NVAR Realtor Johnny Hanna has over 35 years of experienc e in assisting buyers and sellers on real estate transactions in our market.
No stranger to foreign lands and cultures, Johnny Hanna is tuned into the needs of small and large families who are making a place from which to launch future generations of successful home ownership. Looking for Professional help buying and selling in The Tysons Area? We are at your service and as far as your telephone. We can’t wait to meet you!
Best Places for Live Music
by Keith Loria
Music lovers don’t need to go to Washington, D.C. to enjoy live music as Northern Virginia offers some outstanding venues to see both local and national bands performing, and the music scene here is only getting stronger.
SERAY Modern Lebanese Restaurant
by Allison Chase Sutherland
Charming owners Rabih Abi-Aad from Lebanon and his wife Nadiia Kuk originally from Ukraine welcome you to one of the newest and coolest restaurants in Vienna – open just since September – Seray Modern Lebanese Restaurant. We went on a Monday night and the place was already packed. Step into an inviting, modern, upscale interior. They personally designed this minimalistic space, with Italian lighting fixtures which hang like stars up above.
Roberto's Ristorante Italiano by Allison Chase Sutherland Meander down Church Street and you will come upon not one but two upscale restaurants by multi-award-winning and affable Chef Roberto Donna with his fanciful signature brand Alain Mikli red spectacles and his gracious wife, Owner Nancy Sabbagh–Roberto's Ristorante Italiano, which serves up Italian fare, and Le Bistro with its French cuisine just down the street.
How Can I Manage My Child's Sweet Tooth?
by Dr. Rishita Jaju
Whether it is Halloween or Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Birthday – our celebrations are inundated with sugary treats and choices. If we want our kids to enjoy the celebrations and take ownership of their dental and mouth health, we must give them guidance to make the right choices rather than make an almost futile effort to remove sugary foods from their diet.
Photo credit Nina Palazzolo
THE MAGAZINE FOR TYSONS | RESTON | ASHBURN | LEESBURG GREAT FALLS | MCLEAN | VIENNA | OAKTON | FALLS CHURCH FALL 2024
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Johnny Hanna
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ART DIRECTOR / PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Robin Long
WEBSITE DESIGNER
TRAVEL CONTRIBUTOR Allison Chase Sutherland
WINE EDITOR Linda Barrett
VIDEOGRAPHY Kari Cannistraro
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marcia McAllister
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THE
THE WONDER OF THE
December 7
1ST STAGE
1524 Spring Hill Road Tysons, VA 22102 www.1ststage.org
LAUGHS IN SPANISH
Out and About CONCERTS & EVENTS
CAPITAL ONE HALL
7750 Capital One Tower Road Tysons, VA 22102 www.capitalonehall.com
MICHAEL W. SMITH:
December 12 – December 29
General Admission
Tickets $55.00
Step into the vibrant world of Miami's Wynwood arts district with a joyous and downright hilarious snapshot of Cuban and Colombian-American culture. As Art Basel approaches, Mariana, the director of a swanky modern art gallery, faces a serious dilemma: her showroom has become an active crime scene. Part crimecomedy, part mother-daughter story, this play follows Mariana and her eccentric squad, including her larger-than-life mother, a film and television star determined to save the show. “A poignant and playful exploration of family, identity, and comedy.” – Boulder Weekly
EVERY CHRISTMAS
November 22 | Doors 6:00pm
Tickets start at $60.50
Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter, Michael W. Smith, is excited to return to Tysons, VA with his EVERY CHRISTMAS concert tour. Concert audiences will be engulfed in the joy and true meaning of the season as Michael W. Smith and, his award-winning very special guest, Riley Clemmons perform their most popular Christmas classics in a night for the whole family.
OH HE DEAD
December 5 | Doors 7:00pm
Tickets start at $25.00
Washington DC’s Oh He Dead brings their funky, poppy rock vibes wherever they go. Led by CJ Bowlin’ Johnson and her
golden pipes, the five-piece group includes lead guitarist Alex Salser, John Daise-on-the-bass (say it outloud), Adam Ashforth on drums, and ViRG on keys. The close-knit crew is known for their contagious joy, and for putting on a hell of a live show as Johnson “maneuvers her powerful voice — a combination of Stevie Nicks and Tracy Chapman” (Kojo Nnamdi) in rhythm with the band’s “sublime instrumentation” (NPR) and “infectious and soulful sound” (Washington Post).
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
December 13 | Doors 6:30pm Tickets $40.00
Festive music for the whole family! Featuring ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ with full symphony orchestra, alongside music from Christmas movies including Home Alone, the Polar Express, and It’s A Wonderful Life. Sing-along carols complete the perfect holiday concert. .
Photo courtesy Reston Community Center
CREATIVE CAULDRON
410 South Maple Avenue, Retail 116 Falls Church, VA 22046 www.creativecauldron.org
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
November 8 – November 24
Adults $20.00, Students $18.00, Live Stream $15.00
“Curiouser and curiouser” Down the Rabbit Hole we go! Come join Alice on her fantastical journey through Wonderland. The White Rabbit, The Cheshire Cat, The Caterpillar, The Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts, all your favorite characters are here in this musical adaptation of the classic Lewis Carroll tale. Alice gives the entire family a chance to spend an utterly "Mad, mad day" at the Cauldron, enjoying one of the most famous and enduring children's classics of all time in a new bi-lingual format.
MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS
December 6 – December 22
Tier One $30.00, Tier Two $20.00 Students $18.00
A Holiday tradition at Creative Cauldron! “In an old house in Paris, covered in vines, lived 12 little girls in two straight lines.” And with that familiar phrase, author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans sets in motion the adventures of the brave and resourceful Madeline! In this musical adaptation, Madeline’s schoolmates and tutor are all sick in bed on Christmas Eve, unable to go home for Christmas to be with their families. So it’s Madeline to the rescue! And with the help of a magical rug merchant she takes her friends on a Christmas journey they will never forget.
HOLIDAY CABARET
SERIES
December 2024
Tier One $30.00, Tier Two $25.00 VIP Tables: $90.00 / 2, $180.00 / 4 Live Stream $15.00
This series is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Get in the festive spirit or shake off some holiday blues with these seasonal cabarets that blend creativity and classics!
GEORGE MASON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
4373 Mason Pond Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 cfa.gmu.edu
FAIRFAX SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA
WITH JEREMY DENK
November 13 | 8:00pm
Tickets start at $40.00
Jeremy Denk, one of America’s foremost pianists, returns to the Center for the Arts for a special performance co-presented by the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) and Great Performances at Mason. The winner of a MacArthur Genius Fellowship Grant and the Avery Fisher Prize, Denk was recently elected to the American Academy of Art and Sciences, and according to the New York Times, “... is a pianist you want to hear no matter what he performs.”
SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS
December 7 | 8:00pm
Tickets start at $33.00
Swing into the holiday season with platinum-selling jazz-rock band Squirrel Nut Zippers. Serving up a boisterous blend of Delta blues, big band, klezmer jazz, and calypso sound in their holiday program Christmas Caravan, Squirrel Nut Zippers is sure to get audiences dancing along.
AMERICAN FESTIVAL POPS ORCHESTRA
December 14 | 4:00pm
Tickets start at $36.00
The American Festival Pops Orchestra (AFPO) continues its annual tradition of spreading musical goodwill and cheer in this audience favorite! Enjoy a festive evening of seasonal favorites designed for the entire family, including "Night Before Christmas" with George Mason University Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts Rick Davis, toe-tapping classics from the orchestra's embedded Big Band, and an appearance by the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Darden Purcell.
JAMMIN’ JAVA
227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180
www.jamminjava.com
RONNIE BAKER BROOKS
November 17 | 7:00pm
Tickets start at $30.00
Chicago guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Ronnie Baker Brooks is one of the city’s—and the world’s— most undeniably talented and electrifying bluesmen. Ronnie was born into Chicago blues royalty as the son of legendary multiple GRAMMY Award nominee, Blues Hall Of Famer, and longtime Alligator Records recording star Lonnie Brooks. He is among the few contemporary blues artists who learned his craft directly from many of the genre’s icons, including Albert Collins, B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor and, most significantly, his father.
MINDY SMITH
November 30 | 8:00pm
Tickets start at $30.00
Fans can look forward to hearing new songs from Quiet Town as well as beloved tracks from her previous albums during her live performances. A good rule of thumb when going to a Mindy Smith concert, bring a hanky, a tissue or an extra sleeve. Your tear ducts don’t know the difference between laughing tears and crying tears and you’ll likely be doing both. “Humor is how I compensate for singing so many sad tunes back-to-back,” says Smith.
LAURA TSAGGARIS –GET IN THE MOOD TOUR
December 14 | 8:00pm
Tickets start at $20.00
Featuring songs from the criticallyacclaimed 2021 Christmas album, “Get in the Mood,” Laura and her band put classic rock, acoustic, and funky spins on Christmas classics like Elvis’ “Blue Christmas,” Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You,” and “Christmas Time Is Here” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
McLEAN COMMUNITY CENTER THE ALDEN THEATRE
1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA 22101 www.mcleancenter.org
ADAM LEVIN, CLASSICAL GUITAR
November 17 | 2:00pm
$10.00/$7.00 students & seniors
$5.00 MCC district residents
Billboard chart-topping recording artist, Fulbright scholar and worldwide performer, Adam Levin, brings a beautiful and thoughtful concert to our chamber music series. Levin’s repertoire and expertise span J.S. Bach to contemporary Spanish music. Plus, he’s a professor, so you know the commentary will be enlightening.
“IT’S A JAZZY CHRISTMAS!”
December 21 | 7:00pm
$30.00/$25.00 students & seniors
$20.00 MCC district residents
Saxophonist Lil’ Maceo, gospel violinist Eric Taylor and the rest of the gang join the stellar house band for an evening that will hit your holidays out of the park.
NEXTSTOP THEATRE COMPANY
269 Sunset Park Drive Herndon, VA 20170
www.nextstoptheatre.org
THE SHAWSHANK
REDEMPTION
November 14 – December 8
Tickets $50.00
When Andy Dufresne is convicted of murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank prison, he must use his wits and newly forged friendships to keep himself and his hope alive. But will he be able to survive the corruption and danger he faces within this notorious prison’s walls? Based on the novella by Stephen King and popularized by the highly acclaimed movie, The Shawshank Redemption is a story of resilience and is sure to be a theatrical experience like no other
“IT’S A JAZZY CHRISTMAS!”
December 21
RESTON COMMUNITY CENTER THE CENTERSTAGE
2310 Colts Neck Rd. Reston, VA 20191
www.restoncommunitycenter.com
“THE OTHER WITCH” CHOREOGRAPHED AND PERFORMED BY NEJLA YATKIN
November 23 | 3:00pm
$20.00 Reston Residents
$30.00 Non-residents
“The Other Witch” is a multimedia and multi-lingual dance performance featuring elements of contemporary dance, dance ritual, text, sound and music. The solo is a haunting visual experience that alludes to the untamable aspects of nature. Yatkin draws inspiration from Mary Wigman’s 1914 “Hexentanz” but creates a new interpretation.
THE RESTON CHORALE: THE WONDER OF THE SEASON
December 7 | 4:00pm & 7:00pm
$25.00 Seniors | $30.00 Adults
Don’t miss a moment of the music being made this year by The Reston Chorale. Join your friends and neighbors, bring the family and savor the musical feast. Experience the wonder of the season when The Reston Chorale presents two performances of holiday favorites. It’s a musical treat for all ages!
STAGECOACH THEATRE COMPANY
20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120 Ashburn, VA 20147 www.stagecoachtc.com
A CHRISTMAS STORY December 7 – December 23
Tickets $25.00
Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here. A Christmas Story is destined to become a theatrical holiday perennial.
Photo courtesy McLean Community Center
CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES
December 6
THE STATE THEATRE
220 N Washington St Falls Church, VA www.thestatetheatre.com
THE ENGLISH BEAT
November 17 | Doors 7:00pm
$35.00 in advance
$40.00 day of show
The English Beat is a band with an energetic mix of musical styles and a sound like no other. The band's unique sound has allowed it to endure for nearly four decades and appeal to fans, young and old, all over the world.
JOHN KADLECIK BAND
December 27 | Doors 7:00pm
$25.00 in advance
$28.00 day of show
John Kadlecik is a singer, songwriter, and musician based in the DCarea who can play most string instruments, but is primarily known for being a guitar-slinging sideman to Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir in the band Furthur. An original co-founder of the group Dark Star Orchestra, John has been performing improvisationallyoriented shows regularly since the late 1980's and touring nationally for the last 20 years.
WOLF TRAP
The Barns 1635 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182 www.wolftrap.org
ELIANE ELIAS
November 21 | 8:00pm
Tickets Start at $63.00
The reigning queen of Brazilian jazz, Eliane Elias, brings her intoxicating voice and piano prowess to The Barns! The Grammy and Latin Grammy winner’s originality comes through on her 2024 album Time and Again. Singing in both English and Portuguese while simultaneously blending jazz, R&B, and alternative pop influences, Elias deftly concocts a timeless yet one-of-akind sound. “It’s Time” to grab tickets to see this bossa nova legend before it’s “Too Late.”
DC ANTHEM SINGERS
November 24 | 3:00pm & 7:30pm
Tickets Start at $33.00
The DC Anthem singers trade in their usual venues of hockey arenas and baseball stadiums for a return to The Barns just in time for the holidays! Local legends Bob McDonald, Caleb Green, and D.C. Washington (yes, that’s his real
name!) have sung the National Anthem for DC’s most beloved teams, such as the Washington Capitals and Nationals, for decades. Traditional renditions of “God Bless America” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” interspersed with holiday, Broadway, pop, and gospel favorites make for a merry night of nostalgia and fun for all.
CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES
December 6 | 8:00pm
Tickets Start at $56.00
Relive radio’s glory days with the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies! Best known for their hit “Zoot Suit Riot,” Steve Perry and his band treat you to a retro, South Pacificstyle Christmas celebration with a whole lot of big band energy!
WOLF TRAP
HOLIDAY SING-A-LONG
December 7 | 3:00pm
Free - Registration Required
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long! This musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with local choir and vocal groups from the Washington, DC metro area. v
Photo courtesy Wolf Trap
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›› Luxury finishes, modern decor, and updated common areas
›› Modern Gym and locker rooms
›› Four-level structured parking with 308 spaces.
›› Easily accessible road access to Leesburg Pike, Chain Bridge Rd, the Capital Beltway, and the Dulles Toll Road
›› Next to the Tysons West Center featuring the Walmart Supercenter, Basic Burger, Jersey Mikes, Moby Dick House of Kabob, Dunkin Donuts, and Rooming Rooster
›› Located near all of the Tysons Corner Shopping centers, including the Boro, the Tysons Galleria, and the Tysons Corner Center
›› Within four-minute walking distance of the Spring Hill Metro Center
Best Places for Live Music
By Keith Loria
Music lovers don’t need to go to Washington, D.C. to enjoy live music as Northern Virginia offers some outstanding venues to see both local and national bands performing, and the music scene here is only getting stronger.
Jammin Java
It starts with Jammin Java, at 227 Maple Ave. in Vienna, which since 2001 has been bringing amazing acts to its stage. Pollstar Magazine regularly recognizes the club as one of the Top 100 Venues in the world according to ticket sales.
Run by brothers Daniel, Jonathan and Luke Brindley, the small club is one that both emerging talent and seasoned veterans want to play when they’re in the area.
Coming up this fall are concerts by a diverse array of artists including American cellist Ben Sollee (Oct. 7); Christina rapper nobigdyl (Oct. 11); a record release party from singer songwriter Amy Rigby (Oct. 17); multi-instrumentalist Robbie Ellis (Oct. 20); and rockers Red Wanting Blue (Oct. 24).
The Barns at Wolf Trap
While Wolf Trap’s outdoor summer stage is well known for bringing in musical favorites year after year—in 2024, it welcomed James Taylor, the Indigo Girls and Boy George to the stage for example— it also has a smaller in-door stage called the Barnes that holds concerts in the fall and winter.
The 382-seat indoor venue hosts an incredible lineup over the next eight months.
“This season includes international artists, Broadway icons, Grammy Award winners, D.C.’s own local anthem singers, and many more legendary acts,” said Arvind Manocha, president and CEO of Wolf Trap Foundation. “Wolf Trap continues to be committed to bringing a diverse range of artists to our stages that you can’t see anywhere else in the region.”
Among the highlights for the 2024-25 season are Broadway star Norm Lewis (Oct.18-19); country-rock innovator Jim Messina (Oct. 22); three nights of Graham Nash (Oct. 23, 25, 26); and Grammy and Oscar winner T Bone Burnett (Oct. 28-29) on his first tour in almost two decades. The season also includes folk music sensation Over The Rhine (Nov 2); legendary South African sounds of the Abdullah Ibrahim Trio (Nov 13); and Brazilian jazz pianist Eliane Elias (Nov 21).
The Birchmere
Located at 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., in Alexandria, The Birchmere is a one-of-akind barnlike music performance space with a supper club-style main hall and a bandstand area.
Audience members can enjoy a scrumptious sit-down meal before (and during) the show, and see some of the finest musicians of the last 50 years take to the stage.
Air Supply, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dave Matthews, Vince Gill, John Prine, Emmylou Harris, Judy Collins, and k.d. Lang are just a handful of the artists counted as good friends of the Birchmere who return to the venue time and time again.
Upcoming shows include American Idol winner Phillip Phillips (Sept. 26); Rickie Lee Jones (Oct. 9); Debbie Gibson (Oct. 16); The Robert Cray Band (Oct. 29); and Jeffrey Osborne (Nov. 8-9). Come December, Micky Dolenz of the Monkees fame plays Dec. 12 and Don McLean does a Christmas show Dec. 13.
Photo courtesy of Wolf Trap
Photo courtesy of The Birchmere, credit: Lisa A. Walker
State Theatre
Since 1999, the State Theatre at 220 N. Washington St., in Falls Church has been one of the best places to see cover bands and legendary musical artists from the ’80s and ’90s, with everyone from Blondie to the Smithereens performing.
Some of the most popular shows are ’80s night with the Legwarmers, ’90s night with the Bayside Tigers and tributes to musical artists such as Nirvana, the Eagles and Elton John.
In addition to having a large floor on stage level, and a balcony overlooking the stage, the State Theatre also has a Sky Suite—a private room available to rent for almost every show. The suite was converted from the venue’s original projection room from its days as a movie theater in the 1930s. It has a large panoramic opening giving it the best view in the house. And with seating for up to 20 guests, it is the perfect option of a private space away from the crowds while still being a part of the party.
Capitol One Hall
Only a few years old, Capitol One Hall in Tysons is becoming the must-go place to see concerts. With diverse acts from all over the world, the venue offers something for everyone.
In the past year, Richard Marx, Rick Springfield and the Indigo Girls have performed on its stage. Upcoming are shows like funk band Ripe (Oct. 18); singer Michael W. Smith (Nov. 22) and Iranian musician Shahin Najafi (Nov. 23).
Aside from these larger venues, there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area that host music on weekends and occasionally on weeknights.
Clare and Don’s: Across from the State Theatre is Clare and Don’s at 130 N Washington St., which invites local acts to the stage on weekends.
Crooked Run: A brewery at 22455 Davis Drive in Sterling that has a nice stage for artists.
The Renegade: A restaurant at 3100 Clarendon Blvd., that hosts bands several nights a week.
Tally Ho Theater: A music venue at 19 West Market St. in Leesburg featuring national acts and local musicians.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood: A seafood restaurant at 7900 Tysons One Place in McLean which features live jazz nightly. v
Photo courtesy of Capital One
Photo courtesy of State Theatre
Roberto's Ristorante Italiano
by Allison Chase Sutherland
Meander down Church Street and you will come upon not one but two upscale restaurants by multi-awardwinning and affable Chef Roberto Donna with his fanciful signature brand Alain Mikli red spectacles and his gracious wife, Owner Nancy Sabbagh–Roberto's Ristorante Italiano, which serves up Italian fare, and Le Bistro with its French cuisine just down the street.
Among his numerous accolades, Chef Roberto Donna garnered the coveted James Beard award for Best American Chef: Mid-Atlantic the second year after it was introduced, which is displayed prominently on the wall as you enter the establishment. He was also recognized as Esquire Chef of the Year, received an award from the Culinary Institute of America, and was awarded the International Prize Caterina de’ Medici by the FIC Federazione Italiana Cuochi in Italy and Top Italian Restaurants in 2022 for Roberto’s here in Vienna for Gambero Rosso, kind of an international Zagat's, delineating the best Italian restaurants worldwide.
Chef Roberto is not only a talented chef, but has a big heart as well, generously lending his support to various charitable organizations, such as the DC Central
Kitchen, the American Institute of Wine and Food, Share Our Strength, and the James Beard Foundation. Nancy describes the motivation behind his civic-minded activities as “an important part of his life and his way of giving back to the community that has helped him succeed in achieving his dreams.”
Upon entering the restaurant, you will notice eclectic décor which includes white brick walls and orange-red booths and chairs, orange pillows and some walls, festive multicolor glass chandeliers by Chihuly and other whimsical hanging lighting fixtures, a wall artistically festooned with assorted ornate Venetian masks, and vivid scenic paintings from Italy, some from Roberto’s hometown of Turin, Italy.
Roberto came to the States in 1979 when he was just 20, and opened the noteworthy restaurant Galileo in Washington, DC when he was 24, remaining there for decades. He later opened Laboratorio del Galileo and Osteria.
Fortuitously for our own town of Vienna, Chef Roberto and his wife and Owner Nancy opened Roberto's Ristorante Italiano two and a half years ago for all our Vienna foodies and beyond to enjoy. This is a culinary destination worth traveling for.
All photos credit: Allison Chase Sutherland
Chef says, “We are very happy to be here to serve real Italian food in Vienna. They like to eat good food and drink well. If you eat here and go to Italy, it will be the same. Authenticity is our motto. When you come here, we want you to be transported.”
Roberto, originally from the Piedmont region in the north of Italy presents dishes from his homeland, such as Vitello Tonnato, thin slices of roasted veal with tuna-mayo sauce and capers, and the earthy, satisfying Gnocchi alla Crema di Tartufo Nero, potato dumpling, black truffle, cream, shallots, brandy, and parmesan cheese, as well as dishes from all over Italy.
One item you don't often see is the Fiori di Zucchine, slightly crispy fried stuffed squash blossoms filled with house-made goat ricotta, mint, and lemon with a pea pesto sauce. Chef says, “My parents were vegetable farmers, so we grew zucchini all summer.”
All the gelati, sauces, and breads, including focaccia with rosemary and olive oil,
grissini, (bread sticks), with garlic and red pepper, and the multi-layered sfogliato with encrusted parmesan cheese and butter are made in-house.
You can also start off with San Benedetto sparkling water with a nice mineral flavor and just the right amount of fizz. Or perhaps a glass of Prosecco.
Cold antipasti of note include Burrata, Pesche, Pomodori–a refreshing combination of burrata cheese, peaches, heirloom tomato, hot pepper, basil oil with balsamic-lemon dressing and Culatello e Fichi, melt-in-yourmouth Italian ham, fresh figs, arugula, with pecorino Toscano cheese and honey. One diner gushed, “I love the fresh figs with a touch of honey.”
A favorite for hot antipasti is the Spugnole Ripiene, stuffed fresh morel mushrooms with chicken mousse, and a wonderfully savory black truffle sauce. “It's one of my favorite dishes,” recommended server Sara. I wholeheartedly agree. The rich, flavorful sauce with notes of umami begs you to dip the crunchy but light (and fortunately
absorbent!) focaccia to savor the precious sauce until the end. Sumptuous.
For the Pietanze, or entrée, the savory Ippoglosso in Filetto, halibut filet over warm caponata (Sicilian eggplant stew with capers and olives), with espelette pepper sauce, had a nice sear on the fish while remaining tender and flaky on the inside.
A fun offering to try is the Fettuccine alla Parmigiana, semolina fettuccine tossed tableside in a Parmesan cheese wheel. They light the cheese and stir it to melt it and then combine it with the fettuccine. Kind of like dinner and a show.
For dessert, try the Classica Panna Cotta, vanilla panna cotta drenched in bright and tangy passion fruit sauce with whipped cream. The tartness of the sauce offsets and balances out the creaminess of the panna cotta.
For $85, you can try the rotating seasonal tasting menu. The entire table must partake in this selection, but the items may also be ordered à la carte.
Upcoming events include a dinner of the Donnas’ Favorite Sicilian Trip Dishes for $55 exclusive of tax and gratuity on August 20 at 6 pm. Check the website for future special events, including regional-themed dinners and wine dinners. The restaurant serves wines from Italy, Virginia, California, and France. In September, they will be hosting a wine dinner in association with one of Virginia's most prestigious wineries, Barboursville, near Charlottesville.
The restaurant also offers opportunities for culinary travel experiences. Chef explains, “Twice a year we take groups of 12 to enogastronomic tours of different regions of Italy, including Piedmont, Sicily, Tuscany in October, and Puglia in May. (Enogastronomic–the art of knowing how to pair wine with food.)
Another Vienna resident opined, “The atmosphere is serene. It's a nice, calm, quiet environment–the perfect place to come and have nice conversation while enjoying beautifully presented fine cuisine. It's a work of art.”
Well, Chef Roberto and Nancy, I think we can all sincerely say, “Welcome to the neighborhood!” v Roberto's Ristorante Italiano
144 Church St. NW, Vienna, VA 22180 www.robertosva.com
s ELLIE BIRD
Falls Church | New American | $$$
Ellie Bird, the creation of Michelin-starred chefs Carey and Yuan Tang, is an upscale-casual dining location in the new development across from Meridian High School. Just established in April of this year at Founders Row, it has already been recognized as one of the 50 best restaurants in the United States by the New York Times.
Touted as the most romantic dinner in Northern Virginia, Cafe Renaissance is an elegant restaurant in the true sense of Parisian tradition and is Vienna’s most sophisticated dining experience. An old-world destination with an enormous wine list and ornate, gilded rooms, its cuisine is classic French with a modern twist and an Italian accent.
163 Glyndon St SE | 703.938.3311 www.caferenaissance.com
s RISTORANTE BONAROTI
Vienna | Italian | $$
Warm and romantic, Bonaroti’s is a favorite of Italian fine dining patrons. Enjoy an extensive wine list and culinary creations made of the freshest and finest ingredients from Italy. There is everything from calamari to antipasti dishes and entrées of seafood, veal, and lamb.
428 Maple Ave E. | 703.281.7550
www.bonarotirestaurant.com
s NOSTOS
Vienna | Greek | $$
Presenting a fresh take on Greek cuisine, Nostos offers fresh food in sharing-sized portions. Try one of their 50 different wines from different regions of Greece to complement your lunch or dinner. The menu showcases new and traditional Greek dishes, as well as fresh fish from the Mediterranean Sea.
8100 Boone Blvd. | 703.760.0690
www.nostosrestaurant.com
s PATSY’S AMERICAN
Vienna | American | $$
Great beer and cocktail selections. The blue crab and shrimp fritters come highly recommended. French dip sandwiches, shoestring fries. You can’t go wrong with this family chain by Great American Restaurants. 8051 Leesburg Pike | 703.552.5100
www.patsysamerican.com
s ZEFFIRELLI RISTORANTE ITALIANO
Herndon | Italian | $$
This upscale, white-tablecloth Tuscan-Italian restaurant serves pasta, seafood and popular veal chops. If you are looking for a quiet Italian dinner in Herndon, this is the place. They have great food, amazing service and make a wonderful cappuccino. 728 Pine St, Herndon, VA | 703.318.7000 www.zeffirelliva.com
s ARIAKE
Reston | Japanese | $$
Ariake was founded in 2005, providing a setting in the Reston community to enjoy Japanese cuisine with friends, family, colleagues and clients. Their chefs and servers strive to deliver a memorable experience for their customers. Ariake's well known and popular sushi assortments and specials delight your taste and their entrees satisfy your cravings with service that puts you first. 12184 Glade Drive | 703.391.9006 www.ariakerestaurant.com
s BEAR BRANCH TAVERN
Vienna | New American | $$
Bear Branch Tavern serves up hearty portions of classic bar food as well as interesting menu selections that cross cultures. For example, alongside the menu’s standard nachos with black beans, cheese, and jalapenos on tortilla chips are tuna poke nachos with seared yellowfin ahi, seaweed salad, poke sauce, and sriracha aioli over light and crispy wontons. 133 Maple Avenue East | 571.669.3663 www.bearbranchtavern.com
s DOLCE VITA
Fairfax | Italian | $
Stop at a bar along the piazza in sunny Sardinia, or linger at a trattoria in Venice’s San Marco Square and you will be invited to experience cicchetti (chi-KET-tee), small plates or side dishes from the legendary cuisine of Italy. Now you can also enjoy cicchetti closer to home, at Dolce Vita. These small plates offer a variety of flavors, from seafoods, salumes, and salads to skewered meats, risotto, and Mediterranean plates of olives and cheese.
Internationally acclaimed, L’Auberge Chez François transports diners to the Alsatian countryside in this rustic French country inn, nestled among lush woods and fragrant gardens. Well-known as the place to celebrate special occasions for more than 60 years, L’Auberge Chez François offers an authentic menu, full of the flavors of Alsace and traditional French cuisine. Expect professional fine dining service, extreme attention to detail in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
332 Springvale Rd, Great Falls, VA | 703.759.3800 www.laubergechezfrancois.com
SERAY Modern Lebanese Restaurant
by Allison Chase Sutherland
Bringing the Mediterranean to Maple Avenue
Charmingowners Rabih Abi-Aad from Lebanon and his wife Nadiia Kuk originally from Ukraine welcome you to one of the newest and coolest restaurants in Vienna – open just since September –Seray Modern Lebanese Restaurant. We went on a Monday night and the place was already packed. Step into an inviting, modern, upscale interior. They personally designed this minimalistic space, with Italian lighting fixtures which hang like stars up above. The marble floors are also from Italy, and the tables and wall are British walnut.
Rabih has worked in the kitchen since he was 13 years old. He was originally a French pastry chef. He was also the original owner of Me Jana in Arlington. And his grandfather was a chef for Charles de Gaulle when he was posted to Lebanon in the thirties.
“He loves to cook. It's his passion,” says Nadiia. In his village, Dfoun, 90% of the population are chefs. They hope for Seray to be a neighborhood gathering place like his village. They also have a bar and offer many Lebanese wines.
“It's very important to love what you're doing,” says Rabih. “I can't wait to get here in the morning.” The two chefs, Rabih and Gladys Ventura, have been working together since 2002, and this professional synergy is evident in their authentic culinary creations.
Practically as soon as you are seated, hot fluffy pita bread will emerge from the oven straight to your table, or so it seems. They have quite a comprehensive menu, and the service is impeccable, not to mention friendly, even through the hustle and bustle of a full house.
Salads include Fattoush – tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, parsley, green pepper, mint, radish, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and pomegranate, and Taboulleh, with fresh chopped parsley, tomatoes, onion, mint, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and bulgur, which many rave about.
Cold appetizers include a deliciously smoky Baba Ganoush with pomegranate seeds, Hummus with chickpeas on top drizzled with olive oil, Mhammara, which is fire-roasted red pepper, house spices, and walnuts, and the best citrusy
All photos credit: Allison Chase Sutherland
Grape Leaves I've ever tasted, with rice, tomatoes, parsley, fresh lemon juice, and pomegranate. So delectable. Worth returning for. Their best-selling appetizer is Kibbeh Nayeh, which is beef tenderloin tartare, bulgur, house spices, and olive oil.
Hot appetizers include Potato Kibbeh, with potato, bulgur, bread crumbs, onions, mixed veggies, and spices, and Fried Kibbeh, ground beef, onion, pine nuts, sumac, spices, and yogurt salad. Next up you might try the spinach pie, with onion, pomegranate, pine nuts, sumac, and fresh lemon juice. They also have Cheese Rolls which you won't find anywhere else, with mixed cheeses, parsley, egg white, and black seeds. The popular warm grilled calamari, with cilantro, garlic, and fresh lemon juice was in the words of Vienna diner Guiselle Ortega, “perfect.”
A good bet for entrées would be the Mixed Grill, which includes Chicken Faouk, nicely-sized moist tender chicken breast cubes with grilled tomato, Beef Kebab, which is succulent juicy tenderloin beef cubes perfectly seared with a nice warm red center, marinated olive oil, tomato sauce, and spices, and Kafta Kabob, minced beef and lamb with parsley, onion, and spices, served artistically unskewered on a platter with basmati rice interspersed with whole wheat vermicelli and a tasty garlic whip, which blends wonderfully with everything.
For dessert, try the light and flavorful Halawat al Jeben, cheese semolina, orange blossom water, rose water, bread pudding, and pistachio, almost like soft, delicately scented cheese-filled crepes to top off your night.
Seray is a great place to celebrate. In fact, there were eleven birthdays the night we visited. The whole place burst out into song each time, clapping along. One birthday girl was in the restroom when they came to sing her happy birthday. She heard it as she was returning to the table, and the whole lot of them had a great laugh, as did we. But go even if it's not your birthday. It will still give you something to sing about. v
SERAY Restaurant
160 W. Maple Avenue Vienna, VA 22180 serayrestaurant.com
Having a big “Meshpokha?” Looking for a real genuine NY Catering Experience? Talk to Guy Brandt and the team at Brooklyn’s Catering. Real, Genuine kosher style meats and desserts with Dr. Browns Soda, Black and White Cookies, Fox’s U-Bet for those yummy egg creams...
This is the place ....
MEET THE TENANTS at 513 MAPLE AVE W!
Duo reflects our partnership in business, as well as the meaningful relationship between client and stylist.
We are so thankful for the relationships we have with our clients and know that those connections are the reason we are able to do this as our career.
We can’t wait to share this space with you all!
Hello! Exciting news—we are opening Lash and Spa by Neda in Virginia. In the hands of our very talented lash artists, who have been working with lashes for years, your beauty will not only look mesmerizing but also exceed your expectations. Aside from our lash services, we are professionals in permanent makeup, including lip liner, eyeliner, and microblading. We provide waxing services that can make you look and feel your best.
Grand Opening Special: 15% Off Your First Visit! Come and treat yourself at Lash and Spa by Neda. Book your appointment today—you deserve it!
lashesandspabyneda.com
Troika GastronomEuropean Grocery Store
Discover the Flavors of Eastern Europe!
Exciting news! We just relocated our beloved Grocery Store, specializing in an incredible selection of authentic Eastern European groceries and delicious home-cooked meals that taste just like mom’s. Craving something special for dinner? Planning a party? We’ve got you covered with custom orders tailored to your taste!
Special Offer: 30% Off When You Pay with Cash!
Stop by today and indulge in the rich, flavorful world of Eastern European cuisine. Treat yourself—you deserve it!
Dalisay Beauty
Have you ever stood in front of the mirror desperately trying to get your eyeliner just right? Or been worried about your makeup during an important event? Dalisay Beauty can shorten your makeup routine and allow your brows, lips, and eyeliner to look perfect everyday and every night. Here at Dalisay Beauty in Vienna, we specialize in permanent makeup techniques that create the longest lasting, most beautiful makeup you can get. Check out our artistry and decide for yourself at www.beautybydailsay.com or check out our IG at @dalisaybeautyva. We also offer waxing services to give your skin that clean, smooth, long lasting feel. Get the brows you’ve always wanted by booking your Dailsay appointment today.
Trippy Smoke Shop
Welcome to Trippy Smoke Shop in Vienna Virginia! With over 20 years of experience in this industry, we’re your go-to spot for all your smoking information and accessories, whether it’s dabs or flower. Conveniently located just minutes from the Metro DC area, we offer an unbeatable selection of glass water pipes, hand pipes, custom heady glass, and more. If you’re a seasoned glass enthusiast, just looking for something unique, or looking for just a pack of papers Trippy’s got you covered. Stop by Trippy Smoke Shop for the best gear in town!
Lashes and Spa by Nada
Walkable FUN Old Town Alexandria
POTOMAC RIVER VIEWS
ALEXANDRIA, VA | $1,650,000
Fabulous three-level rowhouse with skylights, open floorplan, hardwood floors and plenty of upgrades. Gorgeous kitchen with top-of-theline cabinetry, quartzite counters, designer backsplash and gas cooking. Primary suite with large bay window overlooking river and a gas fireplace. Two assigned parking spots.
ONE BLOCK TO RIVER
ALEXANDRIA, VA | $1,628,000
Amazing community of Queens Row right across the street from Founders' Park and the Potomac River. Wonderful upgrades including completely remodeled kitchen with new whitecabinetry, marble counters and stainless steel appliances. Upgraded primary bath. Fenced slate patio with southern exposure!
THE BRIDGES OF OAKTON
OAKTON, VA |
$2,800,000
WOW!!! This completely remodeled home on nearly two acres has a NEW exquisite kitchen, upgraded sumptuous baths, hardwood floors, lighting, fabulous bars, linear fireplaces, deck, patio, outdoor kitchen, and more. Nearly 11,000 sq. ft. with steam shower, stunning main level library and walk-out lower level. Represented the purchaser.
FUN MORLEY CORNER
ASHBURN, VA |
$530,000
AMAZING HIDDENBROOK
HERNDON, VA | $739,000
Updated three-level colonial on nearly a thirdacre overlooking trees and common area. Gorgeous kitchen and family room with brick wood-burning fireplace. Four bedrooms with two full-upper-level remodeled baths. Private brick patio with western exposure. Wonderful community with walking trails and tennis courts.
This meticulously maintained home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and convenience. Bright and inviting living area that features an open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas.... so you can entertain with ease! Large kitchen island and ample cabinet space. Fabulous primary suite with luxurious bath.
Laurie Mensing
Forbes Global Properties
Ranked in the top 1% of agents nationwide, Laurie Mensing eclipsed the $800 million mark in real estate sales by the end of 2018. Her strategy, treating every transaction as if it’s her own, has proved to be the key to her overwhelming success. In 2018 Laurie was ranked the #1 Agent Long & Foster McLean, #1 for the entire NOVA region for Long and Foster and #3 in the state of VA. Laurie’s success is the result of the extraordinary service she’s provided to her clients in Virginia, Maryland, DC. Her local knowledge and ambition to provide impeccable service to a wide range of clients with different price points, truly separates her from her counterparts. Consider Laurie YOUR trusted real estate advisor.
Specialties:
New Construction, Works With First-Time Home Buyers, Specializes in Relocations, Resale Residential, Historic Homes, Downsizing
Casey Margenau
Fine Homes & Estates
With exceptional credentials, Casey uses his 30 years of experience to help his clients maximize the value of their real estate transactions. His experience, extensive knowledge and understanding of Northern Virginia’s Real Estate market have helped him to sell over $3 Billion of homes. For 5 years straight, Casey was the #1 agent worldwide because of the fact that he enjoys helping families as well as individuals find the best homes, or the land to build their forever homes. The homes that Casey specializes in are some of the finest homes Northern Virginia has to offer. He has always been an innovator in marketing the properties he sells, using digital, print, and social media marketing. His reach is global, national, regional, and local to make sure that people, no matter where they are, see the homes that he has to offer so they can find the perfect home that meets their unique needs.
Specialties:
Area’s Premier Luxury Home Builder and Realtor
Mark Goedde
Quality Real Estate Service
Mark Goedde has been exceeding his clients expectations in quality real estate service throughout Northern Virginia. Mark has the financial and investment experience to help you make smart decisions concerning your home and/or your real estate portfolio, representing YOU when you’re ready to either buy or sell a home. He can assist you with multimillion dollar homes and mid-level properties and has been serving residential real estate needs for over 30 years in Fairfax, Loudoun and Arlington Counties and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church. Mark is a full-service Realtor with mortgage, insurance, property management and title partners to serve your every need.
Specialties:
Investment Property, New Construction, Works With FirstTime Home Buyers, Specializes in Relocations, Resale Residential, Single Family Homes and Townhomes, Associate Broker, Luxury
c: 703-965-8133
w: 703-873-5193
1355 Beverly Rd, Suite 109 McLean, VA 22101
www.lauriemensing.com
703-827-5777
8478 Tyco Rd, Vienna, VA 22182 www.margenau.com
c: 703-850-8129 w: 703-790-1990
markgoedde@LNF.com www.markgoedde.com
Andy Boone
Only The Best Deals
A native Virginian, Andy has grown up loving the area, the people, and the community his entire life and is an Oakton High school and George Mason Alum. He is a fully devoted Realtor who loves doing his job everyday. Out of work he enjoy sports, and training children with disabilities and high school athletes, instilling in them the tools to be better athletes and people. Andy feels that in real estate he has found another way to give back to my community by helping his clients achieve the dream of owning. a home. He is a determined agent, and will do whatever it takes to get you exactly what you are looking for.
Specialties:
Investment Property, Works With First-Time Home Buyers, Resale Residential, Suburban Living, Serving The Military, Single Family Homes and Townhomes, Luxury
Richie Hanna
Real Estate Customer Service Expert
Richie is an award winning sales professional that has worked in the sales/customer service industry his entire adult career. Over 20 years of sales experience perfected his skills needed to not only achieve his client’s expectations but exceed them! Acquiring knowledge of schools, commute, surrounding amenities, and indispensable business relationships supplies him with the ability to help you buy or sell with the utmost confidence. If you are looking for a Real Estate Customer Service Expert that sets their expectations high, is totally up front with you, thrives on customer satisfaction, and is a fearless yet effective negotiator then “Real Estate Richie” is the right agent for you. Richie takes great pride in the relationships he builds and always works relentlessly to ensure his clients best interest!
Specialties:
Over 70+ Five Star Reviews on Zillow and Google
99.8% Sale Price to List Price Ratio
12 Days on Market Average
30+ Homes Sold Per Year Integrity - Service - Results
Lori Shafran
Over 100 Years of Real Estate Tradition
With over 35 years of career experience in residential real estate sales, luxury home sales and marketing, office leasing and real estate settlement services, Lori has in-depth knowledge and experience in the Northern Virginia housing market and provides her clients with a comprehensive level of support in buying or selling their home. In every real estate transaction, her focus is to meet and exceed the needs of her clients. She is committed to providing personalized sales support with attention to detail and responsive service--working closely with each buyer or seller to carefully understand their specific goals and needs of home ownership. Whether the purchase or sale is a single-family home, townhouse or condominium, she provides clients with the information they need to make wise investment decisions in buying or selling a home. Her background in real estate settlements is a powerful asset to both her selling clients as well as purchasers. With an in-depth understanding of the settlement process as a former settlement agent, she is able to share this knowledge and successfully guide her clients through all phases of selling or buying a home— from contract to closing
c: 703-350-2275
w: 703-790-1990
Andy.Boone@LNF.com www.AndyBooneRealEstate.com
c: 703-967-0909
w: 703-790-3330
1309 Vincent Place
McLean, Virginia 221010
www.lorishafran.com
Local Real Estate Experts
Missy Whittington
Fastest Growing Agent
Missy Whittington has lived in Vienna for 50+ years and is trusted and respected within the community. Her finance and accounting background led her to real estate in the fall of 2019, and within that short period of time, she has sold over $5 Million of homes. She received the “Fastest Growing Agent Award” earlier this year and plans to continue this upward trajectory into 2022. She attributes TRUST as the number one reason for her success saying, “when you hire a realtor to take on the sale of your home or to purchase a new one, you have to trust that this person will get you to settlement in a timely manner without drama and will continue to serve the client well after the transaction has closed.”
Missy has grit and perseverance in her DNA and learned this about herself on the softball field as a youth. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” and I’ve taken that to heart from the softball diamond to the real estate arena.”
Let Missy be the one you can count on in Northern Virginia when it comes to your real estate needs. Seize the Day!
703-943-7595
melissalynnwhittington@gmail.com
361 Maple Avenue W #100 Vienna, VA 22180
Poppy Cole
Exceptional Results… One Client at a Time Poppy completely understands that no two transactions are the same. Each transaction involves different people with different driving forces, different seasonal markets, locations, and property features. Poppy’s background in nursing with its lessons in assessment, analysis, listening and team management are vital tools in a Real Estate transaction. The ability to bring these tools together and use modern technology in marketing and targeting specific audiences are a winning combination for clients. Having grown up in the Northern Virginia area, Poppy is familiar with the different neighborhoods and what they have to offer. A full-time Realtor since 2002, consistently a top 100 Mid Atlantic Coldwell Banker Realtor, and a Certified Negotiation Expert, Poppy has the experience to deliver successful results for her clients.
Specialties: Certified Negotiation Expert
c: 703-304-1420
w: 703-938-5600
2070 Chain Bridge Rd Ste #103 Vienna, VA 22182 www.poppycole.com
Ahmed Gomaa
McGillicuddy Commercial Properties, Vice President
Virginia has been Ahmed’s home since 1998 which gave him exceptional knowledge of the DMV market and community. He has always loved real estate and received his REALTOR® license in 2016. To further his mission to provide topquality service and provide expert advice to his clients, he continued his education and completed ABR® designation, PSA certification, and SFR® certification. Ahmd Gomaa has a Bachelor degree in Accounting and Marketing, equipping him with the skills needed to engage in outstanding marketing and effective negotiation, always striving to get his buyers and sellers the best price on the best terms with as little stress as possible. He is always available to help you achieve your homeownership dreams and looks forward to connecting with you!
c: 703-364-8506 w: 703-378-8810
A.gomma@aol.com 8521 Leesburg Pike, Suite 300 McLean, Virginia 22182
Powered by Samson Commercial 703-378-8810
Mackenzie Horne
Executive-Level Consulting Experience
Mackenzie (Mack) Horne has over 10 years of executive-level consulting experience with a proven track record of successful sales and business development. She uses her knowledge and experience every day in each of her real estate transactions. Whether she is helping sellers prepare their property and negotiating top dollar, or guiding buyers as they find the right home at the right price, Mack is authentically dedicated to her clients every day of the week. She is known for being organized, focused, and passionate. Mack is a nationally recognized thought leader and a versatile salesperson.
Specialties: Negotiations Passionately Committed To Her Clients Collaboration
Greg has more than 35 years of experience in real estate, and has managed over a million and a half square feet of properties in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area. Mr. McGillicuddy is a licensed broker in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. He specializes in Industrial, Land, Office, Retail, Flex, Specialty, Multi-Family property types. Greg volunteers as the chair of the Annandale “Revitalization Committee,” and is a member of the Annandale Chamber of Commerce. He is an active advocate for change in Annandale and other Revitalization Districts in greater Fairfax.
Specialties: Commercial Leasing, Sales, Retail Investments, and Industrial investments
c: 703-625-0714 w: 703-378-8810
GregMcGillicuddy@gmail.com
8521 Leesburg Pike, Suite 300 McLean, Virginia 22182
Powered by Samson Commercial 703-378-8810
We successfully turn around troubled assets, and under-performing properties returning properties to the capital markets for multi-million-dollar sales and profits.
We are multi-lingual, speaking English, Spanish and Arabic. Licensed in Virginia., Maryland and the District of Columbia
So next time you are considering a commercial Broker, consider this, Nothing Sweeps Like a New Broom!
703-378-8810
8521 Leesburg Pike
The Secrets of Your Blood Work
by Ashley Carter
Ihavebeen an RN for almost 10 years in various settings, from oncology, to labor and delivery, and even skilled nursing and rehab. I love being a nurse, as I believe God put me on this earth to empower others to heal. Our bodies are the most advanced machines ever created. We simply have to learn how to use them properly, in order to experience the lives of our dreams! It is my passion to reconnect my health partners with that instinctual ability- to be well!
Conventional western medicine has stripped our innate capability to be healthy well into old age, instead making Americans dependent on doctors and drugs for health and wellness. It seems Americans are getting sicker, faster, younger. This did not align with my beliefs as a nurse, so I decided to get back to my true north purpose as a nurse: to help others heal, from the root to the fruit.
As an RN in facilities, I became increasingly frustrated and disheartened at the system of chasing symptoms, then treating the side effects that come from pharmaceutical and medical interventions. I was always digging for the root cause of the condition, even when the MDs, NPs, and PAs refused.
After becoming skilled in Functional Root Cause Blood Work Analysis, I decided to start my own company in 2024, My Blood Nurse. My mission is to empower those in my community to regain their vitality without harmful drugs or
invasive procedures. I have a passion for preventing, mitigating, and healing chronic symptoms that have been severely limiting my neighbors and loved ones.
Chronic conditions are notoriously poorly handled in conventional medicine, as the main tool in healthcare professionals’ toolbox happens to be pharmaceuticals. Neither nursing school nor medical school teach root cause blood work analysis. Instead, we are taught to treat symptoms and conditions with drugs or procedurescut, kill, cure. Interesting strategy. My nursing school education was underwritten by pharmaceutical companies.
Ideally, post graduate nurses should never stop learning. As an avid academic, I never stopped my education (although I never added any official letters past BSN prepared RN.) I voraciously researched everything related to health and wellness for myself, my patients, and my loved ones. This led me into the arena of Functional Health, as holistic and eastern medicine had stars in my eyes since nursing school.
When I learned just how many secrets lie in normal blood work, my mind was absolutely blown. I am on fire to share this knowledge with as many other healthcare professionals as possible. Unpeeling the layers of dysfunction in our bodies is akin to being a health detective mixed with a fortune teller. I started by analyzing my own labs, as well as my family’s blood
My name is Ashley Carter, and I am your Blood Nurse!
work. This revealed the causes of every single symptom each of us experienced, now and in the past.
In addition, our blood work also gives us insight into the major conditions we may be in danger of in the future, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. This knowledge is invaluable in developing a focused care plan that targets the pain points that are most relevant to you, biochemically. By fully educating my health partners about the true functioning of their various bodily systems, I am able to empower clients to prevent major organ damage BEFORE it happens, instead of doing damage control AFTER a major heart attack, stroke, coma, cancer, ect.
My mission is to empower people to live their best lives, however that may look. For a lot of people, staying out of the hospitals and nursing homes is a huge goal. In order to accomplish that goal, like building a 401k, some planning is required. In order to be healthy into your 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, you MUST take exceptional care of your body in your 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. There is no magic pill, drink, or wand that can change that fact. But there are plenty of exceptional guides
who can get you from A to Z much quicker and easier than if you were left to your own devices.
I am honored to be one of the guides on your team, offering a light along your path to wellness. By understanding your biochemistry in depth, you position yourself to summit the obstacles getting in the way of your health.
How can we heal from an issue we do not understand? We must first understand why our body is behaving the way it is, before we can again achieve homeostasis. When our bodies are able to be properly rebalanced, we are freed from troublesome symptoms getting in the way of our lives. The first step toward this freedom is knowledge, and awareness, of what is actually going on in our bodies, at a cellular level. Once we see the chains binding us, we become capable of breaking them! Are you ready?
Sincerely,
Ashley Carter, RN Functional Blood Work Analysis Expert mybloodnurse@gmail.com mybloodnurse.com
Dr. Zina Alathari is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. In addition to her general dentistry training, Dr. Alathari takes continuing education each year in advanced clinical procedures and technologies. Her wide range of service to the public has given her experience to understand each patients individual needs.
Ava Music School in Vienna takes steps toward educating all communities of the DC and Virginia to grasp a better understanding of music. We offer private and group music lessons. Being aware of the significant therapeutic effects of music and arts in the development of mind and spirit of humans of all ages and specially the children, makes us strong believers in what we have undertaken.
HOWCANIMANAGE
SWEETTOOTH? MY CHILD’S
Whether it is Halloween or Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Birthday – our celebrations are inundated with sugary treats and choices. If we want our kids to enjoy the celebrations and take ownership of their dental and mouth health, we must give them guidance to make the right choices rather than make an almost futile effort to remove sugary foods from their diet.
Don’t get me wrong!! As a board-certified pediatric dentist and a Harvard Trained specialist, I must warn my fellow parents that too many chocolates and sugary foods can lead to cavities! In fact, cavities are the number one chronic disease children face, and if left untreated, can lead to pain, infections, and even tooth loss. Your child may even experience problems speaking, eating and learning as a result.
But as a mommy-dentist, I have a firsthand experience to Never say Never for many things in my child and patient’s life including Treats and Candy!! There has yet to be a gathering of parents and friends, where once I introduced myself and revealed that I am a pediatric dentist, that I have not been inundated with dentist stories or dental health questions by family, friends, neighbors and other fellow parents alike.
Here are my quick Pro-tips for Countering Sugar’s Effect on Children’s Teeth
1. Consider dental-friendly factor of snacks or treats
It’s OK to give your child a sugary treat occasionally. The key is to limit the number of sticky candies such as starbursts, skittle, laffy-taffy. Pick chocolate-based treats instead. Chocolates are a great alternative to sticky or chewy treats because they melt away from the teeth much easier.
During meal preps and snack time always include at least one portion of healthy non-processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, calcium-rich yogurt, broccoli and milk whenever possible.
And of course, sweet and carbonated beverages, including fruit juices, both during and between meals are far too acidic for dental health and overall health. Prioritize fresh squeezed juices as much as possible.
2. Brush twice a day
Brushing thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush for 2 min duration in the morning after breakfast and right before bedtime is your Dentist’s recipe to happy healthy teeth. Always brush prior to bedtime, because when we sleep, our mouth is drier, and without enough saliva, bacteria in the mouth can quickly multiply. Did you know? If your children have eaten sugary or acidic foods, it’s best to wait 30-60 minutes before brushing, as these items can soften the teeth’s enamel and brushing can erode the surface. For babies who have no teeth yet, use a soft cloth to wipe your child’s gums after each meal.
3. Floss (every night)
Flossing every night as early as when the first 2 teeth start touching each other is the best way to prevent decay between the teeth.
Using floss sticks to help with proper angle and access inside your child’s mouth is also a great way to get their cooperation.
Here’s a brain teaser: Every time that we floss between our teeth, we are protecting twice the number of teeth in that motion. Did you get it?
4. Rinse
Eating food raises the pH level in your mouth, creating acids that can dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel. The effect on children’s teeth can leave areas vulnerable to bacteria.
Always practice gargling, rinsing and spitting with water. Until they have mastered spitting, it is ok to use a kid friendly mouthwash on a toothbrush to paint in around on their teeth for a refreshed smile. Using a kid-friendly mouthwash to clear out sticky or sugary breakfast residue is a great way to clean and refreshed breath in the mornings before kids step onto their school bus.
5. Get Regular Dental Checkups
You have done your part by following the above recommendations. Now let the professionals do their part!!
You should have a detailed conversation about how the above general advice can be specifically customized as a prescribed routine based on your child’s individual needs as well as your family’s health priorities and abilities.
You should schedule regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning for your children at with their pediatric dentist so that they can further
A dental team member removes tartar and plaque buildup and monitors your child’s ongoing oral health. This is especially important for our super busy, active and sometimes strong-willed and independence-oriented kiddos.
Early detection of issues like cavities can help prevent bigger problems later.
Here’s a secret: You can bring your kid’s toothbrush and toothpaste for your dentist to check out and make sure that they are age appropriate and effective for your child’s mouth and teeth.
Please send us any questions or share your other tips and feedback with us so that we can keep the conversation going!
Dr. Rishita Jaju, Info@smilewonders.com
Dr. Rishita Jaju was honored to be selected as a TedX speaker in November, 2023
Dr. Rishita Jaju & Dr. Anh Dang
Board Certified Pediatric Dentists 571-350-3663
11790 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 105 Reston, VA 20191
www.smilewonders.com
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