Northern Virginia Magazine

Long-Bomb at Tarara Winery

nvmaDmiN1 — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:01:09 +0000

As summer comes to a close, I wistfully remember the few times I got a break to enjoy it. A weekend trip to Virginia Beach’s oceanfront, a camping trip in the mountain woods, and a few sunny pool days at my parent’s house all stand out. However, one thing I just can’t stop thinking about is the Long-Bomb red table wine I had at Tarara Winery. Located on the banks of the Potomac River, Tarara is a breath of fresh air not far from the highways and congestion of Northern Virginia.

Long-Bomb Edition 1 is a red table wine that was inspired by Tarara’s founder, Whitie Hubert. Whitie felt that football is the absolute greatest sport and being part of a team is better than being a lone winner. This wine encompasses that notion- it’s a blend that uses grapes from Washington State and a taste that varies slightly depending on the “team” of grapes used to make it.

With football season here, now may be a perfect time to open it. Maybe I will open it this weekend, or maybe I’ll wait for the Super Bowl. Somehow, I doubt it will last that long. It sits in my wine cooler all alone, the very last bottle from my case of wine from Tarara. It taunts me with its perfect blue label- and if I am eating anything with cheese, the taunting gets louder. Long-Bomb pairs well with hard cheeses and rare red meats. At $20/bottle and $240/case, you can afford to splurge a little. Get your own, before it’s too late.

(Image: Tarara Winery)

Tarara Winery

13648 Tarara Lane

Leesburg, VA 20176

(703) 771-7100

-Liz Stevenson

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Final Bow: Del Merei Grill

nvmaDmiN1 — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:42:15 +0000

(Image: John Arundel)

Frickles fans have just over two weeks to feed their fix at Del Merei Grille, as the neighborhood eatery will be shuttering on Friday, September 24.

Co-owner and chef Eric Reid (pictured above with in-law and partner Mary Reid) is, understandably, saddened about having to move along in order to accommodate the planned full-scale renovation of the Calvert apartment building. But the optimistic toque doesn’t seem to harbor any ill will towards the landlord.

“It’s going to be really nice for the neighborhood … once it’s all said and done,” he said of the high-rise makeover.

Rather than dwell on any negatives–not that he really could, given that Reid and all the other soon-to-be-displaced tenants (Bombay Curry Company, Pizzaiolo Cafe & Bar) are being asked to sign confidentiality agreements as part of the retail update–Reid said he’s choosing to celebrate his 5+ years run by bringing back customer favorites (including a mixed grill boasting andouille sausage, scallops and shrimp, his famous mustard-horseradish sauce and other tastes from wayback) and just generally enjoying the ride.

“We’re going to pretty much find any excuse to have a party,” he suggested about the closing week agenda.

Rockwellians have already scheduled a farewell chili dog and beer bash for next Wednesday. And Reid hinted that he’s prepared to burn through his inventory with total abandon (switching up the menu near nightly, experimenting with new dishes).

And while he’s trying to not fixate too much on the future, Reid said he would absolutely love to continue cooking/launch another restaurant concept in his native Del Ray. He said he’s already being courted by potential investors/new business partners, but Reid insists on remaining focused on Del Merei until the lights officially go out.

Those who’d like to keep track of the chef after the 24th can always do so on his personal Twitter (@delmeric).

–Warren

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Adult novelty store heats up hundreds of Manassas residents, Eating out? Be prepared for a possible 4% tax, GMU students break dodge ball World Record, and Potomac River looking good

nvmaDmiN1 — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:11:47 +0000

Adult novelty store heats up hundreds of Manassas residents

Inside NoVA

Eating out? Be prepared for a possible 4% tax

Wash Post

GMU students break dodge ball World Record

FFX Times

Potomac River looking good

FOX

Couture for Cuts

nvmaDmiN1 — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:30:13 +0000

(PRNewsFoto/BAND-AID(R) Brand Adhesive Bandages)

Hi there, shoppers! First of all, sorry, those of you who are dying to check out the new Sur La Table: I just learned last night that, due to construction delays, the store will not be opening Sept. 11, as was previously planned. The new opening date is TBD.

On a different note, though, now even boo-boos — you know, like the ones you get every time you put a new blade on your razor, or is that just me? — can be beautiful! Cynthia Rowley has teamed up with BAND-AID, designing couture for cuts! (Just in time for flu shot season.) And while the tins of the special “Dress-Up” bandages sell for $9.99 at cynthiarowley.com, you could be one of 250 lucky people to win a free set!

Good luck!

– Natalie Kaar

Ps. Don’t miss one heck of a hump day deal from Specialicious!

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Pet of the Month: September

nvmaDmiN1 — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:55:33 +0000

Sofie

English Bulldog

Sofie’s Most Lovable Characteristic: Dominatrix personality

Most Memorable Pet Moment: “Sofie is always abusing her older brother Herbert, and this time decided to sit on him!”

Pet of the Month: August ...
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Proposal of the Month: September

nvmaDmiN1 — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:49:38 +0000

The Couple: Amanda and Amir Bayati

Engagement Date: December 2008

Wedding Date: July 25, 2009

The Proposal (as told by Jessica): “The night started with a trip to the ice skating rink on the National Mall in Washington, DC across from the National Archives. Surprisingly the temperature was 60 degrees on December 10, 2009! I was then taken to dinner at a DC classic restaurant – Old Ebbitts Grill. Because the weather was so warm, he suggested we take a trip to the place of our first date, the Jefferson Memorial. It was there that he got down on one knee & asked me to marry him.”

Vendor Recommendations:
Reception site: Evergreen Country Club in Haymarket, VA
Band/DJ: GS Productions: Greg Sanchez
Rehearsal Dinner: The Hyatt – Fair Lakes
Gown: The Bridal Closet in Vienna, VA
Tuxedo Rental: Men’s Warehouse
Cake: Yas Persian Bakery
Florist: Annandale Florist
Photographer: Robert Holley
Videographer: Tripod Productions
Invitations Source: Julia’s Poppies Design

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Nichols Hardware store owner and wife die in crash, store’s fate unknown, VA women earn $0.81 to every $1 men earn, Leesburg boy, 15, accused of pointing laser at inbound plane, and I-495 and I-66 drivers get hit with upcoming nightly lane closures

nvmaDmiN1 — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:39:39 +0000

Nichols Hardware store owner and wife die in crash, store’s fate unknown

Wash Post

VA women earn $0.81 to every $1 men earn

FOX

Leesburg boy, 15, accused of pointing laser at inbound plane

LTM

I-495 and I-66 drivers get hit with upcoming nightly lane closures

WAMU

Bring Your Own…Rice

nvmaDmiN1 — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:25:49 +0000

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Another Little Red Book reader, Jess, e-mailed me two of her dating experiences. She gave the guy a shot but in the end cut her losses. All names have been changed. Read on.

“Barry asked me out on a dinner date in Alexandria for a recent Friday night. He told me he’d get in touch with me that afternoon to confirm the time. It was a disappointment from the beginning because I didn’t hear from the sketchball until 6:30, that evening. In fact, I had gone to get a pedicure at 6 since it was getting late, and I thought he had forgotten. Finally, he picked me up at my apartment and we rode the metro (cheap) and headed straight for a bar. He knew I hadn’t eaten and knew I was hungry. I was really looking forward to a relaxing dinner, but instead found myself staring at an ordinary plate of chicken quesadillas in a crowded bar surrounded by loud guys watching UFC all night.” –Jess

She went out with him again, and this date is even weirder.

“I ran into Barry after working out at the gym one evening. I was on my way to grab dinner at my favorite post-gym establishment, Whole Foods, and Barry asked if he could join me since he hadn’t eaten dinner. We were in Whole Foods when he reached into his backpack and pulled out an Uncle Ben’s Rice microwaveable pouch and was about to warm it up in the microwave. I was completely flabbergasted that someone would be so cheap to actually bring food into a grocery store. When I asked him why he was doing this, he explained, “Whole Foods is expensive, and I can save a few bucks by bringing in my own rice.” I was so embarrassed that I decided to take my food home and eat by myself.” –Jess

Thanks for sharing your stories, Jess. Both of them showed his lack of interest in the dining experience, which is a turn off. Although those Uncle Ben’s pouches are quick, that move was tasteless. In fact, does Whole Foods even sell this product? I can’t blame you for taking your groceries to go. Readers, do you think Barry was being rude, cheap or simply frugal in these hard economic times? Share your responses and/or stories at littleredbook@northernvirginiamag.com.

–Katie

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Sur La Table Closes Temporarily

nvmaDmiN1 — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:30:12 +0000

Exclusive Le Creuset Lilac cookware at surlatable.com

Good morning, shoppers! I hope you all had a fabulous holiday weekend. For those of you who experienced a little barbecue envy over the past few days and plan to head to Sur La Table in Tysons to even the score with some shiny new tools, sorry, but no such luck. That is at least for a few days.

The cooks’ favorite store has closed its original location upstairs in Tysons Galleria but will open a fabulous new space downstairs, next to Macy’s, on Saturday, Sept. 11 soon, due to construction delays. Some of the special features to look forward to in the new location include an expanded knife selection, an expanded cook’s tools collection, an interactive espresso station, a Thermador cooktop and oven, an exclusive new glassware collection from Schott Zweisel, can’t-find-elsewhere items from Le Creuset and welcoming French design details that could just about urge anyone to slap on an apron.

Looking for love? They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and I’d say the same goes for a girl. Perhaps a stop at the mall should be scheduled pre-/post-football fun this weekend? Of course, you could always shop online now; Sur La Table’s website is also better than ever.

– Natalie Kaar

Ps. Today’s the last day to have Bellissimo in Fairfax cook for you for half off, thanks to Specialicious!

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Labor Day Sales Part Deux

nvmaDmiN1 — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:30:54 +0000

Happy Labor Day, shoppers! If you’ve already plowed through the list of Labor Day Sales discussed last week, here are a few more to enjoy! In random order …

Bloomingdales: It’s time for the Big Brown Bag Sale, which means savings of 20-40 percent on select merchandise, plus an additional 20 percent off online with the code “BIG20.”

Pottery Barn: Save up to 75 percent on all kinds of home items, in stores and online today.

Aerie.com: Enjoy 20 percent off plus free shipping with the code 57345217.

Calvinklein.com: Save an additional 30 percent on already-reduced styles for men, women, kids and the home.

Williams-sonoma.com: Score a 15-percent discount on all flatware, dinnerware, glassware and linens with the code “LABORDAY15.”

Bananarepublic.com: Save with code “DL1GHBY7NN3L.” The question is how much. It could grant you 15, 25 or 50 percent off!

Happy shopping!

– Natalie Kaar

Ps. You can also score some primo Italian for a discount thanks to Specialicious!

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