Style Report: Rompers

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! If you’re like me, the first thought of rompers is so very “Three’s Company” or adorable baby clothes. But many of this season’s rompers, for women, are actually super cute and very versatile–and not made of velour. Plus, you’ve gotta love an outfit that’s a one-piece. It just doesn’t get simpler.

I can see many of this season’s rompers easily transitioning from afternoon strolls to nights out on the town with a few quick accessory/hair changes. And I dare say there are some very sophisticated options as well.

A few faves:

This romper is understated and sexy, and it is only the beginning of the oodles of enviable options at shopbop.

Rory Beca La Boca Wrap Romper, $152 (shopbop.com)

So flirty and fun, and in the season’s hottest hue!

French Connection Phoenix Silk Printed Romper, $188 (Bloomingdale's)

Boho-Fabulous.

Lace Me Up Romper, $108 (Free People)

And, finally, killing two trends with one stone:

T Bags Tribal Romper, $194 (shopbop.com)

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

PS. If you really want to bag a bargain, check out the rompers at Forever 21, especially if you think you’ll be so over them by Labor Day. And I also spied some wallet-friendly options at South Moon Under-Fairfax Corner this weekend.

Giving Up the Goods: Farmers Market Cookbooks

Posted by Warren Rojas / Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

(Images: Fine Cooking; Southern Living)

No need to check your calendars, folks: spring is in full bloom.

And that means the brunt of our local farmers markets are returning to active duty beginning this week!

We tried our best to keep you informed about those diehard vendors who soldier on throughout the winter doldrums via our Crop Rapport posts. But now we want to hear about what regional farmers/artisanal vendors/seasonal products you expect to patronize whilst browsing the hastily erected stalls that mushroom across our streets, parks and schoolyards every weekend from now until the fall.

So tell us: what can you not wait to buy?

Or: what farmers market will become your de facto pantry until winter rolls back around?

Two random respondents will be rewarded with a copy of one of two recent, farm-to-table geared cooking tomes, Fine Cooking: In Season, or Southern Living: Farmers Market Cookbook–either of which should provide even the most casual farmers market shopper with hours of fresh produce-deploying inspiration.

So, think hard. But don’t wait too long.

Because we’ll be picking our lucky winners from all the comments submitted before 5 p.m. on Friday, May 6.

–Warren

Crop Rapport: McLeans’ Lifestyle and Farmers Market

Posted by Warren Rojas / Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

(Image: Shutterstock)

Metro’s fabled “Silver Line” remains little more skyline-blighting pylons and traffic-snarling lane closures, but McLean businesses are already racing to welcome urban shoppers to their respective folds.

Just look at härth executive chef Thomas Elder.

The paint probably hasn’t even completely dried at his week-old restaurant, but the Gung-ho toque has already turned his attention to getting his companion project, McLeans Lifestyle and Farmers Market, underway.

Elder is still ironing out all the details surrounding the planned Saturday expositions, but suggested that shoppers would be able to patronize some of his favorite local purveyors, including: Martin’s Angus Beef (proteins), Bay View Farm (dairy), Level Green Farm (produce), Chef Eloy Carerra’s Kickin’ Salsas (condiments), Sharpen This (knife/garden tool sharpening service) and Sweetbites mobile cafe (baked goods).

“I’m hoping to incorporate a chef cooking demonstration and other fun activities to include 5K races, bicycle events and a garden tour,” he said of the still-evolving enterprise.

Meanwhile, Inova is on tap to dispense complimentary “lifestyle” instruction.

“They will be doing a weekly lifestyle seminar that will help tie in the fresh products with a healthy lifestyle,” Elder said. “Items we’ve discussed so far are, ‘How to compost in your apartment’ and ‘Apartment gardens,’ along with blood screening and other kinds of health related topics.”

Here’s hoping Elder has better luck with his initiative than the Westover Farmers Market planners appear to be having with theirs.

McLeans’ Lifestyle and Farmers Market: 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean; Saturdays, 9-1p.m., May 14th – late October

–Warren

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NoVA’s Winter Farmers Markets

Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market • 301 King St., Alexandria – Sat, 5:30-11 a.m.
Arlington Farmers Market • N. 14th St. & N. Courthouse Road, Arlington – Sat, 8-noon
Clarendon Farmers Market • 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Columbia Pike Farmers Market • S. Walter Reed Drive & Columbia Pike – Sun, 9-1 p.m., (summer); Sun, 10-1 p.m. (winter).
Del Ray Farmers Market • E. Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria – Sat, 8-noon
Falls Church Farmers Market • 300 Park Ave., Falls Church – Sat, 9-noon (Jan-Mar); Sat, 8-noon (Apr-Dec)
Farmer Girls • 8769 Old Dumfries Road, Catlett; 540-272-7839
Fredericksburg Farmers Market • George and Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg – Mon-Sat, 7-6 p.m.; Sun, 12:30-4 p.m.
Leesburg Farmers Market • 20 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg – Sat, 8-noon (May-Oct); Sat, 9-noon (Nov-Apr)
Loudoun Flavor • 39363 Stevens Road, Lovettsville; 703-350-2790
Old Town Manassas Farmers Market •9431 West St., Manassas – Sat, 10-2 p.m.
Purcellville Community Market • 130 E. Main St., Purcellville – Sat, 9-1 p.m.
Smart Markets • 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton – Sat, 10-2 p.m.
Smart Markets • 13297 Gateway Center Drive, Gainesville – Sun, 10:30-1:30 p.m.
Winchester Freight Station Farmers Market • 315 W. Boscawen St., Winchester; Tue, Sat, 10-2 p.m. (Jan-Apr); Tue, Fri, Sat, 8-1 p.m. (May-Dec)

Or click here for our full list of local farmers markets.

Crop Rapport: Westover Farmers Market

Posted by Warren Rojas / Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

(Image: John Reeder)

The Westover Village Civic Association would love to carve out a place for local purveyors to peddle their wares to the community.

But plans remain in limbo pending final approval from Arlington County.

WVCA member John Reeder has been tasked with laying the foundation for the Westover Farmers Market–tentatively set to run from 8-1 p.m. on Sundays, from April till late October/early November–and kick starting a non-profit arm (working name: “Field to Fork”) dedicated to running it.

Reeder said the ultimate goal is to host close to three dozen merchants, though he believes they will realistically have to start with closer to 20. Selecting any number of participants, however, will first require that they narrow down the focus of who/what they wish to welcome into their food chain.

“We will first have to establish the rules for merchants as to what constitutes ‘local produce and food products,’” he stated, adding that the group is still considering geographic limitations (farms/producers operating within 125-150 mile radius appears to be their benchmark)  and value-added products.

Once all that gets squared away, Reeder said they’ll move on to courting specific merchants–a vetting process that could benefit from preexisting operations.

“Falls Church and the Courthouse markets have waiting lists of merchants,” Reeder said of vendors who could quickly be swept onto a potential short-list.

Meanwhile, Westover Market chef Jay Jenc would like to nominate his workmates from EcoFriendly Foods–they operate WM’s in-house butcher shop–as first ballot contenders for the farmers market.

Jenc also floated plans to feature select farmers market producers at the still-in-development Westover Market Cafe–another project that remains in county approval limbo.

–Warren

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NoVA’s Winter Farmers Markets

Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market • 301 King St., Alexandria – Sat, 5:30-11 a.m.
Arlington Farmers Market • N. 14th St. & N. Courthouse Road, Arlington – Sat, 8-noon
Clarendon Farmers Market • 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Columbia Pike Farmers Market • S. Walter Reed Drive & Columbia Pike – Sun, 9-1 p.m., (summer); Sun, 10-1 p.m. (winter).
Del Ray Farmers Market • E. Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria – Sat, 8-noon
Falls Church Farmers Market • 300 Park Ave., Falls Church – Sat, 9-noon (Jan-Mar); Sat, 8-noon (Apr-Dec)
Farmer Girls • 8769 Old Dumfries Road, Catlett; 540-272-7839
Fredericksburg Farmers Market • George and Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg – Mon-Sat, 7-6 p.m.; Sun, 12:30-4 p.m.
Leesburg Farmers Market • 20 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg – Sat, 8-noon (May-Oct); Sat, 9-noon (Nov-Apr)
Loudoun Flavor • 39363 Stevens Road, Lovettsville; 703-350-2790
Old Town Manassas Farmers Market •9431 West St., Manassas – Sat, 10-2 p.m.
Purcellville Community Market • 130 E. Main St., Purcellville – Sat, 9-1 p.m.
Smart Markets • 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton – Sat, 10-2 p.m.
Smart Markets • 13297 Gateway Center Drive, Gainesville – Sun, 10:30-1:30 p.m.
Winchester Freight Station Farmers Market • 315 W. Boscawen St., Winchester; Tue, Sat, 10-2 p.m. (Jan-Apr); Tue, Fri, Sat, 8-1 p.m. (May-Dec)

Or click here for our full list of local farmers markets.

Crop Rapport: Harvest Market DC

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

When we last crossed paths with chef Chris Carey, he was hard at work making Leesburg’s The Wine Kitchen a household name.

But an unspecified family commitment required him to cut ties with the restaurant early last year.

So, what’s a farm-to-table devotee supposed to do when free time rears its ugly/rarely-seen head?

Put nature’s bounty to work for you, of course.

Carey rolled out his latest epicurean venture, Harvest Market DC, late last summer and has been making the rounds at local farmers markets–Purcellville on Saturdays, Palisades on Sundays–ever since.

A value added-style vendor, Carey said he takes ingredients from local purveyors–including: Windmill Meadows Farms, Quarter Branch Farm, Angelic Beef, Singing Frog Farm, Lothar Erbe‘s gourmet sausages, Steve Baker pork–and incorporates them into his own, seasonally inspired creations.

“Each week I call them up and say, ‘What have you got for me … and I go from there,’” Carey said of his on-the-fly business model. The fruits of his labor (to date) have included: sunchoke soup, shaved Brussels sprouts-Manchego salad, chicken legs braised in spicy tomato sauce, gourmet mac and cheese, and Thai-style shrimp with pomelo, cilantro and bean sprouts.

Meanwhile, Carey said he’s developed an insta-following from the food allergy set due to his commitment to culinary transparency and apparent flexibility.

Vegetarians and vegans appreciate his ability to modify recipes to fit their dietary needs (case in point: he makes a butter- and cream-free mushroom soup for dairy deniers). And just about everybody enjoys knowing that Carey can identify where each of his ingredients comes from, down to those available in the very same farmers market.

If pre-packaged foods feel too much like cheating to you, fear not.

Carey plans to share his passion for locavore-centric cooking via a series of classes poised to happen later this year. First up will be a course on French cooking scheduled for May, followed by a “farmers markets of the world” cohort (tentative focal points include New York City and Genoa) set to debut in June, all to be done through Fairfax County. He’s also working on stepping behind the instructional burners at the Pentagon Row Sur La Table (dates/times TBD).

–Warren

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NoVA’s Winter Farmers Markets

Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market • 301 King St., Alexandria – Sat, 5:30-11 a.m.
Arlington Farmers Market • N. 14th St. & N. Courthouse Road, Arlington – Sat, 8-noon
Clarendon Farmers Market • 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Columbia Pike Farmers Market • S. Walter Reed Drive & Columbia Pike – Sun, 9-1 p.m., (summer); Sun, 10-1 p.m. (winter).
Del Ray Farmers Market • E. Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria – Sat, 8-noon
Falls Church Farmers Market • 300 Park Ave., Falls Church – Sat, 9-noon (Jan-Mar); Sat, 8-noon (Apr-Dec)
Farmer Girls • 8769 Old Dumfries Road, Catlett; 540-272-7839
Fredericksburg Farmers Market • George and Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg – Mon-Sat, 7-6 p.m.; Sun, 12:30-4 p.m.
Leesburg Farmers Market • 20 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg – Sat, 8-noon (May-Oct); Sat, 9-noon (Nov-Apr)
Loudoun Flavor • 39363 Stevens Road, Lovettsville; 703-350-2790
Old Town Manassas Farmers Market •9431 West St., Manassas – Sat, 10-2 p.m.
Smart Markets • 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton – Sat, 10-2 p.m.
Smart Markets • 13297 Gateway Center Drive, Gainesville – Sun, 10:30-1:30 p.m.
Winchester Freight Station Farmers Market • 315 W. Boscawen St., Winchester; Tue, Sat, 10-2 p.m. (Jan-Apr); Tue, Fri, Sat, 8-1 p.m. (May-Dec)

Or click here for our full list of local farmers markets.

Red Meat: Derek Luhowiak

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Though he’s been trained to work with knives, chef Derek Luhowiak is more of a stick-to-your-guns type toque:

An alumnus of heritage breed-haven Ayrshire Farm, Luhowiak took local dining on the road a few years back with his winery-roving food cart, Local Sixfortyseven. But when Hollywood–okay, Canadian television–came a-callin’ last summer, Luhowiak shunned the spotlight, took his mobile kitchen out of rotation and spent some time reflecting on exactly what he wanted to do with his time and talents.

I’m happy to report that he’s back in action–having taken control of the kitchen at Millwood’s Locke Store this past fall–and already hard at work “preserving” his culinary legacy.

WR: Salt. Pepper. What other spices/herbs could you not live without?

DL: Dried chili’s [sic]. Grow them every year and dry them in the Virginia sunshine. Sneak them into all my curries, pastas and greens.

WR: What’s the very first dish you ever mastered? How long did it take? Do you still make it today?

DL: Properly cooking al dente pasta. I was the young kid at a well known Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh, PA and worked with all old Italian guys who would not even speak English to me. But boy I learned to cook a proper toothsome al dente pasta.

WR: What seasonal ingredient(s) get your creative juices flowing?

DL: There are so many, but venison. Fauquier County has some of the best venison I have ever had. They graze right along side of the cows. We make jerky, smoke sausages, roasts you name it. It just really feels like fall and winter to tuck into a bowl of venison stew and a stout.

WR: My latest cookbook obsession is …

DL: My seed catalogs. I get crazy excited about planting. I know its not a cookbook per se but I cant wait to harvest for new dishes. I have green radishes on my mind this year.

WR: What’s the most challenging dish you’ve ever attempted? Would you make it again?

DL: Turducken. HATE THEM! Had to make them for a holiday season and not that they are overly hard but they look like Frankenstein’s baby when your done! Try making that look appealing. No offense to all you turducken fans. A big no to making them again!!!!

WR: If I could the spend the day working alongside any local chef, I’d love to collaborate with …

DL: I would love to get Tarver King of the Ashby [Inn], Rob Townsend of Ayrshire and myself together for a informal, backyard whole-hog cook-off!!!!! Let the beer and pork flow!!

WR: What’s the easiest/quickest–but still wholly satisfying–meal you make for yourself?

DL: Greens and beans.

WR: In the next six months you won’t want to miss my …

DL: We have been working on a partnership with the Locke Store and I have been slowly introducing a fresh meat case with local lamb, beef and pork, as well as my own sausage creations (Merguez, sweet fennel and orange, many others). Local Sixfortyseven is going to launch a small batch artisanal line of pickles and preserves of all sorts made from what we are growing in our gardens, so they will be in small supply. They will be available at the Locke Store as well as [by] contacting us directly. Check us out on Facebook for all our info.

WR: It’s quitting time. I’m pouring myself …

DL: Right now, winter time, totally digging on Stone Brewery’s Old Guardian barley wine.

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A hearty bowl of venison stew and snifter of barley wine sounds like the perfect prescription for weathering today’s foul climate. Thanks for the idea, chef Luhowiak!

Come back next Tuesday for another helping of Red Meat.

–WR

Crop Rapport: Loudoun Flavor

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

(Image: iStock)

Not all winter farmers markets require that you bundle yourself up like an Inuit hunter in order to take advantage of the freshest foods of the day.

Just ask any of the 1,200 (and counting) customers who prefer to do their shopping at mousepoint via Loudoun Flavor–a virtual farm stand stocked with locally sourced victuals.

Loudoun Flavor boasts approaching three dozen producers–including local wineries, farms, and artisan food and crafts makers–in its homegrown supply chain, the majority of which are indigenous to Loudoun County.

Market manager and Herban Avenues founder Laura Davimes said they’ve made a few exceptions for superlative outside producers (Bakemm Bagels, Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters, Mountain View Dairy Farm) but stressed that their preferred pecking order remains “Loudoun first, surrounding counties second and Virginia third.”

Quality, however, goes a long way towards trumping mere proximity.

“For us quality includes certified organic ingredients, fair trade beans, etc. and these vendors have a philosophy that is in line with our market mission,” Davimes said of high standards to which market vendors are held. “Our market food is what my family is eating every week so I (selfishly) want it to be fantastic.”

Though certain vendors naturally shine a little brighter during different times of the year–Mom”s Apple Pie Bakery reportedly enjoyed a spike in blackberry pie sales after Southern Living paid them some lip service this June, Stoneybrook Farms’ tomatoes were fast movers in July and poultry farms made a killing in November–Davimes said most Loudoun Flavor vendors stick with the program year-round.

Consumers, likewise, are welcome to shop at will.

“We are happy to bring you one loaf of just-baked bread or three bags full of groceries … your choice,” Davimes suggested, equating the shop-from-home service to “an ‘ala carte’ CSA.”

During the bustling summer months, shopping orders are accepted Monday-Wednesday of each week with deliveries sent to the predetermined delivery points every Friday. Come winter, the market switches to a bi-weekly shopping window but abides by the same order/delivery timeline (shop: Mon-Wed, collect: Fri). Newcomers can try out the site for free, while repeat customers will eventually be prompted to consider shifting to an annual membership ($25 per year) via email “reminders.”

That fee covers all the expected administrative costs–”everything from ink to ice,” Davimes explained–and also includes invites to special events (farm tours, movie nights, Made in Loudoun Gift Fair), free samples and sporadic discounts.

Oh yeah, and then there’s Tomato Fest:

This past summer, Davimes et al. took it upon themselves to celebrate all things toma-toh by sharing their favorite vine-ripened creations with complementary pairings poured by Corcoran Vineyards and Chrysalis Vineyards.

“People bought bruschetta and baguettes and sat down with their wine, or took home a bag of tomatoes and garlic and a recipe to make their own. It was alot of fun,” Davimes said of the roving food and wine soiree. “Next year we will hop to three or four vineyards with our fest.”

On the the agenda for 2011: securing a trusted seafood vendor. And adding more pick-up sites in outlying areas (Davimes called out Fairfax, specifically).

Meanwhile, Davimes plans to continue fighting to keep LoCo as green as can be.

“Loudoun should be D.C.’s Countryside and not D.C.’s next over-developed commuter bedroom community. If we get lazy about preserving the best of Virginia’s farmland now, it won’t be there,” she warned.

* Loudoun Flavor’s next ordering window opens Monday, January 3.*

–Warren

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NoVA’s Winter Farmers Markets

Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market • 301 King St., Alexandria – Sat, 5:30-11 a.m.
Arlington Farmers Market • N. 14th St. & N. Courthouse Road, Arlington – Sat, 8-noon
Clarendon Farmers Market • 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Del Ray Farmers’ Market • E. Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria – Sat, 8-noon
Falls Church Farmers Market • 300 Park Ave., Falls Church – Sat, 9-noon (Jan-Mar); Sat, 8-noon (Apr-Dec)
Fredericksburg Farmers Market • George and Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg – Mon-Sat, 7-6 p.m.; Sun, 12:30-4 p.m.
Leesburg Farmers Market • 20 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg – Sat, 8-noon (May-Oct); Sat, 9-noon (Nov-Apr)
Smart Markets – Oakton • 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton – Sat, 10-2 p.m.

Or click here for our full list of local farmers markets.

Guess Who’s Getting an REI?

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

Great news for outdoor enthusiasts who every day battle the beltway and 95 South traffic to get home sweet home — and for those who have as strong of an affinity for IKEA as they do for camping equipment: An REI is to open in Woodbridge, at the Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, this spring.

According to the Washington Business Journal, the two-story, 25,000-square-foot store will not only make shopping in Prince William more fun but it will mean jobs for around 50 people.

Just a little something to brighten this bitter-cold Tuesday for ya!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

PS. Fellas, if you want to make your ladies extra happy this holiday, don’t miss today’s 20-percent-off sale on boots and booties at Cusp! Plus, free shipping at any price online!

Additional Senior Deal Discoveries

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, October 23rd, 2009

By Tiffany Peng

In our November issue, we detailed senior savings exclusive to Northern Virginia Magazine readers with proof of age. Continue below to check out where to score additional deals on dining, entertainment, travel and education for the 55-and-older crowd.

SHOPPING
On the first Tuesday of every month, seniors aged 55 and older who shop Senior Day at Belk department stores receive a 15-percent discount off their entire purchase. And every Tuesday, the same set gets a 10-percent discount at Ross stores (check for participating locations).

Other retailers don’t require shopping on a particular day. Examples: Goodwill gives seniors aged 55 and up a 20-percent discount on their entire purchase, excluding new items, daily. And, similarly, some Banana Republic locations offer a 10-percent discount to seniors aged 65 and older every day.

DINING
Some of the deals we discovered include the following: Arby’s (10 percent off for ages 55-plus), Burger King (10 percent off for ages 55-plus), Dairy Queen (10 percent off for ages 55-plus), Taco Bell (10 percent off for ages 65-plus), and McDonald’s (64 cents for coffee, iced tea or soft drinks for ages 55-plus). Again, due to a modern age of franchising, these discounts can vary depending on the location, so it’s best to call ahead of time to find out if a particular location is a participating one or not.

For those who prefer to sit and stay a while, Bob Evans restaurants offer seniors aged 55 and older a special senior menu that includes lower prices and smaller portions. Other chains that offer a special senior menu include Denny’s (for seniors 55-plus), IHOP (for seniors 55-plus) and Friendly’s (for seniors 60-plus).

Additionally, Old Country Buffett allows seniors aged 60 years or older to purchase a Senior Club Card for just $1, which grants seniors discounts on every adult buffet meal they purchase for one year. For those who do not wish to purchase the Senior Club Card at Old Country Buffet, every weekday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., seniors 60 years or older receive a discounted adult buffet meal for only $5.99. Still more dining deals: AARP cardholders receive 20 percent off at Boston Market, and seniors aged 65 and older save 10 percent at Pizza Hut.

ENTERTAINMENT
Nearly all area movie theaters offer some form of a discounted movie ticket for seniors, including local, independently owned theaters. For instance, Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax offers Wednesday Senior Day, where seniors ages 60-plus can watch $4 movies.

If you enjoy catching live acts on the cheap, check out Wolf Trap. The performing arts park offers a senior citizen discount of 50 percent for in-house tickets for those adults ages 65-plus starting a half hour prior to performances (subject to availability).

Of course, it’s always good to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, too, and seniors 62-plus can purchase for a small price the America the Beautiful Senior Pass, which provides access to all U.S. National Parks and a 50-percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees on facilities and services such as camping and swimming. Go to http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm for more information.

The Virginia Department of Recreation and Conservation offers a variety of discounted senior citizen passes for admission to Virginia state parks as well as for parking, boat launching and amenities, which include camping, park merchandise, equipment rental and shelter/amphitheater rentals. Additional information is available here: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/.

TRAVEL
If you happen to live in the City of Alexandria and are at least 60 years old, you may want to pay attention to this. The City of Alexandria Department of the Aging offers seniors who live in Alexandria taxi services for only $2 to visit grocery stores and pharmacies within the Alexandria city borders. They will also take seniors to medical facilities in a radius of five miles outside of the city (excluding Lorton, Woodbridge, D.C. and MD) for only $2.50. Call 703-836-1840 the DAY BEFORE to make a reservation or to apply. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on weekends and holidays).

Elsewhere, the Seniors-On-The-Go! taxi program is available through the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. Seniors who are at least 65 years old and meet certain income criteria can participate in this program, which includes taxi coupon booklets that are worth $33, but only cost $20. If you apply and are eligible, you may purchase up to $528 worth of booklets a year with an actual cost of only $320 per year. (Residents of the City of Alexandria and the City of Falls Church are not eligible).

EDUCATION
Thinking about taking some classes but don’t want the headache of homework and exams? The Osher Lifetime Learning Institute (OLLI) at George Mason University offers daytime classes, lectures and special events led by qualified OLLI members and teachers from George Mason University. Classes meet for 90 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays for four terms—a total of 26 weeks per year—at locations in Fairfax, Reston and Sterling. OLLI members are entitled to a George Mason photo ID card and with it can enjoy many campus privileges. Aside from class, OLLI also offers various social and volunteer activities.

The annual fee is $350 for membership at all three sites and $150 for a Loudoun-only membership. There is also an introductory rate of $150 for one term.

(November 2009)

VA Celebrates Farmers Market Week

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, July 30th, 2009

(Image: Columbia Pike Farmers Market)

As decreed by Gov. Tim Kaine, August 2-8 is officially Farmers Market Week here in the Old Dominion.

What’s that?

You are all for propping up the local economy but you don’t know where/how to begin?

We’ve taken the guesswork out of sustainable grocery shopping by tracking down nearly three dozen weekly farmers markets in the surrounding communities.

And if gorging yourself on straight-from-the-field foodstuffs isn’t reason enough to support our regional purveyors, the Virginia Department of Agriculture is sweetening the locavore-luring pot by offering up $100 in Virginia produce and specialty products as part of the Eat Local Recipe Contest.

Submissions need to feature local ingredients and must be filed by August 15. Winners (one in the adult category and one in the children’s category) will be chosen at random on August 28.

To do next week
Shop smart

Eat well

Maybe, just maybe, score some homegrown goodies

–Warren