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PAGE 14 |OCTOBER 21 – 27, 2021
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Princess Party Company Brings Magic Through Diversity and Inclusion
by Amanda Snead
Falls Church News-Press
Making sure every family has a magical celebration is the number one priority of Once Upon a Time Parties D.C., a princess party company serving the DMV area. Its owner, Alexa Garcia, created the company with a mission of diversity and inclusion in mind.
“Growing up as a Mexican girl in America in the 2000s, there was hardly any positive Latine cultural representation in TV/film, let alone any fairytale characters that had similar stories to my own,” said Garcia. “Since then, a few more culturally diverse stories have been told, but there is still so much work that needs to be done when it comes to making sure that BIPOC children get to see themselves centered and represented as princesses and other fairytale characters. As a white Latina, I know and understand that our society praises white Eurocentric beauty standards. So, I follow the education and work of the many BIPOC entertainment company owners in our industry to make sure that my own company is prioritizing accurately melanated and well-researched representation.”
Like most people her age, she grew up watching Disney movies and participating in extracurriculars like singing and dancing, passions which continued through her teenage years.
“I grew up adoring Disney movies and even more so, admiring the strong characters that inspired me to dream big— especially the princesses. From the age of 3, I was active in various forms of art and performance, such as dance, competitive figure skating, musical theatre, and improv. Once I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to continue to perform, even though I planned on majoring in a different field. I performed with a local character company for about a year but felt that it lacked the professionalism and high-quality standards that I was ultimately seeking.”
Garcia started the business in 2019, when she was just 20 years old, after returning home from the Disney College Program, an internship program that allows college students to live and work at the park.
“On a whim, I applied to the Disney College Program and after a few rounds of interviews, I was offered one of my dream roles — character attendant,” said Garcia when asked about her time in the program. “I moved to Orlando, Florida for five months and worked full-time, facilitating interactions and making magic for thousands of guests at Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. After returning from my program, I knew that I wanted to make that same high-quality magic accessible to Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.”
“My role as a character attendant introduced me to so many dedicated, hard-working people that inspired me to work just as hard to make magic back home in the DMV. I am now able to implement that theme park knowledge into my own company with a unique training program that I have developed. I designed and created highly detailed character training guides that guide my performers to fully embody the mannerisms, voices, movements, and songs of the characters they are portraying.”
Garcia runs the business alongside her mom, Jeanette Eveland and family friend Ashley Allen with the intention of bringing high-quality, park-accurate characters to parties and events all over the area.
“My favorite part about getting to work with my mom is that she is an incredible support system. She jumps at any opportunity to help- from mending costume pieces that need fixing, to lacing up performers into their gowns, driving performers to events if we need an extra hand, and everything in between. She does everything with a touch of grace and magic and is a true Fairy Godmother,” said Garcia.
A normal weekend for the company can include a handful of parties. In the days leading up to an event, lots of work is going on behind the scenes from washing costumes and styling wigs to confirming details with the clients and packing supplies for games and other activities.
“My weekends involve hours of applying park-accurate makeup, carefully pinning wigs onto performers, dressing the performers in the many layers and undergarments necessary, coordinating and attending multiple events with said different characters, and sometimes stepping in as a character if I am needed! While we’re at events, our character performers lead children in activities while our character attendants set up and oversee the event,” said Garcia, who handles many different tasks in her role as owner.
During the pandemic, the company still worked to create magical experiences for children and their families while stuck at home and before they started doing in-person events again. This included storytimes via IGTV on Instagram and making a variety of printable activities available on their website.
Their online reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the company for all of the steps they take to ensure a magical and highquality experience, both for the children and adults attending.
In May, the company celebrat-
THE SNOW SISTERS are some of the most highly requested characters, with a wide range of different costumes offered. (Photo:
Courtesy Once Upon A Time Parties D.C.) ONCE UPON A TIME offers a wide variety of characters, including many princesses. Pictured here are (left to right) Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Arabian Princess and
Bayou Princess. (Photo: Courtesy Once Upon A Time Parties D.C.)
ed its two year anniversary. Over this time, they have partnered with multiple small local businesses and helped create memorable experiences for families all over the DMV area.
When asked what her advice is for other young women looking to start a business, she said, “First of all, congratulations on following your dream! Second, I highly recommend making sure that you’re covering all your bases when it comes to not only running your business effectively but also legally. Third, research the market you’re interested in and find the areas that are lacking so that you can be unique in what you offer. And most importantly, give yourself grace. Running a business is hard and there is so much work behind the scenes that others don’t always see. Make sure to take care of yourself and your mental health so that you can offer the best version of yourself and your business to your clients!”
Overall, the company strives for quality and inclusion in order to provide magic to children of all ages.
For more information about characters offered and packages available, visit onceuponatimepartiesdc.com. You can also follow Once Upon a Time Parties D.C. on social media @ouatpartiesdc to see event photos, character videos and their #BehindtheMagic series where Garcia shares a backstage look into the characters and company.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
SPORTS
PAGE 15 |OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021
Mustangs Win Highly Physical Contest Full of Penalties
by Julie Felgar
Falls Church News-Press
On Friday night, under perfect weather conditions and with the stands full, the Mustangs (6-2) broke a 14-year losing streak against the perennial football powerhouse, the Clarke County Eagles (5-0 going into this game). The score of 14-7 reflected a hardfought win.
Both teams have a similar strategy, control the ball and control the clock. “Our goal going into the game was to match the physical level of play that Clarke plays with and we did a nice job of matching their toughness.” said Adam Amerine, Head Coach of the Mustangs. “I thought the offense and defense played well, we did a great job keeping the ball moving forward on offense and defensively made the plays when we needed to and forced Clarke to work for their yardage.”
The first quarter was marred by an enormous number of penalties thrown by the referees on both teams. Passions were running high on the field. By the end of the first half, the yellow flag had been thrown over 15 times. Major offensive pushes were called back for both teams on numerous occasions.
“I thought the team gave 110 percent and despite all the penalties we were still able to execute our game plan. I was also very proud of how well our defense completely eliminated their pass game.” said senior captain George Papadopoulos.
Striking early, Ryan Ibelli, number 58, scooped up a forced fumble after a punt attempt in the 1st quarter which ultimately led to a rushing TD by Graham Felgar, number 34. The extra point attempt by Patrick Whitaker, number 23, was blocked.
Clarke County’s QB Mathew Sipe answered in the second quarter on a QB keeper and the Eagles took a 7-6 lead into the half after an extra point by kicker Chris LeBlanc.
The Mustangs maintained control of the ball for most of the second half, allowing only 19 plays for the Eagles. The Mustangs had 14 plays alone in their game-winning touchdown drive that took up most of the third quarter. Patrick Whitaker capitalized at the end of that drive with a 13-yard run into the endzone late in the third quarter. He then took a shuttle pass from Griffin Harrison, number 24, to score the two-point conversion. “The third quarter drive was old school Mustang football, set up by a nice interception from Patrick Whitaker, the offense then controlled the pace of the game and finished with a big eight points,” said Amerine.
The Mustang’s double-wing offense accounted for 296 total yards and Clarke was held to 176 yards. The Mustangs overcame 15 penalties for 132 yards. Rice was 5-58 in passing yards, Felgar added seven carries for 60 yards. Whitaker rushed for 80 yards on 17 carries. Defensive standouts included David Ziayee and Seth Stillwagoner who combined for 21 tackles.
The Mustangs look strong heading into the end of the regular season. “As for the playoffs, there is a lot to be determined, but right now we are in a good position. We just have to focus on Manassas Park and William Monroe and let the rest of the region play out and be healthy and ready for the tournament,” commented Amerine.
The team is very focused on what they need to do going forward. “For so many of us (seniors), this is our last run with Mustang football.” said Felgar. “We are playing to win. We are playing for each other and our coaches and will leave everything on the field each game.”
MUSTANG DEFENSE brings down an Eagles player at the line of scrimage. (Photo: Julie Felgar)
I believe in Falls Church City Public Schools and I understand what makes them excellent. But we should always strive to be better. I am ready to work hard for our community as we continue to move our schools forward.
If elected to the FCCPS Schoo l Board, I pledge to:w
• serve all of our students and families equitably; • respect the professional expertise of our teachers; and • lead with responsive and open
PAGE 16 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021
CALENDAR
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
FALLS CHURCH CALENDAR
LOCALEVENTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21
Baby Storytime. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join Tysons-Pimmit Library for rhymes, songs, stories and activities. Build an early literacy foundation while enjoying time together. Space limited to 15 children with one caregiver each. No registration, customers will be allowed in on a first come, first served basis. This class is best for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.
Woodrow Wilson Storytime.
Families can visit Woodrow Wilson Library to read stories, move their feet and have fun. Attendees will also be learning Spanish words as they fit with the theme of each program. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.
Arm Chair Travel. Join Mary Riley Styles Library in the Falls Church Senior Center to watch a travel video from destinations around the world! This program is hosted jointly by the Falls Church Senior Center and the Mary Riley Styles Public Library. (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church) 1 — 2:15 p.m.
Falls Church Farmers Market.
The Falls Church Farmers Market runs every Saturday at City Hall, where attendees will find fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers & plants, honey, music and more. For more information, visit fallschurchva.gov/547/FarmersMarket-To-Go. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 8 a.m. — 12 p.m.
Plein Air Arts Festival. Come and enjoy the artwork and paintings of Falls Church at the 12th annual outdoor art festival — Plein Air Falls Church. Artists paint and display their original paintings of Falls Church at Cherry Hill Park next to the Farmers Market. Come and vote on the best painting for the People's Choice Award. (312 Park Ave., Falls Church) 9 a.m. — 12 p.m.
Early In-Person Voting Weekend
Hours. Registered voters in the City of Falls Church can vote early in-person for the November 2 General Election at City Hall. Please bring a mask and valid voter identification. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Saturday Morning Stories. Start your weekend off at the Woodrow Wilson Library with their Saturday Morning Stories event with Ms. Nancy. Guests will hear three to four stories and find new stories to check out. All ages are welcomed. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 10:15 — 10:45 a.m.
Family Storytime. Children and their caregivers participate in music, movement and song in this program at Tysons-Pimmit Library that promotes bonding and highlights the natural rhythms in language. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.
Paws to Read with Lucy. Visit Thomas Jefferson Library and read aloud to Lucy, a trained therapy dog. Bring your own book or choose a book from the library. Walk-ins welcome. Age 6 — 12. (1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 2 — 3 p.m.
Early In-Person Voting Weekend
Hours. Registered voters in the City of Falls Church can vote early in-person for the November 2 General Election at City Hall. Please bring a mask and valid voter identification. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 12 — 3 p.m.
Mickey’s Music Spectacular.
Meridian High School and Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School choral departments will be having a Disney concert at Henderson Middle School. (105 Mustang Alley, Falls Church). 2 — 4 p.m.
Storytime Fun for Preschoolers. Parents and their preschoolers can visit Tysons-Pimmit Library for stories. Space limited to 15 children with one caregiver each. No registration, customers will be allowed in on a first come, first served basis. Check in at the Info desk for tickets. Masks are once again required at the library regardless of vaccination status. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.
Woodrow Wilson Library Spooky Movie Night: Goosebumps 2:
Haunted Halloween. Celebrate spooky season at Woodrow Wilson Library's showing of the 2018 movie Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween. This movie is rated PG. This program is for all ages. No food or drink will be allowed during the movie to ensure safety. Per county standards all library visitors ages 2 and up must wear a mask while in county buildings. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 6 — 9 p.m.
City Council Meeting. The City Council meets in-person in City Hall’s Council Chambers. In-person capacity may be limited due to Covid-19 safety, and all attendees must wear a mask and stay socially distant at all times. The meeting can be viewed live online (fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings) or on FCCTV (Cox channel 11, RCN channel 2, Verizon channel 35). Public comment can be made inperson or via MS Teams on any topic; sign-up by noon on the day of the meeting, fallschurchva.gov/ PublicComment. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church) 7:30 — 11 p.m.
In-Person Early Voting Extended
Hours. Registered voters in the City of Falls Church can vote early in-person for the November 2 General Election at City Hall. Please bring a mask and valid voter identification. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 8 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Pajama Storytime. Families can come to Tysons-Pimmit Library in pajamas and bring a teddy bear for a bedtime story. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 7 — 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24
MONDAY, OCTOBER 25 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27
VIRTUALEVENTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21
School Board Candidate Forum: Hosted by Citizens For a Better
City and school PTAs. Falls Church Citizens for a Better City will be hosting a school board candidate forum on Zoom in collaboration with the Falls Church PTAs. CBC seeks to provide multiple opportunities to showcase the candidates given the large number running for office in this election cycle. The Zoom link and more details can be found online at https://www.fallschurchcbc.net/. 7:30 — 9 p.m.
Having Our Say. This play follows the real-life centenarian Delany sisters as they welcome attendees into their home where they share 100 years of American history recounting fascinating events and anecdotes drawn from their rich family history and careers as pioneering African American professionals. All patrons must wear masks. Social distancing and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test is required for everyone 12 and over. Tickets available online at creativecauldron.org/. October 7—31. (410 South Maple Avenue, Falls Church). 703-436-9948.
Picnic. A small Kansas town in the 1950s is the setting for William Inge's bittersweet melodrama "Picnic", which explores themes of sexuality, repression, rites of passage, and disappointment. Tickets and more information are available online at novanightskytheater.com/. October 22, 23. (400 N Oak St, Falls Church).
The Soul Crackers. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2370300.
Tab Benoit. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $39.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.
THEATER&ARTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22
LIVEMUSIC
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21
Honky Tonk Cassnovas. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-2419504.
Blood + Cal Rifkin + Airospace.
Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 8 p.m. 703-2551566.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22
Josh Allen Duo. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
SWELL. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186.
The Whispers. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $85. 7:30 p.m. 703549-7500.
The Roadducks. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $15. 8 p.m. 703237-0300.
Pat McGee Band. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $40+. 8 p.m. 703-255-1900.
Bad Bad Hats + 2nd Grade.
Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $25. 8 p.m. 703255-1566.
Brook Yoder. Ireland’s Four Provinces (105 W Broad St., Falls Church) 8 p.m. 703-534-8999.
Chris Timbers Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23
Rocky’s Stealin’ the Deal. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-2419504.
Old Dominion Trio. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186.
Ellis Paul. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $25. 6:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.
The Whispers. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $85. 7:30 p.m. 703549-7500.
Brook Yoder. Ireland’s Four Provinces (105 W Broad St., Falls Church) 8 p.m. 703-534-8999.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Pat McGee Band. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $40+. 8 p.m. 703-255-1900.
Kreek Water Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504.
Good Vibes Reggae Party.
Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $22. 9:30 p.m. 703255-1566.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24
Wu Han & Friends. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $50+. 3 p.m. 703-255-1900.
Country Jamboree. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 3:30 p.m. 703-2419504.
Open Mic. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-8589186.
The Thrillbillys. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-237-0300.
T.3. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $25. 7 p.m. 703-2551566. Rick Wakeman. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $59.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.
Tommy Lepson Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-2419504.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 25
Tom Saputo & Friends. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2419504.
Sammy Boller. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $12 – $25. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26
Open Mic. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
Christopher Paul Stelling.
Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 7:30 p.m. 703-2551566.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27
Smlyin Jack Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-241-9504.
CALENDAR
OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 17
AMERICAN GUITARIST TAB BENOIT will be playing at the Birchmere on Thursday, October 21
as part of his 2021 U.S. tour. (Photo: Sandra Dahdah Photography)
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OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 18
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
KAMAYAN FIESTA, a locally-owned Filipino resturant, opened its second location on S. Washington St. here in Falls Church. Pictured here is the chicken pancit with a variety of vegtables, just one of the many dishes on the menu. The owners, (left to right) Leo Duran, Ray Ann Duran and Chef Jhett Duran, work both behind the counter and in the kitchen. (Photos: Patricia Leslie)
New Restaurant, Kamayan Fiesta Brings Authentic Filipino Cuisine to F.C.
by Patricia Leslie
Falls Church News-Press
The long line to order food at the Kamayan Fiesta at the corner of Annandale and Washington Streets was surprising for the middle of a Saturday afternoon. Most restaurants slow down after the lunch rush, but the line kept growing and the orders kept flowing, even from those who sat outside at picnic tables, finishing their meals before they went inside to buy more for takehome.
Kamayan prides itself on authentic Filipino food (“Filipino Asian American cuisine,” according to its website), serving individual dishes and family-style meals of breakfast (until 12 p.m.), lunch, and dinner.
“At some American restaurants, it takes two to three hours for customers to order, wait and eat,” said Chef Jhett Duran, an owner, during an interview at a picnic table.
“Right here, customers spend less than an hour. They eat and go and don’t stay long.”
Some stay to order the popular chicken pancit ($8.99 entrée) with cabbage, carrots, green onions, snow peas and rice noodles cooked in soy sauce with the meat, said Ray Ann Duran, Kamayan’s founder, co-owner and the chef’s partner.
I stayed to order it, too, and found it delicious, even when cold the next day after I easily stretched it into two meals.
Ray Ann giggled when I asked for the best sellers: “They are all the best sellers!” she exclaimed.
And, “every single day,” the restaurant runs out of chicken and rice noodles, “especially in Falls Church,” piped in another owner who is the chef’s brother, Leo Duran. (Their first location is in Springfield.)
The chicken adobo dish is an entrée and a traditional Filipino dish with meat braised in soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and bay leaves.
“The rice noodles are similar to lo mein, but way better tasting,” Leo bragged, but my American taste buds could detect no difference.
“A lot of people come in here trying to find it at the end of the day” when it’s often gone, he added.
The thin or thick rice noodles (“pancit”) are cooked in a variety of ways with seafood, for one variation, and sliced squid, shrimp, mussels, pork rinds, and more ($14.99) or there’s the spaghetti “Filipino style” ($10.99) with sliced hot dogs, ground beef and banana ketchup, which is not what it seems.
Ray Ann explained: Banana ketchup “is a dipping tomato sauce, kind of like a sweet gravy the kids love and we use for fried chicken, pork, and hot dogs.”
Look, ma! No bananas!
When Chef Jhett found out I was not allergic to peanut butter, she fixed me up a scrumptious peanut butter sauce meal, unlike any entrée I have had with savory meat and green beans slathered in a gooey peanut butter sauce. Talk about proteins! Who would have thought?
The Durans change the menu daily and offer 35 to 40 selections on Saturday, their busiest day.
Rice and bottled water accompany meals which start at $7.99 for a selection of one entrée, $9.99 for two (the “chef’s duo”), $12.99 for three (the “chef’s platter”), and the “chef’s quadro” for four ($24.99).
Entrées include the celebrated chicken adobo and five other chicken choices (not all available every day), four pork entrees like the binagoongan cooked in garlic, tomato, shrimp paste, and coconut milk, and Tokwa’t Baboy which is pork and fried tofu in a sauce of soy sauce, onion, vinegar, and chili peppers.
From the large menu, customers may also choose from eight beef and veggies dishes including mongo guisado (mung bean soup sauteed in garlic and onions with bittermelon).
The name of the restaurant, “Kamayan” means eating with your hands, a popular Filipino tradition, Leo explained, “a concept,” and option for anyone eating at the restaurant, but no one was “kamayaning” when I was there.
“We have customers who come from Centreville [Virginia], Herndon, Baltimore, Manassas,” he boasted. Really? From Maryland?
A few minutes later when I stood in line inside to place my order, the customer in front of me exclaimed to the counter staff: “I drove from Maryland for your food!” Across the small room, Leo and I exchanged smiles.
What looked like half a pig, spiced, diced, and ready to go, sat on top of the counter. Pork is a hot seller, the team told me, and I can vouch for the reason: I ate a pork stick ($3.25) which was marinated overnight and then grilled with an excellent topping of homemade bbq sauce which almost melted in my mouth, reminding me of chocolate sauce on vanilla ice cream, but disguised at the restaurant as a “side.”
The Durans’ foray in the restaurant business began about 18 months ago when they opened their Springfield eatery, just before covid shut everything down.
“We were really nervous,” Leo said, “because we had to start paying the rent” and their landlord paid no heed to their plight.
They did not qualify for a paycheck protection program loan because the restaurant had been open only a short while, but they worked hard and persisted and, so far, their efforts are paying off.
The Falls Church location has been open about a month in the same spot which the Indian restaurant, Johnsons Café, occupied about six months earlier this year.
Although the Johnsons were concerned about enough parking, Ray Ann said their Falls Church building owner said customers can park at the Dunkin’ Donuts across the street. “We’re a ‘grab and go,’” Chef Jhett said. It’s quick.
The chef theorized that a low number of area Indian customers may have contributed to Johnsons’ closure, but “many Filipinos live around here, and everybody loves Filipino food,” so much that Kamayan Fiesta is getting ready to open another restaurant in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Ray Ann said.
The selections are a great value for a lot of tasty food, sure to attract those tempting taste buds with new culinary delights while celebrating diversity in our community, too.
The number of guests permitted inside is limited, due to covid restrictions, and face masks are required for entry.
The Falls Church restaurant is open every day except Monday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.(despite the website’s listing of closing at 6 p.m.) and after the labor crunch eases, the owners plan to hire more workers and open on Mondays, too.
• This article is part of the “Restaurant Spotlight” series, which will feature one local restaurant and its menu each month. To suggest that your restaurant be covered, contact Amanda Snead, News Editor at asnead@fcnp.com
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
LOCAL
OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 19
The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce celebrated 17 years of Sally Cole at its helm this week, on “Sally Cole Day” as proclaimed by the F.C. Mayor and City Council, at a rousing fete held at the Rowell Court sponsored by attorney Mark Werblood. (Photos: News-Press)
