Arlington Magazine Nov/Dec 2021

START EXPLORING stop searching

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

CON TENTS

■ FEATURES

COMMUNITY

28 Homeless in Arlington

During the pandemic, our homes have become offices, classrooms and safe zones providing sanctuary from a deadly virus. What if you don’t have one?

PHILANTHROPY

36 Guide to Giving

Make a difference in your community by supporting these local nonprofits. Here’s what they need right now.

WORKFORCE

50 Best Places to Work

Sometimes the grass really is greener. Find out why these local employers made our inaugural list of the best places to work.

LAW

62 Top Attorneys

Need a lawyer? Here are our area’s most respected attorneys, as nominated by their peers in the legal community.

MICHAEL VENTURA

ON THE COVER: Gateway Park in Rosslyn. Photo by Matt Mendelsohn. Marquee letters from Brightly Ever After, brightlyeverafter.com

Owen Boucher (left) and bike repair instructor Raymond Duran at a Phoenix Bikes Earn-a-Bike workshop

CON TENTS

■ DEPARTMENTS

12 Around Town

Celebrate the season with live theater, author talks, holiday markets and Arlington’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot fundraiser.

16 Good Stuff

Beautiful art created in isolation, and sustenance for nurses.

17 My Life

Amid century-old gravestones, a local dad finds a bonding moment with his daughter.

20 Familiar Faces

Josh Leong had just graduated from high school when he went on a mission trip to Ethiopia. He made a friend, and a film.

79 Great Spaces

This condo bathroom makeover is a case study in small space design.

80 Prime Numbers

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

98 Restaurant Review

Can’t travel to Greece right now? Our Mom Eugenia will at least give you a wistful taste of it.

102 Home Plate

Indian fast-casual fare, a satisfying soup for cold weather and divine desserts that taste as good as they look.

104 Places to Eat

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

119 Get Away

Escape to a cabaret-turned-boutique-hotel or a gleaming destination for glass art lovers.

120 Back Story

Arlington’s trendiest holiday shopping spot, circa 1951.

Giving Back letter from the publisher

I STILL REMEMBER my first encounter with a homeless person. I was 6 or 7 years old, and my family had tickets to The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. As we walked from the parking garage to the theater, we passed a man sitting on the sidewalk, wearing filthy clothes and asking for money. I remember questioning my parents about his situation and being floored to learn this man didn’t have a home and that he probably slept outside. At that age, I just assumed everyone had a safe, secure home with their own bed. The thought of this man sleeping in the street, under a bridge or in an alley upset me. He must have been cold, wet, hungry, dirty and exhausted all of the time. Where was his family? Couldn’t someone help him? It was sad and distressing. The encounter was burned into my young brain.

Even in shiny, affluent Arlington, which is worlds away from gritty Philly of the 1970s, we have our share of people living on the streets. “Homeless in Arlington” by Tamar Abrams explores what it’s like to experience homelessness in our community—including some of the causes, the number of people affected and our county’s robust safety net. Due to the dedicated work of local organizations like PathForward (formerly A-SPAN), Bridges to Independence, Doorways and Arlington Thrive, and with critical support from the government and private donations, the homeless among us have a clear path to housing and a more stable future.

As the holidays and the end of the year approach, I hope you will review our Guide to

Giving. In it, we identify more than 35 local nonprofits, the work they do and how financial support will specifically help those in need—covering necessities ranging from groceries and emergency dental visits to financial and career counseling. Thanks to the Arlington Community Foundation for its help in assembling this useful resource.

Shifting gears, we are pleased to introduce “Best Places to Work,” a new annual feature we’ve launched in partnership with Best Companies Group (BCG). The inaugural list highlights 11 winners from a variety of industries. BCG’s survey process and requirements are rigorous, and making the list is difficult and prestigious. Congratulations to our first class of top employers.

I hope you find our November/December 2021 issue interesting, informative and useful. At the risk of completely burying the lede, I am proud to note that we launched Arlington Magazine 10 years ago. Our inaugural issue was the November/December 2011 issue. I am grateful to our talented, dedicated team and the wonderful support and enthusiasm from our community. It’s been a fun, wild ride for sure. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please send them to me at greg.hamilton@ arlingtonmagazine.com. Story ideas should be sent to jenny.sullivan@arlingtonmagazine.com. Thanks!

Greg Hamilton Publisher

■ contributors

Dixie Vereen

LIVES IN: Ballston

ORIGINALLY FROM: Colorado (an Army brat, she also lived in Germany and Chicago before moving to New York City at 18 to work as a photographer for Newsday)

IN THIS ISSUE: Shot the colorful photos of RASA and Lantern House Viet Bistro for our Home Plate column

CAREER FIRST: Vereen was one of the first staffers to join USA Today (as a photographer and photo editor) when it launched in 1982. She worked there until 2012. Her portfolio includes shots of Tina Turner, Mick Jagger, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Liza Minelli and Nelson Mandela, among others.

WHAT’S COOKING: She is also the chef at Argus House, an Arlington group home for at-risk boys ages 13-17. “I cook for the boys and staff five days a week. Those with an interest in culinary arts help me in the kitchen.”

GOING OUT GO-TOS: Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro, TTT and L.A. Bar & Grill

FAVORITE NONPROFIT: Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)

ONLINE: dixievereen.wixsite.com/ddvp and @dixievereen on Instagram

Jeffrey Yeates

LIVES IN: Arlington

ORIGINALLY FROM: Vienna, Virginia, with stops in Utah, Arizona, Williamsburg and London in his 20s

IN THIS ISSUE: Writes about visiting cemeteries with his teenage daughter as part of a community service project— with some unanticipated side benefits

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: “Writing more travel pieces, and stories about bicycling, eating at every Anita’s in NoVA, and the ethics of giving money to panhandlers.”

TRAVEL WISH LIST: “Inside the U.S.: Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Death Valley National Park. Farther afield, I’d like to see Malta, Oman, Uzbekistan and Madagascar.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC: “I finally read Tolstoy’s War and Peace. It was wonderful.”

FAVORITE NONPROFITS: Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA)

ONLINE: Visit arlingtonmagazine.com to see Yeates’ stories about Arlington’s toughest bike hills and captivating train rides on West Virginia’s Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad.

PUBLISHER & CO-FOUNDER

Greg Hamilton

CO-FOUNDER

Steve Hull

EDITOR

Jenny Sullivan

ART DIRECTOR

Laura Goode

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Danny Ryan

DIGITAL WRITER/WEB PRODUCER

Eliza Tebo Berkon

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Bette Canter

DINING CRITIC

David Hagedorn

COPY EDITORS

Sandy Fleishman, Barbara Ruben

WRITERS

Tamar Abrams, Christine Koubek Flynn, Sydney Johnson, Kim O’Connell, Stephenie Overman, Rina Rapuano, Jennifer Shapira, Jeffrey Yeates

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Skip Brown, Ron Cogswell, CS3 Photography, Sarah Goldman, Tony J. Lewis, Deb Lindsey, Matt Mendelsohn, Albert Nimley, Don Pearse, Hillary Schwab, Jonathan Timmes, Joseph Tran, Jason Varney, Michael Ventura, Dixie Vereen, Jenn Verrier

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Traci Ball, Kristin Murphy

FINANCE & CIRCULATION COORDINATOR

Julie Rosenbaum

ARLINGTON MAGAZINE is published six times a year by Greenbrier Media LLC © 2021

Subscription price: $19.95

To subscribe, visit arlingtonmagazine.com.

For advertising information: Call 703-534-0519 or visit arlingtonmagazine.com.

Letters to the Editor:

We want to hear from you. Please email jenny.sullivan@arlingtonmagazine.com.

How to contact us:

Editorial: editorial@arlingtonmagazine.com

Subscriptions and Customer Service: customerservice@arlingtonmagazine.com

Advertising: advertising@arlingtonmagazine.com

Website: website@arlingtonmagazine.com

Arlington Magazine/ArlingtonMagazine.com

P. O. Box 5510, Arlington, VA 22205

Phone: 703-534-0519

AROUND TOWN

NOV. 2-JAN. 2

Rent

Signature Theatre stages a triumphant reopening with this reimagined take on the iconic rock musical by Jonathan Larson (which itself was a modern-day riff on Giacomo Puccini’s La Boheme). The end of the millennium finds a group of bohemians in the East Village struggling with gentrification, love, loss and legacies in the shadow of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Winner of the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize, Rent defined a generation and remains essentially relevant to today’s world. A Pride Night performance will be held on Nov. 19. See website for show times and ticket prices. Signature Theatre; 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org

MUSIC

NOV. 4, 8 P.M.

Harlem 100

The Barns at Wolf Trap

Featuring the music of Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters, performed by a nine-

piece band with dance accompaniment, Harlem 100 celebrates one of America’s most influential artistic movements, offering insights into the legendary New York neighborhood, then and now. Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test required for entry. $52 and up. 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

NOV. 6, 7:30 P.M.

Enchanting Elgar, the English Romantic

Gunston Arts Center, Theater 1

The National Chamber Ensemble opens its 2021-22 season with a tribute to British composer Sir Edward Elgar. The program includes a unique strings arrangement of Elgar’s famous Enigma Variations and his Serenade for Strings. Gilbert and Sullivan’s lively overture to the Mikado kicks off this sparkling evening of chamber music. $36 for adults; $18 for students. 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, nationalchamberensemble.org

NOV. 13, 9 P.M.

The Stranger: A Tribute to Billy Joel

The State Theatre

Can’t make it to see the piano man at Madison Square Garden this holiday season? You can still hear favorites like “New York State of Mind” and “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” performed live at this tribute show in Falls Church City. Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test required for entry. $17 in advance; $20 day of show. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church, thestatetheatre.com

DEC. 18, 7:30 P.M.

National Chamber Ensemble Holiday Cheer Concert

Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington

Bring the whole family for an evening of classical and contemporary holiday favorites, including “Sleigh Ride,” “Hanukkah Festival” and “Rejoice” from Handel’s Messiah. Soprano Sharon Christman will perform along with winners of NCE’s Piano Young Artists Competition. The show will conclude with a carols sing-along. $36 for adults; $18 for students. 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, nationalchamberensemble.org

PERFORMING ARTS

NOV. 5-21

Aesop’s Fables

Creative Cauldron

The lessons behind tales such as The Ant and the Grasshopper, The Tortoise and the Hare and The Lion and the Mouse have stood the test of time. This familyfriendly Learning Theater production brings them to life with a 21st century twist, featuring music by Matt Conner and lyrics by Stephen Gregory Smith. $20 for adults; $18 for students. 410 S. Maple St., Falls Church, creativecauldron.org

NOV. 19-21, 7:30 P.M.

Paula Poundstone

The Birchmere

Need a good laugh? The quick-witted stand-up artist, a regular on NPR’s “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!,” performs three nights. Don’t miss the chance to see her onstage and in her element. Proof of

vaccination or negative Covid test required for entry. $55. 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

NOV. 29-DEC. 26

Cinderella

Synetic Theater

Led by an all-female team, Synetic’s revamp of the fairytale classic is a fit for audiences of all ages. See website for show times and ticket prices. 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington, synetictheater.org

DEC. 9-19

The Christmas Angel

Creative Cauldron

Based on a little-known 1910 novel by Abbie Farwell Brown, this new musical, the tale of an elderly spinster’s heartwarming transformation, suggests echoes of Dickens and Ebenezer Scrooge. “Preprofessional” students round out the cast of this Musical Theater Workshop performance. $35 for adults: $20 for students. 410 S. Maple St., Falls Church, creativecauldron.org

AUTHORS & BOOKS

NOV. 18, 7 P.M.

Gayle Jessup White: Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson and a Descendant’s Search for Her Family’s Lasting Legacy

One More Page Books

Gayle Jessup White, a Black descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings’ family, explores America’s racial reckoning through the prism of her ancestors— both the enslaver and the enslaved. Hear the author and genealogy enthusiast, a communications officer at Monticello, discuss her family lore and her remarkable journey to definitively understand and reclaim her heritage. This event is free, but advance registration is required. 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington, onemorepagebooks.com

■ around town

NOV. 18, 7-8 P.M.

Arlington Reads:

Nathaniel Rich

Arlington Public Library

The accelerating effects of climate change are posing multidimensional challenges to ecological, political, economic and social systems worldwide. Library director Diane Kresh speaks with novelist/ essayist Nathaniel Rich about his book, Losing Earth: A Recent History, during this free virtual event. library.arlingtonva.us/ arlington-reads

DEC. 9, 7-8 P.M.

Arlington Reads:

Imbolo Mbue

Arlington Public Library

From the celebrated author of the New York Times bestseller Behold the Dreamers comes a wrenching story about the collision of a small African village and an American oil company. Novelist Imbolo Mbue speaks about her latest book, How Beautiful We Were, in this free online author talk with library director Diane Kresh. library.arlingtonva.us/arlington-reads

SEASONAL

NOV. 11-JAN. 2

Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Stroll through a magical, half-mile wonderland of trees, shrubs and gazebos transformed with thousands of colorful lights. Timed tickets can be purchased online, and social distancing will be required. See website for prices. 9750

Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights

NOV. 20, 9 A.M.-1 P.M.

Jennifer Bush-Lawson 5K & Family Fun Day

Knights of Columbus

The seventh annual fundraiser includes a certified 5K course and kids’ fun run, plus moon bounces, laser tag, a rockclimbing wall, balloon animals, face painting and children’s performances. Proceeds support pediatric and maternal health care services for economically

vulnerable women and their babies. $20$50. 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington, jb-lf. org/5k-fun-day

DEC. 3-5

McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival

McLean Community Center

Find unique holiday gifts at this juried show featuring some 80 regional artisans. Works include pottery, glass, jewelry, mixed media, wood, fine art, artisanal foods, beauty products and more. $5 for adults; free for kids 12 and under. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, nvhg.org

DEC. 17-18, 5:30-8:30 P.M.

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

George Washington’s Historic Mount Vernon Dress warmly for a dazzling fireworks display over the Potomac River set to holiday music. $48-$58 for adults; $26$36 for youth. Estate tours can be added for an additional fee. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, mountvernon.org

WU HAN AND FRIENDS

WU HAN, PIANO

ARNAUD SUSSMANN, VIOLIN

PAUL NEUBAUER, VIOLA

CHRISTMAS WITH CANTUS LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR OUR TIME CHAMBER MUSIC AT THE BARNS DEC 3 AN EVENING WITH BRANFORD MARSALIS JAN 26 + 27

BUSH/MARSHALL/ MEYER/MEYER

SAM BUSH

MIKE MARSHALL

EDGAR MEYER

GEORGE MEYER

FEB 2 + 3

ANA POPOVIC FEB 4

1964 THE TRIBUTE FEB 11 + 12 AND MANY MORE!

NOV. 25, 8 A.M.

Arlington Turkey Trot

Earn your stuffing and gravy while raising money for good causes. Proceeds from this annual Thanksgiving Day foot race through Lyon Park and Ashton Heights support a number of local charities. $50 for adults; $25 for kids 6-17; free for kids 5 and under. Christ Church of Arlington; 3020 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington, arlingtonvaturkeytrot.org

ART

THROUGH DEC. 18

Take a Number: Artists and Bureaucracy

Arlington Arts Center

Curated by the arts center’s Blair Murphy, this exhibit explores, co-opts and challenges bureaucratic systems and structures. Works by artists Sobia Ahmad, Maura Brewer, Chris Combs, Evan Hume, Stephanie Mercedes, R.L. Martens and Pau S. Pescador highlight bureaucracy’s human impact—from nuanced relationships between artists and arts organizations to the obscure workings of financial systems, and the violent and deadly consequences wrought by global empires. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, arlingtonartscenter.org

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

stuff

Johnson

Art in the Time of Covid

Falls Church Arts was poised to unveil a new exhibit, A Woman’s Journey, in March of 2020 when its opening night was spoiled by the statewide stay-at-home mandate. Sixteen months later, the nonprofit gallery staged what felt like a fitting comeback show—works created by 34 local artists during their year of isolation.

Debuting in July, A Year Apart captured the breadth of emotions brought on by pandemic life, and, in some instances, revealed how artists used art making as a coping mechanism. Upon entering the gallery on West Broad Street in Falls Church, visitors were confronted with “Grief,” a large oilon-linen work by Elaine Sandeen, incorporating embroidery and beading, of a somber woman holding a bouquet of flowers. “Even the edges of this piece are raw and uncertain, reflecting the circumstances of the pandemic” read Sandeen’s artist statement.

A washy, figurative painting by Ian Graig, depicting police officers in masks during the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918, was overlaid with the phrase, “U.S. deaths near 1,000, an incalculable loss.” Molly McCracken’s mixed-media “Monochrome 2,” meanwhile, presented the current health crisis in a modern context, with eight abstract collages pasted onto cardboard from Amazon grocery deliveries.

Jinny Isserow’s mixed-media “Lean on Me” captured the raw emotion of the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

“It [was] a really beautiful show,” exhibitions coordinator Pamela Huffman says. And for many, very relatable. fallschurcharts.org

Lunch Line

Arlington’s mom-and-pop restaurants were hit hard by the shutdown orders at the start of the pandemic. So the Columbia Pike Partnership (CPP) found a way to support those beloved small businesses while also helping

another heavily affected group: nurses. Through its Buy a Nurse Lunch program, donations from area residents began funding free lunches, prepared by struggling restaurants, for nurses at Virginia Hospital Center.

Café Sazón provided the first lunch drop, delivering 30 meals in April of 2020. With that order, the café was able to reopen after several weeks of being closed for business.

“These restaurants needed access to capital,” says CPP program director Stephen Gregory Smith. “They didn’t need their hand held, they didn’t need a therapist, they needed money.” Peruvian Brothers, Pupatella, Dama Ethiopian Café and Rincome Thai provided meals in the weeks that followed, and CPP expanded the program, coordinating meal deliveries to nurses at Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence, the Arlington Free Clinic and Arlington Pediatric Center.

Then it partnered with business improvement districts throughout Arlington to widen the circle of participating restaurants and donors even further. The program ended in May of 2021, having raised more than $65,000 and delivered some 4,300 meals to frontline health care workers.

“[Our nurses’] morale was boosted ten-fold, knowing that they had this gift to look forward to each week,” says Hilary Phillips, executive assistant to the president of Virginia Hospital Center, who coordinated the lunch deliveries with Smith.

The week of the last delivery, Smith received a thick envelope filled with thank-you notes from nurses. “This is one of the proudest things I’ve done in my life,” he says. “It shows the best of human beings. It helped sustain these businesses and also helped sustain these nurses’ souls. It’s been a bright beacon.” columbia-pike.org

“Grief” by Elaine Sandeen

Lunches for nurses

by Jeffrey Yeates | photo by Michael Ventura

Meet Me at the Cemetery Gates

That time I bonded with my daughter amid history and headstones

I KNELT TO EXAMINE the weathered gravestone, scraping away moss and tilting myself sideways like a human Tower of Pisa to read its inscription.

Squinting, leaning back, then leaning forward again, I traced my fingers

against the faint edges of the 19th-century engravings. “In memory of D…? R…?” I called out to my 16-year-old daughter: “Hey, Sarah, I need your help again!”

We were taking pictures of grave -

stones at a modest roadside cemetery not far from Mount Vernon, and I needed her younger, keener eyes to decipher the shallow marks from two centuries earlier.

Why were we documenting headstones, you may wonder? A few weeks earlier, a lady in our church had challenged the congregation to do more community service, so I decided to look for some local projects on the JustServe app. Scrolling through the listings, I saw several references to BillionGraves. I clicked on one of the links and soon discovered a world of little-known cemeteries and the thousands of volunteers around the globe intent on photographing every headstone in them.

BillionGraves is just what it sounds like—a free, searchable online database

The author and his daughter documenting gravestones at Oakwood Cemetery in Falls Church

of millions (not a billion yet!) of headstone photos and transcribed information from those grave markers. Using the app, anybody with a smartphone can document headstones, record the names and dates of their departed subjects, then upload those images to the database.

As with so many hobbies, the digital age has transformed genealogy and family history research. Previously, if you wanted reliable information about your ancestors, you had to trek out to their final resting places—perhaps in another country—to confirm birth, marriage and death dates.

Now, from the comfort of your living room, you can enter the name of a distant relative into any number of databases and find photos of that person’s headstone in less than a minute. What a remarkable thing. I decided documenting some burial sites and contributing to that cause could be my community service.

You’d be surprised at what a teenager will say yes to. I doubt taking pictures of tombs was at the top of her list, but when I asked Sarah on a sunny Sunday afternoon if she would come with me, she agreed. Any excuse to use her phone is a bonus—we held out on giving her one until halfway through her junior year at Washington-Liberty—so that, combined with the fact that she had nothing better to do, and maybe with hopes of getting one of her custom, six-flavor, mixed Slurpees on the way home, prompted an okay.

We drove down the scenic George Washington Parkway listening to Dad’s favorite alternative ’80s music, then turned off into one of the neighborhoods and found the small graveyard we’d identified on the app.

We’ve all been in cemeteries—maybe, as teenagers, scaring ourselves and friends, and more likely since then, as mourners clustered around a coffin,

paying our respects to the dead. But this outing cast the setting in a new light.

Every stone contains a story—hundreds of stories, really—now buried, and, as years pass, increasingly forgotten. We noted veterans of various wars; inscriptions memorializing “Our Dear Mother,” “Wife of Reverend Jamison,” “Beloved Grampy” and “Fisherman.”

If you walk around long enough, you are bound to find a person with your same birthdate, which gave me pause. You also invariably come upon the graves of children and teenagers— wrenching ones like “1922-1923, Emily, our darling baby girl.” You think about those parents and grieve a little with them, even 100 years later.

A teenager with a phone makes an adult with the same device look like a baseball rookie facing a Max Scherzer (speaking of the dearly departed—from D.C., at least) fastball. Sarah documented row after row of headstones in

Welcome back, Arlington friends! We grew stronger in our time apart.

Let us help you lower your risk factors for optimal health.

Oral Health Diabetes Alzheimers

short order, expertly photographing the markers and transcribing them two or three times faster than I ever could. My excuse was that my section had older graves that took longer to decipher, but after an hour she had captured nearly three times more photos than I had, and already transcribed and uploaded them all. It took me more than a week to transcribe mine.

Heading home, we got to talking about the people we saw on the gravestones: soldiers, husbands and wives, the old Reverend Jamison and his wife from the 1800s. We talked about what we’d want our own headstones to say. And would you believe she came to me a week later and asked if we could do it again?

Research suggests that children with a strong “family narrative” enjoy better emotional health. “The more children knew about their family’s history, the stronger their sense of control over their lives, the higher their self-esteem

and the more successfully they believed their families functioned,” writes Bruce Feiler, author of The Secrets of Happy Families. “[It] turned out to be the best single predictor of children’s emotional health and happiness.”

I believe there is truth to this. At bedtime, when she was little, Sarah would frequently ask for a story about my family, or—her favorite topic—“Tell me about another time when Uncle Doug [my youngest brother] was bad.” Sorry, Doug.

You take your good memories when and where you can. It’s bedtime stories when they are little, and maybe it is visiting cemeteries when they’re older.

Someday my name will be on one of those stones. I’ve already decided nothing too fancy—just a few inches high so the weeds won’t cover the edges, and a very deep engraving that won’t fade for a long time. My memories will be buried with me and slowly forgotten as

time passes, until I’m not much more than a name and some dates.

Or maybe not?

Sarah’s adult future is coming fast, but I’ve still got a little bit of her childhood left. I will remember these afternoons with my daughter as long as I’m alive. Perhaps once I’m under a stone, she’ll remember our outings and tell her grandkids about them.

I like to imagine the little greatgreat-grandkids that I will never meet, knowing the story and pleading at bedtime: “Tell us again about Grammy Sarah, when she was a little girl. Did she really go with her daddy and take pictures of gravestones?” ■

Jeffrey Yeates was born in Alexandria, not far from the cemetery in this essay. He works for the federal government and has lived in the Arlington Mill neighborhood since 2001. He and his family enjoy cycling and Virginia history. jeffyeates@gmail.com

Renata will make your home look its best to maximize its value, so that you get the best price. Small investments can make a big difference, and expert staging is included in the listing fee.

familiar faces

Orphans Abroad

A church mission trip sent Josh Leong to Ethiopia. He made a friend—and a film.

JOSH LEONG HAD just graduated from McLean High School in July of 2018 when he embarked on a mission trip to Ethiopia with McLean Bible Church. One of his group’s first stops was a government orphanage for boys in the capital, Addis Ababa.

Trekking through the thick mud that covered the grounds during the rainy season, Leong and his peers were greeted by smiling kids. Some had just finished an intense game of tug-of-war with one of the dogs at the orphanage. Others took a break from playing soccer to say hello.

That’s when Leong, a soon-to-be film student, met a 16-year-old named Abel

wearing a Despicable Me T-shirt. Abel’s English was good. They talked about the movie, about the hilarity of the antihero’s minions, about their favorite soccer players.

“Suddenly, I had a tour guide,” Leong says. “He showed me the library, the bathroom, the bedrooms, the lockers and cubbies they used. He showed me where his brother’s name was scrawled into a cubby. I had more of a connection with him than anyone else there.”

In Ethiopia, some 5 million children—nearly 5% of the population—are orphaned, according to the nonprofit Orphan Care Ethiopia (OCE), most having lost their parents to disease, hunger,

drought or war. But life under the care of the state is temporary. Once they turn 18, orphans are forced to live on the street, and many resort to pickpocketing or prostitution to survive. This, Leong realized, was Abel’s likely future. He was less than two years away from aging out of the orphanage and having to leave his younger brother behind.

Abel was lively during that first meeting, but by the end of the church group’s three-day visit, Leong came to recognize his cheerful demeanor as a guise.

“It was that joyful smile that caught me at first,” Leong says, “which, if you unpack it, really is masking a lot of pent-up stuff. It’s what stuck with me when I thought about him. This was a kid who seems happy outside but is really conflicted inside.”

Weeks later, Leong started his first semester as a film student at NYU in Manhattan. He wrote a script inspired by his new friend.

Then he told his church’s global outreach division about the “little thing [he] was working on” and asked if he

Josh Leong and the real Abel in 2019

could return to Ethiopia with a small team to shoot a short film. The “yes” he received in response helped him acquire translators and travel visas, as well as access to the orphanages.

Soon, two of Leong’s NYU classmates were on board—Tom Ingwersen as cinematographer and Sofia Bara, who would become assistant director and co-producer of the short film, The Other Side. Some hurdles remained. How could a group of non-Ethiopian students plan a film production from 7,000 miles away? Enter Bemnet Yemesgen, an Ethiopian American director, producer, writer and founder of the integrated marketing firm Jegna Creative, who splits his time between D.C., San Francisco and Addis Ababa. Signing on as co-producer, Yemesgen began scouting filming locations and building a team of Ethiopia-based talent.

It helped that the D.C. area has the second largest Ethiopian population

behind Addis Ababa (a diaspora that began in the 1970s when many Ethiopians fled their homeland in the wake of a military coup, and continued after the 1980 Refugee Act raised the ceiling on the number of refugees admitted to the U.S.). Several of the film’s core investors are businesses in and

around the nation’s capital. The team partnered with OCE, which operates in both D.C. and Addis Ababa, to coordinate embassy and orphanage visits.

Wayna Wondwossen, a Grammy-nominated Ethiopian singer from Silver Spring, Maryland, portrays one of the movie’s main characters.

“As the film came together, the Ethiopia-DMV connection became more and more important,” Leong says.

A personal contact of Bara’s led the team to Ethan Herisse, 21, an American actor and UC Irvine student who appeared in Ava DuVernay’s 2019 Emmy Award-winning Netflix series When They See Us. Captivated by the script, Herisse agreed to play the role of Abel.

“Josh is phenomenal,” Herisse says. “It was amazing to see how his mind worked. From such a small team, we put together something really beautiful.”

The Other Side finds Abel (as played by Herisse), just days before his 18th

■ familiar faces

birthday, facing the reality that he soon must leave the orphanage and his younger brother, Kiya, behind. When a prospective adopting couple threatens to break their relationship apart, the brothers wrestle with waiting for a dream that may never be fulfilled.

Released in 2020, the short was featured in several Academy Award-qualifying film festivals and garnered a bevy of accolades, including Best Short at the 2020 Greenwich International Film Festival in Connecticut, a One to Watch award at the 43rd Asian American International Film Festival in New York, and nods for Best Screenplay (in the 19-24 age division) and Best Male Performance (for Herisse) at the winter 2021 online Scout Film Festival. A fundraising page on the film’s website invites donations to support OCE’s work facilitating in-country adoptions, medical care, after-school programs, career development and transitional housing.

And yet, amid all the fanfare, Leong recalls speaking to the real Abel—with whom he assiduously keeps in touch— and feeling like a fraud.

“On the other side of the world, while we were raking up awards and raising money for orphan care, pretending like we were making a big difference, [Abel’s] life was falling apart,” Leong says. “He was graduating his orphanage and moving through a difficult season of transition. It felt like, ‘Oh, this film was supposed to save lives and make a difference in his life’ and really it wasn’t actually doing anything.”

Leong, 21, graduates from NYU in December with a B.A. in film and TV production. He and Bara hope to produce a full-length film about Ethiopia’s abandoned children in the not-so-distant future, to bring more attention to the crisis. “This short is just not enough,” he says. The two are currently looking for investors.

In the meantime, Leong is intent on being a good friend to the young man he sees as a brother. In August, he returned to Ethiopia to see Abel, now 19 and on his own, hoping to help him figure out his next move. When he got there, Leong was pleased to find Abel living in an apartment subsidized by an NGO. Later in the 10-day trip, the two met for dinner with the short film’s Ethiopian-based crew members. All of them were eager to help Abel find work.

“[Abel] was smiling the entire time,” Leong says. “It was funny that the crew we worked with [to tell his story] ended up being the same crew that was gonna employ him.”

They continue to text each other almost daily. “It’s not just a movie,” Leong says. “It’s real life.” ■

Sydney Johnson also writes our Good Stuff column. Watch The Other Side at theothersideshortfilm.com.

Senior Services Profiles

The Landing

The financial arrangements of The Landing are attractive to modern seniors. Residences are rented monthto-month and require no long-term commitment.

2620 Main Line Blvd. Alexandria, VA 22301

571-577-6011

https://landingalexandria. watermarkcommunities.com/

Opening in early 2022, The Landing won’t be the typical senior living community we’ve come to know—and that’s the point, according to owner and developer Silverstone Senior Living, and operating partner Watermark Retirement Communities.

It’s all about renewal, as opposed to retirement, with a dash of five-star hotel service. Richard Ludlow, executive director, says, “I look forward to offering our residents an extraordinary lifestyle with impeccable service, pioneering programming and innovative care.”

A Silverstone signature care level is called The Bridge, which is for those who need more than assisted living services but who are far from ready for memory care. The Landing has 27 Bridge, 89 assisted living and 34 memory care residences. The 40 independent living residences include nine penthouses with expansive balconies for indoor/outdoor living.

Tall ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows take advantage of the views. Open floor plans create flow and energy. The nine-story building is graced with outdoor sculpture gardens and landscaped verandas. It’s an easy walk to neighborhood restaurants and retail, walking and biking trails by the Potomac River, and the soon-to-be-opened Potomac Yard Metro station.

The chef and staff of three restaurants will cater to the worldly tastes of future residents, collecting feedback and customizing menus as people settle in. Casual connections are likely to happen at the wine bar and lounge featuring a baby grand piano.

Body, mind and soul are meant to thrive here, with a spa, salon, fitness center and enriching activities. Watermark University workshops will be created by the community life director based on residents’ interests and the rich resources of the national capital area.

The Jefferson

“With all levels of senior living under one roof, The Jefferson offers for-sale condominiums with no buy-in fee beyond the price of the unit, with access to community meals, activities, housekeeping and transportation.”

—Juli K. Swanson, LNHA, CMCA, Executive Director and General Manager

900 N. Taylor St. Arlington, VA 22203  703-516-9455 www.thejeffersoninva.com

Residents at The Jefferson report a strong sense of community as well as individual happiness. More than half participate in Google Groups, a great communication tool that announces discount tickets or a nearby happy hour. Jeffersonians, as they call themselves, like to share what they love about their home.

“Peace of mind is walking down the hall to dispose of the trash and not having to roll out garbage cans. It’s knowing there is maintenance available pretty much 24/7. It’s not having to plan and cook meals, having someone clean your apartment weekly. It’s planned outings and trips to grocery stores and medical appointments. That is The Jefferson,” concludes Lucy Wofford, a four-year resident.

“Any concerns that I had about moving into a retirement community quickly

disappeared after I moved in. The staff is wonderful and so is the relationship between staff and residents. The Ballston location is one of Arlington’s most desirable areas.”

After three years, Wilma Probst says, “I find The Jefferson to be an upscale, vibrant community offering many different activities and services that enrich one’s life. Having moved from my Alexandria home nearly three years ago, I appreciate my spacious, beautiful apartment and the numerous learning opportunities. I recently started my very first art class and absolutely love it! I enjoy the inspirational in-house lectures and concerts. Jefferson transportation enables me to continue my lifelong passions for the theatre, music events, museums and restaurants.”

Vinson Hall Retirement Community

The VHRC Independent Living community is open to commissioned U.S. military officers and immediate family as well as leadership level government employees, GS-14 or higher. VHRC’s Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Long-term Nursing and Memory Care communities are open to the public.

6251 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22101

703-536-4344 www.vinsonhall.org

Conceived of by the Navy Officers’ Wives’ Club of Washington, D.C., Vinson Hall Retirement Community (VHRC) opened in 1969, welcoming military officers and their families to senior living. From the beginning, VHRC’s values have been dignity, security and friendship. More recently, VHRC has enhanced its focus on mind, body and spirit, with a commitment to an active and engaged lifestyle.

VHRC monthly events calendars are full of activities that engage the whole person. Popular activities include meditation and yoga classes, outings to area restaurants, historical houses or wineries, and exercise classes in Vinson Hall’s Fitness Center. In an effort to ensure that the activities reflect residents’ interests, residents play a big part in determining what will be on each month’s calendar.

Resident Midge Holmes has been very engaged in developing new ideas to keep her neighbors moving. A few years ago, Midge began teaching a dance class focused on improving balance and coordination. Recently, Midge put her experience playing a snare drum in college to use and started a drum circle called Viva Rhythm. Residents gather outdoors and play bongos, bodhrans, maracas, rain sticks, tambourines and almost anything that has a beat.

Midge has also been instrumental in the development of VHRC’s sports park, which includes space for bocce ball, pickleball, horseshoes and ladder golf. With a planned firepit and small clubhouse, the sports park will be about more than sports, it will also be a place for friendship and fun.

Goodwin House Inc.

“For us, happiness matters—both for ourselves and our family! Our children say that our moving to Goodwin House was a gift to them. They know that we are happy here and will be well-caredfor should we need specialty care.”

—Fred and Brenda Pang

4800 Fillmore Ave. Alexandria, VA 22311

3440 S. Jefferson St. Falls Church, VA 22041

703-578-7201

www.goodwinhouse.org

Goodwin House Inc. (GHI) has been serving older adults in the National Capital Region since 1967. With a solid track record of providing the best in senior living and healthcare, GHI covers the entire aging journey with its full range of options—from an aging at-home program and two life plan communities to specialized services such as home health, therapy and hospice.

The reality is that health and needs will change as people age. GHI helps older adults plan for anticipated changes as well as those that are unforeseen. With a focus on the total health and wellness of older adults, GHI strives to ensure they can thrive and stay engaged at every stage of life.

After careful research, Fred and Brenda Pang (pictured) chose to move to a GHI

Life Plan Community. The Pangs felt it was important that any transition from independent living to assisted living, memory support or nursing would be as seamless as possible. They also chose a community setting because they knew they would continue to be surrounded by neighbors.

Realizing that not everyone wishes to move in their later years, GHI offers a range of alternatives. For adults ages 55+ who plan to stay in their own homes as they age, Goodwin House at Home provides a long-term care solution that includes care management and ways to plan and pay for future care costs. For those who need specialized care, Goodwin House Home Health and Goodwin House Hospice are available to deliver care directly to people in their own homes.

Culpepper Garden

KIMBERLY SEARCY, ASSISTED LIVING ADMINISTRATOR

MARTA HILL GRAY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PAUL TIMPANE, DIRECTOR OF PROPERTY OPERATIONS

4435 N. Pershing Drive Arlington, VA 22203

703-528-0162

www.culpeppergarden.org

“The gardens have been a source of comfort and beauty for our residents, staff and the entire community during this difficult time. We hope that someday the annual spring Daffodil Walk at Culpepper Garden will be almost as well known as the cherry blossoms of the Tidal Basin!”

—Executive Director Marta Hill Gray

During the many challenges of 2020 and beyond, the residents of Culpepper Garden spent more time in its outdoor spaces, where they’ve been connecting to the peace and healing powers found in nature.

The gardens are a legacy of the community’s namesake, Charles Culpepper (1888-1980), a botanist who loved and grew daffodils, daylilies and other plants. More than ninety years later, many of his original daffodils continue to bloom on the property.

Each season The Daffodil Society at Culpepper Garden continues to plant additional daffodil varieties developed by Dr. Culpepper, making the garden a living tribute and seasonal display of beauty each spring when the Daffodil Walk is open to the public.

Culpepper is in the process of restoring and enhancing its historic gardens. This fall, over 5,000 daffodils

will be added to the 28,000 bulbs that were planted last spring. The Daffodil Society was launched to raise funds to support the residents and garden renovations.

Highlights include accessible walkways, a restored koi pond and garden, and new areas for residents to sit and enjoy the diverse and expansive gardens. Walking trails will be made more stable and weatherproofed. Many benches can be found along these Woodland Walk paths, giving residents and their guests places to rest, sit, reflect and visit.

Culpepper Garden is Northern Virginia’s largest affordable rental community for people over age 62 and it is the only such community that includes assisted living. Residents have been enjoying the beautiful results of an extensive, two-year renovation that was completed last fall.

Homeless Arlington in

As the pandemic rages on, home has become a workplace, a classroom and a refuge from a deadly virus. What if you don’t have one?

BY TAMAR ABRAMS | PHOTOS BY MATT MENDELSOHN

medical care in Crystal City.

Anondescript van wends its way through Arlington’s streets in the predawn hours of what is shaping up to be another unbearably hot summer day. The driver, David Ordonez, pulls over to the side of Clarendon Boulevard after spotting a man pushing a shopping cart up a hill in Rosslyn. Ordonez is the assistant director of outreach and the day program at PathForward (formerly A-SPAN, it recently adopted a new name), the nonprofit that runs the county’s Homeless Services Center and a host of related programs. The man with the shopping cart is one of his “regulars”—residents who sleep on the streets, mostly due to mental illness. Hopping out of the van, Ordonez calls to the man by name in Spanish. They talk for a minute or so,

and the man accepts bottles of water and two bagged meals before resuming his trek up the hill. Ordonez climbs back into the van, secure in the knowledge that “Felix” is safe on this day, and heads toward a church where several homeless people sleep in the shadows of Turnberry Tower, one of Arlington’s most luxe properties.

For millions of Americans, “home” has become a sanctuary in the time of Covid—a safe place to work, study and retreat from the dangers of a killer virus. But for those living on the street, in temporary shelters or on the razor’s edge of poverty, the pandemic has introduced new layers of hardship. At a time when our lives have contracted and we spend more time caring for ourselves and those we love, who is caring for those most at risk?

■ homeless in arlington

HOMELESSNESS IS NOT easy to measure, largely because the people who fall into that demographic are so transient. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, a nationwide point-in-time count found 580,466 people experiencing homelessness in America as of January 2020. Most of them (70%) were individuals, while the remainder were families with children.

Some good news: Arlington County’s latest point-in-time count, conducted on Jan. 27 of this year, showed an overall decrease (14%) in homelessness, from 199 people in 2020 to 171 in 2021. “This represents the lowest count seen over the past 11 years, and the lowest in the past four years for unsheltered persons,” says Triina Van, Continuum of Care coordinator with the Arlington County Department of Human Services.

The picture for those who are chronically homeless in Arlington is less positive. That number rose from 20 people in 2020 to 35 in 2021. Chronic homelessness is defined as individuals with disabilities (including mental illness, physical impairments and/or substance abuse disorders) who have been continuously homeless for at least a year, or who have experienced homelessness at least four times in the last three years.

“Alan,” 65, was never a part of that long-term cohort, but the two months he spent homeless was an experience he won’t forget. “I was miserable living on the streets,” he says emphatically. “It was awful. You look in the windows of people’s apartments and you see people having dinner, having fun. Sometimes I just wanted to knock on a door and ask to be let in.”

In August, Alan was preparing to move from PathForward’s shelter in Courthouse to an assisted living home. A year had passed since he was taken by ambulance from his previous South Arlington apartment to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, unable to walk three

steps without gasping for air. Years of addiction to pills and alcohol had left him barely able to function and months behind on his rent. Though he had worked intermittently at Comcast and a photo developing company, Alan had reached a point where he was unable to do much more than drink and get high.

After his arrival at the hospital, doctors implanted a defibrillator in Alan’s chest and prepared him to return home, but he knew he couldn’t go back to an apartment he couldn’t afford, and he didn’t want to face an early death. He asked a social worker for help and was referred to Franny Mack, a case manager at PathForward specializing in senior housing.

“[Alan] is a rare bird,” Mack says. “He wanted the help. But when he first came in, I thought, Oh Lord!”

“Yeah, I was looking at my path and knew something was really wrong,” Alan says. “I had holes in my pockets. I was going to end up on the streets. I was so skinny. All I thought was that I really wanted a beer.”

Working toward sobriety and recovering from surgery, Alan was shuttled to various medical appointments by PathForward staff and housed in the shelter’s medical respite area. “Your needs are being taken care of,” he says of his time there, “not your wants.”

Packing his few belongings for his next move, he shows off photos of his family, with whom he was recently reunited. “They forgave me,” he says with joy. “They are coming by and calling.”

Opposite the snapshots of his smiling children and grandchildren, one picture stands out in stark contrast. It’s a photo of Alan propped against a fence, emaciated and clearly intoxicated. The look on his face is one of complete surrender to his addiction. “I keep that there as a reminder,” he says.

MOST ARLINGTONIANS ARE unfamiliar with the intricacies of the county’s expansive Continuum of Care sys-

“I was miserable living on the streets. It was awful. You look in the windows of people’s apartments and you see people having dinner, having fun. Sometimes I just wanted to knock on a door and ask to be let in.”

tem, which is designed to help people avoid homelessness and find shelter when they need it. The goal of nonprofits like PathForward is to transition those at risk of homelessness to temporary housing, and ultimately, permanent housing. Outreach efforts to vulnerable individuals and families are ongoing. There are supports for people in crisis; referral services for emergency food, rental assistance and health care; and, for those who need it, long-term housing solutions.

Such services are a lifeline for county residents like Russell Purrington, 47, who lives just off Glebe Road, across from the CVS where he works

as a manager. The studio apartment he shares with his cat—a permanent supportive housing unit provided by PathForward—is decorated with family photographs and a Kikkoman soy sauce bucket discarded by the Chinese restaurant across the street, now home to an aloe plant on the windowsill. “I couldn’t let it go into the trash,” he says.

Born in Alaska, Purrington moved to Arlington in the early ’90s to be near his mother and sisters. He attended Northern Virginia Community College and worked as an arborist for many years until a combination of drugs, alcohol and mental illness led him to homelessness. He barely survived two drug over-

doses in one day, but those events left him with short-term memory loss.

“I was disabled by my own hands,” says Purrington, an avid gamer in his spare time. Now he is proud of his job and the progress he has made. “I stay focused. I get enough sleep, show up to work on time and do my duties.”

THE FEDERAL EVICTION moratorium was a welcome relief for many who lost their jobs or struggled financially during Covid. In the early days of the pandemic, most evictions for unpaid rent were put on hold. But as of the end of July, only a fraction of the $46.5 billion in rental assistance approved by Congress

had been disbursed, and on Aug. 26, the Supreme Court put an end to the federal eviction freeze. Nationwide, more than 15 million people are now living in households that collectively owe as much as $20 billion in back rent, according to the Aspen Institute.

In August, Gov. Ralph Northam signed a budget bill that restored Virginia eviction protections through June 30, 2022. This was good news for those at risk of homelessness, but less so for owners of small apartment buildings or low-income houses. Many tenants are still months behind on rent, relying on the moratorium to stay housed while their landlords remain empty-handed.

Once homeless, “Alan” is now living in an assisted living residence run by PathForward.

Renters who are undocumented or unsure of how to access federal or local aid are falling even farther behind.

Andrew Schneider is the executive director of Arlington Thrive, a nonprofit that provides “same-day, emergency financial assistance to county residents who experience sudden financial crisis such as temporary unemployment or illness.” He says the need arising from

the pandemic has been “unlike anything we have seen in our 45 years, including assistance during the Great Recession and other challenges.

“Not only was the scale different,” Schneider says, “but the response was different, because we had additional funding from the county and the federal government. We were able to give more money to more people.”

Reports of domestic violence in Arlington have increased by 113% since Covid began. Social distancing makes it harder to shelter those fleeing abuse.

Arlington Thrive has used county, state and federal funds to help struggling renters pay down the back rent they owe, providing stopgap assistance to about 2,000 households since the start of the pandemic. Mindful of the strain on property owners, the nonprofit also reached out to individual landlords and the landlord association in Northern Virginia. “It’s in our best interest to work with the entire safety net,” Schneider says, “so no one is facing financial catastrophe. Homelessness is the failure of the safety net.”

Child care has been another pain point for families facing pandemic disruptions to their normal work, parenting and school routines. “About 80% of our families became unemployed or had a reduction in hours in March 2020,” says Christina Armstrong, chief philanthropic partnerships officer for Bridges to Independence, another local nonprofit focused on ending homelessness.

Bridges operates Sullivan House, an emergency shelter that accepts both individuals and families, and provides services such as workforce and youth development, financial counseling and housing placement. “When the world shut down, [these families] were not in a position to work from home,” Armstrong says. “Many more of them ended up not being able to work because children were out of school. One of the biggest barriers to employment during Covid has been the lack of affordable child care.”

ACCORDING TO Michael Stewart, Arlington’s deputy chief financial officer, the county’s crisis response to the pandemic has been robust. Arlington was allocated approximately $150 million in federal Covid-19 aid through a variety of grant programs, and by late August had disbursed around $87 million. Of that amount, some $23 million was channeled to programs serving vulnerable individuals with a demonstrated need. From July 2020 to June 2021, the

Doorways president Diana Ortiz

county also spent more than $6 million in local funding on emergency housing support, food assistance and other Covid-driven forms of aid not covered by federal grant dollars. Most of those funds were allocated to partner organizations like PathForward.

Operating in the time of Covid has forced the nonprofits serving our area’s most vulnerable residents to change almost every aspect of their work.

“In the early days of the pandemic, clients were taking it in stride. They were dealing with much more immediate needs, such as where they were going to sleep,” says Pam Mitchell, executive director of New Hope Housing, which provides a variety of housing and support services throughout Northern Virginia, including Bailey’s Shelter and Supportive Housing in Bailey’s Crossroads, and the Residential Program Center on Columbia Pike. “Covid just wasn’t at the top of their list of concerns. That changed as time went on.”

As the pandemic took hold, she says, the shelters set aside rooms for people to quarantine and initiated “head to toe” sleeping for those sharing rooms.

Doorways President Diana Ortiz, whose organization “creates pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault,” says her team similarly had to recalibrate— moving to what she calls a “non-congregate setting.”

Doorways’ existing safe house and family home lacked adequate space for social distancing, so the nonprofit began housing clients in hotels or safe apartments, all the while noting a disturbing uptick in domestic violence. “We were seeing much more dangerous examples of abuse,” Ortiz says. “We paid for 12 hotel rooms for 365 nights.”

The county has seen a 113% increase in reports of domestic violence since the pandemic began, confirms Van, of the Arlington County Department of Human Services.

The shift to hoteling has provided some takeaways, Ortiz says. Doorways discovered that hotel rooms are a better setting for families with children because they offer more privacy and autonomy. (Plus, she chuckles, the hotel Wi-Fi is admittedly better than the shelter’s.) But there have been downsides, too. “We lost some of the camaraderie that survivors gravitate toward,” she says, “and a lot of our group programming had to be paused. Our staff had to learn how to serve clients when they weren’t all in one place.”

BETSY FRANTZ was only weeks into her new job as CEO of PathForward when Covid sent Arlington into lockdown in March of 2020. “There were no protocols in place for [a pandemic],” she says, looking back. “We literally built the plane while flying it. Everybody played the role we needed them to play, and that’s what got us through.”

Frantz and others point to Kasia

Russell Purrington at home

■ homeless in arlington

Shaw, PathForward’s senior director of medical services, as a guiding light. A nurse practitioner who attended West Point, Shaw has worked hard to educate clients about adjusting their behavior to avoid contracting Covid. Many days, she can be found riding along with Ordonez on his early morning outreach calls.

“We connect people to cancer care, check sugar levels in diabetics, even take people to receive the Covid vaccine,” Shaw says. “We address chronic conditions that could be prevented if people were housed, including a lot of foot care because so many are on their feet all day.”

Lately, the emphasis has shifted heavily to Covid prevention and testing. “High-risk individuals were sent to hotels provided by the county while we were busy with contact tracing and

tracking test results,” Shaw says. “It was all-consuming, seven days a week. We had to stop providing a monthly foot care clinic, and dental services were put on hold.”

It’s been an unending pivot, Frantz says. Early in the pandemic when case counts were rising, PathForward’s Homeless Services Center went into “decompression” mode. Residents no longer shared rooms. Some were moved into classrooms, or even the dining room. At times, there was no day program—meaning no outside shelter access for those wishing to shower, do laundry and receive other services. Meals were provided in bags or individual containers.

The rise of the delta variant in late summer 2021 sent the shelter back into lockdown. Frantz was clearly unhappy with the adjustments, even

Arlington’s Safety Net

The nonprofits below are part of Arlington County’s “Continuum of Care” for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. For more information about each organization’s mission and how you can help, see our Guide to Giving on page 36.

PathForward (formerly A-SPAN) runs the county’s Homeless Services Center in Courthouse, offering emergency shelter, medical treatment, food assistance, job training, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing and other services. During its 2020 fiscal year, the nonprofit housed 159 people, served 29,850 meals, provided 810 medical visits and sheltered 422 individuals. pathforwardva.org

Bridges to Independence (formerly the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless) operates Sullivan House, Arlington County’s largest emergency shelter for families. It currently serves about 500 individuals, including children. bridges2.org

Doorways (formerly Doorways for Women & Families) provides support, shelter and safe housing for people impacted by domestic violence and sexual abuse. It helps more than 200 people per year, including parents and children. doorwaysva.org

New Hope Housing offers various housing and support services throughout Northern Virginia, including Bailey’s Shelter and Supportive Housing in Bailey’s Crossroads, and the Residential Program Center (RPC) on Columbia Pike. In 2019, it served more than 1,632 people, including 450 in permanent or transitional housing. newhopehousing.org

National Capital Treatment & Recovery (formerly Phoenix Houses of the MidAtlantic) provides transitional housing for individuals recovering from substance abuse. During its 2020 fiscal year the nonprofit served 1,225 patients in its residential programs. natcaptreatment.org

Arlington Thrive offers same-day emergency financial assistance to Arlington residents facing a financial crisis that could lead to eviction and homelessness. During its most recent fiscal year, Thrive provided just over $5.2 million to roughly 2,000 households. More than 90% of those funds were used for rental assistance. arlingtonthrive.org

Sheridan P. Jackson in the garden behind her apartment building in Westover

though they were necessary. “These were the things we could provide that make people feel human,” she says, “but we couldn’t do it and keep them safe. That was just hard on all of us. We saw everyone’s stress increase.”

IT’S THE SUCCESS STORIES that keep Frantz and her colleagues motivated. Covid has made their jobs more difficult, but the end goal remains the same: Empowering people—to quote PathForward’s tagline—from streets to stability Kevin, 44 (who shares only his first name), has made that journey. After years of substance abuse and living on the street, he’s been in supportive housing in Arlington for nearly a decade. “The church is what worked for me,” he says. “It is stronger than my addiction.”

He still recalls his first night in his own apartment, which he secured with help from PathForward and New Hope Housing. He slept on the carpet in the

bedroom and was happy. “It was the first place of my own, ever in my life,” he says, “and a nonsmoking building, too!”

These days Kevin walks through Arlington looking for people who are homeless, telling them where they can find shelter, food and other forms of assistance. He’s made it his personal mission. “I freely give back to the community where I used to be,” he says with conviction. “I have freedom now.”

Over the course of her life, Sheridan P. Jackson has lived in her own place in Washington, D.C., been incarcerated, had an apartment in Arlington, spent time in a shelter and bunked with a friend. Through it all, she raised five children who earned college degrees. At various times, she was an alcoholic and a victim of domestic violence.

A visit to PathForward in 2013 turned her life around. “They didn’t have any beds available and I had to sleep on the floor, but that was okay,”

Complete Health Dentistry

says Jackson, now 51. “They had clothes I could wear, a place to take a shower. I could eat regularly.”

Staff helped move her into an apartment at Sibert House, a permanent supportive housing residence in Westover, designed to help individuals overcome substance abuse and mental illness and attain their goals.

Today Jackson is taking online courses with hopes of landing a job as an administrative assistant.

“This is a stepping-stone for me,” she says. “I am learning to reacclimate myself. I tend the community garden in back and do laundry right here in the building. It’s really quiet. The neighbors are cool. I finally have a sense of peace.” ■

Tamar Abrams is semiretired, working as a communications consultant, enjoying life in Falls Church City and worrying about mostly everything.

Phoenix Bikes

Dinbas Burka (left) and bike repair instructor Liam Vincent at an Earn-a-Bike workshop

Guide to GIVING

Want to make a difference? Consider a donation of time or money to one of these local nonprofits.

Many thanks to the Arlington Community Foundation (arlcf.org) for its help in compiling this resource. SSL indicates the availability of college internships or student service-learning opportunities for local schools.

AHC Inc.

AHC (ahcinc.org) provides quality affordable housing to more than 3,000 lowincome families. AHC also offers onsite educational programs and social services to help residents build more stable and successful lives.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: Arlington County

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $35 provides literacy-building afterschool activities, including audiobooks, listening devices and vocabulary puzzles.

❱❱ $150 provides emergency groceries to a family struggling with new hardships.

❱❱ $500 supports a college field trip or mobile tech devices for high school students.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers provide homework and studying support to elementary and middle school students, and mentor college-bound high school students. They also teach life skills and SAT prep, and provide organizational support, including staffing AHC’s food distribution sites, delivering school backpacks and serving holiday dinners. SSL

Animal Welfare League of Arlington

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (awla.org) provides resources, care and protection so that animals and animal-lovers can stay happy, healthy and together at home. Amid the pandemic, AWLA has directed more resources to its Pet Pantry (which provides free pet food to families experiencing hardship), vet assistance grants and its H.E.L.P. (Housing Emergency Lifeline for Pets) program for families affected by Covid-19.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: D.C. metro area

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $10 provides one rabies vaccination.

❱❱ $25 covers an animal’s care at the shelter for one day.

❱❱ $100 funds a spay or neuter surgery before adoption.

❱❱ $200 provides specialty care to a pet in need.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers help educate future pet owners, match animals with adoptive families and keep animals happy during their shelter stay.

Some train to work with dogs, cats or small companion animals. Others foster animals in their homes.

Arlington Community Foundation

Arlington Community Foundation (arlcf. org) helps individuals, businesses and organizations in Arlington carry out their charitable giving, both in the short term and through permanent legacy funds.

As a grant-maker, convener and leader of programmatic initiatives, the Community Foundation strives to strengthen local nonprofits, encourage better understanding of the needs of Arlingtonians, and address the most critical issues of our time. Since 1991, ACF has awarded thousands of grants and scholarships and created a source of diverse and flexible philanthropic capital that can address changing community needs.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: Arlington and beyond

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $500 funds a small community grant.

❱❱ $1,500 provides one college scholar-

■ guide to giving

ship or a prompt-response grant (e.g., a replacement washer and dryer for a homeless shelter).

❱❱ $10,000 or more can start a permanent scholarship fund or charitable giving fund (to be named by the donor) to support the donor’s charitable interests. Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers assist with fundraising events, community outreach and professional services, and serve on grant or scholarship review committees. The youth-led Arlington Youth Philanthropy Initiative (AYPI) awards grants to youth-initiated service projects and nonprofits. SSL

Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)

The Arlington Food Assistance Center (afac.org) feeds neighbors in need by providing dignified access to supplemental groceries. Since 1988, AFAC has remained dedicated to its simple but critical mission of obtaining and distributing groceries, directly and free of charge, to people living in Arlington who cannot afford to purchase enough food to meet their basic needs.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: Arlington County

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $250 provides milk and eggs to 100 families in one month.

❱❱ $750 provides fresh fruits and vegetables to 55 families in one month.

❱❱ $1,350 provides groceries to an AFAC family for one year.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers organize food drives (all ages) and help with re-bagging bulk purchases of produce at AFAC’s warehouse (12 and up). SSL

Arlington Free Clinic

Arlington Free Clinic (arlingtonfreeclinic. org) provides free, high-quality medical and dental care to low-income, uninsured Arlington County adults. Since 1994, the clinic has been filling the gap in health care access for the community’s most vulnerable residents. Covid-19 has made this mission more important than ever.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: Arlington County

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $250 procures 10 blood pressure cuffs for patients’ at-home health monitoring, or five cases of liquid food supplements for a cancer patient.

❱❱ $1,000 covers 16 emergency dental visits for patients whose oral health needs cannot wait.

❱❱ $10,000 covers three months of generic medications. Most medications

Animal Welfare League of Arlington

A puppy adoption at AWLA

(about $3 million worth each year) are donated to the clinic, but some cannot be accessed for free. AFC patients, including those diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes or cancer prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, still need access to life-saving medications.

Volunteer opportunities: AFC is always looking for volunteer physicians (primary/specialty), nurse practitioners, nurses, dentists and Spanish interpreters. Psychiatrists/psychiatric NPs, licensed counselors, dental hygienists and exercise instructors are especially needed right now.

Arlington Neighborhood Village

Arlington Neighborhood Village (arlnvil. org) allows older Arlington residents to continue living in their own homes and

community, safely and independently, with assistance and social support from local volunteers. ANV’s discounted membership program supports more than 80 seniors.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: Arlington County

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $35 supports membership for a lowerincome senior for one month.

❱❱ $200 supports membership for a lower-income senior for six months.

❱❱ $2,000 funds a technology class to teach seniors how to use computers for telehealth, secure online banking, entertainment, and emailing family and friends. Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers run errands, shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, provide transportation to medical appointments and connect with

■ guide to giving

seniors via friendly telephone and inperson visits to reduce feelings of social isolation and depression. Volunteers also help with IT, website maintenance, communications, marketing, fundraising, office support and special programs.

Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing

The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (apah.org) is committed to developing innovative, attractive and safe apartment buildings. Currently, APAH provides more than 2,000 homes to lower-income individuals and families at 18 properties, with another 1,000 pipeline apartments in active predevelopment. The nonprofit is working to integrate health, workforce success, education, community engagement and housing to achieve better outcomes for all. The pandemic has brought added strain, and low-income neighbors are still disproportionately impacted by job and income loss. This summer, more than 400 households could not pay rent, and many struggled to put food on the table. APAH has committed to not evicting any families at its affordable properties for financial reasons during the pandemic, and is providing emergency financial assistance to residents. However, its Resident Emergency Fund has been stretched thin to meet immediate needs. Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: D.C. metro area

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $50 pays for a week of transportation to and from work for a parent.

❱❱ $100 buys emergency groceries for a single parent who is between paychecks.

❱❱ $250 finances the co-pay for subsidized child care for one child.

❱❱ $500 pays the average monthly ledger for a household that has fallen behind on rent.

❱❱ $1,000 covers holiday expenses for a family of five.

Volunteer opportunities: Assistance is needed with family engagement activities, grocery distribution, literacy programming, affordable housing advocacy and volunteer management/recruitment. APAH offers internships and community service projects for student groups. SSL

Arlington Thrive

For more than 45 years, Arlington Thrive (arlingtonthrive.org) has been the financial safety net for Arlington County. By providing cash assistance to vulnerable households, Thrive prevents evictions, medical catastrophes and undue chaos

La Cocina VA

Founder & CEO

Paty Funegra in La Cocina VA’s new kitchen incubator, during the build-out

and crisis for neighbors in need. Since the onset of the pandemic, Thrive’s Arlington Emergency Relief Fund has provided more than 4,000 families with rapid financial assistance for acute needs—such as rent payments, medicine, uninterrupted power and water, internet access or transportation assistance.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: Arlington County

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $100 pays for a prescription for a homeless individual.

❱❱ $250 covers medical care or emergency dental work for an uninsured Arlington resident.

❱❱ $1,000 restores utility service for six families who, due to temporary unemployment, are unable to pay for their heat and/or electricity.

❱❱ $5,000 pays the rent for five Arlington families facing eviction so they do not become homeless.

Volunteer opportunities: Thrive is currently seeking volunteers with experience in public policy (including housing policy), fundraising, communication strategies and graphic design. Opportunities exist for both one-time and regular service in the form of committee membership, office assistance and working directly with families in need of assistance.

Arm & Arm

Arm & Arm provides peer-to-peer behavioral health services (support, training, mentoring) to individuals re-entering the community following incarceration, military service, homelessness, substance abuse recovery and/or mental health challenges.

Headquartered: Alexandria (with a location in Arlington)

Serves: Arlington and the D.C. metro area

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $75 covers a peer mentoring support session for one individual.

❱❱ $550 provides Game on the Line immersion training (cognitive and somatic coping skills) for one individual.

❱❱ $750 pays for one individual to receive 72 hours of Peer Recovery Training (for state certification).

❱❱ $960 funds a focus group for 4-5 participants struggling with severe traumatic experiences.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers are needed for outreach to raise awareness of social isolation, opioid addiction, mental health issues and Covid-19 vaccination and testing, as well as connecting with at-risk youth. Arm & Arm facilitates a monthly Shop Talk forum on issues relating to community inclusion.

■ guide to giving

Aspire! Afterschool Learning

Aspire! Afterschool Learning (aspire afterschool.org) provides daily afterschool and summer programs to underserved students who are most impacted by the educational opportunity gap— which has widened amid the pandemic and school closures.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: South Arlington

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $30 provides one day of after-school and literacy support for one student.

❱❱ $60 provides a literacy learning kit for a new student.

❱❱ $100 covers one year of STEM learning supplies for one student.

❱❱ $160 funds one week of after-school and literacy support for one student.

Volunteer opportunities: Aspire! offers full-time service opportunities for community members and students over age 18 through its AmeriCorps partnership. Volunteers are also needed to provide in-person reading and homework support for young learners. SSL

Borromeo Housing Inc.

Borromeo Housing (borromeohousing. org) maintains an education-first, safe, transitional housing program for single homeless mothers (ages 16-22) and their children. BHI’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty two generations at a time by empowering residents to achieve self-sufficiency through education. Families living at BHI attend school and take part in life skills training, parenting classes and counseling, with the goal of being able to live healthily and independently. BHI is more than 93% privately funded, relying heavily on donations, and is bracing for a surge in need due to pandemic hardships.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: D.C. metro area with an emphasis on Arlington County residents What a donation can do:

❱❱ $50 provides a month’s supply of diapers for one child.

❱❱ $100 provides a month’s supply of groceries and toiletries not covered by federal assistance (WIC) for a family.

❱❱ $250 provides educational supplies

for two young mothers to attend school for one semester.

❱❱ $1,000 funds a month of shelter care for one family, including utilities and household goods.

❱❱ $10,000 pays the safe home’s residential mortgage for five months. Volunteer opportunities: During normal operations, volunteers serve as guest chefs, infant care supply coordinators and skills presenters (weekly), and mentors. In this time of social distancing, BHI needs volunteers to do yard work, provide meals and drop off supplies. Individuals with skills that can be taught over Zoom can participate in one of BHI’s “Virtual Group Nights.” Grant writers and researchers are also needed to pursue funding opportunities. Student internships are available. SSL

Bridges to Independence

Bridges to Independence (bridges2.org) leads individuals and families out of homelessness and into stable, independent futures. Its vision is to break intergenerational cycles of poverty by empowering today’s struggling families

YMCA Arlington

A winter coat drive at the Y

to be tomorrow’s successful community members. Bridges operates Arlington County’s largest emergency family shelter. It also maintains programs focusing on rental subsidies, workforce development and financial empowerment, and youth programs that emphasize confidence, skill-building and job readiness. Bridges recently merged with the Bonder & Amanda Johnson Community Development Corp. and now provides referral services through its community services center in Green Valley. Current needs include gift cards (for food and personal supplies), financial donations to cover utilities and rent, and job coaching support for those seeking employment opportunities.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: Arlington County

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $100 provides dishes, linens and household items for a family moving out of the shelter and into a new home.

❱❱ $250 covers utility and phone bills for a family of three for one month.

❱❱ $500 helps a family avoid eviction by covering an unexpected auto repair or medical emergency.

❱❱ $1,000 pays one month’s rent for a single mom and her two kids in an affordable housing unit.

Volunteer opportunities: Bridges welcomes both in-person and virtual volunteers of all ages to coordinate food drives and deliveries, organize storage spaces, serve on committees, move furniture and tutor or mentor youth. Student internships and service opportunities are posted in the nonprofit’s newsletter, social media feeds and online. SSL

BU-GATA

BU-GATA (bu-gata.org) partners with other community organizations to produce, preserve and advocate for affordable housing in Arlington County. It also encourages youth civic and leadership development through its Buckingham Youth Brigade (BYB) program, which is geared toward underserved teens ages 14-18.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: Arlington County

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $50 provides snacks for weekly homework help and tutoring sessions.

❱❱ $100 provides materials for a youth skills-building workshop.

❱❱ $400 supports a college field trip and other educational trips for BYB students.

Volunteer opportunities: Virtual and inperson tutors (18 or older) are needed assist with youth programs.

Capital Caring Health

As the region’s largest nonprofit provider of hospice and advanced illness care, Capital Caring Health (capitalcaring.org) is there for patients and families 24/7.

Headquartered: Falls Church

Serves: Arlington County, as well as a broad swath of Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $50 buys toys and games for a pediatric patient and their siblings.

❱❱ $250 covers two registered-nurse virtual visits to a hospice patient.

❱❱ $1,000 provides personal protective gear for 75 nurses.

❱❱ $10,000 covers 25 days of acute hospice care for two patients at one of Capital Caring’s inpatient centers.

❱❱ $50,000 buys a decontamination

■ guide to giving

machine to thoroughly clean patient rooms and centers.

Volunteer opportunities: Essential services include comfort and companionship for individuals facing advanced illness; respite support for family members; art or music therapy; and counseling for those facing the loss of a loved one. Volunteers also sort, price and sell donated items in the nonprofit’s thrift store in Arlington. Capital Caring offers internships and opportunities for student service-learning hours. SSL

Communities in Schools NOVA

Communities in Schools (cisofnova.org) empowers students to stay in school and achieve in life. School-based counselors bring resources into schools to remove barriers that put students at risk of dropping out.

Headquartered: Alexandria

Serves: Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $250 provides school supplies for 10 students.

❱❱ $1,000 covers supplies and snacks for an after-school serving 50 students.

❱❱ $5,000 funds paid internships for high school students.

❱❱ $10,000 funds dental, hearing and vision exams for 500+ families. Volunteer opportunities: Tutors and homework buddies work with students at partner schools. Volunteers also serve as guest speakers at career events and assist with outreach, marketing and development.

Culpepper Garden

Culpepper Garden (culpeppergarden.org) provides quality affordable housing, assisted-living services and programs to lower-income seniors. It currently offers 273 independent-living units and 73 assisted-living units in a caring community where older adults are able to age in place with dignity and independence.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $100 covers one month of toiletries and incontinence products for residents.

❱❱ $250 provides one month of water and nutritious snacks for resident activities and events.

❱❱ $500 provides household items and technology assistance to formerly homeless seniors moving into the independent-living residence.

❱❱ $700 provides seven days of supportive services for one frail, low-income,

assisted-living resident who can no longer afford the cost of care.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers 18 and older are needed to provide technology assistance to residents. Donations of face masks are also appreciated. Internships and service opportunities for middle school, high school and college students are available. SSL

Doorways

Every day in Arlington, thousands of families, youth and survivors live in unsafe and unstable environments. These vulnerable community members continue to be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and its economic fallout. Doorways (doorwaysva.org) provides advocacy, shelter, housing and services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as for youth and families experiencing homelessness, helping our most vulnerable neighbors survive crisis and rebuild their lives.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: Arlington County and the City of Falls Church

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $100 provides art and play therapy to children in Doorways’ emergency shelters, housing and counseling programs, fostering healing after trauma.

❱❱ $250 helps a family graduate from Doorways’ shelter to its HomeStart supportive housing program, funding essentials like a new bed or kitchen supplies.

❱❱ $1,000 provides academic, financial and career counseling to a young person transitioning from homelessness.

❱❱ $2,500 funds one week of emergency shelter for a family escaping domestic violence.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers 18 or older who have graduated high school are needed to assist with shelter coverage, children’s activities, interpretation, administrative support and fundraising. Individuals working directly with clients must complete at least 40 hours of training and a background check. Community groups, including youth and children, can help by organizing collection drives and fundraisers. SSL

Dream Project

Founded in 2011, the Dream Project (dreamproject-va.org) empowers students whose immigration status creates barriers to education by providing access to college scholarships, mentoring, financial aid, family engagement and advocacy. This year the nonprofit awarded 100 scholarships of $2,500 each, for a total of $250,000.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: Virginia

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $50 covers the cost of a college visit for one student.

❱❱ $100 allows one Dream Scholar to attend the Dream Summit conference.

❱❱ $500 allows one student to participate in a professional coaching program.

❱❱ $2,500 funds a Dream Scholarship for one student.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers serve as mentors to Dream Project students, serve on committees and assist with fundraising events.

EcoAction Arlington

EcoAction Arlington (ecoactionarlington. org) protects air, water and open spaces by promoting stewardship of our natural resources and by connecting citizens to sustainable lifestyle solutions. The work is community-based and designed to empower individuals with resources, training and collaboration. EcoAction Arlington offers regular education programs (both virtual and in-person) and volunteer service opportunities.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: Arlington County

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $250 buys and plants one tree.

❱❱ $1,000 covers materials for energyand water-efficiency improvements in the homes of 25 low-income families.

❱❱ $10,000 provides hands-on environmental education programs for 4,000 Arlington students.

Volunteer opportunities: Single-day projects include stream cleanups, invasive plant removal and storm-drain-marking. Service projects can be customized for business, community and school groups. The Energy Masters program (a oneyear commitment for volunteers 16 and older) trains volunteers to make energyand water-saving building improvements in affordable-housing complexes. High school students also hold positions on the nonprofit’s board of directors and can complete senior experience internships in May/June. SSL

Edu-Futuro

Edu-Futuro (edu-futuro.org) empowers disadvantaged Latino and other immigrant children, youth, first-generation college students and families to succeed and fully contribute to their community. The nonprofit emphasizes education, leadership, parent engagement and workforce development to break the cycle of poverty and overcome the

achievement gap. Since the pandemic outbreak, Edu-Futuro has provided individual case management to program participants who have lost their jobs due to the health and financial crisis, including emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, food and other needs.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: D.C. metro area

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $100 covers one month of internet access for a student whose parents lost their jobs due to Covid-19.

❱❱ $300 buys a Chromebook for a student who does not have a computer at home and needs it for distance learning.

❱❱ $500 covers a stipend for a lowincome high school student to hold an internship before beginning college.

❱❱ $1,000 provides two college scholarships for underserved students.

❱❱ $1,500 covers the rental fees of two buses, enabling 90 underserved students to tour a college campus.

Encore Learning

Encore Learning (encorelearning.net) is dedicated to providing high-quality, lifelong learning at a reasonable cost for anyone

over 50 in the D.C. metro area, via daytime college-level courses, clubs and special events. Courses are taught by working and retired scholars and business professionals. Demand for virtual activities during the pandemic has sparked a greater need for technical expertise. Encore and its donors also support the Arthur W. Gosling Scholarship, which awards $2,500 annually to an Arlington Public Schools graduate to attend George Mason University or Marymount University.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: People 50 and older in the D.C. metro area

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $175 funds an annual membership and one class per semester for a limited-income student.

❱❱ $850 buys a laptop for part-time staff.

❱❱ $5,000 covers the cost of one semester’s catalog production, including graphic design, printing and postage.

Volunteer opportunities: Encore Learning is a volunteer-led organization, with administrative support provided by part-time staff. Volunteers serve as course instructors who develop and teach semester-long courses over a 4- to 10-week period, in

Rob Ferguson is as local as they come. A lifelong Northern Virginian with more than 24 years of Arlington real estate expertise, Rob knows the neighborhoods and the local market.

Let Rob show you how his clients become clients for life.

weekly sessions of 1½ to 2 hours. Volunteers also recruit new instructors; seek speakers and performances for special events; write and edit course catalogs; initiate and maintain clubs; advise on office technology; organize social functions; and recruit, train and support class aides. Encore welcomes volunteers of any age and has worked with college students on academic projects. SSL

Friends of Guest House

Friends of Guest House (friendsofguest house.org) helps women successfully reenter the community from incarceration. Its mission is to provide formerly incarcerated women with the structure, supervision, support and assistance they need to move beyond who they were and become who they want to be.

Headquartered: Alexandria Serves: Virginia

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $25 provides new underwear and pajamas for a woman just released from jail.

❱❱ $50 pays for one month of transportation to appointments and interviews.

❱❱ $100 funds one ticket home so a client can visit with her children and family.

Rob Ferguson

GRI & Associate Broker

■ guide to giving

❱❱ $250 covers supplies, study materials and fees for one client to earn her GED.

❱❱ $1,500 covers the cost of dentures, giving one client the confidence to successfully reenter the workforce.

❱❱ $5,000 funds one month of housing for all residential clients.

Volunteer opportunities: Mentors work one-on-one with residents, listening without judgment to help them set goals, learn new skills and develop the confidence, patience and perseverance needed to reenter the community successfully. Volunteers in the Workforce and Life Development Program also provide instruction on topics such as substance use and strategies for long-term recovery, mental health, job readiness, job search and interviewing strategies, coping skills, grief counseling, parenting, CPR and first aid, and computer skills. The class commitment is at least one hour per week (classes held weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and each session is 8 weeks. Volunteers receive orientation prior to teaching. Sessions are conducted in-person and masks are required. Volunteers must complete a background check and pay a one-time fee of $25.

Homestretch

Homestretch (homestretchva.org) empowers homeless families to secure permanent housing and attain the skills, knowledge and hope they need to achieve self-sufficiency. The most pressing current needs are for food gift cards (Aldi, Giant, Safeway, Harris Teeter and Target), household cleaning products, toilet paper, large kitchen trash bags and dishwasher detergent.

Headquartered: Falls Church

Serves: Falls Church City and Fairfax County

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $250 buys shoes for 15 children or 10 gas cards or Metro cards ($25 each) for working parents.

❱❱ $300 buys a week’s worth of groceries for three families.

❱❱ $1,500 funds dental work for 2-3 homeless adults, or car repairs for parents who need their cars to get to work.

❱❱ $15,000 covers nearly all of one family’s housing costs for one year.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers tutor adults or children, teach life skills classes, prepare apartments for incoming families, organize donation drives, assist with property landscaping, help in the preschool or nursery, cook meals for the after-school teen program and provide pro bono expertise in their given

professional fields. Service projects can be adapted to fit school service commitments or learning credits. SSL

Just Neighbors

Just Neighbors supports immigrant communities in the DMV by providing highquality immigration legal services to lowincome immigrants, asylees and refugees. The nonprofit builds community through education, advocacy and volunteerism.

Headquartered: Annandale

Serves: D.C., Maryland and Virginia

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $50 allows a DREAMer to renew their work permit.

❱❱ $100 reunites an unaccompanied youth with their family.

❱❱ $500 helps a refugee family apply for lawful permanent residency (green cards).

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers help with client intake (via phone), on-site reception, interpretation and translation services and legal casework. Immigration clinic volunteers (once a month in the evenings) help clients fill out documents and prepare their immigration applications. Office volunteers (TuesdayFriday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) help with casework and administrative tasks. Because cases require written translation of client statements, translators are occasionally needed. Volunteer attorneys and law students provide face-to-face counsel for low-income immigrants and refugees. Covid-19 vaccination is required for all in-office staff and volunteers.

La Cocina VA

La Cocina VA (lacocinava.org) trains, certifies and places low-income immigrants in meaningful jobs in the food-service industry. Through its new kitchen incubator just off Columbia Pike, the organization also offers business development training to low-income food entrepreneurs, and opportunities to rent kitchen space. Most clients are women who have suffered from domestic violence, human trafficking or chronic unemployment. The culinary program has an 85% job placement rate.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: D.C. metro area

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $300 funds culinary student preparation of 50 healthy meals, which are donated to local families in need.

❱❱ $2,300 pays for licensing, certifications and a month of incubator services for a low-income entrepreneur (including counseling, commercial kitchen, equipment and capacity building training).

❱❱ $10,000 provides culinary training, uniforms, study materials, food management certification and job placement for one student.

Volunteer opportunities: Technical advisers are needed to offer expertise and support to aspiring culinary entrepreneurs.

Legal Aid Justice Center

Founded in 1967, Legal Aid Justice Center (justice4all.org) seeks equal justice for all by solving clients’ legal problems, strengthening the voices of low-income communities and rooting out the inequities that keep people in poverty. “We are both your neighborhood legal aid organization and a dragon-slaying civil rights organization, all in one.”

Headquartered: Offices in Charlottesville, Falls Church, Petersburg and Richmond Serves: Low-income families and individuals throughout Virginia

What a donation can do:

Gifts of all amounts are appreciated. Unrestricted gifts support the mission by funding ambitious programs, leadership, internal equity, staff excellence and stability, operational support, technology, professional development, communications, fundraising, a healthy working environment, and a strong, supportive presence in low-income communities and communities of color.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers are help with food distribution in Culmore and Annandale every Thursday morning.

Literacy Council of Northern Virginia

The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (lcnv.org) teaches adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking and understanding English so they can access employment and educational opportunities and more fully and equitably participate in the community. LCNV is currently providing both in-person and live-streamed group instruction.

Headquartered: Falls Church Serves: Northern Virginia

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $85 provides a student scholarship.

❱❱ $100 trains two volunteer instructors.

❱❱ $500 supports five families in LCNV’s Family Learning Program.

❱❱ $1,000 provides distance learning to 22 students.

❱❱ $10,000 covers an intensive survival and job readiness literacy class for 10 refugee women.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteer teachers lead classroom instruction 2-3

times a week per three-month semester. Class aides support learners in the classroom once or twice a week. Tutors provide supplemental instruction before or after class. Assessment specialists assess learners for appropriate program placement and measure their progress six times a year. Others help with class registration, outreach, office tasks and special projects. Unpaid internships are available to students over 18. SSL

National Capital Treatment & Recovery

For nearly 60 years, National Capital Treatment & Recovery (formerly Phoenix House Mid-Atlantic) (natcaptreatment.org) has provided high quality, evidence-based treatment to individuals suffering from substance use and related mental health issues. Patients gain the skills needed to manage their recovery and go on to lead independent, productive and drug-free lives. Services are offered regardless of a person’s financial resources. The continuum of care includes residential treatment facilities for adult men, women and young adults. The women’s residential

program accepts mothers with young children. Outpatient programs include comprehensive patient services, individual/ group counseling and education. Family involvement is encouraged through a weekly “Concerned Persons Conversations” group. The pandemic has imposed significant challenges for patients in treatment and recovery, including social isolation, lack of in-person support, sickness and/or death of loved ones, risk of unemployment, loss of insurance, delays in testing and access to a vaccine.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: Greater D.C. metro region

What a donation can do:

Donations to the Patient Assistance Fund or Young Adult Treatment Fund in Memory of John Buck financially support treatment costs for those who lack insurance or otherwise could not afford care.

❱❱ $250 funds therapeutic activities for residential patients.

❱❱ $500 pays for audiovisual equipment for telehealth sessions and residential patient education.

❱❱ $1,000 supports extended inpatient care for uninsured individuals.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers serve on NCTR’s board and committees and assist with marketing and fundraising. Internships are available for students enrolled in counseling programs. SSL

New Hope Housing

New Hope Housing (newhopehousing.org) serves more than 1,600 people a year through its shelter, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, support services and outreach programs for homeless individuals across Northern Virginia. Last year, NHH rehoused more than 250 people and worked diligently to protect homeless people from Covid.

Headquartered: Fairfax County

Serves: Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church and Fairfax

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $250 provides a new bed for someone moving out of homelessness.

❱❱ $1,000 provides a month of rent to help get someone safely housed.

❱❱ $10,000 funds up to 30 employment scholarships to help homeless shelter guests get better jobs through special training and courses. Colin

What sets Monument Home Loans apart?

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

■ guide to giving

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers help with meal prep and delivery, tutoring, résumé writing, job search assistance, virtual game nights, building repairs and maintenance, landscaping, yard work and office tasks. Commitments can be one-time or ongoing. Internships and service learning hours available to students pursuing careers in social services, communications and marketing. SSL

Northern Virginia Family Service

Northern Virginia Family Service (nvfs.org) empowers more than 35,000 individuals and families on their journey to selfsufficiency, providing the support and resources they need to thrive.

Headquartered: Oakton

Serves: Northern Virginia

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $50 provides a portable crib for one newborn.

❱❱ $100 covers health screenings for 50 children.

❱❱ $500 provides five nights of emergency shelter for a family in need. Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers at the Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Falls Church help sort and organize donations, tag items for sale, restock the sales floor, accept and process donations and greet customers. Volunteers age 13-15 must be accompanied by a parent. SSL

OAR of Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church

OAR (oaronline.org) envisions a safe and thriving community where those impacted by the legal system enjoy equal civil and human rights. OAR journeys with individuals of all genders who are returning to the community from incarceration and offers alternative sentencing options to youth and adults to reduce incarceration. It seeks to dismantle personal racism and systemic racism in the criminal legal system and all systems.

Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: Arlington County, City of Alexandria and the City of Falls Church

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $100 provides transportation for five participants recently released from incarceration.

❱❱ $250 covers ID retrieval for at least six participants, which is needed to secure housing and employment.

❱❱ $500 covers up to three months of case management for one participant.

❱❱ $1,000 provides up to one month of transportation for up to 15 participants.

❱❱ $2,500 provides up to a year’s worth

of reentry services for one participant.

❱❱ $10,000 covers the cost of one parttime employment specialist for one year. Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers are needed for data entry, special events and to serve as court volunteers. Interested candidates must attend a 10-week (three hours per week) racial justice and liberation cohort.

PathForward

PathForward (formerly A-SPAN) (path forwardva.org) envisions an inclusive and equitable community where all neighbors live stable, secure and independent lives, free from the threat of homelessness. PathForward’s mission is to transform lives by delivering housing solutions and pathways to stability. In July, the nonprofit launched its Medical Mobile Unit, combining street outreach with medical services to meet the needs of and build trust with those living on the street. PathForward currently needs supplies for mobile medical backpacks, as well as blood pressure cuffs, transportation to doctor visits, medications and supplies for foot and diabetes care.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: Arlington County

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $100 provides four round-trip rides for clients to doctors’ visits.

❱❱ $250 provides two clients with a month’s supply of life-saving medication.

❱❱ $750 purchases medical and woundcare supplies, as well as portable equipment for four medical mobile outreach backpacks.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers are needed to supply and deliver bagged meals to the Homeless Services Center in Courthouse, where kitchen staff, in turn, distribute meals to clients. Meals must be prepared off-site and delivered to the center’s open-air loading dock. Volunteers are also needed to knit blankets, socks, gloves and scarves.

Phoenix Bikes

Phoenix Bikes (phoenixbikes.org) combines youth education programs with a full-service bike shop. Its free Earna-Bike program (now available as an after-school club at local middle and high schools) teaches bike repair skills to youth ages 12-17 and enables them to earn a bike for themselves. The nonprofit also hosts a weekly Earn-a-Bike class at its Arlington bike shop on Tuesday afternoons.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: D.C. metro area

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $25 provides one U-lock and helmet for an Earn-a-Bike program graduate.

❱❱ $30 provides a new floor pump for youth learning how to fix flat tires.

❱❱ $120 provides new cables (for shifting and braking) for 15 Earn-a-Bike students. Volunteer opportunities: Phoenix Bikes is revamping its adult volunteer program this fall. Check the website and social media for updates.

Postpartum Support Virginia

Postpartum Support Virginia (postpartum va.org) provides educational programs, outreach and recovery resources for women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). PMADs are the No. 1 complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting more than 20% of childbearing women, yet for many remain undiagnosed and untreated. PSVa works to ensure that women are screened for PMADs and provides free social support groups, peer mentors and access to specially trained mental health professionals.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: All of Virginia, with 32 support groups statewide and training programs for nurses and mental health providers. What a donation can do:

❱❱ $100 funds the operation of PSVa’s Warm Line for one week.

❱❱ $250 covers one month of free support group meetings.

❱❱ $500 covers a one-day nurse training session on how to talk about and screen for PMADs.

❱❱ $1,000 provides a full-day training session for peer mentor and social support volunteers

Volunteer opportunities: Trained volunteers lead support groups, serve as peer mentors and field calls to the PSVa Warm Line. Volunteers also assist with fundraisers, special events, community outreach, social media and administrative tasks. Internships and service hours available. SSL

PRS and PRS CrisisLink

PRS (prsinc.org) provides behavioral health, crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to adults, youth and families. Its vision is to change and save lives by empowering hope, safety, recovery, wellness, independence and community integration. Services include the PRS CrisisLink hotline, textline and chat, as well as Recovery Academy day programs, employment support services, peer services and supported housing.

Headquartered: Oakton

Serves: Northern Virginia

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $100 funds program supplies for music therapy, art therapy, health and wellness, and coping skills for clients in Recovery Academy day programs.

❱❱ $250 sponsors training for one PRS CrisisLink hotline volunteer who can answer 450 calls per year.

❱❱ $500 provides five hours of skill-building sessions to uninsured clients needing assistance with medication management, housing and independing living skills.

Volunteer opportunities: Hotline/textline/ chatline workers provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services via phone, text or chat to community members contacting CrisisLink. Volunteers must be 21 or older, undergo intensive training and make a weekly commitment for a minimum of one year via remote call center. Volunteer opportunities also are available in PRS Recovery Academies and the administrative office.

Virginia Hospital Center

A not-for-profit, independent teaching hospital, Virginia Hospital Center (vhcfoundation.com/give) is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network—a national network of independent health care organizations. The Virginia Hospital Center Foundation ensures that patient needs are met with compassion and the most comprehensive, advanced level of care possible.

Headquartered: Arlington Serves: D.C. metro area

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $100 covers prescription medications for 20 uninsured children.

❱❱ $250 funds OB Connect at-home care kits for economically vulnerable moms to receive prenatal care from home.

❱❱ $1,000 funds specialized certification for a trauma nurse in the Emergency Department.

❱❱ $5,000 underwrites the cost of continuing medical education for one of the hospital’s primary care practices. Volunteer opportunities: The hospital’s Volunteer Services Group provides various kinds of support to patient representative services, inpatient hospital units, outpatient services and specialized services. Virginia Hospital Center Auxiliary members help with wheelchair transportation and gift shops, and staff information desks. SSL

Wesley Housing

Wesley Housing (wesleyhousing.org) supports some 3,300 low-income residents

Mindful Solutions, LLC offers various types of psychological assessments, including:

▶ Psychoeducational Testing – often used for those diagnosed with ADHD or learning disabilities

▶ School Admissions Testing – often used for students seeking acceptance into private schools

▶ Psychological/Clinical Testing – often used for individuals who have struggled emotionally for some time

by creating affordable housing communities that foster personal development and self-sufficiency.

Headquartered: Alexandria

Serves: D.C. metro area (nearly a quarter of its portfolio is in Arlington County)

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $60 covers a week of Metro fares to help a resident get to work.

❱❱ $200 provides a month of food assistance for a senior.

❱❱ $500 covers a family of four’s wish list for the holiday season.

Volunteer opportunities: Translators fluent in Spanish, Amharic, Farsi, Korean and other languages ensure all residents have equal access to resources. Volunteers also facilitate the Holiday Help drive (sorting, wrapping and delivering gifts), assist with youth after-school and summer camp programs, tutor children, serve as aides in adult education programs, and provide event and marketing photography.

YMCA Arlington

YMCA Arlington (ymcadc.org) serves more than 4,000 Arlington youths annually with child care, summer camps, sports, aquatics, tennis and other family programs. The Y offers wellness programs for all ages, and scholarships and financial assistance to those in need. Over the last decade,

the Y has provided more than $950,000 in financial assistance to children, families and seniors. Its current outreach includes blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross and produce/ meal distribution in partnership with both Keany Produce and Child Care Resources. Headquartered: Arlington

Serves: Arlington, Falls Church, parts of Alexandria and Washington, D.C.

What a donation can do:

❱❱ $1,750 covers five weeks of camp for one child.

❱❱ $2,500 provides nine months of before- and after-school care for a working parent.

❱❱ $5,000 provides one year of healthy living classes and activities for seven senior couples.

❱❱ $13,500 allows 25 teens to participate in the Model General Assembly.

❱❱ $25,000 provides free after-school enrichment programs at elementary schools in challenged neighborhoods throughout Arlington.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers assist with birthday parties, after-school programs and community wellness programming. Individuals with 1-2 years of tennis teaching experience are needed to help with the after-school junior tennis program. ■

Sometimes the grass really is greener.

BY STEPHENIE OVERMAN

hat does the perfect job look like? For most of us, the ideal includes some combination of meaningful work, competitive pay, great benefits, work/life balance, a cool culture, flexibility and fun. Find out why these area employers made our inaugural list of coveted places to earn a livelihood.

Bowers Design Build

LOCATION: McLean

EMPLOYEES: 23

WHAT THEY DO: Home design, remodeling and construction

WHAT’S TO LOVE: A foundation built on quality, trust and solid relationships

When you build something, build it to last—whether it’s a custom home or a small business. That mantra is the secret to Bowers Design Build’s longevity. Not only does the 31-year-old company receive high marks for craftsmanship and customer service (as confirmed by GuildQuality, a group that conducts client satisfaction surveys for homebuilders), the warm fuzzies extend to employees, too.

An annual employee survey finds staff citing teamwork, a positive work environment, highly skilled peers, good customers and high standards as the top things they like about their jobs, along with challenging work, the freedom to voice their opinions, strong company values and a culture of trust. They also list opportunities for growth (the company pays for con-

■ best places to work

tinuing education and certification programs) and work/life balance as reasons to stay.

The link between employee and customer satisfaction “is very purposeful,” says co-owner Wilma Cairns Bowers. The company has a profit-sharing cash reward and each year celebrates its achievements with a gala awards dinner. bowersdesignbuild.com

Strategic Analysis

LOCATION: Ballston

EMPLOYEES: 200

WHAT THEY DO: National defense and homeland security services

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Fun is fundamental to wellness.

Homeland security is serious work. Strategic Analysis seeks to counterbalance that solemn duty with moments of levity, says president and CEO Lindsay Samora, via events such as ice cream socials and ice-skating outings.

Last year, the company celebrated its 35th anniversary with a virtual Oscarsthemed ceremony, producing a movie about its history and sending out gift cards to buy everyone lunch. “I was dressed up. There were swag bags,” Samora says of the pageantry. “I’m creating a director’s cut,” she adds.

In addition to competitive health and retirement benefits, SA offers elder care assistance and wellness challenges, such as company-sponsored 5K races. An annual employee survey helps determine which benefits are most appreciated and what improvements can be made.

SA is especially tuned in to the needs of employees who have active-duty spouses. The ability to work remotely has allowed one staffer to stay with the company for more than 18 years, through more than five military moves and deployments. sainc.com

Berenzweig Leonard

LOCATION: Tysons

EMPLOYEES: 18

WHAT THEY DO: Law firm

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Legal cross-training, cornhole and crazy hat days

Berenzweig Leonard has many practice areas—cybersecurity and data privacy, government contracting, intellectual property, employment, entertainment, sports and media law among them— but it doesn’t pigeonhole anyone, says Jenny Salce, director of operations.

All employees are given the chance to expand their professional interests and skills through cross-training, workshops and formal leadership education. “If the training benefits themselves and the firm, we provide support,” Salce says. “We will dive in.”

The firm prides itself on a program that allows law clerks to explore all of its practice areas, working with attorneys on substantive projects. Clerks provide support at court appearances, attend companywide social events and receive one-on-one mentoring, Salce says. “They get a rounded experience.”

That rounded experience also includes community service—every two weeks, company volunteers make sandwiches for Martha’s Table, a D.C. nonprofit— and a little healthy competition, via office events like cornhole tournaments and scavenger hunts. Yes, it’s a law firm, but not one that’s too buttoned up for crazy hat days and holiday decorating contests. “We try to keep everyone’s spirits up,” Salce says. “We work so hard, we have to have fun.” berenzweiglaw.com

Black Cape

LOCATION: Ballston

EMPLOYEES: 81

WHAT THEY DO: Software development WHAT’S TO LOVE: Employees are encouraged to channel their inner superheroes.

The “cape” in Black Cape is an allusion to superheroes. The company logo even looks like the bat signal. That’s no accident.

“It’s fun to keep it lighthearted,” says co-CEO Al Di Leonardo, whose tech firm is intent on recruiting the best software engineers, data scientists, machine-learning practitioners and systems engineers in an extremely competitive playing field.

Black Cape employees after a friendly game of Hooverball (a volleyball-type game that uses a medicine ball)

The message: This is not your grandparents’ stuffy corporate office.

Black Cape offers competitive compensation, profit-sharing, stock options and “a safe and interesting work environment where people feel like they’re contributing,” Di Leonardo says. Staff get one day off per quarter to volunteer for the cause of their choosing (recent picks include Black Girls CODE, which offers mentoring and computers to underprivileged girls in the D.C. area, and Wine to Water, which builds sustainable water systems in impoverished countries). As a company, Black Cape has also provided technical support, software development, a computer lab and teams of riders to Face of America, an annual two-day,

112-mile bike ride fundraiser that unites adaptive and able-bodied athletes.

Other soft benefits include NBA tickets, escape room outings and an annual charity auction in which employeemade items—ranging from paintings to pickled eggs—are placed for bid, with a company match. Employees choose where the funds are donated.

The emphasis on culture and comedy pays off. While the average annual industry turnover rate is about 25%, Black Cape has a turnover rate of about 5%, Di Leonardo says. And, in a field dominated by men, one-third of the project leads in this Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business are female. blackcape.io

A birthday celebration at Black Cape

■ best places to work

Happy Endings Hospitality

LOCATION: Vienna

EMPLOYEES: 178

WHAT THEY DO: Restaurant group

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Mental health is a top priority.

Happy Endings Hospitality was ahead of the game in recognizing what the pandemic has made painfully clear— restaurant work is mentally taxing. One recent survey of restaurant workers by Black Box Intelligence and Snagajob found 78% reporting that their mental health had been negatively affected in the past year. Many said the stress of the job, coupled with the higher chance of disease transmission, wasn’t worth the paycheck.

While Happy Endings has received blowback for cheeky names that some find offensive—its innuendo-laden restaurant portfolio includes concepts like Chasin’ Tails (crawfish), Lei’d (Hawai-

ian poke) and Teas’n You (milk teas)—its mental health benefits are no joke. Employees seeking therapy have access to an online counseling service (the company covers the first month and then pays half the cost thereafter). In May, it launched Mental Health Moooves, a program in which team members hold one another accountable for practices such as meditation, journaling and sleeping well. Roughly 30-35 employees signed up.

Recognizing the mind-body connection to wellness, the restaurant group also pays up to 50% of an employee’s gym membership or a portion of the fees for fitness classes such as yoga or boxing. Other benefits include Bonusly, a peer recognition program in which points (accrued via shout-outs from colleagues) can be redeemed for prizes and gift cards. The company covers 100% of health care expenses for its general managers, and half of its executive team is female. hehfood.com

Maxar

LOCATION: Ballston (headquartered in Westminster, Colorado)

EMPLOYEES: 3,900; 37 in Ballston office

WHAT THEY DO: Space technology and intelligence

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Remote work, massages and a commitment to equity in hiring

If you’ve seen satellite photos of recent hurricane damage, you’ve probably seen Maxar’s work. Satellite imagery is just one of the specialties of a tech company that bills itself as driving “the latest and greatest in space technology advancement by staying curious. We believe diversified minds drive better innovation.”

In keeping with that commitment, Maxar has a Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) steering committee that provides support and resources for employees who are women, Black,

A company pool party for Happy Endings Hospitality

■ best places to work

Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQ+, military veterans and those with differing abilities.

When hiring to fill roles at the director level and above, the company requires consideration of at least two candidates from those underrepresented groups, with interviews conducted, in part, by hiring managers who are also minorities.

During the pandemic, Maxar introduced an equipment stipend (for desks, chairs and technology) for employees working from home and implemented a pilot program—WH@M (Work Hybrid at Maxar)—that traded conventional offices for collaborative spaces and “hoteling” workstations that employees can use on days when they are on-site.

Maxar offers an employee stock purchase plan, spot bonuses for staff who exceed customer expectations, and International Traveler Medical and Security Coverage for employees who live abroad or travel internationally for work. Its executives anticipate a future in which remote work is common, but for now there is still one perk luring staff into the office: monthly massages by a professional masseuse. maxar.com

Bean, Kinney & Korman

LOCATION: Courthouse

EMPLOYEES: 71

WHAT THEY DO: Law firm

WHAT’S TO LOVE: They care about protecting the planet.

Tucked inside a LEED Gold building near the Courthouse Metro station with sweeping views from a rooftop deck, Bean, Kinney & Korman thinks a lot about its environment. Having a modern office in a prime location helps with hiring and retention, says Tim Hughes, the firm’s managing shareholder. “It’s an attractive place for talented folks in the information economy.”

But there’s also a larger eco-mission at play. The building is green by design, and Bean, Kinney has a sustainability task force that sets procurement guidelines for everything from planet-friendly cleaning supplies to office equipment. The firm reduces trash by using glassware and ceramics in lieu of disposable dishes, and offers filtered instead of bottled water. Employees receive financial incentives to use public transportation.

Another guiding principle that sets the firm apart, Hughes says, is that “we are very entrepreneurial. People can find their own way within the different practice areas”—such as e-commerce, government contracting, construction, real estate development, and commercial and civil litigation. Fifteen of the firm’s attorneys were selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2022 Edition. Bean, Kinney offers flexible hours, an onsite fitness facility, weekly happy hours and group activities, such as kickball tournaments and donation drives for local charities. beankinney.com

C3 Integrated Solutions

LOCATION: Rosslyn

EMPLOYEES: 20

WHAT THEY DO: IT consulting and cybersecurity

WHAT’S TO LOVE: A family-focused culture that embraces kids

When schools closed due to the pandemic, working parents everywhere had to figure out how to juggle the demands of their jobs with distance learning for their kids. Karen Vasquez, director of marketing for C3 Integrated Solutions, says her company embraced the new normal. “As we were having Zoom meetings, kids and pets became special guests.”

From left: Jackie Moore, Tim Hughes, Juanita Ferguson and Jim Korman on the rooftop deck at Bean, Kinney & Korman

A C3 outing (with interns)

■ best places to work

Taking the idea a step further, the IT firm ceremoniously presented employees’ children with T-shirts proclaiming them C3 interns. Though it was a small gesture, the kids felt like they were a part of the team, playing an important role as everyone weathered the crisis together, says President Bill Wootton. That family-friendly vibe—“it’s in our DNA,” he says.

In recent years, C3 has been growing nearly as fast as those kids. In August, the firm landed the No. 1,225 spot on the annual Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies. Among U.S.-based IT management companies, it ranked 34th.

C3 offers flexible scheduling, plus one or two “emotional health days” per year in addition to regular paid time off. “We know that everyone on our team has a life outside of work,” Wootton says. “It’s important to have a balanced life. It makes people happier,

healthier, more productive. Everyone wants to work in a place where people care about them.” c3isit.com

Focal Point Homes

LOCATION: McLean

EMPLOYEES: 18

WHAT THEY DO: Residential homebuilding

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Paid sabbaticals

If Focal Point Homes employees start to feel burned out, they know relief is in sight. “Everybody here gives it their all,” says president and founder Scott Murray, aware that the nature of the work (building custom and semi-custom new homes) sometimes requires staff to put in long hours and weekends.

About six years ago, Focal Point began offering four-week-long paid sabbaticals to employees hitting the fiveyear mark.

“It’s a break—an extra month off,” Murray says. They can do whatever they want; they are not supposed to check in with the office.”

Murray says he initially worried that the return to the grind after all that time off might feel like a letdown, but that hasn’t been the case. “People said they found it rejuvenating. They were more excited about work” when they came back.

He practices what he preaches. Two years ago, he and his family took a monthlong trip to Asia.

In addition to those sabbaticals, employees look forward to a few days of company-sponsored fun each year during an annual retreat in Miami Beach. Come summer, staff also get six (paid) half days off on Fridays.

Other choice benefits include flexible scheduling, mentoring, a wellness plan and support for community service initiatives. focalpointhomes.com

BM Smith & Associates, Inc. is an award-winning Property Management firm based in Arlington, Virginia, recognized for managing both multi-family and commercial properties for over a Century. Our team is so excited to now also be recognized as one of Arlington’s Best Places to Work!

Over the last 5 years, we have intentionally pursued a renewed focus on open communication, collaboration, social responsibility, and growth mindset. Through this commitment, we have enhanced our ability to attract and retain the best talent in the industry, develop future leaders from within our ranks, and grow meaningful work relationships with our team members. Whether an employee has been with us for 40 years, or someone recently hired, valuing each person’s contribution is a core value and helps make BM Smith a great place to work.

We would like to thank our BM Smith team for their ongoing commitment to serving our local community and helping us continue the family legacy.

■ best places to work

Decision Lens

LOCATION: Ballston

EMPLOYEES: 61

WHAT THEY DO: Software development

WHAT’S TO LOVE: Creative exploration is sanctioned and encouraged.

Helping organizational leaders make tough decisions is all in a day’s work at Decision Lens. Clients use Decision Lens software for budget planning, strategic prioritization and resource allocation, explains CEO and co-founder John Saaty. The tech company has worked with the United Network for Organ Sharing, for example, to create tools that determine who gets organ transplants, and with the Commander, Naval Installations Command (CNIC) to prioritize military construction projects.

Employees “get to be front-row participants” in the planning, Saaty says, creating algorithms that help leaders make serious, data-driven determina-

tions. But they also get paid to geek out. During the company’s annual or semiannual DL Labs, staff are encouraged to “explore the art of the possible,” Saaty says, working on projects of their own choosing to enhance their skills and generate breakthrough ideas. Recent lab projects have involved gravatars—globally recognized avatars— and artificial or simulated neural networks, a subset of machine learning. Meaningful work drives retention,

says Saaty, who launched his start-up in 2002 with only a handful of people, and still has some of those original employees. Perks such as office snacks, ping-pong, bowling matches, a chili cookoff, winery trips and company outings to Nats games offer stress relief and build camaraderie. At the start of the pandemic, the entire company went virtual. Now the office has reopened on an optional basis for most employees. decisionlens.com

Northern Virginia Alliance League (NVAL)

salutes our 2021 FestivFall Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

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

Sue & George Covucci  Kim & John Heckler  Cyndi Duvall Simmons  Whittington Design Studio

Golden Sponsors

Jim Connolly, Long & Foster Real Estate  District Angling  EC Home Collections  Leslie Ann Gerardo & David Smith

Geva and Jane Real Estate  Home First Mortgage, Lari Ann & Greg Kundinger  The Leonard Group at RBC Wealth Management

Janet & Timothy Mountz  Lorraine Barclay Nordlinger, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty  NorthSide Veterinary Clinic

Reinsch Pierce Family Foundation by Lola C. Reinsch  Tobi & Bobby Rozen  Nancy Snell Friends of NVAL

Janice Burch & Michael Platner Ӏ Melissa & Ian Burris Ӏ Betsy Cooke Ӏ City & Suburban Homes Co., Inc. Ӏ CP Terry & Associates Ӏ Anne & Jamie Doll

Harrison Edwards and Ryan Miller, Bright Bins Ӏ Beth Gouse & Jeff Beatrice Ӏ Suzanne & Ed Griesmer Ӏ Bettie Joy Ӏ Mary-Anne & Robert Liles

Helen Lydon Ӏ Meany & Oliver Co. Ӏ Minuteman Press of Arlington Ӏ Melissa O’Gorman Ӏ Tina Papamichael Ӏ Susan & Matthew Pascocello Ӏ Kathy Seidel

Anne Marie Strabo Ӏ Tyler Sylvestri, RLAH Real Estate Ӏ Diane Tomb Ӏ Linda Vandenberg Ӏ Andrea & Corbin Wilkes Ӏ Nan & Bob Woody

BM Smith

LOCATION: Columbia Pike

EMPLOYEES: 33

WHAT THEY DO: Real estate

WHAT’S TO LOVE: They’ve been a pillar of the community for more than a century.

When an employee had to be rushed to the hospital from one of BM Smith’s properties, the company vice president’s reaction was instinctual.

“It was close to the end of the workday,” recalls Tina Vandivier, director of real estate & HR systems. “Our V.P. knew her kids would need to be picked up from school and offered to bring them both home and took care of them until she returned.”

Helping has been part of the Arlington real estate firm’s work ethic ever since its founding in 1908. That culture of caring extends to the larger community, too. Through its volunteer program, “BM Smith Gives Back,” employees donate an average of 300 volunteer hours every year. Since 2016, they’ve helped orchestrate programs such as a casino night fundraiser for the Arlington Free Clinic, Bridges to Independence’s Kickball for a Cause, a back-to-school drive with the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, and food packaging at the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Last year, the company launched “Find Your Passion,” a program in

which two employees are chosen annually to receive $1,500 grants to spend as they wish. One winner used her grant to purchase an at-home boxing gym that kept her family active during the pandemic. Another used his grant to support a local nonprofit. bmsmith.net ■

Arlington Magazine partnered with the Best Companies Group to identify companies with locations in Arlington, McLean and Falls Church. To be considered for the “Best Places to Work” designation, organizations had to also have at least 15 employees and be in business for a minimum of one year. Winners were identified via an in-depth analysis of each company’s workplace policies, practices and demographics, plus an employee survey that measured the employee experience inside each organization. Arlington Magazine was not involved in the research or selection process.

SARAH GOLDMAN

From left: Edward Isler, IslerDare; Pratibha Agarwal, Agarwal Law Group; Vera Golenzer, Hale Ball; Chidi James, Blankingship & Keith

TOP ATTORNEYS

Our area’s most respected attorneys as nominated by their peers in the legal community

This feature reflects the results of a survey conducted by Arlington Magazine in which area attorneys were asked to nominate their peers in 21 practice areas. Participants were allowed to recommend attorneys in their own firms, provided they also recommended an equal number of attorneys (or more) in other firms. The list is limited to attorneys who are located in Arlington County, Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church and the City of Alexandria. Arlington Magazine administered the survey but was not involved in the selection process.

APPELLATE

Patrick Blanch

Zinicola Blanch Overand & Hart

Jennifer Brust

Bean, Kinney & Korman

John Cottrell

Cottrell Fletcher & Cottrell

Raighne Delaney

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Ben DiMuro

DiMuro Ginsberg

Laura Dove

Mullett Dove & Bradley

Sally Ann Hostetler

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Juli Porto

Blankingship & Keith

Rip Sullivan

Bean, Kinney & Korman

BANKRUPTCY/ CREDITORS' RIGHTS

Jennifer Brust

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Xue Connelly

Wade Grimes Friedman Meinken & Leischner

Andrea Campbell Davison Bean, Kinney & Korman

Marguerite DeVoll

Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald

H. Jason Gold

Nelson Mullins

Alex Laughlin

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Stephen Leach

Hirschler

Brian Lee

Lee Legal

Rob Marino

Redmon, Peyton & Braswell

Madeline Trainor

Redmon, Peyton & Braswell

Gregory Wade

Wade Grimes Friedman Meinken & Leischner

BUSINESS CORPORATE

Paul Abraham

PJI Law

Ryan Brown

Arlington Law Group

Tiffany Burton Rees Broome

David Charles

Rees Broome

Ann Gillooly

Gillooly Law

Daniel Ingersoll

Cameron McEvoy

James Irving

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Kathleen Kelley

Bean, Kinney & Korman

David Kuhnsman

Protorae Law

Eric Lemmer

Arlington Law Group

William Porter

Blankingship & Keith

Tom Quinn

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Colin Smith

Holland & Knight

CONSTRUCTION

Shannon Briglia

Smith Currie

Edward Cameron

Cameron McEvoy

Juanita Ferguson

Bean, Kinney & Korman

David Gogal

Blankingship & Keith

attorneys

Timothy Hughes

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Steven Krieger

Steven Krieger Law

Alison Mullins

Shannon Mullins & Wright

John Purdy

Fullerton & Knowles

Steve Weber

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

A. Michelle West

Smith Currie

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

James Abrenio

Abrenio Law

Aaron Book

Webster Book

Amy Bradley

Briglia Hundley

David Deane

David Deane Law

Nina Ginsberg

DiMuro Ginsberg

Peter Greenspun

Greenspun Shapiro

Carly Hart

Zinicola Blanch Overand & Hart

Jennifer Brust

David Canfield

Stephen Caruso

Maureen Carr

Andrea Davison

Raighne Delaney

Timothy Dugan

Matt Kapuscinski

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Manuel Leiva

The Leiva Law Firm

Mikhail Lopez

Lee Lopez Law

Lana Manitta

The Law Office of Lana Manitta

Marina Medvin

Medvin Law

Dennis Mersberger

Schmergel & Mersberger

Jonathan Phillips

LefflerPhillips

Rebecca Wade

Wade Grimes Friedman Meinken & Leischner

ELDER

Cary Cucinelli

Cucinelli Geiger

Vera Golenzer

Hale Ball

Elizabeth Gray

McCandlish Lillard

Catherine Schott Murray

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Gene Robinson

Gene Robinson Law

Kelly Thompson

Thompson Wildhack

Elizabeth Wildhack

Thompson Wildhack

EMPLOYMENT (EMPLOYEE)

Kimberly Berry

Berry & Berry

Carla Brown

Charlson Bredehoft Cohen & Brown

Maureen Carr

Bean, Kinney & Korman

John Cook

Cook Craig & Francuzenko

Broderick Dunn

Cook Craig & Francuzenko

Joshua Erlich

Erlich Law

Katie Lipp Lipp Law

R. Doug Taylor

Bean, Kinney & Korman

EMPLOYMENT (EMPLOYER)

Maureen Carr

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Brian Chandler Protorae Law

Juanita Ferguson

Ronald Feuerstein

Jonathan Harrison

Lynn Hawkins

Robert Hicks

Timothy Hughes

James Irving

Kathleen Kelley

Richard Kelley

John Kelly

Jonathan Kinney

Kandis Koustenis

Christian Lapham

Edward Isler

IslerDare

Laurie Kirkland

Blankingship & Keith

Katie Lipp Lipp Law

Tom Sawyer Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

R. Doug Taylor Bean, Kinney & Korman

Roya Vasseghi Vasseghi Law

FAMILY LAW

Carolyn Abbate

Grenadier, Duffett, Levi, Winkler & Rubin

Emily Baker Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell

Jennifer Bradley Mullett Dove & Bradley

James Cottrell

Cottrell Fletcher & Cottrell

Camille Crandall

Hicks Crandall Juhl

Laura Dove Mullett Dove & Bradley

Dusko Stojkov

Richard Sullivan

R. Doug Taylor

Mark Viani

Sally Ann Hostetler, Appellate

Alex Laughlin, Bankruptcy/Creditors Rights

Tom Quinn, Business/Corporate

Steve Weber, Construction

Matt Kapuscinski, Criminal Defense

Catherine Schott Murray, Elder

Tom Sawyer, Employment (Employer)

Kristina Cruz Skidmore, Family Law

Lars Anderson, Government Contracts

Nancy Lawrence, Immigration

Kevin Oliveira, Intellectual Property

Sara Mariska, Land Use/Zoning

Jim Miller, Legal Aid/Pro Bono

Craig Franco, Litigation

Ben Kinder, Nonprofit

Jennifer Banks, Real Estate

Brian Abbott, Tax

Pam Morand, Trusts & Estates

For nearly 50 years, the attorneys of Odin, Feldman & Pittleman have shared a passion for the law and a commitment to collaborating with clients to find creative and cost-effective solutions for their legal matters. Whether you are seeking assistance for a business issue or a personal matter, we’re here to help. We deliver efficient, practical, reliable solutions for every client. Every time. Since 1972.

■ top attorneys

Carolyn Grimes

Wade Grimes Friedman Meinken & Leischner

David Hagan

Wade Grimes Friedman Meinken & Leischner

Virginia Haizlip

McCandlish Lillard

Carly Hart

Zinicola Blanch Overand & Hart

Sandra Havrilak

The Havrilak Law Firm

Lynn Hawkins

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Mary Huff

Blankingship & Keith

Karen Keyes

Arlington Collaborative Law

Rebecca Kinsel

Protorae Law

Carolé Krogmann

Masterman Krogmann

Christian Lapham

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Kara Lee

Lee Lopez Law

Jessica Leischner

Wade Grimes Friedman Meinken & Leischner

Ann Luu

Kelly Byrnes & Danker

Jennifer McCammon

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Grant Moher

Curran Moher Weis

Jennifer Mullett

Mullett Dove & Bradley

Nathan Olson

Cooper Ginsberg Gray

Sarah Piper

Hicks Crandall Juhl

David Roop

Roop Law

Jamel Rowe Livesay & Myers

Sean Schmergel

Schmergel & Mersberger

Sara Leiner Schuler

Law Office of Sara Leiner Schuler

Jill Seiferth

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Kristina Cruz Skidmore

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Andrew Tank Livesay & Myers

Rebecca Wade

Wade Grimes Friedman Meinken & Leischner

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

Lars Anderson

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

David Black

Holland & Knight

James Boland Venable

Raighne Delaney Bean, Kinney & Korman

Devon Hewitt Protorae Law

Richard Kelley Bean, Kinney & Korman

Heather Mims Centre Law & Consulting

Daniel Strouse Cordatis

Stephanie Wilson Berenzweig Leonard

IMMIGRATION

Pratibha Agarwal Agarwal Law Group

Ofelia Calderón Calderón Seguin

Alan Dobson

DC Metro Immigration Law

Nancy Lawrence

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Moona Shakil

The Law Office of Moona Shakil

Charles Tievsky

Tievsky Immigration Law

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Jill Browning

Greenblum & Bernstein

Clyde Findley

Berenzweig Leonard

Michael Fortkort Protorae Law

Timothy Hsieh

MH2 Technology Law Group

Kandis Koustenis

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Kevin Oliveira Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Ryen Rasmus Lipp Law

LAND USE/ZONING

Tim Dugan

Bean, Kinney & Korman

The attorneys of Masterman Krogmann, PC pursue their clients’ objectives in a variety of ways. They obtain desired results through court decisions, mediated settlements, and other types of negotiations. Their clientele includes a broad range, from couples facing struggles early in their marriage to those who have been married for decades. They regularly handle custody disputes, which are among the most difficult issues for clients to resolve.

David D. Masterman is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and has been practicing family law for over 35 years. He has been AVPreeminent rated by Martindale Hubbell. A fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, he has held several bar leadership positions in the field of family law, and he now serves on the Board of Governors of the Diversity Conference of the Virginia State Bar.

Carole’ Collier Krogmann has been practicing family law for over two decades. Also holding an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, she serves as Chair of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association’s Family Law Section and is a member of the Board of Governors for the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar.

Masterman and Krogmann are joined in practice by Ciara A. Miller and Melissa A. Dragone. Ciara A. Miller has over twenty years of experience in various litigation matters. She is a member of both the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and the Northern Virginia Women Attorneys Association. Melissa A. Dragone, the newest attorney to the firm, is a recipient of the Family Law Student Book Award, given by the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar. Dragone is a member of Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Women Attorneys Association and is heavily involved in the work of Virginia Trial Lawyers Association’s Family Law Section.

David Masterman

Ciara A. Miller

Carolé Krogmann

Melissa Dragone

Jonathan Kinney

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Sara Mariska

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Andrew Painter

Walsh Colucci Lubeley & Walsh

G. Evan Pritchard

Venable

Matt Roberts

Bean, Kinney & Korman

P. David Tarter

Tarter NoVa Law

Mark Viani

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Martin Walsh

Walsh Colucci Lubeley & Walsh

Nan Walsh

Walsh Colucci Lubeley & Walsh

Kedrick Whitmore

Venable

LEGAL AID/PRO BONO

Chidi James

Blankingship & Keith

Jim Miller

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Dipti Pidikiti-Smith

Legal Services of Northern Virginia

Simon SandovalMoshenberg

Legal Aid Justice Center

LITIGATION

Amy Bradley

Briglia Hundley

Stephen Caruso

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Mikhael Charnoff

Perry Charnoff

Stephen Charnoff

Rees Broome

John Coffey

Redmon, Peyton & Braswell

Craig Franco

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Jonathan Harrison

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Robert Hicks

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Richard Holzheimer

McGuireWoods

James Kinsel

Protorae Law

Steven Krieger

Steven Krieger Law

Dirk McClanahan

McClanahan Powers

David Moon

Lipp Law

William Porter

Blankingship & Keith

Rip Sullivan Bean, Kinney & Korman

Roya Vasseghi Vasseghi Law

NONPROFIT

Ryan Brown

Arlington Law Group

John Hale

Hale Ball

Timothy Hughes

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Kathleen Kelley

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Ben Kinder Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

PERSONAL INJURY WORKERS COMP

D. Cory Bilton

Bilton Law

Amy Bradley

Briglia Hundley

Tom Curcio Curcio Law

Brandon Gladstone Becker, Kellogg & Berry

Peter Greenspun

Greenspun Shapiro

Allyson Kitchel

Kitchel Law

Charles O’Donnell

The Law Offices of Charles W. O’Donnell

Scott Perry

Perry Charnoff

Juli Porto

Blankingship & Keith

Andrew Simpson

Perry Charnoff

REAL ESTATE

John Altmiller

Pesner Altmiller Melnick & DeMers

Jennifer Banks

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

David Canfield

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Philip Chung

Chung & Press

David Hannah

Hirschler

John Kelly

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Michael Kieffer

Walsh Colucci Lubeley & Walsh

Jonathan Kinney

Bean, Kinney & Korman

Crystal Kramer

Offit Kurman

Steven Krieger

Steven Krieger Law

Theodora Stringham Offit Kurman

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

Cheri Belkowitz

Belkowitz Law

John Cafferky

Blankingship & Keith

Amanda DeFede

McIntyre DeFede

Joshua Erlich

Erlich Law

Juliet Hiznay

J.D. Hiznay

Grace Kim Law Office of Grace E. Kim

Katie Lipp Lipp Law

Melissa Little

Melissa A. Little Consulting & Mediation Services

Joan Proper The Law Office of Joan H. Proper

R. Doug Taylor

Bean, Kinney & Korman

TAX

Brian Abbott

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Tiffany Burton

Rees Broome

Scott Dondershine

David, Brody & Dondershine

Ronald Feuerstein

Bean, Kinney & Korman

JOHN K. COTTRELL

for his peer selection as an outstanding appellate advocate. Also elected to Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for family law, Mr. Cottrell offers experienced representation to resolve divorce and other legal issues through mediation, trials and appeals.

Burton Haynes

Burton J. Haynes

William Lowrance

Surovell Isaacs & Levy

John Morgan

Rees Broome

Robert Nath

Robert G. Nath

Dusko Stojkov

Bean, Kinney & Korman

G. Christopher Wright

Shannon Mullins & Wright

TRUSTS & ESTATES

Paul Abraham PJI Law

Alvi Aggarwal

Yates Campbell & Hoeg

James Anderson

Arlington Law Group

Kathi Ayers

Vaughan, Fincher & Sotelo

Brent Baxter

Manning, Murray, Barnett & Baxter

Ryan Brown Arlington Law Group

Cary Cucinelli

Cucinelli Geiger

Miriam Epstein

Miriam Epstein | Attorney at Law

Foster S.B. Friedman

Wade Grimes Friedman Meinken & Leischner

Lauren Jenkins

Offit Kurman

Jonathan Kinney Bean, Kinney & Korman

David Knasel Protorae Law

Jennifer Lucey

Shannon Mullins & Wright

Gretchyn Meinken

Wade Grimes Friedman Meinken & Leischner

Pam Morand

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman

Elizabeth Morrogh Blankingship & Keith

Jennifer Schiffer

Bean, Kinney & Korman

G. Christopher Wright

Shannon Mullins & Wright

Independent Living at VHRC is open to U.S. Military officers and their families and GS-14 level and above government personnel from ALL federal agencies. All other levels of care in our community are open to everyone.

Vinson Hall Retirement Community

Mullett Dove & Bradley Family Law, PLLC

Awards/Honors:

Washingtonian Top Lawyers, 2018—2021

Best Law Firms™ 2015 - 2022

Best Lawyers™ 2013 - 2022

Best Lawyers™ 2022 Lawyer of the Year—Family Law

Best Lawyers™ 2021 Lawyer of the Year—Collaborative Law

Super Lawyers™ 2013 - 2022

Virginia Business Top Lawyers

Northern Virginia Top Lawyers

Three Ballston Plaza 1100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1100 Arlington, VA 22201

703-522-8100 mdb@mdbfamilylaw.com | www.mdbfamilylaw.com

Q: How do you relate to your clients?

A: The number one complaint we hear from clients who come to us after working with other firms is that their calls and emails were rarely returned, which left them feeling as if they didn’t know what was happening in their own case. We make client communication a priority, ensuring our clients are involved in developing a strategy for reaching the best resolution possible for their unique circumstance.

Q: What do your clients say about you?

A: “A class act. Competent, smart and tough when needed—yet unfailingly respectful and professional to everyone involved.”

• “Took the time to listen to my concerns. I was never treated like a number or a customer.”

• “Top-notch representation. Stuck to the relevant points, worked for a quick resolution, and kept me abreast of every step as we reached a favorable conclusion.”

• “I have recommended MDB to my friends, which I think is the litmus test of their competency.”

• “Kind, professional, knowledgeable, attention to detail.”

• “Incredibly responsive, offered excellent advice, and was an exceptional listener.”

• “Available at short notice, provided intelligent analysis/advice along the way.”

• “Prompt responses to my emails and phone calls.”

• “Always punctual when something needed to be addressed.”

• “Honest and answered my questions based on the law and her experience, not just with an answer I wanted to hear.”

• “Superb work ethic and extensive knowledge of the law.”

TONY J. LEWIS

Bean, Kinney & Korman, P.C.

Awards/Honors:

Best Places to Work in Virginia, 2020

Arlington Magazine Top Attorneys, 2019, 2021

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Family Law Practice, 2018

Leadership Arlington Ethics Award, 2015

Arlington Chamber of Commerce Green Business of the Year

2311 Wilson Blvd., Suite 500

Arlington, VA 22201

703-525-4000

info@beankinney.com www.beankinney.com

Q: What kind of family law services does Bean, Kinney & Korman offer?

A: Divorce, child custody, support, marriage and adoption are all integral parts of the Bean, Kinney & Korman domestic relations practice. Our experience and familiarity with these issues that most intensely affect the lives of our clients makes us exceptionally responsive to both their emotional and legal needs. The breakup of a marriage is uniquely stressful, with emotion coloring choices at a time when important legal rights are at stake. Our attorneys, who have several decades (collectively, and in some instances, individually) of experience in representing clients in Virginia, suburban Maryland and the District of Columbia, help guide clients through this most difficult process. As courtroom veterans, we know the value

Family Law Practice

From Top Left:

Christian Lapham

tayLor KLauza

James Korman

Jennifer mCCammon

JiLL seiferth

Lynn hawKins

miCheLLe BieBer

and benefit of negotiation and mediation, providing objective counsel to our clients through separation and divorce actions of every nature, from uncontested through the most bitterly litigated.

Q: What would you say is the secret behind your success?

A: First of all, we listen. The dissolution of a marriage is difficult, emotional, stressful and can be extraordinarily complicated, but above all, it is acutely personal. We want to understand your position, your needs and your objectives. And our lawyers want to help you understand your rights and your options. We will not compromise our ethical obligations as professionals, but our development of strategies and choices of action will be responsive to your direction—this is your life and future. We don’t lose sight of that.

Carolyn Abbate

GRENADIER, DUFFETT, LEVI, WINKLER & RUBIN, P.C.

Specialties:

Divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, property distribution, the negotiation of both pre-marital and postmarital agreements, and the drafting of qualified domestic relations orders.

649 S. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314

703-683-9000

contact@vafamilylaw.com www.vafamilylaw.com

Q: What can clients working with Grenadier, Duffett, Levi, Winkler & Rubin expect?

A: They can expect to be treated with empathy and compassion. We know that going through a divorce is one of the most stressful situations that someone can experience. Aside from all the emotional pain and struggles, there are countless legal components to the process as well. Our experienced family law attorneys understand what you’re going through.

Q: How do you approach your clients’ cases?

A: Our attorneys work as a team. We draw upon the experiences and skill of the members, and use our specialized knowledge of domestic relations law to help a client either settle their dispute

without having to incur the emotional and financial expense of a trial, or to obtain a fair outcome at trial.

Q: What is the most significant change in the legal profession during your career?

A: The use of technology has expanded exponentially. I take great pride in working with my clients to find the best possible solution for their particular situation. In order to be successful at that, it’s important that I keep abreast of the latest changes in technology and the law in order to advise clients on best practices for storing their own data, and also to gain access to relevant information to assist in negotiating and litigating my clients’ cases. It’s absolutely critical that an attorney understand current technology in order to assist clients with their domestic issues.

Arlington Law Group

RYAN A. BROWN, ESQ.

Awards/Honors:

Arlington Magazine Top Attorney Business/Corporate (2019, 2021), Nonprofit (2019, 2021),  Tax (2019), Trusts & Estates (2019, 2021) Super Lawyers® Rising Stars, Estate Planning & Probate, 2016 – 2020

Northern Virginia Magazine Top Lawyer,  Financial Law, 2019

Leadership Center for Excellence, “40 Under 40” Recipient, 2018

Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude, George Mason University School of Law, 2006

1739 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22209 703-842-3025 clients@arlingtonlawgroup.com www.arlingtonlawgroup.com

Q: Why is a team approach important for estate planning?

A: Everyone is different, but the goals of estate planning are usually the same: Our clients want to make sure they will be taken care of if they become incapacitated. They want their assets to be transferred to their chosen beneficiaries upon their death as quickly and efficiently as possible.

My partners and I educate our clients on the legal rules, including how assets can be titled and transferred; how income, capital gains, and estate taxes apply; how government benefits work; and how beneficiaries can be protected from creditors. Each area overlaps with accounting, financial planning and insurance issues, so we coordinate our planning with the other professionals serving our clients. By taking this wholistic approach, our clients save time and money and are better prepared for the future, bringing significant peace of mind.

Q: But I already have a trust, so I’m all set, right?

A: A well-drafted estate plan covers the assets, wishes, beneficiaries, and tax rules that the client and the planner know or that they can reasonably anticipate. If your estate plan is several years old, it may be time for a review.

When clients bring in their old estate plan for us to review, I always ask: “What is in the trust?” Making sure your legal documents coordinate with the title and beneficiary designations on your assets, current tax laws and your other wishes can ensure your legacy primarily goes to your beneficiaries and not to unnecessary taxes or expenses.

Joshua Erlich

THE ERLICH LAW OFFICE

Awards/Honors:

Washingtonian–D.C.’s Best Lawyers

Virginia Super Lawyers–Rising Stars

Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers–Rising Stars

Virginia Business Magazine–Virginia Legal Elite

National Trial Lawyers–Top 40 Under 40

2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 700

Arlington, VA 22201

703-791-9087

www.erlichlawoffice.com

Q: How did you get started in civil rights law?

A: Originally, I was working at a class action firm, but I wanted more client contact. With a class action, you may represent 40,000 people, but you rarely speak to any of them.

In 2012, I started my firm and I’ve worked closely with hundreds of clients since then. I get to spend my time talking to people about their problems and trying to use the law to get them some justice— whether they’ve been fired unfairly, subject to police violence, or otherwise hurt by individuals in power.

Q: What is keeping you busy right now?

A: Over the last two years, Virginia has completely overhauled its employee rights laws. New laws allow for Virginians to

pursue wage and overtime claims. We have a paid leave law for home health care workers. Our discrimination laws now cover sexual orientation and gender expression. We’ve outlawed non-competition agreements for low-wage workers. And we finally have a private sector whistleblower law so you can’t be fired for reporting illegal activity to your supervisor or to the government. We’re busy every day fighting for rights that Virginians did not have eighteen months ago.

We also have a busy docket of COVID-19 related cases that arise from workplaces not following safety standards or firing workers because they got sick. And we’re always busy with endemic issues: workplace violence, sexual assaults, and racial discrimination and violence.

We just try to help where we can.

Hicks Crandall Juhl PC

For more than thirty years, Hicks Crandall Juhl PC has provided caring, committed representation to people throughout northern Virginia. Its attorneys have been recognized by Arlington Magazine, Washingtonian, Best Lawyers in America, Martindale Hubbell and Super Lawyers. We concentrate our practice exclusively in family law and appreciate the opportunity to practice in Arlington’s courts.

3201 Jermantown Road, Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22030

703-468-0193

www.hcj-law.com

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

A: Our attorneys believe that gaining a client’s trust is a privilege, and we are invested in you and your case. The attorneys at Hicks Crandall Juhl PC have a reputation for being skilled practitioners who are reasonable at the settlement table but, should settlement prove untenable, are ready and prepared to thoroughly represent a client’s interest in court. Whether a client is in active litigation or settlement, our objective is to use our knowledge and experience efficiently so as not to waste client resources.

Q: What might satisfied clients say about you?

A: Satisfied clients would say that we prioritize our client’s goals and priorities and tailor our advice and strategy to those goals and priorities. We continually demonstrate thoughtful analysis of the law combined with the knowledge, experience and efficiency to manage the case, including working with financial or psychological experts in complex equitable distribution or custody matters. Additionally, we establish a respectful, compassionate rapport with our clients during an intensely difficult and stressful time. We consider ourselves to be not just attorneys, but also counselors at law.

Amy L. Bradley, Partner

BRIGLIA HUNDLEY, P.C.

1921 Gallows Road, Suite 750

Tysons Corner, VA 22182

703-883-0880

abradley@brigliahundley.com | www.brigliahundley.com

Q: With so many lawyers in this area, what makes you stand out from the crowd?

A: During my eleven years practicing law, I have tried more than 100 jury and bench trials, and have gained the knowledge needed to maximize my client’s recoveries. Through my prior work as an investigative journalist, I developed the ability to enhance my cases in unique and creative ways. I enjoy digging into cases in ways that other lawyers probably do not, and continually strive to make my client’s case as compelling as possible to a jury.

Q: What are your interests outside of work?

A: I’m an avid hiker. I also enjoy biking, kayaking and relay racing. These activities provide a great outlet for stress and time to strategize my cases.

Perry Charnoff PLLC

1010 N. Glebe Road, Suite 310

Arlington, VA 22201

703-291-6650 www.perrycharnoff.com

Q: What differentiates you?

A: 1) Results: Perry Charnoff is a premier litigation firm specializing in wrongful death, catastrophic injury and other litigation cases. With 85 years of combined litigation experience, our firm regularly obtains substantial settlements without trial. But such settlements are possible because of our proven courtroom skills, which have placed us on Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s Annual Review of Top 10 Largest Verdicts in Virginia an incredible six years running. In 2019 alone, we secured jury verdicts of over $47,000,000.

2) Sensitivity to client needs: Each client is unique and each demands tailored representation. We recognize many of our clients are going through the most difficult time of their lives. We never lose sight of that fact as we advocate zealously for them.

TONY J. LEWIS

Offit Kurman

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: THEODORA STRINGHAM, LAUREN A. JENKINS AND CRYSTAL KRAMER

As one of the fastest-growing full-service law firms in the United States, Offit Kurman provides clients with a comprehensive array of legal services that cover virtually every area of the law. Theodora Stringham, Lauren A. Jenkins and Crystal Kramer are principal attorneys in Offit Kurman’s Tysons Corner office.

8000 Towers Crescent Drive, Suite 1400 Tysons Corner, VA 22182

703-745-1800 www.offitkurman.com

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

A: Theodora Stringham, Real Estate/ Labor and Employment: I am passionate about helping individuals and businesses achieve their goals. Learning about a client’s vision is one of the things that I enjoy most about being a lawyer. It means that I am always part of “building” something. Further, knowing the “background” means that we can work together to successfully navigate every situation—no matter how contentious.

A: Lauren A. Jenkins, Estates and Trusts: My passion for estate planning began in law school when my professor said that estates and trusts was the “human” area of the law where we could help clients through difficult times. At that moment, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

A: Crystal Kramer, Landlord Representation: Helping my clients overcome a difficult challenge is my priority. I have witnessed how comforted clients are when they have the information they need to make informed and sound legal and business decisions. I want every client to have the tools and confidence necessary to succeed.

Kimberly H. Berry

BERRY & BERRY, PLLC

Plaza America 11700 Plaza America Drive, Suite 305 Reston, VA 20190 703-668-0070 | www.berrylegal.com

Q: How do Berry & Berry’s attorneys serve their clients?

A: Berry & Berry provides exceptional employment law services to federal employees nationwide and private and public sector employees in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland. Managing Partner Kimberly Berry handles federal retirement, private sector employment agreement and public sector grievance matters. We further handle disciplinary actions, security clearance defense, administrative investigations and discrimination claims. After carefully examining and evaluating your matter and presenting workable solutions during the consultation, we then provide responsive, informative and experienced legal representation throughout your case. At Berry & Berry, we are proud of the quality legal representation we have provided to our clients for over 20 years.

Kelly Byrnes & Danker PLLC

Specialities: Professional and Exceptional Legal Counsel for all of your Divorce and Family Law Matters: Consultation, Negotiation, Mediation, Collaborative Law, Litigation

3975 Fair Ridge Drive, Suite 275N Fairfax, VA 22033 105 Loudoun St., SW, Office #4 Leesburg, VA 20175 703-224-0888 | www.kbdfamilylaw.com

Q: Why should prospective clients choose to work with Kelly Byrnes & Danker?

A: Since 2011, Kelly Byrnes & Danker, PLLC has been named a Tier 1 firm in Washington, D.C. for Family Law by U.S. News—Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms,” and is recognized by Super Lawyers and other distinguished publications. We exclusively handle family law and divorce matters in the circuit courts and juvenile courts throughout Northern Virginia. We possess the experience, dedication and skill to effectively represent you in resolving any family law dispute.

Jennifer Shapira

Verrier

Now and Zen

CATHERINE ORR’S HIGH-RISE condo in Courthouse was brand-new when she bought it in 2006, but, as she describes it, rather basic. She finally renovated the builder-grade kitchen a couple years ago. Next up: the boring bathroom.

Orr had gotten to know Sarita Simpson, co-owner of the D.C. firm Interior Matter, over the years, and consulted her on a few design decisions. The small bathroom was a puzzle she trusted Simpson could solve.

“I knew she got my design aesthetic,” says Orr, a lawyer whose tastes had been shaped by a stint in Japan. “I kind of like minimalist, sleek, linear—I don’t really like traditional stuff.”

In March 2020, Simpson set about making the 45-square-foot bath seem larger within the confines of its exist-

ing footprint. It feels roomier now, thanks to a design that favors clean lines, tranquil tones, hidden storage and pieces that appear to float, such as a wall-mounted toilet with a slim and simple profile.

“The more floor space you can see, the bigger a space feels,” says the designer, who introduced oversize gray floor tiles from Stone Source in D.C., and carved a recessed linen closet—one deep enough to stash neatly folded towels— into the drywall above the commode.

Orr happily ditched the tub in favor of a stand-up shower with marbled porcelain slab walls from Porcelanosa.

Understanding that her client liked the functionality of shower niches, but disliked seeing shampoo bottles on display, Simpson camouflaged two nooks from Easy Drain behind tap-to-

open squares that sit flush with the shower wall. She pressed for a fixedglass shower panel, knowing a swinging door would cut into the room’s precious square footage. “We studied that for a while—thinking about the best way to make that look kind of invisible,” Simpson says.

A bright white Corian counter sits atop an espresso-hued, wall-mounted vanity with hardware-less drawers that provide even more storage. The vanity and the mirror above it (which conceals a large medicine cabinet) have built-in outlets and docks that keep electric toothbrushes and other appliances out of sight when not in use.

Orr is thrilled with her custom space. For years, she says, her old bathroom left her feeling drained. Now every day is like a rejuvenating trip to the spa. ■

AUGUST ’s Most Expensive Home Sales

22201 (Arlington)

1546 N. Danville St.

List Price: $2.4 million

Sale Price: $2.4 million

Days on Market: 6

Listing Office: Washington Fine Properties

Neighborhood: Lyon Village

Year Built: 2006

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22202 (Arlington)

1314 21st St. S.

List Price: $1.39 million

Sale Price: $1.45 million

Days on Market: 3

Listing Office: Compass

Neighborhood: Arlington Ridge

Year Built: 1941

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22203 (Arlington)

31 N. Trenton St.

List Price: $1.14 million

Sale Price: $1.14 million

Days on Market: 2

Listing Office: Smith & Schnider

Neighborhood: Buckingham

Year Built: 2020

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22204 (Arlington)

4713 Eighth Road S.

List Price: $1.5 million

Sale Price: $1.5 million

Days on Market: 16

Listing Office: Classic Cottages Realty

Neighborhood: Barcroft

Year Built: 2021

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

This information, courtesy of Bright MLS as of Sept. 15, 2021, includes homes sold in August 2021, 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)

2227 N. Madison St.

List Price: $1.95 million

Sale Price: $1.93 million

Days on Market: 8

Listing Office: McEnearney Associates

Neighborhood: Overlee

Year Built: 2012

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22206 (Arlington)

3511 S. Four Mile Run Drive

List Price: $840,000

Sale Price: $850,000

Days on Market: 3

Listing Office: Compass

Neighborhood: Shirlington Crest

Year Built: 2009

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

Mackall Farms Lane, McLean

22207 (Arlington)

4055 40th St. N.

List Price: $2.6 million

Sale Price: $2.5 million

Days on Market: 72

Listing Office: Cottage Street Realty

Neighborhood: Arlingwood

Year Built: 2001

Bedrooms: 8

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22209 (Arlington)

1502 N. Colonial Court

List Price: $1.3 million

Sale Price: $1.29 million

Days on Market: 0

Listing Office: Weichert Realtors

Neighborhood: Highgate

Year Built: 1992

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22213 (Arlington)

3008 N. Rochester St.

List Price: $2.1 million

Sale Price: $2.14 million

Days on Market: 39

Listing Office: Pearson Smith Realty

Neighborhood: Williamsburg

Year Built: 2021

Bedrooms: 7

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22101 (McLean)

952 Mackall Farms Lane

List Price: $6.75 million

Sale Price: $6.7 million

Days on Market: 137

Listing Office: Yeonas & Shafran Real Estate

Neighborhood: Mackall Farms

Year Built: 2020

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/3

22102 (McLean)

7845 Montvale Way

List Price: $3.4 million

Sale Price: $3.25 million

Days on Market: 11

Listing Office: Samson Properties

Neighborhood: The Reserve

Year Built: 2001

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/1

22041 (Falls Church)

3528 Pinetree Terrace

List Price: $1.59 million

Sale Price: $1.59 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: Re/Max West End

Neighborhood: Lake Barcroft

Year Built: 1963

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22042 (Falls Church)

7005 Lee Park Court

List Price: $1.15 million

Sale Price: $1.2 million

Days on Market: 5

Listing Office: KW United

Neighborhood: Slades Broyhill Park

Year Built: 2020

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/0

22043 (Falls Church)

2132 Powhatan St.

List Price: $1.9 million

Sale Price: $1.85 million

Days on Market: 30

Listing Office: Howard Brock Realty Co.

Neighborhood: Sigmona Park

Year Built: 2012

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 6/2

22044 (Falls Church)

3257 Juniper Lane

List Price: $1.7 million

Sale Price: $1.7 million

Days on Market: 22

Listing Office: Re/Max West End

Neighborhood: Ravenwood

Year Built: 1941

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22046 (Falls Church)

510 Lincoln Ave.

List Price: $1.9 million

Sale Price: $1.8 million

Days on Market: 18

Listing Office: Keller Williams Chantilly Ventures

Neighborhood: Oak Haven

Year Built: 2017

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 6/0

■ prime numbers

Real Estate Sales Trends

22206

22202

22203

22207

22209

22213

22205

22101

22102

22043

Classic Cottages

433 E. Monroe Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301

703-844-9936 | sales@ccottages.com www.ccottages.com

BIO

Classic Cottages is a custom home builder that builds primarily in Arlington and provides turnkey solutions for families that are looking to build a beautiful model home or a custom home from scratch. Classic Cottages blends classic community culture with innovative architecture and design through its skilled inhouse acquisitions, sales, architecture, design and construction departments.

PROJECT

Working with Classic Cottages is a truly unique homebuilding experience. Whether a family is looking for a completely custom home built from scratch or is seeking a customized tried-and-true model home, Classic Cottages works hard to ensure that your wants, needs, design aesthetic and lifestyle are met within each step of the homebuilding process. No family is the same; therefore, no home is the same. Classic Cottages is passionate about building high-quality homes that meet modern lifestyle needs and consistently adapts to industry trends to meet market demand. Over the years, Classic Cottages has mastered the artful balance of incorporating timeless beauty with everyday functionality— demonstrating its overall mission of bringing classic elegance to modern living. Featured are photos from the Charlotte Model, which several home buyers in the past year have used as a starting point when designing the home of their dreams.

TriVistaUSA Design + Build

925 N. Garfield St., Suite 106 Arlington, VA 22201

703-243-3171 | info@trivistausa.com www.trivistausa.com

BIO

TriVistaUSA Design + Build provides innovative award-winning designs to residences in Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and NWDC. Owners Michael and Deborah Sauri built their team around one mission: “Our thoughtful design builds fine living.”

OUR WORK

Much of our work is custom-made and creative, offering our clients a very artistic solution, maybe one they’ve never considered. We’re constantly encouraging our clients to be bold, pushing away from the standard “white kitchen” by adding color and texture, or envisioning a simple detail, like a skylight, to add depth and serenity to a master bath. Our mission is to combine our clients’ vision and budget into various innovative design solutions that remodel their existing home into an amazing and more functional space. The design should relate to our clients’ needs, and we love delighting them with a custom-crafted solution that fits their lifestyle.

ANGELA

NEWTON ROY PHOTOGRAPHY

Bowers Design Build

6715 Whittier Ave., Suite 200 McLean, VA 22101

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

BIO

For 30 years, our on-staff architects, interior designers and construction professionals have focused on creating beautiful homes for each of our clients’ unique needs. Creative designs married with our professional budget/project management approach have garnered a loyal client base. At any given time, 30% of our work is repeat business.

OUR WORK

McLean Kitchen Transformation: Our goal…100% client satisfaction! Our design/build process starts with understanding the client’s needs. This McLean family wanted more storage, an island with seating space and a beverage center. Our creative design solution included stealing a little space from the adjacent garage to create the beverage center and expand the space for better circulation. Additional cabinet storage allows for a needed coat closet near the garage door and a convenient food pantry with pull-out shelving. The materials used are practical for cooking and cleaning, but also look beautiful in classic black, white and gray tones. The space was built by our talented carpenters who ensure high-quality work. Most important, the client loves the finished product and enjoyed the stress-free design and construction experience with our turn-key process.

Commonwealth Restorations

2902 N. Sycamore St., Arlington, VA 22207 703-525-5255 | office@commonwealthrestorations.com www.commonwealthrestorations.com

BIO

Commonwealth Restorations has been a leader in the construction and remodeling industry in Arlington for more than 50 years. We are proud to be a locally owned and operated business here in Arlington and love that our clients are also our neighbors. Restorations, renovations, repairs, as well as new construction, are all part of our portfolio.

OUR WORK

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Commonwealth Restorations is proud to offer a beautiful new design center, conveniently located in the Williamsburg Shopping Center in Arlington. Homeowners can walk through our new showroom, appointed with two full-size kitchens as well as bathroom and mudroom vignettes. Customers will experience first-hand many of the appliances, fixtures, tiles, cabinets, countertops, hardware and other items that are available to them as they are inspired to fully customize their future home projects. Whether it is a whole-house build or a renovation/addition, customers can now see the latest trends in home design as well as the tried-and-true classic styles. Our design team will meet with clients at the showroom to get a better sense of how they envision their home space and make informed and confident decisions, allowing for a more seamless design experience. We invite you to stop by our Arlington showroom anytime or make an appointment to start on your home renovation path.

COURTESY PHOTOS

AjMadison

8500 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA 22182 202-892-5000 | dcshowroom@ajmadison.com www.ajmadison.com

BIO

AjMadison is the industry’s foremost appliance authority offering an unrivaled selection of top-rated home and kitchen appliances. Our experts will help you find the best appliances for each project with thousands of in-stock products ready to ship. AjMadison was named the top Household Appliances retailer in Newsweek’s Best Online Shops 2021.

PRODUCTS

For nearly 40 years, Viking’s industry-leading innovations in appliances set the American standard for the modern luxury kitchen. From cooking and ventilation to refrigeration and cleanup, Viking delivers professional performance and stunning design. Simply stated, Viking products have become the standard for both elite chefs and distinguishing designers alike.

Before you decide what to cook for dinner, you’ll have to choose an essential ingredient—the appliances. Viking brings commercial cooking equipment power, performance and durability into a beautiful and functional appliance, safe for in-home use. It offers exceptional performance that extends into every corner of the kitchen—even the backyard. Viking’s extensive line of restaurantinspired products is enough to turn any cook into a chef.

Viking Professional 7-Series Ranges offer professional cooking performance for your home. Powerful gas burners deliver up to 23,000 BTUs. 7-Series also debuts Viking’s first products with Wi-Fi connectivity for added convenience.

The Mather

Future Site Location: 7929 Westpark Drive, Tysons, VA 22102

703-348-8522 | info@themathertysons.com www.themathertysons.com

BIO

Mather is a unique not-for-profit organization headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, that is committed to developing and implementing Ways to Age Well.SM Founded 80 years ago, Mather maintains a constant focus on its mission and its strategic plan for the future, with an ongoing emphasis on impact, significance, and sustainability.

PROJECT

The Mather, projected to open in 2023, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62+ where you can let go of worries and embrace opportunities. It’s smack dab in the middle of it all, bordering a three-acre urban park and within walking distance of rail service, retail and restaurants. The Mather’s apartment homes start from 850 square feet up to 3,300 square feet, featuring expansive views, luxury finishes and innovative smart home technology. Entrance fees start at $646,700. The Mather will feature 38,000+ square feet of amenities including multiple restaurants, fitness center, indoor pool, clubroom, library, art studio, meeting spaces and more! Kitchen finishes include quartz countertops, full-height backsplash, professional-grade Thermador appliances, quartz kitchen island with waterfall edge, LED lighting under upper cabinets and more! Renderings and information shown here are subject to change without notice.

St. Clair Kitchens

1900 Elkin St., Suite 220, Alexandria VA 22308

703-704-5752 | zack@stclairkitchens.com www.stclairkitchens.com

BIO

We’re a third-generation family business operating as a cabinet distributor and kitchen design firm throughout all of Northern Virginia and D.C. for over 50 years. Our business has evolved over the years but our focus on innovative and elegant design has remained the same.

OUR WORK

Most homeowners only get a chance to design one or two kitchens in their lifetime and we want our clients to enjoy the experience. Our team goes to great lengths to ensure that each customer receives exceptional service at every stage, from initial consultation to project completion. Each project is unique, so we don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to our design process. To create a truly bespoke kitchen requires a collaborative relationship where we take your ideas, vision and style and use our experience to create oneof-a-kind designs that balance aesthetics and functionality.

Alair Homes Arlington

Chad Hackmann

202-409-1280 | chad.hackmann@alairhomes.com www.AlairHomes.com/Arlington

BIO

Alair Homes Arlington provides custom home building and renovation in Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church and D.C. Having lived and worked in the Arlington community for over 20 years, Chad Hackmann, Regional Partner, has a deep appreciation and understanding of building in Arlington and the surrounding areas.

PROJECT

Alair Homes Arlington takes pride in all our projects. From multimillion-dollar estates to 1940’s renovations to budget-friendly starter homes, we approach each project with the same level of care, workmanship and top-notch customer service. We understand the constraints of Arlington’s smaller home lots and love to help our clients create the home of their dreams.

Alair Homes Arlington offers a unique approach with total transparency in pricing. Our highly trained and certified project managers empower clients with the authority over their project from start to finish, using our proprietary Client Control system which is setting the standard in residential construction management.

Whether homeowners want new construction, an addition, a whole-house or partial renovation, our clients trust Alair Homes Arlington to provide high-quality construction and a transparent process. Alair Homes Arlington’s industry experience, process and professional contractors ensure not only beautiful homes, but cost savings for our clients as well.

Jordan Design-Build Group

10856 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22030

703-595-2850 | info@jordandesignbuildgroup.com www.jordandesignbuildgroup.com

BIO

Jordan Design-Build Group provides boutique, turn-key home renovations across Northern Virginia and the D.C. metro region. Founded in 2009 by David Jordan, P.E., JDBG’s projects range from kitchen and bath remodels to full-home renovations and expansions. JDBG approaches each project with thoughtful design solutions, meticulous planning, quality craftsmanship and comprehensive oversight.

PROJECT

A classic Arlington Colonial still had its original 1940’s kitchen layout intact—it was a tight, awkward space isolated from the rest of the home. We removed the dining room wall to expand and reconfigure the kitchen, which enhanced both function and flow. The larger, open footprint allowed us to relocate major appliances and provide improved storage and prep space, including a custom butcher block counter. The subtly textured subway tile adds visual interest to the timeless white-on-white motif and touches of natural wood throughout bring added character and warmth to the space. Widening the window above the new farmhouse sink allows light to pour in, making the space feel welcoming, airy and bright. The newly remodeled kitchen and dining room are perfectly suited for this young family’s vibrant lifestyle and the integrated design now complements the rest of their stylish home.

STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG

ABW Appliances

Arlington Showroom 4748 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22207 703-879-7966 | questions@abwappliances.com www.ABWappliances.com

BIO

Award-winning and trusted by designers, builders and remodelers for decades, ABW Appliances experts ease you through the appliance selection, delivery and installation process. Our consultants work together with trade partners, such as MarksWoods Construction Services, to ensure the best fit and ownership experience possible.

OUR WORK

Every well-loved kitchen has expertly chosen appliances at the heart of its design. Marks-Woods Construction Services, a full-service general contractor specializing in luxury residential renovations, trusted ABW Appliances to supply Bosch products for this soothing kitchen redesign. The stainless steel Bosch french door refrigerator, gas cooktop, hood, wall ovens and dishwasher are feature-packed and timeless.

Whole branzino, filleted tableside

restaurant review ■

David Hagedorn

Mom THANKS,

Our Mom Eugenia will put you in a Greek state of mind.

WERE IT NOT FOR the pandemic, I would have gone to Greece this past summer. Instead, I settled for the next best thing—lounging under a striped umbrella on the charming Aegean blue patio of Our Mom Eugenia in the Mosaic District, where I happily swiped grilled pita triangles through a smoky roasted eggplant spread while watching co-owner Phil Hobson debone a grilled branzino, tableside, with surgical precision.

Sipping crisp, cold Xinomavro rosé (all the wines and beers on the restaurant’s list are Greek imports) and tasting that ultra-fresh fish—dressed simply in olive oil, lemon, oregano and salt—almost transported me to those blithe days on Paros, Syros and Naxos.

Hobson’s mom, Eugenia (the restaurant’s namesake chef), a native of Zakynthos, an island in the Ionian Sea off Greece’s west coast, learned how to cook from her mother and grandmother and

at boarding school in Athens. Her professional cooking career spans more than 40 years. In the DMV, her résumé includes stints at Athenian Plaka (now closed) and Mykonos Restaurant in Rockville, Maryland. She became the chef of Nostos Restaurant in Tysons in 2011.

Eugenia and her two sons, Phil and Alex (baby sister Barbara works for Marriott Corp.), opened the first Our Mom Eugenia in Great Falls in December 2016. It was so successful that Edens, the landlord-developer of the Mosaic District, came calling. After five months of pandemic delays, their second taverna, which seats 60 inside and 54 in two outdoor dining areas, opened in Mosaic in August of 2020.

If you aren’t starting a meal with a Fix pilsner or a glass of Assyrtiko white wine from Santorini, sip a bracing martini made with ouzo (the anise-flavored spirit that is a Greek staple), vodka, pineapple juice and orange juice while

From left: Phil, Eugenia and Alex Hobson

OUR MOM EUGENIA

2985 District Ave., Fairfax (in the Mosaic District)

434-339-4019 | ourmomeugenia.com

HOURS

Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

PARKING

Free, ground-level garage parking is behind the restaurant on Merrifield Cinema Drive.

PRICES

Appetizers: $9 to $18

Entrées: $18 to $38

Desserts: $8 to $12

WHAT TO DRINK

The drink list includes 20 craft cocktails ($10 to $14), including classics (Kir Royale, Aperol Spritz, Cosmopolitan), plus a few with a Greek touch, such as the Aegean Fizz, made with Metaxa 7 brandy, orange juice, cinnamon and club soda.

The all-Greek wine list features 30 selections: 13 whites ($32 to $105, but most in the mid-$40s), 11 reds ($46 to $110), three rosés ($38 to $46), two sparkling ($66) and one dessert wine ($88), with most bottles also offered by the glass ($11 to $16).

There are several Greek bottled beer options, too.

sopping warm, toasted bread in rosemary-infused Peloponnesian olive oil.

A deliciously winning appetizer strategy is to order the vegetarian platter for the table. The medley includes spanakopita (phyllo, spinach, dill and feta pie); gigante beans stewed in tomato sauce; marinated beets topped with pistachios and skordaliá, a garlicky potato spread; and roasted eggplant with feta, raisins and pine nuts. Be sure to add an order of stuffed grape leaves— with or without ground beef—which are served on a lemony hollandaisemeets-vinaigrette dressing.

The chef does fried appetizers deftly. Nibble on zucchini fritters with tzatziki, or the delicate, batter-coated cod fingers with skordaliá. (My Greek dinner companion thought the skordaliá needed more garlic, but everyone has their own garlic threshold.) Hearty soups—

especially the porridge-like avgolémono made with chicken stock, rice and lemon—take the edge off a winter chill.

Moving to entrées, a dish of tender lamb falls away from a braised shank with the mere touch of a fork, its tomato sauce melding nicely with a bed of toothsome orzo. It’s a quintessential cold weather rib-sticker. The restaurant’s rendition of moussaka, which finds layers of eggplant, zucchini, ground beef and potatoes baked with nutmeg-laced bechamel sauce, is better than most.

Eugenia Hobson’s skill is particularly evident in the simplest dishes, such as the aforementioned branzino, or in a mixed grill whose elements—a thick lamb chop, skewers of chicken and beef filet, and asparagus spears— are cooked perfectly and kissed with lemon, olive oil and herbs. However,

The mixed grill

Vegetarian appetizers

an ensemble of mussels, shrimp and calamari in tomato sauce, served over orzo, proved lackluster.

I love the subtle (rather than theme-y) island-chic vibe of Our Mom Eugenia. The 2,000-square-foot space feels airy and contemporary with its white beadboard, brick accent walls, high ceilings, cement floor (stenciled with a blue-and-

white Greek key pattern) and large front windows that let the light pour in. A pastel pink four-seater bar in the back has a mid-century modern sensibility.

One might easily conclude that the colorful painting on the rear wall depicts a Greek beach scene, but it’s actually Jones Beach Island off Long Island. The artist is John Tsombikos, brother of Alex Hobson’s wife, Marika Tsombikos. She owns Vivid Chill boutique in Great Falls and designed the interior of the restaurant’s Mosaic location.

The Hobsons have ties to both Greece and the U.S. Eugenia’s husband, John Hobson, who is half-Greek, grew up in Washington, D.C., and entered the U.S. Air Force. He met Eugenia in Athens. They married and moved to New York City, where, post-military, he worked on Wall Street and opened multiple coffee shops in downtown Manhattan in the ’70s. All three of their children were born in New York.

The entire family moved to Greece in the ’80s, then back to the States in the ’90s. Alex went to the University of Maryland, then returned to Greece to

work in telecom. Phil was a professional basketball player in Greece and Italy for 15 years before settling in Northern Virginia in 2011.

Says Alex: “I had an early midlife crisis and moved back to the states in 2015. Phil was working in the front of house at Nostos and we thought, Why not do something on our own? We have the chef already!”

And that chef is a darn good one, all the way down to the desserts—which isn’t so surprising, given that Eugenia worked as a pastry chef in Astoria, Queens, in the ’70s.

Her sweets include the requisite baklava and its bird’s-nest version made with kataifi (shredded phyllo). But the standout finale at Our Mom Eugenia is her crumbly apple cake a la mode, topped with walnuts, cinnamon and drizzles of honey.

After dessert (or as a dessert), knock back a rakomelo, a Greek hot toddy made with raki (Cretan anise-flavored grappa), honey, cinnamon, cloves and sliced orange. Mom would surely approve. ■

Apple cake

David Hagedorn

RASA Dazzle

It is said that entering the restaurant business is so challenging, it has to be in your blood. If that’s true, lifelong besties Sahil Rahman and Rahul Vinod, who opened a third location of their Indian fast-casual concept, RASA, in National Landing in July, have an advantage. Their fathers, Surfy Rahman and chef K.N. Vinod, who own Bombay Bistro in Rockville and Indique in D.C., have been running restaurants for 30 years.

Growing up blocks away from each other, the younger Rahman and Vinod both earned business degrees from the University of Maryland and entered the corporate world in banking and consulting, only to eschew that path and pursue a dream that began in high school— to introduce Indian cuisine in an accessible way to unfamiliar diners. With their fathers as mentors, the

young entrepreneurs opened their first RASA in 2017. (The name is a triple play on words: It means taste or essence in Sanskrit; references the nine rasas, or emotions, in literature and dramatic arts; and combines the first two letters of each of their names, RAhul and SAhil.)

RASA follows a familiar fast-casual model. Order a combination bowl or customize your own by choosing a base (such as basmati rice, spinach or rice noodles); a main (say, chicken tikka, turmeric-ginger shrimp or mixed vegetables); a sauce (tamarind chili or peanut sesame); a vegetable selection (try charred eggplant or chickpeas); and four toppings, among them masala beets, carrot slaw, lentil chips and pickled radishes.

Cleverly named preset bowls ($10.55 to $12.50) pop with flavor and include creations such as Tikka Chance on Me (chicken tikka, tomatogarlic sauce, sauteed spinach, rice,

mint-cilantro chutney) and Caul Me Maybe (tofu, cauliflower, beets, spinach, cucumbers, peanut-sesame sauce, pumpkin seeds).

The menu also features snacks like mini samosas and chutneys with chips. Don’t pass up the vegan soft serve for dessert—especially if the flavors du jour include mango or masala chai. From the cocktail list, try a cardamom mint julep or a masala gin and tonic.

The colorful, modern, 1,550square-foot space seats 24 inside (including two hanging chairs) and 10 outside, with retractable glass garage doors that open fully in nice weather. Designed, in part, by Rahman’s aunt Nandita Madan, the walls are dotted with works by various South Indian authors and artists, and trinkets from the owners’ travels. “We mean to pay homage to our Indian culture,” Rahman says, “and add whimsy and joy.” rasagrill.com

Rahul Vinod (left) and Sahil Rahman

Mah-Ze-Dahrvelous

Craving fresh-baked pastries but don’t want to make them from scratch? Stop by Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery and stock up on frozen, ready-to-bake croissants ($60 for 12) and brioche cinnamon rolls ($30 for 4) to enjoy their intoxicating aroma at home. They also make terrific gifts for holiday hosts.

Borrowing its name from an Urdu expression for that special something that makes a dish delicious, Mah-ZeDahr opened its National Landing location in June. A sampling of the goodies—including fudgy brownies, cream-filled brioche doughnuts, silken cheesecake and vegetable focaccia— suggests that founder/baker Umber Ahmad has figured out just what that special something is.

Raised in Michigan, Ahmad has impressive bona fides: a genetics degree (MIT); a master’s degree in public health (University of Michigan); and an MBA (Wharton). After embarking on a career as an investment banker and creating her

own hospitality consulting firm, she turned her childhood passion for baking—inspired by her Pakistani family’s Finnish nanny—into a growing empire. The kicker was when celebrity chef Tom Colicchio tasted one of her cakes and decided to back the first Mah-Ze-Dahr bakery, which opened in Manhattan in 2016. “I went from advising people on building global heritage food brands to building one of my own,” says Ahmad, who last year partnered with KNEAD Hospitality + Design (Mi

Vida, Succotash) to expand her brand to three D.C. area locations.

Spanning 3,000 square feet, the Arlington bakery will serve as a test kitchen for new products (look for a line of eclairs in the future, plus more savory offerings) and a commissary kitchen for smaller imprints. Other holiday gift ideas include a browniemaking kit ($30), a curated collection of treats called Heaven in a Box ($65) and—rolling out for the first time this year—a chocolate Advent calendar and chocolate gelt. mahzedahrbakery.com

Bún bò hué at Lantern House Viet Bistro

Brother and sister Khao and Annie Tran opened Lantern House Viet Bistro in Falls Church in May, continuing a family tradition that spans two generations. Their grandparents, and then their parents, operated a pho shop in The Little City for years. As cold weather sets in, Annie Tran’s rendition of the classic noodle soup ($13.85) is a winner. Her beef broth, scented with star anise, ginger and lemongrass, is packed with thick rice noodles, sliced brisket, beef tendon and shank, plus cubes of coagulated pork blood (a Vietnamese delicacy), sliced ham and green onions. Customize the enormous bowl to your liking with fresh herbs, shredded cabbage, squeezes of lime, and condiments such as chili sauce, homemade chili-lemongrass paste, and pickled garlic and jalapeños. lanternhouseva.com

places to EAT

ARLINGTON

A Modo Mio Pizzeria

5555 Lee Highway, 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 Lee Highway, 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 s

2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-9663, ambarrestau rant.com. Feast on Balkan fare such as stuffed cabbage, mushroom pilav and rotisserie meats. An outdoor terrace with dining pods is available.

O R L D G V $$

Arlington Kabob

5046 Lee Highway, 703-531-1498, arlingtonkabob va.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 s

2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-312-7978, baba.bar. This subterranean café, which transforms into a cocktail lounge at night, is a sister to Ambar next door. B R L D G V $$

Bakeshop

1025 N. Fillmore St., 571-970-6460, bakeshopva. com. Hit this tiny storefront for coffee, cupcakes, cookies, macarons, icebox pies and other 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 $$

Bar Bao

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

Barley Mac s

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

Bartaco

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

Basic Burger

1101 S. Joyce 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 is now in Rosslyn. Eat a sandwich! O L V $

BGR the Burger Joint 3129 Lee Highway, 703-812-4705, bgrtheburger joint.com. Top your dry-aged beef with add-ons like grilled jalapeño, pineapple or fried egg. Veggie and turkey burgers are options. C L D V $

Big Buns Damn Good Burger Co. 4401 Wilson Blvd., 4251 Campbell Ave., Arling-

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

b 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 2019, 2020 or 2021 Winner

Rogi

ton, 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 Lee Highway, 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 $$

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, 16 German and regional beers on tap, sausages, schnitzel and cornhole in this 6,000-square-foot bar ode to Munich. O L D A $$

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, Dog Tag Bakery pastries and Swing’s coffee. L V $

Café Colline

4536 Lee Highway, 703-567-6615, cafecollineva. 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 Lee Highway, 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 $$$

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 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 $$

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 $$

Copa Kitchen & Bar

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

Copperwood Tavern

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

Cowboy Café

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

Crafthouse

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

Crystal City Sports Pub

529 23rd St. S., 703-521-8215, ccsportspub. com. Open 365 days a year, it’s a sure bet for big-screen TVs, pool tables and pub grub.

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 R L D V $

District Taco s

5723 Lee Highway, 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. The 13,000-square-foot sports bar has wall-to-wall TVs, a roof deck, a ballpark-inspired beer list and pub food, plus weekend brunch. 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

1901 N. Moore St., 3101 Wilson Blvd., 571-8009954, eastwestcoffeewine.com. The cafe with locations in Rosslyn and Clarendon 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 s

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 $

Endo Sushi

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-243-7799, endosushi. com. A go-to 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 Lee Highway, 703-525-7899, essyscarriage house.com. Kick it old school with crab imperial, lamb chops and prime rib. B L D G $$$

Farmbird

4211 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 $

■ places to eat

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. Choose among 20 draft beers and snacks ranging from sliders to queso dip. L D A V $$

Four Sisters Grill

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

Fyve

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

Gaijin Ramen Shop

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

Galaxy Hut

2711 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-8646, galaxyhut.com. 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 Lee Highway, 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 $

Goody’s

3125 Wilson Blvd., 703-351-7827, goodyspizzain arlington.com. A late-night go-to for New York-style pizza, subs, ice cream and breakfast sandwiches. C B L D A V $

Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro 4301 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-7900, grandcru-wine.

com. This intimate European-style café includes a wine shop next door. O R L D G $$$

Green Pig Bistro s

1025 N. Fillmore St., 703-888-1920, greenpig bistro.com. Southern influenced food, craft cocktails, a daily happy hour and weekend brunch draw fans to this congenial neighborhood hideaway. Chef Tracy O’Grady helms the kitchen. R L D G V $$$

Greens N Teff

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

Ireland’s Four Courts

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

Istanbul Grill

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

The Italian Store s

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

Kabob Palace

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

com. A Crystal City favorite for grilled meats, pillowy naan and savory sides. L D A G V $$

Kanpai 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 Lee Highway, 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 aim to please 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 local 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 s 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 s

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 844-7482537, thelocaloyster.com. Seafood lovers can feast on raw bar, steamers, crabcakes, lobster rolls and “sammies” at this outpost of the Baltimore original. 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, lo mein and egg omelet with pickled radish. L D V $$

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

Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery

1550 Crystal Drive, 703-718-4418, mahzedahr bakery.com. Café fare at this bright, new addition to National Landing includes La Colombe coffee, pastries, cookies, 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, black pudding and sardines on toast, and Irish breakfast all day. O R L D $$$

Maya Bistro

5649 Lee Highway, 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. Like to know where your food comes from? This farm-to-table Mediterranean restaurant cooks with fresh, organic, free-range, regionally-sourced, nonGMO ingredients. O R L D G V $$

Meridian Pint

6035 Wilson Blvd., 703-300-9655, meridianpint. com. The brewpub that John Andrade transplanted from D.C. to Dominion Hills is now under new ownership, but it still serves craft brews, burgers, salads and bar food. C R D A G V $$

Metro 29 Diner

4711 Lee Highway, 703-528-2464, metro29.com.

Classic diner fare includes triple-decker sandwiches, mile-high desserts, burgers, roasted chicken and breakfast. 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 $$

Napoli Salumeria

1301 S. Joyce St. (Westpost), 571-431-7903, napoli salumeria.com. Chef Antonio Ferraro’s market/café offers pizza, pasta, panini, dolci and grab-and-go provisions. O L D V $$

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

Oby Lee

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

■ places to eat

Old Dominion Pizza

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

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 $$

Peruvian Brothers at The Stand

1601 Crystal Drive, 703-413-8048, peruvianbroth ers.com. Can’t catch up with their food truck? Stop by the Crystal City kiosk for empanadas, alfajores and Inca kola. B L $

Peter Chang Arlington

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

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

2503-B N. Harrison St., 703-237-0200, pie-tanza. com. Enjoy pizza (including gluten-free options), calzones, lasagna, subs and salads. C L D G V $$ Pike Restaurant (Pike Pizza) 4111 Columbia Pike, 703-521-3010. Bolivian dishes satisfy at this no-frills eatery. Try the salteñas stuffed with chicken or beef, olives and hard-boiled egg. L D $

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 $$

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, queenmothercooks.com. Chef Rock Harper's celebrated fried chicken sandwich operation shares a kitchen and dining space with The Café at 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. And Patrick Crump’s adventurous menu includes everything from cinnamon lambchop lollipops to lo mein. B L D A $$

Rhodeside Grill

1836 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-0145, rhodeside grill.com. Feast on chops, meatloaf, burgers and po’boys accompanied by 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 $

Rogi

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-5506220, eatrogi.com. Chef Ed Hardy’s pierogi operation (formerly Zofia's Kitchen) stuffs the Polish dumplings with all kinds of fillers—brisket, bratwurst, beets, crab Rangoon and smoked whitefish, to name a few. L D V $

Ruffino’s Spaghetti House

4763 Lee Highway, 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 meats, chicken and fish 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 $$

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 $$

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 $

SER

1110 N. Glebe Road, 703-746-9822, ser-restau

rant.com. Traditional Spanish and Basque dishes in a colorful, friendly space with outstanding service. O R L D V $$$

Sfoglina Pasta House

1100 Wilson Blvd., sfoglinapasta.com/rosslyn. Fabio Trabocchi’s Rosslyn outpost is a destination for housemade pasta (you can watch it being made), a “mozzarella bar” and Italian cocktails. Closed Monday-Wednesday. O L D V $$$

Silver Diner s 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 Lee Highway, 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

1015 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 s

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 $

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

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 s

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

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

■ places to eat

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. Brisket, ribs and pulled pork, plus sides like raw carrot salad and smashed cucumbers. O L D A $$

T.H.A.I. in Shirlington

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

Thai Noy s

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

Thai Square

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

Thirsty Bernie

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

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream

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

TTT – Tacos, Tortas & Tequila

2900 Wilson Blvd., tttrestaurant.com. Ivan Iricanin’s ode to Mexico has all the colorful options you’d expect—tacos, enchiladas, street corn, six kinds of salsa and fruity margaritas, plus a sprawling rooftop lounge with expansive views. O B R L D $$

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

Anthony’s Restaurant

3000 Annandale Road, 703-532-0100, www.an thonysrestaurantva.com. The family-owned Greek and Italian diner serves standbys like spaghetti, pizza, gyros and subs, plus breakfast on weekends. R L D V $$

B Side

8298 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-676-3550, bsidecuts.com. Nathan Anda’s charcuterie steals the show at this cozy bar adjoining Red Apron Butcher. The cocktails rock, too. L D $$

Badd Pizza

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

Bakeshop

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

Balqees Restaurant

5820 Seminary Road, 703-379-0188. 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 s

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 s

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 s 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. Mainstays 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 s 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., harveysva.com. Sidle up to chef Thomas Harvey’s new neighborhood bar for a cheesesteak with IPA beer cheese, cedar-plank salmon, Russian honey cake, local beers and good company. B R L D $$

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 chick-

■ places to eat

en 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 $$

Le Pain Quotidien

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

Liberty Barbecue s

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

Little Saigon Restaurant

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

Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine

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

MacMillan Whisky Room

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 240-994-3905, themacmillan.com. More than 200 kinds of spirits are offered in tasting flights and composed cocktails. The food menu includes U.K. and American pub standards. O R L D $$

Mark’s Duck House

6184-A Arlington Blvd., 703-532-2125. Though named for its specialty—Peking duck—it offers plenty of other tantalizing options, too, such as short ribs, roasted pork and dim sum. R L D A V $$

Meaza Restaurant

5700 Columbia Pike, 703-820-2870, 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

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 s

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 s

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

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 s

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, steakcut 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 $$

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, coffee, cocktails and grab-and-go snacks and pantry staples. B L G V $

Silver Diner s

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 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 $$

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 promises Japanese American small plates (picture hamachi tartare, ocean-to-table sashimi and beet salad with yuzu vinaigrette), a roving cocktail cart and sweeping views. D G V $$$

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Essential Information on 12 Independent Schools

NoneNN

Apply Now for Fall 2022

Saturday, October 23 | 10 AM mclean.basisindependent.com

Christine Koubek Flynn

French Twist

Escape for a romantic retreat to River House at Odette’s, located along the Delaware River in artsy New Hope, Pennsylvania. Opened in September 2020, the boutique hotel takes its design cues from the building’s previous life as Chez Odette, a boisterous cabaret owned by actress and Ziegfield Follies dancer Odette Myrtil, which for decades was a hub of New Hope’s nightlife. Public spaces feature a mix of bold murals, plush fabrics, leather sofas and vintage lighting. The 36 guest rooms and suites include Frette sheets and robes, and Keurig coffee machines with coffee from Philadelphia’s Ellis Coffee roasters. Many rooms and suites have floorto-ceiling glass doors that open to a private veranda.

Live music (ranging from electric violin to piano and acoustic guitar) is available nightly and during Saturday and Sunday brunch. Odette’s Restaurant has a beautiful stone fireplace, indoor and outdoor seating and an eclectic menu of seasonally inspired cuisine, such as the popular blackberry glazed duck breast. Don’t miss the signature cocktail, “The Double Kiss,” made with sparkling Brut crémant, Aviation dry gin and a lemon twist.

Rates begin at $349, plus $20 valet parking. Registered hotel guests have complimentary access to the exclusive, members-only rooftop bar and lounge, Roof (reservations are recommended as it tends to book up). River House at Odette’s, 274 River Road, New Hope, Pennsylvania, 215-682-2022, riverhousenewhope.com

Glass Menagerie

Norfolk, Virginia’s new Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, housed in the historic 1912 Royster building, features elegant ironwork, intricate crown molding—and more than 100 works of glass art by prominent artists such as Dale Chihuly and Nancy Callan. Acclaimed Dutch sculptor Peter Bremers is the creator of the striking glass rabbits that reside on the hotel’s first floor. Additional works include a chair made of bricks titled “Impossible Is Only an Opinion.”

The art is courtesy of arts patrons Doug and Pat Perry, whose son Chris Perry is the hotel’s developer and CEO. With the opening of Glass Light, Norfolk now boasts one of the world’s largest concentrations of free, public glass art when you also factor in works in the city’s Chrysler Museum of Art, Barry Art Museum, Perry Glass Studio and other galleries.

The hotel takes its thematic inspiration from Pat Perry’s nickname, “Bunny”—a nod to the children’s book Pat the Bunny, which she loved to read to her kids, and to the name her grandchildren now call her. Each guest room includes a small glass carrot and a coffee-table-style “Bunny” book that details the Perrys’ art collection. Glass Light’s 113 guest rooms and suites also feature Frette bedding, beautiful spun glass basin sinks, Illy coffee, rocking chairs and vintage Frigidaire mini refrigerators. The hotel’s restaurant, created with a Michelin-starred French chef, serves seasonal cuisine and small plates, including a winning dish of crispy octopus and beef carpaccio.

Rates in November begin at $219 per night. Selfparking is $19. A “Will you accept this rose?” package includes a glass rose and bottle of champagne. Glass Light Hotel & Gallery (Marriott Autograph Collection), 201 Granby St., Norfolk, Virginia, 757-222-3033, glasslighthotel.com

A guest room at River House at Odette’s

Norfolk’s Glass Light Hotel & Gallery

■ by Kim O’Connell

Anchor Store

Seventy years ago, The Hecht Co. helped transform Arlington’s retail landscape.

IN THE MID-1970S , if you lived in Arlington and wanted to see a concert, there’s a good chance that Ana Maria Cano sold you the ticket—and probably for less than 10 bucks. Long before fans could open a Ticketmaster app, Cano worked the ticket counter inside The Hecht Co. department store in Ballston, a predecessor to the Macy’s that now bookends Ballston Quarter.

“One of the concerts that drew long lines was Led Zeppelin in 1974,” recalls Cano, who now lives in Colombia. “When I got to the store there were so many people. Those tickets sold out in three hours.”

opened the Arlington store to great fanfare on Nov. 2, 1951, as the crown jewel of Parkington, a $15 million shopping center that helped usher in an era of cardependent convenience. As the company’s second suburban venture (the first was in Maryland), the new Hecht’s transformed what had previously been a sandlot ballpark into a five-level shopping hub, complete with a 2,000-spot parking garage. “Magnificent Vista of Fashion!” boasted an ad the company placed in The Evening Star.

basement restaurant known as the Virginia Room. In his remarks, company president Samuel M. Hecht declared the Arlington store “the most magnificent and certainly the largest suburban department store in the East.”

In the decades that followed, the store became famous for turning its façade into a giant message board, with community announcements such as “School’s Open…Drive Safely,” “Our Friends Don’t Play With Matches” and “Let’s Stick Together…Use Christmas Seals.” For local teenagers and young adults, Hecht’s was a popular place to work, too; students could walk from nearby Washington-Lee High School (now Washington-Liberty) to start their shift or grab a snack.

Hecht’s was already a well-known mid-Atlantic retail empire when it

Parkington was redeveloped as Ballston Common Mall in 1986, and in 2006, Hecht’s was rebranded as Macy’s. Plans are now underway to replace the Macy’s with a glass-walled apartment tower with ground-floor retail—drawing shoppers to the very same corner where Hecht’s showed everyone how it was done. ■ back story

On opening day, an estimated 60,000 shoppers rushed in to sample the store’s 147 departments—including furnishings, luggage, a candy counter, maternity shop, bridal consultant and a large

Hecht’s in 1951, during construction