Posted by Lindsey Leake / Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thomas Jefferson High neurobiology students wow President Obama
Sterling woman pleads guilty in murder-for-hire plot
FBI to investigate vandalized Chantilly mosque
‘Tebow Bill’ would allow Virginia home-schooled students to play for public school sports teams
69-year-old pedestrian killed in Reston crash
McLean man sets occupied dwelling on fire
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Friday, January 27th, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Mitt Romney to hit Reston Feb. 10
Overnight Metro power outage leaves riders stranded on platforms, stuck in train cars
Ashburn students allegedly caught with pot brownies at Farmwell Station Middle School
Virginia to close training centers for the developmentally disabled
State Senate committee approves bill requiring women to have pre-abortion ultrasounds
Long live the ‘King’s Dominion Law’
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Friday, December 30th, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Virginia Tech shooter’s ‘murderabilia’ listed for thousands on eBay
Two seriously injured in Bailey’s Crossroads crash
Reston Tea Party activist files lawsuit to get Gingrich on Virginia primary ballot
No New Year’s Eve fireworks in Alexandria this year
Atty. Gen. Cuccinelli battles with Perry over ballot rules
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)
NYE Guide: Salute! Cheers! Bottoms Up!
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, December 27th, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011

2012, look out! / Photo credit: Shutterstock/Dmitriy Shironosov
As we move past unwrapped presents, family dinners and “Falalala Lifetime” movies, and toward to the end of 2011, we thought it was only appropriate to bring you some excellent ways to usher in Jan. 1st.
For cheapy, less-is-more activities, check out our post here. Today we’ll be highlighting our top choices for a bubbly-and-vin0-filled New Year’s Eve.
Like wineries? You’ll love what Narmada has planned for this NYE. Tons of Indian food to choose from, plus lots of wine to drink, of course at this $79 per person shindig.
Reston’s Vinifera Bistro is also a top contender on our list of places to go this year. Chef Bo has a phenomenal menu planned and Sommeliers will be assisting with wine pairing throughout the night. You can bet your bottom dollar you’ll enjoy every minute of it. The event starts at $85 each and reservations are required.
If you’re thinking more of a costumed night of fun, check out Potomac Point Winery’s Midnight Masquerade. No sweatpants or baggy T-shirts found here. Their NYE gala, which is $109 per person, will ring in 2012 with masks, drinking, eating and an all-around good time vibes.
Check back tomorrow for more events and parties in NoVA with our Countdown to Fun. For our full guide to NYE, go here.
–Lorin Drinkard
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Body found in basement storage area of Reston apartment complex
Virginia unemployment rate falls to 6.2 percent, remains below national average
Loudoun County may opt for express bus system over Metro expansion
New poll says Gingrich has slight lead over Romney in Virginia
Daggers found hidden in passenger’s book at Reagan National
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)
Soup-Tastic Eats at Mon Ami Gabi
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Image courtesy of Anjali Pinto
As 2011 comes to an end, the New Year isn’t the only occasion to be excited about: the month of January officially marks National Soup Month! And right now, there’s no better place to commemorate the delectable occasion than at Mon Ami Gabi!
Stop in to celebrate appropriately and order up the restaurant’s warm and tasty Winter Soup Flight for just $5.95. When there is a sumptuous trio of specialty soup favorites, why order just one, when you can have a perfect-portion taste of all three?
Warm yourself from within and taste delicate spoonfuls of the classic Onion Soup Au Gratin with bubbling gruyere cheese, the decadent Four Mushroom Soup with roasted wild mushrooms and herb brioche croutons and the always-changing Cream of Root Vegetable Soup, featuring a new seasonal variety each week.
As temperatures start to plummet and the wintry chill sets in, one thing is for sure – Mon Ami Gabi will be ready and waiting to serve guests a piping hot trio of deliciousness. Raise your spoon and cheers to National Soup Month all of January at the go-to dining destination.
Guests are encouraged to call Mon Ami Gabi Reston at 703-707-0233 for more information and to make their reservation.
Mon Ami Gabi – 11950 Democracy Drive, Reston
– Jennie Whistler
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Fatal shooting in Reston
Prince William County doctor arrested on charges of selling Oxycodone for cash
Virginia’s public pension fund owes employees $20 million
Annandale mother gets Grammy nomination
I-95 electronic signs up and running in Virginia
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)
Most Valuable Place: Lake Anne Plaza
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011
Somehow, it still escapes attention.
Lake Anne Plaza was the first community in Reston, founded in 1964. But despite its decades-long existence, I only heard of the place a few months ago.

The lake front. Photo courtesy Maurisa Potts.
And once I set foot in its sunny, European-style village center, I was enamored. Walk down an unassuming set of steps, and you’re suddenly in a secluded, lake-side village center. Rows of flower-bedecked benches line a miniature harbor, with paddleboats at bay. At the water’s edge are lookout towers for tranquil meditations.
Lake Anne Plaza is also a shopping center, but not at all what you might expect. Only small, independent businesses occupy the storefronts–no chain retailers or restaurants.
The shops themselves are one-of-a-kind. A used book store teeming with treasured tomes, a children’s consignment store and even a from-scratch chocolate shop are just a few of the businesses unique to Lake Anne.
This Saturday sees “Jingle on Lake Anne,” a charming holiday event. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy a petting zoo, strolling carolers and plenty of merchant specials. At noon, Santa shows up on a lake barge.

Santa and Bob Simon, founder of Reston. Photo courtesy Maurisa Potts.
–Matt Basheda
Mon Ami Gabi’s New Seasonal Menu
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
While Mon Ami Gabi is known for their classic French cuisine and flavorful dishes, what sets them apart is their ever-evolving menu featuring new takes on traditional dishes.
And with winter upon us, Mon Ami Gabi has recently introduced their new winter menu utilizing the best ingredients of the season. With a chill in the air it is only natural that we seek heartwarming and comforting foods- which is why Mon Ami Gabi is serving up hearty, “stick to your ribs” dishes that will leave you nothing short of satisfied.
For those that enjoy starting a meal with a warm cup of soup, Mon Ami’s Four Mushroom Soup is the perfect choice. Looking for something a tad lighter? The Endive and Bosc Pear Salad, complete with Maytag blue cheese, honey roasted bosc pears and house vinaigrette is both satisfying and delicious.
Indulge in items such as Roast Chicken and Frites, and classic Beef Bourguignon—served table side with paparadelle noodles.
In addition to the fantastic items featured on the menu every night, Mon Ami Gabi is also serving up some very special Plats du Jour. Start your week off right and enjoy classic Coq Au Vin on Monday nights; on Wednesdays, guests can enjoy savory Burgundy Short Ribs served with pommes puree and sautéed shallots and mushrooms; and Sundays feature delectable Beef Wellington—baked to perfection in flaky puff pastry, topped with bordelaise sauce and served alongside sautéed spinach.
Go here for the full “Plats du Jour” menu.
Although these dishes may be filling, be sure to save room for dessert as Mon Ami Gabi is offering several new sweet treats to end your meal. Apple Tarte Tatin, Pear and Cranberry Crumble and Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake await you!
And for les enfants? Mon Ami Gabi is offering an all new “Little Frites” menu featuring kid-friendly options such as Pasta with Tomato Sauce, French Bread Pizza and Chicken Fingers and Frites—all served with a side if sliced apples and green beans.
Bon appetite tout le monde!
Mon Ami Gabi, 11950 Democracy Drive, Reston.
For more information, or to make a reservation call (703)707.0233 or visit them online at www.monamigabi.com.
– Jennie Whistler
Washington West Film Festival: Too Much Loving?
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Like we blogged about yesterday, Northern Virginia is getting a little more cinematic this week. With the Washington West Film Festival running from Thursday, Nov. 3rd through Saturday, Nov. 5th, that’s three nights of theatrical entertainment and inspiring films you won’t want to miss out on.
Thursday’s opening film, The Loving Story, transports us back to the 1950s, to follow the journey of real-life interracial couple Richard and Mildred Loving. From their illegal marriage to their struggle in court to overturn and outdate anti-miscegenation laws in Virginia, this documentary captures the essence of their courageous story: two people fighting one law – all for the sake of love.
The arrest: June 1958
The charge: Felony
The crime: Interracial marriage
Director Nancy Buirski, Producer Elisabeth James, plus Bernard Cohen, one of the attorneys who represented the Lovings on trial, will be on site for a Q & A session after the screening.
When: Thursday at 6:30 pm
Where: Bow Tie Cinema Reston Town Center
Cost: $15 (buy tickets here)
Another film to be shown in the Festival is Kavi, an Oscar-nominated short that features a young, modern day slave boy in India. Every day, Kavi works relentlessly under the harsh, exhausting sun as a brick maker. The 19-minute flick, directed by Gregg Helvey, portrays Kavi’s internal and external battle between obeying the slave owners and fighting for what he’s always yearned for: his freedom.
Kavi is being screened along with five other shorts, including: The Majestic Plastic Bag, Left Alone, The Dancer and more. Full details are listed on the Festival’s website.
When: Saturday at 2:30 pm
Where: Center for Innovative Technology, Herndon
Cost: $12 (buy tickets here)
Two sister, as opposite as could be, star in The Necklace, a short film directed by MaryLee Hermann. When faced with disappointment and unmet expectations, Margaret enlists her free-spirited sibling for advice, assistance and support. Watch as Kimberlin Brown (The Young and the Restless) and Traci Dinwiddie (Supernatural) veer from their normal, familial roles in an effort to make Margaret’s dream a reality.
The Necklace has won multiple awards in 2011 and been featured in several festivals already (Best Art Movie – 2011 American International Film Festival, Audience Choice Award – 2011 Taos Shortz Film Festival and more). It’s being shown along with five other shorts, including Diego and His Brothers and I’m Having a Difficult Time Killing My Parents. (Stay tuned tomorrow for film trailers and all the deets).
When: Friday at 9:00 pm
Where: Center for Innovative Technology, Herndon
Cost: $12 (buy tickets here)
–Lorin Drinkard