Posts Tagged ‘Falls Church’
Just In: 2941 Opens Monday, January 30th
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
After passing all of its inspections, 2941 will start serving its new upper-scale Mediterranean menu in the renovated space this coming Monday.
Look for more details later today (menu items!) and check out NVM’s interview with Chef Bertrand Chemel about the economy’s impact on losing its French fine dining label.
Photo by Sally Traynham
First Look at Renovated 2941: Battered Economy Led to Dismissal of Fancy French Restaurant
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
“The French isn’t going to die. It’s still me cooking,” Chef Bertrand Chemel says, defending his menu change at 2941. The Falls Church restaurant closed last year to renovate the kitchen and to rework the entire menu, turning from fancy French to upper-scale Mediterranean. Chemel expects 2941 to reopen next week.
“For about four years we tried to change the perception,” the French chef admits about his struggling high-end restaurant. “People come here for celebrations and at the end of it, their check was high and that was the only thing they remembered.”
The economy played a role in Chemel’s decision to temporarily shutter the restaurant, acknowledging that selling a tasting menu in this climate–and in Falls Church–wasn’t working any longer. But the dramatic act of closing also let him finally shift attitudes. “We tried to do so many different types of menus and different types of advertisements, but it never changed,” Chemel says, adding, “We do run a business and it shows over the years that the percentage of tasting menu we used to sell, to now, declined a lot.”
With his kitchen equipment starting to break about two years ago, and the battered economy impacting sales about a year ago, Chemel used the opportunity to campaign for his updated restaurant.
Although, the menu won’t reveal a complete change as Chemel has been showcasing pasta dishes for years. The new 2941 will unveil different types of pasta, including buckwheat and chickpea. Another shift stems from ingredients. Before the renovation, only 20 percent of 2941′s ingredients came from local sources. That number will now jump to 50-60 percent.
Local sourcing, however, doesn’t translate to local drinking. Chemel hasn’t warmed to Virginia wines. “It’s very hard to sell to a guest a Virginia wine that we [buy at] $40 a bottle, and after we do the mark-up, they can have another one that comes from California and the quality will be much better,” says Chemel.
Creativity still reigns in 2941′s blended Italian-Spanish-South of France-American restaurant. ”If they like the dishes I used to make on the tasting menu, I think they will enjoy it as a la carte size or appetizer size,” says Chemel, noting he’ll transfer some of his tasting menu dishes to the standing menu. “What I think those people are looking [for] is to come to a beautiful place, but still to have the same quality food.”
But that doesn’t mean white tablecloths and what New Times food critic Melissa McCart terms, “dinner prison.” “People don’t want to stay two or three hours at the table,” Chemel observes, “and that’s the thing that changed from a long time ago.” Of course though, it will all circle back. “I think food is like cosmetics and clothing,” Chemel opines, ” it’s always going to come back.”
Chemel’s not too saddened about the change though,”I try to make myself happy to make my guests happy. I will still do fine dining, but in a more casual way [with] more friendly service, not surly service…” The native French-speaking chef then quickly chimes in, “I’m not sure about the exact wording.”
View the photos here.
Photos by Sally Traynham
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Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
This lake front property has fabulous views and plenty of space to enjoy them, inside and out. If the spectacular scenery doesn’t wow you, the gorgeous swimming pool and decadent waterfront lot will.
Address: 3614 Boat Dock Drive, Falls Church, VA 22041
Photo Courtesy TTR Sotheby's International Realty
List Number: FX7636873
List Price: Offered at $5,200,000
Home Stats:
• 8,627 square feet of living area
• 6 bedrooms
• 6.5 bathrooms
• 300+ feet of lake frontage
• Swimming pool
• Dock, patios, balconies
• Additional waterfront lot included
Take the virtual tour.
Contact Info:
Roy Melloni; TTR Sotheby’s International Realty; 703-863-0077; www.roymelloni.com
Christmas Countdown: Reason for the Season
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Friday, December 9th, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
With the hustle and bustle of searching for the perfect presents, hanging Christmas lights and traveling out of town, it can be easy to go through this season without stopping to consider the reason we’re celebrating.
The Heckmans at their new island home. / Photo courtesy of: Craig and Sara Heckman.
For former Falls Church residents Craig and Sarah Heckman, they’re not letting anything sidetrack them from spreading the true meaning of Christmas, and the good news of Jesus.
After applying to and getting accepted as World Teach volunteers on the small island of Kosrae, they packed up their suitcases, sold what they could and said their goodbyes as they began their new adventure as teachers/missionaries in Micronesia.
Where in the world is Micronesia? Here it is. / Photo courtesy of: Craig and Sarah Heckman.
Over the past six months, they’ve had plenty of opportunities to share the message of God’s love with the students and families on the island through personal relationships, school activities and, most recently, an after-school Bible study called T.G.I.F. Club.
Sarah and her students at Kosrae High School. / Photo courtesy of: Craig and Sarah Heckman.
Through their “Step of Faith” blog, the Heckmans have chronicled their journey from Virginia across the world. “Living in a place of such busyness, it is easy to lose perspective on what really matters in life,” says Sarah, just a few weeks before leaving Virginia. “God has given us the opportunity to take a step of faith by moving to Micronesia, and we are DOING IT!”
This December, the Heckmans are taking on yet another opportunity to live out their faith with The Grace Project. “We are hoping to give a little piece of grace to 240 students at Kosrae High School,” says the Heckmans. “The central idea of the “talks” [at T.G.I.F.] is grace. We are introducing them to the man of Jesus and explaining to them who he is, why he is vital in life and how he can offer a life of security and fulfillment.”
Through The Grace Project, the Heckmans hope to portray the idea of grace by collecting care packages from friends and family in the United States and passing them out to the high schoolers. “Once we receive your care package we are going to add a Bible to it and give it to the students at Kosrae High School,” says Sarah Heckman in a short video here. “The package will symbolize grace because it is a free gift … and all we hope the student will do is accept the gift and begin a relationship with the person giving the gift.”
Craig sharing a Bible lesson with the islanders. / Photo courtesy of: Craig and Sarah Heckman.
Already, 60 packages filled with various small toys and goodies have been sent to Kosrae. “God has proven yet again that He WILL provide,” says Craig Heckman. “Hold on to your boot straps, folks, God is up to something awesome!”
Interested in becoming part of The Grace Project? Check out the Heckmans’ video blog post, plus here’s a list of what to include in each package:
- Multiple fun gifts
- 3 notes of encouragement*
- 3 pictures of yourself/family/small group*
- 3 note cards with contact info*
- 3 notes of encouragement*
- 3 pictures of yourself/family/small group*
- 3 note cards with contact info*
- Home address, church address, e-mail address, or facebook account
*Each package will be split and divided to share with 3 students.
The students pose for a picture. / Photo courtesy of: Craig and Sarah Heckman.
Below, the Heckmans provide a list with ideas of what to fill the box with:
- Bath and Body Works – Yes, you are allowed to ship lotion, spray and body wash.
- Nail Polish
- Hair Accessories
- Purses
- Jewelry (Yes, they – girls and boys – have pierced ears.)
- DVDs
- CDs
- School supplies
- Books
- Gently used clothes (Remember, it’s hot and humid all the time.)
- Snacks (They love American food. Please make sure its something that won’t spoil.)
- Cologne/Axe spray (The guys like to smell fresh too, but, please, no glass bottles.)
- Word Search/Sudoku books
- Journals
- Razors (for girls and boys)
- Shampoo/Conditioner (the fun smelling stuff!)
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Manicure/Pedicures supplies
Please mail the packages [flat-rate shipping] to:
Craig and Sarah Heckman
P.O. Box 263
Tofol, Kosrae FM 96944
*Please have package shipped by December 15, 2011*
Craig and Sarah Heckman
P.O. Box 263
Tofol, Kosrae FM 96944
*Please have package shipped by December 15, 2011*
For more Christmas-themed posts, check our blog next week for where Santa and his elves will be hanging out in NoVa.
–Lorin Drinkard
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
ALICITA®Salsa announced today that all five flavors of their tangy, not–too–hot staple will now be available at TODOS Market in Woodbridge.
In September of this year, TODOS was named a finalist in UVA’s 2nd Annual Toyloe Murphey Resilience Competition. Carlos Castro and his team were honored along with the other finalists for their continued efforts and remaining resilient in harsh economic times. TODOS has also just opened a brand new 50,000 sq. ft. market in the Marumsco Plaza in Woodbridge. Come check out the new store and be sure to grab some of our delicious ALICITA®Salsa.
In addition to their not-too-hot Original, made from a Kansas heartland family-owned recipe and named after mother Alice who now resides in Maryland, Alicita*Salsa® offers a flavorful array of four international tastes – Japan, Germany, India, and Greece – and will be releasing several new flavors being kept under wraps, very soon.
“We’ve had great success with each new flavor we release,” stated Alicita’s founder and owner, Suzanne Fields, “I am confident in Alicita’s ability to continue producing salsa that is neither too hot for children, nor too bland for adults. We want the entire family to enjoy our product.”
Alicita*Salsa® comes in 12-oz jars with wide mouths for easy dipping and first of its kind; unique 4-oz dipping cups; Snackitas™ perfect for packed lunches, food service, take-outs and more! Alicita*Salsa® can also be found in Giant Food stores as well as select local Walmart’s. Watch your local groceries for these healthy, diverse salsa flavors which are sure to be the stars of your next meal.
Alicita*Salsa® is a privately held company that donates part of its proceeds to over 20 Children’s Charities, such as Feed The Children,St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Food Allergy Network, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and others.
– Jennie Whistler
Pajama Brunch at Virtue Feed and Grain
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
Virtue Feed and Grain in Alexandria
At Virtue Feed and Grain, wearing your pajamas is not only encouraged, but rewarded!
On the first Sunday of every month, Virtue Feed and Grain is going to be offering a pajama brunch where you can enjoy traditional Irish breakfast, great beer and live music- all in your coziest pair of jammies!
And on Sunday, December 4th, Virtue Feed and Grain will host the Georgetown Saxatones, who will perform some of their greatest hits for Virtue’s guests.
The Georgetown Saxatones are the newest co-ed a cappella group on Georgetown’s campus. Originally founded as an oldies group in 2000, the Saxatones have expanded their repertoire to include everything from Motown to Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette to Stevie Wonder, and Timbaland to Taylor Swift. The Saxatones were created with the purpose of serving the community through performance and music, and regularly partner with organizations both on the Hilltop and in the greater DC region.
Virtue Feed and Grain is the latest culinary endeavor from Chef Cathal Armstrong and his business partner/wife Meshelle. Specializing in modern American “pub grub,” Virtue is the ideal spot for a relaxing Sunday brunch. Chef Ryan Wheeler compiled a menu based on all time brunch favorites, including Corned Beef Hash with poached egg, French Toast with bacon and even the traditional Irish Breakfast, a nod to Chef Armstrong’s upbringing in Dublin.
Priced at $23 per person, prix fixe brunch includes coffee & juice, your main course, and the morning spread: assorted pastries, organic yogurt with various fruit fillings, assorted cereals, fruit salad, cured meets, cheese, smoked salmon, fresh bread and other goodies—the perfect way to get your appetite going.
Virtue Feed and Grain - 106 S. Union St., Alexandria; (571)970.3669
– Jennie Whistler
Del Ray’s Pork Barrel BBQ Opens Today!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
Image: Rebecca Armendariz/TBD
In 2008, Pork Barrel BBQ founders Heath Hall and Brett Thompson released their company’s first product – the All-American Spice Rub. The brand has grown and, since 2009, Hall and Thompson have entered a competition barbecue team in contests, beginning with the Safeway National Capital Barbecue Battle in D.C. They even have their own fragrance – “Que.”
The Alexandria restaurant, which opens today, is another first for the company.
The first Pork Barrel BBQ restaurant opens today at 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Rey neighborhood of Alexandria. It’s been over two years since the venture was first announced in August 2009.
Also news is that they’ve brought aboard former Evening Star Café chef, Will Artley, as a consultant to share his knowledge of operating a restaurant and even offering tweaks to the side dishes — including what co-owner Brett Thompson calls an “off-the-charts” rendition of mac-n-cheese.
Pork Barrel BBQ Ribs!
Northern Virginia has been waiting a long time for great BBQ, and I, for one, am looking forward to filling that BBQ void with sumptuous pulled pork, ribs, brisket, chicken and special recipe sausage and sides like BBQ baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, corn salad and mac & cheese!
Opening today! Go get your BBQ on!
Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant - 2312 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria
Visit their Facebook page or website for more information!
– Jennie Whistler
Posted by Lynn Norusis / Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
Falls Church robbers duplicating bank cards
Metro closing some stations this weekend
Osbourn Park teacher wins national award
Loudoun teacher allegedly found drunk at school, resigns
Arlington police make special delivery to Good Samaritans
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, November 11th, 2011
Bayou Bakery in Arlington
It’s better than the Armegeddon- it’s 11/11/11!
Seriously though, this day only comes around once every 100 years so let’s make it a good day!
Celebrate tonight, the eleventh day in the eleventh month in the two-thousand eleventh year with Bayou Bakery in Arlington!
Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery is hosting good friend and loyal guest Ken Matthews and his band, the Laissez Foure, for a night of complimentary live jazz music, and the first music act for the eatery. Not only that, but all night long starting at 5PM Bayou Bakery will be serving up their already famous New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp at the regular price of $14, but you can snag a second order for $11 (get it?) for this once in a lifetime night.
And don’t forget, they do $10 pitchers of Abita Amber every Friday night that are even better when poured next to a plate of BBQ Shrimp.
Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery is the first DC establishment to offer authentic delectable southern sweets with a selection of savory casual eats. From hot sandwiches on New Orleans-style French Bread to Boudin and Andouille sausages to their famous savory Breakfast Biscuits, Bayou Bakery is taking Southern food by storm. And that’s not all—Beignets and Chicory-Coffee Pralines, layered cakes, pies, puddings, Heavenly Hash- oh my!
So come on out tonight to celebrate this once in a lifetime event! Literally.
For more information visit their website at www.bayoubakeryva.com.
Bayou Bakery – 1515 N Courthouse Road, Arlington
(703)243.2410
– Jennie Whistler
Arlington’s Artisphere Hosts a Cultural Milestone, and Other Weekend Events
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, November 4th, 2011
Friday, Nov. 4, 2011
Have you ever seen those signs that list a town’s “sister cities,” followed by a list of international places? Have you ever wondered exactly what “sister city” means?
I always assumed it was just a diplomatic formality. I had never heard of any official exchange between two such cities. But Arlington has truly put their sisterhood to good use.
Arlington’s first sister city, established 15 years ago, is Aachen, Germany. And now artists from Aachen are in Arlington, collaborating with Arlington’s own artists on mutual projects.
The German artists have been here since Oct. 28, and the finished exhibit goes on display this weekend at Artisphere. On Friday, Nov. 4 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the artists talk about the art they’ve created and give a tour of their cooperative workspace, a special event that is free and open to the public. On Saturday, Nov. 5, the finalized exhibit opens, and will be displayed until Dec. 11. The exhibit’s title is “Project 2011: Face to Face.”
The same Arlington artists were actually in Aachen earlier this year, in April. Together the artists worked on a special art project in a 17th-century monastery, a project that has now traveled to multiple European cities.
I can only hope other American cities take Arlington’s lead by fostering cultural exchanges with their own sister cities.
Another worthy artistic event this weekend is a new theatrical production meant to reveal the experiences of four women in Iran’s prisons, and thus shed light on the plight of all of Iran’s current prisoners.
The cast is made up of local students, whose ages range from elementary to high school. These same students intend to perform the play, titled “Azadee: Stories From Evin,” at the United Nations in March 2012. The production premiers Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Northern Virginia Baha’i Center in Sterling. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and proceeds fund the students’ trip to New York in March.
If you’re looking for music events, the Symphony Orchestra of Arlington begins its 2011-2012 season this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The performance consists of Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” and a new work by Washington composer Brian Wilbur Grundstrom. The new season kicks off at the James Lee Community Center Theater in Falls Church. The performance is preceded by a silent auction at 6:45 p.m.
–Matt Basheda
