Posts Tagged ‘Tysons Corner’
“Hey, Want To Be My Non-Date Valentine’s Day Date?” And Other Great Ways To Celebrate V-Day
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
Today begins the countdown – approximately 312 hours until D-Day V-Day is here. Not to get your palms sweating but what’s the plan, Stan? Do you have that perfect person to spent the evening with, devouring romantic poems and feeding each other chocolates? No?
Too bad.
KIDDING! If you don’t have a significant other this February, we’ve put together a few ways you can celebrate the day of love without looking like this
or this
I could be at home, doing laundry. Or sewing buttons on my coats. / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/Everett Collection
First up – locate your target. And by target, we mean figure out which single, available, somewhat tolerable person you’d like to be with on Feb. 14th. Maybe it’s that guy who’s cubicle is across the hall, or that smokin’ hot neighbor who’s returned your mail when it ‘accidentally’ gets delivered to their box.
The hottie next door? A great non-date. / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/ Yuri Arcurs
Now that you have someone in mind, ask yourself these important questions:
> How many times have we hung out one-on-one before? Was it awkward?
> Does he/she smell funny? Or do that terribly annoying thing that makes me want to light my ears on fire and never see again?
> Will this person make multiple references to us hanging out together on V-day, before our non-date? Like, more than twice?
> Does my non-date show any of characteristics of a classic stage 5 clinger – this link here has the telltale signs.
Warning, she will not be letting go. / Photo courtesy: Cakalusa
If you answered “yes” to three or more questions, go back to start. Do not pass go or collect anything. This person is not your non-date date. Start from the beginning and try again. (Maybe it’s a friend of a friend, or someone from kickball).
If you answered “no” to most of the questions, it’s time to plan what to do on your non-date. Uberly romantic movies/restaurants/carriage rides are not in the picture. Here are some fun, yet remotely loveless activities to consider:
Look at this painting of a dead corpse. I'm not thinking about love at all. / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/ Adriano Castelli
- Hit up a museum talk. Let’s face it, unless you’re a paleontologist buff like Ross from Friends, we find it hard to see fireworks exploding in the background while some guy yaps about paintings. Is it interesting? Absolutely. Will it lead to a marriage proposal? Our guess is no. The National Gallery of Art and Artisphere both have exhibits this month. Or, better yet, check out the DEA. Last we heard, reading facts about prescription drug abuse did not cause spontaneous hand-holding. Whew.
-Play a few games. For the ultimate non-date, hit up our fave Arlington game haven, Spider Kelly’s. With just a handful of quarters, you can play some pool, challenge each other to shuffleboard/dart/basketball. We bet you’ll have a blast and forget all about the gushy holiday stuff, too.
-Throw back some bubbly. Just because you’re married/in a relationship/dating someone doesn’t mean you don’t get to go out, too, dang it! So throw on your party clothes and head to The Ritz-Carlton in Tysons for a their champagne and wine tasting frenzy. “Around the World In a Sip”? Sounds good to us!
- Root for the home team. Since basketball games happen, Valentine’s Day or not, why not head out to the Patriot Center and watch as GMU takes on VCU? So grab some snacks and show a little NoVA pride with your non-date.
Next up, how to ask your Val Pal out.
Our advice? Keep it casual. As in, snail mail is out. A text message, however, would be completely appropriate. Just casually throwing into a conversation like, “Hey, what do you have going on next week?” is the way to go.
Congrats! You are now on your way to having a fabulous non-date date. Enjoy! Check back tomorrow for more Valentine’s Day goodness plus check out our complete entertainment guide here.
– Lorin Drinkard
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Monday, January 30th, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Alexandria’s Ashley Wagner wins gold at U.S. Figure Skating Championships
New Metrobus route between Tysons Corner and Mark Center begins
Virginia may see elderly exploitation laws
State Senate considers bill that would make using a cell phone while driving a primary offense for teens
The White House’s first Chief Technology Officer expected to step down and run for Virginia Lieutenant Governor
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Rachael Ray, Michelle Obama to introduce healthy school meal changes at Alexandria’s Parklawn Elementary
Identity theft on the rise in Tysons Corner
Phase 2 of Dulles Rail project hits money trouble, Loudoun may back out
Loudoun County Police arrest 21-year-old man for impersonating a cop, kidnapping
Divided Virginia Senate in political gridlock
Police break up youth fight club in Vienna
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sen. Mark Warner is second wealthiest in U.S. Senate
Tysons Corner ramp connecting westbound Route 7 and southbound Route 123, closed since Sept. 2010, reopens
Perry files lawsuit over disqualification from Virginia ballot
Median income of Arlington cyclists is $108,000
Burke funeral for deceased U.S. Park Police sergeant will create rolling road closures throughout the region
Man sustains gunshot wound in Fredericksburg armed robbery
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Monday, December 19th, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Fairfax Station pedestrian killed in auto crash
Fairfax County to approve new design guidelines in Tysons Corner urban development project
Number of Virginians needing food assistance at all-time high
Eastbound Dulles Toll Road will close overnight
Gov. McDonnell criticized over financial proposals
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 16th, 2011
I’d like to share with you a picture of my dinner last night:
No, that’s not a technological error — that was my true dinner experience. I participated in Dining in the Dark, a Visionary Awards Dinner put on by the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Dining in the Dark is exactly what it sounds like. If you haven’t heard of the trend that started in Germany, it’s when diners eat their meals in complete darkness — I’m talking pitch black. The idea is to enjoy a sensory awareness experience — and in the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ event, to get a glimpse into the lives of the visually impaired.
Chef Michel Richard Pays Tribute to a Culinary Legend
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
JLP tribute dinner menu- happening now!
Diners take for granted ingredients like white truffles, sea urchin, and fresh foie gras, dishes that were hardly known in the United States when Jean Louis Palladin arrived in Washington in 1979. It’s been a decade since the passing of this legendary chef but the mark he made on the culinary community lives on.
During the month of December, Michel Richard honors Chef Palladin serving dishes at MICHEL by Michel Richard, Tysons Corner, which reflect the inspired culinary creativity that Jean-Louis brought to the table.
“Jean-Louis was an ambassador of cuisine uniting all chefs of different culinary accents. He was a French chef but his quest for the freshest local American ingredients was an inspiration to us all”, says Michel of his friend and colleague.
From December 6-10, MICHEL in Tysons Corner will serve a six-course Jean-Louis Palladin Tribute prix-fixe menu, offered in addition to the regular a la carte dinner menu. Throughout the month of December, “JLP” special menu items will be incorporated into the regular a la carte dinner menu.
The Jean-Louis Palladin Tribute menu, a $150 six-course prix-fixe, includes an amuse bouche of Quail Eggs with Smoked Salmon in Brioche; followed by Chestnut Soup; Terrine of Foie Gras with Black Truffle Tricolor Pasta, Prosciutto and Fresh Herb Tomato Sauce; Fricassee of Snail with Crispy Sweet Breads, Mirepoix, Chanterelle Mushroom and Shallot Sauce; Roasted Duck Breast with Date Puree and Date Sauce; and for the sinfully delicious dessert, Chocolate Pasta, with Mocha Sauce and White Chocolate Curls and Petits Fours. Jean-Louis’ famous Brioche with Anchovy Butter will be served with the meal. The Jean-Louis Palladin prix-fixe menu will be available Tuesday- Saturday, December 6- 10, 5:30-10pm.
Courtesy of the James Beard Foundation, a limited quantity of the out-of-print Jean-Louis Palladin cookbook will be available for sale at MICHEL in December. This magnificent 220 page cookbook includes recipes that revolutionized the way chefs and food lovers viewed fine dining in America. The book was beautifully photographed by world-renowned photographer, Fred Maroon, whose work includes one of the most highly regarded photographic collections of Washington, DC. The book will be on sale at MICHEL for the month of December, priced at $50, with 100% of the proceeds going to the James Beard Foundation whose mission is to celebrate, nurture and preserve America’s diverse culinary heritage and future. Both Michel Richard and Jean Louis Palladin have been recipients of the James Beard Outstanding Chef Award, the most prestigious chef award in the U.S.
MICHEL At The Ritz-Carlton - 1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean; (703)744.3999
– Jennie Whistler
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, November 28th, 2011
Hello, shoppers! Have I got news for you — a fabulous book signing, an open house with wondrous giveaways, an exclusive bridal trunk show, a jewelry trunk show/sale, savings on Santa pics and more!
On Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6-8 p.m., Vienna’s totally amazing Trousseau will host a book-signing event along with professional bra fittings by Chantelle Lingerie experts, champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Ali Cudby, author of “Busted! The Fab Foundations Guide to Bras That Fit, Flatter and Feel Fantastic” will be the featured author. RSVP to kpalermo@chantelle.com.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Details Boutique in Haymarket will host a Holiday Open House. Go for the bubbly and bites; stay for the awesome swag! Giveaways have been generously provided by The John Medeiros Collection, Spinning Jewelry, Spartina 449, Kameleon Jewelry, Vera Bradley, Scarlett Robin and Brighton. Also, Blend Couture will create Custom Lipstick Bars for guests. RSVPs (include name and number of people) are not required, but are welcomed by Dec. 1 to Details@ChicPR.com.
Calling all blushing brides — Gainesville’s Blush Bridal Boutique will host a Justin Alexander Trunk Show from Friday, Dec. 9, through Sunday, Dec. 11. Shop Justin Alexander’s Spring 2012 line before it hits stores. The couture line is famous for its sweeping ball gowns, mermaid styles, ruffles, lace, beading, sweetheart necklines, fitted bodices, dramatic and flowing skirts, texture, delicate details, sheer bolero jackets, crystal-embellished belts and elegant sashes.
One of the gorgeous Justin Alexander gowns to be featured in the trunk show at Blush Bridal Boutique Dec. 9-11. (Photo courtesy of Blush Bridal Boutique)
Also on Saturday, Dec. 10, from noon to 4 p.m., BeautyFull Boutique in Alexandria will be hosting a Jewelry Trunk Show & Sale featuring local jewelry designers and vendors including Nicky B’s, Ellen Young and others. Light refreshments will also be served. Register here.
Speaking of stellar locally designed jewels, on Saturdays Dec. 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays Dec. 11 and 18 from noon to 5 p.m., Queen Bee Designs will host their Holiday Hive Trunk Show & Sale! If you can’t make that, they’re hosting a Mid-Week Open House where Early Bird/Mommy Shopping is every morning all week from Dec. 12 – 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Working Ladies/Socialite Shopping Weekends are Dec. 12-15 from 5-9 p.m. All jewelry and accessories will be offered at wholesale prices (up to 50 percent off)!
And even Santa loves a sale! From now until next Wednesday, Dec. 7, get $3 off photo packages and a free gift when you visit Santa in the Fashion Court at Tysons Corner. See prices here and Santa’s hours here. Santa will be at Tysons until Dec. 24.
Happy shopping!
–Lexie Ramage
PS. Check back soon for Natalie’s Cyber Monday Spectacular!
Celebrate Thanksgiving at 2941
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, November 21st, 2011
Well folks, it’s official: the holidays are upon us. We tried to deny it, but we can do so no longer.
And if you still don’t have your Thanksgiving plans set, well then don’t despair; 2941 invites you and yours to dine with them this Thursday for an elegant Thanksgiving meal. They can offer wonderful food, beautiful views and graceful service.
Check out their decadent Turkey day menu:
Appetizers
BUTTERNUT SQUASH VELOUTÉ, cinnamon marshmallow, celery leaves
TUNA TARTARE, truffle-nut vinaigrette, shaved celery, watermelon radishes
CAESAR SALAD, Parmesan dressing, brioche crostini, romaine hearts
HUDSON VALLEY FOIE GRAS, quince confit, spinach, corn bread (supp. $12)
LOBSTER BISQUE, butter poached lobster, fennel, white truffle bun
MEYER LEMON CRAB CAKE, jumbo lump & sweet crab, fine herbs, crunchy fennel salad
Main Courses
SEA BASS, celery root purée, roasted parsnip, chive émulsion
MAPLE LAWN FARM’S TURKEY BREAST, chestnut & mushroom stuffing, sweet potato, cranberry jam, gravy
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI, ricotta, almond biscotti, chestnuts
BEEF DUO, braised short ribs, rib eye, pomme purée, Savoy cabbage, baby turnips (supp. $10)
Desserts
2941 APPLE PIE, baked in a bag, served with vanilla ice cream
CRANBERRY PUDDING, pain d’ epice croutons, apple cider sorbet
PUMPKIN SPICED FRENCH TOAST, toasted pumpkin seeds, chocolate ice cream
PEAR SOUFFLÉ, crispy nougat meringue, chestnut crème anglaise (supp. $5)
Thanksgiving dinner at 2941:
Thursday, November 24th
Seating from 11 am – 8 pm
Three-Course Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner: $65/ $25 children’s menu
And it’s not just for Thanksgiving; 2941 is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays.
See all that they have to offer online at www.2941.com
– Jennie Whistler
New Microsoft Store Opens in Tysons!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, November 17th, 2011
Microsoft just opened its 14th retail location at Tysons Corner Center. It’s only the second Microsoft store on the East Coast, after Atlanta.
The brand new Microsoft store, complete with festive decorations. Photo Bekah Lowe.
We just got back from the grand opening earlier today, and it was spectacular. The store was packed to the brim. Thursday morning? Who cares! Hundreds of people lined up just to say they were there on day one.
The first thing we saw in the store--this awesome GMU Xbox! Photo Bekah Lowe.
Even with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, the store was clearly magical. Wrap-around video screens lined the entire store, creating an endless panorama of Microsoft goodness. The screens simultaneously played special promos, games and television. The video wall also ranked the current top-selling songs, albums and apps.
Check out the video screens on the wall. Photo Bekah Lowe.
Christmas was already in the air–decorations were in full bloom, and despite the hectic fervor of the grand opening, store employees were already hard at work helping shoppers make holiday-buying decisions. Each sales associate raced around the store at high speed, sometimes with enormous stacks of brand new product, other times with mobile cash registers that allowed customers to buy their goods on the spot.
The first 1,000 customers received gift bags loaded with Microsoft gear. Photo Bekah Lowe.
The four Microsoft Surface stations were perhaps the coolest sight. Microsoft Surface is essentially a table, except the top of it is the giant touch screen of a fully-functional PC. I’ve gotta say, the Surface’s touch screen is the smoothest, most comfortable touch screen I’ve ever felt.
However, the Surface is not available for purchase in stores. If you absolutely must have one, you can contact Microsoft’s corporate headquarters and order one for $30,000. That’s not a typo.
The incredible Microsoft Surface in action. Photo Bekah Lowe.
The grand opening is not over. In fact, it’s still going on right now! Cal Ripken Jr. will be at the store later today, Thursday, Nov. 17, starting at 5 p.m. He’ll be autographing and playing Kinect with fans.
Then on Saturday, Nov. 19, Joe Jonas will be giving a special performance at 2:30 p.m. in Tysons Parking Lot 5. The first 200 people who visited the Tysons Microsoft store today each received two premier-viewing tickets to his performance and one meet-and-greet pass to meet Jonas after his show. Additional general-admission tickets are available, but you’ve got to get down to the Microsoft store pronto to pick them up.
–Matt Basheda
Microsoft in Tysons! Photo Bekah Lowe.
The always-fun Kinect. Photo Bekah Lowe.
