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/darts/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 not 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

Monday, January 30, 2012

Alexandria’s Ashley Wagner wins gold at U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Los Angeles Times 

New Metrobus route between Tysons Corner and Mark Center begins

WUSA9 

Virginia may see elderly exploitation laws

Fairfax County Times 

State Senate considers bill that would make using a cell phone while driving a primary offense for teens

Washington Examiner 

The White House’s first Chief Technology Officer expected to step down and run for Virginia Lieutenant Governor

Washington Post 

(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Rachael Ray, Michelle Obama to introduce healthy school meal changes at Alexandria’s Parklawn Elementary

NBC WASHINGTON 

Identity theft on the rise in Tysons Corner

WJLA

Phase 2 of Dulles Rail project hits money trouble, Loudoun may back out

WTOP  

Loudoun County Police arrest 21-year-old man for impersonating a cop, kidnapping

FOX DC

Divided Virginia Senate in political gridlock

Washington Examiner

Police break up youth fight club in Vienna

WJLA

(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Sen. Mark Warner is second wealthiest in U.S. Senate

Oakton Patch

Tysons Corner ramp connecting westbound Route 7 and southbound Route 123, closed since Sept. 2010, reopens

WJLA

Perry files lawsuit over disqualification from Virginia ballot

Washington Post

Median income of Arlington cyclists is $108,000

ARLnow

Burke funeral for deceased U.S. Park Police sergeant will create rolling road closures throughout the region

WTOP

Man sustains gunshot wound in Fredericksburg armed robbery

Fredericksburg Patch

(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)

Monday, December 19, 2011

Fairfax Station pedestrian killed in auto crash

Fairfax Station Patch

Fairfax County to approve new design guidelines in Tysons Corner urban development project

Fairfax County Times 

Number of Virginians needing food assistance at all-time high

WTOP

Eastbound Dulles Toll Road will close overnight

WJLA 

Gov. McDonnell criticized over financial proposals

Washington Post

(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)

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.

Davida and James Luehrs, founding members of the Northern Virginia chapter of Foundation Fighting Blindness and 2011 dinner co-chairs.

After we enjoyed our salads and watched the award presentations in the light, the lights went out for 30 minutes while we sat in the darkest of the dark and were served our meals, left with heightened senses of taste, smell, touch and sound. Each table had a visually impaired waiter who served everyone’s meals in the dark, using ropes to navigate.

The dining tables in the light, with ropes for darkness guiding lined throughout the dining area.

In the light, we met our server, Larry, a visually impaired man from Baltimore. Larry came around and shook each of our hands, asking if we had allergies and telling us that he would be taking care of us. Then the lights went out and our dining in the dark experience began.

I’m not going to lie, I got a bit panicky at first and my palms started to sweat as I tried to find my fork, knife, and wine glass in preparation. After about 10 minutes of loudly chatting, laughing, and booing anyone who tried to turn on their cell phone lights in the dark, our plates were miraculously placed before us by Larry and we turned to our smell, taste and touch to dig in.

My first bite was a forkful of nothing but a dab of sauce. But once I got comfortable with navigating my plate, I attempted to cut whatever it was into bite sizes, and on the second occasion ended up tearing off a big bite out of the heavy piece of meat dangling from my fork.

It didn’t take long before we were identifying our entree — ah, sweet potatoes! and green beans? I think I got a mushroom! Almost all eight of us at the table commented on how good the chicken was, while Jody Kelly, two-year former dinner chairwoman and visually impaired, laughed at us in the dark — because when the lights went back on, we all gasped at the meat which was, in fact, beef.

My dinner plate revealed when the lights went back on. I was surprised to see it was still somewhat presentable!

My neighbor Doug's plate was even better -- for it being his first time, he was great at dining in the dark!

The fact that the lights did go back on was relieving and yet revealing of my strong appreciation for vision — while I could see again, people like Larry still could not.

Dining in the dark was, all in all, a magnificent experience, and a fun crowd. If you ever have the chance to participate, I strongly recommend doing so. The Foundation Fighting Blindness holds Dining in the Dark dinners all over the country and in Europe, with all proceeds benefiting the great cause of research efforts toward treatment and cures for blinding diseases that affect over 10 million Americans.

-Julia Harbo

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

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!

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

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.