City of Falls Church’s Housing and Human Services department, and Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services.
Duewel recommends touring a potential senior community twice. On your first visit, assess the vibe. “Do people at the front desk and people who are cleaning rooms and everybody else look up and greet you? Do you see employees knowing the residents’ names—even if they are the cleaning person or the chef or somebody like that? Do people seem happy? Are they out of their rooms? Are they interacting? How does it feel?”
Then, go back and ask questions. “One of the questions I like is, ‘How
do you help residents get comfortable and familiar in a new environment?’ ” Duewel says. “It’s a huge transition for people, and there’s a lot of effort often put into getting somebody there, but not as much effort orienting them to this incredibly new and different environment.” The answer you receive may be telling.
Cost will inevitably factor into each family’s decision. In Arlington and the greater D.C. area, the average cost of an assisted living facility is about $7,300 per month, according to Genworth, a Richmond-based company that provides long-term care financial solutions. That’s in addition to the downpayment or entry fee many places require for admission.
By comparison, the average cost of a home health aide (for six hours per day) is about $1,000 less—$6,300 per month—according to Genworth. But that doesn’t mean aging-in-place is always the best option.
“Most of the time people say, ‘I want to stay at home,’ ” Duewel observes. However, a setting that feels familiar and comforting can quickly become isolating once an elderly person is unable to drive or engage in activities outside of the home. Often “the caregivers…can’t provide a lot of cognitive stimulation,” she says. “It’s the same person, day in, day out, helping with everything. There’s not a lot of novelty. There’s not a lot of friendship.”
For extroverts in particular, a community environment that has activities such as art and wellness classes, continuing education seminars, social hours and day trips to cultural attractions might be better. “People need a purpose,” Duewel says. Without it, “I think that’s where you see the depression, that’s where you see loneliness.”
FINANCIAL PLANNING
My mom worked for several years as an assistant to an elder law attorney, where she saw many families navigate
the financials of end-of-life care. And yet, she did little to prepare her own portfolio, other than putting my name on her accounts as a beneficiary and appointing me POA.
She didn’t have long-term care in surance, which can offset the expense of an assisted living facility or home health aide. As a result, all of her hardearned savings went toward her care in a place she never wanted to live in.
Helpful Resources
On average, someone turning 65 today has a nearly 70% chance of eventually needing long-term care services. Women tend to need care for 3.7 years, compared with 2.2 years for men, according to the federal Administration for Community Living.
Planning for the expense of aging is “certainly something we talk about with almost every client,” says Andrew Sponaugle, senior wealth adviser and principal at Evermay Wealth Management, which has offices in Rosslyn. “Estate planning, insurance planning, tax planning—you name it.”
While estate planning covers the transfer of property and personal assets upon a person’s death, insurance—specifically long-term care insurance—and tax planning play a critical role while that person is still alive. Long-term care insurance kicks in and reimburses policyholders a daily preset amount to cover the costs of personal and custodial care (such as help with bathing, dressing, eating and mobility) whether at home or in a senior living facility.
In 2022, the average cost of a policy with $165,000 in benefits was $950 per year for a 55-year-old single man and about $1,500 a year for a single woman of the same age, according to the American Association for LongTerm Care Insurance. That’s enough to cover the estimated $164,250 annual cost of a private room at a nursing home in the DMV, per Genworth. What’s more, the benefits from a longterm policy are generally not taxable.
Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Division arlingtonva.us/Government/ Departments/DHS/ Aging-Disability
City of Falls Church Dept. of Housing and Human Services fallschurchva.gov/681/ Housing-Human-Services
The Conversation Project, Institute for Healthcare Improvement theconversationproject.org
Fairfax County Department of Family Services fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/ older-adults
FreeWill freewill.com
Genworth Cost of Care Calculator
genworth.com/aging-and-you/ finances/cost-of-care
National Institute on Aging nia.nih.gov
Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/ older-adults/long-term-careombudsman-program
Virginia Advance Healthcare Directives Registry vhi.org/ConnectVirginia/adr.asp
Traditional long-term care policies have no value after a policyholder dies—which is why hybrid policies are gaining popularity. A hybrid policy offers coverage for specific care services while a person is alive, as well as cash
benefits (similar to those of a life insurance policy) upon their death.
Also gaining momentum are 1035 exchanges, an Internal Revenue Service code that allows for a tax-free full or partial transfer of one life insurance or long-term care policy for another.
Most people buy long-term care policies in their 40s and 50s, Sponaugle says. Some prefer to “self-insure” by planning to cover the costs associated with their twilight years with their own savings, investments and assets.
“We’re not CPAs, but we are mindful of the tax ramifications of our suggestions,” he says. “In most cases that I’ve seen, long-term care costs are usually [tax-] deductible.”
Of course, with life expectancies growing ever longer, it is possible to run out of money. “That’s always in our mind, depending on the level of assets that clients have,” says Joni Alt, senior wealth adviser at Evermay. “I had a lady who—for the last, I believe it was four years of her life—it [cost] $30,000 a month to take care of her. That’s what she wanted, and she had the assets to be able to do that. But you could still run out of money. It’s never a fun thing when you get to that point.”
After paying about $10,000 a month for four years at an assisted living facility, my mom was close to broke. I had just moved her to a nursing home that accepted Medicaid 36 hours before she died at age 85.
I learned a lot during my eight years as a caregiver to my mother—although I gained most of the knowledge too late to make a difference in her end-of-life experience. Today, I’m at peace knowing that I did the best I could for my mom with the information and legal power I did have.
Most importantly, I made my decisions out of love, which I think is the most important starting place of all. ■
Stephanie Kanowitz is a digital editor at Arlington Magazine and a freelance journalist in Northern Virginia.
Look Good, FeeL Good Profiles
Urban Halo Salon
HENRY, NASH AND ELVIRA NOUFAL, OWNERS
Urban Halo Salon combines artistry, education and community engagement to deliver a personalized, sophisticated experience. Their talented, expertly trained stylists offer premium services that leave clients feeling confident and glamorous. Deeply rooted in the community, Urban Halo is grateful for the ongoing support they receive and dedicated to giving back.
2900 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 703-527-4256 www.urbanhalosalonarlington.com
Q: What makes the Urban Halo Salon experience unique?
A: Urban Halo celebrates each guest’s unique wants and needs through personalized artistry, collaborative teamwork and a steadfast commitment to growth. Every visit is thoughtfully tailored to each client through open, creative dialogue, ensuring no two experiences are the same. With a focus on continuous education, the salon regularly hosts internationally acclaimed artists who share the latest trends and techniques, keeping our team at the forefront of the industry. This dedication to nurturing talent empowers our artists to create innovative, stylish looks that help our guests express their personalities and showcase their individuality with flair.
Attention to detail is a hallmark of the Urban Halo experience. Our coordinators, stylists and assistants work seamlessly together to deliver
polished, artistic results. Transparent communication fosters a trusting environment where all can be inspired, and the diverse backgrounds of our team fuel creativity, resulting in a vibrant array of expressive styles and trendy hair designs. And don’t be surprised if you meet a new friend—Bruno, our French bulldog mascot, who loves greeting guests and adding a playful touch to your visit.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about your recent remodel?
A: Seeing our vision come to life! The design blends New York chic with timeless European elegance, featuring a black-andwhite-gold color scheme, a Zen-inspired shampoo area, immense nine-foot LED-lit mirrors and a stunning color lab. This exquisite new space prioritizes beauty and function, enhancing our team’s ability to create amazing transformations while ensuring guests feel welcome and valued.
Sleep & TMJ Therapy
JEFFREY L. BROWN, DDS, MBA
Dr. Brown is a graduate of Georgetown Dental School and an international speaker for TMD. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and holds memberships with many academies. His extensive knowledge in the combined fields of TMJ, sleep and orthodontics gives him a unique perspective.
2841 Hartland Road, Suite 301, Falls Church, VA 22043 703-821-1103 | office@sleepandtmjtherapy.com www.sleepandtmjtherapy.com
Q: What is the connection between sleep apnea and TMD?
A: In short, jaw placement and alignment. Studies show that over half of TMD patients also have sleep issues, and many sleep apnea sufferers 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, further complicating both conditions.
Q: What unique therapies do you offer, and how can they improve patients’ quality of life?
A: Our specialized therapies offer both immediate relief and lasting benefits. I use the ALF Appliance daily to gently open locked cranial bones, helping them realign over time for better balance and comfort. Our new Fotona laser, which patients say is “deliciously” soothing, provides deep tissue relaxation, especially in tight head and neck muscles. We also use custom orthotics and sleep appliances to open airways for better breathing and sleep quality, leading to more energy, less stress and significant relief from jaw pain and pressure on displaced discs.
Q: What is your approach to patient care, and how does it reflect a concierge level of service?
A: Without insurance restrictions, I take time to guide patients through their care, empowering them to become active participants and self-advocates. I collaborate with cranial osteopaths, ENTs, physical therapists and other specialists to ensure comprehensive, cohesive care.
Salon Virage
FADI BOUAKL, OWNER
Consistently recognized as one of the area’s top salons by Washingtonian, Arlington and Northern Virginia magazines, Salon Virage offers expert services—from balayage and color correction to trend-setting hair designs—tailored to enhance each client’s unique style and beauty. Committed to ongoing education, its trend-savvy stylists provide cutting-edge, personalized service in an inviting, upscale environment.
8118 Arlington Blvd.
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-204-9290
info@salonvirage.com
www.salonvirage.com
IG: @salonvirage
Q: How do you help clients find the right style to best suit their personality and lifestyle?
A: We always start by understanding each client’s style preferences, including what they like and what they don’t—it’s just as important to know what doesn’t resonate. We spend time discussing ideas, exploring inspiration photos and getting a sense of their personality and vision. Our stylists are trusted for their honest advice. We don’t just tell clients what they want to hear but offer our expert opinion on what will truly complement their features and bring out their best. Ultimately, the decision is always up to the client—we’ll never push a choice they’re not comfortable with. Many clients come in to feel uplifted, and we
love seeing them leave feeling like the best versions of themselves.
Q: What can clients look forward to when they come in for an appointment at Salon Virage?
A: At Salon Virage, clients can expect exceptional, personalized service in a welcoming, upscale atmosphere. A visit to our salon is more than just a hair appointment; it’s an experience in style and self-expression. Our highly trained stylists are true artists who know how the right look can transform how you feel and carry yourself, like makeup that enhances your natural beauty. Client satisfaction is our top priority. We love seeing clients walk out with renewed confidence and a little extra bounce in their step. Our goal is to make every visit special, so you leave looking and feeling your absolute best.
As a Diplomate of both the American Board of Prosthodontics and the American Board of Oral Implantology, Dr. Siranli holds the highest distinctions in the field. She is also an accomplished author and international speaker, having authored “Your Smile” (a patient education book) and two chapters of the acclaimed “Esthetics in Dentistry.”
6707 Old Dominion Drive, Suite 200, McLean, VA 22101 | 703-734-0100 2112 F Street, NW, Suite 605, Washington, DC 20037 | 202-466-4530 1234 19th Street, NW, Suite 704, Washington, DC 20036 | 202-296-3330 mcleandentalcare.com | siranlidental.com | siranlidentaldupont.com
Q: Why choose Siranli Dental?
A: At Siranli Dental, we focus on more than just teeth—we carefully craft personalized, transformative smiles that enhance your natural beauty and complement your unique facial features. As a Board-Certified Prosthodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, I combine expertise and artistry with advanced technology to achieve stunning results. Whether you’re here for a routine cleaning or a complete smile makeover, you can expect top-tier, specialized care in a warm and welcoming environment.
Q: How does Siranli Dental use technology to enhance patient care?
A: Siranli Dental is significantly different from any other practice because we have our own in-house, fully functional lab with our own CAD-CAM specialist and master ceramist. Our state-of-theart lab creates everything from veneers to implant restorations with unparalleled precision, often completing treatments within a single day. We pride ourselves on using the latest technology, including computer-guided surgery, digital impressions and advanced design technologies for crowns, veneers and implants, to deliver exceptional results that prioritize function and beauty.
Q: When should a patient see a prosthodontist?
A: Prosthodontists are dental specialists who focus on veneers, full-mouth rehabilitation and implants. With their advanced training and expertise, prosthodontists can recognize and create the ideal combination of dental aesthetics, facial aesthetics and functionality.
Q: What inspires your passion for smile makeovers?
A: A smile makeover can be life-changing. The joy and excitement I see on a patient’s face when they first see their radiant, healthy smile is what inspires me every day to continue making a positive impact on our patients’ lives.
Monarch Skin
2425 Wilson Blvd., Suite 410 Arlington, VA 22201
www.monarchskindc.com
IG: @monarch_skin
Q: Why is client education such a central part of the Monarch Skin experience?
A: Client education is a cornerstone of our practice because true change and growth start with understanding. We empower clients with knowledge about their skin’s unique signals, functions and needs, building confidence and trust. By involving and educating clients every step of the way, we foster a partnership that enhances the effectiveness of our treatments. Our holistic approach also includes reviewing lifestyle and diet factors that affect overall health, ensuring clients leave with a personalized treatment plan and the tools to sustain long-term success.
Q: What excites you most about your new, expanded space?
A: Our larger space allows us to better accommodate our growing team and client base, offering a more indulgent experience and a wider range of services.
Solid Ground Psychotherapy, PLLC
ZACK GOLDMAN, LCSW
1530 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650, Arlington, VA 22209
703-520-6446 | www.solidgroundpsychotherapy.com
Q: What advice would you give to someone unsure about starting therapy?
A: Starting therapy doesn’t mean you’re committing to a lifelong process. Think of it as an opportunity to try something out and see if it feels right. It’s normal to have doubts—you can even start by sharing those uncertainties in your first session. A good therapist will welcome that honesty.
Q: What inspired the rebrand to Your Mind on Your Side?
A: The “Your Mind on Your Side” brand better reflects how therapy should go beyond symptom relief. It’s about helping clients reshape their inner dialogue so their mind becomes their strongest supporter, not their harshest critic. My goal is to help clients build a mindset that works for them, not against them, so they can move forward with greater internal support and confidence.
VIDA Reston offers a holistic approach to wellness, empowering clients with personalized treatments at Bang Salon and Aura spa—no membership required. Expert practitioners foster self-care and confidence, leaving clients feeling rejuvenated and recharged. Enjoy renewed vitality through customized services, a welcoming lounge and drinks from Bar VIDA.
1800 Reston Row Plaza
Reston, VA 20190
571-313-1560
www.auraspa.net/reston
www.bangsalon.com/reston
Q: What makes Bang Salon and Aura spa go-to destinations for beauty and wellness?
A: Their unique integration within a holistic health and wellness network intentionally curated to enhance every aspect of clients’ lives. Unlike typical salon and spa experiences, the services here seamlessly align with VIDA Reston’s broader wellness offerings—allowing clients to transition effortlessly from fitness to relaxation and self-care. This connection to a full-spectrum wellness network means clients receive luxurious, customized treatments and benefit from an environment designed to support total well-being. It’s an elevated experience where beauty, health and vitality intersect, creating a space that feels both indulgent and essential for a balanced, empowered life.
Q: What signature Aura spa treatments are popular for helping clients recharge after a tough workweek?
A: Our therapeutic and deep-tissue mas-
sages provide relief, while our new HydraFacial delivers a refreshing glow—perfect for relaxation and revitalization. For deeper wellness and recovery, cryotherapy reduces inflammation, relieves chronic pain, boosts metabolism and elevates mood, while red light therapy enhances collagen production and circulation, easing muscle and joint pain. Ballancer®Pro sessions aid in recovery and support weight loss, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) accelerates tissue healing and cognitive function. Finally, IV therapy delivers a custom blend of vitamins and minerals for an instant wellness boost.
Q: Can you describe the ambiance at Aura spa and Bang Salon?
A: The elegant design blends soft, earthy tones, luxurious textures, and modern lines to create a serene, inviting atmosphere that nurtures tranquility and amplifies the overall wellness experience.
From left: Adrienne Mancinelli, Janeth Rivera, Raha Malaki, Anny Sifuentes, Emily Charles, Belle Regala, Diana Raflores, Elie Rady, Nittaya Coughlin, Karmelia Moore, Nushan Daryabeygi, Khalidah Mohiuddin, Sabrina Bui
Purity Spa
A premier medical spa offering personalized care in a serene, luxurious environment, Purity Spa’s expert team provides advanced skincare, anti-aging treatments, Botox, fillers, weight loss programs and an array of wellness therapies. Membership benefits include free monthly facials or massages, exclusive services and the Purity Spa Points Club, where members earn rewards for every visit. Purity Spa is a 2025 Best of Arlington Top Vote Getter for both MedSpa and Facial.
2420 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22201
703-243-4242
www.mypurityspa.com
IG: @purityspa_med
Q: What makes the Purity Spa experience unique?
A: At Purity Spa, our licensed professionals blend medical-grade techniques with holistic care to ensure safety, precision and exceptional results. We offer first-class, personalized treatments tailored to each client’s needs, using organic, high-quality skincare products. Our warm, welcoming atmosphere fosters a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that leaves clients feeling refreshed, revitalized and confident in their skin. By combining expert care and natural products and focusing on overall health, Purity Spa offers a transformative escape that enhances beauty and well-being.
Q: What are some of the most popular services at Purity Spa, and what are the benefits of treatments like Sculptra or PDO thread lifts?
A: We offer a range of luxurious and rejuvenating services, with some of the most popular
being the “Queen and Emperor of the Day” package, a four-hour experience complete with lunch and drinks, and the “Purity Elegant Facial and Massage,” a 90-minute treatment designed for ultimate relaxation. For those seeking advanced rejuvenation, we offer Sculptra, which restores facial volume and stimulates collagen production for long-lasting results. Our PDO Thread Lifts provide a non-surgical solution to lift sagging skin, enhance collagen and deliver natural, youthful outcomes with minimal downtime.
Q: What new trends or technologies in skincare and wellness is Purity Spa most excited about?
A: We incorporate innovations like Exosome therapy, Nutrafol for improved skin and hair growth, and IV fluid treatments to rejuvenate skin and promote overall wellness. We also offer advanced weight loss treatments like Semaglutide. With continuous monitoring, they can produce sustainable, long-term success.
Team Purity Spa
NOVA Dental Studio
MICHAEL J. PAESANI, DMD TAMANA SPINGHER, DDS
“A confident smile profoundly influences how we feel and how others perceive us. Often, our smile is the first thing people notice, shaping social, professional and personal interactions. When someone feels proud of their smile, it boosts self-esteem and radiates positivity, helping them feel more connected and engaged with the world around them.”
200 Little Falls St., Suite 101, Falls Church, VA 22046 703-997-1962 | www.novadentalstudio.com
Q: What are some of the most popular cosmetic treatments you offer, and what impact can they have on confidence?
A: The two most popular cosmetic treatments for enhancing smiles are clear aligners, like Invisalign, and veneers. Both offer remarkable aesthetic benefits that help patients achieve healthy, radiant smiles. Clear aligners are ideal for addressing alignment issues, such as crowded teeth, gaps or bite problems. Veneers, on the other hand, provide a transformative solution for concerns with tooth size, shape and color, creating a more uniform and attractive appearance.
A confident smile profoundly influences how we feel and how others perceive us. Often, our smile is the first thing people notice, shaping social, professional and personal interactions. When someone feels proud of their smile, it boosts self-esteem and radiates positivity, helping them feel more connected and engaged with the world around them.
Q: What is your approach to patient care?
A: At NOVA Dental Studio, our team takes a conservative approach to dental care, focusing on long-term oral health. We prioritize preventive care and minimally invasive solutions, recommending more extensive procedures only when necessary. This way, we help patients maintain healthy, natural smiles for life.
Q: What advice do you have for someone restarting their oral health journey?
A: Start small—schedule a check-up and cleaning. Delaying dental care can negatively impact your overall health, with links to heart disease and stroke. We’ll help you ease into a personalized care plan.
510 W. Annandale Road, Suite 202, Falls Church, VA 22046 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 200, McLean, VA 22102 703-988-4664 | advancedkinetics.com
Q: What inspired you to open Advanced Kinetics (AKPT), and what sets your practice apart?
A: After years in corporate healthcare, we wanted to break free from the red tape and create a practice centered on individual patient needs while fostering a supportive work environment. AKPT focuses on whole-body wellness, addressing long-term health and not just symptoms. By prioritizing the wellbeing of our therapists and trainers, we ensure they can deliver the highest level of care. Our skilled physical therapists, massage therapists and trainers work collaboratively to help clients reduce medication, avoid surgery, return to pre-injury status and live more active lives. As we celebrate 10 years, we sincerely thank our loyal referring doctors and returning clients for their trust and support, which inspires us to continue providing access to premium care.
h
Ō m salon
CARISSA LAWLOR, OWNER
2020 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 703-705-4410 www.salonhom.com
Q: As a mentor to new stylists, what’s the most important lesson you try to impart?
A: The first lesson I share with new stylists is that being a great hairstylist isn’t just about mastering techniques or the thrill of creating beautiful looks. It’s about truly connecting with people. Every person that sits in your chair has a story. Helping clients discover a side of themselves they’ve always wanted to express—a part of them that was already there, just waiting to shine—is when the real magic happens.
Q: How did your journey in the D.C. hair industry shape your vision for hŌm salon?
A: Working in D.C., I’ve learned how deeply hair connects to personal and professional identity across diverse communities. This understanding helped me shape hŌm as a space for authentic self-expression and connection.
Northern Virginia Orthodontics
DRS. DANIELLE ROBB, ZACH CASAGRANDE AND JESSICA ITANI
Awards/Honors/Specialties:
#1 Invisalign® Provider Nationwide, #1 GLO Whitening provider in the DMV, American Association of Orthodontics, Medical College of Virginia, Invisalign® Master Faculty, Invisalign® First, Dental Monitoring Remote Care
2200 Clarendon Blvd., Suite R140 Arlington, VA 22201
703-327-1718
www.nvorthodontics.com
Q: What advice would you offer someone considering orthodontic treatment for the first time?
A: Don’t wait—investing in a healthy, confident smile can enhance your appearance, oral health and overall well-being. Orthodontic care has advanced with comfortable, efficient and lifestyle-friendly treatments for all ages. Whether straightening teeth discreetly or fixing bite issues, solutions exist for every need. Start with a consultation. A great orthodontist will take time to understand your goals, explain the process and make you feel confident about your journey. It’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, and taking the first step is easier than you think.
Q: How does Smile Express® allow adults to achieve a beautiful smile without disrupting their daily lives?
A: Smile Express combines remote care with minimal office visits, offering convenience and
affordability without sacrificing quality. Using Invisalign aligners under our expert supervision, it delivers a cost-effective, shorter treatment timeline (6-9 months). Ideal for those seeking at-home aligner convenience with top-level care from the nation’s No. 1 Invisalign provider, Smile Express ensures beautiful, healthy smiles efficiently.
Q: How does Smile Doctors Anywhere make orthodontic care more accessible for busy families?
A: The Smile Doctors Anywhere app allows weekly remote monitoring of treatment progress with fewer office visits while ensuring personalized, premium care. Patients upload photos of their teeth using a simple phone-compatible mouthpiece, enabling doctors to track aligner fit, hygiene, bite correction and gum health. Treatment is adjusted dynamically based on individual progress, with in-app feedback and office visits scheduled only when necessary, making expert care both convenient and efficient.
Hair Play Salon
NAOUAL BENJELLOUN, CO-OWNER
SOUKAYNA SEHNOUNI, CO-OWNER
Hair Play Salon is a mother-daughter-owned business founded by Naoual, a hairstylist since 1995, and her daughter, Soukayna, who started working in salons when she was 16. With a shared dream of helping people achieve their hair goals, they opened the salon to offer everything from classic cuts to the latest designs and color trends. Hair Play Salon is a 2025 Top Vote Getter for Best Salon in Arlington
4033 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA 22206
703-824-4247
www.hairplaysalonva.com
Q: What do you hope clients take away from a visit to your salon?
A: At Hair Play Salon, we want clients to leave feeling confident, refreshed and truly cared for. Our goal is to empower them with a new look that boosts their self-assurance while offering a relaxing escape from daily stress. Our fun, creative atmosphere inspires clients to embrace new styles, and we hope they leave eager to return and ready to continue their selfcare journey, inside and out.
Q: What inspired you to open Hair Play Salon in 2021, and how does your mother-daughter dynamic make it unique?
A: After years of experience in the industry, it was time to create a space of our own where we could share our passion for hair and styling skills with the
world. As a mother-daughter team, we offer a unique blend of expertise, warmth and care rooted in family values. We aim to deliver premium, personalized services in a nurturing, family-oriented environment where everyone feels welcome and at home. We enjoy building genuine, trusting relationships with our clients and strive to foster a comfortable, inclusive environment where clients of all ages feel like part of the Hair Play family.
Q: Is there a Hair Play Salon signature trend or service?
A: Our “Express Style Refresh” is perfect for clients who want a fresh, updated look without a major commitment. Whether it’s a quick trim, face-framing layers or a splash of color to revitalize your look, this popular service delivers a stylish, lowmaintenance look that keeps you on-trend with minimal effort.
LISA
One U Aesthetics
One U Aesthetics, a division of PMA Health, specializes in advanced medical and aesthetic services that prioritize patient health, safety and satisfaction. Led by Georgetown University School of Medicine graduate Dr. David Duhamel, One U Aesthetics delivers personalized treatments tailored to each individual’s goals, rejuvenating and enhancing confidence, beauty and overall well-being.
500 W. Annandale Road, Second Floor Falls Church, VA 22046
703-236-7141
www.oneuaesthetics.com
Q: What sets One U Aesthetics apart from other med spas in the region?
A: At One U Aesthetics, we pride ourselves on providing a truly personalized approach to beauty, wellness and weight management. We understand that one size does not fit all, which is why we offer a range of advanced medical and aesthetic services tailored to help you look and feel your best. Our state-of-the-art treatments include rejuvenating facials, chemical peels, Botox injections, laser resurfacing and PRP therapy. We also specialize in sustainable, medically supervised weight loss plans to support your overall health and wellness journey.
Q: What can patients expect from their first visit?
A: From the moment you walk through our doors, your comfort and satisfaction are our priority. During your first visit, you’ll have a thorough consultation with your
skilled provider to discuss your goals, preferences, health history and any concerns, including allergies or sensitivities, before starting your treatment. This comprehensive approach allows us to design a customized treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and ensures the best possible outcomes. We also provide personalized after-care advice to help you maintain your results and address any potential post-treatment issues.
Q: What do you believe is the most important factor when it comes to offering new treatments or products?
A: Education is key. As new treatments and products emerge, ongoing research and education are essential to ensuring safety and effectiveness. We carefully evaluate the latest options, weighing benefits and potential risks, to provide cutting-edge care that prioritizes your health and safety.
From left: Ritu Cuttica, DO; Surekha Arya, LME; David R. Duhamel, MD; Seba Ramhmdani, MD (not pictured: Rebecca Spofford, MSN, NP-C)
The Menopause Center
LINDSAY SPUDIC, FNP-C, OWNER
8300 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 140B, Vienna, VA 22182 703-991-6806 | www.tysonsgynecology.com
Q: What makes The Menopause Center different from a general gynecological practice?
A: The Menopause Center specializes in menopausal management and wellness for women primarily in their 40s and beyond, offering personalized care that typical OB/GYN practices are often unable to provide. I consider the whole woman—physical, emotional, mental and medical health—as these can all signal hormonal imbalances. I also treat vulva-vaginal disorders often overlooked by others. Initial appointments last about an hour and include comprehensive labs and detailed health history reviews. We tailor treatment plans to address hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies and overall health. Regular follow-ups ensure a smooth transition into menopause and optimal well-being. I’m honored to continue Dr. Melinda Hall’s legacy, helping patients reclaim their lives after being dismissed by other doctors. Here, we listen, advocate and provide the care they deserve.
D.Moss Fitness
DAMION MOSS, OWNER
3215 Columbia Pike, Suite 202, Arlington, VA 22204 202-427-9033 | dmossfitness@gmail.com
IG: @dmossfitness
Q: What does a holistic approach to training mean to you?
A: To me, a holistic approach to training means building strength in every aspect of your life— physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, and cultivating the willpower to embrace and sustain healthy habits. As your strength coach, I’ll guide you and hold you accountable across every area of growth. It’s not about trendy workouts. It’s about creating a supportive environment that nurtures and inspires you. My clean, inviting studio embodies this philosophy. Together, we’ll work on more than just fitness. We’ll build a stronger you.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d offer someone just starting their fitness journey?
A: Set a realistic yet challenging goal—something you’re confident you can achieve but still pushes you. Growth comes when you step outside your comfort zone.
LISA HELFERT
Dolce Vita Salon & Spa
JEAN PAUL ACHOUR, FOUNDER & CEO
Dolce Vita Salon & Spa blends innovative style with traditional sophistication, offering state-of-the-art hair design and trend-setting color services. Their McLean location also features custom body, nail and skin care treatments, ensuring a complete and luxurious experience for every client.
6829 Elm St. McLean, VA 22101
703-821-8600
www.dolcevitasalon.com
Q: What inspired you to open Dolce Vita, and how does it stand out from other salons?
A: We opened Dolce Vita Salon & Spa in May 2003, to redefine the high-end salon experience. Our vision was to create an upscale, modern, yet cozy space free from pretension, offering fairly priced services and products. Unlike most upscale salons at the time, which focused on the “star stylist” model, we prioritized a collaborative environment where talented stylists could shine and grow successful careers of their own within the Dolce Vita universe. By blending cutting-edge technology with superior customer service, we fostered artistry and innovation. Local partnerships—such as Sunday photoshoots, fashion shows and brand education events—helped us nurture talent and deliver a truly unique client experience rooted in creativity and authenticity.
Q: What does it mean to be celebrating 22 years of Dolce Vita this spring?
A: Celebrating 22 years is a proud milestone for us. When my wife Fatima joined as co-owner and COO in 2015, her engineering background helped propel us to new heights. We’ve nearly doubled our salon space and transformed the spa by relocating it to its own suite, elevating the guest experience and introducing state-of-the-art treatments like the HydraFacial. We’re also thrilled about the successful launch of Café Levantine—a Mediterranean-Lebanese café offering artisanal coffee, light Levantine fare and premier house-made sweets—next door. Reflecting on our journey, we’re immensely grateful for our community’s support and excited to continue evolving, growing and pushing boundaries in beauty and hospitality.
Tailored furniture and walls painted Benjamin Moore “Steam” give the living room a quiet elegance.
Calm Collected and
Serene artwork and cool colors transform a 1938 Tudor bungalow in Lyon Village.
BY NIGEL F. MAYNARD
BY ROBERT RADIFERA STYLING BY CHARLOTTE SAFAVI
It's
a great day for an interior designer when a project comes along with beautiful architecture—the logic being that the decorative finishes elevate the structural features and together everything sings. Arlington designer Ame Gold found herself in this situation when James B. Sowell came calling in 2023.
Sowell, a newly divorced principal in the tax practice of a Big Four accounting firm, had just purchased a 1938 Tudor in Lyon Village and he needed help with, well, everything. Luckily, a remodel by Arlingtonbased Spring Street Development about a decade earlier had preserved the home’s finer architectural details and added some new ones, including tall ceilings and large windows. Gold’s charge was to complement those assets.
“A Realtor and his partner had owned the house, and he had done a big renovation
PHOTOS
where he bumped out the whole back,” Gold says. “They did a really good job of honoring the Tudor architecture, and the addition felt very seamless. My client called me and said, ‘I gave my wife everything [in the divorce].’ The only thing I bought quickly was a sofa.”
The move was a homecoming of sorts for Sowell, who had lived in Lyon Village in the early 2000s. The vibrancy of the area lured him back. “There is a great sense of community,” he says. “Many of the residents have been there for a long time—multiple decades. [It’s] very walkable vis-a-vis restaurants and shops in Clarendon. Easy Metro access also was important.”
As excited as he was to be back in the
Classic kitchen elements include Shaker-style cabinets and black granite countertops.
A 2014 renovation preserved the home’s Tudor architecture.
The dining room features Thibault wallpaper and a C2 paint color called “Overcast.”
neighborhood, he was equally thrilled about the house, with its classic stone and shingle facade, swooping roof gable and interior details such as archways, transom windows and chair rail molding. “The house is well organized and has many modern features while largely retaining the character of the original 1938 construction,” he says. “The living area has very high ceilings with great light.”
The home did have some minor shortcomings that the designer and client wanted to correct, starting with the cherry red kitchen countertops installed by the previous owner. Gold believes they were one reason the house sat on the market longer than it should
have. “People just couldn’t see past it,” she says. “We got rid of those and [went with] black to neutralize everything and keep in context with the historical kitchen renovation.” She also swapped out all the light fixtures, many of which were inappropriately scaled, and introduced brass-finish lighting with crystal or burled wood details.
Another key move: resurfacing the living room fireplace mantel (not shown) in Carrara marble. “There was some really dated tile, and they had painted it green,” Gold says. “We took that out and put in the classic marble to clean it up.” The marble matches the tile in the bathrooms.
With those modifications complete,
Gold turned her attention to furnishings. She wanted to make it personal for her client. His interest in art was a starting point.
“I didn’t have an art collection when I bought the house,” says Sowell, who vacations in Maine and is partial to images of New England landscapes, seascapes and birds. “Ame was very helpful in coordinating the art that I liked with the furniture design.”
After purchasing several paintings by Maine artists, Gold and Sowell brought all of the art to the house and designed the spaces around specific works. “We went through the collection and talked about what pieces he wanted to prioritize, and where we saw those pieces be-
ing hung,” she says. “He really wanted a house that felt kind of calm and airy, so we jumped off of some of the blues, but really everything else around it stayed incredibly neutral.”
Textiles and soft furnishings complement the artworks’ palette of blues, persimmons and greens. Rugs, curtains and cushions in natural mate -
rials, such as wool and linen, not only jibe with the aesthetic but are easy to clean, Gold says.
All of the furniture was made to order, down to the frame and the fabric, with traditional lines that were pared back to match the architecture. “Tailored might be a good word,” Gold says. “He wanted things that fell into the traditional vein of the home and his taste.”
In the living room, tall window treatments accentuate the 11-foot ceilings and 8-foot patio doors while also adding warmth. “The ceiling height is really nice, but if you don’t put any draperies around them, it feels a little cold,” Gold says. “I always say that draperies are kinda like a warm hug.”
The dining room’s lower ceilings (8 feet) warranted a different approach. A lightly textured wallpaper creates a feeling of intimacy. The crown mold-
ing, chair rail, built-in cabinets and fireplace mantel are painted a pale blue that harmonizes with the wallcoverings, while the ceiling is white to keep the space from feeling too closed in.
Sowell couldn’t be happier with the final result. “The design came together exactly as I hoped it would,” he says. “It is comfortable, the colors are relaxing, and everything fits together well. This is a testament to Ame. I certainly do not have any talent or vision for this kind of thing, but I don’t struggle with decisions. She got to know my taste, gave me limited options, and I chose from those options. I think we worked together quite well.” ■
Freelance writer and DIY remodeler Nigel F. Maynard lives in a fully renovated 1909 Victorian in historic Hyattsville, Maryland. Follow him on Instagram @products_hound and @custom_home_hacker.
Gold removed a hot tub from the screened porch to create more space for casual seating.
A tufted headboard and luxe bed linens
Branching Out
FALLS CHURCH homeowners Michelle
Lease and Trevor Blankley had dreams of renovating their rambler to accommodate a more spacious primary bedroom, closet and bathroom suite. They assumed a pop-up second level was the way to go until Craig Durosko, founder of Clifton-based Sun Design, advised them that doing so would require “extensive and expensive work.”
The more affordable solution: A main-level bump-out that expanded their home’s footprint by 300 feet, with pretty window bays that bring light and sylvan views inside.
The star of the addition is a spa-
like, nature-inspired bathroom. Unlike its predecessor—a cramped, 5x7-foot nook with one sink and a narrow shower stall—this one has space and style.
Responding to the couple’s wishes, lead designer Ericka Williams selected a double vanity (painted in SherwinWilliams Tartan Green) with his-andhers sinks and brushed bronze fixtures. Neutral elements include quartz countertops; a glass shower enclosure with a built-in bench; porcelain tile floors; and an elegant Streamline soaking tub with a floor-mounted tub filler.
The tub occupies a bay alcove with 12-foot ceilings (four feet higher than
the rest of the room) framed by builtin display shelves and windows on two sides, with shades that can be pulled down for privacy.
Opulent wallcoverings complete the aesthetic. When Lease gravitated toward gold-specked wall tiles that would have blown their budget, Williams encouraged her to consider wallpaper instead. The metallic botanical print by Ferm Living is now a defining feature. It’s complemented by mirrors that Williams snapped up on Wayfair and light fixtures from West Elm.
For the owners, the luxury of a good soak has become a ritual. “There’s nothing better than having a bath after a long day,” Blankley says.
Lease agrees: “I’m officially a bath person!” ■
October’s Most Expensive Home Sales
22201 (Arlington)
2600 18th St. N.
List Price: $1.08 million
Sale Price: $1.15 million
Days on Market: 2
Listing Office: McEnearney Associates
Neighborhood: Lyon Village
Year Built: 1937
Bedrooms: 3
Full/Half Baths: 3/0
22202 (Arlington)
830 21st St. S.
List Price: $2.12 million
Sale Price: $2.11 million
Days on Market: 14
Listing Office: Urban Living Real Estate
Neighborhood: Addison Heights
Year Built: 2023
Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 4/1
22203 (Arlington)
4516 Seventh St. N.
List Price: $2.3 million
Sale Price: $2.26 million
Days on Market: 128
Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty
Neighborhood: Brandon Village
Year Built: 2024
Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 5/1
22204 (Arlington)
5505 Fifth St. S.
List Price: $1.58 million
Sale Price: $1.62 million
Days on Market: 5
Listing Office: RE/MAX Gateway
Neighborhood: Glencarlyn
Year Built: 1957
Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 4/0
This information, courtesy of Bright MLS as of Nov. 15, 2024, includes homes sold in October 2024, 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.
700 Bulls Neck Road, McLean SALE PRICE: $25.5 MILLION
ASSOCIATE BROKERS IN VIRGINIA
■ prime numbers
22205 (Arlington)
1313 N. Harrison St.
List Price: $2.35 million
Sale Price: $2.37 million
Days on Market: 156
Listing Office: Beacon Crest Real Estate
Neighborhood: Tara-Leeway Heights
Year Built: 2024
Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 4/1
22206 (Arlington)
2509 S. Kenwood St.
List Price: $925,000
Sale Price: $925,000
Days on Market: 51
Listing Office: LuxManor Real Estate
Neighborhood: Shirlington
Year Built: 2016
Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 4/1
22207 (Arlington)
1532 N. Randolph St.
List Price: $2.3 million
Sale Price: $2.56 million
Days on Market: 7
Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty
Neighborhood: Cherrydale
Year Built: 2019
Bedrooms: 6
Full/Half Baths: 6/1
22209 (Arlington)
1781 N. Pierce St., #2003
List Price: $3.2 million
Sale Price: $3.15 million
Days on Market: 4
Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Neighborhood: Rosslyn
Year Built: 2021
Bedrooms: 2
Full/Half Baths: 2/1
22213 (Arlington)
6613 31st St. N.
List Price: $1.25 million
Sale Price: $1.15 million
Days on Market: 52
Listing Office: Homecoin.com
Neighborhood: Williamsburg Village
Year Built: 1951
Bedrooms: 3
Full/Half Baths: 1/0
22101 (McLean)
7216 Dulany Drive
List Price: $10.5 million
Sale Price: $10.5 million
Days on Market: 40
Listing Office: Yeonas & Shafran Real Estate
Neighborhood: Elmwood Estates
Year Built: 2024
Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 8/3
22102 (McLean)
700 Bulls Neck Road
List Price: $33.9 million
Sale Price: $25.5 million
Days on Market: 138
Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Neighborhood: Bulls Neck Hundred
Year Built: 2022
Bedrooms: 8
Full/Half Baths: 10/5
22041
(Falls Church)
6514 Lakeview Drive
List Price: $1.95 million
Sale Price: $2.25 million
Days on Market: 4
Listing Office: Long & Foster Real Estate
Neighborhood: Lake Barcroft
Year Built: 1958
Bedrooms: 4
Full/Half Baths: 3/0
22042 (Falls Church)
6411 Shady Lane
List Price: $1.25 million
Sale Price: $1.24 million
Days on Market: 5
Listing Office: KW Metro Center
Neighborhood: Hillwood
Year Built: 1951
Bedrooms: 5
Full/Half Baths: 4/1
22043 (Falls Church)
1817 Peabody Drive
List Price: $2.14 million
Sale Price: $2.11 million
Days on Market: 11
Listing Office: Douglas Elliman of Metro DC
Neighborhood: Pimmit Hills
Year Built: 2024
Bedrooms: 6
Full/Half Baths: 6/1
22044 (Falls Church)
3501 Georges Lane
List Price: $1.1 million
Sale Price: $1.1 million
Days on Market: 77
Listing Office: Open Door Brokerage
Neighborhood: Mari Dale
Year Built: 1951
Bedrooms: 4
Full/Half Baths: 3/1
22046
(Falls Church)
6627 Fisher Ave.
List Price: $2.6 million
Sale Price: $2.5 million
Days on Market: 53
Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty
Neighborhood: Westmoreland Park
Year Built: 2024
Bedrooms: 6
Full/Half Baths: 6/1
1781 N. Pierce St., #2003, Arlington SALE PRICE: $3.15 MILLION
Real Estate Sales Trends
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22206
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22202
22207
22203
22209 Number
22204
22213
22205
22102
22101
22041
22042
22043
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Seared scallops with saffron cream and cauliflower at Láylí
Garden Delights of
With tasty Levantine fare, chic lighting and moody beats, Láylí Mediterranean Garden gets the vibe just right.
BY DAVID HAGEDORN | PHOTOS BY DEB LINDSEY
APPROACHING THE HOST stand at Láylí Mediterranean Garden, I’m overwhelmed by a feeling of déjà review. It was only two years ago that I was here to critique Bar Ivy, its predecessor at the corner of North Highland Street and Wilson Boulevard in Clarendon.
Some vestiges of the former restaurant remain—wooden banquettes, midcentury modern chairs and a 75-seat interior that, in good weather, opens up to a sprawling patio—but the energy is different. The former occupant’s pinkand-green palette has been switched out for earth-toned wallcoverings, rattan pendant lamps and fuchsia uplighting that sets the bar and the patio’s mature crape myrtles aglow. Goodbye, Southern California coast. Hello, Mediterranean beach club taverna.
Sitting outside on a balmy evening, the loud-but-not-too-loud thumpthump base of DJ Wissam’s dreamy house music fills the air. I sip on a gin and tonic with crushed rose petals and swipe warm pita bread through a trio of dips: labneh topped with black olive tapenade; muhammara (roasted red pepper spread) dotted with feta cheese; and hummus. My shoulders instinctively sway to the beat as my mind wanders to my favorite seaside haunt in Paros, Greece, at sunset—a fitting memory given that “láylí” means evening in Arabic.
This is the intended effect, according to co-owners Faris Ghareeb, Alex Haje and Walid Zeytoun, who opened Láylí in June 2024.
“With expenses so high, you don’t make money just from food in the res-
taurant business anymore,” says Zeytoun. (He and Ghareeb also have an ownership stake in neighboring Wilson Hardware.) “You have to have a vibe now. We were going for a Miami feel.”
Chef Samer Zeitoun, Láylí’s fourth partner, brings decades of experience to the kitchen. He owned and operated D.C.’s Café Paradiso in Woodley Park for almost 28 years with his older brother Salim Zaytoun before closing it in 2016. (Walid is their younger brother, though all three use surnames with different spellings.)
In a stroke of bad timing, Samer then opened the Lebanese restaurant Zenola in Vienna in 2019, months before the pandemic. While it received accolades, the economic challenges proved insurmountable. Zenola closed in July 2023.
LÁYLÍ MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
3033 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
703-512-3094
layligarden.com
HOURS
Tuesday and Wednesday: 4 to 10 p.m.; Thursday: 4 to 11 p.m.; Friday: 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday: 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
PARKING
Find a metered parking lot on Highland Street behind the restaurant, plus metered street parking.
PRICES
Spreads and dips: $9 to $18 (for a dip trio)
Mezze: $9 to $22
Entrées: $26 to $34, plus a couple dishes for two that are $56 and $57
Desserts: $12 to $13
At Láylí, the well-crafted cocktails highlight Levantine ingredients in subtle ways. An old-fashioned made with fig and date syrup, orange blossom water and Angostura bitters becomes a rich, cold weather quaff with the addition of a brown butter wash. The Flirty Baba blends arak, an anise-based spirit, with Campari, pomegranate juice, wild berry jam and lime juice.
Crispy za’atar dusted french fries with a side of garlicky toum (garlic and olive oil whipped into an aioli-like fluff) make a perfect cocktail snack.
Blending the flavors of Greece, Turkey and Lebanon, the menu is ideal for communal dining, although Láylí is guilty of furnishing illogically tiny plates for portioning out food that is meant to be shared.
Chef Zeitoun, originally from Beirut, received rave reviews at Zenola, and his cooking here shows why. Almost every-
thing is cooked in olive oil, including a tender octopus confit served with chickpeas, tomato-parsley salad and piquant muhammara sweetened with a hit of pomegranate juice. A spritz of grilled lemon adds acid and tang.
I’m crazy for the spicy mezze dish of prawns coated with harissa, which are grilled and then tossed with yogurt, tahini and croutons of toasted pita bread. The dressing takes the edge off the wallop of heat from that red pepper paste.
Another tasty mezze is zucchini stuffed with ground lamb and rice, braised and perched atop tomato sauce.
The kibbeh nayyeh (lamb tartare) has an eye-catching presentation. Aleppo pepper gives it a sunset orange hue, but the mixture of ground meat, bulgur and onions has clearly been machine chopped into an unpleasant, pasty texture.
A mixed grill platter served with garlicky toum and saffron rice
For mains, a prudent sharing strategy—especially for four people—is to order a variation of surf and turf. The mixed grill platter is piled with lamb sausage (kefta), succulent cubes of beef tenderloin and saffron-marinated chicken breast, plus grilled red onions, artichoke hearts and arayes, a snack of fried pita pockets stuffed with chicken. Add to that saffron rice, two sauces (toum and turmeric-laced tzatziki) and a panoply of grilled vegetables. The “surf” part of my recommendation is a scallop dish featuring four plump, seared bivalves served with fava bean puree, a bright yellow saffron cream sauce, and tiny florets of purple and orange cauliflower.
Fish lovers will also appreciate Zeitoun’s take on whole branzino, which
WHAT TO DRINK
Láylí Mediterranean Garden offers nine signature cocktails ($14 to $18), many of them featuring Levantine ingredients such as orange blossom, rose water, fig and date syrup, pomegranate juice, sumac and the anise-based spirit arak. Pistachio pesto stars in a tequila-based Pesto Sour frothed up with egg white.
Lebanon is well represented on the 24-bottle wine list, which includes three sparkling, two rosés, 11 whites and eight reds priced between $36 and $54. All but one are available by the glass ($9 to $15). Thirteen beers (six draft and seven bottled) are $7 to $9.
is pan-seared and presented with grilled artichokes, tahini and cubed potatoes with garlic and cilantro.
Rose water makes several appearances on the dessert menu. It’s the predominant flavor in a silken mahalabia (milk and cream pudding) topped with
pistachio cookie crumbles and halva cotton candy. The knafeh, meanwhile, marries two of my loves—dessert and cheese—by sandwiching sweetened akawi (a salty cheese similar to mozzarella) inside semolina dough, baking it and soaking the whole affair in rose syrup. It’s served warm, so the cheese is satisfyingly gooey, and garnished with chopped pistachios.
I would be remiss not to mention that Láylí’s beverage program also includes an outdoor coffee—and hot chocolate!—kiosk and bar. The weather was temperate when I paid my first visit, but heat lamps make the patio usable in most seasons.
Judging from the clientele, Láylí seems to have struck just the right balance, attracting customers young and old, families with children, couples on dates, friends hanging out and singles catching a vibe.
I was a fan of Bar Ivy and its talented chef, Jonathan Till, and reviewed it favorably. Who’s to say why one place clicks and another doesn’t? I’ll give you the answer the moment I get back from the beach in Paros. ■
Wood-grilled octopus with chickpeas
Milk pudding with pistachio cookie crumbles
Let the Good Times Roll
Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen in McLean recently unveiled a brunch menu that harks back to chef and owner David Guas’ New Orleans roots, with classic beignets, eggs Sardou (poached eggs, creamed spinach, artichoke hearts) and shrimp and grits. But what really has us rolling in the aisles is a roving beverage cart stocked with boozy libations ($13 to $16), including rum-laced milk punch, pear mimosas and mini carafes of bloody marys spiced with horseradish and Crystal hot sauce. Drinks served on the rocks come with little ice buckets and scoops. neutralgroundbarandkitchen.com
Latte
Arrival
Coffee and pistachios are two of my favorite flavors, so I found heaven at MQR Café, which opened in Falls Church’s Barcroft Plaza in July. The pistachio latte ($6.50) is made with a special syrup consisting of raw pistachios, brown and white sugar, and vanilla beans. Combined with espresso and steamed whole milk, the heady elixir fires all my cylinders.
Owner Nor Powanda, a lawyer who works in international trade, has decorated the 45-seat, counter service café with penny-tile flooring, a pressed tin ceiling and marble tables. MQR is shorthand for Maqur—a district in the Ghazni province of east-central Afghanistan where Powanda was born.
Middle Eastern flavors find their way onto the food menu, too—in breakfast sandwiches and omelets stuffed with basterma (cured, dried beef); sourdough toast with labneh, za’atar seasoning, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and honey; hummus with your choice of toppings; and a mixed greens salad with dates, pumpkin seeds and turmeric-tahini dressing. Everything on the menu is $16 or less.
The pastry choices include an array of croissants and cookies, but the sweet standout is the kunafa French toast ($15)— challah bread with vanilla cream filling, dipped in egg, rolled in kataifi (shredded phyllo) and griddled in butter to golden brown. It’s finished with chopped pistachios and served with whipped cream flavored with orange blossom water.
The menu includes some tempting handhelds, too. Think smashburgers, chicken shawarma sandwiches and tuna salad on grilled sourdough with Kewpie mayo, green olives and spinach-artichoke spread. Given that Powanda moved to the DMV from New York, a chopped cheese sandwich (a bodega classic) was de rigueur. MQR’s version is made with ground beef, Aleppo pepper, onions, jalapenos, American cheese, tomatoes and harissa-garlic mayo on a sub roll. mqrcafe.com TRY THIS now
Kunafa French toast at MQR Cafe
Neutral Ground's brunchtime cocktail cart
Paella fans have been flocking to SER in Ballston ever since it opened in 2015. Now, owner Javier Candon is making it easy for diners to enjoy that quintessential Spanish rice dish at home, too, with a delivery operation that includes prepared paellas ready for reheating, as well as kits for making it yourself. Both versions serve two.
Among the options are 10 prepared paellas ($44-$90) such as seafood, seafood with Maine lobster, chicken and vegetables, octopus and shrimp, or Valenciana made with chicken, rabbit and duck. To reheat, pop the dish in a 350-degree oven for eight minutes. You get to keep the pan.
For those in the DIY mood, the paella kit ($60) includes a paella pan, plus a kilo (2.2 pounds) of Calas parra rice, a short-grain variety from the Murcia region of southeastern Spain; saffron from Spain’s La Man cha region; Pimentón de La Vera smoked paprika; a 500 ml bottle of Los Aljibes extra virgin olive oil; and recipe instructions. Home cooks pro vide the stock and proteins.
Want to order an entire feast? The take-home options also include clas sic Spanish tapas ($10-$15) such as tortilla española (potato omelet), ham croquettes and garlic shrimp, and des serts ($10) from flan or churros to rice pudding. eatbombapaella.com
places to EAT
ARLINGTON
A Modo Mio Pizzeria
5555 Langston Blvd., 703-532-0990, amodomio pizza.com. Dig into authentic Neapolitan pies, house-made gnocchi, lasagna, spaghetti del mare and cannoli. o L D V $$
Aladdin Sweets & Tandoor
5169 Langston Blvd., 703-533-0077. Chef Shiuli Rashid and her husband, Harun, prepare family recipes from their native Bangladesh. L D $$
Ambar Clarendon
2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-9663, ambarrestau rant.com. Feast on Balkan fare such as stuffed cabbage, mushroom pilav and rotisserie meats. O R L D G V $$
Anita’s New Mexico Style Bar & Grill 3444 Fairfax Drive, 571-290-0659, anitascorp. com. The chainlet has 10 NoVA locations serving burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and other Tex-Mex standards. O C B R L D G V $
Arlington Kabob
5046 Langston Blvd., 703-531-1498, arlingtonka bobva.com. Authentic Afghan fare includes kebabs, shawarma and lamb shank with rice. L D $$
Astro Beer Hall
4001 Campbell Ave., 703-664-0744, astrobeer hall.com. Jet to this space-themed brewpub for fried chicken, burgers, doughnuts, arcade games and a retro basement billiards hall called 1969. o B R L D A $$
B Live
2854 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-7094, bliveva.com.
Go for beach-inspired eats, a bloody mary bar and live music five nights a week. o R L D A $$
Bakeshop
1025 N. Fillmore St., 571-970-6460, bakeshop va.com. A tiny storefront serving coffee, cupcakes, cookies, icebox pies and vegan treats. B V $
Ballston Local s
900 N. Glebe Road, 703-852-1260, ballstonlocal. com. Pair your local brew with a plate of poutine or a New York-style pizza. L D V $$
Banditos Tacos & Tequila
1301 S. Joyce St., 571-257-7622, banditostnt.com. Mexican street food, tequila, mezcal and sugar-skull décor keep the party going. o L D G V $$
Bangkok 54
2919 Columbia Pike, 703-521-4070, bangkok54res taurant.com. A favorite for Thai curries, grilled meats, stir-fry, noodles and soups. L D V $$
Bar Bao
3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-600-0500, barbao.com. Find trendy dishes reminiscent of Chinese and Taiwanese street food, plus sake, soju and Asian fusion cocktails. L D V $$
Barley Mac
1600 Wilson Blvd., 703-372-9486, barleymacva. com. Upscale tavern fare, plus more than 100 kinds of whiskey and bourbon. R L D A G V $$
Bartaco
4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3908226, bartaco.com. A lively spot for tacos (13 kinds) and tequila. Feels like vacation. L D V A $$
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 $$
Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery
1515 N. Courthouse Road, 703-243-2410, bayou bakeryva.com. Chef David Guas’ New Orleans-inspired menu includes beignets and gumbo. Breakfast all day on weekends. O C B R L D G V $
Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique 576 23rd St. S., 571-257-5873, beautycham pagneandsugar.com. Find champagne, cookies, cocktail fixings, small plates and gifts at this wom-
an-owned bistro and market. Closed Mondays. L D $$
Bethesda Bagels
1851 N. Moore St., 703-312-1133, bethesdabagels. com. The popular D.C.-area chain has an outpost in Rosslyn. Eat a sandwich! O L V $
BGR the Burger Joint
3129 Langston Blvd., 703-812-4705, bgrtheburger joint.com. Top your dry-aged beef, veggie or turkey burger with add-ons like grilled jalapeño, pineapple or fried egg. C L D V $
Big Buns Damn Good Burger Co. s 4401 Wilson Blvd., 703-276-3032; 4251 Campbell Ave., 703-933-2867, eatbigbuns.com. Satisfy your cravings with “designer” burgers, shakes, beer and booze. L D $$
Bluefish Bistro Sushi & Kitchen
950 S. George Mason Drive, 703-270-0102, blue fishbistro.com. Try specialty rolls with names like Green Dragon and King Kong, or go for a “chef’s
KEY: Price designations are based on the approximate cost per person for a meal with one drink, tax and tip.
$ under $20
$$ $21-$35
$$$ $36-$70
$$$$ $71 or more
o Outdoor Dining
c Children’s Menu
B Breakfast
R Brunch
L Lunch
D Dinner
A After Hours/Late Night
G Gluten-Free
V Vegetarian
s Best of Arlington 2024 or 2025 Winner
Sisters Thai COURTESY PHOTO
■ places to eat
choice” selection and be surprised. Closed Tuesdays. L D G V $$
Bob & Edith’s Diner
2310 Columbia Pike, 703-920-6103; 539 23rd St. S., 703-920-2700; 5050 Langston Blvd., 703-5940280; bobandedithsdiner.com. Founded in 1969, the 24-hour eatery whips up pancakes, eggs, meatloaf, and pie à la mode. C B L D A V $
Bollywood Bistro Express
4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3121071, bollywoodbistroexpress.com. Build your own bowl with fillers such as chicken tikka, paneer, chana masala and pickled onions. L D V $$
Bonsai Sushi at Crystal City
553 23rd St. S., 703-553-7723, crystalbonsai sushirestaurant.com. A go-to for sushi, sashimi, yakisoba, tempura, teriyaki. Closed Mondays. L D $$
Bostan Uyghur Cuisine
3911 Langston Blvd., 703-522-3010, bostanuyghur. com. The Uyghur Chinese dishes include kebabs, lagmen (hand-pulled noodles), manta (dumplings) and honey cake. L D $$
Brass Rabbit Public House
1210 N. Garfield St., 703-746-9977, brassrabbit pub.com. Pair carrot “fries” and lettuce wraps with craft cocktails like the El Conejo, featuring tequila, carrot juice, ginger, lime and cilantro.
O R L D V A $$
Bronson Bierhall
4100 Fairfax Drive, 703-528-1110, bronsonbier hall.com. Find communal tables, German and regional beers, sausages, schnitzel and cornhole in this 6,000-square-foot ode to Munich.
O L D A $$
Bubbie’s Plant Burgers
1721 Crystal Drive, bubbiesburgers.com. Grab a plant-based or kosher burger, a fried green tomato sandwich or a plate of avocado fries at this outdoor kiosk in National Landing’s Water Park. O L D V $
Buena Vida s
2900 Wilson Blvd., 703-888-1528, buenavida gastrolounge.com. Savor the flavors of Mexico, from tacos to churros, and head to the top floor for one of the best rooftop bars around. O R L D $$
Burger Billy’s Joint
3800 Langston Blvd., 703-512-0102, burgerbillys joint.com. Order smashburgers made from grassfed, locally sourced Angus beef (or plant-based), as well as hot dogs, wings and fries, using a food locker pickup system. L D V $
Busboys and Poets
4251 S. Campbell Ave., 703-379-9757, busboys andpoets.com. Known for its poetry slams, onsite bookstore and social justice programming, the café offers an eclectic menu with oodles of options for vegetarians. O C B R L D G V $$ The Café by Kitchen of Purpose
918 S. Lincoln St., 703-596-1557, kitchenofpur pose.org/cafe. Operated by the nonprofit Kitchen of Purpose, this lunch spot serves soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries and Swing’s coffee. L V $ Café Colline
4536 Langston Blvd., 703-567-6615, cafecolline va.com. The cozy French bistro in the Lee Heights Shops satisfies with paté maison, duck confit and chocolate pots de creme. O L D $$ 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 $$
Carbonara s
3865 Wilson Blvd., 703-721-3905, carbonarava. com. Savor house-made pastas, eggplant parm, chicken cacciatore and the spirit of Sinatra at chef Mike Cordero’s old-world-meets-modern Italian trattoria. L D V $$$
Caribbean Grill
5183 Langston Blvd., 703-241-8947. Cuban preparations such as jerk-style pork, fried plantains and black bean soup are mainstays. C L D G V $
Carlyle
4000 Campbell Ave., 703-931-0777, greatameri canrestaurants.com/carlyle. The original anchor of Shirlington Village is a reliable pick for fusion fare, happy hour and Sunday brunch.
O C R L D G V $$$
CarPool Beer and Billiards
900 N. Glebe Road, 703-516-7665, gocarpool. com. Mark Handwerger’s garage-themed watering hole has pool, pub grub and an extensive beer list, including “house” suds brewed at sister bar the Board Room. D A $
Cava
1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-652-7880; 4121 Wilson Blvd., 703-310-6791; cava.com. Build your own salad, wrap or bowl, choosing from an array of Greek dips, spreads, proteins and toppings. L D G V $$
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 $$
Charga Grill
5151 Langston Blvd., 703-988-6063; 3203 Columbia Pike, 703-574-5050; chargagrill.com. How do you like your chicken? Choose Peruvian, jerk, Tandoori or Pakistani charga or sajii at this flavorpacked eatery and takeout. L D $$
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 $$
Circa at Clarendon s
3010 Clarendon Blvd., 703-522-3010, circabis tros.com. Bistro fare ranges from salads and small plates to steak frites and wild mushroom pizza. Sit outside if you can. O R L D A G V $$$
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 $$$
Colada Shop
2811 Clarendon Blvd., 571-771-8400; 244 19th Court S., 703-631-5320; coladashop.com. Hit this colorful Caribbean coffee cafe and bar for beachy vibes, tropical drinks and Cuban-inspired eats.
C B R L D V $$
Colony Grill
2800 Clarendon Blvd., 703-682-8300, colonygrill. com. The Stamford, Connecticut-based pizza chain specializes in ultra-thin-crust “bar pies” with a spicy, pepper-infused hot oil topping. L D G V $$
Copperwood Tavern
4021 Campbell Ave., 703-522-8010, copperwood tavern.com. This hunting-and-fishing-themed saloon serves up steaks and chops, draft beers and 30 small-batch whiskeys. O R L D $$$
Cornerstone
2900 Columbia Pike, 703-512-2056, pikecorner stone.com. The menu is heavy on apps and shareables such as wings, nachos and mini skewers, but you’ll also find salads, burgers and rib-sticking entrees. C O R D A $
Corso Italian
4024 Campbell Ave., 703-933-8787, corsoitalian. com. Find fresh pastas, porchetta and veal chop Milanese at this Italian trattoria by Cheesetique “cheese lady” Jill Erber. O r L D V $$$
Cowboy Café
4792 Langston Blvd., 703-243-8010, thecowboy
cafe.com. Cool your heels and fill up on sandwiches, burgers, brisket and chili mac. An outdoor beer garden features a mural by Arlington artist MasPaz. Live music on weekends. O C R L D V $$
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 $
Crush Pizza + Wine
1601 Crystal Drive, crushpizzaandwine.com. Enjoy New York-style pizza, wines by the glass and patio crushers at this al fresco dining spot in National Landing’s Water Park. O L D V $$
Crystal City Sports Pub
529 23rd St. S., 703-521-8215, ccsportspub.com. Open 365 days a year, it’s a sure bet for big-screen TVs, pool tables, trivia and poker nights, beers and bar snacks. C B R L D A G V $$
Crystal Thai
4819 First St. N., 703-522-1311, crystalthai.com. A neighborhood go-to for traditional Thai curries, grilled meats and house specialties like roast duck.
L D V $$
Dama Restaurant & Cafe
1503 Columbia Pike, 703-920-3559, damapas try.com. The Ethiopian family-owned business includes a breakfast café, market and dining room. B L D V $$
Darna
946 N. Jackson St., 703-988-2373, darnava.com. Grilled kebabs, mezze and traditional Lebanese comfort foods are served in a modern setting. The upstairs is a hookah bar. L D V $$
Delhi Dhaba Indian Restaurant
2424 Wilson Blvd., 703-524-0008, delhidhaba.com. The best bargain is the “mix and match” platter, which includes tandoori, seafood, a curry dish and a choice of rice or naan. O L D G V $$
Detour Coffee
946 N. Jackson St., 703-988-2378, detourcoffee co.com. This comfy cafe has a college vibe and serves up locally roasted coffee, light bites and weekend brunch. O B R L V $
District Taco
5723 Langston Blvd., 703-237-1204; 1500 Wilson Blvd., 571-290-6854; districttaco.com. A local favorite for tacos and gargantuan burritos. C B L D G V $
Don Tito
3165 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-3113, dontitova.com. The sports bar specializes in tacos, tequila and beer, with a rooftop bar. O R L D $$
Dudley’s Sport and Ale
2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, 571-312-2304, dudleyssportandale.com. A spacious sports bar with wall-to-wall TVs, a roof deck, a ballpark-inspired beer list and weekend brunch. O C R L D A $$
Earl’s Sandwiches
2605 Wilson Blvd., 703-647-9191, earlsinarling ton.com. Made-to-order sandwiches use prime ingredients, like fresh roasted turkey. O B L D G V $
East West Cafe
3101 Wilson Blvd., 571-800-9954, ewcafe.com. The Clarendon cafe serves espresso drinks, brunch (try the massive Turkish breakfast spread), sandwiches, tapas, beer and wine. B L D $
El Paso Café
4235 N. Pershing Drive, 703-243-9811, elpaso cafeva.com. Big portions, big margaritas and bighearted service make this Tex-Mex cantina a local favorite. C L D G V $$
El Pike Restobar
4111 Columbia Pike, 703-521-3010, elpikeresto bar.com. Bolivian dishes satisfy at this no-frills in-
stitution. Try the salteñas stuffed with chicken or with beef, olives and hard-boiled egg. L D $
El Pollo Rico
932 N. Kenmore St., 703-522-3220, elpollorico restaurant.com. A local institution, this rotisserie chicken mecca gained even more street cred after a visit from the late Anthony Bourdain. L D V $ El Rey
4201 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-5530, elreyva.com. Down tacos, margs and draft brews in a colorful interior featuring street-art murals by Mike Pacheco. Visit The Filling Station, its bar-within-a-bar event space, for live music. L D A $$
Elevation Burger
2447 N. Harrison St., 703-300-9467, elevationburger. com. Organic, grass-fed beef is ground on the premises, fries are cooked in olive oil and the shakes are made with fresh-scooped ice cream. O L D V $
Eli’s Taqueria
3207 Columbia Pike, 703-663-4777. Dig into beef birria tortas, shrimp tacos and pupusas at this homey spot (a spin-off of the Taqueria La Ceibita food truck) run by Nevi Paredes and his daughter, Yorktown alum Elizabeth Marquez. L D $
Epic Smokehouse
1330 S. Fern St., 571-319-4001, epicsmoke house.com. Wood-smoked meats and seafood served in a modern setting. O L D G $$$
Falafel Inc.
1631 Crystal Drive, falafelinc.org. Fill a pita or bowl with falafel, pickled veggies and your choice of sauces. The eatery donates a portion of its sales to feed refugees. O L D V $
Fat Fish
1641 Crystal Drive, fatfishrolls.com. Grab poke
bowls, sushi and bento boxes from this budgetfriendly kiosk in National Landing’s Water Park. O L D G $
Federico Ristorante Italiano
519 23rd St., 703-486-0519, federicoristorante italiano.com. Go for pasta and chianti at this trattoria co-owned by Freddie’s Beach Bar proprietor Freddie Lutz. L D V $$
Fettoosh
5100 Wilson Blvd., 703-527-7710, fettoosh restaurant.com. Pita sandwiches and kebabs keep the kitchen fired up at this bargain-priced Lebanese and Moroccan restaurant. C R L D G V $
Fire Works
2350 Clarendon Blvd., 703-527-8700, fireworks pizza.com. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and more than 30 craft beers on tap. You can also build your own pasta dish. O C L D A G V $$
First Down Sports Bar & Grill s 4213 Fairfax Drive, 703-465-8888, firstdownsports bar.com. Three cheers for draft beers and snacks ranging from sliders to queso dip. L D A V $$
For Five Coffee Roasters
1735 N. Lynn St.; 2311 Wilson Blvd., 571-2577219, forfivecoffee.com. Go for espresso drinks, espresso martinis, acai bowls, avo toast and “stuffed” cookies. B R L G V $
Four Sisters Grill
3035 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-9020, foursisters grill.com. A go-to for banh mi sandwiches, papaya salad, spring rolls and noodle dishes. O L D $$
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd St. S., Arlington, 703-685-0555, freddies beachbar.com. Freddie Lutz’s long-standing “gay, straight-friendly” hangout is always a party, with pink
and purple Barbiecore décor, flashy drinks, drag bingo and weekend brunch. O R D A V $$
Galaxy Hut
2711 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-8646, galaxyhut.com. Pair craft beers with vegan bar foods like “fricken” sandwiches and smothered tots. L D A G V $$ Gharer Khabar
5157 Langston Blvd., 703-973-2432, gharerkhabar togo.com. Translated as “home’s food,” this artfilled, 14-seat café serves Bangladeshi fare cooked by chef Nasima Shreen. L D $$
Good Company Doughnuts & Café
672 N. Glebe Road, 703-243-3000; 1350 S. Eads St., 703-894-1002; gocodough.com. The family- and veteran-owned eatery serves house-made doughnuts, Intelligentsia coffee and savory cafe fare. B L V $$
Good Stuff Eatery
2110 Crystal Drive, 703-415-4663, goodstuff eatery.com. Spike Mendelsohn’s Crystal City outpost offers gourmet burgers (beef, turkey or mushroom), shakes, fries and salads. L D G V $ Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro 4301 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-7900, grandcrubistro. com. This intimate European-style café includes a wine shop next door. O R L D G $$$
Green Pig Bistro
2900 Wilson Blvd., 703-888-1920, greenpigbistro. com. A fan fave for Southern-influenced food, craft cocktails, happy hour and brunch. R L D G V $$$
Guajillo
1727 Wilson Blvd., 703-807-0840, guajillo mexican.com. Authentic Mexican dishes such as carne asada, mole poblano and churros are favorites. O C L D G V $$
■ places to eat
Guapo’s Restaurant
4028 Campbell Ave., 703-671-1701, guaposres taurant.com. Expect hearty portions of all the TexMex standbys—quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and burritos. O C R L D G V $$
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
1119 N. Hudson St., 571-527-0445, gyu-kaku.com. Marinated meats, veggies and seafood are cooked on tabletop grills. L D $$
Gyu San
4300 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-7373, gyusan.com. Go for Japanese barbecue, sushi, soba noodles and saki. L D G $$$
Hal & Al’s BBQ
4238 Wilson Blvd., 703-400-8884, halandals bbq.com. There’s no pork on the menu at this halal ’cue joint. Go for beef brisket, turkey sausage or beef “Dino” ribs rubbed with Old Bay and other spices. L D $$
Hanabi Ramen
3024 Wilson Blvd., 703-351-1275, hanabiramen usa.com. Slurp multiple variations of the namesake noodle dish, plus rice bowls and dumplings. L D $$
Happy Eatery
1800 N. Lynn St., 571-800-1881, thehappy eatery.com. Asian comfort foods are the draw at this Rosslyn food hall from the team behind Roll Play, Lei’d Poke and Chasin’ Tails. L D $$
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. L D $
Hawkers Asian Street Food
4201 Wilson Blvd., 703-828-8287, eathawkers. com. Satisfy that craving for hot chicken, pork belly bao and other Asian street foods, plus sake, whiskey and zero-proof quaffs. G V L D $$
Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe s
2150 N. Culpeper St., 703-527-8394, heidelberg bakery.com. A local favorite for baked goods and Old Country specialties such as bratwurst and German potato salad. Closed Mondays. B L $ Highline RxR
2010-A Crystal Drive, 703-413-2337, highlinerxr. com. A Crystal City bar offering draft beers, draft wines, a whiskey menu and a retractable wall that opens up in nice weather. O L D A $$
Hot Lola’s
4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 1501 Wilson Blvd. (Rosslyn), hotlolas.com. It’s all about Kevin Tien’s Nashville-meets-Sichuan hot chicken sandwiches. L D $
Hyde Social
3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-647-9342, hyde-social. com. Meet up with friends for poke towers, fancy pub fare (try the burger blending brisket, short rib and pork belly) and classy quenchers like the Ube Spice (mezcal, tequila, agave, lime, ube, gochujang flakes, lava salt). R L D A G V $$
Idido’s Coffee & Social House
1107 S. Walter Reed Drive, 703-253-1576, ididos socialhouse.com. Devotees go for the pastries, sandwiches and Ethiopian coffee. B L V $
Immigrant Food
4245 N. Fairfax Drive, 703-203-0337, immigrant food.com. Global dishes from this “gastroadvocacy” kitchen range from Salvadoran pupusas and Filipino fried chicken to a Kamala Harris-inspired coconutcurry chicken and rice bowl. O R L D G V $$
Inca Social 1776 Wilson Blvd., 703-488-7640, incasocial.com. 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 $$
The Italian Store s
3123 Langston Blvd., 703-528-6266; 5837 Washington Blvd., 571-341-1080; italianstore.com. A cultstatus favorite for pizzas, sandwiches, prepared entrées, espresso and gelato. O L D G V $
Kabob Palace
2315 S. Eads St., 703-486-3535, kabobpalaceusa. com. Open 24 hours, this Crystal City storefront serves grilled halal meats, pillowy naan and savory sides. L D A G V $$
Kaldi’s Social House
3100 10th St. N.; 3639 S. Glebe Road; 571-2131502, kaldissocialhouse.net. The National Landing location serves a full dinner menu in addition to espresso drinks and brunch. Try a burger with red onion jam, Gruyere and rosemary aioli, or a matcha beet salad with pecans. B R L D G V $$
Kanji Izakaya
4301 Fairfax Drive, 703-512-0017, kanjiarlington. com. Dive into teriyaki, ramen, yakitori and hibachi dishes, plus traditional and signature sushi rolls. L D G $$
Khun Yai Thai
2509 N. Harrison St., 703-536-1643, khunyaithai va.com. The family-owned restaurant serves “homestyle Thai” cuisine. L D G V $$
King of Koshary
5515 Wilson Blvd., 571-317-7925, kingofkoshary. com. Washington Post critic Tim Carman dubbed its menu “Egyptian food fit for royalty.” Try the hearty namesake dish, grilled branzino, beef kofta, roasted chicken or any of the tagines (stews). L D G $$
Kusshi
1201 S. Joyce St., 571-777-1998, kusshisushi. com. Feast your way through shishito peppers, sushi, oysters and mochi at this Westpost café. Or splurge for omakase. O L D G V $$$
L.A. Bar & Grill
2530 Columbia Pike, 703-685-1560, labargrill.com. Regulars flock to this dive bar on the Pike (L.A. stands for Lower Arlington) for cold brews and pub fare. D A $$
La Coop Coffee
4807 First St. N., 571-257-7972, lacoopcoffee. com. Stop in for single-origin Guatemalan coffee, house-made horchata, breakfast sammies, empanadas and ice cream. B L $
La Côte D’Or Café
6876 Langston Blvd., 703-538-3033, lcd6876.com. This little French bistro serves standards like crepes and steak frites. O R L D G V $$$
Láylí
3033 Wilson Blvd., 703-512-3094, layligarden.com. Chef Samer Zeitoun’s menu centers on the flavors of Lebanon, Turkey and Greece in dishes such as hand-rolled grape leaves, beef tenderloin shawarma and hummus with duck confit. O R L D $$$
Lebanese Taverna
5900 Washington Blvd., 703-241-8681; 1101 S. Joyce St., Pentagon Row, 703-415-8681; lebanese
Crush Pizza + Wine
taverna.com. A hometown favorite for shawarma, kebabs, flatbreads and more. O C L D G V $$
The Liberty Tavern
3195 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-9360, thelibertytavern. com. This Clarendon anchor offers a spirited bar and creative cuisine fueled by two wood-burning ovens. O C R L D A G V $$$
Livin’ the Pie Life
2166 N. Glebe Road, 571-431-7727, livinthepielife. com. The wildly popular pie 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 $$
Lyon Hall s
3100 N. Washington Blvd., 703-741-7636, lyonhall arlington.com. The European-style brasserie turns out French, German and Alsatian-inspired plates, from charcuterie and sausages to moules frites.
O C R L D A V $$$
Mae’s Market and Café
1450 S. Eads St., maesmarketandcafe.com.
Scratch-made baked goods, salads, gourmet sandwiches, espresso drinks, cheese and wine round out the offerings o B R L D V $$
Mah-Ze-Dahr
1550 Crystal Drive, 703-718-4418, mahzedahr
bakery.com. Café fare at this bright and tempting bakery includes coffee, pastries, focaccia, sandwiches and snacks. O B L D $
Maison Cheryl
2900 Wilson Blvd., 703-664-0509, maisoncheryl. com. Seared duck breast, steak frites and madeleines are among the offerings at this French American bistro. R L D V $$$
Maizal Latin Street Food
4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3966500, maizalgrill.com. South American street food—arepas, empanadas, churros. L D V $
Makers Union
1450 S. Eads St., 703-419-3504, makersunionpub. com. Pop in for comfort food (mac ’n’ cheese, Nashville hot chicken, steak frites), creative cocktails and live music several nights a week. R L D G V $$
Mala Tang
3434 Washington Blvd., 703-243-2381, mala-tang. com. Chef Liu Chaosheng brings the tastes and traditions of his hometown, Chengdu, to this eatery specializing in Sichuan hot pot. O L D G V $$
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 $$
Maya Bistro
5649 Langston Blvd., 703-533-7800, bistromaya.
com. The family-owned restaurant serves Turkish and Mediterranean comfort food. L D V $$
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 $$
Moby Dick House of Kabob 3000 Washington Blvd., 703-465-1600; 4037 Campbell Ave., 571-257-8214; mobyskabob.com.
■ places to eat
Satisfy that hankering for Persian skewers and flavorful sides. L D $$
Mpanadas
2602 Columbia Pike, 571-312-0182, mpanadas usa.com. Try barbecue pork and cheeseburger empanadas, birthday cake paletas and java chip macaroons. B L D $
Mussel Bar & Grille
800 N. Glebe Road, 703-841-2337, musselbar.com. Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s Ballston eatery is known for mussels, frites, wood-fired pizza and more than 100 Belgian and craft beers. O L D $$
Nam-Viet
1127 N. Hudson St., 703-522-7110, namvietva.com. The venerable restaurant in what was once Arlington’s “Little Saigon” neighborhood specializes in flavors of Vietnam’s Can Tho region. O L D V $$
Nighthawk Pizza
1201 S. Joyce St., nighthawkpizza.com. Visit this Westpost brewpub and sports bar for personal pizzas (both thick and thin crust), beer and smashburgers. L D V $$
NiHao
1550 Crystal Drive, 703-512-4109, nihaoarlington. com. Sichuan small plates by chef Peter Chang include walnut shrimp, spicy dry-fried eggplant, and pork ribs with fries. Enjoy cocktails made with baijiu, a Chinese liquor, or tea-infused whiskey. O L D G V $$
Noonchi
1201 S. Joyce St., 571-451-7030, @noonchipocha. Visit Scott Chung’s Korean street food and soju bar for bulgogi, kimchi fried rice, kimbap and other comfort fare. L D G $
Northside Social Coffee & Wine s 3211 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-0145, northsidesocial va.com. Tucked inside a red house on the edge of Clarendon, the two-story coffee and wine bar with a big patio is always busy...which tells you something. O B L D V $$
Ocean Shack
2163 N. Glebe Road, 703-488-7161, oceanshack arlington.com. Dig into a seafood boil, a fried oyster basket or an order of fish tacos and pretend you’re at the beach. R L D A $$ Oh K-Dog
4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-5673376, ohkdog.com. Try a fried Korean rice dog with add-ins like sweet potato, cheddar or squid ink. L D $
Old Dominion Pizza Co.
4514 Langston Blvd., 703-718-6372, olddominion pizza.com. Order thin crust or “grandma style” pies named after local high school mascots. L D G $ Open Road
1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-248-0760, openroadgrill. com. A solid pick for burgers and beers or a proper entrée and a craft cocktail. O L D $$ Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen
1101 S. Joyce St., 703-567-7295, origincoffeeco. com. The industrial-chic coffee shop roasts its own beans and serves all-day breakfast, bar munchies and dinner plates. O B R L D V $$ 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 $$
Peking Pavilion
2912 N. Sycamore St., 703-237-6868. This family-owned restaurant serves standbys such as moo shu pork and beef with broccoli. L D $$
Peruvian Brothers
1450 S. Eads St., 703-625-6473, peruvianbroth ers.com. Dig into sandwiches (try the chicharron with pork, sweet potato and salsa criolla), saltados, empanadas, rotisserie chicken and power bowls. Grab a bottle of hot sauce to take home. L D V $
Peter Chang Arlington
2503-E N. Harrison St., 703-538-6688, peterchang arlington.com. The former Chinese Embassy chef brings his fiery and flavorful Sichuan cooking to the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. C L D $$ Pho 75 s
1721 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-7355, pho75.res taurantwebexpert.com. Purported to have curative properties, the piping-hot soup at this local institution is all about fresh ingredients. O L D V $
Pho & Banh Mi Eatery Café
3000 Washington Blvd., 703-489-8212, eatery cafeva.com. Fill up on banh mi (with tofu, grilled chicken or pork), steaming bowls of pho and poke bowls. L D G V $
PhoWheels
1731 Crystal Drive, phowheelsdc.com. The popular food truck serving Vietnamese pho and banh mi now has a kiosk at Water Park. O L D G $
Pie-tanza
2503-B N. Harrison St., 703-237-0200, pie-tanza. com. Enjoy pizza (including gluten-free options), calzones, lasagna, subs and salads. C L D G V $$ Pines of Florence
2109 N. Pollard St., 703-566-0456, pinesofflor encearlingtonva.com. The classics include linguine with pesto, veal parm and chicken cacciatore, plus housemade pizza and subs. L D V $$ Pirouette Café & Wine Shop s
4000 Fairfax Drive, pirouette.cafe. Pair your favorite vino with cheese, whole roasted fish, a pork cutlet for two and other enticing plates at this Ballston cafe and wine shop. L D G V $$
Poppyseed Rye
818 N. Quincy St., poppyseedrye.com. Pick up sandwiches, biscuits, salads, flower bouquets and gift items (beer and wine, too). O r L D G V $ Pupatella s
5104 Wilson Blvd.; 1621 S. Walter Reed Drive, 571-312-7230, pupatella.com. Enzo and Anastasiya Algarme’s authentic Neapolitan pies are considered among D.C.’s best. O L D V $$ Pupuseria Doña Azucena
71 N. Glebe Road, 703-248-0332, pupuseriadona azucena.com. Beans, rice and massive pupusas at dirt-cheap prices. C L D V $
Quarterdeck
1200 Fort Myer Drive, 703-528-2722, quarterdeck arlington.com. This beloved shack has served up steamed crabs for 40 years. O C L D V $$
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 $$
The Renegade
3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-468-4652, renegadeva. com. Is it a coffee shop, restaurant, bar or live music venue? All of the above—with snacks ranging from lambchop lollipops to lo mein. B L D A $$
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 $$
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co.
3471 Washington Blvd., 703-528-9663, rocklands. com. Owner John Snedden has been slow-cooking barbecue at this Arlington favorite since 1990.
O C L D G V $
Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro & Café
4401 Wilson Blvd., 703-721-3182, roggenart.com. Stop in for breakfast, coffee, pastries and sandwiches on house-baked bread. B R L D V $$
Ruffino’s Spaghetti House
4763 Langston Blvd., 703-528-2242, 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 $$
Ryu Izakaya
3030 Columbia Pike, 703-399-9052. A spot on the Pike for sushi, sake and yakitori. L D G $$
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 $$
Saigon Noodles & Grill
1800 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-5940, saigonnoodles grill.com. Traditional Vietnamese pho, banh mi and noodle dishes round out the offerings at this restaurant and takeout owned by Jovian Ho. L D $$
Sakaki Izakaya
3227 Washington Blvd., 703-718-4931, sakakiizakaya.com. Try mini “sushi burgers,” Wagyu fried rice and the dazzling Egg on Egg dish (king salmon, quail egg, ikura and wasabi soy in a smoking bowl). Closed Tuesdays. L D A G $$
Salt s
1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-0491, saltrosslyn.com. The speakeasy-style cocktail bar serves cheese plates and carpaccio, classic sazeracs and old-fashioneds, as well as nouveau craft cocktails. D $$
The Salt Line
4040 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-2075, thesaltline.com. Hit this seafood-centric oyster bar for clam chowder, lobster rolls, stuffies, smashburgers and fun cocktails. c O R D $$$
Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub
2800 S. Randolph St., 703-379-0122, samuel becketts.com. A modern Irish pub serving Emerald Isle recipes. O C R L D A G V $$
Santé
1250 S. Hayes St. (inside the Ritz-Carlton), 703412-2762, meetatsante.com. Mediterranean fare includes shrimp saganaki, whole roasted branzino and lamb “osso bucco.” B R L D G V $$$
Sawatdee Thai Restaurant
2250 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-8181, sawatdeeva. com. The friendly eatery (its name means “hello”) is frequented by those craving pad thai or pad prik king. L D V $$
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, serrestau rant.com. Traditional Spanish and Basque dishes in a colorful, friendly space with outstanding service. O R L D V $$$
Sfoglina Pasta House
1100 Wilson Blvd., sfoglinapasta.com/rosslyn. Fabio Trabocchi’s urbane trattoria serves housemade pasta (you can watch it being made), a “mozzarella bar” and Italian cocktails. Closed Sundays. O L D V $$$
Silver Diner
4400 Wilson Blvd., 703-812-8600, silverdiner. com. The kitchen cooks with organic ingredients, many of which are sourced from local suppliers. Low-calorie and gluten-free menu choices available. O C B R L D A G V $$
The Simple Greek 1731 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-1800, thesimplegreek. com. Find gyros, spanakopita, dolmades and other Greek favorites at this café and catering operation in Colonial Village. O C B L D V $
Skydome
300 Army Navy Drive, 703-416-3862, hilton.com. Savor craft cocktails, Mediterranean-influenced dishes and views of the D.C. skyline in this revolving restaurant atop the DoubleTree Hilton in Crystal City. Closed Sunday and Monday. D G V $$$
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 $$
Smokecraft Modern Barbecue
1051 N. Highland St., 571-312-8791, smokecraft bbq.com. Every menu item here is kissed by smoke, from ribs, crabcakes and spaghetti squash to the chocolate cherry bread pudding on the dessert list. O L D G V $$
Snouts & Stouts
2709 S. Oakland St., 571-317-2239, snouts nstouts.com. Grab a beer and some pulled-pork pretzel bites with beer cheese while your pup runs around this indoor dog park and bar. L D $
Soul Thai Kitchen & Bar
6035 Wilson Blvd., 703-300-9655, soulthaikitchen andbar.com. The restaurant in the former Meridian Pint space serves curries, noodle dishes and other Thai classics. L D G V $
South Block
3011 11th St. N., 703-741-0266; 1550 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-8423; 4150 Wilson Blvd., 703-4658423; 2121 N. Westmoreland St., 703-534-1542; 1350 S. Eads St., 703-465-8423; southblock.com. Cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls.
O B L V $
Spice Kraft Indian Bistro
1135 N. Highland St., 703-527-5666, spicekraft va.com. This contemporary concept by restaurateurs Anthony Sankar and Premnath Durairaj gives Indian classics a modern spin. O L D $$
Spider Kelly’s 3181 Wilson Blvd., 703-312-8888, spiderkellys.com. The “come as you are” bar offers a sizable beer list, creative cocktails, salads, burgers, snacks and breakfast at all hours. C D A G V $$
Stellina Pizzeria
2800 S. Randolph St., 703-962-7884, stellina pizzeria.com. Pay a visit for Neapolitan pies, fried artichokes and a deli counter with house-made pastas, sauces and dolci to take home. O R L D $$
Supreme Hot Pot
2301 Columbia Pike, 571-666-1801, supreme hotpot.kwickmenu.com. This Pike eatery specializes in Szechuan hot pot, skewered meats and a few Cajun seafood dishes. D G $$
Surreal
2117 Crystal Drive, surrealpark.com. Find playful dishes like a foot-long Boomdog, “swirl” pancakes and old-fashioneds made with cornflake-infused whiskey at chef Enrique Limardo’s all-day diner in National Landing. O B L D $$
SushiJip
3000 Washington Blvd., 703-243-7799, sushijip. com. Occupying the former Endo Sushi space, it’s still a neighborhood spot for sushi, plus poke bowls, hibachi and ramen. Closed Mondays. L D G V $$
Sushi Rock
1900 Clarendon Blvd., 571-312-8027, sushirockva. com. Play a little air guitar while sampling sushi rolls and beverages named after your favorite bands, from Zeppelin to Ozzy to Oasis. D A G V $$
Sushi-Zen Japanese Restaurant s 2457 N. Harrison St., 703-534-6000, sushizen. com. An amicable, light-filled neighborhood stop for sushi, donburi, tempura and udon. C L D V $$
Sweetgreen
4075 Wilson Blvd., 703-522-2016; 3100 Clarendon Blvd., 571-290-3956; 575 12th Road S., 703-8881025; 2200 Crystal Drive, 703-685-9089; sweet green.com. Locally grown ingredients and compostable cutlery make this salad and yogurt chain a hub for the green-minded. O C L D G V $
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Sweet Leaf
2200 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-5100; 800 N. Glebe Road, 703-522-5000; 650 N. Quincy St., 703527-0807; sweetleafcafe.com. Build your own sandwiches and salads. O C B L D $$
Taco Bamba s
4000 Wilson Blvd., 571-777-1477; 4041 Campbell Ave., 571-257-3030; tacobamba.com. Taco options range from classic carnitas to cheffy creations like the El Rico Pollo, stuffed with chicken, green chili, aji Amarillo aioli and crispy potato. B L D V $
Taco Rock
1501 Wilson Blvd., 571-775-1800, thetacorock. com. This rock-themed watering hole keeps the Micheladas flowing alongside tacos on housemade blue-corn tortillas. B L D V $$
Taqueria el Poblano
2503-A N. Harrison St., 703-237-8250, taqueria poblano.com. Fresh guacamole, fish tacos, margaritas and mole verde transport patrons to the Yucatan. C L D G V $$
Taqueria Xochi
1450 S. Eads St., 571-444-6722, taqueriaxochi. com. Dig into beef birria tacos, crispy stuff mulitas and other Mexican street foods. D A V $$
Tatte Bakery and Café
2805 Clarendon Blvd., 571-312-8691; 269 19th Court S., 571-357-1470; tattebakery.com. Grab a breakfast sandwich, tartine, panini or grain bowl from the all-day menu, or keep it simple with a coffee and pastry. O B R L D G V $
Ted’s Bulletin & Sidekick Bakery
4238 Wilson Blvd. #1130 (Ballston Quarter), 703848-7580, tedsbulletin.com. The retro comfort food and all-day breakfast place has healthier fare, too— which you can undo with a visit to its tantalizing bakery next door. C B R L D G V $$
Texas Jack’s Barbecue
2761 Washington Blvd., 703-875-0477, txjacks.com. Brisket, ribs and pulled pork, plus sides like raw carrot salad and smashed cucumbers. O L D A $$
T.H.A.I. in Shirlington 4209 Campbell Ave., 703-931-3203, thaiinshirling ton.com. Pretty dishes include lemongrass salmon with black sticky rice. O L D G V $$$
Thai Noy
5880 Washington Blvd., 703-534-7474, thainoy.com. Shimmering tapestries and golden Buddhas are the backdrop in this destination for Thai noodles, curries and rice dishes. L D $$
Thai Square
3217 Columbia Pike, 703-685-7040, thaisquarerestaurant.com. Enjoy options ranging from crispy squid with basil and roasted duck curry to pig knuckle stew. O L D G V $$
Tiger Dumplings
3225 Washington Blvd., 571-970-4512, tiger dumplings.com. There are dumplings, of course, plus five-spice beef, roast duck and vegan options like tofu skin with peanuts. L D G V $$
Tiki Thai
1651 Crystal Drive, tikithai.com. Order up a round of tiki drinks, crispy Thai spring rolls and khao soi noodles. O L D $$
Timber Pizza
4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-567-
■ places to eat
6463, timberpizza.com. Popular pies include the Green Monster (pesto, feta, zucchini, kale) and the Worthy (chicken, barbecue sauce, red onions, apples and cilantro). L D V $$ TNR Cafe
2049 Wilson Blvd., 571-217-0766, tnrcafe.com. When you have a hankering for Peking duck, moo shu chicken, Szechuan beef or bubble tea. L D G V $$ Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream
5849-A Washington Blvd., 703-536-7000; 510 14th St. S.; tobysicecream.com. Stop in for cups, cones, floats and sundaes. Coffee, pastries and bagels available in the morning. B L D V $ Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita
2911 Columbia Pike, 571-970-2824; 3811 Fairfax Drive, 703-512-4137; tortasytacoslachiquita. com. The beloved eatery that started as a food truck does tacos, alambres, huarache platters, flautas and more. B L D $ Trade Roots
5852 Washington Blvd., 571-335-4274, fairtrade roots.com. The Westover gift shop and cafe serves fair-trade coffee, tea, pastries, salads, organic wine and snackable small plates. O B L $
Troy’s Italian Kitchen
2710 Washington Blvd., 703-528-2828, troysitalian kitchen.com. Palak and Neel Vaidya’s mom-andpop serves pizza, pasta and calzones, including a lengthy vegan menu with options like “chicken” tikka masala pizza. L D G V $
True Food Kitchen s 4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-5270930, truefoodkitchen.com. Emphasizing “anti-inflammatory” fare, the menu will convince you that healthy tastes good. O L D G V $$
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 $$
Turu’s by Timber Pizza
4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), timber pizza.com. Neapolitan(ish)-style pizzas fresh from a wood-fired oven. L D V $$
Upside on Moore
1700 N. Moore St., upsideonmoore.com. Rosslyn’s newest food hall includes DMV concepts Ghostburger, Stellina Pizzeria, Lucky Danger, Laoban Dumplings and a rotating roster of pop-ups. L D G V $$
Urban Tandoor
801 N. Quincy St., 703-567-1432, utandoorva.com. Sate your appetite with Indian and Nepalese fare, from tandoori lamb to Himalayan momos (dumplings). Lunch buffet daily. L D V $$
Variedades Catrachas Restaurant
3709 Columbia Pike, 703-888-0906, variedades catrachas.com. The Latin fare at this nearly 24-hour homey Honduran eatery includes huevos rancheros, pupusas, carne asada, fried fish with plantains, cervezas, tequila drinks and horchata. B L D A G V $
Wagamama
2950 Clarendon Blvd., 571-901-9242, waga mama.us. Feast on ramen, teppanyaki, rice bowls, bao buns, boba tea and sake cocktails at this wildly popular pan-Asian concept that originated in the U.K. O L D G V $$
Water Bar
1601 Crystal Drive, nlwaterbar.com. The succinct menu at this sleek oyster and cocktail bar overlooking National Landing’s Water Park includes salads, sandwiches and sharable seafood dishes. O L D G V $$
Weenie Beenie
2680 Shirlington Road, 703-671-6661, weenie beenie.net. The hot dog stand founded in 1954 is
still serving half smokes, bologna-and-egg sandwiches and pancakes. B L D $
Westover Market & Beer Garden
5863 N. Washington Blvd., 703-536-5040, westo vermarketbeergarden.com. It’s a hive for burgers, draft microbrews and live music. O C L D A $$
Westover Taco
5849 Washington Blvd., 703-297-3030, westover taco.com. Tacos, guac, margs and beer keep things casual at this neighborhood hangout. L D V A $
Which Wich
4300 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-0058, whichwich.com. A seemingly endless menu of sandwiches and wraps with more than 60 toppings. O B L D V $$
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 Blvd., 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 $$$
Ya Hala Bistro
5216 Wilson Blvd., yahalabistrolounge.com. Enjoy shawarma, kabobs and traditional mezze at this cocktail and hookah lounge in Bluemont. L D A G V $$
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 $$$$
Abay Market Ethiopian Food
3811-A S. George Mason Drive, 703-820-7589, abaymarketethiopian.com. The seasoned grassfed raw beef dish kitfo is the specialty at this friendly, six-table Ethiopian café. L D $$
Al Jazeera
3813-D S. George Mason Drive, 703-379-2733. The top seller at this Yemeni cafe is oven-roasted lamb with yellow rice. L D $$
Alta Strada
2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-2800000, altastrada.com. Chef Michael Schlow’s menu includes house-made pastas, pizza and modern Italian small plates. R L D $$$
Anthony’s Restaurant
3000 Annandale Road, 703-532-0100, www.an thonysrestaurantva.com. The family-owned 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 $$
Café Kindred
450 N. Washington St., 571-327-2215, cafe kindred.com. Pop in for a yogurt parfait, avocado toast, grilled eggplant sandwich, or an espresso fizz. B R L V $$
Casa Mariachi
133 E. Annandale Road, casamariachirestaurante. com. All the Tex-Mex favorites—tacos, burritos, fajitas, pupusas, saltado, guac and margs. B L D $$
Celebrity Delly s
7263-A Arlington Blvd., 703-573-9002, celebrity deliva.com. Matzo-ball soup, Reubens and tuna melts satisfy at this New York-style deli founded in 1975. Brunch served all day Saturday and Sunday. C B L D G V $
Chasin’ Tails
944 W. Broad St., 571-777-9596, chasintailsss. com. The Viet-Cajun menu includes crawfish boils, char-broiled kimchi oysters and scallop crudo with citrus vinaigrette. L D $$
Chay Restaurant
6531 Columbia Pike, 571-378-1771, chayrestau rant.com. A destination for vegetarian hot pot, spring rolls, noodles and other plant-based Vietnamese specialties. L D G V $
Clare & Don’s Beach Shack
130 N. Washington St., 703-532-9283, clareand dons.com. Go coastal with fish tacos, coconut chicken or one of the many meatless options, and maybe catch some live outdoor music. Closed Mondays. O C L D A G V $$
Colada Shop
2920 District Ave., 703-962-3002, coladashop. com. See Arlington listing. O B R L D V $$
District Dumplings
2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-884-7080, districtdumplings.com. Asian-style dumplings, sandwiches and wraps. L D $$
District Taco
5275-C Leesburg Pike, 571-699-0660, district taco.com. See Arlington listing. C B L D G V $
Dogwood Tavern
132 W. Broad St., 703-237-8333, dogwoodtav ern.com. The menu has something for everyone, from ancient grain Buddha bowls to jambalaya, burgers and coconut-curry salmon.
O C R L D A V $$
Dolan Uyghur
400 S. Maple Ave., 833-693-6526, dolanuyghur. com. Order noodles, kebabs and Uyghur and Dolan specialties such as kawa manta (steamed dumplings stuffed with pumpkin and peppers) and stirfried crispy shrimp. O B R L D G V $$
Dominion Wine & Beer
107 Rowell Court, 703-533-3030, dominionwine andbeer.com. Pairings come easy when a café shares its space with a wine and beer shop. Order up a plate of sliders, a cheese board or some Dragon shrimp to snack on while you imbibe.
O R L D V $$
Duangrat’s
5878 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-5775, duangrats. com. Waitresses in traditional silk dresses glide through the dining room bearing fragrant curries and grilled meats at this long-standing destination for Thai cuisine. O R L D V $$
El Tio Tex-Mex Grill
7630 Lee Highway, 703-204-0233, eltiogrill.com.
A family-friendly spot for fajitas, enchiladas, lomo saltado, combo plates and margaritas. O L D $$
Elephant Jumps Thai Restaurant
8110-A Arlington Blvd., 703-942-6600, elephant jumps.com. Creative and comforting Thai food in an intimate strip-mall storefront. L D G V $$
Elevation Burger
442 S. Washington St., 703-237-4343, elevation burger.com. See Arlington listing. O L D V $
Ellie Bird s
125 Founders Ave., 703-454-8894, elliebirdva. com. Discover the wonders of chef Yuan Tang’s kimchi bouillabaisse, fennel rigatoni and other award-winning dishes. c o D G V $$$
The Falls Restaurant & Bar
370 W. Broad St., 703-237-8227, thefallsva.com. Dig into crabcakes, brisket and fish stew, or build your own “blue plate” of creatively delicious sides. O R L D G V $$$
Fava Pot
7393 Lee Highway, 703-204-0609, favapot.com. The Egyptian eats include stewed fava beans with yogurt and lamb shanks with okra. And oh the bread! B L D G V $$
First Watch
5880 Leesburg Pike, 571-977-1096, firstwatch. com. A breakfast and lunch destination for eggs Benedict, lemon-ricotta pancakes, power bowls and avocado toast. O C B R L V $$
Godfrey’s Bakery & Café
421 W. Broad St., 571-378-1144, godfreysbakery cafe.com. Pop in for pastries, grazing boards, Roman-style pizza and coffee drinks. B R L D V $$
Haandi Indian Cuisine
1222 W. Broad St., 703-533-3501, haandi.com. The perfumed kebabs, curries and biryani incorporate northern and southern Indian flavors. L D V G $$
Harvey’s
513 W. Broad St., 540-268-6100, harveysva.com. Chef Thomas Harvey’s casual café does roasted chicken, cheesesteaks, banana splits and other comfort fare. O C B R L D V $$
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 g V $$
JV’s Restaurant
6666 Arlington Blvd., 703-241-9504, jvsrestaurant. com. A dive bar (the best kind) known for its live music, cold beer and home-cooked meatloaf, lasagna and chili. L D A V $$
Kirby Club
2911 District Ave., 571-430-3650, kirbyclub. com. From the owners of D.C.’s Michelin-starred Mayd¯an, a lively kebab concept (with a great bar) that allows diners to mix-and-match proteins, dips and sauces. R D V $$
Koi Koi Sushi & Roll
450 W. Broad St., 703-237-0101, koikoisushi. com. The sushi is fresh and the vibe is fun. Teriyaki, tempura and bento boxes round out the menu. O L D $$
Lantern House Viet Bistro
1067 West Broad St., 703-268-2878, lantern houseva.com. Satisfy that craving for pho, noodles and banh mi at this family-owned Vietnamese eatery. L D G V $$
Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen
7049 Leesburg Pike, 703-532-5299, lazymikes deli.com. A Falls Church institution churning out homemade ice cream, packed sandwiches and breakfast faves. O C B R L D G V $
La Tingeria
626 S. Washington St., 571-316-6715. A popular food truck in Arlington since 2012, David Peña’s concept also has a brick-and-mortar location in Falls Church. The queso birria tacos are a must. Open Wednesday-Sunday. L D $
Little Saigon Restaurant
6218-B Wilson Blvd., 703-536-2633, littlesaigon restaurant.us. Authentic Vietnamese in a no-frills setting. O L D $$
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 clay pot rice with vegan “ham.” L D G V $$
Upside on Moore
■ places to eat
MacMillan Whisky Room
2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 240-994-3905, themacmillan.com. Consider more than 200 kinds of spirits and a menu of U.K. and American pub standards. O R L D $$
Mark’s Duck House
6184-A Arlington Blvd., 703-532-2125. Though named for its specialty—Peking duck—it also offers plenty of other tantalizing options, such as short ribs, roasted pork and dim sum. R L D A V $$
Meaza Restaurant
5700 Columbia Pike, 703-820-2870, meazares taurant.com. Well-seasoned legumes and marinated beef are signatures in this vivid Ethiopian banquet hall. O C L D G V $$ Met Khao
6395 Seven Corners Center, 703-533-9480, padaekdc.com. Chef Seng Luangrath has transformed the former Padaek space into a fast-casual eatery serving Thai and Laotian fare. L D G V $ Miu Kee
6653 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-8884. Open late, this strip-mall hideaway offers Cantonese, Sichuan and Hunan dishes. L D A $$
Moby Dick House of Kabob
444 W. Broad St., 703-992-7500, mobyskabob.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$
Mom & Pop
2909 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9920050, dolcezzagelato.com. The little glass cafe serves light fare, snacks, gelato, coffee, beer and wine. O B R L D A $$
MQR Cafe
6343 Columbia Pike, 571-378-1012, mqrcafe.com. Find cardamom lattes, kunafa French toast, harissa burgers and chicken shawarma sandwiches at this halal café and coffee shop. B R L D G V $ Nhu Lan Sandwich
6763 Wilson Blvd., 703-532-9009, nhulancafe.com. This tiny Vietnamese deli at Eden Center is a favorite for banh mi sandwiches. L D V $ Northside Social Falls Church s 205 Park Ave., 703-992-8650, northsidesocial va.com. Come by in the morning for breakfast and a latte. Return in the evening for wine and a plate of charcuterie. O B L D V $$ Nue
944 W. Broad St., 571-777-9599, nuevietnamese. com. The Viet-modern menu (think coconut-curry risotto and seafood towers with yuzu nuoc cham) has a stunning space to match. R L D G v $$$ Oath Pizza
2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-688-6284, oathpizza.com. The dough here is grilled and seared in avocado oil (for a crispy texture) and the toppings are certified humane. L D G V $$ Open Road
8100 Lee Highway, 571-395-4400, openroadmerri field.com. See Arlington listing. O C R L D $$ The Original Pancake House 7395-M Lee Highway, 703-698-6292, ophrestau rants.com. Satisfy your breakfast cravings with pancakes, crepes, waffles, French toast and more. C B R G V $
Our Mom Eugenia
2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 434-3394019, ourmomeugenia.com. This family-owned spot is beloved for its real-deal Greek fare, from saganaki to souvlaki. O L D $$
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 $$
Parc de Ville
8926 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-663-8931,
parcdeville.com. Say “oui” to duck confit and steak frites at this spacious Parisian-style brasserie. Hit the rooftop lounge for cocktails. O R L D $$$
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 $$
Plaka Grill
1216 W. Broad St., 703-639-0161, plakagrill.com. Pop in for super satisfying Greek eats—dolmas, souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita. L D V $$
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. Salvadoran pupusas, fried yucca, chicharron, carne asada and horchata. L D $$
Puzukan Tan
8114 Arlington Blvd., 571-395-4727, puzukantan. com. From brothers Sam and Kibum Kim comes this Korean barbecue destination featuring dryaged meats, banchan and ramen. O L D $$$
Raaga Restaurant
5872 Leesburg Pike, 703-998-7000, raagarestau rant.com. Chicken tikka, lamb rogan josh and cardamom-infused desserts. O L D G V $$
Rare Bird Coffee Roasters
230 W. Broad St., 571-314-1711, rarebirdcoffee. com. This charming Little City café roasts its own beans and makes an artful latte. L D $
Rasa
2905 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-3780670, rasa.co. See Arlington listing. L D G V $
Red Apron Butcher
8298 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-676-3550, redapronbutchery.com. The premium butcher shop and deli sells hot dogs, burgers, charcuterie, prime steaks and sandwiches. L D V $$
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 $$
Roll Play
944 W. Broad St., 571-777-9983, rollplaygrill. com. Grab Viet street foods such as banh mi, pho and build-your-own rice paper rolls. L D G V $$
Settle Down Easy Brewing
2822 Fallfax Drive, 703-573-2011, settledowneasy brewing.com. Pair a pint from the 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 $$
Solace Outpost s
444 W. Broad St., 571-378-1469, solaceoutpost. com. The Little City microbrewery serves housebrewed suds, plus fried chicken, five kinds of fries and wood-fired pizza. D A V $$
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, tacobamba. com. Tacos range from traditional carne asada to the vegan “Iron Mike,” stuffed with cauliflower, salsa macha and mole verde. B L D $
Taco Rock
1116 W. Broad St., 703-760-3141, thetacorock. com. See Arlington listing. o B L D V $$
Taco Zocalo
6343 Columbia Pike, 571-376-3859, zocalotaco. com. Chow down on tacos, chimichangas, quesadillas and burrito bowls. O L D $
Takumi Sushi
310-B S. Washington St., 703-241-1128, takumi va.com. The sushi and sashimi here go beyond basic. Think tuna nigiri with Italian black truffle, or salmon with mango purée. Closed Sundays and Mondays. L D V $$
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 $$
Aracosia s 1381 Beverly Road, 703-269-3820, aracosia mclean.com. Fall in love with Afghan specialties such as braised lamb shank and roasted eggplant with saffron rice. O L D V $$
ArTeA
6635 Old Dominion Drive, 703-469-9898, artea mclean.com. Stop in for bubble tea, artisanal openface sandwiches, tempting desserts or a “high tea dinner” with cocktails. Closed Mondays. R L D $$
Badd Pizza
6263 Old Dominion Drive, 703-356-2233, badd pizza.com. See Falls Church listing. L D $$ Big Buns Damn Good Burger Co. s 1340 Chain Bridge Road, 571-456-1640, eatbig buns.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$
Café Tatti French Bistro
6627 Old Dominion Drive, 703-790-5164, cafe tatti.com. Open since 1981, this romantic little bistro whips up classic French and continental fare. Closed Sundays. L D G V $$$
Call Your Mother Lil’ Deli 6216 Old Dominion Drive, 571-395-9097, call yourmotherdeli.com. The wildly popular “Jew-ish” deli serves bagel sandwiches and babka muffins from a pink trailer. o b R L V $
Capri Ristorante Italiano
6825-K Redmond Drive, 703-288-4601, capri mcleanva.com. Known for tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti carbonara and veal Marsala. O C L D G V $$$
Circa
1675 Silver Hill Drive, 571-419-6272, circabistros. com. See Arlington listing. O L D V $$$
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
7900 Tysons One Place, 703-442-4523, eddiev. com. Total steakhouse vibe, except with an emphasis on seafood (and steaks, too). L D G $$$$
Él Bebe
8354 Broad St., 571-378-0171, el-bebe.com. Feast on tamales, tacos, street corn, mole and tequila-based cocktails. C O L D V $$
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 $$
Founding Farmers
1800 Tysons Blvd., wearefoundingfarmers.com. The spacious farm-to-table restaurant features Virginia-sourced dishes and drinks. B R L D $$$ 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 $$
J. Gilbert’s
6930 Old Dominion Drive, 703-893-1034, jgil berts.com. Everything you’d expect in a steakhouse and lots of it—prime cuts of beef, lobster, wedge salad, steak-cut fries and cheesecake. C R L D G V $$$
Joon/MayBar
8045 Leesburg Pike, 571-378-1390, eatjoon.com. Savor refined Persian dishes such as lamb-pistachio meatballs with pomegranate glaze and duck with sour-cherry rice. The restaurant’s built-in May-
Bar serves casual bar snacks and clever cocktails.
O L D G V $$$$
Kazan Restaurant
6813 Redmond Drive, 703-734-1960, kazanrestau rant.com. A fixture since 1980, it’s a go-to for kebabs, baklava and Turkish coffee. L D V $$
The Kitchen Collective 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite L160, 571-378-0209, tkcfoodhall.com. The takeout-only “virtual food hall” has pizza, kebabs, acai bowls, cookies and much more. 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 $$
Modan
1788 Chain Bridge Road, 703-743-6600, modan restaurant.com. Splurge on an omakase experience, wagyu beef or caviar service at this Japanese izakaya helmed by executive chef Micheole “Chico” Dator, formerly of Nobu DC. D G $$$$
Mylo’s Grill
6238 Old Dominion Drive, 703-533-5880, mylos grill.com. Enjoy spanakopita, souvlaki and American classics like burgers and cheesesteaks. Friday is prime-rib night. O B L D $$
Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen 6641 Old Dominion Drive, 703-992-9095, neutral groundbarandkitchen.com. Chef David Guas is serving up whole branzino, fried quail, bone-in pork chops and “social hour” specials in a beautiful new space. O r D G V $$$
Ometeo
1640 Capital One Drive N., 703-748-7170, ometeo texmex.com. An upscale “texmexeria” with Mexican renditions of duck, venison, beef and a wide variety of sea creatures. O L D G $$$
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 $$
Patsy’s American 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5100, pat
sysamerican.com. The menu features greatesthits from other Great American Restaurants. O C R L D A G V $$
Peter Chang McLean
6715 Lowell Ave., 571-405-6686, peterchang mclean.com. See Arlington listing. L D G V $$
Pikoteo
6811 Elm St., 703-891-0123, pikoteo-usa.com. Escape to warmer climes with ceviche, arepas, mofongo and fruity drinks. O R L D $$
Pulcinella Italian Kitchen 1310 Chain Bridge Road, 703-893-7777, pulcinellarestaurant.com. A stop for classic spaghetti and meatballs, linguine and clams and wood-fired pizza since 1985. L D $$
Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5110, randysprime.com. Treat yourself to prime cuts, duck-fat fries, seafood towers and massive slabs of chocolate cake. L D G $$$$
Rocco’s Italian 1357 Chain Bridge Road, 703-821-3736, roccos italian.com. The Juliano family makes everything in-house from family recipes, including minestrone, pizza, calzones, subs, pasta and cannoli.
O C L D G $$
Roots Kitchen & Bar 8100 Old Dominion Drive, 703-712-7850, roots provisions.com. Find sandwiches, smoothies, salads, espresso drinks, pie, cocktails and grab-andgo 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 $$
Simply Fresh 6811 Elm St., 703-821-1869, simplyfreshva. com. A local favorite for pulled pork, chicken and brisket. Plus Greek diner fare, family-style takeout meals and breakfast. O C B L D G V $
Sisters Thai
7735 Capital One Tower Road, sistersthai.com. See Falls Church listing. L D G V $$
Starr Hill Biergarten
1805 Capital One Drive, starrhill.com. Anchoring 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 $
Stellina Pizzeria
1610 Capital One Drive, stellinapizzeria.com. See Arlington listing. R d V $$
Sushi Umi
7599 Colshire Drive, 571-378-0903, sushiumiva. com. Stop in for Wagyu beef and fried chicken bowls, and sushi. Closed Sundays. L D $$
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 $$
Timber Pizza
8100 Old Dominion Drive, 703-564-0023, timberpizza.com. See Arlington listing. L D V $$
Umai Ramen and Donburi
1500 Cornerside Blvd., 703-546-2465, umai tysonsva.com. Blending Japanese and Thai flavors, it serves 10 types of ramen and six version of curry rice, plus Asian-inspired cocktails. L D G V $$
The Union
1379 Beverly Road, 703-356-0129. An eclectic, global menu from Giridhar Sastry, former executive chef of the Mayflower Hotel in D.C. o C L D $$
Wren
1825 Capitol One Drive S., thewatermarkhotel. com. Chef Yo Matsuzaki’s sleek izakaya offers Japanese American fare, stupendous cocktails and sweeping skyline views. D G V $$$
SUMMER CAMPS
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● ●
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●
SPECIALTIES
Essential Information on Summer Camps
● Little Ambassadors’ Academy is so excited to continue summer camp for school age children (K-5th) with Ambassadors Adventure Camp. We look forward to spending the summer learning, playing and exploring!
Unleash your child’s imagination this summer! Art Camp provides children an excellent introduction to drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and more!
We have great Art Camps taught by fantastic teachers in Painting, Drawing, Sewing, Ceramics, Fiber Arts, Jewelry, Printmaking and Arts & Crafts. We mix fi ne arts, games & a little silliness for a fun camp day.
Girls 7+ learn computer science and engineering fundamentals through a series of unique projects and hands-on challenges. Our students learn coding, robotics, AI, engineering, teamwork, and digital citizenship.
● A leading provider of outdoor adventure camps in the DMV, Calleva offers paddle sports, sailing, rock climbing & more at our McLean location!
● 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
● With over 30 diverse activities, from swimming & horseback riding to drama, tubing, zipline & more, we keep our campers engaged and excited. We foster a community where lasting friendships are formed.
● We are located on a beautiful, 40-acre campus in Falls Church, Virginia at Congressional School. Our diverse programs includeday camp, travel camps, and specialty camps which offer summers of new challenges.
From half day camps for preschoolers to multi-week teen intensives, ETC has a camp for everyone! Campers develop theatre skills while working with their peers to make their own creations on stage and on film.
Explore the world of theatre this summer with Encore! Students will build their confidence, creativity, storytelling through a supportive and safe environment.
KidRealm offers unique, fun day camps packed with exciting games like GagaBall, SuperSmash and Mario Kart tournaments. Card games, group games, MineCraft, Pokemon, tradition building games!
● Knights of Adventure offers week-long, half day sessions with activities that promote community, joy and friendship, while keeping campers engaged and learning new skills.
Ice skating, team sports, figure skating and hockey.
Inspire your child’s creativity at MoCA Arlington's summer art camps! Kids 5–18 will explore 2D & 3D projects, learn fun techniques, and discover amazing contemporary artists. Full & half-day options available!
Create new shows and learn new skills: acting, dance, mime, stage combat and design come together in a summer to remember!
● ● A brand new all-inclusive summer camp experience taking advantage of Episcopal High School’s unmatched 130-acre campus in the heart of Alexandria.
Coming Summer 2025
Summer Camp 2025
SUMMER
CAMP rising 2nd - rising 9th
Immerse in movement, imagination, and physical storytelling with DC’s premier physical theater company. Explore creativity, learn acting, mime, dance, clowning, and stage combat.
SUMMER TEEN CONSERVATORY
rising 9th - 12th
A unique 3-week program offers hands-on, rigorous training in Synetic’s distinctive approach to acting and physical theaterincluding an original adaptation of Synetic’s award-winning production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
synetictheater.org/camps sessions run from 6/23 to 8/22
5th-12th
local ■ by Jenny
Sullivan
Love Story
Remember your first apartment? The time you got lost and missed the train in Madrid? The crazy dog that ate your birthday cake? Celebrate your journey as a couple with a one-of-a-kind “relationship map” ($200$400) by graphic illustrator Renee Dawn Thomson of Dawning Designs. You provide the memories, milestones and photos of special places, “then I take it from there!” says the Arlington artist. Her creative repertoire also includes smart-alecky stickers, pins and custom holiday ornaments. etsy.com/shop/DawningDesignsCo
Heart of Gold
All of the jewelry pieces in Arlington designer Lisa Maurer’s collection are named after inspiring women. The muse behind the 14-karat gold Claudia pendant is a teacher known for her empathy. “High schoolers today are navigating uncharted waters, but a fortunate few have Claudia to light their way. Her classroom is a safe haven,” explains the owner of SisterSister Jewelry. Embedded with a petite pink sapphire, the charm can be purchased by itself or as a necklace with an oval-link cable chain ($493-$680). sistersister.us
Flower Power
Why send the same old roses when you can dazzle that special someone—be it a gal pal, your mom or your boo—with a floral arrangement by Kat Flowers? Originally from Belarus, shop owner Yekaterina Charnashei has a flair for the dramatic, blending romantic blossoms such as lilacs, lilies and peonies with unexpected elements, from evergreen boughs and hydrangea pods to citrus fruits and cut pomegranates. Bouquets start at $125, but if you stop by the shop she can create something for as little as $25 upon request. And yes, if you do want classic red roses or tulips, she has those, too. katflowers.com
Sugar Mama
Here’s a sweet gesture: Treat your sweetie to artisanal sugar cubes by Arlington confectioner Cheri Larkins of Kaleida Treats. A “corporate girlie” by day and self-taught candymaker in her off-hours, she makes little sugar bombs ($15.95 for two sleeves) in a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors, from peach, strawberry and hibiscus to bitters-infused nuggets for cocktails. Pop one in a glass of bubbly or mix up some old-fashioneds and bring on the romance. Then perk up your tea the next morning with a hit of orange or mint. etsy.com/shop/KaleidaTreats
Northern Virginia Alliance League (NVAL)
Thanks Our
2024 Holiday Luncheon Sponsors
Lifting Others Up
Presenting Sponsors
MA GA ZINE
Gold Sponsors
EC Home Collection Audrey & Joab Lesesne
Janet & Timothy Mountz SPENGA Ballston
Silver Sponsors
AND Accounting Solutions Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic EZ_ESG Fernanda & Brian Fisher
Geva & Jane with Varity Homes Kimberly & John Heckler Mary–Anne & Robert Liles
Evelyn Loeb & Joseph Davis Logan Sausage Company The Midlife Midsters Podcast
Monkee’s of Fairfax Linda Murphy, Realtor, McEnearney Associates
Daphne Papamichael Tina Papamichael Paul’s Best Lawn Service
Lola C. Reinsch & Jennifer A. Pierce, Reinsch Pierce Family Foundation Schaufeld Family Foundation
Cyndi Duvall Simmons Nancy E. Snell Shawn Taylor Whittington Design Studio Barbara & John Young
Bronze Sponsors
AmericanEye, Washington Design Center Andy’s Lawn & Landscaping Arlington Dental Aesthestics Bartlett Tree Experts
BOWA Jennifer Boeke Caterini, TTR Sotheby’s, International Realty Betsy C. Cooke Eagle Cleaners Haynes and Boone, LLP
LCM Design, Laura Cappel McGinnis Helen & Tom Lydon Maura McCool Design Meany & Oliver Companies Northside Veterinary Clinic Melissa & Scott O’Gorman Peace of Space Organizing The Pendergast Family
Richards Heating & Air Conditioning Sher, Cummings and Ellis Kathleen Gilles Seidel Sushi-Zen Japanese Restaurant
Friends of NVAL
Sandra L. & Samuel D. Cappiello Maureen Fletcher Suzanne Griesmer MaryLynn & Greg Haase HomeFirst Mortgage/Kundinger Family
LeadershipForward Lemoncello Boutique Ellie & Kerry Mack Cindy & Tim Matlack Mary Ellen Matheson Rachel & Todd Murdock
Lorraine Barclay Nordlinger, TTR Sotheby’s, International Realty Neide & Chris Reynolds Anne Marie & John Strabo TBraces Orthodontics
CP Terry & Associates, Accounting & Bookkeeping Specialists Diane & Mark Tomb Linda Vandenberg Andrea & Corbin Wilkes
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 Marjorie Hughes Fund for Children (marjoriehughesfund.com).
Band of Sisters
Sometimes you need a weekend away in the company of badass women.
BY ADRIENNE WICHARD-EDDS
The texts started circulating last spring. “Excited to see all of you after so long!” said one friend on the thread.
“I’m so looking forward to this,” gushed another.
“Is anyone bringing cigarettes?” someone joked.
No one in the group smokes, but we all felt like we were getting away with something delicious—a weekend together, far from the responsibilities of jobs and families, at a beautiful property in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our destination: the chic and modern Farmhouse adjacent to the Blue Rock inn in Washington, Virginia.
My five traveling companions and I first met when a cadre of women coalesced in January 2018, drawn together by a shared goal to do good in our ca-
reers, households and communities, and to leverage our expertise in both organic and structured ways. We’ve referred to ourselves as the “Salon” ever since.
We are a disparate group—athletes and artists, veterans and Ph.D.s, teachers and administrators, compassionate leaders who have learned it can be lonely for women at the top of their field. We have traveled the world (one of us in the cockpit) and cultivated vast networks around the D.C. area. We are moms who have experienced all stages of parenting and partnership.
I like to think of the Salon as my version of a perimenopausal Fight Club, minus the violence—or maybe a less acerbic Algonquin Round Table, that early 20th-century band of iconoclasts that included writer Dorothy Parker and feminist Ruth Hale. We push each other
to think more deeply and consider different perspectives. We share our expertise to educate and elevate each other.
For more than two years, we met bimonthly, setting aside whole afternoons—and sometimes whole weekends—to convene. But as this trip falls into place, I realize we haven’t been in the same room together since March 2020, when the pandemic drove us into isolation. It’s long overdue.
Finally, the June day arrives when we are able to gather a quorum, spilling into the vast, open floor plan of the Farmhouse to clink glasses, hug each other and fill in the blanks. We share snacks at the giant dining table and sprawl on stylish couches. We marvel at the views of the horse pastures and rolling hills.
We have missed each other.
Blue Rock in Rappahannock County, Virginia
n driving range
THIS IS MY second trip to Blue Rock, which opened its doors in October 2021. I visited for dinner in April 2022 and was surprised by how sophisticated and un-fusty the property felt. The spaces, designed by creative studio Lumber & Light, were clean and modern—not a doily in sight. I made a mental note to return for an overnight stay.
I had originally thought to book a romantic weekend in one of the inn’s five beautifully appointed rooms, but now here I am next door in a house full of women and my heart is just as full. While snagging the five-bedroom Farmhouse did require some scheduling acrobatics, the weekend is our own. We have the entire 3,700-square-foot residence to ourselves.
Salon gatherings are always driven by intention, and this one is no different. Most of us are recent empty-nesters or on the cusp of having kids leave for college. We are wanting to reflect more deeply on what that transition looks like in our lives—both personally and professionally.
To ground us, we call on Cara Cutro of Abracadabra Massage & Wellness in nearby Sperryville. Cutro, a warm and intuitive mom herself, is experienced in all aspects of the healing arts—from massage, reiki and acupuncture to tarot reading. She agrees to come to us, arriving at the Farmhouse with a dozen crystal singing bowls. The largest has the weight and heft of a prizewinning pumpkin.
Cutro stations herself in a corner of the second-floor bedroom suite and arranges the bowls in a semicircle around her. We lie down on yoga mats in a human Tetris formation, slip on eye masks and cocoon ourselves in blankets to prepare for our private sound bath. Whoever referred to this as “kindergarten naptime for grown-ups” was not wrong.
One of the goals of a sound bath, Cutro explains, is to inhabit that layer of consciousness between wakefulness and deep sleep, where our brains produce the electrical impulses called theta waves that promote learning
and solidify memories. “This is where you do a lot of your healing,” she says. “You’re not asleep, but there’s something really restorative about it.”
Conjuring resonant tones from each bowl, she immerses us in what she describes as a “powerful form of nonverbal communication.” By the end of the hour, we all understand what that means. Most of us skate just above or below the surface of sleep; some vibrate with positive energy. (“Every new tone was like tasting different flavors,” one friend observed.)
Afterward, Cutro notes that the acoustics of the space had a softening effect on the bowls’ sound, but didn’t dampen their impact. “What a perfect place to have a retreat,” she says.
Once we flicker back to full consciousness, we disperse to our rooms— each of which has an en suite bath stocked with plush towels and Molton Brown products—and lazily dress for dinner at the inn. We end up driving to the main building (it’s a short walk away, but no one is interested in tromping through the grassy field in heels),
Cara Cutro of Abracadabra Massage & Wellness
Pen Druid libations
Mushroom tea at Blue Rock
Chef Bin Lu
arriving just before sunset to watch the sky turn pink above the mirror-glass pond out back.
BLUE
ROCK’S RESTAURANT is a goto for locals, many of whom are lounging at patio tables, seeming to smile at their good fortune that this culinary gem landed in their laps. Situated just a few miles down the road from that other well-known dining mecca in Washington, Virginia, Blue Rock is also a special occasion destination worthy of an intimate dinner or milestone life event.
Chef Bin Lu is the driving force, having landed here in 2020 after nearly five years as head chef at D.C.’s Pineapple & Pearls, which earned two Michelin stars during his tenure. He ventured to Rappahannock County after chasing a rumor about an inn in Virginia farm country that was being renovated and under new ownership. (Nick Dowling is the property’s owner of record but prefers to stay out of the spotlight.)
“I was able to dig up the name and old website,” says Lu, now the frontfacing partner for both the inn and the restaurant. “I sent a cold email to the old business, and there just happened to be someone on the other side. Everything went from there.”
At Blue Rock, he offers a seasonally driven tasting menu—$138 for five courses, with an $89 wine pairing and a handful of optional add-ons—in the 35-seat main restaurant and on the weather-permitting outdoor patio. A small adjoining tavern for inn guests (and occasionally walk-in diners) serves a more casual, a la carte menu.
Our six-course meal in the cozy private dining room begins with Lu’s crackling five-spice fried chicken. It’s accompanied by a warm mushroom tea—a description that in no way does justice to the rich, savory broth that we sip from coupe glasses.
I would have been totally content had dinner ended there, but I would have missed out on one of the most complex and memorable flavor combinations to ever pass for a salad course.
Chef Lu’s heirloom tomato carta da musica—a crisp, rustic flatbread studded with produce from local farms—is smoky and fresh, bright and luxurious.
The delicate ’nduja ravioli that follows is balanced with a tangy kohlrabi choucroute and a puddle of beurre blanc. The presentation of grilled monkfish choux farci is as much artistry as it is a love letter to seasonal cooking.
Between savory bites, our dinner
conversation is structured and intentional, with prompts floated for discussion: What’s the biggest thing you’re wrestling with? Name something that surprised you about yourself this year. What’s your unfair advantage? Can you cite a recent experience, book, film, etc. that taught you something new?
As a table of ladies who normally pass plates of dessert until one polite forkful remains, we show no restraint in demolishing our individual “black and white” chocolate tarts, complete with berries and olive oil gelato.
“I’ve been to a good number of local restaurants,” says one companion whose husband is a restaurateur, “and I’m hard pressed to think of a meal I’ve enjoyed as much as this.” It’s not an empty compliment.
WE SPEND THE REST of the weekend
checking out nearby attractions such as Sperryville’s newly opened Marketplace (the former River District Arts Building, now a food hall and market for area artisans and vendors) and local art galleries. I always swing by Haley Fine Art in case a piece by Charlottesville artist Michael Fitts is ever available in my price range.
Some of my favorite local wineries—
A bedroom suite in the Farmhouse at Blue Rock
Linden, Glen Manor, Crimson Lane—are an easy drive from Blue Rock, but a tip from Chef Lu sends us out to spend a brilliant, blue-skied afternoon at Pen Druid, a brewery and cidery in Sperryville. The owners employ a style of fermentation that relies on native yeast and spontaneous processes to craft their beers and ciders, eight of which are on tap the day of our visit. Their taproom also sells a handful of bottles of natural wine curated by D.C. wine shop Domestique.
The real draw for me, however, is hidden in a field out back. Sumac is an “experimental kitchen” run out of a ramshackle trailer behind Pen Druid’s taproom, with a chalkboard menu and an underground fan base whose members know to order ahead.
We hardly mind lingering on the porch while waiting for an order of smoked-and-seared cauliflower served with mulberry “ketsup,” scallions, peanuts and a native plant entertainingly called “spicebush.” Also delicious is Chef Dan Gleason’s take on shrimp and grits, dressed with fava beans, cucumbers and coriander berries. And it takes very little encouragement to give in to a slice of cherry-and-serviceberry clafouti with peach leaf ice cream.
It’s some of the best—and fanciest— food I’ve ever eaten at a picnic table.
Clearly, we aren’t the only ones impressed by this hidden treasure. A few
pear with ricotta, pecans and sage at Sumac
months after our visit, Sumac landed on The New York Times’ 50 favorite restaurants list of 2024.
ON A WINDING DRIVE home that includes a stop at Patty O’s Café & Bakery (the casual sibling of chef Patrick O’Connell’s Inn at Little Washington), the texts start pinging in again.
“Wish we had another week to spend in that farmhouse.”
“Worth every penny.”
“Ladies, I’d like to introduce you to our delicious friend, the monkfish.”
Someone found an image of the gruesome, saw-fanged sea creature that looked much more docile on our plates the night before.
“We could have enjoyed the company and conversation for many more days.”
It feels like there is never enough time with this group. We always leave wanting more.
Then again, our weekend sojourn was a reminder that any of us can call on others in the group for personal wisdom, professional advice and solace at any moment—time and distance be damned. ■
Arlington writer and small business owner Adrienne Wichard-Edds recognizes her luck at finding this group of powerful women. Find her online at theessaycoaches.com.
If You Go
Stay
Blue Rock’s main building (the inn itself) contains five rooms starting at $199 per night, each with an en suite bathroom, luxury linens and a mix of modern and antique furnishings. Picture four-poster beds, soaking tubs, French doors and damask wallpaper. Vacation rentals of the neighboring 3,700-squarefoot Farmhouse (which sleeps 10) start at $1,200 per night with a two-night minimum, but it’s the kind of place you’ll want to stay for a week. Three new buildings on the 80-acre property will soon bring the total number of rooms and suites to 19—good news to those hoping to visit after fall 2025. bluerockva.com
Eat & Drink
Dinner at Blue Rock’s on-site restaurant helmed by Chef Bin Lu is a must. Blending locally sourced and exotic ingredients, his tasting menu is an everchanging culinary adventure.
Nearby Sperryville is dotted with casual eateries and specialty markets, but the prix fixe dinner at Three Blacksmiths (threeblacksmiths.com) is a singular experience. With only one nightly seating (Wednesday through Saturday by reservation only) and 20 seats in the intimate dining room, you’ll feel like you’ve spent the evening in the home of a friend who also happens to
Poached
Three Blacksmiths
be a critically lauded chef. For a more casual bite, The Black Twig (theblacktwigdiner.com) is a diner and bar housed in the iconic red Sperryville Schoolhouse.
About a mile from Sperryville’s main drag, you’ll find Pen Druid Fermentation (pendruid. com) just off Route 522/Sperryville Pike, with its sweeping countryside views and a rotating selection of beers and ciders on tap, plus natural wines from D.C.’s Domestique. Check the brewery’s Instagram (@pendruidbrewing) before visiting and try to plan your visit when Sumac (sumac-va.com), the wood-fired kitchen out back, is serving small plates from its “wildly local” seasonal menu.
Explore
With Shenandoah National Park as a backdrop, Sperryville is a great place to start or end a hike. Popular climbs such as Mary’s Rock, Little Devils Stairs, Old Rag and Buck Hollow are all within a 20-minute drive. Visit the National Park Service website (nps.gov/ shen/planyourvisit/day-hikes.htm) to find a route that matches your skill level and time frame.
Showcasing works by nearly two dozen artists with Virginia roots, Haley Fine Art (haleyfineart.com) is a gallery that punches well above its weight class. The permanent collection alone is worth a visit to this unassuming, converted clapboard home just off Main Street in Sperryville. While you’re out and about, swing by The Marketplace Sperryville (themarketplacesperryville.com) to shop for goods ranging from artisanal chocolates and olive oil soap to funky home accessories and handblown glass art.
More Group Getaway Destinations
Blending elegant furnishings with wideplank wood floors and wood ceilings, the Farmhouse at Waterperry Farm (waterperryfarm.com) near Charlottesville sleeps 10 and includes a pool, tennis court and outdoor kitchen. Rates begin at $2,150 per night with a required two-night minimum. Guests also enjoy access to pickleball courts, a fishing pond, walking trails and firepits. Garden tours, yoga classes and a private chef can be booked for an additional fee.
For an agrarian kind of luxury, Madeline Farms (madelinefarms.com), a working
farm in Luray, is home to a renovated 120-year-old farmhouse that can accommodate up to 12 people. Rates begin around $770 per night. Guests are invited to feed the animals, collect eggs and harvest crops—or sit on the porch and watch nature do its thing.
Feeling stressed? Grab up to a dozen friends and stage a takeover of the five-suite Wellspring Manor & Spa (wellspringmeetings.com), a luxury bedand-breakfast on seven wooded acres in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where the pampering includes massage and skin care treatments, and customized menus designed by the on-site catering staff. Curated artworks throughout the property
include paintings, sculptures and other works by more than 35 artists of color. See website for package rates.
Find serenity watching the sunset over the water at the spacious Chesapeake Mansion (tremezzostay.com/chesapeakemansion), a waterfront estate just outside St. Michaels, Maryland. Situated on 30 acres, the renovated, 12,000-square-foot Colonial manor can accommodate up to 12 guests. Enjoy an outdoor heated pool, private dock and wide grassy lawn with Adirondack chairs—perfect for a summer evening of caftans and cocktails. Rates begin around $1,100 per night.
The view from the top of Old Rag
Christine Koubek Flynn
Escape to a Country Estate
Swanky estate hotel Pendry Natirar, which opened in October, is set on 500 acres of rolling hills and scenic trails in Somerset County, New Jersey, along the north branch of the Raritan River. (Natirar is Raritan spelled in reverse.) The property consists of a 1912 Tudorstyle mansion that was once home to Moroccan royalty, an adjacent hotel and luxury spa, and a 10-acre sustainable farm.
Each of the hotel’s spacious 46 studio guest rooms and 20 suites includes dark wood and mossy green finishes, a Nespresso coffee machine and a marble bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. Suites also feature an elegant soaking bathtub and patio.
Relax by the fire in the mansion’s great room, grab a book from the library or play a game in the billiards room; then savor afternoon tea or an evening cocktail in Ladd’s Tavern.
Ninety Acres, the estate’s distinguished farm-to-table restaurant, is home to a cooking school offering
classes taught by local chefs using ingredients from the onsite farm. The curriculum includes dietaryspecific classes like vegan and glutenfree cooking, as well as courses on basic skills and advanced culinary techniques, with recipes ranging from global cuisines to family-friendly meals. Alternately, head out of the
Books and classic typewriters fill the shelves behind the check-in desk at The Publisher Hotel, a handsome hideaway occupying the former site of Fredericksburg, Virginia’s oldest newspaper, The Free Lance-Star. Opened in July in the city’s historic downtown, the new build’s 98 guest rooms and suites are appointed with leather headboards, a sitting area, comfortable working desk, complimentary Illy coffee and a mini refrigerator. Deluxe king or two queen rooms add a lovely balcony with outdoor seating. A handful of suites offer separate dining and living areas.
kitchen for a sustainable farm tour, or a lesson on how to make cocktails, artisanal soaps or candles with herbs from the farm.
The 19,000-square-foot luxury spa incorporates estate-grown jasmine, eucalyptus and rose geranium in its menu of services, which include facials, massages and body treatments. Be sure to leave extra time to enjoy the spa’s tranquility room. An outdoor pool, tennis, Compass Sports (for guided hikes, rental bikes and more) and Paintbox Kids’ Club (for ages 5-12), round out the many ways to enjoy the property, which is roughly a four-hour drive from Arlington. Rates begin at $476. Pendry Natirar, 400 Natirar Drive, Peapack, New Jersey, 908-254-2300, pendry.com/natirar
The onsite restaurant Five Chophouse & Bar is open for breakfast, brunch, weekday happy hour and dinner. Start the day with a pudgy stack of blueberry pancakes or crabcake Benedict, then return for a dinner of tempting small plates (think croquettes, duck wings, seared octopus) or steaks prepared with a rub of your choosing.
Nearby attractions include scenic river walks, craft breweries, historic tours, boutique shops and more. Rates start at $375 per night. Valet parking is $22 per day. The Publisher Hotel, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, 711 William St., Fredericksburg, Virginia, 540-5182624, thepublisherhotel.com
COURTESY PHOTOS
A patio with a view at the Pendry Natirar
The Publisher Hotel in Fredericksburg
Fine dining at Ninety Acres
Hop Into a Beer Bath
The inspiration for BierBath Beerspa and Alehouse in Sykesville, Maryland, began when one of its three owners tried a bier bath in Iceland. He discovered that the wellness practice—which involves taking a therapeutic soak in craft beer ingredients—was popular in several European countries as a ritual to detoxify, rejuvenate and nourish the skin and hair.
While there are three other beer spas in the U.S., BierBath, which opened in December 2023, is the only one in the mid-Atlantic, and the only beer spa in the states that has both a spa and alehouse.
The convivial alehouse, marked by warm yellow walls and subtle nods to its rubber ducky logo, has the requisite bar, plus a lounge seating area featuring cast-iron tubs converted into mini sofas. Family-friendly board games line a nearby shelf.
As for the spa, two soaking rooms offer a large single tub ($100 for one person; $180 for two). A third room has two tubs ($210 for two individuals; $240 for four friends). All have house music piped in, or the option of pairing your phone with a
Bluetooth speaker to enjoy your own playlist as you kick back in a pleasantsmelling, warm cocktail of hops, barley and Epsom salts. Swimsuits are required.
After a 40-minute soak, enjoy 10 minutes (or less, if you prefer) in the infrared sauna, followed by a refreshing rain shower. All baths include beer, wine, sangria or another beverage to imbibe as you unwind.
The rotating craft beer selection features an array of local, national and international brews. Order a flight of local beers to discover breweries
you might wish to visit in the area. (If available, try Ghost of the Ice Cream Man, a delicious stout from Monocacy Brewing Co.)
The food menu is a cut above the usual pub fare with dishes such as German bratwurst topped with rich truffle sauce, tangy Dijon wine mustard and caramelized onions, or the chivito Uruguayan sandwich stuffed with bacon, honey smoked ham, seasoned short rib and melted mozzarella. BierBath, 1213 Liberty Road, B-4, Sykesville, Maryland, 443398-8189, bierbath.com
BierBath Beerspa and Alehouse
A detoxifying soak in hops and barley
back story ■ by
Kim O’Connell
Shooting Star
The “Grandfather of Black basketball” changed the game locally and beyond.
These Black icons of pro basketball and countless others might not be known today if it weren’t for the pioneering efforts of one man: Edwin Bancroft Henderson.
Born in Washington, D.C., in 1883, and later a longtime resident of Falls Church, Henderson is often called the “father” or “grandfather” of Black basketball, having made lasting impacts on the sport as an educator, coach, writer and activist.
After he graduated from Miner Teachers College (which later became the University of the District of Columbia) in 1904, Henderson enrolled in Harvard University’s Dudley Sargent School of Physical Training, where he learned to play the sport, invented just
13 years earlier and up to that point played only by White people.
With this training, Henderson became the nation’s first certified Black instructor of physical education. He brought basketball to predominantly Black neighborhoods and then-segregated schools of the nation’s capital, where it quickly caught fire. He built leagues and staged tournaments. One team he coached (and played for) won the Colored Basketball World Championships in the 1909-10 season. Among his many students was a young Charles Drew, an Arlington resident and later a prominent Black surgeon.
In 1939, Henderson wrote a book called The Negro in Sports , which he updated around 1950. He later helped found the first rural branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People—the Tinner Hill NAACP.
By the time of his passing in 1977, however, Henderson had fallen into obscurity. His legacy might have remained unknown if his grandson and namesake, Edwin B. Henderson II, hadn’t made it a mission to gain recognition for his groundbreaking relative.
After moving into his grandparents’ Falls Church bungalow on South Maple Avenue in the early 1990s, the younger Henderson discovered a box of his grandfather’s papers, photos and mementos. He used this treasure trove to build a nomination for his grandfather’s induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts—an honor that was finally bestowed in 2013.
Today, a statue of Henderson stands at the University of the District of Columbia and two historical markers are installed in front of the Henderson home.
In February 2024, Edwin Henderson II authored The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson (Rowman & Littlefield). “The book basically has taken 20, almost 30 years to come to fruition,” he says. “What my grandfather did was foundational to the game of basketball.” ■
E.B. Henderson (center) with the Washington YMCA National Champions in 1910
