Posts Tagged ‘local’
‘Tis the Season: Farmers Markets
Posted by Sally Traynham / Wednesday, April 25th, 2012
Farmers Market season is just around the corner and I am stoked.
Last week, while dining with a few friends, we debated about how crazy and demanding we Americans can be: we always want what we want, when we want it. We complain that tomatoes are flavorless when we choose to eat them during off-season or instead decide it’s worth exponentially increasing our carbon footprints by relying on the global market to produce these cravings by flying produce across the country.
We often don’t opt for a more seasonal solution. I’m definitely guilty.
‘Tis the start of a new season.
This realization is why I will buy more and enjoy local food this summer with a huge grin on my face. Here is a list of a just a few (we’ll pull together a full list for July’s print issue) of NoVA’s most popular farmers markets where you can soon find deliciously grown and cared-for produce, taking part in the local food movement within your community.
Arlington Farmers Market (Summer Season Begins: end of April)
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon in the Arlington County Courthouse Parking Lot, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington.
Falls Church Farmers Market (Summer Season Begin: end of April)
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon in the City Hall Parking Lot, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church.
Old Town Farmers Market (Summer Season Begins: end of April)
Saturdays from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Market Square, 301 King St., Alexandria.
Vienna Farmers Market (Summer Season Begin: May 5)
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon on Church St. between Mill and Dominion Streets NE, Vienna.
Reston Farmers Market (Summer Season Begin: May 5)
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at Lake Anne Village Center, Reston.
Photo: Sally Traynham
[tips for the food desk]
Spring Break Guide: On The Cheap
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
Save some money and have a ball. / Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Yan Lev
We know times can be tough (could gas be any more expensive right now?) but with the break from school and classes, it’s about time to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. (If you are hitting the road, check out our post for a few travel tips). Here are a few inexpensive ways to enjoy all that lovely free time:
Free:
- Hit up a local farmer’s market. Browse through all the yummy local produce, smell the pretty blooms and maybe even pet an animal or two. We love Cox Farms Market in Centreville with its great selection of jams, great playground area for the little ones and spring container gardens. The market opens for the season on April 5th.
- Get cultured at a local museum or art studio. We are lucky to have over 50 free museums and historical sites in NoVA. The Artisphere always has a ton of shows and exhibits that won’t cost you a penny. View Luis Sierra’s take on The Wizard of Oz with a prism twist, the Congressional Art Competition selections and more. McLean Project for the Arts is currently showing a youth art show and the Torpedo Factory has tons of great fiber and glass exhibits throughout the month. Or head to The Udvar-Hazy Center* in Chantilly for an up close look at air and space crafts. *While admission is free, parking is $15 so plan to visit after 4 pm.
$5 or less:
- Catch a flick at the Drafthouse. With a wide variety of films on screen (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Sitter and more), Arlington’s old school cinema showcase has $1 movie nights. Bypass The Hunger Games and that means date night could be $2, plus change left over for some Reeses Pieces or Milk Duds. Movies on Mondays are $1, Tuesday nights are $2. Head there Wednesday through Sunday night? Tickets bump up to $5.50.
- Make like the 80s and hit a roller skating rink. Reminisce over middle school birthday parties and holding hands during slow songs at Skate-N-Fun Zone. Tuesday nights at the Manassas are just $5 a person, including skate rentals, play zone and four tokens. They also have laser tag on Wednesday nights for $4, plus $1.99. Although it’s technically above the $5 max, it’s still a heck of a good deal.
$10 or less:
- Hunt for marshmallows. Really get into the spring of things (pun intended) by heading to Great County Farms for their 9th annual search for the fluffy white goodness. The marshmallows are usually ready for picking on or around April 1st. To make it even better, Great County Farms also has daily Easter egg hunts for the kiddos. With four separate hunts (separated by age groups), there’s no egg shortage here. Advanced tickets are recommended and can be bought online here.
- Jump and then jump some more. If you like trampolines, you’ll love rebounding. What’s rebounding? Glad you asked – it’s basically a room full of connected trampolines that allows you to freely run, jump and flip for 60 minutes at a time. Rebounderz in Sterling has the market cornered on this fantastic idea. With under $10 deals running from Monday through Thursday nights, you may just have to go more than once.
$20 or less:
- Get your roller coaster fix. For a limited time, Six Flags will be offering up deeply discounted tickets ($20 per person) for the park’s opening day this season. With more than 100 rides to choose from, this deal’s too good to pass up. Tickets are available online here (select “buy tickets now” under daily tickets and choose opening day) and at the Main Gate on March 31st.
- Grab a few drinks at a tiki bar and bask in the sunshine. So you can’t head to Bora Bora? No problemo. NoVA has plenty of hot spots with cool drinks that will have you forgetting you’re still landlocked. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack anyone? For a full list, check out over here.
For more spring break goodness, check out our Ultimate Spring Break Guide, Gut Check’s recommended eats, SWAG’s spring style deals and steals, plus stop by our blog daily.
– Lorin Drinkard
Posted by Geoff Nelowet / Monday, March 5th, 2012
The Virginia Primary Race is boiling over. We tapped local political bloggers to get their take.
Even though it failed, why do you think the Republicans tried to place a loyalty oath on the primary ballot in the first place?
“Lloyd the Idiot,”
blogger, Too Conservative
“The oath is not just ineffective but counterproductive. Anyone who would cross party lines just to vote for a weaker candidate is not likely to be bothered by disregarding a loyalty pledge in the general election. It chills the vote of Republicans of conscience who, while otherwise interested in casting a vote in the primary, are bothered by the fact that they may be pledged to support someone they voted against.”
Liz “Doorbell Queen” Miller
blogger, Doorbell Queen
“That stems from the perennial paranoia in political parties that their opponents will game the system. The same folks tend to believe in voter fraud, even though voter fraud is a vanishingly rare phenomenon. Amazingly, even when they DO have a loyalty oath, they seldom enforce it, and generally welcome back oath breakers with open arms.”
Lowell Feld
editor, Blue Virginia
“[Loyalty oaths are] common in Virginia, among both parties, due to the fact that Virginia doesn’t have registration by party, and given the parties’ desire to keep outsiders from disrupting their nomination contests. For instance, there’s a ‘loyalty oath’ you need to sign to vote in the Arlington [Democratic] caucus …for County Board.”
Why do you think Gingrich, Perry and Santorum waited so long try to get their names on the primary ballot?
Miles Grant
blogger at The Green Miles
“You have to wonder how candidates who can’t put together an organization to perform the simple task of collecting petition signatures can be taken seriously to run the country. The lawsuits seem less like a serious effort to get on the ballot and more like damage control after the incident spotlighted how the primary process marginalizes Virginia voters. Candidates have to put all their stock into winning states like Iowa and New Hampshire or they’ll be dismissed as toast long before they get to Virginia, and that’s a shame considering Virginia is much more reflective of the broad concerns of America.”
Lowell Feld
editor, Blue Virginia
“The bottom line is that the rules were the same for everyone, and really not THAT difficult considering how many other candidates have managed it over the years. …Seems like incompetence to me.”
Posted by Geoff Nelowet / Friday, March 2nd, 2012
Floridastock/Krasowit/Retroclipart/Shutterstock
1 Rolling drug lab
Loudoun: Leesburg
What started off as a report of a stolen car from Indiana ended up leading Leesburg police to a potential roving meth lab. After receiving an On-Star alert, police went to check the car, and upon further inspection noticed a
certain odor along with paraphernalia typically used in making methamphetamines. A male and female, thought to be associated with the car, had their apartment searched, leading to the discovery of a substance believed to be methamphetamine.
2 Ray’s gets a bistro
Arlington: Courthouse
Michael Landrum is expanding on his oh-so-popular Ray’s brand with a new bistro that opened earlier this year, adjacent to Ray’s the Steaks. The bistro, Retro Ray’s, is dipping into the nostalgic menu of Ray’s the Steak from 2005, featuring the same dishes and prices. No reservations will be taken, so diners should just drop in during the dinner hours Tuesday through Saturday.
3 HPV, make up your mind
Virginia: Statewide
One of the first orders of business during the Virginia State General Assembly session repealed the law mandating all girls receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Interesting to note is that Virginia (in 2007) was the first state in the nation to mandate the vaccine.
4 National influx
Fairfax: West Springfield
Patrons of Huntsman Park were treated to an unusual sighting earlier this year when dozens of bald eagles decided to take up residency in the lake. Although a grand vision, Fairfax County Natural Resource Specialist Charles Smith told ABC7, “The birds have now cleaned up the water column and removed the fish, and the food is gone so the eagles are moving on.”
5 Realing in a record
Prince William: Manassas
Manassas native Cary Wolfe will be on the books for snagging the largest catch in Virginia while fishing at Long Bay Pointe Marina in Virginia Beach. Wolfe pulled in an angler weighing 74 pounds, and measuring 57 3/4 inches long with a girth of 32 inches.
6 Guilty of murder over love
Stafford: Fredericksburg
Ashleigh Nicole Dye, 18, of Fredericksburg, pleaded guilty to killing her mother because she stood in the way of her true love. The boyfriend, Eddie Chewning, 19, is accused of helping in the plan, but does not yet have a court date set. Dye faces life in prison and will be sentenced April 20.
7 Woman shoots own dog
Alexandria: Eisenhower Avenue
An Alexandria woman was faced with a decision no one should ever have to decide: Shoot her own dog, or let her partner be mauled by it. The dog, which was adopted from a local rescue group, went after the man after he moved one of the dog’s toys. The woman tried to restrain the animal but was unsuccessful in her efforts. No charges have been filed.
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, September 30th, 2011
Piccomolo in Fair Oaks Mall
I know, it’s not really ice cream weather anymore but I, for one, can always be talked into a sweet treat. And Piccomolo is where I love to go to get my fix!
According to their website, gelato is the stuff of legends. Supposedly created in northern Italy, in the small town of Dolomite, gelato was served during the winter seasons to tourists traveling through the mountains. Over the years, sales of this sweet, cold treat became such an attraction that it developed into the main source of income for the people of Dolomite. However, since only tourists and privileged families could afford it, gelato artisans began migrating throughout Europe, spreading the word of their invention everywhere they went.
The reason I love this particular gelateria is because, like me, they always want to know exactly what’s going into their food. Not only do they always use all-natural ingredients, but their gelato is naturally sucrose-free (that means no added sugar, kids) and low in cholesterol. It’s sort of a way to have your cake and eat it too.
And just because it is naturally low in sugar doesn’t mean they skimp on the taste. Real, natural fruit creates real big flavors like harvest peach, mango and strawberry kiwi. All their ice cream is made fresh daily and flavors rotate so you’ll rarely see the same selection twice.
Strawberry kiwi and chocolate-strawberry swirl = yum
Did I mention that all their “sorbetto” (fruit gelato) is non-dairy and fat-free?
Even the dairy gelato, with decadent flavors such as peanut butter, coconut and fudge use all natural ingredients, real milk and does not contain any preservatives.
Check out their cute little graph, telling you exactly why their gelato is fat and carb smart.
Piccomolo used to have a store in Old Town Fairfax, but has recently shut down for reasons unknown. So now, with only one VA location in Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, I can only hope that word spreads of how awesome this place is and more start popping up. Until then, visit the mall, make a day out of it and rest assured you can enjoy this treat guilt-free! Check out our list of more yummy gelato joints in your area here!
Piccomolo - 11931U Fair Oaks Mall
– Jennie Whistler
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, September 22nd, 2011
Harris Teeter Grand Opening
Harris Teeter is proud to announce the opening of the company’s fourth store in Ashburn, VA on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. The company will be celebrating the grand opening and honoring its customers with a variety of weekend activities during consecutive weekends following the grand opening. Store Manager Rodger Holman invites shoppers to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony at 8 a.m.on Oct. 5. Attendees can also meet the new management team, as well as be the first to shop the brand new facility.
Goose Creek Villages Harris Teeter, 42780 Creek View Plaza. Ashburn, VA 20147
Opening Date:
Oct. 5, 2011 at 8 a.m.: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Event Dates:
Oct. 7 – 9: e-VIC Mobile signing-up customers
Oct. 14 – 16: Harris Teeter Rancher Mobile Grill onsite
Oct. 21 – 23: Harris Teeter Ice Cream Truck onsite
University Mall Theatres
University Mall Theatres in Fairfax, VA show slightly older movies for just $4 every night! And join them every Tuesday for their Two Buck Tuesday deals- where all day and all night, every movie is only $2! Playing this weekend through the rest of next week: Cowboys and Aliens, The Smurfs, Horrible Bosses, Zookeeper, Mr. Popper’s Penguin and Bridesmaids. Also check out their website for group deals, film clubs and more!
NoVA Living Social Deals
Don’t miss out on today’s Living Social deal- $5 for $10 worth of money to spend at Nielsen’s Frozen Custard!
Housed in an old-fashioned-looking brick building in Vienna with wood floors, lazily turning fans and historic photos of the Tyson’s area, Nielsen’s has become a magnet for kids, parents and seniors alike. Real dairy cream, rich eggs, and other natural ingredients make this the most popular treat in town! Their homemade frozen custard is made fresh every few hours right in the store! Follow them on Twitter to see what new flavors they come up with next!
1/2 Price Entrees at the Tortilla Factory
Located in Herdon, The Tortilla Factory has delighted the Washington Metropolitan Area with the finest Mexican food this side of the border since 1975. They have something for everyone- from delicious Margaritas, to tasty enchiladas, to vegetarian options, to kid’s meals. Go here to print out coupons for ½ price entrées and more!
– Jennie Whistler
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
House Charcuterie
Vermilion was named as one of the region’s best restaurants for a reason. All rustic charm and exposed brick, Vermilion is not just offering up great food and atmosphere, but using local and farm-raised products whenever possible. Last night I had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to not only get a taste of Vermilion’s Farm to Table tasting menu, but to sit down with the woman who’s farm made it all possible.
Elaine Boland is the owner of Fields of Athenry, a family-inspired farm where they serve the local community through pasture-raised antibiotic and hormone-free meats and other fine foods. As she says herself, Fields of Athenry Farm didn’t start out with a mission, but it has one today.
Boland’s personal quest for a more natural and holistic healing method began when her second youngest daughter became ill more than eight years ago. After bouncing around from doctor to doctor, she began a personal quest to explore the “relationship between the foods we eat and chronic diseases such as allergies, obesity, depression, cancer, autism and more.” The farm became more about focusing on “whole foods” grown the way nature intended- including hormone-free meats, raw milk and cheeses, pesticide-free produce and nutrient-dense stocks.
“Here at the farm we believe in healthy eating as the first and foremost preventative measure to many illnesses,” she states. And according to her, her daughter’s health has taken a 360 degree turnaround.
Thus began her quest to share her passion with others. Enter Executive Chef Anthony Chittum and the Farm Table concept.
Chittum understands and appreciates the value of having fresh local ingredients at his disposal- and he doesn’t take it for granted. The Farm Table at Vermilion is a commitment to the local farmers, purveyors and foragers who consistently provide an amazing array of regionally grown goods. Offered just two nights a week, these intimate dinner parties (of only 2-6 people) are both prepared and served by Chef Chittum, and focus squarely on the very best of the week’s local produce. Dedicated to those equally committed to their craft, The Farm Table will present an unequaled opportunity to dine with the chef at his best, share his stories and to explore his changing inspirations.
The Farm Table at Vermilion combines Chef Chittum’s expertise with Boland’s fresh meats and produce to create a tasting menu you won’t soon forget. Our menu last night consisted of 7 courses, starting with grass-fed beef Carpaccio and ending with a homemade apple pie “bar” served with a variety of flavored ice cream, whipped cream, sauces and nut toppings. Heaven.
And in between, a variety of dishes so artfully prepared that they were as pretty to look at as they were delicious.
One of my favorites- a squid ink tagliarini, made with Atlantic squid two ways, minced Thai chilies and a house-made lamb pancetta. It had just the right amount of heat from the chilies and richness from the lamb pancetta to make it a truly inspired dish.
The last meat course was a lamb porterhouse, inspired by Chef Chittum’s fiance’s Greek heritage. Boland is particularly proud of their pasture-fed lamb meat and I could see why. Served with a crispy loukaniko “cannelloni” and an heirloom tomato salad, this lamb was one of the best chops I had ever tasted- tender, juicy and cooked to perfection. Even though I was already so full by this time, I still ate every single bite.
Lamb Porterhouse with flavors from Syros
I highly recommend that, at least once, you treat yourself to this brilliant menu and concept. Spend a few extra dollars and get the wine pairings as well- you won’t be disappointed. It’s amazing how the right wine can not only complement an already-perfect dish, but elevate it as well. Trust me, you’re in good hands at Vermilion.
The Farm Table is available Tuesday and Wednesday evenings with one seating at 6:30 p.m. They welcome parties of 2 to 6 people, and the meal is typically six to eight courses and ranges from $75 to $90 per person. Menus are posted two days in advance, limiting the number of allergy or dietary requests we can accommodate. For more information or reservations, call 703.684.9669 or visit their website here.
For more information about Fields of Athenry Farm, go here.
– Jennie Whistler
Celebrate the Harvest This Week in Middleburg
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, September 9th, 2011
(Image Andrimka/Shutterstock)
Whenever summer ends, I always feel a little blue. But one of the reasons I look forward to fall is all the festivals and events that begin celebrating the best part of the season- the food.
Starting today and continuing through the 18th Celebrate the Harvest Week is back in Middleburg, VA and it’s your chance to sample the region’s best food and wine!
The restaurants of Middleburg, Virginia, in the heart of Hunt Country, will recognize the year’s bountiful harvest by offering special dishes on their menus featuring fresh and local produce, meats, cheeses, wines and other edibles. Celebrate the Harvest Week aims to bring together local farmers, vintners and food artisans with the town’s restaurateurs, who are excited to showcase locally produced goods. The campaign is part of an ongoing cooperative effort to promote local, fresh and seasonal foods.
“Celebrate the Harvest Week is a great way to support local restaurants and purveyors,” said Marny Birkitt, co-owner of The French Hound Restaurant and an organizer of the event. “This event will give patrons an opportunity to experience the wonderful food and wine that Virginia’s Piedmont region has to offer.”
Marny also said that this year, at the French Hound, they will be featuring a lot of fresh, local herbs within their dishes that will pair perfectly with haricots verts and roasted half-chicken from Ayrshire Farms, located right down the street. The Farm is a certified organic farm, specializing in rare and endangered breeds of livestock and heirloom fruits and vegetables. Their
Got a sweet tooth? Don’t forget dessert! Be sure to finish off your evening with a visit to The Upper Crust bakery, located on North Pendleton Street. They will be featuring their apple, walnut and caramel spice cake with locally grown Virginia apples- I’m assured it’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Here is a complete list of participating restaurants- call today to make your reservations!
Backstreet Cafe – 540.687.3122
Dank’s Deli – 540.687.3456
The Fox Den Tavern – 540.687.4165
The French Hound - 540.687.3018
Home Farm - 540.687.8882
Julien’s Restaurant -540.687.3123
Market Salamander - 540.687.8011
Mello Out - 540.687.8635
The Red Fox Inn - 540.687.6301
The Red Horse Tavern – 540.687.6443
Teddy’s Pizza & Subs – 540.687.8880
The Upper Crust – 540.687.5666
Also, during Celebrate the Harvest week, be on the lookout for Middleburg’s first Celebration Saturday event. Starting September 17, the town of Middleburg will come alive the third Saturday of each month through December. Celebration Saturdays will feature local musicians and artists as well as unique shopping and dining. Many shops and galleries in town will stay open until 7 p.m. during this special event series.
Celebrate the Harvest Week and Celebration Saturdays are hosted by Middleburg businesses and sponsored by the Middleburg Business and Professional Association. Visit www.townofmiddleburg.org today for more information!!
– Jennie Whistler
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Monday, July 25th, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Missing Baltimore baby & sitter found in D.C.
Washington Post
Airports board agrees to aboveground rail station
Fairfax Times
Arlington Police seek bilingual volunteers
WJLA
Springfield man arrested in dad’s murder
WTOP
Norway Attack Suspect To Be Arraigned At Closed Hearing
WUSA9
AP says NFL & players have agreed to deal
Fox
Virginia tops region in slashing impaired-driving crashes
Examiner
Who Needs BYOB When You Can PYOP?
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Tucked in the middle of Old Town Fairfax sits Paint Your Own Pottery, a quaint, sorbet-colored brick studio that is bursting with charm and personality. From the twinkle lights framing the front window to the brightly colored checkered floor, it practically begs you to come inside, pick up a brush and get to painting.
No Michelangelo-like skills needed here. Over the past fifteen years, owner Susanna Ekvall’s shop has welcomed any and everyone, whether you’re a kindergarten watercolor genius or just looking to do something a little crafty. From cups and saucers to pasta bowls, plates and other knickknacks, PYOP has shelves lined with over 600 blank canvases just ready for your artistic touch. Prices of the pottery vary from piece to piece. Paint, glazing and firing costs are an additional $7. Expected return-from-the-kiln time is about a week or so.
Whether you’re having a girls’ night, special group outing or birthday celebration, PYOP offers several types of party packages. Though it should be noted: all painters require a reservation. Walk-ins are not welcome; due to scheduling and space restraints, they ask that you call to set up a time to paint at the studio.
Round up six or more of your son or daughter’s closest friends and have a Picasso Party for $17.99 per child. Or upgrade to a Renoir Party for $23.99 each, that includes pizza and drinks in addition to the pottery and painting supplies. What about pottery to-go? For those wanting to ring in a child’s birthday without leaving the house, a Party on Wheels is just the pre-planned package for you. Pick out the pottery pieces, paint colors and supplies, and for $15.99 per child, head home for a private, take-your-sweet-time arts session. Just bring them back to the studio when you’re done and they’ll send them away to be glazed and fired (no pink slips involved).
Instead of the usual dinner-and-a-movie, how about designing your next ice cream bowl, favorite coffee mug or special dinner plates? PYOP is a great place to help put the fun back in date night, or any night for that matter.
This summer features special events, in honor of the past decade and a half that Ekvall, originally from South of Venice, Italy, has been running the studio. They include:
- Mondays & Wednesdays, starting July 11, from 2-4 PM: Tiled mirror & tabletop painting (ages 6 & up)
- Tuesday & Thursdays, starting July 12, from 10-11 AM: Teeny Tots Story Time & Disney character painting
And that’s not all – make sure to print out these handy-dandy coupons to save a little money in your next painting extravaganza.
Paint Your Own Pottery
10417 Main Street
Fairfax, Virginia 2203
(703) 218-2881
www.ciao-susanna.com
Hours: Monday: 11 AM-5 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM-6 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM-5 PM
Thursday & Friday: 11 AM-6 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM-5 PM
Sunday: 12-4 PM
For pottery pick-up: Monday-Saturday from 12-5 PM
Sunday from 12-4 PM
- Lorin Drinkard