Arlington Magazine May/Jun 2022

Love Bars we 12

Speakeasies, sports bars, rooftops, dives and more

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Starting in 2008, the Challenge Ride has become the area’s largest non-competitive, participatory ride.

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CON TENTS

■ FEATURES

84 12 Bars We Love

Where to imbibe and unwind, whether you’re in the mood for a snug speakeasy, a rooftop lounge, drag bingo or a friendly dive.

100

Welcome to the Neighborhood

They won accolades in D.C., and now these culinary stars are opening new restaurants in Northern Virginia. Here’s who’s coming to town.

112 The Kids Are Not All Right

Pandemic stress has triggered an alarming increase in anxiety, depression and self-harm among teens. Now what do we do?

124 Getting Lost

Mark Turner dreamed of a place where friends could retreat into nature, unplug and drink small-batch bourbon by the fire. Then he built it.

132 Dramatic Adaptation

This Ashton Heights remodel did not go exactly as planned. The final outcome is stunning.

COVER: The art of mixology at Salt in Rosslyn. Photo by Tyler Darden.

Yuan and Carey Tang, owners of D.C.’s acclaimed Rooster & Owl, will open Ellie Bird in Falls Church this fall.

CON TENTS

Around Town Spring into summer with live music festivals, a women’s history walk and the annual Armed Forces Cycling Classic.

20 Big Picture

Her family is in Ukraine. She’s taking up the fight from Falls Church.

22 My Life

A nomadic Navy wife reflects on the true meaning of home.

24 Familiar Faces

The life and times of a self-proclaimed “bippie” (Black hippie).

152 Great Spaces

For the win: a built-in banquette.

154 Prime Numbers

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

160 Home Plate

Fresh pasta at the farmers market, brunchy avo toast and a fast-casual eatery with Seoul.

162 Places to Eat

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

174 Shop Local

Henna tattoos and bespoke letterpress invitations, just in time for wedding season.

176 Get Away

Escape to a sleepy bayside inn, or pack up the kids and head to a new beachfront hotel near a magnificent aquarium.

178 Driving Range

Not into roughing it? Try luxury camping—aka “glamping”—under the stars at these scenic spots.

184 Back Story

The W-L crew team has a long and storied history, including a few royal regattas on the Thames.

Andy lives with his wife and three children in Northern Virginia. He’s a highly experienced planner, he’s local, and he’s ready to build a personalized nancial roadmap for you and your family.

letter from the publisher

Social Stigma

“I THINK IT IS a very private matter!” In a memorable scene from Ordinary People, Robert Redford’s directorial debut in 1980 (for which he won an Oscar), Mary Tyler Moore’s character chastises her husband for telling a friend their son is seeing a psychiatrist. She argues it’s an invasion of their family’s privacy and that sharing the information is in bad taste.

We’ve come a long way. Therapy is much more common and accepted now than it was a few decades ago. Some of us are not ashamed to share that we’ve sought help from a mental health professional. However, there’s still a stigma surrounding mental illness—a sense that maybe the person is weak and just needs to toughen up a bit. Anxiety and depression have been unwelcome visitors in many of our homes during the pandemic, and it’s overwhelming at times. But rather than talking about it, like we would with a physical ailment, many of us have kept things quiet. Perhaps mental health challenges are still a private matter.

In our story “The Kids Are Not All Right,” Adrienne Wichard-Edds explores the pandemic and its effects on teens and their mental health. You may have seen some of the data already—ER visits involving mental health emergencies increased 31%, the National Eating Disorders Association reported a 40% increase in calls to its helpline, an alarming 41% of psychologists reported they couldn’t keep up with the demand for their services and 44% of high school students reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year. What are we supposed to

do? The story goes on to share helpful perspectives and resources you can use if your teen or another family member is struggling.

One silver lining of the pandemic is that I perfected my Old Fashioned recipe. (Small victories, I know.) So I am not sorry to admit that I love a wellcrafted cocktail, which is an appropriate segue to another story in this issue, “12 Bars We Love,” by Adele Chapin. Whether you’re drawn to an upscale lounge, a local dive bar or something in between, the story includes some great options and tells you why you should go.

Another feature in this issue takes note of an exciting trend—the influx of top culinary talent to Northern Virginia. In “Welcome to the Neighborhood,” dining critic David Hagedorn highlights a number of legit D.C.-based chefs and restaurateurs who are opening outposts on our side of the river. The story offers a look at who’s coming, the conditions causing the migration and what to order when they arrive.

We hope you find our annual Food & Drink issue enjoyable and informative. If you have feedback you’d like to share, please email me at greg. hamilton@arlingtonmagazine.com. Letters to the editor and story ideas can be sent to jenny.sullivan@ arlingtonmagazine.com. Have a great spring and thanks for reading Arlington Magazine!

Greg Hamilton Publisher

■ contributors

Tyler Darden

LIVES IN: Mechanicsville, a suburb northeast of Richmond

ORIGINALLY FROM: King William County, Virginia

IN THIS ISSUE: Photographed “hardworking, passionate, persevering people, doing what they love,” for our cover story on cool bars

WHEN IN RICHMOND: “The Answer Brewpub is best for beers, Switch is good for crazy themes and drinks, and The Jasper has the best scratch-crafted cocktails.”

PREFERRED QUAFF: “Gin and tonic muddled with lemon basil or verbena, using Tinkerman’s Citrus Supreme gin from A. Smith Bowman Distillery”

CURRENT PROJECT: “With my production company, SaltFire Studio (youtube. com/c/saltfirestudio), I’m finishing editing on my first feature-length film, which premieres in June.”

CHEERS TO: “My work, which I love. It’s something different every week. I’m truly grateful for my wife and three children for being patient and helpful with all the crazy happenings.”

FOLLOW: @tyler.darden and @saltfirestudio on Instagram

Adele Chapin

LIVES IN: Alexandria’s Huntington neighborhood

ORIGINALLY FROM: Fairfax

IN THIS ISSUE: Researched and wrote our cover story on great bars (it’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it)

TASTY TAKEAWAYS: “I’m calling it now that this will be the summer of the grapefruit crush. I also have a new vacation idea: I think I should go on a brewery tour of New England.”

FAVORITE LOCAL BAR: Majestic Lounge in Del Ray

PREFERRED QUAFF: Port City Brewing’s Optimal Wit

WISH LIST: “My dream is for The Italian Store to open a fancy market with a coffee bar in my neighborhood. Just putting that out into the universe.”

CURRENT SITUATION: “Waiting for lightning to strike—aka for a book idea to pop into my head”

CHEERS TO: “Being lucky enough to write about restaurants, travel, event planning, fashion and going out in general”

FOLLOW: @goshgeegolly on Instagram

PUBLISHER & CO-FOUNDER

Greg Hamilton

EDITOR

Jenny Sullivan

ART DIRECTOR

Laura Goode

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Danny Ryan

DIGITAL WRITER/WEB PRODUCER

Eliza Tebo

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Bette Canter

DINING CRITIC

David Hagedorn

COPY EDITORS

Sandy Fleishman, Barbara Ruben

CO-FOUNDER

Steve Hull

WRITERS

Tamar Abrams, Adele Chapin, Christine Koubek Flynn, Colleen Kennedy, Nigel F. Maynard, Kim O’Connell, Rina Rapuano, Scott Sowers, Sarah P. Weeldreyer, Adrienne Wichard-Edds

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Mitch Allen, Jennifer Chase, Tyler Darden, Jen Eun, Lisa Helfert, Hawkeye Johnson, Sam Kittner, Tony J. Lewis, Deb Lindsey, Tigran Markaryan, Mariah MIranda, Frances Murphy, Greg Powers, Robert Radifera, Charlotte Safavi, Hilary Schwab, Mary Ann Smith, Scott Suchman, David Tassy, Albert Ting, Joseph D. Tran, Michael Ventura, Dixie Vereen, J. Michael Whalen, Brian Wolken, Stacy Zarin Goldberg

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Traci Ball, Kristin Murphy

FINANCE & CIRCULATION COORDINATOR

Julie Rosenbaum

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AROUND TOWN

JUNE 11, 11 A.M.-8 P.M.

Tinner Hill Music Festival

Get ready for some serious horns. The annual outdoor music festival returns to The Little City with a trio of headliners: the New Orleans-based Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band; American blues singer-songwriter Marcia Ball; and D.C.’s own blues queen Carly Harvey. The all-day event also promises food vendors; a Rock Star bar serving craft beer, wine and libations; an artists village showcasing works by local painters, photographers and jewelers; kids activities; and more. $30 (adults), $10 (students 12-21), $50 (VIP with access to a private tent). Children 11 and under are free with a paying adult. Cherry Hill Park, 213 Park Ave., Falls Church, tinnerhill.org

PERFORMING ARTS

THROUGH MAY 8

The Mamalogues

1st Stage

Three friends share the joys, challenges and anxieties of being middle-class, single Black mothers in the predominantly White suburbs in this satirical comedy by Lisa B. Thompson. Directed by Angelisa Gillyard, it’s a celebration of motherhood and community that also offers an unflinching look at racial profiling on the playground, and what it means to parent the kid who is perpetually the Only Black Child (OBC). $50; $47 for seniors 65+; $15 for students, educators and military. See website for show times. 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons, 1ststage.org

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Rebirth Brass Band comes to Falls Church City.

BLACK VIOLIN

IMPOSSIBLE TOUR

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

JUN 4

BELLE AND SEBASTIAN JAPANESE BREAKFAST

LOS BITCHOS JUN 15

GIPSY KINGS

FEATURING NICOLAS REYES

JUN 5

BEN RECTOR

THE JOY OF MUSIC JP SAXE

JORDY SEARCY & STEPHEN DAY JUN 8

BEAUTIFUL

THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL JUN 21 + 22

ANA GABRIEL - LA LUNA DE AMÉRICA

POR AMOR A USTEDES WORLD TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST FLOR DE TOLOACHE

JUN 12

SHERYL CROW

JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT WAXAHATCHEE

JUN 16 + 17

EVERY SHADE OF BLUE TOUR THE HEAD AND THE HEART JADE BIRD JUN 9

THE BLACK CROWES SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER PLAYED IN ITS ENTIRETY, PLUS ALL THE HITS! JUN 23

TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE

TANK AND THE BANGAS | BIG FREEDIA

CYRIL NEVILLE: THE UPTOWN RULER

GEORGE PORTER JR. AND DUMPSTAPHUNK

THE SOUL REBELS

JUN 18

A JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION WITH THEE PHANTOM AND THE ILLHARMONIC ORCHESTRA JUN 19

…and many more!

WOLFTRAP.ORG

PEDALS & MEDALS

JUNE 4-5

Armed Forces Cycling Classic

This weekend on wheels features multiple races for cyclists of all abilities, starting with the Challenge Ride on Saturday, June 4—an amateur, noncompetitive ride, in which participants ride as many laps as they can (for up to 3 hours) on a 10K course. The course is closed to traffic, winding through the Pentagon, Rosslyn and Crystal City. Competitive cyclists, including the nation’s top Pro/ Am men and women, will then race in Saturday’s Crystal Cup and Sunday’s 23rd Annual Clarendon Cup. The weekend’s festivities also include free kids’ races. See website for registration details and race fees. Various Arlington locations, cyclingclassic.org

THROUGH JUNE 12

The Upstairs Department

Signature Theatre

After a serious illness, a young man wakes up with the ability to communicate with the dead or so he believes. Desperate to connect with their late father, he his skeptical sister set out to test his newfound powers at a spiritualist community, where their discoveries summon more than the afterlife.

Playwright Chelsea Marcantel (Airness, Everything Is Wonderful) channels the unexpected in this ethereal tale about familial love and how to explain the unexplainable. A Pride Night performance will be held on May 20. $40-$90. See

The Armed Forces Cycling Classic returns to Arlington.

website for show times. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org

MAY 1, 7 P.M.

David Spade: Catch Me Inside

Capital One Hall

The actor, comedian and former SNL writer/cast member brings his latest stand-up tour to Tysons. $50-$68. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, capitalonehall.com

MAY 5-29

Into the Woods Creative Cauldron

Creative Cauldron puts its own spin on this mashup of Grimms’ fairy tale stories and characters. A baker and his wife wish for a child, Cinderella wishes to go to the king’s festival and Jack wishes to sell his cow, so into the woods they go in search of their prizes. But they soon learn it’s not always best to get what you wish for. Based on the book by James Lapine, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. See website for show times. $40; $25 for students. 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church, creativecauldron.org

ART

THROUGH MAY 14

Arlington Visual Art

Studio Tour

Dominion Lighting

Last year, 47 Arlington artists opened their studios to the general public for an inside look at the creative process. This year, Dominion Lighting is showcasing their works at its newly redesigned showroom, where visitors will find paintings, drawings, sculptures and cut-paper works in a range of sizes. Viewing hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays. Free. 5053 Langston Blvd., Arlington, arlingtonartstudiotour.org

THROUGH JUNE 11

Spring Solo Shows

McLean Project for the Arts

Endless Possibilities

• Delicious cuisine

• Diverse activities

• Exercise room, classes and trainer available

• Salon and barber shop

• Café, library and lounges

• Pool and gardens

elegantly at The Jefferson, an active retirement community featuring an Arlington location, extensive amenities and maintenance-free living. Indulge yourself—and leave the rest to us.

Staytunedformoredetailsaswe celebrate30yearsofempowering peoplefromstreetstostability beginning July2022! Visitourwebsiteandfollowuson socialmediatolearnmore aboutouryearlongcelebration.

See kaleidoscopic paintings by James Stephen Terrell (Collide of Scope), evocative works exploring themes of isolation and escape by Matt Pinney (Where Do We Go From Here) and historical narratives tucked into detailed light boxes by Melanie Kehoss (Labor and Leisure) in

Formoreinformation,email info@pathforwardva.org pathforwardva.org

Earth Day Every Day Festival

Celebrate Mother Earth! Presented by the Langston Boulevard Alliance, this family-friendly, planet-friendly event will include live music, a sustainable art market, a native plant sale, environmental education exhibits, hands-on kids’ activities, sidewalk sales, food vendors and more. Admission is free. Langston Boulevard at the Lee Heights Shops, earthdayonlangston.com

the Emerson and Atrium Galleries. Gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.3 p.m. Saturday. Free. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, mpaart.org

MUSIC

MAY 3, 7 P.M.

La Santa Cecilia

The State Theatre

The Latin rock band’s worldly sound incorporates the Pan-American rhythms of cumbia, bossa nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz and klezmer music. $20 in advance; $23 day of show. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church, thestatetheatre.com

MAY 21

Marvelous Mozart and Mendelssohn

National Chamber Ensemble

NCE concludes its season with an evening of chamber music by two child prodigies— Mozart and Mendelssohn. $36 for adults; $18 for students. Gunston Arts Center–Theatre 1, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, nationalchambersensemble.org

JUNE 3, 7:30 P.M.

All-Star Purple Party: A Birthday Tribute to Prince

The Birchmere

Edward “Junie” Henderson performs an homage to the prolific artist on what would have been the weekend of his 64th birthday. Let’s go crazy. $39.50. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

JUNE 9, 8 P.M.

The Head and the Heart

Wolf Trap

Claiming top spots on multiple Billboard charts with songs like “Honeybee” and “Rivers and Roads,” the indie-folk collective makes its Wolf Trap debut in support of the April release of its new album, Every Shade of Blue. $32. 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

JUNE 18, 7 P.M.

Voodoo Threauxdown featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Wolf Trap

Brass phenom Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews brings a taste of the Big Easy to the Filene Center amphitheater with special guests Tank & The Bangas, Big Freedia, Cyril Neville: The Uptown Ruler,

George Porter Jr. and Dumpstaphunk. $42. 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

SEASONAL

MAY 1, 11 A.M.-2 P.M.

Falls Church Women’s History Walk

Falls Church City

Take a stroll and learn about the fascinating women who made Falls Church the community it is today. The 2-mile, self-guided loop includes 60 herstory stations with facts about trailblazing women from the 1600s to the present day, including pioneers, abolitionists, educators, entrepreneurs, politicians, historians, artists and activists. Stations will also honor this year’s five honorary grand marshals, and 23 Young Women of Action—local students who are making a difference. Docents will be available to offer guidance at Big Chimneys Park, Tinner Hill Historic Park and Falls Church

City Hall. Rain date May 22. Free. sites. google.com/view/fc-womens-history-walk/ home

MAY 20-21

McLean Day 2022 Festival

Lewinsville Park

This year’s festival kicks off on Friday with carnival rides from 2-10 p.m. Bring the family back the next day for music, games, balloon animals, a petting zoo, food trucks, exhibits and a second spin on the carousel. Admission is free, but tickets (which can be bought on site or purchased in advance online) are required for rides. 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, mcleancenter.org

MAY 21, NOON-7 P.M.

Ballston Quarterfest Crawl

Wilson Boulevard in Ballston

Head over to Ballston for live music all day on multiple outdoor stages, plus local art, food and drink specials from area restaurants, and games. Admission is free; tickets required for food and drinks. quarterfestballston.org

AUTHORS & BOOKS

JUNE 4, 1-3 P.M.

Summer Reading Kickoff: Oceans of Possibilities

Arlington Central Library

Ready to take the plunge into summer reading? The library will launch its 2022 summer reading program, “Oceans of Possibilities” with games, treats, workshops, prizes and a preview of what’s coming to a library near you. For each reader who completes the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge (June 1-Sept. 1), Friends of the Arlington Public Library will donate $1 to support the Potomac Conservancy. Free. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, library.arlingtonva.us

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

Sofiia Hordiiuk in Arlington

Michael Whalen

“Slava Ukraini”

DRAPED IN THE FLAG

of her homeland, Falls Church resident Sofiia Hordiiuk appears wary, defiant and determined.

“She reminded me of a boxer,” says photographer J. Michael Whalen, who shot this portrait in Arlington on Feb. 27, 2022, three days after Russian forces crossed the border into Ukraine. He knew his neighbor had been attending protests in D.C. and wanted to capture her resilience. “[She] just conveyed the fighting spirit of the people of Ukraine.”

A polyglot barista who earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature from Arizona State University (she also is fluent in English, Russian and Ukrainian), Hordiiuk has lived in Falls Church since 2017 with her husband, Manuel Mayor, an assistant property manager. Together, they have created a comfortable life. But at the time of this interview, Hordiiuk, 25, felt torn between the desire to return to the country of her birth and her current efforts to fight Russian aggression from afar.

As this issue went to press, her hometown, Energodar, which she last visited in 2021, was occupied by Russian forces. Her father, Vladimir, an electrician, and her mother, Alona, an industrial painter, are both employed by the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. When the plant was overtaken and its

offices set afire in March, her father and his colleagues hid inside the building for more than 24 hours before finding an opportunity to escape.

“News changes so much that I barely can keep up,” Hordiiuk says. She contacts her parents frequently through Viber, a Japanese messaging app, although the Wi-Fi access is spotty in Ukraine and the internet is often blocked. It’s a good day when she manages a video call.

Since the start of the war, her parents’ updates have been unsettling: Russian soldiers driving vehicles emblazoned with the pro-Putin “Z” harass and assault citizens; a local man who was organizing donations of supplies disappeared under suspicious circumstances; grocery shelves sit empty, save for rotten potatoes and stale bread.

Hordiiuk is incensed by Russian propaganda about the war. “It’s a constant lie, it’s like a horrible fairy tale,” she says, exasperated by those who believe the disinformation.

In her dreams, she finds herself back in the grade school she attended as a child in Ukraine. When Russians break in and vandalize the classroom, she confronts them and demands: “You think you own this town? Clean up this mess.”

This recurring nightmare reflects the reality of her two teenage sisters, who remain in beleaguered Energodar with

their parents. Anna, 16, is a competitive sprinter. “She’s doing okay,” Hordiiuk shares. “She’s very tough, because she has a sense of humor.”

But her voice softens when she speaks of her youngest sibling, Margarita, a sensitive and artistic 13-year-old. Wracked with anxiety, Margarita is neither eating nor sleeping well. “My mother tucks her in and lets her know she will be okay.”

In late March, Hordiiuk remained hopeful that Ukraine—with foreign aid and military assistance—would oust the Russian army soon enough for Anna to compete in a European track and field tournament this summer.

She’s been saving money to send to loved ones and donating to the Ukrainian army through charities and crowdfunding sites, following the lead of her aunt, who posts on social media about helping refugees fleeing to Poland.

“I’m just doing my best and working, because what can I do if not work? I don’t have this luxury to not do anything,” she says. “But I can keep hoping for the best.” ■

Colleen Kennedy is a writer based in Washington, D.C. For a list of organizations providing humanitarian aid to displaced Ukrainians, visit arlington magazine.com/support-ukraine-fund raising-donate/

big

my life ■

by Sarah P. Weeldreyer | illustration by Mary Ann Smith

Nomads and Saints

Where is home when relocation is a way of life? Maybe it’s more than a point on the map.

I FOUND HOME this past summer at the corner of 24th Street and Old Dominion Drive in Arlington.

I don’t live there. I live in a lovely house about 2 miles from that intersection—a house that, despite the cozy shelter it has provided my family for

the past six years, hasn’t always felt exactly like home.

As a wandering young adult and then military wife and mom of 18 years, I found that the concept of home and the permanence that word evokes have long eluded me. There’s a saying in the subcul-

ture that is Navy life: Home is where the Navy sends us. You can buy coffee mugs and wall plaques imprinted with this sentence. I appreciate the sentiment and the comfort it brings to so many of my friends, but it’s never rung true for me. Maybe it’s because my father has lived in

the same house for almost 60 years, with the same home phone number. You can’t go anywhere with my dad in my hometown without running into someone he knows. I’ve been running errands for decades on each coast of this country and in the middle, in complete anonymity.

That’s why I think of where the Navy sends me as my current mailing address. Home is either Little Rock, Arkansas, where I grew up, or some fictional place I haven’t been to yet. Like a migratory bird, home for me is both where I came from and wherever I will eventually land. All these places in between have been nice, but not quite home.

I’m not complaining. Without the Navy, I might never have lived on a tiny island across the bay from San Diego where there are no mosquitoes, where I sometimes biked to the grocery store. That place exists in my memory like a pleasant dream, but it wasn’t my home.

Neither, I thought until recently, was Northern Virginia—even though if you tally the job that originally brought me to D.C., plus my husband’s four Navy tours here, we’ve both spent most of our adult lives inside the Beltway. But home is not a math equation with a tidy, indisputable answer.

If home is not a dwelling or a street address, then what and where is it, exactly?

In my experience, the opposite of home is not someplace far away. The opposite of home is loneliness. My husband’s job as a ship captain takes him away from us for long periods of time. We’re facing one such separation this year, and although I’ve managed alone before, I have plenty of anxiety about ushering our two boys through their last years of high school without their dad at the dinner table.

It’s not just the solo parenting that piques my nerves, but the sensation of being unmoored when my family is not together. When my husband is away, I’m not at home no matter where I am. This is an inconvenient realization for a military spouse.

I calm myself by thinking about the local father figures I could call upon if things go sideways with one of my boys during their dad’s absence. One is an unflappable father of six who has coached my boys in Little League. Another is a father of three and retired police officer—I’ll call him “Christopher” for the patron saint of travelers.

When I imagine worst-case scenarios with my boys—flashing lights and wreckage on the side of a road, trouble at school or with girls, any situation I don’t want to face alone—I remember there are people close by who love

our family and will come to our rescue. These friends figuratively walk with me through my peaceful days. Knowing they exist, both in real life and in my iPhone contacts list, serves as a salve for my overactive imagination.

And then, one not-so-peaceful day last summer, a stranger failed to stop at a stop sign and one of the black-andwhite, silent reels that plays in my head switched to four-color and full volume. “Mom, I crashed the car,” said my then16-year-old, freshly minted-driver son.

“Are you okay?” I sort of screamed back at him through my phone. He said he was fine; no one was hurt. I grabbed my purse and took off for the 2400 block of Old Dominion Drive.

As I approached the scene and searched for a place to pull over, I noticed someone standing protectively beside my son, not far from our mangled car. It was Christopher. He was there, just as I had imagined he might be in situations such as this one. I greeted him in the manner of George Bailey on the snowy bridge at the end of It’s a Wonderful Life when George says, “Bert, you know me?!”

Christopher gave me a warm, knowing smile, in the same way the owner of my dad’s favorite restaurant (whose grandmother was in the same sewing circle as my own) welcomes him when she hasn’t seen him in a while.

I hugged Christopher, in gratitude and to make sure he was real and that I wasn’t the only one who could see him. He had just happened to drive by minutes after my son was in the accident. He stopped and stood sentry with my child until I could get there—to that place that doesn’t have a fixed address or exist in orders issued by the U.S. Navy, to that place where my family is known and loved. ■

Sarah P. Weeldreyer is a proud Navy wife, mother of two sons and one dog, and a freelance writer and editor. Read more of her work at sarahpweels.com.

Peace, Love, Namaste

Gayle Fleming is a go-with-the-flow kind of person. It’s served her well.

GAYLE FLEMING USES the word “bippie” (Black hippie) to describe her journey through life. Today she’s a yoga instructor at Sun & Moon Yoga Studio in Cherrydale, but the events that led her to that place were about as linear as a butterfly in flight.

Raised in Oakland, California, Fleming graduated from high school in 1966 and joined the Black Panther Party a short time later.

“Mostly I was a foot soldier— working in the office, participating in rallies, selling the party newspaper,” says the Arlington resident, now 74.

“In those early days, women really had no leadership roles. The sexism in the party, among other things, is a primary reason that I left and joined the fledgling women’s movement. The party also became very corrupt. My expectations of equality and integrity were sadly not met.”

Plus, she says, “I would never touch a gun or smoke cigarettes or weed or drink alcohol. I was there for the politics. I left after two years when it became more of a criminal enterprise.”

In 1975, Fleming moved to Santa Cruz with her young daughter, Malaak (which means “angel” in Arabic), in tow. “I didn’t have a career in mind,” says the free spirit. “I wanted a simpler, more peaceful life. We had a garden. I rode my bicycle.”

She attended Mills College in Oakland for a time because she enjoyed learning, but didn’t feel compelled to earn a degree.

A series of jobs, mostly in retail, followed. By 1986, Fleming was in her late 30s and had talked her way into a management training program for Marriott Corp. in Washington, D.C. It ended up being a good move, though not for the obvious reasons. “I’m not really a corporate person,” she admits.

In meetings she was outspoken, particularly about policies she considered

“We are starting to pay more attention to diversity in yoga, but it is still an industry that targets skinny, young White women.”

unfair or unethical. “The company was glad when I left,” she laughs. “I was clearly not going to rise up the corporate ladder.”

The upside was that it brought her to the D.C. area, where the politically minded activist could sit in on congressional debates. Despite her initial fears that Virginia would feel like “the Deep South,” she was cheered to discover that Arlington was willing to embrace a bippie. “I loved it when we used to refer to Arlington as the ‘Peo-

ple’s Republic of Arlington.’ I love South Arlington’s diversity. I love the proximity to bike paths and all the green space,” she says. “My daughter and I moved into Lee Heights, a [mostly] White neighborhood in North Arlington, the year Virginia elected its first Black governor, Doug Wilder.”

It was also in Arlington that Fleming’s passion for yoga and meditation bloomed and began to define her. She had been practicing both since the mid1970s—a time before yoga mats and

■ familiar faces

lululemon—being self-taught from a book. In 1997, she started taking classes at Sun & Moon on Lee Highway (now Langston Boulevard). By 1999, she was teaching there.

In 2003, Fleming opened her own studio, Samata Yoga, on Columbia Pike. “A very low percentage of yoga teachers and students are people of color,” she says. “They don’t meet the color or body image. It’s ironic because yoga is about the oneness of humanity.”

Samata Yoga was open for three years until 2006, when she had to close up shop to make way for redevelopment. Today, a Starbucks occupies the space.

Fleming now splits her time between a condo in Arlington Heights and New York City, where her daughter lives. Malaak Compton-Rock was married to comedian Chris Rock from 1996

to 2016 and is now a humanitarian, author and mother of three daughters—Lola, Zahra and Ntombi. Fleming dotes on all of them.

Her days in Arlington are consumed by long bike rides, intermittent work as a real estate agent (she earned her license in 1989) and her abiding passion for yoga. She is back to teaching at Sun & Moon and will lead a class for seniors through a county program this summer. “I have a totally different yoga practice now than I had when I was younger,” she says. “I know how yoga can complement people as they age. We are starting to pay more attention to diversity in yoga, but it is still an industry that targets skinny, young White women. There is very little attention to seniors.”

She continues: “I am a traditional yoga teacher in that I don’t think of it

as exercise. I integrate meditation into my classes. Yoga was meant to be about mind/body/spirit.”

Despite—or perhaps because of—a life in which she was content to simply see what happened next, Fleming has ended up in a place where she is happy. She has written two unpublished novels and has a close circle of family and friends.

Though she admits to feeling fairly pessimistic about the state of the world in 2022, yoga and meditation continue to lift her spirit. “I don’t believe everything good can be found on the outside,” she says. “I have to find an inner sanctuary. When I am able to dig deep and meditate, I can find a sense of inner peace.” ■

Tamar Abrams is a writer who enjoys asking questions of interesting people. She currently lives in Falls Church City.

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Kerby Long is Hyperlocal

As a life-long Arlingtonian, an athlete, and a member of a top real estate team, Kerby knows what it takes to get his clients to the finish line. Kerby uses his local expertise to help his clients navigate through the ever-challenging process of buying or selling a home. At McEnearney, we take an authentic approach to representing our clients in every step of the process because our associates are more than just agents - we live here, we work here, and we invest in the communities where we do business. Connect with Kerby to get your journey started with McEnearney Associates.

Kerby Long, McEnearney Associate

The Chamberlin Brothers

FACES 2022

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

ARLINGTON | FALLS CHURCH | MCLEAN

2022 FACES

The Face of

Academic Excellence

David C. Wesley, Brigadier General, USAF (Ret), President, and Students, Randolph-Macon Academy

JOSEPH

D.

A private, co-ed boarding school for grades 6-12, R-MA offers a university-prep curriculum with an elite Air Force JROTC program preparing graduates to pursue lives of meaning and success. Every year, 100 percent of graduates are accepted to top universities. The Class of 2021 graduated 50 students who received over $12.3 million in scholarships.

This year, world-renowned institutions welcoming R-MA graduates included Cornell, Johns Hopkins, William & Mary, Vanderbilt, RIT, Virginia Tech, Smith College, UVA, Northeastern,

Northwestern, VMI, Carnegie Mellon, UC Irvine and NYU. R-MA also had 15 acceptances to Service Academies—more than any single graduating class in the nation.

Students graduate ready to take on the challenges of an everchanging world. Chat with admissions counselors or visit the 135acre campus to begin your journey.

540-636-5200 www.RMA.edu

2022 FACES

The Face of 22205 Real Estate

Betsy Twigg, Associate Broker | McEnearney Associates, Inc. REALTORS

Westover Village is at the heart of the 22205 zip code and John Ayers was its heart. The longtime owner of the hardware and variety store that bears his name had a simple philosophy: “We take time to care.” Betsy Twigg follows that simple philosophy as she helps hundreds of people buy, sell and rent homes.

Like 22205’s colonials, ramblers, split levels, duplexes, garden apartments and townhouses, buyers and sellers are also an eclectic mix. As Betsy guides clients through the

process, she shares the more than 100 years of history that formed the homes and neighborhoods that are shaping the future of Arlington.

“What a pleasure it is to help people buy, sell and rent homes in a neighborhood that takes time to care,” she says.

The Face of Academic & Executive Function Coaching

Wendy

Weinberger, President & Co-Founder

Illuminos

Wendy Weinberger is co-founder and president of Illuminos, a premier academic coaching and tutoring company supporting students struggling with executive functioning skills. In her words, “We don’t just teach students what to learn–we teach them how to learn.”

A mom of five, Georgetown Law Graduate and former General Counsel & COO, Wendy grew up with close family members managing learning differences. She left her thriving legal career to expand her cousin’s successful, Texas-based Academic Coaching & Executive Function Program to the D.C. Metro region.

Wendy’s intellect, empathy and nurturing spirit are woven into the fabric of Illuminos. Illuminos’ approach is unique, individualized and holistic. Their expert coaches work one-on-one with students, teaching critical foundational skills such as organization, time management, and communication while supporting subject-matter needs.

571-313-5163 | www.illuminos.co

The Face of

Adolescent Sports Medicine

Suzanne Jaffe Walters, MD | OrthoBethesda at VHC

Dr. Suzanne Jaffe Walters is board certified in both orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. She has over 15 years of experience taking care of athletes of all ages and a particular interest in treating the young competitor. Conservative in her approach, she specializes in minimally invasive techniques that take into account the needs of a growing child.

Dr. Walters has completed fellowships in pediatric and adolescent sports medicine at Harvard’s Boston Children’s

Hospital and pediatric orthopaedics at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Walters maintains her own rigorous sports schedule as well as that of her two children. Whether the injury occurs on the playground or the playing field, she is dedicated to providing the best care possible to get your child back in the game.

703-567-4706 www.orthobethesda.com

The Face of Bicycling Realty

Natalie U. Roy | Bicycling Realty Group (BRG), KW Metro Center

Before real estate, Natalie Roy worked as an environmental professional and community activist for more than 30 years.

“I use my advocacy and community experience to help clients realize their real estate goals,” she says, “whether it’s selling quickly at the best possible price or finding the perfect home.”

Natalie specializes in Arlington and covers much of Northern Virginia. She and her husband recently updated their 2022 Homebuyer’s Guide to Arlington neighborhoods for clients new

to the area. A biking enthusiast, Natalie and her team also offer bicycling realty services. “There’s no better way to check out a community than by biking through it,” she says. “Schedule a bike house-hunting tour today for a fun and informative real estate workout. We also house hunt by car, foot and Metro!”

703-819-4915

www.bicyclingrealty.com

The Face of Bunion Surgery

Steven Neufeld, MD | Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center

Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (CAO)

An orthopedic specialist who has worked in the area for 22 years, Dr. Neufeld is a board-certified foot and ankle expert, and the most experienced surgeon in the area performing minimally invasive bunion corrections. He focuses his practice on this procedure. He has published the first USbased study on minimally invasive bunion surgery and chairs an annual international course on minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery.

Dr. Neufeld’s techniques offer smaller incisions, less pain

and faster recoveries. They reduce scarring and swelling and can be done without general anesthesia. Named a “Top Doc” in Washingtonian and other major publications, he is the go-to specialist for minimally invasive foot, ankle and bunion surgery. “It’s a game-changer for my patients with no cast or crutches needed, and they are walking and driving right away.”

The Face of A College Admissions Expert

Brian Giroux, Founder/CEO | IvySummit College Consulting

IvySummit is the area’s premier college consulting firm specializing in acceptances to selective universities in the US, UK and Canada. Brian Giroux leads a talented and highly experienced team of editing specialists and college counselors who are experts in application building, with a special focus on prestigious STEM programs.

The number of applications through the Common App has gone up more than 20% since the 2019-2020 application season. And since schools are now placing a greater emphasis on early decision, early action, extracurriculars and essays,

applying to top 50 schools has become more complex.

“Our consultants know firsthand what leading universities want in a student,” says Brian Giroux, founder of IvySummit.

“Our metro area and global students have been accepted to the world’s most selective colleges, including Stanford, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, MIT, CalTech, UPenn and more. Our coaches will guide you through every step of the admission process.”

SARAH GOLDMAN

The

Community Banking

“Community is not just part of our name, it’s the foundation of everything we do,” says Arlington Community Federal Credit Union President & CEO Karen Rosales.

ACFCU always offers great rates, but it’s their passion for financially empowering the people and businesses of Arlington and beyond that makes the credit union different. Through financial education programs for schools and nonprofits, partnerships with local organizations, and products that enable the financial goals of community members, ACFCU makes a positive impact on the community every day. This is local banking at its best. ACFCU also serves people living or working in Falls Church, Alexandria or Fairfax County with the same remarkable service Arlington members have enjoyed for years.

| www.arlingtoncu.org

2022 FACES

The Face of

CommuterFriendly Real Estate

Kris Thomas, Realtor ®

Keller Williams

As your Realtor, Kris can make a real difference in your life, personally and professionally. By finding you a new home in close-in areas, she makes your life easier and takes the stress out of getting to and from wherever you want to be. Quality of life is a big part of living in Northern Virginia and Kris can help.

Kris has built her business by referral, serving every client with integrity and giving back to her community. She has earned the NVAR Top Producer Award year after year. “I love what I do,” she says. “I’m your biggest advocate during negotiations and a resource for anything you need long after the closing.”

If you want to participate in our off-market listing portal, email me at kristhomas@kw.com.

202-695-3120

www.sweetnestdc.com

The Face of The Concierge Realtor

Alyssa Cannon, Licensed in VA | McEnearney Associates

Before becoming a top Arlington Realtor, Alyssa perfected her client service as concierge at one of D.C.’s most prestigious hotels. That concierge expertise of bringing highly responsive and exceptional attention to detail is what truly sets her apart. Born in D.C. and raised in the suburbs, she is a true Washingtonian, delivering unique local knowledge, intimate familiarity with the area and valuable insights her clients deeply appreciate.

Between her master’s in real estate and keeping her finger on the pulse of this market, Alyssa can price properties and negotiate deals with great skill. Working with Alyssa brings a high level of care and attention to every client, with appreciation for their needs, dedication to their best interests, and the desire to build lasting, loyal relationships.

| www.AlyssaCannon.com

The Face of Cosmetic Dentistry

Michael Paesani, DMD | NOVA Dental Studio

Dr. Paesani and his team offer general dentistry and cosmetic services for patients of all ages. NOVA Dental Studio provides everything from fillings, implants, crowns and bridges, to veneers, Invisalign and teeth whitening for area patients with busy lifestyles. A longtime fixture in the community, the practice has served Arlington families for many years.

“We use the latest technology to provide the most precise fit and design,” he says. “Aspects like custom shading are specific to each patient to avoid ‘cookie-cutter’ cosmetics. This offers

a more natural appearance, instead of the blocky, opaque look that poorly executed veneers often have.”

Each year, Dr. Paesani participates in industry-leading continuing education in dental care to ensure he provides the most up-to-date techniques in tooth replacement and ceramic esthetics.

Schedule an introductory appointment today.

703-237-7725

novadentalstudio.com

MICHAEL VENTURA

The Face of Cosmetic Dermatology

Randa Khoury, MD, FAAD

Meet Dr. Randa Khoury, also known as your skin savior! For years, Dr. Khoury has been the magic maker behind some of Washington’s favorite faces, and she is delighted to welcome everyone to her practice.

As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Khoury believes the best cosmetic results come from starting with a foundation of healthy skin. She loves to partner with her patients to understand and help them reach their individual aesthetic goals. There is no one-size-fits-all approach with Dr. Khoury—her commitment to evidence-based treatments and personalized attention to each patient’s needs and preferences are what set her apart in her field. Dr. Khoury and her wonderful team keep us looking and feeling our best, and they look forward to doing the same for you!

The Face of Cosmetic Surgery

Talal Munasifi, MD & James Economides, MD Advanced Plastic Surgery Center (APSC)

Renowned for providing consistent and natural results, Board Certified Plastic Surgeons Drs. Munasifi and Economides are recognized for their talents and excellence. The practice offers a comprehensive suite of cosmetic services, including expert breast augmentation, lift and reduction procedures; tummy tucks; mommy makeovers; body contouring; VASER liposuction and male plastic surgery. They are also renowned for facelifts and eyelid surgery. In addition to surgical

procedures, they offer a wide range of nonsurgical services such as Botox®, dermal filler injections, FRAXEL laser skin resurfacing and noninvasive skin tightening. The Center provides high-quality services and a positive experience from start to finish.

703-841-0399

advancedplasticsurgerycenter.com

The Face of

Cut, Color & Style

Salon Virage

Recognized as a top salon in the metro area by Washingtonian, Arlington and Northern Virginia magazines, Salon Virage focuses on clients’ needs through great consultations. Their master stylists stay on top of trends and are continuously updating their knowledge through professional classes from leaders in the industry. Your stylist can transform trends into either everyday looks or styles that stand out.

“Clients that visit us are looking for something new. They want

something different but they’re unsure what look suits them best,” says Fadi, owner of Salon Virage. “Our team takes the time to address any questions a client might have about their hair and suggests what works best for the client based on their hair goals. Our aim is to find a look that’s personally tailored for you.”

2022 FACES

The Face of Design Build

Michael Sauri | TriVistaUSA Design + Build

Michael and his wife Deborah don’t come from the traditional builder background. He was a rock ‘n roll guitarist and she an artist. But they’ve thrived for over 16 years in the Arlington market precisely because so many clients want something more than a traditional cookie-cutter home. “We deliver creative solutions, rooted in resource-efficient building techniques and a deep appreciation of Arlington that will inform a new build or remodeling project,” he says. “Plus, we have a lot of fun building cool projects for cool clients.”

Their 40+ awards for excellence include Best Remodeler 2022, as voted by Arlington Magazine’s readers, and a 2022 Houzz Best in Design. Michael is a sought-after speaker, Professional Remodeling Organization (PRO) Mid-Atlantic chapter president, and valued advisor to other companies in the U.S. and Canada.

703-243-3171 www.TriVistaUSA.com

The Face of Divorce Law

Grenadier,

Duffett, Levi, Winkler & Rubin, P.C.

Grenadier, Duffett, Levi, Winkler & Rubin, P.C. practices exclusively in the area of family law in Northern Virginia. The eight attorneys each have at least a decade of experience in this field, with most of the attorneys having between 15 and 30 years of litigation experience in family law. The firm strategizes to achieve the best possible outcome that is uniquely tailored for each case. They pride themselves on the care and attention they bring to clients, recognizing that divorce litigation is one of the most difficult events in clients’ lives.

The firm has offices in Alexandria, Virginia and Reston, Virginia. To schedule a confidential conference with one of the attorneys, please call (703) 683-9000, or to read more about each attorney, go to vafamilylaw.com/our-team.

703-683-9000 www.vafamilylaw.com

Left to right: John T. Winkler, II, Esq. Ilona E. Grenadier, Esq., & Carolyn M. Abbate, Esq. (Alexandria, VA office)

The Face of Downsizing

Anna Novak, Owner | Simply Downsized

Anna Novak helps her clients navigate the complex process of whole-home downsizing, estate closeouts, and transitions to retirement or senior living. Anna handily vets and coordinates professional services that include sorting and packing, interior design, estate and auction solutions, handyman services, junk haulers, movers, housecleaners, and real estate agents on your behalf.

Anna provides the encouragement, hands-on help and

behind-the-scenes negotiating that simplifies decision-making and makes the whole transition easier for everyone involved. “Downsizing can be an emotional and physical challenge, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Call us first for custom, affordable solutions for your downsizing move.”

703-237-1493

Anna@simplydownsized.com

The Face of Employment Law

Broderick C. Dunn, Esq. | Cook Craig & Francuzenko, PLLC

A firm partner, Broderick Dunn helps individuals and small businesses navigate litigation and counsels clients in dispute avoidance. Focusing on labor and employment counseling and litigation, he represents federal government and private sector employees as well as employers. Licensed in Virginia and Maryland as well as federal courts in the District of Columbia, his practice also covers business torts, creditor’s rights and constitutional law. For the past several years, he’s been honored

by Super Lawyers in the area of Employment Litigation. He was also recently named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite in the area of Labor and Employment Law. Mr. Dunn is a graduate of Woodberry Forest School, Williams College and Washington & Lee University School of Law.

703-865-7480 www.cookcraig.com

The Face of Estate & Trust Planning

JM Law, PLLC

Every estate plan at JM Law is tailored to you and your unique situation. Our carefully crafted plans will give you the peace of mind that you’re protecting what matters most: yourself, your loved ones and your legacy. We provide comprehensive estate, tax, gift and charitable planning for clients throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Jessica Marchegiano, an experienced estate attorney who is passionate about providing smart, thoughtful estate and trust planning and administration, leads our team. Kristen House focuses on advanced estate planning and trust administration. Michael Dietz assists clients with will and trust-based planning.

In addition, our attorneys form the core of Cassaday & Company’s estate planning department, providing strategic advice to the wealth management firm’s clients. What clients say about JM Law: “Thorough. Knowledgeable. Patient. Put me at ease. They really listen. Exceptional. A pleasure to work with.”

703-956-5738 www.jmlegacyplanning.com

to

From left

right: Kristen House, Michael Dietz and Jessica Marchegiano

The Face of Evidence-Based Education

The Linder Academy

The Linder Academy has had a big impact on the local education scene. As Carpenter explains, “We have an inclusive population of students that is about 1/3 typically developing, 1/3 with a developmental or learning disability, and 1/3 that are gifted or twice exceptional. Because we cohort based on skill level, we can have a fourth grader taking Algebra I but working on second-grade writing skills.”

Schools have operated in the silo of education for too long, with serious delays incorporating research from other fields. To design an exceptional program requires knowledge of cognitive neuroscience,

developmental psychology, education, literacy and numeracy. Staff specialists allow Linder Academy to reflect current knowledge about educating kids and developing enthusiastic lifelong learners.

The Linder Academy has campuses in both Old Town Alexandria and McLean.

225-266-7866 www.TheLinderAcademy.com

Left to right: Jordan Armstrong, Kristin Carpenter and Amber Sullivan

The Face of Falls Church Real Estate

ROCK STAR Realty Group, KW Metro Center

#LiveLocalFC—We love our Falls Church Eateries! Join us at our favorites: Audacious Aleworks, Baddpizza, Bakeshop, Borek-G, Café Kindred, Caribbean Plate, Clare & Don’s, Cuates Grill, Dogwood Tavern, Dominion Wine & Beer, Elevation Burger, El Patron, Fairfax Deli, Fanny’s, Fatouche, Fava Pot, Flippin’ Pizza, Happy Tart, Harvey’s, Hot N Juicy Crawfish, Huong Viet, Ireland’s Four Provinces, Italian Café, JV’s Restaurant, Koi Koi Sushi & Roll, Lantern House, Lazy Mike’s, Liberty Barbecue, Lil City Creamery, Lucky Thai, Luzmary’s, Luzmila’s, Maneki Neko,

Northside Social, Original Pancake House, Panjshir, Pho 88, Pizzeria Orso, Plaka Grill, Preservation Biscuit, Pupuseria La Familiar, Rania’s, Rare Bird Coffee, Saffron Indian Cuisine, Settle Down Easy Brewing, Sfizi Café, Solace Outpost, Spacebar, Spin Pollo, Super Chicken, Sweet Rice, Taco Rock, Takumi, Tasty Dumpling, Thompson Italian, Wild Tacoz, Yayla Bistro.

703-867-8674

ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com

TONY

The Face of Family Law

Mullett Dove & Bradley Family Law, PLLC

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

Firm services are tailored to the unique circumstances of each client. The attorneys make every effort to reach resolution through amicable negotiations, mediation or the collaborative

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

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

The Face of Financial Planning

Gregory S. Smith, CFP®, ChFC®, CPWA®, CTFA Managing Director, Senior Financial Planner | Wise Investor Group

Greg Smith, one of the Wise Investor Group’s three Managing Directors, is an instrumental voice on the financial planning side of the team. He helps clients by identifying, quantifying and developing a set of financial goals to reflect what’s most important to each individual and then puts them on the path to accomplishing those goals.

Alongside several teammates, Greg has been consistently recognized as one of the top advisors in the nation by leading publications like Barron’s, Forbes and Financial Times. These

recognitions reflect client success and satisfaction, which is his highest aspiration.

“Although these are uncertain, challenging times, our top priority remains staying unwaveringly connected with clients,” he says. “We work hard to be there for clients through frequent and interactive reviews, no matter the market conditions.”

866-758-9473

www.thewiseinvestorgroup.com

The Face of First-Time Buyers & Sellers

Ashley Alperin, Realtor | KW Metro Center

Ashley Alperin joined KW Metro Center following a 15-year career near Boston. Her well-honed negotiation skills and aptitude for relationship building have made her a top agent since moving to D.C. in 2014.

Previously, she and her husband partnered in the acquisition, building and selling of new luxury homes. In addition to offering an unparalleled perspective on new construction, Ashley possesses a keen understanding of the psychology of real estate.

“Understanding the emotions engaged during a real estate transaction and being able to manage and problem solve when needed is the apex of my success with first time home buyers and sellers,” Ashley says. “And it’s truly why, after 20 years, I still find such excitement with every client I get the opportunity to help.”

The Face of Foot & Ankle Surgery

Matthew Buchanan, MD | Nirschl Orthopaedic Center

Dr. Matthew Buchanan is an orthopaedic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience. He has dedicated his practice to the foot and ankle. Dr. Buchanan has received numerous accolades, including Washingtonian and Arlington Magazine Top Doctor.

One of the region’s leading minimally invasive (MIS) bunion correction experts, Dr. Buchanan also excels at total ankle replacement, sports injuries, cartilage restoration, and traumatic foot and ankle injuries. Dr. Buchanan joined the

Nirschl Orthopaedic Center, a top sports medicine clinic located on the Virginia Hospital Center campus in Arlington.

An active sports enthusiast, Dr. Buchanan understands a patient’s desire for a quick recovery. “When a foot or ankle condition has you on the sidelines, let me help you develop a treatment plan that gets you back in the action.”

703-525-2200

Nirschl.com

The Face of Hand Surgery

Subir S. Jossan, MD, Vice President & Founder The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics

Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon Dr. Jossan specializes in nonoperative and operative treatment of upper extremity problems of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. He treats pediatric, adolescent and adult patients. He received his fellowship training in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery from Yale University. He has been named a “Top Doctor” from 2005-2021 in Washingtonian Magazine, “Top Doctor” in Northern Virginia magazine and one of the 2017 “Top Hand Surgeons” for the entire country in US News.

A resident of Arlington for the past 15 years, he has held many leadership roles in his medical career. He is currently serving as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, as well as the Chief Transformational Officer of Medvanta. Dr Jossan has office locations in Fair Oaks and Manassas.

703-393-1667

www.cfaortho.com

The Face of Health & Wellness

Chanda Macias, PhD | National Holistic Healing Center

Dr. Chanda Macias is a cannabis pioneer. In 2015, she became the nation’s first Black woman medical cannabis operator as CEO of National Holistic™ Healing Center (NHHC), the leading medical marijuana dispensary in Washington, D.C. She is also CEO of Ilera Holistic Healthcare, partnered in Louisiana with Southern University, which became the first HBCU in the country to launch hemp-based CBD and then cannabis-based THC products. She also serves as chairwoman

of the board of managers and CEO for Women Grow, and first vice chair of the National Cannabis Roundtable Board. Dr. Chanda has two degrees (BS and PhD) from Howard University and an MBA from Rutgers University. She sits on numerous boards in the industry.

The Face of

A Healthy Dental Lifestyle

Manisha Grover, DDS | Clarendon Dental Arts

“Our Mouth, Mind and Body philosophy means we don’t just fix problems reactively, but we treat the root cause of the issue, not just the symptoms,” says Dr. Manisha Grover.

With 57 known links between oral and systemic diseases, the team at Clarendon Dental Arts not only identifies your risk factors but modifies your oral health care before disease processes occur. “We use state of the art technology, saliva and bacterial

testing, and assess the individual health and lifestyle habits of all our patients to obtain and maintain optimal dental health.” Clarendon Dental Arts not only creates beautiful smiles, most importantly, they help save lives.

703-525-5901

2022 FACES

The Face of

Home Loans

Monument Home Loans

Home mortgages are what Monument does—and all it does. With no juggling of auto loans, ATMs and asset management, the focus is solely on ensuring every client has a smooth and predictable financing experience. Monument’s team works with clients from all backgrounds—first-time buyers, experienced buyers, refinancing, jumbo loans, self-employed, credit-challenged—and is adept at finding the right options for any situation.

Monument understands mortgages should not be onesize-fits-all, offering one of the widest arrays of mortgage products in the DMV, and works closely with clients to identify the program that best meets their needs and goals.

Regardless of a customer’s circumstances, the Monument team has one objective—to close loans on time, as expected, and as efficiently as possible.

The Face of Inside-the-Beltway Real Estate

Michael Rodgers | RE/MAX Allegiance

Mike brings a unique perspective to real estate clients due to his background in diplomatic affairs. This experience enables him to negotiate for his clients at an advanced level. Extremely dedicated, he takes pride in assisting clients with all their real estate needs. He lives in McLean with his family, a loving, doting husband and father to two young daughters. Other interests include training for marathons and travel.

From a client, Ghandi G: “Mike is a very resourceful and professional agent. He invested time and energy in every property we saw and never made us feel like a burden or inconvenience. His relationships in the industry and local market saved us time and hassle. We recommend Mike, especially for high-value property purchases or sales.”

Contact Mike: 571-565-4217

2022 FACES

The Face of

Insurance

William P. Simons IV (Billy), President | Rust Insurance Agency, LLC

Rust Insurance provides full insurance solutions for nonprofits, businesses and private clients across Northern Virginia. As a longtime Trusted Choice agency and the Washington area’s oldest independent insurance agency (established in 1889), Rust Insurance works with multiple insurance carriers to offer a broad choice of insurance solutions and competitive pricing. Rust’s long-term relationships give the agency unparalleled access, options and customization for each individual need.

Rust is widely recognized by clients and carriers alike as a true asset, partner and advocate. The company is led today by President Billy Simons. “For over 133 years, Rust has been a name you can trust,” he says. “That’s a commitment to our clients that we take very seriously.”

MICHAEL VENTURA

The Face of International Buying & Selling

Jovan “J.R.” Ruzic, Principal | Three Lion Homes, Realtor ® SRS, ABR, MRP

Jovan Ruzic and Three Lion Homes of Compass stand atop elite Realtors when it comes to international and local buyers and sellers. Jovan offers cross-cultural aptitude, remarkable research skills and an extensive network of support for his clients. These qualities give Three Lion Homes of Compass a decisive edge in today’s competitive market.

Jovan, who speaks four languages fluently, is adept at navigating the subtleties of his clients’ cultural and business

standards. Over the last two years, he has sold $80 million of residential and commercial real estate to clients who come from all walks of life, including the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. State Department, World Bank and United Nations, among others. Jovan and his colleagues are excited to be of service to you.

202-596-0204 www.threelionhomes.com

The Face of

Land Use & Zoning Law

Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, P.C.

This land use and zoning team looks toward the future, closely watching for potential development and positioning themselves to assist clients in maximizing investments. They prepare and advocate their clients’ applications before local governments, and work with stakeholders on incorporating development projects, new businesses, and unique uses into the local neighborhood.

Zoning cases vary from drive-through restaurants to Fortune 500 headquarters. Almost all projects involve understanding community concerns, environmental sustainability, and historic preservation issues.

Attorneys and planners spend their entire business careers in Northern Virginia and are deeply involved in the communities

that make up the fabric of our region. Established and proven relationships with city, town and county authorities, coupled with an intimate knowledge of the region, make them the Face of Land Use and Zoning Law in Virginia. 703-528-4700 www.thelandlawyers.com

Elizabeth Baker, Robert Brant, Nicholas Cumings, Kimberly Follin, Andrew Painter, Kelly Posusney, M. Catharine Puskar, Lauren Riley, Lynne Strobel, Bernard Suchicital, Kathryn Taylor, Kristen Walentisch, Art Walsh, Nan Walsh

The Face of Lawn Services

James and Tim Lo Monaco, Paul’s Best Lawn Service

A second-generation family business, Paul’s Best is a residential grounds maintenance company founded in 1979 by Tim and James’ dad, Paolo (Paul) Lo Monaco. When he retired, Paul passed his pride and commitment to customers along to his sons and employees, who take care of homeowners across Arlington today. Clients depend on Paul’s Best year after year—some for more than 25 years. “Our company is all about our people and the clients who rely on us to take care of their personal space,” says James.

Paul’s Best offers a sophisticated approach. In addition to mowing, regular cleanups and mulching, they deliver balanced turf care programs that use carbon-based fertility to create balance—adding only what the customer’s soil and lawn need to look great and perform well.

703-204-2826 www.paulsbestlawn.com

2022 FACES

The Face of

Lighting

Matthew Rowan, VP of Residential Lighting at Dominion Lighting A Division of Dominion Electric Supply Company, Inc.

Matt Rowan isn’t just focused on lighting fixtures. His industrial design training means he looks at your entire experience at home—and how light shapes it. To help demonstrate this holistic approach, Matt and his team completely re-envisioned what a lighting showroom could be and created a new brand: Dominion Lighting. “We’re selling an experience, demonstrating our deep expertise, and creating a partnership to guide our clientele through what would normally be an overwhelming process,” says Rowan. “In minutes, I can demonstrate great lighting design, color, smart controls, and

what cutting-edge LED technology can do. It’s amazing to watch a client’s initial anxiety about their project transform into excitement about the possibilities.”

The showroom and team have already won several industry and design awards, including “2021 Showroom of the Year,” “Designer’s Choice,” “Best of DC” and “Best Environment Designed for Retail.”

703-536-4400

dominionlighting.com / dominionelectric.com

The Face of Luxury Real Estate

Diane Lewis | The Lewis Team | Washington Fine Properties

Diane leads one of the region’s top teams, and she had home sales of over $53 million in 2021. She is consistently recognized as a top-producing agent. Her success comes from unparalleled knowledge of the neighborhoods and markets around North Arlington, blended with excellent guidance, honesty and treating all her clients like family. She has lived and worked in the community for over 25 years. “It’s our passion to provide first-class service, expert knowledge and trustworthy advice

to clients so they can make good real estate decisions that best reflect their lifestyles,” she says. “We pride ourselves on delivering a seamless approach to buying or selling homes, and our clients say they remember the compassionate and sincere care they received long after the transaction took place.”

703-973-7001 LewisTeam.com

The Face of McLean Real Estate

Andre Amini, Vice President | TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Andre is a top-producing Realtor in the area as well the Vice President at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. He has served home buyers and sellers in the Great Falls and McLean areas since 2008. Well-respected by his clients and peers for his unparalleled work ethic, Andre is a consummate professional whom his clients have described as passionate, energetic, knowledgeable and sincere. He will always present an honest opinion, recognizing that integrity and transparency are pillars of any trusted relationship. Customer service

and communication is his top priority while ensuring his clients understand every step of the buying and selling process.

Whether you are a homebuyer, seller or investor, Andre looks forward to discussing your unique situation and helping you achieve your real estate goals. 703-622-4473 www.andreamini.ttrsir.com

The Face of Mental Health Counseling

Sunstone Counseling

For more than a decade, Sunstone Counseling’s dedicated mental health professionals have provided convenient access to counseling for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families at locations in Falls Church, Alexandria, McLean, Ashburn, Richmond and online.

Sunstone is committed to addressing Virginia’s mental health needs by employing a team of over 70 counselors who offer a wide variety of innovative, personalized and evidence-based counseling services, groups and workshops. Sunstone’s advantages include flexible scheduling, a range of price points, and both in-person

and HIPAA-compliant virtual counseling, as well as two new offices in Ashburn and Richmond.

Life is complicated but getting help shouldn’t be. Sunstone Counseling supports every age and stage of life, and our counselors are here to guide you to a brighter tomorrow.

703-534-5100

www.sunstonecounselors.com

Left to right: Amy Clay, LPC; Katie Clark, LPC, RPT, NCC and George Coyne, LCSW, Sunstone Counseling Founding Co-Owners

The Face of National Landing Real Estate

Susan Hand, Realtor | Compass

Susan Hand never thought she would live in the Aurora Hills/ Arlington Ridge neighborhood for over 20 years. “It’s been such a great experience,” she says, “with so many wonderful friendships and the walkability is fantastic.” It’s the only singlefamily neighborhood within a one-mile radius of National Landing, Amazon’s new headquarters. The company has invested heavily in many exciting new opportunities, with plenty of shops, parks, restaurants and entertainment experiences. “It lives like a small

town with Halloween parades and Santa visiting on a fire engine at Christmas, and it’s just a stone’s throw from downtown D.C., Reagan National Airport, Old Town Alexandria and Metro.” Susan Hand knows the area well and the options that are available in all price ranges. Let her show you around.

703-608-5056 susanhand.com

The Face

of Neuro-Diverse Education

Erick Johnson, Head of School | The Howard Gardner School

The Howard Gardner School is an intentionally small, independent, experiential school serving grades 6-12 on two campuses (Alexandria and Fairfax-Loudoun). Our mission is to help bright, creative, non-traditional learners use their unique strengths to thrive academically, intellectually and emotionally. With a proven record of success, our students collaborate in their education and pursue hands-on, university prep academics, service learning, professional internships and field studies in an

effort to contribute to and learn from a diverse school community. We are proud and grateful to serve our mission for students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 on our Alexandria Campus, and we’re humbled to be opening our Fairfax-Loudoun Campus this fall for students in grades 9-12 for the 2022-2023 school year.

703-822-9300

www.TheHowardGardnerSchool.org

2022 FACES

The Face

of

North Arlington Real Estate

Katie Wethman, CPA, MBA

The Wethman Group at Keller Williams

Not many Realtors have the career path that Katie Wethman has had: CPA, MBA at University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and then Deloitte Consulting, Corporate Executive Board and Freddie Mac before entering the real estate business. Now, she and her team work with homebuyers and sellers throughout Virginia, Maryland and D.C.

The Wethman Group has assisted hundreds of clients over nearly 20 years and is passionate about educating clients to guide them toward better decisions. “Everyone on our team earns our clients’ trust, encouraging them to think through all their options. Whether we’re helping clients buy a great home or making sure sellers maximize their ROI on a sale, we are proud to be trusted business advisors for our clients,” she says.

703-655-7672

www.WethmanGroup.com

The Face of Old Town Real Estate

Will & Marcella Oakley | The Oakley Group, RLAH Real Estate

Few people have deeper roots and a stronger love for Old Town and its distinctive neighborhoods than these two. Both retired police detectives, they met when they were both working in the city, and they know every street and sidewalk.

“We have a special place in our hearts for Old Town,” says Marcella. “It’s growing into a big city, but it really is still a small town and a wonderful place to live.” The as love the area for the same reasons any buyer would: a

welcoming vibe, the Torpedo Factory, walkability, farmers’ markets, running trails, the marina, historic architecture and so much more.

When you’re looking at Old Town, look to the Realtors who know it best.

The Face of

Orange Line Real Estate

Laurie Mensing, Realtor | Long & Foster/Christie’s International/McLean

Not only is Laurie the number one agent for Long & Foster/ McLean, she also leads the entire NOVA region for Long & Foster/Christie’s International. She is consistently ranked in the top one percent of Realtors nationwide.

“I will work tirelessly to sell your home or help you find the right home to fit your needs.” Licensed in Virginia, Maryland and D.C., she works at all price points with clients from all corners of the world and has helped buy and sell homes from

$250,000 to more than $16 million. Clients appreciate her intimate knowledge of Arlington neighborhoods. She is wellversed with Arlington schools and understands each client has unique needs. Laurie has resources to meet the needs of any buyer or seller!

703-965-8133 www.lauriemensing.com

The Face of Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Francisco T. Carlos, DMD, MSD | Northern Virginia Periodontics

Dr. Carlos has been part of the Northern Virginia community since 2013. He strives to develop an individualized approach that addresses your needs and supports your dental goals, while improving your quality of life. He believes in establishing a relationship based on trust and understanding with his patients, and in providing them with the resources to confidently participate in the decision-making process.

Dr. Carlos received his B.A. from College of the Holy Cross in 2003 and his D.M.D. from the University of

Connecticut in 2007. He pursued advanced training in periodontics and dental implants at the Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia.

Dr. Carlos specializes in laser gum disease treatment (LANAP®), gum grafting and dental implant therapy, with a special emphasis on full-arch implant therapy.

703-534-1766 (Falls Church), 703-683-0117 (Alexandria) www.northernvaperio.com

The Face of Radiology

Justin Zakia, CEO | Fairfax Radiology Centers, LLC

“Training matters, experience matters and technology matters when choosing healthcare,” says Zakia. “Treating each person with respect and compassion matters just as much.”

Fairfax Radiology Centers provides leading-edge medical imaging at 20 conveniently located outpatient centers in Northern Virginia. With more than 90 radiologists and 650 team members, FRC is the largest radiology practice in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

“Patients have a choice,” Zakia continues. “Not all imaging is the same. Every Fairfax Radiology doctor is subspecialty

trained with more medical breadth and depth than other area radiology practices,” he says. “Plus, our whole team puts the ‘care’ in healthcare.”

Fairfax Radiology offers MRI, CT, ultrasound, PET, nuclear medicine, fine-needle aspiration, diagnostic X-ray and breast imaging services, including 3D mammography and breast biopsies.

703-698-4488 fairfaxradiology.com

MICHAEL VENTURA

The Face of Saving Teeth

Prestige Dental Specialists

Prestige Dental Specialists is a collaboration of two dental specialties that save teeth and preserve natural dentition. We are the face of saving teeth in the DMV area. Our practice combines endodontic and periodontic disciplines, which focus on the foundation of a healthy smile. Root canal treatment and regeneration of gums and bones are our primary goal in preserving your natural teeth.

At Prestige Dental Specialists, we believe in passion for the work we do in restoring your smile and dental health. Precision in

every procedure by using state of the art technology. Perfection of our skills achieved by offering an exclusive number of procedures. We invite you to visit us and find out what sets our practice apart, in helping you achieve a healthy and confident smile.

703-462-9092 www.prestigedentalspecialists.com

Left to right: Anna Sidor, Yousuf Aboosi, Norachai Eddy Phisuthikul

Allan Javery, Chef | The Pinemoor

Welcome to The Pinemoor! Arlington, Virginia’s southern-style restaurant features prime cuts of meat, fresh seafood specialties and seasonal fare. Along with an exceptional meal, our madefrom-scratch craft cocktails and extensive wine menu are set to be enjoyed in a cozy, fun environment focused on a personalized guest experience. The Pinemoor offers true southern hospitality. Book your dining reservation or stop by and check out the bar and dog-friendly patio with a retractable roof. The restaurant is located directly off the Clarendon Metro Stop on N. Highland St. in downtown Arlington.

571-970-2592 www.thepinemoor.com

MICHAEL VENTURA

The Face of

TMJ Therapy & Sleep Apnea

Jeffrey L. Brown, DDS, Fellow AACFP | Sleep & TMJ Therapy

Focusing completely on TMD and sleep apnea, Dr. Brown and his team tailor treatment to your unique needs. They focus on getting to the root of your discomfort. Patients with sleep issues or TMJ symptoms (pain in the head, neck, jaw, etc.) find the diagnostic process provides answers. Dr. Brown takes a whole-body approach toward his treatment, extending to other healthcare providers as massage or physical therapies. His expertise allows him to identify and treat the underlying problems conservatively with intraoral

appliances. Treatment can result in reduced symptoms, aligned cranial bones, improved breathing and jaw joint placement in the correct anatomical position allowing for the disc to migrate back into place. The team is devoted to helping patients function optimally, sleep better and live symptom-free lives.

703-821-1103 www.sleepandtmjtherapy.com

The Face of

A Top Real Estate Producer

Ann Wilson, Associate Broker | KW Metro Center | Ann Wilson Homes

“Ann and Sean Wilson are the best in the Northern Virginia area.” When your clients use words like these to describe you, you know you are doing something right. It’s just one of the many accolades Ann and Sean have received, and they’re also known for their professionalism, clear communication skills and sound advice.

Ann’s honors include NVAR Life Top Producers Club and Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club. Other awards include Washingtonian Best Realtor 2015-2021; Northern Virginia

Best Realtor 2015-2022; Virginia Living Best Realtor, 20182022; Arlington Magazine Top Producer 2019-2022, and she was one of the top 1000 Realtors nationwide in Real Trends. An Associate Broker with GRI, ABR, CRS, CLHS and EcoBroker designations, she is licensed in Virginia and the District. Sean is also licensed in Virginia and the District.

703-328 0532

www.annwilsonhomes.com

The Face of Trusted Financial Advice Washington Wealth Advisors

Washington Wealth Advisors is a fee-only registered investment advisory firm committed to helping clients reach their financial goals. We most often serve busy families, executives, women building wealth and small business owners who seek to elevate their financial planning approach with a trusted partner.

“Our planning and investment approach targets your unique goals, time horizon and risk profile,” says Todd. “As a fiduciary, our fundamental obligation has your best interests at the forefront of our advice.”

“As independent advisors, we value each of our unique client

relationships and support our clients’ changing financial needs— both before and after retirement,” adds Ann. “Moreover, we help our clients become financially organized, so that they can keep themselves on track toward their goals.”

Offering complimentary initial consultations. 703-584-2700

Left to right: Robert Schneider, Ann Blakey, CFP®, Maura Schauss, CFP®, and Todd Youngdahl, CFP®

The Face of Wealth Management Chevy Chase Trust

An independent, privately owned investment management firm, Chevy Chase Trust has local roots dating back more than 100 years. The team specializes in building long-term portfolios of companies positioned to exploit powerful, secular trends; disruptive ideas; innovation and economic forces. Client portfolios are managed internally, using strategies designed to create portfolios of individual stocks and bonds. Personalized financial planning is also done in-house and informs each client’s investment strategy and asset allocation. Outside managers are avoided. There are no additional fees, and clients have direct access to decision-makers.

With more than 100 employees and deep experience in every kind of market, Chevy Chase Trust is large enough to offer world-class expertise and service, yet small enough to offer a personal approach to comprehensive wealth management.

From Left: Laly Kassa, Marc Wishkoff, Deborah Gandy & Jast Sohi

The Face of Young Learners Congressional School

Congressional enjoys a distinctive legacy of excellence in the arts, both performing and visual, fostered by an outstanding faculty and strong curriculum. We understand the importance of the arts as a part of a balanced education and the role it plays in connecting students to other academic disciplines. The arts enhance student creativity, build confidence in self-expression, heighten analytical thinking and help students to fulfill their academic potential. Speech, drama, music and art are infused throughout Congressional’s curriculum, often joining with other subjects for

multi-disciplinary learning. Partnerships with organizations such as Encore Stage & Studio and DC Strings Workshop engage students with guest artists, performers and educators to further enrich their artistic experiences.

Congressional School is dedicated to young learners, infants-grade 8, in Falls Church, Virginia.

703-533-1064 www.congressionalschool.org

German-style

Bronson Bierhall

Bars Love we 12

Where to imbibe and unwind, whether you’re in the mood for a snug speakeasy, a raucous sports pub or a scruffy dive bar.

BY ADELE CHAPIN

Serious Sports

DUDLEY’S SPORT & ALE

This sprawling, 11,000-square-foot watering hole in Shirlington has more than 40 big-screen televisions, so chances are good you can commandeer one to watch the game of your choice. But for the record, this is a Penn State bar (owner Reese Gardner is an alum). Dudley’s also has a massive 20-foot projector screen that’s visible “from every seat on the main floor,” according to event manager Victoria Johnson, plus a free-to-rent party room and a large rooftop outfitted with picnic tables, umbrellas and more TVs. During happy hour, the $10 specials include burgers, wings, pitchers and house-made pies from the kitchen’s pizza oven. Bud Light, orange crushes and seltzers like Loverboy (Hello, Bravo Summer House fans) go down easy here, as do the bottles of bubbly sold for $5 during weekend brunch. 2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington (Shirlington), dudleyssportandale.com

The roof deck at Dudley’s in Shirlington TYLER DARDEN

Dudley’s general manager Eric Pollard, keeping things happy with happy hour specials

No Frills

L.A. BAR & GRILL

It’s not quite as dive-y as it was before a modest face-lift a few years back, but this homey brick pub (whose initials stand for “Lower Arlington”) is still unadorned and proud of it. “Not upscale, definitely not Irish and with no fireplaces,” its website proclaims. If you’re craving an antidote to fancy, you’ll find it here, where drop ceilings, dartboards, televisions and hot sauces labeled with masking tape (to indicate the heat level) are the ambience. The lowbrow attitude is part of the charm at this neighborhood go-to, which opened on Columbia Pike back in 2006. Cheap drinks aside, the bar is also known for its karaoke, trivia nights and extended happy hours that run until 8 p.m., plus comfort food that regulars will attest is a cut above. Drop in for Taco Tuesdays with $5 margaritas, or $8 burger nights on Wednesdays and order a Budweiser in a bottle, without apology. 2530 Columbia Pike, Arlington, labargrill.com

Laura Hardy engages a fellow customer during karaoke night at L.A. Bar & Grill.

DIXIE VEREEN

Queer Peers

FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR

When Freddie Lutz took over Crystal City’s Fox Hole bar 21 years ago, it was all dark wood and hunter green paint inside. “I never closed the doors, I just transitioned it to Freddie’s and started painting everything purple,” Lutz says. Drab no more, the place is now awash in pink, purple and pride, with kitschy decor like paper lanterns, feather boas, neon waves and boxes of Barbie dolls as a sort of found art project. The drinks are just as colorful, such as a “Flashing Flamingo” mixed up with watermelon and pomegranate vodka (a purple pina colada is in the works). In addition to nightly karaoke, Fred-

die’s hosts weekly drag shows, drag bingo and weekend brunch. Lutz says attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community have changed for the better over two decades, but he’s always advertised his establishment on South 23rd Street as a “gay, straight-friendly” bar—a pitch that, back in the days of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, “gave all the gay folks from the Pentagon cover to come in.” Last year, the proprietor realized another dream when he opened an outpost of Freddie’s Beach Bar that is actually near the ocean—in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. 555 23rd St. S., Arlington (Crystal City), freddiesbeachbar.com

Freddie’s Beach Bar owner Freddie Lutz

Parlor Games

SPARROW ROOM

You’d never expect a nondescript side door near a breezeway in Westpost to lead to a speakeasy-style mahjong parlor. That’s part of the hip factor of Sparrow Room, which opened in January in the back room of Scott Chung’s Taiwanese gua bao eatery, Bun’d Up. Moody and intimate with botanical wallpaper and a dark wood bar, the one-room salon has tables that can be reserved for the tilebased strategy game that originated in 19th-century China. Don’t know how to play? Sign up for a beginner class on Wednesdays (chef Andrew Lo has taught mahjong for years). The tight but inventive menu includes a few dim sum favorites (think pork or shrimp dumplings) and tantalizing cocktails featuring Chinese flavors such as lychee, oolong and chrysanthemum. “A lot of the ingredients being used in the food are also being used in the drinks,” Chung says—like the bourbon-forward Red Dragon’s Tail, made with chilies, allspice and lime. Or, try the Five Spice Fortune Manhattan, which comes garnished with a bite of crispy pork belly. 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Pentagon City), sparrowroom.com

Sparrow Room’s dreamlike space

The Sparrow Sour, made with chrysanthemum vodka and melon

Crafty Cocktails

SALT

Each week, the barkeeps at this subterranean haunt add a new “captain” to the menu. That would be a special cocktail designed for adventurous tastes. This spirited experimentation has yielded quaffs ranging from a Negroni made with cocoa nib-infused Campari to a riff on Vietnamese pho featuring Thai

basil and lemon-charred scallion syrup. (And, at one point, a tequila concoction called “It’s Lit” involving fire.) For something more traditional, the menu also offers spins on the classics, like a honey-foam-accented Bee’s Knees. No-proof partakers will appreciate that the bartenders give equal care to nonalcoholic

cocktails with intriguing ingredients like Lapsang black tea and Szechuan cranberry soda. Tucked underneath sister restaurant Open Road in Rosslyn, Salt feels a world away from the grind, with flickering lighting, cozy red booths and an inviting granite bar. 1201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn), saltrosslyn.com

Boozy alchemy at Salt in Rosslyn

Beers and Brats

BRONSON BIERHALL

This indoor-outdoor alehouse has the hallmarks of a German biergarten—communal tables, brick archways, heavy glass steins, five kinds of sausages and buttery pretzels the size of hubcaps. Hoist a half-liter or liter of Paulaner Helles lager or Franziskaner hefeweizen, or choose from a sizable draft list that also includes local brews by Aslin Beer Co., Solace Brewing Co. and Ono Brewing Co. Bronson co-owner Scott Parker traveled to Stuttgart to research the beer-centric concept, which replaced its bro-y predecessor, A-Town Bar & Grill. The result, Parker says, is “more of a German bierhall with a modern twist.” The pub fare includes hearty options like schnitzel fingers, beer cheese, fried pickles, currywurst and a crab-stuffed soft pretzel with a dusting of Old Bay. 4100 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston), bronsonbierhall.com

Beertenders at Bronson Bierhall

Roof With a View

BUENA VIDA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

At press time, Ivan Iricanin’s trilevel Mexican hot spot in Clarendon was poised to unveil a new look and revert back to its original name, Buena Vida, retiring the TTT moniker along with the casual taqueria menu that carried it through the pandemic. “I just wanted to make a statement,” says the restaurateur, who also owns nearby Ambar. With the metamorphosis, the first two floors will serve an unlimited tasting menu from new chef Jaime Garciá Pelayo Bribiesca, a Mexico City native. The reimagined rooftop lounge, designed by D.C.-based Core Architecture + Design, will be a statement in and of itself, meant to feel like a Tulum treehouse with two large bars surrounded by lush greenery. The fantastic skyline views remain, but a revamped cocktail menu promises drinks that are both sweet and savory—like an Al Pastor Margarita featuring bacon and Serrano pepper-washed tequila and crushed pineapple. 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon), buenavidarestaurant.com

Tuna ceviche

The El Jefe cocktail at Buena Vida features Zacapa rum, white vermouth, maraschino, bitters and lemon

Irish Up

THE CELTIC HOUSE

Michael McMahon knows how to pour a pint. Hailing from County Clare, Ireland, he moved to the U.S. in 1987 and spent 15 years working at The Dubliner on Capitol Hill before opening his own pub on Columbia Pike in 2014. The Celtic House has weathered Covid with a dedicated clan of regulars, including families and patrons of all ages who come not just for the ales, lagers and stouts, but also for the food menu. Irish classics like shepherd’s pie and beef stew are popular, as is the house-made corned beef and cabbage, served as an entrée or tucked into Reuben sandwiches and Irish “egg rolls.” Weekday happy hours find $6 pours of Guinness, Smithwick’s, Harp, Magners, Kilkenny and seasonal rotations. On weekends, settle in at the bar for a dram of whiskey and live music, or take in the fresh air anytime on the dogfriendly patio. 2500 Columbia Pike, Arlington, celtichouse.net

Beer o’clock at The Celtic House on Columbia Pike

Tunes and Flip-Flops

CLARE & DON’S BEACH SHACK

There are lots of places to see live music in the DMV, but not many where kids and parents can do so together. At Clare & Don’s, the music starts early, at 5:30 p.m.—well before bedtime—and the menu is kid-friendly, with options like quesadillas, corn dogs and homemade ice cream from sister restaurant Lazy Mike’s. “We’re a family restaurant,” explains David Tax, who has run the colorful cantina with his sister Rebecca for the past 17 years (first in Clarendon, hence the name, before they relocated to Falls Church City in 2007). “We mix a lot of margaritas, but our driving factor is to make a restaurant that’s accessible and really fun for all ages,” he says. Visiting and local musicians play on three stages—two outdoor, one indoor—with sounds ranging from reggae and pop to Grateful Dead covers or bluegrass. This spring and summer, the “redneck Florida” bar inspired by the Tax siblings’ youth in Gainesville aims to keep the patio rocking with live shows up to five times a week. Adults can sip frozen margs, pina coladas, and orange and grapefruit crushes made with Deep Eddy Vodka while the kids knock back virgin crushes or chocolate milk. 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church, clareanddons.com

Wall of Whiskey

MACMILLAN WHISKY ROOM

Let’s start by noting that this Mosaic District tavern needs a library ladder. Shelves of bottles stretch to the ceiling, with a selection of more than 500 whiskeys available, in addition to beer, wine and cocktails. “A lot of people say it’s like the Harry Potter whiskey room,” says proprietor Derek Anderson, who opened the bar with his wife, Emma Hand, in 2019 for enthusiasts who don’t want to drive into D.C. to go to a whiskey bar. Spirits aficionados can drop real cash here: One of the pub’s most expensive options is a 43-year-old Talisker singlemalt scotch that goes for a whopping $400 an ounce. But newbies are just as welcome, and tasting flights can help patrons discover a new favorite. There’s food, too, including Scotch eggs, smoked Gouda mac ’n’ cheese and Guinness beef pot pie. 2920 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District), themacmillan.com

A top-top-top-shelf scotch at MacMillan Whisky Room

Clare & Don’s is casual, colorful and family-friendly.

Head bartender Bryan Gault and head server Ruth Noemi FloresCrespo at MacMillan Whisky Room

Low-Key Local

COWBOY CAFE

Yorktown High School alumni James and Mike Barnes, Michael Danner and Wes Clough have been making little improvements to this come-as-you-are bar on Langston Boulevard ever since they took ownership in 2011. Not to the interiors, mind you—which seem untouched by time, with décor that stretches back to the establishment’s 1991 incarnation as a Southwestern-themed biker bar. But the exterior has been transformed. During the pandemic, the foursome unveiled a vibrant mural by Arlington artist MasPaz hugging a family-friendly beer garden with umbrellas, TVs and even kiddo-size chairs. Neighbors arriving on foot can access the outdoor space through a handy cut-through in the fence without having to walk around the block. “We were like, let’s make everyone’s life easier,” says co-owner James Barnes. Fan favorites here include fresh-squeezed orange crushes and pickle-tinis featuring house-made pickles, plus rotating craft brews and Miller Lite on tap. Catch up with friends over a plate of house-made tater tots and the aptly named Nacho Mountain (or the Nacho Molehill for smaller appetites). 4792 Langston Blvd., Arlington, thecowboycafe.com

Cowboy Cafe’s interior kicks it old school. TYLER DARDEN

New Kid on the Block

THE SALT LINE

Salt Line beverage director Ben Park plans to switch up the batched cocktails seasonally at this Ballston newcomer, but one drink will always be on the list: the Cape Codder G&T, which blends Bombay gin with house-made cranberry tonic for a New England twist on the classic. “You get the best of both worlds,” Park says. Opened in October 2021, this offshoot of the Navy Yard flagship is bringing a shoreline feel to Ballston’s high-rises with seafood towers, lobster rolls, oyster shooters, chowder and stuffed clams. With the arrival of warm weather, the bartenders will be serving up gargantuan Bloody Marys, spritzes and punch (try the Fish House Punch made with Brugal Añejo rum, Thrasher’s spiced rum, cognac, peach brandy, oleo, lemon and Assam tea) on a spacious, nautical-themed outdoor patio. The hefty beer list balances local players with excellent New England brews that you don’t often see in Northern Virginia, like suds from Vitamin Sea Brewing, Foam Brewers and Maine Beer Co. 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston), thesaltline.com ■

Alexandria freelance writer Adele Chapin is eagerly anticipating the arrival of frosé season.

The Salt Line’s bright, subway-tiled inside bar

Bartender Yasmin Velit in the beer garden at Cowboy Cafe

Neighborhood TO THE

A number of celebrated D.C. chefs are opening restaurants in Virginia. Here’s who’s coming, and what’s on the menu.

By David Hagedorn

Chef Omar Hegazi will oversee the menu at Tawle, a kebab-centric concept coming to the Mosaic District and Clarendon.

■ welcome to the neighborhood

As masks come off and pandemic restrictions are lifted, many of Washington, D.C.’s finest restaurateurs are seeing light at the end of a tunnel that leads straight to Northern Virginia. Rose Previte and Mike Schuster, who co-own Compass Rose on T Street NW and its nearby Michelinstarred sister restaurant, Maydˉan, on Florida Avenue, are one such pair.

They’re bringing Tawle, a kebab-centric eatery whose name means “table” in Arabic, to the Mosaic District this summer, followed by a second location in Clarendon in 2023.

Had you told Previte five years ago that she’d be launching her next venture in the burbs, she probably would have been skeptical (a true D.C. denizen, she doesn’t even own a car). But the ripple effects of the pandemic have changed the dining landscape. Even as

Covid cases fell and people started eating out again, she noticed a lot of her former regulars in the District weren’t so regular anymore. “They’re not going to the office and therefore not stopping in after work,” Previte says. “Some are coming in from Virginia, but it’s a trek. We’re hearing that a lot. That’s part of the decision to open at Mosaic.”

Unlike their Washington restaurants, which were never designed for takeout, Tawle is an evolutionary concept that will include takeout and grab-and-go fare in addition to on-site dining. “You need the grab-and-go because people want to get something and go back to their office,” she says, “which is now their kitchen at home.”

Previte isn’t the only hospitality maven seeking out hungry diners on this side of the Potomac. Other new ventures by chefs and restaurateurs who built their reputations in D.C. include The Salt Line in Ballston (Kyle Bailey and Long Shot Hospitality), CHIKO in Shirlington (Scott Drewno and Danny Lee), Stellina Pizzeria in Shirlington (Antonio Matarazzo and Matteo Venini) and RASA in National Landing (Sahil Rahman and Rahul Vinod). RASA now has a Mosaic District addition in the works.

Moreover, a handful of chefs who got their start in Virginia and then headed for the city are are coming back to reinvest in the commonwealth. Among

Restaurateur Rose Previte

them: Tim Ma (Lucky Danger), Cathal Armstrong (Mattie & Eddie’s) and Seng Luangrath, whose Falls Church Lao and Thai restaurant, Padaek, will soon open a second location in Arlington Ridge.

Nightlife cognoscenti Ian and Eric Hilton, proprietors of buzzy D.C. hives such as The Brighton at The Wharf, El Rey on U Street and Crimson whiskey bar in Chinatown, have made a big play in Virginia in recent years. Since 2019, their company, H2 Collective, has brought Parc de Ville to the Mosaic District, Café Colline to Langston Boulevard and a second El Rey to Ballston. The restaurateur brothers are also partners in Solace Outpost in Falls Church.

Multiple factors are spurring the migration. “With the pandemic, [D.C.]’s downtown core struggled due to a lack of office tenancy and tourism,” says Amy Rice, senior vice president of retail leasing for JBG Smith, the major developer of National Landing. With more people working from home—a trend that’s likely to continue—restaurateurs are seeking residentially dense neighborhoods with a high average income.

Amazon’s arrival has also shifted the tide toward Arlington. Pre-pandemic, the area around the tech giant’s emerging campus had 81,000 office workers within a 2-mile radius and 90,000 housing units within a 10-minute drive, according to the National Landing Business Improvement Dis -

Ballston’s city-like density has made it a popular spot for new and expanding restaurants.

The Salt Line in Ballston

■ welcome to the neighborhood

trict (BID). Between 2023 and 2025, those numbers are expected to climb to around 136,000 to 148,000 workers and 97,000 housing units. The median annual income of households within a 10-minute drive is expected to rise from $102,000 to more than $150,000.

D.C. chef Enrique Limardo (whose Seven Reasons on 14th Street NW was anointed “Best New Restaurant in America” by Esquire in late 2019) is getting in on that action. His Seven Restaurant Group is creating a massive, multifaceted dining concept, Surreal, to fill a 1-acre park on Crystal Drive in National Landing.

Other parts of Arlington are proving just as enticing to discerning chefs. A few miles north, along Metro’s Orange Line corridor, Ballston has the three densest residential census tracts in the entire D.C. region, according to Tina Leone, CEO of the Ballston BID. “We attracted 1,000 more residents here during the pandemic,” she says, pegging the current population inside the BID’s perimeter at about 16,500. “Our apartment buildings are 95% occupied.”

Chef Kyle Bailey, co-owner of The Salt Line in Ballston (a spin-off of the Navy Yard original), cites that density as one of the reasons his team chose Arlington for their first expansion outside of Washington. He and his partners at Long Shot Hospitality are now gearing up to launch an 11,000-squarefoot Tex-Mex restaurant at Capital One Center in Tysons next year.

Also heading for Capital One Center: an outpost of Stellina Pizzeria and a new concept by chef Pepe Moncayo, the talent behind Michelin-starred Cranes in D.C.’s Penn Quarter.

D.C.’s high rents are another factor propelling some darlings of the District’s food scene into Virginia. Rock Harper, whose Queen Mother’s fried chicken operation began as a D.C.-born concept, says that rents in the capital didn’t really drop during the pandemic. “Landlords figured they’d be through this in a cou-

ple of years,” he says. “But people in the suburbs just aren’t going into the city [anymore], and independent restaurants can’t make it at $75 to $125 per square foot.” In late 2020, Harper relocated his business to Arlington, where he shares a kitchen and dining space with The Café by La Cocina VA, just off Columbia Pike.

“Businesses aren’t charities,” says Neighborhood Retail Group CEO Bethany Kazaba, who recently brokered a deal for sweets purveyor Captain Cookie and the Milkman to open its first Virginia storefront in Courthouse (more on that later). “It’s a numbers issue—the economics of paying $40 to $50 a square foot in Virginia, versus the high $60s and up in D.C. And downtown’s triple net costs [building maintenance, insurance and property taxes] add [another] $18 to $24 a square foot. That’s a huge expense.”

Kazaba’s client portfolio, which is usually evenly spread across the DMV, has been heavily skewed toward Virginia this past year. She says the commonwealth’s earlier relaxation of mask mandates and pandemic restrictions, combined with its generally pro-business attitude, has made D.C. operators look at Virginia in a different way.

Stuart Biel, senior vice president of regional leasing for Federal Realty (whose properties include the Village at Shirlington, Westpost and Birch & Broad in Falls Church), says D.C. chefs are tuned in to the fact that some of their biggest fans have traded downtown commutes for remote work. Those diners want the same kind of food and beverage experience they were accustomed to in the city, but closer to home. Furthermore, Biel says, diners’ attitudes toward outdoor dining changed during Covid. People have gotten used to eating outside almost year-round and often prefer it. That makes the intentionally designed plazas and sidewalk cafés in places like National Landing, Westpost, Tysons and the Mosaic District more appealing. “We would not

“Landlords figured they’d be through this in a couple of years. But people in the suburbs just aren’t going into the city [anymore], and independent restaurants can’t make it at $75 to $125 per square foot.”

have considered a space at Mosaic without outdoor seating,” Previte confirms.

“People dumbed down the suburbs for a long time,” says Jessica Bruner, managing director of Mosaic’s developer, EDENS, which signed the Tawle deal. “But we have the most affluent and educated community. It’s an environment that a Rose [Previte] or Enrique [Limardo] can thrive in.” It’s a symbiosis that works for everyone, she says. Name-brand chefs secure greater economic stability and landlords lure sophisticated diners to their properties with high-profile talent.

Harper, of Queen Mother’s, brings up another essential ingredient—labor. “I’m finding more and more that staff don’t want to travel to D.C. and deal with no parking, parking tickets, traffic and Metro cutting hours. People are loving shorter commutes, riding a bike to work. That is a really attractive piece,” he says.

Whatever the reason, hurray for us. Here are six places we can’t wait to try.

ROCK HARPER

Nighthawk Pizza

1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington, nighthawkpizza.com

OPENED: March 2022

LOCATION: Westpost

Arlington resident Scott Parker, a serial entrepreneur known for such establishments as Bronson Bierhall, Barley Mac and the Bearded Goat barbershop, has been called the “King of Arlington.” But he looked to D.C. to find the star of his newest dining concept—chef Johnny Spero, whose Georgetown restaurant Reverie is a paean to modern tastingmenu sophistication.

Parker and Spero, along with Aslin Beer Co. co-founder Andrew Kelley, teamed up to take over the massive, 10,000-square-foot former Champps sports bar space in Westpost and in March opened Nighthawk Pizza, a brew pub highlighting low-ABV beers, with a menu centered around personal pizzas with cracker-thin crusts and smash burgers. D.C.-based 3877 Design masterminded the throwback décor of the ’90s-themed restaurant, which has seating for 343 inside and 82 outside.

“There are so many people in Arlington who moved here right after college, have a lot of money, aren’t having families right away and just want to have fun,” says Parker. “The Amazon deal made people realize how many are going to move here—not only 25,000 jobs, but an average salary of $150k.”

During the pandemic, Spero pivoted to a pizza pop-up called Lonely Hunter, but his interest in Northern Virginia predates Covid. He says the D.C. market has gotten too saturated.

“I needed to do something more than fine dining,” says the chef. “At the end of 2019, I slid into Scott’s DMs. I admired his hustle.” What began as a simple overture for advice turned into Nighthawk Pizza.

Locals craving a chef’s take on pub food will appreciate Spero’s littleneck

clam pie with white sauce, pecorino cheese and oregano; potato pizza with charred pepper-tomato sauce and stracciatella cheese; a smash burger with caramelized sweet onions, pickled

jalapeno, smoked mayo and American cheese; a Green Goddess wedge salad with bacon lardons and cured egg yolk; and fried cheese curds with horseradish dipping sauce.

Chef Johnny Spero

Thin-crust pie at Nighthawk Pizza

■ welcome to the neighborhood

NATHANBEAUCHAMP

Bar Ivy

3033 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, eatbarivy.com

PROJECTED OPENING: Spring 2022

LOCATION: Clarendon

Connoisseurs of breezy, West Coaststyle dining will welcome this newcomer courtesy of Greg Algie and chef Nathan Beauchamp, managing partners of Blagden Hospitality Group, whose local repertory includes D.C. hubs Tiger Fork, Calico, The Fainting Goat and Hi-Lawn (as well as Hei Hei Tiger, which is slated to reopen in Tysons Galleria in June). Both men have ties to Northern Virginia. Beauchamp was the chef de cuisine of Alexandria’s Restaurant Eve (now closed) when it opened in 2004. Algie grew up in Vienna, attended Bishop O’Connell High School and now lives in Del Ray. Conveniently located a block from the Clarendon Metro, the 3,000-squarefoot restaurant will center around a 20-seat terrazzo bar with seating for an

additional 59 inside and another 125 on a 3,500-square-foot outdoor plaza surrounded by greenery. A 12-foot coffee kiosk will offer breakfast items and pastries. The name, Bar Ivy, is a nod to the ivy-clad fences at Calico in D.C. and The Ivy, an L.A. restaurant frequented by glitterati.

“For me, coming back into Arlington was something I wanted to do for a long time,” says Algie, whose negotiations with landlord Carr Properties began in mid-2019. “The timing was right. Arlington is vibrant and has a lot of wealth and mixed demographics— young people, families, nice homes, condos, businesses. We have a lot of folks who come [into D.C.] from Virginia [whom we can now reach] in Virginia…closer to where they live.”

ber and togarashi (a chili-based Japanese spice mix) dressing; Manila clams with lamb bacon, roasted shallots, basil and tarragon; local saddle of lamb; and pan-roasted quail with black pepper citrus sauce and polenta. Till plans to incorporate ingredients he finds on his frequent foraging forays. “He brings me mushrooms every week that he grows in his yard,” Beauchamp says.

Captain Cookie and the Milkman

2200 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, captaincookiedc.com

PROJECTED OPENING: Spring 2022

LOCATION: Courthouse

Jonathan Till, who was the chef at Evening Star Café in Del Ray from 2018 to 2020, is the group’s executive chef and will run Bar Ivy’s kitchen. Expect dishes such as a Crab Louie-like salad of Maine peekytoe crab, hearts of palm, cucum-

This sweet venture by husband-wife duo Kirk and Juliann Francis started out in 2012 as a food truck making the rounds in Arlington and Fairfax. Today, Captain Cookie and the Milkman has three brick-and-mortar locations in

GREG ALGIE

A rendering of Bar Ivy in Clarendon Tempting treats from Captain Cookie and the Milkman

D.C. and one in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the owners now live. Their stock-in-trade: freshly baked cookies, ice cream, made-to-order ice cream sandwiches, milk, cookie cakes, milkshakes and jars of edible cookie dough. The couple continues to operate trucks in the DMV and will soon open their first Virginia-based brick-and-mortar shop in Courthouse.

“Foot traffic-wise, the Virginia store is in a busy area close to the Metro. There’s a Starbucks two doors over. Those are good indicators for the customers we want to be visible for,” Juliann says. “We have a very loyal customer base in Arlington and had been looking for space there for quite some time.” With this expansion, they’ll expand their reach to Virginia fans who were previously outside of their delivery radius in the District. They had planned to open the Courthouse storefront in 2020, but the pandemic set that timeline back.

Captain Cookie started out as a side hustle, inspired by Kirk’s childhood pas-

sion for baking. But it quickly grew into a bona fide business that allowed the couple to leave their D.C. jobs—he as a government contractor, she as a Bloomberg business reporter. GTM Architects, based in Bethesda, Maryland, is designing the 700-square foot confectionery, with JBG Smith as the landlord.

Captain Cookie sources its ice cream from South Mountain Creamery in Maryland and Ice Cream Jubilee (which has locations in D.C. and Ballston). Cookies come in flavors such as chocolate chip, double chocolate, ginger-molasses, vegan chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and funfetti.

Kirk and Juliann Francis

Ellie Bird

Founders Row, at the corner of Broad and North West Streets, Falls Church

PROJECTED OPENING: November 2022

LOCATION: Falls Church City

When developer Mill Creek Residential approached Carey and Yuan Tang about opening a place in West Falls Church’s Founders Row, the couple saw the opportunity as a homecoming. The married co-owners of D.C.’s acclaimed fine-dining restaurant Rooster & Owl are from Falls Church, where they worked in the food business as teenagers (Yuan at Red Lobster, Carey at Applebee’s). Now they are moving from Arlington to Falls Church with their two girls, and opening a casual, familyfriendly spot called Ellie Bird, named after their younger daughter.

Theirs is a journey that’s come full circle. In 2008, Yuan ditched a dull job as a federal auditor and the pair moved to New York City, where he enrolled in culinary school. He later dropped out to work for high-profile restaurants such as The Good Fork in Brooklyn and The Modern and Jean-Georges in Manhattan. In 2015, the Tangs returned to D.C. (following a job offer for Carey at the George Washington University),

ELLIE TANG

Yuan and Carey Tang

welcoming the chance to be closer to family, while dreaming of starting one of their own and opening a restaurant that would earn Michelin stars. They achieved all three goals. Yuan cooked at 701 and Rogue 24 (both now closed) in Washington before he and Carey opened Rooster & Owl in February 2019. In 2021, it earned a coveted star.

Designed by D.C.-based 3877 Design, Ellie Bird will seat 70 inside (with lots of booths, Carey says) and 40 outside. Unlike Rooster & Owl, which has a prix-fixe tasting menu, the 3,200-square-foot Falls Church eatery will offer a la carte, takeout, brunch and kids’ menus, centering on Yuan’s version of comfort foods. Expect dishes in the style of the seafood paella and miso Caesar salad he served at Rooster & Owl during the pandemic when it

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pivoted to a takeout menu. Other crowdpleasers will include house-made pastas, mac ’n’ cheese for kids and dishes created with whatever is in season at the Falls Church farmers market, such as a grilled pork chop with fresh peaches.

“We will maintain our core values, putting our spin on classic American dishes with seasonal and technique-driven food from a chef’s lens,” Yuan says.

Seasonal dishes by chef Yuan Tang

■ welcome to the neighborhood

Tawle

2911 District Ave., Fairfax 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington

PROJECTED OPENING: Late summer 2022 (Fairfax) and 2023 (Arlington)

LOCATION: Mosaic District and Clarendon

Rose Previte and Mike Schuster soared to D.C. fame with Compass Rose and its Michelin-starred sister, Maydˉan. Now they are launching Tawle, a kebab-centric restaurant that, like Maydˉan, will focus on Middle Eastern and North African flavors. The concept will feature family-style meals and an a la carte menu of spreads, dips, salads and entrées for onsite dining, plus takeout and delivery.

Omar Hegazi, who most recently was the chef at Zööba, a fast-casual Egyptian restaurant in New York City (and whose D.C. résumé includes stints at Bourbon Steak and Zaytinya), will

helm the kitchen. In February, Previte was planning a research trip with Hegazi to Turkey, which she considers the epicenter of kebabs. “They take the gold medals,” she says.

Tawle is an outgrowth of an epiphany Previte had during the pandemic. When D.C. restricted restaurant occupancy to 25%, she scrambled to figure out how to package Maydˉan’s food for delivery. In lieu of offering the entire menu to go (a model that proved unsustainable), she created a family-style takeout meal called Tawle (table), inviting customers to choose one main item, such as bronzini or rib-eye steak, plus a set variety of sides, spreads and condiments.

“People got used to having good food like this at home when they wanted it,” Previte says, “and that’s not going to go away. We wanted to hit that section of the market.” She and Schuster teamed up with ThinkFoodGroup alum Mayu

Horie to develop the Tawle concept, which is set to debut this summer in the Mosaic District (EDENS is the landlord). “It’s really comfortable, there are a lot of families and young professionals, and it’s diverse,” Previte says. The 3,000-square-foot space, designed by Michelle Bove of D.C.-based DesignCase, will seat 40 inside and 30 outside. Watch for second location of Tawle coming to The Crossing in Clarendon some time in 2023.

Surreal at Dining in the Park

2121 Crystal Drive, Arlington

PROJECTED OPENING: Fall 2023

LOCATION: National Landing

In January 2021, developer JBG Smith

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asked noted chef Enrique Limardo, whose Seven Restaurant Group owns the upscale restaurants Imperfecto and Seven Reasons in Washington, to submit a proposal for a dining concept to occupy a large section of Crystal City Courtyard Green, a 1-acre park in front of its 2121 Crystal Drive office complex.

“We already had a name—Surreal— and a concept for a new restaurant that we had been looking to develop,” says Limardo, “so this was a great opportunity to step into Northern Virginia. National Landing is close to the city and a lot of new people are coming into the area because of Amazon.”

Limardo and his Seven Restaurant Group colleagues—business partner Ezequiel Vázquez-Ger, creative director Valentina Story and chief business development officer Alex Alevras—are now working with the Greek-Swedish firm OOAK Architects to design

the park, which will literally become Limardo’s creative playground. “Nature will take over the restaurant,” he says, envisioning an urban oasis interspersed with mature trees. The concept will serve office workers during the day, but at night, the vibe will shift toward diners seeking an elevated culinary experience similar to Seven Reasons and Imperfecto. There will be carryout and catering components, too.

The Surreal concept will include a 5,600-square-foot restaurant, a massive kitchen and a 2,200-square-foot outdoor dining area. During the summer, Limardo says, there could be seating for as many as 250 guests indoors and out. In addition to the all-day bistro, the park will feature four or five interactive, kiosk-like concession stands serving baked goods, breakfast items, street foods and perhaps burgers, pizza and ice cream (they are still fleshing out

ideas). “We will have a bakery. We’re developing sourdoughs, flatbreads and croissants,” says the chef, who was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and has experience with large-scale production. Earlier in his career he ran an all-inclusive resort in Cancun that was practically a 24-hour operation, waking daily to do prep at 4 a.m.

Though the planning is still in the early stages, Limardo is already thinking about the details—from lamps resembling floating clouds, to glassware and plates he’s sourcing from artisans in Europe, South America and the Middle East, as well as the U.S. “Surreal is an impressive, powerful name,” he says. “All its magical and cosmical meanings will be expressed, like in Dali’s paintings, but from a food perspective.” ■

David Hagedorn is the dining critic for Arlington Magazine.

The Kids Are All Right NOT

Pandemic stress has triggered an alarming increase in anxiety, depression and self-harm among teens. Now what do we do?

BY ADRIENNE WICHARD-EDDS | ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRANCES MURPHY

n the kids are not all right

In October 2021, at the start of her senior year at Meridian High School in Falls Church, Olivia* checked into a clinic with hopes of freeing herself from the eating disorder that had been slowly taking over her life.

“I realized I couldn’t live like that anymore, that I couldn’t focus on school or participate in sports,” says the track athlete, who also has a second-degree black belt in taekwondo. She was in the middle of applying to colleges and grateful for the return to in-person school, but she knew something was broken that she couldn’t fix on her own.

Amid the stresses of the pandemic, Olivia had been waging a daily battle against gastroparesis, a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that often made her feel disproportionately full or nauseated after regular meals. To manage the condition and regulate her digestion, she had to be extremely regimented about her food intake. That’s how the slide toward disordered eating began.

The isolation that came with social distancing made it worse. “I’d never really liked my body, so I saw it as an opportunity to become smaller,” she says. “When you’re having struggles with eating, the worst possible thing is to be alone. It was much better for me to be around friends and keep busy.”

As Covid restrictions took away her extracurricular activities—which, in addition to athletics, included volunteering as an English tutor for Spanishspeaking students and teaching science lessons at a local elementary school— she began restricting her eating even more to regain a sense of control.

“When I was losing weight, I felt like I was accomplishing something,” she says. “I knew that I was unhealthy and

scary-looking, but at some point, it became more about the achievement than the appearance.”

Eventually her resting heart rate dropped dangerously below 30 beats per minute. Unable to do the things she enjoyed, Olivia realized the means by which she’d gained a sense of control had spun out of control.

With support from her parents, she found an outpatient program at the Center for Discovery in Old Town, Alexandria. Over the next several months, she returned to a healthy weight and established an eating plan that allowed her to stay active.

But missing out on classes and school activities during treatment left some of her friendships damaged.

“My physical health is better now, but my mental health is still a challenge,” says the 18-year-old. “I lost a lot of friends at school. It’s been really hard for other people to understand what I’m going through, and that I might not be the same version of myself as I was [before]—which can turn into problems that feel like my fault. I think about who I used to be and envy that person.”

OLIVIA IS NOT ALONE

—sadly, not even close. Her story is just one of the as-yet immeasurable traumas triggered or exacerbated by the pandemic.

“During the first three months of lockdown, our inquiries went up 420%,” says Christie Dondero Bettwy, executive director of Rock Recovery, an Arlingtonbased therapy and support program for teens and adults with eating disorders. “When the pandemic hit, people’s builtin support networks were disrupted, and those who were hiding eating disorders could no longer hide.”

In the first year of the pandemic, the

National Eating Disorders Association reported a 40% increase in calls to its helpline.

For many, Dondero Bettwy says, food became a coping mechanism and the one thing they could control at a time when everything else felt out of control. Even now, as the threat of a new Covid variant looms, Rock Recovery is still receiving twice as many inquiries as it did in the before-times.

“It can seem very illogical to people who aren’t struggling,” she says, “but eating disorders actually aren’t just about the food. There’s another illness there; food is how it shows up.”

The increase in disordered eating dovetails with other mental health shockwaves observed nationwide. From April to August 2020, the number of ER visits involving mental health emergencies increased 31%, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

A May 2020 Gallup poll noted nearly one in three parents concerned that their child was experiencing harm to their emotional or mental state as a result of social distancing and school closures. Those fears were confirmed in late March of this year when a CDC survey found four in 10 teens reporting that they felt “persistently sad or hopeless.” One in five said they had contemplated suicide.

Resources are stretched thin, says Joseph Getch, CEO of the Oaktonbased nonprofit PRS, which runs CrisisLink, Virginia’s crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline, text and chat service.

“In 2020, 36% of callers to CrisisLink identified Covid-19 as the primary stressor in their lives, with a third of those experiencing acute suicide thoughts. PRS case managers reported

seeing younger children with increasingly aggressive behaviors and teens with increased hospitalizations, suicide ideation, risky behaviors and drug use,” he says. “Covid-related anxiety, depression, loneliness and decreased stress tolerance increased the intensity of crisis calls—especially with teens.”

That the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on teens’ mental health is not the least bit surprising. “When schools closed and kids lost their routines, their connections to each other, they also lost their ability to create meaning in their lives,” says Falls Church therapist Elisa Nebolsine, author of Your Amazing Teen Brain. “Kids need to create meaning in order to find happiness, and the inability to do so led to a huge uptick in depression.”

But as anyone who has tried to engage a therapist, psychiatrist or support group during the past two years has likely discovered, the increased

need for mental health care has far outpaced the systems that are in place to address these issues. In 2021, 41% of psychologists surveyed by the American Psychological Association said that they weren’t able to keep up with the demand for their services.

“Our fractured mental health system existed pre-pandemic but has been exacerbated in the last couple of years,” says Barb Solish, director of youth and young adult initiatives at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), based in Arlington. “The pandemic shone a spotlight on the youth mental health crisis that already existed.”

Amid the dearth of professional support, parents have had to triage midnight emergencies and become experts in a host of maladies, all while staving off their own Covid-related anxieties and burnout. And teens—who should have been out having fun with their peers and making mistakes that they

could grow from—have been cooped up with their parents, fumbling to learn how to name and negotiate the complicated layers of their own psyches.

Local mental health professionals are scrambling to keep up with demand. “I don’t know any therapists who aren’t desperately trying to find ways to fit [more] people into their schedules,” says psychologist Aaron Dodini, founder of Dodini Behavioral Health in Arlington.

A father of four himself, Dodini says a lot of parents see their kids struggling but have anxiety about saying the right thing. “They’re paralyzed by a lack of confidence—will this help my child or will it hurt? Sometimes parents will default to saying nothing in fear of saying the wrong thing.”

Instead of silence, he counsels parents to choose empathy, vulnerability and humility. “How do you approach helping from a stance that’s as encour-

n the kids are not all right

aging and nonjudgmental as possible? The answer is often a series of conversations where you ask your child for the benefit of the doubt—and the opportunity to reframe whatever you get wrong. And if we parents say something that doesn’t land quite right, we get to show them how to say we’re sorry.”

Parents may wonder whether the stress their kid is experiencing is worth escalating to a professional—particularly when appointments are hard to come by. Some find it hard to get past the stigma of asking for help. But ignoring the problem won’t make it go away.

“Don’t try to convince your kid that nothing’s wrong—that’s not very helpful,” says Ellie*, who was diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder pre-pandemic, as a 10thgrader at H-B Woodlawn. At first, she says, her parents didn’t know how to make sense of her despondent feelings.

“I was crying every single day. I’d have to leave class. I knew that something was wrong, but I didn’t know what,” says the 19-year-old, now in college at Loyola University Chicago. “I went to my parents to ask for help, and my mom helped me find a therapist.”

With cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Ellie developed coping mechanisms to manage her depression and anxiety. Those same strategies helped her get through the stress of pandemic isolation and the transition to college. “Now my parents mostly understand what I’m dealing with,” she says, “but knowing that I can talk to them even if they don’t have all the answers is helpful.”

DURING COVID TIMES , the usual power dynamics between parents and teens became even more strained. Social opportunities were squashed at a time when teens normally would be separating from their parents, seeking independence and exploring their identities. Family conversations turned into constant negotiations over the risk factors of everyday activities.

“We’ve had two years of being exposed to stories of death, illness and isolation. This creates a lack of security and safety in the world as it once was, leading to an unsustainable state of high alert. These are the ingredients for complex PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety and depression.”

“If a kid wants to go to his friend’s house, not only do you—and they— have to consider the normal safety concerns, like who’s driving and how late will they be out, but now you both have to constantly evaluate new risks,” says Kitty Wicks, a therapist in Arlington. “Will they be indoors or out? How many people will be there? Is everyone vaccinated? If I get sick, am I putting my family members at risk?” The constant assessments created a type of decision fatigue that was uniquely relevant to teens and their parents, she observes. Wicks says she’s seen a lot of dysthymia (persistent, low-level depression) as well as other mood disorders in her teen patients. “In addition to the firsthand trauma many people experienced from Covid, we’ve had two years of being exposed to microtraumas— to stories of death, illness and isolation—which are vicariously traumatic,” she says. “This creates a lack of security and safety in the world as it once was, leading to an unsustainable state of high alert. These are the ingredients for complex PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety and depression.”

Parents, who have many more decades of life under their belts, are better equipped to put these traumas in context, Wicks points out, whereas teens have had a significant chunk of their

lives overshadowed by a pandemic. “A lot of teenagers started to believe that life will never be good again,” she says.

Ladan Eshkevari, a nurse anesthesiologist and professor at Georgetown University, sees many teens who are struggling with feelings of hopelessness at Avesta, her ketamine-infusion and wellness clinic, which has locations in McLean, Bethesda and D.C.

Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic for decades, but has recently emerged as an alternative treatment for people who have not responded to traditional antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and therapy. The drug has been discovered to create dissociative, psychedelic-like effects that allow the brain to form new neural pathways for healing. Clinical trials conducted by the National Institutes of Health and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York have found that a few weeks of intravenous ketamine, combined with traditional psychotherapy, can significantly help 70% to 80% of adults and older teens struggling with mood disorders, such as depression and PTSD.

“When I founded the clinic four years ago, it was unheard of to have parents of teens reach out for treatment,” Eshkevari says. Now, about a quarter of the calls Avesta receives each week are from teens or their parents.

“These are highly educated, resourceful parents who are at a loss for how to help their child,” she says. “Every mental health professional is inundated— no one can get in to see a therapist or a psychiatrist. Parents are just working with their pediatrician and looking for additional practitioners who are out-ofthe-box thinkers. We have kids who are so depressed that even taking a shower is a struggle, kids who just need to get through that acute phase of treatment.”

EVEN NOW, THE prevailing statistics about teens and mental health are probably underreported. With students out of school and many afraid or unable to seek treatment, countless teens were left to suffer undiagnosed.

As a high-school student, Amelie* lived with five other family members

in a two-bedroom Arlington apartment, spending as much time as possible out of the house. Though her father forbade her to attend parties and sleepovers, she was allowed to participate in extracurricular activities at school. She took advantage of every opportunity that presented itself. “My dad would say he brought me here to learn, not to have fun,” says the teen, who immigrated to the U.S. in 2014.

During school vacations, she stayed with her mother, who lives in Maryland.

Before the pandemic, Amelie was “doing all right, for the most part” but when schools closed in March of her junior year, her world shut down, too.

“I wasn’t allowed to go out to meet friends. I could go for a walk by myself, but I had to avoid crowds. I wasn’t even allowed to see my mom,” she says. Her

father was worried about the risk of Covid exposure and her ability to take her studies seriously.

Harder still, “the environment at home was always loud. My dad would come home from work and start yelling at my little brother, who would be playing instead of doing schoolwork.”

To escape the chaos, Amelie would retreat to her room, skipping meals and forgoing the opportunity to get fresh air. She lost a concerning amount of weight and struggled to stay on top of her schoolwork.

More than once, she wondered if it might be easier not to be alive.

“I never sought any kind of mental health diagnosis,” she confides. “That’s still a big stigma in my culture.”

In November of her senior year, Amelie finally asked a school counsel-

-

n the kids are not all right

Mental Health Resources

APS Sources of Strength

apsva.us/post/category/ at-home-with-aps/at-home-withaps-sources-of-strength

APS Youth Mental Health First Aid

apsva.us/post/youth-mentalhealth-first-aid-training/

Arlington County Children’s Mobile Crisis (CR2)

1-844-627-4747 cr2crisis.com

Arlington County Youth Emergency Services

703-228-5160

arlingtonva.us/Government/ Programs/Health/Get-Help-Guide

CrisisLink Regional Hotline

800-273-TALK

Text: CONNECT to 85511 prsinc.org

LGBTQ Lifeline

1-866-488-7386

National Alliance on Mental Illness

nami.org/help

800-950-NAMI

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

Our Minds Matter

ourmindsmatter.org

Rock Recovery

rockrecoveryed.org

or for help. “[My counselor] helped me come up with a plan. I wrote down all the things I wanted to say to my dad. I told him that I was really struggling, and that if he wanted me to do well academically, I needed to be able to stay with my mom.”

To her surprise, her father let her go. She moved in with her mother and finished the school year virtually, attending prom and graduation in person. “Things were so much better once I got to my mom’s,” says the 18-year-old, now a freshman at VCU. “I had quiet space and could go outside whenever I wanted, and I got to spend time with other family members, too.”

Amelie also found support in Sources of Strength, a peer-led suicide prevention and wellness program used by all Arlington Public Schools (APS) high schools. The program gained particular momentum during the pandemic, with students convening for virtual meetups. “It’s a safe space for students to talk about their feelings, connect with others, feel less alone, and find ways to get through the tough spots,” Amelie says.

Fairfax County Public Schools offers similar programs, including Our Minds Matter, a mental wellness and suicide prevention program that provides student resources and support.

“Social supports like [these] are super powerful,” says Kristin Devaney, APS supervisor for counseling services. “Another thing that’s changed since the pandemic is that all school staff have been charged with incorporating social-emotional learning [SEL] into their instruction—not just our counselors, psychologists and social workers. Now everyone’s talking about it, normalizing it…so that we can all learn how to cope.”

The Virginia Department of Education is rolling out statewide SEL practices for schools, emphasizing prevention and early intervention for students in emotional distress, as well as skills to help kids self-regulate, solve problems, build empathy and manage their emotions.

“Our school counselors are the leaders,” says Devaney, “but it’s the responsibility of all adults to understand it, model it, teach it.”

Every school tackles mental health and wellness a little differently. In Arlington, Devaney says it’s up to the leadership at each school to decide which support programs will best address the needs of that school’s population. Some programs are more robust than others.

Students are also stepping up. At Meridian High School, Olivia and her classmates in 2020 co-founded the Mental Health Advocacy Club with the twin goals of raising awareness and offering peers a safe space to learn effective coping strategies.

Still, some families remain confused about where to turn first for help. Wendy Carria, APS supervisor for school psychologists and social workers, encourages people to reach out to whomever they know best.

“There’s no wrong door,” she stresses. “If you feel comfortable talking to a counselor, knock on the counselor’s door. If it’s the social worker, try them. We’ll connect you if needed. We’re interested in your concerns—you don’t have to wait until the child you’re concerned about is in crisis before you call us.”

The road to wellness is seldom linear. After their 16-year-old son was diagnosed with an eating disorder in February 2020, Stephanie* and her husband struggled to find the right treatment for their son and support systems for their family. “There’s a lot of trial and error with finding the right psychologist,” she says, “and it was hard enough to find someone who was taking on new patients.”

Through NAMI, Stephanie connected with a support group for parents of teens with eating disorders. The group offered encouragement, a list of professional resources and the assurance that she and her husband didn’t need to chart the waters alone. “I was really nervous to go talk to a bunch of strangers, but it turned out to be incredibly helpful for us,” she says.

PREVIOUS GENERATIONS did not talk openly about mental health. Now, as we emerge from the darkest days of a horrific plague, the stigma is eroding.

“I do think all the efforts we’re putting into destigmatizing mental health issues are working,” says Devaney of APS. “Yes, there’s a mental health professional shortage right now, and that’s frustrating for families, but the reason there’s a waitlist is because we’re getting better at identifying the need.”

Sarah*, an Arlington mom, encouraged all three of her teenage girls to meet with a therapist after they started talking to her about social anxiety, isolation fatigue and the stress of transitioning back to in-person school. To her, it was a no-brainer.

“For parents who are reluctant to engage a therapist, I say, if you want your kid to be a better athlete or a better musician, you get them a coach, trainer or teacher. Therapists are

coaches for your brain,” Sarah says. “If you’re going to give them the skills to succeed in all the other facets of life, why wouldn’t you want to give them a therapist?”

Another silver lining, observes Nancy Marin of Marin Psychology Associates in McLean, is that the pandemic has given teens opportunities to build empathy for their families and their peers. “Kids are having to think about their community members outside themselves—checking in on each other, sending care packages, being a little extra kind to each other.”

Teens like Olivia appreciate the generational shift in mindset.

“People today are more educated on eating disorders than they were in previous generations,” says the Falls Church senior. “When I was in a bad place, older people used to say things to me like, ‘You lost so much weight, you look great,’ which just made things

worse. I feel grateful that people in my school community asked how I was doing but never commented on my weight loss.”

Nebolsine, the Falls Church therapist and author, agrees that the path to wellness is paved with empathy.

“One cool thing that’s emerged in the past couple of years,” she says, “is that now kids talk more openly about their stuff with each other. And if they can make sense of it and learn something from it, they can build meaning into it. Then they wouldn’t choose to undo it because of how they’ve grown from it.” ■

Arlington-based writer Adrienne Wichard-Edds is a mom of two teens and cofounder of The Essay Coaches, which helps high school juniors and seniors find their voices and tell their stories on college applications. Follow her on Twitter @WichardEdds.

Vinson Hall Retirement Community

What makes Vinson Hall Retirement Community unique? Many of its residents share similar career or community service backgrounds and enjoy discussing current events or sharing stories of their travels. VHRC residents are also eager to give back to the community by assisting one another or leading lectures and discussions of interest.

6251 Old Dominion Drive

McLean, VA 22101

800-451-5121 www.vinsonhall.org

Q: What living options are available at Vinson Hall Retirement Community (VHRC)?

A: VHRC includes five levels of residency: independent living, assisted living, nursing care, memory care and short-term rehabilitation. These communities are located on VHRC’s 23-acre campus in McLean.

Q: Who is eligible to move into VHRC?

A: Our independent living community is open to military officers and their families and leadership level (GS-14 and higher) government employees from any federal agency. Our other levels of residency are open to the public.

Q: When is the right time to join the waiting list for a senior living community?

A: While there’s no “right” age, we tell those who are considering joining

our waitlist not to wait until they need to move. If you think living in a senior living community is a good option for you, it’s best to start making plans sooner rather than later. If you wait until it’s necessary, the process becomes much more stressful, and your desired accommodation may not be available. Plus, joining VHRC’s waitlist comes with great perks, such as having access to our state-of-the-art gym and fun weekend and evening events.

Q: What advice can you offer for a successful move?

A: Begin downsizing as soon as you make the mental decision that a senior living community is the right choice for you. Downsizing can be an arduous process, so starting early and doing a little at a time makes the load easier to bear.

Paladin Life Care

Paladin Life Care Services: Life Care Management, Health & Emotional Wellness, Medical Advocacy, Disability Advocacy, Financial Advocacy and Daily Money Management

4532 Langston Blvd., Suite 814, Arlington, VA 22207 703-879-6992 | info@paladinlifecare.com www.paladinlifecare.com

Q: Why Choose Paladin Life Care?

A: Paladin Life Care provides exceptional, customized services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. We make sure our clients have all the services they need to live their best lives now as cost effectively as possible. We are available 24/7 when our clients need us.

Q: What makes Paladin Life Care different from other similar businesses in the area?

A: Each client’s personalized care is overseen by a registered nurse care manager and a client care manager with at least 10 years of professional experience in their respective fields. Our vice president of emotional health and wellness, a seasoned therapist, contributes her insight to ensure the right support is in place. Paladin Life Care’s extensive expertise, 24/7 availability and timely communication provide the peace of mind that our clients and their families need and appreciate.

Q: How do clients benefit from this being a family run business?

A: We treat our clients as an extension of our family. Our clients receive the same dedicated, kind, loving care that we provide to our own family members.

Q: What advice would you offer to someone in search of help for a loved one?

A: Choose wisely. Be sure you have a wellqualified care team in place before a crisis occurs.

Q: Why do you do what you do?

A: Paladin Life Care’s entire highly qualified team is passionate about providing an unmatched, compassionate level of care and strong advocacy for our valued clients. Making the Paladin Life Care difference in our clients’ lives is truly rewarding for all of us.

The Jefferson

The Jefferson is an urban, luxury high-rise in Arlington that offers independent living, as well as access to a full continuum of care, including assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing/rehab. It is conveniently located one block from the Ballston Metro and Ballston Quarter mall and has a walkability score of “97”!

900 N. Taylor St. Arlington, VA 22203

703-516-9455

www.thejeffersonrealty.com

Q: As an artist/musician/thespian, what opportunities are there at The Jefferson to not only fulfill but grow my passion?

A: Brenda Barthell: There is a wide range of art classes that offer instruction in a variety of media. If you prefer to work independently, we have two open studio times every week where artists — from beginner to advanced —gather to paint and socialize. The Jefferson also arranges regular field trips to art galleries and museums, and we have monthly Wandering Docent art history lectures.

Carol Patch: Not having a house to maintain allows me to spend more time focusing on my art.

Terri Rea: I’m a painter and there are art activities for every level, from beginner to Open Studio, where more experienced painters work independently.

The Jefferson is home to many creative people from all walks of life. We also enjoy the weekly resident-led Team Trivia games, which help us stretch our brains and memories.

Paulette Cushman: For the thespians, Jefferson transportation takes us to theaters far and wide. One can also easily take the Metro downtown to enjoy the many theaters in Washington, D.C. Theater Workshop, led by a professional resident producer, meets weekly to read plays and hone techniques.

Sonia Scadden: As a pianist, I look forward to playing with other residents who are classically trained. There are several classically trained pianist residents, and I have enjoyed the experience of playing with them both privately and in concerts for The Jefferson residents.

LISA

Goodwin House Inc.

RANDY BUTLER & BOB MANSKER, RESIDENTS

“We appreciate the diversity among residents and staff. And not just our diversity, but racial, ethnic, ability—every type of diversity.”

3440 S. Jefferson St., Falls Church, VA 22041 4800 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria, VA 22311 703-578-7201 | www.goodwinhouse.org

Q: What made you decide to move to a Goodwin House Life Plan Community?

A: Randy Butler: Bob and I lived in a split-level home in Falls Church and were ready for a change. Our decision was easy: We were aware of Goodwin House’s stellar reputation for providing the best in senior living and healthcare in the D.C. area. Several friends were living there and loving life.

Bob Mansker: We were very pleased to find the welcoming community our friends had endorsed. There’s so much to do—art, music, staying engaged in activism. We eat well, too! It’s also comforting to know we have access to various levels of care whenever we need it.

Q: What do you appreciate most about living there?

A: Randy Butler: We appreciate the diversity among residents and staff. And not just our diversity, but racial, ethnic, ability—every type of diversity.

Bob Mansker: We enjoy the comfortable living spaces and meeting people from all backgrounds.

Q: What makes Goodwin House unique?

A: Randy Butler: Health and needs change with age. Goodwin House has many options, including Goodwin House at Home, Goodwin House Home Health and Goodwin House Hospice. You can get some services anywhere, not just on their campuses. They are truly committed to helping older adults maintain wellbeing and find purpose at all stages of life.

Bob Mansker: Not everyone chooses to move to a senior living community at this stage of life. Lots of people want to continue living where they are. With Goodwin House, everyone has options.

The Lost Whiskey Project in Delaplane, Virginia

Getting Lost

Architecture and bucolic splendor… with a side of bourbon

BY NIGEL F. MAYNARD

PHOTOS BY MITCH ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

n getting lost

Like so many, Mark Turner found his business temporarily disrupted by Covid-19. When the pandemic arrived in 2020, the owner and founder of the alternatively hip design-build firm GreenSpur saw his company’s billable work grind to a halt. He poured himself a finger of whiskey and decided to use the slowdown to focus on a personal project: a “Covid cottage.”

“We had a lot of jobs that got shut down because of Covid, and we had a

full [construction] crew, so we wanted to find work for them,” says Turner, whose 10-person company is based in Falls Church.

The endeavor—which he dubbed the Lost Whiskey Project—turned out to be something more than a cottage. Nestled on a 50-acre hilltop site in Delaplane, Virginia, it’s a weekend retreat with expansive views toward Sky Meadows State Park and Lost Mountain. (The G. Richard Thompson Wild-

life Management Area is just over another ridge.) The 3,000-square-foot main lodge, which Turner designed in partnership with GreenSpur’s vice president of design, Zach Gasper, is clad in corrugated metal with an agrarian-modern aesthetic. It soon became a place to dream, tinker and while away the gift of downtime.

“It’s made for gathering and entertaining,” says Turner, who lives in Falls Church with his wife, Annie (she’s di-

rector of the local nonprofit Food for Others) and their three children. They started inviting groups of friends to come for the weekend.

The floor plan of the six-bedroom, five-bathroom lodge is simple, like a traditional farmhouse. A large communal area occupies the main level, while the second-floor bedrooms are modest and minimalist, with lofts above. “The bedrooms are intentionally small, almost like those micro hotels you’d see in

A lap pool made from a repurposed shipping container projects out into the front yard.

Guests dine al fresco in the shade of a simple awning.

Large windows provide picturesque views of the landscape.

Europe,” Turner says. “It has a generous kitchen and is symmetrical to a fault, with one outdoor gathering space.”

This easygoing and social design sensibility is one that Green-Spur has cultivated for projects ranging from vacation homes to breweries, in places like Virginia, Arkansas, Montana and New England. It’s a blend of rustic and modern, incorporating green building practices and salvaged materials, with a focus on energy efficiency.

TO UNDERSTAND THE

origins of the Lost Whiskey Project, you have to go back some years. As Turner explains it, he was always obsessed with the idea of orchestrating a “goofy” marriage of whiskey and architecture—which is why his boutique design-build firm got into the distilling business, launching the Lost Whiskey Club brand (lostwhiskey.com) in 2016.

GreenSpur Lost Whiskey produces a true bourbon, which has to be aged in new charred oak barrels for at least two years and cannot include any additives or colorings (whereas whiskey can be aged in barrels previously used to age other spirits). To qualify as a “true bourbon,” a spirit also has to be 51% corn and made in the U.S.

“Every bottle of Lost Whiskey comes from a single barrel and has its own special leather stamp and story number, so that you can always memorialize that moment of where and who you shared that bottle with,” Turner says, waxing romantic. “A good conversation, a good mountaintop or just a good damn day.”

It’s a curious side gig for a team whose expertise is rooted in architectural design, but the common thread is creating something experiential. Master distiller Rob Cassell manages the dis-

tilling process at a facility in Merrifield, while GreenSpur staffers age the barrels, proof down and bottle the product themselves. Nick Cioffi, vice president of construction, crafts the leather tags that adorn each bottle.

“When you do a tasting, it’s always best to get a little ice in the glass,” Turner instructs. “To start, you want to just put a little on your tongue and let your tongue get used to it. The worst thing to do with whiskey is to do a shot.”

WHICH BRINGS US back to the retreat in Delaplane, which Turner says is an extension of the bourbon experience and the Lost Whiskey ethos—one that prizes slow drinking, slow eating and slow living.

The inside of the lodge has a concrete-floor first level with a combined kitchen, dining, sitting and game room. Light pours in from east-facing floor-

Open-fire cooking is a favorite pastime on the property.

to-ceiling windows and doors. An open bridge upstairs permits views and light into the kitchen below.

Black is a major design element—evident in the painted kitchen cabinets, ceramic tile, steel framing and other finishes. It’s offset by materials that lend warmth, including brass fixtures and countertops, and rustic wood furnishings. “We salvaged old cherry and ash trees from the property and had them milled up on site so we could build special furniture pieces,” Turner says. “These elements are raw and modern [to] help connect folks to the textures and beauty of the natural world.”

Outside, guests can chill out on rocking chairs under a covered porch, wan-

der the property’s rolling fields or swim in a lap pool tucked into the slope of the yard. “The pool is essentially a shipping container that has been retrofitted to hold water,” Turner says. “It has a builtin hot tub, an automatic cover, and glass wall panel on one side to allow people to look out when they are swimming.”

The house went up in a mere six days—thanks to a building system comprised of structural insulated panels (SIPs), which can be quickly assembled, like an erector set, to form exterior walls and roofs. An energy-efficient alternative to traditional lumber, the panels are made of two sheets of plywood or oriented strand board (engineered wood) with foam in the

Top right: GreenSpur Lost Whiskey makes two kinds of bourbon: a highrye and a high-wheat, both of which are aged four years ($30/375 ml). The rye is spicy with hints of caramel, while the wheat is smoother and sweeter.

Left: The bedrooms are small and spare, with lofts for kids. Brass countertops and fixtures bring warmth and texture to the bathrooms.

middle—like an ice cream sandwich. Coupled with a steel frame, SIPs can withstand bracing winds, keeping the interior comfortable and free of drafts. The house uses propane for cooking, grid-supplied electricity and water from an on-site well. A high-tech heat pump provides heating and cooling.

Turner says the ideal getaway weekend consists of a group of about 12 to 20 people who love food, nature, long conversations and the outdoors—plus a little friendly competition. “We have corn hole, shuffleboard, darts, cards, hiking trails, mountain biking, swimming,” he says, which become fodder for team heptathlons, with points logged on a big scoreboard.

Top left: Pendant lights made from whiskey barrels hang above a massive dining room table.

Guests may also hunt, if they are so inclined. Having grown up on a ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Turner comes from a long line of game hunters, and the 50 acres in Delaplane are home to deer, wild turkey and doves. “We only do bow-hunting,” he says, “and we eat what we kill.”

The property also has a series of fun outbuildings that were completed in 2019, before construction began on the main lodge. “We like to fiddle with scale, material and craft,” Turner says of the experiments, which include a retrofitted 1974 Airstream trailer; a cantilevered concrete cabin built on top of a boulder; a handsome barn that houses farm equipment and whiskey barrels; and a mobile, tent-like structure with glass walls.

“With a wood stove in it, it’s a perfect place to read, write or watch the stars at night,” Turner says of the tent prototype.

Dreaming of a getaway to this pastoral paradise? Unfortunately Lost Whiskey isn’t open to the public. “It’s more of a private club for friends and family,” Turner says. “It’s not an Airbnb.”

IN THE END , the pandemic was good for GreenSpur’s business. It turns out a lot of people wanted to buy land and

build a house in a rural area. Inquiries have ticked up, Turner says, resulting in more than 20 new projects.

Though the bustle of Beltway life has resumed, you can still find Turner and his family retreating to the hills on weekends, living the analog life and reacquiring the lost art of conversation. The property has poor-quality dial-up Wi-Fi, but guests are encouraged to drop their phones in a basket and simply unplug.

“We wanted to do something truly epic,” Turner muses. “When you come up here with a bunch of family and friends, and you’re eating fresh farmto-table dinners, drinking cocktails, listening to music, it’s one of the better nights of your life. We didn’t do this to monetize it; we did it to tell a story.” ■

Nigel F. Maynard is a freelance writer in historic Hyattsville, Maryland. He recently tried bourbon for the first time while visiting the Lost Whiskey Project.

THE PROJECT

Year Built: 2020

Location: Delaplane, Virginia

Square Footage: 3,000

Architect/Builder: GreenSpur, greenspur.net

A fireside seating area

Top left: The view from the barn. Below: An experimental concrete cabin is equipped with a wood stove, a Murphy bed and a hot tub fueled by open fire. Bottom left: A retrofitted Airstream trailer contains sleeping bunks and a wood stove.

The new front facade pairs durable fiber-cement siding with natural cedar.

Dramatic Adaptation

This remodel did not go exactly as planned. The end result is stunning.

BY SCOTT SOWERS | PHOTOS BY STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG

Katie and Walter Maikish were renting an apartment in Clarendon in 2013 when they came across the 1930 red-brick Cape Cod in Ashton Heights.

Charmed by its cross-gabled roof and screened front porch—and the fact that the previous owners had already renovated the kitchen and added a light-filled family room off the back—they put an offer on the place less than 24 hours later.

n dramatic adaptation

The expanded screened porch now functions as an inviting outdoor room with weatherproof furnishings.

Top: The second-floor addition above the family room contains an owner’s suite with large windows overlooking the backyard. The refaced rear exterior pairs black painted stucco and Boral trim with cedar lap siding.

Right: The back and front of the home, pre-renovation.

By 2018, they had one child and a second on the way, which got them thinking about expanding the 3,000-squarefoot bungalow a bit more. The house had two small bedrooms on the first floor and one on the second floor, but they didn’t want to be that far away from the kids. Their preference was to have everyone sleeping upstairs.

“We figured we’d have to [build] on top of the family room,” Walter says.

A walk in the neighborhood led Katie to Michael Winn, president of Winn Design + Build in Falls Church. “We did a renovation just up the street from them,” Winn says. “They saw the sign and reached out to us.”

Listening to the couple’s wish list,

project architect Stan Khramov and designer Jennifer Hall hashed out plans for a new primary suite above the family room, thereby expanding the second floor with enough square footage to get both of the boys’ rooms upstairs, too, along with a shared hall bathroom and a laundry room.

The plan also called for finishing the

n dramatic adaptation

basement, creating an attic storage space, converting one of the first-floor bedrooms into a mudroom, redoing a first-floor bathroom and removing a wall between the living and dining areas. The decking on the front porch needed to be replaced, and the old home’s plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems were badly in need of an upgrade. The interior staircases also weren’t to code.

When demolition began in March 2019, Walter had just broken his leg in a skiing accident and Katie was in the final months of her second pregnancy. They decamped to a rental house about a mile away.

As construction got underway, however, some new wrinkles emerged. The original footings for the screened porch were damaged and in need of replacement. While they’re at it, why not make the porch bigger? Walter thought, picturing an airy spot that he could use as a cigar lounge. Winn updated the construction documents and resubmitted them to the county for approval.

The plans shifted again when the couple—both of whom work from home in IT sales—began rethinking the attic space as a home office for Katie. This necessitated a change in framing and another round of amended permits. “It was like designing the car while you’re driving down the road,” Winn jokes, good-naturedly.

And then came an act of God. About halfway through the project timeline, a storm sent a 100-year-old white oak tree in the backyard crashing into the family room.

Despite the audibles and unanticipated setbacks, the renovation was completed in February 2020, less than a year after construction began.

Today, the home’s striking design marries Katie’s penchant for modern with Walter’s preference for a more traditional aesthetic. Architecturally,

Winn Design + Build repaired the family room after it was damaged by a fallen tree, adding a new ceiling with structural beams to support the second-floor addition.

n dramatic adaptation

Below: The adjoining bathroom has a honed tile floor and a Mirabelle soaking tub with a mahogany veneer accent wall. Frosted glass wall panels hide a water closet and dual-headed shower stall.

A new kitchen-side bar features a slatted wood kickplate and a light quartz countertop. The floors are original white oak. Winn Design + Build widened the adjacent staircase and opened it up with a floating cable-rail system from Viewrail.

Right: The new secondfloor owner’s suite features a soothing accent wall (Benjamin Moore Spotswood Teal).

the cross-gable roof configuration remains, though the house is now taller, with a dramatic pitched roof and an unfussy façade that mixes black Hardie-plank siding with vertical trim for a board-and-batten look. Lap siding made from natural cedar provides warm wood accents on the exterior.

Inside, the main floor’s common areas flow together in an open plan that’s

conducive to family time and entertaining, with rich color selections and finishes. Khramov and Hall lowered a pass-through opening between the kitchen and dining room to bar height, adding stools for extra seating and a slatted wood kickplate, which—unlike the previous drywall under the bar—is less prone to scuff marks.

In the living room (see page 133),

they sleekened the fireplace by removing the original mantel and brass doors and painting the bricks a dark charcoal. While repairing the tree damage and restoring the family room to its original design, Winn’s construction crew installed a new ceiling with load-bearing beams to support the weight of the second-floor addition above it.

Katie and Walter now have a tran-

n dramatic adaptation

quil bedroom with large windows and a fireplace. It adjoins an enviable walk-in-closet and a Zen-like bathroom with frosted glass walls and a freestanding soaking tub.

When it came time to rough out the boys’ bedrooms, Winn’s designers were the ones to suggest a couple of unplanned changes on the fly— a built-in reading nook in one son’s room and a circular alcove in the other, rendering each space much more interesting than a basic box.

“Sometimes my staff will come up with ideas that aren’t in the original program,” Winn says, and float them for consideration. The family loved both features.

All in all, the story has a happy ending. Walter now looks forward to cuddling up with the kids each night to read bedtime books in that cozy nook.

And Katie has her own favorite hideaway—a home office/yoga/TV room, which is tucked into the attic, illuminated by skylights and accessible via a set of stairs from her bedroom.

When stress sets in, she also retreats to that spa-like bath. “We love that bathroom,” she says. “The bathtub is heavenly.” ■

Scott Sowers is a freelance writer based in Washington, D.C.

THE PROJECT

Renovated in: 2019-2020

Neighborhood: Ashton Heights Square Footage: 2,997 before / 4,240 after

Architect/Builder: Winn Design + Build, winndesign.com

Landscape Design: Black Pearl Management, blackpearlva.com

A clever cubby makes a statement in one of the boys’ bedrooms.

The reading nook in the other son’s room is perfect for bedtime stories.

Builders & Architects

Profiles

Classic Cottages

Northern Virginia-based Classic Cottages provides turnkey solutions for Arlington families looking to build or buy a new home. Whether it’s a carefully crafted model home or a custom home from scratch, Classic Cottages can handle everything from concept to completion.

433 E. Monroe Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22301

703-844-9936

sales@ccottages.com www.ccottages.com

Classic Cottages president and founder David Tracy has a mantra: “We will be on time and on budget.” He takes particular pride in the fact that Classic Cottages has been able to honor fixed pricing in contracts even as material pricing surged starting in early-to-mid 2021, and they have met timelines when hitting completion dates has become increasingly challenging.

“We have certainly seen a whirlwind of change in our industry over the past two years,” says Tracy. “But we continue to assess the marketplace and adapt to circumstances outside of our control.”

For the buy, build, sell model home part of their business, Classic Cottages has adjusted by shortening the time

available to prospective buyers for customization and implementing a hard stop in pre-construction. “We are already having to adjust to everchanging product delivery timelines, product unavailability and labor shortages inside of our construction schedules,” says VP of operations Evan Muelenaer. “This additional complexity ends up filling the time previously devoted to entertaining and executing elective changes on behalf of our buyers during construction.”

Newer headwinds facing the industry are related to the unreliability of attaining permanent utilities and front-end permitting delays. Muelenaer explains that prior to middle of 2021, “maybe 5% to 10% of Classic Cottages’ jobs”

had some level of disruption to the build schedule due to an inability to obtain permanent utilities.

For projects under construction or completed earlier this year, “every house is either coming down to the wire” with utilities installed just in time or “causing some level of delay near the finish line,” Muelenaer says. Classic Cottages finds it increasingly important to provide accurate guidance to buyers earlier so they can plan movers, settlement and other measures typically associated with buying or moving into a new home.

On a related issue, Arlington County rolled out new stormwater regulations in September 2021, with the goal of better managing runoff onto neighboring

properties. “I think anybody who is responsibly building in the county believes the new regulations were wellintended,” says Tracy. “However, applying the intent in the short term has been challenging to accomplish.”

This has resulted in unpredictable timelines and short-term delays in the permitting durations. For years, Classic Cottages was able to receive permits to start construction approximately three to three-and-a-half months after the initial submission of the Land Disturbance Permit. Over the last two quarters, Classic Cottages has seen durations widen significantly to six months or longer.

“Everybody involved in the process— particularly county reviewers and civil

engineers—is working harder, trying to interpret the new code and regulations in real time,” says Tracy. “However, it’s affecting our clients in the short term and adding to already lengthy build schedules.”

Through it all, Classic Cottages remains confident in the strength of the local single-family housing market and an eventual easing of current project lifecycle disruptions. “They aren’t making any new land here in Arlington,” notes Tracy. “We will continue to deliver high-quality homes to Arlington’s residents.”

Bowers Design Build

BRUCE AND WILMA BOWERS, OWNERS

JOHN COBURN, PRESIDENT

BOB BRADDOCK, VP OF ARCHITECTURE

KATIE PETERS, VP OF DESIGN

For 32 years, Bowers Design Build has created an extraordinary home renovation experience. Theirs is a complete turn-key operation, with on-staff architects and interior designers creating customized designs and on-staff construction experts building with quality-minded focus and honed project management skills. The entire Bowers team is committed to delivering a great experience for their clients.

6715 Whittier Ave., Suite 200, McLean, VA 22101

703-506-0845 | info@bowersdesignbuild.com www.bowersdesignbuild.com

For more than three decades, Bowers Design Build’s singular goal has been to create an extraordinary design and construction experience for their renovation clients. Founder Bruce Bowers has a relentless drive to do things “the right way.” With a team of hand-picked professionals, enhanced through Bowers Design Build’s recent merger with Arlington-based Red House Architects, he has developed a customer-centric approach to customized designs and a precise construction process incorporating project management expertise.

Inspired by the company’s long-standing reputation for extreme customer care, the Bowers Design Build team of onstaff architects, interior designers and construction professionals go above and beyond daily to ensure overall client satisfaction. Proof that their hard work is paying off: Recent results

from independent survey research firm, GuildQuality.com, show that 100% of their clients surveyed would recommend them to a friend. “While winning industry awards for exceptional design and construction is wonderful, the true measure of the Bowers’ team’s success is happy clients,” says Bowers Design Build vice president and co-owner Wilma Bowers.

Satisfied clients describe the Bowers Design Build team as creative, detail oriented, dedicated, honest, fair and great project managers. “They recognize that our employees are talented people with a focus on customer care,” says Wilma Bowers. “In fact, many of our customers have said they wouldn’t change a thing about their experience with Bowers Design Build. That is high praise—especially in the discerning northern Virginia market, where competition is plentiful.”

TriVistaUSA Design + Build

Awards/Honors:

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Remodeler 2022

NARI Contractor of the Year (COTY) 2022

Best of Houzz in Design 2022

Arlington Chamber of Commerce Service Small Business Award

Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award

925 N. Garfield St., Suite 108

Arlington, VA 22210

703-243-3171

info@trivistausa.com www.trivistausa.com

TriVistaUSA Design + Build’s corporate culture is built around client satisfaction. Behind the scenes, TriVistaUSA’s talented team of professionals collaborates on every project to ensure that their clients’ needs are met.

Co-owners Deborah and Michael Sauri’s backgrounds are in artistic fields, allowing them to approach problem areas with creative solutions. “A large part of TriVistaUSA’s success is due to a process called a design charrette,” says Michael. In mid-1800’s Paris, French architectural students would frantically gather around a cart, submitting their work and finishing their projects as they were being rolled away—“en charrette,” or “in the cart.” TriVistaUSA’s charrette process is less frantic, but more collaborative, calling on the expertise of every team member to bring different perspectives to their design solutions. “Our clients are presented

with an exciting variety of options, all of which solve their home challenges, within budget, allowing them to see multiple options and collaborate with us on their own solutions from the very first design presentation,” Michael emphasizes.

Their focus on design ultimately impacts every aspect of TriVistaUSA’s clients’ lives: the flow through their remodeled home, their privacy, the connectedness of family and the beauty they enjoy when they sip a cup of tea. “Although we see every project as an artistic opportunity, we all believe that form follows function,” says Deborah. “The design should relate to the needs of our clients, whom we love delighting with custom-crafted solutions that fit their vision.” One satisfied client puts it best: “When you work with great people, you get a great experience. TriVistaUSA’s commitment to service and relationships is simply unparalleled!”

Marks-Woods Construction Services

GREG MARKS, BYRON WOODS AND DREW MARKS

Marks-Woods is proud of their tried-andtrue process and 20 years of experience designing and building award-winning homes in Arlington and the surrounding Northern Virginia and D.C. area. However, what really sets them apart from other builders is their in-house design team and hands-on approach to client interactions.

205 S. Union St.

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-838-9788

www.markswoods.com

Marks-Woods Construction Services is very committed to their handson approach to client relationships, from consultation to completion.

Clients engage with all three partners, Greg Marks (Director of Business Development), Byron Woods (Contracts Manager) and Drew Marks (Operations Manager). Their staff interior designers work directly with homeowners to first determine their overall design aesthetic and then recommend materials and finishes that match their style and stay within their established budget.

Renovating a home can be a daunting process—as homeowners themselves, the Marks-Woods team gets it! For that reason, their top priority is alleviating the stress of the home renovation process.

“We seek to really understand our clients’ goals and visions,” says Greg Marks.

“What does their dream home look like? How would they define their style? What frustrations do they want their renovated home to solve?” The company’s in-house design team partners with clients to answer these questions. Their experienced construction crew brings floor plans and renderings from paper to real life. “There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a client’s face light up because their vision has finally become a reality,” says Drew Marks. “That is why we love what we do.”

The success of Marks-Woods’ approach is reflected in the words of their satisfied clients. “We are thrilled with our choice to work with Marks-Woods!” says Kate H. “They gave us a finished product that is just spectacular (and on schedule, no less). We would absolutely go to MarksWoods again in the future for any projects. I can’t recommend them highly enough!”

DeFalco Home Design

TRIPP DEFALCO

Winston Churchill once said that “We shape our buildings—thereafter they shape us.” He is right. DeFalco Home Design is passionate about residential architecture, and we find it gratifying to be able to make a real difference in our clients’ lives.

3409 N. Potomac St. Arlington, VA 22213 703-483-2427 info@defalcohomedesign.com www.defalcohomedesign.com

DeFalco Home Design owner Tripp DeFalco is a licensed architect, a member of the American Institute of Architects and nationally certified by NCARB. In between the two architecture firms that he founded, he spent more than ten years working as a designbuilder. “I held a Class A general contractor’s license, building what I designed,” DeFalco says. “In addition to learning a great deal about the nuts and bolts of construction, I learned the pressures that builders face and the obstacles they have to overcome on a daily basis. It’s not as easy as it looks!”

For DeFalco’s architecture clients, this unique experience translates into him having insider knowledge when working with their builder. It’s much easier to avoid an adversarial relationship between client and builder when the architect is able to offer an explanation for what may otherwise look strange to someone outside the profession.

Over the course of his decades of experience as an architect and Class A contractor, DeFalco has seen some exciting changes in the local market. “Modern residential design is finally becoming popular in the D.C. metropolitan area. I was beginning to think I would never get to use the design principles I had studied in architecture school,” he says. “I love traditional styles when they are done well, but the increased interest in modern/contemporary architecture is allowing area designers to experiment more. This is not only fun for us architects, but it also results in a richer tapestry for our neighborhoods.”

Arlington Designer Homes

ANDREW MOORE

Andrew Moore is President of Arlington Designer Homes. An Arlington native, he has served his community as a translator at the Arlington Free Clinic, on public school planning commissions and as President of the Custom Builders Council. Most recently he was presented the prestigious 'Best Green Building', Gala award, by the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA).

4719 N. 24th Road, Arlington, VA 22207

703-243-1752

arlingtondesignerhomes@gmail.com

www.ArlingtonDesignerHomes.com

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

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

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

Any good project owes its success to open, honest and continual communication. Arlington Designer Homes learns how their clients best communicate and works with them that way, using tools such as weekly updates, their online client portal and on-site meetings. The ultimate goal is creating an open environment to support their clients.

LISA HELFERT

Alair Homes

CHAD HACKMANN

Awards/Honors:

NARI Contractor of the Year Winner:

Nationally for Basement Remodel under $100k (2020)

Locally for Kitchen under $50k (2019)

Locally for Addition under $250k (2019)

Recipient of NARI’s Community Service Award

Arlington County Green Home Choice Award – Platinum Level

Arlington, VA 22201

703-791-1317

chad.hackman@alairhomes.com www.alairhomes.com/arlington/

Alair Homes Arlington has continued to deliver an exceptional customer experience even through the pandemic.

The company’s Client Control Platform continues to allow customers to monitor their project’s budget and schedule in real time. They see the actual cost of each and every hour of labor and item that goes into their project and have real discussions ahead of time to make sure the proper contingencies are in place.

“The supply chain remains unpredictable, and all our sub-contractors, vendors and suppliers are trying to get back to what they envision as a normal schedule,” says Alair’s local owner Chad Hackmann. “But our relationship and communication with those vendors and suppliers allow us

to keep our clients well informed of the schedules that are updated nearly daily.” As a result, there are no surprise dead spots in the schedules. “Our clients can see exactly how their projects are put together, who is doing the work and exactly how we are being paid.”

Alair excels by treating all clients like they would treat friends and family. “There is a lot of misinformation out there, but by being totally transparent with our clients, we can keep the stress levels low in what is traditionally a very stressful process,” Hackman says. “We are members of this community and see our clients all over town. Our kids go to the same schools, we shop at the same stores. We want everyone to greet us with a smile as we do the same to them.”

BOLT Builders

JUSTIN OLEWACK

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

1408 N. Filmore St., Suite #2 Arlington, VA 22201

703-525-0719

justin@boltdevelopmentgroup.com www.boltbuilt.com

Years ago, Justin Olewack made a lifechanging decision. “I elected to forego the security of a job to build a company that has meaning and purpose,” he recalls. Looking back today, the president and founder of BOLT Builders is certain he chose the right path.

“It hasn’t always been a bed of roses,” he admits. “But I love the details and creativity this business offers. I’m an artist and my canvas is the home I’m constructing.”

BOLT Builders are people-centric builders that do more than transform a home.

“We create a living experience through impeccable craftsmanship and detailfocused design,” Olewack says.

The company employs a variety of new

technologies to help their clients. Clients have every piece of project data at their fingertips in real time. Live Critical Path schedules provide clarity on the status of their projects, while daily job logs with photos make it possible to see the progress evolve.

With experience gained from having overseen $230 million of residential and commercial production construction work over the past fifteen years, what advice would Olewack offer someone just starting out in the building profession?

“Stay focused on your core offering -- for instance, choosing quality over quantity,” he says. “It’s easy to get all sorts of projects, but to be known for quality and great service on great projects takes years of refinement and discipline.”

TONY J. LEWIS

Ballard + Mensua Architecture

SETH M. BALLARD, AIA, NCARB

Awards/Honors:

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Architect 2016, 2020

Arlington Magazine Top Vote Getter, Best Architect 2018, 2022

Northern Virginia Magazine “Best of Northern Virginia” 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Best of Houzz 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022

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

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

202-810-6555 | seth@ballardmensua.com www.ballardmensua.com

As a full-service architecture firm specializing in unique and custom homes and renovations, Ballard + Mensua Architecture offers far more than the standard architecture firm. Their clients appreciate their refined process as much as their design talent. Ballard + Mensua’s process is designed to allow their clients to make all decisions on a cost-informed and design-option-informed basis.

Ballard + Mensua not only offers architectural services, but all aspects of design in a single firm, from interior design and decorating to landscape design and more. “With a broad network of the top builders and vendors that work under our guidance, we offer full-service project management from concept to completion,” says Ballard + Mensua architect and principal Seth Ballard. “As

a result, we can provide all the positives of design/build, while maintaining the competitive bidding and checks and balances of a traditional client/architect/ builder relationship. Further, we specialize in highly detailed drawings that are partly enabled by our in-depth understanding of construction. I only hire architects that have broad construction experience working in the field.”

Ballard is an Arlington native, and a proud alumnus of McKinley elementary, Swanson middle and Yorktown high schools. “I understand the local market and how it has changed over the years,” he says. Not surprisingly, local recognition means a lot to him. “Ballard + Mensua is proud to have won Best Architect in the Best of Arlington competition—we’re counting on your votes again this year!”

great

Bench Warmer

A tricky design challenge with a comfy solution

THE REMODEL OF this Country Club Manor home presented a dilemma for interior designer Liz Mearns and architect Charles Moore. Removing walls to create a more open floor plan transformed the main level, but doing so resulted in a long, narrow living room with dimensions that made furniture placement challenging—particularly along the back wall of the house.

“Even if you had a 9-foot sofa, it was going to be awkward,” says Mearns, whose firm, Imagine Design, is based in Arlington.

The solution: a 16-foot, built-in window seat with task lights by Visual Comfort at either end. Not only does the banquette fill that odd space in an intentional way, it frames a picturesque view of the family’s lush backyard, whereas a couch would have partially blocked the windows.

Moore Architects, based in Falls Church, designed the home’s improvements and added a bump-out for the banquette—a move that gave shape and definition to the living area without interrupting its openness. “Their great idea was expanding that space a little bit,” says the homeowner. ”It would have been much less functional if we

had not bumped out that little spot. It gave us a square area to work with.”

Mearns, who jokingly refers to herself as “the banquette queen,” touts the economic efficiency of the design. Herndon-based Phoenix Builders “constructed a low platform, which is not

that expensive,” she says. “Essentially, you’re getting a custom sofa, but you’re just doing the top cushion.” (Or in this case, three cushions by Sky Upholstery in a high-performance Kravet fabric.)

“We made them extra deep, so it sits more like a sofa than a bench.”

spaces

by Scott Sowers | photo by Robert Radifera | styling by Charlotte Safavi

The owners—a family of book-lovers—now use the banquette for reading, lounging, watching TV and playing board games, calling it “a focal point for the whole home.”

The window seat flanks a conversation area with a leather sofa from

Room & Board and mod swivel chairs by Lee Industries. “We wanted them to feel a little vintage,” Mearns says of the chairs, “so we used a patterned fabric. I love that they have legs and can swivel to face multiple seating areas or the TV.” ■

February’s Most Expensive Home Sales

22201 (Arlington)

1314 N. Stafford St.

List Price: $1.75 million

Sale Price: $1.9 million

Days on Market: 7

Listing Office: Howard Brock Realty Co.

Neighborhood: Ballston

Year Built: 2015

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22202 (Arlington)

2700 Fort Scott Drive

List Price: $1.4 million

Sale Price: $1.73 million

Days on Market: 6

Listing Office: Compass

Neighborhood: Aurora Hills

Year Built: 1950

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22203 (Arlington)

4509 Seventh St. N.

List Price: $1.45 million

Sale Price: $1.6 million

Days on Market: 3

Listing Office: Arlington Realty

Neighborhood: Brandon Village

Year Built: 1999

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22204 (Arlington)

2407 Second St. S.

List Price: $1.8 million

Sale Price: $900,000

Days on Market: 61

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: Holmes

Year Built: 1900

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 1/0

This information, courtesy of Bright MLS as of March 16, 2022, includes homes sold in February 2022, excluding sales in which sellers have withheld permission to advertise or promote. Information should be independently verified. The Bright MLS real estate service area spans 40,000 square miles throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. As a leading Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Bright serves approximately 95,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve over 20 million consumers. For more information, visit brightmls.com.

22205 (Arlington)

6301 23rd St. N.

List Price: $1.78 million

Sale Price: $1.78 million

Days on Market: 16

Listing Office: McEarney Associates

Neighborhood: East Falls Church

Year Built: 1955

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/0

22206 (Arlington)

2829 24th Road S.

List Price: $930,600

Sale Price: $930,600

Days on Market: 42

Listing Office: EXP Realty

Neighborhood: Green Valley

Year Built: 2020

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 2/1

Springhaven Garden, McLean

C LO S E PA R T N E R S

22207 (Arlington)

3038 N. Peary St.

List Price: $3.25 million

Sale Price: $2.95 million

Days on Market: 171

Listing Office: Weichert Realtors

Neighborhood: Bellevue Forest

Year Built: 2018

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 6/2

22209 (Arlington)

1548 N. Colonial Terrace

List Price: $1.55 million

Sale Price: $1.63 million

Days on Market: 3

Listing Office: Compass

Neighborhood: Highgate

Year Built: 1991

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/2

22213 (Arlington)

7000 Fairfax Drive

List Price: $1.32 million

Sale Price: $1.28 million

Days on Market: 25

Listing Office: Weichert Realtors

Neighborhood: Isaac Crossman

Year Built: 1924

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 2/0

22101 (McLean)

1126 Basil Road

List Price: $6.9 million

Sale Price: $6.4 million

Days on Market: 301

Listing Office: McEnearney Associates

Neighborhood: Downcrest

Year Built: 2020

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 7/3

22102 (McLean)

8338 Springhaven Garden

List Price: $3.5 million

Sale Price: $3.46 million

Days on Market: 186

Listing Office: Washington Fine Properties

Neighborhood: Springhaven Estates

Year Built: 2004

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/3

22041 (Falls Church)

3549 Gordon St.

List Price: $999,000

Sale Price: $980,000

Days on Market: 8

Listing Office: Redfin Corp.

Neighborhood: Courtland Park

Year Built: 2006

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22042 (Falls Church)

6804 Farragut Ave.

List Price: $1.13 million

Sale Price: $1.14 million

Days on Market: 5

Listing Office: Samson Properties

Neighborhood: City Park Homes

Year Built: 2022

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22043 (Falls Church)

7504 Fisher Drive

List Price: $1.25 million

Sale Price: $1.62 million

Days on Market: 3

Listing Office: Merion Realty

Neighborhood: Pimmit Hills

Year Built: 2021

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22044 (Falls Church)

6213 Squires Hill Drive

List Price: $649,500

Sale Price: $630,000

Days on Market: 2

Listing Office: Long and Foster

Neighborhood: Country Squire

Year Built: 1993

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 2/2

22046 (Falls Church)

515 E. Broad St.

List Price: $1.63 million

Sale Price: $1.61 million

Days on Market: 71

Listing Office: AWB Real Estate

Neighborhood: Broadmont

Year Built: 2021

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

3038 N. Peary St., Arlington

Real Estate Sales Trends

22202

22204

22205

22206

22209

22213

22102 Number

22041

Number

22101

22042

22044

22046

Hagedorn

Seoul Satisfaction

Eric Shin wasn’t fully content being the principal percussionist for the National Symphony Orchestra, a position he landed in 2012. So he looked for a side hustle.

“Once I made it professionally, I thought, Is there anything else I want to do? Wherever I lived, I was always the tour guide for Korean restaurants, so I thought to do a fast-casual place for Korean food to show my culture,” says Shin, 41. “There were many types of fast-casual places, but not Korean.”

He had some experience. In Atlanta, where he was born and raised, his parents had owned a Korean restaurant called Garam in the early 1990s.

Shin put together a business plan and began experimenting with recipes, testing them out at dinner parties he hosted with his wife, Malorie Blake Shin (she’s a violinist for the NSO).

In 2016, he opened the first Seoulspice in D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood. In February he opened

his sixth eatery—the first in Virginia— at 1735 N. Lynn St. in Rosslyn.

“Virginia has always been our most requested location, ever since we opened in NoMa,” Shin says. “Rosslyn is perfectly situated…so close to Georgetown. There is a great mix of businesses and a lot of residential around there, so it seemed like the natural place.”

The 985-square-foot storefront is small, so there is no on-site dining, although Shin says he may add a nook with four or five seats. D.C.based DesignCase outfitted the interior with bold colors and neon signs—a nod to Seoul street life.

The DIY menu, which is completely gluten-free, follows a familiar formula: Choose a base (rice, greens or sweet-potato noodles); a protein (beef bulgogi; soy-garlic chicken; spicy pork; or caramelized tofu); veggies (such as corn, kimchi, Korean radish, carrots); sauces (Korean hot sauce; creamy sriracha; ginger-carrot; cilantro-lime ranch);

and various toppings and extras, such as scallions, avocado, soft-boiled egg and crispy garlic.

Alternately, you can go with a “kurrito”—a Korean burrito (nori replaces the tortilla) stuffed with rice and the fillings of your choosing. A bowl or kurrito with a protein and extras costs about $14.

Shin has no plans to switch to a commissary kitchen, despite the expansion. He likes that food is made on the premises from scratch, and he is a stickler for consistency, quality and good service.

“In Korea, you always use two hands to hand something to someone. It’s a sign of respect in our culture,” he says. “We train our employees to do that.” seoulspice.com

Fast-casual fare at Seoulspice in Rosslyn

Eric Shin

Pasta for Dinner

I recently opened the freezer and found a fortuitous purchase I had forgotten about: four-cheese ravioli and spicy arrabiata sauce from chef Leonardo Rebollo’s Pasta Ilgatto stand at the Westover Farmers Market. Less than 30 minutes later, I had dinner on the table.

Rebollo, 46, came to the U.S. in 2003 from his native Uruguay, settling in Falls Church and continuing his culinary career in various DMV restaurants (including 2941, Café Milano and the now-closed Galileo) and later, as executive chef of To Your Taste Catering in Alexandria from 2012 to 2020.

Laid off during the pandemic, he decided to finally fulfill his dream of opening his own pasta business, putting to use a skill he had learned from his Italian grandmother. He named it Pasta Ilgatto (the cat) after a nickname his childhood friends had given him because of his catlike brown eyes and his swift, feline movements on the soccer field.

Rebollo co-owns the enterprise with his wife, Alejandra Ovalles. “Our idea was to open a homemade pasta shop, which we hope to do in Arlington or Falls Church one day,” Ovalles says, “but we put that on hold because of Covid-19 and concentrated on online sales.” (Pasta orders can be picked up at their shared kitchen facility in Lorton, or delivered if the total exceeds $75.)

In November, Rebollo started selling at the Westover Farmers Market on Sundays (summer hours are 8 a.m. to noon, starting in May). On Saturdays, he sells at markets in Reston and on Monroe Street NE (Brookland) in D.C.

Pasta Ilgatto offers 24-oz. boxes ($16) of various egg pastas (tagliatelle, bucatini, pappardelle, fettuccine) in three flavors (basil, spinach or roasted red pepper), as well as pasta sheets. Filled pastas (round sorrentinos or square ravioli) are sold in 1-kilo (2.2 lb.) boxes ($27$33). Sample fillings include smoked

Avocado Toast

at Green Pig Bistro

Feeling brunchy? Chef Tracy O’Grady satisfies multiple cravings in one great dish at this chatty Clarendon bistro. The colorful ensemble ($19) finds toasted sourdough bread draped with smoked salmon, fanned avocado slices, cherry tomatoes and pickled red onions dressed in red-wine vinaigrette. On top goes a sunny-side up egg, with hash brown potatoes on the side. It’s midday meal perfection. greenpigbistro.com

Gouda and sun-dried tomato; smoked mozzarella and ham; spinach and roasted onion; butternut squash; roasted salmon and caramelized onions; lemon ricotta; and smoked brisket and cheese. Frozen sauces (24 oz., $14-$20) include pesto; pomodoro (tomato); beef Bolognese; and creamy Caruso, a Uruguayan white wine and cream sauce with mushrooms and ham. pastailgattochef.com

Fresh pasta from Pasta Ilgatto

places to EAT

ARLINGTON

A Modo Mio Pizzeria

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

Aladdin Sweets & Tandoor

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

Ambar Clarendon

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

O R L D G V $$

Arlington Kabob

5046 Langston Blvd., 703-531-1498, arlingtonkab obva.com. Authentic Afghan fare includes kabobs, wraps, shawarma and quabli palou (lamb shank with rice). L D $$

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill

2424 Wilson Blvd., 703-528-3030, arlrooftop.com. There’s plenty of bar food to go with the games, from burgers and wings to oysters and flatbread.

O C R L D A G V $$

Assembly

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

Baba

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

Bakeshop

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

Ballston Local

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 $$

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 $$

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 $$

Bar Bao

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-600-0500, barbao.com. The trendy watering hole serves dishes reminiscent of Chinese and Taiwanese street food, plus sake, soju and Asian fusion cocktails. L D V $$

Basic Burger

1101 S. Joyce Street, 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 s 1515 N. Courthouse Road, 703-243-2410, bayou bakeryva.com. Chef David Guas’ New Orleans-inspired menu changes often, but you can always count on beignets and gumbo. Breakfast all day on weekends. O C B R L D G V $

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. 4401 Wilson Blvd., 703-276-3032; 4251 Camp-

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 2021 or 2022 Winner

Stellina Pizzeria in Arlington

■ places to eat

bell Ave., 703-933-2867, eatbigbuns.com. Satisfy your cravings with “designer” burgers, shakes, beer and booze. L D $$

Bob & Edith’s Diner

2310 Columbia Pike, 703-920-6103; 539 23rd St. S., 703-920-2700; 5150 Langston Blvd., 703-5940280; bobandedithsdiner.com. Founded in 1969, the 24-hour eatery whips up pancakes, eggs, grits, meatloaf, shakes and pie à la mode. B L D A V $

Bollywood Bistro Express

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

Bonsai Sushi at Crystal City

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

Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

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

Brass Rabbit Public House

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

O R L D V A $$

Bread & Water Company

1201 S. Joyce St., 703-567-6698, breadand watercompany.com. The cafe-bakery serves sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries. Grab a loaf of

Markos Panas’ addictive, rustic “M” bread to take home. B L V $

Bronson Bierhall

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

O L D A $$

Buena Vida

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

Busboys and Poets

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

The Café by La Cocina VA

918 S. Lincoln St., 703-596-1557, lacocinava.org/ café-main. This lunch spot operated by La Cocina VA, a nonprofit that trains immigrants for culinary careers, serves soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries and Swing’s coffee. L V $

Café Colline

4536 Langston Blvd., 703-567-6615, cafecolline va.com. Helmed by executive chef Brendan L’Etoile, the cozy French bistro in the Lee Heights Shops satisfies with dishes such as paté maison, duck confit and chocolate pots de creme. O L D $$

Café Sazón

4704 Columbia Pike, 703-566-1686, cafesazon.

com. A homey Bolivian café specializing in dishes such as silpancho and empanadas. B L D V $$

Caribbean Grill

5183 Langston Blvd., 703-241-8947. Cuban preparations such as jerk-style pork, fried plantains and black bean soup are mainstays. C L D G V $

Carlyle

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

CarPool Beer and Billiards

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

Cava

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

Cava Mezze

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

The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant 2500 Columbia Pike, 703-746-9644, celtichouse. net. The pub on the Pike serves up pints alongside favorites like corned beef and traditional Irish breakfast. C R L D A $$

Chasin’ Tails

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

Cheesetique

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

Chiko

4040 Campbell Ave., 571-312-0774, chikodc.com.

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

Circa at Clarendon

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

Colony Grill

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

Copperwood Tavern

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

Cowboy Café s

4792 Langston Blvd., 703-243-8010, thecowboy cafe.com. Cool your heels and fill up on sandwiches, burgers, brisket and chili mac. An outdoor beer

Punch Bowl Social in Arlington

garden features a mural by Arlington artist MasPaz. Live music on weekends. O C R L D V $$

Crafthouse

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

Crystal City Sports Pub

529 23rd St. S., 703-521-8215, ccsportspub.com.

Open 365 days a year, it’s a sure bet for big-screen TVs, pool tables, trivia and poker nights, beers and bar snacks. C B R L D A G V $$

Crystal Thai

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

Dama Pastry Restaurant & Cafe

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

Darna

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

Delhi Dhaba Indian Restaurant

2424 Wilson Blvd., 703-524-0008, delhidhaba.com. The best bargain is the “mix and match” platter,

which includes tandoori, seafood, a curry dish and a choice of rice or naan. O L D G V $$

Detour Coffee

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

District Taco

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

Don Tito

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

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

Dudley’s Sport & Ale

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

Earl’s Sandwiches

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

East West Coffee Wine

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

El Charrito Caminante

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

El Paso Café

4235 N. Pershing Drive, 703-243-9811, elpaso cafeva.com. Big portions, big margaritas and bighearted service make this Tex-Mex cantina a local favorite. C L D G V $$

El 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 $ 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 $

El Pike Restaurant

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

El Rey

4201 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-5530, elreyva.com.

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

■ places to eat

Endo Sushi

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

Epic Smokehouse

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

Essy’s Carriage House Restaurant

4030 Langston Blvd., 703-525-7899, essyscarriage house.com. Kick it old school with crab imperial, lamb chops and prime rib. B L D G $$$

Farmbird

4121 Wilson Blvd., 571-431-6158, farmbird.com. Grilled chicken is the main attraction at this healthful counter-service café. Order a plate and choose your sides. B L D G $

Federico Ristorante Italiano

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

Fettoosh

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

Fire Works

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

First Down Sports Bar & Grill

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

Four Sisters Grill

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

The Freshman

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

Gaijin Ramen Shop

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

Galaxy Hut

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

Gharer Khabar

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

Good Company Doughnuts & Café 672 N. Glebe Road, 703-243-3000, gocodough.com. The family- and veteran-owned eatery serves housemade doughnuts, Intelligentsia coffee and other breakfast and lunch fare. B L V $$

Good Stuff Eatery

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

Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro

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

Green Pig Bistro s

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

Greens N Teff s

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

Guajillo

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

Guapo’s Restaurant

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

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

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

Hanabi Ramen

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

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

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

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

Highline RxR

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

Hot Lola’s

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

Inca Social

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

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

Istanbul Grill

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

The Italian Store 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. Grilled meats, pillowy naan and savory sides. L D A G V $$

Kanpai Restaurant

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

L.A. Bar & Grill

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

La Côte D’Or Café

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

Layalina

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

Lebanese Taverna

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

Le Pain Quotidien

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

The Liberty Tavern

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

Livin’ the Pie Life

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

The Local Oyster

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 844-7482537, thelocaloyster.com. Seafood lovers can feast on raw bar, steamers, crabcakes, lobster rolls and “sammies.” L D G $$

Lost Dog Café

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

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

3100 N. Washington Blvd., 703-741-7636, lyonhall arlington.com. The European-style brasserie turns

out French, German and Alsatian-inspired plates, from charcuterie and sausages to mussels and pickled vegetables. O C R L D A V $$$

Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery

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

Maison Cheryl

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

Maizal

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

Mala Tang

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

Mario’s Pizza House

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

Mattie and Eddie’s

1301 S. Joyce St., 571-312-2665, mattieand eddies.com. It’s not just an Irish bar. Chef Cathal

Armstrong’s kitchen serves farm-to-table dishes like lobster pot pie, house-cured corned beef, sardines on toast, and Irish breakfast all day. O R L D $$$

Maya Bistro

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

McNamara’s Pub & Restaurant

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

Me Jana

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

Mele Bistro

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

Meridian Pint

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

Metro 29 Diner

4711 Langston Blvd., 703-528-2464, metro29. com. Classic diner fare includes triple-decker sand-

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

Mexicali Blues

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

Moby Dick House of Kabob

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

Mussel Bar & Grille

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

Nam-Viet

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

Nighthawk Pizza

1201 S. Joyce St., nighthawkpizza.com. Restaurateur Scott Parker has teamed up with chef Johnny Spero and Aslin Beer Co. to introduce a brewpub featuring low-ABV beers, personal pizzas and smash burgers. L D V $$

Northside Social Coffee & Wine s 3211 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-0145, northsidesocial arlington.com. The homey, two-story coffee and

■ places to eat

wine bar (with a big patio) is always busy...which tells you something. O B L D V $$

Oby Lee

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

Old Dominion Pizza

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

Open Road

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

Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen

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

Osteria da Nino

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

3207 Washington Blvd., 703-812-0939, osullivans irishpub.com. You’ll find owner and County Kerry native Karen O’Sullivan behind the bar, pouring pints and cracking jokes. L D A $$

Palette 22

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

Pamplona

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

Peking Pavilion

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

Peter Chang Arlington s

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

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

Pie-tanza s

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

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

Poppyseed Rye

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

Pupatella s

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

Pupuseria Doña Azucena

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

Quarterdeck

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

Queen Mother’s Fried Chicken

918 S. Lincoln St., 703-596-1557, queenmother cooks.com. Chef Rock Harper’s celebrated fried chicken sandwich operation shares a kitchen and dining space with The Café by La Cocina VA. L D $

Quinn’s on the Corner

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

Ragtime

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

Rako Coffee Roasters

2016 Wilson Blvd., 571-2312-4817, rakocoffee. com. Sister roasters Lisa and Melissa Gerben, whose beans are on the menu at Maketto and other D.C. hotpots, now have a cafe in Courthouse. Try a baklava latte or an espresso martini. R L D V $$

Rasa

2200 Crystal Drive, 703-888-0925, rasagrill.com. Enjoy big flavors at this Indian fast-casual eatery by co-owners Sahil Rahman and Rahul Vinod. Build a bowl with options like basmati rice, chicken tikka, lamb, charred or pickled vegetables, lentils, chutneys and yogurt sauces. O L D G V $

Ravi Kabob House

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

Rebellion on the Pike

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

The Renegade

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

Rhodeside Grill

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

Rice Crook

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

Rien Tong Asian Bistro

3131 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-8388, rientong.com. The large menu includes Thai and Chinese standards, plus sushi. L D V $$

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co.

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

Ruffino’s Spaghetti House

4763 Langston Blvd., 703-528-2242, ruffinosarling ton.com. Mina Tawdaros bought this local institution in 2020, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The menu still includes classics such as veal Parmigiana and chicken piccata. C L D V $$

Rustico

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

RusUz

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

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

Ruthie’s All-Day s

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

O B R L D G V $$

Saigon Noodles & Grill

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

Salt

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-0491, saltrosslyn. com. The speakeasy-style cocktail bar, which shares a kitchen with Open Road, serves tasty nibbles (cheese plates, oysters, carpaccio) with classic Sazeracs and Old Fashioneds, as well as nouveau craft cocktails. D $$

The Salt Line

4040 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-2075, thesaltline.com.

The seafood-centric oyster bar that started next to Nats Park in D.C. now has an outpost in Ballston serving raw bar, clam chowder, lobster rolls, stuffies, smash burgers and fun cocktails. c O R D $$$

Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub

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

Santé

1250 S. Hayes St. (inside the Ritz-Carlton), 703412-2762, meetatsante.com. Mediterranean fare includes shrimp saganaki, grilled oysters, chickpea fries, and mains ranging from whole roasted branzino to 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/shop offers

tastings, wine classes, and small plates for sharing and pairing. O C R L D G V $$

Sense of Place Café & Roastery

4807 First St. N., 571-319-0414, senseofplacecafe. com. The “laptop free” café serves Enzymo coffee drinks, matcha tea, sweets and sandwiches. B L $

Seoulspice

1735 N. Lynn St., 703-419-5868, seoulspice.com. Korean fast-casual comfort food, anyone?

L D G V $

SER

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

Sfoglina Pasta House

1100 Wilson Blvd., sfoglinapasta.com/rosslyn. Visit Fabio Trabocchi’s Rosslyn outpost for housemade pasta (you can watch it being made), a “mozzarella bar” and Italian cocktails. Closed Sundays. O L D V $$$

Silver Diner

3200 Wilson Blvd., 703-812-8600, silverdiner. com. The kitchen cooks with organic ingredients, many of which are sourced from local suppliers. Low-calorie and gluten-free menu choices available. O C B R L D A G V $$

Slapfish

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

Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque

5731 Langston Blvd., sloppymamas.com. Joe and Mandy Neuman’s barbecue joint offers woodsmoked meats galore—brisket, pork, chicken, ribs, turkey, sausage. Plus hearty sides and banana pudding for dessert. O B R L D $$

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue s

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 $$

Smoking Kow BBQ

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

South Block

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

Sparrow Room

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

Spice Kraft Indian Bistro

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

Spider Kelly’s 3181 Wilson Blvd., 703-312-8888, spiderkellys.com. The “come as you are” bar offers a sizable beer

list, creative cocktails, salads, burgers, snacks and breakfast at all hours. C D A G V $$

Stellina Pizzeria

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

Supreme Hot Pot

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

Sushi Rock

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

Sushi-Zen Japanese Restaurant s

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

Sweetgreen

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

Sweet Leaf

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

O C B L D $$

Taco Bamba Ballston s

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

Taco + Pina

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

Taco Rock

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

B L D V $$

Taqueria el Poblano s

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

Ted’s Bulletin & Sidekick Bakery

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

Texas Jack’s Barbecue

2761 Washington Blvd., 703-875-0477, txjacks.com.

1110 N Glebe Rd, Arlington

SER 703-746-9822 serrestaurant.com

Brisket, ribs and pulled pork, plus sides like raw carrot salad and smashed cucumbers. O L D A $$

T.H.A.I. in Shirlington

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

Thai Noy s

5880 Washington Blvd., 703-534-7474, thainoy.com.

Shimmering tapestries and golden Buddhas are

■ places to eat

the backdrop in this destination for Thai noodles, curries and rice dishes. L D $$

Thai Square

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

Thirsty Bernie

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

TNR Cafe

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

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream

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

Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita

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

Trade Roots

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

Troy’s Italian Kitchen

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

True Food Kitchen

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

Tupelo Honey Café

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

Turu’s by Timber Pizza

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), timber pizza.com. Neapolitan(ish)-style pizzas fresh from a wood-fired oven. L D V $$

Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café

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

Urban Tandoor

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

Weenie Beenie

2680 Shirlington Road, 703-671-6661, weenie beenie.net. The hot dog stand founded in 1954 is still serving half smokes, bologna-and-egg sandwiches and pancakes. B L D $ Westover Market & Beer Garden s 5863 N. Washington Blvd., 703-536-5040, westo vermarketbeergarden.com. A local hive for burgers and draft microbrews. The adjoining market’s

“Great Wall of Beer” stocks more than 1,000 domestic, imported and craft beers in bottles and cans. O C L D A $$

Which Wich

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

Whino

4238 Wilson Blvd., 571-290-3958, whinova.com. Part restaurant/bar and part art gallery, this latenight spot (open until 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday) features cocktails, shareable plates and a dynamic interior featuring street-art murals and “low brow” art exhibits. L D A $$

Wild Tiger BBQ s

1201 S. Joyce St. (Westpost), wildtigerbbq.com. The pop-up concept by chefs Kevin Tien and Scott Chung does barbecue with an Asian flavor profile. Shin-shamen-rubbed proteins like pulled pork, ribs and brisket are served with kimchi pickles and five house-made sauces. L D $$

William Jeffrey’s Tavern

2301 Columbia Pike, 703-746-6333, william jeffreystavern.com. Brought to you by the owners of Dogwood Tavern, this pub on the Pike features Prohibition-era wall murals and mixes a mean martini. O C R L D A G V $$

Wilson Hardware Kitchen & Bar

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

World of Beer

4300 Wilson Blvd., 703-576-0395, worldofbeer. com. The beer emporium features 40 taps and a rotating roster of hundreds of brews to go with your German soft pretzel, parmesan truffle fries or pimento cheeseburger. L D V $$

Yayla Bistro

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

Yume Sushi

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

FALLS CHURCH

2941 Restaurant

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

Abay Market Ethiopian Food

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

Al Jazeera

3813-D S. George Mason Drive, 703-379-2733. The top seller at this Yemeni cafe is oven-roasted lamb with yellow rice. L D $$ Alta Strada 2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-280-

0000, altastrada.com. Chef Michael Schlow’s menu includes house-made pastas, pizza and modern Italian small plates. R L D $$$

Anthony’s Restaurant

3000 Annandale Road, 703-532-0100, www.an thonysrestaurantva.com. The family-owned Greek and Italian diner serves standbys like spaghetti, pizza, gyros and subs, plus breakfast on weekends. R L D V $$

B Side

8298 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-676-3550, bsidecuts.com. Nathan Anda’s charcuterie steals the show at this cozy bar adjoining Red Apron Butcher. The cocktails rock, too. L D $$

Badd Pizza

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

Bakeshop

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

Balqees Restaurant

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

Bamian

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

Bartaco

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

Bing & Bao

7505 Leesburg Pike, 703-734-0846, bingandbao. com. Chinese street foods (crepes, steamed bun and fried rice) are the main attraction at this fast-casual eatery. Founders Rachel Wang and Mark Shen hail from Tianjin, China. L D V $

Caboose Commons

2918 Eskridge Road (Mosaic District), 703-6638833, caboosebrewing.com. The microbrewery that started along the W&OD Trail in Vienna has a second location serving house brews and creative eats, including plant-based options.

O L D V A $$

Café Kindred

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

Celebrity Delly

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

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack

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

DC Steakholders

6641 Arlington Blvd., 703-534-4200, dcsteakhold ers.com. The cheesesteak truck has a storefront

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

District Dumplings

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-884-7080, districtdumplingsfairfax.com. Asian-style dumplings, sandwiches and wraps. L D $$

District Taco 5275-C Leesburg Pike, 571-699-0660, district taco.com. See Arlington listing. C B L D G V $

Dogfish Head Alehouse 6220 Leesburg Pike, 703-534-3342, dogfishale house.com. Microbrews, burgers, sandwiches, salads and wood-grilled pizzas. C L D G V $$

Dogwood Tavern

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

O C R L D A V $$

Dominion Wine and Beer

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

O R L D V $$

Duangrat’s

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

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 $

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 $$

Fava Pot

7393 Lee Highway, 703-204-0609, favapot.com. Visit Dina Daniel’s restaurant, food truck and catering operation for Egyptian fare such as stewed fava beans with yogurt and lamb shanks with okra. And oh the bread! B L D G V $$

First Watch

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

Four Sisters Restaurant

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

Haandi Indian Cuisine

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

Harvey’s

513 W. Broad St., 540-268-6100, harveysva.com.

Chef Thomas Harvey’s casual café brings roasted chicken, beer-cheese cheesesteaks, banana splits and other comfort fare to Falls Church City. O C B L D V $$

Hong Kong Palace

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

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

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

C L D G V $$

Ireland’s Four Provinces

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

O C B R L D $$

Jinya Ramen Bar

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9927705, jinya-ramenbar.com. Embellish your tonkotsu or umami-miso broth with more than a dozen toppings and add-ins. O L D A V $$

JV’s Restaurant

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

Kamayan Fiesta

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

Koi Koi Sushi & Roll

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

Lantern House Viet Bistro

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

La Tingeria

626 S. Washington St., 571-316-6715. A popular food truck in Arlington since 2012, David Peña’s concept now has a brick-and-mortar location in Falls Church. The queso birria tacos are a must. Open Thursday-Sunday, noon to 4:30. L $

Le Pain Quotidien

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

Liberty Barbecue

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

Rasa in Arlington

■ places to eat

Little Saigon Restaurant

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

Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine

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

MacMillan Whisky Room

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 240-994-3905, themacmillan.com. More than 200 kinds of spirits are offered in tasting flights and composed cocktails. The food menu includes U.K. and American pub standards. O R L D $$

Mark’s Duck House

6184-A Arlington Blvd., 703-532-2125. Though named for its specialty—Peking duck—it offers plenty of other tantalizing options, too, such as short ribs, roasted pork and dim sum. R L D A V $$

Meaza Restaurant

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

Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae

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

Miu Kee

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

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

Mom & Pop

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

Nhu Lan Sandwich

6763 Wilson Blvd., 703-532-9009, nhulansandwich. 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/falls-church. Come by in the morning for a breakfast sandwich and a latte. Return in the evening for a glass of wine and a plate of charcuterie, or a wood-fired pizza. O B L D V $$

Oath Pizza

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-688-6284, oathpizza.com. The dough here is grilled and seared in avocado oil (for a crispy texture) and the toppings are certified humane. L D G V $$ Open Road

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

The Original Pancake House

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

Our Mom Eugenia

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 434-339-4019, ourmomeugenia.com. Beloved for its real-deal

Greek fare, from saganaki to souvlaki, the critically acclaimed family business that began in Great Falls has a sister restaurant in the Mosaic District. O L D $$

Padaek

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

Panjshir Restaurant

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

Parc de Ville

8926 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-663-8931, parcdeville.com. Find French fare such as omelets, escargots, duck confit and boudin blanc at this spacious Parisian-style brasserie. Hit the rooftop lounge for cocktails. O R D $$$

Peking Gourmet Inn

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

Pho 88

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

Pizzeria Orso

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

Plaka Grill

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

102 E. Fairfax St., 571-378-1757, preservation biscuit.com. Order the signature carb with a sampler of house-made jams, or as a sandwich with fillers ranging from fried chicken, hot honey and candied bacon to guacamole and egg with lemon aioli. L D V $

Pupuseria La Familiar

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

Raaga Restaurant

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

Rare Bird Coffee Roasters

230 W. Broad St., 571-314-1711, rarebirdcoffee. com. Lara Berenji and Bryan Becker’s charming Little City café roasts its own beans and recently expanded its space. L D $

Red Apron Butcher

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

Rice Paper/Taste of Vietnam

6775 Wilson Blvd., 703-538-3888, ricepapertasteofvietnam.com. Try a combo platter of pork,

seafood and ground beef with rice-paper wraps at this Eden Center favorite. L D G V $$

Settle Down Easy Brewing

2822 Fallfax Drive, 703-573-2011, settledowneasy brewing.com. The rotating beer list at this nanobrewing operation is always fresh. Neighboring El Tio Tex-Mex Grill provides a taco stand and other food choices. Closed Mondays. O L D $

Sfizi Café

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

Silver Diner

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

Sisters Thai

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

Solace Outpost

444 W. Broad St., 571-378-1469, solaceoutpost. com. Filling the former Mad Fox space, this Little City microbrewery serves house-brewed suds, plus fried chicken, five kinds of fries and woodfired pizza. D A V $$

Spacebar

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

D A V $$

Sweetgreen

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

O C L D G V $

Sweetwater Tavern

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

Taco Bamba s

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

Taco Rock

1200 W. Broad St., thetacorock.com. At press time, Mike Cordero's rock-themed taqueria was poised to open a new location in the renovated Birch & Broad shopping center. See Arlington listing. B L D V $$

Takumi Sushi

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

L D V $$

Ted’s Bulletin

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

C B R L D $$

Thompson Italian s

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

Trio Grill

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

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

True Food Kitchen

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

Uncle Liu’s Hotpot

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

MCLEAN

Agora Tysons

7911 Westpark Drive, 703-663-8737, agoratysons. com. The Dupont Circle mezze restaurant brings its Turkish, Greek and Lebanese small plates to a second outpost in Tysons. R L D G V $$$

Amoo’s Restaurant

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

Aracosia

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

Asian Origin

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

Assaggi Osteria & Pizzeria

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

Badd Pizza

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

Café Oggi

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

Café Tatti French Bistro

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

Capri Ristorante Italiano

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

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

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

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

Esaan Tumbar

1307 Old Chain Bridge Road, 703-288-3901, esaanmclean.com. This tiny eatery specializes in northern Thai dishes—papaya salad, larb, nam tok. A good bet for those who like heat. L D $$

Fahrenheit Asian

1313 Dolley Madison Blvd., 703-646-8968, fahren heitasian.com. A no-frills destination for Sichuan spicy noodles, dumplings, mapo tofu and other Asian comfort foods. L D V $$

Fogo de Chao

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

Founding Farmers

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

Han Palace

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

Ichiban Sushi

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

J. Gilbert’s s

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

C R L D G V $$$

Kazan Restaurant

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

Lebanese Taverna

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

O C L D G V $$

Leila

7934B Tysons Corner Center, meetleila.com. Savor the flavors of the Middle East and Northern India in dishes such as htipiti (roasted peppers and feta), tandoor-roasted salmon and chicken fesenjoon (pomegranate-walnut-chicken stew), plus house-fired breads, fine cocktails and hookah. R L D A $$

Lost Dog Café

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

Masala Indian Cuisine

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

McLean Family Restaurant

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

Miyagi Restaurant

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

Moby Dick House of Kabob

6854 Old Dominion Drive, 703-448-8448; 1500 Cornerside Blvd., 703-734-7000; mobyskabob.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Mylo’s Grill

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

Pasa-Thai Restaurant

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

Patsy’s American

8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5100, pat sysamerican.com. Find greatest-hit dishes from other Great American Restaurants properties in a space resembling a vintage railway station. O C R L D A G V $$

Pulcinella

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

Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks

8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5110, randysprime.com. Randy’s (named for Great American Restaurants co-founder Randy Norton) serves prime cuts, duck-fat fries, seafood towers and other steakhouse standards. L D G $$$$

Rocco’s Italian

1357 Chain Bridge Road, 703-821-3736, roccos italian.com. The Juliano family makes everything in-house from family recipes. O C L D G $$

Roots Provisions & Grocery

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

Silver Diner

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

Simply Fresh

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

Tachibana

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

Urbanspace

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

Wren

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

shop local

by Rina Rapuano

Personal Touch

One of Soma Chatterji’s favorite things about her side gig as a mehndi artist is that it allows her to connect with people. “It’s an intimate thing, when you’re doing henna on someone,” she says of the ancient art form of applying the natural plant paste in beautiful patterns to temporarily stain the skin. “You’re sitting across from them and holding their hand, essentially. It’s a nice way to just open up conversation. You learn a lot from each other.”

Chatterji learned the art of mehndi in her late teens when her Indianborn parents moved the family from New York City to India. After returning to the States for college and spending several years in Pittsburgh (where she was a STEM programs

manager for the Carnegie Science Center), she moved to Arlington with her young son during the pandemic. She’s worked hard to rebuild her Mehndi by Soma business here, while also working as a certified National Geographic instructor, offering virtual and in-person STEM enrichment education.

For mehndi, she charges by the hour for large events such as conferences, cultural festivals and weddings. Prices vary widely for smaller engagements, such as mehndi and merlot nights, henna “crowns” for cancer patients who have lost their hair, religious occasions like Diwali and Ramadan, birthday parties and even baby showers, where she decorates the mom-to-be’s belly. Her most popular adornment—a medium pattern that goes from fingertips to mid-forearm—is about $20.

“I prefer being accessible to a lot of people in a lot of backgrounds, because it’s more about sharing the culture for me,” says the artist, who also recently launched a paper quilling business—Socha Quilling— with 3-D paper ornaments, earrings and art pieces that echo the henna patterns she applies to skin. “I tend to put on my traditional garb so that it creates a safe space for people to ask questions or engage in conversation.” Many clients ask about the significance of the patterns. While there are regionally specific motifs, Chatterji says, the design is less important than henna’s original purpose, which is to condition hair, skin and nails. “It’s like how a bride in Western cultures will have a spa day, where we have all the stuff done for us,” she explains. “The henna is kind of like that.” hennabysoma.weebly.com

DAVID TASSY

Mehndi art (henna tattoos) by Soma Chatterji

Good Impressions

Before kids, Melissa Livingston was a book and calendar designer. Once her youngest was in school, she began contemplating what to do next with her professional expertise.

“I was a stay-at-home mom for a lot of years, so my skills for graphic design were pretty antiquated,” says the Oakton mom of five. “I gave letterpress printing a try and fell in love with it. I bought a little tabletop press and printed my niece’s wedding invitations on it—and Christmas cards.” Livingston Letterpress was born in 2012.

That little starter printing press has since broken, but her collection of presses has grown to include a large antique press named Oliver (in reference to the spoked, O-shaped wheel on its side); a Potter cylinder press (named Harry, naturally) that works well for posters; a small press made in 1890 (named Mertie, after her grandmother, who was born the same year); and a foil stamper dubbed Ernest as a nod to its manufacturer.

Mertie and Ernest are portable—small enough to take to stores like Botanologica in Falls Church, where Livingston sometimes hosts bookbinding and letterpress workshops, teaching folks how to make journals and valentines. She has also participated in the boutique’s seasonal pop-up markets, selling cards and prints.

When she’s not at Botanologica or other private letterpress events, Livingston is either hosting workshops in her home studio or designing new cards and posters. She still does wedding invitations, too, though that market lost some momentum during the pandemic.

“I’ve always loved letters, and I really like to show off the simplicity and beauty of the letter form,” says the artist, who uses thick cotton paper and hand mixes all of her own inks. “I print with the old metal and wooden type, and then sometimes I design something on the computer and have a polymer plate made and print with that. It could add a design element, or it just gives me access to any size or font that I want.”

Recent cards have been pressed with sentiments ranging from “Black Lives Matter” and “Hello from Virginia” to “It’s a good day to be happy!”

“I’ve done a poster that’s been very popular that says ‘Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly, regard humanity,’” she says. “I like to do things that have a sense of heart to them, that have some meaning.”

But, she adds, “I do silly things, too.” livingstonletterpress.com

Livingston Letterpress cards and prints

Melissa Livingston with the antique press she’s dubbed Oliver

Dockside Serenity

Set along the banks of a Chesapeake Bay inlet on Maryland’s historic Tilghman Island is a waterside haven where it feels like you can slow down time. At the Tilghman Island Inn, sit in one of the Adirondack chairs that dot the lawn and watch boats meander by, birds flit among the trees, and a sun-painted sky of pinks and purples in the early morning light. Reopened in 2020 after extensive renovations, the inn features 20 guest rooms offering a king bed or two queens, a “Chill Corner” with a love seat or chair, and serene views of either the water or the weeping willows amid elegant landscaping. Popular corner room 12 has a vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace and wraparound balcony that overlooks the bay and Knapps Narrows. Dog-friendly rooms are available near the lawn.

The inn’s restaurant includes indoor and outdoor seating, and bars overlooking the water. Seasonal menus are created from local ingredients, including Eastern Shore produce and seafood. Try the tangy deviled eggs with lump crab and applewood smoked bacon. Complimentary morning fare in the cozy lounge includes coffee, gourmet tea and a continental breakfast box with a hard-boiled egg, cured meats and cheeses, a house-smoked salmon spread, freshly baked bread, petite pastries and more. A firepit and yard games round out the relaxing vibe. Rates begin at $275. Tilghman Island Inn, 21384 Coopertown Road, Tilghman Island, Maryland, 410-8861170, tilghmanislandinn.com

Inlet views at the Tilghman Island Inn

Crab salad Tilghman Island Inn

Explore With the Kids

Opening in Virginia Beach this June after a nearly $29 million renovation, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s South Building will feature new animals, including a giant Pacific octopus, chocolate chip sea stars, and an array of jellyfish, plus a moon jelly touch pool. Interactive exhibits highlight why cuttlefish are the magicians of the sea, how disco clams produce light, and more.

Watch veterinarians at work in the new animal care center (push a button to ask questions). Outdoors, an enormous science play area gives kids (and adults) an opportunity to learn about rivers, bays and oceans in creative ways, including water experiments to see how rivers shape the land and pretend play as marine scientists. Visitors can have fun alongside North American river otters on a cleverly designed slide adjacent to a viewing window. Admission is $24.95; $22.95 for ages 62 and older; $19.95 for ages 3-11; free for children younger than 3.

After all that play, spend the night at the 305-room Marriott Virginia Beach

Oceanfront. Opened in 2020, the hotel is home to two highly regarded restaurants. Orion’s Roof serves Asianfusion cuisine and has 360-degree views of Virginia Beach and the many ships in the ocean awaiting entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill serves American fare with a healthy twist, including cold-pressed juices and power smoothies. Tulu’s indoor and outdoor bars also serve handcrafted cocktails.

Part of the Cavalier Resort, the hotel is across the street from the Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club and its famed Tarnished Truth

distillery and SeaHill Spa. The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront towers over the Atlantic’s edge, giving guests in sea-facing rooms the feeling of being on a cruise ship.

The property has indoor and outdoor pools, lawns with games and relaxing seating areas, and a 24-hour fitness center. Rates begin at $269.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia, 757-3853474, virginiaaquarium.com; Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 4201 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, Virginia, 757-937-4200, marriott.com

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront

A yurt at Savage River Lodge in Frostburg, Maryland

Glam Camp

Book a luxury

tent, cabin or yurt

for maximum enjoyment of the great outdoors—with none of the work. BY RINA RAPUANO

“I’m indoorsy,” a friend once quipped— and he’s not alone. For every person willing to rough it in the name of communing with Mother Nature, there’s a 40-year-old for whom sleeping on the ground is no longer an option, a family member who is deathly afraid of spiders, and a would-be camper who couldn’t assemble a tent to save their life.

Thankfully, some enterprising folks have added a little glamour to the landscape, outfitting luxurious tents, yurts and tiny cabins with proper beds, rugs, throw pillows and armchairs. The

shelters are small enough to encourage spending much of the day outside, but with the promise of refreshing each evening with a great night’s sleep, not to mention protection from the elements when the weather doesn’t go your way. (I am surely not the only one who has woken up to a river running through her tent during an unexpected midnight downpour.)

Here are a half-dozen places within about four hours’ drive where you can unplug and enjoy all the beauty of the natural world without the risk of breaking your back—or even a nail.

A luxury tent at The Depot Lodge near Roanoke

n driving range

Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort

Just north of Scranton in Pennsylvania’s Poconos, adventure-seeking families and kid-at-heart couples will find the summer camp of their dreams. Many of the spacious, safari-inspired tents here overlook a 90-acre lake, and all feature queen-size beds, porches with rocking chairs, firepits, free WiFi, heat, electricity and coffee makers, among other amenities. The larger family-size tents also include two twin beds. All tent campers use the shared bathhouses.

On-property fun at this family-run, disability-accessible operation includes fishing, boat rentals, a children’s garden, movie nights, playgrounds, a solar-heated pool, and basketball and volleyball courts. Communal spaces like a large fire ring and the group pavilion—where games and activities take place—help folks make friends when

the urge strikes to be social. Further afield, explorers will discover farmers markets, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, golf, drive-ins and museums. And since the season runs through mid-October, there are plenty of fall activities celebrating the harvest

and Halloween, and even a Harry Potter-themed weekend.

Rates begin at $159 per night for a two-person furnished tent; linens not included. 155 Keen Lake Road, Waymart, Pennsylvania; 570-488-6161, poconomountainsglamping.com

Swimming at Keen Lake

A tent overlooking Keen Lake COURTESY PHOTOS

Savage River Lodge

This picturesque spot in Western Maryland hosts guests year-round in yurts and cabins surrounded by some 700 acres of serene state forest.

Here, yurts look more like a luxury resort room than a tent in the woods— think king-size beds, heated floors, soft robes, wineglasses, private bathrooms, mini fridges, and comfy chairs for you and a good book. Muffins and juice are delivered to your doorstep daily, plus linens and toiletries are provided. The swanky two-story cabins also feature soaking tubs in the bathrooms and front porches with rocking chairs.

Savage River Lodge welcomes kids but bills itself as an “adult-centered resort”—meaning no babysitting services or kid-friendly programming. Hikers and cyclists might be interested in the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP trail), a 150-mile path of valleys, mountains and rivers. And whether you have kids

in tow or not, historic Frostburg features three stops on the Allegany County Ice Cream Trail, a succession of enticing sweets shops.

End your day back at the lodge with a fireside cocktail in the great room or make some new friends by the light of the nightly bonfire off the East Porch.

Rates begin at $275 per night for a double-occupancy cabin; $295 for yurts. 1600 Mount Aetna Road, Frostburg, Maryland; 301-689-3200, savage riverlodge.com

The Depot Lodge

You needn’t be a train enthusiast to appreciate the low-key charm of this former Norfolk & Western train station turned relaxation destination in the mountains northwest of Roanoke.

Couples, friends and families can choose their own adventure since the property offers such unique accom -

modations as a renovated caboose with a bathroom, a gas fireplace and a creek-side patio; three luxe glamping tents with private bathrooms, kingsize beds and pond access; and a 26foot 1967 Airstream trailer refurbished with a retro-chic vibe. The property also rents rooms in the former depot and a restored hotel, as well as renting out full cabins, a cottage and a house. This is useful to know since some of the options—like the tents and the Airstream—are only rented seasonally.

Visitors should be prepared to really unplug, as cell service and Wi-Fi are spotty. But hey, you’ll be that much more present to enjoy everything the area has to offer, such as hiking trails, fishing, white-water rafting and weekend crafts shopping at the scenic grist mill.

Standard nightly rates are $159 for the caboose; $219 for the glamping tents; and $169 per night for the Airstream. 16071 VA-311, Paint Bank, Virginia; 540-897-6000, depotlodge.com

Yurt life at Savage River Lodge

The Depot Lodge property includes a rentable caboose.

Tent “camping” at The Depot Lodge

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Iris Inn

The cozy yet modern digs, the on-site spa and the proximity to wineries and hikes like Humpback Rock and Crabtree Falls make this woodsy resort a popular spot for anniversaries and other couples celebrations.

Yes, there are two accommodations suitable for families—but this clutch of cabins, cottages and a main inn building nestled in the Shenandoah Valley begs for a romantic getaway. In fact, the cabins outfitted with king-size beds, private hot tubs, screened decks and fireplaces are designated as couples-only, as are most of the cottages. So give yourself permission to leave the kids with the grandparents and indulge in some post-pandemic reconnecting. Add-ons like the Chocolate Lovers package, the Wine Down & Relax package and the Anniversary package—that last one featuring a bottle of Virginia wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, rose petals and two plush robes—might make it tough to ever leave the room.

Local art on the walls, smart tablets loaded with information for guests, and firepits on the lawn are three more reasons to stay on site.

But when you’re ready to peel your eyes off the 19-acre property’s panoramic views and venture out, head into Waynesboro or to nearby

Staunton for shopping, museums, breweries, theater and top-notch dining at renowned spots like The Shack and Zynodoa.

Rates start at $639 per night for cabins and $527 per night for cottages. 191 Chinquapin Drive, Waynesboro, Virginia; 540-943-1991, irisinn.com

The Iris Inn in Waynesboro, Virginia

Blue Moon Rising in Western Maryland

A luxury cabin at the Iris Inn

COURTESY PHOTOS

Blue Moon Rising

The main draw to this village of 14 quirky, tiny, eco-conscious cabins is the easy access to tons of outdoor activities. Its proximity to Wisp Resort and location on the banks of Marsh Run Cove off Deep Creek Lake means there’s skiing, boating, horseback riding, swimming, white-water rafting, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, golfing, carriage/sleigh ride, fishing—you name it. The dog-friendly property also promises lake access, free Wi-Fi, night-

ly campfires and hiking trails winding throughout its 116 acres.

The proprietors are so committed to maintaining the peaceful vibe that guests park in a lot at the entrance to the community and are transported, along with their luggage, to the cabins, in an effort to eliminate the intrusion of headlights, car noise and exhaust fumes.

Designed to complement the landscape, each heated cabin is mainly constructed with reclaimed, recycled and eco-friendly materials. All feature kitchens furnished with necessary utensils, plus full indoor bathrooms (and a bonus outdoor shower for warmer months) stocked with towels and organic soap. Most cabins can easily accommodate two adults and two children, but each one has different bed configurations, so be sure to pay attention to that when booking.

Rates are $225 per night on weekdays; $249 on weekends. 89 Blue Moon Rising Way, McHenry, Maryland; 240442-5287, bluemoonrising.org

Camp Rockaway at Fort Tilden

New York City isn’t a place one generally imagines when dreaming of camping under the stars, but city-dwelling surfers, nature-seekers and beach-lovers in the know head toward Rockaway Peninsula in Queens via car, subway, bus or ferry whenever the concrete jungle becomes too much.

Camp Rockaway’s Fort Tilden outpost, located about 4.5 hours’ drive from the DMV, offers the perfect place to embrace the outdoors while still having access to everything the city has to offer. Each luxury tent features a queen-size bed with linens and pillows, side tables and electricity, and private decks with Adirondack chairs. For families, a $99 pup tent with two twins can be added.

Spend the day on the beach swimming, surfing, boating, stand-up paddleboarding and, of course, chilling— or maybe explore nearby Fort Tilden for forest hikes, beach walks, birdwatching or just taking in the views. Other local attractions include the Riis Park Par 3 Golf Course, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and the Rockaway Artists Alliance.

Evenings are a good time to relax in a hammock, play games, grill up dinner and toast s’mores at the firepit, or to check out one of the bars and restaurants that dot the peninsula.

Rates are $149–$289 per night. Fort Tilden, Davis Road, Breezy Point, New York; 347-916-6199, camprockaway. com/fort-tilden ■

Rina Rapuano is a food, parenting and travel writer living in Washington, D.C. Like everyone else, she is anxiously awaiting the return of pandemic-free travel.

A cabin at Blue Moon Rising

back

O’Connell

Launching a Legacy

W-L’s historic crew team helped build the sport in Arlington and beyond.

IN THE SPRING of 1958, under the guidance of head coach Charlie Butt, a group of teenage rowers from Washington-Lee High School (now Washington-Liberty) performed so well at stateside races that they earned a spot at the Henley Royal Regatta in England—becoming the first public high school in America invited to the iconic race, which dates to 1839. But first, they needed money.

The Washington Post covered the team’s fundraising effort like an election campaign, noting that even President Eisenhower had “adopted” the team. Donations toward the $7,000 goal poured in from across the country. “W-L Oarsmen, Still Shy $700, Leave Friday for Henley,” the Post blared just before the July race.

A former college rower, Butt had organized the W-L program less than a decade earlier, with the first crews rowing in borrowed boats out of the Potomac Boat Club in spring 1949. “We lost our first race [against what was then George Washington High School

in Alexandria]…and won all the rest,” Butt later said of that first season. The team sold Christmas trees to pay for its own eight-person shell, christening the vessel “Cinderella.”

George Kirschbaum, a W-L alum and later a crew coach for W-L and Wakefield high schools (among others), remembers Butt taking a chance on him as a coxswain.

“Charlie called me at home…as a 15-year-old kid, I’m quaking in my boots,” he recalls. “But I’ve never been much of a quitter, so even when I was miserably cold and getting flustered by seniors, I stuck with it.”

W-L has since remained a force in high school rowing. Although the first delegation did not win at its Henley debut, subsequent W-L teams prevailed twice at the Royal Regatta in the 1960s, and posted many victories in races along the Potomac and Occoquan rivers (whose Sandy Run rowing facility Butt helped to found). The school formed its first women’s team in 1975.

Butt and other W-L coaches and alumni also helped establish high school crew programs at Wakefield and Bishop O’Connell, and college teams at Georgetown and George Washington universities.

“When Charlie started the program, it was important to him that everybody who showed up got to participate,” says Tom Chisnell, another W-L alum and the second of only three men’s head coaches W-L crew has had since its Cinderella beginnings. Chisnell succeeded Butt (who died in 1992) and preceded current coach Derek Parsons. “He tried to get a race for everybody.” ■

W-L defeating Grotton School (USA) in the Princess Elizabeth Cup, Henley Royal Regatta, 1964

Below: Charlie Butt (center) with rowers in 1951

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