Posts Tagged ‘Northern Virginia Magazine’
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, October 29th, 2010
One rare weekend with nothing going on, we decided to head west and try Magnolia’s at the Mill in Purcellville. The Mill was built in 1905 and produced Virginia Orchard Grass during World War II. Later, in the 1940′s it served as a flour mill. Magnolia’s at the Mill opened for dining in 2004.
(Image: LoCo Musings)
An American restaurant with a Southern flair, Magnolia’s felt like a lifetime away from the heavy weekday traffic and stress that plagues Northern Virginians. As soon as I walked into the restored mill and set my eyes on the 3 story wooden-beamed ceiling and fireplace, I almost felt like I was on vacation.
We ordered a Malbec from nearby Corcoran Vineyards while we ate fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and soaked in the rustic feel of the mill.
The Smoked Chicken and Hand Cut Fettuccine I had ordered arrived at our table. A blend of cheeses, spinach, and crumbled of smoked bacon blanketed the hand cut fettuccine with savory goodness.
Magnolia’s also offers a local plate special everyday and features favorites such as pork chops from local farmers and vegetables from local producers and growers. A relaxing drive heading west with beautiful scenery should alone entice you to visit. I left Magnolia’s feeling like I had taken in a long breath of fresh air and a meal full of local flavor.
198 North 21st Street
Purcellville, VA 20132
540-338-9800
-Liz Stevenson
Two Chores Seriously Simplified for Savvy Shoppers
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, October 28th, 2010
Dropps laundry detergent packs, available at Target on Nov. 1 (dropps.com)
Hello there, shoppers. Today it’s my pleasure to spread the word about one product and one service that could seriously simplify your life.
First, I don’t know about you, but my friends and I often remark (or complain) about how laundry just never goes away. You can clear out a hamper, and the next thing you know, it’s brimming again. No matter whether you’re doing laundry for one person or a whole family, it seems like dirty clothes and other linens breed or something. And, really, I can’t be the only one who always wonders, “Am I using the right amount of detergent?”.
Enter Dropps. Similar to those detergent tabs that I’ve learned are a dream for the dishwasher (LOVE Finish Powerballs), Dropps are little eco-friendly laundry detergent tabs that easily dissolve in the washing machine — knocking out those big, heavy containers of liquid detergent and the tendency to second-guess your pouring skills as you clean up drips.
Turns out they’ve been around for a while online and at several independent retailers; however, on Nov. 1, Dropps will also be available at good ol’ Target! A 26-load pouch of Dropps laundry detergent packs (suitable for all temperatures and all machines), in Fresh Scent and Scent + Dye Free, will cost us $7.99. I can’t wait to pick up a pack, though I’m picky about scents … we’ll see. I guess I could make some sacrifices to save time, a possible mess, overthinking and, heck, Mother Earth.
The second time- and sanity-saving winner I’m excited to tell you about is especially for cat owners. As much as you love your kitty, I know you don’t like dealing with his/her doo-doo. Enter DoodyCalls, which has been dealing with doggie #2 for 10 years and this week taking on cat #2, too!
For a small monthly fee, DoodyCalls will come to your home and empty the dirty litter, clean and disinfect the litter box and refill it with fresh litter. Customers also receive a small additional container of fresh litter in case there’s a need for “topping-off” a box between visits. Similar to DoodyCall’s residential service for dogs, there is no need for customers to wait at home or for the technicians to enter the home. Customers simply place their dirty litter box outside on designated service days and come home to clean, fresh boxes.
To prevent the possibility of litter box mix-ups and to ensure every cat’s environment stays as healthy and safe as possible, all cleaning is done on-site and boxes are never removed from the premises. The real clincher: The service costs on average less than $40 per month. Rates for the DoodyCalls Complete Litter Box Service are based on the type of cat litter chosen, frequency of cleanings and number of boxes being cleaned.
“By recent measures, there are now more than 93 million cats in the U.S.,” says local founder Jacob D’Aniello. “Nearly 62 percent of households own a pet — and none enjoy picking up after them. When nature calls, we answer.”
More time for shopping, right?
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, October 28th, 2010
Thai and Chinese food are some of my favorites. I like ordering in sometimes, but it’s nice to get out once in awhile, especially on weekends. I was recently introduced to Big Bowl in Reston Town Center.
(Image: Map Reston)
The first thing I had to try was the ginger ale, made with fresh ginger. After browsing the drink menu, I decided on a Gin & Ginger, which mixed fresh ginger ale with Tanqueray and fresh lime juice. I usually always order red wine, so this was a welcome change.
In addition to the delicious fresh ginger ale, Big Bowl serves local Virginian wines from Chateau O’Brien in Markham and Blenheim Vineyards in Charlottesville.
The Panang Curry Chicken I ordered for dinner was a perfect mixture of rice, all natural chicken, and a spicy-sweet coconut and peanut curry sauce.
Cheesecake is hard to turn down, and the menu listed a Mango Cheesecake made with vanilla bean, so I decided to share that with my dining companion. It was gone in less than 2 minutes, and the waiter jokingly asked if we wanted to order another one. Truth be told, it was so good I would have loved to take an entire Mango Cheesecake home, but we had already eaten enough.
We left Big Bowl with leftovers and felt like we weren’t going to be able to eat for days. They aren’t kidding about the “Big” part of their name, the portions were large. Of course, the leftovers were perfect for breakfast the next morning.
11915 Democracy Drive
Reston, VA 20190
703-787-8852
-Liz Stevenson
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
Looks like pumpkins are here to stay for quite awhile. We all have seen them out at stores, stacked in fields, and sitting on porches. Of course, the pumpkin seeds are great toasted, and pumpkin pies are pretty much universally admired, but don’t forget about pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, and all the other goodies that pumpkin can make.
(Image: The Pioneer Woman)
At the Great Harvest Bread Company in Herndon, you can get regular pumpkin bread, pumpkin bread with chocolate chips, pumpkin bread with date nuts, pumpkin swirl bread, and even pumpkin praline muffins. These folks obviously know the value of a pumpkin!
In Springfield, Lily Lane Cakes is into pumpkins too, and will be selling pumpkin cupcakes, a torte style pumpkin spice cake with layers of cream cheese icing, and pumpkin cookies.
(Image: Blog Chef)
If you have any doubt about pumpkin, just remember that the pumpkin itself is packed with disease fighting nutrients. Pumpkin seed oil made from the Styrian pumpkin can be drizzled over breads and salads and contains loads of vitamins and minerals. Of course, the pumpkin cookies sound better to me, but either way, a little pumpkin is a must for the season.
-Liz Stevenson
Getting Gorgeous for Good at Circe
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
Richard & Ellen Vlasak, owners of Circe
Hello there, shoppers. With all of the fun fall events to attend and all the work that comes with getting ready to close out another year — can’t believe it’s almost November — are you more than ready for a little spa time? My suggestion: Head to Circe in Alexandria, and do it this week.
Not only has the spa and salon recently added new VIP services such as limo rides to and from Circe as well as aromatic foot baths but several limited-time spa services just unveiled for fall feature fragrant seasonal ingredients, such as the Ageless Autumn Total Repair treatment for face and the Ageless Autumn treatment for body.
Still, why visit this week? In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, owner Ellen Vlasak, a two-time breast cancer survivor, and her husband Richard, co-owner, have partnered with Inova Fairfax Breast Care Center to raise money to support breast cancer research. For the entire month of October, Circe guests are encouraged to make a donation (at least $25) to enter to win a complimentary day of beauty. Circe is also selling breast cancer awareness T-shirts to benefit the hospital through Oct. 31, and offering complimentary bracelets for any breast cancer survivors that visit the spa.
“During the most intense part of chemotherapy, I visited Circe for a spa treatment,” says Vlasak. “I was so moved by the sense of calm after my treatment; I wanted other women to experience that same sense of rejuvenation and inner and outer beauty.”
–Natalie Kaar
PS. Specialicious is also offering plenty of incentives to get your spa on. Fish pedicure, anyone?
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
The Wayside Inn in Middletown serves up a history lesson alongside it’s peanut soup. The Inn has been open since 1797 and has provided comfort for soldiers during the Civil War, and receptions for present day weddings. The restaurant offers “Traditional Virginian Cuisine” and is open year-round. Guests are seated in one of 7 antique-filled rooms and are served by staff in Colonial dress.
(Image: American Observer)
The menu offers colonial dishes that incorporate fresh ingredients from the Shenandoah Valley. Popular menu items include colonial peanut soup and chicken pot pie. I always order the creamy, salty-yet-sweet peanut soup whenever it’s available.
(Image: Colonial Williamsburg)
Country ham, spoonbread, and a variety of game dishes fill the menu, as well as homemade desserts. People from all over the world visit the Wayside Inn to enjoy the original food and to take a step back in time for a few days. In the Coachside Lounge, you can even have a drink where horse-drawn carriages once entered the Inn.
(Image: Wayside Inn)
Nearby is the Wayside Theatre where area actors perform amazing shows. I have enjoyed many plays in the past. The most enjoyable plays I attended were A Christmas Story and The Christmas Carol. The Christmas Carol will be showing this year from November 27-December 24. If you want to get away for a holiday weekend, or take a day trip to a charming little town for a memorable dinner, the Wayside Inn is just what you’re looking for.
7783 Main St.
Middletown, VA 22645
540-869-1797
-Liz Stevenson
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
Got a handful of new restaurant openings to report, including a couple that are rolling out the welcome mats this very morning:
* Michel began serving breakfast at the Tysons Ritz just a few hours ago and will be welcoming dinner guests this evening. A receptionist suggested that lunch service is likely to follow in a few weeks (early to mid-November was her best guess);
* Ballston diners can check out the new Rustico (4075 Wilson Blvd. Arlington; 571-384-1820)–which promises a few menu tweaks (homemade ricotta doughnuts, a Bibb salad with shaved apples, smoked cheddar and almond granola) and broader brew selection (400+ bottles, and counting) than the original–beginning at lunch today;
* Daniel O’Connell’s alumnus Colin Abernethy will be working his culinary magic as executive chef of Travinia Italian Kitchen in Leesburg, set to debut November 1; and,
* Chef Jacques Haerigner will be shaking things up at L’Auberge Chez Francois by unveiling Jacques’ Brasserie at L’Auberge–a more casual, a la carte alternative to the restaurants’ traditional multi-course service–on November 9. “I’ll be serving some of my favorite dishes, the ones I grew up with,” Haeringer said of his plans to delve into Alsatian comfort food, adding, “Many of these recipes come from a notebook of handwritten recipes my father brought with him when he moved from France to the United States.” Tentative additions include: Tarte Flambée (Alsatian-style pizza), organic chicken in riesling, traditional and fish choucroute, and pinot noir-braised ribs.
Let’s eat.
–Warren
Heaps of Alexandria Halloween Happenings
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
(oldtownboutiquedistrict.com)
Good morning, shoppers! Looking forward to a spooktacular Halloween weekend, perhaps featuring a little rally time with team Stewart or Colbert? Well, why not throw a little shopping into the mix to make things even more magical?! After all, Alexandria is pulling out all the stops, with special events planned throughout the city.
Of course that includes the Old Town Boutique District shops, which have a whole bunch of fun up their sleeves. (By the way, OTBD’s Hysteria is hosting a mega-sale now, offering 30-50 percent discounts on select merchandise, through Oct. 31.) On Saturday, Oct. 30, shoppers of all ages (costumes are encouraged) are invited to trick or treat with participating boutiques — identified by a Trick or Treat with the Boutiques poster and online here.
Speaking of treats, how does a free brownie tasting sound? Thought so. You’ll want to head to Sugar Cube for that from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, featuring the legendary brownies from Fat Witch Bakery in NYC.
Of course, they say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so you’ll also want to stop by The Butcher’s Block for a free caramel apple demo at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Adjoining restaurant BRABO will be sending over Kate Baltren, pastry chef, to demonstrate how to perfectly dip that fabulous fruit, and will even show adults how to dip red wine-caramel apples. House-made versions of both varieties will also be available for sale.
Even doggies are invited to delight in the holiday. Jackson 20 and Hotel Monaco will host their annual Doggie Happy Howl-o-ween Costume Contest to benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria on Saturday evening. Pups and their human companions are invited to model and compete to win prizes — awarded for “The Most Glamorous Get-up,” “Most Adorable Adoptable,” “The Best-Dressed Couple” and the “Top Dog.” Throughout the evening, guests will be able to purchase Halloween-themed cocktails and light bites from Jackson 20 while complimentary doggie treats and fresh water bowls will be available for the costumed canines. Registration ($10) will take place from 5-6 p.m. and will be limited to 75 participants. The contest will start at 6:30 p.m. There is no fee for those not participating in the contest; however, a $10 donation is encouraged.
And that’s only the beginning. Even the Grinch will make an appearance (at The Christmas Attic from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday). For more details, visit www.visitalexandriava.com.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. Don’t forget about today’s dynamite Specialicious deals!
Sales to Stop the Monday Mopes
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, October 25th, 2010
Calvin Klein double-breasted military coat (bloomingdales.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all had a marvelous weekend. I’m betting you did considering the amazing weather! Still, if your Monday has started off a bit sour thanks to staying up too late watching football last night or simply because of the many things that can make the beginning of the work/school week a bit crazy, here are a few fabulous sales to help you simmer down.
Restoration Hardware–Today you can save $100 on any $500 regular-priced purchase.
MyPublisher–Through the end of today, you can also save 50 percent on $100 photo books or 25 percent on $50 photo books from my personal favorite photo publishing site with the code HOLSAVE50.
Williams-Sonoma–This entire week you’re invited to delight in 15-percent-off deals on breakfast essentials with the code BREAKFAST15 online, from pancake mix to omelet pans.
Bloomingdale’s–Online, a whole bevy of beauties, including a wide variety of to-die-for coats, have been discounted as much as 25 to 40 percent.
Skinstore–This online beauty mecca is offering 20-percent savings site-wide with the code AUTUMN20.
Piperlime–A drool-worthy selection of on-sale shoes is only the beginning of dynamite discounts to be dug up here.
Specialicious–Today our very own daily deals site is offering a whole slew of savings, on everything from steak and sushi to Thai food and adventurous weekend fun.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, October 25th, 2010
I am usually very open to trying new things, but I admit, when it comes to raw seafood or really rare meat, I am sort of a baby. I think this may stem from my vegetarian stage as a teenager. Recently, I went to dinner with some seafood lovers and ended up eating some raw oysters that may just change my mind about letting raw food scare me away.
We headed to McCormick and Schmick’s where we ordered the large oyster sampler- which was a selection of 12 oysters that the chef chose fresh from the lot. A squirt of lemon and a touch of cocktail sauce, and it was down the hatch. I’m not sure I ate the oyster correctly- whether I was supposed to chew it or just swallow it down was beyond me, but I have to admit that it was pretty tasty.
Next, came the cream of crab soup. I didn’t order it, but was lucky enough to get a taste. Real lump crab meat was combined with a bit of rice in the center and surrounded by a buttery, creamy, seafood liquid that I could have guzzled right out of the bowl. I really just wanted the rest of the bowl, but since it technically wasn’t mine, I gave up and returned the soup to it’s rightful owner.
I ordered something different for dinner, and had no idea how it would taste. I had chosen a southern special- shrimp barbecued with cheese grits and touched with a bit of Sriracha. I wasn’t sure how this dish would go, but it was the perfect southern dish.
I also ordered a side of fried green tomatoes, which I had been obsessed with ever since I watched the movie Fried Green Tomatoes in the 90′s and dreamed of living at the Whistle Stop Cafe. The tomatoes were firm but juicy and coated with cornmeal, then fried to perfection.
If I learned anything from this dinner, it was to step outside my comfort zone and stop ordering the same old things. I am not sure I will be getting raw oysters on a regular basis, but I sure am glad I tried them.
-Liz Stevenson